bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Apoptosis Induction byPolygonum minusIs Related to Antioxidant Capacity, Alterations in Expression of Apoptotic-Related Genes, and S-Phase Cell Cycle Arrest in HepG2 Cell Line
Authors: Mohd Ghazali Mohd Alfazari , Al-Naqeb Ghanya , Krishnan Selvarajan Kesavanarayanan , Hazizul Hasan Mizaton , Adam Aishah
Published: May 2014

Polygonum minus(Polygonaceae) is a medicinal herb distributed throughout eastern Asia. The present study investigated antiproliferative effect ofP. minusand its possible mechanisms. Four extracts (petroleum ether, methanol, ethyl acetate, and water) were prepared by cold maceration. Extracts were subjected to phytochemical screening, antioxidant, and antiproliferative assays; the most bioactive was fractionated using vacuum liquid chromatography into seven fractions (F1–F7). Antioxidant activity was measuredviatotal phenolic content (TPC), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Antiproliferative activity was evaluated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Most active fraction was tested for apoptosis induction and cell cycle arrest in HepG2 cells using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. Apoptotic-related gene expression was studied by RT-PCR. Ethyl acetate extract was bioactive in initial assays. Its fraction, F7, exhibited highest antioxidant capacity (TPC;113.16±6.2 mg GAE/g extract, DPPH;EC50:30.5±3.2 μg/mL, FRAP;1169±20.3 μmol Fe (II)/mg extract) and selective antiproliferative effect (IC50:25.75±1.5 μg/mL). F7 induced apoptosis in concentration- and time-dependent manner and caused cell cycle arrest at S-phase. Upregulation of proapoptotic genes (Bax,p53, andcaspase-3) and downregulation of antiapoptotic gene,Bcl-2, were observed. In conclusion, F7 was antiproliferative to HepG2 cells by inducing apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, andviaantioxidative effects.
Genetic Divergence, Implication of Diversity, and Conservation of Silkworm,Bombyx mori
Authors: Bindroo Bharat Bhusan , Manthira Moorthy Shunmugam
Published: May 2014

Genetic diversity is critical to success in any crop breeding and it provides information about the quantum of genetic divergence and serves a platform for specific breeding objectives. It is one of the three forms of biodiversity recognized by the World Conservation Union (IUCN) as deserving conservation. SilkwormBombyx mori, an economically important insect, reported to be domesticated over 5000 years ago by human to meet his requirements. Genetic diversity is a particular concern because greater genetic uniformity in silkworm can increase vulnerability to pests and diseases. Hence, maintenance of genetic diversity is a fundamental component in long-term management strategies for genetic improvement of silkworm which is cultivated by millions of people around the worlds for its lusture silk. In this paper genetic diversity studies carried out in silkworm using divergent methods (quantitative traits and biochemical and molecular markers) and present level of diversity and factors responsible for loss of diversity are discussed.
Point-Symmetric Multivariate Density Function and Its Decomposition
Authors: Iki Kiyotaka , Tomizawa Sadao
Published: May 2014

For aT-variate density function, the present paper defines the point-symmetry, quasi-point-symmetry of orderk(<T), and the marginal point-symmetry of orderkand gives the theorem that the density function isT-variate point-symmetric if and only if it is quasi-point-symmetric and marginal point-symmetric of orderk. The theorem is illustrated for the multivariate normal density function.
A Generalization Belief Propagation Decoding Algorithm for Polar Codes Based on Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Zhang Yingxian , Liu Aijun , Pan Xiaofei , He Shi , Gong Chao
Published: May 2014

We propose a generalization belief propagation (BP) decoding algorithm based on particle swarm optimization (PSO) to improve the performance of the polar codes. Through the analysis of the existing BP decoding algorithm, we first introduce a probability modifying factor to each node of the BP decoder, so as to enhance the error correcting capacity of the decoding. Then, we generalize the BP decoding algorithm based on these modifying factors and drive the probability update equations for the proposed decoding. Based on the new probability update equations, we show the intrinsic relationship of the existing decoding algorithms. Finally, in order to achieve the best performance, we formulate an optimization problem to find the optimal probability modifying factors for the proposed decoding algorithm. Furthermore, a method based on the modified PSO algorithm is also introduced to solve that optimization problem. Numerical results show that the proposed generalization BP decoding algorithm achieves better performance than that of the existing BP decoding, which suggests the effectiveness of the proposed decoding algorithm.
Functionalization of Natural Cork Composite with Microcapsules after Plasma Treatment
Authors: Oliveira Fernando Ribeiro , Silva Etienne Albino A. , do Carmo Sidney Nascimento , Steffens Fernanda , Souto António Pedro Garcia de Valadares
Published: May 2014

This research aims to study the chemical and physical modifications of natural cork agglomerate after plasma treatment using dielectric barrier discharge (DBD). Different experimental techniques were used to evaluate the surface alterations of the pretreated samples with DBD plasma, as well as the adsorption and adhesion of microcapsules in the substrate, namely, static and dynamic contact angle, surface energy, energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Plasma discharge greatly increases the wettability and surface energy of the samples. Chemical and physical analyses of the cork agglomerate confirmed considerable surface modification. All these surface changes of the cork after plasma treatment led to a remarkable increase in microcapsule adsorption and adhesion when compared with the untreated cork sample.
Radix-2α/4β Building Blocks for Efficient VLSI’s Higher Radices Butterflies Implementation
Authors: Jaber Marwan A. , Massicotte Daniel
Published: May 2014

This paper describes an embedded FFT processor where the higher radices butterflies maintain one complex multiplier in its critical path. Based on the concept of a radix-r fast Fourier factorization and based on the FFT parallel processing, we introduce a new concept of a radix-r Fast Fourier Transform in which the concept of the radix-r butterfly computation
has been formulated as the combination of radix-2α/4β butterflies implemented in parallel. By doing so, the VLSI butterfly implementation for higher radices would be feasible since it maintains approximately the same complexity of the radix-2/4 butterfly which is obtained by block building of the radix-2/4 modules. The block building process is achieved by duplicating the block circuit diagram of the radix-2/4 module that is materialized by means of a feed-back network which will reuse the block circuit diagram of the radix-2/4 module.
A Few Conditions for aC*-Algebra to Be Commutative
Authors: Molnár Lajos
Published: May 2014

We present a few characterizations of the commutativity ofC*-algebras in terms of particular algebraic properties of power functions, the logarithmic and exponential functions, and the sine and cosine functions.
An Efficient Hierarchical Video Coding Scheme Combining Visual Perception Characteristics
Authors: Liu Pengyu , Jia Kebin
Published: May 2014

Different visual perception characteristic saliencies are the key to constitute the low-complexity video coding framework. A hierarchical video coding scheme based on human visual systems (HVS) is proposed in this paper. The proposed scheme uses a joint video coding framework consisting of visual perception analysis layer (VPAL) and video coding layer (VCL). In VPAL, effective visual perception characteristics detection algorithm is proposed to achieve visual region of interest (VROI) based on the correlation between coding information (such as motion vector, prediction mode, etc.) and visual attention. Then, the interest priority setting for VROI according to visual perception characteristics is completed. In VCL, the optional encoding method is developed utilizing the visual interested priority setting results from VPAL. As a result, the proposed scheme achieves information reuse and complementary between visual perception analysis and video coding. Experimental results show that the proposed hierarchical video coding scheme effectively alleviates the contradiction between complexity and accuracy. Compared with H.264/AVC (JM17.0), the proposed scheme reduces 80% video coding time approximately and maintains a good video image quality as well. It improves video coding performance significantly.
Reliability Analysis of an Extended Shock Model and Its Optimization Application in a Production Line
Authors: Liu Renbin
Published: May 2014

Firstly, a two-unit cold standby shock model with multiple adaptive vacations is introduced, in which the startup and replacement of repair facility are also considered. Secondly, using supplementary variable method and Laplace transform, some important reliability indices are derived, such as availability, failure frequency, mean vacation period, mean renewal cycle, mean startup period, and replacement frequency. Finally, a production line controlled by two cold-standby computers is modeled to present numerical illustration and its optimal part-time job policy at a maximum profit.
A Survey of Bedbug (Cimex lectularius) Infestation in Some Homes and Hostels in Gboko, Benue State, Nigeria
Authors: Emmanuel Onah Isegbe , Cyprian Alu , Agbo Omudu Edward
Published: May 2014

A Survey of bed bug infestation in some homes and hostels, in Gboko, Benue State, Nigeria, was conducted from January to April, 2011. Bed frames, bunks, mattresses, pillows, chairs, and clothes were inspected. A total of 2,642 bed bugs were collected. 73.3% were from hostels while 26.7% were from homes. There was a significant difference between in the number of homes infested and those not infested (χ2=61.44,df=4,P<0.05). Nymphs were the most populated, with 292 (41.4%), followed by males 223 (31.6%), and females 190 (27.0%). There was no significant difference in the number of infested hostels and those not infested (χ2=0.8,df=4,P<0.05). The nymphs being the most populated with 901 (64.1%), followed by males 538 (36.1%), and then females 496 (35.3%). The greater number of infestation recorded in the hostels was as a result of poor hygiene, lack of adequate knowledge of the best control practices and the high population density. In homes, lack of the awareness of the resurgence of the emerging pest and lack of proper health education is responsible for the high infestation. Proactive approach should be taken towards public health education against bed bug infestation. Government and NGOs should take critical steps in preventing spread and stigma.
The Changes of Carbon Emission in China’s Industrial Sectors from 2002 to 2010: A Structural Decomposition Analysis and Input-Output Subsystem
Authors: Zhang Guoxing , Liu Mingxing
Published: May 2014

Based on 2002–2010 comparable price input-output tables, this paper first calculates the carbon emissions of China’s industrial sectors with three components by input-output subsystems; next, we decompose the three components into effect of carbon emission intensity, effect of social technology, and effect of final demand separately by structure decomposition analysis; at last, we analyze the contribution of every effect to the total emissions by sectors, thus finding the key sectors and key factors which induce the changes of carbon emissions in China’s industrial sectors. Our results show that in the latest 8 years five departments have gotten the greatest increase in the changes of carbon emissions compare with other departments and the effect of final demand is the key factor leading to the increase of industrial total carbon emissions. The decomposed effects show a decrease in carbon emission due to the changes of carbon emission intensity between 2002 and 2010 compensated by an increase in carbon emissions caused by the rise in final demand of industrial sectors. And social technological changes on the reduction of carbon emissions did not play a very good effect and need further improvement.
Global Optimization for the Sum of Concave-Convex Ratios Problem
Authors: Zhou XueGang , Yang JiHui
Published: May 2014

This paper presents a branch and bound algorithm for globally solving the sum of concave-convex ratios problem (P) over a compact convex set. Firstly, the problem (P) is converted to an equivalent problem (P1). Then, the initial nonconvex programming problem is reduced to a sequence of convex programming problems by utilizing linearization technique. The proposed algorithm is convergent to a global optimal solution by means of the subsequent solutions of a series of convex programming problems. Some examples are given to illustrate the feasibility of the proposed algorithm.
Au/Cu2Te/CdTe/CdS/TCO/Glass Solar Cells withCdIn2O4Obtained by Sol-Gel as TCO
Authors: Márquez Marín J. , Torres Delgado G. , Aguilar Frutis M. A. , Castanedo Pérez R. , Zelaya Ángel O.
Published: May 2014

An Au/Cu2Te/CdTe/CdS/TCO/glass heterostructure based superstrate solar cells with 2.5 mm2of area, where the CdTe layer was prepared by means of closed spaced sublimation (CSS) and the CdS by chemical bath, reached an efficiencyηvalue of 12.1%. As transparent conductive oxide (TCO), a thin film of cadmium-indium oxide (CdIn2O4:CIO), obtained by sol-gel technique, was used. A systematic optimization of the thermal activation of the CdTe/CdS/CIO central part of the device with a CdCl2vapor ambient made the conversion efficiency of the Au/Cu2Te/CdTe/CdS/CIO/glass heterostructure reaches 9.94% for the CdTe layer with thickness of 1.8 μm. This efficiency was reached only through an open circuit voltageVOCoptimization. A maximumηof 12.1% was reached with the established procedure of optimization and when the CdTe layer thickness was increased to 3.1 ± 0.05 μm. The substitution of CIO by commercial ITO provoked in the cell a decrease ofηfrom 12.1% to 7.2%, both devices prepared under the same conditions. Starting from these results, we can say that CIO was a better TCO than commercial ITO in our solar cell, with the advantage that CIO was obtained by sol-gel, which is a simple and economical technique.
Association of the Apolipoprotein B/Apolipoprotein A-I Ratio, Metabolic Syndrome Components, Total Cholesterol, and Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol with Insulin Resistance in the Population of Georgia
Authors: Makaridze Zaza , Giorgadze Elene , Asatiani Ketevan
Published: May 2014

The study was designed to assess the association between insulin resistance (IR) and apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A-I ratio (ApoB/ApoA-I ratio), metabolic syndrome (MetS) components, total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in the nondiabetic population of Georgia. The subjects were 1522 Georgians of Caucasian origin (mean age = 45 years, 653 women) without diabetes who had visited the clinics for a related health checkup between 2012 and 2013. IR was calculated using the computer homeostasis model assessment (HOMA2-IR) and was defined as the upper quartile. MetS was diagnosed using the updated ATP-III definition of the metabolic syndrome. Logistic and multiple regression models were used to estimate the association between IR and other components. IR was positively correlated with age, ApoB, ApoB/ApoA-I ratio, MetS components (excluding high-density lipoprotein cholesterol—HDL-C), LDL-C, fasting insulin, and TC and negatively correlated with HDL-C and ApoA-I in both sexes (allP<0.001). In the logistic regression models, gender, age, ApoB/ApoA-I ratio, diastolic pressure, HDL-C, LDL-C, fasting glucose, and triglycerides were the covariates significantly associated with IR (OR: 8.64, 1.03, 17.95, 1.06, 0.13, 1.17, 3.75, and 2.29, resp.; allP<0.05). Multiple regression models demonstrated that these components (except for HDL-C) made an independent contribution to the prediction of HOMA2 (allP<0.05).
Reversible Posterior Encephalopathy Syndrome Secondary to Sunitinib
Authors: Costa Ricardo , Costa Rubens , Costa Renata , Junior Gilberto Moura de Brito , Cartaxo Henrique Queiroz , de Barros Alex Caetano
Published: May 2014

Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (RPLS) is clinical radiologic condition associated with neurological symptoms and cerebral white matter edema. It has been associated with uncontrolled hypertension, eclampsia, immunosuppressants, and more recently the use of antiangiogenic drugs. Sunitinib is an inhibitor of the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor widely used in the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC). We report a rare case of RPLS occurring on therapy with sunitinib in a patient with RCC. Our aim is to highlight the importance of considering RPLS as a diagnostic possibility and to hold sunitinib for RCC patients presenting with neurologic symptoms.
Acyl-Coenzyme A–Binding Protein Regulates Beta-Oxidation Required for Growth and Survival of Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Harris Fredrick T. , Rahman S.M. Jamshedur , Hassanein Mohamed , Qian Jun , Hoeksema Megan D. , Chen Heidi , Eisenberg Rosana , Chaurand Pierre , Caprioli Richard M. , Shiota Masakazu , Massion Pierre P.
Published: May 2014

We identified acyl-coenzyme A–binding protein (ACBP) as part of a proteomic signature predicting the risk of having lung cancer. Because ACBP is known to regulate β-oxidation, which in turn controls cellular proliferation, we hypothesized that ACBP contributes to regulation of cellular proliferation and survival of non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by modulating β-oxidation. We used matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI-IMS) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) to confirm the tissue localization of ABCP in pre-invasive and invasive NSCLCs. We correlated ACBP gene expression levels in NSCLCs with clinical outcomes. In loss-of-function studies, we tested the effect of the downregulation of ACBP on cellular proliferation and apoptosis in normal bronchial and NSCLC cell lines. Using tritiated-palmitate (3H-palmitate), we measured β-oxidation levels and tested the effect of etomoxir, a β-oxidation inhibitor, on proliferation and apoptosis. MALDI-IMS and IHC analysis confirmed that ACBP is overexpressed in pre-invasive and invasive lung cancers. High ACBP gene expression levels in NSCLCs correlated with worse survival (HR = 1.73). We observed a 40% decrease in β-oxidation and concordant decreases in proliferation and increases in apoptosis in ACBP-depleted NSCLC cells as compared with bronchial airway epithelial cells. Inhibition of β-oxidation by etomoxir in ACBP-overexpressing cells produced dose-dependent decrease in proliferation and increase in apoptosis (P = 0.01 and P < 0.001, respectively). These data suggest a role for ACBP in controlling lung cancer progression by regulating β-oxidation. Cancer Prev Res; 7(7); 748–57. ©2014 AACR.
Associations of Blood Pressure Change in Pregnancy With Fetal Growth and Gestational Age at Delivery
Authors: Macdonald-Wallis Corrie , Tilling Kate , Fraser Abigail , Nelson Scott M. , Lawlor Debbie A.
Published: May 2014

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are associated with intrauterine growth restriction and preterm birth. However, the associations of patterns of blood pressure change during pregnancy with these outcomes have not been studied in detail. We studied repeat antenatal blood pressure measurements of 9697 women in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (median [interquartile range], 10 [9–11] measurements per woman). Bivariate linear spline models were used to relate blood pressure changes to perinatal outcomes. Higher systolic, but not diastolic, blood pressure at baseline (8 weeks of gestation) and a greater increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressure between 18 and 36 weeks of gestation were associated with lower offspring birth weight and being smaller for gestational age in confounder-adjusted models. For example, the mean difference (95% confidence interval) in birth weight per 1 mm Hg/wk greater increase in systolic blood pressure between 18 and 30 weeks was −71 g (−134 to −14) and between 30 and 36 weeks was −175 g (−208 to −145). A smaller decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure before 18 weeks and a greater increase between 18 and 36 weeks were associated with a shorter gestation (percentage difference in gestational duration per 1 mm Hg/wk greater increase in systolic blood pressure between 18 and 30 weeks was −0.60% [−1.01 to −0.18] and between 30 and 36 weeks was −1.01% [−1.36 to −0.74]). Associations remained strong when restricting to normotensive women. We conclude that greater increases in blood pressure, from the 18-week nadir, are related to reduced fetal growth and shorter gestation even in women whose blood pressure does not cross the threshold for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
Excess Pressure Integral Predicts Cardiovascular Events Independent of Other Risk Factors in the Conduit Artery Functional Evaluation Substudy of Anglo-Scandinavian Cardiac Outcomes Trial
Authors: Davies Justin E. , Lacy Peter , Tillin Therese , Collier David , Cruickshank J. Kennedy , Francis Darrel P. , Malaweera Anura , Mayet Jamil , Stanton Alice , Williams Bryan , Parker Kim H. , McG Thom Simon A. , Hughes Alun D.
Published: May 2014

Excess pressure integral (XSPI), a new index of surplus work performed by the left ventricle, can be calculated from blood pressure waveforms and may indicate circulatory dysfunction. We investigated whether XSPI predicted future cardiovascular events and target organ damage in treated hypertensive individuals. Radial blood pressure waveforms were acquired by tonometry in 2069 individuals (aged, 63±8 years) in the Conduit Artery Functional Evaluation (CAFE) substudy of the Anglo-Scandinavian Cardiac Outcomes Trial (ASCOT). Measurements of left ventricular mass index (n=862) and common carotid artery intima media thickness (n=923) were also performed. XSPI and the integral of reservoir pressure were lower in people treated with amlodipine±perindopril than in those treated with atenolol±bendroflumethiazide, although brachial systolic blood pressure was similar. A total of 134 cardiovascular events accrued during a median 3.4 years of follow-up; XSPI was a significant predictor of cardiovascular events after adjustment for age and sex, and this relationship was unaffected by adjustment for conventional cardiovascular risk factors or Framingham risk score. XSPI, central systolic blood pressure, central augmentation pressure, central pulse pressure, and integral of reservoir pressure were correlated with left ventricular mass index, but only XSPI, augmentation pressure, and central pulse pressure were associated positively with carotid artery intima media thickness. Associations between left ventricular mass index, XSPI, and integral of reservoir pressure and carotid artery intima media thickness and XSPI were unaffected by multivariable adjustment for other covariates. XSPI is a novel indicator of cardiovascular dysfunction and independently predicts cardiovascular events and targets organ damage in a prospective clinical trial.
Brachial-Ankle Pulse Wave Velocity Is a Strong Predictor for Mortality in Patients With Acute Stroke
Authors: Kim Jinkwon , Song Tae-Jin , Song Dongbeom , Lee Ki Jeong , Kim Eun Hye , Lee Hye Sun , Nam Chung Mo , Nam Hyo Suk , Kim Young Dae , Heo Ji Hoe
Published: May 2014

Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) has been proposed as a simple, noninvasive method for estimating arterial stiffness. Although high baPWV was predictive of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity among general population, its predictive value for mortality in patients with acute stroke is unknown. We evaluated the prognostic value of baPWV in 1765 patients who had been admitted for acute ischemic stroke and had completed measurement of baPWV during admission. Primary outcomes were all-cause mortality and vascular mortality (death because of heart diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, or diseases of arteries, arterioles, and capillaries, determined according to the
International Classification of Diseases
) after stroke. During a mean follow-up period of 3.33±1.57 years, there were 228 all-cause deaths, including 143 vascular deaths. In multivariate Cox hazard regression, patients in the highest tertile of baPWV (>22.63 m/s) were at an increased risk for both all-cause death (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.97; 95% confidence interval, 1.25–3.08) and vascular death (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.39; 95% confidence interval, 1.33–4.29) compared with the lowest tertile (<17.79 m/s). This study suggested that measurement of baPWV during the acute phase of stroke might be useful in identifying patients at a higher risk for mortality.
Exercise Capacity and All-Cause Mortality in Male Veterans With Hypertension Aged ≥70 Years
Authors: Faselis Charles , Doumas Michael , Pittaras Andreas , Narayan Puneet , Myers Jonathan , Tsimploulis Apostolos , Kokkinos Peter
Published: May 2014

Aging, even in otherwise healthy subjects, is associated with declines in muscle mass, strength, and aerobic capacity. Older individuals respond favorably to exercise, suggesting that physical inactivity plays an important role in age-related functional decline. Conversely, physical activity and improved exercise capacity are associated with lower mortality risk in hypertensive individuals. However, the effect of exercise capacity in older hypertensive individuals has not been investigated extensively. A total of 2153 men with hypertension, aged ≥70 years (mean, 75±4) from the Washington, DC, and Palo Alto Veterans Affairs Medical Centers, underwent routine exercise tolerance testing. Peak workload was estimated in metabolic equivalents (METs). Fitness categories were established based on peak METs achieved, adjusted for age: very-low-fit, 2.0 to 4.0 METs (n=386); low-fit, 4.1 to 6.0 METs (n=1058); moderate-fit, 6.1 to 8.0 METs (n=495); high-fit >8.0 METs (n=214). Cox proportional hazard models were applied after adjusting for age, body mass index, race, cardiovascular disease, cardiovascular medications, and risk factors. All-cause mortality was quantified during a mean follow-up period of 9.0±5.5 years. There were a total of 1039 deaths or 51.2 deaths per 1000 person-years of follow-up. Mortality risk was 11% lower (hazard ratio, 0.89; 95% confidence interval, 0.86–0.93;
P
<0.001) for every 1-MET increase in exercise capacity. When compared with those achieving ≤4.0 METs, mortality risk was 18% lower (hazard ratio, 0.82; 95% confidence interval, 0.70–0.95;
P
=0.011) for the low-fit, 36% for the moderate-fit (hazard ratio, 0.64; 95% confidence interval, 0.52–0.78;
P
<0.001), and 48% for the high-fit individuals (hazard ratio, 0.52; 95% confidence interval, 0.39–0.69;
P
<0.001). These findings suggest that exercise capacity is associated with lower mortality risk in elderly men with hypertension.
Comparison of the Treatment Implications of American Society of Hypertension and International Society of Hypertension 2013 and Eighth Joint National Committee Guidelines
Authors: Murthy Venkatesh L. , Shah Ravi V. , Rubenfire Melvyn , Brook Robert D.
Published: May 2014

Multiple guidelines and statements related to hypertension have recently been published. Much discord has arisen from discrepant treatment and target systolic blood pressure thresholds for individuals aged 60 to 79 years of <150 mm Hg in the guideline published by members assigned to the Eighth Joint National Committee and <140 mm Hg in a statement by the American Society of Hypertension and International Society of Hypertension 2013. We sought to evaluate the public health implications of these differences using data from the 2005 to 2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) cycles. NHANES is an ongoing survey designed to allow characterization of the US population and subpopulations. We found that only ≈2.4% (95% confidence interval, 1.5–3.2%) of adults aged 60 to 79 years had indications for antihypertensive treatment under the more stringent American Society of Hypertension and International Society of Hypertension 2013 guideline but not under Eighth Joint National Committee. About 65.7% (95% confidence interval, 62.4–69.0%) of adults aged 60 to 79 years had indications for treatment under both guidelines. Furthermore, those with indications for treatment under American Society of Hypertension and International Society of Hypertension 2013 but not under Eighth Joint National Committee generally had higher systolic blood pressure and less favorable lipid profiles compared with those with indications for treatment under both guidelines. Importantly, a larger group, comprising 21.0% (95% confidence interval, 18.7–23.2%) of adults aged 60 to 79 years, had either untreated or inadequately treated hypertension and represents an important group for continued efforts.
The Epidemiology and Outcomes of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Before High‐Risk Noncardiac Surgery in Contemporary Practice: Insights From the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Cardiovascular Consortium (BMC2) Registry
Authors: Muthappan Palaniappan , Smith Dean , Aronow Herbert D. , Eagle Kim , Wohns David , Fox James , Share David , Gurm Hitinder S.
Published: May 2014

Background

Percutaneous coronary intervention (
PCI
) is sometimes performed with the intent to lower cardiovascular risk before high‐risk noncardiac surgery (
HRNCS
). There are limited data on the frequency and outcome of
PCI
s performed in this setting.

Methods and Results

We assessed the frequency, characteristics, and in‐hospital outcomes of patients undergoing
PCI
as part of the preoperative workup for
HRNCS
among all 61 145 elective
PCI
s performed between 2002 and 2009 at 14 hospitals in the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Cardiovascular Consortium. Propensity matching was performed to compare outcomes of patients undergoing
PCI
before
HRNCS
with all other elective
PCI
patients. The frequency of
PCI
before
HRNCS
was low (4.2%). Patients undergoing
PCI
before
HRNCS
were older (67.3 versus 64.9 years,
P
<0.0001) and had a greater burden of comorbidity. Patients undergoing
PCI
before
HRNCS
had an increase in unadjusted
major adverse cardiovascular events
, postprocedure transfusion, contrast‐induced nephropathy, nephropathy requiring dialysis, and same‐admission coronary artery bypass graft surgery, but there was no difference in mortality (0.27% versus 0.14%,
P
=0.11). However, in propensity score–matched samples, there was a significant difference only in nephropathy requiring dialysis.

Conclusions

The incidence of
PCI
performed in preparation for high‐risk noncardiac surgery is low, and these procedures are currently being performed on a highly selected high‐risk patient population.
Work and Shoot: Professional Wrestling and Embodied Politics
Authors: Chow Broderick D.V.
Published: May 2014

The physical practice of pro-wrestling is one of cooperation, improvisation, and care for the other. Against the precarious labor economy of wrestling, the cooperative nature of this unique performance form embodies a politics of friendship.
Shot and Captured: Turf Dance, YAK Films, and the Oakland, California, R.I.P. Project
Authors: Bragin Naomi
Published: May 2014

Turfing is an improvisation-based dance that defines black street culture in neighborhoods of Oakland and the San Francisco Bay Area. A form of testimony to disproportionate policing, incarceration, and the deaths of black youth, turfing's local practice persists in counterpoint to the global viral trafficking of hood dance and black performance.
Making Theatre Art: David Levine's Habit
Authors: Kozinn Sarah
Published: May 2014

David Levine's 2012 production of Habit is a theatrical installation of Jason Grote's The Children of Kings. Performed on repeat for eight hours a day and staged inside an enclosed set built to look like the interior of a suburban ranch house, it challenges the boundaries of what viewers perceive to be theatre.
A Small Power’s Struggle for Independence in the Independent Era
Authors: Keethaponcalan S.I.
Published: May 2014

Abstract

Can a small state stand up to some of the major powerful states? If the answer is yes, what sort of socio-political environment would enable a small state to stand up to powerful states and effectively relieve hegemonic pressure from powerful states? This paper argues that Sri Lanka, a small and weak state, managed in the last few years, to effectively relieve hegemonic pressure from India and is standing up to the the usa. The Sri Lankan case demonstrates that a small state can effectively relieve hegemonic pressure from powerful states if its political milieu entails the following three elements: (1) the will of the political leadership, (2) a supportive population, and (3) patronage of major rival states.
Tragopogon anatolicus (Asteraceae), a new species from east Turkey
Authors: DOGAN BEKİR , DURAN AHMET , GÜLTEPE MUTLU , ÖZTÜRK MERYEM , COŞKUNÇELEBİ KAMİL
Published: May 2014

The new species, Tragopogon anatolicus A.Duran, B.Doğan & Coşkunç. sp. nov. (Asteraceae) is described and illustrated from Cilo Mt. (Hakkari), south-east Anatolia, Turkey. Tragopogon anatolicus is a local endemic, most similar to T. buphthalmoides (DC.) Boiss. Diagnostic morphological characters of these two closely related taxa are discussed. A phylogenetic analysis based on nrDNA ITS sequence data indicated that T. buphthalmoides is the sister species of the new taxon. Ecology, biogeography and conservation status of the new species are also presented.
The spider genera Euthycaelus Simon and Schismatothele Karsch (Mygalomorphae, Theraphosidae)
Authors: GUADANUCCI JOSÉ PAULO LEITE , WEINMANN DIRK
Published: May 2014

The genus Euthycaelus Simon 1889 is diagnosed based on the examination of type-material and additional material from Venezuela and Colombia. The genus now includes: Euthycaelus colonicus Simon 1889, E. norae sp. nov., E. amandae sp. nov.; Euthycaelus steini Simon 1889 is transferred to Psalistops comb. nov. The genus Schismatothele Karsch 1879 is considered a senior synonym of Hemiercus Simon 1903. Schismatothele includes S. lineata Karsch 1879, S. inflata (Simon 1889) comb. nov., S. modesta (Simon 1889) comb. nov, and S. benedettii Panzera et al. 2011. Hemiercus proximus Mello-Leitão 1923, from Cubatão, São Paulo, Brazil, is transferred to Acanthoscurria proxima (Mello-Leitão 1923) comb. nov. Hemiercus kastoni Caporiacco 1955 is considered a species inquirenda pending the examination of the type material.
A new species of Centruroides Marx (Scorpiones: Buthidae) from Panama and new distribution records for Centruroides bicolor (Pocock, 1898) and Centruroides granosus (Thorell, 1876)
Authors: ARIAS DIOMEDES QUINTERO , ESPOSITO LAUREN A.
Published: May 2014

A new species, Centruroides panamensis n. sp., from the foothills of Volcán Barú in the Province of Chiriquí, Panama is described with a extremely narrow distributional range. New distribution records of Centruroides bicolor (Pocock, 1898) are also presented.
Review of Europiella Reuter (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Miridae: Phylinae: Phylini) from Korea, with a description of a new genus
Authors: DUWAL RAM KESHARI , JUNG SUNGHOON , LEE SEUNGHWAN
Published: May 2014

Five species of Europiella (Phylinae: Phylini) including three newly reported species, E. artemisiae (Becker, 1864), E. kiritshenkoi Kulik, 1975, and E. miyamotoi (Kerzhner, 1988), are recognized for the first time from Korea, and Europiella albipennis (Fallén, 1829) is removed from the Korean list. A new genus Europiellomorpha Duwal n. gen., is proposed to accommodate Plagioganthus lividellus (Kerzhner, 1979) (= Europiella lividellus). A key to the Korean species of Europiella, diagnosis, and descriptions of both male and female genitalia are provided.
The relationship between measurement uncertainty and reporting interval
Authors: Badrick Tony , Hawkins Robert C
Published: May 2014

Background

Measurement uncertainty (MU) estimates can be used by clinicians in result interpretation for diagnosis and monitoring and by laboratories in assessing assay fitness for use and analytical troubleshooting. However, MU is not routinely used to assess the appropriateness of the analyte reporting interval. We describe the relationship between MU and the analyte reporting interval.

Methods and results

The reporting interval R is the smallest unit of measurement chosen for clinical reporting. When choosing the appropriate value for R, it is necessary that the reference change values and expanded MU values can be meaningfully calculated. Expanded MU provides the tighter criterion for defining an upper limit for R. This limit can be determined as R ≤  k·SDa/1.9, where SDa is the analytical standard deviation and k is the coverage factor (usually 2).

Conclusion

Using MU estimates to determine the reporting interval for quantitative laboratory results ensures that reporting practices match local analytical performance and recognizes the inherent error of the measurement process.
Questioning the validity of criminal profiling: an evidence-based approach
Authors: Chifflet Pascale
Published: May 2014

Criminal profiling is used in complex investigations, and, in a number of jurisdictions, as expert evidence in criminal trials. This article seeks to move beyond the many anecdotal accounts of success by profilers and examine the evidence available as to the discipline's validity. As it stands, profiling is based on theories that are uncertain at best, and little research has been undertaken to assess the actual accuracy of generated profiles. This absence of validation is in part due to genuine difficulties associated with designing appropriate testing models. It is exacerbated by the reluctance of profilers to engage in such a process, relying instead on the well-rehearsed, yet somewhat circular argument that the continuing demand for profiling advice is in itself reassuring evidence of the method's validity. It is the lack of objective evidence of validity in this area that will be critically considered in this article.
Pregnancy and levels of depression and anxiety: A prospective cohort study of Australian women
Authors: Leach Liana S , Christensen Helen , Mackinnon Andrew
Published: May 2014

Objective:

The effects of pregnancy on depression and anxiety remain unclear. Previous research is predominantly cross-sectional, not representative of the general community, and does not include data on mental health prior to pregnancy. This study used longitudinal Australian population-based data to examine whether pregnancy is associated with increases in women’s anxiety and depression levels (from pre-pregnancy).

Method:

A community sample of Australian women aged 20–24 years were recruited prospectively and assessed in 1999, 2003 and 2007. At the follow-up assessments 76 women were pregnant (with no prior children) and 542 remained nulliparous. Mixed models repeated measures analyses of variance were undertaken to compare change in levels of anxiety and depression (Goldberg Anxiety and Depression scales) between those who became pregnant and those who remained non-pregnant.

Results:

Pregnancy was not associated with increased symptoms of depression or anxiety. No association was found with depression, while pregnancy was associated with a decrease in anxiety. Including somatic items in the measures of depression and anxiety resulted in higher symptom levels in pregnancy, suggesting possible item bias.

Conclusions:

This study is one of the first to follow a community sample of women from pre-pregnancy to pregnancy. The findings suggest that pregnancy is not typically detrimental to women’s mental health. The current study offers a starting point for future prospective studies to follow women from pre-pregnancy to postpartum. Study limitations to be improved upon in follow-up research include expanding the sample size, and including both pregnancy-specific measures and trimester-specific data. Future research should continue to identify those women who are most (and least) at risk during pregnancy in order to target resources and assistance most effectively.
Stimulant and other substance use disorders in schizophrenia: Prevalence, correlates and impacts in a population sample
Authors: Sara Grant E , Burgess Philip M , Malhi Gin S , Whiteford Harvey A , Hall Wayne C
Published: May 2014

Objectives:

Stimulants may worsen psychotic symptoms but there is limited evidence about the impact of stimulant abuse in people with schizophrenia. This study examined the prevalence and correlates of stimulant and other drug disorders in a population-based sample of people with schizophrenia, examining associations with frequent service use, physical health comorbidities and accommodation instability.

Methods:

New South Wales (NSW) hospital, community mental health and emergency department data were used to examine health service contact over 5 years in 13,624 people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Associations of stimulant disorders were examined with multinomial logistic regression, comparing people with no substance disorders to those with cannabis disorders, stimulant disorders or both.

Results:

Of people with schizophrenia, 51% had substance disorders, including 14% with stimulant disorders. Stimulant disorders were more common in young adults and in urban areas, less common in migrants, and unrelated to initial social disadvantage. More than 80% of those with stimulant disorders also had cannabis disorders. Service use and harms were most common in this group, including frequent mental health admissions (59%), frequent emergency department presentations (52%), admissions with injury or self-harm (44%), infectious disease diagnoses (22%), multiple changes of residence (61%), movement to more disadvantaged locations (42%) and periods of homelessness (18%). People with stimulant disorders alone had higher rates of self-harm, infectious disease and non-mental health admissions than people with cannabis disorders alone.

Conclusions:

Stimulant disorders occur in people with schizophrenia and in first-episode psychosis at rates more than 10 times that of the broader population. Stimulant disorders are likely to worsen the burden of psychosis, and strategies are needed to engage and support the highly disadvantaged group of people with schizophrenia who have cannabis and stimulant disorders.
Prediction of Depot-Based Specialty Recycling Behavior Using an Extended Theory of Planned Behavior
Authors: Rhodes Ryan E. , Beauchamp Mark R. , Conner Mark , de Bruijn Gert-Jan , Kaushal Navin , Latimer-Cheung Amy
Published: May 2014

Curbside recycling has been a very successful neighborhood-level intervention designed to maximize waste containment, but many communities have specific limitations on what products can be recycled within their community bins and must rely on depots for recycling these specialty items. The purpose of this study was to examine an extended theory of planned behavior (TPB) that included both affective and instrumental attitudes and a planning construct to predict depot specialty recycling in a community sample across 1 month. Participants were 176 residents of detached homes who completed baseline measures of TPB and self-reported behavior 1 month later. Structural equation modeling identified a modest fit of the TPB, and 48% variance of depot recycling behavior was explained with the constructs of intention, planning, and perceived behavioral control, yet these constructs did not perform as well in predicting change in behavior across 4 weeks. Although proximity to the recycling depot did not relate to behavior, it significantly moderated the planning–recycling behavior relationship, whereby those who lived closer to the depot had larger planning–behavior relations than those who lived further away. Developing plans to recycle may help in addition to motivation, but these are still contingent on there being an easy commuting distance to a depot.
New and emerging applications of carboxylated styrene butadiene rubber latex in polymer composites and blends: review from structure to future prospective
Authors: Alimardani Mohammad , Abbassi-Sourki Foroud
Published: May 2014

The present review focuses on the properties and developing applications of carboxylated styrene butadiene rubber (XSBR) as a modified grade of styrene butadiene rubber (SBR). Carboxylated polymers, and particularly carboxylated rubbers, are regarded as a new class of polymers with superior physical and mechanical properties over non-carboxylated counterparts. Upon introducing carboxyl groups, the properties such as elasticity range, strength, compatibility towards functional fillers and polymers, resistance to hydrocarbon solvents enhance and cross-linking by non-sulfur reagents becomes possible. The XSBR latex benefits from excellent mechanical and chemical stability, excellent liquidity, high bond and conjunction strength, high toughness and the strength after molding, low water absorption and air shrinkage, excellent durability, abrasion, oil and corrosion resistance of cement products. Due to the polarity offered by carboxyl groups, fiber, and particulate composites of XSBR exhibit improved physical and mechanical properties. The stable interface created between carboxyl group and the second polymer phase generally results in an enhancement for the host polymer.
Exploring the Cross-Cultural Generalizability of the Five-Factor Model of Personality
Authors: Ispas Dan , Iliescu Dragos , Ilie Alexandra , Johnson Russell E.
Published: May 2014

In this study, the authors examine the generalizability of the Five-Factor Model of personality to the Romanian population by describing the translation and validation of the Romanian version of the Revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO PI-R). Using data from five samples and multiple sources (self-reports, other-reports, and school records) and over two thousand participants, they examined the internal consistency, test−retest reliability, factor structure, self−other agreement, and correlations with age, gender, education, and academic performance. Construct-related validity evidence was obtained by examining the correlations of the NEO PI-R with the Big Five Questionnaire and Big Five Adjectives. The results suggest that the Five-Factor Model generalizes to the Romanian cultural context and that the Romanian NEO PI-R has sound psychometric properties comparable with normative samples in America and elsewhere.
With a Little Help from My Friends? Asymmetrical Social Influence on Adolescent Smoking Initiation and Cessation
Authors: Haas Steven A. , Schaefer David R.
Published: May 2014

This study investigates whether peer influence on smoking among adolescents is asymmetrical. We hypothesize that several features of smoking lead peers to have a stronger effect on smoking initiation than cessation. Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health we estimate a dynamic network model that includes separate effects for increases versus decreases in smoking, while also controlling for endogenous network change. We find that the impact of peer influence is stronger for the initiation of smoking than smoking cessation. Adolescents rarely initiate smoking without peer influence but will cease smoking while their friends continue smoking. We discuss the implications of these results for theories of peer influence and health policy.
After the Two-Year Commitment
Authors: Heineke Amy J. , Mazza Bonnie Streff , Tichnor-Wagner Ariel
Published: May 2014

Teach For America (TFA), an organization that places college graduates as teachers in low-income areas for 2 years, contributes to teacher attrition. With this mixed methods study in one urban region, we investigated teachers’ professional decisions at the end of 2 years. Respondents fell into categories in relation to the organization’s 2-year commitment, including leavers, lingerers, and lasters, and descriptors related to remaining at placement school or relocating to another school. Historical, environmental, and external factors impacted teachers’ professional decisions related to retention and attrition. Findings provide insight to improve retention of TFA teachers.