bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protein-Protein Interactions Inferred from Domain-Domain Interactions in Genogroup II Genotype 4 Norovirus Sequences
Authors: Huang Chuan-Ching , Tang Chuan Yi
Published: May 2013

Severe gastroenteritis and foodborne illness caused by Noroviruses (NoVs) during the winter are a worldwide phenomenon. Vulnerable populations including young children and elderly and immunocompromised people often require hospitalization and may die. However, no efficient vaccine for NoVs exists because of their variable genome sequences. This study investigates the infection processes in protein-protein interactions between hosts and NoVs. Protein-protein interactions were collected from related Pfam NoV domains. The related Pfam domains were accumulated incrementally from the protein domain interaction database. To examine the influence of domain intimacy, the 7 NoV domains were grouped by depth. The number of domain-domain interactions increased exponentially as the depth increased. Many protein-protein interactions were relevant; therefore, cloud techniques were used to analyze data because of their computational capacity. The infection relationship between hosts and NoVs should be used in clinical applications and drug design.
Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome in a Patient with Newly Diagnosed HIV Infection and End Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Kurukumbi Mohankumar , Castellanos Maria I. , Crawford Amanda K. , Gowdar Shreyas D. , Jayam-Trouth Annapurni
Published: May 2013

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a clinicoradiological syndrome in which patients present with an acute or subacute clinical presentation of seizures, visual disturbances, headache, and altered mental status. The pathophysiology of PRES may be explained by endothelial dysfunction that leads to transudation of fluids and protein, resulting in vasogenic cerebral edema. PRES is typically associated with many conditions such as hypertension, uremia, immunosuppressive drugs, and sepsis. This is a case report of a 39-year-old woman with untreated HIV infection and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) who developed PRES with a normal blood pressure and no other known causes of PRES. Untreated HIV is associated with known endothelial dysfunction and we believe that this, in combination with her untreated end-stage renal disease, contributed to her unique presentation of PRES. Although uncommon in HIV-infected patients and challenging to diagnose, prompt recognition of PRES is critical to provide appropriate care and ensure reversibility of the vasogenic edema seen in PRES.
Could Ossification of the Achilles Tendon Have a Hereditary Component?
Authors: Cortbaoui Chawki , Matta Jihad , Elkattah Rayan
Published: May 2013

Ossification of the Achilles tendon (OTA) is an unusual clinical condition. It is characterized by the presence of an ossified mass within the fibrocartilaginous substance of the Achilles tendon. The etiology of the ossification of the Achilles tendon is unknown. Review of the literature suggests that its etiology is multifactorial. The major contributing factors are trauma and surgery with other minor causes such as systemic diseases, metabolic conditions, and infections. To our knowledge, no previous reports suggest any genetic/hereditary predisposition in OAT. We report 3 siblings who have OAT with no history of any of the aforementioned predisposing factors. Could OAT have a hereditary component as one of its etiologies?
Research on Zheng Classification Fusing Pulse Parameters in Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Guo Rui , Wang Yi-Qin , Xu Jin , Yan Hai-Xia , Yan Jian-Jun , Li Fu-Feng , Xu Zhao-Xia , Xu Wen-Jie
Published: May 2013

This study was conducted to illustrate that nonlinear dynamic variables of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) pulse can improve the performances of TCM Zheng classification models. Pulse recordings of 334 coronary heart disease (CHD) patients and 117 normal subjects were collected in this study. Recurrence quantification analysis (RQA) was employed to acquire nonlinear dynamic variables of pulse. TCM Zheng models in CHD were constructed, and predictions using a novel multilabel learning algorithm based on different datasets were carried out. Datasets were designed as follows:dataset1, TCM inquiry information including inspection information;dataset2, time-domain variables of pulse anddataset1;dataset3, RQA variables of pulse anddataset1; anddataset4, major principal components of RQA variables anddataset1. The performances of the different models for Zheng differentiation were compared. The model for Zheng differentiation based on RQA variables integrated with inquiry information had the best performance, whereas that based only on inquiry had the worst performance. Meanwhile, the model based on time-domain variables of pulse integrated with inquiry fell between the above two. This result showed that RQA variables of pulse can be used to construct models of TCM Zheng and improve the performance of Zheng differentiation models.
Case Study of Ecstatic Meditation: fMRI and EEG Evidence of Self-Stimulating a Reward System
Authors: Hagerty Michael R. , Isaacs Julian , Brasington Leigh , Shupe Larry , Fetz Eberhard E. , Cramer Steven C.
Published: May 2013

We report the first neural recording during ecstatic meditations called jhanas and test whether a brain reward system plays a role in the joy reported. Jhanas are Altered States of Consciousness (ASC) that imply major brain changes based on subjective reports: (1) external awareness dims, (2) internal verbalizations fade, (3) the sense of personal boundaries is altered, (4) attention is highly focused on the object of meditation, and (5) joy increases to high levels. The fMRI and EEG results from an experienced meditator show changes in brain activity in 11 regions shown to be associated with the subjective reports, and these changes occur promptly after jhana is entered. In particular, the extreme joy is associated not only with activation of cortical processes but also with activation of the nucleus accumbens (NAc) in the dopamine/opioid reward system. We test three mechanisms by which the subject might stimulate his own reward system by external means and reject all three. Taken together, these results demonstrate an apparently novel method of self-stimulating a brain reward system using only internal mental processes in a highly trained subject.
Minimally Invasive Direct Repair of Bilateral Lumbar Spine Pars Defects in Athletes
Authors: Widi Gabriel A. , Williams Seth K. , Levi Allan D.
Published: May 2013

Spondylolysis of the lumbar spine has traditionally been treated using a variety of techniques ranging from conservative care to fusion. Direct repair of the defect may be utilized in young adult patients without significant disc degeneration and lumbar instability. We used minimally invasive techniques to place pars interarticularis screws with the use of an intraoperative CT scanner in three young adults, including two athletes. This technique is a modification of the original procedure in 1970 by Buck, and it offers the advantage of minimal muscle dissection and optimal screw trajectory. There were no intra- or postoperative complications. The detailed operative procedure and the postoperative course along with a brief review of pars interarticularis defect treatment are discussed.
Visceral Myopathy Presenting as Acute Appendicitis and Ogilvie Syndrome
Authors: Kharbuja Punyaram , Thakur Raghvendra , Suo Jian
Published: May 2013

Background. Visceral myopathy is rare pathological condition of gastrointestinal tract with uncertain clinical presentation and unknown etiology. It often presents with symptoms of chronic intestinal pseudoobstruction of colon. We report a case of visceral myopathy which presented to us as acute appendicitis and Ogilvie syndrome, and we managed it surgically.Method and Result. A case report of 20-year female clinically presented as acute appendicitis and we performed laparoscopic exploration which revealed inflamed appendix with grossly dilated ascending colon. We performed laparoscopic appendectomy and postoperatively managed the patients with IV fluids, antibiotics, neostigmine, and extended length rectal tube for enema and decompression. During postoperative period, she developed abdomen distension and peritonitis, and we ordered abdomen CT which revealed colon pseudo- obstruction. We performed right hemicolectomy with permanent ileostomy, and the histopathology reports of resected colon were visceral myopathy.Conclusion. Visceral myopathy is very rare group of disease and poorly understood condition that may present with chronic or acute intestinal pseudo-obstruction and often mimic other more common gastrointestinal disease. VM should be considered as differential diagnosis whenever the patient presents with acute appendicitis, uncharacteristic abdominal symptoms, recurrent attacks of abdominal distention, and pain with no radiological evidence of intestinal obstruction.
Comparison of Shared Reading versus Emergent Reading: How the Two Provide Distinct Opportunities for Early Literacy
Authors: Curenton Stephanie M. , Kennedy Symonne
Published: May 2013

This study examined mother-child interactions across two types of reading interactions—shared reading versus emergent reading—in order to determine (a) if mothers and children provide the same amount of language input across the two interactions, (b) if the socioemotional quality is consistent across the interactions, and (c) if the language input and socioemotional quality across the two interactions are differentially associated with children’s scores on early literacy assessments. Twenty-five mother-child dyads participated in both interactions. Children were given a standardized test of early reading and an emergent reading score based on a rubric designed particularly for the book they were reading. Results indicated that during the shared reading mothers provided more language input (i.e., they talked more), but children increased their amount of talk during the emergent reading, making such input effects null. Overall, socioemotional quality was consistent across the two interactions, except mothers provide more literacy feedback during shared reading. Both language input and socioemotional quality were associated with higher scores on early literacy assessments, but the contribution of these factors varied depending across the type of reading interaction. Results are discussed in terms of education implications for literacy practices at home and school.
Revealing the Mechanism ofIn VitroWound Healing Properties ofCitrus tamuranaExtract
Authors: Harishkumar Madhyastha , Masatoshi Yamaguchi , Hiroshi Sameshima , Tsuyomu Ikenoue , Masugi Maruyama
Published: May 2013

In the present investigation, we examined the effect of Hyuganatsu (Citrus tamurana) extract (HE) on skin fibroblast (TIG-119) proliferation and migration duringin vitrowound healing. HE selectively inhibited proliferation of TIG-119 cells at higher concentration (>1.0 mg/mL); at lower concentrations (0.1, 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75 mg/mL), it exhibited linear and time-dependent cell proliferation.In vitroscratch wound healing studies showed that the HE also accelerated the migration of cells towards the wounded region. Cytometric analysis demonstrated that HE extract did not alter G1/0 and S phases of cell cycle in any concentration studied; however, G2/M phases of cell cycle were significantly (P<0.05) accelerated at 0.75 mg/mL dose. RT-PCR and Western blotting analysis indicated that HE markedly overexpressed levels of Rac-1, Rho-A, and Cdc-42 mRNA and the respective proteins. Cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdk-1 and -2) gene expression activity was significantly (P<0.05) increased, but protein content decreased during treatment with HE. The induction of Cdk-1 and -2 by HE was abolished by inhibitors, transcription (DRB), and translation (CHX), implying transcriptional regulation that requiredde novoprotein synthesis.
MEK1/2 Inhibition Decreases Lactate in BRAF-Driven Human Cancer Cells
Authors: Falck Miniotis Maria , Arunan Vaitha , Eykyn Thomas R. , Marais Richard , Workman Paul , Leach Martin O. , Beloueche-Babari Mounia
Published: May 2013

The RAS/BRAF/MEK/ERK signaling pathway is a central driver in cancer with many BRAF and MEK inhibitors being evaluated in clinical trials. Identifying noninvasive biomarkers of early pharmacodynamic responses is important for development of these targeted drugs. As increased aerobic glycolysis is often observed in cancer, we hypothesized that MEK1/2 (MAP2K1/MAP2K2) inhibitors may reduce lactate levels as detected by magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), as a metabolic biomarker for the pharmacodynamic response. MRS was used to monitor intracellular and extracellular levels of lactate in human cancer cells in vitro and in melanoma tumors ex vivo. In addition, we used 1H MRS and a fluorescent glucose analog to evaluate the effect of MEK inhibition on glucose uptake. MEK1/2 signaling inhibition reduced extracellular lactate levels in BRAF-dependent cells but not BRAF-independent cells. The reduction in extracellular lactate in BRAF-driven melanoma cells was time-dependent and associated with reduced expression of hexokinase-II driven by c-Myc depletion. Taken together, these results reveal how MEK1/2 inhibition affects cancer cell metabolism in the context of BRAF oncogene addiction. Furthermore, they offer a preclinical proof-of-concept for the use of MRS to measure lactate as a noninvasive metabolic biomarker for pharmacodynamic response to MEK1/2 inhibition in BRAF-driven cancers. Cancer Res; 73(13); 4039–49. ©2013 AACR.
Mitogenic Insulin Receptor-A Is Overexpressed in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma due to EGFR-Mediated Dysregulation of RNA Splicing Factors
Authors: Chettouh Hamza , Fartoux Laetitia , Aoudjehane Lynda , Wendum Dominique , Clapéron Audrey , Chrétien Yves , Rey Colette , Scatton Olivier , Soubrane Olivier , Conti Filomena , Praz Françoise , Housset Chantal , Rosmorduc Olivier , Desbois-Mouthon Christèle
Published: May 2013

Insulin receptor (IR) exists as two isoforms resulting from the alternative splicing of IR pre-mRNA. IR-B promotes the metabolic effects of insulin, whereas IR-A rather signals proliferative effects. IR-B is predominantly expressed in the adult liver. Here, we show that the alternative splicing of IR pre-mRNA is dysregulated in a panel of 85 human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) while being normal in adjacent nontumor liver tissue. An IR-B to IR-A switch is frequently observed in HCC tumors regardless of tumor etiology. Using pharmacologic and siRNA approaches, we show that the autocrine or paracrine activation of the EGF receptor (EGFR)/mitogen-activated protein/extracellular signal–regulated kinase pathway increases the IR-A:IR-B ratio in HCC cell lines, but not in normal hepatocytes, by upregulating the expression of the splicing factors CUGBP1, hnRNPH, hnRNPA1, hnRNPA2B1, and SF2/ASF. In HCC tumors, there is a significant correlation between the expression of IR-A and that of splicing factors. Dysregulation of IR pre-mRNA splicing was confirmed in a chemically induced model of HCC in rat but not in regenerating livers after partial hepatectomy. This study identifies a mechanism responsible for the generation of mitogenic IR-A and provides a novel interplay between IR and EGFR pathways in HCC. Increased expression of IR-A during neoplastic transformation of hepatocytes could mediate some of the adverse effects of hyperinsulinemia on HCC. Cancer Res; 73(13); 3974–86. ©2013 AACR.
IGF-1R Targeting Increases the Antitumor Effects of DNA-Damaging Agents in SCLC Model: An Opportunity to Increase the Efficacy of Standard Therapy
Authors: Ferté Charles , Loriot Yohann , Clémenson Céline , Commo Frederic , Gombos Andrea , Bibault Jean-Emmanuel , Fumagalli Ingrid , Hamama Saad , Auger Nathalie , Lahon Benoit , Chargari Cyrus , Calderaro Julien , Soria Jean-Charles , Deutsch Eric
Published: May 2013

Insulin-like growth factor receptor-1 (IGF-1R) inhibition could be a relevant therapeutic approach in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) given the importance of an IGF-1R autocrine loop and its role in DNA damage repair processes. We assessed IGF-1R and pAkt protein expression in 83 SCLC human specimens. The efficacy of R1507 (a monoclonal antibody directed against IGF-1R) alone or combined with cisplatin or ionizing radiation (IR) was evaluated in H69, H146, and H526 cells in vitro and in vivo. Innovative genomic and functional approaches were conducted to analyze the molecular behavior under the different treatment conditions. A total of 53% and 37% of human specimens expressed IGF-1R and pAkt, respectively. R1507 showed single-agent activity in H146 and H526 cells but not in H69 cells. R1507 exhibited synergistic effects with both cisplatin and IR in vitro. The triple combination R1507-cisplatin-IR led to a dramatic delay in tumor growth compared with cisplatin-IR in H526 cells. Analyzing the apparent absence of antitumoral effect of R1507 alone in vivo, we observed a transient reduction of IGF-1R staining intensity in vivo, concomitant to the activation of multiple cell surface receptors and intracellular proteins involved in proliferation, angiogenesis, and survival. Finally, we identified that the nucleotide excision repair pathway was mediated after exposure to R1507-CDDP and R1507-IR in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, adding R1507 to the current standard cisplatin-IR doublet reveals remarkable chemo- and radiosensitizing effects in selected SCLC models and warrants to be investigated in the clinical setting. Mol Cancer Ther; 12(7); 1213–22. ©2013 AACR.
Prospective Multicenter Randomized Intermediate Biomarker Study of Oral Contraceptive versus Depo-Provera for Prevention of Endometrial Cancer in Women with Lynch Syndrome
Authors: Lu Karen H. , Loose David S. , Yates Melinda S. , Nogueras-Gonzalez Graciela M. , Munsell Mark F. , Chen Lee-may , Lynch Henry , Cornelison Terri , Boyd-Rogers Stephanie , Rubin Mary , Daniels Molly S. , Conrad Peggy , Milbourne Andrea , Gershenson David M. , Broaddus Russell R.
Published: May 2013

Women with Lynch syndrome have a 40% to 60% lifetime risk for developing endometrial cancer, a cancer associated with estrogen imbalance. The molecular basis for endometrial-specific tumorigenesis is unclear. Progestins inhibit estrogen-driven proliferation, and epidemiologic studies have shown that progestin-containing oral contraceptives (OCP) reduce the risk of endometrial cancer by 50% in women at general population risk. It is unknown whether they are effective in women with Lynch syndrome. Asymptomatic women ages 25 to 50 with Lynch syndrome were randomized to receive the progestin compounds Depo-Provera (depo-MPA) or OCP for three months. An endometrial biopsy and transvaginal ultrasound were conducted before and after treatment. Endometrial proliferation was evaluated as the primary endpoint. Histology and a panel of surrogate endpoint biomarkers were evaluated for each endometrial biopsy as secondary endpoints. A total of 51 women were enrolled, and 46 completed treatment. Two of the 51 women had complex hyperplasia with atypia at the baseline endometrial biopsy and were excluded from the study. Overall, both depo-MPA and OCP induced a dramatic decrease in endometrial epithelial proliferation and microscopic changes in the endometrium characteristic of progestin action. Transvaginal ultrasound measurement of endometrial stripe was not a useful measure of endometrial response or baseline hyperplasia. These results show that women with Lynch syndrome do show an endometrial response to short-term exogenous progestins, suggesting that OCP and depo-MPA may be reasonable chemopreventive agents in this high-risk patient population. Cancer Prev Res; 6(8); 774–81. ©2013 AACR.
Bone Marrow–Derived Gr1+ Cells Can Generate a Metastasis-Resistant Microenvironment Via Induced Secretion of Thrombospondin-1
Authors: Catena Raúl , Bhattacharya Nandita , El Rayes Tina , Wang Suming , Choi Hyejin , Gao Dingcheng , Ryu Seongho , Joshi Natasha , Bielenberg Diane , Lee Sharrell B. , Haukaas Svein A. , Gravdal Karsten , Halvorsen Ole J. , Akslen Lars A. , Watnick Randolph S. , Mittal Vivek
Published: May 2013

Metastatic tumors have been shown to establish permissive microenvironments for metastases via recruitment of bone marrow–derived cells. Here, we show that metastasis-incompetent tumors are also capable of generating such microenvironments. However, in these situations, the otherwise prometastatic Gr1+ myeloid cells create a metastasis-refractory microenvironment via the induction of thrombospondin-1 (Tsp-1) by tumor-secreted prosaposin. Bone marrow–specific genetic deletion of Tsp-1 abolished the inhibition of metastasis, which was restored by bone marrow transplant from Tsp-1+ donors. We also developed a 5-amino acid peptide from prosaposin as a pharmacologic inducer of Tsp-1 in Gr1+ bone marrow cells, which dramatically suppressed metastasis. These results provide mechanistic insights into why certain tumors are deficient in metastatic potential and implicate recruited Gr1+ myeloid cells as the main source of Tsp-1. The results underscore the plasticity of Gr1+ cells, which, depending on the context, promote or inhibit metastasis, and suggest that the peptide could be a potential therapeutic agent against metastatic cancer.

Significance: The mechanisms of metastasis suppression are poorly understood. Here, we have identified a novel mechanism whereby metastasis-incompetent tumors generate metastasis-suppressive microenvironments in distant organs by inducing Tsp-1 expression in the bone marrow–derived Gr1+ myeloid cells. A 5-amino acid peptide with Tsp-1–inducing activity was identified as a therapeutic agent against metastatic cancer. Cancer Discov; 3(5); 578–89. ©2013 AACR.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 471
Transcriptional Control of Macrophage Polarization
Authors: Tugal Derin , Liao Xudong , Jain Mukesh K.
Published: May 2013

Macrophages are key regulators of many organ systems, including innate and adaptive immunity, systemic metabolism, hematopoiesis, vasculogenesis, malignancy, and reproduction. The pleiotropic roles of macrophages are mirrored by similarly diverse cellular phenotypes. A simplified schema classifies macrophages as M1, classically activated macrophages, or M2, alternatively activated macrophages. These cells are characterized by their expression of cell surface markers, secreted cytokines and chemokines, and transcription and epigenetic pathways. Transcriptional regulation is central to the differential speciation of macrophages, and several major pathways have been described as essential for subset differentiation. In this review, we discuss the transcriptional regulation of macrophages.
Sphingomyelin Synthase 2 Activity and Liver Steatosis
Authors: Li Yue , Dong Jibin , Ding Tingbo , Kuo Ming-Shang , Cao Guoqing , Jiang Xian-Cheng , Li Zhiqiang
Published: May 2013

Objective—

Sphingolipid de novo biosynthesis is related to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease or hepatic steatosis. However, the mechanism is still unclear. Sphingomyelin synthase (SMS), using ceramide as one of the substrates to produce sphingomyelin, sits at the crossroads of sphingolipid biosynthesis. SMS has 2 isoforms: SMS1 and SMS2. SMS2 is the major isoform in liver.

Approach and Results—

To investigate the relationship between liver SMS2 activity–mediated sphingolipid changes and hepatic steatosis, we used 2 mouse models:
Sms2
liver-specific transgenic and
Sms2
knockout mice. We found that
Sms2
liver-specific transgenic livers have lower ceramide and higher sphingomyelin, whereas
Sms2
knockout livers have higher ceramide and lower sphingomyelin. We also found that liver
Sms2
overexpression promoted fatty acid uptake and liver steatosis, whereas
Sms2
deficiency had an opposite effect in comparison with their respective controls. Importantly, the exogenous ceramide supplementation to Huh7 cells, a human hepatoma cell line, reduced the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ2 and its target genes,
Cd36
and
Fsp27
. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ reporter analysis confirmed this phenomenon. Furthermore, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ antagonist treatment significantly decreased triglyceride accumulation in
Sms2
liver-specific transgenic liver.

Conclusions—

We attributed these effects to ceramide that can suppress peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ2, thus reducing the expression of
Cd36
and
Fsp27
and reducing liver steatosis. After all, SMS2 inhibition in the liver could diminish liver steatosis.
Foot Drop Stimulation Versus Ankle Foot Orthosis After Stroke
Authors: Kluding Patricia M. , Dunning Kari , O’Dell Michael W. , Wu Samuel S. , Ginosian Jivan , Feld Jody , McBride Keith
Published: May 2013

Background and Purpose—

Drop foot after stroke may be addressed using an ankle foot orthosis (AFO) or a foot drop stimulator (FDS). The Functional Ambulation: Standard Treatment versus Electric Stimulation Therapy (FASTEST) trial was a multicenter, randomized, single-blinded trial comparing FDS and AFO for drop foot among people ≥3 months after stroke with gait speed ≤0.8 m/s.

Methods—

Participants (n=197; 79 females and 118 males; 61.14±11.61 years of age; time after stroke 4.55±4.72 years) were randomized to 30 weeks of either FDS or a standard AFO. Eight dose-matched physical therapy sessions were provided to both groups during the first 6 weeks of the trial.

Results—

There was significant improvement within both groups from baseline to 30 weeks in comfortable gait speed (95% confidence interval for mean change, 0.11–0.17 m/s for FDS and 0.12–0.18 m/s for AFO) and fast gait speed. However, no significant differences in gait speed were found in the between-group comparisons. Secondary outcomes (standard measures of body structure and function, activity, and participation) improved significantly in both groups, whereas user satisfaction was significantly higher in the FDS group than in the control group.

Conclusions—

Using either an FDS or an AFO for 30 weeks yielded clinically and statistically significant improvements in gait speed and other functional outcomes. User satisfaction was higher in the FDS group. Although both groups did receive intervention, this large clinical trial provides evidence that FDS or AFO with initial physical therapy sessions can provide a significant and clinically meaningful benefit even years after stroke.

Clinical Trial Registration Information—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique Identifier: NCT01138995.
The FireFader: Simple, Open-Source, and Reconfigurable Haptic Force Feedback for Musicians
Authors: Berdahl Edgar , Kontogeorgakopoulos Alexandros
Published: May 2013

The FireFader is a simple haptic force-feedback device that is optimized for introducing musicians to haptics. It is based upon a single-degree-of-freedom potentiometer fader coupled to a DC motor, also known as a “motorized fader.” A light is connected in parallel with the motor to help communicate the force's strength visually. The FireFader consists of only open-source hardware and open-source software elements. Consequently, it is relatively easy for users to repurpose it into new projects involving varying kinds and numbers of motors and sensors.

An open-source device driver for the FireFader allows it to be linked to a computer via USB so that the computer can perform the feedback control calculations. For example, the computer can simulate the acoustics of a virtual musical instrument to concurrently synthesize sound and calculate the motor force as a function of the fader position. The serial connection over USB increases the latency of the control signal compared to embedded implementations, but the serial connection facilitates easier programming via the computer, and the force feedback can be automatically disabled when the user is not touching the fader. Some new devices derived from the FireFader design are presented.
Kant’s Formula of the Universal Law of Nature Reconsidered
Authors: Rivera-Castro Faviola
Published: May 2013

I criticize the widely accepted “practical” interpretation of the universality test contained in Kant’s first formula of the categorical imperative in the Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals – the formula of the universal law of nature. I argue that this interpretation does not work for contradictions in conception because it wrongly takes contradictions in the will as the model for them and, as a consequence, cannot establish a clear distinction between the two kinds of contradiction. This interpretation also assumes an understanding of universality that departs from Kant’s own and, cannot, for this reason, capture the kind of contradiction that he explicitly claims to establish. I provide an alternative interpretation, which I call revised logical interpretation, that allows us to account for contradictions in conception, including those examples that the practical interpretation cannot handle, as well as to establish a clear distinction between the two kinds of contradiction.
Religion and the Secular in Premodern Japan from the Viewpoint of Systems Theory
Authors: Kleine Christoph
Published: May 2013

Abstract

This article discusses the essential question of whether or not the concept “religion” is applicable to premodern Japan. Rather than looking for semantic equivalents of the Western term it stresses the necessity to look for structural analogies to the binary code religious/secular. Roughly within the theoretical framework of Niklas Luhmann’s systems theory, documents from medieval Japan are analyzed in order to find out whether an emic binary code was used as a functional equivalent to the religious/secular pattern. It is shown that the fundamental Buddhist distinction between things that belong to this world (laukika; seken) and those which transcend the world (lokottara; shusseken) functions as a culturally specific emic version of the binary code transcendence/immanence, i.e., the code by which—according to Luhmann—all religious communication is guided. Furthermore, it is argued that the distinction between the “ruler’s law” (ōbō) and the “Buddha’s law” (buppō), which was so prominent in the Buddhist political discourse of the Kamakura period, is closely related to the binary code transcendence/immanence (shusseken/seken). It is proposed that both “laws” or “orders” (hō) represent what we would call the “secular order” and the “religious order.” From the fact that medieval Japanese discourses actually organized the world by the binary code ōbō (seken) / buppō (shusseken) it can be concluded that “religion” as a generic concept was by no means alien to the Japanese as many post-colonial authors want to make us believe.
Notes on Early Land Plants Today. 35. Notes on Lophoziaceae (Marchantiophyta)
Authors: SÖDERSTRÖM L. , VÁŇA JIŘÍ , HAGBORG ANDERS , VON KONRAT MATT
Published: May 2013

Recent redefinition of Lophoziaceae has led to many nomenclature and taxonomic changes but several problems remains. Here we discuss and make the necessary new combinations for Lophoziopsis longidens subsp. arctica, Lophoziopsis pellucida var. minor, Heterogemma patagonica and Trilophozia quinquedentata var. asymetrica. A number of new synonyms are proposed. Lophozia handelii is shown to be a synonym to Lophozia pallida and the species is treated separate from Lophozia guttulata. Four problematic names in Lophozia (Lophozia groenlandica, Lophozia murmanica, Lophozia confertifolia and Lophozia longiflora) are discussed and a conspectus of the genus is given.
A new species of Herminium (Orchidoideae, Orchidaceae) from Nepal
Authors: RASKOTI BHAKTA BAHADUR
Published: May 2013

Herminium Linnaeus (1758: 251) is a genus of about 30 species, which are collectively distributed mainly inthe Himalayas with few species extending into Europe, central Asia, and southeastern Asia (Pridgeon et al. 2001, Pearce & Cribb 2002, Chen et al. 2009). The genus is characterized by its terrestrial or rarely epiphytic habitat, a concave lip base that is not auriculate and does not have any glands, a lip 2–3 (–5) that is lobed, not spurred and a bilobed stigma with an obscure rostellum. Nepal has nine species of Herminium, which are distributed in the subtropical to alpine regions (Hara et al. 1978, Banerji 1984, Banerji & Pradhan 1984, Press et al. 2000, Department of Plant Resources 2001, Rajbhandari & Dahal 2004; Rajbhandari & Baral 2010). During field work in 2012 in Chandragiri, central Nepal, another species of Herminium was collected, the characteristics of which do not match with any previously described species of the genus. It is illustrated and described here as new.
Monophyly of the Agoniatinae (Characiformes: Characidae)
Authors: DAGOSTA FERNANDO C.P. , DATOVO ALÉSSIO
Published: May 2013

The Characidae is the most diverse family of Neotropical fishes, currently encompassing more than one thousand valid spe-cies. Some subgroups within this family still lack phylogenetic definitions, being diagnosed on the basis of combination of characters, a common procedure in pre-cladistic studies. Agoniatinae, currently composed by two valid species, Agoniates anchovia and A. halecinus, is one of them. In the present study the Agoniatinae is redefined using a phylogenetically oriented comparative survey that included the two Agoniates species plus 114 species representing all the major clades of the Charac-idae and their closest relatives. Six derived morphological characters are identified as synapomorphies for the Agoniatinae: deep notch on the posterior region of the maxilla joining the ventral margin of the infraorbital 2; dentigerous portion of pre-maxilla shorter than the ascending process of this bone; dentary canine preceded by tricuspid teeth; ventral margin of the urohyal markedly convex; base of the uppermost ray of the ventral lobe of the caudal fin much expanded, being as deep as the distal margin of hypural 2; and levator arcus palatini muscle with a posterodorsal bundle of fibers attaching to the dorsal face of the sphenotic spine.
A new species of the genus Opisthotropis Günther, 1872 (Squamata: Colubridae: Natricinae) from Guangdong Province, China
Authors: YANG JIAN-HUAN , SUNG YIK-HEI , CHAN BOSCO PUI-LOK
Published: May 2013

A new natricid snake of the genus Opisthotropis Günther, 1872, Opisthotropis laui sp. nov., is described from Mt. Gudou, Jiangmen City, Guangdong Province, China. The new species can be distinguished from other congeners by the combina-tion of the following characters: dorsal scales weakly keeled throughout, in 25:23:23 rows; 10 supralabials; 11 infralabials; two internasals, longer than wide, not touching the loreal; one loreal, not touching the eye; one preocular; two postoculars; one anterior temporal scale; 152 ventrals; 53 subcaudals; body and tail dark olive above, with light yellow crossbars.
Uncertainty Analysis of Runoff Simulations and Parameter Identifiability in the Community Land Model: Evidence from MOPEX Basins
Authors: Huang Maoyi , Hou Zhangshuan , Leung L. Ruby , Ke Yinghai , Liu Ying , Fang Zhufeng , Sun Yu
Published: May 2013

In this study, the authors applied version 4 of the Community Land Model (CLM4) integrated with an uncertainty quantification (UQ) framework to 20 selected watersheds from the Model Parameter Estimation Experiment (MOPEX) spanning a wide range of climate and site conditions to investigate the sensitivity of runoff simulations to major hydrologic parameters and to assess the fidelity of CLM4, as the land component of the Community Earth System Model (CESM), in capturing realistic hydrological responses. They found that for runoff simulations, the most significant parameters are those related to the subsurface runoff parameterizations. Soil texture–related parameters and surface runoff parameters are of secondary significance. Moreover, climate and soil conditions play important roles in the parameter sensitivity. In general, water-limited hydrologic regime and finer soil texture result in stronger sensitivity of output variables, such as runoff and its surface and subsurface components, to the input parameters in CLM4. This study evaluated the parameter identifiability of hydrological parameters from streamflow observations at selected MOPEX basins and demonstrated the feasibility of parameter inversion/calibration for CLM4 to improve runoff simulations. The results suggest that in order to calibrate CLM4 hydrologic parameters, model reduction is needed to include only the identifiable parameters in the unknowns. With the reduced parameter set dimensionality, the inverse problem is less ill posed.
Can Drake Passage Observations Match Ekman's Classic Theory?
Authors: Polton Jeff A. , Lenn Yueng-Djern , Elipot Shane , Chereskin Teresa K. , Sprintall Janet
Published: May 2013

Ekman's theory of the wind-driven ocean surface boundary layer assumes a constant eddy viscosity and predicts that the current rotates with depth at the same rate as it decays in amplitude. Despite its wide acceptance, Ekman current spirals are difficult to observe. This is primarily because the spirals are small signals that are easily masked by ocean variability and cannot readily be separated from the geostrophic component. This study presents a method for estimating ageostrophic currents from shipboard acoustic Doppler current profiler data in Drake Passage and finds that observations are consistent with Ekman's theory. By taking into account the sampling distributions of wind stress and ageostrophic velocity, the authors find eddy viscosity values in the range of 0.08–0.12 m2 s−1 that reconcile observations with the classic theory in Drake Passage. The eddy viscosity value that most frequently reconciles observations with the classic theory is 0.094 m2 s−1, corresponding to an Ekman depth scale of 39 m.
A Prospective Study of Musculoskeletal Outcomes Among Manufacturing Workers
Authors: Gerr Fredric , Fethke Nathan B. , Anton Dan , Merlino Linda , Rosecrance John , Marcus Michele , Jones Michael P.
Published: May 2013

Objective:

The aim of this study was to characterize associations between psychosocial and work organizational risk factors and upper-extremity musculoskeletal symptoms and disorders.

Background:

Methodological limitations of previous studies of psychosocial and work organizational risk factors and musculoskeletal outcomes have produced inconsistent associations.

Method:

In this prospective epidemiologic study of 386 workers, questionnaires to assess decision latitude (“control”) and psychological job demands (“demand”) were administered to study participants and were used to classify them into job strain “quadrants.” Measures of job stress and job change were collected during each week of follow-up. Incident hand/arm and neck/shoulder symptoms and disorders were ascertained weekly. Associations between exposure measures and musculoskeletal outcomes were estimated with proportional hazard methods.

Results:

When compared to the low-demand/high-control job strain referent category, large increases in risk of hand/arm disorders were observed for both high-demand/high- control (hazard ratio [HR] = 4.49, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.23, 16.4]) and high-demand/low-control job strain categories (HR = 5.18, 95% CI = [1.39, 19.4]). Similar associations were observed for hand/arm symptoms. A strong association was also observed between the low-demand/low-control job strain category and neck/shoulder disorders (HR = 6.46, 95% CI = [1.46, 28.6]). Statistically significant associations were also observed between weekly stress level and weekly job change and several musculoskeletal outcomes.

Conclusion:

Associations between psychosocial risk factors and work organizational factors and musculoskeletal outcomes were large and in the hypothesized direction.

Application:

Prevention of occupational musculoskeletal disorders may require attention to psychosocial and work organizational factors in addition to physical factors. Methods to control adverse effects of psychosocial and work organizational risk factors should be explored.
Self-Ambivalence and Psychological Adjustment in Cultural Context
Authors: Brown Robert A.
Published: May 2013

Bleuler and Freud claimed that conflicting feelings toward an attitude object, or ambivalence, may be associated with psychological maladjustment. While their viewpoint seems generally accepted in Western cultures, it is less clear whether it applies in other cultures. Two studies investigated whether self-ambivalence (SA; the co-presence of contrary evaluations of the self as an attitude object) is associated with several common manifestations of mental health in America (one study) and Japan (two studies). In Study 1, participants were 152 American and 162 Japanese college students. Results indicated that American participants were significantly higher in self-esteem (SE), and significantly lower in SA and depression than the Japanese participants, but did not differ in pessimism or anxiety, and that SA was associated with higher pessimism, anxiety, and depression in America, but associated with lower pessimism and uncorrelated with anxiety and depression in Japan. In Study 2, involving 165 Japanese participants, a negative relationship was found between SE and neuroticism, pessimism, anxiety, and depression, and a positive relationship between SE and life satisfaction, but no relationship was found between SA and neuroticism, pessimism, life satisfaction, anxiety, or depression. However, SE and SA were modestly correlated, suggesting that SA is not only not inimical to mental health (in Japan) but may actually be (at least modestly) beneficial. Culture-specific mental health implications of SA are discussed.
Representing Idioms: Syntactic and Contextual Effects on Idiom Processing
Authors: Holsinger Edward
Published: May 2013

Recent work on the processing of idiomatic expressions argues against the idea that idioms are simply big words. For example, hybrid models of idiom representation, originally investigated in the context of idiom production, propose a priority of literal computation, and a principled relationship between the conceptual meaning of an idiom, its literal lemmas and its syntactic structure. We examined the predictions of the hybrid representation hypothesis in the domain of idiom comprehension. We conducted two experiments to examine the role of syntactic, lexical and contextual factors on the interpretation of idiomatic expressions. Experiment 1 examines the role of syntactic compatibility and lexical compatibility on the real-time processing of potentially idiomatic strings. Experiment 2 examines the role of contextual information on idiom processing and how context interacts with lexical information during processing. We find evidence that literal computation plays a causal role in the retrieval of idiomatic meaning and that contextual, lexical and structural information influence the processing of idiomatic strings at early stages during processing, which provide support for the hybrid model of idiom representation in the domain of idiom comprehension.
Improving Police Officers’ Perceptions of Sexual Offending Through Intensive Training
Authors: Darwinkel Elli , Powell Martine , Tidmarsh Patrick
Published: May 2013

We examined whether specialist police training on the dynamics of sexual offending can modify officers’ victim-blaming attitudes and negative perceptions regarding likely case authorization. The sample included 77 Australian police officers specialising in sexual assault investigation. The training, delivered face to face over 4 weeks, included focus on identifying elements of grooming in offending relationships and how these elements can be elicited from victims and suspects within a narrative interviewing framework. Officers’ perceptions of cases were assessed immediately pre- and posttraining using a series of case scenarios. For each scenario, officers rated (on a 10-point Likert-type scale) their confidence that the case should be authorised to proceed to prosecution and the responsibility attributable to the victim. For each case, officers also listed up to 5 factors to justify their case authorization decision. Overall, confidence in case authorization increased from pre- to posttraining, whilst perception of victim “responsibility” decreased. The pattern of results, including the qualitative evidence to justify officers’ decisions, support that the attitude change was due to greater understanding of the dynamics of sexual offending. The implications for police trainers, and directions for future research, are discussed.
African American Fathers’ Depression and Stress as Predictors of Father Involvement During Early Childhood
Authors: Baker Claire E.
Published: May 2013

Data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Birth Cohort, were used to examine the relation between father-reported depression, stress, and father involvement in a large, nationally representative sample of African American fathers ( N = 784). Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that fathers who experienced fewer depressive symptoms participated in more frequent play, caregiving, and home literacy activities with their young children at 24 months. Furthermore, fathers who experienced fewer stressors engaged in more frequent play activities but not caregiving or home literacy. Notably, fathers who engaged in more frequent positive interactions (e.g., laughing and talking calmly) with their child’s mother were also more involved in play and caregiving at 24 months. Results were evident even after controlling for a host of sociodemographic characteristics. Overall, findings suggest that healthy psychological functioning coupled with positive mother-father interactions are positive predictors of father involvement among African American fathers with young children. Implications for future research, practice, and policy are discussed.
Composition of Dietary Fat Source Shapes Gut Microbiota Architecture and Alters Host Inflammatory Mediators in Mouse Adipose Tissue
Authors: Huang Edmond Y. , Leone Vanessa A. , Devkota Suzanne , Wang Yunwei , Brady Matthew J. , Chang Eugene B.
Published: May 2013

Background: Growing evidence shows that dietary factors can dramatically alter the gut microbiome in ways that contribute to metabolic disturbance and progression of obesity. In this regard, mesenteric adipose tissue has been implicated in mediating these processes through the elaboration of proinflammatory adipokines. In this study, we examined the relationship of these events by determining the effects of dietary fat content and source on gut microbiota, as well as the effects on adipokine profiles of mesenteric and peripheral adipocytes. Methods: Adult male C57Bl/6 mice were fed milk fat–based, lard‐based (saturated fatty acid sources), or safflower oil (polyunsaturated fatty acid)–based high‐fat diets for 4 weeks. Body mass and food consumption were measured. Stool 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) was isolated and analyzed via terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism as well as variable V3–4 sequence tags via next‐generation sequencing. Mesenteric and gonadal adipose samples were analyzed for both lipogenic and inflammatory mediators via quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Results: High‐fat feedings caused more weight gain with concomitant increases in caloric consumption relative to low‐fat diets. In addition, each of the high‐fat diets induced dramatic and specific 16S rRNA phylogenic profiles that were associated with different inflammatory and lipogenic mediator profiles of mesenteric and gonadal fat depots. Conclusions: Our findings support the notion that dietary fat composition can both reshape the gut microbiota and alter host adipose tissue inflammatory/lipogenic profiles. They also demonstrate the interdependency of dietary fat source, commensal gut microbiota, and inflammatory profile of mesenteric fat that can collectively affect the host metabolic state.
Book Review: Visualizing Space in Banaras: Images, Maps and the Practice of Representation
Authors: Verghese Saumya
Published: May 2013

Martin Gaenszle and Jörg Gengnagel (eds), Visualizing Space in Banaras: Images, Maps and the Practice of Representation, OUP, New Delhi, 2008, pp. 358, ₹750.
Book Review: Understanding Politics and Society 1910–1997 by Hardwari Lal
Authors: Roy Anupama
Published: May 2013

Prem Chowdhry, (ed.), Understanding Politics and Society 1910–1997 by Hardwari Lal, Manak Publications Pvt. Ltd., Delhi, 2010, pp. 423, ₹700.