bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Haploidentical transplantation in children with unmanipulated peripheral blood stem cell graft: The need to look beyond post‐transplantation cyclophosphamide in younger children
Authors: Jaiswal Sarita Rani , Chakrabarti Aditi , Chatterjee Sumita , Ray Kunal , Chakrabarti Suparno
Published: May 2016

Haploidentical transplantation with PTCY following marrow or PBSC graft has been associated with low incidence of GVHD in adults with similar data lacking in children. We report on the outcome of 25 patients <20 yr of age (median age 12 yr), undergoing a haploidentical PBSC transplantation for both malignant and non‐malignant disorders. Engraftment was prompt and sustained. Cumulative incidences of acute GVHD and chronic GVHD were 40.3% and 16.7%, respectively. On subgroup analysis, it was evident that acute GVHD developed in 80% of patients <10 yr compared to only 13.3% in those between 10 and 20 yr [log‐rank p = 0.001], despite similar graft composition with significantly higher NRM (60% vs. 0%; p = 0.001). The FFS was 63.5%; (79% in >10 yr and 40% in <10 yr, p = 0.01). Our data suggest that PTCY‐based haploidentical PBSC transplantation is feasible in older children, but results in early and severe alloreactivity in younger children. These findings, despite being counterintuitive, could be explained by the variable metabolism of CY and oral mycophenolate in younger children indicating that PTCY‐based approach as used in adults might not be adequate for younger children.
Schauer on Coercion, Acceptance, and Schizophrenia
Authors: Juan Moreso José
Published: May 2016

This article provides a comment on The Force of Law (Schauer 2015), which is Schauer's new and illuminating contribution to the place of law in our societies and in our lives. It constitutes a strong defence of the importance of coercion in law. First, I consider cases where the law is not able to motivate human behaviour adequately, in order to show that legal coercion is not always justified. Second, I examine the Rawlsian distinction between the ideal and the nonideal theory and its application to the theory of law. Third, I tentatively argue that coercion has no place in ideal theory, but a core place in nonideal theory. In this way, it may be plausible to reconstruct the motivation to accept the law, at least when the law is normatively justified.
The Ambiguity of Force
Authors: Dyzenhaus David
Published: May 2016

The author argues that Schauer's understanding of appropriate empiricism and relatedly what he wishes to take from the positivist classics might have an even more reductive impact on legal philosophical inquiry than the legal positivist quest (which Schauer rejects) to confine such inquiry to a search for necessary and sufficient conditions. The argument is based on the example of the legal order of the Arab territories occupied by Israel. In the author's view, this legal order is very close to what Schauer regards as the normal case of a properly functioning legal order and in its closeness one can discern the flaws in his argument.
Optimizing N and P recycling from organic amendments via agroecological incentives and concepts – scope for further developments
Authors: Martinez J. , Pellerin S.
Published: May 2016

From a global perspective, agricultural ecosystems are challenged by a requirement to produce more outputs with lower inputs, simultaneously to meet the demand for more food and reduce the global environmental impact of agriculture. A key task is to develop and share new ecological concepts of agriculture as a means to improve nutrient recycling, particularly of nitrogen and phosphorus. This paper explores opportunities to achieve this use of new agronomic tools, novel organic fertilizer products and innovative distribution networks. It draws on the results of recent projects in Europe that have developed and tested novel manure processing technologies as well as approaches to integrate nutrient management at local to regional scales.
A comparative reference study for the validation of HLA‐matching algorithms in the search for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell donors and cord blood units
Authors: Bochtler W. , Gragert L. , Patel Z. I. , Robinson J. , Steiner D. , Hofmann J. A. , Pingel J. , Baouz A. , Melis A. , Schneider J. , Eberhard H.‐P. , Oudshoorn M. , Marsh S. G. E. , Maiers M. , Müller C. R.
Published: May 2016

The accuracy of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐matching algorithms is a prerequisite for the correct and efficient identification of optimal unrelated donors for patients requiring hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The goal of this World Marrow Donor Association study was to validate established matching algorithms from different international donor registries by challenging them with simulated input data and subsequently comparing the output. This experiment addressed three specific aspects of HLA matching using different data sets for tasks of increasing complexity. The first two tasks targeted the traditional matching approach identifying discrepancies between patient and donor HLA genotypes by counting antigen and allele differences. Contemporary matching procedures predicting the probability for HLA identity using haplotype frequencies were addressed by the third task. In each task, the identified disparities between the results of the participating computer programs were analyzed, classified and quantified. This study led to a deep understanding of the algorithms participating and finally produced virtually identical results. The unresolved discrepancies total to less than 1%, 4% and 2% for the three tasks and are mostly because of individual decisions in the design of the programs. Based on these findings, reference results for the three input data sets were compiled that can be used to validate future matching algorithms and thus improve the quality of the global donor search process.
Aerosolized ribavirin: the most expensive drug for pneumonia
Authors: Chemaly R.F. , Aitken S.L. , Wolfe C.R. , Jain R. , Boeckh M.J.
Published: May 2016

Dramatic, overnight cost increases of important orphan and generic medications have recently come under public and government scrutiny. We highlight the case of aerosolized ribavirin, an important antiviral agent in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation which, because of substantial price increases, may now cost more than the transplant procedure itself.
Alphavirus Restriction by IFITM Proteins
Authors: Weston Stuart , Czieso Stephanie , White Ian J. , Smith Sarah E. , Wash Rachael S. , Diaz‐Soria Carmen , Kellam Paul , Marsh Mark
Published: May 2016

Interferon inducible transmembrane proteins (IFITMs) are broad‐spectrum antiviral factors. In cell culture the entry of many enveloped viruses, including orthomyxo‐, flavi‐, and filoviruses, is inhibited by IFITMs, though the mechanism(s) involved remain unclear and may vary between viruses. We demonstrate that Sindbis and Semliki Forest virus (SFV), which both use endocytosis and acid‐induced membrane fusion in early endosomes to infect cells, are restricted by the early endosomal IFITM3. The late endosomal IFITM2 is less restrictive and the plasma membrane IFITM1 does not inhibit normal infection by either virus. IFITM3 inhibits release of the SFV capsid into the cytosol, without inhibiting binding, internalization, trafficking to endosomes or low pH‐induced conformational changes in the envelope glycoprotein. Infection by SFV fusion at the cell surface was inhibited by IFITM1, but was equally inhibited by IFITM3. Furthermore, an IFITM3 mutant (Y20A) that is localized to the plasma membrane inhibited infection by cell surface fusion more potently than IFITM1. Together, these results indicate that IFITMs, in particular IFITM3, can restrict alphavirus infection by inhibiting viral fusion with cellular membranes. That IFITM3 can restrict SFV infection by fusion at the cell surface equivalently to IFITM1 suggests that IFITM3 has greater antiviral potency against SFV.
Gunslinger Effect and Müller-Lyer Illusion: Examining Early Visual Information Processing for Late Limb-Target Control
Authors: Roberts James W. , Lyons James , Garcia Daniel B. L. , Burgess Raquel , Elliott Digby
Published: May 2016

The multiple process model contends that there are two forms of online control for manual aiming: impulse regulation and limb-target control. This study examined the impact of visual information processing for limb-target control. We amalgamated the Gunslinger protocol (i.e., faster movements following a reaction to an external trigger compared with the spontaneous initiation of movement) and Müller-Lyer target configurations into the same aiming protocol. The results showed the Gunslinger effect was isolated at the early portions of the movement (peak acceleration and peak velocity). Reacted aims reached a longer displacement at peak deceleration, but no differences for movement termination. The target configurations manifested terminal biases consistent with the illusion. We suggest the visual information processing demands imposed by reacted aims can be adapted by integrating early feedforward information for limb-target control.
Factors influencing communication and decision-making about life-sustaining technology during serious illness: a qualitative study
Authors: Kryworuchko Jennifer , Strachan P H , Nouvet E , Downar J , You J J
Published: May 2016

Objectives

We aimed to identify factors influencing communication and decision-making, and to learn how physicians and nurses view their roles in deciding about the use of life-sustaining technology for seriously ill hospitalised patients and their families.

Design

The qualitative study used Flanagan's critical incident technique to guide interpretive description of open-ended in-depth individual interviews.

Setting

Participants were recruited from the medical wards at 3 Canadian hospitals.

Participants

Interviews were completed with 30 healthcare professionals (9 staff physicians, 9 residents and 12 nurses; aged 25–63 years; 73% female) involved in decisions about the care of seriously ill hospitalised patients and their families.

Measures

Participants described encounters with patients and families in which communication and decision-making about life-sustaining technology went particularly well and unwell (ie, critical incidents). We further explored their roles, context and challenges. Analysis proceeded using constant comparative methods to form themes independently and with the interprofessional research team.

Results

We identified several key factors that influenced communication and decision-making about life-sustaining technology. The overarching factor was how those involved in such communication and decision-making (healthcare providers, patients and families) conceptualised the goals of medical practice. Additional key factors related to how preferences and decision-making were shaped through relationships, particularly how people worked toward ‘making sense of the situation’, how physicians and nurses approached the inherent and systemic tensions in achieving consensus with families, and how physicians and nurses conducted professional work within teams. Participants described incidents in which these key factors interacted in dynamic and unpredictable ways to influence decision-making for any particular patient and family.

Conclusions

A focus on more meaningful and productive dialogue with patients and families by (and between) each member of the healthcare team may improve decisions about life-sustaining technology. Work is needed to acknowledge and support the non-curative role of healthcare and build capacity for the interprofessional team to engage in effective decision-making discussions.
Aspartame intake is associated with greater glucose intolerance in individuals with obesity
Authors: Kuk Jennifer L. , Brown Ruth E.
Published: May 2016

This study examined whether sucrose, fructose, aspartame, and saccharin influences the association between obesity and glucose tolerance in 2856 adults from the NHANES III survey. Aspartame intake significantly influenced the association between body mass index (BMI) and glucose tolerance (interaction: P = 0.004), wherein only those reporting aspartame intake had a steeper positive association between BMI and glucose tolerance than those reporting no aspartame intake. Therefore, consumption of aspartame is associated with greater obesity-related impairments in glucose tolerance.
Electronic property and charge carrier mobility of one-dimensional nanowires consisting of C20 cages
Authors: Bai Hongcun , Ji Wenxin , Xue Ping , Qiao Weiye , Ma Yujia , Ji Yongqiang
Published: May 2016

This work presented theoretical studies on the one-dimensional (1D) nanowires constructed from fullerene C20 cages based on first-principle calculations. The relative energies, electronic, charge transport, and mechanical properties of the 1D nanowires were investigated systemically and in detail. It is found that formations of the C20 nanowires built from isolated cages were all energetically favorable. They also exhibit high kinetic stability according to molecular dynamics simulations. Although they were all constructed with C20 cages as building blocks, NW-2–NW-6, and NW-9 are semiconductors, whereas NW-1, NW-7, and NW-8 exhibit metallic property. Thus the metallic/semiconducting properties of the 1D C20 nanowires can be mainly determined by the connecting patterns. High charge mobility was revealed for the 1D C20 nanowires based on the deformation potential theory and effective mass approach. Further understanding of the charge mobility is achieved with the aid of crystal orbital analyses. Moreover, the mechanical property of the 1D C20 nanowires was also studied based on the results of Young’s modulus.
IS THERE J-CURVE EFFECT IN THE COMMODITY TRADE OF SINGAPORE WITH MALAYSIA? AN EMPIRICAL STUDY
Authors: BAHMANI-OSKOOEE MOHSEN , HARVEY HANAFIAH
Published: May 2016

A previous study that investigated the impact of exchange rate changes on the trade balance of Singapore with each of its 13 largest trading partners on bilateral basis found significant long-run effects in four out of 13 cases. In the trade balance between Singapore and Malaysia as a major partner, the real exchange rate had neither short-run nor long-run significant effects. To reduce the aggregation bias, in this paper, we disaggregate the trade flows between the two countries by industry and consider the trade balance of each of the 136 industries that trade between the two countries. We find that the trade balance of 79 industries are affected by exchange rate changes in the short run. However, short-run effects last into the long run in only 19 industries which mostly happen to be small industries.
SWITCHING TO NONAFFINE STOCHASTIC VOLATILITY: A CLOSED-FORM EXPANSION FOR THE INVERSE GAMMA MODEL
Authors: LANGRENÉ NICOLAS , LEE GEOFFREY , ZHU ZILI
Published: May 2016

We examine the inverse gamma (IGa) stochastic volatility model with time-dependent parameters. This nonaffine model compares favorably in terms of volatility distribution and volatility paths to classical affine models such as the Heston model, while being as parsimonious (only four stochastic parameters). In practice, this means more robust calibration and better hedging, explaining its popularity among practitioners. Closed-form volatility-of-volatility expansions are obtained for the price of vanilla options, which allow for very fast pricing and calibration to market data. Specifically, the price of a European put option with IGa volatility is approximated by a Black–Scholes price plus a weighted combination of Black–Scholes Greeks, with weights depending only on the four time-dependent parameters of the model. The accuracy of the expansion is illustrated on several calibration tests on foreign exchange market data. This paper shows that the IGa model is as simple, more realistic, easier to implement and faster to calibrate than classical transform-based affine models. We therefore hope that the present work will foster further research on nonaffine models favored by practitioners such as the IGa model.
What are you trying to pull?
Authors: Neville-Neil George V.
Published: May 2016

A single cache miss is more expensive than many instructions.
A byte is all we need
Authors: Mitra Ankita
Published: May 2016

A teenager explores ways to attract girls into the magical world of computer science.
The Chemistry and Applications of π-Gels
Authors: Ghosh Samrat , Praveen Vakayil K. , Ajayaghosh Ayyappanpillai
Published: May 2016

π-Gels are a promising class of functional soft materials formed out of short π-conjugated molecules. By utilizing the chemistry of noncovalent interactions, researchers have created a wide range of π-gels that are composed of supramolecular polymers. During the last two decades, supramolecular gel chemistry has been pursued with the hope of developing new materials for applications in, for example, organic electronics, energy harvesting, sensing, and imaging. The high expectations for π-gels were centered mainly around their electronic properties, such as tunable emission, energy transfer, electron transfer, charge transport, and electrical conductivity; such properties are amenable to modulation through size and shape control of molecular assemblies. Although a large number of exciting publications have appeared, a major technological breakthrough is yet to be realized. In this review, we analyze the recent advancements in the area of functional π-gels and their scope in future applications.
Explaining Corruption in the Developed World: The Potential of Sociological Approaches
Authors: Heath Anthony F. , Richards Lindsay , de Graaf Nan Dirk
Published: May 2016

Corruption, in both the developing and the developed world, has been studied in many disciplines, especially economics and politics, but there is considerable scope for a sociological contribution. There has been a large body of cross-national research using indices of perceived corruption, but the clandestine nature of corruption makes it difficult to validate these indices. More fruitful are recent surveys, similar to crime victimization surveys, of respondents' experiences of being asked for a bribe. This research has found many regularities, but understanding of the causal mechanisms involved remains sketchy. Sociological concepts derived from exchange theory, and sociological variables such as Protestantism, generalized and particularistic trust, and educational level appear to be important predictors of national rates of corruption in the developed world, but the mechanisms are not well understood. We argue that more focused and disaggregated research focusing on different forms and contexts, rather than the current broad-brush approaches, is the best way forward.
Implications of Changing Family Forms for Children
Authors: Powell Brian , Hamilton Laura , Manago Bianca , Cheng Simon
Published: May 2016

This paper explores what it means to do a sociology of families, that is, one that acknowledges and considers a wider array of family forms than typically has been explored. We begin by reviewing the existing sociological research on a range of alternative family forms, ultimately focusing on older-parent, adoptive, same-sex, and multiracial families. We describe and critically assess four theoretical approaches to examining family forms—family structure, evolutionary, characteristics, and context—and their implications for children, and we discuss the utility of an approach that views family characteristics in social context. We also recommend that instead of using alternative family forms primarily or solely as counterfactuals to the so-called traditional family, researchers should compare alternative family forms to each other, noting theoretical implications for commonalities and differences found among these groups. We call for additional research on alternative families, noting its importance for sociology, family studies, and public policy.
Influence Applied Potential on the Formation of Self-Organized ZnO Nanorod Film and Its Photoelectrochemical Response
Authors: Abd Samad Nur Azimah , Lai Chin Wei , Abd Hamid Sharifah Bee
Published: May 2016

The present paper reports on the facile formation of ZnO nanorod photocatalyst electrodeposited on Zn foil in the production of hydrogen gas via water photoelectrolysis. Based on the results, ZnO nanorod films were successfully grown via electrochemical deposition in an optimum electrolyte set of 0.5 mM zinc chloride and 0.1 M potassium chloride at pH level of 5-6 and electrochemical deposition temperature of around 70°C. The study was also conducted at a very low stirring rate with different applied potentials. Applied potential was one of the crucial aspects in the formation of self-organized ZnO nanorod film via control of the field-assisted dissolution and field-assisted deposition rates during the electrochemical deposition process. Interestingly, low applied potentials of 1 V during electrochemical deposition produced a high aspect ratio and density of self-organized ZnO nanorod distribution on the Zn substrate with an average diameter and length of ~37.9 nm and ~249.5 nm, respectively. Therefore, it exhibited a high photocurrent density that reached 17.8 mA/cm2under ultraviolet illumination and 12.94 mA/cm2under visible illumination. This behaviour was attributed to the faster transport of photogenerated electron/hole pairs in the nanorod’s one-dimensional wall surface, which prevented backward reactions and further reduced the number of recombination centres.
A Method to Determine Generalized Basic Probability Assignment in the Open World
Authors: Jiang Wen , Zhan Jun , Zhou Deyun , Li Xin
Published: May 2016

Dempster-Shafer evidence theory (D-S theory) has been widely used in many information fusion systems since it was proposed by Dempster and extended by Shafer. However, how to determine the basic probability assignment (BPA), which is the main and first step in D-S theory, is still an open issue, especially when the given environment is in an open world, which means the frame of discernment is incomplete. In this paper, a method to determine generalized basic probability assignment in an open world is proposed. Frame of discernment in an open world is established first, and then the triangular fuzzy number models to identify target in the proposed frame of discernment are established. Pessimistic strategy based on the differentiation degree between model and sample is defined to yield the BPAs for known targets. If the sum of all the BPAs of known targets is over one, then they will be normalized and the BPA of unknown target is assigned to0; otherwise the BPA of unknown target is equal to1minus the sum of all the known targets BPAs. IRIS classification examples illustrated the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Fidaxomicin versus Vancomycin in the Treatment ofClostridium difficileInfection: Canadian Outcomes
Authors: Lee Christine , Louie Thomas J. , Weiss Karl , Valiquette Louis , Gerson Marvin , Arnott Wendy , Gorbach Sherwood L.
Published: May 2016

Background. This analysis examined the efficacy of fidaxomicin versus vancomycin in 406 Canadian patients withClostridium difficileinfection (CDI), based on data from 2 randomized, clinical trials.Methods. Patients received fidaxomicin or vancomycin 1. Patients were assessed for clinical response recurrence of infection and sustained clinical response for 28 days after treatment completion. Patients at increased risk of recurrence were subjected to subgroup analyses.Results. Clinical response rates for fidaxomicin (90.0%) were noninferior to those with vancomycin (92.2%; 95% confidence interval for difference: −7.7, 3.5). However, fidaxomicin-treated patients had lower recurrence (14.4% versus 28.0%,p=0.001) and higher sustained clinical response (77.1% versus 66.3%,p=0.016). Compared with vancomycin, fidaxomicin was associated with lower recurrence rates in all subgroups, reaching statistical significance in patients with age ≥ 65 years (16.0% versus 30.9%,p=0.026), concomitant antibiotic use (16.2% versus 38.7%,p=0.036), and non-BI strains (11.8% versus 28.3%,p=0.004). Higher sustained clinical response rates were observed for fidaxomicin compared with vancomycin in all subgroups; this was statistically significant in the non-BI subgroup (82.8% versus 69.1%,p=0.021).Conclusions. In Canadian patients, fidaxomicin was superior to vancomycin in sustaining clinical response and reducing CDI recurrence.
A Vehicular Cloud-Based Framework for the Intelligent Transport Management of Big Cities
Authors: Meneguette Rodolfo I.
Published: May 2016

An intelligent transport system (ITS) is intended to streamline the operations of vehicles, manage vehicle traffic, and help drivers with safety and other information, as well as supply convenient applications for passengers. This system is essential for tackling the problems of a big city, like traffic congestion and a lack of a communication infrastructure or traffic engineering, among other factors. With these challenges in mind, we propose a vehicular cloud architecture to assist in the management of large cities. This will create a framework to support different types of services as well as provide storage mechanisms, access, and information management which includes tools for different modes of transport not only for citizens but also for commercial vehicles and emergency services like ambulances. In addition, it will be possible to increase the capacity for abstraction to meet information needs through the use of vehicular networks and the integration of VANETs with other networks, so as to provide relevant information for the monitoring and management of an intelligent transport system.
STAT3/IRF1 Pathway Activation Sensitizes Cervical Cancer Cells to Chemotherapeutic Drugs
Authors: Walch-Rückheim Barbara , Pahne-Zeppenfeld Jennifer , Fischbach Jil , Wickenhauser Claudia , Horn Lars Christian , Tharun Lars , Büttner Reinhard , Mallmann Peter , Stern Peter , Kim Yoo-Jin , Bohle Rainer Maria , Rübe Christian , Ströder Russalina , Juhasz-Böss Ingolf , Solomayer Erich-Franz , Smola Sigrun
Published: May 2016

Neoadjuvant radio/chemotherapy regimens can markedly improve cervical cancer outcome in a subset of patients, while other patients show poor responses, but may encounter severe adverse effects. Thus, there is a strong need for predictive biomarkers to improve clinical management of cervical cancer patients. STAT3 is considered as a critical antiapoptotic factor in various malignancies. We therefore investigated STAT3 activation during cervical carcinogenesis and its impact on the response of cervical cancer cells to chemotherapeutic drugs. Tyr705-phosphorylated STAT3 increased from low-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN1) to precancerous CIN3 lesions. Notably, pTyr705-STAT3 activation significantly declined from CIN3 to invasive cancer, also when compared in the same clinical biopsy. pTyr705-STAT3 was also low or absent in cultured human cervical cancer cell lines, consistent with the in vivo expression data. Unexpectedly, IL6-type cytokine signaling inducing STAT3 activation rendered cervical cancer cells significantly more susceptible to chemotherapeutic drugs, that is, cisplatin or etoposide. This chemosensitization was STAT3-dependent and we identified IFN regulatory factor-1 (IRF1) as the STAT3-inducible mediator required for cell death enhancement. In line with these data, pTyr705-STAT3 significantly correlated with nuclear IRF1 expression in cervical cancer in vivo. Importantly, high IRF1 expression in pretreatment cervical cancer biopsy cells was associated with a significantly better response to neoadjuvant radio/chemotherapy of the patients. In summary, our study has identified a key role of the STAT3/IRF1 pathway for chemosensitization in cervical cancer. Our results suggest that pretherapeutic IRF1 expression should be evaluated as a novel predictive biomarker for neoadjuvant radio/chemotherapy responses. Cancer Res; 76(13); 3872–83. ©2016 AACR.
YAP Mediates Tumorigenesis in Neurofibromatosis Type 2 by Promoting Cell Survival and Proliferation through a COX-2–EGFR Signaling Axis
Authors: Guerrant William , Kota Smitha , Troutman Scott , Mandati Vinay , Fallahi Mohammad , Stemmer-Rachamimov Anat , Kissil Joseph L.
Published: May 2016

The Hippo–YAP pathway has emerged as a major driver of tumorigenesis in many human cancers. YAP is a transcriptional coactivator and while details of YAP regulation are quickly emerging, it remains unknown what downstream targets are critical for the oncogenic functions of YAP. To determine the mechanisms involved and to identify disease-relevant targets, we examined the role of YAP in neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) using cell and animal models. We found that YAP function is required for NF2-null Schwann cell survival, proliferation, and tumor growth in vivo. Moreover, YAP promotes transcription of several targets including PTGS2, which codes for COX-2, a key enzyme in prostaglandin biosynthesis, and AREG, which codes for the EGFR ligand, amphiregulin. Both AREG and prostaglandin E2 converge to activate signaling through EGFR. Importantly, treatment with the COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib significantly inhibited the growth of NF2-null Schwann cells and tumor growth in a mouse model of NF2. Cancer Res; 76(12); 3507–19. ©2016 AACR.
Circulating Omentin as a Novel Biomarker for Colorectal Cancer Risk: Data from the EPIC–Potsdam Cohort Study
Authors: Aleksandrova Krasimira , di Giuseppe Romina , Isermann Berend , Biemann Ronald , Schulze Matthias , Wittenbecher Clemens , Fritsche Andreas , Lehmann Rainer , Menzel Juliane , Weikert Cornelia , Pischon Tobias , Boeing Heiner
Published: May 2016

Omentin is a novel biomarker shown to exert metabolic, inflammatory, and immune-related properties and thereby could be implicated in the risk of colorectal cancer. So far, the association between omentin and colorectal cancer risk has not been evaluated in prospective cohort studies. We investigated the association between prediagnostic plasma omentin concentrations and risk of colorectal cancer in a case–cohort comprising 251 incident colorectal cancer cases diagnosed over a mean follow-up time of 10.4 years and 2,295 persons who remained free of cancer in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition-Potsdam study. Hazard ratios as a measure of relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed using a Prentice-modified Cox regression. In a multivariable model adjusted for age, sex, education, dietary and lifestyle factors, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference, higher omentin concentrations were associated with a higher colorectal cancer risk (RRcontinuously per doubling of omentin concentrations = 1.98; 95% CI, 1.45–2.73). Additional adjustment for metabolic biomarkers, including glycated hemoglobin, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and C-reactive protein, did not alter the results. In stratified analyses, the positive association between omentin and colorectal cancer risk was retained in participants with BMI < 30 (RRcontinuously per doubling of omentin concentrations = 2.26; 95% CI, 1.57–3.27), whereas among participants with BMI ≥ 30 no association was revealed (RRcontinuously per doubling of omentin concentrations = 1.07; 95% CI, 0.63–1.83; Pinteraction = 0.005). These novel findings provide the first lines of evidence for an independent association between prediagnostic omentin concentrations and colorectal cancer risk and suggest a potential interaction with the adiposity state of the individual. Cancer Res; 76(13); 3862–71. ©2016 AACR.
JNK1 Inhibition Attenuates Hypoxia-Induced Autophagy and Sensitizes to Chemotherapy
Authors: Vasilevskaya Irina A. , Selvakumaran Muthu , Roberts David , O'Dwyer Peter J.
Published: May 2016

Inhibition of hypoxia-induced stress signaling through JNK potentiates the effects of oxaliplatin. The JNK pathway plays a role in both autophagy and apoptosis; therefore, it was determined how much of the effect of JNK inhibition on oxaliplatin sensitivity is dependent on its effect on autophagy. We studied the impact of JNK isoform downregulation in the HT29 colon adenocarcinoma cell line on hypoxia- and oxaliplatin-induced responses. Electron microscopic analyses demonstrated that both oxaliplatin- and hypoxia-induced formations of autophagosomes were reduced significantly in HT29 cells treated with the JNK inhibitor SP600125. The role of specific JNK isoforms was defined using HT29-derived cell lines stably expressing dominant-negative constructs for JNK1 and JNK2 (HTJ1.3 and HTJ2.2, respectively). These cell lines demonstrated that functional JNK1 is required for hypoxia-induced autophagy and that JNK2 does not substitute for it. Inhibition of autophagy in HTJ1.3 cells also coincided with enhancement of intrinsic apoptosis. Analysis of Bcl2-family proteins revealed hyperphosphorylation of Bcl-XL in the HTJ1.3 cell line, but this did not lead to the expected dissociation from Beclin 1. Consistent with this, knockdown of Bcl-XL in HT29 cells did not significantly affect the induction of autophagy, but abrogated hypoxic resistance to oxaliplatin due to the faster and more robust activation of apoptosis.

Implications: These data suggest that balance between autophagy and apoptosis is shifted toward apoptosis by downregulation of JNK1, contributing to oxaliplatin sensitization. These findings further support the investigation of JNK inhibition in colorectal cancer treatment. Mol Cancer Res; 14(8); 753–63. ©2016 AACR.
CITED2 Modulates Breast Cancer Metastatic Ability through Effects on IKKα
Authors: Jayaraman Swaathi , Doucet Michele , Lau Wen Min , Kominsky Scott L.
Published: May 2016

Previously, we identified the transcriptional coactivator CITED2 as a potential facilitator of bone metastasis using a murine mammary cancer model. Extending these studies to human breast cancer, it was observed that CITED2 mRNA expression was significantly elevated in patient specimens of metastatic breast cancer relative to primary tumors, with highest levels in metastasis to bone relative to non-bone sites. To further evaluate CITED2 functions in breast cancer metastasis, CITED2 expression was stably reduced in the human breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468, which are metastatic in animal models. While CITED2 knockdown had no effect on cell proliferation, cell migration and invasion were significantly reduced, as was the establishment of metastasis following intracardiac administration in athymic nude mice. To explore the mechanism behind these effects, gene expression following CITED2 knockdown in MDA-MB-231 cells by cDNA microarray was performed. As confirmed at the mRNA and protein levels in both MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 cells, expression of the NF-κB regulator IKKα was significantly reduced, along with several NF-κB targets with known roles in metastasis (OPN, MMP9, uPA, SPARC, IL11, and IL1β). Furthermore, ChIP assay revealed recruitment of CITED2 to the promoter of IKKα, indicating a direct role in regulating its expression. Consistent with reduced IKKα expression, CITED2 knockdown inhibited both canonical and noncanonical NF-κB signaling. Finally, restoration of IKKα expression following CITED2 knockdown in MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 cells rescued their invasive ability. Collectively, these data demonstrate that CITED2 modulates metastatic ability in human breast cancer cells, at least in part, through the regulation of IKKα.

Implications: The current study highlights the role of CITED2 in facilitating breast cancer metastasis, partly via regulation of IKKα. Mol Cancer Res; 14(8); 730–9. ©2016 AACR.
Recognition and Importance of New Definitions of Peripancreatic Fluid Collections in Managing Patients with Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Ahmed Akram , Gibreel Waleed , Sarr Michael G.
Published: May 2016

Our understanding of the etiopathogenesis of acute pancreatitis has matured tremendously in the last 3 decades. Advanced cross-sectional imaging with 3-dimensional techniques along with use of intravenous contrast to image the presence or absence of organ tissue perfusion has allowed early recognition of necrotizing pancreatitis. With this knowledge, the old terms to describe what used to be called ‘peri-pancreatic fluid collections' we now recognize are no longer accurate nor appropriate. The 2013 revised Atlanta Classification has introduced a new, accurate, objective classification of acute pancreatitis and terminology for the natural history of all forms of acute pancreatitis that is easy to use and will help in both the description of the disease and its appropriate treatment. This review will describe these pancreatic and peri-pancreatic collections with added insight into their natural history.
Visit-to-Visit Variability in Blood Pressure Is Related to Late-Life Cognitive Decline
Authors: Qin Bo , Viera Anthony J. , Muntner Paul , Plassman Brenda L. , Edwards Lloyd J. , Adair Linda S. , Popkin Barry M. , Mendez Michelle A.
Published: May 2016

The association between visit-to-visit variability of blood pressure (BP) and cognitive decline over time remains incompletely understood in a general population of older adults. We assessed the hypothesis that higher visit-to-visit variability in BP, but not mean BP, would be associated with faster decline in cognitive function among community-dwelling older adults. This prospective cohort study comprised 976 adults who had 3 or 4 visits with BP measurements as part of the China Health and Nutrition Survey from 1991, up to their first cognitive tests, and completed cognitive screening tests at ≥2 visits in 1997, 2000, or 2004. Visit-to-visit BP variability was expressed as the SD, coefficient of variation, or as the variation independent of mean BP across visits conducted at a mean interval of 3.2 years. Mean (SD) age at the first cognitive test was 64 (6) years. Using multivariable-adjusted linear mixed–effects models, we found higher visit-to-visit variability in systolic BP, but not mean systolic BP, was associated with a faster decline of cognitive function (adjusted mean difference [95% confidence interval] for high versus low tertile of SD variability: standardized composite scores −0.038 standard units (SU)/y [−0.066 to −0.009] and verbal memory −0.041 SU/y [−0.075 to −0.008]). Higher visit-to-visit variability in diastolic BP was associated with a faster decline of cognitive function, independent of mean diastolic BP, among adults aged 55 to 64 years but not those ≥65 years. Our results suggest that higher long-term BP visit-to-visit variability is associated with a faster rate of cognitive decline among older adults.
The Armature of the American Novel: The Antebellum Sketch and Tale in Literary History
Authors: Fash Lydia G.
Published: May 2016

This essay calls attention to the genre of the sketch, which played a critical role in the early nineteenth-century US literary market. Later when developments in printing technology made it easier to publish longer works, Hawthorne, Melville, and Stowe used the sketch as the basis for hugely important mid-century novels.
“Henry's brilliant sister”: The Pivotal Role of Sophia Thoreau in Her Brother's Posthumous Publications
Authors: Fedorko Kathy
Published: May 2016

Ever since the publication of Henry Thoreau's four posthumous essay collections, bibliographers and biographers have credited Ralph Waldo Emerson, in the case of Excursions (1863), or William Ellery Channing, in the case of The Maine Woods (1864), Cape Cod (1865), and A Yankee in Canada (1866), with either editing the collections or co-editing them with Sophia Thoreau, Henry's younger sister. This essay provides evidence from letters, books, diaries, and articles, as well as from the essay manuscripts themselves, that Sophia Thoreau alone edited her brother's essay collections for publication after his death from tuberculosis in 1862. She alone also chose the editor for her brother's Journal before her death in 1876.
The Existential Dimension of Juan Luis Segundo’s Ecclesiology
Authors: Tennant Matthew
Published: May 2016

This article explores the formation of Juan Luis Segundo’s ecclesiology. In it, the author argues that Segundo’s ecclesiology has an existential dimension that is reflected in his liberation theology. He bases this assertion on a cross-section of Segundo’s books. Generally, they are readily available in English and were widely read, especially closer to their dates of publication. One source, Existencialismo, is not available in English and has been largely overlooked; it adds to both understanding Segundo’s ecclesiology and his existentialism. This paper contributes a new understanding of Segundo’s ecclesiology, and, in turn, it offers new potential for an existential ecclesiology.
Teaching Africa and international studies: Forum introduction
Authors: Gallagher Julia , Death Carl , Sabaratnam Meera , Smith Karen
Published: May 2016

Africa has often been defined and represented by outsiders. In International Studies (IS), the continent is frequently viewed as peripheral and uninteresting. This is clearly a problem, and an increasingly apparent one as the number of courses on Africa and IS grow, both in Africa and beyond. Many academics who run these courses are keen to challenge the continent’s traditional marginalisation and perceived dependency; however, they are limited by the resources available to them and the fact that many are establishing new courses from scratch. This article contributes to the literature by identifying key debates around teaching Africa and IS, setting the scene for the articles that follow.
Lucid Dreaming Frequency and the Big Five Personality Factors
Authors: Hess Gabriela , Schredl Michael , Goritz Anja S.
Published: May 2016

Lucid dreaming frequency varies strongly among individuals and, thus, research has focused on identifying what factors affect this phenomenon. The present study, an online survey ( N = 2,492), focused on the relationship between the Big Five personality dimensions and lucid dreaming frequency. Additionally, the personality correlates of the age of the first lucid dream were investigated. In our sample, a small but substantial portion of individual differences concerning lucid dreaming frequency was explained by the Big Five personality factors. Openness to experiences correlated positively with lucid dreaming frequency, whereas the correlation was negative for agreeableness. The relationship between neuroticism and lucid dreaming frequency disappeared when nightmare frequency was controlled. Future researchers should examine the relationship of the Big Five factors with the attitudes toward and the contents of lucid dreams. Moreover, longitudinal studies should investigate the lucid dream socialization of children and the effect of age on the course of interest in lucid dreaming.
Error modeling of a novel flexible lunar sampler
Authors: Ling Yun , Ehmann Kornel F , Song Aiguo
Published: May 2016

A lunar sampler plays the critical role and is of great importance in lunar explorations. In this paper, an error model was established for a novel flexible lunar sampler which has low weight, small volume, large workspace, and low power consumption. Based on its specific configuration, the forward and inverse kinematic models and the kinetostatic model are developed to formulate the volumetric error model of the mechanism. The error model is built by considering three classes of error sources: flexibility-induced errors, structural parameter-induced errors, and joint clearance errors. The flexible errors are compensated according to the experimental data; the second class of errors are modeled based on complete differential-coefficient theory, while the third class of errors are modeled based on the deterministic method. For the third class in error modeling, contact modes are introduced to build a joint clearance-induced error model. The relationship between different error sources and the output pose error of the sampling head is obtained. Finally, the error distribution in the workspace is evaluated.
Field distributions in piezoelectric composites with semi-infinite cracks
Authors: Aboudi Jacob
Published: May 2016

A method is offered for the prediction of the electromechanical field in periodic piezoelectric composites with embedded semi-infinite cracks. It is based on the knowledge of the K-field in piezoelectric materials in which the material constants are replaced by the effective moduli of the piezoelectric composite. In addition to the existing semi-infinite crack, the proposed method can analyze localized inhomogeneities near the crack tip. The established effective K-field is applied at the boundaries of a rectangular domain that should be sufficiently far away from the crack tip and the other inhomogeneities. The proposed approach is based on the combined utilization of a micromechanical analysis, the representative cell method and the higher-order theory. The micromechanical analysis establishes the effective electromechanical constants of the piezoelectric composite, and the representative cell method reduces the periodic composite that is discretized into numerous identical cells to a single cell problem in the Fourier transform domain. The governing equations and constitutive relations that are formulated in this single cell are solved by employing the higher-order theory where discretization into subcells is employed. The inverse of the Fourier transform provides the electromechanical field at any point in the composite. The proposed approach is verified for crack fronts that are parallel and perpendicular to the poling direction (axis of symmetry). Applications are given for a cracked porous piezoelectric material, cracks that have been arrested by cavities and for a periodically bilayered composite with a semi-infinite crack.
The Outcomes and Impact of a Post-Earthquake Rehabilitation Program in China
Authors: Chung Eva Yin-han
Published: May 2016

This study evaluated the outcomes and impact of a post-earthquake rehabilitation program in Sichuan, China. A case-study approach was adopted to conduct an in-depth examination of the program. The results show that the program effectively enhanced the functional outcomes of earthquake survivors. However, the empowerment of earthquake survivors with disabilities requires further consideration, and the local community’s ownership of the program must also be addressed. A combination of institution- and community-based approaches was advocated in developing the post-earthquake rehabilitation program to enhance its impact on the local community.
Health Services in Boarding School
Authors: Pavletic Adria C. , Dukes Thomas , Greene Jamelle Gardine , Taylor Jennifer , Gilpin Louise B.
Published: May 2016

Adolescents who attend high school as preparatory boarding students are growing up and learning to care for themselves in a very different set of circumstances than those who live at home with their families. Although this choice may present myriad opportunities for personal growth and academic advantages, nurturance and support from caring adults is necessary to foster health and well-being. Our model of a collaborative relationship between nursing and counseling in providing health services to the adolescents in our care at St. Mark’s School is designed to effectively meet this challenge. While it is true that a very small percentage of adolescents attend preparatory boarding schools in the United States, this article is an attempt to present our working model for consideration by other school nurses and counselors in our field of practice, especially since there is a lack of professionally relevant current literature for reference.
Implicit theories of smoking and association with current smoking status
Authors: Thai Chan L , Coa Kisha I , Kaufman Annette R
Published: May 2016

Implicit theories of smoking refer to people’s beliefs about whether smoking behavior is something that is changeable (incremental belief) or fixed (entity belief). This study examines implicit theories of smoking and its association with smoking behavior in a nationally representative sample of US adults using data from the Health Information National Trends Survey. The current results show that implicit theories of smoking are associated with smoking. Among former smokers, 90 percent endorsed an incremental belief about smoking compared to 70 percent of current smokers. Our study provides initial evidence for the role of implicit theories of smoking as a psychological factor associated with smoking behavior.