bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Defining the timing and causes of death amongst patients undergoing colorectal resection in England
Authors: Mamidanna R. , Nachiappan S. , Bottle A. , Aylin P. , Faiz O.
Published: November 2015

Aim

Historically, postoperative deaths have been reported up to 30 days following surgery. There is, however, emerging evidence that deaths attributable to surgery continue to occur much later than this time frame. This aim of this study was to analyse the timing and causes of mortality following colorectal resection.

Method

Data were obtained from the Hospital Episode Statistics database with linkage to mortality data from the Office for National Statistics. Patients who underwent colorectal resection between April 2001 and February 2007 were included. Causes of death were classified into colorectal cancer (CRC), other malignancy, cardiac, respiratory, gastrointestinal, neurological and other.

Results

During the study period 171 791 patients underwent a colorectal resection. Thirty‐day mortality rates for elective procedures were 1.3, 3.5, 7.0 and 12.1% for the ≤ 65, 66–75, 76–85 and > 85 year age groups, respectively, compared with 2.2, 5.4, 9.8 and 16.7% at 90 days. For elective operations, at 30 days, 38.6% of patients who died had CRC recorded as the primary cause of death, whilst 25.4% died of cardiac causes. In the younger population undergoing a resection, deaths due to cardiac causes were significantly higher than the national average for the same age group even beyond 30 days (13.5% at 30 days, 11.1% at 90 days and 5.7% at 1 year).

Conclusion

This study shows that deaths attributable to colorectal surgery occur beyond the conventionally utilized 30‐day period. Information presented to patients on the basis of 30‐day mortality estimates is likely to underestimate the true risk of surgical intervention.
Multimodality Imaging Diagnostic Approach of Systemic‐to‐Pulmonary Vein Fistulae
Authors: El Ghannudi Soraya , Germain Philippe , Jeung Mi‐Young , Jahn Christine , Hirschi Sandrine , Roy Catherine
Published: November 2015

A 26‐year‐old man with a history of bilateral lung transplantation for pulmonary cystic fibrosis 6 months before was admitted in our institution for acute heart failure. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) showed an increased aortic output, as aortic flow assessed by velocity mapping was twofold the pulmonary flow, an occluded superior vena cava (SVC), and enlarged azygos vein. A systemic‐to‐pulmonary vein fistula (SAPVF) was suspected. The selective angiography showed numerous fistulae between intercostals, thyro‐cervical, internal mammary arteries and pulmonary veins. The thoracic CT performed before the CMR, which was initially considered as normal, showed well these arteriovenous fistulae after 3D MIP reconstruction. This particular observation highlights the great value of multimodality imaging for the diagnosis of this rare pathology. The MR velocity mapping is a noninvasive imaging technique of great interest to guide the diagnosis of arteriovenous fistulae, and further indicating more invasive complementary imaging modalities like selective arterial angiography.
Medication adherence 1 month after hospital discharge in medical inpatients
Authors: Mitchell B. , Chong C. , Lim W. K.
Published: November 2015

Background

The rate of medication non‐adherence has been consistently reported to be between 20 and 50%. The majority of available data comes from international studies, and we hypothesised that a similar rate of adherence may be observed in Australian patients.

Aims

To determine the rate of adherence to medications after discharge from acute general hospital admission and identify factors that may be associated with non‐adherence.

Methods

A prospective cohort study of 68 patients, comparing admission and discharge medication regimens to self‐reported regimens 30–40 days after discharge from hospital. Patients were followed up via telephone call and univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression used to determine patient factors associated with non‐adherence.

Results

In all, 27 of 68 patients (39.7%) were non‐adherent to one or more regular medications at follow up. Intentional and unintentional non‐adherence contributed equally to non‐adherence. Using multivariate analysis, presence of a carer responsible for medications was associated with significantly lower non‐adherence (odds ratio (OR) 0.20 (0.05–0.83),P = 0.027) when adjusted for age, co‐morbidities, chemist blister pack and total number of discharge medications.

Conclusions

Non‐adherence to prescription medications is suboptimal and consistent with previous overseas studies. Having a carer responsible for medications is associated with significantly lower rates of non‐adherence. Understanding patients’ preferences and involving them in their healthcare may reduce intentional non‐adherence.
Social upgrading in globalized production: The case of the textile and clothing industry
Authors: GIMET Céline , GUILHON Bernard , ROUX Nathalie
Published: November 2015

Vertical specialization generated by the international fragmentation of production within global networks is driven not only by comparative advantage, but also by the locational decisions of lead firms which determine the role and bargaining power of local producers in their value chain. This study examines the consequences of such specialization in textiles and clothing for 26 labour‐abundant countries from 1990 to 2007. Fixed effects regressions based on panel data reveal that the industry does not always reap the benefits of the resulting international trade integration. Rather, the authors observe a negative relationship between vertical specialization and relative real wages in the textile and clothing industry.
Deep reefs are climatic refugia for genetic diversity of marine forests
Authors: Assis Jorge , Coelho Nelson Castilho , Lamy Thomas , Valero Myriam , Alberto Filipe , Serrão Ester Álvares
Published: November 2015

Aim

Past climate‐driven range shifts shaped intraspecific diversities of species world‐wide. Earlier studies, focused on glacial refugia, might have overlooked genetic erosion at lower latitudes associated with warmer periods. For marine species able to colonize deeper waters, depth shifts might be important for local persistence, preventing some latitudinal shifts, analogous to elevational refugia in terrestrial habitats. In this study, we asked whether past latitudinal or depth range shifts explain extant gene pools in Saccorhiza polyschides, a large habitat structuring brown alga distributed from coastal to offshore deep reefs.

Location

North‐east Atlantic and western Mediterranean basin.

Methods

Genetic structure and diversity were inferred using seven microsatellite loci, for 27 sites throughout the entire distributional range. Ecological niche modelling (ENM) was performed with and without information about genetic structure (sub‐taxon niche structure) to predict distributions for the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), the warmer Mid‐Holocene (MH) and the present.

Results

Both ENM approaches predicted a wider potential distribution in deeper waters than is presently known, a post‐glacial expansion to northern shores and the extirpation of southern edges during the warmer MH. Genetic data corroborated range dynamics, revealing three major genetic groups with current boundaries in the Bay of Biscay and the Lisbon coastal region, pinpointing ancient refugial origins. Despite extensive southern range contraction, the southernmost warmer regions are still the richest in genetic diversity, indicating long‐term persistence of large populations. ENMs suggested that this could only have been possible due to stable refugia in deeper reefs.

Main conclusions

The global distribution of gene pools of temperate marine forests is explained by past range shifts that structured both latitudinal glacial refugia and depth refugia during warmer periods. Deep rear edge populations play a fundamental role during periods of extreme climate, allowing persistence and retaining some of the largest genetic diversity pools of the species' distribution.
Clinical significance and validity of the subclassification for colorectal laterally spreading tumor granular type
Authors: Shigita Kenjiro , Oka Shiro , Tanaka Shinji , Sumimoto Kyoku , Hirano Daiki , Tamaru Yuzuru , Ninomiya Yuki , Asayama Naoki , Hayashi Nana , Nagata Shinji , Arihiro Koji , Chayama Kazuaki
Published: November 2015

Background and Aim:

Colorectal laterally spreading tumor granular type (LST‐G) is generally divided into two subtypes based on morphology. Here, we retrospectively investigated the clinical significance of a concrete, objective LST‐G subclassification.

Methods:

This study examined 636 consecutive cases that were resected endoscopically or surgically. LST‐G was subclassified as follows: Type 1, a lesion with homogenous uniform granules with uniform (<5 mm) nodules; Type 2, a lesion with granules and small nodules (≥5 mm, <10 mm); or Type 3, a lesion accompanied by large nodules (≥10 mm). For the validation study, 194 images were compiled from 97 cases investigated using conventional colonoscopy and chromoendoscopy with indigo carmine dye spraying. Images were distributed in a randomized order to students without prior endoscopy experience, less‐experienced endoscopists (LEE group), and highly experienced endoscopists (HEE group). Diagnostic accuracy and interobserver agreement were then evaluated.

Results:

There was no submucosal invasion in Type 1 lesions. The incidence of deep submucosal invasive carcinoma was higher for Type 3 lesions than for Type 2 lesions. Interobserver agreement was good in each group. Diagnostic accuracy was higher in the HEE group than in the student and LEE groups. Chromoendoscopy had a higher accuracy rate than conventional colonoscopy in the LEE and HEE groups (LEE, 0.74 vs 0.69, P < 0.05; HEE, 0.84 vs 0.78, P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

This subclassification of LST‐G according to the diameters of granules and nodules was both useful for choosing therapeutic strategies in the clinical setting and universally applicable.
Teaching Labor Support: An Interprofessional Simulation
Authors: Pilkenton Deanna , Collins Michelle R. , Holley Sharon
Published: November 2015

Support for women during labor encompasses the continuous presence of a person who provides psychosocial, emotional, and physical support. Providing labor support to women in the intrapartum setting is a core midwifery competency and a clinical skill that midwifery students are expected to master. Instruction on labor support is a common objective in midwifery education intrapartum courses and skills labs, yet there is no standard for teaching this skill to midwifery students. Thus, in order to accomplish this objective, we created an interprofessional simulation on labor support that involves the use of a standardized patient, a written scenario, an interprofessional team of nursing and midwifery students, faculty observations, and a reflective debrief. The goals of the labor support simulation are to allow midwifery students the opportunity to practice intrapartum labor support techniques and interprofessional communication prior to entering the clinical setting. A postsimulation structured debrief allows for student learning and reflection. This article describes the design, planning, and implementation of this unique simulation experience. This article is part of a special series of articles that address midwifery innovations in clinical practice, education, interprofessional collaboration, health policy, and global health.
“Nothing More Than the Usual Injury”: Debating Hockey Violence During the Manslaughter Trials of Allan Loney (1905) and Charles Masson (1907)
Authors: Lorenz Stacy L. , Osborne Geraint B.
Published: November 2015

This historical case study of violence in Canadian hockey examines media coverage of two manslaughter trials: the 1905 trial of Allan Loney and the 1907 trial of Charles Masson. Both players stood accused of killing opposing players by striking them in the head with their hockey sticks. In each case, the offending player was acquitted in the courts, mainly because such violence was deemed intrinsic to the sport. Injuries that resulted from violent acts were downplayed or ignored; even death from a deliberate stick attack could be rationalized as an unfortunate accident. Newspaper accounts of the deaths, trials, and subsequent acquittals offer valuable insight into the cultural narratives surrounding hockey violence and notions of masculinity in early twentieth‐century Canada. These cases generated considerable debate around the issue of what constituted “clean” and “rough” hockey. The game reports, trial coverage, and public opinion examined in this case study suggest that stick‐swinging incidents and aggressive play have been regarded as ordinary and “proper” aspects of “strenuous hockey” for more than a century. The historical examination of such cases is important because the justifications for violence that were articulated in the context of the deaths continue to be voiced in contemporary discussions of hockey violence. As long as fighting and aggression remain markers of masculinity – and hockey continues to be seen as a training ground for manhood – it will be difficult to remove such forms of violence from the sport.
Campylocentrum benellii and C. paludosum spp. nov. (Angraecinae–Orchidaceae): two new leafless species from Brazil
Authors: Pessoa Edlley , Rodrigues Miranda Marcelo , Alves Marccus
Published: November 2015

The leafless condition is present in two neotropical epiphyte genera of Orchidaceae, Campylocentrum and Dendrophylax. Only the first one is reported from Brazil, where seven leafless species are recorded, and four of them are endemic. This study describes two new species of Campylocentrum from the Atlantic forest of São Paulo state and Amazon forest of Acre, Mato Grosso and Rondônia states. It also provides a key to the Brazilian species of leafless Campylocentrum, illustrations, and a discussion of the affinities of the new species with allied ones.
Macrophage Exosomes Induce Placental Inflammatory Cytokines: A Novel Mode of Maternal–Placental Messaging
Authors: Holder Beth , Jones Tessa , Sancho Shimizu Vanessa , Rice Thomas F. , Donaldson Beverly , Bouqueau Marielle , Forbes Karen , Kampmann Beate
Published: November 2015

During pregnancy, the placenta forms the interface between mother and fetus. Highly controlled regulation of trans‐placental trafficking is therefore essential for the healthy development of the growing fetus. Extracellular vesicle‐mediated transfer of protein and nucleic acids from the human placenta into the maternal circulation is well documented; the possibility that this trafficking is bi‐directional has not yet been explored but could affect placental function and impact on the fetus. We hypothesized that the ability of the placenta to respond to maternal inflammatory signals is mediated by the interaction of maternal immune cell exosomes with placental trophoblast. Utilizing the BeWo cell line and whole placental explants, we demonstrated that the human placenta internalizes macrophage‐derived exosomes in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner. This uptake was via clathrin‐dependent endocytosis. Furthermore, macrophage exosomes induced release of proinflammatory cytokines by the placenta. Taken together, our data demonstrates that exosomes are actively transported into the human placenta and that exosomes from activated immune cells modulate placental cytokine production. This represents a novel mechanism by which immune cells can signal to the placental unit, potentially facilitating responses to maternal inflammation and infection, and thereby preventing harm to the fetus.
RNF121 Inhibits Angiogenic Growth Factor Signaling by Restricting Cell Surface Expression of VEGFR‐2
Authors: Maghsoudlou Armin , Meyer Rosana D. , Rezazadeh Kobra , Arafa Emad , Pudney Jeffrey , Hartsough Edward , Rahimi Nader
Published: November 2015

Ligand stimulation promotes downregulation of RTKs, a mechanism by which RTKs, through the ubiquitination pathway are removed from the cell surface, causing a temporary termination of RTK signaling. The molecular mechanisms governing RTK trafficking and maturation in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)/Golgi compartments are poorly understood. Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐2 (VEGFR‐2) is a prototypic RTK that plays a critical role in physiologic and pathologic angiogenesis. Here we demonstrate that Ring Finger Protein 121 (RNF121), an ER ubiquitin E3 ligase, is expressed in endothelial cells and regulates maturation of VEGFR‐2. RNF121 recognizes newly synthesized VEGFR‐2 in the ER and controls its trafficking and maturation. Over‐expression of RNF121 promoted ubiquitination of VEGFR‐2, inhibited its maturation and resulted a significantly reduced VEGFR‐2 presence at the cell surface. Conversely, the shRNA‐mediated knockdown of RNF121 in primary endothelial cells reduced VEGFR‐2 ubiquitination and increased its cell surface level. The RING Finger domain of RNF121 is required for its activity toward VEGFR‐2, as its deletion significantly reduced the effect of RNF121 on VEGFR‐2. Additionally, RNF121 inhibited VEGF‐induced endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenesis. Taken together, these data identify RNF121 as a key determinant of angiogenic signaling that restricts VEGFR‐2 cell surface presence and its angiogenic signaling.
Modeling of Community- and Hospital-acquired Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Transmission in Hospital Settings
Authors: Agusto F.B. , Knight K.N. , Jones M.
Published: November 2015

In this paper we developed both deterministicand stochastic models of community- and hospital-acquired methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus transmission (MRSA) to quantify their interactions in a hospital settings. The disease-free equilibrium of the model is locally-asymptotically stable whenever the associated reproduction number is less than unity. The disease persists in the community whenever the reproduction number is greater than unity. Although our stochastic model evolves on an unbounded state space, we show it is positive recurrent. The result obtained from the sensitivity analysis using the deterministic model indicates that the dominant parameters are the hand washing compliance rate, the health-care workers decolonization rate, environmental contamination rate, the admission rates into the hospital, isolation rate of patients with CA-MRSA and isolation rate of patients with HA-MRSA, the transmission probabilities of CA- and HA-MRSA В per contact with health-care workers and transmission probability of health-care workers В per contact with patients. Numerical simulations of the deterministic model obtained from using the dominate parameters as combination of control strategies such as low-, moderate and high-effectiveness control strategies show that disease prevalence among the hospital patients and the bacterial in the hospital environment can be controlled by moderate- and high-effectiveness control strategies. However, for health-care workers the disease prevalence can only be effectively controlled by the high-effectiveness control strategy.
Luminescence properties of lanthanide and ytterbium lanthanide titanate thin films grown by atomic layer deposition
Authors: Hansen Per-Anders , Fjellvåg Helmer , Finstad Terje G. , Nilsen Ola
Published: November 2015

Lanthanide based luminescent materials are highly suitable as down conversion materials in combination with a UV-absorbing host material. The authors have used TiO2 as the UV-absorbing host material and investigated the energy transfer between TiO2 and 11 different lanthanide ions, Ln3+ (Ln = La, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb) in thin films grown by atomic layer deposition. They have also investigated the possibility to improve the overall energy transfer from TiO2 to Yb3+ with a second Ln3+, in order to enhance down conversion. The films were grown at a substrate temperature of 300 °C, using the Ln(thd)3/O3 (thd = 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedione) and TiCl4/H2O precursor pairs. The focus of the work is to explore the energy transfer from TiO2 to Ln3+ ions, and the energy transfer between Ln3+ and Yb3+ ions, which could lead to efficient down conversion. The samples have been characterized by x-ray diffraction, x-ray fluorescence, spectroscopic ellipsometry, and photoluminescence. All films were amorphous as deposited, and the samples have been annealed at 600, 800, and 1000 °C in order to investigate the correlation between the crystallinity and luminescence. The lanthanum titanium oxide samples showed a weak and broad emission centered at 540 nm, which was absent in all the other samples, indicating energy transfer from TiO2 to Ln3+ in all other lanthanide samples. In the amorphous phase, all samples, apart from La, Tb, and Tm, showed a typical f-f emission when excited by a 325 nm HeCd laser. None of the samples showed any luminescence after annealing at 1000 °C due to the formation of Ln2Ti2O7. Samples containing Nd, Sm, and Eu show a change in emission spectrum when annealed at 800 °C compared to the as-deposited samples, indicating that the smaller lanthanides crystallize in a different manner than the larger lanthanides. Energy transfer from Ln3+ to Yb3+ was observed neither in the amorphous or annealed samples. On the other hand, Yb3+ was found to be an efficient sensitizer for Ho3+'s 1200 nm emission.
The Uniform geometrical Theory of Diffraction for elastodynamics: Plane wave scattering from a half-plane
Authors: Kamta Djakou Audrey , Darmon Michel , Fradkin Larissa , Potel Catherine
Published: November 2015

Diffraction phenomena studied in electromagnetism, acoustics, and elastodynamics are often modeled using integrals, such as the well-known Sommerfeld integral. The far field asymptotic evaluation of such integrals obtained using the method of steepest descent leads to the classical Geometrical Theory of Diffraction (GTD). It is well known that the method of steepest descent is inapplicable when the integrand's stationary phase point coalesces with its pole, explaining why GTD fails in zones where edge diffracted waves interfere with incident or reflected waves. To overcome this drawback, the Uniform geometrical Theory of Diffraction (UTD) has been developed previously in electromagnetism, based on a ray theory, which is particularly easy to implement. In this paper, UTD is developed for the canonical elastodynamic problem of the scattering of a plane wave by a half-plane. UTD is then compared to another uniform extension of GTD, the Uniform Asymptotic Theory (UAT) of diffraction, based on a more cumbersome ray theory. A good agreement between the two methods is obtained in the far field.
Discovery of URAT1 SNPs and association between serum uric acid levels and URAT1
Authors: Cho Sung Kweon , Kim Soriul , Chung Jae-Yong , Jee Sun Ha
Published: November 2015

Objectives

Human urate transporter 1 (URAT1) is a member of the organic anion transporter family (SLC22A12) that primarily regulates the renal tubular reabsorption of uric acid. This case–control study was designed to analyse whether hURAT1 might also be a candidate gene for hyperuricaemia or hypouricaemia.

Setting

We recruited 68 healthy volunteers and divided them into two groups: a normal uric acid group and a hyperuricaemia group. We analysed the sequence of the URAT1 gene and found five significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). We then selected 900 male subjects from the 262 200 enrolled in the Korean Cancer Prevention Study-II (KCPS-II) cohort for further genetic analysis.

Participants

DNA samples from 36 individuals with normal uric acid (<4.5 mg/dL) and 32 individuals with hyperuricaemia (>8.5 mg/dL) were sequenced. Five significant SNPs (rs7929627, rs75786299, rs3825017, rs11602903 and rs121907892) were identified. We then chose 900 subjects from the KCPS-II cohort consisting of 450 subjects with normal uric acid (UA <4.1 mg/dL) and 450 subjects with hyperuricaemia (UA >8.7 mg/dL). The groups were matched by age, body mass index, metabolic syndrome and use of anti-hypertensive medication.

Primary outcome measures

We compared the OR of the incidence of hyperuricaemia by URAT1 genotype.

Results

The strongest association with hyperuricaemia was observed for rs75786299 (IVS3+11A/G) with an OR of 32.05. rs7929627 (IVS7-103A/G) and rs3825017 (N82N) showed an association with hyperuricaemia with ORs of 2.56 and 2.29, respectively. rs11602903 (788A/T) and rs121907892 (W258X) were negatively correlated with hyperuricaemia with ORs of 0.350 and 0.447, respectively. Individuals carrying the GATAG haplotype (n=32)—a relatively common variant consisting of rs7929627, rs75786299 and rs3825017—showed the highest risk for hyperuricaemia with an OR of 92.23 (p=9.55×10−3).

Conclusions

These results indicate that five newly described SNPs in the hURAT1 gene are significantly associated with uric acid level (4-2008-0318 and 4-2011-0277).
Clean air for biological studies: evaluation of a heated platinum catalyst for removing hydrocarbon impurities
Authors: Goudey J. S. , Spencer M. S.
Published: November 2015

Heated metal catalysts provide an effective means of removing low molecular weight hydrocarbons present as contaminants in most laboratory air supplies. We compared the reported efficiencies of different metal catalysts with platinum (1% w/w) on 1/8-in (1 in. = 25.4 mm) alumina pellets. At 350 °C this catalyst (30 g packed in a 30-cm3 combustion tube) oxidized all traces of methane, ethane, and ethylene in air at flow rates of up to 3 L∙min−1 (space velocity of 6000 catalyst bed volumes per hour). The platinized alumina pellets offer less resistance to airflow and require lower operating temperatures than platinum and other metal catalysts on different solid support materials. This approach to air purification may provide a safer, more efficient and economical alternative to methods currently used in the laboratory, as well as in areas of commercial horticulture.
The paradox of “premature migration” by adult anadromous salmonid fishes: patterns and hypotheses
Authors: Quinn Thomas P. , McGinnity Philip , Reed Thomas E.
Published: November 2015

In several groups of anadromous fishes, but especially the salmonids, some populations migrate from the ocean to fresh water many months prior to spawning. This “premature migration” reduces growth opportunities at sea, compels them to occupy much less productive freshwater habitats, and exposes them to extremes of flow and temperature, disease, and predation. We first review migration in salmonids and find great variation in timing patterns among and within species, relative to the timing of reproduction. Premature migration is widely distributed among species but not in all populations, and we propose two hypotheses to explain it. First, the fish may be making “the best of a bad situation” by entering early because access to suitable breeding sites is constrained seasonally by flow or temperature regimes, so they sacrifice growing opportunities at sea. Alternatively or additionally, some populations may be “balancing risks and benefits” as they trade off the benefits of growth at sea against the risk of mortality there. In this model, the reduced risk of mortality at sea must be balanced against the risk of mortality in freshwater habitats from thermal stress, disease, and predators. Premature migration may be favored where temperatures and flows are moderate or where lakes provide safety from predators and reduce energetic expenditure. Consistent with this hypothesis, early return is characteristic of larger, older salmonids (that would benefit less from additional time at sea to grow than would smaller fish). Finally, we consider the vulnerability of premature migrants to climate change and selective fisheries. Migration timing is an important part of the portfolio of phenotypic diversity that conveys resilience to species, population complexes, and the fisheries that depend on them. The premature migrants are often especially valued in fisheries and also often of particular conservation concern, and the phenomenon merits further research.
Effects of band hybridization on electronic properties in tuning armchair graphene nanoribbons
Authors: Khatun M. , Kan Z. , Cancio A. , Nelson C.
Published: November 2015

We explore a model of armchair graphene nanoribbons tuned by functionalizing the edge states. Edge modifications are modeled by changing the electronic energy of the edge states in specific periodic patterns. The model can be considered to mimic a controlled doping process with different elements. The band structure, density of states, conductance, and local density of states are calculated, using the tight binding approach, Green’s function methodology, and the Landauer formula. The results show interesting behaviors, which are considerably different from the properties of the perfect nanoribbons. The hybridization of conducting bands with non-conducting bands, which appear perfectly flat in the perfect ribbon, opens up and modifies gaps in conductance near the Fermi level. One particular pattern of edge functionalization causes a strong, symmetric, and systematic band gap change about the Fermi level, modifying the electronic characteristics in the energy dispersion, density of states, local density of states, and conductance.
Purification, Characterization of L-Methioninase fromCandida tropicalis, and Its Application as an Anticancer
Authors: Selim Mohsen Helmy , Karm Eldin El-Zahraa , Saad Moataza Mahmoud , Mostafa El-Sayed Eliwa , Shetia Yosrea Hassan , Anise Amany Ahmed Hassabo
Published: November 2015

The aim of the present study is to purify L-methioninase fromCandida tropicalis34.19-fold with 27.98% recovery after ion exchange chromatography followed by gel filtration. The purified enzyme revealed a single band on SDS-PAGE gel with a molecular weight of 46 KDa. Its optimum temperature was 45 to 55 and thermal stability was 55°C for 15 min. The enzyme had optimum pH at 6.5 and stability at a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0 for 24 hr. The maximum activity was observed with substrate concentration of 30 µM and Km was 0.5 mM. The enzyme was strongly inhibited by Cd+2and Cu+2while it was enhanced by Na+, Ni+2, and Mg+2at 10 mM while Ca+2had slight activation at 20 mM. In addition, the potential application of the L-methioninase as an anticancer agent against various types of tumor cell lines is discussed.
An Improved Optimal Slip Ratio Prediction considering Tyre Inflation Pressure Changes
Authors: Li Guoxing , Wang Tie , Zhang Ruiliang , Gu Fengshou , Shen Jinxian
Published: November 2015

The prediction of optimal slip ratio is crucial to vehicle control systems. Many studies have verified there is a definitive impact of tyre pressure change on the optimal slip ratio. However, the existing method of optimal slip ratio prediction has not taken into account the influence of tyre pressure changes. By introducing a second-order factor, an improved optimal slip ratio prediction considering tyre inflation pressure is proposed in this paper. In order to verify and evaluate the performance of the improved prediction, a cosimulation platform is developed by using MATLAB/Simulink and CarSim software packages, achieving a comprehensive simulation study of vehicle braking performance cooperated with an ABS controller. The simulation results show that the braking distances and braking time under different tyre pressures and initial braking speeds are effectively shortened with the improved prediction of optimal slip ratio. When the tyre pressure is slightly lower than the nominal pressure, the difference of braking performances between original optimal slip ratio and improved optimal slip ratio is the most obvious.
The Clinical Impact of Accurate Cystine Calculi Characterization Using Dual-Energy Computed Tomography
Authors: Haley William E. , Ibrahim El-Sayed H. , Qu Mingliang , Cernigliaro Joseph G. , Goldfarb David S. , McCollough Cynthia H.
Published: November 2015

Dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) has recently been suggested as the imaging modality of choice for kidney stones due to its ability to provide information on stone composition. Standard postprocessing of the dual-energy images accurately identifies uric acid stones, but not other types. Cystine stones can be identified from DECT images when analyzed with advanced postprocessing. This case report describes clinical implications of accurate diagnosis of cystine stones using DECT.
Experiencing Commercialized Automated Demand Response Services with a Small Building Customer in Energy Market
Authors: Lee Eun-Kyu
Published: November 2015

An Automated Demand Response is the most fundamental energy service that contributes to balancing the power demand with the supply, in which it realizes extensive interoperations between the power consumers and the suppliers. The OpenADR specification has been developed to facilitate the service communications, and several facilities offer primitive forms of services in a retail market. However, few researches have reported the details of such a real-world service yet, and thus we are still unaware of how it works exactly. Instead, we rely on our textbooks to design next generations of the ADR service. To overcome the discrepancy of our understanding, this paper shares our hand-on experiences on the commercialized ADR service. In particular, we deploy smart submeters to manage energy loads and install an energy management system in a small commercial facility, helping the owner participate in the ADR service that a local utility offers. The building owner makes a service contract with a qualified load aggregator based on her curtailment rate, a reference point that decides the success of her load curtailment. With the rate, the customer facility participates in three DR events for tests that last for 2, 1, and 3 hours, respectively. Our experimental results are illustrated with discussions on various aspects of the service.
Prevalence, Clinicopathological Characteristics, and Outcome of Human Papillomavirus–Associated Oropharyngeal Cancer in Southern Chinese Patients
Authors: Lam Eddy W.H. , Chan Jimmy Y.W. , Chan Amy B.W. , Ng Chi Sing , Lo Stephen T.H. , Lam Vincent S.C. , Chan Michael M.H. , Ngai Chi Man , Vlantis Alexander C. , Ma Raymond K.H. , Chan Paul K.S.
Published: November 2015

Background: Although the global incidence of human papillomavirus (HPV)–associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is increasing, there is little information on southern Chinese population available.

Methods: We analyzed 207 patients which constituted 63.5% of all newly diagnosed OPSCC in Hong Kong during a 5-year period from 2005 to 2009.

Results: We used E6/7 mRNA as a marker of oncogenic involvement and found 20.8% (43/207) of OPSCC and 29.0% (36/124) of tonsillar SCC was associated with HPV. HPV-16 was identified in all cases except one (HPV-18). Patients with HPV-associated OPSCCs were significantly younger than HPV-negative patients (mean age: 59.8 vs. 63.9 years, P = 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that HPV-associated OPSCC was more likely to occur in nonsmokers (39.5% vs. 15.1%, OR: 2.89, P = 0.05), nondrinkers (52.5% vs. 25.6%, OR: 2.72, P = 0.04), originate from the palatine tonsils (83.7% vs. 53.7%, OR: 3.88, P = 0.01), present with an early primary tumor (T1/2; 79.1% vs. 47.6%, OR: 3.81, P = 0.004), and exhibit basaloid differentiation (33.3% vs. 7.3%, OR: 19.74, P = 0.006). HPV positivity was an independent predictor for better prognosis for both 5-year overall and 5-year disease-specific survivals (DSS; 63.0% vs. 29.7%, HR: 0.33, P < 0.001, and 87.8% vs. 42.6%, HR: 0.16, P < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion: The estimated age-standardized incidence of OPSCC in Hong Kong during the period 2005–2009 was 0.12/100,000/year.

Impact: This study has provided the most comprehensive clinical and pathologic information to date about this newly recognized disease in southern Chinese. In view of the global trend, we should anticipate and prepare for an increase in HPV-related OPSCC in southern China. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 25(1); 165–73. ©2015 AACR.
MIF Is Necessary for Late-Stage Melanoma Patient MDSC Immune Suppression and Differentiation
Authors: Yaddanapudi Kavitha , Rendon Beatriz E. , Lamont Gwyneth , Kim Eun Jung , Al Rayyan Numan , Richie Jamaal , Albeituni Sabrin , Waigel Sabine , Wise Ashley , Mitchell Robert A.
Published: November 2015

Highly aggressive cancers “entrain” innate and adaptive immune cells to suppress antitumor lymphocyte responses. Circulating myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) constitute the bulk of monocytic immunosuppressive activity in late-stage melanoma patients. Previous studies revealed that monocyte-derived macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is necessary for the immunosuppressive function of tumor-associated macrophages and MDSCs in mouse models of melanoma. In the current study, we sought to determine whether MIF contributes to human melanoma MDSC induction and T-cell immunosuppression using melanoma patient-derived MDSCs and an ex vivo coculture model of human melanoma-induced MDSC. We now report that circulating MDSCs isolated from late-stage melanoma patients are reliant upon MIF for suppression of antigen-independent T-cell activation and that MIF is necessary for maximal reactive oxygen species generation in these cells. Moreover, inhibition of MIF results in a functional reversion from immunosuppressive MDSC to an immunostimulatory dendritic cell (DC)–like phenotype that is at least partly due to reductions in MDSC prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). These findings indicate that monocyte-derived MIF is centrally involved in human monocytic MDSC induction/immunosuppressive function and that therapeutic targeting of MIF may provide a novel means of inducing antitumor DC responses in late-stage melanoma patients. Cancer Immunol Res; 4(2); 101–12. ©2015 AACR.
MicroRNA-145 Suppresses Osteosarcoma Metastasis via Targeting MMP16
Authors: Chen Bin , Huang Zhonglian , Zhang Yuantao , Chen Youbin , Li Zhanchun
Published: November 2015

Background: Metastasis is a leading cause of mortality for osteosarcoma (OS) patients, and its molecular pathological mechanisms remain to be elucidated. Previous studies have suggested a significant role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the control of cancel cell migration and invasion. Methods: Real-time PCR was used to screen the differentially expressed miRNAs between OS with or without metastasis, and miR-145 underexpression was observed in metastatic OS. Luciferase assay was performed to validate the target gene. Results: Further, we identified three genes, MMP16, ADAM17 and metadherin, as possible targets of miR-145. We identified MMP16 as a target gene of miR-145 and ruled out ADAM17 and metadherin as targets in OS using a dual luciferase reporter system. Subsequently, we determined and compared the expression level of MMP16 in human OS samples and showed that the mRNA and protein levels of MMP16 were significantly up-regulated in primary OS with metastasis compared with those without metastasis. We also altered miR-145 expression by transfecting OS cells with miR-145 mimics or inhibitors. MMP16 expression was similarly downregulated in the cells transfected with miR-145 mimics or MMP16-specific siRNA, and the invasive and migratory capability of those cells was significantly suppressed compared with negative controls. MMP16 expression was consistently significantly upregulated in the cells transfected with miR-145 inhibitors, and the invasive and migratory capability of those cells was significantly promoted compared with negative controls. Conclcusion: Our results suggest that miR-145 functions as a tumor metastasis suppressor gene by down-regulating MMP16 and may be a potential target in osteosarcoma treatment.
Increased Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Signaling Contributes to the Accumulation of Protein Oxidative Damage in a Mouse Model of Down's Syndrome
Authors: Tramutola Antonella , Lanzillotta Chiara , Arena Andrea , Barone Eugenio , Perluigi Marzia , Di Domenico Fabio
Published: November 2015

Background: Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by increased levels of oxidative stress and an altered mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/autophagy axis; however, the mutual relationship between these two events is controversial. Previous studies in Down's syndrome (DS) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) suggested that the accumulation of protein oxidative damage results from the increased free radical production, mainly related to metabolic alterations, mitochondrial degeneration and amyloid-β deposition, and aberrant activity of protein degradative systems. Summary: This study analyzed mTOR signaling in Ts65Dn mice, a model of DS, at 6 and 12 months of age compared with euploid mice showing the early aberrant hyperphosphorylation of mTOR coupled with the reduction of autophagosome formation. Moreover, the evaluation of protein oxidation shows an increase in protein nitration and protein-bound 4-hydroxynonenal in 12-month-old Ts65Dn mice suggesting the potential involvement of altered autophagy in the buildup of protein oxidative damage. In addition, data obtained on cell culture support the protective role of autophagy in reducing protein oxidation. Key Messages: Overall, this study provides further evidence for the role of mTOR hyperactivation and reduced autophagy in the accumulation of protein oxidative damage during DS and AD pathologies.
Manifestação de recursos poéticos em dois filmes do Cinema Novo
Authors: Canizal Eduardo Peñuela
Published: November 2015

As considerações que se seguem têm como objetivo levantar uma hipótese de leitura fundamentada no atinente ao papel que alguns recursos retóricos desempenham em Vidas secas e Terra em transe. Além disso, tentarei avaliar o alcance dessas hipóteses através de um exercício de interpretação que me permita estabelecer diferenças na manifestação do poético, entendido no âmbito das ciências da linguagem, nessas duas obras. Para tanto, farei, inicialmente, observações de caráter geral destinadas a esclarecer os pontos básicos em que se apóia a leitura, que mais adiante realizo, de fragmentos dos filmes.
Erasing the Signs of the Other: Zionism and the Palestinians
Authors: De Leonardis Fabio
Published: November 2015

O discurso colonial daria à Europa legitimação ideológica e moral para a expansão imperialista através do mito de uma missão civilizatória. Para permitir que o conquistador tomasse posse das terras era necessário, antes, que elas fossem entendidas como “espaços em branco” e apagar os sinais inscritos nelas deixados pelos habitantes. O que pretendo fazer aqui é precisamente analisar como os sinais do Outro foram apagados numa forma particular de colonialismo: Sionismo.
Informação e produção de sentido: a integração da categoria recepção no processo documentário-informacional
Authors: Lara Marilda Lopes Ginez de , Tálamo Maria De Fátima Gonçalves Moreira
Published: November 2015

As tecnologias da informação e da comunicação ainda não respondem integralmente às questões do acesso à informação semântica, razão pela qual continuam pertinentes os investimentos em metodologias de organização prévia da informação. Ao comparar a sociedade da informação com a sociedade de massa emerge a importância da categoria da recepção. Como inserir tal categoria nos procedimentos documentários, como entendê-la no âmbito da circulação social da informação e do conhecimento são indagações recorrentes que apresentam, no entanto, avanços tímidos no que tange às respostas dadas. O presente trabalho propõe a integração da categoria da recepção no processo documentário através da noção de interação, substituindo a idéia de usuário ideal pela de sujeito social. Pressupõe-se que um sistema de recuperação da informação apresente-se como máquina produtora de sentido, valendo-se de linguagem documentária que contemple invariavelmente a oferta de opções, segundo as especificidades qualificadas das demandas informacionais.
Jornalismo sem conflito: a ‘cordialidade’ e a acomodação na atividade jornalística
Authors: Santana Adriana
Published: November 2015

Este artigo tem por objetivo apresentar e analisar a relação de interdependência entre jornais e assessorias de imprensa, de modo a identificar as possíveis causas para o uso cada vez mais premente de releases como fonte única para a confecção de matérias jornalísticas. Para isso, buscou-se traçar os limites éticos da relação entre jornalistas de redação e assessores, ao mesmo tempo em que foi realizado um estudo de caso para esmiuçar com qual intensidade uma assessoria tem influenciado as pautas e textos dos jornais. Esse paralelo permitiu chegar ao conceito de 'jornalismo cordial' – uma subversão da atividade, realizada de modo pouco combativo e sem compromisso prévio com a apuração. Neste trabalho buscamos fundamentação teórica nas teorias do jornalismo, na ética da comunicação e em conceitos sociológicos.
Cinema e jornalismo: o melodrama e a tragédia moderna
Authors: Nogueira Lisandro
Published: November 2015

O cinema clássico e o jornalismo possuem formas de narrar aproximáveis. Eles são semelhantes na busca da “objetividade” e na ênfase ao melodrama e ao «espetáculo» como eixo de identificação do espectador. «Doces Poderes» (1996), de Lucia Murat, se situa nessa chave. «Um céu de estrelas» (1996), da cineasta Tata Amaral, se distancia do melodrama, se aproxima de um sentido de tragédia e critica os procedimentos objetivos do telejornalismo. A análise dos filmes possibilita averiguar como o cinema brasileiro representa o telejornalismo e avalia as proximidades e diferenças entre os dois campos.
Multiculturalismo e literatura: as fronteiras do currículo oficial
Authors: Nagata Aline Akemi
Published: November 2015

A introdução de um currículo escolar único para o país é problemática quando consideramos as fronteiras multiculturais existentes. Apesar de ser considerado um país acima de qualquer preconceito, muitos deles estão camuflados nos parâmetros nacionais impostos pelo governo. Em relação ao ensino de Literatura, percebemos que as fronteiras são ainda maiores, já que este ainda se encontra pautado nos cânones, desconsiderando a riqueza cultural existente em outras esferas de circulação. Fato é, que junto com a introdução de um currículo único observam aqueles que o teceram, é necessário introduzir aspectos regionais que tornem o ensino mais rico e atenda às necessidades de cada público-alvo. No entanto, na própria forma de exposição do documento oficial, percebemos que esta não é uma abertura de fato.
Identidade e publicidade: estímulos e representações do jovem
Authors: Rodrigues Carla Daniel Rabelo
Published: November 2015

Várias estratégias são utilizadas para alcançar o público jovem como empreendimentos identitários incessantes e suas representações. Tudo para simbolizar a busca pelo eu ideal, fazendo-o capitular diante de vários modelos e estereótipos bem estudados pelo mercado. E todo o escopo é trabalhado para que o jovem assuma seu lugar social ao qual será possível falar por meio de anúncios.
Entre universidade e sociedade, há espaço para a televisão
Authors: Ramalho Alzimar Rodrigues
Published: November 2015

A pesquisa tem como foco a necessidade de institucionalização das TVs, pois a principal hipótese é de que seu reconhecimento como mídia universitária é fundamental para que o segmento possa consolidar-se. A pesquisa justifica-se por contribuir com a reflexão sobre a relação entre a universidade enquanto produtora de conhecimento científico e a “sua” televisão, enquanto mídia educativa. Por meio desse veículo, a academia tem a possibilidade de estabelecer um diálogo com a comunidade.
Imagens do mundo
Authors: Teixeira Rafael Elias
Published: November 2015

O artigo pretende trazer alguns apontamentos iniciais sobre a investigação da relação entre as imagens produzidas por meio de aparátos tecnológicos e a construção da realidade na contemporaneidade. Para tanto, parte-se do conceito de realidade como um produto entre o atual e o virtual, e, a partir da análise de três propostas filosóficas existentes, tenta-se explicar como se dá tal fenômeno e como este marca uma mudança profunda nos processos humanos de cognição e percepção do mundo na sociedade tecnológica.
Partilhar e multiplicar histórias de fato: a narração do acontecimento na mídia
Authors: Paganotti Ivan
Published: November 2015

Resenha do livro A narração do fato: notas para uma teoria do acontecimento.