bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Induced Doxorubicin Resistance in Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Chen Dar-Ren , Lu Dah-Yuu , Lin Hui-Yi , Yeh Wei-Lan
Published: July 2014

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive histological subtype with limited treatment options and a worse clinical outcome compared with other breast cancer subtypes. Doxorubicin is considered to be one of the most effective agents in the treatment of TNBC. Unfortunately, resistance to this agent is common. In some drug-resistant cells, drug efflux is mediated by adenosine triphosphate-dependent membrane transporter termed adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette (ABC) transporter, which can drive the substrates across membranes against concentration gradient. In the tumor microenvironment, upon interaction with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), tumor cells exhibit altered biological functions of certain gene clusters, hence increasing stemness of tumor cells, migration ability, angiogenesis, and drug resistance. In our present study, we investigated the mechanism of TNBC drug resistance induced by adipose-derived MSCs. Upon exposure of TNBC to MSC-secreted conditioned medium (CM), noticeable drug resistance against doxorubicin with markedly increased BCRP protein expression was observed. Intracellular doxorubicin accumulation of TNBC was also decreased by MSC-secreted CM. Furthermore, we found that doxorubicin resistance of TNBC was mediated by IL-8 presented in the MSC-secreted CM. These findings may enrich the list of potential targets for overcoming drug resistance induced by MSCs in TNBC patients.
A Single-Phase Embedded Z-Source DC-AC Inverter
Authors: Kim Se-Jin , Lim Young-Cheol
Published: July 2014

In the conventional DC-AC inverter consisting of two DC-DC converters with unipolar output capacitors, the output capacitor voltages of the DC-DC converters must be higher than the DC input voltage. To overcome this weakness, this paper proposes a single-phase DC-AC inverter consisting of two embedded Z-source converters with bipolar output capacitors. The proposed inverter is composed of two embedded Z-source converters with a common DC source and output AC load. Though the output capacitor voltages of the converters are relatively low compared to those of a conventional inverter, an equivalent level of AC output voltages can be obtained. Moreover, by controlling the output capacitor voltages asymmetrically, the AC output voltage of the proposed inverter can be higher than the DC input voltage. To verify the validity of the proposed inverter, experiments were performed with a DC source voltage of 38 V. By controlling the output capacitor voltages of the converters symmetrically or asymmetrically, the proposed inverter can produce sinusoidal AC output voltages. The experiments show that efficiencies of up to 95% and 97% can be achieved with the proposed inverter using symmetric and asymmetric control, respectively.
A Novel Method for Functional Annotation Prediction Based on Combination of Classification Methods
Authors: Jung Jaehee , Lee Heung Ki , Yi Gangman
Published: July 2014

Automated protein function prediction defines the designation of functions of unknown protein functions by using computational methods. This technique is useful to automatically assign gene functional annotations for undefined sequences in next generation genome analysis (NGS). NGS is a popular research method since high-throughput technologies such as DNA sequencing and microarrays have created large sets of genes. These huge sequences have greatly increased the need for analysis. Previous research has been based on the similarities of sequences as this is strongly related to the functional homology. However, this study aimed to designate protein functions by automatically predicting the function of the genome by utilizing InterPro (IPR), which can represent the properties of the protein family and groups of the protein function. Moreover, we used gene ontology (GO), which is the controlled vocabulary used to comprehensively describe the protein function. To define the relationship between IPR and GO terms, three pattern recognition techniques have been employed under different conditions, such as feature selection and weighted value, instead of a binary one.
Total Bolus Extraction Method Improves Arterial Image Quality in Dynamic CTAs Derived from Whole-Brain CTP Data
Authors: Ghariq Elyas , Mendrik Adriënne M. , Willems Peter W. A. , Joemai Raoul M. S. , Ghariq Eidrees , Vonken Evert-jan , van Osch Matthias J. P. , van Walderveen Marianne A. A.
Published: July 2014

Background and Purposes. The 320-detector row CT scanner enables visualization of whole-brain hemodynamic information (dynamic CT angiography (CTA) derived from CT perfusion scans). However, arterial image quality in dynamic CTA (dCTA) is inferior to arterial image quality in standard CTA. This study evaluates whether the arterial image quality can be improved by using a total bolus extraction (ToBE) method.Materials and Methods. DCTAs of 15 patients, who presented with signs of acute cerebral ischemia, were derived from 320-slice CT perfusion scans using both the standard subtraction method and the proposed ToBE method. Two neurointerventionalists blinded to the scan type scored the arterial image quality on a 5-point scale in the 4D dCTAs in consensus. Arteries were divided into four categories: (I) large extradural, (II) intradural (large, medium, and small), (III) communicating arteries, and (IV) cerebellar and ophthalmic arteries.Results. Quality of extradural and intradural arteries was significantly higher in the ToBE dCTAs than in the standard dCTAs (extraduralP=0.001, large intraduralP<0.001, medium intraduralP<0.001, and small intraduralP<0.001).Conclusion. The 4D dCTAs derived with the total bolus extraction (ToBE) method provide hemodynamic information combined with improved arterial image quality as compared to standard 4D dCTAs.
Pricing Options Based on Trinomial Markov Tree
Authors: Xiaoping Hu , Jiafeng Guo , Tao Du , Lihua Cui , Jie Cao
Published: July 2014

A trinomial Markov tree model is studied for pricing options in which the dynamics of the stock price are modeled by the first-order Markov process. Firstly, we construct a trinomial Markov tree with recombining nodes. Secondly, we give an algorithm for estimating the risk-neutral probability and provide the condition for the existence of a validation risk-neutral probability. Thirdly, we propose a method for estimating the volatilities. Lastly, we analyze the convergence and sensitivity of the pricing method implementing trinomial Markov tree. The result shows that, compared to binomial Markov tree, the proposed model is a natural combining tree and, while changing the probability of the node, it is still combining, so the computation is very fast and very easy to be implemented.
Direct Time Domain Numerical Analysis of Transient Behavior of a VLFS during Unsteady External Loads in Wave Condition
Authors: Cheng Yong , Zhai Gang-jun , Ou Jin-ping
Published: July 2014

The transient response of the VLFS subjected to arbitrary external load is systematically investigated by a direct time domain modal expansion method, in which the BEM solutions based on time domain Kelvin sources are used for hydrodynamic forces. In the analysis, the time domain free-surface Green functions with sufficient accuracy are rapidly evaluated in finite water depth by the interpolation-tabulation method, and the boundary integral equation with a quarter VLFS model is established taking advantage of symmetry of flow field and structure. The validity of the present method is verified by comparing with the time histories of vertical displacements of the VLFS during a mass drop and airplane landing and takeoff in still water conditions, respectively. Then the developed numerical scheme is used in wave conditions to study the combined action taking into account the mass drop/airplane landing/takeoff loads as well as incident wave action. It is found that the elevation of structural waves due to mass drop load can be significantly changed near the impact region, while the vertical motion of runway in wave conditions is dominant as compared with that only generated by airplane.
Developing a Local Neurofuzzy Model for Short-Term Wind Power Forecasting
Authors: Faghihnia E. , Salahshour S. , Ahmadian A. , Senu N.
Published: July 2014

Large scale integration of wind generation capacity into power systems introduces operational challenges due to wind power uncertainty and variability. Therefore, accurate wind power forecast is important for reliable and economic operation of the power systems. Complexities and nonlinearities exhibited by wind power time series necessitate use of elaborative and sophisticated approaches for wind power forecasting. In this paper, a local neurofuzzy (LNF) approach, trained by the polynomial model tree (POLYMOT) learning algorithm, is proposed for short-term wind power forecasting. The LNF approach is constructed based on the contribution of local polynomial models which can efficiently model wind power generation. Data from Sotavento wind farm in Spain was used to validate the proposed LNF approach. Comparison between performance of the proposed approach and several recently published approaches illustrates capability of the LNF model for accurate wind power forecasting.
Simulation-Based Mastery Learning with Deliberate Practice Improves Clinical Performance in Spinal Anesthesia
Authors: Udani Ankeet D. , Macario Alex , Nandagopal Kiruthiga , Tanaka Maria A. , Tanaka Pedro P.
Published: July 2014

Introduction.Properly performing a subarachnoid block (SAB) is a competency expected of anesthesiology residents. We aimed to determine if adding simulation-based deliberate practice to a base curriculum improved performance of a SAB.Methods.21 anesthesia residents were enrolled. After baseline assessment of SAB on a task-trainer, all residents participated in a base curriculum. Residents were then randomized so that half received additional deliberate practice including repetition and expert-guided, real-time feedback. All residents were then retested for technique. SABs on all residents’ next three patients were evaluated in the operating room (OR).Results.Before completing the base curriculum, the control group completed 81% of a 16-item performance checklist on the task-trainer and this increased to 91% after finishing the base curriculum (P<0.02). The intervention group also increased the percentage of checklist tasks properly completed from 73% to 98%, which was a greater increase than observed in the control group (P<0.03). The OR time required to perform SAB was not different between groups.Conclusions.The base curriculum significantly improved resident SAB performance. Deliberate practice training added a significant, independent, incremental benefit. The clinical impact of the deliberate practice intervention in the OR on patient care is unclear.
[Retracted] Mechanical and Thermal Stability Properties of Modified Rice Straw Fiber Blend with Polycaprolactone Composite
Authors: Khandanlou Roshanak , Ahmad Mansor B. , Shameli Kamyar , Hussein Mohd Zobir , Zainuddin Norhazlin , Kalantari Katayoon
Published: July 2014

The goal of this study was to investigate the effect of modified rice straw (ORS) on the mechanical and thermal properties of modified rice straw/polycaprolactone composites (ORS/PCL‐Cs). The composites (Cs) of polycaprolactone (PCL) with ORS were successfully synthesized using the solution‐casting method. The RS modified with octadecylamine (ODA) as an organic modifier. The prepared composites were characterized by using powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), and mechanical properties were investigated. Composites of ORS/PCL showed superior mechanical properties due to greater compatibility of ORS with PCL. The XRD results showed that the intensity of the peaks decreased with the increase of ORS content from 1.0 to 7.0 wt.% in comparison with PCL peaks. Tensile measurement showed an increase in tensile modulus but a decrease in tensile strength and elongation at break as the ORS contents are increased from 1.0 to 7.0 wt.%; on the other hand, tensile strength was improved with the addition of 5.0 wt.% of ORS. Thermal stability was decreased with the increase of ORS contents. SEM micrograph indicated good dispersion of ORS into the matrix, and FT‐IR spectroscopy showed that the interaction between PCL and ORS is physical interaction.
Route Prediction Based Vehicular Mobility Management Scheme for VANET
Authors: Lee DaeWon , Kim Yoon-Ho , Lee HwaMin
Published: July 2014

Since improvement of wireless communication, IP based mobility management protocols have been studied to provide seamless communication and mobility management. The vehicular ad hoc network (VANET) is one of mobility management protocols, especially providing seamless connection with inter/intra/inner vehicle communication. However, each vehicle moves fast that causes short-lived connections with Access Router (AR). Based on vehicles' characteristic, it is hard to provide the availability of IP services in VANET. The most critical issue of the design of scalable routing algorithm is to provide robustness of frequent path disruption caused by vehicles' mobility. In this paper, we pursue the characteristics of vehicles' mobility and analyze them. With the navigation information which is one of vehicles' mobility characteristics, we classify the mobility into intrahighway mobility and global mobility management. Furthermore, we propose mobility management scheme based on route prediction in VANET. Handoffs with intrahighway mobility are managed locally and transparency is provided to CHs, while global mobility is managed with Mobile IPv6. Finally, through the numerical analysis, we show that proposed mobility management protocol reduces handoff latency, signaling costs, and packet loss.
A Beautician’s Dystonia: Long-Lasting Effect of Botulinum Toxin
Authors: Di Martino Siria , Dalise Stefania , Lamola Giuseppe , Venturi Martina , Rossi Bruno , Chisari Carmelo
Published: July 2014

Treatment options for dystonia are not curative but symptomatic; the treatment of choice for focal dystonias is repeated botulinum toxin injections. Here, we present the case of a 46-year-old beautician with focal dystonia in her left hand that affected her ability to work. Pharmacological treatment with clonazepam and gabapentin failed to resolve her symptoms and was discontinued due to side effects (sleepiness, gastrointestinal disorders). Intramuscular injection of botulinum toxin (incobotulinumtoxinA, Xeomin) into the extensor digitorum communis (35 U), flexor carpi radialis (35 U), and flexor digitorum superficialis (30 U) muscles resulted in complete resolution of symptoms at clinical assessments at 1, 3, 6, and 10 months after the injections, confirmed by the results of surface electromyography 10 months after treatment. The patient was able to work again 1 month after treatment. No reinjection has been necessary at the last evaluation (12 months after treatment). In conclusion, botulinum toxin is an effective treatment for focal dystonia that can have long-lasting effects and can improve patients’ ability to work and quality of life.
Serum Interleukin 17 Levels in Patients with Crohn’s Disease: Real Life Data
Authors: Sahin Abdurrahman , Calhan Turan , Cengiz Mustafa , Kahraman Resul , Aydin Kubra , Ozdil Kamil , Korachi May , Sokmen H. Mehmet
Published: July 2014

The aim of this study was to investigate serum IL17 levels in patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) and to investigate the relationship between serum IL17 levels with disease activity.Methods. Fifty patients with CD and sex- and age-matched 40 healthy controls were included in the study. The serum IL17 levels, complete blood count, blood chemistry, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured, and Crohn’s disease activity was calculated using Crohn’s disease activity index (CDAI).Results. The mean serum IL17 level of CD patients did not differ from those of healthy controls (P>0.05). There was no difference between the mean serum IL levels of active CD patients and of quiescent CD patients (P>0.05). However, the mean IL17 level of active patients was lower than of control subjects (P=0.02). Serum IL17 was not correlated with inflammatory markers (ESR, CRP, white blood count, platelet count, and albumin) and CDAI.Conclusions. Peripheral blood serum IL17 levels of CD patients were not higher than of healthy controls, and also, serum IL17 level was not correlated with clinical disease activity. Peripheral IL17 measurement is not a useful tool for detecting and monitoring Crohn’s disease which is understood to have complex etiopathogenesis.
A Double Inequality for the Trigamma Function and Its Applications
Authors: Yang Zhen-Hang , Chu Yu-Ming , Tao Xiao-Jing
Published: July 2014

We prove thatp=1andq=2are the best possible parameters in the interval(0,∞)such that the double inequalityep/x+1-e-p/x/2p<ψ′x+10. As applications, some new approximation algorithms for the circumference ratioπand Catalan constantG=∑n=0∞-1n/(2n+1)2are given. Here,ψ′is the trigamma function.
The Prognostic and Risk-Stratified Value of Heart-Type Fatty-Acid-Binding Protein in Community Acquired Pneumonia in Emergency Department
Authors: Chen Yun-Xia , Li Chun-Sheng
Published: July 2014

Objective.To evaluate the prognostic and risk stratified ability of heart-type fatty-acid-binding protein (H-FABP) in patients with community acquired pneumonia (CAP) in emergency department (ED) and to compare it with Pneumonia Severity Index (PSI) and CURB-65.Methods.Consecutive adult CAP patients admitted to the ED of Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital were enrolled. Circulating H-FABP and troponin I were measured. PSI and CURB-65 were calculated in all patients. The differences in 28-day mortality and requirement for mechanical ventilation (MV) or a vasopressor within 6 h after ED arrival were compared in patients with positive H-FABP (≥7 ng/mL) and negative ones (<7 ng/mL). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and logistic regression were used to assess the predictive value of H-FABP.Results.From August to November 2012, 229 CAP patients were enrolled. The 28-day mortality, PSI, CURB-65, and incidence of using MV or a vasopressor were much higher in H-FABP-positive patients than in negative ones (P<0.01). H-FABP was an independent predictor of the 28-day mortality. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of H-FABP was 0.751. Combination of H-FABP and CURB-65 (AUC = 0.824) or H-FABP and PSI (AUC = 0.820) improved their prognostic performance.Conclusions.H-FABP was valuable for prognosis and risk stratification in CAP patients in ED.
Lanthanides Revealing Anthropogenic Impact within a Stratigraphic Sequence
Authors: Gallello Gianni , Pastor Agustín , Diez Agustín , Bernabeu Joan
Published: July 2014

Difficulties to differentiate between anthropogenic and natural processes in the formation of archaeological deposits are crucial for a correct interpretation not only of the actions involved in the development of archaeological sites, but also of their occupation-abandonment dynamics and the understanding of their spatial behaviors and relationship with the environment. We have carried out lanthanides (rare earth elements “REE”) analysis to distinguish anthropogenic from natural stratigraphic units in sediments using the advantage of the high sensibility, precision, and accuracy of ICP-MS measurements. In the Neolithic site of Mas d’Is (Alacant, Spain), we have applied REE analysis in a huge stratigraphic sequence called Pit 6, which was known to contain a large anthropogenic component. Randomly collected soil samples were sequentially taken in order to identify anthropogenic soil formations and to prove the proposed method blind testing has been used. In the specific case of Mas d’Is excavation a recurring question is whether paleosols are at the origin of the human occupation of the sites or it was the occupation of this areas which triggered the paleosols development. Our purpose was to distinguish the degree of human contribution to paleosols formation between samples sequentially taken at few centimeters of distances in a giant stratigraphic sequence (Pit 6) employing REE analysis.
Upregulation of Relaxin after Experimental Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in Rabbits
Authors: Kikkawa Yuichiro , Matsuo Satoshi , Kurogi Ryota , Nakamizo Akira , Mizoguchi Masahiro , Sasaki Tomio
Published: July 2014

Background. Although relaxin causes vasodilatation in systemic arteries, little is known about its role in cerebral arteries. We investigated the expression and role of relaxin in basilar arteries after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in rabbits.Methods. Microarray analysis with rabbit basilar artery RNA was performed. Messenger RNA expression of relaxin-1 and relaxin/insulin-like family peptide receptor 1 (RXFP1) was investigated with quantitative RT-PCR. RXFP1 expression in the basilar artery was investigated with immunohistochemistry. Relaxin concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum were investigated with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Using human brain vascular smooth muscle cells (HBVSMC) preincubated with relaxin, myosin light chain phosphorylation (MLC) was investigated with immunoblotting after endothelin-1 stimulation.Results. After SAH, RXFP1 mRNA and protein were significantly downregulated on day 3, whereas relaxin-1 mRNA was significantly upregulated on day 7. The relaxin concentration in CSF was significantly elevated on days 5 and 7. Pretreatment with relaxin reduced sustained MLC phosphorylation induced by endothelin-1 in HBVSMC.Conclusion. Upregulation of relaxin and downregulation of RXFP1 after SAH may participate in development of cerebral vasospasm. Downregulation of RXFP1 may induce a functional decrease in relaxin activity during vasospasm. Understanding the role of relaxin may provide further insight into the mechanisms of cerebral vasospasm.
Is Innovation Being Addressed in Entrepreneurship Undergraduate Programs? An Exploratory Study
Authors: Berry Robert I. , Kumar Anil , Scott James P.
Published: July 2014

Entrepreneurial programs have experienced a phenomenal growth in the past two decades. In this exploratory study the authors survey undergraduate entrepreneurship programs to identify courses that are being offered by these programs with the objective of determining if innovation is being addressed in the programs. The study explores innovation from both startup and corporate perspectives to see if industry needs are being met by academia. Findings suggest that entrepreneurship programs focus on functional knowledge and an opportunity exists to include courses that address innovation, design, intellectual property, and social media. Further research is needed to align market needs with academic offerings in entrepreneurship programs.
Weighted Dual Covariance Moore-Penrose Inverses with respect to an Invertible Element inC*-Algebras
Authors: Mahzoon Hesam
Published: July 2014

We study several algebraic properties of dual covariance and weighted dual covariance sets in rings with involution andC*-algebras. Moreover, we show that the weighted dual covariance set, seen as a multivalued map, has some kind of continuity. Also, we prove weighed dual covariance set invariant under the bijection multiplicative*-functions.
Poststroke Muscle Architectural Parameters of the Tibialis Anterior and the Potential Implications for Rehabilitation of Foot Drop
Authors: Ramsay John W. , Wessel Molly A. , Buchanan Thomas S. , Higginson Jill S.
Published: July 2014

Poststroke dorsiflexor weakness and paretic limb foot drop increase the risk of stumbling and falling and decrease overall functional mobility. It is of interest whether dorsiflexor muscle weakness is primarily neurological in origin or whether morphological differences also contribute to the impairment. Ten poststroke hemiparetic individuals were imaged bilaterally using noninvasive medical imaging techniques. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to identify changes in tibialis anterior muscle volume and muscle belly length. Ultrasonography was used to measure fascicle length and pennation angle in a neutral position. We found no clinically meaningful bilateral differences in any architectural parameter across all subjects, which indicates that these subjects have the muscular capacity to dorsiflex their foot. Therefore, poststroke dorsiflexor weakness is primarily neural in origin and likely due to muscle activation failure or increased spasticity of the plantar flexors. The current finding suggests that electrical stimulation methods or additional neuromuscular retraining may be more beneficial than targeting muscle strength (i.e., increasing muscle mass).
Quinacrine Overcomes Resistance to Erlotinib by Inhibiting FACT, NF-κB, and Cell-Cycle Progression in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Dermawan Josephine Kam Tai , Gurova Katerina , Pink John , Dowlati Afshin , De Sarmishtha , Narla Goutham , Sharma Neelesh , Stark George R.
Published: July 2014

Erlotinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor approved for the treatment of patients with advanced non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In these patients, erlotinib prolongs survival but its benefit remains modest because many tumors express wild-type (wt) EGFR or develop a second-site EGFR mutation. To test drug combinations that could improve the efficacy of erlotinib, we combined erlotinib with quinacrine, which inhibits the FACT (facilitates chromatin transcription) complex that is required for NF-κB transcriptional activity. In A549 (wtEGFR), H1975 (EGFR-L858R/T790M), and H1993 (MET amplification) NSCLC cells, this drug combination was highly synergistic, as quantified by Chou–Talalay combination indices, and slowed xenograft tumor growth. At a sub-IC50 but more clinically attainable concentration of erlotinib, quinacrine, alone or in combination with erlotinib, significantly inhibited colony formation and induced cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis. Quinacrine decreased the level of active FACT subunit SSRP1 and suppressed NF-κB–dependent luciferase activity. Knockdown of SSRP1 decreased cell growth and sensitized cells to erlotinib. Moreover, transcriptomic profiling showed that quinacrine or combination treatment significantly affected cell-cycle–related genes that contain binding sites for transcription factors that regulate SSRP1 target genes. As potential biomarkers of drug combination efficacy, we identified genes that were more strongly suppressed by the combination than by single treatment, and whose increased expression predicted poorer survival in patients with lung adenocarcinoma. This preclinical study shows that quinacrine overcomes erlotinib resistance by inhibiting FACT and cell-cycle progression, and supports a clinical trial testing erlotinib alone versus this combination in advanced NSCLC. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(9); 2203–14. ©2014 AACR.
A moralidade da democracia: ensaios em teoria habermasiana e teoria democrática
Authors: Werle Denílson
Published: July 2014

A moralidade da democracia: ensaios em teoria habermasiana e teoria democrática. Leonardo Avritzer. São Paulo/Belo Horizonte, Perspectiva/Editora da UFMG, 1996.
A Mouse Model of Human Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Ashraf Hassan , Pradhan Lagnajeet , Chang Eileen I. , Terada Ryota , Ryan Nicole J. , Briggs Laura E. , Chowdhury Rajib , Zárate Miguel A. , Sugi Yukiko , Nam Hyun-Joo , Benson D. Woodrow , Anderson Robert H. , Kasahara Hideko
Published: July 2014

Background—

Heterozygous human mutations of
NKX2-5
are highly penetrant and associated with varied congenital heart defects. The heterozygous knockout of murine
Nkx2-5
, in contrast, manifests less profound cardiac malformations, with low disease penetrance. We sought to study this apparent discrepancy between human and mouse genetics. Because missense mutations in the
NKX2-5
homeodomain (DNA-binding domain) are the most frequently reported type of human mutation, we replicated this genetic defect in a murine knockin model.

Methods and Results—

We generated a murine model in a 129/Sv genetic background by knocking-in an
Nkx2-5
homeodomain missense mutation previously identified in humans. The mutation was located at homeodomain position 52Arg→Gly (R52G). All the heterozygous neonatal
Nkx2-5

+/
R52G

mice demonstrated a prominent trabecular layer in the ventricular wall, so called noncompaction, along with diverse cardiac anomalies, including atrioventricular septal defects, Ebstein malformation of the tricuspid valve, and perimembranous and muscular ventricular septal defects. In addition, P10
Nkx2-5

+/
R52G

mice demonstrated atrial sepal anomalies, with significant increase in the size of the interatrial communication and fossa ovalis, and decrease in the length of the flap valve compared with control
Nkx2-5
+/+
or
Nkx2-5
+/−
mice.

Conclusions—

The results of our study demonstrate that heterozygous missense mutation in the murine
Nkx2-5
homeodomain (
R52G
) is highly penetrant and result in pleiotropic cardiac effects. Thus, in contrast to heterozygous
Nkx2-5
knockout mice, the effects of the heterozygous knockin mimic findings in humans with heterozygous missense mutation in
NKX2-5
homeodomain.
Differential Support for Women in Higher Education and Politics Cross-Nationally
Authors: Price Anne
Published: July 2014

Attitudes towards women in the workforce, politics, and higher education are often combined in a composite measure of gender ideology. However, cross-national attitudes and influences on them may vary by each domain. Structural measures and the 2005–2008World Values Surveyare used to examine factors that influence attitudes towards women in education and politics across 52 nations. Findings show individuals are more supportive of women in education and structure has a greater impact on attitudes towards women in politics. Counter to findings that Muslim societies are less gender egalitarian, this study finds no impact of Muslim affiliation or residence in a Muslim society on attitudes towards women’s education, although these factors reduce support for women in politics.
Ancistrocerus waldenii waldenii (Viereck 1906) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae, Eumeninae), a new addition to the fauna of Greenland
Authors: WAHLBERG EMMA , BAIÃO GUILHERME C. , HÄGGQVIST SIBYLLE , MARTINSSON SVANTE , PISTONE DARIO , PAPE THOMAS
Published: July 2014

Ancistrocerus waldenii waldenii (Viereck 1906) is newly recorded from West Greenland. This is a new northern limit for the species.
Adjustments in the Forcing-Feedback Framework for Understanding Climate Change
Authors: Sherwood Steven C. , Bony Sandrine , Boucher Olivier , Bretherton Chris , Forster Piers M. , Gregory Jonathan M. , Stevens Bjorn
Published: July 2014

The traditional forcing–feedback framework has provided an indispensable basis for discussing global climate changes. However, as analysis of model behavior has become more detailed, shortcomings and ambiguities in the framework have become more evident, and physical effects unaccounted for by the traditional framework have become interesting. In particular, the new concept of adjustments, which are responses to forcings that are not mediated by the global-mean temperature, has emerged. This concept, related to the older ones of climate efficacy and stratospheric adjustment, is a more physical way of capturing unique responses to specific forcings. We present a pedagogical review of the adjustment concept, why it is important, and how it can be used. The concept is particularly useful for aerosols, where it helps to organize what has become a complex array of forcing mechanisms. It also helps clarify issues around cloud and hydrological response, transient versus equilibrium climate change, and geoengineering.
A Simple Analytical Model of the Nocturnal Low-Level Jet over the Great Plains of the United States
Authors: Du Yu , Rotunno Richard
Published: July 2014

A simple analytical model including both diurnal thermal forcing over sloping terrain (the “Holton” mechanism) and diurnally varying boundary layer friction (the “Blackadar” mechanism) is developed to account for the observed amplitude and phase of the low-level jet (LLJ) over the Great Plains and to understand better the role of each mechanism. The present model indicates that, for the pure Holton mechanism (time-independent friction coefficient), the maximum southerly wind speed occurs (depending on the assumed friction coefficient) between sunset and midnight local standard time, which is earlier than the observed after-midnight maximum. For the pure Blackadar mechanism (time-independent thermal forcing), the present model shows that generally occurs later (closer to sunrise) than observed and has a strong latitudinal dependence. For both mechanisms combined, the present model indicates that occurs near to the observed time, which lies between the time obtained in the pure Holton mechanism and the time obtained in the pure Blackadar mechanism; furthermore, is larger (and closer to that observed) than in each one considered individually. The amplitude and phase of the LLJ as a function of latitude can be obtained by the combined model by allowing for the observed latitude-dependent mean and diurnally varying thermal forcing.
Developing a Measure of General Academic Ability
Authors: Dimitrov Dimiter M. , Raykov Tenko , AL-Qataee Abdullah Ali
Published: July 2014

This article is concerned with developing a measure of general academic ability (GAA) for high school graduates who apply to colleges, as well as with the identification of optimal weights of the GAA indicators in a linear combination that yields a composite score with maximal reliability and maximal predictive validity, employing the framework of the popular latent variable modeling methodology. The approach to achieving this goal is illustrated with data for 6,640 students with major in Science and 3,388 students with major in Art from colleges in Saudi Arabia. The indicators (observed measures) of the targeted GAA construct were selected from assessments that include the students’ high school grade and their scores on two standardized tests developed by the National Center for Assessment in Higher Education in Saudi Arabia, General Aptitude Test (GAT) and Standardized Achievement Admission Test (SAAT). A unidimensional measure of GAA was developed initially, with different sets of indicators for colleges with major in Science and for colleges with major in Art. Appropriate indicators for colleges with major in Science were the high school grade, total score on GAT, and four SAAT subscales on Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Math. With respect to colleges with major in Art, appropriate GAA indicators were the students’ high school grade and their scores on GAT-Verbal, GAT-Quantitative, and SAAT. Although the case study is Saudi Arabia, the methods and procedures discussed in this article have broader utility and can be used in different contexts of educational and psychological assessment.
“An all-weather, all-terrain fighter”: Subaltern resistance, survival, and death in Mohammed Hanif’s Our Lady of Alice Bhatti
Authors: Mirza Maryam
Published: July 2014

Victor Li’s theory of necroidealism draws our attention to the tendency in literary works and writings by Subaltern Studies historians to romanticize the dead subaltern so that in death he or she emerges as an “exemplary, heroic symbol of resistance”. In these works, the “ambiguity of struggle” of the living subaltern contrasts sharply with the idealized heroism of his or her dead counterpart. The eponymous protagonist of Mohammed Hanif’s Our Lady of Alice Bhatti is an untouchable, lower-class Christian woman in contemporary Pakistan who is determined to survive and surpass her subaltern status but dies a brutal death, following which her father makes a case for her canonization. This article is an in-depth analysis of the depiction of Alice’s multifaceted subalternity and the strategies of resistance that she deploys as well as an evaluation of the portrayal of her death to demonstrate that the novel unequivocally rejects an idealization of both subaltern life and death.
Race, gender, and the exotic in Ann-Marie MacDonald’s Fall on Your Knees
Authors: Laouyene Atef
Published: July 2014

Focusing on Canadian author Ann-Marie MacDonald’s critically acclaimed Fall on Your Knees (1996), this essay argues that the figure of the Arab in the novel represents an ethnic otherness whose strategic exoticization exposes a highly racialized and gendered early twentieth-century North American culture, one that has historically been informed by a latent, economically motivated exoticism. It is in fact this underlying exoticism that has persistently structured the experiences of several generations of racial and sexual minorities in North America and relegated those minorities to the margins of social life. MacDonald’s novel thus deserves renewed attention precisely because it traces critically the historical continuum along which exoticist constructions of race and gender have shaped the experiences of many immigrants in North America. Only by attending to the cultural politics of the exotic, I want to suggest, can we open up discourses of race and gender to productive and transformative cultural critique.
Optimization of 3D lattice cores in composite sandwich structures
Authors: Hwang John T , Steeves Craig A
Published: July 2014

Hybrid lattice cores for sandwich structures containing both solid struts and polymer foam are a recent option available to designers. These cores benefit from a synergistic effect in which the foam supports the slender struts against buckling in addition to carrying a portion of the applied loads directly. This work will optimize these hybrid cores to minimize unit cell density given compressive and shear strength constraints for a variety of unit cell configurations. An analytical model is developed for prediction of failure using the assumption that the foam is an elastic foundation that supports the struts; however, the unit cells are found to be optimal when no polymer foam is used. With the problem thereby simplified, analytical optimization solutions are derived and studied extensively, revealing qualitative insights about efficient lattice core designs. Optimal strut inclination angle, failure mode, and configuration are plotted against loading, which show that, for the large majority of strength constraints, the lowest unit cell density is achieved with tetrahedral cores whose struts fail in compressive yielding.
More and Less Deserving Refugees: Shifting Priorities in Swiss Asylum Policy from the Interwar Era to the Hungarian Refugee Crisis of 1956
Authors: Ludi Regula
Published: July 2014

In 1956, thousands of Hungarian refugees found a warm welcome in Switzerland. Swiss students took to the streets to demonstrate against Soviet repression of the Hungarian uprising. However, the upsurge of public sympathy for the refugees barely covered up recent controversy in Switzerland over asylum policy during the years of fascism and the Second World War. In 1954, only two years before the Hungarian refugee crisis, newly released German foreign policy documents had revealed Swiss involvement in the introduction of the ‘J’-stamp in 1938 to mark the passports of German (and formerly Austrian) Jews, making it easier for Swiss immigration officials to identify Jews as (undesirable) refugees. Those revelations came as a shock to the Swiss public, who had taken pride in the country’s humanitarian achievements during the Second World War and had readily accepted official propaganda aimed to counter Allied criticism of Swiss neutrality policy. International and domestic indignation over those revelations eventually motivated the Swiss government to mandate an official investigation into asylum policy during the pre-war and wartime period. The findings of that examination pointed to concerted efforts by the highest authorities to prevent Jewish refugees from seeking asylum in Switzerland and turn them away at the Swiss border until 1944. This led over the following decades to an ongoing debate on the history of asylum policy. Closely linked to elements of national identity, such as neutrality, the Red Cross and humanitarianism, the specifics of Swiss asylum policy were rarely considered in a wider European context. In situating recent research on Swiss refugee policy during the ‘Forty Years' Crisis' in a wider European context, this article reconsiders Switzerland's situation as one of Nazi Germany democratic neighbours in the 1930s and as the only neutral country within reach for many refugees during the Second World War. Placing special emphasis on the transnational dynamics of refugee policies, it also questions some of the received assumptions guiding the interpretation of the history of asylum in Switzerland.
Refugees and the Nation-State in Europe, 1919–59
Authors: Frank Matthew , Reinisch Jessica
Published: July 2014

This special issue examines how refugees and refugee crises were defined and managed by European nation-states in the four decades after the end of the First World War. Our introduction sketches out the broad historical canvas of the refugee problem in Europe and highlights a number of overarching themes of and comparisons between the papers.
Fear of e-Health Records implementation?
Authors: Laur Audrey
Published: July 2014

As our world is dominated by Information Communication and Technologies (ICT), governments of many leading countries have decided to implement ICT in their health systems. The first step is the digitalisation of medical records (e-Health Records or EHRs). In order to reduce concerns that health systems encountered, EHRs are supposed to prevent duplicated prescriptions and hospitalisations, ineffective transferability of medical records, lack of communication in clinical assessments, etc. They are also expected to improve the relationship between health providers and patients. At first sight, EHR seems to offer considerable potential for assisting health policies, enabling the development of new tools to facilitate coordination and cooperation among health professionals and promoting a new approach to sharing medical information. However, as discussed in this article, recent debates have shown that EHR presents pros and cons (technical, financial, social) that governments need to clarify urgently.
Thermal sensors for performance evaluation of protective clothing against heat and fire: a review
Authors: Mandal Sumit , Song Guowen
Published: July 2014

Many thermal sensors can simulate and predict the heat flux transmitted through human bodies under hazardous fire exposures. These sensors are usually used to evaluate the thermal protective performance of firefighters’/industrial-workers’ clothing. This paper presents a thorough review on the latest thermal sensors and their applications in evaluating the performance of protective clothing. Several important aspects associated with the sensor development – constructional features, working principles, and characteristics – were discussed and their applications in protective textile materials testing were summarized. The application procedures of sensors both in heat source calibration and heat flux measurement were introduced. Finally, several research cases were explored. This review could help in understanding basics of the current thermal sensors and their nature in testing protective clothing performance.
The effect of washing treatments on the sensory properties of denim fabric
Authors: Abdelfattah Halleb Naima , Sahnoun Mehdi , Cheikhrouhou Mourched
Published: July 2014

Several processes in textile finishing involve a modification on fabric sensorial and mechanical properties. This paper tries to evaluate the effect of four different washes on the denim fabric tactile properties using a sensory analysis. The studied washes were rinse, stone1, stone2 and stone bleach. The tactile sensory properties of washed denim fabrics were assessed by a trained panel composed of 10 assessors. The 10 panelists were selected from 15 assessors after a training program, during which their performance in terms of repeatability was controlled to decrease the variability of the provided measurements. This trained panel assessed 16 sensory attributes already selected to find out the differences between the washed samples. Analyses of variance and principal components analyses were carried out to define the most pertinent attributes, which allows one to find out the difference between the washed samples. It was found that the change of washed denim fabric handle depends on the washing intensity and it is more important in the case of normal finishing than the fifties finishing.

There have been some studies in which the influences of some washing and special treatments on the mechanical and physical properties of denim fabrics were determined. This paper identifies the most important tactile sensory properties that are influenced by industrial washings for the denim fabric. In addition, this paper represents the progressive changes of the handle that occur on treating the denim fabric with various washings.
Depicting Femininity
Authors: Velding Victoria
Published: July 2014

Femininity is learned from a myriad of social agents and institutions. An avid consumer of media, today’s pre-adolescent girl, or “tween,” is inundated with messages about how to be a socially acceptable female. What is the nature of these messages tweens are receiving about femininity? Are tween girls in today’s society encouraged to adhere to traditional notions of femininity or are they encouraged to resist these norms? To answer these questions, I performed a content analysis of all advertisements found in Girls’ Life, a magazine whose target audience is the tween girl. Textual and pictorial coding took place for all advertisements in all issues for the years 2007 and 2008. Results revealed the presence of conflicting messages about femininity through the emergence of four themes: female togetherness, focus on appearance, independence, and control. The magazine presents a contradictory version of femininity, one that encourages the adherence to normative prescriptions of femininity while simultaneously encouraging resistance to these norms.
In prayer and pains, through faith in Christ: The life and ministry of John Eliot
Authors: Curtis Steve
Published: July 2014

While William Carey (1761–1834) is often hailed as the “Father of Modern Missions” for his innovative work in India and for advancing the modern theology of missions—particularly in his commitment to respect the indigenous culture—he nevertheless drew heavily on the work of those who had preceded him in the work of missions. Among his predecessors was the “Apostle to the (American) Indians,” John Eliot (1604–1690). For his part, Eliot was also the product of his predecessors, especially in his adoption of the then-popular notion of civility before conversion. However, Eliot was also an innovator to whom the world of missions owes a great debt. His commitment to learning the indigenous language (Algonquin), creating a written language and a grammar of it, and translating the Bible into it are worthy of special note, as is his commitment to training indigenous pastors and teachers. The ministry of Eliot informs the foundational tenets of contemporary missiology.
The Tastes of Chairman Mao
Authors: Lu Hanchao
Published: July 2014

This article examines instances in which Mao Zedong used food as a symbol or administrative contrivance for mass mobilization and political maneuvering during the Great Leap Forward and its aftermath. This type of “food politics” was based on some seemingly trivial matters, such as Mao’s personal preferences for certain foods, a steamed bun brought to his attention by his bodyguard, his diet during the famine, and so on. On one hand, in a political environment dominated by Mao’s personality cult and in a culture that placed great importance on culinary matters, the “triviality” of Mao’s food preferences or comments nevertheless had a cascade effect that endlessly multiplied and extended into much broader statecraft. On the other hand, in a subtle and savvy way, grassroots society circumvented the established political legitimacy with the very same comments, effectively using Mao’s own words against the policies that Mao himself advocated and enforced.