bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Promoter methylation of Egr-1 site contributes to fetal hypoxia-mediated PKCε gene repression in the developing heart
Authors: Chen Man , Xiong Fuxia , Zhang Lubo
Published: February 2013

Fetal hypoxia causes protein kinase Cε (PKCε) gene repression in the heart resulting in heightened ischemic injury in male offspring in a sex-dependent manner. The present study tested the hypothesis that heightened methylation of the early growth response factor-1 (Egr-1) binding site at PKCε gene promoter contributes to sex dimorphism of hypoxia-induced programming of PKCε gene repression in the developing heart. Pregnant rats were divided into normoxic and hypoxic (10.5% O2 from day 15 to 21 of gestation) groups. Hypoxia selectively decreased PKCε mRNA and protein abundance in the heart of male, but not female, near-term (21 days) fetuses. Methylation of the CpG site at the Egr-1 binding site of PKCε promoter was significantly increased in the male hearts by hypoxia, resulting in decreased Egr-1 binding affinity and reduced Egr-1 binding to the PKCε promoter. Nuclear Egr-1 levels were not affected by hypoxia. There was significantly higher abundance of estrogen receptor α (ERα) and β (ERβ) isoforms in female than in male fetal hearts, which were not significantly altered by hypoxia. Both ERα and ERβ bind to the Egr-1 binding site with significant greater levels in the female fetal hearts. The increased methylation with reduced Egr-1 binding and PKCε gene repression persisted in 3-mo-old adult male hearts in a sex-dependent manner. The results indicate a key role for heightened methylation of the Egr-1 binding site in hypoxia-mediated programming of PKCε gene repression in the developing heart and suggest a novel protective mechanism of ER by binding to the Egr-1 binding site in epigenetic regulation of PKCε gene expression patterns in the early developmental stage.
Replacements of Rare Herbs and Simplifications of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formulae Based on Attribute Similarities and Pathway Enrichment Analysis
Authors: Fang Zhao , Zhang Meixia , Yi Zhenghui , Wen Chengping , Qian Min , Shi Tieliu
Published: February 2013

A Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formula is a collection of several herbs. TCM formulae have been used to treat various diseases for several thousand years. However, wide usage of TCM formulae has results in rapid decline of some rare herbs. So it is urgent to find common available replacements for those rare herbs with the similar effects. In addition, a formula can be simplified by reducing herbs with unchanged effects. Based on this consideration, we propose a method, called “formula pair,” to replace the rare herbs and simplify TCM formulae. We show its reasonableness from a perspective of pathway enrichment analysis. Both the replacements of rare herbs and simplifications of formulae provide new approaches for a new formula discovery. We demonstrate our approach by replacing a rare herb “Forsythia suspensa” in the formula “the seventh of Sang Ju Yin plus/minus herbs (SSJY)” with a common herb “Thunberg Fritillary Bulb” and simplifying two formulae, “the fifth of Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang plus/minus herbs (FDHJST)” and “Fang Feng Tang” (FFT) to a new formula “Fang Feng Du Huo Tang” (FFDHT).
Preliminary Results of Marine Electromagnetic Sounding with a Powerful, Remote Source in Kola Bay off the Barents Sea
Authors: Grigoryev Valery , Korotaev Sergey , Kruglyakov Mikhail , Orekhova Darya , Scshors Yury , Tereshchenko Evgeniy , Tereshchenko Pavel , Trofimov Igor
Published: February 2013

We present an experiment conducted in Kola Bay off the Barents Sea in which new, six-component electromagnetic seafloor receivers were tested. Signals from a powerful, remote super-long wave (SLW) transmitter at several frequencies on the order of tens Hz were recorded at the six sites along a profile across Kola Bay. In spite of the fact that, for technical reasons, not all the components were successfully recorded at every site, the quality of the experimental data was quite satisfactory. The experiment resulted in the successful simulation of an electromagnetic field by the integral equation method. An initial geoelectric model reflecting the main features of the regional geology produced field values that differed greatly from the experimental ones. However, step-by-step modification of the original model considerably improved the fit of the fields. Thereby specific features of the regional geology, in particular the fault tectonics, were able to be corrected. These preliminary results open the possibility of inverse problem solving with more reliable geological conclusions.
Sanjad-Sakati Syndrome Dental Management: A Case Report
Authors: El Batawi Hisham Y.
Published: February 2013

Sanjad-Sakati syndrome (SSS) is a rare genetic disorder with autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance characterized by hypoparathyroidism, sever growth failure, mental retardation, susceptibility to chest infection, and dentofacial anomalies. A child with SSS was referred to the dental departmentseeking dental help for sever dental caries which was attributed to his dietary habits and quality of dental tissues. Full restorative rehabilitation was done under general anesthesia. Two years later, the child presented with recurrent caries affecting uncrowned teeth. High carries recurrence rate was blamed for the nutritional habits endorsed by the parents. Only steel crowned teeth survived such hostile oral environment which suggested shifting of treatment strategy towards full coverage restorations instead of classical cavity preparations and fillings during a second attempt for dental treatment under general anesthesia and for the dental treatment of two cousins of the same child. The author recommends effective health education for parents including the nature of their child’s genetic disorder, nutritional needs, and dental health education to improve the life style of such children.
Cerebral Phaeohyphomycosis in a Patient with Neurosarcoidosis on Chronic Steroid Therapy Secondary to Recreational Marijuana Usage
Authors: Gongidi Preetam , Sarkar Debkumar , Behling Eric , Brody Joshua
Published: February 2013

Cerebral phaeohyphomycosis is often a fatal disease that typically takes a hematogenous spread after inhalation or accidental skin inoculation of pathogens. We present a patient with a history of heavy marijuana smoking while being on chronic steroid therapy for treatment of neurosarcoidosis who was found to have multiple brain abscesses fromCurvulariasp. This is a ubiquitous soil-dwelling dematiaceous fungus that is generally thought to affect solely plants, but there is increasing evidence in the literature of it affecting humans and animals. We review the radiographic findings of neurosarcoidosis and cerebral phaeohyphomycosis as well as the pathophysiology of dematiaceous fungi infections.
A Quasi-Yagi Antenna Backed by a Jerusalem Cross Frequency Selective Surface
Authors: Melais Sergio E. , Cure David , Weller Thomas M.
Published: February 2013

A quasi-Yagi antenna is developed to operate at 2.4 GHz (ISM band) presenting a low profile and off-axis radiation when packaged over a metal ground plane. The off-axis radiation is realized by incorporating a Jerusalem cross frequency selective surface (JC-FSS) as the ground plane for the antenna. A JC-FSS is preferred because of its frequency stability in the operating band for a large angular spectrum (≈70°) of TE- and TM-polarized incident waves. In this research, the substrate of the antenna flush-mounted on top of the FSS is added to the JC-FSS model and allows for a smaller cell grid. The prepared quasi-Yagi antenna over the JC-FSS offered 260 MHz of functional bandwidth and 54° of beam tilt towards the end-fire direction. To the best of the authors’ knowledge this is the first instance that these two structures are combined for off-axis radiation. Additionally, to support the preferred use of the JC-FSS, the quasi-Yagi is backed by a square patch (SP) FSS for comparison purposes.
Hepatoprotective Effects of a Chinese Herbal Formula, Longyin Decoction, on Carbon-Tetrachloride-Induced Liver Injury in Chickens
Authors: Wang Chunguang , Zhang Tie , Cui Xuemei , Li Shuang , Zhao Xinghua , Zhong Xiuhui
Published: February 2013

The objective of this study is to establish poultry liver injury model induced by (CCl4) and seek effective hepatoprotective herbals for clinical application. Different doses of CCl4dissolved in vegetable oil (1 : 1,V/V) were injected via pectoral muscle to induce acute liver injury model in chickens. An herbal formula, Longyin decoction, was prepared for hepatoprotection test on chicken acute liver injury models. The pathologic changes of the liver were observed, and the activities of ALT and AST were, respectively, detected to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of Longyin decoction on chickens. The chicken acute liver injury model was successfully established by injecting CCl4via pectoral muscle. The best dose of CCl4inducing chicken liver injury was 4.0 mL/kg·BW (body weight). The results of qualitative determination by HPTLC showed that the components of Longyin decoction containedGentian, Capillaries, Gardenia,andBupleurum root. In the high-dose Longyin group and the middle-dose Longyin group, the pathological changes of the damaged liver were mitigated and the activities of ALT and AST in serum were reduced significantly. Longyin decoction has obvious hepatoprotective effect on acute liver injury induced by CCl4.
Rhinovirus-Induced Exacerbations of Asthma and COPD
Authors: Hershenson Marc B.
Published: February 2013

Over the past two decades, increasing evidence has shown that, in patients with chronic airways disease, viral infection is the most common cause of exacerbation. This review will examine the evidence for viral-induced exacerbations of asthma and chronic obstructive lung disease and the potential mechanisms by which viruses cause exacerbations. Attention will be focused on rhinovirus, the most common cause of respiratory exacerbations. Exacerbations due to rhinovirus, which infects relatively few cells in the airway and does not cause the cytotoxicity of other viruses such as influenza or respiratory syncytial virus, are particularly poorly understood. While the innate immune response likely plays a role in rhinovirus-induced exacerbations, its precise role, either adaptive or maladaptive, is debated. Because current treatment strategies are only partially effective, further research examining the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying viral-induced exacerbations of chronic airways diseases is warranted.
A Novel Signal-Amplified Immunoassay for the Detection of C-Reactive Protein Using HRP-Doped Magnetic Nanoparticles as Labels with the Electrochemical Quartz Crystal Microbalance as a Detector
Authors: Gan Ning , Xiong Ping , Wang Ji , Li Tianhua , Hu Futao , Cao Yuting , Zheng Lei
Published: February 2013

A novel horseradish peroxidase- (HPR-) doped magnetic core-shell Fe3O4@SiO2@Au nanocomposites (Fe-Au MNPs) were employed on immunoassay for the determination of C-reactive protein (CRP) based on a electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance detector (EQCM). Firstly, the secondary CRP antibody and HRP were both immobilized on the Fe-Au MNPs (Fe-Au MNPs-anti-CRP2/HRP) as a signal tag. Secondly, the above tag and the primary antibody (anti-CRP1) in the bottom of 96-well microtiter plate were employed to conjugate with a serial of CRP concentrations to produce a sandwich immunocomplex. Thirdly, the immunocomplex solution was subsequently exposed to3,3′-diaminobenzidine (DAB) in the presence of H2O2, resulting in an insoluble product. When the precipitation solution was dripped on EQCM, it can achieve a decrease of frequency of crystal (Δf). The amount ofΔfwas proportional to (CRP) from 0.003 to 200 ng mL−1with a low detection limit of 1 pg mL−1. Compared with the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), the immunoassay shows greatly improved sensitivity due to the significant amount of HRP labeled on signal tag. It also has good specificity and low sample consumption, which is expected to be a benefit for the CRP screening in early diagnosis of cardiovascular disease.
Steroid Cell Tumor of the Ovary in an Adolescent: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Boyraz Gokhan , Selcuk Ilker , Yusifli Zarife , Usubutun Alp , Gunalp Serdar
Published: February 2013

Steroid cell tumors (SCTs) of the ovary are a rare subgroup of sex cord tumors, account for less than 0.1% of all ovarian tumors, and also will present at any age. These tumors can produce steroids, especially testosterone, and may give symptoms like hirsutism, hair loss, amenorrhea, or oligomenorrhea. For the evaluation of androgen excess, testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) are the first laboratory tests to be measured. A pelvic ultrasound and a magnetic resonance imaging are useful radiologic imaging techniques. Although steroid cell tumors are generally benign, there is a risk of malignant transformation and clinical malignant formation. Surgery is the most important and hallmark treatment.
A Novel Method for Solving KdV Equation Based on Reproducing Kernel Hilbert Space Method
Authors: Inc Mustafa , Akgül Ali , Kiliçman Adem
Published: February 2013

We propose a reproducing kernel method for solving the KdV equation with initial condition based on the reproducing kernel theory. The exact solution is represented in the form of series in the reproducing kernel Hilbert space. Some numerical examples have also been studied to demonstrate the accuracy of the present method. Results of numerical examples show that the presented method is effective.
Targeting Inflammation in Emerging Therapies for Genetic Retinal Disease
Authors: Viringipurampeer Ishaq A. , Bashar Abu E. , Gregory-Evans Cheryl Y. , Moritz Orson L. , Gregory-Evans Kevin
Published: February 2013

Genetic retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and monogenic diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa account for some of the commonest causes of blindness in the developed world. Diverse genetic abnormalities and environmental causes have been implicated in triggering multiple pathological mechanisms such as oxidative stress, lipofuscin deposits, neovascularisation, and programmed cell death. In recent years, inflammation has also been highlighted although whether inflammatory mediators play a central role in pathogenesis or a more minor secondary role has yet to be established. Despite this, numerous interventional studies, particularly targeting the complement system, are underway with the promise of novel therapeutic strategies for these important blinding conditions.
Influence of Nd Substitution by La in on Structural and Transport Properties for Sensing Applications
Authors: Vadnala Sudarshan , Asthana Saket , Pal Prem , Srinath S.
Published: February 2013

The structural and transport properties of manganites with and 0.2 prepared by solid state reaction route are studied. These compounds are found to be crystallized in orthorhombic structural form. A shift in the metal-semiconductor/insulator transition temperature () towards room temperature (289 K) with the substitution of Nd by La, as the value of is varied in the sequence (0, 0.1, and 0.2), has been provided. The shift in the , from 239 K (for ) to near the room temperature 289 K (for ), is attributed to the fact that the average radius of site-A increases with the percentage of La. The maximum temperature coefficients of resistance (TCR) of ( and 0.2) are found to be higher compared to its parent compound which is almost independent of . The electrical resistivity of the experimental results is explored by various theoretical models below and above . An appropriate enlightenment for the observed behavior is discussed in detail.
Improving Knowledge and Process for International Emergency Medicine Fellowship Applicants: A Call for a Uniform Application
Authors: Jacquet Gabrielle A. , Bayram Jamil D. , Ewen William B. , Hansoti Bhakti , Andescavage Steven , Price David , Suter Robert E. , Vu Alexander
Published: February 2013

Background. There are currently 34 International Emergency Medicine (IEM) fellowship programs. Applicants and programs are increasing in number and diversity. Without a standardized application, applicants have a difficulty approaching programs in an informed and an organized method; a streamlined application system is necessary.Objectives. To measure fellows’ knowledge of their programs’ curricula prior to starting fellowship and to determine what percent of fellows and program directors would support a universal application system.Methods. A focus group of program directors, recent, and current fellows convened to determine the most important features of an IEM fellowship application process. A survey was administered electronically to a convenience sample of 78 participants from 34 programs. Respondents included fellowship directors, fellows, and recent graduates.Results. Most fellows (70%) did not know their program’s curriculum prior to starting fellowship. The majority of program directors and fellows support a uniform application service (81% and 67%, resp.) and deadline (85% for both). A minority of program directors (35%) and fellows (30%) support a formal match.Conclusions. Program directors and fellows support a uniform application service and deadline, but not a formalized match. Forums for disseminating IEM fellowship information and for administering a uniform application service and deadline are currently in development to improve the process.
The Efficacy and Safety of Rivaroxaban for Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis after Total Hip and Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Russell Robert D. , Hotchkiss William R. , Knight Justin R. , Huo Michael H.
Published: February 2013

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common complication after total hip and total knee arthroplasty. Currently used methods of VTE prophylaxis after these procedures have important limitations, including parenteral administration, and unpredictable plasma levels requiring frequent monitoring and dose adjustment leading to decreased patient compliance with recommended guidelines. New oral anticoagulants have been demonstrated in clinical trials to be equally efficacious to enoxaparin and allow for fixed dosing without the need for monitoring. Rivaroxaban is one of the new oral anticoagulants and is a direct factor Xa inhibitor that has demonstrated superior efficacy to that of enoxaparin. However, the data also suggest that rivaroxaban has an increased risk of bleeding compared to enoxaparin. This paper reviews the available data on the efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban for VTE prophylaxis after total hip and total knee arthroplasty.
Colorectal Cancer Cells Refractory to Anti-VEGF Treatment Are Vulnerable to Glycolytic Blockade due to Persistent Impairment of Mitochondria
Authors: Xu Jie , Wang Jilin , Xu Bin , Ge Haiyan , Zhou Xiaolin , Fang Jing-Yuan
Published: February 2013

Antiangiogenesis therapy has shed new light on cancer treatment, but its effectiveness, especially for overall patient survival, is still controversial. Here, we show that antiangiogenesis treatment causes a persistent suppression of mitochondria biogenesis in colorectal cancer cells, which renders them more sensitive to glycolytic blockade therapy. We first analyzed bevacizumab-resistant colon cancer xenografts by two-dimensional Blue Native/SDS-PAGE and found a serious and persistent loss of mitochondrial protein complex I. Further metabolic assays revealed significantly impaired mitochondrial function and hyperactive glycolysis, which were concomitant with the upregulation of HIF-1 and Hsp70. The treatment of bevacizumab-resistant cells with the glycolysis inhibitor 3-BrPA caused cell senescence in vitro. Intraperitoneal injection of 3-BrPA to xenograft mice bearing bevacizumab-resistant cells also resulted in smaller tumor volume and longer survival. These data provide direct evidence for the mitochondrial destruction of bevacizumab-resistant tumor cells and suggest that glycolysis blockade may potentiate the therapeutic effect of antiangiogenesis treatment. Mol Cancer Ther; 12(5); 717–24. ©2013 AACR.
Altered Activities of Antioxidant Enzymes in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Vávrová Lucie , Kodydková Jana , Zeman Miroslav , Dušejovská Magdaléna , Macášek Jaroslav , Staňková Barbora , Tvrzická Eva , Žák Aleš
Published: February 2013

Objective: In the pathogenesis of the metabolic syndrome (MetS), an increase of oxidative stress could play an important role which is closely linked with insulin resistance, endothelial dysfunction, and chronic inflammation. The aim of our study was to assess several parameters of the antioxidant status in MetS. Methods: 40 subjects with MetS and 40 age- and sex-matched volunteers without MetS were examined for activities of superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1), glutathione reductase (GR), paraoxonase1 (PON1), concentrations of reduced glutathione (GSH), and conjugated dienes in low-density lipoprotein (CD-LDL). Results: Subjects with MetS had higher activities of CuZnSOD (p < 0.05) and GR (p < 0.001), higher concentrations of CD-LDL (p < 0.001), lower activities of CAT (p < 0.05) and PON1 (p < 0.05), and lower concentrations of GSH (p < 0.05), as compared with controls. Activity of GPX1 was not significantly changed. Conclusions: Our results implicated an increased oxidative stress in MetS and a decreased antioxidative defense that correlated with some laboratory (triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)) and clinical (waist circumference, blood pressure) components of MetS.
Soluble CD40 ligand impairs the anti-platelet function of peripheral blood angiogenic outgrowth cells via increased production of reactive oxygen species
Authors: Khzam Lara , Hachem Ahmed , Zaid Younes , Boulahya Rahma , Mourad Walid , Merhi Yahye
Published: February 2013

Adult peripheral blood angiogenic early outgrowth cells (EOCs), also known as early endothelial progenitor cells, interact with other blood and vascular cells and may regulate atherothrombosis. We have previously shown that endothelial progenitor cells inhibit platelet function and thrombus formation. The CD40L/CD40 axis is a thrombo-inflammatory mediator that affects platelet and endothelial functions. It has been shown that EOCs express CD40, whereas platelets represent the major source of its soluble ligand (sCD40L), which impairs EOC function. We aimed to test the hypothesis that the sCD40L/CD40 axis affects the anti-platelet function of EOCs. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cell-derived EOCs in culture inhibited platelet aggregation. Pre-treatment of EOCs with sCD40L reduced their in-hibitory effect on platelet aggregation in a CD40-dependent manner. EOCs viability and release of the anti-aggregating agents, prostacyclin and nitric oxide, were not affected by sCD40L. However, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was increased in sCD40L–treated EOCs. Blockade of ROS reversed the effects of sCD40L–treated EOCs on platelet aggregation. This study reveals that the sCD40L/CD40 axis impairs the anti-platelet properties of EOCs through increased production of ROS. These data may explain the link between elevated levels of sCD40L, impaired activity of EOCs and enhanced platelet reactivity, and consequently the occurrence of atherothrombotic disease.
Reconnecting Genes, Languages and Material Culture in Island Southeast Asia: Aphorisms on Geography and History
Authors: Denham Tim , Donohue Mark
Published: February 2013

The Holocene history of Island Southeast Asia (ISEA) is dominated by the ‘Out-of-Taiwan’ hypothesis and derivatives, such as the spread of the Island Southeast Asian Neolithic. According to these ideas, approximately 4500–4000 years ago, farmer-voyagers from Taiwan migrated southward into ISEA to subsequently acculturate, assimilate or displace pre-existing inhabitants. These processes are considered to have produced a consilience between human genetics, Austronesian languages and the archaeological record within ISEA, although recurrent critiques have questioned these putative correspondences. These critiques have proposed that each line of evidence should be independently evaluated and considered, rather than assumed to correspond.

In this paper, the authors advocate a fuller engagement with and a deeper understanding of the spatial and temporal processes that structure archaeological, genetic and linguistic distributions within Island Southeast Asia. Geography and history are often marginalized in discussions of the Holocene history of ISEA, yet both are fundamental to the interpretation and reconciliation of multidisciplinary data within the region. These themes are discussed using aphorisms that are designed to be illustrative, namely to promote thought and reflection, rather than to be comprehensive.
Factors Associated With Neonatal Intensive Care Follow-up Appointment Compliance
Authors: Harmon Sara L. , Conaway Mark , Sinkin Robert A. , Blackman James A.
Published: February 2013

Background and methods. Our goal was to identify factors that affect neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) follow-up appointment compliance. Compliant and noncompliant infants discharged from the NICU over 1 year and scheduled for follow-up (133) were compared retrospectively; a prospective telephone survey of noncompliant families was also undertaken. Results. Maternal drug use (odds ratio [OR] = 0.049, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.005-0.506), multiple gestation pregnancy (OR = 0.163, 95% CI = 0.050-0.533), male sex (OR = 0.308, 95% CI = 0.112-0.850), and greater distance from the hospital (OR = 0.987, 95% CI = 0.976-0.999) were independently associated with lower appointment compliance. A greater number of days on oxygen was associated with greater odds of compliance (OR = 1.057, 95% CI = 0.976-0.999). Shorter NICU stays ( P = .047) and less chronic lung disease ( P = .026) were significantly associated with noncompliance by bivariate analysis only. Distance from the hospital and travel expense were the most often self-cited reasons for appointment noncompliance. Conclusion. Understanding factors associated with NICU follow-up noncompliance is a starting point for providing targeted intervention.
Interply friction of carbon fiber/epoxy prepreg stacks under different processing conditions
Authors: Sun Jing , Li Min , Gu Yizhuo , Zhang Dongmei , Li Yanxia , Zhang Zuoguang
Published: February 2013

The interply friction of prepreg is commonly found from the pre-forming to the final curing process during the fabrication of composite materials. In this study, a testing device was established to evaluate the slipping behavior of two kinds of carbon fiber/epoxy prepreg systems and the dominated friction mechanisms under different processing parameters, including temperature, pressure, and pulling rate, are determined. The interply frictional resistances of prepreg stacks were studied with the surface morphology observation and the surface roughness measurements. The results indicate that the friction mechanism of the two prepreg systems is the mixed friction, which could change from the Coulomb-dominated friction to the hydrodynamic-dominated friction under different processing conditions. The surface morphology and surface roughness of prepreg have significant effects on the slipping behavior controlled by the mixed friction. The Coulomb-dominated friction is not conducive to the slippage of prepreg and may result in fiber wrinkles in the laminates. The hydrodynamic-dominated friction should be achieved by adjusting the processing conditions to avoid manufacturing defects.
Meso-level textile composites simulations: Open data exchange and scripting
Authors: Lomov Stepan V , Verpoest Ignaas , Cichosz Joerg , Hahn Christoph , Ivanov Dmitry S , Verleye Bart
Published: February 2013

The article presents a user interface for modelling of textile composites, which combines open XML input and output formats with scripting for definitions of the reinforcement models under (local) shear, tension and compression deformations. The open input format (parameters of the textile reinforcement) allows easy integration of a meso-level (unit cell) textile processor upstream – with, for example, textile process modelling software or forming models, which define local parameters of the textile reinforcement. The scripting command format makes possible automated processing of the information on local reinforcement deformation conditions, and offers itself to be integrated in user software without accessing or knowing internal computational procedures or native data formats of meso-level textile processor. The open output format allows transferring the results of the meso-level textile processor downstream to meso-level models of the micromechanics or the permeability of a textile composite unit cell. These results can be further streamed to allow macro-level structural, forming or impregnation analysis. The integration approach is illustrated for meso-level textile processor – WiseTex software, integrated with processing of digital images and calculations of the fabric permeability tensor, micromechanics models and meso-level finite element ABAQUS model.
Impact performance of single-piece continuously textile reinforced riot helmet shells
Authors: Zahid Bilal , Chen Xiaogang
Published: February 2013

This paper is a part of research carried out for the manufacturing and evaluation of riot helmet shells having continuous textile reinforcement. Low energy impact tests were carried out on the developed riot helmet shells at different locations on the helmet shell with different impact energy levels. Energy absorption and force blocking effectiveness at different impact locations at the helmet shells were evaluated. The result shows the helmet top location is the least vulnerable location against the impact as compared to the helmet back and helmet side location.
Early Life Course Pathways of Adult Depression and Chronic Pain
Authors: Goosby Bridget J.
Published: February 2013

Applying cumulative inequality theory, this study examines the extent to which childhood socioeconomic disadvantage and maternal depression increase the risk of major depression and chronic pain in U.S. working-aged adults. Further, I assess whether low socioeconomic status amplifies the risk of adult depression and/or pain. Using data from the 2003 National Comorbidity Survey Replication ( N=4339), I find that socioeconomic disadvantage and maternal depression during youth increases the risk of adult depression and/or chronic pain. The probability of having chronic pain increases in magnitude over the life course for adults whose parents have lower educational attainment relative to those with more highly educated parents. Childhood socioeconomic circumstances are not completely explained by adulthood socioeconomic status indicators. These findings help illustrate the far-reaching influence of childhood context on adult physical and mental health.
Raising Christian children in early modern England: Salvation, education and the family
Authors: French Anna
Published: February 2013

Changes in prescribed doctrine, through the removal of the direct association between baptism and salvation, created much ambiguity surrounding child salvation in post-Reformation England. Despite this, Protestant religion provided a constructive and positive framework for raising the young, set out in a range of family advice manuals, written by Protestant clerics. Within this framework, ideal models of behaviour were narrated for both parents and children. Such idealized narratives provide us with a glimpse of what kind of behaviour was expected of both parents and children in this period, and also what kind of world these families inhabited.
Identity and redemption
Authors: Bourke Michael
Published: February 2013

What is the relationship between the way in which we construct our identities as human beings and our redeemed humanity in Christ? This essay looks at the St Andrew’s Day Statement and the understanding of redemption which underlies it, and then proposes an alternative linguistic model which may shed light on some identity-related issues currently contested in the Anglican Communion.
Spontaneous Cervicovaginal Lesions and Immune Cell Infiltrates in Nonhuman Primates
Authors: Harbison Carole E. , Ellis Mary E. , Westmoreland Susan V.
Published: February 2013

Nonhuman primates, particularly rhesus macaques ( Macaca mulatta), provide important model systems for studying human reproductive infectious diseases such as human immunodeficiency virus, human papillomavirus, and Chlamydia spp. An understanding of the spectrum of spontaneous cervical disease provides essential context for interpreting experimental disease outcomes in the female reproductive tract. This retrospective study characterizes the incidence of inflammatory and/or proliferative cervicovaginal lesions seen over a 14-year period in a multispecies nonhuman primate colony, focusing on rhesus macaques. The most common observations included a spectrum of lymphocytic accumulation from within normal limits to lymphoplasmacytic cervicitis, and suppurative inflammation with occasional squamous metaplasia or polyp formation. These inflammatory spectra frequently occurred in the context of immunosuppression following experimental simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection. Cervical neoplasias were uncommon and included leiomyomas and carcinomas. Cervical sections from 13 representative cases, with an emphasis on proliferative and dysplastic lesions, were surveyed for leukocyte infiltration, abnormal epithelial proliferation, and the presence of papillomavirus antigens. Proliferative lesions showed sporadic evidence of spontaneous papillomavirus infection and variable immune cell responses. These results underscore the importance of pre screening potential experimental animals for the presence of preexisting reproductive tract disease, and the consideration of normal variability within cycling reproductive tracts in interpretation of cervical lesions.
The Rhinological Manifestations of Women's Health
Authors: Saxby Alexander J. , Pace‐Asciak Pia , Dar Santos Rachelle C. , Chadha Neil K. , Kozak Frederick K.
Published: February 2013

Objective

To systematically review the literature and appraise the evidence reporting the effects of women's health, including pregnancy, postpartum, menstruation, oral contraception, menopause, and hormone replacement therapy, on common rhinological pathologies and nasal physiology.

Data Sources

Systematic search strategy using MEDLINE (1966‐2012) and EMBASE (1980‐2012) databases.

Review Methods

Title review, abstract screening, and then full paper analysis were undertaken by 2 authors independently. Level of evidence was graded according to the Oxford Centre of Evidence Based Medicine 2011 criteria and risk of bias assessment using the Jadad scale for randomized controlled trials and Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale for cohort and case‐controlled studies.

Results

Over the 46 years analyzed, the search strategy produced 2904 titles. In total, 314 abstracts were screened, from which 192 full‐text articles were evaluated, and 145 research papers met all the criteria for inclusion in the study. Overall, the available evidence was of low quality. Seventy percent of studies (102 of 145) were case reports or case series from which only limited conclusions can be drawn. Only 3% of the included papers (4 of 145) were randomized controlled studies. The remaining data were mainly of a prospective cohort design. Study heterogeneity in design and measured outcomes resulted in data synthesis being limited to a descriptive/exploratory review. Study findings are presented by women's health category and then by rhinological manifestation with important clinical correlations highlighted.

Conclusion

Physiological and hormonal changes occurring as a normal part of women's health have an important influence on rhinological function and disease.
Cochlear Implantation versus Hearing Amplification in Patients with Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Pelosi Stanley , Wanna George , Hayes Cathrine , Sunderhaus Linsey , Haynes David S. , Bennett Marc L. , Labadie Robert F. , Rivas Alejandro
Published: February 2013

Objective

Patients with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD) exhibit altered neural synchrony in response to auditory stimuli. Cochlear implantation (CI) is thought to improve neural synchrony in response to auditory stimuli and improve speech perception relative to conventional hearing amplification (HA).

Study Design

Retrospective review.

Setting

Tertiary otologic practice.

Subjects and Methods

Subjects included patients with ANSD treated at Vanderbilt University from 1999 to 2011. Sixteen patients underwent CI, and 10 received binaural HAs. Pretreatment performance was assessed through speech reception thresholds and parent questionnaire (Infant‐Toddler Meaningful Auditory Integration Scale [IT‐MAIS]). Posttreatment outcomes were assessed using IT‐MAIS and closed‐/open‐set speech perception scores.

Results

Two HA users underwent neuromaturation and were excluded from further analysis. For the remaining patients, median duration of device use was 48 months. All CI patients had a prior binaural HA trial with failure of auditory skills development. Median available pretreatment IT‐MAIS score was 13 and 30 for CI and HA groups, respectively (rank sum test, P =. 32). Posttreatment, 6 of 16 CI patients and 4 of 8 HA patients achieved open‐set speech perception scores ≥60%. No differences between groups were found in posttreatment IT‐MAIS scores (rank sum test, P =. 11) or the percentage of patients achieving the above levels of open‐set speech perception (Fisher exact test, P =. 67).

Conclusions

A wide range of speech perception outcomes are observed in ANSD patients. In our ANSD population, patients who exhibited failure of auditory skills development with HAs were able to achieve comparable overall speech perception outcomes after CI relative to those who continued to make appropriate auditory progress with HAs alone.
Are the kids alright? A critique and agenda for taking youth cultures seriously
Authors: Debies-Carl Jeffrey S
Published: February 2013

Researchers have long been fascinated with youth subcultures. Decades of study have yielded several competing paradigms, which attempt to interpret these subcultures in diverse ways, with each succeeding paradigm criticizing, and attempting to improve on, those that came before it. Rather than offering criticism of a specific youth studies paradigm, this article provides a critique of this body of theory as a whole by delineating several theoretical assumptions that have persisted across these perspectives. These include: (1) the tendency to group all youth phenomena under a monolithic conceptual umbrella; (2) a preoccupation on the part of researchers with style and the consumption of goods; and (3) the assumed lack of rational behavior found in subcultures and an accompanying inability on the part of subcultures to achieve real goals or effect social change. It is argued that such assumptions trivialize subcultures, have led to a priori understandings of these without adequate empirical grounding, and must be addressed if subcultures are to be adequately understood and appreciated.
Mechanical and tribological behavior of polytetrafluoroethylene composites reinforced by carbon nanotubes and poly-p-oxybenzoate
Authors: Cheng Haizheng , Cheng Xianhua
Published: February 2013

Effects of microscale poly- p-oxybenzoate (trade name Ekonol), nanoscale carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and multiscale fillers on the mechanical, creep and tribological properties of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) are studied. Results reveal that the multiscale PTFE composite with 20 wt% Ekonol and 1 wt% CNTs has the highest tensile strength and modulus as well as relatively modest elongation at break compared to pure PTFE, micro and nanoscale PTFE composites. In addition, the combination of Ekonol and CNT fillers leads to a significant improvement in creep resistance of PTFE composites. Scanning electron microscopic observation of tensile fracture surfaces indicates that for multiscale composite, the surfaces of Ekonol particles are wrapped by individual CNTs and the bridge of CNTs between Ekonol particles is formed. Also, the combination of Ekonol and CNT fillers slightly increases the friction coefficient of multiscale composite but greatly decreases the wear rate by approximately four orders of magnitude compared with pure PTFE. Scanning electron microscopic observation of the worn surfaces shows that the wear surface of the multiscale composite is very smooth. Therefore, the wear resistance significantly improved. The synergetic role of multiscale fillers is expected to open up new opportunities to formulate high-performance PTFE composites.
Distraction Can Reduce Age-Related Forgetting
Authors: Biss Renée K. , Ngo K. W. Joan , Hasher Lynn , Campbell Karen L. , Rowe Gillian
Published: February 2013

In three experiments, we assessed whether older adults’ generally greater tendency to process distracting information can be used to minimize widely reported age-related differences in forgetting. Younger and older adults studied and recalled a list of words on an initial test and again on a surprise test after a 15-min delay. In the middle (Experiments 1a and 2) or at the end (Experiment 3) of the delay, participants completed a 1-back task in which half of the studied words appeared as distractors. Across all experiments, older adults reliably forgot unrepeated words; however, older adults rarely or never forgot the words that had appeared as distractors, whereas younger adults forgot words in both categories. Exposure to distraction may serve as a rehearsal episode for older adults, and thus as a method by which general distractibility may be co-opted to boost memory.
A graphical method to assess distribution assumption in group-based trajectory models
Authors: Elsensohn Mad-Hélénie , Klich Amna , Ecochard René , Bastard Mathieu , Genolini Christophe , Etard Jean-François , Gustin Marie-Paule
Published: February 2013

Group-based trajectory models had a rapid development in the analysis of longitudinal data in clinical research. In these models, the assumption of homoscedasticity of the residuals is frequently made but this assumption is not always met. We developed here an easy-to-perform graphical method to assess the assumption of homoscedasticity of the residuals to apply especially in group-based trajectory models. The method is based on drawing an envelope to visualize the local dispersion of the residuals around each typical trajectory. Its efficiency is demonstrated using data on CD4 lymphocyte counts in patients with human immunodeficiency virus put on antiretroviral therapy. Four distinct distributions that take into account increasing parts of the variability of the observed data are presented. Significant differences in group structures and trajectory patterns were found according to the chosen distribution. These differences might have large impacts on the final trajectories and their characteristics; thus on potential medical decisions. With a single glance, the graphical criteria allow the choice of the distribution that best capture data variability and help dealing with a potential heteroscedasticity problem.
A general theoretical framework for interpreting patient-reported outcomes estimated from ordinally scaled item responses
Authors: Massof Robert W
Published: February 2013

A simple theoretical framework explains patient responses to items in rating scale questionnaires. Fixed latent variables position each patient and each item on the same linear scale. Item responses are governed by a set of fixed category thresholds, one for each ordinal response category. A patient’s item responses are magnitude estimates of the difference between the patient variable and the patient’s estimate of the item variable, relative to his/her personally defined response category thresholds. Differences between patients in their personal estimates of the item variable and in their personal choices of category thresholds are represented by random variables added to the corresponding fixed variables. Effects of intervention correspond to changes in the patient variable, the patient’s response bias, and/or latent item variables for a subset of items. Intervention effects on patients’ item responses were simulated by assuming the random variables are normally distributed with a constant scalar covariance matrix. Rasch analysis was used to estimate latent variables from the simulated responses. The simulations demonstrate that changes in the patient variable and changes in response bias produce indistinguishable effects on item responses and manifest as changes only in the estimated patient variable. Changes in a subset of item variables manifest as intervention-specific differential item functioning and as changes in the estimated person variable that equals the average of changes in the item variables. Simulations demonstrate that intervention-specific differential item functioning produces inefficiencies and inaccuracies in computer adaptive testing.
Comment: pregnancy in the early career psychiatrist
Authors: Bernardi Elsa
Published: February 2013

Objective:

The aim of this paper is to provide an opinion on the issues surrounding the pregnant psychiatric trainee, from the perspective of a senior female colleague who has integrated professional life with motherhood.

Method:

The basis for this opinion piece is the article by a psychiatric trainee who describes her response to pregnancy and this is supplemented by some additional articles from psychiatrists on the theme of early career pregnancy.

Results:

A combination of published literature and personal experience were used to form an opinion on pregnancy and the early career psychiatrist.

Conclusion:

Pregnancy while training provides challenges to the trainee, the employer and the training networks but it provides benefits to both the individual and patients, and the role of a supervisor is to facilitate this.
Numerical solution for a class of fractional convection–diffusion equations using the flatlet oblique multiwavelets
Authors: Irandoust-pakchin Safar , Dehghan Mehdi , Abdi-mazraeh Somayeh , Lakestani Mehrdad
Published: February 2013

This paper is concerned with the construction of biorthogonal multiwavelet basis in the unit interval to form a biorthogonal flatlet multiwavelet system. Next a method to calculate integer and fractional derivatives of the dual flatlet multiwavelets by multiplying some matrices is suggested. The system is then used to solve a fractional convection–diffusion equation. The biorthogonality and high vanishing moments properties of this system result in efficient and accurate solutions. Finally, numerical results for some test problems with known solutions are presented and the absolute errors are compared with the errors resulting from the other bases.
Vibration analysis and design optimization of sandwich beams with constrained viscoelastic core layer
Authors: Grewal Jasrobin Singh , Sedaghati Ramin , Esmailzadeh Ebrahim
Published: February 2013

Dynamic properties of sandwich beam-type structure are analyzed using finite element method based on a nonlinear model for displacement field in the viscoelastic core layer of the beam structure. Results obtained for the nonlinear and linear models are compared to the test data available in literature. It is revealed that the nonlinear model provides more accurate results than the linear one. Parametric studies are carried out on the nonlinear model to illustrate the effect of viscoelastic core thickness on the loss factor and natural frequencies of structure. These results are also compared with those obtained for the linear model. Parametric studies on the nonlinear model revealing the sensitivity of the location of untreated and treated patch and the length of treated patch are presented. Finally, an optimization problem is formulated for the nonlinear model to locate the optimal distribution and numbers of partial treatments in order to attain the maximum damping in the sandwich beam for various boundary conditions.