bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New Decision Model for Reducing Trim Loss and Inventory in the Paper Industry
Authors: Wang Fu-Kwun , Liu Feng-Tai
Published: January 2014

In the paper industry, numerous studies have explored means of optimizing order allocation and cutting trim loss. However, enterprises may not adopt the resulting solutions because some widths of the inventory exceed or are less than those required for acceptable scheduling. To ensure that the results better suit the actual requirements, we present a new decision model based on the adjustment of scheduling and limitation of inventory quantity to differentiate trim loss and inventory distribution data. Differential analysis is used to reduce data filtering and the information is valuable for decision making. A numerical example is presented to illustrate the applicability of the proposed method. The results show that our proposed method outperforms the manual method regarding scheduling quantity and trim loss.
Alarmin IL-33 Acts as an Immunoadjuvant to Enhance Antigen-Specific Tumor Immunity
Authors: Villarreal Daniel O. , Wise Megan C. , Walters Jewell N. , Reuschel Emma L. , Choi Min Joung , Obeng-Adjei Nyamekye , Yan Jian , Morrow Matthew P. , Weiner David B.
Published: January 2014

Studies of interleukin (IL)-33 reveal a number of pleiotropic properties. Here, we report that IL-33 has immunoadjuvant effects in a human papilloma virus (HPV)–associated model for cancer immunotherapy where cell-mediated immunity is critical for protection. Two biologically active isoforms of IL-33 exist that are full-length or mature, but the ability of either isoform to function as a vaccine adjuvant that influences CD4 T helper 1 or CD8 T-cell immune responses is not defined. We showed that both IL-33 isoforms are capable of enhancing potent antigen-specific effector and memory T-cell immunity in vivo in a DNA vaccine setting. In addition, although both IL-33 isoforms drove robust IFN-γ responses, neither elevated secretion of IL-4 or immunoglobulin E levels. Further, both isoforms augmented vaccine-induced antigen-specific polyfunctional CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses, with a large proportion of CD8+ T cells undergoing plurifunctional cytolytic degranulation. Therapeutic studies indicated that vaccination with either IL-33 isoform in conjunction with an HPV DNA vaccine caused rapid and complete regressions in vivo. Moreover, IL-33 could expand the magnitude of antigen-specific CD8+ T-cell responses and elicit effector–memory CD8+ T cells. Taken together, our results support the development of these IL-33 isoforms as immunoadjuvants in vaccinations against pathogens, including in the context of antitumor immunotherapy. Cancer Res; 74(6); 1789–800. ©2014 AACR.
Fragmented Sleep Accelerates Tumor Growth and Progression through Recruitment of Tumor-Associated Macrophages and TLR4 Signaling
Authors: Hakim Fahed , Wang Yang , Zhang Shelley X.L. , Zheng Jiamao , Yolcu Esma S. , Carreras Alba , Khalyfa Abdelnaby , Shirwan Haval , Almendros Isaac , Gozal David
Published: January 2014

Sleep fragmentation (SF) is a highly prevalent condition and a hallmark of sleep apnea, a condition that has been associated with increased cancer incidence and mortality. In this study, we examined the hypothesis that sleep fragmentation promotes tumor growth and progression through proinflammatory TLR4 signaling. In the design, we compared mice that were exposed to sleep fragmentation one week before engraftment of syngeneic TC1 or LL3 tumor cells and tumor analysis four weeks later. We also compared host contributions through the use of mice genetically deficient in TLR4 or its effector molecules MYD88 or TRIF. We found that sleep fragmentation enhanced tumor size and weight compared with control mice. Increased invasiveness was apparent in sleep fragmentation tumors, which penetrated the tumor capsule into surrounding tissues, including adjacent muscle. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) were more numerous in sleep fragmentation tumors, where they were distributed in a relatively closer proximity to the tumor capsule compared with control mice. Although tumors were generally smaller in both MYD88−/− and TRIF−/− hosts, the more aggressive features produced by sleep fragmentation persisted. In contrast, these more aggressive features produced by sleep fragmentation were abolished completely in TLR4−/− mice. Our findings offer mechanistic insights into how sleep perturbations can accelerate tumor growth and invasiveness through TAM recruitment and TLR4 signaling pathways. Cancer Res; 74(5); 1329–37. ©2014 AACR.
Calcium/Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase II and Its Endogenous Inhibitor α in Medullary Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Russo Eleonora , Salzano Marcella , De Falco Valentina , Mian Caterina , Barollo Susi , Secondo Agnese , Bifulco Maurizio , Vitale Mario
Published: January 2014

Purpose: Calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII) is involved in the regulation of cell proliferation. Its endogenous inhibitor (hCaKIINα) is expressed in some cell types. We determined the role of CaMKII in RET-stimulated proliferation and hCaMKIINα in medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC).

Experimental Design: We analyzed the role of RET mutants on CaMKII activation in NIH3T3 and in MTC cell lines, and determined the effect of CaMKII inhibition on RET/ERK pathway and cell proliferation. Then the expression of hCaKIINα mRNA was determined by real-time PCR in primary MTC and it was correlated with some clinicopathologic parameters.

Results: RET C634Y and RETM918T mutants expressed in NIH3T3 cells induced CaMKII activation. CaMKII was activated in unstimulated MTC cells carrying the same RET mutants and it was inhibited by RET inhibition. Inhibition of CaMKII in these cells induced a reduction of Raf-1, MEK, and ERK phosphorylation, cyclin D expression, and cell proliferation. hCaKIINα mRNA expression in primary MTC was very variable and did not correlate with gender and age at diagnosis. Serum calcitonin, (R2 = 0.032; P = 0.017), tumor volume (P = 0.0079), lymph node metastasis (P = 0.033), and staging (P = 0.0652) were negatively correlated with the hCaKIINα mRNA expression.

Conclusions: CaMKII is activated by RET mutants and is activated at baseline in MTC cells where it mediates the oncogenic pathway leading to cell proliferation. The mRNA expression of its endogenous inhibitor hCaKIINα inversely correlates with the severity of MTC. CaMKII might represent a new target for MTC therapy and hCaKIINα is a marker of disease extension. Clin Cancer Res; 20(6); 1513–20. ©2014 AACR.
hERG1 Channels Regulate VEGF-A Secretion in Human Gastric Cancer: Clinicopathological Correlations and Therapeutical Implications
Authors: Crociani Olivia , Lastraioli Elena , Boni Luca , Pillozzi Serena , Romoli Maria Raffaella , D'Amico Massimo , Stefanini Matteo , Crescioli Silvia , Taddei Antonio , Bencini Lapo , Bernini Marco , Farsi Marco , Beghelli Stefania , Scarpa Aldo , Messerini Luca , Tomezzoli Anna , Vindigni Carla , Morgagni Paolo , Saragoni Luca , Giommoni Elisa , Gasperoni Silvia , Di Costanzo Francesco , Roviello Franco , De Manzoni Giovanni , Bechi Paolo , Arcangeli Annarosa
Published: January 2014

Purpose: hERG1 channels are aberrantly expressed in several types of human cancers, where they affect different aspects of cancer cell behavior. A thorough analysis of the functional role and clinical significance of hERG1 channels in gastric cancer is still lacking.

Experimental Design: hERG1 expression was tested in a wide (508 samples) Italian cohort of surgically resected patients with gastric cancer, by immunohistochemistry and real-time quantitative PCR. The functional link between hERG1 and the VEGF-A was studied in different gastric cancer cell lines. The effects of hERG1 and VEGF-A inhibition were evaluated in vivo in xenograft mouse models.

Results: hERG1 was positive in 69% of the patients and positivity correlated with Lauren's intestinal type, fundus localization of the tumor, G1–G2 grading, I and II tumor—node—metastasis stage, and VEGF-A expression. hERG1 activity modulated VEGF-A secretion, through an AKT-dependent regulation of the transcriptional activity of the hypoxia inducible factor. Treatment of immunodeficient mice xenografted with human gastric cancer cells, with a combination of hERG1 blockers and anti-VEGF-A antibodies, impaired tumor growth more than single-drug treatments.

Conclusion: Our results show that hERG1 (i) is aberrantly expressed in human gastric cancer since its early stages; (ii) drives an intracellular pathway leading to VEGF-A secretion; (iii) can be exploited to identify a gastric cancer patients' group where a combined treatment with antiangiogenic drugs and noncardiotoxic hERG1 inhibitors could be proposed. Clin Cancer Res; 20(6); 1502–12. ©2014 AACR.
P-Cadherin Promotes Ovarian Cancer Dissemination Through Tumor Cell Aggregation and Tumor–Peritoneum Interactions
Authors: Usui Akihiro , Ko Song Yi , Barengo Nicolas , Naora Honami
Published: January 2014

More than 60% of patients who are diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) present with extensive peritoneal carcinomatosis. EOC cells typically disseminate by shedding into the peritoneal fluid in which they survive as multicellular aggregates and then implant onto peritoneal surfaces. However, the mechanism that facilitates aggregation and implantation of EOC cells is poorly understood. The cell adhesion molecule P-cadherin has been reported to be induced during early progression of EOC and to promote tumor cell migration. In this study, P-cadherin not only promoted migration of EOC cells, but also facilitated the assembly of floating EOC cells into multicellular aggregates and inhibited anoikis in vitro. Furthermore, inhibiting P-cadherin by short hairpin RNAs (shRNA) or a neutralizing antibody prevented EOC cells from attaching to peritoneal mesothelial cells in vitro. In mouse intraperitoneal xenograft models of EOC, inhibition of P-cadherin decreased the aggregation and survival of floating tumor cells in ascites and reduced the number of tumor implants on peritoneal surfaces. These findings indicate that P-cadherin promotes intraperitoneal dissemination of EOC by facilitating tumor cell aggregation and tumor–peritoneum interactions in addition to promoting tumor cell migration.

Implications: Inhibiting P-cadherin blocks multiple key steps of EOC progression and has therapeutic potential. Mol Cancer Res; 12(4); 504–13. ©2014 AACR.
Low Frontal Assessment Battery Score as a Risk Factor for Falling in Patients with Hoehn-Yahr Stage III Parkinson's Disease: A 2-Year Prospective Study
Authors: Kataoka Hiroshi , Tanaka Noriyuki , Saeki Keigo , Kiriyama Takao , Ueno Satoshi
Published: January 2014

Background: Recently, we evaluated factors responsible for falling, including walking speed evaluated with the use of originally designed, suddenly narrowed paths, in patients with Hoehn-Yahr stage III PD. We prospectively studied the same cohort of patients with PD who were followed up for 2 years, to determine predictors of future falls. Methods: We performed clinical assessments and evaluated balance in 26 patients. A total of 19 variables including PD-related independent variables, balance investigation-related independent variables and gait independent-related variables were evaluated. Results: The Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) score (p = 0.002), Tinetti balance (p = 0.009), and gait velocity (p = 0.001) were higher in fallers than in non-fallers. On multiple logistic regression analysis, the FAB score was related to falling (odds ratio = 3.328, p = 0.033, 95% confidence interval = 1.104-10.03). On the FAB, the scores of ‘inhibitory control' and ‘sensitivity to interference' were significantly lower in fallers than in non-fallers. Conclusions: The use of the originally designed, suddenly narrowed path was the primary reason for demonstrating for the first time that a low FAB score is a risk factor for future falls. Calculation of the FAB score may be useful for predicting the risk of future falls.
Validity of Minimal Clinically Important Difference Values for the Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale-12?
Authors: Motl Robert W. , Learmonth Yvonne C. , Pilutti Lara A. , Dlugonski Deirdre , Klaren Rachel
Published: January 2014

Background and Objective: Minimal clinically important difference (MCID) values of 4 and 6 points have been proposed for interpreting meaningful change in Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale-12 (MSWS-12) scores. This study examined the validity of those MCID values based on capturing corresponding changes in other walking outcomes in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods: On 2 occasions separated by 6 months, 82 persons with MS completed the MSWS-12, timed 25-ft walk (T25FW), 6-min walk (6MW), and gait analysis, and then wore an accelerometer over a 7-day period. We generated change scores for the MSWS-12 and formed groups of stable, worsened, and improved perceived walking based on both 4- and 6-point changes. The groups were compared for corresponding changes in other walking measures over time using mixed-model ANOVAs. Results: The mixed-model ANOVAs did not identify statistically significant group-by-time interactions on the T25FW (p = 0.98 and p = 0.67), the 6MW (p = 0.89 and p = 0.72), gait (p = 0.54 and p = 0.21), or accelerometry (p = 0.40 and p = 0.68) for MCID values of 4- or 6-point changes in MSWS-12 scores. Conclusions: We did not confirm that MCID values of 4 and 6 points for the MSWS-12 correspond with changes in performance, gait, and free-living assessments of walking in MS.
Inverse and Direct Cancer Comorbidity in People with Central Nervous System Disorders: A Meta-Analysis of Cancer Incidence in 577,013 Participants of 50 Observational Studies
Authors: Catalá-López Ferrán , Suárez-Pinilla Marta , Suárez-Pinilla Paula , Valderas Jose María , Gómez-Beneyto Manuel , Martinez Salvador , Balanzá-Martínez Vicent , Climent Joan , Valencia Alfonso , McGrath John , Crespo-Facorro Benedicto , Sanchez-Moreno Jose , Vieta Eduard , Tabarés-Seisdedos Rafael
Published: January 2014

Background: There is a lack of scientific consensus about cancer comorbidity in people with central nervous system (CNS) disorders. This study assesses the co-occurrence of cancers in patients with CNS disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), autism spectrum disorders, Down's syndrome (DS), Huntington's disease (HD), multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease (PD) and schizophrenia (SCZ). Method: Comprehensive search in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus and ISI Web of Knowledge of the literature published before March 2013. We identified 51 relevant articles from 2,229 discrete references, 50 of which contained data suitable for quantitative synthesis (577,013 participants). Pooled effect sizes (ES) were calculated using multiple random-effects meta-analyses. Sources of heterogeneity and uncertainty were explored by means of subgroup and sensitivity analyses, respectively. Results: The presence of CNS disorders was associated with a reduced co-occurrence of cancer (ES = 0.92; 95% confidence interval, CI: 0.87-0.98; I2 = 94.5%). A consistently lower overall co-occurrence of cancer was detected in patients with neurodegenerative disorders (ES = 0.80; 95% CI: 0.75- 0.86; I2 = 82.8%), and in those with AD (ES = 0.32; 95% CI: 0.22-0.46; I2 = 0.0%), PD (ES = 0.83; 95% CI: 0.76-0.91; I2 = 80.0%), MS (ES = 0.91; 95% CI: 0.87-0.95; I2 = 30.3%) and HD (ES = 0.53; 95% CI: 0.42-0.67; I2 = 56.4%). Patients with DS had a higher overall co-occurrence of cancer (ES = 1.46; 95% CI: 1.08-1.96; I2 = 87.9%). No association was observed between cancer and ALS (ES = 0.97; 95% CI: 0.76-1.25; I2 = 0.0%) or SCZ (ES = 0.98; 95% CI: 0.90-1.07; I2 = 96.3%). Patients with PD, MS and SCZ showed (a) higher co-occurrence of some specific cancers (e.g. PD with melanoma, MS with brain cancers and SCZ with breast cancer), and (b) lower co-occurrence of other specific cancers (e.g. lung, prostate and colorectal cancers in PD; lung and prostate cancers in MS; and melanoma and prostate cancer in SCZ). Conclusion: Increased and decreased co-occurrence of cancer in patients with CNS disorders represents an opportunity to discover biological and non-biological connections between these complex disorders.
Elevated Osteoprotegerin Predicts Declining Renal Function in Elderly Women: A 10-Year Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Lewis Joshua R. , Lim Wai H. , Zhu Kun , Wong Germaine , Dhaliwal Satvinder S. , Lim Ee M. , Ueland Thor , Bollerslev Jens , Prince Richard L.
Published: January 2014

Background: Elevated osteoprotegerin (OPG) levels are inversely correlated with creatinine clearance and end-stage renal disease in patients with diabetes, however its role in predicting decline in renal function and progression to a more advanced stage disease in the elderly general population is unknown. Methods: This was a prospective cohort study of 1,157 elderly women with serum OPG measured in 1998 and renal function estimated using serum creatinine and cystatin C-based estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at 5-yearly intervals. The primary objective of the study was to determine the relationship of circulating OPG levels with 5- and 10-year renal decline. Results: At baseline, participants with elevated OPG above the median (≥2.2 ng/ml) had a 5.0% lower CKD-EPI-creatinine and cystatin C eGFR compared to participants with lower OPG levels. In multivariable-adjusted linear regression models, elevated OPG levels at baseline were associated with greater 5- and 10-year decline in CKD-EPI-creatinine and cystatin C eGFR (-0.105, p = 0.002 and -0.104, p = 0.010, respectively). Elevated OPG at baseline was associated with increased 5- and 10-year risk of rapid renal decline (OR 2.13, 95% CI 1.33-3.43, p = 0.002 and OR 4.10, 95% CI 1.49-11.27, p = 0.006, respectively) and renal disease hospitalizations or deaths (HR 1.99, 95% CI 1.31-3.03, p = 0.001) after adjusting for known risk factors. Conclusion: Elevated OPG levels are associated with long-term renal dysfunction and may be provide a useful biomarker to predict the trajectory of renal decline in older women.
Energy Gap in the Aetiology of Body Weight Gain and Obesity: A Challenging Concept with a Complex Evaluation and Pitfalls
Authors: Schutz Yves , Byrne Nuala M. , Dulloo Abdul , Hills Andrew P.
Published: January 2014

The concept of energy gap(s) is useful for understanding the consequence of a small daily, weekly, or monthly positive energy balance and the inconspicuous shift in weight gain ultimately leading to overweight and obesity. Energy gap is a dynamic concept: an initial positive energy gap incurred via an increase in energy intake (or a decrease in physical activity) is not constant, may fade out with time if the initial conditions are maintained, and depends on the ‘efficiency' with which the readjustment of the energy imbalance gap occurs with time. The metabolic response to an energy imbalance gap and the magnitude of the energy gap(s) can be estimated by at least two methods, i.e. i) assessment by longitudinal overfeeding studies, imposing (by design) an initial positive energy imbalance gap; ii) retrospective assessment based on epidemiological surveys, whereby the accumulated endogenous energy storage per unit of time is calculated from the change in body weight and body composition. In order to illustrate the difficulty of accurately assessing an energy gap we have used, as an illustrative example, a recent epidemiological study which tracked changes in total energy intake (estimated by gross food availability) and body weight over 3 decades in the US, combined with total energy expenditure prediction from body weight using doubly labelled water data. At the population level, the study attempted to assess the cause of the energy gap purported to be entirely due to increased food intake. Based on an estimate of change in energy intake judged to be more reliable (i.e. in the same study population) and together with calculations of simple energetic indices, our analysis suggests that conclusions about the fundamental causes of obesity development in a population (excess intake vs. low physical activity or both) is clouded by a high level of uncertainty.
Effects of Physical Activity and Sedentary Time on the Risk of Heart Failure
Authors: Young Deborah Rohm , Reynolds Kristi , Sidell Margo , Brar Somjot , Ghai Nirupa R. , Sternfeld Barbara , Jacobsen Steven J. , Slezak Jeffrey M. , Caan Bette , Quinn Virginia P.
Published: January 2014

Background—

Although the benefits of physical activity for risk of coronary heart disease are well established, less is known about its effects on heart failure (HF). The risk of prolonged sedentary behavior on HF is unknown.

Methods and Results—

The study cohort included 82 695 men aged ≥45 years from the California Men’s Health Study without prevalent HF who were followed up for 10 years. Physical activity, sedentary time, and behavioral covariates were obtained from questionnaires, and clinical covariates were determined from electronic medical records. Incident HF was identified through
International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision
codes recorded in electronic records. During a mean follow-up of 7.8 years (646 989 person-years), 3473 men were diagnosed with HF. Controlling for sedentary time, sociodemographics, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, unfavorable lipid levels, body mass index, smoking, and diet, the hazard ratio (95% confidence interval [CI]) of HF in the lowest physical activity category compared with those in the highest category was 1.52 (95% CI, 1.39–1.68). Those in the medium physical activity category were also at increased risk (hazard ratio, 1.17 [95% CI, 1.06–1.29]). Controlling for the same covariates and physical activity, the hazard ratio (95% CI) of HF in the highest sedentary category compared with the lowest was 1.34 (95% CI, 1.21–1.48). Medium sedentary time also conveyed risk (hazard ratio, 1.13 [95% CI, 1.04–1.24]). Results showed similar trends across white and Hispanic subgroups, body mass index categories, baseline hypertension status, and prevalent coronary heart disease.

Conclusions—

Both physical activity and sedentary time may be appropriate intervention targets for preventing HF.
Administration of a Loading Dose Has No Additive Effect on Platelet Aggregation During the Switch From Ongoing Clopidogrel Treatment to Ticagrelor in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Caiazzo Gianluca , De Rosa Salvatore , Torella Daniele , Spaccarotella Carmen , Mongiardo Annalisa , Giampà Salvatore , Micieli Mariella , Palella Eleonora , Gulletta Elio , Indolfi Ciro
Published: January 2014

Background—

Ticagrelor outperforms clopidogrel in preventing cardiovascular events in acute coronary syndrome. Despite the inclusion of a loading dose in the Platelet Inhibition and Patient Outcomes (PLATO) trial for all patients randomized to ticagrelor, it may not be necessary in patients receiving ongoing clopidogrel therapy. The aim of the present study was to assess whether a ticagrelor loading dose is associated with a further platelet inhibition during the switch from clopidogrel to ticagrelor in patients with acute coronary syndrome receiving ongoing antiplatelet treatment.

Methods and Results—

Fifty patients with acute coronary syndrome receiving aspirin and clopidogrel treatment were randomly assigned to a starting dose of ticagrelor (group 1, 90 mg; group 2, 180 mg). Platelet aggregation was measured using multiple electrode aggregometry and standard light transmission aggregometry just before the switch and at 2, 6, 24, and 72 hours. No relevant difference in platelet aggregation was observed between the 2 study arms at baseline (
P
=0.256). Residual platelet aggregation was significantly reduced in both arms 2 hours after the first administration of ticagrelor (
P
<0.001 for both), with no difference in aggregation between groups (multiple electrode aggregometry, 17.6±7.2 versus 18.1±6 U;
P
=0.281). Similar results were observed with LTA.

Conclusions—

Switching from clopidogrel to ticagrelor without a reloading dose is feasible, and it does not hinder platelet aggregation inhibition in patients with acute coronary syndrome. Further prospective studies are needed to assess the clinical relevance of our findings.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01795820.
The Immortalisation of Billy Apple®: An Art-Science Collaboration
Authors: Hilton Craig
Published: January 2014

In The Immortalisation of Billy Apple®, Billy Apple® is simultaneously a subject of art and of scientific endeavor. This project has resulted in the first biological tissue made available for artists and the first biological tissue for science research made available by an artist as art. It has long been understood that Homo sapiens are a selective force of nature. Here the tissue and genetic information survive artistic and scientific natural selection. The Immortalisation of Billy Apple® provides an ongoing opportunity for cultural engagement with biological technology. This paper poses the question: Can genuine science and art output emerge from collaboration? As the author explores this question, other questions emerge around the scope of art in the realm of science and the roles of collaborators.
Dispositional Realism and the Specificity of Digital Media
Authors: Verstegen Ian
Published: January 2014

Discussions of the specificity of digital media are in a state of fruitful flux. After the dismissal of mediality in the utopian glow of media convergence, new theoretical developments allow us to reconceive this idea. Using the critical realist precept that properties in the world have real dispositions or powers, the author expands this system of thought to provide a framework with which to understand digital media. This is presented to add to and help direct the current debates.
Embodiment, Interaction and Experience: Aesthetic Trends in Interactive Media Arts
Authors: Xiaobo Lu , Yuelin Liu
Published: January 2014

The relationship between technology and art has always been an important issue in the field of art. With the application of information technology in interactive media arts, the traditional aesthetic theories can no longer fully interpret an emerging morphology of artistic styles. The unification of interaction, experience and aesthetics based on the “indwelling” idea of tacit knowledge theory and embodiment theory of phenomenology may be seen as a total framework for analyzing interaction aesthetics from three dimensions: information, space and time, which embodies three important features: full sensory experience, dynamics and psychosomatic oneness.
Ecological Outlook in Chinese Classical Design: From “Union of Heaven and Man” to “Following Natural Rules of Heaven”
Authors: Yanzu Li
Published: January 2014

Originating from human thinking on the relation between man and nature, the ecological design outlook is a new concept that arose in recent years with great significance for the sustainable development of design. In fact, the same concept has always been running through Chinese classical design notions. From the ages when the principle that “in compliance with the rules under heaven, things are created for human use” dominated design notions, to the rise and prevalence of the later principle of “following natural rules of heaven”, ancient Chinese had always dealt prudently with the relations among human, nature and zao wu (creation), which benefits the contemporary ecological design.
Searching for Authenticiy in Fashion Design and Art Collaboration (FDAC)
Authors: Bai Yuli , Choi Tsan-Ming , Tan Jeanne , Au Raymond W. , Zang Yingchun
Published: January 2014

This paper explores theoretical issues around authenticity in fashion design and art collaboration (FDAC). The aim is to understand the marketer's actual momentum and cultural properties of this phenomenon. Based on multiple case studies and interview surveys, this research identified that: FDAC is in widespread use as a way of above commerce; additionally, it bridges a gap between authenticity and fashion (especially youth fashion), while it represents the value of being free, true to the self and having passion for life. It is also heavily linked with creative youth culture and fashionisation featuring fun, excitation and hedonism.
Glesirhanis bercioi, a new genus and species from Baltic amber (Coleoptera: Endomychidae: Leiestinae) with a checklist and nomenclatural notes regarding fossil Endomychidae
Authors: SHOCKLEY FLOYD W. , ALEKSEEV VITALY I.
Published: January 2014

A new genus and species of handsome fungus beetle, Glesirhanis bercioi gen. nov., sp. nov. (Coleoptera: Endomychidae: Leiestinae) is described from Baltic amber. The newly described genus is compared with all known extant and extinct genera of the subfamily. A key to the genera of Leiestinae including fossils and a checklist of fossil Endomychidae are provided. The status of two taxa previously placed in Endomychidae, Palaeoendomychus gymnus Zhang and Tetrameropsis mesozoica Kirejtshuk & Azar, is discussed, and a new status for the latter, elevating it to the family-level as Tetrameropseidae status nov., is proposed.
Analysis of Low-Frequency Precipitation Variability in CMIP5 Historical Simulations for Southwestern North America
Authors: Langford Sally , Stevenson Samantha , Noone David
Published: January 2014

Drier future conditions are projected for the arid southwest of North America, increasing the chances of the region experiencing severe and prolonged drought. To examine the mechanisms of decadal variability, 47 global climate model historical simulations performed for phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) were assessed. On average, the CMIP5 models have higher climatological precipitation over the past century in southwestern North America than current instrumental or reanalysis products. The timing of the winter peak in climatological precipitation over California and Nevada is accurately represented. Models with resolutions coarser than 2° show a larger spread in the location and strength of the North American monsoon ridge and subsequent summer precipitation, in comparison with the higher-resolution models. Less than 20% of decadal variability in wintertime precipitation over California is associated with North Pacific sea surface temperature anomalies, a larger proportion than is associated with the tropical forcing but not sufficient for making decadal drought predictions. North American monsoon precipitation is strongly associated with local land temperatures on interannual-to-decadal time scales attributable to evaporative cooling and radiation changes driven by varying cloud cover. Soil moisture in Texas and Oklahoma in April is shown to be positively correlated with monsoon precipitation for the following summer, indicating a potential source of nonoceanic interseasonal persistence in southwestern North American hydroclimate. To make meaningful decadal predictions in the future, it is likely that forecasting will move away from sea surface temperature–driven anomaly patterns, and focus on land surface processes, which can allow persistence of precipitation anomalies via feedbacks.
Estimation and Comparison of Horizontal Winds Using Various Spectral Estimation Methods on Profiler Radars
Authors: Anandan V. K. , Sureshbabu V. N. , Tsuda Toshitaka , Furumoto Jun-ichi , Rao S. Vijayabhaskara
Published: January 2014

The lower atmospheric wind profiles are obtained by the postset beam steering (PBS) technique on middle and upper (MU) atmosphere radar data. The Capon beamformer is used to improve the beam synthesizing in the desired directions within the radar transmit beamwidth. From a synthesized beam, the power spectrum is obtained by various spectral estimators, such as Fourier, multiple signal classification (MUSIC), and eigenvector (EV). The wind vector components are derived from radial velocities estimated from the power spectra of synthesized beams. As the reliability of the PBS wind estimate depends on the choice of spectral estimators, a detailed analysis is carried out to compare the performance of estimators in deriving wind profiles on the radar data. The results suggest that EV shows a better performance in deriving possible spectrum parameters and is useful for reliable wind profiling up to the lower stratosphere. The wind profiles derived by PBS with EV are more consistent with near-time observations using GPS sonde and Doppler beam swinging (DBS) methods. The study also suggests that MUSIC cannot be used to reliably estimate atmospheric spectrum parameters.
Submandibular Gland Preservation during Concurrent Neck Dissection and Transoral Surgery for Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Howard Brittany E. , Hinni Michael L. , Nagel Thomas H. , Chang Yu‐Hui , Cheng Meng‐Ru , Hayden Richard E.
Published: January 2014

Objectives

Analyze the effect of ipsilateral submandibular gland preservation on patients undergoing concurrent neck dissection and transoral surgery for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Evaluate for (1) intraoperative and postoperative communications between the oropharynx and neck and (2) oncologic outcomes.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review of prospectively collected data.

Setting

Tertiary academic referral center.

Methods and Subjects

Retrospective chart review of patients undergoing transoral laser resection of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma with simultaneous neck dissection(s) for primary, persistent, recurrent, and second primary disease between January 1999 and February 2013. Data analyzed for operative technique, pathologic diagnosis, postoperative course, complications, and oncologic outcomes.

Results

Overall 253 patients were identified. Of these, 96 patients underwent ipsilateral submandibular gland preservation and 157 underwent ipsilateral submandibular gland removal at the time of neck dissection. The prevalence of intraoperative communication between the neck and oropharynx was significantly lower in cases with submandibular gland preservation (2/96, 2.08%) compared to those with submandibular gland removal (22/157, 14.13%). No postoperative leaks occurred in the gland preservation group (0/96, 0%) compared to a leak prevalence of 8.92% (14/157) when the gland was removed (P =. 0041). There was no difference in local, regional, or distant disease recurrence between submandibular gland preservation and gland removal. Similarly, Kaplan‐Meier analysis showed no difference in disease free survival, disease specific survival, or overall survival.

Conclusions

Submandibular gland preservation during neck dissection in patients undergoing transoral surgery for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma significantly reduces the risk of intraoperative and postoperative salivary leaks without compromising oncologic outcomes.
Fibrous Incudostapedial Joint in Congenital Aural Atresia
Authors: Balaker Ashley E. , Roberson Joseph B. , Goldsztein Hernan
Published: January 2014

Objectives

(1) Determine the prevalence of a non‐bony or fibrous incudostapedial (IS) joint in the setting of congenital aural atresia. (2) Assess this anomaly's impact on surgical management and associated hearing outcomes.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Setting

Subspecialty private practice.

Subjects and Methods

Operative reports and audiometric data of patients who underwent congenital aural atresia repair by a single surgeon from 2007 to 2011 were reviewed for operative anatomic findings and audiometric outcomes.

Results

Two hundred twenty‐eight operations on 206 ears were performed. Median age was 5 years old. Fifty‐five (26.7%) of these ears had a fibrous IS joint. The severity of this anomaly was graded as mild in 23 ears, moderate in 20 ears, and severe in 12 ears. Mean postoperative pure tone air conduction (PTA2) in the severely fibrous group was 51 compared to 46 in the moderate group (P =. 03) and 41 in the mild group (P =. 006). Patients with a fibrous IS joint who underwent successful ossicular chain reconstruction (OCR) had a mean postoperative PTA2 of 30, which was a significantly better outcome than in patients with moderately or severely fibrous IS joints who did not have OCR (P <. 05).

Conclusion

A fibrous IS joint was seen in 27% of patients undergoing repair of congenital aural atresia. The severity of this anomaly has important implications for postoperative hearing results. These findings suggest that ossicular chain reconstruction should be performed in moderately or severely fibrous cases.
Whose Voice? Presence of Indigenous Australians in Mainstream Media Coverage of the Northern Territory Intervention
Authors: Mesikämmen Emma
Published: January 2014

This article aims to map contemporary news media representation of Indigenous affairs and peoples in Australia through an exploration of the coverage of the federal government policy of the Northern Territory Emergency Response, commonly known as the Intervention. Given the findings of previous studies, which show that mainstream media coverage of Indigenous Australians tends to neglect Indigenous viewpoints, this article explores Indigenous presence in stories about the Intervention. Drawing on industry interviews, it also assesses the key influences underlying Indigenous presence in these stories. Analysis of one key moment in media coverage, the first anniversary of the Intervention, as well as the interview data suggests that journalistic practices and available resources constrained Indigenous presences, particularly direct voice, in stories about the Intervention. The article therefore calls for renewed attention to rethinking journalistic practice in the context of reporting on Indigenous issues.
Temple Entry in Odisha by the Dalit: An Ethnographic Study of Media Articulation
Authors: Dash Bidu Bhusan
Published: January 2014

Human rights are foreclosed for Dalits in the practice of Hinduism as they are still being prevented from entering public places of worship in India. Though unconstitutional, this practice is prevalent. Dalits being harassed for trying to enter a temple in a coastal village of Odisha was widely covered by the media. The present study confines itself to analyzing how five newspapers in Odisha represented the highly sensitive politico-religious issue and how reporters, most of whom happened to be caste Hindus, reported the issue. Based on an ethnographic content analysis of 175 stories, divided into five episodes and analyzed thematically, it was found that the press was insensitive in terms of language used and space devoted to the coverage of the issue. The manner of reporting this issue revealed a lack of awareness of human rights on the part of the press and an overemphasis on human interest stories.
Religion: The Missing Beat in Philippine Media
Authors: Santos Eimor P.
Published: January 2014

There is a dearth of news on religion in Philippine media, and there is no religion beat. Instead there is a church beat, which focuses on the dominant Roman Catholic Church and its religious leaders. Although this beat has been in place for many years, no study has been conducted on its emergence and practice. Through in-depth interviews with journalists, religious leaders and academics, and a representative sampling of newspaper articles, this article explores how the church beat is being practised, including the biases of and corruption among journalists covering the beat. This article also examines the need to establish a religion beat and how to improve the reporting of religion news in the Philippines.
Reshaping Journalism Education in Myanmar
Authors: Chua Yvonne T.
Published: January 2014

Myanmar has but one degree program in journalism. The National Management College, an affiliate of the University of Yangon, has been offering the BA Journalism program since 2007. Problem is, the program is no longer responsive to the requirements of an emerging democracy, having been formulated by the Ministry of Information in a then-repressive military regime. With help from UNESCO, the NMC has taken the first step towards reshaping the program by conducting a thorough review of its curriculum and other program components.
A population-based study of edentulism in the US: does depression and rural residency matter after controlling for potential confounders?
Authors: Saman Daniel M , Lemieux Andrine , Arevalo Oscar , Lutfiyya May Nawal
Published: January 2014

Background

Oral health is an integral component of general health and well-being. While edentulism has been examined in relation to socioeconomic status, rural residency, chronic disease and mental health, no study that we know of has examined edentulism and these factors together. The objective of this study was to determine whether depression and rural residency were significantly associated with partial and full edentulism in US adults after controlling for potential confounders.

Methods

2006 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS) data were analyzed to identify factors associated with increased odds of partial or full edentulism. This year of BRFSS data was chosen for analysis because in this year the standardized and validated Personal Health Questionnaire-8 (PHQ-8) was used to measure current depression. This measure was part of the optional questions BRFSS asks, and in 2006 33 states and/or territories included them in their annual surveillance data collection. Bivariate and logistic regression analyses were performed on weighted BRFSS data.

Results

Logistic regression analysis using either full or partial edentulism as the dependent variable yielded that rural residency or living in a rural locale, low and/or middle socioeconomic status (SES), depression as measured by the PHQ-8, and African American race/ethnicity were all independent risk factors when controlling for these and a number of additional covariates.

Conclusions

This study adds to the epidemiological literature by assessing partial and full edentulism in the US utilizing data from the CDC’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). Examining data collected through a large national surveillance system such as BRFSS allows for an analysis that incorporates an array of covariates not available from clinically-based data alone. This study demonstrated that current depression and rural residency are important factors related to partial and full edentulism after controlling for potential confounders.
Convergence and translation: attitudes to inter-professional learning and teaching of creative problem-solving among medical and engineering students and staff
Authors: Spoelstra Howard , Stoyanov Slavi , Burgoyne Louise , Bennett Deirdre , Sweeney Catherine , Drachsler Hendrik , Vanderperren Katrien , Van Huffel Sabine , McSweeney John , Shorten George , O’Flynn Siun , Cantillon-Murphy Padraig , O’Tuathaigh Colm
Published: January 2014

Background

Healthcare worldwide needs translation of basic ideas from engineering into the clinic. Consequently, there is increasing demand for graduates equipped with the knowledge and skills to apply interdisciplinary medicine/engineering approaches to the development of novel solutions for healthcare. The literature provides little guidance regarding barriers to, and facilitators of, effective interdisciplinary learning for engineering and medical students in a team-based project context.

Methods

A quantitative survey was distributed to engineering and medical students and staff in two universities, one in Ireland and one in Belgium, to chart knowledge and practice in interdisciplinary learning and teaching, and of the teaching of innovation.

Results

We report important differences for staff and students between the disciplines regarding attitudes towards, and perceptions of, the relevance of interdisciplinary learning opportunities, and the role of creativity and innovation. There was agreement across groups concerning preferred learning, instructional styles, and module content. Medical students showed greater resistance to the use of structured creativity tools and interdisciplinary teams.

Conclusions

The results of this international survey will help to define the optimal learning conditions under which undergraduate engineering and medicine students can learn to consider the diverse factors which determine the success or failure of a healthcare engineering solution.
Best approximation and fixed-point theorems for discontinuous increasing maps in Banach lattices
Authors: Kong Dezhou , Liu Lishan , Wu Yonghong
Published: January 2014

In this paper, we extend and prove Ky Fan’s Theorem for discontinuous increasing maps f in a Banach lattice X when f has no compact conditions. The main tools of analysis are the variational characterization of the generalized projection operator and order-theoretic fixed-point theory. Moreover, we establish a sequence

{

x
n

}

which converges strongly to the unique best approximation point. As an application of our best approximation theorems, a fixed-point theorem for non-self maps is established and proved under some conditions. Our results generalize and improve many recent results obtained by many authors.

MSC:06F30, 47H07, 41A50, 41A65.
MutPred Splice: machine learning-based prediction of exonic variants that disrupt splicing
Authors: Mort Matthew , Sterne-Weiler Timothy , Li Biao , Ball Edward V , Cooper David N , Radivojac Predrag , Sanford Jeremy R , Mooney Sean D
Published: January 2014

We have developed a novel machine-learning approach, MutPred Splice, for the identification of coding region substitutions that disrupt pre-mRNA splicing. Applying MutPred Splice to human disease-causing exonic mutations suggests that 16% of mutations causing inherited disease and 10 to 14% of somatic mutations in cancer may disrupt pre-mRNA splicing. For inherited disease, the main mechanism responsible for the splicing defect is splice site loss, whereas for cancer the predominant mechanism of splicing disruption is predicted to be exon skipping via loss of exonic splicing enhancers or gain of exonic splicing silencer elements. MutPred Splice is available at http://mutdb.org/mutpredsplice.
Assessing the Distributional Impacts of Carbon Tax among Households across Different Income Groups: The Case of China
Authors: Liang Qiao-Mei , Wang Qian , Wei Yi-Ming
Published: January 2014

Employing the improved China Energy and Environmental Policy Analysis (CEEPA) model, a recursive dynamic computable general equilibrium model, this study aims to examine the distributional impacts of a carbon tax in China on households over different income groups. The effects of different complementary measures were also analysed. The results indicate that without any protections for households, a carbon tax will widen the income and welfare gap not only between urban and rural but also within urban groups, though it could have a weakly progressive effect within the rural. If the carbon tax revenue is used to reduce indirect tax whilst appropriately increasing government transfers to rural households and vulnerable urban groups in proportion to population, the distributional deterioration caused by the carbon tax could be effectively mitigated, and the negative impact on the living standards of households over all income groups could be alleviated while maintaining emission reductions and minimising the overall socio-economic impacts.
Designing Biologically-Inspired Smart Building Systems: Processes and Guidelines
Authors: Park Daekwon , Bechthold Martin
Published: January 2014

This paper investigates design processes of and guidelines for biologically-inspired smart building systems (BISBS). Within the functional and performance requirements of building systems, biologically-inspired design is explored as the key approach and smart technology as the enabling technology. The Soft Modular Pneumatic System (SMoPS) is developed as a design experiment in order to verify the effectiveness of the BISBS design process. Similarly to how independent cells coordinate with each other to undergo certain tasks in multicellular systems, the SMoPS consists of autonomous modules that collectively achieve assigned functions. Within the soft body of each SMoPS module, sensor, actuation, and control components are integrated which enables the module to kinetically respond to and interact with its environment. The modular design and hierarchical assembly logic contribute to creating a flexible as well as robust building system. Throughout the design process, prototyping, simulation, and animation are utilized as an iterative and diversified development method.