bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Observed Local and Remote Influences of Vegetation on the Atmosphere across North America Using a Model-Validated Statistical Technique That First Excludes Oceanic Forcings*
Authors: Wang Fuyao , Notaro Michael , Liu Zhengyu , Chen Guangshan
Published: September 2013

The observed local and nonlocal influences of vegetation on the atmosphere across North America are quantified after first removing the oceanic impact. The interaction between vegetation and the atmosphere is dominated by forcing from the atmosphere, making it difficult to extract the forcing from vegetation. Furthermore, the atmosphere is not only influenced by vegetation but also the oceans, so in order to extract the vegetation impact, the oceanic forcing must first be excluded. This study identified significant vegetation impact in two climatically and ecologically unique regions: the North American monsoon region (NAMR) and the North American boreal forest (NABF). A multivariate statistical method, a generalized equilibrium feedback assessment, is applied to extract vegetation influence on the atmosphere. The statistical method is validated using a dynamical experiment for the NAMR in a fully coupled climate model, the Community Climate System Model, version 3.5 (CCSM3.5).

The observed influence of NAMR vegetation on the atmosphere peaks in June–August and is primarily attributed to both roughness and hydrological feedbacks. Elevated vegetation amount increases evapotranspiration and surface roughness, which leads to a local decline in sea level pressure and generates an atmospheric teleconnection response. This atmospheric response leads to moister and cooler (drier and warmer) conditions over the western and central United States (Gulf states). The observed influence of the NABF on the atmosphere peaks in March–May, related to a thermal feedback. Enhanced vegetation greenness increases the air temperature locally. The atmosphere tends to form a positive Pacific–North American (PNA)-like pattern, and this anomalous atmospheric circulation and associated moisture advection lead to moister (drier) conditions in the western (eastern) United States.
Fitting Parametric Vortices to Aliased Doppler Velocities Scanned from Hurricanes
Authors: Xu Qin , Jiang Yuan , Liu Liping
Published: September 2013

An alias-robust least squares method that produces less errors than established methods is developed to produce reference radial velocities for automatically correcting raw aliased Doppler velocities scanned from hurricanes. This method estimates the maximum tangential velocity VM and its radial distance RM from the hurricane vortex center by fitting a parametric vortex model directly to raw aliased velocities at and around each selected vertical level. In this method, aliasing-caused zigzag discontinuities in the relationship between the observed and true radial velocities are formulated into the cost function by applying an alias operator to the entire analysis-minus-observation term to ensure the cost function to be smooth and concave around the global minimum. Simulated radar velocity observations are used to examine the cost function geometry around the global minimum in the space of control parameters (VM, RM). The results show that the global minimum point can estimate the true (VM, RM) approximately if the hurricane vortex center location is approximately known and the hurricane core and vicinity areas are adequately covered by the radar scans, and the global minimum can be found accurately by an efficient descent algorithm as long as the initial guess is in the concave vicinity of the global minimum. The method is used with elaborated refinements for automated dealiasing, and this utility is highlighted by an example applied to severely aliased radial velocities scanned from a hurricane.
A global actor past its peak?
Authors: Bretherton Charlotte , Vogler John
Published: September 2013

Examining a range of policy areas in which the European Union (EU) acts externally – notably trade, development, climate change and foreign and security policy – this article considers the notion that the years since the mid-2000s have witnessed a decline in EU actorness/effectiveness. In evaluating EU performance, the article employs the interrelated concepts of presence, denoting EU status and influence; opportunity, denoting the external context of EU action; and capability, referring to EU policy processes and instruments, with particular reference to the impact of the 2009 Lisbon Treaty. It is contended that achievement of the increased capability envisaged by the Lisbon Treaty, together with resolution of the Eurozone crisis, with its deleterious effect upon the Union’s presence, would not fully compensate for the loss of opportunity provided by the changing international structure.
The EU’s foreign policy and the search for effect
Authors: Edwards Geoffrey
Published: September 2013

The Lisbon Treaty sought to meet new global challenges by providing the European Union (EU) with stronger institutional capacity and policy instruments to make it a more effective international actor in foreign and security terms. The article sets out the structures and practices agreed and contested by both Member States – especially the United Kingdom and France – and the European Commission, focusing on the roles of the High Representative (HR) for Foreign Affairs and the European External Action Service. It points to the disjuncture between the formal calls for greater coherence and consequence in the EU’s foreign policies, the problems of creating an effective policy vehicle and the practices that undermine both its efforts and its legitimacy.
EU external policy at the crossroads: The challenge of actorness and effectiveness
Authors: Niemann Arne , Bretherton Charlotte
Published: September 2013

The goal of this Special Issue is to improve our conceptualisation and empirical understanding of EU actorness and effectiveness in International Relations. While the European Union aspires to play a greater global role, its actorness and effectiveness cannot be taken for granted given the nature of the EU as a multi-level and semi-supranational polity encompassing 28 Member States with diverse foreign policy preferences. The EU is presently at an important crossroad. On the one hand, its external policy stature and capacity have been boosted by institutional innovations and by the Union’s increased involvement in the full spectrum of international issues. On the other hand, a number of factors cast doubt on the EU’s real external policy actorness and effectiveness: slow and often only modest internal reforms, an increasing politicisation of formally ‘low politics’ issues, the prolonged sovereign debt crisis in the Eurozone, and a less favourable external environment, with the US shifting its focus to the Asia-Pacific region and emerging powers creating a more polycentric world order. In view of these changes and subsequent developments in the scholarly literature, our aim is to re-evaluate earlier conceptions of EU actorness. Central to this re-evaluation will be a shift in focus from notions of actorness to effectiveness. This introductory article will unpack and further elaborate the issues raised in this abstract by delineating the EU as an international actor in the empirical context, by reviewing the existing conceptual literature, defining and conceptualizing key notions and by providing an overview of the contributions to this Special Issue.
The Reliability of Student Ratings of Master Teacher Behaviors
Authors: Landrum R. Eric , Stowell Jeffrey R.
Published: September 2013

Faculty members ( N = 39) from two universities had their lectures recorded. From these videos, we selected 5-min vignettes centered on eight dimensions of the Teacher Behavior Checklist. Undergraduate students from two universities ( N = 753) viewed three 5-min video clips of college teachers across various disciplines. Ratings on the eight dimensions (knowledgeable, respectful, approachable, realistic, enthusiastic, encouraging, flexible, and creative) were moderately to strongly intercorrelated, and students had high agreement among themselves in rating each instructor’s teaching behaviors. The methodology to establish reliability of student ratings of video clips may be useful in future validity studies to assist in providing evidence-based examples of effective teaching.
Geopolitical assemblages and complexity
Authors: Dittmer Jason
Published: September 2013

This article proposes a framework for considering materiality in the field of geopolitics: assemblage and complexity theories. Drawing on literatures beyond the field to imagine a posthuman geopolitics, this article argues for a relational ontology that emphasizes the complex interactions among the elements of an assemblage. These interactions produce emergent effects which themselves reshape the assemblage’s elements. This has implications for understandings of agency, subjectivity, and systemic change. The article concludes by highlighting the methodological and ethical challenges that such a project would face.
Using a Modified Pyramidal Training Model to Teach Special Education Teachers to Conduct Trial-Based Functional Analyses
Authors: Kunnavatana S. Shanun , Bloom Sarah E. , Samaha Andrew L. , Lignugaris/Kraft Benjamin , Dayton Elizabeth , Harris Shannon K.
Published: September 2013

Functional behavioral assessments are commonly used in school settings to assess and develop interventions for problem behavior. The trial-based functional analysis is an approach that teachers can use in their classrooms to identify the function of problem behavior. The current study evaluates the effectiveness of a modified pyramidal training procedure in which special education program coordinators were taught to conduct trial-based functional analyses and then provided support to special education teachers who were taught to conduct trial-based functional analyses and to calculate, graph, and analyze data. After training, the teachers conducted the trial-based functional analysis with over 85% accuracy and demonstrated criterion performance analyzing and graphing data. Accuracy was maintained during in-situ generalization probes conducted with two of the teachers.
Employability of offshore service sector workers in the Philippines: opportunities for upward labour mobility or dead-end jobs?
Authors: Beerepoot Niels , Hendriks Mitch
Published: September 2013

Critical concerns have been raised about the quality of employment in the offshore service sector in developing countries, suggesting that many activities have an inherent paradox of highly educated workers performing low-skilled jobs. Based on empirical data collected in the offshore service sector in Baguio City (the Philippines), this article analyses the knowledge and skills acquisition of workers using the concepts of employability and generic skills. The article demonstrates that offshore service sector work is part of a longer-term career planning of workers and an opportunity for strengthening their employability on the global labour market. The early stage of development of the offshore service sector provides workers with opportunities for local upward labour mobility. The article argues that the sector should be looked at from an employee-based perspective that emphasizes their employability and generic skills acquisition in order to understand the longer-term benefits of the sector for developing countries.
Air pocket effects on air spindle vibrations in nanomachining
Authors: Akhondzadeh Mohammad , Vahdati Mehrdad
Published: September 2013

In this study, factors that affect air spindle vibrations have been investigated experimentally. In order to achieve nanometer accuracies, the low vibration of air spindle is vital. Shape, size, depth, number of air pockets, and rotational speed of air spindles are important parameters influencing nanomachining vibrations. A total of 3 levels are selected for each parameter and in total 243 experiments have been performed. In this study, the rotor is considered externally which rotates about a central stator. Experiments were committed by the help of a lathe machine. For vibration measurements, the VibroTest 60 has been used. Results have been analyzed using the Design of Experiment method. From the results, it has been analyzed that the air spindle with 2 circular/rectangular air pockets and with 300 mm2 area and 3 mm depth at a low rotational speed has minimum vibrations.
The political underpinnings of cities’ accumulated resilience to climate change
Authors: Satterthwaite David
Published: September 2013

The impacts of climate change in any city are obviously influenced by the quality of its housing and other buildings, its infrastructure and services. These were not built with climate change risks in mind, although they were influenced by environmental health risks that were present when they were constructed (including those from extreme weather) and often by responses to past disasters. Well-governed cities that have greatly reduced these risks have accumulated resilience to the climate change impacts that exacerbate (or will exacerbate) these risks. In so doing, they have also developed the social, political, financial and institutional structures that provide the basis for addressing these and other risks. These structures were developed through social, environmental and political reforms, driven by such factors as democracy, decentralization and strong social movements representing the needs of those with limited incomes, or other factors associated with vulnerability. These “bottom-up” pressures from citizens and civil society on national and city governments are critical for developing the institutions and measures to reduce climate change-related risks (especially for those most at risk) and to support resilience.
Patient-Reported Outcomes Following Flexible Sigmoidoscopy Screening for Colorectal Cancer in a Demonstration Screening Programme in the Uk
Authors: Robb Kathryn A. , Lo Siu Hing , Power Emily , Kralj-Hans Ines , Edwards Robert , Vance Maggie , Von Wagner Christian , Atkin Wendy , Wardle Jane
Published: September 2013

Objectives

Flexible sigmoidoscopy (FS) screening for colorectal cancer will be introduced into the National Cancer Screening Programmes in England in 2013. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) from trial participants indicate high acceptability and no adverse physical or psychological consequences, but this may not generalize to routine screening in the community. This study examined PROMs in a community-based FS screening programme.

Methods

Eligible adults aged 58–59 ( n = 2016) registered at 34 London general practices were mailed a National Health Service-endorsed invitation to attend FS screening. Pain and side-effects were assessed in a ‘morning-after’ questionnaire, and satisfaction was assessed in a three-month follow-up questionnaire. Anxiety, self-rated health and colorectal symptoms were assessed at prescreening and follow-up.

Results

In total, 1020 people attended screening and were included in the current analyses, of whom 913 (90%) returned the morning-after questionnaire, and 674 (66%) the follow-up questionnaire. The prescreening questionnaire had been completed by 751 (74%) of those who attended. The majority (87%) of respondents reported no pain or mild pain, and the most frequent side-effect (wind) was only experienced more than mildly by 16%. Satisfaction was extremely high, with 98% glad they had the test; 97% would encourage a friend to have it. From prescreening to follow-up there were no changes in anxiety or self-rated health, and the number of colorectal symptoms declined. Satisfaction and changes in wellbeing were not moderated by gender, deprivation, ethnicity or screening outcome.

Conclusions

PROMs indicate high acceptability of FS screening in 58–59 year olds, with no adverse effects on colorectal symptoms, health status or psychological wellbeing.
Slaves no longer: review on role assignment for human–robot joint motor action
Authors: Jarrassé Nathanaël , Sanguineti Vittorio , Burdet Etienne
Published: September 2013

This paper summarizes findings on the growing field of role assignment policies for human–robot motor interaction. This topic has been investigated by researchers in the psychological theory of joint action, in human intention detection, force control, human–human physical interaction, as well as roboticists interested in developing robots with capabilities for efficient motor interaction with humans. Our goal is to promote fruitful interaction between these distinct communities by: ( i) examining the role assignment policies for human–robot joint motor action in experimental psychology and robotics studies; and ( ii) informing researchers in human–human interaction on existing work in the robotic field. After an overview of roles assignment in current robotic assistants, this paper examines key results about shared control between a robot and a human performing interactive motor tasks. Research on motor interaction between two humans has inspired recent developments that may extend the use of robots to applications requiring continuous mechanical interaction with humans.
Gastric Cancer After Restrictive Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Scozzari Gitana , Balmativola Davide , Trapani Renza , Toppino Mauro , Morino Mario
Published: September 2013

Although vertical banded gastroplasty is rarely performed at present, most bariatric surgery departments continue to follow up patients who underwent this procedure in the past few decades. In view of this, it is advisable for bariatric and general surgeons to know how to diagnose the very rare event of the development of a gastric cancer after this restrictive procedure. In this report, 2 cases of gastric cancer occurring years after vertical banded gastroplasty are presented, and clinical presentation and diagnostic difficulties are discussed.
Telemedicine can improve the quality of oral anticoagulation using portable devices and self-testing at home
Authors: Barcellona Doris , Fenu Lara , Cornacchini Simona , Marongiu Francesco
Published: September 2013

Point-of-care testing (POCT) devices can be used to monitor anticoagulant therapy. We compared patients being monitored at home by self-testing using a POCT device and telemedicine support with a previous period of conventional monitoring at a Thrombosis Centre. A total of 114 anticoagulated patients participated. The number of blood checks (INR) was significantly higher in the home monitoring group and the interval between checks was significantly shorter. The percentage of missed INR checks was significantly higher during the conventional monitoring period compared with home monitoring. Patients were divided into two groups on the basis of the time spent within the therapeutic range (TTR) during conventional monitoring: the unstable group had TTR<70% and the stable group had TTR ≥70%. In the unstable group there was a significant increase in TTR with home monitoring: 63% to 68% ( P < 0.001) while in the stable group there was no significant change (77% to 75%). The study showed that oral anticoagulation management by means of self-testing is suitable and safe.
Stress and symptoms of depression among medical students at the University of Copenhagen
Authors: Haldorsen Hilde , Bak Nanna Hasle , Dissing Agnete , Petersson Birgit
Published: September 2013

Objective: This article aims to assess the levels of stress and symptoms of depression among Danish medical students, as well as explore the effect of social support on psychological distress. The results are based on numbers from the follow-up study ‘From Student to Graduate’ (j.nr 2006-41-6876). Materials and methods: Two dimensions of stress, frequency and perception, were measured on a scale from 0–6. Odds ratios and significance of associations between the various exposure variables and the outcome measure, symptoms of depression, were calculated using multiple logistic regression and Wald tests. Results: 30.5% of the students reported depressive symptoms. Stress frequency measured a mean of 2.26 ( SD = 1.35). The mean for stress perception was 2.85 ( SD = 1.30). Women reported higher levels of stress and depression compared to male medical students, but the differences were not significant ( p > 0.05). Only the dimensions of stress and coping alone were significantly associated with reporting symptoms of depression ( p < 0.001). Students coping alone had a two times higher odds ratio for reporting depressive symptoms. Conclusions: Nearly one third of the participants reported feeling depressed. Stress levels were moderate, but significantly associated with symptoms of depression. The interaction between the stress dimensions and the outcome measure illustrates the importance of stress appraisal. Coping alone with psychological problems was significantly associated with symptoms of depression.
Investigation of association between indoor environmental factors and child health problems in Japan – Design of survey and outcome from preliminary cross-sectional questionnaire
Authors: Yoshino Hiroshi , Ando Naoya , Kensuke Hamada , Hasegawa Kenichi , Abe Keiko , Ikeda Koichi , Kato Noriko , Kumagai Kazukiyo , Mitamura Teruaki , Yanagi U.
Published: September 2013

In Japan, there is an increase in allergic diseases such as asthma, respiratory symptom, particularly prevailing among the young generation. The reasons why the prevalence is increasing are still not yet well understood. However, it is deemed that indoor environmental factors are one of the essential sources. Therefore, an epidemiology type of survey was investigated on the 4th and 5th grade school children in Japan. The survey was divided into three phases. Phase 1 was a preliminary cross-sectional questionnaire of the prevalence of health problems. Phase 2 was a cross-sectional questionnaire survey on housing characteristics and health. Phase 3 was a field measurement for case control. This paper describes the study protocol and the outcomes from Phase 1. The prevalence of current allergic symptoms was 49.9%. Asthma and rhinitis of the children were 12.5% and 33.3%, respectively. The prevalence of several allergic symptoms among boys was significantly higher than in girls. It indicated that the environmental factors such as pollen, indoor house dust and dust mites could influence allergic symptoms. This survey reveals the ratio of children allergic symptoms in Japan and the possibility of the association between adverse health effect and indoor environmental factors.
Effect of ATP-dependent channel modulators on ischemia-induced arrhythmia change depending on age and gender
Authors: Bozdoğan Ömer , Kaya Salih Tunç , Yaşar Selçuk , Orallar Hayriye
Published: September 2013

The number of ATP-dependent potassium channels in myocardial cells has been previously shown to change depending on gender and age. Different effects of the ATP-dependent potassium channel blocker, glybenclamide and ATP-dependent potassium channel opener, pinacidil on ischemia or reperfusion-induced arrhythmia observed in various research might depend on different ages and genders of the animals used. The aim of this study is to research the effect of ATP-dependent potassium channel modulators on ischemia-induced arrhythmia in animals of different ages and genders. Sprague-Dawley rats of different ages and genders were used in this study. Ischemia was produced by the ligation of the left coronary artery for 30 min. Electrocardiogram (ECG), blood pressure, infarct area and blood glucose were determined during the 30 min of ischemia. An arrhythmia score from an ECG recorded during 30 min of ischemia was determined by examining the duration and type of arrhythmia. Different effects of glybenclamide and pinacidil on the arrhythmias were observed in male and female young and middle-age rats. Pinacidil decreased the infarct zone in younger female rats, but differences in the type and length of ischemia-induced arrhythmias between females and males disappeared in older age. The results of this study showed that the effect of ATP-dependent potassium channel modulators on ischemia-induced arrhythmia changed due to the age and gender of rats.
Lipoxin A4 attenuation of endothelial inflammation response mimicking pancreatitis-induced lung injury
Authors: Lv Wanzhi , Lv Chongqing , Yu Suhui , Yang Yunxiu , Kong Hongru , Xie Jianming , Sun Hongwei , Andersson Roland , Xu Dan , Chen Bicheng , Zhou Mengtao
Published: September 2013

Lipoxins (LXs) and their analogues are known to display potent anti-inflammatory actions. Previously, we reported that lipoxin A4 (LXA4) possessed powerful anti-inflammatory properties in acute pancreatitis in rats and that it may ameliorate the concomitant acute lung injury by reducing cytokine generation and inhibiting neutrophil activation. Considering that the vascular endothelium plays an important role during adherence, migration and activation of leukocytes, the present study was designed to investigate the effects of LXA4 on the inflammatory response induced by tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMECs) and explore the potential mechanisms involved in these processes. We found that LXA4 markedly down-regulated the expression of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), E-selectin, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) mRNA, as well as intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in TNF-α-exposed HPMECs. Moreover, LXA4 inhibited the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-κB/p65 (NF-κB/p65) and phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) in HPMECs following TNF-α stimulation. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), a cytoprotective enzyme, was up-regulated by LXA4 in both non- and TNF-α-stimulated HPMECs. In conclusion, the protective effects of LXA4 to ALI may be executed through inhibition inflammation pathways of NF-κB and p38 MAPK and up-regulation of cytoprotective HO-1.
Integrating biomarker information within trials to evaluate treatment mechanisms and efficacy for personalised medicine
Authors: Dunn Graham , Emsley Richard , Liu Hanhua , Landau Sabine
Published: September 2013

Background

The development of personalised (stratified) medicine is intrinsically dependent on an understanding of treatment-effect mechanisms (effects on therapeutic targets that mediate the effect of the treatment on clinical outcomes). There is a need for clinical trial data for the joint evaluation of treatment efficacy, the utility of predictive markers as indicators of treatment efficacy, and the mediational mechanisms proposed as the explanation of these effects.

Purpose

(1) To review the problem of confounding (common causes) for the drawing of valid inferences concerning treatment-effect mechanisms, even when the data have been generated using a randomised controlled trial, and (2) to suggest and illustrate solutions to this problem of confounding.

Results

We illustrate the potential of the predictive biomarker stratified design, together with baseline measurement of all known prognostic markers, to enable us to evaluate both the utility of the predictive biomarker in such a stratification and, perhaps more importantly, to estimate how much of the treatment’s effect is actually explained by changes in the putative mediator. The analysis strategy involves the use of instrumental variable (IV) regression, using the treatment by predictive biomarker interaction as an IV – a refined, much more powerful, and (in the present context) subtle use of Mendelian randomisation.

Conclusion

Personalised (stratified) medicine and treatment-effect mechanisms evaluation are inextricably linked. Stratification without corresponding mechanisms evaluation lacks credibility. In the presence of mediator-outcome confounding, mechanisms evaluation is dependent on stratification for its validity. Both stratification and treatment-effect mediation can be evaluated using a biomarker stratified trial design together with detailed baseline measurement of all known prognostic biomarkers and other prognostic covariates. Direct and indirect (mediated) effects should be estimated through the use of IV methods (the IV being the predictive marker by treatment interaction) together with adjustments for all known prognostic markers (confounders) – the latter adjustments contributing to increased precision (as in a conventional analysis of treatment effects) rather than bias reduction.
Comment: On the Role of Appraisal Processes in the Construction of Emotion
Authors: Brosch Tobias
Published: September 2013

Appraisal and constructivist theories of emotion both emphasize that emotions are not modular phenomena, but are constructed from more basic psychological parts. In the scientific debate, differences between the two approaches are sometimes overplayed, by classifying appraisal theories as “natural kinds” models, and sometimes underplayed, by basically merging them into constructivist accounts. The aim of this contribution is to illustrate some similarities and some differences between contemporary appraisal and constructivist approaches, and to highlight the fact that appraisal theory has indeed already confronted the idea of construction in the elicitation of emotion. In doing so, I want to argue that, while there is a distinction between appraisal and constructivist camps, it is not as stark as one might think, even though the names of the “ingredients” of emotions may differ.
Psychological Construction: The Darwinian Approach to the Science of Emotion
Authors: Barrett Lisa Feldman
Published: September 2013

Psychological construction constitutes a different paradigm for the scientific study of emotion when compared to the current paradigm that is inspired by faculty psychology. This new paradigm is more consistent with the post-Darwinian conceptual framework in biology that includes a focus on (a) population thinking (vs. typologies), (b) domain-general core systems (vs. physical essences), and (c) constructive analysis (vs. reductionism). Three psychological construction approaches (the OCC model, the iterative reprocessing model, and the conceptual act theory) are discussed with respect to these ideas.
Comment: Constructionisms?
Authors: Faucher Luc
Published: September 2013

Constructionism can take several forms: one can refer to biological, psychological, or social constructionism. What I want to argue in this article is that if one carefully teases out varied forms of constructionism, the frontiers between some of them will begin to blur.
Poly(azo-ether-imide) nanocomposite films reinforced with nanofibers electrospun from multi-walled carbon nanotube filled poly(azo-ether-imide)
Authors: Kausar Ayesha , Hussain Syed Tajammul
Published: September 2013

A high molecular weight (27 × 103 gmol−1) poly(azo-ether-imide) has been fabricated in this study. Well-aligned poly(azo-ether-imide) fibers and poly(azo-ether-imide)/multi-walled carbon nanotube nanofibers-based nanocomposite were then produced by electrospinning via self-reinforcement. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the poly(azo-ether-imide)–multi-walled carbon nanotube electrospun nanofibers were uniform and almost free of defects. Scanning electron microscopy indicated the wrapping of matrix over the bundles of nanofibrs. The as prepared electrospun nanofibers were utilized as homogeneous reinforcement to enhance the tensile strength and toughness of films. The tensile strength and tensile modulus of poly(azo-ether-imide) film reinforced with 3 wt% poly(azo-ether-imide)–multi-walled carbon nanotube nanofibers were 18% and 23% higher as compared to those of the poly(azo-ether-imide) film reinforced with 3 wt% neat poly(azo-ether-imide) nanofibers. The significant enhancement in the overall mechanical properties of the poly(azo-ether-imide)–multi-walled carbon nanotube nanofibers reinforced polyimide films was ascribed to good compatibility between the electrospun nanofibers and the matrix as well as high nanofiber orientation in the matrix. The homogeneous alignment of poly(azo-ether-imide)/multi-walled carbon nanotube nanofibers was also studied using scanning electron microscopy micrographs. Moreover, the thermal stability of poly(azo-ether-imide)/multi-walled carbon nanotube nanofibers reinforced polyimide was superior having 10% gravimetric loss at around 602–617℃ and glass transition temperature in the range of 241–263℃ relative to the neat polymer and poly(azo-ether-imide) nanofiber-based system. This study demonstrated the fabrication of high performance and high toughness polyimide nanocomposites by using this facile self-reinforcement method.
Population structure of Wolbachia and cytoplasmic introgression in a complex of mosquito species
Authors: Dumas Emilie , Atyame Célestine M , Milesi Pascal , Fonseca Dina M , Shaikevich Elena V , Unal Sandra , Makoundou Patrick , Weill Mylène , Duron Olivier
Published: September 2013

Background

The maternally inherited bacteriumWolbachiaoften acts as a subtle parasite that manipulates insect reproduction, resulting potentially in reproductive isolation between host populations. Whilst distinctWolbachiastrains are documented in a group of evolutionarily closely related mosquitoes known as theCulex pipienscomplex, their impact on mosquito population genetics remains unclear. To this aim, we developed a PCR-RFLP test that discriminates the five knownWolbachiagroups found in this host complex. We further examined theWolbachiagenetic diversity, the variability in the coinherited host mitochondria and their partitioning among members of theCx. pipienscomplex, in order to assess the impact ofWolbachiaon host population structure.

Results

There was a strong association betweenWolbachiaand mitochondrial haplotypes indicating a stable co-transmission in mosquito populations. Despite evidence that members of theCx. pipienscomplex are genetically distinct on the basis of nuclear DNA, the association ofWolbachiaand mtDNA with members of theCx. pipienscomplex were limited. TheWolbachia wPip-I group, by far the most common, was associated with divergentCx. pipiensmembers, includingCx. quinquefasciatus,Cx. pipiens pipiensformpipiensandCx. pipiens pipiensformmolestus. Four otherwPip groups were also found in mosquito populations and all were shared between diverseCx. pipiensmembers.

Conclusion

This data overall supports the hypothesis thatwPip infections, and their allied mitochondria, are associated with regular transfers betweenCx. pipiensmembers rather than specific host associations. Overall, this is suggestive of a recent and likely ongoing cytoplasmic introgression through hybridization events across theCx. pipienscomplex.
Health risk appraisal in older people 6: factors associated with self-reported poor vision and uptake of eye tests in older people
Authors: Iliffe Steve , Kharicha Kalpa , Harari Danielle , Swift Cameron , Gillmann Gerhard , Stuck Andreas E
Published: September 2013

Background

Although free eye testing is available in the UK from a nation-wide network of optometrists, there is evidence of unrecognised, tractable vision loss amongst older people. A recent review identified this unmet need as a priority for further investigation, highlighting the need to understand public perceptions of eye services and barriers to service access and utilisation. This paper aims to identify risk factors for (1) having poor vision and (2) not having had an eyesight check among community-dwelling older people without an established ophthalmological diagnosis.

Methods

Secondary analysis of self-reported data from the ProAge trial. 1792 people without a known ophthalmological diagnosis were recruited from three group practices in London.

Results

Almost two in ten people in this population of older individuals without known ophthalmological diagnoses had self-reported vision loss, and more than a third of them had not had an eye test in the previous twelve months. In this sample, those with limited education, depressed mood, need for help with instrumental and basic activities of daily living (IADLs and BADLs), and subjective memory complaints were at increased risk of fair or poor self-reported vision. Individuals with basic education only were at increased risk for not having had an eye test in the previous 12 months (OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.17-1.98 p=0.002), as were those with no, or only one chronic condition (OR 1.850, 95% CI 1.382-2.477, p<0.001).

Conclusions

Self-reported poor vision in older people without ophthalmological diagnoses is associated with other functional losses, with no or only one chronic condition, and with depression. This pattern of disorders may be the basis for case finding in general practice. Low educational attainment is an independent determinant of not having had eye tests, as well as a factor associated with undiagnosed vision loss. There are other factors, not identified in this study, which determine uptake of eye testing in those with self-reported vision loss. Further exploration is needed to identify these factors and lead towards effective case finding.
Joint pain severity predicts premature discontinuation of aromatase inhibitors in breast cancer survivors
Authors: Chim Kannie , Xie Sharon X , Stricker Carrie T , Li Qing S , Gross Robert , Farrar John T , DeMichele Angela , Mao Jun J
Published: September 2013

Background

Premature discontinuation of aromatase inhibitors (AIs) in breast cancer survivors compromises treatment outcomes. We aimed to evaluate whether patient-reported joint pain predicts premature discontinuation of AIs.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of postmenopausal women with breast cancer on AIs who had completed a survey about their symptom experience on AIs with specific measurements of joint pain. The primary outcome was premature discontinuation of AIs, defined as stopping the medication prior to the end of prescribed therapy. Multivariate Cox regression modeling was used to identify predictors of premature discontinuation.

Results

Among 437 patients who met eligibility criteria, 47 (11%) prematurely discontinued AIs an average of 29 months after initiation of therapy. In multivariate analyses, patient-reported worst joint pain score of 4 or greater on the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) (Hazard Ratio [HR] 2.09, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.14-3.80, P = 0.016) and prior use of tamoxifen (HR 2.01, 95% CI 1.09-3.70, P = 0.026) were significant predictors of premature discontinuation of AIs. The most common reason for premature discontinuation was joint pain (57%) followed by other therapy-related side effects (30%). While providers documented joint pain in charts for 82% of patients with clinically important pain, no quantitative pain assessments were noted, and only 43% provided any plan for pain evaluation or management.

Conclusion

Worst joint pain of 4 or greater on the BPI predicts premature discontinuation of AI therapy. Clinicians should monitor pain severity with quantitative assessments and provide timely management to promote optimal adherence to AIs.
Systematic screening of glycosylation- and trafficking-associated gene knockouts in Saccharomyces cerevisiaeidentifies mutants with improved heterologous exocellulase activity and host secretion
Authors: Wang Tzi-Yuan , Huang Chih-Jen , Chen Hsin-Liang , Ho Po-Chun , Ke Huei-Mien , Cho Hsing-Yi , Ruan Sz-Kai , Hung Kuo-Yen , Wang I-Li , Cai Ya-Wun , Sung Huang-Mo , Li Wen-Hsiung , Shih Ming-Che
Published: September 2013

Background

As a strong fermentator, Saccharomyces cerevisiae has the potential to be an excellent host for ethanol production by consolidated bioprocessing. For this purpose, it is necessary to transform cellulose genes into the yeast genome because it contains no cellulose genes. However, heterologous protein expression in S. cerevisiae often suffers from hyper-glycosylation and/or poor secretion. Thus, there is a need to genetically engineer the yeast to reduce its glycosylation strength and to increase its secretion ability.

Results

Saccharomyces cerevisiae gene-knockout strains were screened for improved extracellular activity of a recombinant exocellulase (PCX) from the cellulose digesting fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium. Knockout mutants of 47 glycosylation-related genes and 10 protein-trafficking-related genes were transformed with a PCX expression construct and screened for extracellular cellulase activity. Twelve of the screened mutants were found to have a more than 2-fold increase in extracellular PCX activity in comparison with the wild type. The extracellular PCX activities in the glycosylation-related mnn10 and pmt5 null mutants were, respectively, 6 and 4 times higher than that of the wild type; and the extracellular PCX activities in 9 protein-trafficking-related mutants, especially in the chc1, clc1 and vps21 null mutants, were at least 1.5 times higher than the parental strains. Site-directed mutagenesis studies further revealed that the degree of N-glycosylation also plays an important role in heterologous cellulase activity in S. cerevisiae.

Conclusions

Systematic screening of knockout mutants of glycosylation- and protein trafficking-associated genes in S. cerevisiae revealed that: (1) blocking Golgi-to-endosome transport may force S. cerevisiae to export cellulases; and (2) both over- and under-glycosylation may alter the enzyme activity of cellulases. This systematic gene-knockout screening approach may serve as a convenient means for increasing the extracellular activities of recombinant proteins expressed in S. cerevisiae.
TLR9 signaling repressed tumor suppressor miR-7 expression through up-regulation of HuR in human lung cancer cells
Authors: Li Yong-Ju , Wang Chun-Hong , Zhou Ya , Liao Zheng-Yuan , Zhu Shun-Fei , Hu Yan , Chen Chao , Luo Jun-Min , Wen Zhen-Ke , Xu Lin
Published: September 2013

Background

Our recent evidence showed that Toll like receptor 9 (TLR9) signaling could enhance the growth and metastatic potential of human lung cancer cells through repressing microRNA-7 (miR-7) expression. Human antigen R (HuR) has been involved in stabilizing multiple mRNAs in cellular biology. However, whether HuR also contributed to the altered expression of miR-7 in TLR9 signaling stimulated human lung cancer cells remains to be elucidated.

Methods

The expression of HuR in human lung cancer 95D cells treated with TLR9 agonist CpG Oligonucleotides (ODNs) was detected by Real-time PCR and Western blot assay. To explore the possible role of HuR on miR-7 expression, eukaryotic expression vector encoding HuR was transiently transfected into 95D cells and then the expression of miR-7 was detected by Real-time PCR assay. Moreover, RNA interference, western blot, Real-time PCR, MTT assay, BrdU labeling, invasion assay and scratch assay were employed to examine the disrupt effect of HuR on miR-7 expression in human lung cancer cells treated with CpG ODNs. Finally, inhibitors for PI3K, Akt or Erk respectively, and western blot were performed to explore the possible signaling pathway related to HuR expression in CpG ODNs treated human lung cancer cells.

Results

Our data showed that TLR9 agonist CpG ODNs could induce the expression of HuR in human lung cancer cells. Moreover, overexpression of HuR could reduce the expression of miR-7 in lung cancer cells. Notably, down-regulation of HuR using RNA interference restored miR-7 expression in CpG ODNs treated lung cancer cells, accompanied by enhanced growth and metastatic potential. Finally, CpG ODNs could induce HuR expression through Akt pathway.

Conclusion

Our findings indicated that HuR could act as regulator in regulating TLR9 signaling associated biological effect in human lung cancer cells, which might be helpful for the understanding of the potential role of HuR in tumor biology.
A case of breast cancer in the axillary tail of Spence – enhanced magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography for diagnostic differentiation and preoperative treatment decision
Authors: Okubo Mai , Tada Keiichiro , Niwa Takayoshi , Nishioka Kotoe , Tsuji Eiichi , Ogawa Toshihisa , Seto Yasuyuki
Published: September 2013

Background

The management of cancer in the axillary area depends on the etiology of the tumor.

Case Report

A 37-year-old woman presented with a 2 cm mass in the axillary fossa. Core needle biopsy revealed adenocarcinoma. There were no abnormal breast findings on physical examination, mammography, or ultrasonography. However, enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) showed a segmentally-distributed, abnormal area in the upper-outer quadrant, continuous with the axillary mass. Samples of this area obtained by vacuum-assisted biopsy showed intraductal carcinoma. These findings indicated that the axillary lesion was a part of primary breast cancer originating from the axillary tail. Based on these results, the patient underwent total mastectomy with sentinel lymph node biopsy. Pathological examination of the specimen showed invasive ductal carcinoma accompanied by intraductal carcinoma extending up to 8.5 cm. Our case suggests that enhanced MRI and PET can provide useful preoperative information for the management of axillary breast lesions.
Proteomic analysis of seminal fluid from men exhibiting oxidative stress
Authors: Sharma Rakesh , Agarwal Ashok , Mohanty Gayatri , Du Plessis Stefan S , Gopalan Banu , Willard Belinda , Yadav Satya P , Sabanegh Edmund
Published: September 2013

Background

Seminal plasma serves as a natural reservoir of antioxidants. It helps to remove excessive formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and consequently, reduce oxidative stress. Proteomic profiling of seminal plasma proteins is important to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying oxidative stress and sperm dysfunction in infertile men.

Methods

This prospective study consisted of 52 subjects: 32 infertile men and 20 healthy donors. Once semen and oxidative stress parameters were assessed (ROS, antioxidant concentration and DNA damage), the subjects were categorized into ROS positive (ROS+) or ROS negative (ROS-). Seminal plasma from each group was pooled and subjected to proteomics analysis. In-solution digestion and protein identification with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), followed by bioinformatics analyses was used to identify and characterize potential biomarker proteins.

Results

A total of 14 proteins were identified in this analysis with 7 of these common and unique proteins were identified in both the ROS+ and ROS- groups through MASCOT and SEQUEST analyses, respectively. Prolactin-induced protein was found to be more abundantly present in men with increased levels of ROS. Gene ontology annotations showed extracellular distribution of proteins with a major role in antioxidative activity and regulatory processes.

Conclusions

We have identified proteins that help protect against oxidative stress and are uniquely present in the seminal plasma of the ROS- men. Men exhibiting high levels of ROS in their seminal ejaculate are likely to exhibit proteins that are either downregulated or oxidatively modified, and these could potentially contribute to male infertility.