bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visible red light enhances physiological anagen entry in vivo and has direct and indirect stimulative effects in vitro
Authors: Sheen Yi‐Shuan , Fan Sabrina Mai‐Yi , Chan Chih‐Chieh , Wu Yueh‐Feng , Jee Shiou‐Hwa , Lin Sung‐Jan
Published: December 2014

Background and Objectives

Hair follicles are located at the interface of the external and internal environments and their cycling has been shown to be regulated by intra‐ and extra‐follicular factors. The aim of this study is to examine whether or how hair follicles respond to visible light.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

We examined the effect of 3 mW red (630 nm, 1 J/cm2), 2 mW green (522 nm, 1 J/cm2), and 2 mW blue light (463 nm, 1 J/cm2) on telogen in mice for 3 weeks. The photobiologic effects of red light on cell proliferation of outer root sheath keratinocytes and dermal papilla cells were studied in vitro.

Results

We found that red light accelerated anagen entry faster than green and blue light in mice. Red light irradiation stimulated the proliferation of both outer root sheath keratinocytes and dermal papilla cells in a dose‐dependent manner by promoting cell cycle progression. This stimulative effect was mediated via extracellular signal‐regulated kinase phosphorylation in both cells. In a co‐culture condition, dermal papilla cells irradiated by red light further enhanced keratinocyte proliferation, suggesting enhanced epithelial‐mesenchymal interaction. In search for factors that mediated this paracrine effect, we found fibroblast growth factor 7 was upregulated in both mRNA and protein levels. The stimulative paracrine effect on keratinocytes was significantly inhibited by neutralizing antibody against fibroblast growth factor 7.

Conclusions

These results suggest that hair follicles respond to visible light in vivo. Red light may promote physiological telogen to anagen transition by directly stimulating outer root sheath keratinocytes and indirectly by enhancing epithelial‐mesenchymal interaction in vitro. Lasers Surg. Med. 47:50–59, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mechanically and Thermally Enhanced Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube–Graphene Hybrid filled Thermoplastic Polyurethane Nanocomposites
Authors: Roy Saheli , Srivastava Suneel Kumar , Pionteck Jürgen , Mittal Vikas
Published: December 2014

Multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)–chemically reduced graphene oxide (CRGO) hybrid in different weight ratios were prepared by solution mixing. MWCNT–CRGO (1:1) hybrid exhibited better dispersion stability in dry THF and characterized. Subsequently, it was used as reinforcing filler in thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) nanocomposites by solution intercalation. Further investigations showed that 0.25 and 0.50 wt.‐% MWCNT–CRGO (1:1) loaded TPU exhibit significant improvement in thermal stability (40 °C at 50% weight loss) and storage modulus (206% at 50 °C) respectively. This is attributed to homogeneous dispersion and strong interfacial interaction between TPU and filler.
Qualitative behavior of systems of tumor–CD4+–cytokine interactions with treatments
Authors: Anderson Luke , Jang Sophia , Yu Jui‐Ling
Published: December 2014

Immunotherapies are important methods for controlling and curing malignant tumors. Based on recent observations that many tumors have been immuno‐selected to evade recognition by the traditional cytotoxic T lymphocytes, we propose mathematical models of tumor–CD4+–cytokine interactions to investigate the role of CD4+ on tumor regression. Treatments of either CD4+ or cytokine are applied to study their effectiveness. It is found that doses of treatments are critical in determining the fate of the tumor, and tumor cells can be eliminated completely if doses of cytokine are large. Bistability is observed in models with either of the treatment strategies, which signifies that a careful planning of the treatment strategy is necessary for achieving a satisfactory outcome. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Perturbed Laguerre unitary ensembles, Hankel determinants, and information theory
Authors: Basor Estelle , Chen Yang
Published: December 2014

This article investigates a key information‐theoretic performance metric in multiple‐antenna wireless communications, the so‐called outage probability. The article is partly a review, with the methodology based mainly on [10], while also presenting some new results. The outage probability may be expressed in terms of a moment generating function, which involves a Hankel determinant generated from a perturbed Laguerre weight. For this Hankel determinant, we present two separate integral representations, both involving solutions to certain non‐linear differential equations. In the second case, this is identified with a particularσ‐form of Painlevé V. As an alternative to the Painlevé V, we show that this second integral representation may also be expressed in terms of a non‐linear second order difference equation. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Branching in RAFT Miniemulsion Copolymerization of Styrene/Triethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate and Control of Branching Density Distribution
Authors: Li Xiaohui , Wang Wen‐Jun , Li Bo‐Geng , Zhu Shiping
Published: December 2014

This work reported branching studies in reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) miniemulsion copolymerization of styrene and triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA), and control of branching density distribution using a model‐based computer‐programed monomer feeding strategy. Highly branched polystyrenes (PS) were produced with small amount of TEGDMA. The branching density experienced drifting in a batch operation. A semi‐batch kinetic model by combining the kinetic model for RAFT miniemulsion copolymerization with a semi‐batch reactor model was used to design the monomer feeding rate profiles for targeted branching density distributions. A series of hyperbranched PSs with the designed branching density distributions were synthesized.
Effect of university heritage and reputation on attitudes of prospective students
Authors: Merchant Altaf , Rose Gregory M. , Moody Geoffrey , Mathews Lucy
Published: December 2014

This study examines the impact of heritage and reputation of nonprofit universities on attitudes of prospective students. Data were collected from 208 community college (preuniversity) students in the USA. Results from structural equations modeling indicate that university heritage positively impacts university reputation, potential students' attitudes, and intentions to pay a tuition premium as well as to recommend the university. Students' nationality moderates the relationships between university heritage, reputation, and attitudes. International students from Asian nations with a long‐term orientation exhibit stronger relationships between these variables than domestic students from the USA. These findings add to the nascent and emerging literature on branding of nonprofit higher education institutions and will be of interest to administrators and marketing managers of universities to nurture and extol their university heritage in student recruitment programs, especially in promotional materials targeting international students.

Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Long horizon input parameterisations to enlarge the region of attraction of MPC
Authors: Khan B. , Valencia‐Palomo G. , Rossiter J. A. , Jones C. N. , Gondhalekar R.
Published: December 2014

In this paper, the efficacy of structured and unstructured parameterisations of the degree of freedom within a predictive control algorithm is investigated. While several earlier papers investigated the enlargement of the region of attraction using structured prediction dynamics, little consideration has been given to the potential of unstructured parameterisations to handle the trade‐off between the region of attraction, performance and computational burden. This paper demonstrates how unstructured dynamics can be both selected and used effectively and furthermore gives a comparison with structured methods. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermal and barrier properties of EVOH/EFG nanocomposite films for packaging applications: Effect of the mixing method
Authors: Kwon Hyok , Kim Dowan , Seo Jongchul
Published: December 2014

Ethylene‐vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH)/exfoliated graphite (EFG) nanocomposite films were prepared by precoating EFG on the EVOH surface and conducting a successive melt‐extrusion process. Their physical properties were strongly dependent on the EFG content and the mixing method, which strongly affected the morphology and surface properties of the nanocomposite films. The hydrophobicity and water resistance property of EVOH increased by incorporating hydrophobic EFG and their effects were more pronounced in the precoating method, which is related to good dispersion of EFG in EVOH and an enhanced crystalline structure. The incorporation of EFG into EVOH by the precoating method more effectively diminished the dependence of the relative humidity on the oxygen transmission rate of pure EVOH and increased the oxygen barrier properties of EVOH at a high relative humidity. The incorporation of EFG into EVOH by the precoating method also induced relatively more enhanced thermal stability. These results suggest the feasibility of the application of moisture‐sensitive EVOH resin for food packaging films. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:1744–1753, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Quantifying photovoltaic fire danger reduction with arc‐fault circuit interrupters
Authors: Armijo Kenneth M. , Johnson Jay , Harrison Richard K. , Thomas Kara E. , Hibbs Michael , Fresquez Armando
Published: December 2014

Unmitigated arc‐faults present fire dangers, shock hazards, and cause system downtime in photovoltaic (PV) systems. The 2011 National Electrical Code® added section 690.11 to require a listed arc‐fault protection device on new PV systems. Underwriters Laboratories created the outline of investigation for PV DC arc‐fault circuit protection, UL 1699B, for certifying arc‐fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) for arc suppression. Unfortunately, little is known about appropriate trip times for arc‐faults generated at different locations in the PV system, with different electrode and polymer encapsulant geometries and materials. In this investigation, a plasma model was developed, which determines fire danger with UL 1699B‐listed AFCIs and consequences of arc‐fault discharges sustained beyond UL 1699B trip time requirements. This model predicts temperatures for varying system configurations and was validated by 100 and 300 W arc‐faults experiments where combustion times and temperatures were measured. This investigation then extrapolated burn characteristics using this model to predict polymer ignition times for exposure to arc‐power levels between 100 and 1200 W. The numerical results indicate AFCI maximum trip times required by UL 1699B are sufficient to suppress 100–1200 W arc‐faults prior to fire initiation. Optical emission spectroscopy and thermochemical decomposition analysis were also conducted to assess spectral and chemical degradation of the polymer sheath. Published 2014. This article has been contributed to by US Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
Aza‐Michael addition reaction: Post‐polymerization modification and preparation of PEI/PEG‐based polyester hydrogels from enzymatically synthesized reactive polymers
Authors: Hoffmann Christian , Stuparu Mihaiela C. , Daugaard Anders , Khan Anzar
Published: December 2014

The utility of aza‐Michael addition chemistry for post‐polymerization functionalization of enzymatically prepared polyesters is established. For this, itaconate ester and oligoethylene glycol are selected as monomers. A Candida Antarctica lipase B catalyzed polycondensation reaction between the two monomers provides the polyesters, which carry an activated carbon‐carbon double bond in the polymer backbone. These electron deficient alkenes represent suitable aza‐Michael acceptors and can be engaged in a nucleophilic addition reaction with small molecular mono‐amines (aza‐Michael donors) to yield functionalized linear polyesters. Employing a poly‐amine as the aza‐Michael donor, on the other hand, results in the formation of hydrophilic polymer networks. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015, 53, 745–749
Reduction in current collapse of AlGaN/GaN HEMTs using methyl silsesquioxane‐based low‐k insulator films
Authors: Ozaki Shiro , Makiyama Kozo , Ohki Toshihiro , Kamada Yoichi , Sato Masaru , Niida Yoshitaka , Okamoto Naoya , Masuda Satoshi , Joshin Kazukiyo
Published: December 2014

We have investigated the effect of moisture on current collapse of AlGaN/GaN high‐electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) when using low dielectric constant (low‐k) insulator films to reduce the parasitic capacitance of millimeter‐wave amplifier monolithic microwave integrated circuits. We clarified that current collapse is caused by moisture uptake through the surface and the sidewall of low‐k films. Moreover, the moisture resistance of conventional carbon‐based low‐k films, such as benzocyclobutene, are insufficient to suppress current collapse because of hydrophilic surface and highly hydrophilized sidewall by the contact hole etching. We proposed the use of methyl silsesquioxane (MSQ)‐based low‐k films to improve the moisture resistance because of methyl group's hydrophobic property. This is the first time that MSQ has been used in AlGaN/GaN HEMTs. After appling MSQ, the moisture resistance of low‐k films at the surface and the sidewall improved, and current collapse due to humidification was successfully reduced. Our findings suggest that improving the moisture resistance with hydrophobic low‐k films does play a key role in reducing current collapse of AlGaN/GaN HEMTs.
Polarity inversion and growth mechanism of AlN layer grown on nitrided sapphire substrate using Ga–Al liquid‐phase epitaxy
Authors: Adachi Masayoshi , Takasugi Mari , Sugiyama Masashi , Iida Junji , Tanaka Akikazu , Fukuyama Hiroyuki
Published: December 2014

Previously, we developed Ga–Al liquid‐phase epitaxy (LPE) to grow AlN layers on a surface nitrided sapphire substrate using Ga–Al solutions. We found that polarity inversion occurs at the interface between the nitrided sapphire layer and the LPE layer. As the partial pressure of oxygen influences LPE growth, our current study investigated this growth by controlling oxygen in supplying nitrogen gas. Combined with the previous study, we discuss these results in light of the polarity inversion model and growth mechanism for the Ga–Al LPE technique. Oxygen atoms are believed to dissolve in the solution and get trapped on the surface of nitrided sapphire. The trapped oxygen atoms form a symmetrical octahedral structure, which resets the polarity of the nitrided sapphire. Consequently, chemically stable aluminum‐polar AlN can be grown in the solution.
Latent variable models for gene–environment interactions in longitudinal studies with multiple correlated exposures
Authors: Tao Yebin , Sánchez Brisa N. , Mukherjee Bhramar
Published: December 2014

Many existing cohort studies designed to investigate health effects of environmental exposures also collect data on genetic markers. The Early Life Exposures in Mexico to Environmental Toxicants project, for instance, has been genotyping single nucleotide polymorphisms on candidate genes involved in mental and nutrient metabolism and also in potentially shared metabolic pathways with the environmental exposures. Given the longitudinal nature of these cohort studies, rich exposure and outcome data are available to address novel questions regarding gene–environment interaction (G × E). Latent variable (LV) models have been effectively used for dimension reduction, helping with multiple testing and multicollinearity issues in the presence of correlated multivariate exposures and outcomes. In this paper, we first propose a modeling strategy, based on LV models, to examine the association between repeated outcome measures (e.g., child weight) and a set of correlated exposure biomarkers (e.g., prenatal lead exposure). We then construct novel tests for G × E effects within the LV framework to examine effect modification of outcome–exposure association by genetic factors (e.g., the hemochromatosis gene). We consider two scenarios: one allowing dependence of the LV models on genes and the other assuming independence between the LV models and genes. We combine the two sets of estimates by shrinkage estimation to trade off bias and efficiency in a data‐adaptive way. Using simulations, we evaluate the properties of the shrinkage estimates, and in particular, we demonstrate the need for this data‐adaptive shrinkage given repeated outcome measures, exposure measures possibly repeated and time‐varying gene–environment association. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On a preference‐based instrumental variable approach in reducing unmeasured confounding‐by‐indication
Authors: Li Yun , Lee Yoonseok , Wolfe Robert A. , Morgenstern Hal , Zhang Jinyao , Port Friedrich K. , Robinson Bruce M.
Published: December 2014

Treatment preferences of groups (e.g., clinical centers) have often been proposed as instruments to control for unmeasured confounding‐by‐indication in instrumental variable (IV) analyses. However, formal evaluations of these group‐preference‐based instruments are lacking. Unique challenges include the following: (i) correlations between outcomes within groups; (ii) the multi‐value nature of the instruments; (iii) unmeasured confounding occurring between and within groups. We introduce the framework of between‐group and within‐group confounding to assess assumptions required for the group‐preference‐based IV analyses. Our work illustrates that, when unmeasured confounding effects exist only within groups but not between groups, preference‐based IVs can satisfy assumptions required for valid instruments. We then derive a closed‐form expression of asymptotic bias of the two‐stage generalized ordinary least squares estimator when the IVs are valid. Simulations demonstrate that the asymptotic bias formula approximates bias in finite samples quite well, particularly when the number of groups is moderate to large. The bias formula shows that when the cluster size is finite, the IV estimator is asymptotically biased; only when both the number of groups and cluster size go to infinity, the bias disappears. However, the IV estimator remains advantageous in reducing bias from confounding‐by‐indication. The bias assessment provides practical guidance for preference‐based IV analyses. To increase their performance, one should adjust for as many measured confounders as possible, consider groups that have the most random variation in treatment assignment and increase cluster size. To minimize the likelihood for these IVs to be invalid, one should minimize unmeasured between‐group confounding. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of geometric imperfections on aluminium silo capacities
Authors: Górski Jarosław , Mikulski Tomasz , Oziębło Magdalena , Winkelmann Karol
Published: December 2014

An aluminium silo with initial imperfections is analysed. Two types of imperfection are considered. The first one takes the form of local indentations in the shell; their size and range are adopted on the basis of the standard guidelines. The second type is a global imperfection described through the use of its eigenforms and by means of two‐dimensional random fields. The calculations are limited to two cases of loading: negative pressure and wind. The choice of the loading has been suggested in Eurocodes. In the case of wind load, the probability distribution of its direction is taken into account.

Einfluss geometrischer Imperfektionen auf die Belastbarkeit von Aluminium‐Silokonstruktionen. Ein Aluminium‐Silo mit anfänglichen Imperfektionen wird untersucht. Zwei Typen von Imperfektion werden angenommen. Der erste Typ sind lokale Vertiefungen der Hülle. Ihre Größe und Anordnung werden auf Grundlage von Normrichtlinien festgesetzt. Der zweite Typ ist eine globale Imperfektion, die mittels ihrer Eigenformen und zweidimensionaler Zufallsfelder beschrieben wird. Die Berechnungen sind auf zwei Lastfälle beschränkt, negativer Druck und Wind. Die Auswahl der Belastung wurde in Eurocodes vorgeschlagen. Bei der Windlast wird die Wahrscheinlichkeitsverteilung der Windrichtung berücksichtigt.
Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor Val66Met polymorphism, human memory, and synaptic neuroplasticity
Authors: Lamb Yvette N. , McKay Nicole S. , Thompson Christopher S. , Hamm Jeffrey P. , Waldie Karen E. , Kirk Ian J.
Published: December 2014

Some people have much better memory than others, and there is compelling evidence that a considerable proportion of this variation in memory ability is genetically inherited. A form of synaptic plasticity known as long‐term potentiation (LTP) is the principal candidate mechanism underlying memory formation in neural circuits, and it might be expected, therefore, that a genetic influence on the degree of LTP might in turn influence memory abilities. Of the genetic variations thought to significantly influence mnemonic ability in humans, the most likely to have its effect via LTP is a single nucleotide polymorphism affecting brain‐derived neurotrophic factor [BDNF (Val66Met)]. However, although it is likely that BDNF influences memory via a modulation of acute plasticity (i.e., LTP), BDNF also has considerable influence on structural development of neural systems. Thus, the influence of BDNF (Val66Met) on mnemonic performance via influences of brain structure as well as function must also be considered. In this brief review, we will describe the phenomenon of LTP and its study in non‐human animals. We will discuss the relatively recent attempts to translate this work to studies in humans. We will describe how this has enabled investigation of the effect of the BDNF polymorphism on LTP, on brain structure, and on memory performance. WIREs Cogn Sci 2015, 6:97–108. doi: 10.1002/wcs.1334

This article is categorized under:

Neuroscience > Cognition

Neuroscience > Plasticity
Relationship Between Composition of Oilseed Processed Fractions and the Whole Oilseeds
Authors: Breeze Matthew L. , Meng Chen , Harrison Jay M. , George Cherian , Colyer James D.
Published: December 2014

Comparative analyses of inherent seed nutrient composition often are used to demonstrate ‘substantial equivalence’ between genetically modified (GM) and conventionally bred oilseed varieties. Risk assessment of genetically modified crops in food and feed applications is conducted typically with whole oilseed composition information. However, it is important to evaluate the composition of processed oilseed fractions to assure that the composition of the oilseed components is not compromised during processing. Oilseed processing methods can significantly affect the nutrient quality of oilseed fractions. Although advances in oilseed processing technology help maximize the nutrient quality of the constituents of processed oil and meal, few studies have documented the degree to which individual processed fractions compare to nutrient levels in corresponding raw oilseeds. In cases where a lack of substantial equivalence is suggested, such information should reveal whether any apparent differences are attributable to genetic modification or processing technology. This investigation employs a meta‐analysis of composition data from oilseeds and corresponding processed fractions that has been amassed over the last decade. Results of these analyses support the conclusion that positive associations may be expected between nutritional constituents in oilseeds and processed fractions from those oilseed samples. Therefore either source of these data may be used to establish similarities among modern crop varieties.
Ajustes a la arquitectura del sistema general de salud de Colombia: una propuesta
Authors: Chernichovsky Dov , Prada Sergio I.
Published: December 2014

El modelo de competencia regulada establecido por la Ley 100 de 1993 para el funcionamiento del sistema de salud en Colombia presenta fallas de mercado y fallas de gobierno. A la luz del modelo conceptual del «Paradigma Emergente», este artículo presenta una propuesta de adaptación de la arquitectura del sistema de salud de Colombia a la arquitectura de sistemas internacionales considerados exitosos, identificando instituciones, roles y competencias. Dado lo anterior, las recomendaciones más importantes son: impulsar el sistema dual de competencia regulada en zonas densamente pobladas y monopolios en zonas sin densidad geográfica y regionalizar el sistema. También se sugiere la adopción de instrumentos de regulación de la oferta como el certificado de necesidad.
Divergent signalling pathways regulate lipopolysaccharide‐induced eRNA expression in human monocytic THP1 cells
Authors: Heward James A. , Roux Benoit T. , Lindsay Mark A.
Published: December 2014

Recent studies have indicated that non‐coding RNAs transcribed from enhancer regions are important regulators of enhancer function and gene expression. In this report, we have characterised the expression of six enhancer RNAs (eRNAs) induced in human monocytic THP1 cells following activation of the innate immune response by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Specifically, we have demonstrated that LPS‐induced expression of individual eRNAs is mediated through divergent intracellular signalling pathways that includes NF‐κB and the mitogen activated protein kinases, extracellular regulated kinase‐1/2 and p38.
miR‐374a promotes cell proliferation, migration and invasion by targeting SRCIN1 in gastric cancer
Authors: Xu Xinyun , Wang Weijun , Su Ning , Zhu Xujun , Yao Jun , Gao Wenchao , Hu Zhiqian , Sun Yanping
Published: December 2014

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a prominent role in gastric cancer (GC) initiation and progression. In this study, we found that miR‐374a expression was up‐regulated in human GC cell lines and tissues. Inhibition of miR‐374a suppressed GC cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro and slowed tumor growth in vivo. SRC kinase signaling inhibitor 1 (SRCIN1) was identified as a direct target of miR‐374a. Silencing of SRCIN1 significantly enhanced cell proliferation, migration and invasion, whereas SRCIN1 reintroduction partially abrogated the oncogenic effects of miR‐374a. Taken together, these findings suggest that miR‐374a functions as a candidate oncogene in GC by directly targeting SRCIN1. miR‐374a may therefore be useful as a promising therapeutic target for malignant GC.
Analysis of hysterectomies for patients with uterine leiomyomas in China in 2010
Authors: Gu Yu , Zhu Lan , Liu Aimin , Ma Jingran , Lang Jinghe
Published: December 2014

Objective

To analyze surgical methods and medical costs for patients with uterine leiomyomas treated by hysterectomy in mainland China in 2010.

Methods

In a cross‐sectional study, data for patients hospitalized with uterine leiomyomas and treated with hysterectomy were obtained from pooled medical records of 3030 hospitals. Type of surgery was categorized into abdominal hysterectomy (AH), laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH), and total vaginal hysterectomy (TVH). Length of stay and medical costs were analyzed for each procedure and in four types of hospital.

Results

Among 147 966 patients, 129 668 (87.6%) underwent AH, 9164 (6.2%) LH, and 9134 (6.2%) TVH. The total cost and operative cost were lowest for the AH group and highest for the LH group (P < 0.001). Length of stay was shortest for TVH groups in all four types of hospital (P < 0.001). The ratios between the frequencies of the three procedures were significantly different among the four types of hospital (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

In mainland China, AH remains the main surgical route of hysterectomy for patients with uterine leiomyomas. The length of stay was shortest among patients undergoing TVH, but the mean stay was still more than 9 days.
Feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of visual inspection of the cervix with acetic acid and cryotherapy for dysplasia in Nigeria
Authors: Adefuye Peter O. , Dada Olukayode A. , Adefuye Bolanle O. , Shorunmu Tessie O. , Akinyemi Babatunde O. , Idowu‐Ajiboye Bolanle O.
Published: December 2014

Objective

To demonstrate the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of visual inspection of the cervix with acetic acid (VIA) and treatment of dysplasia with cryotherapy in Nigeria.

Methods

A prospective study was conducted at Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, Nigeria, between August 1, 2006, and July 31, 2009. Women aged 20–65 years who had had their sexual debut at least 3 years previously were screened for cervical dysplasia using VIA. Women with positive test results were offered cryotherapy immediately after screening.

Results

Overall, 5529 women (mean age 40.24 ± 10.33 years) underwent screening with VIA. Dysplasia was detected among 317 (5.7%) women. Lesions suspicious for cancer were recorded among 52 (1.0%) women; histological diagnosis of invasive cervical cancer was confirmed in 38 (0.7%) women. VIA was as expected or better for 5330 (96.4%) women screened. Cryotherapy was as expected or better for 219 (99.5%) women who received treatment. Among 127 women who underwent cryotherapy and had repeat screening, 121 (95.3%) had negative test results after 1 year.

Conclusion

Cervical cancer screening using VIA and cryotherapy was feasible and effective despite scarce resources in the Nigerian health system. Furthermore, this approach was socially and culturally acceptable.
Paclitaxel resistance increases oncolytic adenovirus efficacy via upregulated CAR expression and dysfunctional cell cycle control
Authors: Ingemarsdotter Carin K. , Tookman Laura A. , Browne Ashley , Pirlo Katrina , Cutts Rosalind , Chelela Claude , Khurrum Karisma F. , Leung Elaine Y.L. , Dowson Suzanne , Webber Lee , Khan Iftekhar , Ennis Darren , Syed Nelofer , Crook Tim R. , Brenton James D. , Lockley Michelle , McNeish Iain A.
Published: December 2014

Resistance to paclitaxel chemotherapy frequently develops in ovarian cancer. Oncolytic adenoviruses are a novel therapy for human malignancies that are being evaluated in early phase trials. However, there are no reliable predictive biomarkers for oncolytic adenovirus activity in ovarian cancer. We investigated the link between paclitaxel resistance and oncolytic adenovirus activity using established ovarian cancer cell line models, xenografts with de novo paclitaxel resistance and tumour samples from two separate trials. The activity of multiple Ad5 vectors, including dl922‐947 (E1A CR2‐deleted), dl1520 (E1B‐55K deleted) and Ad5 WT, was significantly increased in paclitaxel resistant ovarian cancer in vitro and in vivo. This was associated with greater infectivity resulting from increased expression of the primary receptor for Ad5, CAR (coxsackie adenovirus receptor). This, in turn, resulted from increased CAR transcription secondary to histone modification in resistant cells. There was increased CAR expression in intraperitoneal tumours with de novo paclitaxel resistance and in tumours from patients with clinical resistance to paclitaxel. Increased CAR expression did not cause paclitaxel resistance, but did increase inflammatory cytokine expression. Finally, we identified dysregulated cell cycle control as a second mechanism of increased adenovirus efficacy in paclitaxel‐resistant ovarian cancer. Ad11 and Ad35, both group B adenoviruses that utilise non‐CAR receptors to infect cells, are also significantly more effective in paclitaxel‐resistant ovarian cell models. Inhibition of CDK4/6 using PD‐0332991 was able both to reverse paclitaxel resistance and reduce adenovirus efficacy. Thus, paclitaxel resistance increases oncolytic adenovirus efficacy via at least two separate mechanisms – if validated further, this information could have future clinical utility to aid patient selection for clinical trials.
Evaluation of Parent and Child Psychoeducation Resources for the Prevention of Paediatric Post-concussion Symptoms
Authors: Olsson Katherine , Kenardy Justin A. , Brown Erin A. , Charlton Erin , Brown Felicity L. , Lloyd Owen , McKinlay Lynne
Published: December 2014

Background: Persistent post-concussion symptoms (PCS) are associated with adverse psychosocial outcomes, including psychological distress and poorer health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Research has found that the occurrence of persistent PCS can be lowered via paper-based psychoeducation. Unfortunately, these resources have mostly been evaluated in adult populations. Studies in children have failed to address the role of parents in the development and maintenance of PCS, and unfortunately fail to reach a large proportion of the mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) population who do not attend hospital. This study aimed to describe and evaluate a parent information booklet and child information website, for the prevention of paediatric PCS.

Methods: Children with uncomplicated mTBI were randomly assigned to either the Intervention (n = 29) or Usual Care condition (n = 20). Families completed pre-treatment, post-treatment (3 month) and follow-up (6 month) assessments of children's PCS, cognitive and psychosocial functioning, and parent's psychosocial functioning. Families also provided feedback on the psychoeducation resources.

Results: The Intervention programme, compared to Usual Care, was not associated with significant reductions in children's PCS or HRQOL, parent or child psychological distress, or parent or child knowledge of mTBI.

Conclusions: Psychoeducation resources do not appear to be superior to usual care in promotion of both child and parent psychosocial outcomes following mTBI.
Effect of Olfactory Stimulation in Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum: A Case Report
Authors: Tonacci Alessandro , Chilosi Anna Maria , Pioggia Giovanni , Morales Maria Aurora , Cioni Giovanni
Published: December 2014

Objective: To evaluate the olfactory and psychophysical performances in a 13-year-old boy with intellectual disability and severe hypoplasia of the corpus callosum and of the olfactory bulbs, compared to controls.

Methods: The Sniffin’ Sticks Identification Test was administered to the patient and to a patient control child with cognitive delay, with the same mental (5 years) and chronological age, but normal brain magnetic resonance image. Two typically developing control participants, aged 13 and 5, were also evaluated. Psychophysical tests were performed during the olfactory assessment by smart portable sensors.

Results: A significant decrease in olfactory function and a different psychophysical response to stimuli were observed in the patient compared to control participants, suggesting absence of ‘odorous stress’. A higher olfactory score but a similar psychophysical trend was found in the patient control with cognitive delay, while the two other control participants showed a selective increase of the anxiety state depending on the odour presented.

Conclusions: Olfactory dysfunction is reported in children with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Low-cost, portable devices to assess olfactory function are proposed for use with children with intellectual disability. Stress monitoring by unobtrusive platforms provides discriminant information in this subset, as compared to controls.
Favipiravir: A New Medication for the Ebola Virus Disease Pandemic
Authors: Nagata Takashi , Lefor Alan K. , Hasegawa Manabu , Ishii Masami
Published: December 2014

The purpose of this report is to advocate speedy approval and less stringent regulations for the use of experimental drugs such as favipiravir in emergencies. Favipiravir is a new antiviral medication that can be used in emerging viral pandemics such as Ebola virus, 2009 pandemic influenza H1N1 virus, Lassa fever, and Argentine hemorrhagic fever. Although favipiravir is one of the choices for the treatment of patients with Ebola virus, several concerns exist. First, a clinical trial of favipiravir in patients infected with the Ebola virus has not yet been conducted, and further studies are required. Second, favipiravir has a risk for teratogenicity and embryotoxicity. Therefore, the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Labor of Japan has approved this medication with strict regulations for its production and clinical use. However, owing to the emerging Ebola virus epidemic in West Africa, on August 15, 2014, the Minister of Health, Welfare and Labor of Japan approved the use of favipiravir, if needed. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2014;0:1-3)
Vaccination Policies Among Health Professional Schools: Evidence of Immunity and Allowance of Vaccination Exemptions
Authors: Dolan Samantha B. , Libby Tanya E. , Lindley Megan C. , Ahmed Faruque , Stevenson John , Strikas Raymond A.
Published: December 2014

OBJECTIVE

To characterize health professional schools by their vaccination policies for acceptable forms of evidence of immunity and exemptions permitted.

METHODS

Data were collected between September 2011 and April 2012 using an Internet-based survey e-mailed to selected types of accredited health professional programs. Schools were identified through accrediting associations for each type of health professional program. Analysis was limited to schools requiring ≥1 vaccine recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP): measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B, varicella, pertussis, and influenza. Weighted bivariate frequencies were generated using SAS 9.3.

RESULTS

Of 2,775 schools surveyed, 75% (n=2,077) responded; of responding schools, 93% (1947) required ≥1 ACIP-recommended vaccination. The proportion of schools accepting ≥1 non–ACIP-recommended form of evidence of immunity varied by vaccine: 42% for pertussis, 37% for influenza, 30% for rubella, 22% for hepatitis B, 18% for varicella, and 9% for measles and mumps. Among schools with ≥1 vaccination requirement, medical exemptions were permitted for ≥1 vaccine by 75% of schools; 54% permitted religious exemptions; 35% permitted personal belief exemptions; 58% permitted any nonmedical exemption.

CONCLUSIONS

Many schools accept non–ACIP-recommended forms of evidence of immunity which could lead some students to believe they are protected from vaccine preventable diseases when they may be susceptible. Additional efforts are needed to better educate school officials about current ACIP recommendations for acceptable forms of evidence of immunity so school policies can be revised as needed.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2014;00(0): 1–6
Factors Influencing Field Testing of Alcohol-Based Hand Rubs
Authors: Girard Raphaële , Carre Emmanuelle , Mermet Valérie , Adjide Crespin C. , Blaise Sylviane , Dagain Monique , Debeuret Christine , Delande Stéphane , Dubois Valérie , Fascia Pascal , Hadjadj Caroline , Honnart Marianne , Labrande Christelle , Bauduin Agnès Lasheras , Martin Adeline , Petiteau Moreau Françoise , Roattino Nicole , Rougeot Estelle , Shum Cheong Sing Jacqueline , Urban Martine , Valdeyron Marie Laure
Published: December 2014

BACKGROUND

According to the World Health Organization guidelines, field tests, in the context of a bid for the supply of alcohol-based hand rubs, should take into account climatic region, test period, products already in use, and type of use (hygienic or surgical) when assessing tolerance. This laborious method is often contested.

OBJECTIVE

To conduct a post hoc analysis of the data of a large bid, including 5 factors, to validate the relevance of their inclusion.

METHODS

For the purposes of the bid, products were compared in terms of the 4 World Health Organization tolerance criteria (appearance, intactness, moisture content, sensation) during product testing and were separated into groups on the basis of the studied factors. The post hoc analysis method included (1) comparison of the mean before-and-after difference based on the self-evaluation of the skin with the 4 World Health Organization tolerance criteria, between climatic regions, periods, products in use, test product, and the type of use; (2) generalized linear models, taking into account all studied factors.

RESULTS

The analysis included data for 1,925 pairs of professionals. The means of the differences observed were independently and significantly associated with the test period (P<.001), the hygienic or surgical use (P=.010 to .041, not significant for appearance), the product already in use (significant for appearance P=.021), and the test product (P<.001). The association with climatic region was found to be significant only in the nonadjusted analysis.

CONCLUSION

The type of use, the test period, and the product in use should be taken into account when designing field tests of alcohol-based hand rubs.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2014;00(0): 1–9
Spatio-temporal structure of the ‘fully developed’ transitional flow in a symmetric wavy channel. Linear and weakly nonlinear stability analysis
Authors: Blancher S. , Le Guer Y. , El Omari K.
Published: December 2014

This work addresses the transition from 2D steady to 2D unsteady laminar flow for a fully developed regime in a symmetric wavy channel geometry. We investigate the existence and characteristics of the spatio-temporal structure of the fully developed unsteady laminar flow for those particular geometries for which the steady flow presents a periodic variation of the main stream velocity component. We perform a 2D global linear stability analysis of the fully developed steady laminar flow, and we show that, for all the geometries studied, the transition is triggered by a Hopf bifurcation associated with the breaking of the symmetries and the invariance of the steady flow. Critical Reynolds numbers, most unstable modes and their characteristics are presented for large ranges of the geometric parameters, namely wavenumber${\it\alpha}$from 0.3 to 5 and amplitude from 0 (straight channel) to 0.5. We show that it is possible to define geometries for which the wavenumber is proportional to the most unstable mode wavenumber for the critical Reynolds number. From this modal study we address a weakly nonlinear stability analysis with a view to obtaining the Landau coefficient$g$, and then the sub- or supercritical nature of the first bifurcation characterising the transition. We show that a critical geometric amplitude beyond which the first bifurcation is supercritical is associated with each geometric wavenumber.
An example where lubrication theory comes short: hydraulic jumps in a flow down an inclined plate
Authors: Benilov E. S. , Lapin V. N.
Published: December 2014

We examine two-dimensional flows of a viscous liquid on an inclined plate. If the upstream depth $h_{-}$ of the liquid is larger than its downstream depth $h_{+}$, a smooth hydraulic jump (bore) forms and starts propagating down the slope. If the inclination angle of the plate is small, the bore can be described by the so-called lubrication theory. In this work we demonstrate that bores with $h_{+}/h_{-}<(\sqrt{3}-1)/2$ either are unstable or do not exist as steady solutions of the governing equation (physically, these two possibilities are difficult to distinguish). The instability/evolution occurs near a stagnation point and, generally, causes overturning – sometimes on the scale of the whole bore, sometimes on a shorter, local scale. The overturning occurs because the flow advects disturbances towards the stagnation point and, thus, ‘compresses’ them, increasing the slope of the free surface. Interestingly, this effect is not captured by the lubrication theory, which formally yields a well-behaved stable solution for all values of $h_{+}/h_{-}$.
Federalism, Local Government and Minority Protection in Ethiopia: Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Van der Beken Christophe
Published: December 2014

Federalism is increasingly promoted and utilized in multi-ethnic countries as a means to guarantee minority rights and safeguard the harmony and integrity of the polity and state. Yet, due to the unfeasibility of achieving a perfect overlap between ethnic and territorial boundaries, every ethnic-based territory will contain ethnic minority groups. This is also the case in the Ethiopian Federation where all nine regions are ethnically heterogeneous, albeit to different degrees. This article investigates how Ethiopia's regions are approaching their minority groups by analysing the relevant regional constitutions and laws. The analysis shows that the main minority protection mechanism is the establishment of ethnic-based local governments. Although this device is not without merit as far as minority protection is concerned, the impracticality of achieving ethnically homogeneous territories is its major limitation. The article therefore concludes by recommending a number of complementary legal instruments striving for more comprehensive minority protection.
The development of Angiostrongylus vasorum (Baillet, 1866) in the freshwater snail Pomacea canaliculata (Lamarck, 1822)
Authors: Mozzer L.R. , Coaglio A.L. , Dracz R.M. , Ribeiro V.M.A , Lima W.S.
Published: December 2014

Angiostrongylus vasorum is a parasitic nematode that infects the heart and pulmonary artery and its branches of domestic and wild canids. The parasite can use several species of terrestrial and aquatic molluscs as intermediate hosts, although susceptibility varies. Pomacea canaliculata is a mollusc found in lakes, swamps and rivers in South America. In this study, we evaluated the susceptibility, parasite growth, oviposition and larval development of 282 P. canaliculata infected with 500 A. vasorum first-instar larvae (L1). From day 5 post-infection (pi) to day 30 pi, seven specimens per day were sacrificed to recover the larval instars. We compared 50 egg masses from infected and uninfected molluscs to determine the number of eggs per clutch, the hatching rate and the growth of the molluscs. The percentage of recovered larvae ranged from 39.17% to 67.5%. First-stage larvae (L1) were found until day 19 pi, second-stage larvae (L2) were found from days 11 to 25 pi, and third-stage larvae (L3) were recovered only after day 19 pi. Infected snails exhibited the most eggs during spawning, although the rate of hatching and shell size were lower in the infected snails compared with controls. This is the first report of an experimental infection of P. canaliculata with A. vasorum, and the results confirm the non-specificity of the nematode in relation to the intermediate host and indicate the importance of epidemiological surveys of this parasite and mollusc.
Perception, action planning, and cognitive maps
Authors: Chown Eric , Booker Lashon B. , Kaplan Stephen
Published: December 2014

Perceptual learning mechanisms derived from Hebb's theory of cell assemblies can generate prototypic representations capable of extending the representational power of TEC (Theory of Event Coding) event codes. The extended capability includes categorization that accommodates “family resemblances” and problem solving that uses cognitive maps.
Auditory free classification of native and nonnative speech by nonnative listeners
Authors: ATAGI ERIKO , BENT TESSA
Published: December 2014

Nonnative listeners are less accurate than native listeners at identifying, categorizing, and classifying native talkers’ accents, suggesting a decrement in nonnative listeners’ representation of native variation. Nonnative listeners’ representation of nonnative variation, however, may be as robust as, or more robust than, that of native listeners. To compare native and nonnative listeners’ representations of linguistic variation, the current study examined native English, Korean, and Spanish listeners’ classification of native and nonnative talkers by native language. Overall, the listener groups performed with similar accuracy, but they exhibited different perceptual similarity spaces. Specifically, listener groups demonstrated heightened perceptual sensitivity to talkers with whom they share a native language. The results suggest that listeners’ linguistic experiences significantly shape their perceptual representation of nonnative varieties.