bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantum rejection sampling
Authors: Ozols Maris , Roetteler Martin , Roland Jérémie
Published: August 2013

Rejection sampling is a well-known method to sample from a target distribution, given the ability to sample from a given distribution. The method has been first formalized by von Neumann [1951] and has many applications in classical computing. We define a quantum analogue of rejection sampling: given a black box producing a coherent superposition of (possibly unknown) quantum states with some amplitudes, the problem is to prepare a coherent superposition of the same states, albeit with different target amplitudes. The main result of this article is a tight characterization of the query complexity of this quantum state generation problem. We exhibit an algorithm, which we call quantum rejection sampling, and analyze its cost using semidefinite programming. Our proof of a matching lower bound is based on the automorphism principle that allows to symmetrize any algorithm over the automorphism group of the problem. Our main technical innovation is an extension of the automorphism principle to continuous groups that arise for quantum state generation problems where the oracle encodes unknown quantum states, instead of just classical data. Furthermore, we illustrate how quantum rejection sampling may be used as a primitive in designing quantum algorithms, by providing three different applications. We first show that it was implicitly used in the quantum algorithm for linear systems of equations by Harrow et al. [2009]. Second we show that it can be used to speed up the main step in the quantum Metropolis sampling algorithm by Temme et al. [2011]. Finally, we derive a new quantum algorithm for the hidden shift problem of an arbitrary Boolean function and relate its query complexity to “water-filling” of the Fourier spectrum.
High-confidence predictions under adversarial uncertainty
Authors: Drucker Andrew
Published: August 2013

We study the setting in which the bits of an unknown infinite binary sequence
x
are revealed sequentially to an observer. We show that very limited assumptions about
x
allow one to make successful predictions about unseen bits of
x
. First, we study the problem of successfully predicting a single 0 from among the bits of
x
. In our model, we have only one chance to make a prediction, but may do so at a time of our choosing. This model is applicable to a variety of situations in which we want to perform an action of fixed duration, and need to predict a “safe” time-interval to perform it.

Letting
N

t

denote the number of 1s among the first
t
bits of
x
, we say that
x
is “ε-weakly sparse” if lim inf (
N

t

/t) ≤ ε. Our main result is a randomized algorithm that, given any ε-weakly sparse sequence
x
, predicts a 0 of
x
with success probability as close as desired to 1 - ε. Thus, we can perform this task with essentially the same success probability as under the much stronger assumption that each bit of
x
takes the value 1 independently with probability ε.

We apply this result to show how to successfully predict a bit (0 or 1) under a broad class of possible assumptions on the sequence
x
. The assumptions are stated in terms of the behavior of a finite automaton
M
reading the bits of
x
. We also propose and solve a variant of the well-studied “ignorant forecasting” problem. For every ε>0, we give a randomized forecasting algorithm S
ε
that, given sequential access to a binary sequence
x
, makes a prediction of the form: “A
p
fraction of the next
N
bits will be 1s.” (The algorithm gets to choose
p
,
N
, and the time of the prediction.) For any fixed sequence
x
, the forecast fraction
p
is accurate to within ±ε with probability 1 - ε.
A Bayesian Alignment Approach to Transliteration Mining
Authors: Fukunishi Takaaki , Finch Andrew , Yamamoto Seiichi , Sumita Eiichiro
Published: August 2013

In this article we present a technique for mining transliteration pairs using a set of simple features derived from a many-to-many bilingual forced-alignment at the grapheme level to classify candidate transliteration word pairs as correct transliterations or not. We use a nonparametric Bayesian method for the alignment process, as this process rewards the reuse of parameters, resulting in compact models that align in a consistent manner and tend not to over-fit. Our approach uses the generative model resulting from aligning the training data to force-align the test data. We rely on the simple assumption that correct transliteration pairs would be well modeled and generated easily, whereas incorrect pairs---being more random in character---would be more costly to model and generate. Our generative model generates by concatenating bilingual grapheme sequence pairs. The many-to-many generation process is essential for handling many languages with non-Roman scripts, and it is hard to train well using a maximum likelihood techniques, as these tend to over-fit the data. Our approach works on the principle that generation using only grapheme sequence pairs that are in the model results in a high probability derivation, whereas if the model is forced to introduce a new parameter in order to explain part of the candidate pair, the derivation probability is substantially reduced and severely reduced if the new parameter corresponds to a sequence pair composed of a large number of graphemes. The features we extract from the alignment of the test data are not only based on the scores from the generative model, but also on the relative proportions of each sequence that are hard to generate. The features are used in conjunction with a support vector machine classifier trained on known positive examples together with synthetic negative examples to determine whether a candidate word pair is a correct transliteration pair. In our experiments, we used all data tracks from the 2010 Named-Entity Workshop (NEWS’10) and use the performance of the best system for each language pair as a reference point. Our results show that the new features we propose are powerfully predictive, enabling our approach to achieve levels of performance on this task that are comparable to the state of the art.
Normalizing Complex Functional Expressions in Japanese Predicates
Authors: Izumi Tomoko , Imamura Kenji , Asami Taichi , Saito Kuniko , Kikui Genichiro , Sato Satoshi
Published: August 2013

The growing need for text mining systems, such as opinion mining, requires a deep semantic understanding of the target language. In order to accomplish this, extracting the semantic information of functional expressions plays a crucial role, because functional expressions such aswould like toandcan’tare key expressions to detecting customers’ needs and wants. However, in Japanese, functional expressions appear in the form of suffixes, and two different types of functional expressions are merged into one predicate: one influences the factual meaning of the predicate while the other is merely used for discourse purposes. This triggers an increase in surface forms, which hinders information extraction systems. In this article, we present a novel normalization technique that paraphrases complex functional expressions into simplified forms that retain only the crucial meaning of the predicate. We construct paraphrasing rules based on linguistic theories in syntax and semantics. The results of experiments indicate that our system achieves a high accuracy of 79.7%, while it reduces the differences in functional expressions by up to 66.7%. The results also show an improvement in the performance of predicate extraction, providing encouraging evidence of the usability of paraphrasing as a means of normalizing different language expressions.
Privacy preserving continuous multimedia streaming in MANETs
Authors: Sakai Kazuya , Ku Wei-Shinn , Sun Min-Te , Zimmermann Roger
Published: August 2013

At present, mobile devices are prevalent with end users and continuous media streaming services in mobile ad-hoc networks (MANETs) support popular applications. It is required for applications that stream isochronous media that the network link be continuously available. In this study, we introduce two group-server scheduling schemes to improve link continuity:
static group-server scheduling
and
dynamic group-server scheduling
. With our solution, if one of the current links between a client and a server instance breaks, the client can still download the multimedia content from another scheduled server peer. In addition, we incorporate the data link layer constraints as well as privacy concerns into our protocol design. The simulation results show that the proposed schemes significantly improve the effective link duration, overall system performance, and degree of privacy in MANETs.
Mobile haptic e-book system to support 3D immersive reading in ubiquitous environments
Authors: Alam Kazi Masudul , Rahman Abu Saleh Md Mahfujur , Saddik Abdulmotaleb El
Published: August 2013

In order to leverage the use of various modalities such as audio-visual materials in instilling effective learning behavior we present an intuitive approach of annotation based hapto-audio-visual interaction with the traditional digital learning materials such as e-books. By integrating the home entertainment system in the user's reading experience combined with haptic interfaces we want to examine whether such augmentation of modalities influence the user's learning patterns. The proposed Haptic E--Book (HE-Book) system leverages the haptic jacket, haptic arm band as well as haptic sofa interfaces to receive haptic emotive signals wirelessly in the form of patterned vibrations of the actuators and expresses the learning material by incorporating image, video, 3D environment based augmented display in order to pave ways for intimate reading experience in the popular mobile e-book platform.
Towards decrypting attractiveness via multi-modality cues
Authors: Nguyen Tam V. , Liu Si , Ni Bingbing , Tan Jun , Rui Yong , Yan Shuicheng
Published: August 2013

Decrypting the secret of beauty or attractiveness has been the pursuit of artists and philosophers for centuries. To date, the computational model for attractiveness estimation has been actively explored in computer vision and multimedia community, yet with the focus mainly on facial features. In this article, we conduct a comprehensive study on female attractiveness conveyed by single/multiple modalities of cues, that is, face, dressing and/or voice, and aim to discover how different modalities individually and collectively affect the human sense of beauty. To extensively investigate the problem, we collect the Multi-Modality Beauty (M2B) dataset, which is annotated with attractiveness levels converted from manualk-wise ratings and semantic attributes of different modalities. Inspired by the common consensus that middle-level attribute prediction can assist higher-level computer vision tasks, we manually labeled many attributes for each modality. Next, a tri-layer Dual-supervised Feature-Attribute-Task (DFAT) network is proposed to jointly learn the attribute model and attractiveness model of single/multiple modalities. To remedy possible loss of information caused by incomplete manual attributes, we also propose a novel Latent Dual-supervised Feature-Attribute-Task (LDFAT) network, where latent attributes are combined with manual attributes to contribute to the final attractiveness estimation. The extensive experimental evaluations on the collected M2B dataset well demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed DFAT and LDFAT networks for female attractiveness prediction.
Distributed Reconstruction via Alternating Direction Method
Authors: Wang Linyuan , Cai Ailong , Zhang Hanming , Yan Bin , Li Lei , Hu Guoen
Published: August 2013

With the development of compressive sensing theory, image reconstruction from few-view projections has received considerable research attentions in the field of computed tomography (CT). Total-variation- (TV-) based CT image reconstruction has been shown to be experimentally capable of producing accurate reconstructions from sparse-view data. In this study, a distributed reconstruction algorithm based on TV minimization has been developed. This algorithm is very simple as it uses the alternating direction method. The proposed method can accelerate the alternating direction total variation minimization (ADTVM) algorithm without losing accuracy.
Acupuncture and Clomiphene Citrate for Live Birth in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Study Design of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kuang Hongying , Li Yan , Wu Xiaoke , Hou Lihui , Wu Taixiang , Liu Jianping , Ng Ernest Hung Yu , Stener-Victorin Elisabet , Legro Richard S. , Zhang Heping
Published: August 2013

Acupuncture is an alternative therapy to induce ovulation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), but there is no study reporting the live birth rate following ovulation induction by acupuncture or its potential as an adjuvant treatment to clomiphene citrate (CC). We assess the efficacy of acupuncture with or without CC in achieving live births among 1000 PCOS women in Mainland China. This paper reports the methodology of an ongoing multicenter randomized controlled trial. The randomization scheme is coordinated through the central mechanism and stratified by the participating sites. Participants will be randomized into one of the four treatment arms: (A) true acupuncture and CC, (B) control acupuncture and CC, (C) true acupuncture and placebo CC, and (D) control acupuncture and placebo CC. To ensure the quality and integrity of the trial we have developed a unique multinational team of investigators and Data and Safety Monitoring Board. Up to the end of April 2013, 326 subjects were recruited. In conclusion, the success of this trial will allow us to evaluate the additional benefit of acupuncture beyond the first line medicine for fertility treatment in PCOS women in an unbiased manner.
Nurses’ Patient-Centeredness and Perceptions of Care among Medicaid Patients in Hospital Obstetrical Units
Authors: Aragon Stephen J. , Richardson Liana J. , Lawrence Wanda , Gesell Sabina B.
Published: August 2013

Objective. This study examined to what degree patient-centeredness—measured as an underlying ability of obstetrical nurses—influenced Medicaid patients’ satisfaction with care in hospital obstetrical units.Design. Multigroup structural equation modeling design, using three cross-sectional random samples (n=300each) from the 2003 Press Ganey National Inpatient Database.Setting. Self-administered mail surveys.Participants. 900 Medicaid recipients recently discharged from inpatient hospital obstetrical units across the United States.Methods. Multigroup structural equation modeling was used to test the goodness of fit between a hypothesized model based on the Primary Provider Theory and patients’ ratings of nurses.Results. The model fitted the data well, was stable across three random samples, and was sustained when compared to a competing model. The patient-centeredness of nurses significantly influenced overall patient satisfaction and explained 66% of its variability. When nurses’ patient-centeredness increased by one standard deviation, patients’ satisfaction increased by 0.80 standard deviation.Conclusion. This study offers a novel approach to the measurement of the patient-centeredness of nurses and a paradigm for increasing it and its influence on Medicaid patients’ satisfaction in hospital obstetrical units.
A Novel Multilayered Multidisk Oral Tablet for Chronotherapeutic Drug Delivery
Authors: Khan Zaheeda , Choonara Yahya E. , Kumar Pradeep , du Toit Lisa C. , Ndesendo Valence M. K. , Pillay Viness
Published: August 2013

A Multilayered Multidisk Tablet (MLMDT) comprising two drug-loaded disks enveloped by three drug-free barrier layers was developed for use in chronotherapeutic disorders, employing two model drugs, theophylline and diltiazem HCl. The MLMDT was designed to achieve two pulses of drug release separated by a lag phase. The polymer disk comprised hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) and ethylcellulose (EC) granulated using an aqueous dispersion of EC. The polymeric barrier layers constituted a combination of pectin/Avicel (PBL) (1st barrier layer) and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) (HBL1 and HBL2) as the 2nd and 3rd barrier layers, respectively. Sodium bicarbonate was incorporated into the diltiazem-containing formulation for delayed drug release. Erosion and swelling studies confirmed the manner in which the drug was released with theophylline formulations exhibiting a maximum swelling of 97% and diltiazem containing formulations with a maximum swelling of 119%. FTIR spectra displayed no interactions between drugs and polymers. Molecular mechanics simulations were undertaken to predict the possible orientation of the polymer morphologies most likely affecting the MLMDT performance. The MLMDT provided two pulses of drug release, separated by a lag phase, and additionally it displayed desirable friability, hardness, and uniformity of mass indicating a stable formulation that may be a desirable candidate for chronotherapeutic drug delivery.
Acute Liver Failure Associated with Levetiracetam and Lacosamide Combination Treatment for Unspecified Epileptic Disorder
Authors: Gutiérrez-Grobe Ylse , Bahena-Gonzalez Jose Antonio , Herrera-Gomar Magali , Mendoza-Diaz Pedro , García-López Sandra , González-Chon Octavio
Published: August 2013

Background and Aim. Levetiracetam is a second-generation antiepileptic drug. It is approved as an adjunctive treatment of partial onset seizures with or without secondary generalization. It is considered safe with less than 1% of patients with transient elevations of liver enzymes.Methods. We report a case of acute liver failure secondary to Levetiracetam in combination with Lacosamide documented with a liver biopsy.Results. Liver biopsy demonstrated acute liver injury with a predominant submassive necrosis pattern and features of a drug-induced hepatitis.Conclusions. This is the first published case of acute liver failure due to antiepileptic therapy with Levetiracetam in combination with Lacosamide.
Bactericidal Activity of TiO2on Cells ofPseudomonas aeruginosaATCC 27853
Authors: Aguilar Salinas J. L. , Pacheco Aguilar J. R. , Mayén Hernández S. A. , Santos Cruz J.
Published: August 2013

The photocatalytic activity of semiconductors is increasingly being used to disinfect water, air, soils, and surfaces. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is widely used as a photocatalyst in thin films, powder, and in mixtures with other semiconductors or metals. This work presents the antibacterial effects of TiO2and light exposure (at 365 nm) onPseudomonas aeruginosaATCC 27853. TiO2powder was prepared from a mixture of titanium isopropoxide, ethanol, and nitric acid using a green and short time sol-gel technique. The obtained gel annealed at 450°C was characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, diffuse reflectance, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The nanocomposite effectively catalyzed the inactivation ofPseudomonas aeruginosa. Following 90 minutes exposure to TiO2and UV light, logarithm of cell density was reduced from 6 to 3. These results were confirmed by a factorial design incorporating two experimental replicates and two independent factors.
Radiation-Induced Noncancer Risks in Interventional Cardiology: Optimisation of Procedures and Staff and Patient Dose Reduction
Authors: Sun Zhonghua , AbAziz Aini , Khairuddin Md Yusof Ahmad
Published: August 2013

Concerns about ionizing radiation during interventional cardiology have been increased in recent years as a result of rapid growth in interventional procedure volumes and the high radiation doses associated with some procedures. Noncancer radiation risks to cardiologists and medical staff in terms of radiation-induced cataracts and skin injuries for patients appear clear potential consequences of interventional cardiology procedures, while radiation-induced potential risk of developing cardiovascular effects remains less clear. This paper provides an overview of the evidence-based reviews of concerns about noncancer risks of radiation exposure in interventional cardiology. Strategies commonly undertaken to reduce radiation doses to both medical staff and patients during interventional cardiology procedures are discussed; optimisation of interventional cardiology procedures is highlighted.
Tumor Cells Upregulate Normoxic HIF-1α in Response to Doxorubicin
Authors: Cao Yiting , Eble Joseph M. , Moon Ejung , Yuan Hong , Weitzel Douglas H. , Landon Chelsea D. , Yu-Chih Nien Charleen , Hanna Gabi , Rich Jeremy N. , Provenzale James M. , Dewhirst Mark W.
Published: August 2013

Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) is a master transcription factor that controls cellular homeostasis. Although its activation benefits normal tissue, HIF-1 activation in tumors is a major risk factor for angiogenesis, therapeutic resistance, and poor prognosis. HIF-1 activity is usually suppressed under normoxic conditions because of rapid oxygen-dependent degradation of HIF-1α. Here, we show that, under normoxic conditions, HIF-1α is upregulated in tumor cells in response to doxorubicin, a chemotherapeutic agent used to treat many cancers. In addition, doxorubicin enhanced VEGF secretion by normoxic tumor cells and stimulated tumor angiogenesis. Doxorubicin-induced accumulation of HIF-1α in normoxic cells was caused by increased expression and activation of STAT1, the activation of which stimulated expression of iNOS and its synthesis of nitric oxide (NO) in tumor cells. Mechanistic investigations established that blocking NO synthesis or STAT1 activation was sufficient to attenuate the HIF-1α accumulation induced by doxorubicin in normoxic cancer cells. To our knowledge, this is the first report that a chemotherapeutic drug can induce HIF-1α accumulation in normoxic cells, an efficacy-limiting activity. Our results argue that HIF-1α-targeting strategies may enhance doxorubicin efficacy. More generally, they suggest a broader perspective on the design of combination chemotherapy approaches with immediate clinical impact. Cancer Res; 73(20); 6230–42. ©2013 AACR.
Specific Recruitment of γδ Regulatory T Cells in Human Breast Cancer
Authors: Ye Jian , Ma Chunling , Wang Fang , Hsueh Eddy C. , Toth Karoly , Huang Yi , Mo Wei , Liu Shuai , Han Bing , Varvares Mark A. , Hoft Daniel F. , Peng Guangyong
Published: August 2013

Understanding the role of different subtypes of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) in the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment is essential for improving cancer treatment. Enriched γδ1 T-cell populations in TILs suppress T-cell responses and dendritic cell maturation in breast cancer, where their presence is correlated negatively with clinical outcomes. However, mechanism(s) that explain the increase in this class of regulatory T cells (γδ Treg) in patients with breast cancer have yet to be elucidated. In this study, we show that IP-10 secreted by breast cancer cells attracted γδ Tregs. Using neutralizing antibodies against chemokines secreted by breast cancer cells, we found that IP-10 was the only functional chemokine that causes γδ Tregs to migrate toward breast cancer cells. In a humanized NOD-scid IL-2Rγnull (NSG) mouse model, human breast cancer cells attracted γδ Tregs as revealed by a live cell imaging system. IP-10 neutralization in vivo inhibited migration and trafficking of γδ Tregs into breast tumor sites, enhancing tumor immunity mediated by tumor-specific T cells. Together, our studies show how γδ Tregs accumulate in breast tumors, providing a rationale for their immunologic targeting to relieve immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment. Cancer Res; 73(20); 6137–48. ©2013 AACR.
Sorafenib Overcomes Irinotecan Resistance in Colorectal Cancer by Inhibiting the ABCG2 Drug-Efflux Pump
Authors: Mazard Thibault , Causse Annick , Simony Joelle , Leconet Wilhem , Vezzio-Vie Nadia , Torro Adeline , Jarlier Marta , Evrard Alexandre , Del Rio Maguy , Assenat Eric , Martineau Pierre , Ychou Marc , Robert Bruno , Gongora Celine
Published: August 2013

Despite recent advances in the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC), tumor resistance is a frequent cause of chemotherapy failure. Therefore, new treatment options are needed to improve survival of patients with irinotecan-refractory CRCs, particularly those bearing KRAS mutations that preclude the use of anti-EGFR therapies. In this study, we investigated whether sorafenib could reverse irinotecan resistance, thereby enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of routinely used irinotecan-based chemotherapy. We used both in vitro (the HCT116, SW48, SW620, and HT29 colon adenocarcinoma cell lines and four SN-38–resistant HCT-116 and SW48 clones) and in vivo models (nude mice xenografted with SN-38–resistant HCT116 cells) to test the efficacy of sorafenib alone or in combination with irinotecan or its active metabolite, SN-38. We have shown that sorafenib improved the antitumoral activity of irinotecan in vitro, in both parental and SN-38–resistant colon adenocarcinoma cell lines independently of their KRAS status, as well as in vivo, in xenografted mice. By inhibiting the drug-efflux pump ABCG2, sorafenib favors irinotecan intracellular accumulation and enhances its toxicity. Moreover, we found that sorafenib improved the efficacy of irinotecan by inhibiting the irinotecan-mediated p38 and ERK activation. In conclusion, our results show that sorafenib can suppress resistance to irinotecan and suggest that sorafenib could be used to overcome resistance to irinotecan-based chemotherapies in CRC, particularly in KRAS-mutated tumors. Mol Cancer Ther; 12(10); 2121–34. ©2013 AACR.
Berbamine Inhibits the Growth of Liver Cancer Cells and Cancer-Initiating Cells by Targeting Ca2+/Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase II
Authors: Meng Zhipeng , Li Tao , Ma Xiaoxiao , Wang Xiaoqiong , Van Ness Carl , Gan Yichao , Zhou Hong , Tang Jinfen , Lou Guiyu , Wang Yafan , Wu Jun , Yen Yun , Xu Rongzhen , Huang Wendong
Published: August 2013

Liver cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide but no effective treatment toward liver cancer is available so far. Therefore, there is an unmet medical need to identify novel therapies to efficiently treat liver cancer and improve the prognosis of this disease. Here, we report that berbamine and one of its derivatives, bbd24, potently suppressed liver cancer cell proliferation and induced cancer cell death by targeting Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CAMKII). Furthermore, berbamine inhibited the in vivo tumorigenicity of liver cancer cells in NOD/SCID mice and downregulated the self-renewal abilities of liver cancer–initiating cells. Chemical inhibition or short hairpin RNA–mediated knockdown of CAMKII recapitulated the effects of berbamine, whereas overexpression of CAMKII promoted cancer cell proliferation and increased the resistance of liver cancer cells to berbamine treatments. Western blot analyses of human liver cancer specimens showed that CAMKII was hyperphosphorylated in liver tumors compared with the paired peritumor tissues, which supports a role of CAMKII in promoting human liver cancer progression and the potential clinical use of berbamine for liver cancer therapies. Our data suggest that berbamine and its derivatives are promising agents to suppress liver cancer growth by targeting CAMKII. Mol Cancer Ther; 12(10); 2067–77. ©2013 AACR.
Burden of Anemia in Relation to Thalassemia and Iron Deficiency among Vietnamese Pregnant Women
Authors: Siridamrongvattana Sirivara , Van Hoa Nguyen , Sanchaisuriya Kanokwan , Dung Nguyen , Hoa Phan Thi Thuy , Sanchaisuriya Pattara , Fucharoen Goonnapa , Fucharoen Supan , Schelp Frank P.
Published: August 2013

Background and Aims: Information about the extent to which anemia is related to thalassemia and iron deficiency (ID) is not available in Vietnam. This study investigated the burden of anemia in relation to thalassemia and ID among Vietnamese pregnant women. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Thua Thien Hue, Central Vietnam. Blood samples taken from 399 pregnant women with a gestational age <12 weeks were analyzed. Anemia was defined as Hb levels <11 g/dl, and ID as ferritin values <15 ng/ml. Results: Out of 399 participants, 77 (19.3%) were anemic. While the prevalence of ID was 20.1%, the prevalence of ID anemia was 6.0%. The overall prevalence of thalassemia was 7.3%. Of the 77 anemic women, 24 (31.2%) had ID, and 20 (26.0%) had thalassemia genes. The rest (42.9%) were anemic due to unknown causes. Conclusions: The results indicate that ID remains a significant health burden among the study population, together with anemia caused by unknown factors. Thalassemias appear not to contribute to a great extent to anemia among Vietnamese pregnant women. Other causes need to be investigated further in order to develop an effective control program for anemia within the population.
Clinical Characteristics of C9ORF72-Linked Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration
Authors: Kaivorinne Anna-Lotta , Bode Michaela K. , Paavola Liisa , Tuominen Hannu , Kallio Mika , Renton Alan E. , Traynor Bryan J. , Moilanen Virpi , Remes Anne M.
Published: August 2013

Background: The most common genetic cause of frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has been linked to a hexanucleotide repeat expansion in the C9ORF72 gene. The frequency of the C9ORF72 expansion in Finland is among the highest in the world. Methods: We assessed 73 Finnish patients with FTLD in order to examine the clinical characteristics associated with the expanded C9ORF72. Demographic and clinical features were evaluated. As a potential disease modifier, the apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype was also assessed. Neuropathological analysis was available on 2 expansion carriers and 1 non-carrier. Results: The C9ORF72 expansion was present in 20 of 70 (29%) probands. Significant associations with the C9ORF72 expansion were observed for concomitant ALS and positive family history of dementia or ALS. Psychoses were detected in both carriers and non-carriers (21 vs. 10%, p = 0.25). The APOE ε4 allele did not cluster among expansion carriers. Numerous p62-positive neuronal inclusions were detected in the cerebellar cortex of the 2 expansion carriers. Conclusion: In line with the suggested C9ORF72 core phenotype, we also detected a high frequency of neuropsychiatric symptoms; however, these symptoms seem not be specific to C9ORF72-associated FTLD. FTLD should be considered in cases of middle-age-onset psychosis.
Laparoscopic and Open Subtotal Colectomies Have Similar Short-Term Results
Authors: Hoogenboom Froukje J. , Bosker Robbert J.I. , Groen Henk , Meijerink Wilhelmus J.H.J. , Lamme Bas , Pierie Jean Pierre E.N.
Published: August 2013

Background: Laparoscopic subtotal colectomy (STC) is a complex procedure. It is possible that short-term benefits for segmental resections cannot be attributed to this complex procedure. This study aims to assess differences in short-term results for laparoscopic versus open STC during a 15-year single-institute experience. Methods: We reviewed consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic or open elective or subacute STC from January 1997 to December 2012. Results: Fifty-six laparoscopic and 50 open STCs were performed. The operation time was significantly longer in the laparoscopic group, median 266 min (range 121-420 min), compared to 153 min (range 90-408 min) in the open group (p < 0.001). Median hospital stay showed no statistical difference, 14 days (range 1-129 days) in the laparoscopic and 13 days (range 1-85 days) in the open group. Between-group postoperative complications were not statistically different. Conclusions: Laparoscopic STC has short-term results similar to the open procedure, except for a longer operation time. The laparoscopic approach for STC is therefore only advisable in selected patients combined with extensive preoperative counseling.
Plasmin(ogen) Acquisition by Group A Streptococcus Protects against C3b-Mediated Neutrophil Killing
Authors: Ly Diane , Taylor Jude M. , Tsatsaronis James A. , Monteleone Mercedes M. , Skora Amanda S. , Donald Cortny A. , Maddocks Tracy , Nizet Victor , West Nicholas P. , Ranson Marie , Walker Mark J. , McArthur Jason D. , Sanderson-Smith Martina L.
Published: August 2013

The globally significant human pathogen group A Streptococcus (GAS) sequesters the host protease plasmin to the cell surface during invasive disease initiation. Recent evidence has shown that localized plasmin activity prevents opsonization of several bacterial species by key components of the innate immune system in vitro. Here we demonstrate that plasmin at the GAS cell surface resulted in degradation of complement factor C3b, and that plasminogen acquisition is associated with a decrease in C3b opsonization and neutrophil-mediated killing in vitro. Furthermore, the ability to acquire cell surface plasmin(ogen) correlates directly with a decrease in C3b opsonization, neutrophil phagocytosis, and increased bacterial survival in a humanized plasminogen mouse model of infection. These findings demonstrate that localized plasmin(ogen) plays an important role in facilitating GAS escape from the host innate immune response and increases bacterial virulence in the early stages of infection.
Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammation Aggravates Irradiation-Induced Injury to the Young Mouse Brain
Authors: Roughton Karolina , Andreasson Ulf , Blomgren Klas , Kalm Marie
Published: August 2013

Radiotherapy is an effective treatment strategy in the treatment of brain tumors, but it is also a major cause of long-term complications, especially in survivors of pediatric brain tumors. Cognitive decline caused by cranial radiotherapy is thought, at least partly, to depend on injury to stem and progenitor cells in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. This study investigated the effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation at the time of irradiation (IR) in the growing mouse brain. A single injection of LPS (0.3 mg/kg) was administered 24 h prior to cranial IR of 14-day-old male mice. LPS pretreatment increased the levels of the chemokine CCL2 and the cytokine IL-1β in the brain by 440 and 560%, respectively, compared to IR alone. IR disrupted hippocampal neurogenesis and the growth of the dentate gyrus, and the mice pretreated with LPS displayed an even more pronounced lack of growth than the vehicle-treated group 2 months after IR. The density of microglia was not affected, but LPS-pretreated mice displayed 48% fewer bromodeoxyuridine-positive cells and 43% fewer doublecortin-positive cells in the granule cell layer 2 months after IR compared with the vehicle-treated group. In conclusion, an ongoing inflammation in the brain at the time of IR further enhanced the IR-induced loss of neurogenesis, and may aggravate future cognitive deficits in patients treated with cranial radiotherapy.
Variation of Urate Transport in the Nephrons in Subtypes of Hyperuricemia
Authors: Nakamura Toru , Nishi Rie , Tanaka Tuneo , Takagi Kazutaka , Sakai Katsuya , Takai Mihoko , Morishima Shigeru , Yamauchi Takahiro , Ueda Takanori
Published: August 2013

Background: Hyperuricemia cases (HU) can be classified into four subgroups by combining the two main causes of hyperuricemia, i.e. urate underexcretion and overproduction. These subgroups are as follows: underexcretion-type cases (UE); overproduction-type cases (OP); combined-type cases, and normal-type cases. Since urinary urate excretion (Uua) and urate clearance differ significantly between UE and OP, urate transport in the nephrons and the intratubular urate contents might also differ. Such differences might help clarify the pathophysiology of urate underexcretion in subgroups of hyperuricemia, and thus reveal its underlying mechanisms. Methods: Urate transport coefficients in each subtype of HU were determined employing the previously reported benzbromarone-loading urate clearance tests. The subtype cases of HU were plotted on a graph of urate transport coefficients versus Uua as coordinates. The characteristic features in the distribution of subtype cases on graphs were analyzed in relation to Uua. Results: The mean (±standard error) tubular secretion rate (TSR) in the UE (48.7 ± 1.7 ml/min) was significantly lower and the postsecretory urate reabsorption rate (R2) in the UE (0.904 ± 0.004) was significantly higher than those in the normal controls (78.0 ± 2.1 ml/min and 0.877 ± 0.003) or the OP (61.1 ± 3.2 ml/min and 0.861 ± 0.009). Decrements of TSR and increments of R2 in the UE were largest in the subtypes of the HU, in terms of case numbers and the deviation rate of the group. Conversely, decrements of TSR and increments of R2 were smallest in the OP. A significant correlation was identified between TSR and Uua (r = 0.345, p < 0.0001), and a significant negative correlation was also found between R2 and Uua (r = -0.393, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: In the UE, hyperuricemia is induced mainly by urate underexcretion, which results from the combination of two main causes in urate transporters of the nephron: significantly lower TSR and significantly higher R2. Neither of these was observed in OP. Differences in urate transporters in subtypes of the HU might be important not only for understanding the pathophysiology and mechanisms of urate underexcretion and hyperuricemia, but also for providing a strategic therapy for hyperuricemia.
Blood Pressure in Relation to Interactions Between Sodium Dietary Intake and Renal Handling
Authors: Zou Jun , Li Yan , Yan Chong-Huai , Wei Fang-Fei , Zhang Lu , Wang Ji-Guang
Published: August 2013

There is abundant evidence that sodium intake is related to blood pressure. However, the relationship varies between individuals and is probably determined by renal sodium handling. We investigated clinic and ambulatory blood pressure in relation to interactions between sodium dietary intake and renal handling, as assessed by 24-hour urinary sodium excretion and endogenous lithium clearance, respectively. We calculated fractional excretion of lithium and fractional distal reabsorption rate of sodium, as markers of proximal and distal sodium handling, respectively. The 766 subjects included 379 men and 478 ambulatory hypertensive patients. They were never treated (n=697) or did not take antihypertensive medication for ≥2 weeks (n=69). In adjusted analyses, none of the associations of urinary sodium excretion, fractional excretion of lithium, and fractional distal reabsorption rate of sodium with clinic or ambulatory blood pressure were statistically significant (
P
≥0.09). However, there was significant (
P
=0.01) interaction between urinary sodium excretion and fractional excretion of lithium in relation to nighttime diastolic blood pressure. In tertile 3 but not tertiles 1 and 2 of fractional excretion of lithium, nighttime diastolic pressure was positively associated with urinary sodium excretion (
P
=0.03). However, nighttime diastolic pressure was higher in tertile 1 than tertile 3 of fractional excretion of lithium (+2.0 mm Hg;
P
=0.01), especially in the bottom tertile of urinary sodium excretion (+4.9 mm Hg;
P
<0.001). Similar trends were observed for nighttime systolic pressure and clinic and 24-hour diastolic pressure. In conclusion, sodium dietary intake and proximal tubular handling interact to be associated with blood pressure.
Increased Renal Epithelial Na Channel Expression and Activity Correlate With Elevation of Blood Pressure in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Haloui Mounsif , Tremblay Johanne , Seda Ondrej , Koltsova Svetlana V. , Maksimov Georgy V. , Orlov Sergei N. , Hamet Pavel
Published: August 2013

Elevation of blood pressure with age is one of the hallmarks of hypertension in both males and females. This study examined transcriptomic profiles in the kidney of 12-, 40-, and 80-week-old spontaneously hypertensive rats and 4 recombinant inbred strains in search for functional genetic elements supporting temporal dynamics of blood pressure elevation. We found that both in males and females of spontaneously hypertensive rats and hypertensive recombinant inbred strains age-dependent blood pressure increment was accompanied by 50% heightened expression of epithelial sodium channel β- and γ-subunits. Epithelial sodium channel subunit expression correlated positively with blood pressure but correlated negatively with renin expression. Increased epithelial sodium channel activity was observed in cultured epithelial cells isolated from the kidney medulla of 80-week-old spontaneously hypertensive rats but not in age-matched normotensive Wistar Kyoto. This difference remained evident after 24-hour treatment with aldosterone. 22Na uptake in the perfused kidney medulla was increased whereas the urinary Na/K ratio was decreased in old spontaneously hypertensive rats compared with normotensive controls. The difference was eliminated by the administration of epithelial sodium channel inhibitor benzamil. Observations in recombinant inbred strains representing various mixtures of parental hypertensive and normotensive genomes suggest that Scnn1g and Scnn1b genes themselves are not implicated in heightened expression and that the increased expression is neither secondary nor required for a partial elevation of blood pressure in contrast to spontaneously hypertensive rats. We suggest that spontaneously hypertensive rats display an intact negative feed-back between renin-angiotensin-system and epithelial Na channel activity whose upregulated expression is supported by a yet unknown mechanism.
Diminazene Aceturate Enhances Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 Activity and Attenuates Ischemia-Induced Cardiac Pathophysiology
Authors: Qi YanFei , Zhang Juan , Cole-Jeffrey Colleen T. , Shenoy Vinayak , Espejo Andrew , Hanna Mina , Song Chunjuan , Pepine Carl J. , Katovich Michael J. , Raizada Mohan K.
Published: August 2013

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) plays a critical role against myocardial infarction (MI). We hypothesized that activation of intrinsic ACE2 would be protective against ischemia-induced cardiac pathophysiology. Diminazene aceturate (DIZE), a small molecule ACE2 activator, has been used to evaluate this hypothesis. DIZE (15 mg/kg per day, s.c.) was injected 2 days before MI surgery and continued throughout the study period. MI rats showed a 62% decrease in fractional shortening (%; control, 51.1±3.2; DIZE alone, 52.1±3.2; MI, 19.1±3.0), a 55% decrease in contractility (dP/dt
max
mm Hg/s; control, 9480±425.3; DIZE alone, 9585±597.4; MI, 4251±657.7), and a 27% increase in ventricular hypertrophy (mg/mm; control, 26.5±1.5; DIZE alone, 26.9±1.4; MI, 33.4±1.1). DIZE attenuated the MI-induced decrease in fractional shortening by 89%, improved dP/dt
max
by 92%, and reversed ventricular hypertrophy by 18%. MI also significantly increased ACE and angiotensin type 1 receptor levels but decreased ACE2 activity by 40% (control, 246.2±25.1; DIZE alone, 254.2±20.6; MI, 148.9±29.2; RFU/min), which was reversed by DIZE treatment. Thus, DIZE treatment decreased the infarct area, attenuated LV remodeling post-MI, and restored normal balance of the cardiac renin–angiotensin system. In addition, DIZE treatment increased circulating endothelial progenitor cells, increased engraftment of cardiac progenitor cells, and decreased inflammatory cells in peri-infarct cardiac regions. All of the beneficial effects associated with DIZE treatment were abolished by C-16, an ACE2 inhibitor. Collectively, DIZE and DIZE-like small molecules may represent promising new therapeutic agents for MI.
Long-Term and Ultra Long–Term Blood Pressure Variability During Follow-Up and Mortality in 14 522 Patients With Hypertension
Authors: Hastie Claire E. , Jeemon Panniyammakal , Coleman Holli , McCallum Linsay , Patel Rajan , Dawson Jesse , Sloan William , Meredith Peter , Jones Gregory C. , Muir Scott , Walters Matthew , Dominiczak Anna F. , Morrison David , McInnes Gordon T. , Padmanabhan Sandosh
Published: August 2013

Recent evidence indicates that long-term visit-to-visit blood pressure variability (BPV) may be an independent cardiovascular risk predictor. The implication of this variability in hypertension clinical practice is unclear. BPV as average real variability (ARV) was calculated in 14 522 treated patients with hypertension in 4 time frames: year 1 (Y
1
), years 2 to 5 (Y
2–5
), years 5 to 10 (Y
5–10
), and years >10 (Y
10+
) from first clinic visit. Cox proportional hazards models for cause-specific mortality were used in each time frame separately for long-term BPV, across time frames based on ultra long–term BPV, and within each time frame stratified by mean BP. ARV in systolic blood pressure (SBP), termed ARV
SBP
, was higher in Y
1
(21.3±11.9 mm Hg) in contrast to Y
2–5
(17.7±9.9 mm Hg), Y
5–10
(17.4±9.6 mm Hg), and Y
10+
(16.8±8.5 mm Hg). In all time frames, ARV
SBP
was higher in women (
P
<0.01) and in older age (
P
<0.001), chronic kidney disease (
P
<0.01), and prevalent cardiovascular disease (
P
<0.01). Higher long-term and ultra long–term BPV values were associated with increased mortality (all-cause, cardiovascular, and noncardiovascular mortality;
P
for trend, <0.001). This relationship was also evident in subgroups with mean SBP<140 mm Hg in all time frames. Monitoring BPV in clinical practice may facilitate risk reduction strategies by identifying treated hypertensive individuals at high risk, especially those with BP within the normal range.
Meeting the Challenge
Authors: Anthony Inger
Published: August 2013

Purpose. This article presents a worldview of youth who are victims of homelessness. A view of family dynamics and how they affect the emotional, psychological, social, and physical health of homeless youth is presented. Results. Homeless youth and their families are at high risk for poor health outcomes. Those who present for health care services are least likely to return to the same site for follow-up care. Conclusion. Understanding the dynamics of homelessness and its effect on youth and family will facilitate efforts to engage the family and increase the likelihood for follow-up with the same provider. A patient-centered cognitive approach when managing these youth and their family will improve communication, potentiate engagement, whet creative decision making, and facilitate continuity of care.
Democracy and Vulnerability
Authors: San-Akca Belgin
Published: August 2013

The research on the influence of democracy on terrorism renders support for two causal mechanisms. One is that democracy reduces terrorism because it creates an environment in which dissenters can pursue their interests through peaceful means. The other argument states that democracy encourages terrorism due to the intrinsic liberties and freedoms that provide an opportunity for terrorists to easily organize, recruit, and mount operations. This article contributes to this second line of thought by framing support for rebel groups as one of the contexts in which democracy’s influence on terrorism is examined. I identify a theoretical mechanism about how democratic states unknowingly facilitate terrorism by letting terrorists freely stay within their borders, raise funds, smuggle arms, and operate offices. The empirical findings provide support for the hypothesis that democracies are vulnerable and can easily be exploited by terrorists since they have an environment conducive to terrorist activities.