bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ginseng Extracts Restore High-Glucose Induced Vascular Dysfunctions by Altering Triglyceride Metabolism and Downregulation of Atherosclerosis-Related Genes
Authors: Chan Gabriel Hoi-huen , Law Betty Yuen-kwan , Chu John Man-tak , Yue Kevin Kin-man , Jiang Zhi-hong , Lau Chi-wai , Huang Yu , Chan Shun-wan , Ying-kit Yue Patrick , Wong Ricky Ngok-shun
Published: October 2013

The king of herbs,Panax ginseng, has been used widely as a therapeutic agent vis-à-vis its active pharmacological and physiological effects. Based on Chinese pharmacopeiaBen Cao Gang Muand various pieces of literature,Panax ginsengwas believed to exert active vascular protective effects through its antiobesity and anti-inflammation properties. We investigated the vascular protective effects of ginseng by administrating ginseng extracts to rats after the induction of diabetes. We found thatPanax ginsengcan restore diabetes-induced impaired vasorelaxation and can reduce serum triglyceride but not cholesterol level in the diabetic rats. The ginseng extracts also suppressed the expression of atherosclerosis-related genes and altered the expression of lipid-related genes. The results provide evidence thatPanax ginsengimproves vascular dysfunction induced by diabetes and the protective effects may possibly be due to the downregulation of atherosclerosis-related genes and altered lipid metabolism, which help to restore normal endothelium functions.
The Nonuniform Node Configuration of Wireless Sensor Networks for Long-Span Bridge Health Monitoring
Authors: Zhou Guang-Dong , Yi Ting-Hua
Published: October 2013

This paper presents a nonuniform node configuration of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) for long-span bridge health monitoring. The methodology and strategy of two-phase node arrangement for nonuniform WSN configuration are firstly presented, and then numerical examples are carried out by a long-span suspension bridge. Three cases, which are four sensor nodes distributed on one side of the girder, ten sensor nodes distributed on one side of the girder, and eight sensor nodes distributed averagely on two sides of the girder, are employed. In case I and case II, three schemes that are the nonuniform node configuration arranged by the two-phase node arrangement method, the uniform nodes configuration, and the independent sensor nodes configuration are used for comparison. And in case III, two schemes that are nonuniform nodes configuration and the independent sensor nodes configuration are adopted. The results indicate that the nonuniform node configuration can balance energy consumption, eliminate “energy hole,” and maximize network performance effectively, which shows the most outstanding performance when compared with other conventional node configurations. So, the efficiency of the two-phase node arrangement method is validated.
Malmquist Productivity Index by Extended VIKOR Method Using Interval Numbers
Authors: Fallah Mohammad , Mohajeri Amir , Najafi Esmaeil
Published: October 2013

The VIKOR method was developed for multicriteria optimization of complex systems. It determines the compromise ranking list and the compromise solution obtained with the given weights. This method focuses on ranking and selecting from a set of alternatives in the presence of conflicting criteria. Here, the VIKOR method is used for two timestandt+1. In order to calculate the progress or regression via Malmquist productivity index, the positive and negative ideals at timestandt+1are calculated first. Then we introduce the multi-criteria ranking index based on the particular measure of “closeness” to the ideal solution and calculate the separation of each alternative from the ideal solution at timestandt+1. Then we use the Malmquist productivity index to calculate the progress or regression of all alternatives. In this paper, productivity of alternatives available in decision matrix with interval numbers and their improvement or deterioration is researched. To achieve this practical goal, use of extended VIKOR is made to calculate Malmquist productivity index for multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) problem with interval numbers, and by applying Malmquist productivity index, productivity rate of growth for alternatives is calculated. Finally, a numerical example illustrates and clarifies the main results developed in this paper.
Role of Botulinum Toxin Type-A (BTX-A) in the Management of Trigeminal Neuralgia
Authors: Verma Gaurav
Published: October 2013

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a clinical condition characterized by paroxysmal attacks of severe and electric shock-like pain along the distribution of one or more branches of the trigeminal nerve. Various medicinal or surgical modalities have been employed in the past with variable success. Newer methods were tried in search of permanent cure or long-lasting pain relief. The purpose of this paper is to present the review of the literature regarding the use of botulinum toxin type-A (BTX-A) in the management of trigeminal neuralgia.
Presentation and Management of Pyogenic Liver Abscess in a 23-Week Pregnant Woman
Authors: Yüksel Beril , Seven Ali , Kucur Suna , Gözükara Ilay , Keskin Nadi
Published: October 2013

Pyogenic liver abscess during pregnancy is an extremely rare condition. We report a case of 33-year-old, 23-week pregnant woman with pyogenic liver abscess. She was still in the hospital for medical observation of fever, when a sudden episode of tachycardia with a pulse of 210 beats per minute and tachypnea with a respiratory rate of 30 breaths per minute was encountered. At that moment, her fever was 39.6°C (103.28 Fahrenheit). The abdominal ultrasound stated a calcific echogenic mass with a measure of 6 cm in the liver region. Given the sonographic characteristics noted, a liver abscess was suspected. Our case was successfully treated with an ultrasound guided percutaneous aspiration of the abscess and a wide spectrum antibiotic. At 38 weeks of gestation, an elective cesarean delivery was performed. The female neonate weighed 3200 g with APGAR scores of 9 and 9 at the first and fifth minutes, respectively.
Duffing-Type Oscillator with a Bounded from above Potential in the Presence of Saddle-Center Bifurcation and Singular Perturbation: Frequency Control
Authors: Vrabel Robert , Tanuska Pavol , Vazan Pavel , Schreiber Peter , Liska Vladimir
Published: October 2013

We analyze the dynamics of the forced singularly perturbed differential equations of Duffing’s type with a potential that is bounded from above. We explain the appearance of the large frequency nonlinear oscillations of the solutions. It is shown that the frequency can be controlled by a small parameter at the highest derivative.
On the Cauchy Problem for a Class of Weakly Dissipative One-Dimensional Shallow Water Equations
Authors: Xu Jingjing , Jiang Zaihong
Published: October 2013

We investigate a more general family of one-dimensional shallow water equations with a weakly dissipative term. First, we establish blow-up criteria for this family of equations. Then, global existence of the solution is also proved. Finally, we discuss the infinite propagation speed of this family of equations.
Applications of Discontinuous Galerkin Finite Element Method in Thermomechanical Coupling Problems with Imperfect Thermal Contact
Authors: Liu Donghuan , Liu Yinghua
Published: October 2013

Thermomechanical coupling problems with imperfect thermal contact are analyzed in the present paper with discontinuous Galerkin finite element method. The imperfect thermal contact condition is characterized by thermal contact resistance. The whole thermomechanical coupling problem is solved alternatively with the thermal subproblem and mechanical subproblem. Thermal contact resistance is introduced directly with the interface numerical flux of the present discontinuous Galerkin finite element method without using interface element as traditional continuous Galerkin finite element method does. Numerical results show the accuracy and feasibility of the present discontinuous Galerkin finite element method in solving thermomechanical coupling problems with imperfect thermal contact.
Comparison of the Infectivity and Transmission of Contemporary Canine and Equine H3N8 Influenza Viruses in Dogs
Authors: Pecoraro Heidi L. , Bennett Susi , Garretson Kristina , Quintana Ayshea M. , Lunn Katharine F. , Landolt Gabriele A.
Published: October 2013

Phylogenetic analyses indicate that canine influenza viruses (CIVs) (H3N8) evolved from contemporary equine influenza virus (EIV). Despite the genetic relatedness of EIV and CIV, recent evidence suggests that CIV is unable to infect, replicate, and spread among susceptible horses. To determine whether equine H3N8 viruses have equally lost the ability to infect, cause disease, and spread among dogs, we evaluated the infectivity and transmissibility of a recent Florida sublineage EIV isolate in dogs. Clinical signs, nasal virus shedding, and serological responses were monitored in dogs for 21 days after inoculation. Real-time reverse transcription-PCR and hemagglutination inhibition assays showed that both the viruses have maintained the ability to infect and replicate in dogs and result in seroconversion. Transmission of EIV from infected to sentinel dogs, however, was restricted. Furthermore, both CIV and EIV exhibited similar sialic acid-α2,3-gal receptor-binding preferences upon solid-phase binding assays. The results of thein vivoexperiments reported here suggesting that dogs are susceptible to EIV and previous reports by members of our laboratory showing limited CIV infection in horses have been mirrored in CIV and EIV infections studies in primary canine and equine respiratory epithelial cells.
Kinetics and Mechanism Study of Competitive Inhibition of Jack‐Bean Urease by Baicalin
Authors: Tan Lirong , Su Jiyan , Wu Dianwei , Yu Xiaodan , Su Zuqing , He Jingjin , Wu Xiaoli , Kong Songzhi , Lai Xiaoping , Lin Ji , Su Ziren
Published: October 2013

Baicalin (BA) is the principal component of Radix Scutellariae responsible for its pharmacological activity. In this study, kinetics and mechanism of inhibition by BA against jack‐bean urease were investigated for its therapeutic potential. It was revealed that the IC50 of BA against jack‐bean urease was 2.74 ± 0.51 mM, which was proved to be a competitive and concentration‐dependent inhibition with slow‐binding progress curves. The rapid formation of initial BA‐urease complex with an inhibition constant of Ki = 3.89 × 10−3 mM was followed by a slow isomerization into the final complex with an overall inhibition constant of  mM. High effectiveness of thiol protectors against BA inhibition indicated that the strategic role of the active‐site sulfhydryl group of the urease was involved in the blocking process. Moreover, the inhibition of BA was proved to be reversible due to the fact that urease could be reactivated by dithiothreitol but not reactant dilution. Molecular docking assay suggested that BA made contacts with the important activating sulfhydryl group Cys‐592 residues and restricted the mobility of the active‐site flap. Taken together, it could be deduced that BA was a competitive inhibitor targeting thiol groups of urease in a slow‐binding manner both reversibly and concentration‐dependently, serving as a promising urease inhibitor for treatments on urease‐related diseases.
A Critical Prospect of Structural Designing of Avian Influenza A/H5N1 Neuraminidase Inhibitors That Evade Tamiflu Resistance
Authors: Mitrasinovic Petar M.
Published: October 2013

The key public health concern is to define the way in which the next influenza pandemic will be controlled. At present, the question of vital importance is: in the absence of a specific avian flu vaccine, could antiviral drugs obstruct a pandemic should the virus spread from birds to humans? The answer to the issue is inevitably related to finding the ways to circumvent Tamiflu resistance that is well documented in the literature. Several remarkable but slightly mutually inconsistent contributions have been recently reported with the aim to facilitate the development of new inhibitors acting on the key target—neuraminidase of avian influenza A/H5N1 virus. Herein, the versatile arguments are critically analyzed and reconciled. Consequently, the most relevant structural basis for the rational design of novel antivirals is elaborated.
Prediction of Surface Roughness When End MillingTi6Al4VAlloy Using Adaptive Neurofuzzy Inference System
Authors: Al-Zubaidi Salah , Ghani Jaharah A. , Che Haron Che Hassan
Published: October 2013

Surface roughness is considered as the quality index of the machine parts. Many diverse techniques have been applied in modelling metal cutting processes. Previous studies have revealed that artificial intelligence techniques are novel soft computing methods which fit the solution of nonlinear and complex problems like metal cutting processes. The present study used adaptive neurofuzzy inference system for the purpose of predicting the surface roughness when end millingTi6Al4Valloy with coated (PVD) and uncoated cutting tools under dry cutting conditions. Real experimental results have been used for training and testing ofANFISmodels, and the best model was selected based on minimum root mean square error. A generalized bell-shaped function has been adopted as a membership function for the modelling process, and its numbers were changed from 2 to 5. The findings provided evidence of the capability ofANFISin modelling surface roughness in end milling process and obtainment of good matching between experimental and predicted results.
A Full GMP Process to Select and Amplify Epitope-Specific T Lymphocytes for Adoptive Immunotherapy of Metastatic Melanoma
Authors: Labarriere N. , Fortun A. , Bellec A. , Khammari A. , Dreno B. , Saïagh S. , Lang F.
Published: October 2013

A number of trials of adoptive transfer of tumor-specific T lymphocytes have been performed in the last 20 years in metastatic melanoma, with increasingly encouraging results as the relevant melanoma antigens were identified and the purity/specificity of injected T cells improved. We have previously described a sorting method of epitope-specific T lymphocytes that uses magnetic beads coated with HLA/peptide complexes and we suggested that this method could be applied to a clinical setting. In the present work, we provide a detailed description of the whole GMP process of sorting and amplification of clinical grade T cells specific for the melanoma antigens Melan-A and MELOE-1. All the reagents used in this process including the sorting reagent were produced in GMP conditions and we document the optimization of the different steps of the process such as peptide stimulation, sorting, and amplification. The optimized procedure, validated in 3 blank runs in a clinical setting, allowed the production of at least 108pure (>90%) Melan-A- and MELOE-1-specific T cells within 28 days starting with 100 mL of blood from metastatic melanoma patients. This GMP process is thus ready to be used in an upcoming phase I/II clinical trial on metastatic melanoma patients.
Removal of Antimony(III) from Aqueous Solution by Using Grey and Red Erzurum Clay and Application to the Gediz River Sample
Authors: Targan Şerif , Tirtom Vedia Nüket , Akkuş Birsen
Published: October 2013

The removal of Sb(III) from waste water is achieved in batch system by using grey and red Erzurum (Oltu) clay which are cheap and natural adsorbents. Adsorption experiments were studied. For this purpose, various important parameters such as contact time, pH, and temperature were examined on the adsorption of Sb(III) ions onto grey and red Erzurum (Oltu) clay. Decreasing amount of Sb(III) ions in the solutions by adsorption was determined with differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV) method. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms for the adsorption processes were drawn. The adsorption was demonstrated in similarity with Langmuir model. The maximum adsorption capacity of red Erzurum clay for Sb(III) was found to be 9.15 mg/g. Also, surface of the adsorbent was characterized by using FTIR spectroscopy. Red Erzurum clay was applied on real sample (Gediz River), and 72.6% adsorption was obtained.
Free Somatostatin Receptor Fraction Predicts the Antiproliferative Effect of Octreotide in a Neuroendocrine Tumor Model: Implications for Dose Optimization
Authors: Heidari Pedram , Wehrenberg-Klee Eric , Habibollahi Peiman , Yokell Daniel , Kulke Matthew , Mahmood Umar
Published: October 2013

Somatostatin receptors (SSTR) are highly expressed in well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors (NET). Octreotide, an SSTR agonist, has been used to suppress the production of vasoactive hormones and relieve symptoms of hormone hypersecretion with functional NETs. In a clinical trial, an empiric dose of octreotide treatment prolonged time to tumor progression in patients with small bowel neuroendocrine (carcinoid) tumors, irrespective of symptom status. However, there has yet to be a dose optimization study across the patient population, and methods are currently lacking to optimize dosing of octreotide therapy on an individual basis. Multiple factors such as total tumor burden, receptor expression levels, and nontarget organ metabolism/excretion may contribute to a variation in SSTR octreotide occupancy with a given dose among different patients. In this study, we report the development of an imaging method to measure surface SSTR expression and occupancy level using the PET radiotracer 68Ga-DOTATOC. In an animal model, SSTR occupancy by octreotide was assessed quantitatively with 68Ga-DOTATOC PET, with the finding that increased occupancy resulted in decreased tumor proliferation rate. The results suggested that quantitative SSTR imaging during octreotide therapy has the potential to determine the fractional receptor occupancy in NETs, thereby allowing octreotide dosing to be optimized readily in individual patients. Clinical trials validating this approach are warranted. Cancer Res; 73(23); 6865–73. ©2013 AACR.
Significance of Binucleated Cells with Compression in Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance
Authors: Washiya Kiyotada , Motoi Makoto , Kobayashi Takako , Yoshioka Haruhiko , Watanabe Jun
Published: October 2013

Objective: To increase the accuracy of the diagnosis of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US), ASC-US were divided into high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV HR+) and non-high-risk HPV (HPV HR-) cases to analyze the significance of binucleated cells with compression. Study Design: ThinPrep specimens of ASC-US were examined. This study included 21 CIN and HPV HR+ (CIN+), 19 benign and HPV HR- (B-) and 10 benign and HPV HR+ (B+) cases. The number of cells were examined by defining binucleated cells with their nuclei pressing against each other as positive compression, and their relation to the relative light units (RLUs) of the DNA Hybrid capture 2 (HC2) was determined. Results: 95.2% of CIN+ and 15.8% of B- cases were compression positive, while 4.8% of CIN+ and 84.2% of B- cases were compression negative, which was significantly different. The average number of cells with positive compression was 5.7 ± 5.3 in CIN+, 2.0 ± 0.7 in B- and 5.5 ± 1.5 in B+ cases, with significant differences between CIN+ and B- and between B- and B+ cases. The number of compression-positive cells increased as HPV HC2 RLUs became higher. Conclusion: Positive compression is useful in determining ASC-US with HPV HR+. The identification of positive compression is highly practical because it can be observed morphologically.
Is the Low-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion/Atypical Squamous Cells Cannot Exclude High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion Category Associated with Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia 2?
Authors: Çetiner Handan , Kır Gözde , Kaygusuz Ecmel , Sağlıcan Yeşim , Kabaca Canan
Published: October 2013

Objective: A number of cervical smears may exhibit unequivocal low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL) in association with atypical cells cytomorphologically suspicious, but not sufficient to be interpreted as high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL). These lesions are presently called LSIL, atypical squamous cells cannot exclude HSIL (LSIL/ASC-H). Previous studies have shown that LSIL/ASC-H and ASC-H are both equivocal for HSIL and have a high risk of underlying HSIL. However, in researching the literature only two studies were found which rendered the results as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 2 and CIN3 separately. The purpose of this study was to compare the distribution of biopsy results for CIN2 and CIN3 in patients with ASC-H, HSIL, and LSIL/ASC-H. Study Design: Between January 2005 and December 2011, cervicovaginal smears (98,594) with a diagnosis of ASC-H, LSIL, LSIL/ASC-H, or HSIL were re-evaluated to determine the prevalence of future lesion development. Results: A total of 252 patients who had histologic follow-up within a year were selected. Among these, LSIL/ASC-H (31.7%) had the highest prevalence of CIN2 between LSIL (9.3%), ASC-H (10%), and HSIL (16%). All differences were statistically significant. Conclusion: Because of the high predictive value of CIN2, LSIL/ASC-H may have further importance, especially in women of different age groups.
Cutaneous Reactive Angiomatosis with Combined Histological Pattern Mimicking a Cellulitis
Authors: Corti M.A.M. , Rongioletti F. , Borradori L. , Beltraminelli H.
Published: October 2013

Cutaneous reactive angiomatoses (CRA) encompass a distinct group of rare benign reactive vascular proliferations that include reactive angioendotheliomatosis, diffuse dermal angiomatosis and reactive intralymphatic histiocytosis. The etiology of these conditions, often associated with either localized or systemic diseases, is poorly understood. We report a 72-year-old woman who presented giant diffuse cellulitis-like plaques on the right lower limb and the pelvis and a reduction of her general condition with fever. Light microscopy studies revealed combined features of reactive angioendotheliomatosis, diffuse dermal angiomatosis and reactive intralymphatic histiocytosis. A small arteriovenous fistula of the right lower leg was thought to act as trigger. Systemic corticosteroids resulted in the clinical remission of the skin lesions. Our observation provides strong evidence that reactive angioendotheliomatosis, diffuse dermal angiomatosis and reactive intralymphatic histiocytosis, previously regarded as distinct forms of CRA, may show overlapping histopathological features and most likely represent facets of the same disease.
On-Spot Brilliant Cresyl Blue Staining in Fine Needle Aspiration, a Novel Technique for Cytological Diagnosis
Authors: Sofi Lateef Ahmad , Sherwani Rana K. , Hasan Mehboob , Nobin Hage
Published: October 2013

Objective: Application of on-spot staining with brilliant cresyl blue, a supravital stain, was investigated in fine needle aspirates from breast, lymph node and thyroid. Study Design: Patients with palpable breast lumps, lymph nodes and thyroid nodules were included in the study. Brilliant cresyl blue was used to stain the smears, which were evaluated for smear adequacy as well as cytological diagnosis. Smears were decolorized and subjected to Pap and/or HE staining for comparison. Results: Smears which were deemed hemorrhagic on the first attempt with brilliant cresyl blue correlated with Pap staining; then sites were reaspirated within minutes to obtain satisfactory cellular smears. Morphologically, cells which were designated malignant on supravital staining were mostly malignant on Pap/HE staining. Conclusion: On-spot brilliant cresyl blue staining increases the diagnostic potential on preliminary examination by decreasing the staining time and is as good as conventional stains in exhibiting cellular morphology.
Cytotechnologist-Attended On-Site Evaluation of Adequacy for Metastatic Disease Involving Bone and Soft Tissue
Authors: Olson Matthew T. , Novak Anna , Kirby John , Shahid Hinna , Boonyaarunnate Thiraphon , Ali Syed Z.
Published: October 2013

Introduction: Image-guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) of the musculoskeletal system is expensive to perform and repeat, so on-site evaluation of adequacy (OSEA) is increasingly used to ensure an optimal sample. Metastatic disease to the musculoskeletal system is not uncommon and often requires OSEA when sampled. At large academic centers, cytotechnologists have filled the increased demand for OSEA. However, the performance of cytotechnologists has not been compared with that of cytopathologists for OSEA in FNA of metastatic disease involving bone and soft tissue. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 10 years of data in which both cytotechnologists and cytopathologists performed OSEA for 1,995 FNAs of bone and soft tissue sites in which metastatic malignancy was suspected or found. We calculated adequacy and accuracy statistics in conjunction with other variables including imaging modality, biopsy site, accompanying core biopsy, tissue type, final diagnosis, and number of smears. Results: A total of 1,995 aspirates of metastatic disease carcinoma, melanoma or lymphoma to bone or soft tissue had OSEA performed by cytotechnologists (681, 33.7%) or cytopathologists (1,314, 66.3%). The adequacy downgrade rate was statistically equivalent (4.1 vs. 3.6%; p = 0.64). Conclusion: Cytotechnologists and cytopathologists perform with reasonable equivalence at OSEA of aspirates from metastatic carcinoma, melanoma or lymphoma involving bone or soft tissue.
Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology of Benign Salivary Gland Tumors with Myoepithelial Cell Participation: An Institutional Experience of 575 Cases
Authors: Ahn Soomin , Kim Yuil , Oh Young Lyun
Published: October 2013

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology of benign salivary gland tumors with myoepithelial cell participation, namely, pleomorphic adenoma, basal cell adenoma and myoepithelioma, at a single institution over a period of 10 years. Study Design: This study was based on 575 cytologic and matching histological samples (534 pleomorphic adenomas, 26 basal cell adenomas and 15 myoepitheliomas). Results: In most cases (393/534) of pleomorphic adenoma, a precise diagnosis was given. However, only 2 cases of basal cell adenoma and 1 case of myoepithelioma were diagnosed definitively. Descriptive diagnosis, instead of a definite diagnosis, was rendered in 16.9% of pleomorphic adenomas, 53.8% of basal cell adenomas and 40.0% of myoepitheliomas. Among all cases, the possibility of malignancy was raised in 5.2% of pleomorphic adenomas, 15.4% of basal cell adenomas and 20.0% of myoepitheliomas with a variable degree of suspicion. Conclusion: In some cases, the distinction between these three neoplasms remains difficult in that all exhibit some degree of myoepithelial participation. However, FNA showed a high diagnostic accuracy in diagnosing benign salivary tumors with myoepithelial differentiation, and triage into this category provides sufficient information for clinicians to make treatment decisions.
Lupus Erythematosus Cells in Bone Marrow: The Only Clue to a Previously Unsuspected Diagnosis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Pujani Mukta , Kushwaha Shivani , Sethi Neha , Beniwal Anu , Shukla Shailaja
Published: October 2013

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune multisystem disease characterized by the development of antinuclear antibodies. Nowadays considered outdated, lupus erythematosus (LE) cell preparation served as a screening test for SLE for decades. However, the importance of discovering LE cells on routine cytology cannot be overemphasized. Case: We report the case of a 30-year-old female in whom bone marrow aspiration (BMA) was performed during an investigative workup for pyrexia of unknown origin. The observation of LE cells in direct bone marrow smears (without the use of an anticoagulant) raised the suspicion of SLE, which was later confirmed by antinuclear antibody testing. Conclusion: In the present case, LE cells were observed on BMA performed for the investigation of fever of unknown origin. The unexpected observation of LE cells in BMA smears emphasizes the fact that good morphological observation of marrow aspirates can provide crucial clues to a previously unsuspected diagnosis.
Activation of NADPH Oxidase 4 in the Endoplasmic Reticulum Promotes Cardiomyocyte Autophagy and Survival During Energy Stress Through the Protein Kinase RNA-Activated-Like Endoplasmic Reticulum Kinase/Eukaryotic Initiation Factor 2α/Activating Transcription Factor 4 Pathway
Authors: Sciarretta Sebastiano , Zhai Peiyong , Shao Dan , Zablocki Daniela , Nagarajan Narayani , Terada Lance S. , Volpe Massimo , Sadoshima Junichi
Published: October 2013

Rationale:

Autophagy is an essential survival mechanism during energy stress in the heart. Oxidative stress is activated by energy stress, but its role in mediating autophagy is poorly understood. NADPH oxidase (Nox) 4 is an enzyme that generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) at intracellular membranes. Whether Nox4 acts as a sensor of energy stress to mediate activation of autophagy is unknown.

Objective:

We investigated whether Nox4 is involved in the regulation of autophagy and cell survival during energy stress in cardiomyocytes.

Methods and Results:

Production of ROS in cardiomyocytes was increased during glucose deprivation (GD) in a Nox4-dependent manner. Protein levels and the ROS-producing activity of Nox4 were increased in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), but not in mitochondria, in response to GD. Selective knockdown of Nox4, but not Nox2, or selective reduction of ROS in the ER with ER-targeted catalase, but not mitochondria-targeted perioxiredoxin 3, abrogated GD-induced autophagy. Nox4 promoted autophagy during GD through activation of the protein kinase RNA-activated-like ER kinase pathway by suppression of prolyl hydroxylase 4. The decrease in cell survival during GD in the presence of Nox4 knockdown was rescued by reactivation of autophagy by Atg7 overexpression, indicating that the effect of Nox4 on cell survival is critically mediated through regulation of autophagy. Nox4 was activated during fasting and prolonged ischemia in the mouse heart, where Nox4 is also required for autophagy activation and cardioprotection.

Conclusions:

Nox4 critically mediates autophagy in response to energy stress in cardiomyocytes by eliciting ROS in the ER and stimulating the protein kinase RNA-activated-like ER kinase signaling pathway.
Contribution of K
v
7 Channels to Basal Coronary Flow and Active Response to Ischemia
Authors: Khanamiri Saereh , Soltysinska Ewa , Jepps Thomas A. , Bentzen Bo H. , Chadha Preet S. , Schmitt Nicole , Greenwood Iain A. , Olesen Søren-Peter
Published: October 2013

The goal of the present study was to determine the role of
KCNQ
-encoded K
v
channels (K
v
7 channels) in the passive and active regulation of coronary flow in normotensive and hypertensive rats. In left anterior descending coronary arteries from normotensive rats, structurally different K
v
7.2 to 7.5 activators produced relaxations, which were considerably less in arteries from hypertensive rats and were not mimicked by the K
v
7.1-specific activator R-L3. In isolated, perfused heart preparations, coronary flow rate increased in response to the K
v
7.2 to 7.5 activator (S)-1 and was diminished in the presence of a K
v
7 inhibitor. The expression levels of KCNQ1–5 and their known accessory KCNE1–5 subunits in coronary arteries were similar in normotensive and hypertensive rats as measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. However, K
v
7.4 protein expression was reduced in hypertensive rats. Application of adenosine or A2A receptor agonist CGS-21680 produced concentration-dependent relaxations of coronary arteries from normotensive rats, which were attenuated by application of K
v
7 inhibitors. K
v
7 blockers also attenuated the ischemia-induced increase in coronary perfusion in Langendorff studies. Overall, these data establish K
v
7 channels as crucial regulators of coronary flow at resting and after hypoxic insult.
Plasma Metanephrine for Assessing the Selectivity of Adrenal Venous Sampling
Authors: Dekkers Tanja , Deinum Jaap , Schultzekool Leo J. , Blondin Dirk , Vonend Oliver , Hermus Ad R.R.M. , Peitzsch Mirko , Rump Lars C. , Antoch Gerald , Sweep Fred C.G.J. , Bornstein Stefan R. , Lenders Jacques W.M. , Willenberg Holger S. , Eisenhofer Graeme
Published: October 2013

Adrenal vein sampling is used to establish the origins of excess production of adrenal hormones in primary aldosteronism. Correct catheter positioning is confirmed using adrenal vein measurements of cortisol, but this parameter is not always reliable. Plasma metanephrine represents an alternative parameter. The objective of our study was to determine the use of plasma metanephrine concentrations to establish correct catheter positioning during adrenal vein sampling with and without cosyntropin stimulation. We included 52 cosyntropin-stimulated and 34 nonstimulated sequential procedures. Plasma cortisol and metanephrine concentrations were measured in adrenal and peripheral venous samples. Success rates of sampling, using an adrenal to peripheral cortisol selectivity index of 3.0, were compared with success rates of metanephrine using a selectivity index determined by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Among procedures assessed as selective using cortisol, the adrenal to peripheral vein ratio of metanephrine was 6-fold higher than that of cortisol (94.0 versus 15.5;
P
<0.0001). There were significant positive relationships between adrenal to peripheral vein ratios of cortisol and metanephrine for cosyntropin-stimulated samplings but not for nonstimulated samplings. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated a plasma metanephrine selectivity index cutoff of 12. Using this cutoff, concordance in sampling success rates determined by cortisol and metanephrine was substantially higher in cosyntropin-stimulated than in nonstimulated samplings (98% versus 59%). For the latter procedures, sampling success rates determined by metanephrine were higher (
P
<0.01) than those determined by cortisol (91% versus 56%). In conclusion, metanephrine provides a superior analyte compared with cortisol in assessing the selectivity of adrenal vein sampling during procedures without cosyntropin stimulation.
L’allègement du chagrin partagé : 2 Co 2:5
Authors: Assaël Jacqueline
Published: October 2013

Résumé

Les traductions données du verset 2 Co 2:5 dans toute la tradition exégétique sont multiples et variées dans leurs détails. Elles prêtent d’ailleurs toutes à Paul une pensée qui manque de fermeté et un mode d’énonciation très maladroit. Ces deux caractéristiques laissent supposer que l’interprétation de ce texte n’est pas suffisamment clarifiée. Or, le contenu de ce verset s’insère dans une réflexion sur la contagion délétère ou fructueuse du chagrin. L’apôtre évoque alors son expérience de partage de sa peine auprès des Corinthiens. Elle lui a procuré un allègement de sa douleur. L’affection fraternelle a agi de façon à ce « qu’il ne soit pas trop accablé. » La valeur passive de la forme verbale restitue à cette phrase un degré de spiritualité, un sens cohérent et net, ainsi qu’une élégance dans l’expression des sentiments.
Three new species of Convolvulaceae Juss. from South America
Authors: FERREIRA PRISCILA PORTO ALEGRE , SIMÃO-BIANCHINI ROSANGELA , MIOTTO SILVIA TERESINHA SFOGGIA
Published: October 2013

Studies concerning Convolvulaceae in southern Brazil have revealed many novelties, such as new species and range extensions. In the present paper, three new species are described: Calystegia brummittii, Convolvulus ensifolius and Ipomoea mirabilis. Descriptions, illustrations and data on species distribution and conservation status are provided.
Redescription of the genus Opisthoncus L. Koch, 1880 (Araneae: Salticidae)
Authors: GARDZIŃSKA JOANNA , ŻABKA MAREK
Published: October 2013

Of 33 nominal species listed by Platnick (2012), 25 species of the genus Opisthoncus are redefined and redescribed here. O. kochi Żabka, 1991, was redescribed by Prószyński (1983) while O. delectabilis Rainbow, 1920, O. eriognathus (Thorell, 1881), O. inconspicuus (Thorell, 1881), O. nigritifemur Strand, 1911 and O. pallidulus L. Koch, 1880 are excluded from the genus. O. clarus Keyserling, 1883 (the type specimen lost) is considered nomen dubium and O. verisimilis Peckham & Peckham, 1901 was not studied (types not located).
A spectacular new leaf-tailed gecko (Carphodactylidae: Saltuarius) from the Melville Range, north-east Australia
Authors: HOSKIN CONRAD J. , COUPER PATRICK
Published: October 2013

Leaf-tailed geckos are a distinctive group of carphodactyline geckos of rainforests and rocky habitats of eastern Australia. Three genera are recognized: Phyllurus (9 species), Saltuarius (6 species) and Orraya (1 species). Leaf-tailed geckos have been the subject of much survey and taxonomic work because they are large, impressive geckos and generally have highly localized distributions. The six species comprising Saltuarius are distributed in rock outcrops and rainforests along the ranges from northern New South Wales to the Wet Tropics region of north-east Queensland. Here we report the discovery of a new Saltuarius species at Cape Melville, a rainforest outlier on Cape York Peninsula in north-east Queensland. The new species is assigned to Saltuarius based on morphological and genetic data. Saltuarius eximius sp. nov. is highly distinct from all congeners in many aspects of morphology. It has a very long slender form, with relatively longer limbs, longer body, narrower body and narrower neck than all congeners. It also has a highly distinct head that is relatively smaller than that of all other Saltuarius, with very large eyes that are grey rather than patterned. The tail is large but with a relatively short attenuated tip. Saltuarius eximius sp. nov. appears to be highly localized to upland rainforest associated with boulder habitat in the Cape Melville Range. The unusual elongate form and large eyes of S. eximius sp. nov. likely reflect adaptation to deep boulder habitat. Two other new vertebrate species (a skink and a frog) were discovered in the rainforest and boulder-fields of Cape Melville during recent surveys, bringing the number of vertebrates known to be endemic to the Cape Melville Range to six (three frogs, two skinks and one gecko).
Four new species and two new genera of Metapseudidae
(Crustacea: Tanaidacea: Apseudomorpha) from Australian coral reefs
Authors: STĘPIEŃ ANNA , BŁAŻEWICZ-PASZKOWYCZ MAGDALENA
Published: October 2013

This paper presents the descriptions of two new genera and four new metapseudid species collected from the coral reefs of Ningaloo and Heron Island in north-western and eastern Australia, respectively. Two of the species, Curtipleon chadi n. sp., and Creefs heronum n. gen. n. sp. are members of the subfamily Synapseudinae, one, Msangia mussida n. sp. is a member of the subfamily Msangiinae and one Bamberus jinigudirus n. gen. n. sp. is a member of the subfamily Chondropodinae. With the exception of M. mussida that was found on live coral, all of the species were associated with dead corals.
Notes on a collection of Meconematinae (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) from Damingshan, Guangxi, China with the description of a new species
Authors: Shi Fu-Ming , Bai Jin-Rong , Zhang Ying , Chang Yan-Lin
Published: October 2013

This paper deals with 6 genera and 10 species of the tribe Meconematini from Damingshan, Guangxi, China, one of which is a new species, i.e. Xizicus (Eoxizicus) laminatus  Shi sp. nov.
New species of Hermanella complex (Ephemeroptera: Leptophlebiidae) from Brazilian Atlantic Forest
Authors: NASCIMENTO JEANE M. C. DO , SALLES FREDERICO F.
Published: October 2013

In the present work, based on material from Brazilian Atlantic Forest, four new species of the Hermanella complex are described. The main characteristics that distinguish the new species from its congeners are, in Hermanella amere sp. nov.: (1) subgenital plate yellow, with wide projection near base of forceps; (2) penis lobe with ventral, robust, posterioly directed spine; in Hermanella nigra sp. nov.: (1 ) subgenital plate brown washed with gray, with wide projection near inner base of forceps; (2) penis lobe with a distomedial membranous projection and ventral, robust, posteriorly directed spine; in Hylister obliquus sp. nov.: (1) subgenital plate yellowish brown, with pointed projection near inner base of forceps; (2) penis lobe with ventral, short, narrow, posteromedially directed spine; in Traverella insolita sp. nov.: (1) subgenital plate strongly projected posteriorly, forming three broad and short projections; (2) penis lobe laterally sinuous and apically rounded, with a ventral, long, narrow spine curved toward the midline of the body. Modified keys of male imagos are provided for the three genera, whereas comments regarding their taxonomy are presented. Additionally, Hermanella mazama (Nascimento, Mariano & Salles 2012 in Lima et al. 2012), comb. nov., is proposed.
New records of Black Fungus Gnats (Diptera: Sciaridae) from New Caledonia, with the description of two new Bradysia species and an updated checklist
Authors: KÖHLER ARNE , MENZEL FRANK
Published: October 2013

The black fungus gnats Bradysia similigibbosa sp. n. and B. irwini sp. n. are described and new records of species of Bradysia Winnertz, Ctenosciara Tuomikoski, Epidapus Haliday, Pseudolycoriella Menzel & Mohrig, and Scatopsciara Edwards are presented for New Caledonia. A checklist of the sciarids of New Caledonia is given.
A new species of Hydrogamasellus (Acari: Mesostigmata: Ologamasidae) from Brazil, with a key to the world species of the genus
Authors: SANTOS JANDIR C. , CASTILHO RAPHAEL C. , SILVA EDMILSON S. , De Moraes Gilberto J.
Published: October 2013

Hydrogamasellus alagoensis n. sp. is described based on the morphology of adult females and males collected from litter in the State of Alagoas, Brazil. Six new combinations are proposed, namely Acugamasus avium (Karg, 1976) n. comb., Ologamasus lanceolatus (Karg, 1976) n. comb., Ologamasus microcrinis (Karg, 1979) n. comb., Ologamasus testudinis (Karg, 1976) n. comb., Rykellus longopilus (Karg, 1976) n. comb. and Rykellus ubatubaensis (Hirschmann, 1966) n. comb., and a key for the separation of females of the eighteen recognizable world Hydrogamasellus species is provided.
Validation of a UV-to-RF High-Spectral-Resolution Atmospheric Boundary Layer Characterization Tool
Authors: Fiorino Steven T. , Randall Robb M. , Via Michelle F. , Burley Jarred L.
Published: October 2013

This paper demonstrates the capability of the Laser Environmental Effects Definition and Reference (LEEDR) model to accurately characterize the meteorological parameters and radiative transfer effects of the atmospheric boundary layer with surface observations or climatological values of temperature, pressure, and humidity (“climatology”). The LEEDR model is a fast-calculating, first-principles, worldwide surface-to-100-km, ultraviolet-to-radio-frequency (UV to RF) wavelength, atmospheric characterization package. In general, LEEDR defines the well-mixed atmospheric boundary layer with a worldwide, probabilistic surface climatology that is based on season and time of day and, then, computes the radiative transfer and propagation effects from the vertical profile of meteorological variables. The LEEDR user can also directly input surface observations. This research compares the LEEDR vertical profiles created from input surface observations or numerical weather prediction (NWP) data with the LEEDR climatological profile for the same time of day and season. The different profiles are compared with truth radiosonde data, and the differences from truth are found to be smaller for profiles created from surface observations and NWP than for those made from climatological data for the same season and time. In addition, this research validates LEEDR’s elevated aerosol extinction profile vertical structure against observed lidar measurements and details the advantages of using NWP data for atmospheric profile development. The impacts of these differences are demonstrated with a potential tactical high-energy-laser engagement simulation.
Measurement of plasma viscosity by free oscillation rheometry: imprecision, sample stability and establishment of a new reference range
Authors: Pedersen Lise , Nielsen Erling B , Christensen Majbrit K , Buchwald Maybritt , Nybo Mads
Published: October 2013

Background

Plasma viscosity (PV) is used in the investigation of hyperviscosity syndrome. We have evaluated the performance of a new bench-top free oscillation rheometer, ReoRox from Medirox, and established a new reference range.

Methods

Performance of the free oscillation rheometry (FOR) method was evaluated examining within-run and between-run imprecision, duration of measurement and operator simplicity. Furthermore, influence of storage on the PV measurements was assessed and a reference range based on plasma from 585 healthy men and women was established.

Results

Imprecision of the free oscillation rheometer was comparable to other viscometers and performance of the instrument was satisfying. The non-parametrical reference range established was 1.22–1.44 mPa s at 37℃ (2.5th and 97.5th percentiles).

Conclusions

We have established a FOR PV reference range to support clinical decision-making. Furthermore, we found high pre-analytical stability of the samples and an analytical imprecision comparable to other PV methods.
Hidden sides of the credit economy: Emotions, outsourcing, and Indian call centers
Authors: Poster Winifred R
Published: October 2013

Engaging in credit is not necessarily a rational activity for consumers. Firms utilize sociological resources and techniques to convince them to sign on to credit accounts, maintain their purchasing habits, and pay on their debts. This analysis examines how global credit industries, their subcontracting firms, and their employees, carry this out. Focusing on Indian call centers, where Indian employees provide customer service for US consumers, this study reveals three hidden and inter-related dynamics of credit. First, emotions are integral to the credit industry. It relies on frontline labor, emotion workers who communicate directly with the consuming public. To secure credit, these employees learn and utilize strategies that appeal to customers’ intimacies (deep sensitivities and anxieties about money, family, self, etc.) and moralities (ethics about finance and sense of honor about paying debts). Second, credit is a driver of outsourcing. This industry has historically been the founder of, and continues to be, the primary client base for, offshore customer services in India. Third, outsourcing facilitates the emotional components of credit work. Moving these functions from the Global North to South enables credit firms to access highly skilled and inexpensive workers, and monitor their emotions rigorously in the ongoing labor process. This represents globalization of an affect economy, as Northern credit firms use outsourcing to extract emotional labor from the Global South (Hochschild, 2003). These firms face challenges, however, in translating US moralities and intimacies of credit to India, revealing a transnational cognitive dissonance in the meanings of credit and consumption.
A Note on a Stata Plugin for Estimating Group-based Trajectory Models
Authors: Jones Bobby L. , Nagin Daniel S.
Published: October 2013

Group-based trajectory models are used to investigate population differences in the developmental courses of behaviors or outcomes. This note introduces a new Stata command, traj, for fitting to longitudinal data finite (discrete) mixture models designed to identify clusters of individuals following similar progressions of some behavior or outcome over age or time. Normal, Censored normal, Poisson, Zero-inflated Poisson, and Logistic distributions are supported.