bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Squamous Cell Carcinoma Arising in a Mature Cystic Teratoma
Authors: Avcı Suna , Selcukbiricik Fatih , Bilici Ahmet , Özkan Gülkan , Özağarı Ayse Ayşim , Borlu Fatih
Published: December 2012

Introduction. Malignant transformation in a mature cystic teratoma of the ovary is a rare complication. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common transformation. We describe a new case of squamous cell carcinoma arising in a mature cystic teratoma.Case Report. A premenopausal 52-year-old female patient is diagnosed with vaginal bleeding. According to examination made on the women and the pelvic scanning, 7 cm mass is found on the right adnexa of the patient. Total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, omentectomy, pelvic lymph node dissection, and debulking were the treatments completed on the patient. According to histopathological diagnosis, squamous cell carcinoma arising in a mature cystic teratoma is diagnosed as a reason for the mass in the right adnexa of the patient.Conclusion. The prognosis of the malign transformation of MCT depends on surgery stage; however it is extremely poor. The patient should receive chemotherapy regardless of stage. We have decided to administer second cycle carboplatin and paclitaxel treatments on the patient.
Urinary Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor Serves as a Potential Biomarker for Acute Kidney Injury in Patients with Acute Pyelonephritis
Authors: Hong Ming-Yuan , Tseng Chin-Chung , Chuang Chia-Chang , Chen Chia-Ling , Lin Sheng-Hsiang , Lin Chiou-Feng
Published: December 2012

Conventional markers of kidney function that are familiar to clinicians, including the serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels, are unable to reveal genuine injury to the kidney, and their use may delay treatment. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a proinflammatory cytokine, and the predictive role and pathogenic mechanism of MIF deregulation during kidney infections involving acute kidney injury (AKI) are not currently known. In this study, we showed that elevated urinary MIF levels accompanied the development of AKI during kidney infection in patients with acute pyelonephritis (APN). In addition to the MIF level, the urinary levels of interleukin (IL)-1βand kidney injury molecule (KIM)-1 were also upregulated and were positively correlated with the levels of urinary MIF. An elevated urinary MIF level, along with elevated IL-1βand KIM-1 levels, is speculated to be a potential biomarker for the presence of AKI in APN patients.
Aluminum Silicate Nanotube Coating of Siloxane‐Poly(lactic acid)‐Vaterite Composite Fibermats for Bone Regeneration
Authors: Yamazaki Shuji , Maeda Hirotaka , Obata Akiko , Inukai Keiichi , Kato Katsuya , Kasuga Toshihiro
Published: December 2012

In our earlier work, a flexible fibermat consisting of a biodegradable composite with soluble silicate species, which has been reported to enhance bone formation, was prepared successfully using poly(L‐lactic acid) and siloxane‐containing calcium carbonate particles by electrospinning. The fibermat showed enhanced bone formation in an in vivo test. In the present work, to improve the hydrophilicity of skeletal fibers in a fibermat, they were coated with nanotubular aluminum silicate crystals, which have a hydrophilic surface that has excellent affinity to body fluids and a high surface area advantageous for pronounced protein adsorption. The nanotubes were coated easily on the fiber surface using an electrophoretic method. In a conventional contact angle test, a drop of water rapidly penetrated into the nanotube‐coated fibermat. The culture test using murine osteoblast‐like cells (MC3T3‐E1) showed that the cell attachment to the nanotube‐coated fibermat at an early stage after seeding was enhanced in comparison with that to the noncoated one. This approach may provide a new method of improving the surface of polymer‐based biomaterials.
Stochastic Synchronization of Reaction‐Diffusion Neural Networks under General Impulsive Controller with Mixed Delays
Authors: Yang Xinsong , Huang Chuangxia , Yang Zhichun
Published: December 2012

This paper investigates drive‐response synchronization of a class of reaction‐diffusion neural networks with time‐varying discrete and distributed delays via general impulsive control method. Stochastic perturbations in the response system are also considered. The impulsive controller is assumed to be nonlinear and has multiple time‐varying discrete and distributed delays. Compared with existing nondelayed impulsive controller, this general impulsive controller is more practical and essentially important since time delays are unavoidable in practical operation. Based on a novel impulsive differential inequality, the properties of random variables and Lyapunov functional method, sufficient conditions guaranteeing the global exponential synchronization in mean square are derived through strict mathematical proof. In our synchronization criteria, the distributed delays in both continuous equation and impulsive controller play important role. Finally, numerical simulations are given to show the effectiveness of the theoretical results.
Interleukin-1βAccelerates the Onset of Stroke in Stroke-Prone Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Chiba Tsuyoshi , Itoh Tatsuki , Tabuchi Masaki , Nakazawa Toru , Satou Takao
Published: December 2012

High blood levels of inflammatory biomarkers and immune cells in stroke lesions have been recognized as results of stroke. However, recent studies have suggested that inflammation occurs prior to stroke onset. In this study, we aimed to clarify the role of inflammation in stroke onset among stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP). At 4 weeks of age (before stroke onset), the plasma level of IL-1βwas significantly higher in SHRSP (153.0±49.7 pg/ml) than in Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) (7.7±3.4 pg/ml,P<0.001versus SHRSP) or spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) (28.0±9.1 pg/ml,P<0.001versus SHRSP) (n=6per strain). Stimulated IL-1βsignal was also observed in cerebrovascular endothelial cells of SHRSP. Gene expressions of IL-1β, IL-1 receptors, caspase-1, and downstream genes (MCP-1 and ICAM-1), which associated with immune cell recruitment, were significantly greater in SHRSP than in WKY or SHR, coincident with greater NFκB protein levels in SHRSP compared to WKY or SHR. In addition, continuous administration of IL-1β(2 μg/day) using an osmotic pump slightly increased the incidence of stroke in SHR (P=0.046) and significantly accelerated the onset of stroke in SHRSP (P=0.006) compared to each control (n=10per group). These results suggest that a stimulated IL-1βsignal might be a cause of stroke onset when concomitant with severe hypertension.
Case Studies of Attacks over Adaptive Modulation Based Tactical Software Defined Radios
Authors: Moura David Fernandes Cruz , da Silva Fabricio Alves Barbosa , Galdino Juraci Ferreira
Published: December 2012

This paper presents case studies of attacks aimed at tactical software defined radios based on a classification with the most common sources of vulnerabilities, classes of attacks, and types of intrusions that military radio sets may suffer. Besides that, we also describe how attack mitigation strategies can impact the development of SDR infrastructures. By using such approach, we identify several possible sources of vulnerabilities, attacks, intrusions, and mitigation strategies, illustrating them onto typical tactical radio network deployment scenarios, as an initial and necessary step for the definition of realistic and relevant security requirements for military software defined radio applications.
Adipose Tissue-Specific Deletion of 12/15-Lipoxygenase Protects Mice from the Consequences of a High-Fat Diet
Authors: Cole Banumathi K. , Morris Margaret A. , Grzesik Wojciech J. , Leone Kendall A. , Nadler Jerry L.
Published: December 2012

Type 2 diabetes is associated with obesity, insulin resistance, and inflammation in adipose tissue. 12/15-Lipoxygenase (12/15-LO) generates proinflammatory lipid mediators, which induce inflammation in adipose tissue. Therefore we investigated the role of 12/15-LO activity in mouse white adipose tissue in promoting obesity-induced local and systemic inflammatory consequences. We generated a mouse model for fat-specific deletion of 12/15-LO,aP2-Cre;12/15-LOloxP/loxP, which we call ad-12/15-LO mice, and placed wild-type controls and ad-12/15-LO mice on a high-fat diet for 16 weeks and examined obesity-induced inflammation and insulin resistance. High-fat diet-fed ad-12/15-LO exhibited improved fasting glucose levels and glucose metabolism, and epididymal adipose tissue from these mice exhibited reduced inflammation and macrophage infiltration compared to wild-type mice. Furthermore, fat-specific deletion of 12/15-LO led to decreased peripheral pancreatic islet inflammation with enlarged pancreatic islets when mice were fed the high-fat diet compared to wild-type mice. These results suggest an interesting crosstalk between 12/15-LO expression in adipose tissue and inflammation in pancreatic islets. Therefore, deletion of 12/15-LO in adipose tissue can offer local and systemic protection from obesity-induced consequences, and blocking 12/15-LO activity in adipose tissue may be a novel therapeutic target in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Comparing Multiplex PCR and Rapid Urease Test in the Detection ofH. pyloriin Patients on Proton Pump Inhibitors
Authors: Chen Thomas , Meng Xiangwen , Zhang H. , Tsang Rebecca W. , Tsang Tat-Kin
Published: December 2012

Background. This study was conducted to assess the diagnostic value of a multiplex PCR assay to detectH. pyloriinfection and to further evaluate the negative results from the CLOtest on patients with and without PPI treatment. Methods. This study is a retrospective cohort that included 457 patients with symptoms of dyspepsia, who underwent upper endoscopy at Evanston and Glenbrook Northshore Hospital from June 2003 to October 2007. A total of 556 samples were reported with some patients having more than one test over the time period. The CLOtest was performed first on the gastric specimen and from that specimen, the DNA was isolated and the one-step multiplex PCR was performed.Results. By M-PCR testing, H. pyloriwas detected in 143 (52.2%) of 274 cases in the control group and 130 (46.1%) of 282 cases in patients on PPI treatment (P=0.1746). The CLOtest detected the presence ofH. pyloriin 4 (1.4%) of 282 cases from the same group receiving PPI treatment and 29 (10.6%) of 274 cases from the group not taking a PPI (P≤0.0001).Conclusion. Our PCR is sensitive enough to detect the presence ofH. pyloridespite being on PPI treatment.
Olmsted Syndrome
Authors: Elise Tonoli Renata , De Villa Damiê , Hübner Frainer Renata , Pizzarro Meneghello Luana , Ricachnevsky Nelson , de Quadros Maurício
Published: December 2012

Olmsted syndrome is a rare congenital, sharply circumscribed transgredient palmoplantar keratoderma. It was first described by Olmsted in 1927. The diagnosis of this rare disease depends on clinical features like symmetrical involvement of keratoderma of the palms and soles and the symmetrical hyperkeratotic plaques around the body orifices. It starts in the neonatal period or in childhood. The disease has a slow but progressive and extremely disabling course. Treatment of Olmsted syndrome is often based on topical therapy with retinoic acid, corticosteroid, emollients, and keratolytics. The present paper describes a case of Olmsted syndrome and its treatment.
Network‐Based Robust H∞ Filtering for the Uncertain Systems with Sensor Failures and Noise Disturbance
Authors: Hua Mingang , Cheng Pei , Fei Juntao , Zhang Jianyong , Chen Junfeng
Published: December 2012

The network‐based robust H∞ filtering for the uncertain system with sensor failures and the noise is considered in this paper. The uncertain system under consideration is also subject to parameter uncertainties and delay varying in an interval. Sufficient conditions are derived for a linear filter such that the filtering error systems are robust globally asymptotically stable while the disturbance rejection attenuation is constrained to a given level by means of the H∞ performance index. These conditions are characterized in terms of the feasibility of a set of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs), and then the explicit expression is then given for the desired filter parameters. Two numerical examples are exploited to show the usefulness and effectiveness of the proposed filter design method.
1Click1View: Interactive Visualization Methodology for RNAi Cell-Based Microscopic Screening
Authors: Zwolinski Lukasz , Kozak Marta , Kozak Karol
Published: December 2012

Technological advancements are constantly increasing the size and complexity of data resulting from large-scale RNA interference screens. This fact has led biologists to ask complex questions, which the existing, fully automated analyses are often not adequate to answer. We present a concept of 1Click1View (1C1V) as a methodology for interactive analytic software tools. 1C1V can be applied for two-dimensional visualization of image-based screening data sets from High Content Screening (HCS). Through an easy-to-use interface, one-click, one-view concept, and workflow based architecture, visualization method facilitates the linking of image data with numeric data. Such method utilizes state-of-the-art interactive visualization tools optimized for fast visualization of large scale image data sets. We demonstrate our method on an HCS dataset consisting of multiple cell features from two screening assays.
Comparison of Single-Walled and Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Durability as Pt Support in Gas Diffusion Electrodes
Authors: Asgari Mehdi , Lohrasbi Elaheh
Published: December 2012

Durability of single-walled (SWCNT) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) as Pt supports was studied using two accelerated durability tests (ADTs), potential cycling and potentiostatic treatment. ADT of gas diffusion electrodes (GDEs) was once studied during the potential cycling. Pt surface area loss with increasing the potential cycling numbers for GDE using SWCNT was shown to be higher than that for GDE using MWCNT. In addition, equilibrium concentrations of dissolved Pt species from GDEs in 1.0 M H2SO4 were found to be increased with increasing the potential cycling numbers. Both findings suggest that Pt detachment from support surface plays an important role in Pt surface loss in proton exchange membrane fuel cell electrodes. ADT of GDEs was also studied following the potentiostatic treatments up to 24 h under the following conditions: argon purged, 1.0 M H2SO4, 60°C, and a constant potential of 0.9 V. The subsequent electrochemical characterization suggests that GDE that uses MWCNT/Pt is electrochemically more stable than other GDE using SWCNT/Pt. As a result of high corrosion resistance, GDE that uses MWCNT/Pt shows lower loss of Pt surface area and oxygen reduction reaction activity when used as fuel cell catalyst. The results also showed that potential cycling accelerates the rate of surface area loss.
Helminth Excreted/Secreted Antigens Repress Expression of LPS-Induced Let-7i but Not miR-146a and miR-155 in Human Dendritic Cells
Authors: Terrazas Luis I. , Sánchez-Muñoz Fausto , Pérez-Miranda Magaly , Mejía-Domínguez Ana M. , Ledesma-Soto Yadira , Bojalil Rafael , Gómez-García Lorena
Published: December 2012

MicroRNAs have emerged as key regulators of immune responses. They influence immune cells' function and probably the outcome of several infections. Currently, it is largely unknown if helminth parasites and their antigens modify host microRNAs expression. The aim of this study was to explore if excreted/secreted antigens ofTaenia crassicepsregulate LPS-induced miRNAs expression in human Dendritic Cells. We found that these antigens repressed LPS-let-7i induction but not mir-146a or mir-155 and this correlates with a diminished inflammatory response. This let-7i downregulation in Dendritic Cells constitutes a novel feature of the modulatory activity that helminth-derived antigens exert on their host.
Molecular Pathways: Targeting PARP in Cancer Treatment
Authors: Do Khanh , Chen Alice P.
Published: December 2012

Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARP) are a family of nuclear protein enzymes involved in the DNA damage response. The role of PARP-1 in base excisional repair has been extensively characterized. More recent in vitro studies additionally implicate a role for PARP-1 in facilitating homologous recombination and nonhomologous end-joining. The more faithful process of homologous recombination repair of double-stranded DNA breaks involves localization of BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 to sites of DNA damage, resection of the double-stranded break, and gap-filling DNA synthesis using the homologous sister chromatid as a template. Simultaneous dysfunction of both DNA repair pathways decreases the ability of cells to compensate, and forms the basis for the concept of synthetic lethality. Treatment strategies, thus far, have focused on two main principles: (i) exploitation of the concept of synthetic lethality in homologous recombination–deficient tumors, primarily in breast and ovarian cancer patients with BRCA mutation, and (ii) as radiosensitizers and chemosensitizers. BRCA deficiency accounts for only a fraction of dysfunction in homologous recombination repair. Epigenetic alterations of BRCA function and defects within the Fanconi anemia pathway also result in defective DNA repair. Rational therapeutic combinations exploiting alternate mechanisms of defective DNA repair, abrogation of cell-cycle checkpoints, and additional functions of PARP-1 present novel opportunities for further clinical development of PARP inhibitors. On the basis of the results of clinical studies of PARP inhibitors thus far, it is imperative that future development of PARP inhibitors take a more refined approach, identifying the unique subset of patients that would most benefit from these agents, determining the optimal time for use, and identifying the optimal combination partner in any particular setting. Clin Cancer Res; 19(5); 977–84. ©2012 AACR.
miRNA-100 Inhibits Human Bladder Urothelial Carcinogenesis by Directly Targeting mTOR
Authors: Xu Chuanliang , Zeng Qinsong , Xu Weidong , Jiao Li , Chen Yanqiong , Zhang Zhensheng , Wu Chengyao , Jin Taile , Pan Anyin , Wei Rongchao , Yang Bo , Sun Yinghao
Published: December 2012

miRNAs are involved in cancer development and progression, acting as tumor suppressors or oncogenes. In this study, miRNA profiling was conducted on 10 paired bladder cancer tissues using 20 GeneChip miRNA Array, and 10 differentially expressed miRNAs were identified in bladder cancer and adjacent noncancerous tissues of any disease stage/grade. After being validated on expanded cohort of 67 paired bladder cancer tissues and 10 human bladder cancer cell lines by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), it was found that miR-100 was downregulated most significantly in cancer tissues. Ectopic restoration of miR-100 expression in bladder cancer cells suppressed cell proliferation and motility, induced cell-cycle arrest in vitro, and inhibited tumorigenesis in vivo both in subcutaneous and in intravesical passage. Bioinformatic analysis showed that the mTOR gene was a direct target of miR-100. siRNA-mediated mTOR knockdown phenocopied the effect of miR-100 in bladder cancer cell lines. In addition, the cancerous metastatic nude mouse model established on the basis of primary bladder cancer cell lines suggested that miR-100/mTOR regulated cell motility and was associated with tumor metastasis. Both mTOR and p70S6K (downstream messenger) presented higher expression levels in distant metastatic foci such as in liver and kidney metastases than in primary tumor. Taken together, miR-100 may act as a tumor suppressor in bladder cancer, and reintroduction of this mature miRNA into tumor tissue may prove to be a therapeutic strategy by reducing the expression of target genes. Mol Cancer Ther; 12(2); 207–19. ©2012 AACR.
The Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor E-3810 Combined with Paclitaxel Inhibits the Growth of Advanced-Stage Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Xenografts
Authors: Bello Ezia , Taraboletti Giulia , Colella Gennaro , Zucchetti Massimo , Forestieri Daniele , Licandro Simonetta A. , Berndt Alexander , Richter Petra , D'Incalci Maurizio , Cavalletti Ennio , Giavazzi Raffaella , Camboni Gabriella , Damia Giovanna
Published: December 2012

E-3810 is a novel small molecule that inhibits VEGF receptor-1, -2, and -3 and fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 tyrosine kinases at nmol/L concentrations currently in phase clinical II. In preclinical studies, it had a broad spectrum of antitumor activity when used as monotherapy in a variety of human xenografts. We here investigated the activity of E-3810 combined with different cytotoxic agents in a MDA-MB-231 triple-negative breast cancer xenograft model. The molecule could be safely administered with 5-fluorouracil, cisplatin, and paclitaxel. The E-3810–paclitaxel combination showed a striking activity with complete, lasting tumor regressions; the antitumor activity of the combination was also confirmed in another triple-negative breast xenograft, MX-1. The activity was superior to that of the combinations paclitaxel+brivanib and paclitaxel+sunitinib. Pharmacokinetics studies suggest that the extra antitumor activity of the combination is not due to higher paclitaxel tumor levels, which in fact were lower in mice pretreated with all three kinase inhibitors, and the paclitaxel plasma levels excluded reduced drug availability. Pharmacodynamic studies showed that E-3810, brivanib, and sunitinib given as single agents or in combination with paclitaxel reduced the number of vessels, but did not modify vessel maturation. Reduced tumor collagen IV and increased plasma collagen IV, associated with increased matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), particularly host MMP-9, indicate a proteolytic remodeling of the extracellular matrix caused by E-3810 that in conjunction with the cytotoxic effect of paclitaxel on the tumor cells (caspase-3/7 activity) may contribute to the striking activity of their combination. These data support the therapeutic potential of combining E-3810 with conventional chemotherapy. Mol Cancer Ther; 12(2); 131–40. ©2012 AACR.
Therapeutic Efficacy of Epigallocatechin Gallate-Loaded Nanoliposomes against Burn Wound Infection by Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Gharib A. , Faezizadeh Z. , Godarzee M.
Published: December 2012

Background/Aim: Staphylococcus aureus remains a common cause of burn wound infection. Different studies have shown that the entrapment of plant-derived material such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in liposomes could increase their anti-S. aureus activity. The objectives of this study were to prepare EGCG-loaded nanoliposomes with variable surface charges and to evaluate their efficacy in vitro and in vivo against methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Study Design/Methods: EGCG-loaded nanoliposomes with positive, negative and neutral surface charges were prepared by extrusion method. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of EGCG nanoliposomal forms against MRSA were determined by broth dilution method. The killing rates of the free and nanoliposomal forms of EGCG were analyzed. Ultimately, the in vivo therapeutic efficacy of the nanoliposomes in burned mouse skin infected by MRSA was investigated. Results: The MICs of the free, cationic, neutral and anionic nanoliposomal forms of EGCG against MRSA were 128, 16, 32 and 256 mg/l, respectively. The killing rates of the EGCG-loaded cationic nanoliposomes were higher than those of the other formulations. Treatment with the EGCG-loaded nanoliposomes with positive, neutral and negative surface charges resulted in almost 100, 70 and 30% survival rates, respectively. Conclusion: The data suggested that the cationic EGCG-loaded nanoliposomes would be a good choice for the treatment of MRSA infections due to its high effectiveness.
Prediction, Microarray and Northern Blot Analyses Identify New Intergenic Small RNAs in Aliivibrio salmonicida
Authors: Ahmad Rafi , Hansen Geir Åsmund , Hansen Hilde , Hjerde Erik , Pedersen Hege Lynum , Paulsen Steinar M. , Nyrud May Liss Julianne , Strauss Anja , Willassen Nils-Peder , Haugen Peik
Published: December 2012

Bacterial small RNAs (sRNAs) are trans-encoded regulatory RNAs that typically bind mRNAs by short-sequence complementarities and change the expression of the corresponding proteins. Some of the well-characterized sRNAs serve critical steps in the regulation of important cellular processes, such as quorum sensing (Qrr), iron homeostasis (RyhB), oxidative stress (OxyS), and carbon metabolism (Spot 42). However, many sRNAs remain to be identified, and the functional roles of sRNAs are known for only a small fraction. For example, of the hundreds of candidate sRNAs from members of the bacterial family Vibrionaceae, the function is known for only 9. We have in this study significantly contributed to the discovery and verification of new sRNAs in a representative of Vibrionaceae, i.e. the Aliivibrio salmonicida, which causes severe disease in farmed Atlantic salmon and other fishes. A computational search for intergenic non-coding (nc) RNAs in the 4.6-Mb genome identified a total of 252 potential ncRNAs (including 233 putative sRNAs). Depending on the set threshold value for fluorescence signal in our microarray approach, we identified 50–80 putative ncRNAs, 12 of which were verified by Northern blot analysis. In total, we identified 9 new sRNAs.
The Use of a New Gel Foam for the Evaluation of Tubal Patency
Authors: Van Schoubroeck Dominique , Van den Bosch Thierry , Meuleman Christel , Tomassetti Carla , D'Hooghe Thomas , Timmerman Dirk
Published: December 2012

Aims: To evaluate the feasibility and the reliability of hysterosalpingo-foam sonography (HyFoSy) using gel foam in the assessment of tubal patency. Methods: Nonrandomized, observational, academic and single-center study of 20 women being investigated because of subfertility and scheduled for a laparoscopy with chromopertubation. A detailed description of HyFoSy with a newly developed gel foam is given in the way it proved to be most efficient in our hands. The results of HyFoSy are compared to the data regarding tubal patency testing during laparoscopy by chromopertubation. Results: All 20 HyFoSy were technically successful. Four of the 40 tubes, 1 right tube and 3 left tubes, were not patent at HyFoSy (3 tubes with proximal block and 1 tube with distal block). There was a 100% agreement between tubal patency data according to HyFoSy testing and laparoscopic chromopertubation testing. Conclusion: HyFoSy is both feasible and accurate in the diagnosis of tubal patency.
Experiences of Weight Stigmatization: A Review of Self-Report Assessment Measures
Authors: DePierre Jenny A. , Puhl Rebecca M.
Published: December 2012

Background: Overweight and obese persons are vulnerable to frequent stigmatization and discrimination because of their weight. Despite widespread prejudice towards obese persons, many questions remain regarding the nature, extent, and impact of weight-based stigmatization experienced by so many people. However, improving our knowledge in this area will only be as good as the measures we have to study this phenomenon. Our paper is the first to provide a comprehensive summary of published quantitative self-report measures available for assessing experiences of weight stigmatization in children and adults. Methods: This review examined 22 measures of self-reported weight stigmatization and highlights the strengths and limitations of existing assessment. Results: Existing measures contain a number of limitations and have been assessed in samples lacking diversity. Improvements in measurement are needed to achieve a clearer understanding of the nature and extent of self-perceived weight stigmatization and to develop measures that accurately reflect this type of stigmatization. Conclusions: Specific directions for future research that will help improve measurement of self-perceived weight stigmatization and advance this area of study are highlighted.
Morbidity and Mortality in Heart Transplant Candidates Supported With Mechanical Circulatory Support
Authors: Wever-Pinzon Omar , Drakos Stavros G. , Kfoury Abdallah G. , Nativi Jose N. , Gilbert Edward M. , Everitt Melanie , Alharethi Rami , Brunisholz Kim , Bader Feras M. , Li Dean Y. , Selzman Craig H. , Stehlik Josef
Published: December 2012

Background—

Survival of patients on left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) has improved. We examined the differences in risk of adverse outcomes between LVAD-supported and medically managed candidates on the heart transplant waiting list.

Methods and Results—

We analyzed mortality and morbidity in 33 073 heart transplant candidates registered on the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) waiting list between 1999 and 2011. Five groups were selected: patients without LVADs in urgency status 1A, 1B, and 2; patients with pulsatile-flow LVADs; and patients with continuous-flow LVADs. Outcomes in patients requiring biventricular assist devices, total artificial heart, and temporary VADs were also analyzed. Two eras were defined on the basis of the approval date of the first continuous-flow LVAD for bridge to transplantation in the United States (2008). Mortality was lower in the current compared with the first era (2.1%/mo versus 2.9%/mo;
P
<0.0001). In the first era, mortality of pulsatile-flow LVAD patients was higher than in status 2 (hazard ratio [HR], 2.15;
P
<0.0001) and similar to that in status 1B patients (HR, 1.04;
P
=0.61). In the current era, patients with continuous-flow LVADs had mortality similar to that of status 2 (HR, 0.80;
P
=0.12) and lower mortality compared with status 1A and 1B patients (HR, 0.24 and 0.47;
P
<0.0001 for both comparisons). However, status upgrade for LVAD-related complications occurred frequently (28%) and increased the mortality risk (HR, 1.75;
P
=0.001). Mortality was highest in patients with biventricular assist devices (HR, 5.00;
P
<0.0001) and temporary VADs (HR, 7.72;
P
<0.0001).

Conclusions—

Mortality and morbidity on the heart transplant waiting list have decreased. Candidates supported with contemporary continuous-flow LVADs have favorable waiting list outcomes; however, they worsen significantly once a serious LVAD-related complication occurs. Transplant candidates requiring temporary and biventricular support have the highest risk of adverse outcomes. These results may help to guide optimal allocation of donor hearts.
Late Sodium Current Inhibition Reverses Electromechanical Dysfunction in Human Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Coppini Raffaele , Ferrantini Cecilia , Yao Lina , Fan Peidong , Del Lungo Martina , Stillitano Francesca , Sartiani Laura , Tosi Benedetta , Suffredini Silvia , Tesi Chiara , Yacoub Magdi , Olivotto Iacopo , Belardinelli Luiz , Poggesi Corrado , Cerbai Elisabetta , Mugelli Alessandro
Published: December 2012

Background—

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), the most common mendelian heart disorder, remains an orphan of disease-specific pharmacological treatment because of the limited understanding of cellular mechanisms underlying arrhythmogenicity and diastolic dysfunction.

Methods and Results—

We assessed the electromechanical profile of cardiomyocytes from 26 HCM patients undergoing myectomy compared with those from nonfailing nonhypertrophic surgical patients by performing patch-clamp and intracellular Ca
2+
(Ca
2+
i
) studies. Compared with controls, HCM cardiomyocytes showed prolonged action potential related to increased late Na
+
(
I
NaL
) and Ca
2+
(
I
CaL
) currents and decreased repolarizing K
+
currents, increased occurrence of cellular arrhythmias, prolonged Ca
2+
i
transients, and higher diastolic Ca
2+
i
. Such changes were related to enhanced Ca
2+
/calmodulin kinase II (CaMKII) activity and increased phosphorylation of its targets. Ranolazine at therapeutic concentrations partially reversed the HCM-related cellular abnormalities via
I
NaL
inhibition, with negligible effects in controls. By shortening the action potential duration in HCM cardiomyocytes, ranolazine reduced the occurrence of early and delayed afterdepolarizations. Finally, as a result of the faster kinetics of Ca
2+
i
transients and the lower diastolic Ca
2+
i
, ranolazine accelerated the contraction-relaxation cycle of HCM trabeculae, ameliorating diastolic function.

Conclusions—

We highlighted a specific set of functional changes in human HCM myocardium that stem from a complex remodeling process involving alterations of CaMKII-dependent signaling, rather than being a direct consequence of the causal sarcomeric mutations. Among the several ion channel and Ca
2+
i
handling proteins changes identified, an enhanced
I
NaL
seems to be a major contributor to the electrophysiological and Ca
2+
i
dynamic abnormalities of ventricular myocytes and trabeculae from patients with HCM, suggesting potential therapeutic implications of
I
NaL
inhibition.
An Evaluation of Methods for Estimating the Number of Local Optima in Combinatorial Optimization Problems
Authors: Hernando Leticia , Mendiburu Alexander , Lozano Jose A.
Published: December 2012

The solution of many combinatorial optimization problems is carried out by metaheuristics, which generally make use of local search algorithms. These algorithms use some kind of neighborhood structure over the search space. The performance of the algorithms strongly depends on the properties that the neighborhood imposes on the search space. One of these properties is the number of local optima. Given an instance of a combinatorial optimization problem and a neighborhood, the estimation of the number of local optima can help not only to measure the complexity of the instance, but also to choose the most convenient neighborhood to solve it. In this paper we review and evaluate several methods to estimate the number of local optima in combinatorial optimization problems. The methods reviewed not only come from the combinatorial optimization literature, but also from the statistical literature. A thorough evaluation in synthetic as well as real problems is given. We conclude by providing recommendations of methods for several scenarios.
System Identification of mGluR-Dependent Long-Term Depression
Authors: Tambuyzer Tim , Ahmed Tariq , Taylor C. James , Berckmans Daniel , Balschun Detlef , Aerts Jean-Marie
Published: December 2012

Recent advances have started to uncover the underlying mechanisms of metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR)–dependent long-term depression (LTD). However, it is not completely clear how these mechanisms are linked, and it is believed that several crucial mechanisms remain to be revealed. In this study, we investigated whether system identification (SI) methods can be used to gain insight into the mechanisms of synaptic plasticity. SI methods have been shown to be an objective and powerful approach for describing how sensory neurons encode information about stimuli. However, to our knowledge, it is the first time that SI methods have been applied to electrophysiological brain slice recordings of synaptic plasticity responses. The results indicate that the SI approach is a valuable tool for reverse-engineering of mGluR-LTD responses. We suggest that such SI methods can aid in unraveling the complexities of synaptic function.
Opening the Black Box: Low-Dimensional Dynamics in High-Dimensional Recurrent Neural Networks
Authors: Sussillo David , Barak Omri
Published: December 2012

Recurrent neural networks (RNNs) are useful tools for learning nonlinear relationships between time-varying inputs and outputs with complex temporal dependencies. Recently developed algorithms have been successful at training RNNs to perform a wide variety of tasks, but the resulting networks have been treated as black boxes: their mechanism of operation remains unknown. Here we explore the hypothesis that fixed points, both stable and unstable, and the linearized dynamics around them, can reveal crucial aspects of how RNNs implement their computations. Further, we explore the utility of linearization in areas of phase space that are not true fixed points but merely points of very slow movement. We present a simple optimization technique that is applied to trained RNNs to find the fixed and slow points of their dynamics. Linearization around these slow regions can be used to explore, or reverse-engineer, the behavior of the RNN. We describe the technique, illustrate it using simple examples, and finally showcase it on three high-dimensional RNN examples: a 3-bit flip-flop device, an input-dependent sine wave generator, and a two-point moving average. In all cases, the mechanisms of trained networks could be inferred from the sets of fixed and slow points and the linearized dynamics around them.
Echo State Property Linked to an Input: Exploring a Fundamental Characteristic of Recurrent Neural Networks
Authors: Manjunath G. , Jaeger H.
Published: December 2012

The echo state property is a key for the design and training of recurrent neural networks within the paradigm of reservoir computing. In intuitive terms, this is a passivity condition: a network having this property, when driven by an input signal, will become entrained by the input and develop an internal response signal. This excited internal dynamics can be seen as a high-dimensional, nonlinear, unique transform of the input with a rich memory content. This view has implications for understanding neural dynamics beyond the field of reservoir computing. Available definitions and theorems concerning the echo state property, however, are of little practical use because they do not relate the network response to temporal or statistical properties of the driving input. Here we present a new definition of the echo state property that directly connects it to such properties. We derive a fundamental 0-1 law: if the input comes from an ergodic source, the network response has the echo state property with probability one or zero, independent of the given network. Furthermore, we give a sufficient condition for the echo state property that connects statistical characteristics of the input to algebraic properties of the network connection matrix. The mathematical methods that we employ are freshly imported from the young field of nonautonomous dynamical systems theory. Since these methods are not yet well known in neural computation research, we introduce them in some detail. As a side story, we hope to demonstrate the eminent usefulness of these methods.
A Unified Classification Model Based on Robust Optimization
Authors: Takeda Akiko , Mitsugi Hiroyuki , Kanamori Takafumi
Published: December 2012

A wide variety of machine learning algorithms such as the support vector machine (SVM), minimax probability machine (MPM), and Fisher discriminant analysis (FDA) exist for binary classification. The purpose of this letter is to provide a unified classification model that includes these models through a robust optimization approach. This unified model has several benefits. One is that the extensions and improvements intended for SVMs become applicable to MPM and FDA, and vice versa. For example, we can obtain nonconvex variants of MPM and FDA by mimicking Perez-Cruz, Weston, Hermann, and Schölkopf's ( 2003 ) extension from convex ν-SVM to nonconvex Eν-SVM. Another benefit is to provide theoretical results concerning these learning methods at once by dealing with the unified model. We give a statistical interpretation of the unified classification model and prove that the model is a good approximation for the worst-case minimization of an expected loss with respect to the uncertain probability distribution. We also propose a nonconvex optimization algorithm that can be applied to nonconvex variants of existing learning methods and show promising numerical results.
Understanding Hadley Cell Expansion versus Contraction: Insights from Simplified Models and Implications for Recent Observations
Authors: Tandon Neil F. , Gerber Edwin P. , Sobel Adam H. , Polvani Lorenzo M.
Published: December 2012

This study seeks a deeper understanding of the causes of Hadley Cell (HC) expansion, as projected under global warming, and HC contraction, as observed under El Niño. Using an idealized general circulation model, the authors show that a thermal forcing applied to a narrow region around the equator produces “El Niño–like” HC contraction, while a forcing with wider meridional extent produces “global warming–like” HC expansion. These circulation responses are sensitive primarily to the thermal forcing’s meridional structure and are less sensitive to its vertical structure. If the thermal forcing is confined to the midlatitudes, the amount of HC expansion is more than three times that of a forcing of comparable amplitude that is spread over the tropics. This finding may be relevant to recently observed trends of rapid tropical widening.

The shift of the HC edge is explained using a very simple model in which the transformed Eulerian mean (TEM) circulation acts to diffuse heat meridionally. In this context, the HC edge is defined as the downward maximum of residual vertical velocity in the upper troposphere ; this corresponds well with the conventional Eulerian definition of the HC edge. In response to a positive thermal forcing, there is anomalous diabatic cooling, and hence anomalous TEM descent, on the poleward flank of the thermal forcing. This causes the HC edge () to shift toward the descending anomaly, so that a narrow forcing causes HC contraction and a wide forcing causes HC expansion.
Mesoscale Eddy Buoyancy Flux and Eddy-Induced Circulation in Eastern Boundary Currents
Authors: Colas François , Capet Xavier , McWilliams James C. , Li Zhijin
Published: December 2012

A dynamical interpretation is made of the mesoscale eddy buoyancy fluxes in the Eastern Boundary Currents off California and Peru–Chile, based on regional equilibrium simulations. The eddy fluxes are primarily shoreward and upward across a swath several hundred kilometers wide in the upper ocean; as such they serve to balance mean offshore air–sea heating and coastal upwelling. In the stratified interior the eddy fluxes are consistent with the adiabatic hypothesis associated with a mean eddy-induced velocity advecting mean buoyancy and tracers. Furthermore, with a suitable gauge choice, the horizontal fluxes are almost entirely aligned with the mean horizontal buoyancy gradient, consistent with the advective parameterization scheme of Gent and McWilliams. The associated diffusivity κ is surface intensified, matching the vertical stratification profile. The fluxes span the across-shore band of high eddy energy, but their alongshore structure is unresolved because of sampling limitations. In the surface layer the eddy flux is significantly diabatic with a shallow eddy-induced circulation cell and downgradient lateral diapycnal flux. The dominant eddy generation process is baroclinic instability, but there are significant regional differences between the upwelling systems in the flux and κ that are not consistent with simple instability theory.
Evaluation and Recommendations for Improving the Accuracy of an Inexpensive Water Temperature Logger
Authors: Lentz S. J. , Churchill J. H. , Marquette C. , Smith J.
Published: December 2012

Onset's HOBO U22 Water Temp Pros are small, reliable, relatively inexpensive, self-contained temperature loggers that are widely used in studies of oceans, lakes, and streams. An in-house temperature bath calibration of 158 Temp Pros indicated root-mean-square (RMS) errors ranging from 0.01° to 0.14°C, with one value of 0.23°C, consistent with the factory specifications. Application of a quadratic calibration correction substantially reduced the RMS error to less than 0.009°C in all cases. The primary correction was a bias error typically between −0.1° and 0.15°C. Comparison of water temperature measurements from Temp Pros and more accurate temperature loggers during two oceanographic studies indicates that calibrated Temp Pros have an RMS error of ~0.02°C throughout the water column at night and beneath the surface layer influenced by penetrating solar radiation during the day. Larger RMS errors (up to 0.08°C) are observed near the surface during the day due to solar heating of the black Temp Pro housing. Errors due to solar heating are significantly reduced by wrapping the housing with white electrical tape.
Moral Judgment, Crime Seriousness, and the Relations Between Them
Authors: Herzog Sergio , Einat Tomer
Published: December 2012

The present study analyzes the relationship between moral judgment and perceptions of crime seriousness. This analysis is done with special attention to Kohlberg’s theory of moral development. Main research findings: Significant correlations exist between perceived seriousness of offenses and consideration of such conducts as immoral, and between the levels of the perceived seriousness of offenses and the levels of the moral judgment of their moral dilemmas. In addition, attitudes toward various moral dilemmas are found to be influenced by education, ethnicity and social strata. Main conclusions: Correlation between moral reasoning and perceptions of crime seriousness is weak at best, and that mature-level socio-moral development and perceptions of crime seriousness might not necessarily protect a person from identifying with criminal acts.
Bothersome Exposure to Online Sexual Content Among Adolescent Girls
Authors: Ševcˇíková Anna , Simon Laura , Daneback Kristian , Kvapilík Tomáš
Published: December 2012

Prior research suggests that adolescent girls may react more negatively to online sexual content than boys. This study explored the qualitative experiences of adolescent girls who encountered bothersome or disturbing sexual content online. Fourteen girls (aged 15-17 years) were interviewed online about the context in which they saw bothersome sexual material and the reasons for their negative reactions. Results showed that participants felt bothered while using the Internet at home and in public, while engaging in online exploration, information seeking, or chatting with new acquaintances. Participants were also bothered when the sexual content portrayed sex of an extreme nature, seemed inappropriate for their age, broke norms for establishing romantic relationships, or threatened their home life. The impact of these experiences is discussed, especially in light of the participants’ statements that they did not tell their parents or guardians about their experiences with bothersome online content.
Civilian Control and Military Effectiveness
Authors: Furlan Branimir
Published: December 2012

This article gives an overview of how civilian control of the military in Slovenia is implemented in practice. It utilizes the perspective of the controlled entity itself, that is, the Slovenian Armed Forces. The findings show the type and characteristics of civilian control in Slovenia and how they hinder military effectiveness. As one of the European transition countries to have concluded the democratization of its civil–military relations, civilian control over Slovenia’s Armed Forces is now in place; however, the control mechanisms have had several debilitating effects on the country’s armed forces—the democratization of civil–military relations has been achieved at the partial expense of military effectiveness. Because of this experience, the Slovenian case could serve as an example of how successful democratization of civil–military relations can sometimes produce negative outcomes, or collateral damage, for the military, especially when the employers of the control mechanisms are not aware of the effects that the exercise of their control might have on the military’s ability to execute core missions. Methodologically, this article brings an approach for analyzing interrelations between civilian control and military effectiveness.