bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distributed consensus of discrete‐time multi‐agent systems with multiplicative noises
Authors: Long Yushen , Liu Shuai , Xie Lihua
Published: October 2014

In this paper, we consider the consensus problem of discrete‐time multi‐agent systems with multiplicative communication noises. Each agent can only receive information corrupted by noises from its neighbors and/or a reference node. The intensities of these noises are dependent on the relative states of agents. Under some mild assumptions of the noises and the structure of network, consensus is analyzed under a fixed topology, dynamically switching topologies and randomly switching topologies, respectively. By combining algebraic graph theory and martingale convergence theorem, sufficient conditions for mean square and almost sure consensus are given. Further, when the consensus is achieved without a reference, it is shown that the consensus point is a random variable with its expectation being the average of the initial states of the agents and its variance being bounded. If the multi‐agent system has access to the state of the reference, the state of each agent can asymptotically converge to the reference. Numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of our results. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Does the market for ideas influence the rate and direction of innovative activity? Evidence from the medical device industry
Authors: Chatterji Aaron K. , Fabrizio Kira R.
Published: October 2014

Prior work argues that the “market for ideas” supports an open system of innovation, allowing for efficient development of technology across firms. Although this literature has described important features of this market, how it influences the rate and direction of innovation remains an open question. We exploit an exogenous shock to a subset of U.S. medical device firms to study this question. We first document the breakdown in the market for ideas after a federal investigation made it more difficult for the leading orthopedic firms to work with physician‐inventors. We then present evidence of a dramatic decline in the rate of innovation for these firms. Further, a marked shift in direction occurs toward lower‐quality inventions and away from product categories where physician knowledge is critical. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Oscillatory Shear Stress Mediates Directional Reorganization of Actin Cytoskeleton and Alters Differentiation Propensity of Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Kuo Yi-Chun , Chang Tzu-Hao , Hsu Wei-Tse , Zhou Jing , Lee Hsiao-Hui , Hui-Chun Ho Jennifer , Chien Shu , Kuang-Sheng Oscar
Published: October 2014

Shear stress stimuli differentially regulate cellular functions based on the pattern, magnitude as well as duration of the flow. Shear stress can modify intracellular kinase activities and cytoskeleton reorganization to result in changes of cell behavior. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are mechano-sensitive cells, but little is known about the effects of oscillatory shear stress (OS). In this study, we demonstrate that OS of 0.5 ± 4 dyn/cm2 induces directional reorganization of F-actin to mediate the fate choice of MSCs through the regulation of β-catenin. We also found that intercellular junction molecules are the predominant mechanosensors of OS in MSCs to deliver the signals that result in directional rearrangement of F-actin, as well as the increase of phosphorylated β-catenin (pβ-catenin) after 30 minutes of OS stimulation. Depolymerization of F-actin and increase in pβ-catenin also lead to the upregulation of Wnt inhibitory factors sclerostin and dickkopf-1. Inhibition of β-catenin/Wnt signaling pathway is accompanied by the upregulation of sex determining region Y-box2 and NANOG to control self-renewal. In conclusion, the reorganization of actin cytoskeleton and increase in β-catenin phosphorylation triggered by OS regulate the expression of pluripotency genes via the β-catenin/Wnt signaling pathway to differentially direct fate choices of MSCs at different time points. Results from this study have provided new information regarding how MSCs respond to mechanical cues from their microenvironment in a time-dependent fashion, and such biophysical stimuli could be administered to guide the fate and differentiation of stem cells in addition to conventional biochemical approaches. Stem Cells  2015;33:429–442
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: pathophysiology, staging, prediction and prevention
Authors: Nastri C. O. , Teixeira D. M. , Moroni R. M. , Leitão V. M. S. , Martins W. P.
Published: October 2014

Objective

To identify, appraise and summarize the current evidence regarding the pathophysiology, staging, prediction and prevention of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).

Methods

Two comprehensive systematic reviews were carried out: one examined methods of predicting either high ovarian response or OHSS and the other examined interventions aimed at reducing the occurrence of OHSS. Additionally, we describe the related pathophysiology and staging criteria.

Results

Seven studies examining methods of predicting OHSS and eight more examining methods of predicting high ovarian response to controlled ovarian stimulation were included. Current evidence shows that the best methods of predicting high response are antral follicle count and anti‐Müllerian hormone levels, and that a high ovarian response (examined by the number of large follicles, estradiol concentration or the number of retrieved oocytes) is the best method of predicting the occurrence of OHSS. Ninety‐seven randomized controlled trials examining the effect of several interventions for reducing the occurrence of OHSS were included. There was high‐quality evidence that replacing human chorionic gonadotropin by gonadotropin‐releasing hormone agonists or recombinant luteinizing hormone, and moderate‐quality evidence that antagonist protocols, dopamine agonists and mild stimulation, reduce the occurrence of OHSS. The evidence for the effect of the other interventions was of low/very low quality. Additionally, we identified and described 12 different staging criteria.

Conclusions

There are useful predictive tools and several preventive interventions aimed at reducing the occurrence of OHSS. Acknowledging and understanding them are of crucial importance for planning the treatment of, and, ultimately, eliminating, OHSS while maintaining high pregnancy rates. Copyright © 2014 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Prenatal detection of transposition of the great arteries reduces mortality and morbidity
Authors: van Velzen C. L. , Haak M. C. , Reijnders G. , Rijlaarsdam M. E. B. , Bax C. J. , Pajkrt E. , Hruda J. , Galindo‐Garre F. , Bilardo C. M. , de Groot C. J. M. , Blom N. A. , Clur S. A.
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACT

Objectives

To evaluate the prenatal detection of transposition of the great arteries (TGA), after the introduction of a Dutch screening program in 2007, as well as the effect of prenatal detection on pre‐ and postsurgical mortality and morbidity.

Methods

In a geographical cohort study, all infants with TGA who were born between 1 January 2002 and 1 January 2012 were included. The cases were divided into two groups: those with and those without a prenatal diagnosis. Pre‐ and postsurgical mortality was assessed, with a follow‐up of 1 year. Presurgical morbidity was assessed in terms of cardiovascular compromise, metabolic acidosis, renal and/or hepatic dysfunction and closure of the duct before initiation of therapy.

Results

Of all cases (n = 144), 26.4% were diagnosed prenatally, with detection rates of 15.7% and 41.0% in the first and last 5 years of the study period, respectively. First‐year mortality was significantly lower in cases with a prenatal diagnosis of TGA than in those without (0.0% vs 11.4%, respectively). Presurgical mortality (4.9%) only occurred in undetected simple TGA cases. Closure of the duct before treatment, renal dysfunction and hypoxia occurred significantly more often in the group without a prenatal diagnosis.

Conclusions

The prenatal detection rate of TGA has increased significantly since the introduction of the screening program in 2007. Prenatal diagnosis is an important factor that contributes to survival of the infant in the first postnatal year. Furthermore, some morbidity indicators were significantly higher in the group without a prenatal diagnosis. These results justify efforts to improve prenatal screening programs. Copyright © 2014 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Chemical Sodiation of V2O5 by Na2S
Authors: Haberkorn Robert , Bauer Jessica , Kickelbick Guido
Published: October 2014

Chemical sodiation of V2O5 at low temperatures allows to synthesize NaxV2O5 with 0 ≤ x ≤ 1, while classic high temperature syntheses yield in either x ≤ 0.02 (α‐phase) or 0.7 ≤ x (α′‐phase), or other phases (β‐phase, δ‐phase) or mixtures thereof. A suspension of V2O5 in acetonitrile and Na2S as sodiation agent were used. The maximum amount of sodiation was obtained by using an excess of Na2S, refluxing the acetonitrile during the reaction, and precedent ball milling of the V2O5. If only low amounts of Na2S were used as starting material, a mixture of fractions of NaxV2O5 with different values of x was obtained. All these fractions belong to the α‐ or α′‐phase, space group Pmmn.
Long-term follow-up of thalidomide embryopathy: Malformations and development of osteoarthritis in the lower extremities and evaluation of upper extremity function
Authors: Ghassemi Jahani Shadi A. , Danielson Barbro , Karlsson Jón , Danielsson Aina J.
Published: October 2014

Background

Between 1959 and 1962, several children with multiple malformations were born after maternal intake of thalidomide during pregnancy, known as thalidomide embryopathy (TE).

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the malformations, their long-term effect on the function of the extremities and the development of degenerative osteoarthritis (OA) in the lower extremities.

Methods

All living persons with TE in Sweden were invited to participate in the study. Thirty-one patients were examined clinically as a part of a multi-disciplinary follow-up programme. Evaluation of upper and lower limb function was performed by validated questionnaires [Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and Rheumatoid and Arthritis Outcome Score (RAOS), respectively] and radiographic appearance of lower limbs by the use of spiral computed tomography.

Results

Five individuals had severe malformations of the lower limbs and proximal femoral focal deficiency (PFFD), with significantly reduced function as found on the RAOS values. Twenty-seven patients had two fully functional arms and hands, despite the fact that 8% of shoulders, 26% of elbows/forearms and 70% of hands were malformed. Loss of gripping function did not significantly affect the upper extremity function, as measured by the DASH score. Ten patients without major deformities had OA in the hips and 15 in the knees, mostly mild and with no effect on the RAOS value.

Conclusion

A wide variety of malformations in the upper and lower limbs was found in the study group. Degenerative changes were found in the hips and the knees but were mostly mild and without major clinical significance. Despite upper limb anomalies that affected the fine motor skills, upper extremity function was not significantly reduced for most individuals. Individuals with PFFD along with major deformities of upper limbs had a reduced function of upper as well as lower limbs.
What do temporal profiles tell us about adolescent alcohol use? Results from a large sample in the United Kingdom
Authors: McKay Michael T. , Andretta James R. , Magee Jennifer , Worrell Frank C.
Published: October 2014

The psychological construct broadly known as time perspective is potentially useful in understanding a range of adolescent behaviours, including alcohol use. However, the utility of the construct has been hindered by measurement and conceptual problems. To date the vast majority of studies have assessed the relationship between time perspective and other measures in a variable‐focussed (correlational) rather than a person‐centred way. The present series of studies used a person‐centred approach to assess the relationship between temporal profiles and alcohol use in a large sample (n = 1620) of adolescents from High Schools in Northern Ireland. Although a ‘Balanced’ time perspective has been suggested as optimal, the present study suggests that having a ‘Future’ temporal profile is associated with less problematic use of alcohol, while having a ‘Past Negative’ or ‘Hedonist’ profile is associated with more problematic consumption. Results are discussed in the context of the time perspective and alcohol use literatures.
On the planar Schrödinger–Poisson system
Authors: Cingolani Silvia , Weth Tobias
Published: October 2014

We develop a variational framework to detect high energy solutions of the planar Schrödinger–Poisson system

\begin{cases}
−\mathrm{\Delta }u + a(x)u + \gamma wu = 0, \\
\mathrm{\Delta }w = u^{2} \\ \end{cases}
\quad \text{in }\mathbb{R}^{2}

with a positive function

a \in L^{\infty }(\mathbb{R}^{2})

and

\gamma > 0

. In particular, we deal with the periodic setting where the corresponding functional is invariant under

\mathbb{Z}^{2}

-translations and therefore fails to satisfy a global Palais–Smale condition. The key tool is a surprisingly strong compactness condition for Cerami sequences which is not available for the corresponding problem in higher space dimensions. In the case where the external potential

a

is a positive constant, we also derive, as a special case of a more general result, the existence of nonradial solutions

(u,w)

such that

u

has arbitrarily many nodal domains. Finally, in the case where

a

is constant, we also show that solutions of the above problem with

u > 0

in

\mathbb{R}^{2}

and

w(x)\rightarrow −\infty

as

|x|\rightarrow \infty

are radially symmetric up to translation. Our results are also valid for a variant of the above system containing a local nonlinear term in

u

in the first equation.
Structural and genomic DNA analysis of the putative TetR transcriptional repressor SCO7518 from Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2)
Authors: Hayashi Takeshi , Tanaka Yoshikazu , Sakai Naoki , Okada Ui , Yao Min , Watanabe Nobuhisa , Tamura Tomohiro , Tanaka Isao
Published: October 2014

SCO7518 is a protein of unknown function from Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2) that has been classified into the TetR transcriptional regulator family. In this study, a crystal structure of SCO7518 was determined at 2.29 Å resolution. The structure is a homodimer of protomers that comprise an N‐terminal DNA‐binding domain and a C‐terminal dimerization and regulatory domain, and possess a putative ligand‐binding cavity. Genomic systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment and electrophoretic mobility shift assays revealed that SCO7518 specifically binds to an operator sequence located upstream of the sco7519 gene, which encodes a maltose O‐acetyltransferase. These results suggest that SCO7518 is a transcriptional repressor of sco7519 expression.
Porcine SLITRK1: Molecular cloning and characterization
Authors: Larsen Knud , Momeni Jamal , Farajzadeh Leila , Bendixen Christian
Published: October 2014

The membrane protein SLITRK1 functions as a developmentally regulated stimulator of neurite outgrowth and variants in this gene have been implicated in Tourette syndrome. In the current study we have cloned and characterized the porcine SLITRK1 gene. The genomic organization of SLITRK1 lacks introns, as does its human and mouse counterparts. RT‐PCR cloning revealed two SLITRK1 transcripts: a full‐length mRNA and a transcript variant that results in a truncated protein. The encoded SLITRK1 protein, consisting of 695 amino acids, displays a very high homology to human SLITRK1 (99%). The porcine SLITRK1 gene is expressed exclusively in brain tissues.
A new way to produce hyperketonemia: Use of ketone ester in a case of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Newport Mary T. , VanItallie Theodore B. , Kashiwaya Yoshihiro , King Michael Todd , Veech Richard L.
Published: October 2014

Background

Providing ketone bodies to the brain can bypass metabolic blocks to glucose utilization and improve function in energy‐starved neurons. For this, plasma ketones must be elevated well above the ≤0.2 mM default concentrations normally prevalent. Limitations of dietary methods currently used to produce therapeutic hyperketonemia have stimulated the search for better approaches.

Method

Described herein is a new way to produce therapeutic hyperketonemia, entailing prolonged oral administration of a potent ketogenic agent—ketone monoester (KME)—to a patient with Alzheimer's disease dementia and a pretreatment Mini‐Mental State Examination score of 12.

Results

The patient improved markedly in mood, affect, self‐care, and cognitive and daily activity performance. The KME was well tolerated throughout the 20‐month treatment period. Cognitive performance tracked plasma β‐hydroxybutyrate concentrations, with noticeable improvements in conversation and interaction at the higher levels, compared with predose levels.

Conclusion

KME‐induced hyperketonemia is robust, convenient, and safe, and the ester can be taken as an oral supplement without changing the habitual diet.
Short‐term trends in dementia prevalence in Germany between the years 2007 and 2009
Authors: Doblhammer Gabriele , Fink Anne , Fritze Thomas
Published: October 2014

Recent studies have been cautiously optimistic about declining trends in dementia prevalence and incidence. Newly available claims data from a German public health insurance company covering 30% of the total population permitted us to explore short‐term trends based on millions of observations up to the highest ages. Diagnoses stemmed from the inpatient and outpatient services and covered both the community‐dwelling population and those living in nursing homes. Data spanning more than 3 years were examined, and the examination revealed a significant yearly reduction between 1% and 2% in the prevalence of dementia among women aged 75 to 84 years. The extent of the reduction was comparable with reports from earlier studies. A similar tendency existed among men, however, statistically not significant. Trends in medical, lifestyle, and societal risk factors of dementia may have contributed to this decline.
APOE ε4 and risk for Alzheimer's disease: Do regionally distributed white matter hyperintensities play a role?
Authors: Brickman Adam M. , Schupf Nicole , Manly Jennifer J. , Stern Yaakov , Luchsinger José A. , Provenzano Frank A. , Narkhede Atul , Razlighi Qolamreza , Collins‐Praino Lyndsey , Artero Sylvaine , Akbaraly Tasnime N. , Ritchie Karen , Mayeux Richard , Portet Florence
Published: October 2014

Background

We previously demonstrated that parietal lobe white matter hyperintensities (WMH) increase the risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here, we examined whether individuals with apolipoprotein E gene (APOE ε4) have increased parietal WMH volume.

Methods

Participants were from the Washington Heights‐Inwood Columbia Aging Project (WHICAP; n = 694, 47 with dementia) in northern Manhattan and the Etude Santé Psychologique Prévalence Risques et Traitement study (ESPRIT; n = 539, 8 with dementia) in Montpellier. The association between regional WMH and APOE ε4 was examined separately in each group and then in a combined analysis.

Results

In WHICAP, ε4 carriers had higher WMH volume particularly in parietal and occipital lobes. In ESPRIT, ε4 carriers had elevated WMH particularly in parietal and temporal lobes. In the combined analysis, ε4 carriers had higher WMH in parietal and occipital lobes. Increased WMH volume was associated with increased frequency of dementia irrespective of APOE ε4 status; those with the ε4 were more likely to have dementia if they also had increased parietal WMH.

Conclusions

APOE ε4 is associated with increased parietal lobe WMH.
Effects of Contralateral Versus Ipsilateral Cane Use on Gait in People with Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Fang Meika A. , Heiney Constance , Yentes Jennifer M. , Harada Nancy D. , Masih Sulabha , Perell‐Gerson Karen L.
Published: October 2014

Objective

To compare the immediate effects of contralateral versus ipsilateral cane use on spatiotemporal gait parameters and peak vertical ground force in overweight or obese adults with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Design

Prospective observational study.

Setting

An academic tertiary Veterans Affairs Healthcare Center.

Participants

Thirty‐eight overweight or obese subjects with symptomatic knee OA who had not used a cane for the past 30 days.

Methods

Spatiotemporal gait data were obtained with an optical motion capture system while subjects walked without a cane, with a cane contralateral to the more painful lower limb, or with a cane ipsilateral to the more painful lower limb at self‐selected speeds. An in‐shoe dynamic pressure distribution system was used to measure the vertical ground reaction force.

Main Outcome Measurements

Spatiotemporal measures of gait and peak vertical ground reaction force on both lower limbs were recorded for each walking condition: no cane, contralateral cane, and ipsilateral cane.

Results

Walking with a cane either contralateral or ipsilateral to the more symptomatic limb led to significant reductions in gait velocity (14%‐16%), cadence (12%‐14%), and peak vertical ground reaction force (normalized for body weight; 11%‐12%) on the more painful lower limb compared with walking unaided (P < .05). There were no significant differences in the peak vertical ground reaction force on either lower limbs when comparing walking with a cane contralateral to the more painful limb or walking with a cane ipsilateral to the more painful limb. Subjects also experienced a significant decrease in gait velocity with contralateral or ipsilateral cane use compared with walking without a cane; the lower walking speed was due to a decrease in cadence.

Conclusions

These results support the prescription of a single‐point cane to offload a lower limb with painful knee OA by holding the cane either ipsilateral or contralateral to the more painful lower limb.
Historical aspirations and the domestic politics of Russia’s pursuit of international status
Authors: Clunan Anne L.
Published: October 2014

What determined Russia’s national interests and grand strategy in the first decade after the Cold War? This article uses aspirational constructivism, which combines social psychology with constructivism, to answer this question. Central to aspirational constructivism are the roles that the past self and in-groups, and their perceived effectiveness play in the selection of a national identity and the definition of national interests. This article explains why Russian political elites settled on a statist national identity that focused on retaining Russia’s historical status as a Western great power and hegemon in the former Soviet Union and in engaging the country in bounded status competition with the United States.
ATROCITY PROPAGANDA AND THE NATIONALIZATION OF THE MASSES IN THE OTTOMAN EMPIRE DURING THE BALKAN WARS (1912–13)
Authors: Çetinkaya Y. Doğan
Published: October 2014

During the Balkan Wars (1912–13), the mobilization of the home front became significant for the belligerent states, which initiated propaganda activities demonizing their enemies and galvanizing the emotions of their publics. This paper explores one type of such mobilization efforts from above, atrocity propaganda, through which states sought to invoke hatred and mobilize public support for war by focusing on the atrocities (mezalim) that their coreligionists had suffered at the hands of enemies. Although the term “atrocity propaganda” has been used exclusively in the context of World War I in the historiography, the practice it describes was effectively utilized during the earlier Balkan Wars. In the Ottoman Empire, both state and civil initiatives played crucial roles in the making of atrocity propaganda, which was disseminated through intense coverage in the Turkish-language press. The imagery it employed shifted with the onset of the wars, becoming increasingly shocking. Atrocity propaganda contributed to the well-known radicalization of nationalism in the late Ottoman Empire.
The Dirty Subject of the First World War
Authors: Derr Jennifer L.
Published: October 2014

In 1915, soon after Egypt's entry into World War I, the British War Office sent a medical mission to Egypt to investigate the state of bilharzia infection in the country. Bilharzia, also known as schistosomiasis, ran rife among agricultural cultivators in Egypt during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The entry of British-occupied Egypt into the war, and its emergence as a battle theater, heightened fears within the British government that its soldiers would fall prey to the same ailments that plagued Egypt's population.
The Government of War
Authors: Khoury Dina Rizk
Published: October 2014

I write this piece as Iraq, following Syria, descends into a civil war that is undermining the post–World War I state system and reconfiguring regional and transnational networks of mobilization and instrumentalizations of violence and identity formation. That the Middle East has come to this moment is not an inevitable product of the artificiality of national borders and the precariousness of the state system. It is important to avoid this linear narrative of inevitability, with its attendant formulations of the Middle East as a repository of a large number of absences, and instead to locate the current wars in a specific historical time: the late and post–Cold War eras, marked by the agendas of the Washington Consensus and the globalization of neoliberal discourses; the privatization of the developmental and welfare state; the institutional devolution and multiplication of security services; and the entrenchment of new forms of colonial violence and rule in Israel and Palestine and on a global scale. The conveners of this roundtable have asked us to reflect on the technopolitics of war in the context of this particular moment and in light of the pervasiveness of new governmentalities of war. What I will do in this short piece is reflect on the heuristic and methodological possibilities of the study of war as a form of governance, or what I call the “government of war,” in light of my own research and writing on Iraq.
FEMALE EDUCATION AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH CHANGES IN SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC BEHAVIOUR: EVIDENCE FROM INDIA
Authors: BORKOTOKY KAKOLI , UNISA SAYEED
Published: October 2014

Education is a crucial factor in influencing the pattern and timing of marriage for women, and the changes in levels of female literacy will also change the dynamics of family formation. India has experienced consistent improvement in levels of female literacy; therefore, this study examined the association of women's education with the changes in their demographic behaviour in the Indian context. The central idea of the paper is to examine the differences in age at marriage and first birth, choice of marriage partner and the number of children ever born based on educational attainment of women. In addition, the study examined incongruence in years of schooling and discontinuation from school, for children based on education of the mother. The study utilized data from the third round of District Level Household and Facility Survey. The sample constituted 344,164 ever-married women aged 35 years and above with surviving children aged 5–20 years. The results imply that women with higher education are more likely to marry late and have fewer children compared with less educated women. Accordingly, increase in education of women also increases the probability of marrying men with better education than themselves. The study further observed that education of wife has a greater association with the number of children ever born than the education of husband. At the same time, incongruence in years of schooling and drop-out from school are both high for children of uneducated women. The study also found that the children from urban areas are more likely to drop out than their rural counterparts. In addition to education of the mother, number and composition of children in the family and economic condition of the household are some other factors that influence the educational attainment of children.
Residential Mobility of Elderly Canadians: Trends and Determinants
Authors: Edmonston Barry , Lee Sharon M.
Published: October 2014

Une bonne compréhension des tendances et des déterminants de la mobilité résidentielle des Canadiens âgés est essentiel pour les politiques publiques et la planification. Étude des patrons, change au fil du temps, et les déterminants de la mobilité des Canadiens âgés sont devenus de plus en plus important que la population vieillit. La mobilité résidentielle des personnes âgées a diminué considérablement depuis 1971, et près de la moitié de cette baisse est due à des changements dans la composition de la population. Parce que l’analyse multivariée de ce document ne tient pas compte de la plupart des tendances à la baisse de la mobilité résidentielle, toutefois, d’autres travaux sont nécessaires sur les explications spéculatives abordés dans cet article.
Continuous performance test in pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder and tic disorders: the role of sustained attention
Authors: Lucke Ilse M. , Lin Charlotte , Conteh Fatmata , Federline Amanda , Sung Huyngmo , Specht Matthew , Grados Marco A.
Published: October 2014

Objective

Pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and tic disorders (TD) are often associated with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In order to clarify the role of attention and inhibitory control in pediatric OCD and TD, a continuous performance test (CPT) was administered to a cohort of children and adolescents with OCD alone, TD alone, and OCD+TD.

Methods

A clinical cohort of 48 children and adolescents with OCD alone (n=20), TD alone (n=15), or OCD+TD (n=13) was interviewed clinically and administered the Conners Continuous Performance Test II (CPT-II). The Conners CPT-II is a 14-minute normed computerized test consisting of 6 blocks. It taps into attention, inhibitory control, and sustained attention cognitive domains. Key parameters include errors of omission (distractability), commission (inhibitory control), and variable responding over time (sustained attention).Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition (DSM-IV) criteria were applied in a best-estimate process to diagnose OCD, TD, ADHD, and anxiety disorders.

Results

Children with OCD+TD had more errors of omission (p=0.03), and more hit RT block change (p=0.003) and hit SE block change (p=0.02) than subjects with OCD alone and TD alone. These deficits in sustained attention were associated with younger age and hoarding tendencies. A clinical diagnosis of ADHD in the OCD+TD group also determined worse sustained attention.

Conclusions

A deficit in sustained attention, a core marker of ADHD, is also a marker of OCD+TD, compared to OCD alone and TD alone. Biological correlates of sustained attention may serve to uncover the pathophysiology of OCD and TD through genetic and imaging studies.
Deconstructing violence as a medical syndrome: mapping psychotic, impulsive, and predatory subtypes to malfunctioning brain circuits
Authors: Stahl Stephen M.
Published: October 2014

ISSUE:Violence is a major management issue for forensic mental health systems. Violence can be approached as a medical syndrome and deconstructed into psychotic, impulsive, and predatory subtypes, which are hypothetically mapped onto corresponding malfunctioning brain circuits. Rational management of violence balances treatment with security, while targeting each subtype of violence with approaches unique to the psychotic, impulsive, and predatory forms of violence.
A COMBINED ADAPTIVE CONTROL PARAMETRIZATION AND HOMOTOPY CONTINUATION TECHNIQUE FOR THE NUMERICAL SOLUTION OF BANG–BANG OPTIMAL CONTROL PROBLEMS
Authors: MEHRPOUYA M. A. , SHAMSI M. , RAZZAGHI M.
Published: October 2014

We present an efficient computational procedure for the solution of bang–bang optimal control problems. The method is based on a well-known adaptive control parametrization method, which is one of the direct methods for numerical solution of optimal control problems. First, the adaptive control parametrization method is reviewed and then its advantages and disadvantages are illustrated. In order to resolve the need for a priori knowledge about the structure of optimal control and for resolving the sensitivity to an initial guess, a homotopy continuation technique is combined with the adaptive control parametrization method. The present combined method does not require any assumptions on the control structure and the number of switching points. In addition, the switching points are captured accurately; also, efficiency of the method is reported through illustrative examples.
Identification and prioritization of farmers' innovations in northern Ghana
Authors: Tambo Justice A. , Wünscher Tobias
Published: October 2014

Farmers are innovators and experimenters and not just adopters of introduced technologies. The innovations developed by farmers could complement the highly promoted externally driven technologies in addressing the numerous challenges facing agriculture. The aim of this paper was to identify outstanding innovations developed by smallholder farmers in northern Ghana, and prioritize the high potential ones for further scientific validation or dissemination. Using an innovation contest that rewards farmers' creativity, we identified 29 promising innovations. Additionally, 19 innovations were scouted through a household survey. The innovations are largely extensive modifications of existing practices or combinations of different known practices in unique ways to save costs or to address crop and livestock production constraints. While some of the identified innovations can be recommended or disseminated to other farmers, most of them may require further validation or research. However, validating all of these innovations will be very expensive and time-consuming. We propose the multi-criteria decision-making analysis (MCDM) as a simple method to prioritize farmers' innovations. Using this method, we find that among the most promising innovations are those involving the control of weeds, pests and diseases using plant residues and extracts, and the treatment of livestock diseases using ethnoveterinary medicines. We briefly explain the six most highly ranked innovations. This case study from northern Ghana provides further proof that smallholder farmers develop diverse and spectacular innovations to address the myriad challenges they face, and these need to be recognized and promoted. We also conclude that contest and MCDM are useful methods that can be applied in unearthing and prioritizing farmer innovations, respectively.
Pragmatism, Realism and the ethics of crisis and transformation in international relations
Authors: Molloy Seán P.
Published: October 2014

This article examines Carr’s work in The Twenty Years’ Crisis and Conditions of Peace in the light of an analogy that Carr draws between his work and that of the American pragmatist philosopher, William James. The article argues that one gains a greater understanding of the internal workings of Carr’s most important IR works if one understands him as operating within the pragmatist tradition (as James understood it). A further aim of the paper is to investigate the evolution in Carr’s ethical commitment to peace in The Twenty Years' Crisis and Conditions of Peace as a product of a pragmatist perspective on global politics. The article concludes with a section on how pragmatist Realist ethics complements existing theories of Realist ethics in IR by reference to Richard Ned Lebow’s The Tragic Vision of Politics and Michael C. Williams’ The Realist Tradition and the Limits of International Relations.
Central and Eastern European Special Issue
Authors: Littvay Levente , Métneki Julia , Tárnoki Ádám D. , Tárnoki Dávid L.
Published: October 2014

From November 16–19, 2014, twin researchers of the world will descend on the lovely city of Budapest, Hungary for the 3rd World Congress on Twin Pregnancy, held in conjunction with the 15th Congress of the International Society of Twin Studies (ISTS). It is the first time a Central and Eastern European country will host the congress. On this occasion, we were honored by the request from the editor of Twin Research and Human Genetics, Nick Martin, to put together a special issue highlighting twin research conducted in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE).
The Role of Landmark Modality and Familiarity in Human Wayfinding
Authors: Hamburger Kai , Röser Florian
Published: October 2014

What characteristics constitute a “helpful” landmark for wayfinding and how are they represented in the human brain? Experiment 1 compared recognition and wayfinding performance for visual, verbal, and acoustic landmarks (animals) learned in our virtual environment SQUARELAND. Experiment 2 investigated landmark semantics, namely, famous versus unfamiliar buildings. The results showed that, first, the best recognition performance was observed for words (verbal condition) followed by sounds. Performance was worst for the pictorial landmark information. In the wayfinding phase, a similar level of performance was observed for all three modalities. Second, famous buildings were better recognized than unfamiliar ones, indicating a semantic influence. We conclude that nonvisual information may successfully constitute a landmark and discuss this within the context of current research on landmarks and human wayfinding.
The Moderating Role of Self-Presentation Tactics
Authors: Burusic Josip , Ribar Maja
Published: October 2014

The present study is concerned with impression formation in a context in which the information about others is limited and at the same time private by its very nature. We examined the accuracy of judges’ ratings of target individuals’ basic personality traits, affective traits, and assertive self-presentation tactics based on the natural stream of thought of the latter. Furthermore, we explored the moderating role of self-presentation in accurate evaluations of others. A group of 86 participants recorded their natural stream of thought, which then served as the basis for the judges’ ratings. The participants also completed self-report measures of basic personality traits, affective traits, and assertive self-presentation tactics. The results partially confirmed that it is possible for judges to form an accurate impression of target individuals’ personalities in a context in which the judges possess a small amount of relatively private information about the target individuals. It was even possible for the judges to detect the target individuals’ self-presentation tactics, particularly self-promotion. In addition, individuals who use self-promotion and exemplification in a private context are often viewed differently than those who do so less often.
miR-491-5p-induced apoptosis in ovarian carcinoma depends on the direct inhibition of both BCL-XL and EGFR leading to BIM activation
Authors: Denoyelle C , Lambert B , Meryet-Figuière M , Vigneron N , Brotin E , Lecerf C , Abeilard E , Giffard F , Louis M-H , Gauduchon P , Juin P , Poulain L
Published: October 2014

We sought to identify miRNAs that can efficiently induce apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells by overcoming BCL-XLand MCL1 anti-apoptotic activity, using combined computational and experimental approaches. We found that miR-491-5p efficiently induces apoptosis in IGROV1-R10 cells by directly inhibiting BCL-XLexpression and by inducing BIM accumulation in its dephosphorylated form. This latter effect is due to direct targeting of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) by miR-491-5p and consequent inhibition of downstream AKT and MAPK signalling pathways. Induction of apoptosis by miR-491-5p in this cell line is mimicked by a combination of EGFR inhibition together with a BH3-mimetic molecule. In contrast, SKOV3 cells treated with miR-491-5p maintain AKT and MAPK activity, do not induce BIM and do not undergo cell death despite BCL-XLand EGFR downregulation. In this cell line, sensitivity to miR-491-5p is restored by inhibition of both AKT and MAPK signalling pathways. Altogether, this work highlights the potential of miRNA functional studies to decipher cell signalling pathways or major regulatory hubs involved in cell survival to finally propose the rationale design of new strategies on the basis of pharmacological combinations.
SMAR1 coordinates HDAC6-induced deacetylation of Ku70 and dictates cell fate upon irradiation
Authors: Chaudhary N , Nakka K K , Chavali P L , Bhat J , Chatterjee S , Chattopadhyay S
Published: October 2014

Acetylation status of DNA end joining protein Ku70 dictates its function in DNA repair and Bax-mediated apoptosis. Despite the knowledge of HDACs and HATs that are reported to modulate the acetylation dynamics of Ku70, very little is known about proteins that critically coordinate these key modifications. Here, we demonstrate that nuclear matrix-associated protein scaffold/matrix-associated region-binding protein 1 (SMAR1) is a novel interacting partner of Ku70 and coordinates with HDAC6 to maintain Ku70 in a deacetylated state. Our studies revealed that knockdown of SMAR1 results in enhanced acetylation of Ku70, which leads to impaired recruitment of Ku70 in the chromatin fractions. Interestingly, ionizing radiation (IR) induces the expression of SMAR1 and its redistribution as distinct nuclear foci upon ATM-mediated phosphorylation at serine 370. Furthermore, SMAR1 regulates IR-induced G2/M cell cycle arrest by facilitating Chk2 phosphorylation. Alternatively, SMAR1 provides radioresistance by modulating the association of deacetylated Ku70 with Bax, abrogating the mitochondrial translocation of Bax. Thus, we provide mechanistic insights of SMAR1-mediated regulation of repair and apoptosis via a complex crosstalk involving Ku70, HDAC6 and Bax.
Notch signaling regulates myogenic regenerative capacity of murine and human mesoangioblasts
Authors: Quattrocelli M , Costamagna D , Giacomazzi G , Camps J , Sampaolesi M
Published: October 2014

Somatic stem cells hold attractive potential for the treatment of muscular dystrophies (MDs). Mesoangioblasts (MABs) constitute a myogenic subset of muscle pericytes and have been shown to efficiently regenerate dystrophic muscles in mice and dogs. In addition, HLA-matched MABs are currently being tested in a phase 1 clinical study on Duchenne MD patients (EudraCT #2011-000176-33). Many reports indicate that the Notch pathway regulates muscle regeneration and satellite cell commitment. However, little is known about Notch-mediated effects on other resident myogenic cells. To possibly potentiate MAB-driven regeneration in vivo, we asked whether Notch signaling played a pivotal role in regulating MAB myogenic capacity. Through different approaches of loss- and gain-of-function in murine and human MABs, we determined that the interplay between Delta-like ligand 1 (Dll1)-activated Notch1 and Mef2C supports MAB commitment in vitro and ameliorates engraftment and functional outcome after intra-arterial delivery in dystrophic mice. Furthermore, using a transgenic mouse model of conditional Dll1 deletion, we demonstrated that Dll1 ablation, either on the injected cells, or on the receiving muscle fibers, impairs MAB regenerative potential. Our data corroborate the perspective of advanced combinations of cell therapy and signaling tuning to enhance therapeutic efficaciousness of somatic stem cells.
Transformations of the macromolecular landscape at mitochondria during DNA-damage-induced apoptotic cell death
Authors: Yadav N , Pliss A , Kuzmin A , Rapali P , Sun L , Prasad P , Chandra D
Published: October 2014

Apoptosis is a dynamic process regulated by mitochondrion critical for cellular respiration and survival. Execution of apoptosis is mediated by multiple protein signaling events at mitochondria. Initiation and progression of apoptosis require numerous apoptogenic factors that are either released from or sequestered in mitochondria, which may transform the biomolecular makeup of the organelle. In this communication, using Raman microspectroscopy, we demonstrate that transformation in biomolecular composition of mitochondrion may be used as apoptosis marker in an individual cell. For the first time, we show that significant changes occur in the concentrations of RNA, DNA, protein, and lipid constituents of mitochondria during apoptosis. The structural analysis of proteins on mitochondria demonstrated a decrease in α-helix secondary structure content, and an increase in the levels of random coils and β-sheets on mitochondria. This may represent an additional hallmark of apoptosis. Strikingly, we observed nearly identical changes in macromolecular content of mitochondria both in the presence and absence of a key proapoptotic protein, Bax (Bcl-2-associated X protein). Increased DNA level in mitochondria corresponded with higher mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), and mitochondrial ROS production. Upregulation of polymerase-γ (POLG), mitochondrial helicase Twinkle, and mitochondrial transcription factor A (Tfam) in response to DNA damage correlated with increased mtDNA and RNA synthesis. Elevated activity of oxidative phosphorylation complexes supports functional mitochondrial respiration during apoptosis. Thus, we define previously unknown dynamic correlation of macromolecular structure of mitochondria and apoptosis progression in the presence and absence of Bax protein. These findings open up a new approach for monitoring physiological status of cells by non invasive single-cell method.
Nanoencapsulation of ABT-737 and camptothecin enhances their clinical potential through synergistic antitumor effects and reduction of systemic toxicity
Authors: Schmid D , Jarvis G E , Fay F , Small D M , Greene M K , Majkut J , Spence S , McLaughlin K M , McCloskey K D , Johnston P G , Kissenpfennig A , Longley D B , Scott C J
Published: October 2014

The simultaneous delivery of multiple cancer drugs in combination therapies to achieve optimal therapeutic effects in patients can be challenging. This study investigated whether co-encapsulation of the BH3-mimetic ABT-737 and the topoisomerase I inhibitor camptothecin (CPT) in PEGylated polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) was a viable strategy for overcoming their clinical limitations and to deliver both compounds at optimal ratios. We found that thrombocytopenia induced by exposure to ABT-737 was diminished through its encapsulation in NPs. Similarly, CPT-associated leukopenia and gastrointestinal toxicity were reduced compared with the administration of free CPT. In addition to the reduction of dose-limiting side effects, the co-encapsulation of both anticancer compounds in a single NP produced synergistic induction of apoptosis in both in vitro and in vivo colorectal cancer models. This strategy may widen the therapeutic window of these and other drugs and may enhance the clinical efficacy of synergistic drug combinations.