bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A CLASS OF 1-RESILIENT BOOLEAN FUNCTIONS WITH OPTIMAL ALGEBRAIC IMMUNITY AND GOOD BEHAVIOR AGAINST FAST ALGEBRAIC ATTACKS
Authors: TANG DENG , CARLET CLAUDE , TANG XIAOHU
Published: October 2014

Recently, Tang, Carlet and Tang presented a combinatorial conjecture about binary strings, allowing proving that all balanced functions in some infinite class they introduced have optimal algebraic immunity. Later, Cohen and Flori completely proved that the conjecture is true. These functions have good (provable or at least observable) cryptographic properties but they are not 1-resilient, which represents a drawback for their use as filter functions in stream ciphers. We propose a construction of an infinite class of 1-resilient Boolean functions with optimal algebraic immunity by modifying the functions in this class. The constructed functions have optimal algebraic degree, that is, meet the Siegenthaler bound, and high nonlinearity. We prove a lower bound on their nonlinearity, but as for the Carlet-Feng functions and for the functions mentioned above, this bound is not enough for ensuring a nonlinearity sufficient for allowing resistance to the fast correlation attack. Nevertheless, as for previously found functions with the same features, there is a gap between the bound that we can prove and the actual values computed for small numbers of variables. Our computations show that the functions in this class have very good nonlinearity and also good immunity to fast algebraic attacks. This is the first time that an infinite class of functions gathers all of the main criteria allowing these functions to be used as filters in stream ciphers.
Heterogeneous delivering capability promotes traffic efficiency in complex networks
Authors: Zhu Yan-Bo , Guan Xiang-Min , Zhang Xue-Jun
Published: October 2014

Traffic is one of the most fundamental dynamical processes in networked systems. With the homogeneous delivery capability of nodes, the global dynamic routing strategy proposed by Ling et al. [Phys. Rev. E81, 016113 (2010)] adequately uses the dynamic information during the process and thus it can reach a quite high network capacity. In this paper, based on the global dynamic routing strategy, we proposed a heterogeneous delivery allocation strategy of nodes on scale-free networks with consideration of nodes degree. It is found that the network capacity as well as some other indexes reflecting transportation efficiency are further improved. Our work may be useful for the design of more efficient routing strategies in communication or transportation systems.
The word problem for free adequate semigroups
Authors: Kambites Mark , Kazda Alexandr
Published: October 2014

We study the complexity of computation in finitely generated free left, right and two-sided adequate semigroups and monoids. We present polynomial time (quadratic in the RAM model of computation) algorithms to solve the word problem and compute normal forms in each of these, and hence to test whether any given identity holds in the classes of left, right and/or two-sided adequate semigroups.
INNOVATIVE BEHAVIOUR TYPES AND THEIR INFLUENCE ON INDIVIDUAL CROWDSOURCING PERFORMANCES
Authors: ZHU HANGZI , DJURJAGINA KATHARINA , LEKER JENS
Published: October 2014

Crowdsourcing as a tool for idea generation has become popular for companies in the last few years. The aim of this research is to identify innovative behaviour types in an intra-organisational online ideation contest. Based on a survey with 75 employees of a specialty chemicals company, we determined the degrees of personality severity of two main factors — creativity and proactivity. Creativity seems to enhance the number of submitted ideas while proactive people's ideas seem to have greater chances of being pursued by the company. Four different personality combinations arise out of the empirical analysis that show specific performance types and are clustered into different activity roles, such as the follower, the proactive promotor, the creative innovator and the intrapreneur. Some of them refer to existing innovation roles. This novel combination of crowdsourcing performance and innovative behaviour delivers new insights that enrich current understanding on the characteristics of internal crowds.
Polynomials with prescribed bad primes
Authors: Roberts David P.
Published: October 2014

We tabulate polynomials in ℚ[t] with a given factorization partition, bad reduction entirely within a given set of primes, and satisfying auxiliary conditions associated to 0, 1, and ∞. We explain how these polynomials are of particular interest because of their role in the construction of nonsolvable number fields of arbitrarily large degree and bounded ramification.
Preparation and Optical Properties of Spherical Bi2S3 Nanoparticles by In Situ Thermal Sulfuration Method
Authors: Cui Zhankui , Li Senlin , Zhou Junqiang , Zhang Jianli , Ge Suxiang , Zheng Zhi
Published: October 2014

Spherical Bi 2 S 3 nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by a facile in situ thermal sulfuration method. Different Bi 2 S 3 samples were obtained by controlling the sulfuration time. The products were characterized by X-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) methods. The optical properties were examined by UV-visible-near-infrared (UV-Vis–NIR) and photoluminescence (PL) techniques. The results show that the phase of the products after sulfuration is pure and the spherical shape of Bi NPs has been successfully transmitted to Bi 2 S 3 samples. The light absorption edges exhibit red shift to 1060 nm while the light emission displays blue shift to 868 nm, compared with the energy bandgap of bulk Bi 2 S 3. The reason for the special optical properties of Bi 2 S 3 NPs by this in situ sulfuration route is considered to associate with the defects and quantum size effect of NPs.
GPOPS-II
Authors: Patterson Michael A. , Rao Anil V.
Published: October 2014

A general-purpose MATLAB software program called
GPOPS--II
is described for solving multiple-phase optimal control problems using variable-order Gaussian quadrature collocation methods. The software employs a Legendre-Gauss-Radau quadrature orthogonal collocation method where the continuous-time optimal control problem is transcribed to a large sparse nonlinear programming problem (NLP). An adaptive mesh refinement method is implemented that determines the number of mesh intervals and the degree of the approximating polynomial within each mesh interval to achieve a specified accuracy. The software can be interfaced with either quasi-Newton (first derivative) or Newton (second derivative) NLP solvers, and all derivatives required by the NLP solver are approximated using sparse finite-differencing of the optimal control problem functions. The key components of the software are described in detail and the utility of the software is demonstrated on five optimal control problems of varying complexity. The software described in this article provides researchers a useful platform upon which to solve a wide variety of complex constrained optimal control problems.
A Comparison of
hp
-Adaptive Strategies for Elliptic Partial Differential Equations
Authors: Mitchell William F. , McClain Marjorie A.
Published: October 2014

The
hp
version of the finite element method (
hp
-FEM) combined with adaptive mesh refinement is a particularly efficient method for solving PDEs because it can achieve an exponential convergence rate in the number of degrees of freedom.
hp
-FEM allows for refinement in both the element size,
h
, and the polynomial degree,
p
. Like adaptive refinement for the
h
version of the finite element method, a posteriori error estimates can be used to determine where the mesh needs to be refined, but a single error estimate cannot simultaneously determine whether it is better to do the refinement by
h
or
p
. Several strategies for making this determination have been proposed over the years. These strategies are summarized, and the results of a numerical experiment to study the performance of these strategies is presented. It was found that the reference-solution-based methods are very effective, but also considerably more expensive, in terms of computation time, than other approaches. The method based on a priori knowledge is very effective when there are known point singularities. The method based on the decay rate of the expansion coefficients appears to be the best choice as a general strategy across all categories of problems, whereas many of the other strategies perform well in particular situations and are reasonable in general.
Exploiting Existing Comparators for Fine-Grained Low-Cost Error Detection
Authors: Yalcin Gulay , Ergin Oguz , Islek Emrah , Unsal Osman Sabri , Cristal Adrian
Published: October 2014

Fault tolerance has become a fundamental concern in computer design, in addition to performance and power. Although several error detection schemes have been proposed to discover a faulty core in the system, these proposals could waste the whole core, including many error-free structures in it after error detection. Moreover, many fault-tolerant designs require additional hardware for data replication or for comparing the replicated data. In this study, we provide a low-cost, fine-grained error detection scheme by exploiting already existing comparators and data replications in the several pipeline stages such as issue queue, rename logic, and translation lookaside buffer. We reduce the vulnerability of the source register tags in IQ by 60%, the vulnerability of instruction TLB by 64%, the vulnerability of data TLB by 45%, and the vulnerability of the register tags of rename logic by 20%.
Distributed Content Curation on the Web
Authors: Abbassi Zeinab , Hegde Nidhi , Massoulié Laurent
Published: October 2014

In recent years there has been an explosive growth of digital content in the form of news feeds, videos, and original content on online platforms such as blogs and social networks. Indeed, such platforms have been used as a means of sharing and republishing information, leading to a large collection of content that users must sift through. We consider the problem of curating this vast catalogue of content such that aggregators or publishers can offer readers content that is of interest to them, with minimal spam. Under a game-theoretic model we obtain several results on the optimal content selection and on the efficiency of distributed curation.
Algorithm 947
Authors: Langr Daniel , Tvrdík Pavel , Dytrych Tomáš , Draayer Jerry P.
Published: October 2014

An algorithm for parallel generation of a random permutation of a large set of distinct integers is presented. This algorithm is designed for massively parallel systems with distributed memory architectures and the MPI-based runtime environments. Scalability of the algorithm is analyzed according to the memory and communication requirements. An implementation of the algorithm in a form of a software library based on the C++ programming language and the MPI application programming interface is further provided. Finally, performed experiments are described and their results discussed. The biggest of these experiments resulted in a generation of a random permutation of 2
41
integers in slightly more than four minutes using 131072 CPU cores.
Dual Effect of Chrysanthemum indicum Extract to Stimulate Osteoblast Differentiation and Inhibit Osteoclast Formation and Resorption In Vitro
Authors: Baek Jong Min , Kim Ju-Young , Cheon Yoon-Hee , Park Sun-Hyang , Ahn Sung-Jun , Yoon Kwon-Ha , Oh Jaemin , Lee Myeung Su
Published: October 2014

The risk of bone‐related diseases increases due to the imbalance between bone resorption and bone formation by osteoclasts and osteoblasts, respectively. The goal in the development of antiosteoporotic treatments is an agent that will improve bone through simultaneous osteoblast stimulation and osteoclast inhibition without undesirable side effects. To achieve this goal, numerous studies have been performed to identify novel approaches using natural oriental herbs to treat bone metabolic diseases. In the present study, we investigated the effect of Chrysanthemum indicum extract (CIE) on the differentiation of osteoclastic and osteoblastic cells. CIE inhibited the formation of TRAP‐positive mature osteoclasts and of filamentous‐actin rings and disrupted the bone‐resorbing activity of mature osteoclasts in a dose‐dependent manner. CIE strongly inhibited Akt, GSK3β, and IκB phosphorylation in RANKL‐stimulated bone marrow macrophages and did not show any effects on MAP kinases, including p38, ERK, and JNK. Interestingly, CIE also enhanced primary osteoblast differentiation via upregulation of the expression of alkaline phosphatase and the level of extracellular calcium concentrations during the early and terminal stages of differentiation, respectively. Our results revealed that CIE could have a potential therapeutic role in bone‐related disorders through its dual effects on osteoclast and osteoblast differentiation.
Environmentally Friendly Flame-Retardant and Its Application in Rigid Polyurethane Foam
Authors: Chen Yongjun , Jia Zhixin , Luo Yuanfang , Jia Demin , Li Bin
Published: October 2014

A novel Flame-Retardant N-(P,P′-diphenyl) phosphorus-based-(3-triethoxysilicon) propylamine (DPTP) was synthesized in this study. The impact of DPTP on the mechanical properties, thermal stability, and flame retardancy of rigid polyurethane foam (RPUF) was studied. The addition of DPTP to RPUF can significantly reduce the undesirable thermal effects and smoke density during combustion, as well as increasing the limiting oxygen index. Compared with pure RPUF, the peak heat release rate of RPUF containing 10 phr of DPTP decreased by 39.4%, while its peak smoke production rate decreased by 49.9%. However, it was also found that the addition of DPTP reduced the compressive strength of RPUF.
Facile Synthesis, Characterization, and In Vitro Antimicrobial and Anticancer Activities of Biscoumarin Copolyester Bearing Pendant 3-(Trifluoromethyl)Styrene
Authors: Kandaswamy Narendran , Raveendiran Nanthini
Published: October 2014

Synthesis of random biscoumarin copolyester bearing pendant 3-(trifluoromethyl)styrene was prepared by the reaction of biscoumarin monomer 3 and hydroquinone 5 with azeloyl chloride. The influence of pendant 3-(trifluoromethyl)styrene unit on the properties of copolyester such as inherent viscosity, solubility, and thermal stability was investigated and compared in detail. The inherent viscosity and polydispersity index of the copolyester were found to be 0.15 dL/g and 1.36, respectively. The chemical structure of the copolyester was investigated by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) spectroscopy. The physical properties of copolyester were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. Agar disc diffusion method was employed to study the antimicrobial activity of the random copolyester. In vitro anticancer activity against lung cancer (Hep-2) cell line was also investigated.
Effects of Various Antibiotics Alone or in Combination with Doripenem againstKlebsiella pneumoniaeStrains Isolated in an Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Ozbek Celik Berna , Mataraci-Kara Emel , Yilmaz Mesut
Published: October 2014

Colistin, tigecycline, levofloxacin, tobramycin, and rifampin alone and in combination with doripenem were investigated for their in vitro activities and postantibiotic effects (PAEs) onKlebsiella pneumoniae. The in vitro activities of tested antibiotics in combination with doripenem were determined using a microbroth checkerboard technique. To determine the PAEs,K. pneumoniaestrains in the logarithmic phase of growth were exposed for 1 h to antibiotics, alone and in combination. Recovery periods of test cultures were evaluated using viable counting after centrifugation. Colistin, tobramycin, and levofloxacin produced strong PAEs ranging from 2.71 to 4.23 h, from 1.31 to 3.82 h, and from 1.35 to 4.72, respectively, in a concentration-dependent manner. Tigecycline and rifampin displayed modest PAEs ranging from 1.18 h to 1.55 h and 0.92 to 1.19, respectively. Because it is a beta-lactam, PAEs were not exactly induced by doripenem (ranging from 0.10 to 0.18 h). In combination, doripenem scarcely changed the duration of PAE of each tested antibiotic alone. The findings of this study may have important implications for the timing of doses duringK. pneumoniaetherapy with tested antibiotics.
Isolation, Characterization, Crystal Structure Elucidation, and Anticancer Study of Dimethyl Cardamonin, Isolated from Syzygium campanulatum Korth
Authors: Memon Abdul Hakeem , Ismail Zhari , Aisha Abdalrahim F. A. , Al-Suede Fouad Saleih Resq , Hamil Mohammad Shahrul Ridzuan , Hashim Suzana , Saeed Mohammed Ali Ahmed , Laghari Madeeha , Abdul Majid Amin Malik Shah
Published: October 2014

Syzygium campanulatum Korth is an equatorial, evergreen, aboriginal shrub of Malaysia. Conventionally it has been used as a stomachic. However, in the currently conducted study dimethyl cardamonin or 2′,4′‐dihydroxy‐6′‐methoxy‐3′,5′‐dimethylchalcone (DMC) was isolated from S. campanulatum Korth, leaf extract. The structural characterization of DMC was carried out by making use of various techniques including UV, IR, NMR spectral followed by LC‐MS, and X‐ray crystallographic techniques. For determining the purity of compound, highly effective techniques including TLC, HPLC, and melting point were used. The cytotoxicity of DMC and three different extracts of S. campanulatum was evaluated against human colon cancer cell line (HT‐29) by three different assays. DMC and ethanolic extract revealed potent and dose‐dependent cytotoxic activity on the cancer cell line with IC50 12.6 and 90.1 µg/mL, respectively. Quite astonishingly to our knowledge, this is the very first report on S. campanulatum as being a rich source (3.5%) of DMC, X‐ray crystallography, and anticancer activity on human colon cancer cells.
An Endogenous Project Performance Evaluation Approach Based on Random Forests and IN‐PROMETHEE II Methods
Authors: Xie Na , Chu Chenglong , Tian Xiaoye , Wang Lei
Published: October 2014

In order to identify the best or poorest alternative project by an overall ranking result in the scenario of assessing multiple infrastructure projects, multicriteria decision aid methods need to be incorporated into evaluating project performance. Most previous methods for assessing infrastructure project performance may not be applicable to frequent cases with numerous evaluation criteria but inadequate observation data. This paper proposed an objective performance evaluation approach from annual field‐survey data through Random Forests and IN‐PROMETHEE II methods together. Random Forests method is employed to predict performance values under selected criteria as the single‐valued performance scores. IN‐PROMETHEE II method is further developed to quantify the preference index among different projects under each criterion. By calculating a weighted average of single‐criterion preference index, the multicriteria preference index can be obtained to determine the ultimate ranking of alternative projects. A comprehensive empirical study reveals that this approach is able to successfully avoid subjective bias. It is helpful in tracing decisive factors of project performance for practical projects in multicriteria cases. The analysis results have proved that the proposed method can be widely used in performance evaluation of complicated infrastructure projects.
Vallecular Cyst in Neonates: Case Series—A Clinicosurgical Insight
Authors: Gogia Shweta , Agarwal Sangeet Kumar , Agarwal Alok
Published: October 2014

The objective of the case series is to understand the clinical and surgical aspects of new minimally invasive technique of coblation in cases of vallecular cysts in neonates.Method of Study. Four neonates underwent surgery for vallecular cyst by using Arthrocare ENT coblator system.Results Obtained. All the four cases presented in stridor and difficult intubation was also a concern which necessitated a swift, high precision instrument with almost immediate results. Coblation excision includes direct contact with vallecular cyst, improved targeting of the cyst, and preservation of normal tissue. All the four cases had an uneventful postoperative period and smooth recovery and had an early discharge from the hospital.Conclusions. Early diagnosis and intervention hold the key for an early recovery and for minimizing nutritional disturbances secondary to poor feeding in cases of neonatal vallecular cysts.
Preliminary Study of Quercetin Affecting the Hypothalamic‐Pituitary‐Gonadal Axis on Rat Endometriosis Model
Authors: Cao Yang , Zhuang Meng-fei , Yang Ying , Xie Shu-wu , Cui Jin-gang , Cao Lin , Zhang Ting-ting , Zhu Yan
Published: October 2014

In this study, the endometriosis rats model was randomly divided into 6 groups: model control group, ovariectomized group, Gestrinone group, and quercetin high/medium/low dose group. Rats were killed after 3 weeks of administration. The expression levels of serum FSH and LH were detected by ELISA. The localizations and quantities of ERα, ERβ, and PR were detected by immunohistochemistry and western blot. The results showed that the mechanism of quercetin inhibiting the growth of ectopic endometrium on rat endometriosis model may be through the decreasing of serum FSH and LH levels and then reducing local estrogen content to make the ectopic endometrium atrophy. Quercetin can decrease the expression of ERα, ERβ, and PR in hypothalamus, pituitary, and endometrium, thereby inhibiting estrogen and progesterone binding to their receptors to play the role of antiestrogen and progesterone.
Tyrosine, Phenylalanine, and Tryptophan in Gastroesophageal Malignancy: A Systematic Review
Authors: Wiggins Tom , Kumar Sacheen , Markar Sheraz R. , Antonowicz Stefan , Hanna George B.
Published: October 2014

Gastroesophageal cancer has a rapidly increasing incidence worldwide and reliable biomarkers are urgently required to facilitate earlier diagnosis and improve survival. The aromatic amino acids tyrosine, phenylalanine, and tryptophan represent potential biomarkers and their relation to gastroesophageal cancer will be evaluated in this review. An electronic literature search was performed to identify all published research relating to the measurement of tyrosine, phenylalanine, or tryptophan in the biofluids or tissues of patients with gastroesophageal cancer. Sixteen studies were included in this systematic review. Six studies investigated serum concentrations, which all found decreased concentrations of these aromatic amino acids, except one study that found increased phenylalanine. Five studies reported increased concentrations within gastric content of these patients and two reported increased urinary concentrations. Tissue concentrations of these aromatic amino acids were increased in three studies. Tyrosine, phenylalanine, and tryptophan represent potential biomarkers of gastroesophageal cancer, and further research is necessary to definitively establish the mechanism responsible for altered concentrations of these compounds in patients with gastroesophageal cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 24(1); 32–38. ©2014 AACR.
miR141–CXCL1–CXCR2 Signaling–Induced Treg Recruitment Regulates Metastases and Survival of Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Lv Mingming , Xu Yujun , Tang Ruijing , Ren Jing , Shen Sunan , Chen Yueqiu , Liu Baorui , Hou Yayi , Wang Tingting
Published: October 2014

Patients with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with malignant pleural effusion (MPE) have a short median survival time and increased regulatory T cells (Treg). However, it is unclear whether some specific factors in MPE are involved in Treg recruitment in the progression of NSCLC. Here, we found that Treg population was increased in MPE and inversely correlated with patient survival (P < 0.001). Increased level of CXCL1 in MPE was associated with recruitment of Tregs (P < 0.01). Moreover, miR141 regulated expression of CXCL1 in lung cancer cells, whereas the luciferase test confirmed that CXCL1 is a target of miR141. Chemotaxis assay showed that the miR141–CXCL1–CXCR2 pathway regulates migration of Tregs into MPE. Furthermore, miR141 significantly inhibited tumor growth and metastasis in an immune-competent mouse model. This suppressive function was mediated by the CXCL1–CXCR2 pathway and recruitment of Tregs. Our study uncovered a causative link between microRNA and development of MPE. Mechanistically, decreased expressions of miR141, associated with the survival of patients with NSCLC with MPE, resulted in the increased production of CXCL1 and recruitment of Tregs to promote immune escape of tumor. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(12); 3152–62. ©2014 AACR.
Combined CDKN1A/TP53 Mutation in Bladder Cancer Is a Therapeutic Target
Authors: Liu Yang , Kwiatkowski David J.
Published: October 2014

Invasive bladder cancer has high morbidity and nearly uniform mortality when metastatic, with no therapeutic improvement in many years. Although chemotherapy combined with Chk1 inhibition has been investigated in several cancer types in which TP53 mutation is seen, this combination treatment approach has not been studied in bladder cancer. Recently, cancer genome sequencing efforts have identified CDKN1A (p21) mutations at 14% frequency in invasive bladder cancer, co-occurring half the time with TP53 mutations. We hypothesized that combined CDKN1A–TP53 loss would make bladder cancer sensitive to combined treatment with gemcitabine and Chk1 inhibitor. Here, we show that TP53–CDKN1A double-mutant bladder cancer cell lines, 647V and RT-112, have a remarkable increase in p-Chk1 levels and G2–M arrest in response to gemcitabine treatment, with a heightened sensitivity to combination treatment with gemcitabine and either Chk1 inhibitor PF477736 or AZD7762, in comparison with other bladder cancer cell lines (either TP53 or p21 deficient). In addition, CDKN1A restoration in p21-deficient bladder cancer cells significantly reduced their sensitivity to combined treatment by protecting them from DNA damage and apoptosis. Furthermore, xenograft studies using RT-112 showed a significant synergistic effect of combined gemcitabine–PF477736 treatment on tumor growth. Our findings suggest that TP53/CDKN1A double-mutant bladder cancer cells have a unique dependence on Chk1 activity for the G2–M cell-cycle checkpoint in response to chemotherapy-induced DNA damage. This combination or others involving genotoxic agents and Chk kinase inhibitors is a promising therapeutic approach for bladder cancer with these mutations. Mol Cancer Ther; 14(1); 174–82. ©2014 AACR.
Prolonged Pacifier Use during Infancy and Smoking Initiation in Adolescence: Evidence from a Historical Cohort Study
Authors: Ferreira Helenice R. , Rosa Ecinele F. , Antunes José Leopoldo F. , Duarte Danilo A. , Imparato José Carlos P. , Pannuti Claudio M. , Mendes Fausto M.
Published: October 2014

Aim: To investigate the association between prolonged pacifier use during childhood and smoking in adolescence and early adulthood. Methods: A historical cohort study including patients from a dental private office was designed. Dental records were used, which contained complete data about sucking habits from 314 children (2-10 years of age) who had attended a private dental office from 1988 to 1994 in Ibiá, Brazil. Then, we collected data about the smoking habits from 261 subjects who were successfully contacted again from 2004 to 2006. Our outcome variable was smoking, and subjects who had smoked more than 100 cigarettes during their lifetime were classified as smokers. Poisson regression analysis matched the association between oral habits and smoking. Incidence rate ratios (IRR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated. The level of significance was set at 5%. Results: We observed a statistically significant association between prolonged pacifier use (more than 24 months) and smoking (IRR = 4.48; 95% CI 2.32-8.65). Breastfeeding, in contrast, was a protective factor (IRR = 0.64; 95% CI 0.42-0.96). Conclusions: Prolonged pacifier use during childhood is positively associated with smoking initiation in adolescence and early adulthood.
Pharmacological Inhibitor of Notch Signaling Stabilizes the Progression of Small Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm in a Mouse Model
Authors: Cheng Jeeyun , Koenig Sara N. , Kuivaniemi Helena S. , Garg Vidu , Hans Chetan P.
Published: October 2014

Background

The progression of abdominal aortic aneurysm (
AAA
) involves a sustained influx of proinflammatory macrophages, which exacerbate tissue injury by releasing cytokines, chemokines, and matrix metalloproteinases. Previously, we showed that Notch deficiency reduces the development of
AAA
in the angiotensin
II
–induced mouse model by preventing infiltration of macrophages. Here, we examined whether Notch inhibition in this mouse model prevents progression of small
AAA
and whether these effects are associated with altered macrophage differentiation.

Methods and Results

Treatment with pharmacological Notch inhibitor (
DAPT [N‐(N‐[3,5‐difluorophenacetyl]‐L‐alanyl)‐S‐phenylglycine t‐butyl ester]
) at day 3 or 8 of angiotensin II infusion arrested the progression of
AAA
in
Apoe

−/−

mice, as demonstrated by a decreased luminal diameter and aortic width. The abdominal aortas of
Apoe

−/−

mice treated with
DAPT
showed decreased expression of matrix metalloproteinases and presence of elastin precursors including tropoelastin and hyaluronic acid. Marginal adventitial thickening observed in the aorta of
DAPT
‐treated
Apoe

−/−

mice was not associated with increased macrophage content, as observed in the mice treated with angiotensin II alone. Instead,
DAPT
‐treated abdominal aortas showed increased expression of Cd206‐positive M2 macrophages and decreased expression of Il12‐positive M1 macrophages. Notch1 deficiency promoted M2 differentiation of macrophages by upregulating transforming growth factor β2 in bone marrow–derived macrophages at basal levels and in response to IL4. Protein expression of transforming growth factor β2 and its downstream effector
pS
mad2 also increased in
DAPT
‐treated
Apoe

−/−

mice, indicating a potential link between Notch and transforming growth factor β2 signaling in the M2 differentiation of macrophages.

Conclusions

Pharmacological inhibitor of Notch signaling prevents the progression of
AAA
by macrophage differentiation–dependent mechanisms. The study also provides insights for novel therapeutic strategies to prevent the progression of small
AAA
.
The Myth of the Ottoman Millet System: Its Treatment of Kurds and a Discussion of Territorial and Non-Territorial Autonomy
Authors: Tas Latif
Published: October 2014

This article re-opens the discussion about the Ottoman millet practice. The best known stereotypes claim that the so-called ‘millet system’ only offered rights to non-Muslim religious minorities. This article fundamentally challenges this approach. It focuses on how the millet practice was applied to the treatment of Kurds under the early and late Ottoman Empire, and discusses how millet practices were destroyed by the disease of nationalism. The article then considers how practices like those applied by the Ottomans might act as a useful example for modern nation states facing conflicts with national, religious, ethnic or migrant minorities. It suggests that practices like the millet might be beneficial both if minorities gain territorial recognition and also for those minorities who live in non-territorial communities.
Mitochondrial DNA reveals a new species of parachuting frog (Rhacophoridae: Rhacophorus) from Sumatra
Authors: STREICHER JEFFREY W. , HAMIDY AMIR , HARVEY MICHAEL B. , ANDERS BEN , SHANEY KYLE J. , KURNIAWAN NIA , SMITH RIC N.
Published: October 2014

The Indonesian island of Sumatra contains several endemic species of parachuting frog of the genus Rhacophorus. Most of these are known from small type series collected from only a few localities, and consequently, many Sumatran Rhacophorus species are poorly understood. Using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), we investigated relationships among a group of Rhacophorus species from southern Sumatra. Our molecular analysis was based on a fragment of the 16S ribosomal subunit gene (16S) and included data derived from type specimens of two species endemic to Sumatra: R. barisani and R. catamitus. Our analyses of these data reveal that the only known female specimen of R. catamitus possesses a divergent 16S sequence compared to male specimens (8.82%; uncorrected “p” distance). Based on phylogenetic reconstructions, we found that this female specimen belongs to an unnamed taxon related to R. margaritifer from Java. Consequently, we remove the specimen from R. catamitus and describe it as R. bengkuluensis sp. nov., a medium-sized slender tree frog with extensive brown hand webbing. We identified additional specimens referable to the new species using mtDNA and morphology. These specimens originate from low to intermediate elevations (ca. 600–1600 m) in the provinces of Bengkulu and Lampung, suggesting that R. bengkuluenis is widely distributed across the southwestern versant of the Bukit Barisan.
Responses of the Western North Pacific Subtropical High to Global Warming under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 Scenarios Projected by 33 CMIP5 Models: The Dominance of Tropical Indian Ocean–Tropical Western Pacific SST Gradient
Authors: He Chao , Zhou Tianjun
Published: October 2014

Using the outputs of 33 coupled models that participated in phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5), the changes of the western North Pacific subtropical high (WNPSH) in the 2050–99 period under representative concentration pathway 4.5 and 8.5 (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) scenarios relative to the 1950–99 period are analyzed. Under both scenarios, the projected changes in the WNPSH intensity are approximately zero in the multimodel ensemble mean (MME), and large intermodel spread is seen. About half of the models project an enhanced WNPSH and about half of the models project a weakened WNPSH under both scenarios. As revealed by both diagnostic studies and numerical simulations, the projected change in the WNPSH intensity is dominated by the change in the zonal sea surface temperature (SST) gradient between the tropical Indian Ocean (TIO) and the tropical western Pacific (TWP). A stronger (weaker) warming in the TIO is in favor of an enhanced (weakened) WNPSH, and a weaker (stronger) warming over the TWP is also in favor of an enhanced (weakened) WNPSH. The projected change of the WNPSH modulates the climate change over eastern China. Under both RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios, all of the models with a significantly increased (decreased) WNPSH intensity are associated with a significant increase in the precipitation over the northern (southern) part of eastern China and an enhanced (weakened) southerly wind.
Changes in U.S. East Coast Cyclone Dynamics with Climate Change
Authors: Marciano Christopher G. , Lackmann Gary M. , Robinson Walter A.
Published: October 2014

Previous studies investigating the impacts of climate change on extratropical cyclones have primarily focused on changes in the frequency, intensity, and distribution of these events. Fewer studies have directly investigated changes in the storm-scale dynamics of individual cyclones. Precipitation associated with these events is projected to increase with warming owing to increased atmospheric water vapor content. This presents the potential for enhancement of cyclone intensity through increased lower-tropospheric diabatic potential vorticity generation. This hypothesis is tested using the Weather Research and Forecasting Model to simulate individual wintertime extratropical cyclone events along the United States East Coast in present-day and future thermodynamic environments. Thermodynamic changes derived from an ensemble of GCMs for the IPCC Fourth Assessment Report (AR4) A2 emissions scenario are applied to analyzed initial and lateral boundary conditions of observed strongly developing cyclone events, holding relative humidity constant. The perturbed boundary conditions are then used to drive future simulations of these strongly developing events. Present-to-future changes in the storm-scale dynamics are assessed using Earth-relative and storm-relative compositing. Precipitation increases at a rate slightly less than that dictated by the Clausius–Clapeyron relation with warming. Increases in cyclone intensity are seen in the form of minimum sea level pressure decreases and a strengthened 10-m wind field. Amplification of the low-level jet occurs because of the enhancement of latent heating. Storm-relative potential vorticity diagnostics indicate a strengthening of diabatic potential vorticity near the cyclone center, thus supporting the hypothesis that enhanced latent heat release is responsible for this regional increase in future cyclone intensity.
Is implementation of the 2013 Australian treatment guidelines for posttraumatic stress disorder cost-effective compared to current practice? A cost-utility analysis using QALYs and DALYs
Authors: Mihalopoulos Cathrine , Magnus Anne , Lal Anita , Dell Lisa , Forbes David , Phelps Andrea
Published: October 2014

Objective:

To assess, from a health sector perspective, the incremental cost-effectiveness of three treatment recommendations in the most recent Australian Clinical Practice Guidelines for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The interventions assessed are trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (TF-CBT) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for the treatment of PTSD in adults and TF-CBT in children, compared to current practice in Australia.

Method:

Economic modelling, using existing databases and published information, was used to assess cost-effectiveness. A cost-utility framework using both quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) gained and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) averted was used. Costs were tracked for the duration of the respective interventions and applied to the estimated 12 months prevalent cases of PTSD in the Australian population of 2012. Simulation modelling was used to provide 95% uncertainty around the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios. Consideration was also given to factors not considered in the quantitative analysis but could determine the likely uptake of the proposed intervention guidelines.

Results:

TF-CBT is highly cost-effective compared to current practice at $19,000/QALY, $16,000/DALY in adults and $8900/QALY, $8000/DALY in children. In adults, 100% of uncertainty iterations fell beneath the $50,000/QALY or DALY value-for-money threshold. Using SSRIs in people already on medications is cost-effective at $200/QALY, but has considerable uncertainty around the costs and benefits. While there is a 13% chance of health loss there is a 27% chance of the intervention dominating current practice by both saving dollars and improving health in adults.

Conclusion:

The three Guideline recommended interventions evaluated in this study are likely to have a positive impact on the economic efficiency of the treatment of PTSD if adopted in full. While there are gaps in the evidence base, policy-makers can have considerable confidence that the recommendations assessed in the current study are likely to improve the efficiency of the mental health care sector.
The first-person plural in Hanif Kureishi’s essays
Authors: Gunning Dave
Published: October 2014

In this discussion I examine the significance of the first-person plural in selections from Hanif Kureishi’s Collected Essays (2011). I identify two distinct ways in which it is employed, during two distinct periods of his writing. In his essays of the late 1980s Kureishi uses ‘we’ only rarely, and with notable care, always signalling for whom else he might be attempting to speak. In his essays about ‘fundamentalism’, however, especially those written after the London bombings of July 2005, his use of the first-person plural functions to interpellate the reader in a way not seen in the earlier writing. I argue that the rhetoric of defending liberalism which dominates this later writing can therefore be read as sacrificing a liberal aesthetic which enacts, rather than insists upon, openness and tolerance. The potential of the meditative literary essay as a form which might embody such a liberal aesthetic especially effectively may thereby be lost.
Proteoglycan Expression Is Influenced by Mechanical Load in TMJ Discs
Authors: Nakao Y. , Konno-Nagasaka M. , Toriya N. , Arakawa T. , Kashio H. , Takuma T. , Mizoguchi I.
Published: October 2014

The expression and assembly of the extracellular matrix are profoundly associated with adaptive and pathological responses of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). To better understand the adaptive responses of the TMJ disc to mechanical loading, we examined the expression of 2 modular proteoglycans and 10 small leucine-rich proteoglycans (SLRPs) at the mRNA and protein levels and determined the contents of proteoglycan-related glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in rat TMJ discs in response to altered mechanical loading caused by an incisal bite plane. One hundred thirty 7-week-old male Wistar rats were assigned to control and bite plane groups. TMJ disc thickness and the intensity of toluidine blue staining of metachromasia increased in the posterior band after 2 weeks of wearing the bite plane. GAG content increased significantly in the bite plane group after 2 weeks. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) analysis indicated that biglycan and chondroadherin mRNA levels increased after 2 weeks and that the level of decorin mRNA increased at 4 weeks. Versican mRNA levels increased after 3 weeks, particularly for the V0 and V1 versican isoforms, which carry more GAG attachment sites than do the V2 and V3 isoforms. Western analysis demonstrated a corresponding increase in the levels of versican, biglycan, and decorin core proteins at 4 weeks in the bite plane group. These results indicate that mechanical loading differentially influences proteoglycan mRNA expression and protein accumulation in the TMJ disc. The change in proteoglycan mRNA and protein levels may lead to the modulation of matrix–matrix and cell–matrix interactions and has important biological significance for adaptation to complicated biomechanical requirements and for tissue maintenance in the TMJ disc.
Withdrawal and withholding of medical treatment for patients lacking capacity who are in a critical condition – reflections on the judgment of the Supreme Court in Aintree University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust v James
Authors: Wise QC Ian
Published: October 2014

Consideration of recent judgment of the Supreme Court in leading case concerning the withdrawal and withholding of medical treatment for a patient lacking capacity who was in a critical condition.
Emotion understanding in preschool children
Authors: Martins Eva Costa , Osório Ana , Veríssimo Manuela , Martins Carla
Published: October 2014

This investigation was aimed at studying the relations between executive functions (EFs) and categorical emotion understanding while controlling for preschoolers’ IQ, language ability and theory of mind (ToM). Specifically, we wanted to analyse the association between emotion understanding and set shifting, due to the lack of studies with this EF. Data of 75 children aged 4½ years (52% boys) was collected in two laboratory visits. Emotion understanding was assessed using the Emotion Recognition Questionnaire, inhibitory control using the Head-Toes-Knees-Shoulders task and set shifting using a version of the Dimensional Change Card Sort task. IQ was evaluated using the WPPSI-R, language using the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test – Revised; and ToM using six standardized tasks. Set shifting, but not inhibitory control, predicted emotion understanding, over and above mothers’ age, and children’s IQ, language ability, and ToM. Mothers’ age and children’s language ability were also significant predictors in the final regression model. Results suggest that the capacity to shift mental sets is linked with inter-individual differences in children’s understanding of situational causes of emotion. Therefore studying EFs as correlates of emotion understanding is an important focus of future research.
On the empirical identification and evaluation of “expert nominators”
Authors: Marks Peter E. L. , Babcock Ben , Cillessen Antonius H. N.
Published: October 2014

The current study aims to evaluate and empirically investigate Prinstein’s (2007) conclusions regarding “expert nominators,” a subsample of individuals in a peer group whose peer nominations might substitute for nominations from the full sample. The current study empirically identified experts based on comparative accuracy, the extent to which each participant’s nominations matched full sample nominations across items. Eighth-graders at two schools ( Ns = 273 and 334) completed 16 nomination items. Participants were labeled “experts” if they showed above-average comparative accuracy on at least 75% of items; however, expert nominations were neither highly internally reliable nor valid. Nominations from experts would not have adequately substituted for collecting full-sample nominations. Future research may possibly benefit from identifying more limited, single-item experts.
The influence of auditory short-term memory on behavior problem development
Authors: Low Justin , Keith Timothy
Published: October 2014

The purpose of this research was to determine the influence of two subcomponents of auditory short-term memory on the developmental trajectories of behavior problems. The sample included 7,058 children from the NLSY79 – Children and Young Adult survey between the ages 5 and 14 years. Results suggested that anxious/depressed behavior increases during childhood and hyperactive and antisocial behavior problems decrease over the course of childhood. Children who scored higher on the Digit Span Backwards test demonstrated lower initial anxious/depressed, antisocial, and hyperactive behaviors, and children who scored higher on the Digit Span Forwards test demonstrated lower initial hyperactive behaviors. Some effects varied by sex; boys who scored higher on the Digit Span Forwards test decreased in antisocial behaviors at a slower rate than those who scored lower on the test. Thus, short-term memory associated with rehearsal mechanisms appears to influence initial levels of various problem behaviors for both males and females, while storage capacity influences initial hyperactive behavior for both males and females and the course of antisocial behavior in males.
Children’s and adults’ automatic processing of proportion in a Stroop-like task
Authors: Yang Ying , Hu Qingfen , Wu Di , Yang Shuqi
Published: October 2014

This current study examined human children’s and adults’ automatic processing of proportion using a Stroop-like paradigm. Preschool children and university students compared the areas of two sectors that varied not only in absolute areas but also in the proportions they occupied in their original rounds. A congruity effect was found in both age groups. The dimension of proportion interfered with adults’ and children’s area comparison greatly and comparatively. These findings strongly suggest that preschool children automatically represent proportion and provide evidence that this representation is intuitive and independent of formal school instruction.
Constraints to democracy and public reasoning in the new South Africa
Authors: Terreblanche Sampie
Published: October 2014

I use part IV of Sen’s book on ‘public reasoning and democracy’ to make an evaluation of South Africa’s new democracy as it was institutionalized in the mid-1990s. I am rather critical about our democracy and about the level of justice attained over the past 18 years.
A case of syphilitic aortic aneurysm with sternal erosion and impending rupture
Authors: Mohamed Sarjun Basha Khadhar , Raman Karthik , Ahmed Sheriff Ejaz , Latchumanadoss Kalidoss , Rajan Sethuratnam
Published: October 2014

Syphilitic aortic aneurysm is a rare occurrence in the current antibiotic era. Cardiovascular syphilis has nearly disappeared in developed countries, although it remains a factor in differential diagnosis in developing nations. We report a case of syphilitic aortic aneurysm eroding through the sternum in a 52-year-old man who underwent successful surgical repair.