bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aphasia Therapy in the Age of Globalization: Cross-Linguistic Therapy Effects in Bilingual Aphasia
Authors: Ansaldo Ana Inés , Saidi Ladan Ghazi
Published: March 2014

Introduction. Globalization imposes challenges to the field of behavioural neurology, among which is an increase in the prevalence of bilingual aphasia. Thus, aphasiologists have increasingly focused on bilingual aphasia therapy and, more recently, on the identification of the most efficient procedures for triggering language recovery in bilinguals with aphasia. Therapy in both languages is often not available, and, thus, researchers have focused on the transfer of therapy effects from the treated language to the untreated one.Aim. This paper discusses the literature on bilingual aphasia therapy, with a focus on cross-linguistic therapy effects from the language in which therapy is provided to the untreated language.Methods. Fifteen articles including two systematic reviews, providing details on pre- and posttherapy in the adult bilingual population with poststroke aphasia and anomia are discussed with regard to variables that can influence the presence or absence of cross-linguistic transfer of therapy effects.Results and Discussion. The potential for CLT of therapy effects from the treated to the untreated language depends on the word type, the degree of structural overlap between languages, the type of therapy approach, the pre- and postmorbid language proficiency profiles, and the status of the cognitive control circuit.
The Time Profile of Pentraxin 3 in Patients with Acute ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction and Stable Angina Pectoris Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Helseth Ragnhild , Solheim Svein , Opstad Trine , Hoffmann Pavel , Arnesen Harald , Seljeflot Ingebjørg
Published: March 2014

Background. High levels of Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) are reported in acute myocardial infarction (AMI).Aim. To investigate circulating levels and gene expression of PTX3 in patients with AMI and stable angina pectoris (AP) undergoing PCI.Methods. Ten patients with AP and 20 patients with AMI were included. Blood samples were drawn before PCI in the AP group and after 3 and 12 hours and days 1, 3, 5, 7, and 14 in both groups.Results. Circulating PTX3 levels were higher in AMI compared to AP at 3 and 12 hours (P<0.001andP=0.003). Within the AMI group, reduction from 3 hours to all later time points was observed (allP≤0.001). Within the AP group, increase from baseline to 3 hours (P=0.022), followed by reductions thereafter (allP<0.05), was observed. PTX3 mRNA increased in the AMI group from 3 hours to days 7 and 14 in a relative manner of 62% and 73%, while a relative reduction from baseline to 3 and 12 hours of 29% and 37% was seen in the AP group.Conclusion. High circulating PTX3 levels shortly after PCI in AMI indicate that AMI itself influences PTX3 levels. PTX3 mRNA might be in response to fluctuations in circulating levels.
Circle-Uniqueness of Pythagorean Orthogonality in Normed Linear Spaces
Authors: Wu Senlin , Dong Xinjian , Wang Dan
Published: March 2014

We introduce the circle-uniqueness of Pythagorean orthogonality in normed linear spaces and show that Pythagorean orthogonality is circle-unique if and only if the underlying space is strictly convex. Further related results providing more detailed relations between circle-uniqueness of Pythagorean orthogonality and the shape of the unit sphere are also presented.
Effects of Long-Term Testosterone Therapy on Patients with “Diabesity”: Results of Observational Studies of Pooled Analyses in Obese Hypogonadal Men with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Haider Ahmad , Yassin Aksam , Doros Gheorghe , Saad Farid
Published: March 2014

To investigate effects of long-term testosterone (T) therapy in obese men with T deficiency (TD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), data were collected from two observational, prospective, and cumulative registry studies of 561 men with TD receiving T therapy for up to 6 years. A subgroup of obese hypogonadal men with T2DM was analyzed. Weight, height, waist circumference (WC), fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) blood pressure, lipid profile, C-reactive protein (CRP), and liver enzymes were measured. A total of 156 obese, diabetic men with T deficiency, aged 61.17 ± 6.18 years, fulfilled selection criteria. Subsequent to T therapy, WC decreased by 11.56 cm and weight declined by 17.49 kg (15.04%). Fasting glucose declined from 7.06 ± 1.74 to 5.59 ± 0.94 mmol/L (P<0.0001for all).HbA1cdecreased from 8.08 to 6.14%, with a mean change of 1.93%. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure, lipid profiles including total cholesterol: HDL ratio, CRP, and liver enzymes all improved (P<0.0001). Long-term T therapy for up to 6 years resulted in significant and sustained improvements in weight, T2DM, and other cardiometabolic risk factors in obese, diabetic men with TD and this therapy may play an important role in the management of obesity and diabetes (diabesity) in men with T deficiency.
3D Online Submicron Scale Observation of Mixed Metal Powder's Microstructure Evolution in High Temperature and Microwave Compound Fields
Authors: Kang Dan , Xu Feng , Hu Xiao-fang , Dong Bo , Xiao Yu , Xiao Ti-qiao
Published: March 2014

In order to study the influence on the mechanical properties caused by microstructure evolution of metal powder in extreme environment, 3D real-time observation of the microstructure evolution of Al-Ti mixed powder in high temperature and microwave compound fields was realized by using synchrotron radiation computerized topography (SR-CT) technique; the spatial resolution was enhanced to 0.37 μm/pixel through the designed equipment and the introduction of excellent reconstruction method for the first time. The process of microstructure evolution during sintering was clearly distinguished from 2D and 3D reconstructed images. Typical sintering parameters such as sintering neck size, porosity, and particle size of the sample were presented for quantitative analysis of the influence on the mechanical properties and the sintering kinetics during microwave sintering. The neck size-time curve was obtained and the neck growth exponent was 7.3, which indicated that surface diffusion was the main diffusion mechanism; the reason was the eddy current loss induced by the external microwave fields providing an additional driving force for mass diffusion on the particle surface. From the reconstructed images and the curve of porosity and average particle size versus temperature, it was believed that the presence of liquid phase aluminum accelerated the densification and particle growth.
In Situ Formation of Carbon Nanomaterials on Bulk Metallic Materials
Authors: Xu J. Y. , Lei X. C. , Yang R. , Fan Z. Z.
Published: March 2014

Carbon nanomaterials were synthesized in situ on bulk 316L stainless steel, pure cobalt, and pure nickel by hybrid surface mechanical attrition treatment (SMAT). The microstructures of the treated samples and the resulted carbon nanomaterials were investigated by SEM and TEM characterizations. Different substrates resulted in different morphologies of products. The diameter of carbon nanomaterials is related to the size of the nanograins on the surface layer of substrates. The possible growth mechanism was discussed. Effects of the main parameters of the synthesis, including the carbon source and gas reactant composition, hydrogen, and the reaction temperature, were studied. Using hybrid SMAT is proved to be an effective way to synthesize carbon nanomaterials in situ on surfaces of metallic materials.
Resistive Switching Characteristics of a SiOx Layer with CF4 Plasma Treatment
Authors: Liu Chih-Yi , Tsai Yueh-Ying , Fang Wen-Tsung , Wang Hung-Yu
Published: March 2014

A 20 nm SiOx layer is deposited using radio‐frequency sputtering to form the resistive switching layer of a Cu/SiOx/Pt memory device. The SiOx‐based device demonstrates the resistive switching characteristics with an electrochemical reaction. CF4 plasma treatment was used to modify the SiOx layer and incorporate fluorine atoms into the SiOx layer. The bombardment damage and fluorine incorporation caused the SiOx film to form a stack‐like structure. This reduced the operating voltage and improved switching dispersion. The fluorine repaired the Cu/SiOx interface, thus increasing the barrier height of the Cu/SiOx interface and the resistance of the high resistance state. A statistical analysis of the conducting filament formation was performed in order to evaluate the number of formation/rupture sites. The resistive switching of the CF4‐treated sample had higher possibility to use the same filament sites; thus, the CF4‐treated sample had stable resistive switching behavior.
Prevalence ofSarcoptes scabieiInfection in Pet Dogs in Southern China
Authors: Chen Yi-Zhou , Liu Guo-Hua , Song Hui-Qun , Lin Rui-Qing , Weng Ya-Biao , Zhu Xing-Quan
Published: March 2014

Little is known about the prevalence ofSarcoptes scabieiinfection in pet dogs in China. In the present study, the prevalence ofS. scabieiinfection in pet dogs in Guangzhou, southern China, was investigated between January and December, 2009. A total of 3,977 pet dogs admitted to animal hospitals were examined for the presence ofS. scabieiusing a parasitological approach. The average prevalence ofS. scabieiinfection in pet dogs is 1.18% (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.85–1.52%). The prevalence ofS. scabieiwas higher in winter (1.42%; 95% CI: 0.29–2.55%), summer (1.39%; 95% CI: 0.83–1.96%), and autumn (1.1%; 95% CI: 0.53–1.68%) than in spring (0.63%; 95% CI: 0.02–1.25%). Furthermore, the prevalence ofS. scabieiwas the highest in Pekingese (21.88%; 95% CI: 7.55–36.2%), followed by Papillon (5.26%; 95% CI: 0–11.06%) and Bichon Frise (3.19%; 95% CI: 0–6.75%). The results of the present investigation indicate thatS. scabieiinfection is prevalent in pet dogs in Guangzhou, China, which provides relevant “baseline” data for conducting control strategies and measures against scabies in this region and elsewhere in China. To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive report ofS. scabieiprevalence in pet dogs in China.
Predictors of Weight Loss Maintenance following an Insurance-Sponsored Weight Management Program
Authors: Abildso Christiaan G. , Schmid Olivier , Byrd Megan , Zizzi Sam , Quartiroli Alessandro , Fitzpatrick Sean J.
Published: March 2014

Intentional weight loss among overweight and obese adults (body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2) is associated with numerous health benefits, but weight loss maintenance (WLM) following participation in weight management programming has proven to be elusive. Many individuals attempting to lose weight join formal programs, especially women, but these programs vary widely in focus, as do postprogram weight regain results. We surveyed 2,106 former participants in a community-based, insurance-sponsored weight management program in the United States to identify the pre, during, and post-intervention behavioral and psychosocial factors that lead to successful WLM. Of 835 survey respondents (39.6% response rate), 450 met criteria for inclusion in this study. Logistic regression analyses suggest that interventionists should assess and discuss weight loss and behavior change perceptions early in a program. However, in developing maintenance plans later in a program, attention should shift to behaviors, such as weekly weighing, limiting snacking in the evening, limiting portion sizes, and being physically active every day.
Prevalence of Deletional Alpha Thalassemia and Sickle Gene in a Tribal Dominated Malaria Endemic Area of Eastern India
Authors: Purohit Prasanta , Dehury Snehadhini , Patel Siris , Patel Dilip Kumar
Published: March 2014

Inherited hemoglobin disorders like alpha thalassemia and sickle gene are common in the Indian subcontinent. These disorders in the heterozygous state act as malaria resistance genes and influence the susceptibility toPlasmodium falciparummalaria. There is inadequate knowledge about the epidemiology of these malaria resistance genes in the tribal dominated malaria endemic region of the state of Odisha in eastern India. A cross sectional prevalence study was undertaken in 594 subjects in five tribal populations in this region, namely, Sahara (42.4%), Kutia Kandha (30.0%), Kuda (15.8%), Gond (9.8%), and Oraon (2.0%). Sickling test, Hb electrophoresis, HPLC, and molecular studies were undertaken to diagnose the prevalence of sickle allele,β-thalassemia allele, and deletional alpha thalassemia. Sickle andβthalassemia alleles were found in 13.1% and 3.4% of subjects, respectively. Sickle allele was found both in heterozygous (10.1%) and homozygous state (3.03%). The prevalence of alpha thalassemia was 50.84% with an allelic frequency of 0.37. Bothα−3.7andα−4.2alpha thalassemia were detected with an allele frequency of 0.33 and 0.04, respectively. The high prevalence of alpha thalassemia and sickle gene in this population is probably due to selection pressure of endemic malaria in this part of India.
A Novel Method for the Localization and Management of Traumatic Cyclodialysis Cleft
Authors: Wang Mingling , Hu Shufang , Zhao Zhenquan , Xiao Tianlin
Published: March 2014

Purpose.To propose a novel surgical method for the localization and management of traumatic cyclodialysis clefts.Methods.Five patients with traumatic cyclodialysis clefts who underwent the innovative surgery were retrospectively reviewed. The new method was introduced to repair a cyclodialysis cleft with two running sutures from the middle to each end of the cleft under the guidance of a probe. Preoperative and postoperative visual acuity (VA), intraocular pressure (IOP), slit lamp and gonioscopic results, ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM), and optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings were recorded.Results.Cyclodialysis clefts were completely closed postoperatively in four patients (four eyes); this was confirmed by progressively improved VA, restoration into the normal range of the IOP, disappearance of suprachoroidal fluid, and reduced macular edema. Only one patient with multiple clefts had an incomplete reattachment.Conclusions.This clinical study offers a novel and efficient method to localize and repair the cyclodialysis clefts.
Optimal Distributed Controller Design for Nonlinear Coupled Dynamical Networks
Authors: Zhang Hao , Yan Huaicheng , Chen Qijun
Published: March 2014

This paper is concerned with the optimal distributed impulsive controller design for globally exponential synchronization of nonlinear dynamical networks with coupling delay. By the Lyapunov‐Razumikhin method, a novel criterion is proposed to guarantee the global exponential synchronization of the coupled delayed network with distributed impulsive control in terms of matrix inequalities. The sum of coupling strengths of the distributed impulsive control is minimized to save the control effort. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method has been demonstrated by some simulations.
How Fast Is Recovery of Impaired Glucose Tolerance after 21-Day Bed Rest (NUC Study) in Healthy Adults?
Authors: Heer Martina , Baecker Natalie , Wnendt Stephan , Fischer Annelie , Biolo Gianni , Frings-Meuthen Petra
Published: March 2014

Aim. We hypothesized that 4 days of normal daily activity after 21 days of experimental bed rest (BR) will not reverse BR induced impaired glucose tolerance.Design. Glucose tolerance of seven male, healthy, untrained test subjects (age: 27.6 (3.3) years (mean (SD)); body mass: 78.6 (6.4) kg; height: 1.81 (0.04) m; VO2max: 39.5 (5.4) ml/kg body mass/min) was studied. They stayed twice in the metabolic ward (crossover design), 21 days in bed and 7 days before and after BR each. Oral glucose tolerance tests were applied before, on day 21 of BR, and 5 and 14 days after BR.Results. On day 21 of BR, AUC120 minof glucose concentration was increased by 28.8 (5.2)% and AUC120 minof insulin by 35.9 (10.2)% (glucose:P<0.001; insulin:P=0.02). Fourteen days after BR, AUC120 minof serum insulin concentrations returned to pre-bed-rest concentrations (P=0.352) and AUC120 minof glucose was still higher (P=0.038). Insulin resistance did not change, but sensitivity index was reduced during BR (P=0.005).Conclusion. Four days of light physical workload does not compensate inactivity induced impaired glucose tolerance. An individually tailored and intensified training regime is mandatory in patients being in bed rest to get back to normal glucose metabolism in a reasonable time frame.
A Splay Tree-Based Approach for Efficient Resource Location in P2P Networks
Authors: Zhou Wei , Tan Zilong , Yao Shaowen , Wang Shipu
Published: March 2014

Resource location in structured P2P system has a critical influence on the system performance. Existing analytical studies of Chord protocol have shown some potential improvements in performance. In this paper a splay tree-based new Chord structure called SChord is proposed to improve the efficiency of locating resources. We consider a novel implementation of the Chord finger table (routing table) based on the splay tree. This approach extends the Chord finger table with additional routing entries. Adaptive routing algorithm is proposed for implementation, and it can be shown that hop count is significantly minimized without introducing any other protocol overheads. We analyze the hop count of the adaptive routing algorithm, as compared to Chord variants, and demonstrate sharp upper and lower bounds for both worst-case and average case settings. In addition, we theoretically analyze the hop reducing in SChord and derive the fact that SChord can significantly reduce the routing hops as compared to Chord. Several simulations are presented to evaluate the performance of the algorithm and support our analytical findings. The simulation results show the efficiency of SChord.
High versus Moderate Intensity Running Exercise to Impact Cardiometabolic Risk Factors: The Randomized Controlled RUSH-Study
Authors: Kemmler Wolfgang , Scharf Michael , Lell Michael , Petrasek Carina , von Stengel Simon
Published: March 2014

Aerobic exercise positively impacts cardiometabolic risk factors and diseases; however, the most effective exercise training strategies have yet to be identified. To determine the effect of high intensity (interval) training (HI(I)T) versus moderate intensity continuous exercise (MICE) training on cardiometabolic risk factors and cardiorespiratory fitness we conducted a 16-week crossover RCT with partial blinding. Eighty-one healthy untrained middle-aged males were randomly assigned to two study arms: (1) a HI(I)T-group and (2) a sedentary control/MICE-group that started their MICE protocol after their control status. HI(I)T focused on interval training (90 sec to 12 min >85–97.5% HRmax) intermitted by active recovery (1–3 min at 65–70% HRmax), while MICE consisted of continuous running at 65–75% HRmax. Both exercise groups progressively performed 2–4 running sessions/week of 35 to 90 min/session; however, protocols were adjusted to attain similar total work (i.e., isocaloric conditions). With respect to cardiometabolic risk factors and cardiorespiratory fitness both exercise groups demonstrated similar significant positive effects on MetS-Z-Score (HI(I)T:-2.06±1.31,P=.001versus MICE:-1.60±1.77,P=.001) and (relative) VO2max (HI(I)T:15.6±9.3%,P=.001versus MICE: 10.6 ± 9.6%,P=.001) compared with the sedentary control group. In conclusion, both exercise programs were comparably effective for improving cardiometabolic indices and cardiorespiratory fitness in untrained middle-aged males.
Event‐Triggered H∞Control for Networked Control Systems with Time‐Varying Delay
Authors: Yan Huaicheng , Yan Sheng , Zhang Hao , Shi Hongbo
Published: March 2014

This paper deals with H∞ controller design problem for event‐triggered networked control systems (NCSs), where the next task release time and finishing time are predicted based on the sampled states. A new model of NCSs that involves the network conditions, state, and event‐triggered communication strategy is proposed. Based on this model, some novel criteria for the asymptotic stability analysis and H∞ state feedback controller design of the event‐triggered NCSs with timevarying delay are established to guarantee a prescribed H∞ disturbance rejection attenuation level. Finally, a numerical example is provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Liquiritigenin Induces Tumor Cell Death through Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase- (MPAKs-) Mediated Pathway in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Wang Di , Lu Jiahui , Liu Yan , Meng Qingfan , Xie Jing , Wang Zhenzuo , Teng Lesheng
Published: March 2014

Liquiritigenin (LQ), separated fromGlycyrrhiza radix, possesses anti-inflammatory, antihyperlipidemic, and antiallergic effects. Our present study aims to investigate the antihepatocellular carcinoma effects of LQ both in cell and animal models. LQ strikingly reduced cell viability, enhanced apoptotic rate, induced lactate dehydrogenase over-release, and increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and caspase 3 activity in both PLC/PRL/5 and HepG2 cells. The expression of cleaved PARP, the hall-marker of apoptosis, was enhanced by LQ. LQ treatment resulted in a reduction of the expressions of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and B-cell lymphoma-extra large (Bcl-xL), and an increase of the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK) and P38. LQ-mediated cell viability reduction, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis related protein abnormal expressions, and JNK and P38 activation were partially abolished by N-Acetyl-L-cysteine (a ROS inhibitor) pretreatment. Moreover, LQ suppressed the activation of extracellular signaling-regulated kinase (ERKs) and reduced the translocation of phosphor-ERKs from cytoplasm to nucleus. This antitumor activity was further confirmed in PLC/PRL/5-xenografted mice model. All these data indicate that the antihepatocellular carcinoma effects of LQ are related to its modulation of the activations of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPKs). The study provides experimental evidence supporting LQ as a potential therapeutic agent for hepatocellular carcinoma treatment.
Green Channel Guiding Denoising on Bayer Image
Authors: Tan Xin , Lai Shiming , Liu Yu , Zhang Maojun
Published: March 2014

Denoising is an indispensable function for digital cameras. In respect that noise is diffused during the demosaicking, the denoising ought to work directly on bayer data. The difficulty of denoising on bayer image is the interlaced mosaic pattern of red, green, and blue. Guided filter is a novel time efficient explicit filter kernel which can incorporate additional information from the guidance image, but it is still not applied for bayer image. In this work, we observe that the green channel of bayer mode is higher in both sampling rate and Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) than the red and blue ones. Therefore the green channel can be used to guide denoising. This kind of guidance integrates the different color channels together. Experiments on both actual and simulated bayer images indicate that green channel acts well as the guidance signal, and the proposed method is competitive with other popular filter kernel denoising methods.
Identification of mTORC2 as a Necessary Component of HRG/ErbB2-Dependent Cellular Transformation
Authors: Lin Miao-chong J. , Rojas Katherine S. , Cerione Richard A. , Wilson Kristin F.
Published: March 2014

Overexpression of the receptor tyrosine kinase HER2/ErbB2 (ERBB2) has been linked to a poor prognosis for patients with breast cancer; thus, its activity is a central target for cancer therapy. Likewise, overexpression of heregulin (HRG/NRG1), a growth factor responsible for ErbB2 activation, has also been shown to be a driver of breast cancer progression. Although ErbB2 inhibitors offer a major advancement in the treatment of ErbB2-dependent breast cancers, patients are highly susceptible to developing clinical resistance to these drugs. Therefore, a detailed understanding of the molecular mechanism that underlies HRG/ErbB2-induced tumorigenesis is essential for the development of effective therapeutic strategies for this subset of patients with breast cancer. Here, it was demonstrated that HRG promoted anchorage-independent breast cancer cell growth more potently than EGF, and that the HRG-dependent activation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase and mTORC1 are necessary events for cell transformation. Functional evaluation of two distinct mTOR (MTOR) inhibitors, rapamycin and INK-128, on HRG-dependent signaling activities, uncovered a necessary role for mTORC2 in the regulation of the AKT/TSC2/mTORC1 axis by affecting the phosphorylation of AKT at the PDK1(PDPK1)-dependent site (T308) as well as at the mTORC2-dependent site (S473). The elimination of Rictor (RICTOR), a critical component of mTORC2, is detrimental to both the activation of mTORC1 and HRG-mediated cellular transformation. Similar results were obtained in multiple breast cancer model systems, highlighting an important role for mTORC2 in HRG/ErbB2-dependent breast cancer.

Implications: These findings suggest the potential benefits of targeting mTORC2 in HRG/ErbB2-induced breast cancer. Mol Cancer Res; 12(6); 940–52. ©2014 AACR.
Antitumor Effects of Cisplatin Combined with Tecemotide Immunotherapy in a Human MUC1 Transgenic Lung Cancer Mouse Model
Authors: Kao Chiao-Jung , Wurz Gregory T. , Monjazeb Arta M. , Vang Daniel P. , Cadman Timothy B. , Griffey Stephen M. , Wolf Michael , DeGregorio Michael W.
Published: March 2014

The goals of the present study were to define the effects of simultaneous cisplatin/tecemotide therapy on tumor development in a human mucin 1 (MUC1) transgenic lung cancer mouse model and to examine the effects of radiotherapy (RTX) on splenocytes, serum cytokines, and immune response to tecemotide. Two hundred twenty-six human MUC1 transgenic C57BL/6 mice were used in five studies designed to assess (i) serum cytokine and immune responses following four weekly 10-μg doses of tecemotide; (ii) the effects of simultaneous administration of cisplatin (2.5 mg/kg × 2 doses/cycle × 4 cycles) and tecemotide (2 cycles × 8 weekly 10-μg doses/cycle) therapy on tumor development, serum cytokines, and immune response; (iii) the dose–response effects of RTX on lymphocyte counts 16 hours following doses of 2 to 8 Gy; (iv) the time course of lymphocyte recovery from 16 hours to 20 days following 8-Gy RTX; and (v) the effects of simultaneous administration of RTX (8 Gy) and tecemotide on the immune response to tecemotide (four weekly 10-μg doses). Serum cytokines were analyzed by multiplex immunoassay, IFNγ immune responses by enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot (ELISpot), and lung tumor foci by lung whole mounts. Simultaneous cisplatin/tecemotide therapy resulted in significant and additive reduction in lung tumor foci compared with control mice, with significantly elevated serum IFNγ levels and specific IFNγ immune responses observed in both tecemotide and tecemotide + cisplatin–treated mice. Finally, neither cisplatin nor radiation interfered with the immune response to tecemotide. Cancer Immunol Res; 2(6); 581–9. ©2014 AACR.
Maternal Smoking and Placental Expression of a Panel of Genes Related to Angiogenesis and Oxidative Stress in Early Pregnancy
Authors: Shinjo Azusa , Ventura Walter , Koide Keiko , Hori Kyouko , Yotsumoto Junko , Matsuoka Ryu , Ichizuka Kiyotake , Sekizawa Akihiko
Published: March 2014

Objective: Maternal cigarette smoking is paradoxically associated with a decreased risk of developing preeclampsia. Since preeclampsia is thought to be associated with altered mechanisms of angiogenesis and oxidative stress, we aim to investigate the influence of maternal smoking on the early placental expression of a panel of genes related to angiogenesis and oxidative stress. Material and Methods: We collected villous tissue samples at 6-7 and 10-11 weeks of gestation from 31 women requesting surgical termination. Placental expression of the following genes were quantified by real-time PCR: vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), fms-like tyrosine kinase (Flt-1), soluble endoglin (sEng), placental growth factor (PlGF), heme oxygenase-1 (HMOX-1) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Maternal smoking status was assessed by levels of serum cotinine. Results: Placental expression of VEGFA was significantly higher in smoking women at 10-11 weeks of gestation compared with nonsmoking women at the same gestational age. There was no significant difference at 6-7 weeks of gestation. There was no variation in the expression of the other genes explored related to smoking status. Conclusions: Here we report that VEGFA placental expression was higher in smoking women at 10-11 weeks of gestation. Increased VEGFA expression in the early stages of pregnancy in smoking women might contribute to the decreased risk of developing preeclampsia.
Potassium-Binding Resins: Associations with Serum Chemistries and Interdialytic Weight Gain in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Jadoul Michel , Karaboyas Angelo , Goodkin David A. , Tentori Francesca , Li Yun , Labriola Laura , Robinson Bruce M.
Published: March 2014

Background: Although potassium-binding sodium-based resins (K resins) have been prescribed to treat hyperkalemia for 50 years, there have been no large studies of their effects among hemodialysis (HD) patients. Methods: Data from 11,409 patients in the Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study in Belgium, Canada, France, Italy, and Sweden (nations where ≥5% of patients were prescribed a sodium- based K resin; seven other countries had <5% use) between 2002 and 2011 were analyzed. Linear mixed models examined associations between K resin use and interdialytic weight gain (IDWG) and serum electrolyte concentrations. Mortality was analyzed using Cox regression. An instrumental variable approach was used to partially account for unmeasured confounders. Results: The K resin prescription rate was 20% overall. As hypothesized, patients prescribed a K resin had greater IDWG and higher serum bicarbonate, phosphorus, and sodium (but not calcium) concentrations. Patients prescribed a K resin had higher serum K levels, but serum K levels were lower in an instrumental variable analysis limiting treatment by indication bias. K resin use was not associated with mortality risk. Conclusion: We report the first large study of K resin use and associated laboratory and clinical outcomes in HD patients. The prescription rate of K resins varied dramatically by country and dialysis center. The results suggest that K resin use may effectively lower serum K, although at the expense of somewhat higher phosphatemia and greater IDWG, and had no clear association with mortality. Further study is warranted to elucidate the optimal role for K resins in modern dialysis care.
Salt Intake of Children and Adolescents in South London
Authors: Marrero Naomi M. , He Feng J. , Whincup Peter , MacGregor Graham A.
Published: March 2014

Since 2003/2004, the United Kingdom has implemented a salt reduction campaign; however, there are no data on salt intake in children as assessed by 24-hour urinary sodium, the gold standard method, to inform this campaign. We performed a cross-sectional study, involving South London school children across 3 age tiers: young children (5- to 6-year olds), intermediate-aged children (8- to 9-year olds), and adolescents (13- to 17-year olds). Dietary salt intake was measured by 24-hour urinary sodium excretion and compared with newly derived maximum salt intake recommendations. In addition, dietary sources of salt were assessed using a 24-hour photographic food diary. Valid urine collections were provided by 340 children (162 girls, 178 boys). The mean salt intakes were 3.75 g/d (95% confidence interval, 3.49–4.01), 4.72 g/d (4.33–5.11), and 7.55 g/d (6.88–8.22) for the 5- to 6-year olds, 8- to 9-year olds, and 13- to 17-year olds, respectively. Sixty-six percent of the 5- to 6-year olds, 73% of the 8- to 9-year olds, and 73% of 13- to 17-year olds had salt intake above their maximum daily intake recommendations. The major sources of dietary salt intake were cereal and cereal-based products (36%, which included bread 15%), meat products (19%), and milk and milk products (11%). This study demonstrates that salt intake in children in South London is high, with most of the salt coming from processed foods. Much further effort is required to reduce the salt content of manufactured foods.
Restoration of Connexin 40 (Cx40) in Renin-Producing Cells Reduces the Hypertension of Cx40 Null Mice
Authors: Le Gal Loïc , Alonso Florian , Wagner Charlotte , Germain Stéphane , Nardelli Haefliger Denise , Meda Paolo , Haefliger Jacques-Antoine
Published: March 2014

Connexin 40 (Cx40) is expressed by the renin-producing cells (RSCs) of the kidneys and the endothelial cells of blood vessels. Cx40 null mice (Cx40
−/−
) feature a much increased renin synthesis and secretion, which results in chronic hypertension, and also display an altered endothelium-dependent relaxation of the aorta because of reduced eNOS levels and nitric oxide production. To discriminate the effect of Cx40 in renin secretion and vascular signaling, we targeted Cx40 to either the RSCs or the endothelial cells of Cx40 null mice. When compared with Cx40
−/−
controls, the animals expressing Cx40 in RSCs were less hypertensive and featured reduced renin levels, still numerous RSCs outside the wall of the afferent arterioles. In contrast, mice expressing Cx40 in the endothelial cells were as hypertensive as Cx40
−/−
mice, in spite of control levels of Cx37 and eNOS. Our data show that blood pressure is improved by restoration of Cx40 expression in RSCs but not in endothelial cells, stressing the prominent role of renin in the mouse hypertension linked to loss of Cx40.
Arterial Wall Stress Controls NFAT5 Activity in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Scherer Clemens , Pfisterer Larissa , Wagner Andreas H. , Hödebeck Maren , Cattaruzza Marco , Hecker Markus , Korff Thomas
Published: March 2014

Background

Nuclear factor of activated T‐cells 5 (
NFAT
5) has recently been described to control the phenotype of vascular smooth muscle cells (
VSMC
s). Although an increase in wall stress or stretch (eg, elicited by hypertension) is a prototypic determinant of
VSMC
activation, the impact of this biomechanical force on the activity of
NFAT
5 is unknown. This study intended to reveal the function of
NFAT
5 and to explore potential signal transduction pathways leading to its activation in stretch‐stimulated
VSMC
s.

Methods and Results

Human arterial
VSMC
s were exposed to biomechanical stretch and subjected to immunofluorescence and protein‐biochemical analyses. Stretch promoted the translocation of
NFAT
5 to the nucleus within 24 hours. While the protein abundance of
NFAT
5 was regulated through activation of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase under these conditions, its translocation required prior activation of palmitoyltransferases.
DNA
microarray and ChiP analyses identified the matrix molecule tenascin‐C as a prominent transcriptional target of
NFAT
5 under these conditions that stimulates migration of
VSMC
s. Analyses of isolated mouse femoral arteries exposed to hypertensive perfusion conditions verified that
NFAT
5 translocation to the nucleus is followed by an increase in tenascin‐C abundance in the vessel wall.

Conclusions

Collectively, our data suggest that biomechanical stretch is sufficient to activate
NFAT
5 both in native and cultured
VSMC
s where it regulates the expression of tenascin‐C. This may contribute to an improved migratory activity of
VSMC
s and thus promote maladaptive vascular remodeling processes such as hypertension‐induced arterial stiffening.
Devolved Regulation as a Two-Stage Rocket to Public Acceptance of Experiments with Human Gametes and Embryos
Authors: Zeegers Nicolle
Published: March 2014

Kazancigil endorses governance to the extent that it has a greater capacity to cope with policy making on complex issues in our differentiated societies. At the same time, he is skeptical of how governance excludes ‘politics’ from the process of policy-making. Policy fields that are highly dependent on scientific knowledge are considered by him to be especially vulnerable for ‘policy making without politics’. In this article, the case of UK policy making concerning the creation of human animal hybrid embryos will be analyzed to provide insights into the problems that can be connected to governance as form of managing public decision making. In this case, it is not so much the exclusion of ‘politics’ in the sense of ‘the representative democratic institutions and processes’ that appears to be the problem of governance but rather the downplaying of differences in societal views concerning the issue and the lack of real reconciliation of such views.
By Whom and When Is Women’s Expertise Recognized? The Interactive Effects of Gender and Education in Science and Engineering Teams
Authors: Joshi Aparna
Published: March 2014

Using a round-robin data set assembled from over 60 teams of more than 500 scientists and engineers across a variety of science and engineering disciplines, as well as longitudinal research productivity data, this study examines differences in how men and women in science and engineering teams evaluate their colleagues’ expertise and how that affects team performance. Because these teams are assembled to enhance innovations, they are most productive if they fully utilize the expertise of all team members. Applying a social relations modeling approach, two studies conducted in multidisciplinary research centers in a large public U.S. university test whether a team’s gender composition predicts how well women’s expertise is used within the team, based on peer evaluations of male and female team members with varying education levels. A third study returns to the same two research centers to examine whether the larger context in which the team operates affects the use of expertise and the team’s productivity. An important finding is that the gender and educational attributes of the person being evaluated are less critical to the recognition of expertise than the attributes of the person conducting the evaluation and the relationship between these two team members. In addition, context matters: gender-integrated teams with a higher proportion of highly educated women are more productive in disciplines with a greater female faculty representation.
Injury in just war theory: From the traditional to the feminist perception
Authors: Dingott Alkopher Tal
Published: March 2014

The paper traces the evolution of just war discourse and its historicity. Taking St Augustine’s crucial definition of just war as a war to avenge injuries as our starting point, we focus on the concept of injury in ‘just war’ discourse. The genealogy of the notion of injury is traced through the continuities, ruptures, and leaps in the evolution of its meaning, starting from the conceptualization of just war in medieval thinking to its manifestation in feminist thought. It specifically explores two aspects of the way injury is conceptualized: the meaning ascribed to the actual concept of injury and, secondly, the constructed appropriate reaction to injury. In conclusion, we assess how far injury is indeed socially constructed and try to determine the impact of its socially constructed meaning on just war thinking and possibly warlike practices.
Extensive Food Adulteration in Bangladesh: A Violation of Fundamental Human Rights and the State’s Binding Obligations
Authors: Solaiman S M , Ali Abu Noman Mohammad Atahar
Published: March 2014

The right to life is inherently connected with the right to food which implies that any foodstuff be nutritious and safe. The government of Bangladesh bears binding obligations to protect these rights under both international human rights instruments and its national constitution. The violation of these rights has, nonetheless, been commonplace causing numerous human deaths and terminal diseases. The perpetrators have been adulterating foods, flouting laws with impunity and taking advantage of regulatory impotence and governmental lenience for decades. Laws exist in books, regulators subsist in theory, but consumers die without remedies. This situation must not prevail forever as every human has an inherent right to live until their natural demise. This article aims to explore the binding obligations of the government to prevent food adulteration and to protect people’s essential rights. It highlights that numerous laws exist almost invisibly in the country, and recommends that their enforcement be reinforced in order to protect the people who are exposed to the overly contaminated food markets in Bangladesh.
Burst strength of carbon fibre reinforced polyethylene strip pipeline repair system – a numerical and experimental approach
Authors: Chan PH , Tshai KY , Johnson M , Choo HL , Li S , Zakaria K
Published: March 2014

Oil and gas pipelines are susceptible to various forms of damage where repair mechanisms have since been developed for rehabilitation. Once installed, structural health monitoring often incurs excessive costs and defects rectification of the repaired pipeline becomes a major challenge. Finite element analysis (FEA) provides a rapid route to predict the behaviour of the rehabilitated pipelines under prescribed in-service conditions. In this paper, burst strength of a commercially available composite sleeve repair system, Helicoid Epoxy Sleeve (HES)™, which combines the use of carbon fibre strip and epoxy grout as reinforcement to damaged pipe, was investigated through experimental and numerical approaches. Design standards for subsea pipelines are used in the calculation of design pressure and burst pressure. In the experimental setup, API 5L X52 steel pipe was machined with 50% metal loss defect in wall thickness to simulate external corrosion. Results from design calculations, experimental and FEA showed good correlation with margin less than 10%.
Enhanced tensile performance of epoxy and E-glass/epoxy composites by randomly-oriented amino-functionalized MWCNTs at low contents
Authors: Rahman Muhammad M , Hosur Mahesh , Zainuddin Shaik , Jahan Nusrat , Miller-Smith Everett B , Jeelani Shaik
Published: March 2014

Effect of amino-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (NH2-MWCNTs) on the tensile performance of epoxy and E-glass/epoxy composites was investigated. Low weight percentages (0.3 and 0.4 wt%) of NH2-MWCNTs were dispersed into a DGEBA epoxy resin using combination of sonication and three-roll milling methods. Composites with plain weave E-glass fabrics were fabricated by compression molding process. Tensile test results showed a significant enhancement in strength, modulus and toughness of epoxy and E-glass/epoxy composites at 0.3 wt% loading of NH2-MWCNTs. Micrographs of NH2-MWCNTs-incorporated epoxy and E-glass/epoxy composites revealed better dispersion of nanotubes in epoxy, better bonding between nanotubes and polymer and improved interfacial adhesion between fiber/matrix at 0.3 wt% loading. Micromechanical models were used to predict the tensile properties and compared with the experimental results. An improved dispersion and hence an enhanced crosslink interaction between NH2-MWCNTs and epoxy lead to the improvements in the tensile properties of the epoxy nanocomposites close to predicted values at 0.3 wt% loading. A similar rationale applies for the increase in properties of E-glass/epoxy nanocomposites.
Thermoplastic variable stiffness composites with embedded, networked sensing, actuation, and control
Authors: McEvoy M Andy , Correll Nikolaus
Published: March 2014

We present a composite material consisting of a thermoplastic base material and embedded, networked sensing, actuation, and control to vary its stiffness locally based on computational logic. A polycaprolactone grid provides stiffness at room temperature. Each polycaprolactone element within the grid is equipped with a dedicated heating element, thermistor, and networked microcontroller that can drive the element to a desired temperature/stiffness. We present experimental results using a 4 × 1 grid that can assume different global conformations under the influence of gravity by simply changing the local stiffness of individual parts. We describe the composite structure and its manufacturing, the principles behind variable stiffness control using Joule heating, local sliding mode control of each polycaprolactone bar’s temperature and function, and limitations of the embedded multi-hop communication system. The function of the local temperature controller is evaluated experimentally.
Expert witness immunity: Surveying the Karnage!
Authors: Pamplin Chris
Published: March 2014

For most expert witnesses, the decidedly disturbing decision-making of the Supreme Court in Jones v Kaney (2011) UKSC 13, has little immediate impact as, being conscientious professionals, they will be unlikely to be found negligent and will carry professional indemnity insurance just in case. Indeed, they will view existing professional disciplinary risks as a greater concern! But there are a number of potential consequences of this disturbing decision that should be considered by all expert witnesses and some clear actions that may be necessary. These include including obtain appropriate professional indemnity insurance, considering the potential for limiting liability through contract, becoming more circumspect about the way they express their opinions and consider whether accepting single joint expert instructions is still an option.
Movement Instruction to Facilitate Beat Competency in Instrumental Music
Authors: Conway Colleen , Marshall Herbert , Hartz Barry
Published: March 2014

This article offers instrumental directors at all levels some suggestions for the use of movement to facilitate beat competency. We use the term beat competency to refer to a musician’s ability to play with a consistent sense of pulse and balanced subdivision, as well as the eventual ability to bring that sense of pulse to reading rhythmic notation. We discuss movement instruction with a focus on the ideas of Rudolf Laban. We present instructional strategies for movement through Laban’s concepts of flow, weight, space, and time. The final section of the article addresses the challenges in using movement in instrumental music and provides suggestions for working with large ensembles as well as focusing on performance.
Creating an Expressive Performance Mindset
Authors: Broomhead Paul , Skidmore Jon B.
Published: March 2014

Students in performance situations sometimes experience physiological symptoms that inhibit their ability to perform as expressively as they otherwise might possess the understanding and ability to do. As students set out to perform with an expressive mindset, the brain’s limbic system may detect some perceived danger in the situation and cause a shift away from the expressive mindset toward one that protects them from the danger by inhibiting their expressiveness. We call this the “default mindset.” Commonly accepted solutions, such as eating a banana or picturing the audience in their underwear, are inadequate to help young performers deal with the problem. We offer a solution that helps music students overcome this shift; this solution involves establishing an environment of safety, risk-taking, self-awareness, and personal responsibility, and then regularly engaging students in music instruction that purposefully addresses expressive-mindset-building skills.
Composition and Recorders
Authors: Birnie Rebecca A.
Published: March 2014

Composition with students on the elementary level sparks imagination and creativity while engaging students in an experience that can demonstrate personal musical growth. Traditionally, music educators have not been taught how to compose music, let alone lead their students in composing experiences. As music educators take the beginning steps of guiding students to a well-modeled, successful composition experience, the process can yield great success for students. By combining elementary recorder instruction and the beginnings of written composition, students experience a new avenue for creativity and personal expression. This article provides a practical way in which music educators can incorporate composition into their classrooms. Students experience composition through independent and cooperative learning, performance, and assessment by both teacher and peers. The result is a positive, motivating experience that strengthens the experience of composition and performance.