bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gronwall-Bellman Type Inequalities and Their Applications to Fractional Differential Equations
Authors: Shao Jing , Meng Fanwei
Published: August 2013

Some new weakly singular integral inequalities of Gronwall-Bellman type are established, which can be used in the qualitative analysis of the solutions to certain fractional differential equations.
Laser Coherence Meter Based on Nanostructured Liquid Crystals
Authors: Anczykowska A. , Bartkiewicz S. , Mysliwiec J.
Published: August 2013

We present the method for coherence length measurement using coherence meter based on hybrid liquid crystal structures doped with gold nanoparticles. The results indicate that the method is able to determine the coherence length of coherent light sources with precision of 0.01 m at wavelength range from 200 to 800 nm for wide range of initial beam powers starting from 1 mW. Given the increasing use of laser technology in industry, military, or medicine, our research may open up a possible route for the development of improved techniques of coherent diagnostic light sources.
Efficient Evaluation of Biodiversity Concerns in Protected Areas
Authors: Ferreira Sam , Daemane Mahlomola , Deacon Andrew , Sithole Hendrik , Bezuidenhout Hugo
Published: August 2013

Monitoring is a vital component of keeping protected areas in desired states. Lack of robust designs, however, impedes efficient monitoring. We ask two questions—how does effort at a specific site as well as number of sites in a plant community influence richness, abundance, and diversity indicators. Large mammal herbivory biodiversity influences are a key concern for managers of Mokala National Park. We anticipated that changes in biodiversity indicators (vegetation, ants, and birds) associate with herbivore intensity of use of landscapes. We identified flat deep sandy plains and undulating shallow rocky hills as focal landscapes. Our focus was on finding optimized effort at survey sites as well as the number of sites. Monitoring to evaluate change in diversity and abundance needs far less effort than evaluating change in richness. Furthermore, given the variance at the landscape level, monitoring of species abundance and diversity allows easier detection with less effort and at shorter intervals between surveys than that required for richness. Even though a mechanisms-based approach directs monitoring, conservationists need to evaluate feasibility. In our case, measurement of richness is unlikely to detect herbivore effects. In general though, we have illustrated that focused monitoring designs can robustly evaluate conservation objectives.
Malignant Mesothelioma of the Pericardium: A Report of Two Different Presentations
Authors: Makarawate Pattarapong , Chaosuwannakit Narumol , Chindaprasirt Jarin , Ungarreevittaya Piti , Chaiwiriyakul Surachat , Wirasorn Kosin , Kuptarnond Chusak , Sawanyawisuth Kittisak
Published: August 2013

Malignant mesothelioma of the pericardium is a rare and fatal condition that clinicians should be aware of due to its variability of clinical manifestation. The diagnosis may be delayed as a result of delayed treatment. Here, we report two cases of malignant pericardial mesothelioma with two different clinical aspects: cardiac tamponade and mimic tuberculous pericarditis. Both patients: may have indirect exposure to asbestos. Despite chemotherapy, both patients died at 2 weeks and 3 months after the diagnosis. Malignant mesothelioma of the pericardium is fatal, has a variety of presentation, and may not be related to asbestosis exposure.
Supercapacitance of Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes‐Polypyrrole Composites
Authors: Raicopol Matei , Pruna Alina , Pilan Luisa
Published: August 2013

The composites based on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and conducting polymers (CPs) are promising materials for supercapacitor devices due to their unique nanostructure that combines the large pseudocapacitance of the CPs with the fast charging/discharging double‐layer capacitance and excellent mechanical properties of the CNTs. Here, we report a new electrochemical method to obtain polypyrrole (PPY)/single‐walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) composites. In the first step, the SWCNTs are covalently functionalized with monomeric units of pyrrole by esterification of acyl chloride functionalized SWCNTs and N‐(6‐hydroxyhexyl)pyrrole. In the second step, the PPY/SWCNTs composites are obtained by copolymerizing the pyrrole monomer with the pyrrole units grafted on SWCNTs surface using controlled potential electrolysis. The composites were further characterized by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The results showed good electrochemical charge storage properties for the synthesized composites based on PPY and SWCNTs covalently functionalized with pyrrole units making them promising electrode materials for high power supercapacitors.
How Histopathology Can Contribute to an Understanding of Defense Mechanisms against Cryptococci
Authors: Okubo Yoichiro , Tochigi Naobumi , Wakayama Megumi , Shinozaki Minoru , Nakayama Haruo , Ishiwatari Takao , Shimodaira Kayoko , Nemoto Tetsuo , Ohno Hideaki , Kaneko Yukihiro , Makimura Koichi , Uchida Katsuhisa , Miyazaki Yoshitsugu , Yamaguchi Hideyo , Shibuya Kazutoshi
Published: August 2013

Invasive fungal infections, particularly those considered opportunistic, have become a common and significant complication of procedures performed in advanced contemporary medicine. Among such infections, cryptococcosis, which is usually caused by infection withCryptococcus neoformansandCryptococcus gattii, is particularly problematic because this fungal infection occurs in immunocompromised and apparently immunocompetent individuals. It has been largely accepted thatCryptococcusspecies are recognized by cellular receptors and that Th1-type immune responses play an important role in defense mechanisms against the yeast. However, the interaction between the yeast and host tissue varies depending on the characteristics of the yeast and the immune status of the host. To gain a better understanding of the pathophysiology of cryptococcosis, we wish to emphasize the usefulness of histopathological examinations, because it allowed more detailed information of an extremely complex interaction between the causative yeasts and tissue response. In the present review, we describe the pathophysiology of cryptococcosis as largely revealed in our previous histopathological investigations of the experimental infection.
Matrine Inhibits Infiltration of the InflammatoryGr1hiMonocyte Subset in Injured Mouse Liver through Inhibition of Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1
Authors: Shi Duo , Zhang Jinjin , Qiu Lei , Li Jianzhong , Hu Zhenlin , Zhang Junping
Published: August 2013

Matrine (Mat) is a major alkaloid extracted fromSophora flavescensAit, an herb which is used in the traditional Chinese medicine for treatment of inflammation, cancer, and other diseases. The present study examined the impact of Mat on the CCl4-induced hepatic infiltration ofGr1himonocytes to explore the possible mechanisms underlying its anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic effects. The results indicated that Mat protected mice from acute liver injury induced by single intraperitoneal injection of CCl4and attenuated liver fibrosis induced by repeated CCl4injection. Meanwhile, the infiltrations ofGr1himonocytes in both acute and chronic injured livers were all inhibited, and the enhanced hepatic expression of MCP-1 was suppressed. Cellular experiments demonstrated that Mat directly inhibited MCP-1 production in both nonparenchymal cells and hepatic stellate cells derived from CCl4-injured livers. Transwell chemotaxis assays showed that Mat significantly inhibited the chemotactic activity of MCP-1. These results suggest that the anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic effects of Mat could be contributed, at least in part, to its prevention ofGr1himonocyte infiltration into the injured livers and inhibition of MCP-1 production and activity. These findings extend our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic effects of Mat.
Contribution of Lung Macrophages to the Inflammatory Responses Induced by Exposure to Air Pollutants
Authors: Hiraiwa Kunihiko , van Eeden Stephan F.
Published: August 2013

Large population cohort studies have indicated an association between exposure to particulate matter and cardiopulmonary morbidity and mortality. The inhalation of toxic environmental particles and gases impacts the innate and adaptive defense systems of the lung. Lung macrophages play a critically important role in the recognition and processing of any inhaled foreign material such as pathogens or particulate matter. Alveolar macrophages and lung epithelial cells are the predominant cells that process and remove inhaled particulate matter from the lung. Cooperatively, they produce proinflammatory mediators when exposed to atmospheric particles. These mediators produce integrated local (lung, controlled predominantly by epithelial cells) and systemic (bone marrow and vascular system, controlled predominantly by macrophages) inflammatory responses. The systemic response results in an increase in the release of leukocytes from the bone marrow and an increased production of acute phase proteins from the liver, with both factors impacting blood vessels and leading to destabilization of existing atherosclerotic plaques. This review focuses on lung macrophages and their role in orchestrating the inflammatory responses induced by exposure to air pollutants.
Recovery Capabilities of Rateless Codes on Simulated Turbulent Terrestrial Free Space Optics Channel Model
Authors: Andò A. , Mangione S. , Curcio L. , Stivala S. , Garbo G. , Pernice R. , Busacca A. C.
Published: August 2013

Free Space Optics (FSO) links are affected by several impairments: optical turbulence, scattering, absorption, and pointing. In particular, atmospheric optical turbulence generates optical power fluctuations at the receiver that can degrade communications with fading events, especially in high data rate links. Innovative solutions require an improvement of FSO link performances, together with testing models and appropriate channel codes. In this paper, we describe a high-resolution time-correlated channel model able to predict random temporal fluctuations of optical signal irradiance caused by optical turbulence. Concerning the same channel, we also report simulation results on the error mitigation performance of Luby Transform, Raptor, and RaptorQ codes.
Improved Expectation Maximization Algorithm for Gaussian Mixed Model Using the Kernel Method
Authors: Mohd Yusoff Mohd Izhan , Mohamed Ibrahim , Abu Bakar Mohd Rizam
Published: August 2013

Fraud activities have contributed to heavy losses suffered by telecommunication companies. In this paper, we attempt to use Gaussian mixed model, which is a probabilistic model normally used in speech recognition to identify fraud calls in the telecommunication industry. We look at several issues encountered when calculating the maximum likelihood estimates of the Gaussian mixed model using an Expectation Maximization algorithm. Firstly, we look at a mechanism for the determination of the initial number of Gaussian components and the choice of the initial values of the algorithm using the kernel method. We show via simulation that the technique improves the performance of the algorithm. Secondly, we developed a procedure for determining the order of the Gaussian mixed model using the log-likelihood function and the Akaike information criteria. Finally, for illustration, we apply the improved algorithm to real telecommunication data. The modified method will pave the way to introduce a comprehensive method for detecting fraud calls in future work.
Carbon Nanotubes Synthesis via Arc Discharge with a Yttria Catalyst
Authors: Mohammad M. I. , Moosa Ahmed A. , Potgieter J. H. , Ismael Mustafa K.
Published: August 2013

A facile method is proposed to use a computer controlled Arc discharge gap between graphite electrodes together with an yttria-nickel catalyst to synthesize carbon nanotubes under an Ar-H2 gases mixture atmosphere by applying different DC currents and pressure. This produces carbon nanotubes with decreased diameters and increased length. XRD evidence indicated a shift toward higher crystallinity nanotubes. Yields of the CNTs after purification were also enhanced.
Melt Pressure Signature Tracking Using an Adaptive Kalman Filter in Microinjection Molding
Authors: Liu Hang , Hu Hong , Yung Kai Leung , Xu Yan , Zhang Xing Wei
Published: August 2013

In order to manufacture high quality microproducts, the precision control of injected plastic melt in the injection chamber during a microinjection process requires real-time tracking of the melt pressure when the melt passes through the nozzle. A novel type of adaptive Kalman filter algorithm based on F-distribution is proposed in this paper. This adaptive Kalman filter can switch the system between the steady state and transient state by comparing the differences of input data in F-distribution. By resetting the Kalman gain and other relevant parameters, the adaptive function guarantees the convergence of the filtered signal during the tracking process and tracks the moments which sudden changes occur in the pressure signature. The simulation experiment results show that the method can reduce the effect of measurement noise more quickly and effectively. The method is proven to be effective for microinjection molding applications.
H-Ras Oncogene Expression and Angiogenesis in Experimental Liver Cirrhosis
Authors: Elpek Gülsüm Özlem , Ünal Betül , Bozova Sevgi
Published: August 2013

Background. Proto-oncogenes, particularly ras, may not only affect cell proliferation but also contribute to angiogenesis by influencing both proangiogenic and antiangiogenic mediators. The aim of this study was to investigate whether any relationship exists between ras expression and angiogenesis during diethylnitrosamine- (DEN-) induced experimental liver fibrosis.Materials and Methods. Liver cirrhosis was induced in rats by intraperitoneal injections of DEN. The animals were sacrificed 2 weeks after the last administrations and a hepatectomy was performed. Masson’s trichrome staining was used in the evaluation of the extent of liver fibrosis. The vascular density in portal and periportal areas was assessed by determining the count of CD34 labeled vessel sections. For quantitative evaluation of H-ras expression, in each section positive and negative cells were counted.Results. In fibrotic group H-ras expression was higher than that in nonfibrotic group and was more widespread in cirrhotic livers. Friedman’s test showed that there was a significant correlation between H-ras expression and VD (P<0.01).Conclusion. The results of this descriptive study reveal that H-ras expression gradually increases according to the severity of fibrosis and strongly correlates with angiogenesis.
A Novel Approach to Prepare Well-Defined Silica-Supported Polyoxometalate Species by Reaction with a Chlorinated Support
Authors: Grinenval Eva , Basset Jean-Marie , Lefebvre Frédéric
Published: August 2013

Polyoxometalates were grafted covalently on SBA-15 by a two-step procedure. The dehydroxylated mesoporous silica was first modified by reaction with methyltrichlorosilane in presence of triethylamine. The resulting solid was fully characterized and contained a mixture of mono- and digrafted species . These surface Si–Cl bonds can react with lacunary polyoxometalates as in solution, yielding to a ≡Si–O–POM linkage. However, solid state MAS NMR shows that only the digrafted species react with the polyoxometalate. This new grafting method opens the way to the synthesis of a new class of catalysts which could operate in solution without leaching.
Young Registered Nurses' Intention to Leave the Profession and Professional Turnover in Early Career: A Qualitative Case Study
Authors: Flinkman Mervi , Isopahkala-Bouret Ulpukka , Salanterä Sanna
Published: August 2013

In a time of global nursing shortages an alarming number of young registered nurses have expressed a willingness to leave the profession. In this qualitative case study we investigate in depth why young nurses leave nursing profession and reeducate themselves for a new career. The study is based on longitudinal interviews of three young registered nurses in Finland. These nurses were first interviewed between December 2006 and May 2007, when they were 29–32 years old and having an intention to leave the profession. The second interview took place four years later, from January 2011 to March 2011 when all of them had made the transition to a new career. Data were analyzed in two stages. In the first stage, comprehensive career story narratives were formed on the basis of the interviews. In the second stage, emerging themes in these stories were compared, contrasted, and interpreted in the context of the overall career histories. Nursing as a second career choice and demanding work content as well as poor practice environment and the inability to identify with the stereotypical images of nurses were main themes that emerged from these career stories. The results of this interpretative qualitative study reflect a shift toward insights into understanding professional turnover as a complex and long-lasting process.
Sol-Gel Synthesis and Characterization of Nanoparticles
Authors: Ramesh S.
Published: August 2013

The nanoparticles have been synthesized by sol-gel technique. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, optical absorption spectroscopy, and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy were used to characterize the sample. The X-ray diffraction results indicate the formation of nanocrystalline materials in tetragonal lattice with P42/nnm space group. The identical distribution of elements were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry and X-ray mapping. Electron paramagnetic resonance lineshapes of the samples are obtained at various (13 K, 77 K, and 300 K) temperatures. The isotropic lineshapes of the sample B1 are attributed to dipole-dipole interaction of Ti3+ ions. The incorporation of Al3+ ions into the sample B2–B5 the isotropic nature of the lineshapes are collapsed due to the distraction in crystal field. Optical absorption spectra results reveal the presence of Ag-TiO2 nanoparticles.
Polyβ-Hydroxybutyrate Production byBacillus subtilisNG220 Using Sugar Industry Waste Water
Authors: Singh Gulab , Kumari Anish , Mittal Arpana , Yadav Anita , Aggarwal Neeraj K.
Published: August 2013

The production of polyβ-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) byBacillus subtilisNG220 was observed utilizing the sugar industry waste water supplemented with various carbon and nitrogen sources. At a growth rate of 0.14 g h−1 L−1, using sugar industry waste water was supplemented with maltose (1% w/v) and ammonium sulphate (1% w/v); the isolate produced 5.297 g/L of polyβ-hydroxybutyrate accumulating 51.8% (w/w) of biomass. The chemical nature of the polymer was confirmed with nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier transform infrared, and GC-MS spectroscopy whereas thermal properties were monitored with differential scanning calorimetry. In biodegradability study, when PHB film of the polymer (made by traditional solvent casting technique) was subjected to degradation in various natural habitats like soil, compost, and industrial sludge, it was completely degraded after 30 days in the compost having 25% (w/w) moisture. So, the present study gives insight into dual benefits of conversion of a waste material into value added product, PHB, and waste management.
Antiradical and Cytotoxic Activities of Varying Polarity Extracts of the Aerial Part of Euphorbia hirta L.
Authors: Perumal Shanmugapriya , Mahmud Roziahanim , Piaru Suthagar Pillai , Lee Wei Cai , Ramanathan Surash
Published: August 2013

Euphorbia hirta is a well‐known ethnomedicinal plant with diverse biological activities. The aim of the present study is to investigate the antiradical activities of various solvent extracts of the aerial part of E. hirta as well as to determine the possible cytotoxicity of these extracts. The aerial part of E. hirta was extracted with different solvent systems in order to increase polarity. The solvents used were hexane, dichloromethane (DCM), ethyl acetate (EA), ethanol (EtOH), and methanol (MeOH). The contents of total phenols and total flavonoids were analyzed by UV spectrophotometry, whereas the potential free radical‐scavenging activities of the extracts were evaluated using the stable free radical 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), the β‐carotene‐linoleic acid bleaching system, and reducing power. The EtOH extract exhibited the highest total phenolic content (237.9 ± 2.26 mg GAE/g), and DCM extract scored the highest total flavonoid content (121 ± 0.15 mg CE/g). The MeOH extract showed a potent free radical‐scavenging activity as evidenced by low EC50 at 42.81 µg/mL. Interestingly, the EtOH extract demonstrated the highest reducing power activity with EC50 value of 6.18 µg/mL. In β‐carotene‐linoleic acid assay, oxidation of linoleic acid was effectively inhibited by DCM extract with 96.15 ± 0.78%. All the extracts showed no cytotoxic activity against Vero cells.
Family History of Diabetes and Pancreatic Cancer as Risk Factors for Pancreatic Cancer: The PACIFIC Study
Authors: Austin Melissa A. , Kuo Elena , Van Den Eeden Stephen K. , Mandelson Margaret T. , Brentnall Teresa A. , Kamineni Aruna , Potter John D.
Published: August 2013

Genetic association studies have identified more than a dozen genes associated with risk of pancreatic cancer. Given this genetic heterogeneity, family history can be useful for identifying individuals at high risk for this disease. The goal of this analysis was to evaluate associations of family history of diabetes and family history of pancreatic cancer with risk of pancreatic cancer. PACIFIC is a case–control study based on two large health plans. Cases were diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) and controls were selected from the health plan enrollment databases and frequency matched to cases. Family history data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and were available on 654 cases and 697 controls. Logistic regression was used for the association analyses. First-degree relative history of diabetes was statistically significantly associated with increased risk of PDA [OR, 1.37; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.10–1.71]. The highest risk of PDA was observed for an offspring with diabetes (OR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.23–3.09). In addition, history of pancreatic cancer increased risk for PDA with an OR of 2.79 (95% CI, 1.44–4.08) for any first-degree relative history of pancreatic cancer. This population-based analysis showed that family history of diabetes was associated with increased risk of PDA and confirmed previous studies showing that first-degree family history of pancreatic cancer is associated with PDA. These results support the need for ongoing studies of genetic influences on pancreatic cancer in large samples and investigations of possible pleiotropic genetic effects on diabetes and pancreatic cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(10); 1913–7. ©2013 AACR.
Impact of c-MYC Protein Expression on Outcome of Patients with Early-Stage HER2+ Breast Cancer Treated with Adjuvant Trastuzumab NCCTG (Alliance) N9831
Authors: Dueck Amylou C. , Reinholz Monica M. , Geiger Xochiquetzal J. , Tenner Kathleen , Ballman Karla , Jenkins Robert B. , Riehle Darren , Chen Beiyun , McCullough Ann E. , Davidson Nancy E. , Martino Silvana , Sledge George W. , Kaufman Peter A. , Kutteh Leila A. , Gralow Julie , Harris Lyndsay N. , Ingle James N. , Lingle Wilma L. , Perez Edith A.
Published: August 2013

Purpose: This study investigated the association between tumor MYC protein expression and disease-free survival (DFS) of patients randomized to receive chemotherapy alone (Arm A) or chemotherapy with sequential (Arm B) or concurrent trastuzumab (Arm C) in the N9831 (Alliance) adjuvant HER2+ trastuzumab breast cancer trial.

Experimental Design: This analysis included 1,736 patients randomized to Arms A, B, and C on N9831. Nuclear MYC protein expression was determined in tissue microarray sections containing three biopsies per patient or whole tissue sections using standard immunohistochemistry (clone 9E10). A tumor was considered positive for MYC protein overexpression (MYC+) if the nuclear 3+ staining percentage was more than 30%.

Results: Five hundred and seventy-four (33%) tumors were MYC+. MYC+ was associated with hormone receptor positivity (χ2, P = 0.006), tumors 2 cm or more (χ2, P = 0.02), and a higher rate of nodal positivity (χ2, P < 0.001). HRs for DFS (median follow-up: 6.1 years) for Arm C versus A were 0.52 (P = 0.006) and 0.65 (P = 0.006) for patients with MYC+ and MYC− tumors, respectively (Pinteraction = 0.40). For Arm B versus A, HRs for patients with MYC+ and MYC− tumors were 0.79 (P = 0.21) and 0.74 (P = 0.04), respectively (Pinteraction = 0.71). For Arm C versus B, HRs for patients with MYC+ and MYC− tumors were 0.56 (P = 0.02) and 0.89 (P = 0.49), respectively (Pinteraction = 0.17).

Conclusions: Our data do not support an impact of tumor MYC protein expression on differential benefit from adjuvant trastuzumab. Clin Cancer Res; 19(20); 5798–807. ©2013 AACR.
Autophagy Sustains Mitochondrial Glutamine Metabolism and Growth of BrafV600E–Driven Lung Tumors
Authors: Strohecker Anne M. , Guo Jessie Yanxiang , Karsli-Uzunbas Gizem , Price Sandy M. , Chen Guanghua Jim , Mathew Robin , McMahon Martin , White Eileen
Published: August 2013

Autophagic elimination of defective mitochondria suppresses oxidative stress and preserves mitochondrial function. Here, the essential autophagy gene Atg7 was deleted in a mouse model of BrafV600E-induced lung cancer in the presence or absence of the tumor suppressor Trp53. Atg7 deletion initially induced oxidative stress and accelerated tumor cell proliferation in a manner indistinguishable from Nrf2 ablation. Compound deletion of Atg7 and Nrf2 had no additive effect, suggesting that both genes modulate tumorigenesis by regulating oxidative stress and revealing a potential mechanism of autophagy-mediated tumor suppression. At later stages of tumorigenesis, Atg7 deficiency resulted in an accumulation of defective mitochondria, proliferative defects, reduced tumor burden, conversion of adenomas and adenocarcinomas to oncocytomas, and increased mouse life span. Autophagy-defective tumor-derived cell lines were impaired in their ability to respire and survive starvation and were glutamine-dependent, suggesting that autophagy-supplied substrates from protein degradation sustains BrafV600E tumor growth and metabolism.

Significance: The essential autophagy gene Atg7 functions to promote BrafV600E-driven lung tumorigenesis by preserving mitochondrial glutamine metabolism. This suggests that inhibiting autophagy is a novel approach to treating BrafV600E-driven cancers. Cancer Discov; 3(11); 1272–85. ©2013 AACR.

See related commentary by Chen and Guan, p. 1225

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1207
Relationship between the Phase Value of ESWAN and Fractional Anisotropy of Diffusion Tensor Imaging in Patients with Cerebral Microbleeds: Preliminary Results
Authors: Guo Ling Fei , Geng Jie , Zhu Xiangyu , Liu Kai , Liu Cheng , Cui Li
Published: August 2013

Aims: The purpose of the present study was to measure phase values (PVs) and fractional anisotropy (FA) of cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) using phase and FA map, and to investigate the potential relationship between PVs and FAs in CMBs in vivo. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 30 patients with CMBs using enhanced T2*-weighted angiography and diffusion tensor imaging. The PVs and FAs of CMBs were measured and documented, and the mean FAs were compared between CMBs and the corresponding normal brain tissue. The mean PVs were correlated with FAs in CMBs in seven different brain regions. Results: A total of 106 CMBs were defined, and the mean FA of the CMBs in white matter, EC/IC/CR, thalamus, and cerebellum were significantly lower than that of normal brain tissue in the control group (p < 0.05). Positive correlations were observed between the PV and FA of CMBs in white matter, external capsule, internal capsule and corona radiata (r = 0.70, 0.38). Conclusion: Enhanced T2*-weighted angiography and diffusion tensor imaging sequence may be useful neuroimaging sequences that could reflect the severity of damage of white matter by measuring the FA of CMBs and provide useful reference data for the quantitative assessment of CMBs.
Acute Hemolytic Anemia in Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency Complicated by Ginkgo biloba
Authors: Lai Shiue-Wei , Chen Jia-Hong , Kao Woei-Yau
Published: August 2013

We report on a patient with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency who developed acute hemolytic anemia after having received an injection of Ginkgo biloba for dementia prophylaxis without medical advice. She suddenly developed general malaise, generalized yellowish skin color, and tea-colored urine. Intravenous fluid infusion and cessation of G. biloba quickly relieved her clinical symptoms. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of G. biloba-induced acute hemolytic anemia in vivo.
Angiotensin Receptor Blockers Are Associated with Reduced Fibrosis and Interleukin-6 Expression in Calcific Aortic Valve Disease
Authors: Côté Nancy , Mahmut Ablajan , Fournier Dominique , Boulanger Marie-Chloé , Couture Christian , Després Jean-Pierre , Trahan Sylvain , Bossé Yohan , Pagé Sylvain , Pibarot Philippe , Mathieu Patrick
Published: August 2013

Background: Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is a chronic disorder characterized by the mineralization of the aortic valve and involving fibrosis. Objectives: In this work we sought to determine if the fibrotic component of the remodeling process of CAVD was related to the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) and/or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). Methods: In 477 patients with CAVD, the aortic valve was examined by histology. A semiquantitative score of fibrosis was generated and associations with clinical/cardiometabolic variables examined. In a subset of 103 patients the aortic valve was available to study the infiltration by inflammatory cells and expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) by quantitative real-time PCR. Results: The fibrosis score of the aortic valve was independently related to the hemodynamic severity of CAVD measured by echocardiography. The fibrotic score of the aortic valve was also related to the expression of IL-6. The use of ARBs but not of ACEi was associated with a lower fibrosis score of the aortic valve even after correction for covariates. In addition, patients under ARBs had lower aortic valve inflammation and expression of IL-6. Conclusions: These findings suggest that ARBs may alter the fibrotic process of the aortic valve in CAVD, possibly by lowering tissue inflammation.
Comparing Predictors of Conversion to Alzheimer's Disease Using the Disease State Index
Authors: Muñoz-Ruiz Miguel Ángel , Hall Anette , Mattila Jussi , Koikkalainen Juha , Herukka Sanna-Kaisa , Vanninen Ritva , Liu Yawu , Lötjönen Jyrki , Soininen Hilkka ,   Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: August 2013

Background: The Disease State Index (DSI) is a method which interprets data originating from multiple different sources, assisting the clinician in the diagnosis and follow-up of dementia diseases. Objective: We compared the differences in accuracy in differentiating stable mild cognitive impairment (S-MCI) and progressive MCI (P-MCI) obtained from different data combinations using the DSI. Methods: We investigated 212 cases with S-MCI and 165 cases with P-MCI from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative cohort. Data from neuropsychological tests, cerebrospinal fluid, apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) were included. Results: The combination of all parameters gave the highest accuracy (accuracy 0.70, sensitivity 0.71, specificity 0.68). In the different categories, neuropsychological tests (0.65, 0.65, 0.65) and hippocampal volumetry (0.66, 0.66, 0.66) achieved the highest accuracy. Conclusion: In addition to neuropsychological testing, MRI is recommended to be included for differentiating S-MCI from P-MCI. APOE genotype, CSF and PET may provide some additional information.
Both Chronic Kidney Disease and Nocturnal Blood Pressure Associate with Strokes in the Elderly
Authors: Yano Yuichiro , Bakris George L. , Matsushita Kunihiro , Hoshide Satoshi , Shimada Kazuyuki , Kario Kazuomi
Published: August 2013

Background: Among elderly hypertensive patients, we aimed to assess the association of nocturnal blood pressure (BP) pattern on stroke; interaction of dipping pattern with kidney disease was explored. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the records of 1,276 elderly (≥60 years) hypertensive Japanese patients (mean 74 years; 40% were men) who had measurements of estimated glomerular filtration rate and ambulatory BP. Results: Stroke events occurred in 73 people over an average of 3.2 years (4,026 person-years). Chronic kidney disease (CKD) at baseline (n = 634, 50%) was more prevalent in people with strokes (71%) than those without strokes (48%; p < 0.01). Both CKD and nocturnal systolic BP (SBP) increase (10 mm Hg) were independently associated with increased risk for stroke [hazard ratio (HR), 1.9; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.1-3.1 for CKD and HR 1.2; 1.1-1.4 for SBP]. After adjustment for office SBP, a 10-mm Hg increase in nocturnal SBP was similarly associated with strokes in patients with CKD (HR 1.2; 95% CI 1.0-1.3) and those without CKD (HR 1.2; 95% CI 0.97-1.5). Although reverse dipping (nocturnal SBP ≥ daytime SBP) was associated with stroke only in patients with CKD (HR 2.1; 95% CI 1.1-4.1) and not those without CKD (HR 1.1; 95% CI 0.3-3.8), the interaction effect was not significant (p = 0.30). Conclusion: In elderly hypertensive patients, both high nocturnal SBP and CKD are independent risk factors for stroke.
Biphasic myosin II light chain activation during clot retraction
Authors: Egot Marion , Kauskot Alexandre , Lasne Dominique , Gaussem Pascale , Bachelot-Loza Christilla
Published: August 2013

Clot retraction is an essential step during primary haemostasis, thereby promoting thrombus stability and wound healing. Integrin αIIbβ3 plays a critical role in clot retraction, by inducing acto-myosin interactions that allow platelet cytoskeleton reorganisation. However, the signalling pathways that lead to clot retraction are still misunderstood. In this study, we report the first data on the kinetics of myosin II light chain (MLC) phosphorylation during clot retraction. We found an early phosphorylation peak followed by a second peak. By using specific inhibitors of kinases and small G proteins, we showed that MLC kinase (MLCK), RhoA/ROCK, and Rac-1 were involved in clot retraction and in the early MLC phosphorylation peak. Only Rac-1 and actin polymerisation, controlled by outside-in signalling, were crucial to the second MLC phosphorylation peak.
Studies on CD36 deficiency in South China: Two cases demonstrating the clinical impact of anti-CD36 antibodies
Authors: Xu Xiuzhang , Ye Xin , Xia Wenjie , Liu Jing , Ding Haoqiang , Deng Jing , Chen Yangkai , Shao Yuan , Wang Jiali , Fu Yongshui , Santoso Sentot
Published: August 2013

CD36 (also known as GPIV) deficiency is known to be responsible for the production of anti-Naka antibodies in different clinical settings such as fetal/neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT), platelet transfusion refractoriness (PTR) and post-transfusion purpura (PTP). However, no data regarding the relevance of CD36 immunisation is currently available for China. In this study, healthy blood donors were typed for CD36 deficiency using flow cytometry. Nucleotide sequencing was performed to identify the molecular basis underlying the CD36 deficiency. Anti-Naka antibodies in CD36-deficient individuals were analysed by ELISA and flow cytometry. By analysis of 998 healthy blood donors, 18 individuals failed to express CD36 on their platelets. In 5/12 individuals no CD36 expression was detected both on platelets and monocytes. This result suggested that the frequencies of type I CD36 deficiency (platelets and monocytes) and type II CD36 deficiency (platelets only) are approximately 0.5 and 1.3%, respectively. Nucleotide sequencing analysis of type I CD36 deficient individuals revealed eight different mutations; four of them were not described so far. However, 1228–1239de/ ATTGTGCCTATT and 329–330de/AC appear to be the most common mutations related to type I CD36 deficiency in South Chinese population. Further analysis showed that 1/5 type I CD36 deficient individuals developed anti-Naka antibodies. In addition, anti-Naka antibodies could be identified in two cases of thrombocytopenia associated with FNAIT and PTR. In conclusion, more than 0.5% of CD36 type I-deficient individuals are at risk to be immunised through blood transfusion or pregnancy in China. Testing of anti-Naka antibodies should be considered in FNAIT and PTR suspected cases. A registry of CD36-deficient donors should be established to allow treatment of immune-mediated bleeding disorders caused by anti-Naka antibodies.
Hearing the Music of the Hemispheres
Authors: Mee Erin B.
Published: August 2013

Music of the Hemispheres is a concert, a film, a portrait, an improv, and a performed (neural) performance analysis that offers new ways of thinking about perception, spectatorship, and the brain. TDR's first born-digital multimodal article incorporates film, video, and audio clips that are integrated in, and central to, the argument.
The Shelf Life of Shock: Alice Tuan's Ajax (por nobody) in the Flesh
Authors: Switzky Lawrence
Published: August 2013

The first full production of Alice Tuan's allegedly “unstageable” play raises questions about the future of brutalist theatre and the avantgarde legacy of transformative shock. The diminishing returns of offending the audience allow us to consider how, when, and why we might still feel (and be made to feel) unsettled by the reenactment of violence.
Towards a Typology of Word-initial Consonant Clusters: Evidence from the Acquisition of Greek
Authors: Sanoudaki Eirini
Published: August 2013

In this paper, I study the production of consonant clusters by Greek children and examine the consequences of the acquisition data for phonological theory, with particular emphasis on the word-initial position. Using a non-word repetition test, I tested the order of acquisition of wordinitial and word-medial s+obstruent (sT), obstruent-obstruent (TT) and obstruent-sonorant (TR) clusters in 59 children. The results provide evidence against any analysis that assigns identical status to word-initial sT and word-initial TT, such as models of extrasyllabicity, and lend support to an alternative analysis of the beginning of the word, based on Lowenstamm's (1999) initial ON hypothesis and CVCV theory (Scheer 2004).
The Prosodic Framing of Humour in Conversational Narratives: Evidence from Greek Data
Authors: Tsakona Villy , Giakoumelou Maria , Papazachariou Dimitris , Archakis Argiris
Published: August 2013

In this paper we investigate the role of prosodic means in framing humour within conversational narratives. In particular, we focus on whether, how, and why jab lines as basic turn constructional units in a humorous narrative turn are marked off by prosodic features. Our aim is twofold: a) to investigate, by means of statistical tests, if jab lines are systematically segmented by pauses and by differentiation in speech rate and intensity; b) to analyse the conversational and pragmatic functions of the prosodic features under scrutiny within humorous conversational narratives. The data examined comes from 3 conversations between 2 adolescent girls (different ones in each conversation) and includes 22 humorous conversational narratives. The conversational narratives contain 170 jab lines, which are checked for the occurrence of pauses before and after them, and are measured for speech rate and intensity using the Praat software. Based on the results of our quantitative and qualitative analysis, we argue that pauses surrounding jab lines and prosodic differentiation in speech rate and intensity, either in isolation or in combination with one another, are systematically employed by the narrators in order to signal, delimit, and underline jab lines.
Code Alternation Patterns in Bilingual Family Conversation: A Conversation Analysis Approach
Authors: Georgalidou Marianthi , Kaili Hasan , Celtek Aytac
Published: August 2013

In this study, we examine aspects of the overall organization of bilingual conversation during talk-in-interaction among members of a close-knit family network. Code Alternation, prototypically seen as the contiguous juxtaposition of semiotic systems in such a way that the participants interpret the juxtaposition as such (Auer 1995, 116), is a common conversational practice in bilingual communities. Taking a Conversation Analytic approach as our point of departure, we analyze code alternation and code-mixing practices in naturally occurring conversations among family members of the bilingual in Greek and Turkish Muslim community of Rhodes. Firstly, we examine Greek/Turkish alternation as a conversational strategy with clear discourse functions (Auer 1995; 1998). Secondly, we see non-prototypical instances of the use of both languages in the same conversation as instances of medium negotiation or a mixed-code choice on the part of the participants (the bilingual medium or the monolectal view of code-switching, Meeuwis and Blommaert 1998; Auer 1998; Gafaranga 2007a). Last, we examine issues of identity as these can be approached based on the choices speakers of different age groups make during interaction. Based on the analysis, it is shown that, a) code alternation practices reflect not only aspects of the politics and management of the identity of the speakers as members of the same ethnic category, but also broader issues concerning the construction of youth identities as opposed to those of older generations, and b) data coming from diverse bilingual communities point to the need for greater clarity in the proposed models for the analysis of code alternation patterns.
Exploring Aktionsart in Corpora: A Case Study of Koine Greek Erchomai and Eiserchomai
Authors: Shain Rachel
Published: August 2013

Presented here is an analysis of the effect of the Koine Greek preverb eis- on the lexical aspect of the Koine verb erchomai 'go/come'. To determine the effect of eis-, I demonstrate the lexical aspect of the simplex erchomai and its prefixed form eis-erchomai by annotating all instances of both verbs in the Greek New Testament. Methodology for determining the lexical aspect of the two verbs is adapted from methodology used for languages in which native speaker intuitions are accessible. Applying some of these tests to the corpora, I conclude that erchomai is an activity verb and eiserchomai is a telic verb. This result confirms Buist Fanning's (1990) classification of the same verbs, though he used different methodology to come to this conclusion. Additional ways of developing aktionsart tests for corpora are suggested.
Doing without the Fez: Greek Language Questions
Authors: Brown Christopher Gerard
Published: August 2013

This definitive history of the Greek Language Controversy shows how Greek's status as a prestige language galvanized a national movement attracting various ethnicities of the Millet-i rum. The status of classical Greek resonant in Adamantios Korais's katharévousa helped consolidate the Greek state. An alternate demoticist programme, anticipated by Katartzis, developed in the Ionian Islands, and formulated by Psycharis, took hold through the efforts of the Educational Demoticists. Standard Modern Greek is a synthesis of the two programmes—neither the phonologically puristic Romaika of Psycharis nor an archaizing Schriftsprache, it retains elements of both.
Does Ancient Greek Have a Word for ‘No’? The Evidence from ουκουν...ου Questions
Authors: Rijksbaron Albert
Published: August 2013

Among the uses of ουκουν (oukoun) Denniston (1954: 235) mentions 'ουκουν ου, ουκουν ... ου, expecting a negative answer.' This paper argues that Denniston's view, which is shared by most (all?) other grammars and dictionaries of Ancient Greek (e.g.Kühner-Gerth 2, 164: 'Wenn nach ουκουν eine verneinende Antwort erwartet wird, so wird demselben die Negation ου nachgesetzt', Smyth § 2651 a: 'ουκουν ου expects the answer no', Liddell-Scott-Jones s.v. ουκουν) should be rejected. Actually, the answer is never no. As always, ουκουν expects an a irmative answer, in this case to a negated question: 'Is it not true, then, that not X?' = 'Surely, then, not X?' To be sure, ου does occur as an answer, but this can be shown to be a proposition (or sentence) negative (= not), rather than an answering particle like no. The situation in Greek is compared with negatives in several other languages, notably Latin and Old French. Finally, Modern Greek is briefly discussed, which, unlike Ancient Greek, does have a negative answering particle, viz. οχι, alongside a proposition negative, viz. δε(ν).
Tense in Ancient Greek Reports
Authors: Bary Corien
Published: August 2013

This paper shows that tenses in Ancient Greek reports have both an anaphoric and a shifted-indexical component. It develops a new account of Ancient Greek tenses that deals with this combination of features. Following Klein's (1994) semantics of tense, I claim that tense indicates the relation between an anaphoric topic time and the moment of utterance, the now. As for Ancient Greek indirect discourse, I argue that the anaphoric component works exactly the same as in non-embedded discourse (contra von Stechow 1995). The indexical component, however, is di ferent in that the now is not provided by the actual context of utterance, but by the reported context. The DRT account developed models this combination of features, taking also into account the role of aspect.
The Interaction between Presupposition and Focus: Classical Greek Wh-Exclamatives
Authors: Faure Richard
Published: August 2013

In this paper, we argue against the claim that exclamatives could be reducible to interrogatives in Classical Greek as sometimes claimed for English. Exclamatives are original in that they denote presupposed propositions and are headed by specific (wh-morpheme h-) and focused wh-items. They necessarily involve degrees. We try to make sense of all these features by showing that the exclamative speech act resides in the meeting of knowledge (presupposition, specificity) and unexpectedness (focus, extended scales) at the semantic/pragmatic/syntax interface.
Discussion Note Evidence for Adverbial Origins of Final -ς on the Medieval and Modern Greek -οντας Participle
Authors: Gorton Luke
Published: August 2013

This article adduces evidence which helps to confirm the hypothesis of the adverbial origins of final -ς on the -οντα(ς) participle which arose in medieval Greek. First, data from the early vernacular text The Chronicle of the Morea is used to show the inability of a rival hypothesis to account for the distribution of this -ς. Afterward, the hypothesis of adverbial origins is investigated further by noting the distribution of the -ς across multiple editions of three medieval works. As the frequency of innovative -ς appearing on certain adverbs occurs in direct correlation to the frequency of innovative -ς on the participle, the hypothesis for a link between the two phenomena is strengthened.
Secularization and Church Growth in the United Kingdom
Authors: Bruce Steve
Published: August 2013

Evidence that there are small areas of stability and growth in UK church life has been presented as refutation of the secularization paradigm. This would only be valid if the secularization paradigm required that decline be universal, even, and rapid. This essay argues the secularization requires none of these things, clarifies the ambiguity in phrases such as ‘church growth,’ and demonstrates that local growth falls far short of compensating for much larger areas of decline. It also considers what sorts of changes would be required for any reversal of secularization in the United Kingdom and demonstrates their unlikelihood.