bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Low-Level Laser Therapy on M1-Related Cytokine Expression in Monocytes via Histone Modification
Authors: Chen Chia-Hsin , Wang Chau-Zen , Wang Yan-Hsiung , Liao Wei-Ting , Chen Yi-Jen , Kuo Chang-Hung , Kuo Hsuan-Fu , Hung Chih-Hsing
Published: February 2014

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been used in the treatment of radiotherapy-induced oral mucositis and allergic rhinitis. However, the effects of LLLT on human monocyte polarization into M1 macrophages are unknown. To evaluate the effects of LLLT on M1-related cytokine and chemokine production and elucidate the mechanism, the human monocyte cell line THP-1 was treated with different doses of LLLT. The expression of M1-related cytokines and chemokines (CCL2, CXCL10, and TNF-α) was determined by ELISA and real-time PCR. LLLT-associated histone modifications were examined by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays. Mitochondrial involvement in the LLLT-induced M1-related cytokine expression was evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR. Flow cytometry was used to detect the cell surface markers for monocyte polarization. The results showed that LLLT (660 nm) significantly enhanced M1-related cytokine and chemokine expression in mRNA and protein levels. Mitochondrial copy number and mRNA levels of complex I-V protein were increased by LLLT (1 J/cm2). Activation of M1 polarization was concomitant with histone modification at TNF-αgene locus andIP-10gene promoter area. This study indicates that LLLT (660 nm) enhanced M1-related cytokine and chemokine expression via mitochondrial biogenesis and histone modification, which may be a potent immune-enhancing agent for the treatment of allergic diseases.
Antiplatelet Activity of Morus alba Leaves Extract, Mediated via Inhibiting Granule Secretion and Blocking the Phosphorylation of Extracellular‐Signal‐Regulated Kinase and Akt
Authors: Kim Dong-Seon , Ji Hyun Dong , Rhee Man Hee , Sung Yoon-Young , Yang Won-Kyung , Kim Seung Hyung , Kim Ho-Kyoung
Published: February 2014

Ethnopharmacological Relevance. Morus alba L. leaves (MAE) have been used in fork medicine for the treatment of beriberi, edema, diabetes, hypertension, and atherosclerosis. However, underlying mechanism of MAE on cardiovascular protection remains to be elucidated. Therefore, we investigated whether MAE affect platelet aggregation and thrombosis. Materials and Methods. The anti‐platelet activity of MAE was studied using rat platelets. The extent of anti‐platelet activity of MAE was assayed in collagen‐induced platelet aggregation. ATP and serotonin release was carried out. The activation of integrin αIIbβ3 and phosphorylation of signaling molecules, including MAPK and Akt, were investigated with cytofluorometer and immunoblotting, respectively. The thrombus formation in vivo was also evaluated in arteriovenous shunt model of rats. Results. HPLC chromatographic analysis revealed that MAE contained rutin and isoquercetin. MAE dose‐dependently inhibited collagen‐induced platelet aggregation. MAE also attenuated serotonin secretion and thromboxane A2 formation. In addition, the extract in vivo activity showed that MAE at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg significantly and dose‐dependently attenuated thrombus formation in rat arterio‐venous shunt model by 52.3% (P < 0.001), 28.3% (P < 0.01), and 19.1% (P < 0.05), respectively. Conclusions. MAE inhibit platelet activation, TXB2 formation, serotonin secretion, aggregation, and thrombus formation. The plant extract could be considered as a candidate to anti‐platelet and antithrombotic agent.
Extra Fructose in the Growth Medium Fuels Lipogenesis of Adipocytes
Authors: Robubi Armin , Huber Klaus R. , Krugluger Walter
Published: February 2014

Fructose in excessive amounts exerts negative effects on insulin sensitivity, blood pressure, and liver metabolism. These adverse outcomes were attributed to its disturbances of key metabolic pathways in the liver. Recently, possible consequences of high fructose levels directly on adipocytesin vivohave been considered. We have cultured adipocytes in growth media containing 1 g/L fructose additionally to glucose and monitored the cells fate. Cells developed lipid vesicles much earlier with fructose and showed altered kinetics of the expression of mRNAs involved in lipogenesis and hexose uptake. Adiponectin secretion, too, peaked earlier in fructose containing media than in media with glucose only. From these data it can be speculated that similar effects of fructose containing diets happenin vivoalso. Apart from toxic action on liver cells, adipocytes might be stimulated to take up extra fructose and generate new lipid vesicles, further dysregulating energy homeostasis.
An Improved Adaptive Deconvolution Algorithm for Single Image Deblurring
Authors: Tsai Hsin-Che , Wu Jiunn-Lin
Published: February 2014

One of the most common defects in digital photography is motion blur caused by camera shake. Shift‐invariant motion blur can be modeled as a convolution of the true latent image and a point spread function (PSF) with additive noise. The goal of image deconvolution is to reconstruct a latent image from a degraded image. However, ringing is inevitable artifacts arising in the deconvolution stage. To suppress undesirable artifacts, regularization based methods have been proposed using natural image priors to overcome the ill‐posedness of deconvolution problem. When the estimated PSF is erroneous to some extent or the PSF size is large, conventional regularization to reduce ringing would lead to loss of image details.
This paper focuses on the nonblind deconvolution by adaptive regularization which preserves image details, while suppressing ringing artifacts. The way is to control the regularization weight adaptively according to the image local characteristics. We adopt elaborated reference maps that indicate the edge strength so that textured and smooth regions can be distinguished. Then we impose an appropriate constraint on the optimization process. The experiments’ results on both synthesized and real images show that our method can restore latent image with much fewer ringing and favors the sharp edges.
The Influence of Nickel and Tin Additives on the Microstructural and Mechanical Properties of Al-Zn-Mg-Cu Alloys
Authors: Naeem Haider T. , Mohammed Kahtan S. , Ahmad Khairel R. , Rahmat Azmi
Published: February 2014

The effects of nickel and nickel combined tin additions on mechanical properties and microstructural evolutions of aluminum-zinc-magnesium-copper alloys were investigated. Aluminum alloys containing Ni and Sn additives were homogenized at different temperatures conditions and then aged at 120°C for 24 h (T6) and retrogressed at 180°C for 30 min and then reaged at 120°C for 24 h (RRA). Comparison of the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of as-quenched Al-Zn-Mg-Cu-Ni and Al-Zn-Mg-Cu-Ni-Sn alloys with that of similar alloys which underwent aging treatment at T6 temper showed that gains in tensile strengths by 385 MPa and 370 MPa were attained, respectively. These improvements are attributed to the precipitation hardening effects of the alloying element within the base alloy and the formation of nickel/tin-rich dispersoid compounds. These intermetallic compounds retard the grain growth, lead to grain refinement, and result in further strengthening effects. The outcomes of the retrogression and reaging processes which were carried on aluminum alloys indicate that the mechanical strength and Vickers hardness have been enhanced much better than under the aging at T6 temper.
Effect of Training Supervision on Effectiveness of Strength Training for Reducing Neck/Shoulder Pain and Headache in Office Workers: Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Gram Bibi , Andersen Christoffer , Zebis Mette K. , Bredahl Thomas , Pedersen Mogens T. , Mortensen Ole S. , Jensen Rigmor H. , Andersen Lars L. , Sjøgaard Gisela
Published: February 2014

Objective.To investigate the effect of workplace neck/shoulder strength training with and without regular supervision on neck/shoulder pain and headache among office workers.Method.A 20-week cluster randomized controlled trial among 351 office workers was randomized into three groups: two training groups with the same total amount of planned exercises three times per week (1) with supervision (3WS) throughout the intervention period, (2) with minimal supervision (3MS) only initially, and (3) a reference group (REF). Main outcome is self-reported pain intensity in neck and shoulder (scale 0–9) and headache (scale 0–10).Results.Intention-to-treat analyses showed a significant decrease in neck pain intensity the last 7 days in 3MS compared with REF: −0.5 ± 0.2(P<0.02)and a tendency for 3WS versus REF: −0.4 ± 0.2 (P<0.07). Intensity of headache the last month decreased in both training groups: 3WS versus REF: −1.1 ± 0.2 (P<0.001) and 3MS versus REF: −1.1 ± 0.2 (P<0.001). Additionally, days of headache decreased 1.0 ± 0.5 in 3WS and 1.3 ± 0.5 in 3MS versus REF. There were no differences between the two training groups for any of the variables.Conclusion.Neck/shoulder training at the workplace reduced neck pain and headache among office workers independently of the extent of supervision. This finding has important practical implications for future workplace interventions.
Optimal Decisions for a Fuzzy Two-Echelon Supply Chain
Authors: Song Qingfeng , Shi Kai , Lin Sheng , Xu Guangping
Published: February 2014

This paper discusses the optimal decisions of pricing and selling effort for a two-echelon supply chain with uncertain consumer demands, manufacturing costs, and selling costs. In order to maximize theα-optimistic value of the profits, based on different market structures, one centralized decision model and three decentralized decision models are developed, and the corresponding analytical equilibrium solutions are obtained using the game-theoretical approach. The results illustrate that no matter what decision case is, the optimal retail and wholesale prices in the case of considering selling effort are, respectively, larger than those of no selling effort; the optimal profits of the manufacturer, the retailer, and the whole supply chain system in the case of considering selling effort are, respectively, larger than those of no selling effort except for the profit of the retailer in the case that the manufacturer plays the leader’s role. Finally, one numerical example is presented, which illustrates the effectiveness of the proposed models.
Respiratory Variations in Pulse Pressure Reflect Central Hypovolemia during Noninvasive Positive Pressure Ventilation
Authors: Hoff Ingrid Elise , Høiseth Lars Øivind , Hisdal Jonny , Røislien Jo , Landsverk Svein Aslak , Kirkebøen Knut Arvid
Published: February 2014

Background. Correct volume management is essential in patients with respiratory failure. We investigated the ability of respiratory variations in noninvasive pulse pressure (ΔPP), photoplethysmographic waveform amplitude (ΔPOP), and pleth variability index (PVI) to reflect hypovolemia during noninvasive positive pressure ventilation by inducing hypovolemia with progressive lower body negative pressure (LBNP).Methods. Fourteen volunteers underwent LBNP of 0, −20, −40, −60, and −80 mmHg for 4.5 min at each level or until presyncope. The procedure was repeated with noninvasive positive pressure ventilation. We measured stroke volume (suprasternal Doppler), ΔPP (Finapres), ΔPOP, and PVI and assessed their association with LBNP-level using linear mixed model regression analyses.Results. Stroke volume decreased with each pressure level (−11.2 mL, 95% CI −11.8, −9.6,P<0.001), with an additional effect of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (−3.0 mL, 95% CI −8.5, −1.3,P=0.009). ΔPP increased for each LBNP-level (1.2%, 95% CI 0.5, 1.8,P<0.001) and almost doubled during noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (additional increase 1.0%, 95% CI 0.1, 1.9,P=0.003). Neither ΔPOP nor PVI was significantly associated with LBNP-level.Conclusions. During noninvasive positive pressure ventilation, preload changes were reflected by ΔPP but not by ΔPOP or PVI. This implies that ΔPP may be used to assess volume status during noninvasive positive pressure ventilation.
A Generalized Inexact Newton Method for Inverse Eigenvalue Problems
Authors: Shen Weiping
Published: February 2014

We propose a generalized inexact Newton method for solving the inverse eigenvalue problems, which includes the generalized Newton method as a special case. Under the nonsingularity assumption of the Jacobian matrices at the solutionc*, a convergence analysis covering both the distinct and multiple eigenvalue cases is provided and the quadratic convergence property is proved. Moreover, numerical tests are given in the last section and comparisons with the generalized Newton method are made.
Attitude Stabilization Control of a Quadrotor UAV by Using Backstepping Approach
Authors: Huo Xing , Huo Mingyi , Karimi Hamid Reza
Published: February 2014

The modeling and attitude stabilization control problems of a four‐rotor vertical takeoff and landing unmanned air vehicle (UAV) known as the quadrotor are investigated. The quadrotor’s attitude is represented by the unit quaternion rather than Euler angles to avoid singularity problem. Taking dynamical behavior of motors into consideration and ignoring aerodynamic effect, a nonlinear controller is developed to stabilize the attitude. The control design is accomplished by using backstepping control technique. The proposed control law is based on the compensation for the Coriolis and gyroscope torques. Applying Lyapunov stability analysis proves that the closed‐loop attitude system is asymptotic stable. Moreover, the controller can guarantee that all the states of the system are uniformly ultimately bounded in the presence of external disturbance torque. The effectiveness of the proposed control approach is analytically authenticated and also validated via simulation study.
A Promising Orange-Red Nanocrystalline Potassium Lanthanum Orthophosphate for White Light-Emitting Diodes
Authors: Gupta Palvi , Bedyal A. K. , Kumar Vinay , Khajuria Y. , Ntwaeaborwa O. M. , Swart H. C.
Published: February 2014

The spectral properties of the K3La(PO4)2:Eu3+ nanophosphors synthesized by the combustion method are reported. The phosphors were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and optical spectroscopy. The XRD pattern reveals a pure monoclinic phase of the K3La(PO4)2 with the average particle size of 30 nm in diameter. Under UV excitation, the phosphors exhibited several emission bands which were assigned to 4f-4f transitions of Eu3+ ions. The red shade of the Eu3+ ion with the CIE coordinates (x, y) as (0.63, 0.37) suggests that this material is a promising phosphor for near-UV InGaN-based LED lighting.
Spatially Explicit Assessment of Ecosystem Resilience: An Approach to Adapt to Climate Changes
Authors: Yan Haiming , Zhan Jinyan , Liu Bing , Huang Wei , Li Zhihui
Published: February 2014

The ecosystem resilience plays a key role in maintaining a steady flow of ecosystem services and enables quick and flexible responses to climate changes, and maintaining or restoring the ecosystem resilience of forests is a necessary societal adaptation to climate change; however, there is a great lack of spatially explicit ecosystem resilience assessments. Drawing on principles of the ecosystem resilience highlighted in the literature, we built on the theory of dissipative structures to develop a conceptual model of the ecosystem resilience of forests. A hierarchical indicator system was designed with the influencing factors of the forest ecosystem resilience, including the stand conditions and the ecological memory, which were further disaggregated into specific indicators. Furthermore, indicator weights were determined with the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and the coefficient of variation method. Based on the remote sensing data and forest inventory data and so forth, the resilience index of forests was calculated. The result suggests that there is significant spatial heterogeneity of the ecosystem resilience of forests, indicating it is feasible to generate large-scale ecosystem resilience maps with this assessment model, and the results can provide a scientific basis for the conservation of forests, which is of great significance to the climate change mitigation.
Defects Induced Room Temperature Ferromagnetism in ZnO Thin Films
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Zhang Wei , Zhang Xinghua , Xu Xuewen , Meng Fanbin , Tang C. C.
Published: February 2014

Polycrystalline ZnO thin films are prepared by the co-sputtering method under different oxygen partial pressures. Films deposited in pure argon gas exhibit ferromagnetism, whereas other films deposited under different oxygen partial pressures are diamagnetism. XPS results show the presence of Zn interstitial and oxygen vacancy in all of samples. Further analysis indicates that Zn interstitial may play an important role in triggering magnetic order on the undoped ZnO thin films by inducing an alteration of electronic configuration.
Topological Model on the Inductive Effect in Alkyl Halides Using Local Quantum Similarity and Reactivity Descriptors in the Density Functional Theory
Authors: Morales-Bayuelo Alejandro , Vivas-Reyes Ricardo
Published: February 2014

We present a topological analysis to the inductive effect through steric and electrostatic scales of quantitative convergence. Using the molecular similarity field based in the local guantum similarity (LQS) with the Topo-Geometrical Superposition Algorithm (TGSA) alignment method and the chemical reactivity in the density function theory (DFT) context, all calculations were carried out with Amsterdam Density Functional (ADF) code, using the gradient generalized approximation (GGA) and local exchange correlations PW91, in order to characterize the electronic effect by atomic size in the halogens group using a standard Slater-type-orbital basis set. In addition, in this study we introduced news molecular bonding relationships in the inductive effect and the nature of the polar character in the C–H bond taking into account the global and local reactivity descriptors such as chemical potential, hardness, electrophilicity, and Fukui functions, respectively. These descriptors are used to find new alternative considerations on the inductive effect, unlike to the binding energy and dipole moment performed in the traditional organic chemical.
Synthesis and Characterization of a Photoelectrode with a Novel 3D Structure for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Cho Kun-Ching , Chang Ho , Chen Tien-Li , Wu Chung-Yi
Published: February 2014

This study designs a novel dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) in which the photoanode is derived from its three-dimensional (3D) structure. The inside of the cell has a positive illumination structure, with the purposes of increasing the area of photoelectrode thin film and of increasing the illuminated area within a fixed area in order to achieve the objective of enhancing the photoelectric conversion efficiency of cell. For the cell structure experiment, the study uses graphite paper, carbon and platinum as counter electrode materials, and then conducts measurement with cell heights of 3 mm, 5 mm, and 7 mm. The electrolyte used is a gel polymer electrolyte. The assembly of the cell is divided into vertical assembly, inclined assembly, and tandem assembly. In the 3D tandem cell experiment, the counter electrode material is platinum. Experimental results show that when cell height is 7 mm and illuminated area is 0.28 cm2, open-loop voltage is 0.662 V, short-circuit current density is 18.42 mA/cm2, fill factor is 0.31, and the photoelectric conversion efficiency is 3.85%, which is 1.65 times that under vertical assembly (2.34%) and 2.15 times that of the flat cell (1.79%).
Microdeletions Including FMR1 in Three Female Patients with Intellectual Disability - Further Delineation of the Phenotype and Expression Studies
Authors: Zink A.M. , Wohlleber E. , Engels H. , Rødningen O.K. , Ravn K. , Heilmann S. , Rehnitz J. , Katzorke N. , Kraus C. , Blichfeldt S. , Hoffmann P. , Reutter H. , Brockschmidt F.F. , Kreiß-Nachtsheim M. , Vogt P.H. , Prescott T.E. , Tümer Z. , Lee J.A.
Published: February 2014

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is one of the most common causes of intellectual disability/developmental delay (ID/DD), especially in males. It is caused most often by CGG trinucleotide repeat expansions, and less frequently by point mutations and partial or full deletions of the FMR1 gene. The wide clinical spectrum of affected females partly depends on their X-inactivation status. Only few female ID/DD patients with microdeletions including FMR1 have been reported. We describe 3 female patients with 3.5-, 4.2- and 9.2-Mb de novo microdeletions in Xq27.3-q28 containing FMR1. X-inactivation was random in all patients, yet they presented with ID/DD as well as speech delay, macrocephaly and other features attributable to FXS. No signs of autism were present. Here, we further delineate the clinical spectrum of female patients with microdeletions. FMR1 expression studies gave no evidence for an absolute threshold below which signs of FXS present. Since FMR1 expression is known to be highly variable between unrelated females, and since FMR1 mRNA levels have been suggested to be more similar among family members, we further explored the possibility of an intrafamilial effect. Interestingly, FMR1 mRNA levels in all 3 patients were significantly lower than in their respective mothers, which was shown to be specific for patients with microdeletions containing FMR1.
Caregiver Burden in Alzheimer's Disease: Differential Associations in Adult-Child and Spousal Caregivers in the GERAS Observational Study
Authors: Reed Catherine , Belger Mark , Dell'Agnello Grazia , Wimo Anders , Argimon Josep Maria , Bruno Giuseppe , Dodel Richard , Haro Josep Maria , Jones Roy W. , Vellas Bruno
Published: February 2014

Background/Aims: To examine factors influencing the caregiver burden in adult-child and spousal caregivers of community-dwelling patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Methods: Baseline data from the 18-month, prospective, observational GERAS study of 1,497 patients with AD in France, Germany, and the UK were used. Analyses were performed on two groups of caregivers: spouses (n = 985) and adult children (n = 405). General linear models estimated patient and caregiver factors associated with subjective caregiver burden assessed using the Zarit Burden Interview. Results: The caregiver burden increased with AD severity. Adult-child caregivers experienced a higher burden than spousal caregivers despite spending less time caring. Worse patient functional ability and more caregiver distress were independently associated with a greater burden in both adult-child and spousal caregivers. Additional factors were differentially associated with a greater caregiver burden in both groups. In adult-child caregivers these were: living with the patient, patient living in an urban location, and patient with a fall in the past 3 months; in spouses the factors were: caregiver gender (female) and age (younger), and more years of patient education. Conclusion: The perceived burden differed between adult-child and spousal caregivers, and specific patient and caregiver factors were differentially associated with this burden.
Thermodilution-Derived Coronary Blood Flow Pattern Immediately After Coronary Intervention as a Predictor of Microcirculatory Damage and Midterm Clinical Outcomes in Patients With ST-Segment–Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Fukunaga Masashi , Fujii Kenichi , Kawasaki Daizo , Sawada Hisashi , Miki Koujiro , Tamaru Hiroto , Imanaka Takahiro , Iwasaku Toshihiro , Nakata Tsuyoshi , Shibuya Masahiko , Akahori Hirokuni , Masutani Motomaru , Kobayashi Kaoru , Ohyanagi Mitsumasa , Masuyama Tohru
Published: February 2014

Background—

Despite a sufficient coronary blood flow after primary percutaneous coronary intervention for patients with ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction; some patients have a poor outcome because of microcirculatory damage. This study evaluates whether the thermodilution-derived coronary blood flow parameters immediately after primary percutaneous coronary intervention predict early microvascular damage and midterm outcomes in patients with ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction.

Methods and Results—

Using a pressure sensor/thermistor-tipped guidewire, we measured the index of microcirculatory resistance at maximum hyperemia, and coronary blood flow pattern was assessed from the thermodilution curves after successful primary percutaneous coronary intervention in 88 patients with ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction. Coronary blood flow pattern was classified into 3 groups according to the shape of thermodilution curve: a narrow unimodal (n=41), a wide unimodal (n=32), or bimodal (n=15). All patients had contrast-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance scans within 2 weeks. The index of microcirculatory resistance values were significantly higher both in a wide unimodal and in a bimodal groups than in a narrow unimodal group (65±41 and 76±38 versus 20±9U;
P
<0.001). Bimodal group had higher prevalence of microvascular obstruction on contrast-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance when compared with the other groups (100%, 78%, and 30%;
P
<0.001). Patients in bimodal group had a higher risk of death and heart failure rehospitalization at 6 months (73%, 6.3%, 7.3%;
P
<0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that bimodal shape of the thermodilution curve was the only independent predictor of cardiac death at 6 months after ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction (
P
<0.01).

Conclusions—

A bimodal shape of the thermodilution curve, which may indicate myocardial edema and consequent extrinsic compression of the capillary network, is associated with microcirculatory damage and poor midterm clinical outcomes rather than index of microcirculatory resistance value itself.
Combination Treatment With N-Acetyl-Seryl-Aspartyl-Lysyl-Proline and Tissue Plasminogen Activator Provides Potent Neuroprotection in Rats After Stroke
Authors: Zhang Li , Chopp Michael , Teng Hua , Ding Guangliang , Jiang Quan , Yang Xiao Ping , Rhaleb Nour Eddine , Zhang Zheng Gang
Published: February 2014

Background and Purpose—

N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (AcSDKP), an endogenously produced circulating peptide in humans and rodents, exerts anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective activities in various cardiovascular diseases.

Methods—

The present study evaluated the neuroprotective effect of AcSDKP alone and in combination with thrombolytic therapy in a rat model of embolic focal cerebral ischemia.

Results—

We found that treatment with AcSDKP alone at 1 hour or the combination treatment with AcSDKP and tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) at 4 hours after stroke onset substantially increased AcSDKP levels in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid and robustly reduced infarct volume and neurological deficits, without increasing the incidence of brain hemorrhage compared with ischemic rats treated with saline, AcSDKP alone at 4 hours, and tPA alone at 4 hours. Moreover, the combination treatment considerably reduced the density of nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB), transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) positive cerebral blood vessels in the ischemic brain, all of which were associated with reduced microvascular fibrin extravasation and platelet accumulation compared with tPA monotherapy. In vitro, AcSDKP blocked fibrin-elevated TGF-β1, PAI-1, and NF-κB proteins in primary human brain microvascular endothelial cells.

Conclusions—

Our data indicate that AcSDKP passes the blood–brain barrier, and that treatment of acute stroke with AcSDKP either alone at 1 hour or in combination with tPA at 4 hours of the onset of stroke is effective to reduce ischemic cell damage in a rat model of embolic stroke. Inactivation of TGF-β and NF-κB signaling by AcSDKP in the neurovascular unit may underlie the neuroprotective effect of AcSDKP.
Jesus the Pervert
Authors:   Worthington
Published: February 2014

Most contemporary readings of the Markan temple incident in Mark 11.15-17 seems to reflect a common Western liberal approach to political change, an approach which suggests that political institutions are inherently good yet at times must be reformed in the interest of the marginalized. Thus according to many interpreters, Jesus enacts a (rather unsuccessful) political demonstration to reform the temple back to its idyllic institutional goals. Instead, this paper, informed by contemporary notions of political insurrection, suggests that Jesus’ criticism of the temple is hardly a prophetic renewal or reform. Rather, the narrative of Mark 11.15-17 is meant to show Jesus’ total symbolic rejection of the temple as social, economic, and political core. Jesus’ actions in the temple are not meant to open up a greater access for the poor and marginalized; instead, in an act of free choice, Jesus the pervert rejects the efficacy of the temple itself, and, in a truly revolutionary manner, advocates a movement from the stricture of the relationship altogether. 

As the visceral presence of God on the earth, the Second Temple creates an unfortunate economy of desire whereby God must remain at a prohibitive distance, a self-perpetuating cycle where access is controlled and limited on the basis of ethnicity, sexuality, and purity. The temple, endowed with economic, agrarian, and sexual surplus, manufactures a presence of God which must remain structurally inaccessible in order for it to retain the essential neurotic element of desire and distance. However, through judging both the rich and the poor, and halting the flow of sacred goods, Jesus the pervert exposes this neurotic cycle of desire as fantasy at the cost of his own life. 

Incorporating insurrectionist insight from Slavoj Žižek, the Occupy Movement, and others like the Anonymous Collective allows our interpretation to move beyond the standard “Jesus as Political Reformer” to a much more dangerous interpretation of Jesus as politically perverse. It is this more dangerous perspective which can make better sense of the reality of Jesus’ execution and help to identify this pericope as an authentic account of political dissent.
Identity, Alterity, and the Gospel of John
Authors: Sheridan Ruth
Published: February 2014

Post-classical narratologies are beginning to appreciate the ways in which identity and alterity are central to narrative. The Gospel of John has long been considered an artistically crafted narrative, yet little scholarly attention has been given to the dialectical interplay of identity and alterity in the Gospel narrative, except as this dialectic forms part of a larger examination of postcolonial discourse in John. Using insights from Monika Fludernik’s “natural” narratology and Lacanian psychoanalytic theory, this article argues that issues of identity and alterity are pivotal to the Gospel of John, particularly in the Gospel’s rhetoric of belief and its anti-Jewish tenor and substance.
Palaearctic Hoplitis bees of the subgenus Stenosmia (Megachilidae, Osmiini): biology, taxonomy and key to species
Authors: MÜLLER ANDREAS
Published: February 2014

Hoplitis bees of the Palaearctic subgenus Stenosmia (Megachilidae) inhabit deserts and semideserts between southern Spain and eastern Asia. They nest in excavated burrows in the soil and collect pollen from plant taxa that typically grow in desert areas, such as Frankenia (Frankeniaceae), Peganum (Nitrariaceae), Tamarix (Tamaricaceae) or Zygophyllum (Zygophyllaceae). The taxonomic revision of the subgenus Stenosmia revealed the existence of four undescribed species: Hoplitis desertorum spec. nov. from the Levant, H. crassipunctata spec. nov. and H. dispersipunctata spec. nov. from Central Asia, and H. gobiensis spec. nov. from the Gobi desert. Hoplitis denticulata (Zanden, 1992) is synonymized with H. jordanica (Warncke, 1991), and Hoplitis xinjiangense (Wu, 2004), formerly considered a H. (Stenosmia) species, is removed from this subgenus. The type species of the subgenus Stenosmia Michener is fixed as H. crassipunctata spec. nov., which has been misidentified as H. flavicornis (Morawitz, 1877). Keys for the identification of the H. (Stenosmia) species are given.
A revision of the callipallenid genus Pseudopallene Wilson, 1878 (Pycnogonida, Callipallenidae)
Authors: STAPLES DAVID A.
Published: February 2014

Analysis of three northern hemisphere Boreal-Arctic species of Pseudopallene has shown that those species are morphologically distinguishable from their congeners in Australian waters. The holotypes of Australian species Pseudopallene laevis, Pseudopallene ambigua and Pseudopallene harrisi are compared with each other and with additional material from southern Australia. Sixteen species of Pseudopallene are assigned to a new genus Meridionale. Meridionale dubia is assigned to species inquirenda. The genus Cordylochele Sars, 1888 is resurrected. A diagnosis of each genus is provided along with additional figures. A brief summary of the systematic position of Pseudopallene up to the present time is provided. Three species are temporarily assigned to species incertae sedis pending further review.
A Tribute to Marty Taubman
Authors: Genco R.J.
Published: February 2014

This tribute to Marty Taubman is written on the occasion of his retirement from full-time faculty status at The Forsyth Institute and Harvard Dental School, and his stepping down as editor of the “Discovery!” section of the Journal of Dental Research. It recognizes his seminal contributions to oral immunology, his mentoring of a generation of new scientists, his key role as a leader in organized research as president of the American Association for Dental Research, as well as his editorship, which has recognized scores of his colleagues in science. He is a leader in our field and has made many lasting contributions to research, teaching, and our profession, for which we are very grateful.
A Meta-Analysis of Working Memory Deficits in Children With Learning Difficulties
Authors: Peng Peng , Fuchs Douglas
Published: February 2014

Children with learning difficulties suffer from working memory (WM) deficits. Yet the specificity of deficits associated with different types of learning difficulties remains unclear. Further research can contribute to our understanding of the nature of WM and the relationship between it and learning difficulties. The current meta-analysis synthesized research on verbal WM and numerical WM among children with reading difficulties (RD), children with mathematics difficulties (MD), and children with reading and mathematics difficulties (RDMD). A total of 29 studies subsuming 110 comparisons were included. Results showed that compared to typically developing children, all learning difficulty groups demonstrated deficits in verbal WM and numerical WM, with RDMD children showing the most severe WM deficits. MD children and RD children showed comparable verbal WM deficits, but MD children showed more severe numerical WM deficits than RD children. Neither severity of learning difficulties nor type of academic screening emerged as a moderator of WM deficit profiles. Although the findings indicate the domain-general nature of WM deficits in RD, MD, and RDMD children, the numerical WM deficits of children with MD and RDMD may reflect the domain-specific nature of WM deficits.
Contrast in Intracardiac Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse Images of Radiofrequency Ablation Lesions
Authors: Eyerly Stephanie A. , Bahnson Tristram D. , Koontz Jason I. , Bradway David P. , Dumont Douglas M. , Trahey Gregg E. , Wolf Patrick D.
Published: February 2014

We have previously shown that intracardiac acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) imaging visualizes tissue stiffness changes caused by radiofrequency ablation (RFA). The objectives of this in vivo study were to (1) quantify measured ARFI-induced displacements in RFA lesion and unablated myocardium and (2) calculate the lesion contrast (C) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) in two-dimensional ARFI and conventional intracardiac echo images. In eight canine subjects, an ARFI imaging-electroanatomical mapping system was used to map right atrial ablation lesion sites and guide the acquisition of ARFI images at these sites before and after ablation. Readers of the ARFI images identified lesion sites with high sensitivity (90.2%) and specificity (94.3%) and the average measured ARFI-induced displacements were higher at unablated sites (11.23 ± 1.71 µm) than at ablated sites (6.06 ± 0.94 µm). The average lesion C (0.29 ± 0.33) and CNR (1.83 ± 1.75) were significantly higher for ARFI images than for spatially registered conventional B-mode images (C = −0.03 ± 0.28, CNR = 0.74 ± 0.68).
The differential associations of internalizing symptoms and family and school relationships with disordered eating attitudes among early adolescents
Authors: Cance Jessica Duncan , Loukas Alexandra , Talley Anna E.
Published: February 2014

Driven by the social development model, this study examines the associations of family functioning, school climate, and internalizing symptoms with disordered eating attitudes in early adolescence. Results from a representative sample of 848 sixth- and seventh-grade students indicate that disordered eating attitudes are positively correlated with family conflict and maternal psychological control and perceived friction and competition among classmates, in addition to female gender, depressive symptoms and social anxiety. Contrary to our hypotheses, perceived cohesion among classmates is positively associated with disordered eating attitudes. These findings highlight the importance of interpersonal relationships at the school and family level, as well as internalizing symptoms, in shaping disordered eating attitudes during adolescence.
Parenting, Peers, and Perceived Norms
Authors: Cox Ronald B. , Shreffler Karina M. , Merten Michael J. , Schwerdtfeger Gallus Kami L. , Dowdy Jamie L.
Published: February 2014

Although attitudes strongly predict later sexual behaviors, few studies have investigated the factors that influence early adolescent attitudes toward sex. Using a general population sample of urban seventh-grade students ( N = 1,736), we examined how supportive parenting, television viewing, perceived social norms, and having a friend and/or sibling who is a teen parent were uniquely associated with the probability and extent that early adolescents endorse favorable attitudes toward sexual activity. Supportive parenting was negatively associated with the probability of endorsement but not the strength of the endorsement. Perceived social norms and having a friend who is a teen parent were positively associated with both probability and strength of endorsement. Having a sibling who is a teen parent and greater television viewing were significantly and positively associated with the probability and extent of favorable attitudes toward sexual activity for females. Implications for prevention efforts targeting parenting and school policies are discussed.
The composite nature of physical geography
Authors: Malanson George P. , Scuderi Louis , Moser Katrina A. , Willmott Cort J. , Resler Lynn M. , Warner Timothy A. , Mearns Linda O.
Published: February 2014

This editorial is the product of the Progress in Physical Geography lecture at the April 2013 meeting of the Association of American Geographers. The paper was presented by George Malanson, the North American Editor, and the co-authors presented critiques based on a draft. Subsequently, the manuscript was developed and revised based on discussion at the meeting and additional exchange among the co-authors.
Insights From Breast Cancer Survivors
Authors: Hoggan Chad
Published: February 2014

This study explored the processes by which a group of breast cancer survivors experienced positive learning and growth from their cancer experiences. The author argues that such learning and growth can be considered transformative learning, especially from ontological perspectives of the theory. The participants’ change process consisted of different types of experiences that can be classified as Crisis, Coping, and Engagement. These types of experiences illustrate a process of adaptation to a new context. The findings suggests that the specific context in which transformative learning occurs has a profound effect on the epistemology used to negotiate that learning and growth, and in turn shapes and informs the types of change that occur.
Book Review: Youth Culture in China: From Red Guards to Netizens
Authors: Vadrevu Shobha
Published: February 2014

Paul Clark, Youth Culture in China: From Red Guards to Netizens. New York: Cambridge University Press. 2012.
Health Services for Linguistic Minorities in a Bilingual Setting
Authors: Drolet Marie , Savard Jacinthe , Benoît Josée , Arcand Isabelle , Savard Sébastien , Lagacé Josée , Lauzon Sylvie , Dubouloz Claire-Jehanne
Published: February 2014

We explore in this qualitative research the challenges faced by bilingual health and social services professionals in a Canadian bilingual setting, as well as the strategies used to overcome them. Eight focus groups were conducted with a total of 43 bilingual Francophone professionals who offered services in French in 21 health and social service organizations in eastern Ontario, Canada. We highlight linguistic issues affecting a minority Francophone clientele, the shortage of services in French, and organizational issues within these agencies. The solutions that the professionals adopt for better serving the clients and overcoming these challenges focus on adapting services from linguistic angles. In the long term, such an enhanced approach can affect staff well-being. Ensuring access to services for linguistic minority populations and the active offer of same should not rest solely on the shoulders of such professionals, but rather on organizational strategies.
Personalized News Portals
Authors: Beam Michael A. , Kosicki Gerald M.
Published: February 2014

In this study, we investigated the impact of personalized news web portals on selective exposure. Results from analyses of secondary survey data from national random samples of U.S. adults show a positive relationship between personalized news and increased exposure to offline news. Users of personalized news report viewing more sources and categories of news online compared with nonusers. Partisan users of personalized news do not report increased partisan news exposure. No difference in preferences for perspective sharing or challenging news sources is found between personalized news users and nonusers. The implications for future research on personalized information systems and selective exposure are discussed.
Towards a pragmatic analysis of metadiscourse in academic lectures: From relevance to adaptation
Authors: Bu Jiemin
Published: February 2014

This study pragmatically makes a descriptive analysis of metadiscourse in academic lectures from the perspective of the relevance-adaptation theory. Based on the relevance theory and the adaptation theory, the relevance-adaptation model is constructed to explore the occurrence, the pragmatic description and the role of metadiscourse in academic lectures. The data is collected from George Lakoff’s 10 academic lectures on cognitive linguistics at Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics in 2004 and some academic lectures audio-taped in classrooms. The results of the study show that 1) the occurrence of metadiscourse in academic lectures is pervasive; 2) the process of choosing appropriate metadiscourse is dynamic and the result of searching for relevance and making contextual adaptations – the process of searching for relevance of metadiscourse is measured in terms of three pairs of the distinctions, namely, contextual effect and processing effort, explicature and implicature, and conceptual meaning and procedural meaning, and contextual adaptations of metadiscourse are constrained by such factors as linguistic reality, psychological motivations and social conventions; 3) the role of metadiscourse in academic lectures is an active discourse constructor.
Overview of alternative fuels with emphasis on the potential of liquefied natural gas as future marine fuel
Authors: Elgohary Mohamed M , Seddiek Ibrahim S , Salem Ahmed M
Published: February 2014

Economic and population growths are the most important drivers of growing global energy demand. They led to a rapid development of international seaborne trade and an increase in the number of global vessels. Air pollution from these ships is of great concerns and regulations are currently enforced since May 2005 by the International Maritime Organization to limit such pollution. In this study, we will first review the current global energy demand and its driving forces over next decades, second evaluate the existing alternative fuels that can be used as a bunker fuel to reach sustainability with relatively small changes in the existing marine propulsion options and finally focus on near-term solution, which has the potential for large-scale use. The different alternative fuels were compared in terms of several parameters such as availability, renewability, safety, cost, performance, economy and compliance with emission regulations. This comparison revealed that liquefied natural gas could be considered as the future replacement to the current marine bunker fuel. This conclusion has been further verified by comparing diesel engine with different powers when using both heavy fuel oil and liquefied natural gas. The engines were compared against fuel consumption, cost saving as well as emissions. Liquefied natural gas has proved to be better than heavy fuel oil due to fuel cost reduction by about 31% per year and decrease in emissions of SOx, NOx, CO2 and particulate matter by about 98%, 86%, 11% and 96%, respectively. The resulted emissions from using liquefied natural gas were found to comply with the current International Maritime Organization regulations. Moreover, this article highlights the latest rules and regulations that govern the use of liquefied natural gas as marine fuel onboard ships.
Black Philly After The Philadelphia Negro
Authors: Hunter Marcus Anthony
Published: February 2014

Beginning where W. E. B. Du Bois’s classic The Philadelphia Negro ends, sociologist Marcus Anthony Hunter considers the history of public housing in Philadelphia during the New Deal era. Focusing on black activism, black politics, and neighborhood change during the New Deal era, he shows that Black residents have long been citymakers, forces for progressive change
Challenging Motorism in New York City
Authors: Millard Bill
Published: February 2014

Public contention over recent changes in New York City’s streetscape, allocating more space and priority to pedestrians and cyclists, illuminates an underlying conflict between a belief system regarding motor vehicles as central to American life—the windshield-perspective assumptions here termed Motorism—and dissenting beliefs questioning the rationality of automotive monoculture. New York-based writer Bill Millard argues that during the twentieth century, Motorism attained a level of dominance thorough enough to be unrecognized and unquestioned in most locales; though it encounters enough opposition to be visible as an ideology only in a few places (particularly New York), its ill effects on the environment, the economy, health, and other values are increasingly apparent, suggesting that the New York “streetfight” has social ramifications extending well beyond New York.