bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Large‐Scale Protein Arrays Generated with Interferometric Lithography for Spatial Control of Cell‐Material Interactions
Authors: Hedberg-Dirk Elizabeth L. , Martinez Ulises A.
Published: August 2010

Understanding cellular interactions with material surfaces at the micro‐ and nanometer scale is
essential for the development of the next generation of biomaterials. Several techniques have been
used to create micro‐ and nanopatterned surfaces as a means of studying cellular interactions with a
surface. Herein, we report the novel use of interference lithography to create a large (4 cm2) array of 33 nm deep channels in a gold surface, to expose an antireflective coating on a silicon wafer at the bottom
of the gold channels. The fabricated pores had a diameter of 140–350 nm separated by an average pitch
of 304–750 nm, depending on the fabrication conditions. The gold surface was treated with 2‐(2‐(2‐(11‐mercaptoundecyloxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)ethanol to create protein‐resistant areas. Fibronectin was
selectively adsorbed onto the exposed antireflective coating creating nanometer‐scale cell adhesive
domains. A murine osteoblast cell line (MC3T3‐E1) was seeded onto the surfaces and was shown to
attach to the fibronectin domains and spread across the material surface.
Customer Satisfaction and the Consumption Function
Authors: Ramasamy Bala , Yeung Matthew
Published: August 2010

This paper evaluates the extent to which the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) acts as a determining variable of the US consumption function. Results show that the ACSI is a significant self‐predictor of personal consumption expenditure, as well as a potent policy variable even when income and wealth are controlled for.
An Abdominal Presentation of Churg-Strauss Syndrome
Authors: Rees J. R. E. , Burgess P.
Published: August 2010

Churg-Strauss syndrome is a small and medium vessel vasculitis that is also known as allergic granulomatous angiitis. It most commonly presents with an asthma like symptoms. It was first described in Mount Siani Hospital, New York in 1951 by Jacob Churg and Lotte Stauss and was recognised after the study of a series of 13 patients who had asthma, eosinophilia, granulomatous inflammation necrotising systemic vasculitis and necrotising glomerulonephritis. We describe a case of Churg-Strauss syndrome presenting with abdominal pain and later during the hospital admission a mono-neuritis multiplex syndrome affecting the lower limbs. The patient presented in such an atypical fashion with abdominal signs and symptoms that they required laparotomy and the diagnosis was made after histological examination of tissue taken at the time of surgery. Treatment with immunosuppression and aggressive rehabilitation achieved a progressive recovery which continued on discharge from hospital.
Reforming Performance and Visible Light Responsibility of Cr-Doped Prepared by Sol-Gel and Dip-Coating Method
Authors: Nishimura Akira , Mitsui Go , Hirota Masafumi , Hu Eric
Published: August 2010

A Cr-doped film was prepared by sol-gel and dip-coating method and used as the photocatalyst for reforming under the visible light. The ratio of amount of Cr added to amount of Ti in sol solution (R) varied from 0 to 100 wt%. The total layer number of Cr-doped film (N) coated was up to 7. The reforming performance with the Cr-doped film was evaluated by illuminating under a Xe lamp with or without ultraviolet (UV) light. The concentration of CO which was a product from reforming was maximized for  wt% whenNequals to 1. The visible light responsibility was also maximized for  wt%. The amount of Cr within film coated on copper disc was increased with the increase inRup to 70 wt% and started to decrease whenRis over 70 wt%. The reforming performance of film with one layer Cr-doped was found better than that of film with multi Cr-doped layers under illuminating of UV light. Under the visible light, the performance was maximized at  wt% and with one layer Cr-doped.
The Fetal Heart in Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome
Authors: Van Mieghem Tim , Lewi Liesbeth , Gucciardo Léonardo , DeKoninck Philip , Van Schoubroeck Dominique , Devlieger Roland , Deprest Jan
Published: August 2010

Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome is a severe complication occurring in 10% of monochorionic twin pregnancies. The disease is usually explained as due to an intrauterine imbalance in intertwin blood exchange, which leads to a volume depleted-donor twin and an overfilled recipient twin. The recipient has signs of cardiac dysfunction, which can be measured using echocardiography or blood and amniotic fluid derived biomarkers. Whereas cardiac dysfunction typically progresses in pregnancies treated with amniodrainage, it usually disappears within a few weeks after fetoscopic laser coagulation of the connecting intertwin anastomoses. Nevertheless, recipients remain at a increased risk of pulmonary stenosis. In this paper, we summarize the cardiac alterations in twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, describe the changes seen after fetal therapy, list the newly proposed staging systems based on fetal cardiac function, and make recommendations about the use of fetal echocardiography in the evaluation and followup of pregnancies complicated by twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome.
Effects of Pregnancy and Bacterial Vaginosis on Proinflammatory Cytokine and Secretory Leukocyte Protease Inhibitor Concentrations in Vaginal Secretions
Authors: Balkus Jennifer , Agnew Kathy , Lawler Richard , Mitchell Caroline , Hitti Jane
Published: August 2010

We compared vaginal proinflammatory cytokine and secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) concentrations among pregnant and nonpregnant women according to bacterial vaginosis (BV) status. One-hundred and twenty-two women at 12–20 weeks' gestation and 133 nonpregnant controls had vaginal concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and SLPI measured by enzyme immunoassay. Multivariable linear regression was used to evaluate factors independently associated with vaginal cytokine and SLPI response. Pregnancy and BV were both independently associated with increased vaginal concentrations of IL-1βand IL-8; pregnant women had increased concentrations of SLPI, while women with BV had decreased SLPI concentrations.
Fatal Basilar Thrombosis Possibly Related to Minor Cervical Trauma: A Case Report
Authors: Shaqiri Elmaz , Vyshka Gentian , Sinamati Admir , Ymaj Besim , Ismaili Zija
Published: August 2010

Background. Basilar thrombosis is a potentially fatal event, whose traumatic etiology has been repeatedly stated.Methods. We performed the autopsy and the microscopic examination of the brain stem structures from an individual, whose sudden death raised logical suspicions regarding the causative factor.Results. The brain was swollen and clearly hyperemic; a massive basilar thrombus with complete occlusion of the median segment of the basilar artery was macroscopically seen. The brainstem showed an infarcted zone in the pons, with secondary hemorrhagic changes, mainly in the form of multiple petechial hemorrhages. Pontine arteries showed extensive alterations, mainly in the form of severed endothelium, which suggested a thrombotic-traumatic mechanism as the main etiological factor.Conclusions. Minor injuries, such as slight whiplashes, abrupt neck movements, neck trauma related to the slowing down of the vehicles, and critical neck positioning, can all of them explain a thrombotic event in the basilar artery, leading to a fatal occurrence. Other risk factors may obviously concur, but their importance seems unclear.
A New Iterative Method for Finding Common Solutions of a System of Equilibrium Problems, Fixed‐Point Problems, and Variational Inequalities
Authors: Peng Jian-Wen , Wu Soon-Yi , Yao Jen-Chih
Published: August 2010

We introduce a new iterative scheme based on extragradient method and viscosity approximation method for finding a common element of the solutions set of a system of equilibrium problems, fixed point sets of an infinite family of nonexpansive mappings, and the solution set of a variational inequality for a relaxed cocoercive mapping in a Hilbert space. We prove strong convergence theorem. The results in this paper unify and generalize
some well‐known results in the literature.
Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Bladder Tumor in a Patient with Von Recklinghausen's Syndrome
Authors: Chatzidarellis Eleftherios , Mazaris Evangelos , Skolarikos Andreas , Maria Demonakou , Mitsogiannis Iraklis , Mousiou Nafsika , Bisas Apostolos
Published: August 2010

Myofibroblastic tumor, also known as inflammatory pseudotumor or pseudosarcoma, is a benign tumor with mesenchymal origin. Bladder location is very uncommon. We report the case of a 58-year-old man with a history of von Recklinghausen's disease who complained for painless macroscopic hematuria 5 months after suprapubic prostatectomy. The radiograph evaluation revealed a bladder tumor, and the pathologic examination following a transurethral resection showed inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of the bladder. The patient finally underwent a radical cystectomy due to the uncertain pathogenesis of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor as well as the rarity of cases published on bladder tumors in Von Recklinghausen's patients.
Preparation of Colloidal Dispersions of Graphene Sheets in Organic Solvents by Using Ball Milling
Authors: Zhao Weifeng , Wu Furong , Wu Hang , Chen Guohua
Published: August 2010

A top‐down method was developed for producing colloidal dispersions of graphene sheets. Graphite nanosheets comprising hundreds of carbon layers were dispersed and gently ball‐milled to exfoliate into graphene in a variety of organic solvents. After 30 hours of the shear‐force‐dominated grinding and a subsequent 4000 r.p.m. of centrifugation, single‐ and few‐layer graphene sheets were readily prepared and homogeneously and stably suspended in the good solvent medium which possesses a surface tension value close to 40 mJ m−2, such as in N,N‐dimethylformamide, at a concentration up to 0.08 mg ml−1, achieving a yield higher than 32.0 wt%. The graphene materials in the colloidal suspension were characterized using scanning and transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy.
AMPK-Dependent Metabolic Regulation by PPAR Agonists
Authors: Lee Woo Hyung , Kim Sang Geon
Published: August 2010

Comprehensive studies support the notion that the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, (PPARs), PPARα, PPARβ/δ, and PPARγ, regulate cell growth, morphogenesis, differentiation, and homeostasis. Agonists of each PPAR subtype exert their effects similarly or distinctly in different tissues such as liver, muscle, fat, and vessels. It is noteworthy that PPARαor PPARγagonists have pharmacological effects by modulating the activity of AMPK, which is a key cellular energy sensor. However, the role of AMPK in the metabolic effects of PPAR agonists has not been thoroughly focused. Moreover, AMPK activation by PPAR agonists seems to be independent of the receptor activation. This intriguing action of PPAR agonists may account in part for the mechanistic basis of the therapeutics in the treatment of metabolic disease. In this paper, the effects of PPAR agonists on metabolic functions were summarized with particular reference to their AMPK activity regulation.
Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Decrease during Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Sugimoto Masahiko , Sasoh Mikio , Ido Masashi , Narushima Chisato , Uji Yukitaka
Published: August 2010

Purpose. To assess an effect of glycemic control on retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) in type 2 diabetes mellitus.Methods. Thirty-eight eyes of 38 patients with type 2 diabetes undergoing blood glucose regulation were enrolled. All patients were examined at (1) initial visit, (2) 1 month, (3) 2 months, and (4) 4-month after the initial examination. On each occasion, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and optical coherence tomography (OCT) scanning for RNFL thickness were evaluated. 360 degree circular OCT scans with a diameter of 3.4 mm centered on the optic disc were performed.Results. Significant RNFL decrease was seen in the superior area between initial and 4 months examination (). The relationship between the changes in HbA1c and the changes in RNFL thickness was observed in superior, temporal, and inferior area () at 4 months.Conclusions. This study suggests that the glycemic control affects RNFL within 4 months.
Fixed Points, Inner Product Spaces, and Functional Equations
Authors: Park Choonkil
Published: August 2010

Rassias introduced the following equality "Equation missing", "Equation missing", for a fixed integer "Equation missing". Let "Equation missing" be real vector spaces. It is shown that, if a mapping "Equation missing" satisfies the following functional equation "Equation missing" for all "Equation missing" with "Equation missing", which is defined by the above equality, then the mapping "Equation missing" is realized as the sum of an additive mapping and a quadratic mapping. Using the fixed point method, we prove the generalized Hyers-Ulam stability of the above functional equation in real Banach spaces.
Peritoneal Hydatidosis
Authors: Costamagna Daniela , Maiocchi Roberto , Zampogna Annunziatino , Alonzo Amedeo , Ambrosini Roberta , Stecco Alessandro , Mercalli Francesca
Published: August 2010

Secondary peritoneal hydatidosis is caused by spontaneous or iatrogenic rupture of hepatic echinococcal cysts. We describe the case of a 65-year-old Tunisian male patient with previous history of liver hydatidosis who presented to our attention with subocclusive status. Imaging revealed a retrovesical hydatid cyst, adherent to the sigmoid colon. The treatment of choice was surgical removal of the cyst and the sigmoid colon. The patient is now being closely followed up.
Posterior Interosseous Nerve Palsy Caused by Parosteal Lipoma: A Case Report
Authors: Salama Hatem , Kumar Pradeep , Bastawrous Salah
Published: August 2010

An 83-year-old woman presented with weakness in her right-hand and wrist extensors and swelling in the proximal part of the right forearm. Electromyography (EMG) confirmed involvement of posterior interosseous nerve at the level of proximal forearm. MR imaging demonstrated the characteristics of lipoma which extended on the anterolateral aspect of the right forearm and at the level of the radius neck. The lesion was parosteal lipoma causing compression and paralysis of the posterior interosseous nerve without sensory deficit. In this paper, posterior interosseous nerve palsy due to compression of a parosteal lipoma recovered after excision of the lipoma followed by intensive rehabilitation for six month. Surgical excision should be performed to ensure optimal recovery from the nerve paralysis.
Nail-Patella Syndrome Associated with Short Stature: A Case Series
Authors: Haddad Samir , Ghedira-Besbes Leila , Bouafsoun Chahra , Hammami Sabeur , Chouchene Slaheddine , Ben Meriem Chebil , Guediche Mohamed-néji
Published: August 2010

Introduction. Nail-patella syndrome (NPS) is a rare genetic disorder that is characterized by a pleiotropic malformation affecting the nail, the skeleton, and occasionally the central nervous system and the kidneys.Case Presentation. We report two paediatric cases, which are of two sisters, who aged, respectively, two and five years. They are admitted to explore short stature. The initial clinical examination and radiologic findings confirmed the diagnosis of Nail-patella syndrome.Conclusion. Skeletal, ophthalmologic, and renal involvements were mostly associated with NPS. The association with short stature was exceptional.
A Rare Case of Traumatic Bilateral Fibular Head Fractures
Authors: Chytas Anastasios , Spyridakis Antonios , Gigis John , Beslikas Theodoros , Panos Nikolaos , Christoforidis John
Published: August 2010

Avulsion fibular head fractures are rare. There is only one reference of bilateral fibular fractures after epileptic seizure. We aim to present the mechanism and the treatment of this rare injury. We present the case of a 30-year-old woman who was hit by a car on the anteromedial side of both knees. Clinical and radiographic control showed bilateral fibular head fractures. Knee instability was not found at both knees and MRI did not show any concomitant ligament ruptures. Bone bruises of both medial condyles found in MRI explain the mechanism of this injury. The patient was treated conservatively with functional knee braces for 6 weeks allowing full range of motion, but otherwise mobilised as normal without any support. Six weeks after the trauma, there were no symptoms while the fractures sites had united completely after 6 months. One year postinjury the patient was free from symptoms.
The S-Layer Glycome—Adding to the Sugar Coat of Bacteria
Authors: Ristl Robin , Steiner Kerstin , Zarschler Kristof , Zayni Sonja , Messner Paul , Schäffer Christina
Published: August 2010

The amazing repertoire of glycoconjugates present on bacterial cell surfaces includes lipopolysaccharides, capsular polysaccharides, lipooligosaccharides, exopolysaccharides, and glycoproteins. While the former are constituents of Gram-negative cells, we review here the cell surface S-layer glycoproteins of Gram-positive bacteria. S-layer glycoproteins have the unique feature of self-assembling into 2D lattices providing a display matrix for glycans with periodicity at the nanometer scale. Typically, bacterial S-layer glycans are O-glycosidically linked to serine, threonine, or tyrosine residues, and they rely on a much wider variety of constituents, glycosidic linkage types, and structures than their eukaryotic counterparts. As the S-layer glycome of several bacteria is unravelling, a picture of how S-layer glycoproteins are biosynthesized is evolving. X-ray crystallography experiments allowed first insights into the catalysis mechanism of selected enzymes. In the future, it will be exciting to fully exploit the S-layer glycome for glycoengineering purposes and to link it to the bacterial interactome.
Performance of a Whole-Blood Interferon-Gamma Release Assay withMycobacteriumRD1-Specific Antigens among HIV-Infected Persons
Authors: Fujita Akira , Ajisawa Atsushi , Harada Nobuyuki , Higuchi Kazue , Mori Toru
Published: August 2010

Objective. To evaluate the usefulness of one of IGRAs, QuantiFERON-TB Gold (QFT-G), in human immunodeficiency virus- (HIV- ) infected patients with variousCD4+T cell counts.Methods. The QFT-G assay was performed using QFT-G kits among 107 HIV-infected patients including 9 cases with active tuberculosis (TB).Results. In HIV-infected patients withCD4+>50/μL, QFT-G positive rate for active TB patients was 5/6 (sensitivity=83%), and that for those without active disease was 1/69 (specificity=99%). The frequency of indeterminate QFT-G test was significantly higher in those withCD4+less than50/μL(P<.0001). At the same time there was a proportional relationship betweenCD4+and interferon-gamma response to mitogen (positive control) in QFT-G test (P=.0001).Conclusions. Our data suggested that QFT-G had high sensitivity and specificity in HIV-infected populations withCD4+greater than50/μL. However, QFT-G did not perform well in HIV-positive patients withCD4+less than50/μL.
The Role of Testosterone in the Etiology and Treatment of Obesity, the Metabolic Syndrome, and Diabetes Mellitus Type 2
Authors: Saad Farid , Gooren Louis J.
Published: August 2010

Obesity has become a major health problem. Testosterone plays a significant role in obesity, glucose homeostasis, and lipid metabolism. The metabolic syndrome is a clustering of risk factors predisposing to diabetes mellitus type 2, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The main components of the syndrome are visceral obesity, insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, raised blood pressure and dyslipidemia (elevated triglycerides, low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol), and a proinflammatory and thrombogenic state. Cross-sectional epidemiological studies have reported a direct correlation between plasma testosterone and insulin sensitivity, and low testosterone levels are associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus, dramatically illustrated by androgen deprivation in men with prostate carcinoma. Lower total testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) predict a higher incidence of the metabolic syndrome. Administration of testosterone to hypogonadal men reverses part of the unfavorable risk profile for the development of diabetes and atherosclerosis.
Six-Minute Walk Test Enhanced by Mobile Telemetric Cardiopulmonary Monitoring
Authors: Tueller Claudia , Kern Lukas , Azzola Andrea , Baty Florent , Condrau Sophie , Wiegand Jan , Tamm Michael , Brutsche Martin
Published: August 2010

Background: The 6-min walk test (6MWT) is frequently used to assess overall cardiopulmonary fitness and to predict outcome, but it yields little diagnostic information. Portable telemetric devices allow performing the 6MWT with real-time cardiopulmonary monitoring. Objectives: The study was designed to analyze feasibility, safety and clinical usefulness of a mobile cardiopulmonary monitoring (MOB)-enhanced 6MWT. Methods: From August 2003 to June 2007, 261 consecutive patients with chronic lung and/or heart disease as well as healthy controls underwent MOB-enhanced 6MWTs. A subgroup of 33 individuals had the test done with and without cardiopulmonary monitoring on independent days. Results: No test-related adverse events occurred throughout the study. Whether the 6MWT was done without or with cardiopulmonary monitoring (n = 33) did not significantly influence the walking distance (WD: 528 ± 183 vs. 525 ± 192 m; nonsignificant). Fifty-nine percent (155/261) of the patients fulfilled the maximal test criteria. Distinct disease-specific exercise response patterns as well as treatable co-pathologies were observed. The validity of response patterns was better in case of a maximal test. Conclusion: An MOB-enhanced 6MWT is feasible within daily routine and safe in patients with various diseases. It does not negatively affect WD. MOB is a valuable tool to identify factors limiting exercise in patients irrespective of their underlying disease.
Atrial Tachyarrhythmias and Repolarization Changes Induced by Discrete Activation of Dorsal Mediastinal Cardiac Nerves in Canines
Authors: Cardinal René , Armour J. Andrew , Bouchard Caroline , Vermeulen Michel , Vinet Alain , Nadeau Réginald , Pagé Pierre
Published: August 2010

Background—

Chronotropic “vagal responses” elicited by high-frequency stimulation have been used to identify atrial targets for ablative treatment of atrial tachyarrhythmias (AT), whereas an anatomic approach consisting of extensive ablation of the ganglionated plexus areas has been proposed as an alternative. Therefore, there is a need for precise delineation of juxtacardiac nerves involved in AT initiation and clarification of their regional influences throughout the atria in relation to AT sites of origin, beyond chronotropic effects related to sinus node modulation.

Methods and Results—

Unipolar electrograms were recorded from 191 biatrial epicardial sites in 13 anesthetized canines, with concomitant left atrial endocardial recording from 63 sites in 5 of 13 animals. When electric stimuli were delivered to dorsal mediastinal nerves during the atrial refractory period, atrial premature depolarizations initiating AT were elicited in all animals, most frequently without prior sinus cycle length modification. Among 63 episodes, the sites of origin of early AT beats were localized to (1) the posterolateral left atrial wall in the pulmonary vein region (33%), (2) superior left atrial loci along the Bachmann bundle (55%), and (3) the region of Bachmann bundle insertion into the superior right atrial wall (11%). Moreover, the AT sites of origin were spatially concordant with regional waveform changes during the repolarization phase of unipolar recordings. AT induction and repolarization changes were abolished after atropine administration.

Conclusions—

Activation of individual dorsal mediastinal nerves induces AT arising from distinct sites of origin which are spatially concordant with regional atrial repolarization changes.
Clinical Characteristics of Patients With Persistent Atrial Fibrillation Successfully Treated by Left Atrial Ablation
Authors: Takahashi Yoshihide , Takahashi Atsushi , Kuwahara Taishi , Fujino Tadashi , Okubo Kenji , Kusa Shigeki , Fujii Akira , Yagishita Atsuhiko , Miyazaki Shinsuke , Nozato Toshihiro , Hikita Hiroyuki , Hirao Kenzo , Isobe Mitsuaki
Published: August 2010

Background—

We sought to characterize patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) who were successfully treated by ablation targeting the left atrium (LA).

Methods and Results—

Ninety-three patients (58±10 years, 79 male) undergoing ablation of persistent AF were studied. During the first procedure, ablation was performed in the LA and coronary sinus, consisting of pulmonary vein isolation, linear ablation, and electrogram-based ablation. During follow-up after the first procedure, 35 patients (38%) remained free from tachyarrhythmias, 27 patients (29%) had atrial tachycardia, and 31 patients (33%) had AF. Duration of persistent AF according to medical history and whether AF was terminated by ablation were associated with the outcome (
P
=0.005,
P
=0.004, respectively). In multivariate analysis, the duration of persistent AF was the only predictor of freedom from AF (sinus rhythm or atrial tachycardia) (odds ratio, 0.80 for a 1-year increase; 95% confidence interval, 0.67 to 0.95;
P
=0.01). Of 31 patients in whom AF recurred during follow-up, electrogram-based ablation was performed in the right atrium in 26 patients. Sixteen of those patients (62%) remained free from AF during follow-up. Overall, 82% of patients were free from any tachyarrhythmias at 2-year follow-up after a median of 2 procedures.

Conclusions—

Patients with shorter duration of persistent AF were more likely to be free from AF by LA ablation. Right atrial ablation may provide incremental efficacy in patients who are refractory to LA ablation.
cAMP Sensitivity of HCN Pacemaker Channels Determines Basal Heart Rate But Is Not Critical for Autonomic Rate Control
Authors: Schweizer Patrick A. , Duhme Nana , Thomas Dierk , Becker Rüdiger , Zehelein Jörg , Draguhn Andreas , Bruehl Claus , Katus Hugo A. , Koenen Michael
Published: August 2010

Background—

HCN channels activate the pacemaker current I
f
, which is thought to contribute significantly to generation and regulation of heart rhythm. HCN4 represents the dominant isotype in the sinoatrial node and binding of cAMP was suggested to be necessary for autonomic heart rate regulation.

Methods and Results—

In a candidate gene approach, a heterozygous insertion of 13 nucleotides in exon 6 of the HCN4 gene leading to a truncated cyclic nucleotide-binding domain was identified in a 45-year-old woman with sinus bradycardia. Biophysical properties determined by whole-cell patch-clamp recording of HEK293 cells demonstrated that mutant subunits (HCN4-695X) were insensitive to cAMP. Heteromeric channels composed of wild-type and mutant subunits failed to respond to cAMP-like homomeric mutant channels, indicating a dominant-negative suppression of cAMP-induced channel activation by mutant subunits. Pedigree analysis identified 7 additional living carriers showing similar clinical phenotypes, that is, sinus node dysfunction with mean resting heart rate of 45.9±4.6 bpm (n=8) compared with 66.5±9.1 bpm of unaffected relatives (n=6;
P
<0.01). Clinical evaluation revealed no ischemic or structural heart disease in any family member. Importantly, mutant carriers exhibited normal heart rate variance and full ability to accelerate heart rate under physical activity or pharmacological stimulation. Moreover, mutant carriers displayed distinctive sinus arrhythmias and premature beats linked to adrenergic stress.

Conclusions—

In humans, cAMP responsiveness of I
f
determines basal heart rate but is not critical for maximum heart rate, heart rate variability, or chronotropic competence. Furthermore, cAMP-activated I
f
may stabilize heart rhythm during chronotropic response.
Early Atherosclerosis Exhibits an Enhanced Procoagulant State
Authors: Borissoff Julian Ilcheff , Heeneman Sylvia , Kilinç Evren , Kaššák Peter , Van Oerle René , Winckers Kristien , Govers-Riemslag José W.P. , Hamulyák Karly , Hackeng Tilman M. , Daemen Mat J.A.P. , ten Cate Hugo , Spronk Henri M.H.
Published: August 2010

Background—

Thrombin generation in vivo may be important in regulating atherosclerotic progression. In the present study, we examined for the first time the activity and presence of relevant coagulation proteins in relation to the progression of atherosclerosis.

Methods and Results—

Both early and stable advanced atherosclerotic lesions were collected pairwise from each individual (n=27) during autopsy. Tissue homogenates were prepared from both total plaques and isolated plaque layers, in which the activity of factors (F) II, X, and XII and tissue factor was determined. Microarray analysis was implemented to elucidate local messenger RNA synthesis of coagulation proteins. Part of each specimen was paraffin embedded, and histological sections were immunohistochemically stained for multiple coagulation markers with the use of commercial antibodies. Data are expressed as median (interquartile range [IQR]). Tissue factor, FII, FX, and FXII activities were significantly higher in early atherosclerotic lesions than in stable advanced atherosclerotic lesions. Endogenous thrombin potential and thrombin-antithrombin complex values consolidated a procoagulant profile of early atherosclerotic lesions (endogenous thrombin potential, 1240 nmol/L · min [IQR, 1173 to 1311]; thrombin-antithrombin complex, 1045 ng/mg [IQR, 842.6 to 1376]) versus stable advanced atherosclerotic lesions (endogenous thrombin potential, 782 nmol/L · min [IQR, 0 to 1151]; thrombin-antithrombin complex, 718.4 ng/mg [IQR, 508.6 to 1151]). Tissue factor, FVII, and FX colocalized with macrophages and smooth muscle cells. In addition, multiple procoagulant and anticoagulant proteases were immunohistochemically mapped to various locations throughout the atherosclerotic vessel wall in both early and advanced atherosclerotic stages.

Conclusions—

This study shows an enhanced procoagulant state of early-stage atherosclerotic plaques compared with advanced-stage plaques, which may provide novel insights into the role of coagulation during atherosclerotic plaque progression.
Exercise Capacity and Mortality in Older Men
Authors: Kokkinos Peter , Myers Jonathan , Faselis Charles , Panagiotakos Demosthenes B. , Doumas Michael , Pittaras Andreas , Manolis Athanasios , Kokkinos; John Peter , Karasik Pamela , Greenberg Michael , Papademetriou Vasilios , Fletcher Ross
Published: August 2010

Background—

Epidemiological findings, based largely on middle-aged populations, support an inverse and independent association between exercise capacity and mortality risk. The information available in older individuals is limited.

Methods and Results—

Between 1986 and 2008, we assessed the association between exercise capacity and all-cause mortality in 5314 male veterans aged 65 to 92 years (mean±SD, 71.4±5.0 years) who completed an exercise test at the Veterans Affairs Medical Centers in Washington, DC, and Palo Alto, Calif. We established fitness categories based on peak metabolic equivalents (METs) achieved. During a median 8.1 years of follow-up (range, 0.1 to 25.3), there were 2137 deaths. Baseline exercise capacity was 6.3±2.4 METs among survivors and 5.3±2.0 METs in those who died (
P
<0.001) and emerged as a strong predictor of mortality. For each 1-MET increase in exercise capacity, the adjusted hazard for death was 12% lower (hazard ratio=0.88; confidence interval, 0.86 to 0.90). Compared with the least fit individuals (≤4 METs), the mortality risk was 38% lower for those who achieved 5.1 to 6.0 METs (hazard ratio=0.62; confidence interval, 0.54 to 0.71) and progressively declined to 61% (hazard ratio=0.39; confidence interval, 0.32 to 0.49) for those who achieved >9 METs, regardless of age. Unfit individuals who improved their fitness status with serial testing had a 35% lower mortality risk (hazard ratio=0.65; confidence interval, 0.46 to 0.93) compared with those who remained unfit.

Conclusions—

Exercise capacity is an independent predictor of all-cause mortality in older men. The relationship is inverse and graded, with most survival benefits achieved in those with an exercise capacity >5 METs. Survival improved significantly when unfit individuals became fit.
Aldehyde Dehydrogenase Activation Prevents Reperfusion Arrhythmias by Inhibiting Local Renin Release From Cardiac Mast Cells
Authors: Koda Kenichiro , Salazar-Rodriguez Mariselis , Corti Federico , Chan Noel Yan-Ki , Estephan Racha , Silver Randi B. , Mochly-Rosen Daria , Levi Roberto
Published: August 2010

Background—Renin released by ischemia/reperfusion from cardiac mast cells activates a local renin-angiotensin system (RAS). This exacerbates norepinephrine release and reperfusion arrhythmias (ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation), making RAS a new therapeutic target in myocardial ischemia.

Methods and Results—We investigated whether ischemic preconditioning (IPC) prevents cardiac RAS activation in guinea pig hearts ex vivo. When ischemia/reperfusion (20 minutes of ischemia/30 minutes of reperfusion) was preceded by IPC (two 5-minute ischemia/reperfusion cycles), renin and norepinephrine release and ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation duration were markedly decreased, a cardioprotective anti-RAS effect. Activation and blockade of adenosine A2b/A3receptors and activation and inhibition of protein kinase Cε (PKCε) mimicked and prevented, respectively, the anti-RAS effects of IPC. Moreover, activation of A2b/A3receptors or activation of PKCε prevented degranulation and renin release elicited by peroxide in cultured mast cells (HMC-1). Activation and inhibition of mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase type-2 (ALDH2) also mimicked and prevented, respectively, the cardioprotective anti-RAS effects of IPC. Furthermore, ALDH2 activation inhibited degranulation and renin release by reactive aldehydes in HMC-1. Notably, PKCε and ALDH2 were both activated by A2b/A3receptor stimulation in HMC-1, and PKCε inhibition prevented ALDH2 activation.

Conclusions—The results uncover a signaling cascade initiated by A2b/A3receptors, which triggers PKCε-mediated ALDH2 activation in cardiac mast cells, contributing to IPC-induced cardioprotection by preventing mast cell renin release and the dysfunctional consequences of local RAS activation. Thus, unlike classic IPC in which cardiac myocytes are the main target, cardiac mast cells are the critical site at which the cardioprotective anti-RAS effects of IPC develop.
Moment-to-Moment Characteristics of the Relationship Between Arterial Pressure and Renal Interstitial Hydrostatic Pressure
Authors: Komolova Marina , Adams Michael A.
Published: August 2010

The kidney is a key controller of the long-term level of arterial pressure, in part through pressure-natriuresis. Although direct coupling of changes in renal arterial pressure to renal interstitial hydrostatic pressure (RIHP) and consequent sodium excretion is well established, few studies have characterized the moment-to-moment aspects of this process. These studies characterized the short-term hemodynamic component of pressure-natriuresis in vivo before and after autonomic nervous system and renin-angiotensin system inhibition. Changes in RIHP were determined over a range of renal arterial pressures in Wistar rats receiving no treatment, a ganglionic blocker (hexamethonium; 20 mg/kg per hour IV), or an angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker (losartan; 10 mg/kg per hour IV). After a series of changes in renal arterial pressure, a delay of only ≈1 second was found for the onset of RIHP responses that was independent of the stimulus magnitude and neurohumoral manipulation; however, completion of the full RIHP response was within ≈15 seconds for renal arterial pressure changes of ≤30 mm Hg. The overall slope of the renal arterial pressure- RIHP relationship (0.09±0.01) was also not affected by autonomic nervous system and renin-angiotensin system inhibition despite decreasing renal arterial pressure (↓40% and ↓28%, respectively). Separate assessment of this relationship above and below the prevailing arterial pressure revealed that the pressor versus the depressor portion was blunted (
P
<0.001), a difference that was abolished after autonomic nervous system and renin-angiotensin system inhibition. The results suggest that spontaneous changes in arterial pressure are coupled to moment-to-moment changes in RIHP over a wide range of pressures, emphasizing a likely role for the dynamic component of the renal arterial pressure-RIHP relationship in the modulation of sodium excretion and, hence, arterial pressure.
Mesoscale Convective Systems
Authors: Fritsch J. M. , Forbes G. S.
Published: August 2010

No Abstract available.
A novel bioactive fabric dyed with unripe Citrus grandis Osbeck extract part 2: effects of the Citrus extract and dyed fabric on skin irritancy and atopic dermatitis
Authors: Eunjou Yi  , Jung Yun Hong  , Eun Sook Yoo
Published: August 2010

This study aimed to investigate the skin irritancy with unripe Citrus grandis Osbeck extract and to determine the effect of cotton underclothes dyed with the citrus extract on the severity of atopic dermatitis by in-vivo methodology. The skin irritancy from the extract was assessed by Kawai’s method and the severity of atopic dermatitis was evaluated by measuring the quantitative index of SCORAD for human subjects wearing the citrus-dyed underclothes. Skin reactions were not found by Kawai’s method, which suggests that the citrus extract does not cause irritancy on human skin. In a wear test, a marked clinical improvement of atopic dermatitis indicated by a decrease of SCORAD index value was observed in human subjects wearing the dyed underclothes compared to the values for subjects with undyed clothes. These results imply that Citrus grandis Osbeck could be utilized as a bioactive natural material for dermal healthcare-related textiles.
Numerical simulation of the relationship between pressure and displacement for the top part of men’s socks
Authors: Rui Dan  , Fan Xue-rong , Chen Dong-sheng , Qiang Wang
Published: August 2010

Numerical simulation of elastic human body deformation and garment pressure distribution is critical for optimal design of apparel products. This paper reports an analytical study of the relationship between pressure and displacement at the top part of a man’s sock using a finite element method (FEM). Through three-dimensional body scanning, we present a model of the cross-section of the lower leg where the top part of a man’s sock is located. In this study, the human body is regarded as an elastomer and the contact between the lower leg and the top part of the sock is considered to be an elastic contact.

The pressure—displacement quadratic equation can be obtained using ANSYS software and fitting curves. Meanwhile, we divide the lower leg cross-section into four equal regions according to angle and the area shrinkage mass of the cross-section of the leg can be calculated, respectively; all these solutions supply a theoretical reference for optimal design of the top part of a man’s sock.
Designing a Prospective Study When Randomization is Not Feasible
Authors: Linden Ariel
Published: August 2010

When conducting a randomized controlled trial (RCT) is unfeasible, the goal is to replicate the randomization process by creating a control group that is essentially equivalent to the treatment group on known pre-intervention characteristics and assume that the remaining unknown characteristics will not bias the results. The strategies proposed in this article are based on the thesis that since only pre-intervention characteristics are used for adjustment, a comparable control group can be established as soon as the participant group is identified. Consequently, outcomes can be observed immediately after launching the initiative rather than waiting until study completion. The benefit is that significant treatment effects can be observed as they occur, or alternatively, the initiative can be cancelled if treatment effects are not attained by a certain time point. Although these methods can never ensure the same level of validity as in an RCT, they are considered robust alternatives when randomization is impractical, and therefore a compelling study design for many commercial initiatives, such as disease management programs, benefit design changes, and pay-for-performance efforts. An obvious constraint is that treated participants must first be identified before suitable controls can be found. The preferred strategy is to enroll the entire treatment group within a narrow time frame. An alternative option is to have periodic enrollment periods with their respective treatment and control cohorts. The concept proposed in this article is intended to offer a robust alternative to the inadequate strategies currently being used in many health care settings where study findings may not be trusted, and thus decision makers remain uninformed as to whether an initiative is worth continuing or cancelled.
Longitudinal Outcomes of a Comprehensive, Incentivized Worksite Wellness Program
Authors: Hyatt Neville Beverly , Merrill Ray M. , Kumpfer Karol L.
Published: August 2010

This study evaluated health benefits of long-term participation in an employer-based wellness program, focusing on selected chronic disease risk factors. A repeated measures longitudinal time-series study was conducted of 8 years of existing prospectively collected annual data, including clinical measures of weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, and body fat percent. Participants were divided into their risk levels at baseline. Outcomes were compared to level of participation, for which annual points earned was a surrogate. Participants had lower increases in body mass index (BMI) than the general population had during the same time period. Greatest improvements in BMI, blood pressure, and cholesterol were seen in those at highest risk levels at baseline and in those whose physical activity increased over time. It was found that long-term participation in this program improved BMI, blood pressure, and cholesterol. Most benefits were found for those in high-risk groups. This program should recruit more employees in high health risk categories and emphasize retention and increased levels of participation.
Predictors of Health-Related Quality of Life Among Low-Income Midlife Women
Authors: Ham Ok Kyung
Published: August 2010

The purpose of this study was to determine whether any of the sociodemographic, biomedical, psychosocial, and medical-care factors independently predict health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among low-income women. Cross-sectional data were used to predict factors that determine HRQoL. A survey was conducted targeting a convenience sample of 200 midlife women. Blood samples were drawn from all participants, who also received a physical examination. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was used to test the independent effects of each factor. The study found that sociodemographic and psychosocial factors were independently associated with HRQoL. Compared to married women, widowed or divorced women had significantly lower HRQoL, whereas those with higher levels of stress perception and those not performing regular exercise had significantly lower HRQoL ( p < .01). The full model accounted for 44.7% of the variance in HRQoL. The HRQoL of low-income midlife women was associated with multiple factors, with stress perception exerting the major influence.
Planning and Implementing Trajectories for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles to Track Evolving Ocean Processes Based on Predictions from a Regional Ocean Model
Authors: Smith Ryan N. , Yi Chao  , Li Peggy P. , Caron David A. , Jones Burton H. , Sukhatme Gaurav S.
Published: August 2010

Path planning and trajectory design for autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) is of great importance to the oceanographic research community because automated data collection is becoming more prevalent. Intelligent planning is required to maneuver a vehicle to high-valued locations to perform data collection. In this paper, we present algorithms that determine paths for AUVs to track evolving features of interest in the ocean by considering the output of predictive ocean models. While traversing the computed path, the vehicle provides near-real-time, in situ measurements back to the model, with the intent to increase the skill of future predictions in the local region. The results presented here extend preliminary developments of the path planning portion of an end-to-end autonomous prediction and tasking system for aquatic, mobile sensor networks. This extension is the incorporation of multiple vehicles to track the centroid and the boundary of the extent of a feature of interest. Similar algorithms to those presented here are under development to consider additional locations for multiple types of features. The primary focus here is on algorithm development utilizing model predictions to assist in solving the motion planning problem of steering an AUV to high-valued locations, with respect to the data desired. We discuss the design technique to generate the paths, present simulation results and provide experimental data from field deployments for tracking dynamic features by use of an AUV in the Southern California coastal ocean.
Are two heads better than one? An experiment with novice share traders
Authors: Heaney Richard , Foster F. Douglas , Gregor Shirley , O'Neill Terry , Wood Robert
Published: August 2010

We compare the performance of individual and two-person teams in an electronic share-trading task. Trader profits are negatively related to the amount of trader market activity and positively related to trader confidence. While we find no evidence of a difference in trading profit between individual and team traders, profit volatility is more sensitive to trading activity for teams. Team trading profit is positively related to attitude and negatively related to perceptions of the difficulty of the task, with overall team trading activity negatively related to views of team members’ abilities.

JEL Code: D44, G14
Endogeneity and the corporate governance - performance relation
Authors: Schultz Emma L. , Tan David T. , Walsh Kathleen D.
Published: August 2010

The governance-performance literature is characterized by its inability to reach a consensus regarding the nature of the relation. We posit that these inconsistent findings are symptomatic of inadequacies in the econometric techniques employed when adjusting for all forms of endogeneity. To test this, we fit a comprehensive model of performance and governance using a range of econometric techniques. Once a dynamic generalized method of moments (GMM) specification robust to all forms of endogeneity is employed, we observe no causal relation between governance and firm performance, suggesting that apparently significant relations uncovered by pooled ordinary least squares (OLS) and fix-effects models are the result of spurious correlations.
Value, size and momentum portfolios in real time: the cross section of South African stocks
Authors: Bartens Ryan , Hassan Shakill
Published: August 2010

We implement a recursive out-of-sample method to examine anomalies-based ex-ante predictability in the cross section of stock returns. We obtain a series of simulated out-of-sample returns, consistent with investors using only prior information when choosing predictor variables. We find that, with commonly used performance criteria, real-time trading strategies based on size, value and momentum effects would not consistently outperform a passive index of South African stocks, despite consistent in-sample excess returns. Our results suggest that the empirical relationship between the anomalous factors and cross-sectional average returns is unstable.