bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High Salt Intake Increases Blood Pressure in Normal Rats: Putative Role of 20-HETE and No Evidence on Changes in Renal Vascular Reactivity
Authors: Walkowska A. , Kuczeriszka M. , Sadowski J. , Olszyñski K.H. , Dobrowolski L. , Červenka L. , Hammock B.D. , Kompanowska-Jezierska E.
Published: June 2015

Background/Aims. High salt (HS) intake may elevate blood pressure (BP), also in animals without genetic salt sensitivity. The development of salt-dependent hypertension could be mediated by endogenous vasoactive agents; here we examined the role of vasodilator epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) and vasoconstrictor 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE). Methods. In conscious Wistar rats on HS diet systolic BP (SBP) was examined after chronic elevation of EETs using 4-[4-(3-adamantan-1-yl-ureido)-cyclohexyloxy]-benzoic acid (c-AUCB), a blocker of soluble epoxide hydrolase, or after inhibition of 20-HETE with 1-aminobenzotriazole (ABT). Thereafter, in acute experiments the responses of renal artery blood flow (Transonic probe) and renal regional perfusion (laser-Doppler) to intrarenal acetylcholine (ACh) or norepinephrine were determined. Results. HS diet increased urinary 20-HETE excretion. The SBP increase was not reduced by c-AUCB but prevented by ABT until day 5 of HS exposure. Renal vasomotor responses to ACh or norepinephrine were similar on standard and HS diet. ABT but not c-AUCB abolished the responses to ACh. Conclusions. 20-HETE seems to mediate the early-phase HS diet-induced BP increase while EETs are not engaged in the process. Since HS exposure did not alter renal vasodilator responses to Ach, endothelial dysfunction is not a critical factor in the mechanism of salt-induced blood pressure elevation.
Oral Cavity Cancer: Risk Factors, Pathology, and Management
Authors: Ernani Vinicius , Saba Nabil F.
Published: June 2015

Oral cavity cancers are predominantly squamous cell carcinomas, which arise from premalignant lesions through a multistep carcinogenesis process. Tobacco and alcohol are the major etiologic factors, although human papillomavirus has also recently been implicated as a causative agent. The possibility of a second primary malignancy should be considered during the diagnostic evaluation of head and neck cancers, as well as during the posttreatment surveillance phase. The goals of treatment are not only to improve survival outcomes but also to preserve organ function. These cancers are generally treated with a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. A multidisciplinary approach, involving surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists, as well as dentists, dietitians, and rehabilitation therapists, is generally required for optimal treatment planning and management of patients with head and neck cancer.
Development and Validation of a Prognostic Nomogram for Progression-Free Survival in Patients with Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma Treated with Pazopanib
Authors: Kattan Michael W. , Sternberg Cora N. , Mehmud Faisal , Bhatt Kamal , McCann Lauren , Motzer Robert J.
Published: June 2015

Objective: To develop and validate a prognostic nomogram for predicting the probability of 12-month progression-free survival (PFS) for patients receiving first-line pazopanib for advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Methods: Statistical modeling was performed with data from 557 pazopanib-treated patients in the phase 3 COMPARZ trial. A multivariable Cox model was fit using known prognostic indicators. Variables included neutrophil count, serum levels of albumin and alkaline phosphatase, time from diagnosis to treatment, and bone metastases. Data from the pazopanib arm of a placebo-controlled phase 3 trial were used for validation. Results: The model included ten prognostic variables and was plotted as a nomogram for predicting the probability of 12-month PFS. Calibration plots suggested reasonable correspondence between predicted probabilities and actual proportions of PFS. The concordance index for 12-month PFS was 0.625. Significant associations (p < 0.05) were observed between PFS and bone metastases, time from diagnosis to treatment, albumin, and alkaline phosphatase. Albumin and alkaline phosphatase appeared to be influential predictors. Conclusion: The nomogram predicts, with reasonable accuracy, PFS in patients with advanced RCC receiving pazopanib, based on their baseline clinical characteristics.
Immunology of Osteoporosis: A Mini-Review
Authors: Pietschmann Peter , Mechtcheriakova Diana , Meshcheryakova Anastasia , Föger-Samwald Ursula , Ellinger Isabella
Published: June 2015

Osteoporosis is a major cause of fractures and associated morbidity in the aged population. The pathogenesis of osteoporosis is multifactorial; whereas traditional pathophysiological concepts emphasize endocrine mechanisms, it has been recognized that also components of the immune system have a significant impact on bone. Since 2000, when the term ‘osteoimmunology' was coined, novel insights into the role of inflammatory cytokines by influencing the fine-tuned balance between bone resorption and bone formation have helped to explain the occurrence of osteoporosis in conjunction with chronic inflammatory reactions. Moreover, the phenomenon of a low-grade, chronic, systemic inflammatory state associated with aging has been defined as ‘inflamm-aging' by Claudio Franceschi and has been linked to age-related diseases such as osteoporosis. Given the tight anatomical and physiological coexistence of B cells and the bone-forming units in the bone marrow, a role of B cells in osteoimmunological interactions has long been suspected. Recent findings of B cells as active regulators of the RANK/RANKL/OPG axis, of altered RANKL/OPG production by B cells in HIV-associated bone loss or of a modulated expression of genes linked to B-cell biology in response to estrogen deficiency support this assumption. Furthermore, oxidative stress and the generation of advanced glycation end products have emerged as links between inflammation and bone destruction.
Evaluation of the Diagnostic Value of Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells in Differentiating the Lymphocytic Cicatricial Alopecias
Authors: Sleiman Rima , Kurban Mazen , Abbas Ossama
Published: June 2015

Background: Differentiating lymphocytic scarring alopecias may be difficult clinically as well as histopathologically. Objective: To investigate plasmacytoid dendritic cell (PDC) presence and distribution patterns and their diagnostic value in differentiating scarring alopecias of lupus erythematosus (LE) from lichen planopilaris (LPP) and frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA). Methods: Seventeen LE-associated alopecia, 20 LPP and 10 FFA cases were immunohistochemically tested for PDC presence/distribution and activity. Results: LE-associated alopecia showed increased PDC content (≥10% PDCs in all cases and ≥50% in 94% of cases), PDC clusters (100% of cases), and deeper dermal and perieccrine distribution (100% of cases) with involvement of the dermoepidermal junction (DEJ, 94% of cases), while the majority of LPP and FFA had <10% PDC content that was mainly confined to the upper dermis surrounding the hair infundibulum with rare DEJ involvement and rare clustering. Conclusions: Specific PDC-related parameters may serve as a useful diagnostic adjunct in the differentiation between LE-associated alopecia versus LPP and FFA.
Extraordinary Diversity in the Origins of Sex Chromosomes in Anurans Inferred from Comparative Gene Mapping
Authors: Uno Yoshinobu , Nishida Chizuko , Takagi Chiyo , Igawa Takeshi , Ueno Naoto , Sumida Masayuki , Matsuda Yoichi
Published: June 2015

Sex determination in frogs (anurans) is genetic and includes both male and female heterogamety. However, the origins of the sex chromosomes and their differentiation processes are poorly known. To investigate diversity in the origins of anuran sex chromosomes, we compared the chromosomal locations of sex-linked genes in 4 species: the African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis), the Western clawed frog (Silurana/X. tropicalis), the Japanese bell-ring frog (Buergeria buergeri), and the Japanese wrinkled frog (Rana rugosa). Comparative mapping data revealed that the sex chromosomes of X. laevis, X. tropicalis and R. rugosa are different chromosome pairs; however, the sex chromosomes of X. tropicalis and B. buergeri are homologous, although this may represent distinct evolutionary origins. We also examined the status of sex chromosomal differentiation in B. buergeri, which possesses heteromorphic ZW sex chromosomes, using comparative genomic hybridization and chromosome painting with DNA probes from the microdissected W chromosome. At least 3 rearrangement events have occurred in the proto-W chromosome: deletion of the nucleolus organizer region and a paracentric inversion followed by amplification of non-W-specific repetitive sequences.
The Role of Radiotherapy in Acromegaly
Authors: Hannon Mark J. , Barkan Ariel L. , Drake William M.
Published: June 2015

Radiotherapy has, historically, played a central role in the management of acromegaly, and the last 30 years have seen substantial improvements in the technology used in the delivery of radiation therapy. More recently, the introduction of highly targeted radiotherapy, or ‘radiosurgery', has further increased the therapeutic options available in the management of secretory pituitary tumors. Despite these developments, improvements in primary surgical outcomes, an increase in the range and effectiveness of medical therapy options, and long-term safety concerns have combined to dictate that, although still deployed in selected cases, the use of radiotherapy in the management of acromegaly has declined steadily over the past 2 decades. In this article, we review some of the main studies that have documented the efficacy of pituitary radiotherapy on growth hormone hypersecretion and summarize the data around its potential deleterious effects, including hypopituitarism, cranial nerve damage, and the development of radiation-related intracerebral tumors. We also give practical recommendations to guide its future use in patients with acromegaly, generally, as a third-line intervention after neurosurgical intervention in combination with various medical therapy options.
Apresentação
Authors: Camargo Mônica Junqueira de
Published: June 2015

.
Educação e patrimônio cultural: uma encruzilhada nas políticas públicas de preservação
Authors: Siviero Fernando Pascuotte
Published: June 2015

Este artigo apresenta uma análise crítica da educação na trajetória do Instituto do Patrimônio Histórico e Artístico Nacional (Iphan) entre 1937 e 2014. Ações educativas estiveram presentes desde a sua fundação, embora sempre tivessem concepções, formas e funções heterogêneas e diversas. Ao estudar os lugares e as funções da educação na política preservacionista nacional, busca-se compreender como o Estado entendia e se relacionava com a sociedade na preservação dos bens culturais. A educação patrimonial surgiu em meados da década de 1980 como uma metodologia pedagógica para monumentos e objetos museográficos. Atualmente assiste-se ao surgimento de uma concepção dialógica, transversal e coletiva de educação patrimonial que almeja aproximar o campo do patrimônio cultural da sociedade civil. Faz-se necessário portanto conhecer essa trajetória para acompanhar criticamente as formas como a educação é praticada pelo Iphan e fortalecer o patrimônio cultural como instrumento político e direito social.
Um "homem calculável"?
Authors: Borges Sonia Xavier de Almeida , Costa Simone
Published: June 2015

A Psicanálise, na medida em que ganha espaço como um discurso explicativo do comportamento humano e dos laços sociais é confrontada com a necessidade de pensá-los como registros em que a transmissão simbólica pode e deve ocorrer. Como ser de linguagem, o homem pode transmitir as marcas simbólicas constitutivas de sua cultura, tendo em vista encontrar nela o seu lugar. A técnica e a tecnologia, que fazem parte deste legado, vêm sendo priorizadas no âmbito dos vários níveis do ensino. Sustentamos que a educação não pode ser reduzida a elas, já que a transmissão simbólica ultrapassa em muito uma formação cujo objetivo seja o ensino de competências técnicas produtoras do que denominamos de "homem calculável".
O intercâmbio impossível da adolescência: análise pscinalítica sobre o despertar da sexualidade por meio do filme "Hoje eu quero voltar sozinho" de Daniel Ribeiro
Authors: Oliveira Humberto Moacir de , Maior Virgínia Souto
Published: June 2015

O presente artigo visa discutir, a partir do filme Hoje eu quero voltar sozinho, do diretor brasileiro Daniel Ribeiro, a maneira como a Psicanálise pensa a sexualidade humana, encarando-a sempre como uma construção. Para essa reflexão, serão destacados três aspectos do filme: o despertar para a homossexualidade do protagonista, sua cegueira e sua passagem pela adolescência. Esses aspectos serão relacionados entre si através de conceitos de Freud e Lacan que abordem a relação entre a pulsão sexual e seu objeto.
A adolescente anoréxica e sua família: uma desafiliação por abstinência
Authors: Corcos Maurice
Published: June 2015

No cruzamento da psicologia individual, das relações familiares e sociais e do âmbito médico, os distúrbios das condutas alimentares oferecem um modelo dos determinantes que se desenvolvem preferencialmente no adolescente e em sujeitos femininos. Este artigo retoma as principais discussões sobre as condutas alimentares, articulando-as aos mecanismos neurobiológicos que detêm o risco de uma depressão melancólica. Uma hipótese central será evocada: a falha da função materna, de modo particular, no investimento do corpo autônomo, vivo e erótico da criança. Essa falha não favoreceria uma integração suficientemente boa do feminino no sujeito e participaria do advento de uma organização sadomasoquista fixando-o a objetos infantis.
O apoio no duplo autístico na construção do imaginário no autismo
Authors: Bialer Marina
Published: June 2015

O presente artigo focaliza a construção de identificações compensatórias com o duplo autístico que podem permitir ao autista a construção de um estofo imaginário. Por meio de Donna Williams, são abordados o espelhamento e a identificação com duplos imaginários como pilares da constituição de uma imagem do corpo próprio, do surgimento do narcisismo e da construção de um ego no autismo.
Sensing Cardiac Electrical Activity With a Cardiac Myocyte–Targeted Optogenetic Voltage Indicator
Authors: Chang Liao Mei-Ling , de Boer Teun P. , Mutoh Hiroki , Raad Nour , Richter Claudia , Wagner Eva , Downie Bryan R. , Unsöld Bernhard , Arooj Iqra , Streckfuss-Bömeke Katrin , Döker Stephan , Luther Stefan , Guan Kaomei , Wagner Stefan , Lehnart Stephan E. , Maier Lars S. , Stühmer Walter , Wettwer Erich , van Veen Toon , Morlock Michael M. , Knöpfel Thomas , Zimmermann Wolfram-Hubertus
Published: June 2015

Rationale:

Monitoring and controlling cardiac myocyte activity with optogenetic tools offer exciting possibilities for fundamental and translational cardiovascular research. Genetically encoded voltage indicators may be particularly attractive for minimal invasive and repeated assessments of cardiac excitation from the cellular to the whole heart level.

Objective:

To test the hypothesis that cardiac myocyte–targeted voltage-sensitive fluorescence protein 2.3 (VSFP2.3) can be exploited as optogenetic tool for the monitoring of electric activity in isolated cardiac myocytes and the whole heart as well as function and maturity in induced pluripotent stem cell–derived cardiac myocytes.

Methods and Results:

We first generated mice with cardiac myocyte–restricted expression of VSFP2.3 and demonstrated distinct localization of VSFP2.3 at the t-tubulus/junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum microdomain without any signs for associated pathologies (assessed by echocardiography, RNA-sequencing, and patch clamping). Optically recorded VSFP2.3 signals correlated well with membrane voltage measured simultaneously by patch clamping. The use of VSFP2.3 for human action potential recordings was confirmed by simulation of immature and mature action potentials in murine VSFP2.3 cardiac myocytes. Optical cardiograms could be monitored in whole hearts ex vivo and minimally invasively in vivo via fiber optics at physiological heart rate (10 Hz) and under pacing-induced arrhythmia. Finally, we reprogrammed tail-tip fibroblasts from transgenic mice and used the VSFP2.3 sensor for benchmarking functional and structural maturation in induced pluripotent stem cell–derived cardiac myocytes.

Conclusions:

We introduce a novel transgenic voltage-sensor model as a new method in cardiovascular research and provide proof of concept for its use in optogenetic sensing of physiological and pathological excitation in mature and immature cardiac myocytes in vitro and in vivo.
Mineralocorticoid Excess or Glucocorticoid Insufficiency
Authors: Mullins Linda J. , Kenyon Christopher J. , Bailey Matthew A. , Conway Bryan R. , Diaz Mary E. , Mullins John J.
Published: June 2015

Obesity and hypertension are 2 major health issues of the 21st century. The syndrome of apparent mineralocorticoid excess is caused by deficiency of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (Hsd11b2), which normally inactivates glucocorticoids, rendering the mineralocorticoid receptor aldosterone–specific. The metabolic consequences of Hsd11b2 knockout in the rat are investigated in parallel with electrolyte homeostasis. Hsd11b2 was knocked out, by pronuclear microinjection of targeted zinc-finger nuclease mRNAs, and 1 line was characterized for its response to renal and metabolic challenges. Plasma 11-dehydrocorticosterone was below detection thresholds, and Hsd11b2 protein was undetected by Western blot, indicating complete ablation. Homozygotes were 13% smaller than wild-type littermates, and were polydipsic and polyuric. Their kidneys, adrenals, and hearts were significantly enlarged, but mesenteric fat pads and liver were significantly smaller. On a 0.3% Na diet, mean arterial blood pressure was ≈65 mm Hg higher than controls but only 25 mm Hg higher on a 0.03% Na
+
diet. Urinary Na/K ratio of homozygotes was similar to controls on 0.3% Na
+
diet but urinary albumin and calcium were elevated. Corticosterone and aldosterone levels showed normal circadian variation on both a 0.3% and 0.03% Na
+
diet, but plasma renin was suppressed in homozygotes on both diets. Plasma glucose responses to an oral glucose challenge were reduced despite low circulating insulin, indicating much greater sensitivity to insulin in homozygotes. The rat model reveals mechanisms linking electrolyte homeostasis and metabolic control through the restriction of Hsd11b1 substrate availability.
Edge‐Detected Common Carotid Artery Intima–Media Thickness and Incident Coronary Heart Disease in the Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Polak Joseph F. , O'Leary Daniel H.
Published: June 2015

Background

Common carotid artery intima–media thickness (
IMT
) can be measured either by hand or with an automated edge detector. We performed a direct comparison of these 2 approaches and studied their respective associations with coronary heart disease outcomes.

Methods and Results

We studied 5468 participants of the Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis, composed of white, Chinese, Hispanic, and black participants with an average age of 61.9 years (47.8% men) and who were free of
coronary heart disease
at baseline. Manual‐traced and edge‐detected
IMT
measurements were made in the same location on ultrasound images of the right common carotid artery far wall in an area free of plaque.
Manual‐traced
and
edge‐detected common carotid artery IMT measurements
were added separately to multivariable Cox proportional hazards models with time to incident
coronary heart disease
as the outcome and adjusted for traditional
coronary heart disease
Framingham risk factors, lipid‐lowering therapy, blood pressure–lowering therapy, and race or ethnicity. Additional models were generated after adding clinic site and reader. There were 349 events during a median follow‐up of 10.2 years. In adjusted models, the hazard ratio was not significant (1.31; 95%
CI
0.84 to 2.06) for each millimeter increase in manual‐traced
IMT
but was significant for edge‐detected
IMT
(hazard ratio 1.63; 95%
CI
1.12 to 2.37). Edge‐detected
IMT
remained statistically associated with outcomes after additional adjustment for clinic site and reader performing the
IMT
measurement (hazard ratio 1.59; 95%
CI
1.07 to 2.35).

Conclusions

Edge‐detected common carotid artery far wall
IMT
has similar if not stronger associations with coronary heart disease outcomes when compared with manual‐traced
IMT
.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/
. Unique identifier: NCT00063440.
Efficiency and Safety of Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin 9 Monoclonal Antibody on Hypercholesterolemia: A Meta‐Analysis of 20 Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Li Chuanwei , Lin Ling , Zhang Wen , Zhou Liang , Wang Hongyong , Luo Xiaoli , Luo Hao , Cai Yue , Zeng Chunyu
Published: June 2015

Background

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin9 (
PCSK
9) monoclonal antibody significantly reduces low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol level in patients with hypercholesterolemia. The goal of this study was to review recently reported randomized controlled trials to investigate the therapeutic effects and safety of
PCSK
9 inhibitors.

Methods and Results

The clinical randomized controlled trials published from inception to March 19, 2015 were identified from The Cochrane Library databases,
PUBMED
, and
EBASE
. Randomized controlled trials of at least 8 weeks duration using
PCSK
9 inhibitors in treating patients with hypercholesterolemia were included. Mean difference (
MD
) with a 95%
CI
was used to calculate the continuous data, the standardized mean difference with a 95%
CI
was used when the unit was not unified, and risk ratio with a 95%
CI
was used for dichotomous data. After screening, 20 trials fulfilled the inclusion criteria.
PCSK
9 inhibitors significantly decreased the levels of low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (
MD
=−65.29 mg/dL, 95%
CI
: −72.08 to −58.49), total cholesterol (
MD
=−60.04 mg/dL, 95%
CI
: −69.95 to −50.13), triglycerides (
MD
=−12.21 mg/dL, 95%
CI
: −16.21 to −8.22) and apolipoprotein‐B (
MD
=−41.01 mg/dL, 95%
CI
: −46.07 to −35.94), lipoprotein(a) (standardized mean difference=−0.94, 95%
CI
: −1.12 to −0.77) and increased the levels of high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (
MD
=3.40 mg/dL, 95%
CI
: 3.12 to 3.68) and apolipoprotein‐A1 (
MD
=6.75 mg/dL, 95%
CI
: 4.64 to 8.86). There was no significant difference in the incidence of treatment‐emergent adverse events (risk ratio=1.01, 95%
CI
: 0.98 to 1.04), serious treatment‐emergent adverse events (risk ratio=1.01, 95%
CI
: 0.88 to 1.17), and the discontinuation of treatment between the 2 groups (risk ratio=1.07, 95%
CI
: 0.86 to 1.34).

Conclusions

The meta‐analysis indicated that
PCSK
9 inhibitors had a strong effect in lowering low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and other lipid levels with satisfactory safety and tolerability in patients with hypercholesterolemia.
Minimal Sign Representation of Boolean Functions: Algorithms and Exact Results for Low Dimensions
Authors: Sezener Can Eren , Oztop Erhan
Published: June 2015

Boolean functions (BFs) are central in many fields of engineering and mathematics, such as cryptography, circuit design, and combinatorics. Moreover, they provide a simple framework for studying neural computation mechanisms of the brain. Many representation schemes for BFs exist to satisfy the needs of the domain they are used in. In neural computation, it is of interest to know how many input lines a neuron would need to represent a given BF. A common BF representation to study this is the so-called polynomial sign representation where [Formula: see text] and 1 are associated with true and false, respectively. The polynomial is treated as a real-valued function and evaluated at its parameters, and the sign of the polynomial is then taken as the function value. The number of input lines for the modeled neuron is exactly the number of terms in the polynomial. This letter investigates the minimum number of terms, that is, the minimum threshold density, that is sufficient to represent a given BF and more generally aims to find the maximum over this quantity for all BFs in a given dimension. With this work, for the first time exact results for four- and five-variable BFs are obtained, and strong bounds for six-variable BFs are derived. In addition, some connections between the sign representation framework and bent functions are derived, which are generally studied for their desirable cryptographic properties.
Subsampled Hessian Newton Methods for Supervised Learning
Authors: Wang Chien-Chih , Huang Chun-Heng , Lin Chih-Jen
Published: June 2015

Newton methods can be applied in many supervised learning approaches. However, for large-scale data, the use of the whole Hessian matrix can be time-consuming. Recently, subsampled Newton methods have been proposed to reduce the computational time by using only a subset of data for calculating an approximation of the Hessian matrix. Unfortunately, we find that in some situations, the running speed is worse than the standard Newton method because cheaper but less accurate search directions are used. In this work, we propose some novel techniques to improve the existing subsampled Hessian Newton method. The main idea is to solve a two-dimensional subproblem per iteration to adjust the search direction to better minimize the second-order approximation of the function value. We prove the theoretical convergence of the proposed method. Experiments on logistic regression, linear SVM, maximum entropy, and deep networks indicate that our techniques significantly reduce the running time of the subsampled Hessian Newton method. The resulting algorithm becomes a compelling alternative to the standard Newton method for large-scale data classification.
Competitive STDP Learning of Overlapping Spatial Patterns
Authors: Krunglevicius Dalius
Published: June 2015

Spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP) is a set of Hebbian learning rules firmly based on biological evidence. It has been demonstrated that one of the STDP learning rules is suited for learning spatiotemporal patterns. When multiple neurons are organized in a simple competitive spiking neural network, this network is capable of learning multiple distinct patterns. If patterns overlap significantly (i.e., patterns are mutually inclusive), however, competition would not preclude trained neuron’s responding to a new pattern and adjusting synaptic weights accordingly.

This letter presents a simple neural network that combines vertical inhibition and Euclidean distance-dependent synaptic strength factor. This approach helps to solve the problem of pattern size-dependent parameter optimality and significantly reduces the probability of a neuron’s forgetting an already learned pattern. For demonstration purposes, the network was trained for the first ten letters of the Braille alphabet.
Alternative Healing as Magical Self-Care in Alternative Modernity
Authors: Koch Anne
Published: June 2015

Alternative healing, including spiritual healing, unconventional, traditional/folk, and complementary medical treatments, is an increasingly relevant health-care resource in contemporary health-care systems, and a broad, constantly changing, and heterogeneous field of medical pluralism. Some suggestions for classifying spiritual healing as presented in the academic and gray literature are summarized and discussed. The findings are interpreted in terms of the paradigm of alternative modernities. In the direction of, but also in addition to, this paradigm, magic is introduced as a concept to denote certain highly ambiguous occurrences in the alternative modern. Magic is still very much alive and not easy to identify merely as a counterpart of rational, knowledge-generating, disembodying modernity. In this setting, spiritual healing might be seen as a form of magical self-care. Magic is neither modern nor traditional nor irrational per se, but has to be contextualized and described in terms of characteristics like holistic diagnosis, interpersonal congruence, the imaginations of agency, and efficacy.
Active but asocial: exploration and activity is linked to social behaviour in a colonially breeding finch
Authors: McCowan Luke S.C. , Griffith Simon C.
Published: June 2015

One largely neglected area of personality research is an individual’s propensity to move and feed alongside others. We monitored the foraging behaviour of captive zebra finches in social groups in large enclosures using a PIT-tag system, and also separately assayed activity levels in a home cage with a social partner. We found that more active individuals found novel feeders more quickly (explored faster). Furthermore, we found that more active males fed less socially than inactive males. Our findings suggest that variation in foraging behaviour in the zebra finch is driven by both personality and social factors. This work suggests that degrees of sociality — the intrinsic propensity with which individuals interact and coordinate their activity with other conspecifics — is an important component of personality, and needs to be accounted for in future work.
Correlated evolution of microhabitat, morphology, and behavior in West Indian Anolis lizards: a test of the habitat matrix model
Authors: Harrison A.S. , Revell L.J. , Losos J.B.
Published: June 2015

The habitat matrix model (HMM) explains convergence among arboreal animals as a result of the correlated evolution of morphology, locomotor mode, and habitat use. Although the HMM has generated important insights into the ecology of arboreal species, these tests have left a gap in the habitat-behavior-morphology story by focusing primarily on locomotor performance in lab and field experiments and thus failing to include data on locomotor behavior of undisturbed animals in the wild. We combined data on undisturbed locomotion, habitat use, and morphology for 31 species of arboreal lizard in the genusAnolisand used these data to test nine specific predictions arising from the HMM. We find strong support for nearly all aspects of this model. The addition of data on locomotion by undisturbed wild animals offers a more direct and compelling case for the HMM than most previous tests.
Songbirds never forget: long-lasting behavioural change triggered by a single playback event
Authors: Rivera-Gutierrez Hector Fabio , Pinxten Rianne , Eens Marcel
Published: June 2015

Many behavioural studies rely on playback experiments. While it is known that songbirds decrease behavioural responses after short-term repeated stimulation, long-term behavioural changes due to playbacks are unknown. We studied the response to playbacks in a free-living songbird in the long-term, while also studying the repeatability of the behaviour. Locomotor behaviour (a proxy of aggressiveness) decreased one year after first exposure to a single playback. Song response, however, remained consistent, suggesting that these two behaviours may provide different information. Locomotor behaviour was less repeatable than the song response to playback, the latter showing significant between-years repeatability. To the best of our knowledge, our study is the first to report long-term decrease in response to playbacks in a songbird, and that some aspects of the response to playback are repeatable. Similar studies in other species or populations of the great tit are important, to examine the generality of our findings.
Explaining differences in the strength of squatters’ movements in western European cities
Authors: Guzman-Concha Cesar
Published: June 2015

Squatters occupy and restore empty buildings to establish self-managed social centres, where they put in practice alternative ways of living while engaging in various protest campaigns. Episodes of squatters’ activism have occurred in many European cities, including the ‘occupy’ movement and the demonstrations against austerity measures in several countries. Despite this trajectory, there is little comparative research on squatters’ movements. This article addresses this gap by examining the determinants of the strength of squatters’ movements in Western Europe using an original dataset of 61 cities (2001–2007). Employing logistic regression analysis, this article investigates the influence of factors that have not been previously examined in a comparative framework. The study shows that large leftist communities provide crucial resources for the squatters’ movement, while prominent extreme right parties polarize the local society, triggering squatters’ activism. Moreover, it demonstrates that larger cities are related to stronger movements and discusses the mechanisms that explain this association. Finally, this article shows that youth unemployment impinges on stronger movements when it interacts with other variables, but overall higher levels of youth unemployment are related to stronger movements. Therefore, resources, polarization and the structural configuration of the city are important determinants of the differential strength of this movement across locations.
Local Synthesis of Pepsin in Barrett’s Esophagus and the Role of Pepsin in Esophageal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Samuels Tina , Hoekzema Craig , Gould Jon , Goldblatt Matthew , Frelich Matthew , Bosler Matthew , Lee Sang-Hyuk , Johnston Nikki
Published: June 2015

Objective:

Despite widespread use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), the incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) continues to rise. PPIs reduce reflux acidity, but only transiently inactivate gastric enzymes. Nonacid reflux, specifically nonacid pepsin, contributes to carcinogenesis in the larynx. Given the carcinogenic potential of pepsin and inefficacy of PPIs to prevent EAC, the presence and effect of pepsin in the esophagus should be investigated.

Methods:

Normal and Barrett’s biopsies from 8 Barrett’s esophagus patients were collected for pepsin analysis via Western blot and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Human esophageal cells cultured from healthy patients were treated with pepsin (0.01-1 mg/mL; 1-20 hours), acid (pH 4) ± pepsin (5 minutes); real-time RT-PCR, ELISA, and cell migration were assayed.

Results:

Pepsin was detected in all 8 Barrett’s and 4 of 8 adjacent normal specimens. Pepsinogen mRNA was observed in 22 Barrett’s, but not in normal adjacent samples. Pepsin induced PTSG2 (COX-2) and IL-1β expression and cell migration in vitro.

Conclusions:

Pepsin is synthesized by metaplastic, Barrett’s esophageal mucosa. Nonacid pepsin increases metrics of tumorigenicity in esophageal epithelial cells in vitro. These findings implicate refluxed and locally synthesized pepsin in development and progression of EAC and, in part, explain the inefficacy of PPIs in the prevention of EAC.
Vidéosurveillance intelligente et détection des chutes : perception des professionnels et des gestionnaires
Authors: Lapierre Nolwenn , Carpentier Isabelle , St-Arnaud Alain , Ducharme Francine , Meunier Jean , Jobidon Mireille , Rousseau Jacqueline
Published: June 2015

Description.

Les gérontechnologies peuvent être utilisées pour la détection des chutes. Toutefois, les systèmes existants ne répondent pas entièrement aux besoins des usagers. Notre équipe a donc développé un système de vidéosurveillance intelligente pour combler certaines lacunes. Des auteurs préconisent de consulter les utilisateurs potentiels des gérontechnologies dès les premiers stades de la conception pour y intégrer leurs suggestions.

But.

L’étude vise à explorer l’opinion des acteurs du système de santé concernant la vidéosurveillance intelligente pour la détection des chutes des aînés à domicile.

Méthodologie.

Une étude qualitative a exploré l’opinion de 31 participants en utilisant la technique de groupe de discussion thématique. Les transcriptions ont été codées à partir de codes prédéfinis, créés à partir du Modèle de compétence.

Résultats.

Les participants dégagent divers intérêts à la vidéosurveillance intelligente et suggèrent des améliorations au système.

Conséquences.

Les propositions et réflexions des participants permettront d’améliorer le système pour répondre aux besoins des usagers.
A Latent Transition Analysis Model for Assessing Change in Cognitive Skills
Authors: Li Feiming , Cohen Allan , Bottge Brian , Templin Jonathan
Published: June 2015

Latent transition analysis (LTA) was initially developed to provide a means of measuring change in dynamic latent variables. In this article, we illustrate the use of a cognitive diagnostic model, the DINA model, as the measurement model in a LTA, thereby demonstrating a means of analyzing change in cognitive skills over time. An example is presented of an instructional treatment on a sample of seventh-grade students in several classrooms in a Midwestern school district. In the example, it is demonstrated how hypotheses could be framed and then tested regarding the form of the change in different groups within the population. Both manifest and latent groups also are defined and used to test additional hypotheses about change specific to particular subpopulations. Results suggest that the use of a DINA measurement model expands the utility of LTA to practical problems in educational measurement research.
Kinetic-dependent Killing of Oral Pathogens with Nitric Oxide
Authors: Backlund C.J. , Worley B.V. , Sergesketter A.R. , Schoenfisch M.H.
Published: June 2015

Nitric oxide (NO)–releasing silica nanoparticles were synthesized via the co-condensation of tetramethyl orthosilicate with aminosilanes and subsequent conversion of secondary amines to N-diazeniumdiolate NO donors. A series of ~150 nm NO-releasing particles with different NO totals and release kinetics (i.e., half-lives) were achieved by altering both the identity and mol% composition of the aminosilane precursors. Independent of identical 2 h NO-release totals, enhanced antibacterial action was observed against the periodontopathogens Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas gingivalis with extended NO-release kinetics at pH 7.4. Negligible bactericidal effect was observed against cariogenic Streptococcus mutans at pH 7.4, even when using NO-releasing silica particles with greater NO-release totals. However, antibacterial activity was observed against S. mutans at lower pH (6.4). This result was attributed to more rapid proton-initiated decomposition of the N-diazeniumdiolate NO donors and greater NO-release payloads. The data suggest a differential sensitivity to NO between cariogenic and periodontopathogenic bacteria with implications for the future development of NO-releasing oral care therapeutics.
Pre- and Post-synaptic Effects of Botulinum Toxin A on Submandibular Glands
Authors: Xu H. , Shan X.F. , Cong X. , Yang N.Y. , Wu L.L. , Yu G.Y. , Zhang Y. , Cai Z.G.
Published: June 2015

Intraglandular injection of botulinum toxin type A (BoNT/A) is an effective treatment for sialorrhea. Despite numerous experimental and clinical studies on inhibition of saliva section by BoNT/A, the proteolysis of synaptosomal-associated protein 25 (SNAP-25) following BoNT/A treatment has not yet been confirmed in the salivary gland after injection of BoNT/A. More important, it is not known whether BoNT/A exerts a direct effect in acinar cells. Here, we show that injection of BoNT/A into the rat submandibular gland (SMG) decreased salivary flow in a dose-dependent manner; the inhibitory effect lasted at least 4 wk, and salivary flow recovered to normal levels by 12 wk. During the inhibitory period, SMG neurons and synapses expressed lower levels of full-length SNAP-25, and cleavage of SNAP-25 was observed, as indicated by detection of reduced molecular weight SNAP-25 using Western blotting. In addition, the water channel aquaporin 5 (AQP5) was downregulated and abnormally distributed in rat SMG after injection of BoNT/A. The direct effects of BoNT/A on AQP5 expression and distribution were assessed in vitro to exclude the influence of BoNT/A-induced inhibitory neurotransmission. In stable GFP-AQP5–transfected SMG-C6 cells, treatment with BoNT/A reduced the cell surface protein level of AQP5 in a dose- and time-dependent manner without affecting total AQP5 protein expression. Cell surface biotinylation and immunofluorescence demonstrated translocation of AQP5 from the membrane to the cytoplasm, which was confirmed by decreased levels of AQP5 protein in the membrane fraction and increased levels in the cytoplasmic fraction, suggestive of AQP5 redistribution. Taken together, these results indicated that BoNT/A reversibly decreased saliva secretion in rat SMGs through not only the presynaptic SNAP-25 cleavage but also the postsynaptic AQP5 redistribution. These data provide the ﬁrst evidence for a direct effect of BoNT/A on the salivary gland.
Bone Regeneration of Blood-derived Stem Cells within Dental Implants
Authors: Zheng R.C. , Park Y.K. , Kim S.K. , Cho J. , Heo S.J. , Koak J.Y. , Lee S.J. , Park J.M. , Lee J.H. , Kim J.H.
Published: June 2015

Peripheral blood (PB) is known as a source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), as is bone marrow (BM), and is acquired easily. However, it is difficult to have enough MSCs, and their osteogenic capacity with dental implantations is scarce. Therefore, we characterized peripheral blood mesenchymal stem cells (PBMSCs) cultured on a bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cell (BMMSC) natural extracellular matrix (ECM) and demonstrated the osteogenic capability in an experimental chamber implant surgery model in rabbits. We isolated PBMSCs from rabbits by culturing on a natural ECM-coated plate during primary culture. We characterized the PBMSCs using a fluorescence-activated cell scanner, cell proliferation assay, and multiple differentiation assay and compared them with BMMSCs. We also analyzed the osteogenic potential of PBMSCs mixed with hydroxyapatite/tricalcium phosphate (HA/TCP) by transplanting them into immunocompromised mice. Then, the mixture was applied to the canals. After 3 and 6 wk, we analyzed new bone (NB) formation inside the chambers using histological and histomorphometric analyses. The PBMSCs had a similar rate of BrdU-positive cells to BMMSCs, positively expressing CD90 but negative for CD14. The PBMSCs also showed osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic ability in vitro and osteogenic ability in vivo. Histological and histomorphometric results illustrated that the PBMSC and BMMSC groups showed higher NB than the HA/TCP and defect groups in the upper and lower chambers at 6 wk and in the upper canal at 3 wk; however, there was no difference in NB among all groups in the lower canal at 3 wk. The PBMSCs have characteristics and bone regeneration ability similar to BMMSCs both in vitro and in vivo. ECM was effective for obtaining PBMSCs. Therefore, PBMSCs are a promising source for bone regeneration for clinical use.
The Hyper-Modular Associative Mind: A Computational Analysis of Associative Responses of Persons with Asperger Syndrome
Authors: Kenett Yoed N , Gold Rinat , Faust Miriam
Published: June 2015

Rigidity of thought is considered a main characteristic of persons with Asperger syndrome (AS). This rigidity may explain the poor comprehension of unusual semantic relations, frequently exhibited by persons with AS. Research indicates that such deficiency is related to altered mental lexicon organization, but has never been directly examined. The present study used computational network science tools to compare the mental lexicon structure of persons with AS and matched controls. Persons with AS and matched controls generated free associations, and network tools were used to extract and compare the mental lexicon structure of the two groups. The analysis revealed that persons with AS exhibit a hyper-modular semantic organization: their mental lexicon is more compartmentalized compared to matched controls. We argue that this hyper-modularity may be related to the rigidity of thought which characterizes persons with AS and discuss the clinical and more general cognitive implications of our findings.
Patients with ulcerative colitis from diverse populations: The Leicester experience
Authors: Farrukh Affifa , Mayberry John
Published: June 2015

Background

Ulcerative colitis is common in migrant communities. There is evidence that access to care in general is impaired among such communities. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether South Asians experienced the same quality of care as English patients with ulcerative colitis.

Method

The study assessed clinical care in the decade subsequent to diagnosis through a retrospective review of case notes. Newly diagnosed patients who lived in Leicester were identified and the frequency and type of consultation, in-patient admissions, surveillance colonoscopies, discharge rates, surgery and death were recorded.

Results

Of 372 candidate cases identified, 70 met the criteria to be included in the study. Forty-two were of English origin and 28 South Asian. South Asian patients were significantly less likely to see a consultant and more likely to be discharged. South Asian patients were admitted to hospital more often but had significantly fewer tests than European patients. This trend was also seen in surveillance colonoscopy, although it did not reach significance. Despite these differences in the provision of care, surgical and death rates were comparable.

Conclusions

Patients with ulcerative colitis who are of South Asian origin receive poorer quality clinical care than their European counterparts.
Freedom and psychological proximity as preconditions of nonviolence: the social psychology of democratic peace
Authors: Feierabend Ivo K , Klicperova-Baker Martina
Published: June 2015

Democracies pursue peaceful conflict resolution with each other as well as in their domestic affairs. This ‘empirical law’ is known as democratic peace (pax democratica), but it lacks a persuasive theoretical explanation. Utilizing psychology, democratic peace can be explained by frustration–aggression and proximity theories. The substance of democracy includes the culture of freedom and equality. Freedoms reduce frustration and thus instigation to aggressive behaviour. Nonviolence is also encouraged by psychological proximity – reduction in horizontal and vertical psychological distance. Horizontal closeness depends on shared identity – civic nationalism, civic culture, and humanism/civility; vertical closeness depends on equality under the rule of law and popular elections with a general right to vote and hold office. In conclusion, reduced frustration and perceived social proximity diminish aggression and facilitate peaceful conflict resolution. The sources of democratic peace thus lie in the social-psychological prerequisites of democracy itself. Democracy and peace cannot be introduced or preserved without these preconditions.
Gender Equality in the Family and Childbearing
Authors: Dommermuth Lars , Hohmann-Marriott Bryndl , Lappegård Trude
Published: June 2015

Gender equality and equity in the division of household labor may be associated with couples’ transitions to first, second, and third births. Our comprehensive analysis includes the division of housework and child care as well as the perception of whether this division is fair and satisfactory. We use a unique data set combining the Norwegian Generations and Gender Survey (2007) with information on childbirths within 3 years after the interview from the population register. We found that an unequal division of housework is associated with a decreased chance of first and subsequent births. Child care is most relevant when the respondent is satisfied with the division, as one-child couples where the respondent is less satisfied with the division of child care are less likely to have a second child. Our findings suggest that, even in a high-equity context such as Norway, equality and equity in the household are also important for childbearing.