bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘ASPECTS’ AND ‘FUNCTIONS’ OF INDIVIDUAL THINGS
Authors: Woudenberg René van
Published: December 2014

'Modal aspect’ is a central notion in so-called ‘Calvinistic Philosophy’ (henceforth referred to as CP1). To be sure, this is true of only one of its versions, namely Dooyeweerd’s. For Vollenhoven’s systematic philosophy, which of course may also lay claim on the title CP, has no use for it. In his version pride of place is given to the notion of ‘function’. This paper is a meditation on the question what ‘aspects’ and ‘functions’, within the bounds of CP, are supposed to be. Doing so will shed, I hope, at least some light on the question which, if any, of the two is the more intelligible and useful notion. Right at the beginning I should like to make it clear that this paper is narrowly focussed on the indicated questions. My aim is not to discuss any theory about modal aspects, such as Dooyeweerd’s theory that modal aspects are refractions in time of something supra temporal, or his theory that there is an Archimedian Point from which human beings can overlook the various modal aspects. Nor will I discuss any theory about functions. The indicated questions seek to establish what the phenomena are that such theories are about. This paper is also narrowly focussed in that whatever differences may turn out to exist in the course of this meditation between Vollenhoven and Dooyeweerd, it will not discuss them in any depth. A serious discussion of these differences will have to take into account the theories that I propose presently not to deal with. Let me now turn to the first question.
HUMAN IDENTITY AND REFORMATIONAL SOCIAL PHILOSOPHY
Authors: Kuiper Roel
Published: December 2014

Reformational philosophy views reality structured as an original and meaningful order, created by God.1 Reality is open to systematic research and contemplation because it reflects a coherent order in its structures. It is this order that also gives human society a systematic character. Institutions, communities, relations, regulations, cultural patterns, social customs and manners, all held together in a more or less coherent manner, shape society in a regular way. In this article I will concentrate on patterns and conditions of social life that serve as a framework for human identity. Identity refers to social belonging: the conscious consideration of someone’s position in a given social order, like established communities, nations and families. We develop personal and collective identities in response to social and cultural patterns. It is impossible to gain an awareness of what it means to be a person without a structured social milieu. Being human means being part of a meaningful social order. My question is to what extent reformational philosophy — viewing reality as a meaningful order — provides a framework for the study of human identity. For an answer to that question I want to examine the social philosophy of Herman Dooyeweerd.
critical study: INTELLECTUAL INFLUENCES UPON THE REFORMATIONAL PHILOSOPHY OF DOOYEWEERD
Authors: Strauss DaniëL F.M.
Published: December 2014

On the basis of an initial reference to a number of critical appraisals of H. Dooyeweerd’s philosophy, this article proceeds by provisionally focusing on the image of Franz Xavier Von Baader1 — who was intellectually active during the first part of the nineteenth century (he lived from 1765-1841) — in secondary literature (late nineteenth century and early twentieth century). The main concern, however, is to enter into a more detailed evaluation of the claim made by J.G. Friesen,2 namely that all the basic systematic insights and distinctions found in the philosophy of Herman Dooyeweerd are already present in the thought of Von Baader. That Dooyeweerd was indeed influenced by numerous philosophers and philosophical insights spanning the entire history of philosophy is beyond doubt. However, that there is any direct influence on his thought from Von Baader cannot be substantiated on the basis of the available sources even though it is not unlikely that he might have been aware of the existence of Von Baader. Both the quotations used by Friesen in support of his thesis and an extensive reading of the original Collected Works of Von Baader serve as a basis for the assessment of the claims made by Friesen. In fact, there are a number of philosophical distinctions found in the original works of Von Baader (not mentioned by Friesen) that, considered in isolation, are much closer to views of Dooyeweerd. However, once these are placed within the context of Von Baader’s thought, the striking and significant distance between the thought of Von Baader and Dooyeweerd once again become apparent.
Chrysophycean stomatocysts from the Aershan Geological Park (Inner Mongolia), China
Authors: Pang Wanting , Wang Quanxi
Published: December 2014

The Aershan National Geological Park (46–47° 39’ N, 119–121° 28’ E) characterized by volcanic landforms clusters is situated in south-west of the Great Xing’an Mountains. The investigation of chrysophycean stomatocysts was carried out based on sampling five times in this area. 171 morphotypes which were observed using scanning electron microscopy were identified and described in accordance with the guidelines of International Statospore Working Groupm (ISWG), 73 of them are new to science. It is hard to compare the stomatocysts community with that of other areas for the large number of unknown morphotypes, which indicated that amounts of study of stomatocysts morphology should be done in the whole Great Xing’an Mountains.
The Forcing of Southwestern Asia Teleconnections by Low-Frequency Sea Surface Temperature Variability during Boreal Winter
Authors: Hoell Andrew , Funk Chris , Barlow Mathew
Published: December 2014

Southwestern Asia, defined here as the domain bounded by 20°–40°N and 40°–70°E, which includes the nations of Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, is a water-stressed and semiarid region that receives roughly 75% of its annual rainfall during November–April. The November–April climate of southwestern Asia is strongly influenced by tropical Indo-Pacific variability on intraseasonal and interannual time scales, much of which can be attributed to sea surface temperature (SST) variations. The influences of lower-frequency SST variability on southwestern Asia climate during November–April Pacific decadal SST (PDSST) variability and the long-term trend in SST (LTSST) is examined. The U.S. Climate Variability and Predictability Program (CLIVAR) Drought Working Group forced global atmospheric climate models with PDSST and LTSST patterns, identified using empirical orthogonal functions, to show the steady atmospheric response to these modes of decadal to multidecadal SST variability. During November–April, LTSST forces an anticyclone over southwestern Asia, which results in reduced precipitation and increases in surface temperature. The precipitation and tropospheric circulation influences of LTSST are corroborated by independent observed precipitation and circulation datasets during 1901–2004. The decadal variations of southwestern Asia precipitation may be forced by PDSST variability, with two of the three models indicating that the cold phase of PDSST forces an anticyclone and precipitation reductions. However, there are intermodel circulation variations to PDSST that influence subregional precipitation patterns over the Middle East, southwestern Asia, and subtropical Asia. Changes in wintertime temperature and precipitation over southwestern Asia forced by LTSST and PDSST imply important changes to the land surface hydrology during the spring and summer.
Rail vehicle impact analysis: The instable propensity of structural responses and the critical scenarios of structural failure
Authors: Xue Xiangdong , Smith Roderick , Schmid Felix , Robinson Mark
Published: December 2014

In this paper, the authors investigate the characterisation of the structural collapse of steel-bodied rail vehicles and propose modifications to a cab structure for improved structural crashworthiness. This is a mechanical- and simulation-based investigation, comprising three parts: after a mechanical description of the impact forces and energy conservation in collisions between trains, the characteristics of rail vehicle structures are examined to identify structural weaknesses in the context of impact stability. This is followed by a computer simulation of a cab structure to validate the conclusions from the theoretical analysis and to demonstrate the effectiveness of the design modifications. Focusing on the correlation between structural characterisation and impact stability, the authors highlight the following three findings: first, rail vehicles have a propensity to be unstable in the vertical direction due to the asymmetrical geometry and unbalanced impact loads; second, high shear stresses tend to be generated at the top corners of the rear pillars of the door region, leading to a localised fracture tendency; and third, impact stability can be enhanced through structural modifications by adopting symmetric cross sections or enhancing the stiffness in the weak direction for asymmetric structures, i.e. achieving geometric symmetry or stiffness balance on impact. The findings result in a better understanding of the mechanisms in structural crushing and advance the research into passive safety of rail vehicles.
Implications of the operation of multiple pantographs on the soft catenary systems in Sweden
Authors: Liu Zhendong , Jönsson Per-Anders , Stichel Sebastian , Rønnquist Anders
Published: December 2014

Trains operating with several pantographs are used in Sweden and other countries. The more complex operational conditions, however, cause additional difficulties, i.e. low quality of current collection, increased mechanical wear and electromagnetic interference, due to the poor dynamic behaviour of the system. In order to address these problems, a three-dimensional model for the computational analysis of the interaction between catenary and pantograph is presented and validated in this paper, and the dynamic behaviour of the multi-pantograph system, based on Swedish soft pantograph/catenary systems, is analysed. Parametric studies are performed to investigate cases with different distances between pantographs and with up to three pantographs in use. The relationship between dynamic performance and other parameters, i.e. the number of pantographs in use, running speed and the position of the pantographs, is studied. The results show that an appropriate distance between pantographs and a given type of catenary allow operation on the existing infrastructure with up to three pantographs while maintaining an acceptable dynamic performance at the desired speed.
Towards more robust chronologies of coastal progradation: Optically stimulated luminescence ages for the coastal plain at Moruya, south-eastern Australia
Authors: Oliver Thomas SN , Dougherty Amy J , Gliganic Luke A , Woodroffe Colin D
Published: December 2014

Accurate chronologies are fundamental for detailed analysis of palaeoenvironmental conditions, archaeological reconstructions and investigations of Holocene coastal morphological changes. Chronological data enable estimation of rates of shoreline progradation, and provide appropriate context for forecasting future coastal changes. A previously reported radiocarbon chronology for the Moruya coastal plain in south-eastern Australia indicated a decelerating overall rate of progradation with minimal net seaward shoreline movement in the past ~2500 years. Single-grain and multi-grain aliquot optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) analyses demonstrate that marine sands from this region have excellent luminescence characteristics. A series of OSL ages across this coastal barrier indicates a remarkably linear trend of Holocene shoreline progradation. The linear trend of seaward shoreline movement indicates that the barrier has grown at an average rate of 0.27 m/yr with successive ridge formation every ~110 years. The oldest ridge on the barrier appears to correspond to cessation of rapid post-glacial sea-level rise, and the large foredune at the seaward margin of the barrier is <400 years old. The contrast between the existing radiocarbon chronology and the OSL ages reported in this study implies the need for a more cautious interpretation of coastal barrier chronologies, in Australia and around the world, where they have been based on radiocarbon dating of shell hash.
Science journalists’ perceptions and attitudes to pseudoscience in Spain
Authors: Cortiñas-Rovira Sergi , Alonso-Marcos Felipe , Pont-Sorribes Carles , Escribà-Sales Eudald
Published: December 2014

Using interviews and questionnaires, we explored the perceptions and attitudes of 49 Spanish science journalists regarding pseudoscience. Pseudoscience, understood as false knowledge that endeavours to pass as science, is a controversial and complex matter that potentially poses a risk to society. Given that concern over this issue has grown in recent years in Spain, our aim was to evaluate how pseudoscience operates in journalistic practice in Spanish media. Our data reveal not only a lack of editorial policies in regard to pseudoscience, but also the existence of a significant number of science journalists who make light of the potential threat implied by the pseudosciences in the media. Some journalists point to the lack of scientific training of editors and media managers as one of the reasons for the proliferation of the pseudosciences.
Selection principle of mathematical morphological operators in vibration signal processing
Authors: Hu Aijun , Xiang Ling
Published: December 2014

In this paper a novel method based on geometric illustration and frequency response analysis is proposed for evaluating the performance of mathematical morphological (MM) operators in vibration signal processing. With geometric illustration, the working mechanism of MM operators can be disclosed and the frequency response is studied to select suitable MM operators and structural element length. The advantage of combining geometric illustration and frequency response analysis is that it does recognize the characteristics of MM operators which are used to signal denosing or feature extraction. Selection suggestion and comprehensive explanation of MM operators for different purpose are supplied for vibration signal analysis. The paper also proposes a new operator called CMF-hat to extract the impulsive-type signal for bearing fault detection. The experimental results show that CMF-hat can effectively extract the fault features, and the proposed evaluating method advances selection of MM operators and improves the accuracy of fault diagnosis.
An Exploratory Study Using Science eTexts With Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Knight Victoria F. , Wood Charles L. , Spooner Fred , Browder Diane M. , O’Brien Christopher P.
Published: December 2014

Supported electronic text (eText), or text altered to provide support, may promote comprehension of science content for students with disabilities. According to the Center for Applied Special Technology, Book Builder™ uses supported eText to promote reading for meaning for all students. Students with autism spectrum disorder experience difficulty comprehending science content because of the extensive amount of background knowledge required in conjunction with difficulties understanding abstract and figurative language. Investigations on the most effective methods for reading comprehension and teaching science to this population are equally limited. In this pilot study, feasibility was supported in high levels of treatment fidelity and teacher- and student-reported satisfaction. A multiple probe across participants with an embedded ABCD design was used to evaluate various modifications of Book Builder™ on measures of vocabulary, literal comprehension, and application questions. Considerations for students with ASD, limitations, and recommendations for future research conclude the article.
Parametric representation of stationary points in rotor-ball bearing system
Authors: Gao S-H , Nong Sheng-Long , Zhu Ping , Xu Wubin , Meng Guang
Published: November 2014

The frequencies of the stationary points in rotor-ball bearing system are difficult to determine due to the nonlinear and non-smooth ball supporting effects. This paper presents a linearized discriminant to calculate the frequency of the stationary points of the system. The influences of system parameters on the stationary points with the Timoshenko beam and the Bernoulli–Euler beam models are also discussed. The comparison between the linear and nonlinear results indicates that the underlying assumptions are reasonable for the range of parameters considered. With the help of linearized discriminant, the frequency values of the stationary points can be found conveniently. Taking the frequency values of stationary points into the linearized discriminant, the corresponding system parameters can also be obtained by setting the linear determinant to be zero.
Severe complications with irreversible electroporation of the pancreas in the presence of a metallic stent: a warning of a procedure that never should be performed
Authors: Månsson Christopher , Nilsson Anders , Karlson Britt-Marie
Published: December 2014

Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is an ablation technique that is being investigated as a potential treatment of pancreatic cancer. However, many of these patients have a metallic stent in the bile duct, which is recognized as a contraindication for IRE ablation. We report a case in which an IRE ablation in the region of the pancreatic head was performed on a patient with a metallic stent which led to severe complications. After the treatment, the patient suffered from several complications including perforation of the duodenum and transverse colon, and bleeding from a branch of the superior mesenteric artery which eventually lead to her death. Therefore, we believe it is important to be aware of this if an IRE ablation close to a metallic stent is considered .
A new computational decoding complexity measure of convolutional codes
Authors: Benchimol Isaac B , Pimentel Cecilio , Souza Richard Demo , Uchôa-Filho Bartolomeu F
Published: December 2014

This paper presents a computational complexity measure of convolutional codes well suitable for software implementations of the Viterbi algorithm (VA) operating with hard decision. We investigate the number of arithmetic operations performed by the decoding process over the conventional and minimal trellis modules. A relation between the complexity measure defined in this work and the one defined by McEliece and Lin is investigated. We also conduct a refined computer search for good convolutional codes (in terms of distance spectrum) with respect to two minimal trellis complexity measures. Finally, the computational cost of implementation of each arithmetic operation is determined in terms of machine cycles taken by its execution using a typical digital signal processor widely used for low-power telecommunications applications.
Effects of massage therapy and occlusal splint therapy on electromyographic activity and the intensity of signs and symptoms in individuals with temporomandibular disorder and sleep bruxism: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: de Paula Gomes Cid André Fidelis , El Hage Yasmin , Amaral Ana Paula , Politti Fabiano , Biasotto-Gonzalez Daniela Aparecida
Published: December 2014

Introduction

Temporomandibular disorder (TDM) is the most common source of orofacial pain of a non-dental origin. Sleep bruxism is characterized by clenching and/or grinding the teeth during sleep and is involved in the perpetuation of TMD. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of massage therapy, conventional occlusal splint therapy and silicone occlusal splint therapy on electromyographic activity in the masseter and anterior temporal muscles and the intensity of signs and symptoms in individuals with severe TMD and sleep bruxism.

Methods

Sixty individuals with severe TMD and sleep bruxism were randomly distributed into four treatment groups: 1) massage group, 2) conventional occlusal splint group, 3) massage + conventional occlusal splint group and 4) silicone occlusal splint group. Block randomization was employed and sealed opaque envelopes were used to conceal the allocation. Groups 2, 3 and 4 wore an occlusal splint for four weeks. Groups 1 and 3 received three weekly massage sessions for four weeks. All groups were evaluated before and after treatment through electromyographic analysis of the masseter and anterior temporal muscles and the Fonseca Patient History Index. The Wilcoxon test was used to compare the effects of the different treatments and repeated-measures ANOVA was used to determine the intensity of TMD.

Results

The inter-group analysis of variance revealed no statistically significant differences in median frequency among the groups prior to treatment. In the intra-group analysis, no statistically significant differences were found between pre-treatment and post-treatment evaluations in any of the groups. Group 3 demonstrated a greater improvement in the intensity of TMD in comparison to the other groups.

Conclusion

Massage therapy and the use of an occlusal splint had no significant influence on electromyographic activity of the masseter or anterior temporal muscles. However, the combination of therapies led to a reduction in the intensity of signs and symptoms among individuals with severe TMD and sleep bruxism.

Trial registration

This study is registered in August, 2014 in the ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01874041).
Understanding skeletal muscle wasting in critically ill patients
Authors: Lodeserto Frank , Yende Sachin
Published: December 2014

No abstract
The early antibiotic therapy in septic patients - milestone or sticking point?
Authors: Bernhard Michael , Lichtenstern Christoph , Eckmann Christian , Weigand Markus A
Published: November 2014

Sepsis is one of the oldest and most elusive syndromes in medicine. Every effort should be made to treat these patients with the best available evidence. As a milestone, empiric antimicrobial therapy is essential in order to reduce morbidity and mortality of septic patients. As a sticking point, the use of broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents may be associated with induction of resistance among common pathogens.
Combination of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and continuous renal replacement therapy in critically ill patients: a systematic review
Authors: Chen Han , Yu Rong-Guo , Yin Ning-Ning , Zhou Jian-Xin
Published: December 2014

Introduction

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is used in critically ill patients presenting acute cardiac and/or pulmonary dysfunctions, who are at high risk of developing acute kidney injury and fluid overload. Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is commonly used in intensive care units (ICU) to provide renal replacement and fluid management. We conducted a review to assess the feasibility, efficacy and safety of the combination of ECMO and CRRT and to illustrate the indications and methodology of providing renal replacement therapy during the ECMO procedure.

Method

We searched for all published reports of a randomized controlled trial (RCT), quasi-RCT, or other comparative study design, conducted in patients undergoing ECMO plus CRRT. Two reviewers independently selected potential studies and extracted data. We used the modified Jadad scale and the Newcastle-Ottawa for quality assessment of RCTs and non-RCTs, respectively. Statistical analyses were performed using RevMan 5.2.

Results

We identified 19 studies meeting the eligibility criteria (seven cohort, six case control, one historically controlled trial and five studies of technical aspects). There are three major methods for performing CRRT during ECMO: ‘independent CRRT access’, ‘introduction of a hemofiltration filter into the ECMO circuit (in-line hemofilter)’ and ‘introduction of a CRRT device into the ECMO circuit’. We conducted a review with limited data synthesis rather than a formal meta-analysis because there could be greater heterogeneity in a systematic review of non-randomized studies than that of randomized trials. For ECMO survivors receiving CRRT, overall fluid balance was less than that in non-CRRT survivors. There was a higher mortality and a longer ECMO duration when CRRT was added, which may reflect a relatively higher severity of illness in patients who received ECMO plus CRRT.

Conclusions

The combination of ECMO and CRRT in a variety of methods appears to be a safe and effective technique that improves fluid balance and electrolyte disturbances. Prospective studies would be beneficial in determining the potential of this technique to improve the outcome in critically ill patients.
Assessment of respiratory system compliance with electrical impedance tomography using a positive end-expiratory pressure wave maneuver during pressure support ventilation: a pilot clinical study
Authors: Becher Tobias H , Bui Simon , Zick Günther , Bläser Daniel , Schädler Dirk , Weiler Norbert , Frerichs Inéz
Published: December 2014

Introduction

Assessment of respiratory system compliance (Crs) can be used for individual optimization of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP). However, in patients with spontaneous breathing activity, the conventional methods for Crs measurement are inaccurate because of the variable muscular pressure of the patient. We hypothesized that a PEEP wave maneuver, analyzed with electrical impedance tomography (EIT), might be suitable for global and regional assessment of Crs during assisted spontaneous breathing.

Methods

After approval of the local ethics committee, we performed a pilot clinical study in 18 mechanically ventilated patients (61 ± 16 years (mean ± standard deviation)) who were suitable for weaning with pressure support ventilation (PSV). For the PEEP wave, PEEP was elevated by 1 cmH2O after every fifth breath during PSV. This was repeated five times, until a total PEEP increase of 5 cmH2O was reached. Subsequently, PEEP was reduced in steps of 1 cmH2O in the same manner until the original PEEP level was reached. Crs was calculated using EIT from the global, ventral and dorsal lung regions of interest. For reference measurements, all patients were also examined during controlled mechanical ventilation (CMV) with a low-flow pressure-volume maneuver. Global and regional Crs(low-flow) was calculated as the slope of the pressure-volume loop between the pressure that corresponded to the selected PEEP and PEEP +5 cmH2O. For additional reference, Crs during CMV (Crs(CMV)) was calculated as expired tidal volume divided by the difference between airway plateau pressure and PEEP.

Results

Respiratory system compliance calculated from the PEEP wave (Crs(PEEP wave)) correlated closely with both reference measurements (r = 0.79 for Crs(low-flow) and r = 0.71 for Crs(CMV)). No significant difference was observed between the mean Crs(PEEP wave) and the mean Crs(low-flow). However, a significant bias of +17.1 ml/cmH2O was observed between Crs(PEEP wave) and Crs(CMV).

Conclusion

Analyzing a PEEP wave maneuver with EIT allows calculation of global and regional Crs during assisted spontaneous breathing. In mechanically ventilated patients with spontaneous breathing activity, this method might be used for assessment of the global and regional mechanical properties of the respiratory system.
Adenosine, lidocaine and Mg2+improves cardiac and pulmonary function, induces reversible hypotension and exerts anti-inflammatory effects in an endotoxemic porcine model
Authors: Granfeldt Asger , Letson Hayley L , Dobson Geoffrey P , Shi Wei , Vinten-Johansen Jakob , Tønnesen Else
Published: December 2014

Introduction

The combination of Adenosine (A), lidocaine (L) and Mg2+ (M) (ALM) has demonstrated cardioprotective and resuscitative properties in models of cardiac arrest and hemorrhagic shock. This study evaluates whether ALM also demonstrates organ protective properties in an endotoxemic porcine model.

Methods

Pigs (37 to 42 kg) were randomized into: 1) Control (n = 8) or 2) ALM (n = 8) followed by lipopolysaccharide infusion (1 μg∙kg-1∙h-1) for five hours. ALM treatment consisted of 1) a high dose bolus (A (0.82 mg/kg), L (1.76 mg/kg), M (0.92 mg/kg)), 2) one hour continuous infusion (A (300 μg∙kg-1 ∙min-1), L (600 μg∙kg-1 ∙min-1), M (336 μg∙kg-1 ∙min-1)) and three hours at a lower dose (A (240∙kg-1∙min-1), L (480 μg∙kg-1∙min-1), M (268 μg∙kg-1 ∙min-1)); controls received normal saline. Hemodynamic, cardiac, pulmonary, metabolic and renal functions were evaluated.

Results

ALM lowered mean arterial pressure (Mean value during infusion period: ALM: 47 (95% confidence interval (CI): 44 to 50) mmHg versus control: 79 (95% CI: 75 to 85) mmHg, P <0.0001). After cessation of ALM, mean arterial pressure immediately increased (end of study: ALM: 88 (95% CI: 81 to 96) mmHg versus control: 86 (95% CI: 79 to 94) mmHg, P = 0.72). Whole body oxygen consumption was significantly reduced during ALM infusion (ALM: 205 (95% CI: 192 to 217) ml oxygen/min versus control: 231 (95% CI: 219 to 243) ml oxygen/min, P = 0.016). ALM treatment reduced pulmonary injury evaluated by PaO2/FiO2 ratio (ALM: 388 (95% CI: 349 to 427) versus control: 260 (95% CI: 221 to 299), P = 0.0005). ALM infusion led to an increase in heart rate while preserving preload recruitable stroke work. Creatinine clearance was significantly lower during ALM infusion but reversed after cessation of infusion. ALM reduced tumor necrosis factor-α peak levels (ALM 7121 (95% CI: 5069 to 10004) pg/ml versus control 11596 (95% CI: 9083 to 14805) pg/ml, P = 0.02).

Conclusion

ALM infusion induces a reversible hypotensive and hypometabolic state, attenuates tumor necrosis factor-α levels and improves cardiac and pulmonary function, and led to a transient drop in renal function that was reversed after the treatment was stopped.
Association of BRCA1/2defects with genomic scores predictive of DNA damage repair deficiency among breast cancer subtypes
Authors: Timms Kirsten M , Abkevich Victor , Hughes Elisha , Neff Chris , Reid Julia , Morris Brian , Kalva Saritha , Potter Jennifer , Tran Thanh V , Chen Jian , Iliev Diana , Sangale Zaina , Tikishvili Eliso , Perry Michael , Zharkikh Andrey , Gutin Alexander , Lanchbury Jerry S
Published: December 2014

Introduction

Homologous recombination (HR) DNA repair is of clinical relevance in breast cancer. Three DNA-based homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) scores (HRD-loss of heterozygosity score (LOH), HRD-telomeric allelic imbalance score (TAI), and HRD-large-scale state transition score (LST)) have been developed that are highly correlated with defects in BRCA1/2, and are associated with response to platinum therapy in triple negative breast and ovarian cancer. This study examines the frequency of BRCA1/2 defects among different breast cancer subtypes, and the ability of the HRD scores to identify breast tumors with defects in the homologous recombination DNA repair pathway.

Methods

215 breast tumors representing all ER/HER2 subtypes were obtained from commercial vendors. Next-generation sequencing based assays were used to generate genome wide SNP profiles, BRCA1/2 mutation screening, and BRCA1 promoter methylation data.

Results

BRCA1/2 deleterious mutations were observed in all breast cancer subtypes. BRCA1 promoter methylation was observed almost exclusively in triple negative breast cancer. BRCA1/2 deficient tumors were identified with BRCA1/2 mutations, or BRCA1 promoter methylation, and loss of the second allele of the affected gene. All three HRD scores were highly associated with BRCA1/2 deficiency (HRD-LOH: P = 1.3 × 10-17; HRD-TAI: P = 1.5 × 10-19; HRD-LST: P = 3.5 × 10-18). A combined score (HRD-mean) was calculated using the arithmetic mean of the three scores. In multivariable analyses the HRD-mean score captured significant BRCA1/2 deficiency information not captured by the three individual scores, or by clinical variables (P values for HRD-Mean adjusted for HRD-LOH: P = 1.4 × 10-8; HRD-TAI: P = 2.9 × 10-7; HRD-LST: P = 2.8 × 10-8; clinical variables: P = 1.2 × 10-16).

Conclusions

The HRD scores showed strong correlation with BRCA1/2 deficiency regardless of breast cancer subtype. The frequency of elevated scores suggests that a significant proportion of all breast tumor subtypes may carry defects in the homologous recombination DNA repair pathway. The HRD scores can be combined to produce a more robust predictor of HRD. The combination of a robust score, and the FFPE compatible assay described in this study, may facilitate use of agents targeting homologous recombination DNA repair in the clinical setting.
Design, methods, and participant characteristics of the Impact of Personal Genomics (PGen) Study, a prospective cohort study of direct-to-consumer personal genomic testing customers
Authors: Carere Deanna Alexis , Couper Mick P , Crawford Scott D , Kalia Sarah S , Duggan Jake R , Moreno Tanya A , Mountain Joanna L , Roberts J Scott , Green Robert C ,   for the PGen Study Group
Published: December 2014

Designed in collaboration with 23andMe and Pathway Genomics, the Impact of Personal Genomics (PGen) Study serves as a model for academic-industry partnership and provides a longitudinal dataset for studying psychosocial, behavioral, and health outcomes related to direct-to-consumer personal genomic testing (PGT). Web-based surveys administered at three time points, and linked to individual-level PGT results, provide data on 1,464 PGT customers, of which 71% completed each follow-up survey and 64% completed all three surveys. The cohort includes 15.7% individuals of non-white ethnicity, and encompasses a range of income, education, and health levels. Over 90% of participants agreed to re-contact for future research.
Synovial T cell hyporesponsiveness to myeloid dendritic cells is reversed by preventing PD-1/PD-L1 interactions
Authors: Moret Frederique M , van der Wurff-Jacobs Kim MG , Bijlsma Johannes WJ , Lafeber Floris PJG , van Roon Joel AG
Published: November 2014

Introduction

The aim of this study was to investigate PD-1/PD-L1 involvement in the hyporesponsiveness of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovial fluid (SF) CD4 T cells upon stimulation by thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP)–primed CD1c myeloid dendritic cells (mDCs).

Methods

Expression of PD-1 on naïve (Tn), central memory (Tcm) and effector memory (Tem) CD4 T cell subsets was assessed by flow cytometry. PD-L1 expression and its regulation upon TSLP stimulation of mDCs from peripheral blood (PB) and SF of RA patients were investigated by quantitative RT-PCR and flow cytometry. The involvement of PD-1/PD-L1 interactions in SF T cell hyporesponsiveness upon (TSLP-primed) mDC activation was determined by cell culture in the presence of PD-1 blocking antibodies, with or without interleukin 7 (IL-7) as a recognized suppressor of PD-1 expression.

Results

PD-1 expression was increased on CD4 T cells derived from SF compared with PB of RA patients. TSLP increased PD-L1 mRNA expression in both PB and SF mDCs. PD-L1 protein expression was increased on SF mDCs compared with PB mDCs and was associated with T cell hyporesponsiveness. Blockade of PD-1, as well as IL-7 stimulation, during cocultures of memory T cells and (TSLP-primed) mDCs from RA patients significantly recovered T cell proliferation.

Conclusion

SF T cell hyporesponsiveness upon (TSLP-primed) mDC stimulation in RA joints is partially dependent on PD-1/PD-L1 interactions, as PD-1 and PD-L1 are both highly expressed on SF T cells and mDCs, respectively, and inhibiting PD-1 availability restores T cell proliferation. The potential of IL-7 to robustly reverse this hyporesponsiveness suggests that such proinflammatory cytokines in RA joints strongly contribute to memory T cell activation.
Auricular or body acupuncture: which one is more effective in reducing abdominal fat mass in Iranian men with obesity: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Darbandi Mahsa , Darbandi Sara , Owji Ali Akbar , Mokarram Pooneh , Mobarhan Majid Ghayor , Fardaei Majid , Zhao Baxiao , Abdi Hamid , Nematy Mohsen , Safarian Mohammad , Parizadeh Mohammad Reza , Dabbaghmanesh Mohammad Hossein , Abbasi Parisa , Ferns Gordon
Published: December 2014

Background

The prevalence of abdominal obesity is on the rise worldwide. Previous studies have indicated the higher diagnostic value of body fat distribution pattern compared with general body in abdominal obesity assessments. Several non-pharmacological methods have been suggested for obesity management, of which acupuncture has gained a great deal of research interest with promising results.

This study aimed to comparatively evaluate the effects of conventional auricular and body electroacupuncture on abdominal fat mass in obese men.

Methods

The volunteers were randomly divided into four groups, including 2 interventions and 2 controls.This study was conducted on 80 obese volunteer men with Body Mass Index (BMI) range of 30–40 kg/m2.The intervention groups including real body electroacupuncture (A), real auricular acupuncture (C) and the control groups containing sham body electroacupuncture (B), and sham auricular acupuncture (D). All groups were in combination with a low-calorie diet for 6 weeks. BMI, Trunk Fat Mass (TFM), Waist Circumference (WC), and Hip Circumference (HC) were measured pre- and post-intervention.

Results

In group A, respectively a significant reduction was shown in BMI (P < 0.005), TFM (P < 0.005), WC (P < 0.05, P < 0.005) and HC (P < 0.005) when compared with controls (Groups B and D). Interestingly, group C had significant decreases in BMI (P < 0.005), TFM (P < 0.01, P < 0.005), WC (P < 0.005) and HC (P < 0.001) after comparison with the sham. Likewise, WC (P < 0.05) and HC (P < 0.05) were significantly reduced post- intervention when compared with two treatment groups.

Conclusions

In our study, acupuncture treatment (body or auricular) seemed to have an effect on reducing BMI, TFM, WC and HC. Comparison of the two types of treatment (body and auricular acupuncture) suggests that the two types of acupuncture had similar effects on reducing BMI and TFM, but body electroacupuncture is more effective in reducing WC and auricular in HC. It seems that both auricular and body electro-acupuncture combined with a low-calorie diet are efficient, simple and painless methods to reduce respectively the HC and WC fat in obese men, compared with conventional techniques.

Trial registration

IRCT201201127117N2
Rhinosinusitis in hematopoietic stem cell-transplanted patients: influence of nasosinus mucosal abnormalities?
Authors: Ortiz Erica , Altemani Albina , Vigorito Afonso Celso , Sakano Eulalia , Nicola Ester Maria Danielli
Published: December 2014

Introduction

Rhinosinusitis is characterized by inflammation extending from the mucosa of the nasal cavity into the paranasal sinuses. There are some aggravating features, such as immunosuppression, that can cause the nasal mucosal inflammation to linger for a long period, resulting in chronic or recurrent episodes. Such immunosuppression is the major feature of patients undergoing a hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT); rhinosinusitis prevalence is higher in this group compared to immunocompetent patients. Nasal epithelial abnormalities have been described in, and may have some influence over, recurrent sinus infections among those patients. However, it is not clear whether rhinosinusitis can trigger mucosal abnormalities or whether a preexisting vulnerability for sinusitis recurrence is more likely. The objective of the study was to verify the influence of rhinosinusitis on nasal epithelial damage in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Method

A total of 30 allogeneic HSCT patients were divided into two groups: 24 patients with chronic or recurrent rhinosinusitis and 6 patients without rhinosinusitis. These patients underwent a biopsy of the uncinate process that was analyzed by transmission electron microscopy and optical microscopy.

Results

The nasal mucosa analysis by optical microscopy showed no significant abnormalities. The ciliary orientation was obviously normal in the transplanted patients without rhinosinusitis. There was a trend toward a difference in the amount of cilia (decreased) and the primary modification of the ultrastructure of transplanted patients with rhinosinusitis.

Conclusion

HSCT patients, with and without rhinosinusitis, showed no significant histological abnormalities, except for ciliary disorientation and a possible decrease in ciliary and ultrastructural abnormalities in HSCT patients with rhinosinusitis.
Somaesthetics, Composition, and the Ritual of Writing
Authors: Wilson Joel
Published: December 2014

In view of the constant bombardment of esoteric theory in all aspects of academic life, and especially in composition studies, what can writing instructors do to help their students in a practical way? This article argues that even before teaching craft, writing instructors must foreground the student’s somatic body, not the culturally constructed, body-based identity or the body of text students produce. To place this emphasis on the body is wholly in line with historical pedagogy, and a return to such an emphasis in contemporary writing classrooms may be instrumental in students overcoming their dread of the writing process. In order to reorient composition instruction and focus on the somatic body, the author looks to contemporary philosopher Richard Shusterman’s oeuvre of somaesthetics, a pragmatic and melioristic body-centered approach to philosophy broadly applicable to the humanities. His project can be liberally applied in the writing classroom, and doing so will help students overcome the consternation associated with writing. Through somaesthetic instruction, students can develop personalized writing rituals and identify aesthetically conducive environments in which to write. Only after establishing the primacy of the students’ mental and physical state, essentially freeing students from the anxiety broadly associated with writing, may writing instructors begin the debate over compositional praxis.
Expression of microRNA miR-17-3p inhibits mouse cardiac fibroblast senescence by targeting Par4
Authors: Du William W. , Li Xianmin , Li Tianbi , Li Haoran , Khorshidi Anna , Yang Burton B
Published: December 2014

The microRNA miR-17-92 cluster plays a fundamental role in heart development. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a member of this cluster, miR-17, on cardiac senescence. We examined the roles of miR-17 in senescence and demonstrated that miR-17-3p attenuated cardiac aging in myocardium by targeting Par4. This up-regulates the down-stream signals CEBPB, FAK, N-cadherin, vimentin, Oct4 and Sca-1, and down-regulates E-cadherin. Par-4 has been reported as a tumor-suppressor gene that induces apoptosis in cancer cells, but not in normal cells. Repression of Par4 by miR-17-3p enhanced transcriptional activity of CEBPB and FAK, which promoted mouse cardiac fibroblast (MCF) epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and self-renewal, resulting in cellular senescence and apoptosis-resistance. We conclude that Par4 can bind to CEBPB promoter and inhibit its transcription. Decreased Par-4 expression increases CEBPB which binds FAK, and enhances FAK transcription. Par4, CEBPB and FAK form a senescence signaling pathway, playing roles in modulating cell survival, growth, apoptosis, EMT and self-renewal. Through this novel senescence signaling axis, miR-17-3p represses Par4 expression, acting pleiotropically as a negative modulator of cardiac aging and CF cellular senescence.
Facile Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles and Their Synergistic Antibacterial Activity in Combination with Commercial Antibiotics
Authors: Dey Jahar , Biswas Koel , Thapa Uttam , Joshi Santaram , Kharbangar Ibapalei Shisha , Sultana Nazima , Ismail Kochi
Published: November 2014

We demonstrate a facile method for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) by using silver nitrate (AgNO3) as precursor, p-toluidine as reducing agent and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as capping agent. The main highlight of the present synthesis is the formation of NPs at near neutral pH. The effect of the concentrations of precursor, reducing agent and capping agent, and of pH on the stability and size of the NPs has been studied using UV–vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. Critical concentrations of AgNO3, reducing agent and CTAB required for the synthesis of Ag NPs are found to be 0.002 mol dm−3. The NPs prepared have been tested for antibacterial properties for a series of bacteria and they are found to have good antibacterial efficacy. In combination with some commercially available antibiotics, synergism in the antibacterial activity of the NPs has also been observed.
Substituent Effects at the 5-Position of 3-[Bis(pyridine-2-ylmethyl)amino]-BODIPY Cation Sensor Used for Ratiometric Quantification of Cu2+
Authors: Hafuka Akira , Kando Ryosuke , Ohya Kohei , Yamada Koji , Okabe Satoshi , Satoh Hisashi
Published: December 2014

In this paper, we investigated the effects of substitution at the 5-position of an asymmetric BODIPY cation sensor to tune its spectroscopic, photophysical, and cation-sensing properties. We introduced substituent groups with differing electron density at the 5-position of 3-[bis(pyridine-2-ylmethyl)amino]-BODIPY, which contains a cation recognition moiety at the 3-position of the BODIPY core, to develop four sensors which all exhibited distinctive ratiometric spectral changes in the presence of Cu2+. Aromatic substitution increased the Stokes shift. Substitution with the electron-withdrawing sulfonylphenyl group resulted in the highest fluorescence quantum yield, largest absorption coefficient, and largest spectral shift in the presence of Cu2+. The sulfonylphenyl-substituted sensor also exhibited excellent selectivity for Cu2+.
Odd–Even Effect Observed in [Ni(dmit)2] Complex Salts of Quaternary Ammonium Cation with Both Benzyl Groups and ω-Phenylalkyl Groups
Authors: Saeki Masahiro , Dai Kotaro , Ichimura Shuhei , Tamaki Yoshinori , Tomono Kazuaki , Miyamura Kazuo
Published: November 2014

A series of [Ni(dmit)2] (dmit: 1,3-dithiole-2-thione-4,5-dithiolate) complex salts of benzyldimethyl(ω-phenylalkyl)ammonium cation (BnCnPh: n represents the alkylene chain length; n = 1–4) have been prepared and characterized by X-ray crystallographic structural analysis. All complex salts were found to be composed of alternant stacks of layers of [Ni(dmit)2] anion dimers and cations (Layer I), and isolated cation layers (Layer II). In BnC3Ph complex salt, polymorphs, P1 (α-form) and P2(1)/c (β-form) crystals are obtained from similar crystallizing conditions. One of the biggest structural differences is the arrangement of [Ni(dmit)2] anion dimers; herringbone in α-form, while nearly parallel in β-form. Other BnCnPh complex salts adopt herringbone structure. Interestingly, BnCnPh series (n = 1, 2, 3α, 4) exhibit three types of pronounced odd–even effect in the crystal structures; 1. Dihedral angles between the two kinds of terminal phenyl groups, 2. Angles between [Ni(dmit)2] anion dimers, and 3. Ni–N+ distances. Such a structural feature is a consequence of the bulkiness of cation involving two phenyl groups. Introduction of terminal phenyl group is concluded to have increased the steric effect and led to the formation of the novel crystal structure of [Ni(dmit)2] complex salts.
Structuring the Population
Authors: Fearn Tom
Published: December 2014

Many recipes for how to do an NIR calibration begin with a step that combines rejecting outliers with splitting the available samples into calibration and validation sets. This is sometimes referred to as structuring the population, though it has other names as well. Though the aims of having clean data and a sensible split cannot be argued with, my personal view is that there is a general tendency to take things a bit too far, with the result being an over-optimistic view of how good is the resulting calibration.