bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Degradation in Nanofilled Adhesive Resins Using Quantitative Light‐Induced Fluorescence
Authors: Park Tae-Young , Kim Sun-Jae , Kim Hee-Jung , Lee Byoung-Jin , Kim Byung-Hoon , Ko Yeong-Mu , Min Jeong-Bum
Published: September 2014

The aim of this study was to evaluate degradation in commercial dental nanofilled adhesive resins using quantitative light‐induced fluorescence (QLF). Three adhesives were selected: D/E resin (DR), Single Bond Plus (SB), and G‐Bond (GB). The adhesives were mixed with porphyrin for the QLF analysis. Specimens were prepared by dispensing blended adhesives into a flexible mold and polymerizing. Then, the QLF analysis of the specimens was done and the porphyrin values (Simple Plaque Score and ΔR) were measured. After thermocycling of the specimens (5000 cycles, 5 to 55°C) for the degradation, the specimens were assayed by QLF again. The porphyrin values were analyzed using paired t‐test at a 95% confidence level. A significant reduction in SPS was observed in all groups after thermocycling. The ΔR significantly decreased after thermocycling except area ΔR30 of SB group. Overall, porphyrin values decreased after thermocycling which indicates that the degradation of the adhesive resins may be measured by the change of porphyrin value. The QLF method could be used to evaluate the degradation of adhesive resin.
Troglitazone and Δ2Troglitazone Enhance Adiponectin Expression in Monocytes/Macrophages through the AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Pathway
Authors: Tsai Jaw-Shiun , Chuang Lee-Ming , Chen Ching-Shih , Liang Chan-Jung , Chen Yuh-Lien , Chen Ching-Yu
Published: September 2014

Accumulating evidence indicates that the regimen to increase adiponectin will provide a novel therapeutic strategy for inflammation and cardiovascular disorders. Here, we tested the effect of troglitazone (TG) and its newly synthesized derivative, 5-[4-(6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-chroman-2-yl-methoxy)-benzylidene]-2,4-thiazolidinedione (Δ2troglitazone, (Δ2TG)), on the adiponectin expression in monocytes/macrophages and the relative mechanisms. The expression of adiponectin was located in macrophages of atherosclerotic lesions from patients and cholesterol-fed rabbits. TG and Δ2TG enhanced adiponectin mRNA and protein expression in THP-1 cells by quantitative real-time PCR, Western blot, and immunocytochemistry. TG induced adiponectin mRNA expression through a PPARγ-dependent pathway whereas Δ2TG enhanced adiponectin mRNA expression through a PPARγ-independent pathway in THP-1 cells. Both TG and Δ2TG enhanced adiponectin mRNA expression through AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation. TG and Δ2TG decreased the adhesion of THP-1 cells to TNF-α-treated HUVECs and the inhibitory effect was abolished by specific antiadiponectin antibodies. TG- and Δ2TG-induced suppression on monocyte adhesion were inhibited by a selective AMPK inhibitor compound C. Our data suggest that the inhibitory effect of TG and Δ2TG on monocyte adhesion might be at least in part throughde novoadiponectin expression and activation of an AMPK-dependent pathway, which might play an important role in anti-inflammation and antiatherosclerosis.
Performance Analysis of Resource-Aware Task Scheduling Methods in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Khan Muhidul Islam , Rinner Bernhard
Published: September 2014

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are an attractive platform for monitoring and measuring physical phenomena. WSNs typically consist of hundreds or thousands of battery-operated tiny sensor nodes which are connected via a low data rate wireless network. A WSN application, such as object tracking or environmental monitoring, is composed of individual tasks which must be scheduled on each node. Naturally the order of task execution influences the performance of the WSN application. Scheduling the tasks such that the performance is increased while the energy consumption remains low is a key challenge. In this paper we apply online learning to task scheduling in order to explore the tradeoff between performance and energy consumption. This helps to dynamically identify effective scheduling policies for the sensor nodes. The energy consumption for computation and communication is represented by a parameter for each application task. We compare resource-aware task scheduling based on three online learning methods: independent reinforcement learning (RL), cooperative reinforcement learning (CRL), and exponential weight for exploration and exploitation (Exp3). Our evaluation is based on the performance and energy consumption of a prototypical target tracking application. We further determine the communication overhead and computational effort of these methods.
A Surgeon’s Perspective of Abdominal Wall Endometriosis at a Caesarean Section Incision: Nine Cases in a Single Institution
Authors: Oh Eun Mee , Lee Won-Suk , Kang Jin Mo , Choi Sang Tae , Kim Keon Kuk , Lee Woon Kee
Published: September 2014

Abdominal wall endometriosis in a Caesarean section scar (AEC) is an infrequent type of extrapelvic endometriosis which rarely transforms into a malignant lesion. A painful mass located in the scar of a Caesarean section is a typical sign of AEC. This condition is diagnosed preoperatively using imaging modalities such as computed tomography and ultrasonography, as well as fine-needle aspiration. Although AEC has typical signs, general surgeons often misdiagnose it due to its rarity. Herein, we report our experience of AEC in a single institution.
Laser-Based Strategies to Treat Diabetic Macular Edema: History and New Promising Therapies
Authors: Park Young Gun , Kim Eun Yeong , Roh Young Jung
Published: September 2014

Diabetic macular edema (DME) is the main cause of visual impairment in diabetic patients. The management of DME is complex and often various treatment approaches are needed. At the present time, despite the enthusiasm for evaluating several new treatments for DME, including the intravitreal pharmacologic therapies (e.g., corticosteroids and anti-VEGF drugs), laser photocoagulation still remains the current standard in DME. The purpose of this review is to update our knowledge on laser photocoagulation for DME and describe the developments in laser systems. And we will also discuss the new laser techniques and review the latest results including benefits of combined therapy. In this paper, we briefly summarize the major laser therapeutics for the treatment of diabetic macular edema and allude to some future promising laser therapies.
FTIR and EPR Studies of Nickel Substituted Nanostructured Mn Zn Ferrite
Authors: Venkataraju C. , Paulsingh R.
Published: September 2014

The spinel ferrite systemMn0.5-xNixZn0.5Fe2O4is prepared by coprecipitation method. XRD analysis confirms the formation of ferrite phase in all the samples. The FTIR spectra of all the samples show two main absorption bands below 1000 cm−1. FTIR studies reveal cationic exchange between A site and B site. The magnetic moment calculated from EPR studies is lower when compared to the theoretical values. This confirms the existence of noncollinear magnetic structure arising due to spin canting at B site.
Adult Dermatomyositis with Bleeding Ulcer in the Pharynx
Authors: Kusano Junko , Takahashi Yuka , Misaki Yoshikata , Murai Norihiko
Published: September 2014

Dermatomyositis (DM) is one of the idiopathic inflammatory myopathies caused by complement-mediated vasculopathy or vasculitis in the muscle. Although the gastrointestinal (GI) mucosa has been reported to be involved as a result of vasculitis or vasculopathy, ulceration in the pharynx is a rare manifestation of DM. A 54-year-old woman complaining of muscle weakness in the extremities, low-grade fever, and dysphagia was diagnosed as having DM. Despite medical treatment with corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents, her DM progressed rapidly, leading to exacerbation of the dysphagia. About 3 weeks after undergoing tracheostomy as a preventive measure against aspiration, the patient developed intractable respiratory tract hemorrhage. Repeated laryngoendoscopy revealed a bleeding ulceration in the pharynx that required hemostasis with electric cautery under general anesthesia. No bleeding recurred thereafter. Histopathologically, the pharynx exhibited nonspecific inflammatory cell infiltration in the muscle tissue. This rare manifestation may be considered in cases of DM with unexplainable airway bleeding.
Stomach Carcinoma Presenting with a Synchronous Liver Cancer: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Wang Yong , Wu Xiao-ting
Published: September 2014

Multiple primary malignant neoplasms are two or more malignancies in an individual without any relationship between the tumors. Multiple primary malignancies are relatively rare but have increased in recent decades. Two cancers are commonly observed among those with multiple primary malignancies, but two malignancies of stomach and liver are relatively rare to be reported. Mechanisms of the tumors were unclear; we described a patient who had stomach carcinoma presenting with a synchronous liver cancer and investigated his family history; we suggest that family history may be a key risk factor and early detection for additional primary malignancies should be needed for patients who had specific cancer history in their pedigree. Early diagnosis may be the key risk factor affecting prognosis.
Multiple Cardiac Rhabdomyomas, Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome, and Tuberous Sclerosis: An Infrequent Combination
Authors: Castilla Cabanes Elena , Lacambra Blasco Isaac
Published: September 2014

Cardiac rhabdomyomas are benign cardiac tumours and are often associated with tuberous sclerosis. They are often asymptomatic with spontaneus regresion but can cause heart failure, arrhythmias, and obstruction. There have also been a few isolated reports of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome occurring in association with tuberous sclerosis and the great majority has been detected in patients with concomitant rhabdomyomas. We report a 12-day-old infant girl with tuberous sclerosis who presented with intraparietal and intracavitary rhabdomyomas with a Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome (WPW). She represents one of the few published cases of WPW syndrome and tuberous sclerosis and particularly interesting because of intramural rhabdomyomas regression with persistent intracavitary rhabdomyomas after two years of followup.
Retention of Black and White Participants in the Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SWOG-Coordinated Intergroup Study S0000)
Authors: Arnold Kathryn B. , Hermos John A. , Anderson Karen B. , Minasian Lori , Tangen Catherine M. , Probstfield Jeffrey F. , Cook Elise D.
Published: September 2014

Background: Disproportionally low retention of minority populations can adversely affect the generalizability of clinical research trials. We determine the overall retention rates for White and Black participants from the Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT) and explore participant and site characteristics associated with retention failure (study disengagement) for these groups.

Methods: A secondary analysis of 28,118 White (age ≥55), and 4,322 Black (age ≥ 50) SELECT participants used multivariate Cox regression to estimate overall retention rates and to calculate HRs and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results: Blacks had higher age-adjusted risk of disengagement than Whites (HR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.77–2.08). Among Black participants, those ages 50 to 54 were at three times the risk of disengagement than those ≥65 years of age (HR, 3.61; 95% CI, 2.41–5.41). Blacks age ≥65 had 1.6 times the risk of disengagement than Whites age ≥65 (HR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.38–1.87). By 6 years after randomization, 84% of Whites and 69% of Blacks remained engaged in the study. Current smoking status was an independent risk factor for study disengagement for both White and Black participants. For both groups, sites whose staffs missed SELECT training sessions or who received SELECT Retention and Adherence grants were associated with increased and decreased disengagement risks, respectively.

Conclusions: SELECT retention was disproportionately lower for Blacks than for Whites.

Impact: The observed difference in retention rates for Blacks and Whites and factors identified by race for study disengagement in SELECT may inform retention efforts for future long-term, cancer prevention trials. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(12); 2895–905. ©2014 AACR.
Somatic Mutations Are Not Observed by Exome Sequencing of Lymphocyte DNA from Monozygotic Twins Discordant for Congenital Hypothyroidism due to Thyroid Dysgenesis
Authors: Magne Fabien , Serpa Roman , Van Vliet Guy , Samuels Mark E. , Deladoëy Johnny
Published: September 2014

Background/Aims: Congenital primary hypothyroidism (CH) is a rare pediatric disorder estimated to occur in about 1:2,500 live births. Approximately half of these cases entail ectopic thyroid tissue, which is believed to result from a migration defect during embryogenesis. Approximately 3% of CH cases are explained by mutation(s) in known genes, most of which are transcription factors implicated in the embryology of the thyroid gland. Surprisingly, monozygotic (MZ) twins are usually discordant for CH due to thyroid dysgenesis, suggesting that most cases are not caused by transmitted genetic variation. One possible explanation is somatic mutation in genes involved in thyroid migration occurring after zygotic twinning. Such mutations should be observed only in the affected twin. Methods: To test the hypothesis of somatic mutation, we performed whole exome sequencing of DNA from three pairs of MZ twins discordant for CH with ectopic glands. Results: We found no somatic mutations exclusive to any of the three affected twins or in any of the unaffected twins. Conclusion: Either somatic mutations are not significant for the etiology of CH or else such mutations lie outside regions of the genome accessible by exome sequencing technology.
Investigation of Allergenicity of Some Cosmetic Mixtures by Using ex vivo Local Lymph Node Assay-BrdU Endpoints
Authors: Ulker Ozge Cemiloglu , Kaymak Yesim , Karakaya Asuman
Published: September 2014

Background: Balsam of Peru and fragrance mix are commonly used in cosmetic products. Allergy to fragrance is the most common cause of cosmetic contact dermatitis. Methods: In the present study, ex vivo local lymph node assay-5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (LLNA-BrdU) was used to evaluate the dermal sensitization potential of these cosmetic mixtures. The stimulation index values and estimated concentration (EC3) values were calculated and the potency classification was found for each mixture. At the same time, in order to measure the irritant effect without having to use additional animals, a combination of ex vivo LLNA-BrdU and the irritancy assay was conducted. Results: Th1 [interleukin (IL)-2, interferon-γ] and Th2 cytokine (IL-4, IL-5) releases from lymph node cell culture were investigated as non-radioactive endpoints. According to the results of ex vivo LLNA-BrdU assays, EC3 values were found to be 3.09% (moderate) for balsam of Peru and 4.44% (moderate) for fragrance mix. Cytokine analysis results indicate that both Th1 and Th2 cytokines are involved in the regulation of murine contact allergy and can be considered as useful endpoints. Conclusion: In conclusion, according to our results, fragrance mix and balsam of Peru can be considered as moderate sensitizers; however, in high concentrations, both of them have irritation properties. The cytokines investigated can be considered as the endpoints of the ex vivo LLNA-BrdU assay.
DGTI Register of Rare Donors
Authors: Hustinx Hein
Published: September 2014

For patients with antibodies against the most common blood groups a rapid and efficient supply of compatible erythrocyte concentrates is self-evident. But typically we have to make the greatest effort providing blood for these patients, which have made antibodies against common blood groups. There are however patients with antibodies against rare blood group antigens that need special blood. The supply of such blood can be very difficult and mostly time-consuming. For this reason we set up a database of blood donors with rare blood groups. Since 2005 the BTS SRC Berne Ltd. has run this database on behalf of the Swiss BTS SRC. After a reorganization and extension of the database, conducted during 2011/2012, the data file was renamed ‘DGTI Register of Rare Donors' and is now run under the patronage of the German Society for Transfusion Medicine and Immunohematology (DGTI).
Two Novel α1,2-Fucosyltransferase Alleles in an H-Deficient Phenotype Individual
Authors: He Ziyi , Liu Fuping
Published: September 2014

Background: Abnormal α1,2-fucosyltransferase activity due to gene mutation results in decreased synthesis of H antigen and leads to an H-deficient phenotype. Here we studied the underlying molecular mechanisms in 7 Chinese blood donors with the H-deficient phenotype. Methods: Red blood cell typing was performed using standard serologic tests, and ABO genotype was analyzed using ABO polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primer tests. The coding sequence of the FUT1 gene was amplified using the specific primers. The FUT1 alleles were identified by a pCRII-TOPO carrier for TOPO TA cloning sequencing. Results: The H-deficient phenotype frequency was estimated to be approximately 1/30,000 (6/159,515) in the Chinese Han population. The FUT1 gene mutation was demonstrated in 6 Chinese blood donors with the H-deficient phenotype. In only 1 case, no mutation was detected. Novel FUT1 alleles were found in 1 donor. One of these novel FUT1 alleles showed nucleotide 35C>T and 748C>T site mutations that resulted in amino acid substitution of Ala to Val and Trp to Arg at positions 11 and 250, respectively. Another novel FUT1 allele had a nucleotide 655G>C site mutation, causing amino acid substitution of Leu to Val at position 219. Conclusions: Two novel FUT1 alleles, 35T+748T and 655C, were identified that may greatly diminish the activity of α1,2-fucosyltransferase and result in the H-deficient phenotype.
Allele Frequencies Database
Authors: Takeshita Louise Y.C. , Jones Andrew R. , Gonzalez-Galarza Faviel F. , Middleton Derek
Published: September 2014

This review describes a database for the collection, archiving, sorting, searching and display of gene and allele frequencies for immunogenetic genes.
Review of the millipede genus Sibiriulus Gulička, 1972, with descriptions of three new species from Altai, Siberia, Russia (Diplopoda, Julida, Julidae)
Authors: MIKHALJOVA ELENA V. , NEFEDIEV PAVEL S. , NEFEDIEVA JULIA S. , SAKHNEVICH MIROSLAVA B. , DYACHKOV YURI V.
Published: September 2014

The genus Sibiriulus Gulička, 1963, which has hitherto been known to comprise only four species, is rediagnosed and shown to include seven species from Siberia, Russia. Three species are described here as new to science: S. latisupremus sp. nov., S. baigazanensis sp. nov., S. aktashensis sp. nov. The species Sibiriulus profugus (Stuxberg, 1876) is recorded in the fauna of the Altai Province and the Republic of Altai for the first time. All currently known species of Sibiriulus are keyed and mapped, including the new species.
Two new Salamanders of the genus Onychodactylus from Eastern Honshu, Japan (Amphibia, Caudata, Hynobiidae)
Authors: YOSHIKAWA NATSUHIKO , MATSUI MASAFUMI
Published: September 2014

We describe two new species of hynobiid salamanders in the genus Onychodactylus from eastern Honshu, Japan, based on the morphological and genetic evidence. Onychodactylus intermedius sp. nov. is distributed in southern part of Tohoku District and northern Ibaraki and Niigata Prefectures, and was previously reported as S-Tohoku group. Onychodactylus intermedius belongs to the O. japonicus species complex, and differs from the other congeners in having relatively long tail, narrow head, short snout, 18 presacral vertebrae, and distinctly curved vomerine tooth series without gap. Onychodactylus fuscus sp. nov. is known from only four localities in Fukushima and Niigata Prefectures of Tohoku and Hokuriku Districts. It also belongs to the O. japonicus complex, but lacks the dorsal stripe, which is a diagnostic character of the species complex. In other characteristics, O. fuscus differs from the other congeners in having comparatively long tail, wide head and internarial space, shallowly curved vomerine tooth series with gap, and relatively few vomerine teeth. Both species described here breed in winter. Phylogenetically, the two new species are closely related to each other, forming a well-supported clade with O. tsukubaensis as their sister species. Onychodactylus intermedius sp. nov. is known to be parapatric with O. japonicus and O. nipponoborealis without hybridization, whereas O. fuscus sp. nov. is sympatric with O. japonicus at least in a single known locality, and analysis of microsatellite loci indicates they are reproductively isolated.
A new concept of Absoloniella (=Ruffodytes syn. n.) for five blind Mediterranean species (Coleoptera: Brachyceridae: Erirhininae)
Authors: GREBENNIKOV VASILY V.
Published: September 2014

A hundred year-long taxonomic ambiguity surrounding two mysterious species originally described as Caulomorphus reitteri Müller, 1912 and Absoloniella cylindrica Formánek, 1913, both known from single specimens believed to be lost, is resolved. This is achieved by designation of their neotypes based on the same specimen collected together, and considered conspecific, with the holotype of Ruffodytes hellenicus Osella, 1973, the latter the type of the genus Ruffodytes Osella, 1973. This action triggers the following nomenclatorial and taxonomic changes: (1) the generic name Ruffodytes Osella, 1973 syn. n. is a junior subjective synonym of Absoloniella Formánek, 1913; (2) the names cylindrica syn. n. and hellenica syn. n. are junior objective and subjective synonyms, respectively, of the name reitteri for the species Absoloniella reitteri (Müller, 1912); (3) the genus Absoloniella currently comprises five species: A. reitteri (Müller, 1912), A. italica (Osella, 1976) comb. n., A. pacei (Osella, 1976) comb. n., A. servadeii (Osella, 1982) and A. nitidipennis (Osella, 1989) comb. n. Puzzling distribution of blind and wingless Mediterranean Absoloniella is briefly discussed.
Driving Blind: Weather-Related Vision Hazards and Fatal Motor Vehicle Crashes
Authors: Ashley Walker S. , Strader Stephen , Dziubla Douglas C. , Haberlie Alex
Published: September 2014

Visibility-related weather hazards have significant impacts on motor vehicle operators because of decreased driver vision, reduced roadway speed, amplified speed variability, and elevated crash risk. This research presents a national analysis of fog-, smoke-, and dust storm–associated vehicular fatalities in the United States. Initially, a database of weather-related motor vehicle crash fatalities from 1994 to 2011 is constructed from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data. Thereafter, spatiotemporal analyses of visibility-related (crashes where a vision hazard was reported at time of event) and vision-obscured (driver’s vision was recorded as obscured by weather, and a weather-related vision hazard was reported) fatal vehicular crashes are presented. Results reveal that the annual number of fatalities associated with weather-related, vision-obscured vehicular crashes is comparable to those of more notable and captivating hazards such as tornadoes, floods, tropical cyclones, and lightning. The majority of these vision-obscured crash fatalities occurred in fog, on state and U.S. numbered highways, during the cool season and during the morning commuting hours of 0500 to 0800 local time. Areas that experience the greatest frequencies of vision-obscured fatal crashes are located in the Central Valley of California, Appalachian Mountain and mid-Atlantic region, the Midwest, and along the Gulf Coast. From 2007 to 2011, 72% of all vision-obscured fatal crashes occurred when there was no National Weather Service weather-related visibility advisory in effect. The deadliest weather-related visibility hazard crashes during the period are exhibited, revealing a spectrum of environmental and geographical settings that can trigger these high-end events.
Roles of the Synoptic-Scale Wave Train, the Intraseasonal Oscillation, and High-Frequency Eddies in the Genesis of Typhoon Manyi (2001)*
Authors: Xu Yamei , Li Tim , Peng Melinda
Published: September 2014

Experiments using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model were conducted to investigate the effects of multiscale motions on the genesis of Typhoon Manyi (2001) in the western North Pacific. The precursor signal associated with this typhoon genesis was identified as a northwest–southeast-oriented synoptic-scale wave train (SWT). The model successfully simulated the genesis of the typhoon in the wake of the SWT. Further experiments were conducted to isolate the effects of the SWT, the intraseasonal oscillation (ISO), and high-frequency (shorter than 3 days) eddies in the typhoon formation.

Removing the SWT in the initial and boundary conditions eliminates the typhoon genesis. This points out the importance of the SWT in the typhoon genesis. It was noted that the SWT strengthened the wake cyclone through southeastward energy dispersion. The strengthening wake cyclone triggered multiple episodes of strong sustained convective updrafts, leading to aggregation of vertical vorticity and formation of a self-amplified mesoscale core vortex through a “bottom up” development process. Removing the ISO flow eliminates the typhoon genesis, as the ISO significantly modulated the strength of the SWT through accumulation of wave activity. In the absence of SWT–ISO-scale interaction, the southeastward energy dispersion was weakened significantly, and thus the strengthening of the wake cyclone did not occur. As a result, the successive strong sustained convective updrafts disappeared. Removing the high-frequency eddies did not eliminate the typhoon genesis but postponed the genesis for about 36 h.
The Red Sea: A Natural Laboratory for Wind and Wave Modeling
Authors: Langodan Sabique , Cavaleri Luigi , Viswanadhapalli Yesubabu , Hoteit Ibrahim
Published: September 2014

The Red Sea is a narrow, elongated basin that is more than 2000 km long. This deceivingly simple structure offers very interesting challenges for wind and wave modeling, not easily, if ever, found elsewhere. Using standard meteorological products and local wind and wave models, this study explores how well the general and unusual wind and wave patterns of the Red Sea could be reproduced. The authors obtain the best results using two rather opposite approaches: the high-resolution Weather Research Forecasting (WRF) local model and the slightly enhanced surface winds from the global European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts model. The reasons why these two approaches produce the best results and the implications on wave modeling in the Red Sea are discussed. The unusual wind and wave patterns in the Red Sea suggest that the currently available wave model source functions may not properly represent the evolution of local fields. However, within limits, the WAVEWATCH III wave model, based on Janssen’s and also Ardhuin’s wave model physics, provides very reasonable results in many cases. The authors also discuss these findings and outline related future work.
Analysis of Strengthening and Dissipating Mesoscale Convective Systems Propagating off the West African Coast
Authors: Dieng Abdou L. , Eymard Laurence , Sall Saidou M. , Lazar Alban , Leduc-Leballeur Marion
Published: September 2014

A large number of Atlantic tropical depressions are generated in the eastern basin in relation to the African easterly wave (AEW) and embedded mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) coming from the African continent. In this paper, the structures of strengthening and dissipating MCSs evolving near the West African coast are analyzed, including the role of the ocean surface conditions in their evolution.

Satellite infrared brightness temperature and meteorological radar data over seven summer seasons between 1993 and 2006 are used to subjectively select 20 cases of strengthening and dissipating MCSs in the vicinity of the Senegal coast. With these observed MCSs, a lagged composite analysis is then performed using Interim ECMWF Re-Analysis (ERA-Interim) and Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR).

It is shown that the strengthening MCS is generally preceded by prior passage of an AEW near the West African coast. This previous wave trough is associated with a convective cyclonic circulation in the low and middle troposphere, which enhances the southwesterly flow and then provides humidity to the strengthening MCS, located in the vicinity of the subsequent AEW trough. This is favored by the contraction of the wavelength associated with the two troughs. The sea surface contributes to the MCS enhancement through surface evaporation flux. But this contribution is found to be less important than advection of humidity from the previous wave trough. These conditions are almost not found in the dissipating MCS cases, which dissipate in a dry environment dominated by a subsident and anticyclonic circulation, with generally no interaction with a previous wave trough.
Make students part of the solution, not the problem
Authors: Gardner Trevor
Published: September 2014

A California high school develops a Student Justice Panel to hear student concerns about violations of the student code, providing students with a way to not just have a voice but to effect change in how students are disciplined.
WASHINGTON VIEW
Authors: Ferguson Maria
Published: September 2014

The author intended to write a column about how things work in education, using a popular book as a guide. But the more thought that went into it, its seemed the best way to describe the education world is in why things don’t work. Briefly, education has four major sector levels: federal, state, local, and school. And they interact dysfunctionally with each other and in and among other civic and philanthropic groups and stakeholders.
Karl Deutsch and International Relations
Authors: Lebow Richard N
Published: September 2014

In this article, I describe Karl Deutsch’s personal and political background and career and offer an assessment of him as a scholar, teacher, and mentor.
Karl Deutsch: Teacher and scholar
Authors: Katzenstein Peter J
Published: September 2014

The article provides a reminiscence of Karl Deutsch as a teacher and scholar. I examine his scholarship and focus on its enduring qualities. In particular, I highlight how he was a passionate advocate of innovative approaches to enduring political problems. His comprehensive theoretical vision, with central concepts such as communication and learning, remains as inspiring as his methodological eclecticism. It offers a synthesis of traditional sociology of the Europe he had left behind with the rationalist empiricism that he encountered in America.
Malaysia’s 13th General Election
Authors: Sani Mohd Azizuddin Mohd
Published: September 2014

This article examines the political partisanship of the English language and the vernacular mainstream media during the campaign period of the 13th general election in Malaysia. The newspapers examined are Utusan Malaysia, Berita Harian, Sinar Harian, New Straits Times, The Star, China Press, Sin Chew Jit Poh, Nam Naidu and Nanban. The period of study is from 20 April 2013 (nomination day) until 5 May 2013 (polling day). The findings show that almost all the mainstream media were biased towards the ruling coalition Barisan Nasional, except for Sinar Harian. Chinese newspapers— China Press and Sin Chew Jit Poh—provided a slightly more balanced coverage of the government and opposition coalition, Pakatan Rakyat. The bias towards political parties in the ruling coalition is attributed to the ownership of mainstreams newspapers by political interests closely aligned with the current government. This has undermined the credibility of mainstream media in which circulation numbers have been declining in recent years.
Between Advocacy and Impartial Reporting during Elections
Authors: Chua Yvonne T.
Published: September 2014

Never before have the Philippines media given so much play to voters with disabilities than in the 2013 mid-term elections. Government and civil society initiatives to make electoral exercises disability-inclusive have increased media awareness of and attention to these voters. Of special interest is how two news organizations that got involved in the campaign advocating the political rights of persons with disabilities have managed the issues that hound journalists when they walk the tightrope between advocacy and impartial reporting.
Electrical discharge process for rapid oxycarburisation of titanium in air
Authors: Jo Y. J. , Jo Y. H. , Seong J. G. , Kim Y. H. , Chang S. Y. , Lee W. H.
Published: September 2014

A single pulse of 2·0–3·5 kJ of input energy from a 450 μF capacitor was applied to a Ti rod. The electrical discharge process can produce rapid temperature increases of Ti from 569 to 2398°C in times as short as 159 μs, depending on the input energy. With an input energy greater than 2·5 kJ, a β→α allotropic transformation occurred, showing a typical serrated morphology. At the same time, the original surface of Ti rod with TiO2 was modified into the form of primarily titanium oxycarbide. A much higher value of hardness that was observed at the edge of the cross-section was thus attributed to oxygen- and carbon-induced solid solution hardening during the electrical discharge process.
Primary Ewing sarcoma/primitive neuroectodermal tumor of the renal pelvis: a case report
Authors: Liu Zhihong , Wang Xianding , Lu You , Chen Libo , Lu Yiping
Published: September 2014

Ewing sarcoma/primitive neuroectodermal tumor (ES/PNET) is a childhood malignancy, typically occurring in the bone and rarely in any other part of the body. We herein present a case of ES/PNET of the renal pelvis. A 37-year-old male patient presented with a chief complaint of pain in the left flank and gross hematuria. The tumor had caused moderate hydronephrosis, and ureteroscopic biopsy findings were highly suspicious of sarcoma. Subsequently, radical nephroureterectomy was performed. On the basis of the pathological and cytogenetic findings, a final diagnosis of primary ES/PNET of left renal pelvis was made. Adjuvant chemotherapy with adriamycin and ifosfamide was initiated as ES/PNET often exhibits aggressive biological behavior. The patient was disease-free at his last regular follow-up visit 18 months after the surgery. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of primary ES/PNET of the renal pelvis.
Should we stop prescribing metoclopramide as a prokinetic drug in critically ill patients?
Authors: van der Meer Y Gert , Venhuizen Willem A , Heyland Daren K , van Zanten Arthur RH
Published: September 2014

Regulatory agencies in North America and Europe recently re-evaluated the safety of metoclopramide. This re-evaluation resulted in recommendations and restrictions in order to minimise the risk of neurological and other adverse reactions associated with the use of metoclopramide. In the ICU, off-label prescription of metoclopramide is common. We have reviewed the evidence for safety, effectiveness and dosing of metoclopramide in critically ill patients. Furthermore, tachyphylaxis is addressed and alternatives are summarised. Finally, recommendations are presented not to abandon use of metoclopramide in ICU patients, because metoclopramide is considered effective in enhancing gastric emptying and facilitating early enteral nutrition.
Enhancer alterations in cancer: a source for a cell identity crisis
Authors: Kron Ken J , Bailey Swneke D , Lupien Mathieu
Published: September 2014

Enhancers are selectively utilized to orchestrate gene expression programs that first govern pluripotency and then proceed to highly specialized programs required for the process of cellular differentiation. Whereas gene-proximal promoters are typically active across numerous cell types, distal enhancer activation is cell-type-specific and central to cell fate determination, thereby accounting for cell identity. Recent studies have highlighted the diversity of enhancer usage, cataloguing millions of such elements in the human genome. The disruption of enhancer activity, through genetic or epigenetic alterations, can impact cell-type-specific functions, resulting in a wide range of pathologies. In cancer, these alterations can promote a `cell identity crisis, in which enhancers associated with oncogenes and multipotentiality are activated, while those promoting cell fate commitment are inactivated. Overall, these alterations favor an undifferentiated cellular phenotype. Here, we review the current knowledge regarding the role of enhancers in normal cell function, and discuss how genetic and epigenetic changes in enhancer elements potentiate oncogenesis. In addition, we discuss how understanding the mechanisms regulating enhancer activity can inform therapeutic opportunities in cancer cells and highlight key challenges that remain in understanding enhancer biology as it relates to oncology.
Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Stimulates Insulin Secretion via Inhibiting RhoA/ROCK Signaling and Disassembling Glucotoxicity-Induced Stress Fibers
Authors: Kong Xiangchen , Yan Dan , Sun Jiangming , Wu Xuerui , Mulder Hindrik , Hua Xianxin , Ma Xiaosong
Published: September 2014

Chronic hyperglycemia leads to pancreatic β-cell dysfunction characterized by diminished glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS), but the precise cellular processes involved are largely unknown. Here we show that pancreatic β-cells chronically exposed to a high glucose level displayed substantially increased amounts of stress fibers compared with β-cells cultured at a low glucose level. β-Cells at high glucose were refractory to glucose-induced actin cytoskeleton remodeling and insulin secretion. Importantly, F-actin depolymerization by either cytochalasin B or latrunculin B restored glucotoxicity-diminished GSIS. The effects of glucotoxicity on increasing stress fibers and reducing GSIS were reversed by Y-27632, a Rho-associated kinase (ROCK)-specific inhibitor, which caused actin depolymerization and enhanced GSIS. Notably, glucagon-like peptide-1-(7–36) amide (GLP-1), a peptide hormone that stimulates GSIS at both normal and hyperglycemic conditions, also reversed glucotoxicity-induced increase of stress fibers and reduction of GSIS. In addition, GLP-1 inhibited glucotoxicity-induced activation of RhoA/ROCK and thereby resulted in actin depolymerization and potentiation of GSIS. Furthermore, this effect of GLP-1 was mimicked by cAMP-increasing agents forskolin and 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine as well as the protein kinase A agonist 6-Bnz-cAMP-AM whereas it was abolished by the protein kinase A inhibitor Rp-Adenosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphorothioate triethylammonium salt. To establish a clinical relevance of our findings, we examined the association of genetic variants of RhoA/ROCK with metabolic traits in homeostasis model assessment index of insulin resistance. Several single-nucleotide polymorphisms in and around RHOA were associated with elevated fasting insulin and homeostasis model assessment index of insulin resistance, suggesting a possible role in metabolic dysregulation. Collectively these findings unravel a novel mechanism whereby GLP-1 potentiates glucotoxicity-diminished GSIS by depolymerizing F-actin cytoskeleton via protein kinase A-mediated inhibition of the RhoA-ROCK signaling pathway.
The Recoverable Robust Two-Level Network Design Problem
Authors: Álvarez-Miranda Eduardo , Ljubić Ivana , Raghavan S. , Toth Paolo
Published: September 2014

We consider a network design application that is modeled as the two-level network design problem under uncertainty. In this problem, one of the two available technologies can be installed on each edge and all customers of the network need to be served by at least the lower level (secondary) technology. The decision maker is confronted with uncertainty regarding the set of primary customers, i.e., the set of nodes that need to be served by the higher level (primary) technology. A set of discrete scenarios associated with the possible realizations of primary customers is available. The network is built in two stages. In the first stage the network topology must be determined. One may decide to install the primary technology on some of the edges in the first stage, or one can wait to see which scenario will be realized, in which case, edges with the installed secondary technology may be upgraded, if necessary to primary technology, but at higher recovery cost. The overall goal then is to build a “recoverable robust” spanning tree in the first stage that serves all customers by at least the lower level technology, and that minimizes the first-stage installation cost plus the worst-case cost needed to upgrade the edges of the selected tree, so that the primary customers of each scenario can be served using the primary technology. We discuss the complexity of the problem, provide mixed-integer programming models, and develop a branch-and-cut algorithm to solve it. Our extensive computational experiments demonstrate the efficacy of our approach.
The Effect of Electronic Commerce on Geographic Purchasing Patterns and Price Dispersion
Authors: Overby Eric , Forman Chris
Published: September 2014

The “law of one price” states that if prices for the same or highly similar goods vary across geographic locations by more than the cost of transport, then traders will shift supply and demand to exploit the price differences. However, several frictions prevent traders from doing this, including lack of information about prices and difficulty trading across locations. Electronic commerce has the potential to reduce these frictions by increasing price visibility and lowering transaction costs. We analyze this by studying how the diffusion of an electronic channel affected geographic trading patterns and price dispersion in the wholesale used vehicle market from 2003 to 2008. We find that buyers used the channel to shift their demand geographically to exploit price differences, which reduced geographic price dispersion. We find that the electronic channel also influenced how sellers distributed supply, but we find little evidence that this led to reduced geographic price dispersion.

This paper was accepted by Lorin Hitt, information systems.
Approximating the Performance of a “Last Mile” Transportation System
Authors: Wang Hai , Odoni Amedeo
Published: September 2014

The Last Mile Problem refers to the provision of travel service from the nearest public transportation node to a home or office. We study the supply side of this problem in a stochastic setting, with batch demands resulting from the arrival of groups of passengers who request last-mile service at urban rail stations or bus stops. Closed-form approximations are derived for the performance of Last Mile Transportations Systems (LMTS) as a function of the fundamental design parameters of such systems. An initial set of results is obtained for the case wherein a fleet of vehicles of unit capacity provides the Last-Mile service, and each delivery route consists of a simple round trip between the rail station or bus stop and a single passenger’s destination. These results are then extended to the general case in which the capacity of a vehicle is a small number (up to 20). It is shown through comparisons with simulation results that the approximations perform consistently well for a broad and realistic range of input values and conditions. These expressions can therefore be used for the preliminary planning and design of an LMTS, especially for determining approximate resource requirements, such as the number of vehicles/servers needed to achieve some prespecified level of service, as measured by the expected waiting time until a passenger is picked up from the station or delivered to her destination.
The study of genetic diversity of Daemonorops draco (Palmae) using ISSR markers
Authors: ASRA REVIS , SYAMSUARDI SYAMSUARDI , MANSYURDIN MANSYURDIN , WITONO JOKO RIDHO
Published: September 2014

Asra R, Syamsuardi, Mansyurdin, Witono JR. 2014. The study of genetic diversity of Daemonorops draco (Palmae) using ISSR markers. Biodiversitas 15: 109-114. The genetic diversity in five populations of Daemonorops draco (Willd.) Blume (Jernang: in Bahasa Indonesia) was analyzed using Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) markers. The screening results from using 15 ISSR primers showed that only 5 of ISSR primers had clear and reproducible bands. Based on the data from the matrix binary analyzed using POPGENE version 3.2, the highest genetic diversity was found in the Sepintun population at 0.0969 average heterozygosis (H) and 0.146 average Shannon Index (I). The heterozygosis calculation of the total population (HT) was 0.2571. The heterozygosis value within a population (HS=0.0704) was smaller than that between populations (DST=0.1867). Using the clustering analysis program Pastversion 32 on 43 individuals of D. draco, we found that there were three groups of D. draco. Group A consisted of 8 individuals in the Bengayoan population, group B consisted of 9 units in the Nunusan population and group C consisted of three populations; Tebo, Sepintun and Mandiangin consisted of 10, 8 and 8 individuals. The genetic similarity varied among all populations with the values between 0.07-0.93.
The amount and quality of dead trees in a mixed beech forest with different management histories in northern Iran
Authors: SEFIDI KIOMARS , ETEMAD VAHID
Published: September 2014

Sefidi K, Etemad V. 2014. The amount and quality of dead trees in a mixed beech forest with different management histories in northern Iran. Biodiversitas 15: 162-168. Dead tree (fallen logs and snags), is regarded as an important ecological component of forests on whichmany forest dwelling species depend, yet its relation to management history in Caspian forest has gone unreported. The aim of researchaim was to compare the amounts of dead tree in the forests with historically different intensities of management, including: forests withthe long term implication of management (Patom), the short term implication of management (Namekhaneh) which were compared withsemi virgin forest (Gorazbon). The number of 215 individual dead trees were recorded and measured at 79 sampling locations. ANOVArevealed volume of dead tree in the form and decay classes significantly differ within sites and dead volume in the semi virgin forestsignificantly higher than managed sites. Comparing the amount of dead tree in three sites showed that, dead tree volume related withmanagement history and significantly differ in three study sites. Reaching their highest in virgin site and their lowest in the site with thelong term implication of management, it was concluded that forest management cause reduction of the amount of dead tree. Forestmanagement history affect the forest's ability to generate dead tree specially in a large size, thus managing this forest according toecological sustainable principles require a commitment to maintaining stand structure that allow, continued generation of dead tree in afull range of size.