bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: Diagnosis and Prognostic Evaluation
Authors: Poletti Venerino , Ravaglia Claudia , Buccioli Matteo , Tantalocco Paola , Piciucchi Sara , Dubini Alessandra , Carloni Angelo , Chilosi Marco , Tomassetti Sara
Published: July 2013

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is the most common type of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia and has a dismal prognosis. Median age at IPF onset is 60-70 years and it is mainly related to cigarette smoke exposure. Its clinical profile is heterogeneous and different clinical phenotypes are now better defined: familial IPF, slow and rapid progressors, combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema, anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies/microscopic polyangiitis and IPF, and IPF associated with lung cancer. Acute exacerbation associated with rapid functional decline is an event that does not happen infrequently and affects survival. Diagnosis requires a typical usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) pattern on computed tomography in the appropriate clinical setting or morphological confirmation of the UIP pattern when imaging findings are not characteristic enough. Surgical lung biopsy is the gold standard to obtain valuable information for histological analysis. However, less invasive procedures (transbronchial lung biopsy or even improved transbronchial lung biopsy by cryoprobes) are now under consideration. Prognostic indicators are mainly derived by pulmonary function tests. Recently, staging systems have been proposed.
A Multicenter, Randomized Trial of a Nurse-Led, Home-Based Intervention for Optimal Secondary Cardiac Prevention Suggests Some Benefits for Men but Not for Women
Authors: Carrington Melinda J. , Chan Yih-Kai , Calderone Alicia , Scuffham Paul A. , Esterman Adrian , Goldstein Stan , Stewart Simon
Published: July 2013

Background—

We examined the impact of a prolonged secondary prevention program on recurrent hospitalization in cardiac patients with private health insurance.

Methods and Results—

The Young at Heart multicenter, randomized, controlled trial compared usual postdischarge care (UC) with nurse-led, home-based intervention (HBI). The primary end point was rate of all-cause hospital stay (31.5±7.5 months follow-up). In total, 602 patients (aged 70±10 years, 72% men) were randomized to UC (n=296) or HBI (n=306, 96% received ≥1 home visit). Overall, 42 patients (7.0%) died, and 492 patients (82%) accumulated 2397 all-cause hospitalizations associated with 10 258 hospital days costing >$17 million. There were minimal group differences (HBI versus UC) in the primary end point of all-cause hospital stay (5405 versus 4853 days; median [interquartile range], 0.08 [0.03–0.17] versus 0.07 [0.03–0.13]/patient per month). There were similar trends with respect to all hospitalizations (1197 versus 1200;
P
=0.802) and associated costs ($8.66 versus $8.58 million;
P
=0.375). At 2 years, however, more HBI versus UC (39% versus 27%; odds ratio, 1.67; 95% confidence interval, 1.15–2.41;
P
=0.007) patients were assessed as stable and optimally managed. For women, HBI outcomes were predominantly worse than UC outcomes. In men, HBI was associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular hospitalization (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.68; 95% confidence interval, 0.46–0.99;
P
=0.044) with less cardiovascular hospitalizations (192 versus 269;
P
=0.054) and costs ($2.49 versus $3.53 million;
P
=0.046).

Conclusions—

HBI did not reduce recurrent all-cause hospitalization compared with UC in privately insured cardiac patients overall. However, it did convey some benefits in cardiac outcomes for men.

Clinical Trial Registration—

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry Unique Identifier: 12608000014358. URL:
http://www.anzctr.org.au/trial_view.aspx?id=82509
.
Vascular Injury Involves the Overoxidation of Peroxiredoxin Type II and Is Recovered by the Peroxiredoxin Activity Mimetic That Induces Reendothelialization
Authors: Kang Dong Hoon , Lee Doo Jae , Kim Jiran , Lee Joo Young , Kim Hyun-Woo , Kwon Kihwan , Taylor W. Robert , Jo Hanjoong , Kang Sang Won
Published: July 2013

Background—

Typical 2-Cys peroxiredoxin (Prx) is inactivated by overoxidation of the peroxidatic cysteine residue under oxidative stress. However, the significance in the context of vascular disease is unknown.

Methods and Results—

Immunohistochemical analyses revealed that 2-Cys Prxs, particularly Prx type II, are heavily overoxidized in balloon-injured rodent carotid vessels and in human atherosclerotic lesions. Consistent with this observation, the selective depletion of Prx II exacerbated neointimal hyperplasia in injured carotid vessels. We also found that the epipolythiodioxopiperazine class of fungal metabolites exhibited an enzyme-like activity mimicking 2-Cys Prx peroxidase and manifestly eliminated the intracellular H
2
O
2
in the vascular cells. Functionally, the epipolythiodioxopiperazines reciprocally regulated the platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β– and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor–mediated signaling in these vascular cells by replacing Prx II. As a consequence, the epipolythiodioxopiperazines inhibited the proliferative and migratory activities of smooth muscle cells but promoted those of endothelial cells in vitro. Moreover, administration of the epipolythiodioxopiperazines to the injured carotid vessels resulted in a successful recovery by inhibiting neointimal hyperplasia without causing cytotoxicity and simultaneously inducing reendothelialization.

Conclusions—

This study reveals for the first time the involvement of the 2-Cys Prx overoxidation and thus the therapeutic use of their activity mimetic in vascular injuries like stenting.
A new species of the diatom genus Campylodiscus (Bacillariophyta) from Dongtan, Chongming Island, China
Authors: Kociolek Patrick , Wu Bo , Liu Qi , Wang Quanxi
Published: July 2013

A new species of genus Campylodiscus is described, Campylodiscus sinensis sp. nov., from Dongtan, Chongming Island, Shanghai, China. It is a small species compared with other species in genus Campylodiscus, with two characteristic kidney-shaped bumps externally and pyramidal verrucae. Light and scanning electron microscopy characteristics of this taxon support its systematic placement in the genus Campylodiscus. This new species is compared with other small species in genus Campylodiscus from around the world.
The correct name of Aloe plicatilis in Kumara (Xanthorrhoeaceae subfam. Asphodeloideae)
Authors: Klopper Ronell
Published: July 2013

The genus Kumara Medikus (1786: 69) was recently reinstated in the Xanthorrhoeaceae: Asphodeloideae (alternatively Asphodelaceae: Alooideae) comprising only one species, namely the fan aloe, Kumara disticha Medikus (1786: 70) [with Aloe plicatilis (Linnaeus 1753: 321) Miller (1768: 7) given as a synonym] (Grace et al. 2013). However, if the fan aloe, currently  nown as Aloe plicatilis, is treated as a species of Kumara, the epithet plicatilis has priority and a new combination in Kumara is required. The new combination is made here.
Second Cancer Incidence, Risk Factor, and Specific Mortality in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Lee Dong Hwan , Roh Jong‐Lyel , Baek Seunghee , Jung Jae Hoon , Choi Seung‐Ho , Nam Soon Yuhl , Kim Sang Yoon
Published: July 2013

Objective

Second primary malignancies (SPMs) are common in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and have a negative impact on their survival. This study aimed to evaluate risk factors for SPM occurrence and cause‐specific mortality in Asian HNSCC patients.

Study Design

A retrospective cohort study.

Setting

University teaching hospital.

Subjects

Nine hundred and thirty‐seven patients without previous cancer history who were treated between 2000 and 2009 and followed for at least 2 years.

Methods

Confirmation of SPMs was performed by histopathology. The cumulative probability of a SPM among survivors of index HNSCC was calculated using a competing risk model. Univariate and multivariate analyses were utilized to determine factors predictive of SPM occurrence and cause‐specific mortality.

Results

Of 937 patients, cumulative incidence of SPMs was 7.2% at 0 to 6 months (synchronous), 17.9% at 5 years, and 23.1% at 10 years after index tumor diagnosis. In multivariate analyses, old age (>60 years) (P =. 002), hypopharyngeal index tumor site (P =. 001), and heavy drinker (P =. 001) were independently associated with the development of SPMs, and hypopharyngeal index tumor site were independent variables for SPM‐specific survival (P <. 001). Cumulative incidence function of SPM‐specific mortality according to index tumor sites was significantly higher in the hypopharynx than other sites (P =. 011).

Conclusion

Elderly patients, hypopharyngeal index cancer patients, or heavy drinkers may require careful surveillance for the development of SPMs. Our results may help identify and properly manage Asian patients at high risk of SPMs.
Book Review: The (Honest) Truth about Dishonesty: How We Lie to Everyone—Especially Ourselves
Authors: Upadhyay Divya
Published: July 2013

Dan Ariely, The (Honest) Truth about Dishonesty: How We Lie to Everyone—Especially Ourselves. HarperCollins Publishers, 2012, 285 pp., ₹ 399, ISBN 978-0-00-749056-1
Vibration control of tensegrity structures using different active control strategies
Authors: Raja M Ganesh , Narayanan S
Published: July 2013

This paper considers the optimal placement of actuators for vibration control of tensegrity structures using different control strategies. The problem is formulated as a multi-objective optimization problem where the objective functions are the control energy and the residual or spillover energy which are minimized. The optimization problem is solved by genetic algorithm. The tensegrity structure of class 1 comprising of two modules with three actuators is considered as an example.
Long-Term Results of Cartilage Repair after Allogeneic Transplantation of Cartilaginous Aggregates Formed from Bone Marrow–Derived Cells for Large Osteochondral Defects in Rabbit Knees
Authors: Yoshioka Tomokazu , Mishima Hajime , Sakai Shinsuke , Uemura Toshimasa
Published: July 2013

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term results of cartilage repair after allogeneic transplantation of cartilaginous aggregates formed from bone marrow–derived cells.

Methods:

Bone marrow cells were harvested from 12-day-old rabbits. The cells were subjected to a monolayer culture, and the spindle-shaped cells attached to the flask surface were defined as bone marrow–derived mesenchymal cells. After the monolayer culture, a 3-dimensional cartilaginous aggregate was formed using a bioreactor with chondrogenesis. We created osteochondral defects, measuring 5 mm in diameter and 4 mm in depth, at the femoral trochlea of 10-week-old rabbits. Two groups were established, the transplanted group in which the cartilaginous aggregate was transplanted into the defect, and the control group in which the defect was left untreated. Twenty-six and 52 weeks after surgery, the rabbits were sacrificed and their tissue repair status was evaluated macroscopically (International Cartilage Repair Society [ICRS] score) and histologically (O’Driscoll score).

Results:

The ICRS scores were as follows: at week 26, 7.2 ± 0.5 and 7.6 ± 0.8; at week 52, 7.6 ± 1.1 and 9.7 ± 0.7, for the transplanted and control groups, respectively. O’Driscoll scores were as follows: at week 26, 12.6 ± 1.9 and 10.1 ± 1.9; at week 52, 9.6 ± 3.0 and 14.0 ± 1.4, each for transplanted and control groups, respectively. No significant differences were observed between the groups.

Conclusions:

This study demonstrates that allogeneic transplantation of cartilaginous aggregates formed from bone marrow–derived cells produces comparable long-term results based on macroscopic and histological outcome measures when compared with osteochondral defects that are left untreated.
Trogocytosis of multiple B-cell surface markers by CD22 targeting with epratuzumab
Authors: Rossi Edmund A. , Goldenberg David M. , Michel Rosana , Rossi Diane L. , Wallace Daniel J. , Chang Chien-Hsing
Published: July 2013

Key Points

Epratuzumab induces the reduction of multiple B-cell antigen receptor–modulating proteins on the surface of B cells via their trogocytosis to effector cells. Modulation of B cells by trogocytosis of key regulatory proteins may be an important mechanism of immunotherapy of autoimmune disease.
Clinical relevance of symptomatic superficial-vein thrombosis extension: lessons from the CALISTO study
Authors: Leizorovicz Alain , Becker François , Buchmüller Andrea , Quéré Isabelle , Prandoni Paolo , Decousus Hervé
Published: July 2013

Key Points

Symptomatic extensions, whether or not reaching the SFJ, are common complications of SVT. Their frequency and associated risk of venous thromboembolic complications and medical resource consumption are reduced by fondaparinux.
Strong convergence theorem for quasi-ϕ-asymptotically nonexpansive mappings in the intermediate sense in Banach spaces
Authors: Ma Zhaoli , Wang Lin , Chang Shih-sen
Published: July 2013

In this paper, we modify Halpern and Mann’s iterations for finding a fixed point of an infinite family of quasi-ϕ-asymptotically nonexpansive mappings in the intermediate sense in Banach spaces. We prove a strong convergence theorem of the iterative sequence generated by the proposed iterative algorithm in a uniformly smooth and strictly convex Banach space which also enjoys the Kadec-Klee property. The results presented in this paper improve and extend some recent corresponding results.

MSC:47H09, 47J25.
RFX3 Modulation of FOXJ1 regulation of cilia genes in the human airway epithelium
Authors: Didon Lukas , Zwick Rachel K , Chao Ion Wa , Walters Matthew S , Wang Rui , Hackett Neil R , Crystal Ronald G
Published: July 2013

Background

Ciliated cells play a central role in cleansing the airways of inhaled contaminants. They are derived from basal cells that include the airway stem/progenitor cells. In animal models, the transcription factor FOXJ1 has been shown to induce differentiation to the ciliated cell lineage, and the RFX transcription factor-family has been shown to be necessary for, but not sufficient to induce, correct cilia development.

Methods

To test the hypothesis that FOXJ1 and RFX3 cooperatively induce expression of ciliated genes in the differentiation process of basal progenitor cells toward a ciliated cell linage in the human airway epithelium, primary human airway basal cells were assessed under conditions of in vitro differentiation induced by plasmid-mediated gene transfer of FOXJ1 and/or RFX3. TaqMan PCR was used to quantify mRNA levels of basal, secretory, and cilia-associated genes.

Results

Basal cells, when cultured in air-liquid interface, differentiated into a ciliated epithelium, expressing FOXJ1 and RFX3. Transfection of FOXJ1 into resting basal cells activated promoters and induced expression of ciliated cell genes as well as both FOXJ1 and RFX3, but not basal cell genes. Transfection of RFX3 induced expression of RFX3 but not FOXJ1, nor the expression of cilia-related genes. The combination of FOXJ1 + RFX3 enhanced ciliated gene promoter activity and mRNA expression beyond that due to FOXJ1 alone. Corroborating immunoprecipitation studies demonstrated an interaction between FOXJ1 and RFX3.

Conclusion

FOXJ1 is an important regulator of cilia gene expression during ciliated cell differentiation, with RFX3 as a transcriptional co-activator to FOXJ1, helping to induce the expression of cilia genes in the process of ciliated cell differentiation of basal/progenitor cells.
Comparative cytogenetic analysis of some species of the Dendropsophus microcephalus group (Anura, Hylidae) in the light of phylogenetic inferences
Authors: Medeiros Lilian Ricco , Lourenço Luciana Bolsoni , Rossa-Feres Denise Cerqueira , Lima Albertina Pimentel , Andrade Gilda Vasconcellos , Giaretta Ariovaldo Antonio , Egito Gabriel Toselli Barbosa Tabosa , Recco-Pimentel Shirlei Maria
Published: July 2013

Background

Dendropsophus is a monophyletic anuran genus with a diploid number of 30 chromosomes as an important synapomorphy. However, the internal phylogenetic relationships of this genus are poorly understood. Interestingly, an intriguing interspecific variation in the telocentric chromosome number has been useful in species identification. To address certain uncertainties related to one of the species groups of Dendropsophus, the D. microcephalus group, we carried out a cytogenetic analysis combined with phylogenetic inferences based on mitochondrial sequences, which aimed to aid in the analysis of chromosomal characters. Populations of Dendropsophus nanus, Dendropsophus walfordi, Dendropsophus sanborni, Dendropsophus jimi and Dendropsophus elianeae, ranging from the extreme south to the north of Brazil, were cytogenetically compared. A mitochondrial region of the ribosomal 12S gene from these populations, as well as from 30 other species of Dendropsophus, was used for the phylogenetic inferences. Phylogenetic relationships were inferred using maximum parsimony and Bayesian analyses.

Results

The species D. nanus and D. walfordi exhibited identical karyotypes (2n = 30; FN = 52), with four pairs of telocentric chromosomes and a NOR located on metacentric chromosome pair 13. In all of the phylogenetic hypotheses, the paraphyly of D. nanus and D. walfordi was inferred. D. sanborni from Botucatu-SP and Torres-RS showed the same karyotype as D. jimi, with 5 pairs of telocentric chromosomes (2n = 30; FN = 50) and a terminal NOR in the long arm of the telocentric chromosome pair 12. Despite their karyotypic similarity, these species were not found to compose a monophyletic group. Finally, the phylogenetic and cytogenetic analyses did not cluster the specimens of D. elianeae according to their geographical occurrence or recognized morphotypes.

Conclusions

We suggest that a taxonomic revision of the taxa D. nanus and D. walfordi is quite necessary. We also observe that the number of telocentric chromosomes is useful to distinguish among valid species in some cases, although it is unchanged in species that are not necessarily closely related phylogenetically. Therefore, inferences based on this chromosomal character must be made with caution; a proper evolutionary analysis of the karyotypic variation in Dendropsophus depends on further characterization of the telocentric chromosomes found in this group.
A DArT marker genetic map of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) integrated with detailed comparative mapping information; comparison with existing DArT marker genetic maps of Lolium perenne, L. multiflorum and Festuca pratensis
Authors: King Julie , Thomas Ann , James Caron , King Ian , Armstead Ian
Published: July 2013

Background

Ryegrasses and fescues (genera, Lolium and Festuca) are species of forage and turf grasses which are used widely in agricultural and amenity situations. They are classified within the sub-family Pooideae and so are closely related to Brachypodium distachyon, wheat, barley, rye and oats. Recently, a DArT array has been developed which can be used in generating marker and mapping information for ryegrasses and fescues. This represents a potential common marker set for ryegrass and fescue researchers which can be linked through to comparative genomic information for the grasses.

Results

A F2 perennial ryegrass genetic map was developed consisting of 7 linkage groups defined by 1316 markers and deriving a total map length of 683 cM. The marker set included 866 DArT and 315 gene sequence-based markers. Comparison with previous DArT mapping studies in perennial and Italian ryegrass (L. multiflorum) identified 87 and 105 DArT markers in common, respectively, of which 94% and 87% mapped to homoeologous linkage groups. A similar comparison with meadow fescue (F. pratensis) identified only 28 DArT markers in common, of which c. 50% mapped to non-homoelogous linkage groups. In L. perenne, the genetic distance spanned by the DArT markers encompassed the majority of the regions that could be described in terms of comparative genomic relationships with rice, Brachypodium distachyon, and Sorghum bicolor.

Conclusions

DArT markers are likely to be a useful common marker resource for ryegrasses and fescues, though the success in aligning different populations through the mapping of common markers will be influenced by degrees of population interrelatedness. The detailed mapping of DArT and gene-based markers in this study potentially allows comparative relationships to be derived in future mapping populations characterised using solely DArT markers.
Behavioral response of Caenorhabditis elegansto localized thermal stimuli
Authors: Mohammadi Aylia , Byrne Rodgers Jarlath , Kotera Ippei , Ryu William S
Published: July 2013

Background

Nociception evokes a rapid withdrawal behavior designed to protect the animal from potential danger. C. elegans performs a reflexive reversal or forward locomotory response when presented with noxious stimuli at the head or tail, respectively. Here, we have developed an assay with precise spatial and temporal control of an infrared laser stimulus that targets one-fifth of the worm’s body and quantifies multiple aspects of the worm’s escape response.

Results

When stimulated at the head, we found that the escape response can be elicited by changes in temperature as small as a fraction of a degree Celsius, and that aspects of the escape behavior such as the response latency and the escape direction change advantageously as the amplitude of the noxious stimulus increases. We have mapped the behavioral receptive field of thermal nociception along the entire body of the worm, and show a midbody avoidance behavior distinct from the head and tail responses. At the midbody, the worm is sensitive to a change in the stimulus location as small as 80 μm. This midbody response is probabilistic, producing either a backward, forward or pause state after the stimulus. The distribution of these states shifts from reverse-biased to forward-biased as the location of the stimulus moves from the middle towards the anterior or posterior of the worm, respectively. We identified PVD as the thermal nociceptor for the midbody response using calcium imaging, genetic ablation and laser ablation. Analyses of mutants suggest the possibility that TRPV channels and glutamate are involved in facilitating the midbody noxious response.

Conclusion

Through high resolution quantitative behavioral analysis, we have comprehensively characterized the C. elegans escape response to noxious thermal stimuli applied along its body, and found a novel midbody response. We further identified the nociceptor PVD as required to sense noxious heat at the midbody and can spatially differentiate localized thermal stimuli.
Effect of ethanol-treated mid-peripheral epithelium on corneal wound healing in rabbits
Authors: Hwang Hyung Bin , Oh Tae Hoon , Kim Hyun Seung
Published: July 2013

Background

To determine the effect of an ethanol-treated mid-peripheral epithelium on wound healing of the corneal epithelium.

Methods

Epithelial removal was performed on 18 rabbit eyes, which were divided into three groups of six eyes each as follows: group 1, an 8.0-mm diameter treated with balanced salt solution (BSS) and an 8.0-mm removal; group 2, an 8.0-mm diameter treated with 20% ethanol for 30 seconds and an 8.0-mm removal; and group 3, a 9.0-mm diameter treated with ethanol and an 8.0-mm removal (barrier zone setting group). The corneal defect area was analyzed post-operatively. The concentrations of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) in tears were determined pre-operatively and post-operatively. Healed corneal tissues were examined with light and electron microscopy. Immunohistochemical analysis was also performed to estimate the expression of EGF receptors in healed corneal tissue.

Results

The epithelial healing rate in group 3 was faster than that in the two other groups (p < 0.05). The expression of VEGF and EGF in group 3 was higher than that in the other two groups (p < 0.05). Light microscopy revealed clear healing of the corneal epithelium in all groups except for some cases in group 1. Electron microscopy revealed a relatively intact microstructure of the healed corneal tissues, especially in group 2 and 3 when compared with group 1. Meanwhile, in the immunohistochemistry, group 3 showed significantly higher expression of EGFR when compared with the other groups. Furthermore, EGFR expression had a tendency to be stronger in the mid-peripheral corneal area than in the central corneal area.

Conclusions

The preserved mid-peripheral epithelial layer treated with ethanol (barrier zone) promoted corneal epithelial healing. It appeared to be correlated with elevated tear VEGF and EGF levels in the post-operative period.
A clinical study of serum lipid disturbance in Chinese patients with sudden deafness
Authors: Weng Tingwen , Devine Erin E , Xu Hongming , Yan Zhisong , Dong Pin
Published: July 2013

Background

Pathological levels of blood lipids could be one of the causes of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). The objective of this manuscript is therefore to evaluate the relationship between blood lipid content and sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL).

Methods

The correlation between serum lipid parameters, including total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), apolipoprotein AI (apo AI), apolipoprotein B (apo B), and lipoprotein A (Lp(a)), and the onset of SSNHL was analyzed from a data set of 250 patients and an age, gender and weight matched control group of 250 subjects.

Results

The result of single factor logistic regression shows that TC (p<0.01), LDL-C (p<0.01), and apo B (p=0.03) of SSNHL group were significantly higher than those of the control group. The odds ratio of TC, LDL, and apo B are higher than 1, while the confidence intervals of the odds rations do not include 1. No significant difference was found with the prevalence of hypertension (P=0.818), diabetes (P=0.869) and smoking habits (P=0.653) between SSNHL group and control group.

Conclusion

Total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein B concentrations may be important factors in the pathogenesis of sudden sensorineural hearing loss, and should be assessed during the investigation of patients with this condition.
On solutions of a system of variational inequalities and fixed point problems in Banach spaces
Authors: Ceng Lu-Chuan , Latif Abdul , Yao Jen-Chih
Published: July 2013

In this paper, considering the problem of solving a system of variational inequalities and a common fixed point problem of an infinite family of nonexpansive mappings in Banach spaces, we propose a two-step relaxed extragradient method which is based on Korpelevich’s extragradient method and viscosity approximation method. Strong convergence results are established.

MSC:49J30, 47H09, 47J20.
IL-17-producing peripheral blood CD177+ neutrophils increase in allergic asthmatic subjects
Authors: Ramirez-Velazquez Carlos , Castillo Elena Cristina , Guido-Bayardo Leopoldo , Ortiz-Navarrete Vianney
Published: July 2013

Background

A T helper cell (TH) 17-biased response has been observed in patients with allergic asthma, particularly in those with neutrophil accumulation in the lung. Therefore, we sought to test the hypothesis that neutrophils might be an important source of interleukin (IL)-17 in allergic asthma.

Methods

Whole peripheral blood cells from non-asthmatic control subjects (n = 17) and patients with mild asthma (n = 7), moderate but persistent asthma (n = 4), or acute asthma (n = 6) were analyzed for IL-17A expression in CD177+ neutrophils. IL-17A expression was also analyzed in CD3+CD4+ and CD3+CD8+ lymphocyte populations. Asthmatic patients were classified as allergic to fungi, indoor allergens, or other allergens (e.g., pollen) based on a positive intradermal allergy test reaction.

Results

The percentage of CD177+ neutrophils in whole blood of asthmatic patients was higher than in healthy controls and highest in the moderate asthma group. Furthermore, the percentage of CD177+IL-17+ neutrophils was elevated in patients with mild asthma, whereas the CD4+ IL-17+ lymphocyte population was higher in asthmatic patients and highest in those with moderate but persistent asthma. We also found that the four patients that were allergic to fungi had the highest percentage of CD177+IL17+ neutrophils and CD8+IL17+ lymphocytes.

Conclusion

IL17+CD177+ Neutrophils increase in allergic asthma patients especially when allergic to fungi. This cell population, through release of IL-17, might be contributing during the initial phase asthmatic disease and/or during disease progression but its role has not yet been established.
Molecular epidemiology of canine GM1 gangliosidosis in the Shiba Inu breed in Japan: relationship between regional prevalence and carrier frequency
Authors: Uddin Mohammad M , Arata Sayaka , Takeuchi Yukari , Chang Hye-Sook , Mizukami Keijiro , Yabuki Akira , Rahman Mohammad M , Kohyama Moeko , Hossain Mohammad A , Takayama Kenji , Yamato Osamu
Published: July 2013

Background

Canine GM1 gangliosidosis is a fatal disease in the Shiba Inu breed, which is one of the most popular traditional breeds in Japan and is maintained as a standard breed in many countries. Therefore, it is important to control and reduce the prevalence of GM1 gangliosidosis for maintaining the quality of this breed and to ensure supply of healthy dogs to prospective breeders and owners. This molecular epidemiological survey was performed to formulate an effective strategy for the control and prevention of this disease.

Results

The survey was carried out among 590 clinically unaffected Shiba Inu dogs from the 8 districts of Japan, and a genotyping test was used to determine nation-wide and regional carrier frequencies. The number and native district of affected dogs identified in 16 years from 1997 to June 2013 were also surveyed retrospectively. Of the 590 dogs examined, 6 dogs (1.02%, 6/590) were carriers: 3 dogs (2.27%, 3/132) from the Kinki district and the other 3 dogs from the Hokkaido, Kanto, and Shikoku districts. The retrospective survey revealed 23 affected dogs, among which, 19 dogs (82.6%) were born within the last 7 years. Of the 23 affected dogs, 12 dogs (52.2%) were from the Kinki district. Pedigree analysis demonstrated that all the affected dogs and carriers with the pedigree information have a close blood relationship.

Conclusions

Our results showed that the current carrier frequency for GM1 gangliosidosis is on the average 1.02% in Japan and rather high in the Kinki district, which may be related to the high prevalence observed over the past 16 years in this region. This observation suggests that carrier dogs are distributed all over Japan; however, kennels in the Kinki district may face an increased risk of GM1 gangliosidosis. Therefore, for effective control and prevention of this disease, it is necessary to examine as many breeding dogs as possible from all regions of Japan, especially from kennels located in areas with high prevalence and carrier frequency.
Immediate surgical coronary revascularisation in patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Khaladj Nawid , Bobylev Dmitry , Peterss Sven , Guenther Sabina , Pichlmaier Maximilian , Bagaev Erik , Martens Andreas , Shrestha Malakh , Haverich Axel , Hagl Christian
Published: July 2013

Background

The number of patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and being untreatable by interventional cardiologists increased during the last years. Previous experience in emergency coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in these patients spurred us towards a more liberal acceptance for surgery. Following a prospective protocol, patients were operated on and further analysed.

Methods

Within a two year interval, 127 patients (38 female, age 68±12 years, EuroScore (ES) II 6.7±7.2%) presenting with AMI (86 non-ST-elevated myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), 41 STEMI) were immediately accepted for emergency CABG and operated on within six hours after cardiac catheterisation (77% three-vessel-disease, 47% left main stem stenosis, 11% cardiogenic shock, 21% preoperative intraaortic balloon pump (IABP), left ventricular ejection fraction 48±15%).

Results

30-day-mortality was 6% (8 patients, 2 NSTEMI (2%) 6 STEMI (15%), p=0.014). Complete revascularisation could be achieved in 80% of the patients using 2±1 grafts and 3±1 distal anastomoses. In total, 66% were supported by IABP, extracorporal life support (ECLS) systems were implanted in two patients. Logistic regression analysis revealed the ES II as an independent risk factor for mortality (p<0.001, HR 1.216, 95%-CI-Intervall 1.082-1.366).

Conclusions

Quo ad vitam, results of emergency CABG for patients presenting with NSTEMI can be compared with those of elective revascularisation. Complete revascularisation obviously offers a clear benefit for the patients. Mortality in patients presenting with STEMI and cardiogenic shock is substantially high. For these patients, other concepts regarding timing of surgical revascularisation and bridging until surgery need to be taken into consideration.
Indication for surgical treatment in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis – a critical appraisal and counter-point
Authors: Bachmann Keith R , Goodwin Ryan C , Moore Timothy A
Published: July 2013

In a recent letter to the editor (Patient Saf. Surg. 2013, 7:17), Weiss and Moramarco made the claim that surgical correction of idiopathic scoliosis is not supported based on the available literature citing no medical indication and high complication rates as compared to non-operative management. In this letter we show that there is a role for surgical treatment as the only predictable option to obtain correction of a curve and that the risk of complications with newer instrumentation does not approach 50% as cited by Weiss and Moramarco. We share the opinion with Weiss and Moramarco that a decision for surgery is not one to be made lightly, and should include options of purely observation, bracing, as well as surgery depending on the potential progression profile and conversations with the child and parents.
An inducible CiliaGFP mouse model for in vivo visualization and analysis of cilia in live tissue
Authors: O’Connor Amber K , Malarkey Erik B , Berbari Nicolas F , Croyle Mandy J , Haycraft Courtney J , Bell P Darwin , Hohenstein Peter , Kesterson Robert A , Yoder Bradley K
Published: July 2013

Background

Cilia are found on nearly every cell type in the mammalian body, and have been historically classified as either motile or immotile. Motile cilia are important for fluid and cellular movement; however, the roles of non-motile or primary cilia in most tissues remain unknown. Several genetic syndromes, called the ciliopathies, are associated with defects in cilia structure or function and have a wide range of clinical presentations. Much of what we know about the formation and maintenance of cilia comes from model systems likeC. elegansandChalmydomonas. Studies of mammalian cilia in live tissues have been hampered by difficulty visualizing them.

Results

To facilitate analyses of mammalian cilia function we generated an inducible CiliaGFPmouse by targeting mouse cDNA encoding a cilia-localized protein somatostatin receptor 3 fused to GFP (Sstr3::GFP) into the ROSA26 locus. In this system, Sstr3::GFP is expressed from the ubiquitous ROSA26 promoter after Cre mediated deletion of an upstream Neo cassette flanked by lox P sites. Fluorescent cilia labeling was observed in a variety of live tissues and after fixation. Both cell-type specific and temporally regulated cilia labeling were obtained using multiple Cre lines. The analysis of renal cilia in anesthetized live mice demonstrates that cilia commonly lay nearly parallel to the apical surface of the tubule. In contrast, in more deeply anesthetized mice the cilia display a synchronized, repetitive oscillation that ceases upon death, suggesting a relationship to heart beat, blood pressure or glomerular filtration.

Conclusions

The ability to visualize cilia in live samples within the CiliaGFPmouse will greatly aid studies of ciliary function. This mouse will be useful forin vivogenetic and pharmacological screens to assess pathways regulating cilia motility, signaling, assembly, trafficking, resorption and length control and to study cilia regulated physiology in relation to ciliopathy phenotypes.
Uterine-Specific Loss of Tsc2 Leads to Myometrial Tumors in Both the Uterus and Lungs
Authors: Prizant Hen , Sen Aritro , Light Allison , Cho Sung-Nam , DeMayo Francesco J. , Lydon John P. , Hammes Stephen R.
Published: July 2013

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare disease characterized by proliferation of abnormal smooth-muscle cells in the lungs, leading to functional loss and sometimes lung transplantation. Although the origin of LAM cells is unknown, several features of LAM provide clues. First, LAM cells contain inactivating mutations in genes encoding Tsc1 or Tsc2, proteins that limit mTORC1 activity. Second, LAM tumors recur after lung transplantation, suggesting a metastatic pathogenesis. Third, LAM is found almost exclusively in women. Finally, LAM shares features with uterine leiomyomas, benign tumors of myometrial cells. From these observations, we proposed that LAM cells might originate from uterine leiomyomas containing Tsc mutations. To test our hypothesis, and to develop mouse models for leiomyoma and LAM, we targeted Tsc2 deletion primarily in uterine cells. In fact, nearly 100% of uteri from uterine-specific Tsc2 knockout mice developed myometrial proliferation and uterine leiomyomas by 12 and 24 weeks, respectively. Myometrial proliferation and mTORC1/S6 activity were abrogated by the mTORC1 inhibitor rapamycin or by elimination of sex steroid production through ovariectomy or aromatase inhibition. In ovariectomized Tsc2 null mice, mTORC1/S6 activity and myometrial growth were restored by estrogen but not progesterone. Thus, even without Tsc2, estrogen appears to be required for myometrial mTORC1/S6 signaling and proliferation. Finally, we found Tsc2 null myometrial tumors in lungs of older Tsc2 uterine-specific knockout females, suggesting that lung LAM-like myometrial lesions may indeed originate from the uterus. This mouse model may improve our understanding of LAM and leiomyomas and might lead to novel therapeutic strategies for both diseases.
Minireview: Novel Aspects of M3 Muscarinic Receptor Signaling in Pancreatic β-Cells
Authors: Nakajima Kenichiro , Jain Shalini , Ruiz de Azua Inigo , McMillin Sara M. , Rossi Mario , Wess Jürgen
Published: July 2013

The release of insulin from pancreatic β-cells is regulated by a considerable number of G protein–coupled receptors. During the past several years, we have focused on the physiological importance of β-cell M3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (M3Rs). At the molecular level, the M3R selectively activates G proteins of the Gq family. Phenotypic analysis of several M3R mutant mouse models, including a mouse strain that lacks M3Rs only in pancreatic β-cells, indicated that β-cell M3Rs play a key role in maintaining blood glucose levels within a normal range. Additional studies with transgenic M3R mouse models strongly suggest that strategies aimed to enhance signaling through β-cell M3Rs may prove useful in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. More recently, we analyzed transgenic mice that expressed an M3R-based designer receptor in a β-cell–specific fashion, which enabled us to chronically activate a β-cell Gq-coupled receptor by a drug that is otherwise pharmacologically inert. Drug-dependent activation of this designer receptor stimulated the sequential activation of Gq, phospholipase C, ERK1/2, and insulin receptor substrate 2 signaling, thus triggering a series of events that greatly improved β-cell function. Most importantly, chronic stimulation of this pathway protected mice against experimentally induced diabetes and glucose intolerance, induced either by streptozotocin or by the consumption of an energy-rich, high-fat diet. Because β-cells are endowed with numerous receptors that mediate their cellular effects via activation of Gq-type G proteins, these findings provide a rational basis for the development of novel antidiabetic drugs targeting this class of receptors.
A Female Style in Corporate Leadership? Evidence from Quotas
Authors: Matsa David A , Miller Amalia R
Published: July 2013

This paper studies the impact of gender quotas for corporate board seats on corporate decisions. We examine the introduction of Norway's 2006 quota, comparing affected firms to other Nordic companies, public and private, that are unaffected by the rule. We find that affected firms undertake fewer workforce reductions than comparison firms, increasing relative labor costs and employment levels and reducing short-term profits. The effects are strongest among firms without female board members beforehand and are present even for boards with older and more experienced members afterward. The boards appear to be affecting corporate strategy in part by selecting like-minded executives. (JEL G34, J16, J78, M12, M51)
Campaign Contributions over CEOs' Careers
Authors: Fremeth Adam , Richter Brian Kelleher , Schaufele Brandon
Published: July 2013

Individuals dominate money in politics, accounting for over 90 percent of campaign contributions, yet studies of drivers of individuals' giving are scarce. We analyze data on all contributions made between 1991 and 2008 by all 1,556 people who became S&P 500 CEOs during that interval. We exploit variation in leadership status over these individuals' careers to identify that being an S&P 500 CEO causes a $4,029 or 137 percent jump per election cycle in personal giving. While some fraction of CEOs' contributions can be attributed to long-standing preferences, the striking changes in behavior cannot be explained by these factors alone. (JEL D72, G34)
Marriage Networks, Nepotism, and Labor Market Outcomes in China
Authors: Wang Shing-Yi
Published: July 2013

This paper considers the role of marriage in improving labor market outcomes through the expansion of an individual's networks. I focus on the impact of the relationship with the father-in-law on a young man's career using panel data from China. The identification strategy isolates the network effects related to a man's father-in-law by examining the post-marriage death of a father-in-law. The estimates suggest that the loss of the father-in-law translates into a decrease in a man's earnings of 7 percent. (JEL D85, J12, J31, O15, P23, P36, Z13)
Roof Configurations, Room Quality Parameters and Musical Performances: An Analysis of the São Paulo Hall
Authors: Tenenbaum Roberto A. , Oliveira Lenine V. , Muller Swen
Published: July 2013

The São Paulo Hall (SPH) is recognized by musicians and musical critics in general by its good acoustical quality. Having geometric dimensions similar to the ones of some famous concert halls, it has as an important feature a variable acoustics due to its movable roof, which is employed by musicians to tune the room according to the musical style, in an ad hoc procedure. This work addresses the acoustical quality of the São Paulo Hall and the dependence of its acoustics on the roof configuration. Impulse responses for one source, eight microphone and two dummy head positions, using the sweep-sine technique with pre-emphasis, were obtained for seven distinct roof configurations. Several details of the measurement procedures to ensure good accuracy and repetitiveness are widely discussed. The measurement results were then used to compute the main room acoustical quality parameters, for each octave band between 63 Hz and 8 kHz. The spatial average and deviation of these data are presented as a function of the frequency band. The influence of the roof configurations on the obtained acoustical parameters is then presented and discussed. Furthermore, comparative plots among some acoustical parameters presented by São Paulo Hall at the chosen roof configurations and two famous and representative halls from the classical and romantic periods are reported. It is concluded that the movable roof is very effective in modifying the room acoustics and that the musician's ad hoc choices seems to be quite good.
Upper Bound Strategy in Optimum Design of Truss Structures: A Big Bang-Big Crunch Algorithm Based Application
Authors: Azad S. Kazemzadeh , Hasançebi O. , Azad S. Kazemzadeh , Erol O.K.
Published: July 2013

One main shortcoming of metaheuristic search techniques in structural optimization is the large number of time-consuming structural analyses required for convergence to a reasonable solution. This study is an attempt to apply the so-called upper bound strategy (UBS) as a simple, yet an efficient strategy to reduce the total number of structural analyses through avoiding unnecessary analyses during the course of optimization. Although, the usefulness of the UBS is demonstrated in conjunction with a big bang-big crunch algorithm developed for optimum design of truss structures, it can be integrated with any other metaheuristic technique which works on the basis of (μ+Λ) evolutionary model. The numerical investigations over three benchmark truss optimization instances reveal that the UBS can reduce the total number of required structural analyses of the standard BB-BC algorithm to a great extent.
Analysis Strategy and Parametric Study of Cable-Stayed-Suspension Bridges
Authors: Sun Bin , Cai C.S. , Xiao Rucheng
Published: July 2013

This paper presents a systematic analysis strategy for cable-stayed-suspension bridges. A four-step approach for the determination of the reasonable finished dead load state is established, focusing on the optimization of the tension forces and shapes of all cables. The critical distribution of the traffic load is imposed on the bridge simultaneously with the dead load to calculate its nonlinear effect. Taking the finished dead load state as the initial state, the nonlinear effect of each load in the service state is analyzed independently. The superimposition principle is adopted to obtain the load combination. A 1400 m span cable-stayed-suspension bridge is presented as a case study. Finally, three key geometric parameters are studied from the viewpoint of the structural behavior. As a result, a suspension-to-span ratio of 0.4 to 0.6, a larger sag-to-span ratio up to 1/11.0, and two to four crossing hangers are recommended. With a higher structural rigidity and stability, this type of bridge is proven as an excellent alternative to cable-stayed bridges and suspension bridges.
Investigation of the Static and Dynamic Behavior of a Deployable Hybrid Grid Shell
Authors: Cai Jianguo , Feng Jian , Xu Yixiang , Wang Kai
Published: July 2013

The deployable hybrid grid shell, which can be deformed elastically by bending until the desired form is obtained, is an attractive structural form in the design and construction of long-span transparent glass roof structures. These hybrid structures are very slender and lightweight. Therefore, the structural behavior of the hybrid grid shell needs to be well understood. The mechanical characteristic, static and dynamic behaviors of the grid shell have been investigated in this paper. The effect of the structural parameters, such as rise-to-span ratios, cross-sections of steel beams, areas and pre-stress of cables, on the structural behavior has been studied in detail. Results show that the hybrid grid shell with a good translucence is more efficient than the general single-layer reticulated shell structure. The vertical structural stiffness initially increases with the increase of the rise-to-span ratio and then decreases afterwards. There exists an optimum rise-to-span ratio resulting in an optimum stiffness for the specified span. The optimum value of the ratio is found between 0.15 and 0.20 from the simulation study presented in this paper. Given a specific height-to-span ratio, the increase of the beam section greatly reduces the nodal displacement and member forces and increases the natural frequency. However, it can be found that increasing the areas and pre-stress of cables is not an economical way to improve the structural behavior.