bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TheArabidopsisMediator complex subunitsMED14/SWPandMED16/SFR6/IEN1 differentially regulate defense gene expression in plant immune responses
Authors: Zhang Xudong , Yao Jin , Zhang Yanping , Sun Yijun , Mou Zhonglin
Published: April 2013

Pathogen infection in plants triggers large‐scale transcriptional changes, both locally and systemically. Emerging evidence suggests that theArabidopsisMediator complex plays a crucial role in these transcriptional changes. Mediator is highly conserved in eukaryotes, and its core comprises more than 20 subunits organized into three modules named head, middle and tail. The head and middle modules interact with general transcription factors andRNApolymerase II, whereas the tail module associates with activators, and signals through the head and middle modules to the basal transcription machinery. In Arabidopsis, three tail module subunits,MED14,MED15 andMED16, have been identified. BothMED15 andMED16 have been implicated in plant immunity, but the role ofMED14 has not been established. Here, we report the characterization of an Arabidopsis T–DNAinsertion mutant of theMED14gene. Similarly to themed15and/ormed16mutations, themed14mutation significantly suppresses salicylic acid‐induced defense responses, alters transcriptional changes induced by the avirulent bacterial pathogenPseudomonas syringaepv.tomato(Pst)DC3000/avrRpt2, and renders plants susceptible to bothPstDC3000/avrRpt2andPstDC3000. Themed14mutation also completely compromises biological induction of systemic acquired resistance (SAR), indicating that the tail module as a whole is essential forSAR. Interestingly, unlike themed16mutation, which differentially affects expression of severalSARpositive and negative regulators,med14inhibits induction of a large group of defense genes, including bothSARpositive and negative regulators, suggesting that individual subunits of the Mediator tail module employ distinct mechanisms to regulate plant immune responses.
IMAGING DIAGNOSIS—PULMONARY ALVEOLAR PROTEINOSIS IN A DOG
Authors: Cummings Annelise C. , Spaulding Kathy A. , Scott Katherine D. , Edwards John F.
Published: April 2013

A young dog was presented for cyanosis and right heart failure. Radiographic and CT characteristics included right heart/pulmonary artery enlargement, hepatomegaly, abdominal effusion, and severe, generalized air‐space filling. Focal increased opacities were present in the peripheral lung, as were multiple pulmonary blebs and bullae. Echocardiographic findings were consistent with cor pulmonale and pulmonary hypertension. Bronchoscopic findings were consistent with chronic inflammation. Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) was confirmed at necropsy. Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis is an interstitial lung disease that results in accumulation of phospholipoproteinaceous material and should be included as a differential diagnosis for dogs with these clinical and imaging characteristics.
Value of an automatic external defibrillator printout as a diagnostic tool after successful AED use on a child
Authors: van Sambeeck S J , van Gent R , Schroër C , Halbertsma F J J
Published: April 2013

A 6-year-old girl without any medical history experienced a drowning incident for a duration of 2 min, according to witnesses. This was followed by cardiopulmonary resuscitation, during which the automatic external defibrillator (AED) detected a shockable rhythm and subsequently delivered a single electroshock. At the time of admission, her medical history was unclear, and as her chest had been wet, it was not clear if the AED had been capable of correctly analysing the rhythm. The AED printout, however, revealed ventricular fibrillation (VF), which proved to be a primary cardiac cause at the time of the incident. This case report confirms the assumption that the AED can adequately perform rhythm analysis on children and convert VF into sinus rhythm. Moreover, the AED printout can provide information about the rhythm that is necessary for the diagnosis of an underlying cardiac disease.
Vomiting gallstones as a presenting feature of small bowel obstruction secondary to inflammatory stricture
Authors: McGowan David Ross , Norris Joseph M , Zia Khawaja
Published: April 2013

Patients presenting with symptoms caused by gallstones are common on a surgical take. Understanding the different ways in which this common condition can present is important to enable the correct diagnosis and thus management plan. The immediate management of gallstones depends on the presenting features and can range from analgesia to surgical intervention. Obstructive cases require intervention, either by ERCP or surgery; the non-obstructive cases are usually left to settle before an elective operation at a later date. In surgery, the presence of a clinical sign where it ‘should not be’ can be a sign of another underlying pathology and this is the embodiment of surgery—to assimilate seemingly disparate pieces of information and act in a way to treat the cause. This case study highlights a rare presentation of one disease state, in vomiting of gallstones, that raised the diagnosis of another pathology, a small bowel obstruction.
Primary cardiac sarcoma after breast cancer
Authors: Ramalho Joana , Nunes Sandra , Marques Irene , Marques Franklim
Published: April 2013

Primary cardiac sarcomas are rare tumours carrying poor prognosis. Postradiation sarcoma has been reported in patients with breast, cervical and head and neck cancers. We report a case of a 56-year-old woman with stage IIA breast cancer diagnosed in 1997, submitted to mastectomy, adjuvant chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormonotherapy. Pulmonary metastasis were detected in 2008 and treated with chemotherapy and hormonotherapy, being in complete remission since August 2009. She was admitted in December 2009 with a 3-week history of fever, dyspnoea, polyarthralgias and leg oedema. An echocardiography showed a mass in the left atrium. She was submitted to a surgical tumour resection and the histology revealed a sarcoma of intermediate degree of differentiation. Chemoradiation therapy was started and she remains alive after 3 years, without tumour regrowth or metastasis. This case is a therapeutic challenge, because the previous therapies for breast cancer hampered the options for extra chemoradiation therapy.
Severe necrotic oesophageal and gastric ulceration associated with dabigatran
Authors: Singh Saurabh , Savage Louis , Klein Martin , Thomas Cherian
Published: April 2013

A 69-year-old Caucasian man, who had been discharged 2 days previously, 5 days post-elective right total hip replacement, was re-admitted with a 16 h history of coffee-ground vomiting and epigastric pain. He had been discharged with 220 mg dabigatran, a novel oral anticoagulant. The coffee-ground vomiting started within minutes of taking the first dose. Haemodynamic compromise, agitation, decreasing conscious level and aspiration pneumonia necessitated intubation, ventilation and inotropic support in the intensive care unit. A CT on admission showed extensive intramural air seen within the lower oesophagus and a dilated stomach, duodenum and jejunum. Endoscopy of the upper gastrointestinal tract showed extensive ulceration, sloughing and multiple areas of necrosis in the distal oesophagus and stomach. The patient made a fully recovery with supportive management.
Brucella endocarditis: an occupational hazard!
Authors: Agarwal Sanjeev Kumar , Rajani Ali Raza , Hussain Kosar , Dande Mangesh Manoharrao
Published: April 2013

A young man presented with a 2-month history of fever and malaise. Cardiac auscultation revealed the presence of a diastolic murmur. Subsequently, a cardiac echocardiogram was done, which showed a large vegetation adherent to an anterior mitral leaflet. The blood culture was positive for Brucella species. The patient was given antibiotic therapy for brucellosis and referred for surgery. Brucella endocarditis is one of the rarest, yet most notorious complications of this infection. This condition requires a high degree of clinical suspicion in order to facilitate prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Rectal volvulus following laparoscopic left hemicolectomy
Authors: Sutton Paul Anthony , Lee Han Sian , Din Islah , Vimalachandran Dale
Published: April 2013

A 60-year-old lady with a history of Dukes B2 (T3N0M0) colorectal cancer presented some 2 years following a laparoscopic left hemicolectomy with a 4-day history of absolute constipation. A plain radiograph demonstrated large bowel obstruction, and subsequent CT of the abdomen showed the level of the obstruction to be at the rectum. Initially the aetiology was believed to be recurrence at the site of the anastomosis; however, subsequent review of the imaging and indeed endoscopic examination of the rectum showed it to be volvulus. This was initially treated with endoscopic decompression and later by the insertion of a flatus tube to good effect. The patient was discharged 3 days later with no recurrence of her symptoms at 2 months.
Epstein-Barr virus-associated cerebellar ataxia
Authors: Ali Khalid , Lawthom Charlotte
Published: April 2013

Cerebellar ataxia is a common neurological presentation. It can be acute, subacute or chronic. Neurological complications of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) are well-recognised with a variety of presentations. Acute cerebellar ataxia is a rare, but an established complication. It has been described as the sole manifestation of EBV infection without the systemic features of infectious mononucleosis. The pathophysiology is not clear. The course of the illness may last for a few months with a benign outcome, though serious complications can happen. We present a case of a 38-year-old man who presented with an acute cerebellar ataxia owing to EBV infection, along with a review of the literature.
Cervical tourniquet in case of uncontrollable haemorrhage during caesarean section owing to a placenta accreta
Authors: Huijgen Q C A , Gijsen A F , Hink E , Van Kesteren P J M
Published: April 2013

This case report describes a 38-year-old woman in whom a primary caesarean section for placenta previa was complicated by postpartum haemorrhage due to a placenta accreta. Despite tamponade with a Bakri balloon and placement of a B-Lynch suture, the amount of blood loss could not be effectively reduced. The blood loss was eventually minimised by the placement of a Penrose drain around the cervix as a cervical tourniquet. We think that a cervical tourniquet is an effective method of stopping haemorrhage during caesarean section, as shown in this case report, and we consider this technique to be a valuable addition to several existing methods through which fertility is preserved by preventing emergency hysterectomy.
Thyroid papillary carcinoma arising in ectopic thyroid tissue within a branchial cleft cyst
Authors: Karras Spyridon , Anagnostis Panagiotis , Noussios George , Pontikides Nikolaos
Published: April 2013

Ectopic thyroid tissue comprises a rare clinical entity which can clinically manifest with the whole spectrum of thyroid disorders, including thyroid malignancy. Thyroid carcinoma arising in ectopic thyroid tissue is extremely rare, with only a few cases described in the literature so far. We present a very unusual case of a primary papillary thyroid carcinoma arising in a left lateral branchial cyst, describing our diagnostic and therapeutic approach for this uncommon clinical entity. This is the first case where recombinant thyrotropin was used along with radioiodine treatment in primary ectopic thyroid cancer.
Progressive outer retinal necrosis: a missed diagnosis and a blind, young woman
Authors: Parekh Parth , Oldfield Edward C , Marik Paul E
Published: April 2013

We present a 33-year-old woman with a history significant for HIV/AIDS (CD4 count of 17) and diabetes mellitus who was diagnosed as having progressive outer retinal necrosis (PORN) after presenting with peripheral vision loss. This case provided a diagnostic challenge and demonstrates the devastating effects of a misdiagnosis as it pertains to PORN.
Paradichlorobenzene (toxin)-induced leucoencephalopathy
Authors: Buckman Francis
Published: April 2013

A 40-year-old woman with a history of polysubstance abuse, hypertension, depression and anxiety with panic attacks admitted to the emergency room at the request of her primary physician owing to progressive decline in her mental status associated with anorexia and generalised pruritic skin rashes. Initial outpatient workup and that during two previous hospital admissions including thyroid function and syphilis tests, urine toxicology screen and brain imaging studies were unremarkable. Repeat MRI of the brain during her third hospital admission showed diffuse periventricular and white matter disease. This prompted further questioning of family members which revealed chronic ingestion of mothballs and toilet cakes containing paradichlorobenzene in the patient leading to toxin-induced leucoencephalopathy consistent with her neurological symptoms of altered mental status, ataxic gait, cogwheel rigidity in the arms and characteristic skin rashes. Subsequently, a feeding tube was placed to address her worsening nutritional status and she was discharged home in a stable state.
Hemispheric venous dysgenesis in a woman presenting with seizures, weakness and parkinsonism
Authors: Das Deep , Tanaka Michihiro , Roy Biman Kanti , Singh Vineeta
Published: April 2013

This report describes an unusual case of a woman who developed progressive hemiparesis, seizures and hemiparkinsonism associated with MRI and angiographic evidence of chronic venous hypertension in the contralateral cerebrum and cerebellum. In the absence of inflammatory or veno-occlusive disorders, the patient's clinical and neuroradiological findings point to a developmental disorder, such as a hemispheric venous dysgenesis, as the underlying lesion.
Silent chronic osteomyelitis lasting for 30 years before outburst of symptoms
Authors: Ahmad Sufian S , Kohl Sandro , Evangelopoulos Dimitrios Stergios , Krüger Andreas
Published: April 2013

A 56-year-old male patient presented with left knee and thigh pain after suffering a knee contusion. History revealed a complex fracture of the distal femur 30 years prior to presentation. Initial blood tests upon admission showed elevated C reactive protein values. Subsequent imaging and biopsies showed a correlate to osteomyelitis, upon which the diagnosis of a late onset osteomyelitis as an outburst of silent chronic osteomyelitis was made. The patient was successfully treated surgically by means of aggressive debridement and discharged after confirmation of negative biopsies.
Prognostic impact of concordant and discordant cytomorphology of bone marrow involvement in patients with diffuse, large, B-cell lymphoma treated with R-CHOP
Authors: Shim Hyoeun , Oh Jae-Il , Park Sang Hyuk , Jang Seongsoo , Park Chan-Jeoung , Huh Jooryung , Suh Cheolwon , Chi Hyun-Sook
Published: April 2013

Background

Bone marrow involvement confers a poor prognosis in patients with diffuse, large, B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). However, the prognostic significance of concordant and discordant bone marrow involvement in these cases differs. We analysed this further in patients treated with R-CHOP (rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone) at a single institute.

Design and Methods

The cytomorphology of bone marrow involvement was evaluated in 632 patients who were diagnosed with DLBCL in primary tissues and had received R-CHOP therapy. Bone marrow trephine biopsies and clot sections were analysed, along with the immunohistochemical analysis of CD20, CD79a and CD3.

Results

Bone marrow involvement was identified in 80 of our DLBCL patient subjects (12.7%). Of these, 32 (40%) showed discordant bone marrow involvement, and 48 (60%) showed concordant involvement. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed that progression-free survival and overall survival was poorer in the concordant group (p<0.001). Multivariate analysis, adjusted for the International Prognostic Index score, showed that concordant involvement was an independent predictor of progression-free survival (p<0.001) and overall survival (p=0.011). Discordant involvement was not a negative prognostic factor independent of the International Prognostic Index.

Conclusions

Prognostication based on bone marrow involvement cytomorphology is a useful indicator of progression-free survival and overall survival, independent of the International Prognostic Index score, in DLBCL patients. Accurate staging based on morphology should thus be included in bone marrow examinations of such cases.
Appetite, energy intake, and PYY3–36 responses to energy-matched continuous exercise and submaximal high-intensity exercise
Authors: Deighton Kevin , Karra Efthimia , Batterham Rachel Louise , Stensel David John
Published: April 2013

High-intensity intermittent exercise induces physiological adaptations similar to energy-matched continuous exercise, but the comparative appetite and energy balance responses are unknown. Twelve healthy males (mean ± SD: age, 22 ± 3 years; body mass index, 23.7 ± 3.0 kg·m−2; maximum oxygen uptake, 52.4 ± 7.1 mL·kg−1·min−1) completed three 8 h trials (control, steady-state exercise (SSE), high-intensity intermittent exercise (HIIE)) separated by 1 week. Trials commenced upon completion of a standardized breakfast. Exercise was performed from hour 2 to hour 3. In SSE, 60 min of cycling at 59.5% ± 1.6% of maximum oxygen uptake was performed. In HIIE, ten 4-min cycling intervals were completed at 85.8% ± 4.0% of maximum oxygen uptake, with a 2-min rest between each interval. A standardized lunch and an ad libitum afternoon meal were provided at hours 3.75 and 7, respectively. Appetite ratings and peptide YY3–36 concentrations were measured throughout each trial. Appetite was acutely suppressed during exercise, but more so during HIIE (p < 0.05). Peptide YY3–36 concentrations increased significantly upon cessation of exercise in SSE (p = 0.002), but were highest in the hours after exercise in HIIE (p = 0.05). Exercise energy expenditure was not different between HIIE and SSE (p = 0.649), but perceived exertion was higher in HIIE (p < 0.0005). Ad libitum energy intake did not differ between trials (p = 0.833). Therefore, relative energy intake (energy intake minus the net energy expenditure of exercise) was lower in the SSE and HIIE trials than in the control trial (control, 4759 ± 1268 kJ; SSE, 2362 ± 1224 kJ; HIIE, 2523 ± 1402 kJ; p < 0.0005). An acute bout of energy-matched continuous exercise and HIIE were equally effective at inducing an energy deficit without stimulating compensatory increases in appetite.
Potentials and costs of climate change mitigation in the Norwegian forest sector — Does choice of policy matter?
Authors: Sjølie Hanne K. , Latta Greg S. , Solberg Birger
Published: April 2013

Forests are important contributors to the global carbon cycle and mitigate climate change through carbon sequestration and the supply of wood that substitutes for fossil fuels and greenhouse gas (GHG)-intensive building materials. However, current climate policies only partially credit forest carbon sequestration and bioenergy policies are handled independently of forestry. Using Norway as a case study, we analyze two sets of simulated carbon tax/subsidy policies, one crediting forest carbon sequestration while maintaining predetermined harvest levels and utilization of wood, and another targeting GHG fluxes in the entire forest industrial sector allowing harvest levels and wood markets to change in response to the policy. Results indicate that GHG emission reduction potentials differ substantially between the two policies, being several times higher for the latter than the former policy at a given carbon price. This suggests that (i) previous research efforts in Europe have not captured the full mitigation potential as they have not included adaptations in the harvest level and the wood market and (ii) climate policies should target GHG fluxes in the entire sector to utilize its potential contribution for mitigating climate change.
Characterization and genus identification of rhizobial symbionts from Caragana arborescens in western Canada
Authors: Moukoumi Judicaël , Hynes Russell K. , Dumonceaux Timothy J. , Town Jennifer , Bélanger Nicolas
Published: April 2013

Naturally occurring nitrogen-fixing symbionts from root nodules of caragana (Caragana arborescens) growing in central Saskatchewan were isolated following surface sterilization of caragana root nodules and squashing and spreading of the contents on yeast extract – mannitol medium. The symbiotic nature of the strains was confirmed following inoculation onto surface-sterilized C. arborescens seed in a gnotobiotic Leonard jar system. The Rhizobium isolates from C. arborescens root nodules were intermediate in generation time (g) (mean g of 5 isolates was 6.41 h) compared with the fast growers, Rhizobium leguminosarum NRG457 (g: 4.44 h), Rhizobium tropici 899 (g: 3.19 h), and Sinorhizobium meliloti BALSAC (g: 3.45 h), but they were faster than the slow-growing Bradyrhizobium japonicum USDA 110 (g: 13.86 h) and similar to Mesorhizobium amorphae (g: 7.76 h). Nitrogen derived from fixation by measuring changes in δ15N natural abundance in plant tissue confirmed the effectiveness of the strains; approximately 80% N2 from fixation. Strain identification was carried out by determining the sequences of 3 genes: 16S rRNA-encoding genes, cpn60, and recA. This analysis determined that the symbiotic partner of Canadian C. arborescens belongs to the genus Mesorhizobium and seems more related to M. loti than to previously described caragana symbionts like M. caraganae. This is the first report of Mesorhizobium sp. nodulating C. arborescens in western Canada.
Tensor coupling and relativistic spin and pseudospin symmetries with the Hellmann potential
Authors: Hamzavi M. , Rajabi A.A.
Published: April 2013

The Hellmann potential is a superposition potential that consists of an attractive Coulomb potential −a/r and Yukawa potential be −δr/r. By using the generalized parametric Nikiforov–Uvarov method, we have studied the approximate analytical solutions of the Dirac equation with the Hellmann potential including a Coulomb-like tensor potential for arbitrary spin–orbit quantum number, κ, under the presence of exact spin and pseudospin (p-spin) symmetries. We show that tensor interaction removes degeneracies between spin and p-spin doublets. As particular cases, we found the energy levels of the nonrelativistic case and also the pure Coulomb potential energy levels.
Astronomical imaging Fourier spectroscopy at far-infrared wavelengths
Authors: Naylor David A. , Gom Brad G. , van der Wiel Matthijs H.D. , Makiwa Gibion
Published: April 2013

The principles and practice of astronomical imaging Fourier transform spectroscopy (FTS) at far-infrared wavelengths are described. The Mach–Zehnder (MZ) interferometer design has been widely adopted for current and future imaging FTS instruments; we compare this design with two other common interferometer formats. Examples of three instruments based on the MZ design are presented. The techniques for retrieving astrophysical parameters from the measured spectra are discussed using calibration data obtained with the Herschel–SPIRE instrument. The paper concludes with an example of imaging spectroscopy obtained with the SPIRE FTS instrument.
Leptin-activity blockers: development and potential use in experimental biology and medicine
Authors: Gertler Arieh , Solomon Gili
Published: April 2013

The first adipokine, leptin, discovered almost 20 years ago, is secreted into circulation mainly from adipose tissue and acts both centrally and peripherally. Leptin regulates energy metabolism, reproductive function, bone metabolism, and immune response. However in some physiological or pathological situations such as enhancement of undesired immune responses in autoimmune diseases, tumorigenesis, elevated blood pressure, and certain cardiovascular pathologies, leptin activity may be harmful. In this review we screen different approaches to blocking leptin action, in vitro and in vivo. The recent development of superactive leptin muteins exhibiting antagonistic properties, and other leptin-action-blocking peptides, proteins, monoclonal antibodies, and nanobodies, opens new perspectives for their use in research, and eventually, therapy for cachexia, autoimmune disease, cancer, and other pathologies.
A Simplified 3D Model of Whole Heart Electrical Activity and 12-Lead ECG Generation
Authors: Sovilj Siniša , Magjarević Ratko , Lovell Nigel H. , Dokos Socrates
Published: April 2013

We present a computationally efficient three-dimensional bidomain model of torso-embedded whole heart electrical activity, with spontaneous initiation of activation in the sinoatrial node, incorporating a specialized conduction system with heterogeneous action potential morphologies throughout the heart. The simplified geometry incorporates the whole heart as a volume source, with heart cavities, lungs, and torso as passive volume conductors. We placed four surface electrodes at the limbs of the torso: , , and and six electrodes on the chest to simulate the Einthoven, Goldberger-augmented and precordial leads of a standard 12-lead system. By placing additional seven electrodes at the appropriate torso positions, we were also able to calculate the vectorcardiogram of the Frank lead system. Themodel was able to simulate realistic electrocardiogram (ECG) morphologies for the 12 standard leads, orthogonal , , and leads, as well as the vectorcardiogram under normal and pathological heart states. Thus, simplified and easy replicable 3D cardiac bidomain model offers a compromise between computational load and model complexity and can be used as an investigative tool to adjust cell, tissue, and whole heart properties, such as setting ischemic lesions or regions of myocardial infarction, to readily investigate their effects on whole ECG morphology.
Generalised Adaptive Harmony Search: A Comparative Analysis of Modern Harmony Search
Authors: Fourie Jaco , Green Richard , Geem Zong Woo
Published: April 2013

Harmony search (HS) was introduced in 2001 as a heuristic population-based optimisation algorithm. Since then HS has become a popular alternative to other heuristic algorithms like simulated annealing and particle swarm optimisation. However, some flaws, like the need for parameter tuning, were identified and have been a topic of study for much research over the last 10 years. Many variants of HS were developed to address some of these flaws, and most of them have made substantial improvements. In this paper we compare the performance of three recent HS variants: exploratory harmony search, self-adaptive harmony search, and dynamic local-best harmony search. We compare the accuracy of these algorithms, using a set of well-known optimisation benchmark functions that include both unimodal and multimodal problems. Observations from this comparison led us to design a novel hybrid that combines the best attributes of these modern variants into a single optimiser called generalised adaptive harmony search.
The Effects of Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitors on Cardiovascular Disease Risks in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Yousefzadeh Pegah , Wang Xiangbing
Published: April 2013

Objective. To review the current literature investigating the effects of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors on the risk factors of cardiovascular disease (CVD).Methods. We conducted a search of PubMed and MEDLINE database, using the term DPP-4 inhibitor in combination with the following terms: metabolic syndrome, hypertension, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, obesity, and CVD. We reviewed 100 relevant studies out of 227 articles, excluding single case reports, studies using animal models, and reports not written in English. We included 38 references in this review article.Results. The majority of the recent clinical studies have demonstrated that DPP-4 inhibitors have beneficial effects on cardiovascular (CV) system. These agents may have the potential to lower blood pressure, improve lipid profile and endothelial dysfunction, decrease the macrophage-mediated inflammatory response, and prevent myocardial injury.Conclusion. DPP-4 inhibitors have some CV protective effects in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in addition to their antidiabetic actions. Long-term outcome clinical trials are under way to investigate the effects of the DPP-4 inhibitors on the elevated CV risks in patients with T2DM. Further investigation in a large cohort is warranted to assess the exact mechanisms of CV protective effects of DPP-4 inhibitors.
Forming Mechanism and Correction of CT Image Artifacts Caused by the Errors of Three System Parameters
Authors: Chen Ming , Li Gang
Published: April 2013

We know that three system parameters, a center of X-ray source, an isocenter, and a center of linear detectors, are very difficult to be calibrated in industrial CT system. So there are often the offset of an isocenter and the deflection of linear detectors. When still using the FBP (filtered backprojection) algorithm under this condition, CT image artifacts will happen and then can seriously affect test results. In this paper, we give the appearances and forming mechanism of these artifacts and propose the reconstruction algorithm including a deflection angle of linear detectors. The numerical experiments with simulated data have validated that our propose algorithm can correct CT images artifacts without data rebinning.
Robust Sounds of Activities of Daily Living Classification in Two-Channel Audio-Based Telemonitoring
Authors: Maunder David , Epps Julien , Ambikairajah Eliathamby , Celler Branko
Published: April 2013

Despite recent advances in the area of home telemonitoring, the challenge of automatically detecting the sound signatures of activities of daily living of an elderly patient using nonintrusive and reliable methods remains. This paper investigates the classification of eight typical sounds of daily life from arbitrarily positioned two-microphone sensors under realistic noisy conditions. In particular, the role of several source separation and sound activity detection methods is considered. Evaluations on a new four-microphone database collected under four realistic noise conditions reveal that effective sound activity detection can produce significant gains in classification accuracy and that further gains can be made using source separation methods based on independent component analysis. Encouragingly, the results show that recognition accuracies in the range 70%–100% can be consistently obtained using different microphone-pair positions, under all but the most severe noise conditions.
Gas-Producing Renal Infection Presenting as Pneumaturia: A Case Report
Authors: Tanagho Youssef S. , Mobley Jonathan M. , Benway Brian M. , Desai Alana C.
Published: April 2013

We present a case of persistent pneumaturia of one-year duration in a fifty-five-year-old male with a history of spinal cord injury. The evaluation demonstrated gas throughout the collecting system attributable to a urinary tract infection with a gas-forming organism,Klebsiella pneumoniae.
Efficient Periodic Broadcasting for Mobile Networks at Small Client Receiving Bandwidth and Buffering Space
Authors: Yu Hsiang-Fu , Wang Yao-Tien , Kuo Jong-Yih , Chien Chu-Yi
Published: April 2013

Periodic broadcasting is an effective approach for delivering popular videos. In general, this approach does not provide interactive (i.e., VCR) functions, and thus a client can tolerate playback latency from a video server. The concept behind the approach is partitioning a video into multiple segments, which are then broadcast across individual communication channels in terms of IP multicast. The method improves system throughput by allowing numerous clients to share the channels. For many broadcasting schemes, client receiving bandwidth must equal server broadcasting bandwidth. This limitation causes these schemes to be infeasible in mobile networks because increasing receiving bandwidth at all client sites is expensive, as well as difficult. To alleviate this problem, the fibonacci broadcasting (FiB) scheme allows a client with only two-channel bandwidth to receive video segments. In comparison with other similar schemes, FiB yields smallest waiting time. Extending FiB, this work proposes a new scheme (called FiB+) to achieve smaller client buffering space and the same waiting time under two-channel receiving bandwidth. Extensive analysis shows that FiB+ can yield 34.5% smaller client buffer size than that of FiB. Further simulation results also indicate that FiB+ requires lower client buffering space than several previous schemes.
Mean-Square Exponential Synchronization of Stochastic Complex Dynamical Networks with Switching Topology by Impulsive Control
Authors: Wu Xuefei , Xu Chen
Published: April 2013

This paper investigates the mean-square exponential synchronization issues of delayed stochastic complex dynamical networks with switching topology and impulsive control. By using the Lyapunov functional method, impulsive control theory, and linear matrix inequality (LMI) approaches, some sufficient conditions are derived to guarantee the mean-square exponential synchronization of delay complex dynamical network with switch topology, which are independent of the network size and switch topology. Numerical simulations are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the obtained results in the end.
Aortic Arch Thrombosis Mimicking Interrupted Aortic Arch
Authors: Neal Richard , Mattishent Katharina , Reynolds Fiona
Published: April 2013

We report a case of a 32-week-gestation male who presented initially with symptoms suggestive of an interrupted aortic arch. The absence of a VSD prompted further investigations, including a CT angiogram, which revealed that he had an extensive thrombus in his aorta. He underwent a successful aortic thrombectomy with arch repair on cardiopulmonary bypass support. In view of the extensive thrombus, the patient was referred to the haematology team. There was no family history of prothrombotic tendencies.
Implementation of a Zero-Forcing Precoding Algorithm Combined with Adaptive Beamforming Based on WiMAX System
Authors: Yang Hyunwook , Choi Seungwon
Published: April 2013

We propose a novel precoding algorithm that is a zero-forcing (ZF) method combined with adaptive beamforming in the Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) system. In a Multiuser Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MU-MIMO) system, ZF is used to eliminate the Multiple Access Interference (MAI) in order to allow several users to share a common resource. The adaptive beamforming algorithm is used to achieve the desired SNR gain. The experimental system consists of a WiMAX base station that has 2 MIMO elements, each of which is composed of three-array antennas and two mobile terminals, each of which has a single antenna. Through computer simulations, we verified that the proposed method outperforms the conventional ZF method by at least 2.4 dB when the BER is 0.1%, or 1.7 dB when the FER is 1%, in terms of the SNR. Through a hardware implementation of the proposed method, we verified the feasibility of the proposed method for realizing a practical WiMAX base station to utilize the channel resources as efficiently as possible.
Implicit and Explicit Second Language Training Recruit Common Neural Mechanisms for Syntactic Processing
Authors: Batterink Laura , Neville Helen
Published: April 2013

In contrast to native language acquisition, adult second-language (L2) acquisition occurs under highly variable learning conditions. Although most adults acquire their L2 at least partially through explicit instruction, as in a classroom setting, many others acquire their L2 primarily through implicit exposure, as is typical of an immersion environment. Whether these differences in acquisition environment play a role in determining the neural mechanisms that are ultimately recruited to process L2 grammar has not been well characterized. This study investigated this issue by comparing the ERP response to novel L2 syntactic rules acquired under conditions of implicit exposure and explicit instruction, using a novel laboratory language-learning paradigm. Native speakers tested on these stimuli showed a biphasic response to syntactic violations, consisting of an earlier negativity followed by a later P600 effect. After merely an hour of training, both implicitly and explicitly trained learners who were capable of detecting grammatical violations also elicited P600 effects. In contrast, learners who were unable to discriminate between grammatically correct and incorrect sentences did not show significant P600 effects. The magnitude of the P600 effect was found to correlate with learners' behavioral proficiency. Behavioral measures revealed that successful learners from both the implicit and explicit groups gained explicit, verbalizable knowledge about the L2 grammar rules. Taken together, these results indicate that late, controlled mechanisms indexed by the P600 play a crucial role in processing a late-learned L2 grammar, regardless of training condition. These findings underscore the remarkable plasticity of later, attention-dependent processes and their importance in lifelong learning.
A Feminist Pentecostal Theological Anthropology: North America and Beyond
Authors: Stephenson Lisa P.
Published: April 2013

Abstract

In this article I focus on developing a feminist Pentecostal theological anthropology that can benefit Pentecostal women. I begin by highlighting various Pentecostal scholars whose anthropologies adopt the approaches of the imago Dei (a theo-logical approach) and the imago Christi (a christological approach). For all the merits that these two approaches have, they are ultimately inadequate on their own for Pentecostals as they have been presented thus far, because they lack a strong pneumatological component. Therefore, I expand the traditional theo-logical and christological approaches by highlighting the role of the Spirit in constituting the imago Dei and imago Christi, and by articulating a third way, the imago Spiritus, which enables pneumatology to stand on its own as a further approach to affirming women’s full humanity. I conclude by highlighting some of the issues Pentecostal women face globally and note how this anthropology can be beneficial for Pentecostal women worldwide.
A new species of Philodendron (Araceae) and a key to Brazilian Atlantic Forest species of P. subgenus Pteromischum
Authors: CALAZANS LUANA S.B. , SAKURAGUI CASSIA M.
Published: April 2013

This paper describes and illustrates a new Philodendron subgenus Pteromischum species from Espírito Santo State, in Southeastern Brazil, including information on its conservation in a high priority area for conservation of the Atlantic Forest. The work also includes a key to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest species of the subgenus.
Flacourtia turbinata (Salicaceae: Flacourtieae), a new species from Yunnan, China
Authors: DONG HONGJIN , PENG HUA
Published: April 2013

A new species of Flacourtia from Yingjiang, SW Yunnan, China, bordering with Burma, is described and illustrated. Flacourtia turbinata is similar to F. jangomas in leaf and flower shape, but can be easily distinguished for its triplinerved leaf venation, extraordinary long sepals, turbinate fruit and pubescent leaves and twigs when young.
Scleractinia (Cnidaria: Anthozoa) from ECOMARG 2003, 2008 and 2009 expeditions to bathyal waters off north and northwest Spain (northeast Atlantic)
Authors: ALTUNA ÁLVARO
Published: April 2013

Nineteen species of deep-water scleractinian corals were collected at depths between 488–1222 m during ECOMARG 2003, 2008 and 2009 expeditions to the Avilés Canyon system, Le Danois Bank (‘el Cachucho’), and Galicia Bank (north-east Atlantic). Eighteen of them were identified to species. All are previously known from the northeast Atlantic, although several are seldom reported (e.g., Aulocyathus atlanticus, Balanophyllia thalassae, Dendrophyllia alternata, Stephanocy-athus crassus). Records of Deltocyathus eccentricus and Flabellum chunii constitute northern range extensions. Six spe-cies (Caryophyllia sarsiae, Stephanocyathus crassus, Flabellum chunii, Flabellum macandrewi, Dendrophyllia alternata, Balanophyllia cellulosa) were recorded outside their previously known bathymetric ranges in the Bay of Biscay and near-by areas. Dendrophyllia alternata, Deltocyathus eccentricus and Stephanocyathus crassus are new to the “West coast of Spain and Portugal” region, here considered of high biodiversity. The bank-building species Lophelia pertusa and Madrepora oculata were abundant on Galicia Bank, and the latter was as well in the Avilés Canyon system. Both were exceedingly rare on Le Danois Bank. Among all species identified, Madrepora oculata was the most common (11 stations). The number of species collected was higher on Le Danois Bank (13 species) than on Galicia Bank (12 species) and in the Avilés Canyon system (3 species), although results may be related to sampling effort. From a literature review and new records presented herein, numbers of species known from each of the three areas total 23, 12, and 18 respectively.
A detailed description of Simulium (Meilloniellum) adersi (Pomeroy) from Mayotte, Comoro islands, with comments on bionomics and biogeography (Diptera: Simuliidae)
Authors: CRAIG DOUGLAS A. , MARY-SASAL NATHALIE
Published: April 2013

All stages of Simulium (Meilloniellum) adersi (Pomeroy) from Mayotte, Comoro archipelago are described in detail. This species is widespread on the African mainland and in Madagascar; morphological divergences from African material point towards the Mayotte entity being a separate, but closely related species. Biology of the species overall is reviewed and brief comments are made regarding habitats and biogeography of the Mayotte material.
New species of Nuuanu (Amphipoda: Nuuanuidae) from Norfolk Island, Torres Strait and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Authors: HUGHES L. E. , BOPIAH A.
Published: April 2013

Three new species of Nuuanu, N. quintalana sp. nov., N. stuckeyorum sp. nov. and N. titaseyi sp. nov. are described from Norfolk Island, Tasman Sea; Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Indian Ocean and the Torres Strait, Australia, respectively. There are currently 17 described species of Nuuanu with the genus distributed world-wide.
Teleocichla wajapi, a new species of cichlid from the rio Jari, Brazil, with comments on T. centrarchus Kullander, 1988 (Teleostei: Cichlidae)
Authors: VARELLA HENRIQUE R. , MOREIRA CRISTIANO R.
Published: April 2013

Teleocichla wajapi, new species, is described from the rio Jari basin, northern Brazil. The new species differs from its congeners by possessing four anal-fin spines, 56–62 scales in E1 series, smaller orbital diameter (24.6–30.2% of head length) and barred or zigzag color pattern on flanks. New information on the morphology and distribution of T. cen-trarchus is provided based on recently collected material.
Chilocoris nitidus Mayr, 1865, the first Oriental burrower bug recorded in Tajikistan, with remarks on the zoogeography of the nitidus-group of Chilocoris Mayr, and an annotated checklist of Tajik Cydnidae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera)
Authors: KŁYS GRZEGORZ , LIS JERZY A.
Published: April 2013

The genus Chilocoris Mayr, 1865 (Cydnidae: Cydninae: Cydnini) comprises 85 species distributed in the Palearctic, Afrotropical, Oriental, and Australian Regions, with a single species reported from North America (Lis 1994, 1999, 2001, 2006a, 2006b; Imura 2011).
First record of the moray eel Gymnothorax reticularis, Bloch, 1795 in the Mediterranean Sea, with a note on its taxonomy and distribution
Authors: STERN NIR , GOREN MENACHEM
Published: April 2013

The first Red-Sea Indo-Pacific alien moray eel in the Eastern Mediterranean is reported here. A single specimen of Gymnothorax reticularis was captured by a commercial bottom-trawl vessel off the northern coast of Israel. Morphological and anatomical similarities with the single known Red-Sea specimen raise an old taxonomic dilemma.
An audit of the management of heart murmurs on the postnatal wards
Authors: O’Reilly KM , Hall FM , Richens T , Cunningham C , Simpson JH
Published: April 2013

Background

Investigation and management of neonatal heart murmurs varies widely and is dependent on local resources. In order to standardise the management of heart murmurs in our hospital a guideline (based on clinical examination with selective cardiology review) was introduced.

Aims

To establish adherence to and safety of the guideline; to review workload implications and to define the causes of neonatal heart murmurs in our population.

Methods

Patients were prospectively identified over a 2-year period (August 2006 to July 2008). Case notes were reviewed and examination findings, investigations, follow up and diagnosis recorded.

Results

89 babies were identified. The guideline was generally well adhered to. In total 51 (57%) of babies were referred for cardiology assessment. In 40 babies this assessment included an echocardiogram. 30 babies (34%) had an underlying cardiac malformation: 25 were identified before discharge home. 15/30 (50%) of the babies with a cardiac malformation remain under cardiology follow up at the age of 1 year. No baby discharged from follow up without cardiology review subsequently presented with a cardiac problem.

Conclusion

A significant minority of babies with a heart murmur have an underlying cardiac malformation. Our guideline appears to ensure the timely identification of these babies and rationalises our use of specialist services.
Sacral osteomyelitis following restorative rectal cancer resection: a delayed presentation of dormant pelvic sepsis
Authors: Park JH , Velu LKP , Dayal SP , Mukherjee A
Published: April 2013

Sacral osteomyelitis is a rare but potentially fatal complication of pelvic surgery. It is often diagnosed late due to the presence of vague, non-specific symptoms and a low index of suspicion. Previous literature has been limited to a number of case series of patients who have undergone ileoanal pouch formation following proctocolectomy and patients who have undergone pelvic floor reconstruction with mesh sacral colpopexy. Here, we present a patient presenting with sacral osteomyelitis 12 years following anterior resection for colorectal malignancy. We then review the previous literature and discuss the salient management points that may assist in the diagnosis and management of this uncommon complication.
Groove pancreatitis: A case series and review of the literature
Authors: Latham J , Sanjay P , Watt DG , Walsh SV , Tait IS
Published: April 2013

Introduction

Groove pancreatitis is a form of chronic pancreatitis affecting the space surrounded by the pancreatic head, duodenum and common bile duct. The clinical findings can conflict with pancreatic cancer causing diagnostic dilemma preoperatively.

Case series

We describe two patients with a history of alcohol excess, who presented with a few months history of upper abdominal pain associated with weight loss and vomiting. Endoscopic and radiological investigations related duodenal narrowing, biliary dilatation and multiple pseudocysts around the head of the pancreas and duodenum. A Whipple’s pancreaticoduodenectomy was carried out in both patients. Histopathology report demonstrated cystic areas in both medial and lateral walls of the duodenum microscopically consistent with groove pancreatitis.

Conclusion

The diagnosis of groove pancreatitis should be considered in patients with duodenal stenosis and cystic lesions around the head of the pancreas associated with history of alcohol excess. Differentiation from pancreatic cancer is difficult preoperatively.
The development of medical education in Eastern Europe during the 20th century and the emergence of ‘English parallel’ courses
Authors: Mayberry JF
Published: April 2013

This paper will explore the development of medical education in the Soviet Union, its underlying principles and the subsequent migration of this format into the countries of the Soviet Bloc following World War II. The impact of Perestroika and the collapse of the Warsaw Pact on university training and medical education in particular will be reviewed. The need for external funding as a factor in the emergence of English Parallel courses in Hungary, Czechoslovakia and subsequently in other countries will also be considered.