bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Conservatism Principle and the Asymmetric Timeliness of Earnings: An Event‐Based Approach*
Authors: Shroff Pervin K. , Venkataraman Ramgopal , Zhang Suning
Published: October 2011

We test the asymmetric timeliness hypothesis by using information in extreme events as a measure of good/bad news. Our focus on extreme events is motivated by two arguments. First, the accounting concept of materiality in conjunction with litigation risk influences managers and auditors to make more conservative choices with respect to material events. Second, focusing on extreme shocks minimizes the probability that accounting slack may obscure the effect of asymmetric timeliness (Beaver and Ryan 2005). We identify individual events using short‐window extreme returns, since long‐window returns would aggregate the effect of multiple events and thus limit our ability to detect the asymmetry. Taken together, these features of our research design provide a more powerful test of asymmetric timeliness. Consistent with prior studies, we document that the correlation between bad news and concurrent earnings is significantly higher than that between good news and concurrent earnings. Our analysis of extreme events also enables us to document higher correlation of good news with earnings two or more quarters ahead. This is in contrast to prior studies that were unable to document asymmetry in the relation between returns and subsequent earnings in the opposite direction to that between returns and concurrent earnings. Our paper contributes to the growing literature on conservatism by modifying the Basu methodology to enhance the power of the test of asymmetric timeliness.
Synaptopodin regulates release of calcium from stores in dendritic spines of cultured hippocampal neurons
Authors: Korkotian Eduard , Segal Menahem
Published: October 2011

Non‐technical summary  Dendritic spines of central neurons contain calcium stores, but their involvement in synaptic plasticity is not entirely clear. Synaptopodin, an actin‐binding molecule, has been localized in the neck of some dendritic spines, and assumed to play a role in regulation of calcium stores in the spines. In the present study we used flash photolysis of calcium inside dendritic spines of cultured hippocampal neurons loaded with the calcium sensor Fluo‐4. An ultrafast UV flash generated a rapid rise in [Ca2+]i followed by a monoexponential decay back to control level. In spines where synaptopodin was found in post hoc immunocytochemical analysis, the decay of elevated calcium was much prolonged compared to synaptopodin‐negative spines. This prolongation was eliminated by blockade of release of calcium from stores. Our results provide the first direct demonstration of calcium release from stores in dendritic spines of central neurons.
Multidisciplinary Optimization of Supersonic Aircraft Including Low-Boom Considerations
Authors: Brezillon Joël , Carrier Gerald , Laban Martin
Published: October 2011

This paper presents a multidisciplinary optimization framework developed by the authors and applied to small-size supersonic aircraft. The multidisciplinary analysis suite is based on the combination of low (empirical) and high-fidelity computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and computational structure mechanics (CSM) tools for predicting the overall aircraft performance and the sonic boom overpressure at supersonic flight, which represents the most challenging environmental constraint for supersonic aircraft. The analysis suite is coupled with a multi-objective optimization strategy for quantifying the trade-off between the maximum take-off weight, mission range, and the sonic boom overpressure. The optimization framework is applied to a small-size supersonic business-jet cruising at Mach number M = 1.8 and featuring a double delta wing. The trade-offs between disciplines are well captured and an optimized configuration achieving the target mission range with a lower maximum take-off weight, and a moderate sonic boom signature is obtained through changes in wing dihedral and sweep. A more drastic reduction of the sonic boom signature is also obtained but at the cost of a significant reduction of the aircraft performance.
Working Without Kinase Activity: Phosphotransfer-Independent Functions of Extracellular Signal–Regulated Kinases
Authors: Rodríguez Javier , Crespo Piero
Published: October 2011

ERK2 plays kinase-independent roles in chromatin remodeling, gene transcription, and cell cycle regulation.
Genetic Environment and Stability of
cfr
in Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus CM05
Authors: Locke Jeffrey B. , Rahawi Shahad , LaMarre Jacqueline , Mankin Alexander S. , Shaw Karen Joy
Published: October 2011

The Cfr methyltransferase confers resistance to many 50S ribosomal subunit-targeted antibiotics, including linezolid (LZD), via methylation of the 23S rRNA base A2503 in the peptidyl transferase center. Methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
strain CM05 is the first clinical isolate documented to carry
cfr
. While
cfr
is typically plasmid borne, in CM05 it is located on the chromosome and is coexpressed with
ermB
as part of the
mlr
operon. Here we evaluated the chromosomal locus, association with mobile genetic elements, and stability of the
cfr
insertion region in CM05. The
cfr
-containing
mlr
operon is located within a 15.5-kb plasmid-like insertion into 23S rRNA allele 4. The region surrounding the
cfr
gene has a high degree of sequence similarity to the broad-host-range toxin/antitoxin multidrug resistance plasmid pSM19035, including a second
ermB
gene downstream of the
mlr
locus and
istAS-istBS
. Analysis of several individual CM05 colonies revealed two distinct populations for which LZD MICs were either 8 or 2 μg/ml. In the LZD
s
colonies (designated CM05Δ), a recombination event involving the two
ermB
genes had occurred, resulting in the deletion of
cfr
and the 3′ flanking region (
cfr-istAS-istBS-ermB
). The fitness advantage of CM05Δ over CM05 (though not likely due to the
cfr
deletion itself) results in the predominance of CM05Δ in the absence of selective pressure. Minicircles resulting from the
ermB
recombination event and the novel association of
cfr
with the pSM19035 plasmid system support the potential for the continued dissemination of
cfr
.
Pharmacokinetics of Doxycycline in Adults with Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Beringer Paul M. , Owens Heather , Nguyen Albert , Benitez Debbie , Rao Adupa , D'Argenio David Z.
Published: October 2011

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is characterized by a chronic neutrophilic inflammatory response resulting in airway remodeling and progressive loss of lung function. Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic that inhibits matrix metalloproteinase 9, a protease known to be associated with the severity of lung disease in CF. The pharmacokinetics of doxycycline was investigated during the course of a clinical trial to evaluate the short-term efficacy and safety in adults with CF. Plasma samples were obtained from 14 patients following a single intravenous dose and after 2 and 4 weeks of oral administration of doses ranging from 40 to 200 mg daily. The data were analyzed using noncompartmental and compartmental pharmacokinetics. The maximum concentration of drug in serum (
C
max
) and area under the concentration-time curve from 0 h to infinity (AUC
0-∞
) values ranged from 1.0 to 3.16 mg/liter and 15.2 to 47.8 mg/liter × h, respectively, following single intravenous doses of 40 to 200 mg.
C
max
and time to maximum concentration of drug in serum (
T
max
) values following multiple-dose oral administration ranged from 1.15 to 3.04 mg/liter and 1.50 to 2.33 h, respectively, on day 14 and 1.48 to 3.57 mg/liter and 1.00 to 2.17 on day 28. Predose sputum/plasma concentration ratios on days 14 and 28 ranged from 0.33 to 1.1 (mean, 0.71 ± 0.33), indicating moderate pulmonary penetration. A 2-compartment model best described the combined intravenous and oral data. Absorption was slow and delayed (absorption rate constant [

K
a

], 0.414 h
−1
; lag time, 0.484 h) but complete (bioavailability [
F
], 1.16). The distribution and elimination half-lives were 0.557 and 18.1 h, respectively. Based on these data, the plasma concentrations at the highest dose, 200 mg/day, are in the range reported to produce anti-inflammatory effects
in vivo
and should be evaluated in clinical trials.
Differential Virulence of Clinical and Bovine-Biased Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7 Genotypes in Piglet and Dutch Belted Rabbit Models
Authors: Shringi Smriti , García Alexis , Lahmers Kevin K. , Potter Kathleen A. , Muthupalani Sureshkumar , Swennes Alton G. , Hovde Carolyn J. , Call Douglas R. , Fox James G. , Besser Thomas E.
Published: October 2011

Enterohemorrhagic
Escherichia coli
O157:H7 (EHEC O157) is an important cause of food and waterborne illness in the developed countries. Cattle are a reservoir host of EHEC O157 and a major source of human exposure through contaminated meat products. Shiga toxins (Stxs) are an important pathogenicity trait of EHEC O157. The insertion sites of the Stx-encoding bacteriophages differentiate EHEC O157 isolates into genogroups commonly isolated from cattle but rarely from sick humans (bovine-biased genotypes [BBG]) and those commonly isolated from both cattle and human patients (clinical genotypes [CG]). Since BBG and CG share the cardinal virulence factors of EHEC O157 and are carried by cattle at similar prevalences, the infrequent occurrence of BBG among human disease isolates suggests that they may be less virulent than CG. We compared the virulence potentials of human and bovine isolates of CG and BBG in newborn conventional pig and weaned Dutch Belted rabbit models. CG-challenged piglets experienced severe disease accompanied by early and high mortality compared to BBG-challenged piglets. Similarly, CG-challenged rabbits were likely to develop lesions in kidney and intestine compared with the BBG-challenged rabbits. The CG strains used in this study carried
stx
2
and produced significantly higher amounts of Stx, whereas the BBG strains carried the
stx
2c
gene variant only. These results suggest that BBG are less virulent than CG and that this difference in virulence potential is associated with the Stx2 subtype(s) carried and/or the amount of Stx produced.
Persistent Chlamydia trachomatis Infection of HeLa Cells Mediates Apoptosis Resistance through a Chlamydia Protease-Like Activity Factor-Independent Mechanism and Induces High Mobility Group Box 1 Release
Authors: Rödel Jürgen , Große Christina , Yu Hangxing , Wolf Katharina , Otto Gordon P. , Liebler-Tenorio Elisabeth , Forsbach-Birk Vera , Straube Eberhard
Published: October 2011

Intracellular persistence of
Chlamydia trachomatis
has been implicated in the development of chronic infection that can result in pelvic inflammatory disease and tubal sterility. By inhibition of host cell apoptosis, chlamydiae have evolved a strategy to maintain the intracellular environment for replication and persistence. Both antiapoptotic host cell-derived factors and the chlamydial protease-like activity factor (CPAF) are involved in
Chlamydia
-mediated apoptosis resistance. Here, we show that in HeLa cells infected with gamma interferon (IFN-γ)-induced persistent
C. trachomatis
serovar D, the expression of CPAF is downregulated, and proapoptotic protease substrates are not cleaved. Persistent infection protected HeLa cells from apoptosis when they were exposed to staurosporine. Small-interfering RNA-mediated inhibition of myeloid cell leukemia 1 (Mcl-1) protein upregulation sensitized persistently infected cells for apoptosis. The inhibitor of apoptosis protein 2 (IAP-2) seems not to be relevant in this context because IAP-2 protein was not induced in response to IFN-γ treatment. Although apoptosis was inhibited, persistent infection caused cell membrane disintegration, as measured by the increased release of cytokeratin 18 from HeLa cells. Moreover, persistently infected cells released significantly increased amounts of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein which represents a proinflammatory damage-associated pattern molecule. The data of this study suggest that cells infected with persistent
C. trachomatis
are protected from apoptosis independently of CPAF but may promote chronic inflammation through HMGB1 release.
A Surface Enolase Participates in Borrelia burgdorferi-Plasminogen Interaction and Contributes to Pathogen Survival within Feeding Ticks
Authors: Nogueira Sarah Veloso , Smith Alexis A. , Qin Jin-Hong , Pal Utpal
Published: October 2011

Borrelia burgdorferi
, a tick-borne bacterial pathogen, causes a disseminated infection involving multiple organs known as Lyme disease. Surface proteins can directly participate in microbial virulence by facilitating pathogen dissemination via interaction with host factors. We show here that a fraction of the
B. burgdorferi
chromosomal gene product BB0337, annotated as enolase or phosphopyruvate dehydratase, is associated with spirochete outer membrane and is surface exposed.
B. burgdorferi
enolase, either in a recombinant form or as a membrane-bound native antigen, displays enzymatic activities intrinsic to the glycolytic pathway. However, the protein also interacts with host plasminogen, potentially leading to its activation and resulting in
B. burgdorferi
-induced fibrinolysis. As expected, enolase displayed consistent expression
in vivo
, however, with a variable temporal and spatial expression during spirochete infection in mice and ticks. Despite an extracellular exposure of the antigen and a potential role in host-pathogen interaction, active immunization of mice with recombinant enolase failed to evoke protective immunity against subsequent
B. burgdorferi
infection. In contrast, enolase immunization of murine hosts significantly reduced the acquisition of spirochetes by feeding ticks, suggesting that the protein could have a stage-specific role in
B. burgdorferi
survival in the feeding vector. Strategies to interfere with the function of surface enolase could contribute to the development of novel preventive measures to interrupt the spirochete infection cycle and reduce the incidences of Lyme disease.
Interleukin-23-Mediated Inflammation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Pulmonary Infection
Authors: Dubin Patricia J. , Martz Ashley , Eisenstatt Jessica R. , Fox Michael D. , Logar Alison , Kolls Jay K.
Published: October 2011

Pseudomonas aeruginosais an opportunistic pathogen that is capable of causing acute and chronic pulmonary infection in the immunocompromised host. In the case of cystic fibrosis (CF), chronicP. aeruginosainfection causes increased mortality by promoting overly exuberant airway inflammation and cumulative lung damage. Identifying the key regulators of this inflammation may lead to the development of new therapies that improveP. aeruginosa-related mortality. We report here that interleukin-23 (IL-23), the cytokine most clearly tied to IL-17-mediated inflammation, also promotes IL-17-independent inflammation duringP. aeruginosapulmonary infection. During the early innate immune response, prior to IL-17 induction, IL-23 acts synergistically with IL-1β to promote early neutrophil (polymorphonuclear leukocyte [PMN]) recruitment. However, at later time points, IL-23 also promoted IL-17 production by lung γδ T cells, which was greatly augmented in the presence of IL-1β. These studies show that IL-23 controls two independent phases of neutrophil recruitment in response toP. aeruginosainfection: early PMN emigration that is IL-17 independent and later PMN emigration regulated by IL-17.
The ‘Twinkie Defense’: the relationship between carbonated non-diet soft drinks and violence perpetration among Boston high school students
Authors: Solnick Sara J , Hemenway David
Published: October 2011

Objectives

To investigate the association of carbonated non-diet soft drink consumption and violence perpetration in a sample of Boston adolescents.

Methods

In a survey of Boston public high schools, respondents were asked how often they drank non-diet soft drinks and whether they had carried a weapon or engaged in physical violence with a peer. Regression analysis was used to determine the role of soft drink consumption in these behaviours.

Results

Adolescents who drank more than five cans of soft drinks per week (nearly 30% of the sample) were significantly more likely to have carried a weapon and to have been violent with peers, family members and dates (p<0.01 for carrying a weapon and p<0.001 for the three violence measures). Frequent soft drink consumption was associated with a 9–15% point increase in the probability of engaging in aggressive actions, even after controlling for gender, age, race, body mass index, typical sleep patterns, tobacco use, alcohol use and having family dinners.

Conclusions

There was a significant and strong association between soft drinks and violence. There may be a direct cause-and-effect relationship, perhaps due to the sugar or caffeine content of soft drinks, or there may be other factors, unaccounted for in our analyses, that cause both high soft drink consumption and aggression.
STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology: Molecular Epidemiology STROBE-ME. An extension of the STROBE statement
Authors: Gallo Valentina , Egger Matthias , McCormack Valerie , Farmer Peter B , Ioannidis John P A , Kirsch-Volders Micheline , Matullo Giuseppe , Phillips David H , Schoket Bernadette , Stromberg Ulf , Vermeulen Roel , Wild Christopher , Porta Miquel , Vineis Paolo
Published: October 2011

Advances in laboratory techniques have led to a rapidly increasing use of biomarkers in epidemiological studies. Biomarkers of internal dose, early biological change, susceptibility, and clinical outcomes are used as proxies for investigating the interactions between external and/or endogenous agents and the body components or processes. The need for improved reporting of scientific research led to influential statements of recommendations such as STrengthening Reporting of Observational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) statement. The STROBE initiative established in 2004 aimed to provide guidance on how to report observational research. Its guidelines provide a user-friendly checklist of 22 items to be reported in epidemiological studies, with items specific to the three main study designs: cohort studies, case-control studies and cross-sectional studies. The present STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology –Molecular Epidemiology(STROBE-ME) initiative builds on the STROBE Statement implementing 9 existing items of STROBE and providing 17 additional items to the 22 items of STROBE checklist. The additions relate to the use of biomarkers in epidemiological studies, concerning collection, handling and storage of biological samples; laboratory methods, validity and reliability of biomarkers; specificities of study design; and ethical considerations. The STROBE-ME recommendations are intended to complement the STROBE recommendations.
Order Imbalance and Intraday Price Discovery: Evidence from Chinese Stock Markets
Authors: Zhang Zhaohui , Wang Jiamin , Bremer Ronald
Published: October 2011

In this paper, we study the relation between order imbalances (buyer versus seller-initiated trades measured by a buy ratio) at an early trading hour and intraday price discovery in the Chinese stock markets. We find that the volatility of order imbalances is the highest around the open. There is strong evidence that order imbalances in the early trading hours have significant predictive power to intraday price discovery. The intraday returns of the high buy-ratio quintiles are significantly higher than those of the low buy-ratio ones. The evidence indicates that the information incorporated in early trading signals the intraday price discovery, and the information around the open dominates that revealed over the rest of the trading day.
Post-rift compression on the SW Iberian margin (eastern North Atlantic): a case for prolonged inversion in the ocean–continent transition zone
Authors: Pereira Ricardo , Alves Tiago M. , Cartwright Joe
Published: October 2011

An extensive grid of 2D seismic reflection data imaging the non-volcanic continental margin of SW Iberia is used to investigate the post-rift compressional evolution in the transition zone between continental and oceanic crust. Tectonic compression affected the margin almost continuously since the latest Cretaceous, but was predominantly focused during the mid-Eocene and the late Oligocene–mid-Miocene. The detailed interpretation of post-rift structures and their adjacent strata shows that crustal shortening in the various sectors of the margin is neither synchronous nor similar in style. Main post-rift structures include: (1) thick-skinned transpressional deformation on the distal margin; (2) localized basin shortening on the outer proximal margin; (3) limited reverse faulting and inversion on the inner proximal margin. The location and magnitude of crustal shortening are dependent on the inherited syn-rift geometry, the existence of evaporite (or clay-rich) detachments at depth, the rheological behaviour of previously extended continental crust and the position of the ocean–continent transition zone. The mechanisms of compression are mainly dominated by plate collision associated with the southeastern migration of the Iberian microplate during the Alpine orogeny and with recent westward convergence with the oceanic domain.
Contrasting styles of mineralization in the Chinese Altai and East Junggar, NW China: implications for the accretionary history of the southern Altaids
Authors: Wan Bo , Xiao Wenjiao , Zhang Lianchang , Windley Brian F. , Han Chunming , Quinn Cameron D.
Published: October 2011

The Chinese Altai–East Junggar collage in the southern Altaids hosts three metallogenic belts, which are, from north to south: (1) a volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) Cu–Pb–Zn belt; (2) a belt of shear zone-related gold deposits; (3) a porphyry Cu–Au–Mo belt. The VMS deposits formed in two pulses (
c
. 405 Ma and
c
. 375 Ma) in the Chinese Altai arc. The porphyry deposits developed in three pulses in the East Junggar arc, the first two synchronous with the VMS mineralization, and the third at
c
. 330 Ma. The shear zone-related gold deposits developed in the late Carboniferous to Permian at the contact between the Chinese Altai and East Junggar arcs. Time–space distributions of diverse ore deposits across the Altai–East Junggar collage indicate that the collage developed from two independent arcs, the Chinese Altai and the East Junggar. The VMS and porphyry deposits developed in the Chinese Altai and East Junggar arcs, respectively. The Chinese Altai arc is interpreted to be a Japanese-type arc, and the East Junggar arc a Mariana-type arc. During the latest Palaeozoic, the two arcs were juxtaposed by the Erqis Fault, when many shear zone-related lode gold deposits were emplaced. These metallogenic distributions were a likely response to spatially localized mechanisms of crust growth and to the tectonic evolution of the Altai–East Junggar collage, and they are consistent with interpretation of the Altaids as a multiple subduction–accretion collage.
Pleistocene giant slope failures offshore Arauco Peninsula, Southern Chile
Authors: Geersen Jacob , Völker David , Behrmann Jan H. , Reichert Christian , Krastel Sebastian
Published: October 2011

Three Pleistocene giant slope failures are observed in high-resolution bathymetric and seismic reflection data off Southern Chile, two of which extend across the full width of the continental slope from the shelf break to the trench. With mobilized volumes between 253 km
3
and 472 km
3
, these slides are among the largest submarine landslides documented at active continental margins so far. Deposits of each of the slides are imaged as chaotic sequences in seismic reflection lines buried beneath well-stratified sediments in the Chile Trench. The ages of the three slides are about 0.25, 0.41 and >0.56 Ma. The main preconditioning factor for the slope instabilities seems to be local uplift of the continental slope that results in peculiarly high slope angles of up to 30°. Uplift of the marine and continental forearc of the study area is the result of shortening across upper plate faults and therefore a long-term continuous process. Slope instability seems to be an iterative process and failure is likely to recur.
The PatchMatch randomized matching algorithm for image manipulation
Authors: Barnes Connelly , Goldman Dan B. , Shechtman Eli , Finkelstein Adam
Published: October 2011

This paper presents a new randomized algorithm for quickly finding approximate nearest neighbor matches between image patches. Our algorithm offers substantial performance improvements over the previous state of the art (20--100×), enabling its use in new interactive image editing tools, computer vision, and video applications. Previously, the cost of computing such matches for an entire image had eluded efforts to provide interactive performance. The key insight driving our algorithm is that the elements of our search domain---patches of image pixels---are correlated, and thus the search strategy takes advantage of these statistics. Our algorithm uses two principles: first, that good patch matches can be found via random sampling, and second, that natural coherence in the imagery allows us to propagate such matches quickly to surrounding areas. Our simple algorithm allows finding a single nearest neighbor match across translations only, whereas our general algorithm additionally allows matching of
k
-nearest neighbors, across all rotations and scales, and matching arbitrary descriptors. This one simple algorithm forms the basis for a variety of applications including image retargeting, completion, reshuffling, object detection, digital forgery detection, and video summarization.
VolCCD
Authors: Tang Min , Manocha Dinesh , Yoon Sung-Eui , Du Peng , Heo Jae-Pil , Tong Ruo-Feng
Published: October 2011

We present a novel culling algorithm to perform fast and robust continuous collision detection between deforming volume meshes. This includes a continuous separating axis test that can conservatively check whether two volume meshes overlap during a given time interval. In addition, we present efficient methods to eliminate redundant elementary tests between the features (e.g., vertices, edges, and faces) of volume elements (e.g., tetrahedra, hexahedra, triangular prisms, etc.). Our approach is applicable to various deforming meshes, including those with changing topologies, and efficiently computes the first time of contact. We are able to perform inter-object and intra-object collision queries in models represented with tens of thousands of volume elements at interactive rates on a single CPU core. Moreover, we observe more than an order of magnitude performance improvement over prior methods.
Rough Set Approach to Approximation Reduction in Ordered Decision Table with Fuzzy Decision
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyan , Liu Shihu , Xu Weihua
Published: October 2011

In practice, some of information systems are based on dominance relations, and
values of decision attribute are fuzzy. So, it is meaningful to study attribute reductions in
ordered decision tables with fuzzy decision. In this paper, upper and lower approximation
reductions are proposed in this kind of complicated decision table, respectively. Some important
properties are discussed. The judgement theorems and discernibility matrices associated
with two reductions are obtained from which the theory of attribute reductions is provided
in ordered decision tables with fuzzy decision. Moreover, rough set approach to upper and
lower approximation reductions is presented in ordered decision tables with fuzzy decision
as well. An example illustrates the validity of the approach, and results show that it is an efficient
tool for knowledge discovery in ordered decision tables with fuzzy decision.
The Use of Bovine Pericardial Buttress on Linear Stapler Fails to Reduce Pancreatic Fistula Incidence in a Porcine Pancreatic Transection Model
Authors: Maciver A. , McCall M. , Mihalicz D. , Al-Adra D. , Pawlick R. , Shapiro A. M. J.
Published: October 2011

We investigate the effectiveness of buttressing the surgical stapler to reduce postoperative pancreatic fistulae in a porcine model. As a pilot study, pigs (n=6) underwent laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy using a standard stapler. Daily drain output and lipase were measured postoperative day 5 and 14. In a second study, pancreatic transection was performed to occlude the proximal and distal duct at the pancreatic neck using a standard stapler (n=6), or stapler with bovine pericardial strip buttress (n=6). Results. In pilot study, 3/6 animals had drain lipase greater than 3x serum on day 14. In the second series, drain volumes were not significantly different between buttressed and control groups on day 5 (55.3 ± 31.6 and 29.3 ± 14.2 cc, resp.), nor on day 14 (9.5 ± 4.2 cc and 2.5 ± 0.8 cc, resp., P=0.13). Drain lipase was not statistically significant on day 5 (3,166 ± 1,433 and 6,063 ± 1,872 U/L, resp., P=0.25) or day 14 (924 ± 541 and 360 ± 250 U/L). By definition, 3/6 developed pancreatic fistula; only one (control) demonstrating a contained collection arising from the staple line. Conclusion. Buttressed stapler failed to protect against pancreatic fistula in this rigorous surgical model.
Ultrasonic Guided Waves in Piezoelectric Layered Composite with Different Interfacial Properties
Authors: Chen Xiao
Published: October 2011

Combining the propagation model of guided waves in a multilayered piezoelectric composite with the interfacial model of rigid, slip, and weak interfaces, the generalized dispersion characteristic equations of guided waves propagating in a piezoelectric layered composite with different interfacial properties are derived. The effects of the slip, weak, and delamination interfaces in different depths on the dispersion properties of the lowest-order mode ultrasonic guided wave are analyzed. The theory would be used to characterize the interfacial properties of piezoelectric layered composite nondestructively.
Diffusion MR Imaging of the Brain in Patients with Cancer
Authors: Debnam J. Matthew , Schellingerhout Dawid
Published: October 2011

Over the last several years, there has been significant advancement in the molecular characterization of intracranial diseases, particularly cerebral neoplasms. While nuclear medicine technology, including PET/CT, has been at the foreground of exploration, new MR imaging techniques, specifically diffusion-weighted and diffusion tensor imaging, have shown interesting applications towards advancing our understanding of cancer involving the brain. In this paper, we review the fundamentals and basic physics of these techniques, and their applications to patient care for both general diagnostic use and in answering specific questions in selection of patients in terms of expected response to treatment.
Mechanisms of Aminoglycoside Ototoxicity and Targets of Hair Cell Protection
Authors: Huth M. E. , Ricci A. J. , Cheng A. G.
Published: October 2011

Aminoglycosides are commonly prescribed antibiotics with deleterious side effects to the inner ear. Due to their popular application as a result of their potent antimicrobial activities, many efforts have been undertaken to prevent aminoglycoside ototoxicity. Over the years, understanding of the antimicrobial as well as ototoxic mechanisms of aminoglycosides has increased. These mechanisms are reviewed in regard to established and potential future targets of hair cell protection.
Chemotherapeutic Properties of Phospho-Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, a New Class of Anticancer Compounds
Authors: Huang Liqun , Mackenzie Gerardo G. , Sun Yu , Ouyang Nengtai , Xie Gang , Vrankova Kvetoslava , Komninou Despina , Rigas Basil
Published: October 2011

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) exhibit antineoplastic properties, but conventional NSAIDs do not fully meet safety and efficacy criteria for use as anticancer agents. In this study, we evaluated the chemotherapeutic efficacy of 5 novel phospho-NSAIDs, each of which includes in addition to the NSAID moiety a diethylphosphate linked through a butane moiety. All 5 compounds inhibited the growth of human breast, colon, and pancreatic cancer cell lines with micromolar potency. In vivo investigations confirmed the antitumor activity of phospho-aspirin (PA) and phospho-sulindac (PS) in inhibiting tumor growth in established human xenograft models, in which cell proliferation was suppressed and apoptosis enhanced in the absence of detectable animal toxicity. Notably, all of the phospho-NSAIDs tested induced reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in cultured cells, with PA and PS inducing detectable levels of oxidative stress in vivo that were associated positively with apoptosis and negatively with proliferation. Potentially explaining these effects, all of the phospho-NSAIDs tested also inhibited the thioredoxin system and the redox sensitive transcription factor NF-κB. Taken together, our findings show the strong anticancer efficacy and promising safety of phospho-NSAIDs in preclinical models of breast, colon, and pancreatic cancer, suggesting further evaluation as anticancer agents. Cancer Res; 71(24); 7617–27. ©2011 AACR.
Timing of Coronary Angiography and Outcome in Patients with Non-ST Elevation Acute Coronary Syndromes and Kidney Disease: Real-World Data from the Acute Coronary Syndromes Israeli Survey
Authors: Young Altahan Revital , Goldenberg Ilan , Kimron Lizzie , Barsheshet Alon , Guetta Victor
Published: October 2011

Objective: Patients with kidney disease (KD) who present with non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACS) may benefit from coronary intervention. We evaluated the outcome of these patients who were referred for early or late coronary angiography. Methods: The risk of 1-year mortality according to the presence of KD [estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 ml/min/1.73 m2] and the time of coronary angiography [categorized as early (≤48 h from admission) or late (>48 h from admission)] was assessed among 2,001 NSTE-ACS patients enrolled in the ACS Israeli Survey between 2004 and 2008. A propensity score for early angiography was included in the proportional hazards modeling of mortality. Results: Patients with KD (n = 729) experienced a 2.7-fold increased risk of death compared with non-KD patients (p < 0.001). Early coronary angiography was associated with a lower rate of in-hospital complications and 30-day mortality. Both early and late angiography were associated with a lower adjusted risk of 1-year mortality [hazard ratios (HRs) 0.46 (p < 0.001) and 0.59 (p = 0.002), respectively] compared with no angiography. In patients with severe KD (eGFR <30 ml/min/1.73 m2), only early coronary angiography was associated with a lower mortality risk (HR 0.25, 95% confidence interval 0.08–0.81). Conclusions: An early invasive strategy is associated with a low mortality risk in NSTE-ACS patients with KD and a more pronounced effect among those with severe KD.
Outcomes After In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest in Children With Cardiac Disease
Authors: Ortmann Laura , Prodhan Parthak , Gossett Jeffrey , Schexnayder Stephen , Berg Robert , Nadkarni Vinay , Bhutta Adnan ,   The American Heart Association GWTG-R Investigators, Mancini Mary E. , Berg Robert A. , Allen Emilie , Hunt Elizabeth A. , Nadkarni Vinay M. , Ornato Joseph P. , Braithwaite R. Scott , Nichol Graham , Duncan Kathy , Truitt Tanya L. , Eigel Brian , Laussen Peter C. , Moler Frank W. , Morris Marilyn , Parshuram Chris
Published: October 2011

Background—

Small studies suggest that children experiencing a cardiac arrest after undergoing cardiac surgery have better outcomes than other groups of patients, but the survival outcomes and periarrest variables of cardiac and noncardiac pediatric patients have not been compared.

Methods and Results—

All cardiac arrests in patients <18 years of age were identified from Get With the Guidelines–Resuscitation from 2000 to 2008. Cardiac arrests occurring in the neonatal intensive care unit were excluded. Of 3323 index cardiac arrests, 19% occurred in surgical-cardiac, 17% in medical-cardiac, and 64% in noncardiac (trauma, surgical-noncardiac, and medical-noncardiac) patients. Survival to hospital discharge was significantly higher in the surgical-cardiac group (37%) compared with the medical-cardiac group (28%; adjusted odds ratio, 1.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.3–2.5) and the noncardiac group (23%; adjusted odds ratio, 1.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.4–2.4). Those in the cardiac groups were younger and less likely to have preexisting noncardiac organ dysfunction, but were more likely to have ventricular arrhythmias as their first pulseless rhythm, to be monitored and hospitalized in the intensive care unit at the time of cardiac arrest, and to have extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation compared with those in the noncardiac group. There was no survival advantage for patients in the medical-cardiac group compared with those in the noncardiac group when adjusted for periarrest variables.

Conclusion—

Children with surgical-cardiac disease have significantly better survival to hospital discharge after an in-hospital cardiac arrest compared with children with medical-cardiac disease and noncardiac disease.
Long-Term Effects of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention of the Totally Occluded Infarct-Related Artery in the Subacute Phase After Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Hochman Judith S. , Reynolds Harmony R. , Džavík Vladimír , Buller Christopher E. , Ruzyllo Witold , Sadowski Zygmunt P. , Maggioni Aldo P. , Carvalho Antonio C. , Rankin James M. , White Harvey D. , Goldberg Suzanne , Forman Sandra A. , Mark Daniel B. , Lamas Gervasio A.
Published: October 2011

Background—

Despite observations suggesting a benefit for late opening of totally occluded infarct-related arteries after myocardial infarction, the Occluded Artery Trial (OAT) demonstrated no reduction in the composite of death, reinfarction, and class IV heart failure over a 2.9-year mean follow-up. Follow-up was extended to determine whether late trends would favor either treatment group.

Methods and Results—

OAT randomized 2201 stable patients with infarct-related artery total occlusion >24 hours (calendar days 3–28) after myocardial infarction. Patients with severe inducible ischemia, rest angina, class III-IV heart failure, and 3-vessel/left main disease were excluded. We conducted extended follow-up of enrolled patients for an additional 3 years for the primary end point and angina (6-year median survivor follow-up; longest, 9 years; 12 234 patient-years). Rates of the primary end point (hazard ratio, 1.06; 95% confidence interval, 0.88–1.28), fatal and nonfatal myocardial infarction (hazard ratio, 1.25; 95% confidence interval, 0.89–1.75), death, and class IV heart failure were similar for the percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and medical therapy alone groups. No interactions between baseline characteristics and treatment group on outcomes were observed. The vast majority of patients at each follow-up visit did not report angina. There was less angina in the PCI group through early in follow-up; by 3 years, the between group difference was consistently <4 patients per 100 treated and not significantly different, although there was a trend toward less angina in the PCI group at 3 and 5 years. The 7-year rate of PCI of the infarct-related artery during follow-up was 11.1% for the PCI group compared with 14.7% for the medical therapy alone group (hazard ratio, 0.79; 95% confidence interval, 0.61–1.01;
P
=0.06).

Conclusions—

Extended follow-up of the OAT cohort provides robust evidence for no reduction of long-term rates of clinical events after routine PCI in stable patients with a totally occluded infarct-related artery and without severe inducible ischemia in the subacute phase after myocardial infarction.

Clinical Trial Registration—

http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00004562.
The Development of Myocardial Fibrosis in Transgenic Mice With Targeted Overexpression of Tumor Necrosis Factor Requires Mast Cell–Fibroblast Interactions
Authors: Zhang Weili , Chancey Amanda L. , Tzeng Huei-Ping , Zhou Zhenqing , Lavine Kory J. , Gao Feng , Sivasubramanian Natarajan , Barger Philip M. , Mann Douglas L.
Published: October 2011

Background—

Transgenic mice with cardiac-restricted overexpression of tumor necrosis factor (MHCsTNF mice) develop progressive myocardial fibrosis, diastolic dysfunction, and adverse cardiac remodeling. Insofar as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) does not directly stimulate fibroblast collagen synthesis, we asked whether TNF-induced fibrosis was mediated indirectly through interactions between mast cells and cardiac fibroblasts.

Methods and Results—

Cardiac mast cell number increased 2 to 3 fold (
P
<0.001) in MHCsTNF mice compared with littermate controls. Outcrossing MHCsTNF mice with mast cell–deficient (c-kit
−/−
) mice showed that the 11-fold increase (
P
<0.001) in collagen volume fraction in MHCsTNF/c-kit
+/−
mice was abrogated in MHCsTNF/c-kit
−/−
mice, and that the leftward shifted left ventricular pressure–volume curve in the MHCsTNF/c-kit
+/−
mice was normalized in the MHCsTNF/c-kit
−/−
hearts. Furthermore, the increase in transforming growth factor β1 and type I transforming growth factor β receptor messenger RNA levels was significantly (
P
=0.03,
P
=0.01, respectively) attenuated in MHCsTNF/c-kit
−/−
when compared with MHCsTNF/c-kit
+/−
mice. Coculture of fibroblasts with mast cells resulted in enhanced α-smooth muscle actin expression, increased proliferation and collagen messenger RNA expression, and increased contraction of 3-dimensional collagen gels in MHCsTNF fibroblasts compared with littermate fibroblasts. The effects of mast cells were abrogated by type I transforming growth factor β receptor antagonist NP-40208.

Conclusions—

These results suggest that increased mast cell density with resultant mast cell–cardiac fibroblast cross-talk is required for the development of myocardial fibrosis in inflammatory cardiomyopathy. Cardiac fibroblasts exposed to sustained inflammatory signaling exhibit an increased repertoire of profibrotic phenotypic responses in response to mast cell mediators.
Effects of Long-Term Exercise Training on Autonomic Control in Myocardial Infarction Patients
Authors: Martinez Daniel G. , Nicolau José C. , Lage Rony L. , Toschi-Dias Edgar , de Matos Luciana D.N.J. , Alves Maria Janieire N.N. , Trombetta Ivani C. , Dias da Silva Valdo J. , Middlekauff Holly R. , Negrão Carlos E. , Rondon Maria U.P.B.
Published: October 2011

Autonomic dysfunction, including baroreceptor attenuation and sympathetic activation, has been reported in patients with myocardial infarction (MI) and has been associated with increased mortality. We tested the hypotheses that exercise training (ET) in post-MI patients would normalize arterial baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) and muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA), and long-term ET would maintain the benefits in BRS and MSNA. Twenty-eight patients after 1 month of uncomplicated MI were randomly assigned to 2 groups, ET (MI-ET) and untrained. A normal control group was also studied. ET consisted of three 60-minute exercise sessions per week for 6 months. We evaluated MSNA (microneurography), blood pressure (automatic oscillometric method), heart rate (ECG), and spectral analysis of RR interval, systolic arterial pressure (SAP), and MSNA. Baroreflex gain of SAP-RR interval and SAP-MSNA were calculated using the α-index. At 3 to 5 days and 1 month after MI, MSNA and low-frequency SAP were significantly higher and BRS significantly lower in MI patients when compared with the normal control group. ET significantly decreased MSNA (bursts per 100 heartbeats) and the low-frequency component of SAP and significantly increased the low-frequency component of MSNA and BRS of the RR interval and MSNA. These changes were so marked that the differences between patients with MI and the normal control group were no longer observed after ET. MSNA and BRS in the MI-untrained group did not change from baseline over the same time period. ET normalizes BRS, low-frequency SAP, and MSNA in patients with MI. These improvements in autonomic control are maintained by long-term ET. These findings highlight the clinical importance of this nonpharmacological therapy based on ET in the long-term treatment of patients with MI.
Long-Term Effects of Chlorthalidone Versus Hydrochlorothiazide on Electrocardiographic Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in the Multiple Risk Factor Intervention Trial
Authors: Ernst Michael E. , Neaton James D. , Grimm Richard H. , Collins Gary , Thomas William , Soliman Elsayed Z. , Prineas Ronald J.
Published: October 2011

Chlorthalidone (CTD) reduces 24-hour blood pressure more effectively than hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), but whether this influences electrocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy is uncertain. One source of comparative data is the Multiple Risk Factor Intervention Trial, which randomly assigned 8012 hypertensive men to special intervention (SI) or usual care. SI participants could use CTD or HCTZ initially; previous analyses have grouped clinics by their main diuretic used (C-clinics: CTD; H-clinics: HCTZ). After 48 months, SI participants receiving HCTZ were recommended to switch to CTD, in part because higher mortality was observed for SI compared with usual care participants in H-clinics, whereas the opposite was found in C-clinics. In this analysis, we examined change in continuous measures of electrocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy using both an ecological analysis by previously reported C- or H-clinic groupings and an individual participant analysis where use of CTD or HCTZ by SI participants was considered and updated annually. Through 48 months, differences between SI and usual care in left ventricular hypertrophy were larger for C-clinics compared with H-clinics (Sokolow-Lyon: −93.9 versus −54.9 μV,
P
=0.049; Cornell voltage: −68.1 versus −35.9 μV,
P
=0.019; Cornell voltage product: −4.6 versus −2.2 μV/ms,
P
=0.071; left ventricular mass: −4.4 versus −2.8 g,
P
=0.002). At the individual participant level, Sokolow-Lyon and left ventricular mass were significantly lower for SI men receiving CTD compared with HCTZ through 48 months and 84 months of follow-up. Our findings on left ventricular hypertrophy support the idea that greater blood pressure reduction with CTD than HCTZ may have led to differences in mortality observed in the Multiple Risk Factor Intervention Trial.
The Body Mass Index of Blacks and Whites in the United States during the Nineteenth Century
Authors: Carson Scott Alan
Published: October 2011

Body mass index (bmi) values reflect the net balance between nutrition, work effort, and calories consumed to fight disease. Nineteenth-century prison records in the United States demonstrate that the bmi values of blacks and whites were distributed symmetrically; neither underweight nor obese individuals were common among the working class. bmi values declined throughout the nineteenth century. By modern standards, however, nineteenth-century bmis were in healthy weight ranges, though the biological living standards in rural areas exceeded those in urban areas. The increase in bmis during the twentieth century did not have its origin in the nineteenth century.
Bringing “Honest Capital” to Poor Borrowers: The Passage of the U.S. Uniform Small Loan Law, 1907–1930
Authors: Carruthers Bruce G. , Guinnane Timothy W. , Lee Yoonseok
Published: October 2011

The Uniform Small Loan Law (usll)—the primary tool of the Russell Sage Foundation (rsf) intended to improve credit conditions for poor people in the United States during first decades of the twentieth century—created a new class of lenders who could legally make small loans at interest rates exceeding those allowed for banks. By the 1930s, about two-thirds of the states had passed the usll. Econometric models show that urbanization, state-level economic characteristics, and the nature of a state's banking system all affected the chance of passage. That party-political affiliations had no effect is consistent with the usll's “progressive” character. The passage of the usll in one state, however, made passage less likely in neighboring or similar states. The evidence suggests that the rsf only imperfectly understood the political economy of the usll, and that a different overall approach might have produced a result closer to its real aims.