bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptive Security in ODMAC for Multihop Energy Harvesting Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Di Mauro Alessio , Fafoutis Xenofon , Dragoni Nicola
Published: April 2015

Energy Harvesting Wireless Sensor Networks (EH-WSNs) represent an interesting new paradigm where individual nodes forming a network are powered by energy sources scavenged from the surrounding environment. This technique provides numerous advantages, but also new design challenges. Securing the communications under energy constraints represents one of these key challenges. The amount of energy available is theoretically infinite in the long run but highly variable over short periods of time, and managing it is a crucial aspect. In this paper we present an adaptive approach for security in multihop EH-WSNs which allows different nodes to dynamically choose the most appropriate energy-affecting parameters such as encryption algorithm and key size, providing in this way energy savings. In order to provide evidence of the approach's feasibility in a real-world network, we have designed and implemented it as extension of on-demand medium access control (ODMAC), a receiver-initiated (RI) MAC protocol specifically designed and developed to address the foundational energy-related needs of Energy Harvesting Wireless Sensor Networks.
A Hybrid Backtracking Search Optimization Algorithm with Differential Evolution
Authors: Wang Lijin , Zhong Yiwen , Yin Yilong , Zhao Wenting , Wang Binqing , Xu Yulong
Published: April 2015

The backtracking search optimization algorithm (BSA) is a new nature-inspired method which possesses a memory to take advantage of experiences gained from previous generation to guide the population to the global optimum. BSA is capable of solving multimodal problems, but it slowly converges and poorly exploits solution. The differential evolution (DE) algorithm is a robust evolutionary algorithm and has a fast convergence speed in the case of exploitive mutation strategies that utilize the information of the best solution found so far. In this paper, we propose a hybrid backtracking search optimization algorithm with differential evolution, called HBD. In HBD, DE with exploitive strategy is used to accelerate the convergence by optimizing one worse individual according to its probability at each iteration process. A suit of 28 benchmark functions are employed to verify the performance of HBD, and the results show the improvement in effectiveness and efficiency of hybridization of BSA and DE.
Comment on “An Investigation into the Performance of Particle Swarm Optimization with Various Chaotic Maps”
Authors: Zhang Yudong , Ji Genlin , Dong Zhengchao , Wang Shuihua , Phillips Preetha
Published: April 2015

This paper researched three definitions of Gauss map and found that the definition of “Gauss map” in the paper of Arasomwan and Adewumi may be incoherent with other publications. In addition, we analyzed the difference of continuous Gauss map and the floating-point Gauss map, and we pointed out that the floating-point simulation behaved significantly differently from the continuous Gauss map.
Rare Form of Erdheim-Chester Disease Presenting with Isolated Central Skeletal Lesions Treated with a Combination of Alfa-Interferon and Zoledronic Acid
Authors: Bulycheva E. N. , Baykov V. V. , Zaraĭskiĭ M. I. , Salogub G. N.
Published: April 2015

Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) represents a clonal non-Langerhans histiocytosis, which manifests under an extensive variety of clinical symptoms. This creates a challenge for the physician, who is required to recognize and diagnose the disease in the early stages. Despite this considerable challenge, in the last decade there has been a dramatic increase in ECD diagnoses, in most part due to an increasing awareness of this rare disorder. Involvement of the axial skeleton is exclusively uncommon with no official recommendations for the treatment of the bone lesions. Here, we present a case report of a young male patient with isolated lesions of the spine, ribs, and pelvis, who was successfully treated with a combination therapy of alfa-interferon and zoledronic acid.
Fabrication of Porous Silicon Based Humidity Sensing Elements on Paper
Authors: Jalkanen Tero , Määttänen Anni , Mäkilä Ermei , Tuura Jaani , Kaasalainen Martti , Lehto Vesa-Pekka , Ihalainen Petri , Peltonen Jouko , Salonen Jarno
Published: April 2015

A roll-to-roll compatible fabrication process of porous silicon (pSi) based sensing elements for a real-time humidity monitoring is described. The sensing elements, consisting of printed interdigitated silver electrodes and a spray-coated pSi layer, were fabricated on a coated paper substrate by a two-step process. Capacitive and resistive responses of the sensing elements were examined under different concentrations of humidity. More than a three orders of magnitude reproducible decrease in resistance was measured when the relative humidity (RH) was increased from 0% to 90%. A relatively fast recovery without the need of any refreshing methods was observed with a change in RH. Humidity background signal and hysteresis arising from the paper substrate were dependent on the thickness of sensing pSi layer. Hysteresis in most optimal sensing element setup (a thick pSi layer) was still noticeable but not detrimental for the sensing. In addition to electrical characterization of sensing elements, thermal degradation and moisture adsorption properties of the paper substrate were examined in connection to the fabrication process of the silver electrodes and the moisture sensitivity of the paper. The results pave the way towards the development of low-cost humidity sensors which could be utilized, for example, in smart packaging applications or in smart cities to monitor the environment.
Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Leaf Extracts of Clitoria ternatea and Solanum nigrum and Study of Its Antibacterial Effect against Common Nosocomial Pathogens
Authors: Krithiga Narayanaswamy , Rajalakshmi Athimoolam , Jayachitra Ayyavoo
Published: April 2015

Bionanotechnology has emerged up as integration between biotechnology and nanotechnology for developing biosynthetic and environmental friendly technology for synthesis of nanomaterials. Silver has been known to have effective bactericidal properties for centuries. Nowadays, silver based topical dressings have been widely used as a treatment for infection in burns, open wounds, and chronic ulcer. As the pathogenic organisms are getting evolved day by day due to mutation and gaining antibiotic resistance, an important industrial sector of nanoscience deals with the preparation and study of nanoparticles in antibacterial clothing, burn ointments, and coating for medical device. The size of nanomaterials is much smaller than that of most biological molecules and structures; therefore, nanomaterials can be useful in both in vivo and in vitro biomedical research application. The purpose of the study is to synthesize and characterize the plant mediated silver nanoparticles using Clitoria ternatea and Solanum nigrum. Further investigation of the shape and size of nanoparticle was done by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopic studies. A silver nanoparticle at different concentration was assessed for its antibacterial effect, against various nosocomial pathogens.
The Anti-Inflammatory Activity of a Novel Fused-Cyclopentenone Phosphonate and Its Potential in the Local Treatment of Experimental Colitis
Authors: Moradov Dorit , Shifrin Helena , Harel Efrat , Nadler-Milbauer Mirela , Weinstock Marta , Srebnik Morris , Rubinstein Abraham
Published: April 2015

A novel fused-cyclopentenone phosphonate compound, namely, diethyl 3-nonyl-5-oxo-3,5,6,6a-tetrahydro-1H-cyclopenta[c]furan-4-ylphosphonate (P-5), was prepared and testedin vitro(LPS-activated macrophages) for its cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory activity andin vivo(DNBS induced rat model) for its potential to ameliorate induced colitis. Specifically, the competence of P-5 to reduce TNFα, IL-6, INFγ, MCP-1, IL-1α, MIP-1α, and RANTES in LPS-activated macrophages was measured. Experimental colitis was quantified in the rat model, macroscopically and by measuring the activity of tissue MPO and iNOS and levels of TNFαand IL-1β. It was found that P-5 decreased the levels of TNFαand the tested proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines in LPS-activated macrophages. In the colitis-induced rat model, P-5 was effective locally in reducing mucosal inflammation. This activity was equal to the activity of local treatment with 5-aminosalicylic acid. It is speculated that P-5 may be used for the local treatment of IBD (e.g., with the aid of colon-specific drug platforms). Its mode of action involves inhibition of the phosphorylation of MAPK ERK but not of p38 and had no effect on IκBα.
Mathematical and Numerical Analysis of Heat Transfer Enhancement by Distribution of Suction Flows inside Permeable Tubes
Authors: Khaled A.-R. A.
Published: April 2015

Heat transfer enhancement in permeable tubes subjected to transverse suction flow is investigated in this work. Both momentum and energy equations are solved analytically and numerically. Both solutions based on negligible entry regions are well matched. Two different suction velocity distributions are considered. A parametric study including the influence of the average suction velocity and the suction velocity profile is conducted for various Peclet numbers. It is found that enhancement of heat transfer over that in impermeable tubes is only possible with large Peclet numbers. This enhancement increases as suction velocities towards the tube outlet increase and as those towards the tube inlet decrease simultaneously. The identified enhancement mechanisms are expanding the entry regions, increasing the transverse advection, and increasing the downstream excess temperatures under same transverse advection. The average suction velocity that produces maximum enhancement increases as the Peclet number increases until it reaches asymptotically its uppermost value at large Peclet numbers. The maximum reported enhancement ratios for the exponential and linear suction velocity distributions are 17.62-fold and 14.67-fold above those for impermeable tubes, respectively. This work demonstrates that significant heat transfer enhancement is attainable when the suction flow inside the permeable tubes is distributed properly.
Reducing Water Vapor Permeability of Poly(lactic acid) Film and Bottle through Layer-by-Layer Deposition of Green-Processed Cellulose Nanocrystals and Chitosan
Authors: Halász Katalin , Hosakun Yanin , Csóka Levente
Published: April 2015

Layer-by-layer electrostatic self-assembly technique was applied to improve the barrier properties of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) films and bottles. The LbL process was carried out by the alternate adsorption of chitosan (CH) (polycation) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) produced via ultrasonic treatment. Four bilayers (on each side) of chitosan and cellulose nanocrystals caused 29 and 26% improvement in barrier properties in case of films and bottles, respectively. According to the results the LbL process with CH and CNC offered a transparent “green” barrier coating on PLA substrates.
Emerging Risk Biomarkers in Cardiovascular Diseases and Disorders
Authors: Upadhyay Ravi Kant
Published: April 2015

Present review article highlights various cardiovascular risk prediction biomarkers by incorporating both traditional risk factors to be used as diagnostic markers and recent technologically generated diagnostic and therapeutic markers. This paper explains traditional biomarkers such as lipid profile, glucose, and hormone level and physiological biomarkers based on measurement of levels of important biomolecules such as serum ferritin, triglyceride to HDLp (high density lipoproteins) ratio, lipophorin-cholesterol ratio, lipid-lipophorin ratio, LDL cholesterol level, HDLp and apolipoprotein levels, lipophorins and LTPs ratio, sphingolipids, Omega-3 Index, and ST2 level. In addition, immunohistochemical, oxidative stress, inflammatory, anatomical, imaging, genetic, and therapeutic biomarkers have been explained in detail with their investigational specifications. Many of these biomarkers, alone or in combination, can play important role in prediction of risks, its types, and status of morbidity. As emerging risks are found to be affiliated with minor and microlevel factors and its diagnosis at an earlier stage could find CVD, hence, there is an urgent need of new more authentic, appropriate, and reliable diagnostic and therapeutic markers to confirm disease well in time to start the clinical aid to the patients. Present review aims to discuss new emerging biomarkers that could facilitate more authentic and fast diagnosis of CVDs, HF (heart failures), and various lipid abnormalities and disorders in the future.
Amino Acid Transporters in Cancer and Their Relevance to “Glutamine Addiction”: Novel Targets for the Design of a New Class of Anticancer Drugs
Authors: Bhutia Yangzom D. , Babu Ellappan , Ramachandran Sabarish , Ganapathy Vadivel
Published: April 2015

Tumor cells have an increased demand for amino acids because of their rapid proliferation rate. In addition to their need in protein synthesis, several amino acids have other roles in supporting cancer growth. There are approximately two-dozen amino acid transporters in humans, and tumor cells must upregulate one or more of these transporters to satisfy their demand for amino acids. If the transporters that specifically serve this purpose in tumor cells are identified, they can be targeted for the development of a brand new class of anticancer drugs; the logical basis of such a strategy would be to starve the tumor cells of an important class of nutrients. To date, four amino acid transporters have been found to be expressed at high levels in cancer: SLC1A5, SLC7A5, SLC7A11, and SLC6A14. Their induction occurs in a cancer type–specific manner with a direct or indirect involvement of the oncogene c-Myc. Further, these transporters are functionally coupled, thus maximizing their ability to promote cancer growth and chemoresistance. Progress has been made in preclinical studies, exploiting these transporters as drug targets in cancer therapy. These transporters also show promise in development of new tumor-imaging probes and in tumor-specific delivery of appropriately designed chemotherapeutic agents. Cancer Res; 75(9); 1782–8. ©2015 AACR.
Decreased Ferroportin Promotes Myeloma Cell Growth and Osteoclast Differentiation
Authors: Gu Zhimin , Wang He , Xia Jiliang , Yang Ye , Jin Zhendong , Xu Hongwei , Shi Jumei , De Domenico Ivana , Tricot Guido , Zhan Fenghuang
Published: April 2015

Iron homeostasis is disrupted in multiple myeloma, a difficult-to-cure plasma cell malignancy with lytic bone lesions. Here, we systematically analyzed iron gene expression signature and demonstrated that mRNA expression of iron exporter ferroportin (FPN1) is significantly downregulated in myeloma cells and correlates negatively with clinic outcome. Restoring expression of FPN1 reduces intracellular liable iron pool, inhibits STAT3-MCL-1 signaling, and suppresses myeloma cells growth. Furthermore, we demonstrated that mRNA of FPN1 is also downregulated at the initial stages of osteoclast differentiation and suppresses myeloma cell–induced osteoclast differentiation through regulating iron regulator TFRC, NF-κB, and JNK pathways. Altogether, we demonstrated that downregulation of FPN1 plays critical roles in promoting myeloma cell growth and bone resorption in multiple myeloma. Cancer Res; 75(11); 2211–21. ©2015 AACR.
Adoptive Transfer of MAGE-A4 T-cell Receptor Gene-Transduced Lymphocytes in Patients with Recurrent Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Kageyama Shinichi , Ikeda Hiroaki , Miyahara Yoshihiro , Imai Naoko , Ishihara Mikiya , Saito Kanako , Sugino Sahoko , Ueda Shugo , Ishikawa Takeshi , Kokura Satoshi , Naota Hiroaki , Ohishi Kohshi , Shiraishi Taizo , Inoue Naoki , Tanabe Masashige , Kidokoro Tomohide , Yoshioka Hirofumi , Tomura Daisuke , Nukaya Ikuei , Mineno Junichi , Takesako Kazutoh , Katayama Naoyuki , Shiku Hiroshi
Published: April 2015

Purpose: Preparative lymphodepletion, the temporal ablation of the immune system, has been reported to promote persistence of transferred cells along with increased rates of tumor regression in patients treated with adoptive T-cell therapy. However, it remains unclear whether lymphodepletion is indispensable for immunotherapy with T-cell receptor (TCR) gene–engineered T cells.

Experimental Design: We conducted a first-in-man clinical trial of TCR gene-transduced T-cell transfer in patients with recurrent MAGE-A4–expressing esophageal cancer. The patients were given sequential MAGE-A4 peptide vaccinations. The regimen included neither lymphocyte-depleting conditioning nor administration of IL2. Ten patients, divided into 3 dose cohorts, received T-cell transfer.

Results: TCR-transduced cells were detected in the peripheral blood for 1 month at levels proportional to the dose administered, and in 5 patients they persisted for more than 5 months. The persisting cells maintained ex vivo antigen-specific tumor reactivity. Despite the long persistence of the transferred T cells, 7 patients exhibited tumor progression within 2 months after the treatment. Three patients who had minimal tumor lesions at baseline survived for more than 27 months.

Conclusions: These results suggest that TCR-engineered T cells created by relatively short-duration in vitro culture of polyclonal lymphocytes in peripheral blood retained the capacity to survive in a host. The discordance between T-cell survival and tumor regression suggests that multiple mechanisms underlie the benefits of preparative lymphodepletion in adoptive T-cell therapy. Clin Cancer Res; 21(10); 2268–77. ©2015 AACR.
E-Learning in Urology: Implementation of the Learning and Teaching Platform CASUS® - Do Virtual Patients Lead to Improved Learning Outcomes? A Randomized Study among Students
Authors: Schneider Anna-Teresa , Albers Peter , Müller-Mattheis Volker
Published: April 2015

Background: E-learning is playing an increasing role in medical education, supporting a problem-based and practical oriented education without putting patients at risk and compensating for the decrease in instructor-centered teaching. Not much research has been done concerning learning effects and reaction on behalf of the students. Methods: We created computer-based cases for four important diagnoses in urology using the authoring system CASUS®. Fourth-year medical school students were randomized into two groups: (1) the CASUS® group, using the online cases for preparation, and (2) the book group, using a textbook. A multiple-choice test referring to the prepared topic had to be completed at the beginning of each lecture and the results were analyzed. Evaluation of the students concerning the acceptance of the program was done at the end of the semester. Results: Members of the CASUS® group scored significantly higher with an average of 20% better test results than students using textbooks for preparation. Evaluation regarding the program showed a highly positive rating. Limitations include the small study population and the possibly biased test performance of the students. Conclusion: Computerized patient cases facilitate practice-oriented teaching and result in an interesting and engaging learning model with improved learning outcomes.
Respiratory Effects of Adaptive Servoventilation Therapy in Patients with Heart Failure and Cheyne-Stokes Respiration Compared to Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Spießhöfer Jens , Heinrich Jessica , Lehmann Roman , Efken Christina , Fox Henrik , Bitter Thomas , Körber Britta , Horstkotte Dieter , Oldenburg Olaf
Published: April 2015

Background: Nocturnal adaptive servoventilation (ASV) therapy is now frequently used to treat Cheyne-Stokes respiration (CSR), which is highly prevalent in patients with moderate-to-severe heart failure (HF) and characterized by periodical breathing (hyperventilation). Objectives: This study analyzed and compared the acute effects of a novel ASV device on carbon dioxide pressure (pCO2) and oxygen saturation (SaO2) in HF patients with CSR and healthy volunteers. The influence of being asleep or awake on the ASV algorithm was also determined. Methods: All subjects underwent ASV (PaceWave™, ResMed) for 1 h. Transcutaneous pCO2 (PtcCO2) and SaO2 were assessed transcutaneously, while wakefulness was analyzed using EEG recordings. Assessments were made 30 min before and after ASV, and during 1 h of ASV. Results: Twenty HF patients (19 male; age 79 ± 12 years) and 15 volunteers (13 male, age 25 ± 4 years) were included. When awake, ASV was associated with a trend towards a decrease in PtcCO2 and an increase in SaO2 versus baseline in HF patients (34.4 ± 3.2 to 33.7 ± 3.8 mm Hg and 93.8 ± 2.6 to 94.9 ± 2.6%, respectively) and volunteers (39.5 ± 3.0 to 38.2 ± 3.8 mm Hg and 96.9 ± 1.3 to 97.8 ± 0.9%). While asleep during ASV, PtcCO2 increased to 36.3 ± 3.8 mm Hg and SaO2 decreased to 93.8 ± 2.6% in HF patients, with similar changes in volunteers (PtcCO2 41.7 ± 3.0 mm Hg, SaO2 97.1 ± 1.2). All comparisons were statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05, except the PtcCO2 decrease in both groups when awake). Conclusions: ASV therapy might result in hyperventilation when subjects are awake, but while asleep, PtcCO2 increased to mid-normal values, effects that would be favorable in HF patients with CSR.
Breast Cancer and Sarcoidosis: Case Series and Review of the Literature
Authors: Chen Jacob , Carter III Robert , Maoz Daniel , Tobar Ana , Sharon Eran , Greif Franklin
Published: April 2015

Background: Sarcoidosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of unknown etiology, which can involve different organs and systems. Accordingly, sarcoidosis can mimic breast cancer, making the differential diagnosis very difficult. Case Report: 5 patients with a diagnosis of both sarcoidosis and breast cancer followed by the Rabin Medical Center between January 1993 and June 2012 were enrolled in this study. Additionally, a comprehensive literature review which identified 104 patients diagnosed with breast cancer and sarcoidosis was carried out. In both populations reviewed, the average age at diagnosis of sarcoidosis and breast cancer was 57 years. Among the 66 patients with both sarcoidosis and breast cancer, sarcoidosis preceded breast cancer in 31 cases, followed it in 23 cases, and appeared concurrently in 10 cases. Conclusion: Based on our clinical cases and literature review, a histological study is recommended over imaging if sarcoidosis or breast cancer may be present. Furthermore, breast cancer is rarely associated with sarcoidosis or sarcoidosis-like reaction.
Efficacy and Safety of a Novel Bioabsorbable Polymer-Coated, Everolimus-Eluting Coronary Stent
Authors: Kereiakes Dean J. , Meredith Ian T. , Windecker Stephan , Lee Jobe R. , Mehta Shamir R. , Sarembock Ian J. , Feldman Robert L. , Stein Bernardo , Dubois Christophe , Grady Timothy , Saito Shigeru , Kimura Takeshi , Christen Thomas , Allocco Dominic J. , Dawkins Keith D.
Published: April 2015

Background—

Drug eluting stents with durable polymers may be associated with hypersensitivity, delayed healing, and incomplete endothelialization, which may contribute to late/very late stent thrombosis and the need for prolonged dual antiplatelet therapy. Bioabsorbable polymers may facilitate stent healing, thus enhancing clinical safety. The SYNERGY stent is a thin-strut, platinum chromium metal alloy platform with an ultrathin bioabsorbable Poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) abluminal everolimus-eluting polymer. We performed a multicenter, randomized controlled trial for regulatory approval to determine noninferiority of the SYNERGY stent to the durable polymer PROMUS Element Plus everolimus-eluting stent.

Methods and Results—

Patients (n=1684) scheduled to undergo percutaneous coronary intervention for non–ST-segment–elevation acute coronary syndrome or stable coronary artery disease were randomized to receive either the SYNERGY stent or the PROMUS Element Plus stent. The primary end point of 12-month target lesion failure was observed in 6.7% of SYNERGY and 6.5% PROMUS Element Plus treated subjects by intention-to-treat (
P
=0.83 for difference;
P
=0.0005 for noninferiority), and 6.4% in both the groups by per-protocol analysis (
P
=0.0003 for noninferiority). Clinically indicated revascularization of the target lesion or definite/probable stent thrombosis were observed in 2.6% versus 1.7% (
P
=0.21) and 0.4% versus 0.6% (
P
=0.50) of SYNERGY versus PROMUS Element Plus–treated subjects, respectively.

Conclusions—

In this randomized trial, the SYNERGY bioabsorbable polymer everolimus-eluting stent was noninferior to the PROMUS Element Plus everolimus-eluting stent with respect to 1-year target lesion failure. These data support the relative safety and efficacy of SYNERGY in a broad range of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01665053.
Role of Mechanotransduction in Vascular Biology
Authors: Humphrey Jay D. , Schwartz Martin A. , Tellides George , Milewicz Dianna M.
Published: April 2015

Thoracic aortic diseases that involve progressive enlargement, acute dissection, or rupture are influenced by the hemodynamic loads and mechanical properties of the wall. We have only limited understanding, however, of the mechanobiological processes that lead to these potentially lethal conditions. Homeostasis requires that intramural cells sense their local chemomechanical environment and establish, maintain, remodel, or repair the extracellular matrix to provide suitable compliance and yet sufficient strength. Proper sensing, in turn, necessitates both receptors that connect the extracellular matrix to intracellular actomyosin filaments and signaling molecules that transmit the related information to the nucleus. Thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections are associated with poorly controlled hypertension and mutations in genes for extracellular matrix constituents, membrane receptors, contractile proteins, and associated signaling molecules. This grouping of factors suggests that these thoracic diseases result, in part, from dysfunctional mechanosensing and mechanoregulation of the extracellular matrix by the intramural cells, which leads to a compromised structural integrity of the wall. Thus, improved understanding of the mechanobiology of aortic cells could lead to new therapeutic strategies for thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections.
Mechanotransduction in Cardiac Hypertrophy and Failure
Authors: Lyon Robert C. , Zanella Fabian , Omens Jeffrey H. , Sheikh Farah
Published: April 2015

Cardiac muscle cells have an intrinsic ability to sense and respond to mechanical load through a process known as mechanotransduction. In the heart, this process involves the conversion of mechanical stimuli into biochemical events that induce changes in myocardial structure and function. Mechanotransduction and its downstream effects function initially as adaptive responses that serve as compensatory mechanisms during adaptation to the initial load. However, under prolonged and abnormal loading conditions, the remodeling processes can become maladaptive, leading to altered physiological function and the development of pathological cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. Although the mechanisms underlying mechanotransduction are far from being fully elucidated, human and mouse genetic studies have highlighted various cytoskeletal and sarcolemmal structures in cardiac myocytes as the likely candidates for load transducers, based on their link to signaling molecules and architectural components important in disease pathogenesis. In this review, we summarize recent developments that have uncovered specific protein complexes linked to mechanotransduction and mechanotransmission within the sarcomere,

the intercalated disc,

and at the sarcolemma.

The protein structures acting as mechanotransducers are the first step in the process that drives physiological and pathological cardiac hypertrophy and remodeling, as well as the transition to heart failure, and may provide better insights into mechanisms driving mechanotransduction-based diseases.
Direct Cardiac Reprogramming
Authors: Sadahiro Taketaro , Yamanaka Shinya , Ieda Masaki
Published: April 2015

The discovery of induced pluripotent stem cells changed the field of regenerative medicine and inspired the technological development of direct reprogramming or the process by which one cell type is directly converted into another without reverting a stem cell state by overexpressing lineage-specific factors. Indeed, direct reprogramming has proven sufficient in yielding a diverse range of cell types from fibroblasts, including neurons, cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells, hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells, and hepatocytes. These studies revealed that somatic cells are more plastic than anticipated, and that transcription factors, microRNAs, epigenetic factors, secreted molecules, as well as the cellular microenvironment are all important for cell fate specification. With respect to the field of cardiology, the cardiac reprogramming presents as a novel method to regenerate damaged myocardium by directly converting endogenous cardiac fibroblasts into induced cardiomyocyte-like cells in situ. The first in vivo cardiac reprogramming reports were promising to repair infarcted hearts; however, the low induction efficiency of fully reprogrammed, functional induced cardiomyocyte-like cells has become a major challenge and hampered our understanding of the reprogramming process. Nevertheless, recent studies have identified several critical factors that may affect the efficiency and quality of cardiac induction and have provided new insights into the mechanisms of cardiac reprogramming. Here, we review the progress in direct reprogramming research and discuss the perspectives and challenges of this nascent technology in basic biology and clinical applications.
Stebbingiella Marques-Junior & Senna, 2013 in the family Paragammaropsidae (Crustacea, Amphipoda, Senticaudata)
Authors: LOWRY J. K. , HUGHES L. E.
Published: April 2015

The genus Stebbingiella Marques-Junior & Senna, 2013 was recently established in the family Melphidippidae Stebbing, 1899. Stebbingiella does not fit this family concept for a number of reasons which include: antenna 1 accessory flagellum well developed; callynophore absent; maxilla 1 inner plate with apical robust setae; maxilla 2 inner plate without oblique setal row; coxae discontiguous; gnathopod 2 sexually dimorphic, enlarged in males; pleonites without dorsal carinae; epimera absent; uropodal rami linguiform or lanceolate; uropod 3 with short peduncle, rami longer than peduncle; telson dorsoventally thickened.
Choosing the Best Newborn Anthropometric Measure Associated With the Risks and Outcomes of Intrauterine Growth Restriction
Authors: Lei XiaoPing , Zhang YongJun , Fang Fang , Wu Ting , Chen Yan , Zhang Jun
Published: April 2015

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is associated with various prenatal risks and postnatal adverse outcomes. The aim of this study is to choose the most sensitive newborn anthropometric measure, which is closely associated with IUGR-related risks and outcomes, to substitute IUGR after delivery. Data were obtained from the Collaborative Perinatal Project, a multicenter prospective cohort study in the United States from 1959 to 1976. Maternal heavy smoking and severe hypertensive disorders during pregnancy, neonatal polycythemia and hypothermia, low intelligence quotient (<70) at age 7 years were chosen as IUGR-related risks and outcomes. Eight anthropometric measures at birth were tested by logistic regression model. Birth weight-to-head circumference (W/HC) had the largest odds ratio (OR) for neonatal polycythemia (OR = 1.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.5-2.0), severe hypertensive disorders (OR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.5-2.2), and maternal heavy smoking (OR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.7-2.1) during pregnancy. It also had the highest summary OR (9.3). Thus, W/HC may be a good measure for IUGR.
A panel data analysis of the impacts of institutional differences on local governments' budgetary decisions
Authors: Kim Soojin , Eom Tae Ho
Published: April 2015

This study provides empirical evidence on how institutional differences influence school budget decisions by using panel data from 178 K-12 New Jersey school districts for the period 1996 to 2007. The findings obtained by the Newey-West model, correcting heteroskedasticity and serial correlation, support our hypothesis that school districts with elected school boards (Type II districts) are more likely to be effective at lowering school spending than ones with appointed school boards (Type I districts). Viewing school systems through the lens of new institutional economics, this study argues that institutional differences in governance are critical in leading to differences in budgetary decisions by affecting incentive structures faced by public officials, along with transaction costs and agency costs.

Points for practitioners

To date, the issue of the impact of institutional differences on local budgetary decisions has been an ongoing topic of debate among many scholars and practitioners in the public administration field. This implies that as an effective incentive structure as well as constraint mechanism, direct electoral institutions in school districts can be a valuable tool to control growing education spending by placing clear accountability on school boards in shaping school budget decisions. Policy makers should consider feasible strategies accompanied by institutional changes in a situation in which local governments are challenged to manage their budget effectively under fiscal stress.
Effect of workpiece stiffness on thrust force and delamination in drilling thin composite laminates
Authors: Luo Bin , Li Yuan , Zhang Kaifu , Cheng Hui , Liu Shunuan
Published: April 2015

During drilling thin composite laminates, workpiece stiffness affects drilling process through bending and release movement. A new mechanical model for thrust force prediction was developed to quantitatively describe influence of workpiece stiffness. Its effect on delamination was also investigated. Derivative of workpiece deflection caused by thrust force was calculated to obtain dynamic feed rate. Then, thrust force was predicted as a function of drill geometry, specific energy and dynamic feed rate. Experiments of drilling woven CFRP plates had been performed with different feed rate and unsupported length. Results showed that the presented model could fit measurement thrust force nicely except exit stage, in which local deformation and crack of uncut material brought forward the force drop point. Delamination damage was observed at low stiffness even though thrust force did not exceed the critical value. Analysis results indicated that dynamic feed rate was a more suitable critical parameter for delamination-free drilling.
Spark plasma sintering of TaC and/or CNTs reinforced SiC CMCs
Authors: Xie Qiaoyun , Wosu Sylvanus N
Published: April 2015

This study focuses on a two-stage spark plasma sintering of TaC and/or carbon nanotubes (CNTs) reinforced SiC ceramic composites. The influence of reinforcements of TaC and CNTs, as well as sintering parameters, such as pressure, heating rate, and temperature, is investigated on the densification behavior and mechanical properties of the TaC–CNTs–SiC system. The results showed that the addition of CNTs increased the densification of SiC from 86% to 99.5% while still maintaining submicron grain size under the sintering parameters of 133℃/min, 1800℃, and 90 MPa pressure. TaC additives did not favor the densification of CNT–SiC ceramics but increased the nano hardness of the composites.
Governments, Informal Links to Militias, and Accountability
Authors: Carey Sabine C. , Colaresi Michael P. , Mitchell Neil J.
Published: April 2015

From Syria to Sudan, governments have informal ties with militias that use violence against opposition groups and civilians. Building on research that suggests these groups offer governments logistical benefits in civil wars as well as political benefits in the form of reduced liability for violence, we provide the first systematic global analysis of the scale and patterns of these informal linkages. We find over 200 informal state–militia relationships across the globe, within but also outside of civil wars. We illustrate how informal delegation of violence to these groups can help some governments avoid accountability for violence and repression. Our empirical analysis finds that weak democracies as well as recipients of financial aid from democracies are particularly likely to form informal ties with militias. This relationship is strengthened as the monitoring costs of democratic donors increase. Out-of-sample predictions illustrate the usefulness of our approach that views informal ties to militias as deliberate government strategy to avoid accountability.
Making meaningful commitments: Accounting for variation in cities’ investments of staff and fiscal resources to sustainability
Authors: Hawkins Christopher V , Krause Rachel M , Feiock Richard C , Curley Cali
Published: April 2015

Environmental sustainability is one of the great challenges of the 21st century. A number of explanations have been advanced for why some local governments make strong commitments to sustainability while others do not. Most of the extant empirical research, however, has relied on models that employ only one or just a few of these explanations. As a result, empirical analyses do not encompass a comprehensive set of variables that account for alternative explanations. This study begins to fill this lacuna by specifying an empirical model that examines six explanations for local commitment towards sustainability: local sustainability priorities, regional governance, climate protection networks, interest group support, local fiscal capacity, and characteristics of the local governing institution. Moreover, we use the designation of human and financial resources specifically for sustainability to operationalise commitment. This is a more substantive measure than has been used in previous studies. We accomplish this by utilising data from the Integrated City Sustainability Database. Our results indicate that local priorities, participation in regional governance, and membership in climate protection networks influence the likelihood of cities’ devotion of resources to sustainability. We discuss the implications of these findings for research and practice.
Urban form, car ownership and activity space in inner suburbs: A comparison between Beijing (China) and Chicago (United States)
Authors: Tana  , Kwan Mei-Po , Chai Yanwei
Published: April 2015

Accompanied by higher levels of car ownership, suburbanisation in Western countries has a significant impact on motorised travel and long-distance trips. Chinese cities share some of the suburbanisation trends and patterns of the United States as well as an increasing number of cars, while there are still great contextual variations. Through a comparative study of activity space in two inner suburban areas with different built environments, Beijing in China and Chicago in the US, this paper examines how suburbanisation influences individuals’ activity-travel behaviour. The results indicate that changing urban form has a significant impact on activity space. However, the determinants of activity space in Beijing are quite different from those in Chicago. In Beijing, increasing car ownership leads to more differentiation among suburban residents. In Chicago, encouraging high-density land use patterns may lead to more localised activity space.
A Multivariate Generalizability Theory Approach to Standard Setting
Authors: Wu Yi-Fang , Tzou Hueying
Published: April 2015

Generalizability theory (G theory) allows researchers to assess the many sources of variance inherent in complex standard setting procedures involving the determination of cut scores. The flexibility of G and D studies provides a way to conceptualize and quantify the results of different standard settings once the universe of admissible observations and the universe of generalization are defined. The current article applies a multivariate single-facet design for estimating standard errors of cut scores. For practical purposes, several multivariate D study designs are used to investigate what effect various panel sizes and test lengths have on the precision of the standard setting process. The current study demonstrates the advantages and usefulness of multivariate G theory in determining the accuracy of cut scores in practical applications of standard setting procedures.
Infant frontal asymmetry predicts child emotional availability
Authors: Licata Maria , Paulus Markus , Kühn-Popp Nina , Meinhardt Jorg , Sodian Beate
Published: April 2015

While factors influencing maternal emotional availability (EA) have been well investigated, little is known about the development of child EA. The present longitudinal study investigated the role of frontal brain asymmetry in young children with regard to child EA (child responsiveness and involvement) in mother–child interaction in a sample of 28 children at 7, 14, and 50 months of age. When infants were 7 months of age, mother–child interaction quality was assessed using the EA-Scales. At 14 months, infants’ resting asymmetric frontal activity was assessed by means of the electroencephalogram (EEG). When children were 50 months old, mother–child interaction quality was measured again. Analyses showed that relatively higher left frontal EEG activation was related to higher child involvement at 50 months, but not to child responsiveness. Those findings suggest a specific relation between individual differences in frontal asymmetry, and child approach and initiating behaviors in mother–child interaction.
What makes a Fundamentalist? Metaphysics, Morality and Psychology
Authors: Kaul Volker
Published: April 2015

The article analyses the motivations of fundamentalists. Typically, fundamentalism is considered to have its origin in determinate cultural or religious systems of beliefs and norms. In this regard, it is possible to distinguish between metaphysical accounts and moral accounts of fundamentalism. The first state that fundamentalism makes claims concerning the reality of cultures and religions. The second hold fundamentalism to be of practical, not of theoretical, nature. This article argues, on the contrary, that fundamentalism does not have its source in religion or culture. Fundamentalists are not motivated by cultural or religious beliefs and reasons. Their intolerance is, in contrast, caused and driven by purely emotional reactions. What makes a fundamentalist is the emotional non-distinction between the intentions and actions of others and the proper behavior in matters of culture and religion. A fundamentalist has equally strong and intense emotional reactions when it comes to others’ integrity as with regard to his or her own piety.
The Role of Parotidectomy in the Treatment of Auricular Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Kadakia Sameep , Saman Masoud , Gordin Eli , Marra Diego , Ducic Yadranko
Published: April 2015

Objective

We analyze parotid specimens in patients treated with prophylactic parotidectomy for squamous cell carcinoma of the auricle greater than or equal to 2 cm to determine rates of metastasis and the efficacy of elective resection.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Cancer treatment center in Fort Worth, Texas, from 1998 to 2013.

Subjects and Methods

The study included 104 patients between ages 36 and 97 years with primary auricular squamous cell carcinoma greater than or equal to 2 cm, with no evidence of adenopathy or parotid involvement on imaging. Patients underwent local excision and ipsilateral parotidectomy. The primary cancer was analyzed for vascular involvement, perineural invasion, and cartilage involvement, while the parotid specimen was analyzed for cancer positivity.

Results

Thirty‐nine parotid (37.5%) samples were positive for carcinoma. Of these, 16 patients had primary auricular carcinomas with vascular involvement, 17 had perineural invasion, and 4 had cartilage involvement. Thirty‐two of 77 affected men and 7 of 27 affected women had positive parotid specimen. Vascular involvement (P =. 0006) and perineural invasion (P =. 0027) of the primary lesion were significantly higher in patients with a positive parotid specimen. Cartilage involvement and sex were not statistically significant.

Conclusions

Elective parotidectomy is beneficial in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the auricle at least 2 cm in size, especially in lesions having perineural invasion and vascular involvement. For patients with positive parotid specimens, we recommend postoperative external beam radiation therapy and close surveillance.
Culture, Power, and Political Change
Authors: Bedingfield Sid
Published: April 2015

This essay argues that Jeffrey C. Alexander’s civil sphere theory provides a useful new tool for those who study mass communication and its role during times of political change. In a functioning democracy, Alexander maintains, the feelings of solidarity that emanate from a shared cultural legacy can shape political outcomes and foster social change. This essay responds to skeptics who claim Alexander’s theory minimizes the impact of raw power in politics and thus presents a Utopian view of civil society. It contends that civil sphere theory can enhance the study of power, particularly the role powerful forces play in shaping the cultural contests that animate democratic life and lay the foundation for political and social change.
Equivocation in Arabic News Interviews
Authors: Alfahad Abdulrahman
Published: April 2015

In the Arab media, it has been claimed that independent news channels put more pressure on officials and public figures, compared with the state-owned news channels. This article aims to compare empirically the strategies that Arab interviewers use to restrict or broaden the answers expected from interviewees in two different channels. Adopting contrastive methods, the findings show that the percentage of equivocations is remarkably low in the government-controlled channel. The study suggests that the findings could be understood within the well-studied theory of equivocation “avoidance-avoidance conflict,” which argues that people tend to equivocate when they are expected to reply to a question for which all potential replies have negative consequences. Arab interviewers in the government-controlled channels design their questions in a way that does not constrain their guests, but avoids conflict with them by allowing them to give a wide range of valid answers.
Understanding Others’ Goals Depends on the Efficiency and Timing of Goal Pursuit
Authors: Palomares Nicholas A. , Grasso Katherine L. , Li Siyue
Published: April 2015

Goal understanding is the process by which interactants make inferences about others’ objectives during conversation. Previous research has examined goal understanding without concern for the timing of goal pursuit. Accordingly, an experiment examined the timing of pursuers’ efficiency in the communicative behavior employed to reach their goal. Results indicated that timing modified the relationship between pursuers’ efficiency and detectors’ accuracy and to a lesser extent detectors’ certainty. Efficiency was positively correlated with accuracy for the initial minute of a 5-minute interaction but not subsequent minutes.