bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A free-field method to calibrate bone conduction transducers
Authors: Pollard Kimberly A. , Tran Phuong K. , Letowski Tomasz R.
Published: January 2013

Bone conduction communication systems employ a variety of transducers with different physical and electroacoustic properties, and these transducers may be worn at various skull locations. Testing these systems thus requires a reliable means of transducer calibration that can be implemented across different devices, skull locations, and settings. Unfortunately, existing calibration standards do not meet these criteria. Audiometric bone conduction standards focus on only one device model and on limited skull locations. Furthermore, while mechanical couplers may be used for calibration, the general human validity of their results is suspect. To address the need for more flexible, human-centered calibration methods, the authors investigated a procedure for bone transducer calibration, analogous to free-field methods for calibrating air conduction headphones. Participants listened to1s third-octave noise bands (125–12 500 Hz) alternating between a bone transducer and a loudspeaker and adjusted the bone transducer to match the perceived loudness of the loudspeaker at each test frequency. Participants tested two transducer models and two skull locations. Intra- and inter-subject reliability was high, and the resulting data differed by transducer, by location, and from the mechanical coupler. The described procedure is flexible to transducer model and skull location, requires only basic equipment, and directly yields perceptual data.
TSLP Elicits IL-33–Independent Innate Lymphoid Cell Responses to Promote Skin Inflammation
Authors: Kim Brian S. , Siracusa Mark C. , Saenz Steven A. , Noti Mario , Monticelli Laurel A. , Sonnenberg Gregory F. , Hepworth Matthew R. , Van Voorhees Abby S. , Comeau Michael R. , Artis David
Published: January 2013

Group 2 innate lymphoid cells are essential to the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis–like disease in a TSLP-dependent, IL-33–independent manner.
Catching a Glimpse of Gut Bacteria–Drug Interactions
Authors: Skarke Carsten
Published: January 2013

Antibiotics and other drugs affect gene expression in gut bacterial communities.
Follicular dendritic cell sarcoma of the tonsil
Authors: Kara Tuba , Serinsoz Ebru , Arpaci Rabia Bozdogan , Vayisoglu Yusuf
Published: January 2013

Follicular dendritic cell sarcoma (FDCS) is an uncommon tumour within the spectrum of histiocytic and dendritic cell neoplasms that can occur at nodal and extra-nodal sites. Besides being rare, these tumours are difficult to diagnose. A 72-year-old man with a painless mass in the right tonsil was admitted to the Mersin University Hospital. Tonsillectomy was performed. Microscopically, the tumour consisted of spindle-shaped cells with large oval to polygonal nuclei. Lymphocytes were scattered among the tumour cells. Immunohistochemically, the cells were positive for CD23 and vimentin. The tumour was diagnosed as FDCS with histological and immunohistochemical findings. Recognition of extranodal FDCS requires knowledge of this entity and to consider it during the diagnosis. Confirmatory immunohistochemical staining is essential for diagnosis. Correct characterisation of this neoplasm is important because of its potential for recurrence and metastasis.
Home deliveries in Chandigarh, the beautiful city of India: a tug of war between culture and science
Authors: Jeyashree Kathiresan , Gupta Madhu , Kathirvel Soundappan , Singh Amarjeet
Published: January 2013

There have been various commitments made in the international front to reduce maternal mortality ratio, and India has set its target at <100 maternal deaths/100 000 live-births. One of the strategies is to have 80% of the deliveries take place at healthcare institutions. However, health-related behaviour and decision-making is affected by many factors beyond the availability of health services. We report the case of a fourth gravida, belonging to theSansitribe, with son-preference in urban northern India, who delivered her fourth female child at home. We attempt to understand beliefs, norms and practices involved in deciding place of delivery in the context of theory of reasoned action and health belief model so that cultural appropriateness can be ensured in healthcare delivery. The study emphasises that there is need for improvement in cultural appropriateness of healthcare services delivered to the community.
An unusual cause of severe persistent neutropenia in a child with nephrotic syndrome
Authors: Kshirsagar Archana A , Reid Christopher J D , Alamelu Jayanthi , Sinha Manish D
Published: January 2013

A 5-year-old boy presented with neutropenia 9 weeks following the administration of rituximab for management of his steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome. Extensive investigations failed to identify any underlying cause. In keeping with adult reports, rituximab was thought to be the likely cause for this ‘late-onset’ neutropenia (LOP). He was treated successfully with granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor. Patients treated with rituximab need to be carefully monitored for LOP.
Diagnostic dilemma: Kikuchi's disease or tuberculosis?
Authors: Nayak Hemanta Kumar , Mohanty Pankaj Kumar , Mallick Saumyaranjan , Bagchi Avishek
Published: January 2013

Any patient from a tuberculosis (TB) endemic area such as India with classical clinical features of fever, weight loss and lymphadenopathy, making a diagnosis of Kikuchi's disease (KD) prior to waiting for the 6-week culture is not appropriate. KD or histiocytic necrotising lymphadenitis is a rare self-limiting cervical lymphadenitis, often a diagnosis of exclusion. One needs to exclude TB, sarcodosis, lymphoma and autoimmune diseases to make such a diagnosis. The patient here with classical clinical presentation of TB with lymph node biopsy mimicking KD (biopsy and immunohistochemistry) posed a big diagnostic dilemma. However, culture of the biopsied lymphatic tissue was confirmed to be mycobacterium TB after the 6th week of incubation. The patient was treated with antitubercular drugs initially, and later, steroid was added in view of his persistent symptoms and he responded. One should wait for the tissue culture report to confirm or exclude the diagnosis of TB. Exclusion should not be based only on laboratory criteria. Histopathogically, TB can mimic any other granulomatous disorder.
Process evaluation of a tailored multifaceted feedback program to improve the quality of intensive care by using quality indicators
Authors: de Vos Maartje L G , van der Veer Sabine N , Graafmans Wilco C , de Keizer Nicolette F , Jager Kitty J , Westert Gert P , van der Voort Peter H J
Published: January 2013

Background

In multisite trials evaluating a complex quality improvement (QI) strategy the ‘same’ intervention may be implemented and adopted in different ways. Therefore, in this study we investigated the exposure to and experiences with a multifaceted intervention aimed at improving the quality of intensive care, and explore potential explanations for why the intervention was effective or not.

Methods

We conducted a process evaluation investigating the effect of a multifaceted improvement intervention including establishment of a local multidisciplinary QI team, educational outreach visits and periodical indicator feedback on performance measures such as intensive care unit length of stay, mechanical ventilation duration and glucose regulation. Data were collected among participants receiving the intervention. We used standardised forms to record time investment and a questionnaire and focus group to collect data on perceived barriers and satisfaction.

Results

The monthly time invested per QI team member ranged from 0.6 to 8.1 h. Persistent problems were: not sharing feedback with other staff; lack of normative standards and benchmarks; inadequate case-mix adjustment; lack of knowledge on how to apply the intervention for QI; and insufficient allocated time and staff. The intervention effectively targeted the lack of trust in data quality, and was reported to motivate participants to use indicators for QI activities.

Conclusions

Time and resource constraints, difficulties to translate feedback into effective actions and insufficient involvement of other staff members hampered the impact of the intervention. However, our study suggests that a multifaceted feedback program stimulates clinicians to use indicators as input for QI, and is a promising first step to integrating systematic QI in daily care.
Can palliative care reduce futile treatment? A systematic review
Authors: Harris Iain , Murray Scott A
Published: January 2013

Background

Palliative care interventions have the potential to lower health service costs by reducing the intensity of treatments intended to have curative effect while concentrating on quality of life and, in due course, quality of death. A patient receiving treatment inspired by curative intent during the end stage of their life is potentially exposed to medical futility.

Aim

To conduct a systematic review of the evidence for palliative interventions reducing health service costs without impacting on quality of care.

Method

An electronic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED and CINAHL databases, augmented by hand-searching techniques, was performed. Only research where palliative care was the intervention or observation, and cost, together with either quality of life or patient satisfaction with care were outcome measures, was included in results.

Results

Of 1964 sources identified, only 12 measured both cost and an appropriate quality outcome. Evidence supported existing research that palliative care interventions generally reduce health service costs. Evidence of concurrent improvement in quality-of-life outcomes was limited; little available evidence derives from randomised trial designs. Small sample sizes and disparate outcome measures hamper statistical assessments.

Conclusions

Evidence that palliative interventions cut costs, without reducing quality of life, by minimising futile medical acts is limited. Further research, including both observational studies and controlled trials, should be conducted to collect empirical data in this field. Future research should examine palliative interventions earlier in chronic progressive illness, and incorporate standardised outcome measures to allow meta-analysis.
Comparison of resident and mid-level provider productivity in a high-acuity emergency department setting
Authors: Hamden Khalief , Jeanmonod Donald , Gualtieri Deno , Jeanmonod Rebecca
Published: January 2013

Introduction

Mid-level providers (MLPs) are used in many emergency departments (EDs) to provide care in a low-acuity, high-volume setting, and are able to see more patients and generate more relative value units (RVUs) than residents in this setting. It is unknown if MLPs are as productive as emergency medicine residents in a high-acuity setting.

Objective

To determine if there are productivity differences between residents and MLPs, as defined by patients seen (pt/h) and RVUs generated per hour (RVU/h), in a high-acuity area of the ED.

Methods

This is a retrospective review of emergency medicine residents and MLPs assigned to a high-acuity area of a single 45 000 volume community ED. Number of patients seen and RVUs generated were recorded, and pt/h, RVU/h and RVU/pt were calculated. Two-tailed t test was used to compare resident and MLP performance.

Results

55 MLP and 98 emergency medicine residency shifts were included for comparison. During the study period, MLPs saw 1.56 pt/h (CI±0.14), while residents saw 1.23 pt/h (CI±0.06, p<0.0001). MLPs generated 3.19 RVU/h (CI±0.29), while residents generated 3.33 RVU/h (CI±0.17, p=0.43). Residents generated 2.73 RVU/pt (CI±0.09), while MLPs generated 2.05 RVU/pt (CI±0.09, p<0.0001). In comparing the subgroup of postgraduate year 3 residents (PGY3s) with MLPs, MLPs still saw significantly more patients (1.30 vs 1.56, p=0.003), but PGY3s generated 3.58 RVU/h compared with 3.19 RVU/h for MLPs (p=0.06). PGY3s generated 2.79 RVU/pt compared with 2.05 for MLPs (p<0.0001).

Conclusions

In a high-acuity area of the ED, MLPs see more patients per hour than residents, but generate fewer RVUs per patient. This suggests that residents may document more thoroughly than MLPs. Alternatively, MLPs may elect to see less sick patients even when working in a high-acuity area.
Ageing-induced decrease in cardiac mitochondrial function in healthy rats
Authors: Duicu Oana M. , Mirica Silvia N. , Gheorgheosu Dorina E. , Privistirescu Andreea I. , Fira-Mladinescu Ovidiu , Muntean Danina M.
Published: January 2013

It is widely recognized that mitochondrial dysfunction is a key component of the multifactorial process of ageing. The effects of age on individual components of mitochondrial function vary across species and strains. In this study we investigated the oxygen consumption, the mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψ), the sensitivity of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) to calcium overload, and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in heart mitochondria isolated from old compared with adult healthy Sprague–Dawley rats. Respirometry studies and Δψ measurements were performed with an Oxygraph-2k equipped with a tetraphenylphosphonium electrode. ROS production and calcium retention capacity were measured spectrofluorimetrically. Our results show an important decline for all bioenergetic parameters for both complex I and complex II supported-respiration, a decreased Δψ in mitochondria energized with complex I substrates, and an increased mitochondrial ROS production in the old compared with the adult group. Mitochondrial sensitivity to Ca2+-induced mPTP opening was also increased in the old compared with the adult animals. Moreover, the protective effect of cyclosporine A on mPTP opening was significantly reduced in the old group. We conclude that healthy ageing is associated with a decrease in heart mitochondria function in Sprague–Dawley rats.
Sex produces as numerous and long-lived offspring as parthenogenesis in a new parthenogenetic insect
Authors: Cocco J. , Butnariu A.R. , Bessa E. , Pasini A.
Published: January 2013

Sex is a costly form of reproduction compared with parthenogenesis, but sex persists because of the more resistant and competitive descendants that it produces. We obtained thelytokous offspring from unmated female Doru lineare (Eschscholtz, 1822) earwigs, a species of insect in which parthenogenesis has never before been reported, and found that their number and survival rate did not differ from offspring of mated females. Current hypotheses support advantages of sex or parthenogenesis, but never equilibrium between them like the one reported in this paper. We suggest that parthenogenesis is how females multiply their entire genome and renew themselves.
THE FRONTIER OF DECIDABILITY IN PARTIALLY OBSERVABLE RECURSIVE GAMES
Authors: AUGER DAVID , TEYTAUD OLIVIER
Published: January 2013

The classical decision problem associated with a game is whether a given player has a winning strategy, i.e. some strategy that leads almost surely to a victory, regardless of the other players' strategies. While this problem is relevant for deterministic fully observable games, for a partially observable game the requirement of winning with probability 1 is too strong. In fact, as shown in this paper, a game might be decidable for the simple criterion of almost sure victory, whereas optimal play (even in an approximate sense) is not computable.

We therefore propose another criterion, the decidability of which is equivalent to the computability of approximately optimal play. Then, we show that (i) this criterion is undecidable in the general case, even with deterministic games (no random part in the game), (ii) that it is in the jump 0', and that, even in the stochastic case, (iii) it becomes decidable if we add the requirement that the game halts almost surely whatever maybe the strategies of the players.
Protonation state of core nitrogens in the meso-tetra(4-carboxyphenyl)porphyrin impacts the chemical and physical properties of nanostructures formed in acid solutions
Authors: Eskelsen Jeremy R. , Wang Yingte , Qui Yun , Ray Monali , Handlin Mzuri , Hipps K. W. , Mazur Ursula
Published: January 2013

Organic self-assemblies of meso-tetra (4-carboxyphenyl)porphine (TCPP) prepared in trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) and hydrochloric acid solutions at pH < 1 were studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) in order to determine the protonation state of the porphyrin building blocks present in the solid self-assembled nanostructures. XPS measurements were conducted both at room and at elevated temperatures. Room temperature N 1s spectra showed two bands with a 3:1 intensity ratio consistent with three protonated and one unprotonated nitrogen in the structures prepared in both TFA and HCl solutions. We attribute this result to TCPP existing as a 50:50 mixture of the free-base and diacid forms of the porphyrin core in the self-assembled state. Upon heating to 150 °C the TCPP/TFA and TCPP/HCl nanomaterials exhibit loss of pyrrolic hydrogens and retain different amounts of their respective counter ions. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images of the nanostructures showed that these systems have different morphologies depending on the acid employed during fabrication and the post preparation temperature treatment. High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) of the TCPP nanostructures indicate that those prepared in HCl are crystalline while the nanoassemblies made in TFA are polycrystalline or amorphous.
Delay activity of saccade-related neurons in the caudal dentate nucleus of the macaque cerebellum
Authors: Ashmore Robin C. , Sommer Marc A.
Published: January 2013

The caudal dentate nucleus (DN) in lateral cerebellum is connected with two visual/oculomotor areas of the cerebrum: the frontal eye field and lateral intraparietal cortex. Many neurons in frontal eye field and lateral intraparietal cortex produce “delay activity” between stimulus and response that correlates with processes such as motor planning. Our hypothesis was that caudal DN neurons would have prominent delay activity as well. From lesion studies, we predicted that this activity would be related to self-timing, i.e., the triggering of saccades based on the internal monitoring of time. We recorded from neurons in the caudal DN of monkeys ( Macaca mulatta) that made delayed saccades with or without a self-timing requirement. Most (84%) of the caudal DN neurons had delay activity. These neurons conveyed at least three types of information. First, their activity was often correlated, trial by trial, with saccade initiation. Correlations were found more frequently in a task that required self-timing of saccades (53% of neurons) than in a task that did not (27% of neurons). Second, the delay activity was often tuned for saccade direction (in 65% of neurons). This tuning emerged continuously during a trial. Third, the time course of delay activity associated with self-timed saccades differed significantly from that associated with visually guided saccades (in 71% of neurons). A minority of neurons had sensory-related activity. None had presaccadic bursts, in contrast to DN neurons recorded more rostrally. We conclude that caudal DN neurons convey saccade-related delay activity that may contribute to the motor preparation of when and where to move.
Gene expression profiling of gastrocnemius of “minimuscle” mice
Authors: Burniston Jatin G. , Meek Thomas H. , Pandey Sachchida Nand , Broitman-Maduro Gina , Maduro Morris F. , Bronikowski Anne M. , Garland Theodore , Chen Yi-Wen
Published: January 2013

Few studies have investigated heterogeneity of selection response in replicate lines subjected to equivalent selection. We developed four replicate lines of mice based on high levels of voluntary wheel running (high runner or HR lines) while also maintaining four nonselected control lines. This led to the unexpected discovery of the HR minimuscle (HRmini) phenotype, recognized by a 50% reduction in hindlimb muscle mass, which became fixed in 1 of the four HR selected lines. Here, we report genome-wide expression profiling describing transcriptome differences between HRnormaland HRminimedial gastrocnemius. Consistent with the known reduction of type IIB fibers in HRmini, Myh4 gene expression was −8.82-fold less ( P = 0.0001) in HRmini, which was closely associated with differences in the “calcium signaling” canonical pathway, including structural genes (e.g., Mef2c, twofold greater in HRmini, P = 0.0003) and myogenic factors (e.g., Myog, 3.8-fold greater in HRmini, P = 0.0026) associated with slow-type myofibers. The gene that determines the HRminiphenotype is known to reside in a 2.6335-Mb interval on mouse chromosome 11 and 7 genes ( Myh10, Chrnb1, Acadvl, Senp3, Gabarap, Eif5a, and Clec10a) from this region were differentially expressed. Verification by real-time PCR confirmed 1.5-fold greater ( P < 0.05) expression of very long chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase ( Acadvl) in HRmini. Ten other genes associated with fatty acid metabolism were also upregulated in HRmini, suggesting differences in the ability to metabolize fatty acids in HRnormaland HRminimuscles. This work provides a resource for understanding differences in muscle phenotypes in populations exhibiting high running capacity.
The Existence of Solutions for Impulsive Fractional Partial Neutral Differential Equations
Authors: Shu Xiao-Bao , Xu Fei
Published: January 2013

This paper deals with the existence of mild solutions of a class of impulsive fractional partial neutral semilinear differential equations. A series of analytical results about the mild solutions are obtained by using fixed-point methods. Then, we present an example to further illustrate the applications of these results.
A New Movement Recognition Technique for Flight Mode Detection
Authors: Tawk Youssef , Jovanovic Aleksandar , Tomé Phillip , Leclère Jérôme , Botteron Cyril , Farine Pierre-André , Riem-Vis Ruud , Spaeth Bertrand
Published: January 2013

Nowadays, in the aeronautical environments, the use of mobile communication and other wireless technologies is restricted. More specifically, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) prohibit the use of cellular phones and other wireless devices on airborne aircraft because of potential interference with wireless networks on the ground, and with the aircraft's navigation and communication systems. Within this context, we propose in this paper a movement recognition algorithm that will switch off a module including a GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) device or any other mobile cellular technology as soon as it senses movement and thereby will prevent any forbidden transmissions that could occur in a moving airplane. The algorithm is based solely on measurements of a low-cost accelerometer and is easy to implement with a high degree of reliability.
An Expansion Theorem Involving H-Function of Several Complex Variables
Authors: Gaboury Sébastien , Tremblay Richard
Published: January 2013

The aim of this present paper is to obtain a general expansion
theorem involving H-functions of several complex variables. This is done by
making use of a Taylor-like expansion in terms of a rational function obtained
by means of fractional derivatives given recently by the authors. Special cases
are also computed.
Nonexistence Results of Semilinear Elliptic Equations Coupled with the Chern-Simons Gauge Field
Authors: Huh Hyungjin
Published: January 2013

We discuss the nonexistence of nontrivial solutions for the Chern-Simons-Higgs and Chern-Simons-Schrödinger equations. The Derrick-Pohozaev type identities are derived to prove it.
Bounded Nonlinear Functional Derived by the Generalized Srivastava-Owa Fractional Differential Operator
Authors: Ibrahim Rabha W.
Published: January 2013

By making use of the generalized Srivastava-Owa fractional differential operator, a class of analytical functions is imposed. The sharp bound for the nonlinear functional associated with the Hankel determinant is computed. We consider a new technique to prove our results. Important properties such as inclusion, subordination, and Hadamard product are studied. Some recent results are included.
He's Max-Min Approach to a Nonlinear Oscillator with Discontinuous Terms
Authors: Zhang Hui-Li , Xie Fang
Published: January 2013

Recently, the max-min approach was systematically studied in the review article (Ji-Huan, 2012). This paper concludes that He's max-min approach is also a very much effective method for nonlinear oscillators with discontinuous terms.
The Oxidation of 2‐(2‐Methoxyethoxy)ethanol and 2‐(2‐Ethoxyethoxy)ethanol by Ditelluratocuprate(III): A Kinetic and Mechanistic Study
Authors: Shan Jin-huan , Li Yi , Huo Shu-ying , Yin Cai-hong
Published: January 2013

The oxidation of 2‐(2‐methoxyethoxy)ethanol (MEE) and 2‐(2‐ethoxyethoxy)ethanol (EEE) by ditelluratocuprate(III) (DTC) had been studied spectrophotometrically in alkaline medium. The reaction between 20∘C and 40∘C showed first‐order dependence in DTC and fractional order in MEE and EEE. The rate constant kobs of the pseudo‐first‐order reaction decreased with an increase of [TeO4  2−], whereas adding [OH−] enhanced the constant. In addition, the reaction had a negative salt effect. The rate of EEE was higher than that of MEE. A suitable assumption involving preequilibriums before the rate‐controlling step and a free radical mechanism was proposed, based on the kinetic data. Activation parameters and the rate constant of the rate‐determining step were calculated.
IEC 61499 as an Enabler of Distributed and Intelligent Automation: A State-of-the-Art Review—A Different View
Authors: Thramboulidis Kleanthis
Published: January 2013

The industrial and research activities around the IEC 61499 architecture for distributed automation systems are discussed by Vyatkin, (2011). Research results related to the design of this kind of systems as well as to the execution of IEC 61449 on embedded devices are reviewed. It is claimed that IEC 61499 has been developed to enable intelligent automation through the distribution of software components and that the industry will benefit through its adoption from the promise of the intelligence automation research results. In this paper, several observations are presented on the arguments that are used to prove that IEC 61499 is a solid technology for industrial automation systems development. Portability, interoperability, code modularity, reusability, and reconfigurability as well as determinism and the event-driven execution of IEC 61499 are discussed.
Thermal Transport across Solid Interfaces with Nanoscale Imperfections: Effects of Roughness, Disorder, Dislocations, and Bonding on Thermal Boundary Conductance
Authors: Hopkins Patrick E.
Published: January 2013

The efficiency in modern technologies and green energy solutions has boiled down to a thermal engineering problem on the nanoscale. Due to the magnitudes of the thermal mean free paths approaching or overpassing typical length scales in nanomaterials (i.e., materials with length scales less than one micrometer), the thermal transport across interfaces can dictate the overall thermal resistance in nanosystems. However, the fundamental mechanisms driving these electron and phonon interactions at nanoscale interfaces are difficult to predict and control since the thermal boundary conductance across interfaces is intimately related to the characteristics of the interface (structure, bonding, geometry, etc.) in addition to the fundamental atomistic properties of the materials comprising the interface itself. In this paper, I review the recent experimental progress in understanding the interplay between interfacial properties on the atomic scale and thermal transport across solid interfaces. I focus this discussion specifically on the role of interfacial nanoscale “imperfections,” such as surface roughness, compositional disorder, atomic dislocations, or interfacial bonding. Each type of interfacial imperfection leads to different scattering mechanisms that can be used to control the thermal boundary conductance. This offers a unique avenue for controlling scattering and thermal transport in nanotechnology.
High-Density Lipoproteins and the Immune System
Authors: Kaji Hidesuke
Published: January 2013

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) plays a major role in vasodilation and in the reduction of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation, inflammation, apoptosis, thrombosis, and infection; however, HDL is now less functional in these roles under certain conditions. This paper focuses on HDL, its anti-inflammation behavior, and the mechanisms by which HDL interacts with components of the innate and adaptive immune systems. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and proteomic studies have elucidated important molecules involved in the interaction between HDL and the immune system. An understanding of these mechanisms is expected to be useful for the prevention and treatment of chronic inflammation due to metabolic syndrome, atherosclerosis, or various autoimmune diseases.
Starlikeness of General Integral Operator for Meromorphic Multivalent Functions
Authors: Goswami Pranay , Bulut Serap
Published: January 2013

We introduce a new integral operator for meromorphic multivalent functions. The starlikeness
condition of this integral operator is determined. Several special cases are
also discussed in the form of corollaries.
In VitroLarge Scale Production of Human Mature Red Blood Cells from Hematopoietic Stem Cells by Coculturing with Human Fetal Liver Stromal Cells
Authors: Xi Jiafei , Li Yanhua , Wang Ruoyong , Wang Yunfang , Nan Xue , He Lijuan , Zhang Peng , Chen Lin , Yue Wen , Pei Xuetao
Published: January 2013

In vitromodels of human erythropoiesis are useful in studying the mechanisms of erythroid differentiation in normal and pathological conditions. Here we describe an erythroid liquid culture system starting from cord blood derived hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). HSCs were cultured for more than 50 days in erythroid differentiation conditions and resulted in a more than 109-fold expansion within 50 days under optimal conditions. Homogeneous erythroid cells were characterized by cell morphology, flow cytometry, and hematopoietic colony assays. Furthermore, terminal erythroid maturation was improved by cosculturing with human fetal liver stromal cells. Cocultured erythroid cells underwent multiple maturation events, including decrease in size, increase in glycophorin A expression, and nuclear condensation. This process resulted in extrusion of the pycnotic nuclei in up to 80% of the cells. Importantly, they possessed the capacity to express the adult definitiveβ-globin chain upon further maturation. We also show that the oxygen equilibrium curves of the cord blood-differentiated red blood cells (RBCs) are comparable to normal RBCs. The large number and purity of erythroid cells and RBCs produced from cord blood make this method useful for fundamental research in erythroid development, and they also provide a basis for future production of available RBCs for transfusion.
A Practical Update of Surgical Management of Merkel Cell Carcinoma of the Skin
Authors: Tai Patricia
Published: January 2013

The role of surgeons in the treatment of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) of the skin is reviewed, with respect to diagnosis and treatment. Most of the data in the literature are case reports. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment. A wide local excision, with sentinel node (SLN) biopsy, is the recommended treatment of choice. If SLN is involved, nodal dissection should be performed; unless patient is unfit, then regional radiotherapy can be given. Surgeons should always refer patients for assessment of the need for adjuvant treatments. Adjuvant radiotherapy is well tolerated and effective to minimize recurrence. Adjuvant chemotherapy may be considered for selected node-positive patients, as per National Comprehensive Cancer Network guideline. Data are insufficient to assess whether adjuvant chemotherapy improves survival. Recurrent disease should be treated by complete surgical resection if possible, followed by radiotherapy and possibly chemotherapy. Generally results of multimodality treatment for recurrent disease are better than lesser treatments. Future research should focus on newer chemotherapy and molecular targeted agents in the adjuvant setting and for gross disease.
Phosphorylation of Ribosomal Protein S6 Attenuates DNA Damage and Tumor Suppression during Development of Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Khalaileh Abed , Dreazen Avigail , Khatib Areej , Apel Roy , Swisa Avital , Kidess-Bassir Norma , Maitra Anirban , Meyuhas Oded , Dor Yuval , Zamir Gideon
Published: January 2013

The signaling pathways that mediate the development of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) downstream of mutant Kras remain incompletely understood. Here, we focus on ribosomal protein S6 (rpS6), an mTOR effector not implicated previously in cancer. Phosphorylation of rpS6 was increased in pancreatic acinar cells upon implantation of the chemical carcinogen 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) or transgenic expression of mutant Kras. To examine the functional significance of rpS6 phosphorylation, we used knockin mice lacking all five phosphorylatable sites in rpS6 (termed rpS6P−/− mice). Strikingly, the development of pancreatic cancer precursor lesions induced by either DMBA or mutant Kras was greatly reduced in rpS6P−/− mice. The rpS6 mutants expressing oncogenic Kras showed increased p53 along with increased staining of γ-H2AX and 53bp1 (Trp53bp1) in areas of acinar ductal metaplasia, suggesting that rpS6 phosphorylation attenuates Kras-induced DNA damage and p53-mediated tumor suppression. These results reveal that rpS6 phosphorylation is important for the initiation of pancreatic cancer. Cancer Res; 73(6); 1811–20. ©2012 AACR.
Genomic and Epigenomic Cross-talks in the Regulatory Landscape of miRNAs in Breast Cancer
Authors: Samantarrai Devyani , Dash Subhra , Chhetri Bini , Mallick Bibekanand
Published: January 2013

MicroRNAs (miRNA) are a class of endogenous, small noncoding RNAs found in animals, plants, and viruses that control their target gene expression posttranscriptionally. They are involved in a wide array of biological processes including cell differentiation, development, cell death and homeostasis, and fine-tune the regulation of these pathways. Their aberrant expressions have been associated with different diseases. These small RNAs are also known to function as oncogenes, oncosupressor genes, modulators of metastatic spread, and regulators of cancer stem cells. Their deregulation is a hallmark of different cancers types including breast cancer. Despite the growing evidence for their involvement in breast cancer, understanding the interplay between miRNAs and their targets leading to the disease remains largely unknown. Here, we provide a comprehensive story on miRNA signatures of breast cancer, miRNAs in breast cancer stem cells, metastamirs (i.e., metastasis regulatory miRNAs), circulating miRNAs as invasive blood-based biomarkers, and oncomiRs and oncosupressor miRNAs associated with breast cancer. Furthermore, we provide biological insights on their regulation by various mechanisms including genomic alterations and demonstration of a complicated feedback network between miRNAs and epigenetic regulators forming an epigenetics–miRNA regulatory circuit whose disruption may underlie the cause of breast cancer. Mol Cancer Res; 11(4); 315–28. ©2013 AACR.
The Polarity Protein Scrib Is Essential for Directed Endothelial Cell Migration
Authors: Michaelis U. Ruth , Chavakis Emmanouil , Kruse Christoph , Jungblut Benno , Kaluza David , Wandzioch Katalin , Manavski Yosif , Heide Heinrich , Santoni Marie-Josée , Potente Michael , Eble Johannes A. , Borg Jean-Paul , Brandes Ralf P.
Published: January 2013

Rationale:

Polarity proteins are involved in the apico-basal orientation of epithelial cells, but relatively little is known regarding their function in mesenchymal cells.

Objective:

We hypothesized that polarity proteins also contribute to endothelial processes like angiogenesis.

Methods and Results:

Screening of endothelial cells revealed high expression of the polarity protein Scribble (Scrib). On fibronectin-coated carriers Scrib siRNA (siScrib) blocked directed but not random migration of human umbilical vein endothelial cells and led to an increased number and disturbed orientation of cellular lamellipodia. Coimmunoprecipitation/mass spectrometry and glutathione S-transferase (GST) pulldown assays identified integrin α5 as a novel Scrib interacting protein. By total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy, Scrib and integrin α5 colocalize at the basal plasma membrane of endothelial cells. Western blot and fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis revealed that silencing of Scrib reduced the protein amount and surface expression of integrin α5 whereas surface expression of integrin αV was unaffected. Moreover, in contrast to fibronectin, the ligand of integrin α5, directional migration on collagen mediated by collagen-binding integrins was unaffected by siScrib. Mechanistically, Scrib supported integrin α5 recycling and protein stability by blocking its interaction with Rab7a, its translocation into lysosomes, and its subsequent degradation by pepstatin-sensitive proteases. In siScrib-treated cells, reinduction of the wild-type protein but not of PSD95, Dlg, ZO-1 (PDZ), or leucine rich repeat domain mutants restored integrin α5 abundance and directional cell migration. The downregulation of Scrib function in
Tg(kdrl:EGFP)

s843

transgenic zebrafish embryos delayed the angiogenesis of intersegmental vessels.

Conclusions:

Scrib is a novel regulator of integrin α5 turnover and sorting, which is required for oriented cell migration and sprouting angiogenesis.
Prognostic Significance of Silent Myocardial Infarction in Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Davis Timothy M.E. , Coleman Ruth L. , Holman Rury R.
Published: January 2013

Background—

We aimed to determine the prevalence of silent myocardial infarction (SMI) in people with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus and its relationships to future myocardial infarction (MI) and all-cause mortality.

Methods and Results—

We examined data from the 5102 patients in the 30-year UK Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) and used Cox proportional hazards regression to examine outcomes by SMI status. Of 1967 patients with complete baseline data, 326 (16.6%) had ECG evidence of SMI (Minnesota codes 1.1 or 1.2) at enrollment. Those with SMI were more likely to be older, female, sedentary, and nonsmokers compared with those without SMI. Their mean blood pressure was greater despite more intensive antihypertensive treatment; they were more likely to be taking aspirin and lipid-lowering therapy; and they had a greater prevalence of microangiopathy. Fully adjusted hazard ratios for those with versus those without SMI in multivariate models that included UKPDS Risk Engine variables were 1.58 (95% confidence interval, 1.22–2.05) for fatal MI and 1.31 (95% confidence interval, 1.10–1.56) for all-cause mortality. Hazard ratios for first fatal or nonfatal MI and for first nonfatal MI were nonsignificant. The net reclassification index showed no improvement when SMI was added to these models, and the integrated discrimination index showed that SMI marginally improved the prediction of fatal MI and all-cause mortality.

Conclusions—

About 1 in 6 UKPDS patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus had evidence of SMI, which was independently associated with an increased risk of fatal MI and all-cause mortality. However, identification of SMI does not add substantively to current UKPDS Risk Engine predictive variables.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.controlled-trials.com
. Identifier: ISRCTN number 75451837.
Common Variants Within Oxidative Phosphorylation Genes Influence Risk of Ischemic Stroke and Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Anderson Christopher D. , Biffi Alessandro , Nalls Michael A. , Devan William J. , Schwab Kristin , Ayres Alison M. , Valant Valerie , Ross Owen A. , Rost Natalia S. , Saxena Richa , Viswanathan Anand , Worrall Bradford B. , Brott Thomas G. , Goldstein Joshua N. , Brown Devin , Broderick Joseph P. , Norrving Bo , Greenberg Steven M. , Silliman Scott L. , Hansen Björn M. , Tirschwell David L. , Lindgren Arne , Slowik Agnieszka , Schmidt Reinhold , Selim Magdy , Roquer Jaume , Montaner Joan , Singleton Andrew B. , Kidwell Chelsea S. , Woo Daniel , Furie Karen L. , Meschia James F. , Rosand Jonathan
Published: January 2013

Background and Purpose—

Previous studies demonstrated association between mitochondrial DNA variants and ischemic stroke (IS). We investigated whether variants within a larger set of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) genes encoded by both autosomal and mitochondrial DNA were associated with risk of IS and, based on our results, extended our investigation to intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH).

Methods—

This association study used a discovery cohort of 1643 individuals, a validation cohort of 2432 individuals for IS, and an extension cohort of 1476 individuals for ICH. Gene-set enrichment analysis was performed on all structural OXPHOS genes, as well as genes contributing to individual respiratory complexes. Gene-sets passing gene-set enrichment analysis were tested by constructing genetic scores using common variants residing within each gene. Associations between each variant and IS that emerged in the discovery cohort were examined in validation and extension cohorts.

Results—

IS was associated with genetic risk scores in OXPHOS as a whole (odds ratio [OR], 1.17;
P
=0.008) and complex I (OR, 1.06;
P
=0.050). Among IS subtypes, small vessel stroke showed association with OXPHOS (OR, 1.16;
P
=0.007), complex I (OR, 1.13;
P
=0.027), and complex IV (OR, 1.14;
P
=0.018). To further explore this small vessel association, we extended our analysis to ICH, revealing association between deep hemispheric ICH and complex IV (OR, 1.08;
P
=0.008).

Conclusions—

This pathway analysis demonstrates association between common genetic variants within OXPHOS genes and stroke. The associations for small vessel stroke and deep ICH suggest that genetic variation in OXPHOS influences small vessel pathobiology. Further studies are needed to identify culprit genetic variants and assess their functional consequences.
Histological Features of Carotid Plaque in Patients With Ocular Ischemia Versus Cerebral Events
Authors: Howard Dominic P.J. , van Lammeren Guus W. , Redgrave Jessica N. , Moll Frans L. , de Vries Jean-Paul P.M. , de Kleijn Dominique P.V. , de Borst Gert Jan , Pasterkamp Gerard , Rothwell Peter M.
Published: January 2013

Background and Purpose—

Patients with carotid artery stenosis and ocular ischemic events have a much lower risk of future ipsilateral ischemic stroke on medical treatment and lower procedural risks for endarterectomy and stenting than patients with cerebral ischemic events, and are closer in risk to patients with asymptomatic stenosis. The reasons for this difference in prognosis are not fully understood, but may reflect differences in carotid plaque pathology.

Methods—

In consecutive patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy for recently symptomatic stenosis (Oxford Plaque Study, Athero-Express Study), we compared carotid plaque histology (using validated semiquantitative scales) in those who had cerebral events within the last 6 months (n=1317) versus those with ocular events only (n=323).

Results—

Compared with plaques from patients with ocular events only, those from patients with cerebral events had significantly more large lipid core (odds ratio [OR], 1.38; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05–1.82;
P
=0.02), inflammation (OR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.02–1.72;
P
=0.04) and overall plaque instability (OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.05–1.80;
P
=0.02), and less fibrous content (OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.54–0.92;
P
=0.01), and calcification (OR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.54–0.91;
P
=0.008). The overall number of histological features known to be associated with vulnerable plaque was greater in patients with cerebral events than in those with ocular events (
P
=0.002).

Conclusions—

Carotid plaques from patients undergoing endarterectomy for previous ocular ischemic events have fewer vulnerable plaque features than those from patients with recent cerebral ischemic events, possibly explaining some of the differences in risk of stroke between these groups.
What We Think before a Voluntary Movement
Authors: Schneider Logan , Houdayer Elise , Bai Ou , Hallett Mark
Published: January 2013

A central feature of voluntary movement is the sense of volition, but when this sense arises in the course of movement formulation and execution is not clear. Many studies have explored how the brain might be actively preparing movement before the sense of volition; however, because the timing of the sense of volition has depended on subjective and retrospective judgments, these findings are still regarded with a degree of scepticism. EEG events such as beta event-related desynchronization and movement-related cortical potentials are associated with the brain's programming of movement. Using an optimized EEG signal derived from multiple variables, we were able to make real-time predictions of movements in advance of their occurrence with a low false-positive rate. We asked participants what they were thinking at the time of prediction: Sometimes they were thinking about movement, and other times they were not. Our results indicate that the brain can be preparing to make voluntary movements while participants are thinking about something else.
The Culture of Negotiation in the European Union: Reviewing Trends and Predicting Patterns of Multilateral Decision-Making
Authors: Guggenbühl Alain
Published: January 2013

Summary

This article looks into the formal and informal facets of inter-state deliberation and negotiation among the 27 member states of the European Union. Its aim is twofold: on one hand to capture and consolidate the view of the ‘Brussels’ inter-state negotiation routine; on the other, to anticipate the evolution of the negotiation modes among member states in their daily collective decision-making. The article reviews some of the essential trends and occurrences that feature the multilateral processes of negotiation in the Council of the EU. With the support of negotiation literature, it derives from these trends a few patterns to help predict whether the culture of negotiation among the 27 member states will be positively impacted or impinged by the latest EU Treaty, which was signed in Lisbon in December 2007. The article frames and qualifies the EU culture of negotiation, while also offering a predictive lens on the future practice of negotiations among member states, which is absent from the traditional theoretical perspectives.
First record of the genera Luzarida Hebard, 1928 and Luzaridella Desutter-Grandcolas, 1992 (Orthoptera, Gryllidae, Phalangopsinae) from Brazil, including a new species and description of the female of Luzarida lata Gorochov, 2011
Authors: MARTINS LUCIANO DE P. , SILVA LUCIENE G. DA , HENRIQUES AUGUSTO L. , ZEFA EDISON
Published: January 2013

Luzarida and Luzaridella are first recorded from Brazil. A new species of Luzaridella and the female of Luzarida lata is described from Central Amazon. Habitus, morphological characteristics, male and female genitalia photographs are pro-vided. Calling song of Luzarida lata and Luzaridella sp. nov. are characterized.
Acerentulus shrubovychae sp. nov. from Italy (Protura: Acerentomidae)
Authors: GALLI LORIS , CAPURRO MATTEO
Published: January 2013

A new species, Acerentulus shrubovychae sp. nov., from Ligurian Alps, northwestern Italy, is described and illustrated. All specimens are deposited in the Genoa Natural History Civic Museum (MSNG).