bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards a unified descriptive theory for spatial ecology: predicting biodiversity patterns across spatial scales
Authors: Azaele Sandro , Maritan Amos , Cornell Stephen J. , Suweis Samir , Banavar Jayanth R. , Gabriel Doreen , Kunin William E.
Published: December 2014

A key challenge for both ecological researchers and biodiversity managers is the measurement and prediction of species richness across spatial scales. Typically, biodiversity is assessed at fine scales (e.g. in quadrats or transects) for practical reasons, but often we are interested in coarser‐scale (field, regional, global) diversity issues. Moreover, the pressures affecting biodiversity patterns are often scale specific, making multiscale assessment a crucial methodological priority. As species richness is not additive, it is difficult to translate from the scale of measurement to the scale(s) of interest. A number of methods have been proposed to tackle this problem, but most are too model specific or too rigid to allow general application. Here, we present a general framework (and a specific implementation of it) that allows such scale translations to be performed.

Building on the intrinsic relationships among patterns of species richness, abundance and spatial turnover, we introduce a framework that links and predicts the profile of the species‐area relationship and the species‐abundance distributions across scales when a limited number of fine‐scale scattered samples are available. Using the correlation in species' abundances between pairs of samples as a function of the distance between them, we are able to link the effects of aggregation, similarity decay, species richness and species abundances across scales.

Our approach allows one to draw inferences about biodiversity scaling under very general assumptions pertaining to the nature of interactions, the geographical distributions of individuals and ecological processes.

We demonstrate the accuracy of our predictions using data from two well‐studied forest stands and also demonstrate the potential value of such methods by examining the effects of management on farmland insects across scales. The framework has important applications to biodiversity research and conservation practice.
Reduced striatal dopamine transporter density associated with working memory deficits in opioid‐dependent male subjects: a SPECT study
Authors: Liang Chih‐Sung , Ho Pei‐Shen , Yen Che‐Hung , Yeh Yi‐Wei , Kuo Shin‐Chang , Huang Chang‐Chih , Chen Chun‐Yen , Shih Mei‐Chen , Ma Kuo‐Hsing , Huang San‐Yuan
Published: December 2014

Research on the effects of repeated opioid use on striatal dopamine transporters has yielded inconsistent results, possibly confounded by a history of methamphetamine or methadone exposure in opioid‐dependent individuals. Previous studies have shown that striatal dopamine transporter density is positively correlated with the cognitive performance of healthy volunteers. This study aimed to investigate changes in striatal dopamine transporter density and their functional significance in opioid‐dependent individuals. Single‐photon emission computed tomography with [99mTc]TRODAT‐1 as a ligand was used to measure striatal dopamine transporter levels in 20 opioid‐dependent individuals and 20 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls. Opioid‐dependent individuals had no history of methamphetamine or methadone use. The Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) was performed to assess neurocognitive function. We found that compared with healthy controls, opioid‐dependent individuals showed a significant reduction in striatal dopamine transporter density. They also showed poorer performance on the WCST in terms of the trials administered, total errors, perseverative responses, perseverative errors, and non‐perseverative errors. Striatal dopamine transporter levels negatively correlated with non‐perseverative errors not only in opioid‐dependent individuals but also in healthy controls. These findings suggest that in human, repeated opioid exposure reduces striatal dopamine transporter density, which can be associated with non‐perseverative errors. Non‐perseverative errors may be one of the more sensitive parameters in WCST to identify working memory deficits associated with striatal dopamine transporter reduction. Moreover, we suggest that whether opioid‐associated neurotoxicity is reversible depends on the brain region.
Point‐of‐care monitoring of haemostasis
Authors: Mallett S. V. , Armstrong M.
Published: December 2014

Recent research in the management of haemorrhage has led to several changes in clinical practice. Evidence is accumulating that point‐of‐care testing results in fewer transfusions, improved patient outcomes, and reduced hospital costs. However, there is still insufficient high quality evidence to support transfusion guidelines and algorithms based on point‐of‐care tests alone, and more robust studies are needed. The implementation of point‐of‐care testing requires institutional support and senior clinical leadership to realise the benefits, with educational programmes, audit, and feedback regarding transfusion practice. A change in philosophy is required, from performing testing only when there is an obvious bleeding problem, towards the concept of routinely monitoring high‐risk patients throughout the surgical procedure. This informs clinical practice, establishes normal ranges for that population, identifies patients at risk and allows early identification and treatment of evolving coagulopathy.
The current place of tranexamic acid in the management of bleeding
Authors: Hunt B. J.
Published: December 2014

There has been an explosion of interest in the ability of tranexamic acid to reduce morbidity and mortality in surgical and traumatic bleeding. Tranexamic acid has been shown to reduce mortality due to traumatic bleeding by a third, without apparent safety issues. It is now clearly established that intravenous tranexamic acid reduces blood loss in patients with surgical bleeding and the need for transfusion. It can also be used topically to reduce bleeding. Its use is being explored further in large pragmatic trials in traumatic head injury, postpartum haemorrhage and in upper gastro‐intestinal haemorrhage. There are few side effects from the use of tranexamic acid except when administered in high dose where neurological events have been noted, possibly relating to tranexamic acid interfering with cerebral GABA and glycine receptors. However, clinical studies suggest that there is no increased efficacy in using a higher dose, and that a dose of 1 g intravenously in an adult patient has maximal efficacy, which is not increased by higher doses. The CRASH‐2 trauma trial clearly showed no increase in thrombotic events after its use in trauma, indeed there was a significant reduction in myocardial infarction. However, trials of tranexamic acid in surgery have failed to adequately study its effects on the risk of postoperative venous and possible reduction in arterial thrombo‐embolism, and this needs to be the subject of future research.
The pathogenesis of traumatic coagulopathy
Authors: Cap A. , Hunt B. J.
Published: December 2014

Over the last 10 years, the management of major haemorrhage in trauma patients has changed radically. This is mainly due to the recognition that many patients who are bleeding when they come in to the emergency department have an established coagulopathy before the haemodilution effects of fluid resuscitation. This has led to the use of new terminology: acute traumatic coagulopathy, acute coagulopathy of trauma shock or trauma‐induced coagulopathy. The recognition of acute traumatic coagulopathy is important, because we now understand that its presence is a prognostic indicator, as it is associated with poor clinical outcome. This has driven a change in clinical management, so that the previous approach of maintaining an adequate circulating volume and oxygen carrying capacity before, as a secondary event, dealing with coagulopathy, has changed to haemostatic resuscitation as early as possible. While there is as yet no universally accepted assay or definition, many experts use prolongation of the prothrombin time to indicate that there is, indeed, a coagulopathy. Hypoxia, acidosis and hypothermia and hormonal, immunological and cytokine production, alongside consumption and blood loss, and the dilutional effects of resuscitation may occur to varying extents depending on the type of tissue damaged, the type and extent of injury, predisposing to, or amplifying, activation of coagulation, platelets, fibrinolysis. These are discussed in detail within the article.
Perineal support and risk of obstetric anal sphincter injuries: a Delphi survey
Authors: Ismail Khaled M. K. , Paschetta Elena , Papoutsis Dimitrios , Freeman Robert M.
Published: November 2014

Objective

To explore the views of a multidisciplinary group of experts and achieve consensus on the importance of perineal support in preventing obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS).

Design

A three‐generational Delphi survey.

Setting

AUK‐wide survey of experts.

Population

A panel of 20 members consisting of obstetricians, midwives and urogynecologists recommended byUKprofessional bodies.

Methods

A 58‐item web‐based questionnaire was sent to all participants who were asked to anonymously rate the importance of each item on a six‐point Likert scale. They were asked to rate their level of agreement on statements related to hands‐on/hands‐poised techniques, the association of hands‐poised/hands‐off approach withOASIS, the need to implement perineal support and the need to improve the evidence to support it. Systematic feedback of responses from previous rounds was provided to participants.

Main outcome measures

To achieve consensus on key areas related to perineal support.

Results

The response rate was 100% in all three iterations. There was consensus that currentUKpractice regarding perineal protection was not based on robust evidence. The respondents agreed that hands‐poised/hands‐off andOASISare causally related and that hands‐poised was misinterpreted by clinicians as hands‐off. Although 90% of experts agreed that some form of randomized trial was required and that all would be prepared to take part, there was also consensus (75%) that in the meantime, hands‐on should be the recommended technique.

Conclusions

Our results highlight the current lack of evidence to support policies of perineal support at time of birth and the need to address this controversial issue.
Insulin‐independent actions of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 in wethers
Authors: El‐Sabagh Mabrouk , Taniguchi Dai , Sugino Toshihisa , Obitsu Taketo , Taniguchi Kohzo
Published: December 2014

Insulin‐independent actions of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) are not yet clear in ruminants. Four Suffolk mature wethers (60.0 ± 6.7 kg body weight (BW)) were intravenously infused with insulin (0.5 mU/kg BW/min; from 0 to 90 min) and GLP‐1 (0.5 μg/kg BW/min; from 60 to 150 min) with both hormones co‐administered from 60 to 90 min, in a repeated‐measure design under euglycemic clamp for 150 min, to investigate whether GLP‐1 has insulin‐independent actions. Jugular blood samples were taken at 15‐min intervals for plasma hormones and metabolites analysis. Compared to baseline concentrations (at 0 min), insulin infusion decreased (P < 0.05) plasma concentrations of glucagon, non‐esterified fatty acids (NEFA), lactate, nonessential amino acids (NEAA), branched‐chain amino acids (BCAA), total amino acids (TAA) and urea nitrogen (UN). Insulin plus GLP‐1 infusion induced a greater increase (P < 0.05) in plasma concentrations of insulin and triglyceride (TG), but decreased (P < 0.05) glucagon, total cholesterol (T‐Cho), NEAA and UN plasma concentrations. GLP‐1 infusion increased (P < 0.05) NEFA, β‐hydroxybutyrate and TG, but decreased (P < 0.05) glucagon, T‐Cho, NEAA, BCAA and UN plasma concentrations. In conclusion, GLP‐1 exerts extrapancreatic roles in ruminants not only insulin‐independent but probably, in contrast to non‐ruminants, antagonistic to insulin effects.
Enhancing the Executive Functions of 3‐Year‐Olds in the Dimensional Change Card Sort Task
Authors: Perone Sammy , Molitor Stephen J. , Buss Aaron T. , Spencer John P. , Samuelson Larissa K.
Published: December 2014

Executive functions enable flexible thinking, something young children are notoriously bad at. For instance, in the dimensional change card sort (DCCS) task, 3‐year‐olds can sort cards by one dimension (shape), but continue to sort by this dimension when asked to switch (to color). This study tests a prediction of a dynamic neural field model that prior experience with the postswitch dimension can enhance 3‐year‐olds' performance in the DCCS. In Experiment 1A, a matching game was used to preexpose 3‐year‐olds (n = 36) to color. This facilitated switching from sorting by shape to color. In , 3‐year‐olds (n = 18) were preexposed to shape. This did not facilitate switching from sorting by color to shape. The model was used to explain this asymmetry.
Suppression of TRPM7 Inhibits Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion of Malignant Human Glioma Cells
Authors: Leng Tian‐Dong , Li Ming‐Hua , Shen Jian‐Feng , Liu Ming‐Li , Li Xin‐Bo , Sun Hua‐Wei , Branigan Debbie , Zeng Zhao , Si Hong‐Fang , Li Jun , Chen Jeff , Xiong Zhi‐Gang
Published: December 2014

Background

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor with a dismal prognosis. Despite intensive study on tumor biology, the underlying mechanisms of the unlimited proliferation and progressive local invasion are still poorly understood, and no effective treatment has been developed for GBM patients.

Aims

We determine the role of TRPM7 channels in the growth, migration, and infiltration of malignant glioma cells.

Methods

Using a combination of RT‐PCR, Western blot, and patch‐clamp techniques, we demonstrated the expression of functional TRPM7 channels of A172 cells, a human glioma cell line, as well as in human glioma tissues. Furthermore, we evaluated the role of TRPM7 in growth, migration, and infiltration of A172 cells with MTT and transwell migration and invasion assays.

Results

We showed the expression of functional TRPM7 channels in both A172 cells and human glioma tissues. Suppression of TRPM7 expression with TRPM7‐siRNA dramatically reduced the proliferation, migration, and invasion of A172 cells. Pharmacological inhibition of TRPM7 channel with 2‐aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2‐APB) showed a similar effect as TRPM7‐siRNA.

Conclusion

We demonstrate that human glioma cells express functional TRPM7 channel and that activation of this channel plays an important role in the proliferation, migration, and invasion of malignant glioma cells. TRPM7 channel may represent a novel and promising target for therapeutic intervention of malignant glioma.
Does history matter? Colonial education investments in India
Authors: Chaudhary Latika , Garg Manuj
Published: November 2014

Can good policy overcome or alter the effects of history? This question is addressed in this article using unique district‐level data for 148 districts of former British India. Controlling for observable differences in geography and income, the ordinary least squares estimates suggest a large and positive effect of colonial expenditures on rural primary education in 1911 on rural literacy up to 1991. However, instrumental variable estimates that control for the endogeneity of colonial investments suggest that the effects of historical spending are significant only up to 1971. Two policy changes can account for these findings: an increase in spending following the 1968 National Education Policy and a greater emphasis on the universal provision of public goods such as schools in the 1970s. Unlike recent studies documenting the persistent effects of historical investments on contemporary outcomes, this study emphasizes how effective policies can overturn the effects of history.
The role of catastrophic injury or sudden death of the horse in race‐day jockey falls and injuries inCalifornia, 2007–2012
Authors: Hitchens P. L. , Hill A. E. , Stover S. M.
Published: November 2014

Reasons for performing study

If equine conditions with high likelihood of jockey injury can be determined and subsequently prevented, jockey safety can be enhanced.

Objectives

To identify racehorse injuries or conditions with greatest risk for jockey falls and injuries.

Study design

Retrospective correlation of race‐day jockey fall and injury data with racehorse fatality data.

Methods

Thoroughbred (TB) and Quarter Horse (QH) racehorse cause of death and jockey fall and injury data forCalifornia flat races were reviewed for a 6‐year period. Race and jockey race ride population data were used to determine jockey fall and injury incidence rates relative to cause of racehorse death, and were assessed using Poisson regression. Differences in proportions were assessed usingFisher's exact,Pearson's χ2, andCochran–Mantel–Haenszel tests.

Results

707 racehorses experienced race‐related catastrophic injury or sudden death. 199 jockeys had 601 falls with 325 injuries. Jockeys were 162 times more likely to fall (95% confidence interval 137–192;P<0.001) and 171 times more likely to be injured (95% confidence interval 140–208;P<0.001) when they rode a horse that died in a race. We infer that jockeys were more likely to fall or be injured when riding inQHraces than inTBraces because of a higher incidence of horse fatalities inQHraces. Jockey falls occurred with 24% ofTBand 36% ofQHrace‐related horse fatalities, and jockey injury occurred in 64% of falls. Jockey falls were most common withTBfetlock injuries andQHcarpal, metacarpal and fetlock injuries; and with axial, bilateral and multiple injuries compared with appendicular, unilateral and singular injuries, respectively.

Conclusions

Prevention of the most common catastrophic injuries and conditions of the racehorse, e.g. fetlock injuries, may be most effective at decreasing rates of falls and injuries to horseracing jockeys during racing.
Biochemical characterisation of the seed oils of four safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) varieties grown in north‐eastern of Morocco
Authors: Ben Moumen Abdessamad , Mansouri Farid , Richard Gaetan , Abid Malika , Fauconnier Marie‐Laure , Sindic Marianne , El Amrani Ahmed , Serghini Caid Hana
Published: December 2014

The quality of the oil of four safflower varieties, originating from Spain (Rancho), India (Sharda) and Morocco (Cartamar and Cartafri), which were cultivated at the experimental station in Oujda (a semi‐arid region of eastern Morocco) was evaluated through analysis of their phenolic and carotenoid contents. The composition of the phenolic compounds of safflower oil has not yet been documented. Therefore, in this preliminary study, Thirty different phenolic compounds were identified, and significant differences between the oil varieties were observed (P < 0.05). In the seed oil from the Rancho and Sharda safflower varieties, the main phenolic compound was trans‐chalcone, representing 13.45% and 11.8%, respectively, of the total phenolics, whereas in Cartamar and Cartafri oils, naringin accounted for 26.82% and 16.5%, respectively, of the total phenolics. The total carotenoid contents ranged from 1.13 mg kg−1 (Rancho) to 1.34 mg kg−1 (Cartamar and Cartafri). We observed that β‐cryptoxanthin (0.31–0.37 mg kg−1) and β‐carotene (0.3–0.35 mg kg−1) were the predominant carotenoids in all of the safflower oils that were studied.
Caution: Baby on Board
Authors: Redelmeier Donald , May Sharon
Published: December 2014

Statistical analysis suggests that pregnant women are at greater risk of traffic incidents. Is “baby brain” to blame – or is this an outrageous insult? Donald Redelmeier and Sharon May investigate
Stress to Impress
Authors: Bendell Tony
Published: December 2014

Drawing on the work of Nassim Nicholas Taleb, Tony Bendell considers the role of the statistician in helping build anti-fragile systems and organisations
A Comprehensive Review of School‐Based Body Mass Index Screening Programs and Their Implications for School Health: Do the Controversies Accurately Reflect the Research?
Authors: Ruggieri Dominique G. , Bass Sarah B.
Published: December 2014

BACKGROUND

Whereas legislation for body mass index (BMI) surveillance and screening programs has passed in 25 states, the programs are often subject to ethical debates about confidentiality and privacy, school‐to‐parent communication, and safety and self‐esteem issues for students. Despite this debate, no comprehensive analysis has been completed that compares and contrasts how these issues differentially affect schools, parents, and students.

METHODS

A keyword search from electronic databases a review of state legislation related to BMI surveillance screening was used to identify relevant literature data focused on surveillance screening policies, BMI report cards, parental perceptions of BMI screenings their child's weight status.

RESULTS

This article addresses the gap of previous literature by outlining the ethical considerations and implications that BMI screening programs and report cards have for schools, parents, and students, and links these with outcome studies to address whether these controversies are supported by research.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the controversies surrounding these programs, this review shows that they can be valuable for all parties and demonstrates BMI screening programs to be vital to the development of robust school‐based obesity prevention programs and promotion of healthy lifestyles in schools.
Effect of Peg‐interferon α‐2a combined with Adefovir in HBV postpartum women with normal levels of ALT and high levels of HBV DNA
Authors: Lu Junfeng , Zhang Shibin , Liu Yali , Du Xiaofei , Ren Shan , Zhang Hua , Ma Lina , Chen Yue , Chen Xinyue , Shen Chengli
Published: December 2014

Background & Aims

Currently, routine antiviral treatment is not recommended for immune‐tolerant subjects with chronic HBV infection. In this study, we assessed the treatment efficacy of combining Peg IFN α‐2a with Adefovir (CPIA) in chronic HBV infected pregnant women with normal levels of ALT and high levels of HBV after delivery.

Methods

Chronic hepatitis B pregnant women with normal levels of ALT and high levels of HBV DNA were treated with Telbivudine during the third trimester of their pregnancy. After childbirth, based on serological and virological parameters, the patients were either switched to CPIA treatment for 96 weeks or stopped Telbivudine treatment and followed for 48 weeks.

Results

A total of 68 patients were enrolled in this study. Thirty (30/68) of them were switched to CPIA treatment after childbirth, 93.3% (28/30) of them achieved virological response, 56.7% (17/30) achieved HBeAg seroclearance and 26.7% (8/30) cleared HBsAg. The HBV DNA and HBeAg levels before CPIA treatment were negatively associated with HBeAg seroclearance. HBsAg and HBeAg levels in week 12 and week 24 after CPIA treatment were negatively associated with HBsAg seroclearance. Thirty‐eight (38/68) patients did not receive antiviral treatment after childbirth, and none of them had HBeAg or HBsAg clearance.

Conclusion

High rates of viral response and clearance were achieved in chronic hepatitis B pregnant woman with normal levels of ALT and high levels of HBV DNA treated by CPIA after childbirth. (231 words).
Descriptive epidemiology of children hospitalized for inflammatory bowel disease in Japan: Inpatient database analysis
Authors: Takeuchi Masato , Tomomasa Takeshi , Yasunaga Hideo , Horiguchi Hiromasa , Fushimi Kiyohide
Published: December 2014

Background

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) – Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) – are chronic inflammatory disorders of the intestine. Patients with IBD are at risk of hospitalization for disease exacerbation or IBD‐associated complications. In the pediatric population, however, there are limited data on IBD hospitalizations. We therefore investigated the descriptive epidemiology of hospitalizations relevant to pediatric IBD.

Methods

The national inpatient claims database in Japan was searched for children (≤18 years old) with a diagnosis of IBD. The study period was 2007–2010. Data on demographic characteristics and descriptive statistics of the hospital course were extracted and analyzed.

Results

A total of 3559 admissions of 2175 patients met the definition of pediatric IBD: there were 1999 admissions for CD and 1560 admissions for UC. Internists were responsible for patient care in 56.6% of admissions, followed by pediatricians (27.5%). Of 3559 admissions, unscheduled hospitalizations accounted for 79.7%, and 7.6% of hospitalizations were attributable to complications of IBD, including intestinal, extraintestinal and other manifestations. The median age at first admission was 16 years (IQR, 13–17 years), in both the CD and UC groups. Compared with UC patients, CD patients had a higher number of hospitalizations (P < 0.001), but hospital stay was shorter (median: 6 vs 16 days, P < 0.001). There were seven fatal cases of IBD, accounting for 0.32% in the present series, and sepsis was the cause in five.

Conclusions

This study provides a description of pediatric inpatients with IBD and their hospital course in Japan.
Cautionary Notes on Navigating the Neurocognitive Turn
Authors: Pitts‐Taylor Victoria
Published: December 2014

The approach sociologists should take toward the biological sciences, particularly in light of the neurocognitive turn that is taking place in many other disciplines, is not as straightforward as some have suggested. Advocates of bridging neurocognitive and sociological frameworks have argued that we should learn and utilize neurocognitive science in order to refresh sociological concepts, as well as to contribute positively to the development of bio/psycho/social knowledge. However, I argue that the onto‐epistemological question of how we should approach neuroscientific knowledge, which has yet to be resolved, should be foregrounded rather than forgotten in these efforts. Without a willingness to criticize as well as learn from neurocognitive science, and wade into its internal debates, sociologists risk reifying neurocognitive knowledge and diminishing awareness and appreciation of its complexities and contradictions.
Fracture and migration into the coronary sinus of a totally implantable catheter introduced via the right internal jugular vein
Authors: Pignataro Bruno Soriano , Nishinari Kenji , Wolosker Nelson , Bomfim Guilherme Andre Zoteli
Published: December 2014

There has been an increase in the use of totally implantable devices. Catheter fractures are rare but known complications. This case report presents a rare migration site of the catheter fragment into the coronary sinus. The totally implantable catheter was introduced into the right internal jugular vein to deliver chemotherapy. Although it was an unusual site, the catheter fragment was removed without complications using loop-snare technique.
Structure scalars and super-Poynting vector of tilted Szekeres geometry
Authors: Sharif M. , Zaeem Ul Haq Bhatti M.
Published: December 2014

In this paper, we study a version of Szekeres spacetime which is radially moving with respect to the congruence of observers and is endowed with vorticity as pointed out by Herrera et al. [L. Herrera, A. Di Prisco and J. Ibáñez, Phys. Rev. D 86 (2012) 044003]. The dynamical variables as well as structure scalars associated with tilted and nontilted frames are explored. Moreover, an explicit expression for the super-Poynting vector has been investigated in this scenario. We confirm the fact that the vorticity in the tilted Szekeres spacetime is not linked with the circular flow of superenergy on the planes perpendicular to the vorticity vector indicating its kinematical nature [L. Herrera, A. Di Prisco and J. Ibáñez, Phys. Rev. D 87 (2011) 087503]. Finally, we explore the effect of cosmological constant on the structure scalars for nontilted geometry.
Loop anomalies in the causal approach
Authors: Grigore Dan-Radu
Published: November 2014

We consider gauge models in the causal approach and study one-loop contributions to the chronological products and the anomalies they produce. We prove that in order greater than 4 there are no one-loop anomalies. Next we analyze one-loop anomalies in the second- and third-order of the perturbation theory. We prove that the even parity contributions (with respect to parity) do not produce anomalies; for the odd parity contributions we reobtain the well-known result.
A Corrugated Graphene–Carbon Nanotube Composite as Electrode Material
Authors: Zhang Meixi , Alvarez Noe T. , Zhao Daoli , Zhang Lu , Haase Mark R. , Malik Rachit , Katuscak Christopher , Wang Tingting , Shanov Vesselin
Published: December 2014

A graphene and carbon nanotube (CNT) array composite was synthesized by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and chemically treated after synthesis, yielding a novel corrugated structure, visually similar to a mushroom gill. This binder-free hybrid material was used to make an electrode that may find application in energy storage devices, such as supercapacitors. The electrode performance of the corrugated graphene/CNT array composite (CGCC) was compared to that of commercial glassy carbon. The results of the comparison are presented here, along with suggestions for further development of the CGCC electrode.
ACTUARIAL IMPLICATIONS OF STRUCTURAL CHANGES IN EL NIÑO-SOUTHERN OSCILLATION INDEX DYNAMICS
Authors: CHEN SHU-LING , HUANG YU-LIEH
Published: December 2014

The influence of climate variability on agricultural production and financial risks faced by an individual or an institution has been the center of the public discussion in the recent years. The changing weather patterns and environmental conditions could cause substantial unpredicted economic losses. Failure to capture such changes would underestimate the insurance contract's expected indemnity and further create a major obstacle for insurance sectors. In this paper, we undertake a case study of El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) Index insurance for coastal Peru proposed by Skees. We examined the behavior of El Niño index and uncovered the evidence that the conditional volatility of El Niño index has changed over time. A fractionally integrated GARCH (FIGARCH) process that captures long memory behavior for conditional variance and allows the disturbance variance to vary over time is used to design and rate the ENSO Index insurance contract. Our results show that, with the time-invariant AR(2) model serving as a benchmark, the AR(2)-FIGARCH(1, d, 1) model outperforms the AR(2) model in both in-sample fit and out-of-sample forecast for El Niño index. Moreover, the time-invariant model could underestimate the premium rates, exposing the insurer to undesired underwriting risk and ultimately causing the index insurance market to collapse.
Clock Tree Synthesis Considering Slew Effect on Supply Voltage Variation
Authors: Wang Chun-Kai , Chang Yeh-Chi , Chen Hung-Ming , Chin Ching-Yu
Published: November 2014

This work tackles a problem of clock power minimization within a skew constraint under supply voltage variation. This problem is defined in the ISPD 2010 benchmark. Unlike mesh and cross link that reduce clock skew uncertainty by multiple driving paths, our focus is on controlling skew uncertainty in the structure of the tree. We observe that slow slew amplifies supply voltage variation, which induces larger path delay variation and skew uncertainty. To obtain the optimality, we formulate a symmetric clock tree synthesis as a mathematical programming problem in which the slew effect is considered by an NLDM-like cell delay variation model. A symmetry-to-asymmetry tree transformation is proposed to further reduce wire loading. Experimental results show that the proposed four methods save up to 20% of clock tree capacitance loading. Beyond controlling slew to suppress supply-voltage-variation-induced skew, we also discuss the strategies of clock tree synthesis under variant variation scenarios and the limitations of the ISPD 2010 benchmark.
Inflammation and ER Stress Downregulate BDH2 Expression and Dysregulate Intracellular Iron in Macrophages
Authors: Zughaier Susu M. , Stauffer Brandon B. , McCarty Nael A.
Published: December 2014

Macrophages play a very important role in host defense and in iron homeostasis by engulfing senescent red blood cells and recycling iron. Hepcidin is the master iron regulating hormone that limits dietary iron absorption from the gut and limits iron egress from macrophages. Upon infection macrophages retain iron to limit its bioavailability which limits bacterial growth. Recently, a short chain butyrate dehydrogenase type 2 (BDH2) protein was reported to contain an iron responsive element and to mediate cellular iron trafficking by catalyzing the synthesis of the mammalian siderophore that binds labile iron; therefore, BDH2 plays a crucial role in intracellular iron homeostasis. However, BDH2 expression and regulation in macrophages have not yet been described. Here we show that LPS-induced inflammation combined with ER stress led to massive BDH2 downregulation, increased the expression of ER stress markers, upregulated hepcidin expression, downregulated ferroportin expression, caused iron retention in macrophages, and dysregulated cytokine release from macrophages. We also show that ER stress combined with inflammation synergistically upregulated the expression of the iron carrier protein NGAL and the stress-inducible heme degrading enzyme heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) leading to iron liberation. This is the first report to show that inflammation and ER stress downregulate the expression of BDH2 in human THP-1 macrophages.
Long-Lasting Production of New T and B Cells and T-Cell Repertoire Diversity in Patients with Primary Immunodeficiency Who Had Undergone Stem Cell Transplantation: A Single-Centre Experience
Authors: Valotti Monica , Sottini Alessandra , Lanfranchi Arnalda , Bolda Federica , Serana Federico , Bertoli Diego , Giustini Viviana , Vaglio Tessitore Marion , Caimi Luigi , Imberti Luisa
Published: December 2014

Levels of Kappa-deleting recombination excision circles (KRECs), T-cell receptor excision circles (TRECs), and T-cell repertoire diversity were evaluated in 1038 samples of 124 children with primary immunodeficiency, of whom 102 (54 with severe combined immunodeficiency and 48 with other types of immunodeficiency) underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Twenty-two not transplanted patients with primary immunodeficiency were used as controls. Only data of patients from whom at least five samples were sent to the clinical laboratory for routine monitoring of lymphocyte reconstitutions were included in the analysis. The mean time of the follow-up was 8 years. The long-lasting posttransplantation kinetics of KREC and TREC production occurred similarly in patients with severe combined immunodeficiency and with other types of immunodeficiency and, in both groups, the T-cell reconstitution was more efficient than in nontransplanted children. Although thymic output decreased in older transplanted patients, the degree of T-cell repertoire diversity, after an initial increase, remained stable during the observation period. However, the presence of graft-versus-host disease and ablative conditioning seemed to play a role in the time-related shaping of T-cell repertoire. Overall, our data suggest that long-term B- and T-cell reconstitution was equally achieved in children with severe combined immunodeficiency and with other types of primary immunodeficiency.
Kinematics and Dynamics of an Asymmetrical Parallel Robotic Wrist
Authors: Wu Guanglei
Published: December 2014

This paper introduces an asymmetrical parallel robotic wrist, which can generate a decoupled unlimited-torsion motion and achieve high positioning accuracy. The kinematics, dexterity, and singularities of the manipulator are investigated to visualize the performance contours of the manipulator. Using the method of Lagrange multipliers and considering all the mobile components, the equations of motion of the manipulator are derived to investigate the dynamic characteristics efficiently. The developed dynamic model is numerically illustrated and compared with its simplified formulation to show its computation accuracy.
Investigation of Structural, Magnetic, and Optical Properties of ZnO Codoped with Co and Cd
Authors: Mustafa Lubna , Anjum Safia , Waseem Salma , Zia Rehana , Choudhry Rameesha , Ramay Shahid M. , Mahmood Asif , Atiq Shahid , Khan Salah Ud-Din
Published: November 2014

Co and Cd have been codoped in ZnO using a simple solid state reaction technique to synthesize dilute magnetic oxide semiconductors of composition Zn0.9Co0.1−xCdxO (x = 0.0-0.1with an increment of 0.02). Hexagonal wurtzite structure has been obtained for samples up tox = 0.06, using X-ray diffractometry. However, atx = 0.08and 0.1, secondary peak of CdO is observed. Raman spectra of the samples have been obtained in 200–800 cm−1range. UV-VIS spectrophotometer is used to study the optical properties, which shows that band gap energy decreases with the increase in Cd concentration. A weak ferromagnetic behavior was evident which decreased further by adding Cd in the series. Room temperature resistivity measurements performed using four-point probe technique showed that their values lie in the semiconductor range. Structural morphology of the samples has been investigated by a scanning electron microscope and grain size has been determined. Raman spectra and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed the successful incorporation of Co and Cd ions into the host ZnO lattice.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Pseudo-Class III Malocclusion
Authors: Reyes Ariel , Serret Luis , Peguero Marcos , Tanaka Orlando
Published: November 2014

Pseudo-Class III malocclusion is characterized by the presence of an anterior crossbite due to a forward functional displacement of the mandible; in most cases, the maxillary incisors present some degree of retroclination, and the mandibular incisors are proclined. Various types of appliances have been described in the literature for the early treatment of pseudo-Class III malocclusion. The objectives of this paper are to demonstrate the importance of making the differential diagnosis between a skeletal and a pseudo-Class III malocclusion and to describe the correction of an anterior crossbite. The association of maxillary expansion and a 2 × 4 appliance can successfully be used to correct anterior crossbites.
Computer Aided-Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer on Multiparametric MRI: A Technical Review of Current Research
Authors: Wang Shijun , Burtt Karen , Turkbey Baris , Choyke Peter , Summers Ronald M.
Published: December 2014

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men in the United States. In this paper, we survey computer aided-diagnosis (CADx) systems that use multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MP-MRI) for detection and diagnosis of prostate cancer. We review and list mainstream techniques that are commonly utilized in image segmentation, registration, feature extraction, and classification. The performances of 15 state-of-the-art prostate CADx systems are compared through the area under their receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC). Challenges and potential directions to further the research of prostate CADx are discussed in this paper. Further improvements should be investigated to make prostate CADx systems useful in clinical practice.
Safety and Preliminary Evidence of Biologic Efficacy of a Mammaglobin-A DNA Vaccine in Patients with Stable Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Tiriveedhi Venkataswarup , Tucker Natalia , Herndon John , Li Lijin , Sturmoski Mark , Ellis Matthew , Ma Cynthia , Naughton Michael , Lockhart A. Craig , Gao Feng , Fleming Timothy , Goedegebuure Peter , Mohanakumar Thalachallour , Gillanders William E.
Published: December 2014

Purpose: Mammaglobin-A (MAM-A) is overexpressed in 40% to 80% of primary breast cancers. We initiated a phase I clinical trial of a MAM-A DNA vaccine to evaluate its safety and biologic efficacy.

Experimental Design: Patients with breast cancer with stable metastatic disease were eligible for enrollment. Safety was monitored with clinical and laboratory assessments. The CD8 T-cell response was measured by ELISPOT, flow cytometry, and cytotoxicity assays. Progression-free survival (PFS) was described using the Kaplan–Meier product limit estimator.

Results: Fourteen subjects have been treated with the MAM-A DNA vaccine and no significant adverse events have been observed. Eight of 14 subjects were HLA-A2+, and the CD8 T-cell response to vaccination was studied in detail. Flow cytometry demonstrated a significant increase in the frequency of MAM-A–specific CD8 T cells after vaccination (0.9% ± 0.5% vs. 3.8% ± 1.2%; P < 0.001), and ELISPOT analysis demonstrated an increase in the number of MAM-A–specific IFNγ-secreting T cells (41 ± 32 vs. 215 ± 67 spm; P < 0.001). Although this study was not powered to evaluate progression-free survival (PFS), preliminary evidence suggests that subjects treated with the MAM-A DNA vaccine had improved PFS compared with subjects who met all eligibility criteria, were enrolled in the trial, but were not vaccinated because of HLA phenotype.

Conclusion: The MAM-A DNA vaccine is safe, capable of eliciting MAM-A–specific CD8 T-cell responses, and preliminary evidence suggests improved PFS. Additional studies are required to define the potential of the MAM-A DNA vaccine for breast cancer prevention and/or therapy. Clin Cancer Res; 20(23); 5964–75. ©2014 AACR.
Clinical Results and Higher-Order Aberrations after 1.4-mm Biaxial Cataract Surgery and Implantation of a New Aspheric Intraocular Lens
Authors: von Sonnleithner Christoph , Bergholz Richard , Gonnermann Johannes , Klamann Matthias K. , Torun Necip , Bertelmann Eckart
Published: December 2014

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical outcome and higher-order aberrations (HOAs) after 1.4-mm biaxial microincision cataract surgery (B-MICS) and implantation of a new aspheric intraocular lens (IOL). Material and Methods: A total of 157 eyes of 106 patients were enrolled in this prospective, single-center study. The B-MICS (1.4 mm, 26 eyes) was followed by an implantation of a microincision aspheric Incise® IOL MJ14T (Bausch & Lomb, Rochester, N.Y., USA). The control groups consisted of patients operated with 1.8-mm (coaxial MICS, Akreos MI60, 41 eyes), 2.2-mm (small incision cataract surgery, Tecnis ZCB00, 44 eyes) and 2.2-mm (small incision cataract surgery, CT Asphina, 46 eyes) coaxial phacoemulsification with implantation of an aspheric IOL. Intraoperative and postoperative complications, best-corrected visual acuity, HOAs for a 5.0-mm pupil using the iTrace aberrometer (Tracey Technologies, Houston, Tex., USA) and endothelial cell loss were evaluated. The difference among the groups was evaluated by analysis of variance. Results: In the Incise group, the mean best-corrected visual acuity improved significantly from 0.4 ± 0.27 logMAR preoperatively to 0.05 ± 0.07 postoperatively. The root mean square of total ocular HOAs was measured at 0.419 ± 0.191 µm, spherical aberration was measured at 0.168 ± 0.072 µm and coma was measured at 0.213 ± 0.200 µm. The best-corrected visual acuity (p = 0.097), total ocular HOA (p = 0.630) and coma (p = 0.193) showed no statistically significant difference between the 4 groups. Conclusion: The aspheric microincision IOL was safely implanted through a 1.4-mm incision and showed similarly good postoperative outcome in comparison to 1.8- and 2.2-mm coaxial phacoemulsification. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel
The Immunomodulatory Properties of Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells Isolated from Inflamed Periodontal Granulation
Authors: Li Chenghua , Wang Xinwen , Tan Jun , Wang Tao , Wang Qintao
Published: December 2014

Periodontitis is currently the main cause of tooth loss and as yet there is no appropriate method for establishing a functional and predictable periodontal regeneration. Tissue engineering involving seed cells provides a new prospect for periodontal regeneration. While periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) are a good choice for seed cells, it is not always possible to obtain the patients' own PDLSCs. We and others have found a type of stromal cells from inflamed periodontal granulation. These cells displayed similar differentiation properties to PDLSCs. Inflammation has a profound influence on the immunomodulatory properties of mesenchymal stem cells, which may affect therapeutic outcome. In this study, we assessed the immunomodulatory characteristics of these inflamed human (ih)PDLSCs. Along with the similarity in cell surface marker expressions, they also displayed immunomodulatory properties comparable to those in healthy human (hh)PDLSCs. Both hhPDLSCs and ihPDLSCs can suppress the proliferation and secretion of IFN-γ in peripheral blood mononuclear cells by indirect soluble mediators and direct cell-cell contact. Albeit with some quantitative variances, the gene expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthases, indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase, cyclooxygenase-2, TNF-α-induced protein 6 and IL-10 in ihPDLSCs displayed similar patterns as those in hhPDLSCs. Taken together, our results suggest that ihPDLSCs can provide a promising alternative to hhPDLSCs in terms of evident similarities in immunomodulatory properties as well as their easier accessibility and availability.
Treatment Outcome and Relevance of Palliative Chemotherapy in Urachal Cancer
Authors: Jung Hyun Ae , Sun Jong-Mu , Park Se Hoon , Kwon Ghee Young , Lim Ho Yeong
Published: December 2014

Background: Urachal cancer is a rare malignancy that accounts for <1% of bladder cancers. There is currently no consensus on the diagnosis and management of urachal cancer and there are very few reports on palliative chemotherapy for unresectable disease. We delineate the clinical features and treatment outcome of urachal cancer, in particular the relevance of palliative chemotherapy in recurrent, metastatic disease. Methods: The clinicopathologic variables and treatment outcome of patients who were treated for urachal cancer were retrospectively reviewed. Results: Among 28 eligible patients, 25 had localized disease and 3 had metastatic disease at initial diagnosis. All patients with localized disease underwent curative resection and there was disease recurrence in 10. Out of 13 patients with metastatic disease either at initial diagnosis or during follow-up, the lung was the most common metastatic site (n = 5), followed by the liver, bone and peritoneum. Ten patients received palliative chemotherapy. A total of 24 chemotherapeutic regimens were administered; regimens with a base of fluoropyrimidine (5-FU), taxane and gemcitabine were the most common. The overall response rate of all chemotherapeutic regimens was 16.7%. The 5-FU-based regimens showed a good response, with 2 of 4 patients who received these showing a partial response. One tumor with a partial small-cell component showed a partial response to both an etoposide-based regimen and a taxane-based regimen. Conclusions: In urachal cancer, curative surgery is still the recommended treatment with respect to overall survival. A 5-FU-based chemotherapy regimen could be considered for metastatic recurrent disease. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel