bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Applications of Algebraic Methods on Stable Analysis for General Differential Dynamical Systems with Multidelays
Authors: Ma Jian , Zheng Baodong
Published: May 2015

The distribution of purely imaginary eigenvalues and stabilities of generally singular or neutral differential dynamical systems with multidelays are discussed. Choosing delays as parameters, firstly with commensurate case, we find new algebraic criteria to determine the distribution of purely imaginary eigenvalues by using matrix pencil, linear operator, matrix polynomial eigenvalues problem, and the Kronecker product. Additionally, we get practical checkable conditions to verdict the asymptotic stability and Hopf bifurcation of differential dynamical systems. At last, with more general case, the incommensurate, we mainly study critical delays when the system appears purely imaginary eigenvalue.
Vacuolar-ATPase Inhibition Blocks Iron Metabolism to Mediate Therapeutic Effects in Breast Cancer
Authors: Schneider Lina S. , von Schwarzenberg Karin , Lehr Thorsten , Ulrich Melanie , Kubisch-Dohmen Rebekka , Liebl Johanna , Trauner Dirk , Menche Dirk , Vollmar Angelika M.
Published: May 2015

Generalized strategies to improve breast cancer treatment remain of interest to develop. In this study, we offer preclinical evidence of an important metabolic mechanism underlying the antitumor activity of inhibitors of the vacuolar-type ATPase (V-ATPase), a heteromultimeric proton pump. Specifically, our investigations in the 4T1 model of metastatic breast cancer of the V-ATPase inhibitor archazolid suggested that its ability to trigger metabolic stress and apoptosis associated with tumor growth inhibition related to an interference with hypoxia-inducible factor-1α signaling pathways and iron metabolism. As a consequence of disturbed iron metabolism, archazolid caused S-phase arrest, double-stranded DNA breaks, and p53 stabilization, leading to apoptosis. Our findings link V-ATPase to cell-cycle progression and DNA synthesis in cancer cells, and highlight the basis for the clinical exploration of V-ATPase as a potentially generalizable therapy for breast cancer. Cancer Res; 75(14); 2863–74. ©2015 AACR.
Androgen-Induced TMPRSS2 Activates Matriptase and Promotes Extracellular Matrix Degradation, Prostate Cancer Cell Invasion, Tumor Growth, and Metastasis
Authors: Ko Chun-Jung , Huang Cheng-Chung , Lin Hsin-Ying , Juan Chun-Pai , Lan Shao-Wei , Shyu Hsin-Yi , Wu Shang-Ru , Hsiao Pei-Wen , Huang Hsiang-Po , Shun Chia-Tung , Lee Ming-Shyue
Published: May 2015

Dysregulation of androgen signaling and pericellular proteolysis is necessary for prostate cancer progression, but the links between them are still obscure. In this study, we show how the membrane-anchored serine protease TMPRSS2 stimulates a proteolytic cascade that mediates androgen-induced prostate cancer cell invasion, tumor growth, and metastasis. We found that matriptase serves as a substrate for TMPRSS2 in mediating this proinvasive action of androgens in prostate cancer. Further, we determined that higher levels of TMPRSS2 expression correlate with higher levels of matriptase activation in prostate cancer tissues. Lastly, we found that the ability of TMPRSS2 to promote prostate cancer tumor growth and metastasis was associated with increased matriptase activation and enhanced degradation of extracellular matrix nidogen-1 and laminin β1 in tumor xenografts. In summary, our results establish that TMPRSS2 promotes the growth, invasion, and metastasis of prostate cancer cells via matriptase activation and extracellular matrix disruption, with implications to target these two proteases as a strategy to treat prostate cancer. Cancer Res; 75(14); 2949–60. ©2015 AACR.
Renoprotective Effects of Fenofibrate via Modulation of LKB1/AMPK mRNA Expression and Endothelial Dysfunction in a Rat Model of Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Al-Rasheed Nawal M. , Al-Rasheed Nouf M. , Attia Hala A. , Al-Amin Maha A. , Al-Ajmi Hanaa N. , Hasan Iman H. , Mohamad Raeesa A. , Sinjilawi Nasr A.
Published: May 2015

This study was conducted to investigate whether the renoprotective effects of fenofibrate are mediated via attenuation of endothelial dysfunction and modulating the mRNA expression of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and its downstream kinase liver kinase B1 (LKB1) in rats with diabetic nephropathy (DN). Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (55 mg kg-1). Fenofibrate (100 mg kg-1, p.o.) was given to diabetic rats daily for 12 weeks. Treatment with fenofibrate significantly improved the renal function as revealed by the significant reductions in urinary albumin excretion and serum levels of creatinine and urea, in addition to the significant increase in creatinine clearance compared with the diabetic control group. Hyperglycemia-induced oxidative damage was ameliorated by treatment with fenofibrate as indicated by the significantly increased levels of glutathione and catalase together with the significant decrease in lipid peroxidation. Administration of fenofibrate caused significant increases in renal nitric oxide (NO) production and mRNA expression of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS), AMPK and LKB1, reflecting improvement of endothelial function. Our results give further insights into the mechanisms underlying the protective role of fenofibrate in DN via modulation of AMPK, LKB1 and eNOS mRNA expression.
Impact of Intracranial Atherosclerotic Stenosis on the Prognosis in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients with Cardioembolic Source
Authors: Lee Seung-Jae , Lee Dong-Geun , Lim Dal-Soo , Hong Sukkeun
Published: May 2015

Background and Aim: In recent days, intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (IAS) has been reportedly related to recurrent stroke and mortality in the total patient population with ischemic stroke. However, its impact on the prognosis of the patients with cardioembolic source is not yet established. This study attempted to investigate whether IAS was associated with poor outcome in stroke patients with cardioembolic source. Methods: Overall, 223 patients with acute ischemic stroke and cardioembolic source were included in this study. IAS was defined as ≥50% stenosis on enhanced MRA, and cardioembolic sources were detected by ECG and echocardiography. Follow-up data were obtained from outpatient medical records and/or telephone interviews. Results: Overall, 60 major clinical events causing poor outcome occurred in 58 patients (26.0%). Patients with IAS had significantly higher rates of death and stroke recurrence than those without IAS (p = 0.015 and 0.046 each by log rank test). The multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis showed that IAS was significantly related to the poor outcome (hazard ratio 1.725, 95% confidence interval 1.020-2.920, p = 0.042). Conclusions: In acute ischemic stroke patients with cardioembolic source, IAS may be considered a marker of a high risk of stroke recurrence or death.
MST-312 Alters Telomere Dynamics, Gene Expression Profiles and Growth in Human Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Gurung Resham Lal , Lim Shi Ni , Low Grace Kah Mun , Hande M. Prakash
Published: May 2015

Background: Targeting telomerase is a potential cancer management strategy given that it allows unlimited cellular replication in the majority of cancers. Dysfunctional telomeres are recognized as double-strand breaks. However, the status of DNA repair response pathways following telomerase inhibition is not well understood in human breast cancer cells. Here, we evaluated the effects of MST-312, a chemically modified derivative from tea catechin, epigallocatechin gallate, on telomere dynamics and DNA damage gene expression in breast cancer cells. Methodology: Breast cancer cells MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 were treated with MST-312, and telomere-telomerase homeostasis, induced DNA damage and gene expression profiling were analyzed. Results: MST-312 decreased telomerase activity and induced telomere dysfunction and growth arrest in breast cancer cells with more profound effects in MDA-MB-231 than in MCF-7 cells. Consistent with these data, the telomere-protective protein TRF2 was downregulated in MDA-MB-231 cells. MST-312 induced DNA damage at telomeres accompanied by reduced expression of DNA damage-related genes ATM and RAD50. Co-treatment with MST-312 and the poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1) inhibitor PJ-34 further enhanced growth reduction as compared to single treatment with MST-312 or PJ-34. Conclusions: Our work demonstrates potential importance for the establishment of antitelomerase cancer therapy using MST-312 along with PARP-1 inhibition in breast cancer therapy.
Metabolomics and Proteomics, and What to Do with All These ‘Omes': Insights from Nutrigenomic Investigations in New Zealand
Authors: Barnett Matthew , Young Wayne , Cooney Janine , Roy Nicole
Published: May 2015

Background/Aims: Nutrigenomics New Zealand has invested considerable effort researching the role of nutrient-gene interactions in human inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This research has utilised a number of ‘omics' techniques, including proteomics and metabolomics. Methods: Mouse models of intestinal inflammation have been used to investigate the mechanisms underlying IBD and to test foods or food components for potential beneficial effects. Proteomics combining two-dimensional gel electrophoresis with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis of peptides, and metabolomics using both gas chromatography-MS and LC-MS have been combined with transcriptomics and microbiome analyses to comprehensively assess samples derived from these models. Results: Across several independent studies, we have identified key proteins and metabolites which are involved in chronic inflammation. We have also identified food compounds such as polyphenols (green tea polyphenols or curcumin) and polyunsaturated fatty acids, or whole foods such as salmon and broccoli, that reduce inflammation by regulating the activity of these proteins and metabolites. Conclusions: Omics techniques, including proteomics and metabolomics, have deepened our insight into the mechanisms underlying intestinal inflammation, and how nutrient-gene interactions may influence these. However, challenges remain in dealing with the enormous quantity of data generated by these techniques, and in utilising these data to improve the outcome for people with IBD.
The Neurologist in Dante's Inferno
Authors: Riva Michele Augusto , Bellani Iacopo , Tremolizzo Lucio , Lorusso Lorenzo , Ferrarese Carlo , Cesana Giancarlo
Published: May 2015

The year 2015 marks the 750th birth anniversary of the Italian poet Dante Alighieri (1265-1321). It is less known that Dante had a sound level of medical knowledge, probably derived by his academic studies. In his works, medieval notions of neuroanatomy and neurophysiology (e.g. the connection between brain and spinal cord, function of optic nerve and peripheral nerves, knowledge of vegetative nervous system) and descriptions of neurological disorders (e.g. epileptic seizures, effects on nervous system by metal intoxication, and narcolepsy) may be found, specially in the Inferno, the first part of his masterpiece, the Divine Comedy. These accurate descriptions have led some authors to believe that the poet himself may have suffered from a neurological disease (epilepsy or hypersomnia). Damned souls of the Inferno seem to be also afflicted by psychiatric disorders, such as melancholia and depression. The analysis of Dante's works confirms that poetry - as well as literature in general - may be an important source of information for historians of neurology.
The Effects of Sub-Chronic Treatment with Aripiprazole on Pentylenetetrazole- and Electroshock-Induced Seizures in Mice: The Role of Nitric Oxide
Authors: Moezi Leila , Hosseini Mahsa , Oveisi Simin , Niknahad Hossein , Shafaroodi Hamed
Published: May 2015

Almost all antipsychotics have been associated with a risk of epileptic seizure provocation. Aripiprazole is a novel atypical antipsychotic. The risk of seizures with aripiprazole is reported to be the lowest among atypical agents. In this study, we investigated the effect of aripiprazole on seizure of mice in sub-chronic treatments. We also examined the interaction of nitric oxide (NO) with aripiprazole in seizure experiments. Mice received aripiprazole for 6 days and then on the 7th day aripiprazole was injected 60 min before intraperitoneal pentylenetetrazole or electroshock. L-NAME (non-selective NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor), 7-nitroindazole (neuronal NOS selective inhibitor), aminoguanidine (inducible NOS selective inhibitors) or L-arginine (NO donor), all were injected 5 min before aripiprazole in separate groups. The results of both seizure models demonstrated anti-epileptic properties of aripiprazole in sub-chronic administrations. Co-administration of aripiprazole and selective and non-selective NOS inhibitors prevented the anticonvulsant effect of aripiprazole. While L-arginine and aripiprazole co-administration increased the clonic seizure threshold and protection against tonic seizure and death, these effects were not significant. The current results indicated that aripiprazole has anticonvulsant effects probably through the release of NO.
Effectiveness and Organization of Addiction Medicine Training Across the Globe
Authors: Ayu Astri Parawita , Schellekens Arnt F.A. , Iskandar Shelly , Pinxten Lucas , De Jong Cor A.J.
Published: May 2015

Background: Over the past decade, addiction medicine training curricula have been developed to prepare physicians to work with substance use disorder patients. This review paper aimed at (1) summarizing scientific publications that outline the content of addiction medicine curricula and (2) evaluating the evidence for efficacy for training in addiction medicine. Methods: We carried out a literature search on articles about addiction medicine training initiatives across the world, using PubMed, PsychINFO and EMBASE with the following search terms ‘substance abuse, addiction medicine, education and training.' Results: We found 29 articles on addiction medicine curricula at various academic levels. Nine studies reported on the need for addiction medicine training, 9 described addiction medicine curricula at various academic levels, and 11 described efficacy on addiction medicine curricula. Conclusions: Several key competences in addiction medicine were identified. Efficacy studies show that even short addiction medicine training programs can be effective in improving knowledge, skills and attitudes related to addiction medicine. A more uniform approach to addiction medicine training in terms of content and accreditation is discussed.
Zerumbone, A Natural Cyclic Sesquiterpene, Promotes ABCA1-Dependent Cholesterol Efflux from Human THP-1 Macrophages
Authors: Zhu Shenshen , Liu Jin-Hua
Published: May 2015

This study was conducted to explore the effect of zerumbone, isolated from Zingiberzerumbet Smith, on apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I)-mediated cholesterol efflux from THP-1 macrophages. THP-1 macrophages were treated with different concentrations (10-100 μmol/l) of zerumbone and cholesterol efflux was measured. The involvement of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters ABCA1 and ABCG1 and ERK1/2 signaling was checked. Notably, zerumbone caused a concentration-dependent induction of ABCA1 but not ABCG1, coupled with enhanced phosphorylation of ERK1/2. Pre-treatment with PD98059 (a potent ERK1/2 inhibitor) significantly blocked the upregulation of ABCA1 by zerumbone. Small interfering RNA-mediated downregulation of ABCA1 but not ABCG1 significantly impaired the promotion of apoA-I-mediated cholesterol efflux by zerumbone. Taken together, zerumbone has the capacity to facilitate apoA-I-mediated cholesterol efflux from macrophages through the activation of ERK1/2 signaling and upregulation of ABCA1.
Introducing Female Black Swiss Mice: Minimal Effects of Sex in a Strain-Specific Battery of Tests for Mania-Like Behavior and Response to Lithium
Authors: Ene Hila M. , Kara Nirit Z. , Einat Haim
Published: May 2015

Black Swiss (BS) mice were shown to be an advantageous strain to model behavioral domains of mania, but to date only male mice were tested, whereas bipolar disorder (BPD) is equally prevalent in women and men. This study was therefore designed to examine the possibility of using both male and female BS mice in future studies. Groups of male and female BS mice were compared with each other, with or without lithium treatment, in tests for domains of mania-like behavior including activity in an open field, sweet solution preference, elevated plus maze, forced swim and amphetamine-induced hyperactivity. The results indicate mostly a similarity between female and male BS mice, both naïve and after chronic lithium treatment. The results are discussed in the context of the deficiency in utilizing female mice in animal models research and suggest that both male and female BS mice can be used to model domains of mania-like behavior.
A Clinical Profile of 125 Patients with Writer's Cramp
Authors: Jhunjhunwala Ketan , Lenka Abhishek , Pal Pramod Kumar
Published: May 2015

Background: The characteristics of writer's cramp (WC) may vary according to native languages and scripts. We report the clinical profile of a large cohort of patients with WC from India. Methods: A chart review of 125 patients (F:M = 16:109) with WC seen over 10 years at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), India. Results: The mean age of patients was 36.8 ± 14.3, the mean age at onset (AAO) of symptoms was 31.5 ± 2.7 and the mean duration of difficulty in writing was 5.3 ± 6.3. The most common presenting complaint while writing was pain in the forearm (56%), followed by tremulousness of hand (28.8%) and abnormal posturing of hand (15.2%). Along with writing difficulty, 5.6% had difficulty in typing. The mean AAO of writing difficulty was significantly earlier in women than in men (22.8 ± 3.5 vs. 32.8 ± 4.2 years, p < 0.001). While writing, excessive extension (41.6%) of wrist was the most common abnormality, followed by excessive flexion (37.6%) and extension (19.2%) of index finger. Conclusions: Women with WC have a significantly earlier age of onset than men. Excessive extension of wrist with flexion of thumb and index finger were the most common abnormalities noted in WC.
Revisiting Clinical Utility of Chest Radiography and Electrocardiogram to Determine Ischemic Stroke Subtypes: Special Reference on Vascular Pedicle Width and Maximal P-Wave Duration
Authors: Sugie Masayuki , Kamiya Yuki , Iizuka Natuko , Murakami Hidetomo , Kawamura Mitsuru , Ichikawa Hiroo
Published: May 2015

Backgrounds: It is often difficult to diagnose stroke subtypes at admission, particularly in sinus rhythm cases. Vascular pedicle width (VPW) on chest X-ray (CXR) and maximal P-wave duration (P-max) on electrocardiogram (ECG) are again realized as useful parameters reflecting intravascular volume and atrial conduction status, respectively. We investigated the utility of VPW and P-max as a tool for differentiating ischemic stroke subtypes. Methods: We studied 343 acute stroke patients showing sinus rhythm on admission. Dividing the patients into cardioembolic (CE) stroke (n = 57) and non-CE (n = 286) groups, we compared clinical backgrounds including VPW on CXR, and P-max in lead II and premature atrial contraction (PAC) on 12-leads ECG. Then, we investigated the independent factors for CE. Results: Independent factors associated with CE were VPW (≥59.3 mm) (p < 0.001; odds ratio (OR), 10.12; 95% confidence interval (CI), 4.13-24.8), P-max in lead II (≥120 ms) (p < 0.001; OR, 8.61; 95% CI, 3.96-18.7), PAC (p = 0.002; OR, 7.35; 95% CI, 2.14-25.3) and D-dimer level (≥1.11 µg/ml) (p = 0.016; OR, 2.57; 95% CI, 1.20-5.51). Conclusions: VPW, P-max, PAC and D-dimer are useful parameters for diagnosing CE stroke in patients with sinus rhythm at admission.
The Combination of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Stromal Cell-Derived Factor Induces Superior Angiogenic Sprouting by Outgrowth Endothelial Cells
Authors: Anderson Erin M. , Mooney David J.
Published: May 2015

Endothelial progenitor cells are being broadly explored for the treatment of ischemic cardiovascular diseases, but their response to molecules commonly used to promote the growth of new blood vessels has not been fully characterized. In this study, angiogenic sprout formation in a 3-dimensional, in vitro model by one type of endothelial progenitor, outgrowth endothelial cells (OECs), was characterized in response to exposure to stromal cell-derived factor (SDF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and then compared to mature endothelial cells. Exposure to SDF alone did not increase angiogenic sprouting in comparison to control media, while a combination of VEGF and SDF demonstrated greater potency than VEGF alone for all cell types. Together, VEGF and SDF reduced the sprout initiation time and maintained sprouting levels over time. In direct competition with mature endothelial cells, OECs preferentially localized to the tip cell position, suggesting an enhanced sprouting potential. Overall, these results reveal the impact of the combination of VEGF and SDF on endothelial cell sprouting, and support the enhanced potential of OECs, as opposed to mature endothelial cells, for treating ischemic diseases.
Quality of Life in Dialysis Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Broers Natascha J.H. , Usvyat Len A. , Kooman Jeroen P. , van der Sande Frank M. , Lacson, Jr. Eduardo , Kotanko Peter , Maddux Franklin W.
Published: May 2015

Background/Aim: Physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) scores are associated with hospitalization and mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease. Most studies in these patients are cross-sectional in nature. This study aimed to assess the dynamics of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) over time, as well as determinants of changes in HRQOL. Also, the relation between changes in HRQOL with respect to both hospitalization and mortality was assessed. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was performed in 77,848 hemodialysis (HD) patients whereas changes in HRQOL were assessed in 8,339 patients over a 1-year time period. HRQOL measurements were assessed with Kidney Disease Quality of Life-36 questionnaires. Also, relevant biomarkers (albumin, creatinine, hemoglobin, sodium) and equilibrated normalized protein catabolic rate (enPCR) were measured. Results: HRQOL were found to be decreased in HD patients. Nutritional indices like creatinine (r = 0.23; p < 0.0001) and serum albumin (r = 0.21; p < 0.0001) positively correlated with PCS scores. An increase in levels of albumin, creatinine, hemoglobin, enPCR and serum sodium over time are significantly (p < 0.0001) associated with positive changes in PCS scores. Changes in PCS scores were found to be predictive for hospitalization and mortality. The correlates of predictors for MCS scores were less strong compared to that of PCS scores. The strongest positive predictors of MCS scores were age (r = 0.08; p < 0.0001), albumin (r = 0.05; p < 0.0001) and sodium (r = 0.05; p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Nutritional factors are strongly associated with changes in HRQOL, especially with regard to PCS scores (change over time in HRQOL was an independent predictor of hospitalization and mortality). Increased scores of HRQOL over time are positively associated with survival.
Surgical Versus Percutaneous Coronary Revascularization for Multivessel Disease in Diabetic Patients With Non–ST-Segment–Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Ben-Gal Yanai , Mohr Rephael , Feit Frederick , Ohman E. Magnus , Kirtane Ajay , Xu Ke , Mehran Roxana , Stone Gregg W.
Published: May 2015

Background—

The preferred revascularization strategy for diabetic patients with acute coronary syndromes and multivessel coronary artery disease is uncertain. We evaluated the outcomes of diabetic patients with moderate and high-risk acute coronary syndrome and multivessel disease managed with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) versus coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

Methods and Results—

Among 13 819 moderate and high-risk acute coronary syndrome patients enrolled in the Acute Catheterization and Early Intervention Triage Strategy (ACUITY) trial, 1772 diabetic patients had multivessel disease with left anterior descending artery involvement and were managed by PCI (n=1349) or CABG (n=423). Propensity scoring was applied to adjust for differences in baseline clinical and angiographic characteristics, yielding a total of 326 matched patients (163 managed by PCI and 163 managed by CABG). At 30 days, treatment with PCI compared with CABG was associated with lower rates of major bleeding (15.3% versus 55.6%;
P
<0.0001), blood transfusions (9.2% versus 43.2%;
P
<0.0001), and acute kidney injury (13.4% versus 33.6%;
P
<0.0001), but more unplanned revascularization procedures (6.9% versus 1.9%;
P
=0.03). At 1 year PCI was associated with higher rates of repeat revascularization procedures (19.5% versus 5.2%;
P
=0.0001), with nonsignificantly different rates of myocardial infarction, stroke, and death at either 30 days or 1 year.

Conclusions—

In the large-scale ACUITY trial, diabetic patients with acute coronary syndrome and multivessel disease treated with PCI rather than CABG had less bleeding and acute kidney injury, greater need for repeat revascularization procedures, and comparable rates of myocardial infarction, stroke, and death through 1-year follow-up.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00093158.
A Max Library for Musical Notation and Computer-Aided Composition
Authors: Agostini Andrea , Ghisi Daniele
Published: May 2015

This article introduces a library of external objects for real-time computer-aided composition and musical notation in Max. The library provides Max with a set of tools for the graphical representation of musical notation, manipulation of musical scores through a variety of approaches ranging from GUI interaction to constraint programming, and sequencing. The library is oriented to real-time interaction, and is meant to interoperate easily with other processes or devices controlled by Max, such as DSP tools, MIDI instruments, or generic hardware systems. These features and design choices place our software at the intersection of various categories of musical software environments and approaches, allowing it to help reduce the gap found between tools for sound-based, electroacoustic musical practices, and for symbol-based, traditional composition. The library is called “bach: automated composer’s helper.”
Diagnostics for an Extreme Rain Event near Shanghai during the Landfall of Typhoon Fitow (2013)
Authors: Bao Xuwei , Davidson Noel E. , Yu Hui , Hankinson Mai C. N. , Sun Zhian , Rikus Lawrence J. , Liu Jianyong , Yu Zifeng , Wu Dan
Published: May 2015

Typhoon Fitow made landfall south of Shanghai, China, on 6 October 2013. During the following two days, precipitation in excess of 300 mm day−1 occurred 400 km to the north of the typhoon center. The rain-producing systems included (i) outward-spiraling rainbands, which developed in the storm’s north sector in favorable environmental wind shear, and (ii) frontal cloud as a result of coastal frontogenesis.

Over the rain area, in addition to enhanced ascent, there were increases in low-level moisture, convective instability, and midlevel relative vorticity. There is evidence of a preconditioning period prior to the rain when midlevel subsidence and boundary layer moistening occurred. From analysis of low-level equivalent potential temperature the following observations were made: (i) after landfall, a cold, dry airstream wrapped into Fitow’s circulation from the north, limiting the inner-core rainfall and producing a cold-air boundary, and (ii) an extended warm, moist airstream from the east converged with the cold-air intrusion over the rain area.

The heavy rain occurred as the large-scale flow reorganized. Major anticyclones developed over China and the North Pacific. At upper levels, a large-amplitude trough relocated over central China with the entrance to a southwesterly jet positioned near Shanghai. Back trajectories from the rain area indicate that four environmental interactions developed: (i) increasing midlevel injection of moist potential vorticity (PV) from Fitow’s circulation; (ii) low-level warm, moist inflow from the east; (iii) midlevel inflow from nearby Typhoon Danas; and (iv) decreasing mid- to upper-level injection of PV from the midlatitude trough. The authors propose that the resultant PV structure change provided a very favorable environment for the development of rain systems.
The Solid Component of Radiographically Non-Growing, Post-Radiated Vestibular Schwannoma Retains Proliferative Capacity
Authors: Jacob Abraham , Igarashi Suzu , Platto Terry , Khan Rihan , Jain Richa
Published: May 2015

Objective:

Nearly all radiated vestibular schwannomas (VS) have solid tissue remaining at the radiation bed. The viability and proliferation capacity of this tissue has never been objectively assessed. The goals of our study were to (1) determine whether this tissue retains the morphological and immunohistochemical features of VS and (2) evaluate whether the tissue is capable of proliferation in cell culture.

Methods:

Case history, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), cell culture, histology, and immunohistochemistry.

Results:

We report the first case of a post-radiated, sporadic VS patient whose non-growing, residual MR-enhancing solid tissue was examined histologically and in cell culture. These cells were architecturally identical to non-radiated VS, had a Ki67 proliferative index similar to non-radiated sporadic and NF2-associated VS, were S100 positive, and grew in culture with kinetics comparable to non-radiated VS.

Conclusion:

The long-term risk for delayed tumor growth and/or secondary malignancy in radiated VS patients is unknown. Because the average life span in the United States is nearly 80 years, patients should be informed that (1) residual VS cells are viable even when tumors appear to be non-growing on MRI, (2) post-radiation surveillance imaging is required indefinitely, and (3) radiation may incur more risk in those patients with life expectancy >20-25 years.
‘Guests’: Three migrant voices in Italy
Authors: Portelli Alessandro
Published: May 2015

This article explores the different ways in which migrants in Italy use music to comment on their marginalized condition. By modifying the lyrics of Freddie Aguilar’s hit song ‘Anak,’ Camilo Cosmecio, a Filipino hotel cleaner, turns a song about generational conflict into one that conveys a migrant’s ache for a faraway son. In his self-penned song ‘Istaranyieri baan ahai’ (I am a foreigner), Somali Geedi Yusuf Kuule uses ironically the word osbitaan, a migrant’s mispronunciation of ospite (guest): a hypocritical word which, far from signifying hospitality, denies a migrant the chance to become integrated into the host culture and be treated as a citizen with rights. Migrant music is today an essential part of the folk music of Italy. Like Italy’s own emigration songs, this ‘foreign’ (African, Slavic, Indian) music is the voice of the excluded singing about their plight. It is about hurt, loneliness, abandonment; and in some cases about the dream of a life led not as permanent ‘guests,’ but as equal and active members in a shared society. This has been the uniquely joyful experience of Jagjit Rai Mehta, an Indian stable hand on an industrial farm in Piadena (Po Valley), who welcomes Italians and foreigners to a place that is now his home.
Radici rinascimentali del pop come cultura popolare urbana. L’esperienza italiana
Authors: Salvatore Gianfranco
Published: May 2015

A partire dalle villanelle e dalla loro diffusione nella Napoli del Cinquecento si può ricostruire la concezione rinascimentale del “fare musica” utilizzando o formando una melodia cantabile e realizzandone l’accompagnamento. L’analisi dei repertori popolareggianti italiani, delle loro prassi esecutive, e del diverso modo in cui tali repertori erano valutati dai teorici e dagli utenti, relativizza l’efficacia di antitesi convenzionali quali “scritto vs orale”, “alto vs basso”, “d’élite vs di massa”, “egemonico vs subalterno”. E identifica una produzione urbana ispirata da temi, motivi e tecniche rurali, riadattate ai contesti cittadini. Ciò aiuta a chiarire la nozione di “musica popolare urbana” e a confrontarla con il pop contemporaneo. I risultati del confronto suggeriscono la costanza di alcuni fattori determinanti: (1) la struttura interclassista delle diffusione del repertorio “popolare”; (2) la domanda e l’offerta di continue novità; (3) il modello della melodia accompagnata dove l’accompagnamento tende a diventare sempre più di tipo accordale, contribuendo ad affermare gli strumenti a corda e la tipologia del “cantore e sonatore” che si accompagna da sé; (4) la diffusione di tecniche formulari per la realizzazione delle melodie e degli accompagnamenti; (5) la libertà di approccio all’esecuzione del repertorio. Nel suo lineamento storico, questo modo di realizzare e diffondere una canzone rappresenta un’arte nazionale italiana che dal Rinascimento a oggi si è sedimentata nei costumi popolari urbani, proponendo modelli ancora riscontrabili nel pop contemporaneo.
The Sequencing of a College Degree during the Transition to Adulthood
Authors: Miech Richard Allen , Shanahan Michael J. , Boardman Jason , Bauldry Shawn
Published: May 2015

In this study we consider the health implications of the sequencing of a college degree vis-à-vis familial roles during the transition to adulthood. We hypothesize that people who earned a college degree before assuming familial roles will have better health than people who earned a college degree afterwards. To test this hypothesis, we focus on obesity and use data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. Results show that marriage before completion of college was associated with a 50% higher probability of becoming obese when compared with marriage after completion of college. Parenthood before college completion was associated with a greater than twofold increase in the probability of becoming obese when compared to parenthood afterwards for black men. These findings suggest that the well-established association of education with health depends on its place in a sequence of roles.
The Professional Ideology of Criminologists
Authors: Ouellette Heather M. , Applegate Brandon K.
Published: May 2015

In the 1970s, rejection of offender treatment as misguided and ineffective was common among criminologists. Recently, however, there are reasons to believe that faith in correctional intervention may have returned as a core feature of criminologists’ professional ideology. To date, no one has undertaken a systematic investigation of criminologists’ opinions on rehabilitation. Drawing on a random sample of criminologists, the current study examines the extent to which the discipline stands ready to support a central role for offender treatment. Finding broad-based support for rehabilitation, we discuss the implications of these results for correctional policy.
An Exploratory Content Analysis of Offender Concerns Before Incarceration
Authors: Block Steven , Ruffolo Lyndsay
Published: May 2015

The time before entry into a correctional facility is stressful for most offenders. Yet, few studies have systematically considered the fears and concerns of persons entering jail or prison. This descriptive study uses an Internet message board forum to explore the central thoughts of individuals entering correctional institutions. A total of 344 posts are coded for key themes in written narratives. Ten categories are identified by researchers: relationships, possessions, violence and safety, medical concerns, self-improvement, privacy, responsibilities, prison conditions, boredom, and reputation. The potential impact of these pre-incarceration concerns on the actual prison experience is explored.
Predictors of Whistle-Blowing Intentions: An Analysis of Multi-Level Variables
Authors: Pillay Soma , Ramphul Needesh , Dorasamy Nirmala , Meyer Denny
Published: May 2015

The purpose of this study was to examine the variables impacting on whistle-blowing intentions in the public services of two developing countries, South Africa and Mauritius. In particular, this study considers the barriers to whistle-blowing and the effect of demographic and cultural values on the perceptions of these barriers. The study finds major differences between South Africa and Mauritius with minor differences in regard to gender and education.
This Is Your Brain on Psychology
Authors: Stewart Peter C.
Published: May 2015

With the burgeoning influence of cognitive neuroscience in the field of psychology, it is important to train, or at least expose, undergraduate psychology students to the discipline’s methods. Unfortunately, many instructors are limited in their ability to provide such tangible experiences due to resource limitations. However, recent advances in electroencephalography (EEG) technology now make it possible to rectify this deficiency. This article discusses affordable, manageable, and reliable EEG technology that is perfect for the classroom and describes two studies testing the utility of the technology for student learning. Results suggested that a demonstration incorporating this technology facilitated learning and stimulated interest in the areas of cognitive and physiological psychology.
Reflections
Authors: Goodman Joseph
Published: May 2015

Service to others is something that physicians understand and undertake on a daily basis. Military physicians are in a unique role of serving both our patients and our nation. Millions of Americans have answered the call to military service since the attacks of September 11, 2001. As otolaryngologists, we will increasingly care for veterans of the Global War on Terror. Service to our nation is a mutual goal that brings together people from very different walks of life.
Incidental Parotid Neoplasms
Authors: Britt Christopher J. , Stein Andrew P. , Patel Priyesh N. , Harari Paul M. , Hartig Gregory K.
Published: May 2015

Objective

To better characterize parotid masses incidentally identified on imaging.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Academic medical center.

Subjects and Methods

Medical records were reviewed for 771 patients who underwent parotidectomy at the University of Wisconsin from 1994 to 2013. Patients were stratified into 2 groups: those with tumors identified solely on imaging (parotid incidentalomas [PIs]) and those with palpable masses, pain, facial nerve dysfunction, or other reasons their mass was identified (nonincidentals [NIs]). A χ2 test was employed to compare the prevalence of malignancy in PIs compared with NIs. Trend analysis was performed to determine the prevalence of PIs over the 20‐year period.

Results

Of the 771 patients, 67 (8.7%) had their mass discovered incidentally on imaging (PIs). There was a significant difference in the rate of malignancy in the NI (32.7%) compared with the PI group (6.0%) (P <. 01). During the 1994 to 2003 time period, 4.0% of all parotoidectomies performed were for PIs, while during the second decade (2004‐2013), this proportion increased to 10.2%. This represents a 155.0% increase in the percentage of parotidectomies carried out for PIs between these 2 periods.

Conclusion

In this study, the rate of malignancy in PIs was significantly lower than the rate of malignancy in patients with NIs. The occurrence of PIs has increased over time and now represents greater than 10.0% of all parotidectomies performed at the University of Wisconsin. This information is important to consider when consenting a patient for resection of a PI.
Entrepreneurship training in tertiary education: Its development and transfer
Authors: Jackson Tony
Published: May 2015

Self-employment is becoming an increasingly viable option for growing numbers of young people entering the labour market, so it is important to identify and develop good practice in the delivery of entrepreneurship training. Not only will this enhance the quality of its provision, but it will also serve to ensure that the economic benefits from larger numbers of start-ups and innovatory new businesses are fully realised. The development and transfer of training in entrepreneurship are examined. Recent studies indicate that its provision at the tertiary education level boosts new business formation, and that experiential learning in entrepreneurship provides students with more incentives to start their own enterprises on graduating than formal enrolment in business programmes. These studies further suggest a strong positive correlation between those European universities that have adopted strategies, resources and institutional infrastructures explicitly targeted towards entrepreneurial objectives and the quality of their entrepreneurship training provision. On this basis, tertiary education institutions need to adopt a holistic cross-disciplinary approach, which commits them fully to promoting opportunities for training students in the formation of enterprises and the translation of innovatory ideas into operational businesses. To be effective, this should involve campus-wide provision, as well as outreach and engagement with the community and its businesses. Evidence demonstrates a number of alternative pathways for the transfer of good practice entrepreneurship training to less developed countries. Bottom-up models depend on the establishment of centres of excellence. These need to develop the capacity to engage with their own government policy-makers in shaping national training initiatives along their own good practice lines. Top-down models depend on creating a policy-framework and funding sources sufficient to encourage the adoption of effective entrepreneurship training programmes across the national educational framework. Here the crucial issue is the ability of existing institutions to respond to such opportunities. Between these extremes, the German dual VET system offers an ‘off-the-shelf’ option for the transfer of vocational entrepreneurship training to less developed countries, which still requires extensive adaptation to local conditions.
Values-led entrepreneurship: Developing business models through the exercise of reflexivity
Authors: Tennant Mike G
Published: May 2015

Successful entrepreneurship relies on the development of an idea and its execution in such a way that value is captured. The idea of value, however, is often framed solely as market return, rather than a more inclusive understanding of value as social good. Ethical and normative considerations are often ‘nice to have’ and treated, if at all, as an add-on rather than an integrated part of doing business. In this paper, I describe a pedagogical module for ‘sustainability entrepreneurs’ that has been developed as part of an MSc course at Imperial College London. Students are challenged to develop business models that have a well-integrated environmental, social and economic value proposition and challenge the dominant neoliberal business rhetoric. The key skill developed through the module is critical reflexivity. This allows students to see that they could shape the world through their own agency and break out of conventional modes of doing business to place values at the heart of their business models.
Delivering entrepreneurship training and support
Authors: McEwan Gary
Published: May 2015

This article briefly reviews my role in delivering entrepreneurship training and support in north-east Scotland. I run an organisation dedicated to the support of new and existing entrepreneurs throughout the northeast of Scotland. This support sees the establishment of 1800 new businesses every year. The work is exciting and hugely rewarding as we recycle knowledge, understanding and experiences amongst those we work with. We have ‘seen it all’, as the saying goes. Our task is to assist fledging entrepreneurs around common mistakes and help them achieve success. We have formed opinions along the way as to what is needed to maximise the economic upside of firstly creating more entrepreneurs, and secondly supporting the growth of ones with ambition and potential. Key learning principles are identified that we have applied in our organisation to achieve three objectives: how to stimulate more entrepreneurial activity; how to minimise early stage entrepreneurial mortality; and how to identify the key barriers that prevent business growth.
Generalized Degenerative Joint Disease in Osteoprotegerin (Opg) Null Mutant Mice
Authors: Bolon B. , Grisanti M. , Villasenor K. , Morony S. , Feige U. , Simonet W. S.
Published: May 2015

Bone structure is modulated by the interaction between receptor activator of nuclear factor–κB (RANK) and RANK ligand (RANKL). Osteoprotegerin (OPG), a decoy receptor for RANKL, modifies osteoclast-mediated bone resorption directly and spares articular cartilage indirectly in rodents with immune-mediated arthritis by preventing subchondral bone destruction. The OPG/RANKL balance also seems to be critical in maintaining joint integrity in osteoarthritis, a condition featuring articular bone and cartilage damage in the absence of profound inflammation. The current study explored the role of OPG in sparing articular cartilage by evaluating joint lesions in adult C57BL/6J mice lacking osteoprotegerin ( Opg−/−). At 3, 5, 7, 9, and 12 months of age, both sexes of Opg−/− mice developed severe degenerative joint disease (DJD) characterized by progressive loss of cartilage matrix and eventually articular cartilage. Lesions developed earlier and more severely in Opg−/− mice relative to age-matched, wild-type ( Opg+/+), or heterozygous ( Opg+/−) littermates ( P ≤ .05). The femorotibial joint was affected bilaterally at 3 months, while other key weight-bearing diarthrodial joints (eg, coxofemoral, scapulohumeral, humeroradioulnar) were affected later and unilaterally. Cortical bone in subchondral plates and long bone diaphyses of Opg−/− mice but not Opg+/+ or Opg+/− animals was osteoporotic by 3 months of age ( P ≤ .05); the extent of porosity was less than the degree of DJD. Closure of the physes in long bones ( P ≤ .05) and cartilage retention in the femoral primary spongiosa ( P ≤ .05) affected chiefly Opg−/− mice. These data suggest that OPG plays an essential direct role in maintaining cartilage integrity in the articular surfaces and physes.
Diffuse cerebrovascular dilation: Case report of amezinium metilsulfate-induced reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome
Authors: Kobayashi Makoto
Published: May 2015

Background

Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) is characterized by recurrent thunderclap headaches with reversible cerebral vasoconstriction, and often precipitated by the postpartum state and vasoactive medications. We describe a case of a patient with RCVS induced by amezinium metilsulfate, a sympathomimetic drug, in whom magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) initially revealed diffusely dilated cerebral arteries.

Case description

A 34-year-old woman was prescribed amezinium metilsulfate for hypotension. Twelve days later, she suffered from abrupt severe headaches and was referred to our department. She had no neurological deficits; however, MRA revealed diffusely dilated anterior, middle, and posterior cerebral arteries with vasoconstriction. She was tentatively diagnosed with RCVS and successfully treated with verapamil for headache. Nevertheless, follow-up MRAs disclosed widespread segmental vasoconstriction that resolved in two months.

Discussion

Diffuse cerebrovascular dilation has not been addressed but may be associated with RCVS pathophysiology. In addition, physicians should bear in mind that amezinium metilsulfate can potentially induce RCVS.