bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Socioeconomic disparity in cervical cancer screening among Korean women: 1998–2010
Authors: Lee Minjee , Park Eun-Cheol , Chang Hoo-Sun , Kwon Jeoung A , Yoo Ki Bong , Kim Tae Hyun
Published: June 2013

Background

Cervical cancer is the sixth most common cause of cancer among Korean women and is one of the most preventable cancers in the world. This study aimed to investigate the change in cervical cancer screening rates, the level of socioeconomic disparities in cervical cancer screening participation, and whether there was a reduction in these disparities between 1998 and 2010.

Methods

Using the Korean Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, women 30 years or older without a history of cervical cancer and who completed a health questionnaire, physical examination, and nutritional survey were included (n = 17,105). Information about participation in cervical cancer screening was collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between cervical cancer screening participation and the socioeconomic status of the women.

Results

The cervical cancer screening rate increased from 40.5% in 1998 to 52.5% in 2010. Socioeconomic disparities influenced participation, and women with lower educational levels and lower household income were less likely to be screened. Compared with the lowest educational level, the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for screening in women with the highest educational level were 1.56 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.05–2.30) in 1998, and 1.44 (95% CI: 1.12–1.87) in 2010. Compared with women with the lowest household income level, the adjusted ORs for screening in women with the highest household income level were 1.80 (95% CI: 1.22–2.68), 2.82 (95% CI: 2.01–3.96), and 1.45 (95% CI: 1.08–1.94) in 2001, 2005, and 2010, respectively.

Conclusion

Although population-wide progress has been made in participation in cervical cancer screening over the 12-year period, socioeconomic status remained an important factor in reducing compliance with cancer screening.
The association between price, competition, and demand factors on private sector anti-malarial stocking and sales in western Kenya: considerations for the AMFm subsidy
Authors: O’Meara Wendy Prudhomme , Obala Andrew , Thirumurthy Harsha , Khwa-Otsyula Barasa
Published: June 2013

Background

Households in sub-Saharan Africa are highly reliant on the retail sector for obtaining treatment for malaria fevers and other illnesses. As donors and governments seek to promote the use of artemisinin combination therapy in malaria-endemic areas through subsidized anti-malarials offered in the retail sector, understanding the stocking and pricing decisions of retail outlets is vital.

Methods

A survey of all medicine retailers serving Bungoma East District in western Kenya was conducted three months after the launch of the AMFm subsidy in Kenya. The survey obtained information on each anti-malarial in stock: brand name, price, sales volume, outlet characteristics and GPS co-ordinates. These data were matched to household-level data from the Webuye Health and Demographic Surveillance System, from which population density and fever prevalence near each shop were determined. Regression analysis was used to identify the factors associated with retailers’ likelihood of stocking subsidized artemether lumefantrine (AL) and the association between price and sales for AL, quinine and sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP).

Results

Ninety-seven retail outlets in the study area were surveyed; 11% of outlets stocked subsidized AL. Size of the outlet and having a pharmacist on staff were associated with greater likelihood of stocking subsidized AL. In the multivariable model, total volume of anti-malarial sales was associated with greater likelihood of stocking subsidized AL and competition was important; likelihood of stocking subsidized AL was considerably higher if the nearest neighbour stocked subsidized AL. Price was a significant predictor of sales volume for all three types of anti-malarials but the relationship varied, with the largest price sensitivity found for SP drugs.

Conclusion

The results suggest that helping small outlets overcome the constraints to stocking subsidized AL should be a priority. Competition between retailers and prices can play an important role in greater adoption of AL.
Equity in the distribution of CT and MRI in China: a panel analysis
Authors: He Da , Yu Hao , Chen Yingyao
Published: June 2013

Introduction

China is facing a daunting challenge to health equity in the context of rapid economic development. This study adds to the literature by examining equity in the distribution of high-technology medical equipment, such as CT and MRI, in China.

Methods

A panel analysis was conducted with information about four study sites in 2006 and 2009. The four provincial-level study sites included Shanghai, Zhejiang, Shaanxi, and Hunan, representing different geographical, economic, and medical technology levels in China. A random sample of 71 hospitals was selected from the four sites. Data were collected through questionnaire surveys. Equity status was assessed in terms of CT and MRI numbers, characteristics of machine, and financing sources. The assessment was conducted at multiple levels, including international, provincial, city, and hospital level. In addition to comparison among the study sites, the sample was compared with OECD countries in CT and MRI distributions.

Results

China had lower numbers of CTs and MRIs per million population in 2009 than most of the selected OECD countries while the increases in its CT and MRI numbers from 2006 to 2009 were higher than most of the OECD countries. The equity status of CT distribution remained at low inequality level in both 2006 and 2009 while the equity status of MRI distribution improved from high inequality in 2006 to moderate inequality in 2009. Despite the equity improvement, the distributions of CTs and MRIs were significantly positively correlated with economic development level across all cities in the four study sites in either 2006 or 2009. Our analysis also revealed that Shanghai, the study site with the highest level of economic development, had more advanced CT and MRI machine, more imported CTs and MRIs, and higher government subsidies on these two types of equipment.

Conclusions

The number of CTs and MRIs increased considerably in China from 2006 to 2009. The equity status of CTs was better than that of MRIs although the equity status in MRI distribution got improved from 2006 to 2009. Still considerable inequality exists in terms of characteristics and financing of CTs and MRIs.
Laser-induced growth of nanocrystals embedded in porous materials
Authors: Capoen Bruno , Chahadih Abdallah , El Hamzaoui Hicham , Cristini Odile , Bouazaoui Mohamed
Published: June 2013

Space localization of the linear and nonlinear optical properties in a transparent medium at the submicron scale is still a challenge to yield the future generation of photonic devices. Laser irradiation techniques have always been thought to structure the matter at the nanometer scale, but combining them with doping methods made it possible to generate local growth of several types of nanocrystals in different kinds of silicate matrices. This paper summarizes the most recent works developed in our group, where the investigated nanoparticles are either made of metal (gold) or chalcogenide semiconductors (CdS, PbS), grown in precursor-impregnated porous xerogels under different laser irradiations. This review is associated to new results on silver nanocrystals in the same kind of matrices. It is shown that, depending on the employed laser, the particles can be formed near the sample surface or deep inside the silica matrix. Photothermal and/or photochemical mechanisms may be invoked to explain the nanoparticle growth, depending on the laser, precursor, and matrix. One striking result is that metal salt reduction, necessary to the production of the corresponding nanoparticles, can efficiently occur due to the thermal wrenching of electrons from the matrix itself or due to multiphoton absorption of the laser light by a reducer additive in femtosecond regime. Very localized semiconductor quantum dots could also be generated using ultrashort pulses, but while PbS nanoparticles grow faster than CdS particles due to one-photon absorption, this better efficiency is counterbalanced by a sensitivity to oxidation. In most cases where the reaction efficiency is high, particles larger than the pores have been obtained, showing that a fast diffusion of the species through the interconnected porosity can modify the matrix itself. Based on our experience in these techniques, we compare several examples of laser-induced nanocrystal growth in porous silica xerogels, which allows extracting the best experimental conditions to obtain an efficient particle production and to avoid stability or oxidation problems.
An audio watermark-based speech bandwidth extension method
Authors: Chen Zhe , Zhao Chengyong , Geng Guosheng , Yin Fuliang
Published: June 2013

A novel speech bandwidth extension method based on audio watermark is presented in this paper. The time-domain and frequency-domain envelope parameters are extracted from the high-frequency components of speech signal, and then these parameters are embedded in the corresponding narrowband speech bit stream by the modified least significant bit watermark method which uses perception property. At the decoder, the wideband speech is reproduced with the reconstruction of high-frequency components based on the parameters extracted from bit stream of the narrowband speech. The proposed method can decrease poor auditory effect caused by large local distortion. The simulation results show that the synthesized wideband speech has low spectral distortion and its speech perception quality is greatly improved.
The modulation of apoptosis by oncogenic viruses
Authors: Fuentes-González Alma Mariana , Contreras-Paredes Adriana , Manzo-Merino Joaquín , Lizano Marcela
Published: June 2013

Transforming viruses can change a normal cell into a cancer cell during their normal life cycle. Persistent infections with these viruses have been recognized to cause some types of cancer. These viruses have been implicated in the modulation of various biological processes, such as proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. The study of infections caused by oncogenic viruses had helped in our understanding of several mechanisms that regulate cell growth, as well as the molecular alterations leading to cancer. Therefore, transforming viruses provide models of study that have enabled the advances in cancer research. Viruses with transforming abilities, include different members of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) family, Hepatitis C virus (HCV), Human T-cell Leukemia virus (HTLV-1), Epstein Barr virus (EBV) and Kaposi’s Sarcoma Herpesvirus (KSHV).

Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is a tightly regulated process that plays an important role in development and homeostasis. Additionally, it functions as an antiviral defense mechanism. The deregulation of apoptosis has been implicated in the etiology of diverse diseases, including cancer. Oncogenic viruses employ different mechanisms to inhibit the apoptotic process, allowing the propagation of infected and damaged cells. During this process, some viral proteins are able to evade the immune system, while others can directly interact with the caspases involved in apoptotic signaling. In some instances, viral proteins can also promote apoptosis, which may be necessary for an accurate regulation of the initial stages of infection.
Exposure to wood smoke increases arterial stiffness and decreases heart rate variability in humans
Authors: Unosson Jon , Blomberg Anders , Sandström Thomas , Muala Ala , Boman Christoffer , Nyström Robin , Westerholm Roger , Mills Nicholas L , Newby David E , Langrish Jeremy P , Bosson Jenny A
Published: June 2013

Background

Emissions from biomass combustion are a major source of indoor and outdoor air pollution, and are estimated to cause millions of premature deaths worldwide annually. Whilst adverse respiratory health effects of biomass exposure are well established, less is known about its effects on the cardiovascular system. In this study we assessed the effect of exposure to wood smoke on heart rate, blood pressure, central arterial stiffness and heart rate variability in otherwise healthy persons.

Methods

Fourteen healthy non-smoking subjects participated in a randomized, double-blind crossover study. Subjects were exposed to dilute wood smoke (mean particle concentration of 314±38 μg/m3) or filtered air for three hours during intermittent exercise. Heart rate, blood pressure, central arterial stiffness and heart rate variability were measured at baseline and for one hour post-exposure.

Results

Central arterial stiffness, measured as augmentation index, augmentation pressure and pulse wave velocity, was higher after wood smoke exposure as compared to filtered air (p < 0.01 for all), and heart rate was increased (p < 0.01) although there was no effect on blood pressure. Heart rate variability (SDNN, RMSSD and pNN50; p = 0.003, p < 0.001 and p < 0.001 respectively) was decreased one hour following exposure to wood smoke compared to filtered air.

Conclusions

Acute exposure to wood smoke as a model of exposure to biomass combustion is associated with an immediate increase in central arterial stiffness and a simultaneous reduction in heart rate variability. As biomass is used for cooking and heating by a large fraction of the global population and is currently advocated as a sustainable alternative energy source, further studies are required to establish its likely impact on cardiovascular disease.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01488500
Isolated hypoplastic circumflex coronary artery: a rare cause of haemorrhagic myocardial infarction in a young athlete
Authors: Riede Florian-Nikolaus , Bulla Stefan , Grundmann Sebastian , Werner Martin , Riede Urs-Nikolaus , Otto Claudia
Published: June 2013

Hypoplastic coronary artery disease is a rare condition that may lead to myocardial infarction and sudden death. Here we describe for the first time an isolated hypoplasia of the left circumflex artery (LCX). An otherwise healthy and athletically active 16-year-old boy was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. He died 12 hours after the initial event. Autopsy revealed an isolated hypoplastic LCX and acute haemorrhagic infarction in the posterolateral myocardium. The existence of isolated hypoplasia of the LCX challenges our understanding of coronary artery development.

Virtual slides

The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here:http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/1558483061962648
Chemical changes of Angelicae Sinensis Radix and Chuanxiong Rhizoma by wine treatment: chemical profiling and marker selection by gas chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhan Janis Ya-xian , Zhang Wendy Li , Zheng Ken Yu-zhong , Zhu Kevin Yue , Chen Jian-ping , Chan Pui-Hei , Dong Tina Ting-xia , Choi Roy Chi-yan , Lam Henry , Tsim Karl Wah-keung , Lau David Tai-wai
Published: June 2013

Background

Angelicae Sinensis Radix (ASR) and Chuanxiong Rhizoma (CR) can be treated with wine to promote their biological functions in Chinese medicine. Both ASR and CR contain similar volatile chemicals that could be altered after wine treatment. This study aims to identify the differential chemical profiles and to select marker chemicals of ASR and CR before and after wine treatment.

Methods

Chemical analyses were carried out by gas chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC-QQQ-MS/MS) coupled with multivariate statistical analysis. Characterization of the compositions of essential oils was performed by automated matching to the MS library and comparisons of their mass spectra (NIST08 database). For ferulic acid, butylphthalide, Z-butylidenephthalide, senkyunolide A and Z-ligustilide, the mass spectrometer was operated in electron ionization mode, the selection reaction monitoring mode was used and an evaluation of the stability and sensitivity of the chromatographic system was performed for the tested extraction.

Results

Principal component analysis (PCA) simultaneously distinguished ASR and CR from different forms. Ferulic acid, Z-butylidenephthalide, Z-ligustilide, butylphthalide and senkyunolide A were screened by PCA loading plots and can be used as chemical markers for discrimination among different groups of samples.

Conclusion

Different chemical profiles of ASR and CR after wine treatment could be identified by GC-QQQ-MS/MS. The five marker chemicals selected by PCA, namely ferulic acid, butylphthalide, Z-butylidenephthalide, senkyunolide A and Z-ligustilide, were sufficient to distinguish between the crude and corresponding wine-treated forms of ASR and CR.
Decrease in survival and fecundity of Glossina palpalis gambiensis vanderplank 1949 (Diptera: Glossinidae) fed on cattle treated with single doses of ivermectin
Authors: Pooda Sié H , Mouline Karine , De Meeûs Thierry , Bengaly Zakaria , Solano Philippe
Published: June 2013

Background

Human and Animal Trypanosomes are major problems for the socio-economic growth of developing countries like Burkina Faso. Ivermectin is currently used to treat humans in mass drug administration programs in Africa, and is also commonly used for veterinary purposes. In this study, we tested the effect of ivermectin injected into cattle on the survival and fecundity ofGlossina palpalis gambiensis, the main vector of human and animal trypanosomes in West Africa.

Methods

Three cows (local zebu*baoulé crossbreds) were used, and received either no ivermectin (for the control), or ivermectin at therapeutic dose (0.2 mg/kg) and 10 times the therapeutic dose (2 mg/kg) respectively.G.palpalis gambiensiswere fed on the cattle for their first bloodmeal, and then either on cattle or on membrane for subsequent meals.

Results

Our results showed that survival ofGlossina palpalis gambiensiswas significantly decreased when they were fed on cattle treated with ivermectin. This decrease in survival ranged from 21% to 83.7% for the therapeutic dose (0.2 mg/kg), up to 8 days after treatment. The effects of a dose of 2 mg/kg were higher with a 78.3% to 93.9% decrease in survival, until 14 days after injection. The therapeutic dose of ivermectin also decreased fecundity, and delayed the first larviposition, but there was no significant effect on hatching rate.

Conclusion

Ivermectin injected into cattle may constitute an additional potential tool for the control ofGlossina palpalis gambiensisand possibly other vector species. Further studies will be needed to assess its effect on trypanosome transmission, and to define more precisely the adequate dose to be used for control purposes.
Analysis of population genetic structure of Indian Anopheles culicifacies species A using microsatellite markers
Authors: Sunil Sujatha , Singh Om P , Nanda Nutan , Raghavendra Kamaraju , Reddy BP Niranjan , Subbarao Sarala K
Published: June 2013

Background

Anopheles culicifacies sensu latois an important vector of malaria in Southeast Asia contributing to almost 70% of malaria cases in India. It exists as morphologically similar sibling species A, B, C, D and E with varied geographical distribution patterns. Vector control measures have been difficult for this important vector as the sibling species have developed varying levels of resistance to the currently used insecticides. In view of the importance of this vector, we developed and validated a set of microsatellite markers and the same were used to analyze the population genetic structure of five different geographical populations ofAn.culicifaciesA.

Methods

Anopheles culicifaciesA samples were collected from different localities across India, and genotyping was performed using eight microsatellite markers on ABI Prism 310 Genetic Analyzer. Several statistical analyses were performed to ascertain the genetic diversity that exists within and between the populations.

Results

The markers were found to be moderately polymorphic in the populations. Genetic analysis indicated significant genetic differentiation between the majority of the population pairs analyzed and was not found to be related to the geographical distances between populations.

Conclusion

This is the first and successful attempt to test the microsatellite markers developed for population genetic analysis ofAn.culicifaciesA. Host feeding and breeding habits of species A suggest that factors other than ecological and geographical barriers were responsible for the genetic differentiation that has been observed between the populations.
Diagnostic performance of alpha-fetoprotein, lens culinaris agglutinin-reactive alpha-fetoprotein, des-gamma carboxyprothrombin, and glypican-3 for the detection of hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Huang Ting-Shuo , Shyu Yu-Chiau , Turner Robin , Chen Huang-Yang , Chen Pei-Jer
Published: June 2013

Background

Diagnosis of early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) followed by curative resection or liver transplantation offers the best chance for long-term patient survival. Clinically, ultrasonography has suboptimal sensitivity for detecting early-stage HCC. Several serological tests including alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), the ratio of lens culinaris agglutinin-reactive alpha-fetoprotein to total AFP (AFP-L3/AFP), des-gamma carboxyprothrombin (DCP), and glypican-3 (GPC-3) have been widely investigated as diagnostic biomarkers for early-stage HCC in at-risk populations. However, these tests are not recommended for routine HCC screening. Our objective is to determine the diagnostic performance of AFP, AFP-L3/AFP, DCP, and GPC-3 for the detection of HCC, particularly early-stage tumors meeting the Milan criteria.

Methods/design

We will include cross-sectional studies that consecutively or randomly recruit target populations. We will search the Cochrane Library, Medline, Embase, Science Citation Index, and the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure. We will also search the MEDION and ARIF databases to identify diagnostic systematic reviews that include primary studies. Reference lists of relevant reviews will be searched for additional trials. Language restrictions will not be applied. Two reviewers will independently screen study eligibility and extract data. Methodological quality will be assessed according to the revised tool for the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2). Two authors will apply the QUADAS-2 assessment to all the included studies, and any discrepancies will be resolved by the third author. The following test characteristics will be extracted into 2 × 2 tables for all included studies: true positives, false positives, true negatives, and false negatives. Study-specific estimates of sensitivity and specificity with 95% confidence intervals will be displayed in forest plots. When possible, we will use the bivariate random-effects model or the Rutter and Gatsonis hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic model for statistical analysis. To investigate heterogeneity, we will include study designs, population characteristics, test characteristics, and types of reference standard as the study-level variables.

Discussion

Our systematic review will allow patients, clinicians, and researchers to determine the diagnostic performance of AFP, AFP-L3/AFP, DCP, and GPC-3 for the detection of early-stage HCC and the potential roles of these diagnostic biomarkers in the existing diagnostic pathways.

Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO 2013; CRD42013003879
Sputum matrix metalloproteinase-9 is associated with the degree of emphysema on computed tomography in COPD
Authors: Chaudhuri Rekha , McSharry Charles , Spears Mark , Brady Jeffrey , Grierson Christal , Messow C Martina , Miele Gino , Nocka Karl , MacNee William , Connell Martin , Murchison John T , Sproule Michael , Hilmi Omar , Miller Douglas K , Thomson Neil C
Published: June 2013

Background

Matrix-metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 has been implicated in the pathogenesis of COPD, although its link to disease severity is unclear. The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between disease severity assessed by lung function and computed tomography (CT) and sputum MMP-9 expression, concentration and activity in patients with COPD.

Findings

In 53 COPD subjects, smokers and ex-smokers; 46 healthy controls, smokers and never smokers, we measured sputum MMP-9 concentrations (ELISA) and enzyme activity (FRET), sputum MMP-9 mRNA expression, spirometry, diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLco) and CT assessment of emphysema (% low attenuation areas below-950 Hounsfield units).

Sputum MMP-9 concentrations and mRNA expression in COPD subjects were significantly greater than in healthy never-smokers (p = 0.007 and p = 0.001 respectively) and similar to those in healthy smokers. Disease severity when assessed by the extent of emphysema measured by CT, but not by spirometry or DLco values, was directly associated with sputum MMP-9 concentrations [r = 0.442 (0.171, 0.634), p = 0.020], and MMP-9 activity [r = 0.447 (0.219, 0.643), p = 0.010]. In moderate to severe COPD, increased MMP-9 mRNA expression levels were associated with reduced post-bronchodilator FEV1 [r = −0.530 (−0.686, -0.327), p < 0.001], FEV1/FVC ratio [r = −0.551 (−0.701, -0.354), p < 0.001] and reduced DLco [r = −0.399 (−539, -0.102), p = 0.048].

Conclusions

Sputum MMP-9 concentrations in COPD are directly associated with the extent of emphysema measured by CT and MMP-9 expression levels are inversely associated with DLco. These findings support a role for MMP-9 in the pathogenesis of COPD.
Glycogen Storage Disease type 1a – a secondary cause for hyperlipidemia: report of five cases
Authors: Carvalho Patrícia Margarida Serra , Silva Nuno José Marques Mendes , Dias Patrícia Glória Dinis , Porto João Filipe Cordeiro , Santos Lèlita Conceição , Costa José Manuel Nascimento
Published: June 2013

Background and aims

Glycogen storage disease type Ia (GSD Ia) is a rare metabolic disorder, caused by deficient activity of glucose-6-phosphatase-α. It produces fasting induced hypoglycemia and hepatomegaly, usually manifested in the first semester of life. Besides, it is also associated with growth delay, anemia, platelet dysfunction, osteopenia and sometimes osteoporosis. Hyperlipidemia and hyperuricemia are almost always present and hepatocellular adenomas and renal dysfunction frequent late complications.

Methods

The authors present a report of five adult patients with GSD Ia followed in internal medicine appointments and subspecialties.

Results

Four out of five patients were diagnosed in the first 6 months of life, while the other one was diagnosed in adult life after the discovery of hepatocellular adenomas. In two cases genetic tests were performed, being identified the missense mutation R83C in one, and the mutation IVS4-3C > G in the intron 4 of glucose-6-phosphatase gene, not previously described, in the other. Growth retardation was present in 3 patients, and all of them had anemia, increased bleeding tendency and hepatocellular adenomas; osteopenia/osteoporosis was present in three cases. All but one patient had marked hyperlipidemia and hyperuricemia, with evidence of endothelial dysfunction in one case and of brain damage with refractory epilepsy in another case. Proteinuria was present in two cases and end-stage renal disease in another case. There was a great variability in the dietary measures; in one case, liver transplantation was performed, with correction of the metabolic derangements.

Conclusions

Hyperlipidemia is almost always present and only partially responds to dietary and drug therapy; liver transplantation is the only definitive solution. Although its association with premature atherosclerosis is rare, there have been reports of endothelial dysfunction, raising the possibility for increased cardiovascular risk in this group of patients. Being a rare disease, no single metabolic center has experience with large numbers of patients and the recommendations are based on clinical experience more than large scale studies.
Near-surface shear-wave velocities and quality factors derived from high-frequency surface waves
Authors: Xia Jianghai , Shen Chao , Xu Yixian
Published: June 2013

Shear (S)-wave velocities of near-surface materials can be derived from inverting the dispersive phase velocity of high-frequency (≥ 2 Hz) surface (Rayleigh and/or Love) waves (e.g., Song et al., 1989). Multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW) uses phase information of high-frequency Rayleigh waves recorded on vertical component geophones to determine S-wave velocities (Miller et al., 1999). Multichannel analysis of Love waves (MALW) uses phase information of high-frequency Love waves recorded on horizontal (perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation) component geophones to determine S-wave velocities (Xia, 2012b). Both MASW and MALW possess stable and efficient inversion algorithms to invert phase velocities of surface waves but MALW has some attractive advantages: (1) Love-wave dispersion curves are simpler than those of Rayleigh waves; (2) dispersion images of Love-wave energy have a higher signal-to-noise ratio and are more focused than those generated from Rayleigh waves; and (3) inversion of Love-wave dispersion curves is less dependent on initial models and more stable than from Rayleigh waves.
Estimating deep S-wave velocity structure in the Los Angeles Basin using a passive surface-wave method
Authors: Hayashi Koichi , Martin Antony , Hatayama Ken , Kobayashi Takayuki
Published: June 2013

This article summarizes a passive surface-wave method that uses only two sensors and its application to the estimation of deep S-wave velocity structure.

Three-dimensional S-wave velocity structure to a depth of several kilometers has a large effect on long-period ground motion in tectonic basins, such as the Los Angeles (LA) Basin. Recent studies of long-period ground motion in the LA Basin (e.g., Hatayama and Kalkan, 2012) show that observed ground motion in some areas cannot be explained by the S-wave velocity models in current use. Most studies of basin velocity structure rely on geologic information, surface and borehole geophysical data, and observed earthquake records to deduce or measure seismic velocities. Geophysical data and seismic stations commonly used for velocity analysis are sparsely distributed and most well data are too shallow to characterize deep S-wave velocity structure. To establish more accurate basin velocity structure, there is a need for more densely distributed deep S-wave velocity data.
Love waves from local traffic noise interferometry
Authors: Behm M. , Snieder R.
Published: June 2013

Surface-wave interferometry on local scale usually aims at recovering Rayleigh waves. This is because of the predominant use of vertical component geophones in exploration seismology and the fact that Rayleigh waves occur for any given subsurface structure. On the other hand, Love waves are present only in layered media and require horizontal component geophones for their observation. As they depend on shear-wave velocity structure and density only, the analysis of Love waves provides a potentially powerful supplement to Rayleigh wave inversion. Perhaps surprisingly, recent studies show that low-frequency Love waves (0.05–0.1 Hz) excited by the interaction of ocean waves with the ocean floor (the Earth's microseism) can be recovered by interferometry, and that their S/N is high compared to Rayleigh waves (Lin et al., 2008). On a regional scale, Jay et al. (2012) analyzed the ambient noise field in a volcanic region and found that Love waves with frequencies of about 0.3 Hz are observed more clearly than corresponding Rayleigh waves. In this article, we show that Love waves in the frequency band of 1.5 to 5 Hz can be obtained from local noise interferometry, and that they are of comparable S/N as Rayleigh waves. Thus they may also be used to constrain the near-surface structure.
Surface- and guided-wave inversion for near-surface modeling in land and shallow marine seismic data
Authors: Boiero Daniele , Wiarda Edward , Vermeer Peter
Published: June 2013

In several domains of applied geophysics, surface, and guided waves are considered as a source of information for characterizing the near surface, which in a marine environment includes the seabed. By contrast, in exploration seismic surveys, these waves have traditionally been regarded as coherent noise that should be filtered out as soon as possible. The authors consider that surface and guided waves are not noise but a signal that can be lifted from the seismic record and exploited for a variety of well-established geophysical solutions. Surface and guided waves constitute a large part of the recorded energy and with proper acquisition, analysis, and inversion they can be used to characterize the near surface with surprisingly high resolution. In this role, they can provide valuable information for tasks such as perturbation correction—adjustment for near-surface traveltime distortions. They can also be used for velocity and geological modeling. In this article, the authors discuss a workflow for the analysis and joint inversion of surface and guided waves in both land and offshore seismic data.
Bedrock mapping in shallow environments using surface-wave analysis
Authors: Boiero Daniele , Socco Laura Valentina , Stocco Stefano , Wisén Roger
Published: June 2013

Rayleigh-wave analysis is nowadays a standard tool for retrieving near-surface S-wave velocity models. The method, usually based on the inversion of surface-wave dispersion curves adopting a 1D forward operator, is most often applied to laterally varying sites and often on long and continuous seismic lines. The processing is performed using one of many available wavefield-transform techniques and results in several local dispersion curves estimated along the survey line. The dispersion curves are inverted to provide local S-wave velocity models which are merged to reconstruct 2D/3D structures.
The joint analysis of refractions with surface waves (JARS) method for finding solutions to the inverse refraction problem
Authors: Ivanov Julian , Schwenk J. Tyler , Peterie Shelby L. , Xia Jianghai
Published: June 2013

The joint analysis of refractions with surface waves (JARS) method offers an approach for finding solutions to the nonunique inverse refraction problem but, more specifically, to the inverse first-arrival traveltime problem (IFATP) because it includes the direct wave and excludes refractions that are not first arrivals. The inverse refraction problem is well known and clearly established to be nonunique (Slichter, 1932; Healy, 1963; Ackermann et al., 1986; Burger, 1992; Lay and Wallace, 1995). However, it wasn't until Ivanov et al. (2005) examined nonuniqueness from the perspective of solving inverse problems that it became clear that the objective function (the one minimizing the difference between the observed and the modeled data) did not have a global minimum (i.e., a unique solution), or only a few global minima, but a continuous range of minima (i.e., a valley of possible solutions). Insight into the significance of the problem was gained from experiments that maintained a constant number of parameters when solving the inverse problem (Ivanov et al., 2005). Furthermore, these observations were shown to apply even when dealing with a simple (very few parameters) three-layer model.
Defining skeletal muscle resident progenitors and their cell fate potentials
Authors: Pannérec Alice , Formicola Luigi , Besson Vanessa , Marazzi Giovanna , Sassoon David A.
Published: June 2013

The satellite cell is the major tissue-resident stem cell underlying muscle regeneration; however, multiple non-satellite myogenic progenitors as well as non-myogenic populations that support the muscle regenerative process have been identified. PW1 is expressed in satellite cells as well as in a subset of interstitial cells with myogenic potential termed PICs (PW1+ interstitial cells). Microarray profiling revealed that PICs express a broad range of genes common to mesenchymal stem cells, whereas satellite cells express genes consistent with a committed myogenic progenitor. Isolated PICs from both young and adult muscles can differentiate into smooth and skeletal muscle and fat whereas satellite cells are restricted to a skeletal muscle fate. We demonstrate that the adipogenic potential of PICs corresponds to a subpopulation that expresses platelet derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRα) and overlaps with the recently described interstitial adipogenic progenitors. By contrast, PICs with myogenic potential do not express PDGFRα. Moreover, we observe a discrete and transient population of juvenile PICs based upon SCA1 expression that disappears by 3 weeks of postnatal development coincident with a switch in the cellular and genetic mechanisms underlying postnatal muscle growth.
Premature aging in telomerase-deficient zebrafish
Authors: Anchelin Monique , Alcaraz-Pérez Francisca , Martínez Carlos M. , Bernabé-García Manuel , Mulero Victoriano , Cayuela María L.
Published: June 2013

The study of telomere biology is crucial to the understanding of aging and cancer. In the pursuit of greater knowledge in the field of human telomere biology, the mouse has been used extensively as a model. However, there are fundamental differences between mouse and human cells. Therefore, additional models are required. In light of this, we have characterized telomerase-deficient zebrafish (Danio rerio) as the second vertebrate model for human telomerase-driven diseases. We found that telomerase-deficient zebrafish show p53-dependent premature aging and reduced lifespan in the first generation, as occurs in humans but not in mice, probably reflecting the similar telomere length in fish and humans. Among these aging symptoms, spinal curvature, liver and retina degeneration, and infertility were the most remarkable. Although the second-generation embryos died in early developmental stages, restoration of telomerase activity rescued telomere length and survival, indicating that telomerase dosage is crucial. Importantly, this model also reproduces the disease anticipation observed in humans with dyskeratosis congenita (DC). Thus, telomerase haploinsufficiency leads to anticipation phenomenon in longevity, which is related to telomere shortening and, specifically, with the proportion of short telomeres. Furthermore, p53 was induced by telomere attrition, leading to growth arrest and apoptosis. Importantly, genetic inhibition of p53 rescued the adverse effects of telomere loss, indicating that the molecular mechanisms induced by telomere shortening are conserved from fish to mammals. The partial rescue of telomere length and longevity by restoration of telomerase activity, together with the feasibility of the zebrafish for high-throughput chemical screening, both point to the usefulness of this model for the discovery of new drugs able to reactivate telomerase in individuals with DC.
Timing of mTOR activation affects tuberous sclerosis complex neuropathology in mouse models
Authors: Magri Laura , Cominelli Manuela , Cambiaghi Marco , Cursi Marco , Leocani Letizia , Minicucci Fabio , Poliani Pietro Luigi , Galli Rossella
Published: June 2013

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a dominantly inherited disease with high penetrance and morbidity, and is caused by mutations in either of two genes, TSC1 or TSC2. Most affected individuals display severe neurological manifestations – such as intractable epilepsy, mental retardation and autism – that are intimately associated with peculiar CNS lesions known as cortical tubers (CTs). The existence of a significant genotype-phenotype correlation in individuals bearing mutations in either TSC1 or TSC2 is highly controversial. Similar to observations in humans, mouse modeling has suggested that a more severe phenotype is associated with mutation in Tsc2 rather than in Tsc1. However, in these mutant mice, deletion of either gene was achieved in differentiated astrocytes. Here, we report that loss of Tsc1 expression in undifferentiated radial glia cells (RGCs) early during development yields the same phenotype detected upon deletion of Tsc2 in the same cells. Indeed, the same aberrations in cortical cytoarchitecture, hippocampal disturbances and spontaneous epilepsy that have been detected in RGC-targeted Tsc2 mutants were observed in RGC-targeted Tsc1 mutant mice. Remarkably, thorough characterization of RGC-targeted Tsc1 mutants also highlighted subventricular zone (SVZ) disturbances as well as STAT3-dependent and -independent developmental-stage-specific defects in the differentiation potential of ex-vivo-derived embryonic and postnatal neural stem cells (NSCs). As such, deletion of either Tsc1 or Tsc2 induces mostly overlapping phenotypic neuropathological features when performed early during neurogenesis, thus suggesting that the timing of mTOR activation is a key event in proper neural development.
Solvate Ionic Liquid, [Li(triglyme)1][NTf2], as Electrolyte for Rechargeable Li–Air Battery: Discharge Depth and Reversibility
Authors: Tatara Ryoichi , Tachikawa Naoki , Kwon Hoi-Min , Ueno Kazuhide , Dokko Kaoru , Watanabe Masayoshi
Published: June 2013

This study reports a reversible oxygen reduction–oxygen evolution reaction (ORR–OER) that uses a solvate ionic liquid, [Li(triglyme)1][NTf2], as an electrolyte for a rechargeable Li–air (O2) battery. Significantly, it was found that the reversibility and capacity retention for ORR–OER in the solvate ionic liquid was greatly improved with a decrease in the ORR discharge depth; the discharge to 2.2 V vs. Li/Li+ gave much better reversibility than that to 2.0 V vs. Li/Li+.
A flexible user-interface for audiovisual presentation and interactive control in neurobehavioral experiments
Authors: Noto Christopher T , Mazhar Suleman , Gnadt James , Kanwal Jagmeet S
Published: June 2013

A major problem facing behavioral neuroscientists is a lack of unified, vendor-distributed data acquisition systems that allow stimulus presentation and behavioral monitoring while recording neural activity. Numerous systems perform one of these tasks well independently, but to our knowledge, a useful package with a straightforward user interface does not exist. Here we describe the development of a flexible, script-based user interface that enables customization for real-time stimulus presentation, behavioral monitoring and data acquisition. The experimental design can also incorporate neural microstimulation paradigms. We used this interface to deliver multimodal, auditory and visual (images or video) stimuli to a nonhuman primate and acquire single-unit data. Our design is cost-effective and works well with commercially available hardware and software. Our design incorporates a script, providing high-level control of data acquisition via a sequencer running on a digital signal processor to enable behaviorally triggered control of the presentation of visual and auditory stimuli. Our experiments were conducted in combination with eye-tracking hardware. The script, however, is designed to be broadly useful to neuroscientists who may want to deliver stimuli of different modalities using any animal model.
On compact complex surfaces of Kähler rank one
Authors: Chiose Ionuţ , Toma Matei
Published: June 2013

The Kähler rank of compact complex surfaces was introduced by Harvey and Lawson in their 1983 paper on Kähler manifolds as a measure of “kählerianity”. Here we give a partial classification of compact complex surfaces of Kähler rank 1. These are either elliptic surfaces, or Hopf surfaces, or they admit a holomorphic foliation of a very special type. As a consequence we give an affirmative answer to the question raised by Harvey and Lawson whether the Kähler rank is a bimeromorphic invariant.
A general halfspace theorem for constant mean curvature surfaces
Authors: Mazet Laurent
Published: June 2013

In this paper, we prove a general halfspace theorem for constant mean curvature
surfaces. Under certain hypotheses, we prove that, in an ambient space $M^3$, any
constant mean curvature $H_0$ surface on one side of a constant mean curvature $H_0$
surface $\Sigma_0$ is an equidistant surface to $\Sigma_0$. The main hypotheses of
the theorem are that $\Sigma_0$ is parabolic and the mean curvature of the equidistant
surfaces to $\Sigma_0$ evolves in a certain way.
Bounds for eigenfunctions of the Laplacian on noncompact Riemannian manifolds
Authors: Cianchi Andrea , Maz’ya Vladimir G.
Published: June 2013

We deal with eigenvalue problems for the Laplacian on noncompact Riemannian manifolds
$M$ of finite volume. Sharp conditions ensuring $L^q(M)$ and $L^\infty (M)$ bounds for
eigenfunctions are exhibited in terms of either the isoperimetric function or the
isocapacitary function of $M$.
Pliny and the Letters of Sidonius: From Constantius and Clarus to Firminus and Fuscus
Authors: Gibson Roy
Published: June 2013

Despite Sidonius's explicit assertion that his Letters are modeled on the correspondence of Pliny, critics have found the harvest of Plinian material in Sidonius's text rather thin. As a result, the importance of Pliny to Sidonius has been somewhat doubted or underplayed. This paper argues that Sidonian critics have been searching for Pliny in the wrong place. The influence of Pliny is to be found not (so much) in the linguistic texture of Sidonius's text, but rather in the architecture of Sidonius's nine-book collection, which alludes to (and so engages with) the structure of the first nine books of Pliny.
Managing the Past: Plinian Strategies in the Panegyrici Latini
Authors: Gibson Bruce
Published: June 2013

This paper examines how the presentation of the past in Pliny's Panegyricus can inform our understanding of other speeches in the Panegyrici Latini . Readings of PanLat VI(7), IV(10), and III(11) will examine issues such as adoption and co-rulership, the use of the past as a means of commenting on the present, and the role of sincerity and flattery, as well as the treatment of the republican past, and show how the authors of the speeches use and modify Plinian strategies for the treatment of the past in praising emperors.
Pliny and Symmachus
Authors: Kelly Gavin
Published: June 2013

Pliny might seem an obvious model for his fellow letter-writer and orator, Symmachus (early 340s to 402). But even though both authors' letters are in nine books of personal letters and one of imperial letters, there are problems in identifying Pliny's letters as a significant structural, intellectual, or linguistic model for Symmachus's letters, or even in demonstrating beyond doubt that Symmachus knew Pliny's letters (Section 1). By contrast, Symmachus can be shown to have known and engaged intertextually with Pliny's Panegyric in both speeches and letters (Section 2). I then turn to—and expand—a cluster of allusions from the period after Gratian succeeded his father Valentinian as ruler of the west (375-78) (Section 3), and reflect on why that period and political situation suited engagement with Pliny's praise of Trajan.
The Natural Method of Teaching Latin: Its Origins, Rationale, and Prospects
Authors: Wingate Henry
Published: June 2013

In contrast with the traditional grammar/translation method of Latin instruction, the Natural Method relies almost entirely on the use of spoken Latin in the classroom, generally to the exclusion of the vernacular. This article examines the origins of the method in late nineteenth-century Europe, the theories that prompted the method, and early attempts to implement the method in the classroom. Special attention is given to W. H. D. Rouse, who is generally credited with first applying the method to Latin teaching. The article concludes with an assessment of the effectiveness of the Natural Method as a means of Latin instruction.