bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coupling strategies for compressible-low Mach number flows
Authors: Penel Yohan , Dellacherie Stephane , Després Bruno
Published: November 2014

In order to enrich the modeling of fluid flows, we investigate in this paper a coupling between two models dedicated to distinct regimes. More precisely, we focus on the influence of the Mach number as the low Mach case is known to induce theoretical and numerical issues in a compressible framework. A moving interface is introduced to separate a compressible model (Euler with source term) and its low Mach counterpart through relevant transmission conditions. A global steady state for the coupled problem is exhibited. Numerical simulations are then performed to highlight the influence of the coupling by means of a robust numerical strategy.
Stability of Rotating Coaxial Cylindrical Shells Interacting with a Flowing and Rotating Fluid
Authors: Bochkarev Sergey A. , Matveenko Valery P.
Published: November 2014

This paper is concerned with the numerical investigation of hydroelastic stability of stationary or rotating coaxial cylindrical shells, interacting with compressible fluid flows having the axial and tangential velocity components. The behavior of a flowing and rotating compressible fluid is considered in the framework of the potential theory. Elastic shells are described using the model of the classical shell theory. Numerical implementation was accomplished based on the semi-analytical variant of the finite element method. The paper presents the results of numerical experiments on the stability of shells interacting with different flow patterns for a variety of boundary conditions, geometrical dimensions, width of the annular gap between the outer and inner shell under the constraint of the outer shell rigidity. It has been shown that the elasticity of the outer shells has the greatest effect on the dynamic behavior of coaxial shells interacting with fluid flows having different combinations of velocity components.
Acyclic and cyclic nitrone cycloadditions to 1-cinnamoyl-1-piperidine: A DFT study
Authors: Acharjee Nivedita
Published: November 2014

DFT studies have been carried out for the cycloaddition reactions of a cyclic nitrone, 1-pyrroline-1-oxide and an acyclic nitrone, C,N-diphenyl nitrone to an unsymmetrically disubstituted dipolarophile, 1-cinnamoyl-1-piperidine. These reactions proved to be opposite to each other with respect to the electron demand character predicted by the electronic chemical potentials, electrophilicities and charge transfer at the transition states. The regio- and stereoselectivities have been predicted from DFT based reactivity indices, interaction energy calculations using a perturbative orbital independent theoretical model and the activation parameters of the located transition states. Two different concepts have been used for the evaluation of interaction energies. The selectivities were found to be in conformity with the experimental findings. The time gaps between the formations of C – C and C – O bonds were evaluated from single trajectory simulations. The asynchronicity of bond formation process was analyzed from the wiberg bond indices, atom–atom overlap weighted NAO bond orders and the calculated asymmetry indices of the transition states.
From the Concept of Totipotency to Biofortified Cereals
Authors: Potrykus Ingo
Published: November 2014

I was a college teacher when opportunity opened a path into academia. A fascination with totipotency channeled me into research on tissue culture. As I was more interested in contributions to food security than in scientific novelty, I turned my attention to the development of genetic modification technology for cereals. From my cell culture experience, I had reasons not to trust Agrobacterium for that purpose, and I developed direct gene transfer instead. In the early 1990s, I became aware of the problem of micronutrient deficiency, particularly vitamin A deficiency in rice-eating populations. Golden Rice, which contains increased amounts of provitamin A, was probably instrumental for the concept of biofortification to take off. I realized that this rice would remain an academic exercise if product development and product registration were not addressed, and this is what I focused on after my retirement. Although progress is slowly being made, had I known what this pursuit would entail, perhaps I would not have started. Hopefully Golden Rice will reach the needy during my lifetime.
Nonadditive Gene Expression in Polyploids
Authors: Yoo Mi-Jeong , Liu Xiaoxian , Pires J. Chris , Soltis Pamela S. , Soltis Douglas E.
Published: November 2014

Allopolyploidy involves hybridization and duplication of divergent parental genomes and provides new avenues for gene expression. The expression levels of duplicated genes in polyploids can show deviation from parental additivity (the arithmetic average of the parental expression levels). Nonadditive expression has been widely observed in diverse polyploids and comprises at least three possible scenarios: (a) The total gene expression level in a polyploid is similar to that of one of its parents (expression-level dominance); (b) total gene expression is lower or higher than in both parents (transgressive expression); and (c) the relative contribution of the parental copies (homeologs) to the total gene expression is unequal (homeolog expression bias). Several factors may result in expression nonadditivity in polyploids, including maternal-paternal influence, gene dosage balance, cis- and/or trans-regulatory networks, and epigenetic regulation. As our understanding of nonadditive gene expression in polyploids remains limited, a new generation of investigators should explore additional phenomena (i.e., alternative splicing) and use other high-throughput “omics” technologies to measure the impact of nonadditive expression on phenotype, proteome, and metabolome.
The Molecular Physiology of Uric Acid Homeostasis
Authors: Mandal Asim K. , Mount David B.
Published: November 2014

Uric acid, generated from the metabolism of purines, has proven and emerging roles in human disease. Serum uric acid is determined by production and the net balance of reabsorption or secretion by the kidney and intestine. A detailed understanding of epithelial absorption and secretion of uric acid has recently emerged, aided in particular by the results of genome-wide association studies of hyperuricemia. Novel genetic and regulatory networks with effects on uric acid homeostasis have also emerged. These developments promise to lead to a new understanding of the various diseases associated with hyperuricemia and to novel, targeted therapies for hyperuricemia.
Lazy Lips: Hyperkalemia and Acute Tetraparesis—A Case Report from an Urban Emergency Department
Authors: Braun Christian T. , Srivastava David S. , Engelhardt Bianca Maria , Lindner Gregor , Exadaktylos Aristomenis K.
Published: November 2014

A 58-year-old male patient was admitted to our emergency department at a large university hospital due to acute onset of general weakness. It was reported that the patient was bradycardic at 30/min and felt an increasing weakness of the limbs. At admission to the emergency department, the patient was not feeling any discomfort and denied dyspnoea or pain. The primary examination of the nervous system showed the cerebral nerves II–XII intact, muscle strength of the lower extremities was 4/5, and a minimal sensory loss of the left hemisphere was found. In addition, the patient complained about lazy lips. During ongoing examinations, the patient developed again symptomatic bradycardia, accompanied by complete tetraplegia. The following blood test showed severe hyperkalemia probably induced by use of aldosterone antagonists as the cause of the patient’s neurologic symptoms. Hyperkalemia is a rare but treatable cause of acute paralysis that requires immediate treatment. Late diagnosis can delay appropriate treatment leading to cardiac arrhythmias and arrest.
The Effect of Optimally Timed Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment on Length of Hospital Stay in Moderate and Late Preterm Infants: Results from a RCT
Authors: Pizzolorusso Gianfranco , Cerritelli Francesco , Accorsi Alessandro , Lucci Chiara , Tubaldi Lucia , Lancellotti Jenny , Barlafante Gina , Renzetti Cinzia , D′Incecco Carmine , Perri Francesco Paolo
Published: November 2014

Introduction. Little research has been conducted looking at the effects of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) on preterm infants. Aim of the Study. This study hypothesized that osteopathic care is effective in reducing length of hospital stay and that early OMT produces the most pronounced benefit, compared to moderately early and late OMT. A secondary outcome was to estimate hospital cost savings by the use of OMT. Methods. 110 newborns ranging from 32‐ to 37‐week gestation were randomized to receive either OMT or usual pediatric care. Early, moderately early, and late OMT were defined as <4, <9, and <14 days from birth, respectively. Result. Hospital stay was shorter in infants receiving late OMT (−2.03; 95% CI −3.15, −0.91; P < 0.01) than controls. Subgroup analysis of infants receiving early and moderately early OMT resulted in shorter LOS (early OMT: −4.16; −6.05, −2.27; P < 0.001; moderately early OMT: −3.12; −4.36, −1.89; P < 0.001). Costs analysis showed that OMT significantly produced a net saving of €740 (−1309.54, −170.33; P = 0.01) per newborn per LOS. Conclusions. This study shows evidence that the sooner OMT is provided, the shorter their hospital stay is. There is also a positive association of OMT with overall reduction in cost of care.
A Case of Urethral Duplication Arising from the Posterior Urethra to the Scrotum with Urinary Stone in a 6-Year-Old Male
Authors: Mori Kenichi , Shin Toshitaka , Tobu Shohei , Noguchi Mitsuru , Sumino Yasuhiro , Sato Fuminoi , Mimata Hiromitsu
Published: November 2014

Urethral duplication is a rare congenital anomaly. We report a 6-year-old male with type IIA2 (Y-type) using Effmann’s classification. The accessory urethra, in which a urinary stone existed, arose from the posterior urethra to the scrotum. Because of recurrent urinary tract infection and urinary discharge from the accessory urethra, surgical removal of the accessory urethra through a scrotal incision was performed. At 7-month postoperative follow-up the patient was completely free from urinary incontinence and urinary tract infection.
Solvent Effects on the Electrochemical Behavior of TAPD-Based Redox-Responsive Probes for Cadmium(II)
Authors: Sahli Rihab , Bahri Janet , Tapsoba Issa , Boujlel Khaled , Raouafi Noureddine
Published: November 2014

Two tetralkylated phenylenediamines (TAPD)1and2have been prepared by reductive alkylation ofpara-dimethylaminoaniline with furfural or thiophene 2-carboxaldehyde, respectively. Their chelation ability has been evaluated as electrochemical guest-responsive chemosensors for Cd(II) in acetonitrile (ACN), dimethylformamide (DMF), propylene carbonate (PC), and nitromethane (NM). The voltamperometric studies showed that these compounds are able to bind the Cd(II) cation with strong affinities except in DMF. The redox features of the chemosensors changed drastically when they are bounded to Cd(II) to undergo important anodic potential peak shifts comprised between ca. 500 and ca. 900 mV depending on the solvent. The addition of ∼4–10% molar triflic acid (TfOH) was found to be necessary to achieve rapidly the cation chelation which is slow without the acid. The electrochemical investigations suggested the formation of 1 : 2 stoichiometry complexes [Cd(L)2]2+. The results are discussed in terms of solvent effects as a competitive electron donating ligand to the cation. The reaction coupling efficiency (RCE) values were determined and were also found to be solvent-dependent.
Effects of Anethole in Nociception Experimental Models
Authors: Ritter Alessandra Mileni Versuti , Ames Franciele Queiroz , Otani Fernando , de Oliveira Rubia Maria Weffort , Cuman Roberto Kenji Nakamura , Bersani-Amado Ciomar Aparecida
Published: November 2014

This study investigated the antinociceptive activity of anethole (anethole 1‐methoxy‐4‐benzene (1‐propenyl)), major compound of the essential oil of star anise (Illicium verum), in different experimental models of nociception. The animals were pretreated with anethole (62.5, 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg) one hour before the experiments. To eliminate a possible sedative effect of anethole, the open field test was conducted. Anethole (62.5, 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg) showed an antinociceptive effect in the writhing model induced by acetic acid, in the second phase of the formalin test (125 and 250 mg/kg) in the test of glutamate (62.5, 125, and 250 mg/kg), and expresses pain induced by ACF (250 mg/kg). In contrast, anethole was not able to increase the latency time on the hot plate and decrease the number of flinches during the initial phase of the formalin test in any of the doses tested. It was also demonstrated that anethole has no association with sedative effects. Therefore, these data showed that anethole, at all used doses, has no sedative effect and has an antinociceptive effect. This effect may be due to a decrease in the production/release of inflammatory mediators.
Current Evidence on Auricular Therapy for Chemotherapy‐Induced Nausea and Vomiting in Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Tan Jing-Yu , Molassiotis Alexander , Wang Tao , Suen Lorna K. P.
Published: November 2014

Auricular therapy (AT) has been historically viewed as a convenient approach adjunct to pharmacological therapy for cancer patients with chemotherapy‐induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). The aim of this study was to assess the evidence of the therapeutic effect of AT for CINV management in cancer patients. Relevant randomized controlled trials were retrieved from 12 electronic databases without language restrictions. Meanwhile, manual search was conducted for Chinese journals on complementary medicine published within the last five years, and the reference lists of included studies were also checked to identify any possible eligible studies. Twenty‐one studies with 1713 participants were included. The effect rate of AT for managing acute CINV ranged from 44.44% to 93.33% in the intervention groups and 15% to 91.67% in the control groups. For delayed CINV, it was 62.96% to 100% and 25% to 100%, respectively. AT seems to be a promising approach in managing CINV. However, the level of evidence was low and the definite effect cannot be concluded as there were significant methodological flaws identified in the analyzed studies. The implications drawn from the 21 studies put some clues for future practice in this area including the need to conduct more rigorously designed randomized controlled trials.
Oral Lesion as Unusual First Manifestation of Multiple Myeloma: Case Reports and Review of the Literature
Authors: Romano A. , Marescalco M. S. , Liardo Chiara , Villari L. , Vetro C. , Conticello C. , Di Raimondo F. , Ferlito S.
Published: November 2014

Extramedullary plasmacytoma (EMP) and solitary bone plasmacytoma (SBP) represent a disease continuum through a multistage process of cell differentiation, survival, proliferation, and dissemination, strictly related to multiple myeloma (MM), the second most common hematological malignancy. Herein, we report two cases of recurrent oral plasmacytoma progressed to MM, in which the first clinical sign of a more widespread disease was limited to the mouth. Based on our experience, we recommend a strict workup for the differential diagnosis between EMP, SBP, and MM for patients with oral plasmacytoma, including radiological exam of the skeleton, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the bone, and positive emission tomography (FDG-PET). MRI and possibly PET can all be used to more sensitively detect EM plasmacytoma sites.
Upper‐Lower Bounds Candidate Sets Searching Algorithm for Bayesian Network Structure Learning
Authors: Liu Guangyi , Li Ou , Zhang Dalong , Song Tao
Published: November 2014

Bayesian network is an important theoretical model in artificial intelligence field and also a powerful tool for processing uncertainty issues. Considering the slow convergence speed of current Bayesian network structure learning algorithms, a fast hybrid learning method is proposed in this paper. We start with further analysis of information provided by low‐order conditional independence testing, and then two methods are given for constructing graph model of network, which is theoretically proved to be upper and lower bounds of the structure space of target network, so that candidate sets are given as a result; after that a search and scoring algorithm is operated based on the candidate sets to find the final structure of the network. Simulation results show that the algorithm proposed in this paper is more efficient than similar algorithms with the same learning precision.
Large Display Interaction via Multiple Acceleration Curves and Multifinger Pointer Control
Authors: Esakia Andrey , Endert Alex , North Chris
Published: November 2014

Large high-resolution displays combine high pixel density with ample physical dimensions. The combination of these factors creates a multiscale workspace where interactive targeting of on-screen objects requires both high speed for distant targets and high accuracy for small targets. Modern operating systems support implicit dynamic control-display gain adjustment (i.e., a pointer acceleration curve) that helps to maintain both speed and accuracy. However, large high-resolution displays require a broader range of control-display gains than a single acceleration curve can usably enable. Some interaction techniques attempt to solve the problem by utilizing multiple explicit modes of interaction, where different modes provide different levels of pointer precision. Here, we investigate the alternative hypothesis of using asingle modeof interaction for continuous pointing that enables both (1) standardimplicitgranularity control via an acceleration curve and (2)explicitswitching between multiple acceleration curves in an efficient and dynamic way. We evaluate a sample solution that augments standard touchpad accelerated pointer manipulation with multitouch capability, where the choice of acceleration curve dynamically changes depending on the number of fingers in contact with the touchpad. Specifically, users can dynamically switch among three different acceleration curves by using one, two, or three fingers on the touchpad.
Influence of the Molecular Adhesion Force on the Indentation Depth of a Particle into the Wafer Surface in the CMP Process
Authors: Jianhua Zhou , Jianzhong Jiang , Xueming He
Published: November 2014

By theoretical calculation, the external force on the particle conveyed by pad asperities and the molecular adhesion force between particle and wafer are compared and analyzed quantitatively. It is confirmed that the molecular adhesion force between particle and wafer has a great influence on the chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) material removal process. Considering the molecular adhesion force between particle and wafer, a more precise model for the indentation of a particle into the wafer surface is developed in this paper, and the new model is compared with the former model which neglected the molecular adhesion force. Through theoretical analyses, an approach and corresponding critical values are applied to estimate whether the molecular adhesion force in CMP can be neglected. These methods can improve the precision of the material removal model of CMP.
A Rare Interstitial Duplication of 8q22.1–8q24.3 Associated with Syndromic Bilateral Cleft Lip/Palate
Authors: Rezek Regina Ferreira , Rodrigues Abbas Ana Angélica , Forte Mazzeu Juliana , Duarte Miranda Siliana Maria , Velloso-Rodrigues Cibele
Published: November 2014

We present a rare case of 8q interstitial duplication derived from maternal balanced translocations in a patient with bilateral cleft lip and palate in syndromic form associated with other congenital malformations. G-banding cytogenetic analysis revealed a chromosomal abnormality in the form of the karyotype 46,XX der(22)t(8;22)(q22.1;p11.1)mat. Chromosome microarray analysis evidenced a 49 Mb duplicated segment of chromosome 8q with no pathogenic imbalances on chromosome 22. Two siblings also carry the balanced translocation. We have compared this case with other “pure” trisomies of 8q patients reported in the literature and with genome wide association studies recently published. This work highlights the involvement of chromosome 8q in orofacial clefts.
Experimental Investigations of Noise Control in Planetary Gear Set by Phasing
Authors: Gawande S. H. , Shaikh S. N.
Published: November 2014

Now a days reduction of gear noise and resulting vibrations has received much attention of the researchers. The internal excitation caused by the variation in tooth mesh stiffness is a key factor in causing vibration. Therefore to reduce gear noise and vibrations several techniques have been proposed in recent years. In this research the experimental work is carried out to study the effect of planet phasing on noise and subsequent resulting vibrations of Nylon-6 planetary gear drive. For this purpose experimental set-up was built and trials were conducted for two different arrangements (i.e., with phasing and without phasing) and it is observed that the noise level and resulting vibrations were reduced by planet phasing arrangement. So from the experimental results it is observed that by applying the meshing phase difference one can reduce planetary gear set noise and vibrations.
Humidity Sensing Properties of Surface Modified Polyaniline Metal Oxide Composites
Authors: Nagaraju S. C. , Roy Aashis S. , Kumar J. B. Prasanna , Anilkumar Koppalkar R. , Ramagopal G.
Published: November 2014

Polyaniline- (PANI) praseodymium Oxide (Pr2O3) composites have been synthesized by in situ polymerization method with different weight percentages. The synthesized composites have been characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The temperature dependent conductivity shows that the conductivity is due to the hopping of polarons and bipolarons. These composites show negative thermal coefficient (α) behavior as a function of temperature, which is characteristic behavior of semiconducting materials. Sensor studies have been carried out by two-probe method and found that the sensitivity increases with increase in % RH. It is noticed that stability increase is due to the presence of Pr2O3in polyaniline up to 30 wt%. A fast recovery and response time along with high sensitivity make these composites suitable for humidity sensors.
Investigations on Growth, Optical and Thermal Properties of Sulphamic Acid Single Crystals
Authors: Jaishree D. , Kanchana G. , Kesavasamy R.
Published: November 2014

Single crystals of sulphamic acid of 11 × 7 × 3 mm3dimension were successfully grown by slow evaporation technique. The crystal structure of grown crystals was confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The presence of functional groups in the crystal lattice has been qualitatively determined by FT-IR and FT-Raman analyses. Theoretical group factor analysis predicts the possible modes of vibrations. The optical transmission spectroscopy (UV-Vis) clearly evidences the suitability of this material for optical application. The thermal behaviour of the crystal was studied by thermogravimetric (TG) and differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) studies. The nonlinear optical (NLO) characteristic of this material was explored by the second harmonic generation (SHG) conversion efficiency.
Treatment Efficacy and Resistance Mechanisms Using the Second-Generation ALK Inhibitor AP26113 in Human NPM-ALK–Positive Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Ceccon M. , Mologni L. , Giudici G. , Piazza R. , Pirola A. , Fontana D. , Gambacorti-Passerini C.
Published: November 2014

ALK is a tyrosine kinase receptor involved in a broad range of solid and hematologic tumors. Among 70% to 80% of ALK+ anaplastic large cell lymphomas (ALCL) are caused by the aberrant oncogenic fusion protein NPM-ALK. Crizotinib was the first clinically relevant ALK inhibitor, now approved for the treatment of late-stage and metastatic cases of lung cancer. However, patients frequently develop drug resistance to Crizotinib, mainly due to the appearance of point mutations located in the ALK kinase domain. Fortunately, other inhibitors are available and in clinical trial, suggesting the potential for second-line therapies to overcome Crizotinib resistance. This study focuses on the ongoing phase I/II trial small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) AP26113, by Ariad Pharmaceuticals, which targets both ALK and EGFR. Two NPM-ALK+ human cell lines, KARPAS-299 and SUP-M2, were grown in the presence of increasing concentrations of AP26113, and eight lines were selected that demonstrated resistance. All lines show IC50 values higher (130 to 1,000-fold) than the parental line. Mechanistically, KARPAS-299 populations resistant to AP26113 show NPM-ALK overexpression, whereas SUP-M2–resistant cells harbor several point mutations spanning the entire ALK kinase domain. In particular, amino acid substitutions: L1196M, S1206C, the double F1174V+L1198F and L1122V+L1196M mutations were identified. The knowledge of the possible appearance of new clinically relevant mechanisms of drug resistance is a useful tool for the management of new TKI-resistant cases.

Implications: This work defines reliable ALCL model systems of AP26113 resistance and provides a valuable tool in the management of all cases of relapse upon NPM-ALK–targeted therapy. Mol Cancer Res; 13(4); 775–83. ©2014 AACR.
Echogenicity of Medium-to-Large Carotid Plaques Predicts Future Vascular Events
Authors: Tadokoro Yasuhiro , Sakaguchi Manabu , Yamagami Hiroshi , Okazaki Shuhei , Furukado Shigetaka , Matsumoto Mari , Miwa Kaori , Yagita Yoshiki , Mochizuki Hideki , Kitagawa Kazuo
Published: November 2014

Background: Although the echolucent plaque in carotid stenosis is associated with future ischemic stroke, the predictive value of echogenicity in small and medium size carotid plaques on vascular events has not been thoroughly examined. Thus, we prospectively tested the hypothesis that plaque echogenicity of carotid atheroma can predict the future total cardiovascular events in patients with vascular risk factors. Methods: Ultrasound assessment of carotid intima-media complex thickness (IMT) and plaque echogenicity using integrated backscatter (IBS) analysis was performed in 596 patients aged 40 or more, with any history of vascular events or with at least 1 risk factor, who were enrolled between 2001 and 2006 in the Osaka Follow-up Study for Carotid Atherosclerosis, part 2 (OSACA2). We followed the incidence of total cardiovascular events including cerebrovascular events, coronary heart disease (CHD), and peripheral artery disease (PAD) for 6.4 years. We divided the patients into two groups according to the IBS index above (echorich plaques) and under (echolucent plaque) the median value, and calculated the hazard ratios (HR) of the echolucent group compared with the echogenic group in the risk of cardiovascular events. Results: Among 596 patients, carotid stenosis was found only in 87 patients. During the follow-up period, we observed 121 cardiovascular events including 63 cerebrovascular events, 45 CHD cases, and 13 PAD cases. The patients with incident cardiovascular events had larger plaque thickness and lower IBS index than those without incident vascular events. The relative risk of vascular events for echolucent versus echorich plaques was 1.45 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.99-2.13, p = 0.058) after adjustment for risk factors and plaque thickness. In patients with plaque size above the median value (>2.1 mm), the relative risk of vascular events for echolucent plaques was 1.72 (95% CI 1.06-2.85, p = 0.029), but this association was not observed in patients with plaque size <2.0 mm. Conclusions: The association between echogenicity of carotid plaque and incident vascular events is dependent on the plaque size. Echolucent medium-to-large plaques, but not small plaques, are associated with the risk of future total cardiovascular events. This finding suggests that measurement of echolucency in medium-to-large carotid plaques may improve selection of patients at high risk for total vascular events.
Prevalence and Correlates of Receiving and Sharing High-Penetrance Cancer Genetic Test Results: Findings from the Health Information National Trends Survey
Authors: Taber Jennifer M. , Chang Christine Q. , Lam Tram K. , Gillanders Elizabeth M. , Hamilton Jada G. , Schully Sheri D.
Published: November 2014

Background/Aims: The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence and correlates of receiving and sharing high-penetrance cancer genetic test results. Methods: Participants completed the population-based, cross-sectional 2013 Health Information National Trends Survey. We examined sociodemographic characteristics of participants reporting having had BRCA1/2 or Lynch syndrome genetic testing, and sociodemographic and psychosocial correlates of sharing test results with health professionals and family members. Results: Participants who underwent BRCA1/2 or Lynch syndrome genetic testing (n = 77; 2.42% of respondents) were more likely to be female and to have a family or personal history of cancer than those not undergoing testing. Approximately three-quarters of participants shared results with health professionals and three-quarters with their family; only 4% did not share results with anyone. Participants who shared results with health professionals reported greater optimism, self-efficacy for health management, and trust in information from their doctors. Participants who shared results with their family were more likely to be female and to have a personal history of cancer, and had greater self-efficacy for health management, perceived less ambiguity in cancer prevention recommendations, and lower cancer prevention fatalism. Conclusions: We identified several novel psychosocial correlates of sharing genetic information. Health professionals may use this information to identify patients less likely to share information with at-risk family members.
Characterization and Differential Expression Patterns of Conserved microRNAs and mRNAs in Three Genders of the Rice Field Eel (Monopterus albus)
Authors: Gao Yu , Guo Wei , Hu Qing , Zou Ming , Tang Rong , Chi Wei , Li Dapeng
Published: November 2014

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous small RNAs that can regulate target mRNAs by binding to their sequences in the 3′ untranslated region. The expression of miRNAs and their biogenetic pathway are involved in sexual differentiation and in the regulation of the development of germ cells and gonadal somatic cells. The rice field eel (Monopterus albus) undergoes a natural sexual transformation from female to male via an intersex stage during its life cycle. To investigate the molecular mechanisms of this sexual transformation, miRNAs present in the different sexual stages of the rice field eel were identified by high-throughput sequencing technology. A significantly differential expression among the 3 genders (p < 0.001) was observed for 48 unique miRNAs and 3 miRNAs*. Only 9 unique miRNAs showed a more than 8-fold change in their expression among the 3 genders, including mal-miR-430a and mal-miR-430c which were higher in females than in males. However, mal-miR-430b was only detected in males. Several potential miRNA target genes (cyp19a, cyp19b, nr5a1b, foxl2 amh, and vasa) were also investigated. Real-time RT-PCR demonstrated highly specific expression patterns of these genes in the 3 genders of the rice field eel. Many of these genes are targets of mal-miR-430b according to the TargetScan and miRTarBase. These results suggest that the miR-430 family may be involved in the sexual transformation of the rice field eel.
Sexual Dimorphism of Doxorubicin-Mediated Cardiotoxicity
Authors: Moulin Maryline , Piquereau Jérôme , Mateo Philippe , Fortin Dominique , Rucker-Martin Catherine , Gressette Mélanie , Lefebvre Florence , Gresikova Milada , Solgadi Audrey , Veksler Vladimir , Garnier Anne , Ventura-Clapier Renée
Published: November 2014

Background—

Cardiovascular diseases are the major cause of mortality among both men and women with a lower incidence in women before menopause. The clinical use of doxorubicin, widely used as an antineoplastic agent, is markedly hampered by severe cardiotoxicity. Even if there is a significant sex difference in incidence of cardiovascular disease at the adult stage, it is not known whether a difference in doxorubicin-related cardiotoxicity between men and women also exists. The objective of this work was to explore the cardiac side effects of doxorubicin in adult rats and decipher whether signaling pathways involved in cardiac toxicity differ between sexes.

Methods and Results—

After 7 weeks of doxorubicin (2 mg/kg per week), males developed major signs of cardiomyopathy with cardiac atrophy, reduced left ventricular ejection fraction and 50% mortality. In contrast, no female died and their left ventricular ejection fraction was only moderately affected. Surprisingly, neither global oxidation levels nor the antioxidant response nor the apoptosis signaling pathways were altered by doxorubicin. However, the level of total adenosine monophosphate–activated protein kinase was severely decreased only in males. Moreover, markers of mitochondrial biogenesis and cardiolipin content were strongly reduced only in males. To analyze the onset of the pathology, maximal oxygen consumption rate of left ventricular permeabilized fibers after 4 weeks of treatment was reduced only in doxorubicin-treated males.

Conclusions—

Altogether, these results clearly evidence sex differences in doxorubicin toxicity. Cardiac mitochondrial dysfunction and adenosine monophosphate–activated protein kinase seem as critical sites of sex differences in cardiotoxicity as evidenced by significant statistical interactions between sex and treatment effects.
Derivation and High Engraftment of Patient-Specific Cardiomyocyte Sheet Using Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Generated From Adult Cardiac Fibroblast
Authors: Zhang Liying , Guo Jing , Zhang Pengyuan , Xiong Qiang , Wu Steven C. , Xia Lily , Roy Samit Sunny , Tolar Jakub , O’Connell Timothy D. , Kyba Michael , Liao Kenneth , Zhang Jianyi
Published: November 2014

Background—

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can be differentiated into potentially unlimited lineages of cell types for use in autologous cell therapy. However, the efficiency of the differentiation procedure and subsequent function of the iPSC-derived cells may be influenced by epigenetic factors that the iPSCs retain from their tissues of origin; thus, iPSC-derived cells may be more effective for treatment of myocardial injury if the iPSCs were engineered from cardiac-lineage cells, rather than dermal fibroblasts.

Methods and Results—

We show that human cardiac iPSCs (hciPSCs) can be generated from cardiac fibroblasts and subsequently differentiated into exceptionally pure (>92%) sheets of cardiomyocytes (CMs). The hciPSCs passed through all the normal stages of differentiation before assuming a CM identity. When using the fibrin gel–enhanced delivery of hciPSC-CM sheets at the site of injury in infarcted mouse hearts, the engraftment rate was 31.91%±5.75% at Day 28 post transplantation. The hciPSC-CM in the sheet also appeared to develop a more mature, structurally aligned phenotype 28 days after transplantation and was associated with significant improvements in cardiac function, vascularity, and reduction in apoptosis.

Conclusions—

These data strongly support the potential of hciPSC-CM sheet transplantation for the treatment of heart with acute myocardial infarction.
An Exploratory Study of Animal Cruelty Prosecution in New York
Authors: Kordzek Andrea
Published: November 2014

In the past several years, there have been significant changes in law pertaining to cruelty toward non-human animals. While prosecutors have more options available to them today than in the past, research has failed to examine prosecutors’ actions in cases involving animal cruelty. This research relies primarily on interviews with prosecuting attorneys to understand these types of cases. It explores prosecutors’ thoughts on and experiences with animal cruelty cases and provides information on the handling of these cases by the criminal justice system.
The Voice of the Past in the Present
Authors: van der Heiden Gert-Jan
Published: November 2014

A dialogue is not only concerned with speaking with other people about something, but also includes a speaking for those who can no longer speak as well as for their opinions. In this first part of this essay, in discussion with authors such as Gadamer, Ricoeur and Derrida, I will show in which sense the dimension of speaking for... is part of a hermeneutic conception of dialogue and in which sense this speaking for... helps me in applying the model of dialogue to relation of the historian to the past. In the second part of this essay, I develop this model of dialogue to account for the historian’s activity in terms of the notions of testimony and witnessing. I show how these notions determine the course of Ricoeur’s later reflections on the philosophy of history and why these reflections may benefit from a reconsideration of Gadamer’s conception of generosity and experience.
What Could It Mean for Historians to Maintain a Dialogue With the Past?
Authors: Paul Herman
Published: November 2014

When historians claim to maintain a “dialogue with the past,” this metaphor is usually interpreted in epistemological terms. Although this is not necessarily wrong, the present article presents a broader reading of the metaphor by arguing that the imperative to engage in “dialogue with the past” can be understood as an ethical claim to scholarly integrity. This argument proceeds from the assumption that historians are usually engaged in multiple “relations with the past” as well as in multiple relations with present-day instances, varying from colleagues and readers to publishers and university administrators. These different relations, in turn, can be seen at least in part as corresponding to a range of different I-positions, some of which tend more towards the monologic than towards the dialogic. Maintaining a dialogue with the past, then, means that the I-position of what this article calls an “inquisitive listener,” characterized by dialogic virtues such as curiosity, imagination, openness, attentiveness, and humility, is cultivated and, if necessary, protected against other, more dominant I-positions, such as the “ground-breaking scholar” and the “best-selling author.” In sum, this article reinterprets the metaphor of a dialogue with the past to such effect that historians are encouraged to critical self-reflection: how dominant or recessive are their respective I-positions and to what extent should they, for integrity’s sake, be challenged or supported?
Introduction
Authors: Hui Li , Dan Wang , Fong Ricci W.
Published: November 2014

This special issue collects six interesting case studies on the so-called 15-year free education in four Chinese societies including Hong Kong, Macau, Mainland China, and Taiwan. The selected works analyze the target education policies based on the theoretical framework of 3A2S—affordability, accessibility, accountability, sustainability, and social justice. Together, they provide a multifaceted account of the merits and limitations of the 15-year free education policies implemented in Greater China. The authors examine the education policies in their respective socioeconomic contexts and aim to suggest new research agenda for early childhood education in these Greater Chinese societies.
A Multiple Case Study on the Perceived Impacts of the 15-Year Free Education Policy in Macau
Authors: Lau Michelle M. Y. L. , Hui Li , Shing On Leung
Published: November 2014

Former Portuguese colony and now a Special Administrative Region of China, Macau had progressed from following its colonizer and its neighbouring cities, like Hong Kong and Taiwan, to establishing its own education system and being the first in the Greater China region to deliver 15-year free education. The objective of this study was to examine the perceived impacts of this policy on the affordability, accessibility, accountability of early childhood education in Macau. A multiple case study, using quantitative (surveys) and qualitative (interviews) measures, was conducted in four private kindergartens in Macau to understand how the 4 principals, 24 teachers and 119 parents viewed the policy impacts. The results indicated that: (1) across roles, parents were the most supportive of the policy and consistently gave the highest grading amongst the three stakeholders. Principals were the most knowledgeable of the policy, but graded the policy lowest and regarded the government’s financial subsidy as the most insufficient. Teachers were the least optimistic and positive about the impacts of the policy. They felt that teacher qualification and the quality of teaching resources should be further enhanced; (2) Across school types, kindergartens which joined the free education network graded the policy higher and perceived its impacts more positively than the one which did not join; (3) Extra subsidies were suggested by the respondents to cover children’s extra-curricular activities, support from childcare and special education professionals, and school-based curriculum development.
Understanding the 15-Year Free Education Policies in China: An Online Study of Four Cases
Authors: Hui Li , Dan Wang
Published: November 2014

Many counties in Western China have launched 15-year ‘free’ education policies since 2010 to provide the 3-year free early childhood education (ece). To understand the affordability, accessibility, accountability, and sustainability of these policies, we sampled the four counties in Shanxi and Shaanxi province that were the first cohort to implement free ece policies: Yulin, Ningshan, Zuoyun, and Changzhi. A multiple-case online research was conducted and the results indicated that: (1) the ‘free’ education policies are neither ‘all kids free’ nor ‘all fees free’, thus could only partially solve the problem of affordability; (2) the policies did not solve the problems related to school place allocation, which in turn, tended to exacerbate the issue of accessibility and inequality in educational opportunities; (3) no monitoring and quality assurance mechanisms were launched to improve the accountability of kindergartens; and (4) the policies are unlikely to be sustainable as the ece budget entirely relies on the fiscal investment at the county level. Implications of these findings were discussed and some suggestions were made.
A contribution to the aphid fauna (Hemiptera: Aphididae) of Wrangel Island
Authors: Stekolshchikov Andrey V. , Khruleva OLGA A.
Published: November 2014

Five aphid species collected on Wrangel Island (Russia) are presented. One species, Aphis polaris sp. nov., feeding on Astragalus alpinus L. and Oxytropis sp., is described, and the fundatrix morph of two others, Pterocomma groenlandicum Hille Ris Lambers, 1952 and Metopolophium sabihae Prior, 1976., is described for the first time.
Review of the Chinese species of the genus Coelostoma Brullé, 1835
(Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae: Sphaeridiinae)
Authors: JIA FENGLONG , ASTON PAUL , FIKÁČEK MARTIN
Published: November 2014

The Chinese species of the genus Coelostoma Brullé, 1835 are revised and diagnosed. Five new species are described: Coelostoma bifidum sp. nov. (Jiangxi, Guangdong, Hong Kong), C. hajeki sp. nov. (Guangdong, Guangxi), C. hongkongense sp. nov. (Hong Kong), C. huangi sp. nov. (Guangxi, Jiangxi), and C. gentilii sp. nov. (Xizang). Coelostoma coomani Orchymont, 1932, C. orbiculare (Fabricius, 1775) and C. vividum Orchymont, 1936 are reported for the first time from China. Coelostoma sulcatum Pu, 1963, syn. nov. is synonymized with C. stultum (Walker, 1858). Additional faunistic data from China are provided for C. phallicum Orchymont, 1940, C. vagum Orchymont, 1940, C. turnai Hebauer, 2006, C. wui Orchymont, 1940, C. stultum (Walker, 1858), C. vitalisi Orchymont, 1923, C. fallaciosum Orchymont, 1936 and C. horni (Régimbart, 1920). Coelostoma fabricii (Montrouzier, 1860) is not considered as member of Chinese fauna as all previous records are dubious and no new material was found during our study. The distribution of C. horni in China is discussed in detail, with records from Hong Kong here considered dubious. An updated identification key to the Chinese species of Coelostoma is provided.
Impacts of the Decadal Urbanization on Thermally Induced Circulations in Eastern China
Authors: Li Mengmeng , Mao Zhichun , Song Yu , Liu Mingxu , Huang Xin
Published: November 2014

Significant urbanization has occurred in the Yangtze River Delta region of eastern China, which exerts important effects on the local thermally induced circulations through regulating the heat flux and thermal structure. Previous studies lack a correct representation of the seasonal vegetation phenology associated with urban expansion, and therefore it is difficult to accurately describe the land–atmosphere coupling. In this study, high-resolution Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) observations are used to describe the changes in land surface characteristics, including land-cover type, green vegetation fraction, and leaf area index with the Weather Research and Forecasting Model. The use of MODIS satellite observations provides a clear improvement in model performance when compared with ground-based measurements. A typical urban heat island is generated around Shanghai, Wuxi–Suzhou–Yangzhou, and cities along the Yangtze River and Hangzhou Bay, which subsequently modifies the local thermal circulations. The sea breeze is significantly enhanced over the north bank of Hangzhou Bay because of the increased land–sea temperature contrast. Several surface convergent zones are generated along the Shanghai–Suzhou–Wuxi city belt as a result of the combined effects of the urban heat island, the enhanced sea breeze, and the lake breeze at Lake Tai.
Use of Specific Attenuation for Rainfall Measurement at X-Band Radar Wavelengths. Part I: Radar Calibration and Partial Beam Blockage Estimation
Authors: Diederich Malte , Ryzhkov Alexander , Simmer Clemens , Zhang Pengfei , Trömel Silke
Published: November 2014

In a two-part paper, radar rain-rate retrievals using specific attenuation A suggested by Ryzhkov et al. are thoroughly investigated. Continuous time series of overlapping measurements from two twin polarimetric X-band weather radars in Germany during the summers of 2011–13 are used to analyze various aspects of rain-rate retrieval, including miscalibration correction, mitigation of ground clutter contamination and partial beam blockage (PBB), sensitivity to precipitation characteristics, and the temperature assumptions of the R(A) technique. In this paper, the relations inherent to the R(A) method are used to estimate radar reflectivity Z from A and compare it to the measured Z in order to estimate PBB and calibration offsets for both radars. The fields of Z estimated from A for both radars are consistent, and the differences between Z(A) and measured Z are in good agreement with the ones calculated using either consistency relations between reflectivity at horizontal polarization ZH, differential reflectivity ZDR, and specific differential phase KDP in rain or a digital elevation model in the presence of PBB. In the analysis, the dependence of A on temperature appears to have minimal effects on the overall performance of the method. As expected, the difference between Z(A) and attenuation-corrected measured Z observations varies with rain type and exhibits a weak systematic dependency on rainfall intensity; thus, averaging over several rain events is required to obtain reliable estimates of the Z biases caused by radar miscalibration and PBB.