bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Draft Genome Sequences of Streptococcus bovis Strains ATCC 33317 and JB1
Authors: Benahmed Faiza H. , Gopinath Gopal R. , Harbottle Heather , Cotta Michael A. , Luo Yan , Henderson Carol , Teri Plona , Soppet Daniel , Rasmussen Mark , Whitehead Terence R. , Davidson Maureen
Published: October 2014

We report the draft genome sequences of
Streptococcus bovis
strain ATCC 33317 (CVM42251) isolated from cow dung and strain JB1 (CVM42252) isolated from a cow rumen in 1977. The strains were sequenced using the Genome Sequencer FLX 454 system. The genome sizes are approximately 2 Mb and 2.2 Mb, respectively.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Cellulosimicrobium
sp. Strain MM, Isolated from Arsenic-Rich Microbial Mats of a Himalayan Hot Spring
Authors: Sharma Anukriti , Hira Princy , Shakarad Mallikarjun , Lal Rup
Published: October 2014

Microbial mats situated at the Manikaran hot springs (>95°C) are characterized by their high arsenic content (140 ppb), qualifying as a stressed niche. Here, we report the annotated draft genome (3.85 Mb) of
Cellulosimicrobium
sp. strain MM, isolated from these microbial mats, consisting of 3,718 coding sequences, with an average % G+C of 74.4%.
Complete Genome Sequence of Salmonella enterica Serovar Choleraesuis Vaccine Strain C500 Attenuated by Chemical Mutation
Authors: Li Qiuchun , Hu Yachen , Xu Lijuan , Xie Xiaolei , Tao Mingxin , Jiao Xinan
Published: October 2014

Salmonella entericaserovar Choleraesuis strain C500 is a live vaccine attenuated by chemical methods. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of the strain, which may be helpful for elucidating the attenuation mechanism of the vaccine strain.
Draft Genome Sequence of FT9, a Novel Bacillus cereus Strain Isolated from a Brazilian Thermal Spring
Authors: Raiol Tainá , De-Souza Marlene Teixeira , Oliveira João Victor A. , Silva Helena Schubert da Incarnação Lima , Orem Juliana Capella , Cavalcante Danilo Andrade , Almeida Nalvo F. , Telles Guilherme P. , Setubal João Carlos , Brigido Marcelo M. , Torres Fernando A. G. , Stadler Peter S. , Walter Maria Emília M. T. , Moraes Lídia M. P.
Published: October 2014

A
Bacillus cereus
strain, FT9, isolated from a hot spring in the midwest region of Brazil, had its entire genome sequenced.
Fetal vulvar cysts with spontaneous resolution
Authors: Sá Maria Isabel , Rodrigues Ana Isabel , Ferreira Luisa , Rodrigues Maria do Céu
Published: October 2014

Congenital anomalies of the external genitalia occur in 2–3 per 100 infants. These anomalies might bring variable degrees of morbidity to the infant and often constitute diagnostic challenges for health professionals. We present a case report of a fetus with bilateral vulvar cysts diagnosed during the third trimester ultrasound. The cysts spontaneously regressed before birth and the newborn showed no genital anomalies at birth.
Intranasal lobular capillary haemangioma
Authors: Nayak Dipak Ranjan , Bhandarkar Ajay M , Shivamurthy Archana , Joy Jasmi
Published: October 2014

Lobular capillary haemangioma (LCH) is a benign proliferation of capillaries with a characteristic lobular architecture on microscopy; it has an affinity for mucous membrane and skin of the head and neck. It is extremely rare in the nasal cavity. We present the case of a 45-year-old man who presented with epistaxis without any predisposing factors, which was diagnosed as lobular capillary haemangioma.
Working better together: joint leadership development for doctors and managers
Authors: Kelly Nicola
Published: October 2014

Traditionally, there have been tensions between frontline healthcare professionals and managers, with well-known stereotypes of difficult consultants and pen-pushing managers. Many junior doctors have limited management experience and have often never even met a manager prior to taking on a consultant role.

Based on a successful programme pioneered by Dr Robert Klaber (Imperial, London) we have set-up an innovative scheme for Birmingham Children’s Hospital, pairing junior doctors and managers to learn and work together. Our aim was to cultivate positive attitudes and understanding between the two groups, break down inter-professional barriers, and to provide practical leadership experience and education.

We recruited 60 managers and doctors to participate in shadowing, conversation, and quality improvement projects. Thought-provoking online materials, blogs, socials, and popular monthly workshops consisting of patient-focused debate and discussion around key leadership themes, have helped to support learning and cement shared values.

Formal evaluation has demonstrated an improvement in how participants perceive their knowledge and ability based on key NHS Leadership Framework competencies. Participant feedback has been extremely positive, and everyone plans to continue to incorporate Paired Learning into their continuing professional development.

We are now embedding Paired Learning in the on-going educational programme offered at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, whilst looking at extending the scheme to include different professional groups and other trusts across the region and nationally.
Dial a Doctor: Improving lines of communication on the acute admissions unit.
Authors: Schwartz Fionnuala
Published: October 2014

The Royal London Hospital operates a system of ‘specialty take triage’, meaning that multiple teams provide patient care on the hospital’s Acute Admission Unit (AAU). The aim of this project is to ensure the medical team for each patient can be promptly and easily contacted.

An initial staff survey and engagement with key stakeholders assessed the baseline situation and guided a series of interventions, including the creation of ward whiteboards and funding for more portable phones. During further improvement cycles representatives from each profession were recruited to promote the new system, working groups held, and presentations made at staff meetings. The staff survey was repeated to gauge improvement.

The initial survey of 33 staff revealed that there was no reliable system for ascertaining the specialty team to which a patient had been allocated or information on how to contact them. 39% of respondents reported experiencing a situation they felt was unsafe.

Following the initial interventions, 25 staff responded to a second survey. 96% responded that the new system had made it easier to contact the correct medical team. The percentage of staff reporting difficulty knowing which medical team to contact most or everyday reduced from 66% to 32%. The percentage of those reporting difficulty contacting that team most or everyday reduced from 36% to 12%. There were 22 respondents to the survey following the second round of intervention. Less than 5% of staff reported difficulty most or everyday in both identifying the correct medical team and contacting them.

There has been marked improvement in the ease of identifying and contacting the medical teams. This project is ongoing, recognising that further progress is required to ensure patient safety.
Radiology of equine cheek teeth and sinus disorders
Authors: Barakzai Safia
Published: October 2014

Radiography remains the first‐line diagnostic tool for evaluation of the equine cheek teeth and sinuses, despite more advanced imaging modalities such as CT and scintigraphy becoming widely available. The introduction of computed and direct digital radiography has undoubtedly resulted in improved image quality, as compared to traditional film techniques. Familiarity with correct radiographic techniques is probably the single most important factor in being able to obtain good‐quality images and correctly interpret equine skull radiographs. This article considers radiographic abnormalities associated with common disorders affecting the equine sinuses and cheek teeth.
Optimizing the measurement of mitochondrial protein synthesis in human skeletal muscle
Authors: Burd Nicholas A. , Tardif Nicolas , Rooyackers Olav , van Loon Luc J.C.
Published: October 2014

The measurement of mitochondrial protein synthesis after food ingestion, contractile activity, and/or disease is often used to provide insight into skeletal muscle adaptations that occur in the longer term. Studies have shown that protein ingestion stimulates mitochondrial protein synthesis in human skeletal muscle. Minor differences in the stimulation of mitochondrial protein synthesis occur after a single bout of resistance or endurance exercise. There appear to be no measurable differences in mitochondrial protein synthesis between critically ill patients and aged-matched controls. However, the mitochondrial protein synthetic response is reduced at a more advanced age. In this paper, we discuss the challenges involved in the measurement of human skeletal muscle mitochondrial protein synthesis rates based on stable isotope amino acid tracer methods. Practical guidelines are discussed to improve the reliability of the measurement of mitochondrial protein synthesis rates. The value of the measurement of mitochondrial protein synthesis after a single meal or exercise bout on the prediction of the longer term skeletal muscle mass and performance outcomes in both the healthy and disease populations requires more work, but we emphasize that the measurements need to be reliable to be of any value to the field.
Bacterial bioluminescence response to long-term exposure to reverse osmosis treated effluents from dye industries
Authors: Ravindran J. , Manikandan B. , Shirodkar P.V. , Francis K.X. , Mani Murali R. , Vethamony P.
Published: October 2014

The bacterial bioluminescence assay is one of the novel means for toxicity detection. The bioluminescence response of 2 marine bioluminescent bacteria was tested upon their long-term exposure to 9 different reverse osmosis (RO) rejects with varying chemical composition sampled from various dye industries. Bioluminescent bacteria were cultured in the RO reject samples, at different concentrations, and their growth rate and luminescence was measured for 24 h. The RO reject samples caused sublethal effects upon exposure and retarded the growth of bacteria, confirming their toxic nature. Further, continuation of the exposure showed that the initial luminescence, though reduced, recovered and increased beyond the control cultures irrespective of cell density, and finally decreased once again. The present study emphasizes the need of evolving a long-term exposure assay and shows that the method followed in this study is suitable to evaluate the toxicants that exert delayed toxicity, using lower concentrations of toxicants as well as coloured samples.
Fusion of W states in a cavity quantum electrodynamic system
Authors: Zang Xue-Ping , Yang Ming , Wang Xian-Cai , Song Wei , Cao Zhuo-Liang
Published: October 2014

In this paper, we study how to fuse two W states into a larger W state in a cavity quantum electrodynamic system. Two atoms are collided within a detuned vacuum cavity mode. One atom is from the first N-atom W state system, and the other is from the second M-atom W state system. The two atoms will be detected after flying out of the cavity mode. If only one excitation is detected between the two atoms, an (N + M − 2)-atom W state can be generated with some probability. If no excitation is detected between the two atoms, the remaining (N − 1)-atom W state and (M − 1)-atom W state can be re-fused using the same procedure, continuing until two excitations are detected between the two atoms. Using this procedure, the chance of entanglement of the two W states is as large as possible. A feasibility analysis indicates that this scheme can be implemented using existing experimental technologies.
Proposing an Effective Artificial Neural Network Architecture to Improve the Precision of Software Cost Estimation Model
Authors: Attarzadeh Iman , Ow Siew Hock
Published: October 2014

Software companies have to manage different software projects based on different time, cost, and manpower requirement, which is a very complex task in software project management. Accurate software estimates at the early phase of software development is one of the crucial objectives and a great challenge in software project management, in the last decades. Since software development attributes are vague and uncertain at the early phase of development, software estimates tend to a certain degree of estimation error. A software development cost estimation model incorporates soft computing techniques provides a solution to fit the vagueness and uncertainty of software attributes. In this paper, an adaptive artificial neural network (ANN) architecture for Constructive Cost Model (COCOMO) is proposed in order to produce accurate software estimates. The ANN is utilized to determine the importance of calibration of the software attributes using past project data in order to produce accurate software estimates. Software project data from the COCOMO I and NASA'93 data sets were used in the evaluation of the proposed model. The result shows an improvement in estimation accuracy of 8.36% of the ANN-COCOMO II when compared with the original COCOMO II.
Cosmological perturbations: Vorticity, isocurvature and magnetic fields
Authors: Christopherson Adam J.
Published: October 2014

In this paper, I review some recent, interlinked, work undertaken using cosmological perturbation theory — a powerful technique for modeling inhomogeneities in the universe. The common theme which underpins these pieces of work is the presence of nonadiabatic pressure, or entropy, perturbations. After a brief introduction covering the standard techniques of describing inhomogeneities in both Newtonian and relativistic cosmology, I discuss the generation of vorticity. As in classical fluid mechanics, vorticity is not present in linearized perturbation theory (unless included as an initial condition). Allowing for entropy perturbations, and working to second order in perturbation theory, I show that vorticity is generated, even in the absence of vector perturbations, by purely scalar perturbations, the source term being quadratic in the gradients of first order energy density and isocurvature, or nonadiabatic pressure perturbations. This generalizes Crocco's theorem to a cosmological setting. I then introduce isocurvature perturbations in different models, focusing on the entropy perturbation in standard, concordance cosmology, and in inflationary models involving two scalar fields. As the final topic, I investigate magnetic fields, which are a potential observational consequence of vorticity in the early universe. I briefly review some recent work on including magnetic fields in perturbation theory in a consistent way. I show, using solely analytical techniques, that magnetic fields can be generated by higher order perturbations, albeit too small to provide the entire primordial seed field, in agreement with some numerical studies. I close this paper with a summary and some potential extensions of this work.
ALKYL CHAIN DEPENDENT ALKANETHIOL SELF-ASSEMBLED ADSORPTION DYNAMICS
Authors: GUO YAN , CHEN MINGDONG , HE HUI
Published: October 2014

The adsorption dynamics for the formation of self-assembled monolayer of alkanethiols has been investigated by electrochemical method, water contact angle and scanning tunneling microscopy. Thiols with three alkyl chains, including short chain hexanethiol, middle chain dodecanethiol, and long chain octadecanethiol are examined. The experimental results indicate that the adsorption of thiols onto Au substrate consists of two process, a rapid adsorption and a slow reorganization. The rapid adsorption process is demonstrated to follow the diffusion-controlled Langmuir model. The apparent adsorption rate constant is obtained from the slopes, which is related to the concentration. According to our results, the difference of activation energy per methylene unit is 89 J/mol.
Acceptors/linkers effects on dye sensitized solar cell: Theoretical investigations of structure-property relationship for design of efficient dye sensitizers
Authors: Guo Ying , Zhu Huaxin , Yang Guofeng , Liu Guilin , Yan Hunmin , Zhu Bingjie , Li Shuai , Sun Yajun , Li Guohua
Published: October 2014

A series of carbazole-based organic dyes such as CzFCA, CzTCA, CzSeCA, CzFRA, CzTRA and CzSeRA with introduction of various linkers (furan, thiophene and selenophen) and acceptor (cyanoacrylic acid and rhodanine-3-acetic acid) groups, were designed and theoretically investigated by density functional theory (DFT) and time dependent DFT (TD-DFT). The ground state structures and absorption spectra (both in vacuum and solvated form) were optimized by using DFT-B3LYP/6-31G(d,p), TD-B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) and PCM-TD-B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) levels of theory. Substitution of linker groups from furan to selenophen, resulted in red-shift of absorption band. CzTRA and CzSeRA exhibited superior electron injection capabilities. The finding of this study can be helpful to obtain dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) with superior conversion efficiency.
Investigating Determinants and Interaction Quality Effects on Tourists' Intention to Use Mobile Tourism Guide
Authors: Trakulmaykee Numtip , Benrit Parichard
Published: October 2014

This study investigates model of tourist intention in the context of mobile tourism guide (MTG). We extend the innovation diffusion theory with the interaction quality construct. Partial least squares is used for data analysis. The results show four innovation characteristics such as relative advantage, compatibility, complexity and trialability significantly related to international tourists' intention to use MTG. Furthermore, the interaction quality has an impact on the relationship between lack of complexity and tourists' intention to use MTG. We propose theoretical model for mobile research and provides an important guideline for development and implementation.
Analytical holographic superconductors in AdSN-Lifshitz topological black holes
Authors: Momeni D. , Myrzakulov R. , Sebastiani L. , Setare M. R.
Published: October 2014

We present the analytic Lifshitz solutions for a scalar field model minimally coupled with the abelian gauge field in N-dimensions. We also consider the presence of cosmological constant Λ. The Lifshitz parameter z appearing in the solution plays the role of the Lorentz breaking parameter of the model. We investigate the thermodynamical properties of the solutions and discuss the energy issue. Furthermore, we study the hairy black hole solutions in which the abelian gauge field breaks the symmetry near to the horizon. In the holographic picture, it is equivalent to a second-order phase transition. Explicitly we show that there exists a critical temperature which is a function of the Lifshitz parameter z. The system below the critical temperature becomes superconductor, but the critical exponent of the model remains the same of the usual holographic superconductors without the higher-order gravitational corrections, in agreement with Ginzburg–Landau theories.
Hair follicles as a target structure for nanoparticles
Authors: Lademann J. , Knorr F. , Richter H. , Jung S. , Meinke M. C. , Rühl E. , Alexiev U. , Calderon M. , Patzelt A.
Published: October 2014

For at least two decades, nanoparticles have been investigated for their capability to deliver topically applied substances through the skin barrier. Based on findings that nanoparticles are highly suitable for penetrating the blood–brain barrier, their use for drug delivery through the skin has become a topic of intense research. In spite of the research efforts by academia and industry, a commercial product permitting the nanoparticle-assisted delivery of topically applied drugs has not yet been developed. However, nanoparticles of approximately 600 nm in diameter have been shown to penetrate efficiently into the hair follicles, where they can be stored for several days. The successful loading of nanoparticles with drugs and their triggered release inside the hair follicle may present an ideal method for localized drug delivery. Depending on the particle size, such a method would permit targeting specific structures in the hair follicles such as stem cells or immune cells or blood vessels found in the vicinity of the hair follicles.
Current Iodine Nutrition Status and Awareness of Iodine Deficiency in Tuguegarao, Philippines
Authors: Kim Bu Kyung , Jeong Jee-Yeong , Seok Kwang-Hyuk , Lee Andrew S. , Oak Chul Ho , Kim Ghi Chan , Jeong Chae-Kyeong , Choi Sung In , Afidchao Pablo M. , Choi Young Sik
Published: October 2014

The Philippines is one of the countries where adequate iodine status has been achieved. However, iodine deficiency still remains an important public health problem in this country. In this study, we evaluated iodine nutrition status and investigated an awareness status of iodine deficiency targeting high school students of Tuguegarao, Philippines. A total of 260 students provided samples for urinary iodine analysis, among which 146 students completed thyroid volume measurement by ultrasonography and answering the questionnaires. The median urinary iodine level was 355.3 µg/L and only 3.8% of the students were in the range of iodine deficiency status according to the ICCIDD criteria. Although 62.3% of students answered that they can list problems resulting from iodine deficiency, a majority of students (70.5%) were unable to identify problems other than goiter. They did not appreciate that adequate iodine levels are important during pregnancy and for development of children. 33.6% of students answered that they did not use iodized salt and the biggest reason was that they did not find it necessary. Based on these results, we suggest that a future strategy should be focused on vulnerable groups to completely eliminate iodine deficiency, including women at their reproductive ages and during pregnancy.
H∞ Static Output Tracking Control of Nonlinear Systems with One‐Sided Lipschitz Condition
Authors: Liu Leipo , Song Xiaona
Published: October 2014

This paper is concerned with H∞ static output tracking control of nonlinear systems with one‐sided Lipschitz condition. The dimensions of system model and reference model may be different. A static output feedback controller is designed to guarantee that the system output asymptotically tracks the reference output with H∞ disturbance rejection level. A new sufficient condition is derived to obtain the static output feedback gain by linear matrix inequality (LMI), and no equality constraints can be needed. Finally, an example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
A Numerical Study of the Spring-Back Phenomenon in Bending with a Rebar Bending Machine
Authors: Choi Chang Hwan , Kulinsky Lawrence , Jun Joon Soo , Kim Jin Ho
Published: October 2014

Recently, the rebar bending methodology started to change from field processing to utilizing rebar bending machines at plant sites prior to transport to the construction locations. Computerized control of rebar plant bending machines provides more accurate and faster bending of rebars than the low quality inefficient field processing alternative. The bending process involves plastic deformation of rebars, where bending stress beyond the yield point of the material is applied. When the bending stress is removed, spring back is caused by the elastic restoring stress. Therefore, an accurate numerical analysis of the spring-back process is required to reduce the bending process errors. The most sensitive factors affecting the spring-back process are the bending radius, the bending angle, the diameter of the rebar, the friction coefficient, and the yielding strength of material. In this paper, we suggest a numerical modeling method using these factors. The finite element modeling of the dynamic mechanical behavior of the material during bending is performed using a commercial dynamic analysis program “DAFUL.” We use the least squares approach to derive the spring-back deflection as a function of the rebar bending parameters.
Opportunities and Challenges for the Use of Large-Scale Surveys in Public Health Research: A Comparison of the Assessment of Cancer Screening Behaviors
Authors: Hamilton Jada G. , Breen Nancy , Klabunde Carrie N. , Moser Richard P. , Leyva Bryan , Breslau Erica S. , Kobrin Sarah C.
Published: October 2014

Large-scale surveys that assess cancer prevention and control behaviors are a readily available, rich resource for public health researchers. Although these data are used by a subset of researchers who are familiar with them, their potential is not fully realized by the research community for reasons including lack of awareness of the data and limited understanding of their content, methodology, and utility. Until now, no comprehensive resource existed to describe and facilitate use of these data. To address this gap and maximize use of these data, we catalogued the characteristics and content of four surveys that assessed cancer screening behaviors in 2005, the most recent year with concurrent periods of data collection: the National Health Interview Survey, Health Information National Trends Survey, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, and California Health Interview Survey. We documented each survey's characteristics, measures of cancer screening, and relevant correlates; examined how published studies (n = 78) have used the surveys' cancer screening data; and reviewed new cancer screening constructs measured in recent years. This information can guide researchers in deciding how to capitalize on the opportunities presented by these data resources. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 24(1); 3–14. ©2014 AACR.
c-Abl Modulates Tumor Cell Sensitivity to Antibody-Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity
Authors: Murray Joseph C. , Aldeghaither Dalal , Wang Shangzi , Nasto Rochelle E. , Jablonski Sandra A. , Tang Yong , Weiner Louis M.
Published: October 2014

Monoclonal antibodies (mAb) can modulate cancer cell signal transduction and recruit antitumor immune effector mechanisms—including antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). Although several clinically effective antibodies can promote ADCC, therapeutic resistance is common. We hypothesized that oncogenic signaling networks within tumor cells affect their sensitivity to ADCC. We developed a screening platform and targeted 60 genes derived from an EGFR gene network using RNAi in an in vitro ADCC model system. Knockdown of GRB7, PRKCE, and ABL1 enhanced ADCC by primary and secondary screens. ABL1 knockdown also reduced cell proliferation, independent of its ADCC enhancement effects. c-Abl overexpression decreased ADCC sensitivity and rescued the effects of ABL1 knockdown. Imatinib inhibition of c-Abl kinase activity also enhanced ADCC—phenocopying ABL1 knockdown—against several EGFR-expressing head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma cell lines by ex vivo primary natural killer cells. Our findings suggest that combining c-Abl inhibition with ADCC-promoting antibodies, such as cetuximab, could translate into increased therapeutic efficacy of mAbs. Cancer Immunol Res; 2(12); 1186–98. ©2014 AACR.
Copy Number Variants in Short Children Born Small for Gestational Age
Authors: Wit Jan M. , van Duyvenvoorde Hermine A. , van Klinken Jan B. , Caliebe Janina , Bosch Cathy A.J. , Lui Julian C. , Gijsbers Antoinet C.J. , Bakker Egbert , Breuning Martijn H. , Oostdijk Wilma , Losekoot Monique , Baron Jeffrey , Binder Gerhard , Ranke Michael B. , Ruivenkamp Claudia A.L.
Published: October 2014

Background/Aims: In addition to genome-wide association studies (GWAS), height-associated genes may be uncovered by studying individuals with extreme short or tall stature. Methods: Genome-wide analysis for copy number variants (CNVs), using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays, was performed in 49 index cases born small for gestational age with persistent short stature. Segregation analysis was performed, and genes in CNVs were compared with information from GWAS, gene expression in rodents' growth plates, and published information. Results: CNVs were detected in 13 cases. In 5 children a known cause of short stature was found: UPD7, UPD14, a duplication of the SHOX enhancer region, an IGF1R deletion, and a 22q11.21 deletion. In the remaining 8 cases, potential pathogenic CNVs were detected, either de novo (n = 1), segregating (n = 2), or not segregating with short stature (n = 5). Bioinformatic analysis of the de novo and segregating CNVs suggested that HOXD4, AGPS, PDE11A, OSBPL6, PRKRA and PLEKHA3, and possibly DGKB and TNFRSF11B are potential candidate genes. A SERPINA7 or NRK defect may be associated with an X-linked form of short stature. Conclusion: SNP arrays detected 5 known causes of short stature with prenatal onset and suggested several potential candidate genes.
Novel Mechanisms of Endothelial Mechanotransduction
Authors: Abe Jun-ichi , Berk Bradford C.
Published: October 2014

Atherosclerosis is a focal disease that develops preferentially where nonlaminar, disturbed blood flow occurs, such as branches, bifurcations, and curvatures of large arteries. Endothelial cells sense and respond differently to disturbed flow compared with steady laminar flow. Disturbed flow that occurs in so-called atheroprone areas activates proinflammatory and apoptotic signaling, and this results in endothelial dysfunction and leads to subsequent development of atherosclerosis. In contrast, steady laminar flow as atheroprotective flow promotes expression of many anti-inflammatory genes, such as Kruppel-like factor 2 and endothelial nitric oxide synthase and inhibits endothelial inflammation and athrogenesis. Here we will discuss that disturbed flow and steady laminar flow induce pro- and antiatherogenic events via flow type–specific mechanotransduction pathways. We will focus on 5 mechanosensitive pathways: mitogen-activated protein kinases/extracellular signal–regulated kinase 5/Kruppel-like factor 2 signaling, extracellular signal–regulated kinase/peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor signaling, and mechanosignaling pathways involving SUMOylation, protein kinase C-ζ, and p90 ribosomal S6 kinase. We think that clarifying regulation mechanisms between these 2 flow types will provide new insights into therapeutic approaches for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis.
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 Decreases Formation and Severity of Angiotensin II–Induced Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
Authors: Thatcher Sean E. , Zhang Xuan , Howatt Deborah A. , Yiannikouris Frederique , Gurley Susan B. , Ennis Terri , Curci John A. , Daugherty Alan , Cassis Lisa A.
Published: October 2014

Objective—

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) cleaves angiotensin II (AngII) to form angiotensin-(1–7) (Ang-(1–7)), which generally opposes effects of AngII. AngII infusion into hypercholesterolemic male mice induces formation of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). This study tests the hypothesis that deficiency of ACE2 promotes AngII-induced AAAs, whereas ACE2 activation suppresses aneurysm formation.

Approach and Results—

ACE2 protein was detectable by immunostaining in mice and human AAAs. Whole-body deficiency of ACE2 significantly increased aortic lumen diameters and external diameters of suprarenal aortas from AngII-infused mice. Conversely, ACE2 deficiency in bone marrow–derived cells had no effect on AngII-induced AAAs. In contrast to AngII-induced AAAs, ACE2 deficiency had no significant effect on external aortic diameters of elastase-induced AAAs. Because ACE2 deficiency promoted AAA formation in AngII-infused mice, we determined whether ACE2 activation suppressed AAAs. ACE2 activation by administration of diminazene aceturate (30 mg/kg per day) to
Ldlr
-/-
mice increased kidney ACE2 mRNA abundance and activity and elevated plasma Ang-(1–7) concentrations. Unexpectedly, administration of diminazene aceturate significantly reduced total sera cholesterol and very low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol concentrations. Notably, diminazene aceturate significantly decreased aortic lumen diameters and aortic external diameters of AngII-infused mice resulting in a marked reduction in AAA incidence (from 73% to 29%). None of these effects of diminazene aceturate were observed in the
Ace2
-/y
mice.

Conclusions—

These results demonstrate that ACE2 exerts a modulatory role in AngII-induced AAA formation, and that therapeutic stimulation of ACE2 could be a benefit to reduce AAA expansion and rupture in patients with an activated renin–angiotensin system.
Incidence and Risk Factors for Diffusion-Weighted Imaging (+) Lesions After Intracranial Stenting and Its Relationship With Symptomatic Ischemic Complications
Authors: Park Keun Young , Kim Byung Moon , Kim Dong Joon , Kim Dong Ik , Heo Ji Hoe , Nam Hyo Suk , Kim Young Dae , Song Dongbeom
Published: October 2014

Background and Purpose—

Little is known about high-signal lesions in magnetic resonance diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI [+]) after stenting for intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence, distribution, risk factors, and clinical implications of DWI (+) after intracranial stenting.

Methods—

A total of 123 patients (male:female=88:35, mean age, 64.1 years) with symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (mean stenosis, 76.1±7.7%) underwent both stenting and poststenting DWI. The incidence, distribution (embolic-alone versus stenosis-associated perforator/mixed), and risk factors of DWI (+) and its relationship with symptomatic ischemic complications (SIC, including stroke or transient ischemic attack) were retrospectively evaluated.

Results—

Forty-three patients (35.0%) had DWI (+). Middle cerebral artery, smaller distal parent artery, and treatment-related dissection were independent risk factors for DWI (+) (
P
<0.05). SIC occurred in 4 patients (3.3%), all of whom had DWI (+). Of the patients with DWI (+), neither the number nor the volume of DWI (+) differed significantly between SIC and asymptomatic patients: median number/patient, 3.5 (range, 2–11) versus 2.0 (range, 1–11) and median volume/patient, 329.8 mm
3
(range, 76–883.5 mm
3
) versus 119.5 mm
3
(range, 32.5–873.0 mm
3
). However, SIC occurred more frequently in the stenosis-associated perforator/mixed type (3/11, 27.3%) than in the embolic-alone type (1/32, 3.1%;
P
<0.05).

Conclusions—

The incidence of DWI (+) after intracranial stenting for intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis was 35.0%. Middle cerebral artery, smaller distal parent artery, and treatment-related dissection were independent risk factors for DWI (+). SIC occurred more frequently in the stenosis-associated perforator/mixed type than in the embolic-alone type.
Comparative Effectiveness of Carotid Revascularization Therapies
Authors: McDonald Robert J. , McDonald Jennifer S. , Therneau Terry M. , Lanzino Giuseppe , Kallmes David F. , Cloft Harry J.
Published: October 2014

Background and Purpose—

Clinical equipoise of carotid revascularization therapies remains controversial. We sought to determine whether adverse outcomes after carotid endarterectomy (CEA) or carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS) were similar using propensity score–matched analysis of retrospective data from a large hospital discharge database.

Methods—

All CEA and CAS cases were identified from the 2006 to 2011 Premier Perspective Database and subjected to 1:1 propensity score matching using 33 clinical covariates associated with carotid revascularization. A primary composite end point of peri- or postoperative mortality, stroke, or acute myocardial infarction and a modified composite end point excluding acute myocardial infarction were used to compare our findings with recent prospective controlled trials. Multivariate regression and Cox-proportional hazard ratio survival analysis were performed to compare revascularization therapy outcomes.

Results—

After 1:1 propensity score matching, 24 004 (12 002 CEA and CAS) asymptomatic and 3506 (1753 CEA and CAS) symptomatic procedures were included. The risk of the primary composite end point was significantly higher after CAS than CEA in both asymptomatic (odds ratio, 1.40 [1.19–1.65];
P
<0.0001) and symptomatic (odds ratio=2.31 [1.78–3.00];
P
<0.0001) presentations, irrespective of age (
P
=0.28) or sex (
P
=0.35). Similar findings were observed using the modified composite end point for both asymptomatic (odds ratio, 1.49 [1.25–1.78];
P
<0.0001) and symptomatic (odds ratio, 3.02 [2.25–4.07];
P
<0.0001) presentations. Acute myocardial infarction risk was not significantly different between revascularization therapies, regardless of clinical presentation (
P
=0.71 and 0.24).

Conclusions—

Among individuals undergoing carotid artery revascularization from a large sample of US hospitals, CAS was associated with higher risk of perioperative mortality, stroke, and unfavorable discharges compared with CEA for all ages and clinical presentations.
Guideline-Directed Low-Density Lipoprotein Management in High-Risk Patients With Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Saposnik Gustavo , Fonarow Gregg C. , Pan Wenquin , Liang Li , Hernandez Adrian F. , Schwamm Lee H. , Smith Eric E.
Published: October 2014

Background and Purpose—

Limited information is available on stroke prevention in high-risk patients with preexisting cardiovascular disease. Our aim was to use admission low-density lipoprotein (LDL) values to evaluate differences in the attainment of National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines goals at the time of the index event in high-risk patients with stroke and preexisting cardio- or cerebrovascular disease.

Methods—

Observational study, using data from the Get-With-The-Guidelines-Stroke Registry including 913 436 patients with an acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack from April 2003 to September 2012. Participants were classified as high risk if they had history of transient ischemic attack (TIA), stroke (cardiovascular disease), and coronary artery disease (CAD).

Results—

Of the 913 436 patients admitted with an acute stroke or TIA, 194 557 (21.3%) had previous stroke/TIA, 148 833 (16.3%) had previous CAD, and 88 605 (9.7%) had concomitant CAD and cardiovascular disease. Overall, only 68% of patients with stroke were at their preadmission National Cholesterol Education Program III guideline-recommended LDL target; 51.3% had LDL <100 mg/dL; and only 19.8% had LDL<70 mg/dL. Among those presenting with a recurrent stroke, >45% had LDL>100 mg/dL. When compared with patients with CAD, patients with previous TIA/stroke were less likely to have LDL<100 or <70 mg/dL. In multivariable analysis, older age, men, white race, lack of major vascular risk factors, previous use of cholesterol-lowering therapy, and care provided in larger hospitals were associated with meeting LDL targets on admission testing.

Conclusions—

Management of dyslipidemia in high-risk patients with preexistent CAD or stroke continues to be suboptimal. Only 1 in 5 patients with prior TIA/stroke had LDL levels <70 mg/dL.
Characterizing AMV Height-Assignment Error by Comparing Best-Fit Pressure Statistics from the Met Office and ECMWF Data Assimilation Systems
Authors: Salonen Kirsti , Cotton James , Bormann Niels , Forsythe Mary
Published: October 2014

To ensure realistic use of atmospheric motion vector (AMV) observations in data assimilation, the error characteristics of the observation type need to be known and carefully taken into account. Assigning a height to the tracked feature is one of the most significant error sources for AMV observations. In this article, the characteristics of the AMV height-assignment error are studied by comparing model best-fit pressure statistics between the Met Office and ECMWF data assimilation systems. The aim is to provide detailed uncertainty estimates for the assigned pressure and to demonstrate that the best-fit pressure enables reliable estimation of the uncertainties in the AMV height assignment. Typical values for the standard deviation of the difference between the assigned pressure and the best-fit pressure are 50–80 hPa at high levels, 115–165 hPa at midlevels, and 60–125 hPa at low levels, depending on satellite, channel, and height-assignment method. Observed minus best-fit pressure biases are mostly within the range of ±50 hPa. The results are very similar for the Met Office and ECMWF systems, suggesting that the pressure differences are not strongly dependent on the data assimilation system. Furthermore, the findings are in good agreement with the expected characteristics of the height-assignment methods and quality of the observations. Thus, best-fit pressure statistics give reliable information about the uncertainties in the AMV height assignment.
The Tropical Precipitation Response to Andes Topography and Ocean Heat Fluxes in an Aquaplanet Model
Authors: Maroon Elizabeth A. , Frierson Dargan M. W. , Battisti David S.
Published: October 2014

This aquaplanet modeling study using the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory Atmospheric Model, version 2.1 (GFDL AM2.1), examines how ocean energy transport and topography influence the location of tropical precipitation. Adding realistic Andes topography regionally displaces tropical rainfall from the equator into the Northern Hemisphere, even when the wind–evaporation feedback is disabled. The relative importance of the Andes compared to the asymmetric hemispheric heating of the atmosphere by ocean transport is examined by including idealized and realistic zonally averaged surface heat fluxes (also known as q fluxes) in the slab ocean. A hemispherically asymmetric q flux displaces the tropical rainfall toward the hemisphere receiving the greatest heating by the ocean. The zonal-mean displacement of rainfall is greater in simulations with a realistic q flux than with a realistic Andes topography. Simulations that add both a q flux and topography displace rainfall farther to the north in the region 120° to the west of the Andes than in simulations that only have a q flux. Cloud and clear-sky radiative feedbacks in the tropics and subtropics of this model both act to amplify the energy flux and the precipitation response to a given hemispheric asymmetry in oceanic forcing.
Beyond Weather Time-Scale Prediction for Hurricane Sandy and Super Typhoon Haiyan in a Global Climate Model
Authors: Xiang Baoqiang , Lin Shian-Jiann , Zhao Ming , Zhang Shaoqing , Vecchi Gabriel , Li Tim , Jiang Xianan , Harris Lucas , Chen Jan-Huey
Published: October 2014

While tropical cyclone (TC) prediction, in particular TC genesis, remains very challenging, accurate prediction of TCs is critical for timely preparedness and mitigation. Using a new version of the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL) coupled model, the authors studied the predictability of two destructive landfall TCs: Hurricane Sandy in 2012 and Super Typhoon Haiyan in 2013. Results demonstrate that the geneses of these two TCs are highly predictable with the maximum prediction lead time reaching 11 days. The “beyond weather time scale” predictability of tropical cyclogenesis is primarily attributed to the model’s skillful prediction of the intraseasonal Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) and the westward propagation of easterly waves. Meanwhile, the landfall location and time can be predicted one week ahead for Sandy’s U.S landfall, and two weeks ahead for Haiyan’s landing in the Philippines. The success in predicting Sandy and Haiyan, together with low false alarms, indicates the potential of using the GFDL coupled model for extended-range predictions of TCs.
Aid and Governance in Vulnerable States
Authors: Khan Mushtaq H.
Published: October 2014

Bangladesh and Pakistan had very different experiences with aid after 1971. Politics in Pakistan was less inclusive in terms of opportunities for intermediate (middle- and lower-middle-) class political entrepreneurs, and the dominance of military aid to Pakistan exacerbated the problem by allowing the top leadership to continue to rule without sharing much power with these classes. This not only had negative effects on the evolution of Pakistan’s politics but also slowed down the growth of a broad-based manufacturing sector. In contrast, in Bangladesh the less centralized organization of political power and less concentrated forms of aid allowed intermediate-class political entrepreneurs to improve their access to resources and created opportunities for many of them to enter productive manufacturing activities such as the garments industry. Differences in patterns of aid can help to explain significant differences in economic and political outcomes in the two countries. These experiences challenge conventional ideas about the relationship among aid, good governance, and security. Designing aid policies so that aid can assist developing countries in improving their economic and political viability requires a better understanding of the complex relationships between aid and the political economies of recipient countries.
State Failure, State-Building, and Prospects for a “Functional Failed State” in Somalia
Authors: Menkhaus Ken
Published: October 2014

Over two decades of external efforts at institution-building in Somalia have failed to revive a functional central government there. There are many reasons for this, not least of which are powerful local interests in perpetuating weak government institutions, facilitating corruption and other illicit activities. But some notable successes have occurred at the local level, both with formal and informal governance mechanisms. Municipalities have been particularly effective sources of formal governance in Somalia’s failed state, providing basic security and services via legitimate and responsive local authorities. In addition, informal hybrid governance arrangements, drawing on a combination of customary authority, sharia courts, business leaders, women’s market groups, and professionals, have been a critical source of routinized, legitimate governance and rule of law in Somalia. External actors have struggled to understand these arrangements and their place in wider state-building efforts. Where external aid has helped with local and informal governance in Somalia, it has been carefully calibrated and based on close contextual knowledge, not template-driven projects.
Humanized management? Capital and migrant labour in a time of labour shortage in South China
Authors: Choi Susanne YP , Peng Yinni
Published: October 2014

This article explores changing strategies of managerial control in a labour-intensive factory in South China at a time of labour shortage. It describes power relationships between capital and migrant labour under changing labour market conditions, migrant cohorts and global business environment, and analyses a new paternalist managerial strategy named ‘humanized management’ and workers’ reactions to it. Although ‘humanized management’, as part of East Asian paternalism, advocates mutual respect, care and reciprocity between management and labour, it constructs workers as irresponsible, spoiled children needing to be led, moved, touched, taught and ruled. Its human focus notwithstanding, the new strategy did not result in substantial reforms of managerial despotism, nor did the factory institute any welfare programs for workers. Because of these discrepancies between the ideological avowals and practical application of ‘humanized management’, the new approach was disregarded by workers, who preferred to rely on individual measures such as threats to quit, or collective action, to win concessions from management. The study provides new insight into the changing relationship between capital and migrant workers in South China and informs the debate in industrial sociology and human resource management research about the efficacy of East Asian paternalist management in improving capital–labour relationships.
Entertainment politics: Brazilian celebrities’ transition to politics, recent history and main patterns
Authors: Ribke Nahuel
Published: October 2014

This article proposes to analyse the transition of Brazilian media celebrities into the political sphere during the last three decades by examining five paradigmatic cases of famous figures who have made forays into politics between the years 1982 and 2012. Global changes in the relationship between the media and the political system, as well as contemporary Brazilian history, have been taken into account while examining each case. The study emphasizes the need to analyse the hierarchical relations between the different domains of the cultural industries and the field of politics, highlighting new patterns of interaction between the field of media entertainment and the democratic process.