bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of Small Molecular Proteasome Inhibitors Using aCaenorhabditis elegansScreen
Authors: Nayak Sudhir , Fiaschi Michela , King Dana , Tabakin Erica R. , Wood Lyndsay , Hunt David A.
Published: November 2014

We have developed a screening protocol to identify compounds with characteristics of small molecule proteasome inhibitors using the real-time analysis of theCaenorhabditis elegansgerm line. This screen is able to identify compounds that induce germ line phenotypes characteristic of a reduction in proteasome function such as changes in polarity, aberrant nuclear morphology, and stimulation of apoptosis. This basic protocol is amenable to a high throughput (96-well) format and has been used successfully to identify multiple compounds for further analysis based on structural elements from the naturally occurring compounds lactacystin and theβ-lactone homologs omuralide and salinosporamide A. The further development of this assay system should allow for the generation of novel small molecule proteasome inhibitors in a genetically tractable whole animal amenable to biochemical analysis.
Development of a Portable Electronic Nose for Detection of Cotton Damaged by Nezara viridula (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)
Authors: Lampson Brittany D. , Khalilian Ahmad , Greene Jeremy K. , Han Young J. , Degenhardt David C.
Published: November 2014

Stink bugs are significant pests of cotton in the southeastern USA,
causing millions of dollars in control costs and crop losses each year. New methods to detect stink bug damage must be
investigated in order to reduce these costs and optimize pesticide applications. One such method would be to detect the
volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from cotton plants damaged by stink bugs. A portable device was developed to draw
VOCs from the head space of a cotton boll over carbon black-polymer composite sensors. From the response of these sensors,
this device would indicate if the boll was fed upon by a stink bug or not. The device was 100% accurate in distinguishing
bolls damaged by stink bugs from undamaged controls when tested under training conditions. However, the device was only
57.1% accurate in distinguishing damaged from undamaged bolls when tested 24 h after it was trained.
These results indicated that this device was capable of classifying cotton as damaged or undamaged by differentiating VOCs released
from undamaged or damaged bolls, but improvements in design are required to address sensitivity to fluctuations in environmental conditions.
A New Approach for Solving Fractional Partial Differential Equations in the Sense of the Modified Riemann‐Liouville Derivative
Authors: Zheng Bin , Feng Qinghua
Published: November 2014

Based on a fractional complex transformation, certain fractional partial differential equation in the sense of the modified Riemann‐Liouville derivative is converted
into another ordinary differential equation of integer order, and the exact solutions of the latter are assumed to be expressed in a polynomial in Jacobi elliptic functions including
the Jacobi sine function, the Jacobi cosine function, and the Jacobi elliptic function of the third kind. The degree of the polynomial can be determined by the homogeneous balance
principle. With the aid of mathematical software, a series of exact solutions for the fractional partial differential equation can be found. For demonstrating the validity of this approach,
we apply it to solve the space fractional KdV equation and the space‐time fractional Fokas equation. As a result, some Jacobi elliptic functions solutions for the two equations are
obtained.
Three-Dimensional Path Planning of Robots in Virtual Situations Based on an Improved Fruit Fly Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Li Munan
Published: November 2014

The fruit fly optimization algorithm (FOA) is one of the latest nature-inspired computational models. It has the advantages of having a simple mechanism, fewer control variables, and a fast convergence. However, most applications of the FOA focus on optimization problems in a continuous space. Three-dimensional path planning is a typical discrete optimization problem and can be attributed to multivariable and multiobjective optimization computations. In this paper, we advance an improved FOA model (IFOA) based on engineering techniques. This model is then used to solve for the three-dimensional (3D) path planning of a robot. In a simulation experiment conducted in a virtual three-dimensional space, the IFOA was shown to have a certain capability for three-dimensional path planning. Although the accuracy of the IFOA seems slightly weaker than that of ant colony optimization (ACO), the IFOA may confer time savings of 25% and has greater efficiency. Therefore, this new model still provides a novel and valuable means for solving such discrete optimization problems.
Ophthalmic Manifestations of HIV Patients in a Rural Area of Western Maharashtra, India
Authors: Gogri Pratik Y. , Misra Somen L. , Kothari Raghunandan N. , Bhandari Akshay J. , Gidwani Hitesh V.
Published: November 2014

Introduction. HIV/AIDS is one of twenty first century’s biggest global challenges to mankind with protean manifestations affecting all organs of our body, not even sparing the eyes. The purpose of this study was to determine the pattern of ocular manifestations of HIV/AIDS and their correlation with CD4-count in a rural area of India. Methods. A hospital based observational cross-sectional study was done on 40 HIV-positive patients presenting to ART center with ocular complaints. Data were collected using face-to-face interview, clinical examination, slit lamp examination, fundus examination, and laboratory investigations. Results. Out of 40 patients, 21 were males and 19 were females with mean age of 38.75 ± 13.9 years. HIV retinopathy was the most common HIV-associated ophthalmic lesion while anterior uveitis was the most common anterior segment finding. Posterior segment lesions showed significant association (P<0.05) with low CD4-count of the patient. CMV retinitis, retinal detachment, tubercular chorioretinitis, and acute retinal necrosis were all seen in patients with CD4-count less than 100 cells/mm3. Conclusions. HIV retinopathy, CMV retinitis, herpes zoster ophthalmicus, and anterior uveitis are common ocular manifestations associated with HIV infection. Low CD4-count is a risk as well as predictor for ocular manifestations. There needs to be awareness of ocular involvement among HIV infected individuals and an increased emphasis on regular ophthalmic examination.
An Optimization Model for Product Placement on Product Listing Pages
Authors: Chen Yan-Kwang , Chiu Fei-Rung , Yang Ciao-Jyun
Published: November 2014

The design of product listing pages is a key component of Website design because it has significant influence on the sales volume on a Website. This study focuses on product placement in designing product listing pages. Product placement concerns how venders of online stores place their products over the product listing pages for maximization of profit. This problem is very similar to the offline shelf management problem. Since product information sources on a Web page are typically communicated through the text and image, visual stimuli such as color, shape, size, and spatial arrangement often have an effect on the visual attention of online shoppers and, in turn, influence their eventual purchase decisions. In view of the above, this study synthesizes the visual attention literature and theory of shelf-space allocation to develop a mathematical programming model with genetic algorithms for finding optimal solutions to the focused issue. The validity of the model is illustrated with example problems.
Stroke Recovery: Surprising Influences and Residual Consequences
Authors: Hillis Argye E. , Tippett Donna C.
Published: November 2014

There is startling individual variability in the degree to which people recover from stroke and the duration of time over which recovery of some symptoms occurs. There are a variety of mechanisms of recovery from stroke which take place at distinct time points after stroke and are influenced by different variables. We review recent studies from our laboratory that unveil some surprising findings, such as the role of education in chronic recovery. We also report data showing that the consequences that most plague survivors of stroke and their caregivers are loss of high level cortical functions, such as empathy or written language. These results have implications for rehabilitation and management of stroke.
A Balanced Heuristic Mechanism for Multirobot Task Allocation of Intelligent Warehouses
Authors: Zhou Luowei , Shi Yuanyuan , Wang Jiangliu , Yang Pei
Published: November 2014

This paper presents a new mechanism for the multirobot task allocation problem in intelligent warehouses, where a team of mobile robots are expected to efficiently transport a number of given objects. We model the system with unknown task cost and the objective is twofold, that is, equally allocating the workload as well as minimizing the travel cost. A balanced heuristic mechanism (BHM) is proposed to achieve this goal. We raised two improved task allocation methods by applying this mechanism to the auction and clustering strategies, respectively. The results of simulated experiments demonstrate the success of the proposed approach regarding increasing the utilization of the robots as well as the efficiency of the whole warehouse system (by 5~15%). In addition, the influence of the coefficient α in
the BHM is well‐studied. Typically, this coefficient is set between 0.7~0.9 to achieve good system performance.
DockScreen: A Database of In Silico Biomolecular Interactions to Support Computational Toxicology
Authors: Goldsmith Michael‐Rock , Grulke Christopher M. , Chang Daniel T. , Transue Thomas R. , Little Stephen B. , Rabinowitz James R. , Tornero‐Velez Rogelio
Published: November 2014

We have developed DockScreen, a database of in silico biomolecular interactions designed to enable rational molecular toxicological insight within a computational toxicology framework. This database is composed of chemical/target (receptor and enzyme) binding scores calculated by molecular docking of more than 1000 chemicals into 150 protein targets and contains nearly 135 thousand unique ligand/target binding scores. Obtaining this dataset was achieved using eHiTS (Simbiosys Inc.), a fragment‐based molecular docking approach with an exhaustive search algorithm, on a heterogeneous distributed high‐performance computing framework. The chemical landscape covered in DockScreen comprises selected environmental and therapeutic chemicals. The target landscape covered in DockScreen was selected based on the availability of high‐quality crystal structures that covered the assay space of phase I ToxCast in vitro assays. This in silico data provides continuous information that establishes a means for quantitatively comparing, on a structural biophysical basis, a chemical’s profile of biomolecular interactions. The combined minimum‐score chemical/target matrix is provided.
Determinants of Vitamin D Levels in Italian Children and Adolescents: A Longitudinal Evaluation of Cholecalciferol Supplementation versus the Improvement of Factors Influencing 25(OH)D Status
Authors: Stagi Stefano , Pelosi Paola , Strano Massimo , Poggi Giovanni , Manoni Cristina , de Martino Maurizio , Seminara Salvatore
Published: November 2014

Objective.This paper aims to assess 25(OH)D levels in Italian children and adolescents identifying risk factors for 25(OH)D deficiency and to evaluate whether a normal 25(OH)D value can be restored in 25(OH)D-deficient patients.Methods.We evaluated 25(OH)D levels in 679 Italian children and adolescents (≤10, 11–20, 21–30, and >30 ng/mL were defined as severe deficiency, deficiency, insufficiency, and sufficiency, resp.). Of these, 365 25(OH)D-deficient were followed up for 1 year; 205 were treated with cholecalciferol (Arm A: 400 I.U.) and 160 by improving the environmental variables influencing 25(OH)D levels (Arm B).Results.At cross-sectional evaluation, 11.3% showed sufficiency, 30.0% insufficiency, and 58.7% 25(OH)D deficiency. Mean 25(OH)D was19.08±8.44 ng/mL. At the enrollment time (T0), no difference was found between Arms A and B with respect to distribution and 25(OH)D levels. At end time (T1) 26.0% (29.7% in Arm A versus 20.6% in Arm B) showed sufficiency, 38.4% (42.0% versus 34.4%) insufficiency, and 35.6% (28.3% versus 45.0%) 25(OH)D deficiency. Mean 25(OH)D level was23.71±6.83 ng/mL.Conclusions.Neither changes of lifestyle nor 400 I.U. cholecalciferol supplementation alone appears to be sufficient to restore adequate 25(OH)D levels.
Lot Size Decisions for Vendor-Buyer System with Quantity Discount, Partial Backorder, and Stochastic Demand
Authors: Jauhari Wakhid Ahmad
Published: November 2014

This paper presents production-inventory model for two-echelon system consisting of single vendor and single buyer. The proposed model contributes to the current inventory literature by incorporating quantity discount scheme into stochastic vendor-buyer model. Almost all vendor-buyer inventory models have discussed this scheme in single-echelon system and deterministic demand situation. Here, we assume that the demand of the buyer is normally distributed and the unmet demand is considered to be partially backordered. In addition, the lead time is variable and consists of production time and nonproductive time. The quantity discount is developed by using all-units quantity discounts. Finally, an iterative procedure is proposed to obtain all decision variables and numerical examples are provided to show the application of the proposed procedure.
A Circulating Subpopulation of Monocytic Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells as an Independent Prognostic/Predictive Factor in Untreated Non-Small Lung Cancer Patients
Authors: Vetsika Eleni-Kyriaki , Koinis Filippos , Gioulbasani Marianthi , Aggouraki Despoina , Koutoulaki Anna , Skalidaki Eirini , Mavroudis Dimitris , Georgoulias Vassilis , Kotsakis Athanasios
Published: November 2014

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) represent a heterogeneous population of cells with immunosuppressive properties and might confer to worse prognosis in cancer patients. The presence of phenotypically newly described subpopulations of MDSCs and their association with the clinical outcome were investigated in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. The percentages and correlation between MDSCs and distinct immune cells in the peripheral blood of 110 chemotherapy-naive patients before treatment and healthy controls were investigated using flow cytometry. Two monocytic [CD14+CD15−CD11b+CD33+HLA-DR−Lin−and CD14+CD15+CD11b+CD33+HLA-DR−Lin−] and a granulocytic [CD14−CD15+CD11b+CD33+HLA-DR−Lin−] subpopulations of MDSCs were identified, expressing inducible nitric oxide synthase, and reactive oxygen species, respectively. Increased percentages of both monocytic-MDSCs’ subpopulations were inversely correlated to dendritic/monocyte levels(P≤0.04), while granulocytic-MDSCs were inversely correlated to CD4+T cells(P=0.006). Increased percentages of monocytic-MDSCs were associated with worse response to treatment(P=0.02)and patients with normal levels of CD14+CD15+CD11b+CD33+HLA-DR−Lin−had longer overall survival and progression free-survival compared to those with high levels(P=0.008andP=0.005, resp.). Multivariate analysis revealed that the increased percentages of CD14+CD15+CD11b+CD33+HLA-DR−Lin−MDSCs were independently associated with decreased progression free-survival and overall survival. The data provide evidence that increased percentages of new monocytic-MDSCs’ subpopulations in advanced NSCLC patients are associated with an unfavourable clinical outcome.
Trigonometric Regression for Analysis of Public Health Surveillance Data
Authors: Rigdon Steven E. , Turabelidze George , Jahanpour Ehsan
Published: November 2014

Statistical challenges in monitoring modern biosurveillance data are well described in the literature. Even though assumptions of normality, independence, and stationarity are typically violated in the biosurveillance data, statistical process control (SPC) charts adopted from industry have been widely used in public health for communicable disease monitoring. But, blind usage of SPC charts in public health that ignores the characteristics of disease surveillance data may result in poor detection of disease outbreaks and/or excessive false-positive alarms. Thus, improved biosurveillance systems are clearly needed, and participation of statisticians knowledgeable in SPC alongside epidemiologists in the design and evaluation of such systems can be more productive. We describe and study a method for monitoring reportable disease counts using a Poisson distribution whose mean is allowed to vary depending on the week of the year. The seasonality is modeled by a trigonometric function whose parameters can be estimated by some baseline set of data. We study the ability of such a model to detect an outbreak. Specifically, we estimate the probability of detection (POD), the average number of weeks to signal given that a signal has occurred (conditional expected delay, or CED), and the false-positive rate (FPR, the average number of false-alarms per year).
Microbial Keratitis Profile at a University Hospital in Hong Kong
Authors: Lai Tracy H. T. , Jhanji Vishal , Young Alvin L.
Published: November 2014

Purpose. To evaluate the recent trends in demographics, risk factors, and microbiological profiles of microbial keratitis at a university hospital in Hong Kong. Design. Retrospective review. Methods. The medical records of 51 patients admitted to the Prince of Wales Hospital for microbial keratitis from January 2010 to June 2012 were reviewed. Demographics, risk factors, clinical features, microbiological results, and treatment were recorded. Data was analyzed and compared to our historical sampled data collected 11 years ago. Results. The mean age of patients was 41.6 ± 20.3 years. Contact lens use was the major risk factor (45%), followed by injury (12%). The culture positive rate was 59%, of which 37% were Gram-positive organisms and 53% were Gram-negative organisms. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (50%) and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (13%) were the most commonly isolated pathogens. No resistance to fluoroquinolones was identified. Conclusions. Our study showed that contact lens wear remained the major risk factor for microbial keratitis in Hong Kong and Pseudomonas aeruginosa remained the commonest bacterium isolated. This is comparable to our historical data and other studies conducted in East Asia.
Biological Immune System Applications on Mobile Robot for Disabled People
Authors: Jia Songmin , Zhao Xue , Qu Wenbin , Li Yuchen
Published: November 2014

To improve the service quality of service robots for the disabled, immune system is applied on robot for its advantages such as diversity, dynamic, parallel management, self-organization, and self-adaptation. According to the immune system theory, local environment condition sensed by robot is considered an antigen while robot is regarded as B-cell and possible node as antibody, respectively. Antibody-antigen affinity is employed to choose the optimal possible node to ensure the service robot can pass through the optimal path. The paper details the immune system applications on service robot and gives experimental results.
Problem-Solving and Mental Health Outcomes of Women and Children in the Wake of Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Maddoux John , Symes Lene , McFarlane Judith , Koci Anne , Gilroy Heidi , Fredland Nina
Published: November 2014

The environmental stress of intimate partner violence is common and often results in mental health problems of depression, anxiety, and PTSD for women and behavioral dysfunctions for their children. Problem-solving skills can serve to mitigate or accentuate the environmental stress of violence and associated impact on mental health. To better understand the relationship between problem-solving skills and mental health of abused women with children, a cross-sectional predictive analysis of 285 abused women who used justice or shelter services was completed. The women were asked about social problem-solving, and mental health symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD as well as behavioral functioning of their children. Higher negative problem-solving scores were associated with significantlyP<0.001greater odds of having clinically significant levels of PTSD, anxiety, depression, and somatization for the woman and significantlyP<0.001greater odds of her child having borderline or clinically significant levels of both internalizing and externalizing behaviors. A predominately negative problem-solving approach was strongly associated with poorer outcomes for both mothers and children in the aftermath of the environmental stress of abuse. Interventions addressing problem-solving ability may be beneficial in increasing abused women’s abilities to navigate the daily stressors of life following abuse.
Prevalence and Determinants of Appropriate Health Seeking Behaviour among Known Diabetics: Results from a Community-Based Survey
Authors: Inche Zainal Abidin Sheleaswani , Sutan Rosnah , Shamsuddin Khadijah
Published: November 2014

Introduction. Living with diabetes requires patients to have good self-monitoring of their disease and treatment. Appropriate health seeking behavior is important to minimize complications and improve quality of life.Methodology. A community-based, cross-sectional study of disease events and experiences from diagnosis to the time of study was conducted among 460 known diabetics in Tanjong Karang district. The aim of this study was to describe the current pattern of health seeking behavior and its determinants among rural communities. Appropriate diabetic health services utilization was defined as using modern treatment either through oral hypoglycemics or insulin injections, obtained from either a public or private health facility.Result. 85.9% of respondents reported having appropriate health seeking behaviour at the time of the house-to-house community survey. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that appropriate health seeking behaviour was significantly associated with age of respondent, presence of comorbidity, family history of diabetes, distance from health facilities, perceived family support, and history of early treatment seeking at diagnosis and duration of disease.Conclusion. The present population has better appropriate health seeking behavior and provision of knowledge with strong family support in diabetic care which are important in control and prevention of diabetic complication that need to be emphasized.
Experiment and Theoretical Analysis Study of ETFE Inflatable Tubes
Authors: He YanLi , Chen WuJun
Published: November 2014

The load bearing capacity of an ETFE (ethylene-tetra-fluoro-ethylene) inflatable tube is tested in this paper, and a comparative study of two wrinkling theories, the bifurcation theory and the tension field theory, is carried out for wrinkling analysis of the ETFE inflatable tube. Results obtained from the bifurcation theory and experiment reveal the limitations of tension field theory on the wrinkling analysis. The load-displacement curves of inflatable beams under bending load are obtained and compared with the experimental results; curves obtained using the bifurcation theory show coincidence with experimental curves, but the curves obtained using the tension field theory have noticeable deviations between calculated and experimental results.
Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles for Revolutionizing Agriculture: Synthesis and Applications
Authors: Sabir Sidra , Arshad Muhammad , Chaudhari Sunbal Khalil
Published: November 2014

Nanotechnology is the most innovative field of 21st century. Extensive research is going on for commercializing nanoproducts throughout the world. Due to their unique properties, nanoparticles have gained considerable importance compared to bulk counterparts. Among other metal nanoparticles, zinc oxide nanoparticles are very much important due to their utilization in gas sensors, biosensors, cosmetics, drug-delivery systems, and so forth. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) also have remarkable optical, physical, and antimicrobial properties and therefore have great potential to enhance agriculture. As far as method of formation is concerned, ZnO NPs can be synthesized by several chemical methods such as precipitation method, vapor transport method, and hydrothermal process. The biogenic synthesis of ZnO NPs by using different plant extracts is also common nowadays. This green synthesis is quite safe and ecofriendly compared to chemical synthesis. This paper elaborates the synthesis, properties, and applications of zinc oxide nanoparticles.
Microwave Radar Imaging of Heterogeneous Breast Tissue Integrating A Priori Information
Authors: Moll Jochen , Kelly Thomas N. , Byrne Dallan , Sarafianou Mantalena , Krozer Viktor , Craddock Ian J.
Published: November 2014

Conventional radar-based image reconstruction techniques fail when they are applied to heterogeneous breast tissue, since the underlying in-breast relative permittivity is unknown or assumed to be constant. This results in a systematic error during the process of image formation. A recent trend in microwave biomedical imaging is to extract the relative permittivity from the object under test to improve the image reconstruction quality and thereby to enhance the diagnostic assessment. In this paper, we present a novel radar-based methodology for microwave breast cancer detection in heterogeneous breast tissue integrating a 3D map of relative permittivity as a priori information. This leads to a novel image reconstruction formulation where the delay-and-sum focusing takes place in time rather than range domain. Results are shown for a heterogeneous dense (class-4) and a scattered fibroglandular (class-2) numerical breast phantom using Bristol’s 31-element array configuration.
LASP1 Is a HIF1α Target Gene Critical for Metastasis of Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Zhao Tiansuo , Ren He , Li Jing , Chen Jing , Zhang Huan , Xin Wen , Sun Yan , Sun Lei , Yang Yongwei , Sun Junwei , Wang Xiuchao , Gao Song , Huang Chongbiao , Zhang Huafeng , Yang Shengyu , Hao Jihui
Published: November 2014

LASP1 is an actin-binding protein associated with actin assembly dynamics in cancer cells. Here, we report that LASP1 is overexpressed in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) where it promotes invasion and metastasis. We found that LASP1 overexpression in PDAC cells was mediated by HIF1α through direct binding to a hypoxia response element in the LASP1 promoter. HIF1α stimulated LASP1 expression in PDAC cells in vitro and mouse tumor xenografts in vivo. Clinically, LASP1 overexpression in PDAC patient specimens was associated significantly with lymph node metastasis and overall survival. Overall, our results defined LASP1 as a direct target gene for HIF1α upregulation that is critical for metastatic progression of PDAC. Cancer Res; 75(1); 111–9. ©2014 AACR.
Effects of BRAF Mutations and BRAF Inhibition on Immune Responses to Melanoma
Authors: Ilieva Kristina M. , Correa Isabel , Josephs Debra H. , Karagiannis Panagiotis , Egbuniwe Isioma U. , Cafferkey Michiala J. , Spicer James F. , Harries Mark , Nestle Frank O. , Lacy Katie E. , Karagiannis Sophia N.
Published: November 2014

Malignant melanoma is associated with poor clinical prognosis; however, novel molecular and immune therapies are now improving patient outcomes. Almost 50% of melanomas harbor targetable activating mutations of BRAF that promote RAS–RAF–MEK–ERK pathway activation and melanoma proliferation. Recent evidence also indicates that melanomas bearing mutant BRAF may also have altered immune responses, suggesting additional avenues for treatment of this patient group. The small molecule inhibitors selective for mutant BRAF induce significant but short-lived clinical responses in a proportion of patients, but also lead to immune stimulatory bystander events, which then subside with the emergence of resistance to inhibition. Simultaneous BRAF and MEK inhibition, and especially combination of BRAF inhibitors with new immunotherapies such as checkpoint blockade antibodies, may further enhance immune activation, or counteract immunosuppressive signals. Preclinical evaluation and ongoing clinical trials should provide novel insights into the role of immunity in the therapy of BRAF-mutant melanoma. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(12); 2769–83. ©2014 AACR.
Genetic Interference With Peroxisome Proliferator–Activated Receptor γ in Smooth Muscle Enhances Myogenic Tone in the Cerebrovasculature via A Rho Kinase–Dependent Mechanism
Authors: De Silva T. Michael , Ketsawatsomkron Pimonrat , Pelham Christopher , Sigmund Curt D. , Faraci Frank M.
Published: November 2014

Myogenic responses by resistance vessels are a key component of autoregulation in brain, thus playing a crucial role in regulating cerebral blood flow and protecting the blood–brain barrier against potentially detrimental elevations in blood pressure. Although cerebrovascular disease is often accompanied by alterations in myogenic responses, mechanisms that control these changes are poorly understood. Peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor γ has emerged as a regulator of vascular tone. We hypothesized that interference with peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor γ in smooth muscle would augment myogenic responses in cerebral arteries. We studied transgenic mice expressing a dominant-negative mutation in peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor γ selectively in smooth muscle (S-P467L) and nontransgenic littermates. Myogenic tone in middle cerebral arteries from S-P467L was elevated 3-fold when compared with nontransgenic littermates. Rho kinase is thought to play a major role in cerebrovascular disease. The Rho kinase inhibitor, Y-27632, abolished augmented myogenic tone in middle cerebral arteries from S-P467L mice. CN-03, which modifies RhoA making it constitutively active, elevated myogenic tone to ≈60% in both strains, via a Y-27632–dependent mechanism. Large conductance Ca
2+
-activated K
+
channels (BK
Ca
) modulate myogenic tone. Inhibitors of BK
Ca
caused greater constriction in middle cerebral arteries from nontransgenic littermates when compared with S-P467L. Expression of RhoA or Rho kinase-I/II protein was similar in cerebral arteries from S-P467L mice. Overall, the data suggest that peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor γ in smooth muscle normally inhibits Rho kinase and promotes BK
Ca
function, thus influencing myogenic tone in resistance arteries in brain. These findings have implications for mechanisms that underlie large- and small-vessel disease in brain, as well as regulation of cerebral blood flow.
Large‐Scale Gene‐Centric Analysis Identifies Polymorphisms for Resistant Hypertension
Authors: Fontana Vanessa , McDonough Caitrin W. , Gong Yan , El Rouby Nihal M. , Sá Ana Caroline C. , Taylor Kent D. , Chen Y.‐D. Ida , Gums John G. , Chapman Arlene B. , Turner Stephen T. , Pepine Carl J. , Johnson Julie A. , Cooper‐DeHoff Rhonda M.
Published: November 2014

Background

Resistant hypertension (RHTN), defined by lack of blood pressure (BP) control despite treatment with at least 3 antihypertensive drugs, increases cardiovascular risk compared with controlled hypertension. Yet, there are few data on genetic variants associated with RHTN.

Methods and Results

We used a gene‐centric array containing ≈50 000 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to identify polymorphisms associated with RHTN in hypertensive participants with coronary artery disease (CAD) from INVEST‐GENES (the INnternational VErapamil‐SR Trandolapril STudy—GENEtic Substudy). RHTN was defined as BP≥140/90 on 3 drugs, or any BP on 4 or more drugs. Logistic regression analysis was performed in European Americans (n=904) and Hispanics (n=837), using an additive model adjusted for age, gender, randomized treatment assignment, body mass index, principal components for ancestry, and other significant predictors of RHTN. Replication of the top SNP was conducted in 241 European American women from WISE (Women's Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation), where RHTN was defined similarly. To investigate the functional effect of rs12817819, mRNA expression was measured in whole blood. We found
ATP2B1
rs12817819 associated with RHTN in both INVEST European Americans (
P
‐value=2.44×10
−3
, odds ratio=1.57 [1.17 to 2.01]) and INVEST Hispanics (
P
=7.69×10
−4
, odds ratio=1.76 [1.27 to 2.44]). A consistent trend was observed at rs12817819 in WISE, and the INVEST‐WISE meta‐analysis result reached chip‐wide significance (
P
=1.60×10
−6
, odds ratio=1.65 [1.36 to 1.95]). Expression analyses revealed significant differences in ATP2B1 expression by rs12817819 genotype.

Conclusions

The
ATP2B1
rs12817819 A allele is associated with increased risk for RHTN in hypertensive participants with documented CAD or suspected ischemic heart disease.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL:
www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifiers: NCT00133692 (INVEST), NCT00000554 (WISE).
From Neural Synapses to Culture-Historical Boundaries: An Archaeological Comment on the Plastic Mind
Authors: Løvschal Mette
Published: November 2014

This paper contributes with a study of how something that is initially introduced as a ‘technology of spatial distribution’ develops into a ‘technology of the mind’. Boundaries are a phenomenon deeply rooted in social perception and cognitive categorization, which also involves material processes that can sometimes be studied in an archaeological record. In later prehistory, the physical instantiation of this technology offered a solution to a wide range of economic and social problems, posed by an increasingly filled-in and more permanently settled landscape. Important aspects of its initial conceptual and cultural incorporation lasted more than a millennium. However, once this technology attached conceptually as well as culturally, it entailed a quantitative acceleration and became part of a long-term development, the social and juridical consequences of which can be traced far up in historical times. This case is used to discuss the importance of unfolding both the plastic aspects of human cognition and the slow, protracted and long-term aspects involved in cultural changes.
Postoperative Hemorrhage After Transoral Oropharyngectomy for Cancer of the Lateral Oropharynx
Authors: Laccourreye Ollivier , Malinvaud David , Garcia Dominique , Ménard Madeleine , Hans Stéphane , Cauchois Régis , Bonfils Pierre
Published: November 2014

Objective:

Assessment of incidence, risk factors, management, and outcome of postoperative hemorrhage after transoral oropharyngectomy for cancer of the lateral oropharynx.

Methods:

Retrospective review of a cohort of 514 cancers of the lateral oropharynx consecutively resected.

Results:

Incidence of postoperative hemorrhage was 3.6%. In 31.5% of cases, onset was after hospital discharge. No hemorrhages occurred after the end of the fourth postoperative week. Variables associated with increased risk of hemorrhage were advanced age ( P = .004), antithrombotic treatment ( P = .012), and robotic assistance ( P = .009). When the source of hemorrhage could be identified, hemostasis, performed transorally in most cases, was highly effective; no patients in this subgroup showed recurrence. In spontaneously resolved hemorrhage under observation or when no active site of bleeding was found on exploration under general anesthesia, the recurrence rate was 18.1%. Overall, hemorrhage resulted in death in 2 patients.

Conclusion:

Exploration under general anesthesia in case of active bleeding and observation with discussion of arterial exploration of the ipsilateral external carotid system in patients in whom no source of bleeding can be identified are the keys to successful management of this potentially lethal complication.
Glomus Tympanicum: A Review of 115 Cases over 4 Decades
Authors: Carlson Matthew L. , Sweeney Alex D. , Pelosi Stanley , Wanna George B. , Glasscock Michael E. , Haynes David S.
Published: November 2014

Objective

To characterize the clinical presentation, surgical management, and outcomes of a large consecutive cohort of patients with glomus tympanicum (GT) tumors managed at a single tertiary referral group over 4 decades.

Study Design

Retrospective review.

Setting

Tertiary neurotological referral center.

Subjects and Methods

All patients underwent surgical treatment of histopathologically confirmed GT between January 1973 and March 2014. Audiometric outcomes were reported according to AAO‐HNS guidelines, and tumor stage was described using the Glasscock‐Jackson classification system.

Results

There were 115 patients (90.4% women; mean age, 55.2 years) who met the inclusion criteria; 38 (33.0%) cases of GT were stage I, 51 (44.3%) stage II, 10 (8.7%) stage III, and 16 (13.9%) stage IV. There were 108 (93.9%) patients who underwent gross total removal, while 7 (6.1%) received less than complete resection for advanced disease that was adherent to the petrous carotid artery, facial nerve, stapes footplate, or round window. Two patients who underwent gross total resection experienced transient facial paresis, and 1 had internal carotid injury with stroke. No patients had been diagnosed with recurrent disease at a mean follow‐up of 30.4 months.

Conclusion

Surgery remains the treatment of choice for GT, providing a high rate of tumor control and resolution of aural symptoms with a low risk of complications. The surgical approach and extent of resection should be tailored to the patient. Gross total resection can be performed in over 90% of patients; however, leaving a limited adherent tumor remnant on the facial nerve or carotid artery should be considered with advanced infiltrative disease to prevent unnecessary morbidity.
Epidemiological Trends in Malignant Lacrimal Gland Tumors
Authors: Andreoli Michael T. , Aakalu Vinay , Setabutr Pete
Published: November 2014

Objective

To describe epidemiological trends in lacrimal gland malignancies in the United States.

Study Design

Retrospective database review.

Setting

Multicenter registry.

Subjects and Methods

A total of 702 malignant tumors of the lacrimal gland from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database were included in the study. Disease‐specific and overall survival were the primary outcome measures. Kaplan‐Meier survival curves were generated for multiple patient and tumor characteristics, including race, histology, TNM tumor stage, age at diagnosis, radiotherapy, gender, and tumor grade. Cox proportional hazards regression was performed to assess the impact of patient and tumor characteristics on survival.

Results

Lymphoma (58.0%), adenoid cystic carcinoma (13.4%), adenocarcinoma (3.8%), and mucoepidermoid carcinoma (3.6%) accounted for most tumors. Lymphoma was associated with more favorable survival rates, while adenocarcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma, and mucoepidermoid carcinoma were associated with worse prognosis. There was a steady increase in the proportion of lymphoma diagnosed since 1973. In a multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model, tumor histology remained as the only covariate correlated with disease‐specific survival.

Conclusion

Patient characteristics and survival rates differ between lymphoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and mucoepidermoid carcinoma. The proportion of lacrimal gland cancer diagnosed as lymphoma has steadily increased over time. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis demonstrated tumor histology as one of the most important factors in patient survival. These results augment our understanding of the expected disease course of lacrimal gland malignancies.
Early years adversity, adoption and adulthood: conceptualising long-term outcomes
Authors: Rushton Alan
Published: November 2014

This article discusses the methodological and conceptual issues surrounding a long-term follow-up study of girls adopted from orphanages in China around the age of two years. The aim of the study was to see if any effects of early negative experiences affected the women some 45 years later. Seventy-two out of the original 100 women were assessed by means of interviews and questionnaires that explored their health, behaviour, achievements, life satisfaction, self-esteem, relationships, ethnic identification, community connectedness and personality profiles. The results were compared with data from the UK National Child Development Study of children born in 1958. It was found that on the measures used, the adopted women were little different from the national population, suggesting that early disadvantage can be reversed and positive developmental pathways re-established. The article then reviews the methods and instruments used to assess adults in mid-life, especially those sensitive to identifying adversities resulting from early neglect. It is suggested that checklists of psychological problems may be insufficient to produce a complete picture and that a wider range of measures is needed to capture important features of interpersonal relationships and parenting histories, with an additional requirement to incorporate the experiences and variables introduced by adoption. Two concepts – ‘life-long preoccupations’ and ‘a carapace’ – are suggested as especially useful in this respect.
Do cultures clash?
Authors: Uz Irem
Published: November 2014

The consequences of globalization are a matter of debate. This study is an attempt to test the predictions of homogenization, polarization, and hybridization theorists with regard to the similarities and differences between and within societies. Utilizing four waves of the World Values Survey, from 1989 to 2007, this study covers 20 societies that represent 55% of the world population. The survey involved value statements in 72 areas by nationally representative samples. Results showed that differences between Western and non-Western countries’ cultures tended to increase slightly over time, but that these increases in disagreement were not due to cultures moving in opposite directions. In all instances, they were moving in the same direction, with one of the cultures moving faster. The direction of influence was mostly from Western toward non-Western, lending support to the idea that globalization leads to homogenization, rather than to polarization or hybridization.
Comparison of anticorrosion behavior of polyaniline and poly(3,4-methylenedioxyaniline) and their titanium dioxide nanocomposites
Authors: Ates Murat , Kalender Okan
Published: November 2014

In this study, polyaniline (PANI) and poly(3,4-methylenedioxyaniline) (P(MDAN)) nanocomposites with titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles were investigated on Al1050 electrodes. Aniline (ANI), MDAN, ANI/TiO2, and MDAN/TiO2 nanocomposites were successfully electropolymerized by the chronoamperometric method. The modified films were characterized by different techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared–attenuated transmission reflectance, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The surfaces of modified electrodes were observed by SEM and an optical microscope with a camera. Anticorrosion behaviors of PANI, PANI/TiO2, P(MDAN), and P(MDAN)/TiO2 films were measured in 3.5% sodium chloride solution by Tafel extrapolation and EIS techniques. PANI, PANI/TiO2, P(MDAN), and P(MDAN)/TiO2 film electrodes increased the corrosion resistance of the film as compared to the uncoated Al1050 substrate. Therefore, the highest protection efficiency of 97.2% was obtained for PANI/TiO2 film. The corrosion resistance values of PANI, PANI/TiO2, P(MDAN), and P(MDAN)/TiO2 films were increased significantly compared with the uncoated Al1050 electrode.
Enhancement of thermal, mechanical, and barrier properties of ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer by incorporation of graphene nanosheets
Authors: Kim Seong Woo , Choi Hyun Muk
Published: November 2014

For the application of high gas barrier coatings on polymeric film, ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) copolymer-based nanocomposites were prepared by the incorporation of two different graphene oxide (GrO) nanosheets with high and low levels of chemical functionalization via a solution blending method. We attempted the evaluation of compatibility between EVOH with amphiphilic nature and GrO dispersed in the nanocomposite by investigating the effect of the degree of functionalization of GrO on the morphology and properties of the nanocomposites. The highly functionalized GrO (HGrO) was observed to cause a more homogeneous dispersion of highly intercalated or exfoliated graphene nanosheets in the nanocomposite as well as a more stable dispersion without sedimentation in the suspension, compared with the GrO with low functionality (LGrO). The incorporation of graphene nanosheets at only 0.5 wt% into the EVOH matrix was revealed to increase the glass transition and crystallization temperatures and remarkably improve the mechanical tensile moduli for the nanocomposite films, regardless of graphene type. In addition, GrO/EVOH nanocomposite-coated biaxially oriented polypropylene films showed substantially improved oxygen barrier properties, while retaining fairly good transparency. As a result, the enhancement in the thermal, mechanical, and barrier properties of the GrO/EVOH nanocomposites was more pronounced when HGrO was incorporated into the EVOH resin, suggesting that GrO nanosheet with high level of functionalization would be more compatible with EVOH and would ultimately be capable of achieving a high-performance EVOH-based nanocomposite.
Fuzzy analytical hierarchy process extent analysis for selection of end of life electronic products collection system in a reverse supply chain
Authors: Shumon Md. Rezaul Hasan , Ahmed Shamsuddin , Ahmed Shameem
Published: November 2014

The main purpose of this study is to propose a multi-criteria model for selection of end-of-life electronic products (e-waste) collection system in a reverse supply chain. The pertinent criteria for such decision analysis and selection are determined through an extensive literature review and a questionnaire survey method. On collection systems, a few alternatives are considered for evaluation. Subsequently, fuzzy analytical hierarchy process rating method is used to evaluate the priorities of the criteria and the alternatives. Finally, global weights of the criteria and evaluation score of the alternatives are combined to get the final ranking of the collection systems evaluated. The result demonstrates the relative importance of the criteria for evaluating the alternative collection systems. Also, a real application substantiates the preference of collection system(s) to be selected. The use of this newly proposed fuzzy analytical hierarchy process analytical model indicates that decision-makers can use it to determine the appropriate collection system(s) from a set of available options in a given place or country, where cultural and other parameters are varied. Moreover, this model guides the decision process to be systematic and helps reduce considerable amount of efforts needed conventionally by using the criteria weights generated by fuzzy analytical hierarchy process approach.
Pitch curve design defects modification for non-circular bevel gear
Authors: Gang LV
Published: November 2014

A novel pitch curve design method for non-circular bevel gear is presented to simplify design of non-circular bevel gear. Pitch curve equation for non-circular bevel gear is deduced based on geometrical relationships between pitch cone surface of non-circular gear with parallel axis and spherical surface. Then, transmission ratio function is transformed into pitch curve design defects modification equation and mathematical expression between modification factor and pitch curve design parameters for non-circular bevel gear is derived. By using the expression, modification value of pitch curve can be determined rapidly and accurately. Simulation results for high-order elliptical bevel gear and Pascal curve bevel gear demonstrate that the proposed modification method can be applied to pitch curve design for other types of non-circular bevel gear. Design and verification efficiency for non-circular bevel gear are improved effectively by employing the proposed pitch curve design defects modification method.