bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spin and Heat Transport in Ferromagnetic Insulators (FI)/Normal Metal (NM) Mesoscopic Devices — A Boltzmann Approach
Authors: Ren Jue , Liu Tao , Ren Jie , Zhang Jianwei
Published: November 2015

We build self-consistent spin-dependent Boltzmann equation in ferromagnetic insulator (FI) and metal layers. The effect of temperature gradient is considered. In this theoretical framework, we focus on the transport phenomena in FI/normal metal (NM) layers, including spin Seebeck effect (SSE). A temperature gradient can generate magnon current in FI layer, and it can converse to the spin current in NM layer through the interaction between magnon and electron at the interface. We also study the different factors of spin-dependent scattering at the interface, regarded as the boundary conditions. By adjusting the FI/NM interface parameters and a temperature gradient, we also obtain influence of diffusion length and [Formula: see text] on the final spin currents.
RAIDShield
Authors: Ma Ao , Traylor Rachel , Douglis Fred , Chamness Mark , Lu Guanlin , Sawyer Darren , Chandra Surendar , Hsu Windsor
Published: November 2015

Modern storage systems orchestrate a group of disks to achieve their performance and reliability goals. Even though such systems are designed to withstand the failure of individual disks, failure of multiple disks poses a unique set of challenges. We empirically investigate disk failure data from a large number of production systems, specifically focusing on the impact of disk failures on RAID storage systems. Our data covers about one million SATA disks from six disk models for periods up to 5 years. We show how observed disk failures weaken the protection provided by RAID. The count of
reallocated sectors
correlates strongly with impending failures.

With these findings we designed RAIDS
hield
, which consists of two components. First, we have built and evaluated an active defense mechanism that monitors the health of each disk and replaces those that are predicted to fail imminently. This proactive protection has been incorporated into our product and is observed to eliminate 88% of triple disk errors, which are 80% of all RAID failures. Second, we have designed and simulated a method of using the joint failure probability to quantify and predict how likely a RAID group is to face multiple simultaneous disk failures, which can identify disks that collectively represent a risk of failure even when no individual disk is flagged in isolation. We find in simulation that RAID-level analysis can effectively identify most vulnerable RAID-6 systems, improving the coverage to 98% of triple errors.

We conclude with discussions of operational considerations in deploying RAIDS
hield
more broadly and new directions in the analysis of disk errors. One interesting approach is to combine multiple metrics, allowing the values of different indicators to be used for predictions. Using newer field data that reports an additional metric,
medium errors
, we find that the relative efficacy of reallocated sectors and medium errors varies across disk models, offering an additional way to predict failures.
Internet Programmable IoT: On the role of APIs in IoT
Authors: Vukovic Maja
Published: November 2015

With everything and everyone accessible as a virtual resource on the web, novel applications that are created out of existing capabilities will continue to emerge. This article discusses the role and challenges for APIs in transforming the IoT capabilities.
Neuroprotective Effect of Xueshuantong for Injection (Lyophilized) in Transient and Permanent Rat Cerebral Ischemia Model
Authors: Wang Xumei , Wang Shaoxia , Wang Jinxin , Guo Hong , Dong Zhaopeng , Chai Lijuan , Hu Limin , Zhang Yue , Wang Hong , Chen Lu
Published: November 2015

Xueshuantong for Injection (Lyophilized) (XST), a Chinese Materia Medica standardized product extracted fromPanax notoginseng(Burk.), is used extensively for the treatment of cerebrovascular diseases such as acutely cerebral infarction clinically in China. In the present study, we evaluated the acute and extended protective effects of XST in different rat cerebral ischemic model and explored its effect on peroxiredoxin (Prx) 6-toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 signaling pathway. We found that XST treatment for 3 days could significantly inhibit transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) induced infarct volume and swelling percent and regulate the mRNA expression of interleukin-1β(IL-1β), IL-17, IL-23p19, tumor necrosis factor-α(TNFα), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in brain. Further study demonstrated that treatment with XST suppressed the protein expression of peroxiredoxin (Prx) 6-toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 and phosphorylation level of p38 and upregulated the phosphorylation level of STAT3. In permanent MCAO rats, XST could reduce the infarct volume and swelling percent. Moreover, our results revealed that XST treatment could increase the rats’ weight and improve a batch of functional outcomes. In conclusion, the present data suggested that XST could protect against ischemia injury in transient and permanent MCAO rats, which might be related to Prx6-TLR4 pathway.
Emerging Threats for Human Health in Poland: Pathogenic Isolates from Drug ResistantAcanthamoebaKeratitis Monitored in terms of TheirIn VitroDynamics and Temperature Adaptability
Authors: Chomicz Lidia , Conn David Bruce , Padzik Marcin , Szaflik Jacek P. , Walochnik Julia , Zawadzki Paweł J. , Pawłowski Witold , Dybicz Monika
Published: November 2015

Amphizoic amoebae generate a serious human health threat due to their pathogenic potential as facultative parasites, causative agents of vision-threateningAcanthamoebakeratitis (AK). Recently, AK incidences have been reported with increasing frequency worldwide, particularly in contact lens wearers. In our study, severe cases of AK in Poland and respective pathogenic isolates were assessed at clinical, morphological, and molecular levels. Misdiagnoses and the unsuccessful treatment in other ophthalmic units delayed suitable therapy, and resistance to applied chemicals resulted in severe courses and treatment difficulties. Molecular assessment indicated that all sequenced pathogenic corneal isolates deriving from Polish patients with AK examined by us showed 98–100% homology withAcanthamoebagenotype T4, the most prevalent genotype in this human ocular infection worldwide.In vitroassays revealed that the pathogenic strains are able to grow at elevated temperature and have a wide adaptive capability. This study is our subsequentin vitroinvestigation on pathogenicAcanthamoebastrains of AK originating from Polish patients. Further investigations designed to foster a better understanding of the factors leading to an increase of AK observed in the past years in Poland may help to prevent or at least better cope with future cases.
Cone-Beam Computed Tomographic Assessment of Mandibular Condylar Position in Patients with Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction and in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Paknahad Maryam , Shahidi Shoaleh , Iranpour Shiva , Mirhadi Sabah , Paknahad Majid
Published: November 2015

Statement of the Problem. The clinical significance of condyle-fossa relationships in the temporomandibular joint is a matter of controversy. Different studies have evaluated whether the position of the condyle is a predictor of the presence of temporomandibular disorder.Purpose. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the condylar position according to gender in patients with temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and healthy controls using cone-beam computed tomography.Materials and Methods. CBCT of sixty temporomandibular joints in thirty patients with TMD and sixty joints of thirty subjects without TMJ disorder was evaluated in this study. The condylar position was assessed on the CBCT images. The data were analyzed using Pearson chi-square test.Results. No statistically significant differences were found regarding the condylar position between symptomatic and asymptomatic groups. Posterior condylar position was more frequently observed in women and anterior condylar position was more prevalent in men in the symptomatic group. However, no significant differences in condylar position were found in asymptomatic subjects according to gender.Conclusion. This study showed no apparent association between condylar positioning and clinical findings in TMD patients.
Bacterial Endo-Symbiont Inhabiting Tridax procumbens L. and Their Antimicrobial Potential
Authors: Baker Syed , Kavitha Kumara Shanthamma , Yashavantha Rao Huvinakola Chinnappa , Rakshith Devaraju , Harini Ballagere Puttaraju , Kumar Komal , Satish Sreedharamurthy
Published: November 2015

Bacterial symbionts inhabiting Tridax procumbens L. were screened for antimicrobial potential with the aim to isolate potent bacteria bearing significant activity against test pathogens. The selected isolate was subjected to large scale fermentation to extract antimicrobial metabolite. The organic phase was reduced under vacuum pressure and crude ethyl acetate extract (10 mg/mL) was evaluated for antimicrobial activity against panel of test pathogens. The antibacterial activity was measured as a zone of inhibition and compared with standard antibiotics, gentamicin and tetracycline. Similarly, antifungal activity was compared with miconazole and bavistin. Significant activity was conferred against Shigella flexneri (MTCC 731) with 27±1.5 mm zone across the disc. Partially, purification of antimicrobial metabolite with TLC-bioautography and HPLC resulted in active fraction bearing activity at Rf 0.65 and eluting between 4 and 5 retention times. The obtained results are promising enough for future purification and characterization of antimicrobial metabolite. Thus, the study attributes to the growing knowledge on endophytes as one of the rich sources of antimicrobial potentials.
Chinese Herbal Medicines as an Adjunctive Therapy for Unresectable Pancreatic Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Bin , Gan Run , Yang Quanjun , Huang Jinlu , Chen Pengguo , Wan Lili , Guo Cheng
Published: November 2015

Pancreatic cancer is a common malignancy with a high mortality. Most patients present clinically with advanced pancreatic cancer. Moreover, the effect of radiotherapy or chemotherapy is limited. Complementary and alternative medicines represent exciting adjunctive therapies. In this study, we ascertained the beneficial and adverse effects of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) in combination with conventional therapy for inoperable pancreatic cancer by using meta-analysis methods for controlled clinical trials. We extracted data for studies searched from six electronic databases that were searched and also assessed the methodological quality of the included studies. We evaluated the following outcome measures: 6-month and 1-year survival rate, objective response rate, disease control rate, quality of life, and adverse effects. The final analysis showed CHM is a promising strategy as an adjunctive therapy to treat advanced or inoperable pancreatic cancer and that CHM in combination with conventional therapy is a promising strategy for resistant disease. However, convincing evidence must be obtained and confirmed by high-quality trials in future studies.
Explicit Solutions for the Solomon-Wilson-Alexiades’s Mushy Zone Model with Convective or Heat Flux Boundary Conditions
Authors: Tarzia Domingo A.
Published: November 2015

We complete the Solomon-Wilson-Alexiades’s mushy zone model (Solomon, 1982) for the one-phase Lamé-Clapeyron-Stefan problem by obtaining explicit solutions when a convective or heat flux boundary condition is imposed on the fixed face for a semi-infinite material. We also obtain the necessary and sufficient condition on data in order to get the explicit solutions for both cases which is new with respect to the original model. Moreover, when these conditions are satisfied, the two phase-change problems are equivalent to the same problem with a temperature boundary condition on the fixed face and therefore an inequality for the coefficient which characterized one of the two free interfaces of the model is also obtained.
A Modified Control Scheme of Droop-Based Converters for Power Stability Analysis in Microgrids
Authors: Usunariz Igor , Santamaria Mikel , Mentesidi Konstantina , Aguado Monica
Published: November 2015

Microgrid is principally an active distribution network since it aggregates numerous DG systems through their interface converters and different loads at distribution level. This paper discusses the power sharing in autonomous AC-microgrid infrastructure by common P-f and Q-V˙ droop control schemes on parallel-connected converters. Moreover, this research work proposes a frequency and voltage restoration mechanism through the utilization of secondary control. Experimental results are presented for a two-50 kVA parallel-connected converter-based system, demonstrating the necessity for the proper operation of the secondary control in order to monitor the system’s capability to withstand any perturbations that may occur and to ensure the system’s security.
Pisa Syndrome in Parkinson’s Disease: Electromyographic Aspects and Implications for Rehabilitation
Authors: Frazzitta Giuseppe , Balbi Pietro , Gotti Francesco , Maestri Roberto , Sabetta Annarita , Caremani Luca , Gobbi Laura , Capobianco Marina , Bera Rossana , Giladi Nir , Ferrazzoli Davide
Published: November 2015

Pisa Syndrome (PS) is a real clinical enigma, and its management remains a challenge. In order to improve the knowledge about resting state and during maximal voluntary muscle contraction (MVMC) of the axial muscles, we described the electromyography results of paraspinal muscles, rectus abdominis, external oblique, and quadratus lumborum of both sides of 60 patients. Electromyography was assessed at rest, during MVMC while bending in the opposite direction of the PS and during MVMC while bending in the direction of the PS. The MVMC gave information about the interferential pattern (INT) or subinterferential pattern (sub-INT). We defined asymmetrical activation (AA) when a sub-INT was detected on the muscle on the side opposite to the PS bending and an INT of same muscle in the direction of PS bending. We observed significant AA during MVMC only in the external oblique muscles in 78% of the subjects. Our results of asymmetric ability to generate maximal voluntary force of the external oblique muscles support a central dissynchronisation of axial muscles as a significant contributor for the bending of the spine in erect position. These results could have important implication to physiotherapy and the use of botulinum toxin in the treatment of PS.
Isolation of Infectious Bursal Disease Virus Using Indigenous Chicken Embryos in Kenya
Authors: Mutinda W. U. , Njagi L. W. , Nyaga P. N. , Bebora L. C. , Mbuthia P. G. , Kemboi D. , Githinji J. W. K. , Muriuki A.
Published: November 2015

Infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) isolates were recovered from outbreaks to initiate activities towards developing a local vaccine strain. Use of indigenous chicken embryos was exploited to determine their potential, promote utilization of local resources for research, and enhance household economic activities. Bursa of Fabricius (BFs) samples from outbreaks shown to be IBDV positive was homogenized and inoculated in 4-week-old specific pathogen-free (SPF) IBDV seronegative white leghorn chicks. The harvested virus was inoculated into 11-day-old indigenous chicken embryos that were IBDV seronegative and passaged serially three times after which they were inoculated into 4-week-old indigenous chicks to test for presence and virulence of propagated virus. Out of 153 BFs collected from outbreaks, 43.8% (67/153) were positive for IBDV antigen and 65.7% (44/67) caused disease in SPF chicks. The embryo mean mortalities were 88% on primary inoculation, 94% in 1st passage, 91% in 2nd passage, and 67% in 3rd passage. After the third passage in embryos all the 44 isolates were virulent in 4-week-old indigenous chicks. The results show that indigenous chicken embryos support growth of IBDV and can be used to propagate the virus as an alternative viral propagating tool for respective vaccine preparation.
The{P,Q,k+1}-Reflexive Solution to System of Matrix EquationsAX=C,XB=D
Authors: Dong Chang-Zhou , Wang Qing-Wen
Published: November 2015

LetP∈Cm×mandQ∈Cn×nbe Hermitian and{k+1}-potent matrices; that is,Pk+1=P=P⁎andQk+1=Q=Q⁎,where·⁎stands for the conjugate transpose of a matrix. A matrixX∈Cm×nis called{P,Q,k+1}-reflexive (antireflexive) ifPXQ=X (PXQ=-X). In this paper, the system of matrix equationsAX=CandXB=Dsubject to{P,Q,k+1}-reflexive and antireflexive constraints is studied by converting into two simpler cases:k=1andk=2.We give the solvability conditions and the general solution to this system; in addition, the least squares solution is derived; finally, the associated optimal approximation problem for a given matrix is considered.
MatPred: Computational Identification of Mature MicroRNAs within Novel Pre-MicroRNAs
Authors: Li Jin , Wang Ying , Wang Lei , Feng Weixing , Luan Kuan , Dai Xuefeng , Xu Chengzhen , Meng Xianglian , Zhang Qiushi , Liang Hong
Published: November 2015

Background.MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short noncoding RNAs integral for regulating gene expression at the posttranscriptional level. However, experimental methods often fall short in finding miRNAs expressed at low levels or in specific tissues. While several computational methods have been developed for predicting the localization of mature miRNAs within the precursor transcript, the prediction accuracy requires significant improvement.Methodology/Principal Findings.Here, we present MatPred, which predicts mature miRNA candidates within novel pre-miRNA transcripts. In addition to the relative locus of the mature miRNA within the pre-miRNA hairpin loop and minimum free energy, we innovatively integrated features that describe the nucleotide-specific RNA secondary structure characteristics. In total, 94 features were extracted from the mature miRNA loci and flanking regions. The model was trained based on a radial basis function kernel/support vector machine (RBF/SVM). Our method can predict precise locations of mature miRNAs, as affirmed by experimentally verified human pre-miRNAs or pre-miRNAs candidates, thus achieving a significant advantage over existing methods.Conclusions.MatPred is a highly effective method for identifying mature miRNAs within novel pre-miRNA transcripts. Our model significantly outperformed three other widely used existing methods. Such processing prediction methods may provide important insight into miRNA biogenesis.
Stackelberg Game Based Power Control with Outage Probability Constraints for Cognitive Radio Networks
Authors: Yang Helin , Xie Xianzhong , Vasilakos Athanasios V.
Published: November 2015

This paper firstly investigates the problem of uplink power control in cognitive radio networks (CRNs) with multiple primary users (PUs) and multiple second users (SUs) considering channel outage constraints and interference power constraints, where PUs and SUs compete with each other to maximize their utilities. We formulate a Stackelberg game to model this hierarchical competition, where PUs and SUs are considered to be leaders and followers, respectively. We theoretically prove the existence and uniqueness of robust Stackelberg equilibrium for the noncooperative approach. Then, we apply the Lagrange dual decomposition method to solve this problem, and an efficient iterative algorithm is proposed to search the Stackelberg equilibrium. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm improves the performance compared with those proportionate game schemes.
Genome-Wide Prediction of Vaccine Candidates forLeishmania major: An Integrated Approach
Authors: Singh Satarudra Prakash , Roopendra Kriti , Mishra Bhartendu Nath
Published: November 2015

Despite the wealth of information regarding genetics of the causative parasite and experimental immunology of the cutaneous leishmaniasis, there is currently no licensed vaccine against it. In the current study, a two-level data mining strategy was employed, to screen theLeishmania majorgenome for promising vaccine candidates. First, we screened a set of 25 potential antigens from 8312 protein coding sequences, based on presence of signal peptides, GPI anchors, and consensus antigenicity predictions. Second, we conducted a comprehensive immunogenic analysis of the 25 antigens based on epitopes predicted by NetCTL tool. Interestingly, results revealed that candidate antigen number 1 (LmjF.03.0550) had greater number of potential T cell epitopes, as compared to five well-characterized control antigens (CSP-Plasmodium falciparum, M1 and NP-Influenza A virus, core protein-Hepatitis B virus, and PSTA1-Mycobacterium tuberculosis). In order to determine an optimal set of epitopes among the highest scoring predicted epitopes, the OptiTope tool was employed for populations susceptible to cutaneous leishmaniasis. The epitope (127SLWSLLAGV) from antigen number 1, found to bind with the most prevalent allele HLA-A⁎0201 (25% frequency in Southwest Asia), was predicted as most immunogenic for all the target populations. Thus, our study reasserts the potential of genome-wide screening of pathogen antigens and epitopes, for identification of promising vaccine candidates.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Aggregates in the Dodecane/span80 System and Their Behaviour in an Electric Field
Authors: Mannoor Madhusoodanan , Kang Sangmo , Suh Yong Kweon
Published: November 2015

Molecular dynamics simulation of self-assembly of surfactant span80 molecules to form reverse micelles in nonpolar liquid dodecane is carried out. Simulations are performed using a united atom model for dodecane and a hybrid model for span80 molecules. Various physical characteristics of reverse micelle are measured, and the same are compared with available experimental results. Presence of charge carriers in the form of solvated ions in the core of reverse micelles is confirmed by the simulation. Movement of reverse micelles under the effect of uniform external electric field is also discussed.
A CDT-Based Heuristic Zone Design Approach for Economic Census Investigators
Authors: Cheng Changixu , Song Xiaomei , Yang Jing , Hu Xiatian , Shen Shi , Wang Lijun
Published: November 2015

This paper addresses a special zone design problem for economic census investigators that is motivated by a real-world application. This paper presented a heuristic multikernel growth approach via Constrained Delaunay Triangulation (CDT). This approach not only solved the barriers problem but also dealt with the polygon data in zoning procedure. In addition, it uses a new heuristic method to speed up the zoning process greatly on the premise of the required quality of zoning. At last, two special instances for economic census were performed, highlighting the performance of this approach.
Optimism in Active Learning
Authors: Collet Timothé , Pietquin Olivier
Published: November 2015

Active learning is the problem of interactively constructing the training set used in classification in order to reduce its size. It would ideally successively add the instance-label pair that decreases the classification error most. However, the effect of the addition of a pair is not known in advance. It can still be estimated with the pairs already in the training set. The online minimization of the classification error involves a tradeoff between exploration and exploitation. This is a common problem in machine learning for which multiarmed bandit, using the approach of Optimism int the Face of Uncertainty, has proven very efficient these last years. This paper introduces three algorithms for the active learning problem in classification using Optimism in the Face of Uncertainty. Experiments lead on built-in problems and real world datasets demonstrate that they compare positively to state-of-the-art methods.
Low Self-Confidence and Diabetes Mismanagement in Youth with Type 1 Diabetes Mediate the Relationship between Behavioral Problems and Elevated HbA1c
Authors: Eilander Minke M. A. , de Wit Maartje , Rotteveel Joost , Snoek Frank J.
Published: November 2015

Introduction. Previous studies indicated an association between behavior problems (internalizing, externalizing) and glycemic control (HbA1c) in youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D). The aim of this study is to examine if this association is mediated by self-confidence and mismanagement of diabetes.Methods. Problem behavior was assessed with the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Mediating variables were assessed using the Confidence in Diabetes Self-Care-Youth and Diabetes Mismanagement Questionnaire. HbA1c was derived from hospital charts. Bootstrap mediation analysis for multiple mediation was utilized.Results. 88 youths with T1D, age 11–15 y, participated. The relation between both overall problem behavior and externalizing behavior problems and HbA1c was mediated throughconfidence in diabetes self-careandmismanagement(a1b1+a2b2  path; point estimate = 0.50 BCa CI 95% 0.25–0.85;a1b1+a2b2  path; point estimate = 0.73 BCa CI 95% 0.36–1.25).Conclusions. Increased problem behavior in youth with T1D is associated with elevated HbA1c and mediated by low self-confidence and diabetes mismanagement. Screening for problem behavior and mismanagement and assisting young patients in building confidence seem indicated to optimize glycemic control.
[Retracted] Protective Effect of D‐Limonene against Oxidative Stress‐Induced Cell Damage in Human Lens Epithelial Cells via the p38 Pathway
Authors: Bai Jie , Zheng Yi , Wang Gang , Liu Ping
Published: November 2015

Oxidative stress, as mediated by ROS, is a significant factor in initiating the development of age‐associated cataracts; D‐limonene is a common natural terpene with powerful antioxidative properties which occurs naturally in a wide variety of living organisms. It has been shown to have antioxidant effect; we found that D‐limonene can effectively prevent the oxidative damage caused by H2O2 and propose that the main mechanism underlying the inhibitory effects of D‐limonene is the inhibition of HLECs apoptosis. In the present study, we used confocal‐fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry analysis, Hoechst staining, H2DCFDA staining, transmission electron microscopy, and immunoblot analysis; the results revealed that slightly higher concentrations of D‐limonene (125–1800 μM) reduced the H2O2‐induced ROS generation and inhibited the H2O2‐induced caspase‐3 and caspase‐9 activation and decreased the Bcl‐2/Bax ratio. Furthermore, it inhibited H2O2‐induced p38 MAPK phosphorylation. Thus, we conclude that D‐limonene could effectively protect HLECs from H2O2‐induced oxidative stress and that its antioxidative effect is significant, thereby increasing the cell survival rate.
The Tumorigenic Roles of the Cellular REDOX Regulatory Systems
Authors: Castaldo Stéphanie Anaís , Freitas Joana Raquel , Conchinha Nadine Vasconcelos , Madureira Patrícia Alexandra
Published: November 2015

The cellular REDOX regulatory systems play a central role in maintaining REDOX homeostasis that is crucial for cell integrity, survival, and proliferation. To date, a substantial amount of data has demonstrated that cancer cells typically undergo increasing oxidative stress as the tumor develops, upregulating these important antioxidant systems in order to survive, proliferate, and metastasize under these extreme oxidative stress conditions. Since a large number of chemotherapeutic agents currently used in the clinic rely on the induction of ROS overload or change of ROS quality to kill the tumor, the cancer cell REDOX adaptation represents a significant obstacle to conventional chemotherapy. In this review we will first examine the different factors that contribute to the enhanced oxidative stress generally observed within the tumor microenvironment. We will then make a comprehensive assessment of the current literature regarding the main antioxidant proteins and systems that have been shown to be positively associated with tumor progression and chemoresistance. Finally we will make an analysis of commonly used chemotherapeutic drugs that induce ROS. The current knowledge of cancer cell REDOX adaptation raises the issue of developing novel and more effective therapies for these tumors that are usually resistant to conventional ROS inducing chemotherapy.
Noninvasive Detection of Early Metabolic Left Ventricular Remodeling in Systemic Hypertension
Authors: Hamirani Yasmin S. , Kundu Bijoy K. , Zhong Min , McBride Andrew , Li Yinlin , Davogustto Giovanni E. , Taegtmeyer Heinrich , Bourque Jamieson M.
Published: November 2015

Objectives: Hypertension (HTN) is a common cause of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). Sustained pressure overload induces a permanent myocardial switch from fatty-acid to glucose metabolism. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that metabolic remodeling, characterized by increased myocardial glucose uptake, precedes structural and functional remodeling in HTN-induced LVH. Methods: We recruited 31 patients: 11 with HTN only, 9 with HTN and LVH and 11 normotensive controls without LVH. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed to assess the function, mass, wall thickness and diastolic function of the left ventricle. Positron emission tomography imaging was performed, and the rate of myocardial 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose uptake, Ki, was determined using a 3-compartment kinetic model. Results: The mean Ki values were significantly higher in HTN patients than in those with HTN and LVH (p < 0.001) and in controls (p = 0.003). The unexpected decrease in Ki with LVH may be secondary to a decreased Ki with diastolic dysfunction (DD), 0.039 ± 0.032 versus 0.072 ± 0.013 (p = 0.004). There was also a significant stepwise decrease in Ki with increasing DD grade (p = 0.04). Conclusion: Glucose metabolic remodeling is detectable in hypertensive patients before the development of LVH. Furthermore, lower glucose uptake rates are observed in patients with DD. The mechanism for this last finding requires further investigation.
Metaplastic Breast Carcinoma with Unusual Presentation: Review of Three Cases
Authors: Fernández Pérez M. Asunción , Viqueira Rodriguez Isabel , Tello Royloa Alberto , Martínez Guisasola Javier
Published: November 2015

Background: Metaplastic breast carcinoma is an uncommon type of breast cancer that usually appears as a large, fast growing breast lump. Case Report: We report 3 cases of metaplastic breast carcinoma presented at our clinic in 2014. The mean age at diagnosis was 67.3 years. 1 patient presented with a fast growing, large mass detected by herself. However, in the other 2 patients, the nodule was approximately 1.5 cm in size, not fast growing, and was detected on mammography. All 3 patients were treated surgically (2 lumpectomies and 1 mastectomy), with the final pathology of metaplastic carcinoma with chondroid mesenchymal differentiation in 2 cases and metaplastic carcinoma with myoepithelial differentiation in the 3rd case. The patients are still under adjuvant therapy. Conclusions: Metaplastic breast carcinoma may present unusually as a non-palpable lump. This entity must be considered in any breast lump.
JC Virus Replication at the First Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis: A Case Report
Authors: Delbue Serena , Tadeo Carlo Sebastiano , Elia Francesca , Ferrante Pasquale
Published: November 2015

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune, demyelinating disorder of unknown etiology, in which viruses have been suggested as etiological/triggering agents. The attention to the association between viruses and MS has been rekindled by the development of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in natalizumab-treated MS patients. Here we report the case of a woman with JC virus (JCV) replication in the cerebrospinal fluid, blood and urine collected at the first symptoms of MS and during several follow-up visits. This observation shows that JCV can be associated with MS without a relation with natalizumab treatment, although the triggering role of JCV in some cases of MS will require further studies.
Age-Related Changes in Sirtuin 7 Expression in Calorie-Restricted and Refed Rats
Authors: Wronska Agata , Lawniczak Aleksandra , Wierzbicki Piotr M. , Kmiec Zbigniew
Published: November 2015

Background: Sirtuins (SIRT1-7) have been implicated to mediate the beneficial effects of calorie restriction for healthy aging. While the physiological functions of SIRT7 are still poorly understood, SIRT7 has recently been shown to affect ribosome biogenesis, mitochondrial gene expression, and hepatic lipid metabolism. Objective: To analyze the effects of age and short-term calorie restriction (SCR) and subsequent refeeding on SIRT7 expression in key metabolic tissues. Methods: Four- and 24-month-old male Wistar rats were subjected to 40% SCR for 30 days, followed by ad libitum feeding for 2 or 4 days. Liver, white adipose tissue (WAT), heart and skeletal muscle samples were analyzed by real-time PCR and Western blotting for SIRT7 mRNA and protein expression, respectively. Results: Aging had diverse effects on SIRT7 levels in lipogenic tissues: both the mRNA and protein levels increased in the retroperitoneal depot (rWAT), did not change in the epididymal depot (eWAT), and decreased in the subcutaneous depot (sWAT) and the liver of old as compared to young animals. In the heart, extensor digitorum longus muscle (EDL) and soleus muscle (SOL), Sirt7 gene but not protein expression was lower in old than in young control rats. SCR did not affect SIRT7 expression in WAT and the liver in both age groups. In the heart of young animals, SCR did not affect SIRT7 mRNA or protein level. In EDL, SIRT7 protein but not mRNA levels decreased after SCR and remained reduced upon refeeding. In SOL, both SIRT7 mRNA and protein expression were inhibited by refeeding. In old rats, cardiac Sirt7 expression increased after SCR and refeeding. In old rats' EDL and SOL muscles, SIRT7 protein expression was inhibited by refeeding. Conclusion: Age-related changes of SIRT7 gene expression in key organs of energy homeostasis are tissue dependent.
Molecular Analysis of Libyan Families with Allgrove Syndrome: Geographic Expansion of the Ancestral Mutation c.1331+1G>A in North Africa
Authors: Kallabi Fakhri , Ben Rebeh Imen , Felhi Rahma , Sellami Dorra , Masmoudi Saber , Keskes Leila , Kamoun Hassen
Published: November 2015

Background/Aims: Allgrove syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by alacrima, achalasia, and adrenal insufficiency. It is caused by mutations of the AAAS gene located on chromosome 12q13 encoding the WD-repeat protein ALADIN. The c.1331+1G>A mutation is one of the most common mutations described in the literature and was identified in Tunisian and Algerian populations. Herein, we describe the clinical and genetic profile of two families from Libya in North Africa associated with Allgrove syndrome. Methods: Two unrelated families clinically diagnosed with Allgrove syndrome were evaluated for sequence variations in the AAAS gene. Blood samples were collected, and isolated DNA derived from the subjects was amplified. The entire sequence of the AAAS gene was analyzed by PCR-RFLP and direct sequencing. Results: Molecular analysis revealed the major homozygous mutation (c.1331+1G>A) in all patients. The presence of a major mutation in Tunisia, Algeria and, as discovered in this report, in Libya in patients with Allgrove syndrome suggests the existence of an ancestral mutation and a founder effect in North Africa. Conclusions: The findings allow for a fast genetic counseling in North African families with Allgrove syndrome. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of Allgrove syndrome in Libya.
Polymorphism of Metallothionein 2A Modifies Lead Body Burden in Workers Chronically Exposed to the Metal
Authors: Fernandes Kelly Christine Marques , Martins Jr. Airton Cunha , Oliveira Andréia Ávila Soares de , Antunes Lusânia Maria Greggi , Cólus Ilce Mara de Syllos , Barbosa Jr. Fernando , Barcelos Gustavo Rafael Mazzaron
Published: November 2015

Lead (Pb) is a metal that accumulates in the human body, inducing several adverse health effects. One of the proteins responsible for the distribution of metal in the body is metallothionein (MT), which is expressed by different genes, and it is supposed that genetic variation in the genes that encode MTs may affect the Pb body burden. The present study aimed to evaluate the genetic effects of the polymorphism of MT2A (single nucleotide polymorphism rs10636; C→G) on blood Pb levels (BLL) of workers from car battery factories who are chronically exposed to the metal. In total, 221 men participated in the study; genomic DNA from whole blood was extracted, and genotyping of MT2A was performed by TaqMan assays; BLL were quantified by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). BLL were 25 ± 14 µg/dl (range 1.9-68); BLL were positively correlated with duration of work and smoking status. Individuals who carried at least one C allele had higher BLL than those with the GG genotype (β = -0.45; p = 0.025, multivariable linear regression analyses). Taken together, our data support the hypothesis that polymorphisms in genes related to the transport of Pb, such as MTs, may modulate the concentrations of the metal in the body and, consequently, adverse health effects induced by Pb exposure.
A Rare Case of Transfusion Transmission of Hepatitis A Virus to Two Patients with Haematological Disease
Authors: Silva Suely Gonçalves Cordeiro da , Leon Luciane Almeida Amado , Alves Gilda , Brito Selma Magalhães , Sandes Valcieny de Souza , Lima Magda Maria Adorno Ferreira , Nogueira Marta Colares , Tavares Rita de Cássia Barbosa da Silva , Dobbin Jane , Apa Alexandre , Paula Vanessa Salete de , Oliveira Jaqueline Mendes de Oliveira , Pinto Marcelo Alves , Ferreira Jr Orlando da Costa , Motta Iara de Jesus Ferreira
Published: November 2015

Background: This paper describes the transmission of hepatitis A virus (HAV) to two blood recipients from a healthy donor that later presented to the blood bank with jaundice. Methods: The RNA of HAV was detected by qualitative nested reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (nested RT-PCR) and quantified by real-time RT-PCR. HAV RNA samples were genotyped by direct sequencing of PCR products. A sequence from a fragment of 168 bp from the VP1/2A HAV region was used to construct a phylogenetic tree. Case Report: A 31-year-old male donor accepted for donation of a whole blood unit returned to the blood bank with clinical jaundice 20 days after donation. His serological and NAT tests were negative for HBV and HCV. Serological tests for HAV IgM and IgG were negative on donation sample but positive on follow-up sample, confirming donor's HAV acute infection. Both recipients of red blood cells (R1) and platelet concentrate (R2) from the same implicated donation were HAV IgM-negative and IgG-positive. Qualitative PCR was positive on samples from all three individuals and phylogenetic analysis of viruses proved HAV transmission to the two recipients of blood products. HAV viral load on donor follow-up sample and the platelet recipient was 1.3 and 1.5 × 103 IU/ml, respectively. The RBC recipient, also infected by HCV, was undergoing bone marrow transplantation and died from fulminant hepatitis, 26 days after the implicated HAV transfusion. Conclusion: The blood donor, a garbage collector, spontaneously returned to the blood bank when developing jaundice. This highlights the importance of donor education to immediately report to blood banks of any signs and symptoms related to infectious disease developed after blood donation. The fact that one immunocompromised patient with HCV infection died from fulminant hepatitis after receiving a HAV-contaminated platelet transfusion underpins the importance of a HAV vaccination program for these group of patients.
Association of Fruit and Vegetable Consumption During Early Adulthood With the Prevalence of Coronary Artery Calcium After 20 Years of Follow-Up
Authors: Miedema Michael D. , Petrone Andrew , Shikany James M. , Greenland Philip , Lewis Cora E. , Pletcher Mark J. , Gaziano J. Michael , Djousse Luc
Published: November 2015

Background—

The relationship between intake of fruits and vegetables (F/V) during young adulthood and coronary atherosclerosis later in life is unclear.

Methods and Results—

We studied participants of the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study, a cohort of young, healthy black and white individuals at baseline (1985–1986). Intake of F/V at baseline was assessed using a semiquantitative interview administered diet history, and coronary artery calcium was measured at year 20 (2005–2006) using computed tomography. We used logistic regression to adjust for relevant variables and estimate the adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals across energy-adjusted, sex-specific tertiles of total servings of F/V per day. Among our sample (n=2506), the mean (SD) age at baseline was 25.3 (3.5) years, and 62.7% were female. After adjustment for demographics and lifestyle variables, higher intake of F/V was associated with a lower prevalence of coronary artery calcium: odds ratio (95% confidence interval) =1.00 (reference), 0.78 (0.59–1.02), and 0.74 (0.56–0.99), from the lowest to the highest tertile of F/V,
P
value for trend <0.001. There was attenuation of the association between F/V and coronary artery calcium after adjustment for other dietary variables, but the trend remained significant: odds ratio (95% confidence interval): 1.00 (reference), 0.84 (0.63–1.11), and 0.92 (0.67–1.26),
P
value for trend <0.002].

Conclusions—

In this longitudinal cohort study, higher intake of F/V during young adulthood was associated with lower odds of prevalent coronary artery calcium after 20 years of follow-up. Our results reinforce the importance of establishing a high intake of F/V as part of a healthy dietary pattern early in life.
Workshop of Filthy Creation: The Theatre Assembled
Authors: Rae Paul
Published: November 2015

Assemblage theory provides a framework for registering the active roles played by nonhuman entities in the creation of theatrical events. In particular, it enables a greater appreciation of how technical and other theatrical production elements inform performance analysis. In the Wooster Group’s House/Lights, people and things make equal attentional demands upon the audience; appropriately, a documentary on installing the production makes this most apparent. Additionally, the National Theatre’s Frankenstein performs these animating forces as a theatrical virtue.
Examining Special Patient Rituals in a Chinese Cultural Context: A Research Report
Authors: Hornbeck Ryan G. , Bentley Brianna , Barrett Justin L.
Published: November 2015

Is reasoning about religious ritual tethered to ordinary, nonreligious human reasoning about actions? E. Thomas Lawson and Robert N. McCauley’s ritual form hypothesis (rfh) constitutes a cognitive approach to religious ritual – an explanatory theory that suggests people use ordinary human cognition to make specific predictions about ritual properties, relatively independent of cultural or religious particulars. Few studies assess the credibility ofrfhand further evidence is needed to generalize its predictions across cultures. Towards this end, we assessed culturally Chinese “special patient” rituals in Singapore. Our findings strongly supportrfhpredictions for special patient ritual repeatability, reversibility, sensory pageantry and emotionality.
Role of Runoff–Infiltration Partitioning and Resolved Overland Flow on Land–Atmosphere Feedbacks: A Case Study with the WRF-Hydro Coupled Modeling System for West Africa
Authors: Arnault Joel , Wagner Sven , Rummler Thomas , Fersch Benjamin , Bliefernicht Jan , Andresen Sabine , Kunstmann Harald
Published: November 2015

The analysis of land–atmosphere feedbacks requires detailed representation of land processes in atmospheric models. The focus here is on runoff–infiltration partitioning and resolved overland flow. In the standard version of WRF, runoff–infiltration partitioning is described as a purely vertical process. In WRF-Hydro, runoff is enhanced with lateral water flows. The study region is the Sissili catchment (12 800 km2) in West Africa, and the study period is from March 2003 to February 2004. The WRF setup here includes an outer and inner domain at 10- and 2-km resolution covering the West Africa and Sissili regions, respectively. In this WRF-Hydro setup, the inner domain is coupled with a subgrid at 500-m resolution to compute overland and river flow. Model results are compared with TRMM precipitation, model tree ensemble (MTE) evapotranspiration, Climate Change Initiative (CCI) soil moisture, CRU temperature, and streamflow observation. The role of runoff–infiltration partitioning and resolved overland flow on land–atmosphere feedbacks is addressed with a sensitivity analysis of WRF results to the runoff–infiltration partitioning parameter and a comparison between WRF and WRF-Hydro results, respectively. In the outer domain, precipitation is sensitive to runoff–infiltration partitioning at the scale of the Sissili area (~100 × 100 km2), but not of area A (500 × 2500 km2). In the inner domain, where precipitation patterns are mainly prescribed by lateral boundary conditions, sensitivity is small, but additionally resolved overland flow here clearly increases infiltration and evapotranspiration at the beginning of the wet season when soils are still dry. The WRF-Hydro setup presented here shows potential for joint atmospheric and terrestrial water balance studies and reproduces observed daily discharge with a Nash–Sutcliffe model efficiency coefficient of 0.43.
Holding On and Letting Go
Authors: Bouchal Shelley Raffin , Rallison Lillian , Moules Nancy J. , Sinclair Shane
Published: November 2015

Although grief and family caregiving have been extensively studied, there exists limited knowledge of anticipatory grief as it relates to families’ transition in illness to bereavement. Evidence suggests the need for a deeper understanding of the role that anticipatory grief plays to support families’ quality of life. The process of understanding is so embedded within our human nature that it is often left invisible in its everydayness. This qualitative pilot study was undertaken to explore the retrospective experiences of anticipatory grief of eight families who have lost a loved one from cancer. Findings revealed that family members lived in a complex tension of the duality of holding on and letting go throughout the illness and continued into bereavement. Retrospective reflection offered a deep awareness of the whole of the grieving process that included the understanding of grief in the midst of illness and its impact on postdeath grief.
Spousal Death Anxiety in Old Age
Authors: Momtaz Yadollah Abolfathi , Haron Sharifah Azizah , Ibrahim Rahimah , Hamid Tengku Aizan
Published: November 2015

Anxiety toward one’s own death has been extensively studied and conceptualized. However, the fear of death of others particularly of spouse in later life, which may be worse than individual’s death anxiety, has not been investigated. The present research aims to study spousal death anxiety among Malaysian middle-aged and older couples. The study subjects, consisting of 300 couples aged 50 years and older, were obtained from a national cross-sectional survey entitled “Poverty among Elderly Women: Case Study of Amanah Ikhtiar” conducted in Peninsular Malaysia. Women reported significantly higher levels of spousal death anxiety than their partners t(299) = 2.48, p < .05. About 45% of older men and 52% of their spouses reported high spousal death anxiety. The results of two separate stepwise regression analyses yielded a two-variable model for men and a four-variable model for women. The most important concern of older men that may increase spousal death anxiety was caregiving issues. For older women, financial security following widowhood was most important factor toward spousal death anxiety. The findings suggest that the majority of the older couples are prone to death anxiety of their spouse and factors contributing to the fear of death of spouse are different for men and women.