bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent Developments on Operator‐Difference Schemes for Solving Nonlocal BVPs for the Wave Equation
Authors: Koksal Mehmet Emir
Published: November 2011

The second‐order one‐dimensional linear hyperbolic equation with time and space variable coefficients and nonlocal boundary conditions is solved by using stable operator‐difference schemes. Two new second‐order difference schemes recently appeared in the literature are compared numerically with each other and with the rather old first‐order difference scheme all to solve abstract Cauchy problem for hyperbolic partial differential equations with time‐dependent unbounded operator coefficient. These schemes are shown to be absolutely stable, and the numerical results are presented to compare the accuracy and the execution times. It is naturally seen that the second‐order difference schemes are much more advantages than the first‐order ones. Although one of the second‐order difference scheme is less preferable than the other one according to CPU (central processing unit) time consideration, it has superiority when the accuracy weighs more importance.
Large Fibroepithelial Polyp of Vulva
Authors: Navada Mahesha H. , Bhat Poornima Ramachandra B. , Rao Sujaya V. , G. Nagarathna
Published: November 2011

A rare case of a large fibroepithelial polyp (FEP) of the vulva is described. The polypoidal growth was 10 cm in its largest diameter, having a long pedicle with features of inflammation secondary to infection, and was found arising from the left labia majora. The patient did not manifest any signs of recurrence following excision. A large and infected FEP of the vulva is a rare occurrence and hence reported.
Fetoplacental Vascular Endothelial Dysfunction as an Early Phenomenon in the Programming of Human Adult Diseases in Subjects Born from Gestational Diabetes Mellitus or Obesity in Pregnancy
Authors: Leiva Andrea , Pardo Fabián , Ramírez Marco A. , Farías Marcelo , Casanello Paola , Sobrevia Luis
Published: November 2011

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and obesity in pregnancy (OP) are pathological conditions associated with placenta vascular dysfunction coursing with metabolic changes at the fetoplacental microvascular and macrovascular endothelium. These alterations are seen as abnormal expression and activity of the cationic amino acid transporters and endothelial nitric oxide synthase isoform, that is, the “endothelial L-arginine/nitric oxide signalling pathway.” Several studies suggest that the endogenous nucleoside adenosine along with insulin, and potentially arginases, are factors involved in GDM-, but much less information regards their role in OP-associated placental vascular alterations. There is convincing evidence that GDM and OP prone placental endothelium to an “altered metabolic state” leading to fetal programming evidenced at birth, a phenomenon associated with future development of chronic diseases. In this paper it is suggested that this pathological state could be considered as a metabolic marker that could predict occurrence of diseases in adulthood, such as cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes mellitus (including gestational diabetes), and metabolic syndrome.
The Role of −786T/C Polymorphism in the Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Gene in Males with Clinical and Biochemical Features of the Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Misiak Blazej , Krolik Marta , Kukowka Anna , Lewera Anna , Leszczynski Przemyslaw , Stankiewicz-Olczyk Joanna , Slezak Ryszard
Published: November 2011

Background. Extensive evidence, arising from models of endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene (NOS3)-knockout mice supports the role of endothelial malfunction in the pathogenesis of the metabolic syndrome (MS).Aims. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of −786T/C polymorphism in the etiology of MS and assess previously reported interaction with cigarette smoking.Methods. Based on International Diabetes Federation 2005 criteria, we recruited randomly 152 subjects with MS and 75 subjects without MS.Results. Allelic and genotype frequencies did not differ significantly between both groups. Total cholesterol level (CHOLT) and intima-media thickness of carotid arteries were significantly higher in −786CC homozygotes, in comparison with −786TC and −786TT patients. Regarding current smoking status, −786C allele was associated with higher CHOLT than −786T allele.Conclusion. Our study indicates the putative role of −786T/C polymorphism in the development of hypercholesterolemia, in patients with MS, which might be enhanced by cigarette smoking.
Performance of Cableless Magnetic In-Piping Actuator Capable of High-Speed Movement by Means of Inertial Force
Authors: Yaguchi Hiroyuki , Izumikawa Tomohiro
Published: November 2011

The present paper proposes a novel cableless magnetic actuator with a new propulsion module that exhibits a very high thrusting force. This actuator contains an electrical inverter that directly transforms DC from button batteries into AC. The electrical DC-AC inverter incorporates a mass-spring system, a reed switch, and a curved permanent magnet that switches under an electromagnetic force. The actuator is moved by the inertial force of the mass-spring system due to mechanical resonance energy. The experimental results show that the actuator is able to move upward at a speed of 19.7 mm/s when using 10 button batteries when pulling a 20 g load mass. This cableless magnetic actuator has several possible applications, including narrow pipe inspection and maintenance.
Normal Gaze Cueing in Children with Autism Is Disrupted by Simultaneous Speech Utterances in “Live” Face-to-Face Interactions
Authors: Potter Douglas D. , Webster Simon
Published: November 2011

Gaze cueing was assessed in children with autism and in typically developing children, using a computer-controlled “live” face-to-face procedure. Sensitivity to gaze direction was assessed using a Posner cuing paradigm. Both static and dynamic directional gaze cues were used. Consistent with many previous studies, using photographic and cartoon faces, gaze cueing was present in children with autism and was not developmentally delayed. However, in the same children, gaze cueing was abolished when a mouth movement occurred at the same time as the gaze cue. In contrast, typical children were able to use gaze cues in all conditions. The findings indicate that gaze cueing develops successfully in some children with autism but that their attention is disrupted by speech utterances. Their ability to learn to read nonverbal emotional and intentional signals provided by the eyes may therefore be significantly impaired. This may indicate a problem with cross-modal attention control or an abnormal sensitivity to peripheral motion in general or the mouth region in particular.
A Comprehensive Overview of Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Authors: Shen Caiying , Shan Peng , Gao Tao
Published: November 2011

As the environmental pollution and energy crises are getting more and more remarkable, hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) have taken on an accelerated pace in the world. A comprehensive overview of HEVs is presented in this paper, with the emphasis on configurations, main issues, and energy management strategies. Conclusions are discussed finally.
Obesity in Arabic-Speaking Countries
Authors: Badran Mohammad , Laher Ismail
Published: November 2011

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions throughout the globe, and this has also impacted people of the Arabic-speaking countries, especially those in higher-income, oil-producing countries. The prevalence of obesity in children and adolescents ranges from 5% to 14% in males and from 3% to 18% in females. There is a significant increase in the incidence of obesity with a prevalence of 2%–55% in adult females and 1%–30% in adult males. Changes in food consumption, socioeconomic and demographic factors, physical activity, and multiple pregnancies may be important factors that contribute to the increased prevalence of obesity engulfing the Arabic-speaking countries.
Computing the Performance Measures in Queueing Models via the Method of Order Statistics
Authors: Abdelkader Yousry H. , Al-Wohaibi Maram
Published: November 2011

This paper focuses on new measures of performance in single‐server Markovian queueing
system. These measures depend on the moments of order statistics. The expected value and the variance of the maximum (minimum) number of customers in the system as well as the expected value and the variance of the minimum (maximum) waiting time are presented. Application to an M/M/1 model is given to illustrate the idea and the applicability of the proposed measures.
Model of Fracture, Friction, and Wear Phenomena of Porous Iron
Authors: Shatsov A. A. , Ryaposov I. V. , Larinin D. M.
Published: November 2011

Mechanical and tribotechnical features of powdered materials are strongly influenced by pore volume, fracture character, impurities, alloying, concentration inhomogeneity, friction conditions, and other factors. Pores also have influence on acceleration of diffusion processes and reduce undercooled austenite resistance. Annealed in hydrogen, ultra pure iron powder was used to study porous iron features. Toughness fracture and tribotechnical features had nonmonotonic dependence from porosity different from all known dependences got from technical iron powders. Researches brought out the fact that in process of porosity reduction by pressing and annealing cycles, the average dimension of porous is changed. According to the analysis of porous structure were created models of friction, wear, and fracture of pure porous iron.
Some Refinements of Inequalities for Circular Functions
Authors: Sun Zhengjie , Zhu Ling
Published: November 2011

We give new lower bound and upper bound for Papenfuss‐Bach inequality and improve Ruehr‐Shafer inequality by providing a new lower bound.
Evaluation of Cardioprotective Effect of 3,5,3′-Tri-iodo-L-thyronine in Isoproterenol-Induced Cardiotoxicity
Authors: Mishra Vinay , Ghumatkar Priya , Patel Maulik V. , Devada Shilpesh , Ranvir Ramchandra , Swain Prabodha , Sundar Rajesh , Bahekar Rajesh , Jain Mukul R.
Published: November 2011

T3(3,5,3′-triiodothyronine) has drawn relatively little attention in relation to cardiovascular (CVS) diseases. The present study was designed to evaluate the cardioprotective action of T3in isoproterenol-(ISO-) induced cardiac toxicity. Female Wistar rats were exposed with ISO (100 mg/kg, body weight, subcutaneously) for 2 days at the interval of 24 h followed by T3(3 μg/kg, body weight, orally) treatment for 3 days. Positive control rats received only ISO (100 mg/kg, body weight, subcutaneously) for 2 days at the interval of 24 hrs. Control group animals received normal saline as a vehicle. As expected, ISO-induced significant changes were observed in low-density lipoprotein, total cholesterol, ALT, CK-MB to TCK ratio, and prolongation of QT interval in electrocardiogram, which is toward normalization after T3treatment. Lower heart weight, upregulation of cardiac myosin heavy chain alpha (MHC-α), and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration, myonecrosis, vacuolar changes, and a trend toward normal cardiac muscle fiber architecture in microscopic examination of cardiac tissue further support the cardioprotective effect of T3.
Complications Associated with Uterine Artery Embolisation for Fibroids
Authors: Memtsa Maria , Homer Hayden
Published: November 2011

Uterine artery embolisation (UAE) is a relative newcomer to the mainstream treatment modalities available for fibroid-related problems. The efficacy of UAE is indisputable and has been shown to be comparable to hysterectomy in the short term in large-scale trials. Moreover, compared with hysterectomy, UAE is less invasive, carries a superior risk profile, and, importantly, preserves the uterus. UAE therefore offers patients symptom relief whilst at the same time retaining reproductive potential. Notably however, although women can have successful pregnancies following UAE, it is becoming increasingly evident that pregnancies after UAE are more risky especially during the early stages. Long-term outcome data from randomised trials involving UAE have very recently become available and show that whilst high satisfaction rates previously identified during early-stage followup are sustained, one notable drawback is a substantial risk of reintervention. It remains to be seen how this facet of UAE will impact on its future uptake.
Advanced Endoscopic Imaging for Diagnosis of Crohn's Disease
Authors: Neumann Helmut , Mönkemüller Klaus , Günther Claudia , Atreya Raja , Vieth Michael , Neurath Markus F.
Published: November 2011

Endoscopy in IBD has tremendous importance to diagnose inflammatory activity, to evaluate therapeutic success and for the surveillance of colitis associated cancer. Thus it becomes obvious that there is a need for new and more advanced endoscopic imaging techniques for better characterization of mucosal inflammation and early neoplasia detection in IBD. This paper describes the concept of advanced endoscopic imaging for the diagnosis and characterization of Crohn's disease, including magnification endoscopy, chromoendoscopy, balloon-assisted enteroscopy, capsule endoscopy, confocal laser endomicroscopy, and endocytoscopy.
Water Desorption Process in Room Temperature Ionic Liquid-H2O Mixtures: N, N-diethyl-N-methyl-N-(2-methoxyethyl) Ammonium Tetrafluoroborate
Authors: Abe Hiroshi , Mori Tomohiro , Imai Yusuke , Yoshimura Yukihiro
Published: November 2011

A water desorption process of a mixture of room temperature ionic liquid (N, N-diethyl-N-methyl-N-(2-methoxyethyl) ammonium tetrafluoroborate) and water was investigated via simultaneous X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements, in which relative humidity was controlled by a water vapor generator. In these measurements, H2O concentration was estimated by the peak position of the principal peak in X-ray diffraction patterns, and the thermal property associated with a mixing state was detected by a DSC thermograph. In addition, the density of the mixture was measured as a macroscopic property. In situ observations revealed that the thermally unstable mixing state in the water-rich region has an important correlation with density and thermal and structural properties.
Hypolipidemic Activity ofEryngium carlinaeon Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Noriega-Cisneros Ruth , Ortiz-Ávila Omar , Esquivel-Gutiérrez Edgar , Clemente-Guerrero Mónica , Manzo-Avalos Salvador , Salgado-Garciglia Rafael , Cortés-Rojo Christian , Boldogh Istvan , Saavedra-Molina Alfredo
Published: November 2011

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a significant risk factor for the development of cardiovascular complications. This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of chronic administration of ethanolic extract ofEryngium carlinaeon glucose, creatinine, uric acid, total cholesterol, and triglycerides levels in serum of streptozotocin- (STZ-) induced diabetic rats. Triglycerides, total cholesterol, and uric acid levels increased in serum from diabetic rats. The treatment withE. carlinaeprevented these changes. The administration ofE. carlinaeextract reduced the levels of creatinine, uric acid, total cholesterol, and triglycerides. Thus administration ofE. carlinaeis able to reduce hyperlipidemia related to the cardiovascular risk in diabetes mellitus.
Effects of Intraguild Predation: Evaluating Resource Competition between Two Canid Species with Apparent Niche Separation
Authors: Kozlowski Adam J. , Gese Eric M. , Arjo Wendy M.
Published: November 2011

Many studies determine which habitat components are important to animals and the extent their use may overlap with competitive species. However, such studies are often undertaken after populations are in decline or under interspecific stress. Since habitat selection is not independent of interspecific stress, quantifying an animal's current landscape use could be misleading if the species distribution is suboptimal. We present an alternative approach by modeling the predicted distributions of two sympatric species on the landscape using dietary preferences and prey distribution. We compared the observed habitat use of kit foxes (Vulpes macrotis) and coyotes (Canis latrans) against their predicted distribution. Data included locations of kit foxes and coyotes, carnivore scat transects, and seasonal prey surveys. Although habitats demonstrated heterogeneity with respect to prey resources, only coyotes showed habitat use designed to maximize access to prey. In contrast, kit foxes used habitats which did not align closely with prey resources. Instead, habitat use by kit foxes represented spatial and behavioral strategies designed to minimize spatial overlap with coyotes while maximizing access to resources. Data on the distribution of prey, their dietary importance, and the species-specific disparities between predicted and observed habitat distributions supports a mechanism by which kit fox distribution is derived from intense competitive interactions with coyotes.
Pole Placement-Based NMPC of Hammerstein Systems and Its Application to Grade Transition Control of Polypropylene
Authors: De-Feng He , Li Yu
Published: November 2011

This paper presents a new nonlinear model predictive control (MPC) algorithm for Hammerstein systems subject to constraints on the state, input, and intermediate variable. Taking no account of constraints, a desired linear controller of the intermediate variable is obtained by applying pole placement to the linear subsystem. Then, actual control actions are determined in consideration of constraints by online solving a finite horizon optimal control problem, where only the first control is calculated and others are approximated to reduce the computational demand. Moreover, the asymptotic stability can be guaranteed in certain condition. Finally, the simulation example of the grade transition control of industrial polypropylene plants is used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the results proposed here.
Pre-Emptive Treatment of Lidocaine Attenuates Neuropathic Pain and Reduces Pain-Related Biochemical Markers in the Rat Cuneate Nucleus in Median Nerve Chronic Constriction Injury Model
Authors: Lin Chi-Te , Tsai Yi-Ju , Wang Hsin-Ying , Chen Seu-Hwa , Lin Tzu-Yu , Lue June-Horng
Published: November 2011

This study investigates the effects of lidocaine pre-emptive treatment on neuropathic pain behavior, injury discharges of nerves, neuropeptide Y (NPY) and c-Fos expression in the cuneate nucleus (CN) after median nerve chronic constriction injury (CCI). Behavior tests demonstrated that the pre-emptive lidocaine treatment dose dependently delayed and attenuated the development of mechanical allodynia within a 28-day period. Electrophysiological recording was used to examine the changes in injury discharges of the nerves. An increase in frequency of injury discharges was observed and peaked at postelectrical stimulation stage in the presaline group, which was suppressed by lidocaine pre-emptive treatment in a dose-dependent manner. Lidocaine pretreatment also reduced the number of injury-induced NPY-like immunoreactive (NPY-LI) fibers and c-Fos-LI neurons within the CN in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the mean number of c-Fos-LI neurons in the CN was significantly correlated to the NPY reduction level and the sign of mechanical allodynia following CCI.
Impulsive Synchronization of Nonlinearly Coupled Complex Networks
Authors: Feng Guizhen , Cao Jinde , Lu Jianquan
Published: November 2011

This paper investigates synchronization problem of nonlinearly coupled dynamical networks, and an effectively impulsive control scheme is proposed to synchronize the network onto the objective state. Based on the stability analysis of impulsive differential equations, a low‐dimensional sufficient condition is derived to guarantee the exponential synchronization in virtual of average impulsive interval. A numerical example is given to illustrate the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed methods and results.
External Validation of Diagnostic Models to Estimate the Risk of Malignancy in Adnexal Masses
Authors: Van Holsbeke Caroline , Van Calster Ben , Bourne Tom , Ajossa Silvia , Testa Antonia C. , Guerriero Stefano , Fruscio Robert , Lissoni Andrea Alberto , Czekierdowski Artur , Savelli Luca , Van Huffel Sabine , Valentin Lil , Timmerman Dirk
Published: November 2011

Purpose: To externally validate and compare the performance of previously published diagnostic models developed to predict malignancy in adnexal masses.

Experimental Design: We externally validated the diagnostic performance of 11 models developed by the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis (IOTA) group and 12 other (non-IOTA) models on 997 prospectively collected patients. The non-IOTA models included the original risk of malignancy index (RMI), three modified versions of the RMI, six logistic regression models, and two artificial neural networks. The ability of the models to discriminate between benign and malignant adnexal masses was expressed as the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios (LR+, LR−).

Results: Seven hundred and forty-two (74%) benign and 255 (26%) malignant masses were included. The IOTA models did better than the non-IOTA models (AUCs between 0.941 and 0.956 vs. 0.839 and 0.928). The difference in AUC between the best IOTA and the best non-IOTA model was 0.028 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.011–0.044]. The AUC of the RMI was 0.911 (difference with the best IOTA model, 0.044; 95% CI, 0.024–0.064). The superior performance of the IOTA models was most pronounced in premenopausal patients but was also observed in postmenopausal patients. IOTA models were better able to detect stage I ovarian cancer.

Conclusion: External validation shows that the IOTA models outperform other models, including the current reference test RMI, for discriminating between benign and malignant adnexal masses. Clin Cancer Res; 18(3); 815–25. ©2011 AACR.
MicroRNA Alterations of Pancreatic Intraepithelial Neoplasias
Authors: Yu Jun , Li Ang , Hong Seung-Mo , Hruban Ralph H. , Goggins Michael
Published: November 2011

Purpose: MicroRNA (miRNA) alterations are likely to contribute to the development of pancreatic cancer and may serve as markers for the early detection of pancreatic neoplasia.

Experimental Design: To identify the miRNA alterations that arise during the development of pancreatic cancer, we determined the levels of 735 miRNAs in 34 pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasias (PanIN) and 15 normal pancreatic duct samples isolated by laser capture microdissection using TaqMan miRNA microarrays. Differential expression of selected miRNAs was confirmed by FISH analysis and by quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis of selected candidate miRNAs in an independent set of PanIN and normal duct samples.

Results: We identified 107 aberrantly expressed miRNAs in different PanIN grades compared with normal pancreatic duct samples and 35 aberrantly expressed miRNAs in PanIN-3 lesions compared with normal pancreatic duct samples. These differentially expressed miRNAs included those that have been previously identified as differentially expressed in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAC; including miR-21, miR-200a/b/c, miR-216a/b, miR-217, miR-146a, miR-155, miR-182, miR-196b, miR-203, miR-222, miR-338-3p, miR-486-3p, etc.) as well as miRNAs not previously described as differentially expressed in these lesions (miR-125b, miR-296-5p, miR-183*, miR-603, miR-625/*, miR-708, etc.). miR-196b was the most selectively differentially expressed miRNA in PanIN-3 lesions.

Conclusions: Many miRNAs undergo aberrant expression in PanIN lesions and are likely to be important in the development of PDAC. The miRNAs, such as miR-196b, whose expression is limited to PanIN-3 lesions or pancreatic cancers could be useful as diagnostic markers. Clin Cancer Res; 18(4); 981–92. ©2011 AACR.
Impact of Acid Inhibition on Esophageal Mucosal Injury Induced by Low-Dose Aspirin
Authors: Sugimoto Mitsushige , Nishino Masafumi , Kodaira Chise , Yamade Mihoko , Uotani Takahiro , Ikuma Mutsuhiro , Furuta Takahisa
Published: November 2011

Background and Aim: Aspirin enjoys widespread use as an antithrombotic drug, but such ubiquity also increases the risk of gastrointestinal mucosal injury. Recent studies have shown that aspirin can also induce esophageal mucosal injury. We resolved to determine the intragastric pH value necessary to prevent aspirin-induced esophageal mucosal injury. Methods: 15 healthyJapanese volunteers were dosed for 7 days in a four-way random crossover trial with 100 mg entero-coated type aspirin only once daily, 100 mg aspirin + 20 mg famotidine twice daily, 15 mg lansoprazole once daily, or 10 mg rabeprazole once daily. All subjects underwent endoscopy and intragastric pH monitoring on day 7. Results: 7 individuals (46.7%) developed esophageal mucosal injury when ingesting aspirin alone. The incidence of esophageal mucosal injury was reduced however with concomitant dosing of aspirin and famotidine (26.6%; p = 0.193), lansoprazole (0%; p = 0.004), and rabeprazole (6.7%; p = 0.019). Among individuals for whom mean 24-h pH was >5.0 and who experienced pH <4.0 less than 40% of the time, none developed aspirin-induced esophageal mucosal injury. Conclusion: Acid inhibition achieved with a half-dose of a proton pump inhibitor effectively prevented development of aspirin-induced esophageal mucosal injury, whereas a standard dose of a histamine-2-receptor antagonist failed to achieve the same results.
Effect of Intravitreal Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Treatment on the Retinal Gene Expression in Acute Experimental Central Retinal Vein Occlusion
Authors: Drechsler Franziska , Köferl Patricia , Hollborn Margrit , Wiedemann Peter , Bringmann Andreas , Kohen Leon , Rehak Matus
Published: November 2011

Purpose: To determine the effect of intravitreal bevacizumab and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antibodies on the gene expression in the neural retina in a rat model of central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). Methods: The CRVO was induced by laser photocoagulation of all retinal veins. The animals were divided into 3 groups (in each, n = 16): group CRVO only without any further treatment, group CRVO with bevacizumab, and group CRVO with anti-VEGF antibodies. The intravitreal injection of bevacizumab or anti-VEGF antibodies was performed 15 min after CRVO induction. The left eyes in all animals served as untreated controls. The expression of factors which influence the development of vascular edema (VEGF-A, pigment epithelium-derived factor, PEDF), of channels implicated in retinal osmohomeostasis (Kir4.1, AQP4, AQP1) and of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 was determined by using real-time RT-PCR after 1 and 3 days of CRVO. Results: CRVO induced a rapid transient upregulation of Vegfa after 1 day, and a delayed upregulation of Pedf after 3 days of CRVO. The expression levels of Kir4.1, Aqp4 and Aqp1 were strongly decreased, and the levels of Il1β and Il6 were strikingly increased after CRVO. Intravitreal bevacizumab and anti-VEGF antibodies fully prevented the upregulation of Vegfa after 1 day, and the upregulation of Pedf after 3 days of CRVO, and decreased the upregulation of Il1β after 1 day of CRVO. Anti-VEGF treatment had no effect on the expression levels of Kir4.1, Aqp4, Aqp1, and Il6. Conclusions: It is suggested that the inhibitory effect on the upregulation of Vegfa and Il1β contributes to the edema-resolving effect of anti-VEGF treatment.
The Course of Heart Failure Development and Mortality in Rats with Volume Overload due to Aorto-Caval Fistula
Authors: Melenovsky Vojtech , Skaroupkova Petra , Benes Jan , Torresova Vera , Kopkan Libor , Cervenka Ludek
Published: November 2011

Background: There are only few studies documenting the long-term outcome of aorto-caval fistula (ACF) in rats, a model of volume overload heart failure (HF). The aim of the present study was to describe HF-related morbidity and mortality, and to examine the relation between cardiac hypertrophy and survival. Methods: Adult male Wistar rats underwent needle ACF or sham operation and 71 animals surviving the acute procedure with patent ACF were followed for 52 weeks. Results: By the end of the study, 72% of the ACF animals deceased and 82% developed HF signs. Of the HF rats, 65% died (median: 3 weeks after HF onset). Before death, body weight increased by 9% followed by a final drop. 28% ACF rats died suddenly, without preceding HF. Sudden death occurred earlier and in the rats with a trend to larger hearts (p = 0.07). In the whole ACF cohort, heart weight (heart weight/body weight ratio) was inversely associated with the length of survival (r = –0.51, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The median survival of ACF Wistar rats is 43 weeks, longer than reported in other rat strains. Increased heart weight is associated with higher mortality and a significant number of animals die suddenly.
Efficacy Comparison of Trimetazidine with Therapeutic Alternatives in Stable Angina Pectoris: A Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Danchin Nicolas , Marzilli Mario , Parkhomenko Alexander , Ribeiro Jorge P.
Published: November 2011

Aims: To compare the antianginal efficacy of trimetazidine with that of other agents with no influence on heart rate. Methods and Results: Medline and Embase databases were searched for blinded, randomized, controlled trials assessing the effects of non-heart-rate-lowering antianginal treatments on exercise tolerance and/or clinical criteria in stable angina patients. All relevant trimetazidine trials including the VASCO trial, the results of which are published herein, were included. A Bayesian network meta-analysis on the summary data was performed. Comparator antianginal agents were considered as a group and in agent/class subgroups. Trials involving β-blockers, non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers, and ivabradine were excluded. 218 trials totaling 19,028 patients were included in at least 1 network analysis. Effects of trimetazidine were statistically significant compared with placebo for exercise tolerance and clinical criteria. Transposition of results into seconds for clinical interpretation of exercise tolerance parameters showed a mean improvement of +46 s (95% credibility interval: 28; 66) for total exercise duration, +55 s (35; 77) for 1-mm ST segment depression (T1), and +54 s (24; 84) for time to onset of angina, in favor of trimetazidine. Differences between trimetazidine and active comparators were not significant when exercise tolerance and clinical criteria were analyzed, with +7 s (–12; 28) for total exercise duration, –1 s (–23; 22) for T1, +8 s (–22; 40) for time to onset of angina, and –0.28 (–1.17; 0.64) attacks per week for trimetazidine compared with antianginal agents as a group. Conclusions: Trimetazidine efficacy was comparable to that of other non-heart-rate-lowering antianginal treatments in patients with stable angina pectoris.
Primary Carnitine Deficiency and Sudden Death: In vivo Evidence of Myocardial Lipid Peroxidation and Sulfonylation of Sarcoendoplasmic Reticulum Calcium ATPase 2
Authors: Mazzini M. , Tadros T. , Siwik D. , Joseph L. , Bristow M. , Qin F. , Cohen R. , Monahan K. , Klein M. , Colucci W.
Published: November 2011

Objectives: Primary carnitine deficiency is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the SLC22A5 gene which results in impaired carnitine transport, cytosolic fatty acid accumulation and impaired beta oxidation. The disease is associated with cardiomyopathy and arrhythmias, but the mechanism is unknown. We hypothesized that carnitine deficiency results in increased myocardial oxidative stress. Methods: We evaluated a 22-year-old woman with primary carnitine deficiency and ventricular fibrillation, as well as her first-degree relatives. Results: Sequencing of SLC22A5 identified two deleterious mutations (A142S and R488H) and a novel mutation predicted to be a splice variant. Histology demonstrated increased myocardial lipid deposition and swollen mitochondria. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated accumulation of the reactive aldehyde 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal, indicative of increased lipid peroxidation, and sulfonylation of sarcoendoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase 2 at cysteine 674. Conclusions: These findings suggest that increased oxidant stress may contribute to myocardial dysfunction and arrhythmogenesis in this disorder.
Interleukin-17A Deficiency Accelerates Unstable Atherosclerotic Plaque Formation in Apolipoprotein E-Deficient Mice
Authors: Danzaki Keiko , Matsui Yutaka , Ikesue Masahiro , Ohta Daichi , Ito Koyu , Kanayama Masashi , Kurotaki Daisuke , Morimoto Junko , Iwakura Yoichiro , Yagita Hideo , Tsutsui Hiroyuki , Uede Toshimitsu
Published: November 2011

Objective—

Interleukin(IL)-17A, an inflammatory cytokine, has been implicated in atherosclerosis, in which inflammatory cells within atherosclerotic plaques express IL-17A. However, its role in the development of atheroscelrosis remains to be controversial.

Methods and Results—

To directly examine the role of IL-17A in atherosclerosis, we generated apolipoprotein E (ApoE)/IL-17A double-deficient (ApoE
−/−
IL-17A
−/−
) mice. Mice were fed with high-fat diet (HFD) for either 8 or 16 weeks, both starting at ages of 6 to 8 weeks. We found that splenic CD4
+
T-cells produced high amounts of IL-17A in ApoE
−/−
mice after HFD feeding for 8 weeks. Atherosclerosis was significantly accelerated in HFD-fed ApoE
−/−
IL-17A
−/−
mice compared with ApoE
−/−
mice. Splenic CD4
+
T-cells of ApoE
−/−
IL-17A
−/−
mice after HFD feeding for 8 weeks, but not for 16 weeks, exhibited increased interferon gamma and decreased IL-5 production. Importantly, formation of vulnerable plaque as evidenced by reduced numbers of vascular smooth muscle cells and reduced type I collagen deposition in the plaque was detected in ApoE
−/−
IL-17A
−/−
mice after HFD feeding for 8 weeks.

Conclusion—

These results suggest that IL-17A regulates the early phase of atherosclerosis development after HFD feeding and plaque stability, at least partly if not all by modulating interferon gamma and IL-5 production from CD4
+
T-cells.
Selective Modulation of Nuclear Factor of Activated T-Cell Function in Restenosis by a Potent Bipartite Peptide Inhibitor
Authors: Yu Haixiang , Bot Ilze , Sliedregt Karen , Xu Xingfu , Bot Martine , van Heiningen Sandra H. , van der Marel Gijs A. , Bennett Martin R. , Overkleeft Herman , van Berkel Theo J.C. , Biessen Erik A.L.
Published: November 2011

Rationale:

Nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) is importantly implicated in pathological cardiac remodeling and vascular lesion formation. NFAT functionality is mainly regulated by calcineurin, a Ca
2+
-dependent multi-effector phosphatase. Calcineurin inhibitors such as cyclosporine A (CsA) were shown to be effective in the treatment of restenosis and vascular inflammation but with adverse side effects.

Objective:

This prompted the design of more selective inhibitors such as VIVIT and inhibitors of NFAT-calcineurin association, which unfortunately have a poor potency precluding clinical use.

Methods and Results:

Here, we describe the rational design of a potent bipartite inhibitor of NFAT–calcineurin interaction, MCV1, which targets two separate calcineurin docking motifs. Modeling, site-directed mutagenesis, and functional studies demonstrated that MCV1 acts by allosteric modulation of calcineurin. Comparable to CsA, MCV1 prevents NFAT activation at nanomolar potency without impairing calcineurin phosphatase activity, nuclear factor-κB nuclear import, and general cell signaling. In contrast, CsA but not MCV1-activated basal level extracellular signal-regulated kinases activity and prevented nuclear import of calcineurin, independent of NFAT activation. In vivo MCV1 abrogated NFAT-mediated T-cell activation in a model of PMA-elicited peritonitis, whereas topical application of MCV1 markedly reduced neointima formation in a mouse model of restenosis.

Conclusions:

We designed a bipartite NFAT inhibitor that is more potent than VIVIT and more selective than CsA. MCV1 constitutes not only a powerful tool to unravel NFAT function but also a potential drug candidate for the treatment of diseases implicating NFAT activation.
A Review Essay of Ethics in Small and Medium Sized Enterprises: A Global Commentary, edited by Laura J. Spence and Mollie Painter-Morland (Dordrecht, Netherlands: Springer, 2010)
Authors: Mayson Susan
Published: November 2011

This review essay assesses the contents and contributions of an edited volume on ethics in small and medium-sized enterprises. The volume takes a global perspective on such firms. Dr. Laura J. Spence is director of the Centre for Research Into Sustainability at Royal Holloway, University of London. Dr. Mollie Painter-Morland is associate professor in the Department of Philosophy at DePaul University in Chicago and associate director of DePaul’s Institute for Business and Professional Ethics. Dr. Painter-Morland is editor-in-chief of the Business and Professional Ethics Journal.
The Court Versus Consent Decrees? Schools, Horne v. Flores and Judicial Strategies of Institutional Reform Litigation
Authors: Chilton Bradley , Chwialkowski Paul
Published: November 2011

Is the U.S. Supreme Court inviting litigants to take aim at unraveling injunctions in institutional reform litigation—especially consent decrees in the schools? In Horne v. Flores (2009), the court remanded a 17-year-old school reform case to a federal judge with orders to look beyond consent decrees on financing, reducing class sizes, and moving from bilingual education to structured English immersion—to look anew at whether the schools in Nogales, Arizona, provide equal opportunity. Those concerned with schools worry that the court has signaled the end of institutional reform litigation in the schools. However, we closely analyze these dense opinions and data tables to posit the court’s preference for a catalytic judicial strategy that may work best with institutional reform litigation. We place this analysis within a larger context of empirical studies of institutional reform litigation judicial strategies, including judicial roles of deferrer, director, broker, and catalyst. We also argue that these preferences demonstrate the court’s awareness of a sociolegal empirical literature on what works in institutional reform litigation—rather than the end of consent decrees in the schools.
Bad Boys, Big Trouble
Authors: Czymoniewicz-Klippel Melina T.
Published: November 2011

This article explores the experiences of adolescent males in Cambodia who, simultaneous to their maltreatment and marginalization within the family and community, have reduced opportunities to produce identities of sociomoral value through access to cultural capital. It draws on ethnographic data gathered from adolescents boys aged 9 to 16 in Siem Reap, Cambodia, through in-depth interviews and participant observation. The article examines why and how these so-called bad boys are forming gang subcultures as a site of resistance, stressing their role as social actors who make competent and considered lifestyle choices as per their social constraints and opportunities. Gang membership is demonstrated to offer bad boys varying benefits. Yet significant individual and societal risks also arise from these boys’ gang involvement. In conclusion, therefore, it is advocated that development practitioners work with bad boys through, rather than against, their subcultures, supporting them to identify alternative means of negotiating social inclusion.
New Teacher Perceptions of the “Teacher Leader” Movement
Authors: Nolan Barbara , Palazzolo Laura
Published: November 2011

This study explored how untenured teachers define the concept of teacher leadership and how this understanding is evidenced in day-to-day practice. Results suggest that new teachers view teacher leadership as activities necessary for promotion to higher-level administrative roles. Much less consideration was given to the notion of teacher leadership as a means to promote social justice or socially just teaching. These findings are posited as useful to those who work with new teachers through induction or teacher education programs.
The Relationship between Jugular Bulb–Vestibular Aqueduct Dehiscence and Hearing Loss in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Kupfer Robbi A. , Hoesli Rebecca C. , Green Glenn E. , Thorne Marc C.
Published: November 2011

Objective

To determine the prevalence of jugular bulb and vestibular aqueduct dehiscence (JBVAD) in pediatric patients undergoing temporal bone computed tomography (CT) scans and to assess the relationship between JBVAD and hearing loss.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional study with chart review.

Setting

Tertiary academic medical center.

Subjects and Methods

All patients 18 years of age or younger who had undergone temporal bone CT scans and audiometric testing between 2004 and 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. JBVAD was determined by blinded review of CT images. Hearing loss was determined by review of audiometric data and was correlated with imaging findings.

Results

CT images and audiometric data were available for review in 927 patients (1854 ears). Overall prevalence of JBVAD was 8.6%, with a prevalence of 6.6% in right ears and 3.6% in left ears. JBVAD was present in 8.3% and 7.1% of patients with and without sensorineural or mixed hearing loss, respectively (95% confidence interval [CI], ‐2.3% to 4.6%;P=. 51). Similarly, JBVAD was present in 5.5% of ears with and 4.6% of ears without sensorineural or mixed hearing loss (95% CI, ‐1.1% to 2.9%;P=. 37).

Conclusion

The prevalence of JBVAD is 8.6% in pediatric patients undergoing temporal bone CT scans, 65% of which occur in the right ear. We were unable to identify any relationship between JBVAD and hearing loss. A major contribution to pediatric sensorineural hearing loss from JBVAD is therefore extremely unlikely.
Face, Content, and Construct Validity of a Low‐Cost Sinus Surgery Task Trainer
Authors: Steehler Matthew K. , Pfisterer Michael J. , Na Hana , Hesham Hosai N. , Pehlivanova Marieta , Malekzadeh Sonya
Published: November 2011

Objective

To assess the face, content, and construct validities of a low‐cost sinus surgery task trainer in acquisition of skills for endoscopic sinus surgery.

Study Design

Prospective validation study.

Setting

Tertiary academic center.

Subjects and Methods

Attending otolaryngologists, otolaryngology residents at various levels of training, and medical students performed nasal endoscopy and 5 specific tasks using this model. Face and content validities were assessed based on the attendings’ responses to a questionnaire evaluating the task trainer. Construct validity was determined by comparing novice to experienced performance using a validated checklist and globalized rating scale.

Results

A total of 77 subjects participated in the study. Attending otolaryngologists responded to a survey after completing the tasks. Eighty percent of evaluators rated the trainer as realistic and agreed that this model correlates with the essential skills needed for endoscopic sinus surgery, 90% felt this model provided adequate training and would increase resident competency, and 90% were interested in using the model to train residents. On the task trainer, experienced otolaryngologists and senior residents scored significantly higher than junior residents and medical students using the objective measures of the globalized rating scale and checklist.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates face, content, and construct validity of the low‐cost sinus surgery task trainer. This model has the potential to be a valuable tool in endoscopic sinus surgery training for otolaryngology residents.
Meta-Analyses of Sex Differences in Responses to Sexual Versus Emotional Infidelity
Authors: Carpenter Christopher J.
Published: November 2011

From 54 articles, 172 effect sizes were meta-analyzed to determine whether men and women are differentially distressed by emotional versus sexual infidelity. Predictions were derived and tested from an evolutionary psychology (EP) perspective, a social–cognitive perspective, and the double-shot perspective. The data were not consistent with the EP predictions because men tended to respond in the predicted manner in only the U.S. student samples, whereas the rest of the data were largely consistent with the social–cognitive theory. Specifically, both sexes tended to be more upset by emotional than sexual infidelity when forced to choose which type of infidelity was more distressing. Both sexes indicated that sexual infidelity was more distressing than emotional when asked to rate their level of distress separately for each using continuous measures. The lesbian and gay samples were mostly consistent with the double-shot hypothesis because they tended to respond based on stereotyping grounded in the sex of their partner, paralleling heterosexuals in this regard. Analysis of the scenarios designed to test the double-shot hypothesis found somewhat smaller effects when the possibility of both types of infidelity was ruled out. These findings suggest that professionals seeking to address problems associated with jealousy in romantic relationships would profit from avoiding sex-linked assumptions about which aspect of infidelity is likely to be more upsetting.
Long-term Follow-up for Ophthalmologic Sequelae in Children Treated With Corticosteroids for Infantile Spasms
Authors: Eidlitz-Markus Tal , Snir Moshe , Kivity Sara , Goldberg-Stern Hadassa , Haimi-Cohen Yishai , Zeharia Avraham
Published: November 2011

The aim of the study was to determine if early steroid treatment of infantile spasms is associated with ocular complications years after its termination. Twenty-five patients with infantile spasms who underwent prolonged treatment with intramuscular synthetic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and oral prednisone were evaluated for ocular complications 2 to 33 years after treatment cessation. Patients were followed by an ophthalmic examination that included anterior and posterior segments and measurement of intraocular pressure. Intraocular pressure was normal bilaterally in all patients. Findings on anterior segment examination were unremarkable. On posterior segment examination, 3 patients had an increased cup/disc ratio with normal intraocular pressure. In 2 patients, the increased ratio was considered an anatomical variant. Posterior segment findings in 2 patients were attributed to their background disease. In conclusion, early treatment with high-dose synthetic adrenocorticotropic hormone and oral prednisone for infantile spasm is apparently not associated with a risk of occular complications on long-term follow-up.
A finite element suite for deformation analysis of composite aeroelastic structures subjected to operational aerodynamic loading
Authors: Maheri Alireza
Published: November 2011

A finite element suite for robust and reliable deformation analysis of aeroelastic composite lifting surfaces is presented. The suite consists of a natural-mode finite element solver, an adaptive mesh generator, an interface for communication with external aerodynamic codes and an auxiliary program for defining material properties. With the aim of reducing the computational time of the finite element analysis within an iterative coupled aero-structure analysis, the aerodynamic and structural characteristics of the aeroelastic composite surface are directly incorporated in the mesh generation procedure. This is realized by utilizing an anisotropic mesh density function. It has been shown that a mesh generated based on the presented theory has significant effect on improving the efficiency and the performance of coupled aero-structure analysis of aeroelastic lifting surfaces.