bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Changing the Compression Ratio on the Performance of an Engine fueled by Biodiesel Blends
Authors: Ibrahim Amr , El‐Adawy M. , El‐Kassaby M. M.
Published: July 2013

Using waste‐cooking‐oil biodiesel as a renewable fuel for diesel engines can have several environmental benefits. However, the engine design parameters such as the compression ratio need to be optimized to achieve the best engine performance. The aim of this paper was to experimentally study the effect of changing the compression ratio on the engine performance and combustion characteristics of a compression–ignition engine fueled by different biodiesel/diesel fuel blends. It was found that the engine performance deteriorated when a high percentage of biodiesel was used in the fuel blend. However, the engine performance was significantly improved when the engine compression ratio was increased. The engine torque increased by 11.1 % when the engine was fueled by a biodiesel blend of 50 % at a compression ratio of 18 in comparison to the torque produced when the engine was fueled by the diesel fuel at a compression ratio of 14. Also, the engine brake thermal efficiency increased by 6 %. Both the ignition delay period and combustion duration decreased with the increase of engine compression ratio.
TerEx Toolbox for semi‐automated selection of fluvial terrace and floodplain features from lidar
Authors: Stout Justin C. , Belmont Patrick
Published: July 2013

Terraces and floodplains are important indicators of near‐channel sediment dynamics, serving as potential sediment sources and sinks. Increasing availability of high resolution topography data over large areas calls for development of semi‐automated techniques for identification and measurement of these features. In this study we introduce a novel tool that accommodates user‐defined parameters including, a local‐relief threshold selected by a variable‐size moving window, minimum area threshold, and maximum distance from the channel to identify and map discrete terrace and floodplain surfaces. Each of the parameters can easily be calibrated for a given watershed or reach. Subsequently, the tool automatically measures planform area, absolute elevation, and height relative to the local river channel for each terrace polygon. We validate the tool in two locations where terrace maps were previously developed via manual digitization from lidar and extensive field mapping campaigns. The tool is also tested on six different types of rivers to provide examples of starting selection parameters, and to test effectiveness of the tool across a wide range of landscapes. Generally, the tool provides a high quality draft map of terrace and floodplain surfaces across the wide range of environmental conditions for which it has been tested. We find that the tool functions best in catchments where the terraces are spatially extensive, with distinct differences between the terrace and floodplain. The most challenging environments for semi‐automated terrace and floodplain mapping include steep catchments with dense riparian vegetation, and very small terraces (~10 m2 in areal extent). We then apply the tool to map terraces and floodplains in the Root River watershed, southeastern Minnesota and generate exceedance plots for terrace heights. These plots provide a first pass analysis to indicate the tributaries and reaches of the river where terraces constitute a significant source of sediment. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Morphological records of storm floods exemplified by the impact of the 1872 Baltic storm on a sandy spit system in south‐eastern Denmark
Authors: Clemmensen Lars B. , Bendixen Mette , Hede Mikkel U. , Kroon Aart , Nielsen Lars , Murray Andrew S.
Published: July 2013

Beach‐ridge systems are important geo‐archives providing evidence for past wave climate including catastrophic storm flood events. This study investigates the morphological impacts of the 1872 Baltic storm flood on a beach‐ridge system (sandy spit) in south‐eastern Denmark and evaluates the frequency of extreme storm flood events in the area over a longer time perspective. This paper combines field studies of morphology and sedimentary deposits, studies of historical maps, digital terrain model, ground‐penetrating radar profiles, and luminescence dating. Sea water reached 2.8 m above mean sea level (amsl) during peak inundation and, based on studies of the morphological impacts of the 1872 storm flood, the event can be divided into four phases. Phase 1: increasing mean water levels and wave activity at the beach brought sediments from the beach (intertidal bars and normal berm) higher up in the profile and led to the formation of a storm‐berm. Phase 2: water levels further increased and sediment in the upper part of the profile continued to build up the storm‐berm. Phase 3: water levels now reached the top of the dune ridge and were well above the storm‐berm level. Sea water was breaching the dune ridge at several sites and wash‐over fans were generated until a level where the mean water level had dropped too much. Phase 4: the non‐vegetated wash‐over fans functioned as pathways for aeolian sand transport and relatively high dunes were formed in particular along the margins of the fan where aeolian sand was trapped by existing vegetation. The studied beach‐ridge system records about 4500 years of accumulation; the storm flood sediments described are unique suggesting that the 1872 Baltic storm flood event was an extreme event. Thus studies of beach‐ridge systems form a new source for understanding storm surge risk. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimizing fluorescent protein choice for transgenic embryonic medaka models
Authors: Loire Nicolas , Barbeau Emilie , Lemkine Gregory F. , Léonard Marc A. , Tindall Andrew J.
Published: July 2013

Early-life-stage transgenic medaka are recognized as a pertinent model by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and are noncompliant with the European definition of a laboratory animal. However, autofluorescence confounds readout of fluorescent biomarkers. The authors determined the fluorescence emission spectrum of different embryonic stages of medaka submitted to a range of excitation wavelengths. This allows selection of high signal-to-noise ratio fluorescent proteins and combining multiple biomarkers within a single embryo. Environ Toxicol Chem 2013;32:2396–2401. © 2013 SETAC
Channel estimation errors impact on the sum rate maximisation in a JP‐CoMP transmission systems
Authors: Abdelkefi Fatma , Feki Souhaila , Mohamed Siala , Ferré Guillaume
Published: July 2013

Cooperation between multicell base stations (BSs) is a promising technique that has the potential to mitigate inter‐cell interference (ICI) and increase data rates without sacrificing additional frequency spectrum. Classical beamforming techniques have been used to eliminate the existing ICI and improve the sum rate of downlink cooperative multiple input multiple output transmission systems. However, a perfect knowledge of the channel state information at the transmitter is needed to perform adequate beamforming such as block diagonalisation or zero‐forcing preprocessing. In practice, this is not the case due to the presence of channel estimation errors.

In this paper, we consider one particular scenario of the transmission coordination among multiple cell sites, namely the joint processing coordinated multipoint transmission scheme. A joint processing coordinated multipoint is composed of several BSs that cooperate to serve a set of mobile stations (MSs) and where both BSs and MSs are equipped with multiple antennas. In the context of this transmission scenario, we model the multicell cooperative system under the presence of channel estimation errors that are often neglected but that can significantly influence the obtained results. Furthermore, we consider a general framework where the distributed power from the BSs to the MSs is not constrained to be identical. We then propose a modified version of the classical block diagonalisation and zero‐forcing beamforming to efficiently mitigate the existing ICI. Finally, we evaluate the sum rate expression of the considered cooperative system, and we propose efficient alternatives to improve it without coupling the beamforming and the power control processes. Simulation results are given to support our claims. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A survey on energy awareness mechanisms in routing protocols for wireless sensor networks using optimization methods
Authors: Shamsan Saleh Ahmed M. , Ali Borhanuddin Mohd , Rasid Mohd Fadlee A. , Ismail Alyani
Published: July 2013

Over recent years, enormous amounts of research in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have been conducted; this is because of its multifarious applications such as in environmental monitoring, object tracking, disaster management, manufacturing, monitoring and control. Nevertheless, optimising the energy consumption of sensor nodes (SNs) in WSNs and realising the anticipated quality of solutions supplied from them present considerable challenges. In WSNs, the sudden ‘death’ of critical nodes can cause an entire network to malfunction. This is usually caused by uneven depletion of battery power of the individual nodes. Therefore, this survey investigates the methods that aim to minimise usage of energy in SNs, especially during routing. This is because network activities start to be challenged when the first SN exhausts its battery. In addition, this paper introduces a comprehensive categorization of the energy‐aware protocols in WSNs. Thus, the motivation of this survey is to present some decentralised energy‐aware routing using optimization methods that is generic and applicable to most of WSN applications that require reduction of energy consumptions and extend a network's life time. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Association between TP53 R249S mutation and polymorphisms in TP53 intron 1 in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Ortiz‐Cuaran Sandra , Cox David , Villar Stéphanie , Friesen Marlin D. , Durand Geoffroy , Chabrier Amélie , Khuhaprema Thiravud , Sangrajrang Suleeporn , Ognjanovic Simona , Groopman John D. , Hainaut Pierre , Le Calvez‐Kelm Florence
Published: July 2013

Over 100 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) are validated in the TP53 tumor suppressor gene. They define haplotypes, which may differ in their activities. Therefore, mutation in cancer may occur at different rates depending upon haplotypes. However, these associations may be masked by differences in mutations types and causes of mutagenesis. We have analyzed the associations between 19 SNPs spanning the TP53 locus and a single specific aflatoxin‐induced TP53 mutation (R249S) in 85 in hepatocellular carcinoma cases and 132 controls from Thailand. An association with R249S mutation (P = 0.007) was observed for a combination of two SNPs (rs17882227 and rs8064946) in a linkage disequilibrium block extending from upstream of exon 1 to the first half of intron 1. This domain contains two coding sequences overlapping with TP53 (WRAP53 and Hp53int1) suggesting that sequences in TP53 intron 1 encode transcripts that may modulate R249S mutation rate in HCC. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Identification of Grouped Rare and Common Variants via Penalized Logistic Regression
Authors: Ayers Kristin L. , Cordell Heather J.
Published: July 2013

In spite of the success of genome‐wide association studies in finding many common variants associated with disease, these variants seem to explain only a small proportion of the estimated heritability. Data collection has turned toward exome and whole genome sequencing, but it is well known that single marker methods frequently used for common variants have low power to detect rare variants associated with disease, even with very large sample sizes. In response, a variety of methods have been developed that attempt to cluster rare variants so that they may gather strength from one another under the premise that there may be multiple causal variants within a gene. Most of these methods group variants by gene or proximity, and test one gene or marker window at a time. We propose a penalized regression method (PeRC) that analyzes all genes at once, allowing grouping of all (rare and common) variants within a gene, along with subgrouping of the rare variants, thus borrowing strength from both rare and common variants within the same gene. The method can incorporate either a burden‐based weighting of the rare variants or one in which the weights are data driven. In simulations, our method performs favorably when compared to many previously proposed approaches, including its predecessor, the sparse group lasso [Friedman et al., 2010].
New frontier in liver cancer treatment: Oncolytic viral therapy
Authors: Vilarinho Sílvia , Taddei Tamar H.
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Oncolytic viruses and active immunotherapeutics have complementary mechanisms of action (MOA) that are both self amplifying in tumors, yet the impact of dose on subject outcome is unclear. JX-594 (Pexa-Vec) is an oncolytic and immunotherapeutic vaccinia virus. To determine the optimal JX-594 dose in subjects with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), we conducted a randomized phase 2 dose-finding trial (n = 30). Radiologists infused low- or high-dose JX-594 into liver tumors (days 1, 15 and 29); infusions resulted in acute detectable intravascular JX-594 genomes. Objective intrahepatic Modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST) (15%) and Choi (62%) response rates and intrahepatic disease control (50%) were equivalent in injected and distant noninjected tumors at both doses. JX-594 replication and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) expression preceded the induction of anticancer immunity. In contrast to tumor response rate and immune endpoints, subject survival duration was significantly related to dose (median survival of 14.1 months compared to 6.7 months on the high and low dose, respectively; hazard ratio 0.39; P = 0.020). JX-594 demonstrated oncolytic and immunotherapy MOA, tumor responses and dose-related survival in individuals with HCC.
Early Temperament and Attachment Security with Mothers and Fathers as Predictors of Toddler Compliance and Noncompliance
Authors: Lickenbrock Diane M. , Braungart‐Rieker Julia M. , Ekas Naomi V. , Zentall Shannon R. , Oshio Toko , Planalp Elizabeth M.
Published: July 2013

This longitudinal study (n = 106) examined associations between temperament, attachment, and styles of compliance and noncompliance. Infant negative temperamental reactivity was reported by mothers at 3, 5 and 7 months. Infant attachment was assessed (Strange Situation) at 12 (mothers) and 14 months (fathers). Toddlers' styles of compliance/noncompliance were measured using two laboratory contexts (clean‐up/delay) at 20 months. Results indicated that temperament and attachment predicted toddler behaviour. Toddlers who were secure with mothers and low in temperamental negative reactivity showed more committed compliance than those who were insecure and low in negative reactivity or secure and high in negative reactivity. In addition, interactions revealed that relations between infant–mother attachment and defiance depended on infant–father attachment security, temperament and context. Findings highlight the differential and complex roles of temperament and attachment as potential precursors of later social competence. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An Exploratory Study of Maternal Depressive Symptoms and Infant's Social Skills in Korea: The Mediating Role of Mothers’ Social Interactions with their Infants
Authors: Choi Eunsil
Published: July 2013

The purpose of this study is to examine the potential mediating role of mothers’ social interactions with their infants in the association between maternal depressive symptoms (MDSs) at three time points and infants’ social skills in Korea. Data were taken from 1,472 infants and mothers of the Public Study of Korean Children. Mothers completed the Kessler 6 to examine MDSs at three time points. Mothers also completed the Parenting Style Questionnaires to assess infants’ social skills. Correlational analyses revealed that mothers who had depressive symptons when infants were 4 months of age were less likely to be responsive and sensitive when mothers interacted with their infants. In addition, sensitive and responsive interactions with their infants were positively correlated with infants’ social skills. Structural equation model analyses showed that mothers’ responsive and sensitive interactions with their infants entirely mediated the association between MDSs at 4 months’ postpartum and infants’ social skills. The findings suggest that the mediating role of sensitive and responsive interactions with their infants in the association betweemn MDSs and infants’ social skills is potentially similar in Asian samples.
Modulation of apoptosis by caprine herpesvirus 1 infection in a neuronal cell line
Authors: Montagnaro Serena , Ciarcia Roberto , De Martinis Claudio , Pacilio Carmen , Sasso Simona , Puzio Maria Valeria , De Angelis Morena , Pagnini Ugo , Boffo Silvia , Kenez Ivanna , Iovane Giuseppe , Giordano Antonio
Published: July 2013

Caprine herpesvirus type 1 (CpHV‐1), like other members of the alpha subfamily of herpesviruses, establishes latent infections in trigeminal ganglion neurons. Our groups previously demonstrated that CpHV‐1 induces apoptosis in goat peripheral blood mononuclear cells and in an epithelial bovine cell line, but the ability of CpHV‐1 to induce apoptosis in neuronal cells remains unexplored. In this report, the susceptibility of Neuro 2A cells to infection by CpHV‐1 was examined. Following infection of cultured cells with CpHV‐1, expression of cell death genes was evaluated using real‐time PCR and Western blot assays. Analysis of virus‐infected cells revealed activation of caspase‐8, a marker for the extrinsic pathway of apoptosis, and caspase‐9, a marker for the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis at 12 and 24 h post‐infection. Significant increase in the levels of cleaved caspase‐3 was also observed at the acme of cytopathic effect at 24 h post‐infection. In particular, at 3 and 6 h post‐infection, several proapototic genes were under‐expressed. At 12 h post‐infection several proapototic genes such as caspases, TNF, Cd70, and Traf1 were over expressed while Bcl2a1a, Fadd, and TNF genes were underexpressed. In conclusion, the simultaneous activation of caspase‐8 and caspase‐9 suggests that CpHV‐1 can trigger the death‐receptor pathway and the mitochondrial pathway separately and in parallel. Our findings are significant because this is the first published study showing the effect of CpHV‐1 infection in neuronal cells in terms of gene expression and apoptosis modulation. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 2809–2822, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
UNDERSTANDING THE ROLE OF THE ETHNIC DENSITY EFFECT: ISSUES OF ACCULTURATION, DISCRIMINATION AND SOCIAL SUPPORT
Authors: Jurcik Tomas , Ahmed Rana , Yakobov Esther , Solopieieva‐Jurcikova Ielyzaveta , Ryder Andrew G.
Published: July 2013

Ecological factors in psychological acculturation research are often neglected, although recent work suggests that context and acculturation may interact in predicting adaptation outcomes. The ethnic density effect–the protective effect related to a greater proportion of people from the same ethnic group living in a particular neighborhood–might be one such ecological candidate. The current study integrates these constructs by unpacking the perceived ethnic density effect and examining how it is related to acculturation in a diverse sample (N = 146) of immigrant students in Montreal, Canada. It was found that the negative relation between perceived ethnic density and depression was mediated by discrimination but not by social support. Furthermore, a crossover interaction indicated that heritage acculturation was protective against depression for those residing in ethnically concentrated neighborhoods but not for those living in ethnically sparse neighborhoods. This strongly supports an ecology‐acculturation fit, highlighting the need to contextualize acculturation research.
Safety, Pharmacokinetic, Immunogenicity, and Pharmacodynamic Responses in Healthy Volunteers Following a Single Intravenous Injection of Purified Staphylococcal Protein A
Authors: Ballow Charles , Leh Anissa , Slentz‐Kesler Kimberly , Yan Jim , Haughey David , Bernton Edward
Published: July 2013

A single‐dose study was conducted to characterize the safety, pharmacokinetic, immunogenicity, and pharmacodynamic activity of highly purified Staphylococcal protein A (SPA), a native bacterial protein with immune‐modulatory activity. Twenty healthy adults received a single intravenous dose of either 0.3 µg/kg (n = 8) or 0.45 µg/kg (n = 8) of SPA or placebo (n = 4). Changes in C‐reactive protein and neopterin were used as markers of immune activation. All treatment‐related AEs were of mild severity. Twelve of 16 active‐dosed subjects developed detectable anti‐protein A antibodies after dosing. These subjects had notably more rapid plasma clearance of SPA even prior to development of detectable titers. A transient post‐dose decrease in circulating lymphocytes was observed as a notable pharmacodynamic effect, but was not correlated with plasma clearance or AUC. In peripheral blood mononuclear cells, SPA dosing increased transcription of multiple genes regulated by type‐1 interferons, and up‐regulation of several of these genes correlated with the degree of lymphopenia seen 24 hours after dosing. This study demonstrates the safety and tolerability of small intravenous doses of SPA and delineates acute and transient pharmacodynamic effects not previously reported.
Evaluation of Hepatic Impairment Dosing Recommendations in FDA‐Approved Product Labels
Authors: Chang Yang , Burckart Gilbert J. , Lesko Lawrence J. , Dowling Thomas C.
Published: July 2013

Pharmacokinetic (PK) studies in patients with liver disease are an important clinical pharmacology component of drug development. In 2003, FDA released the guidance for industry on “Pharmacokinetics in Patients with Impaired Hepatic Function,” which provides recommendations to sponsors on study design, data analysis, and impact on dosing and labeling. We evaluated the quality and consistency of hepatic dosing recommendations, and compared contemporary clinical practice of dosing in patients with impaired hepatic function with product labels. All new molecular entities (NME) and labels approved by the FDA during the period of January 2004 to December 2011 were reviewed. The fraction of the dose hepatically eliminated, quality of hepatic impairment PK studies reported, and any dose recommendations provided in the label and in a tertiary clinical reference (Micromedex) were reviewed. Out of 157 NMEs, 67 met the criteria for evaluation of dosing in hepatic disease. Problem areas were identified related to the lack of specific hepatic metabolism information in 90% of FDA‐approved labels, inconsistent terminology, and “use with caution in liver disease” in 27% of NME. Updating the FDA guidance on PK studies in patients with impaired hepatic function could provide a standardized approach to improve the clinical usefulness of this dosing information for practitioners.
Gullies and landslides on the Moon: Evidence for dry‐granular flows
Authors: Senthil Kumar P. , Keerthi V. , Senthil Kumar A. , Mustard John , Gopala Krishna B. , Amitabh  , Ostrach Lillian R. , Kring David. A. , Kiran Kumar A. S. , Goswami J. N.
Published: July 2013

High‐resolution images from Chandrayaan‐1 Terrain Mapping Camera and Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera reveal landslides and gully formation on the interior wall of a 7 km‐diameter simple crater emplaced in Schrödinger basin on the farside of the Moon. These features occur on the steep upper crater wall, where the slope is ~35°. The gullies show a typical alcove‐channel‐fan morphology. Some gullies incise bedrock, where impact‐related faults are present. Slope failure along the concentric faults also led to formation of landslides. Dark slope streaks are abundant at the bright gully regions, especially near the fan and channel deposits. Spectral characteristics inferred from data obtained by Hyperspectral Imager and Moon Mineralogy Mapper on board Chandrayaan‐1 show that the gullies and landslides are characterized by high optical immaturity and devoid of prominent spectral absorption features related to water or hydroxyl molecules, suggesting youthful dry‐granular flows. Mass movements on the crater wall led to the formation of arcuate ridges and ponding of fine‐grained sediments on the crater floor. Runout flows from small impact craters on the slopes indicate that impact‐induced seismic shaking was responsible for the downslope mass movements. Crater size‐frequency distributions suggest a minimum age of 18–2 Ma for the gullies and 2 Ma for the landslides, while age of the host crater ejecta was inferred to be about 175 Ma. The gullies and landslides also occur on the interior wall of other impact craters elsewhere on the Moon and probably formed by similar processes.
The structure of Mars lower atmosphere from Mars Express Radio Science (MaRS) occultation measurements
Authors: Tellmann Silvia , Pätzold Martin , Häusler Bernd , Hinson D. P. , Tyler G. Leonard
Published: July 2013

The Mars Express Radio Science Experiment (MaRS) investigates the lower and middle atmosphere of Mars between the surface and about 40 km with a very high vertical resolution. More than 600 profiles of temperature, pressure, and neutral number density were retrieved between 2004 and 2011 covering four Martian years (MYs 27–30). Radio occultation experiments provide the unique possibility to retrieve geopotential height information to supplement temperature values. The temperature field in the northern winter hemisphere displays strong temperature inversions indicating a pronounced polar warming in the northern polar night (MY 27). The temperature and geopotential fields imply the presence of a strong zonal jet, with peak wind speeds of more than 170 m/s at an altitude of about 30 km (~15 Pa) and a latitude of 60–65°N. The longitudinal temperature and geopotential fields in the southern winter of Martian year 30 at latitudes between 49° and 69°S are dominated by a stationary zonal wave s = 1 structure in the lower atmosphere. Associated meridional wind fields retrieved by assuming geostrophic balance have amplitudes up to 12 m/s at the 200 Pa level. An investigation of small‐scale atmospheric waves reveals enhanced gravity wave activity in the daytime atmosphere above elevated terrain and in the winter extratropics. Radio occultation experiments also provide unique insight into the structure of the planetary boundary layer. The deepest convective boundary layers, up to 10 km, are found over elevated terrain.
Antioxidative enzyme profiling and biosorption ability of Cupriavidus metallidurans CH34 and Pseudomonas putida mt2 under cadmium stress
Authors: Shamim Saba , Rehman Abdul
Published: July 2013

Cupriavidus metallidurans CH34 and Pseudomonas putida mt2 were used as cadmium (Cd)‐resistant and ‐sensitive bacteria, respectively, to study their biosorption ability and their antioxidative enzymes. The minimal inhibitory concentration of C. metallidurans CH34 for Cd was found to be 30 mM, and for P. putida mt2 it was 1.25 mM. The tube dilution method revealed the heavy‐metal resistance pattern of C. metallidurans CH34 as Ni2+ (10 mM)>Zn2+ (4 mM)>Cu2+ (2 mM)>Hg2+ (1 mM)>Cr2+ (1 mM)>Pb2+ (0 mM), whereas P. putida mt2 was only resistant to Zn2+ (1 mM). Under Cd stress, the induction of GSH was higher in C. metallidurans CH34 (0.359 ± 0.010 mM g−1 FW) than in P. putida mt2 (0.286 ± 0.005 mM g−1 FW). Glutathione reductase was more highly expressed in the mt2 strain, in contrast to non‐protein thiols and peroxidase. Unlike dead bacterial cells, live cells of both bacteria showed significant Cd biosorption, i.e. more than 80% at 48 h. C. metallidurans CH34 used only catalase, whereas P. putida mt2 used superoxide dismutase and ascorbate peroxidase to combat Cd stress. This study investigated the Cd biosorption ability and enzymes involved in the Cd detoxification mechanisms of C. metallidurans CH34 and P. putida mt2.
Statistical shape modeling of cam femoroacetabular impingement
Authors: Harris Michael D. , Datar Manasi , Whitaker Ross T. , Jurrus Elizabeth R. , Peters Christopher L. , Anderson Andrew E.
Published: July 2013

Statistical shape modeling (SSM) was used to quantify 3D variation and morphologic differences between femurs with and without cam femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). 3D surfaces were generated from CT scans of femurs from 41 controls and 30 cam FAI patients. SSM correspondence particles were optimally positioned on each surface using a gradient descent energy function. Mean shapes for groups were defined. Morphological differences between group mean shapes and between the control mean and individual patients were calculated. Principal component analysis described anatomical variation. Among all femurs, the first six modes (or principal components) captured significant variations, which comprised 84% of cumulative variation. The first two modes, which described trochanteric height and femoral neck width, were significantly different between groups. The mean cam femur shape protruded above the control mean by a maximum of 3.3 mm with sustained protrusions of 2.5–3.0 mm along the anterolateral head‐neck junction/distal anterior neck. SSM described variations in femoral morphology that corresponded well with areas prone to damage. Shape variation described by the first two modes may facilitate objective characterization of cam FAI deformities; variation beyond may be inherent population variance. SSM could characterize disease severity and guide surgical resection of bone. © 2013 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31:1620–1626, 2013
Postirradiation otitis media with effusion in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients treated by intensity‐modulated radiotherapy
Authors: Hsin Chung‐Han , Chen Tsai‐Hsin , Liang Kai‐Li , Tseng Hsien‐Chun , Liu Wen‐Shan
Published: July 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

Postirradiation otitis media with effusion (OME) is a common adverse otologic effect in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients treated by radiotherapy. The purpose of this study was to determine the long‐term incidence of postirradiation OME in NPC patients following intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and to evaluate the potential factors associated with the development of this otologic complication.

Study Design

Retrospective observational study.

Methods

A retrospective review of NPC patients treated by IMRT between January 2002 and June 2008 was conducted. Otologic complications were regularly evaluated during follow‐up. Presence of OME was detected by findings of otoscopic exam, pure‐tone audiometry, impedance audiometry, and tympanocentesis. Incidence of postirradiation OME and relevant factors were analyzed.

Results

A total of 105 patients (210 ears) were enrolled in the study. There were 34 patients (32.4%) with unilateral or bilateral postirradiation OME 3 years or more following radiotherapy. There was no correlation between the complication and the stage of primary tumor. The presence of pretreatment OME, however, was significantly associated with the development of postirradiation OME. Although there was no significant relationship between the radiation dose and post‐treatment OME, the link with radiation toxicity was demonstrated by the finding that 28% of postirradiation OME developed in the ears contralateral to the side of primary nasopharyngeal tumor.

Conclusions

Postirradiation OME remains a common late toxicity in NPC patients treated by modern radiotherapy. Pretreatment injuries by the tumor and radiation‐induced damages to the eustachian tube both play a major role in the development of the otologic complication.

Level of Evidence

Level of Evidence: 3b (nonconsecutive cohort study). Laryngoscope, 123:2148–2153, 2013
Results of myringoplasty operations in active and inactive ears in adults
Authors: Mills Robert , Thiel Gundula , Mills Nadtaya
Published: July 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

To determine whether the presence of aural discharge at the time of surgery adversely affects the success rate of myringoplasty operations.

Study Design

Case series comparing the success rate of surgery in active and inactive ears.

Methods

Data pertaining to 268 operations involving repair of the tympanic membrane without ossiculoplasty carried out in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, between 1999 and 2009 by one senior surgeon and trainees working under his supervision were collected prospectively. Other factors that might potentially influence the outcome of the surgery were investigated using logistical regression analysis. The main outcome measure was number of patients with an intact tympanic membrane 6 months after surgery in the two groups (active and inactive).

Results

Of the 268 operations carried out, 203 were successful, with an intact tympanic membrane, 6 months postoperatively, 43 had persistent perforations, and 22 patients were lost to follow‐up before 6 months. The success rates for closure of the perforation at 6 months after surgery were 83% for inactive and 82% for active ears (P = .9).

Conclusions

There is no clinically significant difference in the success rate for myringoplasty in patients whose ears are active or inactive at the time of surgery.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 123:2245–2249, 2013
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss is correlated with an increased risk of acute myocardial infarction: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Lin Charlene , Lin Shih‐Wei , Lin Yung‐Song , Weng Shih‐Feng , Lee Tsung‐Ming
Published: July 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

Previous studies have indicated that hypercholesterolemia and a high burden of cardiovascular risk factors are associated with the development of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL). The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that SSHL is a risk factor for the development of myocardial infarction (MI).

Study Design

A retrospective cohort study.

Methods

Using the Taiwan Longitudinal Health Insurance Database, we compared patients diagnosed with SSHL between January 1, 2001, and December 31, 2006, (N = 44,830) with age‐matched controls (1:1) (N = 44,830). We followed up on each patient until the end of 2009 to evaluate the incidence of MI for a minimum period of 3 years after their initial SSHL diagnosis.

Results

We found that after adjusting for potential confounds with an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 1.254 (95% confidence interval, 1.092–1.440, P < 0.05), patients with SSHL were more likely to suffer MI than the control population. When stratified by patient age, the incidence of MI was 1.62‐fold and 1.28‐fold higher for SSHL‐diagnosed patients aged between 50 and 64 years and those aged ≥ 65 years (P = 0.0064 and P = 0.0001), respectively, than in the non‐SSHL group.

Conclusions

SSHL may confer an independent risk of MI. This observation may prompt the early detection and timely treatment of patients at a high risk of MI.

Level of Evidence

2B. Laryngoscope, 123:2254–2258, 2013
Symmetry in the geometry of metric contact pairs
Authors: Bande Gianluca , Blair David E.
Published: July 2013

We prove that the universal covering of a complete locally symmetric normal metric contact pair manifold with decomposable ϕ is a Calabi‐Eckmann manifold or the Riemannian product of a sphere and . We show that a complete, simply connected, normal metric contact pair manifold with decomposable ϕ, such that the foliation induced by the vertical subbundle is regular and reflections in the integral submanifolds of the vertical subbundle are isometries, is the product of globally ϕ‐symmetric spaces or the product of a globally ϕ‐symmetric space and . Moreover in the first case the manifold fibers over a locally symmetric space endowed with a symplectic pair.
Protein carbonylation as a major hallmark of oxidative damage: Update of analytical strategies
Authors: Fedorova Maria , Bollineni Ravi Chand , Hoffmann Ralf
Published: July 2013

Protein carbonylation, one of the most harmful irreversible oxidative protein modifications, is considered as a major hallmark of oxidative stress‐related disorders. Protein carbonyl measurements are often performed to assess the extent of oxidative stress in the context of cellular damage, aging and several age‐related disorders. A wide variety of analytical techniques are available to detect and quantify protein‐bound carbonyls generated by metal‐catalyzed oxidation, lipid peroxidation or glycation/glycoxidation. Here we review current analytical approaches for protein carbonyl detection with a special focus on mass spectrometry‐based techniques. The utility of several carbonyl‐derivatization reagents, enrichment protocols and especially advanced mass spectrometry techniques are compared and discussed in detail. Furthermore, the mechanisms and biology of protein carbonylation are summarized based on recent high‐throughput proteomics data. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Mass Spec Rev 33: 79–97, 2014.
A new genome scan for primary nonsyndromic vesicoureteric reflux emphasizes high genetic heterogeneity and shows linkage and association with various genes already implicated in urinary tract development
Authors: Darlow J. M. , Dobson M. G. , Darlay R. , Molony C. M. , Hunziker M. , Green A. J. , Cordell H. J. , Puri P. , Barton D. E.
Published: July 2013

Primary vesicoureteric reflux (VUR), the retrograde flow of urine from the bladder toward the kidneys, results from a developmental anomaly of the vesicoureteric valve mechanism, and is often associated with other urinary tract anomalies. It is the most common urological problem in children, with an estimated prevalence of 1–2%, and is a major cause of hypertension in childhood and of renal failure in childhood or adult life. We present the results of a genetic linkage and association scan using 900,000 markers. Our linkage results show a large number of suggestive linkage peaks, with different results in two groups of families, suggesting that VUR is even more genetically heterogeneous than previously imagined. The only marker achieving P < 0.02 for linkage in both groups of families is 270 kb from EMX2. In three sibships, we found recessive linkage to KHDRBS3, previously reported in a Somali family. In another family we discovered sex‐reversal associated with VUR, implicating PRKX, for which there was weak support for dominant linkage in the overall data set. Several other candidate genes are suggested by our linkage or association results, and four of our linkage peaks are within copy‐number variants recently found to be associated with renal hypodysplasia. Undoubtedly there are many genes related to VUR. Our study gives support to some loci suggested by earlier studies as well as suggesting new ones, and provides numerous indications for further investigations.
FSH modulates the expression of inhibin‐alpha and the secretion of inhibins via orphan nuclear receptor NUR77 in ovarian granulosa cells
Authors: He Qin‐Yuan , Ding Li‐Jun , Sun Hai‐Xiang , Yu Bin , Dai An‐Yi , Zhang Ning‐Yuan , Wang Bin , Yan Gui‐Jun , Xu Pei‐Zhen , Hu Ya‐Li
Published: July 2013

It has been previously reported that follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) regulates the expression of inhibin‐alpha in human granulosa cells, but the precise molecular pathway remains unknown. In the present study, we investigated the role of the orphan nuclear receptor, NUR77, in both the transcriptional regulation of the inhibin α‐subunit gene and the secretion of inhibins. Our results showed that in a human granulosa cell tumor‐derived cell line (KGN) and in human granulosa‐lutein cells (hGL), FSH induced the expression of NUR77 and inhibin‐alpha, although inhibin‐alpha expression did not increased following FSH treatment if NUR77 was knocked down. Furthermore, simply overexpressing or reducing NUR77 levels affected inhibin‐alpha expression, while NUR77 overexpression improved the secretion of inhibin A and B from human granulosa cells. In addition, chromatin immunoprecipitation–PCR, avidin–biotin‐conjugated DNA precipitation, and luciferase reporter assays confirmed that NUR77 directly regulated the transcription of the inhibin‐alpha gene through the specific NGFI‐B response element located within its promoter. In the ovarian granulosa cells of the Nur77 knockout mice, the mRNA levels of inhibin‐alpha were decreased relative to wild‐type mice. These data indicate a role of NUR77 in the regulation of inhibin‐alpha in ovarian granulosa cells. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 80: 734–743, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Velocity encoding with the slice select refocusing gradient for faster imaging and reduced chemical shift‐induced phase errors
Authors: Middione Matthew J. , Thompson Richard B. , Ennis Daniel B.
Published: July 2013

Purpose

To investigate a novel phase‐contrast MRI velocity‐encoding technique for faster imaging and reduced chemical shift‐induced phase errors.

Methods

Velocity encoding with the slice select refocusing gradient achieves the target gradient moment by time shifting the refocusing gradient, which enables the use of the minimum in‐phase echo time (TE) for faster imaging and reduced chemical shift‐induced phase errors. Net forward flow was compared in 10 healthy subjects (N = 10) within the ascending aorta (aAo), main pulmonary artery (PA), and right/left pulmonary arteries (RPA/LPA) using conventional flow compensated and flow encoded (401 Hz/px and TE = 3.08 ms) and slice select refocused gradient velocity encoding (814 Hz/px and TE = 2.46 ms) at 3 T.

Results

Improved net forward flow agreement was measured across all vessels for slice select refocused gradient compared to flow compensated and flow encoded: aAo vs. PA (1.7% ± 1.9% vs. 5.8% ± 2.8%, P = 0.002), aAo vs. RPA + LPA (2.1% ± 1.7% vs. 6.0% ± 4.3%, P = 0.03), and PA vs. RPA + LPA (2.9% ± 2.1% vs. 6.1% ± 6.3%, P = 0.04), while increasing temporal resolution (35%) and signal‐to‐noise ratio (33%).

Conclusion

Slice select refocused gradient phase‐contrast MRI with a high receiver bandwidth and minimum in‐phase TE provides more accurate and less variable flow measurements through the reduction of chemical shift‐induced phase errors and a reduced TE/repetition time, which can be used to increase the temporal/spatial resolution and/or reduce breath hold durations. Magn Reson Med 71:2014–2023, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Muscle conduction velocity, surface electromyography variables, and echo intensity during concentric and eccentric fatigue
Authors: Gonzalez‐Izal Miriam , Cadore Eduardo Lusa , Izquierdo Mikel
Published: July 2013

Introduction: Concentric (CON) and eccentric (ECC) contractions may involve different mechanisms related to changes in sarcolemma status and the consequent alteration of action potential transmission along muscle fibers. Methods: Muscle conduction velocity (CV), surface electromyography signal (sEMG), muscle quality, and blood lactate concentrations were analyzed during CON and ECC actions. Results: Compared with ECC, the CON protocol resulted in greater muscle force losses, blood lactate concentrations, and changes in sEMG parameters. Similar reductions in CV were detected in both protocols. Higher echo intensity values were observed 2 days after ECC due to greater muscle damage. Conclusions: The effects of the muscle damage produced by ECC exercise on the transmission of action potentials along muscle fibers (measured as the CV) may be comparable with the effects of hydrogen accumulation produced by CON exercise (related to greater lactate concentrations), which causes greater force loss and change in other sEMG variables during CON than during ECC actions. Muscle Nerve 49:389–397, 2014
Are multifocal motor neuropathy patients underdiagnosed? An epidemiological survey in Japan
Authors: Miyashiro Ai , Matsui Naoko , Shimatani Yoshimitsu , Nodera Hiroyuki , Izumi Yuishin , Kuwabara Satoshi , Imai Tomihiro , Baba Masayuki , Komori Tetsuo , Sonoo Masahiro , Mezaki Takahiro , Kawamata Jun , Hitomi Takefumi , Kohara Nobuo , Arimura Kimiyoshi , Hashimoto Shuji , Arisawa Kokichi , Kusunoki Susumu , Kaji Ryuji ,   on behalf of the Japanese Multifocal Motor Neuropathy Study Group
Published: July 2013

Introduction: Our objective was to do an epidemiologic survey of patients with multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) in comparison with those with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in Japan. Methods: In this retrospective study, we examined 46 patients with MMN and 1,051 patients with ALS from major neuromuscular centers in Japan from 2005 to 2009. Diagnosis was based on the European Federation of Neurological Societies/Peripheral Nerve Society (EFNS/PNS) and the revised El Escorial criteria. The efficacy of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) was also taken into consideration in the diagnosis of MMN. Results: The ratio of MMN to ALS patients (0–0.10) varied among the centers, but mostly converged to 0.05. The prevalence was estimated to be 0.29 MMN patients and 6.63 ALS patients per 100,000 population. Conclusions: The frequency of MMN patients was around 1 out of 20 ALS patients, and MMN was possibly underdiagnosed in some centers. Muscle Nerve 49:357–361, 2014
Innervation zone locations in 43 superficial muscles: Toward a standardization of electrode positioning
Authors: Beretta Piccoli Matteo , Rainoldi Alberto , Heitz Carolin , Wüthrich Marianne , Boccia Gennaro , Tomasoni Enrico , Spirolazzi Carlo , Egloff Michele , Barbero Marco
Published: July 2013

Introduction: We describe the innervation zone (IZ) location in 43 muscles to provide information for appropriate positioning of bipolar electrodes for clinical and research applications. Methods: The IZ was studied in 40 subjects (20 men and 20 women) using multichannel surface electromyography (sEMG). Signal quality was checked visually to identify motor unit action potentials and estimate muscle fiber conduction velocity. Results: Results in 33 muscles were classified as excellent or good, because it was possible to identify an area which is favorable for appropriate positioning of an electrode pair without the need to previously determine the IZ location. Conclusions: Knowledge of IZ location will increase standardization and repeatability of sEMG measures. Muscle Nerve 49:413–421, 2014
Rasch analysis of clinical outcome measures in spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Cano Stefan J. , Mayhew Anna , Glanzman Allan M. , Krosschell Kristin J. , Swoboda Kathryn J. , Main Marion , Steffensen Birgit F. , Bérard Carole , Girardot Françoise , Payan Christine A.M. , Mercuri Eugenio , Mazzone Elena , Elsheikh Bakri , Florence Julaine , Hynan Linda S. , Iannaccone Susan T. , Nelson Leslie L. , Pandya Shree , Rose Michael , Scott Charles , Sadjadi Reza , Yore Mackensie A. , Joyce Cynthia , Kissel John T. ,   on behalf of the International Coordinating Committee for SMA Clinical Trials Rasch Task Force
Published: July 2013

Introduction: Trial design for SMA depends on meaningful rating scales to assess outcomes. In this study Rasch methodology was applied to 9 motor scales in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Methods: Data from all 3 SMA types were provided by research groups for 9 commonly used scales. Rasch methodology assessed the ordering of response option thresholds, tests of fit, spread of item locations, residual correlations, and person separation index. Results: Each scale had good reliability. However, several issues impacting scale validity were identified, including the extent that items defined clinically meaningful constructs and how well each scale measured performance across the SMA spectrum. Conclusions: The sensitivity and potential utility of each SMA scale as outcome measures for trials could be improved by establishing clear definitions of what is measured, reconsidering items that misfit and items whose response categories have reversed thresholds, and adding new items at the extremes of scale ranges. Muscle Nerve 49:422–430, 2014