bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Caching Strategies for High-Performance Storage Media
Authors: Lee Eunji , Bahn Hyokyung
Published: August 2014

Due to the large access latency of hard disks during data retrieval in computer systems, buffer caching mechanisms have been studied extensively in database and operating systems. By storing requested data into the buffer cache, subsequent requests can be directly serviced without accessing slow disk storage. Meanwhile, high-speed storage media like PCM (phase-change memory) have emerged recently, and one may wonder if the traditional buffer cache will be still effective for these high-speed storage media. This article answers the question by showing that the buffer cache is still effective in such environments due to the software overhead and the bimodal data access characteristics. Based on this observation, we present a new buffer cache management scheme appropriately designed for the system where the speed gap between cache and storage is narrow. To this end, we analyze the condition that caching will be effective and find the characteristics of access patterns that can be exploited in managing buffer cache for high performance storage like PCM.
Oscillations for Neutral Functional Differential Equations
Authors: Ahmed Fatima N. , Ahmad Rokiah R. , Din Ummul K. S. , Noorani Mohd S. M.
Published: August 2014

We will consider a class of neutral functional differential equations. Some infinite integral conditions for the oscillation of all solutions are derived. Our results extend and improve some of the previous results in the literature.
Self-Assessment of Problem Solving Disposition in Medical Students
Authors: Olivares-Olivares Silvia Lizett , López-Cabrera Mildred Vanessa
Published: August 2014

Medical schools are committed to both students and society to develop capabilities required to succeed in health care environments. Present diagnosis and treatment methods become obsolete faster, demanding that medical schools incorporate competency-based education to keep pace with future demands. This study was conducted to assess the problem solving disposition of medical students. A three-subcategory model of the skill is proposed. The instrument was validated on content by a group of 17 experts in medical education and applied to 135 registered students on the sixth year of the M.D. Physician Surgeon program at a private medical school. Cronbach’s alpha indicated an internal consistency of 0.751. The findings suggest that selected items have both homogeneity and validity. The factor analysis resulted in components that were associated with three problem-solving subcategories. The students’ perceptions are higher in the pattern recognition and application of general strategies for problem solving subcategories of the Problem solving disposition model.
Research on Short‐Term Traffic Flow Prediction Method Based on Similarity Search of Time Series
Authors: Yang Zhaosheng , Bing Qichun , Lin Ciyun , Yang Nan , Mei Duo
Published: August 2014

Short‐time traffic flow prediction is necessary for advanced traffic management system (ATMS) and advanced traveler information system (ATIS). In order to improve the effect of short‐term traffic flow prediction, this paper presents a short‐term traffic flow multistep prediction method based on similarity search of time series. Firstly, the landmark model is used to represent time series of traffic flow data. Then the input data of prediction model are determined through searching similar time series. Finally, the echo state networks model is used for traffic flow multistep prediction. The performance of the proposed method is measured with expressway traffic flow data collected from loop detectors in Shanghai, China. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method can achieve better multistep prediction performance than conventional methods.
Drug Repositioning Discovery for Early- and Late-Stage Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Huang Chien-Hung , Chang Peter Mu-Hsin , Lin Yong-Jie , Wang Cheng-Hsu , Huang Chi-Ying F. , Ng Ka-Lok
Published: August 2014

Drug repositioning is a popular approach in the pharmaceutical industry for identifying potential new uses for existing drugs and accelerating the development time. Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. To reduce the biological heterogeneity effects among different individuals, both normal and cancer tissues were taken from the same patient, hence allowing pairwise testing. By comparing early- and late-stage cancer patients, we can identify stage-specific NSCLC genes. Differentially expressed genes are clustered separately to form up- and downregulated communities that are used as queries to perform enrichment analysis. The results suggest that pathways for early- and late-stage cancers are different. Sets of up- and downregulated genes were submitted to the cMap web resource to identify potential drugs. To achieve high confidence drug prediction, multiple microarray experimental results were merged by performing meta-analysis. The results of a few drug findings are supported by MTT assay or clonogenic assay data. In conclusion, we have been able to assess the potential existing drugs to identify novel anticancer drugs, which may be helpful in drug repositioning discovery for NSCLC.
Metastatic Prostate Adenocarcinoma Posing as Urothelial Carcinoma of the Right Ureter: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Huang Tian-bao , Yan Yang , Liu Huan , Che Jian-ping , Wang Guang-chun , Liu Min , Zheng Jun-hua , Yao Xu-dong
Published: August 2014

This is a case report of a 67-year-old patient with distant metastasis of prostate cancer to the right ureter which caused hydronephrosis. At the beginning, both of the cytology of the morning urine and imaging findings were consistent with urothelial carcinoma. Nephroureterectomy was subsequently performed. Interestingly, the pathological examination of the excised ureter revealed that the malignancy was derived from the prostate. No skeletal metastasis was detected. However, after four months of follow-up, several abnormal signal shadows were reported in skeletal scintigraphy and the prostate specific antigen (PSA) was gradually increasing. We present such a case for its unique presentation. A review of the literature is also provided.
Endobronchial Tuberculosis: Two Case Reports and Review of the Literature
Authors: Aneja Anshum , Krishnaswamy Uma Maheswari , Thyagaraj Vijayashree , Moideen Riyaz P. , Satya Padmaja Mantha
Published: August 2014

Endobronchial tuberculosis commonly affects young patients and presents as acute or insidious onset cough, wheeze, low grade fever, and constitutional symptoms. Although endobronchial lesions usually result in sputum positivity for acid fast bacilli (AFB), a false negative sputum or absence of radiological lesions may result in delayed diagnosis. On the other hand, sputum positivity with presence of signs on chest radiology may lead to consideration of parenchymal TB as the primary diagnosis and the coexistence of endobronchial lesions may be missed until sequelae of the latter ensue. Besides, in elderly patients, consideration of other differentials like malignancy and pneumonia may lead to misdiagnosis. Hence, bronchoscopy is essential for confirmation of endobronchial TB. We hereby report two cases of endobronchial TB which stress the importance of bronchoscopic diagnosis for timely institution of treatment and prevention of permanent sequelae, respectively.
Application of Hybrid Finite Element-Boundary Integral Algorithm for Solving Electromagnetic Scattering from Multiple Objects over Rough Sea Surface
Authors: Xu Run-Wen , Guo Li-Xin
Published: August 2014

A hybrid algorithm of the finite element method (FEM) is presented to solve two-dimensional (2D) scattering from multiple dielectric objects above the rough sea surface. Compared with traditional FEM based on approximate absorbing boundaries, FEM based on the boundary integral method (BIM) can reduce the calculational region and solution time of the scattering problem. In the hybrid method, the whole computational region is divided into the sea surface and multiple isolate interior regions for the dielectric objects. FEM is only used to simulate the scattering from multiple interior regions enclosing the objects, whereas the large sea is considered exactly by BIM. The coupled interaction among the isolate interior regions and the sea can be taken into account by BIM. The hybrid technique presented here is efficient and versatile for addressing scattering from multiple arbitrary targets above rough sea surfaces. Scattering properties of multiple dielectric objects above the sea surface under different conditions are discussed in detail.
Oxidative Stress-Mediated Aging during the Fetal and Perinatal Periods
Authors: Marseglia Lucia , D’Angelo Gabriella , Manti Sara , Arrigo Teresa , Barberi Ignazio , Reiter Russel J. , Gitto Eloisa
Published: August 2014

Oxidative stress is worldwide recognized as a fundamental component of the aging, a process that begins before birth. There is a critical balance between free radical generation and antioxidant defenses. Oxidative stress is caused by an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the ability of antioxidant system to detoxify them. Oxidative stress can occur early in pregnancy and continue in the postnatal period; this damage is implicated in the pathophysiology of pregnancy-related disorders, including recurrent pregnancy loss, preeclampsia and preterm premature rupture of membranes. Moreover, diseases of the neonatal period such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia, retinopathy of prematurity, necrotizing enterocolitis, and periventricular leukomalacia are related to free radical damage. The specific contribution of oxidative stress to the pathogenesis and progression of these neonatal diseases is only partially understood. This review summarizes what is known about the role of oxidative stress in pregnancy and in the pathogenesis of common disorders of the newborn, as a component of the early aging process.
Applying Hybrid Heuristic Approach to Identify Contaminant Source Information in Transient Groundwater Flow Systems
Authors: Yeh Hund-Der , Lin Chao-Chih , Yang Bo-Jei
Published: August 2014

Simultaneous identification of the source location and release history in aquifers is complicated and time‐consuming if the release of groundwater contaminant source varies in time. This paper presents an approach called SATSO‐GWT to solve complicated source release problems which contain the unknowns of three location coordinates and several irregular release periods and concentrations. The SATSO‐GWT combines with ordinal optimization algorithm (OOA), roulette wheel approach, and a source identification algorithm called SATS‐GWT. The SATS‐GWT was developed based on simulated annealing, tabu search, and three‐dimensional groundwater flow and solute transport model MD2K‐GWT. The OOA and roulette wheel method are utilized mainly to reduce the size of feasible solution domain and accelerate the identification of the source information. A hypothetic site with one contaminant source location and two release periods is designed to assess the applicability of the present approach. The results indicate that the performance of SATSO‐GWT is superior to that of SATS‐GWT. In addition, the present approach works very effectively in dealing with the cases which have different initial guesses of source location and measurement errors in the monitoring points as well as problems with large suspicious areas and several source release periods and concentrations.
Existence Results for a System of Coupled Hybrid Fractional Differential Equations
Authors: Ahmad Bashir , Ntouyas Sotiris K. , Alsaedi Ahmed
Published: August 2014

This paper studies the existence of solutions for a system of coupled hybrid fractional differential equations with Dirichlet boundary conditions. We make use of the standard tools of the fixed point theory to establish the main results. The existence and uniqueness result is elaborated with the aid of an example.
On Fractional Order Dengue Epidemic Model
Authors: Al-Sulami Hamed , El-Shahed Moustafa , Nieto Juan J. , Shammakh Wafa
Published: August 2014

This paper deals with the fractional order dengue epidemic model. The stability of disease‐free and positive fixed points is studied. Adams‐Bashforth‐Moulton algorithm has been used to solve and simulate the system of differential equations.
Single Active Element Based Voltage-Mode Multifunction Filter
Authors: Mohan Jitendra , Chaturvedi Bhartendu , Maheshwari Sudhanshu
Published: August 2014

The paper presents a new voltage-mode multifunction filter. The proposed filter employs single modified fully differential second generation current conveyor (FDCCII), two grounded capacitors, and three resistors. The proposed circuit enjoys the employment of two grounded capacitors (attractive for absorbing shunt parasitic capacitance and ideal for IC implementation). The proposed circuit provides all five generic filter responses (low pass (LP), high pass (HP), band pass (BP), notch (NH), and all pass (AP) filter responses) simultaneously with single input. The novel proposed filter has low active and passive sensitivities. A number of time domain and frequency domain simulation results depicted through PSPICE using 0.18 µm TSMC process parameters are included to validate the theory. The proposed circuit is expected to enhance the existing knowledge on the subject.
Nonthermal Pasteurization of Fermented Green Table Olives by means of High Hydrostatic Pressure Processing
Authors: Argyri Anthoula A. , Panagou Efstathios Z. , Nychas George-John E. , Tassou Chrysoula C.
Published: August 2014

Green fermented olives cv. Halkidiki were subjected to different treatments of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) processing (400, 450, and 500 MPa for 15 or 30 min). Total viable counts, lactic acid bacteria and yeasts/moulds, and the physicochemical characteristics of the product (pH, colour, and firmness) were monitored right after the treatment and after 7 days of storage at 20°C to allow for recovery of injured cells. The treatments at 400 MPa for 15 and 30 min, 450 MPa for 15 and 30 min, and 500 MPa for 15 min were found insufficient as a recovery of the microbiota was observed. The treatment at 500 MPa for 30 min was effective in reducing the olive microbiota below the detection limit of the enumeration method after the treatment and after 1 week of storage and was chosen as being more appropriate for storing olives for an extended time period (5 months). After 5 months of storage at 20°C, no microbiota was detected in treated samples, while significant changes for both HHP treated and untreated olives were observed for colour parameters only (minor degradation). In conclusion, HHP treatment may introduce a reliable nonthermal pasteurization method to extend the microbiological shelf-life of fermented table olives.
Operation of a Wind Turbine-Flywheel Energy Storage System under Conditions of Stochastic Change of Wind Energy
Authors: Tomczewski Andrzej
Published: August 2014

The paper presents the issues of a wind turbine-flywheel energy storage system (WT-FESS) operation under real conditions. Stochastic changes of wind energy in time cause significant fluctuations of the system output power and as a result have a negative impact on the quality of the generated electrical energy. In the author’s opinion it is possible to reduce the aforementioned effects by using an energy storage of an appropriate type and capacity. It was assumed that based on the technical parameters of a wind turbine-energy storage system and its geographical location one can determine the boundary capacity of the storage, which helps prevent power cuts to the grid at the assumed probability. Flywheel energy storage was selected due to its characteristics and technical parameters. The storage capacity was determined based on an empirical relationship using the results of the proposed statistical and energetic analysis of the measured wind velocity courses. A detailed algorithm of the WT-FESS with the power grid system was developed, eliminating short-term breaks in the turbine operation and periods when the wind turbine power was below the assumed level.
Dynamical Jumps in a Shape Memory Alloy Oscillator
Authors: Oliveira H. S. , de Paula A. S. , Savi M. A.
Published: August 2014

The dynamical response of systems with shape memory alloy (SMA) elements presents a rich behavior due to their intrinsic nonlinear characteristic. SMA’s nonlinear response is associated with both adaptive dissipation related to hysteretic behavior and huge changes in properties caused by phase transformations. These characteristics are attracting much technological interest in several scientific and engineering fields, varying from medical to aerospace applications. An important characteristic associated with dynamical response of SMA system is the jump phenomenon. Dynamical jumps result in abrupt changes in system behavior and its analysis is essential for a proper design of SMA systems. This paper discusses the nonlinear dynamics of a one degree of freedom SMA oscillator presenting pseudoelastic behavior and dynamical jumps. Numerical simulations show different aspects of this kind of behavior, illustrating its importance for a proper understanding of nonlinear dynamics of SMA systems.
Integral Stability in Terms of Two Measures for Nonlinear Differential Systems with “Maxima”
Authors: Wang Peiguang , Xu Qing , Liu Xiaojing
Published: August 2014

This paper investigates relatively integral stability in terms of two measures for two differential systems with “maxima” by employing Lyapunov functions, Razumikhin method, and comparison principle. An example is given to illustrate our result.
Least-Squares Based and Gradient Based Iterative Parameter Estimation Algorithms for a Class of Linear-in-Parameters Multiple-Input Single-Output Output Error Systems
Authors: Wang Cheng , Tang Tao , Chen Dewang
Published: August 2014

The identification of a class of linear-in-parameters multiple-input single-output systems is considered. By using the iterative search, a least-squares based iterative algorithm and a gradient based iterative algorithm are proposed. A nonlinear example is used to verify the effectiveness of the algorithms, and the simulation results show that the least-squares based iterative algorithm can produce more accurate parameter estimates than the gradient based iterative algorithm.
The Presence of Biomarker Enzymes of Selected Scleractinian Corals of Palk Bay, Southeast Coast of India
Authors: Anithajothi R. , Duraikannu K. , Umagowsalya G. , Ramakritinan C. M.
Published: August 2014

The health and existence of coral reefs are in danger by an increasing range of environmental and anthropogenic impacts. The causes of coral reef decline include worldwide climate change, shoreline development, habitat destruction, pollution, sedimentation and overexploitation. These disasters have contributed to an estimated loss of 27% of the reefs. If the current pressure continues unabated, the estimated loss of coral reef will be about 60% by the year 2030. Therefore, the present study was aimed to analyze the enzymes involved in stress induced by coral pathogen and its resistance. We focused on the enzymes involved in melanin synthesis pathway (phenoloxidase (PO) and peroxidases (POD)) and free radical scavenging enzymes (super oxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT)) and glutathione peroxidase (Gpx) in selected scleractinian corals such asAcropora formosa, Echinopora lamellosa, Favia favus, Favites halicora, Poritessp., andAnacropora forbesi.Overall, PO activity of coral was significantly lower than that of zooxanthellae except forFavia favus.Coral colonies with lower PO and POD activities are prone to disease. Maximum antioxidant defensive enzymes were observed inFavia favusfollowed byEchinopora lamellose.It is concluded that assay of these enzymes can be used as biomarkers for identifying the susceptibility of corals towards coral bleaching induced by pathogen.
Antiperiodic Solutions for a Kind of Nonlinear Duffing Equations with a Deviating Argument and Time-Varying Delay
Authors: Xu Changjin , Liao Maoxin
Published: August 2014

This paper deals with a kind of nonlinear Duffing equation with a deviating argument and time-varying delay. By using differential inequality techniques, some very verifiable criteria on the existence and exponential stability of antiperiodic solutions for the equation are obtained. Our results are new and complementary to previously known results. An example is given to illustrate the feasibility and effectiveness of our main results.
Dual‐Channel Particle Filter Based Track‐Before‐Detect for Monopulse Radar
Authors: Cai Fei , Fan Hongqi , Fu Qiang
Published: August 2014

A particle filter based track‐before‐detect (PF‐TBD) algorithm is proposed for the monopulse high pulse repetition frequency (PRF) pulse Doppler radar. The actual measurement model is adopted, in which the range is highly ambiguous and the sum and difference channels exist in parallel. A quantization method is used to approximate the point spread function to reduce the computation load. The detection decisions of the PF‐TBD are fed to a binary integrator to further improve the detection performance. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can detect and track the low SNR target efficiently. The detection performance is improved significantly for both the single frame and the multiframe detection compared with the classical detector. A performance comparison with the PF‐TBD using sum channel only is also supplied.
Seborrheic Pemphigoid
Authors: Errichetti Enzo , Stinco Giuseppe , Pegolo Enrico , di Meo Nicola , Trevisan Giusto , Patrone Pasquale
Published: August 2014

Seborrheic pemphigoid (SP), first described in 1969 by Schnyder, is a peculiar variant of BP which clinically resembles pemphigus erythematosus, since it is characterized by ruptured bullae and erosions covered with crusts involving the seborrheic areas. To the best of our knowledge, from the first description only four other cases of SP have been reported, of which two are in the English literature. We report an additional case of SP in a 56-year-old man with cervical spondylogenic myelopathy with very impaired mobility.
Categorical Properties of Soft Sets
Authors: Zhou Min , Li Shenggang , Akram Muhammad
Published: August 2014

The present study investigates some novel categorical properties of soft sets. By combining categorical theory with soft set theory, a categorical framework of soft set theory is established. It is proved that the categorySFunof soft sets and soft functions has equalizers, finite products, pullbacks, and exponential properties. It is worth mentioning that we find thatSFunis both a topological construct and Cartesian closed. The categorySRelof soft sets andZ-soft set relations is also characterized, which shows the existence of the zero objects, biproducts, additive identities, injective objects, projective objects, injective hulls, and projective covers. Finally, by constructing proper adjoint situations, some intrinsic connections betweenSFunandSRelare established.
Research of Impact Load in Large Electrohydraulic Load Simulator
Authors: Liu Yongguang , Gao Xiaohui , Pei Zhongcai
Published: August 2014

The stronger impact load will appear in the initial phase when the large electric cylinder is tested in the hardware‐in‐loop simulation. In this paper, the mathematical model is built based on AMESim, and then the reason of the impact load is investigated through analyzing the changing tendency of parameters in the simulation results. The inhibition methods of impact load are presented according to the structural invariability principle and applied to the actual system. The final experimental result indicates that the impact load is inhibited, which provides a good experimental condition for the electric cylinder and promotes the study of large load simulator.
Mechanotransduction in Musculoskeletal Tissue Regeneration: Effects of Fluid Flow, Loading, and Cellular-Molecular Pathways
Authors: Qin Yi-Xian , Hu Minyi
Published: August 2014

While mechanotransductive signal is proven essential for tissue regeneration, it is critical to determine specific cellular responses to such mechanical signals and the underlying mechanism. Dynamic fluid flow induced by mechanical loading has been shown to have the potential to regulate bone adaptation and mitigate bone loss. Mechanotransduction pathways are of great interests in elucidating how mechanical signals produce such observed effects, including reduced bone loss, increased bone formation, and osteogenic cell differentiation. The objective of this review is to develop a molecular understanding of the mechanotransduction processes in tissue regeneration, which may provide new insights into bone physiology. We discussed the potential for mechanical loading to induce dynamic bone fluid flow, regulation of bone adaptation, and optimization of stimulation parameters in various loading regimens. The potential for mechanical loading to regulate microcirculation is also discussed. Particularly, attention is allotted to the potential cellular and molecular pathways in response to loading, including osteocytes associated with Wnt signaling, elevation of marrow stem cells, and suppression of adipotic cells, as well as the roles of LRP5 and microRNA. These data and discussions highlight the complex yet highly coordinated process of mechanotransduction in bone tissue regeneration.
Prediction Model of Interval Grey Numbers with a Real Parameter and Its Application
Authors: Zeng Bo , Li Chuan , Zhou Xue-Yu , Long Xian-Jun
Published: August 2014

Grey prediction models have become common methods which are widely employed to solve the problems with “small examples and poor information.” However, modeling objects of existing grey prediction models are limited to the homogenous data sequences which only contain the same data type. This paper studies the methodology of building prediction models of interval grey numbers that are grey heterogeneous data sequence, with a real parameter. Firstly, the position of the real parameter in an interval grey number sequence is discussed, and the real number is expanded into an interval grey number by adopting the method of grey generation. On this basis, a prediction model of interval grey number with a real parameter is deduced and built. Finally, this novel model is successfully applied to forecast the concentration of organic pollutant DDT in the atmosphere. The analysis and research results in this paper extend the object of grey prediction from homogenous data sequence to grey heterogeneous data sequence. Those research findings are of positive significance in terms of enriching and improving the theory system of grey prediction models.
Mesenchymal Stromal Cells as an Adjuvant Treatment for Severe Late-Onset Hemorrhagic Cystitis after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Wang Ying , Chen Feng , Gu Bing , Chen Guanghua , Chang Huirong , Wu Depei
Published: August 2014

The management of severe late-onset hemorrhagic cystitis (LO-HC) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is still challenging. Because mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) possess anti-inflammatory and tissue repair-promoting properties, we retrospectively analyzed the efficacy and safety of MSC infusions in 7 of 33 patients with severe LO-HC after allogeneic HSCT. During treatment, each patient received at least one MSC infusion of Wharton's jelly derived from the umbilical cord of a third-party donor. In 6 patients, MSC treatment was initiated within 3 days of gross hematuria onset, while the 7th patient received an infusion 40 days later. The median dose was 1.0 (0.8-1.6) × 106/kg. Five of 7 patients responded to treatment. Notably, gross hematuria promptly disappeared in 3 patients after 1 infusion, with a time to remission not seen in patients without MSC infusion. Two patients showed no response even after several infusions. No acute or late complications were recorded. Our findings indicate that MSC transfusion might be a feasible and safe supplemental therapy for patients with severe LO-HC after allogeneic HSCT.
PTEN Loss-Mediated Akt Activation Increases the Properties of Cancer Stem-Like Cell Populations in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Kim Ran-Ju , Bae Eunjin , Hong Young Kwon , Hong Jae Yup , Kim Nam Keun , Ahn Hee Jung , Oh Jong Jin , Park Dong Soo
Published: August 2014

Objective: To demonstrate that the PTEN/PI3K/Akt/NF-κB pathway plays an important role in regulating the prostate cancer stem-like cell population by upregulating ABCG2. Methods: Targeted PTEN knockdown in human prostate DU145 and 22Rv1 cells using a small interfering RNA were confirmed by immunoblot analysis using antibodies of PTEN, phospho-Akt, Akt, and a-tubulin. Knockdown PTEN DU145 and 22Rv1 cells were augmented, and the stem cell-like properties were examined by cell viability and tumor sphere formation and treated by Akt IV inhibitor to provide the signal transduction pathway. Luciferase activity assays were performed. Results: The knockdown of PTEN in prostate cancer cell lines increased the stem-like properties of the cells, including their sphere-forming ability, stem cell population number, epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related gene expression, and ABCG2 expression. Additionally, PTEN expression was highly associated with elevated expression of phospho-Akt. Treatment with an Akt inhibitor suppressed the PTEN-mediated effects on the properties of these stem-like cells as well as drug resistance, ABCG2 expression, and the NF-κB pathway. Conclusion: The loss of PTEN in prostate cancer cells resulted in an increased PI3K/Akt pathway. Due to the Akt activation, PTEN loss may play an important role in prostate cancer by promoting cancer stemness through a mechanism that involves enhanced NF-κB signaling.
A Common Copy Number Variation Polymorphism in the CNTNAP2 Gene: Sexual Dimorphism in Association with Healthy Aging and Disease
Authors: Iakoubov Leonid , Mossakowska Malgorzata , Szwed Malgorzata , Puzianowska-Kuznicka Monika
Published: August 2014

Background: New therapeutic targets are needed to fight aging-related diseases and increase life span. A new female-specific association with diseases and limited survival past 80 years was recently reported for a copy number variation (CNV) in the CNTNAP4 gene from the neurexin superfamily. Objective: We asked whether there are CNVs that are associated with aging phenotypes within other genes from the neurexin superfamily and whether this association is sex specific. Methods: Select CNV polymorphisms were genotyped with proprietary TaqMan qPCR assays. Results: A case/control study, in which a group of 81- to 90-year-old community-dwelling Caucasians with no chronic diseases (case) was compared to a similar control group of 65- to 75-year-olds, revealed a negative association with healthy aging for the ins allele of common esv11910 CNV in the CNTNAP2 gene (n = 388; OR = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.14-0.59, p = 0.0004 for males, and OR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.42-1.57, p = 0.625 for females). This male-specific association was validated in a study of an independent group of 76- to 80-year-olds. To look for a corresponding positive association of the allele with aging-related diseases, two case subgroups of 81- to 90-year-olds, one composed of individuals with cognitive impairment and the other with various diseases not directly related to the nervous system, such as cardiovascular diseases, etc., were compared to a healthy control subgroup of the same age. A positive male-specific association was found for both cases (OR = 2.75, p = 0.008 for association with cognitive impairment, and OR = 3.18, p = 0.002 for other diseases combined). Conclusions: A new male-specific association with aging is reported for a CNV in the CNTNAP2 gene. The polymorphism might be useful for diagnosing individual genetic predispositions to healthy aging versus aging complicated by chronic diseases.
Maternal Serum PAPP-A as an Early Marker of Obstetric Complications?
Authors: Quattrocchi Tommasa , Baviera Giovanni , Pochiero Teresa , Basile Francesca , Rizzo Laura , Santamaria Angelo , Corrado Francesco , D'Anna Rosario
Published: August 2014

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate whether low first-trimester PAPP-A levels are associated with an adverse pregnancy outcome. Materials and Methods: A retrospective case-control study was carried out using a Down's syndrome assays database over a 6-year period, between the 8th and 11th week of pregnancy. There were 164 women with PAPP-A multiples of median (MoM) levels <0.3 and 1,640 women with PAPP-A MoM levels ≥0.3 who served as a control group. Outcome measures were the prevalence of miscarriages, gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, pre-term delivery, gestational diabetes and intrauterine growth retardation in both groups. Results: The two groups significantly differed only for miscarriages: 29 (17.7%) vs. 159 (9.7%), p = 0.04, OR 1.7; gestational hypertension: 15 (9.1%) vs. 74 (4.5%), p = 0.02, OR 2.1, and preeclampsia: 9 (5.5%) vs. 29 (1.8%), p = 0.02, OR 2.5. Discussion: Even if in this study the PAPP-A cutoff considered was lower and was assayed in an earlier period compared with other studies, the detection rate for adverse pregnancy outcomes did not improve.
Antihypertensive Medication Exposure and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Shireman Theresa I. , Phadnis Milind A. , Wetmore James B. , Zhou Xinhua , Rigler Sally K. , Spertus John A. , Ellerbeck Edward F. , Mahnken Jonathan D.
Published: August 2014

Background/Aims: Our understanding of the effectiveness of cardioprotective medications in maintenance dialysis patients is based upon drug exposures assessed at a single point in time. We employed a novel, time-dependent approach to modeling medication use over time to examine outcomes in a large national cohort. Methods: We linked Medicaid prescription claims with United States Renal Data System registry data and Medicare claims for 52,922 hypertensive maintenance dialysis patients. All-cause mortality and a combined cardiovascular disease (CVD)-endpoint were modeled as functions of exposure to cardioprotective antihypertensive medications (renin angiotensin system antagonists, β-adrenergic blockers, and calcium channel blockers) measured with three time-dependent covariates (weekly exposure status, proportion of prior weeks with exposure, and number of switches in exposure status) and with propensity adjustment. Results: Current cardioprotective medication exposure status as compared to not exposed was associated with lower adjusted hazard ratios (AHRs) for mortality, though the magnitude depended upon the proportion of prior weeks with medication (duration) and the number of switches between active and non-active use (switches) (AHR range 0.54-0.90). Combined CVD-endpoints depended upon the proportion of weeks on medication: AHR = 1.18 for 10% and AHR = 0.90 for 90% of weeks. Combined CVD-endpoint was also lower for patients with fewer switches. Conclusions: Effectiveness depends not only on having a drug available but is tempered by duration and stability of use, likely reflecting variation in clinical stability and patient behavior.
Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms in the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Pathway and Outcomes of Patients Treated with First-Line Cytotoxic Chemotherapy Combined with Bevacizumab for Advanced Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Sohn Byeong Seok , Park Seong Joon , Kim Jeong Eun , Kim Kyu-pyo , Hong Yong Sang , Suh Cheolwon , Kim Yong Sung , Kim Seon Young , Im Seock-Ah , Kim Sun Young , Kim Jee Hyun , Ahn Joong Bae , Park Young Suk , Kim Tae Won
Published: August 2014

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between the efficacy of first-line cytotoxic chemotherapy plus bevacizumab and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of angiogenic genes in patients with advanced colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods: DNA was extracted from blood samples of 125 patients, and 12 SNPs were evaluated for association with the objective response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Results: The vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) rs833061 T/T was associated with superior ORR compared to its alternative genotypes (75.9 vs. 50.8%; p = 0.008), and the interleukin 8 rs4073 A/A genotype tended to be associated with poor ORR (45.0 vs. 66.0%; p = 0.067). The median PFS and OS were superior in patients with the fms-related tyrosine kinase 1 (FLT1) rs9513070 A/A genotype (8.7 vs. 6.6 months; p = 0.001 and 26.4 vs. 16.1 months; p = 0.038, respectively). The kinase insert domain receptor rs1531289 G/G genotype tended to be associated with improved PFS (8.0 vs. 7.1 months; p = 0.069). In haplotype analysis, the FLT1 rs9513070/rs9554320/rs9582036 GCA haplotype was associated with inferior PFS and OS (p = 0.004 and p = 0.041, respectively). Conclusion: The VEGFA rs833061 SNP is associated with the ORR, and the FLT1 rs9513070 SNP and FLT1 GCA haplotypes are associated with PFS and OS in advanced CRC patients treated with cytotoxic chemotherapy plus bevacizumab.
A Hospital-Based Survey on Food Allergy in the Population of Kolkata, India
Authors: Dey Debarati , Ghosh Nandini , Pandey Naren , Gupta Bhattacharya Swati
Published: August 2014

Background: Food allergy is increasing worldwide, and Asian countries are not the exception. Still, ample data are lacking in India. We conducted a cross-sectional study in a metropolis of Eastern India to record the presence of food allergy among the local population. Methods: The prevalence of food allergy was investigated among patients reporting to The Institute of Child Health and Mediland Diagnostics in Kolkata, India. A total of 5,161 patients were subdivided into 3 age groups and surveyed accordingly. The evaluation was conducted via a questionnaire and a skin prick test. Results: Among the 5,161 patients tested, 4,160 showed a positive response to one or more food items. Banana (32%), brinjal (29%), wheat (22%), and egg (23%) were found to be dominant allergens. Sixty-three percent of patients with a family history of allergy showed either a sudden or an insidious mode of onset, whereas the remaining 37% suffered insidious allergic symptoms with no record of a family history of allergy. Skin rashes, cough, and sneezing were the major symptoms observed. Patients in the age group of 15-40 years were the most susceptible. Conclusion: It has been observed that certain specific foods consumed in specific regions cause allergies that are unique to their respective populations. In the present study, the most commonly consumed foods in the studied area, e.g. banana, brinjal, wheat, and egg, had severe effects on the local population. Complementary studies in other countries as well as in other parts of India will allow us to gain further insight into this fact. Some other influencing factors were found to be genetics, cultural habits, and occupation. Avoidance of the allergy-causing food is the best way to deal with food allergy.
Allergen Analysis of Sea Urchin Roe Using Sera from Five Patients
Authors: Tanaka Kenichi , Kondo Yasuto , Inuo Chisato , Nakajima Yoichi , Tsuge Ikuya , Doi Satoru , Yanagihara Shigeto , Yoshikawa Tetsushi , Urisu Atsuo
Published: August 2014

Background: Sea urchin roe can cause anaphylactic reactions the first time they are consumed; therefore, careful clinical attention should be paid to their effects. However, no previous study has examined the allergens in sea urchin roe using sera from more than one patient. We attempted to identify sea urchin allergens using sera from 5 patients with sea urchin allergies. Methods: We enrolled 5 patients with relevant medical histories, positive results on a skin prick test and/or a food challenge test, and high levels of sea urchin-specific IgE in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We performed SDS-PAGE, immunoblotting, immunoblot inhibition, and N-terminal amino acid sequence detection. Results: Ten protein bands ranging from 18 to 170 kDa were detected in more than 2 patients' sera. In immunoblotting, the protein band for the 170-kDa major yolk protein was recognized by 4 of the 5 sera. Furthermore, the reaction between IgE and the protein band for egg cortical vesicle protein (18 kDa) was inhibited by the addition of salmon roe extract. Conclusion: Major yolk protein was confirmed to be one of the main allergens in sea urchin roe. In addition, egg cortical vesicle protein (18 kDa) was demonstrated to be an important protein for cross-reactivity with salmon roe.
The Algorithms of Fame
Authors: Rotberg Robert I.
Published: August 2014

What exactly is fame? Is it synonymous with renown, with historical importance, or with historical significance? Do importance and significance have the same meaning in this context? Are the most famous women and men—the “big names”—of past times the persons who contributed the most to propelling or stemming the tides of history? Does being merely remembered matter more or less than accomplishing something that made a difference to the pace of human progress? What is the value of quantifying recognition versus qualifying the value added of a particular individual action or bundle of actions? All of these questions, and more, arise from Skiena and Ward’s novel, bold attempt to compare thousands of human endeavors across time and geography in Who’s Bigger? Where Historical Figures Really Rank. It works, in a sense, but does it improve understanding?
Two new species of Glyphocrangon (Decapoda: Caridea: Glyphocrangonidae) from the East China Sea and the Philippines
Authors: HAN QINGXI , LI XINZHENG
Published: August 2014

The present paper reports two new species of Glyphocrangon (Crustacea, Caridea, Glyphocrangonidae) collected respectively from the East China Sea and the Philippines. G. singularis sp. nov., from the East China Sea, is similar to G. fimbriata Komai & Takeuchi, 1994 with the presence of fringe of setae on dactyl of the third to fifth pereopods, but differs from G. fimbriata by the rostrum shape and the armature on the carapace; G. denticulata sp. nov., from the Philippines, is similar to G. pugnax De Man, 1918 with the entire anterior third carina, but differs from G. pugnax by armatures of the antennal scaphocerite and carapace, the lengths of rostrum and the spines of fifth abdominal somite, and the colouration of carapace.
Multidecadal Variations in the Relationship between the NAO and Winter Precipitation in the Hindu Kush–Karakoram
Authors: Filippi Luca , Palazzi Elisa , von Hardenberg Jost , Provenzale Antonello
Published: August 2014

Winter precipitation over the Hindu Kush–Karakoram (HKK) range in the western Himalayas is generated by westerly perturbations whose dynamics is affected by the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). Larger precipitation is typically recorded during the positive NAO phase. In this work, the relationship between the NAO and winter precipitation in the HKK is explored further, using an ensemble of precipitation datasets and the 40-yr ECMWF Re-Analysis (ERA-40) and Twentieth Century Reanalysis (20CR) data. The mechanisms underlying this relationship are discussed, with a focus on the secular variations that occurred in the last century. The NAO exerts its control on HKK precipitation by altering the intensity of westerly winds in the region of the Middle East jet stream (MEJS). Results indicate that evaporation from the Persian Gulf, the northern Arabian Sea, and the Red Sea plays an important role. During positive NAO phases, westerlies are strengthened and enhanced evaporation occurs from these basins owing to higher surface wind speed. The extra moisture combines with stronger westerlies and results in enhanced moisture transport toward the HKK. Precipitation datasets covering the twentieth century show an alternation of periods of strong and weaker influence of the NAO on precipitation in the HKK. It is found that these variations are associated with changes in the spatial pattern of the NAO: the relative position of the two centers of action of the NAO determines to what extent it can modulate the MEJS, affecting precipitation in the HKK.
Countertransference Before Heimann
Authors: Holmes Joshua
Published: August 2014

Received wisdom on the history of countertransference rests on two assumptions: Freud said little about countertransference, and what he did say focused on its role as an impediment to analytic work; the emergence in the 1950s of a conception of countertransference as a crucial beneficial component of psychoanalysis was revolutionary and innovative. Both assumptions are questionable. Detailed examination of Freud’s public and private discussions of countertransference reveals that he recognized much of its potential value, as well as its pitfalls, and suggested that the analyst’s contributions should be based on spontaneous affect, measured out consciously. He was aware of the problematic nature of countertransference, calling for a paper on countertransference even while cautioning against its public presentation. His remarks, particularly in letters, taken together with the work of Ferenczi and other early contributors, show that the pre-1950s literature on countertransference prefigured much current debate on the topic.
The Dilemmas of the New Unionism in Brazil
Authors: Antunes Ricardo , Santana Marco Aurélio
Published: August 2014

Brazil’s “new unionism,” which emerged in the late 1970s, declared itself class-oriented, autonomous, and independent of the state. It proposed to take the lead in defense of eliminating the exploitation of labor by capital and of the real possibility of constructing of a socialist society. Identifying with the most dynamic sector of the working class, it expanded the participation of organized workers in the struggle for their demands. Over time, however, with changes in the political conjuncture and the introduction of neoliberal economic policies, the movement became more institutionalized—retreating from confrontation, devoting increasing attention to electoral politics, and giving more emphasis to hierarchical and bureaucratized leadership. Despite its many achievements, it proved incapable of putting down roots within companies or reducing social inequalities. Overemphasizing the idea of a complete break with the past may have prevented it from giving appropriate attention to the difficulties historically confronted by the labor movement in Brazil.

O “novo sindicalismo” que surgiu no Brasil nos fins dos anos 1970 se declarou de classe, autônomo e independente do Estado. Propôs-se assumir a liderança na eliminação da exploração da classe trabalhadora pelo capital, e de conseguir a construção duma sociedade verdadeiramente socialista. Por identificar-se com o sétor mais dinâmica da classe operária, ampliou a participação dos trabalhadores sindicatados na luta para conseguir as suas reivindicações. Sem embargo, ao correr o tempo, com as mudanças na conjuntura política e a introdução de políticas econômicas neoliberais, o movimento pouco a pouco se ia institucionalizando-se, evitando os confrontos, dedicando mais e mais atenção às políticas eleitorais, e enfatizando a liderança hierárquica e burocratizada. Apesar das muitas melhoras que conseguira, se mostrou incapaz de lançar raizes nas empresas, nem reduzir as desigualidades sociais. Tal vez fora, por ter enfatizado demais a ideia de uma ruptura total com o passado, que se impediu de pagar atenção adequada às dificuldades que o movimento operário sempre enfrentarem históricamente, e ainda enfrenta, no Brasil.