bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuromodulation of crossmodal influences on visual cortex excitability
Authors: Convento Silvia , Galantini Chiara , Bolognini Nadia , Vallar Giuseppe
Published: November 2012

Crossmodal interactions occur not only within brain regions deemed to be heteromodal, but also within primary sensory areas, traditionally considered as modality-specific. So far, mechanisms of crossmodal interactions in primary visual areas remain largely unknown. In the present study, we explored the effect of crossmodal stimuli on phosphene perception, induced by single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (sTMS) delivered to the occipital visual cortex. In three experiments, we showed that redundant auditory and/or tactile information facilitated the detection of phosphenes induced by occipital sTMS, applied at sub-threshold intensity, which also increased their level of brightness, with the maximal enhancement occurring for trimodal stimulus combinations. Such crossmodal enhancement can be further boosted by the brain polarization of heteromodal areas mediating crossmodal links in spatial attention. Specifically, anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of both the occipital and the parietal cortices facilitated phosphene detection under unimodal conditions, whereas anodal tDCS of the parietal and temporal cortices enhanced phosphene detection selectively under crossmodal conditions, when auditory or tactile stimuli were combined with occipital sTMS. Overall, crossmodal interactions can enhance neural excitability within low-level visual areas, and tDCS can be used for boosting such crossmodal influences on visual responses, likely affecting mechanisms of crossmodal spatial attention involving feedback modulation from heteromodal areas on sensory-specific cortices. TDCS can effectively facilitate the integration of multisensory signals originating from the external world, hence improving visual perception.
Synchronisation and correction of stepping to phase-perturbed multisensory metronome cues
Authors: Wright Rachel L. , Elliott Mark T. , Spurgeon Laura C. , Wing Alan M.
Published: November 2012

When information is available in more than one sensory modality, the central nervous system will integrate the cues to obtain a statistically optimal estimate of the event or object perceived (Alais and Burr, 2004; Ernst and Banks, 2002). For synchronising movements to a stream of events, this multisensory advantage is observed with reduced temporal variability of the movements compared to unimodal conditions (Elliott et al., 2010, 2011; Wing et al., 2010). Currently, this has been demonstrated for upper limb movements (finger tapping). Here, we investigate synchronisation of lower limb movements (stepping on the spot) to auditory, visual and combined auditory-visual metronome cues. In addition, we compare movement corrections to a phase perturbation in the metronome for the three sensory modality conditions. We hypothesised that, as with upper limb movements, there would be a multisensory advantage, with stepping variability being lowest in the bimodal condition. As such, we further expected correction to the phase perturbation to be quickest in the bimodal condition. Our results show that while we see evidence of multisensory integration taking place, there was no multisensory advantage in the phase correction task — correction under the bimodal condition was almost identical to the auditory-only condition. Both bimodal and auditory-only conditions showed larger corrections for each step after the perturbation, compared to the visual-only condition. We conclude that rapid lower limb corrections are possible when synchronising with salient, regular auditory cues, such that integration of information from other modalities does not improve correction efficiency. However, if the auditory modality is less reliable it is likely that multisensory cues would become advantageous in such a task.
Crossmodal correspondences in natural language: Distribution of phonemes and consonant-vowel patterns in Serbian words denoting round and angular objects
Authors: Ilic Olivera , Kovic Vanja , Jankovic Dragan
Published: November 2012

Since described by Köhler more than half a century ago, phonetic–iconic correspondences have been demonstrated in a series of studies showing remarkable consistency in matches of pseudowords containing specific types of phonemes (e.g., Maluma or Takete) with rounded and angular shapes. If the effect found in these experiments reveals something about processes involved in natural language interpretation, we should expect similar association between phonological properties of objects’ labels and their perceptual properties to exist in natural language as well. However, results of the studies testing this effect in natural language are rather inconsistent and sometimes even contradictory. The aim of the present study was to test whether the distribution of phonemes and consonant-vowel patterns, previously found in pseudowords participants produced for the abstract visual patterns (Jankovic and Markovic, 2000, Perception 29 ECVP Abstract Supplement), could be found in the words of natural language. For 1066 nouns denoting round and angular shapes extracted from the Corpus of Serbian Language, distribution of phonemes and consonant-vowel patterns were analyzed. Results showed that words of Serbian language denoting sharp and rounded objects show similar patterns of phoneme and consonant-vowel distributions as those found in pseudowords produced for sharp and rounded visual stimuli, and therefore provide further evidence for cross-modal correspondences in natural language. These findings were discussed in the light of the role crossmodal correspondences can have in the natural language acquisition.
Electrical neuroimaging of memory discrimination based on single-trial multisensory learning
Authors: Thelen Antonia , Cappe Céline , Murray Micah M.
Published: November 2012

Multisensory experiences influence subsequent memory performance and brain responses. Studies have thus far concentrated on semantically congruent pairings, leaving unresolved the influence of stimulus pairing and memory sub-types. Here, we paired images with unique, meaningless sounds during a continuous recognition task to determine if purely episodic, single-trial multisensory experiences can incidentally impact subsequent visual object discrimination. Psychophysics and electrical neuroimaging analyses of visual evoked potentials (VEPs) compared responses to repeated images either paired or not with a meaningless sound during initial encounters. Recognition accuracy was significantly impaired for images initially presented as multisensory pairs and could not be explained in terms of differential attention or transfer of effects from encoding to retrieval. VEP modulations occurred at 100–130 and 270–310 ms and stemmed from topographic differences indicative of network configuration changes within the brain. Distributed source estimations localized the earlier effect to regions of the right posterior temporal gyrus (STG) and the later effect to regions of the middle temporal gyrus (MTG). Responses in these regions were stronger for images previously encountered as multisensory pairs. Only the later effect correlated with performance such that greater MTG activity in response to repeated visual stimuli was linked with greater performance decrements. The present findings suggest that brain networks involved in this discrimination may critically depend on whether multisensory events facilitate or impair later visual memory performance. More generally, the data support models whereby effects of multisensory interactions persist to incidentally affect subsequent behavior as well as visual processing during its initial stages.
Direct comparison of the haptic and visual horizontal–vertical illusions using traditional figures and single lines
Authors: Howell Jacqui , Symmons Mark , Van Doorn George
Published: November 2012

The horizontal–vertical illusion (HVI) has been widely and extensively reported as a visual phenomenon in which a vertical line is perceived as shorter than a horizontal line of the same length. Like a number of geometric illusions, the HVI has also been found to occur haptically, though there is less agreement in the literature as to the extent and direction of the illusion. The relatively small number of haptic HVI papers coupled with a variety of stimuli and procedures used make it difficult to make direct comparison between the visual and haptic versions of the illusion. After a brief critical literature review, the current paper reports a study in which the visual and haptic HVIs are directly compared. In a bid to reconcile previous shortcomings, three sets of stimuli were used: L-figures, inverted T-figures, and separated horizontal and vertical lines. The stimuli were presented in two lengths: 3 and 9 cm. The dependent variable was percentage error between the horizontal and vertical — no error represents an absence of illusion. As expected, inverted T-figures produced an illusion significantly stronger than both the L-figures and single lines, which in turn did not differ from each other. Further, the illusion was present to the same extent in both modalities. Stimuli of 9 cm produced relatively stronger illusions than those that measured 3 cm, and stimulus size interacted with modality. The consequences of these findings for earlier research and proffered suggestions as to what causes this and other illusions are discussed.
Time course of audio–visual phoneme identification: A cross-modal gating study
Authors: Sánchez-García Carolina , Kandel Sonia , Savariaux Christophe , Ikumi Nara , Soto-Faraco Salvador
Published: November 2012

When both present, visual and auditory information are combined in order to decode the speech signal. Past research has addressed to what extent visual information contributes to distinguish confusable speech sounds, but usually ignoring the continuous nature of speech perception. Here we tap at the temporal course of the contribution of visual and auditory information during the process of speech perception. To this end, we designed an audio–visual gating task with videos recorded with high speed camera. Participants were asked to identify gradually longer fragments of pseudowords varying in the central consonant. Different Spanish consonant phonemes with different degree of visual and acoustic saliency were included, and tested on visual-only, auditory-only and audio–visual trials. The data showed different patterns of contribution of unimodal and bimodal information during identification, depending on the visual saliency of the presented phonemes. In particular, for phonemes which are clearly more salient in one modality than the other, audio–visual performance equals that of the best unimodal. In phonemes with more balanced saliency, audio–visual performance was better than both unimodal conditions. These results shed new light on the temporal course of audio–visual speech integration.
The interplay between multisensory integration and attention in children
Authors: Barutchu Ayla , Toohey Sarah , Shivdasani Mohit N. , Paolini Antonio G.
Published: November 2012

In adults, it is well known that multisensory processes can be modulated by attention, however, little is understood about the development of this interplay. This study investigated the relationship between multisensory integration and attention in children. The Tests of Everyday Attention for Children (TEA-Ch) was used to assess visual attention (Sky Search subscale), sustained auditory attention (Score DT subscale) and audio–visual attention (Sky Search DT subscale, i.e., Sky Search and Score DT combined) in 59 children (age range: 7–12 years). The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children — Fourth Edition — Australian (WISC-IV) was used to measure general intellectual abilities. Multisensory integration was gauged using the stream-bounce illusion (SBI). Participants were presented with two discs moving horizontally toward each other either with no sound or with a click sound at −400 ms, −250 ms, 0 ms, +250 ms, +400 ms relative to the time of collision of the two discs. The perception of the SBI significantly increased when the sound was presented at or near the time of collision. Correlation analyses showed that both age (, ) and measures of auditory sustained attention (Score SD, , ) significantly predicted the SBI. Furthermore, children with high Score DT measures (age standardised scores > 11, ) reported significantly more SBIs, even when the effects of age and IQ were controlled for, when compared with children in the low score range (age standardised scores < 9, ). These findings suggest that multisensory integration in children is partly dependent on the stability of sustained auditory attention.
Inefficient cross-sensory temporal integration in older persons with a history of falling
Authors: Newell Fiona N.
Published: November 2012

We recently reported that efficient multisensory integration is affected by the ageing process. Specifically, we found that older persons were more susceptible to the auditory-flash illusion (Shams et al., 2000) than younger adults, even at relatively large stimulus onset asynchronies of more than 170 ms. Furthermore, susceptibility to this illusion increased with age (i.e., across individuals), and over time (i.e., over two years in the same individual). Our findings also suggest that inefficient multisensory integration is associated with balance maintenance and control: older persons with a history of falling were more susceptible to the auditory-flash illusion than their age-matched counterparts (Setti et al., 2011a) and more illusions were reported in older adults during a standing than a seated position. Importantly, we found no differences in sensory acuity between older adults with and without a history of falls, suggesting important interactions in the brain. We also found that during spatial navigation, older persons with a history of falling, relative to an age-matched cohort, failed to compensate for changes in their visual environment (full or blurred visual input) by adjusting their gait accordingly (Barrett et al., 2012). Our findings are suggestive of temporal interactions between the sensory systems in the brain (see e.g., Setti et al., 2011b), and not in the nature of the information encoded at the periphery, which underpin efficient perception-to-action in an older adult.
Fighting for His Majesty (I): Accretion of the Greater Shang (ca. 1200-1045 B.C.)
Authors: Wu Shu-hui
Published: November 2012

Abstract

A series of new archaeological excavations in China has enriched the study of ancient Shang and Zhou history. Many Chinese scholars have devoted considerable research to the recently deciphered oracle bone inscriptions, which have illuminated the military and religious practices of the Shang in greater detail. Their achievements enable us to arrive at new understandings about the processes, purposes, and strategies employed by the Shang people to expand their territory. This article explores the structure of the Great Settlement of the Shang and what life was like in the late Shang period. Also, it intends to shed new light on the wars between the Shang and their enemies, including their military arrangements, the major generals of the Shang king, and their strategies for building alliances. Finally, I argue that the chief purpose of Shang expansion to the south was to procure a supply of a key natural resource, copper.
Mechanical and thermal properties of chemical treated kenaf fibres reinforced polyester composites
Authors: Khalil HPS Abdul , Suraya NL , Atiqah N , Jawaid M , Hassan A
Published: November 2012

Kenaf fibre reinforced polyester biocomposites fabricated by hand lay-up technique by using propionic and succinic anhydride-modified kenaf fibres. Chemical structure, mechanical, thermal and morphological properties of kenaf fibres reinforced polyester biocomposites evaluated. The Fourier transform infrared study of modified kenaf fibres carried out to look at changes in functional groups after modification. It confirmed from Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy the variation in positions of functional groups. The mechanical (tensile, flexural and impact) property results revealed that biocomposites with modified kenaf fibres exhibited better properties as compared to untreated kenaf fibres-reinforced polyester biocomposites. Morphological studies show that treated kenaf biocomposites show better fibre/matrix interaction. Thermal analysis results of modified biocomposites exhibited higher initial and final decomposition temperatures. Modified biocomposites display less char residue as compared with unmodified kenaf fibres reinforced polyester composites.
A Review of DIMPACK Version 1.0
Authors: Deng Nina , Han Kyung T. , Hambleton Ronald K.
Published: November 2012

DIMPACK Version 1.0 for assessing test dimensionality based on a nonparametric conditional covariance approach is reviewed. This software was originally distributed by Assessment Systems Corporation and now can be freely accessed online. The software consists of Windows-based interfaces of three components: DIMTEST, DETECT, and CCPROX/HAC, which conduct hypothesis test for unidimensionality, cluster items, and perform hierarchical cluster analysis, respectively. Two simulation studies were conducted to evaluate the software in confirming test unidimensionality (a Type I error study) and detecting multidimensionality (a statistical power study). The results suggested that different data always be used in selecting assessment subtest items independent of calculating the DIMTEST statistic. The Type I error rate was excessively inflated otherwise. The statistical power was found low when sample size was small or the dimensions were highly correlated. It is suggested that some major changes be made to the software before it can be successfully useful among practitioners.
Position-based compensation of electromagnetic fields interference for electromagnetic locomotive microrobot
Authors: Choi Jongho , Choi Hyunchul , Jeong Semi , Park Bang Ju , Ko Seong Young , Park Jong-Oh , Park Sukho
Published: November 2012

Recently, the locomotion of a microrobot wirelessly actuated by electromagnetic actuation systems has been studied in many ways. Because of the inherent characteristics of an electromagnetic field, however, the magnetic field of each coil in the electromagnetic actuation system induces magnetic field interferences, which can distort the desired electromagnetic field, preventing the microrobot from following the desired path. In this article, we used two pairs of Helmholtz coils and two pairs of Maxwell coils in a two-dimensional electromagnetic actuation system. Generally, the two pairs of Helmholtz coils generate the torque for the rotation of the microrobot and the two pairs of Maxwell coils generate the propulsion force of the microrobot. Both pairs of Helmholtz and Maxwell coils have to work to simultaneously align and propel the microrobot in a desired direction. In this situation, however, the electromagnetic fields produced by the Helmholtz coils can interfere with those produced by the Maxwell coils. This interference is closely dependent on the position of the microrobot in the region of interest inside the electromagnetic coils system. This means that the alignment direction and propulsion force of the microrobot can be distorted according to the position of the microrobot. Therefore, we propose a compensation algorithm for the electromagnetic field interference using the position information of the microrobot to correct the magnetic field interferences. First, the interference of an electromagnetic field obeying the Biot–Savart law is analyzed by numerical analysis. Second, a position-based compensation algorithm for the locomotion of a microrobot is proposed. Various locomotion tests of a microrobot verified that the proposed compensation algorithm could reduce the normalized average tracking error from 5.25% to 1.92%.
Heat sensitive persons with multiple sclerosis are more tolerant to resistance exercise than to endurance exercise
Authors: Skjerbæk Anders G , Møller Andreas B , Jensen Ellen , Vissing Kristian , Sørensen Henrik , Nybo Lars , Stenager Egon , Dalgas Ulrik
Published: November 2012

Background:

Heat sensitivity (HS) is reported by 58% of all persons with multiple sclerosis (MS), causing symptom exacerbation possibly limiting exercise participation.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to test the hypotheses that (a) a relationship between exercise-induced changes in core–temperature (Ctemp) and changes in symptom intensity exists, and (b) that resistance exercise (RE), as a consequence of a minor increase in core temperature, will induce a lesser worsening of symptoms than endurance exercise (EE) in HS persons with MS.

Methods:

On two separate days, 16 HS persons with MS randomly completed a session of RE and EE, or EE and RE, respectively. Testing was conducted pre, post and one hour after exercise and consisted of Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scoring (fatigue, spasticity, pain, strength, walking and balance), the 5-time sit-to-stand (5STS), the Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite (MSFC) and Body Sway. Composite scores describing average subjective symptom intensity (SI) and total number of symptoms (SN) were calculated from VAS scores.

Results:

Ctemp (0.9±0.4°C vs 0.3±0.1°C, p<0.001), SI (1.7±1.9 cm vs 0.6±1.5 cm, p<0.05) and SN (1.6±1.9 vs 0.6±2.1, p<0.05) increased significantly more during EE than RE. Changes in Ctemp correlated to changes in SI ( r=0.50, p<0.01). No differences were observed in 5STS, MSFC and Body Sway scores after EE when compared to RE.

Conclusion:

An exercise-induced increase in Ctemp is associated with increased number and severity of perceived symptoms in HS persons with MS. Based on these findings it is expected that HS persons with MS do tolerate RE better than EE.
Cognitive functioning in pediatric transverse myelitis
Authors: Harder Lana L , Holland Alice Ann , Frohman Elliot , Graves Donna , Greenberg Benjamin M
Published: November 2012

Background:

Transverse myelitis (TM) is an inflammatory disease of the spinal cord. In pediatric TM patients, cognitive and psychological problems have been described only anecdotally.

Objectives:

Study aims include describing cognitive dysfunction among a cohort of pediatric TM patients as well as qualitatively exploring the impact of depression, medication, and fatigue on cognitive functioning.

Methods:

Twenty-four consecutive TM patients referred to a pediatric demyelinating diseases clinic completed neuropsychological screening. Means, standard deviations (SD), and percentages of patients performing at or below 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 SD from the mean on tests administered are presented.

Results:

Means were generally average across domains; however, scores ranged widely across subjects within each domain. The highest rate of deficits was observed in fine-motor speed/dexterity. Slightly higher frequencies of impairment were observed in attention and memory as compared to processing speed and verbal fluency. Results did not suggest a clear association between cognitive problems and depression or medication use but did suggest that fatigue may impact cognitive functioning.

Conclusions:

This study is the first to document cognitive deficits in pediatric TM and raises questions regarding our understanding of the central nervous system (CNS) injury associated with TM. Findings warrant further exploration of neuropsychological outcomes in TM to inform appropriate intervention.
Improving overall survival and overcoming adverse prognosis in the treatment of cytogenetically high-risk multiple myeloma
Authors: Bergsagel P. Leif , Mateos María-Victoria , Gutierrez Norma C. , Rajkumar S. Vincent , San Miguel Jesús F.
Published: November 2012

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a heterogeneous disease with certain genetic features [eg, t(4;14), del17p] associated with worse outcome. The introduction of thalidomide, lenalidomide, and bortezomib has dramatically improved the outlook for patients with MM, but their relative benefit (or harm) for different genetic patient subgroups remains unclear. Unfortunately, the small number of patients in each subgroup frequently limits the analysis of high-risk patients enrolled in clinical trials. Strategies that result in survival of high-risk genetic subgroups approximating that of patients lacking high-risk features are said to overcome the poor prognostic impact of these high-risk features. This outcome has been difficult to achieve, and studies in this regard have so far been limited by inadequate sample size. In contrast, strategies that compare the survival of high-risk genetic subgroups randomized to different treatment arms can identify approaches that improve survival. This type of analysis is clinically useful, even if the absolute gains do not improve outcomes to levels seen in patients without high-risk cytogenetics. Reviewing available data in high-risk MM from this perspective, it appears that bortezomib has frequently been associated with improved survival, whereas thalidomide maintenance has sometimes been associated with a shorter survival.
The overall impairment of core executive function components in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zheng Dongming , Dong Xiaoyu , Sun Hongzan , Xu Yongchuan , Ma Ying , Wang Xiaoming
Published: November 2012

Background

It remains unclear how executive function (EF) is affected in the stage of amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). Previous studies using different methods to assess EF in patients with aMCI have reached inconsistent conclusions. The aim of the study was to explore the characteristics of EF impairments in patients with aMCI.

Methods

We investigated three core components of EF (i.e., working memory, response inhibition and task switching) based on the theoretical model of EF proposed by Miyake et al. (2000) in 34 aMCI patients and 36 healthy elderly controls using computerized tasks programmed with E-prime (the 2-back task and the keep track task for working memory, the stop-signal task and the Stroop task for response inhibition and the more-odd shifting task for task switching). The overall EF and the three individual EF components were compared between groups. For EF components that were impaired, the extent of impairment was compared using a paired analysis. The aMCI group was further divided into EF-intact and EF-deficit groups according to their performances on the EF tests in clinical neuropsychological assessments. We tested for group differences among the normal controls and the EF-intact and EF-deficit aMCI groups and paid special attention to the comparisons between the EF-intact aMCI group and the control group.

Results

Compared to the control group, overall EF was significantly impaired in patients with aMCI (Wilks’ λ=0.572,P<0.001). Four tasks (the 2-back task, the keep track task, the stop-signal task and the more-odd shifting task) that tapped the three core components of EF displayed group differences that favored the normal controls. The results of the Stroop task revealed no differences in performance between the two groups. The EF-intact aMCI patients also exhibited significantly impaired capabilities in the four tasks compared to the normal controls. There were no significant differences in the extent of impairment between the four affected tasks in the aMCI group, suggesting that the three core EF components were impaired to the same extent.

Conclusions

Both the overall EF and all of the core EF components in the Miyake model of EF (working memory, response inhibition and task switching) were significantly impaired in aMCI patients, regardless of whether they had shown obvious clinical executive dysfunction.
Cyclophilin A secreted from fibroblast-like synoviocytes is involved in the induction of CD147 expression in macrophages of mice with collagen-induced arthritis
Authors: Nishioku Tsuyoshi , Dohgu Shinya , Koga Mitsuhisa , Machida Takashi , Watanabe Takuya , Miura Teppei , Tsumagari Kousuke , Terasawa Mariko , Yamauchi Atsushi , Kataoka Yasufumi
Published: November 2012

Background

Cyclophilin A (CypA), a member of the immunophilin family, is a ubiquitously distributed intracellular protein. Recent studies have shown that CypA is secreted by cells in response to inflammatory stimuli. Elevated levels of extracellular CypA and its receptor, CD147 have been detected in the synovium of patients with RA. However, the precise process of interaction between CypA and CD147 in the development of RA remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate CypA secretion from fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) isolated from mice with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and CypA-induced CD147 expression in mouse macrophages.

Findings

CIA was induced by immunization with type II collagen in mice. The expression and localization of CypA and CD147 was investigated by immunoblotting and immunostaining. Both CypA and CD147 were highly expressed in the joints of CIA mice. CD147 was expressed in the infiltrated macrophages in the synovium of CIA mice. In vitro, spontaneous CypA secretion from FLS was detected and this secretion was increased by stimulation with lipopolysaccharide. CypA markedly increased CD147 levels in macrophages.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that an interaction in the synovial joints between extracellular CypA and CD147 expressed by macrophages may be involved in the mechanisms underlying the development of arthritis.
Quantitative Trait Loci Mapping of the Mouse Plasma Proteome (pQTL)
Authors: Holdt Lesca M , von Delft Annette , Nicolaou Alexandros , Baumann Sven , Kostrzewa Markus , Thiery Joachim , Teupser Daniel
Published: November 2012

A current challenge in the era of genome-wide studies is to determine the responsible genes and mechanisms underlying newly identified loci. Screening of the plasma proteome by high-throughput mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is considered a promising approach for identification of metabolic and disease processes. Therefore, plasma proteome screening might be particularly useful for identifying responsible genes when combined with analysis of variation in the genome. Here, we describe a proteomic quantitative trait locus (pQTL) study of plasma proteome screens in an F2 intercross of 455 mice mapped with 177 genetic markers across the genome. A total of 69 of 176 peptides revealed significant LOD scores (≥5.35) demonstrating strong genetic regulation of distinct components of the plasma proteome. Analyses were confirmed by mechanistic studies and MALDI-TOF/TOF, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analyses of the two strongest pQTLs: A pQTL for mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) 3494 (LOD 24.9, D11Mit151) was identified as the N-terminal 35 amino acids of hemoglobin subunit A (Hba) and caused by genetic variation in Hba. Another pQTL for m/z 8713 (LOD 36.4; D1Mit111) was caused by variation in apolipoprotein A2 (Apoa2) and cosegregated with HDL cholesterol. Taken together, we show that genome-wide plasma proteome profiling in combination with genome-wide genetic screening aids in the identification of causal genetic variants affecting abundance of plasma proteins.
Single ABCA3 Mutations Increase Risk for Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Wambach Jennifer A. , Wegner Daniel J. , DePass Kelcey , Heins Hillary , Druley Todd E. , Mitra Robi D. , An Ping , Zhang Qunyuan , Nogee Lawrence M. , Cole F. Sessions , Hamvas Aaron
Published: November 2012

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) due to pulmonary surfactant deficiency is heritable, but common variants do not fully explain disease heritability.

METHODS:

Using next-generation, pooled sequencing of race-stratified DNA samples from infants ≥34 weeks’ gestation with and without RDS (n = 513) and from a Missouri population-based cohort (n = 1066), we scanned all exons of 5 surfactant-associated genes and used in silico algorithms to identify functional mutations. We validated each mutation with an independent genotyping platform and compared race-stratified, collapsed frequencies of rare mutations by gene to investigate disease associations and estimate attributable risk.

RESULTS:

Single ABCA3 mutations were overrepresented among European-descent RDS infants (14.3% of RDS vs 3.7% of non-RDS; P = .002) but were not statistically overrepresented among African-descent RDS infants (4.5% of RDS vs 1.5% of non-RDS; P = .23). In the Missouri population-based cohort, 3.6% of European-descent and 1.5% of African-descent infants carried a single ABCA3 mutation. We found no mutations among the RDS infants and no evidence of contribution to population-based disease burden for SFTPC, CHPT1, LPCAT1, or PCYT1B.

CONCLUSIONS:

In contrast to lethal neonatal RDS resulting from homozygous or compound heterozygous ABCA3 mutations, single ABCA3 mutations are overrepresented among European-descent infants ≥34 weeks’ gestation with RDS and account for ∼10.9% of the attributable risk among term and late preterm infants. Although ABCA3 mutations are individually rare, they are collectively common among European- and African-descent individuals in the general population.
Scientific Drilling in the East African Rift Lakes: A Strategic Planning Workshop
Authors: Russell J. M. , Cohen A. S. , Johnson T. C. , Scholz C. A.
Published: November 2012

Abstract. No abstract available. doi:10.2204/iodp.sd.14.08.2012
Leaching of a Cu-Co ore from Congo using sulphuric acidhydrogen peroxide leachants
Authors: Seo S.Y. , Choi W.S. , Kim M.J. , Tran T.
Published: November 2012

A Cu-Co ore from Katinga Province, the Republic of Congo containing 1.5% Co
and 1.6% Cu was tested to determine the leachability of Cu and Co using
sulphuric acid and hydrogen peroxide mixtures at different conditions.
Without hydrogen peroxide, the maximum extraction of copper and cobalt were
found to be ~80% and ~15%, respectively when the acid concentration was
varied between 0.36 - 1.1M. When hydrogen peroxide was added (0.008-0.042M),
Cu recovery was enhanced to ~90%. Recoveries of ~90% of Co could be achieved
at 20?C, using leachants consisting of 0.36M sulphuric acid and 0.025M
hydrogen peroxide after 3 hours. The reaction time to reach 90% Co extraction
was reduced to less than 2 hours at 30?C. Stabcal modelling of the Eh-pH
diagrams shows the importance of hydrogen peroxide as a reductant. The
decrease of solution potential (300-350 mV) by adding hydrogen peroxide was
confirmed by Eh measurements during the tests. The leaching follows the
shrinking core model kinetics, where the rate constant is linearly dependent
on hydrogen peroxide concentration in the range 0-0.025M and proportional to
(1/r2) where r is the average radius of the mineral particles. The activation
energy for the leaching process is 72.3 kJ/mol.
Mechanochemical synthesis of bismuth ferrite
Authors: Marinkovic-Stanojevica Z. , Mancic L. , Sreckovic T. , Stojanovic B.
Published: November 2012

A powder mixture of Bi2O3 and Fe2O3 was mechanically treated in a planetary
ball mill in an air from 30 to 720 minutes. It was shown that the
mechanochemical formation of BiFeO3 (BFO) phase was initiated after 60 min
and its amount increased gradually with increasing milling time. A detailed
XRPD structural analysis is realized by Rietveld?s structure refinement
method. The resulting lattice parameters, relative phase abundances,
crystallite sizes and crystal lattice microstrains were determined as a
function of milling time. Microstructural analysis showed a little difference
in morphology of obtained powders. The primary particles, irregular in shape
and smaller than 400 nm are observed clearly, although they have assembled
together to form agglomerates with varying size and morphology. Dense BFO
ceramics were prepared by conventional solid-state reaction at the
temperature of 810?C for 1h followed immediately by quenching process.
[Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. III45007: Zero- to
Three-Dimensional Nanostructures for Application in Electronics and Renewable
Energy Sources: Synthesis, Characterization and Processing
Cortical Activity during a Highly-Trained Resistance Exercise Movement Emphasizing Force, Power or Volume
Authors: Flanagan Shawn , Dunn-Lewis Courtenay , Comstock Brett , Maresh Carl , Volek Jeff , Denegar Craig , Kraemer William
Published: November 2012

Cortical activity is thought to reflect the biomechanical properties of movement (e.g., force or velocity of movement), but fatigue and movement familiarity are important factors that require additional consideration in electrophysiological research. The purpose of this within-group quantitative electroencephalogram (EEG) investigation was to examine changes in cortical activity amplitude and location during four resistance exercise movement protocols emphasizing rate (PWR), magnitude (FOR), or volume (VOL) of force production, while accounting for movement familiarity and fatigue. EEG signals were recorded during each complete repetition and were then grouped by functional region, processed to eliminate artifacts, and averaged to compare overall differences in the magnitude and location of cortical activity between protocols over the course of six sets. Biomechanical, biochemical, and exertional data were collected to contextualize electrophysiological data. The most fatiguing protocols were accompanied by the greatest increases in cortical activity. Furthermore, despite non-incremental loading and lower force levels, VOL displayed the largest increases in cortical activity over time and greatest motor and sensory activity overall. Our findings suggest that cortical activity is strongly related to aspects of fatigue during a high intensity resistance exercise movement.
The Biological Role of PI3K Pathway in Lung Cancer
Authors: Sarris Evangelos , Saif Muhammad , Syrigos Kostas
Published: November 2012

Lung cancer is the primary cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide and although improvements in treatment have been achieved over the last few years, long-term survival rates for lung cancer patients remain poor. Therefore, there is an imperative need for molecularly targeted agents that will achieve long-term disease control. Numerous downstream molecular pathways, such as EGF/RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR are identified as having a key role in the pathogenesis of various forms of human cancer, including lung cancer. PI3K/AKT/mTOR signal pathway is an important intracellular signal transduction pathway with a significant role in cell proliferation, growth, survival, vesicle trafficking, glucose transport, and cytoskeletal organization. Aberrations in many primary and secondary messenger molecules of this pathway, including mutations and amplifications, are accounted for tumor cell proliferation, inhibition of apoptosis, angiogenesis, metastasis and resistance to chemotherapy-radiotherapy. In this review article, we investigate thoroughly the biological role of PI3K pathway in lung cancer and its contribution in the development of future therapeutic strategies.
Adipose-Derived Stromal Cell Therapy Improves Cardiac Function after Coronary Occlusion in Rats
Authors: Bagno Luiza L. S. , Werneck-De-Castro João Pedro S. , Oliveira Patrícia F. , Cunha-Abreu Márcia S. , Rocha Nazareth N. , Kasai-Brunswick Taís H. , Lago Vivian M. , Goldenberg Regina C. S. , Campos-De-Carvalho Antonio C.
Published: November 2012

Recent studies have identified adipose tissue as a new source of mesenchymal stem cells for therapy. The purpose of this study was to investigate the therapy with adipose-derived stromal cells (ASCs) in a rat model of healed myocardial infarction (MI). ASCs from inguinal subcutaneous adipose tissue of male Wistar rats were isolated by enzymatic digestion and filtration. Cells were then cultured until passage 3. Four weeks after ligation of the left coronary artery of female rats, a suspension of either 100 μl with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) + Matrigel + 2 × 106 ASCs labeled with Hoechst ( n = 11) or 100 μl of PBS + Matrigel ( n = 10) was injected along the borders of the ventricular wall scar tissue. A sham-operated group ( n = 5) was submitted to the same surgical procedure except permanent ligation of left coronary artery. Cardiac performance was assessed by electro- and echocardiogram. Echo was performed prior to injections (baseline, BL) and 6 weeks after injections (follow-up, FU), and values after treatment were normalized by values obtained before treatment. Hemodynamic measurements were performed 6 weeks after injections. All infarcted animals exhibited cardiac function impairment. Ejection fraction (EF), shortening fractional area (SFA), and left ventricular akinesia (LVA) were similar between infarcted groups before treatment. Six weeks after therapy, ASC group showed significant improvement in all three ECHO indices in comparison to vehicle group. In anesthetized animals dp/dt+ was also significantly higher in ASCs when compared to vehicle. In agreement with functional improvement, scar area was diminished in the ASC group. We conclude that ASCs improve cardiac function in infarcted rats when administered directly to the myocardium.
An Exploratory Study of Vacation Stress
Authors: Crotts John C. , Zehrer Anita
Published: November 2012

Research NoteThis exploratory study is focused on the degree to which stress occurs on vacations, including how and where it develops, who is most susceptible, and how it affects one's interest in returning to the destination in the future. Drawing from a national panel of 110 US residents
who reported taking a recent vacation, the data revealed pretrip planning produced higher levels of stress when compared to the stress related to the actual travel to, or the stay at, the destination. Lastly, those who took an international vacation accompanied by a spouse or relative reported
more stress in the trip-planning phase; males and older adults traveling with children were more prone to stress while traveling to the destination; and first-time consumers and younger adults reported more stress while at the destination. Implications for marketers are discussed.
MULTIPLE CRITERIA SELECTION OF PILE-COLUMN CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY
Authors: Zavadskas Edmundas Kazimieras , Sušinskas Saulius , Daniūnas Alfonsas , Turskis Zenonas , Sivilevičius Henrikas
Published: November 2012

Numerous alternatives exist for foundation systems and construction technologies. The systems can be described by different criteria values which are incorporated in the conventional design process. Decision on the most suitable construction technology is vital for success and depends on many effectiveness criteria. The business success depends on the right choice. The mandate of a construction management researcher is to use rational, systematic, science-based techniques to inform and improve various decisions. The paper presents multiple criteria decision making model for selection of a pile-column technology. The technological criteria are determined by an experimental study. Based on in-situ investigation of natural soil conditions, criteria values are determined. The decision making model incorporates five different methods and techniques. To solve a problem, it uses three multiple criteria decision making methods. Integrated criteria weights are determined by using the analytic hierarchy process and the expert judgement method. This model could be used to solve complicated problems pertaining to the selection of a construction technology.
Travaillez ou mariez-vous !
Authors: Périvier Hélène
Published: November 2012

Résumé L’article présente une analyse sexuée de l’évolution des droits et devoirs qui lient les personnes percevant l’aide sociale et l’Etat en France et aux Etats-Unis. Dans les deux pays, la contrepartie exigée en retour de la solidarité nationale a longtemps reposé pour les femmes sur leur rôle de « mère », pour les hommes sur celui de « pourvoyeur de ressources de la famille ». Les réformes successives des programmes de lutte contre la pauvreté aux Etats-Unis et en France ont modifié la nature de ces obligations, renforçant dans les deux cas la logique du mérite via une exigence d’insertion dans l’emploi, ceci de façon plus marquée aux Etats-Unis qu’en France. L’injonction à l’autonomie concerne désormais femmes et hommes, mais épargne les femmes mariées, dont l’inactivité est acceptée voire encouragée dans les dispositifs sociaux ou fiscaux.
Design Automation, Modeling, Optimization, and Testing of Analog/RF Circuits and Systems by Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Tripathi Jai Narayan , Mukherjee Jayanta , Apte Prakash R.
Published: November 2012

This chapter is an overview of the applications of particle swarm optimization for circuits and systems. The chapter is targeted for the Analog/RF circuits and systems designers. Design automation, modeling, optimization and testing of analog/RF circuits using particle swarm optimization is presented. Various applications of particle swarm optimization for circuits and systems are explained by examples.
Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithms Applied to Antenna and Microwave Design Problems
Authors: Goudos Sotirios K. , Zaharis Zaharias D. , Baltzis Konstantinos B.
Published: November 2012

Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) is an evolutionary optimization algorithm inspired by the social behavior of birds flocking and fish schooling. Numerous PSO variants have been proposed in the literature for addressing different problem types. In this chapter, the authors apply different PSO variants to common antenna and microwave design problems. The Inertia Weight PSO (IWPSO), the Constriction Factor PSO (CFPSO), and the Comprehensive Learning Particle Swarm Optimization (CLPSO) algorithms are applied to real-valued optimization problems. Correspondingly, discrete PSO optimizers such as the binary PSO (binPSO) and the Boolean PSO with velocity mutation (BPSO-vm) are used to solve discrete-valued optimization problems. In case of a multi-objective optimization problem, the authors apply two multi-objective PSO variants. Namely, these are the Multi-Objective PSO (MOPSO) and the Multi-Objective PSO with Fitness Sharing (MOPSO-fs) algorithms. The design examples presented here include microwave absorber design, linear array synthesis, patch antenna design, and dual-band base station antenna optimization. The conclusion and a discussion on future trends complete the chapter.
The Use of Evolutionary Algorithm-Based Methods in EEG Based BCI Systems
Authors: Atyabi Adham , Luerssen Martin , Fitzgibbon Sean P , Powers David M W
Published: November 2012

Electroencephalogram (EEG) based Brain Computer Interface (BCI) is a system that uses human brainwaves recorded from the scalp as a means for providing a new communication channel by which people with limited physical communication capability can effect control over devices such as moving a mouse and typing characters. Evolutionary approaches have the potential to improve the performance of such system through providing a better sub-set of electrodes or features, reducing the required training time of the classifiers, reducing the noise to signal ratio, and so on. This chapter provides a survey on some of the commonly used EA methods in EEG study.
Information Technology Resources Virtualization for Sustainable Development
Authors: Pankowska Malgorzata
Published: November 2012

Today, business organizations seem to be involved in the processes of sustainable development. Therefore, not only economic indicators of performance are considered but also the environmental responsibility is equally important. The environmental responsibility covers social responsibility and natural environment responsibility. The latter demands taking into account promotion of sustainable use of renewable natural resources, reducing the emissions and wastages, decrease of energy consumption. The first part of the paper includes presentation of benefits resulting from IT (Information Technology) resources virtualization, grid computing and cloud computing development. The second part contains a model of IT governance for sustainability.