bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Hybrid IMRT/VMAT Technique for the Treatment of Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Authors: Zhao Nan , Yang Ruijie , Jiang Yuliang , Tian Suqing , Guo Fuxin , Wang Junjie
Published: January 2015

Hybrid IMRT/VMAT technique which combined intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) was developed for the treatment of nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC). Two-full-arc VMAT (2ARC-VMAT), 9-field IMRT (9F-IMRT), and Hybrid IMRT/VMAT plans for NPC were compared in terms of the dosimetric quality, sparing of organs at risk (OARs), and delivery efficiency. The Hybrid IMRT/VMAT technique can improve the target dose homogeneity and conformity compared with 9F-IMRT and 2ARC-VMAT. It can reduce the dose delivered to the TMJ, mandible, temporal lobe, and unspecified tissue with fewer MUs compared with 9F-IMRT and dose delivered to parotids, brainstem, and spinal cord compared with 2ARC-VMAT technique. The mean delivery time of Hybrid plans was shorter than that of 9F-IMRT plans (408 s versus 812 s;P=0.00) and longer than that of 2ARC-VMAT plans (408 s versus 179 s;P=0.00). Hybrid IMRT/VMAT technique could be a viable radiotherapy technique with better plan quality.
Odorant Receptors Signaling Instructs the Development and Plasticity of the Glomerular Map
Authors: Valle-Leija Pablo
Published: January 2015

The olfactory system provides a great opportunity to explore the mechanisms that underlie the formation and function of neural circuits because of the simplicity of its structure. Olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) located in the peripheral olfactory epithelium (OE) take part in the initial formation and function of glomeruli in the olfactory bulb (OB) inside the central nervous system. Glomeruli are key in the process of transduction of olfactory information, as they constitute a map in the OB that sorts the different types of odorant inputs. This odorant categorization allows proper olfactory perception, and it is achieved through the anatomical organization and function of the different glomerular circuits. Once formed, glomeruli keep the capacity to undergo diverse plasticity processes, which is unique among the different neural circuits of the central nervous system. In this context, through the expression and function of the odorant receptors (ORs), OSNs perform two of the most important roles in the olfactory system: transducing odorant information to the nervous system and initiating the development of the glomerular map to organize olfactory information. This review addresses essential information that has emerged in recent years about the molecular basis of these processes.
β-Arrestin-1 Mediates Nicotine-Induced Metastasis through E2F1 Target Genes That Modulate Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Pillai Smitha , Trevino Jose , Rawal Bhupendra , Singh Sandeep , Kovacs Michelle , Li Xueli , Schell Michael , Haura Eric , Bepler Gerold , Chellappan Srikumar
Published: January 2015

Cigarette smoking is a major risk factor in the development of non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which accounts for 80% of all lung cancers. Nicotine, the major addictive component of tobacco smoke, can induce proliferation, invasion, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in NSCLC cell lines and promote metastasis of NSCLC in mice. Here, we demonstrate that the scaffolding protein β-arrestin-1 is necessary for nicotine-mediated induction of mesenchymal genes vimentin and fibronectin as well as EMT regulators ZEB1 and ZEB2. Nicotine induced changes in cell morphology and ablate tight junctions consistent with EMT; β-arrestin-1, but not β-arrestin-2, was required for these changes. β-Arrestin-1 promoted the expression of the mesenchymal genes, as well as ZEB1 and ZEB2, through the mediation of the E2F1 transcription factor; this required Src kinase activity. Stimulation of multiple NSCLC cell lines with nicotine led to enhanced recruitment of β-arrestin-1 and E2F1 on vimentin, fibronectin, and ZEB1 and ZEB2 promoters. Furthermore, there was significantly more β-arrestin-1 and E2F1 associated with these promoters in human NSCLC tumors, and β-arrestin-1 levels correlated with vimentin and fibronectin levels in human NSCLC samples. A549-luciferase cells lacking β-arrestin-1 showed a significantly reduced capacity for tumor growth and metastasis when orthotopically implanted into the lungs of SCID-beige mice. Taken together, these studies reveal a novel role for β-arrestin-1 in the growth and metastasis of NSCLC. Cancer Res; 75(6); 1009–20. ©2015 AACR.
Requirement for Innate Immunity and CD90+ NK1.1− Lymphocytes to Treat Established Melanoma with Chemo-Immunotherapy
Authors: Moskalenko Marina , Pan Michael , Fu Yichun , de Moll Ellen H. , Hashimoto Daigo , Mortha Arthur , Leboeuf Marylene , Jayaraman Padmini , Bernardo Sebastian , Sikora Andrew G. , Wolchok Jedd , Bhardwaj Nina , Merad Miriam , Saenger Yvonne
Published: January 2015

We sought to define cellular immune mechanisms of synergy between tumor-antigen–targeted monoclonal antibodies and chemotherapy. Established B16 melanoma in mice was treated with cytotoxic doses of cyclophosphamide in combination with an antibody targeting tyrosinase-related protein 1 (αTRP1), a native melanoma differentiation antigen. We find that Fcγ receptors are required for efficacy, showing that antitumor activity of combination therapy is immune mediated. Rag1−/− mice deficient in adaptive immunity are able to clear tumors, and thus innate immunity is sufficient for efficacy. Furthermore, previously treated wild-type mice are not significantly protected against tumor reinduction, as compared with mice inoculated with irradiated B16 alone, consistent with a primarily innate immune mechanism of action of chemo-immunotherapy. In contrast, mice deficient in both classical natural killer (NK) lymphocytes and nonclassical innate lymphocytes (ILC) due to deletion of the IL2 receptor common gamma chain IL2γc−/−) are refractory to chemo-immunotherapy. Classical NK lymphocytes are not critical for treatment, as depletion of NK1.1+ cells does not impair antitumor effect. Depletion of CD90+NK1.1− lymphocytes, however, both diminishes therapeutic benefit and decreases accumulation of macrophages within the tumor. Tumor clearance during combination chemo-immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies against native antigen is mediated by the innate immune system. We highlight a novel potential role for CD90+NK1.1− ILCs in chemo-immunotherapy. Cancer Immunol Res; 3(3); 296–304. ©2015 AACR.
Twin Anemia-Polycythemia Sequence after Laser Surgery for Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome and Maternal Morbidity
Authors: Taniguchi Kosuke , Sumie Masahiro , Sugibayashi Rika , Wada Seiji , Matsuoka Kentaro , Sago Haruhiko
Published: January 2015

Twin anemia-polycythemia sequence (TAPS) is characterized by large inter-twin hemoglobin value differences without inter-twin amniotic fluid discordance. The management of post-laser TAPS remains controversial. Hence, more studies on TAPS, together with the associated maternal complications and outcome of the fetuses and infants are needed. Between 2003 and 2012, we performed 287 cases of fetoscopic laser photocoagulation for twin-twin transfusion syndrome. Among the 114 who were placed under our care until delivery, three cases of TAPS occurred. In one case, we conducted intrauterine intravenous transfusion, while in the other two cases, we adopted expectant management. We performed an emergency caesarean section at 27-30 weeks of gestation in all cases due to a severe condition of anemia in the TAPS donor. Two cases with antenatal TAPS stage 4 had severe maternal complications; one had minute pulmonary embolism, while the other had Mirror syndrome. All three pairs of infants survived. One TAPS donor and one TAPS recipient had neurodevelopmental impairment; bilateral deafness at 9.5 years old and spastic paralysis at 2 years old, respectively. In conclusion, post-laser TAPS in a higher stage can cause severe maternal complications. Close observations for both fetuses and mothers are required for such cases.
pH Influence on Antibacterial Efficacy of Common Antiseptic Substances
Authors: Wiegand Cornelia , Abel Martin , Ruth Peter , Elsner Peter , Hipler Uta-Christina
Published: January 2015

Background: Wound infection plays an important role in compromised wound healing. A high bioburden impairs healing and leads to formation of a chronic wound. Distinctly higher pH values were observed in chronic wounds compared to acute wounds. However, there is only limited knowledge of pH dependency on the antibacterial efficacy of common antimicrobial substances. Methods: This study investigated the pH influence on the antimicrobial efficacy of povidone (PVP)-iodine, silver nitrate, chlorhexidine, octenidine and polihexanide against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa using the agar diffusion test and microplate laser nephelometry. Results: The bactericidal activity of chlorhexidine and octenidine was mainly pH-independent in a pH range of 5.0-9.0. In contrast, polihexanide showed a significant efficacy increase at a higher pH. It was also found that the influence of the pH on antiseptics differs among species of bacteria. For instance, S. aureus exhibited an increasing sensitivity against silver nitrate with rising pH whereas the effect on P. aeruginosa was found to be distinctly decreased. The antimicrobial effect of PVP-iodine was strongly diminished with rising pH. Conclusions: The shift towards higher pH values in chronic wounds compared to acute wounds makes it imperative to know whether the antimicrobial efficacy of applied antimicrobial substances is altered by different pH levels. The results suggest that application of polihexanide might be advantageous for the management of wound infections, as both S. aureus and P. aeruginosa exhibited an increased susceptibility with rising pH.
Estimating the Cognitive Effects of Prevalent Diabetes, Recent Onset Diabetes, and the Duration of Diabetes among Older Adults
Authors: Wu Qiong , Tchetgen Tchetgen Eric J. , Osypuk Theresa , Weuve Jennifer , White Kellee , Mujahid Mahasin , Glymour M. Maria
Published: January 2015

Background: Little evidence is available on the effects of incident diabetes or diabetes duration on cognitive aging. Methods: We evaluated the effects of prevalent and incident diabetes on deteriorations in cognitive function, based on participants (n = 8,671) aged 65+ in the Health and Retirement Study in 2000. Inverse probability weighting was used to account for selective attrition and time-varying confounding of incident diabetes. Results: Prevalent diabetes predicted higher odds of dementia [odds ratio 1.27; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03-1.58] and worse memory (-0.06 in z-score units; 95% CI -0.10 to -0.02), but incident diabetes or diabetes duration up to 8 years of follow-up was not predictive. Conclusion: Prevalent diabetes predicted lower cognition but not recent onset diabetes.
Should Dialysis be Offered to All Elderly Patients?
Authors: Germain Michael J.
Published: January 2015

Nephrologist are often faced with the question of the appropriate initiation and withdrawal from dialysis. Many clinicians feel that patient should be offered dialysis when they have ESRD regardless of the potential risks vs. benefits. My position in this debate is that nephrologists have the obligation to order treatments that are indicated and effective for their patients and will provide more benefit that harm. They should not order dialysis in patient that are not likely to benefit from the treatment. Patients have the right to refuse treatments but not the right to demand that a clinician order an ineffective treatment. Shared decision making is the key principle in deciding on the initiation and withdrawal from dialysis. The national guideline; Shared Decision Making: The Appropriate Initiation and Withdrawal from Dialysis supports this approach.
Premarital Screening for Hemoglobinopathies: Experience of a Single Center in Kurdistan, Iraq
Authors: Al-Allawi Nasir A.S. , Al-Doski Adnan A.S. , Markous Raji S.D. , Mohamad Amin Khyria A.K. , Eissa Adil A.Z. , Badi Ameer I.A. , Asmaro Rafal R.H. , Hamamy Hanan
Published: January 2015

Background: A program for the prevention of major hemoglobinopathies was initiated in 2008 in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. This study reports on the achievements and challenges of the program. Methods: A total of 102,554 individuals (51,277 couples) visiting a premarital center between 2008 and 2012 were screened for carrier status of hemoglobinopathies, and at-risk couples were counseled. Results: A total of 223 (4.3/1,000) couples were identified and counseled as high-risk couples. Available data on 198 high-risk couples indicated that 90.4% proceeded with their marriage plans, and 15% of these married couples decided to have prenatal diagnosis (PND) in subsequent pregnancies with the identification of 8 affected fetuses; all were terminated as chosen by the parents. Thirty affected births were recorded among the high-risk couples. The premarital program managed to reduce the affected birth rate of major hemoglobinopathies by 21.1%. Of the 136 affected babies born during the study period, 77.9% were born to couples married prior to the start of the program, while 22.1% were born to couples identified as having a high risk. The main reason for not taking the option of PND was unaffordable costs. Conclusions: Financial support would have increased opting for PND by high-risk couples. Further reduction in affected birth rates could be achieved by including parallel antenatal screening programs to cover those married before the initiation of the premarital program and improving the public health education and counseling programs.
Self-Management and Transition Among Adolescents/Young Adults with Chronic or End-Stage Kidney Disease
Authors: Ferris Maria E. , Cuttance Jessica R. , Javalkar Karina , Cohen Sarah E. , Phillips Alexandra , Bickford Kristi , Gibson Keisha , Ferris M. Ted , True Karin
Published: January 2015

Background: Adolescents/young adults (AYA) with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) are at risk for poor health outcomes related to self-management. To improve their health and quality of life, AYA must build self-management (for those in the pediatric- and adult-focused setting) and/or health care transition (HCT) skills (for those in the pediatric setting). Methods: Self-management and/or HCT encompass a variety of domains that must be tailored to each individual. Annual assessments should begin between the ages of 12 and 14 and continue in the adult-focused setting until patients have achieved demonstrated self-management and/or HCT skills mastery. These assessments will guide interventions that are congruent in terms of literacy, development and culture. Facilitation of this process from the perspective of both the pediatric and the adult health-care systems is described. Conclusions: Deficiencies and barriers to self-management and/or HCT for AYA with ESKD remain. There is no consensus on the definition of successful HCT preparation, with few tools to assess transition readiness and/or self-management. It is important for health providers to promote the self-management and/or health-care transition skills of AYA with ESKD. Customization of these activities and involvement of the whole family will contribute towards better health-related quality of life and patient outcomes.
Cognitive Assessment of Elderly Inpatients: A Clinical Audit
Authors: Shermon Elizabeth , Vernon Lucy O. , McGrath Adrian J.
Published: January 2015

Background: Comprehensive geriatric assessment including cognitive assessment results in better outcomes and quality of life through facilitating access to support and further care. The National Audit of Dementia Care revealed too few patients were being assessed for cognition and therefore failing to receive adequate care. Methods: This was a retrospective clinical audit in a district general hospital with systematic sampling of the clinical records of 50 inpatients on an elderly care ward. A descriptive analysis of the results was performed. Results: Despite guidance that cognitive assessment should be performed on admission, this was only documented in 22% of the medical notes. However, this rate improved to 56% by discharge. The most commonly used tool was the Abbreviated Mental Test (AMT) 10. Assessment completion was independent of gender or social support, but only patients aged over 75 years were assessed. Of those, 75% had some level of cognitive impairment and 36.8% received a new or suspected diagnosis of dementia. Discussion: Cognitive assessment rates continue to be low. Our findings support the need for increased education regarding the importance and benefits of assessment as well as how to complete and document the assessment correctly. Conclusion: Cognitive assessment rates need to be further improved to promote better outcomes for patients with dementia.
Metformin Use in Kidney Transplant Recipients in the United States: An Observational Study
Authors: Stephen Jenise , Anderson-Haag Teresa L. , Gustafson Sally , Snyder Jon J. , Kasiske Bertram L. , Israni Ajay K.
Published: January 2015

Background/Aims: Although metformin is contraindicated in patients with increased serum creatinine levels (≥1.5 mg/dl in men, ≥1.4 mg/dl in women) in the United States, its use has not been systematically examined in kidney transplant recipients. We aimed to determine the frequency of metformin use and its associations among kidney transplant recipients, and to assess allograft and patient survival associated with metformin use. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, we linked Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients data for all incident kidney transplants 2001-2012 and national pharmacy claims (n = 46,914). We compared recipients having one or more pharmacy claims for a metformin-containing product (n = 4,609) and recipients having one or more claims for a non-metformin glucose-lowering agent (n = 42,305). Results: On average, metformin claims were filled later after transplant and were associated with higher estimated glomerular filtration rates before the first claim. Median serum creatinine (mg/dl) levels before the first claim were lower in recipients with metformin claims than in those with non-metformin claims (1.3 [interquartile range 1.0-1.7] vs. 1.6 [1.2-2.5], respectively; p < 0.0001). Metformin was associated with lower adjusted hazards for living donor (0.55, 95% confidence interval 0.38-0.80; p = 0.002) and deceased donor (0.55, 0.44-0.70; p < 0.0001) allograft survival at 3 years posttransplant, and with lower mortality. Conclusions: Despite metformin being contraindicated in renal dysfunction, many kidney transplant recipients receive it, and it is not associated with worse patient or allograft survival.
The Effect of a Diet Containing 70% Protein from Plants on Mineral Metabolism and Musculoskeletal Health in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Moorthi Ranjani N. , Armstrong Cheryl L.H. , Janda Kevin , Ponsler-Sipes Kristen , Asplin John R. , Moe Sharon M.
Published: January 2015

Background: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is associated with alterations in phosphorus excretion, and increases in fibroblast growth factor (FGF23) and parathyroid hormone (PTH). Plant protein-based phytate-bound phosphorus, is less bioavailable than that from animal sources. Our one-week study that was conducted previously showed that a nearly 100% plant protein-based diet benefits mineral metabolism in CKD; however, this diet may not be acceptable to patients. Here we hypothesize that a diet containing 70% protein from plants has similar efficacy and is tolerated by CKD patients. Methods: Thirteen subjects with CKD 3-4 received an omnivorous diet containing 70% protein from plants for 4 weeks. The primary outcome was change in 24 h urine phosphorus. Secondary outcomes were changes in serum phosphorus, FGF23, PTH, urine sodium excretion, grip strength and fat free mass. Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test differences in parameters over the 4 weeks. Results: Mean age of subjects was 54.8 years. Median eGFR was 26 (IQR 14.7) ml/min/1.73 m2. Over the 4-week period, urine phosphorus significantly decreased by 215 ± 232 mg/day (p < 0.001). No significant changes in serum FGF23, phosphorus or PTH were noted. Urine sodium and titratable acid decreased significantly on the diet. Hand grip strength and fat-free mass did not change. There were two hyperkalemia events both 5.8 mEq/l, corrected by food substitutions. No other adverse events were observed. Conclusions: A 70% plant protein diet is safe, tolerated, and efficacious in lowering urine phosphorus excretion and may be an alternative to phosphate binders.
Effects of Estradiol Valerate and Remifemin on Norepinephrine Signaling in the Brain of Ovariectomized Rats
Authors: Wang Wenjuan , Bai Wenpei , Cui Guangxia , Jin Biao , Wang Ke , Jia Jing , Da Yunmeng , Qin Lihua
Published: January 2015

Aims: We investigated the norepinephrine pathway changes from the locus coeruleus (LC) to the preoptic area of the hypothalamus (POAH) in the brain of ovariectomized rats under low estrogen levels and explored the therapeutic effects of estradiol valerate (E2) and Remifemin (ICR) on these changes. Methods: 40 female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the following groups: surgery with vehicle (SHAM), ovariectomy surgery with vehicle (OVX), ovariectomy with E2 treatment (OVX + E2), and ovariectomy with Remifemin (OVX + ICR). After 4 weeks of treatment, we observed the changes by immunohistochemistry. Results: (1) The average optical density of DBH-ir fibers and the number of α1-adrenoreceptor- and estrogen receptor (ER)α-positive neurons in the main nuclei of POAH were all reduced in OVX rats compared with the SHAM group. The above changes were normalized in all nuclei of the POAH in the E2 group, while they were normalized in some nuclei in the ICR group. Coexpression of ERα and α1-adrenoreceptor was observed in the POAH. (2) The number of DBH- and ERα-positive neurons in the LC decreased in the OVX group compared with the SHAM group and increased after treatment with E2 and ICR. Coexpression of ERα and DBH was observed in the LC. Conclusion: Low estrogen (OVX) altered norepinephrine synthesis in the LC, the projection of norepinephrine fibers and α1-adrenoreceptor expression in the POAH. Both E2 and ICR normalized the norepinephrine pathway, but E2 achieved greater effects than ICR. ICR had different effects in different nuclei in the POAH and its therapeutic effect was better in the LC.
Combined Effect of Blood Pressure and Total Cholesterol Levels on Long-Term Risks of Subtypes of Cardiovascular Death
Authors: Satoh Michihiro , Ohkubo Takayoshi , Asayama Kei , Murakami Yoshitaka , Sakurai Masaru , Nakagawa Hideaki , Iso Hiroyasu , Okayama Akira , Miura Katsuyuki , Imai Yutaka , Ueshima Hirotsugu , Okamura Tomonori
Published: January 2015

No large-scale, longitudinal studies have examined the combined effects of blood pressure (BP) and total cholesterol levels on long-term risks for subtypes of cardiovascular death in an Asian population. To investigate these relationships, a meta-analysis of individual participant data, which included 73 916 Japanese subjects (age, 57.7 years; men, 41.1%) from 11 cohorts, was conducted. During a mean follow-up of 15.0 years, deaths from coronary heart disease, ischemic stroke, and intraparenchymal hemorrhage occurred in 770, 724, and 345 cases, respectively. Cohort-stratified Cox proportional hazard models were used. After stratifying the participants by 4 systolic BP ×4 total cholesterol categories, the group with systolic BP ≥160 mm Hg with total cholesterol ≥5.7 mmol/L had the greatest risk for coronary heart disease death (adjusted hazard ratio, 4.39;
P
<0.0001 versus group with systolic BP <120 mm Hg and total cholesterol <4.7 mmol/L). The adjusted hazard ratios of systolic BP (per 20 mm Hg) increased with increases in total cholesterol categories (hazard ratio, 1.52;
P
<0.0001 in group with total cholesterol ≥5.7 mmol/L). Similarly, the adjusted hazard ratios of total cholesterol increased with increases in systolic BP categories (
P
for interaction ≤0.04). Systolic BP was positively associated with ischemic stroke and intraparenchymal hemorrhage death, and total cholesterol was inversely associated with intraparenchymal hemorrhage, but no significant interactions between BP and total cholesterol were observed for stroke. High BP and high total cholesterol can synergistically increase the risk for coronary heart disease death but not for stroke in the Asian population.
Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule‐1 Mediates Endothelial‐Cardiomyocyte Communication and Regulates Cardiac Function
Authors: McCormick Margaret E. , Collins Caitlin , Makarewich Catherine A. , Chen Zhongming , Rojas Mauricio , Willis Monte S. , Houser Steven R. , Tzima Ellie
Published: January 2015

Background

Dilated cardiomyopathy is characterized by impaired contractility of cardiomyocytes, ventricular chamber dilatation, and systolic dysfunction. Although mutations in genes expressed in the cardiomyocyte are the best described causes of reduced contractility, the importance of endothelial‐cardiomyocyte communication for proper cardiac function is increasingly appreciated. In the present study, we investigate the role of the endothelial adhesion molecule platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (
PECAM
‐1) in the regulation of cardiac function.

Methods and Results

Using cell culture and animal models
,
we show that
PECAM
‐1 expressed in endothelial cells (
EC
s) regulates cardiomyocyte contractility and cardiac function via the neuregulin‐ErbB signaling pathway. Conscious echocardiography revealed left ventricular (
LV
) chamber dilation and systolic dysfunction in
PECAM
‐1
−/−
mice in the absence of histological abnormalities or defects in cardiac capillary density. Despite deficits in global cardiac function, cardiomyocytes isolated from
PECAM
‐1
−/−
hearts displayed normal baseline and isoproterenol‐stimulated contractility. Mechanistically, absence of
PECAM
‐1 resulted in elevated
NO
/
ROS
signaling and
NRG
‐1 release from
EC
s, which resulted in augmented phosphorylation of its receptor ErbB2. Treatment of cardiomyocytes with conditioned media from
PECAM
‐1
−/−
EC
s resulted in enhanced ErbB2 activation, which was normalized by pre‐treatment with an
NRG
‐1 blocking antibody. To determine whether normalization of increased
NRG
‐1 levels could correct cardiac function,
PECAM
‐1
−/−
mice were treated with the
NRG
‐1 blocking antibody. Echocardiography showed that treatment significantly improved cardiac function of
PECAM
‐1
−/−
mice, as revealed by increased ejection fraction and fractional shortening.

Conclusions

We identify a novel role for
PECAM
‐1 in regulating cardiac function via a paracrine
NRG
1‐ErbB pathway. These data highlight the importance of tightly regulated cellular communication for proper cardiac function.
Flexible Information Coding in Human Auditory Cortex during Perception, Imagery, and STM of Complex Sounds
Authors: Linke Annika C. , Cusack Rhodri
Published: January 2015

Auditory cortex is the first cortical region of the human brain to process sounds. However, it has recently been shown that its neurons also fire in the absence of direct sensory input, during memory maintenance and imagery. This has commonly been taken to reflect neural coding of the same acoustic information as during the perception of sound. However, the results of the current study suggest that the type of information encoded in auditory cortex is highly flexible. During perception and memory maintenance, neural activity patterns are stimulus specific, reflecting individual sound properties. Auditory imagery of the same sounds evokes similar overall activity in auditory cortex as perception. However, during imagery abstracted, categorical information is encoded in the neural patterns, particularly when individuals are experiencing more vivid imagery. This highlights the necessity to move beyond traditional “brain mapping” inference in human neuroimaging, which assumes common regional activation implies similar mental representations.
Metacognitive Processes in Executive Control Development: The Case of Reactive and Proactive Control
Authors: Chevalier Nicolas , Martis Shaina Bailey , Curran Tim , Munakata Yuko
Published: January 2015

Young children engage cognitive control reactively in response to events, rather than proactively preparing for events. Such limitations in executive control have been explained in terms of fundamental constraints on children's cognitive capacities. Alternatively, young children might be capable of proactive control but differ from older children in their metacognitive decisions regarding when to engage proactive control. We examined these possibilities in three conditions of a task-switching paradigm, varying in whether task cues were available before or after target onset. RTs, ERPs, and pupil dilation showed that 5-year-olds did engage in advance preparation, a critical aspect of proactive control, but only when reactive control was made more difficult, whereas 10-year-olds engaged in proactive control whenever possible. These findings highlight metacognitive processes in children's cognitive control, an understudied aspect of executive control development.
Rescaling Retinal Size into Perceived Size: Evidence for an Occipital and Parietal Bottleneck
Authors: Kreutzer Sylvia , Weidner Ralph , Fink Gereon R.
Published: January 2015

The spatial and temporal context of an object influence its perceived size. Two visual illusions illustrate this nicely: the size adaptation effect and the Ebbinghaus illusion. Whereas size adaptation affects size rescaling of a target circle via a previously presented, differently sized adaptor circle, the Ebbinghaus illusion alters perceived size by virtue of surrounding circles. In the classical Ebbinghaus setting, the surrounding circles are shown simultaneously with the target. However, size underestimation persists when the surrounding circles precede the target. Such a temporal separation of inducer and target circles in both illusions permits the comparison of BOLD signals elicited by two displays that, although objectively identical, elicit different percepts. The current study combined both illusions in a factorial design to identify a presumed common central mechanism involved in rescaling retinal into perceived size. At the behavioral level, combining both illusions did not affect perceived size further. At the neural level, however, this combination induced functional activation beyond that induced by either illusion separately: An underadditive activation pattern was found within left lingual gyrus, right supramarginal gyrus, and right superior parietal cortex. These findings provide direct behavioral and functional evidence for the presence of a neural bottleneck in rescaling retinal into perceived size, a process vital for visual perception.
What Can Neuromorphic Event-Driven Precise Timing Add to Spike-Based Pattern Recognition?
Authors: Akolkar Himanshu , Meyer Cedric , Clady Xavier , Marre Olivier , Bartolozzi Chiara , Panzeri Stefano , Benosman Ryad
Published: January 2015

This letter introduces a study to precisely measure what an increase in spike timing precision can add to spike-driven pattern recognition algorithms. The concept of generating spikes from images by converting gray levels into spike timings is currently at the basis of almost every spike-based modeling of biological visual systems. The use of images naturally leads to generating incorrect artificial and redundant spike timings and, more important, also contradicts biological findings indicating that visual processing is massively parallel, asynchronous with high temporal resolution. A new concept for acquiring visual information through pixel-individual asynchronous level-crossing sampling has been proposed in a recent generation of asynchronous neuromorphic visual sensors. Unlike conventional cameras, these sensors acquire data not at fixed points in time for the entire array but at fixed amplitude changes of their input, resulting optimally sparse in space and time—pixel individually and precisely timed only if new, (previously unknown) information is available (event based). This letter uses the high temporal resolution spiking output of neuromorphic event-based visual sensors to show that lowering time precision degrades performance on several recognition tasks specifically when reaching the conventional range of machine vision acquisition frequencies (30–60 Hz). The use of information theory to characterize separability between classes for each temporal resolution shows that high temporal acquisition provides up to 70% more information that conventional spikes generated from frame-based acquisition as used in standard artificial vision, thus drastically increasing the separability between classes of objects. Experiments on real data show that the amount of information loss is correlated with temporal precision. Our information-theoretic study highlights the potentials of neuromorphic asynchronous visual sensors for both practical applications and theoretical investigations. Moreover, it suggests that representing visual information as a precise sequence of spike times as reported in the retina offers considerable advantages for neuro-inspired visual computations.
Spontaneous Action Potentials and Neural Coding in Unmyelinated Axons
Authors: O’Donnell Cian , van Rossum Mark C. W.
Published: January 2015

The voltage-gated Na and K channels in neurons are responsible for action potential generation. Because ion channels open and close in a stochastic fashion, spontaneous (ectopic) action potentials can result even in the absence of stimulation. While spontaneous action potentials have been studied in detail in single-compartment models, studies on spatially extended processes have been limited. The simulations and analysis presented here show that spontaneous rate in unmyelinated axon depends nonmonotonically on the length of the axon, that the spontaneous activity has sub-Poisson statistics, and that neural coding can be hampered by the spontaneous spikes by reducing the probability of transmitting the first spike in a train.
Delay Differential Analysis of Time Series
Authors: Lainscsek Claudia , Sejnowski Terrence J.
Published: January 2015

Nonlinear dynamical system analysis based on embedding theory has been used for modeling and prediction, but it also has applications to signal detection and classification of time series. An embedding creates a multidimensional geometrical object from a single time series. Traditionally either delay or derivative embeddings have been used. The delay embedding is composed of delayed versions of the signal, and the derivative embedding is composed of successive derivatives of the signal. The delay embedding has been extended to nonuniform embeddings to take multiple timescales into account. Both embeddings provide information on the underlying dynamical system without having direct access to all the system variables. Delay differential analysis is based on functional embeddings, a combination of the derivative embedding with nonuniform delay embeddings. Small delay differential equation (DDE) models that best represent relevant dynamic features of time series data are selected from a pool of candidate models for detection or classification. We show that the properties of DDEs support spectral analysis in the time domain where nonlinear correlation functions are used to detect frequencies, frequency and phase couplings, and bispectra. These can be efficiently computed with short time windows and are robust to noise. For frequency analysis, this framework is a multivariate extension of discrete Fourier transform (DFT), and for higher-order spectra, it is a linear and multivariate alternative to multidimensional fast Fourier transform of multidimensional correlations. This method can be applied to short or sparse time series and can be extended to cross-trial and cross-channel spectra if multiple short data segments of the same experiment are available. Together, this time-domain toolbox provides higher temporal resolution, increased frequency and phase coupling information, and it allows an easy and straightforward implementation of higher-order spectra across time compared with frequency-based methods such as the DFT and cross-spectral analysis.
Structural Intervention Distance for Evaluating Causal Graphs
Authors: Peters Jonas , Bühlmann Peter
Published: January 2015

Causal inference relies on the structure of a graph, often a directed acyclic graph (DAG). Different graphs may result in different causal inference statements and different intervention distributions. To quantify such differences, we propose a (pre-)metric between DAGs, the structural intervention distance (SID). The SID is based on a graphical criterion only and quantifies the closeness between two DAGs in terms of their corresponding causal inference statements. It is therefore well suited for evaluating graphs that are used for computing interventions. Instead of DAGs, it is also possible to compare CPDAGs, completed partially DAGs that represent Markov equivalence classes. The SID differs significantly from the widely used structural Hamming distance and therefore constitutes a valuable additional measure. We discuss properties of this distance and provide a (reasonably) efficient implementation with software code available on the first author’s home page.
A Study on the Optimal Double Parameters for Steepest Descent with Momentum
Authors: Zhang Naimin
Published: January 2015

This letter presents the stability analysis for two steepest descent algorithms with momentum for quadratic functions. The corresponding local optimal parameters in Torii and Hagan ( 2002 ) and Zhang ( 2013 ) are extended to the global optimal parameters, that is, both the optimal learning rates and the optimal momentum factors are obtained simultaneously which make for the fastest convergence.
Spontaneous Motion on Two-Dimensional Continuous Attractors
Authors: Fung C. C. Alan , Amari S.-i.
Published: January 2015

Attractor models are simplified models used to describe the dynamics of firing rate profiles of a pool of neurons. The firing rate profile, or the neuronal activity, is thought to carry information. Continuous attractor neural networks (CANNs) describe the neural processing of continuous information such as object position, object orientation, and direction of object motion. Recently it was found that in one-dimensional CANNs, short-term synaptic depression can destabilize bump-shaped neuronal attractor activity profiles. In this article, we study two-dimensional CANNs with short-term synaptic depression and spike frequency adaptation. We found that the dynamics of CANNs with short-term synaptic depression and CANNs with spike frequency adaptation are qualitatively similar. We also found that in both kinds of CANNs, the perturbative approach can be used to predict phase diagrams, dynamical variables, and speed of spontaneous motion.
Human Rights Violations by un Peacekeepers
Authors: Uddin Md. Kamal
Published: January 2015

Peacekeeping Operation (pko) is significantly a worthwhile strategy for preservation and restoration of international peace and security. Promotion and protection of human rights in peacekeeping operations is a phenomenon and cannot be the only responsibility of the United Nations. However, as the most important actor of the international system, it has the primary responsibility to promote and protect human rights in peacekeeping operations because human rights issue has become very significant in the sense that unfortunately, in most cases, peacekeepers are involved in gross human rights violation in the course of operation that damage overall reputation of un. Hence, application and enforcement of international human rights law in peacekeeping operations are essential in order to shelter the civilian form attacks, torture, and other forms of human rights violations. This paper examines the un’s efforts to address human rights in pkos, and also targets to find out the actual scenario of human rights in pkos and proposes some policies.
Addressing Europe’s Foreign Fighter Issue
Authors: Paulussen Christophe , Entenmann Eva
Published: January 2015

Since its beginning, the Syrian civil war has been marked by atrocities on both sides of the conflict and as diplomatic efforts fail to bring the various fighting factions to one table, there seems to be no end in sight for the increasingly sectarian conflict. The Syrian crisis has drawn in a range of outside factions and there are reports of some 11,000 non-Syrians fighting alongside government troops, opposition forces and other, often religiously-inspired groups. While most of these so-called foreign fighters come from neighbouring states, around 20 percent of them are estimated to come from Europe. Authorities at the national and international level try to counter these worrying developments via a plethora of means. This article focusses on the question of what legal tools and measures legislators can and should utilise to prevent potential fighters from travelling to Syria and/or prosecuting individuals upon their return, for example for acts committed while abroad or the possible preparation of terrorism-related acts. It analyses the legal avenues available on the international and domestic levels for addressing the issue of foreign fighters. As concerns the national level, the article focuses on the European states that appear to have the highest percentage of departed foreign fighters: Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom (uk). The authors conclude, among other things, that rule of law responses to the foreign fighter phenomenon in the countries investigated remains fragmented. Although at the European level, the attacks in Belgium in May 2014 have meant that calls for a comprehensive approach to the foreign fighter phenomenon have become more urgent, it is doubtful whether Europe will soon have a Union-wide response to this increasingly challenging problem.
Childhood bullying and healthcare adherence in adulthood
Authors: Sansone Randy A , Bohinc R Jordan , Wiederman Michael W
Published: January 2015

Background:

The relationship between childhood bullying and healthcare adherence in adulthood has been rarely studied, but one published study suggests that being bullied in childhood is related to lower healthcare adherence among adolescents. This previous study examined few adherence variables and was limited to youths.

Aims:

In this study, we assessed five variables for childhood bullying as related to seven measures of healthcare adherence among a cohort of adult primary care outpatients.

Method:

Using a cross-sectional, self-report survey methodology in a sample of 263 consecutive internal medicine outpatients, we examined five aspects of bullying and seven aspects of adherence with general healthcare.

Results:

Being a victim of bullying, type of bullying (emotional, physical), number of years bullied and number of bullies each evidenced no statistical relationships with healthcare adherence. However, being a bully demonstrated several statistical relationships with healthcare adherence, indicating less adherence to instructions provided by healthcare professionals.

Conclusions:

Despite all of the deleterious psychological and physical effects of being bullied in childhood, there was no evidence that non-adherence with healthcare in adulthood is one of them. In contrast, bullies evidenced several areas of reduced healthcare adherence.
A Jigsaw Puzzle with No Given Solution
Authors: Ericsson Ulf , Augustinsson Sören , Pettersson Pär
Published: January 2015

Based on one-to-one interviews and focus group interviews with management representatives, trade union representatives, and blue- and white-collar workers this article investigates how the global financial crisis was handled in Swedish industry. In the light of the crisis agreement signed between trade union IF Metall and company representatives how can the implementation of the agreement be described? How were these new conditions interpreted and how were they experienced? Three conceptual themes emerged, trust, loyalty, and principle of fair-play. Large differences were shown that were related to attitudes towards blue- and white-collar workers, recognition of work, and the size of the town.
Tobacco Use Experimentation, Physical Activity, and Risk of Depression Among Multiethnic Urban Preadolescents
Authors: Stanton Cassandra A. , Highland Krista B. , Tercyak Kenneth P.
Published: January 2015

Children with low socioeconomic status and ethnic minorities experience disproportionate risk of elevated depressive symptoms. This study examines the effects of risk/protective factors for depressive symptoms among multiethnic urban preadolescents. Eighth graders ( N = 463; 34% African American, 29% Hispanic, 17% White, and 20% Other/Mixed; 23% born outside of the United States) completed surveys at two urban public middle schools serving low-income neighborhoods. A linear regression model examined independent and interacting effects of gender, smoking experimentation, and physical activity on depressive symptoms. Female gender and lower physical activity were independently associated with increased depressive symptoms. A significant Gender × Smoking × Physical activity interaction indicated that physical activity was protective against depressive symptoms for girls who experimented with smoking and boys who had never smoked. Future research is needed to evaluate whether physical activity promotion is an effective health promotion target that both deters cigarette smoking and reduces depression risk among ethnically diverse preadolescents.
The impact of HR political skill in the HRM and organisational performance relationship
Authors: Sheehan Cathy , De Cieri Helen , Cooper Brian K , Brooks Robert
Published: January 2015

The first aim of this study was to test empirically the effect of HR political skill on the relationship between high involvement work practices and organisational performance. A second aim was to test empirically whether an HR executive can use their political skill advantageously within strategic decision-making processes in order to affect organizational performance. Survey responses from 180 HR executives in medium to large employers have been analysed and the results confirm that the political skill of the HR executive strengthens the positive relationship between high involvement work practices and perceived organisational performance, and also strengthens the positive effect of HR involvement in strategic decision-making on organisational performance. The research provides evidence that HR political skill is important both in reinforcing the impact of human resource management (HRM) and the opportunity for HR to be part of strategic decisions.
Navigating the “Abyss”
Authors: Gravley Dianne , Richardson Brian K. , Allison John M.
Published: January 2015

Whistle-blowers frequently face severe retaliation for their actions. This retaliation has power to destroy, marginalize, and even metaphorically murder those who speak out. Perhaps the greatest loss described by many whistle-blowers, however, is loss of personal identity, an experience we term the abyss. This study’s purpose was to explore organizational whistle-blowing experiences, specifically the abyss, and identity transformation of whistle-blowers through the construct of narrative identity theory. We interviewed 11 individuals who had blown the whistle against perceived corruption in various Texas school systems, and had experienced retaliation. Narrative analysis revealed four identities personified by whistle-blowers: crusader, citizen, mom, and popularity seeker. These various identities offered explanations for whistle-blowers’ choices to disclose, their perceptions of retaliation, and their abilities to either maintain their identities or reconstitute new identities. We conclude by offering implications for understanding how and why some whistle-blowers can seamlessly manage retaliation, whereas others are transformed by it.