bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Studying the Relationship between Robustness against Mutations in Metabolic Networks and Lifestyle of Organisms
Authors: Marashi Sayed-Amir , Kouhestani Hawa , Mahdavi Majid
Published: November 2013

Robustness is the key feature of biological networks that enables living organisms to keep their homeostatic state and to survive against external and internal perturbations. Variations in environmental conditions or nutrients and intracellular changes such as genetic mutations have the potential to change stability and efficiency of an organism. Structural robustness helps biological systems to choose alternative routes of adaptation to varying conditions. In this study, in order to estimate the structural robustness in metabolic networks we presented a novel flux balance‐based approach inspired by bond percolation theory. Fourteen in silico metabolic models were studied in this work in order to examine the possible relationship between the lifestyle of organisms and their metabolic robustness. The results of this study confirm that in organisms which are highly adapted to their environment robustness to mutations may decrease compared to other organisms.
Application of Three‐Dimensional Imaging to the Intestinal Crypt Organoids and Biopsied Intestinal Tissues
Authors: Chen Yun , Tsai Ya-Hui , Liu Yuan-An , Lee Shih-Hua , Tseng Sheng-Hong , Tang Shiue-Cheng
Published: November 2013

Two‐dimensional (2D) histopathology is the standard analytical method for intestinal biopsied tissues; however, the role of 3‐dimensional (3D) imaging system in the analysis of the intestinal tissues is unclear. The 3D structure of the crypt organoids from the intestinal stem cell culture and intestinal tissues from the donors and recipients after intestinal transplantation was observed using a 3D imaging system and compared with 2D histopathology and immunohistochemistry. The crypt organoids and intestinal tissues showed well‐defined 3D structures. The 3D images of the intestinal tissues with acute rejection revealed absence of villi and few crypts, which were consistent with the histopathological features. In the intestinal transplant for megacystis microcolon intestinal hypoperistalsis syndrome, the donor’s intestinal tissues had well‐developed nerve networks and interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) in the muscle layer, while the recipient’s intestinal tissues had distorted nerve network and the ICCs were few and sparsely distributed, relative to those of the donor. The 3D images showed a clear spatial relationship between the microstructures of the small bowel and the features of graft rejection. In conclusion, integration of the 3D imaging and 2D histopathology provided a global view of the intestinal tissues from the transplant patients.
Free Vibrations of Beam System Structures with Elastic Boundary Conditions and an Internal Elastic Hinge
Authors: Ratazzi Alejandro R. , Bambill Diana V. , Rossit Carlos A.
Published: November 2013

The study of the dynamic properties of beam structures is extremely important for proper structural design. This present paper deals with the free in-plane vibrations of a system of two orthogonal beam members with an internal elastic hinge. The system is clamped at one end and is elastically connected at the other. Vibrations are analyzed for different boundary conditions at the elastically connected end, including classical conditions such as clamped, simply supported, and free. The beam system is assumed to behave according to the Bernoulli-Euler theory. The governing equations of motion of the structural system in free bending vibration are derived using Hamilton's principle. The exact expression for natural frequencies is obtained using the calculus of variations technique and the method of separation of variables. In the frequency analysis, special attention is paid to the influence of the flexibility and location of the elastic hinge. Results are very similar with those obtained using the finite element method, with values of particular cases of the model available in the literature, and with measurements in an experimental device.
PLZF Expression during Colorectal Cancer Development and in Normal Colorectal Mucosa according to Body Size, as Marker of Colorectal Cancer Risk
Authors: Mariani Francesco , Sena Paola , Magnani Giulia , Mancini Stefano , Palumbo Carla , Ponz de Leon Maurizio , Roncucci Luca
Published: November 2013

Promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger protein (PLZF) is a protein involved in various signaling, growth regulatory, and differentiation pathways, including development/function of some T cells. Here, we aimed at the detection of PLZF during colorectal carcinogenesis, using immunofluorescence, and at the evaluation of the colocalization of PLZF with CD2 and CD56 positive cells (T, γδ, NK, and NKT cells), using confocal‐microscopy, along colorectal carcinogenesis, since its earliest stages, that is, dysplastic aberrant crypt foci (ACF). Furthermore, we analyzed PLZF in the normal colonic mucosa (NM) according to anthropometric parameters of the subject. NM exhibited strong CD56 fluorescent staining. This infiltration was lost in both ACF and colorectal carcinoma (CRC), while PLZF presence increased from NM to ACF and CRC. Strong association was found between CD56+ colonic mucosa cell infiltration and body mass index. Interestingly, an increased stromal PLZF‐reactivity was present in NM of obese subjects. This study shows that overexpression of PLZF and exclusion of NK cells in dysplastic microenvironment are very early events in the stepwise sequence leading to CRC and that lower levels of CD56+ cells in NM, together with increased levels of PLZF+ cells, can be a reflection of colon cancer risk due to obesity.
Dynamics of a Bioreactor with a Bacteria Piecewise-Linear Growth Model in a Methane-Producing Process
Authors: Melo Varela Luz A. , Casanova Trujillo Simeón , Olivar Tost Gerard
Published: November 2013

This paper shows a study, both analytical and numerical, of a continuous-time dynamical system associated with a simple model of a wastewater biorreactor. Nonsmooth phenomena and border-collision local bifurcations appear when the main parameters (dilution and biomass concentration at the inflow) are varied. We apply the Filippov methods following Kuznetsov’s work.
Influence of Cow Bone Particle Size Distribution on the Mechanical Properties of Cow Bone-Reinforced Polyester Composites
Authors: Oladele Isiaka Oluwole , Adewole Temitope Akinyemi
Published: November 2013

This work was carried out to investigate the influence of cow bone particle size distribution on the mechanical properties of polyester matrix composites in order to consider the suitability of the materials as biomaterials. Cow bone was procured from an abattoir, washed with water, and sun-dried for 4 weeks after which it was crushed with a sledge hammer and was further pulverized with laboratory ball mill. Sieve size analysis was carried out on the pulverized bone where it was sieved into three different sizes of 75, 106, and 300 m sieve sizes. Composite materials were developed by casting them into tensile and flexural tests moulds using predetermined proportions of 2, 4, 6, and 8%. The samples after curing were striped from the moulds and were allowed to be further cured at room temperature for 3 weeks before tensile and flexural tests were performed on them. Both tensile and flexural strength were highly enhanced by 8 wt% from 75 m while toughness was highly enhanced by 6 and 8 wt% from 300 m. This shows that fine particles lead to improved strength while coarse particles lead to improved toughness. The results show that these materials are structurally compatible and are being developed from animal fibre based particle; it is expected to also aid the compatibility with the surface conditions as biomaterials.
Holomorphic Spaces in the Unit Ball of
Authors: Miss Paredes Augusto Guadalupe , Reséndis Ocampo Lino Feliciano , Tovar Sánchez Luis Manuel
Published: November 2013

We introduce the and vector spaces of holomorphic functions defined in the unit ball of , generalizing previous work like Ouyang et al. (1998), Stroethoff (1989), and Choa et al. (1992). Likewise, we characterize those spaces in terms of harmonic majorants as a generalization of Arellano et al. (2000).
Teratogenic Potential of Antiepileptic Drugs in the Zebrafish Model
Authors: Lee Sung Hak , Kang Jung Won , Lin Tao , Lee Jae Eun , Jin Dong Il
Published: November 2013

The zebrafish model is an attractive candidate for screening of developmental toxicity during early drug development. Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) arouse concern for the risk of teratogenicity, but the data are limited. In this study, we evaluated the teratogenic potential of seven AEDs (carbamazepine (CBZ), ethosuximide (ETX), valproic acid (VPN), lamotrigine (LMT), lacosamide (LCM), levetiracetam (LVT), and topiramate (TPM)) in the zebrafish model. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to AEDs from initiation of gastrula (5.25 hours post-fertilization (hpf)) to termination of hatching (72 hpf) which mimic the mammalian teratogenic experimental design. The lethality and teratogenic index (TI) of AEDs were determined and the TI values of each drug were compared with the US FDA human pregnancy categories. Zebrafish model was useful screening model for teratogenic potential of antiepilepsy drugs and was in concordance within vivomammalian data and human clinical data.
Predictors of Delayed Entry into Medical Care of Children Diagnosed with HIV Infection: Data from an HIV Cohort Study in India
Authors: Alvarez-Uria Gerardo , Naik Praveen Kumar , Midde Manoranjan , Pakam Raghavakalyan
Published: November 2013

Data about the attrition before entry into care of children diagnosed with HIV in low‐ or middle‐income countries are scarce. The aim of this study is to describe the attrition before engagement in HIV medical care in 523 children who were diagnosed with HIV from 2007 to 2012 in a cohort study in India. The cumulative incidence of children who entered into care was 87.2% at one year, but most children who did not enter into care within one year were lost to followup. The mortality before entry into care was low (1.3% at one year) and concentrated during the first three months after HIV diagnosis. Factors associated with delayed entry into care were being diagnosed after mother’s HIV diagnosis, belonging to scheduled castes, age <18 months, female gender, and living >90 minutes from the HIV centre. Children whose parents were alive and were living in a rented house were at a higher risk of delayed entry into care than those who were living in an owned house. The results of this study can be used to improve the linkage between HIV testing and HIV care of children diagnosed with HIV in India.
A New Modification of Adomian Decomposition Method for Volterra Integral Equations of the Second Kind
Authors: Xie Lie-jun
Published: November 2013

We propose a new modification of the Adomian decomposition method for Volterra integral equations of the second kind. By the Taylor expansion of the components apart from the zeroth term of the Adomian series solution, this new technology overcomes the problems arising from the previous decomposition method. The validity and applicability of the new technique are illustrated through several linear and nonlinear equations by comparing with the standard decomposition method and the modified decomposition method. The results obtained indicate that the new modification is effective and promising.
Inverse Problem Models of Oil-Water Two-Phase Flow Based on Buckley-Leverett Theory
Authors: Huang Rui , Wu Xiaodong , Wang Ruihe , Li Hui
Published: November 2013

Based on Buckley-Leverett theory, one inverse problem model of the oil-water relative permeability was modeled and proved when the oil-water relative permeability equations obey the exponential form expression, and under the condition of the formation permeability that natural logarithm distribution always obey normal distribution, the other inverse problem model on the formation permeability was proved. These inverse problem models have been assumed in up-scaling cases to achieve the equations by minimization of objective function different between calculation water cut and real water cut, which can provide a reference for researching oil-water two-phase flow theory and reservoir numerical simulation technology.
Adaptive Monitoring Relevance in Camera Networks for Critical Surveillance Applications
Authors: Costa Daniel G. , Guedes Luiz Affonso , Vasques Francisco , Portugal Paulo
Published: November 2013

Camera networks have been considered for a large set of visual monitoring applications. For some of them, cameras may be continuously monitoring scenes or groups of targets, but some events may trigger a critical level of visual monitoring, as in public security, industrial automation, and response to natural disasters. In such way, some critical events as a bomb explosion, a volcanic eruption, forest wildfire, or a car accident must be captured with high relevance, potentially helping when identifying responsibilities and during rescue operations. New relevance levels, which can be reflected in higher quality of transmitted images or video streams or even higher priority during transmission over the network must be quickly assigned to cameras that can view the critical events. In this work we propose a methodology to dynamically assign relevancies to cameras that view the area of critical events, employing scalar sensors and a decentralized decision mechanism. The resulting multimodal camera network can considerably enhance the critical surveillance in different monitoring applications. We propose some optimizations that exploit the monitoring relevance in such scenarios.
Modeling the CO2Sequestration Convection Problem Using the Lattice Boltzmann Method
Authors: Ouakad Hassen M.
Published: November 2013

This paper presents an investigation of the density-driven problem that rises during the CO2sequestration into saline aquifer. The lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) is implemented in a way to solve this mixing problem (the brine problem along with the solute transport). The CO2-brine interface was located at the top of the considered domain. Different Rayleigh numbers were used in order to investigate this problem. When Rayleigh number is low, we got steady-state concentration contours describing a Rayleigh-Bénard type of convection. Moreover, when the Rayleigh number was selected to be big enough, we observe that the system is less stable and a convective fingering is initiated. This instability is caused by a higher density difference between the brine and the sequestrated CO2. Note here that the turbulence is not taken into account in the study. After the onset this convective instability, the brine with a high CO2concentration migrates down into the porous medium. This study is based on a statistical LBM theory without assuming periodicity in any directions and without considering any type of disturbances in order to turnon the instability behavior.
Greenselect Phytosome for Borderline Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Belcaro Gianni , Ledda Andrea , Hu Shu , Cesarone Maria Rosa , Feragalli Beatrice , Dugall Mark
Published: November 2013

The beneficial effects of Greenselect Phytosome, a proprietary lecithin formulation of a caffeine-free green tea catechin extract, were evaluated in a controlled registry study on 50 asymptomatic subjects borderline for metabolic syndrome factors and with increased plasma oxidative stress. After 24 weeks of intervention, improvement in weight, blood lipid profile, and blood pressure positioned 68% of subjects in the treatment arm out of the metabolic syndrome profile, while 80% of the subjects in the control group still remained in their initial borderline disease signature. Compared to the control (lifestyle and dietary changes alone), Greenselect Phytosome was especially effective for weight/waist changes. These results highlight the relevance of addressing multiple factors involved in the development of metabolic syndrome with a pleiotropic agent capable of improving the beneficial effects of lifestyle and dietary changes and foster the attainment of a globally improved health profile.
Pharmacological Effects of Active Compounds on Neurodegenerative Disease with Gastrodia and Uncaria Decoction, a Commonly Used Poststroke Decoction
Authors: Chik Stanley C. C. , Or Terry C. T. , Luo D. , Yang Cindy L. H. , Lau Allan S. Y.
Published: November 2013

Neurodegenerative diseases refer to the selective loss of neuronal systems in patients. The diseases cause high morbidity and mortality to approximately 22 million people worldwide and the number is expected to be tripled by 2050. Up to now, there is no effective prevention and treatment for the neurodegenerative diseases. Although some of the clinical therapies target at slowing down the progression of symptoms of the diseases, the general effectiveness of the drugs has been far from satisfactory. Traditional Chinese medicine becomes popular alternative remedies as it has been practiced clinically for more than thousands of years in China. As neurodegenerative diseases are mediated through different pathways, herbal decoction with multiple herbs is used as an effective therapeutic approach to work on multiple targets. Gastrodia and Uncaria Decoction, a popular TCM decoction, has been used to treat stroke in China. The decoction contains compounds including alkaloids, flavonoids, iridoids, carotenoids, and natural phenols, which have been found to possess anti‐inflammatory, antioxidative, and antiapoptotic effects. In this review, we will summarize the recent publications of the pharmacological effects of these five groups of compounds. Understanding the mechanisms of action of these compounds may provide new treatment opportunities for the patients with neurodegenerative diseases.
The Relationship between Personality Type and Acceptable Noise Levels: A Pilot Study
Authors: Franklin Cliff , Johnson Laura V. , White Letitia , Franklin Clay , Smith-Olinde Laura
Published: November 2013

Objectives. This study examined the relationship between acceptable noise level (ANL) and personality. ANL is the difference between a person’s most comfortable level for speech and the loudest level of background noise they are willing to accept while listening to speech.Design. Forty young adults with normal hearing participated. ANLs were measured and two personality tests (Big Five Inventory, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) were administered.Results. The analysis revealed a correlation between ANL and the openness and conscientious personality dimensions from the Big Five Inventory; no correlation emerged between ANL and the Myers-Briggs personality types.Conclusions. Lower ANLs are correlated with full-time hearing aid use and the openness personality dimension; higher ANLs are correlated with part-time or hearing aid nonuse and the conscientious personality dimension. Current data suggest that those more open to new experiences may accept more noise and possibly be good hearing aid candidates, while those more conscientious may accept less noise and reject hearing aids, based on their unwillingness to accept background noise. Knowing something about a person’s personality type may help audiologists determine if their patients will likely be good candidates for hearing aids.
Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy as an Early Complication of Drug-Induced Suicide Attempt
Authors: Romanò Massimo , Zorzoli Federica , Bertona Roberta , Villani Rosvaldo
Published: November 2013

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy typically presents in menopausal women following episodes of intense physical or mental stress. To our knowledge, the literature contains only two documented cases of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy arising following a suicide attempt, neither of which involved pharmaceutical poisoning. Here, however, we document the case of a young male patient with borderline personality disorder and a clinical and angiographic presentation compatible with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy arising following a suicide attempt by voluntary drug intoxication (risperidone, barbiturates, and benzodiazepine). The potential pathophysiological mechanisms behind this unusual clinical picture are discussed.
Superior Antitumor Activity of a Novel Bispecific Antibody Cotargeting Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 and Type I Insulin-like Growth Factor Receptor
Authors: Chen Chao , Zhang Yanyu , Zhang Yu , Li Jingjing , Tsao Sai Wah , Zhang Mei-Yun
Published: November 2013

The humanized anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody (mAb) trastuzumab (Herceptin; Genentech) effectively inhibits human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast tumors. However, many patients responding to treatment often develop resistance. Cross-talk between type I insulin–like growth factor receptor (IGF-IR) and HER2 and elevated IGF-IR signaling have been implicated in tumor cell resistance to trastuzumab therapy. Previously, we reported that the anti-IGF-IR mAb m590 inhibits proliferation and migration of breast cancer MCF-7 cells in vitro. Here, we generated a “knobs-into-holes” bispecific antibody (Bi-Ab) against HER2 and IGF-IR by engineering trastuzumab and m590. We compared the effects of Bi-Ab treatment in vitro and in SKOV-3 HER2- and IGF-IR–overexpressing cancer xenograft mouse model with those of m590 and trastuzumab treatment alone or in combination. Bi-Ab effectively inhibited proliferation of HER2- and IGF-IR–overexpressing ovarian cancer SKOV-3 cells in vitro by ablating receptor phosphorylation and downstream PI3K/Akt and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling. Bi-Ab more effectively inhibited cancer growth in SKOV-3 HER2- and IGF-IR–overexpressing cancer xenograft mouse model than m590 and trastuzumab alone or in combination. Mice bearing SKOV-3 HER2- and IGF-IR–overexpressing xenografts showed extensive and sustainable tumor regression when treated with Bi-Ab. Our results suggest that Bi-Ab has superior antitumor activity compared with monospecific antibodies, and cotargeting HER2 and IGF-IR may be clinically beneficial in minimizing the acquired resistance to trastuzumab therapy. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(1); 90–100. ©2013 AACR.
Protein-Tyrosine Phosphatase H1 Increases Breast Cancer Sensitivity to Antiestrogens by Dephosphorylating Estrogen Receptor at Tyr537
Authors: Suresh Padmanaban S. , Ma Shao , Migliaccio Antimo , Chen Guan
Published: November 2013

Estrogen receptor α (ERα or ER) is the only target of breast cancer therapy using antiestrogens. However, about 50% of ER-expressing breast cancer is intrinsically refractory to the antihormone therapy and strategies to improve the therapeutic response are urgently needed. Dynamic ER phosphorylation and dephosphorylation play an important role in ER activity and antihormone response. Although more than 10 kinases participate in phosphorylating ER protein, phosphatases involved remain mostly unidentified. Here, we tested the hypothesis that the protein-tyrosine phosphatase H1 (PTPH1) may regulate ER tyrosine phosphorylation and thereby impact breast cancer antihormone sensitivity. Our results showed that PTPH1 dephosphorylates ER at Tyr537 in vitro and in breast cancer cells. Moreover, PTPH1 stimulates ER nuclear accumulation and increases breast cancer sensitivity to tamoxifen (TAM) and/or fulvestrant in cell culture and in a xenograft model. Further analysis revealed that PTPH1 depends on its catalytic activity to stimulate ER nuclear accumulation and to enhance breast cancer antihormone sensitivity. These studies thus identified PTPH1 as a novel ER phosphatase and further demonstrate a therapeutic potential of enhancing breast cancer sensitivity to antiestrogens through dephosphorylating ER by PTPH1. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(1); 230–8. ©2013 AACR.
Clinical Features of Testicular Lymphoma
Authors: Shih Hsuan-Jen , Shih Lee-Yung , Chang Hung , Wang Po-Nan , Wu Jin-Hou , Kuo Ming-Chung , Hung Yu-Shin , Dunn Po
Published: November 2013

Testicular lymphoma is a rare condition, so large scale prospective studies are difficult to conduct. Consensus regarding standard treatment is lacking. This study retrospectively reviewed 22 patients with testicular lymphoma. One patient with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) was lost to follow-up after diagnosis. Two patients with Burkitt's lymphoma had poor outcomes regardless of treatment. Thus, we analyzed the clinical features, treatments, and outcomes of 19 patients with DLBCL. The median progression-free and overall survival was 28.3 and 36.3 months, respectively. A good response to treatment was a favorable prognostic factor. Because of the high relapse rate, the outcome is poor for testicular lymphoma. Therefore, long-term follow-up is strongly recommended.
Five Years of Experience in Nocturnal Enuresis and Urinary Incontinence in Children: Where We Are and Where We Are Going
Authors: Ferrara P. , Ianniello F. , Romani L. , Fabrizio G.C. , Gatto A. , Chiaretti A.
Published: November 2013

Background: Nocturnal enuresis (NE) is a very common pediatric disorder. The aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of patients with NE or urinary incontinence (UI) during a period of 5 years to increase the knowledge on these conditions and optimize their diagnosis and treatment. Methods: We enrolled 278 children with NE or UI referred to the pediatric nephrology ambulatory, ‘A. Gemelli' University Hospital of Rome, from December 2006 to December 2011. Results: We observed that heredity, parasomnias, left-handedness, polythelia and constipation are correlated to NE and UI. Conclusions: We wanted to clarify the definition of NE and UI and describe our experience on the main characteristics of these conditions by referring to the latest knowledge reported in the literature.
They See a Rat, We Seek a Cure for Diseases: The Current Status of Animal Experimentation in Medical Practice
Authors: Kehinde Elijah O.
Published: November 2013

The objective of this review article was to examine current and prospective developments in the scientific use of laboratory animals, and to find out whether or not there are still valid scientific benefits of and justification for animal experimentation. The PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched using the following key words: animal models, basic research, pharmaceutical research, toxicity testing, experimental surgery, surgical simulation, ethics, animal welfare, benign, malignant diseases. Important relevant reviews, original articles and references from 1970 to 2012 were reviewed for data on the use of experimental animals in the study of diseases. The use of laboratory animals in scientific research continues to generate intense public debate. Their use can be justified today in the following areas of research: basic scientific research, use of animals as models for human diseases, pharmaceutical research and development, toxicity testing and teaching of new surgical techniques. This is because there are inherent limitations in the use of alternatives such as in vitro studies, human clinical trials or computer simulation. However, there are problems of transferability of results obtained from animal research to humans. Efforts are on-going to find suitable alternatives to animal experimentation like cell and tissue culture and computer simulation. For the foreseeable future, it would appear that to enable scientists to have a more precise understanding of human disease, including its diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic intervention, there will still be enough grounds to advocate animal experimentation. However, efforts must continue to minimize or eliminate the need for animal testing in scientific research as soon as possible.
Improvement in High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels in Argentine Indian School Children after Vitamin D Supplementation
Authors: Hirschler Valeria , Maccallini Gustavo , Sanchez Milva S. , Castaño Luis , Molinari Claudia ,   on behalf of San Antonio de los Cobres Study Group
Published: November 2013

Background/Aims: Low vitamin D levels correlate with dyslipidemia, but limited data exist on indigenous children. The objective was to determine whether vitamin D supplementation improves high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels among Koya children. Methods: A prospective 1-year study evaluated a treated cohort of 70 (38 males) children aged 10.3 ± 2.1 years who received 5,000 U of vitamin D weekly during 8 weeks, and a control group of 20 (8 males) children aged 9.2 ± 1.1 years who did not receive vitamin D. Results/Conclusions: At baseline, 18 (20%) had severe vitamin D deficiency (<10 ng/ml), 66 (73.3%) had deficiency (10 to <20 ng/ml), and 6 (6.6%) had insufficiency (20 to <30 ng/ml). At baseline, there was no significant difference in the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D between groups. After 1 year, the prevalence of severe vitamin D deficiency decreased from 20 to 0%, and that of insufficiency increased from 6 to 19% (p < 0.001) only in the treated group. The prevalence of low HDL-C also decreased in the treated group only (35.7-5.7%; p < 0.01). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that treated children improved HDL-C levels by 4 mg/dl (R2: 0.13) adjusted for confounding factors, suggesting that vitamin D supplementation among Indian children improved HDL-C levels.
Gender-Specific Alterations in Salivary Cortisol Levels in Pubertal Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection Offspring
Authors: Belva F. , Painter R.C. , Schiettecatte J. , Bonduelle M. , Roelants M. , Roseboom T.J. , Tournaye H. , De Schepper J.
Published: November 2013

Background: There is accumulating evidence that in vitro conception in humans may be associated with adverse health outcomes later in life. It has been proposed that suboptimal early life conditions may ‘program' key endocrine systems. A disturbance of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis leading to alterations in cortisol secretion in the offspring may be such a mechanism. To date, no data on cortisol levels in children conceived by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) are available in the literature. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, salivary cortisol known as a key regulator of metabolism was measured and results were compared between 201 pubertal ICSI children and 196 spontaneously conceived (SC) counterparts. Results: ICSI females had lower mean salivary cortisol levels (9.0 µg/l; 95% CI 8.1-9.9) than SC females (10.6 µg/l; 95% CI 9.7-11.5; p = 0.01). This difference remained after adjusting for current characteristics, early life factors and maternal characteristics. In ICSI males, no difference in cortisol levels was found in comparison with the SC group. Conclusion: In our study, 14-year-old female but not male ICSI teenagers were found to have lower salivary cortisol concentrations in comparison with SC peers. However, before definite conclusions can be drawn, our results should be completed by longitudinal sampling.
Effect of Carbon Monoxide Donor CORM-2 on Vitamin D3 Metabolism
Authors: Feger Martina , Fajol Abul , Lebedeva Aleksandra , Meissner Adrian , Michael Diana , Voelkl Jakob , Alesutan Ioana , Schleicher Erwin , Reichetzeder Christoph , Hocher Berthold , Qadri Syed M. , Lang Florian
Published: November 2013

Background/Aims: Carbon monoxide (CO) interferes with cytochrome-dependent cellular functions and acts as gaseous transmitter. CO is released from CO-releasing molecules (CORM) including tricarbonyl-dichlororuthenium (II) dimer (CORM-2), molecules considered for the treatment of several disorders including vascular dysfunction, inflammation, tissue ischemia and organ rejection. Cytochrome P450-sensitive function include formation of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) by renal 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 1-alpha-hydroxylase (Cyp27b1). The enzyme is regulated by PTH, FGF23 and klotho. 1,25(OH)2D3 regulates Ca2+ and phosphate transport as well as klotho expression. The present study explored, whether CORM-2 influences 1,25(OH)2D3 formation and klotho expression. Methods: Mice were treated with intravenous CORM-2 (20 mg/kg body weight). Plasma 1,25(OH)2D3 and FGF23 concentrations were determined by ELISA, phosphate, calcium and creatinine concentrations by colorimetric methods, transcript levels by quantitative RT-PCR and protein expression by western blotting. Fgf23 mRNA transcript levels were further determined in rat osteosarcoma UMR106 cells without or with prior treatment for 24 hours with 20 µM CORM-2. Results: CORM-2 injection within 24 hours significantly increased FGF23 plasma levels and decreased 1,25(OH)2D3 plasma levels, renal Cyp27b1 gene expression as well as renal klotho protein abundance and transcript levels. Moreover, treatment of UMR106 cells with CORM-2 significantly increased Fgf23 transcript levels. Conclusion: CO-releasing molecule CORM-2 enhances FGF23 expression and release and decreases klotho expression and 1,25(OH)2D3 synthesis.
Increased Leptin/Adiponectin Ratio and Free Leptin Index Are Markers of Insulin Resistance in Obese Girls during Pubertal Development
Authors: Donoso M.A. , Muñoz-Calvo M.T. , Barrios V. , Martínez G. , Hawkins F. , Argente J.
Published: November 2013

Background: Modifications in body fat in obese patients during puberty determine changes in adipokines that affect insulin sensitivity. Aims: We hypothesized that the leptin/adiponectin (L/A) ratio and free leptin index (FLI) are good markers of insulin resistance (IR) and total body fat (TBF) during pubertal development. Methods: A prospective study of 32 obese girls (OG) and age-matched control girls (CG) was performed. OG were divided into those that maintained a weight loss (WL) of >1 SD of initial body mass index (BMI) (WL group, n = 25) and those without WL (NWL group, n = 7). Oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) were performed to evaluate IR. Correlations of adipokines, L/A, and FLI with BMI, waist circumference, percentage of TBF (%TBF) and IR were performed over pubertal development. Results: The L/A ratio and FLI were increased in OG at baseline. Both indexes decreased in the WL group as puberty progressed, with no change in CG or NWL. In the WL group, a correlation between L/A and FLI with OGTT and %TBF, and L/A and homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) was found throughout the study. Conclusion: The L/A ratio and FLI are good markers to follow changes in IR and %TBF after WL during puberty. Insulin more accurately reflects the changes in IR than HOMA.
A Predictive Factor of Insufficient Liver Regeneration after Preoperative Portal Vein Embolization
Authors: Mihara K. , Sugiura T. , Okamura Y. , Kanemoto H. , Mizuno T. , Moriguchi M. , Aramaki T. , Uesaka K.
Published: November 2013

Background: Preoperative portal vein embolization (PVE) is performed to enhance the future remnant liver function (FRLF) and volume (FRLV). However, the volume of the nonembolized liver does not increase enough in some patients, which results in an insufficient FRLF. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictors of insufficient FRLF after PVE for extended hepatectomy. Methods: This retrospective study included 172 patients (107 patients with cholangiocarcinoma, 40 patients with metastatic liver cancer and 25 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma) who underwent PVE before extended hepatectomy. The total liver function was evaluated by measuring the indocyanine green plasma clearance rate (KICG). Computed tomography volumetry was conducted to evaluate the total liver volume and FRLV. The KICG of the future remnant liver (remK) was calculated using the following formula: KICG × FRLV/total liver volume. The safety margin for hepatectomy was set at remK after PVE (post-PVE remK) ≥0.05. Results: One hundred and twenty-three patients with a post-PVE remK level of >0.05 underwent hepatectomy without postoperative liver failure [sufficient liver regeneration (SLR) group], and 9 patients with a post-PVE remK level of <0.05 did not due to insufficient FRLF [insufficient liver regeneration (ILR) group]. In the SLR group, the KICG values did not change after PVE (median, 0.144-0.146, p = 0.523); however, the %FRLV and remK increased significantly (35.0-44.3%, p < 0.001 and 0.0488-0.0610, p < 0001, respectively). In contrast, in the ILR group, the KICG values decreased significantly (0.128-0.108, p = 0.021) and the %FRLV increased marginally (27.4-32.6%, p = 0.051). As a result, the remK did not increase significantly (0.0351-0.0365, p = 0.213). A receiver operating characteristic curve demonstrated an remK value of 0.04 obtained before PVE (pre-PVE remK) to be the optimal cutoff point for defective liver regeneration. The univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that a pre-PVE remK value of <0.04 was a factor for ILR. It was also correlated with postoperative liver failure in the analysis of the patients who underwent hepatectomy. Conclusions: The patients in the ILR group did not achieve SLR after PVE due to a significant decrease in the KICG and an insufficient increase in %FRLV. A pre-PVE remK value of <0.04 is a useful predictor of insufficient regeneration of the nonembolized liver, even after PVE.
Vitamin K antagonists in heart disease: Current status and perspectives (Section III)
Authors: Husted Steen , Wallentin Lars , Andreotti Felicita , Arnesen Harald , Bachmann Fedor , Baigent Colin , Huber Kurt , Jespersen Jørgen , Kristensen Steen Dalby , Lip Gregory Y. H. , Morais Joaõ , Rasmussen Lars Hvilsted , Siegbahn Agneta , Verheugt Freek W. A. , Weitz Jeffrey I. , Caterina Raffaele De
Published: November 2013

Oral anticoagulants are a mainstay of cardiovascular therapy, and for over 60 years vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) were the only available agents for long-term use. VKAs interfere with the cyclic inter-conversion of vitamin K and its 2,3 epoxide, thus inhibiting γ-carboxylation of glutamate residues at the amino-termini of vitamin K-dependent proteins, including the coagulation factors (F) II (prothrombin), VII, IX and X, as well as of the anticoagulant proteins C, S and Z. The overall effect of such interference is a dose-dependent anticoagulant effect, which has been therapeutically exploited in heart disease since the early 1950s. In this position paper, we review the mechanisms of action, pharmacological properties and side effects of VKAs, which are used in the management of cardiovascular diseases, including coronary heart disease (where their use is limited), stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation, heart valves and/or chronic heart failure. Using an evidence-based approach, we describe the results of completed clinical trials, highlight areas of uncertainty, and recommend therapeutic options for specific disorders. Although VKAs are being increasingly replaced in most patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation by the new oral anticoagulants, which target either thrombin or FXa, the VKAs remain the agents of choice for patients with atrial fibrillation in the setting of rheumatic valvular disease and for those with mechanical heart valves.
High-Sensitivity Troponin I for Risk Assessment in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Hijazi Ziad , Siegbahn Agneta , Andersson Ulrika , Granger Christopher B. , Alexander John H. , Atar Dan , Gersh Bernard J. , Mohan Puneet , Harjola Veli-Pekka , Horowitz John , Husted Steen , Hylek Elaine M. , Lopes Renato D. , McMurray John J.V. , Wallentin Lars
Published: November 2013

Background—

High-sensitivity troponin-I (hs-TnI) measurement improves risk assessment for cardiovascular events in many clinical settings, but the added value in atrial fibrillation patients has not been described.

Methods and Results—

At randomization, hs-TnI was analyzed in 14 821 atrial fibrillation patients in the Apixaban for Reduction in Stroke and Other Thromboembolic Events in Atrial Fibrillation (ARISTOTLE) trial comparing apixaban with warfarin. The associations between hs-TnI concentrations and clinical outcomes were evaluated by using adjusted Cox analysis. The hs-TnI assay detected troponin (≥1.3 ng/L) in 98.5% patients, 50% had levels >5.4, 25% had levels >10.1, and 9.2% had levels ≥23 ng/L (the 99th percentile in healthy individuals). During a median of 1.9 years follow-up, annual rates of stroke or systemic embolism ranged from 0.76% in the lowest hs-TnI quartile to 2.26% in the highest quartile (>10.1 ng/L). In multivariable analysis, hs-TnI was significantly associated with stroke or systemic embolism, adjusted hazard ratio 1.98 (1.42–2.78),
P
=0.0007. hs-TnI was also significantly associated with cardiac death; annual rates ranged from 0.40% to 4.24%, hazard ratio 4.52 (3.05–6.70),
P
<0.0001, in the corresponding groups, and for major bleeding hazard ratio 1.44 (1.11–1.86),
P
=0.0250. Adding hs-TnI levels to the CHA
2
DS
2
VASc score improved c-statistics from 0.629 to 0.653 for stroke or systemic embolism, and from 0.591 to 0.731 for cardiac death. There were no significant interactions with study treatment.

Conclusions—

Troponin-I is detected in 98.5% and elevated in 9.2% of atrial fibrillation patients. The hs-TnI level is independently associated with a raised risk of stroke, cardiac death, and major bleeding and improves risk stratification beyond the CHA
2
DS
2
VASc score. The benefits of apixaban in comparison with warfarin are consistent regardless of hs-TnI levels.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00412984.
Choreopolice and Choreopolitics: or, the task of the dancer
Authors: Lepecki André
Published: November 2013

The choreographic element in Jacques Rancière's notion of “police” is used to advance the concept of “choreopolice,” which can then be set in opposition to “choreopolitics” to redefine “choreography” and release it from imperative, or normative (i.e., policed) constructions of movement. Hannah Arendt's notion that freedom is the telos of politics identifies how within several types of choreography (TURF street dance, Tania Bruguera's Arte de Conducta, and Sarah Michelson's Devotion Study #1 — The American Dancer), the dancer's task is to search and enact that freedom, over and over again.
Prophet among Rebels: Henry David Thoreau and the Creation of a Transcendentalist Bible
Authors: Willsky Lydia
Published: November 2013

Henry David Thoreau is often referred to as a “prophet,” but the degree to which he embraced that role has not been recognized. I argue that with his final manuscript, Wild Fruits, he sought to produce scripture and, through it, to turn humanity's gaze from the skies, where the Judaeo-Christian God was thought to dwell, to the earth and nature.
Comment on “Bias Correction, Quantile Mapping, and Downscaling: Revisiting the Inflation Issue”
Authors: Bürger Gerd
Published: November 2013

In a recent paper, Maraun describes the adverse effects of quantile mapping on downscaling. He argues that when large-scale GCM variables are rescaled directly to small-scale fields or even station data, genuine small-scale covariability is lost and replaced by uniform variability inherited from the larger scales. This leads to a misrepresentation mainly of areal means and long-term trends. This comment acknowledges the former point, although the argument is relatively old, but disagrees with the latter, showing that grid-size long-term trends can be different from local trends. Finally, because it is partly incorrectly addressed, some clarification is added regarding the inflation issue, stressing that neither randomization nor inflation is free of unverified assumptions.
Analysis of the Thermodynamic Properties of Developing and Nondeveloping Tropical Disturbances Using a Comprehensive Dropsonde Dataset
Authors: Zawislak Jonathan , Zipser Edward J.
Published: November 2013

A dropsonde dataset is analyzed to quantify the necessary thermodynamic conditions for tropical cyclogenesis by evaluating the properties that distinguish developing tropical disturbances from nondeveloping disturbances, and by describing the temporal evolution of the developing inner core. The dataset consists of 2204 dropsonde observations from 12 developing disturbances and 245 from four nondeveloping disturbances. These disturbances are the cases with the best pregenesis sampling from field programs between 2005 and 2010, and include those investigated by three coincident field programs during 2010: the NASA Genesis and Rapid Intensification Processes (GRIP) and NCAR/NSF Pre-Depression Investigation of Cloud Systems in the Tropics (PREDICT) experiments, as well as NOAA’s Intensity Forecast Experiment (IFEX). Composite analyses indicate clear differences between developing and nondeveloping disturbances: developing disturbances exhibit greater moisture and a higher humidity at midlevels (above 800 hPa) than nondeveloping, and while the developing inner core experiences some midlevel moistening and stabilization as genesis nears, nondeveloping disturbances become progressively drier and more convectively unstable. Developing disturbances also exhibit some important characteristics in their inner core within 2 days of genesis: the low to midtroposphere (below 500 hPa) approaches near-saturation, a mid- to upper-level warm temperature anomaly develops and progressively deepens toward the low levels, and a low-level (below 900 hPa) cool, dry anomaly develops and is removed by the day of genesis. Overall the results support one proposed pathway to tropical cyclone formation in which an initially stronger midlevel vortex, in a moist, humid environment, precedes primarily low-level intensification within a day of genesis.
CONUS-Wide Evaluation of National Weather Service Flash Flood Guidance Products
Authors: Clark Robert A. , Gourley Jonathan J. , Flamig Zachary L. , Hong Yang , Clark Edward
Published: November 2013

This study quantifies the skill of the National Weather Service’s (NWS) flash flood guidance (FFG) product. Generated by River Forecast Centers (RFCs) across the United States, local NWS Weather Forecast Offices compare estimated and forecast rainfall to FFG to monitor and assess flash flooding potential. A national flash flood observation database consisting of reports in the NWS publication Storm Data and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) stream gauge measurements are used to determine the skill of FFG over a 4-yr period. FFG skill is calculated at several different precipitation-to-FFG ratios for both observation datasets. Although a ratio of 1.0 nominally indicates a potential flash flooding event, this study finds that FFG can be more skillful when ratios other than 1.0 are considered. When the entire continental United States is considered, the highest observed critical success index (CSI) with 1-h FFG is 0.20 for the USGS dataset, which should be considered a benchmark for future research that seeks to improve, modify, or replace the current FFG system. Regional benchmarks of FFG skill are also determined on an RFC-by-RFC basis. When evaluated against Storm Data reports, the regional skill of FFG ranges from 0.00 to 0.19. When evaluated against USGS stream gauge measurements, the regional skill of FFG ranges from 0.00 to 0.44.