bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermal Analysis of Air-Core Power Reactors
Authors: Yuan Zhao , He Jun-jia , Pan Yuan , Yin Xiao-gen , Ding Can , Ning Shao-fei , Li Hong-lei
Published: March 2013

A fluid-thermal coupled analysis based on FEM is conducted. The inner structure of the coils is built with consideration of both the structural details and the simplicity; thus, the detailed heat conduction process is coupled with the computational fluid dynamics in the thermal computation of air-core reactors. According to the simulation results, 2D temperature distribution results are given and proved by the thermal test results of a prototype. Then the temperature results are used to calculate the heat flux to predict the detailed heat transfer process in the packages of the reactors. The study in this paper may be useful in the design optimization in air-core reactors.
Leader-Following Consensus of Linear Multiagent Systems with State Observer under Switching Topologies
Authors: Gao Lixin , Zhu Xinjian , Chen Wenhai , Zhang Hui
Published: March 2013

The leader-following consensus problem of higher order multiagent systems is considered. The dynamics of each agent are given in general form of linear system, and the communication topology among the agents is assumed to be directed and switching. To track the leader, two kinds of distributed observer-based consensus protocols are proposed for each following agent, whose distributed observers are used to estimate the leader’s state and tracking error based on the relative outputs of the neighboring agents, respectively. Some sufficient consensus conditions are established by using parameter-dependent Lyapunov function method under a class of directed interaction topologies. As special cases, the consensus conditions for balanced and undirected interconnection topology cases can be obtained directly. The protocol design technique is based on algebraic graph theory, Riccati equation, and Sylvester equation. Finally, a simulation example is given to illustrate our obtained result.
Higgs-Yukawa Model in Chirally Invariant Lattice Field Theory
Authors: Bulava John , Gerhold Philipp , Jansen Karl , Kallarackal Jim , Knippschild Bastian , Lin C.-J. David , Nagai Kei-Ichi , Nagy Attila , Ogawa Kenji
Published: March 2013

Nonperturbative numerical lattice studies of the Higgs-Yukawa sector of the standard model with exact chiral symmetry are reviewed. In particular, we discuss bounds on the Higgs boson mass at the standard model top quark mass and in the presence of heavy fermions. We present a comprehensive study of the phase structure of the theory at weak and very strong values of the Yukawa coupling as well as at nonzero temperature.
Gene Expression of Leptin and Long Leptin Receptor Isoform in Endometriosis: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Nácul Andrea Prestes , Lecke Sheila Bunecker , Edelweiss Maria Isabel , Morsch Débora Martinho , Spritzer Poli Mara
Published: March 2013

In this study, leptin/BMI ratio in serum and peritoneal fluid and gene expression of leptin and long form leptin receptor (OB-RL) were assessed in eutopic and ectopic endometria of women with endometriosis and controls. Increased serum leptin/BMI ratio was found in endometriosis patients. Leptin and OB-RLgene expression was significantly higher in ectopic versus eutopic endometrium of patients and controls. A positive, significant correlation was observed between leptin and OB-RLtranscripts in ectopic endometria and also in eutopic endometria in endometriosis and control groups. A negative and significant correlation was found between OB-RLmRNA expression and peritoneal fluid leptin/BMI ratio only in endometriosis. These data suggest that, through a modulatory interaction with its active receptor, leptin might play a role in the development of endometrial implants.
A Heuristic Approach to Proposal-Based Negotiation: with Applications in Fashion Supply Chain Management
Authors: Costantini Stefania , De Gasperis Giovanni , Provetti Alessandro , Tsintza Panagiota
Published: March 2013

In this paper, we extend and improve the formal, executable framework for automated multi-issue negotiation between two autonomous competitive software agents proposed by Cadoli. This model is based on the view of negotiation spaces (or “areas”), representing the admissible values of the goods involved in the process as convex regions. However, in order to speed up the negotiation process and guarantee convergence, there was the restriction of potential agreements to vertices included in the intersection of the two areas. We present and assess experimentally an extension to Cadoli's approach where, for both participating agents, interaction is no longer vertex based, or at least not necessarily so. This eliminates the asymmetry among parties and the limitation to polyhedral negotiation areas. The extension can be usefully integrated to Cadoli's framework, thus obtaining an enhanced algorithm that can be effective in many practical cases. We present and discuss a number of experiments, aimed at assessing how parameters influence the performance of the algorithm and how they relate to each other. We discuss the usefulness of the approach in relevant application fields, such as, for instance, supply chain management in the fashion industry, which is a field of growing importance in economy and e-commerce.
Selective Determinants of Low Bone Mineral Mass in Adult Women with Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: Trombetti Andrea , Richert Laura , Herrmann François R. , Chevalley Thierry , Graf Jean-Daniel , Rizzoli René
Published: March 2013

We investigated the relative effect of amenorrhea and insulin-like growth factor-I (sIGF-I) levels on cancellous and cortical bone density and size. We investigated 66 adult women with anorexia nervosa. Lumbar spine and proximal femur bone mineral density was measured by DXA. We calculated bone mineral apparent density. Structural geometry of the spine and the hip was determined from DXA images. Weight and BMI, but not height, as well as bone mineral content and density, but not area and geometry parameters, were lower in patients with anorexia nervosa as compared with the control group. Amenorrhea, disease duration, and sIGF-I were significantly associated with lumbar spine and proximal femur BMD. In a multiple regression model, we found that sIGF-I was the only significant independent predictor of proximal femur BMD, while duration of amenorrhea was the only factor associated with lumbar spine BMD. Finally, femoral neck bone mineral apparent density, but not hip geometry variables, was correlated with sIGF-I. In anorexia nervosa, spine BMD was related to hypogonadism, whereas sIGF-I predicted proximal femur BMD. The site-specific effect of sIGF-I could be related to reduced volumetric BMD rather than to modified hip geometry.
Clinical and Genetic Study of Algerian Patients with Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Authors: Sifi Y. , Sifi K. , Boulefkhad A. , Abadi N. , Bouderda Z. , Cheriet R. , Magen M. , Bonnefont J. P. , Munnich A. , Benlatreche C. , Hamri A.
Published: March 2013

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is the second most common lethal autosomal recessive disorder. It is divided into the acute Werdnig-Hoffmann disease (type I), the intermediate form (type II), the Kugelberg-Welander disease (type III), and the adult form (type IV). The gene involved in all four forms ofSMA, the so-called survival motor neuron (SMN) gene, is duplicated, with a telomeric (telSMNorSMN1) and a centromeric copy (centSMNorSMN2).SMN1 is homozygously deleted in over 95% ofSMApatients. Another candidate gene inSMAis the neuronal apoptosis inhibitory protein (NAIP) gene; it shows homozygous deletions in 45–67% of type I and 20–42% of type II/type III patients. Here we studied theSMNandNAIPgenes in 92 AlgerianSMApatients (20 type I, 16 type II, 53 type III, and 3 type IV) from 57 unrelated families, using a semiquantitative PCR approach. Homozygous deletions ofSMN1 exons 7 and/or 8 were found in 75% of the families. Deletions of exon 4 and/or 5 of theNAIPgene were found in around 25%. Conversely, the quantitative analysis ofSMN2 copies showed a significant correlation betweenSMN2 copy number and the type ofSMA.
Teratogenic Effect of Crude Ethanolic Root Bark and Leaf Extracts of Rauwolfia vomitoria (Apocynaceae) on Nissl Substances of Albino Wistar Rat Fetuses
Authors: Eluwa Mokutima A. , Ekanem Theresa B. , Udoh Paul B. , Ekong Moses B. , Asuquo Olaitan R. , Akpantah Amabe O. , Nwakanma Agnes O.
Published: March 2013

Rauwolfia vomitoria is a plant used for the treatment of insanity. The possible adverse effects of crude ethanolic root bark and leaf extract of the plant on Nissl substances of albino Wistar rat fetuses were studied using 25 mature female Wistar rats. The animals were divided equally into 5 groups, labeled A, B, C, D, and E. Group A was the control, while groups B, C, D, and E were the experimental. The female rats were mated with the males overnight, and the sperm positive day was designated as day zero of pregnancy. Oral doses of 150 mg/kg and 250 mg/kg body weight of the root bark extract were administered to groups B and C animals, respectively, while groups D and E animals received 150 mg/kg and 250 mg/kg body weight of the leaf extract, respectively, from day 7 to 11 of gestation. On day 20 of gestation, the rats were sacrificed, the fetuses brains extracted, and the cerebral cortices excised and routinely processed for Nissl substances using Cresyl fast violet staining method. Results showed reduced staining intensity of Nissl substances in the treated groups, especially those that received the root extract. Thus, the herbs may have adverse effects on protein synthesis within the cerebral cortex.
A Novel Hybrid Evaluation Model for the Performance of ERP Project Based on ANP and Improved Matter-Element Extension Model
Authors: Hui-ru Zhao , Na-na Li
Published: March 2013

Considerable resources are needed when implementing the ERP project, so it is necessary to evaluate its performance. Firstly, the evaluation index system of implementation performance of the ERP project was built, and an Analytic Network Process (ANP) which can fully take the relationship between evaluation indexes into account was employed to determine the index weight. Secondly, an improved matter-element extension model, which can overcome the limitations and inadequacies of traditional matter-element extension model when performing the comprehensive evaluation, was proposed to evaluate the implementation performance of the ERP project. Finally, taking an enterprise's ERP project as an example, a comprehensive evaluation was done, and the empirical analysis result shows that this proposed hybrid evaluation model is feasible and practical.
How Older Female Spouses Cope with Partners’ Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery
Authors: Marnocha Suzanne , Marnocha Mark
Published: March 2013

This research sought to better understand how older female spouses cope with a partner’s coronary artery bypass graft surgery and to explore coping’s relationships with life-change stress, cognitive appraisal, resilience, social support, and aspects of spouse’s surgery. A sample of 96 women, aged from 55 to 81 years, completed surveys after their partner’s surgery. Folkman and Lazarus’ ways of coping (WCQ) scales yielded two factors in this sample—reactive coping and adaptive coping. Reactive coping, including more emotion-focused ways of coping from the WCQ, was associated only with more time spent anticipating spouses’ surgeries. Women described the greatest use of ways of coping labeled adaptive, which in turn had significant relationships with greater resilience, social support, and positive appraisal of the surgical experience. Stepwise multiple regression found greater resilience, more frequent religious participation, and fewer children to be distinct predictors of adaptive coping. Nursing staff are encouraged to accept and normalize reactive coping, while facilitating adaptive coping with surgical stresses.
Multiple Description Wavelet-Based Image Coding Using Iterated Function System
Authors: Yang Jie
Published: March 2013

Recent literature highlights the multiple description coding (MDC) as a promising method to solve the problem of resilient image coding over error-prone networks, where packet losses occur. In this paper, we introduce a novel multiple description wavelet-based image coding scheme using fractal. This scheme exploits the fractal’s ability, which is to describe the different resolution scale similarity (redundancy) among wavelet coefficient blocks. When one description is lost, the lost information can be reconstructed by the proposed iterated function system (IFS) recovering scheme with the similarity and some introduced information. Compared with the referenced methods, the experimental results suggest that the proposed scheme can achieve better performance. Furthermore, it is substantiated to be more robust for images transmission and better subjective quality in reconstructed images even with high packet loss ratios.
Design, Synthesis, and Characterization of Novel Thiol‐Derivatized Ibuprofen Monolayer Protected Gold Clusters
Authors: Lee Kuan-Han , Lin Yu-Sheng , Huang Po-Jui
Published: March 2013

A series of new thiol‐derivatized ibuprofen monolayer protected gold clusters have been prepared by amidation of ibuprofen with alkyl alcohol or aminophenol affording the carboxamides, N‐hydroxyalkyl amide 2, and N‐hydroxyphenyl amide 6, which were then tosylated with p‐toluenesulfonyl chloride at hydroxyl group to give 3 and 7. Reactions of 3 and 7 with NaSH afforded the mercapto derivatives 4 and 8. Conducting Brust’s reaction with a 3 : 1 mole ratio of thiolate ibuprofen/ yielded polydisperse thiol‐derivatized ibuprofen‐MPCs 5 and 9. All compounds have been identified by NMR, MS, UV, and IR spectroscopies. Compounds 4 and 8 and the MPCs 5 and 9 have been investigated by using the method of 1H NMR spectroscopy. The broadening of the signals from 0.8 to 2.0 ppm in 1H NMR spectrum of MPCs 5 and 9 confirmed the success of the conjugation of thiol‐containing derivatives with nanogold cluster.
On Linear and Nonlinear Fourth-Order Eigenvalue Problems with Nonlocal Boundary Condition
Authors: Yan Dongming
Published: March 2013

We determine the principal eigenvalue of the linear problem ,  , , where and . Moreover, we investigate the existence of positive solutions for the corresponding nonlinear problem. The proofs of our main results are based upon the Krein-Rutman theorem and fixed point index theory.
The Impact of Experimental Preconditioning Using Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Stroke and Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Eicker Sven Oliver , Hoppe Moritz , Etminan Nima , Macht Stephan , Perrin Jason , Steiger Hans-Jakob , Hänggi Daniel
Published: March 2013

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) stimulating angiogenesis was shown to be a potential novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of ischemic vascular diseases. The goal of the present study was to examine whether transfection of VEGF before occurrence of major stroke (part I) and cerebral vasospasm after experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH; part II) develops neuroprotective qualities. A total of 25 (part I) and 26 (part II) brains were analyzed, respectively. In part one, a significant reduction of infarct volume in the VEGF-treated stroke animals (43% reduction,P<0.05) could be detected. In part two, significant vasospasm was induced in all hemorrhage groups(P<0.02). Analyzing microperfusion, a significant higher amount of perfused vessels could be detected(P<0.01), whereas no significant effect could be detected towards macroperfusion. Histologically, no infarctions were observed in the VEGF-treated SAH group and the sham-operated group. Minor infarction in terms of vasospasm-induced small lesions could be detected in the control vector transduced group(P=0.05)and saline-treated group(P=0.09). The present study demonstrates the preconditioning impact of systemic intramuscular VEGF injection in animals after major stroke and induced severe vasospasm after SAH.
50 Years of the K-BKZ Constitutive Relation for Polymers
Authors: Mitsoulis Evan
Published: March 2013

The K-BKZ constitutive model is now 50 years old. The paper reviews the connections of the model and its variants with continuum mechanics and experiment, presenting an up-to-date recap of research and major findings in the open literature. In the Introduction a historical perspective is given on developments in the last 50 years of the K-BKZ model. Then a section follows on mathematical modeling of polymer flows, including governing equations of flow, rheological constitutive equations (with emphasis on viscoelastic integral constitutive equations of the K-BKZ type), dimensionless numbers, and boundary conditions. The Method of Solution section reviews the major developments of techniques necessary for particle tracking and calculation of the integrals for the viscoelastic stresses in flow problems. Finally, selected examples are given of successful application of the K-BKZ model in polymer flows relevant to rheology.
Acute Lumbar Burst Fracture Treated by Minimally Invasive Lateral Corpectomy
Authors: Amaral Rodrigo , Marchi Luis , Oliveira Leonardo , Coutinho Thiago , Pimenta Luiz
Published: March 2013

Burst fractures in acute spinal traumas are a difficult problem to solve. Different approaches and techniques have been utilized, but with high incidence of morbidity and mortality, besides unsatisfactory clinical and radiological results. Mini-open approaches recently emerged and have been shown to be safe and effective in the treatment of several spinal conditions. Here we report a case of acute lumbar burst fracture at L2 treated by minimally invasive true lateral approach posteriorly instrumented with percutaneous pedicle screws. The minimum disruptive access in addition to a rigid construction allowed a lumbar corpectomy without the morbidity of standard open approaches, lowering surgery costs and accelerating the patient recovery with successfully clinical and radiological results.
Three New Optimal Fourth-Order Iterative Methods to Solve Nonlinear Equations
Authors: Fernández-Torres Gustavo , Vásquez-Aquino Juan
Published: March 2013

We present new modifications to Newton's method for solving nonlinear equations. The analysis of convergence shows that these methods have fourth-order convergence. Each of the three methods uses three functional evaluations. Thus, according to Kung-Traub's conjecture, these are optimal methods. With the previous ideas, we extend the analysis to functions with multiple roots. Several numerical examples are given to illustrate that the presented methods have better performance compared with Newton's classical method and other methods of fourth-order convergence recently published.
Review on Natural Coumarin Lead Compounds for Their Pharmacological Activity
Authors: Venugopala K. N. , Rashmi V. , Odhav B.
Published: March 2013

Coumarin (2H-1-benzopyran-2-one) is a plant-derived natural product known for its pharmacological properties such as anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anticancer, antihypertensive, antitubercular, anticonvulsant, antiadipogenic, antihyperglycemic, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties. Dietary exposure to benzopyrones is significant as these compounds are found in vegetables, fruits, seeds, nuts, coffee, tea, and wine. In view of the established low toxicity, relative cheapness, presence in the diet, and occurrence in various herbal remedies of coumarins, it appears prudent to evaluate their properties and applications further.
Chemometrics of Wheat Composites with Hemp, Teff, and Chia Flour: Comparison of Rheological Features
Authors: Hrušková Marie , Švec Ivan , Jurinová Ivana
Published: March 2013

The mixolab, a rheological device developed recently, combines approved farinograph and amylograph test procedures. Analysing wheat flour composites with hemp, teff, or chia in terms of all three mentioned rheological methods, correspondence of farinograph, and amylograph versus mixolab features was examined by principal component analysis. The first two principal components, PC1 and PC2, explained 75% of data scatter and allowed a satisfying confirmation of presumed relationships between farinograph or amylograph and mixolab parameters. Dough development time and stability were associated with gluten strength (C1 torque point) and also dough softening (mixing tolerance index) had a link to protein weakening (C1-C2 difference). In the second mentioned case, amylograph viscosity maximum and amylase activity (C3-C4) closeness was verified. Starch and starch gel properties during mixing (C3, C3-C2, and C4) affect dough viscosity (C1) and rheological behaviour (dough development time and stability). Another important finding is unequivocal distinguishing of the composite subsets (of hemp, teff, and chia ones) by the used rheological methods and statistical treatment of multivariable data.
Development of an Anatomically Realistic Forward Solver for Thoracic Electrical Impedance Tomography
Authors: Yang Fei , Zhang Jie , Patterson Robert
Published: March 2013

Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) has the potential to provide a low cost and safe imaging modality for clinically monitoring patients being treated with mechanical ventilation. Variations in reconstruction algorithms at different clinical settings, however, make interpretation of regional ventilation across institutions difficult, presenting the need for a unified algorithm
for thoracic EIT reconstruction. Development of such a consensual reconstruction algorithm necessitates a forward model capable of predicting surface impedance measurements as well
as electric fields in the interior of the modeled thoracic volume. In this paper, we present an anatomically realistic forward solver for thoracic EIT that was built based on high resolution MR image data of a representative adult. Accuracy assessment of the developed forward solver in predicting surface impedance measurements by comparing the predicted and observed impedance measurements shows that the relative error is within the order of 5%, demonstrating the ability of the presented forward solver in generating high-fidelity surface thoracic impedance data for thoracic EIT algorithm development and evaluation.
Unusual Esophageal Foreign Body: A Table Fork
Authors: Mevio Emilio , Mevio Niccolò
Published: March 2013

The presence of an esophageal foreign body (EFB) is a medical emergency requiring urgent evaluation and treatment. Swallowing of foreign bodies is most common in children aged between 6 months and 6 years, in whom it usually occurs during games. In adults, foreign bodies tend to be ingested accidentally together with food. The authors report an unusual case of EFB (a table fork) in an adult and briefly report the clinical presentation and the therapeutic procedures adopted in this case and similar cases.
Targeted Inhibition of the Molecular Chaperone Hsp90 Overcomes ALK Inhibitor Resistance in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Sang Jim , Acquaviva Jaime , Friedland Julie C. , Smith Donald L. , Sequeira Manuel , Zhang Chaohua , Jiang Qin , Xue Liquan , Lovly Christine M. , Jimenez John-Paul , Shaw Alice T. , Doebele Robert C. , He Suqin , Bates Richard C. , Camidge D. Ross , Morris Stephan W. , El-Hariry Iman , Proia David A.
Published: March 2013

EML4–ALK gene rearrangements define a unique subset of patients with non–small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC), and the clinical success of the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitor crizotinib in this population has become a paradigm for molecularly targeted therapy. Here, we show that the Hsp90 inhibitor ganetespib induced loss of EML4–ALK expression and depletion of multiple oncogenic signaling proteins in ALK-driven NSCLC cells, leading to greater in vitro potency, superior antitumor efficacy, and prolonged animal survival compared with results obtained with crizotinib. In addition, combinatorial benefit was seen when ganetespib was used with other targeted ALK agents both in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, ganetespib overcame multiple forms of crizotinib resistance, including secondary ALK mutations, consistent with activity seen in a patient with crizotinib-resistant NSCLC. Cancer cells driven by ALK amplification and oncogenic rearrangements of ROS1 and RET kinase genes were also sensitive to ganetespib exposure. Taken together, these results highlight the therapeutic potential of ganetespib for ALK-driven NSCLC.

Significance: In addition to direct kinase inhibition, pharmacologic blockade of the molecular chaperone Hsp90 is emerging as a promising approach for treating tumors driven by oncogenic rearrangements of ALK. The bioactivity profile of ganetespib presented here underscores a new therapeutic opportunity to target ALK and overcome multiple mechanisms of resistance in patients with ALK-positive NSCLC. Cancer Discov; 3(4); 430–43. ©2013 AACR.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 363
Inhibitory Effect of Mitomycin C on Proliferation of Primary Cultured Fibroblasts from Human Airway Granulation Tissues
Authors: Chen Nan , Zhang Jie , Xu Min , Wang Yu Ling , Pei Ying Hua
Published: March 2013

Background: Airway granulation tissue and scar formation pose a challenge because of the high incidence of recurrence after treatment. As an emerging treatment modality, topical application of mitomycin C has potential value in delaying the recurrence of airway obstruction. Several animal and clinical studies have already proven its feasibility and efficacy. However, the ideal dosage has still not been determined. Objectives: To establish a novel method for culturing primary fibroblasts isolated from human airway granulation tissue, and to investigate the dose-effect of mitomycin C on the fibroblast proliferation in vitro, so as to provide an experimental reference for clinical practitioners. Methods: Granulation tissues were collected during the routine bronchoscopy at our department. The primary fibroblasts were obtained by culturing the explanted tissues. The cells were treated with different concentrations of mitomycin C (0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8 and 1.6 mg/ml) for 5 min followed by additional 48-hour culture before an MTT assay was performed to measure cell viability. Results: MTT assay showed that mitomycin C reduced cell viability at all tested concentrations. The inhibitory ratios were 10.26, 26.77, 32.88, 64.91 and 80.45% for cells treated with mitomycin C at 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8 and 1.6 mg/ml, respectively. Conclusions: Explant culture is a reliable method for culturing primary fibroblasts from human airway granulation tissue, and mitomycin C can inhibit proliferation of the fibroblasts in vitro.
Intravitreal Bevacizumab for Radiation-Induced Cystoid Macular Oedema in Patients with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: A Clinical Series
Authors: Subrayan Visvaraja , Khaw Keat Ween , Peyman Mohammadreza , Koay Adrian Choon Aun , Tajunisah Iqbal
Published: March 2013

Aims: To evaluate the outcome of intravitreal bevacizumab in the treatment of radiation-induced cystoid macular oedema among patients who underwent external beam radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Methods: Five patients were recruited. The length of time from the last external beam radiation therapy to presentation ranged from 12 months to 15 years. Intravitreal bevacizumab (1.25 mg/0.05 ml) was given and repeated monthly injections were administered until best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved to 6/9 or until 3 further injections did not show further improvement in BCVA. BCVA was measured and fundus photography, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fluorescein angiography were performed at baseline. BCVA and OCT were recorded at each monthly visit. The duration of follow-up ranged from 6 months to 2 years. Results: Five patients (7 eyes) were recruited. At the final visit, 3 eyes (71.4%) showed reduction in the central subfield thickness (CST; mean reduction of 17.6%, range 9-149 µm) with improvement in BCVA, whilst 2 eyes worsened in terms of CST and final BCVA. Another 2 eyes remained altered in BCVA despite slight improvement in CST. Conclusion: The use of intravitreal bevacizumab in this group of patients showed variable response in terms of CST and BCVA outcome but remains a viable option to treat this challenging condition.
Water-Swallowing Test: Screening for Aspiration in Stroke Patients
Authors: Osawa Aiko , Maeshima Shinichiro , Tanahashi Norio
Published: March 2013

Background and Purpose: The water-swallowing test (WST) is frequently used in clinical practice as a functional assessment to detect aspiration and prevent pneumonia. It is a standardized test used all over the world, but the amount of water given varies depending on the examiner. Furthermore, there are very few reports on the simultaneous performance of the WST and videofluorography (VF). This study compared the amount of swallowed water to investigate the reliability of WST to exclude aspiration following acute stroke. Methods: We assessed 111 stroke patients (65 men and 46 women) with suspected dysphagia/difficulty in swallowing and performed VF upon obtaining consent from the patients and their families. Patients were aged between 20 and 98 years (65.6 ± 13.4 years); 64 had cerebral infarction, 26 cerebral hemorrhage, 13 subarachnoid hemorrhage, and 8 had other cerebrovascular disease. The time from stroke onset to VF was 16.6 ± 10.3 days (range, 2-55). WSTs using 5, 10, 30, and 60 ml and the modified WST (MWST) were performed during VF. Results: We found that the number of instances of choking, cough, wet voice, and aspiration increased with higher amounts of water. The sensitivity and specificity of WST for aspiration ranged from 34.8 to 55.7% and from 78.9 to 93.2%, respectively. The MWST, which used only 3 ml of water, yielded a sensitivity of 55.3% and a specificity of 80.8% for aspiration. There was a positive correlation between the time for one swallow and age, but there was no difference between genders. There was also no connection between clinical findings during WST or the presence of aspiration with the number of swallows, swallowing speed, or time for one swallow. Conclusions: WSTs are not as powerful as VF as a screening instrument in acute stroke. WSTs with more water detected aspiration with greater sensitivity, but there is no justification for overconfidence when investigating aspiration. We recommend using WST as well as VF to investigate swallowing in stroke patients.
Loss of Transfusion Dependency Following Deferasirox Treatment of Iron Overload in a Woman with Myelofibrosis and Spherocytosis - a Case Report
Authors: Tesch Hans , Ihling Christian
Published: March 2013

Background: Many patients with primary myelofibrosis (PMF), a myeloproliferative neoplasm, become transfusion dependent due to anemia. In these patients, transfusion dependency is associated with shortened survival. Case Report: We report on a 67-year-old woman who was diagnosed with PMF. Cytogenetic testing revealed a karyotype 46,XX, del(20)(q11.2), consistent with a myeloproliferative disorder. Although offered to her because of severe anemia and leukocytosis, the patient did not consent to allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. After having received a cumulative number of more than 70 packed red blood cell transfusions, iron chelation therapy with deferiprone was initiated to treat iron overload and switched to deferasirox after 3 months. Within 2 months of deferasirox treatment, serum ferritin concentrations were significantly reduced, the patient lost transfusion dependency for 17 months, and normal hemoglobin concentrations were recovered. Conclusion: Iron chelation treatment with deferasirox resulted in an improvement of hematologic parameters and loss of transfusion dependency.
Analysis of the EGFR Mutation Status in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma before Treatment with Gefitinib
Authors: Bontognali Sven , Pless Miklos , Brutsche Martin H. , Fischer Claude , Rochlitz Christoph , Buess Martin
Published: March 2013

Background: The efficacy of chemotherapy in metastatic and recurrent squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck (HNSCC) remains unsatisfactory. Gefitinib offers a new therapeutic option with comparable results and better tolerability than chemotherapy. We conducted this study to see if mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) might predict the therapeutic benefit in HNSCC patients. Patients and Methods: In a pilot trial, 8 patients with metastatic or recurrent HNSCC were treated palliatively with gefitinib (500 mg/day orally). Forceps biopsies were taken to confirm tumor recurrence and to perform an EGFR mutation analysis. Results: The EGFR status could be determined in 6 of the 8 patients. 5 patients had no EGFR gene mutation, and 1 patient showed a silent guanine-to-adenosine mutation in position 2607. Even without any relevant mutation in the EGFR, we observed partial remission in 3 of 6 patients treated with gefitinib. We also observed that an additional 4 patients had stable disease for at least 10 weeks. The median progression-free survival was 6.25 months, and the median overall survival was 7.39 months. Conclusion: In HNSCC, there are tumor responses to gefitinib without protein-altering mutations in the EGFR gene.
Cranial Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Staging of HER2-positive Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Kaplan Muhammet A. , Inal Ali , Kucukoner Mehmet , Urakci Zuhat , Ekici Faysal , Firat Ugur , Zincircioglu Seyit B. , Isikdogan Abdurrahman
Published: March 2013

Aim: The aim of the current study was to evaluate whether early detection of brain metastases (BMs) could improve survival outcomes in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer patients. Material and Methods: HER2-positive breast cancer patients without BMs who had no neurological symptoms within 12 months from diagnosis or relapse time of the disease were included in the study. The patients were distributed into 2 groups: Group 1 comprised patients without metastases; group 2 comprised patients with metastases. The symptomatic historic control group with BMs was defined retrospectively for survival comparisons. Results: 55 (57.3%) and 41 (42.7%) patients were in groups 1 and 2, respectively. 11 of the 96 patients (11.5%) had occult BMs, and 9 of them were in group 2 whereas only 2 patients were in group 1 (22% vs. 3.6%, respectively; p = 0.008). While the median survival times from the first metastasis (28.7 vs. 22.5 months, respectively; p = 0.561) and BM (6.8 vs. 6.1 months, respectively; p = 0.511) were similar, cerebral death was numerically different (16.7% vs. 46.3%; p = 0.221) between asymptomatic (n = 9) and symptomatic patients (n = 53). Conclusions: BMs were detected very rarely in asymptomatic, non-metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer patients compared with asymptomatic, metastatic patients. Furthermore, although early detection of BMs decreases the cerebral death rate, it does not prolong the survival rate in metastatic patients.
Frequency of Computed Tomography Examinations in the Follow-Up Care of Testicular Cancer Patients - an Evaluation of Patterns of Care in Germany
Authors: Rusner Carsten , Stang Andreas , Dieckmann Klaus-Peter , Friedel Heiko
Published: March 2013

Background: Exposure to radiation resulting from diagnostic imaging procedures probably increases late cancer risk. Patterns of care regarding the application of computed tomography (CT) imaging in testicular cancer patients were investigated. Methods: The database of a large German health insurance company comprising 850,000 insured men was searched for cases of testicular cancer arising in the years 2005 and 2006. The number of CT scans applied during a 3-year period of follow-up was noted for each individual patient and the resulting cumulative radiation dose was estimated. The number of CT scans actually observed was compared to guideline recommendations. Results: 177 patients were identified. Within the 3-year observation period, patients received a mean of 4.4 CT scans (standard error: 0.4) whereas a number of 6.2 would have been expected according to contemporary guidelines. Patients were exposed to an estimated total median diagnostic radiation dose of 30 millisieverts (mSv) (interquartile range: 10-54 mSv). Conclusion: There is a considerable gap between recommendation and actual performance regarding the number of CT scans applied to testicular cancer patients. Unfamiliarity of clinicians with guidelines as well as poor acceptance of high numbers of CT scans scheduled may have contributed to create this particular pattern of care.
Dextran sulphate induces fibrinogen receptor activation through a novel Syk-independent PI-3 kinase-mediated tyrosine kinase pathway in platelets
Authors: Getz Todd M. , Manne Bhanu , Buitrago Lorena , Mao Yingying , Kunapuli Satya P.
Published: March 2013

In our attempt to find a physiological agonist that activates PAR3 receptors, we screened several coagulation proteases using PAR4 null platelets. We observed that FXIIa and heat inactivated FXIIa, but not FXII, caused platelet aggregation. We have identified a contaminant activating factor in FXIIa preparation as dextran sulfate (DxS), which caused aggregation of both human and mouse platelets. DxS-induced platelet aggregation was unaffected by YM254890, a Gq inhibitor, but abolished by pan-Src family kinase (SFK) inhibitor PP2, suggesting a role for SFKs in this pathway. However, DxS-induced platelet aggregation was unaffected in FcRγ-chain null murine platelets, ruling out the possibility of glycoprotein VI-mediated events. More interesting, OXSI-2 and Go6976, two structurally unrelated inhibitors shown to affect Syk, had only a partial effect on DxS-induced PAC-1 binding. DxS-induced platelet aggregation and intracellular calcium increases were abolished by the pan PI-3 kinase inhibitor LY294002, or an isoform-specific PI-3 kinase β inhibitor TGX-221. Pretreatment of platelets with Syk inhibitors or ADP receptor antagonists had little effect on Akt phosphorylation following DxS stimulation. These results, for the first time, establish a novel tyrosine kinase pathway in platelets that causes fibrinogen receptor activation in a PI-3 kinase-dependent manner without a crucial role for Syk.
The electrolytic inferior vena cava model (EIM) to study thrombogenesis and thrombus resolution with continuous blood flow in the mouse
Authors: Alvarado Christine M. , Wrobleski Shirley K. , Slack Dallas W. , Hawley Angela E. , Farris Diana M. , Henke Peter K. , Wakefield Thomas W. , Myers Daniel D. , Diaz Jose A.
Published: March 2013

Previously, we presented the electrolytic inferior vena cava (IVC) model (EIM) during acute venous thrombosis (VT). Here, we present our evaluation of the EIM for chronic VT time points in order to determine whether this model allows for the study of thrombus resolution. C57BL/6 mice (n=191) were utilised. In this model a copper-wire, inserted into a 25-gauge needle, is placed in the distal IVC and another subcutaneously. An electrical current (250 Amp/15 minutes) activates the endothelial cells, inducing thrombogenesis. Ultrasound, thrombus weight (TW), vein wall leukocyte counts, vein wall thickness/ fibrosis scoring, thrombus area and soluble P-selectin (sP-sel) were performed at baseline, days 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 11 and 14, post EIM. A correlation between TW and sP-sel was also determined. A thrombus formed in each mouse undergoing EIM. Blood flow was documented by ultrasound at all time points. IVC thrombus size increased up to day 2 and then decreased over time, as shown by ultrasound, TW, and sP-sel levels. TW and sP-sel showed a strong positive correlation (r=0.48, p<0.0002). Vein wall neutrophils were the most common cell type present in acute VT (up to day 2) with monocytes becoming the most prevalent in chronic VT (from day 6 to day 14). Thrombus resolution was demonstrated by ultrasound, TW and thrombus area. In conclusion, the EIM produces a non-occlusive and consistent IVC thrombus, in the presence of constant blood flow, allowing for the study of VT at both acute and chronic time points. Thrombus resolution was demonstrated by all modalities utilised in this study.

Note: Results were presented, in part, at the 24th American Venous Forum Annual Meeting 2012 in Orlando, FL, USA.
Unique Cardiac Purkinje Fiber Transient Outward Current β-Subunit Composition
Authors: Xiao Ling , Koopmann Tamara T. , Ördög Balázs , Postema Pieter G. , Verkerk Arie O. , Iyer Vivek , Sampson Kevin J. , Boink Gerard J.J. , Mamarbachi Maya A. , Varro Andras , Jordaens Luc , Res Jan , Kass Robert S. , Wilde Arthur A. , Bezzina C.R. , Nattel Stanley
Published: March 2013

Rationale:

A chromosomal haplotype producing cardiac overexpression of dipeptidyl peptidase-like protein-6 (DPP6) causes familial idiopathic ventricular fibrillation. The molecular basis of transient outward current (
I
to
) in Purkinje fibers (PFs) is poorly understood. We hypothesized that DPP6 contributes to PF
I
to
and that its overexpression might specifically alter PF
I
to
properties and repolarization.

Objective:

To assess the potential role of DPP6 in PF
I
to
.

Methods and Results:

Clinical data in 5 idiopathic ventricular fibrillation patients suggested arrhythmia origin in the PF-conducting system. PF and ventricular muscle
I
to
had similar density, but PF
I
to
differed from ventricular muscle in having tetraethylammonium sensitivity and slower recovery. DPP6 overexpression significantly increased, whereas DPP6 knockdown reduced,
I
to
density and tetraethylammonium sensitivity in canine PF but not in ventricular muscle cells. The K
+
-channel interacting β-subunit K
+
-channel interacting protein type-2, essential for normal expression of
I
to
in ventricular muscle, was weakly expressed in human PFs, whereas DPP6 and frequenin (neuronal calcium sensor-1) were enriched. Heterologous expression of Kv4.3 in Chinese hamster ovary cells produced small
I
to
;
I
to
amplitude was greatly enhanced by coexpression with K
+
-channel interacting protein type-2 or DPP6. Coexpression of DPP6 with Kv4.3 and K
+
-channel interacting protein type-2 failed to alter
I
to
compared with Kv4.3/K
+
-channel interacting protein type-2 alone, but DPP6 expression with Kv4.3 and neuronal calcium sensor-1 (to mimic PF
I
to
composition) greatly enhanced
I
to
compared with Kv4.3/neuronal calcium sensor-1 and recapitulated characteristic PF kinetic/pharmacological properties. A mathematical model of cardiac PF action potentials showed that
I
to
enhancement can greatly accelerate PF repolarization.

Conclusions:

These results point to a previously unknown central role of DPP6 in PF
I
to
, with DPP6 gain of function selectively enhancing PF current, and suggest that a DPP6-mediated PF early-repolarization syndrome might be a novel molecular paradigm for some forms of idiopathic ventricular fibrillation.
Pregnancy Loss and Later Risk of Atherosclerotic Disease
Authors: Ranthe Mattis Flyvholm , Andersen Elisabeth A. Wreford , Wohlfahrt Jan , Bundgaard Henning , Melbye Mads , Boyd Heather A.
Published: March 2013

Background—

Pregnancy losses and atherosclerotic disease may be etiologically linked through underlying pathology. We examined whether miscarriage and stillbirth increase later risk of myocardial infarction, cerebral infarction, and renovascular hypertension.

Methods and Results—

Among women pregnant at least once between 1977 and 2008, we identified a cohort of women with miscarriages, stillbirths, or live singleton births. These women were followed from the end of pregnancy for incident myocardial infarction, cerebral infarction, and renovascular hypertension. Using Poisson regression, we estimated incidence rate ratios for each of the outcomes by history of miscarriage and stillbirth. Among 1 031 279 women followed for >15 928 900 person-years, we identified 27 98 myocardial infarctions, 40 53 cerebral infarctions, and 1269 instances of renovascular hypertension. Women with stillbirths had 2.69 (95% confidence interval, 2.06–3.50), 1.74 (1.32–2.28), and 2.42 (1.59–3.69) times the rates of myocardial infarction, cerebral infarction, and renovascular hypertension, respectively, as women with no stillbirths. Compared with women with no miscarriages, women with miscarriages had 1.13 (1.03–1.24), 1.16 (1.07–1.25), and 1.20 (1.05–1.38) times the rates of these same outcomes, respectively; these associations were dose dependent, with each additional miscarriage increasing the rates of myocardial and cerebral infarction and renovascular hypertension by 9% (3% to 16%), 13% (7% to 19%), and 19% (9% to 30%), respectively. Associations were strongest in younger women (<35 years).

Conclusions—

Pregnancy losses were associated with subsequent risks of myocardial infarction, cerebral infarction, and renovascular hypertension, consistent with either shared etiology or the initiation of pathological processes by a pregnancy loss leading to atherosclerosis.
A new species of Noblella (Anura: Craugastoridae) from the Amazonian Slopes of the Ecuadorian Andes with Comments on Noblella lochites (Lynch)
Authors: HARVEY MICHAEL B. , ALMENDÁRIZ ANA , M. JORGE BRITO , R. DIEGO BATALLAS
Published: March 2013

We describe a new species of Noblella from wet, montane forest at the Sardinayacu Lake Complex between 1600–1920 m elevation in Morona Santiago, Ecuador. The new species differs from congeners in having three phalanges in the fourth finger, finely tuberculate skin on the dorsal body, pointed digital tips with marginal grooves on the fingers, a yellow to pale yellow venter, and a reduced facial mask not extending beyond the arm. The new species also lacks the pair of inguinal spots on the dorsal flanks of most congeners. Since its discovery in 1976, N. lochites has remained poorly known. We describe variation, color in life, and basic ecology of N. lochites based on a large series from the Cordillera del Condor.
Description of the male of Sebasthetops omaliniformis Jäch, 1998 —a phylogenetically isolated water beetle from South Africa, with notes on its ecology (Coleoptera, Hydraenidae)
Authors: BILTON DAVID T.
Published: March 2013

Sebasthetops omaliniformis Jäch, 1998, is a morphologically aberrant hydraenid, known from two female specimens collected from the Western Cape of South Africa in 1988. Recent fieldwork has resulted in the rediscovery of the species, close to the type locality. The male of S. omaliniformis is described from this material, and the opportunity taken to publish a record of Sebasthetops from the Langeberg, where it was collected in 1979. S. omaliniformis lives in deep water riffles in the upper reaches of mountain streams, and is strongly brachypterous. Like a number of other running-water insects known from theCape fold mountains the species appears to have a narrow geographical and ecological range, deserving of high conservation status.
Parapleisticantha Yokoya, 1933, a valid genus of deep-sea inachid spider crab from Japan and the Philippines (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura: Majoidea), with the description of a new species
Authors: DE FORGES BERTRAND RICHER , NG PETER K.L. , AHYONG SHANE T.
Published: March 2013

The inachid spider crab genus, Parapleisticantha Yokoya, 1933 [type species: Parapleisticantha japonica Yokoya, 1933] is removed from the synonymy of Pleistacantha Miers, 1879 [type species: Pleistacantha sanctijohannis Miers, 1879], and recognised as a valid genus. Parapleisticantha differs from Pleistacantha sensu stricto primarily by having a less spiny carapace, stouter and more inflated male chelipeds, and by lacking a slender subdistal process on the male first gonopod. We redescribe Parapleisticantha japonica based on the Japanese type material and describe as new a second species, Parapleisticantha ludivinae n. sp., recently discovered in thePhilippines.
The genus Adicella McLachlan (Trichoptera, Leptoceridae) in Japan
Authors: ITO TOMIKO , KUHARA NAOTOSHI , KATSUMA NOBUYUKI
Published: March 2013

The Japanese species of the genus Adicella McLachlan (Trichoptera, Leptoceridae) are reviewed and confirmed, including a described species and 3 new species: A. makaria Malicky & Chantaramongkol 2002, originally described from Taiwan, A. trichotoma Ito & Kuhara sp. nov., A. paludicola Ito & Kuhara sp. nov., and A. strigillata Katsuma & Ito sp. nov. For clear comparisons, adults of all species are redescribed or described.