bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of MIMO Receiver Using Generalized Least Squares Method in Colored Environments
Authors: Ammari Mohamed Lassaad , Fortier Paul
Published: August 2014

The classical detection techniques for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems are usually designed with the assumption that the additive complex Gaussian noise is uncorrelated. However, for closely spaced antennas, the additive noise is correlated due to the mutual antenna coupling. This letter analyzes an improved zero-forcing (ZF) technique for MIMO channels in colored environments. The additive noise is assumed to be correlated and the Rayleigh MIMO channel is considered doubly correlated. The improved ZF detector, based on the generalized least squares estimator (GLS), takes into account the noise covariance matrix and provides an unbiased estimator of the transmitted symbol vectors. We introduce some novel bounds on the achievable sum rate, on the normalized mean square error at the receiver output, and on the outage probability. The derived expressions are compared to Monte Carlo simulations.
Synthesis and Characterization of Silicon Nanoparticles Inserted into Graphene Sheets as High Performance Anode Material for Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Chen Yong , Zhang Xuejun , Tian Yanhong , Zhao Xi
Published: August 2014

Silicon nanoparticles have been successfully inserted into graphene sheets via a novel method combining freeze‐drying and thermal reduction. The structure, electrochemical performance, and cycling stability of this anode material were characterized by SEM, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), charge/discharge cycling, and cyclic voltammetry (CV). CV showed that the Si/graphene nanocomposite exhibits remarkably enhanced cycling performance and rate performance compared with bare Si nanoparticles for lithium ion batteries. XRD and SEM showed that silicon nanoparticles inserted into graphene sheets were homogeneous and had better layered structure than the bare silicon nanoparticles. Graphene sheets improved high rate discharge capacity and long cycle‐life performance. The initial capacity of the Si nanoparticles/graphene keeps above 850 mAhg−1 after 100 cycles at a rate of 100 mAg−1. The excellent cycle performances are caused by the good structure of the composites, which ensured uniform electronic conducting sheet and intensified the cohesion force of binder and collector, respectively.
Electrical Signal Guided Ibuprofen Release from Electrodeposited Chitosan Hydrogel
Authors: Liu Youyu , Yan Kun , Jiang Guoxia , Xiong Yuan , Du Yumin , Shi Xiaowen
Published: August 2014

Electrical signal guided drug release from conductive surface provides a simple and straightforward way for advanced drug delivery. In this study, we investigated the ibuprofen release from electrodeposited chitosan hydrogel by applying electrical signals. Specifically, chitosan hydrogel was electrodeposited on titanium plate and used as a matrix for ibuprofen load and release. The release of ibuprofen from the chitosan hydrogel on titanium plate was pH sensitive. By applying a positive or negative electrical potential, the release rate of ibuprofen from the electrodeposited chitosan can be facilely controlled. Thus, coupling chitosan electrodeposition and electrical signal control spurs new possibilities for biopolymeric coating and drug elution on conductive implants.
Extraction of Parquat from Blood by Clinoptilolite
Authors: Aghaii-Afshar Mohammad-Amin , Shetab-Boushehri Seyed Vahid
Published: August 2014

Paraquat is a bipyridyl herbicide and organic divalent cation which due to its high polarity and water solubility cannot be readily extracted by common organic solvents from body fluids. Dithionite color test for qualitative and quantitative determination of paraquat in urine has been proposed and used for many years. Although some methods were proposed for solvent extraction of paraquat from blood, they are less practical in clinical laboratories and lack high extraction recovery. Clinoptilolite is a highly porous natural zeolite with cation-exchange property and high surface area. In the present work, extraction of paraquat from human blood by clinoptilolite was investigated and compared with Amberlite CG-50 I, a well-known weak cation-exchanger. Blood paraquat was adsorbed by adsorbents (clinoptilolite or Amberlite) and extracted from them by saturated sodium chloride solution. Extracted paraquat was spectrophotometrically measured by means of sodium dithionite reagent at 394.5 nm. Recovery, limit of detection, considering signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio of 3, and limit of quantification, regarding S/N of 10, of paraquat extraction by clinoptilolite and Amberlite CG-50 were 81.7% ± 3.4%, 0.58 μg, and 1.93 μg and 83.6% ± 3.2%, 0.49 μg, and 1.63 μg, respectively. Repeatabilities (within-laboratory error) of paraquat extraction by clinoptilolite and Amberlite CG-50 I were 7.1% and 6.3%, respectively.
Decrease in Self-Reported Tanning Frequency among Utah Teens following the Passage of Utah Senate Bill 41: An Analysis of the Effects of Youth-Access Restriction Laws on Tanning Behaviors
Authors: Simmons Rebecca G. , Smith Kristi , Balough Meghan , Friedrichs Michael
Published: August 2014

Introduction. Adolescent use of indoor tanning facilities is associated with an increased risk in later development of melanoma skin cancers. States that have imposed age restrictions on access to indoor tanning generally show lower self-reported rates of indoor tanning than states with no restrictions, but currently no studies have assessed indoor tanning use before and after such restrictions.Methods. In 2013, we compared self-reported indoor tanning data collected in the Prevention Needs Assessment (PNA) survey in 2011 to PNA 2013 data. We also assessed predictors of continued tanning after passage of the bill.Results. Prior to the passage of Senate Bill 41, 12% of students reported at least one incident of indoor tanning in the past 12 months. After passage, only 7% of students reported indoor tanning in the past 12 months (P< 0.0001). Students who continued indoor tanning were more likely to be older and female and to engage in other risk behaviors, including smoking and alcohol use. Lower parental education levels were also associated with continued tanning.Conclusion. Indoor tanning restrictions showed beneficial impact on tanning rates in adolescents in Utah. Stricter restrictions may show even greater impact than restrictions that allow for parental waivers. Stronger enforcement of bans is needed to further reduce youth access.
Revised Max-Min Average Composition Method for Decision Making Using Intuitionistic Fuzzy Soft Matrix Theory
Authors: Shanmugasundaram P. , Seshaiah C. V. , Rathi K.
Published: August 2014

In this paper a revised Intuitionistic Fuzzy Max-Min Average Composition Method is proposed to construct the decision method for the selection of the professional students based on their skills by the recruiters using the operations of Intuitionistic Fuzzy Soft Matrices. In Shanmugasundaram et al. (2014), Intuitionistic Fuzzy Max-Min Average Composition Method was introduced and applied in Medical diagnosis problem. Sanchez’s approach (Sanchez (1979)) for decision making is studied and the concept is modified for the application of Intuitionistic fuzzy soft set theory. Through a survey, the opportunities and selection of the students with the help of Intuitionistic fuzzy soft matrix operations along with Intuitionistic fuzzy max-min average composition method is discussed.
Classification System of Pathological Voices Using Correntropy
Authors: Fontes Aluisio I. R. , Souza Pedro T. V. , Neto Adrião D. D. , Martins Allan de M. , Silveira Luiz F. Q.
Published: August 2014

This paper proposes the use of a similarity measure based on information theory called correntropy for the automatic classification of pathological voices. By using correntropy, it is possible to obtain descriptors that aggregate distinct spectral characteristics for healthy and pathological voices. Experiments using computational simulation demonstrate that such descriptors are very efficient in the characterization of vocal dysfunctions, leading to a success rate of 97% in the classification. With this new architecture, the classification process of vocal pathologies becomes much more simple and efficient.
Nurses’ Roles and Experiences with Enhancing Adherence to Tuberculosis Treatment among Patients in Burundi: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Carlsson Marie , Johansson Stina , Eale Remy-Paul Bosela , Kaboru Berthollet Bwira
Published: August 2014

Background. In TB control, poor treatment adherence is a major cause of relapse and drug resistance. Nurses have a critical role in supporting patients in TB treatment process. Yet, very little research has been done to inform policymakers and practitioners on nurses’ experiences of treatment adherence among patients with TB.Aim. To describe nurses’ experiences of supporting treatment adherence among patients with tuberculosis in Burundi.Method. The study adopted qualitative approach with a descriptive design. A purposive sampling was performed. Eight nurses were selected from two TB treatment centers in Burundi. Content analysis was used to analyze the data.Result. According to the nurses, most patients complete their treatment. Educating patients, providing the medication, observing and following up treatment, and communicating with the patients were the key tasks by nurses to support adherence. Causes for interruption were medication-related difficulties, poverty, and patients’ indiscipline. Treatment adherence could also be affected by patients’ and nurses’ feelings. Providing transportation and meals could enhance treatment compliance.Conclusion. Nurses are critical resources to TB treatment success. In a poverty stricken setting, nurses’ work could be facilitated and adherence further could be enhanced if socioeconomic problems (transportation and nutritional support) were alleviated.
Mycoplasma Hyorhinis Infection Promotes NF-κB–Dependent Migration of Gastric Cancer Cells
Authors: Duan Hongying , Chen Ling , Qu Like , Yang Hua , Song Sonya Wei , Han Yong , Ye Meihua , Chen Wanyuan , He Xianglei , Shou Chengchao
Published: August 2014

Chronic infection of Mycoplasma hyorhinis (M. hyorhinis) has been postulated to be associated with several types of cancer, but its effect on patients' survival and host factors mediating its infection remain unclear. Herein, we demonstrated that M. hyorhinis p37 protein expression in gastric cancer tissues predicts poor survival and associates with metastasis. M. hyorhinis infects mammalian cells and promotes gastric cancer cell invasiveness via its membrane protein p37. Synthesized peptide corresponding to the N-terminus of p37 prevents M. hyorhinis infection. Host Annexin A2 (ANXA2) interacts with the N-terminus of p37. In addition, EGFR forms a complex with p37 and ANXA2, and is required for M. hyorhinis–induced phosphorylation and membrane recruitment of ANXA2. M. hyorhinis infection is inhibited by siRNA-mediated knockdown of ANXA2 or EGFR, but is enhanced by expression of ectopic ANXA2 or EGFR. Downstream of ANXA2 and EGFR, the NF-κB pathway is activated and mediates M. hyorhinis–driven cell migration. In conclusion, our study unveils the effect of M. hyorhinis infection on gastric cancer survival and uncovers the mechanisms by which M. hyorhinis infects mammalian cells and promotes cancer cell migration. Cancer Res; 74(20); 5782–94. ©2014 AACR.
PRMT7 Induces Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition and Promotes Metastasis in Breast Cancer
Authors: Yao Ruosi , Jiang Hao , Ma Yuhui , Wang Liping , Wang Lin , Du Juan , Hou Pingfu , Gao Yanyan , Zhao Li , Wang Guannan , Zhang Yu , Liu Dong-Xu , Huang Baiqu , Lu Jun
Published: August 2014

Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) enables metastasis. E-cadherin loss is a hallmark of EMT, but there remains an incomplete understanding of the epigenetics of this process. The protein arginine methyltransferase PRMT7 functions in various physiologic processes, including mRNA splicing, DNA repair, and neural differentiation, but its possible roles in cancer and metastasis have not been explored. In this report, we show that PRMT7 is expressed at higher levels in breast carcinoma cells and that elevated PRMT7 mediates EMT and metastasis. PRMT7 could inhibit the expression of E-cadherin by binding to its proximal promoter in a manner associated with altered histone methylation, specifically with elevated H4R3me2s and reduced H3K4me3, H3Ac, and H4Ac, which occurred at the E-cadherin promoter upon EMT induction. Moreover, PRMT7 interacted with YY1 and HDAC3 and was essential to link these proteins to the E-cadherin promoter. Silencing PRMT7 restored E-cadherin expression by repressing H4R3me2s and by increasing H3K4me3 and H4Ac, attenuating cell migration and invasion in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Overall, our results define PRMT7 as an inducer of breast cancer metastasis and present the opportunity for applying PRMT7-targeted therapeutics to treat highly invasive breast cancers. Cancer Res; 74(19); 5656–67. ©2014 AACR.
Comprehensive Developmental Mechanisms in Gastroschisis
Authors: Bargy Frédéric , Beaudoin Sylvie
Published: August 2014

Introduction: The development of gastroschisis remains an area of controversy. Various theories have been proposed, but none has ever been supported by a thorough embryological study. Material and Methods: We herein report anatomical and microscopic observations of the developing abdominal wall and cord of embryos and fetuses, along with clinical features of gastroschisis. Results: It appears that the developing cord normally has two parts, a firm left-sided part formed by the vessels and urachus, and a thin right-sided pouch covering the intestinal loops (the ‘physiological umbilical hernia'), which could rupture, giving the basis of gastroschisis. Discussion: Gastroschisis could be the result of amniotic damage, possibly from some as yet unidentified toxin. Further bowel damage can be explained by the subsequent mesenteric injury.
Preoperative C-Reactive Protein in the Serum: A Prognostic Biomarker for Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma Treated with Radical Nephroureterectomy
Authors: Aziz Atiqullah , Rink Michael , Gakis Georgios , Kluth Luis A. , Dechet Christopher , Miller Florian , Otto Wolfgang , Gierth Michael , Denzinger Stefan , Schwentner Christian , Stenzl Arnulf , Fisch Margit , Burger Maximilian , Fritsche Hans-Martin
Published: August 2014

Objective: To investigate the impact of preoperative serum C-reactive protein (CRP) on clinicopathological features and prognosis in patients with upper tract urothelial cancer (UTUC) after radical nephroureterectomy (RNU). Patients andMethods: Data of 265 patients from three German centers who underwent RNU for UTUC without neoadjuvant chemotherapy between 1990 and 2012 were evaluated. Mean follow-up was 37 months (interquartile range 9-48). CRP was analyzed as a categorical and continuous variable for the prediction of recurrence-free survival (RFS), disease-specific survival (DSS) and all-cause survival (ACS) using uni- and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Results: The optimal cutoff for CRP was calculated by the Youden index at 0.90 mg/dl. Elevated CRP was significantly associated with pT3/4 and pN+ in a preoperative model including age, gender, tumor multifocality, tumor localization and the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status. In a multivariable Cox regression model adjusted for features significant in univariable analysis, categorized and continuous CRP levels were both independent predictors for RFS [hazard ratio (HR) 1.18, p = 0.050; HR 1.03, p = 0.012] and DSS (HR 1.61, p = 0.026; HR 1.06, p = 0.001). Continuous CRP was an independent predictor for ACS (HR 1.05, p = 0.036). Conclusions: Elevated preoperative CRP is significantly associated with aggressive tumor biology and an independent predictor for poor survival after RNU. Preoperative serum CRP represents an easily obtainable and cost-effective marker in UTUC and may help in counseling patients with regard to operative management and/or adjuvant or neoadjuvant therapies.
Good Lateral Harmonic Stability Combined with Adequate Gait Speed Is Required for Low Fall Risk in Older People
Authors: Brodie Matthew A.D. , Menz Hylton B. , Smith Stuart T. , Delbaere Kim , Lord Stephen R.
Published: August 2014

Background: Good lateral harmonic stability in gait may be important for minimising fall risk in older people because many falls occur during walking when the base of support is narrowest in the mediolateral (ML) direction. However, the traditional ML harmonic ratio (MLHR) may be a sub-optimal measure of gait quality because of insufficient frequency resolution. Objective: The primary objective was to investigate if a new measure of lateral harmonic stability, the 8-step MLHR, could discriminate older fallers from non-fallers while taking different walking speeds into account. Methods: Repeat walks over 20 m were completed by 96 older people (mean age 80, SD 4 years); 35 participants had a history of one or more falls in the past year. The traditional MLHR and the 8-step MLHR were obtained from an accelerometer attached to the sacrum. Results: Compared to the traditional MLHR, the 8-step MLHR demonstrated similar univariate ability to identify significant differences in fall risk based on age, walking speed and physiology (p ≤ 0.05). When differences in walking speed were taken into account, we observed that participants who walked both faster than average and had above-average lateral harmonic stability (by the 8-step MLHR) were 5.3 times less likely to be fallers than all other participants (relative risk: 0.19, 95% confidence interval: 0.06-0.57). For the traditional MLHR, however, no significant differences between the fallers and non-fallers were evident. Conclusions: The findings indicate that good lateral harmonic stability interacts with adequate gait speed and, when coincident, are associated with reduced fall risk in older people. Future research could examine whether interventions focusing on enhancing both gait speed and lateral stability can reduce fall risk and whether these combined gait measures can remotely predict deteriorating health using wearable technology.
Structural Abnormalities of Corpus Callosum and Cortical Axonal Tracts Accompanied by Decreased Anxiety-Like Behavior and Lowered Sociability in Spock3-Mutant Mice
Authors: Yamamoto Ayako , Uchiyama Koji , Nara Tomoka , Nishimura Naomichi , Hayasaka Michiko , Hanaoka Kazunori , Yamamoto Tatsuro
Published: August 2014

Spock3/Testican-3 is a nervous system-expressed heparan sulfate proteoglycan belonging to a subgroup of the BM-40/SPARC/osteonectin family, the role of which in brain development is unclear. Because Spock1, a member of the Spock family, inhibits their attachment to substrates and the neurite outgrowth of cultured neuronal cells, Spock3 is also thought to be similarly involved in the neuronal development. In the present study, we established a Spock3-mutant mouse harboring a deletion extending from the presumptive upstream regulatory region to exon 4 of the Spock3 locus and performed histological and behavioral studies on these mutant mice. In wild-type (WT) mice, all Spock members were clearly expressed during brain development. In adults, intense Spock1 and Spock2 expressions were observed throughout the entire brain; whereas, Spock3 expression was no longer visible except in the thalamic nuclei. Thus, Spock3 expression is mostly confined to the developmental stage of the brain. In adult mutant mice, the cells of all cortical layers were swollen. The corpus callosum was narrowed around the central region along the rostral-caudal axis and many small spaces were observed without myelin sheaths throughout the entire corpus callosum. In addition, the cortical input and output fibers did not form into thick bundled fibers as well as the WT counterparts did. Moreover, a subpopulation of corticospinal axonal fibers penetrated into the dorsal striatum with moderately altered orientations. Consistent with these modifications of brain structures, the mutant mice exhibited decreased anxiety-like behavior and lowered sociability. Together, these results demonstrate that Spock3 plays an important role in the formation or maintenance of major neuronal structures in the brain.
Can We Decide the Optimal Initial Treatment for Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Patients with Overactive Bladder by the Most Bothersome Symptom? A Randomized, Prospective, Open-Label Study
Authors: Yun Jong Hyun , Kim Jae Heon , Kim Jae Ho , Lee Sang Wook , Yang Hee Jo , Doo Seung Whan , Yang Won Jae
Published: August 2014

Objectives: To compare the treatment outcome of tamsulosin 0.4 mg (TAM) with or without solifenacin 5 mg (SOL) for the most bothersome symptom in male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) with overactive bladder (OAB). Subjects and Methods: Male LUTS/OAB (≥50 years) patients who had a total International Prostate Symptom Score (I-PSS) of ≥12, I-PSS urgency-related question of ≥2, and quality of life (QoL) of ≥3 points were enrolled. Patients who complained of storage symptoms as the most bothersome were included in the ‘storage' group. Patients who complained of voiding symptoms as the most bothersome were included in the ‘voiding' group. The change in the I-PSS was compared between the two groups 4 weeks after commencing treatment. Results: In the storage group, 172 were able to finish this study (TAM: 88, TAM + SOL: 84). The improvement of I-PSS and QoL with TAM + SOL was significantly greater than with TAM alone (p < 0.001). In the voiding group, 108 were able to finish the study (TAM: 54, TAM + SOL: 54). The improvement of I-PSS and QoL with TAM alone was significantly greater than with TAM + SOL (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The most bothersome symptom in male LUTS/OAB should be considered when choosing the appropriate medical treatment.
En Bloc Dual Kidney Transplantation from Pediatric Donors after Cardiac Death: Initial Experience in China
Authors: Li Yifu , Li Jun , Fu Qian , Deng Ronghai , Liu Longshan , Yuan Xiaopeng , Wang Changxi
Published: August 2014

Objective: To report 9 cases of en bloc kidney transplantation from pediatric donors in China and share the clinical experience. Methods: From February 2010 to February 2014, 9 pediatric donors (aged 5 months to 6 years) were assigned to us by the modern donation and allocation system after cardiac death. The en bloc kidneys were recovered in all 9 patients. The inferior vena cava and aorta of the donors were anastomosed to the external vein and artery of the recipients (7 adults and 2 children). Alprostadil or enoxaparin sodium was used for anticoagulation. Results: The kidneys attained immediate perfusion after vascular anastomosis, except for one renal artery that developed thrombosis several minutes later, necessitating nephrectomy of the unilateral graft. The other eight en bloc grafts maintained normal function during the follow-up period of 1-50 months and all the patients survived. There were no rejections or other complications. Based on ultrasonography, the grafts increased in size during the follow-up period. Conclusions: These results indicate that en bloc renal transplantation from pediatric donors is an acceptable procedure, and more widespread use could increase the number of potential donors. Splitting of pediatric donor en bloc kidneys for transplantation into two recipients may also be feasible in well-matched cases.
Carcinoma of Unknown Primary Site Treated with Carboplatin + Paclitaxel + Bevacizumab + Erlotinib and Its Maintenance Chemotherapy
Authors: Yasui Hirotoshi , Sato Kazuhide , Takeyama Yoshihiro , Kato Toshio , Hashimoto Hiroyuki , Fukui Yasutaka , Yoshihisa Nagashima , Maeda Matsuyoshi , Gonda Hideo , Suzuki Ryujiro
Published: August 2014

About 3% of all cancer patients suffer from carcinoma of unknown primary site (CUP). In spite of its rarity, we will encounter them. While CUPs manifest a wide variety of clinical presentations, they have often resulted in poor prognosis. Although platinum/taxane combination chemotherapy, e.g. carboplatin (CBDCA) + paclitaxel (PTX) is widely used for patients suffering from CUP, the response rate is only about 30-40% and the median overall survival (OS) is only 9 months, which means that improvement is needed. Among the new regimens, the combination of CBDCA, PTX, bevacizumab (BEV) and erlotinib is thought to be highly promising. Herein, we report a case with CUP treated with this regimen and his maintenance therapy. Our patient was a 75-year-old man who was admitted with a left neck lump. CT revealed systemic massive lymphadenopathy. In spite of various investigations for primary origin, he was diagnosed with CUP and treated with CBDCA + PTX + BEV + erlotinib (AUC 6 + 175 mg/m2 + 15 mg/kg + 150 mg). Since the evaluation of the efficacy indicated partial response, maintenance chemotherapy (BEV and erlotinib) was performed. Chemotherapy was continued for 9 months until the patient was in a progressive disease state with meningeal dissemination. He died 12 months after the initiation of chemotherapy, which is a longer period than the previously reported OS. Of note, according to our case, CBDCA + PTX + BEV + erlotinib and its maintenance chemotherapy are feasible and well tolerated for CUP.
Mortality Reduction in Relation to Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Programming in the Multicenter Automatic Defibrillator Implantation Trial-Reduce Inappropriate Therapy (MADIT-RIT)
Authors: Ruwald Anne-Christine , Schuger Claudio , Moss Arthur J. , Kutyifa Valentina , Olshansky Brian , Greenberg Henry , Cannom David S. , Estes N.A. Mark , Ruwald Martin H. , Huang David T. , Klein Helmut , McNitt Scott , Beck Christopher A. , Goldstein Robert , Brown Mary W. , Kautzner Josef , Shoda Morio , Wilber David , Zareba Wojciech , Daubert James P.
Published: August 2014

Background—

The benefit of novel implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) programming in reducing inappropriate ICD therapy and mortality was demonstrated in Multicenter Automatic Defibrillator Implantation Trial-Reduce Inappropriate Therapy (MADIT-RIT). However, the cause of mortality reduction remains incompletely evaluated. We aimed to identify factors associated with mortality, with focus on ICD therapy and programming in the MADIT-RIT population.

Methods and Results—

In MADIT-RIT, 1500 patients with a primary prophylactic indication for ICD or cardiac resynchronization therapy with defibrillator were randomized to 1 of 3 different ICD programming arms: conventional programming (ventricular tachycardia zone ≥170 beats per minute), high-rate programming (ventricular tachycardia zone ≥200 beats per minute), and delayed programming (60-second delay before therapy ≥170 beats per minute). Multivariate Cox models were used to assess the influence of time-dependent appropriate and inappropriate ICD therapy (shock and antitachycardia pacing) and randomized programming arm on all-cause mortality. During an average follow-up of 1.4±0.6 years, 71 of 1500 (5%) patients died: cardiac in 40 patients (56.3%), noncardiac in 23 patients (32.4%), and unknown in 8 patients (11.3%). Appropriate shocks (hazard ratio, 6.32; 95% confidence interval, 3.13–12.75;
P
<0.001) and inappropriate therapy (hazard ratio, 2.61; 95% confidence interval, 1.28–5.31;
P
=0.01) were significantly associated with an increased mortality risk. There was no evidence of increased mortality risk in patients who experienced appropriate antitachycardia pacing only (hazard ratio, 1.02; 95% confidence interval, 0.36–2.88;
P
=0.98). Randomization to conventional programming was identified as an independent predictor of death when compared with patients randomized to high-rate programming (hazard ratio, 2.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.06–3.71;
P
=0.03).

Conclusions—

In MADIT-RIT, appropriate shocks, inappropriate ICD therapy, and randomization to conventional ICD programming were independently associated with an increased mortality risk. Appropriate antitachycardia pacing was not related to an adverse outcome.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
clinicaltrials.gov
Unique identifier: NCT00947310.
Aging of the Nitric Oxide System: Are We as Old as Our NO?
Authors: Sverdlov Aaron L. , Ngo Doan T.M. , Chan Wai P.A. , Chirkov Yuliy Y. , Horowitz John D.
Published: August 2014

Background

Impaired generation and signaling of nitric oxide (
NO)
contribute substantially to cardiovascular (
CV
) risk (
CVR
) associated with hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes mellitus. In our rapidly aging society, advanced age is, in itself, a consistent and independent
CVR
factor. Many processes involved in aging are modulated by
NO
. We therefore postulated that aging might be independently associated with impaired
NO
signaling.

Methods and Results

In a prospective cohort study of 204 subjects (mean age 63±6 at study entry), we evaluated the effects of 4 years of aging on parameters of
NO
generation and effect, including platelet aggregability and responsiveness to
NO
, and plasma concentrations of the
NO
synthase inhibitor, asymmetric dimethylarginine (
ADMA
). Clinical history, lipid profile, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein, routine biochemistry, and 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels were obtained at study entry and after 4 years of follow‐up. Aging was associated with marked deterioration of responsiveness of platelets to
NO
(
P
<0.0001) and increases in plasma
ADMA
concentrations (
P
<0.0001). There was a significant correlation between changes in these parameters over time (
r
=0.2;
P
=0.013). On multivariable analyses, the independent correlates of deterioration of responsiveness of platelets to
NO
were female gender (β=0.17;
P
=0.034) and low vitamin D concentrations (β=0.16;
P
=0.04), whereas increases in
ADMA
were associated with presence of diabetes (β=0.16;
P
=0.03) and impaired renal function (β=0.2;
P
=0.004).

Conclusions

Aging is associated with marked impairment of determinants of
NO
generation and effect, to an extent which is commensurate with adverse impact on
CV
outcomes. This deterioration represents a potential target for therapeutic interventions.
From External to the Internal Application of the Right to Self-Determination: The Case of Nepal
Authors: Bhandari Surendra
Published: August 2014

Even until a few decades ago, international law and its principles could hardly be contemplated as playing catalytic roles in fashioning the rights of people at domestic levels. Today a number of international instruments do not only constitute the rights of people, but also people are giving much prominence to rights enshrined in international law and demanding their implementation at domestic levels. In this context, Nepal presents a noteworthy case, especially in regard to the protection and promotion of the rights of minority groups, ethnic groups, and indigenous people at the domestic level in consonance with international laws related to the rights of self-determination. Against this background, this paper examines the issue of the right to self-determination, its external and internal application, its epistemology, and problems associated with its implementation in the context of state restructuring in the post-conflict period of Nepal.
Political Technê: Plato and the Poets
Authors: Blyth Dougal
Published: August 2014

Plato’s treatment of poetry is usually discussed without reference to other contemporary reception of Greek poetry, leading to divergent political or aesthetic accounts of its meaning. Yet the culture of the Greek polis, in particular Athens, is the defining context for understanding his aims. Four distinct points are made here, and cumulatively an interpretation of Plato’s opposition to poetry: on the basis of other evidence, including Aristophanes’ Frogs, that Plato would quite reasonably understand poetry to claim the craft of looking after a city (political technê); that Socrates makes a rival claim that philosophy is the pursuit of this skill; that Plato considers the poets, owing to this rivalry, to aim to exclude philosophy from Athens; and finally, that Plato’s exclusion of poetry from the theoretical just city of the Republic is part of his defence of the possibility of philosophy in Athens.1
Plato’s Rejection of the Instrumental Account of Friendship in the Lysis
Authors: Curzer Howard J.
Published: August 2014

In the Lysis, Socrates argues that friendship is driven by a desire to use others for one’s own gain (210b-d). Some commentators take Socrates to be speaking for Plato on this point. By contrast, I shall argue that the Lysis is a reductio ad absurdum of this instrumental account of friendship. First, three arguments in the Lysis (210c-d, 214b-215b, 216d-218a) reach counterintuitive conclusions which may be avoided by abandoning the common premise that friendship is instrumental. Second, the dramatic context includes counterexamples to the instrumental account of friendship (e.g. the two friendship trios: Lysis, Menexenus, and Socrates; Lysis, his mother, and his father). Third, Socrates distinguishes between people who are desirable because they are useful, and “true friends” who are desirable for their own sake (219c-221b). This is an explicit rejection of the instrumental account of friendship.
Review of Solier's Mecorhopalus species (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae)
Authors: MOUSSALLEM M. , RIBEIRO-COSTA C. S. , CARON E.
Published: August 2014

Antoine Joseph Jean Solier, a French naturalist, described 53 species of Staphylinidae of the Chilean fauna, among them three species in a new genus Mecorhopalus (M. ater, M. bipustulatus and M. elongatus). Today these species are regarded as Aleochara atra, A. solieri and A. mutare , respectively. The objective of this study is to provide an updated description and nomenclatural status of these species. Mecorhopalus remains as junior synonym of Aleochara with one species in the subgenus Aleochara and another in Coprochara. Through study of the type material, A. mutare is synonymized with A. solieri as junior subjective synonym.
Jerzego, a new hisponine jumping spider from Borneo (Araneae: Salticidae)
Authors: MADDISON WAYNE P. , PIASCIK EDYTA K.
Published: August 2014

A new genus and species of hisponine jumping spider from Sarawak, Jerzego corticicola Maddison sp. nov. are described, representing one of the few hisponine jumping spiders known from Asia, and the only whose male is known. Although similar to the primarily-Madagascan genus Hispo in having an elongate and flat body, sequences of 28s and 16sND1 genes indicate that Jerzego is most closely related to Massagris and Tomomingi, a result consistent with morphology. Females of Jerzego and other genera of Hisponinae were found to have an unusual double copulatory duct, which appears to be a synapomorphy of the subfamily. Two species are transferred from Hispo, Jerzego bipartitus (Simon) comb. nov. and Jerzego alboguttatus (Simon) comb. nov. Diagnostic illustrations and photographs of living spiders are provided.
KuROS: A New Airborne Ku-Band Doppler Radar for Observation of Surfaces
Authors: Caudal Gérard , Hauser Danièle , Valentin René , Le Gac Christophe
Published: August 2014

This study presents the new airborne Doppler radar Ku-Band Radar for Observation of Surfaces (KuROS), which provides measurements of the normalized radar cross section σ° and of the Doppler velocity over the sea. The system includes two antennas rotating around a vertical axis, although only the results from the lower incidence (14°) antenna are presented here. Also given are the first results from observations performed during two field campaigns held in 2013: the Hydrological Cycle in Mediterranean Experiment (HyMeX) and the Prévision Océanique, Turbidité, Ecoulements, Vagues et Sédimentologie (PROTEVS).

Sea wave directional spectra computed by the radar from tilt modulation of σ° are consistent with those given by the directional wave rider moored in the Mediterranean basin, both in terms of significant wave height Hs and main features of the wavenumber spectrum. As concerns the azimuthal distribution, two methods are tested to remove the 180° ambiguity of the radar-derived directional spectrum. The first method is based on the correlation between the modulations of σ° and Doppler velocity, which reflects the correlation between the sea surface slope and orbital velocity. The second method does not use the Doppler velocity but computes the cross spectrum between the modulations of σ° between two power profiles separated by some time lag ΔT, from which the phase velocity of sea waves is deduced. Comparing the sea wave directional spectra disambiguated by both methods, with the directional spectrum given by the wave rider, it is concluded that the first method (using Doppler velocity) is more efficient to remove the 180° ambiguity and should be preferred to the second method.
Prenatal Exposure to Violence and Birth Weight in Mexico
Authors: Torche Florencia , Villarreal Andrés
Published: August 2014

This article examines the effect of maternal exposure to local homicides on birth weight. We create a monthly panel by merging all births in Mexico from 2008 to 2010 with homicide data at the municipality level. Findings from fixed-effects models indicate that exposure to homicides in the first trimester of gestation increases infant birth weight and reduces the proportion of low birth weight. The effect is not driven by fertility or migration responses to environmental violence. The mechanism driving this surprising positive effect appears to be an increase in mothers’ health-enhancing behaviors (particularly the use of prenatal care) as a result of exposure to violence. The positive effect of homicide exposure is heterogeneous across socioeconomic status (SES). It is strong among low-SES women—but only those living in urban areas—and null among the most advantaged women. This variation suggests that behavioral responses to an increase in local homicides depend on a combination of increased vulnerability and access to basic resources that allow women to obtain prenatal care.
Window on a Changing China
Authors: Thampi Madhavi
Published: August 2014

It was not until the 1940s that India and China established diplomatic relations in modern times. This article concerns itself with the observations and impressions, based on their time in China, of two of the earliest of modern India’s envoys to China, K.P.S. Menon and K.M. Panikkar. The 1940s were a watershed period in the history of both India and China, when both countries found themselves in the midst of momentous transitions. The two Indian envoys had a ringside seat from where they could closely observe and comment on the complex situation unfolding before them in China. As two articulate Indians who observed China at first hand, the writings of Menon and Panikkar offer us a unique and empathetic portrayal of China, which they viewed as a fellow Asian country facing enormous challenges not dissimilar to those of India. They show us that the governments of both India and China in this period, despite their many other preoccupations, were deeply interested in developments in the other country and in their relations with each other. At the same time, these writings also reveal that the very circumstances of the emergence of independent India and the People’s Republic of China, both with a distinct sense of their own civilisational greatness and sharing a common boundary, carried latent tensions.
The Upcoming Indo-ASEAN CECA
Authors: Chakraborty Debashis
Published: August 2014

Since the initiation of economic reforms in 1991, ‘Look East Policy’ has been a major component of India’s trade diplomacy. During the first decade after inception of WTO, India relied heavily on the multilateral trade reforms for securing export growth, but slow progress of the Doha Round negotiations caused it to shift focus on the regional trade agreements (RTAs) instead from 2004 onwards. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Southeast Asia emerged as India’s natural trade partner with its lucrative market but the negotiations proved to be a complex exercise. The Indo-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (FTA) covering merchandise products has boosted bilateral trade flows, but the balance of trade has improved in ASEAN’s favour. The current article attempts to analyse the potential trade effects for India from its deepened trade relationship with ASEAN through the proposed Indo-ASEAN comprehensive economic cooperation agreement (CECA) covering trade in services and investment provisions.
Forced-Attention Dichotic Listening With University Students With Dyslexia
Authors: Kershner John R.
Published: August 2014

Rapidly changing environments in day-to-day activities, enriched with stimuli competing for attention, require a cognitive control mechanism to select relevant stimuli, ignore irrelevant stimuli, and shift attention between alternative features of the environment. Such attentional orchestration is essential to the acquisition of reading skills. In the present forced attention dichotic listening study, adults with moderate and severe dyslexia and nondisabled adults were tested on their ability to switch attention between ears for immediate recall. Blocks of pairs of consonant–vowel syllables were counterbalanced into left-ear first or right-ear first ordered conditions. Significant order effects showed that only those with severe dyslexia were poorer in switching attention to the left ear, whereas both groups with dyslexia were poorer switching attention to the right ear. Shifting left appears to be a normative function of reading level, whereas inferior ability to disengage attending to the left ear to report from the right ear qualifies as a dysfunctional facet of dyslexia with etiological significance. No support was found for the traditional proposition that dyslexia may be associated with atypical left hemisphere lateralization. Combining these results with previous dichotic and neuroimaging research implicates a dysfunctional frontostriatal cognitive control network in dyslexia. With due caution, the results suggest that a neurobiological feature of dyslexia may be a lack of control in downwardly modulating excessive left inferior frontal cortex activations. The results are consistent with impoverished connectedness between left anterior and posterior language areas and, pending future confirmation of these findings, suggest the need for a reconceptualization of remedial programming.
Deliberative Democracy at China’s Grassroots
Authors: Unger Jonathan , Chan Anita , Chung Him
Published: August 2014

Dictatorial China contains vivid examples of grassroots deliberative democracy on issues vital to local participants. Three elements in our case studies are relevant to programs of deliberative, participatory decision making elsewhere in the world. First, the Chinese examples have all occurred within longstanding communities. Second, the members of these communities have faced concrete issues of a type they felt they had the knowledge to resolve. And third, all of these communities had access to institutional frameworks established from above that the local populace could utilize as deliberative forums. In addition, a more distinctively Chinese factor was observed in two of our case studies: collective decisions were arrived at based on “moral economy” beliefs rooted in China’s socialist past.
The Bourgeoisie Dream Factory
Authors: Windsor Elroi J. , Carroll Alana M.
Published: August 2014

Effectively teaching sociological theories to undergraduate students is challenging. Students often enroll in theory courses due to major requirements, not personal interest. Consequently, many students approach the study of theory with anxiety. This study examined the effectiveness of an experiential learning activity designed to teach Karl Marx’s theory of alienation. Based on pretest/posttest surveys, responses to open-ended questions, and observational data, students reported that the activity helped them gain a clearer understanding of Marx. They also reported finding the activity interesting, enjoying being able to apply theory, and being able to see how Marx’s theory related to real life. Assessment data revealed that students were confident in demonstrating their understanding of Marx’s theories on assignments but not always effective in doing so. The findings contribute to literature on active and experiential learning techniques as successful methods for teaching abstract sociological concepts.
Comparing Two Algorithms for Calibrating the Restricted Non-Compensatory Multidimensional IRT Model
Authors: Wang Chun , Nydick Steven W.
Published: August 2014

The non-compensatory class of multidimensional item response theory (MIRT) models frequently represents the cognitive processes underlying a series of test items better than the compensatory class of MIRT models. Nevertheless, few researchers have used non-compensatory MIRT in modeling psychological data. One reason for this lack of use is because non-compensatory MIRT item parameters are notoriously difficult to accurately estimate. In this article, we propose methods to improve the estimability of a specific non-compensatory model. To initiate the discussion, we address the non-identifiability of the explored non-compensatory MIRT model by suggesting that practitioners use an item-dimension constraint matrix (namely, a Q-matrix) that results in model identifiability. We then compare two promising algorithms for high-dimensional model calibration, Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) and Metropolis–Hastings Robbins–Monro (MH-RM), and discuss, via analytical demonstrations, the challenges in estimating model parameters. Based on simulation studies, we show that when the dimensions are not highly correlated, and when the Q-matrix displays appropriate structure, the non-compensatory MIRT model can be accurately calibrated (using the aforementioned methods) with as few as 1,000 people. Based on the simulations, we conclude that the MCMC algorithm is better able to estimate model parameters across a variety of conditions, whereas the MH-RM algorithm should be used with caution when a test displays complex structure and when the latent dimensions are highly correlated.
Effect of High‐Dose Cysteine Supplementation on Erythrocyte Glutathione
Authors: Calkins Kara L. , Sanchez Lauren A. , Tseng Chi‐Hong , Faull Kym F. , Yoon Alexander J. , Ryan Christopher M. , Le Thuc , Shew Stephen B.
Published: August 2014

Background: This study's objective was to determine if parenteral cysteine when compared with isonitrogenous noncysteine supplementation increases erythrocyte reduced glutathione (GSH) in neonates at high risk for inflammatory injury. Material and Methods: Neonates with a score for neonatal acute physiology >10 requiring mechanical ventilation and parenteral nutrition (PN) were randomized in a double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled study to receive parenteral cysteine‐HCl (CYS group) or additional PN amino acids (ISO group) at 121 mg/kg/d for ≥7 days. A 6‐hour [13C2] glycine IV infusion was administered at study week 1 to determine the fractional synthetic rate of GSH (FSR‐GSH). Results: Baseline characteristics were similar between the CYS (n = 17) and ISO groups (n = 21). Erythrocyte GSH and total glutathione concentrations, GSH:oxidized GSH (GSSG), and FSR‐GSH after treatment were not different between groups. However, the CYS group had a larger individual positive change in GSH and total glutathione (infusion day – baseline) compared with the ISO group (P = .02 for each). After adjusting for treatment, a lower enrollment weight and rate of red blood cell transfusion were associated with a decreased change in total glutathione and GSH (P < .05 for each). Conclusion: When compared with isonitrogenous noncysteine supplementation, high‐dose cysteine supplementation for at least 1 week in critically ill neonates resulted in a larger and more positive individual change in GSH. Smaller infants and those who received transfused blood demonstrated less effective change in GSH with cysteine supplementation. The benefit of cysteine remains promising and deserves further investigation.