bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vav Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors Regulate Atherosclerotic Lesion Development in Mice
Authors: Rahaman Shaik O. , Li Wei , Silverstein Roy L. 
Published: July 2013

Objective—

Atherosclerosis requires migration of monocytes to the arterial intima, with subsequent differentiation into foam cells. We showed previously that the scavenger receptor CD36 contributes to the activation of Vav family guanine nucleotide exchange factors (Vavs) in aortae from hyperlipidemic
apoE
-null mice and that oxidatively modified low-density lipoprotein induced CD36-dependent activation of macrophage Vavs in vitro. We also discovered that CD36-dependent uptake of oxidized low-density lipoprotein and foam cell formation were reduced in Vav-deficient macrophages. We now tested the hypothesis that Vavs play a role in atherosclerotic lesion development.

Approach and Results—

We showed that
apoE/vav1
double-null mice fed a Western diet had significant reduction in total aortic lesion area (by en face analysis) compared with
apoE
-null mice, with no significant differences in body weight or plasma lipid profiles. Histological analysis of aortic sinus lesions showed fewer macrophages and foam cells in double-null mice compared with
apoE
-null mice, indicating impaired foam cell generation and homing of macrophages to atherosclerotic lesions. An intravital video microscopy–based adhesion assay with fluorescent (Qtracker655)-labeled monocytes showed reduced adhesion of
vav1
-null monocytes to hyperlipidemic carotid arteries compared with wild-type monocytes. Furthermore, fewer fluorescently labeled
vav1
-null monocytes accumulated in aortic sinus lesions in hyperlipidemic
apoE
-null mice. We also found that activation of RhoGTPase Rac and mitogen-activated protein kinase c-Jun N-terminal kinase-2 by CD36-specific oxidized phospholipids was dependent on Vavs.

Conclusions—
These results for the first time link Vavs to atherosclerotic lesion development and suggest that Vavs act as critical molecular links coupling hyperlipidemia with proatherogenic monocyte/macrophage responses.
Description of Parasitodiplogaster pharmaconema n. sp. and redescription of P. maxinema from Ficus maxima Mill. (Moraceae)
Authors: Kanzaki Natsumi , Giblin-Davis Robin M. , Ye Weimin , Herre Edward Allen , Center Barbara J. 
Published: July 2013

Parasitodiplogaster species associated with Ficus maxima were surveyed at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Barro Colorado Island, Panama. Phase B-D syconia were collected from different trees and dissected in distilled water. Because there were different nematode stomatal and male morphotypes observed in a single sycone, nematodes isolated from each fig were observed to determine general morphotype class and stored individually in DNA extraction buffer for accurate morpho/molecular pairing. Additional voucher nematodes were gently heat-treated and fixed in formalin and processed into permanent mounts in dehydrated glycerin for more rigorous morphological examination. The survey yielded two different Parasitodiplogaster species: P. maxinema and P. pharmaconema n. sp. Several morphological characters, e.g., two long and stick-like teeth in the metastegostom, and stomatal dimorphism (presence of eurystomatous form) which were not previously described, were observed in P. maxinema and are ascribed hereto this species. Parasitodiplogaster pharmaconema n. sp. is morphologically similar to P. maxinema and P. yoponema but can be distinguished from these species based upon stomatal morphology, spicule and gubernaculum morphology, and number and arrangement of male genital papillae.
Climate Drift in the CMIP5 Models*
Authors: Gupta Alexander Sen , Jourdain Nicolas C. , Brown Jaclyn N. , Monselesan Didier 
Published: July 2013

AbstractClimate models often exhibit spurious long-term changes independent of either internal variability or changes to external forcing. Such changes, referred to as model “drift,” may distort the estimate of forced change in transient climate simulations. The importance of drift is examined in comparison to historical trends over recent decades in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP). Comparison based on a selection of metrics suggests a significant overall reduction in the magnitude of drift from phase 3 of CMIP (CMIP3) to phase 5 of CMIP (CMIP5). The direction of both ocean and atmospheric drift is systematically biased in some models introducing statistically significant drift in globally averaged metrics. Nevertheless, for most models globally averaged drift remains weak compared to the associated forced trends and is often smaller than the difference between trends derived from different ensemble members or the error introduced by the aliasing of natural variability. An exception to this is metrics that include the deep ocean (e.g., steric sea level) where drift can dominate in forced simulations. In such circumstances drift must be corrected for using information from concurrent control experiments. Many CMIP5 models now include ocean biogeochemistry. Like physical models, biogeochemical models generally undergo long spinup integrations to minimize drift. Nevertheless, based on a limited subset of models, it is found that drift is an important consideration and must be accounted for. For properties or regions where drift is important, the drift correction method must be carefully considered. The use of a drift estimate based on the full control time series is recommended to minimize the contamination of the drift estimate by internal variability.
French Validation of the Revised Algase Wandering Scale for Long-Term Care
Authors: Martin Elodie , Biessy-Dalbe Nathalia , Albaret Jean-Michel , Algase Dona L. 
Published: July 2013

Objectives: The aim of this study was to create a French equivalent of the revised Algase wandering scale for long-term care (RAWS-LTC). Methods: The RAWS-LTC French version (F-RAWS-LTC), Mini-Mental State Examination, and Neuropsychiatric Inventory were administered to a sample of 100 institutionalized patients from 12 specialized homes. Results The mean of the overall F-RAWS-LTC was 2.32 (standard deviation [SD] = 0.74, range 1-4), and the mean of each subscale was 2.48 for persistent walking, 1.62 for eloping behavior, and 2.30 for spatial disorientation. The correlation between the overall F-RAWS-LTC and each subscale was between 0.73 (for Spatial Disorientation) and 0.87 (for Persistent Walking). The correlation between the degree of behavioral disturbances and the overall F-RAWS-LTC is 0.42, and the correlation with the cognitive impairment is 0.50. Differences between the wanderers and nonwanderers are significant for the overall F-RAWS-LTC and for all the subscales. Discussion Data demonstrate the statistical validity of the F-RAWS-LTC.
Infant Cardiac Surgery: Mothers Tell Their Story
Authors: Re Jennifer , Dean Suzanne , Menahem Samuel 
Published: July 2013

Background: Serious congenital heart disease frequently requires major congenital heart surgery. It causes much distress for parents, which may not always be recognized and treated appropriately. Patients and Methods: As part of a larger study, 26 mothers of two-month-old infants subjected to recent cardiac surgery were interviewed in depth. Each mother was invited to describe her own and what she perceived were her infant’s experiences and to comment on the interview process. A systematic content analysis of the interviews was performed using qualitative research methodology. Results: Almost all participants described acute stress symptoms relating to the diagnosis and the infant’s surgery. In addition, most mothers reported that the interview helped them to think about and integrate what had happened to them and their infant, suggesting a probable therapeutic value to the interview. Conclusions: A suitably qualified and experienced mental health professional, assisting the mother to tell her story about the diagnosis and her infant’s cardiac surgery, may provide a valuable, brief, and very cost-effective therapeutic intervention for these mothers and infants. It has the potential to alleviate maternal distress, with associated gains for the developing mother–infant relationship, reducing infant morbidity, and enhancing the quality of life for both infant and mother.
Myeloproliferative neoplasms and thrombosis
Authors: Barbui Tiziano , Finazzi Guido , Falanga Anna 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Major causes of morbidity and mortality in myeloproliferative neoplasms are represented by arterial and venous complications, progression to myelofibrosis, and transformation to acute leukemia. The pathogenesis of thrombosis results from a complex interplay of clinical and disease-related factors. Abnormalities of blood cells arising from the clonal proliferation of hematopoietic stem cells involve not only quantitative changes but also qualitative modifications that characterize the switch of these cells from a resting to a procoagulant phenotype. According to age and previous thrombosis, patients are classified in a “high risk” or “low risk”. Novel disease-related determinants such as leukocytosis and JAK2V617F mutational status and/or mutational burden are now under active investigation. In low-risk polycythemia vera patients, only phlebotomy and primary antithrombotic prophylaxis with aspirin is recommended, while in high-risk patients cytotoxic therapy is considered. Whether novel drugs targeting the constitutively active JAK2/STAT pathway will improve the management of thrombosis is a challenge for future studies.
Induced sputum analysis: step by step
Authors: Weiszhar Zsoka , Horvath Ildiko 
Published: July 2013

Educational aimsTo introduce the standardised method for sputum inductionTo provide a guide for sputum processingTo highlight important methodological aspects that may influence resultsTo briefly summarise potential clinical and research useSummarySputum induction is a relatively non-invasive mode of airway sampling that provides an opportunity for analysis of cellular components and infective agents, including bacteria and viruses, together with fluid-phase constituents. Both induction and processing of sputum samples are standardised and several manuals are available to help to educate professionals to perform the technique to the highest standard [36]. Using this standardised technique, the results are reproducible and comparable between different laboratories. Detailed studies on methodological issues provided enough evidence for standardisation and careful use of the methodology enabled the field to develop rapidly from a research tool to a useful clinical test. Eosinophil differential count in induced sputum is a recommended, evidence-based mode of assessing airway inflammation in asthma and its use is incorporated into the relevant guidelines.
A workstation-integrated peer review quality assurance program: pilot study
Authors: O’Keeffe Margaret M , Davis Todd M , Siminoski Kerry 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
The surrogate indicator of radiological excellence that has become accepted is consistency of assessments between radiologists, and the technique that has become the standard for evaluating concordance is peer review. This study describes the results of a workstation-integrated peer review program in a busy outpatient radiology practice.

Methods
Workstation-based peer review was performed using the software program Intelerad Peer Review. Cases for review were randomly chosen from those being actively reported. If an appropriate prior study was available, and if the reviewing radiologist and the original interpreting radiologist had not exceeded review targets, the case was scored using the modified RADPEER system.

Results
There were 2,241 cases randomly assigned for peer review. Of selected cases, 1,705 (76%) were interpreted. Reviewing radiologists agreed with prior reports in 99.1% of assessments. Positive feedback (score 0) was given in three cases (0.2%) and concordance (scores of 0 to 2) was assigned in 99.4%, similar to reported rates of 97.0% to 99.8%. Clinically significant discrepancies (scores of 3 or 4) were identified in 10 cases (0.6%). Eighty-eight percent of reviewed radiologists found the reviews worthwhile, 79% found scores appropriate, and 65% felt feedback was appropriate. Two-thirds of radiologists found case rounds discussing significant discrepancies to be valuable.

Conclusions
The workstation-based computerized peer review process used in this pilot project was seamlessly incorporated into the normal workday and met most criteria for an ideal peer review system. Clinically significant discrepancies were identified in 0.6% of cases, similar to published outcomes using the RADPEER system. Reviewed radiologists felt the process was worthwhile.
Genetic mutations of GJB2 and mitochondrial 12S rRNA in nonsyndromic hearing loss in Jiangsu Province of China
Authors: Wei Qinjun , Wang Shuai , Yao Jun , Lu Yajie , Chen Zhibin , Xing Guangqian , Cao Xin 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background
Hearing loss is caused by several environmental and genetic factors and the proportion attributed to inherited causes is assumed at 50 ~ 60% . Mutations in GJB2 and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) 12S rRNA are the most common molecular etiology for nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss (NSHL). The mutation spectra of these genes vary among different ethnic groups.

Methods
To add the molecular etiologic information of hearing loss in the Chinese population, a total of 658 unrelated patients with NSHL from Jiangsu Province of China were selected for mutational screening including GJB2 and mtDNA 12S rRNA genes using PCR and DNA sequencing technology. As for controls, 462 normal-hearing individuals were collected.

Results
A total of 9 pathogenic mutations in the GJB2 and 7 pathogenic mutations in the 12S rRNA gene were identified. Of all patients, 70 had monoallelic GJB2 coding region mutation in the heterozygous state, 94 carried two confirmed pathogenic mutations including 79 homozygotes and 15 compound heterozygotes. The 235delC appears to be the most common deafness-causing GJB2 mutation (102/658, 15.50% ). No mutations or variants in the GJB2 exon1 and basal promoter region were found. In these patients, 4 subjects carried the m.1494C > T mutation (0.61% ) and 39 subjects harbored the m.1555A > G mutation (5.93% ) in mtDNA 12S rRNA gene. A novel sequence variant at m.1222A > G in the 12S rRNA gene was identified, which could alter the secondary structure of the 12S rRNA.

Conclusion
The mutation spectrum and prevalence of GJB2 and mtDNA 12S rRNA genes in Jiangsu population are similar to other areas of China. There are in total 31.46% of the patients with NSHL carry deafness-causing mutation in GJB2 or mtDNA 12S rRNA genes. Mutation in GJB2 gene is the most common factor, mtDNA 12S rRNA also plays an important part in the pathogenesis of hearing loss in Jiangsu Province areas. The m.1222A > G was found to be a new candidate mutation associated with hearing loss. Our results indicated the necessity of genetic screening for mutations of these genes in Jiangsu patients with NSHL.
Real-time lane departure warning system based on a single FPGA
Authors: An Xiangjing , Shang Erke , Song Jinze , Li Jian , He Hangen 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Abstract

This paper presents a camera-based lane departure warning system implemented on a field programmable gate array (FPGA) device. The system is used as a driver assistance system, which effectively prevents accidents given that it is endowed with the advantages of FPGA technology, including high performance for digital image processing applications, compactness, and low cost. The main contributions of this work are threefold. (1) An improved vanishing point-based steerable filter is introduced and implemented on an FPGA device. Using the vanishing point to guide the orientation at each pixel, this algorithm works well in complex environments. (2) An improved vanishing point-based parallel Hough transform is proposed. Unlike the traditional Hough transform, our improved version moves the coordinate origin to the estimated vanishing point to reduce storage requirements and enhance detection capability. (3) A prototype based on the FPGA is developed. With improvements in the vanishing point-based steerable filter and vanishing point-based parallel Hough transform, the prototype can be used in complex weather and lighting conditions. Experiments conducted on an evaluation platform and on actual roads illustrate the effective performance of the proposed system.
Location, location, location: tissue-specific regulation of immune responses
Authors: Hu Wei , Pasare Chandrashekhar 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTDiscovery of DCs and PRRs has contributed immensely to our understanding of induction of innate and adaptive immune responses. Activation of PRRs leads to secretion of inflammatory cytokines that regulate priming and differentiation of antigen-specific T and B lymphocytes. Pathogens enter the body via different routes, and although the same set of PRRs is likely to be activated, it is becoming clear that the route of immune challenge determines the nature of outcome of adaptive immunity. In addition to the signaling events initiated following innate-immune receptor activation, the cells of the immune system are influenced by the microenvironments in which they reside, and this has a direct impact on the resulting immune response. Specifically, immune responses could be influenced by specialized DCs, specific factors secreted by stromal cells, and also, by commensal microbiota present in certain organs. Following microbial detection, the complex interactions among DCs, stromal cells, and tissue-specific factors influence outcome of immune responses. In this review, we summarize recent findings on the phenotypic heterogeneity of innate and adaptive immune cells and how tissue-specific factors in the systemic and mucosal immune system influence the outcome of adaptive-immune responses.
Comparison of weight loss achieved after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding between Afro-Caribbean, Caucasian and South Asian adult female patients in a London bariatric centre
Authors: Phoenix GK , Penney N , Cocker DM , Davies A , Smellie J , Bonanomi G , Thompson J , Efthimiou E 
Published: July 2013

Introduction It has been shown that following laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) procedures, Afro-Caribbeans achieve poorer weight loss compared with Caucasians. The reasons for this are multifactorial. However, studies have been based on mainly female patients from the US and none to date have been from the UK. Furthermore, South Asians have not previously been compared. The aim of this study was to compare excess weight loss percentage (%EWL) outcomes up to five years following LAGB in Afro-Caribbean, Caucasian and South Asian females in a London-based teaching hospital. Methods An analysis was carried out of prospectively collected data of female patients aged ≥16 years of Afro-Caribbean, Caucasian or South Asian origin who underwent LAGB between October 2000 and December 2011. Data included demographics, co-morbidities and anthropometrics. Results Overall, 596 females underwent LAGB; 316 Caucasians (53.0%), 64 Afro-Caribbeans (10.8%) and 27 South Asians (4.5%) formed the majority of those who disclosed ethnicities. Age and initial body mass index (BMI) were comparable between Afro-Caribbeans and Caucasians (mean BMI: 47.3kg/m2 [standard deviation [SD]: 7.5kg/m2, range: 37.0–78.3kg/m2] vs 45.8kg/m2 [SD: 7.1kg/m2, range: 24.7–79.8kg/m2], p=0.225). A non-significant trend suggested less %EWL in Afro-Caribbeans than in Caucasians at 6 months, and at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 years (21.4% vs 24.4%, p=0.26; 27.4% vs 31.3%, p=0.27; 33.0% vs 36.8%, p=0.15; 39.0% vs 45.8%, p=0.14; 34.2% vs 45.3%, p=0.16; 37.1% vs 47.6%, p=0.67). South Asians and Caucasians had a similar age and preoperative BMI (mean BMI: 43.6kg/m2 [range: 32.5–59.1kg/m2] vs 45.8kg/m2 [range: 24.7–79.8kg/m2], p=0.08). The %EWL was greatest at three and four years among South Asians although numbers were small (n=4 and n=3 respectively). Conclusions A non-significant trend suggests poorer weight loss outcomes in Afro-Caribbeans compared with Caucasians in our cohort. Discussion of realistic weight loss outcomes as well as enhanced follow-up and dietary modifications are required for Afro-Caribbean patients. Low numbers prevent definitive conclusions regarding South Asians. Multicentre studies across England are required to better define any differences between ethnicities.
Fluorescent labeling of oleanolic acid using ‘click’ chemistry
Authors: Mao Miaofu , Xiao Shuzhang , He Haibo , Cao Qiong , Zou Kun 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
The natural product oleanolic acid (OA) was functionalized and labeled with the non-aggregated fluorescent dye BOPIM (boron 2-(2′-pyridyl)imidazole complex) using ‘click’ chemistry, yielding a highly fluorescent probe. The pharmacological activity of the probe is comparable to that of unmodified OA, making it suitable for studying the therapeutic mechanisms of OA derivatives in vitro.
Determination of lignin content in kraft black liquors by capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE)
Authors: Gebremeskel Getachew Gizaw , Aldaeus Fredrik 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) in an alkaline glycine buffer is suggested for the quantification of lignin content in black liquors (BL). The method was first tested by an external calibration with LignoBoost lignins. Then, the lignin content in BL was determined by means of a multivariate calibration with the application of a standard normal variate filter and partial least squares approach based on five principal components. The results are in agreement with those obtained by sulfuric acid lignin precipitation combined with ultraviolet measurement of the lignin in solution. The advantage of the CZE method is its independence from the knowledge of the exact absorptivity coefficient, which is needed for direct spectrophotometric lignin determination. Moreover, interfering substances and degradation products could be recognized and excluded from lignin determination; thus, the selectivity was increased significantly.
Early gender differences in the redox status of the brain mitochondria with age: effects of melatonin therapy
Authors: Escames Germaine , Díaz-Casado María E. , Doerrier Carolina , Luna-Sánchez Marta , López Luis C. , Acuña-Castroviejo Darío 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative/nitrosative stress are common features of senescence, and they explain some of the pathophysiological events during aging. In different animal models of aging, the existence of oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction has been reported. There is no information, however, regarding the age when these symptoms begin and if they account for gender differences in aging. Here we analyzed oxidative/nitrosative stress markers and bioenergetics in the brain mitochondria of normal mice during the first 10 months of life, looking for early signs of senescence. Male and female mice were treated with vehicle or melatonin during the first 9 months of life, starting at weaning. Mice were sacrificed at 5 and 10 months of life, and pure brain mitochondria were prepared and assayed for respiratory chain activity, ATP production, and oxidative/nitrosative stress status. The results showed that the brain mitochondria from male mice have a better glutathione cycle than female mice, whereas female mice have higher electron transport chain activity and ATP production at 5 months old. Five months later, however, oxidative/nitrosative stress markers increased in both male and female mice, thus eliminating the differences between the genders. More importantly, these changes were prevented by chronic melatonin administration, which also restored the gender differences found in 5-month-old mice. Thus, melatonin administration as a single therapy can maintain the full function of the brain mitochondria during the early events of aging, a finding that has important consequences in the pathophysiology of brain senescence.