bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of thermal energy accumulations of multi-point heat sources in laser cosmetic surgery
Authors: Ting K , Chen KT , Su YL , Chang CJ
Published: October 2013

Thermal energy must be properly controlled to avoid the extensive thermal damage of the normal bio tissue during the medical laser therapy. In the process of the laser surgery, laser heat sources may apply as the multiple-points around the specific target that the distance among these multiple-points are very close. The thermal energies may accumulate due to the effects of the interactions among these multiple heat points. The thermal damage of normal bio tissue may be earlier than the traditional estimation using the single damage criterion. Thus, the aim of this paper presents the safety criteria for the distance among the multiple-points of the laser source applied. In this study, laser heat source at the specific point is also considered as Gaussian distributions and simulated as the double ellipsoid function. The bio-heat transfer finite element methodology considering the interactions among multiple laser heat sources is successfully developed herein.
Dual-phase-lag and Dufour effects on unsteady double-diffusive convection flow in a vertical microchannel filled with porous material
Authors: Ajibade Abiodun O
Published: October 2013

This article investigates the combined effects of diffusion-thermo and dual-phase-lags on unsteady double-diffusive convection flow in a vertical microchannel filled with porous material. The channel boundary plates are kept at asymmetric thermal as well as concentration conditions with velocity slip and temperature, as well as concentration jumps on the boundaries. The energy as well as concentration equations follow the dual-phase-lag heat conduction model. The method of Laplace transform was used to solve the resulting governing equations while the Laplace expressions are inverted by the Riemann-sum approach. The effect of different flow parameters on mass flux as well as mean chemical concentration and mean fluid temperature within the channel are investigated. It is interesting to remark that the mass flux increases within the channel as the porosity increases while the mean temperature of fluid can be increased by simultaneously growing the Dufour number and thermal retardation time [Formula: see text].
How Robust Are Probabilistic Models of Higher-Level Cognition?
Authors: Marcus Gary F. , Davis Ernest
Published: October 2013

An increasingly popular theory holds that the mind should be viewed as a near-optimal or rational engine of probabilistic inference, in domains as diverse as word learning, pragmatics, naive physics, and predictions of the future. We argue that this view, often identified with Bayesian models of inference, is markedly less promising than widely believed, and is undermined by post hoc practices that merit wholesale reevaluation. We also show that the common equation between probabilistic and rational or optimal is not justified.
The Influence of Race on End-of-Life Choices Following a Counselor-Based Palliative Consultation
Authors: Benton Kathleen , Stephens James , Vogel Robert , Ledlow Gerald , Ackermann Richard , Babcock Carol , McCook Georgia
Published: October 2013

Black Americans are more likely than whites to choose aggressive medical care at the end of life. We present a retrospective cohort study of 2843 patients who received a counselor-based palliative care consultation at a large US southeastern hospital. Before the palliative consultation, 72.8% of the patients had no restrictions in care, and only 4.6% had chosen care and comfort only (CCO). After the consult, these choices dramatically changed, with only 17.5% remaining full code and 43.3% choosing CCO. Both before and after palliative consultation, blacks chose more aggressive medical care than whites, but racial differences diminished after the counselor-based consultation. Both African American and white patients and families receiving a counselor-based palliative consultation in the hospital make profound changes in their preferences for life-sustaining treatments.
Micro-cantilever flow sensor for small aircraft
Authors: Ghommem Mehdi , Calo Victor M , Claudel Christian G
Published: October 2013

We extend the use of cantilever beams as flow sensors for small aircraft. As such, we propose a novel method to measure the airspeed and the angle of attack at which the air travels across a small flying vehicle. We measure beam deflections and extract information about the surrounding flow. Thus, we couple a nonlinear beam model with a potential flow simulator through a fluid–structure interaction scheme. We use this numerical approach to generate calibration curves that exhibit the trend for the variations of the limit cycle oscillations amplitudes of flexural and torsional vibrations with the air speed and the angle of attack, respectively.
Sensory over-responsivity in adults with autism spectrum conditions
Authors: Tavassoli Teresa , Miller Lucy J , Schoen Sarah A , Nielsen Darci M , Baron-Cohen Simon
Published: October 2013

Anecdotal reports and empirical evidence suggest that sensory processing issues are a key feature of autism spectrum conditions. This study set out to investigate whether adults with autism spectrum conditions report more sensory over-responsivity than adults without autism spectrum conditions. Another goal of the study was to identify whether autistic traits in adults with and without autism spectrum conditions were associated with sensory over-responsivity. Adults with (n = 221) and without (n = 181) autism spectrum conditions participated in an online survey. The Autism Spectrum Quotient, the Raven Matrices and the Sensory Processing Scale were used to characterize the sample. Adults with autism spectrum conditions reported more sensory over-responsivity than control participants across various sensory domains (visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory, gustatory and proprioceptive). Sensory over-responsivity correlated positively with autistic traits (Autism Spectrum Quotient) at a significant level across groups and within groups. Adults with autism spectrum conditions experience sensory over-responsivity to daily sensory stimuli to a high degree. A positive relationship exists between sensory over-responsivity and autistic traits. Understanding sensory over-responsivity and ways of measuring it in adults with autism spectrum conditions has implications for research and clinical settings.
Zero-dimensional modeling of NOx formation with least squares interpolation
Authors: Murić Kenan , Stenlåås Ola , Tunestål Per
Published: October 2013

Physical models of NO x formation are becoming more and more interesting in the area of combustion feedback control. The fact that cylinder pressure sensors are made available on the market enables fast and accurate calculations of heat release, which is an essential part of every physical NO x formation model. This article describes such a zero-dimensional model for a diesel engine using crank angle–resolved cylinder pressure to determine heat release. The model also incorporates the thermal effect of exhaust gas recirculation that is proven to have a major effect on NO x formation rates. The reaction mechanisms used to describe NO x formation rates are given by the well-known Zeldovich mechanism. The model output results given in this article show an average deviation of about 12.0% from acquired measured NO x data. The least squares interpolation approach indicates a negligible difference from the original model with an average deviation of 1.2% in 25 measurement points.
Applying Quantitative Approaches to the Formative Evaluation of Antismoking Campaign Messages
Authors: Parvanta Sarah , Gibson Laura , Forquer Heather , Shapiro-Luft Dina , Dean Lorraine , Freres Derek , Lerman Caryn , Mallya Giridhar , Moldovan-Johnson Mihaela , Tan Andy , Cappella Joseph , Hornik Robert
Published: October 2013

This article shares an in-depth summary of a formative evaluation that used quantitative data to inform the development and selection of promotional ads for the antismoking communication component of a social marketing campaign. A foundational survey provided cross-sectional data to identify beliefs about quitting smoking, that campaign messages should target, as well as beliefs to avoid. Pretesting draft ads against quantitative indicators of message effectiveness further facilitated the selection and rejection of final campaign ads. Finally, we consider lessons learned from the process of balancing quantitative methods and judgment to make formative decisions about more and less promising persuasive messages for campaigns.
The Impact of Mild Cognitive Impairment on Sexual Activity
Authors: Momtaz Yadollah Abolfathi , Hamid Tengku Aizan , Ibrahim Rahimah
Published: October 2013

Objective:

The aim of this study was to identify the unique impact of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) on sexual activity among older adults.

Methods:

Data for the study were drawn from a national survey entitled the “Determinants of Wellness among Older Malaysians: A Health Promotion Perspective” conducted in 2010.

Results:

According to the Mini-Mental State Examination education-adjusted cutoff points, 15.6% of the 1046 respondents were identified as having MCI. Older adults with MCI had a significantly lower level of sexual activity than the healthy cognitive group (chi-square = 50.20, P < .001, 32.5% vs 62.3%). The results of 3-step hierarchical logistic regression model revealed that MCI is significantly associated with decreased sexual activity in community-dwelling older adults, over and beyond demographic factors, and age-related medical conditions affecting sexual activity (odds ratio 0.33, P < .001, 95% confidence interval 0.23-0.49).

Conclusion:

Findings from the present study support the significant role of cognitive functioning to perform sexual activity in later life.
Hippocampal and Mesial Temporal Sclerosis in Early-Onset Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration Versus Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Karve Simantini J. , Teng Edmond , Tassniyom Kanida , Mendez Mario F.
Published: October 2013

Hippocampal sclerosis (HS) and mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS) may occur with frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) as well as with normal aging. Prior studies suggest that HS/MTS may be more closely associated with FTLD but have not directly compared the prevalence and clinical characteristics of HS/MTS between neuropathologically confirmed early-onset (age ≤ 65) cohorts of FTLD and AD. We identified patients with early-onset FTLD (n = 136) and AD (n = 267) from National Alzheimer’s Center Consortium databases and compared neuropathological and clinical data between these 2 groups. The FTLD group had a significantly higher prevalence of HS/MTS than that of the AD group. However, HS/MTS was associated with increasing age and memory impairment in the AD group but not in the FTLD group. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that HS/MTS in FTLD occurs as part of the primary pathological process, rather than as a secondary, nonspecific effect of aging on memory and hippocampal function.
Antiviral treatment improves disrupted peripheral B lymphocyte homeostasis in chronic hepatitis B virus-infected patients
Authors: Sun Haibo , Lv Juan , Tu Zhengkun , Hu Xiaoli , Yan Hongqing , Pan Yu , Xu Damo , Lian Zhexiong , Chi Xiumei , Niu Junqi
Published: October 2013

Disruption of peripheral blood B-cell homeostasis and variation of surface receptors occur with certain infections and autoimmune diseases. However, the impact of antiviral therapy on B-cell alteration during chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection remains unclear. Our study aims to document the effects of B-cell alteration in CHB patients treated with tenofovir or adefovir. A total of 21 CHB patients and 10 healthy donors were recruited into the study. We identified B-cell subsets by flow cytometry and observed changes in the B-cell repertoire of CHB patients upon tenofovir or adefovir antiviral treatment. The total and percent of B cells and CD5 + B-cell subsets were significantly increased in CHB patients compared to healthy donors. Total and percent of CD5 + B cells gradually decreased following the diminution of the HBV DNA load after tenofovir and adefovir treatment. Upon tenofovir treatment, the percent of memory CD27 + B cells was increased but the absolute number declined, whereas naïve CD27− B cells declined in both percent and absolute number. In the adefovir treatment group, neither naïve nor memory B cells were altered by the treatment. Furthermore, CHB patients displayed higher levels of activation markers (CD69 and CD24) and trended towards restored B-cell homeostasis after antiviral treatment. In conclusion, disrupted B-cell homeostasis is an important feature of CHB patients and is partially restored after control of viral replication by antiviral treatment. B-cell antiviral immunity is improved by restoring B-cell homeostasis and activation.
Characterization of squamous cell carcinoma in an organotypic culture via subsurface non-linear optical molecular imaging
Authors: Scanlon Christina S , Van Tubergen Elizabeth A , Chen Leng-Chun , Elahi Sakib F , Kuo Shiuhyang , Feinberg Stephen , Mycek Mary-Ann , D’Silva Nisha J
Published: October 2013

Tristetraprolin (TTP) is an RNA-binding protein which downregulates multiple cytokines that mediate progression of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). We previously showed that HNSCC cells with shRNA-mediated knockdown of TTP are more invasive than controls. In this study, we use control and TTP-deficient cells to present a novel subsurface non-linear optical molecular imaging method using a three-dimensional (3D) organotypic construct, and compare the live cell imaging data to histology of fixed tissue specimens. This manuscript describes how to prepare and image the novel organotypic system that closely mimics HNSCC in a clinical setting. The oral cancer equivalent (OCE) system allows HNSCC cells to stratify and invade beyond the basement membrane into underlying connective tissue prepared from decellularized human dermal tissue. The OCE model was inspired by tissue engineering strategies to prepare autologous transplants from human keratinocytes. Advantages of this method over previously used in vitro cancer models include the simulation of the basement membrane and complex connective tissue in the construct, in addition to the ability to track the 3D movement of live invading cells and quantify matrix destruction over time. The OCE model and novel live cell imaging strategy may be applied to study other types of 3D tissue constructs.
Heart failure patients’ attitudes, beliefs, expectations and experiences of self-management strategies: A qualitative synthesis
Authors: Wingham Jennifer , Harding Geoff , Britten Nicky , Dalal Hayes
Published: October 2013

Objectives

To develop a model of heart failure patients’ attitudes, beliefs, expectations, and experiences based on published qualitative research that could influence the development of self-management strategies.

Methods

A synthesis of 19 qualitative research studies using the method of meta-ethnography.

Results

This synthesis offers a conceptual model of the attitudes, beliefs, and expectations of patients with heart failure. Patients experienced a sense of disruption before developing a mental model of heart failure. Patients’ reactions included becoming a strategic avoider, a selective denier, a well-intentioned manager, or an advanced self-manager. Patients responded by forming self-management strategies and finally assimilated the strategies into everyday life seeking to feel safe.

Discussion

This conceptual model suggests that there are a range of interplaying factors that facilitate the process of developing self-management strategies. Interventions should take into account patients’ concepts of heart failure and their subsequent reactions.
In vitro neuraotropic growth of cholangiocarcinoma: an experimental study
Authors: Wang Yu-Xue , Liu Wei , Tan Xin-Yu , Tang Hui-Huan
Published: October 2013

Summary

Objective

Perineural invasion of cholangiocarcinoma happens in the early stage of the disease but is often not recognized until its later stages. Research about the behaviour and mechanism of perineural invasion by cholangiocarcinoma is urgently needed for a useful new model. The aim of this work is to establish a novel model to address the problem.

Design

Neural cells and cholangiocarcinoma cells were co-cultured to mimic the neurotropic invasion of cholangiocarcinoma.

Setting

Human embryonic stem cells were induced to form neural cells by glial cell-derived neurotropic factor and retinoic acid; neural cells and cholangiocarcinoma cells were co-cultured in Transwell chamber.

Participants

Human embryonic stem cells and cholangiocarcinoma cells were applied.

Main outcome measures

Paired t-test was used to compare the counts of penetrating cholangiocarcinoma cells in co-culture and control group.

Results

Formation of neurospheres and neural-like cells were observed following induction at 24 and 48 h, respectively; synapses were viewed to protrude from neural-like cell bodies after incubation for 96 h. Forty-eight hours after incubation, immunocytochemical staining of the cells showed that synaptophysin and glial fibrillary acidic protein were expressed in the neuron-like cells and gliocytes-like cells, respectively. The cholangiocarcinoma cells that had penetrated through the Matrigel/polyethylene terephthalate membrane from the upper chamber to the lower chamber of the Transwell in the co-culture group were significantly more numerous than those in the control group (68 ± 8.3/field versus 46 ± 5.7/field, P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The novel model is a valuable tool to study the perineural invasion of cholangiocarcinoma.
How distressing is it to participate in medical research? A calibration study using an everyday events questionnaire
Authors: Petrie Keith J , Faasse Kate , Notman Tracey Anne , O'Carroll Ronan
Published: October 2013

Objectives

To investigate how distressing participating in medical research is perceived to be, compared to everyday events.

Design

Anonymous questionnaire.

Setting

Scotland and New Zealand.

Participants

One hundred members of the Scottish general public, 94 University of Auckland students, 22 New Zealand Ministry of Health ethics committee members.

Main outcome measures

Distress ratings made on a 0–10 scale for everyday events and common medical research procedures.

Results

Both general population and student samples generally rated the distress caused by participating in various medical research procedures as low or very low. Most research procedures were rated less than the distress caused by not being able to find a car park at a supermarket. In contrast, the ethics committee members rated the distress caused by most of the medical research procedures at a significantly higher level than the ratings of the student and general population samples. Ethics committee members overestimated the distress caused by interview or questionnaire assessments ( M = 203.31%, SE = 11.42, 95% CI [179.79, 226.83]) more than medical testing for research ( M = 158.06%, SE = 12.33, 95% CI [132.66, 183.46], p = 0.04) and everyday events ( M = 133.10%, SE = 7.80, 95% CI [117.03, 149.16], p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Common medical research procedures are not rated as particularly distressing by the general public, and ethics committees may be adopting an over-protective role when evaluating research applications that involve the use of questionnaire or survey methodology.
Preoperative Thyroid Dysfunction Predicts 30-Day Postoperative Complications in Elderly Patients With Hip Fracture
Authors: Ling Xi Wern , Howe Tet Sen , Koh Joyce Suang Bee , Wong Merng Koon , Ng Alvin Choong Meng
Published: October 2013

Objectives:

To investigate the relationship between thyroid function and short-term outcomes in elderly patients undergoing surgery for hip fracture.

Methods:

Patients aged >60 years admitted from July 2009 to June 2010 who underwent surgical fixation of low-energy hip fracture, excluding those with pathological or periprosthetic fracture, were enrolled in a retrospective observational cohort study. Patients were classified as having biochemically overt or subclinical hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, normal thyroid function, or nonclassifiable state based on preoperative thyroid-stimulating hormone and free thyroxine values. Outcome data were collected from hospital records. Biochemical thyroid dysfunction was not systematically treated. Outcomes measured were length of stay (LOS), 30-day postoperative complications, readmissions, and mortality.

Results:

A total of 254 patients were analyzed; 64 (25.2%) were male and mean age was 77.8 years. There were 128 (50.4%) patients with euthyroid, 68 (26.8%) nonclassifiable, 13 (5.1%) overtly hyperthyroid, 20 (7.9%) subclinically hyperthyroid, 4 (1.6%) overtly hypothyroid, and 21 (8.3%) subclinically hypothyroid. The 30-day postoperative complication rate was 38% (96 patients). The most common complication was urinary tract infection (12.6%), followed by cardiac events (8.3%) and delirium (5.5%). Patients with overt hyperthyroidism had an increased risk of complications in multivariate analysis (odds ratio 3.75, 95% confidence interval 1.10-12.84). Complications in this group were similar to those in the overall cohort. Thyroid function did not predict LOS, readmissions, or mortality.

Conclusion:

Older patients frequently develop complications following surgery for hip fractures. This risk appears to be increased by preoperative biochemically overt hyperthyroidism. Further study is warranted to confirm this finding and to determine whether preoperative treatment improves outcomes.
The FDA Funding Crisis
Authors: Alphonse Judith , Bellam Sireesha , Fernandez Marlene , Gilbert Anishka , Roper Lauren , Zapantis Antonia , Speth Robert C.
Published: October 2013

The role of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is to ensure the safety of prescription and nonprescription drugs, dietary supplements, and the food supply, representing more than 20% of US consumer spending. The increased need to monitor imported drugs, drug products and foods, drug shortages, and compounding pharmacies bring the adequacy of FDA funding into question. Performing even at status quo cannot be accomplished if responsibilities increase without equitable funding increases: both from the federal government and fees imposed on FDA-regulated industries. Additionally, scientific advancement, new legislation, and new industries are continually increasing the FDA workload, necessitating commensurate budget increases.
Genetic structure of Trypanosoma cruziin Colombia revealed by a High-throughput Nuclear Multilocus Sequence Typing (nMLST) approach
Authors: Ramírez Juan David , Tapia-Calle Gabriela , Guhl Felipe
Published: September 2013

Background

Chagas disease is a systemic pathology caused by Trypanosoma cruzi. This parasite reveals remarkable genetic variability, evinced in six Discrete Typing Units (DTUs) named from T. cruzi I to T. cruzi VI (TcI to TcVI). Recently newly identified genotypes have emerged such as TcBat in Brazil, Colombia and Panama associated to anthropogenic bats. The genotype with the broadest geographical distribution is TcI, which has recently been associated to severe cardiomyopathies in Argentina and Colombia. Therefore, new studies unraveling the genetic structure and natural history of this DTU must be pursued.

Results

We conducted a spatial and temporal analysis on 50 biological clones of T. cruzi I (TcI) isolated from humans with different clinical phenotypes, triatomine bugs and mammal reservoirs across three endemic regions for Chagas disease in Colombia. These clones were submitted to a nuclear Multilocus Sequence Typing (nMLST) analysis in order to elucidate its genetic diversity and clustering. After analyzing 13 nuclear housekeeping genes and obtaining a 5821 bp length alignment, we detected two robust genotypes within TcI henceforth named TcIDOM (associated to human infections) and a second cluster associated to peridomestic and sylvatic populations. Additionaly, we detected putative events of recombination and an intriguing lack of linkage disequilibrium.

Conclusions

These findings reinforce the emergence of an enigmatic domestic T. cruzi genotype (TcIDOM), and demonstrates the high frequency of recombination at nuclear level across natural populations of T. cruzi. Therefore, the need to pursue studies focused on the diferential virulence profiles of TcI strains. The biological and epidemiological implications of these findings are herein discussed.
Investigating silent strokes in hypertensives: a magnetic resonance imaging study (ISSYS): rationale and protocol design
Authors: Riba-Llena Iolanda , Jarca Carmen Ioana , Mundet Xavier , Tovar Jose L , Orfila Francesc , López-Rueda Antonio , Nafría Cristina , Fernández Jose L , Castañé Xavier , Domingo Mar , Álvarez-Sabín José , Fernández-Cortiñas Inés , Maisterra Olga , Montaner Joan , Delgado Pilar
Published: October 2013

Background

Silent brain infarcts are detected by neuroimaging in up to 20% of asymptomatic patients based on population studies. They are five times more frequent than stroke in general population, and increase significantly both with advancing age and hypertension. Moreover, they are independently associated with the risk of future stroke and cognitive decline.

Despite these numbers and the clinical consequences of silent brain infarcts, their prevalence in Mediterranean populations is not well known and their role as predictors of future cerebrovascular and cardiovascular events in hypertensive remains to be determined.

ISSYS (Investigating Silent Strokes in Hypertensives: a magnetic resonance imaging study) is an observational cross-sectional and longitudinal study aimed to: 1- determine the prevalence of silent cerebrovascular infarcts in a large cohort of 1000 hypertensives and to study their associated factors and 2-to study their relationship with the risk of future stroke and cognitive decline.

Methods/Design

Cohort study in a randomly selected sample of 1000 participants, hypertensive aged 50 to 70 years old, with no history of previous stroke or dementia.

On baseline all participants will undergo a brain MRI to determine the presence of brain infarcts and other cerebrovascular lesions (brain microbleeds, white matter changes and enlarged perivascular spaces) and will be also tested to determine other than brain organ damage (heart-left ventricular hypertrophy, kidney-urine albumin to creatinine ratio, vessels-pulse wave velocity, ankle brachial index), in order to establish the contribution of other subclinical conditions to the risk of further vascular events. Several sub-studies assessing the role of 24 hour ambulatory BP monitoring and plasma or genetic biomarkers will be performed.

Follow-up will last for at least 3 years, to assess the rate of further stroke/transient ischemic attack, other cardiovascular events and cognitive decline, and their predictors.

Discussion

Improving the knowledge on the frequency and determinants of these lesions in our setting might help in the future to optimize treatments or establish new preventive strategies to minimize clinical and socioeconomic consequences of stroke and cognitive decline.
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Enhances the Excitability of Small-Diameter Trigeminal Ganglion Neurons Projecting to the Trigeminal Nucleus Interpolaris/Caudalis Transition Zone following Masseter Muscle Inflammation
Authors: Takeda Mamoru , Takahashi Masayuki , Kitagawa Junichi , Kanazawa Takuya , Nasu Masanori , Matsumoto Shigeji
Published: September 2013

Background

The trigeminal subnuclei interpolaris/caudalis transition zones (Vi/Vc) play an important role in orofacial deep pain, however, the role of primary afferent projections to the Vi/Vc remains to be determined. This study investigated the functional significance of hyperalgesia to the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-tyrosine kinase B (trkB) signaling system in trigeminal ganglion (TRG) neurons projecting to the Vi/Vc transition zone following masseter muscle (MM) inflammation.

Results

The escape threshold from mechanical stimulation applied to skin above the inflamed MM was significantly lower than in naïve rats. Fluorogold (FG) labeling was used to identify the TRG neurons innervating the MM, while microbeads (MB) were used to label neurons projecting to the Vi/Vc region. FG/MB-labeled TRG neurons were immunoreactive (IR) for BDNF and trkB. The mean number of BDNF/trkB-IR small/medium-diameter TRG neurons was significantly higher in inflamed rats than in naïve rats. In whole-cell current-clamp experiments, the majority of dissociated small-diameter TRG neurons showed a depolarization response to BDNF that was associated with spike discharge, and the concentration of BDNF that evoked a depolarizing response was significantly lower in the inflamed rats. In addition, the relative number of BDNF-induced spikes during current injection was significantly higher in inflamed rats. The BDNF-induced changes in TRG neuron excitability was abolished by tyrosine kinase inhibitor, K252a.

Conclusion

The present study provided evidence that BDNF enhances the excitability of the small-diameter TRG neurons projecting onto the Vi/Vc following MM inflammation. These findings suggest that ganglionic BDNF-trkB signaling is a therapeutic target for the treatment of trigeminal inflammatory hyperalgesia.
Jaccard index based similarity measure to compare transcription factor binding site models
Authors: Vorontsov Ilya E , Kulakovskiy Ivan V , Makeev Vsevolod J
Published: September 2013

Background

Positional weight matrix (PWM) remains the most popular for quantification of transcription factor (TF) binding. PWM supplied with a score threshold defines a set of putative transcription factor binding sites (TFBS), thus providing a TFBS model.

TF binding DNA fragments obtained by different experimental methods usually give similar but not identical PWMs. This is also common for different TFs from the same structural family. Thus it is often necessary to measure the similarity between PWMs. The popular tools compare PWMs directly using matrix elements. Yet, for log-odds PWMs, negative elements do not contribute to the scores of highly scoring TFBS and thus may be different without affecting the sets of the best recognized binding sites. Moreover, the two TFBS sets recognized by a given pair of PWMs can be more or less different depending on the score thresholds.

Results

We propose a practical approach for comparing two TFBS models, each consisting of a PWM and the respective scoring threshold. The proposed measure is a variant of the Jaccard index between two TFBS sets. The measure defines a metric space for TFBS models of all finite lengths. The algorithm can compare TFBS models constructed using substantially different approaches, like PWMs with raw positional counts and log-odds. We present the efficient software implementation: MACRO-APE (MAtrix CompaRisOn by Approximate P-value Estimation).

Conclusions

MACRO-APE can be effectively used to compute the Jaccard index based similarity for two TFBS models. A two-pass scanning algorithm is presented to scan a given collection of PWMs for PWMs similar to a given query.

Availability and implementation

MACRO-APE is implemented in ruby 1.9; software including source code and a manual is freely available at http://autosome.ru/macroape/ and in supplementary materials.
The role of PD-1 and PD-L1 in T-cell immune suppression in patients with hematological malignancies
Authors: Shi Li , Chen Shaohua , Yang Lijian , Li Yangqiu
Published: September 2013

T-cell activation and dysfunction relies on direct and modulated receptors. Based on their functional outcome, co-signaling molecules can be divided as co-stimulators and co-inhibitors, which positively and negatively control the priming, growth, differentiation and functional maturation of a T-cell response. We are beginning to understand the power of co-inhibitors in the context of lymphocyte homeostasis and the pathogenesis of leukemia, which involves several newly described co-inhibitory pathways, including the programmed death-1 (PD-1) and PD-1 ligand (PD-L1) pathway. The aim of this review is to summarize the PD-1 and PD-L1 biological functions and their alterative expression in hematological malignancies. The role of PD-1 and PD-L1 in T-cell immune suppression and the potential for immunotherapy via blocking PD-1 and PD-L1 in hematological malignancies are also reviewed.
Leaf swallowing and parasitic infection of the Chinese lesser civet Viverricula indica in northeastern Taiwan
Authors: Su Hsiu-hui , Su Ying-chen , Huffman Michael A
Published: September 2013

Background

Ingestion of plant parts purportedly for their non-nutritive and/or bioactive properties has been widely reported across the animal kingdom. Many of these examples are viewed as behavioral strategies to maintain health by controlling the level of parasite infections. One such behavior is leaf swallowing, the folding and swallowing of whole leaves without chewing. Void of any nutritional benefit, defecation of the whole leaves is associated with the physical expulsion of intestinal parasites. Fecal samples of the Chinese lesser civet Viverricula indica were collected along a fixed transect line monthly for 17 months in the Fushan Experimental Forest, northeastern Taiwan. We inspected samples for the occurrence of undigested leaves and parasite worms to test the possible antiparasitic function of the behavior in this species.

Results

Of the collected feces, 14.3% contained whole, folded, undigested leaves of grass. The co-occurrence of undigested grass and Toxocara paradoxura worms in the feces was statistically significant. Adult worms of T. paradoxura were trapped inside the fecal-grass mass or on the surface of leaves in these samples. Increases in the T. paradoxura prevalence and infection intensity were associated with a higher presence of whole leaves in the feces.

Conclusions

Reported for the first time in the context of self-medication for civet species, we propose that swallowing grass may facilitate expulsion of adult worms of T. paradoxura, which resembles behaviors widely reported in African great apes, bears, and geese.
Individual differences in the physiological effects of forest therapy based on Type A and Type B behavior patterns
Authors: Song Chorong , Ikei Harumi , Lee Juyoung , Park Bum-Jin , Kagawa Takahide , Miyazaki Yoshifumi
Published: October 2013

Background

In recent years, the physiological relaxation effects of natural environments have been widely exploited, and although individual differences in the effects of forest therapy are known, assessment methods have not been clearly established. This study used a classification based on Type A and Type B behavior patterns to explain individual differences in physiological responses to forest environments.

Methods

We performed physiological experiments in 44 forest and urban (controls) areas. In total, 485 male university students (age, 21.8 ± 1.6 years) participated in the study. The subjects were asked to visit forest or urban environments randomly and observe each landscape for 15 min. The subjects’ pulse rates and blood pressures were tested to evaluate their physiological responses. The Kwansei Gakuin daily life questionnaire was used to identify Type A and Type B behavior patterns in subjects.

Results

The pulse rate was significantly lower in the Type B group after exposure to forest areas than after exposure to urban areas, whereas no significant difference was observed in the Type A group. In addition, the pulse rate was significantly lower in the low scoring subjects in the Type B group, which was consistent with changes in their diastolic blood pressure.

Conclusions

These results suggest that individual differences in pulse rate and blood pressure in response to forest environments can be explained by Type A and Type B behavior patterns.
An in vitrobiofilm model system maintaining a highly reproducible species and metabolic diversity approaching that of the human oral microbiome
Authors: Edlund Anna , Yang Youngik , Hall Adam P , Guo Lihong , Lux Renate , He Xuesong , Nelson Karen E , Nealson Kenneth H , Yooseph Shibu , Shi Wenyuan , McLean Jeffrey S
Published: October 2013

Background

Our knowledge of microbial diversity in the human oral cavity has vastly expanded during the last two decades of research. However, much of what is known about the behavior of oral species to date derives from pure culture approaches and the studies combining several cultivated species, which likely does not fully reflect their function in complex microbial communities. It has been shown in studies with a limited number of cultivated species that early oral biofilm development occurs in a successional manner and that continuous low pH can lead to an enrichment of aciduric species. Observations that in vitro grown plaque biofilm microcosms can maintain similar pH profiles in response to carbohydrate addition as plaque in vivo suggests a complex microbial community can be established in the laboratory. In light of this, our primary goal was to develop a robust in vitro biofilm-model system from a pooled saliva inoculum in order to study the stability, reproducibility, and development of the oral microbiome, and its dynamic response to environmental changes from the community to the molecular level.

Results

Comparative metagenomic analyses confirmed a high similarity of metabolic potential in biofilms to recently available oral metagenomes from healthy subjects as part of the Human Microbiome Project. A time-series metagenomic analysis of the taxonomic community composition in biofilms revealed that the proportions of major species at 3 hours of growth are maintained during 48 hours of biofilm development. By employing deep pyrosequencing of the 16S rRNA gene to investigate this biofilm model with regards to bacterial taxonomic diversity, we show a high reproducibility of the taxonomic carriage and proportions between: 1) individual biofilm samples; 2) biofilm batches grown at different dates; 3) DNA extraction techniques and 4) research laboratories.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that we now have the capability to grow stable oral microbial in vitro biofilms containing more than one hundred operational taxonomic units (OTU) which represent 60-80% of the original inoculum OTU richness. Previously uncultivated Human Oral Taxa (HOT) were identified in the biofilms and contributed to approximately one-third of the totally captured 16S rRNA gene diversity. To our knowledge, this represents the highest oral bacterial diversity reported for an in vitro model system so far. This robust model will help investigate currently uncultivated species and the known virulence properties for many oral pathogens not solely restricted to pure culture systems, but within multi-species biofilms.
Cablegate in the Congo
Authors: Lynch Lisa
Published: September 2013

This article explores how the “Cablegate” phenomenon played out beyond its pre-dominantly Western context and examines the online circulation of leaked US diplomatic cables pertaining to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). While the media is constitutionally protected in the DRC, in practice journalists face severe press restrictions and frequent reprisals. This meant that politically sensitive cables were discussed cautiously (if at all) in the domestic press while being debated vigorously in the diasporic press. At the same time, both domestic and diaspora outlets were suspicious of the Cablegate disclosures, at times calling into question the motivations of Wikileaks and its partner organizations, as well as the veracity of the cables themselves. Their reactions suggest how the global reception of Cablegate was shaped by local conditions; however, the ability of Congolese to access and discuss Wikileaks cables is indicative of the Internet's effects on the circulation of information even in constrained environments.
Curated Spaces
Authors: Bilal Wafaa
Published: September 2013

Wafaa Bilal uses interactive technologies, new media, and performance to create dynamic platforms for engagement and discussion. While many of his works deal directly with war, racism, and current political realities, he also explores the more personal, cultural, and collective realms of everyday life, including notions of communication, memory, and relationships. The projects featured in this issue's “Curated Spaces” interrogate digital culture as a platform for psychological and sociological control in the context of the war in Iraq and within an environment that is highly mediated and increasingly monitored.
Yin and Yang in and Out of Equilibrium: Women’s Revenge and the Construction of Han (202 bce-220 ce) and Wei (220-265 ce) Culture
Authors: Shiling Yu
Published: September 2013

Accounts of premodern Chinese women focus on paragons of virtue and self-control who are defined by their ability to meet strict standards of chaste behavior, although in recent decades this picture has been complicated somewhat by studies of talented women writers and teachers. But there has been little attention to the once popular figure of the strong woman who takes up sword and spear to avenge a wrong done to a family member by killing the guilty party. The avenging woman is a key figure in the Eastern Han (25-220 ce), a formative period in the development of Chinese political and ethical practice; during the Han and Wei (220-65 ce) dynasties, she plays an important role in the integration of yin and yang metaphysics, social morality, expressions of individual feeling, and legal order into a harmonious and cohesive aesthetic and ideological structure. This article examines the uses of a gendered framework of yin and yang in art, historical narrative, and poetry, with particular attention to the topic of the avenging woman as it manifests itself in diverse discursive contexts.
Light-driven Bending of Polymer Films in Which Salicylidenephenylethylamine Crystals are Aligned Magnetically
Authors: Koshima Hideko , Matsudomi Masafumi , Uemura Yutaro , Kimura Fumiko , Kimura Tsunehisa
Published: October 2013

Silicone polymer films in which plate-like chiral and achiral crystals of salicylidenephenylethylamines were aligned by a magnetic field were prepared. The polymer films exhibited reversible photomechanical bending upon alternate irradiation with UV and visible light.
Preparation and Performance Testing of Composite Adsorbents for Solar Adsorption Refrigeration
Authors: Wang Lingbao , Bu Xianbiao , Li Huashan , Ma Weibin
Published: October 2013

In order to develop a high-performance adsorbent for solar adsorption refrigeration, a series of composite adsorbents is prepared by impregnating CaCl2 into the pores of silica gel. Seven samples are prepared using various concentrations of CaCl2 aqueous solutions. Sorption properties of the samples are tested with gravimetric method. The test results indicate that both the adsorption amount and adsorption rate of the composite adsorbents increase significantly compared with that of the pure silica gel. The water uptakes of silica gel and composite adsorbent are 1.96 and 8.08 kg/100 kg adsorbents, respectively, with the relative humidity of 20% and adsorption time of 20 minutes. Subsequently, a novel solar adsorption chiller is designed, in which the composite adsorbent is used as an adsorbent and water as a refrigerant. Performance testing of the adsorption chiller shows that the cooling capacity, specific cooling power and coefficient of performance are 1.03 kW, 128.3 W/kg and 0.27, respectively, when hot water temperature, cooling water temperature and circulation time are 90 °C, 35 °C and 15 minutes.
Adsorption of Cd(II) from Aqueous Solutions by Cellulose Modified with Maleic Anhydride and Thiourea
Authors: Zhou Yanmei , Hu Xiaoyi , Jin Qiang , Wang Xinhai , Ma Tongsen
Published: October 2013

In this work, cellulose modified with maleic anhydride and thiourea (CMT) was synthesized as a novel type of adsorbent to remove heavy-metal ion. The synthesized adsorbent was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and X-ray diffraction. Batch experiments were performed to investigate the influence of different factors on the adsorption of Cd(II) from aqueous solution. Based on the adsorption data, the adsorption isotherm model was confirmed and the maximum adsorption capacity of Cd(II) from the Langmuir model was found to be 94.47 mg g−1. The adsorption kinetics indicated that the adsorption process followed pseudo-second-order model. Adsorption/desorption experiments for more than six cycles showed the possibility of repeated use of CMT for the adsorption of Cd(II) from aqueous solutions.
Chemically Modified Biochar Produced from Conocarpus Wastes: An Efficient Sorbent for Fe(II) Removal from Acidic Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Usman Adel R.A. , Sallam Abdelazeem Sh. , Al-Omran Abdulrasoul , El-Naggar Ahmed H. , Alenazi Khaled K.H. , Nadeem Mahmoud , Al-Wabel Mohammad I.
Published: October 2013

Fe(II) removal from acidic aqueous solutions using Conocarpus sp. biochar or chemically modified biochar prepared by synthesizing Mg(OH)2 on biochar surface as well as their comparison with zeolite sorbent (natural clinoptilolite) was investigated. Batch experiments were conducted as a function of initial pH of 2–5, contact time of 5–180 minutes and initial concentration of 10–200 mg l−1 (0.18–3.58 mmol l−1). The sorption data indicated that the pseudo-second-order kinetic model was the best model to simulate adsorption of Fe(II) onto the all sorbents and could generally be described by the Freundlich model. The higher sorption capacities for Fe(II) ions were generally pronounced for chemically modified biochar (84.6–99.8%) followed by biochar (38.3–97.6%) than those that were achieved by zeolite (12.3–95.5%). Thus, remediating acidic wastewater contaminated with Fe(II) might be possible using Conocarpus biochar, especially the chemically modified biochar.
Sphere Mapping: A Method for Responsive Surface Rationalization
Authors: Beorkrem Chris , McGregor Mitchell , Polyakov Igor , Desimini Nicole
Published: October 2013

The method proposed in this project addresses the parametric manipulation of a given pattern to respond directly to a parametric surface. The research attempts to propose a method for attaching fixed sized objects to a free flowing surface or “blanket.” The model can be used to interrogate a series of shapes and forms with the same componentry. Continuing the research of Kevin Rotheroe, Yale University and founder of FreeForm Design. Rotheroe and his students developed a series of studies in material and surface properties. By utilizing a proven pattern, the proposed method sets parameters derived from the formal properties of the original pattern and produces a new pattern that is responsive to the curvature of a complex surface. The workflow developed in this research consists of a complex blending of tools in Rhino Grasshopper and Gehry Technologies Digital Project. The intent is to achieve the aesthetics and structure offered by Rotheroe's original research and to add a responsive precision that provides an accurate adaptation of the pattern based on curvature of a specific computationally defined surface.