bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design of Self-Tuning Regulator for Large-Scale Interconnected Hammerstein Systems
Authors: Elloumi Mourad , Kamoun Samira
Published: April 2016

This paper deals with the self-tuning regulator for large-scale stochastic nonlinear systems, which are composed of several interconnected nonlinear monovariable subsystems. Each interconnected subsystem is described by discrete Hammerstein model with unknown and time-varying parameters. This self-tuning control is developed on the basis of the minimum variance approach and is combined by a recursive algorithm in the estimation step. The parametric estimation step is performed on the basis of the prediction error method and the least-squares techniques. Simulation results of the proposed self-tuning regulator for two interconnected nonlinear hydraulic systems show the reliability and effectiveness of the developed method.
Mechanical Properties of Oil Palm Shell Composites
Authors: Sahari J. , Maleque M. A.
Published: April 2016

The mechanical properties of oil palm shell (OPS) composites were investigated with different volume fraction of OPS such as 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% using unsaturated polyester (UPE) as a matrix. The results presented that the tensile strength and tensile modulus of the UPE/OPS composites increased as the OPS loading increased. The highest tensile modulus of UPE/OPS was obtained at 30 vol% of OPS with the value of 8.50 GPa. The tensile strength of the composites was 1.15, 1.17, and 1.18 times higher than the pure UPE matrix for 10, 20, and 30 vol% of OPS, respectively. The FTIR spectra showed the change of functional group of composites with different volume fractions of OPS. SEM analysis shows the filler pull-out present in the composites which proved the poor filler-matrix interfacial bonding.
IL-32: A Novel Pluripotent Inflammatory Interleukin, towards Gastric Inflammation, Gastric Cancer, and Chronic Rhino Sinusitis
Authors: Khawar Muhammad Babar , Abbasi Muddasir Hassan , Sheikh Nadeem
Published: April 2016

A vast variety of nonstructural proteins have been studied for their key roles and involvement in a number of biological phenomenona. Interleukin-32 is a novel cytokine whose presence has been confirmed in most of the mammals except rodents. The IL-32 gene was identified on human chromosome 16 p13.3. The gene has eight exons and nine splice variants,namely, IL-32α, IL-32β, IL-32γ, IL-32δ, IL-32ε, IL-32ζ, IL-32η, IL-32θ, and IL-32s. It was found to induce the expression of various inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1βas well as macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2) and has been reported previously to be involved in the pathogenesis and progression of a number of inflammatory disorders,namely, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), gastric inflammation and cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In the current review, we have highlighted the involvement of IL-32 in gastric cancer, gastric inflammation, and chronic rhinosinusitis. We have also tried to explore various mechanisms suspected to induce the expression of this extraordinary cytokine as well as various mechanisms of action employed by IL-32 during the mediation and progression of the above said problems.
Chlamydia trachomatisInfection in Pregnancy: The Global Challenge of Preventing Adverse Pregnancy and Infant Outcomes in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia
Authors: Adachi Kristina , Nielsen-Saines Karin , Klausner Jeffrey D.
Published: April 2016

Screening and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in pregnancy represents an overlooked opportunity to improve the health outcomes of women and infants worldwide. AlthoughChlamydia trachomatisis the most common treatable bacterial STI, few countries have routine pregnancy screening and treatment programs. We reviewed the current literature surroundingChlamydia trachomatisin pregnancy, particularly focusing on countries in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. We discuss possible chlamydial adverse pregnancy and infant health outcomes (miscarriage, stillbirth, ectopic pregnancy, preterm birth, neonatal conjunctivitis, neonatal pneumonia, and other potential effects including HIV perinatal transmission) and review studies of chlamydial screening and treatment in pregnancy, while simultaneously highlighting research from resource-limited countries in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.
Channel Coordination in Logistics Service Supply Chain considering Fairness
Authors: Wang Ningning , Fan Zhi-Ping , Wang Xiaohuan
Published: April 2016

Logistics service supply chain (LSSC) is a new type of service supply chain. This paper investigates the channel coordination issue in a two-echelon LSSC composed of one logistics service integrator (LSI) and one functional logistics service provider (FLSP) under fairness concerns. The models for a reservation price-only contract under disadvantageous inequality and advantageous inequality are established, respectively, in which the procurement cost, the potential shortage cost, and the operation cost are considered under stochastic market demand. Based on this model, the LSI’s optimal reservation quantity can be determined. Furthermore, we analyze the impact of fairness concerns and the related costs on channel performance and channel coordination. The results are presented in four aspects:(1)channel coordination of the LSSC can be achieved under certain conditions when the LSI experiences advantageous inequality;(2)the spiteful behavior of the LSI leads to the reduction of the channel profit, and channel coordination cannot be achieved when the LSI suffers from disadvantageous inequality;(3)the LSI’s reservation quantity and the channel profit are affected by the LSI’s fairness concerns;(4)motivated by the concerns of fairness, the LSI’s reservation quantity is related not only to his procurement cost and shortage cost but also to the FLSP’s operation cost.
Lenalidomide Stabilizes the Erythropoietin Receptor by Inhibiting the E3 Ubiquitin Ligase RNF41
Authors: Basiorka Ashley A. , McGraw Kathy L. , De Ceuninck Leentje , Griner Lori N. , Zhang Ling , Clark Justine A. , Caceres Gisela , Sokol Lubomir , Komrokji Rami S. , Reuther Gary W. , Wei Sheng , Tavernier Jan , List Alan F.
Published: April 2016

In a subset of patients with non-del(5q) myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), lenalidomide promotes erythroid lineage competence and effective erythropoiesis. To determine the mechanism by which lenalidomide promotes erythropoiesis, we investigated its action on erythropoietin receptor (EpoR) cellular dynamics. Lenalidomide upregulated expression and stability of JAK2-associated EpoR in UT7 erythroid cells and primary CD71+ erythroid progenitors. The effects of lenalidomide on receptor turnover were Type I cytokine receptor specific, as evidenced by coregulation of the IL3-Rα receptor but not c-Kit. To elucidate this mechanism, we investigated the effects of lenalidomide on the E3 ubiquitin ligase RNF41. Lenalidomide promoted EpoR/RNF41 association and inhibited RNF41 auto-ubiquitination, accompanied by a reduction in EpoR ubiquitination. To confirm that RNF41 is the principal target responsible for EpoR stabilization, HEK293T cells were transfected with EpoR and/or RNF41 gene expression vectors. Steady-state EpoR expression was reduced in EpoR/RNF41 cells, whereas EpoR upregulation by lenalidomide was abrogated, indicating that cellular RNF41 is a critical determinant of drug-induced receptor modulation. Notably, shRNA suppression of CRBN gene expression failed to alter EpoR upregulation, indicating that drug-induced receptor modulation is independent of cereblon. Immunohistochemical staining showed that RNF41 expression decreased in primary erythroid cells of lenalidomide-responding patients, suggesting that cellular RNF41 expression merits investigation as a biomarker for lenalidomide response. Our findings indicate that lenalidomide has E3 ubiquitin ligase inhibitory effects that extend to RNF41 and that inhibition of RNF41 auto-ubiquitination promotes membrane accumulation of signaling competent JAK2/EpoR complexes that augment Epo responsiveness. Cancer Res; 76(12); 3531–40. ©2016 AACR.
Loss of Tet1-Associated 5-Hydroxymethylcytosine Is Concomitant with Aberrant Promoter Hypermethylation in Liver Cancer
Authors: Thomson John P. , Ottaviano Raffaele , Unterberger Elif B. , Lempiäinen Harri , Muller Arne , Terranova Remi , Illingworth Robert S. , Webb Shaun , Kerr Alastair R.W. , Lyall Marcus J. , Drake Amanda J. , Wolf C. Roland , Moggs Jonathan G. , Schwarz Michael , Meehan Richard R.
Published: April 2016

Aberrant hypermethylation of CpG islands (CGI) in human tumors occurs predominantly at repressed genes in the host tissue, but the preceding events driving this phenomenon are poorly understood. In this study, we temporally tracked epigenetic and transcriptomic perturbations that occur in a mouse model of liver carcinogenesis. Hypermethylated CGI events in the model were predicted by enrichment of the DNA modification 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) and the histone H3 modification H3K27me3 at silenced promoters in the host tissue. During cancer progression, selected CGIs underwent hypo-hydroxymethylation prior to hypermethylation, while retaining H3K27me3. In livers from mice deficient in Tet1, a tumor suppressor involved in cytosine demethylation, we observed a similar loss of promoter core 5hmC, suggesting that reduced Tet1 activity at CGI may contribute to epigenetic dysregulation during hepatocarcinogenesis. Consistent with this possibility, mouse liver tumors exhibited reduced Tet1 protein levels. Similar to humans, DNA methylation changes at CGI in mice did not appear to be direct drivers of hepatocellular carcinoma progression, rather, dynamic changes in H3K27me3 promoter deposition correlated strongly with tumor-specific activation and repression of transcription. Overall, our results suggest that loss of promoter-associated 5hmC in liver tumors licenses reprograming of DNA methylation at silent CGI during progression. Cancer Res; 76(10); 3097–108. ©2016 AACR.
Comparison between Early-Onset and Late-Onset Alzheimer's Disease Patients with Amnestic Presentation: CSF and 18F-FDG PET Study
Authors: Chiaravalloti Agostino , Koch Giacomo , Toniolo Sofia , Belli Lorena , Di Lorenzo Francesco , Gaudenzi Sara , Schillaci Orazio , Bozzali Marco , Sancesario Giuseppe , Martorana Alessandro
Published: April 2016

Background/Aims: To investigate the differences in brain glucose consumption between patients with early onset of Alzheimer's disease (EOAD, aged ≤65 years) and patients with late onset of Alzheimer's disease (LOAD, aged >65 years). Methods: Differences in brain glucose consumption between the groups have been evaluated by means of Statistical Parametric Mapping version 8, with the use of age, sex, Mini-Mental State Examination and cerebrospinal fluid values of Aβ1-42, phosphorylated Tau and total Tau as covariates in the comparison between EOAD and LOAD. Results: As compared to LOAD, EOAD patients showed a significant decrease in glucose consumption in a wide portion of the left parietal lobe (BA7, BA31 and BA40). No significant differences were obtained when subtracting the EOAD from the LOAD group. Conclusions: The results of our study show that patients with EOAD show a different metabolic pattern as compared to those with LOAD that mainly involves the left parietal lobe.
The Effect of Upper Airway Surgery on Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Levels and Adherence: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ayers Christopher M. , Lohia Shivangi , Nguyen Shaun A. , Gillespie M. Boyd
Published: April 2016

Background /Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of upper airway surgery (UAS) on continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). A secondary objective was to determine if a decrease in CPAP from UAS increases CPAP adherence. Methods: Studies were eligible for inclusion if a CPAP titration was performed both prior and following UAS in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Studies that compared adherence to CPAP before and after UAS were included to evaluate the secondary objective. Results: A total of 11 articles involving 323 patients were included in the review. The results show that there was a mean reduction in CPAP of 1.40 cm H2O (95% CI -2.08 to -0.73). Four of the 11 papers, with a total of 80 patients, evaluated CPAP adherence and found a significant 0.62-hour improvement on average (95% CI 0.22-1.01). Conclusion: Due to high levels of nonadherence, surgical intervention will play a role even in patients who are unlikely to be fully cured by surgery. UAS decreases the apnea-hypopnea index and modestly reduces CPAP while improving CPAP adherence in the majority of patients. The evidence suggests that UAS may have an adjunctive role in the management of OSA.
Eye-Tracking Piaget: Capturing the Emergence of Attentional Anchors in the Coordination of Proportional Motor Action
Authors: Abrahamson Dor , Shayan Shakila , Bakker Arthur , van der Schaaf Marieke
Published: April 2016

The combination of two methodological resources - natural user interface and multimodal learning analytics - is creating opportunities for educational researchers to empirically evaluate theoretical models accounting for the emergence of concepts from situated sensorimotor activity. Seventy-six participants (9-14 years old) solved tablet-based presymbolic manipulation tasks designed to foster grounded meanings for the mathematical concept of proportional equivalence. Data gathered in task-based semi-structured clinical interviews included action logging, eye-gaze tracking, and videography. Analysis of these data indicates that successful task performance coincided with spontaneous emergence of stable dynamical gaze path patterns soon followed by multimodal articulation of strategy. Significantly, gaze patterns included unmanipulated, non-salient screen locations. We present cumulative evidence that these gaze patterns served as ‘‘attentional anchors'' mediating participants' problem solving. By way of further contextualizing our claim, we also present case studies from the various experimental conditions. We interpret the findings as enabling us to revisit, support, refine, and perhaps elaborate on seminal claims from Piaget's theory of genetic epistemology and in particular his insistence on the role of situated motor-action coordination in the process of reflective abstraction.
Meconium Evacuation for Facilitating Feed Tolerance in Preterm Neonates: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Deshmukh Mangesh , Balasubramanian Hari , Patole Sanjay
Published: April 2016

Background: A delayed passage of meconium is considered as a risk factor for feed intolerance in preterm neonates. Objectives: The aim of this study was to review the effects of different therapeutic agents for meconium evacuation on feed tolerance in preterm neonates. Methods: A systematic review of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of different therapeutic agents for meconium evacuation in preterm neonates (gestation <32 weeks and/or birth weight <1,500 g) using the Cochrane systematic review methodology was undertaken. Databases including Google Scholar were searched in January 2016. The primary outcome was the time to reach full feeds (TFF; ≥120 ml/kg feeds with stoppage of parenteral nutrition >24 h). Secondary outcomes included necrotising enterocolitis (NEC), weight at discharge and adverse effects. The results were summarised as per the GRADE guidelines. Results: Six RCTs (2 each of glycerine suppository and enema, 1 normal saline enema and 1 oral osmotic contrast agent; n = 442) with a low or unclear risk of bias were included. The pooled estimate (random effects model) showed no reduction in TFF [mean difference (MD) -0.03, 95% CI -2.47, 2.41, p = 0.98; level of evidence: low]. No differences in NEC [risk ratio (RR) 1.71, 95% CI 0.63, 4.65, p = 0.30; level of evidence: low] and weight at discharge (MD -0.08, 95% CI -0.30, 0.15, p = 0.50; level of evidence: low) were found. The trial assessing oral osmotic contrast agents reported a trend towards a higher incidence of NEC ≥ stage II. There were no other adverse effects. Conclusion: Limited low-quality evidence indicates that prophylactic glycerine suppository, small volume glycerine/normal saline enema or oral osmotic contrast agents to evacuate meconium did not reduce TFF in preterm neonates. Large, well-designed trials are essential to study this clinically significant issue.
The ‘Brain Shadowing Sign': A Novel Marker of Fetal Craniosynostosis
Authors: Krajden Haratz Karina , Leibovitz Zvi , Svirsky Ran , Drummond Carolina Leite , Lev Dorit , Gindes Liat , Lerman-Sagie Tally , Malinger Gustavo
Published: April 2016

Introduction: The prenatal diagnosis of fetal craniosynostosis is challenging, especially in single-suture cases. When sutures are obliterated, sound waves fail to penetrate the cortical bone, creating an evident acoustic shadow on the underlying brain. The objective of this study was to evaluate the yield of the ‘brain shadowing sign' (BSS) as a novel sonographic marker for craniosynostosis. Subjects and Methods: Patients with an antenatal diagnosis of fetal craniosynostosis (cases) and healthy controls paired for gestational age were enrolled in this retrospective case-control study. Two-dimensional scans were assessed by three examiners for the presence of the BSS and additional fetal findings. Results: The BSS was clearly depicted in all 24 cases on the first analysis and in 22 cases on the second analysis. No fetus from the control group (n = 48) presented the BSS in any of the analyses. Fifteen cases had isolated craniosynostosis and 9 were syndromic (Apert, Saethre-Chotzen and craniofrontonasal syndromes), which were diagnosed significantly earlier due to additional malformations. Discussion: The BSS is a novel sonographic marker of craniosynostosis which can be used to increase the diagnostic rate of this rare condition and does not require the use of high-definition three-dimensional transducers to be depicted.
Nonteratoid Medulloepithelioma Presenting in a 78-Year-Old Male
Authors: Burris Christopher K.H. , Papastefanou Vasilios P. , Thaung Caroline , Hay Gordon , Grantham Marianne , Cohen Victoria M.L.
Published: April 2016

Background: Medulloepithelioma is a rare congenital neoplasm derived from precursors of the nonpigmented ciliary epithelium of the ciliary body. The average patient age at clinical presentation is 3.8 years. Case Presentation: We present the case of a 78-year-old male with progressive lens subluxation and ocular hypertension who was found to have a ciliary body mass. After enucleation for presumed ciliary body melanoma, histopathology showed a nonteratoid medulloepithelioma. Cytogenetic analysis revealed abnormalities in chromosomes 3 and 8. Conclusion: Medulloepithelioma is often initially misdiagnosed. Though congenital in nature, it can exhibit rapid growth, have chromosomal abnormalities, and must be considered in all age groups.
Aging and the Kidneys: Anatomy, Physiology and Consequences for Defining Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Glassock Richard J. , Rule Andrew D.
Published: April 2016

The varied functions of the kidneys are influenced by the complex process of aging. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) steadily declines with normal aging, and the progress of this process can be influenced by superimposed diseases. Microscopically, nephron numbers decrease as global glomerulosclerosis becomes more evident. The precise mechanisms underlying nephron loss with aging are not well understood, but derangements in podocyte biology appear to be involved. Classifications of chronic kidney disease (CKD) incorporate GFR values and attendant risk of adverse events. Arbitrary and fixed thresholds of GFR for defining CKD have led to an overdiagnosis of CKD in the elderly. An age-sensitive definition of CKD could offer a solution to this problem and more meaningfully capture the prognostic implications of CKD.
Duas palavras acerca da epígrafe de Turguêniev à novela Noites brancas, de Dostoiévski
Authors: Tikhomírov Boris N.
Published: April 2016

Este artigo tem como objetivo desvendar a função da epígrafe da novela Noites brancas (1848), de F. M. Dostoiévski, composta pelos três versos finais do poema “Flor” (1843), de I. S. Turguêniev. A função da epígrafe é analisada em dois planos: no explícito, tradicional, e num plano oculto, que revela seu significado apenas aos iniciados. No primeiro plano, a epígrafe de três versos, tomada isoladamente do texto-fonte de Turguêniev, focaliza a ideia do autor de Noites brancas dotando-se de um conteúdo específico no contexto da novela de Dostoiévski. No segundo plano, junto à reconstrução do contexto completo do poema “Flor”, nos mesmos versos poéticos revela-se de modo significativo um outro conteúdo, a princípio oposto à ênfase do autor de Noites brancas. Em suma, a epígrafe revela-se como polemicamente “fendida”, nela cruzam-se posições ideológicas e estéticas diametralmente opostas. Como destinatário da controversa, que é mantida no plano oculto do funcionamento da epígrafe, aparece I. S. Turguêniev, com quem, na década de 1840, Dostoiévski mantivera relações complexas de amizade e inimizade
Evidence-Based Policy Making: Assessment of the American Heart Association’s Strategic Policy Portfolio
Authors: Labarthe Darwin R. , Goldstein Larry B. , Antman Elliott M. , Arnett Donna K. , Fonarow Gregg C. , Alberts Mark J. , Hayman Laura L. , Khera Amit , Sallis James F. , Daniels Stephen R. , Sacco Ralph L. , Li Suhui , Ku Leighton , Lantz Paula M. , Robinson Jennifer G. , Creager Mark A. , Van Horn Linda , Kris-Etherton Penny , Bhatnagar Aruni , Whitsel Laurie P.
Published: April 2016

Background—

American Heart Association (AHA) public policy advocacy strategies are based on its Strategic Impact Goals. The writing group appraised the evidence behind AHA’s policies to determine how well they address the association’s 2020 cardiovascular health (CVH) metrics and cardiovascular disease (CVD) management indicators and identified research needed to fill gaps in policy and support further policy development.

Methods and Results—

The AHA policy research department first identified current AHA policies specific to each CVH metric and CVD management indicator and the evidence underlying each policy. Writing group members then reviewed each policy and the related metrics and indicators. The results of each review were summarized, and topic-specific priorities and overarching themes for future policy research were proposed. There was generally close alignment between current AHA policies and the 2020 CVH metrics and CVD management indicators; however, certain specific policies still lack a robust evidence base. For CVH metrics, the distinction between policies for adults (age ≥20 years) and children (<20 years) was often not considered, although policy approaches may differ importantly by age. Inclusion of all those <20 years of age as a single group also ignores important differences in policy needs for infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. For CVD management indicators, specific quantitative targets analogous to criteria for ideal, intermediate, and poor CVH are lacking but needed to assess progress toward the 2020 goal to reduce deaths from CVDs and stroke. New research in support of current policies needs to focus on the evaluation of their translation and implementation through expanded application of implementation science. Focused basic, clinical, and population research is required to expand and strengthen the evidence base for the development of new policies. Evaluation of the impact of targeted improvements in population health through strengthened surveillance of CVD and stroke events, determination of the cost-effectiveness of policy interventions, and measurement of the extent to which vulnerable populations are reached must be assessed for all policies. Additional attention should be paid to the social determinants of health outcomes.

Conclusions—

AHA’s public policies are generally robust and well aligned with its 2020 CVH metrics and CVD indicators. Areas for further policy development to fill gaps, overarching research strategies, and topic-specific priority areas are proposed.
Dynamic Risk Stratification of Patient Long-Term Outcome After Pulmonary Endarterectomy
Authors: Cannon John E. , Su Li , Kiely David G. , Page Kathleen , Toshner Mark , Swietlik Emilia , Treacy Carmen , Ponnaberanam Anie , Condliffe Robin , Sheares Karen , Taboada Dolores , Dunning John , Tsui Steven , Ng Choo , Gopalan Deepa , Screaton Nicholas , Elliot Charlie , Gibbs Simon , Howard Luke , Corris Paul , Lordan James , Johnson Martin , Peacock Andrew , MacKenzie-Ross Robert , Schreiber Benji , Coghlan Gerry , Dimopoulos Kostas , Wort Stephen J. , Gaine Sean , Moledina Shahin , Jenkins David P. , Pepke-Zaba Joanna
Published: April 2016

Background—

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension results from incomplete resolution of pulmonary emboli. Pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) is potentially curative, but residual pulmonary hypertension following surgery is common and its impact on long-term outcome is poorly understood. We wanted to identify factors correlated with poor long-term outcome after surgery and specifically define clinically relevant residual pulmonary hypertension post-PEA.

Methods and Results—

Eight hundred eighty consecutive patients (mean age, 57 years) underwent PEA for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Patients routinely underwent detailed reassessment with right heart catheterization and noninvasive testing at 3 to 6 months and annually thereafter with discharge if they were clinically stable at 3 to 5 years and did not require pulmonary vasodilator therapy. Cox regressions were used for survival (time-to-event) analyses. Overall survival was 86%, 84%, 79%, and 72% at 1, 3, 5, and 10 years for the whole cohort and 91% and 90% at 1 and 3 years for the recent half of the cohort. The majority of patient deaths after the perioperative period were not attributable to right ventricular failure (chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension). At reassessment, a mean pulmonary artery pressure of ≥30 mm Hg correlated with the initiation of pulmonary vasodilator therapy post-PEA. A mean pulmonary artery pressure of ≥38 mm Hg and pulmonary vascular resistance ≥425 dynes·s
−1
·cm
−5
at reassessment correlated with worse long-term survival.

Conclusions—

Our data confirm excellent long-term survival and maintenance of good functional status post-PEA. Hemodynamic assessment 3 to 6 months and 12 months post-PEA allows stratification of patients at higher risk of dying of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension and identifies a level of residual pulmonary hypertension that may guide the long-term management of patients postsurgery.
Prasugrel, a Platelet P2Y
12
Receptor Antagonist, Improves Abnormal Gait in a Novel Murine Model of Thrombotic Hindlimb Ischemia
Authors: Ohno Kousaku , Tomizawa Atsuyuki , Mizuno Makoto , Jakubowski Joseph A. , Sugidachi Atsuhiro
Published: April 2016

Background

The efficacy of P2Y
12
inhibition for the prevention of cardiovascular events in patients with peripheral arterial disease (
PAD
) has been established. However, the therapeutic effects on ischemic limb complications are less clear. Accordingly, we aimed to develop a novel murine model of thrombotic hindlimb ischemia to reflect that found in patients with
PAD
exhibiting ischemic limb symptoms. We further investigated the effects of P2Y
12
deficiency and P2Y
12
inhibition by prasugrel in this model.

Methods and Results

Thrombus formation induced by application of ferric chloride to the femoral artery resulted in a significant reduction in blood flow in the injured limb. In gait analysis using the CatWalk system, moderate difficulties in grounding and weight bearing of the ischemic limb, including reduction of maximum contact area and stance phase duration and increasing in swing phase duration in the ischemic limb, were observed in this model. Blood flow reduction and gait abnormalities gradually recovered over 21 days to levels present before arterial injury. Compared to wild‐type (
WT
) mice, significant increases in blood flow and improvement in gait were observed in P2Y
12
‐deficient mice. In addition, daily oral administration of prasugrel (3 mg/kg per day) to
WT
mice resulted in significant inhibition of blood flow reduction and gait abnormalities to levels found in P2Y
12
deficient mice.

Conclusions

Acute femoral artery thrombosis resulted in hindlimb ischemia and moderate gait abnormalities in mice. In addition, the present study suggests a possible role of P2Y
12
in the complications with thrombotic limb ischemia.
Effects of Restoration of Blood Flow on the Development of Aortic Atherosclerosis in ApoE
−/−
Mice With Unilateral Renal Artery Stenosis
Authors: Pathak Alokkumar S. , Huang Jianhua , Rojas Mauricio , Bazemore Taylor C. , Zhou Ruihai , Stouffer George A.
Published: April 2016

Background

Chronic unilateral renal artery stenosis (
RAS
) causes accelerated atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E–deficient (ApoE
−/−
) mice, but effects of restoration of renal blood flow on aortic atherosclerosis are unknown.

Methods and Results

Male ApoE
−/−
mice underwent sham surgery (n=16) or had partial ligation of the right renal artery (n=41) with the ligature being removed 4 days later (D4
LR
; n=6), 8 days later (D8
LR
; n=11), or left in place for 90 days (chronic
RAS
; n=24). Ligature removal at 4 or 8 days resulted in improved renal blood flow, decreased plasma angiotensin
II
levels, a return of systolic blood pressure to baseline, and increased plasma levels of neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin. Chronic
RAS
resulted in increased lipid staining in the aortic arch (33.2% [24.4, 47.5] vs 11.6% [6.1, 14.2];
P
<0.05) and descending thoracic aorta (10.2% [6.4, 25.9] vs 4.9% [2.8, 7.8];
P
<0.05), compared to sham surgery. There was an increased amount of aortic arch lipid staining in the D8
LR
group (22.7% [22.1, 32.7]), compared to sham‐surgery, but less than observed with chronic
RAS
. Lipid staining in the aortic arch was not increased in the D4
LR
group, and lipid staining in the descending aorta was not increased in either the D8
LR
or D4
LR
groups. There was less macrophage expression in infrarenal aortic atheroma in the D4
LR
and D8
LR
groups compared to the chronic
RAS
group.

Conclusions

Restoration of renal blood flow at either 4 or 8 days after unilateral
RAS
had a beneficial effect on systolic blood pressure, aortic lipid deposition, and atheroma inflammation.
Why Do Economies Enter into Preferential Agreements on Trade in Services? Assessing the Potential for Negotiated Regulatory Convergence in Asian Services Markets
Authors: Sauvé Pierre , Shingal Anirudh
Published: April 2016

More than one-third of the World Trade Organization-notified services trade agreements that were in effect between January 2008 and August 2015 involved at least one South or Southeast Asian trading partner. Drawing on Baier and Bergstrand's ( 2004 ) determinants of preferential trade agreements and using the World Bank's database on the restrictiveness of domestic services regimes (Borchert, Gootiiz, and Mattoo 2012 ), we examine the potential for negotiated regulatory convergence in Asian services markets. Our results suggest that Asian economies with high levels of preexisting bilateral merchandise trade and wide differences in services regulatory frameworks are more likely candidates for services trade agreement formation. Such results lend support to the hypothesis that the heightened “servicification” of production generates demand for the lowered services input costs resulting from negotiated market openings.
International Trade and Risk Sharing in the Global Rice Market: The Impact of Foreign and Domestic Supply Shocks
Authors: Jha Shikha , Kubo Kensuke , Ramaswami Bharat
Published: April 2016

In the first decade of this millennium, rising food prices returned as a concern for policy makers, especially in developing economies. This paper examines how supply shocks, both domestic and foreign, impacted imports and consumption in the world rice market between 1960 and 2010. Such an investigation is important in assessing the role of trade in compensating for domestic shocks. If shortages lead economies to impose trade restrictions, then trade may not be allowed to play an important role in stabilizing consumption. The existing literature has highlighted the importance of these policy shocks in the world rice market and how they have worked to increase the volatility of prices and trade flows. Although trade cannot be expected to play a strong role when the major producing and consuming economies are simultaneously hit by negative yield shocks, such a scenario has occurred in only about 3% of all observed cases. We also find that consumption fails to stabilize even when domestic shocks are negative and foreign shocks are positive; however, imports do peak. Thus, while trade does help in coping with domestic risks, it is unable to achieve full risk sharing. Therefore, no matter the nature of foreign shocks, the principal concern is to stabilize consumption when an economy is hit by negative domestic yield shocks. The frequency of such shocks is about 12% in all observed cases, highlighting the importance of domestic responses. We find that domestic rice stocks have been important in stabilizing consumption. The reliance on domestic policies has, in turn, kept the rice market thin.
Does Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Improve Healthy Working Memory?: A Meta-analytic Review
Authors: Mancuso Lauren E. , Ilieva Irena P. , Hamilton Roy H. , Farah Martha J.
Published: April 2016

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been reported to improve working memory (WM) performance in healthy individuals, suggesting its value as a means of cognitive enhancement. However, recent meta-analyses concluded that tDCS has little or no effect on WM in healthy participants. In this article, we review reasons why these meta-analyses may have underestimated the effect of tDCS on WM and report a more comprehensive and arguably more sensitive meta-analysis. Consistent with our interest in enhancement, we focused on anodal stimulation. Thirty-one articles matched inclusion criteria and were included in four primary meta-analyses assessing the WM effects of anodal stimulation over the left and right dorsolateral pFC (DLPFC) and right parietal lobe as well as left DLPFC stimulation coupled with WM training. These analyses revealed a small but significant effect of left DLPFC stimulation coupled with WM training. Left DLPFC stimulation alone also enhanced WM performance, but the effect was reduced to nonsignificance after correction for publication bias. No other effects were significant, including a variety of tested moderators. Additional meta-analyses were undertaken with study selection criteria based on previous meta-analyses, to reassess the findings from these studies using the analytic methods of this study. These analyses revealed a mix of significant and nonsignificant small effects. We conclude that the primary WM enhancement potential of tDCS probably lies in its use during training.
The Role of Top–Down Focused Spatial Attention in Preattentive Salience Coding and Salience-based Attentional Capture
Authors: Bertleff Sabine , Fink Gereon R. , Weidner Ralph
Published: April 2016

Selective visual attention requires an efficient coordination between top–down and bottom–up attention control mechanisms. This study investigated the behavioral and neural effects of top–down focused spatial attention on the coding of highly salient distractors and their tendency to capture attention. Combining spatial cueing with an irrelevant distractor paradigm revealed bottom–up based attentional capture only when attention was distributed across the whole search display, including the distractor location. Top–down focusing spatial attention on the target location abolished attentional capture of a salient distractor outside the current attentional focus. Functional data indicated that the missing capture effect was not based on diminished bottom–up salience signals at unattended distractor locations. Irrespectively of whether salient distractors occurred at attended or unattended locations, their presence enhanced BOLD signals at their respective spatial representation in early visual areas as well as in inferior frontal, superior parietal, and medial parietal cortex. Importantly, activity in these regions reflected the presence of a salient distractor rather than attentional capture per se. Moreover, successfully inhibiting attentional capture of a salient distractor at an unattended location further increased neural responses in medial parietal regions known to be involved in controlling spatial attentional shifts. Consequently, data provide evidence that top–down focused spatial attention prevents automatic attentional capture by supporting attentional control processes counteracting a spatial bias toward a salient distractor.
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Does Not Influence the Speed–Accuracy Tradeoff in Perceptual Decision-making: Evidence from Three Independent Studies
Authors: de Hollander Gilles , Labruna Ludovica , Sellaro Roberta , Trutti Anne , Colzato Lorenza S. , Ratcliff Roger , Ivry Richard B. , Forstmann Birte U.
Published: April 2016

In perceptual decision-making tasks, people balance the speed and accuracy with which they make their decisions by modulating a response threshold. Neuroimaging studies suggest that this speed–accuracy tradeoff is implemented in a corticobasal ganglia network that includes an important contribution from the pre-SMA. To test this hypothesis, we used anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to modulate neural activity in pre-SMA while participants performed a simple perceptual decision-making task. Participants viewed a pattern of moving dots and judged the direction of the global motion. In separate trials, they were cued to either respond quickly or accurately. We used the diffusion decision model to estimate the response threshold parameter, comparing conditions in which participants received sham or anodal tDCS. In three independent experiments, we failed to observe an influence of tDCS on the response threshold. Additional, exploratory analyses showed no influence of tDCS on the duration of nondecision processes or on the efficiency of information processing. Taken together, these findings provide a cautionary note, either concerning the causal role of pre-SMA in decision-making or on the utility of tDCS for modifying response caution in decision-making tasks.
Ritual, Mimesis, and the Nonhuman Animal World in Early China
Authors: Sterckx Roel
Published: April 2016

Early Chinese texts frequently link the origins of ritual, play, dance, and music to patterns of behavior observed in the nonhuman animal world. Moralizing readings of animal behavior proliferate in texts and iconography from the classical age of the Warring States and early empires (fifth centurybcto first centuryad), when China’s masters of philosophy were drawing up the contours of their ethical theories. The animal world inspired models for human ritualized conduct that became codified in the classicist (Confucian) ritual canon. This paper examines representative examples of this and tries to identify some of the conceptual schemes used in early China to subsume the animal world into moral frameworks that were meant to guide human conduct.
Three new species of Calocybella from India based on morphology and molecular phylogeny
Authors: LATHA K. P. DEEPNA , RAJ K. N. ANIL , CHEROLIL THUSHARA , SHARAFUDHEEN SHAHINA A. , MANIMOHAN PATINJAREVEETTIL
Published: April 2016

Three new species of Calocybella, C. lohitha, C. babruka and C. swetha are described from Kerala State, India based on morphology and molecular phylogeny. Comprehensive descriptions of these species are provided along with photo-illustrations and comparisons with phenetically similar and phylogenetically related species. Nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the three species were sequenced and analyzed. In addition, nuclear ribosomal large subunit (nrLSU) region of Calocybella swetha was sequenced and used in BLASTn search to find similar sequences. ITS-based phylogenetic analysis using Maximum likelihood (ML) method supported both the novelty of these species and their placement within the genus. The discovery of these three species forms the first record of Calocybella outside Europe.
Four new species of Pomphopsilla Jałoszyński and a new record of Cephennodes glabella Castellini in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
(Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Scydmaeninae)
Authors: JAŁOSZYŃSKI PAWEŁ
Published: April 2016

Four new species of the genus Pomphopsilla Jałoszyński are described, all based on specimens collected in the north-eastern part of DR Congo: P. pygmaea sp. n., P. pseudosoror sp. n., P. similis sp. n., and P. gumovskyi sp. n. Previously Pomphopsilla, represented by two species, was known to occur in Kenya; the only genera of Cephenniini recorded from DR Congo were Cephennodes Reitter and Cephennomicrus Reitter. Cephennodes (s. str.) glabella Castellini, so far known only from the type series, is recorded from the same region of Congo, based on numerous specimens collected by yellow pan traps. Because figures in the original description of this species were relatively schematic, the aedeagus and modifications of the head in the male are illustrated.
A review of the genus Kiwaia Philpott, 1930 (Lepidoptera, Gelechiidae) in the Palaearctic Region
Authors: BIDZILYA OLEKSIY , LI Houhun
Published: April 2016

Fourteen Kiwaia-species are recorded from the Palaearctic Region. Eight new species are described from China: Kiwaia (Empista) mengdana sp. n. (Qinghai), Kiwaia (Empista) nyingchiensis sp. n. (Xizang), Kiwaia (Empista) septentrionala sp. n. (Ningxia, Gansu, Shanxi and Sichuan), Kiwaia (Empista) centrica sp. n. (Gansu, Hunan), Kiwaia (Empista) montana sp. n. (Xizang), Kiwaia (Empista) medogia sp. n. (Xizang), Kiwaia (Empista) yadongensis sp. n. (Xizang) and Kiwaia (Empista) povolnyi sp. n. (Xizang). The hitherto unknown female of Kiwaia (Empista) kostjuki is described and this species is recorded from China for the first time. Gelechia dryosyrta Meyrick, 1931 from India is trasferred to Kiwaia: K. (Empista) dryosyrta (Meyrick, 1931) comb. n. Redescriptions and identification keys for all the Palaearctic species are provided, accompanied by illustrations of the adults, and male and female genitalia.
Two new species of whip spider (Amblypygi): an epigean and a cave dwelling Charinus Simon, 1892 from Belize
Authors: MIRANDA GUSTAVO SILVA DE , GIUPPONI ALESSANDRO PONCE DE LEÃO , WIZEN GIL
Published: April 2016

Central America is rich in whip spider species, mainly of the genera Phrynus and Paraphrynus (Phrynidae), but also includes few registers of Charinus (Charinidae) with no description of taxa. In this paper two new species of Charinus from Belize are described and illustrated (Charinus belizensis sp. nov. and Charinus reddelli sp. nov.) being the first species named from Central America. New records of Charinus victori Armas, 2010 from Puerto Rico, a comparative table listing the differential characters of the Caribbean and Central American species, and a distributional map of those species are also provided.
Ideological Congruence and Citizen Satisfaction: Evidence From 25 Advanced Democracies
Authors: Mayne Quinton , Hakhverdian Armen
Published: April 2016

Ideological congruence is an important and popular measure of the quality of political representation. The closer the match between the preferences of the public and those of elected elites, the better representative democracy is thought to function. Relatively little attention has been paid, however, to the effects of ideological congruence on political judgment. We address this gap by examining whether citizens use egocentric or sociotropic judgments of congruence to evaluate democratic performance. Using a variety of congruence measures, we find that citizens are unmoved by sociotropic congruence; however, our analyses provide clear evidence that egocentric congruence boosts citizen satisfaction, especially among political sophisticates. We conclude by discussing the implications of these findings for the study of ideological congruence and political representation.
Procedural Injustice, Risky Lifestyles, and Violent Victimization
Authors: Wolfe Scott E. , McLean Kyle
Published: April 2016

Participation in risky lifestyles is a well-established predictor of victimization. Several variables have been identified as key predictors of risky activities (e.g., low self-control) but there may be additional sources not considered in the literature to date. We argue that perceptions of procedural unfairness represent a break in social control, thereby opening the door for participation in risky lifestyles that are conducive to victimization. Using three waves of data from the Gang Resistance Education and Training (GREAT) program, we demonstrated that police procedural injustice was positively associated with risky lifestyles, which partially mediated the relationship between procedural injustice and violent victimization. This study advances the literature by demonstrating that our understanding of victimization is enhanced by including procedural injustice into its explanation.
Behaviour and damage of injected carbon-fibre-reinforced polyether ether ketone: From process to modelling
Authors: Berthet F , Lachaud F , Crevel J , Pastor M-L
Published: April 2016

Short-carbon-fibre-reinforced polyether ether ketones are materials of great interest for the aeronautical industry. In this study, a design of experiment was carried out to understand the effect of process parameters on micro- and macro-scale properties of injection-moulded short-carbon-fibre-reinforced polyether ether ketone (90HMF40). Mould temperature was found to be the most significant parameter; it had a positive effect, essentially on failure stress and strain. Once the damage and plasticity scenarios were understood, a micromechanical model based on Mori–Tanaka homogenization theory was developed, featuring micro-damage and coupling with macro-plasticity. This model gave good predictions for quasi-static tensile tests.
Reciprocating sliding of polyester textile fabric composites along different fabric orientations
Authors: Samyn Pieter
Published: April 2016

The coefficients of friction and wear rates of thermoset polyester matrix composites with plain woven polyester fabric reinforcement were studied during reciprocating sliding under adhesive line contact at 50 to 200 N normal loads and 0.3 to 1.2 m/s sliding velocities. The samples were prepared along different orientations of the fabric relatively to the sliding surface and sliding directions, including 0°, 30°, 45°, 60° and 90° in-plane directions and thickness z direction. The coefficients of friction and wear rates were maximum along 90° and minimum along 45° for pure and polytetrafluoroethylene-filled composites. For the latter, overload conditions were minimized, and friction and wear became low for perpendicular fabric orientations. Although sliding is controlled by solid lubrication of polytetrafluoroethylene, the fiber orientations remain dominating the friction under mild sliding conditions. The differences between friction properties along weft and warp orientations could be correlated with mechanical properties along those directions. However, a systematic study in parallel with interpretation of the thermal heating could provide better insights in dry sliding properties. By considering the effects of thermal heating, thermo-mechanical sliding conditions in the interface controlled self-lubricating properties of polytetrafluoroethylene. The wear mechanisms along 0° and 90° directions were mainly determined by the fabric reinforcement, and the sliding along off-axis 45° and thickness directions was mainly controlled by the matrix and polytetrafluoroethylene deposits.