bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automatically generating DTD-specific XML parsers
Authors: Nyberg Karl
Published: March 2014

This paper presents an automated approach to creating DTD-specific XML parsers in Ada. It describes a "work in progress" with discussion of current performance, limitations and future plans.
Ada and the software vulnerabilities project
Authors: Burns Alan , Tokar Joyce L. , Baird Stephen , Barnes John , Chapman Rod , Dismukes Gary , Gonzales-Harbour Michael , Michell Stephen , Moore Brad , Pinho Miguel , Ploedereder Erhard , Real Jorge , Rosen J. P. , Schonberg Ed , Taft S. Tucker , Vardanega T.
Published: March 2014

Given the large focus on software vulnerabilities in the current market place, ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 22/WG 23 has developed a Technical Report (TR) on Vulnerabilities [1]. This TR contains vulnerabilities that may be applicable to a programming language or application. This article provides a synopsis of these vulnerabilities with respect to the Ada programming language [2].
On the Management and Analysis of Our LifeSteps
Authors: Pelekis Nikos , Theodoridis Yannis , Janssens Davy
Published: March 2014

Huge volumes of location information are available nowadays due to the rapid growth of positioning devices (GPS-enabled smartphones and tablets, on-board navigation systems in vehicles, vessels and planes, smart chips for animals, etc.). In the near future, it is unavoidable that this explosion will contribute in what is called the Big Data era, raising high challenges for the data management research community. Instead of trying to manage bigger and bigger volumes of raw data, future Moving Object Database (MOD) systems need to extract and manage (the minimum necessary) semantics of movement. Such semantics can foster next-generation location-based services (LBS) and locationbased social networking (LBSN) applications, building more efficient and effective applications, while in parallel opening new research directions in the field of transportation, urban planning etc. In this article, we first present a novel model that enables the unified management of (raw GPS) trajectories and their semantic counterpart, and then we discuss challenges and solutions on the multidimensional analysis of such real-world semantic-aware mobility databases and data warehouses. Our recent experience from an interdisciplinary EU project we've been participating makes us confident that the envisioned approach will inspire the next wave of research in mobility data management and exploration field.
20 years of pattern mining
Authors: Giacometti Arnaud , Li Dominique H. , Marcel Patrick , Soulet Arnaud
Published: March 2014

In 1993, Rakesh Agrawal, Tomasz Imielinski and Arun N. Swami published one of the founding papers of Pattern Mining: "Mining Association Rules between Sets of Items in Large Databases". Beyond the introduction to a new problem, it introduced a new methodology in terms of resolution and evaluation. For two decades, Pattern Mining has been one of the most active fields in Knowledge Discovery in Databases. This paper provides a bibliometric survey of the literature relying on 1,087 publications from five major international conferences: KDD, PKDD, PAKDD, ICDM and SDM. We first measured a slowdown of research dedicated to Pattern Mining while the KDD field continues to grow. Then, we quantified the main contributions with respect to languages, constraints and condensed representations to outline the current directions. We observe a sophistication of languages over the last 20 years, although association rules and itemsets are so far the most studied ones. As expected, the minimal support constraint predominates the extraction of patterns with approximately 50% of the publications. Finally, condensed representations used in 10% of the papers had relative success particularly between 2005 and 2008.
Involvement of miRNAs in Placental Alterations Mediated by Oxidative Stress
Authors: Rudov Alexander , Balduini Walter , Carloni Silvia , Perrone Serafina , Buonocore Giuseppe , Albertini Maria Cristina
Published: March 2014

Oxidative stress (OS) is known to be strongly involved in a large number of fetal, neonatal, and adult diseases, including placental disorders, leading to pregnancy loss and stillbirths. A growing body of research links OS to preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, obesity, spontaneous abortion, recurrent pregnancy, preterm labor, and intrauterine growth restriction. While a considerable number of miRNAs have been related to physiological functions and pathological conditions of the placenta, a direct link among these miRNAs, placental functions, and OS is still lacking. This review summarizes data describing the role of miRNAs in placental pathophysiological processes and their possible impact on OS damaging responses. As miRNAs can be found in circulation, improving our understanding on their role in the pathogenesis of pregnancy related disorders could have an important impact on the diagnosis and prognosis of these diseases.
Monthly Optimal Reservoirs Operation for Multicrop Deficit Irrigation under Fuzzy Stochastic Uncertainties
Authors: Zhang Liudong , Guo Ping , Fang Shiqi , Li Mo
Published: March 2014

An uncertain monthly reservoirs operation and multicrop deficit irrigation model was proposed under conjunctive use of underground and surface water for water resources optimization management. The objective is to maximize the total crop yield of the entire irrigation districts. Meanwhile, ecological water remained for the downstream demand. Because of the shortage of water resources, the monthly crop water production function was adopted for multiperiod deficit irrigation management. The model reflects the characteristics of water resources repetitive transformation in typical inland rivers irrigation system. The model was used as an example for water resources optimization management in Shiyang River Basin, China. Uncertainties in reservoir management shown as fuzzy probability were treated through chance-constraint parameter for decision makers. Necessity of dominance(ND)was used to analyse the advantages of the method. The optimization results including reservoirs real-time operation policy, deficit irrigation management, and the available water resource allocation could be used to provide decision support for local irrigation management. Besides, the strategies obtained could help with the risk analysis of reservoirs operation stochastically.
An Effective Recommender Algorithm for Cold‐Start Problem in Academic Social Networks
Authors: Rohani Vala Ali , Kasirun Zarinah Mohd , Kumar Sameer , Shamshirband Shahaboddin
Published: March 2014

Abundance of information in recent years has become a serious challenge for web users. Recommender systems (RSs) have been often utilized to alleviate this issue. RSs prune large information spaces to recommend the most relevant items to users by considering their preferences. Nonetheless, in situations where users or items have few opinions, the recommendations cannot be made properly. This notable shortcoming in practical RSs is called cold‐start problem. In the present study, we propose a novel approach to address this problem by incorporating social networking features. Coined as enhanced content‐based algorithm using social networking (ECSN), the proposed algorithm considers the submitted ratings of faculty mates and friends besides user’s own preferences. The effectiveness of ECSN algorithm was evaluated by implementing it in MyExpert, a newly designed academic social network (ASN) for academics in Malaysia. Real feedbacks from live interactions of MyExpert users with the recommended items are recorded for 12 consecutive weeks in which four different algorithms, namely, random, collaborative, content‐based, and ECSN were applied every three weeks. The empirical results show significant performance of ECSN in mitigating the cold‐start problem besides improving the prediction accuracy of recommendations when compared with other studied recommender algorithms.
Complex Network Analysis of Pakistan Railways
Authors: Mohmand Yasir Tariq , Wang Aihu
Published: March 2014

We study the structural properties of Pakistan railway network (PRN), where railway stations are considered as nodes while edges are represented by trains directly linking two stations. The network displays small world properties and is assortative in nature. Based on betweenness and closeness centralities of the nodes, the most important cities are identified with respect to connectivity as this could help in identifying the potential congestion points in the network.
Inclusions and Microstructure of Steel Weld Deposits with Nanosize Titanium Oxide Addition
Authors: Chen Cuixin , Xue Haitao , Peng Huifen , Yan Liang , Zhi Lei , Wang Sixu
Published: March 2014

Nanosize TiO2 particles were added directly into welding molten pool through electrode for the difficulty of accurate control of oxygen potential and production processing parameters. The characteristics of phase transformation and thermal behavior of inclusions for Fe‐C‐Mn‐Si‐Ti‐O system and Fe‐C‐Mn‐Si‐TiO2 system were analyzed. Results show that the added TiO2 particles are more helpful for the formation of Mn‐Ti‐O complex inclusion and can induce the decrease of phase transformation temperature of austenite to ferrite. Intragranular ferrite can be obtained under the condition of continuous cooling transformation with cooling rate of 293 K/s–373 K/s. The inclusions in steel welds are spherical in shape and mainly composed of TiO2, Ti3O5, Ti2O3, MnO, and SiO2. The mean size of inclusions is 0.67 μm. These complex inclusions can supply a large number of nucleating cores for their precipitation at higher temperature, which will disturb the growth of columnar crystal during solidification. Moreover, Mn‐containing titanium oxides will promote the transformation of austenite to intragranular ferrite for the formation of manganese depleted zones in steel welds around oxides. So it can be concluded that nanosize titanium oxide added directly in welding molten pool can be effectively used to control phase transformation and achieve fine and favorable microstructure.
Two Conservative Difference Schemes for Rosenau-Kawahara Equation
Authors: Hu Jinsong , Xu Youcai , Hu Bing , Xie Xiaoping
Published: March 2014

Two conservative finite difference schemes for the numerical solution of the initialboundary value problem of Rosenau-Kawahara equation are proposed. The difference schemes simulate two conservative quantities of the problem well. The existence and uniqueness of the difference solution are proved. It is shown that the finite difference schemes are of second-order convergence and unconditionally stable. Numerical experiments verify the theoretical results.
Reflection Reduction on DDR3 High-Speed Bus by Improved PSO
Authors: Li Huiyong , Jiang Hongxu , Li Bo , Duan Miyi
Published: March 2014

The signal integrity of the circuit, as one of the important design issues in high-speed digital system, is usually seriously affected by the signal reflection due to impedance mismatch in the DDR3 bus. In this paper, a novel optimization method is proposed to optimize impedance mismatch and reduce the signal refection. Specifically, by applying the via parasitic, an equivalent model of DDR3 high-speed signal transmission, which bases on the match between the on-die-termination (ODT) value of DDR3 and the characteristic impedance of the transmission line, is established. Additionally, an improved particle swarm optimization algorithm with adaptive perturbation is presented to solve the impedance mismatch problem (IPSO-IMp) based on the above model. The algorithm dynamically judges particles’ state and introduces perturbation strategy for local aggregation, from which the local optimum is avoided and the ability of optimization-searching is activated. IPSO-IMp achieves higher accuracy than the standard algorithm, and the speed increases nearly 33% as well. Finally, the simulation results verify that the solution obviously decreases the signal reflection, with the signal transmission quality increasing by 1.3 dB compared with the existing method.
Antibiotic Conjugated Fluorescent Carbon Dots as a Theranostic Agent for Controlled Drug Release, Bioimaging, and Enhanced Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Thakur Mukeshchand , Pandey Sunil , Mewada Ashmi , Patil Vaibhav , Khade Monika , Goshi Ekta , Sharon Madhuri
Published: March 2014

A novel report on microwave assisted synthesis of bright carbon dots (C-dots) using gum arabic (GA) and its use as molecular vehicle to ferry ciprofloxacin hydrochloride, a broad spectrum antibiotic, is reported in the present work. Density gradient centrifugation (DGC) was used to separate different types of C-dots. After careful analysis of the fractions obtained after centrifugation, ciprofloxacin was attached to synthesize ciprofloxacin conjugated with C-dots (Cipro@C-dots conjugate). Release of ciprofloxacin was found to be extremely regulated under physiological conditions. Cipro@C-dots were found to be biocompatible on Vero cells as compared to free ciprofloxacin (1.2 mM) even at very high concentrations. Bare C-dots (∼13 mg mL−1) were used for microbial imaging of the simplest eukaryotic model—Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast). Bright green fluorescent was obtained when live imaging was performed to view yeast cells under fluorescent microscope suggesting C-dots incorporation inside the cells. Cipro@C-dots conjugate also showed enhanced antimicrobial activity against both model gram positive and gram negative microorganisms. Thus, the Cipro@C-dots conjugate paves not only a way for bioimaging but also an efficient new nanocarrier for controlled drug release with high antimicrobial activity, thereby serving potential tool for theranostics.
Prediction of the Wall Factor of Arbitrary Particle Settling through Various Fluid Media in a Cylindrical Tube Using Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Li Mingzhong , Zhang Guodong , Xue Jianquan , Li Yanchao , Tang Shukai
Published: March 2014

Considering the influence of particle shape and the rheological properties of fluid, two artificial intelligence methods (Artificial Neural Network and Support Vector Machine) were used to predict the wall factor which is widely introduced to deduce the net hydrodynamic drag force of confining boundaries on settling particles. 513 data points were culled from the experimental data of previous studies, which were divided into training set and test set. Particles with various shapes were divided into three kinds: sphere, cylinder, and rectangular prism; feature parameters of each kind of particle were extracted; prediction models of sphere and cylinder using artificial neural network were established. Due to the little number of rectangular prism sample, support vector machine was used to predict the wall factor, which is more suitable for addressing the problem of small samples. The characteristic dimension was presented to describe the shape and size of the diverse particles and a comprehensive prediction model of particles with arbitrary shapes was established to cover all types of conditions. Comparisons were conducted between the predicted values and the experimental results.
Melanins: Skin Pigments and Much More—Types, Structural Models, Biological Functions, and Formation Routes
Authors: Solano F.
Published: March 2014

This review presents a general view of all types of melanin in all types of organisms. Melanin is frequently considered just an animal cutaneous pigment and is treated separately from similar fungal or bacterial pigments. Similarities concerning the phenol precursors and common patterns in the formation routes are discussed. All melanins are formed in a first enzymatically-controlled phase, generally a phenolase, and a second phase characterized by an uncontrolled polymerization of the oxidized intermediates. In that second phase, quinones derived from phenol oxidation play a crucial role. Concerning functions, all melanins show a common feature, a protective role, but they are not merely photoprotective pigments against UV sunlight. In pathogenic microorganisms, melanization becomes a virulence factor since melanin protects microbial cells from defense mechanisms in the infected host. In turn, some melanins are formed in tissues where sunlight radiation is not a potential threat. Then, their redox, metal chelating, or free radical scavenging properties are more important than light absorption capacity. These pigments sometimes behave as a double-edged sword, and inhibition of melanogenesis is desirable in different cells. Melanin biochemistry is an active field of research from dermatological, biomedical, cosmetical, and microbiological points of view, as well as fruit technology.
Block‐Based MAP Superresolution Using Feature‐Driven Prior Model
Authors: Xu Feng , Fan Tanghuai , Huang Chenrong , Wang Xin , Xu Lizhong
Published: March 2014

In the field of image superresolution reconstruction (SRR), the prior can be employed to solve the ill‐posed problem. However, the prior model is selected empirically and characterizes the entire image so that the local feature of image cannot be represented accurately. This paper proposes a feature‐driven prior model relying on feature of the image and introduces a block‐based maximum a posteriori (MAP) framework under which the image is split into several blocks to perform SRR. Therefore, the local feature of image can be characterized more accurately, which results in a better SRR. In process of recombining superresolution blocks, we still design a border‐expansion strategy to remove a byproduct, namely, cross artifacts. Experimental results show that the proposed method is effective.
Analysis of a Patch Model for the Dynamical Transmission of Echinococcosis
Authors: Wang Kai , Zhang Xueliang , Teng Zhidong , Wang Lei , Zhang Liping
Published: March 2014

A patch model for echinococcosis due to dogs migration is proposed to explore the effect of dogs migration among patches on the spread of echinococcosis. We firstly define the basic reproduction numberR0. The mathematical results show that the dynamics of the model can be completely determined byR0. IfR0<1, the disease-free equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable. WhenR0>1, the model is permanence and endemic equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable. According to the simulations, it is shown that the larger diffusion of dogs from the lower epidemic areas to the higher prevalence areas can intensify the spread of echinococcosis. However, the larger diffusion of dogs from the higher prevalence areas to the lower epidemic areas can reduce the spread and is beneficial for disease control.
Interval Oscillation Criteria for Second-Order Forced Functional Dynamic Equations on Time Scales
Authors: Zhang Shao-Yan , Wang Qi-Ru
Published: March 2014

This paper is concerned with oscillation of second-order forced functional dynamic equations of the form(r(t)(xΔ(t))γ)Δ+∑i=0n‍qi(t)|x(δi(t))|αisgn  x(δi(t))=e(t)on time scales. By using a generalized Riccati technique and integral averaging techniques, we establish new oscillation criteria which handle some cases not covered by known criteria.
Characterization of Silver Oxide Films Formed by Reactive RF Sputtering at Different Substrate Temperatures
Authors: Reddy P. Narayana , Reddy M. Hari Prasad , Pierson J. F. , Uthanna S.
Published: March 2014

Silver oxide (A2O) films were deposited on glass and silicon substrates held at temperatures in the range 303–473 K by reactive RF magnetron sputtering of silver target. The films formed at room temperature were single phase Ag2O with polycrystalline in nature, while those deposited at 373 K were improved in the crystallinity. The films deposited at 423 K were mixed phase of Ag2O and Ag. Atomic force micrographs of the films formed at room temperature were of spherical shape grains with size of 85 nm, whereas those deposited at 473 K were with enhanced grain size of 215 nm with pyramidal shape. Electrical resistivity of the single phase films formed at room temperature was 5.2 × 10−3 Ωcm and that of mixed phase was 4.2 × 10−4 Ωcm. Optical band gap of single phase films increased from 2.05 to 2.13 eV with the increase of substrate temperature from 303 to 373 K, while in mixed phase films it was 1.92 eV.
Flexor Tendon Injuries in the Hand: A UK Survey of Repair Techniques and Suture Materials—Are We Following the Evidence?
Authors: Rudge W. B. J. , James M.
Published: March 2014

Introduction. Injuries to the hand are common, and poor functional outcomes can have significant long-term consequences affecting both work and social activities. Good outcomes following flexor tendon lacerations in the hand are dependent on a sound surgical repair allowing early active mobilisation. Materials and Methods.
We reviewed the literature regarding the choice of suture material and repair technique. We then carried out a nationwide postal survey of plastic surgery hand units to assess the level of compliance with the evidence. Results. Fifty-four units were surveyed. The response rate was 72%, with the most popular core suture being Prolene (64%) and the most popular technique being the Kessler repair (36%). Discussion. Current evidence advocates a multistrand repair using Ethibond. We found that the majority of units are not following the evidence. We suggest the use of evidence-based departmental guidelines to improve the practice and outcomes following these common injuries.
31-Year-Old Female Shows Marked Improvement in Depression, Agitation, and Panic Attacks after Genetic Testing Was Used to Inform Treatment
Authors: Lawrence Scott
Published: March 2014

This case describes a 31-year-old female Caucasian patient with complaints of ongoing depression, agitation, and severe panic attacks. The patient was untreated until a recent unsuccessful trial of citalopram followed by venlafaxine which produced a partial response. Genetic testing was performed to assist in treatment decisions and revealed the patient to be heterozygous for polymorphisms in5HT2C, ANK3, andMTHFRand homozygous for a polymorphism inSLC6A4and the low activity (Met/Met)COMTallele. In response to genetic results and clinical presentation, venlafaxine was maintained and lamotrigine was added leading to remission of agitation and depression.
One‐Step Dynamic Classifier Ensemble Model for Customer Value Segmentation with Missing Values
Authors: Xiao Jin , Zhu Bing , Teng Geer , He Changzheng , Liu Dunhu
Published: March 2014

Scientific customer value segmentation (CVS) is the base of efficient customer relationship management, and customer credit scoring, fraud detection, and churn prediction all belong to CVS. In real CVS, the customer data usually include lots of missing values, which may affect the performance of CVS model greatly. This study proposes a one‐step dynamic classifier ensemble model for missing values (ODCEM) model. On the one hand, ODCEM integrates the preprocess of missing values and the classification modeling into one step; on the other hand, it utilizes multiple classifiers ensemble technology in constructing the classification models. The empirical results in credit scoring dataset “German” from UCI and the real customer churn prediction dataset “China churn” show that the ODCEM outperforms four commonly used “two‐step” models and the ensemble based model LMF and can provide better decision support for market managers.
Bifurcation Approach to Analysis of Travelling Waves in Nonlocal Hydrodynamic-Type Models
Authors: Shi Jianping , Li Jibin
Published: March 2014

The paper considers the nonlocal hydrodynamic-type systems which are two-dimensional travelling wave systems with a five-parameter group. We apply the method of dynamical systems to investigate the bifurcations of phase portraits depending on the parameters of systems and analyze the dynamical behavior of the travelling wave solutions. The existence of peakons, compactons, and periodic cusp wave solutions is discussed. When the parameternequals 2, namely, let the isochoric Gruneisen coefficient equal 1, some exact analytical solutions such as smooth bright solitary wave solution, smooth and nonsmooth dark solitary wave solution, and periodic wave solutions, as well as uncountably infinitely many breaking wave solutions, are obtained.
Trace Analysis in End-Exhaled Air Using Direct Solvent Extraction in Gas Sampling Tubes: Tetrachloroethene in Workers as an Example
Authors: Ziener Chris-Elmo , Braunsdorf Pia-Paulin
Published: March 2014

Simple and cost-effective analytical methods are required to overcome the barriers preventing the use of exhaled air in routine occupational biological monitoring. Against this background, a new method is proposed that simplifies the automation and calibration of the analytical measurements. End-exhaled air is sampled using valveless gas sampling tubes made of glass. Gaseous analytes are transferred to a liquid phase using a microscale solvent extraction performed directly inside the gas sampling tubes. The liquid extracts are analysed using a gas chromatograph equipped, as usual, with a liquid autosampler, and liquid standards are used for calibration. For demonstration purposes, the method’s concept was applied to the determination of tetrachloroethene in end-exhaled air, which is a biomarker for occupational tetrachloroethene exposure. The method’s performance was investigated in the concentration range 2 to 20 μg tetrachloroethene/L, which corresponds to today’s exposure levels. The calibration curve was linear, and the intra-assay repeatability and recovery rate were sufficient. Analysis of real samples from dry-cleaning workers occupationally exposed to tetrachloroethene and from nonexposed subjects demonstrated the method’s utility. In the case of tetrachloroethene, the method can be deployed quickly, requires no previous experiences in gas analysis, provides sufficient analytical reliability, and addresses typical end-exhaled air concentrations from exposed workers.
Gain‐Scheduled ℋ2 Controller Synthesis for Continuous‐Time Polytopic LPV Systems
Authors: Cai Guangbin , Hu Changhua , Yin Baojuan , He Huafeng , Han Xiaojun
Published: March 2014

This paper is concerned with the problem of gain‐scheduled ℋ2 controller synthesis for continuous‐time linear parameter‐varying systems. In this problem, the system matrices in the state‐space form are polytopic and patameterized and the admissible values of the parameters are assumed to be measurable on‐line in a polytope space. By employing a basis‐parameter‐dependent Lyapunov function and introducing some slack variables to the well‐established performance conditions, sufficient conditions for the existence of the desired gain‐scheduled ℋ2 state feedback and dynamic output feedback controllers are established in terms of parameterized linear matrix inequalities. Based on the polytopic characteristic of the dependent parameters and a convexification method, the corresponding controller synthesis problem is then cast into finite‐dimensional convex optimization problem which can be efficiently solved by using standard numerical softwares. Numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness and advantage of the proposed methods.
The Development and Verification of a Novel ECMS of Hybrid Electric Bus
Authors: Wang Jun , Wang Qing-nian , Wang Peng-yu , Zeng Xiao-hua
Published: March 2014

This paper presents the system modeling, control strategy design, and hardware‐in‐the‐loop test for a series‐parallel hybrid electric bus. First, the powertrain mathematical models and the system architecture were proposed. Then an adaptive ECMS is developed for the real‐time control of a hybrid electric bus, which is investigated and verified in a hardware‐in‐the‐loop simulation system. The ECMS through driving cycle recognition results in updating the equivalent charge and discharge coefficients and extracting optimized rules for real‐time control. This method not only solves the problems of mode transition frequently and improves the fuel economy, but also simplifies the complexity of control strategy design and provides new design ideas for the energy management strategy and gear‐shifting rules designed. Finally, the simulation results show that the proposed real‐time A‐ECMS can coordinate the overall hybrid electric powertrain to optimize fuel economy and sustain the battery SOC level.
Myeloid WNT7b Mediates the Angiogenic Switch and Metastasis in Breast Cancer
Authors: Yeo Eun-Jin , Cassetta Luca , Qian Bin-Zhi , Lewkowich Ian , Li Jiu-feng , Stefater James A. , Smith April N. , Wiechmann Lisa S. , Wang Yihong , Pollard Jeffrey W. , Lang Richard A.
Published: March 2014

Oncogenic targets acting in both tumor cells and tumor stromal cells may offer special therapeutic appeal. Interrogation of the Oncomine database revealed that 52 of 53 human breast carcinomas showed substantial upregulation of WNT family ligand WNT7B. Immunolabeling of human mammary carcinoma showed that WNT7B immunoreactivity was associated with both tumor cells and with tumor-associated macrophages. In the MMTV-PymT mouse model of mammary carcinoma, we found tumor progression relied upon WNT7B produced by myeloid cells in the microenvironment. Wnt7b deletion in myeloid cells reduced the mass and volume of tumors due to a failure in the angiogenic switch. In the tumor overall, there was no change in expression of Wnt/β-catenin pathway target genes, but in vascular endothelial cells (VEC), expression of these genes was reduced, suggesting that VECs respond to Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Mechanistic investigations revealed that failure of the angiogenic switch could be attributed to reduced Vegfa mRNA and protein expression in VECs, a source of VEGFA mRNA in the tumor that was limiting in the absence of myeloid WNT7B. We also noted a dramatic reduction in lung metastasis associated with decreased macrophage-mediated tumor cell invasion. Together, these results illustrated the critical role of myeloid WNT7B in tumor progression, acting at the levels of angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. We suggest that therapeutic suppression of WNT7B signaling might be advantageous due to targeting multiple aspects of tumor progression. Cancer Res; 74(11); 2962–73. ©2014 AACR.
BRCA1 Deficiency Exacerbates Estrogen-Induced DNA Damage and Genomic Instability
Authors: Savage Kienan I. , Matchett Kyle B. , Barros Eliana M. , Cooper Kevin M. , Irwin Gareth W. , Gorski Julia J. , Orr Katy S. , Vohhodina Jekaterina , Kavanagh Joy N. , Madden Angelina F. , Powell Alexander , Manti Lorenzo , McDade Simon S. , Park Ben Ho , Prise Kevin M. , McIntosh Stuart A. , Salto-Tellez Manuel , Richard Derek J. , Elliott Christopher T. , Harkin D. Paul
Published: March 2014

Germline mutations in BRCA1 predispose carriers to a high incidence of breast and ovarian cancers. BRCA1 functions to maintain genomic stability through critical roles in DNA repair, cell-cycle arrest, and transcriptional control. A major question has been why BRCA1 loss or mutation leads to tumors mainly in estrogen-regulated tissues, given that BRCA1 has essential functions in all cell types. Here, we report that estrogen and estrogen metabolites can cause DNA double-strand breaks (DSB) in estrogen receptor-α–negative breast cells and that BRCA1 is required to repair these DSBs to prevent metabolite-induced genomic instability. We found that BRCA1 also regulates estrogen metabolism and metabolite-mediated DNA damage by repressing the transcription of estrogen-metabolizing enzymes, such as CYP1A1, in breast cells. Finally, we used a knock-in human cell model with a heterozygous BRCA1 pathogenic mutation to show how BRCA1 haploinsufficiency affects these processes. Our findings provide pivotal new insights into why BRCA1 mutation drives the formation of tumors in estrogen-regulated tissues, despite the general role of BRCA1 in DNA repair in all cell types. Cancer Res; 74(10); 2773–84. ©2014 AACR.
Endocardial Invasion of Lung Cancer Undiagnosable before Autopsy
Authors: Mizuno T. , Ishigami K. , Yamada S. , Tsuchiya H. , Nakajima C. , Sangen R. , Fukushima M. , Minato H. , Nojima N. , Saito A. , Hayashi N. , Atsumi H. , Ito T. , Iguchi M. , Usuda D. , Okamura H. , Urashima S. , Asano M. , Kiyosawa J. , Fukuda A. , Takekoshi N. , Kanda T.
Published: March 2014

A 59-year-old male patient presented with left chest discomfort on admission. His medical history included encephalitis in childhood and his smoking history was 20 cigarettes per day for 40 years. A physical examination showed an anemic and edematous face with weak respiratory sounds in the left lung. The patient had elevated calcium levels and decreased hemoglobin and potassium. His parathyroid hormone-related protein level was elevated. Thoracic radiography showed cardiomegaly and computed tomography revealed a left lung mass with invasion of the heart and pleural effusion. Magnetic resonance imaging showed endocardial invasion of the tumor mass. Gallium-68 imaging revealed positive accumulation in the region surrounding the heart. No diagnoses were possible upon frequent cytology of his sputum and pleural effusion. The patient died from congestive heart failure with anoxia 38 days after admission. An autopsy revealed tumoral mass occlusion in the left main bronchus and tumoral invasion of the left atrium, left ventricle, and aorta.
Genetic Deletion of Toll-Like Receptor 4 on Platelets Attenuates Experimental Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Bauer Eileen M. , Chanthaphavong R. Savanh , Sodhi Chhinder P. , Hackam David J. , Billiar Timothy R. , Bauer Philip M.
Published: March 2014

Rationale:

Recent studies demonstrate a role for toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension (PH); however, the cell types involved in mediating the effects of TLR4 remain unknown.

Objectives:

The objective of this study was to determine the contribution of TLR4 expressed on nonparenchymal cells to the pathogenesis of PH.

Methods and Results:

TLR4 bone marrow chimeric mice revealed an equal contribution of TLR4 on nonparenchymal and parenchymal cells in the pathogenesis of PH as determined by measuring right ventricular (RV) systolic pressure and RV hypertrophy. However, the deletion of TLR4 from myeloid lineage cells had no effect on the development of PH because we found no difference in RV systolic pressure or RV hypertrophy in wild-type versus LysM-TLR4
−/−
mice. To explore the potential role of platelet TLR4 in the pathogenesis of PH, platelet-specific TLR4
−/−
mice were generated (PF4-TLR4
−/−
mice). TLR4
−/−
platelets from either global TLR4
−/−
or PF4-TLR4
−/−
mice were functional but failed to respond to lipopolysaccharide, demonstrating a lack of TLR4. PF4-TLR4
−/−
mice demonstrated significant protection from hypoxia-induced PH, including attenuated increases in RV systolic pressure and RV hypertrophy, decreased platelet activation, and less pulmonary vascular remodeling. The deletion of TLR4 from platelets attenuated serotonin release after chronic hypoxia, and lipopolysaccharide-stimulated platelets released serotonin and promoted pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell proliferation in a serotonin-dependent manner.

Conclusions:

Our data demonstrate that TLR4 on platelets contributes to the pathogenesis of PH and further highlights the role of platelets in PH.
Wave of the Future? Reconsidering the Neuroscientific Turn in Art History
Authors: Mondloch Kate
Published: March 2014

This essay examines the much-contested “neuroscientific turn” in art history, taking the cues of the best of the turn while rejecting its false starts. The most promising transdisciplinary encounters spanning the brain sciences and the humanities begin from the premise that human experience is embodied, but the “body” itself is interwoven across biological, ecological, phenomenological, social and cultural planes. Certain media artworks critically engaged with neuroscience productively model such an approach. Taking Mariko Mori’s brainwave interface and multimedia installation Wave UFO (1999–2002) as a case study, the author explores how works of art may complicate and augment brain science research as well as its dissemination into other social and cultural arenas.
Swedish Plectida (Nematoda). Part 5. Rhadinema timmi (Vitiello, 1971) comb. n.
Authors: Holovachov Oleksandr , BOSTRÖM SVEN
Published: March 2014

Leptolaimus timmi Vitiello, 1971 is redescribed from bottom sediments collected in the Skagerrak off the west coast of Sweden. New morphological data necessitate the transfer of this species to the genus Rhadinema Cobb, 1920. The main diagnostic characters of Rhadinema timmi (Vitiello, 1971) comb. n. include: 1.3–1.8 mm long body; rounded labial region weakly offset from body contour; cephalic setae 2–4 µm long; amphid located 12–19 µm from anterior end; first body pore located 22–30 µm from anterior end; lateral field absent; stoma tubular: cheilostom with six weakly cuticularised longitudinal rugae, gymnostom with sclerotized bar-shaped rhabdia, stegostom long, tubular; female without supplements, vagina without pars refringens, vulva midventral; male with 10–11 tubular and without alveolar supplements; spicules arcuate and 21–30 µm long.
Imprisoned Indigenous women and the shadow of colonial patriarchy
Authors: Baldry Eileen , Cunneen Chris
Published: March 2014

Imprisonment in Australia has been a growing industry and large numbers of vulnerable people find themselves in a state of serial incarceration. Women and Indigenous peoples in particular have experienced rapidly expanding imprisonment rates over recent decades. Our argument in this article is relatively straightforward: to understand contemporary penal culture and in particular its severity and excess in relation to Indigenous people and women, we need to draw upon an understanding of the dynamics of colonial patriarchy. We develop this understanding through a specific focus on Indigenous women. Although at a micro level, specific legislation and policy changes have had a negative impact on the imprisonment of vulnerable groups, it is within a broader context of the strategies and techniques of colonial patriarchy that we can understand why it is that particular social groups appear to become the targets of penal excess.
Evaluating Special Educator Effectiveness
Authors: Steinbrecher Trisha D. , Selig James P. , Cosbey Joanna , Thorstensen Beata I.
Published: March 2014

States are increasingly using value-added approaches to evaluate teacher effectiveness. There is much debate regarding whether these methods should be employed and, if employed, what role such methods should play in comprehensive teacher evaluation systems. In this article, we consider the use of value-added modeling (VAM) to evaluate special educators. We examine the potential difficulties that may be due to individualized needs and characteristics of students with disabilities, the context within which special education services are delivered, and aspects of VAM that have a differential impact on the value-added scores of special education teachers.
Child development accounts (CDAs): An asset-building strategy to empower girls in Uganda
Authors: Curley Jami , Ssewamala Fred M , Nabunya Proscovia , Ilic Vilma , Keun Han Chang
Published: March 2014

This study explores an innovative intervention for orphaned children in Uganda. It combines standard health care with an economic empowerment component. We refer to this combination as a family asset-based intervention, which provides each child with a child development account (CDA), a matched savings account for secondary schooling; financial education; and a mentor. This article examines the educational outcomes of the girls in this study. The results from the first two waves of the study indicate that CDAs have the potential to begin to help negate the effects of past gender inequalities and to help provide a path for young girls to move forward.
Randomization and Data-Analysis Items in Quality Standards for Single-Case Experimental Studies
Authors: Heyvaert Mieke , Wendt Oliver , Van den Noortgate Wim , Onghena Patrick
Published: March 2014

Reporting standards and critical appraisal tools serve as beacons for researchers, reviewers, and research consumers. Parallel to existing guidelines for researchers to report and evaluate group-comparison studies, single-case experimental (SCE) researchers are in need of guidelines for reporting and evaluating SCE studies. A systematic search was conducted for quality standards (QSs) for reporting and/or evaluating SCE studies. In total, 11 unique QSs were retrieved. In this article, we discuss the extent to which there is agreement with regard to randomization and data analysis of SCE studies among the 11 proposed sets of QSs. We provide recommendations regarding the inclusion of a randomization and data-analysis standard.
Some Immunohistochemical Features of Argyrophilic Grain Dementia With Normal Cortical Choline Acetyltransferase Levels but Extensive Subcortical Pathology and Markedly Reduced Dopamine
Authors: Yamada Tatsuo , McGeer Patrick L. , McGeer Edith G.
Published: March 2014

Detailed immunohistochemical and biochemical studies are reported on two cases of progressive dementia showing no Alzheimer-type pathology but extensive argyrophilic grains as described previously by Braak and Braak. These cases had no specific clinical features, and the pathology of these brains showed subcortical gliosis (proliferation of astrocytes and microglia) without significant neuronal losses. Interesting novel immunohistochemical findings were the profuse appearance of complement-activated oligodendrocytes and oligodendroglial microtubular masses. Their appearance seems to indicate oligodendroglial reactions to widespread damage of myelinated axons. Cortical levels of choline acteyltransferase were normal, but striatal levels of dopamine and its metabolites were markedly reduced. This disease may be consistent with the criteria for progressive subcortical gliosis. ( J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 1992;5:3–13).
Comparison of EEG Background Frequency Analysis, Psychologic Test Scores, Short Test of Mental Status, and Quantitative SPECT in Dementia
Authors: Wszolek Zbigniew K. , Herkes Geoffrey K. , Lagerlund Terrence D. , Kokmen Emre
Published: March 2014

Fourteen patients who had cognitive dysfunction were studied with quantitative electroencephalography (EEG), singlephoton emission computed tomography (SPECT), and several tests of intellectual and memory function, including the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS), the Auditory Verbal Learning Test, and the Short Test of Mental Status, to determine whether EEG background frequency content correlates with degree of dementia and with regional uptake of radioisotope on SPECT. The factors from spectral analysis that correlated best with psychometric data were mean frequency in the 1.5– to 20-Hz range and percentage power in the 13- to 20-Hz band (positive correlation) or the 1.5- to 8-Hz band (negative correlation). The WAIS subtest scores that correlated most with the EEG data were performance IQ and perceptual organization. Correlations between percentage power and amplitude ratio in the EEG frequency bands and regional SPECT counts were found, but most were not statistically significant. ( J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 1992;5:22–30).
Utility of the Sickness Impact Profile in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Longstreth W. T. , Nelson Lorene , Linde Maria , Muňoz David
Published: March 2014

The Sickness Impact Profile (SIP) is a questionnaire consisting of 136 items grouped into 12 categories and two dimensions (physical and psychosocial). To characterize its utility in Parkinson's disease (PD), we administered the SIP to 44 consecutive clinic patients with PD. Compared to 44 age- and sex-matched control subjects, PD patients had their greatest dysfunction in the categories of mobility, communication, and home management. The two items that PD patients most commonly endorsed were, “I am having trouble writing or typing” (75%) and, “My sexual activity is decreased” (61%). In general, these treated PD patients had greater dysfunction in the psychosocial than physical dimensions. Two simple PD-specific scales correlated well with the physical dimension score but less so with the psychosocial dimension, suggesting that the SIP assesses more functional domains than the PD-specific scales used. The SIP holds some promise as a broad measure of functional status in PD patients. ( J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 1992;5:142–148).
Screening and Identification of Older Adults with Alcohol Problems in Primary Care
Authors: Conigliaro Joseph , Kraemer Kevin , McNeil Melissa
Published: March 2014

Primary care physicians can anticipate encountering more elderly patients with alcohol problems since this population is increasing and the prevalence of alcohol problems has been stable. Brief screening tools, originally developed and validated among younger adults, may not be appropriate in the elderly. Therefore, specific validation studies and the development of elderly specific instruments have been reported. The specific goals of this report are to (1) review available screening tools for alcohol problems, (2) summarize elderly focused studies, and (3) provide recommendations for use in primary care. Using a variety of standards, the CAGE (Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, and .Eye opener) is the most consistent brief screen, but its threshold may need to be adjusted in the elderly. The Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test-Geriatric Version includes elderly-specific consequences, but its length may hinder routine use even in shortened form. Finally, the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, although less sensitive than the CAGE, can also capture problem drinkers. Efforts are needed to include elderly-specific consequences and meaningful consumption thresholds in a brief, easily applied screen.
Aging-Related Issues in Bipolar Disorder: A Health Services Perspective
Authors: Sajatovic Martha
Published: March 2014

Among the elderly, bipolar disorder is a significant public health problem, often leading to functional impairment and substantial use of health care resources. There has been a growing awareness regarding the manifestations of bipolar disorder among older adults owing to both changes in national demographics and developing sophistication in the treatment of bipolar illness. Bipolar disorder accounts for 5% to 19% of mood disorder presentations in the elderly, although a clear picture of the exact prevalence of bipolar disorder among older adults in the community is still lacking. Data from treatment centers give a somewhat unreliable picture of the true prevalence and manifestations of bipolar disorder in the general population as elderly patients tend to underuse mental health systems, under-report psychiatric symptoms, and are often treated in nonhospital/clinic settings, such as nursing homes. Factors of particular relevance in late-life bipolar disorder include age of onset, symptom presentation/recognition, secondary mania, psychiatric and medical comorbidity, and response to treatment. Future mental health services research must further explore these issues to optimize care for older adults with bipolar disorder.
Atypical Antipsychotics in Parkinson-Sensitive Populations
Authors: Friedman Joseph H. , Fernandez Hubert H.
Published: March 2014

Drug-induced iatrogenic hallucinations and psychosis occur in about 30% of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients and are the single most important precipitant for nursing home placement, which carries a grave prognosis. In addition, parkinsonism is a frequent accompaniment to the more common dementing syndromes, Alzheimer's disease (AD), vascular dementia, and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). The five most recent antipsychotic drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration in the United States have been marketed as “atypical” antipsychotics (AA) due to their relative freedom from extrapyramidal symptoms when used in schizophrenia patients. The use of these newer antipsychotic drugs in PD and other parkinson-sensitive populations represents the most stringent test to their freedom from motor side effects. To date, clozapine, risperidone, olanzapine, and quetiapine have been studied in parkinson-vulnerable populations. This article reviews the data and highlights the differences that these four drugs have on motor function. It also emphasizes the challenges in evaluating the available data on the motor effects of AA, especially on the non-PD elderly and cognitively impaired population. Suggestions are made for future research to improve the interpretability of these studies.