bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alternative food and external source of infection stabilize predator–prey oscillations — A conclusion drawn from an eco-epidemiological model
Authors: Das Krishna Pada
Published: January 2015

Das et al. [Effect of disease-selective predation on prey infected by contact and external sources, Biosystems 95(3) (2009) 188–199] proposed an eco-epidemiological model where the prey species is infected through the external source of infection and contact of the species. In this present study we have modified their model by assuming that the predator consumes both the susceptible as well as the infected prey following the modified Holling type-II functional response. Our main focusing points of this study are the role of infection rate (both internal and external), alternative food, and half-saturation constant in the predator–prey dynamics with disease in the prey population. We have shown the local stability of the boundary as well as the interior equilibrium point under certain conditions. We have also worked out the permanence of the system. Our simulation results show that the system enters into limit cycle oscillations from stable position for higher values of the contact rate. But it is also shown that the external infection rate, enrichment of the alternative food of the predator population and the half-saturation constant can prevent limit cycle oscillations and stabilize the system. Thus external disease propagation, enrichment of the alternative food resource, and the half-saturation constant are the key factors for preventing the oscillatory behavior of the species.
Magnetic and dielectric properties of 3Y-TZP/strontium doped barium ferrite composite
Authors: Zhang Chao , Wang Shan-Shan , Guo Rui-Song , Cai Guang-Lan , Guo Wei-Na , Wu Chen
Published: January 2015

Magnetic and dielectric properties of 3Y-TZP/20 wt.% Ba 1-x Sr x Fe 12 O 19 (x = 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75) composites prepared by solid state reaction method are investigated. The magnetic properties are improved in the composites with the strontium doped barium ferrite. When x = 0.25, the saturation magnetization of the ferrite reaches the maximum. This is due to the migration of Fe 3+ induced by the Sr 2+ doping. The dielectric properties are also improved in the composite with the strontium doped barium ferrite. When x = 0.5, the dielectric constant and dielectric loss possess the maximum. This is caused by the lattice distortion resulting from the Sr 2+ doping. The dielectric properties are analyzed by the universal relaxation law.
Diachronic Semantics
Authors: Deo Ashwini
Published: January 2015

It is well established that meanings associated with linguistic expressions evolve in systematic ways across time. We have little precise understanding, though, of why and how this happens. We know even less about its implications for our models of grammar, communication, and cognition. This article reviews developments and results from grammaticalization, typology, and formal semantics/pragmatics that can be brought to bear on addressing the problem of semantic change. It deconstructs the notion of grammaticalization paths and offers a set of questions for systematic investigation, following which I contextualize the small body of literature at the intersection of formal semantics/pragmatics and language change. The approach I take is programmatic rather than survey oriented, given the emergent nature of the domain of investigation and the limited body of existing literature that pertains directly to the questions raised here.
Vagueness and Imprecision: Empirical Foundations
Authors: Solt Stephanie
Published: January 2015

Vagueness is a pervasive feature of natural language, which has been studied from a range of perspectives. This review focuses on recent empirical insights into vagueness that have come out of the field of linguistic semantics, as well as the theoretical developments that these have prompted. Topics covered include the distinction between vagueness and imprecision, or what I refer to as Type 1 and Type 2 vagueness; the complex manifestations of vagueness in the adjectival domain; and recent experimental findings regarding “ordinary” speakers’ use and interpretation of vague language. Also briefly discussed is the broader question of why language is vague.
Quotation and Advances in Understanding Syntactic Systems
Authors: D’Arcy Alexandra
Published: January 2015

At first glance, the syntax of quotation appears to be a rather straightforward matter of transitivity and complementation. However, quotation raises a number of intriguing and perplexing questions for the functioning, structure, and development of syntactic systems, and for their interactions with the semantic–interpretative interface. The purpose of this review is to articulate and exemplify these challenges as raised in the literature of various linguistic domains, and to highlight the ways in which quotation evokes a range of empirical and theoretical implications. This article begins by discussing the issues faced by traditional syntactic analyses of quotation, then examines the types of changes implicated by this sector: grammaticalization, lexicalization, and systemic change and variation. The view that emerges is that approaches that privilege the syntax as the sole structure-building component of the grammar are insufficient for accounting for the linguistic and discourse–pragmatic facts; advances in understanding this linguistic system necessarily require a more holistic approach that incorporates both intrinsic and extrinsic factors.
Bringing Machine Learning and Compositional Semantics Together
Authors: Liang Percy , Potts Christopher
Published: January 2015

Computational semantics has long been considered a field divided between logical and statistical approaches, but this divide is rapidly eroding with the development of statistical models that learn compositional semantic theories from corpora and databases. This review presents a simple discriminative learning framework for defining such models and relating them to logical theories. Within this framework, we discuss the task of learning to map utterances to logical forms (semantic parsing) and the task of learning from denotations with logical forms as latent variables. We also consider models that use distributed (e.g., vector) representations rather than logical ones, showing that these can be considered part of the same overall framework for understanding meaning and structural complexity.
Using ecology to inform physiology studies: implications of high population density in the laboratory
Authors: Newman Amy E. M. , Edmunds Nicholas B. , Ferraro Shannon , Heffell Quentin , Merritt Gillian M. , Pakkala Jesse J. , Schilling Cory R. , Schorno Sarah
Published: January 2015

Conspecific density is widely recognized as an important ecological factor across the animal kingdom; however, the physiological impacts are less thoroughly described. In fact, population density is rarely mentioned as a factor in physiological studies on captive animals and, when it is infrequently addressed, the animals used are reared and housed at densities far above those in nature, making the translation of results from the laboratory to natural systems difficult. We survey the literature to highlight this important ecophysiological gap and bring attention to the possibility that conspecific density prior to experimentation may be a critical factor influencing results. Across three taxa: mammals, birds, and fish, we present evidence from ecology that density influences glucocorticoid levels, immune function, and body condition with the intention of stimulating discussion and increasing consideration of population density in physiology studies. We conclude with several directives to improve the applicability of insights gained in the laboratory to organisms in the natural environment.
Prolactin stimulates sodium and chloride ion channels in A6 renal epithelial cells
Authors: Greenlee Megan M. , Mitzelfelt Jeremiah D. , Duke Billie Jeanne , Al-Khalili Otor , Bao Hui-Fang , Eaton Douglas C.
Published: January 2015

Many hormonal pathways contribute to the regulation of renal epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) function, a key process for maintaining blood volume and controlling blood pressure. In the present study, we examined whether the peptide hormone prolactin (PRL) regulates ENaC function in renal epithelial cells (A6). Basolateral application of several different concentrations of PRL dramatically stimulated the transepithelial current in A6 cells, increasing both amiloride-sensitive (ENaC) and amiloride-insensitive currents. Using cell-attached patch clamp, we determined that PRL increased both the number ( N) and open probability ( Po) of ENaC present in the apical membrane. Inhibition of PKA with H-89 abolished the effect of PRL on amiloride-sensitive and insensitive transepithelial currents and eliminated the increase in ENaC NPo with PRL exposure. PRL also increased cAMP in A6 cells, consistent with signaling through the cAMP-dependent PKA pathway. We also identified that PRL induced activity of a 2-pS anion channel with outward rectification, electrophysiological properties consistent with ClC4 or ClC5. RT-PCR only detected ClC4, but not ClC5 transcripts. Here, we show for the first time that PRL activates sodium and chloride transport in renal epithelial cells via ENaC and ClC4.
Coding of relative size in monkey inferotemporal cortex
Authors: Vighneshvel T. , Arun Sripati P.
Published: January 2015

We seldom mistake a closer object as being larger, even though its retinal image is bigger. One underlying mechanism could be to calculate the size of the retinal image relative to that of another nearby object. Here we set out to investigate whether single neurons in the monkey inferotemporal cortex (IT) are sensitive to the relative size of parts in a display. Each neuron was tested on shapes containing two parts that could be conjoined or spatially separated. Each shape was presented in four versions created by combining the two parts at each of two possible sizes. In this design, neurons sensitive to the absolute size of parts would show the greatest response modulation when both parts are scaled up, whereas neurons encoding relative size would show similar responses. Our main findings are that 1) IT neurons responded similarly to all four versions of a shape, but tuning tended to be more consistent between versions with proportionately scaled parts; 2) in a subpopulation of cells, we observed interactions that resulted in similar responses to proportionately scaled parts; 3) these interactions developed together with sensitivity to absolute size for objects with conjoined parts but developed slightly later for objects with spatially separate parts. Taken together, our results demonstrate for the first time that there is a subpopulation of neurons in IT that encodes the relative size of parts in a display, forming a potential neural substrate for size constancy.
Explaining attention-related changes in behavior and electroencephalography data through computational modeling
Authors: Ku Yixuan , van Schouwenburg Martine R.
Published: January 2015

In a recent article, Itthipuripat and colleagues combined psychophysics, neurophysiology, and mathematical modeling to investigate the neural mechanism underlying behavioral benefits of spatial attention (Itthipuripat S, Ester EF, Deering S, Serences JT. J Neurosci 34: 13384–13398, 2014). They found that attention-related effects on behavior as well as neural signals could be better explained by a response gain model than by a noise reduction model or an efficient read-out model. In this Neuro Forum we discuss these results and raise several interesting questions and potential interpretations.
Disruptions in follicle cell functions in the ovaries of rhesus monkeys during summer
Authors: VandeVoort Catherine A. , Mtango Namdori R. , Midic Uros , Latham Keith E.
Published: January 2015

Oocytes isolated from female rhesus monkeys following standard ovarian stimulation protocols during the summer months displayed a reduced capacity to mature compared with stimulation during the normal breeding season. Because the gene expression profiles of oocyte-associated cumulus cells and mural granulosa cells (CCs and GCs) are indicative of altered oocyte quality and can provide insight into intrafollicular processes that may be disrupted during oogenesis, we performed array-based transcriptome comparisons of CCs and GCs from summer and normal breeding season stimulation cycles. Summer CCs and GCs both display deficiencies in expression of mRNAs related to cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and endocrine signaling, as well as reduced expression of glycogen phosphorylase. Additionally, CCs display deficiencies in expression of mRNAs related to stress response. These results provide the first insight into the specific molecular pathways and processes that are disrupted in the follicles of rhesus macaque females during the summer season. Some of the changes seen in summer GCs and CCs have been reported in humans and in other model mammalian species. This suggests that the seasonal effects seen in the rhesus monkey may help us to understand better the mechanisms that contribute to reduced oocyte quality and fertility in humans.
CGH, cDNA and Tissue Microarray Analyses Implicate FGFR2 Amplification in a Small Subset of Breast Tumors
Authors: Heiskanen Mervi , Kononen Juha , Bärlund Maarit , Torhorst Joachim , Sauter Guido , Kallioniemi Anne , Kallioniemi Olli
Published: January 2015

Multiple regions of the genome are often amplified during breast cancer development and progression, as evidenced in a number of published studies by comparative genomic hybridization (CGH). However, only relatively few target genes for such amplifications have been identified. Here, we indicate how small‐scale commercially available cDNA and CGH microarray formats combined with the tissue microarray technology enable rapid identification of putative amplification target genes as well as analysis of their clinical significance. According to CGH, the SUM‐52 breast cancer cell line harbors several high‐level DNA amplification sites, including the 10q26 chromosomal region where the fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) gene has been localized. High level amplification of FGFR2 in SUM‐52 was identified using CGH analysis on a microarray of BAC clones. A cDNA microarray survey of 588 genes showed >40‐fold overexpression of FGFR2. Finally, a tissue microarray based FISH analysis of 750 uncultured primary breast cancers demonstrated in vivo amplification of the FGFR2 gene in about 1% of the tumors. In conclusion, three consecutive microarray (CGH, cDNA and tissue) experiments revealed high‐level amplification and overexpression of the FGFR2 in a breast cancer cell line, but only a low frequency of involvement in primary breast tumors. Applied to a genomic scale with larger arrays, this strategy should facilitate identification of the most important target genes for cytogenetic rearrangements, such as DNA amplification sites detected by conventional CGH. Figures on http://www.esacp.org/acp/2001/22‐4/heiskanen.htm
Seroprevalence of Leptospiral Antibodies among Healthy Municipal Service Workers in Selangor
Authors: Samsudin Suhailah , Masri Siti Norbaya , Tengku Jamaluddin Tengku Zetty Maztura , Saudi Siti Nor Sakinah , Md Ariffin Umi Kalsom , Amran Fairuz , Osman Malina
Published: January 2015

Introduction. Municipal service workers have been found to have an occupational risk of leptospirosis. Study among municipality workers shows high seropositivity of leptospiral antibodies detected among town cleaners and garbage collectors.Objective. Aims of this study were to determine seroprevalence of leptospiral antibodies and distribution of serovars detected in samples among municipal service workers.Methodology. Cross-sectional study involved 89 municipal service workers in Selangor. Blood samples were taken and serological test was done using MAT following standard procedures.Results. Seropositivity of leptospiral antibodies among municipal service workers was 34.8%. Serovars identified were strains ofSarawak, Copenhageni, Hardjobovis, Lai, Bataviae, Patoc, Celledoni, Hardjoprajitno, Tarrasovi, andPomona. There were 31 workers with positive leptospiral antibodies. All of them were frequently exposed towards leptospirosis. Significant associations have been reported between seropositivity of leptospiral antibodies with job category (P=0.021) and worker’s nationality (P=0.014) among municipal service workers.Conclusion. High seropositivity of leptospiral antibodies detected among municipal service workers which was associated with job category and nationality of workers. The significant findings from this study suggest that health education programs and safe work practice should be considered to prevent leptospirosis among municipal service workers in future.
The Relationship between Eating and Lifestyle Habits and Cancer in Van Lake Region: Another Endemic Region for Esophageal and Gastric Cancers
Authors: Celik Sebahattin , Yılmaz E. Murat , Özden Ferhat , Kotan Cetin , Okut Hayrettin
Published: January 2015

Purpose. To examine the relationship between esophageal and gastric cancers commonly seen in Van Lake region and the traditional eating habits of the geography.Materials and Methods. Esophageal and gastric cancer cases, who underwent surgery between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2013, were examined. Pathology reports of the patients and presence ofHelicobacter pylori (HP)were recorded. Surveys were filled by face to face meeting or telephone call. Control group was created with randomly selected individuals without any cancer diagnosis having age, gender, and socioeconomic characteristics similar to patient group. All data were analyzed using SAS.9.3 statistical programme.Results. Compared with the control group, herby cheese consumption (a component of eating habits) and smoking were significantly higher in the patient group (P<0.001). Tandoor exposure is compared in terms of female gender, and significant difference was found between the groups (P=0.0013). As a result of the analysis with logistic regression more than 150 gr of herby cheese consumption per day was found to increase the cancer risk (odds ratio 1.017; 95% CI: 1.012–1.022).Conclusion. A high consumption of herby cheese, cooking bread on tandoor, and heavy smoking were seen to be important risk factors for esophageal and gastric cancers.
A Technical and Business Perspective on Wireless Sensor Network for Manufacturing Execution System
Authors: Xu Wei , Yang Zhixin , Wang Xianbo
Published: January 2015

Motivated by the complex production management with difficulties in error-prone assembly system and inaccurate supply chain inventory, this paper designs a novel manufacturing execution system (MES) architecture for intelligent monitoring based on wireless sensor network (WSN). The technical perspective includes analysis on the proposed manufacturing resource mutual inductance method under active sensing network, appreciation technology of multisource information, and dynamic optimization technology for manufacturing execution processes. From business perspective, this paper elaborates the impact of RFID investment on complex product by establishing a three-stage supply chain model that involves two suppliers carrying out Stackelberg games (manufacturer and retailer). The optimal cost threshold values of technology investment are examined for both the centralized and the decentralized scenarios utilizing quantitative modeling methods. By analyzing and comparing the optimal profit with or without investment on WSN, this paper establishes a supply chain coordination and boosting model. The results of this paper have contributed significantly for one to make decision on whether RFID should be adopted among its members in supply chain. The system performance and model extension are verified via numerical analyses.
Sliding Mode Disturbance Observer-Based Fractional Second-Order Nonsingular Terminal Sliding Mode Control for PMSM Position Regulation System
Authors: Li Hong-Ru , Jiang Zhi-Bin , Kang Nan
Published: January 2015

This paper investigates the position regulation problem of permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) subject to parameter uncertainties and external disturbances. A novel fractional second-order nonsingular terminal sliding mode control (F2NTSMC) is proposed and the finite time stability of the closed-loop system is ensured. A sliding mode disturbance observer (SMDO) is developed to estimate and make feedforward compensation for the lumped disturbances of the PMSM system. Moreover, the finite-time convergence of estimation errors can be guaranteed. The control scheme combining F2NTSMC and SMDO can not only improve performance of the closed-loop system and attenuate disturbances, but also reduce chattering effectively. Simulation results show that the proposed control method can obtain satisfactory position tracking performance and strong robustness.
Whole Body Vibration at Different Exposure Frequencies: Infrared Thermography and Physiological Effects
Authors: Sonza Anelise , Robinson Caroline C. , Achaval Matilde , Zaro Milton A.
Published: January 2015

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of whole body vibration (WBV) on physiological parameters, cutaneous temperature, tactile sensitivity, and balance. Twenty‐four healthy adults (25.3 ± 2.6 years) participated in four WBV sessions. They spent 15 minutes on a vibration platform in the vertical mode at four different frequencies (31, 35, 40, and 44 Hz) with 1 mm of amplitude. All variables were measured before and after WBV exposure. Pressure sensation in five anatomical regions and both feet was determined using Von Frey monofilaments. Postural sway was measured using a force plate. Cutaneous temperature was obtained with an infrared camera. WBV influences the discharge of the skin touch‐pressure receptors, decreasing sensitivity at all measured frequencies and foot regions (P ≤ 0.05). Regarding balance, no differences were found after 20 minutes of WBV at frequencies of 31 and 35 Hz. At 40 and 44 Hz, participants showed higher anterior‐posterior center of pressure (COP) velocity and length. The cutaneous temperature of the lower limbs decreased during and 10 minutes after WBV. WBV decreases touch‐pressure sensitivity at all measured frequencies 10 min after exposure. This may be related to the impaired balance at higher frequencies since these variables have a role in maintaining postural stability. Vasoconstriction might explain the decreased lower limb temperature.
Damage Identification by Using a Self-Synchronizing Multipoint Laser Doppler Vibrometer
Authors: Yang Chong , Fu Yu , Yuan Jianmin , Guo Min , Yan Keyu , Liu Huan , Miao Hong , Zhu Changchun
Published: January 2015

The vibration-based damage identification method extracts the damage location and severity information from the change of modal properties, such as natural frequency and mode shape. Its performance and accuracy depends on the measurement precision. Laser Doppler vibrometer (LDV) provides a noncontact vibration measurement of high quality, but usually it can only do sampling on a single point. Scanning LDV is normally used to obtain the mode shape with a longer scanning time. In this paper, a damage detection technique is proposed using a self-synchronizing multipoint LDV. Multiple laser beams with various frequency shifts are projected on different points of the object, reflected and interfered with a common reference beam. The interference signal containing synchronized temporal vibration information of multiple spatial points is captured by a single photodetector and can be retrieved in a very short period. Experiments are conducted to measure the natural frequencies and mode shapes of pre- and postcrack cantilever beams. Mode shape curvature is calculated by numerical interpolation and windowed Fourier analysis. The results show that the artificial crack can be identified precisely from the change of natural frequencies and the difference of mode shape curvature squares.
Modal Appropriation for Use with In-Operation Modal Analysis
Authors: Abdelghani M. , Inman D. J.
Published: January 2015

We propose in this paper a numerical modal appropriation method for use with in-operation modal analysis (INOPMA). The key idea is to realize that the correlation sequence of the system output is the sum of decaying sinusoids with a certain phase shift and therefore it may be considered as an impulse response. The method is based on performing a numerical convolution of a single sine wave force with the system output correlation sequence. The steps are then similar to the classical modal appropriation method, although the characteristic frequencies are different. This approach is validated and compared to a subspace method on simulated data as well as on experimental data and it is shown that INOPMA outperforms the subspace method.
Staying or Leaving? Analyzing the Rationality of Rural-Urban Migration Associated with Farm Income of Staying Households: A Case Study from Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Wondimagegnhu Beneberu Assefa
Published: January 2015

The research aims at analyzing the effect of rural-urban migration and remittances on farm income of rural households supported by a case study conducted in Southern Ethiopia. Using two-step estimations to measure the effect of outmigration, migrant sending families have gained higher farm income. In this regard, rural outmigration has been found to be a survival and income diversification strategy in the study area.
Design of Microwave Multibandpass Filters with Quasilumped Resonators
Authors: Miljanović Dejan , Potrebić Milka , Tošić Dejan V.
Published: January 2015

Design of RF and microwave filters has always been the challenging engineering field. Modern filter design techniques involve the use of the three-dimensional electromagnetic (3D EM) solvers for predicting filter behavior, yielding the most accurate filter characteristics. However, the 3D EM simulations are time consuming. In this paper, we propose electric-circuit models, instead of 3D EM models, suitable for design of RF and microwave filters with quasilumped coupled resonators. Using the diakoptic approach, the 3D filter structure is decomposed into domains that are modeled by electric networks. The coupling between these domains is modeled by capacitors and coupled inductors. Furthermore, we relate the circuit-element values to the physical dimensions of the 3D filter structure. We propose the filter design procedure that is based on the circuit models and fast circuit-level simulations, yielding the element values from which the physical dimensions can be obtained. The obtained dimensions should be slightly refined for achieving the desired filter characteristics. The mathematical problems encountered in the procedure are solved by numerical and symbolic computations. The procedure is exemplified by designing a triple-bandpass filter and validated by measurements on the fabricated filter. The simulation and experimental results are in good agreement.
Existence Results for the Periodic Thomas-Fermi-Dirac-von Weizsäcker Equations
Authors: Chen Shaowei , Lin Lishan , Xiao Liqin
Published: January 2015

We consider the Thomas-Fermi-Dirac-von Weizsäcker equation-Δu+Vxu+u2⋆(1/x)u=λup-2u-uq-2u,u∈H1R3, whereλ>0is a parameter,2
0, this equation has a nontrivial solution.
The Interaction of Iteration Error and Stability for Linear Partial Differential Equations Coupled through an Interface
Authors: Sheehan B. , Estep D. , Tavener S. , Cary J. , Kruger S. , Hakim A. , Pletzer A. , Carlsson J. , Vadlamani S.
Published: January 2015

We investigate properties of algorithms that are used to solve coupled evolutionary partial differential equations posed on neighboring, nonoverlapping domains, where the solutions are coupled by continuity of state and normal flux through a shared boundary. The algorithms considered are based on the widely used approach of iteratively exchanging boundary condition data on the shared boundary at each time step. There exists a significant and sophisticated numerical analysis of such methods. However, computations for practical applications are often carried out under conditions under which it is unclear if rigorous results apply while relatively few iterations are used per time step. To examine this situation, we derive exact matrix expressions for the propagation of the error due to incomplete iteration that can be readily evaluated for specific discretization parameters. Using the formulas, we show that the universal validity of several tenants of the practitioner’s conventional wisdom are not universally valid.
Efficacy of Hedgehog Pathway Inhibitors in Basal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Basset-Seguin Nicole , Sharpe Hayley J. , de Sauvage Frederic J.
Published: January 2015

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer. While most BCCs are amenable to surgery, some tumors can reach a more advanced stage or metastasize, and become ineligible for surgical resection or radiotherapy. Abnormal activation of the Hedgehog (Hh) pathway is a key driver in BCC pathophysiology. Consequently, inhibitors of the Hh pathway have been developed. Molecules that inhibit the receptor protein Smoothened (SMO) are the most advanced in clinical development. Vismodegib is the first-in-class SMO inhibitor and has been approved in a number of countries for the treatment of metastatic or locally advanced BCC. Several molecules have demonstrated antitumoral activity, but treatment may be limited in duration by a number of side effects, and it is not yet established whether these agents are truly curative or whether continued treatment will be required. Resistance to SMO inhibition has been reported in the clinic for which incidence and mechanisms must be elucidated to inform future therapeutic strategies. Intermittent dosing regimens to improve tolerability, as well as neoadjuvant use of Hh pathway inhibitors, are currently under investigation. Here, we review the most recent outcomes obtained with Hh inhibitors under clinical investigation in BCC. Mol Cancer Ther; 14(3); 633–41. ©2015 AACR.
Improving the Cooperation Rate of Older Adults and Their Caregivers in Research Surveys
Authors: Green Ohad , Ayalon Liat
Published: January 2015

Background: Recruiting older adults, their family members and their home care workers as participants in research studies is particularly complicated. This might be due to medical or cognitive problems of the older adult as well as the high workload and shortage of time experienced by caregivers. The present study compared the contribution of two different versions of an advanced letter followed by two different versions of a recruitment phone call to the cooperation rate of older adults, family caregivers and home care workers in a face-to-face survey. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was used to compare the contribution of the different types of appeal. A total of 2,014 caregiving units (composed of an older adult, a family member and a home care worker) were randomly sampled from a list of Israeli long-term care insurance beneficiaries. 74.32% of the sampled caregiving units were eligible to participate in the study. The first group of participants received formal and succinctly phrased written and oral appeals - an advanced letter followed by a recruitment phone call. The second group of participants received the original formal and succinctly phrased advanced letter, but a revised recruitment phone call that included a more personal approach, the provision of broader information about the study and the avoidance of words with a possible negative connotation. The third group of participants received both a revised advanced letter and a revised recruitment phone call. Results: Using the succinctly phrased written and oral appeals, we had a cooperation rate of about 50% for the entire caregiving unit. Using a revised advanced letter and a revised recruitment phone call yielded an increase of 20-25% in the cooperation rate for the entire caregiving unit. Using the revised recruitment phone call and the original advanced letter yielded an increase in the cooperation rate only among migrant home care workers. Conclusion: This study showed that by changing the format of appeal we can increase the cooperation rate of older adults and their caregivers in a research survey. This study also pointed out the importance of the advanced letter.
Impact of Valve Surgery on Serum Osteopontin Levels in Patients with Mitral Regurgitation
Authors: Gunes H.M. , Guler G.B. , Guler E. , Demir G.G. , Hatipoglu S. , Zehir R. , Kizilirmak F. , Karaca O. , Esen A.M. , Barutcu I. , Turkmen M.M. , Can M.M. , Serebruany Victor L.
Published: January 2015

Objective: Osteopontin (OPN), a sialoprotein present within atherosclerotic lesions, especially in calcified plaques, is linked to the progression of coronary artery disease and heart failure. We assessed the impact of valve surgery on serum OPN and left ventricular (LV) function in patients with mitral regurgitation (MR). Methods: Thirty-two patients with severe MR scheduled for surgery were included in the study. Echocardiography markers were assessed preoperatively and at 3 months following the surgery and matched with the serum OPN levels. Results: Valve surgery was associated with a reduction of the ejection fraction (EF) from 55.2 ± 6.3 to 48.8 ± 7.1% after surgery, p < 0.001. Following surgery, the OPN level was significantly higher than preoperatively (mean 245, range 36-2,284 ng/ml vs. 76, 6-486 ng/ml, p = 0.007). Preoperative OPN exhibited a slight negative correlation with the EF (r = -0.35, p = 0.04), and a moderate correlation with vena contracta (r = -0.38, p = 0.02). There were no other meaningful correlations between conventional echocardiographic parameters and OPN. Conclusion: Following valve surgery due to severe MR, patients exhibited a decrease in EF and an increase in OPN levels. The assessment of preoperative OPN failed to strongly predict probable LV dysfunction.
Pancreatic Response to Gold Nanoparticles Includes Decrease of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation In Autistic Diabetic Model
Authors: Selim Manar E. , Abd-Elhakim Yasmina M. , Al-Ayadhi Laila Y.
Published: January 2015

Background: Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have a wide range of applications in various fields. This study provides an understanding of the modulatory effects of AuNPs on an antioxidant system in male Wistar diabetic rats with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Normal littermates fed by control mothers were injected with citrate buffer alone and served as normal, untreated controls controlin this study. Diabetes mellitus (DM) was induced by administering a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) (100 mg/kg) to the pups of (ND) diabetic group, which had been fasted overnight. Autistic pups from mothers that had received a single intraperitoneal injection of 600 mg/kg sodium valproate on day 12.5 after conception were randomly divided into 2 groups (n 2 7/group) as follow; administering single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) ( (100 mg/kg) to the overnight fasted autistic pups of (AD) autistic diabetic group. The treatment was started on the 5th day after STZ injection with the same dose as in group II and it was considered as 1st day of treatment with gold nanoparticles for 7 days to each rat of (group IV) treated autistic diabetic group(TAD) at a dosage of 2.5 mg/kg. b. wt. Results: At this dose of administration AuNPs, the activities of hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase were greater in group TAD compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Oxidised glutathione levels were lower (P > 0.05) in the liver of autistic diabetic AuNPs -supplemented rats, whereas reduced glutathione was markedly higher than in control rats, especially after administration of AuNPs. Moreover, the kidney functions in addition to the fat profile scoring supported the protective potential of that dose of AuNPs. The beta cells revealed euchromatic nuclei with no evidence of separation of nuclear membrane. Conclusions: Our results showed that AuNPs improved many of the oxidative stress parameters (SOD, GPx and, CAT), plasma antioxidant capacity (ORAC) and lipid profile relative to the other parameters. In addition to the apparent reversibility of the pancreatic B cell in group IV which may reflect the regenerative capacity of AuNPs.
Electromagnetic Wave Irradiation Promotes Osteoblastic Cell Proliferation and Up-Regulates Growth Factors via Activation of the ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK Pathways
Authors: Yumoto Hiromichi , Hirao Kouji , Tominaga Toshihiko , Bando Naoki , Takahashi Kanako , Matsuo Takashi
Published: January 2015

Background/Aims: Periodontitis with bone resorption is caused by inflammatory reactions to bacterial infection. We recently reported that electromagnetic wave irradiation (EMWI) has bactericidal effects. However, the effects of EMWI on periodontal tissues remain unclear. This study was aimed to investigate the effects of EMWI on osteoblasts. Methods: Osteoblastic cells MC3T3-E1 were treated with EMWI (500-1,000 kHz, 5 times, 1 sec/time). Cell growth and cytotoxicity were determined by cell proliferation assays and measurement of lactate dehydrogenase release, respectively. Gene expression and protein production of growth factors were analyzed using real-time PCR and ELISA, respectively. EMWI-activated cellular signal transduction pathways were investigated by immunoblotting and blocking assay with specific inhibitors. Results: Osteoblasts proliferation was significantly enhanced 3 days after EMWI and no cytotoxicity was observed. EMWI up-regulated various growth factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). EMWI induced ERK1/2, p38 MAPK and SAPK/JNK phosphorylation within 5 min, and the production of PDGF-ΑΑ and VEGF was partially reduced by MAPK-specific inhibitor. Conclusion: These findings demonstrated that EMWI increases osteoblastic cell activity and the expression of growth factors via ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK pathways and suggested that EMWI may be beneficial to bone tissue repair such as periodontitis.
Distinct Expression Profiles of lncRNAs Between Regressive and Mature Scars
Authors: Li Jingyun , Long Wei , Li Qian , Zhou Qing , Wang Yu , Wang Hui , Zhou Bei , Li Jun
Published: January 2015

Background: Recent studies suggest that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play crucial roles in human diseases. The function of lncRNAs in abnormal scar pathogenesis remains poorly understood. Methods: In this study, we examined the lncRNAs expression profiles among regressive and mature scars following caesarean sections. A total of 30,586 lncRNAs and 26,109 mRNAs were analyzed by microarrays (Human LncRNA Array v3.0, Arraystar, Inc.). Results: In total, we identified 1,871 lncRNAs and 817 mRNAs with differential expression between regressive and mature scar individuals (fold change≥3, p≤0.001). A set of differentially expressed lncRNA transcripts, in particular, lncRNA8975-1, AC097662.2 and RP11-586K2.1, were confirmed using qRT-PCR. Gene ontology and pathway analysis revealed that compared to mature scars, many processes over-represented in regressive scars are related to the immune system. Conclusion: Our results show significantly altered expression profiles of lncRNAs and mRNAs between regressive and mature scars. These transcripts are potential molecular targets for inhibiting abnormal scar formation following caesarean sections.
Safety and Efficacy of a Novel, Dry Powder Fibrin Sealant for Hemostasis in Hepatic Resection
Authors: Ruitenbeek Karin , Ayez N. , Verhoef C. , de Wilt J. Hans W. , Bottema Jan , Rijken Arjen M. , van Rij Monique , Koopman Jaap , Zuckerman Linda A. , Frohna Paul , Porte Robert J.
Published: January 2015

Background/Aims: Fibrocaps is a dry powder fibrin sealant containing human plasma-derived fibrinogen and thrombin. The safety, efficacy, and application methods for Fibrocaps were evaluated in an exploratory, first-in-human, noncomparative, clinical study. Methods: Patients with minor bleeding/oozing after elective partial hepatic resection had Fibrocaps applied to the bleeding site either directly from the vial or from a spray device, with manual pressure applied using a cellulose, collagen, or gelatin sponge, if needed. Safety was evaluated at screening and postoperative days 1, 2, and 5, and weeks 4 and 12. The formation of anti-thrombin antibodies was assessed at baseline, and after 4 and 12 weeks. Time to hemostasis (TTH) within 10 min was determined. Results: Twenty-nine patients were treated with Fibrocaps; 6 experienced serious adverse events that were not related to the course of treatment. Adverse events occurring in >10% of patients were nausea, constipation, hypotension, obstipation, hypokalemia, and postoperative pain. Most adverse events were mild or moderate in severity. No patient developed anti-thrombin antibodies. The percentage of patients who achieved hemostasis was 93%; the median TTH was 3.8 min (range 0.3-10.3). Manual pressure was applied with Fibrocaps in 19 patients and considered beneficial in most. Conclusion: Fibrocaps was well tolerated in patients undergoing elective hepatic resection and resulted in rapid hemostasis. These safety and efficacy results support further clinical testing of this ready-to-use fibrin sealant as an adjunct to surgical hemostasis.
Genome-Wide Analysis of the WRKY Transcription Factors in Aegilops tauschii
Authors: Ma Jianhui , Zhang Daijing , Shao Yun , Liu Pei , Jiang Lina , Li Chunxi
Published: January 2015

The WRKY transcription factors (TFs) play important roles in responding to abiotic and biotic stress in plants. However, due to its unfinished genome sequencing, relatively few WRKY TFs with full-length coding sequences (CDSs) have been identified in wheat. Instead, the Aegilops tauschii genome, which is the D-genome progenitor of the hexaploid wheat genome, provides important resources for the discovery of new genes. In this study, we performed a bioinformatics analysis to identify WRKY TFs with full-length CDSs from the A. tauschii genome. A detailed evolutionary analysis for all these TFs was conducted, and quantitative real-time PCR was carried out to investigate the expression patterns of the abiotic stress-related WRKY TFs under different abiotic stress conditions in A. tauschii seedlings. A total of 93 WRKY TFs were identified from A. tauschii, and 79 of them were found to be newly discovered genes compared with wheat. Gene phylogeny, gene structure and chromosome location of the 93 WRKY TFs were fully analyzed. These studies provide a global view of the WRKY TFs from A. tauschii and a firm foundation for further investigations in both A. tauschii and wheat.
A Case of Post-Radiotherapy Gastritis: Radiation Does Not Explain Everything
Authors: Abrunhosa-Branquinho André , Barata Pedro , Vitorino Emília , Oliveira Emília , Bujor Laurentiu , Jorge Marília
Published: January 2015

Hemorrhagic gastritis is a possible late toxicity outcome after radical radiotherapy but it is nowadays a very rare condition and most likely depends on other clinical factors. We report the case of a 77-year-old woman with a symptomatic solitary extramedullary intra-abdominal plasmacytoma and multiple gastric comorbidities, treated with external beam radiotherapy. Despite the good response to radiotherapy, the patient experienced multiple gastric bleeding a few months later, with the need of multiple treatments for its control. In this paper we will discuss in detail all aspects related to the different causes of hemorrhagic gastritis.
Can a Novel Clinical Risk Score Improve Pneumonia Prediction in Acute Stroke Care? A UK Multicenter Cohort Study
Authors: Smith Craig J. , Bray Benjamin D. , Hoffman Alex , Meisel Andreas , Heuschmann Peter U. , Wolfe Charles D. A. , Tyrrell Pippa J. , Rudd Anthony G. ,   the Intercollegiate Stroke Working Party Group
Published: January 2015

Background

Pneumonia frequently complicates stroke and has a major impact on outcome. We derived and internally validated a simple clinical risk score for predicting stroke‐associated pneumonia (SAP), and compared the performance with an existing score (A
2
DS
2
).

Methods and Results

We extracted data for patients with ischemic stroke or intracerebral hemorrhage from the Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme multicenter UK registry. The data were randomly allocated into derivation (n=11 551) and validation (n=11 648) samples. A multivariable logistic regression model was fitted to the derivation data to predict SAP in the first 7 days of admission. The characteristics of the score were evaluated using receiver operating characteristics (discrimination) and by plotting predicted versus observed SAP frequency in deciles of risk (calibration). Prevalence of SAP was 6.7% overall. The final 22‐point score (
ISAN
: prestroke
I
ndependence [modified Rankin scale],
S
ex,
A
ge,
N
ational Institutes of Health Stroke Scale) exhibited good discrimination in the ischemic stroke derivation (C‐statistic 0.79; 95% CI 0.77 to 0.81) and validation (C‐statistic 0.78; 95% CI 0.76 to 0.80) samples. It was well calibrated in ischemic stroke and was further classified into meaningful risk groups (low 0 to 5, medium 6 to 10, high 11 to 14, and very high ≥15) associated with SAP frequencies of 1.6%, 4.9%, 12.6%, and 26.4%, respectively, in the validation sample. Discrimination for both scores was similar, although they performed less well in the intracerebral hemorrhage patients with an apparent ceiling effect.

Conclusions

The ISAN score is a simple tool for predicting SAP in clinical practice. External validation is required in ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke cohorts.
Cross-Curtain Radio Cooperation and New International Alignments during the Cold War
Authors: Henrich-Franke Christian
Published: January 2015

The transformation of the international system in the 1970s had remarkable consequences for East-West relations in the field of international radio communications. The two opposing blocs were compelled to join forces in an international system that was in a state of flux. Third World countries had started putting forward their demands for a “New International Information Order” and increasingly exerted pressure to achieve a reallocation of the spectrum for their own benefit. However, they were not able to reach their objectives at the World Administrative Radio Conference convened in 1979 by the International Telecommunication Union in order to reallocate the entire radio frequency spectrum. Expert groups from East and West cooperated closely on this issue, developing a coordinated strategy that enabled them to defend their shared interests.
“Thunder without Rain”: ARCI, the Far East Refugee Program, and the U.S. Response to Hong Kong Refugees
Authors: Oyen Meredith
Published: January 2015

During the early Cold War, a refugee crisis in Hong Kong captured international attention. The failure of the United Nations to respond gave rise to a complicated cooperative relief effort involving British authorities, the U.S. government, and many private voluntary organizations. This article focuses on the history of one organization, Aid Refugee Chinese Intellectuals (ARCI), and demonstrates how its work with the U.S. Refugee Relief Program (RRP) contributed to the politicization of the migrants and became a mutually beneficial collaboration for both bodies: ARCI facilitated RRP's claims to be aiding Chinese refugees, and RRP funded ARCI. Although both ARCI and the RRP fulfilled some of their own goals and aided some refugees, their history shows that Cold War politics still usually won out over strictly humanitarian concerns.