bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a Student Interest in Mathematics Scale for Gifted and Talented Programming Identification
Authors: Wininger Steven R. , Adkins Olivia , Inman Tracy Ford , Roberts Julia
Published: September 2014

The study’s purpose was to develop and validate a scale for assessing interest in mathematics among elementary students as part of an identification protocol for gifted and talented programming. Lohman recommends assessment of interest as a critical element within the ideal approach to identification. Hidi and Renninger’s Four-Phase Interest Development Model was identified as the theoretical model most closely aligned to identified interest factors. Their model along with current research literature informed and guided the creation of the measure. Items were created to assess emotion, value, perceived knowledge, and behavioral engagement in and outside of school. Three waves of data were collected utilizing second through sixth graders. The first exploratory factor analysis (EFA) resulted in the deletion of one factor. The second EFA reaffirmed the four-factor structure; in addition, the number of items was reduced. The confirmatory factor analysis resulted in a good model fit, supporting factor validity.
Bias Within Because of Threat From Outside
Authors: Steele Rachel R. , Parker Michael T. , Lickel Brian
Published: September 2014

Prejudice against Muslim Americans increased after 9/11, but little is known about the extent to which anti-Muslim attitudes shift in response to external events, in particular calls for terrorism from individuals outside the United States. Motivated by the relevance of this question and guided by past research on both intergroup relations and emotion regulation, an experiment was conducted in which participants viewed a mock news video with an English voice-over of an Arabic speaker either calling for or condemning terrorism against the United States (or no video in the control condition). The terrorism provocation increased anti-Muslim bias but only for participants high in both in-group (American) glorification and revenge planning. The same three-way interaction was also found for anger toward Muslims. When glorification and revenge planning were both high, anger toward Muslims mediated the effect on bias against Muslims but mediation did not occur when the moderators were at low levels.
Psychometric Properties and Construct Validity of the Knowledge Information Profile–Coumadin
Authors: Wilson Feleta L. , Templin Thomas N. , Nordstrom Cheryl K. , Carter Jemica M. , Baker Lynda , Kinney Terry , Novak Julie M. , Dinardo Ellen
Published: September 2014

Background: Oral anticoagulation therapy using Coumadin (warfarin) requires significant patient involvement. Limited validated instruments exist to test patient knowledge of Coumadin, and low health literacy may impede patient self-management. Objective: This article reports the psychometric testing of the Knowledge Information Profile–Coumadin (KIP-C20) to determine ( a) minimum number of items and dimensions, ( b) reliability, and ( c) construct validity. Methods: Participants (N = 192) were recruited from outpatient pharmacist-directed anticoagulation clinics associated with an urban teaching hospital in the Midwest United States. Instruments were the Animal Naming test (AN), Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine (REALM), and KIP-C20. Multidimensional item response theory modeling and exploratory factor analyses were used to determine the best fitting model. Results: The final instrument, renamed KIP-C14, with 3 factors and 14 items, had a good fit to data (M2 = 96.49, P < .0001; root mean square error of approximation = .04), and all factor loadings were .3 or larger. Internal consistency reliability was .65; test–retest correlation was .67. The KIP-C14 correlated positively, as expected, with years of Coumadin treatment. Subscales were differentially correlated with sociodemographic variables. Conclusions: The KIP-C14 had nearly identical, slightly higher reliability than the KIP-C20. Still, reliability was lower than expected, indicating a promising clinical assessment scale in need of further refinement.
Sofosbuvir, a New Nucleotide Analogue, for the Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C Infection
Authors: Yancey Abigail , Armbruster Anastasia , Tackett Stephanie
Published: September 2014

Objective: To evaluate the clinical role of sofosbuvir (Solvadi) in the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV). Data Sources: A MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane search indexed from January 2000 to July 2014 was performed using the search terms GS-7977 and sofosbuvir. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Studies including humans subjects, published in English, and assessing efficacy and safety of sofosbuvir in management of chronic HCV were evaluated. Data Synthesis: Sofosbuvir, a nucleotide analogue NS5B polymerase inhibitor, competes with nucleotides within the hepatocytes resulting in chain termination and inhibition of RNA replication. Trials evaluating the efficacy of sofosbuvir combination therapy have demonstrated significant advantage in sustained virologic response (SVR) over previous therapies. Genotype 1, 4, 5, and 6 patients treated with peginterferon-α, ribavirin, and sofosbuvir for 12 weeks achieved SVR rates of 90%. Twelve-week peginterferon-free regimens have resulted in SVR rates of 90% in genotype 2 patients, whereas genotype 3 patients required 24 weeks of therapy to achieve similar results. Favorable SVR rates were also seen in previously difficult-to-treat patient populations including cirrhosis, HIV coinfection, and treatment-experienced. Sofosbuvir appears to be well tolerated and relatively safe, avoiding severe adverse drug reactions, laboratory abnormalities, and resistance issues associated with traditional HCV therapies. The biggest limitation of sofosbuvir is the high cost associated with therapy. Conclusions: Sofosbuvir is a safe and effective treatment option for patients infected with genotypes 1 to 6 HCV including previously difficult-to-treat populations. The shorter duration, oral route, minimal side effects, and decreased resistance potential makes it a welcome addition to the treatment of chronic HCV.
Methods of Determining the Size of the Adult Liver Using 2D Ultrasound
Authors: Childs Jessie T. , Esterman Adrian J. , Phillips Maureen , Thoirs Kerry A. , Turner Richard C.
Published: September 2014

Sonography is an effective, noninvasive, safe, and inexpensive technique for measurement of the liver. Measurements of the liver using 2D ultrasound aid in diagnosing and tracking liver disease and in surgical planning. Multiple studies have developed techniques to measure the adult liver using 2D ultrasound. The aim of this systematic literature review was to determine whether a correctly developed, reliable, and reproducible technique for measuring the liver using 2D ultrasound has been reported. Analysis of studies meeting the inclusion criteria showed that none of these studies has been rigorously undertaken in terms of sample size justification, validity, reliability, and/or statistical analysis.
The Lemon-Squeezing Problem: Analytical and Computational Limitations in Collateralized Debt Obligation Evaluation
Authors: Hardie Iain , Mackenzie Donald
Published: September 2014

This article analyses collateralized debt obligations (CDOs), complex securities that were at the heart of the recent financial crisis. The difficulties of analysing these securities are considered, and it is argued that the increasing complexity of CDOs that repackaged mortgage-backed securities outpaced the returns available to investors, and therefore the resources available to pay for the analysis required to value the securities adequately within the timeframe available. CDOs therefore faced the problem of computational intractability. Such an outcome was, the article argues, inevitable in financial innovation that sought to create ever-higher returns from the fixed returns on a pool of assets. CDOs created what the article labels a lemon-squeezing problem. Implications for regulatory responses to the crisis are briefly explored.
Into the First League: The Competitive Advantage of the Antivirus Industry in the Czech Republic and Slovakia
Authors: Beblavý Miroslav , Kureková Lucia Mýtna
Published: September 2014

The antivirus industry is the only innovation-intensive sector in which home-grown companies from Central Europe have been able to gain and retain global leadership. We review the literature on sources of national competitive advantage and evaluate the relative importance of different factors, drawing on evidence gained from semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders and existing research about the IT sector's global and regional trends. Highly-skilled, technical human capital played a crucial and positive role. Paradoxically, a lack of available foreign finance also had a positive impact by steering the best people towards a sector with smaller capital needs. Unlike other leading sectors in Central Europe, where state support and foreign capital were important, these factors were absent in this sector.

This article contributes to understanding of the emergence of a home-grown, highly competitive, high-technology sector under the conditions of market transformation, liberalization and internationalization in small economies.
Investigation on beneficial effects of beryllium on entrained oxide films, mechanical properties and casting reliability of Fe-rich Al–Si cast alloy
Authors: Asadian Nozari M. , Taghiabadi R. , Karimzadeh M. , Ghoncheh M. H.
Published: September 2014

The microstructure and tensile properties of cast Al–9·5Si–0·35Mg alloy containing 1·5 wt-Fe have been studied to investigate the potential influence of beryllium (Be) on the entrained oxide films and its effects on the precipitation of Fe-rich phases from liquid metal. It was found that addition of Be has a great influence on the microstructure and reliability of the cast alloy. Beryllium changes the platelet morphology of Fe-rich phases to less harmful shapes. Meanwhile, this element reduces the entrainment of the double oxide films into the melt probably due to its effect on changing the strength of surface oxides in a manner that resists tearing. These effects, in turn, lead to an increase in mechanical properties and casting reliability of the alloy.
Corrosion behaviour of electrodeposited nanocrystalline Co and Co/ZrO2 nanocomposite coatings
Authors: Ebrahim-Ghajari M. , Allahkaram S. R. , Mahdavi S.
Published: September 2014

Nanocrystalline Co and Co/nano-ZrO2 composite coatings were electrodeposited from cobalt sulphate based solutions. Deposition rate, morphology, microstructure, microhardness and corrosion behaviour of the produced coatings were investigated. The results indicated that optimum electrolyte temperature for the best combination of deposition rate and microhardness was 45°C. Incorporation of nanoparticles was increased from 0 to 4·9 vol.-% by increasing of bath ZrO2 concentration. Co/4·4 vol.-%ZrO2 nanocomposite coating had the highest hardness value as compared to the composites containing higher or lower volume fractions of incorporated ZrO2 particles. The polarisation tests in Hanks’ solution revealed that the corrosion potential shifted to more positive values, corrosion current density decreased and polarisation resistance increased by the incorporation of ceramic particles. Impedance tests also confirmed the polarisation results and improvement of pure cobalt corrosion resistance by codeposition of ZrO2 nanoparticles.
Modelling of paste boriding process
Authors: Kouba R. , Keddam M. , Kulka M.
Published: September 2014

In this work, a new model was suggested to simulate the paste boriding process. This model was based on the numerical solving of the diffusion equations in both boride layer and substrate by taking into account the displacement of (Fe2B/substrate) interface. This diffusion problem with moving boundary was solved via a front tracking method. The numerical resolution was achieved by the finite difference method using an implicit scheme. The suggested model was able to predict the boride layer growth kinetics and the boron concentration profiles. The present model was validated by comparing the simulation results with the experimental data available in the literature. The obtained results were also compared to the models previously reported.
Inability to resolve specific infection generates innate immunodeficiency syndrome in Xiap−/− mice
Authors: Hsieh Wan-Chen , Chuang Ya-Ting , Chiang I-Hsuan , Hsu Shu-Ching , Miaw Shi-Chuen , Lai Ming-Zong
Published: September 2014

Key Points

XIAP deficiency selectively diminishes BCL10-mediated innate responses and impairs the ability of the host to control specific microbes. The selective innate immunodeficiency in the XIAP-deficient host leads to the persistent presence of specific pathogens and excess inflammation.
Synthesis of multi-shelled ZnO hollow microspheres and their improved photocatalytic activity
Authors: Zeng Xiangyun , Yang Jiao , Shi Liuxue , Li Linjie , Gao Meizhen
Published: September 2014

Herein, we report an effective, facile, and low-cost route for preparing ZnO hollow microspheres with a controlled number of shells composed of small ZnO nanoparticles. The formation mechanism of multiple-shelled structures was investigated in detail. The number of shells is manipulated by using different diameters of carbonaceous microspheres. The products were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The as-prepared ZnO hollow microspheres and ZnO nanoparticles were then used to study the degradation of methyl orange (MO) dye under ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation, and the triple-shelled ZnO hollow microspheres exhibit the best photocatalytic activity. This work is helpful to develop ZnO-based photocatalysts with high photocatalytic performance in addressing environmental protection issues, and it is also anticipated to other multiple-shelled metal oxide hollow microsphere structures.
Digital holographic microscopy based on a modified lateral shearing interferometer for three-dimensional visual inspection of nanoscale defects on transparent objects
Authors: Seo Kwang-Beom , Kim Byung-Mok , Kim Eun-Soo
Published: September 2014

A new type of digital holographic microscopy based on a modified lateral shearing interferometer (LSI) is proposed for the detection of micrometer- or nanometer-scale defects on transparent target objects. The LSI is an attractive interferometric test technique because of its simple configuration, but it suffers from the so-called 'duplicate image’ problem, which originates from the interference of two sheared object beams. In order to overcome this problem, a modified LSI system, which employs a new concept of subdivided two-beam interference (STBI), is proposed. In this proposed method, an object beam passing through a target object is controlled and divided into two areas with and without object information, which are called half-object and half-reference beams, respectively. Then, these two half-beams make an interference pattern just like most two-beam interferometers. Successful experiments with a test glass panel for mobile displays confirm the feasibility of the proposed method and suggest the possibility of its practical application to the visual inspection of micrometer- or nanometer-scale defects on transparent objects.
Spatial and Temporal Pattern of Changes in the Number of GAD65-Immunoreactive Inhibitory Terminals in the Rat Superficial Dorsal Horn following Peripheral Nerve Injury
Authors: Lorenzo Louis-Etienne , Magnussen Claire , Bailey Andrea L , St Louis Manon , De Koninck Yves , Ribeiro-da-Silva Alfredo
Published: September 2014

Inhibitory interneurons are an important component of dorsal horn circuitry where they serve to modulate spinal nociception. There is now considerable evidence indicating that reduced inhibition in the spinal dorsal horn contributes to neuropathic pain. A loss of these inhibitory neurons after nerve injury is one of the mechanisms being proposed to account for reduced inhibition; however, this remains controversial. This is in part because previous studies have focused on global measurements of inhibitory neurons without assessing the number of inhibitory synapses. To address this, we conducted a quantitative analysis of the spatial and temporal changes in the number of inhibitory terminals, as detected by glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 (GAD65) immunoreactivity, in the superficial dorsal horn of the spinal cord following a chronic constriction injury (CCI) to the sciatic nerve in rats. Isolectin B4 (IB4) labelling was used to define the location within the dorsal horn directly affected by the injury to the peripheral nerve. The density of GAD65 inhibitory terminals was reduced in lamina I (LI) and lamina II (LII) of the spinal cord after injury. The loss of GAD65 terminals was greatest in LII with the highest drop occurring around 3–4 weeks and a partial recovery by 56 days. The time course of changes in the number of GAD65 terminals correlated well with both the loss of IB4 labeling and with the altered thresholds to mechanical and thermal stimuli. Our detailed analysis of GAD65+ inhibitory terminals clearly revealed that nerve injury induced a transient loss of GAD65 immunoreactive terminals and suggests a potential involvement for these alterations in the development and amelioration of pain behaviour.
Early resuscitation of dengue shock syndrome in children with hyperosmolar sodium-lactate: a randomized single-blind clinical trial of efficacy and safety
Authors: Somasetia Dadang H , Setiati Tatty E , Sjahrodji Azhali M , Idjradinata Ponpon S , Setiabudi Djatnika , Roth Hubert , Ichai Carole , Fontaine Eric , Leverve Xavier M
Published: September 2014

Introduction

Dengue shock syndrome (DSS) fluid resuscitation by following the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline usually required large volumes of Ringer lactate (RL) that might induce secondary fluid overload. Our objective was to compare the effectiveness of the recommended volume of RL versus a smaller volume of a hypertonic sodium lactate solution (HSL) in children with DSS. The primary end point was to evaluate the effect of HSL on endothelial cell inflammation, assessed by soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) measurements. Secondarily, we considered the effectiveness of HSL in restoring hemodynamic fluid balance, acid-base status, and sodium and chloride balances, as well as in-hospital survival.

Methods

A prospective randomized single-blind clinical trial including 50 DSS children was conducted in the Pediatrics Department of Hasan Sadikin Hospital, Bandung, Indonesia. Only pediatric patients (2 to 14 years old) fulfilling the WHO criteria for DSS and new to resuscitation treatments were eligible. Patients were resuscitated with either HSL (5 ml/kg/BW in 15 minutes followed by 1 ml/kg/BW/h for 12 hours), or RL (20 ml/kg/BW in 15 minutes followed by decreasing doses of 10, 7, 5, and 3 ml/kg BW/h for 12 hours).

Results

In total, 50 patients were randomized and included in outcome and adverse-event analysis; 46 patients (8.2 ± 0.5 years; 24.9 ± 1.9 kg; mean ± SEM) completed the protocol and were fully analyzed (24 and 22 subjects in the HSL and RL groups, respectively). Baseline (prebolus) data were similar in both groups. Hemodynamic recovery, plasma expansion, clinical outcome, and survival rate were not significantly different in the two groups, whereas fluid accumulation was one third lower in the HSL than in the RL group. Moreover, HSL was responsible for a partial recovery from endothelial dysfunction, as indicated by the significant decrease in sVCAM-1.

Conclusion

Similar hemodynamic shock recovery and plasma expansion were achieved in both groups despite much lower fluid intake and fluid accumulation in the HSL group.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00966628. Registered 26 August 2009.
Predicting preload responsiveness using simultaneous recordings of inferior and superior vena cavae diameters
Authors: Charbonneau Hélène , Riu Béatrice , Faron Matthieu , Mari Arnaud , Kurrek Matt M , Ruiz Jean , Geeraerts Thomas , Fourcade Olivier , Genestal Michèle , Silva Stein
Published: September 2014

Introduction

Echocardiographic indices based on respiratory variations of superior and inferior vena cavae diameters (ΔSVC and ΔIVC, respectively) have been proposed as predictors of fluid responsiveness in mechanically ventilated patients, but they have never been compared simultaneously in the same patient sample. The aim of this study was to compare the predictive value of these echocardiographic indices when concomitantly recorded in mechanically ventilated septic patients.

Methods

Septic shock patients requiring hemodynamic monitoring were prospectively enrolled over a 1-year period in a mixed medical surgical ICU of a university teaching hospital (Toulouse, France). All patients were mechanically ventilated. Predictive indices were obtained by transesophageal and transthoracic echocardiography and were calculated as follows: (Dmax - Dmin)/Dmax for ΔSVC and (Dmax - Dmin)/Dmin for ΔIVC, where Dmax and Dmin are the maximal and minimal diameters of SVC and IVC. Measurements were performed at baseline and after a 7-ml/kg volume expansion using a plasma expander. Patients were separated into responders (increase in cardiac index ≥15%) and nonresponders (increase in cardiac index <15%).

Results

Among 44 included patients, 26 (59%) patients were responders (R). ΔSVC was significantly more accurate than ΔIVC in predicting fluid responsiveness. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves for ΔSVC and ΔIVC regarding assessment of fluid responsiveness were significantly different (0.74 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.59 to 0.88) and 0.43 (95% CI: 0.25 to 0.61), respectively (P = 0.012)). No significant correlation between ΔSVC and ΔIVC was found (r = 0.005, P = 0.98). The best threshold values for discriminating R from NR was 29% for ΔSVC, with 54% sensitivity and 89% specificity, and 21% for ΔIVC, with 38% sensitivity and 61% specificity.

Conclusions

ΔSVC was better than ΔIVC in predicting fluid responsiveness in our cohort. It is worth noting that the sensitivity and specificity values of ΔSVC and ΔIVC for predicting fluid responsiveness were lower than those reported in the literature, highlighting the limits of using these indices in a heterogeneous sample of medical and surgical septic patients.
Sleep-disordered breathing is a risk factor for delirium after cardiac surgery: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Roggenbach Jens , Klamann Marvin , von Haken Rebecca , Bruckner Thomas , Karck Matthias , Hofer Stefan
Published: September 2014

Introduction

Delirium is a frequent complication after cardiac surgery. Although various risk factors for postoperative delirium have been identified, the relationship between nocturnal breathing disorders and delirium has not yet been elucidated. This study evaluated the relationship between sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and postoperative delirium in cardiac surgery patients without a previous diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea.

Methods

In this prospective cohort study, 92 patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery with extracorporeal circulation were evaluated for both SDB and postoperative delirium. Polygraphic recordings were used to calculate the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI; mean number of apneas and hypopneas per hour recorded) of all patients preoperatively. Delirium was assessed during the first four postoperative days using the Confusion Assessment Method. Clinical differences between individuals with and without postoperative delirium were determined with univariate analysis. The relationship between postoperative delirium and those covariates that were associated with delirium in univariate analysis was determined by a multivariate logistic regression model.

Results

The median overall preoperative AHI was 18.3 (interquartile range, 8.7 to 32.8). Delirium was diagnosed in 44 patients. The median AHI differed significantly between patients with and without postoperative delirium (28 versus 13; P = 0.001). A preoperative AHI of 19 or higher was associated with an almost sixfold increased risk of postoperative delirium (odds ratio, 6.4; 95% confidence interval, 2.6 to 15.4; P <0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that preoperative AHI, age, smoking, and blood transfusion were independently associated with postoperative delirium.

Conclusions

Preoperative SDB (for example, undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea) were strongly associated with postoperative delirium, and may be a risk factor for postoperative delirium.
Prognostic significance of FOXP3+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in breast cancer depends on estrogen receptor and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 expression status and concurrent cytotoxic T-cell infiltration
Authors: Liu Shuzhen , Foulkes William D , Leung Samuel , Gao Dongxia , Lau Sherman , Kos Zuzana , Nielsen Torsten O
Published: September 2014

Introduction

The infiltration of FOXP3+ regulatory T cells into invasive tumors has been reported to be associated with survival in a variety of cancers. The prognostic significance of FOXP3+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in breast cancer, however, remains controversial.

Methods

FOXP3+ TILs were assessed by immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays constructed from a well-defined cohort of 3,992 breast cancer patients linked to detailed demographic, biomarker, treatment and outcome data. Survival analyses were performed using the Kaplan-Meier function and Cox proportional hazards regression models to evaluate the association of FOXP3+ TILs with breast cancer-specific survival, stratified by intrinsic subtype and cytotoxic T-cell infiltration status (as defined by CD8 immunohistochemistry).

Results

The presence of high numbers of FOXP3+ TILs was significantly associated with young age, high grade, estrogen receptor (ER) negativity, concurrent CD8+ cytotoxic T-cell infiltration, and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 positive (HER2+)/ER+ and core basal subtypes. On multivariate survival analysis, a high level of FOXP3+ TILs was significantly associated with poor survival in ER+ breast cancers that lacked CD8+ T-cell infiltrates (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.30, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.02 to 1.66). However, in ER+ breast cancers, FOXP3+ TILs were strongly associated with improved survival in the HER2+/ER+ subgroup, particularly in those with co-existent CD8+ T-cell infiltrates (HR = 0.48, 95% CI = 0.23 to 0.98), for which the presence of high levels of FOXP3+ TILs was independent of standard clinical prognostic factors.

Conclusions

FOXP3+ regulatory TILs are a poor prognostic indicator in ER+ breast cancer, but a favorable prognostic factor in the HER2+/ER+ subtype. The prognostic value of FOXP3+ TILs in breast cancer differs depending on ER and HER2 expression status and CD8+ T-cell infiltration.
Cfp1 is required for gene expression-dependent H3K4 trimethylation and H3K9 acetylation in embryonic stem cells
Authors: Clouaire Thomas , Webb Shaun , Bird Adrian
Published: September 2014

Background

Trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4me3) accumulates at promoters in a gene activity-dependent manner. The Set1 complex is responsible for most H3K4me3 in somatic cells and contains the conserved subunit Cfp1, which is implicated in targeting the Set1 complex to CpG islands in mammals. In mouse embryonic stem cells, Cfp1 is necessary for H3K4me3 accumulation at constitutively active gene promoters, but is not required to maintain steady-state transcription of the associated gene.

Results

Here we show that Cfp1 is instrumental for targeting H3K4me3 to promoters upon rapid transcriptional induction in response to external stimuli. Surprisingly, H3K4me3 accumulation is not required to ensure appropriate transcriptional output but rather plays gene-specific roles. We also show that Cfp1-dependent H3K4me3 deposition contributes to H3K9 acetylation genome-wide, suggesting that Cfp1-dependent H3K4me3 regulates overall H3K9 acetylation dynamics and is necessary for histone acetyl transferase recruitment. Finally, we observe increased antisense transcription at the start and end of genes that require Cfp1 for accurate deposition of H3K4me3 and H3K9ac.

Conclusions

Our results assign a key role for Cfp1 in establishing a complex active promoter chromatin state and shed light on how chromatin signaling pathways provide context-dependent transcriptional outcomes.
ColShield: an effective and collaborative protection shield for the detection and prevention of collaborative flooding of DDoS attacks in wireless mesh networks
Authors: Jingle I Diana Jeba , Rajsingh Elijah Blessing
Published: September 2014

Wireless mesh networks are highly susceptible to Distributed Denial-of-Service attacks due to its self-configuring property. Flooding DDOS attack is one form of collaborative attacks and the transport layer of such networks are extremely affected. In this paper we propose ColShield, an effective and collaborative protection shield which not only detects flooding attacks but also prevents the flooding attacks through clever spoof detection. ColShield consists of Intrusion Protection and Detection Systems (IPDS) located at various points in the network which collaboratively defend flooding attacks. ColShield detects the attack node and its specific port number under attack. In order to reduce the burden on a single global IPDS, the system uses several local IPDS for the collaborative mitigation of flooding attacks. The evaluation of ColShield is done using extensive simulations and is proved to be effective in terms of false positive ratio, packet delivery ratio, communication overhead and attack detection time.
Effect of inclination angle on the performance of a kind of vapor chamber
Authors: Ma Jinlong , Fu Xing , Hu Run , Luo Xaobing
Published: September 2014

Vapor chamber is an effective heat spreader for decreasing the hotspot phenomena in LED, and there are many parameters influencing its performance. In this paper, a vapor chamber was experimentally investigated. Both the thermal resistance and the temperature uniformity of the condensing surface under different inclination angles were tested. As the inclination angle changed from 0° to 50° with 10° as an interval, the maximum relative change rate of thermal resistance and temperature uniformity were 9.1% and 4.5%, respectively. And the relative standard deviations of them were 5.5% and 3.7%.
Dim and bright spots as indicators of the Zechstein Main Dolomite hydrocarbon reservoir in Poland
Authors: Zdanowski Paweł , Górniak Mateusz
Published: September 2014

The Upper Permian carbonates of the second Zechstein evaporite (Stassfurt PZ2) cyclothem, the Main Dolomite (Ca2), constitute Poland’s most prolific oil play. An analysis of the Ca2 reservoir seismic response combined with wireline logging data from wells situated mostly on a lower slope and a toe-of-slope of the sulfate-carbonate platforms in Western Poland help to predict the quality and thickness of the reservoir. Low thickness of the strata (often below a limit of separability or even below a limit of visibility), changeability of their lateral and vertical reservoir quality, facial and mineralogical irregularity, and significant differences in the thickness inside lithostratigraphic units complicate a correct seismic interpretation. Correlation of well data with seismic data allowed us to understand a complex layout of reflectors. In particular, the appearance of an additional set of reflections on a slope and a toe-of-slope of the sulfate-carbonate platforms allowed us to predict a thicker Ca2 strata. The presence of a dim spot in the Z2 reflection created by the contact between the Older Halite and a thin layer of the Basal Anhydrite (A2) above the Ca2 reservoir (A2 and Ca2 are seismically treated as one unit) and the appearance of additional reflection or increase of its amplitude related to a base (Ca2b) of reservoir spread above the Werra Anhydrite indicate porous carbonate reservoir. To check conformity of a geologic model with the observed anomalous seismic image in the region of the Cychry South gas-oil reservoir, seismic modeling was carried out. We proved that a gas-saturated reservoir is relatively easy to identify. Distinguishing an oil-saturated reservoir from a water-saturated reservoir is practically impossible. One should be cautious when interpreting hydrocarbon-saturated zones because even insignificantly gas-saturated reservoir waters generate the same seismic image with the characteristic Z2 dim spot and amplitude amplification of the Ca2b.
Effects of Increased Free Fatty Acid Availability on Adipose Tissue Fatty Acid Storage in Men
Authors: Mundi Manpreet S. , Koutsari Chistina , Jensen Michael D.
Published: September 2014

Context:

A portion of free fatty acids (FFA) released from adipose tissue lipolysis are re-stored in adipocytes via direct uptake. Rates of direct adipose tissue FFA storage are much greater in women than men, but women also have greater systemic FFA flux and more body fat.

Objective:

We tested the hypotheses that experimental increases in FFA in men would equalize the rates of direct adipose tissue FFA storage in men and women.

Design:

We used a lipid emulsion infusion to raise FFA in men to levels seen in post-absorptive women. Direct FFA storage (μmol·kg fat−1·min−1) rates in abdominal and femoral fat was assessed using stable isotope tracer infusions to measure FFA disappearance rates and an iv FFA radiotracer bolus/timed biopsy.

Setting:

These studies were performed in a Clinical Research Center.

Participants:

Data from 13 non-obese women was compared with that from eight obese and eight non-obese men.

Intervention:

The men received a lipid emulsion infusion to raise FFA.

Main Outcome Measures:

We measured the rates of direct FFA storage in abdominal and femoral adipose tissue.

Results:

The three groups were similar in age and FFA flux by design; obese men had similar body fat percentage as non-obese women. Despite matching for FFA concentrations and flux, FFA storage per kg abdominal (P < .01) and femoral (P < .001) fat was less in both lean and obese men than in non-obese women. Abdominal FFA storage rates were correlated with proteins/enzymes in the FFA uptake/triglyceride synthesis pathway in men.

Conclusion:

The lesser rates of direct FFA adipose tissue in men compared with women cannot be explained by reduced FFA availability.
Limit Theorems for a Cox-Ingersoll-Ross Process with Hawkes Jumps
Authors: Zhu Lingjiong
Published: September 2014

In this paper we propose a stochastic process, which is a Cox-Ingersoll-Ross process with Hawkes jumps. It can be seen as a generalization of the classical Cox-Ingersoll-Ross process and the classical Hawkes process with exponential exciting function. Our model is a special case of the affine point processes. We obtain Laplace transforms and limit theorems, including the law of large numbers, central limit theorems, and large deviations.
Optimal Stopping of the Maximum Process
Authors: Alvarez Luis H. R. , Matomäki Pekka
Published: September 2014

We consider a class of optimal stopping problems involving both the running maximum as well as the prevailing state of a linear diffusion. Instead of tackling the problem directly via the standard free boundary approach, we take an alternative route and present a parameterized family of standard stopping problems of the underlying diffusion. We apply this family to delineate circumstances under which the original problem admits a unique, well-defined solution. We then develop a discretized approach resulting in a numerical algorithm for solving the considered class of stopping problems. We illustrate the use of the algorithm in both a geometric Brownian motion and a mean reverting diffusion setting.
Optimal Server Selection in a Queueing Loss Model with Heterogeneous Exponential Servers, Discriminating Arrivals, and Arbitrary Arrival Times
Authors: Ross Sheldon M.
Published: September 2014

We consider a multiple server queueing loss system where the service times of server i are exponential with rate μi, where μi decreases in i. Arrivals have associated vectors (X1, …, Xn) of binary variables, with Xi = 1 indicating that server i
is eligible to serve that arrival. Arrivals finding no idle eligible servers are lost. Letting Ij be the indicator variable for the event that the jth arrival enters service, we show that, for any arrival process, the policy that assigns arrivals to the smallest numbered idle eligible server stochastically maximizes the vector (I1, …, Ir) for every r if the eligibility vector of arrivals is either (a) exchangeable, or (b) a vector of independent variables for which P(Xi = 1) increases in i.
Null and hypomorphPrickle1alleles in mice phenocopy human Robinow syndrome and disrupt signaling downstream of Wnt5a
Authors: Liu Chunqiao , Lin Chen , Gao Chun , May-Simera Helen , Swaroop Anand , Li Tiansen
Published: September 2014

Planar cell polarity (PCP) signaling plays a critical role in tissue morphogenesis. In mammals, disruption of three of the six “core PCP” components results in polarity-dependent defects with rotated cochlear hair cell stereocilia and open neural tube. We recently demonstrated a role of Prickle1, a core PCP molecule in Drosophila, in mammalian neuronal development. To examine Prickle1 function along a broader developmental window, we generated three mutant alleles in mice. We show that the complete loss of Prickle1 leads to systemic tissue outgrowth defects, aberrant cell organization and disruption of polarity machinery. Curiously, Prickle1 mutants recapitulate the characteristic features of human Robinow syndrome and phenocopy mouse mutants with Wnt5a or Ror2 gene defects, prompting us to explore an association of Prickle1 with the Wnt pathway. We show that Prickle1 is a proteasomal target of Wnt5a signaling and that Dvl2, a target of Wnt5a signaling, is misregulated in Prickle1 mutants. Our studies implicate Prickle1 as a key component of the Wnt-signaling pathway and suggest that Prickle1 mediates some of the WNT5A-associated genetic defects in Robinow syndrome.
Influenza A virus infection in zebrafish recapitulates mammalian infection and sensitivity to anti-influenza drug treatment
Authors: Gabor Kristin A. , Goody Michelle F. , Mowel Walter K. , Breitbach Meghan E. , Gratacap Remi L. , Witten P. Eckhard , Kim Carol H.
Published: September 2014

Seasonal influenza virus infections cause annual epidemics and sporadic pandemics. These present a global health concern, resulting in substantial morbidity, mortality and economic burdens. Prevention and treatment of influenza illness is difficult due to the high mutation rate of the virus, the emergence of new virus strains and increasing antiviral resistance. Animal models of influenza infection are crucial to our gaining a better understanding of the pathogenesis of and host response to influenza infection, and for screening antiviral compounds. However, the current animal models used for influenza research are not amenable to visualization of host-pathogen interactions or high-throughput drug screening. The zebrafish is widely recognized as a valuable model system for infectious disease research and therapeutic drug testing. Here, we describe a zebrafish model for human influenza A virus (IAV) infection and show that zebrafish embryos are susceptible to challenge with both influenza A strains APR8 and X-31 (Aichi). Influenza-infected zebrafish show an increase in viral burden and mortality over time. The expression of innate antiviral genes, the gross pathology and the histopathology in infected zebrafish recapitulate clinical symptoms of influenza infections in humans. This is the first time that zebrafish embryos have been infected with a fluorescent IAV in order to visualize infection in a live vertebrate host, revealing a pattern of vascular endothelial infection. Treatment of infected zebrafish with a known anti-influenza compound, Zanamivir, reduced mortality and the expression of a fluorescent viral gene product, demonstrating the validity of this model to screen for potential antiviral drugs. The zebrafish model system has provided invaluable insights into host-pathogen interactions for a range of infectious diseases. Here, we demonstrate a novel use of this species for IAV research. This model has great potential to advance our understanding of influenza infection and the associated host innate immune response.
Contextual modulation of multifunctional central pattern generator
Authors: Ramakrishnan Siddharth , Arnett Bridgette C. , Murphy A. Don
Published: September 2014

The multifunctional buccal central pattern generator in snails controlling different oral behaviors has been well characterized. In this work we propose a role for the group of 40 electrotonically coupled buccal A cluster cells as a context dependant switch for the buccal CPG, modulating motor patterns eliciting different oral behaviors. We characterize these cells based on location and morphology and provide evidence for their selective activation under two different stimuli - Listerine perfusion and intestinal nerve stimulation - triggering buccal motor patterns putatively underlying egestion and substrate cleaning. Using paired intracellular recordings of buccal cluster cells and monitor motor neurons of the buccal CPG we show a new role for these electrotonically coupled neurons as a context dependant switch that alters buccal motor patterns depending on input stimuli, thereby eliciting appropriate behavioral responses.
Compound valence is conserved in binary odor mixtures in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Thoma Michael , Hansson Bill S. , Knaden Markus
Published: September 2014

Most naturally occurring olfactory signals do not consist of monomolecular odorants but, rather, are mixtures whose composition and concentration ratios vary. While there is ample evidence for the relevance of complex odor blends in ecological interactions and for interactions of chemicals in both peripheral and central neuronal processing, a fine-scale analysis of rules governing the innate behavioral responses of Drosophila melanogaster towards odor mixtures is lacking. In this study we examine whether the innate valence of odors is conserved in binary odor mixtures. We show that binary mixtures of attractants are more attractive than individual mixture constituents. In contrast, mixing attractants with repellents elicits responses which are lower than the responses towards the corresponding attractants. This decrease in attraction is repellent-specific, independent of the identity of the attractant and more stereotyped across individuals than responses towards the repellent alone. Mixtures of repellents are either less attractive than the individual mixture constituents or these mixtures represent an intermediate. Within the limits of our data set, most mixture responses are quantitatively predictable on the basis of constituent responses. In summary, the valence of binary odor mixtures is predictable on the basis of valences of mixture constituents. Our findings will further our understanding of innate behavior towards ecologically relevant odor blends and will serve as a powerful tool for deciphering the olfactory valence code.
Scaling patterns inform ontogenetic transitions away from cleaning in Thalassoma wrasses
Authors: Baliga Vikram , Mehta Rita S.
Published: September 2014

In fishes, cleaning is a mutualistic behavior wherein a species will remove and consume ectoparasites from other organisms. More than two thirds of cleaner fishes display this behavior predominately as juveniles and discontinue cleaning as adults; such species are here referred to as "facultative cleaners". Whether allometric changes in morphological traits coincide with ontogenetic shifts away from cleaning is unknown. We tested the hypothesis that transitions away from cleaning are associated with scaling patterns in the feeding apparatus of facultative cleaners, and then compared such patterns to those exhibited by non-cleaner congeners. We measured functional traits related to feeding, such as vertical gape distance, premaxillary protrusion distance, and maxillary kinematic transmission coefficient (KT) in each ontogenetic series of 11 Thalassoma wrasses (Labridae). As these fishes predominately capture prey via biting, we modeled bite force using MandibLever (v3.3) to create an ontogenetic trajectory of bite force for each species. Our results indicate that cleaner fishes in Thalassoma, as juveniles, possess jaws with low mobility that exhibit weaker bite forces. Additionally, there was remarkable consistency in the range of body lengths over which we observed significant differences between facultative cleaners and non-cleaners in bite force, vertical gape distance, and premaxillary protrusion distance. Through ontogeny, facultative cleaner fishes exhibit positive allometry for a number of functionally important feeding traits, which possibly obviates the need to continue cleaning.
Forces and mechanical energy fluctuations during diagonal stride roller skiing; running on wheels?
Authors: Kehler Alyse , Hajkova Eliska , Holmberg Han-Christer , Kram Rodger
Published: September 2014

Mechanical energy is conserved during terrestrial locomotion in two ways; the inverted pendulum mechanism for walking and the spring-mass mechanism for running. Here, we investigated if diagonal stride cross-country roller skiing (DIA) utilizes similar mechanisms. Based on previous studies, we hypothesized that running and DIA would share similar patterns of kinetic energy (KE), gravitational potential energy (GPE) and elastic energy fluctuations as if roller skiing is “running on wheels”. Experienced skiers (N=9) walked, ran and roller skied with DIA at 1.25m/s and 3 m/s on a level dual-belt treadmill that recorded perpendicular and parallel forces. We calculated the KE and GPE of the COM from the force recordings. As expected, the KE and GPE fluctuated with an out-of-phase pattern during walking and an in-phase pattern during running. Unlike walking, during DIA, the KE and GPE fluctuations were in-phase as they are in running. However, during the glide phase, KE was dissipated as frictional heat and could not be stored elastically in the tendons like in running. Elastic energy storage and return epitomize running and thus we reject our hypothesis. Diagonal stride cross-country skiing is a biomechanically unique movement that only superficially resembles walking or running.
Do all frogs swim alike? The effect of ecological specialization on swimming kinematics in frogs
Authors: Robovska-Havelkova Pavla , Aerts Peter , Rocek Zbynek , Prikryl Tomas , Fabre Anne-Claire , Herrel Anthony
Published: September 2014

Frog locomotion has attracted wide scientific interest due to the unusual and derived morphology of the frog pelvic girdle and hind limb. Previous authors have suggested that the design of the frog locomotor system evolved towards a specialized jumping morphology early-on in the radiation of the group. However, data on locomotion in frogs are biased towards a few groups and most of the ecological and functional diversity remains unexplored. Here we examine the kinematics of swimming in eight species of frog with different ecologies. We use cineradiography to quantify movements of skeletal elements from the entire appendicular skeleton. Our results show that species with different ecologies do differ in the kinematics of swimming with the speed of limb extension and especially the kinematics of the mid-foot being different. Our results moreover suggest that this is not a phylogenetic effect as species from different clades with similar ecologies converge on the same swimming kinematics. These results suggest that it is important to analyze frog locomotion in a broader ecological and evolutionary context if one is to understand the evolutionary origins of this behavior.