bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlates of Adverse Outcomes in Abdominally Obese Individuals: Findings from the Five-Year Followup of the Population-Based Study of Health in Pomerania
Authors: Friedrich Nele , Schneider Harald J. , John Ulrich , Dörr Marcus , Baumeister Sebastian E. , Homuth Georg , Völker Uwe , Wallaschofski Henri
Published: September 2013

Background. Abdominal obesity is a major risk factor of cardiovascular disease (CVD), type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and premature death. However, it has not been resolved which factors predispose for the development of these adverse obesity-related outcomes in otherwise healthy individuals with abdominal obesity.Methods. We studied 1,506 abdominal obese individuals (waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) ≥ 0.5) free of CVD or T2DM from the population-based Study of Health in Pomerania and assessed the incidence of CVD or T2DM after a five-year followup. Logistic regression models were adjusted for major cardiovascular risk factors and liver, kidney diseases, and sociodemographic status.Results. During follow-up time, we observed 114 and 136 new T2DM and CVD cases, respectively. Regression models identified age, waist circumference, serum glucose, and liver disease as predictors of T2DM. Regarding CVD, only age, unemployment, and a divorced or widowed marital status were significantly associated with incident CVD. In this subgroup of obese individuals blood pressure, serum glucose, or lipids did not influence incidence of T2DM or CVD.Conclusion. We identified various factors associated with an increased risk of incident T2DM and CVD among abdominally obese individuals. These findings may improve the detection of high-risk individuals and help to advance prevention strategies in abdominal obesity.
The Hamiltonian Structure and Algebrogeometric Solution of a 1 + 1-Dimensional Coupled Equations
Authors: Pan Hongfei , Xia Tiecheng
Published: September 2013

A 1 + 1-dimensional coupled soliton equations are decomposed into two systems of ordinary differential equations. The Abel-Jacobi coordinates are introduced to straighten the flows, from which the algebrogeometric solutions of the coupled 1 + 1-dimensional equations are obtained in terms of the Riemann theta functions.
An Improved Dynamic ID-Based Remote User Authentication with Key Agreement Scheme
Authors: Qu Juan , Zou Li-min
Published: September 2013

In recent years, several dynamic ID-based remote user authentication schemes have been proposed. In 2012, Wen and Li proposed a dynamic ID-based remote user authentication with key agreement scheme. They claimed that their scheme can resist impersonation attack and insider attack and provide anonymity for the users. However, we will show that Wen and Li's scheme cannot withstand insider attack and forward secrecy, does not provide anonymity for the users, and inefficiency for error password login. In this paper, we propose a novel ECC-based remote user authentication scheme which is immune to various known types of attack and is more secure and practical for mobile clients.
Real-Time Detection of Application-Layer DDoS Attack Using Time Series Analysis
Authors: Ni Tongguang , Gu Xiaoqing , Wang Hongyuan , Li Yu
Published: September 2013

Distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks are one of the major threats to the current Internet, and application-layer DDoS attacks utilizing legitimate HTTP requests to overwhelm victim resources are more undetectable. Consequently, neither intrusion detection systems (IDS) nor victim server can detect malicious packets. In this paper, a novel approach to detect application-layer DDoS attack is proposed based on entropy of HTTP GET requests per source IP address (HRPI). By approximating the adaptive autoregressive (AAR) model, the HRPI time series is transformed into a multidimensional vector series. Then, a trained support vector machine (SVM) classifier is applied to identify the attacks. The experiments with several databases are performed and results show that this approach can detect application-layer DDoS attacks effectively.
A Risk Explicit Interval Linear Programming Model for Uncertainty‐Based Environmental Economic Optimization in the Lake Fuxian Watershed, China
Authors: Zhang Xiaoling , Huang Kai , Zou Rui , Liu Yong , Yu Yajuan
Published: September 2013

The conflict of water environment protection and economic development has brought severe water pollution and restricted the sustainable development in the watershed. A risk explicit interval linear programming (REILP) method was used to solve integrated watershed environmental‐economic optimization problem. Interval linear programming (ILP) and REILP models for uncertainty‐based environmental economic optimization at the watershed scale were developed for the management of Lake Fuxian watershed, China. Scenario analysis was introduced into model solution process to ensure the practicality and operability of optimization schemes. Decision makers’ preferences for risk levels can be expressed through inputting different discrete aspiration level values into the REILP model in three periods under two scenarios. Through balancing the optimal system returns and corresponding system risks, decision makers can develop an efficient industrial restructuring scheme based directly on the window of “low risk and high return efficiency” in the trade‐off curve. The representative schemes at the turning points of two scenarios were interpreted and compared to identify a preferable planning alternative, which has the relatively low risks and nearly maximum benefits. This study provides new insights and proposes a tool, which was REILP, for decision makers to develop an effectively environmental economic optimization scheme in integrated watershed management.
B Lymphocytes: Development, Tolerance, and Their Role in Autoimmunity—Focus on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Tobón Gabriel J. , Izquierdo Jorge H. , Cañas Carlos A.
Published: September 2013

B lymphocytes are the effectors of humoral immunity, providing defense against pathogens through different functions including antibody production. B cells constitute approximately 15% of peripheral blood leukocytes and arise from hemopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow. It is here that their antigen receptors (surface immunoglobulin) are assembled. In the context of autoimmune diseases defined by B and/or T cell autoreactive that upon activation lead to chronic tissue inflammation and often irreversible structural and functional damage, B lymphocytes play an essential role by not only producing autoantibodies but also functioning as antigen-presenting cells (APC) and as a source of cytokines. In this paper, we describe B lymphocyte functions in autoimmunity and autoimmune diseases with a special focus on their abnormalities in systemic lupus erythematosus.
Study on Seismic Control of Power Transmission Tower-Line Coupled System under Multicomponent Excitations
Authors: Tian Li , Yu Qiqi , Ma Ruisheng
Published: September 2013

The seismic control of power transmission tower-line coupled system subjected to multicomponent excitations is studied in this paper. The schematic of tuned mass damper is introduced, and equations of motion of a system with tuned mass damper under multi-component excitations are proposed. Three-dimensional finite tower-line system models are created based on practical engineering in studying the response of this system without and with control. The time domain analysis takes into account geometric nonlinearity due to finite deformation. The optimal design of the transmission tower-line system with tuned mass damper is obtained according to different mass ratio. The effects of wave travel, coherency loss, and different site conditions on the system without and with control are investigated, respectively.
Lymph Node Assessment in Endometrial Cancer: Towards Personalized Medicine
Authors: Vidal Fabien , Rafii Arash
Published: September 2013

Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common malignancy of the female reproductive tract and is increasing in incidence. Lymphovascular invasion and lymph node (LN) status are strong predictive factors of recurrence. Therefore, the determination of the nodal status of patients is mandatory to optimally tailor adjuvant therapies and reduce local and distant recurrences. Imaging modalities do not yet allow accurate lymph node staging; thus pelvic and aortic lymphadenectomies remain standard staging procedures. The clinical data accumulated recently allow us to define low- and high-risk patients based on pre- or peroperative findings that will allow the clinician to stratify the patients for their need of lymphadenectomies. More recently, several groups have been introducing sentinel node mapping with promising results as an alternative to complete lymphadenectomy. Finally, the use of peroperative algorithm for risk determination could improve patient's staging with a reduction of lymphadenectomy-related morbidity.
Adaptive-AR Model with Drivers’ Prediction for Traffic Simulation
Authors: Lu Xuequan , Xu Mingliang , Chen Wenzhi , Wang Zonghui , El Rhalibi Abdennour
Published: September 2013

We present a novel model called A2R—“Adaptive-AR”—based on a well-known continuum-based model called AR Aw and Rascle (2000) for the simulation of vehicle traffic flows. However, in the standard continuum-based model, vehicles usually follow the flows passively, without taking into account drivers' behavior and effectiveness. In order to simulate real-life traffic flows, we extend the model with a few factors, which include the effectiveness of drivers' prediction, drivers' reaction time, and drivers' types. We demonstrate that our A2R model is effective and the results of the experiments agree well with experience in real world. It has been shown that such a model makes vehicle flows perform more realistically and is closer to the real-life traffic than AR (short for Aw and Rascle and introduced in Aw and Rascle (2000)) model while having a similar performance.
Green Synthesis of Gold and Silver Nanoparticles UsingAverrhoa bilimbiFruit Extract
Authors: Isaac R. S. Rimal , Sakthivel G. , Murthy Ch.
Published: September 2013

We report on rapid one-step green synthesis of gold and silver nanoparticles using fruit extract ofAverrhoa bilimbi Linn. UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy was used to monitor the quantitative formation of gold and silver nanoparticles. The characteristics of the obtained gold and silver nanoparticles were studied using UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy (UV/Vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDX). UV/Vis spectrum showed Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) for both gold and silver nanoparticles at 540 and 420 nm. The EDX spectrum of the solution containing gold and silver nanoparticles confirmed the presence of elemental gold and silver signals. The average diameter of the prepared nanoparticles in solution was about 50–150 nm. Synthesized particles were either hexagonal or rhomboidal in shape. This synthesis approach of gold and silver nanoparticles is cost effective and can be widely used in biological systems. The effect of fruit extract and metal ion concentration was also studied.
Effect of Electroacupuncture at ST36 on Gastric-Related Neurons in Spinal Dorsal Horn and Nucleus Tractus Solitarius
Authors: Wang Xiaoyu , Shi Hong , Shang Hongyan , He Wei , Chen Shuli , Litscher Gerhard , Gaischek Ingrid , Jing Xianghong
Published: September 2013

The aim of this study was to observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at the ST36 acupoint on the firing rate of gastric-related neurons in the spinal dorsal horn (SDH) and nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS). There were different effects of gastric distention in SDH and NTS in 46 male Sprague-Dawley rats. In 10 excitatory neurons in SDH, most of the neurons were inhibited by homolateral EA. The firing rates decreased significantly (P<0.05) in 10 excitatory gastric-related neurons in NTS; the firing rates of 6 neurons were further excited by homolateral EA, with a significant increase of the firing rates (P<0.05); all inhibitory gastric-related neurons in NTS were excited by EA. The inhibition rate of homolateral EA was significantly increased in comparison with contralateral EA in gastric-related neurons of SDH (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between homolateral and contralateral EA in gastric-related neurons of NTS. EA at ST36 changes the firing rate of gastric-related neurons in SDH and NTS. However, there are some differences in responsive mode in these neurons. The existence of these differences could be one of the physiological foundations of diversity and complexity in EA effects.
Postarthroscopic Infection in the Knee following Medical or Dental Procedures
Authors: Swank Kat , Dragoo Jason L.
Published: September 2013

Knee infection is a relatively rare complication after arthroscopic knee surgery (Babcok et al., 2002), with reported incidences ranging from 0.1% to 3.4% (Babcok et al., 2002 and Bert et al., 2007). Although postoperative dental and surgical procedures were formerly considered a risk factor for infection in arthroplasty patients, the American Dental Association (ADA) and Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery (AAOS) no longer recommend prophylactic antibiotics for patients with prosthetic joints and do not make recommendations concerning patients who have recently undergone arthroscopic surgery (J. M. Bert and T. M. Bert, 2010). We report two patients who had an uncomplicated postoperative course until having a procedure and then developed a septic knee.
The Solutions of Second-Order Linear Matrix Equations on Time Scales
Authors: Li Kefeng , Zhang Chao
Published: September 2013

This paper studies the solutions of second-order linear matrix equations on time scales. Firstly, the necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of a solution of characteristic equation are introduced; then two diverse solutions of characteristic equation are applied to express general solution of the matrix equations on time scales.
PD-L1 Expression Induced by the 2009 Pandemic Influenza A(H1N1) Virus Impairs the Human T Cell Response
Authors: Valero-Pacheco Nuriban , Arriaga-Pizano Lourdes , Ferat-Osorio Eduardo , Mora-Velandia Luz María , Pastelin-Palacios Rodolfo , Villasís-Keever Miguel Ángel , Alpuche-Aranda Celia , Sánchez-Torres Luvia Enid , Isibasi Armando , Bonifaz Laura , López-Macías Constantino
Published: September 2013

PD-L1 expression plays a critical role in the impairment of T cell responses during chronic infections; however, the expression of PD-L1 on T cells during acute viral infections, particularly during the pandemic influenza virus (A(H1N1)pdm09), and its effects on the T cell response have not been widely explored. We found that A(H1N1)pdm09 virus induced PD-L1 expression on human dendritic cells (DCs) and T cells, as well as PD-1 expression on T cells. PD-L1 expression impaired the T cell response against A(H1N1)pdm09 by promoting CD8+T cell death and reducing cytokine production. Furthermore, we found increased PD-L1 expression on DCs and T cells from influenza-infected patients from the first and second 2009 pandemic waves in Mexico City. PD-L1 expression on CD8+T cells correlated inversely with T cell proportions in patients infected with A(H1N1)pdm09. Therefore, PD-L1 expression on DCs and T cells could be associated with an impaired T cell response during acute infection with A(H1N1)pdm09 virus.
Spontaneous Peripheral T-cell Responses toward the Tumor-Associated Antigen Cyclin D1 in Patients with Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Dannenmann Stefanie R. , Hermanns Thomas , Bransi Ali , Matter Claudia , von Boehmer Lotta , Stevanovic Stefan , Schraml Peter , Moch Holger , Knuth Alexander , van den Broek Maries
Published: September 2013

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a heterogeneous group of kidney cancers with clear cell RCC (ccRCC) as the major subgroup. To expand the number of clinically relevant tumor-associated antigens (TAA) that can be targeted by immunotherapy, we analyzed samples from 23 patients with primary ccRCC for the expression and immunogenicity of various TAAs. We found high-frequency expression of MAGE-A9 and NY-ESO-1 in 36% and 55% of samples, respectively, and overexpression of PRAME, RAGE-1, CA-IX, Cyclin D1, ADFP, C-MET, and RGS-5 in many of the tumor samples. We analyzed the blood of patients with HLA-A2+ ccRCC for the presence of CD8+ T cells specific for TAA-derived HLA-A2–restricted peptides and found spontaneous responses to cyclin D1 in 5 of 6 patients with Cyclin D1–positive tumors. Cyclin D1–specific CD8+ T cells secreted TNF-α, IFN-γ, and interleukin-2 (IL-2), and degranulated, indicating the presence of polyfunctional tumor-specific CD8+ T cells in the blood of these patients with ccRCC. The high frequency (43%) of Cyclin D1 overexpression and the presence of functional cyclin D1–specific T cells in 83% of these patients with ccRCC suggest that cyclin D1 may be a target for immunotherapeutic strategies. Cancer Immunol Res; 1(5); 288–95. ©2013 AACR.
Connexin 26 Gene Mutations in Non-Syndromic Hearing Loss Among Kuwaiti Patients
Authors: Al-Sebeih Khalid , Al-Kandari Marium , Al-Awadi Sadika A. , Hegazy Fatma F. , Al-Khamees Ghada A. , Naguib Kamal K. , Al-Dabbous Reem M.
Published: September 2013

Objective: To study connexin 26 (Cx26) gene mutations among autosomal recessive non-syndromal hearing loss in Kuwaiti patients and evaluate their effect on phenotypes. Subjects and Methods: This cross sectional study included 100 patients aged between 6 months and 18 years, who were referred to the Sheikh Salem Al-Ali Centre for audiology and speech evaluation of autosomal recessive non-syndromic sensorineural hearing loss confirmed by clinico-genetic evaluation and a battery of diagnostic tests. Gene profiling and sequencing were performed to detect the presence and nature of Cx26 mutation. Results: Of the 100 patients, mutation of Cx26 gene was detected in 15 patients (15%) of which 9 (60%) cases were heterozygous and 6 cases (40%) were homozygous. Eighty per cent of the 15 Cx26 positive cases resulted from the 35delG mutation. Among the heterozygous cases, 6 (66.6%) were positive for 35delG. All 6 homozygous patients were positive for the 35delG mutation. A significant correlation was found between genetic findings (p = 0.013) and family history (p = 0.029), as well as the onset (p = 0.015), course (p = 0.033), degree and configuration of hearing loss (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Among the selected Kuwaiti population sample, the Cx26 gene mutation was responsible for 15% of autosomal recessive non-syndromic sensorineural hearing loss. We recommend that screening for Cx26 gene mutation be considered in the screening strategy of patients with non-syndromic childhood hearing loss for counselling and management purposes.
Ustekinumab Treatment of Erythrodermic Psoriasis Occurring after Physical Stress: A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Saraceno Rosita , Talamonti Marina , Galluzzo Marco , Chiricozzi Andrea , Costanzo Antonio , Chimenti Sergio
Published: September 2013

Erythrodermic psoriasis (EP) is a severe form of psoriasis precipitated by numerous factors, including physical stress, infections, and drugs. The disease represents a therapeutic challenge, and little is known about its response to ustekinumab. Though the efficacy of ustekinumab has been extensively studied in chronic plaque psoriasis, no trials have been carried out in EP. We report the case of 2 patients, 1 male and 1 female, who showed EP despite being treated with etanercept and methotrexate for chronic plaque psoriasis, respectively. The patients were treated with ustekinumab at a dosage of 45 mg s.c. They showed a significant improvement in their Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score after only 4 weeks of ustekinumab therapy, and further improvements were observed throughout the treatment. In our experience, ustekinumab has been proven safe and effective, without increasing the dosage, in controlling and preventing the occurrence of erythrodermic flares. Ustekinumab therapy may therefore be considered a valid therapeutic option for the treatment of EP, even in cases where other biological agents have failed.
Can Rituximab Induce Long-Term Disease Remission in Patients with Intra-Ocular Non-Infectious Inflammation?
Authors: Tomkins-Netzer Oren , Taylor Simon R.J. , Lightman Sue
Published: September 2013

Treatment of non-infectious uveitis is based primarily on the use of systemic corticosteroids and second-line immunosuppressive drugs. However, their extensive side effect profile, particularly for steroids, has led to the increased use of other immunosuppressive drugs, as sparing capacity agents. Rituximab is an anti-CD20 chimeric antibody, often given as a single course of 2 infusions, resulting in complete depletion of peripheral mature B cells. While it is licensed to treat refractory systemic lymphoma patients, it has also shown promising results in systemic auto-immune diseases, where a single course of treatment is able to achieve long-term clinical remission. Treatment with rituximab has been reported for various ocular conditions, suggesting it may be effective in inducing long-term disease control and other systemic immunosuppressive agents can be reduced or discontinued. When disease relapse occurs, a further course or courses can be given with good results. This review summarizes the current evidence regarding the role of rituximab in treating non-infectious uveitis.
Reverse Optic Capture to Stabilize a Toric Intraocular Lens
Authors: Gimbel Howard V. , Amritanand Anika
Published: September 2013

Purpose: To describe a technique for stabilizing a rotationally unstable toric intraocular lens (IOL). Method: Case report and literature review. Results: Surgical technique and long-term follow-up for a patient who underwent repositioning and stabilization of a mobile 1-piece acrylic toric IOL using reverse optic capture (ROC) are described. This patient presented with early, more than 70° off-axis rotation. The IOL was repositioned but was very mobile within the bag and tended to rotate off-axis; hence, it was stabilized in the desired position by capturing the optic through the anterior continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis, leaving the haptics in the bag. The immediate and 2-year postoperative follow-up revealed a stable and on-axis IOL with no visual, refractive or ocular complications. Conclusions: ROC is a useful and safe technique to address the problem of toric IOLs that tend to rotate at the time of surgery or are not stable postoperatively.
Prognostic Value of Preoperative Right Ventricular Geometry and Tricuspid Valve Tethering Area in Patients Undergoing Tricuspid Annuloplasty
Authors: Yiu Kai-Hang , Wong Arthur , Pu Lijun , Chiang Man-Fung , Sit Ko-Yung , Chan Daniel , Lee Hou-Yee , Lam Yui-Ming , Chen Yan , Siu Chung-Wah , Lau Chu-Pak , Au Wing-Kok , Tse Hung-Fat
Published: September 2013

Background—

Patients who undergo tricuspid annuloplasty during left-side heart valve surgery have a poor postoperative clinical outcome. However, preoperative right ventricular (RV) echocardiography parameters that predict adverse events in these patients are poorly understood.

Methods and Results—

We studied 74 patients (age, 58±10 years; men, 27%) with significant tricuspid regurgitation who consequently underwent tricuspid annuloplasty during left-side heart valve surgery. A total of 26 adverse events (22 heart failures and 4 cardiovascular deaths) occurred during a median follow-up of 26 months. RV midcavity diameter (hazard ratio=2.44; 95% confidence interval=1.48–4.02;
P
<0.01), RV longitudinal dimension (hazard ratio=1.64; 95% confidence interval=1.10–2.45;
P
=0.02), and tricuspid valve tethering area (hazard ratio=3.25; 95% confidence interval=1.71–6.19;
P
<0.01) were independently associated with adverse events after adjustment for age and New York Heart Association class III/IV. Receiver-operator characteristic curve analysis demonstrated that RV midcavity diameter (area under the curve=0.74;
P
<0.01) and tricuspid valve tethering area (area under the curve=0.70;
P
=0.04) were most associated with adverse events at the 1-year follow-up. The presence of either a large RV midcavity diameter or tricuspid valve tethering area was predictive of adverse outcome at 1 year after tricuspid annuloplasty.

Conclusions—

The present study demonstrates that RV geometry dimensions, namely RV midcavity diameter and tricuspid valve tethering area, are important preoperative measures associated with adverse events in patients undergoing tricuspid annuloplasty.
The Systems Concepts Digital Synthesizer: An Architectural Retrospective
Authors: Loy D. Gareth
Published: September 2013

In the mid 1970s, specialized hardware for synthesizing digital audio helped computer music research move beyond its early reliance on software synthesis running on slow mainframe computers. This hardware allowed for synthesis of complex musical scores in real time and for dynamic, interactive control of synthesis. Peter Samson developed one such device, the Systems Concepts Digital Synthesizer, for Stanford University's Center for Computer Research in Music and Acoustics. The “Samson Box” addressed the classical problems of digital audio synthesis with an elegance that still rewards study. This article thoroughly examines the principles underlying the Box's design—while considering how it was actually employed by its users—and describes the architecture's advantages and disadvantages. An interview with Samson is included.
Does personality explain variation in the probability of sexual cannibalism in the orb-web spider Argiope aurantia?
Authors: Foellmer Matthias W. , Khadka Kapil K.
Published: September 2013

Sexual cannibalism is often hypothesized to be an extreme manifestation of sexual conflict, yet we still lack a good understanding of the underlying motivation in most species. Hypotheses for the ultimate causes of sexual cannibalism either invoke the behavior as adaptive or mal-adaptive. Adaptive hypotheses consider foraging decisions, mate choice or genetic bet-hedging. Mal-adaptive hypotheses propose that sexual cannibalism is the result of mistaken species identity or the by-product of an aggression syndrome. Here, we test the latter hypothesis, that sexual cannibalism is the result of an aggression syndrome. This hypothesis states that aggressive behavior is favored in the foraging context because females benefit from achieving a large size quickly through an increase in fecundity, and it predicts that individuals that are aggressive foragers are more likely to attack a male and hence are at risk of receiving no or insufficient quantities of sperm. Few tests of this hypothesis are available to date, and only one involved a species with sexual cannibalism occurring after at least some sperm transfer. We test the hypothesis inArgiope aurantia, a species in which females frequently attack males during copulation. We estimated aggressiveness in the foraging context in penultimate and adults females and staged matings using the same females to evaluate whether aggressiveness during the foraging context predicts the likelihood of sexual cannibalism. Indeed, we find that aggressive foragers are more likely to attack their mates, but we conclude that other, possibly adaptive reasons for cannibalism exist as much of the uncertainty in cannibalism occurrence remained unexplained.
Plasticity in incubation behaviour under experimentally prolonged vulnerability to nest predation
Authors: Morosinotto Chiara , Thomson Robert L. , Korpimäki Erkki
Published: September 2013

Nest predation is the main cause of nest failures in many bird species. To counter this, birds have evolved different behavioural strategies to decrease the visibility of their nests, thus reducing the probability of nest detection. We manipulated the long-term perception of nest predation risk in pied flycatchers (Ficedula hypoleuca) by experimentally increasing the nest vulnerability to predators. We placed treatment and control nest-boxes for breeding pied flycatchers that appeared identical during the initial phase of breeding. But after the removal of a front panel, treatment boxes had an enlarged entrance hole, almost twice the initial diameter. This treatment increases actual predation risk and presumably parental perception of risk. Control boxes presented instead an entrance hole of the same size both before and after the manipulation. When breeding in enlarged entrance holes, females doubled the vigilance at the nest while males reduced the time spent at the nest, compared to pied flycatchers breeding in control boxes. Increased vulnerability of the nest site to predation risk, thus, induced pied flycatcher parents to increase nest vigilance while reducing their activity at the nest. These results highlight the existence of plasticity in incubation behaviours under long-term experimentally increased nest predation risk.
The Efficacy of Single-Trial Multisensory Memories
Authors: Thelen Antonia , Murray Micah M.
Published: September 2013

This review article summarizes evidence that multisensory experiences at one point in time have long-lasting effects on subsequent unisensory visual and auditory object recognition. The efficacy of single-trial exposure to task-irrelevant multisensory events is its ability to modulate memory performance and brain activity to unisensory components of these events presented later in time. Object recognition (either visual or auditory) is enhanced if the initial multisensory experience had been semantically congruent and can be impaired if this multisensory pairing was either semantically incongruent or entailed meaningless information in the task-irrelevant modality, when compared to objects encountered exclusively in a unisensory context. Processes active during encoding cannot straightforwardly explain these effects; performance on all initial presentations was indistinguishable despite leading to opposing effects with stimulus repetitions. Brain responses to unisensory stimulus repetitions differ during early processing stages (∼100 ms post-stimulus onset) according to whether or not they had been initially paired in a multisensory context. Plus, the network exhibiting differential responses varies according to whether or not memory performance is enhanced or impaired. The collective findings we review indicate that multisensory associations formedviasingle-trial learning exert influences on later unisensory processing to promote distinct object representations that manifest as differentiable brain networks whose activity is correlated with memory performance. These influences occur incidentally, despite many intervening stimuli, and are distinguishable from the encoding/learning processes during the formation of the multisensory associations. The consequences of multisensory interactions thus persist over time to impact memory retrieval and object discrimination.
Synopsis of the genus Galactia (Phaseoleae, Papilionoideae, Leguminosae) in Brazil
Authors: CEOLIN GUILHERME B. , MIOTTO SÍLVIA T. S.
Published: September 2013

A synopsis of the genus Galactia (Leguminosae) in Brazil, including taxonomy, ecology, economic potential, and conservation is presented. A taxonomic key, description of one new species (Galactia cordifolia), new synonyms, illustrations, a brief description of the main diagnostic characters of each species, and notes on distribution, ecology and uses are presented.
Nymphaea vanildae (Nymphaeaceae): A new species from the Caatinga in Brazil
Authors: DE LIMA CARLA TEIXEIRA , GUILIETTI ANA MARIA
Published: September 2013

Nymphaea vanildae (Nymphaeaceae) is described and illustrated as a new species from the Caatinga region in Brazil, and placed in Nymphaea subg. Hydrocallis. This species is characterized by having nocturnal flowers, elliptic and delicate leaves, a clear distinction between the perianth and androecium, linear carpellary appendages and four or more series of proliferate pseudanthia, which distinguishes it from all species in the genus.
Two new species of Cabillus (Perciformes: Gobiidae) and the first record of Cabillus macrophthalmus from the Western Indian Ocean
Authors: KOVAČIĆ MARCELO , BOGORODSKY SERGEY V.
Published: September 2013

Two new species of the gobiid genus Cabillus, C. nigromarginatus sp. nov. and Cabillus nigrostigmus sp. nov. are described. Cabillus nigromarginatus (from Rodrigues, Western Indian Ocean) is distinguished from congeners by having 18–20 pectoral-fin rays; predorsal area naked; two scales with enlarged ctenii ventrally and dorsally at the caudal-fin base; head with anterior and posterior oculoscapular, and preopercular canals, with pores σ, λ, κ, ω, α, β, ρ, ρ1, ρ2, and γ, δ, ε respectively; the body with four midline lateral blotches, with two or three of them expanding upwards in dorsal saddles; a dark triangular blotch at caudal-fin base; and predorsal with pigmentation at lateral edges forming a rectangle. Cabillus nigrostigmus (from the Red Sea) is distinguished from its congeners by having 19 pectoral-fin rays; transverse scale series 7; nape scaled, median predorsal scales 7; body depth 5.8–6.0 in SL; snout length 1.5–1.9 in eye diameter; caudal-peduncle depth in its length 2.4–2.5; a broad dark brown bar below first dorsal fin beginning anteriorly at the level of fourth spine of the first dorsal fin; elongate black blotch along posterior half of first dorsal fin extending into the sixth spine and adjacent membranes; and midlateral black spot at the end of caudal peduncle followed by S-shaped dark bar. Cabillus macrophthalmus is recorded for the first time in the Western Indian Ocean (Red Sea and Seychelles) and redescribed.
Forecast of Icing Events at a Wind Farm in Sweden
Authors: Davis Neil , Hahmann Andrea N. , Clausen Niels-Erik , Žagar Mark
Published: September 2013

This paper introduces a method for identifying icing events using a physical icing model, driven by atmospheric data from the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model, and applies it to a wind park in Sweden. Observed wind park icing events were identified by deviation from an idealized power curve and observed temperature. The events were modeled using a physical icing model with equations for both accretion and ablation mechanisms (iceBlade). The accretion model is based on the Makkonen model but was modified to make it applicable to the blades of a wind turbine rather than a static structure, and the ablation model is newly developed. The results from iceBlade are shown to outperform a 1-day persistence model and standard cylinder model in determining the times when any turbine in the wind park is being impacted by icing. The icing model was evaluated using inputs from simulations using nine different WRF physics parameterization combinations. The combination of the Thompson microphysics parameterization and version 2 of the Mellor–Yamada–Nakanishi–Niino PBL scheme was shown to perform best at this location. The distribution of cloud mass into the appropriate hydrometeor classes was found to be very important for forecasting the correct icing period. One concern with the iceBlade approach was the relatively high false alarm rates at the end of icing events due to the ice not being removed rapidly enough.
Fabrication of microcellular polycarbonate foams with unimodal or bimodal cell-size distributions using supercritical carbon dioxide as a blowing agent
Authors: Ma Zhonglei , Zhang Guangcheng , Yang Quan , Shi Xuetao , Shi Aihua
Published: September 2013

This article reports on the fabrication of microcellular polycarbonate (PC) foams with unimodal or bimodal cell-size distributions using supercritical CO2 (scCO2) as a physical blowing agent. The saturation and desorption behaviors of CO2 in PC for various pressures are investigated. The effects of key processing parameters such as saturation pressure, foaming temperature, and foaming time on the relative density, cell sizes, and the cell densities of the unimodal foams are discussed in detail. The glass transition temperature ( Tg) of the polymer/gas mixture is found to present a good linear relationship with the absorbed CO2 concentration, and foaming of the samples takes place above the Tg of the polymer/gas mixture. A two-step batch depressurization process is applied to produce bimodal PC foams with both small and large cells, which exhibit signiﬁcantly improved tensile properties compared to the unimodal foams. In addition, the phenomenon of extensional stress-induced nucleation promoting the generation of nanocellular structures around the expanding larger cells is observed at the increased foaming temperature of 160℃ in the production of bimodal foams.
The Embeddedness of Teachers’ Social Networks
Authors: Coburn Cynthia E. , Mata Willow S. , Choi Linda
Published: September 2013

Teachers’ social networks can play an important role in teacher learning and organizational change. But what influences teachers’ networks? Why do some teachers have networks that are likely to support individual and organizational change, while others do not? This study is a first step in answering this question. We focus on how district policy influences the quality and configuration of teachers’ social networks. We draw on a longitudinal, qualitative study of implementation of a mathematics curriculum in four schools. We show that district policy (1) shaped the tie formation process, influencing the structure of networks; (2) mobilized resources that teachers subsequently accessed via their networks, influencing the benefits accrued through network exchanges; and (3) introduced interaction routines that interrupted conventional ways that teachers talked together. We thus uncover heretofore unexplored facets of network formation and change. We also provide insight into dimensions of social networks that are amenable to outside intervention.
A rare cause of septic arthritis: melioidosis
Authors: Caldera Aruna Sanjeewa , Kumanan Thirunavukarasu , Corea Enoka
Published: September 2013

Melioidosis is a pyogenic infection with high mortality caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei. As the clinical presentation is not distinctive, a high index of clinical suspicion is required for diagnosis. We present a case of a 50-year-old farmer who was diabetic and a chronic alcoholic, who presented to us with pneumonia, followed by septic arthritis. He was ultimately diagnosed as having melioidosis.
HIV Treatment and Associated Mitochondrial Pathology
Authors: Gardner Kristian , Hall Peter A. , Chinnery Patrick F. , Payne Brendan A. I.
Published: September 2013

Antiretroviral therapy has dramatically reduced mortality in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. In 1988, the suggestion that the first antiretroviral drug, zidovudine, was the potential cause of muscle pathology in HIV-infected persons resulted in structural and biochemical patient studies demonstrating acquired mitochondrial dysfunction. Assessment of subsequent nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) antiretroviral drugs has indicated that mitochondria are a common target of NRTI toxicity in multiple tissues, leading to a wide variety of pathology ranging from lipodystrophy to neuropathy. Overwhelmingly, these complications have emerged during post-licensing human studies. Subsequent animal and in vitro studies have then elucidated the potential pathological mechanisms, suggesting that NRTI-associated mitochondrial toxicity arises principally from inhibition of the sole mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) polymerase gamma, leading to a reduction in mtDNA content (depletion). Millions of patients have been treated with mitochondrially toxic NRTIs and these drugs remain the backbone of antiretroviral rollout in much of sub-Saharan Africa. Here we describe the 25-year history of antiretroviral associated mitochondrial pathology and critically review the strength of evidence linking clinical, histopathological, and molecular data. We discuss recently described novel mechanisms of NRTI-associated mitochondrial damage and whether or not recently licensed NRTIs may be considered free from mitochondrial toxicity.
Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Vascular or Viral?
Authors: Linthicum Fred H. , Doherty Joni , Berliner Karen I.
Published: September 2013

Objective

To demonstrate that sudden sensorineural hearing loss is possibly of viral origin rather than vascular.

Study Design

The histopathologic morphology in 7 temporal bones with known vascular impairment due to surgical interventions was compared with that of 11 bones with a history of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL). Attention was paid to the spiral ligament, stria vascularis, organ of Corti hair cells, tectorial membrane, ganglion cell population, and degree of perilymph fibrosis and the auditory nerve.

Setting

A temporal bone laboratory that has been in operation for more than 50 years and includes a database consisting of clinical and histopathological information that facilitates quantitative and qualitative analysis.

Subjects

Eight hundred forty‐nine individuals who pledged their temporal bones for scientific study, of which 18 were selected for this study by means of the database criteria of sudden sensorineural hearing loss and postmiddle fossa and retro sigmoid sinus tumor removal or vestibular nerve section.

Results

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss bones exhibited no perilymph fibrosis compared with 6 of 7 vascular cases with fibrosis (P ≤. 001), exhibited less loss of ganglion cells (P ≤. 026), exhibited greater survival of spiral ligament (P ≤. 029), and averaged twice the survival of hair cells and more widespread tectorial membrane abnormalities.

Conclusion

Analysis of human temporal bones from patients with a sudden sensorineural hearing loss does not support a vascular insufficiency but is more suggestive of a viral etiology.
A study of clinical complications and risk factors in 1001 native and transplant kidney biopsies in Sweden
Authors: Peters Björn , Andersson Yvonne , Stegmayr Bernd , Mölne Johan , Jensen Gert , Dahlberg Per , Holm-Gunnarsson Inger , Ekberg Jana , Bjurström Karl , Haux Stina-Britta , Hadimeri Henrik
Published: September 2013

Background

In Sweden, native and transplant kidney biopsies are usually performed in major renal medical centers.

Purpose

To clarify risk factors in native and transplant kidney biopsies to improve patient safety.

Material and Methods

A total of 1001 biopsies (in 352 women and 565 men) were included. The median age was 54 years (range, 16–90 years). Data were derived from 826 native kidney biopsies (640 prospective and 186 retrospective) and 175 transplant kidney biopsies (170 prospective and 5 retrospective). Various factors and complications were registered while performing native and transplant kidney biopsies, focusing on major (e.g. blood transfusions, invasive procedures) and minor complications. The prospective protocol was used at six centers and at one center data were obtained retrospectively.

Results

Women were at greater risk of overall complications than men (12.2% vs. 6.5%; P = 0.003; odds ratio [OR], 2.0; confidence interval [CI], 1.3–3.1) as well as of major complications (9.6% vs. 4.5%; P = 0.002; OR, 2.2, CI 1.3–3.7). Major complications occurred more commonly after biopsies from the right kidney, in women than in men (10.8% vs. 3.1%; P = 0.005; OR, 3.7; CI, 1.5–9.5), and in patients with lower BMI (25.5 vs. 27.3, P = 0.016) and of younger age (45 years vs. 52.5 years; P = 0.001). Lower mean arterial pressure in transplant kidney biopsies indicated a risk of major complications (90 mmHg vs. 98 mmHg; P = 0.039). Factors such as needle size, number of passes, serum creatinine, and eGFR did not influence complication rates.

Conclusion

The present findings motivate greater attention being paid to the risk of major side-effects after right-side biopsies from women’s kidneys, as well as after biopsies from younger patients and patients with lower BMI.
Deciphering the Prevalence of Neighborhood Enclosure Amidst Post-1949 Chinese Cities
Authors: Qian Junxi
Published: September 2013

With a literature review of China’s urbanism after the establishment of the communist state in 1949, this article brings into readers’ attention that post-1949 urban China has been characterized by various types of enclosed neighborhoods throughout the Maoist and post-reform eras. The main purpose of this review is to trace the social, economic, and political contexts of diverse practices of enclosure, and analyze how these practices work to consolidate dominant economic and social relations in specific historical periods. This distinct aspect of Chinese urbanism is interwoven with particular sociopolitical institutions and processes of place making and space production.
Tool wear when tapping operation of compacted graphite iron
Authors: da Mota Paulo R , Reis Alexandre M , Machado Alisson R , Ezugwu Emmanuel O , da Silva Marcio B
Published: September 2013

The automotive industry has made increasing use of compacted graphite iron in the manufacture of several components traditionally made of gray iron. However, in some cases, the poor machinability of compacted graphite iron compared to that of gray iron renders production costs uncompetitive. Several researches have focused on the machinability of compacted graphite iron, particularly in turning, milling and drilling operations. However, tapping, which is a more complex operation, has received little attention. The main objective of this work is to investigate the performance of cemented carbide taps when tapping ASTM A450 compacted graphite iron using TiAlN-coated M13 × 1.5 taps with four straight flutes. Cutting tools with different wear levels were analyzed after their use in machining engine cylinder blocks. Tool wear was measured and analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and optical microscopy. The main wear mechanisms observed were adhesion and abrasion.
In the Eye of the Beholder
Authors: Chen Frances S. , Minson Julia A. , Schöne Maren , Heinrichs Markus
Published: September 2013

Popular belief holds that eye contact increases the success of persuasive communication, and prior research suggests that speakers who direct their gaze more toward their listeners are perceived as more persuasive. In contrast, we demonstrate that more eye contact between the listener and speaker during persuasive communication predicts less attitude change in the direction advocated. In Study 1, participants freely watched videos of speakers expressing various views on controversial sociopolitical issues. Greater direct gaze at the speaker’s eyes was associated with less attitude change in the direction advocated by the speaker. In Study 2, we instructed participants to look at either the eyes or the mouths of speakers presenting arguments counter to participants’ own attitudes. Intentionally maintaining direct eye contact led to less persuasion than did gazing at the mouth. These findings suggest that efforts at increasing eye contact may be counterproductive across a variety of persuasion contexts.
Adaptation to Faces and Voices
Authors: Little Anthony C. , Feinberg David R. , DeBruine Lisa M. , Jones Benedict C.
Published: September 2013

Exposure, or adaptation, to faces or voices biases perceptions of subsequent stimuli, for example, causing faces to appear more normal than they would be otherwise if they are similar to the previously presented stimuli. Studies also suggest that there may be cross-modal adaptation between sound and vision, although the evidence is inconsistent. We examined adaptation effects within and across voices and faces and also tested whether adaptation crosses between male and female stimuli. We exposed participants to sex-typical or sex-atypical stimuli and measured the perceived normality of subsequent stimuli. Exposure to female faces or voices altered perceptions of subsequent female stimuli, and these adaptation effects crossed modality; exposure to voices influenced judgments of faces, and vice versa. We also found that exposure to female stimuli did not influence perception of subsequent male stimuli. Our data demonstrate that recent experience of faces and voices changes subsequent perception and that mental representations of faces and voices may not be modality dependent. Both unimodal and cross-modal adaptation effects appear to be relatively sex-specific.