bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design studies for the next generation electron ion colliders
Authors: Sayed Hisham Kamal , Bogacz S. A. , Krafft G.
Published: April 2014

The next generation Electron Ion Collider (EIC) at Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (JLAB) utilizes a figure-8 shaped ion and electron rings. EIC has the ability to preserve the ion polarization during acceleration, where the electron ring matches in footprint with a figure-8 ion ring. The electron ring is designed to deliver a highly polarized high luminous electron beam at interaction point (IP). The main challenges of the electron ring design are the chromaticity compensation and maintaining high beam polarization of 70% at all energies 3–11 GeV without introducing transverse orbital coupling before the IP. The very demanding detector design limits the minimum distance between the final focus quadrupole and the interaction point to 3.5 m which results in a large β function inside the final focus quadrupoles leading to increased beam chromaticity. In this paper, we present a novel chromaticity compensation scheme that mitigates IP chromaticity by a compact chromaticity compensation section with multipole magnet components. In addition, a set of spin rotators are utilized to manipulate the polarization vector of the electron beam in order to preserve the beam polarization. The spin rotator solenoids introduce undesired coupling between the horizontal and vertical betatron motion of the beam. We introduce a compact and modular orbit decoupling insert that can fit in the limited space of the straight section in the figure-8 ring. We show a numerical study of the figure-8 ring design with the compact straight section, which includes the interaction region, chromaticity compensation section, and the spin rotators, the figure-8 design performance is evaluated with particle tracking.
An empirical relation for cluster decay preformation probability
Authors: Balasubramaniam M. , Rajeswari N. S.
Published: April 2014

Empirical relations for the preformation probability of cluster decay process in terms of the Q-value, mass asymmetry (η), mass number of the emitted cluster A2 is analyzed based on the discrepancy between the calculated and experimental half-lives of the cluster emitters. For the different empirical expressions considered corresponding to different physical quantities the preformation probability for the complete binary breakup of 226 Ra is calculated and the obtained results are compared with the preformed cluster model calculation (P0( PCM )) and another calculation in which the overlapping penetration probability is treated as the preformation probability (P0(μ)). Our empirical results for the use of Q-value compare well with P0(μ). Results due to the use of Q and its powers along with the combination of mass number A2 of the cluster emitted, and mass asymmetry η, reveal that preformation factor depends strongly on Q-value rather than A2 and η. Calculated half-lives of different cluster decays for the use of empirical P0 values are found to be in good agreement with the experimental values.
ConceVE
Authors: Gore Ross , Diallo Saikou , Padilla Jose
Published: April 2014

In this article, we present ConceVE, an approach for designing and validating models before they are implemented in a computer simulation. The approach relies on (1) domain-specific languages for model specification, (2) the Alloy Specification Language and its constraint solving analysis capabilities for exploring the state space of the model dynamically, and (3) supporting visualization tools to relay the results of the analysis to the user. We show that our approach is applicable with generic languages such as the Web Ontology Language as well as special XML-based languages such as the Coalition Battle Management Language.
The 2nd workshop on social and algorithmic issues in business support-knowledge hidden in text
Authors: Wojciechowski Adam , Mishra Alok
Published: April 2014

This is a report from the 2nd International Workshop on "Social and Algorithmic Issues in Business Support" (SAIBS), which was organized in conjunction with the 6th Language and Technology Conference in Poznan, Poland, on December 8, 2013. The second edition of the workshop was focused on discovering knowledge hidden in text resources.

The social trends observed in networking and business activity has several roots. First -- it is a challenge for many of us to express, publish and share our experience and become recognizable among the crowd. Second -- the crowd creativity is a result of a process based on merging efforts and distributed resources in order to produce improved quality and deliver new products. Third -- utilizing social energy and productivity may initiate new business paradigms. Among a variety of artifacts stored in computer networks text resources play important roles. Books, articles, reports, subtitles, comments, tables of data, emails, passwords and other textual feeds are easy to produce, easy to transfer, relatively easy to translate and very attractive to process and analyze. The 2nd SAIBS Workshop was a place to discuss methods of knowledge discovery in text files and tables, its visualization, utilization and commercialization.

An important social contribution is software developed and hosted by volunteers and distributed through word-of-mouth recommendation. By the way -- manual and automated mining textual and multimedia content delivered via the Internet becomesan electronic word-of-mouth recommendation. During the workshop session we handled social contribution to business processes taking into account possible benefits and risk factors. Finally we were interested in research that analyzed crowd behaviour collected in text tables or visualized in the form of charts.
Automatic Task Assistance for People with Cognitive Disabilities in Brushing Teeth - A User Study with the TEBRA System
Authors: Peters Christian , Hermann Thomas , Wachsmuth Sven , Hoey Jesse
Published: April 2014

People with cognitive disabilities such as dementia and intellectual disabilities tend to have problems in coordinating steps in the execution of Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) due to limited capabilities in cognitive functioning. To successfully perform ADLs, these people are reliant on the assistance of human caregivers. This leads to a decrease of independence for care recipients and imposes a high burden on caregivers. Assistive Technology for Cognition (ATC) aims to compensate for decreased cognitive functions. ATC systems provide automatic assistance in task execution by delivering appropriate prompts which enable the user to perform ADLs without any assistance of a human caregiver. This leads to an increase of the user’s independence and to a relief of caregiver’s burden. In this article, we describe the design, development and evaluation of a novel ATC system. The TEBRA (TEeth BRushing Assistance) system supports people with moderate cognitive disabilities in the execution of brushing teeth. A main requirement for the acceptance of ATC systems is context awareness: explicit feedback from the user is not necessary to provide appropriate assistance. Furthermore, an ATC system needs to handle spatial and temporal variance in the execution of behaviors such as different movement characteristics and different velocities. The TEBRA system handles spatial variance in a behavior recognition component based on a Bayesian network classifier. A dynamic timing model deals with temporal variance by adapting to different velocities of users during a trial. We evaluate a fully functioning prototype of the TEBRA system in a study with people with cognitive disabilities. The main aim of the study is to analyze the technical performance of the system and the user’s behavior in the interaction with the system with regard to the main hypothesis: is the TEBRA system able to increase the user’s independence in the execution of brushing teeth?
Sialic Acids in the Brain: Gangliosides and Polysialic Acid in Nervous System Development, Stability, Disease, and Regeneration
Authors: Schnaar Ronald L. , Gerardy-Schahn Rita , Hildebrandt Herbert
Published: April 2014

Every cell in nature carries a rich surface coat of glycans, its glycocalyx, which constitutes the cell's interface with its environment. In eukaryotes, the glycocalyx is composed of glycolipids, glycoproteins, and proteoglycans, the compositions of which vary among different tissues and cell types. Many of the linear and branched glycans on cell surface glycoproteins and glycolipids of vertebrates are terminated with sialic acids, nine-carbon sugars with a carboxylic acid, a glycerol side-chain, and an N-acyl group that, along with their display at the outmost end of cell surface glycans, provide for varied molecular interactions. Among their functions, sialic acids regulate cell-cell interactions, modulate the activities of their glycoprotein and glycolipid scaffolds as well as other cell surface molecules, and are receptors for pathogens and toxins. In the brain, two families of sialoglycans are of particular interest: gangliosides and polysialic acid. Gangliosides, sialylated glycosphingolipids, are the most abundant sialoglycans of nerve cells. Mouse genetic studies and human disorders of ganglioside metabolism implicate gangliosides in axon-myelin interactions, axon stability, axon regeneration, and the modulation of nerve cell excitability. Polysialic acid is a unique homopolymer that reaches >90 sialic acid residues attached to select glycoproteins, especially the neural cell adhesion molecule in the brain. Molecular, cellular, and genetic studies implicate polysialic acid in the control of cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, intermolecular interactions at cell surfaces, and interactions with other molecules in the cellular environment. Polysialic acid is essential for appropriate brain development, and polymorphisms in the human genes responsible for polysialic acid biosynthesis are associated with psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia, autism, and bipolar disorder. Polysialic acid also appears to play a role in adult brain plasticity, including regeneration. Together, vertebrate brain sialoglycans are key regulatory components that contribute to proper development, maintenance, and health of the nervous system.
Photodegradation of Methyl Orange Using Magnetically Recoverable AgBr@Ag3PO4/Fe3O4 Photocatalyst under Visible Light
Authors: Wang Zhen , Yin Lu , Chen Ziwen , Zhou Guowang , Shi Huixiang
Published: April 2014

A novel magnetically recoverable AgBr@Ag3PO4/Fe3O4 hybrid was prepared by a simple deposition‐precipitation approach and characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and UV‐Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). The results revealed that the photocatalytic activity and stability of AgBr@Ag3PO4/Fe3O4 composite toward decomposition of methyl orange (MO) dye were superior to those of pure Ag3PO4 under visible light irradiation. The photocatalytic activity enhancement of AgBr@Ag3PO4/Fe3O4 is closely related to the efficient separation of electron‐hole pairs derived from the matching band potentials between Ag3PO4 and AgBr, as well as the good conductivity of Fe3O4. Moreover, the photocatalyst could be easily separated by applying an external magnetic field due to its magnetic property. The quenching effects of different scavengers proved that active h+ and played the major role for the MO degradation. This work would provide new insight for the construction of visible light responsible photocatalysts with high performance, good stability, and recoverability.
A Semiparametric Bivariate Probit Model for Joint Modeling of Outcomes in STEMI Patients
Authors: Ieva Francesca , Marra Giampiero , Paganoni Anna Maria , Radice Rosalba
Published: April 2014

In this work we analyse the relationship among in-hospital mortality and a treatment effectiveness outcome in patients affected by ST-Elevation myocardial infarction. The main idea is to carry out a joint modeling of the two outcomes applying a Semiparametric Bivariate Probit Model to data arising from a clinical registry called STEMI Archive. A realistic quantification of the relationship between outcomes can be problematic for several reasons. First, latent factors associated with hospitals organization can affect the treatment efficacy and/or interact with patient’s condition at admission time. Moreover, they can also directly influence the mortality outcome. Such factors can be hardly measurable. Thus, the use of classical estimation methods will clearly result in inconsistent or biased parameter estimates. Secondly, covariate-outcomes relationships can exhibit nonlinear patterns. Provided that proper statistical methods for model fitting in such framework are available, it is possible to employ a simultaneous estimation approach to account for unobservable confounders. Such a framework can also provide flexible covariate structures and model the whole conditional distribution of the response.
A Nonparametric Shape Prior Constrained Active Contour Model for Segmentation of Coronaries in CTA Images
Authors: Wang Yin , Jiang Han
Published: April 2014

We present a nonparametric shape constrained algorithm for segmentation of coronary arteries in computed tomography images within the framework of active contours. An adaptive scale selection scheme, based on the global histogram information of the image data, is employed to determine the appropriate window size for each point on the active contour, which improves the performance of the active contour model in the low contrast local image regions. The possible leakage, which cannot be identified by using intensity features alone, is reduced through the application of the proposed shape constraint, where the shape of circular sampled intensity profile is used to evaluate the likelihood of current segmentation being considered vascular structures. Experiments on both synthetic and clinical datasets have demonstrated the efficiency and robustness of the proposed method. The results on clinical datasets have shown that the proposed approach is capable of extracting more detailed coronary vessels with subvoxel accuracy.
A Method for SINS Alignment with Large Initial Misalignment Angles Based on Kalman Filter with Parameters Resetting
Authors: Liu Xixiang , Xu Xiaosu , Liu Yiting , Wang Lihui
Published: April 2014

In the initial alignment process of strapdown inertial navigation system (SINS), large initial misalignment angles always bring nonlinear problem, which causes alignment failure when the classical linear error model and standard Kalman filter are used. In this paper, the problem of large misalignment angles in SINS initial alignment is investigated, and the key reason for alignment failure is given as the state covariance from Kalman filter cannot represent the true one during the steady filtering process. According to the analysis, an alignment method for SINS based on multiresetting the state covariance matrix of Kalman filter is designed to deal with large initial misalignment angles, in which classical linear error model and standard Kalman filter are used, but the state covariance matrix should be multireset before the steady process until large misalignment angles are decreased to small ones. The performance of the proposed method is evaluated by simulation and car test, and the results indicate that the proposed method can fulfill initial alignment with large misalignment angles effectively and the alignment accuracy of the proposed method is as precise as that of alignment with small misalignment angles.
Mixed Large Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma and Adenocarcinoma with Spindle Cell and Clear Cell Features in the Extrahepatic Bile Duct
Authors: Wysocki John , Agarwal Rishi , Bratton Laura , Nguyen Jeremy , Weidenhaft Mandy Crause , Shores Nathan , Kimbrell Hillary Z.
Published: April 2014

Mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinomas, spindle cell carcinomas, and clear cell carcinomas are all rare tumors in the biliary tract. We present the first case, to our knowledge, of an extrahepatic bile duct carcinoma composed of all three types. A 65-year-old man with prior cholecystectomy presented with painless jaundice, vomiting, and weight loss. CA19-9 and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) were elevated. Cholangioscopy revealed a friable mass extending from the middle of the common bile duct to the common hepatic duct. A bile duct excision was performed. Gross examination revealed a 3.6 cm intraluminal polypoid tumor. Microscopically, the tumor had foci of conventional adenocarcinoma (CK7-positive and CA19-9-postive) surrounded by malignant-appearing spindle cells that were positive for cytokeratins and vimentin. Additionally, there were separate areas of large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC). Foci of clear cell carcinoma merged into both the LCNEC and the adenocarcinoma. Tumor invaded through the bile duct wall with extensive perineural and vascular invasion. Circumferential margins were positive. The patient’s poor performance status precluded adjuvant therapy and he died with recurrent and metastatic disease 5 months after surgery. This is consistent with the reported poor survival rates of biliary mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinomas.
Meckel’s Diverticulum: Factors Associated with Clinical Manifestations
Authors: Chen Jeng-Jung , Lee Hung-Chang , Yeung Chun-Yan , Chan Wai-Tao , Jiang Chuen-Bin , Sheu Jin-Cherng , Wang Nein-Lu
Published: April 2014

Objectives. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical features of Meckel’s diverticula at different ages, genders, and pathology in order to serve as a reminder to clinicians when evaluating potential cases and to help obtain an early diagnosis. Methods. We collected information of patients with Meckel’s diverticulum diagnosed at Mackay Memorial Hospital in Taiwan from 1984 to 2009. After performing a thorough review of their charts, the clinical features of the Meckel’s diverticula were analyzed according to age groups, gender, and pathology. Result. A total of 126 patients, with 90 males and 36 females, were enrolled in this study. Seventy-five patients were symptomatic and 51 Meckel’s diverticula were found incidentally during surgery for other diseases. Among symptomatic patients, 39% of pediatric patients and 5% of adult patients had intestinal hemorrhage. Twenty-eight percent of pediatric patients and 67% of adult patients had inflammation of Meckel’s diverticulum. Forty-six percent of males and 16% of females had inflammation. Conversely, 27% of males and 58% percent of females had intestinal obstruction. When Meckel’s diverticulum had ectopic gastric mucosa, it tended to cause intestinal hemorrhage when the patient is young. Conclusions. Age, gender, and pathology affect the clinical presentations of Meckel’s diverticula.
Effect of Pitch to Height Ratio on Flow Visualization, Heat Transfer, and Thermal Performance in a Round Tube with Upstream RWVG
Authors: Jedsadaratanachai Withada , Jayranaiwachira Nuthvipa
Published: April 2014

Fully developed periodic laminar flow and heat transfer in an isothermal wall tube with 45° upstream rectangular winglet vortex generators (RWVG) with closed end are investigated numerically. The fluid flow and heat transfer characteristics are proposed for Reynolds numbers based on the diameter of the tube, Re = 100 to 2000. The RWVGs with an attack angle of 45° are mounted with in-line arrangement on both sides of a plate and the closed tip pointing upstream is inserted in the middle of the tested tube to produce longitudinal vortex flows through the tested section. Effects of different blockage ratios (b/D, BR) and pitch spacing ratios (P/D, PR) on heat transfer, pressure loss, and the thermal enhancement factor (TEF) in the round tube are studied. The results show that the longitudinal vortex flows can induce impinging flows on a tube wall leading to an extreme increase in heat transfer rate over the round tube for all cases. Additionally, the rise in the BR and the reduction of PR result in the increase of both the Nusselt number and friction factor values. The optimum TEF in the range studied is around 2.9 at BR = 0.15, PR = 1, and Re = 2000.
Evolutionary Model of the City Size Distribution
Authors: Kaldasch Joachim
Published: April 2014

An evolutionary model of the city size distribution is presented that explains the size of a city from the reproduction process and the migration of humans between cities. The model suggests that the city size distribution is a lognormal distribution with a power law tail in agreement with empirical results and computer simulations. The main idea of the model is that the competition between cities in the migration process is the origin of Gibrat's law. While growth rate fluctuations generate the lognormal branch of the size distribution, the power law tail for large cities is caused by a small mean growth rate.
Stability Criteria for Uncertain Discrete-Time Systems under the Influence of Saturation Nonlinearities and Time-Varying Delay
Authors: Tadepalli Siva Kumar , Kandanvli V. Krishna Rao , Kar Haranath
Published: April 2014

The problem of global asymptotic stability of a class of uncertain discrete-time systems in the presence of saturation nonlinearities and interval-like time-varying delay in the state is considered. The uncertainties associated with the system parameters are assumed to be deterministic and normbounded. The objective of the paper is to propose stability criteria having considerably smaller numerical complexity. Two new delay-dependent stability criteria are derived by estimating the forward difference of the Lyapunov functional using the concept of reciprocal convexity and method of scale inequality, respectively. The presented criteria are compared with a previously reported criterion. A numerical example is provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the presented criteria.
Global Consequences of Liver Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Nastos Constantinos , Kalimeris Konstantinos , Papoutsidakis Nikolaos , Tasoulis Marios-Konstantinos , Lykoudis Panagis M. , Theodoraki Kassiani , Nastou Despoina , Smyrniotis Vassilios , Arkadopoulos Nikolaos
Published: April 2014

Liver ischemia/reperfusion injury has been extensively studied during the last decades and has been implicated in the pathophysiology of many clinical entities following hepatic surgery and transplantation. Apart from its pivotal role in the pathogenesis of the organ’s post reperfusion injury, it has also been proposed as an underlying mechanism responsible for the dysfunction and injury of other organs as well. It seems that liver ischemia and reperfusion represent an event with “global” consequences that influence the function of many remote organs including the lung, kidney, intestine, pancreas, adrenals, and myocardium among others. The molecular and clinical manifestation of these remote organs injury may lead to the multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, frequently encountered in these patients. Remote organ injury seems to be in part the result of the oxidative burst and the inflammatory response following reperfusion. The present paper aims to review the existing literature regarding the proposed mechanisms of remote organ injury after liver ischemia and reperfusion.
Idelalisib for the Treatment of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Khan Maliha , Saif Areeba , Sandler Steven , Mirrakhimov Aibek E.
Published: April 2014

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is the most common leukemia in the United States. It is a slowly progressive disease, with an 82% five-year survival rate. The treatment strategies are highly individualized with patients in the early and stable stages typically not requiring treatment. However, those with progressive or clinically advanced disease will require treatment. Cytotoxic drugs, such as the alkylating agents, purine nucleoside antagonists, and immunotherapeutic agents, have been the mainstay of chemotherapeutic treatment in CLL. However, given the lack of therapeutic specificity, these medications (especially older ones) have limited tolerability due to side effects. In this paper, we will discuss the data on the use of phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase inhibitor Idelalisib in the management of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The preclinical and clinical data thus far demonstrate that Idelalisib produces a dramatic and durable response in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and without causing significant toxicity. Moving forward, the ongoing clinical trials will help address the various questions currently being raised regarding the long-term application and safety of Idelalisib. With greater clinical experience following more widespread use of Idelalisib, we will be able to determine the optimal combination therapies in treatment-naïve and relapsed/refractory patients, resulting in more individualized therapeutic strategies for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
Early Vocabulary Development of Australian Indigenous Children: Identifying Strengths
Authors: Farrant Brad M. , Shepherd Carrington C. J. , Walker Roz D. , Pearson Glenn C.
Published: April 2014

The current study sought to increase our understanding of the factors involved in the early vocabulary development of Australian Indigenous children. Data from the Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children were available for 573 Indigenous children (291 boys) who spoke English (M=37.0 months, SD=5.4 months, at wave 3). Data were also available for 86 children (51 boys) who spoke an Indigenous language (M=37.1 months, SD=6.0 months, at wave 3). As hypothesised, higher levels of parent-child book reading and having more children’s books in the home were associated with better English vocabulary development. Oral storytelling in Indigenous language was a significant predictor of the size of children’s Indigenous vocabulary.
Dynamic Behavior of a One-Dimensional Wave Equation with Memory and Viscous Damping
Authors: Wang Jing
Published: April 2014

We study the dynamic behavior of a one-dimensional wave equation with both exponential polynomial kernel memory and viscous damping under the Dirichlet boundary condition. By introducing some new variables, the time-variant system is changed into a time-invariant one. The detailed spectral analysis is presented. It is shown that all eigenvalues of the
system approach a line that is parallel to the imaginary axis. The residual and continuous spectral sets are shown to be empty. The main result is the spectrum-determined growth condition that is
one of the most difficult problems for infinite-dimensional systems. Consequently, an exponential stability is concluded.
E3 Ubiquitin Ligase HOIP Attenuates Apoptotic Cell Death Induced by Cisplatin
Authors: MacKay Craig , Carroll Eilís , Ibrahim Adel F.M. , Garg Amit , Inman Gareth J. , Hay Ronald T. , Alpi Arno F.
Published: April 2014

The genotoxin cisplatin is commonly used in chemotherapy to treat solid tumors, yet our understanding of the mechanism underlying the drug response is limited. In a focused siRNA screen, using an siRNA library targeting genes involved in ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like signaling, we identified the E3 ubiquitin ligase HOIP as a key regulator of cisplatin-induced genotoxicity. HOIP forms, with SHARPIN and HOIL-1L, the linear ubiquitin assembly complex (LUBAC). We show that cells deficient in the HOIP ligase complex exhibit hypersensitivity to cisplatin. This is due to a dramatic increase in caspase-8/caspase-3–mediated apoptosis that is strictly dependent on ATM-, but not ATR-mediated DNA damage checkpoint activation. Moreover, basal and cisplatin-induced activity of the stress response kinase JNK is enhanced in HOIP-depleted cells and, conversely, JNK inhibition can increase cellular resistance to cisplatin and reverse the apoptotic hyperactivation in HOIP-depleted cells. Furthermore, we show that HOIP depletion sensitizes cancer cells, derived from carcinomas of various origins, through an enhanced apoptotic cell death response. We also provide evidence that ovarian cancer cells classified as cisplatin-resistant can regain sensitivity following HOIP downregulation. Cumulatively, our study identifies a HOIP-regulated antiapoptotic signaling pathway, and we envisage HOIP as a potential target for the development of combinatorial chemotherapies to potentiate the efficacy of platinum-based anticancer drugs. Cancer Res; 74(8); 2246–57. ©2014 AACR.
Distinguishing between Benign and Malignant Melanocytic Nevi by In Vivo Multiphoton Microscopy
Authors: Balu Mihaela , Kelly Kristen M. , Zachary Christopher B. , Harris Ronald M. , Krasieva Tatiana B. , König Karsten , Durkin Anthony J. , Tromberg Bruce J.
Published: April 2014

Monitoring of atypical nevi is an important step in early detection of melanoma, a clinical imperative in preventing the disease progression. Current standard diagnosis is based on biopsy and histopathologic examination, a method that is invasive and highly dependent upon physician experience. In this work, we used a clinical multiphoton microscope to image in vivo and noninvasively melanocytic nevi at three different stages: common nevi without dysplastic changes, dysplastic nevi with structural and architectural atypia, and melanoma. We analyzed multiphoton microscopy (MPM) images corresponding to 15 lesions (five in each group) both qualitatively and quantitatively. For the qualitative analysis, we identified the morphologic features characteristic of each group. MPM images corresponding to dysplastic nevi and melanoma were compared with standard histopathology to determine correlations between tissue constituents and morphology and to evaluate whether standard histopathology criteria can be identified in the MPM images. Prominent qualitative correlations included the morphology of epidermal keratinocytes, the appearance of nests of nevus cells surrounded by collagen fibers, and the structure of the epidermal–dermal junction. For the quantitative analysis, we defined a numerical multiphoton melanoma index (MMI) based on three-dimensional in vivo image analysis that scores signals derived from two-photon excited fluorescence, second harmonic generation, and melanocyte morphology features on a continuous 9-point scale. Indices corresponding to common nevi (0–1), dysplastic nevi (1–4), and melanoma (5–8) were significantly different (P < 0.05), suggesting the potential of the method to distinguish between melanocytic nevi in vivo. Cancer Res; 74(10); 2688–97. ©2014 AACR.
A Novel CDK9 Inhibitor Shows Potent Antitumor Efficacy in Preclinical Hematologic Tumor Models
Authors: Yin Tinggui , Lallena Maria J. , Kreklau Emiko L. , Fales Kevin R. , Carballares Santiago , Torrres Raquel , Wishart Graham N. , Ajamie Rose T. , Cronier Damien M. , Iversen Phillip W. , Meier Timothy I. , Foreman Robert T. , Zeckner Douglas , Sissons Sean E. , Halstead Bart W. , Lin Aimee B. , Donoho Gregory P. , Qian Yuewei , Li Shuyu , Wu Song , Aggarwal Amit , Ye Xiang S. , Starling James J. , Gaynor Richard B. , de Dios Alfonso , Du Jian
Published: April 2014

DNA-dependent RNA polymerase II (RNAP II) largest subunit RPB1 C-terminal domain (CTD) kinases, including CDK9, are serine/threonine kinases known to regulate transcriptional initiation and elongation by phosphorylating Ser 2, 5, and 7 residues on CTD. Given the reported dysregulation of these kinases in some cancers, we asked whether inhibiting CDK9 may induce stress response and preferentially kill tumor cells. Herein, we describe a potent CDK9 inhibitor, LY2857785, that significantly reduces RNAP II CTD phosphorylation and dramatically decreases MCL1 protein levels to result in apoptosis in a variety of leukemia and solid tumor cell lines. This molecule inhibits the growth of a broad panel of cancer cell lines, and is particularly efficacious in leukemia cells, including orthotopic leukemia preclinical models as well as in ex vivo acute myeloid leukemia and chronic lymphocytic leukemia patient tumor samples. Thus, inhibition of CDK9 may represent an interesting approach as a cancer therapeutic target, especially in hematologic malignancies. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(6); 1442–56. ©2014 AACR.
Hypoxic Stress Facilitates Acute Activation and Chronic Downregulation of Fanconi Anemia Proteins
Authors: Scanlon Susan E. , Glazer Peter M.
Published: April 2014

Hypoxia induces genomic instability through replication stress and dysregulation of vital DNA repair pathways. The Fanconi anemia (FA) proteins, FANCD2 and FANCI, are key members of a DNA repair pathway that responds to replicative stress, suggesting that they undergo regulation by hypoxic conditions. Here acute hypoxic stress activates the FA pathway via ubiquitination of FANCD2 and FANCI in an ATR-dependent manner. In addition, the presence of an intact FA pathway is required for preventing hypoxia-induced DNA damage measurable by the comet assay, limiting the accumulation of γH2AX (a marker of DNA damage or stalled replication), and protecting cells from hypoxia-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, prolonged hypoxia induces transcriptional repression of FANCD2 in a manner analogous to the hypoxic downregulation of BRCA1 and RAD51. Thus, hypoxia-induced FA pathway activation plays a key role in maintaining genome integrity and cell survival, while FA protein downregulation with prolonged hypoxia contributes to genomic instability.

Implications: This work highlights the critical role of the FA pathway in response to hypoxic stress and identifies the pathway as a therapeutic target under hypoxic conditions. Mol Cancer Res; 12(7); 1016–28. ©2014 AACR.
Reliability and Validity of the Italian Version of the Consensus Auditory-Perceptual Evaluation of Voice (CAPE-V)
Authors: Mozzanica F. , Ginocchio D. , Borghi E. , Bachmann C. , Schindler A.
Published: April 2014

Objectives: To evaluate the reliability and validity of the Italian version of the Consensus Auditory-Perceptual Evaluation of Voice (CAPE-V). Patients and Methods: Eighty dysphonic patients and 120 asymptomatic subjects were enrolled. The voice signal of each participant was recorded, listened to and rated by 3 licensed speech-language pathologists using the GRBAS scale and the Italian version of the CAPE-V. The intra- and interrater reliability of the CAPE-V was assessed as well as the degree of association between the CAPE-V and GRBAS judgments. The CAPE-V values were also compared between the patients with dysphonia and the asymptomatic subjects. Results: The intra- and interrater reliability appeared to be good for all the parameters except for the strain parameter. The attributes ‘consistent' and ‘intermittent' demonstrated optimal intra- and interrater reliability. The difference between pathological and control groups was significant for six perceptual parameters. The highest average correlation between GRBAS and CAPE-V judgments was found between overall severity and grade while the lowest was found between the two strain scales. CAPE-V profiles differed significantly between different pathological groups. Conclusion: The Italian version of CAPE-V appears to be a reliable and valid tool for the perceptual analysis of the voice signal.
Day-to-Day Variability in Home Blood Pressure Is Associated With Cognitive Decline
Authors: Matsumoto Akihiro , Satoh Michihiro , Kikuya Masahiro , Ohkubo Takayoshi , Hirano Mikio , Inoue Ryusuke , Hashimoto Takanao , Hara Azusa , Hirose Takuo , Obara Taku , Metoki Hirohito , Asayama Kei , Hosokawa Aya , Totsune Kazuhito , Hoshi Haruhisa , Hosokawa Toru , Sato Hiroshi , Imai Yutaka
Published: April 2014

Although an association between high blood pressure and cognitive decline has been reported, no studies have investigated the association between home blood pressure and cognitive decline. Home blood pressure measurements can also provide day-to-day blood pressure variability calculated as the within-participant SD. The objectives of this prospective study were to clarify whether home blood pressure has a stronger predictive power for cognitive decline than conventional blood pressure and to compare the predictive power of the averaged home blood pressure with day-to-day home blood pressure variability for cognitive decline. Of 485 participants (mean age, 63 years) who did not have cognitive decline (defined as Mini-Mental State Examination score, <24) initially, 46 developed cognitive decline after a median follow-up of 7.8 years. Each 1-SD increase in the home systolic blood pressure value showed a significant association with cognitive decline (odds ratio, 1.48;
P
=0.03). However, conventional systolic blood pressure was not significantly associated with cognitive decline (odds ratio, 1.24;
P
=0.2). The day-to-day variability in systolic blood pressure was significantly associated with cognitive decline after including home systolic blood pressure in the same model (odds ratio, 1.51;
P
=0.02), whereas the odds ratio of home systolic blood pressure remained positive, but it was not significant. Home blood pressure measurements can be useful for predicting future cognitive decline because they can provide information not only on blood pressure values but also on day-to-day blood pressure variability.
New Therapy via Targeting Androgen Receptor in Monocytes/Macrophages to Battle Atherosclerosis
Authors: Huang Chiung-Kuei , Pang Haiyan , Wang Lin , Niu Yuanjie , Luo Jie , Chang Eugene , Sparks Janet D. , Lee Soo Ok , Chang Chawnshang
Published: April 2014

The male sex has a higher risk to develop coronary artery diseases, including atherosclerosis. The androgen receptor (AR) is expressed in several atherosclerosis-associated cell types, including monocytes/macrophages, endothelial cells (ECs), and smooth muscle cells (SMCs), but its pathophysiological role in each cell type during the development of atherosclerotic lesions remains unclear. Using the Cre-loxP system, we selectively knocked out AR in these 3 cell types and the resultant AR knockout (ARKO) mice, monocyte/macrophage ARKO, EC-ARKO, and SMC-ARKO, were then crossed with the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) deficient (LDLR
−/−
) mice to develop monocyte/macrophage ARKO-LDLR
−/−
, EC-ARKO-LDLR
−/−
, and SMC-ARKO-LDLR
−/−
mice for the study of atherosclerosis. The results showed that the monocyte/macrophage ARKO-LDLR
−/−
mice had reduced atherosclerosis compared with the wild-type-LDLR
−/−
control mice. However, no significant difference was detected in EC-ARKO-LDLR
−/−
and SMC-ARKO-LDLR
−/−
mice compared with wild-type-LDLR
−/−
mice, suggesting that the AR in monocytes/macrophages, and not in ECs and SMCs, plays a major role to promote atherosclerosis. Molecular mechanism dissection suggested that AR in monocytes/macrophages upregulated the tumor necrosis factor-α, integrin β2, and lectin-type oxidized LDL receptor 1 molecules that are involved in 3 major inflammation-related processes in atherosclerosis, including monocytes/macrophages migration and adhesion to human umbilical vein ECs, and subsequent foam cell formation. Targeting AR via the AR degradation enhancer, ASC-J9, in wild-type-LDLR
−/−
mice showed similar effects as seen in monocyte/macrophage ARKO-LDLR
−/−
mice with little influence on lipid profile. In conclusion, the AR in monocytes/macrophages plays key roles in atherosclerosis and targeting AR with ASC-J9 may represent a new potential therapeutic approach to battle atherosclerosis.
Le français en Haïti, le français d’Haïti
Authors: Fattier Dominique
Published: April 2014

Focusing on French, I show how ecological factors influence language evolution. After explaining what the ecological approach consists of, I provide a chronological description of language contacts involving French in Saint-Domingue / Haïti. I focus on the various effects of these contacts, particularly on the emergence of a French-based creole thanks to speakers’ informal acquisition of French. After providing a description of the French spoken by the founding fathers of the ex-colony, I turn to different contributions by Haitians to representations and descriptions of French in Haiti. I conclude by providing some elements of Haiti’s modern sociolinguistic situation.
A New Method to Calibrate Shortwave Solar Radiation Measurements
Authors: Qiu Jinhuan , Xia Xiangao , Bai Jianghui , Wang Pucai , Zong Xuemei , Lu Daren
Published: April 2014

A method is proposed to simultaneously calibrate shortwave (0.3–4 μm) global, direct, and scattering solar irradiance (GSI, DSI, and SSI, respectively) measurements. The method uses the World Radiation Reference (WRR) as a calibration standard and on-site radiation measurements as inputs. Two simple but effective techniques are used in the calibration. The first is to scale SSI and GSI detection sensitivities under overcast skies, which is based on the assumption that SSI should be equal to GSI if DSI is completely scattered and absorbed. The second is a new method to retrieve aerosol optical thickness (AOT), using the ratio of horizontal DSI (HDSI) to GSI measurements under clear and clean conditions. Thereafter, retrieved AOTs are used to drive a radiative transfer model to calculate atmospheric transmittance and then a ratio of GSI to the transmittance. Deviation of this ratio to the WRR is regarded as an indicator of GSI uncertainty, and the calibration transfer coefficient is derived as the WRR ratio. The method is applied to calibrate radiation measurements at Xianghe, China, during 2005. It is estimated from the derived transfer coefficients on 36 clear and clean days that uncertainties of DSI, GSI, and SSI measurements are within −4.0% to 2.9%, −5.9% to 2.4%, and −6.1% to 4.9%, respectively. The calibration is further validated based on comparisons of AOT at 750 nm retrieved from HDSI/GSI to Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) AOT products. The maximum deviation between two AOT products is 0.026. The unique advantage of this method lies in its potential applications in correcting historic radiation measurements and monitoring radiometer performance.
Effect of a Bluetooth-Implemented Hearing Aid on Speech Recognition Performance
Authors: Kim Min-Beom , Chung Won-Ho , Choi Jeesun , Hong Sung Hwa , Cho Yang-Sun , Park Gyuseok , Lee Sangmin
Published: April 2014

Objectives:

The object was to evaluate speech perception improvement through Bluetooth-implemented hearing aids in hearing-impaired adults.

Methods:

Thirty subjects with bilateral symmetric moderate sensorineural hearing loss participated in this study. A Bluetooth-implemented hearing aid was fitted unilaterally in all study subjects. Objective speech recognition score and subjective satisfaction were measured with a Bluetooth-implemented hearing aid to replace the acoustic connection from either a cellular phone or a loudspeaker system. In each system, participants were assigned to 4 conditions: wireless speech signal transmission into hearing aid (wireless mode) in quiet or noisy environment and conventional speech signal transmission using external microphone of hearing aid (conventional mode) in quiet or noisy environment. Also, participants completed questionnaires to investigate subjective satisfaction.

Results:

Both cellular phone and loudspeaker system situation, participants showed improvements in sentence and word recognition scores with wireless mode compared to conventional mode in both quiet and noise conditions ( P < .001). Participants also reported subjective improvements, including better sound quality, less noise interference, and better accuracy naturalness, when using the wireless mode ( P < .001).

Conclusions:

Bluetooth-implemented hearing aids helped to improve subjective and objective speech recognition performances in quiet and noisy environments during the use of electronic audio devices.
Falsely elevated plasma selenium due to gadolinium contrast interference: a novel solution to a preanalytical problem
Authors: Ryan Joshua B , Grant Susan , Walmsley Trevor , Florkowski Christopher M , George Peter M
Published: April 2014

Background:

Trace elements are commonly measured by inductively coupled mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). A 30-year-old man had a plasma selenium (Se) concentration on ICP-MS of 66  µmol/L (reference interval 0.45–1.40), a potentially lethal level, despite no history of Se exposure or toxicity symptoms. He had earlier undergone magnetic resonance imaging with a gadolinium (Gd) contrast agent, which is known to interfere with Se on ICP-MS. We aimed to adjust our method by monitoring a second Se isotope that is unaffected by Gd to detect this preanalytical interference.

Methods:

Plasma samples referred for trace metal testing had Se measured on ICP-MS (monitoring 78Se), which we modified to also monitor a second isotope (82Se). The modified method was then applied to a specimen with known Gd contamination.

Results:

Plasma Se results ( n = 41) derived from monitoring the two different Se isotopes were similar with a good correlation ( R2 = 0.991) over a range of 0.23–2.21  µmol/L. On repeat analysis, our patient had a Se concentration of 65  µmol/L using the 78Se isotope but only 1.43  µmol/L using 82Se.

Conclusion:

To avoid reporting a falsely elevated plasma Se result, we suggest that Se analysis by ICP-MS should include a second Se isotope for monitoring, that is not subject to Gd interference.
‘We didn’t bring the treasure of Pharaoh’: Skilled migrants’ experiences of employment seeking and settling in Australia
Authors: Rynderman John , Flynn Catherine
Published: April 2014

Australia has an established history of migration from the Middle East. In recent years, however, the emergence of international terrorism has defined those from that area as the new enemy; yet we do not fully understand the impact of this on the settlement experiences of migrants from that region. Given Australia’s migration pattern is dominated by skilled migration, this exploratory study sought to investigate how a small sample of self-selected skilled migrants from the Middle East experienced job seeking and settlement in Melbourne, Australia. Seven individuals participated in semi-structured interviews during July–August 2009. Thematic analysis revealed that participants had high, but ultimately unfulfilled, expectations for life and employment in Australia. Those immigrating with families experienced initial difficulties securing stable and suitable housing. The majority of participants struggled to find equivalent employment. This was seen to be influenced by their lack of both local qualifications and experience; differing cultural expectations about behaviour in job interviews was also an issue raised as influential. These challenges, combined with lack of government support, led to social isolation, psychological vulnerability and financial hardship.
Strength of cellulosic fiber/starch acetate composites with variable fiber and plasticizer content
Authors: Joffe Roberts , Madsen Bo , Nättinen Kalle , Miettinen Arttu
Published: April 2014

In this experimental study, the performance of injection-molded short flax and hemp fibers in plasticized starch acetate were analyzed in terms of strength. Parameters involved in the analysis are a variable fiber and plasticizer content. The measured strength of the composites varies in the range of 12–51 MPa for flax fibers and 11–42 MPa for hemp fibers, which is significantly higher than the properties of the unreinforced starch acetate matrix. The micro-structural parameters used in modeling of composite strength were obtained from optical observations and indirect measurements. Some of these parameters were qualitatively verified by X-ray microtomography.