bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vegetation Recovery 16 Years after Feral Pig Removal from a Wet Hawaiian Forest
Authors: Cole Rebecca J. , Litton Creighton M. , Koontz Michael J. , Loh Rhonda K.
Published: January 2012

Nonnative ungulates can alter the structure and function of forest ecosystems. Feral pigs in particular pose a substantial threat to native plant communities throughout their global range. Hawaiian forests are exceptionally vulnerable to feral pig activity because native vegetation evolved in the absence of large mammalian herbivores. A common approach for conserving and restoring forests in Hawaii is fencing and removal of feral pigs. The extent of native plant community recovery and nonnative plant invasion following pig removal, however, is largely unknown. Our objective was to quantify changes in native and nonnative understory vegetation over a 16 yr period in adjacent fenced (pig‐free) vs. unfenced (pig‐present) Hawaiian montane wet forest. Native and nonnative understory vegetation responded strongly to feral pig removal. Density of native woody plants rooted in mineral soil increased sixfold in pig‐free sites over 16 yr, whereas establishment was almost exclusively restricted to epiphytes in pig‐present sites. Stem density of young tree ferns increased significantly (51.2%) in pig‐free, but not pig‐present sites. Herbaceous cover decreased over time in pig‐present sites (67.9%). In both treatments, number of species remained constant and native woody plant establishment was limited to commonly occurring species. The nonnative invasive shrub, Psidium cattleianum, responded positively to release from pig disturbance with a fivefold increase in density in pig‐free sites. These results suggest that while common native understory plants recover within 16 yr of pig removal, control of nonnative plants and outplanting of rarer native species are necessary components of sustainable conservation and restoration efforts in these forests.
Global Analysis of Non‐coding Small RNAs in Arabidopsis in Response to Jasmonate Treatment by Deep Sequencing Technology
Authors: Zhang Bosen , Jin Zhiping , Xie Daoxin
Published: January 2012

In plants, non‐coding small RNAs play a vital role in plant development and stress responses. To explore the possible role of non‐coding small RNAs in the regulation of the jasmonate (JA) pathway, we compared the non‐coding small RNAs between the JA‐deficient aos mutant and the JA‐treated wild type Arabidopsis via high‐throughput sequencing. Thirty new miRNAs and 27 new miRNA candidates were identified through bioinformatics approach. Forty‐nine known miRNAs (belonging to 24 families), 15 new miRNAs and new miRNA candidates (belonging to 11 families) and 3 tasiRNA families were induced by JA, whereas 1 new miRNA, 1 tasiRNA family and 22 known miRNAs (belonging to 9 families) were repressed by JA.
Mechanisms of immunosenescence: lessons from models of accelerated immune aging
Authors: Le Saux Sabine , Weyand Cornelia M. , Goronzy Jörg J.
Published: January 2012

With increasing age, the ability of the adaptive immune system to respond to vaccines and to protect from infection declines. In parallel, the production of inflammatory mediators increases. While cross‐sectional studies have been successful in defining age‐dependent immunological phenotypes, studies of accelerated immune aging in human subpopulations have been instrumental in obtaining mechanistic insights. The immune system depends on its regenerative capacity; however, the T cell repertoire, once established, is relatively robust to aging and only decompensates when additionally stressed. Such stressors include chronic infections such as CMV and HIV, even when viral replication is controlled, and autoimmune diseases. Reduced regenerative capacity, chronic immune activation in the absence of cell exhaustion, T cell memory inflation, and accumulation of highly potent effector T cells in these patients synergize to develop an immune phenotype that is characteristic of the elderly. Studies of accelerated immune aging in autoimmune diseases have identified an unexpected link to chronic DNA damage responses that are known to be important in aging, but so far had not been implicated in immune aging.
Dietary Influences on Nonexercise Physical Activity and Energy Expenditure in C57BL/6J Mice
Authors: Kim Jun Ho , Park Yooheon , Kim Daeyoung , Park Yeonhwa
Published: January 2012

Abstract:  It is well established that the lack of physical activity can lead to weight gain or obesity. However, there is limited information on influences of diet components on physical activity. Thus the purpose of this study was to investigate the role of major dietary components on energy expenditure by affecting nonexercise physical activity in C57BL/6J mice. All mice were assigned to 1 of the following 4 dietary groups based on their body weight and baseline physical activity; low fat/normal protein, high fat/normal protein, low fat/low protein, or low fat/high protein. After 3 mo, the highest weight gain was observed in animals fed with high‐fat/normal‐protein diet, and the caloric intake was significantly lower in low‐fat/high‐protein diet‐fed mice compared to other groups. However, there were no significant changes in nonexercise physical activity during experimental periods in all groups. The respiratory quotient and energy expenditure were not significantly different among the dietary groups. These findings suggest that diet‐induced obesity is not explainable by levels of physical activity and energy expenditure.

Practical Application:  The understanding the link between diet and nonexercise physical activity would provide important knowledge that will potentially assist appropriate food choices to control obesity and its related health problems.
Climate Change Impacts on Irrigation Water Needs in the jaguaribe River Basin1
Authors: Gondim Rubens S. , de Castro Marco A.H. , Maia Aline de H.N. , Evangelista Sílvio R.M. , Fuck Sérgio C. de F.
Published: January 2012

Gondim, Rubens S., Marco A.H. de Castro, Aline de H.N. Maia, Sílvio R.M. Evangelista, and Sérgio C. de F. Fuck, Jr., 2012. Climate Change Impacts on Irrigation Water Needs in the Jaguaribe River Basin. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 48(2): 355‐365. DOI: 10.1111/j.1752‐1688.2011.00620.x

Abstract:  Climate change is conceptually referred to as a modification to the average of climate variables and their natural variability, due to both natural and anthropogenic driving forces, such as greenhouse gas emissions. Climate change potentially impacts rainfall, temperature, and air humidity, which have relationship with plant evapotranspiration and consequently to irrigation water needs (IWN). The purpose of this research is to assess climate change impacts on irrigation water demand, based on climatic impacts stemming from future greenhouse gas emission scenarios. The study area includes eight municipalities in the Jaguaribe River Basin, located in the Ceará State of semiarid northeast Brazil. The FAO Penman‐Monteith method is used for the calculation of a reference evapotranspiration with limited climatic data. IWN projections are calculated using bias‐corrected climate projections for monthly rainfall and surface temperature derived from the United Kingdom’s Hadley Centre Regional Climate Model simulations. The increase in the average IWN is projected to be 7.9 and 9.1% over the period 2025‐2055 for the A2 and B2 scenarios, respectively with respect to 1961‐1990 baseline.
Bronchial hyperresponsiveness in an adult population in Helsinki: decreased FEV1, the main determinant
Authors: Juusela Maria , Pallasaho Paula , Sarna Seppo , Piirilä Päivi , Lundbäck Bo , Sovijärvi Anssi
Published: January 2012

Introduction:  Bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) elevates the risk for development of respiratory symptoms and accelerates the decline in forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1). We thus aimed to assess the prevalence, determinants and quantity of BHR in Helsinki.

Objectives:  This study involved 292 randomly selected subjects age 26–66 years, women comprising 58%.

Methods:  Following a structured interview, a spirometry, a bronchodilation test, and a skin‐prick test, we assessed a bronchial challenge test with inhaled histamine using a dosimetric tidal breathing method. Results included the provocative dose inducing a decrease in FEV1 by 15% (PD15FEV1) and the dose‐response slope. For statistical risk factor‐analyses, the severity of BHR was considered; PD15 values ≤1.6 mg (BHR) and ≤0.4 mg [moderate or severe BHR (BHRms)] served as cut‐off levels.

Results:  BHR presented in 21.2% and BHRms in 6.2% of the subjects. FEV1 < 80% of predicted [odds ratio (OR) 4.09], airway obstruction (FEV1/forced vital capacity < 88% of predicted) (OR 4.33) and history of respiratory infection at age <5 (OR 2.65) yielded an increased risk for BHR as ORs in multivariate analysis. For BHRms, the determinants were decreased FEV1 below 80% of predicted (OR 27.18) and airway obstruction (OR 6.16). Respiratory symptoms and asthma medication showed a significant association with BHR.

Conclusions:  Of the adult population of Helsinki, 21% showed BHR to inhaled histamine. The main determinants were decreased FEV1 and airway obstruction. Quantitative assessment of BHR by different cut‐off levels provides a tool for characterization of phenotypes of airway disorders in epidemiologic and clinical studies.

Please cite this paper as: Juusela M, Pallasaho P, Sarna S, Piirilä P, Lundbäck B and Sovijärvi A. Bronchial hyperresponsiveness in an adult population in Helsinki: decreased FEV1, the main determinant. Clin Respir J 2013; 7: 34–44.
If Folk Intuitions Vary, Then What?
Authors: Machery Edouard , Mallon Ron , Nichols Shaun , Stich Stephen P.
Published: January 2012

We have recently presented evidence for cross‐cultural variation in semantic intuitions and explored the implications of such variation for philosophical arguments that appeal to some theory of reference as a premise.Devitt (2011)andIchikawa and colleagues (forthcoming)offer critical discussions of the experiment and the conclusions that can be drawn from it. In this response, we reiterate and clarify what we are really arguing for, and we show that most of Devitt’s and Ichikawa and colleagues’ criticisms fail to address our concerns.
Ulcerative glossitis and gingivitis associated with foxtail grass awn irritation in two horses
Authors: Johnson P. J. , LaCarrubba A. M. , Messer N. T. , Turnquist S. E.
Published: January 2012

Two horses were presented for diagnosis of lethargy, salivation, halitosis, dysphagia, bleeding ulcerative glossitis, gingivitis, and focal bleeding ulceration along the mucocutaneous junction of the labial commissures. In both instances, ulceration was attributed to foxtail awns (Setaria geniculata) based on microscopic examination of representative tissue biopsies and identification of numerous foxtail seed heads in representative samples of the available hay. The horses recovered and the lesions resolved completely following removal of the affected source of hay.
Dimension reduction and homogenization of random degenerate operators. Part I
Authors: Moussa Abdelaziz Aït , Zlaïji Loubna
Published: January 2012

Our aim in this paper is to identify the limit behavior of the solutions of random degenerate equations of the form −div Aε(x′,∇Uε)+ρεω(x′)Uε=Fwith mixed boundary conditions on Ωεwhenever ε→0, where Ωεis anN-dimensional thin domain with a small thicknessh(ε),ρεω(x′)=ρω(x′/ε), whereρωis the realization of a random functionρ(ω) , andAε(x′,ξ)=a(Tx′/εω,ξ) , the mapa(ω,ξ) being measurable inωand satisfying degenerated structure conditions with weightρinξ. As usual in dimension reduction problems, we focus on the rescaled equations and we prove that under the conditionh(ε)/ε→0 , the sequence of solutions of them converges to a limitu0, whereu0is the solution of an (N−1) -dimensional limit problem with homogenized and auxiliary equations.
Effects of acetazolamide on cerebrovascular function and breathing stability at 5050 m
Authors: Fan Jui‐Lin , Burgess Keith R. , Thomas Kate N. , Lucas Samuel J. E. , Cotter James D. , Kayser Bengt , Peebles Karen C. , Ainslie Philip N.
Published: January 2012

Key points 

Acetazolamide improves breathing stability during sleep in newcomers to high altitude, but the mechanism remains unclear.

We examined the effects of a single i.v. dose of acetazolamide on brain vascular function and breathing at sea level and following 7 days at high altitude (5050 m).

We demonstrated that acute i.v. acetazolamide at high altitude enhances the brain blood flow response to changes in CO2 and improves breathing stability.

We speculate that the enhanced brain blood flow responses following acetazolamide ingestion may account for the well‐documented acetazolamide‐induced improvement in abnormal breathing at high altitude.
The ΔC splice‐variant of TRPM2 is the hypertonicity‐induced cation channel in HeLa cells, and the ecto‐enzyme CD38 mediates its activation
Authors: Numata Tomohiro , Sato Kaori , Christmann Jens , Marx Romy , Mori Yasuo , Okada Yasunobu , Wehner Frank
Published: January 2012

Key points 

Hypertonicity‐induced cation channels (HICCs) are key players in proliferation and apoptosis but their molecular identity has remained elusive.

We report that in HeLa cells, intracellular adenosine diphosphate ribose (ADPr) and cyclic ADPr (cADPr), as activators of TRPM2 cation channels, elicited currents that are identical to the osmotic activation of HICCs.

siRNA‐mediated silencing of the expression of TRPM2 and CD38 (as the supposed source of ADPr and cADPr) inhibited HICC and nucleotide‐induced currents and the osmotic volume response of cells.

Quantification of intracellular cADPr and extracellular application of nucleotides revealed that the outwardly directed gradient rather than the intracellular activity of ADPr and cADPr is the triggering factor for TRPM2.

Cloning of TRPM2 identified the ΔC‐splice variant as the molecular correlate of the HICC, which was supported by quantification of Ca2+ selectivity.

Immunoprecipation and FRET/FLIM assays revealed the interaction of TRPM2 and CD38 and we propose a transport‐related nucleotide export via CD38 as a novel mechanism of TRPM2 activation.
Sticking out of the crowd: the molecular identity and development of cholecystokinin‐containing basket cells
Authors: Keimpema Erik , Straiker Alex , Mackie Ken , Harkany Tibor , Hjerling‐Leffler Jens
Published: January 2012

Abstract  Certain essential cognitive processes require the precise temporal interplay between glutamatergic (excitatory) pyramidal cells and γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)‐releasing inhibitory interneurons in the hippocampus. Basket cells, the main class of interneurons, target pyramidal cell somata and proximal dendrites and thus are poised to modify network oscillations. Though only present in limited numbers, the impaired development of basket cells can result in changes in the hippocampal circuitry leading to neurological disorders, such as schizophrenia. The diversity of the spatial origins, neurochemical make‐up, cytoarchitecture and network contributions amongst basket cells is a provocative example of interneuron heterogeneity in the hippocampus. This review discusses recent data concerned with the developmental trajectories of one subclass, the cholecystokinin‐containing basket cell, and emphasizes the significance of the short‐range intercellular guidance cues that have recently emerged to impact the formation and function of their inhibitory synapses.
Effect of ballast-resistor and field-screening on electron-emission from nanodiamond emitters fabricated on micropatterned silicon pillar arrays
Authors: Ghosh N. , Kang W. P. , Davidson J. L. , Raina S.
Published: January 2012

This paper describes the influence of ballast-resistor and field-screening on the electron field-emission behavior of nanodiamond emitter arrays fabricated on micropatterned silicon pillars. Arrays of 50 × 50 silicon pillars capped with nanodiamond with different ballast resistances and pillar separations have been fabricated on different silicon substrates as cathode for field emission testing. The goal of this study is to evaluate the fabrication method and electron emission characteristics in this configuration for field emission applications. The electron field emission results have been compared to observe the effect of the ballast resistive behavior and array spacing of micropatterned silicon pillars on the nanodiamond field emission behaviors.
China Makes Waves With Ambitious Ocean Research Plan
Authors: Stone Richard
Published: January 2012

This coming summer, China's
Jiaolong
submersible will carry out its first research mission in the South China Sea. But China's claims of sovereignty there have sparked territorial disputes with six neighbors.
Cornell's Plans for the Big Apple Rely on Quality, Cash, and Dreams
Authors: Kean Sam
Published: January 2012

Cornell University and Technion-Israel Institute of Technology have won a competition to build the applied research university that, they hope, will transform New York City into Silicon Valley East.
Engineering a New Line of Attack on a Signature War Injury
Authors: Miller Greg
Published: January 2012

By jolting neurons in the lab, an Army officer and bioengineer hopes to gain ground on traumatic brain injury.
A Reduced-Dose Seasonal Trivalent Influenza Vaccine Is Safe and Immunogenic in Adult and Elderly Patients in a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Vajo Zoltan , Tamas Ferenc , Jankovics Istvan
Published: January 2012

With the recent pandemic of influenza A (H1N1) and vaccine shortages, there has been considerable interest in developing influenza vaccines with reduced doses, allowing for increased production capacity. Here we report a prospective, randomized, double-blind, single-center clinical trial of a reduced-dose whole-virion inactivated, adjuvanted influenza vaccine in adult and elderly volunteers. A total of 234 subjects, including 120 adults (18 to 60 years of age) and 114 elderly subjects (>60 years of age) were enrolled to receive either 6 μg or the conventional 15-μg dose of seasonal trivalent influenza vaccines. The subjects were followed for safety analysis, and serum samples were obtained to assess immunogenicity by hemagglutination inhibition testing. The subjects developed antibody responses against the seasonal influenza A virus H1N1 and H3N2 strains, as well as the seasonal influenza B virus included in the vaccines. Single doses of 6 μg fulfilled licensing criteria for seasonal influenza vaccines. No significant differences in rates of seroconversion or seroprotection or in geometric mean titers were found between the two dosage levels. All adverse events were rare, mild, and transient. We found that the present reduced-dose vaccine is safe and immunogenic in healthy adult and elderly subjects and triggers immune responses that comply with licensing criteria.
A cost-effectiveness analysis of an in-hospital clinical pharmacist service
Authors: Wallerstedt Susanna M , Bladh Lina , Ramsberg Joakim
Published: January 2012

Objective

A randomised controlled study performed from 2007 to 2008 showed beneficial effects of a composite clinical pharmacist service as regards a simple health status instrument. The present study aimed to evaluate if the intervention was cost-effective when evaluated in a decision-theoretic model.

Design

A piggyback cost-effectiveness analysis from the healthcare perspective.

Setting

Two internal medicine wards at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden.

Participants

Of 345 patients (61% women; median age: 82 years; 181 control and 164 intervention patients), 240 patients (62% women, 82 years; 124 control and 116 intervention patients) had EuroQol-5 dimensions (EQ-5D) utility scores at baseline and at 6-month follow-up.

Outcome measures

Costs during a 6-month follow-up period in all patients and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) in patients with EQ-5D utility scores. Inpatient and outpatient care was extracted from the VEGA database. Drug costs were extracted from the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register. A probabilistic analysis was performed to characterise uncertainty in the cost-effectiveness model.

Results

No significant difference in costs between the randomisation groups was found; the mean total costs per individual±SD, intervention costs included, were €10 748±13 799 (intervention patients) and €10 344±14 728 (control patients) (p=0.79). For patients in the cost-effectiveness analysis, the corresponding costs were €10 912±13 999 and €9290±12 885. Intervention patients gained an additional 0.0051 QALYs (unadjusted) and 0.0035 QALYs (adjusted for baseline EQ-5D utility score). These figures result in an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of €316 243 per unadjusted QALY and €463 371 per adjusted QALY. The probabilistic uncertainty analysis revealed that, at a willingness-to-pay of €50 000/QALY, the probability that the intervention was cost-effective was approximately 0.2.

Conclusions

The present study reveals that an intervention designed like this one is probably not cost-effective. The study thus illustrates that the complexity of healthcare requires thorough health economics evaluations rather than simplistic interpretation of data.
Randomised controlled trial evaluating the efficacy of wrap therapy for wound healing acceleration in patients with NPUAP stage II and III pressure ulcer
Authors: Bito Seiji , Mizuhara Akihiro , Oonishi Sandai , Takeuchi Kensuke , Suzuki Masatsune , Akiyama Kazuhiro , Kobayashi Kazuyo , Matsunaga Kayoko
Published: January 2012

Objectives

To evaluate if ‘wrap therapy’ using food wraps, which is widely used in Japanese clinical sites, is not inferior when compared to guideline adhesion treatments.

Design

Multicentre, prospective, randomised, open, blinded endpoint clinical trial.

Setting

15 hospitals in Japan.

Patients

66 older patients with new National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel stage II or III pressure ulcers.

Interventions

Of these 66 patients, 31 were divided into the conventional treatment guidelines group and 35 into the wrap therapy group.

Main outcome measures

The primary end point was the period until the pressure ulcers were cured. The secondary end point was a comparison of the speed of change in the Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing score.

Results

64 of the 66 patients were analysed. The estimated mean period until healing was 57.5 days (95% CI 45.2 to 69.8) in the control group as opposed to 59.8 days (95% CI 49.7 to 69.9) in the wrap therapy group. By the extent of pressure ulcer infiltration, the mean period until healing was 16.0 days (95% CI 8.1 to 23.9) in the control group as opposed to 18.8 days (95% CI 10.3 to 27.2) in the wrap therapy group with National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel stage II ulcers, and 71.8 days (95% CI 61.4 to 82.3) as opposed to 63.2 days (95% CI 53.0 to 73.4), respectively, with stage III ulcers. There is no statistical significance in difference in Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing scores.

Conclusions

It might be possible to consider wrap therapy as an alternative choice in primary care settings as a simple and inexpensive dressing care.

Clinical Trial registration

UMIN Clinical Trials Registry UMIN000002658. Summary protocol is available onhttps://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-bin/ctr/ctr.cgi?function=brows&action=brows&type=detail&recptno=R000003235&admin=0&language=J
Associative learning in male rusty crayfish (Orconectes rusticus): conditioned behavioural response to an egg cue from walleye (Sander vitreus)
Authors: Weisbord C.D. , Callaghan D.T. , Pyle G.G.
Published: January 2012

Chemical communication governs a diversity of life processes in aquatic organisms. Crayfish use chemoreception during reproduction, social hierarchy formation, predation avoidance, and resource localization. Fish eggs release recognizable chemoattractants for vertebrate predators of eggs that can motivate crayfish to engage in egg predation as well. We hypothesized that male rusty crayfish ( Orconectes rusticus (Girard, 1852)) from a lake free of walleye ( Sander vitreus (Mitchill, 1818)) would not possess an innate recognition of a walleye egg cue. However, if conditioned by employing a single 2 h paired stimulus exposure (known food cue + egg cue), then male rusty crayfish would be attracted to the same egg cue upon subsequent exposure. Using a Y-maze behavioural arena we discovered that once conditioned, crayfish took significantly less time to choose the arm containing the egg cue alone relative to a control. Our study suggests that male rusty crayfish exhibit second-order conditioning through associative learning, allowing them to quickly and easily learn to identify novel odour stimuli from fish eggs under laboratory conditions.
A REVIEW OF NATURALNESS AND DARK MATTER PREDICTION FOR THE HIGGS MASS IN MSSM AND BEYOND
Authors: CASSEL S. , GHILENCEA D. M.
Published: January 2012

Within a two-loop leading-log approximation, we review the prediction for the lightest Higgs mass (mh) in the framework of constrained MSSM (CMSSM), derived from the naturalness requirement of minimal fine-tuning (Δ) of the electroweak scale, and dark matter consistency. As a result, the Higgs mass is predicted to be just above the LEP2 bound, mh = 115.9±2 GeV , corresponding to a minimal Δ = 17.8, the value obtained from consistency with electroweak and WMAP (3σ) constraints, but without the LEP2 bound. Due to quantum corrections (largely QCD ones for mh above LEP2 bound), Δ grows ≈ exponentially on either side of the above value of mh, which stresses the relevance of this prediction. A value mh>121 (126) GeV cannot be accommodated within the CMSSM unless one accepts a fine-tuning cost worse than Δ>100 (1000), respectively. We review how the above prediction for mh and Δ changes under the addition of new physics beyond the MSSM Higgs sector, parametrized by effective operators of dimensions d = 5 and d = 6. For d = 5 operators, one can obtain values mh as large as 130 GeV with an acceptable Δ<10. The size of the supersymmetric correction that each individual operator of d = 6 brings to the value of mh for points with Δ<100 (<200), is found to be small, of few ≤4 GeV (≤6 GeV) respectively, for M = 8 TeV where M is the scale of new physics. This value decreases (increases) by approximately 1 GeV for a 1 TeV increase (decrease) of the scale M. The relation of these results to the Atlas/CMS supersymmetry exclusion limits is presented together with their impact for the CMSSM regions of lowest fine-tuning.
PHASE TRANSITIONS IN WILSON LOOP CORRELATOR FROM INTEGRABILITY IN GLOBAL AdS
Authors: BURRINGTON BENJAMIN A. , PANDO ZAYAS LEOPLODO A.
Published: January 2012

We directly compute Wilson loop/Wilson loop correlators on ℝ × S 3 in AdS/CFT by constructing spacelike minimal surfaces that connect two spacelike circular contours on the boundary of global AdS that are separated by a spacelike interval. We compare these minimal surfaces to the disconnected "double cap" solutions both to regulate the area, and show when the connected/disconnected solution is preferred. We find that for sufficiently large Wilson loops no transition occurs because the Wilson loops cannot be sufficiently separated on the sphere. This may be considered an effect similar to the Hawking–Page transition: the size of the sphere introduces a new scale into the problem, and so one can expect phase transitions to depend on this data. To construct the minimal area solutions, we employ a reduction a la Arutyunov–Russo–Tseytlin (used by them for spinning strings), and rely on the integrability of the reduced set of equations to write explicit results.
STOCHASTIC RESOURCE ALLOCATION IN MULTIAGENT ENVIRONMENTS: AN APPROACH BASED ON DISTRIBUTED Q-VALUES AND BOUNDED REAL-TIME DYNAMIC PROGRAMMING
Authors: PLAMONDON PIERRICK , CHAIB-DRAA BRAHIM
Published: January 2012

This paper contributes to solve effectively stochastic resource allocation problems in multiagent environments. To address it, a distributed Q-values approach is proposed when the resources are distributed among agents a priori, but the actions made by an agent may influence the reward obtained by at least another agent. This distributed Q-values approach allows to coordinate agents' reward and thus permits to reduce the set of states and actions to consider. On the other hand, when the resources are available to all agents, no distributed Q-values is possible and tight lower and upper bounds are proposed for existing heuristic search algorithms.

Our experimental results demonstrate the efficiency of our distributed Q-values in terms of planning time as well as our tight bounds in terms of fast convergence and reduction of backups.
GABAB receptors in the NTS mediate the inhibitory effect of trigeminal nociceptive inputs on parasympathetic reflex vasodilation in the rat masseter muscle
Authors: Ishii Hisayoshi , Izumi Hiroshi
Published: January 2012

The present study was designed to examine whether trigeminal nociceptive inputs are involved in the modulation of parasympathetic reflex vasodilation in the jaw muscles. This was accomplished by investigating the effects of noxious stimulation to the orofacial area with capsaicin, and by microinjecting GABAA and GABAB receptor agonists or antagonists into the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), on masseter hemodynamics in urethane-anesthetized rats. Electrical stimulation of the central cut end of the cervical vagus nerve (cVN) in sympathectomized animals bilaterally increased blood flow in the masseter muscle (MBF). Increases in MBF evoked by cVN stimulation were markedly reduced following injection of capsaicin into the anterior tongue in the distribution of the lingual nerve or lower lip, but not when injected into the skin of the dorsum of the foot. Intravenous administration of either phentolamine or propranolol had no effect on the inhibitory effects of capsaicin injection on the increases of MBF evoked by cVN stimulation, which were largely abolished by microinjecting the GABAB receptor agonist baclofen into the NTS. Microinjection of the GABAB receptor antagonist CGP-35348 into the NTS markedly attenuated the capsaicin-induced inhibition of MBF increase evoked by cVN stimulation, while microinjection of the GABAA receptor antagonist bicuculline did not. Our results indicate that trigeminal nociceptive inputs inhibit vagal-parasympathetic reflex vasodilation in the masseter muscle and suggest that the activation of GABAB rather than GABAA receptors underlies the observed inhibition in the NTS.
Fatal Lactic Acidosis in a Kidney Transplant Recipient on Combination Antiretroviral Therapy after Initiation of Tacrolimus Therapy
Authors: Holmes Michael V. , Kulasegaram Ranjababu , Lucas Sebastian B. , Wong Terry , Hilton Rachel
Published: January 2012

In general, kidney transplantation is safe and efficacious in patients receiving treatment for HIV. Although multiple drug interactions between antiviral and immunosuppressive treatments exist, few patients experience serious adverse reactions. We report a case of fatal lactic acidosis in a healthy kidney transplant recipient with stable HIV infection who had previously received treatment for and cleared hepatitis C virus infection. Death occurred less than one month following the initiation of tacrolimus therapy. Based on predicted drug interactions, appropriate tacrolimus dosing was calculated prior to its commencement, yet plasma tacrolimus levels were initially unexpectedly high. The patient subsequently developed lactic acidosis and hepatic steatosis, presumably due to mitochondrial toxicity from the antiretroviral regimen on which he had previously been stable. We suspectCYP2C19*2(poor metaboliser) genotype status and concomitant treatment with lansoprazole, tacrolimus, and antiretroviral (ARV) medications resulted in hepatic decompensation. This highlights the importance of careful interaction screening for all new drugs administered to patients with HIV who have complex treatment regimens as well as heightened clinical vigilance for unexpected toxicities.
Spontaneous Resolution of Massive Spontaneous Tubercular Pneumothorax
Authors: Kant Surya , Saheer S. , Hassan G. , Parengal Jabeed
Published: January 2012

A 29-year-old female presented with complaints of fever and productive cough of three weeks duration. Pulmonary tuberculosis was diagnosed bacteriologically and she was prescribed antituberculosis drugs. During follow-up she developed massive pneumothorax, for which patient refused surgical management and was managed conservatively. After six months there was complete spontaneous resolution of pneumothorax. The unusual presentation and unexpected outcome prompted us to report this case.
22@ and the Innovation District in Barcelona and Montreal: A Process of Clustering Development between Urban Regeneration and Economic Competitiveness
Authors: Battaglia Angelo , Tremblay Diane-Gabrielle
Published: January 2012

This paper analyzes the governance strategy of the 22@ District in Barcelona in order to assess the factors that explain its success and could support the economic reconversion of Montreal’s future Innovation District (ID), as well as that of other cities. We examine the case of the 22@ District as a former industrial neighbourhood seen as a “model” of urban regeneration and economic revitalization. Our assumption is that the world’s major cities are going through a phase based on the reorganization of central urban areas. Our article evaluates the main factors of urban regeneration in the 22@—district of innovation and it identifies elements of best practices in terms of governance which can be constructive for the “Quartier de l’Innovation” in Montreal and similar projects of other cities. The paper highlights the role of decision makers concerning the process of governance of 22@ and its historic changes, and insists on the the role of socioeconomic actors and territorial factors that could support the level of integration and implementation of Montreal@ID. Our paper highlights the importance of the integration process based on socio‐territorial innovations characterizing the Catalan context of 22@ as well as the Innovation District, something useful for other similar initiatives.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Status Epilepticus in a Pediatric Renal Recipient
Authors: Hongjun Gao , Xiangdong Luo , Taisheng Liang , Shangguang Lu , FangFang Liang , Yu Dong , Zhen Tan , Zhen Wu
Published: January 2012

We elaborate on the retrospective analysis of clinical data on a patient afflicted with grand mal seizures following a kidney transplant. The 16-year-old female patient was hospitalized for chronic glomerulonephritis. She experienced an epileptic seizure and was treated with carbamazepine. Renal transplantation was performed; the function of the transplant kidney was normal. However, grand mal seizures, which required intravenous and luminal intramuscular diazepam injections for control, began on the fourth postoperative day and lasted for 3 days, occurring approximately 10 to 20 times per day. On the sixth day, the patient fell into a deep comatose state and developed the inability to move the right side of her body, hypomyotonia, type 1 respiratory failure, and a pulmonary infection. She was given a breathing machine to assist with respiration. At the same time, she was given protection from infection, tranquilization, treatment for dehydration and diuresis, supportive therapy for the right side of her body, and adjustment of her immunosuppressants. On the 12th postoperative day, the patient's consciousness gradually returned; on the 15th day, the breathing machine was removed with recovery of myodynamia; on the 27th day, she was fully cured with no neurological sequelae.
Characterization of DTI Indices in the Cervical, Thoracic, and Lumbar Spinal Cord in Healthy Humans
Authors: Bosma Rachael L. , Stroman Patrick W.
Published: January 2012

The aim of this study was to characterizein vivomeasurements of diffusion along the length of the entire healthy spinal cord and to compare DTI indices, including fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD), between cord regions. The objective is to determine whether or not there are significant differences in DTI indices along the cord that must be considered for future applications of characterizing the effects of injury or disease. A cardiac gated, single-shot EPI sequence was used to acquire diffusion-weighted images of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions of the spinal cord in nine neurologically intact subjects (19 to 22 years). For each cord section, FA versus MD values were plotted, and a k-means clustering method was applied to partition the data according to tissue properties. FA and MD values from both white matter (averageFA=0.69, averageMD=0.93×10−3 mm2/s) and grey matter (averageFA=0.44, averageMD=1.8×10−3 mm2/s) were relatively consistent along the length of the cord.
Relativistic Accretion into a Reissner-Nordström Black Hole Revisited
Authors: de Freitas Pacheco J. A.
Published: January 2012

The accretion of relativistic and nonrelativistic fluids into a Reissner-Nordström black hole is revisited. The position of the critical point, the flow velocity at this point, and the accretion rate are only slightly affected with respect to the Schwarzschild case when the fluid is nonrelativistic. On the contrary, relativistic fluids cross the critical point always subsonically. In this case, the sonic point is located near the event horizon, which is crossed by the fluid with a velocity less than the light speed. The accretion rate of relativistic fluids by a Reissner-Nordström black hole is reduced with respect to those estimated for uncharged black holes, being about 60% less for the extreme case (charge-to-mass ratio equal to one).
Genetic Polymorphisms in Pre-microRNA Genes as Prognostic Markers of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Xing Jinliang , Wan Shaogui , Zhou Feng , Qu Falin , Li Bingshan , Myers Ronald E. , Fu Xiaoying , Palazzo Juan P. , He Xianli , Chen Zhinan , Yang Hushan
Published: January 2012

Background: Cumulative data have shown that microRNAs (miRNA) are involved in the etiology and prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC). Genetic polymorphisms in pre-miRNA genes may influence the biogenesis and functions of their host miRNAs. However, whether these polymorphisms are associated with CRC prognosis remains unknown.

Methods: We analyzed the effects of seven single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in pre-miRNA genes on the prognosis of a Chinese population with 408 CRC patients with surgically-resected adenocarcinoma.

Results: Two SNPs were identified to be significantly associated with recurrence-free survival and overall survival of the patients. The most significant SNP was rs6505162 in pre-miR-423. Compared with the homozygous wild-type genotype, the variant-containing genotypes of this SNP were significantly associated with both the overall survival (HR = 2.12, 95% CI = 1.34–3.34, P = 0.001) and the recurrence-free survival (HR = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.08–2.36, P = 0.019). Another SNP, rs4919510 in pre-miR-608, was also associated with altered recurrence-free survival (HR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.41–0.92, P = 0.017). These effects were evident only in patients receiving chemotherapy but not in those without chemotherapy. In addition, the combined analysis of the two SNPs conferred a 2.84-fold (95% CI = 1.50–5.37, P = 0.001) increased risk of recurrence and/or death. Similarly, this effect was only prominent in those receiving chemotherapy (P < 0.001) but not in those without chemotherapy (P = 0.999).

Conclusions: Our data suggest that genetic polymorphisms in pre-miRNA genes may impact CRC prognosis especially in patients receiving chemotherapy, a finding that warrants further independent validation.

Impact: This is one of the first studies showing a prognostic role of pre-miRNA gene SNPs in CRC. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(1); 217–27. ©2011 AACR.
An Integrated Genomic Approach to Identify Predictive Biomarkers of Response to the Aurora Kinase Inhibitor PF-03814735
Authors: Hook Kenneth E. , Garza Scott J. , Lira Maruja E. , Ching Keith A. , Lee Nathan V. , Cao Joan , Yuan Jing , Ye Jingjing , Ozeck Mark , Shi Stephanie T. , Zheng Xianxian , Rejto Paul A. , Kan Julie L.C. , Christensen James G. , Pavlicek Adam
Published: January 2012

PF-03814735 is a novel, reversible inhibitor of Aurora kinases A and B that finished a phase I clinical trial for the treatment of advanced solid tumors. To find predictive biomarkers of drug sensitivity, we screened a diverse panel of 87 cancer cell lines for growth inhibition upon PF-03814735 treatment. Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and, to a lesser extent, colon cancer lines were very sensitive to PF-03814735. The status of the Myc gene family and retinoblastoma pathway members significantly correlated with the efficacy of PF-03814735. Whereas RB1 inactivation, intact CDKN2A/p16, and normal CCND1/Cyclin D1 status are hallmarks of SCLC, activation or amplification of any of the three Myc genes (MYC, MYCL1, and MYCN) clearly differentiated cell line sensitivity within the SCLC panel. By contrast, we found that expression of Aurora A and B were weak predictors of response. We observed a decrease in histone H3 phosphorylation and polyploidization of sensitive lines, consistent with the phenotype of Aurora B inhibition. In vivo experiments with two SCLC xenograft models confirmed the sensitivity of Myc gene-driven models to PF-03814735 and a possible schedule dependence of MYC/c-Myc–driven tumors. Altogether our results suggest that SCLC and other malignancies driven by the Myc family genes may be suitable indications for treatment by Aurora B kinase inhibitors. Mol Cancer Ther; 11(3); 710–9. ©2012 AACR.
Failure to Replicate Influence of GRIK4 and GNB3 Polymorphisms on Treatment Outcome in Major Depression
Authors: Serretti Alessandro , Chiesa Alberto , Crisafulli Concetta , Massat Isabelle , Linotte Sylvie , Calati Raffaella , Kasper Siegfried , Bailer Ursula , Lecrubier Yves , Fink Martin , Antonijevic Irina , Forray Carlos , Snyder Lenore , Bollen Joseph , Zohar Joseph , De Ronchi Diana , Souery Daniel , Mendlewicz Julien
Published: January 2012

In the present study, we aimed to confirm the previous finding of an association between GRIK4 and GNB3 variants (rs195478 and rs5443) and remission and treatment resistance in major depression, using a multicenter sample of 223 patients. We did not find any supporting evidence for such associations. These conflicting data may result from difficulties in the replication of candidate gene association studies.
Genetic Variations in the Dopamine System and Facial Expression Recognition in Healthy Chinese College Students
Authors: Zhu Bi , Chen Chuansheng , Moyzis Robert K. , Dong Qi , Chen Chunhui , He Qinghua , Stern Hal S. , Li He , Li Jin , Li Jun , Lessard Jared , Lin Chongde
Published: January 2012

Objective: This study investigated the relation between genetic variations in the dopamine system and facial expression recognition. Methods: A sample of Chinese college students (n = 478) was given a facial expression recognition task. Subjects were genotyped for 98 loci [96 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 2 variable number tandem repeats] in 16 genes involved in the dopamine neurotransmitter system, including its 4 subsystems: synthesis (TH, DDC, and DBH), degradation/transport (COMT,MAOA,MAOB, and SLC6A3), receptors (DRD1,DRD2,DRD3,DRD4, and DRD5), and modulation (NTS,NTSR1,NTSR2, and NLN). To quantify the total contributions of the dopamine system to emotion recognition, we used a series of multiple regression models. Permutation analyses were performed to assess the posterior probabilities of obtaining such results. Results: Among the 78 loci that were included in the final analyses (after excluding 12 SNPs that were in high linkage disequilibrium and 8 that were not in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium), 1 (for fear), 3 (for sadness), 5 (for anger), 13 (for surprise), and 15 (for disgust) loci exhibited main effects on the recognition of facial expressions. Genetic variations in the dopamine system accounted for 3% for fear, 6% for sadness, 7% for anger, 10% for surprise, and 18% for disgust, with the latter surviving a stringent permutation test. Conclusions: Genetic variations in the dopamine system (especially the dopamine synthesis and modulation subsystems) made significant contributions to individual differences in the recognition of disgust faces.
World Wide Web-Based Cytological Analysis of Atypical Squamous Cells Cannot Exclude High-Grade Intraepithelial Lesions
Authors: Washiya Kiyotada , Takamizu Ryuichi , Kumagai Yukie , Himeji Yukari , Kobayashi Takako , Iwai Muneo , Watanabe Jun
Published: January 2012

Objective: It has been reported that the low level of consistency of diagnosis of atypical squamous cells cannot exclude high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (ASC-H) in uterine cervical cancer screening using the Bethesda System, indicating the necessity of a large-scale survey. We presented cases cytologically judged as ASC-H on our website and invited our members to give their opinions regarding the diagnosis by voting online. The Web voting results were analyzed and ASC-H was cytologically investigated. Study Design: Virtual slides of atypical cells in cytology preparations of 53 cases were prepared and presented on a website. ASC-H cases were divided into 42 cases sampled by brush scraping and 11 cases sampled by cotton swab scraping. Fifty-three cases cytologically judged as ASC-H were classified into benign and CIN2/3, and their patterns of arrangement of atypical cells and 8 cytological parameters were morphologically investigated. Results: The frequency of ASC-H diagnosis in the Web votes was low: 29.2% for brush-scraped and 26.2% for cotton swab-scraped cases. Three-dimensionality, coarse chromatin and irregular nuclei were significantly different between high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions and benign cases. Conclusion: Web-based surveys showed the difference of cytological findings between high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions and benign cases. To increase interobserver consistency, it may be useful to share information online, which avoids geographical and temporal limitations.
The Chance Identification of Unusual-Appearing Bacteria in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid
Authors: Hearp Matthew L. , Jakowski Joseph D.
Published: January 2012

Background: A well-known indication for the cytologic examination of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid is the identification of infectious organisms. However, an important distinction must be made as to whether the organisms seen represent a true opportunistic lower respiratory tract infection or a non-pathologic contamination. Case: We describe herein the case of a 13-month-old male infant who presented with persistent chest congestion and tracheobronchitis and who underwent BAL as part of his clinical work-up. On cytological examination of the BAL fluid, the Romanowsky-stained cytospin slides contained numerous squamous epithelial cells with some showing rare striated rod-like structures on their surfaces. The peculiar structures also had rounded ends and were very large when compared to adjacent known bacterial cocci. Conclusion: We have determined that the striated rod-like structures in the infant’s BAL fluid were indeed bacteria, Simonsiella sp. Simonsiella has reportedly been found in up to 32% of oral swabs in normal humans and it is considered a commensal and non-pathogenic organism. The characteristically large size, the association with normal oral-derived squamous cells and the striated appearance is diagnostic and will hopefully eliminate any possibility of confusion with a truly pathogenic organism.