bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Empirical Assesment of Service Quality Dimension in Technology–based Universities
Authors: Danjuma Ibrahim , Rasli Amran
Published: February 2013

This study aims to verify the dimensionality of service quality within the context of Nigerian technological universities. Data for this study was collected from five public federal universities which are technology-oriented in Nigeria based on an adapted service quality questionnaire (ADSERVQUAL)
from the original studies by Parasuraman et al. (1985, 1988). Respondents were students drawn from all
faculties: engineering, management technology, environmental technology, science education, agricultural technology, pure and applied sciences and postgraduate studies. Factor analysis result gave rise to four dimensions from the 27 items of the ADSERVQUAL questionnaire, instead of the original five dimensions by Parasuraman et al. (1985, 1988). For this study, the four dimensions are named: empathy, tangibles, commitment and reliability. Dimensional analysis shows that students’ expectations were perceived to be higher than their perceptions of service quality, resulting to negative service quality perception. Therefore technological universities in Nigeria should strive towards reversing the negative perception of service quality by students in order to improve attachment. Managerial implication and suggestions for future research were made accordingly.

Keywords: Technological Universities; Nigeria; attachment

Kajian ini bertujuan untuk mengesahkan dimensi kualiti perkhidmatan dalam konteks universiti yang berasaskan teknologi di Nigeria. Data untuk kajian ini telah diperolehi daripada lima universiti awam yang berasaskan teknologi di Nigeria berdasarkan asal soal selidik kualiti perkhidmatan yang telah
diubahsuaikan (ADSERVQUAL) dari kajian asal oleh Parasuraman et al. (1985, 1988). Responden terdiri daripada pelajar yang dipilih dari semua fakulti: kejuruteraan, pengurusan teknologi, teknologi alam sekitar, pendidikan, sains teknologi pertanian, sains tulen dan gunaan dan pengajian siswazah. Faktor analisis telah berjaya menghasilkan empat dimensi daripada 27 item soalselidik ADSERVQUAL, bukan lima dimensi asal yang diperolehi oleh Parasuraman et al. (1985,1988). Untuk kajian ini, empat dimensi ini dinamakan: empati, tangibel, komitmen dan kebolehpercayaan. Analisis dimensi menunjukkan bahawa jangkaan pelajar dilihat lebih tinggi daripada persepsi mereka terhadap kualiti perkhidmatan, menyebabkan persepsi kualiti perkhidmatan yang negatif. Oleh itu, universiti yang berasaskan teknologi di Nigeria seharusnyaberusaha untuk menukar persepsi negatif oleh pelajar mereka untuk meningkatkan tahap kesetiaan. Implikasi pengurusann dan cadangan untuk kajian lanjutan diberikan.

Kata kunci: Universiti Berasaskan Teknologi; Nigeria; kesetiaan
Low ion energy RF reactor using an array of plasmas through a grounded grid
Authors: Chesaux Michaël , Howling Alan A. , Hollenstein Christoph , Dominé Didier , Kroll Ulrich
Published: February 2013

A reactor using localized remote plasma in a grid electrode is presented in this study. The aim is to reduce the ion bombardment energy inherent in RF capacitively coupled parallel plate reactors used to deposit large area thin film silicon solar cells. High ion bombardment energy could cause defects in silicon layers and deteriorate electrical interfaces, therefore, by reducing the ion bombardment energy, lower defect density might be obtained. In this study, the low ion bombardment energy results from the reactor design. By inserting a grounded grid close to the RF electrode of a parallel plate reactor, the electrode area asymmetry is increased while retaining the lateral uniformity required for large area deposition. This asymmetry causes a strong negative self-bias voltage, which reduces the time-averaged plasma potential and thus lowers the ion bombardment energy. In addition to the self-bias, the time evolution of plasma light emission and plasma potential RF waveform are also affected by the grid, thereby further reducing the time-averaged plasma potential and ion bombardment energy. Finally, a good correlation between the measured time-averaged plasma potential and measured low ion bombardment energy is found in a broad range of RF voltages.
Effects of Cs adsorption on the field emission characteristics of closed single-walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Lee Po-Han , Chiang Cheng-Ying , Wang Yeng-Tseng , Lee Wen-Jay , Su Wan-Sheng
Published: February 2013

This study employs first-principles calculations to investigate the effects of alkali-metal Cs atom adsorption on the work functions and field enhancement factors of finite-length (3,3) and (5,0) single-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with capped ends. It is found that the work functions of both capped tubes decrease in the presence of an adsorbed Cs. The modified work functions are primarily due to the effect of a surface dipole at the tip of the tube. Moreover, the field enhancement factor of capped (3,3) and (5,0) tubes can be increased with this Cs adsorption, with enhancement greater in the (3,3) tube than the (5,0) tube, similar to the tendency found in pristine capped (3,3) and (5,0) tubes. Such a phenomenon can be qualitatively explained by analyzing the geometrical shape of the Cs-adsorbed nanotube system, which reveals an increase in the field enhancement factor for the Cs adsorbed system because its sharper tip causes a higher surface charge density distribution. Our findings indicate that the CNT field emission properties can be modulated more efficiently just by providing a suitable electronic source.
Temporal coherence versus harmonicity in auditory stream formation
Authors: Micheyl Christophe , Kreft Heather , Shamma Shihab , Oxenham Andrew J.
Published: February 2013

This study sought to investigate the influence of temporal incoherence and inharmonicity on concurrent stream segregation, using performance-based measures. Subjects discriminated frequency shifts in a temporally regular sequence of target pure tones, embedded in a constant or randomly varying multi-tone background. Depending on the condition tested, the target tones were either temporally coherent or incoherent with, and either harmonically or inharmonically related to, the background tones. The results provide further evidence that temporal incoherence facilitates stream segregation and they suggest that deviations from harmonicity can cause similar facilitation effects, even when the targets and the maskers are temporally coherent.
An End to the Myth: There Is No Drug Development Pipeline
Authors: Baxter Kristin , Horn Elizabeth , Gal-Edd Neely , Zonno Kristi , O’Leary James , Terry Patrick F. , Terry Sharon F.
Published: February 2013

A new map is presented for creating an open, collaborative, and coordinated system for drug development.
Pancoast's tumour presenting as shoulder pain in an orthopaedic clinic
Authors: Ronan Lynne , D'Souza Sunil
Published: February 2013

A 71-year-old lady was referred by her general practitioner to an orthopaedic clinic for management of shoulder pain. The patient complained of pain in the shoulder and chest region but also described reduced sensation and power in her arm and a worsening of her respiratory symptoms. These prompted further investigation with an isotope bone scan which showed a large soft tissue mass posteriorly in the apex of the right lung with chest wall extension and destruction of adjacent ribs. A subsequent CT scan identified Pancoast's tumour. This case highlights the importance of considering non-musculoskeletal causes of shoulder region pain.
Diagnosing Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) in clinical trials: a systematic review
Authors: Christa Maree Stephan Blossom , Minett Thais , Pagett Emma , Siervo Mario , Brayne Carol , McKeith Ian G
Published: February 2013

Objective

To describe how criteria for amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment (aMCI) have been operationalised in randomised controlled clinical trials (RCTs).

Design

Systematic review.

Information sources

EMBASE, PubMed and PSYCHInfo were searched from their inception to February 2012. Electronic clinical trial registries were also searched (February 2012).

Study selection

RCTs were included where participant selection was made using Petersenet al-defined aMCI. There was no restriction on intervention type or the outcome tested.

Data extraction

For each trial, we extracted information on study design, demographics, exclusion criteria and the operationalisation strategy for the five aMCI diagnostic criteria including: (1) memory complaint, (2) normal general cognitive function, (3) memory impairment, (4) no functional impairment and (5) no dementia.

Results

223 articles and 278 registered trials were reviewed, of which 22 met inclusion criteria. Various methods were applied for operationalising aMCI criteria resulting in variability in participant selection. Memory complaint and assessment of general cognitive function were the most consistently measured criteria. There was large heterogeneity in the neuropsychological methods used to determine memory impairment. It was not possible to assess the impact of these differences on case selection accuracy for dementia prediction. Further limitations include selective and unclear reporting of how each of the criteria was measured.

Conclusions

The results highlight the urgent need for a standardised approach to map aMCI. Lack of uniformity in clinical diagnosis, however, is not exclusively a problem for MCI but also for other clinical states such as dementia including Alzheimer's disease, Lewy Body, frontotemporal or vascular dementia. Defining a uniform approach to MCI classification, or indeed for any classification concept within the field of dementia, should be a priority if further trials are to be undertaken in the older aged population based on these concepts.
A service-based approach to nurse training in sexual and reproductive health care
Authors: Shawe Jill , Cox Sarah , Penny Nikki , White Alison , Wilkinson Christopher
Published: February 2013

Aims

To develop and pilot a reproducible curriculum for nurses with limited or no sexual and reproductive health care (SRH) experience to become competent dual-trained practitioners. The model used supernumerary training posts and clinical training and assessment adapted from that used to train doctors for the Diploma of the Faculty of Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare in the UK.

Background

There is currently no standard SRH nurse training in the UK. Nurses undertake various university-based qualifications supported by clinical sessions, and employers can be reluctant to sponsor these because of the cost and the time required.

Methods

Two nurses were employed on a 6-month programme consisting of five parts: (1) the Faculty of Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH) e-learning programme, in conjunction with e-Learning for Healthcare; (2) the FSRH ‘Course of 5’; (3) structured clinical training; (4) visits to other relevant services; and (5) clinical supervision and mentoring. Assessment was by a portfolio of evidence; signed competences; reflections from clinical sessions; and outcomes of visits to services. The project was evaluated by means of questionnaires and interviews with trainees and staff.

Conclusions

The project demonstrated that by using a model similar to that used for basic SRH medical training it is possible to train nurses in core holistic SRH care within the workplace. Many SRH services are reporting severe difficulties in the recruitment of nurses trained in SRH, and this practice-based training would allow services and providers to invest in training to build up the workforce they require.
Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome and bilateral vertebral artery dissection presenting in a patient after cesarean section
Authors: Mitchell Lex A , Santarelli Justin G , Singh Inder Paul , Do Huy M
Published: February 2013

Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) is characterized by sudden-onset thunderclap headache and focal neurologic deficits. Once thought to be a rare syndrome, more advanced non-invasive imaging has led to an increase in RCVS diagnosis. Unilateral vertebral artery dissection has been described in fewer than 40% of cases of RCVS. Bilateral vertebral artery dissection has rarely been reported. We describe the case of a patient with RCVS and bilateral vertebral artery dissection presenting with an intramedullary infarct treated successfully with medical management and careful close follow-up. This rare coexistence should be recognized as the treatment differs.
HOMOGENIZATION OF THE DEGENERATE TWO-PHASE FLOW EQUATIONS
Authors: HENNING PATRICK , OHLBERGER MARIO , SCHWEIZER BEN
Published: February 2013

We analyze two-phase flow in highly heterogeneous media. Problems related to the degeneracy of the permeability coefficient functions are treated with a new concept of weighted solutions. Instead of the pressure variables we formulate the problem with the weighted pressure function ψ, which is obtained as the product of permeability and pressure. We perform the homogenization limit and obtain effective equations in the form of a two-scale limit system. The nonlinear effective system is of the classical form in the non-degenerate case. In the degenerate case, the two-scale system uses again a weighted pressure variable. Our approach allows to work without the global pressure function. Even though internal interfaces are included, our approach provides the homogenization limit without any smallness assumptions on permeabilities or capillary pressures.
DYNAMIC OPTIMAL ARCHES WITH CONSTANT VOLUME
Authors: LEE BYOUNG KOO , LEE TAE EUN , CHOI JONG MIN , OH SANG JIN
Published: February 2013

This paper deals with dynamic optimal arches, built with a constant volume of arch material, that have the largest fundamental natural frequencies. The cross-section of each arch is a solid regular polygon with its depth varying in a functional fashion. Three shapes of arch (circular, parabolic, and sinusoidal) and three kinds of taper type (linear, parabolic, and sinusoidal) are considered. Differential equations governing free vibrations of such tapered arches are derived, in which the effect of rotatory inertia is included; these equations are numerically solved to calculate the natural frequencies. The numerical results are presented in tables and figures that relate the frequency curves to arch parameters. Typical examples of obtaining the geometry of the dynamic optimal arch are presented. Laboratory scale experiments were conducted to measure the natural frequencies.
SMART CONTROL OF NONLINEAR VIBRATIONS OF LAMINATED PLATES USING ACTIVE FIBER COMPOSITES
Authors: SARANGI SAROJ KUMAR , Ray M. C.
Published: February 2013

This paper deals with the geometrically nonlinear dynamic analysis of smart laminated composite plates integrated with the patches of active constrained layer damping (ACLD) treatment. The constraining layer of the ACLD treatment is made of active fiber composite (AFC) materials. The Von Kármán type nonlinear strain–displacement relations and the first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT) are adopted in deriving the coupled electromechanical nonlinear finite element (FE) model. The Golla–Hughes–McTavish (GHM) method is implemented to model the constrained viscoelastic layer of the ACLD treatment in time domain. Symmetric/antisymmetric cross-ply and antisymmetric angle-ply laminated substrate plates are considered in the numerical analyses. The results indicate that the ACLD patches significantly improve the damping characteristics of the plates for suppressing the geometrically nonlinear transient vibrations of the plates. The effects of variation of piezoelectric fiber orientation in the AFC constraining layer on the control authority of the ACLD patches have also been investigated.
DATA FUSION-BASED STRUCTURAL DAMAGE DETECTION UNDER VARYING TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS
Authors: BAO YUEQUAN , XIA YONG , LI HUI , XU YOU-LIN , ZHANG PENG
Published: February 2013

A huge number of data can be obtained continuously from a number of sensors in long-term structural health monitoring (SHM). Different sets of data measured at different times may lead to inconsistent monitoring results. In addition, structural responses vary with the changing environmental conditions, particularly temperature. The variation in structural responses caused by temperature changes may mask the variation caused by structural damages. Integration and interpretation of various types of data are critical to the effective use of SHM systems for structural condition assessment and damage detection. A data fusion-based damage detection approach under varying temperature conditions is presented. The Bayesian-based damage detection technique, in which both temperature and structural parameters are the variables of the modal properties (frequencies and mode shapes), is developed. Accordingly, the probability density functions of the modal data are derived for damage detection. The damage detection results from each set of modal data and temperature data may be inconsistent because of uncertainties. The Dempster–Shafer (D–S) evidence theory is then employed to integrate the individual damage detection results from the different data sets at different times to obtain a consistent decision. An experiment on a two-story portal frame is conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, with consideration on model uncertainty, measurement noise, and temperature effect. The damage detection results obtained by combining the damage basic probability assignments from each set of test data are more accurate than those obtained from each test data separately. Eliminating the temperature effect on the vibration properties can improve the damage detection accuracy. In particular, the proposed technique can detect even the slightest damage that is not detected by common damage detection methods in which the temperature effect is not eliminated.
MORAWETZ AND INTERACTION MORAWETZ ESTIMATES FOR A QUASILINEAR SCHRÖDINGER EQUATION
Authors: SELVITELLA ALESSANDRO , WANG YUN
Published: February 2013

We extend the classical Morawetz and interaction Morawetz machinery to a class of quasilinear Schrödinger equations coming from plasma physics. As an application of our main results we ensure the absence of pseudosolitons in the defocusing case. Our estimates are the first step to a scattering result in the energy space for this equation.
INITIAL-BOUNDARY VALUE PROBLEMS AND FORMATION OF SINGULARITIES FOR ONE-DIMENSIONAL NON-RELATIVISTIC RADIATION HYDRODYNAMIC EQUATIONS
Authors: JIANG PENG , WANG YAGUANG
Published: February 2013

In this paper, we investigate the well-posedness for the Euler–Boltzmann equations of radiation hydrodynamics in one spatial variable. We obtain the local existence and uniqueness of smooth solution to the initial-boundary value problem. Then, we show that a smooth solution will blow up in finite time regardless of the size of the initial disturbance.
Lactate oxidation in human skeletal muscle mitochondria
Authors: Jacobs Robert A. , Meinild Anne-Kristine , Nordsborg Nikolai B. , Lundby Carsten
Published: February 2013

Lactate is an important intermediate metabolite in human bioenergetics and is oxidized in many different tissues including the heart, brain, kidney, adipose tissue, liver, and skeletal muscle. The mechanism(s) explaining the metabolism of lactate in these tissues, however, remains unclear. Here, we analyze the ability of skeletal muscle to respire lactate by using an in situ mitochondrial preparation that leaves the native tubular reticulum and subcellular interactions of the organelle unaltered. Skeletal muscle biopsies were obtained from vastus lateralis muscle in 16 human subjects. Samples were chemically permeabilized with saponin, which selectively perforates the sarcolemma and facilitates the loss of cytosolic content without altering mitochondrial membranes, structure, and subcellular interactions. High-resolution respirometry was performed on permeabilized muscle biopsy preparations. By use of four separate and specific substrate titration protocols, the respirometric analysis revealed that mitochondria were capable of oxidizing lactate in the absence of exogenous LDH. The titration of lactate and NAD+into the respiration medium stimulated respiration ( P ≤ 0.003). The addition of exogenous LDH failed to increase lactate-stimulated respiration ( P = 1.0). The results further demonstrate that human skeletal muscle mitochondria cannot directly oxidize lactate within the mitochondrial matrix. Alternately, these data support previous claims that lactate is converted to pyruvate within the mitochondrial intermembrane space with the pyruvate subsequently taken into the mitochondrial matrix where it enters the TCA cycle and is ultimately oxidized.
In uncontrolled diabetes, thyroid hormone and sympathetic activators induce thermogenesis without increasing glucose uptake in brown adipose tissue
Authors: Matsen Miles E. , Thaler Joshua P. , Wisse Brent E. , Guyenet Stephan J. , Meek Thomas H. , Ogimoto Kayoko , Cubelo Alex , Fischer Jonathan D. , Kaiyala Karl J. , Schwartz Michael W. , Morton Gregory J.
Published: February 2013

Recent advances in human brown adipose tissue (BAT) imaging technology have renewed interest in the identification of BAT activators for the treatment of obesity and diabetes. In uncontrolled diabetes (uDM), activation of BAT is implicated in glucose lowering mediated by intracerebroventricular (icv) administration of leptin, which normalizes blood glucose levels in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. The potent effect of icv leptin to increase BAT glucose uptake in STZ-diabetes is accompanied by the return of reduced plasma thyroxine (T4) levels and BAT uncoupling protein-1 ( Ucp1) mRNA levels to nondiabetic controls. We therefore sought to determine whether activation of thyroid hormone receptors is sufficient in and of itself to lower blood glucose levels in STZ-diabetes and whether this effect involves activation of BAT. We found that, although systemic administration of the thyroid hormone (TR)β-selective agonist GC-1 increases energy expenditure and induces further weight loss in STZ-diabetic rats, it neither increased BAT glucose uptake nor attenuated diabetic hyperglycemia. Even when GC-1 was administered in combination with a β3-adrenergic receptor agonist to mimic sympathetic nervous system activation, glucose uptake was not increased in STZ-diabetic rats, nor was blood glucose lowered, yet this intervention potently activated BAT. Similar results were observed in animals treated with active thyroid hormone (T3) instead of GC-1. Taken together, our data suggest that neither returning normal plasma thyroid hormone levels nor BAT activation has any impact on diabetic hyperglycemia, and that in BAT, increases of Ucp1 gene expression and glucose uptake are readily dissociated from one another in this setting.
RNA-sequencing analysis of high glucose-treated monocytes reveals novel transcriptome signatures and associated epigenetic profiles
Authors: Miao Feng , Chen Zhuo , Zhang Lingxiao , Wang Jinhui , Gao Harry , Wu Xiwei , Natarajan Rama
Published: February 2013

We performed high throughput transcriptomic profiling with RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) to uncover network responses in human THP-1 monocytes treated with high glucose (HG). Our data analyses revealed that interferon (IFN) signaling, pattern recognition receptors, and activated interferon regulatory factors (IRFs) were enriched among the HG-upregulated genes. Motif analysis identified an HG-responsive IRF-mediated network in which interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) were enriched. Notably, this network showed strong overlap with a recently discovered IRF7-driven network relevant to Type 1 diabetes. We next examined if the HG-regulated genes possessed any characteristic chromatin features in the basal state by profiling 15 active and repressive chromatin marks under normal glucose conditions using chromatin immunoprecipitation linked to promoter microarrays. Composite profiles revealed higher histone H3 lysine-9-acetylation levels around the promoters of HG-upregulated genes compared with all RefSeq promoters. Interestingly, within the HG-upregulated genes, active chromatin marks were enriched not only at high CpG content promoters, but surprisingly also at low CpG content promoters. Similar results were obtained with peripheral blood monocytes exposed to HG. These new results reveal a novel mechanism by which HG can exercise IFN-α-like effects in monocytes by upregulating a set of ISGs poised for activation with multiple chromatin marks.
Strategies to Evaluate Synchronous Carcinomas of the Colon and Rectum in Patients That Present for Emergent Surgery
Authors: Agnew Jennifer L. , Abbadessa Benjamin , Leitman I. Michael
Published: February 2013

It is not always possible to evaluate patients that present acutely with carcinoma of the colon and rectum for synchronous lesions. Patients that require emergent surgery necessitate urgent and efficient operation. Patients with lower gastrointestinal bleeding, perforation, or obstruction represent a challenging subset of patients with colorectal cancer. An organized approach to these patients in the effort not to overlook a synchronous carcinoma is important. The present paper provides an evidenced-based approach to this special situation.
Route Choice Model Considering Generalized Travel Cost Based on Game Theory
Authors: Yu-qin Feng , Jun-qiang Leng , Zhong-Yu Xie , Gui-e Zhang , Yi He
Published: February 2013

This paper aims at testing the influence of emission factors on travelers’ behavior of route choice. The generalized travel cost is defined as the linear weighted sum of emission factors, travel time, and travel time reliability. The relational model of exhaust volume and traffic volume is established using the BPR (Bureau of Public Road) function to calculate the cost of travel regarding emission. The BPR function is used to measure the road segment travel time, while the reliability is used to quantify the cost of travel time fluctuation. At last, the route choice model considering the generalized travel cost is established based on the game theory. The calculating and analyzing of results under a miniature road network show that the weight coefficient of travel cost influences the travelers’ behavior of route choice remarkably and the route choice model which takes emission into account can reduce the exhaust of road network effectively, approximately 11.4% in this case.
Promising Noninvasive Cellular Phenotype in Prostate Cancer Cells Knockdown of Matrix Metalloproteinase 9
Authors: Gupta Aditi , Cao Wei , Sadashivaiah Kavitha , Chen Wantao , Schneider Abraham , Chellaiah Meenakshi A.
Published: February 2013

Cell surface interaction of CD44 and MMP9 increases migration and invasion of PC3 cells. We show here that stable knockdown of MMP9 in PC3 cells switches CD44 isoform expression from CD44s to CD44v6 which is more glycosylated. These cells showed highly adhesive morphology with extensive cell spreading which is due to the formation of focal adhesions and well organized actin‐stress fibers. MMP9 knockdown blocks invadopodia formation and matrix degradation activity as well. However, CD44 knockdown PC3 cells failed to develop focal adhesions and stress fibers; hence these cells make unstable adhesions. A part of the reason for these changes could be caused by silencing of CD44v6 as well. Immunostaining of prostate tissue microarray sections illustrated significantly lower levels of CD44v6 in adenocarcinoma than normal tissue. Our results suggest that interaction between CD44 and MMP9 is a potential mechanism of invadopodia formation. CD44v6 expression may be essential for the protection of non‐invasive cellular phenotype. CD44v6 decrease may be a potential marker for prognosis and therapeutics.
Acupuncture for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials and Prospective Clinical Trials
Authors: Kim Young-Dae , Heo In , Shin Byung-Cheul , Crawford Cindy , Kang Hyung-Won , Lim Jung-Hwa
Published: February 2013

To evaluate the current evidence for effectiveness of acupuncture for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the form of a systematic review, a systematic literature search was conducted in 23 electronic databases. Grey literature was also searched. The key search terms were “acupuncture” and “PTSD.” No language restrictions were imposed. We included all randomized or prospective clinical trials that evaluated acupuncture and its variants against a waitlist, sham acupuncture, conventional therapy control for PTSD, or without control. Four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 2 uncontrolled clinical trials (UCTs) out of 136 articles in total were systematically reviewed. One high-quality RCT reported that acupuncture was superior to waitlist control and therapeutic effects of acupuncture and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) were similar based on the effect sizes. One RCT showed no statistical difference between acupuncture and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). One RCT reported a favorable effect of acupoint stimulation plus CBT against CBT alone. A meta-analysis of acupuncture plus moxibustion versus SSRI favored acupuncture plus moxibustion in three outcomes. This systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that the evidence of effectiveness of acupuncture for PTSD is encouraging but not cogent. Further qualified trials are needed to confirm whether acupuncture is effective for PTSD.
On an R-Randers mth-Root Space
Authors: Pandey P. N. , Saxena Shivalika
Published: February 2013

We consider an n-dimensional Finsler space Fn(n>2) with the metric L(x,y)=F(x,y)+α(x,y), where F is an mth-root metric and α is a Riemannian metric. We call such space as an R-Randers mth-root space. We obtain the expressions for the fundamental metric tensor, Cartan tensor, geodesic spray coefficients, and the coefficients of nonlinear connection in an R-Randers mth-root space. Some other properties of such space have also been discussed.
Unusual Cause of Knee Locking
Authors: Huri Gazi , Biçer Omer Sunkar
Published: February 2013

We report a case of partial intrasubstance tear of popliteus tendon as an unusual cause of pseudolocking of the knee. A 13-year-old semiprofessional soccer player applied to our clinic with a locked right knee in spite of the therapy applied (cold pack, NSAID, and immobilization) in another institution 20 days after the injury. Significant extension loss was observed in his right knee with 30∘–90∘ ROM. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and arthroscopy confirmed the intrasubstance tear of popliteus tendon and synovitis. The ruptured part of the tendon was debrided, and the inflammatory tissue around the tendon, which may lead to pseudolocking, was gently removed with a shaver in order to regain the normal ROM. The patient was discharged with full ROM and weight bearing first day after the surgery. To our knowledge, this is the first case demonstrating intrasubstance tear of popliteus tendon causing pseudolocking of the knee.
Ductal CarcinomaIn Situ: What the Pathologist Needs to Know and Why
Authors: Bane Anita
Published: February 2013

Ductal carcinomain situis a proliferation of malignant epithelial cells confined to the ductolobular system of the breast. It is considered a pre-cursor lesion for invasive breast cancer and when identified patients are treated with some combination of surgery, +/− radiation therapy, and +/adjuvant tamoxifen. However, no good biomarkers exist that can predict with accuracy those cases of DCIS destined to progress to invasive disease or once treated those patients that are likely to suffer a recurrence; thus, in the era of screening mammography it seems likely that many patients with DCIS are overtreated. This paper details the parameters that should be included in a pathology report for a case of DClS with some explanations as to their importance for good clinical decision making.
miR-7 Suppresses Brain Metastasis of Breast Cancer Stem-Like Cells By Modulating KLF4
Authors: Okuda Hiroshi , Xing Fei , Pandey Puspa R. , Sharma Sambad , Watabe Misako , Pai Sudha K. , Mo Yin-Yuan , Iiizumi-Gairani Megumi , Hirota Shigeru , Liu Yin , Wu Kerui , Pochampally Radhika , Watabe Kounosuke
Published: February 2013

Despite significant improvement in survival rates of patients with breast cancer, prognosis of metastatic disease is still dismal. Cancer stem-like cells (CSC) are considered to play a role in metastatic progression of breast cancer; however, the exact pathologic role of CSCs is yet to be elucidated. In this report, we found that CSCs (CD24−/CD44+/ESA+) isolated from metastatic breast cell lines are significantly more metastatic than non-CSC populations in an organ-specific manner. The results of our microRNA (miRNA) profile analysis for these cells revealed that CSCs that are highly metastatic to bone and brain expressed significantly lower level of miR-7 and that this miRNA was capable of modulating one of the essential genes for induced pluripotent stem cell, KLF4. Interestingly, high expression of KLF4 was significantly and inversely correlated to brain but not bone metastasis-free survival of patients with breast cancer, and we indeed found that the expression of miR-7 significantly suppressed the ability of CSCs to metastasize to brain but not to bone in our animal model. We also examined the expression of miR-7 and KLF4 in brain-metastatic lesions and found that these genes were significantly down- or upregulated, respectively, in the tumor cells in brain. Furthermore, the results of our in vitro experiments indicate that miR-7 attenuates the abilities of invasion and self-renewal of CSCs by modulating KLF4 expression. These results suggest that miR-7 and KLF4 may serve as biomarkers or therapeutic targets for brain metastasis of breast cancer. Cancer Res; 73(4); 1434–44. ©2012 AACR.
Hepatocyte Growth Factor Sensitizes Brain Tumors to c-MET Kinase Inhibition
Authors: Zhang Ying , Farenholtz Kaitlyn E. , Yang Yanzhi , Guessous Fadila , diPierro Charles G. , Calvert Valerie S. , Deng Jianghong , Schiff David , Xin Wenjun , Lee Jae K. , Purow Benjamin , Christensen James , Petricoin Emanuel , Abounader Roger
Published: February 2013

Purpose: The receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) c-MET and its ligand hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) are deregulated and promote malignancy in cancer and brain tumors. Consequently, clinically applicable c-MET inhibitors have been developed. The purpose of this study was to investigate the not-well-known molecular determinants that predict responsiveness to c-MET inhibitors and to explore new strategies for improving inhibitor efficacy in brain tumors.

Experimental Design: We investigated the molecular factors and pathway activation signatures that determine sensitivity to c-MET inhibitors in a panel of glioblastoma and medulloblastoma cells, glioblastoma stem cells, and established cell line–derived xenografts using functional assays, reverse protein microarrays, and in vivo tumor volume measurements, but validation with animal survival analyses remains to be done. We also explored new approaches for improving the efficacy of the inhibitors in vitro and in vivo.

Results: We found that HGF coexpression is a key predictor of response to c-MET inhibition among the examined factors and identified an ERK/JAK/p53 pathway activation signature that differentiates c-MET inhibition in responsive and nonresponsive cells. Surprisingly, we also found that short pretreatment of cells and tumors with exogenous HGF moderately but statistically significantly enhanced the antitumor effects of c-MET inhibition. We observed a similar ligand-induced sensitization effect to an EGF receptor small-molecule kinase inhibitor.

Conclusions: These findings allow the identification of a subset of patients that will be responsive to c-MET inhibition and propose ligand pretreatment as a potential new strategy for improving the anticancer efficacy of RTK inhibitors. Clin Cancer Res; 19(6); 1433–44. ©2013 AACR.
CHFR Protein Expression Predicts Outcomes to Taxane-Based First Line Therapy in Metastatic NSCLC
Authors: Pillai Rathi N. , Brodie Seth A. , Sica Gabriel L. , Shaojin You , Li Ge , Nickleach Dana C. , Yuan Liu , Varma Vijay A. , Bonta Dacian , Herman James G. , Brock Malcom V. , Ribeiro Maria J.A. , Ramalingam Suresh S. , Owonikoko Taofeek K. , Khuri Fadlo R. , Brandes Johann C.
Published: February 2013

Purpose: Currently, there is no clinically validated test for the prediction of response to tubulin-targeting agents in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Here, we investigated the significance of nuclear expression of the mitotic checkpoint gene checkpoint with forkhead and ringfinger domains (CHFR) as predictor of response and overall survival with taxane-based first-line chemotherapy in advanced stage NSCLC.

Methods: We studied a cohort of 41 patients (median age 63 years) with advanced NSCLC treated at the Atlanta VAMC between 1999 and 2010. CHFR expression by immunohistochemistry (score 0–4) was correlated with clinical outcome using chi-square test and Cox proportional models. A cutoff score of “3” was determined by receiver operator characteristics analysis for “low” CHFR expression. Results were validated in an additional 20 patients who received taxane-based chemotherapy at Emory University Hospital and the Atlanta VAMC.

Results: High expression (score = 4) of CHFR is strongly associated with adverse outcomes: the risk for progressive disease after first-line chemotherapy with carboplatin–paclitaxel was 52% in patients with CHFR-high versus only 19% in those with CHFR-low tumors (P = 0.033). Median overall survival was strongly correlated with CHFR expression status (CHFR low: 9.9 months; CHFR high: 6.2 months; P = 0.002). After multivariate adjustment, reduced CHFR expression remained a powerful predictor of improved overall survival (HR = 0.24; 95% CI, 0.1–0.58%; P = 0.002). In the validation set, low CHFR expression was associated with higher likelihood of clinical benefit (P = 0.03) and improved overall survival (P = 0.038).

Conclusions: CHFR expression is a novel predictive marker of response and overall survival in NSCLC patients treated with taxane-containing chemotherapy. Clin Cancer Res; 19(6); 1603–11. ©2013 AACR.
Outlier Kinase Expression by RNA Sequencing as Targets for Precision Therapy
Authors: Kothari Vishal , Wei Iris , Shankar Sunita , Kalyana-Sundaram Shanker , Wang Lidong , Ma Linda W. , Vats Pankaj , Grasso Catherine S. , Robinson Dan R. , Wu Yi-Mi , Cao Xuhong , Simeone Diane M. , Chinnaiyan Arul M. , Kumar-Sinha Chandan
Published: February 2013

Protein kinases represent the most effective class of therapeutic targets in cancer; therefore, determination of kinase aberrations is a major focus of cancer genomic studies. Here, we analyzed transcriptome sequencing data from a compendium of 482 cancer and benign samples from 25 different tissue types, and defined distinct “outlier kinases” in individual breast and pancreatic cancer samples, based on highest levels of absolute and differential expression. Frequent outlier kinases in breast cancer included therapeutic targets like ERBB2 and FGFR4, distinct from MET, AKT2, and PLK2 in pancreatic cancer. Outlier kinases imparted sample-specific dependencies in various cell lines, as tested by siRNA knockdown and/or pharmacologic inhibition. Outlier expression of polo-like kinases was observed in a subset of KRAS-dependent pancreatic cancer cell lines, and conferred increased sensitivity to the pan-PLK inhibitor BI-6727. Our results suggest that outlier kinases represent effective precision therapeutic targets that are readily identifiable through RNA sequencing of tumors.

Significance: Various breast and pancreatic cancer cell lines display sensitivity to knockdown or pharmacologic inhibition of sample-specific outlier kinases identified by high-throughput transcriptome sequencing. Outlier kinases represent personalized therapeutic targets that could improve combinatorial therapy options. Cancer Discov; 3(3); 280–93. ©2013 AACR.

See related commentary by Yegnasubramanian and Maitra, p. 252

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 239
Fetal Brain MRI Texture Analysis Identifies Different Microstructural Patterns in Adequate and Small for Gestational Age Fetuses at Term
Authors: Sanz-Cortés M. , Figueras F. , Bonet-Carne E. , Padilla N. , Tenorio V. , Bargalló N. , Amat-Roldan I. , Gratacós Eduard
Published: February 2013

Objectives: We tested the hypothesis whether a texture analysis (TA) algorithm applied to MRI brain images identified different patterns in small for gestational age (SGA) fetuses as compared with adequate for gestational age (AGA). Study Design: MRI was performed on 83 SGA and 70 AGA at 37 weeks' GA. Texture features were quantified in the frontal lobe, basal ganglia, mesencephalon, cerebellum and cingulum. A classification algorithm based on discriminative models was used to correlate texture features with clinical diagnosis. Results: Region of interest delineation in all areas was achieved in 61 SGA (12 vasodilated) and 52 AGA; this was the sample for TA feature extraction which allowed classifying SGA from AGA with accuracies ranging from 90.9 to 98.9% in SGA versus AGA comparison and from 93.6 to 100% in vasodilated SGA versus AGA comparison. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that TA can detect brain differences in SGA fetuses. This supports the existence of brain microstructural changes in SGA fetuses.
Urine Catalytic Iron and Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin as Companion Early Markers of Acute Kidney Injury after Cardiac Surgery: A Prospective Pilot Study
Authors: Akrawinthawong Krittapoom , Shaw Michael K. , Kachner Joshua , Apostolov Eugene O. , Basnakian Alexie G. , Shah Sudhir , Tilak Jacqueline , McCullough Peter A.
Published: February 2013

Background: Open heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass is recognized as a common cause of acute kidney injury (AKI). The conventional biomarker creatinine is not sensitive enough to detect AKI until a significant decline in renal filtration has occurred. Urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), part of an acute response to the release of tissue iron from cells, is an early biomarker and a predictor of AKI in a variety of clinical settings. We sought to evaluate the relationship between urine catalytic iron (unbound iron) and NGAL over the course of AKI due to cardiac surgery. Methods: Fourteen patients who underwent open heart surgery had the following measured: serum creatinine (0, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h postoperatively), urine NGAL and urine catalytic iron (0, 8, 24 and 48 h postoperatively). Urine NGAL and urine catalytic iron were quantified by immunoassay and bleomycin-detectable iron assay, respectively. AKI was defined by the Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN) criteria. Results: Urine catalytic iron increased significantly (p < 0.05) within 8 h and peaked at 24 h postoperatively in patients who developed AKI (n = 8, baseline 101.96 ± 177.48, peak 226.35 ± 238.23 nmol/l, p = 0.006), but not in non-AKI patients (n = 6, baseline 131.08 ± 116.21, peak 163.99 ± 109.62 nmol/l, p = 0.380). Urine NGAL levels also peaked at 24 h with significant increase observed only in AKI patients: AKI – baseline 34.88 ± 26.47, peak 65.50 ± 27.03 ng/ml, p = 0.043; non-AKI – baseline 59.33 ± 31.72, peak 71.00 ± 31.76 ng/ml, p = 0.100. The correlation between baseline levels of urine catalytic iron and NGAL and peak levels of urine catalytic iron and NGAL was r = 0.86, p < 0.0001. Conclusion: Urine catalytic iron appears to rise and fall in concert with NGAL in patients undergoing cardiac surgery and may be indicative of early AKI. Future research into the role that catalytic iron plays in acute organ injury syndromes and its potential diagnostic and therapeutic implications is warranted.
Phylogeny and classification of the New World suboscines (Aves, Passeriformes)
Authors: OHLSON JAN I. , IRESTEDT MARTIN , ERICSON PER G. P. , FJELDSÅ JON
Published: February 2013

Here we present a phylogenetic hypothesis for the New World suboscine radiation, based on a dataset comprising of 219 terminal taxa and five nuclear molecular markers (ca. 6300 bp). We also estimate ages of the main clades in this radiation. This study corroborates many of the recent insights into the phylogenetic relationships of New World suboscines. It further clarifies a number of cases for which previous studies have been inconclusive, such as the relationships of Conopophagidae, Melanopareiidae and Tityridae. We find a remarkable difference in age of the initial divergence events in Furnariida and Tyrannida. The deepest branches in Furnariida are of Eocene age, whereas the extant lineages of Tyrannida have their origin in the Oligocene. Approximately half of the New World suboscine species are harboured in 5 large clades that started to diversify around the Mid Miocene Climatic Optimum (16–12 Mya). Based on our phylogenetic results we propose a revised classification of the New World suboscines. We also erect new family or subfamily level taxa for four small and isolated clades: Berlepschiinae, Pipritidae, Tachurididae and Muscigrallinae.
A Multisensor Observational Depiction of the Transition from Light to Heavy Rainfall on Subdaily Time Scales
Authors: Elsaesser Gregory S. , Kummerow Christian D.
Published: February 2013

Utilizing data from the Quick Scatterometer (QuikSCAT), a new observational parameter related to mesoscale cold pool activity [termed cold pool kinetic energy (CPKE)] is developed and investigated. CPKE and the Climate Prediction Center (CPC) morphing technique (CMORPH) rainfall product (both scaled to 2.25°) are geolocated to 25 tropical island radiosonde sites. CPKE and radiosonde-derived nondilute CAPE, entraining CAPE (ECAPE), saturation fraction, and a new measure of convective inhibition (that takes into account stable layers above the LFC) are investigated with respect to rainfall time tendencies. Over the life cycle of rainfall, the composite temporal evolutions of CPKE and convective inhibition are quantitatively similar, but slightly out of phase. The maximum in CPKE precedes the maximum in convective inhibition by 3–6 h, thus allowing for an oscillation in the ratio of convective inhibition to CPKE relative to maximum rainfall. This ratio falls below unity at the time rainfall begins increasing and averages to near unity over the entire life cycle. These results imply a lagged, coupled relationship between CPKE and convective inhibition during rainfall. The rapid increase in rainfall occurs when saturation fraction and ECAPE exceed approximately 70% and 280 J kg−1, respectively, consistent with previously noted thresholds for deep convection transition. However, since similar thermodynamic conditions are found before the increase in rainfall, observations support a hypothesis that the onset time for transition from light to heavy rainfall occurs when triggering energy (as captured in CPKE) approaches and exceeds convective inhibition. The observed onset and time scale for CAPE depletion by convection is nearly equivalent to the initial temporal appearance and time duration (6–12 h) that CPKE exceeds convective inhibition.