bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recognition of Similar Objects Using Simulated Prosthetic Vision
Authors: Hu Jie , Xia Peng , Gu Chaochen , Qi Jin , Li Sheng , Peng Yinghong
Published: August 2013

Due to the limitations of existing techniques, even the most advanced visual prostheses, using several hundred electrodes to transmit signals to the visual pathway, restrict sensory function and visual information. To identify the bottlenecks and guide prosthesis designing, psychophysics simulations of a visual prosthesis in normally sighted individuals are desirable. In this study, psychophysical experiments of discriminating objects with similar profiles were used to test the effects of phosphene array parameters (spatial resolution, gray scale, distortion, and dropout rate) on visual information using simulated prosthetic vision. The results showed that the increase in spatial resolution and number of gray levels and the decrease in phosphene distortion and dropout rate improved recognition performance, and the accuracy is 78.5% under the optimum condition (resolution: 32 × 32, gray level: 8, distortion: k = 0, dropout: 0%). In combined parameter tests, significant facial recognition accuracy was achieved for all the images with k = 0.1 distortion and 10% dropout. Compared with other experiments, we find that different objects do not show specific sensitivity to the changes of parameters and visual information is not nearly enough even under the optimum condition. The results suggests that higher spatial resolution and more gray levels are required for visual prosthetic devices and further research on image processing strategies to improve prosthetic vision is necessary, especially when the wearers have to accomplish more than simple visual tasks.
Gemtuzumab ozogamicin for treatment of newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukaemia: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kharfan‐Dabaja Mohamed A. , Hamadani Mehdi , Reljic Tea , Pyngolil Rachel , Komrokji Rami S. , Lancet Jeffrey E. , Fernandez Hugo F. , Djulbegovic Benjamin , Kumar Ambuj
Published: August 2013

Evidence regarding the efficacy of gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO) addition to standard induction chemotherapy in newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is conflicting. This systematic review aimed to identify and summarize all evidence regarding the benefits and harms of adding GO to conventional chemotherapy for induction treatment of AML. A comprehensive literature search of two databases (PUBMED and Cochrane) from inception up to November 22, 2012, and 4 years of proceedings from four major haematology/oncology conferences was undertaken. Endpoints included benefits (complete remission, relapse‐free, event‐free, and overall survival), and harms (early mortality and incidence of hepatic veno‐occlusive disease/sinusoidal obstructive syndrome). Seven trials (3942 patients) met all inclusion criteria. Addition of GO showed improved relapse‐free [Hazard Ratio (HR) = 0·84 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0·71–0·99)] and event‐free survival [HR = 0·59 (95%CI 0·48–0·74)] but not overall survival [HR = 0·95 (95%CI 0·83–1·08)]. Addition of GO resulted in higher rate of early mortality [Risk Ratio = 1·60 (95%CI 1·07–2·39)]. Improved overall survival was observed in studies using a lower cumulative GO dose (<6 mg/m2) [HR = 0·89 (95%CI 0·81–0·99)]. Addition of GO to conventional chemotherapy as induction therapy may improve relapse‐free and event‐free survival, but does not impact overall survival and significantly increases early mortality in AML.
Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor‐associated non‐infectious pneumonitis in patients with renal cell cancer: predictors, management, and outcomes
Authors: Atkinson Bradley J. , Cauley Diana H. , Ng Chaan , Millikan Randall E. , Xiao Lianchun , Corn Paul , Jonasch Eric , Tannir Nizar M.
Published: August 2013

Objective

To characterise the incidence, onset, management, predictors, and clinical impact of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor‐associated non‐infectious pneumonitis (NIP) on patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC).

Patients and Methods

Retrospective review of 310 patients with mRCC who received temsirolimus and/or everolimus between June 2007 and October 2010.

Clinical correlations were made with serial radiological imaging.

Fisher's exact, Wilcoxon rank‐sum, and logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the association of NIP with demographic or clinical factors.

Log‐rank and Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were used for the time‐to‐event analysis.

Results

NIP occurred in 6% of temsirolimus‐treated and 23% of everolimus‐treated patients. Symptoms included cough, dyspnoea, and fever (median of two and three symptoms per patient, respectively).

The median National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Events pneumonitis grade was 2 for both groups.

Older age and everolimus treatment were predictive of NIP.

Patients who developed NIP had a significantly longer time on treatment (median 4.1 vs 2 months) and overall survival (OS) (median 15.4 vs 7.4 months).

NIP was a predictor of improved OS by multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

There was an increased incidence of NIP in everolimus‐treated patients.

Improved OS in patients who developed NIP is an intriguing finding and should be further investigated. Given the incidence, morbidity, and outcomes seen in patients on everolimus who develop NIP, management should include proactive monitoring and treatment of NIP with the goal of preserving mTOR inhibitor therapy.
DOES FOREIGN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS PROTECTION AFFECT US EXPORTS AND FDI?
Authors: Awokuse Titus O. , Gu Weishi Grace
Published: August 2013

Several previous studies have examined the relationship between intellectual property rights (IPR) protection, exports, and FDI independently. However, very few prior analyses jointly examined the linkages between IPR protection and multiple modes of international transactions. This paper investigates how foreign IPR protection affects how US firms jointly serve overseas markets through exports and FDI. Using both static pooled regressions and a dynamic panel GMM estimator on a panel data of 53 countries, we examine whether stronger foreign IPR protection stimulates US international transactions. The empirical results suggest that foreign countries that strengthen their IPR protection, especially those with strong imitative ability, can attract more international transactions from the USA.
Imbalance of different types of CD4+forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3)+ T cells in patients with new-onset systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Ma L , Zhao P , Jiang Z , Shan Y , Jiang Y
Published: August 2013

The aim of this study was to examine the numbers of CD4+CD25−forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3)+, CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ and CD4+CXCR5+FoxP3+ T cells in patients with new-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The numbers of CD4+CD25−FoxP3+, CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ and CD4+CXCR5+FoxP3+ T cells and the concentrations of serum interleukin (IL)-10 in 23 patients and 20 healthy controls (HC) were measured. The potential correlations between CD4+FoxP3+ T cells, serum IL-10 and clinical measures in SLE patients were analysed. In comparison with that in the HC, significantly reduced numbers of CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ and CD4+CXCR5+FoxP3+ T cells, but increased numbers of CD4+CD25−FoxP3+ T cells, were detected, accompanied by significantly lower levels of serum IL-10 in the patients. Stratification analysis indicated the numbers of CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ and CD4+CXCR5+FoxP3+ T cells and serum IL-10 levels in the patients with seropositive anti-dsDNA were significantly less than that in those with seronegative anti-dsDNA. Treatment with the anti-SLE therapy, particularly with prednisone, leflunomide and methotrexate, significantly improved the imbalance of these types of FoxP3+ T cells and increased the concentrations of serum IL-10 in the drug-responding patients. The numbers of CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ T cells were correlated negatively with the values of SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI), whereas the numbers of CD4+CD25−FoxP3+ T cells were correlated positively with the values of SLEDAI, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and serum C3. In addition, the concentrations of serum IL-10 were correlated positively with the numbers of CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ T cells, but negatively with the values of SLEDAI, serum C3, CRP and ESR in these patients. Our data indicate that the imbalance of different types of FoxP3+CD4+ T cells may contribute to the development of SLE in Chinese patients.
Inhibition of Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) signalling pathway in rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts using small molecule compounds
Authors: Migita K , Izumi Y , Torigoshi T , Satomura K , Izumi M , Nishino Y , Jiuchi Y , Nakamura M , Kozuru H , Nonaka F , Eguchi K , Kawakami A , Motokawa S
Published: August 2013

Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors have been developed as anti-inflammatory agents and have demonstrated clinical efficacy in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We investigated if JAK-3-selective inhibition alone could disrupt cytokine signalling in rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts. In-vitro studies were performed using synovial fibroblasts isolated from patients with RA. Levels of activated JAK and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) proteins were detected by immunoblot analysis. Target-gene expression levels were measured by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR) or real-time PCR. The JAK inhibitors CP-690,550 and INCB028050 both suppressed activation of JAK-1/-2/-3 and downstream STAT-1/-3/-5, as well as the expression levels of target proinflammatory genes (MCP-I, SAA1/2) in oncostatin-M (OSM)-stimulated rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts. In contrast, the JAK-3-selective inhibitor, PF-956980, suppressed STAT-1/-5 activation but did not affect STAT-3 activation in OSM-stimulated rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts. In addition, PF-956980 significantly suppressed MCP-1 gene expression, but did not block SAA1/2 gene expression in OSM-stimulated rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts. These data suggest that JAK-3-selective inhibition alone is insufficient to control STAT-3-dependent signalling in rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts, and inhibition of JAKs, including JAK-1/-2, is needed to control the proinflammatory cascade in RA.
A New Motif in the N‐Terminal of Acetylcholinesterase Triggers Amyloid‐β Aggregation and Deposition
Authors: Hou Li‐Na , Xu Jian‐Rong , Zhao Qing‐Nan , Gao Xiao‐Ling , Cui Yong‐Yao , Xu Jun , Wang Hao , Chen Hong‐Zhuan
Published: August 2013

Background and purpose

As a molecular chaperone, acetylcholinesterase (AChE; EC 3.1.1.7) plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The peripheral anionic site (PAS) ofAChEhas been indicated as the amyloid‐β (Aβ) binding domain. The goal of this study was to determine other motifs inAChEinvolved inAβ aggregation and deposition.

Methods and results

The β‐hairpin in monomericAβ is the key motif of nucleation‐dependentAβ self‐aggregation. AsAChEcould induceAβ aggregation and deposition, we searchedAChEfor β‐hairpin structures. InA11‐specific dot blot assay,AChEwas detected by an oligomer‐specific antibodyA11, implying the existence of β‐hairpin structures inAChEas β‐hairpin was the core motif of oligomers. A molecular superimposing approach further revealed that the N‐terminal region, from Glu7 to Ile20, inAChE(AChE7–20) was similar to the β‐hairpin domain inAβ. The results of further dot blot assays, thioflavin T fluorescence assays, and electron microscopy imaging experiments, indicated that the N‐terminal synthetic peptideAChE7–20had nearly the same ability asAChEwith regard to triggeringAβ aggregation and deposition.

Conclusions

AChE7–20, a β‐hairpin region inAChE, might be a new motif inAChEcapable of triggeringAβ aggregation and deposition. This finding will be helpful to design new and more effective Aβ aggregation inhibitors forADtreatment.
Temporal Analysis of Genetic Structure to Assess Population Dynamics of Reintroduced Swift Foxes
Authors: CULLINGHAM CATHERINE I. , MOEHRENSCHLAGER AXEL
Published: August 2013

Reintroductions are increasingly used to reestablish species, but a paucity of long‐term postrelease monitoring has limited understanding of whether and when viable populations subsequently persist. We conducted temporal genetic analyses of reintroduced populations of swift foxes (Vulpes velox) in Canada (Alberta and Saskatchewan) and the United States (Montana). We used samples collected 4 years apart, 17 years from the initiation of the reintroduction, and 3 years after the conclusion of releases. To assess program success, we genotyped 304 hair samples, subsampled from the known range in 2000 and 2001, and 2005 and 2006, at 7 microsatellite loci. We compared diversity, effective population size, and genetic connectivity over time in each population. Diversity remained stable over time and there was evidence of increasing effective population size. We determined population structure in both periods after correcting for differences in sample sizes. The geographic distribution of these populations roughly corresponded with the original release locations, which suggests the release sites had residual effects on the population structure. However, given that both reintroduction sites had similar source populations, habitat fragmentation, due to cropland, may be associated with the population structure we found. Although our results indicate growing, stable populations, future connectivity analyses are warranted to ensure both populations are not subject to negative small‐population effects. Our results demonstrate the importance of multiple sampling years to fully capture population dynamics of reintroduced populations.

Análisis Temporal de la Estructura Genética para Evaluar la Dinámica Poblacional de Zorros (Vulpes velox) Reintroducidos
Providing Habitat for Native Mammals through Understory Enhancement in Forestry Plantations
Authors: SIMONETTI JAVIER A. , GREZ AUDREY A. , ESTADES CRISTIÁN F.
Published: August 2013

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) expects forestry plantations to contribute to biodiversity conservation. A well‐developed understory in forestry plantations might serve as a surrogate habitat for native species and mitigate the negative effect of plantations on species richness. We experimentally tested this hypothesis by removing the understory in Monterey pine (Pinus radiata) plantations in central Chile and assessing changes in species richness and abundance of medium‐sized mammals. Frequency of occurrence of mammals, including kodkods (Leopardus guigna), culpeo foxes (Pseudalopex culpaeus), lesser grisons (Conepatus chinga), and Southern pudu deer (Pudu puda), was low in forest stands with little to no understory relative to stands with well‐developed undergrowth vegetation. After removing the understory, their frequency of occurrence decreased significantly, whereas in control stands, where understory was not removed, their frequency did not change. This result strongly supports the idea that facilitating the development of undergrowth vegetation may turn forestry stands into secondary habitats as opposed to their containing no habitat for native mammals. This forestry practice could contribute to conservation of biological diversity as it pertains to CBD targets.

Proporcionando Hábitat para Mamíferos Nativos Mediante el Mejoramiento del Sotobosque en Plantaciones Forestales
Could plant lectins become promising anti‐tumour drugs for causing autophagic cell death?
Authors: Liu Z. , Luo Y. , Zhou T.‐T. , Zhang W.‐Z.
Published: August 2013

Plant lectins, a group of highly diverse carbohydrate‐binding proteins of non‐immune origin, are ubiquitously distributed through a variety of plant species, and have recently drawn rising attention due to their remarkable ability to kill tumour cells using mechanisms implicated in autophagy. In this review, we provide a brief outline of structures of some representative plant lectins such as concanavalin A, Polygonatum cyrtonema lectin and mistletoe lectins. These can target autophagy by modulating BNIP‐3, ROS‐p38‐p53, Ras‐Raf and PI3KCI‐Akt pathways, as well as Beclin‐1, in many types of cancer cells. In addition, we further discuss how plant lectins are able to kill cancer cells by modulating autophagic death, for therapeutic purposes. Together, these findings provide a comprehensive perspective concerning plant lectins as promising new anti‐tumour drugs, with respect to autophagic cell death in future cancer therapeutics.
In silico analysis and experimental validation of molecular mechanisms of salvianolic acid A‐inhibited LPS‐stimulated inflammation, in RAW264.7 macrophages
Authors: Huang J. , Qin Y. , Liu B. , Li G. Y. , Ouyang L. , Wang J. H.
Published: August 2013

Objectives

The aim of this study was to explore mechanisms by which salvianolic acid A (SAA) revealed its anti‐inflammatory activity, in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated RAW264.7 cells.

Materials and methods

Nitric oxide (NO) concentration was determined by the Griess reaction and cell viability was assessed by MTT assay. Interleukin‐6, TNFα and interleukin‐1β were determined by ELISA. The RAW264.7 cells were transfected with siRNA against p38 or HO‐1. Expressions of COX‐2, inducible NO synthase (iNOS), NF‐κB, HO‐1, p‐p38 and phosphorylation of IκB kinase α/β were detected by western blotting. Potential targets of SAA were analysed by homology modelling, target prediction, protein–protein interaction prediction and docking studies.

Results

Salvianolic acid A suppressed LPS‐triggered production of NO, TNFα and Interleukin‐6. It also reduced protein expression of inducible NO synthase and COX‐2, and reduced translocation of NF‐κB to nuclei. Moreover, SAA promoted expression of phosphorylated p38, and downstream HO‐1. Zn (II) protoporphyrin IX, a specific inhibitor of HO‐1, or siRNA against HO‐1 could effectively increase transfer of NF‐κB. SAA was predicted to target amyloid‐beta protein‐like protein and arachidonate 5‐lipoxygenase, that could regulate p38 and HO‐1.

Conclusions

In silico analysis and experimental validation together demonstrated that SAA exhibited its anti‐inflammatory effect via the p38‐HO‐1 pathway in LPS‐stimulated RAW264.7 cells, reduced transfer of NF‐κB to the nuclei and thus reduced production of inflammatory mediators.
Aboriginal people in remote communities inArnhemLand (NorthernTerritory) restrict their smoking in some environments: Implications for developing and implementing interventions to reduce exposure to environmental tobacco smoke
Authors: Stevenson Leah C. , Bohanna India , Robertson Jan A. , Clough Alan R.
Published: August 2013

Introduction and Aims

In Arnhem Land's remote Aboriginal communities [Northern Territory], very high smoking rates and overcrowding mean high exposure to Environmental Tobacco Smoke. This study compared smokers who restrict their smoking in these environments with those who do not.

Design and Methods

In 2008–2009, 258 smokers (137 males and 121 females) aged ≥ 16 years, provided information permitting categorisation of those who ‘RESTRICT’ their smoking in the house, car or workplace from those who do ‘NOT RESTRICT’. Univariable and multivariable logistic regressions compared ‘RESTRICT’ and ‘NOT RESTRICT’ groups by gender, age group, daily use, tobacco consumption, time‐to‐first‐cigarette and quit intentions. Those in the ‘RESTRICT’ group explained their motivations, summarised using qualitative data analysis.

Results

Men were almost twice as likely to ‘NOT RESTRICT’ their smoking (odds ratio = 1.88, 95% confidence interval = 1.14–3.08,P = 0.013). Time‐to‐first‐cigarette was the strongest predictor to ‘NOT RESTRICT’ in women (odds ratio = 3.48, 95% confidence interval = 1.44–8.41,P = 0.006) with daily consumption the strongest predictor in men (odds ratio = 3.15, 95% confidence interval = 1.39–7.18,P = 0.006). Men and women shared similar motivations for restricting smoking.

Discussion and Conclusions

Smoke‐free homes and workplaces are important opportunities to reduce exposure to Environmental Tobacco Smoke in remote Indigenous communities.[Stevenson, LC, Bohanna I, Robertson, JA, Clough, AR. Aboriginal people in remote communities in Arnhem Land (Northern Territory) restrict their smoking in some environments: implications for developing and implementing interventions to reduce exposure to environmental tobacco smoke.Drug Alcohol Rev2013;32:627–630]
New insights into the molecular mechanism of intestinal fatty acid absorption
Authors: Wang Tony Y. , Liu Min , Portincasa Piero , Wang David Q.‐H.
Published: August 2013

Background

Dietary fat is one of the most important energy sources of all the nutrients. Fatty acids, stored as triacylglycerols (also called triglycerides) in the body, are an important reservoir of stored energy and derived primarily from animal fats and vegetable oils.

Design

Although the molecular mechanisms for the transport of water‐insoluble amphipathic fatty acids across cell membranes have been debated for many years, it is now believed that the dominant means for intestinal fatty acid uptake is via membrane‐associated fatty acid–binding proteins, that is, fatty acid transporters on the apical membrane of enterocytes.

Results

These findings indicate that intestinal fatty acid absorption is a multistep process that is regulated by multiple genes at the enterocyte level, and intestinal fatty acid absorption efficiency could be determined by factors influencing intraluminal fatty acid molecules across the brush border membrane of enterocytes. To facilitate research on intestinal, hepatic and plasma triacylglycerol metabolism, it is imperative to establish standard protocols for precisely and accurately measuring the efficiency of intestinal fatty acid absorption in humans and animal models. In this review, we will discuss the chemical structure and nomenclature of fatty acids and summarize recent progress in investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying the intestinal absorption of fatty acids, with a particular emphasis on the physical chemistry of intestinal lipids and the molecular physiology of intestinal fatty acid transporters.

Conclusions

A better understanding of the molecular mechanism of intestinal fatty acid absorption should lead to novel approaches to the treatment and the prevention of fatty acid–related metabolic diseases that are prevalent worldwide.
Preference of an exotic wood borer for stressed trees is more attributable to pre‐alighting than post‐alighting behaviour
Authors: FLAHERTY LEAH , QUIRING DAN , PURESWARAN DEEPA , SWEENEY JON
Published: August 2013

Different mechanisms mediate host selection by insects before (pre‐alighting) versus after (post‐alighting) landing on potential hosts, but few studies distinguish pre‐ and post‐alighting behaviour, particularly for wood borers.

This study evaluates pre‐ and post‐alighting host selection by Tetropium fuscum (F.) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), a Palearctic wood borer that was recently introduced to Halifax, Nova Scotia.

We evaluate whether T. fuscum select stressed (i.e. girdled) over healthy red spruce, Picea rubens Sarg. (Pinaceae), trees for oviposition, as predicted by the preference–performance hypothesis (PPH). The landing rates of the native congener, Tetropium cinnamopterum Kirby (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), and parasitoids of Tetropium spp. were also quantified.

Tetropium fuscum consistently preferred girdled over healthy trees. Adults landed more than 10 times more frequently (11.0 ± 1.5 versus 0.6 ± 0.2 adults per tree), and females laid more than 3 times as many eggs (130 ± 23 versus 38 ± 13 eggs per bolt), on girdled compared with healthy trees. As T. fuscum survival and rate of development is greater on girdled than on healthy trees, these results support the PPH.

Tetropium fuscum rarely made maladaptive choices pre‐alighting, but post‐alighting oviposition on hosts on which performance is relatively lower was more common. Selection of high‐quality (e.g. girdled) hosts by female T. fuscum is therefore more attributable to pre‐alighting than post‐alighting behaviour.
Cyproheptadine‐induced myeloma cell apoptosis is associated with inhibition of the PI3K/AKT signaling
Authors: Li Jie , Cao Biyin , Zhou Shunye , Zhu Jingyu , Zhang Zubin , Hou Tingjun , Mao Xinliang
Published: August 2013

Recent studies revealed that the anti‐allergic cyproheptadine displays anti‐blood cancer activity. However, its mechanism is still elusive. In this study, cyproheptadine was found to decrease the expression of anti‐apoptotic proteins, including Bcl‐2, Mcl‐1, and XIAP. More importantly, cyproheptadine‐induced apoptosis was accompanied by suppressing AKT activation in myeloma cells. In the subsequent study, cyproheptadine was found to inhibit insulin‐like growth factor 1‐triggered AKT activation in a time‐ and concentration‐dependent manner. Specifically, cyproheptadine blocked AKT translocation from nuclei for phosphorylation. This inhibition led to suppressed activation of p70S6K and 4EBP1, two key downstream signaling proteins in the PI3K/AKT pathway. However, cyproheptadine did not display inhibition on activation of IGF‐1R or STAT3, possible upstream signals of AKT activation. These results further demonstrated that cyproheptadine suppresses the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, which is probably critical for cyproheptadine‐induced MM cell apoptosis.
Visual cortex organisation in a macaque monkey with macular degeneration
Authors: Shao Yibin , Keliris Georgios A. , Papanikolaou Amalia , Fischer M. Dominik , Zobor Ditta , Jägle Herbert , Logothetis Nikos K. , Smirnakis Stelios M.
Published: August 2013

The visual field is retinotopically represented in early visual areas. It has been suggested that when adult primary visual cortex (V1) is deprived of normal retinal input it is capable of large‐scale reorganisation, with neurons inside the lesion projection zone (LPZ) being visually driven by inputs from intact retinal regions. Early functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies in humans with macular degeneration (MD) report > 1 cm spread of activity inside the LPZ border, whereas recent results report no shift of the LPZ border. Here, we used fMRI population receptive field measurements to study, for the first time, the visual cortex organisation of one macaque monkey with MD and to compare it with normal controls. Our results showed that the border of the V1 LPZ remained stable, suggesting that the deafferented area V1 zone of the MD animal has limited capacity for reorganisation. Interestingly, the pRF size of non‐deafferented V1 voxels increased slightly (~20% on average), although this effect appears weaker than that in previous single‐unit recording reports. Area V2 also showed limited reorganisation. Remarkably, area V5/MT of the MD animal showed extensive activation compared to controls stimulated over the part of the visual field that was spared in the MD animal. Furthermore, population receptive field size distributions differed markedly in area V5/MT of the MD animal. Taken together, these results suggest that V5/MT has a higher potential for reorganisation after MD than earlier visual cortex.
Autoreactive T cells in the immune pathogenesis of pemphigus vulgaris
Authors: Amber Kyle T. , Staropoli Patrick , Shiman Michael I. , Elgart George W. , Hertl Michael
Published: August 2013

Pemphigus vulgaris is a life‐threatening autoimmune blistering disease caused by anti‐desmoglein IgG autoantibodies that finally lead to acantholysis presenting clinically as progressive blistering. Whilst the production of pathogenic antibodies is key to the development of pemphigus vulgaris, many immunological steps are required prior to autoantibody induction. We review advances in the understanding of these immunologic processes with a focus on human leucocyte antigen polymorphisms and antigen recognition, epitope spreading, central and peripheral tolerance, T helper differentiation, induction of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines and T‐cell regulation of B cells. Targeting autoaggressive T cells as regulators and stimulators of B‐cell antibody production should allow for more specific therapeutic immune interventions, avoiding the global immunosuppression seen with many commonly used immunosuppressants in pemphigus vulgaris.
Human skin melanocyte migration towards stromal cell‐derived factor‐1α demonstrated by optical real‐time cell mobility assay: modulation of their chemotactic ability by α‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone
Authors: Yamauchi Akira , Hadjur Christophe , Takahashi Tadahito , Suzuki Itaru , Hirose Kunitaka , Mahe Yann F.
Published: August 2013

To identify potential regulators of normal human melanocyte behaviour, we have developed an in vitro human melanocyte migration assay, using the optically accessible, real‐time cell motility assay device TAXIScan. Coating of the glass surface with an extracellular matrix that served as scaffolding molecule was essential to demonstrate efficient melanocyte migration. Among several chemokines tested, stromal cell‐derived factor (SDF)‐1α/CXCL12 was the most effective driver of human normal skin melanocytes. Incubation of melanocytes with α‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone (MSH) before the assay specifically enhanced CXCR4 expression and consequently chemotaxis towards SDF‐1α/CXCL12. These results suggest that α‐MSH acts on melanocytes to produce melanin as well as stimulates the cells to migrate to the site where they work through CXCR4 up‐regulation, which is a new dynamic mode of action of α‐MSH on melanocyte physiology.
Qualitative bifurcation diagrams
Authors: Rodriguez Hector , Farley Arthur M. , Flores Juan J. , Proskurowski Andrzej
Published: August 2013

We explore the use of qualitative reasoning to predict the behaviour of a dynamical system given a change in one of its parameters based upon a qualitative representation of its bifurcation diagram. We present three algorithms to perform this task. The first algorithm generates a qualitative representation from a quantitative representation of the bifurcation diagram of the system. The second uses the qualitative representation to simulate the behaviour of the system given a sequence of parameter adjustments or perturbations. The third algorithm solves the opposite, control problem: it determines what parameters to change to take the system from an initial to a given goal state. The first algorithm segments a quantitative bifurcation diagram into MSs having the same qualitative behaviour. These MSs are then interconnected into a relational network. The network is used by the other two algorithms to simulate and plan the behaviour of the system from an initial situation. We present examples illustrating the qualitative representations and the behaviours of the simulation and planning algorithms for dynamical systems of one parameter.
Former Foster Youth as Fathers: Risk and Protective Factors Predicting Father–Child Contact
Authors: Hook Jennifer L. , Courtney Mark E.
Published: August 2013

This study uses longitudinal data from the Midwest Evaluation of the Adult Functioning of Former Foster Youth to examine father–child contact between fathers who aged out of foster care and their children (N = 287 children of 150 fathers). The authors examine the effect of remaining in foster care after age 18 and find that it is positively associated with father–child contact when fathers are age 26. Some of this relationship is explained by positive associations between remaining in care, employment, and men's coresidence with the child's mother, and a negative association with criminal conviction. Even among involved fathers, however, criminal convictions and unemployment are common. Findings suggest that extending care from age 18 to 21 benefits young men, and their children, when they become fathers. Child welfare policies and practice should attend to the needs of young men who become fathers, before and after they exit care.
Phytol, a diterpene alcohol, inhibits the inflammatory response by reducing cytokine production and oxidative stress
Authors: Silva Renan O. , Sousa Francisca Beatriz M. , Damasceno Samara R.B. , Carvalho Nathalia S. , Silva Valdelânia G. , Oliveira Francisco Rodrigo M.A. , Sousa Damião P. , Aragão Karoline S. , Barbosa André L.R. , Freitas Rivelilson M. , Medeiros Jand Venes R.
Published: August 2013

Studies have shown that diterpenes have anti‐inflammatory and redox‐protective pharmacological activities. The present study aimed to investigate the anti‐inflammatory properties of phytol, a diterpene alcohol, in a mouse model of acute inflammation, and phytol effect on leukocyte recruitment, cytokines levels, and oxidative stress. The anti‐inflammatory activities of phytol were assessed by measuring paw edema induced by different inflammatory agents (e.g., λ‐carrageenan, compound 48/80, histamine, serotonin, bradykinin, and prostaglandin E2 [PGE2]), myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, peritonitis model and cytokine levels. Further, oxidative stress was evaluated by determining glutathione (GSH) levels and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration. The results showed that phytol (7.5, 25, 50, and 75 mg/kg) significantly reduced carrageenan‐induced paw edema, in a dose‐dependent manner. In addition, phytol (75 mg/kg) inhibited compound 48/80‐, histamine‐, serotonin‐, bradykinin‐ and PGE2‐induced paw edema. It also inhibited the recruitment of total leukocytes and neutrophils; decreased MPO activity, tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) levels, and MDA concentration; and increased GSH levels during carrageenan‐induced acute inflammation. These results suggest that phytol attenuates the inflammatory response by inhibiting neutrophil migration that is partly caused by reduction in IL‐1β and TNF‐α levels and oxidative stress.
Iaals' Honoring Families Initiative: Courts and Communities Helping Families in Transition Arising from Separation or Divorce
Authors: Kourlis Rebecca Love , Taylor Melinda , Schepard Andrew , Pruett Marsha Kline
Published: August 2013

Keypoints

It is time for a national dialogue about the feasibility of creating out‐of‐court alternatives for separating and divorcing families.

Research indicates that separating parents who provide their children with consistency, emotional support, and low conflict help children successfully adapt in the transition process.
Collaborative Role of Courts in Promoting Outcomes for Students: The Relationship Between Arrests, Graduation Rates, and School Safety
Authors: Teske Steven C. , Huff Brian , Graves Cora
Published: August 2013

Schools throughout the United States have adopted zero‐tolerance strategies to address school discipline. These policies have resulted in a significant increase in suspensions and expulsions. The placement of police on campus has exacerbated the problem by adding arrests and referrals to juvenile court as a disciplinary tool. This article discusses the origin of zero tolerance and its negative effects on school safety and graduation rates. This article examines three jurisdictions and their application of a collaborative model using judicial leadership to convene stakeholders resulting in written protocols to reduce school arrests and suspensions and developing alternatives that have produced better outcomes for students, the school, and the community.

Keypoints

Reduce arrest of students for minor offenses

Develop alternatives to suspension, expulsion, and arrests

Create system of care targeting chronically disruptive student for behavior improvement

Improve school safety using a Positive Student Engage Model for Campus Police

Improve school climate

Increase graduation rates
Connecticut's Comprehensive Approach to Reducing In‐School Arrests: Changes in Statewide Policy, Systems Coordination and School Practices
Authors: Bracey Jeana R. , Foley Geib Catherine , Plant Robert , O'Leary Julia R. , Anderson Abby , Herscovitch Lara , O'Connell Maria , Vanderploeg Jeffrey J.
Published: August 2013

Despite decreases in school violence over the past two decades, in‐school arrest rates are on the rise. This growing trend of school arrests is attributed in part to an increase in zero‐tolerance policies for disruptive behavior and exclusionary discipline practices such as suspensions, expulsions, and the involvement of law enforcement in school discipline matters. This article describes recent advancements made toward reducing the rates of in‐school arrests in the state of Connecticut through juvenile justice policy reform, advocacy and systems coordination efforts, and changes to school practice and policy from an interdisciplinary collaborative approach.

Keypoints

Change happened because stakeholders were able to work together across systems.

Getting solid data was essential to defining the problem and to showing results.

Model memoranda of agreement helped define the role of police in schools.

The Judicial Branch began using discretion to push back unnecessary arrests.

Mental health professionals offered teachers training on behavioral health and connected schools to community resources.

The effort to reduce student arrests gained traction in Connecticut coming on the heels of other successful juvenile justice reforms. Whenever we get a “win,” we should look for an opportunity to build on it.
Improving School‐Justice Partnerships: Lessons Learned from the Safe Schools/Healthy Students Initiative
Authors: Rollison Julia , Banks Duren , Martin Alison J. , Owens Corina , Thomas Nainan , Dressler Kellie J. , Wells Michael
Published: August 2013

Schools alone do not have the capacity to plan and implement the wide range of interventions needed to ensure a safe school environment for students. A collaborative approach among education and other community systems can best address the intersecting factors that contribute to antisocial behaviors. The Safe Schools/Healthy Students Initiative, launched in 1999, is a comprehensive approach to help ensure children feel safe in their schools. This article elaborates on efforts by grantees and their partners to improve coordination and service integration with an emphasis on the successful reintegration of students into schools.

Keypoints

Coordination and integration of programs and activities provided by community stakeholders are critical to improve youth outcomes.

This article highlights efforts by communities to provide a more supportive school environment to address issues of safety and student well‐being.

Comprehensive efforts contribute to minimizing duplication of services, preserving scarce resources and better identifying and serving students at risk for or already affected by violence, substance use, and mental health issues.
Saving the Nation's Expendable Children: Amending State Education Laws to Encourage Keeping Students in School
Authors: Rodriguez Courtney Marie
Published: August 2013

Disciplinary codes are designed to govern the behavior of millions of students attending U.S. public schools. As currently implemented, a great majority of these codes afford school personnel expansive, if not full, discretion to impose any sanction they deem appropriate in response to a student's alleged misconduct. Suspension and expulsion are two frequently used exclusionary sanctions that result in a large group of students who are pushed out of their learning environments around the nation on a daily basis. These detrimental exclusionary punishments have been increasingly used to address minor misbehavior rather than be reserved solely for serious offenses. This Note will describe the harmful implications currently associated with suspending and expelling children as a means to address misbehavior in school. This Note will then propose that all states amend their current education laws to limit infractions that may be punishable by suspension and/or expulsion exclusively to felonies as well as discuss practical alternatives schools should consider as a response to student misconduct. Implementation of this proposal would minimize the high rate of children being removed from their classrooms and would ultimately heighten the opportunity for children to learn.
Parental Gatekeeping and Child Custody/Child Access Evaluation: Part I: Conceptual Framework, Research, and Application
Authors: Austin William G. , Pruett Marsha Kline , Kirkpatrick H.D. , Flens James R. , Gould Jonathan W.
Published: August 2013

Parental gatekeeping refers to parents’ attitudes and actions that serve to affect the quality of the other parent's relationship and involvement with the child. It captures a common statutory best interest factor that often becomes the center of child custody disputes, especially in relocation cases. Gatekeeping research is reviewed for its relevance to family court and child custody evaluation. Divorce conflict and litigation is expected to be associated with negative, restrictive gatekeeping. A conceptual framework for gatekeeping is presented for child custody evaluation. Scholars have proposed a gatekeeping continuum varying from very restrictive to very facilitative in coparenting attitudes and actions. Research allows for a general prediction of potential harm to the child when there is substantial restrictive gatekeeping. The concept of social capital is proposed as an efficient explanation of the “gatekeeping effect” on children of divorce. Evaluators are cautioned not to confuse restrictive gatekeeping attitudes and behaviors. Restrictive/negative attitudes are normative among custody litigants. Children's adjustment will be affected more by the level and quality of parental involvement than by parental gatekeeping attitudes. Evaluators are encouraged to identify specific gate‐closing and gate‐opening behaviors in a gatekeeping assessment. Implications for crafting parenting plans are discussed.

Keypoints

Gatekeeping varies along continuum from facilitative to restrictive gatekeeping.

Maternal gatekeeping attitudes influence father's involvement and affects child adjustment.

Restrictive gatekeeping fosters parental conflict.

It is important to distinguish between restrictive gatekeeping attitudes and behaviors.
Stress intensity factors for three‐dimensional weld toe cracks using weld toe magnification factors
Authors: Han J. W. , Han D. K. , Han S. H.
Published: August 2013

In welded components, particularly those with complex geometrical shapes, evaluating stress intensity factors is a difficult task. To effectively calculate the stress intensity factors, a weld toe magnification factor is introduced that can be derived from data obtained in a parametric study performed by finite element method (FEM). Although solutions for the weld toe magnification factor have been presented, these are applicable only to non‐load‐carrying cruciform or T‐butt joints, due possibly to the requirement of very complicated calculations. In the majority of cases for various welded joints, the currently used weld toe magnification factors do not adequately describe the behaviour of weld toe cracks. In this study, the weld toe magnification factor solutions for the three types of welded joints such as cruciform, cover plate and longitudinal stiffener joints were provided through a parametric study using three‐dimensional finite elements. The solutions were formed with exponents and fractions that have polynomial functions in terms of a/c and a/t – that is, crack depths normalised by corresponding half crack lengths and specimen thickness. The proposed weld toe magnification factors were applied to evaluate the fatigue crack propagation life considering the propagation mechanisms of multiple‐surface cracks for all welded joints. It showed good agreement within a deviation factor of two between the experimental and calculated results for the fatigue crack propagation life.
Modelling riverine habitat for robust redhorse: assessment for reintroduction of an imperilled species
Authors: Fisk J. M. , Kwak T. J. , Heise R. J.
Published: August 2013

A critical component of a species reintroduction is assessment of contemporary habitat suitability. The robust redhorse, Moxostoma robustum (Cope), is an imperilled catostomid that occupies a restricted range in the south‐eastern USA. A remnant population persists downstream of Blewett Falls Dam, the terminal dam in the Pee Dee River, North Carolina. Reintroduction upstream of Blewett Falls Dam may promote long‐term survival of this population. Tillery Dam is the next hydroelectric facility upstream, which includes a 30 rkm lotic reach. Habitat suitability indices developed in the Pee Dee River were applied to model suitable habitat for proposed minimum flows downstream of Tillery Dam. Modelling results indicate that the Tillery reach provides suitable robust redhorse habitat, with spawning habitat more abundant than non‐spawning habitat. Sensitivity analyses suggested that suitable water depth and substrate were limiting physical habitat variables. These results can inform decisions on flow regulation and guide planning for reintroduction of the robust redhorse and other species.
Effects of the Housing Boom and Bust on U.S. Metro Employment
Authors: Gabe Todd M. , Florida Richard
Published: August 2013

This paper examines the effects of the housing boom of the early 2000s on unemployment in U.S. metropolitan areas. A region's share of housing units built between 2000 and 2006 has no effect on unemployment prior to the start of the Great Recession, but the extent of a region's housing boom increases unemployment in over one‐half of the months analyzed during and immediately following it. Regression results based on a cluster analysis of metropolitan areas indicate that regions characterized by high growth rates of construction, retail, and hospitality employment during the early 2000s were hit particularly hard by the recession.
The Impact of the Maquiladora Industry on U.S. Border Cities
Authors: Cañas Jesús , Coronado Roberto , Gilmer Robert W. , Saucedo Eduardo
Published: August 2013

For decades, the maquiladora industry has been a major economic engine along the U.S.–Mexico border. Since the 1970s, researchers have analyzed how the maquiladora industry affects cities along both sides of the border. Hanson produced the first comprehensive study on the impact of the maquiladoras on U.S. border cities, considering the effects of in‐bond plants on both employment and wages. His estimates became useful rules of thumb for the entire U.S.–Mexico border; however, they have become dated. Using Hanson's framework, we estimate the maquiladora industry impact on U.S. border cities from 1990 to 2006. We find that a 10 percent increase in maquiladora production leads to a 0.5 to 0.9 percent increase in employment. We also find large differences among individual border cities. Furthermore, we estimate the cross‐border maquiladora impacts before and after 2001 when border security begins to rise, and the global low‐wage competition intensified after China joined the World Trade Organization. Empirical results indicate that U.S. border cities are less responsive to growth in maquiladora production from 2001 to 2006 than in the earlier period; however, when looking into specific sectors, we find that U.S. border city employment in service sectors is more responsive post‐2001.
Non‐Linear Relationships of Internal and External Resources on a Firm's Innovation: The Case of theSpanishVinalopó Footwear Cluster
Authors: Belso‐Martinez José A. , Molina‐Morales Francesc Xavier
Published: August 2013

This paper aims to enrich the analysis on the significance of the individual firm resources in a cluster and the effects of diverse cluster relationships, including local and non‐local ones, on firms' innovation capacity. On questioning the commonly accepted direct and positive impact, we explore the joint and non‐linear effects of internal resources and inter‐organisational relationships on innovation. Data from 251 footwear manufacturers located in theSpanishVinalopó cluster were used to explore the proposed causal relationships. According to findings, the impact of each factor on product innovation is not homogeneous. Internal innovation efforts and cooperation with local suppliers positively affect the creation of new products, while collaboration with local customers and extra‐cluster linkages presents an invertedU‐shaped relationship with product innovation. Finally, a number of implications may be drawn for policy makers, practitioners, and future research.