bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influenza induces IL-8 and GM-CSF secretion by human alveolar epithelial cells through HGF/c-Met and TGF-α/EGFR signaling
Authors: Ito Yoko , Correll Kelly , Zemans Rachel L. , Leslie Christina C. , Murphy Robert C. , Mason Robert J.
Published: April 2015

The most severe complication of influenza is viral pneumonia, which can lead to the acute respiratory distress syndrome. Alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) are the first cells that influenza virus encounters upon entering the alveolus. Infected epithelial cells produce cytokines that attract and activate neutrophils and macrophages, which in turn induce damage to the epithelial-endothelial barrier. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/c-Met and transforming growth factor-α (TGF-α)/epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) are well known to regulate repair of damaged alveolar epithelium by stimulating cell migration and proliferation. Recently, TGF-α/EGFR signaling has also been shown to regulate innate immune responses in bronchial epithelial cells. However, little is known about whether HGF/c-Met signaling alters the innate immune responses and whether the innate immune responses in AECs are regulated by HGF/c-Met and TGF-α/EGFR. We hypothesized that HGF/c-Met and TGF-α/EGFR would regulate innate immune responses to influenza A virus infection in human AECs. We found that recombinant human HGF (rhHGF) and rhTGF-α stimulated primary human AECs to secrete IL-8 and granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) strongly and IL-6 and monocyte chemotactic protein 1 moderately. Influenza infection stimulated the secretion of IL-8 and GM-CSF by AECs plated on rat-tail collagen through EGFR activation likely by TGF-α released from AECs and through c-Met activated by HGF secreted from lung fibroblasts. HGF secretion by fibroblasts was stimulated by AEC production of prostaglandin E2during influenza infection. We conclude that HGF/c-Met and TGF-α/EGFR signaling enhances the innate immune responses by human AECs during influenza infections.
The Effectiveness of Preoperative Trimetazidine on Myocardial Preservation in Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhang Nan , Lei Jiayan , Liu Qing , Huang Wei , Xiao Hua , Lei Han
Published: April 2015

Background: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a key and effective surgical treatment modality for coronary artery disease. Unfortunately, ischemia-reperfusion injury during and after CABG can lead to reversible and irreversible myocardial damage. Trimetazidine [1-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)piperazine dihydrochloride] is a metabolic anti-ischemic agent with demonstrated cardioprotective effects; however, its effects with respect to myocardial preservation in CABG patients remain unclear. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to investigate the effectiveness of myocardial preservation of preoperative trimetazidine therapy in CABG patients by assessing the postoperative levels of several blood-based biochemical markers of myocardial injury, including creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase-muscle and brain (CK-MB), creatine phosphokinase (CPK), troponin T (TnT) and troponin I (TnI). The RCTs were classified into two subgroup analyses by the timing of sample collection (either ≤12 or >12 h after CABG). Results: Six RCTs were finally included in the meta-analysis. The pooled effect sizes showed significantly lower postoperative levels of CK, CK-MB, TnT and TnI in the trimetazidine-treated CABG patients relative to control CABG patients. However, there were no significant differences in the postoperative CPK levels between trimetazidine-treated CABG patients relative to control CABG patients. In both the ≤12 and >12 h post-CABG subgroup analyses, significant differences in CK, CK-MB, TnT and TnI were detected between the trimetazidine-treated CABG patients relative to control CABG patients. Conclusions: Preoperative trimetazidine therapy appears to have a positive effect on myocardial preservation in CABG patients.
Fatal Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis from Exposure to Fusarium vasinfectum in a Home Environment: A Case Report
Authors: Dickson Scott D. , Tankersley Michael S.
Published: April 2015

Background: Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is a rare, non-IgE-mediated inflammatory lung disease caused by inhalational exposure to various antigens found in occupational, avocational and home environments. The prognosis is favorable with early detection and prompt removal of the causative agent, and fatalities are unusual. We present a fatal case of HP caused by chronic exposure to Fusarium vasinfectum mold in the home. Case Report: A 37-year-old white male presented with a 6-month history of progressively worsening dyspnea, cough, weight loss and fatigue associated with the self-renovation of his water-damaged, mold-infested mobile home. Evaluation included a physical examination (hypoxia, inspiratory crackles and expiratory rhonchi), baseline pulmonary function testing (mixed obstructive/restrictive pattern), chest computed tomography (bronchiectasis, fibrosis and diffuse interstitial involvement), bronchoalveolar lavage (macrophages 20%, lymphocytes 28% and neutrophils 52%) and transbronchial biopsy (interstitial fibrosis and chronic inflammatory infiltrate). Mold culture from the home grew out F. vasinfectum. An Ouchterlony double diffusion technique documented high antibody titer to F. vasinfectum. Despite aggressive intravenous corticosteroid treatment, the patient's lung function declined to the extent that he could not be removed from ventilator support following an open lung biopsy, eventually resulting in death. Conclusion: This is the first reported case of fatal HP related to an acute exacerbation of a chronic form of HP following continuous and intense exposure to F. vasinfectum. Although uncommon, a high index of suspicion for HP is necessary in patients with progressive respiratory symptoms and known environmental antigen exposure. With early detection and prompt removal of the causative antigen, HP prognosis is generally favorable, but can progress to fatal disease with continued exposure.
Análise da casuística das afecções cirúrgicas observadas na Clínica Cirúrgica de Pequenos Animais da FMVZ-USP no período de 1988 a 2007
Authors: Cruz-Pinto Carlos Eduardo , Stopiglia Angelo João , Matera Julia Maria , Arnoni Fernanda Infante
Published: April 2015

A patologia cirúrgica veterinária apresenta moléstias de diversas naturezas que acometem cada vez mais frequentemente os cães e os gatos. Mesmo assim, poucos levantamentos são encontrados a respeito da casuística das ditas afecções cirúrgicas em pequenos animais, principalmente com dados obtidos na realidade do Brasil. O presente trabalho descreve e analisa a frequência de afecções cirúrgicas, na Clínica Cirúrgica de Pequenos Animais da Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia da Universidade de São Paulo, no período de 1988 a 2007, classificando-as em oito grupos: cárdio-respiratório, digestório, distrofias, genito-urinário, hematopoiético, locomotor, paratopias e pele e anexos. Foram avaliados um total de 18.585 casos cirúrgicos. Foi observado que a espécie canina apresentou número de afecções e procedimentos até seis vezes maior do que os registros em felinos, sendo que as afecções locomotoras apresentaram maior índice de ocorrência tanto em cães como em gatos, constituindo a amostra mais representativa atendida. As afecções associadas ao aparelho genito-urinário apresentaram a segunda maior frequência, principalmente por conta de urolitíases oriundas de hábitos alimentares. Paratopias, afecções do sistema digestório e de pele e anexos foram observadas em frequências próximas em ambas as espécies. Já as distrofias, afecções hematológicas e cardiorrespiratórias foram pouco frequentes tanto em cães como em gatos. A média anual de casos submetidos a intervenções cirúrgicas (801,5) demonstra a realidade dos atendimentos cirúrgicos, bem como a caracterização das principais moléstias atendidas e submetidas à intervenção cirúrgica na rotina médica veterinária da cidade de São Paulo e da Grande São Paulo, Brasil.
Influence of temperature on Streptococcus agalactiae infection in Nile tilapia
Authors: Marcusso Paulo Fernandes , Aguinaga Jefferson Yunis , Claudiano Gustavo Da Silva , Eto Silas Fernandes , Fernandes Dayanne Carla , Mello Hurzana , Marinho Neto Fausto De Almeida , Salvador Rogério , Moraes Julieta Rodini Engrárcia de , Moraes Flávio Ruas de
Published: April 2015

Mudanças ambientais afetam a homeostase dos peixes, tornando-os mais suscetíveis a doenças. No Brasil, tem sido relatados surtos de infecção por Streptococcus agalactiae em tilápia do Nilo, principalmente quando se encontram fora da zona de conforto térmico. No presente trabalho, foi avaliada a taxa de mortalidade e determinado quais foram os órgãos mais afetados por essa bactéria em temperaturas que ocorrem naturalmente no Sul do Brasil. Quarenta tilápias-do-nilo (Oreochromis niloticus) foram infectadas por Streptococcus agalactiae e distribuídas em quatro grupos (n = 10), cada um deles submetidos a diferentes temperaturas: G1: 24°C, G2: 26°C, G3: 28°C e G4: 32°C. Os peixes foram monitorados durante 10 dias. Os peixes com sinais clínicos irreversíveis foram sacrificados e coletadas amostras de cérebro, fígado e rins para analise bacteriológica e molecular. Foram observados sinais compatíveis com infecção estreptocócica em todos os grupos. A taxa de mortalidade mais elevada ocorreu nos grupos mantidos nas temperaturas de 24°C e 32°C. O cérebro foi o órgão mais afetado, com a maior percentagem de isolamento de S. agalactiae pelos dois métodos de diagnostico. Os resultados sugerem que, tal como nos mamíferos, temperaturas que estão mais afastadas da zona de conforto afetam significativamente a homeostase dos peixes, aumentando a sua susceptibilidade para infecções bacterianas.
Mortalidade de tambacus (Colossoma macropomum x Piaractus mesopotamicus) infectados por Edwardsiella tarda
Authors: Winckler Leonardo Zamae , Santos Ricardo Martins , Ferreira Milena Wolff , Santos Filipe Martins , Leite Tereza Cristina , Andrade Gisele Braziliano de
Published: April 2015

O presente trabalho relata um surto de mortalidade de tambacus (Colossoma macropomum x Piaractus mesopotamicus) criados em tanques escavados da Fazenda-Escola da UCDB. Os peixes apresentaram sintomas clínicos de letargia, anorexia, aumento da produção de muco, nado desordenado e comportamento de buscar a superfície da água. Ao exame necroscópico de três peixes foram evidenciadas hemorragias nas nadadeiras e pele, opacidade de córnea, hemoperitôneo, distensão e repleção da vesícula biliar e congestão e hemorragia do tubo digestivo. O exame microbiológico dos materiais coletados das lesões dos tambacus foi positivo para a bactéria Edwardsiella tarda. A análise de qualidade de água indicou grande quantidade de fitoplânctons que proliferaram em função do excesso de matéria orgânica, caracterizando a eutrofização da água. Atribuiu-se a causa da morte dos tambacus à infecção oportunista pela E. tarda, favorecida pelo desequilíbrio devido ao excesso de matéria orgânica em suspensão na água. As mortes cessaram após a correção dos parâmetros da qualidade da água do tanque.
Os direitos autorais na Revista da Faculdade de Direito da Universidade de São Paulo: a obra coletiva e a titularidade originária decorrente da organização da obra
Authors: Morato Antonio Carlos
Published: April 2015

Análise da autoria da pessoa jurídica na obra coletiva, em estudo que enfatiza a distinção entre a titularidade originária e a derivada, sendo aquela própria do autor e esta consequência do contrato ou da sucessão legal ou testamentária. O texto examina a organização da obra coletiva sem olvidar da proteção às participações individuais que, todavia, não impedem a utilização da obra coletiva e tampouco o exercício dos direitos morais e patrimoniais da pessoa jurídica como autora que, na Revista da Faculdade de Direito, é a autarquia estadual Universidade de São Paulo.
Notas sobre o problema da chamada “decisão-surpresa”
Authors: Mallet Estêvão
Published: April 2015

O texto examina o problema do equilíbrio a ser estabelecido entre a atuação de ofício do juízo e o respeito ao contraditório, de modo a evitar que, surpreendendo as partes ao decidir a controvérsia sob perspectiva não debatida no processo, seja violada a garantia do devido processo legal.
Paradoxos do ambiente institucional tributário brasileiro: texto legal versus sua aplicação no campo das execuções fiscais
Authors: Martins Marcelo Guerra
Published: April 2015

Em quase todas as sociedades humanas encontram-se presentes os tributos, e isso vem ocorrendo há milênios. Atualmente, não há Estado organizado que sobreviva sem os arrecadar dos seus cidadãos, mesmo que, em muitos casos, sob alguma animosidade. O não pagamento espontâneo de uma obrigação tributária enseja a cobrança judicial, por meio da execução fiscal. Porém, no ambiente institucional tributário brasileiro há fatores que provavelmente incentivam a inadimplência fiscal. Assim, se de um lado, os textos legais preveem uma cobrança relativamente severa (com a possibilidade da venda de bens do devedor em leilão), de outro, a aplicação desses textos distancia-se do objetivo principal da execução fiscal que é satisfazer o direito do credor em tempo razoável. Não existe harmonia entre o texto legal e sua aplicação o que, em suma, é paradoxal. Como causas para essa situação citam-se: baixo nível de sucesso das execuções fiscais, reiterados parcelamentos oferecidos aos devedores, dificuldades dos credores atingirem os bens de administradores de empresas devedoras. As consequências de tais circunstâncias são: empobrecimento do Tesouro Público, o assoberbo do Poder Judiciário com o aumento do número de execuções, a criação de um círculo vicioso pela constante necessidade de concessão de novos parcelamentos e a descrença no ambiente institucional tributário brasileiro.
Aspectos da desconsideração da personalidade jurídica em sentido inverso: análise jurisprudencial
Authors: Moreira Mario Thiago
Published: April 2015

Trata-se de artigo relacionado ao tema da desconsideração da personalidade jurídica. Todavia, seu objetivo não é a análise da desconsideração da personalidade jurídica na modalidade convencional, decorrente da doutrina americana, mas sim a desconsideração da personalidade jurídica em sentido inverso, aceita pela doutrina e jurisprudência brasileira.
 Tem como objetivo traçar os requisitos fáticos e jurídicos para a aplicação da teoria da desconsideração da personalidade jurídica em sentido inverso, através da análise da doutrina e, principalmente, dos julgados que utilizaram o tema como forma de efetivar a tutela jurisdicional.
 Para tanto é necessário fixar as premissas acerca (i) da personalidade jurídica, (ii) da teoria da desconsideração da personalidade jurídica e, derradeiramente, (iii) da teoria da desconsideração da personalidade jurídica em sentido inverso, traçando de forma inicial os possíveis requisitos para a devida aplicação de tal figura jurídica.
Os papéis dos espaços livres públicos na estruturação territorial e no projeto de parcelamento: a experiência de ensino na PUC-Campinas
Authors: Silva Jonathas Magalhães Pereira da , Benfatti Denio , Moreira Tomás A. , Pera Caroline K. L.
Published: April 2015

Considerando as práticas contemporâneas de ensino no Projeto e no Planejamento Urbano e Regional, o presente texto objetiva compartilhar a experiência de ensino desenvolvida nos anos de 2009 a 2012 na FAU/PUC-Campinas. Apresentam-se os procedimentos e posturas atitudinais adotadas em sala de aula, explicitando as etapas de desenvolvimento, os argumentos e os resultados obtidos. Por meio da sistematização da experiência pedagógica, objetiva-se a construção de um diálogo interdisciplinar que explicite avanços na consideração dos sistemas de espaços livres de edificação no processo de planejamento e estruturação territorial. Busca-se com o exercício proposto identificar e questionar os processos contemporâneos de ocupação territorial condicionados por uma lógica em que o transporte individual é dominante e pela ausência de uma estruturação territorial prévia aos projetos de parcelamento de solo. A disciplina não quer se limitar a instrumentalizar o aluno para a prática profissional, mas sim provocar uma prática reflexiva baseada na construção de argumentos que se revelem em desenhos, considerando as diferentes escalas, os interesses de diferentes agentes, as contradições existentes e a história da disciplina. O desenho da paisagem é utilizado aqui como instrumento de reflexão que contesta a realidade e cria argumentos para novas configurações espaciais urbanas. 
O Programa Minha Casa Minha Vida e seus resultados formais em Uberaba (MG): residencial Tancredo Neves
Authors: Maluf Carmem Silvia , Donoso Verônica Garcia , Valicente Mariana , Oliveira Júnior João Batista De
Published: April 2015

Este artigo propõe a discussão do Programa Minha Casa Minha Vida, suas consequências e transformações cíclicas no espaço urbano, com foco na análise da morfologia urbana resultante do loteamento residencial Tancredo Neves, localizado no município de Uberaba (MG). O mesmo possui algumas características únicas, diferenciando-se dos demais conjuntos, desde o público até a utilização imprópria da Área de Preservação Permanente (APP) por parte dos moradores. Os resultados obtidos por esta análise reforçam a importância do poder público na promoção da habitação, identifica a recorrente reprodutibilidade de modelos habitacionais, além de mostrar como essa proliferação de unidades habitacionais impacta a morfologia urbana, trazendo consigo questionáveis consequências para a paisagem.
Polygenic Overlap Between C-Reactive Protein, Plasma Lipids, and Alzheimer Disease
Authors: Desikan Rahul S. , Schork Andrew J. , Wang Yunpeng , Thompson Wesley K. , Dehghan Abbas , Ridker Paul M , Chasman Daniel I. , McEvoy Linda K. , Holland Dominic , Chen Chi-Hua , Karow David S. , Brewer James B. , Hess Christopher P. , Williams Julie , Sims Rebecca , O’Donovan Michael C. , Choi Seung Hoan , Bis Joshua C. , Ikram M. Arfan , Gudnason Vilmundur , DeStefano Anita L. , van der Lee Sven J. , Psaty Bruce M. , van Duijn Cornelia M. , Launer Lenore , Seshadri Sudha , Pericak-Vance Margaret A. , Mayeux Richard , Haines Jonathan L. , Farrer Lindsay A. , Hardy John , Ulstein Ingun Dina , Aarsland Dag , Fladby Tormod , White Linda R. , Sando Sigrid B. , Rongve Arvid , Witoelar Aree , Djurovic Srdjan , Hyman Bradley T. , Snaedal Jon , Steinberg Stacy , Stefansson Hreinn , Stefansson Kari , Schellenberg Gerard D. , Andreassen Ole A. , Dale Anders M.
Published: April 2015

Background—

Epidemiological findings suggest a relationship between Alzheimer disease (AD), inflammation, and dyslipidemia, although the nature of this relationship is not well understood. We investigated whether this phenotypic association arises from a shared genetic basis.

Methods and Results—

Using summary statistics (
P
values and odds ratios) from genome-wide association studies of >200 000 individuals, we investigated overlap in single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with clinically diagnosed AD and C-reactive protein (CRP), triglycerides, and high- and low-density lipoprotein levels. We found up to 50-fold enrichment of AD single-nucleotide polymorphisms for different levels of association with C-reactive protein, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, and triglyceride single-nucleotide polymorphisms using a false discovery rate threshold <0.05. By conditioning on polymorphisms associated with the 4 phenotypes, we identified 55 loci associated with increased AD risk. We then conducted a meta-analysis of these 55 variants across 4 independent AD cohorts (total: n=29 054 AD cases and 114 824 healthy controls) and discovered 2 genome-wide significant variants on chromosome 4 (rs13113697; closest gene,
HS3ST1
; odds ratio=1.07; 95% confidence interval=1.05–1.11;
P
=2.86×10
−8
) and chromosome 10 (rs7920721; closest gene,
ECHDC3
; odds ratio=1.07; 95% confidence interval=1.04–1.11;
P
=3.38×10
−8
). We also found that gene expression of
HS3ST1
and
ECHDC3
was altered in AD brains compared with control brains.

Conclusions—

We demonstrate genetic overlap between AD, C-reactive protein, and plasma lipids. By conditioning on the genetic association with the cardiovascular phenotypes, we identify novel AD susceptibility loci, including 2 genome-wide significant variants conferring increased risk for AD.
(Happily) Living in Sin: Media and Politics in Romania
Authors: Gross Peter
Published: April 2015

Politics and media in Romania have more than just a symbiotic relationship, one in which they rely on each other. The elites that lead these two institutions share common values, beliefs, and attitudes, which translate into practices and behaviors. The end result is a corruptible, corrupt and corrupting relationship, between two corruptible, corrupt and corrupting institutions, that is detrimental to democracy in general, to the watchdog role of the media, and to their professionalization.
Automated Quality Control of In Situ Soil Moisture from the North American Soil Moisture Database Using NLDAS-2 Products
Authors: Xia Youlong , Ford Trent W. , Wu Yihua , Quiring Steven M. , Ek Michael B.
Published: April 2015

The North American Soil Moisture Database (NASMD) was initiated in 2011 to provide support for developing climate forecasting tools, calibrating land surface models, and validating satellite-derived soil moisture algorithms. The NASMD has collected data from over 30 soil moisture observation networks providing millions of in situ soil moisture observations in all 50 states, as well as Canada and Mexico. It is recognized that the quality of measured soil moisture in NASMD is highly variable because of the diversity of climatological conditions, land cover, soil texture, and topographies of the stations, and differences in measurement devices (e.g., sensors) and installation. It is also recognized that error, inaccuracy, and imprecision in the data can have significant impacts on practical operations and scientific studies. Therefore, developing an appropriate quality control procedure is essential to ensure that the data are of the best quality. In this study, an automated quality control approach is developed using the North American Land Data Assimilation System, phase 2 (NLDAS-2), Noah soil porosity, soil temperature, and fraction of liquid and total soil moisture to flag erroneous and/or spurious measurements. Overall results show that this approach is able to flag unreasonable values when the soil is partially frozen. A validation example using NLDAS-2 multiple model soil moisture products at the 20-cm soil layer showed that the quality control procedure had a significant positive impact in Alabama, North Carolina, and west Texas. It had a greater impact in colder regions, particularly during spring and autumn. Over 433 NASMD stations have been quality controlled using the methodology proposed in this study, and the algorithm will be implemented to control data quality from the other ~1200 NASMD stations in the near future.
Design-Dependent Calculation of the Prosthesis Length in Malleostapedotomy
Authors: Kaftan Holger , Blaurock Markus , Kaftan Silke
Published: April 2015

Objective:

The results of a recently published micro-CT study suggested a correlation of the distance between long incus process and stapes footplate and the required prosthesis length in malleostapedotomy. The goal of this study was to test the reliability of that assumption.

Methods:

Rectangular and bent prostheses were tested in 11 cadaveric human temporal bone specimens; 1 of them showed a stapedial artery. Prosthesis length was calculated based on the distance between long incus process and stapes footplate. The rate of acceptable prosthesis insertion into the vestibule was investigated.

Results:

In both prostheses designs, the insertion depth into the vestibule did not exceed 1.0 mm. Two prostheses did not pass the footplate level in bent prostheses (18%) and 1 in rectangular prostheses (9%).

Conclusion:

A rough estimation of the required prosthesis length in malleostapedotomy seems possible if the distance between long incus process and stapes footplate is known and a design-dependent equation exists.
Epithelial Cell Apoptosis in Recurrent Aphthous Ulcers
Authors: Al-Samadi A. , Drozd A. , Salem A. , Hietanen J. , Häyrinen-Immonen R. , Konttinen Y.T.
Published: April 2015

A recurrent aphthous ulcer (RAU) is a common inflammatory ulcerative lesion affecting oral mucosa. We studied the eventual apoptosis of epithelial cells from the point of view of ulcer and inflammation. RAU lesions and healthy mucosa samples were immunostained for caspase-3 and high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1). DNA nicks were identified using TUNEL staining. We studied the effects of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and interferon γ (IFNγ) on the toll-like receptor 2 and 4 (TLR2 and TLR4) expression of human oral SCC-25 keratinocytes. We also studied the effects of self-DNA, all-thiol-HMGB1, and disulfide-HMGB1 on epithelial cells, with or without IFNγ. At the edge of RAU lesions, all epithelial cell layers were caspase-3+, TUNEL+, and HMGB-1+ and had widened intercellular spaces. In contrast, healthy epithelial cells were negative for caspase-3 and TUNEL staining. HMGB1 was seen in only the basal cell layers, and the cells retained close cell-to-cell contacts. Self-DNA increased TNF-α mRNA ( P = 0.02) in SCC-25 cells. Both TNFα and IFNγ ( P = 0.01) increased TLR2. Upon TNFα stimulation, SCC-25 cells lost their nuclear HMGB1 staining. HMGB1 did not increase IL-8, IL-6, or TNF-α mRNA in SCC-25 cells, which was unaffected by the presence of IFNγ. We conclude that in healthy epithelium, the most superficial cells at the end of their life cycle are simply desquamated. In contrast, RAU is characterized by top-to-bottom apoptosis such that dead cells may slough off, leading to an ulcer. Because of a lack of scavenging anti-inflammatory macrophages, apoptotic cells probably undergo secondary necrosis releasing proinflammatory danger signals, which may contribute to the peripheral inflammatory halo. This is supported by self-DNA-induced TNFα synthesis. In contrast to TLR4- and TLR2-binding lipopolysaccharide used as a positive control, disulfide-HMGB1 did not stimulate proinflammatory cytokines.
The Changing Pattern of Domestic Cannabis Cultivation in the United Kingdom and Its Impact on the Cannabis Market
Authors: Kirby Stuart , Peal Katie
Published: April 2015

With improvements in both technology and information, cannabis is being increasingly grown indoors for domestic use rather than being imported. This study examines 50 cannabis farms detected by an English police force and examines the characteristics of the 61 suspects associated with them. The study highlights a U.K. pattern in domestic cultivation, which is moving away from large-scale commercial cultivation, at times coordinated by Southeast Asian organized crime groups, to increased cultivation within residential premises by British citizens. Offenders range from those who have no prior criminal history to those who are serious and persistent offenders. The ramifications for law enforcement agencies and policy formers are discussed.
Synthesis of poly(methyl methacrylate-co-acrylic acid)/n-eicosane microcapsules for thermal comfort in textiles
Authors: Alkan Cemil , Aksoy Sennur Alay , Anayurt Ruhan Altun
Published: April 2015

Homogeneous distribution by adsorption is one of the key issues for application of microencapsulated materials to textiles. This study focused on production and characterization of poly(methyl methacrylate-co-acrylic acid)/ n-eicosane microencapsulated phase change materials (MEPCMs) as textile thermal comfort additives with a functional outer surface. For this reason, methyl methacrylate was copolymerized with acrylic acid at three different ratios. The chemical structure, thermal energy storage properties, and thermal stability of microcapsules were investigated by FT-IR spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis techniques, respectively. Microcapsules were found to have a thermal energy storage capacity of 50.9–90.9 J/g in the 31.74–36.30℃ temperature interval and they release between −88.4 and −40.2 J/g in the 33.88–35.59℃ temperature interval. Using a scanning electron microscope and a particle size instrument, the spherical morphology and particle size distribution of were determined for the microcapsules produced. The average particle sizes were 22.53 µm, 21.87 µm, and 11.73 µm for microcapsules with increasing amount of acrylic acid content. The microcapsules were thermally stable up to at least 120℃.
Compressive mechanics of warp-knitted spacer fabrics. Part II: a dynamic model
Authors: Liu Yanping , Hu Hong
Published: April 2015

This part presents a dynamic model for predicting the impact compressive responses of warp-knitted spacer fabrics under various loading conditions using quasi-static compressive stress–strain data. The model was established based on a nonlinear mass-spring-damper system by considering spacer yarns as nonlinear springs with damping effect and representation of their stiffness by the constitutive model developed in Part I. Based on the dynamic model, the impact compressive responses of a typical warp-knitted spacer fabric was parametrically studied in terms of damping ratio, initial velocity, striker mass and contact area. The study indicates that damping can reduce the peak acceleration and peak displacement regardless of loading conditions, and the increase of the initial velocity can enhance the damping effect. Increasing initial velocity or striker mass while keeping the counterpart constant can increase the peak acceleration and peak displacement. However, at a constant kinetic energy, either increasing striker mass or decreasing initial velocity can reduce the peak acceleration, but the peak displacement keeps constant. The study also shows that an optimal size of the spacer fabric exists for achieving minimal peak acceleration under impact at a certain kinetic energy. Experimental validation by drop-weight impact tests demonstrates that the predictions of the dynamic model are in satisfactory agreement with the experimental results. Using the quasi-static compressive data from a simple test, this dynamic model can numerically simulate the full time-response of warp-knitted spacer fabrics under various impact conditions.
An Exploratory Study Comparing the Effectiveness of Lecturing versus Team-based Learning
Authors: Huggins Christopher M. , Stamatel Janet P.
Published: April 2015

Lecturing has been criticized for fostering a passive learning environment, emphasizing a one-way flow of information, and not adequately engaging students. In contrast, active-learning approaches, such as team-based learning (TBL), prioritize student interaction and engagement and create multidirectional flows of information. This paper presents an exploratory analysis of whether lecturing or TBL was better for teaching content; developing skills, such as critical thinking; and creating an enjoyable learning environment in a sociology course. Results showed few differences in these outcomes between groups taught with the two different methods, although TBL students thought they improved their oral communication and creative thinking skills more than the lecture students, and they reported getting to know their professor and classmates more than did the lecture students.
Bayes estimation of Gumbel mixture models with industrial applications
Authors: Sindhu Tabassum Naz , Riaz Muhammad , Aslam Muhammad , Ahmed Zaheer
Published: April 2015

The Gumbel distribution is a popular model in different disciplines such as engineering, business and the environment. In certain situations, these models are used in a mixture framework. This study deals with the Bayesian estimation of a Gumbel mixture model and suggests its application in process monitoring. The idea of mixture-charting structures looks very practical and is an attractive approach. This study proposes an individual Type II Gumbel cumulative quantity control chart (GCQC-chart) and a mixture of Type II Gumbel cumulative quantity control charts (MGCQC chart). We have developed the design structure of these charts and evaluated their performance using some run-length-based performance measures. The implementation and interpretations are provided and a numerical example is used to verify the application procedure.
Weight Control Behaviors Among Emerging Adults With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Hanna Kathleen M. , Weaver Michael T. , Slaven James E. , Stump Timothy E. , Shieh Carol
Published: April 2015

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the association of weight control behaviors (WCBs) with living and educational situations among emerging adults with type 1 diabetes during the first year after high school graduation.

Methods

Among 184 emerging adults with type 1 diabetes, data were collected every 3 months for 12 months on WCBs, body mass index (BMI), living and educational situations; at baseline and 12 months, on impulse control; and at baseline, on sex, depressive symptoms, and glycemic control. Generalized linear models incorporated repeated measures (0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months).

Results

No significant associations existed between WCBs and living or educational situations, when controlling for covariates. More depressive symptoms and higher BMIs were associated with a greater likelihood of involvement in unhealthy WCBs, whereas more depressive symptoms—not higher BMI—were associated with higher odds for involvement in very unhealthy WCBs. Although healthy WCBs were also associated with more depressive symptoms and higher BMIs, they were also associated with greater impulse control.

Conclusions

Health care professionals should assess emerging adults with type 1 diabetes for WCBs along with BMI, depressive symptoms, and impulse control.
Mechanically Ventilated, Cardiothoracic Surgical Patients Have Significantly Different Energy Requirements Comparing Indirect Calorimetry and the Penn State Equations
Authors: Ratzlaff Robert , Nowak Diane , Gordillo Desiree , Cresci Gail A. , Faulhaber Kevin , Mascha Edward J. , Hata J. Steven
Published: April 2015

Background: Nutrition equations have been validated with indirect calorimetry for determining energy needs in intensive care unit (ICU) populations. This study tested the hypothesis that mechanically ventilated cardiothoracic surgical patients would have significantly different energy requirements when determined by indirect calorimetry vs the Penn State equations. Materials and Methods: This single‐center, retrospective cohort analysis of consecutive cardiothoracic surgical patients adhered to a prospectively designed protocol for indirect calorimetry energy measurements. Energy needs were estimated by Penn State equations 2010 and 2003b and then indirect calorimetry. Results: Analyzed patients (n = 71) had a mean ± SD difference of 556 ± 543 calories/d between indirect calorimetry and Penn State formulae, as well as a mean ± SD percentage caloric difference of 32% ± 31% (95% confidence interval [CI], −20 to 87) with a range of 1311 calories (minimum difference, −379; maximum difference, 933). There was a 10% or greater difference in resting metabolic rate between indirect calorimetry and the Penn State equations in 89% of patients (95% CI, 79%–95%). Based on Lin's concordance correlation of 0.20 (95% CI, 0.09–0.32), the strength of agreement between the resting metabolic rates determined by indirect calorimetry compared with the Penn State equations was poor within this patient sample. Indirect calorimetry performance showed a 10% increase in caloric need in 77% of patients and was associated with a nutrition prescription change in 66%. Conclusions: Mechanically ventilated cardiothoracic surgical ICU patients appear to have higher energy requirements by indirect calorimetry than those determined by Penn State equations. Future studies targeting indirect calorimetry in relation to clinical outcomes are needed.
The procedural entrapment of mass incarceration
Authors: Heiner Brady
Published: April 2015

More than 95 per cent of criminal convictions in the USA never go to trial, as the vast majority of defendants forfeit their constitutional rights to due process in the pervasive practice of plea bargaining. This article analyses the relationship between American mass incarceration and this mass forfeiture of procedural justice by situating the practice of plea bargaining in the normative framework drawn by recent Supreme Court rulings and the proliferation of criminal statutes, including mandatory minimum sentencing legislation. Looking at systemic racial disparities in sentence severity and incarceration rates for otherwise similarly situated defendants, I argue that, rather than a voluntary waiver of constitutional rights, this mass forfeiture of due process rights ought to be conceptualized as the product of an entrenched system of procedural entrapment. Such entrapment, I argue, ought to be abolished not only on grounds of procedural injustice, but because the practice refashions rather than redresses forms of racial domination derived from prior eras. The article concludes by exploring the tactic of mass conscientious plea refusal through the collectively organized assertion of constitutional due process rights as a strategy of resisting mass incarceration.
A Novel Mutation p.A59P in N-Terminal Domain of Methyl-CpG–Binding Protein 2 Confers Phenotypic Variability in 3 Cases of Tunisian Rett Patients
Authors: Kharrat Marwa , Hsairi Ines , Fendri-Kriaa Nourhene , Kenoun Houda , Othmen Houda Ben , Ben Mahmoud Afif , Ghorbel Rania , Abid Imen , Triki Chahnez , Fakhfakh Faiza
Published: April 2015

Rett syndrome is a monogenic X-linked dominant neurodevelopmental disorder related to mutation in MECP2, which encodes the methyl-CpG–binding protein MeCP2. The aim of this study was to search for mutations of MECP2 gene in Tunisian Rett patients and to evaluate the impact of the found variants on structural and functional features of MeCP2. The result of mutation analysis revealed that 3 Rett patients shared the same novel heterozygous point mutation c.175G>C (p.A59P). The p.A59P mutation was located in a conserved amino acid in the N-terminal segment of MeCP2. This novel mutation confers a phenotypic variability with different clinical severity scores (3, 8, and 9) and predicted by Sift and PolyPhen to be damaging. Modeling results showed that p.A59P adds 2 hydrogen bonds and changes the structural conformation of MeCP2 with a significant root mean square deviation value (9.66 Å), suggesting that this mutation could probably affect the conformation, function and stability of MeCP2.
Characteristics and Outcomes of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Patients Admitted to an Intensive Care Unit in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Hameed Fahad , Wahla Ali S. , Siddiqui Shakeel , Ghabashi Alaa , Al-Shomrani Majid , Al-Thaqafi Abdulhakeem , Tashkandi Yasir
Published: April 2015

Background:

An increasing number of patients are being infected with Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) since the first case was identified in September 2012. We report the characteristics and outcomes of MERS-CoV–confirmed patients who developed critical illness requiring admission to an intensive care unit (ICU).

Methods:

We conducted a prospective cohort study of all MERS-CoV–confirmed cases who were admitted to our ICU from March 20, 2014, till June 1, 2014. Presenting symptoms, comorbid conditions, and details of their ICU stay were recorded.

Results:

Eight patients were admitted to the ICU with MERS-CoV infection. All had signs of respiratory distress with 7 requiring mechanical ventilation. Three patients were health care workers. In all, 6 patients had comorbid conditions and 5 patients developed multiorgan system failure (MOSF). In all, 5 patients expired, 2 were discharged alive, and 1 remained intubated at the end of the study period.

Conclusions:

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus carries a high mortality rate in patients who require ICU admission, with a significant number of patients developing MOSF. Further investigation is needed to determine optimal management guidelines for these patients.
High-Stakes Volunteer Commitment
Authors: McNamee Lacy G. , Peterson Brittany L.
Published: April 2015

This study examines the social network ties, motivations, and experiences of high-stakes volunteers (HSVs): individuals who fulfill long-term, consistent, and intense time commitments providing medical, social, and/or psychological assistance. Interview, focus group, and observational data from three settings (volunteer firefighting, victims’ services/advocacy, outreach for at-risk youth) were analyzed using qualitative methods. Accordingly, five types of HSVs ( stable lifer, imbalanced lifer, conventionalist, professional, crusader) are presented and discussed. These findings advance theoretical insight into the variety of individuals who take on HSV roles and contribute to growing scholarship on diversified approaches to volunteer management.
Design and its characteristic analysis of a wheeled train uncoupling robot with multi-degrees-of-freedom
Authors: Yao Jianjun , Huang Yuxuan , Jiang Guilin , Gao Shuang , Xiao Rui , Yu Han
Published: April 2015

Freight trains play a vital role in cargo transportation in the world. The freight cars need to be redistributed for marshalling according to different destinations in the hump yard. Humans are usually employed to uncouple the freight cars in the marshalling yard. However, the work environment is difficult to work in, because of its potential danger and the effects of the surrounding environment can have a very serious impact on human’s health. A wheeled robot is developed to replace humans to finish the uncoupling task. It has four degrees-of-freedom with flexible motion. Based on the D-H method, the kinematics, including the forward and the inverse kinematics, is firstly analysed. The dynamic analysis is then studied by Newton–Euler equations. The workspace is lastly investigated to verify its operational space such that the coupler can be easily reached by the robot manipulator. Those characteristic analyses provide a basis for motion planning and real-time control of the robot.
Over-the-Counter Relief From Pains and Pleasures Alike
Authors: Durso Geoffrey R. O. , Luttrell Andrew , Way Baldwin M.
Published: April 2015

Acetaminophen, an effective and popular over-the-counter pain reliever (e.g., the active ingredient in Tylenol), has recently been shown to blunt individuals’ reactivity to a range of negative stimuli in addition to physical pain. Because accumulating research has shown that individuals’ reactivity to both negative and positive stimuli can be influenced by a single factor (an idea known as differential susceptibility), we conducted two experiments testing whether acetaminophen blunted individuals’ evaluations of and emotional reactions to both negative and positive images from the International Affective Picture System. Participants who took acetaminophen evaluated unpleasant stimuli less negatively and pleasant stimuli less positively, compared with participants who took a placebo. Participants in the acetaminophen condition also rated both negative and positive stimuli as less emotionally arousing than did participants in the placebo condition (Studies 1 and 2), whereas nonevaluative ratings (extent of color saturation in each image; Study 2) were not affected by drug condition. These findings suggest that acetaminophen has a general blunting effect on individuals’ evaluative and emotional processing, irrespective of negative or positive valence.
Mind-Set Interventions Are a Scalable Treatment for Academic Underachievement
Authors: Paunesku David , Walton Gregory M. , Romero Carissa , Smith Eric N. , Yeager David S. , Dweck Carol S.
Published: April 2015

The efficacy of academic-mind-set interventions has been demonstrated by small-scale, proof-of-concept interventions, generally delivered in person in one school at a time. Whether this approach could be a practical way to raise school achievement on a large scale remains unknown. We therefore delivered brief growth-mind-set and sense-of-purpose interventions through online modules to 1,594 students in 13 geographically diverse high schools. Both interventions were intended to help students persist when they experienced academic difficulty; thus, both were predicted to be most beneficial for poorly performing students. This was the case. Among students at risk of dropping out of high school (one third of the sample), each intervention raised students’ semester grade point averages in core academic courses and increased the rate at which students performed satisfactorily in core courses by 6.4 percentage points. We discuss implications for the pipeline from theory to practice and for education reform.
Grasp Posture Alters Visual Processing Biases Near the Hands
Authors: Thomas Laura E.
Published: April 2015

Observers experience biases in visual processing for objects within easy reach of their hands; these biases may assist them in evaluating items that are candidates for action. I investigated the hypothesis that hand postures that afford different types of actions differentially bias vision. Across three experiments, participants performed global-motion-detection and global-form-perception tasks while their hands were positioned (a) near the display in a posture affording a power grasp, (b) near the display in a posture affording a precision grasp, or (c) in their laps. Although the power-grasp posture facilitated performance on the motion-detection task, the precision-grasp posture instead facilitated performance on the form-perception task. These results suggest that the visual system weights processing on the basis of an observer’s current affordances for specific actions: Fast and forceful power grasps enhance temporal sensitivity, whereas detail-oriented precision grasps enhance spatial sensitivity.
Impairment of quality of life in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Zuily S , Rat A-C , Regnault V , Kaminsky P , Mismetti P , Ninet J , Baillet N , Magy-Bertrand N , Pasquali J-L , Lambert M , Pasquier E , Lorcerie B , Lecompte T , Guillemin F , Wahl D ,   for the TAC(I)T investigators
Published: April 2015

Objectives

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) has not been fully explored in antiphospholipid syndrome (APS); therefore, we compared HRQoL between APS patients and the general population and assessed the impact of thromboembolic history.

Methods

HRQoL was measured in a multicentre cohort study by the Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form 36 (MOS-SF-36) questionnaire. HRQoL scores were compared to the French general population norms. Factors significantly associated with an impaired HRQoL were identified.

Results

A total of 115 patients with aPL and/or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were included (mean age 42.7 ± 14.1 years old, 86 women). In 53 patients APS was diagnosed. Compared to general population norms, patients with APS had an impaired HRQoL. SLE-associated APS patients had the worst HRQoL scores (physical component summary (PCS)=40.8 ± 10.6; mental component summary (MCS)=40.6 ± 16.5) in comparison with SLE or aPL patients without thromboembolic history. In APS patients, history of arterial thrombosis significantly impaired HRQoL (PCS score: 42.2 ± 9.4 vs 49.2 ± 8.5; MCS score: 33.9 ± 13.7 vs 44.6 ± 10.3).

Conclusion

Compared to the general population, APS patients experienced a lower HRQoL. In these patients, a history of arterial thrombosis significantly impaired HRQoL. Therefore, measurements of HRQoL should be included in APS patient management to assess the burden of the disease from a patient’s perspective and to provide patients with the support they need.