bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
V. NIH TOOLBOX COGNITION BATTERY (CB): MEASURING WORKING MEMORY
Authors: Tulsky David S. , Carlozzi Noelle E. , Chevalier Nicolas , Espy Kimberly A. , Beaumont Jennifer L. , Mungas Dan
Published: August 2013

This chapter focuses on the NIH Toolbox List Sorting Working Memory Test, which was developed to assess processing speed within the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery (CB). This test is a sequencing task requiring children and adults to process stimuli (presented both visually and auditorily) and sequence the stimuli according to size. We describe the development of the NIH Toolbox List Sorting Working Memory Test, highlighting its utility in children. We examine descriptive data, test–retest reliability, and convergent and discriminant validity. Results indicated that List Sorting performance was positively correlated with age indicating that performance on the task improved throughout childhood and early adolescence. Further, test–retest reliability coefficients were high and there was support for both convergent and discriminant validity. These data suggest that the NIH Toolbox List Sorting Working Memory Test is reliable and shows evidence of construct validity.
The EATWELL project: Recommendations for healthy eating policy interventions across Europe
Authors: Traill W. B. , Mazzocchi M. , Niedźwiedzka B. , Shankar B. , Wills J.
Published: August 2013

The EATWELL research project (www.eatwellproject.eu) (Interventions to Promote Healthy Eating Habits: Evaluation and Recommendations) funded by the European Commission aimed to improve nutrition policy in Europe by providing scientifically sound evidence on the effectiveness of past healthy eating interventions. This interdisciplinary project involved academic partners from 5 European Union countries and 10 partners in all. As a first step, the project identified 121 large‐scale policy interventions in European countries over the period 1990–2010 and any existing evidence on their evaluation. Of these policies, 82 were aimed at supporting informed choices, and the remaining 39 sought to change the market environment by enhancing the availability of healthier foods, restricting the availability of less healthy foods or nutrients, or changing relative food prices through food taxes or subsidies. Subsequently, advanced quantitative evaluation models were used to conduct a fresh analysis of a small selection of these policy case studies, based on secondary data. Based on these evaluations, together with garnered public and stakeholder opinion, the project put forward proposals for future healthy eating policies, improved evaluation methods and the collection of better data.
The Incidence of Asymptomatic Cerebral Microthromboembolism after Atrial Fibrillation Ablation: Comparison of Warfarin and Dabigatran
Authors: ICHIKI HITOSHI , OKETANI NAOYA , ISHIDA SANEMASA , IRIKI YASUHISA , OKUI HIDEKI , MAENOSONO RYUICHI , NAMINO FUMINORI , NINOMIYA YUICHI , MIYATA MASAAKI , HAMASAKI SHUICHI , TEI CHUWA
Published: August 2013

Background

Cerebral microthromboembolism after atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation has been reported in 4–20% with perioperative warfarin. Dabigatran is a new anticoagulant in patients with nonvalvular AF. We investigated the incidence of asymptomatic cerebral microthromboembolism after AF ablation with perioperative warfarin or dabigatran using diffusion‐weighted and T2‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods and Results

Our study included 210 consecutive patients with AF (111 paroxysmal and 99 persistent) who underwent complex fractionated atrial electrogram‐guided ablation (combined with pulmonary vein isolation, n = 110). Catheter irrigation was performed in all cases. Uninterrupted warfarin therapy was used in 180 patients (warfarin group) and interrupted only on the morning of the procedure with dabigatran in 30 (dabigatran group). All patients underwent cerebral MRI the day after ablation. New microthromboemboli were detected in 10.0% of the warfarin group and 26.7% of the dabigatran group (P < 0.05). The incidence of hemopericardium treated with pericardiocentesis was lower in the warfarin group than in the dabigatran group (2.5% vs 11.1%, P < 0.05). In multivariate analysis, the use of cardioversion was a predictor of new microthromboembolism development after AF ablation.

Conclusions

The incidence of asymptomatic cerebral microthromboembolism and hemopericardium after AF ablation was significantly lower with perioperative warfarin therapy than with dabigatran therapy. Dabigatran may not be an effective alternative to warfarin for AF ablation, especially in patients who undergo cardioversion.
Current situation and characterization ofPseudomonas syringaepv.actinidiaeon kiwifruit inGalicia (northwestSpain)
Authors: Abelleira A. , Ares A. , Aguín O. , Picoaga A. , López M. M. , Mansilla P.
Published: August 2013

Bacterial canker of kiwifruit, caused byPseudomonas syringaepv. actinidiae(Psa), is a disease that is spreading rapidly in several kiwifruit‐producing countries, causing significant economic losses. In 2011, it was detected for the first time inSpain, in the south ofGalicia (northwestSpain). Kiwifruit orchards were therefore inspected and sampled in 2011 and 2012 to determine the pathogen distribution, and the isolates obtained were characterized by morphology, fatty acids profile, biochemical tests and molecular techniques. Isolates were obtained fromActinidia deliciosa‘Hayward’ (from leaves, canes, flower buds, fruits and roots), fromA. deliciosa‘Summer’, fromActinidia chinensis‘JinTao’ (from canes and leaves) and fromA. chinensispollinator ‘Belén’ (from canes). Results of the analysis of thecflgene (phytotoxin production‐related), thetox–argKgene cluster and phylogenetic analysis of thectsgene demonstrated that allPsa isolates from northwestSpain correspond to thePsa3 population, which includes strains of haplotype 2. This is the first record ofPsa3 and haplotype 2 inSpain.
Financial dependence analysis: applications of vine copulas
Authors: Allen David E. , Ashraf Mohammad A. , McAleer Michael , Powell Robert J. , Singh Abhay K.
Published: August 2013

This paper features the application of a novel and recently developed method of statistical and mathematical analysis to the assessment of financial risk, namely regular vine copulas. Dependence modelling using copulas is a popular tool in financial applications but is usually applied to pairs of securities. Vine copulas offer greater flexibility and permit the modelling of complex dependence patterns using the rich variety of bivariate copulas that can be arranged and analysed in a tree structure to facilitate the analysis of multiple dependencies. We apply regular vine copula analysis to a sample of stocks comprising the Dow Jones index to assess their interdependencies and to assess how their correlations change in different economic circumstances using three different sample periods around Global Financial Crisis (GFC).: pre‐GFC (January 2005 to July 2007), GFC (July 2007 to September 2009) and post‐GFC periods (September 2009 to December 2011). The empirical results suggest that the dependencies change in a complex manner, and there is evidence of greater reliance on the Student‐t copula in the copula choice within the tree structures for the GFC period, which is consistent with the existence of larger tails in the distributions of returns for this period. One of the attractions of this approach to risk modelling is the flexibility in the choice of distributions used to model co‐dependencies. The practical application of regular vine metrics is demonstrated via an example of the calculation of the Value at Risk of a portfolio of stocks.
Theory and Algorithms for Weighted Total Least-Squares Fitting of Lines, Planes, and Parallel Planes to Support Tolerancing Standards
Authors: Shakarji Craig M. , Srinivasan Vijay
Published: August 2013

We present the theory and algorithms for fitting a line, a plane, two parallel planes (corresponding to a slot or a slab), or many parallel planes in a total (orthogonal) least-squares sense to coordinate data that is weighted. Each of these problems is reduced to a simple 3 × 3 matrix eigenvalue/eigenvector problem or an equivalent singular value decomposition problem, which can be solved using reliable and readily available commercial software. These methods were numerically verified by comparing them with brute-force minimization searches. We demonstrate the need for such weighted total least-squares fitting in coordinate metrology to support new and emerging tolerancing standards, for instance, ISO 14405-1:2010. The widespread practice of unweighted fitting works well enough when point sampling is controlled and can be made uniform (e.g., using a discrete point contact coordinate measuring machine). However, we show by example that nonuniformly sampled points (arising from many new measurement technologies) coupled with unweighted least-squares fitting can lead to erroneous results. When needed, the algorithms presented also solve the unweighted cases simply by assigning the value one to each weight. We additionally prove convergence from the discrete to continuous cases of least-squares fitting as the point sampling becomes dense.
Effects of Cavity on the Performance of Dual Throat Nozzle During the Thrust-Vectoring Starting Transient Process
Authors: Gu Rui , Xu Jinglei
Published: August 2013

The dual throat nozzle (DTN) technique is capable to achieve higher thrust-vectoring efficiencies than other fluidic techniques, without compromising thrust efficiency significantly during vectoring operation. The excellent performance of the DTN is mainly due to the concaved cavity. In this paper, two DTNs of different scales have been investigated by unsteady numerical simulations to compare the parameter variations and study the effects of cavity during the vector starting process. The results remind us that during the vector starting process, dynamic loads may be generated, which is a potentially challenging problem for the aircraft trim and control.
History of atomic layer deposition and its relationship with the American Vacuum Society
Authors: Parsons Gregory N. , Elam Jeffrey W. , George Steven M. , Haukka Suvi , Jeon Hyeongtag , (Erwin) Kessels W. M. M. , Leskelä Markku , Poodt Paul , Ritala Mikko , Rossnagel Steven M.
Published: August 2013

This article explores the history of atomic layer deposition(ALD) and its relationship with the American Vacuum Society (AVS). The authors describe the origin and history of ALD science in the 1960s and 1970s. They also report on how the science and technology of ALD progressed through the 1990s and 2000s and continues today. This article focuses on how ALD developed within the AVS and continues to evolve through interactions made possible by the AVS, in particular, the annual International AVS ALD Conference. This conference benefits students, academics, researchers, and industry practitioners alike who seek to understand the fundamentals of self-limiting, alternating binary surface reactions, and how they can be applied to form functional (and sometimes profitable) thin filmmaterials. The flexible structure of the AVS allowed the AVS to quickly organize the ALD community and create a primary conference home. Many new research areas have grown out of the original concepts of “Atomic Layer Epitaxy” and“Molecular Layering,” and some of them are described in this article. The people and research in the ALD field continue to evolve, and the AVS ALDConference is a primary example of how the AVS can help a field expand and flourish.
Abrasion resistance of silica-based coatings prepared by atmospheric pressure plasma chemical vapor deposition for protection of polymeric surfaces
Authors: Noborisaka Mayui , Mori Takanori , Horikoshi Ryohei , Shirakura Akira , Hashimoto Ayako , Suzuki Tetsuya
Published: August 2013

Silica-based films were synthesized by the dielectric barrier discharge method under atmospheric pressure from tetramethoxysilane and O2 diluted with N2. In this study, the coating area was 200 mm in diameter, which could be enlarged by altering shape of the electrodes and expanding the scanning range. Even at the low temperature of 80 °C, the hardness of the films slightly increased up to 4.3 GPa by decreasing the tetramethoxysilane flow rate. The relative ratio of Si−O−Si (cage structure) bonds to Si−O−Si (network structure) decreased, and as a result, the films became harder. Additionally, it was found that silica-based films deposited on acrylic resin-coated polycarbonate substrates had good abrasion resistance; the minimum ΔHz value after 1000 revolutions in the Taber abrasion tests was 2.5%. These results suggest that the silica-based films synthesized under atmospheric pressure have the potential to be used in mass production because the equipment enables low-cost and large-area synthesis. The authors find that there is potential in using atmospheric pressure plasma technology for the automobile industry.
Dynamically Reshaping Signaling Networks to Program Cell Fate via Genetic Controllers
Authors: Galloway Kate E. , Franco Elisa , Smolke Christina D.
Published: August 2013

Toward Synthetic Biology

The detection of an appropriate point to intervene in a cellular pathway and minimize off-target effects on other cellular processes present problems for the design of circuits that control cellular signaling pathways and thus direct cell function.

Galloway
et al.

(p.
1358
, published online 15 August; see the Perspective by

Sarkar

) report progress on these challenges in the yeast
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
. A molecular control system was developed to direct the yeast cells to one of three cell fates. To avoid disruption of other cellular controls, exogenous ribozyme-based controllers that interfaced with the endogenous control circuits were used, which avoided genetic alteration to the cells. After enhancing the control circuits with feedback loops to make their behavior more reliable, the circuits were used to modulate the abundance of particular components that acted as critical regulators of yeast cell-fate decisions. This allowed direction of cell fate in response to a chosen chemical stimulus. These strategies may be adaptable to allow similar direction of the physiological state of mammalian cells, for example, to allow therapeutic applications of synthetic biology.
Caffeoyl Shikimate Esterase (CSE) Is an Enzyme in the Lignin Biosynthetic Pathway in
Arabidopsis
Authors: Vanholme Ruben , Cesarino Igor , Rataj Katarzyna , Xiao Yuguo , Sundin Lisa , Goeminne Geert , Kim Hoon , Cross Joanna , Morreel Kris , Araujo Pedro , Welsh Lydia , Haustraete Jurgen , McClellan Christopher , Vanholme Bartel , Ralph John , Simpson Gordon G. , Halpin Claire , Boerjan Wout
Published: August 2013

Lignin Biosynthesis Complications

Lignin is a polymer that lends its sturdy properties to wood and makes plant cell walls tougher, which creates problems for chemists converting cellulosic plant biomass into biofuels.

Vanholme
et al.

(p.
1103
, published online 15 August; see the cover) have identified a new step in the biosynthetic pathway of lignin in
Arabidopsis
in which caffeoyl shikimate esterase catalyzes synthesis of caffeate. Cellulose from mutant plants, which had reduced amounts of lignin, was more efficiently processed into glucose.
Draft Genome Sequence of Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolate PR04
Authors: Zulkifli M. H. , Teh L. K. , Lee L. S. , Zakaria Z. A. , Salleh M. Z.
Published: August 2013

Klebsiella pneumoniae
PR04 was isolated from a patient hospitalized in Malaysia. The draft genome sequence of
K. pneumoniae
PR04 shows differences compared to the reference sequences of
K. pneumoniae
strains MGH 78578 and NTUH-K2044 in terms of their genomic structures.
Draft Genome Sequence of Cyclobacterium qasimii Strain M12-11B
T
, Isolated from Arctic Marine Sediment
Authors: Shivaji S. , Ara Sreenivas , Singh Aditya , Kumar Pinnaka Anil
Published: August 2013

A 6.29-Mb genome sequence of
Cyclobacterium qasimii
strain M12-11B
T
, isolated from an Arctic marine sediment sample, is reported.
A qualitative study comparing experiences of the surgical safety checklist in hospitals in high-income and low-income countries
Authors: Aveling Emma-Louise , McCulloch Peter , Dixon-Woods Mary
Published: August 2013

Objective

Bold claims have been made for the ability of the WHO surgical checklist to reduce surgical morbidity and mortality and improve patient safety regardless of the setting. Little is known about how far the challenges faced by low-income countries are the same as those in high-income countries or different. We aimed to identify and compare the influences on checklist implementation and compliance in the UK and Africa.

Design

Ethnographic study involving observations, interviews and collection of documents. Thematic analysis of the data.

Setting

Operating theatres in one African university hospital and two UK university hospitals.

Participants

112 h of observations were undertaken. Interviews with 39 theatre and administrative staff were conducted.

Results

Many staff saw value in the checklist in the UK and African hospitals. Some resentment was present in all settings, linked to conflicts between the philosophy behind the checklist and the realities of local cultural, social and economic contexts. Compliance—involving use, completeness and fidelity—was considerably higher, though not perfect, in the UK settings. In these hospitals, compliance was supported by established structures and systems, and was not significantly undermined by major resource constraints; the same was not true of the low-income context. Hierarchical relationships were a major barrier to implementation in all settings, but were more marked in the low-income setting. Introducing a checklist in a professional environment characterised by a lack of accountability and transparency could make the staff feel jeopardised legally, professionally, and personally, and it encouraged them to make misleading records of what had actually been done.

Conclusions

Surgical checklist implementation is likely to be optimised, regardless of the setting, when used as a tool in multifaceted cultural and organisational programmes to strengthen patient safety. It cannot be assumed that the introduction of a checklist will automatically lead to improved communication and clinical processes.
BOUND-STATE/ELEMENTARY-PARTICLE DUALITY IN THE HIGGS SECTOR AND THE CASE FOR AN EXCITED "HIGGS" WITHIN THE STANDARD MODEL
Authors: MAAS AXEL
Published: August 2013

Though being weakly interacting, QED can support bound states. In principle, this can be expected for the weak interactions in the Higgs sector as well. In fact, it has been argued long ago that there should be a duality between bound states and the elementary particles in this sector, at least in leading order in an expansion in the Higgs quantum fluctuations around its expectation value. Whether this remains true beyond the leading order is being investigated using lattice simulations, and support is found. This provides a natural interpretation of peaks in cross-sections as bound states. This would imply that (possibly very broad) resonances of Higgs and W and Z bound states could exist within the Standard Model.
A NOVEL OBSERVATION IN THE BRST APPROACH TO A FREE SPINNING RELATIVISTIC PARTICLE
Authors: KRISHNA S. , SHUKLA D. , MALIK R. P.
Published: August 2013

For the newly proposed coupled (but equivalent) Lagrangians for the supersymmetric (SUSY) system of a one (0+1)-dimensional spinning relativistic particle, we derive the Noether conserved charges corresponding to its (super)gauge, Becchi–Rouet–Stora–Tyutin (BRST), anti-BRST and ghost-scale symmetry transformations. We deduce the underlying algebra amongst the continuous symmetry operators and corresponding conserved charges. We point out a novel observation that emerges, for this specific SUSY system, when we discuss it within the framework of BRST formalism. In particular, the requirement of the physicality criteria with the (anti-)BRST charges leads to a completely new observation because, as it turns out, one of the primary constraints does not annihilate the physical state of the theory. We have never come across this kind of result in the realm of BRST approach to usual gauge theories. We provide the physical and theoretical reasons behind the above observation.
OPTICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF Tb3+-DOPED Gd2O3 BASED SCINTILLATING GLASSES
Authors: LAI FEI , ZHANG YUE-PIN , XIA HAI-PING , WANG JIN-HAO , HE WEI
Published: August 2013

We prepared Tb 3+-doped Gd 2 O 3-based oxide glasses by high-temperature melting method and presented their density and optical characterization including transmission, emission and excitation spectra. Dependence of density and luminescence properties on the concentration of Tb 3+ and Gd 2 O 3 was also analyzed. The results show that rising Tb 3+ ions concentrations would lead to the reduction of distance between Tb 3+ ions, the increase of probabilities of energy resonate-transfer and a stronger luminous intensity. In addition, a high Gd 2 O 3 concentration was beneficial to improve the glass samples density, but exerting a negative effect on Tb 3+ ions and decreasing the luminous intensity of Tb 3+ ions.
GENERALIZED RAYLEIGH AND JACOBI PROCESSES AND EXCEPTIONAL ORTHOGONAL POLYNOMIALS
Authors: CHOU C.-I. , HO C.-L.
Published: August 2013

We present four types of infinitely many exactly solvable Fokker–Planck equations, which are related to the newly discovered exceptional orthogonal polynomials. They represent the deformed versions of the Rayleigh process and the Jacobi process.
Enhanced contractility in pregnancy is associated with augmented TRPC3, L-type, and T-type voltage-dependent calcium channel function in rat uterine radial artery
Authors: Senadheera Sevvandi , Bertrand Paul P. , Grayson T. Hilton , Leader Leo , Tare Marianne , Murphy Timothy V. , Sandow Shaun L.
Published: August 2013

In pregnancy, α-adrenoceptor-mediated vasoconstriction is augmented in uterine radial arteries and is accompanied by underlying changes in smooth muscle (SM) Ca2+ activity. This study aims to determine the Ca2+ entry channels associated with altered vasoconstriction in pregnancy, with the hypothesis that augmented vasoconstriction involves transient receptor potential canonical type-3 (TRPC3) and L- and T-type voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels. Immunohistochemistry showed TRPC3, L-type Cav1.2 (as the α1C subunit), T-type Cav3.1 (α1G), and Cav3.2 (α1H) localization to the uterine radial artery SM. Fluorescence intensity of TRPC3, Cav1.2, and Cav3.2 was increased, and Cav3.1 decreased in radial artery SM from pregnant rats. Western blot analysis confirmed increased TRPC3 protein expression in the radial artery from pregnant rats. Pressure myography incorporating pharmacological intervention to examine the role of these channels in uterine radial arteries showed an attenuation of phenylephrine (PE)-induced constriction with Pyr3 {1-[4-[(2,3,3-trichloro-1-oxo-2-propen-1-yl)amino]phenyl]-5-(trifluoromethyl)-1 H-pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid}-mediated TRPC3 inhibition or with nifedipine-mediated L-type channel block alone in vessels from pregnant rats; both effects of which were diminished in radial arteries from nonpregnant rats. Combined TRPC3 and L-type inhibition attenuated PE-induced constriction in radial arteries, and the residual vasoconstriction was reduced and abolished with T-type channel block with NNC 55-0396 in arteries from nonpregnant and pregnant rats, respectively. With SM Ca2+ stores depleted and in the presence of PE, nifedipine, and NNC 55-0396, blockade of TRPC3 reversed PE-induced constriction. These data suggest that TRPC3 channels act synergistically with L- and T-type channels to modulate radial artery vasoconstriction, with the mechanism being augmented in pregnancy.
Prolactin promotes normal liver growth, survival, and regeneration in rodents: effects on hepatic IL-6, suppressor of cytokine signaling-3, and angiogenesis
Authors: Moreno-Carranza Bibiana , Goya-Arce Maite , Vega Claudia , Adán Norma , Triebel Jakob , López-Barrera Fernando , Quintanar-Stéphano Andrés , Binart Nadine , Martínez de la Escalera Gonzalo , Clapp Carmen
Published: August 2013

Prolactin (PRL) is a potent liver mitogen and proangiogenic hormone. Here, we used hyperprolactinemic rats and PRL receptor-null mice (PRLR−/−) to study the effect of PRL on liver growth and angiogenesis before and after partial hepatectomy (PH). Liver-to-body weight ratio (LBW), hepatocyte and sinusoidal endothelial cell (SEC) proliferation, and hepatic expression of VEGF were measured before and after PH in hyperprolactinemic rats, generated by placing two anterior pituitary glands (AP) under the kidney capsule. Also, LBW and hepatic expression of IL-6, as well as suppressor of cytokine signaling-3 (SOCS-3), were evaluated in wild-type and PRLR−/−mice before and after PH. Hyperprolactinemia increased the LBW, the proliferation of hepatocytes and SECs, and VEGF hepatic expression. Also, liver regeneration was increased in AP-grafted rats and was accompanied by elevated hepatocyte and SEC proliferation, and VEGF expression compared with nongrafted controls. Lowering circulating PRL levels with CB-154, an inhibitor of AP PRL secretion, prevented AP-induced stimulation of liver growth. Relative to wild-type animals, PRLR−/−mice had smaller livers, and soon after PH, they displayed an approximately twofold increased mortality and elevated and reduced hepatic IL-6 and SOCS-3 expression, respectively. However, liver regeneration was improved in surviving PRLR−/−mice. PRL stimulates normal liver growth, promotes survival, and regulates liver regeneration by mechanisms that may include hepatic downregulation of IL-6 and upregulation of SOCS-3, increased hepatocyte proliferation, and angiogenesis. PRL contributes to physiological liver growth and has potential clinical utility for ensuring survival and regulating liver mass in diseases, injuries, or surgery of the liver.
MGMT-STP27 Methylation Status as Predictive Marker for Response to PCV in Anaplastic Oligodendrogliomas and Oligoastrocytomas. A Report from EORTC Study 26951
Authors: van den Bent Martin J. , Erdem-Eraslan Lale , Idbaih Ahmed , de Rooi Johan , Eilers Paul H.C. , Spliet Wim G.M. , den Dunnen Wilfred F.A. , Tijssen Cees , Wesseling Pieter , Sillevis Smitt Peter A.E. , Kros Johan M. , Gorlia Thierry , French Pim J.
Published: August 2013

Purpose: The long-term follow-up results from the EORTC-26951 trial showed that the addition of procarbazine, CCNU, and vincristine (PCV) after radiotherapy increases survival in anaplastic oligodendrogliomas/oligoastrocytomas (AOD/AOA). However, some patients appeared to benefit more from PCV treatment than others.

Experimental Design: We conducted genome-wide methylation profiling of 115 samples included in the EORTC-26951 trial and extracted the CpG island hypermethylated phenotype (CIMP) and MGMT promoter methylation (MGMT-STP27) status.

Results: We first show that methylation profiling can be conducted on archival tissues with a performance that is similar to snap-frozen tissue samples. We then conducted methylation profiling on EORTC-26951 clinical trial samples. Univariate analysis indicated that CIMP+ or MGMT-STP27 methylated tumors had an improved survival compared with CIMP− and/or MGMT-STP27 unmethylated tumors [median overall survival (OS), 1.05 vs. 6.46 years and 1.06 vs. 3.8 years, both P < 0.0001 for CIMP and MGMT-STP27 status, respectively]. Multivariable analysis indicates that CIMP and MGMT-STP27 are significant prognostic factors for survival in presence of age, sex, performance score, and review diagnosis in the model. CIMP+ and MGMT-STP27 methylated tumors showed a clear benefit from adjuvant PCV chemotherapy: the median OS of CIMP+ samples in the RT and RT-PCV arms was 3.27 and 9.51 years, respectively (P = 0.0033); for MGMT-STP27 methylated samples, it was 1.98 and 8.65 years. There was no such benefit for CIMP- or for MGMT-STP27 unmethylated tumors. MGMT-STP27 status remained significant in an interaction test (P = 0.003). Statistical analysis of microarray (SAM) identified 259 novel CpGs associated with treatment response.

Conclusions: MGMT-STP27 may be used to guide treatment decisions in this tumor type. Clin Cancer Res; 19(19); 5513–22. ©2013 AACR.
Clinical Response to a Lapatinib-Based Therapy for a Li-Fraumeni Syndrome Patient with a Novel HER2V659E Mutation
Authors: Serra Violeta , Vivancos Ana , Puente Xose S. , Felip Enriqueta , Silberschmidt Daniel , Caratù Ginevra , Parra Josep-Lluís , De Mattos-Arruda Leticia , Grueso Judit , Hernández-Losa Javier , Arribas Joaquín , Prudkin Ludmila , Nuciforo Paolo , Scaltriti Maurizio , Seoane Joan , Baselga José
Published: August 2013

Genomic characterization of recurrent breast and lung tumors developed over the course of 10 years in a 29-year-old patient with a germline TP53 mutation (Li-Fraumeni Syndrome) identified oncogenic alterations in the HER2 and EGFR genes across all tumors, including HER2 amplifications, an EGFR-exon 20 insertion, and the first-in-humans HER2V659E mutation showing a phenotypic convergent evolution toward HER2 and EGFR alterations. Following the identification of HER2-activating events in the most recent lung carcinoma and in circulating tumor cells, we treated the reminiscent metastatic lesions with a lapatinib-based therapy. A symptomatic and radiologic clinical response was achieved. HER2V659E sensitivity to lapatinib was confirmed in the laboratory.

Significance: The precise knowledge of the genomic alterations present in tumors is critical to selecting the optimal treatment for each patient. Here, we report the molecular characterization and clinical response to a lapatinib-based therapy for the tumors of a Li-Fraumeni patient showing prevalence of HER2 and EGFR genomic alterations. Cancer Discov; 3(11); 1238–44. ©2013 AACR.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1207
Endothelial G Protein–Coupled Receptor Kinase 2 Regulates Vascular Homeostasis Through the Control of Free Radical Oxygen Species
Authors: Ciccarelli Michele , Sorriento Daniela , Franco Antonietta , Fusco Anna , Del Giudice Carmine , Annunziata Roberto , Cipolletta Ersilia , Monti Maria Gaia , Dorn Gerald W. , Trimarco Bruno , Iaccarino Guido
Published: August 2013

Objective—

The role of endothelial G protein–coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) was investigated in mice with selective deletion of the kinase in the endothelium (Tie2-CRE/GRK2
fl/fl
).

Approach and Results—

Aortas from Tie2-CRE/GRK2
fl/fl
presented functional and structural alterations as compared with control GRK2
fl/fl
mice. In particular, vasoconstriction was blunted to different agonists, and collagen and elastic rearrangement and macrophage infiltration were observed. In primary cultured endothelial cells deficient for GRK2, mitochondrial reactive oxygen species was increased, leading to expression of cytokines. Chronic treatment with a reactive oxygen species scavenger in mice corrected the vascular phenotype by recovering vasoconstriction, structural abnormalities, and reducing macrophage infiltration.

Conclusions—

These results demonstrate that GRK2 removal compromises vascular phenotype and integrity by increasing endothelial reactive oxygen species production.
Paparuda
Authors: Moo Monsieur
Published: August 2013

Paparuda is the title of a project carried out in June 2011, which consisted in artificially provoking rain on the border between the United States of America and Canada.
Anti-entropic Role of Art
Authors: Rewakowicz Ana
Published: August 2013

This article explores an anti-entropic role of art in the service of designing a better world. The vehicle for this journey is art and the steering wheel a concept of design-science developed by Buckminster Fuller. Using the example of her recently produced piece entitled “The Cloud,” the author demonstrates a collaborative spirit of art and science through the process of creation.
Memory Vapor
Authors: Gelfand Dmitry , Domnitch Evelina
Published: August 2013

Though initially intended for studying cloud nucleation, the cloud chamber accidentally led to the pivotal discovery of cosmic rays: a continuous cascade of subatomic particles, arriving to Earth from outer space. In the authors' artwork, Memory Vapor, the ephemeral condensation trails seeded by these particles are scanned and illuminated by a white laser sheet, transforming the cloud medium into a dynamic prism that vastly extends the spatio-temporal resolution of particle trajectories. The article also recounts the authors' prior aquatic and gaseous endeavors.
In situ SST Quality Monitor (iQuam)
Authors: Xu Feng , Ignatov Alexander
Published: August 2013

The quality of in situ sea surface temperatures (SSTs) is critical for calibration and validation of satellite SSTs. In situ SSTs come from different countries, agencies, and platforms. As a result, their quality is often suboptimal, nonuniform, and measurement-type specific. This paper describes a system developed at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the in situ SST Quality Monitor (iQuam; www.star.nesdis.noaa.gov/sod/sst/iquam/). It performs three major functions with the Global Telecommunication System (GTS) data: 1) quality controls (QC) in situ SSTs, using Bayesian reference and buddy checks similar to those adopted in the Met Office, in addition to providing basic screenings, such as duplicate removal, plausibility, platform track, and SST spike checks; 2) monitors quality-controlled SSTs online, in near–real time; and 3) serves reformatted GTS SST data to NOAA and external users with quality flags appended. Currently, iQuam’s web page displays global monthly maps of measurement locations stratified by four in situ platform types (drifters, ships, and tropical and coastal moorings) as well as their corresponding “in situ minus reference” SST statistics. Time series of all corresponding SST and QC statistics are also trended. The web page user can also monitor individual in situ platforms. The current status of iQuam and ongoing improvements are discussed.
Evaluation of Forecasts of the Water Vapor Signature of Atmospheric Rivers in Operational Numerical Weather Prediction Models
Authors: Wick Gary A. , Neiman Paul J. , Ralph F. Martin , Hamill Thomas M.
Published: August 2013

The ability of five operational ensemble forecast systems to accurately represent and predict atmospheric rivers (ARs) is evaluated as a function of lead time out to 10 days over the northeastern Pacific Ocean and west coast of North America. The study employs the recently developed Atmospheric River Detection Tool to compare the distinctive signature of ARs in integrated water vapor (IWV) fields from model forecasts and corresponding satellite-derived observations. The model forecast characteristics evaluated include the prediction of occurrence of ARs, the width of the IWV signature of ARs, their core strength as represented by the IWV content along the AR axis, and the occurrence and location of AR landfall. Analysis of three cool seasons shows that while the overall occurrence of ARs is well forecast out to a 10-day lead, forecasts of landfall occurrence are poorer, and skill degrades with increasing lead time. Average errors in the position of landfall are significant, increasing to over 800 km at 10-day lead time. Also, there is a 1°–2° southward position bias at 7-day lead time. The forecast IWV content along the AR axis possesses a slight moist bias averaged over the entire AR but little bias near landfall. The IWV biases are nearly independent of forecast lead time. Model spatial resolution is a factor in forecast skill and model differences are greatest for forecasts of AR width. This width error is greatest for coarser-resolution models that have positive width biases that increase with forecast lead time.
The contributions of compositional structure and performance expression to the communication of emotion in music
Authors: Quinto Lena , Thompson William Forde , Taylor Alan
Published: August 2013

In this investigation, eight highly-trained musicians communicated emotions through composition, performance expression, or the combination of the two. In the performance condition, they performed melodies with the intention of expressing six target emotions: anger, fear, happiness, neutral, sadness, and tenderness. In the composition condition, they composed melodies to express the same six emotions. The notated compositions were then played digitally without performance expression. In the combined condition, musicians performed the melodies they composed to convey the target emotions. Forty-two listeners heard the stimuli and attempted to decode the emotions in a forced-choice paradigm. Decoding accuracy varied significantly as a function of the channel of communication. Fear was comparatively well-decoded in the composition condition whereas anger was comparatively well decoded in the performance condition. Happiness and sadness were comparatively well-decoded in all three channels of communication. A principal component analysis of cues used by musicians clarified the distinct approaches adopted in composition and performance to differentiate emotional intentions. The results confirm that composition and performance involve the manipulation of distinct cues and have different emotional capabilities.
Experimental analysis of composite single-lap joints using digital image correlation and comparison with theoretical models
Authors: Kumar RL Vijaya , Bhat MR , Murthy CRL
Published: August 2013

The demand for energy efficient, low weight structures has boosted the use of composite structures assembled using increased quantities of structural adhesives. Bonded structures may be subjected to severe working environments such as high temperature and moisture due to which the adhesive gets degraded over a period of time. This reduces the strength of a joint and leads to premature failure. Measurement of strains in the adhesive bondline at any point of time during service may be beneficial as an assessment can be made on the integrity of a joint and necessary preventive actions may be taken before failure. This paper presents an experimental approach of measuring peel and shear strains in the adhesive bondline of composite single-lap joints using digital image correlation. Different sets of composite adhesive joints with varied bond quality were prepared and subjected to tensile load during which digital images were taken and processed using digital image correlation software. The measured peel strain at the joint edge showed a rapid increase with the initiation of a crack till failure of the joint. The measured strains were used to compute the corresponding stresses assuming a plane strain condition and the results were compared with stresses predicted using theoretical models, namely linear and nonlinear adhesive beam models. A similar trend in stress distribution was observed. Further comparison of peel and shear strains also exhibited similar trend for both healthy and degraded joints. Maximum peel stress failure criterion was used to predict the failure load of a composite adhesive joint and a comparison was made between predicted and actual failure loads. The predicted failure loads from theoretical models were found to be higher than the actual failure load for all the joints.
Characterization of knock intensity distributions: Part 1: statistical independence and scalar measures
Authors: Spelina Jill M , Peyton Jones James C , Frey Jesse
Published: August 2013

The characterization of knock intensity distributions can provide useful insights into the process and help to improve knock control system designs. In this paper, an extensive statistical analysis is performed on knock intensity data recorded under a broad range of operating conditions. First, the critical issue of whether the data exhibit any cycle-to-cycle correlations is investigated, and it is shown that knock intensity closely approximates a cyclically independent random process. The study then focuses on the variation of knock intensity distributions with operating condition, and on the quantification of these distributions using simple scalar measures. The relationship between knock event distributions and knock intensity distributions is also investigated, and it is shown that knock event data are binomially distributed regardless of the underlying knock intensity distribution. This supports ongoing efforts to exploit binomial probability theory in knock event simulation and controller design.
‘As if’: Mapping the empathic eloquent narrator through literary history
Authors: Müller Ralph , Lambrecht Tobias
Published: August 2013

This article investigates the historical development of the use of ‘als ob’ (‘as if’) in a diachronic corpus of German narrative fiction prose from the 18th century until 2009. The results of this corpus-stylistic study suggest that ‘as if’-statements are associated with the recurring profile of an eloquent narrator who is more empathic than he is well-informed about the mental state of characters. Finally, we will show that this narrator profile has been used with historical variance that can be explained by literary historical considerations.
Flouting figures: Uncooperative narration in the fiction of Eliza Haywood
Authors: Kukkonen Karin
Published: August 2013

Eliza Haywood’s narrators often display what could be termed ‘uncooperative narration’ in that they defy the smooth course that fictional narration is supposed to take, and claim to be unable to narrate strongly emotional states (in Love in Excess, 2000; first published 1719) or precipitate readers’ reactions to future events (in The History of Miss Betsy Thoughtless, 1998; first published 1751). Haywood’s strategies of uncooperative narration are based on rhetorical figures which flout the cooperative principle underlying human communication according to Grice: the denial of narration, adynaton, flouts the maxim of quantity; the time-based playing with readers’ meaning-making, prolepsis, flouts the maxim of manner. This article will develop an account of uncooperative narration on the basis of Gricean pragmatics (Grice, 1989) and Tomasello’s work on communication and cooperation in human evolution (Tomasello, 2008), which extends the traditional narratological focus on unreliable narration. Uncooperative narration challenges readers to find the communicative purpose behind flouting figures like adynaton and prolepsis, contributes to the characterisation of the narrator and, in Eliza Haywood’s fiction, often holds up a mirror to readers themselves.
The Subjective Group Dynamics of Inter- and Intragroup Criminality in the News
Authors: Ortiz Michelle , Harwood Jake
Published: August 2013

Participants read a crime news story featuring two perpetrators. Building on subjective group dynamics, we predicted that a perpetrator would be evaluated differently depending on the partner’s ethnicity and participants’ prior media use. Results show that heavy news consumers were more likely to (a) give a harsher sentence to a white perpetrator acting with a white (vs. Latino) partner, and (b) develop more negative attitudes toward Latinos when members of that group were portrayed in intergroup criminal partnerships. The implications of intergroup portrayals for perceptions of the ingroup, as well as the outgroup, and the moderating effects of news viewing on such effects, are discussed.
How Radio News Uses Sources to Cover Local Government News and Factors Affecting Source Use
Authors: Lacy Stephen , Wildman Steven S. , Fico Frederick , Bergan Daniel , Baldwin Thomas , Zube Paul
Published: August 2013

This study of source use in news coverage of local governments by 198 radio stations indicates that radio news stories had fewer and less diverse sources than daily newspaper stories. The differences in source use between radio and weekly newspaper stories were not as great. Predictor variables related to source use indicated that local government stories from publicly supported and TV–radio cross-owned radio stations included more sources and more diverse sources than found in stories from other types of stations. Radio news competition was slightly and positively correlated with greater numbers of sources and source diversity.
Temporal profile of lymphocyte counts and relationship with infections with fingolimod therapy
Authors: Francis G , Kappos L , O’Connor P , Collins W , Tang D , Mercier F , Cohen JA
Published: August 2013

Background:

Reduction in peripheral blood lymphocytes is an expected pharmacodynamic outcome of fingolimod therapy.

Objective:

The objective of this article is to evaluate lymphocyte dynamics during and after fingolimod therapy and assess the relationship between lymphocyte counts and infections.

Methods:

Lymphocyte counts and their relationship with infections were evaluated in three multiple sclerosis (MS) populations: (Group A) FREEDOMS phase 3 core study group ( n = 1272); (Group B) All Studies group (one phase 2 and two phase 3 studies, plus their extensions; n = 2315); and (Group C) Follow-up group (after fingolimod discontinuation; n = 538).

Results:

Administration of fingolimod 0.5 mg led to reductions in lymphocyte counts to a steady-state of 24%–30% of baseline values within two weeks, which remained stable while on therapy. Following fingolimod discontinuation, average counts exceeded the lower limit of normal range within six to eight weeks, and were 80% of baseline values by three months. In Group A, infection rates per patient-year were 1.4 with placebo and 1.0 in fingolimod-treated patients who had the lowest lymphocyte counts (< 0.2 × 109/l). No evidence was seen for an increase in serious or opportunistic infections.

Conclusions:

Fingolimod induces a rapid and reversible reduction in lymphocyte counts without an increase in infections relative to placebo. Because fingolimod reduces blood lymphocyte counts via redistribution in secondary lymphoid organs, peripheral blood lymphocyte counts cannot be utilized to evaluate the lymphocyte subset status of a patient.
Increased serum IgG4 levels and intimal IgG4-positive cell infiltration in rapidly growing aortic aneurysm
Authors: Fujita Shuichi , Nishioka Nobu , Ito Takahide , Wada Yuki , Kakita Ken , Ozawa Hideki , Tsuji Motomu , Katsumata Takahiro , Ishizaka Nobukazu
Published: August 2013

A 67-year-old Japanese man had been complaining of discomfort in the chest and back and feeling febrile for 2 weeks. Chest computed tomography indicated a thoracic aortic aneurysm. He occasionally showed a high fever (up to 38.0°C), even after hospital admission, irrespective of antibiotic therapy. The patient was found to have elevated serum IgG4 levels (366 mg/dL). The aneurysm demonstrated rapid growth; therefore, rifampicin-soaked woven Dacron synthetic graft replacement was performed 22 days after admission. Immunohistostatining of the resected aorta segment showed an IgG4-positive plasma cell infiltrate within the intimal layer neighboring the cholesterol-rich atheromatous plaque. After surgery, the patient’s serum IgG4 level dropped acutely; however, it did not reach the normal range. The possible role of IgG4 in the development or suppression of aortic remodeling, as well as in atherogenesis, among patients with rapidly growing aortic aneurysm requires further investigation.