bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of a Natural Mutant SHV-Typeβ-Lactamase, SHV-104, fromKlebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Ben Achour Nahed , Belhadj Omrane , Galleni Moreno , Ben Moussa Mohamed , Mercuri Paola Sandra
Published: May 2014

Klebsiella pneumoniaeML2011, a multiresistant isolate, was isolated from the Military Hospital of Tunis (Tunisia). The determination of the minimal inhibitory concentrations exhibited byK. pneumoniaeML2011 was performed by Etest. The crude extract of the isolates contains four differentβ-lactamases with pI 5.5, 7.3, 7.6, and 8.6. Only theβ-lactamases with pI 7.3 and pI 8.6 were transferred by transformation and conjugation experiment. Molecular characterization of these genes was performed by PCR and sequencing. The chromosomalβ-lactamases are TEM (pI 5.5) and SHV-1 (7.6). CTX-M-28 (pI 8.6) and the novel variant of SHV named SHV-104 (pI 7.3) were encoded byblagene located on a 50 kb highly conjugative plasmid. The SHV-104β-lactamase was produced inE. coliand purified. Its profile of activity was determined. Compared to SHV-1, SHV-104 contains one mutation, R202S. Their kinetic parameters were similar except for cefotaxime. The analysis of the predicted structure of SHV-104 indicated that the R202S mutation suppresses a salt bridge present in SHV-1. Therefore, the overall flexibility of the protein increased and might improve the hydrolysis of cefotaxime. We can conclude that the multiresistant phenotype ofK. pneumoniaeML2011 strain is mainly linked to the production of CTX-M-28 since SHV-104 possesses a narrow spectrum of activity.
LBW/SPF/DB Combined Processing and Microstructure of TA15 Titanium Alloy Four-Layer Sandwich Structure with Square Grid
Authors: Shaosong Jiang , Baoyong Li , Yang Liu , Kaifeng Zhang
Published: May 2014

The process combining laser beam welding, superplastic forming, anddiffusion bonding (LBW/SPF/DB) was performed to fabricate the TA15 titanium alloy sandwich structure with square grid. The microstructure of different regions before and after superplastic forming was also analyzed. The results showed that the laser welded joints of core structure own good superplastic formability under the condition that the laser welding parameters were optimized. The microstructure near the fusion line is columnar crystal and inside the columnar crystal the acicular martensite appeared. The heat-affected zone is relatively narrow and with no obvious grain growth. At 925°C, under the condition thatthe loading-time curve was optimized, the external outline of the LBW/SPF/DB formed hollow four-layer sandwich structure is clear and the strengthened ribs areupright. It shows good diffusion bonding quality between the ribs and panels. And the bonded ratio between the upright ribs which rely on each other is above 90%. After superplastic forming, the grain size of the TA15 workpieceincreases but remains equiaxed grain. The grain size of laser welded joints also significantly grew up, and the heat-affected zone almost disappeared in this zone. The typical cast microstructure of rapid cooling turned to be the deformed microstructure, creating a better overall performance of the two-state organizations.
Survey of Dermatophytes in Stray Cats with and without Skin Lesions in Northern Italy
Authors: Proverbio Daniela , Perego Roberta , Spada Eva , Bagnagatti de Giorgi Giada , Della Pepa Alessandra , Ferro Elisabetta
Published: May 2014

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of dermatophytes in stray cats with and without clinical lesions from different colonies in rural and urban areas of Milan and surroundings in northern Italy. Stray cats (273) were caught during a trap-neuter-release (TNR) program conducted in different colonies of northern Italy in both rural and urban areas. Each cat was examined in dark environment with a Wood’s lamp prior to sample collection. Hair or scales exhibiting typical fluorescence were removed with a pair of sterile hemostats and cultured. The hair of all cats was then sampled by Mackenzie modified brush technique regardless of the presence or absence of skin lesions attributable to dermatophytosis. All the hair samples were subjected to fungal culture. 15 cats were positive (5.5%).Microsporum caniswas the most common dermatophyte isolated (13/15). The only other isolated dermatophyte wasTrichophyton mentagrophytes(2/15). Our estimated prevalence of dermatophytes in stray cats was much lower than other Italian studies on the same population.
Simulation and Test of a Fuel Cell Hybrid Golf Cart
Authors: Liang Jingming , Jian Qifei
Published: May 2014

This paper establishes the simulation model of fuel cell hybrid golf cart (FCHGC), which applies the non-GUI mode of the Advanced Vehicle Simulator (ADVISOR) and the genetic algorithm (GA) to optimize it. Simulation of the objective function is composed of fuel consumption and vehicle dynamic performance; the variables are the fuel cell stack power sizes and the battery numbers. By means of simulation, the optimal parameters of vehicle power unit, fuel cell stack, and battery pack are worked out. On this basis, GUI mode of ADVISOR is used to select the rated power of vehicle motor. In line with simulation parameters, an electrical golf cart is refitted by adding a 2 kW hydrogen air proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) stack system and test the FCHGC. The result shows that the simulation data is effective but it needs improving compared with that of the real cart test.
The Role of Protein Modifications of T-Bet in Cytokine Production and Differentiation of T Helper Cells
Authors: Oh Sera , Hwang Eun Sook
Published: May 2014

T-Bet (T-box protein expressed in T cells, also called as TBX21) was originally cloned as a key transcription factor involved in the commitment of T helper (Th) cells to the Th1 lineage. T-Bet directly activates IFN-γgene transcription and enhances development of Th1 cells. T-Bet simultaneously modulates IL-2 and Th2 cytokines in an IFN-γ-independent manner, resulting in an attenuation of Th2 cell development. Numerous studies have demonstrated that T-bet plays multiple roles in many subtypes of immune cells, including B cell, dendritic cells, natural killer (NK) cells, NK T cells, and innate lymphoid cells. Therefore, T-bet is crucial for the development and coordination of both innate and adaptive immune responses. To fulfill these multiple roles, T-bet undergoes several posttranslational protein modifications, such as phosphorylation at tyrosine, serine, and threonine residues, and ubiquitination at lysine residues, which affect lineage commitment during Th cell differentiation. This review presents a current overview of the progress made in understanding the roles of various types of T-bet protein modifications in the regulation of cytokine production during Th cell differentiation.
Cell Outage Detection and Compensation in Two-Tier Heterogeneous Networks
Authors: Xue Wenqian , Zhang Hengzhi , Li Yong , Liang Dong , Peng Mugen
Published: May 2014

Heterogeneous networks (HetNets) can increase network capacity through complementing the macro-base-station with low-power nodes, in response to the ongoing exponential growth in data traffic demand. While, unprecedented challenges exist in the planning, optimization, and maintenance in HetNets, especially activities such as cell outage detection and mitigation are labor-intensive and costly. One potential solution to address these issues is to introduce the extensively attracted self-organizing network (SON). This paper is mainly devoted to cell outage detection and compensation methods in two-tier HetNets where macrocell and picocells are coexisted. AK-nearest neighbor (KNN) classification algorithm is employed to detect the cell outage automatically. Consider the breakdown picocell can reload its degraded service to the overlapped macrocell via vertical handover; only the breakdown macrocell executes the performance compensation. Power adjustment on each resource block is carried out via Lagrange optimizing algorithm to compensate the breakdown cell. Through intensive numerical experiments, with the help of our proposal, the outage cells can be successfully detected and performance gain for the outage macrocell can reach 91.4% withα=1/3.
Refractory Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma Presenting with Atypical Cutaneous Involvement and Diagnosis of ZZ Phenotype Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency
Authors: Khawandanah Mohamad , Kraus Teresa , Cherry Mohamad
Published: May 2014

Cutaneous Hodgkin lymphoma is a rare condition. Specific neoplastic involvement can be primary (confined to the skin) or secondary to systemic involvement (metastatic). Cutaneous involvement by HL usually occurs late in the course and is associated with poor prognosis; however in some cases it can exhibit indolent behavior. Skin involvement with nonspecific cutaneous findings may represent a paraneoplastic syndrome. We describe a case of 46-year-old white male patient presented with rash and lymphadenopathy which led to the diagnosis of stage IVE mixed cellularity classical Hodgkin lymphoma with skin involvement. His disease was refractory to multiple lines of chemotherapy including (1) AVD (doxorubicin/bleomycin/dacarbazine), (2) brentuximab, and (3) bendamustine, he later achieved complete remission with (4) GCD (gemcitabine/carboplatin/dexamethasone) salvage regimen. Bleomycin was not given secondary to poor pulmonary function tests. His treatment was complicated after AVD with multiple pneumothoraces which unmasked the diagnosis of ZZ phenotype alpha-1 antitrypsin (ATT) deficiency. Simultaneous existence of Hodgkin lymphoma and ATT is rarely reported.
On thep-Version of the Schwab-Borchardt Mean
Authors: Neuman Edward
Published: May 2014

This paper deals with a one-parameter generalization of the Schwab-Borchardt mean. The new mean is defined in terms of the inverse functions of the generalized trigonometric and generalized hyperbolic functions. The four new bivariate means are introduced as particular cases of thep-version of the Schwab-Borchardt mean. For the particular value of the parameterp, these means become either the classical logarithmic mean or the Seiffert means or the Neuman-Sándor mean. Wilker- and Huygens-type inequalities involving inverse functions of the generalized trigonometric and the generalized hyperbolic functions are also established.
Neuropathologic Implication of Peripheral Neuregulin-1 and EGF Signals in Dopaminergic Dysfunction and Behavioral Deficits Relevant to Schizophrenia: Their Target Cells and Time Window
Authors: Nawa Hiroyuki , Sotoyama Hidekazu , Iwakura Yuriko , Takei Nobuyuki , Namba Hisaaki
Published: May 2014

Neuregulin-1 and epidermal growth factor (EGF) are implicated in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. To test the developmental hypothesis for schizophrenia, we administered these factors to rodent pups, juveniles, and adults and characterized neurobiological and behavioral consequences. These factors were also provided from their transgenes or infused into the adult brain. Here we summarize previous results from these experiments and discuss those from neuropathological aspects. In the neonatal stage but not the juvenile and adult stages, subcutaneously injected factors penetrated the blood-brain barrier and acted on brain neurons, which later resulted in persistent behavioral and dopaminergic impairments associated with schizophrenia. Neonatally EGF-treated animals exhibited persistent hyperdopaminergic abnormalities in the nigro-pallido-striatal system while neuregulin-1 treatment resulted in dopaminergic deficits in the corticolimbic dopamine system. Effects on GABAergic and glutamatergic systems were transient or limited. Even in the adult stage, intracerebral administration and transgenic expression of these factors produced similar but not identical behavioral impairments, although the effects of intracerebral administration were reversible. These findings suggest that dopaminergic development is highly vulnerable to circulating ErbB ligands in the pre- and perinatal stages. Once maldevelopment of the dopaminergic system is established during early development, dopamine-associating behavioral deficits become irreversible and manifest at postpubertal stages.
The Effect of Sufentanil Administration on Remifentanil-Based Anaesthesia during Laparoscopic Gynaecological Surgery: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Son Ilsoon , Oh Chung-Sik , Choi Jae Won , Kim Seong-Hyop
Published: May 2014

This study assessed the effect of sufentanil administered before conclusion of remifentanil-based anaesthesia on postoperative hyperalgesia and haemodynamic stability in patients undergoing laparoscopic gynaecological surgery. The patients were randomly allocated to a sufentanil administration group (S group) or a normal saline administration group (C group). Anaesthesia was induced and maintained with controlled administration of remifentanil at 10 ng·mL−1and propofol under bispectral index guidance. Once the surgical specimen was procured, sufentanil or normal saline was administered at 0.15 ng·mL−1and maintained until extubation. The haemodynamic status during anaesthetic emergence was evaluated. The pain and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) were assessed for 72 h following postanaesthetic care unit (PACU) discharge. The S group had significantly lower mean systemic arterial blood pressure and heart rate changes between the start of drug administration and extubation. Postoperative pain was significantly lower in the S group until 24 h following PACU discharge. There were no significant differences in PONV incidence and severity 72 h after PACU discharge between the two groups. Sufentanil administration before concluding remifentanil-based anaesthesia improved postoperative hyperalgesia and achieved haemodynamic stability at extubation without delaying recovery or increasing PONV during laparoscopic gynaecological surgery. Clinical trial registration is found atKCT0000785.
Approximation by Certain Linear Positive Operators of Two Variables
Authors: Gazanfer Afşin Kürşat , Büyükyazıcı İbrahim
Published: May 2014

We introduce positive linear operators which are combined with the Chlodowsky and Szász type operators and study some approximation properties of these operators in the space of continuous functions of two variables on a compact set. The convergence rate of these operators are obtained by means of the modulus of continuity. And we also obtain weighted approximation properties for these positive linear operators in a weighted space of functions of two variables and find the convergence rate for these operators by using the weighted modulus of continuity.
Moving Target Positioning Based on a Distributed Camera Network
Authors: Zhao Long , Liu Zhen , Li Tiejun , Huang Baoqi , Xie Lihua
Published: May 2014

We propose a systematic framework for moving target positioning based on a distributed camera network. In the proposed framework, low‐cost static cameras are deployed to cover a large region, moving targets are detected and then tracked using corresponding algorithms, target positions are estimated by making use of the geometrical relationships among those cameras after calibrating those cameras, and finally, for each target, its position estimates obtained from different cameras are unified into the world coordinate system. This system can function as complementary positioning information sources to realize moving target positioning in indoor or outdoor environments when global navigation satellite system (GNSS) signals are unavailable. The experiments are carried out using practical indoor and outdoor environment data, and the experimental results show that the systematic framework and inclusive algorithms are both effective and efficient.
Sparse Recovery for Bistatic MIMO Radar Imaging in the Presence of Array Gain Uncertainties
Authors: Li Jun , Zhu Shengqi , Chen Xixi , Lv Li , Liao Guisheng , Yi Menglei
Published: May 2014

A sparse recovery based transmit-receive angle imaging scheme is proposed for bistatic multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) radar. The redundancy of the transmit and receive angles in the same range cell is exploited to construct the sparse model. The imaging is then performed by compressive sensing method with consideration of both the transmit and receive array gain uncertainties. An additional constraint is imposed on the inverse of the transmit and receive array gain errors matrices to make the optimization problem of the CS solvable. The image of the targets can be reconstructed using small number of snapshots in the case of large array gain uncertainties. Simulation results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Personality Disorders in Persons with Gender Identity Disorder
Authors: Duišin Dragana , Batinić Borjanka , Barišić Jasmina , Djordjevic Miroslav L. , Vujović Svetlana , Bizic Marta
Published: May 2014

Background.Investigations in the field of gender identity disorder (GID) have been mostly related to psychiatric comorbidity and severe psychiatric disorders, but have focused less on personality and personality disorders (PDs).Aims.The aim of the study was to assess the presence of PDs in persons with GID as compared to cisgendered (a cisgender person is a person who is content to remain the gender they were assigned at birth) heterosexuals, as well as to biological sex.Methods.The study sample consisted of 30 persons with GID and 30 cisgendered heterosexuals from the general population. The assessment of PDs was conducted by application of the self-administered Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis II PDs (SCID-II).Results.Persons with GID compared to cisgender heterosexuals have higher presence of PDs, particularly Paranoid PD, avoidant PDs, and comorbid PDs. In addition, MtF (transwomen are people assigned male at birth who identify as women) persons are characterized by a more severe psychopathological profile.Conclusions.Assessment of PDs in persons with GID is of great importance as it comprises a key part of personalized treatment plan tailoring, as well as a prognostic factor for sex-reassignment surgery (SRS) outcome.
Septic Bursitis in an 8-Year-Old Boy
Authors: Kratimenos Panagiotis , Koutroulis Ioannis , Marconi Dante , Ding Jennifer , Plakas Christos , Fisher Margaret
Published: May 2014

Background.The prepatellar bursa can become inflamed owing to repeated trauma. Prepatellar bursitis is extremely rare in children.Methods.We report the case of an 8-year-old boy who was treated for an erythematous, swollen, and severely painful right knee, fever, inability to bear weight on the leg, and purulent material draining from a puncture wound. We describe the differential diagnosis for tender swollen knee, including infection, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis. If untreated, prepatellar bursitis can progress to patellar osteomyelitis.Results.Wound cultures grewStreptococcus pyogenes, with the infection resolving with amoxicillin.Conclusions.A high index of suspicion is necessary in children presenting with prepatellar bursitis to prevent potentially devastating sequelae of infection of the septic joint.
Inhibitory Effect onIn VitroLDL Oxidation and HMG Co-A Reductase Activity of the Liquid-Liquid Partitioned Fractions ofHericium erinaceus(Bull.) Persoon (Lion’s Mane Mushroom)
Authors: Rahman Mohammad Azizur , Abdullah Noorlidah , Aminudin Norhaniza
Published: May 2014

Oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) has been strongly suggested as the key factor in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Mushrooms have been implicated in having preventive effects against chronic diseases due especially to their antioxidant properties. In this study,in vitroinhibitory effect ofHericium erinaceuson LDL oxidation and the activity of the cholesterol biosynthetic key enzyme, 3-hydroxy-3-methyl glutaryl coenzyme A (HMG Co-A) reductase, was evaluated using five liquid-liquid solvent fractions consisting of methanol : dichloromethane (M : DCM), hexane (HEX), dichloromethane (DCM), ethyl acetate (EA), and aqueous residue (AQ). The hexane fraction showed the highest inhibition of oxidation of human LDL as reflected by the increased lag time (100 mins) for the formation of conjugated diene (CD) at 1 µg/mL and decreased production (68.28%, IC500.73 mg/mL) of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) at 1 mg/mL. It also mostly inhibited (59.91%) the activity of the HMG Co-A reductase at 10 mg/mL. The GC-MS profiling of the hexane fraction identified the presence of myconutrients:inter alia, ergosterol and linoleic acid. Thus, hexane fraction ofHericium erinaceuswas found to be the most potentin vitroinhibitor of both LDL oxidation and HMG Co-A reductase activity having therapeutic potential for the prevention of oxidative stress-mediated vascular diseases.
Influence of Biomass Burning on Temporal and Diurnal Variations of Acidic Gases, Particulate Nitrate, and Sulfate in a Tropical Urban Atmosphere
Authors: Behera Sailesh N. , Balasubramanian Rajasekhar
Published: May 2014

The present study investigated the temporal and diurnal distributions of atmospheric acidic gases (sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrous acid (HONO), and nitric acid (HNO3)) and those of particulate nitrate (NO3-) and sulfate (SO42-) through a comprehensive field campaign during the largest smoke haze episode in Singapore, a representative country in Southeast Asia (SEA). To identify the atmospheric behavior of these pollutants during the smoke haze period, the data generated from the measurement campaign were divided into three distinct periods: prehaze, during haze, and posthaze periods. The 24 hr average data indicated that ambient SO2, HONO, and HNO3during the smoke haze episodes increased by a factor ranging from 1.2 to 2.6 compared to those during the prehaze and posthaze periods. Similarly, in the case of particulatesSO42-andNO3-, the factor ranged from 2.3 to 4.2. Backward air trajectories were constructed and used to find the sources of biomass burning to the recurring smoke haze in this region. The air trajectory analysis showed that the smoke haze episodes experienced in Singapore were influenced by transboundary air pollution, caused by severe biomass burning events in the islands of Indonesia.
H∞ Controller Design for an Observer-Based Modified Repetitive-Control System
Authors: Zhou Lan , She Jinhua , Zhou Shaowu , Chen Qiwei
Published: May 2014

This paper presents a method of designing a state-observer based modified repetitive-control system that provides a given H∞ level of disturbance attenuation for a class of strictly proper linear plants. Since the time delay in a repetitive controller can be treated as a kind of disturbance, we convert the system design problem into a standard state-feedback H∞ control problem for a linear time-invariant system. The Lyapunov functional and the singular-value decomposition of the output matrix are used to derive a linear-matrix-inequality (LMI) based design algorithm for the parameters of the feedback controller and the state-observer. A numerical example demonstrates the validity of the method.
Taurine Rescues Cisplatin-Induced Muscle Atrophy In Vitro: A Morphological Study
Authors: Stacchiotti Alessandra , Rovetta Francesca , Ferroni Matteo , Corsetti Giovanni , Lavazza Antonio , Sberveglieri Giorgio , Aleo Maria Francesca
Published: May 2014

Cisplatin (CisPt) is a widely used chemotherapeutic drug whose side effects include muscle weakness and cachexia. Here we analysed CisPt-induced atrophy in C2C12 myotubes by a multidisciplinary morphological approach, focusing on the onset and progression of autophagy, a protective cellular process that, when excessively activated, may trigger protein hypercatabolism and atrophy in skeletal muscle. To visualize autophagy we used confocal and transmission electron microscopy at different times of treatment and doses of CisPt. Moreover we evaluated the effects of taurine, a cytoprotective beta-amino acid able to counteract oxidative stress, apoptosis, and endoplasmic reticulum stress in different tissues and organs. Our microscopic results indicate that autophagy occurs very early in 50 μM CisPt challenged myotubes (4 h–8 h) before overt atrophy but it persists even at 24 h, when several autophagic vesicles, damaged mitochondria, and sarcoplasmic blebbings engulf the sarcoplasm. Differently, 25 mM taurine pretreatment rescues the majority of myotubes size upon 50 μM CisPt at 24 h. Taurine appears to counteract atrophy by restoring regular microtubular apparatus and mitochondria and reducing the overload and the localization of autophagolysosomes. Such a promising taurine action in preventing atrophy needs further molecular and biochemical studies to best define its impact on muscle homeostasis and the maintenance of an adequate skeletal mass in vivo.
Immersive Real-Acting Virtual Aquarium with Motion Tracking Sensors
Authors: Choi Yoon-Seok , Jung Soonchul , Choi Jin-Sung , Koo Bon-Ki , Lee Won-Hyung
Published: May 2014

We realized a real space-based virtual aquarium equipped with a multiview function that provides images for users and audiences at the same time through motion tracking sensors. A virtual reality system needs more natural and intuitive interfaces so as to enhance users' immersion. We attach markers on users and camera devices in a real space designed in the one-to-one size as the virtual space to trace user and camera motions, which is reflected in real time to generate virtual world images. These images are transmitted to the user's immersing image devices. Also, the system allows audiences to share experiences by providing them with virtual synthetic images from a third-person perspective including a user after taking the user in the real space with a camcorder on which motion tracking markers are attached. For this, the system provides the functions of marker-based motion tracking with sensors, recognition of user's motions, real-time actual image rendering, and multiview to realize a system to simulate more intuitive and natural virtual space interactions, which can be used for the construction of motion-based realistic/experiencing systems, which increasingly attract interest.
A New Coupled Fractional Reduced Differential Transform Method for the Numerical Solutions of(2+1)-Dimensional Time Fractional Coupled Burger Equations
Authors: Ray S. Saha
Published: May 2014

A very new technique, coupled fractional reduced differential transform, has been implemented to obtain the numerical approximate solution of (2 + 1)-dimensional coupled time fractional burger equations. The fractional derivatives are described in the Caputo sense. By using the present method we can solve many linear and nonlinear coupled fractional differential equations. The obtained results are compared with the exact solutions. Numerical solutions are presented graphically to show the reliability and efficiency of the method.
Effects of MAPK and PI3K Pathways on PD-L1 Expression in Melanoma
Authors: Atefi Mohammad , Avramis Earl , Lassen Amanda , Wong Deborah J.L. , Robert Lidia , Foulad David , Cerniglia Michael , Titz Bjoern , Chodon Thinle , Graeber Thomas G. , Comin-Anduix Begonya , Ribas Antoni
Published: May 2014

Purpose: PD-L1 is the main ligand for the immune inhibitory receptor PD-1. This ligand is frequently expressed by melanoma cells. In this study, we investigated whether PD-L1 expression is controlled by melanoma driver mutations and modified by oncogenic signaling inhibition.

Experimental Design: Expression of PD-L1 was investigated in a panel of 51 melanoma cell lines containing different oncogenic mutations, including cell lines with innate and acquired resistance to BRAF inhibitors (BRAFi). The effects of targeted therapy drugs on expression of PD-L1 by melanoma cells were investigated.

Results: No association was found between the level of PD-L1 expression and mutations in BRAF, NRAS, PTEN, or amplification of AKT. Resistance to vemurafenib due to the activation of alternative signaling pathways was accompanied with the induction of PD-L1 expression, whereas the resistance due to the reactivation of the MAPK pathway had no effect on PD-L1 expression. In melanoma cell lines, the effects of BRAF, MEK, and PI3K inhibitors on expression of PD-L1 were variable from reduction to induction, particularly in the presence of INFγ. In PD-L1–exposed lymphocytes, vemurafenib paradoxically restored activity of the MAPK pathway and increased the secretion of cytokines.

Conclusions: In melanoma cell lines, including BRAFi-resistant cells, PD-L1 expression is variably regulated by oncogenic signaling pathways. PD-L1–exposed lymphocytes decrease MAPK signaling, which is corrected by exposure to vemurafenib, providing potential benefits of combining this drug with immunotherapies. Clin Cancer Res; 20(13); 3446–57. ©2014 AACR.
Aortic Reservoir Pressure Corresponds to Cyclic Changes in Aortic Volume
Authors: Schultz Martin G. , Davies Justin E. , Hardikar Ashutosh , Pitt Simon , Moraldo Michela , Dhutia Niti , Hughes Alun D. , Sharman James E.
Published: May 2014

Objective—

Aortic reservoir pressure indices independently predict cardiovascular events and mortality. Despite this, there has never been a study in humans to determine whether the theoretical principles of the mathematically derived aortic reservoir pressure (RP
derived
) and excess pressure (XP
derived
) model have a real physiological basis. This study aimed to directly measure the aortic reservoir (AR
direct
; by cyclic change in aortic volume) and determine its relationship with RP
derived
, XP
derived
, and aortic blood pressure (BP).

Approach and Results—

Ascending aortic BP and Doppler flow velocity were recorded via intra-arterial wire in 10 men (aged 62±12 years) during coronary artery bypass surgery. Simultaneous ascending aortic transesophageal echocardiography was used to measure AR
direct
. Published mathematical formulae were used to determine RP
derived
and XP
derived
. AR
direct
was strongly and linearly related to RP
derived
during systole (
r
=0.988;
P
<0.001) and diastole (
r
=0.985;
P
<0.001). Peak cross-correlation (
r
=0.98) occurred at a phase lag of 0.004 s into the cardiac cycle, suggesting close temporal agreement between waveforms. The relationship between aortic BP and AR
direct
was qualitatively similar to the cyclic relationship between aortic BP and RP
derived
, with peak cross-correlations occurring at identical phase lags (AR
direct
versus aortic BP,
r
=0.96 at 0.06 s; RP
derived
versus aortic BP,
r
=0.98 at 0.06 s).

Conclusions—

RP
derived
is highly correlated with changes in proximal aortic volume, consistent with its physiological interpretation as corresponding to the instantaneous volume of blood stored in the aorta. Thus, aortic reservoir pressure should be considered in the interpretation of the central BP waveform.
Effects of Proximate Foreclosed Properties on Individuals’ Systolic Blood Pressure in Massachusetts, 1987 to 2008
Authors: Arcaya Mariana , Glymour M. Maria , Chakrabarti Prabal , Christakis Nicholas A. , Kawachi Ichiro , Subramanian S.V.
Published: May 2014

Background—

No studies have examined the effects of local foreclosure activity on neighbors’ blood pressure, despite the fact that spillover effects of nearby foreclosures include many known risk factors for increased blood pressure. We assessed the extent to which living near foreclosed properties is associated with subsequent systolic blood pressure (SBP) measurements.

Methods and Results—

We used 6590 geocoded observations collected from 1740 participants in the Framingham Offspring Cohort across 5 waves (1987–2008) of the Framingham Heart Study to create a longitudinal record of exposure to nearby foreclosure activity. We distinguished between real estate–owned foreclosures, which typically sit vacant, and foreclosures purchased by third-party buyers, which are generally put into productive use. Counts of lender-owned foreclosed properties within 100 m of participants’ homes were used to predict measured SBP and odds of being hypertensive. We assessed whether self-reported alcoholic drinks per week and measured body mass index helped to explain the relationship between foreclosure activity and SBP. Each additional real estate–owned foreclosure located within 100 m of a participant’s home was associated with an increase in SBP of 1.71 mm Hg (
P
=0.03; 95% confidence interval, 0.18–3.24) after adjustment for individual- and area-level confounders but not with odds of hypertension. The presence of foreclosures purchased by third-party buyers was not associated with SBP or with hypertension. Body mass index and alcohol consumption attenuated the effect of living near real estate–owned foreclosures on SBP in fully adjusted models.

Conclusions—

Real estate–owned foreclosed properties may put nearby neighbors at risk for increased SBP, with higher alcohol consumption and body mass index partially mediating this relationship.
Clinical Features and Prognosis of Patients With Coronary Spasm–Induced Non–ST‐Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Nakayama Naoki , Kaikita Koichi , Fukunaga Takashi , Matsuzawa Yasushi , Sato Koji , Horio Eiji , Yoshimura Hiromi , Mizobe Michio , Takashio Seiji , Tsujita Kenichi , Kojima Sunao , Tayama Shinji , Hokimoto Seiji , Sakamoto Tomohiro , Nakao Koichi , Sugiyama Seigo , Kimura Kazuo , Ogawa Hisao
Published: May 2014

Background

The prevalence, clinical features, and long‐term outcome of patients with non–
ST
‐segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (
NSTE ACS
) associated with coronary spasm are not fully investigated.

Methods and Results

This observational multicenter study enrolled 1601 consecutive patients with suspected
NSTE
‐
ACS
who underwent cardiac catheterization between January 2001 and December 2010. A culprit lesion was found in 1152 (72%) patients. In patients without a culprit lesion, the acetylcholine provocation test was performed in 221 patients and was positive in 175 patients. In the other patients, coronary spasm was verified in 145 patients during spontaneous attack. Spasm‐induced
NSTE
‐
ACS
was diagnosed in 320 (20%) patients. Multivariable analysis identified age <70 years (odds ratio [
OR
] 2.19, 95%
CI
1.58 to 3.04), estimated glomerular filtration rate >60 mL/min per 1.73 m
2
(
OR
1.72, 95%
CI
1.16 to 2.56), and lack of hypertension (
OR
2.55, 95%
CI
1.90 to 3.41), dyslipidemia (
OR
2.76, 95%
CI
2.05 to 3.73), diabetes mellitus (
OR
2.49, 95%
CI
1.78 to 3.48), previous myocardial infarction (
OR
5.37, 95%
CI
2.89 to 10.0), and elevated cardiac biomarkers (
OR
2.84, 95%
CI
2.11 to 3.83) as significant correlates of spasm‐induced
NSTE
‐
ACS
(
P
<0.01 for all variables). Transient
ST
‐segment elevation during spontaneous attack (variant angina) was observed in 119 patients with spasm‐induced
NSTE
‐
ACS
. Variant angina was more common in nondyslipidemic men among patients with spasm‐induced
NSTE
‐
ACS
.

Conclusions

The study showed frequent involvement of coronary spasm in the pathogenesis of
NSTE
‐
ACS
. Variant angina was observed in one third of patients with spasm‐induced
NSTE
‐
ACS
. Coronary spasm should be considered even in patients with less coronary risk factors and nonobstructive coronary arteries.
Outsider Histories, Insider Artists, Cross-Cultural Ensembles: Visiting with Disability Presences in Contemporary Art Environments
Authors: Kuppers Petra
Published: May 2014

Disability is highly visible in contemporary performance festivals and art venues. Traveling from the disability performance ensemble work of Theater Hora and Jérôme Bel, to Javier Telléz's installation Artaud's Cave at dOCUMENTA(13) in Kassel, and on to the Australian Back to Back Theatre's Ganesh versus the Third Reich at the Bodies of Work festival in Chicago raises the pressing questions: How and why is disability art and performance becoming so visible? And for whom?
The Small Powers in World Politics
Authors: Wong Pak Nung , Kieh George Klay
Published: May 2014

Abstract

This paper aims to conceptualize a framework for better understanding the challenges, actions and rationales of the African and Asian small powers in the post-1989 global order. The paper will be divided into three parts. First, it will review the literature on small power/state studies. Second, following a critique of the major approaches in small power studies, we will argue for the need for a critical realist perspective to better capture the relationships between domestic politics and foreign relations of the small power in Africa and Asia. Third, against the comparative trajectories in which the u.s. has attained global hegemony after 1991 and China has gradually become a great power after 2000, in light of the recent u.s. containment policy shift towards China which has stirred up versatile dynamics of East Asian small power politics, in favor of a global multi-polarity, we will highlight the foundation of our approach for building the strong small powers in terms of two main aspects of economic nationalism: resource-focused and sovereignty-asserting.
China and Small States in Food Security Governance
Authors: Chan Gerald
Published: May 2014

Abstract

China’s need to ensure food sufficiency for its people is nothing new. What is new is the country’s recent active search for food from around the world, including small states in Africa and Latin America. The country has begun to acquire food of a high quality, in competition with other countries. China can make use of its politico-economic power to influence the behaviour of others to achieve food security, thereby highlighting a puzzling question: How does China balance its national interests against its global responsibility? China competes with other countries for a steady supply of food at an affordable price, while at the same time it wants to be seen as a peaceful country and a responsible member of the international community. As the largest developing country in the world, how does China see its role in the global management of food security, and how do others see China in this role? In addressing these questions, this paper argues that China begins to shoulder greater responsibility globally in this area, based on its bilateral and multilateral engagements, especially with small states, in a win-win way. The paper concludes that China has to do more to allay the fears of the outside world and to clear the suspicions harboured by others about its intentions and behaviour, a lesson which carries wide implications for China’s global governance in other issue areas.
Pakistan and Singapore as Small Powers
Authors: Siddiqi Farhan Hanif
Published: May 2014

Abstract

The subject of international relations and its theories are based primarily on what the great powers do. Major ir theories including realism and neorealism have put small states and powers at the very margins of their respective theories arguing that since they do not display any form of power at the national and systemic levels they could as easily be discarded from theoretical and empirical debate and analysis. The present article challenges this theoretical construct and seeks to investigate whether the small powers are innate non-players in the international system and hence ‘vulnerable’ entities or display forms of power vis-à-vis the great powers in which their ‘maneuverability’, influence and independence may be manifest. This is attempted with respect to a comparative analysis of Pakistan and Singapore in which both an endogenously driven explanation taking into account both states’ domestic constitutive features are brought into focus alongside a behaviorally-oriented exogenous explanation bordering on power and security.
The Impact of Food and Global Economic Crises (2008) on Food Security in Egypt
Authors: Ahmed Samah Sayed
Published: May 2014

Abstract

This paper aims to study how food security in Egypt influenced by the global rising of food prices occurs during the period 2006-2008 and the global economic crisis beginning in 2008. In order to achieve the aim of the study, the paper was divided into three main sections in addition to introduction, the second one analyze the features of food crisis and its reasons and its effects on the poor and households. The third section represents the global economic crisis and its impacts on the most vulnerable households. The fourth section, analyze the status of food security in Egypt before and after the two crises, government response to food and global economic crises, role of international organizations in Egypt as a result of the two crises, the Arab awakening and its impact on food security, finally, the paper introduces some policy options to address food insecurity in Egypt.

The main conclusion of the study is that the Egyptian economy is highly vulnerable to food and economic global shocks, and the status of food security after the two crises is classified as a serious case.
New species of salamander (Caudata: Plethodontidae: Cryptotriton) from Quebrada Cataguana, Francisco Morazán, Honduras, with comments on the taxonomic status of Cryptotriton wakei
Authors: MCCRANIE JAMES R. , ROVITO SEAN M.
Published: May 2014

We describe a new species of the plethodontid salamander genus Cryptotriton from Honduras after comparing morphological, molecular, and osteological data from the holotype to that of the other nominal forms of the genus. The new species differs from all of the known species of Cryptotriton in at least one character from all three datasets. We also suggest placing C. wakei in the synonymy of C. nasalis after examining the morphological and osteological characters of the single known specimen of C. wakei.
The Poaceae-associated genus Bamboosiella (Thysanoptera, Phlaeothripidae) from India with one new species
Authors: KUMAR VIKAS , TYAGI KAOMUD
Published: May 2014

Bamboosiella venkataramani sp. n. is described from India based on specimens collected on grass clumps from the Karnataka State of India. A key is provided for identification of seven Indian species of the genus Bamboosiella.
Revision of the African horntail genus Afrotremex (Hymenoptera: Siricidae)
Authors: GOULET HENRI
Published: May 2014

Afrotremex is one of ten extant genera of Siricidae, known as horntails or woodwasps. Species are restricted to the central forested regions of Africa. Their biology and economic significance are unknown. However, the host of one species, A. xylophagus, is known. Their larvae are wood-boring insects. The genus consists of six species: Afrotremex hyalinatus (Mocsáry), A. violaceus Pasteels, A. comatus Goulet, n. sp., A. opacus Goulet, n. sp., A. pallipennis Goulet, n. sp., and A. xylophagus Goulet, n. sp. The genus is characterized, its phylogenetic placement is discussed, and a key to species is provided. For each species (if pertinent), the following are included: synonymy, diagnosis, comparative diagnosis, description, type material, origin of specific epithet, taxonomic notes, and range.
A new species of the hippolytid shrimp genus Thor Kingsley, 1878 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Caridea) from Hainan Island, China
Authors: XU PENG , LI XINZHENG
Published: May 2014

A new species of the caridean family Hippolytidae, Thor hainanensis sp. nov., is described and illustrated based on specimens from Hainan Island, China. The carpus of the second pereopod is six-segmented; the mandible has only the incisor process and the molar process; the third segment of antennular peduncle has one subtriangular dorsal scale. Those morphological characters easily classify this species into the genus Thor Kingsley, 1878. First pereopod with epipod distinguishes the present new species from the other members of the genus, because the existence of epipod among different pereopods is considered to be fixed at interspecific level and all the described species of this genus lack the epipod on the first pereopod.
New Neotropical Culicoides and redescription of Culicoides reticulatus Lutz (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae)
Authors: SANTARÉM MARIA CLARA ALVES , DA TRINDADE ROSIMEIRE LOPES , DA SILVA TIAGO DO NASCIMENTO , CASTELLÓN ELOY GUILLERMO , PATIU CÁTIA ANTUNES DE MELLO , FELIPPE-BAUER MARIA LUIZA
Published: May 2014

Seven new species of the Culicoides reticulatus species group are described and illustrated based on specimens from Colombia, Panama and Brazilian states of northern (Amazonas, Pará and Roraima) and southeast region (Rio de Janeiro). The new species are compared with their similar congener, Culicoides reticulatus Lutz, and a systematic key, table with numerical characters to the females of the species are provided. Redescription of Culicoides reticulatus Lutz is given based on type series deposited in the Ceratopogonidae Collection of the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Brazil. The distribution of these species is presented in figure 9.
Floor Plan Connectivity Influences Wayfinding Performance in Virtual Environments
Authors: Slone Edward , Burles Ford , Robinson Keith , Levy Richard M. , Iaria Giuseppe
Published: May 2014

The structure of the physical environment can have a significant influence on individuals’ ability to orient within it. We asked participants to perform a cued wayfinding task in two virtual environments to test the hypothesis that spatial orientation skills are indeed affected by the physical complexity of the environment. The two virtual environments used for testing differed solely in one objective measure of plan complexity, that is, the average number of connections at each decision point or terminal corridor. Our results showed that participants committed more errors and took longer to reach their destinations in the more interconnected environment. Performance was more efficient on trials in which participants were able to use previously learned routes relative to trials in which participants were forced to plan novel routes. These findings provide strong evidence that people’s ability to navigate in unfamiliar surroundings is affected by the layout complexity of the environment.
The Effects of Video Game Experience and Active Stereoscopy on Performance in Combat Identification Tasks
Authors: Keebler Joseph R. , Jentsch Florian , Schuster David
Published: May 2014

Objective

We investigated the effects of active stereoscopic simulation-based training and individual differences in video game experience on multiple indices of combat identification (CID) performance.

Background

Fratricide is a major problem in combat operations involving military vehicles. In this research, we aimed to evaluate the effects of training on CID performance in order to reduce fratricide errors.

Method

Individuals were trained on 12 combat vehicles in a simulation, which were presented via either a non-stereoscopic or active stereoscopic display using NVIDIA’s GeForce shutter glass technology. Self-report was used to assess video game experience, leading to four between-subjects groups: high video game experience with stereoscopy, low video game experience with stereoscopy, high video game experience without stereoscopy, and low video game experience without stereoscopy. We then tested participants on their memory of each vehicle’s alliance and name across multiple measures, including photographs and videos.

Results

There was a main effect for both video game experience and stereoscopy across many of the dependent measures. Further, we found interactions between video game experience and stereoscopic training, such that those individuals with high video game experience in the non-stereoscopic group had the highest performance outcomes in the sample on multiple dependent measures.

Conclusion

This study suggests that individual differences in video game experience may be predictive of enhanced performance in CID tasks.

Application

Selection based on video game experience in CID tasks may be a useful strategy for future military training. Future research should investigate the generalizability of these effects, such as identification through unmanned vehicle sensors.