bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Method for Solving Matrix Coefficient Elliptic Equation on Irregular Domains with Sharp-Edged Boundaries
Authors: Wang Liqun , Shi Liwei
Published: December 2013

We present a new second-order accurate numerical method for solving matrix coefficient elliptic equation on irregular domains with
sharp-edged boundaries. Nontraditional finite element method with non-body-fitting grids is implemented on a fictitious domain in which the irregular domains are embedded. First we set the function and coefficient in the fictitious part, and the nonsmooth boundary is then treated as an interface. The emphasis is on the construction of jump conditions on the interface; a special position for the ghost point is chosen so that the method is more accurate. The test function basis is chosen to be the standard finite element basis independent of the interface, and the solution basis is chosen to be piecewise linear satisfying the jump conditions across the interface. This is an efficient method for dealing with elliptic equations in irregular domains with non-smooth boundaries, and it is able to treat the general case of matrix coefficient. The complexity and computational expense
in mesh generation is highly decreased, especially for moving boundaries, while robustness, efficiency, and accuracy are promised. Extensive numerical
experiments indicate that this method is second-order accurate in the L∞ norm in both two and three dimensions and numerically very stable.
Dendritic Cells in Tumor-Associated Tertiary Lymphoid Structures Signal a Th1 Cytotoxic Immune Contexture and License the Positive Prognostic Value of Infiltrating CD8+ T Cells
Authors: Goc Jérémy , Germain Claire , Vo-Bourgais Thi Kim Duy , Lupo Audrey , Klein Christophe , Knockaert Samantha , de Chaisemartin Luc , Ouakrim Hanane , Becht Etienne , Alifano Marco , Validire Pierre , Remark Romain , Hammond Scott A. , Cremer Isabelle , Damotte Diane , Fridman Wolf-Herman , Sautès-Fridman Catherine , Dieu-Nosjean Marie-Caroline
Published: December 2013

Tumor-infiltrating T cells, particularly CD45RO+CD8+ memory T cells, confer a positive prognostic value in human cancers. However, the mechanisms that promote a protective T-cell response in the tumor microenvironment remain unclear. In chronic inflammatory settings such as the tumor microenvironment, lymphoid neogenesis can occur to create local lymph node–like structures known as tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS). These structures can exacerbate a local immune response, such that TLS formation in tumors may help promote an efficacious immune contexture. However, the role of TLS in tumors has yet to be investigated carefully. In lung tumors, mature dendritic cells (DC) present in tumor-associated TLS can provide a specific marker of these structures. In this study, we evaluated the influence of TLS on the characteristics of the immune infiltrate in cohorts of prospective and retrospective human primary lung tumors (n = 458). We found that a high density of mature DC correlated closely to a strong infiltration of T cells that are predominantly of the effector–memory phenotype. Moreover, mature DC density correlated with expression of genes related to T-cell activation, T-helper 1 (Th1) phenotype, and cytotoxic orientation. Lastly, a high density of TLS-associated DC correlated with long-term survival, which also allowed a distinction of patients with high CD8+ T-cell infiltration but a high risk of death. Taken together, our results show how tumors infiltrated by TLS-associated mature DC generate a specific immune contexture characterized by a strong Th1 and cytotoxic orientation that confers the lowest risk of death. Furthermore, our findings highlight the pivotal function of TLS in shaping the immune character of the tumor microenvironment, in promoting a protective immune response mediated by T cells against cancer. Cancer Res; 74(3); 705–15. ©2013 AACR.
Prediction of Survival in Resected Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer Using a Protein Expression–Based Risk Model: Implications for Personalized Chemoprevention and Therapy
Authors: Gold Kathryn A. , Kim Edward S. , Liu Diane D. , Yuan Ping , Behrens Carmen , Solis Luisa M. , Kadara Humam , Rice David C. , Wistuba Ignacio I. , Swisher Stephen G. , Hofstetter Wayne L. , Lee J. Jack , Hong Waun K.
Published: December 2013

Purpose: Patients with resected non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are at risk for recurrence of disease, but we do not have tools to predict which patients are at highest risk. We set out to create a risk model incorporating both clinical data and biomarkers.

Experimental Design: We assembled a comprehensive database with archival tissues and clinical follow-up from patients with NSCLC resected between 2002 and 2005. Twenty-one proteins identified from our preclinical studies as related to lung carcinogenesis were investigated, including pathways related to metabolism, DNA repair, inflammation, and growth factors. Expression of proteins was quantified using immunohistochemistry. Immunohistochemistry was chosen because it is widely available and can be performed on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens. Cox models were fitted to estimate effects of clinical factors and biomarkers on recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results: A total of 370 patients are included in our analysis. With median follow-up of 5.3 years, median OS is 6.4 years. A total of 209 cases with recurrence or death were observed. Multicovariate risk models for RFS and OS were developed including relevant biomarkers, age, and stage. Increased expression of phospho-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (pAMPK), phospho-mTOR (pmTOR), epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), and calcium/calmodulin-dependent serine protein kinase were significant (P < 0.05) predictors for favorable RFS; insulin receptor, chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 2 (CXCR2), and insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor predicted for unfavorable RFS. Significant (P < 0.05) predictors for favorable OS include pAMPK, pmTOR, and EpCAM; CXCR2 and flap structure–specific endonuclease-1 predicted unfavorable OS.

Conclusion: We have developed a comprehensive risk model predictive for recurrence in our large retrospective database, which is one of the largest reported series of resected NSCLC. Clin Cancer Res; 20(7); 1946–54. ©2013 AACR.
Are Short Telomeres Hallmarks of Cancer Recurrence?
Authors: Shay Jerry W.
Published: December 2013

Exposure to radiation and some chemotherapeutic agents is associated with an increased risk of developing second cancers. Short telomeres are almost universally associated with malignant cancer progression. An unanswered question is whether inherited short telomeres or therapy-related telomere shortening is a biomarker of the development of second malignant neoplasms. Clin Cancer Res; 20(4); 779–81. ©2013 AACR.
Prognostic Importance of Pathophysiologic Markers in Patients With Heart Failure and Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Burke Michael A. , Katz Daniel H. , Beussink Lauren , Selvaraj Senthil , Gupta Deepak K. , Fox Justin , Chakrabarti Sudarsana , Sauer Andrew J. , Rich Jonathan D. , Freed Benjamin H. , Shah Sanjiv J.
Published: December 2013

Background—

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a heterogeneous syndrome associated with multiple pathophysiologic abnormalities, including left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction, longitudinal LV systolic dysfunction, abnormal ventricular-arterial coupling, pulmonary hypertension, and right ventricular (RV) remodeling/dysfunction. However, the relative prognostic significance of each of these pathophysiologic abnormalities in HFpEF is unknown.

Methods and Results—

We prospectively studied 419 patients with HFpEF using echocardiography and sphygmomanometry to assess HFpEF pathophysiologic markers. Cox proportional hazards analyses were used to determine the associations between pathophysiologic markers and outcomes. Mean age was 65±12 years; 62% were women; 39% were black; comorbidities were common; and study participants met published criteria for HFpEF. RV abnormalities were frequent: 28% had abnormal tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, 15% had reduced RV fractional area change, and 34% had RV hypertrophy. During a median follow-up time of 18 months, 102 (24%) were hospitalized for HF and 175 (42%) experienced the composite end point of cardiovascular hospitalization or death. Decreased LV compliance, measured as reduced LV end-diastolic volume at an idealized LV end-diastolic pressure of 20 mm Hg (EDV
20
), and RV remodeling, as indicated by increased RV wall thickness, were the 2 pathophysiologic markers most predictive of worse outcomes: adjusted hazard ratio per 1 SD decrease in EDV
20
=1.39 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10–1.75;
P
=0.006), and hazard ratio per 1 SD increase in RV wall thickness=1.37 (95% CI, 1.16–1.61;
P
<0.001). These associations persisted after additional adjustment for markers of HF severity. By contrast, markers of LV relaxation, longitudinal LV systolic dysfunction, and ventricular-arterial coupling were not significantly associated with adverse outcomes.

Conclusions—

In patients with HFpEF, reduced LV compliance and RV remodeling are the strongest pathophysiologic predictors of adverse outcomes.
Preclinical Evaluation of the Engineered Stem Cell Chemokine Stromal Cell–Derived Factor 1α Analog in a Translational Ovine Myocardial Infarction Model
Authors: MacArthur John W. , Cohen Jeffrey E. , McGarvey Jeremy R. , Shudo Yasuhiro , Patel Jay B. , Trubelja Alen , Fairman Alexander S. , Edwards Bryan B. , Hung George , Hiesinger William , Goldstone Andrew B. , Atluri Pavan , Wilensky Robert L. , Pilla James J. , Gorman Joseph H. , Gorman Robert C. , Woo Y. Joseph
Published: December 2013

Rationale
:

After myocardial infarction, there is an inadequate blood supply to the myocardium, and the surrounding borderzone becomes hypocontractile.

Objective
:

To develop a clinically translatable therapy, we hypothesized that in a preclinical ovine model of myocardial infarction, the modified endothelial progenitor stem cell chemokine, engineered stromal cell–derived factor 1α analog (ESA), would induce endothelial progenitor stem cell chemotaxis, limit adverse ventricular remodeling, and preserve borderzone contractility.

Methods and Results
:

Thirty-six adult male Dorset sheep underwent permanent ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery, inducing an anteroapical infarction, and were randomized to borderzone injection of saline (n=18) or ESA (n=18). Ventricular function, geometry, and regional strain were assessed using cardiac MRI and pressure–volume catheter transduction. Bone marrow was harvested for in vitro analysis, and myocardial biopsies were taken for mRNA, protein, and immunohistochemical analysis. ESA induced greater chemotaxis of endothelial progenitor stem cells compared with saline (
P
<0.01) and was equivalent to recombinant stromal cell–derived factor 1α (
P
=0.27). Analysis of mRNA expression and protein levels in ESA-treated animals revealed reduced matrix metalloproteinase 2 in the borderzone (
P
<0.05), with elevated levels of tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 1 and elastin in the infarct (
P
<0.05), whereas immunohistochemical analysis of borderzone myocardium showed increased capillary and arteriolar density in the ESA group (
P
<0.01). Animals in the ESA treatment group also had significant reductions in infarct size (
P
<0.01), increased maximal principle strain in the borderzone (
P
<0.01), and a steeper slope of the end-systolic pressure–volume relationship (
P
=0.01).

Conclusions
:

The novel, biomolecularly designed peptide ESA induces chemotaxis of endothelial progenitor stem cells, stimulates neovasculogenesis, limits infarct expansion, and preserves contractility in an ovine model of myocardial infarction.
Carbon Monoxide Promotes Proliferation of Uterine Natural Killer Cells and Remodeling of Spiral Arteries in Pregnant Hypertensive Heme Oxygenase-1 Mutant Mice
Authors: Linzke Nadja , Schumacher Anne , Woidacki Katja , Croy B. Anne , Zenclussen Ana C.
Published: December 2013

Heme Oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and its metabolite carbon monoxide (CO) promote implantation and placentation. Pregnancy disorders such as preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction are linked to both HO-1 diminution and impaired remodeling of maternal spiral arteries (SAs). Here, we investigated whether CO is able to prevent preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction through the modulation of uterine natural killer (uNK) cells that are necessary for initiation of SA remodeling.
Hmox1
+/−
or
Hmox1
−/−
implantations presented fewer uNK cell numbers and lower expression of uNK-related angiogeneic factors compared with
Hmox1
+/+
sites. Quantitative histology revealed that
Hmox1
+/−
and
Hmox1
−/−
implantations had shallow SA development that was accompanied by intrauterine growth restriction and gestational hypertension. Application of CO at low dose during early to midgestation prevented intrauterine growth restriction in
Hmox1
+/−
mothers, this being associated with enhanced in situ proliferation of uNK cells and normalization of angiogenic parameters. Most importantly, CO improved SA remodeling and normalized blood pressure, ensuring a proper fetal growth. Thus, CO emerges as a key molecular player in pregnancy success by modulating uNK cells, which results in promotion of SA remodeling, adequate fetal support/growth, and prevention of hypertension.
A new species of wedgefish, Rhynchobatus immaculatus (Chondrichthyes, Rhynchobatidae), from Taiwan
Authors: LAST PETER R. , HO HSUAN-CHING , CHEN ROU-RONG
Published: December 2013

A new species of wedgefish, Rhynchobatus immaculatus sp. nov., is described from a small collection of specimens obtained from fish markets in northern Taiwan. It is probably a medium-sized species (probably attaining ca. 1.5 m TL) because the largest known specimen, an immature male (ca. 1 m TL), has prolongated dorsal and caudal fins typical of adult wedgefishes. Rhynchobatus immaculatus is unique within the family in having a very high vertebral count (within the range of 165–170 total free centra) and in lacking a dark pectoral marking. Other Rhynchobatus species occurring in Taiwanese seas appear to attain a larger adult size, possess a dark pectoral marking at least in young, and have lower vertebral counts (fewer than 161 total fee centra). Rhynchobatus yentinesis, which was described from a specimen taken nearby at Wenzhou, China, has not yet been attributed to a currently recognised species. However, based on the illustration of the holotype, which reveals a broad-snouted species with a dark pectoral spot, it is closest to either R. palpebratus or R. springeri.
Redescription of Aetobatus flagellum (Bloch & Schneider, 1801), an endangered eagle ray (Myliobatoidea: Myliobatidae) from the Indo–West Pacific
Authors: WHITE WILLIAM T. , Moore Alec B.M.
Published: December 2013

The eagle ray Aetobatus flagellum (Bloch & Schneider, 1801) is redescribed based on new material from the Persian Gulf (Kuwait), Indonesia and Malaysia. A related but distinct species of Aetobatus from the western North Pacific, previously referred to as A. flagellum, is reported. Aetobatus flagellum is a medium-sized eagle ray which attains about 900 mm DW; males mature at approximately 500 mm DW. Aetobatus flagellum appears to be uncommon and restricted to estuary-influenced waters of the Indo–West Pacific. It is caught as gillnet bycatch where its habit of schooling, combined with probable small litter size, may make it particularly vulnerable to impacts from fisheries.
Dipturus amphispinus sp. nov., a new longsnout skate (Rajoidei: Rajidae) from the Philippines
Authors: LAST PETER R. , ALAVA MOONYEEN
Published: December 2013

A new long-snouted skate, Dipturus amphispinus sp. nov., is formally described based on material caught in the Sulu Sea and later acquired from fish markets of the central and southern Philippines. It differs from its congeners in the western North Pacific, apart from D. wuhanlingi (East and South China Seas), in having a variably-defined, parallel row of posterolaterally directed lumbar thorns, and well-developed scapular thorns on each side of the disc. However, the paired rows of lumbar thorns are better defined in Dipturus amphispinus sp. nov. than in D. wuhanlingi, and these species also differ in some aspects of their morphometrics, meristics and squamation. Dipturus amphispinus sp. nov. displays marked sexual dimorphism with adult males having a relatively broader mouth, much longer teeth, a relatively shorter snout, head and disc, a taller first dorsal fin, and a proportionally longer posterior pelvic-fin lobe and tail, than adult-sized females.
Records of new and rare elasmobranchs from Taiwan
Authors: HSU HUA HSUN , JOUNG SHOOU JENG , EBERT DAVID A. , LIN CHIA YEN
Published: December 2013

Five new records of elasmobranchs collected from eastern Taiwan fish markets, Da-xi and Cheng-gong, are presented. Samples were caught by deepsea longliners and bottom trawlers which operate in northeastern waters off Taiwan between 2004 and 2012. These five new species records include the smalltooth sandtiger, Odontaspis ferox (Risso, 1810) (Lamniformes: Odontaspididae), salamander shark, Parmaturus pilosus Garman, 1906 (Carcharhiniformes: Scyliorhinidae), leadhued skate Notoraja tobitukai (Hiyama, 1940) (Rajiformes: Arhynchobatidae), giant skate Dipturus gigas (Ishiyama, 1958) (Rajiformes: Rajidae), and the pelagic stingray Pteroplatytrygon violacea (Bonaparte, 1832) (Myliobatiformes: Dasyatidae), Diagnostic characteristics for each species are given and a key to the genera Parmaturus and Dipturus from Taiwan is presented.
An annotated checklist of the chondrichthyans of Taiwan
Authors: EBERT DAVID A. , WHITE WILLIAM T. , HO HSUAN-CHING , LAST PETER R. , NAKAYA KAZUHIRO , SÉRET BERNARD , STRAUBE NICOLAS , NAYLOR GAVIN J.P. , DE CARVALHO MARCELO R.
Published: December 2013

An annotated checklist of chondrichthyan fishes (sharks, batoids, and chimaeras) occurring in Taiwanese waters is presented. The checklist is the result of a biodiversity workshop held in Mach 2012 as well as on-going systematic revisions by the authors. The chondrichthyan fauna of Taiwan is one of the richest in the world with the number of species totaling 181, comprising 52 families and 98 genera. It includes 31 families, 64 genera, and 119 species of sharks, 19 families, 31 genera, and 58 species of batoids, and 2 families, 3 genera, and 4 species of chimaeras. The most species-rich families are the Carcharhinidae with 22 species followed by the Scyliorhinidae with 17. The most species-rich batoid families are the Dasyatidae with 11 species and and the Rajidae with 10. Verified voucher materialis provided for each species where available and potential taxonomic issues are high-lighted when applicable. This represents the first detailed, evidence-based checklist of chondrichthyans from Taiwanese waters in over 40 years.
Lost and found: recovery of the holotype of the ocellated angelshark, Squatina tergocellatoides Chen, 1963 (Squatinidae), with comments on western Pacific squatinids
Authors: THEISS SUSAN M. , EBERT DAVID A.
Published: December 2013

The ocellated angelshark, Squatina tergocellatoides, Chen, 1963 is redescribed from the holotype, which was thought to be lost. Its recent recovery has allowed for a revised description, including new data, and comparison to other Western Pacific squatinids. Squatina tergocellatoides can be distinguished from its congeners by three pairs of prominent large black spots, each with a diameter greater than eye length; two on each pectoral fin at anterior and posterior angles and one on each side near the tail base; another three pairs of lesser defined spots, one large spot on base of each dorsal fin and one located laterally on each side of tail located below first dorsal fin. Ventral surface is uniformly white to cream coloured, and margins of pectoral fins and tail similar in colour to dorsal side. Pectoral fins with angular lateral apices and rounded posterior lobe, pelvic fin tips not reaching origin of first dorsal fin, strongly fringed nasal barbels, small inter-orbital space, head and mouth lengths, broad internarial width and pelvic fin base, a very small pelvic girdle width, and a caudal fin with triangular ventral lobe greater in length than dorsal lobe. Comments on additional specimens are provided, as well as observations on biogeography. A review of western Pacific squatinids is also provided.
A review of the genus Cephaloscyllium (Chondrichthyes: Carcharhiniformes: Scyliorhinidae) from Taiwanese waters
Authors: NAKAYA KAZUHIRO , INOUE SHINSUKE , HO HSUAN-CHING
Published: December 2013

Sharks of the genus Cephaloscyllium from Taiwan were reviewed. After extensive survey of the specimens deposited in museums, universities and fisheries institutions in Taiwan and Japan, the following four species were recognized as valid in Taiwanese waters: C. umbratile Jordan & Fowler, 1903, C. fasciatum Chan, 1966, C. sarawakensis Yano, Ahmad & Gambang, 2005, and C. formosanum Teng, 1962. Cephaloscyllium formosanum is resurrected herein. Four species (C. circulopullum Yano, Ahmad & Gambang, 2005, C. parvum Inoue & Nakaya, 2006, C. pardelotum Schaaf-da Silva & Ebert, 2008, C. maculatum Schaaf-da Silva & Ebert, 2008) are concluded to be junior synonyms. The four valid species here recognized are fully described, and a key to Taiwanese species is provided. The original description of C. formosanum was translated into English from Japanese and is included as an Appendix.
A review of the genus Apristurus (Chondrichthyes: Carcharhiniformes: Scyliorhinidae) from Taiwanese waters
Authors: NAKAYA KAZUHIRO , KAWAUCHI JUNRO
Published: December 2013

Sharks of the genus Apristurus from Taiwanese waters are reviewed for the first time, and incorrect scientific names and wrong taxonomic information given in the literature are corrected. After extensive examination of specimens deposited in various museums, universities and fisheries institutions in Taiwan, Japan and China, the following five species are recognized from Taiwanese waters: Apristurus herklotsi (Fowler, 1934), A. longicephalus Nakaya, 1975, A. gibbosus Meng, Chu & Li, 1985, A. macrostomus Chu, Meng & Li, 1985, and A. platyrhynchus (Tanaka, 1909). Apristurus herklotsi, A. longicephalus, A. gibbosus and A. macrostomus are reported from Taiwanese waters for the first time, and the presence of A. platyrhynchus is formally recognized based on a single voucher specimen. Each species is fully described, and a key to the species of Apristurus in Taiwanese waters is provided. Morphological and biological information of each species is also provided.
The Challenge of Summer Bridge Programs
Authors: Sablan Jenna R.
Published: December 2013

Given the number of students who enter postsecondary education not ready for college, many universities have instituted summer bridge programs to better transition students to their freshman year. These programs occur during the summer before a student’s freshman year and are considered a bridge from high school to college. Yet despite the prevalence of these interventions across postsecondary institutions—community colleges and 4 years, public and private—few empirical studies exist evaluating these programs. The objectives of this article are to (a) provide a characterization of the breadth of summer bridge programs, (b) review the extant literature on summer bridge programs, and (c) discuss implications of these reviews for the future of summer bridge programs.
Effects of Compatible versus Competing Rhythmic Grouping on Errors and Timing Variability in Speech
Authors: Katsika Argyro , Shattuck-Hufnagel Stefanie , Mooshammer Christine , Tiede Mark , Goldstein Louis
Published: December 2013

In typical speech words are grouped into prosodic constituents. This study investigates how such grouping interacts with segmental sequencing patterns in the production of repetitive word sequences. We experimentally manipulated grouping behavior using a rhythmic repetition task to elicit speech for perceptual and acoustic analysis to test the hypothesis that prosodic structure and patterns of segmental alternation can interact in the production planning process. Talkers produced alternating sequences of two words ( top cop) and non-alternating controls ( top top and cop cop), organized into six-word sequences. These sequences were further organized into prosodic groupings of three two-word pairs or two three-word triples by means of visual cues and audible metronome clicks. Results for six speakers showed more speech errors in triples, that is, when pairwise word alternation was mismatched with prosodic subgrouping in triples. This result suggests that the planning process for the segmental units of an utterance interacts with the planning process for the prosodic grouping of its words. It also highlights the importance of extending commonly used experimental speech elicitation methods to include more complex prosodic patterns, in order to evoke the kinds of interaction between prosodic structure and planning that occur in the production of lexical forms in continuous communicative speech.
White Bear Effects in Language Production: Evidence from the Prosodic Realization of Adjectives
Authors: Kaland Constantijn , Krahmer Emiel , Swerts Marc
Published: December 2013

A central problem in recent research on speech production concerns the question to what extent speakers adapt their linguistic expressions to the needs of their addressees. It is claimed that speakers sometimes leak information about objects that are only visible for them and not for their listeners. Previous research only takes the occurrence of adjectives as evidence for the leakage of privileged information. The present study hypothesizes that leaked information is also encoded in the prosody of those adjectives. A production experiment elicited adjectives that leak information and adjectives that do not leak information. An acoustic analysis and prominence rating task showed that adjectives that leak information were uttered with a higher pitch and perceived as more prominent compared to adjectives that do not leak information. Furthermore, a guessing task suggested that the adjectives’ prosody relates to how listeners infer possible privileged information.
Land use change and economic growth in urban China: A structural equation analysis
Authors: He Canfei , Huang Zhiji , Wang Rui
Published: December 2013

Land use change is not only the consequence of economic growth but also its direct and indirect driver. Based on official land use change data from 2004 to 2008, this study found substantial land use changes in China, with considerable cultivated land conversion into urban, industrial and transportation purposes. Correlation analysis shows a strong association between land use change and absolute GDP expansion. Structural equation analysis indicates that economic growth drives land use change. Industrial land expansion directly stimulates economic growth. Land has been successfully used as a tool to attract foreign investments and to sustain infrastructure investments, indirectly triggering economic growth. The findings suggest that land is not a simple factor of production but a strategic tool for economic development in urban China.
Factors Predictive of Voice and Swallowing Outcomes after Anterior Approaches to the Cervical Spine
Authors: Mehra Saral , Heineman Thomas E. , Cammisa Frank P. , Girardi Federico P. , Sama Andrew A. , Kutler David I.
Published: December 2013

Objective

To quantify the incidence of postoperative voice, swallowing, and other problems, including time to resolution following anterior transcervical approaches to the cervical spine, and to assess surgical factors associated with outcomes.

Study Design

Historical cohort study.

Setting

Academic medical center.

Subjects and Methods

One hundred eighty‐eight consecutive patients with cervical spine disease who underwent an anterior transcervical approach to the spine by a single head and neck surgeon over a 4‐year time period. Rather than primary, single‐level approaches, all patients in this study had multilevel, high‐cervical (above C4), low‐cervical (below C6), and/or revision approaches. Postoperative voice, swallowing, and other complaints were measured as well as time to resolution using Kaplan‐Meier method. Surgical factors related to outcomes were analyzed using regression analysis.

Results

Follow‐up was available for 129 patients, with average and median time of 35 months. Seventy‐seven patients (60%) had a postoperative issue, including 35 patients (27%) with postoperative voice complaint, 62 patients (48%) with postoperative swallowing complaint, and 16 patients (12%) with other problems. Swallowing and voice complaints persisted beyond 1 year in 28% and 9% of patients, respectively. Approaching spinal levels above C4 and exposing more than 3 spinal levels were 2 factors significantly related to voice and swallowing problems.

Conclusion

There is a high incidence of subjective voice and swallowing complaints following transcervical anterior approaches to the spine, and such complaints can persist beyond 1 year in many patients. Exposure of more than 3 spinal levels or above level C4 are 2 factors significantly associated with outcome.
Systemic Monocyte‐Derived Dendritic Cells and Associated Th2 Skewing in Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: O'Connell Brendan P. , Schlosser Rodney J. , Wentzel Jennifer L. , Nagel Whitney , Mulligan Jennifer K.
Published: December 2013

Introduction

Monocyte‐derived dendritic cells (moDCs) are antigen‐presenting cells capable of directing immune responses toward T‐helper 1 (Th1) or T‐helper 2 (Th2) phenotypes. The systemic profile of moDCs and their association with Th1/Th2 skewing in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is unclear. The purpose of this study is to characterize circulating moDCs in controls, CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP), and CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and correlate moDCs with Th1/Th2 skewing, mucosal inflammation on computed tomography (CT), and quality of life (QoL).

Study Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Tertiary care hospital.

Subjects

Blood was drawn from control (n = 12), CRSsNP (n = 18), and CRSwNP (n = 15) patients during endoscopic sinus surgery.

Methods

Peripheral blood moDCs were analyzed with flow cytometry for expression of HLA‐DR, CD209, and CD14. Th1 and Th2 cells were identified by CXCR3 and CCR8 expression, respectively. Lund‐Mackay CT scores were assigned by blinded graders. Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test 22 (SNOT‐22) surveys were completed by patients before surgery.

Results

CRSsNP and CRSwNP displayed elevations in systemic moDCs compared with controls. In CRSwNP, systemic Th2 skewing was observed and circulating CD4+ Th2 cells correlated with percent moDCs. MoDCs strongly correlated with higher Lund‐Mackay CT scores in CRSsNP but not in CRSwNP. No relationship between moDCs and SNOT‐22 scores was observed for either subset of CRS.

Conclusion

These data support that CRSwNP and CRSsNP display alterations in systemic immune profiles. CRSwNP is characterized by significant elevations in circulating moDCs, which is associated with systemic Th2‐biased inflammation. Circulating moDCs are associated with mucosal inflammation on CT imaging in CRSsNP. No association between moDCs and QoL is evident in either CRS subset.
Diagnostic Variability of Laryngeal Premalignant Lesions: Histological Evaluation and Carcinoma Transformation
Authors: Hu Yanping , Liu Honggang
Published: December 2013

Objective

This study was to analyze the interobserver histopathological variability and carcinoma transformation of laryngeal premalignant lesions.

Study Design

A historical cohort study.

Setting

Department of Pathology, Beijing TongRen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.

Subjects and Methods

κ‐statistics analysis was performed to estimate interobserver histopathological variability among pathologists by reassessment of 237 cases with laryngeal premalignant lesion according to 2005 WHO classification system. A retrospective follow‐up of 237 patients over 8‐year duration was carried out, and the carcinoma transformation of laryngeal premalignant lesions was analyzed using Kaplan‐Meier survival curve estimation.

Results

κ‐values of 0.5989 concerning interobserver variability indicated a moderate agreement among 3 pathologists. Major source of intergrade diagnostic disagreement between the original and the consensus diagnoses involved 2 grade pairs, namely, mild and moderate dysplasia, severe dysplasia, and carcinoma in situ. In addition, follow‐up study showed that 20 of 237 (8.44%) laryngeal premalignant lesion cases developed into invasive carcinoma. Carcinoma transformation in severe dysplasia group exhibited a similar risk compared to that in carcinoma in situ group (P =. 232).

Conclusion

Severe dysplasia shows the same carcinoma transformation potential as the carcinoma in situ does. Clinically, more attention to severe dysplasia is needed in comparison with mild and moderate dysplasia.
Evaluating the effectiveness of therapy based around Shape Coding to develop the use of regular past tense morphemes in two children with language impairments
Authors: Kulkarni Amit , Pring Tim , Ebbels Susan
Published: December 2013

It has been suggested that difficulties with tense and agreement marking are a core feature of language impairment. Hence, studies are required that analyse the effectiveness of intervention in this area, including consideration of whether changes seen in therapy sessions generalize to spontaneous speech. This study assessed the effectiveness of therapy based around Shape Coding in developing the use of the regular past tense morpheme -ed in two school-aged children with language impairments. It also considered whether participants benefited from additional generalization therapy in order to start using target forms in their spontaneous speech. The former was assessed using a sentence completion task and the latter by a conversational task with blind assessors. One participant improved markedly in sentence completion but did not gain in the conversation task until after the generalization therapy. The other made more modest gains on the sentence completion task and seemed to generalize to the conversation task without recourse to the generalization therapy. Larger studies are required to confirm these interpretations and to determine whether they are applicable to the wider population of children with language impairments.
Effectiveness of palliative home-care services in reducing hospital admissions and determinants of hospitalization for terminally ill patients followed up by a palliative home-care team: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Riolfi Mirko , Buja Alessandra , Zanardo Chiara , Marangon Chiara Francesca , Manno Pietro , Baldo Vincenzo
Published: December 2013

Background:

It has been demonstrated that most patients in the terminal stages of cancer would benefit from palliative home-care services.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of appropriate palliative home-care services in reducing hospital admissions, and to identify factors predicting the likelihood of patients treated at home being hospitalized.

Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting/participants:

We enrolled all 402 patients listed by the Local Health Authority No. 5, Veneto Region (North-East Italy), as dying of cancer in 2011.

Results:

Of the cohort considered, 39.9% patients had been taken into care by a palliative home-care team. Irrespective of age, gender, and type of tumor, patients taken into care by the palliative home-care team were more likely to die at home, less likely to be hospitalized, and spent fewer days in hospital in the last 2 months of their life. Among the patients taken into care by the palliative home-care team, those with hematological cancers and hepatocellular carcinoma were more likely to be hospitalized, and certain symptoms (such as dyspnea and delirium) were predictive of hospitalization.

Conclusions:

Our study confirms the effectiveness of palliative home care in enabling patients to spend the final period of their lives at home. The services of a palliative home-care team reduced the consumption of hospital resources. This study also provided evidence of some types of cancer (e.g. hematological cancers and hepatocellular carcinoma) being more likely to require hospitalization, suggesting the need to reconsider the pathways of care for these diseases.
Parent Implementation of Function-Based Intervention to Reduce Children’s Challenging Behavior
Authors: Fettig Angel , Barton Erin E.
Published: December 2013

The purpose of this literature review was to analyze the research on parent-implemented functional assessment (FA)-based interventions for reducing children’s challenging behaviors. Thirteen studies met the review inclusion criteria. These studies were analyzed across independent variables, types of parent coaching and support provided, measurement of implementation and intervention fidelity, child dependent variables, social validity, and study rigor. Overall, the evidence provide some support that parents can be trained to implement FA-based interventions with follow-up coaching and support, and these interventions reduce children’s challenging behaviors and increase children’s use of appropriate behaviors. However, inadequacies in study rigor and reporting of the implementation and intervention fidelity limit interpretations. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.
Measuring the Friendships of Young Children With Disabilities
Authors: Meyer Lori E. , Ostrosky Michaelene M.
Published: December 2013

The purpose of this article is to describe what has been learned over the past 35+ years of research on the friendships of young children with disabilities. An extensive literature review was conducted to critically examine the purposes that guided the friendship studies, the methods used to measure friendships, and the major findings of these studies. A total of eight studies were identified. The results of this review revealed that across all studies, researchers relied on the identification of children’s existing friendships to address their main research questions. However, researchers did not always operationally define the construct of friendship they were measuring, and the methods they used to identify friendships varied widely across all studies. Gaps in the literature and implications for future research are discussed.
Real-time imaging of cerebral infarction in rabbits using electrical impedance tomography
Authors: Yang Bin , Shi Xuetao , Dai Meng , Xu Canhua , You Fushen , Fu Feng , Liu Ruigang , Dong Xiuzhen
Published: December 2013

Objective

To investigate the possible use of electrical impedance tomography (EIT) in monitoring focal cerebral infarction in a rabbit model.

Methods

A model of focal cerebral infarction was established in eight New Zealand rabbits using a photochemical method without craniectomy. Focal cerebral infarction was confirmed by histopathological examination. Intracranial impedance variation was measured using 16 electrodes placed in a circle on the scalp. EIT images were obtained using a damped least-squares reconstruction algorithm. The average resistivity value (ARV) of the infarct region on EIT images was calculated to quantify relative resistivity changes. A symmetry index was calculated to evaluate the relative difference in resistivity between the two sides of the cerebrum.

Results

EIT images and ARV curves showed that impedance changes caused by cerebral infarction increased linearly with irradiation time. A difference in ARV was found between measurements taken before and after infarct induction.

Conclusions

Focal cerebral infarction can be monitored by EIT in the proposed animal model. The results are sufficiently encouraging that the authors plan to extend this study to humans, after further technical improvements.
Combined application of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in early diagnosis of vulnerable carotid atherosclerotic plaques
Authors: Lei-xing Xie , Jing-jing Gai , Jing-xue Niu , Juan Wang , Juan Li , Chang-zai Liang , Xiao-xi Wang , Da-yi Yin , Jia-jin Liu , Xiong-wei Zhang , Liu-quan Cheng , Yong Wang , Dan-qing Liu , Hong-bin Liu
Published: December 2013

Objective

To assess the correlations between atherosclerotic plaque characteristics and inflammatory activity by combined use of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods

Patients underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT and MRI. Target/background ratios (TBR) of axial sections were determined from mean standard uptake values (SUV). Correlations between TBR and mean vessel wall thickness, total vessel area, lumen area, vessel wall area and normalized wall index were calculated. Plaque types were defined as calcified, collagen, lipid or haemorrhage. Plaques were also classified as thick, thin, or ruptured fibrous cap.

Results

The study included 31 patients (1178 plaque slices). There was a significant decrease in TBR values across the fibrous cap groups, such that ruptured > thin > thick. Lipid and haemorrhage plaques had significantly higher TBR than calcification and collagen plaques. There were weak positive correlations between TBR and mean vessel wall thickness, vessel wall area and normalized wall index.

Conclusions

Thin or ruptured plaques, lipid-rich plaques and haemorrhagic plaques possess high inflammatory activity. The combination of 18F-FDG PET/CT and MRI could be useful for qualitative and quantitative diagnosis of carotid atherosclerotic plaques.
Protocadherin-17 promoter methylation in serum-derived DNA is associated with poor prognosis of bladder cancer
Authors: Luo Zhen-Guo , Li Zhi-Gang , Gui Shi-Liang , Chi Bao-Jin , Ma Jian-Guo
Published: December 2013

Objective:

To investigate the prognostic value of protocadherin 17 ( PCDH17) promoter methylation in serum-derived DNA of patients with bladder cancer.

Methods:

DNA was isolated from serum of patients with bladder cancer and from age- and sex-matched controls. Methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction was used to examine the methylation status of the PCDH17 promoter. The correlations between methylation status and clinicopathological characteristics and overall survival were examined.

Results:

PCDH17 promoter methylation was detected in 79/151 (52.3%) of patients with bladder cancer, and none of the 43 control subjects. Methylation was significantly associated with larger tumour diameter (>3 cm), high grade (G3) and advanced stage (T2–T4). Patients with PCDH17 promoter methylation had significantly shorter overall survival than those with unmethylated PCDH17 promoter. Methylation was an independent predictor of overall survival.

Conclusions:

PCDH17 promoter methylation was significantly associated with malignant behaviour and poor prognosis of bladder cancer. The detection of PCDH17 promoter methylation in serum-derived DNA may be a convenient and noninvasive predictive biomarker in routine clinical practice.
Relationship of bispectral index to minimum alveolar concentration during isoflurane, sevoflurane or desflurane anaesthesia
Authors: Kim Jin-Kyoung , Kim Duk-Kyung , Lee Myeong-Jin
Published: December 2013

Objective

To determine bispectral index (BIS) values produced by equipotent concentrations of commonly used volatile anaesthetics.

Methods

Female patients undergoing thyroidectomy were randomly assigned to receive isoflurane, sevoflurane or desflurane anaesthesia. After induction, anaesthesia was maintained by the volatile agent at 1 minimum alveolar concentration and supplemented with remifentanil infusion. BIS values were recorded during 1 h surgical anaesthesia after a 15 min equilibrium phase.

Results

Time-averaged BIS value during the study period was significantly lower in the desflurane group ( n = 29) than the sevoflurane group ( n = 27) (37.0 ± 4.9 vs 41.5 ± 5.9). Duration of deep hypnosis (BIS < 40) was significantly longer in the desflurane group than the sevoflurane group (40.2 ± 20.7 vs 24.3 ± 22.5 min). There were no significant differences in any parameter between the isoflurane group ( n = 27) and any other group.

Conclusions

Desflurane produces a greater hypnotic effect than sevoflurane during equipotent anaesthesia. Management of volatile anaesthesia using predetermined minimum alveolar concentration targets can lead to an unnecessarily long duration of deep hypnosis.
Sleep quality, arousal and pain thresholds in tension-type headache: A blinded controlled polysomnographic study
Authors: Engstrøm M , Hagen K , Bjørk M , Stovner LJ , Stjern M , Sand T
Published: December 2013

Introduction

We aimed to compare subjective and objective sleep quality in tension-type headache (TTH) patients and to evaluate the relationship between sleep quality and pain thresholds (PT) in controls and TTH patients.

Methods

A blinded cross-sectional study where polysomnography (PSG) and PT (to pressure, heat and cold) measurements were done in 20 patients with TTH (eight episodic (ETTH) and twelve chronic (CTTH) TTH) and 29 healthy controls. Sleep diaries and questionnaires were applied.

Results

TTH patients had more anxiety ( p = 0.001), insomnia ( p < 0.0005), daytime tiredness ( p < 0.0005) and reduced subjective sleep quality ( p < 0.0005) compared to healthy controls. Sleep diaries revealed more long awakenings in TTH ( p = 0.01) but no total sleep-time differences. TTH patients had more slow-wave sleep ( p = 0.002) and less fast arousals ( p = 0.004) in their PSGs. CTTH subjects had lower pressure PT ( p = 0.048) and more daytime sleepiness than the controls ( p = 0.039). Among TTH lower cold PT (CPT) correlated inversely with light sleep (N1) ( r = −0.49, p = 0.003) while slow arousals correlated inversely with headache-frequency ( r = −0.64, p = 0.003).

Conclusions

We hypothesize that TTH patients need more sleep than healthy controls and might be relatively sleep deprived. Inadequate sleep may also contribute to increased pain sensitivity and headache frequency in TTH.
Effects of CGRP receptor antagonism in nitroglycerin-induced hyperalgesia
Authors: Greco R , Mangione AS , Siani F , Blandini F , Vairetti M , Nappi G , Sandrini G , Buzzi MG , Tassorelli C
Published: December 2013

Background

The release of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) from trigeminal nerves plays a central role in the pathophysiology of migraine and clinical evidence shows an antimigraine effect for CGRP receptor antagonists. Systemic administration of nitroglycerin (NTG), a nitrovasodilator, consistently provokes spontaneous-like migraine attacks in migraine sufferers; in the rat, systemic NTG induces a condition of hyperalgesia, probably through the activation of cerebral/spinal structures involved in nociceptive transmission.

Aim

The aim of this article is to test the analgesic effect of the CGRP receptor antagonist MK-8825 in two animal models of pain that may be relevant for migraine: the tail flick test and the formalin test performed during NTG-induced hyperalgesia.

Results

MK-8825 showed analgesic activity when administered alone at both the tail flick test and the formalin test. Furthermore, the CGRP antagonist proved effective in counteracting NTG-induced hyperalgesia in both tests. MK-8825 indeed reduced the nociceptive behavior when administered either simultaneously or prior to (30–60 minutes before) NTG.

Conclusion

These data suggest that MK-8825 may represent a potential therapeutic tool for the treatment of migraine.