bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of spiroheterocycles derived from benzo[f]chromanone
Authors: Pati Anita , Mohapatra Snigdha , Behera Rajani K.
Published: July 2011

The syntheses of an important class of hitherto unreported spiro derivatives containing benzo[f]chromanone moiety involving very simple cyclocondensation reactions are described. Installation of pharmacologically active moieties like thiazolidine and thiazolidinone is achieved by taking simple reagents like ethylchloroacetate, 1, 2‐dibromo ethane and thioglycollic acid. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2011).
Can resting‐state functional MRI serve as a complement to task‐based mapping of sensorimotor function? A test–retest reliability study in healthy volunteers
Authors: Mannfolk Peter , Nilsson Markus , Hansson Henrik , Ståhlberg Freddy , Fransson Peter , Weibull Andreas , Svensson Jonas , Wirestam Ronnie , Olsrud Johan
Published: July 2011

Purpose:

To investigate if resting‐state functional MRI (fMRI) reliably can serve as a complement to task‐based fMRI for presurgical mapping of the sensorimotor cortex.

Materials and Methods:

Functional data were obtained in 10 healthy volunteers using a 3 Tesla MRI system. Each subject performed five bilateral finger tapping experiments interleaved with five resting‐state experiments. Following preprocessing, data from eight volunteers were further analyzed with the general linear model (finger tapping data) and independent component analysis (rest data). Test–retest reliability estimates (hit rate and false alarm rate) for resting‐state fMRI activation of the sensorimotor network were compared with the reliability estimates for task‐evoked activation of the sensorimotor cortex. The reliability estimates constituted a receiver operating characteristics curve from which the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated. Statistical testing was performed to compare the two groups with respect to reliability.

Results:

The AUC was generally higher for the task experiments, although median AUC was not significantly different on a group level. Also, the two groups showed comparable levels of within‐group variance.

Conclusion:

Test–retest reliability was comparable between resting‐state measurements and task‐based fMRI, suggesting that presurgical mapping of functional networks can be a supplement to task‐based fMRI in cases where patient status excludes task‐based fMRI. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2011;. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
MR phase‐contrast velocity mapping methods for measuring venous blood velocity in the deep veins of the calf
Authors: Pierce Iain T. , Gatehouse Peter D. , Xu X. Yun , Firmin David N.
Published: July 2011

Purpose:

To evaluate the feasibility of using un‐gated, real‐time MRI for venous blood velocity mapping in the calf, comparing an interleaved spiral k‐space sequence (ISP) against a standard segmented gradient echo sequence (GRE).

Materials and Methods:

A flow phantom with a variable flow‐rate was scanned using both GRE and ISP sequences for an in vitro comparison. Seven subjects were scanned prone, performing metronome guided breathing, using the (externally triggered) segmented GRE and real‐time ISP sequences. The segmented GRE acquisition duration was 2.5 mins (22 guided respiratory cycles) and the ISP sequence ran continuously for 35s, 4 full guided respiratory cycles. Mean velocity from each of the deep veins was measured and peak mean velocity, peak flow rate and cumulative volume flow over a respiratory cycle compared between sequences.

Results:

The two sequences compared well both in vitro and in vivo. The real‐time ISP sequence showed short‐term variations in mean velocity superimposed on the respiratory induced flow, which were averaged out using the segmented GRE sequence.

Conclusion:

Real‐time ISP provides comparable time‐averaged flow results to the standard sequence with additional information on real‐time flow variations and so could be used for further investigation into venous blood flow in the lower leg. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2011;. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Diffusional mechanisms augment the fluorine MR relaxation in paramagnetic perfluorocarbon nanoparticles that provides a “relaxation switch” for detecting cellular endosomal activation
Authors: Hu Lingzhi , Zhang Lei , Chen Junjie , Lanza Gregory M. , Wickline Samuel A.
Published: July 2011

Purpose:

To develop a physical model for the 19F relaxation enhancement in paramagnetic perfluorocarbon nanoparticles (PFC NP) and demonstrate its application in monitoring cellular endosomal functionality through a “19F relaxation switch” phenomenon.

Materials and Methods:

An explicit expression for 19F longitudinal relaxation enhancement was derived analytically. Monte‐Carlo simulation was performed to confirm the gadolinium‐induced magnetic field inhomogeneity inside the PFC NP. Field‐dependent T1 measurements for three types of paramagnetic PFC NPs were carried out to validate the theoretical prediction. Based on the physical model, 19F and 1H relaxation properties of macrophage internalized paramagnetic PFC NPs were measured to evaluate the intracellular process of NPs by macrophages in vitro.

Results:

The theoretical description was confirmed experimentally by field‐dependent T1 measurements. The shortening of 19F T1 was found to be attributed to the Brownian motion of PFC molecules inside the NP in conjunction with their ability to permeate into the lipid surfactant coating. A dramatic change of 19F T1 was observed upon endocytosis, revealing the transition from intact bound PFC NP to processed constituents.

Conclusion:

The proposed first‐principle analysis of 19F spins in paramagnetic PFC NP relates their structural parameters to the special MR relaxation features. The demonstrated “19F relaxation switch” phenomenon is potentially useful for monitoring cellular endosomal functionality. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2011;. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The influence of the North Atlantic Oscillation and European circulation regimes on the daily to interannual variability of winter precipitation in Israel
Authors: Black Emily
Published: July 2011

The arid climate of the Middle East means that variations in rainfall on all timescales from days to years have enormous impact on the people who live in the region. Understanding this variability is crucial if we are to interpret model simulations of the region's climate and make meaningful predictions of how the climate may change in the future. This study investigates the links between the European synoptic regimes that favour rainfall in Israel, interannual variability in the Mediterranean storm track, and large‐scale modes of variability such as the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). It is shown that particular European circulation regimes favour rainfall in Israel, and that these regimes occur more frequently when the NAO is in its positive phase. This is reflected by increased likelihood of very high rainfall totals in the Middle East during NAO positive winters. In contrast, the circulation regimes associated with an increased probability of dry weather are not associated with NAO negative conditions. This non‐linearity, along with the known lack of stationarity in NAO teleconnections explains the weak correlation between the NAO index and precipitation in the Jordan and Israel. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Do adolescent offspring of women with PTSD experience higher levels of chronic and episodic stress?
Authors: Brand Sarah R. , Schechter Julia C. , Hammen Constance L. , Brocque Robyne Le , Brennan Patricia A.
Published: July 2011

Offspring of mothers with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are at higher risk for a range of negative developmental outcomes, including differing forms of psychopathology. This study suggests that the multigenerational impact of trauma may be partially attributed to increased levels of stress experienced by these offspring during childhood and adolescence. Diagnostic interviews were conducted with over 800 women and their offspring. Experiences of stress were assessed using multiple measures. Results indicate that offspring of mothers with PTSD or high levels of PTSD symptoms experienced higher levels of lifetime exposure to major stress, η2 = .02, current chronic stress due to family relations, η2 = .01, and a higher level of objectively rated recent episodic life stress, η2 = .01, compared to offspring of women without PTSD. These findings remained significant after controlling for maternal history of depression. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. 00:1–10, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/.20652
Mark–recapture using tetracycline and genetics reveal record‐high bear density
Authors: Peacock Elizabeth , Titus Kimberly , Garshelis David L. , Peacock Mary M. , Kuc Miroslaw
Published: July 2011

We used tetracycline biomarking, augmented with genetic methods to estimate the size of an American black bear (Ursus americanus) population on an island in Southeast Alaska. We marked 132 and 189 bears that consumed remote, tetracycline‐laced baits in 2 different years, respectively, and observed 39 marks in 692 bone samples subsequently collected from hunters. We genetically analyzed hair samples from bait sites to determine the sex of marked bears, facilitating derivation of sex‐specific population estimates. We obtained harvest samples from beyond the study area to correct for emigration. We estimated a density of 155 independent bears/100 km2, which is equivalent to the highest recorded for this species. This high density appears to be maintained by abundant, accessible natural food. Our population estimate (approx. 1,000 bears) could be used as a baseline and to set hunting quotas. The refined biomarking method for abundance estimation is a useful alternative where physical captures or DNA‐based estimates are precluded by cost or logistics. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Targeted surveillance of raccoon rabies in Québec, Canada
Authors: Rees Erin E. , Bélanger Denise , Lelièvre Frédérick , Coté Nathalie , Lambert Louise
Published: July 2011

Data from wildlife disease surveillance programs are used to inform implementation of disease control (e.g., vaccination, population reduction) in space and time. We developed an approach to increase detection of raccoon rabies in raccoons (Procyon lotor) and skunks (Mephitis mephitis) of Québec, Canada, and we examined the implications of using this approach for targeted surveillance. First we modeled the probability of a rabid animal relative to environmental characteristics of sampling locations. Rabid animals were more likely to be found in low‐lying flat landscapes that had higher proportions of corn‐forest edge habitat and hay agriculture, and that were within 20 km of one or more known rabies cases. From the model, we created 2 complementary risk maps to identify areas where rabid animals were most likely to be sampled. One map accounted for habitat and known rabies case locations, and can be used to define an infection zone from which surveillance can be targeted along the periphery to determine if disease is continuing to spread. The other map only accounted for habitat and can be used to locate areas most likely to contain rabid animals when the disease is present. In a further analysis we compared the 2 most successful methods for detecting raccoon rabies in Québec, given the disease was present. Government trapping operations (active surveillance) detected more cases in the short‐term, but citizen notification (passive and enhanced) was more effective after 12 trapping days from which the initial rabies case was found. Our approach can benefit wildlife and public health agencies wanting to assess the disease status of regions by targeting surveillance to habitats most likely to contain infected animals and by defining the duration over which sampling methods are effective. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Estimating mountain goat abundance using DNA from fecal pellets
Authors: Poole Kim G. , Reynolds Darryl M. , Mowat Garth , Paetkau David
Published: July 2011

Non‐invasive collection of tissue samples to obtain DNA for microsatellite genotyping required to estimate population size has been used for many wildlife species but rarely for ungulates. We estimated mountain goat (Oreamnos americanus) population size on a mountain complex in southwestern British Columbia by identification of individuals using DNA obtained from fecal pellet and hair samples collected during 3 sampling sessions. We identified 55 individuals from 170 samples that were successfully genotyped, and estimated a population of 77 mountain goats (SE = 7.4). Mean capture probability was 0.38 (SE = 0.037) per session. Our technique provides one of the first statistically rigorous estimates of abundance of an ungulate species using DNA derived primarily from fecal pellets. Our technique enables managers to obtain minimum counts or population estimates of ungulates in areas of low sightability that can be used for conservation and management. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Current treatment of parotid hemangiomas
Authors: Weiss Inanna , O Teresa M. , Lipari Brian A. , Meyer Lutz , Berenstein Alejandro , Waner Milton
Published: July 2011

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Parotid hemangiomas are the most common salivary gland tumors in children. Their treatment has posed a challenge because of the lesions' expansive growth, resistance to treatment, and relationship with the facial nerve. Various treatment modalities have been attempted, and promising results have been achieved with surgical resection alone or in conjunction with endovascular sclerotherapy. Recently, bleomycin and oral propranolol have been introduced, and the results thus far are promising. Here we elucidate the treatment options and propose a treatment algorithm for parotid hemangiomas.

Study Design:

Retrospective chart review.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients from 2004 to 2009 with hemangiomas involving the parotid gland. We included 56 patients and relevant parameters.

Results:

Seventy percent of patients were female. The female‐to‐male ratio was 2.3 to 1. Thirty‐nine percent had unilateral parotid hemangiomas, 12.5% had cutaneous segmental hemangiomas. All 22 patients who underwent systemic steroid therapy responded initially, but 68% of these rebounded after cessation of therapy. Sixteen patients (29%) underwent surgery with excellent results (facial symmetry, restoration of contour, preserved facial nerve function). Seven (44%) patients received sclerotherapy 24 to 48 hours before surgery, and five (8%) received endovascular sclerotherapy alone. Ten patients were treated medically with oral propranolol. Eight of 10 had significant shrinkage of the lesion within the first month of treatment. There were no reported side effects.

Conclusions:

Multiple treatment regimens have been used to successfully treat parotid hemangiomas. Although propranolol is a recent addition, it seems most promising. Further evaluation is warranted.
Substance use by liver transplant candidates: An anonymous urinalysis study
Authors: Webzell Ian , Ball David , Bell James , Sherwood Roy A. , Marsh Andrew , O'Grady John G. , Heaton Nigel D.
Published: July 2011

Toxicological urinalysis is a highly sensitive and specific test that detects recent substance use. It has been established for substance misuse treatment but has not been routinely used at liver transplantation (LT) centers. Patients with a history of substance misuse are required to be abstinent from alcohol and illicit drugs before they are listed for LT. In this cross-sectional study, we sought to determine the prevalence of recent substance use in LT candidates via toxicological urinalysis. One hundred nine adults who were admitted for an LT assessment provided data, and they were categorized by the etiology of their liver disease [alcohol-related liver disease (ALD), hepatitis C virus (HCV), or other liver diseases]. Urine was toxicologically screened for drugs and their metabolites as well as the urinary alcohol metabolites ethyl glucuronide and ethyl sulfate. The prevalence of alcohol metabolites in patients with ALD was 20%. Licit and illicit substances together provided a positive toxicological result in 30% of the patients. Positive results were more common among patients with HCV (40%) and ALD (38%) versus patients with other liver diseases (18%). During the clinical assessment, 4% of the patients with ALD or HCV self-reported current alcohol or illicit drug use. These results correspond to the findings of other studies and emphasize the uncertainty of self-reported substance use data for LT candidates. Liver Transpl 17:1200–1204, 2011. © 2011 AASLD.
Impact of the duration of posttransplant renal replacement therapy on bacterial infections in liver transplant recipients
Authors: Sun Hsin-Yun , Cacciarelli Thomas V. , Wagener Marilyn M. , Singh Nina
Published: July 2011

Whether the duration of renal replacement therapy (RRT) after liver transplantation influences the rate and types of bacterial infections is not known. In this study, 47 of 299 consecutive liver transplant recipients (16%) required posttransplant RRT. The incidence of bacterial infections was higher in the RRT group versus the non-RRT group (8.84 versus 1.38 per 1000 patient days, P < 0.001). In the RRT group, 49% of the patients (23/47) required long-term RRT (≥30 days), and 51% (24/47) required short-term RRT (<30 days). Long-term RRT (hazard ratio = 2.27, 95% confidence interval = 1.16-4.47, P = 0.017) was a significant predictor of infections. Bacteremia and intra-abdominal infections were the most common sources of infections, and Enterobacteriaceae and enterococci were the predominant pathogens in both groups. The mortality rate for patients requiring RRT was higher than the rate for patients not requiring RRT (P < 0.001), but the mortality rates of the short-term RRT group and the long-term RRT group did not significantly differ (P = 0.654). In conclusion, although both short-term RRT and long-term RRT confer a higher risk of bacterial infections, only long-term RRT is a statistically significant predictor of these infections. Liver Transpl 17:1212–1217, 2011. © 2011 AASLD.
Metabolic syndrome: Is immunosuppression to blame?
Authors: Watt Kymberly D.
Published: July 2011

Key Points

1. Metabolic syndrome (MS) is common after liver transplantation and has been associated with increased risks of cardiovascular disease, cardiovascular death, liver-related death, and overall mortality.

2. Immunosuppression may increase the frequency of hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and hypertension and thus increase the risk and prevalence of MS after transplantation.

3. Corticosteroids are associated with increased rates of diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia in the short term. These agents are now being used perhaps less frequently and certainly for shorter durations; therefore, the long-term effects on metabolic morbidities may be reduced.

4. Calcineurin inhibitors and mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors affect many MS parameters to various degrees and contribute to long-term morbidity after transplantation.
Anemia is not predictive of sustained virological response in liver transplant recipients with hepatitis C virus who are treated with pegylated interferon and ribavirin
Authors: Giusto Michela , Rodriguez Maria , Navarro Laia , Rubin Angel , Aguilera Victoria , San-Juan Fernando , Ortiz Cecilia , López-Andujar Rafael , Prieto Martín , Berenguer Marina
Published: July 2011

In the immunocompetent setting, antiviral therapy–related anemia has recently been shown to be associated with a sustained virological response (SVR). Our goal was to assess whether this is also true for liver transplantation (LT). We included 160 LT patients with recurrent hepatitis C virus (HCV) who were treated with pegylated interferon and ribavirin (RBV) between 2002 and 2010; 76% of the patients were men, the median age of the patients was 56 years (range = 33-75 years), 63% had advanced fibrosis, and 86% were infected with HCV genotype 1a or 1b. The baseline immunosuppression was tacrolimus in 56% of the patients. Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) was used in 15%. Anemia was defined as a hemoglobin (Hb) level < 10 g/dL. Significant anemia was present when the Hb decline was >5 g/dL. Anemia and significant anemia developed in 67% and 41% of the patients, respectively. Erythropoietin was used in 60%. Factors independently associated with significant anemia included low estimated creatinine clearance [relative risk (RR) = 0.951, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.925-0.978, P = 0.0001], a longer time from LT to therapy (RR = 1.001, 95% CI = 1.000-1.001, P = 0.002), high baseline viremia (RR = 3.2, 95% CI = 1.3-8.1, P = 0.01), cyclosporine A (CSA)-based immunosuppression (RR: 3.472, 95% CI: 1.386-8.695; P = 0.008), and the use of MMF (RR: 5.346, 95% CI: 1.398-20.447; P = 0.014). An SVR occurred in 43% of the patients; the factors associated with an SVR included baseline variables (younger recipient age, younger donor age, infections with non-1 HCV genotypes, body mass index, and mild fibrosis) and on-treatment factors related to adherence or viral kinetics. Anemia resulted in RBV dose reductions but was not associated with the virological response at any time. In conclusion, anemia is a very frequent complication in LT patients during antiviral therapy and is associated with increased RBV dose reduction but not with an SVR. Predictors of anemia include MMF or CSA immunosuppression, high viremia, and renal insufficiency.
On the existence and concentration of positive solutions to a class of quasilinear elliptic problems on \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}$\mathbb {R}$\end{document}
Authors: Alves Claudianor O. , Miyagaki Olímpio H. , Soares Sérgio H. Monari
Published: July 2011

This paper is concerned with the existence and concentration of positive solutions for the following quasilinear equation

The proof relies on variational methods by using directly the functional associated with the problem in an appropriate Sobolev space. It was found a family of solutions {uϵ} concentrating around a local minimum of V as ϵ tends to zero. © 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim
Pain sensitivity and clinical progression in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Mylius Veit , Brebbermann Juliane , Dohmann Helena , Engau Isabel , Oertel Wolfgang H. , Möller Jens C.
Published: July 2011

Pain sensitivity in Parkinson's disease is known to be altered in an L‐dopa‐dependent manner with increased spinal nociception and experimental pain perception in the medication‐defined “off” state. As Parkinson's disease‐related pain can be an early symptom in Parkinson's disease, the present study aimed to investigate experimental pain sensitivity and spinal nociception during clinical progression. The nociceptive flexion reflex as a marker of spinal nociception as well as electrical and heat pain thresholds were assessed during the medication‐defined “off” state in 29 patients with Parkinson's disease divided into 3 severity groups (according to their Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale motor score) and compared with 27 healthy elderly subjects. Parkinson's disease‐related pain was also quantified. Data provided evidence that spinal nociception and pain sensitivity are preserved during the early phase of Parkinson's disease. Following increased spinal nociception (F1,36 = 6.838, P = .013), experimental thermal and electrical pain sensitivity were augmented during the course of Parkinson's disease (F1,34 = 5.397, P = .014; F1,34 = 6.038, P = 0.053), whereas spinal nociception further increased (F1,34 = 5.397, P < .001). Increased experimental pain sensitivity was observed in patients exhibiting Parkinson's disease‐related pain. Spinal alterations either on the local level or induced by diminished dopaminergic descending inhibition probably led to increased pain sensitivity in later stages. Because Parkinson's disease‐related pain is correlated with experimental pain sensitivity these 2 observations likely reflect a causal relation. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Alpha‐synuclein in colonic submucosa in early untreated Parkinson's disease
Authors: Shannon Kathleen M. , Keshavarzian Ali , Mutlu Ece , Dodiya Hemraj B. , Daian Delia , Jaglin Jean A. , Kordower Jeffrey H.
Published: July 2011

The diagnosis of Parkinson's disease rests on motor signs of advanced central dopamine deficiency. There is an urgent need for disease biomarkers. Clinicopathological evidence suggests that α‐synuclein aggregation, the pathological signature of Parkinson's disease, can be detected in gastrointestinal tract neurons in Parkinson's disease. We studied whether we could demonstrate α‐synuclein pathology in specimens from unprepped flexible sigmoidoscopy of the distal sigmoid colon in early subjects with Parkinson's disease. We also looked for 3‐nitrotyrosine, a marker of oxidative stress. Ten subjects with early Parkinson's disease not treated with dopaminergic agents (7 men; median age, 58.5 years; median disease duration, 1.5 years) underwent unprepped flexible sigmoidoscopy with biopsy of the distal sigmoid colon. Immunohistochemistry studies for α‐synuclein and 3‐nitrotyrosine were performed on biopsy specimens and control specimens from a tissue repository (23 healthy subjects and 23 subjects with inflammatory bowel disease). Nine of 10 Parkinson's disease samples were adequate for study. All showed staining for α‐synuclein in nerve fibers in colonic submucosa. No control sample showed this pattern. A few showed light α‐synuclein staining in round cells. 3‐Nitrotyrosine staining was seen in 87% of Parkinson's disease cases but was not specific for Parkinson's disease. This study suggests a pattern of α‐synuclein staining in Parkinson's disease that was distinct from healthy subjects and those with inflammatory bowel disease. The absence of this pattern in subjects with inflammatory bowel disease suggests it is not a sequel of inflammation or oxidative stress. 3‐Nitrotyrosine immunostaining was common in all groups studied, suggesting oxidative stress in the colonic submucosa. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society.
Structure elucidation of the new citharoxazole from the Mediterranean deep‐sea sponge Latrunculia (Biannulata) citharistae
Authors: Genta‐Jouve Grégory , Francezon Nellie , Puissant Alexandre , Auberger Patrick , Vacelet Jean , Pérez Thierry , Fontana Angelo , Mourabit Ali Al , Thomas Olivier P.
Published: July 2011

Citharoxazole (1), a new batzelline derivative featuring a benzoxazole moiety, was isolated from the Mediterranean deep‐sea sponge Latrunculia (Biannulata) citharistae Vacelet, 1969, together with the known batzelline C (2). This is the first chemical study of a Mediterranean Latrunculia species and the benzoxazole moiety is unprecedented for this family of marine natural products. The structure was mainly elucidated by the interpretation of NMR spectra and especially HMBC correlations. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Magnetic resonance imaging signal hyperintensity of neural tissues in diffuse chronic pain syndromes: A pilot study
Authors: Dilley Andrew , Greening Jane , Walker‐Bone Karen , Good Catriona
Published: July 2011

In this pilot study we use T2‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to identify possible peripheral nerve inflammation in 4 patients with diffuse chronic pain. In all 4 patients, there was an increase in median and ulnar nerve T2 signal intensity at the wrist (P < 0.05 vs. controls). Positive clinical signs of peripheral nerve mechanosensitivity combined with MRI findings suggest that these patients may have an underlying peripheral nerve pathology. Muscle Nerve, 2011
A case of acute sarcoid myositis treated with weekly low‐dose methotrexate
Authors: Fujita Hanako , Ishimatsu Yuji , Motomura Masakatsu , Kakugawa Tomoyuki , Sakamoto Noriho , Hayashi Tomayoshi , Kohno Shigeru
Published: July 2011

A 25‐year‐old man was referred to our hospital with a 2‐month history of progressive proximal extremity weakness. His serum creatine kinase (CK) level was extremely elevated, and chest X‐ray revealed bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy and small nodules in bilateral lung fields. Biopsy specimens obtained from muscle and lung revealed non‐caseating epithelioid cell granulomas. On the basis of these findings, the patient was diagnosed with sarcoidosis and acute sarcoid myositis. Although steroid pulse therapy was administered repeatedly, the muscle symptoms did not improve, and the serum CK level remained high. We added 7.5 mg oral methotrexate once per week to oral prednisolone, and this improved both the muscle weakness and the CK level. Concurrent administration of methotrexate could be a therapeutic option for cases with acute sarcoid myositis refractory to steroid therapy. Muscle Nerve 000: 000–000, 2011
Statin‐associated changes in skeletal muscle function and stress response after novel or accustomed exercise
Authors: Meador Benjamin M. , Huey Kimberly A.
Published: July 2011

Introduction: The most common side effect of statins, myopathy, is more likely in exercisers. We investigated the interaction of statin treatment with novel vs. accustomed exercise on muscle function, heat shock protein (Hsp) expression, and caspase activation. Methods: Mice received daily cerivastatin or saline for 2 weeks, with/without wheel running (RW) (novel/sedentary). Accustomed groups completed 2 weeks of RW before statins. At 4 weeks, plantarflexor isometric force, Hsp25, αB‐crystallin, caspase‐3 and ‐9, and plasma creatine kinase (CK) were quantified. Results: Statins reduced force in sedentary and novel groups, compared with saline, by 15% and 27%, respectively. Muscle fatigability increased 21% and 30% with statins compared with saline in sedentary and novel groups, respectively. Accustomed exercise prevented statin‐associated force loss and increased fatigability. CK did not correlate with functional outcomes. RW increased Hsp protein in all groups. Conclusion: Our results suggest that exercise prior to statin treatment can protect against decrements in muscle function. Muscle Nerve 2011
Ultrashort echo time spectroscopic imaging (UTESI): an efficient method for quantifying bound and free water
Authors: Diaz Eric , Chung Christine B. , Bae Won C. , Statum Sheronda , Znamirowski Richard , Bydder Graeme M. , Du Jiang
Published: July 2011

Biological tissues usually contain distinct water compartments with different transverse relaxation times. In this study, two‐dimensional, multi‐slice, ultrashort echo time spectroscopic imaging (UTESI) was used with bi‐component analysis to detect bound and free water components in musculoskeletal tissues. Feasibility studies were performed using numerical simulation. Imaging was performed on bovine cortical bone, human cadaveric menisci and the Achilles' tendons of volunteers. The simulation study demonstrated that UTESI, together with bi‐component analysis, could reliably quantify both T2* and fractions of the short and long T2* components. The in vitro and in vivo studies each took less than 14 min. The bound water components showed a short T2* of ~0.3 ms for bovine bone, ~1.8 ms for meniscus and ~0.6 ms for the Achilles' tendon. The free water components showed about an order of magnitude longer T2* values, with ~2 ms for bovine bone, ~14 ms for meniscus and ~8 ms for the Achilles' tendon. Bound water fractions of up to ~76% for bovine bone, 50% for meniscus and ~75% for the Achilles' tendon were measured. The corresponding free water components were up to ~24% for bovine bone, 50% for meniscus and ~25% for the Achilles' tendon by volume. These results demonstrate that UTESI, combined with bi‐component analysis, can quantify the bound and free water components in musculoskeletal tissues in clinically realistic times. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐resolution spatial mapping of changes in the neurochemical profile after focal ischemia in mice
Authors: Alf Malte F. , Lei Hongxia , Berthet Carole , Hirt Lorenz , Gruetter Rolf , Mlynarik Vladimir
Published: July 2011

After ischemic stroke, the ischemic damage to brain tissue evolves over time and with an uneven spatial distribution. Early irreversible changes occur in the ischemic core, whereas, in the penumbra, which receives more collateral blood flow, the damage is more mild and delayed. A better characterization of the penumbra, irreversibly damaged and healthy tissues is needed to understand the mechanisms involved in tissue death. MRSI is a powerful tool for this task if the scan time can be decreased whilst maintaining high sensitivity. Therefore, we made improvements to a 1H MRSI protocol to study middle cerebral artery occlusion in mice. The spatial distribution of changes in the neurochemical profile was investigated, with an effective spatial resolution of 1.4 μL, applying the protocol on a 14.1‐T magnet. The acquired maps included the difficult‐to‐separate glutamate and glutamine resonances and, to our knowledge, the first mapping of metabolites γ‐aminobutyric acid and glutathione in vivo, within a metabolite measurement time of 45 min. The maps were in excellent agreement with findings from single‐voxel spectroscopy and offer spatial information at a scan time acceptable for most animal models. The metabolites measured differed with respect to the temporal evolution of their concentrations and the localization of these changes. Specifically, lactate and N‐acetylaspartate concentration changes largely overlapped with the T2‐hyperintense region visualized with MRI, whereas changes in cholines and glutathione affected the entire middle cerebral artery territory. Glutamine maps showed elevated levels in the ischemic striatum until 8 h after reperfusion, and until 24 h in cortical tissue, indicating differences in excitotoxic effects and secondary energy failure in these tissue types. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Local/global model order reduction strategy for the simulation of quasi‐brittle fracture
Authors: Kerfriden P. , Passieux J. C. , Bordas S. P. A.
Published: July 2011

This paper proposes a novel technique to reduce the computational burden associated with the simulation of localized failure. The proposed methodology affords the simulation of damage initiation and propagation while concentrating the computational effort where it is most needed, that is, in the localization zones. To do so, a local/global technique is devised where the global (slave) problem (far from the zones undergoing severe damage and cracking) is solved for in a reduced space computed by the classical proper orthogonal decomposition while the local (master) degrees of freedom (associated with the part of the structure where most of the damage is taking place) are fully resolved. Both domains are coupled through a local/global technique. This method circumvents the difficulties associated with model order reduction for the simulation of highly nonlinear mechanical failure and offers an alternative or complementary approach to the development of multiscale fracture simulators. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An improved continued‐fraction‐based high‐order transmitting boundary for time‐domain analyses in unbounded domains
Authors: Birk Carolin , Prempramote Suriyon , Song Chongmin
Published: July 2011

A high‐order local transmitting boundary to model the propagation of acoustic or elastic, scalar or vector‐valued waves in unbounded domains of arbitrary geometry is proposed. It is based on an improved continued‐fraction solution of the dynamic stiffness matrix of an unbounded medium. The coefficient matrices of the continued‐fraction expansion are determined recursively from the scaled boundary finite element equation in dynamic stiffness. They are normalised using a matrix‐valued scaling factor, which is chosen such that the robustness of the numerical procedure is improved. The resulting continued‐fraction solution is suitable for systems with many DOFs. It converges over the whole frequency range with increasing order of expansion and leads to numerically more robust formulations in the frequency domain and time domain for arbitrarily high orders of approximation and large‐scale systems. Introducing auxiliary variables, the continued‐fraction solution is expressed as a system of linear equations in iω in the frequency domain. In the time domain, this corresponds to an equation of motion with symmetric, banded and frequency‐independent coefficient matrices. It can be coupled seamlessly with finite elements. Standard procedures in structural dynamics are directly applicable in the frequency and time domains. Analytical and numerical examples demonstrate the superiority of the proposed method to an existing approach and its suitability for time‐domain simulations of large‐scale systems. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimal control of unstable input/output time‐delayed systems
Authors: Albertos Pedro , García Pedro
Published: July 2011

This paper deals with the design of optimal control for unstable time‐delayed systems. Delays can be considered either at the output (measurement delays), the input (actuator delays) or both including transmission delays. The system could be unstable. The cost index weights the system state and the control input. Fully state accessibility is assumed, but the option of output dynamic feedback through an observer can be considered. This result can be split into a predictor followed by a state estimator if it is the case and state feedback. The main result is a general control law including a state feedback plus a feedforward of the delayed input. The control design technique is applied to control the pitch angle of a simulated (simplified) aircraft model. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Do vehicle recalls reduce the number of accidents? The case of the U.S. car market
Authors: Bae Yong‐Kyun , Benítez‐Silva Hugo
Published: July 2011

The number of automobile recalls in the U.S. has increased sharply in the last two decades, and the numbers of units involved are often counted in the millions. In 2010 alone, over 20 million vehicles were recalled in the United States, and the massive recalls of full model lines by Toyota have brought this issue to the front pages around the country and the world. However, there is no quantitative evidence of the effect of recalls on safety. Without that evidence, the government and insurance companies have been reluctant to request and use more detailed recall information to increase correction rates, and regulators have not studied the possible link between the growing number of recalls and the risk of life for consumers. In this paper we empirically quantify the effect of vehicle recalls on safety using repeated cross‐sections on accidents of individual drivers and aggregate vehicle recall data to construct synthetic panel data on individual drivers of a particular vehicle model. We estimate the effect of recalls on the number of accidents and find that a 10 percent increase in the recall rate of a particular model reduces the accidents of that model by between 0.78 percent and 1.6 percent when using the full sample of accidents in our data. We also find that recalls classified as “hazardous” are more effective in reducing accidents, and the recall effect is especially strong when we restrict attention to accidents that lead to personal injuries and only include vehicles more likely to be at fault for the accident, but much less so for accidents that only lead to property damage. We also find that vehicle models with recalls with higher correction rates have on average fewer accidents in the years following a recall, which indicates the importance of the role of drivers' behavior regarding recalls on safety. Our findings suggest that policymakers should consider, for example, policies to allow insurance companies to take into account recall correction behavior when pricing auto insurance, which could be made possible through regulatory changes by the U.S. government, and should revisit the complex trade‐offs between pre‐ and post‐market regulation in this important industry. © 2011 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.
Policy attribute framing: A comparison between three policy instruments for personal emissions reduction
Authors: Parag Yael , Capstick Stuart , Poortinga Wouter
Published: July 2011

A comparative experiment in the UK examined people's willingness to change energy consumption behavior under three different policy framings: energy tax, carbon tax, and personal carbon allowances (PCA). PCA is a downstream cap‐and‐trade policy proposed in the UK, in which emission rights are allocated to individuals. We hypothesized that due to economic, pro‐environmental and mental accounting drivers PCA would have greater potential to deliver emissions reduction than taxation. Participants (n = 1,096) received one version of a survey with the same energy‐behavior–related questions and identical incurred costs under one of the following framings: energy tax (where carbon was not mentioned), carbon tax, and PCA. Results suggest that policies that draw people's attention to carbon (PCA and carbon taxation) could have greater impact on their stated willingness to reduce energy consumption, and on the reduction amounts prompted, than would a non‐overt price signal (energy tax). There is mixed evidence, however, as to whether PCA or carbon taxation would produce the largest energy demand reductions. Some indication was found for a spillover toward wider carbon conservation under the PCA framing. © 2011 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.
Notch in the kidney: development and disease
Authors: Sirin Yasemin , Susztak Katalin
Published: July 2011

Notch signalling is a highly conserved cell–cell communication mechanism that regulates development, tissue homeostasis, and repair. Within the kidney, Notch has an important function in orchestrating kidney development. Recent studies indicate that Notch plays a key role in establishing proximal epithelial fate during nephron segmentation as well as the differentiation of principal cells in the renal collecting system. Notch signalling is markedly reduced in the adult kidney; however, increased Notch signalling has been noted in both acute and chronic kidney injury. Increased glomerular epithelial Notch signalling has been associated with albuminuria and glomerulosclerosis, while tubular epithelial Notch activation caused fibrosis development most likely inducing an improper epithelial repair pathway. Recent studies thereby indicate that Notch is a key regulator of kidney development, repair, and injury. Copyright © 2011 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Human primary ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) subtype‐specific pathology is preserved in a mouse intraductal (MIND) xenograft model
Authors: Valdez Kelli Elizabeth , Fan Fang , Smith William , Allred D Craig , Medina Daniel , Behbod Fariba
Published: July 2011

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a non‐obligate precursor of invasive breast cancer. The current recognition that DCIS lesions exhibit inter‐ and intra‐lesion diversity suggests that the process of evolution to invasive breast cancer is more complex than previously recognized. Here we demonstrate the reproducible growth of primary DCIS cells derived from patient's surgical and biopsy samples by the mouse intraductal (MIND) model. MIND involves injection of cells into the NOD‐SCID IL2Rgamma$^{{\rm{null}}}$ (NSG) mouse mammary ducts. Twelve (eight unique and four repeats) DCIS and two atypical hyperplasia specimens, heterogeneous with respect to biomarker expression and histology, were injected into 48 mouse mammary glands and analysed for successful xenotransplantation. Overall, 14/34 and 11/14 MIND xenotransplanted glands contained human DCIS and atypical hyperplastic cells, respectively, after 8 weeks, which formed single and multi‐layered epithelium inside the ducts, and were heterogeneous with respect to expression of human cytokeratins, oestrogen receptor α (ER), and HER2. ER protein expression was recapitulated in MIND xenografts at ratios similar to the corresponding patient biopsies. In both patient biopsies and corresponding MIND xenografts, HER2 protein expression and nuclear HER2 gene overexpression were restricted to the DCIS lesions and were not found in the surrounding stroma or normal ducts. The xenografted DCIS lesions recapitulate the pathology and heterogeneity of human disease, thus providing a powerful tool for the characterization of the distinct cellular and molecular basis of inter‐ and intra‐tumoural heterogeneity and the processes of DCIS to early invasive breast cancer progression. Copyright © 2011 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Shrinkage alteration induced by segregation of glass beads in injection molded PA6: Experimental analysis and modeling
Authors: Kovács J.G.
Published: July 2011

The segregation effect of glass beads along the flow path during the injection molding process was evaluated. Experiments were carried out on injection molded polyamide 6 (PA6) composites with solid glass bead (GB) depends on both the diameter and the concentration of the glass beads. A model is suggested to describe the observed variations. In addition, segregation affects the distribution of volumetric shrinkage along the flow path, playing a major role in the dimensional accuracy of the part. A model is also proposed to include the effect of glass beads segregation in shrinkage calculations. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Nonisothermal crystallization behaviors and conductive properties of PEO‐based solid polymer electrolytes containing yttrium oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Liang Guijie , Xu Jie , Xu Weilin , Shen Xiaolin , Bai Zhikui , Yao Mu
Published: July 2011

Lithium solid polymer electrolytes (SPE) composed of polyethylene oxide (PEO) and yttrium oxide (Y2O3) nanoparticles were prepared. The influence of the Y2O3 nanoparticles on the non‐isothermal crystallization behaviors, crystal structure, and conductive properties of the SPE were investigated. The peak temperature, crystallinity, and crystallization half‐time (t1/2) of the SPE were strongly dependent on the concentration of Y2O3 and the cooling rate. The non‐isothermal crystallization data were analyzed by the modified Avrami model, which successfully described the nonisothermal crystallization process of the SPE. The Avrami exponents suggested that the Y2O3 nanoparticles significantly affected both the nucleation mechanism and crystal growth of the PEO matrix. The nucleating and crystallization activation energies (ψ and Ec) estimated with different theories indicated that the Y2O3 nanoparticles were inclined to serve as heterogeneous nucleating agents to benefit the crystallization at lower concentration whereas as physical hindrance to inhibit the crystal growth at relatively higher concentration. The maximum conductivity (σ) of 5.95 × 10−5 S cm−1 at room temperature for the SPE was obtained at the Y2O3 weight ratio of 0.10. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Extruded cylindrical strands: Mechanical properties correlated with the formation of biodegradable films through blown extrusion
Authors: Nobrega Marcelo Medre , Bona Evandro , Muller Carmen Maria Olivera , Yamashita Fabio
Published: July 2011

The objective of this study was to determine the mechanical and viscoelastic properties of extruded cylindrical strands from biodegradable polymer blends and to verify the correlation of the blend properties with their capacity to form films in the blown extrusion process. The production of biodegradable films would only occur if the extruded strands showed adequate characteristics. The strands were produced by extrusion with blends containing starch, glycerol, and fatty acids (caproic, lauric, and stearic). These blends were compared with a standard formulation containing poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT), a biodegradable polymer. From the mechanical tension tests, the extruded strands containing fatty acids differed significantly from the standard one, it was not clear the possibility to establish a comparison between the mechanical properties of the extruded strands and the formation of films. The rheological tests indicated that the polymer blends presented the desired viscoelastic characteristics for the film formation by blown extrusion. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers