bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Noise Radar Technology as an Interference Prevention Method
Authors: Galati Gaspare , Pavan Gabriele
Published: July 2013

In some applications, such as automotive and marine/navigation, hundreds of radars may operate in a small environment (e.g., a road complex or a strait) and in an allocated frequency band with limited width. Therefore, a compatibility problem between different radars arises that is not easily solved by time, frequency, space, or polarization diversity. The advent of fast digital signal processing and signal generation techniques makes it possible to use waveform diversity to solve this problem that will be exacerbated in the next future. Ideal waveforms for the diversity are supplied by Noise Radar Technology (NRT), whose application is promising in some military applications as well as in the civilian applications considered in this paper. In addition to being orthogonal as much as possible, the random signals to be transmitted have to satisfy requirements concerning side lobe level and crest factor, calling for novel, original design and generation processes.
Novel Role of Parathyroid Hormone-Related Protein in the Pathophysiology of the Diabetic Kidney: Evidence from Experimental and Human Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Romero Montserrat , Ortega Arantxa , Olea Nuria , Arenas María Isabel , Izquierdo Adriana , Bover Jordi , Esbrit Pedro , Bosch Ricardo J.
Published: July 2013

Parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) and its receptor type 1 (PTH1R) are extensively expressed in the kidney, where they are able to modulate renal function. Renal PTHrP is known to be overexpressed in acute renal injury. Recently, we hypothesized that PTHrP involvement in the mechanisms of renal injury might not be limited to conditions with predominant damage of the renal tubulointerstitium and might be extended to glomerular diseases, such as diabetic nephropathy (DN). In experimental DN, the overexpression of both PTHrP and the PTH1R contributes to the development of renal hypertrophy as well as proteinuria. More recent data have shown, for the first time, that PTHrP is upregulated in the kidney from patients with DN. Collectively, animal and human studies have shown that PTHrP acts as an important mediator of diabetic renal cell hypertrophy by a mechanism which involves the modulation of cell cycle regulatory proteins and TGF-β1. Furthermore, angiotensin II (Ang II), a critical factor in the progression of renal injury, appears to be responsible for PTHrP upregulation in these conditions. These findings provide novel insights into the well-known protective effects of Ang II antagonists in renal diseases, paving the way for new therapeutic approaches.
A Nanocellulose Polypyrrole Composite Based on Tunicate Cellulose
Authors: Zhang Dawei , Zhang Qing , Gao Xin , Piao Guangzhe
Published: July 2013

The water-dispersed conductive polypyrrole (PPy) was prepared via thein situoxidative chemical polymerization by using ammonium persulfate (APS) as oxidant and tunicate cellulose nanocrystals (T-CNs) as a dopant and template for tuning the morphologies of PPy nanoparticles. Highly flexible paper-like materials of PPy/T-CNs nanocomposites with high electrical conductivity values and good mechanical properties were prepared. The structure of nanocomposites of PPy/T-CNs was investigated by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy analyses of the composites revealed that PPy consisted of nanoparticles about 2.5 nm in mean size to form a continuous coating covered on the T-CNs. The diameters of the PPy nanoparticles increased from 10 to 100 nm with the increasing pyrrole amount. Moreover, electrical properties of the obtained PPy/T-CNs films were studied using standard four-probe technique and the electrical conductivity could be as high as 10−3 S/cm.
Fitness and Adiposity Are Independently Associated with Cardiometabolic Risk in Youth
Authors: Buchan Duncan S. , Young John D. , Boddy Lynne M. , Malina Robert M. , Baker Julien S.
Published: July 2013

Purpose. The purpose of the study was to examine the independent associations of adiposity and cardiorespiratory fitness with clustered cardiometabolic risk.Methods. A cross-sectional sample of 192 adolescents (118 boys), aged 14–16 years, was recruited from a South Lanarkshire school in the West of Scotland. Anthropometry and blood pressure were measured, and blood samples were taken. The 20 m multistage fitness test was the indicator of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). A clustered cardiometabolic risk score was constructed from HDL-C (inverted), LDL-C, HOMA, systolic blood pressure, and triglycerides. Interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, and adiponectin were also measured and examined relative to the clustered cardiometabolic risk score, CRF, and adiposity.Results. Although significant, partial correlations between BMI and waist circumference (WC) and both CRF and adiponectin were negative and weak to moderate, while correlations between the BMI and WC and CRP were positive but weak to moderate. Weak to moderate negative associations were also evident for adiponectin with CRP, IL-6, and clustered cardiometabolic risk. WC was positively associated while CRF was negatively associated with clustered cardiometabolic risk. With the additional adjustment for either WC or CRF, the independent associations with cardiometabolic risk persisted.Conclusion. WC and CRF are independently associated with clustered cardiometabolic risk in Scottish adolescents.
A QoS-Satisfied Prediction Model for Cloud-Service Composition Based on a Hidden Markov Model
Authors: Wu Qingtao , Zhang Mingchuan , Zheng Ruijuan , Lou Ying , Wei Wangyang
Published: July 2013

Various significant issues in cloud computing, such as service provision, service matching, and service assessment, have attracted researchers’ attention recently. Quality of service (QoS) plays an increasingly important role in the provision of cloud-based services, by aiming for the seamless and dynamic integration of cloud-service components. In this paper, we focus on QoS-satisfied predictions about the composition of cloud-service components and present a QoS-satisfied prediction model based on a hidden Markov model. In providing a cloud-based service for a user, if the user’s QoS cannot be satisfied by a single cloud-service component, component composition should be considered, where its QoS-satisfied capability needs to be proactively predicted to be able to guarantee the user’s QoS. We discuss the proposed model in detail and prove some aspects of the model. Simulation results show that our model can achieve high prediction accuracies.
Low Bone Mineral Density in Chinese Adults with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Cui Ran , Sheng Hui , Rui Xue-Fei , Cheng Xiao-Yun , Sheng Chun-Jun , Wang Ji-Ying , Qu Shen
Published: July 2013

Aim. To investigate bone metabolic characteristics in Chinese adults with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).Methods. A total of 224 patients (99 males and 125 postmenopausal females) were recruited and divided into 4 groups: males without NAFLD, males with NAFLD, females without NAFLD, and females with NAFLD. Bone mineral density (BMD) was evaluated according to body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and serum biomarkers.βcell function was evaluated by HOMA2%B, HOMA2%S, and HOMA2IR.Results. Males in the NAFLD group had lower BMD of the right hip and the femoral neck (0.852±0.117versus0.930±0.123,P=0.002;0.736±0.119versus0.812±0.132,P=0.004), and females had lower BMD of the right hip (0.725±0.141versus0.805±0.145,P=0.002) even after adjusted for weight, BMI, waist, HDL, and ALT. There was no significant difference in bone metabolic markers between patients with and without NAFLD. NAFLD was an important factor that affected the bone; moreover, the effect attenuated when HOMA2IR entered into the model (R2=0.160,β=−0.172, andP=0.008).Conclusions. NAFLD exerts a detrimental effect on BMD in both males and females. Insulin resistance may play an important role in this pathophysiological process.
Asymptomatic Preclinical Rheumatoid Arthritis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Authors: Chen Juan , Shi YongHong , Wang XiaoPing , Huang Heqing , Ascherman Dana
Published: July 2013

Objective. Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a common extra-articular manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to define high-resolution chest CT (HRCT) and pulmonary function test (PFT) abnormalities capable of identifying asymptomatic, preclinical forms of RA-ILD that may represent precursors to more severe fibrotic lung disease.Methods. We analyzed chest HRCTs in consecutively enrolled RA patients and subsequently classified these individuals as RA-ILD or RA-no ILD based on the presence/absence of ground glass opacification, septal thickening, reticulation, traction bronchiectasis, and/or honeycombing. Coexisting PFT abnormalities (reductions in percent predicted FEV1, FVC, TLC, and/or DLCO) were also used to further characterize occult respiratory defects.Results. 61% (63/103) of RA patients were classified as RA-ILD based on HRCT and PFT abnormalities, while 39% (40/103) were designated as RA-no ILD. 57/63 RA-ILD patients lacked symptoms of significant dyspnea or cough at the time of HRCT and PFT assessment. Compared with RA-no ILD, RA-ILD patients were older and had longer disease duration, higher articular disease activity, and more significant PFT abnormalities.Conclusion. HRCT represents an effective tool to detect occult/asymptomatic ILD that is highly prevalent in our unselected, university-based cohort of RA patients.
Bisphenol A in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: González-Parra Emilio , Herrero Jose Antonio , Elewa Usama , Bosch Ricardo J. , Arduán Alberto Ortiz , Egido Jesus
Published: July 2013

Phenols are uremic toxins of intestinal origin formed by bacteria during protein metabolism. Of these molecules, p-cresol is the most studied and has been associated with renal function impairment and vascular damage. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a molecule with structural similarity with phenols found in plastic food and beverage containers as well as in some dialyzers. BPA is considered an environmental toxicant based on animal and cell culture studies. Japanese authorities recently banned BPA use in baby bottles based on observational association studies in newborns. BPA is excreted in urine and uremic patients present higher serum levels, but there is insufficient evidence to set cut-off levels or to link BPA to any harmful effect in CKD. However, the renal elimination and potential exposure during dialysis warrant the monitoring of BPA exposure and the design of observational studies in which the potential health risks of BPA for end-stage renal disease patients are evaluated.
Some Properties of Solutions to Weakly Hypoelliptic Equations
Authors: Bär Christian
Published: July 2013

A linear different operatorLis called weakly hypoelliptic if any local solutionuofLu=0is smooth. We allow for systems, that is, the coefficients may be matrices, not necessarily of square size. This is a huge class of important operators which coverall elliptic, overdetermined elliptic, subelliptic, and parabolic equations. We extend several classical theorems from complex analysis to solutions of any weakly hypoelliptic equation: the Montel theorem providing convergent subsequences, the Vitali theorem ensuring convergence of a given sequence, and Riemann's first removable singularity theorem. In the case of constant coefficients, we show that Liouville's theorem holds, any bounded solution must be constant, and anyLp-solution must vanish.
50 Years of Bong-Han Theory and 10 Years of Primo Vascular System
Authors: Soh Kwang-Sup , Kang Kyung A. , Ryu Yeon Hee
Published: July 2013

The primo vascular system (PVS) was first introduced by Bong-Han Kim via his five research reports. Among these the third report was most extensive and conclusive in terms of the PVS anatomy and physiology relating to the acupuncture meridians. His study results, unfortunately, were not reproduced by other scientists because he did not describe the materials and methods in detail. In 2002, a research team in Seoul National University reinitiated the PVS research, confirmed the existence of PVS in various organs, and discovered new characteristics of PVS. Two important examples are as follows: PVS was found in the adipose tissue and around cancer tissues. In parallel to these new findings, new methods for observing and identifying PVS were developed. Studies on the cell and material content inside the PVS, including the immune function cells and stem cells, are being progressed. In this review, Bong-Han Kim’s study results in his third report are summarized, and the new results after him are briefly reviewed. In the last section, the obstacles in finding the PVS in the skin as an anatomical structure of acupuncture meridian are discussed.
Nylon/Graphene Oxide Electrospun Composite Coating
Authors: Menchaca-Campos Carmina , García-Pérez César , Castañeda Iván , García-Sánchez Miguel A. , Guardián René , Uruchurtu Jorge
Published: July 2013

Graphite oxide is obtained by treating graphite with strong oxidizers. The bulk material disperses in basic solutions yielding graphene oxide. Starting from exfoliated graphite, different treatments were tested to obtain the best graphite oxide conditions, including calcination for two hours at 700°C and ultrasonic agitation in acidic, basic, or peroxide solutions. Bulk particles floating in the solution were filtered, rinsed, and dried. The graphene oxide obtained was characterized under SEM and FTIR techniques. On the other hand, nylon 6-6 has excellent mechanical resistance due to the mutual attraction of its long chains. To take advantage of the properties of both materials, they were combined as a hybrid material. Electrochemical cells were prepared using porous silica as supporting electrode of the electrospun nylon/graphene oxide films for electrochemical testing. Polarization curves were performed to determine the oxidation/reduction potentials under different acidic, alkaline, and peroxide solutions. The oxidation condition was obtained in KOH and the reduction in H2SO4solutions. Potentiostatic oxidation and reduction curves were applied to further oxidize carbon species and then reduced them, forming the nylon 6-6/functionalized graphene oxide composite coating. Electrochemical impedance measurements were performed to evaluate the coating electrochemical resistance and compared to the silica or nylon samples.
Recovery of High-Dimensional Sparse Signals via -Minimization
Authors: Wang Shiqing , Su Limin
Published: July 2013

We consider the recovery of high-dimensional sparse signals via -minimization under mutual incoherence condition, which is shown to be sufficient for sparse signals recovery in the noiseless and noise cases. We study both -minimization under the constraint and the Dantzig selector. Using the two -minimization methods and a technical inequality, some results are obtained. They improve the results of the error bounds in the literature and are extended to the general case of reconstructing an arbitrary signal.
Characteristics of Atopic Bronchial Asthma in Seniors over 80 Years of Age
Authors: Bożek Andrzej , Filipowski Marek , Fischer Andreas , Jarzab Jerzy
Published: July 2013

Background. Asthma in the elderly is an important public health problem. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and characteristics of asthma in seniors.Materials and Methods. The study involved 105 people of at least 80 years of age (mean age of 84.1 ± 3.9 years) selected from a group of 1860 individuals. Spirometry, the methacholine test, allergy diagnosis, a measurement of exhaled nitric oxide, and administration of the asthma quality of life questionnaire (AQLQ) were performed.Results. The average morbidity of asthma in the study population of elderly people (at least 80 years of age) was 5.6% (105 people) of the confidence interval (95% CI: 5.1–6.0). In the study group, 34% of the elderly asthmatics had uncontrolled asthma, 47% had partly controlled asthma, and only 24% had fully controlled asthma. Allergy to house dust mites was predominant. The average total score on the AQLQ was 4.12 ± 0.72 (arithmetic mean ± standard deviation) for the seniors, which was significantly lower than the score for the young.Conclusion. The pathogenesis, natural history, and value of the basic diagnostic methods of asthma in the elderly are similar to those observed in younger age groups.
Single Channel Speech Enhancement Using Adaptive Soft-Thresholding with Bivariate EMD
Authors: Hamid Md. Ekramul , Molla Md. Khademul Islam , Dang Xin , Nakai Takayoshi
Published: July 2013

This paper presents a novel data adaptive thresholding approach to single channel speech enhancement. The noisy speech signal and fractional Gaussian noise (fGn) are combined to produce the complex signal. The fGn is generated using the noise variance roughly estimated from the noisy speech signal. Bivariate empirical mode decomposition (bEMD) is employed to decompose the complex signal into a finite number of complex-valued intrinsic mode functions (IMFs). The real and imaginary parts of the IMFs represent the IMFs of observed speech and fGn, respectively. Each IMF is divided into short time frames for local processing. The variance of IMF of fGn calculated within a frame is used as the reference term to classify corresponding noisy speech frame into noise and signal dominant frames. Only the noise dominant frames are soft-thresholded to reduce the noise effects. Then, all the frames as well as IMFs of speech are combined, yielding the enhanced speech signal. The experimental results show the improved performance of the proposed algorithm compared to the recently reported methods.
Is Deqi an Indicator of Clinical Efficacy of Acupuncture? A Systematic Review
Authors: Zhang Shuo , Mu Wei , Xiao Lu , Zheng Wen-Ke , Liu Chun-Xiang , Zhang Li , Shang Hong-Cai
Published: July 2013

Objective. Despite the systematic literature review of the current evidence, we aim to answer the question “ is Deqi an indicator of clinical effects in acupuncture treatment?”Methods. We systematically searched CNKI, VIP, Wanfang Data, PubMed, Embase, and the CENTRAL for three types of study: (1) empirical research probing into the role of Deqi in acupuncture; (2) mechanism studies examining the effect of Deqi on physiological parameters in animal models and human subjects; (3) clinical studies that compared the outcome of acupuncture with Deqi with that of acupuncture without Deqi. Two reviewers independently extracted data, undertook qualitative or quantitative analysis, and summarized findings.Results. The ancient Chinese acupuncturists valued the role of Deqi as a diagnostic tool, a prognosis predictor, and a necessary part of the therapeutic procedure. Findings from modern experimental research provided preliminary evidence for the physiological mechanism that produced Deqi. Few clinical studies generated conflicting evidence of the comparative effectiveness of acupuncture with Deqi versus acupuncture without Deqi for a variety of conditions.Conclusion. The current evidence base is not solid enough to draw any conclusion regarding the predicative value of natural Deqi for clinical efficacy or the therapeutic value of manipulation-facilitated Deqi.
Competitive Two-Agent Scheduling with Learning Effect and Release Times on a Single Machine
Authors: Li Der-Chiang , Hsu Peng-Hsiang
Published: July 2013

The learning effect has gained much attention in the scheduling research recently, where many researchers have focused their problems on only one optimization. This study further addresses the scheduling problem in which two agents compete to perform their own jobs with release times on a common single machine with learning effect. The aim is to minimize the total weighted completion time of the first agent, subject to an upper bound on the maximum lateness of the second agent. We propose a branch-and-bound approach with several useful dominance properties and an effective lower bound for searching the optimal solution and three simulated-annealing algorithms for the near-optimal solutions. The computational results show that the proposed algorithms perform effectively and efficiently.
Portal Hypertension, Nodular Regenerative Hyperplasia of the Liver, and Obstructive Portal Venopathy due to Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Turk Andrew T. , Szabolcs Matthias J. , Lefkowitch Jay H.
Published: July 2013

Nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) of the liver is associated with noncirrhotic portal hypertension, rheumatologic and hematologic disorders, administration of certain drugs, and other underlying conditions. This report describes a 64-year-old man with clinically presumed cirrhosis who presented to our institution with coffee-ground emesis, esophageal varices, ascites, and encephalopathy. Eleven years earlier he had been treated for breast cancer with mastectomy and chemo-radiotherapy. He died suddenly, and the autopsy showed no evidence of cirrhosis but instead demonstrated NRH with extensive emboli of recurrent breast carcinoma within the portal vein and its intrahepatic branches. Neoplastic occlusion of the portal vein as a cause of presinusoidal noncirrhotic portal hypertension has not previously been reported for metastatic breast carcinoma. This case highlights the importance of obstructive portal venopathy in the pathogenesis of NRH as well as the diagnostic difficulties that may be encountered in determining the cause of portal hypertension.
Non-Fatal Opioid Overdose and Major Depression among Street-Recruited Young Heroin Users
Authors: Chahua Marcela , Sordo Luis , Barrio Gregorio , Domingo-Salvany Antonia , Brugal M.Teresa , Molist Gemma , de la Fuente Luis , Bravo María J. ,   and ITINERE Project Group
Published: July 2013

Background/Aims: Non-fatal opioid overdose (NFOO) and major depression (MD) are highly prevalent in heroin users. Many risk factors are known for NFOO, but studies in non-clinical samples on its relationship with MD are lacking. We aimed to examine this relationship in a street-recruited sample, controlling for potential well-known confounders. Methods: A cross-sectional study in 452 heroin users street-recruited by chain referral methods in three Spanish cities. Eligibility criteria were: age ≤30 years, heroin use at least 12 days in the last year and at least once in the last 3 months. Depression was assessed using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. A precise definition of NFOO was used. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) for the NFOO predictors were obtained by logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of NFOO and MD in the last 12 months was 9.1 and 23.2%, respectively. After adjusting for potential confounders, NFOO and MD were significantly associated (AOR 2.2; 95% CI 1.01-4.74). Other associated factors were imprisonment (AOR 4.1; 95% CI 1.4-12.1), drug injection (AOR 6.7; 95% CI 2.4-18.4) and regular use of tranquillisers/sleeping pills (AOR 2.9; 95% CI 1.16-7). Conclusions: Drug and mental health treatment facilities should consider the relationship between MD and NFOO when contacting and treating heroin users. Imprisonment, drug injection and use of tranquillisers/sleeping pills are also risk factors for NFOO.
A Bibliometric Analysis of European versus USA Research in the Field of Addiction. Research on Alcohol, Narcotics, Prescription Drug Abuse, Tobacco and Steroids 2001-2011
Authors: Bramness Jørgen G. , Henriksen Beate , Person Olle , Mann Karl
Published: July 2013

Background: To compare the publication and citation rate within the areas of drug abuse and dependence research in Europe with that in the USA. Methods: This is a bibliometric study using the Thomson Reuters Web of Knowledge as data source, 40 key words were used as search terms, but certain scientific publications not concerning the issue were excluded. Scientific publications from Denmark, England, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and the USA were studied. The number of publications in each country and in each year in addition to the citation indices for these publications was retrieved. Results: Approximately two thirds of the publications came from the USA. Both in absolute and relative figures, Europe lagged behind. The trend over the last decade was a greater gap between the amount of research performed in Europe versus the USA. There were thematic differences. Smaller European countries had a greater relative publication rate. The citations were relatively evenly distributed. Conclusions: It has been claimed that 85% of the world's research within the field of drug abuse and dependence is carried out in the USA. This study challenges this figure, but European research within this field is lagging behind.
The SafeBoosC Phase II Randomised Clinical Trial: A Treatment Guideline for Targeted Near-Infrared-Derived Cerebral Tissue Oxygenation versus Standard Treatment in Extremely Preterm Infants
Authors: Pellicer Adelina , Greisen Gorm , Benders Manon , Claris Olivier , Dempsey Eugene , Fumagally Monica , Gluud Christian , Hagmann Cornelia , Hellström-Westas Lena , Hyttel-Sorensen Simon , Lemmers Petra , Naulaers Gunnar , Pichler Gerhard , Roll Claudia , van Bel Frank , van Oeveren Wim , Skoog Maria , Wolf Martin , Austin Topun ,   the SafeBoosC Trial Group
Published: July 2013

Near-infrared spectroscopy-derived regional tissue oxygen saturation of haemoglobin (rStO2) reflects venous oxygen saturation. If cerebral metabolism is stable, rStO2 can be used as an estimate of cerebral oxygen delivery. The SafeBoosC phase II randomised clinical trial hypothesises that the burden of hypo- and hyperoxia can be reduced by the combined use of close monitoring of the cerebral rStO2 and a treatment guideline to correct deviations in rStO2 outside a predefined target range. Aims: To describe the rationale for and content of this treatment guideline. Methods: Review of the literature and assessment of the quality of evidence and the grade of recommendation for each of the interventions. Results and Conclusions: A clinical intervention algorithm based on the main determinants of cerebral perfusion-oxygenation changes during the first hours after birth was generated. The treatment guideline is presented to assist neonatologists in making decisions in relation to cerebral oximetry readings in preterm infants within the SafeBoosC phase II randomised clinical trial. The evidence grades were relatively low and the guideline cannot be recommended outside a research setting.
The Influence of Aspirin on Release of Eoxin C4, Leukotriene C4 and 15-HETE, in Eosinophilic Granulocytes Isolated from Patients with Asthma
Authors: James Anna , Daham Kameran , Backman Linda , Brunnström Åsa , Tingvall Tove , Kumlin Maria , Edenius Charlotte , Dahlén Sven-Erik , Dahlén Barbro , Claesson Hans-Erik
Published: July 2013

Background: The effect of aspirin on the release of key arachidonic acid metabolites in activated eosinophils from subjects with aspirin-intolerant asthma (AIA) has not been investigated previously, despite the characteristic eosinophilia in AIA. Methods: Peripheral blood eosinophils were isolated from four groups of subjects: healthy volunteers (HV; n = 8), mild asthma (MA; n = 8), severe asthma (SA; n = 9) and AIA (n = 7). In the absence or presence of lysine-aspirin, eosinophils were stimulated with arachidonic acid or calcium ionophore to trigger the 15-lipoxygenase-1 (15-LO) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) pathways, respectively. 15(S)-hydroxy-eicosatetraenoic acid (15-HETE) and eoxin C4 (EXC4) were measured as 15-LO products and leukotriene (LT)C4 as a product of the 5-LO pathway. Results: Activated eosinophils from patients with SA and AIA produced approximately five times more 15-HETE than eosinophils from HV or MA patients. In the presence of lysine-aspirin, eosinophils from AIA, MA and SA patients generated higher levels of 15-HETE than in the absence of lysine-aspirin. Furthermore, in the presence of lysine-aspirin, formation of EXC4 was also significantly increased in eosinophils from AIA patients, and LTC4 synthesis was increased both in AIA and SA patients. Conclusions: Taken together, this study shows an increased release of the recently discovered lipid mediator EXC4, as well as the main indicator of 15-LO activity, 15-HETE, in activated eosinophils from severe and aspirin-intolerant asthmatics, and also elevated EXC4 and LTC4 formation in eosinophils from AIA patients after cellular activation in the presence of lysine-aspirin. The findings support a pathophysiological role of the 15-LO pathway in SA and AIA.
Acquired Angioedema - Occurrence, Clinical Features and Associated Disorders in a Danish Nationwide Patient Cohort
Authors: Bygum Anette , Vestergaard Hanne
Published: July 2013

Background: The prevalence of acquired angioedema (AAE) is hitherto unknown and, to date, less than 200 patients have been reported worldwide. AAE is associated with lymphoproliferative conditions and autoantibodies against C1 inhibitor (C1INH). Rituximab (RTX) is increasingly used in the treatment of AAE patients. Methods: A nationwide study of AAE patients was performed in Denmark. Clinical features, associated disorders, treatments and outcomes were registered. Results: Eight AAE patients were identified. The diagnostic delay was on average 1 year and 8 months. Patients were treated with C1INH concentrate or icatibant on demand. Six patients were diagnosed with a clonal B-cell disorder during follow-up, on average 2.5 years after the first swelling. Two patients had monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL). Two patients received RTX. Conclusions: AAE is a rare condition occurring in less than 10% of patients with C1INH deficiency in Denmark. AAE is highly associated with haematologic disorders, and we recommend yearly follow-up visits with clinical examination and blood tests including flow cytometry to diagnose B-cell conditions at an early stage. We report 2 patients with AAE and associated MBL, which is a benign expansion of clonal B lymphocytes. MBL can be the precursor of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia or is associated with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. If angioedema is poorly controlled with standard treatment regimens, we suggest treatment of the associated haematologic disorder. Based on a review of the literature and our own data, we recommend therapy with RTX, especially in patients with anti-C1INH autoantibodies.
Evidence for the Involvement of Intracellular Ca2+ Ions in the Elicitation Mechanism of Bacillus Licheniformis
Authors: Reffatti Patricia Fernanda , Roy Ipsita , Odell Mark , Keshavarz Tajalli
Published: July 2013

Treatment of Bacillus licheniformis cultures with biotic oligosaccharide elicitors is known to increase the production of the antibiotic bacitracin A. The mechanism of the elicitation is currently under investigation and in this paper we provide evidence on the modulatory role of Ca2+ ions during this process. Addition of elicitors, mannan oligosaccharides, oligoguluronate and oligomannuronate to the liquid cultures resulted in 9.0, 5.2 and 5.0% increase in cytosolic Ca2+ levels in B. licheniformis, while the presence of verapamil (Ca2+ channel blocker) resulted in 74% decrease in bacitracin A levels, as compared to the control culture. We propose that Ca2+ ions may acts as a secondary messenger in the regulation of the bacitracin A synthesis in the elicited B. licheniformis cultures.
Estradiol Negatively Modulates the Pleiotropic Actions of Orphanin FQ/Nociceptin at Proopiomelanocortin Synapses
Authors: Borgquist Amanda , Kachani Malika , Tavitian Nadia , Sinchak Kevin , Wagner Edward J.
Published: July 2013

Orphanin FQ/nociceptin (OFQ/N) inhibits the activity of proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons located in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARH) that regulate female sexual behavior and energy balance. We tested the hypothesis that estradiol modulates the ability of OFQ/N to pre- and postsynaptically decrease the excitability of these cells. To this end, whole-cell patch-clamp recordings were performed in hypothalamic slices prepared from ovariectomized rats, including some that were injected with the retrograde tracer Fluorogold in the medial preoptic nucleus (MPN) to label the POMC neurons regulating sexual receptivity. OFQ/N (1 µM) evoked a robust outward current in ARH neurons from vehicle-treated animals that was blocked by the opioid receptor-like (ORL)1 receptor antagonist UFP-101 (100 nM) and the G protein-gated, inwardly rectifying K+ (GIRK-1) channel blocker tertiapin (10 nM). OFQ/N also produced a decrease in the frequency of glutamatergic, miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs), which was also antagonized by UFP-101. Estradiol benzoate (2 µg) increased basal mEPSC frequency and markedly diminished both the OFQ/N-induced activation of postsynaptic GIRK-1 channel currents and the presynaptic inhibition of glutamatergic neurotransmission. These effects were observed in identified POMC neurons, including eight that projected to the MPN. Taken together, these data reveal that estradiol attenuates the pleiotropic inhibitory actions of OFQ/N on POMC neurons: presynaptically through reducing the OFQ/N inhibition of glutamate release and postsynaptically by reducing ORL1 signaling through GIRK channels. As such, they impart critical insight into a mechanism for estradiol to increase the activity of POMC neurons that inhibit sexual receptivity.
A Molecular Diagnostic Algorithm to Guide Pollen Immunotherapy in Southern Europe: Towards Component-Resolved Management of Allergic Diseases
Authors: Douladiris Nikolaos , Savvatianos Savvas , Roumpedaki Irene , Skevaki Chrysanthi , Mitsias Dimitrios , Papadopoulos Nikolaos G.
Published: July 2013

Correct identification of the culprit allergen is an essential part of diagnosis and treatment in immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated allergic diseases. In recent years, molecular biology has made important advances facilitating such identification and overcoming some of the drawbacks of natural allergen extracts, which consist of mixtures of various proteins that may be allergenic or not, specific for the allergen source or widely distributed (panallergens). New technologies offer the opportunity for a more accurate component-resolved diagnosis, of benefit especially to polysensitized allergic patients. The basic elements of molecular diagnostics with potential relevance to immunotherapy prescription are reviewed here, with a focus on Southern European sensitization patterns to pollen allergens. We propose a basic algorithm regarding component-resolved diagnostic work-up for pollen allergen-specific immunotherapy candidates in Southern Europe; this and similar algorithms can form the basis of improved patient management, conceptually a ‘Component-Resolved Allergy Management'.
Is the Elapsed Time following the Placement of a Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Catheter an Individual Risk Factor for Shunt Fractures?
Authors: Kaplan Metin , Cakin Hakan , Ozdemir Niyazi , Gocmez Cuneyt , Ozturk Sait , Erol Fatih S.
Published: July 2013

In this study, we examined whether the resistance of peritoneal catheters against the retraction force changed over time following shunt placement, and the role of this resistance in shunt fracture is discussed. We investigated peritoneal catheters removed from patients treated with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt because of hydrocephalus; previously, patients underwent shunt revision. The maximum tension, maximum elongation and elongation percentages of the peritoneal catheters were measured. The mean and maximum tension values of the revised peritoneal catheters were increased compared to the unused catheters. The maximum elongation and elongation rates were significantly decreased. The changes in the maximum elongation, elongation rate and tension values were unrelated to the time elapsed after catheter insertion. This finding indicates that the time elapsed following peritoneal catheter placement was not an individual factor based on the strength of the response of the organism to the foreign body and the mechanical trauma exposed in shunt fractures.
Genomics Education for Health Educators in Texas: The Family Health History Training Program
Authors: Goodson P. , Chen L.S. , Muenzenberger A. , Xu L. , Jung E.
Published: July 2013

Aims: This paper describes the development and pilot-testing of The Family Health History Training Program for Health Educators (FHHTP). Although in recent years professional organizations have urged the health promotion workforce to adopt genomics-related competencies, training opportunities designed specifically for health educators (HEs) remain scarce. Designed by a team of HEs, the FHHTP aims at preparing HEs in the state of Texas, USA, to use a family health history as a genomic health promotion tool. Methods: In this report, we describe (a) the program's empirical and theoretical grounding, (b) its components, and (c) pilot-testing of the 2 main components (Web-based and workshop trainings). The FHHTP addresses the training needs expressed by HEs and anchors itself in a theoretical model previously tested with 1,607 US-based HEs. The model draws from Social Cognitive Theory, the Theory of Planned Behavior, and Diffusion of Innovations theory. The program comprises 6 elements; the Web-based training and the training workshops are the focus of this paper. Results: Pilot data indicate participants' knowledge and intention improved significantly (p < 0.05) at post-test and remained significantly higher at the 3-month follow-up. Attitudes, self-efficacy, behavior, knowledge/awareness, and intention also exhibited improvement in scores over time. Conclusion: We conclude, therefore, that the FHHTP can contribute significantly to the adoption of genomic competencies by Texas HEs. This report describes how the first-of-its-kind genomics training for HEs in the USA - FHHTP - was developed and pilot-tested with HEs in Texas.
The Novel Mutation p.Trp147Arg of the Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory Protein Causes Classic Lipoid Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia with Adrenal Insufficiency and 46,XY Disorder of Sex Development
Authors: Yüksel Bilgin , Kulle Alexandra E. , Gürbüz Fatih , Welzel Maik , Kotan Damla , Mengen Eda , Holterhus Paul-Martin , Topaloğlu Ali Kemal , Grötzinger Joachim , Riepe Felix G.
Published: July 2013

Background: The steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) is essential for steroidogenesis by mediating cholesterol transfer into mitochondria. Inactivating StAR mutations cause lipoid congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Objective and Methods: To identify causative mutations in a patient presenting with adrenal failure during early infancy. The objective was to study the functional and structural consequences of the novel StAR mutation p.Trp147Arg in a Turkish patient detected in compound heterozygosity with the p.Glu169Lys mutation. Results: Transient in vitro expression of the mutant proteins together with P450 side-chain cleavage enzyme, adrenodoxin, and adrenodoxin reductase yielded severely diminished cholesterol conversion of the p.Trp147Arg mutant. The previously described p.Glu169Lys mutant led to significantly lower cholesterol conversion than wild-type StAR protein. As derived from three-dimensional protein modeling, the residue W147 is stabilizing the C-terminal helix in a closed conformation hereby acting as gatekeeper of the ligand cavity of StAR. Conclusions: The novel mutation p.Trp147Arg causes primary adrenal insufficiency and complete sex reversal in the 46,XY patient. Clinical disease, in vitro studies and three-dimensional protein modeling of the mutation p.Trp147Arg underscore the relevance of this highly conserved residue for StAR protein function.
Impaired Coronary Autoregulation Is Associated With Long-term Fatal Events in Patients With Stable Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: van de Hoef Tim P. , Bax Matthijs , Damman Peter , Delewi Ronak , Hassell Mariëlla E.C.J. , Piek Martijn A. , Chamuleau Steven A.J. , Voskuil Michiel , van Eck-Smit Berthe L.F. , Verberne Hein J. , Henriques José P.S. , Koch Karel T. , de Winter Robbert J. , Tijssen Jan G.P. , Piek Jan J. , Meuwissen Martijn
Published: July 2013

Background—

Abnormalities in the coronary microcirculation are increasingly recognized as an elementary component of ischemic heart disease, which can be accurately assessed by coronary flow velocity reserve in reference vessels (refCFVR). We studied the prognostic value of refCFVR for long-term mortality in patients with stable coronary artery disease.

Methods and Results—

We included patients with stable coronary artery disease who underwent intracoronary physiological evaluation of ≥1 coronary lesion of intermediate severity between April 1997 and September 2006. RefCFVR was assessed if a coronary artery with <30% irregularities was present. RefCFVR >2.7 was considered normal. Patients underwent revascularization of all ischemia-causing lesions. Long-term follow-up was performed to document the occurrence of (cardiac) mortality. RefCFVR was determined in 178 patients. Kaplan–Meier estimates of 12-year all-cause mortality were 16.7% when refCFVR >2.7 and 39.6% when refCFVR ≤2.7 (
P
<0.001), whereas Kaplan–Meier estimates for cardiac mortality were 7.7% when refCFVR >2.7 and 31.6% when refCFVR ≤2.7 (
P
<0.001). After multivariable adjustment, refCFVR ≤2.7 was associated with a 2.24-fold increase in all-cause mortality hazard (hazard ratio, 2.24; 95% confidence interval, 1.13–4.44;
P
=0.020) and a 3.32-fold increase in cardiac mortality hazard (hazard ratio, 3.32; 95% confidence interval, 1.27–8.67;
P
=0.014). Impairment of refCFVR originated from significantly higher baseline flow velocity in the presence of significantly lower reference vessel baseline microvascular resistance (
P
<0.001), indicating impaired coronary autoregulation as its cause.

Conclusions—

In patients with stable coronary artery disease, impaired refCFVR, resulting from increased baseline flow velocity indicating impaired coronary autoregulation, is associated with a significant increase in fatal events at long-term follow-up.
Elektroeuphaea gen.n., the oldest representative of the modern Epallaginae from Eocene Baltic amber (Odonata: Zygoptera: Epallagidae)
Authors: Nel Andre , Krzeminski Wieslaw , Szwedo Jacek
Published: July 2013

Elektroeuphaea flecki gen.n. sp.n., the oldest representative of the modern damselfly subfamily Epallaginae, is described from the Middle Eocene Baltic amber. This study confirms a Palaeocene age (or older) for the Epallagidae, previously supported by the presence of representatives of Eodichrominae from the Palaeocene-Eocene Mo-clay Formation of Denmark and from Baltic amber.
East African odontopygid millipedes 3: Two new genera; Lamelloramusand Aquattuor proposed to contain three new species (Diplopoda; Spirostreptida; Odontopygidae)
Authors: FREDERIKSEN SARA B.
Published: July 2013

Two new genera and three new species in the millipede family Odontopygidae are described; Lamelloramus rhombiformis, L. triangularis and Aquattuor denticulatus. All three species are found in the East Usambara Mountains.
Vagabond but elusive: two newcomers to the Eastern Amazon (Araneae: Cithaeronidae; Prodidomidae)
Authors: RUIZ GUSTAVO R.S. , BONALDO ALEXANDRE B.
Published: July 2013

The spider clade Gnaphosoidea gathers dionychans with obliquely angled posterior median eyes with flat lenses (Platnick, 1990), which would be part of a compass mechanism rather than being used to form images (Dacke et al., 2001). Besides the Gnaphosidae Pocock, by far the most diverse family of the group (with over 2,000 species), the clade includes six other spider families, mostly recorded from Australia and Africa, such as Ammoxenidae Simon, Lamponidae Simon, Gallieniellidae Millot (with a single species from South America) and Trochanteriidae Karsch (also in Asia and two genera in South America) (Platnick, 1990; 2013). The remaining two families, Cithaeronidae Simon and Prodidomidae Simon, represent the least and the second richest gnaphosoid families, respectively.
Real-Time Track Prediction of Tropical Cyclones over the North Indian Ocean Using the ARW Model
Authors: Osuri Krishna K. , Mohanty U. C. , Routray A. , Mohapatra M. , Niyogi Dev
Published: July 2013

The performance of the Advanced Research version of the Weather Research and Forecasting (ARW) model in real-time prediction of tropical cyclones (TCs) over the north Indian Ocean (NIO) at 27-km resolution is evaluated on the basis of 100 forecasts for 17 TCs during 2007–11. The analyses are carried out with respect to 1) basins of formation, 2) straight-moving and recurving TCs, 3) TC intensity at model initialization, and 4) season of occurrence. The impact of high resolution (18 and 9 km) on TC prediction is also studied. Model results at 27-km resolution indicate that the mean track forecast errors (skill with reference to persistence track) over the NIO were found to vary from 113 to 375 km (7%–51%) for a 12–72-h forecast. The model showed a right/eastward and slow bias in TC movement. The model is more skillful in track prediction when initialized at the intensity stage of severe cyclone or greater than at the intensity stage of cyclone or lower. The model is more efficient in predicting landfall location than landfall time. The higher-resolution (18 and 9 km) predictions yield an improvement in mean track error for the NIO Basin by about 4%–10% and 8%–24%, respectively. The 9-km predictions were found to be more accurate for recurving TC track predictions by ~13%–28% and 5%–15% when compared with the 27- and 18-km runs, respectively. The 9-km runs improve the intensity prediction by 15%–40% over the 18-km predictions. This study highlights the capabilities of the operational ARW model over the Indian monsoon region and the continued need for operational forecasts from high-resolution models.
NOAA’s 1981–2010 U.S. Climate Normals: Monthly Precipitation, Snowfall, and Snow Depth
Authors: Durre Imke , Squires Michael F. , Vose Russell S. , Yin Xungang , Arguez Anthony , Applequist Scott
Published: July 2013

The 1981–2010 “U.S. Climate Normals” released by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Climatic Data Center include a suite of monthly, seasonal, and annual statistics that are based on precipitation, snowfall, and snow-depth measurements. This paper describes the procedures used to calculate the average totals, frequencies of occurrence, and percentiles that constitute these normals. All parameters were calculated from a single, state-of-the-art dataset of daily observations, taking care to produce normals that were as representative as possible of the full 1981–2010 period, even when the underlying data records were incomplete. In the resulting product, average precipitation totals are available at approximately 9300 stations across the United States and parts of the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean islands. Snowfall and snow-depth statistics are provided for approximately 5300 of those stations, as compared with several hundred stations in the 1971–2000 normals. The 1981–2010 statistics exhibit the familiar climatological patterns across the contiguous United States. When compared with the same calculations for 1971–2000, the later period is characterized by a smaller number of days with snow on the ground and less total annual snowfall across much of the contiguous United States; wetter conditions over much of the Great Plains, Midwest, and northern California; and drier conditions over much of the Southeast and Pacific Northwest. These differences are a reflection of the removal of the 1970s and the addition of the 2000s to the 30-yr-normals period as part of this latest revision of the normals.