bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Robotic Guide for Blind People Part 2: Gender and National Analysis of a Multi-National Survey and the Application of the Survey Results and the Cat Model to Framing Robot Design Specifications
Authors: Hersh Marion A. , Johnson Michael A.
Published: March 2015

This paper presents a gender and country-based analysis of the results of a multi-national survey questionnaire on the attitudes, requirements and preferences of blind and visually impaired people for a robotic guide. This is introduced by a brief summary of the findings of the survey introduced and reported in Part 1 and a brief overview of some of the technologies that are currently used in the construction of mobile robotic guides. An analysis of the gender dimension revealed very few differences in preferences or requirements between male and female respondents. There was also considerable commonality of preferences and requirements across the four countries, France, Italy, Spain and the UK, for which the comparative analysis was carried out. This implies that, at least initially, one robotic guide can be developed to be used in a number of different countries and by both women and men. The survey results were then applied to develop design specifications for a mobile robotic guide for blind and visually impaired people. The framework of the Comprehensive Assistive Technology (CAT) model developed by the authors was used to organise the information and structure the development of the design specifications. Further work will involve the construction of design mock-ups to implement the design specifications and their investigation with end-users to choose a design for further development.
What Strategy Central Nervous System Uses to Perform a Movement Balanced? Biomechatronical Simulation of Human Lifting
Authors: Leylavi Shoushtari Ali
Published: March 2015

How does the central nervous system control the body posture during various tasks despite a redundancy? It's a well-known question existed in such fields of study as biomechanics and bioengineering. Some techniques based on muscle and torques synergies are presented to study the function which Central Nervous System uses to addresses the kinetic redundancy in musculoskeletal system. The human body with its whole numerous joints considered as a hyper redundant structure which caused to be seemed that it is impossible for CNS to control and signal such system. To solve the kinematic redundancy in previous studies it is hypothesize that CNS functions as an optimizer, such of that are the task-based algorithms which search to find optimal solution for each specific task. In this research a new objective function based on ankle torques during movement is implemented to guarantee the stability of motion. A 2D 5DOF biomechatronical model of human body is subjected to lifting task simulation. The simulation process implements inverse dynamics as major constraint to consider the dynamics of motion for predicted postures. In the previous optimization-based techniques which are used to simulate the human movements, the motion stability was guaranteed by a nonlinear inequality constraint which restricts the total moment arm of the links to an upper and lower boundary. In this method, there is no need to use this constraint. The results show that the simulated postures are normal and the predicted motion is performed completely balanced.
Application of Topology Optimization to the Tibial Osteotomy Fixation Plates
Authors: Kutuk M. Akif , Gov Ibrahim
Published: March 2015

Application of topology optimization to fixation plates is the main consideration of this paper. The interbody fusion plates are required to give mechanical support to tibia with minimally invasive surgical procedure. Topology optimization is used to obtain fixation plates with possible minimum material usage. Topology optimization is applied to three types of plates which are used in upper tibial osteotomy. Initial design of the plates are first numerically modelled and then investigated for stresses under possible highest load values. The results of the analysis indicated that the plates are very stiff even under high loads. Application of topology optimization to plates yielded minimized weight and material usage while keeping the plates still adequate for possible high load values. It was also revealed that up to 50% of mass could be saved by an optimal implant design.
Effects of Bone Young’s Modulus on Finite Element Analysis in the Lateral Ankle Biomechanics
Authors: Niu W. X. , Wang L. J. , Feng T. N. , Jiang C. H. , Fan Y. B. , Zhang M.
Published: March 2015

Finite element analysis (FEA) is a powerful tool in biomechanics. The mechanical properties of biological tissue used in FEA modeling are mainly from experimental data, which vary greatly and are sometimes uncertain. The purpose of this study was to research how Young’s modulus affects the computations of a foot-ankle FEA model. A computer simulation and an in-vitro experiment were carried out to investigate the effects of incremental Young’s modulus of bone on the stress and strain outcomes in the computational simulation. A precise 3-dimensional finite element model was constructed based on an in-vitro specimen of human foot and ankle. Young’s moduli were assigned as four levels of 7.3, 14.6, 21.9 and 29.2 GPa respectively. The proximal tibia and fibula were completely limited to six degrees of freedom, and the ankle was loaded to inversion 10° and 20° through the calcaneus. Six cadaveric foot-ankle specimens were loaded as same as the finite element model, and strain was measured at two positions of the distal fibula. The bone stress was less affected by assignment of Young’s modulus. With increasing of Young’s modulus, the bone strain decreased linearly. Young’s modulus of 29.2 GPa was advisable to get the satisfactory surface strain results. In the future study, more ideal model should be constructed to represent the nonlinearity, anisotropy and inhomogeneity, as the same time to provide reasonable outputs of the interested parameters.
A Macroscopic Two-Phase Blood Flow Through a Stenosed Artery with Permeable Wall
Authors: Medhavi Amit
Published: March 2015

The present paper concerns with the fluid mechanical study on the effects of the permeability of the wall through an overlapping stenosis in an artery assuming that the flowing blood is represented by a macroscopic two-phase model. The expressions for the blood flow characteristics, the impedance, the wall shear stress distribution in the stenotic region, shearing stress at the stenosis throats and at the stenosis critical height have been derived. Results for the effects of permeability as well as of hematocrit on these blood flow characteristics are shown graphically and discussed briefly.
Two-Photon Microscopy Allows Imaging and Characterization of Cochlear Microvasculature In Vivo
Authors: Ihler Friedrich , Bertlich Mattis , Weiss Bernhard , Dietzel Steffen , Canis Martin
Published: March 2015

Impairment of cochlear blood flow has been discussed as factor in the pathophysiology of various inner ear disorders. However, the microscopic study of cochlear microcirculation is limited due to small scale and anatomical constraints. Here, two-photon fluorescence microscopy is applied to visualize cochlear microvessels. Guinea pigs were injected with Fluorescein isothiocyanate- or Texas red-dextrane as plasma marker. Intravital microscopy was performed in four animals and explanted cochleae from four animals were studied. The vascular architecture of the cochlea was visualized up to a depth of90.0±22.7 μm. Imaging yielded a mean contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of3.3±1.7. Mean diameter in vivo was16.5±6.0 μm for arterioles and8.0±2.4 μm for capillaries. In explanted cochleae, the diameter of radiating arterioles and capillaries was measured with12.2±1.6 μm and6.6±1.0 μm, respectively. The difference between capillaries and arterioles was statistically significant in both experimental setups (P<0.001andP=0.022, two-way ANOVA). Measured vessel diameters in vivo and ex vivo were in agreement with published data. We conclude that two-photon fluorescence microscopy allows the investigation of cochlear microvessels and is potentially a valuable tool for inner ear research.
Epithelial Plasticity in Cancer: Unmasking a MicroRNA Network for TGF-β-, Notch-, and Wnt-Mediated EMT
Authors: Zoni Eugenio , van der Pluijm Gabri , Gray Peter C. , Kruithof-de Julio Marianna
Published: March 2015

Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a reversible process by which cancer cells can switch from a sessile epithelial phenotype to an invasive mesenchymal state. EMT enables tumor cells to become invasive, intravasate, survive in the circulation, extravasate, and colonize distant sites. Paracrine heterotypic stroma-derived signals as well as paracrine homotypic or autocrine signals can mediate oncogenic EMT and contribute to the acquisition of stem/progenitor cell properties, expansion of cancer stem cells, development of therapy resistance, and often lethal metastatic disease. EMT is regulated by a variety of stimuli that trigger specific intracellular signalling pathways. Altered microRNA (miR) expression and perturbed signalling pathways have been associated with epithelial plasticity, including oncogenic EMT. In this review we analyse and describe the interaction between experimentally validated miRs and their target genes in TGF-β, Notch, and Wnt signalling pathways. Interestingly, in this process, we identified a “signature” of 30 experimentally validated miRs and a cluster of validated target genes that seem to mediate the cross talk between TGF-β, Notch, and Wnt signalling networks during EMT and reinforce their connection to the regulation of epithelial plasticity in health and disease.
Daycare Attendance, Breastfeeding, and the Development of Type 1 Diabetes: The Diabetes Autoimmunity Study in the Young
Authors: Hall Katelyn , Frederiksen Brittni , Rewers Marian , Norris Jill M.
Published: March 2015

Background.The hygiene hypothesis attributes the increased incidence of type 1 diabetes (T1D) to a decrease of immune system stimuli from infections. We evaluated this prospectively in the Diabetes Autoimmunity Study in the Young (DAISY) by examining daycare attendance during the first two years of life (as a proxy for infections) and the risk of T1D.Methods.DAISY is a prospective cohort of children at increased T1D risk. Analyses were limited to 1783 children with complete daycare and breastfeeding data from birth to 2 years of age; 58 children developed T1D. Daycare was defined as supervised time with at least one other child at least 3 times a week. Breastfeeding duration was evaluated as a modifier of the effect of daycare. Cox proportional hazards regression was used for analyses.Results.Attending daycare before the age of 2 years was not associated with T1D risk (HR: 0.89; CI: 0.54–1.47) after adjusting for HLA, first degree relative with T1D, ethnicity, and breastfeeding duration. Breastfeeding duration modified this association, where daycare attendance was associated with increased T1D risk in nonbreastfed children and a decreasing T1D risk with increasing breastfeeding duration (interactionPvalue = 0.02).Conclusions.These preliminary data suggest breastfeeding may modify the effect of daycare on T1D risk.
Research on Safety and Static-Dynamic Legibility of Distressed Pavement
Authors: Mao Chengyuan , Bie Yiming , Pei Yulong , Qi Weiwei
Published: March 2015

In order to study the impacts of distressed pavement on driving safety, the drivers’ driving behavior and driving characteristics need to be analyzed. By analyzing the drivers’ characteristics, driving behavior’ and braking characteristics of vehicles, relation between static legibility distance of the distressed pavement under different driving conditions and dynamic legibility distance during driving is revealed via statistical analysis. The relation between vehicle speeds, braking performance, and the minimum safety legibility distance is developed. The recommended static legibility distances for different speed limits are proposed, which would be useful to improve the driving safety under adverse road conditions.
Comparison of High-Intensity Laser Therapy and Ultrasound Treatment in the Patients with Lumbar Discopathy
Authors: Boyraz Ismail , Yildiz Ahmet , Koc Bunyamin , Sarman Hakan
Published: March 2015

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficiency of high intensity laser and ultrasound therapy in patients who were diagnosed with lumbar disc herniation and who were capable of performing physical exercises. 65 patients diagnosed with lumbar disc were included in the study. The patients were randomly divided into three groups: Group 1 received 10 sessions of high intensity laser to the lumbar region, Group 2 received 10 sessions of ultrasound, and Group 3 received medical therapy for 10 days and isometric lumbar exercises. The efficacy of the treatment modalities was compared with the assessment of the patients before the therapy at the end of the therapy, and in third month after the therapy. Comparing the changes between groups, statically significant difference was observed in MH (mental health) parameter before treatment between Groups 1 and 2 and in MH parameter and VAS score in third month of the therapy between Groups 2 and 3. However, the evaluation of the patients after ten days of treatment did not show significant differences between the groups compared to baseline values. We found that HILT, ultrasound, and exercise were efficient therapies for lumbar discopathy but HILT and ultrasound had longer effect on some parameters.
Patella Dislocation with Vertical Axis Rotation: The “Dorsal Fin” Patella
Authors: Gamble David , Otto Quentin , Carrothers Andrew D. , Khanduja Vikas
Published: March 2015

A 44-year-old woman presented following minor trauma to her right knee. While dancing she externally rotated around a planted foot and felt sudden pain in her right knee. She presented with her knee locked in extension with a “dorsal fin” appearance of the soft tissues tented over the patella. This was diagnosed as a rare case of an intraarticular patella dislocation, which was rotated 90 degrees about the vertical axis. Closed reduction in the emergency room was unsuccessful but was achieved in theatre under general anaesthetic with muscle relaxation. Postreduction arthroscopy demonstrated that no osteochondral or soft tissue damage to the knee had been sustained. In patients presenting with a knee locked in extension with tenting of skin over the patella (the “dorsal fin” appearance), intra-articular patella dislocation should be suspected. Attempts to reduce vertical patella dislocations under sedation with excessive force or repeatedly without success should be avoided to prevent unnecessary damage to the patellofemoral joint. In this clinical situation we recommend closed reduction under general anaesthetic followed by immediate knee arthroscopy under the same anaesthetic to ensure that there is no chondral damage to the patella or femoral trochlea and to rule out an osteochondral fracture.
Classification of Multiply Travelling Wave Solutions for Coupled Burgers, Combined KdV-Modified KdV, and Schrödinger-KdV Equations
Authors: Seadawy A. R. , El-Rashidy K.
Published: March 2015

Some explicit travelling wave solutions to constructing exact solutions of nonlinear partial differential equations of mathematical physics are presented. By applying a theory of Frobenius decompositions and, more precisely, by using a transformation method to the coupled Burgers, combined Korteweg-de Vries- (KdV-) modified KdV and Schrödinger-KdV equation is written as bilinear ordinary differential equations and two solutions to describing nonlinear interaction of travelling waves are generated. The properties of the multiple travelling wave solutions are shown by some figures. All solutions are stable and have applications in physics.
A Directly Numerical Algorithm for a Backward Time-Fractional Diffusion Equation Based on the Finite Element Method
Authors: Ruan Zhousheng , Wang Zewen , Zhang Wen
Published: March 2015

We study a backward problem for a time-fractional diffusion equation, which is formulated into a regularized optimization problem. After solving a sequence of well-posed direct problems by the finite element method, a directly numerical algorithm is proposed for solving the regularized optimization problem. In order to obtain a reasonable regularization solution, we utilize the discrepancy principle with decreasing geometric sequence to choose regularization parameters. One- and two-dimensional examples are given to verify the efficiency and stability of the proposed method.
Balance Transmission Mechanism in Underwater Acoustic Sensor Networks
Authors: Cao Jiabao , Dou Jinfeng , Dong Shunle
Published: March 2015

With the rapid development of underwater acoustic modem technology, underwater acoustic sensor networks (UWASNs) have more applications in long-term monitoring of the deployment area. In the underwater environment, the sensors are costly with limited energy. And acoustic communication medium poses new challenges, including high path loss, low bandwidth, and high energy consumption. Therefore, designing transmission mechanism to decrease energy consumption and to optimize the lifetime of UWASN becomes a significant task. This paper proposes a balance transmission mechanism, and divides the data transmission process into two phases. In the routing set-up phase, an efficient routing algorithm based on the optimum transmission distance is present to optimize the energy consumption of the UWASN. And then, a data balance transmission algorithm is introduced in the stable data transmission phase. The algorithm determines one-hop or multihop data transmission of the node to underwater sink according to the current energy level of adjacent nodes. Furthermore, detailed theoretical analysis evaluates the optimum energy levels in the UWASNs with different scales. The simulation results prove the efficiency of the BTM.
The Neuroprotective Mechanism of Low-Frequency rTMS on Nigral Dopaminergic Neurons of Parkinson’s Disease Model Mice
Authors: Dong Qiaoyun , Wang Yanyong , Gu Ping , Shao Rusheng , Zhao Li , Liu Xiqi , Wang Zhanqiang , Wang Mingwei
Published: March 2015

Background. Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease in elder people, pathophysiologic basis of which is the severe deficiency of dopamine in the striatum. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of low-frequency rTMS on Parkinson’s disease in model mice.Methods. The effects of low-frequency rTMS on the motor function, cortex excitability, neurochemistry, and neurohistopathology of MPTP-induced Parkinson’s disease mice were investigated through behavioral detection, electrophysiologic technique, high performance liquid chromatography-electrochemical detection, immunohistochemical staining, and western blot.Results. Low-frequency rTMS could improve the motor coordination impairment of Parkinson’s disease mice: the resting motor threshold significantly decreased in the Parkinson’s disease mice; the degeneration of nigral dopaminergic neuron and the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase were significantly improved by low-frequency rTMS; moreover, the expressions of brain derived neurotrophic factor and glial cell line derived neurotrophic factor were also improved by low-frequency rTMS.Conclusions. Low-frequency rTMS had a neuroprotective effect on the nigral dopaminergic neuron which might be due to the improved expressions of brain derived neurotrophic factor and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor. The present study provided a theoretical basis for the application of low-frequency rTMS in the clinical treatment and recovery of Parkinson’s disease.
Observer Design for a Class of Nonlinear Descriptor Systems: A Takagi-Sugeno Approach with Unmeasurable Premise Variables
Authors: Soulami J. , El Assoudi A. , Essabre M. , Habibi M. , El Yaagoubi E.
Published: March 2015

The Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy observer for dynamical systems described by ordinary differential equations is widely discussed in the literature. The aim of this paper is to extend this observer design to a class of T-S descriptor systems with unmeasurable premise variables. In practice, the computation of solutions of differential-algebraic equations requires the combination of an ordinary differential equations (ODE) routine together with an optimization algorithm. Therefore, a natural way permitting to estimate the state of such a system is to design a procedure based on a similar numerical algorithm. Beside some numerical difficulties, the drawback of such a method lies in the fact that it is not easy to establish a rigorous proof of the convergence of the observer. The main result of this paper consists in showing that the state estimation problem for a class of T-S descriptor systems can be achieved by using a fuzzy observer having only an ODE structure. The convergence of the state estimation error is studied using the Lyapunov theory and the stability conditions are given in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Finally, an application to a model of a heat exchanger pilot process is given to illustrate the performance of the proposed observer.
Exact Solutions for Unsteady Free Convection Flow of Casson Fluid over an Oscillating Vertical Plate with Constant Wall Temperature
Authors: Khalid Asma , Khan Ilyas , Shafie Sharidan
Published: March 2015

The unsteady free flow of a Casson fluid past an oscillating vertical plate with constant wall temperature has been studied. The Casson fluid model is used to distinguish the non-Newtonian fluid behaviour. The governing partial differential equations corresponding to the momentum and energy equations are transformed into linear ordinary differential equations by using nondimensional variables. Laplace transform method is used to find the exact solutions of these equations. Expressions for shear stress in terms of skin friction and the rate of heat transfer in terms of Nusselt number are also obtained. Numerical results of velocity and temperature profiles with various values of embedded flow parameters are shown graphically and their effects are discussed in detail.
A Numerical Study of Natural Convection Heat Transfer in Fin Ribbed Radiator
Authors: Dou Hua-Shu , Jiang Gang , Zhang Lite
Published: March 2015

This paper numerically investigates the thermal flow and heat transfer by natural convection in a cavity fixed with a fin array. The computational domain consists of both solid (copper) and fluid (air) areas. The finite volume method and the SIMPLE scheme are used to simulate the steady flow in the domain. Based on the numerical results, the energy gradient functionKof the energy gradient theory is calculated. It is observed from contours of the temperature and energy gradient function that the position where thermal instability takes place correlates well with the region of largeKvalues, which demonstrates that the energy gradient method reveals the physical mechanism of the flow instability. Furthermore, the effects of the fin height, the fin number, and the fin shape on the heat transfer rate are also investigated. It is found that the thermal performance of the fin array is determined by the combined effect of the fin space and fin height. It is also observed that the effect of fin shape on heat transfer is insignificant.
Upregulation of MAPK Negative Feedback Regulators and RET in Mutant ALK Neuroblastoma: Implications for Targeted Treatment
Authors: Lambertz Irina , Kumps Candy , Claeys Shana , Lindner Sven , Beckers Anneleen , Janssens Els , Carter Daniel R. , Cazes Alex , Cheung Belamy B. , De Mariano Marilena , De Bondt An , De Brouwer Sara , Delattre Olivier , Gibbons Jay , Janoueix-Lerosey Isabelle , Laureys Geneviève , Liang Chris , Marchall Glenn M. , Porcu Michael , Takita Junko , Trujillo David Camacho , Van Den Wyngaert Ilse , Van Roy Nadine , Van Goethem Alan , Van Maerken Tom , Zabrocki Piotr , Cools Jan , Schulte Johannes H. , Vialard Jorge , Speleman Frank , De Preter Katleen
Published: March 2015

Purpose: Activating ALK mutations are present in almost 10% of primary neuroblastomas and mark patients for treatment with small-molecule ALK inhibitors in clinical trials. However, recent studies have shown that multiple mechanisms drive resistance to these molecular therapies. We anticipated that detailed mapping of the oncogenic ALK-driven signaling in neuroblastoma can aid to identify potential fragile nodes as additional targets for combination therapies.

Experimental Design: To achieve this goal, transcriptome profiling was performed in neuroblastoma cell lines with the ALKF1174L or ALKR1275Q hotspot mutations, ALK amplification, or wild-type ALK following pharmacologic inhibition of ALK using four different compounds. Next, we performed cross-species genomic analyses to identify commonly transcriptionally perturbed genes in MYCN/ALKF1174L double transgenic versus MYCN transgenic mouse tumors as compared with the mutant ALK-driven transcriptome in human neuroblastomas.

Results: A 77-gene ALK signature was established and successfully validated in primary neuroblastoma samples, in a neuroblastoma cell line with ALKF1174L and ALKR1275Q regulable overexpression constructs and in other ALKomas. In addition to the previously established PI3K/AKT/mTOR, MAPK/ERK, and MYC/MYCN signaling branches, we identified that mutant ALK drives a strong upregulation of MAPK negative feedback regulators and upregulates RET and RET-driven sympathetic neuronal markers of the cholinergic lineage.

Conclusions: We provide important novel insights into the transcriptional consequences and the complexity of mutant ALK signaling in this aggressive pediatric tumor. The negative feedback loop of MAPK pathway inhibitors may affect novel ALK inhibition therapies, whereas mutant ALK induced RET signaling can offer novel opportunities for testing ALK-RET oriented molecular combination therapies. Clin Cancer Res; 21(14); 3327–39. ©2015 AACR.
Effects of Metformin, Buformin, and Phenformin on the Post-Initiation Stage of Chemically Induced Mammary Carcinogenesis in the Rat
Authors: Zhu Zongjian , Jiang Weiqin , Thompson Matthew D. , Echeverria Dimas , McGinley John N. , Thompson Henry J.
Published: March 2015

Metformin is a widely prescribed drug for the treatment of type II diabetes. Although epidemiologic data have provided a strong rationale for investigating the potential of this biguanide for use in cancer prevention and control, uncertainty exists whether metformin should be expected to have an impact in nondiabetic patients. Furthermore, little attention has been given to the possibility that other biguanides may have anticancer activity. In this study, the effects of clinically relevant doses of metformin (9.3 mmol/kg diet), buformin (7.6 mmol/kg diet), and phenformin (5.0 mmol/kg diet) were compared with rats fed control diet (AIN93-G) during the post-initiation stage of 1-methyl-1-nitrosourea-induced (50 mg/kg body weight) mammary carcinogenesis (n = 30/group). Plasma, liver, skeletal muscle, visceral fat, mammary gland, and mammary carcinoma concentrations of the biguanides were determined. In comparison with the control group, buformin decreased cancer incidence, multiplicity, and burden, whereas metformin and phenformin had no statistically significant effect on the carcinogenic process relative to the control group. Buformin did not alter fasting plasma glucose or insulin. Within mammary carcinomas, evidence was obtained that buformin treatment perturbed signaling pathways related to energy sensing. However, further investigation is needed to determine the relative contributions of host systemic and cell autonomous mechanisms to the anticancer activity of biguanides such as buformin. Cancer Prev Res; 8(6); 518–27. ©2015 AACR.
AttenuatedToxoplasma gondiiStimulates Immunity to Pancreatic Cancer by Manipulation of Myeloid Cell Populations
Authors: Sanders Kiah L. , Fox Barbara A. , Bzik David J.
Published: March 2015

Suppressive myeloid cells represent a significant barrier to the generation of productive antitumor immune responses to many solid tumors. Eliminating or reprogramming suppressive myeloid cells to abrogate tumor-associated immune suppression is a promising therapeutic approach. We asked whether treatment of established aggressive disseminated pancreatic cancer with the immunotherapeutic attenuated Toxoplasma gondii vaccine strain CPS would trigger tumor-associated myeloid cells to generate therapeutic antitumor immune responses. CPS treatment significantly decreased tumor-associated macrophages and markedly increased dendritic cell infiltration of the pancreatic tumor microenvironment. Tumor-resident macrophages and dendritic cells, particularly cells actively invaded by CPS, increased expression of costimulatory molecules CD80 and CD86 and concomitantly boosted their production of IL12. CPS treatment increased CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell infiltration into the tumor microenvironment, activated tumor-resident T cells, and increased IFNγ production by T-cell populations. CPS treatment provided a significant therapeutic benefit in pancreatic tumor-bearing mice. This therapeutic benefit depended on IL12 and IFNγ production, MyD88 signaling, and CD8+ T-cell populations. Although CD4+ T cells exhibited activated effector phenotypes and produced IFNγ, CD4+ T cells as well as natural killer cells were not required for the therapeutic benefit. In addition, CD8+ T cells isolated from CPS-treated tumor-bearing mice produced IFNγ after re-exposure to pancreatic tumor antigen, suggesting this immunotherapeutic treatment stimulated tumor cell antigen-specific CD8+ T-cell responses. This work highlights the potency and immunotherapeutic efficacy of CPS treatment and demonstrates the significance of targeting tumor-associated myeloid cells as a mechanism to stimulate more effective immunity to pancreatic cancer. Cancer Immunol Res; 3(8); 891–901. ©2015 AACR.
All-Cause Mortality up to and After Coronary Heart Disease and Stroke Events in European Middle-Aged Men
Authors: Majed Bilal , Montaye Michèle , Wagner Aline , Arveiler Dominique , Ducimetiere Pierre , Tafflet Muriel , Ferrieres Jean , Ruidavets Jean-Bernard , Kee Frank , Evans Alun , Amouyel Philippe , Prugger Christof , Empana Jean-Philippe
Published: March 2015

Background and Purpose—

The aim was to investigate prospectively the all-cause mortality risk up to and after coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke events in European middle-aged men.

Methods—

The study population comprised 10 424 men 50 to 59 years of age recruited between 1991 and 1994 in France (N=7855) and Northern Ireland (N=2747) within the Prospective Epidemiological Study of Myocardial Infarction. Incident CHD and stroke events and deaths from all causes were prospectively registered during the 10-year follow-up. In Cox’s proportional hazards regression analysis, CHD and stroke events during follow-up were used as time-dependent covariates.

Results—

A total of 769 CHD and 132 stroke events were adjudicated, and 569 deaths up to and 66 after CHD or stroke occurred during follow-up. After adjustment for study country and cardiovascular risk factors, the hazard ratios of all-cause mortality were 1.58 (95% confidence interval 1.18–2.12) after CHD and 3.13 (95% confidence interval 1.98–4.92) after stroke.

Conclusions—

These findings support continuous efforts to promote both primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease.
J. Severino Croatto’s Rereading of Empire in  Isaiah 47
Authors: Cuéllar Gregory L.
Published: March 2015

Anyone attempting to engage Latin America’s contributions to the field of biblical studies for the last fifty years cannot avoid the prolific scholarship of José Severino Croatto. His hermeneutical lens reflects a liberationist “rereading” strategy that ethically aims to privilege the lived experiences of oppressed and disenfranchised peoples of the world. Much of Croatto’s liberationist gaze focused on the Isaianic version of Israel’s “founding” message. Here, he oscillates between social critic and biblical exegete in a way that gives his rereading relevant specificity. As a case study into Croatto’s rereading of the materiality of empire in Isaiah, this essay interrogates his exegesis of empire in Isaiah 47 in order to better understand Croatto’s social critique of modern empire. In the end, Croatto’s assessment of empire has as its primary ethical concern the experiences of the oppressed people of Latin America. This explicit social obligation requires that he distill and sustain in full view the materiality of empire inscribed in Second Isaiah’s rhetoric. To achieve this, he harnesses a “sociopolítico” meaning within the text in such way that he makes accessible a theological rhetoric for critiquing the contemporary reality of empire.
Labour productivity and innovation performance: The importance of internal labour flexibility practices
Authors: Preenen Paul TY , Vergeer Robert , Kraan Karolus , Dhondt Steven
Published: March 2015

This article develops and examines the idea that internal labour flexibility practices are beneficial for labour productivity and innovation performance of companies. This is tested in two studies using unique company level datasets. In Study 1, results obtained from 377 independent companies revealed that internal labour flexibility practices are positively related to objective labour productivity and its growth in the year following, also when controlled for objective labour productivity and objective external labour flexibility from the year before. In Study 2, results obtained from 4271 companies indicated that internal labour flexibility practices were positively related to product innovation and labour productivity. Findings suggest that internal labour flexibility practices benefit both labour productivity and innovation performance of companies. If innovation and labour productivity are considered key to long-term survival, firms and policymakers should consider internal labour flexibility practices.
The temporary employed in Poland: Beneficiaries or victims of the liberal labour market?
Authors: Pilc Michał
Published: March 2015

Poland has had the highest incidence of temporary employment among the EU countries since 2009. However, due to a lack of proper data, only a few empirical studies have been devoted to analyse the consequences of temporary employment for future career and economic prospects on the Polish labour market. In this study the data from the Social Diagnosis panel study for the years 2009–2013 are used in order to analyse these consequences. The results reveal that although the chances for the temporary employed of finding a permanent job increase and the risk of being unemployed decreases over time, the negative consequences of temporary employment for income and its perceived stability do not seem to diminish.
Detecting near-duplicate text documents with a hybrid approach
Authors: Varol Cihan , Hari Sairam
Published: March 2015

Near duplicate data not only increase the cost of information processing in big data, but also increase decision time. Therefore, detecting and eliminating nearly identical information is vital to enhance overall business decisions. To identify near-duplicates in large-scale text data, the shingling algorithm has been widely used. This algorithm is based on occurrences of contiguous subsequences of tokens in two or more sets of information, such as in documents. In other words, if there is a slight variation among documents, the overall performance of the algorithm decreases. Therefore, to increase the efficiency and accuracy performances of the shingling algorithm, we propose a hybrid approach that embeds Jaro distance and statistical results of word usage frequency for fixing the ill-defined data. In a real text dataset, the proposed hybrid approach improved the shingling algorithm’s accuracy performance by 27% on average and achieved above 90% common shingles.
Temporal and Spatial Dimensions of Strategizing
Authors: Hydle Katja Maria
Published: March 2015

This paper extends existing research on time and space in strategizing by combining the understanding of temporal-spatial activities from practice theory with the strategy-as-practice perspective. In practice theory, temporal dimensions incorporate the past, present, and future of temporality and objective time, while spatial dimensions involve the places and paths of spatiality and objective space. These dimensions are used to uncover patterns of everyday activities in service provision and the related deliberate and non-deliberate strategizing in a transnational professional service firm. Three overall patterns of practices are identified as a result, and a framework of the temporal and spatial dimensions of strategizing is developed. The contribution of this study is to identify how strategy is realized, modified and developed, simultaneously, through distributed agency. Attention to the temporal-spatial dimensions helps explain the enabling and limiting factors in strategizing.
Safety and Postoperative Adverse Events in Pediatric Otologic Surgery
Authors: Roxbury Christopher R. , Yang Jingyan , Salazar Jose , Shah Rahul K. , Boss Emily F.
Published: March 2015

Objectives

Describe safety and postoperative sequelae of pediatric otologic surgery and identify predictive factors for postoperative events.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study of the American College of Surgeons National Surgery Quality Improvement Program–Pediatric (NSQIP‐P) database.

Setting

Data pooled from the 2012 NSQIP‐P public use file (50 institutions).

Subjects and Methods

Current procedural terminology codes were used to identify children who underwent otologic surgery. Variables of interest included demographics and 30‐day postoperative events grouped as reoperation, readmission, and complication. Event rates were determined and prevalence of events compared by procedure type and within patient subgroups according to chi‐square analysis. Multivariate logistic regression evaluated predictive factors for postoperative events.

Results

Of 37,319 pediatric operations, 2556 (6.8%) were otologic procedures. The most common procedure was tympanoplasty (n = 893, 34.9%), followed by myringoplasty (n = 741, 30.0%), cochlear implantation (n = 464, 18.2%), and tympanomastoidectomy (n = 458, 17.9%). There were 9 reoperations (0.4%), 32 readmissions (1.3%), and 18 complications (0.7%). Children undergoing tympanomastoidectomy or cochlear implantation were more likely to be readmitted irrespective of other factors (odds ratio = 5.5, P =. 010; odds ratio = 3.5, P =. 083). Children <3 years old were 4 times more likely to be readmitted than older children (odds ratio = 4.4, P <. 001).

Conclusion

Pediatric otologic procedures are common and have low rates of global 30‐day postoperative events. Tympanomastoidectomy and cochlear implantation have the highest risk of 30‐day readmission. Young children (<3 years) are more likely to be readmitted following these procedures. Further optimization of the NSQIP‐P to include specialty and procedure‐specific variables is necessary to assess complete, actionable outcomes of pediatric otologic surgery, however the present study provides a foundation to build upon for safety and quality improvement initiatives in pediatric otology.
Management of First Branchial Cleft Anomalies via a Cartilage‐Splitting Technique
Authors: Schmidt Richard , Conrad David , Field Erin , O’Reilly Robert
Published: March 2015

First branchial cleft anomalies are uncommon lesions that often present as periauricular infections. They have high recurrence rates, due in part to scarring secondary to prior infections and their management. These lesions have a close relationship with the facial nerve, and most authors recommend its identification and dissection because of this relationship. Nonetheless, facial nerve palsy has been reported in up to 15% of cases. We describe a novel technique for the management of first branchial cleft anomalies. Such lesions that presented in an infra‐ or postauricular location were approached via an incision through the cartilage of the pinna, between the tragus and antitragus. This technique affords direct access to the lesion without the need for facial nerve dissection. Six patients were treated. Five had prior surgery, including 3 with previous attempts at excision. There were no complications. The median follow‐up was 35 months. One patient developed a recurrence.
“I Am Super Straight and I Prefer You be Too”
Authors: Reynolds Chelsea
Published: March 2015

The theory of online disembodiment, which suggests sexual identity online may be incongruent with real-life self-presentation, is problematized by new dating technologies that may lead to meeting in real life (IRL). Expectations for a single “authentic” sexual identity increase with the likelihood of meeting IRL. This study examines sexual scripting and social constructions of heterosexual masculinity among “straight” men seeking homosexual sex on Craigslist personal ad forums in five U.S. cities. I argue that heterosexual masculinity is enacted by “straight” men who seek sex with men on Craigslist to reinforce authentic heterosexuality among audiences of “out” gay men posting in the same forums.
On the importance of trust in interpersonal attraction from attitude similarity
Authors: Singh Ramadhar , Wegener Duane T. , Sankaran Krithiga , Singh Smita , Lin Patrick K. F. , Seow Mellissa Xuemei , Teng Jocelyn Shu Qing , Shuli Sudderuddin
Published: March 2015

Trust has been identified as a key factor in relationship development and appreciation of group members. However, trust has not been previously considered as a reason for attitude similarity to result in attraction. Thus, in the current research, the authors investigated trust as a key component of attraction based on attitude similarity. Trust was shown to significantly mediate attitude similarity effects on attraction when measured alone (Experiment 1) and alongside positive affect in the participants (Experiment 2A), respect for the partner (Experiment 2B), or inferred partner’s attraction to the participants (Experiment 2C). Trust was also shown to have independent effects on attraction when juxtaposed with all three of the traditional mediators of attitude similarity effects (Experiment 3). Implications of these findings for models of attraction are discussed.
Genetics of presbycusis and presbystasis
Authors: Ciorba A , Hatzopoulos S , Bianchini C , Aimoni C , Skarzynski H , Skarzynski PH
Published: March 2015

Presbycusis and presbystasis represent relevant problems of aging, caused by the increase in life expectancy in developed countries. As such, it is advantageous to better understand the physiopathological mechanisms of these age-related inner ear diseases. The hypothesis that presbycusis and presbystasis have a genetic background was proposed some years ago. Several studies (in humans and animals) are available in the literature, and possible genes involved in the physiopathology of both diseases have been identified. The aim of this paper is to present an overview of the information available in the current medical literature on presbycusis and presbystasis.
BRD4 promotes tumor growth and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Pengfei , Dong Zhaoru , Cai Jiabin , Zhang Chi , Shen Zaozhuo , Ke Aiwu , Gao Dongmei , Fan Jia , Shi Guoming
Published: March 2015

Bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) proteins are epigenetic readers that play an important role in chromatin remodeling and transcriptional regulation. In this study, we found that BRD4, a BET family member, is significantly upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues. Furthermore, the overexpression of BRD4 in cancer tissues was correlated with poor prognosis in HCC patients. Using shRNA-mediated knockdown of BRD4 or lentivirus-mediated overexpression of BRD4 in HCC cells, we further showed that BRD4 was involved in HCC cell growth and invasion in vitro. Forced expression of BRD4 was sufficient to induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotypes in HCC cells. Additionally, BRD4 shRNA significantly inhibited HCC cell proliferation in vivo. Collectively, our study confirmed that BRD4 expression is a valuable predictor of recurrence and survival in patients with HCC. BRD4 can be further used as a potential therapeutic target of HCC.
Effect of clove and cinnamon extracts on experimental model of acute hematogenous pyelonephritis in albino rats: Immunopathological and antimicrobial study
Authors: Nassan MA , Mohamed EH , Abdelhafez S , Ismail TA
Published: March 2015

Recent studies showed prominent antimicrobial activity of some plant extracts on some pathogenic microorganisms so we evaluated antimicrobial activity of aqueous extracts of clove and cinnamon using the agar well diffusion method. An in vivo study was carried out on 40 adult healthy male albino rats divided into four groups: Group 1: negative control group (received intragastric saline solution daily); Group 2: injected with mixed bacterial suspension of S. aureus and E.coli as a model of pyelonephritis then received intragastric saline solution daily; Group 3: injected with the same dose of mixed bacterial suspension then received intragastric clove extract 500 mg/kg/day; and Group (4): injected with mixed bacterial suspension then received intragastric cinnamon 500 mg/kg/day. Five rats from each group were sacrificed after 1 and 4 weeks. Serum and blood samples were collected for lysozymes activity and nitric oxide production, lymphocyte transformation test, as well as counting of both total and differential leukocytes and erythrocytes. Kidney samples were tested histopathologically. Both in vivo and in vitro results confirmed the efficacy of clove extract as natural antimicrobials and suggested the possibility of its use in treatment of such bacterial infections.
From microvasculature to fibroblasts: Contribution of anti-endothelial cell antibodies in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Corallo C , Franci B , Lucani B , Montella A , Chirico C , Gonnelli S , Nuti R , Giordano N
Published: March 2015

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by skin and internal organ fibrosis, caused by microvascular dysfunction. In recent years, the hypothesis that anti-endothelial cell antibodies (AECA) play a key role in microvascular damage seems to be increasingly convincing. In fact, AECA can induce antibody-dependent cellular apoptosis and stimulate the microvasculature to release pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic cytokines. Human-microvascular-endothelial-cells (MVECs) were stimulated with SSc sera (with and without AECA) and with sera from healthy donors. The conditioned MVEC culture media were then added to fibroblast cultures obtained from control skin (CTR), non-affected skin of SSc patients (NA), and affected skin of the same sclerodermic (SSc) patients, respectively. AECA contributed to the MVEC increased release of endothelin-1 (ET-1) in the culture medium and to MVEC apoptosis. Fibroblast (CTR, NA, and SSc) proliferation was increased after treatment with AECA-positive conditioned media, compared to AECA-negative and control conditioned media. Furthermore, both AECA-positive (in major contribution) and AECA-negative conditioned media were responsible for alpha-smooth-muscle-actin (αSMA) over-expression in all fibroblast cultures, compared to control conditioned media. Fibroblast type I collagen synthesis was upregulated by both SSc conditioned media (with and without AECA). Finally, the synthesis of fibroblast transforming-growth-factor-beta (TGF-β) was statistically higher in AECA-positive conditioned media, compared to AECA-negative and control conditioned media. These findings support the concept that AECA may mediate the crosstalk between endothelial damage and dermal-fibroblast activation in SSc.