bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impaired cardiac mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and enhanced mitochondrial oxidative stress in feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Christiansen Liselotte B. , Dela Flemming , Koch Jørgen , Hansen Christina N. , Leifsson Pall S. , Yokota Takashi
Published: March 2015

Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are important players in the development of various cardiovascular diseases, but their roles in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) remain unknown. We examined whether mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) capacity was impaired with enhanced mitochondrial oxidative stress in HCM. Cardiac and skeletal muscles were obtained from 9 domestic cats with spontaneously occurring HCM with preserved left ventricular systolic function and from 15 age-matched control cats. Mitochondrial OXPHOS capacities with nonfatty acid and fatty acid substrates in permeabilized fibers and isolated mitochondria were assessed using high-resolution respirometry. ROS release originating from isolated mitochondria was assessed by spectrofluorometry. Thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances were also measured as a marker of oxidative damage. Mitochondrial ADP-stimulated state 3 respiration with complex I-linked nonfatty acid substrates and with fatty acid substrates, respectively, was significantly lower in the hearts of HCM cats compared with control cats. Mitochondrial ROS release during state 3 with complex I-linked substrates and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances in the heart were significantly increased in cats with HCM. In contrast, there were no significant differences in mitochondrial OXPHOS capacity, mitochondrial ROS release, and oxidative damage in skeletal muscle between groups. Mitochondrial OXPHOS capacity with both nonfatty acid substrates and fatty acid substrates was impaired with increased mitochondrial ROS release in the feline HCM heart. These findings provide new insights into the pathophysiology of HCM and support the hypothesis that restoration of the redox state in the mitochondria is beneficial in the treatment of HCM.
Effect of a myosin regulatory light chain mutation K104E on actin-myosin interactions
Authors: Duggal D. , Nagwekar J. , Rich R. , Huang W. , Midde K. , Fudala R. , Das H. , Gryczynski I. , Szczesna-Cordary D. , Borejdo J.
Published: March 2015

Familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (FHC) is the most common cause of sudden cardiac death in young individuals. Molecular mechanisms underlying this disorder are largely unknown; this study aims at revealing how disruptions in actin-myosin interactions can play a role in this disorder. Cross-bridge (XB) kinetics and the degree of order were examined in contracting myofibrils from the ex vivo left ventricles of transgenic (Tg) mice expressing FHC regulatory light chain (RLC) mutation K104E. Because the degree of order and the kinetics are best studied when an individual XB makes a significant contribution to the overall signal, the number of observed XBs in an ex vivo ventricle was minimized to ∼20. Autofluorescence and photobleaching were minimized by labeling the myosin lever arm with a relatively long-lived red-emitting dye containing a chromophore system encapsulated in a cyclic macromolecule. Mutated XBs were significantly better ordered during steady-state contraction and during rigor, but the mutation had no effect on the degree of order in relaxed myofibrils. The K104E mutation increased the rate of XB binding to thin filaments and the rate of execution of the power stroke. The stopped-flow experiments revealed a significantly faster observed dissociation rate in Tg-K104E vs. Tg-wild-type (WT) myosin and a smaller second-order ATP-binding rate for the K104E compared with WT myosin. Collectively, our data indicate that the mutation-induced changes in the interaction of myosin with actin during the contraction-relaxation cycle may contribute to altered contractility and the development of FHC.
Application of three-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography to assess left ventricular regional work using wall tension-regional area loop
Authors: Hioki Ayana , Masuda Kasumi , Asanuma Toshihiko , Goto Yoichi , Nakatani Satoshi
Published: March 2015

Three-dimensional (3-D) speckle tracking echocardiography allows us to track a change in regional endocardial surface area. The change of regional area during a cardiac cycle should be useful for assessing left ventricular regional work. We investigated the feasibility of assessing regional work, calculated as the area within the wall tension-regional area (T-A) loop using 3-D echocardiography. Three-dimensional full-volume images were acquired using 3-D echocardiography (Artida, Toshiba) at baseline and during brief occlusion of the left circumflex coronary artery in eight dogs. Wall tension was calculated according to Laplace's law for a spherical model. Area change ratio (in %) determined by area tracking was transformed into a change of regional area (in cm2) by a custom software. We calculated the area within the T-A loop (TAA) in the area under transient ischemia (risk area) and the remote area as regional work and validated the T-A loop method by comparing the global integral of TAA with the total work assessed by the pressure-volume loop. During coronary occlusion, regional work for the risk area significantly decreased (baseline vs. occlusion, 26.8 ± 10.7 vs. 18.4 ± 7.8 mmHg·cm3; P < 0.05), whereas that for the remote area did not change. The global integral of TAA closely correlated with the total work assessed by the pressure-volume loop ( r = 0.91, P < 0.0001). The wall T-A loop reflected regional dysfunction caused by myocardial ischemia. This analysis using 3-D speckle tracking echocardiography might be useful to quantify left ventricular regional work.
Utility of large-animal models of BPD: chronically ventilated preterm lambs
Authors: Albertine Kurt H.
Published: March 2015

This paper is focused on unique insights provided by the preterm lamb physiological model of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Connections are also made to insights provided by the former preterm baboon model of BPD, as well as to rodent models of lung injury to the immature, postnatal lung. The preterm lamb and baboon models recapitulate the clinical setting of preterm birth and respiratory failure that require prolonged ventilation support for days or weeks with oxygen-rich gas. An advantage of the preterm lamb model is the large size of preterm lambs, which facilitates physiological studies for days or weeks during the evolution of neonatal chronic lung disease (CLD). To this advantage is linked an integrated array of morphological, biochemical, and molecular analyses that are identifying the role of individual genes in the pathogenesis of neonatal CLD. Results indicate that the mode of ventilation, invasive mechanical ventilation vs. less invasive high-frequency nasal ventilation, is related to outcomes. Our approach also includes pharmacological interventions that test causality of specific molecular players, such as vitamin A supplementation in the pathogenesis of neonatal CLD. The new insights that are being gained from our preterm lamb model may have important translational implications about the pathogenesis and treatment of BPD in preterm human infants.
Carbon monoxide negatively regulates NLRP3 inflammasome activation in macrophages
Authors: Jung Sung-Soo , Moon Jong-Seok , Xu Jin-Fu , Ifedigbo Emeka , Ryter Stefan W. , Choi Augustine M. K. , Nakahira Kiichi
Published: March 2015

Inflammasomes are cytosolic protein complexes that promote the cleavage of caspase-1, which leads to the maturation and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-18. Among the known inflammasomes, the nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich-containing family, pyrin domain-containing-3 (NLRP3)-dependent inflammasome is critically involved in the pathogenesis of various acute or chronic inflammatory diseases. Carbon monoxide (CO), a gaseous molecule physiologically produced in cells and tissues during heme catabolism, can act as an anti-inflammatory molecule and a potent negative regulator of Toll-like receptor signaling pathways. To date, the role of CO in inflammasome-mediated immune responses has not been fully investigated. Here, we demonstrated that CO inhibited caspase-1 activation and the secretion of IL-1β and IL-18 in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and ATP treatment in bone marrow-derived macrophages. CO also inhibited IL-18 secretion in response to LPS and nigericin treatment, another NLRP3 inflammasome activation model. In contrast, CO did not suppress IL-18 secretion in response to LPS and poly(dA:dT), an absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2)-mediated inflammasome model. LPS and ATP stimulation induced the formation of complexes between NLRP3 and apoptosis-associated speck-like protein, or NLRP3 and caspase-1. CO treatment inhibited these molecular interactions that were induced by LPS and ATP. Furthermore, CO inhibited mitochondrial ROS generation and the decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential induced by LPS and ATP in macrophages. We also observed that the inhibitory effect of CO on the translocation of mitochondrial DNA into the cytosol was associated with suppression of cytokine secretion. Our results suggest that CO negatively regulates NLRP3 inflammasome activation by preventing mitochondrial dysfunction.
RSPO2 Enhances Canonical Wnt Signaling to Confer Stemness-Associated Traits to Susceptible Pancreatic Cancer Cells
Authors: Ilmer Matthias , Boiles Alejandro Recio , Regel Ivonne , Yokoi Kenji , Michalski Christoph W. , Wistuba Ignacio I. , Rodriguez Jaime , Alt Eckhard , Vykoukal Jody
Published: March 2015

Cancer stem cells (CSC) present a formidable clinical challenge by escaping therapeutic intervention and seeding tumors through processes that remain incompletely understood. Here, we describe small subpopulations of pancreatic cancer cells with high intrinsic Wnt activity (Wnthigh) that possess properties indicative of CSCs, including drug resistance and tumor-initiating capacity, whereas cell populations with negligible Wnt activity (Wntlow) preferentially express markers of differentiation. Spontaneous response to extrinsic Wnt signals induces signaling networks comprising ERK1/2 and epithelial–mesenchymal transition that subsequently confer cancer stemness traits to susceptible cells. Wnt enhancer R-Spondin 2 (RSPO2) seems to play a prominent upstream role in regulating this interplay. In this context, Wnthigh cells were more likely to give rise to Wnthigh progeny, tended to be more metastatic, and revealed higher levels of RSPO2 expression. Our studies reveal adaptive aspects of pancreatic cancer stemness arising from driver populations of CSCs that misappropriate functional and responsive elements of archetypical self-renewal pathways. Blocking such stemness-promoting pathways in conjunction with established chemotherapy could provide means to disrupt dynamic CSC process and present novel therapeutic targets and strategies. Cancer Res; 75(9); 1883–96. ©2015 AACR.
Dipeptidyl‐Peptidase‐4 Inhibitor, Alogliptin, Attenuates Arterial Inflammation and Neointimal Formation After Injury in Low‐Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Receptor‐Deficient Mice
Authors: Akita Koji , Isoda Kikuo , Shimada Kazunori , Daida Hiroyuki
Published: March 2015

Background

The results of recent studies suggest that dipeptidyl‐peptidase‐4 inhibitors have antiatherogenic effects. However, whether or not dipeptidyl‐peptidase‐4 inhibitors could suppress arterial inflammation and intimal hyperplasia after injury remains undetermined. The present study aims to clarify the anti‐inflammatory effects of the dipeptidyl‐peptidase‐4 inhibitor, alogliptin (
AGP
), on the arteries of atherogenic low‐density lipoprotein receptor‐deficient (
LKO
) mice.

Methods and Results

We compared intimal hyperplasia in
LKO
mice 2 weeks after femoral artery injury using an external vascular cuff model. All mice received oral injection of
AGP
(20 mg/kg per day) or normal saline (control) once daily for 14 days. Fasting blood sugar levels, serum cholesterol levels, or blood pressure did not significantly differ between the 2 groups. Plasma levels of active glucagon‐like peptide‐1 were higher in the
AGP
than in the control
LKO
mice (22.2±1.9 versus 15.6±0.9 pg/mL;
P
<0.05). Compared with saline,
AGP
significantly reduced intimal hyperplasia (1087±127 versus 1896±140 μm
2
;
P
<0.001) as well as the intima/media ratio (0.08±0.01 versus 0.16±0.02;
P
<0.001). Immunostaining showed that
AGP
reduced proliferating cells (proliferating cell nuclear antigen–positive nuclei;
P
<0.001), percent smooth‐muscle cell area (α‐
SMA
‐positive cells;
P
<0.001), inflammatory cells infiltration (lymphocyte antigen 6 complex–positive cells;
P
<0.05), tumor necrosis factor‐α expression (
P
<0.05), and percent phospho‐
NF
‐
κB
‐positive cell compared with saline. Levels of tumor necrosis factor ‐α (0.5‐fold
P
<0.05), monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (0.3‐fold
P
<0.01), and interleukin‐1β (0.2‐fold
P
<0.05)
mRNA
were lower in the injured arteries of the
AGP
than in the control group.

Conclusions

AGP
appeared to suppress neointimal formation by inhibiting inflammation, independently of its effects on glucose or cholesterol metabolism in atherogenic
LKO
mice.
The Patients Associated With TMPRSS3 Mutations Are Good Candidates for Electric Acoustic Stimulation
Authors: Miyagawa Maiko , Nishio Shin-ya , Sakurai Yuika , Hattori Mitsuru , Tsukada Keita , Moteki Hideaki , Kojima Hiromi , Usami Shin-ichi
Published: March 2015

Objectives:

To clarify the frequency of TMPRSS3 mutations in the hearing loss population, genetic analysis was performed, and detailed clinical characteristics were collected. Optical intervention for patients with TMPRSS3 mutations was also discussed.

Methods:

Massively parallel DNA sequencing (MPS) was applied for the target exon-sequencing of 63 deafness genes in a population of 1120 Japanese hearing loss patients.

Results:

Hearing loss in 5 patients was found to be caused by compound heterozygous TMPRSS3 mutations, and their detailed clinical features were collected and analyzed. Typically, all of the patients showed ski slope type audiograms and progressive hearing loss. Three of the 5 patients received electric acoustic stimulation (EAS), which showed good results. Further, the onset age was found to vary, and there were some correlations between genotype and phenotype (onset age).

Conclusions:

MPS is a powerful tool for the identification of rare causative deafness genes, such as TMPRSS3. The present clinical characteristics not only confirmed the findings from previous studies but also provided clinical evidence that EAS is beneficial for patients possessing TMPRSS3 mutations.
Psychological strains and suicide intent: Results from a psychological autopsy study with Chinese rural young suicides
Authors: Sun Long , Li Han , Zhang Jie , Wu Qiong
Published: March 2015

Background:

Previous studies have examined the prevalence of psychological strains among various suicide populations. However, it is still unexamined whether psychological strains can predict suicide intent directly.

Aims:

We planned to explore the prevalence of psychological strains and analyze the relationship between psychological strains and suicide intent among Chinese rural young suicides.

Methods:

Psychological autopsy method was used to investigate the environmental and other factors of rural young suicides. Psychological strains were identified from in-depth interviews by the proxy informants of each suicide. The first 8 items of Beck’s Suicidal Intention Scale (SIS) were used to estimate the suicide intent.

Results:

Results showed that 96.6% of the suicides had at least one type of strain, and those suicides who had more strains tended to score higher on the suicide intent scale.

Conclusion:

The study further supports that suicide intent can be predicted by psychological strains in Chinese rural young suicides. The scanning of psychological strains can be used for suicide prevention in Chinese rural young suicides.
Determinants of subjective and objective burden of informal caregiving of patients with psychotic disorders
Authors: Flyckt Lena , Fatouros-Bergman Helena , Koernig Thomas
Published: March 2015

Background:

In a previous study, the objective burden of informal caregiving to patients with psychotic disorders amounted to 22 hours/week, and the subjective burden was huge with predominately anxiety and depression as main symptoms. In this study, determinants of the informal caregiving burden are analyzed to find foci for interventions to ease the size of burden.

Methods:

Patients with psychotic disorders ( n = 107) and their informal caregivers ( n = 118) were included. They were assessed with a comprehensive battery of rating scales including patient and caregiver characteristics as well as the amount and quality of health-care provision.

Results:

A multiple linear regression analysis showed that the subjective burden was significantly lower when patients had higher levels of functioning and when the health status of the informal caregivers was good. No significant determinants were found for the objective burden, but an association was found between a higher socioeconomic status of the caregivers and the amount of money provided for the patient. An association was also found between a positive perception of caregiving and more hours spent on caregiving.

Conclusion:

The functioning level of the patients was the main determinant of the subjective burden of informal care. For the objective burden, no main determinant was found.
Religious psychopathology: The prevalence of religious content of delusions and hallucinations in mental disorder
Authors: Cook Christopher CH
Published: March 2015

Background:

Religious themes are commonly encountered in delusions and hallucinations associated with major mental disorders, and the form and content of presentation are significant in relation to both diagnosis and management.

Aims:

This study aimed to establish what is known about the frequency of occurrence of religious delusions (RD) and religious hallucinations (RH) and their inter-relationship.

Methods:

A review was undertaken of the quantitative empirical English literature on RD and RH.

Results:

A total of 55 relevant publications were identified. The lack of critical criteria for defining and classifying RD and RH makes comparisons between studies difficult, but prevalence clearly varies with time and place, and probably also according to personal religiosity. In particular, little is known about the content and frequency of RH and the relationship between RH and RD.

Conclusion:

Clearer research criteria are needed to facilitate future study of RD and RH, and more research is needed on the relationship between RD and RH.
Identifying depressive symptom trajectory groups among Korean adults and psychosocial factors as group determinants
Authors: Kwon Tae Yeon
Published: March 2015

Background:

Longitudinal research is needed to examine the depressive symptom trajectories of different groups during adulthood and their antecedents and consequences, because depressive symptoms may be changeable and heterogeneous over time.

Aims:

This study examined the number of trajectory groups describing the depressive symptoms of Korean adults, as well as the shape of the trajectories and the association between trajectory group membership and psychosocial factors identified based on the ecosystem model.

Method:

This study used Nagin’s semi-parametric group-based modeling to analyze Year 1 to Year 7 data from Korea Welfare Panel Survey ( N = 13,735), a nationally representative sample of community-dwelling adults.

Results:

Three distinct trajectory groups were identified: a low stable depressive symptoms group, a moderate depressive symptoms group and a high depressive symptoms group. Result from multinominal logit analysis showed that all psychosocial factors except family relationships affected the likelihood of membership in the three depressive symptoms groups. Especially, self-esteem was the psychosocial factor with the largest impact on depressive symptom trajectory group membership. When screening for depressive symptoms, individuals with a low socioeconomic status should be a primary concern and intervention should be made available to them.

Conclusion:

Prevention or intervention with members of the identified trajectory groups would likely require integrative approaches targeting psychosocial factors across multiple contexts.
Type of unit and population served matters when implementing a smoke-free policy in mental health settings: Perceptions of unit managers across England
Authors: Zabeen Sara , Tsourtos George , Campion Jonathan , Lawn Sharon
Published: March 2015

Background:

Globally, smoking remains a significant issue for mental health populations. Many mental health trusts in England are facing challenges of implementing the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance according to which all mental health settings, no matter the type, should be entirely smoke-free and provide comprehensive smoking cessation support.

Aim:

The aim of this paper was to determine if unit type and unit manager smoking status influence mental health smoke-free policy implementation.

Method:

This paper reports on the secondary analysis of data from a cross-sectional survey of 147 mental health inpatient settings in England, in 2010. The original study’s main aim was to understand unit managers’ perceived reasons for success or failure of smoke-free policy.

Results:

Unit managers ( n = 131) held a positive stance towards supporting smoke-free policy and most perceived that the policy was successful. Non-smoker unit managers were more likely to adopt complete bans than smoker unit managers, whereas smoker unit managers were more likely than non-smoker unit managers to think that stopping smoking aggravated patients’ mental illness. Smoking rates for staff and patients remain high, as perceived by unit managers, regardless of unit type. Proportion of units offering nicotine replacement therapy and peer support to patients was significantly higher in locked units compared to semi-locked or residential rehabilitation. Applied strategies significantly vary by type of unit, whereas unit managers’ knowledge, attitude and practices vary by their smoking status.

Discussion:

There are nuanced differences in how smoke-free policy is enacted which vary by unit type. These variations recognise the differing contexts of care provision in different types of units serving different patient groups. Addressing staff smoking rates, promoting consistency of staff response to patients’ smoking and providing staff education and support continue to be key strategies to successful smoke-free policy.

Conclusions:

Our results demonstrate the importance of taking into account the type of unit and acuity of patients when enacting smoke-free policy and addressing staff smoking.
The investigation of selected properties of the porous moulded parts from talc-filled PP composites
Authors: Palutkiewicz Paweł , Postawa Przemysław
Published: March 2015

The investigation of the influence of chemical blowing agent addition and talc filler on structure and selected properties (weight, thickness, mechanical properties, surface state – gloss and colour – and thermal conductivity) of moulded parts from PP was the aim of this work. Microscopic investigations were made using mould with cavities of variable height. Addition of blowing agents to polymer material permits reducing of the injection cycle to the injection phase and cooling. Investigations showed that talc addition permits to obtain fine-cellular structure in moulded parts with blowing agent. It is possible, because talc can act as a nucleating agent, which has been shown in literature. As a result, moulded parts with blowing agent and talc had low weight, good mechanical properties compared to solid, unfilled parts. Main disadvantage of using blowing agent and talc is worsening of gloss and colour changing.
p-Amino phenol immobilized on multi-walled carbon nanotubes for the preparation of chitosan nanocomposites
Authors: Mallakpour Shadpour , Madani Maryam
Published: March 2015

Novel nanocomposites of chitosan and p-amino phenol functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (chitosan/multi-walled carbon nanotube– p-amino phenol nanocomposites) were synthesized by solution casting method. The resulting chitosan/multi-walled carbon nanotube– p-amino phenol nanocomposites were characterized with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analysis. The effects of multi-walled carbon nanotubes– p-amino phenol content on the structure, morphology, and thermal properties, as well as the mechanical properties of the nanocomposite films, were studied. The presence of the p-amino phenol functional moieties helped to improve the dispersion and compatibility of the multi-walled carbon nanotubes in the chitosan matrix. The results showed that the low multi-walled carbon nanotubes– p-amino phenol content leads to increasing in the mechanical and thermal properties of chitosan.
Parametric analysis of mechanical properties of bagasse fiber-reinforced vinyl ester composites
Authors: Athijayamani A , Stalin B , Sidhardhan S , Boopathi C
Published: March 2015

In the present communication an effective parametric analysis on the mechanical properties (tensile and flexural strength) of bagasse fiber-reinforced vinyl ester (BFRVE) composites were conducted, and then the fabrication process parameters were optimized by using Taguchi and analysis of variance techniques. Composites plates were fabricated by Taguchi’s L18 experimental design as the function of process parameters such as fiber length, fiber content, fiber diameter, sodium hydroxide concentration and sodium hydroxide treatment duration. The optimum process parameters to obtain the maximum strength values were identified using signal-to-noise ratio calculations. Then, the results were analyzed to know the percentage contribution of each fabrication process parameter on the tensile and the flexural strength using analysis of variance. A multivariable non-linear regression model was developed to predict the strength values and compared with experimental strength values. The developed models were validated by 10 additional experimental results using the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE). The results reveal that the fiber content (40 wt%) is the most significant factor influencing the tensile and flexural strength. An acceptable level of mean absolute percentage errors (8.57% for tensile strength and 9.13% for flexural strength) was obtained in both cases. Finally, the results indicate that this model can be used efficiently for prediction of tensile and flexural strength of BFRVE composites without any further experiments.
Fuel for Success
Authors: Wang Xueli , Chan Hsun-yu , Phelps L. Allen , Washbon Janet I.
Published: March 2015

Objective:

Despite the fairly substantial body of literature devoted to understanding whether dual enrollment programs are related to academic success in college, less is known regarding how dual enrollment transmits its potentially positive influence, especially among two-year college students. In this study, we fill this gap by delving into the process of how dual enrollment is related to academic success among students attending two-year technical colleges. Specifically, we examine academic momentum as a potential mediator of the relationship between dual enrollment and educational outcomes.

Methods:

We draw on a sample of more than 15,000 first-time postsecondary students who entered Wisconsin’s two-year technical colleges in 2009 to 2010 after graduating from high school between 2007 and 2009. Using a path analysis, we investigate student transcript records, along with data from the National Student Clearinghouse.

Results:

Participation in dual enrollment is found to be related to more attempted credits, higher likelihood of college entry without delay, summer enrollment, as well as stronger academic performance. These early academic momentum indicators are then positively related to students’ college completion or retention, fully accounting for the positive relationship between dual enrollment participation and college outcomes.

Contributions:

Our study provides a finer look into two-year college students’ academic progress and success and how dual enrollment may fuel this process by promoting students’ academic momentum early during their college careers.
A Field Study of a Comprehensive Violence Risk Assessment Battery
Authors: Neal Tess M. S. , Miller Sarah L. , Shealy R. Clayton
Published: March 2015

We used archival data to examine the predictive validity of a prerelease violence risk assessment battery over 6 years at a forensic hospital ( N = 230, 100% male, 63.0% African American, 34.3% Caucasian). Examining “real-world” forensic decision making is important for illuminating potential areas for improvement. The battery included the Historical-Clinical-Risk Management–20, Psychopathy Checklist–Revised, Schedule of Imagined Violence, and Novaco Anger Scale and Provocation Inventory. Three outcome “recidivism” variables included contact violence, contact and threatened violence, and any reason for hospital return. Results indicated measures of general violence risk and psychopathy were highly correlated but weakly associated with reports of imagined violence and a measure of anger. Measures of imagined violence and anger were correlated with one another. Unexpectedly, Receiver Operating Characteristic curve analyses revealed that none of the scales or subscales predicted recidivism better than chance. Multiple regression indicated the battery failed to account for recidivism outcomes. We conclude by discussing three possible explanations, including timing of assessments, controlled versus field studies, and recidivism base rates.
Emotional suppression in early marriage
Authors: Velotti Patrizia , Balzarotti Stefania , Tagliabue Semira , English Tammy , Zavattini Giulio C. , Gross James J.
Published: March 2015

Although habitual use of suppression has been consistently linked to adverse consequences for overall social functioning, little is known about the implications of using this emotion regulation strategy in the context of romantic relationships. The current longitudinal study tests whether husbands’ and wives’ habitual use of suppression, as well as couple similarity in the use of this strategy, influence marital quality over the first couple of years of marriage. A total of 229 newlywed couples reported their habitual use of suppression and perceived marital quality at two time points, 5 months and 2 years after marriage. Results showed that husbands’ habitual use of suppression was the most consistent predictor of (lower) marital quality over time. Couples showed significant levels of similarity in suppression at the initial assessment, consistent with positive assortment, and this similarity was a significant predictor of higher marital quality as reported by wives regardless of overall levels of suppression use. These findings suggest that husbands’ use of suppression is more harmful for marital satisfaction than wives’ use and wives are more sensitive to their partners’ use of suppression as well as to couple similarity.
Diversity of Histologic Patterns and Expression of Cytoskeletal Proteins in Canine Skeletal Osteosarcoma
Authors: Nagamine E. , Hirayama K. , Matsuda K. , Okamoto M. , Ohmachi T. , Kadosawa T. , Taniyama H.
Published: March 2015

Osteosarcoma (OS), the most common bone tumor, includes OS of the head (OSH) and appendicular OS (OSA). In dogs, it is classified into 6 histologic subtypes: osteoblastic, chondroblastic, fibroblastic, telangiectatic, giant cell, and poorly differentiated. This study investigated the significance of the histologic classification relevant to clinical outcome and the histologic and immunohistochemical relationships between pleomorphism and expression of cytoskeletal proteins in 60 cases each of OSH and OSA. Most neoplasms exhibited histologic diversity, and 64% of OS contained multiple subtypes. In addition to the above 6 subtypes, myxoid, round cell, and epithelioid subtypes were observed. Although the epithelioid subtypes were observed in only OSH, no significant difference in the frequency of other subtypes was observed. Also, no significant relevance was observed between the clinical outcome and histologic subtypes. Cytokeratin (CK) was expressed in both epithelioid and sarcomatoid tumor cells in various subtypes, and all CK-positive tumor cells also expressed vimentin. Vimentin and α-smooth muscle actin (SMA) were expressed in all subtypes. A few SMA-positive spindle-shaped tumor cells exhibited desmin expression. Glial fibrillary acidic protein–positive tumor cells were observed in many subtypes, and some of these cells showed neurofilament expression. Although OSH exhibited significantly stronger immunoreactivity for SMA than OSA, no significant difference in other cytoskeletal proteins was observed. Some tumor cells had cytoskeletal protein expression compatible with the corresponding histologic subtypes, such as CK in the epithelioid subtype and SMA in the fibroblastic subtype. Thus, canine skeletal OS is composed of pleomorphic and heterogenous tumor cells as is reflected in the diversity of histologic patterns and expression of cytoskeletal proteins.
Mode II notch fracture toughness measurement for key-hole notches by the disk test
Authors: Torabi AR , Abedinasab SM
Published: March 2015

A new version of the well-known Brazilian disk specimen weakened by a dumbbell-shaped slit with two key-shaped ends, called key-hole notched Brazilian disk specimen, made of polymethylmethacrylate, was utilized to measure experimentally the notch fracture toughness for key-hole notches of various radii and different lengths under pure mode I and pure mode II loading conditions. The experimental values of the mode II notch fracture toughness/mode I notch fracture toughness ratio were theoretically estimated by means of two brittle fracture criteria, namely, the maximum tangential stress and the mean stress criteria. Two groups of critical distances were used in the criteria. The first one was equal to that for sharp crack and the second one was directly determined from the mode I fracture tests. It was found that while both the criteria could estimate the experimental results satisfactorily, the agreement between the theoretical and the experimental results is excellent when one deals with larger notch lengths. Also found in the research was that choosing any of the critical distance groups did not affect the theoretical predictions significantly, meaning that the critical distances of sharp crack could be used in fracture prediction of key-hole notches.
Blunted autonomic response in cluster headache patients
Authors: Barloese Mads , Brinth Louise , Mehlsen Jesper , Jennum Poul , Lundberg Helena Inez Sofia , Jensen Rigmor
Published: March 2015

Background

Cluster headache (CH) is a disabling headache disorder with chronobiological features. The posterior hypothalamus is involved in CH pathophysiology and is a hub for autonomic control. We studied autonomic response to the head-up tilt table test (HUT) including heart rate variability (HRV) in CH patients and compared results to healthy controls.

Methods and materials

Twenty-seven episodic and chronic CH patients and an equal number of age-, sex- and BMI-matched controls were included. We analyzed responses to HUT in the time and frequency domain and by non-linear analysis.

Results

CH patients have normal cardiovascular responses compared to controls but increased blood pressure. In the frequency analysis CH patients had a smaller change in the normalized low- (LF) (2.89 vs. 13.38, p < 0.05) and high-frequency (HF) (–2.86 vs. –13.38, p < 0.05) components as well as the LF/HF ratio (0.81 vs. 2.62, p < 0.05) in response to tilt. In the Poincaré plot, the change in ratio between long- and short-term variation was lower in patients (SD1/SD2, –0.05 vs. –0.17, p < 0.05).

Conclusions

CH patients show decreased autonomic response to HUT compared to healthy controls. This can be interpreted as dysregulation in the posterior hypothalamus and supports a theory of central autonomic mechanisms involvement in CH.
The role of agency in sociocultural evolution
Authors: Abrutyn Seth , Van Ness Justin
Published: March 2015

Inspired by Weber’s charismatic carrier groups, Eisenstadt coined the term institutional entrepreneur to capture the rare but epochal collective capable of reorienting a group’s value-orientations and transferring charisma, while making them an evolutionary force of structural and cultural change. As a corrective to Parsons’ abstract, ‘top-down’ theory of change, Eisenstadt’s theory provided historical context and agency to moments in which societies experienced qualitative transformation. The concept has become central to new institutionalism, neo-functionalism, and evolutionary-institutionalism. Drawing from the former two, a more robust theory of institutional entrepreneurship from an evolutionary-institutionalist’s perspective is posited. In essence, entrepreneurs formulate institutional projects with dual logic: a collective side focused on innovation where efforts are directed towards organizational symbolic mechanisms of integration and a self-interested side directed towards resource independence, monopolization, mobility, and power-dependence. While outcomes vary based on numerous environmental factors, success leads to (1) greater structural/symbolic independence and (2) ability to reconfigure physical-temporal-social-symbolic space.
Funded Retirement Plans in France
Authors: Manganotti Laura Rossi
Published: March 2015

As in other countries around the world, where reductions to the pension system have become all too common, a growing concern of French employees is how to achieve financial security in their years of retirement. PERCO ( Plan d’épargne pour la retraite collectif, or Group Retirement Savings Plan ) schemes have the purpose to encourage workers to use voluntary, funded plans to supplement the traditional pay-as-you-go retirement pillars. Similar to a 401(k) plan, its dual nature of voluntary savings scheme and occupational retirement plan offers a flexible approach that allows employers to respond to variable business conditions as well as offer a third-pillar retirement option to the workforce. This article provides an overview of the general features of PERCO schemes.
Achieving competence: The interactional features of children’s storytelling
Authors: Theobald Maryanne
Published: March 2015

Early years researchers interested in storytelling have largely focused on the development of children’s language and social skills within constructed story sessions. Less focus has been given to the interactional aspects of storytelling in children’s everyday conversation and how the members themselves, the storytellers and story recipients, manage storytelling. An interactional view, using ethnomethodological and conversation analytic approaches, offers the opportunity to study children’s narratives in terms of ‘members work’. Detailed examination of a video-recorded interaction among a group of children in a preparatory year playground shows how the children managed interactions within conversational storytelling. Analyses highlight the ways in which children worked at gaining a turn and made a story tellable within a round of second stories. Investigating children’s competence-in-action ‘from within’, the findings from this research show how children invoke and accomplish competence through their interactions.
Fatigue behavior of adhesively bonded glass fiber reinforced plastic composites with different overlap lengths
Authors: Kara E , Kurşun A , Haboğlu MR , Enginsoy HM , Aykul H
Published: March 2015

The joining techniques of lightweight and strong materials in the transport industry (e.g. automotive, aerospace, shipbuilding industries) are very important for the safety of the entire structure. In these industries, when compared with other joining methods, the use of adhesively bonded joints presents unique properties such as greater strength, design flexibility, and reduction in fuel consumption, all thanks to low weight. The aim of this study was the analysis of the tensile fatigue behavior of adhesively bonded glass fiber/epoxy laminated composite single-lap joints with three different specimen types including 30, 40 and 50 mm overlap lengths. In this study, composite adherents were manufactured via vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding and were bonded using Loctite 9461 A&B toughened epoxy adhesive. The effect of a surface treatment method on the bonding strength was considered and it led to an increment of about 40%. A numerical analysis based on a finite element model was performed to predict fatigue life curve, and the predicted results showed good agreement with the experimental investigation.
Relationship between heavy vehicle speed limit and fleet fuel consumption on minor roads
Authors: Wilson G , Morrison G , Midgley W , Cebon D
Published: March 2015

This paper investigates the traffic-related effects of a proposal to increase the speed limit from 40 mile/h to 50 mile/h, for heavy goods vehicles greater than 7.5 tonnes, on single carriageway roads. A ‘microscopic’ single carriageway traffic simulation is developed by combining the ‘enhanced intelligent driver model’ with a single carriageway gap-acceptance passing model. Fuel consumption estimates are made using engine characteristic maps and a ‘fuel optimal’ gear selection scheme, where vehicle trajectories from the traffic simulations are taken as input drive-cycles. Traffic congestion and fleet fuel consumption are specifically addressed, though implications regarding passing behaviour and traffic safety are also noted. Results indicate that the proposed 50 mile/h heavy goods vehicles speed limit would reduce traffic congestion by over 37% and increase fleet fuel consumption by approximately 0.5 L/100 km.
Are there severe limitations to the bioinspired approach in machine design?
Authors: Genta Giancarlo
Published: March 2015

The idea of taking inspiration from nature, and in particular from living systems, in the design of technological systems is fairly widespread and originated much research work. However, while in the field of materials this approach allowed the construction of systems of high complexity but at the same time inexpensive and able to be mass produced, the idea that, in a wider context, natural systems are necessarily optimized seems not to be justified. Optimization must not be confused with evolution: after Darwin we understand that there is no finalism in evolutionary processes, and that the mechanism producing the ‘design’ of living organisms cannot result in optimal designs to fulfil any given task, but can only cause a continuous adaptation to the environment. Similarly unfounded seems to be the idea that machines and devices, necessarily better that those obtained by using the traditional design approach, can be designed by taking inspiration from nature. The trial-and-error approach, supported by the principles of bionics, represents a setback with respect to the application of scientific principles to technology which so much contributed to the technological advancement in the modern world.
Effect of endwall vortex generator jets on flow separation control in a linear compressor cascade
Authors: Feng Yanyan , Song Yanping , Chen Fu , Liu Huaping
Published: March 2015

As a 50° camber angle compressor cascade being the object, the numerical investigations of the endwall vortex generator jets effect on flow separation control were conducted. The results show that the flow separation is significantly weakened and the maximum total pressure loss reduction is 9.5% at Mach number 0.23. When the cascade inlet Mach number is 0.71, more benefit is obtained and the total pressure loss is reduced by up to 14.8%. A primary streamwise vortex is produced by the interaction of endwall jet with the coming flow. This vortex could restrain the transverse movement of the endwall secondary flow and entrain high energy fluid of the mainstream to the corner region. Both of the aspects are of benefits for the flow momentum increasing in the corner region. Thus, the flow separation is suppressed efficiently. The location and intensity of the streamwise vortex are important to the performance of vortex generator jet. For the object investigated in this paper, the proper jet location is around 10% axial chord length before the cascade and meanwhile close to the suction surface. To avoid strong mixing losses, the intensity of the streamwise vortex is suggested be moderate.
Mathematical modeling and analysis of cutoff impulse in a liquid-propellant rocket engine
Authors: Shafiey Dehaj Mohammad , Ebrahimi Reza , Karimi Hassan
Published: March 2015

Thrust termination transient behavior of liquid-propellant rocket engines is important for launch vehicle to achieve the desired final velocity and, hence, fulfill the desired mission in placing a satellite in the intended orbit. A mathematical model has been developed for an open-cycle engine to predict the transient behavior of engine components, obtain the pressure changes of the combustion chamber, and to determine the cutoff impulse. By employing this model, the engine shutdown process has been simulated in four time intervals: (1) the duration from when cutoff command is issued to the time when the cutoff valves start to close, (2) closing of the cutoff valves, (3) discharge of combustion products from the chamber, and (4) the duration of the phase change and pressure fluctuations. The propellant flow has been modeled one-dimensionally in the cutoff valve and thermodynamically in the cooling channels and the combustion chamber. The results indicate that the time duration of the first two stages and the working pressure of the engine during the transmission of the cutoff command have considerable impacts on the increase or reduction of the thrust force. Also, with the improvement in modeling accuracy and the complete development of the engine processes, the results indicate a maximum error of 9% compared with the 15–41% error in the calculation of cutoff impulse achieved by previous works, which demonstrates the enhanced accuracy of the present modeling.
Value of CXCL13 in diagnosing asymptomatic neurosyphilis in HIV-infected patients
Authors: Hu RongXin , Lu Chun , Lu Sihan , Hu Yunxin , Ma Han , Lai Wei , Zhu Guoxing , Feng Peiying , Lu Rongbiao , Li Ying
Published: March 2015

Diagnosing asymptomatic neurosyphilis (ANS) in HIV-infected patients is difficult. A recent report suggested that CXCL13 is a promising diagnostic marker for neurosyphilis in HIV-positive patients. However, whether CXCL13 can be a diagnostic marker for ANS in HIV-infected patients remains unknown. The purpose of our study was to determine the role of CXCL13 in diagnosing ANS in HIV-infected patients. This study comprised two study and three control groups. Two study groups included 12 HIV-infected patients with ANS and 25 patients with syphilis and HIV co-infection (without ANS). Three control groups included 9 patients with ANS without HIV infection, 25 HIV-infected patients without syphilis and 10 healthy volunteers. Concentrations of CSF CXCL13 were measured before and after neurosyphilis therapy. Our results showed that CSF CXCL13 concentrations were significantly increased in all of the HIV-infected patients with ANS, the 25 HIV patients with syphilis and the 9 ANS patients without HIV, but not in the patients of the other two control groups. CSF CXCL13 concentrations declined in the two study groups of patients following neurosyphilis therapy. Therefore, CSF CXCL13 concentrations could improve the diagnosis of ANS in HIV-infected patients.