bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitigation of SQL Injection Attacks using Threat Modeling
Authors: Kaur Navdeep , Kaur Parminder
Published: December 2014

Day after day, SQL Injection (SQLI) attack is consistently proliferating across the globe. According to Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) Top Ten Cheat Sheet-2014, SQLI is at top in the list of online attacks. The cause of spread of SQLI is thought to be Unsecure Software Engineering. The Software Development process itself appears to look at security as an add-on to be checked and deployed towards the end of the software development lifecycle which leads to vulnerabilities in web applications. This paper is an attempt to integrate security in early stages of SDLC i.e. in design phase to mitigate SQLI vulnerability. How SQLI attack happens is illustrated. Threat Modeling is performed to mitigate the SQLI vulnerability.
A Novel Approach to Component-Based Software Testing
Authors: Nautiyal Lata , Gupta Neena , Dimri Sushil Chandra
Published: December 2014

In the present era when component-based software development plays an important role in the software development community, testing is an important activity, which should not be neglected. Component-based software testing is an essential activity, which supports productivity in component-based software development. Past studies indicate that more than fifty percent of the cost of software development is dedicated to the testing activity, which results in an increased cost of the software. This paper describes the issues and challenges of component-based systems. This paper also suggests the requirement of a novel approach to testing of component-based software. It also proposes a novel approach to testing of component-based software while considering some important factors like component study, component test case design, component test execution, and component test analysis and component test documentation.
Performance Estimation of Static Step Topology Across Distributed Networks through Simulation Tool
Authors: Zaidi Taskeen , Saxena Vipin
Published: December 2014

During the past years, distributed computing has become more popular because of several advantages over centralized computing. Such types of platforms offer high performance computing environment at a too low cost. Many of organizations have shifted their old centralized based computing labs into distributed computing labs that are based upon a static topological structure. The present work is related to the performance estimation of newly proposed step topology across the distributed computing network. The well-known Unified Modeling Language is used to design a model for computation of performance of the topology. The performance is measured in terms of transferring the video and audio files that are having a large size in terms for bytes. A simulation tool provides transferring of packets across distributed networks designed through step topology.
Dynamically Instrumenting the QEMU Emulator for Linux Process Trace Generation with the GDB Debugger
Authors: Mihajlović Bojan , Žilić Željko , Gross Warren J.
Published: December 2014

In software debugging, trace generation techniques are used to resolve highly complex bugs. However, the emulators increasingly used for embedded software development do not yet offer the types of trace generation infrastructure available in hardware. In this article, we make changes to the ARM ISA emulation of the QEMU emulator to allow for continuous instruction-level trace generation. Using a standard GDB client, tracepoints can be inserted to dynamically log registers and memory addresses without altering executing code. The ability to run trace experiments in five different modes allows the scope of trace generation to be narrowed as needed, down to the level of a single Linux process. Our scheme collects the execution traces of a Linux process on average between 9.6x--0.7x the speed of existing QEMU trace capabilities, with 96.7% less trace data volume. Compared to a software-instrumented tracing scheme, our method is both unobtrusive and performs on average between 3--4 orders of magnitude faster.
Sexism in the circuitry
Authors: Heron Michael James , Belford Pauline , Goker Ayse
Published: December 2014

In this paper, the authors discuss sexism and misogyny within video game culture through the lens of two high-profile examples of cyber-mob harassment and vilification of 'girls in gaming'. We discuss the representation of women within games as a set up for a discussion of Anita Sarkeesian and her Women versus Tropes in Games Youtube series. We then discuss indie game developer Zoe Quinn and what has become known online as 'gamergate. We use logs from the participants in Quinn's harassment to deconstruct the anatomy, techniques and methodology of misogynist online harassment, and how it is permitted and normalized by wider gaming culture. We stress that while this is not universal, it is wide-spread, insidious, and a major problem for video gaming culture. We conclude with a short discussion on the ways in which the issue can be addressed.
Disjoint NP-Pairs and Propositional Proof Systems
Authors: Glaßer C. , Hughes A. , Selman A. L. , Wisiol N.
Published: December 2014

This article surveys results on disjoint NP-pairs, propositional proof systems, function classes, and promise classes|including results that demonstrate close connections that bind these topics together. We illustrate important links between the questions of whether these classes have complete objects and whether optimal proof systems may exist.
Hypoxia-induced proliferation of tissue-resident endothelial progenitor cells in the lung
Authors: Nishimura Rintaro , Nishiwaki Tetsu , Kawasaki Takeshi , Sekine Ayumi , Suda Rika , Urushibara Takashi , Suzuki Toshio , Takayanagi Shin , Terada Jiro , Sakao Seiichiro , Tatsumi Koichiro
Published: December 2014

Exposure to hypoxia induces changes in the structure and functional phenotypes of the cells composing the pulmonary vascular wall from larger to most peripheral vessels. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) may be involved in vascular endothelial repair. Resident EPCs with a high proliferative potential are found in the pulmonary microcirculation. However, their potential location, identification, and functional role have not been clearly established. We investigated whether resident EPCs or bone marrow (BM)-derived EPCs play a major role in hypoxic response of pulmonary vascular endothelial cells (PVECs). Mice were exposed to hypoxia. The number of PVECs transiently decreased followed by an increase in hypoxic animals. Under hypoxic conditions for 1 wk, prominent bromodeoxyuridine incorporation was detected in PVECs. Some Ki67-positive cells were detected among PVECs after 1 wk under hypoxic conditions, especially in the capillaries. To clarify the origin of proliferating endothelial cells, we used BM chimeric mice expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP). The percentage of GFP-positive PVECs was low and constant during hypoxia in BM-transplanted mice, suggesting little engraftment of BM-derived cells in lungs under hypoxia. Proliferating PVECs in hypoxic animals showed increased expression of CD34, suggesting hypoxia-induced gene expression and cell surface antigen of EPC or stem/progenitor cells markers. Isolated PVECs from hypoxic mice showed colony- and tube-forming capacity. The present study indicated that hypoxia could induce proliferation of PVECs, and the origin of these cells might be tissue-resident EPCs.
Measuring Visual Function Using the MultiQuity System: Comparison with an Established Device
Authors: Smolarek-Kasprzak Patrycja , Nolan John M. , Beatty Stephen , Dennison Jessica , Akuffo Kwadwo Owusu , Kuchling Robert , Stack Jim , O’Regan Graham
Published: December 2014

Purpose. To compare measures of visual acuity (VA) and contrast sensitivity (CS) from the Thompson Xpert 2000 and MultiQuity (MiQ) devices.Methods. Corrected distance VA (CDVA) and CS were measured in the right eye of 73 subjects, on an established system (Thompson Xpert) and a novel system (MiQ 720). Regression was used to convert MiQ scores into the Thompson scale. Agreement between the converted MiQ and Thompson scores was investigated using standard agreement indices. Test-retest variability for both devices was also investigated, for a separate sample of 24 subjects.Results. For CDVA, agreement was strong between the MiQ and Thomson devices (accuracy = 0.993, precision = 0.889, CCC = 0.883). For CS, agreement was also strong (accuracy = 0.996, precision = 0.911, CCC = 0.907). Agreement was unaffected by demographic variables or by presence/absence of ocular pathology. Test-retest agreement indices for both devices were excellent: in the range 0.88–0.96 for CDVA and in the range 0.90–0.98 for CS.Conclusion. MiQ measurements exhibit strong agreement with corresponding Thomson measurements, and test-retest results are good for both devices. Agreement between the two devices is unaffected by age or ocular pathology.
Enhancement of Cross-Borehole Pulse Radar Signature on a Partially Water-Filled Tunnel
Authors: Jung Ji-Hyun , Kim Se-Yun
Published: December 2014

Cross-borehole pulse radar has been employed to detect a deeply located empty tunnel. In this paper, effects of underground water collected in the bottom of an empty tunnel on cross-borehole pulse radar signatures are analyzed numerically. B-scan images, stacks of received pulses, are calculated by applying the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method for 6 different heights of water from the bottom to the half height inside an empty tunnel. The most important features of an empty tunnel, the fastest time of peak (TOP) and time of arrival (TOA) extracted from the B-scan images, are slowed considerably depending on the increased height of water inside the tunnel. To compensate the weak TOP like that of an empty tunnel, a relation curve is formulated only utilizing measurable parameters of the fastest TOP and the fastest TOA. Then, a unified curve including the effects of two granites with the low and high dielectric properties is derived to cover widely varied dielectric properties of underground rocks. Based on the fastest TOP of an empty tunnel, the average difference between the fastest TOP of an empty tunnel and that of a partially water-filled tunnel decreases from 22.92% to 2.59% after enhancement.
Factors Associated with Significant Ocular Injury in Conservatively Treated Orbital Fractures
Authors: Layton Christopher J.
Published: December 2014

Purpose.To determine factors associated with the presence of significant ocular injury in subjects with orbital fractures.Subjects.A consecutive prospective cohort of 161 patients presenting to a general tertiary referral hospital with orbital fractures and undergoing initial conservative treatment was identified. Subjects were assessed at time of injury for the need for emergency surgery, and those initially treated conservatively were subsequently followed up by the Ophthalmology Department to assess for ocular injury requiring ophthalmic management at 1–7 days after injury. Associations between ocular injury and age, sex, visual acuity, presence of blowout fracture, extent of orbital involvement, and presence of distant facial fractures were assessed.Results.142 male (average age of 32 [95% CI 30–35]) and 19 female (average age of 49 [95% CI 39–59]) subjects were identified. 17 subjects were diagnosed with significant ocular injury. Ocular injury was significantly associated with LogMAR VA worse than 0.2 (OR 49 [95% CI 11–217,P<0.0001]), but no relationship was noted for age, sex, presence of blowout fracture, extent of fractures, or presence of distal facial fractures. LogMAR visual acuity worse than or equal to 0.2 had a 98% negative predictive value for ocular injury in the setting of orbital fractures.Conclusions.Demographic and nonophthalmic fracture characteristics were not useful predictors of ocular injury in orbital fractures. LogMAR visual acuity worse than or equal to 0.2 is a highly sensitive and useful guide of the need for ophthalmic referral in subjects with orbital fractures.
Sexual Coercion and Associated Factors among Female Students of Madawalabu University, Southeast Ethiopia
Authors: Takele Abulie , Setegn Tesfaye
Published: December 2014

Introduction. Violence against women, in its various forms, is an important social and public health problem in different communities around the world. Although violence against women is against the inalienable human right and resulted in physical, sexual, and psychological harm or suffering to women, little has been documented regarding its factors and distribution among youth population such as university students. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess factors associated with sexual coercion among female students at Madawalabu University.Methods. This was a cross-sectional institution based study conducted on 411 female students which were selected by systematic random sampling from the list of female students. Data were collected in April 2012 using structured-interview administered questionnaire. Descriptive, binary, and multivariable logistic regression analysis were carried out using SPSS version 16.Result. In this study, the mean (±SD) age at first sex was 18.19 (+1.83) years. Lifetime and coercion in last twelve months were 163 (41.1%) and 101 (25.4%), respectively. Twenty-one (5.9%) of the respondents were raped. Being influenced/forced into unwanted sexual act 74 (18.6%) and having their genitalia/breast unwillingly touched 44 (11.1%) were reported as the commonest mechanisms of coercion. Age at first sex (17–19 years) (AOR = 0.241, 95% CI: 0.074, 0.765) and occasional alcohol use (AOR = 4.161, 95% CI: 1.386, 12.658) were significantly associated with coercion in the last twelve months.Conclusion. The overall lifetime sexual coercion was found to be 41.1%. In this study 6.8% of female students were raped and majority have had trial of rape. But 93.75% did not report to any legal body. With the existing prevalence and identified factors, the university should work towards minimizing the risk of sexual coercion through intensifying life skill peer education and assertiveness trainings.
Theories of Urban Dynamics
Authors: García Docampo Manuel
Published: December 2014

This paper reviews the existing analysis framework for territorial dynamics and urban growth and proposes a taxonomy of interpretive theories as well as a critical review. Specifically, the paper aims to provide four innovations to existing knowledge in this field as follows: firstly, a clear presentation of how the data of population growth of each habitat type have appeared and their academic interpretations; secondly, a reclassification of interpretative theories into three groups: the counterurban, the post-fordist, and the cyclical theories; thirdly, with the ultimate goal to analyze the suitability of interpretations to the reality, a taxonomic proposal of habitat categories being made; fourthly, the final one refering to the balance of the theoretical to the empirical reality, in light of the data currently available, using the considered methodologies. That balance allows collecting positive elements of each theory and pointing to the possibility of developing a theory of synthesis.
C-Reactive Protein: An In-Depth Look into Structure, Function, and Regulation
Authors: Salazar Juan , Martínez María Sofía , Chávez-Castillo Mervin , Núñez Victoria , Añez Roberto , Torres Yaquelin , Toledo Alexandra , Chacín Maricarmen , Silva Carlos , Pacheco Enrique , Rojas Joselyn , Bermúdez Valmore
Published: December 2014

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the adult population worldwide, with atherosclerosis being its key pathophysiologic component. Atherosclerosis possesses a fundamental chronic inflammatory aspect, and the involvement of numerous inflammatory molecules has been studied in this scenario, particularly C-reactive protein (CRP). CRP is a plasma protein with strong phylogenetic conservation and high resistance to proteolysis, predominantly synthesized in the liver in response to proinflammatory cytokines, especially IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF. CRP may intervene in atherosclerosis by directly activating the complement system and inducing apoptosis, vascular cell activation, monocyte recruitment, lipid accumulation, and thrombosis, among other actions. Moreover, CRP can dissociate in peripheral tissue—including atheromatous plaques—from its native pentameric form into a monomeric form, which may also be synthesized de novo in extrahepatic sites. Each form exhibits distinct affinities for ligands and receptors, and exerts different effects in the progression of atherosclerosis. In view of epidemiologic evidence associating high CRP levels with cardiovascular risk—reflecting the biologic impact it bears on atherosclerosis—measurement of serum levels of high-sensitivity CRP has been proposed as a tool for assessment of cardiovascular risk.
Battery Energy Storage System for PV Output Power Leveling
Authors: Singh Rajkiran , Taghizadeh Seyedfoad , Tan Nadia Mei Lin , Pasupuleti Jagadeesh
Published: December 2014

Fluctuating photovoltaic (PV) output power reduces the reliability in power system when there is a massive penetration of PV generators. Energy storage systems that are connected to the PV generators using bidirectional isolated dc-dc converter can be utilized for compensating the fluctuating PV power. This paper presents a grid connected energy storage system based on a 2 kW full-bridge bidirectional isolated dc-dc converter and a PWM converter for PV output power leveling. This paper proposes two controllers: a current controller using the d-q synchronous reference and a phase-shift controller. The main function of the current controller is to regulate the voltage at the high-side dc, so that the voltage ratio of the high-voltage side (HVS) with low-voltage side (LVS) is equal to the transformer turns ratio. The phase-shift controller is employed to manage the charging and discharging modes of the battery based on PV output power and battery voltage. With the proposed system, unity power factor and efficient active power injection are achieved. The feasibility of the proposed control system is investigated using PSCAD simulation.
On Optimal Frequencies for Reconstruction of a One-Dimensional Profile of Gradient Layer’s Refractive Index
Authors: Tumakov Dmitrii
Published: December 2014

The problem of reconstruction of a one-dimensional profile of gradient layer’s refractive index is investigated. An algorithm for choosing a right frequency, at which a scattered field is measured, is proposed. It is concluded that at the correct choice of frequency one measurement must be sufficient. Moreover, in this case, regularization parameters of the residual functional are chosen as zero. It is shown that in case of measurements being carried out with errors, residual terms must be added to the functional.
Rab27b Is a Potential Predictor for Metastasis and Prognosis in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Bao Jun , Ni Yijiang , Qin Hui , Xu Li , Ge Zhijun , Zhan Feng , Zhu Huijun , Zhao Jiabi , Zhou Xiaoli , Tang Xiaojun , Tang Liming
Published: December 2014

Objective.Rab27b is reported to correlate with cancer development and progression. However, the association between Rab27b expression and the clinical characteristics of colorectal cancer (CRC) is barely investigated.Methods.One-step quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) test with 18 fresh-frozen CRC samples and immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis in 113 CRC cases were performed to explore the relationship between Rab27b expression and the clinicopathological features of CRC. Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were executed to evaluate the prognosis of CRC.Results.The results demonstrated that the expression levels of Rab27b mRNA and protein were significantly higher in CRC tissues than that in matched noncancerous tissues (P<0.05). Rab27b protein expression in CRC was statistically correlated with serum CEA level (P=0.004), lymph node metastasis (P=0.001), distant metastasis (P=0.009), and TNM stage (P=0.001). Cox multifactor analysis and Kaplan-Meier method suggested that higher Rab27b protein expression (P=0.041) and tumor differentiation (P=0.001) were significantly associated with the overall survival of CRC patients.Conclusions.The data indicated that higher expression of Rab27b was observed in CRC tissues and Rab27b may be identified as a useful predictor of metastasis and prognosis for CRC.
Phase I Dose-Escalation Trial of the Oral Investigational Hedgehog Signaling Pathway Inhibitor TAK-441 in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors
Authors: Goldman Jonathan , Eckhardt S. Gail , Borad Mitesh J. , Curtis Kelly K. , Hidalgo Manuel , Calvo Emiliano , Ryan David P. , Wirth Lori J. , Parikh Asit , Partyka James , Faessel Helene , Gangolli Esha , Stewart Sally , Rosen Lee S. , Bowles Daniel W.
Published: December 2014

Purpose: This first-in-human study assessed safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and preliminary clinical activity of single and multiple doses of TAK-441, an investigational inhibitor of the Hedgehog signaling pathway.

Experimental Design: Patients with advanced, solid tumors received daily oral TAK-441 (50–1,600 mg/day); daily dose was doubled in each subsequent cohort until the maximum tolerated/feasible dose (MTD/MFD) was reached. Blood was collected to evaluate TAK-441 plasma concentrations. Skin biopsies were obtained to evaluate suppression of the Hedgehog-regulated gene Gli1.

Results: Thirty-four patients were enrolled (median age 59). The most common diagnoses were colorectal cancer (26%), basal cell carcinoma (BCC, 21%), and pancreatic cancer (9%). The MFD of 1,600 mg/day (based on tablet size and strength) was considered the MTD. Dose-limiting toxicities included muscle spasms and fatigue. Grade ≥3 treatment-emergent adverse events, regardless of causality, occurred in 15 patients (44%), of which hyponatremia (n = 4) and fatigue (n = 3) were most common. Oral absorption was fairly rapid; median Tmax was 2.0 to 4.0 hours after a single dose. Mean elimination half-life was 13.5 to 22.6 hours. Systemic exposure of TAK-441 based on the area under the plasma concentration–time curve was linear across the dose range. Gli1 expression in skin biopsies was strongly inhibited at all dose levels. Best response was partial response (1 patient with BCC) and stable disease (7 patients with various solid tumors).

Conclusions: TAK-441 was generally well tolerated up to MFD of 1,600 mg/day, with preliminary antitumor activity. Further study of TAK-441 may be appropriate in populations selected for tumors with ligand-dependent or independent Hedgehog signaling. Clin Cancer Res; 21(5); 1002–9. ©2014 AACR.
Amniotic Band Syndrome: A Single-Institutional Experience
Authors: Iqbal Corey W. , Derderian S. Christopher , Cheng Yvonne , Lee Hanmin , Hirose Shinjiro
Published: December 2014

Introduction: Amniotic band syndrome (ABS) is uncommon. We review our single-institutional experience to define its natural history and outcomes. Materials andMethods: We conducted a retrospective analysis from a single, tertiary referral center of patients evaluated for and confirmed to have ABS from 1997 to 2012. Results: Twenty-eight patients had confirmed ABS. The mean ± SD maternal age was 27.9 ± 5.9 years, and the mean gestational age at diagnosis was 20.7 ± 3.8 months. Oligohydramnios was reported in 4 patients. Eleven patients had membrane disruption, of whom 4 had undergone a prior percutaneous intervention. Extremities were the most common site affected (n = 20), followed by the umbilical cord (n = 7), abdomen (n = 5), limb-body wall complex (n = 5), head (n = 1), and chest (n = 1). Nine patients were felt to be candidates for fetal intervention; 5 underwent fetoscopic amniotic band lysis with 4 survivors. Overall survival, excluding 3 terminations, was 74%. There were 5 fetal demises and one neonatal death. Cord involvement was higher in nonsurvivors (67%) compared to survivors (19%, p = 0.05). Discussion: ABS most commonly involves the extremities. Membrane disruption is not always present. Fetoscopic lysis is appropriate for select patients, and special consideration should be given for cord involvement, which is associated with a worse outcome.
Estimation of Background Incidence Rates of Guillain-Barré Syndrome in Germany - A Retrospective Cohort Study with Electronic Healthcare Data
Authors: Hense Sabrina , Schink Tania , Kreisel Stefan H. , Marcelon Lydie , Simondon François , Tahden Maike , Garbe Edeltraut
Published: December 2014

Background: The Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) occurs after infections and as an adverse reaction to vaccines. No detailed information on incidence rates (IRs) in Germany is available. Methods: This retrospective cohort study estimated age- and sex-specific IRs of GBS in Germany in the years 2007-2009 based on electronic healthcare data from the German Pharmacoepidemiological Research Database (GePaRD). Two case definitions were applied. GBS cases had a main discharge diagnosis of GBS. GBS_PROCEDURE cases in addition had codes for relevant diagnostic procedures. Crude and standardized IRs (SIRs) with 95% confidence intervals were stratified by year, age group, sex, region and season. IR ratios (IRRs) for each stratification factor were calculated by multivariable Poisson regression. Results: Among 13,297,678 persons, 889 (693) incident GBS (GBS_PROCEDURE) cases were identified. Overall SIRs per 100,000 person years were 2.4 (2.2-2.5) for GBS and 1.8 (1.7-2.0) for GBS_PROCEDURE. (S)IRs increased with age, peaking in the age group 70-79 years (IR GBS: 5.5 (4.7-6.5)) and were higher in males than in females (e.g., IR GBS: IRR = 1.5 (1.3-1.7)) and in February-April, as compared to the rest of the year. No regional pattern was observed. Conclusion: (S)IRs of GBS in Germany differed by age, sex and season and were comparable to those found in other studies. Results might be used as a comparator in vaccine safety monitoring.
Rapid Partial Repigmentation of Vitiligo in a Young Female Adult with a Gluten-Free Diet
Authors: Khandalavala Birgit N. , Nirmalraj Maya C.
Published: December 2014

Vitiligo is a common pigmentary skin condition with a profound impact. Despite a number of therapeutic modalities, few have been demonstrated to result in significant repigmentation within a brief period of time. Reported dietary interventions are sparse. Following exclusion of gluten in the diet, early and extensive repigmentation of facial lesions were noted in a young female adult of Asian ethnicity with acrofacial vitiligo. The majority of the benefits occurred within the first month and stabilized at 4 months. Previous topical and phototherapy had not been found to be effective. The patient was maintained on the previously prescribed dapsone therapy. Dietary elimination can potentially be a disease-modifying intervention for vitiligo and should be considered even in patients without concomitant celiac disease.
Age at Menarche and Risks of Coronary Heart and Other Vascular Diseases in a Large UK Cohort
Authors: Canoy Dexter , Beral Valerie , Balkwill Angela , Wright F. Lucy , Kroll Mary E. , Reeves Gillian K. , Green Jane , Cairns Benjamin J.
Published: December 2014

Background—

Early menarche has been associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD), but most studies were relatively small and could not assess risk across a wide range of menarcheal ages; few have examined associations with other vascular diseases. We examined CHD, cerebrovascular disease, and hypertensive disease risks by age at menarche in a large prospective study of UK women.

Methods and Results—

In 1.2 million women (mean±SD age, 56±5 years) without previous heart disease, stroke, or cancer, menarcheal age was reported to be 13 years by 25%, ≤10 years by 4%, and ≥17 years by 1%. After 11.6 years of follow-up, 73 378 women had first hospitalization for or death from CHD, 25 426 from cerebrovascular disease, and 249 426 from hypertensive disease. Using Cox regression, we calculated relative risks for each vascular outcome by single year of menarcheal age. The relationship was U-shaped for CHD. Compared with women with menarche at 13 years, the adjusted relative risk for CHD for menarche at ≤10 years of age was 1.27 (95% confidence interval, 1.22–1.31;
P
<0.0001) and for menarche at ≥17 years of age was 1.23 (95% confidence interval, 1.16–1.30;
P
<0.0001). U-shaped relationships were also seen for cerebrovascular and hypertensive disease, although the magnitudes of these risks for early and late menarche were smaller than those for CHD.

Conclusions—

In this cohort, the relation of age at menarche to vascular disease risk was U shaped, with both early and late menarche being associated with increased risk. Associations were weaker for cerebrovascular and hypertensive disease than for CHD.
Indexes of Aortic Pressure Augmentation Markedly Underestimate the Contribution of Reflected Waves Toward Variations in Aortic Pressure and Left Ventricular Mass
Authors: Booysen Hendrik L. , Woodiwiss Angela J. , Sibiya Moekanyi J. , Hodson Bryan , Raymond Andrew , Libhaber Elena , Sareli Pinhas , Norton Gavin R.
Published: December 2014

Although indexes of wave reflection enhance risk prediction, the extent to which measures of aortic systolic pressure augmentation (augmented pressures [Pa] or augmentation index) underestimate the effects of reflected waves on cardiovascular risk is uncertain. In participants from a community sample (age >16), we compared the relative contribution of reflected (backward wave pressures and the reflected wave index [RI]) versus augmented (Pa and augmentation index) pressure wave indexes to variations in central aortic pulse pressure (PPc; n=1185), and left ventricular mass index (LVMI; n=793). Aortic hemodynamics and LVMI were determined using radial applanation tonometry (SphygmoCor) and echocardiography. Independent of confounders, RI and backward wave pressures contributed more than forward wave pressures, whereas Pa and augmentation index contributed less than incident wave pressure to variations in PPc (
P
<0.0001 for comparison of partial
r
values). In those <50 years of age, while backward wave pressures (partial
r
=0.28,
P
<0.0001) contributed more than forward wave pressures (partial
r
=0.15,
P
<0.001;
P
<0.05 for comparison of
r
values), Pa (partial
r
=0.13,
P
<0.005) contributed to a similar extent as incident wave pressure (partial
r
=0.22,
P
<0.0001) to variations in LVMI. Furthermore, in those ≥50 years of age, backward wave pressures (partial
r
=0.21,
P
<0.0001), but not forward wave pressures (
P
=0.98), while incident wave pressure (partial
r
=0.23,
P
<0.0001), but not Pa (
P
=0.80) were associated with LVMI. Pa and augmentation index underestimated the effect of wave reflection on PPc and LVMI in both men and women. Thus, as compared with relations between indexes of aortic pressure augmentation and PPc or LVMI, strikingly better relations are noted between aortic wave reflection and PPc or LVMI.
Relations of Digital Vascular Function, Cardiovascular Risk Factors, and Arterial Stiffness: The Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA‐Brasil) Cohort Study
Authors: Brant Luisa C. C. , Hamburg Naomi M. , Barreto Sandhi M. , Benjamin Emelia J. , Ribeiro Antonio L. P.
Published: December 2014

Background

Vascular dysfunction is an early expression of atherosclerosis and predicts cardiovascular (
CV
) events. Peripheral arterial tonometry (
PAT
) evaluates basal pulse amplitude (
BPA
), endothelial function (
PAT
ratio), and wave reflection (
PAT
‐
AI
x) in the digital microvessels. In Brazilian adults, we investigated the correlations of
PAT
responses to
CV
risk factors and to carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity (
PWV
), a measure of arterial stiffness.

Methods and Results

In a cross‐sectional study, 1535 participants of the
ELSA
‐Brasil cohort underwent
PAT
testing (52±9 years; 44% women). In multivariable analyses, more‐impaired
BPA
and
PAT
ratios were associated with male sex, higher body mass index (
BMI
), and total cholesterol/high‐density lipoprotein. Higher age and triglycerides were related to higher
BPA
, whereas lower systolic blood pressure, hypertension (
HTN
) treatment, and prevalent
CV
disease (
CVD
) were associated with lower
PAT
ratio.
PAT
‐
AI
x correlated positively with female sex, advancing age, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, and smoking and inversely to heart rate, height,
BMI
, and prevalent
CVD
. Black race was associated with lower
BPA
, higher
PAT
ratio, and
PAT
‐
AI
x. Microvessel vasodilator function was not associated with
PWV
. Higher
PAT
‐
AI
x was modestly correlated to higher
PWV
and
PAT
ratio and inversely correlated to
BPA
.

Conclusion

Metabolic risk factors are related to impaired microvessel vasodilator function in Brazil. However, in contrast to studies from the United States, black race was not associated with an impaired microvessel vasodilator response, implying that vascular function may vary by race across populations.
PAT
‐
AI
x relates to
HTN
, may be a valid measure of wave reflection, and provides distinct information from arterial stiffness.
A Would-Be Nervous System Made from a Slime Mold
Authors: Adamatzky Andrew
Published: December 2014

The slime mold Physarum polycephalum is a huge single cell that has proved to be a fruitful material for designing novel computing architectures. The slime mold is capable of sensing tactile, chemical, and optical stimuli and converting them to characteristic patterns of its electrical potential oscillations. The electrical responses to stimuli may propagate along protoplasmic tubes for distances exceeding tens of centimeters, as impulses in neural pathways do. A slime mold makes decisions about its propagation direction based on information fusion from thousands of spatially extended protoplasmic loci, similarly to a neuron collecting information from its dendritic tree. The analogy is distant yet inspiring. We speculate on whether alternative—would-be—nervous systems can be developed and practically implemented from the slime mold. We uncover analogies between the slime mold and neurons, and demonstrate that the slime mold can play the roles of primitive mechanoreceptors, photoreceptors, and chemoreceptors; we also show how the Physarum neural pathways develop. The results constituted the first step towards experimental laboratory studies of nervous system implementation in slime molds.
Disentangling the Role of Cortico-Basal Ganglia Loops in Top–Down and Bottom–Up Visual Attention: An Investigation of Attention Deficits in Parkinson Disease
Authors: Tommasi Giorgio , Fiorio Mirta , Yelnik Jérôme , Krack Paul , Sala Francesca , Schmitt Emmanuelle , Fraix Valérie , Bertolasi Laura , Le Bas Jean-François , Ricciardi Giuseppe Kenneth , Fiaschi Antonio , Theeuwes Jan , Pollak Pierre , Chelazzi Leonardo
Published: December 2014

It is solidly established that top–down (goal-driven) and bottom–up (stimulus-driven) attention mechanisms depend on distributed cortical networks, including prefrontal and frontoparietal regions. On the other hand, it is less clear whether the BG also contribute to one or the other of these mechanisms, or to both. The current study was principally undertaken to clarify this issue. Parkinson disease (PD), a neurodegenerative disorder primarily affecting the BG, has proven to be an effective model for investigating the contribution of the BG to different brain functions; therefore, we set out to investigate deficits of top–down and bottom–up attention in a selected cohort of PD patients. With this objective in mind, we compared the performance on three computerized tasks of two groups of 12 parkinsonian patients (assessed without any treatment), one otherwise pharmacologically treated and the other also surgically treated, with that of a group of controls. The main behavioral tool for our study was an attentional capture task, which enabled us to tap the competition between top–down and bottom–up mechanisms of visual attention. This task was suitably combined with a choice RT and a simple RT task to isolate any specific deficit of attention from deficits in motor response selection and initiation. In the two groups of patients, we found an equivalent increase of attentional capture but also comparable delays in target selection in the absence of any salient distractor (reflecting impaired top–down mechanisms) and movement initiation compared with controls. In contrast, motor response selection processes appeared to be prolonged only in the operated patients. Our results confirm that the BG are involved in both motor and cognitive domains. Specifically, damage to the BG, as it occurs in PD, leads to a distinct deficit of top–down control of visual attention, and this can account, albeit indirectly, for the enhancement of attentional capture, reflecting weakened ability of top–down mechanisms to antagonize bottom–up control.
Choice-related Activity in the Anterior Intraparietal Area during 3-D Structure Categorization
Authors: Verhoef Bram-Ernst , Michelet Pascal , Vogels Rufin , Janssen Peter
Published: December 2014

The anterior intraparietal area (AIP) of macaques contains neurons that signal the depth structure of disparity-defined 3-D shapes. Previous studies have suggested that AIP's depth information is used for sensorimotor transformations related to the efficient grasping of 3-D objects. We trained monkeys to categorize disparity-defined 3-D shapes and examined whether neuronal activity in AIP may also underlie pure perceptual categorization behavior. We first show that neurons with a similar 3-D shape preference cluster in AIP. We then demonstrate that the monkeys' 3-D shape discrimination performance depends on the position in depth of the stimulus and that this performance difference is reflected in the activity of AIP neurons. We further reveal correlations between the neuronal activity in AIP and the subject's subsequent choices and RTs during 3-D shape categorization. Our findings propose AIP as an important processing stage for 3-D shape perception.
Planothidium lagerheimii comb. nov. (Bacillariophyta, Achnanthales) a forgotten diatom from South America
Authors: WETZEL CARLOS E. , ECTOR LUC
Published: December 2014

A new combination in the genus Planothidium is proposed. The identity of Planothidium lagerheimii (Cleve) C.E.Wetzel & Ector comb. nov. (≡ Cocconeis lagerheimii Cleve), from South America is revisited. This rather common species often reported from freshwater and aerial environments was identified in previous studies either as Cocconeis rudis Frenguelli or Planothidium salvadorianum (Hust.) Lange-Bert. (≡ Achnanthes salvadoriana Hust.). After having measured the original images and based on photographs gathered in the literature we concluded that the three species, Cocconeis lagerheimii, Cocconeis rudis and Achnanthes salvadoriana, belong to the same taxon. Following the International Code of Nomencalture the correct name is the earliest legitimate one with the same rank. Thus the species having priority should be Cleve’s species described in 1894. Freshwater material from southern Brazil was investigated to illustrate ultrastructural details.
Atmospheric Response to Mesoscale Sea Surface Temperature Anomalies: Assessment of Mechanisms and Coupling Strength in a High-Resolution Coupled Model over the South Atlantic*
Authors: Byrne David , Papritz Lukas , Frenger Ivy , Münnich Matthias , Gruber Nicolas
Published: December 2014

Many aspects of the coupling between the ocean and atmosphere at the mesoscale (on the order of 20–100 km) remain unknown. While recent observations from the Southern Ocean revealed that circular fronts associated with oceanic mesoscale eddies leave a distinct imprint on the overlying wind, cloud coverage, and rain, the mechanisms responsible for explaining these atmospheric changes are not well established. Here the atmospheric response above mesoscale ocean eddies is investigated utilizing a newly developed coupled atmosphere–ocean regional model [Consortium for Small-Scale Modeling–Regional Ocean Modelling System (COSMO-ROMS)] configured at a horizontal resolution of ~10 km for the South Atlantic and run for a 3-month period during austral winter of 2004. The model-simulated changes in surface wind, cloud fraction, and rain above the oceanic eddies are very consistent with the relationships inferred from satellite observations for the same region and time. From diagnosing the model’s momentum balance, it is shown that the atmospheric imprint of the oceanic eddies are driven by the modification of vertical mixing in the atmospheric boundary layer, rather than secondary flows driven by horizontal pressure gradients. This is largely due to the very limited ability of the atmosphere to adjust its temperature over the time scale it takes for an air parcel to pass over these mesoscale oceanic features. This results in locally enhanced vertical gradients between the ocean surface and the overlying air and thus a rapid change in turbulent mixing in the atmospheric boundary layer and an associated change in the vertical momentum flux.
Implications of Ural Blocking for East Asian Winter Climate in CMIP5 GCMs. Part II: Projection and Uncertainty in Future Climate Conditions
Authors: H. N. Cheung Hoffman , Zhou Wen
Published: December 2014

Multiple model ensembles (MMEs) of Ural blocking frequency in 20 CMIP5 GCMs show no apparent increase or decrease in RCP4.5 and 8.5 runs throughout the twenty-first century. However, a significant increasing or decreasing trend of the Ural blocking index (UBI) is identified in individual GCMs, and the trend appears to be correlated with the trend of the Siberian high index (SHI), which measures the East Asian winter climate. Regression analyses reveal that the trend of UBI is related to upstream circulation over the Euro-Atlantic region, such as the intensification of the Atlantic jet stream and the propagation of a quasi-stationary Rossby wave across Eurasia.

In the late twenty-first century, the year-to-year variation of UBI appears to show a stronger linkage with the large-scale circulation over the Kara and Laptev Seas. Meanwhile, UB likely exerts a stronger impact on East Asia on synoptic and seasonal time scales. The uncertainty of UB might present a challenge for accurate prediction of the subseasonal and long-term variation of the East Asian winter climate. To further evaluate the uncertainty in projections of UB, additional work should assess the atmospheric response to the sea surface temperature over the Atlantic and the reduction of sea ice.
Atmospheric Flow Development and Associated Changes in Turbulent Sensible Heat Flux over a Patchy Mountain Snow Cover
Authors: Mott Rebecca , Daniels Megan , Lehning Michael
Published: December 2014

In this study, the small-scale boundary layer dynamics and the energy balance over a fractional snow cover are numerically investigated. The atmospheric boundary layer flows over a patchy snow cover were calculated with an atmospheric model (Advanced Regional Prediction System) on a very high spatial resolution of 5 m. The numerical results revealed that the development of local flow patterns and the relative importance of boundary layer processes depend on the snow patch size distribution and the synoptic wind forcing. Energy balance calculations for quiescent wind situations demonstrated that well-developed katabatic winds exerted a major control on the energy balance over the patchy snow cover, leading to a maximum in the mean downward sensible heat flux over snow for high snow-cover fractions. This implies that if katabatic winds develop, total melt of snow patches may decrease for low snow-cover fractions despite an increasing ambient air temperature, which would not be predicted by most hydrological models. In contrast, stronger synoptic winds increased the effect of heat advection on the catchment’s melt behavior by enhancing the mean sensible heat flux over snow for lower snow-cover fractions. A sensitivity analysis to grid resolution suggested that the grid size is a critical factor for modeling the energy balance of a patchy snow cover. The comparison of simulation results from coarse (50 m) and fine (5 m) horizontal resolutions revealed a difference in the spatially averaged turbulent heat flux over snow of 40%–70% for synoptic cases and 95% for quiescent cases.
To punish or not to punish? Dealing with death or serious injury of a child or vulnerable adult
Authors: Clayton-Helm Lauren
Published: December 2014

This article examines the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims (Amendment) Act 2012, and how it has further developed the law in order to punish offenders where there are multiple defendants, and it is clear one of them caused death or serious physical harm to a child or vulnerable adult. Having considered how the 2012 Amendment Act developed the law from the position under the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004, the article also explores what the 2004 Act failed to address. Some of the terminology used in the 2004 Act is problematic and was not considered by the 2012 Amendment Act. This article considers that terminology in further detail before asserting that, despite it remaining as problematic, the 2012 Amendment Act has still made an important step forward in the law, and has bridged a gap to ensure more guilty defendants are punished.
Trials in absentia and the cuts to criminal legal aid
Authors: Willey Paul
Published: December 2014

The swingeing cuts to criminal legal aid may do irreparable damage to the defence side of the equality of arms. Coupled with this, the case of R v Jones gives the judge discretion to try in the defendant’s absence without representation or being present as a litigant-in-person. It is arguable that the defendant’s right to be heard will be chipped away at until the defence side is left legally crippled. The enactment of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 is insular and neglects the defendant’s rights systemically. Without an adequate defence, squalid injustice will permeate and reverberate throughout the criminal justice system. Defendants cannot be corralled into court without the assistance of an advocate. The impact of the cuts falls on the litigant-in-person, thereby delimiting access to justice. Thus it disallows the opportunity to raise a proper defence. The sequela of the attack against the defence is a retreat back to the pre-1690s when defendants had very limited chances of being represented. Expense should not quell the right to be heard. Will the 2012 Act administer the coup de grace to the right to be heard or will Magna Carta be a heaven-sent ancient bulwark against this threat?
Truth v justice
Authors: Zamir Avi
Published: December 2014

Under British law, the court has the inherent authority to set aside an indictment which, under the circumstances of the case, constitutes ‘abuse’ of the defendant. This unwritten rule had been accepted also by Israeli courts, and then came a completely new, not to say surprising, Act in 2007. The Israeli Parliament (the Knesset) has thereby recognised a preliminary argument which exploits concepts of ‘justice’ and ‘legal fairness’, and the granting of pro-discretion to the court, which may decide whether or not it is fitting and proper to conduct the trial against the defendant. How has the court reacted to that? As I will try to emphasise, judicial review upon prosecutorial discretion is rare, just a drop in the bucket, and the court is quite reluctant to implement the new tool.