bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance of Hybrid Steel Fibers Reinforced Concrete Subjected to Air Blast Loading
Authors: Yusof Mohammed Alias , Mohamad Nor Norazman , Ismail Ariffin , Choy Peng Ng , Mohd Sohaimi Risby , Yahya Muhammad Azani
Published: October 2013

This paper presents the results of the experimental data and simulation on the performance of hybrid steel fiber reinforced concrete (HSFRC) and also normal reinforced concrete (NRC) subjected to air blast loading. HSFRC concrete mix consists of a combination of 70% long steel hook end fibre and also 30% of short steel hook end fibre with a volume fraction of 1.5% mix. A total of six concrete panels were subjected to air blast using plastic explosive (PE4) weighing 1 kg each at standoff distance of 0.3 meter. The parameters measured are mode of failure under static and blast loading and also peak overpressure that resulted from detonation using high speed data acquisition system. In addition to this simulation work using AUTODYN was carried out and validated using experimental data. The experimental results indicate that hybrid steel fiber reinforced concrete panel (HSFRC) possesses excellent resistance to air blast loading as compared to normal reinforced concrete (NRC) panel. The simulation results were also found to be close with experimental data. Therefore the results have been validated using experimental data.
Effect of Protein Oxidation on the Conformational Properties of Peanut Protein Isolate
Authors: Ye Lin , Liao Yu , Zhao Mouming , Sun Weizheng
Published: October 2013

Peanut protein isolate (PPI) was oxidized by peroxyl radicals derived from 2,2′‐azobis (2‐amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH), and the conformational properties of oxidized PPI were investigated. Oxidation of PPI resulted in gradual carbonyl generation and free sulfydryl group degradation. The analysis of the maximum emission wavelength indicated change in the tertiary conformation of PPI after oxidation. Lower level oxidation could generate soluble protein aggregates with more flexible structure, while higher level oxidation would induce the formation of insoluble aggregates. Result from dynamic light scattering (DLS) and protein solubility showed that protein aggregation was correlated with protein surface hydrophobicity, indicating that protein oxidation and heat treatment could induce protein aggregation, leading to PPI conformational changes.
Effects of Metoprolol and Nebivolol on Exercise Blood Pressure in Patients with Mild Hypertension
Authors: Yazici Huseyin Ugur , Ozduman Hande , Aydar Yuksel , Birdane Alparslan
Published: October 2013

Objectives. We planned to compare the impact of two beta blockers, metoprolol and nebivolol, on arterial blood pressure during exercise in patients with mild hypertension. Methods. A total of 60 patients (13 males, 47 females; mean age: 54.3 ± 10.7
years) were enrolled in the present study. The patients were randomly selected to receive either nebivolol 5 mg/day (n = 30) or metoprolol 50 mg/day (n = 30) for 8 weeks. At the end of the 8th week, each of the patients received exercise stress test according to Bruce protocol and their blood pressures were remeasured after rest, exercise, and recovery. Results. Blood pressures were determined to be similar between metoprolol and nebivolol groups during rest, exercise, and recovery periods. Metoprolol and nebivolol achieved similar reductions in blood pressures during rest and exercise. However, five patients in nebivolol group and four patients in metoprolol group developed exaggerated BP response to exercise but the difference between metoprolol and nebivolol was not meaningful (P = 0.37). Conclusion. The results of the present study showed that metoprolol and nebivolol established comparable effects on the control of blood pressures during exercise in the patients with mild hypertensions.
Recommendation in Motion: Intelligent Hypertouch Garment Design
Authors: Liang Shuang , Baciu George , Li Rong-Hua , Jia Jinyuan , Zhang Jianhua
Published: October 2013

Intelligent CAD garment design becomes more and more popular by attracting the attentions from both manufacturers and professional stylists. The existing garment CAD systems and clothing simulation software fail to provide user-friendly interfaces as well as dynamic recommendation during the garment creation process. In this paper, we propose an intelligent hypertouch garment design system, which dynamically predicts the possible solutions along with the intelligent design procedure. User behavioral information and dynamic shape matching are used to learn and predict the desired garment patterns. We also propose a new hypertouch concept of gesture-based interaction for our system. We evaluate our system with a prototype platform. The results show that our system is effective, robust, and easy to use for quick garment design.
Proteomic Profiling Reveals Upregulated Protein Expression of Hsp70 in Keloids
Authors: Lee Ju Hee , Shin Jung U. , Jung Inhee , Lee Hemin , Rah Dong Kyun , Jung Jin Young , Lee Won Jai
Published: October 2013

Background.The biochemical characteristics of keloid-derived fibroblasts differ from those of adjacent normal fibroblasts, and these differences are thought to be the cause of abnormal fibrosis. Therefore, we investigated the characteristic proteins that are differentially expressed in keloid-derived fibroblasts using proteomics tools.Objective.We attempted to investigate the novel proteins that play important roles in the pathophysiology of keloids.Methods.Proteomics analysis was performed to identify differentially expressed proteins in keloid-derived fibroblasts. Keloid-derived fibroblasts and adjacent normal fibroblasts were analyzed with 2-DAGE. We validated these proteins with immunoblot analysis, real-time RT-PCR, and immunohistochemistry.Results.Sixteen differentially expressed protein spots were identified in keloid-derived fibroblasts. Among them, heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) was specifically upregulated in keloid-derived fibroblasts. Also, immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis revealed increased Hsp70, TGF-β, and PCNA expressions in keloids compared to normal tissue.Conclusion.Hsp70 is overexpressed in keloid fibroblasts and tissue. The overexpression of Hsp70 may be involved in the pathogenesis of keloids, and the inhibition of Hsp70 could be a new therapeutic tool for the treatment of keloids.
A Comparative Histochemical Study of Mucous Cells in Odontogenic Cysts
Authors: Carim Ridwaana , Mahomed Farzana
Published: October 2013

The diagnosis of a glandular odontogenic cyst (GOC) on an incisional biopsy continues to remain a diagnostic challenge for the histopathologist. A marker for distinguishing GOC from odontogenic cysts with mucous metaplasia is thus needed in routine pathology practice. This study aimed to determine the histochemical composition of the mucous cells in the GOC and to compare the findings with the mucous cells in odontogenic cysts that show overlapping histomorphological features with the GOC. GOCs (), dentigerous cysts (DCs) (), and radicular cysts (RCs) () with mucous metaplasia were stained using the combined alcian blue(pH 2.5)-PAS histochemical technique. The cysts were evaluated for the frequencies of acidic- (type I), neutral- (type II) and mixed- (acidic and neutral (type III)) mucin containing cells. Significant differences were found between the levels of type I, type II, and type III mucous cells within the 3 cyst types, GOC (), DC (), and RC (), which all showed a predominance of type III mucous cells. There were, however, no significant differences for each mucous cell type between the 3 cyst types. GOC thus appears to share the same histochemical mucin phenotype with the mucous cells in DC and RC.
Explicit Solutions of Singular Differential Equation by Means of Fractional Calculus Operators
Authors: Yilmazer Resat , Ozturk Okkes
Published: October 2013

Recently, several authors demonstrated the usefulness of fractional calculus operators in the derivation of particular solutions of a considerably large number of linear ordinary and partial differential equations of the second and higher orders. By means of fractional calculus techniques, we find explicit solutions of second-order linear ordinary differential equations.
BCG and BCG/DNAhsp65 Vaccinations Promote Protective Effects without Deleterious Consequences for Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Authors: Zorzella-Pezavento Sofia Fernanda Gonçalves , Guerino Clara Pires Fujiara , Chiuso-Minicucci Fernanda , França Thais Graziela Donegá , Ishikawa Larissa Lumi Watanabe , Masson Ana Paula , Silva Célio Lopes , Sartori Alexandrina
Published: October 2013

A prime-boost strategy conserving BCG is considered the most promising vaccine to control tuberculosis. A boost with a DNA vaccine containing the mycobacterial gene of a heat shock protein (pVAXhsp65) after BCG priming protected mice against experimental tuberculosis. However, anti-hsp65 immunity could worsen an autoimmune disease due to molecular mimicry. In this investigation, we evaluated the effect of a previous BCG or BCG/pVAXhsp65 immunization on experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) development. Female Lewis rats were immunized with BCG or BCG followed by pVAXhsp65 boosters. The animals underwent EAE induction and were daily evaluated for weight loss and clinical score. They were euthanized during recovery phase to assess immune response and inflammatory infiltration at the central nervous system. Previous immunization did not aggravate or accelerate clinical score or weight loss. In addition, this procedure clearly decreased inflammation in the brain. BCG immunization modulated the host immune response by triggering a significant reduction in IL-10 and IFN-γlevels induced by myelin basic protein. These data indicated that vaccination protocols with BCG or BCG followed by boosters with pVAXhsp65 did not trigger a deleterious effect on EAE evolution.
Distribution and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern of Bacterial Pathogens Causing Urinary Tract Infection in Urban Community of Meerut City, India
Authors: Prakash Devanand , Saxena Ramchandra Sahai
Published: October 2013

Urinary tract infection is one of the common infections in the Indian community. Distribution and susceptibility of UTI-causing pathogens change according to time and place. This study was conducted to determine the distribution and antimicrobial susceptibility of uropathogens in the Indian community as well as to determine the effect of gender and age on the etiology of bacterial uropathogens. Clean catch midstream urine samples were collected from 288 patients of the age ranging from 15 to ≥48 years. Antimicrobial susceptibility was performed on all isolated bacteria by Kirby Bauer’s disc diffusion method. The multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index of each antibiotic was calculated. The UTI prevalence was 53.82% in patients; however, the prevalence was significantly higher in females than in males (females: 73.57%; males: 35.14%;P=0.000). Females within the age group of 26–36 years and elderly males of ≥48 years showed higher prevalence of UTI. Gram negative bacteria (90.32%) were found in high prevalence than Gram positive (9.68%).Escherichia coli(42.58%) was the most prevalent gram negative isolate. Nitrofurantoin (78.71%) was found the most resistant drug among all uropathogens. Tested carbapenems were found the most susceptible drug against isolated uropathogens which showed 92.26% and 84.52% susceptibility, respectively.
Microstructural Characterization of Natural Fibers: Etlingera elatior, Costus comosus, and Heliconia bihai
Authors: Navarro Cláudia I. T. , Paciornik Sidnei , d'Almeida José R. M.
Published: October 2013

This work describes the structural and morphological characteristics of fibers obtained from the stem of three ornamental plants, namely, Etlingera elatior, Costus comosus, and Heliconia bihai. The stems of these plants are long and nowadays do not have any use, being disregarded. The results obtained showed that the three fibers have a crystalline index of around 58% and are thermally stable to approximately 230°C, 240°C, and 255°C for E. elatior, C. comosus, and H. bihai, respectively. The fibers present an average humidity amount of less than 9% and the thermal degradation peak for the cellulose component varies from 358°C for E. elatior to 379°C for C. comosus. The morphological analysis showed that the fibers present a large variability of the shape of their cross-sections, which are preferentially elongated. These morphological characteristics were used to estimate the error made when one considers the fibers having a circular cross-section.
Certain Subclasses of Analytic Functions with Complex Order
Authors: Selvam A. , Sooriya Kala P. , Marikkannan N.
Published: October 2013

Two new subclasses of analytic functions of complex order are introduced. Apart from establishing coefficient bounds for these classes, we establish inclusion relationships involving (n‐δ) neighborhoods of analytic functions with negative coefficients belonging to these subclasses.
GLI1 Interferes with the DNA Mismatch Repair System in Pancreatic Cancer through BHLHE41-Mediated Suppression of MLH1
Authors: Inaguma Shingo , Riku Miho , Hashimoto Mitsuyoshi , Murakami Hideki , Saga Shinsuke , Ikeda Hiroshi , Kasai Kenji
Published: October 2013

The mismatch repair (MMR) system is indispensable for the fidelity of DNA replication, the impairment of which predisposes to the development and progression of many types of cancers. To date, GLI1 transcription factor, a key molecule of the Hedgehog signaling pathway, has been shown to regulate the expression of several genes crucial for a variety of cancer cell properties in many types of cancers, including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), but whether GLI1 could control the MMR system was not known. Here, we showed that GLI1 and GLI2 indirectly suppressed the expression of MLH1 in PDAC cells. Through GLI1 target gene screening, we found that GLI1 and GLI2 activated the expression of a basic helix-loop-helix type suppressor BHLHE41/DEC2/SHARP1 through a GLI-binding site in the promoter. Consistent with a previous report that BHLHE41 suppresses the MLH1 promoter activity, we found that the activation of GLI1 led to the BHLHE41-dependent suppression of MLH1, and a double knockdown of GLI1 and GLI2 conversely increased the MLH1 protein in PDAC cells. Using TALEN-based modification of the MLH1 gene, we further showed that GLI1 expression was indeed associated with an increased tolerance to a methylating agent, methylnitrosourea cooperatively with a lower copy number status of MLH1. Finally, GLI1 expression was immunohistochemically related positively with BHLHE41 and inversely with MLH1 in PDAC cells and precancerous lesions of the pancreas. On the basis of these results, we propose that GLI1 depresses the MMR activity and might contribute to the development and progression of PDAC. Cancer Res; 73(24); 7313–23. ©2013 AACR.
The Janus Kinases Inhibitor AZD1480 Attenuates Growth of Small Cell Lung Cancers In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Lee Jih-Hsiang , Park Kang-Seo , Alberobello Anna Teresa , Kallakury Bhaskar , Weng Meng-Tzu , Wang Yisong , Giaccone Giuseppe
Published: October 2013

Purpose: The prognosis of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is poor, and there has been very little progress in the medical treatment of SCLC in the past two decades. We investigated the potential of Janus-activated kinases (JAK) inhibitor, AZD1480, for treatment of SCLC in vitro and in vivo.

Experimental Design: JAK1 and JAK2 were inhibited by AZD1480 or siRNAs, and the effect of inhibition of JAK gene family on SCLC cell viability was evaluated. The effect of AZD1480 on cell-cycle distribution and apoptosis induction was studied. Antitumor effects of AZD1480 in tumor xenografts were assessed.

Results: AZD1480 significantly inhibited growth of six out of 13 SCLC cells with IC50s ranging from 0.73 to 3.08 μmol/L. Knocking down of JAK2 and JAK1 inhibited proliferation of Jak2-positive/Jak1-negative H82 cells and Jak1-positive/Jak2-negative GLC4 cells, respectively. Treatment of SCLC cells with AZD1480 for 24 hours resulted in an increase of 4N DNA content and histone 3 serine 10 phosphorylation, indicative of G2–M phase arrest. Moreover, SCLCs underwent apoptosis after AZD1480 treatment as exemplified by the downregulation of MCL1, the accumulation of cleaved caspase 3, cleaved PARP, and increase of annexin-V–positive cells. Finally, xenograft experiments showed that AZD1480 attenuated the growth of H82 and GLC4 tumors in mice, and we observed stronger apoptosis as well as decreased CD31-positive endothelial cells in H82 and GLC4 xenografts upon AZD1480 treatment.

Conclusions: JAK inhibitor AZD1480 attenuated growth of SCLC cells in vitro and in vivo. Clinical development of anti-JAKs therapies in SCLC warrants further investigation. Clin Cancer Res; 19(24); 6777–86. ©2013 AACR.
SIRT3: As Simple As It Seems?
Authors: Lombard David B. , Zwaans Bernadette M.M.
Published: October 2013

Identification of conserved pathways regulating longevity holds out the eventual possibility of pharmacologic health- and lifespan extension in humans. Members of the sirtuin deacetylase/ADP-ribosyltransferase/deacylase family extend longevity in invertebrates and promote various aspects of mammalian healthspan. The mitochondrial sirtuin SIRT3 deacetylates numerous proteins in this organelle, regulating mitochondrial functions and suppressing diverse age-associated pathologies. However, recent findings raise the possibility that SIRT3 may regulate some mitochondrial functions indirectly, rather than by direct deacetylation of specific mitochondrial substrates. Specifically, it has been found that SIRT3 promotes activities of the upstream mitochondrial regulators adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase and PGC1α. In addition, studies of tissue-specific SIRT3 knockouts suggest non-tissue-autonomous roles for SIRT3. Thus, mitochondrial regulation by SIRT3 is likely much more complex than initially appreciated, potentially involving both direct and indirect mechanisms. Unraveling these may reveal novel aspects of how the functional status of the mitochondria is communicated to the rest of the cell, and to the organism overall.
Clinical Features and Prognostic Factors in Severe Cutaneous Drug Reactions
Authors: Yang Min-Suk , Kang Min-Gyu , Jung Jae-Woo , Song Woo-Jung , Kang Hye-Ryun , Cho Sang-Heon , Min Kyung-Up
Published: October 2013

Background: Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs) include Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS). SJS and TEN (SJS/TEN) and DRESS are thought to be different diseases; however, they share some clinical and laboratory features. Although SCORTEN serves as an excellent prognostic marker for SJS/TEN, there is still a need for development of other prognostic markers for SCARs. Methods: The study population consisted of 88 SCAR patients. Clinical characteristics and clinical manifestations were compared between SJS/TEN and DRESS. Risk factor analyses for prolonged hospitalization were performed. Results: Of the 88 patients, 41 were SJS/TEN and 47 were DRESS. Mortality rates of TEN and DRESS were 9.8 and 2.1%, respectively. Allopurinol and carbamazepine were the most common causes of both SJS/TEN and DRESS (34.7 and 62.9%, respectively). Some of the systemic presentations, such as fever and laboratory abnormalities were common in both phenotypes. Thrombocytopenia tended to be related to prolonged hospitalization (longer than 3 weeks) in SJS/TEN (odds ratio, OR = 5.1, 95% confidence interval, CI 0.8-31.8, p = 0.076). In DRESS patients, leukocytosis at presentation (OR 4.8, 95% CI 1.1-20.3, p = 0.03) was related to prolonged hospitalization. Conclusions: Clinical features of SCARs in a tertiary hospital in Korea were similar to those reported previously. SJS/TEN and DRESS shared some clinical and laboratory features. Thrombocytopenia for SJS/TEN and leukocytosis at presentation for DRESS may be useful prognostic markers for prolonged hospitalization.
Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells Confer Tumor-Suppressive Functions on Natural Killer Cells via Polyinosinic:Polycytidylic Acid Treatment in Mouse Tumor Models
Authors: Shime Hiroaki , Kojima Ayako , Maruyama Akira , Saito Yusuke , Oshiumi Hiroyuki , Matsumoto Misako , Seya Tsukasa
Published: October 2013

Polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly I:C), a synthetic double-stranded RNA, acts on myeloid cells and induces potent antitumor immune responses including natural killer (NK) cell activation. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) systemically exist in tumor-bearing hosts and have strong immunosuppressive activity against antitumor effector cells, thereby dampening the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. Here we tested what happened in MDSCs in poly I:C-treated mice. NK-sensitive syngenic tumor (B16)-bearing C57BL/6 mice were employed for this study. Intraperitoneal poly I:C treatment induced MDSC activation, driving CD69 expression and interferon (IFN)-γ production in NK cells. IFN-γ directly inhibited proliferation of B16 cells. This NK cell priming led to growth retardation of B16 tumors, although no direct tumoricidal activity was induced in NK cells. Mechanistic analysis using KO mice and function-blocking monclonal antibody revealed that MDSCs produced IFN-α via the mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein (MAVS) pathway after in vivo administration of poly I:C, and activated NK cells through the IFNAR pathway. MDSC-mediated NK cell priming was reconstituted by IFN-α in a coculture system. Either the MAVS or IFNAR signaling pathway was required for activation of MDSCs that led to growth retardation of B16 tumor in vivo. The results infer that MDSC is a target of poly I:C to prime NK cells, which exert antitumor activity to NK-sensitive tumor cells.
Ganglioglioma of the Spinal Cord in Neurofibromatosis Type 1
Authors: Giussani Carlo , Isimbaldi Giuseppe , Massimino Maura , Trezza Andrea , Cianci Paola , Canonico Francesco , Sganzerla Erik P.
Published: October 2013

The oncologic involvement of the spinal cord in neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is not a typical feature of the disease. Here, we present a case of ganglioglioma of the spinal cord in a child with NF1 and try to define if this tumor can be considered coincidental or not. A 4-year-old boy affected by NF1 was diagnosed with a spinal cord-enhancing tumor extending from C4 to D3, with a disappearance in the T2 MRI sequences of the cerebrospinal fluid signal. The patient underwent a subtotal resection. The pathological exam revealed a ganglioglioma. To the best of our knowledge, only 1 other case of spinal cord ganglioglioma has been described in an NF1 patient. We suggest considering ganglioglioma in the differential diagnosis of an NF1 patient with a spinal cord tumor due to its favorable survival rate, especially in relation to the anatomical and surgical issues of this tumor that do not always entail a gross total resection.
Arteriovenous Fistula Aneurysm in Patients on Regular Hemodialysis: Prevalence and Risk Factors
Authors: Jankovic Aleksandar , Donfrid Branislav , Adam Jelena , Ilic Marjan , Djuric Zivka , Damjanovic Tatjana , Popovic Jovan , Popovic Gordana , Radojicic Zoran , Dimkovic Nada
Published: October 2013

Background/Aims: Compared to all other complications, literature data about vascular access aneurysm (VAA) are the scarcest. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the prevalence of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) aneurysms and to confirm the risk factors for their appearance. Methods: The presence, number and morphological characteristics of AVF aneurysms were confirmed, and according to the score of AVF aneurysm (the sum of the length and width in cm), patients were classified into group 1 (score ≤12) and group 2 (score >12). Analysis included the last data from the medical records including vascular calcifications score. Results: Out of 181 patients, 150 with native fistula were included in this study. Aneurysmatic changes were detected in 90 (60%) patients, and the majority had two or more aneurysms. VAA were more frequent in patients with adult polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) than in other diagnostic categories. By using forward stepwise logistic regression, we confirmed that patients on high-flux hemodialysis (HD) had 5.3-fold higher risk, and patients with diabetes mellitus had 5.8-fold less risk for developing AVF aneurysm. While vascular calcification score did not influence the incidence of VAA, higher PWV had significant negative influence on formation of AVF aneurysm (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.003-1.56, p = 0.047). By ROC curve analysis, it was determined that patients who were longer than 5.7 years on HD had greater risk for developing VAA (area = 0.741, p = 0.000). Conclusion: This single-center study confirmed the very high prevalence of VAA (60%). Aneurysms were more frequent in patients with ADPKD and in those who had longer dialysis vintage on high-flux membranes with higher blood flow rate.
Peroxisome Proliferator–Activated Receptor δ Agonist GW1516 Attenuates Diet-Induced Aortic Inflammation, Insulin Resistance, and Atherosclerosis in Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor Knockout Mice
Authors: Bojic Lazar A. , Burke Amy C. , Chhoker Sanjiv S. , Telford Dawn E. , Sutherland Brian G. , Edwards Jane Y. , Sawyez Cynthia G. , Tirona Rommel G. , Yin Hao , Pickering J. Geoffrey , Huff Murray W.
Published: October 2013

Objective—

The peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor (PPAR) δ regulates systemic lipid homeostasis and inflammation. However, the ability of PPARδ agonists to improve the pathology of pre-established lesions and whether PPARδ activation is atheroprotective in the setting of insulin resistance have not been reported. Here, we examine whether intervention with a selective PPARδ agonist corrects metabolic dysregulation and attenuates aortic inflammation and atherosclerosis.

Approach and Results—

Low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout mice were fed a chow or a high-fat, high-cholesterol (HFHC) diet (42% fat, 0.2% cholesterol) for 4 weeks. For a further 8 weeks, the HFHC group was fed either HFHC or HFHC plus GW1516 (3 mg/kg per day). GW1516 significantly attenuated pre-established fasting hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, and hyperinsulinemia, as well as glucose and insulin intolerance. GW1516 intervention markedly reduced aortic sinus lesions and lesion macrophages, whereas smooth muscle α-actin was unchanged and collagen deposition enhanced. In aortae, GW1516 increased the expression of the PPARδ-specific gene
Adfp
but not PPARα- or γ-specific genes. GW1516 intervention decreased the expression of aortic proinflammatory M1 cytokines, increased the expression of the anti-inflammatory M2 cytokine
Arg1
, and attenuated the
iNos
/
Arg1
ratio. Enhanced mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling, known to induce inflammatory cytokine expression in vitro, was enhanced in aortae of HFHC-fed mice. Furthermore, the HFHC diet impaired aortic insulin signaling through Akt and forkhead box O1, which was associated with elevated endoplasmic reticulum stress markers CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein homologous protein and 78kDa glucose regulated protein. GW1516 intervention normalized mitogen-activated protein kinase activation, insulin signaling, and endoplasmic reticulum stress.

Conclusions—

Intervention with a PPARδ agonist inhibits aortic inflammation and attenuates the progression of pre-established atherosclerosis.
Vitamin E Serum Levels and Bleeding Risk in Patients Receiving Oral Anticoagulant Therapy: a Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Pastori Daniele , Carnevale Roberto , Cangemi Roberto , Saliola Mirella , Nocella Cristina , Bartimoccia Simona , Vicario Tommasa , Farcomeni Alessio , Violi Francesco , Pignatelli Pasquale
Published: October 2013

Background

Hemorrhagic risk assessment is a crucial issue in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (
NVAF
) who are receiving oral anticoagulant therapy (
OAT
). Our aim was to analyze the relationship between vitamin E, which possesses anticoagulant properties, and bleeding events in
NVAF
patients.

Methods and Results

In this retrospective observational study we analyzed baseline serum cholesterol‐adjusted vitamin E (vit E/chol) levels in 566 consecutive patients (59% males, mean age 73.6 years) receiving
OAT
followed up for a mean time of 22 months. Mean time in therapeutic
INR
range (
TTR
) was 64%. The overall incidence rate of any bleeding event was 9.2/100 person‐years. Compared to patients who did not bleed, those who experienced bleeding events (n=92, 73 minor and 15 major bleedings and 4 cerebral hemorrhages according to International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis [
ISTH
] ) classification) showed a significant difference for history of coronary heart disease (
P
=0.039),
HAS
‐
BLED
score (
P
=0.002), and vit E/chol levels (
P
<0.001). Higher vit E/chol serum levels were found in patients who bled compared to those who did not (5.27±1.93 versus 4.48±1.97 μmol/cholesterol;
P
<0.001), with a progressive increase from minor (5.16±1.91 μmol/mmol cholesterol,
P
=0.006) to major bleedings (5.72±2.0 μmol/mmol cholesterol,
P
=0.008). A Cox proportional hazard model demonstrated that serum vit E/chol quartiles (global
P
=0.0189) and
HAS
‐
BLED
scores (
P
=0.005) predicted bleeding events.

Conclusions

In a
NVAF
population being treated with warfarin, serum vitamin E predicted hemorrhagic events. Further study is necessary to see if the relationship between serum levels of vitamin E and bleeding is still maintained with the use of new anticoagulants.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
: ClinicalTrials.gov. Unique identifier
NCT
01882114.
Spontaneous Mentalizing Predicts the Fundamental Attribution Error
Authors: Moran Joseph M. , Jolly Eshin , Mitchell Jason P.
Published: October 2013

When explaining the reasons for others' behavior, perceivers often overemphasize underlying dispositions and personality traits over the power of the situation, a tendency known as the fundamental attribution error. One possibility is that this bias results from the spontaneous processing of others' mental states, such as their momentary feelings or more enduring personality characteristics. Here, we use fMRI to test this hypothesis. Participants read a series of stories that described a target's ambiguous behavior in response to a specific social situation and later judged whether that act was attributable to the target's internal dispositions or to external situational factors. Neural regions consistently associated with mental state inference—especially, the medial pFC—strongly predicted whether participants later made dispositional attributions. These results suggest that the spontaneous engagement of mentalizing may underlie the biased tendency to attribute behavior to dispositional over situational forces.
Contributions to the classification of North American Microctonus (Braconidae, Euphorinae)
Authors: PUCCI THOMAS M.
Published: October 2013

The 31 species of Microctonus Wesmael that occur in North America are taxonomically treated. Six are described as new: M. cappilicrus, M. gouleti, M. passi, M. portalensis, M. rotundatus, and M. sharkeyi. Microctonus zimmermanni Loan is considered a junior synonym of M. brevipetiolatus (Thomson) and M. barri Loan is considered a junior synonym of M. muesebecki Loan. The European Perilitus alticae Haeselbarth is given the new name M. haeselbarthi. Microctonus nigritus (Provancher) is considered a nomen dubium. A key to the species, a list of hosts, and images are provided.
A new Lobosceliana Dirsh species (Orthoptera: Pamphagidae: Porthetinae) from coastal Tanzania, East Africa
Authors: HEMP CLAUDIA
Published: October 2013

A new flightless species of Lobosceliana is described from coastal Tanzania, East Africa. This is the first species within this genus with shortened wings in the male sex. The antennal formula is special in this species as well since it differs from that of other Lobosceliana species, questioning the systematic value of the number of antennal segments in Porthetinae as a useful generic character.
Statistical Emulation of Climate Model Projections Based on Precomputed GCM Runs*
Authors: Castruccio Stefano , McInerney David J. , Stein Michael L. , Liu Crouch Feifei , Jacob Robert L. , Moyer Elisabeth J.
Published: October 2013

The authors describe a new approach for emulating the output of a fully coupled climate model under arbitrary forcing scenarios that is based on a small set of precomputed runs from the model. Temperature and precipitation are expressed as simple functions of the past trajectory of atmospheric CO2 concentrations, and a statistical model is fit using a limited set of training runs. The approach is demonstrated to be a useful and computationally efficient alternative to pattern scaling and captures the nonlinear evolution of spatial patterns of climate anomalies inherent in transient climates. The approach does as well as pattern scaling in all circumstances and substantially better in many; it is not computationally demanding; and, once the statistical model is fit, it produces emulated climate output effectively instantaneously. It may therefore find wide application in climate impacts assessments and other policy analyses requiring rapid climate projections.
The Blended Language of Partisanship in the 2012 Presidential Campaign
Authors: Hart Roderick P. , Lind Colene J.
Published: October 2013

Here, we track the language patterns of Mitt Romney and other Republican candidates during 2008 and 2012 and contrast them with their Democratic counterparts to better understand the language of partisanship in the U.S. We employ DICTION ( www.dictionsoftware.com ), an automated text-analysis tool, to process some 8,000 campaign documents. We find (a) that Mitt Romney was an unconventional Republican in 2012 (but not in 2008); (b) that Romney employed both “Republican” and “Democratic” language and did so to good effect (both in the primaries and in the general election); (c) that Barack Obama matched Romney in these ways, departing sharply from his own 2008 campaign style; and (d) that the candidates increasingly resembled one another as election day approached. We conclude that, no matter what their party of origin, all national politicians must be versed in the Democratic/Republican lexicon, a requirement that distinguishes the American political ethos.
Genetic Networks in Osseointegration
Authors: Nishimura I.
Published: October 2013

Osseointegration-based dental implants have become a well-accepted treatment modality for complete and partial edentulism. The success of this treatment largely depends on the stable integration and maintenance of implant fixtures in alveolar bone; however, the molecular and cellular mechanisms regulating this unique tissue reaction have not yet been fully uncovered. Radiographic and histologic observations suggest the sustained retention of peri-implant bone without an apparent susceptibility to catabolic bone remodeling; therefore, implant-induced bone formation continues to be intensively investigated. Increasing numbers of whole-genome transcriptome studies suggest complex molecular pathways that may play putative roles in osseointegration. This review highlights genetic networks related to bone quality, the transient chondrogenic phase, the vitamin D axis, and the peripheral circadian rhythm to elute the regulatory mechanisms underlying the establishment and maintenance of osseointegration.
Patient-specific Analysis of Periodontal and Peri-implant Microbiomes
Authors: Dabdoub S.M. , Tsigarida A.A. , Kumar P.S.
Published: October 2013

Periodontally involved teeth have been implicated as ‘microbial reservoirs’ in the etiology of peri-implant diseases. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to use a deep-sequencing approach to identify the degree of congruence between adjacent peri-implant and periodontal microbiomes in states of health and disease. Subgingival and peri-implant biofilm samples were collected from 81 partially edentulous individuals with periodontal and peri-implant health and disease. Bacterial DNA was isolated, and the 16S rRNA gene was amplified and sequenced by pyrotag sequencing. Chimera-depleted sequences were compared against a locally hosted curated database for bacterial identification. Statistical significance was determined by paired Student’s t tests between tooth-implant pairs. The 1.9 million sequences identified represented 523 species. Sixty percent of individuals shared less than 50% of all species between their periodontal and peri-implant biofilms, and 85% of individuals shared less than 8% of abundant species between tooth and implant. Additionally, the periodontal microbiome demonstrated significantly higher diversity than the implant, and distinct bacterial lineages were associated with health and disease in each ecosystem. Analysis of our data suggests that simple geographic proximity is not a sufficient determinant of colonization of topographically distinct niches, and that the peri-implant and periodontal microbiomes represent microbiologically distinct ecosystems.
Release of Bone Markers in Immediately Loaded and Nonloaded Dental Implants
Authors: Prati A.J. , Casati M.Z. , Ribeiro F.V. , Cirano F.R. , Pastore G.P. , Pimentel S.P. , Casarin R.C.V.
Published: October 2013

The aim of this study was to compare the release of bone markers during osseointegration of immediately loaded and nonloaded implants. Forty patients who were indicated for rehabilitation with dental implants randomly received either implant and prosthesis placement within 72 hours (group IM) or implant insertion and no prosthesis placement (group NL). Peri-implant crevicular fluid was collected immediately after implant insertion and 7, 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 days after surgery and levels of osteoprotegerin, transforming growth factors, osteocalcin, osteopontin, and parathyroid hormone were evaluated using Luminex assay. Bleeding index and peri-implantar sulcus depth were also evaluated. The data were compared using statistical tests ( α = 5%). No statistical difference was found regarding demographic and clinical parameters ( p > .05). Transforming growth factors, osteoprotegerin, osteopontin, and parathyroid hormone presented an earlier release peak in group IM than in NL group ( p < .05). Osteocalcin achieved higher levels in group IM versus group NL between 7 and 30 days of evaluation ( p < .05). It may be concluded that earlier loading positively modulates bone mediators release around immediately loaded implants when compared with nonloaded dental implants (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01909999).
Ridge Alterations Post-extraction in the Esthetic Zone
Authors: Chappuis V. , Engel O. , Reyes M. , Shahim K. , Nolte L.-P. , Buser D.
Published: October 2013

Dimensional alterations of the facial bone wall following tooth extractions in the esthetic zone have a profound effect on treatment outcomes. This prospective study in 39 patients is the first to investigate three-dimensional (3D) alterations of facial bone in the esthetic zone during the initial 8 wks following flapless tooth extraction. A novel 3D analysis was carried out, based on 2 consecutive cone beam computed tomographies (CBCTs). A risk zone for significant bone resorption was identified in central areas, whereas proximal areas yielded only minor changes. Correlation analysis identified a facial bone wall thickness of ≤ 1 mm as a critical factor associated with the extent of bone resorption. Thin-wall phenotypes displayed pronounced vertical bone resorption, with a median bone loss of 7.5 mm, as compared with thick-wall phenotypes, which decreased by only 1.1 mm. For the first time, 3D analysis has allowed for documentation of dimensional alterations of the facial bone wall in the esthetic zone of humans following extraction. It also characterized a risk zone prone to pronounced bone resorption in thin-wall phenotypes. Vertical bone loss was 3.5 times more severe than findings reported in the existing literature.
A Retrospective Study of Implant–Abutment Connections on Crestal Bone Level
Authors: Lin M.-I. , Shen Y.-W. , Huang H.-L. , Hsu J.-T. , Fuh L.-J.
Published: October 2013

This study compared the effects of external hex, internal octagon, and internal Morse taper implant–abutment connections on the peri-implant bone level before and after the occlusal loading of dental implants. Periapical radiographs of 103 implants (63 patients) placed between 2002 and 2010 were collected, digitized, standardized, and classified into groups based on the type of implant–abutment connection. These radiographs were then analyzed with image-processing software to measure the peri-implant crestal bone change during the healing phase (4 months after implant placement) and at loading phases 1 and 2 (3 and 6 months after occlusal loading, respectively). A generalized estimating equation method was employed for statistical analysis. The amount of peri-implant crestal bone change differed significantly among all time–phase pairs for all 3 types of implant–abutment connection, being greater in the healing phase than in loading phase 1 or 2. However, the peri-implant crestal bone change did not differ significantly among the 3 types of implant–abutment connections during the healing phase, loading phase 1, or loading phase 2. This retrospective clinical study reveals that the design of the implant–abutment connection appears to have no significant impact on short-term peri-implant crestal bone change.
Philemon and Baucis, Diogenes and syllogomania, Wischnewski and hypothermia – Gastric mucosal lesions in partially mummified bodies
Authors: Živković Vladimir , Nikolić Slobodan
Published: October 2013

We present a case of two brothers who died simultaneously, where their deaths could be considered to be a form of a Philemon and Baucis death; they also showed signs of Diogenes syndrome and syllogomania. The two brothers had been living in a socially isolated state and had not left their flat for months. They were found dead during the winter, in a flat with no heating. Taking the poor condition of the flat into consideration, it can be assumed that a draught existed and, therefore, the bodies were exposed to convection, that is, ventilation and low humidity, which is what caused partial mummification to the exposed areas of the body. The exact cause of death could not be determined due to the postmortem changes; however, there was very little to point to homicide or suicide as the manner of death. Despite these postmortem changes, the Wischnewski spots remained clearly visible, whose presence, in addition to the overall circumstances of the case, indicate that hypothermia could be a possible or at least contributing cause of death in both cases.
Incorporating Sociology into Community Service Classes
Authors: Hochschild Thomas R. , Farley Matthew , Chee Vanessa
Published: October 2013

Sociologists and instructors who teach about community service share an affinity for understanding and addressing social problems. While many studies have demonstrated the benefits of incorporating community service into sociology courses, we examine the benefits of incorporating sociological content into community service classes. The authors supplemented a community service course at a large public university with sociological theories, concepts, and analyses. Our data suggest that this integration increased student understanding of the social structural factors that adversely affect the populations they served, sharpened student awareness of the various forms of prejudice and discrimination against these populations, enhanced student appreciation of their own privilege within the community service continuum, and facilitated student awareness of how understanding the plight of populations in need makes community servants more capable and humane. We argue that with the rapid growth of interest in community service across college campuses, sociologists are ideally situated to provide beneficial training outside the confines of their classrooms.
Zero Dark Thirty and the Critical Challenges Posed by Populist Postfeminism During the Global War on Terrorism
Authors: Hasian Marouf
Published: October 2013

This essay provides readers with a feminist critique of the movie Zero Dark Thirty. The film’s producers, Kathryn Bigelow and Mark Boal, have marketed this visual artifact as a liberating cinematic representation that shows how a dedicated woman led the manhunt for Osama bin Laden, but the author argues that this is more of a populist, postfeminist representation that advances militarist causes. The essay provides readers with illustrations of how the film’s leading protagonist, Maya, is used in ways that reinforce structural patriarchy that deflects attention away from the larger problematics of harsh interrogations and military interventionism.
Man Tears and Masculinities: News Coverage of John Boehner’s Tearful Episodes
Authors: Gesualdi Maxine
Published: October 2013

John Boehner, speaker of the United States House of Representatives, has become known for tearful episodes during important interviews and events. Because of his role and ensuing media scrutiny, his crying made headlines due to its violation of norms of hegemonic masculinities. This study explores news themes related to Boehner’s behavior to discover how media discourse upholds or resists notions of privileged expressions of masculinity. A qualitative discourse analysis of newspaper coverage of Boehner’s tearful appearance on 60 Minutes found three dominant themes: crying as redefining masculinity, crying and the gender double standard, and crying and political fallout. The results add to the growing body of masculinity studies by illuminating how mass media perpetuate narrow constructions of gender.
HIV-specific unsupportive social interactions, health, and ethnicity in men living with HIV
Authors: Fekete Erin M. , Deichert Nathan T. , Williams Stacey L.
Published: October 2013

Individuals living with HIV experience higher rates of stigmatizing social interactions that may negatively impact psychological and physical health. We examined depressive symptoms as a mediator of the relationship between HIV-specific unsupportive social interactions (USIs) and health behaviors in 87 Black and White men living with HIV (MLWH). We also examined ethnicity as a moderator of this model. Depressive symptoms were an indirect mechanism through which HIV-specific USIs explained poorer health behaviors. The indirect effects between disconnecting USI, more depressive symptoms, and poorer health behaviors were significant for Black men but not for White men. Depressive symptoms may be one pathway through which USI are associated with physical health, and disconnecting USI may be particularly detrimental for Black MLWH.
A geometrically implicit time-stepping method for multibody systems with intermittent contact
Authors: Chakraborty Nilanjan , Berard Stephen , Akella Srinivas , Trinkle JC
Published: October 2013

Accurate dynamic simulation with robust handling of intermittent contact is necessary for a wide range of robotics problems, including the design of parts feeding devices, manipulation and kinodynamic planning, and designing grasp strategies. In this paper we present an implicit time-stepping scheme for dynamic simulation of multibody systems with intermittent contact by incorporating the contact constraints as a set of complementarity and algebraic equations within the dynamics model. We model each body as an intersection of convex inequalities and write the contact constraints as complementarity constraints between the contact force and a distance function dependent on the closest points on the bodies. The closest points satisfy a set of algebraic constraints obtained from the Karush–Kuhn–Tucker (KKT) conditions of the minimum distance problem. We prove that these algebraic equations and the complementarity constraints taken together ensure satisfaction of the contact constraints. This enables us to formulate a geometrically implicit time-stepping scheme (i.e. we do not need to approximate the distance function) as a nonlinear complementarity problem. The resulting time-stepper is therefore more accurate and does not rely on a closed-form distance function. We demonstrate through example simulations the fidelity of this approach to analytical solutions and previously described simulation and experimental results.