bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perspectives in semantic adaptive social web
Authors: Cena Federica , Dattolo Antonina , Lops Pasquale , Vassileva Julita
Published: October 2013

The Social Web is now a successful reality with its quickly growing number of users and applications. Also the Semantic Web, which started with the objective of describing Web resources in a machine-processable way, is now outgrowing the research labs and is being massively exploited in many websites, incorporating high-quality user-generated content and semantic annotations. The primary goal of this special section is to showcase some recent research at the intersection of the Social Web and the Semantic Web that explores the benefits that adaptation and personalization have to offer in the Web of the future, the so-called Social Adaptive Semantic Web. We have selected two articles out of fourteen submissions based on the quality of the articles and we present the main lessons learned from the overall analysis of these submissions.
Social semantic query expansion
Authors: Biancalana Claudio , Gasparetti Fabio , Micarelli Alessandro , Sansonetti Giuseppe
Published: October 2013

Weak semantic techniques rely on the integration of Semantic Web techniques with social annotations and aim to embrace the strengths of both. In this article, we propose a novel weak semantic technique for query expansion. Traditional query expansion techniques are based on the computation of two-dimensional co-occurrence matrices. Our approach proposes the use of three-dimensional matrices, where the added dimension is represented by semantic classes (i.e., categories comprising all the terms that share a semantic property) related to the folksonomy extracted from social bookmarking services, such as
delicious
and
StumbleUpon
. The results of an indepth experimental evaluation performed on both artificial datasets and real users show that our approach outperforms traditional techniques, such as relevance feedback and personalized PageRank, so confirming the validity and usefulness of the categorization of the user needs and preferences in semantic classes. We also present the results of a questionnaire aimed to know the users opinion regarding the system. As one drawback of several query expansion techniques is their high computational costs, we also provide a complexity analysis of our system, in order to show its capability of operating in real time.
Cell and Developmental Biology of Arbuscular Mycorrhiza Symbiosis
Authors: Gutjahr Caroline , Parniske Martin
Published: October 2013

The default mineral nutrient acquisition strategy of land plants is the symbiosis with arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) fungi. Research into the cell and developmental biology of AM revealed fascinating insights into the plasticity of plant cell development and of interorganismic communication. It is driven by the prospect of increased exploitation of AM benefits for sustainable agriculture. The plant cell developmental program for intracellular accommodation of AM fungi is activated by a genetically defined signaling pathway involving calcium spiking in the nucleus as second messenger. Calcium spiking is triggered by chitooligosaccharides released by AM fungi that are probably perceived via LysM domain receptor kinases. Fungal infection and calcium spiking are spatiotemporally coordinated, and only cells committed to accommodating the fungus undergo high-frequency spiking. Delivery of mineral nutrients by AM fungi occurs at tree-shaped hyphal structures, the arbuscules, in plant cortical cells. Nutrients are taken up at a plant-derived periarbuscular membrane, which surrounds fungal hyphae and carries a specific transporter composition that is of direct importance for symbiotic efficiency. An elegant study has unveiled a new and unexpected mechanism for specific protein localization to the periarbuscular membrane, which relies on the timing of gene expression to synchronize protein biosynthesis with a redirection of secretion. The control of AM development by phytohormones is currently subject to active investigation and has led to the rediscovery of strigolactones. Nearly all tested phytohormones regulate AM development, and major insights into the mechanisms of this regulation are expected in the near future.
A Pipeline with Multiplex Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction and Microarray for Screening of Chromosomal Translocations in Leukemia
Authors: Xiong Fei-Fei , Li Ben-Shang , Zhang Chun-Xiu , Xiong Hui , Shen Shu-Hong , Zhang Qing-Hua
Published: October 2013

Chromosome rearrangements and fusion genes present major portion of leukemogenesis and contribute to leukemic subtypes. It is practical and helpful to detect the fusion genes in clinic diagnosis of leukemia. Present application of reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method to detect the fusion gene transcripts is effective, but time- and labor-consuming. To set up a simple and rapid system, we established a method that combined multiplex RT-PCR and microarray. We selected 15 clinically most frequently observed chromosomal rearrangements generating more than 50 fusion gene variants. Chimeric reverse primers and chimeric PCR primers containing both gene-specific and universal sequences were applied in the procedure of multiplex RT-PCR, and then the PCR products hybridized with a designed microarray. With this approach, among 200 clinic samples, 63 samples were detected to have gene rearrangements. All the detected fusion genes positive and negative were validated with RT-PCR and Sanger sequencing. Our data suggested that the RT-PCR-microarray pipeline could screen 15 partner gene pairs simultaneously at the same accuracy of the fusion gene detection with regular RT-PCR. The pipeline showed effectiveness in multiple fusion genes screening in clinic samples.
Pretreatment of Small-for-Size GraftsIn Vivobyγ-Aminobutyric Acid Receptor Regulation against Oxidative Stress-Induced Injury in Rat Split Orthotopic Liver Transplantation
Authors: Hori Tomohide , Uemoto Shinji , Walden Lindsay B. , Chen Feng , Baine Ann-Marie T. , Hata Toshiyuki , Nguyen Justin H.
Published: October 2013

Background. Graft pretreatment to limit postoperative damage has the advantage of overcoming a current issue in liver transplantation (LT). The strategic potential of graft pretreatmentin vivoby a specific agonist forγ-aminobutyric acid receptor (GABAR) was investigated in the rat LT model with a small-for-size graft (SFSG).Methods. Recipient rats were divided into three groups according to donor treatments and recipient surgeries: (i) saline and laparotomy, (ii) saline and split orthotopic liver transplantation (SOLT) with 40%-SFSG, and (iii) GABAR agonist and SOLT with 40%-SFSG. Survival was evaluated. Blood and liver samples were collected 6 h after surgery. Immunohistological assessment for apoptotic induction and western blotting for 4-hydroxynonenal, ataxia-telangiectasia mutated kinase (ATM), histone H2AX, phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K), Akt, and free radical scavenging enzymes were performed.Results. Pretreatment by GABAR showed improvement in survival, histopathological assessment, and biochemical tests. Apoptotic induction and oxidative stress were observed after SOLT with an SFSG, and this damage was limited by GABAR regulation. GABAR regulation appeared to reduce DNA damage via the ATM/H2AX pathway and to promote cell survival via the PI3K/Akt pathway.Conclusions. Pretreatmentin vivoby GABAR regulation improves graft damage after SOLT with an SFSG. This strategy may be advantageous in LT.
Ambient Vibration Testing for Story Stiffness Estimation of a Heritage Timber Building
Authors: Min Kyung-Won , Kim Junhee , Park Sung-Ah , Park Chan-Soo
Published: October 2013

This paper investigates dynamic characteristics of a historic wooden structure by ambient vibration testing, presenting a novel estimation methodology of story stiffness for the purpose of vibration‐based structural health monitoring. As for the ambient vibration testing, measured structural responses are analyzed by two output‐only system identification methods (i.e., frequency domain decomposition and stochastic subspace identification) to estimate modal parameters. The proposed methodology of story stiffness is estimation based on an eigenvalue problem derived from a vibratory rigid body model. Using the identified natural frequencies, the eigenvalue problem is efficiently solved and uniquely yields story stiffness. It is noteworthy that application of the proposed methodology is not necessarily confined to the wooden structure exampled in the paper.
Enhanced Strain‐Dependent Electrical Resistance of Polyurethane Composites with Embedded Oxidized Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Networks
Authors: Benlikaya R. , Slobodian P. , Riha P.
Published: October 2013

The effect of different chemical oxidation of multiwalled carbon nanotubes with H2O2, HNO3, and KMnO4 on the change of electrical resistance of polyurethane composites with embedded oxidized nanotube networks subjected to elongation and bending has been studied. The testing has shown about twenty‐fold increase in the electrical resistance for the composite prepared from KMnO4 oxidized nanotubes in comparison to the composites prepared from the pristine and other oxidized nanotubes. The evaluated sensitivity of KMnO4 treated composite in terms of the gauge factor increases with strain to nearly 175 at the strain 11%. This is a substantial increase, which ranks the composite prepared from KMnO4 oxidized nanotubes among materials as strain gauges with the highest electromechanical sensitivity. The observed differences in electromechanical properties of the composites are discussed on basis of their structure which is examined by the measurements of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscope. The possible practical use of the composites is demonstrated by monitoring of elbow joint flexion during two different physical exercises.
The Practice of Medical Oncology in Morocco: The National Study of the Moroccan Group of Trialist in Medical Oncology (EVA-Onco)
Authors: Boutayeb Saber , Taleb Amina , Belbaraka Rizlane , Ismaili Nabil , Berrada Narjiss , Allam Wafa , Abahsain Halima , Mellas Naoufal , Afkir Saif , Mesbahi Omar , Ichou Mohammed , Errihani Hassan
Published: October 2013

Objective. To determine the current shortfall of medical oncologists (MOs) and the projected supply. Background. Morocco, the medical oncology (MO) is a relatively new specialty. Medical oncology was recognized as a separate specialty in 1994 but the real taking-off was done only since the 2000s after the creation of the chair of medical oncology in the University of Rabat. The GRIOMM (Moroccan group of trialist in medical oncology) was created in 2011 and conducted its first study, EVA-onco, concerning the practice of medical oncology in Morocco in 2011. Design. EVA-onco is a prospective study concerning the practice of medical oncology in Morocco in 2011. Results. The entire public cancer centers completed the survey. There were no missing data. The number of medical oncologist per 100000/habitants in Morocco was 0.09. The average number of new patients seen per medical oncologist was 718 patients (ranging by state from 97 to 1875). The shortfall of MOs was estimated at 26 at least in 2011 according to the national recommendations. Conclusions. Since 2010, a national strategy to increase the capacity of MO workforce existed. The current shortfall of MO is expected to disappear in the future.
Extracorporeal Rescue for Early and Late Graft Failure after Cardiac Transplantation: Short Result and Long‐Term Followup
Authors: Chou Nai-Kuan , Chi Nai-Hsin , Yu Hsi-Yu , Lin Jou-Wei , Wang Chih-Hsien , Wang Shoei-Shen , Chen Yih-Sharng
Published: October 2013

Objectives. Graft failure after heart transplantation led to poor outcomes. We tried to analyze the outcomes of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) rescue in graft survival after transplantation. Methods. A retrospective review of 385 consecutive heart transplants revealed 46 patients of graft failure requiring ECMO rescue (48 episodes). The pretransplant and ECMO‐related variables were evaluated. Results. The median age was 37.7 ± 18.8 years, and the median support time was 155 ± 145 hours. Success rate was 47.9% (23/48). Pretransplant ECMO use was 25% (12/48) and they had 58.3% mortality. The success rate in “early” graft failures was 51.4% (18/35) and 50% for “late” graft failure. The ischemic time with graft failure (178 ± 70 min) was significantly longer than that without graft failure. Preoperative status and the longer ischemic time may be the major factors for failure. Long‐term 5‐year survival demonstrated significant survival difference between graft failure and nongraft failure. No survival difference was shown between “early” and “late” graft failure. Conclusions. Graft failure still carried high mortality if advanced circulatory support was required. Early graft failure and late graft failure had similar outcomes. Further investigation of the risk factors shows that ECMO does play a role of rescue in catastrophic conditions.
Some Conclusion on Uniquek-List Colorable Complete Multipartite Graphs
Authors: Wang Yanning , Wang Yanyan , Zhang Xuguang
Published: October 2013

If a graphGadmits ak-list assignmentLsuch thatGhas a uniqueL-coloring, thenGis called uniquelyk-list colorable graph, or UkLC graph for short. In the process of characterizing UkLC graphs, the complete multipartite graphsK1*r,s(r,s∈N)are often researched. But it is usually not easy to construct the uniquek-list assignment ofK1*r,s. In this paper, we give some propositions about the property of the graphK1*r,swhen it is UkLC, which provide a very significant guide for constructing such list assignment. Then a special example of UkLC graphsK1*r,sas a application of these propositions is introduced. The conclusion will pave the way to characterize UkLC complete multipartite graphs.
Power and Time Slot Allocation in Cognitive Relay Networks Using Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Derakhshan-Barjoei Pouya , Dadashzadeh Gholamreza , Razzazi Farbod , Razavizadeh S. Mohammad
Published: October 2013

The two main problems in cognitive radio networks are power and time slot allocation problems which require a precise analysis and guarantee the quality of service in both the primary and secondary users. In this paper, these two problems are considered and a method is proposed to solve the resulting optimization problem. Our proposed method provides an improved performance in solving the constrained nonlinear multiobject optimization for the power control and beamforming in order to reach the maximum capacity and proper adaption of time slots, and as a result a new scheme for joint power and time slot allocation in cognitive relay networks is proposed. We adopt space diversity access as the secondary users access scheme and divide the time between multiple secondary users according to their contribution to primary user’s transmission. Helping primary users provides more opportunities for secondary users to access the channel since the primary users can release the channel sooner. In contrast, primary network leases portion of channel access time to the secondary users for their transmission using particle swarm optimization (PSO). Numerical studies show good performance of the proposed scheme with a dynamic cost function in a nonstationary environment.
Stress Intensity Factors for Cracked Finite Plates with Mixed Boundary Condition
Authors: Hu Zheyuan , Zhu Zheming , Feng Ruoqi , Hu Rong
Published: October 2013

The mixed boundary problems for finite plates with one crack or two collinear cracks are studied. Complex stress functions that satisfy the equilibrium equations and compatibility conditions in the cracked plate as well as the stress condition on crack surfaces are presented. Four models, that is, a square plate with one crack or with two collinear cracks and an airfoil-shaped plate with one crack or with two collinear cracks, are established. The unknown coefficients of the complex stress functions are determined by using boundary collocation method (BCM). The effects of crack orientation, crack distance, and boundary condition on SIFs are investigated by combining with BCM, and the corresponding photoelastic experiments are conducted. The test results generally agree with the BCM calculation results.
Oscillation Criteria of First Order Neutral Delay Differential Equations with Variable Coefficients
Authors: Ahmed Fatima N. , Ahmad Rokiah Rozita , Din Ummul Khair Salma , Noorani Mohd Salmi Md
Published: October 2013

Some new oscillation criteria are given for first order neutral delay differential equations with variable coefficients. Our results generalize and extend some of the well-known results in the literature. Some examples are considered to illustrate the main results.
Rapid Method for the Determination of 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural and Levulinic Acid Using a Double‐Wavelength UV Spectroscopy
Authors: Zhang Junhua , Li Junke , Tang Yanjun , Xue Guoxin
Published: October 2013

This study reports on a rapid method for the determination of levulinic acid (LA) and 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) in acid hydrolyze system of glucose based on UV spectroscopy. It was found that HMF and LA have a maximum absorption at the wavelengths of 284 nm and 266 nm, respectively, in a water medium, and the absorptions of HMF and LA at 284 nm and 266 nm follow Beer’s law very well. However, it was found that a major spectral interference species will arise in the quantification of HMF and LA; nonetheless, this interference can be eliminated through the absorption treatment of charcoal. Therefore, both HMF and LA can be quantified with a double‐wavelength technique. The repeatability of the method had a relative standard deviation of less than 4.47% for HMF and 2.25% for LA; the limit of quantification (LOQ) was 0.017 mmol/L for HMF and 4.68 mmol/L for LA, and the recovery ranged from 88% to 116% for HMF and from 94% to 105% for LA. The present method is simple, rapid, and accurate. It is suitable to use in the research of the preparation of HMF and LA in biorefinery area.
Numerical Stability of Partitioned Approach in Fluid-Structure Interaction for a Deformable Thin-Walled Vessel
Authors: Wong Kelvin K. L. , Thavornpattanapong Pongpat , Cheung Sherman C. P. , Tu Jiyuan
Published: October 2013

Added-mass instability is known to be an important issue in the partitioned approach for fluid-structure interaction (FSI) solvers. Despite the implementation of the implicit approach, convergence of solution can be difficult to achieve. Relaxation may be applied to improve this implicitness of the partitioned algorithm, but this commonly leads to a significant increase in computational time. This is because the critical relaxation factor that allows stability of the coupling tends to be impractically small. In this study, a mathematical analysis for optimizing numerical performance based on different time integration schemes that pertain to both the fluid and solid accelerations is presented. The aim is to determine the most efficient configuration for the FSI architecture. Both theoretical and numerical results suggest that the choice of time integration schemes has a significant influence on the stability of FSI coupling. This concludes that, in addition to material and its geometric properties, the choice of time integration schemes is important in determining the stability of the numerical computation. A proper selection of the associated parameters can improve performance considerably by influencing the condition of coupling stability.
Intrauterine Upper Limb Ischemia: An Unusual Presentation of Fetal Thrombophilia—A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Abdelrazeq Samer , Alkhateeb Abdullatif , Saleh Hani , Alhasan Haitham , Khammash Hatem
Published: October 2013

Upper limb ischemia presenting in neonatal period is extremely rare. Moreover, presenting newborn with evidence of intrauterine upper limb vascular occlusion is even rarer. It needs prompt intervention to restore perfusion and avoid morbidity. We present a newborn with right upper limb brachial artery thrombosis causing ischemia that was noted at birth and appeared later to be homozygous for factor V Leiden and glycoprotein IIIa with no other identifiable risk factors. In this report, we present the case, its successful medical management, proper counseling, and review of the literature. We recommend investigating the neonates and their parents for thrombophilia mutations when they present with unusual vascular occlusion site as newborns.
Candida albicansFungaemia following Traumatic Urethral Catheterisation in a Paraplegic Patient with Diabetes Mellitus and Candiduria Treated by Caspofungin
Authors: Vaidyanathan Subramanian , Soni Bakul , Hughes Peter , Ramage Gordon , Sherry Leighann , Singh Gurpreet , Mansour Paul
Published: October 2013

A 58-year-old paraplegic male, with long-term indwelling urethral catheter, developed catheter block. The catheter was changed, but blood-stained urine was drained intermittently. A long segment of the catheter was seen lying outside his penis, which indicated that the balloon of Foley catheter had been inflated in urethra. The misplaced catheter was removed and a new catheter was inserted correctly. Gentamicin 160 mg was given intravenously; meropenem 1 gram every eight hours was prescribed; antifungals were not given. Twenty hours later, this patient developed distension of abdomen, tachycardia, and hypotension; he was not arousable. Computed tomography of abdomen revealed inflamed uroepithelium of right renal pelvis and ureter, 4 mm lower ureteric calculus with gas in right ureter proximally, and vesical calculus containing gas in its matrix. Urine and blood culture yieldedCandida albicans. Identical sensitivity pattern of both isolates suggested that the source of the bloodstream infection was most likely urine. Both isolates formed consistently high levels of biofilm formationin vitroas assessed using a biofilm biomass stain, and high levels of resistance to voriconazole were observed. Both amphotericin B and caspofungin showed good activity against the biofilms. HbA1c was 111 mmol/mol. This patient was prescribed human soluble insulin and caspofungin 70 mg followed by 50 mg daily intravenously. He recovered fully from candidemia.
Confidence Intervals for the Mean Based on Exponential Type Inequalities and Empirical Likelihood
Authors: Vucane Sandra , Valeinis Janis , Luta George
Published: October 2013

For independent observations, recently, it has been proposed to construct the confidence intervals for the mean using exponential type inequalities. Although this method requires much weaker assumptions than those required by the classical methods, the resulting intervals are usually too large. Still in special cases, one can find some advantage of using bounded and unbounded Bernstein inequalities. In this paper, we discuss the applicability of this approach for dependent data. Moreover, we propose to use the empirical likelihood method both in the case of independent and dependent observations for inference regarding the mean. The advantage of empirical likelihood is its Bartlett correctability and a rather simple extension to the dependent case. Finally, we provide some simulation results comparing these methods with respect to their empirical coverage accuracy and average interval length. At the end, we apply the above described methods for the serial analysis of a gene expression (SAGE) data example.
The SomnuSeal Oral Mask Is Reasonably Tolerated by Otherwise CPAP Noncompliant Patients with OSA
Authors: Katz N. , Adir Y. , Etzioni T. , Kurtz E. , Pillar G.
Published: October 2013

Compliance with CPAP is the major limiting factor in treating patients with OSA. The novel SomnuSeal mask is an oral self-adaptable mask located between the teeth and the lips ensuring that there are no air leaks or skin abrasions. Fifty patients withAHI>20, who failed previous CPAP trials, were asked to sleep with the mask for one month. In all patients, the mask was connected to an AutoPAP machine with a heated humidifier. Efficacy, convenience, and compliance (average usage for 4 or more hours per night) were monitored. Fifty patients (41 m and 9 f, mean age57±12years, BMI33.6±4.9 kg/m2, and AHI47±23/h) participated. Eleven were classified as compliant (average mask usage of 26 nights, 4.7 hours per night), five were only partially compliant (average usage of 13 nights, 2.9 hours per night), and 34 could not comply with it. In all patients who slept with it, the efficacy (assessed by residual AHI derived from the CPAP device) was good with an AHI of less than 8/hour. Interestingly, the required optimal pressure decreased from an average of 9.3 cmH2O to 4.6 cmH2O. The SomnuSeal oral interface is effective and may result in converting noncompliant untreated patients with OSA into well-treated ones.
Upper Semicontinuous Property of Uniform Attractors for the 2D Nonautonomous Navier-Stokes Equations with Damping
Authors: Yang Xin-Guang , Li Jun-Tao
Published: October 2013

Our aim is to investigate the long-time behavior in terms of upper semicontinuous property of uniform attractors for the 2D nonautonomous Navier-Stokes equations with linear damping and nonautonomous perturbation external force, that is, the convergence of corresponding attractors when the perturbation tends to zero.
Divisibility and Compactness Analysis of Physiological Signals for Sentiment Classification in Body Sensor Network
Authors: Wang Wei , Huang Xiaodan
Published: October 2013

Affective computing draws more and more attention to the human-computer interaction. Based on physiological signals acquired by body sensor network, within the affection recognition process, the problem that training samples have larger class distance and smaller intraclass distance must be considered. For the class divisibility and intraclass compactness problem, researching method of samples validity was proposed based on metric multidimensional scaling. With dissimilarity matrix, scalar product matrix was calculated. Subsequently, individual attribute reconstructing matrix could be got using principal components factor analysis to display samples difference in low dimension. By means of experiment results, training and testing samples for sentiment classifier will be selected instructionally.
Some Fixed Point Theorems in -Metric Space Endowed with Graph
Authors: Samreen Maria , Kamran Tayyab , Shahzad Naseer
Published: October 2013

We define some notions of contraction mappings in -metric space endowed with a graph and subsequently establish some fixed point results for such classes of contractions. According to the applications of our results, we obtain fixed point theorems for cyclic operators and an existence theorem for the solution of an integral equation.
Novel Mechanism of Tumor Suppression by Polarity Gene Discs Large 1 (DLG1) Revealed in a Murine Model of Pediatric B-ALL
Authors: Sandoval Gabriel J. , Graham Daniel B. , Gmyrek Grzegorz B. , Akilesh Holly M. , Fujikawa Keiko , Sammut Benedicte , Bhattacharya Deepta , Srivatsan Shuba , Kim Alfred , Shaw Andrey S. , Yang-Iott Katherine , Bassing Craig H. , Duncavage Eric , Xavier Ramnik J. , Swat Wojciech
Published: October 2013

Drosophila melanogaster discs large (dlg) is an essential tumor suppressor gene (TSG) controlling epithelial cell growth and polarity of the fly imaginal discs in pupal development. A mammalian ortholog, Dlg1, is involved in embryonic urogenital morphogenesis, postsynaptic densities in neurons, and immune synapses in lymphocytes. However, a potential role for Dlg1 as a mammalian TSG is unknown. Here, we present evidence that loss of Dlg1 confers strong predisposition to the development of malignancies in a murine model of pediatric B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). Using mice with conditionally deleted Dlg1 alleles, we identify a novel “pre-leukemic” stage of developmentally arrested early B-lineage cells marked by preeminent c-Myc expression. Mechanistically, we show that in B-lineage progenitors Dlg1 interacts with and stabilizes the PTEN protein, regulating its half-life and steady-state abundance. The loss of Dlg1 does not affect the level of PTEN mRNAs but results in a dramatic decrease in PTEN protein, leading to excessive phosphoinositide 3-kinase signaling and proliferation. Our data suggest a novel model of tumor suppression by a PDZ domain-containing polarity gene in hematopoietic cancers. Cancer Immunol Res; 1(6); 426–37. ©2013 AACR.
Application of Audio Computer-Assisted Self-Interviews to Collect Self-Reported Health Data: An Overview
Authors: Brown J.L. , Swartzendruber A. , DiClemente R.J.
Published: October 2013

For assessment of sensitive health behaviors (e.g., sexual behavior, violent behaviors, substance use), research is typically limited to an examination of self-reports of past behavior. Audio computer-assisted self-interviews (ACASI) may enhance the validity of self-report data in research and clinical settings by reducing measurement bias. This paper provides an introduction to ACASI for collection of self-reported health data. The potential benefits and cost-effectiveness of ACASI use in research and clinical settings are reviewed. We then review the theoretical underpinnings that may underlie differential reporting of health behaviors between assessment modalities. Next, we highlight studies that have investigated differences in self-reported health behaviors between assessment modalities. Lastly, we summarize potential applications of ACASI assessments within clinical settings.
Context Memory in Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: El Haj Mohamad , Kessels Roy P.C.
Published: October 2013

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by a gradual loss of memory. Specifically, context aspects of memory are impaired in AD. Our review sheds light on the neurocognitive mechanisms of this memory component that forms the core of episodic memory function. Summary: Context recall, an element of episodic memory, refers to remembering the context in which an event has occurred, such as from whom or to whom information has been transmitted. Key Messages: Our review raises crucial questions. For example, (1) which context element is more prone to being forgotten in the disease? (2) How do AD patients fail to bind context features together? (3) May distinctiveness heuristic or decisions based on metacognitive expectations improve context retrieval in these patients? (4) How does cueing at retrieval enhance reinstating of encoding context in AD? By addressing these questions, our work contributes to the understanding of the memory deficits in AD.
A Daily Glass of Red Wine and Lifestyle Changes Do Not Affect Arterial Blood Pressure and Heart Rate in Patients with Carotid Arteriosclerosis after 4 and 20 Weeks
Authors: Droste Dirk W. , Iliescu Catalina , Vaillant Michel , Gantenbein Manon , De Bremaeker Nancy , Lieunard Charlotte , Velez Telma , Meyer Michèle , Guth Tessy , Kuemmerle Andrea , Chioti Anna
Published: October 2013

Background: Regular consumption of small amounts of red wine improves blood lipids. However, there is concern whether this beneficial effect might be counterbalanced by an increase in blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR), which are risk factors for cerebro-cardiovascular disease. In particular, we studied whether regular consumption of red wine with and without lifestyle changes (LC; healthy diet and physical activity advice) results in an increase in BP and HR. Methods: A prospective, unblinded randomized trial was performed in 108 patients (67% men) with carotid atherosclerosis documented by ultrasound, a mean BP of 122/79 mm Hg and a mean HR of 71 bpm at inclusion in the study. Sixty-eight percent were known and treated hypertensives. The mean 24-hour BP at baseline was 122/79 mm Hg. Half of the study participants, the control group, was seen by a nurse at baseline, after 4 and after 20 weeks, and was instructed not to change their eating and physical activity habits. In the other half, a dietician performed five sessions of 30 min each (at baseline, after 1 week and after 2, 3 and 4 weeks) giving advice on healthy eating based on a Mediterranean diet and physical exercise. The recommendations given were the following: 5 portions of fruit/vegetables per day, a diet low in absolute fat, a preference of vegetable oil (olive or rapeseed oil), whole-grain products, poultry, low-fat dairy products, 1 fat and 1 lean fish meal per week, reduced consumption of red meat, and avoidance of pork, ready-made meals, sugar and excessive salt intake. In addition, regular consumption of 1 bar of dark chocolate (25 g, >70% of cacao), 1-2 tomatoes, and 3-5 walnuts as well as at least 30 min of moderate daily physical activity were recommended. Within these two groups, half of the patients were randomized either to avoid alcohol completely or to drink 100 ml (women) or 200 ml of red wine (men) daily. Results: Neither LC nor red wine had an effect on the mean systolic and diastolic 24-hour BP and HR after 4 and 20 weeks, as analyzed by general linear modeling. No difference was found for diurnal and nocturnal values. Conclusions: The possible beneficial effect of regular consumption of small amounts of red wine is not counterbalanced in the long term by an increase in the mean BP or HR in mainly normotensive and well-treated hypertensive patients with carotid atherosclerosis, neither in the patients given healthy lifestyle advice nor in those with a standard lifestyle. Yet, we remain cautious about actively advice patients to drink alcohol regularly given the well-known risks.
Stigmatisation of a Formerly Obese Young Female
Authors: Tucci Sonia A. , Boyland Emma J. , Halford Jason C.G. , Harrold Joanne A.
Published: October 2013

Background: Weight loss does not necessarily decrease the negative appraisal of a formerly overweight individual. Since past weight history tends to be disclosed in several contexts, this study aims to investigate whether negative appraisals are gender-specific and if they are modulated by the evaluators' own BMI. Methods: 202 young adults (106 male and 96 female) viewed a picture of a young attractive female (target) accompanied by one of two statements about her past weight (overweight (OW) or always kept a normal weight (NW)), and then rated her using the Fat Phobia Scale (FPS). Results: Female evaluators rated the target with the OW statement more negatively than the target with the NW statement. In contrast, males exposed to the OW statement rated the target as having fewer emotional/psychological problems and being less stupid/uncreative. BMI only influenced ratings in males, where those with higher BMI ascribed more negative attributes to the target with the NW statement than the OW statement. Conclusion: Information on weight history impacts upon the appraisal of peers. These effects are dependent on gender and BMI. Knowing that a young female was overweight triggered negative evaluations from females but did not appear to impact the judgment of males.
Small-Sized, Flat-Type Invasive Branch Duct Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm: A Case Report
Authors: Shindo Koji , Ueda Junji , Aishima Shinichi , Aso Akira , Ohtsuka Takao , Takahata Shunichi , Ishigami Kousei , Oda Yoshinao , Tanaka Masao
Published: October 2013

Recent improvements in diagnostic modalities are increasing the frequency of detection of small-sized branch duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (BD-IPMNs). International consensus guidelines for IPMN recommend surveillance without immediate resection for small-sized (<3 cm) BD-IPMNs without malignant features on imaging. Our patient is the first to have undergone resection of a small-sized BD-IPMN containing invasive cancer, but without malignant features on imaging. We herein report a case involving a 70-year-old man with a small cystic lesion in the pancreas head detected by health screening ultrasonography. Detailed examination revealed that the cystic lesion was a BD-IPMN measuring about 2 cm, with no malignant features. However, cytological examination of the pancreatic juice showed atypical cells with high-grade dysplasia storing intracytoplasmic mucin, indicating malignant BD-IPMN. Pathological examination of the resected specimen showed a BD-IPMN measuring 16 mm with an associated invasive carcinoma that invaded the pancreatic parenchyma over a distance of 11 mm. In this patient, invasive cancer was present within a small BD-IPMN with no high-risk stigmata on imaging. Cytological examination of the pancreatic juice allowed for the detection of pancreatic cancer in such a small-sized IPMN. Although routine endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with cytology is not recommended in all patients with BD-IPMNs, ERCP may contribute to the detection of small pancreatic cancers in select cases. Accumulation of cases of pancreatic cancer within small BD-IPMNs may help establish the indications for ERCP with cytological examination for the purpose of early detection of small pancreatic cancer.
A New Kind of Blue: The Power of Suggestion & the Pleasure of Groove in Robert Glasper's Black Radio
Authors: Ramsey Guthrie P.
Published: October 2013

This essay places the important Robert Glasper Experiment recording “Black Radio” (2012) within its artistic, commercial, and critical contexts. As a project that combines genres, “Black Radio” did more than challenge different communities of listeners; it invited them to see how Glasper's sonic juxtapositions could be logically aligned. Jazz, hip-hop, R&B, and gospel merge in “Black Radio” to form a stylish, forward-looking contribution that won popular and critical successes. Glasper and his ensemble toy with the social contracts that have established boundaries around sonic language; indeed, he makes their territories feel seamless and natural. Because of the success of the project, we may be witnessing a post-genre moment that disrupts traditional ideas about music that have been preciously held in the industry since it emerged in the late-nineteenth century.
Taxonomic notes on Pternoscirta pulchripes Uvarov, 1925 (Orthoptera: Acrididae: Oedipodinae) with proposal of new synonyms in the genera Flatovertex and Mioscirtus
Authors: HUANG JIANHUA , STOROZHENKO SERGEY YURIEVICH , MAO BENYONG , ZHENG ZHEMIN
Published: October 2013

Based on the examination of types and additional materials, the morphology of Pternoscirta pulchripes Uvarov, 1925 and Flatovertex species were reviewed. As a result of our study, the genus Flatovertex Zheng, 1981 was synonymized with the genus Pternoscirta Saussure, 1884, the species Flatovertex cyaneitibialis Zhang & Han, 2010 was synonymized with Pternoscirta caliginosa (Haan, 1842), Flatovertex rufotibialis Zheng, 1981 with Pternoscirta pulchripes Uvarov, 1925, and Flatovertex nigritibialis Zheng & Zhang, 2006 with Mioscirtus wagneri wagneri (Eversmann, 1859), respectively. Mioscirtus varentzowi Zubowsky, 1896 was considered as a junior synonym of Mioscirtus wagneri wagneri (Eversmann, 1849) but not that of Mioscirtus wagneri rogenhoferi (Saussure, 1888).
Three new species of the genus Ripeacma (Lepidoptera: Oecophoridae) from China
Authors: YIN AIHUI , WANG SHUXIA
Published: October 2013

Three new species of the genus Ripeacma Moriuti, Saito et Lewvanich, 1985 are described based on specimens collected in China: R. quadridigitata sp. nov. from Guizhou, R. damingshana sp. nov. from Guangxi, and R. magnihamata sp. nov. from Fujian. Images of adults and genitalia are provided.
Description of the adult male of Aeschnosoma auripennis Geijskes, 1970 (Odonata: Corduliidae s.s.)
Authors: NEISS ULISSES GASPAR , FLECK GÜNTHER , FEITOZA LORRANE AESHA MALTA , HAMADA NEUSA
Published: October 2013

The male of Aeschnosoma auripennis is described for the first time, based on a specimen reared from a larva collected in the Reserva Biológica do Uatumã, Amazonas State, Brazil. The species is newly reported from the Roraima State, Brazil.
Deep Convection Triggering by Boundary Layer Thermals. Part II: Stochastic Triggering Parameterization for the LMDZ GCM
Authors: Rochetin Nicolas , Grandpeix Jean-Yves , Rio Catherine , Couvreux Fleur
Published: October 2013

This paper presents a stochastic triggering parameterization for deep convection and its implementation in the latest standard version of the Laboratoire de Météorologie Dynamique–Zoom (LMDZ) general circulation model: LMDZ5B. The derivation of the formulation of this parameterization and the justification, based on large-eddy simulation results, for the main hypothesis was proposed in Part I of this study.

Whereas the standard triggering formulation in LMDZ5B relies on the maximum vertical velocity within a mean bulk thermal, the new formulation presented here (i) considers a thermal size distribution instead of a bulk thermal, (ii) provides a statistical lifting energy at cloud base, (iii) proposes a three-step trigger (appearance of clouds, inhibition crossing, and exceeding of a cross-section threshold), and (iv) includes a stochastic component.

Here the complete implementation is presented, with its coupling to the thermal model used to treat shallow convection in LMDZ5B. The parameterization is tested over various cases in a single-column model framework. A sensitivity study to each parameter introduced is also carried out. The impact of the new triggering is then evaluated in the single-column version of LMDZ on several case studies and in full 3D simulations.

It is found that the new triggering (i) delays deep convection triggering, (ii) suppresses it over oceanic trade wind cumulus zones, (iii) increases the low-level cloudiness, and (iv) increases the convective variability. The scale-aware nature of this parameterization is also discussed.
Development of an Intense, Warm-Core Mesoscale Vortex Associated with the 8 May 2009 “Super Derecho” Convective Event*
Authors: Evans Clark , Weisman Morris L. , Bosart Lance F.
Published: October 2013

In this study, the dynamical processes contributing to warm-core meso-β-scale vortex formation associated with the 8 May 2009 “super derecho” are examined utilizing two complementary quasi-Lagrangian approaches—a circulation budget and backward trajectory analyses—applied to a fortuitous numerical simulation of the event. Warm-core meso-β-scale vortex formation occurs in a deeply moist, potentially stable environment that is conducive to the development of near-surface rotation and is somewhat atypical compared to known derecho-supporting environments.

Air parcels in the vicinity of the developing vortex primarily originate near the surface in the streamwise vorticity-rich environment, associated with the vertical wind shear of the low-level jet, immediately to the east of the eastward-moving system. Cyclonic vertical vorticity is generated along inflowing air parcels primarily by the ascent-induced tilting of streamwise vorticity and amplified primarily by ascent-induced vortex tube stretching. Descent-induced tilting of crosswise vorticity contributes to cyclonic vertical vorticity generation for the small population of air parcels in the vicinity of the developing vortex that originate to its north and west. No consistent source of preexisting vertical vorticity is present within the environment.

Cyclonic circulation on the scale of the warm-core meso-β-scale vortex increases in the lower troposphere in response to the mean vortex-scale convergence of cyclonic absolute vorticity and the local expulsion of eddy anticyclonic vertical vorticity generated within the system’s cold pool. Increased cyclonic circulation is partially offset by the system-scale tilting of horizontal vorticity associated with the low-level jet, rear-inflow jet, environmental vertical wind shear, and rotational flow of the warm-core vortex itself.
Near-Inertial Internal Wave Field in the Canada Basin from Ice-Tethered Profilers
Authors: Dosser Hayley V. , Rainville Luc , Toole John M.
Published: October 2013

Salinity and temperature profiles from drifting ice-tethered profilers in the Beaufort gyre region of the Canada Basin are used to characterize and quantify the regional near-inertial internal wave field over one year. Vertical displacements of potential density surfaces from the surface to 750-m depth are tracked from fall 2006 to fall 2007. Because of the time resolution and irregular sampling of the ice-tethered profilers, near-inertial frequency signals are marginally resolved. Complex demodulation is used to determine variations with a time scale of several days in the amplitude and phase of waves at a specified near-inertial frequency. Characteristics and variability of the wave field over the course of the year are investigated quantitatively and related to changes in surface wind forcing and sea ice cover.
Water Management and Healthy Ageing in Rural Australia
Authors: Rogers Maureen , Winterton Rachel , Warburton Jeni , O’Keefe Suzanne
Published: October 2013

Current Australian policy directives are aimed at building older people’s capacity to remain independent, healthy, and productive. However, in the context of increasing populations, climate variability, declining water supplies, and water price increases, there is concern that issues relating to water access and usage will impact capacity for healthy ageing in rural locations. Drawing on environmental gerontology, focus groups were used to explore the attitudes and behaviors of rural seniors relating to water use and management strategies in four rural communities located in north-east Victoria. Findings indicate that water is significant in the lives of rural seniors from both an aesthetic and resource-based perspective, and related to cultural and historical values. Thus, individual ability to manage water was a source of identity, with some water management policies seen as unjust and dissonant with current practices. These findings are critical in considering how macro-level policies impact human-environment interactions among vulnerable groups.
Combinational analysis of linkage and exome sequencing identifies the causative mutation in a Chinese family with congenital cataract
Authors: Jia Xueyuan , Zhang Feng , Bai Jing , Gao Linghan , Zhang Xuelong , Sun Haiming , Sun Donglin , Guan Rongwei , Sun Wenjing , Xu Lidan , Yue Zhichao , Yu Yang , Fu Songbin
Published: October 2013

Background

Congenital cataract is a Mendelian disorder that frequently causes blindness in infants. To date, various cataract-associated loci have been mapped; more than 30 genes have been identified by linkage analysis. However, the pathogenic loci in some affected families are still unknown, and new research strategies are needed. In this study, we used linkage-exome combinational analysis to further investigate the pedigree of a four-generation Chinese family with autosomal dominant coralliform cataract.

Methods

We combined whole exome sequencing and linkage analysis to identify the causative mutation. The exome capture and next-generation sequencing were used to sequence the protein-coding regions in the genome of the proband to identify rare mutations, which were further screened for candidate mutations in linkage regions. Candidate mutations were independently verified for co-segregation in the whole pedigree using Sanger sequencing.

Results

We identified a C to A transversion at nucleotide position c.70 in exon 2 of CRYGD, a cataract-associated gene. This mutation resulted in a threonine substitution for proline at amino acid residue 24.

Conclusions

We identified a missense P24T mutation in CRYGD that was responsible for coralliform cataract in our studied family. Our findings suggest that the combination of exome sequencing and linkage analysis is a powerful tool for identifying Mendelian disease mutations that might be missed by the classic linkage analysis strategy.