bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sorting Nexin 5 and Dopamine D1 Receptor Regulate the Expression of the Insulin Receptor in Human Renal Proximal Tubule Cells
Authors: Li Fengmin , Yang Jian , Jones John Edward , Villar Van Anthony M. , Yu Peiying , Armando Ines , Felder Robin A. , Jose Pedro A. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractSorting nexin 5 (SNX5) belongs to the SNX family, which is composed of a diverse group of proteins that mediate trafficking of plasma membrane proteins, receptors, and transporters. SNX5 is important in the resensitization of the dopamine D1-like receptor (D1R). D1R is uncoupled from its effector proteins in hypertension and diabetes, and treatment of diabetes restores D1R function and insulin receptor (IR) expression. We tested the hypothesis that the D1R and SNX5 regulate IR by studying the expression, distribution, dynamics, and functional consequences of their interaction in human renal proximal tubule cells (hRPTCs). D1R, SNX5, and IR were expressed and colocalized in the brush border of RPTs. Insulin promoted the colocalization of SNX5 and IR at the perinuclear area of hRPTCs. Unlike SNX5, the D1R colocalized and coimmunoprecipitated with IR, and this interaction was enhanced by insulin. To evaluate the role of SNX5 and D1R on IR signaling, we silenced via RNA interference the endogenous expression of SNX5 or the D1R gene DRD1 in hRPTCs. We observed a decrease in IR expression and abundance of phosphorylated IR substrate and phosphorylated protein kinase B, which are crucial components of the IR signal transduction pathway. Our data indicate that SNX5 and D1R are necessary for normal IR expression and activity. It is conceivable that D1R and SNX5 may interact to increase the sensitivity to insulin via a positive regulation of IR and insulin signaling.
Estrogen Replacement Therapy in Ovariectomized Nonpregnant Ewes Stimulates Uterine Artery Hydrogen Sulfide Biosynthesis by Selectively Up-Regulating Cystathionine β-Synthase Expression
Authors: Lechuga Thomas J. , Zhang Hong-hai , Sheibani Lili , Karim Muntarin , Jia Jason , Magness Ronald R. , Rosenfeld Charles R. , Chen Dong-bao 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
Estrogens dramatically dilate numerous vascular beds with the greatest response in the uterus. Endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a potent vasodilator and proangiogenic second messenger, which is synthesized from L-cysteine by cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) and cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE). We hypothesized that estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) selectively stimulates H2S biosynthesis in uterine artery (UA) and other systemic arteries. Intact and endothelium-denuded UA, mesenteric artery (MA), and carotid artery (CA) were obtained from ovariectomized nonpregnant ewes (n = 5/group) receiving vehicle or estradiol-17β replacement therapy (ERT). Total RNA and protein were extracted for measuring CBS and CSE, and H2S production was determined by the methylene blue assay. Paraffin-embedded UA rings were used to localize CBS and CSE proteins by immunofluorescence microscopy. ERT significantly stimulated CBS mRNA and protein without altering CSE mRNA or protein in intact and denuded UA. Quantitative immunofluorescence microscopic analyses showed CBS and CSE protein localization in endothelium and smooth muscle and confirmed that ERT stimulated CBS but not CSE protein expression in UA endothelium and smooth muscle. ERT also stimulated CBS, but not CSE, mRNA and protein expression in intact and denuded MA but not CA in ovariectomized ewes. Concomitantly, ERT stimulated UA and MA but not CA H2S production. ERT-stimulated UA H2S production was completely blocked by a specific CBS but not CSE inhibitor. Thus, ERT selectively stimulates UA and MA but not CA H2S biosynthesis by specifically up-regulating CBS expression, implicating a role of H2S in estrogen-induced vasodilation and postmenopausal women's health.
Case Report: Bone fragment in the third ventricle of a 22 year-old woman
Authors: Munakomi Sunil , Srinivas Balaji , Cherian Iype 
Published: April 2015

Here we present a very rare case of a woman with a bone fragment in the third ventricle of the brain following compound-depressed skull fractures due to a road traffic accident.There are only few case reports of bullets and textiloma being removed from the third ventricle. Following operative removal of the fragment, the patient was started on cortisol, mineralocorticoid and thyroid hormone replacement. However, the patient eventually died of the severe traumatic hypothalamic insult.
A Mixed Value and Policy Iteration Method for Stochastic Control with Universally Measurable Policies
Authors: Yu Huizhen , Bertsekas Dimitri P. 
Published: April 2015

We consider stochastic optimal control models with Borel spaces and universally measurable policies. For such models the standard policy iteration is known to have difficult measurability issues and cannot be carried out in general. We present a mixed value and policy iteration method that circumvents this difficulty. The method allows the use of stationary policies in computing the optimal cost function in a manner that resembles policy iteration. It can also be used to address similar difficulties of policy iteration in the context of upper and lower semicontinuous models. We analyze the convergence of the method in infinite horizon total cost problems for the discounted case where the one-stage costs are bounded and for the undiscounted case where the one-stage costs are nonpositive or nonnegative. For undiscounted total cost problems with nonnegative one-stage costs, we also give a new convergence theorem for value iteration that shows that value iteration converges whenever it is initialized with a function that is above the optimal cost function and yet bounded by a multiple of the optimal cost function. This condition resembles Whittle’s bridging condition and is partly motivated by it. The theorem is also partly motivated by a result of Maitra and Sudderth that showed that value iteration, when initialized with the constant function zero, could require a transfinite number of iterations to converge. We use the new convergence theorem for value iteration to establish the convergence of our mixed value and policy iteration method for the nonnegative cost case.
Butterfly community assemblages in relation to human disturbance in a tropical upland forest in Ghana, and implications for conservation
Authors: Addo-Fordjour Patrick , Osei Benjamin A. , Kpontsu Elizabeth A. 
Published: April 2015

The present study determined butterfly diversity, species composition and abundance in different forests of varying human disturbance intensities in the Atewa Range Forest Reserve, Ghana (i.e. non-disturbed, moderately disturbed and heavily disturbed forests). Vegetation characteristics and butterflies were sampled within ten 50 m × 50 m plots in each forest type. The study revealed that butterfly Shannon diversity index was similar in the non-disturbed and moderately disturbed forests although it was significantly lower in the heavily disturbed forest. Butterfly abundance differed significantly among all the forest types. Significant relationships were detected between some vegetation characteristics, and butterfly diversity and abundance (P<0.001). Using Non-metric Multidimensional Scaling (NMDS) and cluster analysis, three main butterfly assemblages were identified on the basis of species composition, with each one in a particular forest type. Furthermore, butterfly species composition differed significantly among the forest types (ANOSIM; P<0.0001). The intermediate form of human disturbance in the moderately disturbed forest maintained butterfly diversity, suggesting that management efforts aimed at butterfly conservation should be geared towards protecting forests from excessive human disturbance; selective logging is recommended.
Sarah Turner – Eco-artist and designer through craft-based upcycling
Authors: Sung Kyungeun , Cooper Tim 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
Sarah Turner is an eco-artist and designer who practices craft-based upcycling with waste plastic bottles and cans to create lighting, sculpture and decorative home interior products. Since 1998, her enthusiasm, creativity and good will have allowed her to gain several high-profile client commissions and to win awards from design, innovation and business competitions. The aim of this portrait is to introduce Sarah’s work and shed light on the resources, knowledge and skills involved in her practice and on the barriers to and drivers for her craft-based upcycling. We consider that Sarah’s work could be one of the stepping stones for a shift towards more sustainable craft practice, both in the United Kingdom and beyond. By exploring the right ingredients for craft-based upcycling, barriers liable to be faced and key drivers that stimulate motivation, we hope that this portrait will inspire and attract more designers and makers to embed upcycling in their future practice.
Tactile augmentation: A multimethod for capturing experiential knowledge
Authors: Groth Camilla , Mäkelä Maarit , Seitamaa-Hakkarainen Pirita 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
The experiential knowledge of practice resides within the practitioner and is out of the immediate reach for other researchers. Only when practitioners have an intrinsic motivation to research and make their practice explicit can their embodied experiential knowledge reach an outside audience. The present case study is an attempt to access and understand such experiential knowledge in the act of throwing clay on a potter’s wheel. To enhance her tactile sensitivity and awareness, one of the researchers has thrown porcelain clay blindfolded for five days. Her experience has been documented and reflected upon through diaries, a Contextual Activity Sampling System (CASS-Query) and videos that include thinking aloud accounts. The findings reveal that the researcher was able to articulate her tactile experiences and share her experiential knowledge to a greater degree than before. Patterns in the making, such as dividing hands into categories of active and perceiving, and metaphorical language use were identified that may be of value in an educational setting. Feelings were acknowledged as major contributors to risk assessment and decision-making in the material problem-solving process. We propose the multimethod approach developed through this study for researcher-practitioners to capture and analyse their sensory experiences and experiential knowledge of a making situation when researching their practice.
Valoración nutricional, evaluación de la composición corporal y su relación con el rendimiento deportivo en un equipo de fútbol femenino
Authors: González-Neira María , San Mauro-Martín Ismael , García-Angulo Belén , Fajardo Diana , Garicano-Vilar Elena 
Published: April 2015

Introducción: En el fútbol femenino, cumplir con los requerimientos nutricionales podría influir positivamente en el rendimiento deportivo. El objetivo del presente estudio fue analizar la ingesta nutricional y la composición corporal (CC), comprobando su relación con el rendimiento deportivo.Material y métodos: Estudio observacional, descriptivo, prospectivo y correlacional, realizado en 17 jugadoras del equipo semiprofesional de Torrelodones C.F. de Madrid. Se determinó el peso y la talla y se calculó el índice de masa corporal (IMC). La CC se determinó mediante bioimpedancia eléctrica (BIA). La ingesta nutricional se analizó a través de un registro dietético semanal (valorado a través del programa DIAL) y el test KIDMED. Se determinó el volumen máximo de oxígeno (VO2 máx) a partir de la prueba Course-Navette y se realizó el test de percepción subjetiva de esfuerzo (PSE).Resultados: IMC: 22,80±2,9kg/m2; masa grasa: 24,51±5,5%; y masa magra: 43,6±2,9kg. La ingesta energética fue de 1901±388kcal. El aporte de hidratos de carbono supuso el 40,3±5,6%, las proteínas el 15,9±3,29% y las grasas el 41,8±4,1% de las kcal totales. Existió una relación inversa entre IMC y peso, y los valores de VO2 máx. Hubo una pérdida de peso significativa después del entrenamiento (p=0,003) y del partido (p=0,008).Conclusiones: La alimentación fue inadecuada en las jugadoras, no correspondiendo la ingesta de nutrientes con sus requerimientos, a pesar de entrenar en un equipo semiprofesional. Debido a la importancia que la nutrición juega en la competición y rendimiento deportivo, se debe seguir trabajando para una recomendación adecuada en este colectivo. Comentarios en: http://dx.doi.org/10.14306/renhyd.19.4.159Comentarios en: http://dx.doi.org/10.14306/renhyd.19.4.203
Prosthetic Valve Endocarditis with Valvular Obstruction after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Pabilona Christine , Gitler Bernard , Lederman Jeffrey A. , Miller Donald , Keltz Theodore N. 
Published: April 2015

Patients with severe aortic stenosis who are at high risk for open-heart surgery might be candidates for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). To our knowledge, this is the first report of Streptococcus viridans endocarditis that caused prosthetic valve obstruction after TAVR.
A 77-year-old man who had undergone TAVR 17 months earlier was admitted because of evidence of prosthetic valve endocarditis. A transthoracic echocardiogram revealed a substantial increase in the transvalvular peak gradient and mean gradient in comparison with an echocardiogram of 7 months earlier. A transesophageal echocardiogram showed a 1.5-cm vegetation obstructing the valve. Blood cultures yielded penicillin-sensitive S. viridans. The patient was hemodynamically stable and was initially treated with vancomycin because of his previous penicillin allergy. Subsequent therapy with levofloxacin, oral penicillin (after a negative penicillin skin test), and intravenous penicillin eliminated the symptoms of the infection.
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement is a relatively new procedure, and sequelae are still being discovered. We recommend that physicians consider obstructive endocarditis as one of these.
Papillary Fibroelastoma of the Aortic Valve: Analysis of 21 Cases, Including a Presentation with Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Ikegami Hirohisa , Andrei Adin-Cristian , Li Zhi , McCarthy Patrick M. , Malaisrie S. Chris 
Published: April 2015

Cardiac papillary fibroelastoma is a rare, benign tumor, arising predominantly from cardiac valves. This tumor can cause a variety of symptoms due to thromboembolism. We describe our single-center surgical experience with papillary fibroelastoma of the aortic valve.
From April 2004 through June 2013, 6,530 patients underwent cardiac surgery. Of those, 6,098 patients were included in the final analysis. Twenty-one patients (0.34%) underwent surgical resection of 30 papillary fibroelastomas of the aortic valve.
Most patients (67%) were incidentally diagnosed to have cardiac papillary fibroelastoma. The usual symptom was cerebral infarction (in 5 of 7 symptomatic patients). A rare presentation of papillary fibroelastoma in one patient was cardiac arrest caused by left main coronary artery ostial obstruction. Tumor size was not related to patient age (Pearson correlation coefficient, 0.34; P=0.13). Neither the number of tumors (1.43 ± 0.72 vs 1.43 ± 0.62) nor tumor size (8.14 ± 2.42 vs 8.07 ± 3.31 mm) was significantly different between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. All lesions were resected by means of the simple shave technique. There were no operative or 30-day deaths. Follow-up echocardiograms showed no tumor recurrence (mean follow-up duration, 17 ± 14 mo).
We identified no significant relationship among tumor size, number of tumors, symptoms, or patient age. Because simple shave excision of the tumor can be safely achieved without evidence of tumor recurrence, we conclude that surgical resection can be reasonable in asymptomatic patients.
Measuring Extreme Market Risk: The Sri Lankan Context
Authors: Wijeyakulasuriya D. A. , Wickremasinghe W. N. 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
Many empirical studies have been carried out in developed and emerging markets using methods to account for extreme market risk. A front-runner in the methods used is Extreme Value Theory (EVT). In this study, these methods are applied to the All Share Price Index (ASPI) of the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) to obtain risk forecasts for VaR (Value at Risk) and ES (Expected Shortfall) at 99% confidence level. Recognizing the merits of both conditional and unconditional models for risk measures the most suitable unconditional model and conditional model are found for the ASPI. Contrary to other studies the Historical Simulation method was found to be more appropriate for obtaining static estimates than the static EVT model. The Two-Step Approach of McNeil and Frey which combines EVT and Generalized Auto-Regressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity (GARCH) methodologies was found to be the most appropriate conditional model. Backtesting of models is done using a binomial test, Christoferssen’s conditional coverage test and McNeil and Frey’s ES test.
“Marxism” as Tradition in CCP Discourse
Authors: Strafella Giorgio 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
This study discusses how the Chinese Communist Party has fashioned “Marxism” as a tradition during the last three decades. I argue that its leaders have invented the tradition of Sinicised Marxism by means of a ritualised repetition that emphasises a largely factitious continuity with the purpose of legitimising the Party, justifying policy changes and winning factional struggles. The point is corroborated by an analysis of the invocation of “Marxism” during key political phases in the reform era when the pretence of continuity became crucial for the CCP, including 1978–1985, 1992–1995 and the Eighteenth Party Congress of 2012. The article shows how, in the debates on “the criterion of truth” and “Marxist humanism”, the reformists endorsed a re-definition of Marxism that aimed at saving communism from radical Maoism and legitimising the new policies. Next, I examine texts from the beginning of the second reform period, when official propaganda strove to justify the roll-out of a market economy by portraying “pragmatism” as the essence of Marxism. Finally, I analyse how Party-state leaders have invoked Marxism around the time of the last leadership transition. The article suggests that such a use of “Marxism” in contemporary official discourse originates from Mao Zedong Thought as well as in a gradual hollowing out of the concept. As a result it sheds light on the ideological undertows of China’s contemporary socio-political history and on the chances of future political change.
Animalism and Person Essentialism
Authors: Sharpe Kevin W. 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
Animalism is the view that human persons are human animals – biological organisms that belong to the species Homo sapiens. This paper concerns a family of modal objections to animalism based on the essentiality of personhood (persons and animals differ in their persistence conditions; psychological considerations are relevant for the persistence of persons, but not animals; persons, but not animals, are essentially psychological beings). Such arguments are typically used to support constitutionalism, animalism’s main neo-Lockean rival. The problem with such arguments is that they wrongly assume that animalism is incompatible with our essentially being psychological beings. In this paper, I discuss a formulation of animalism, what I call psychologically-serious animalism, according to which human persons are essentially human animals and essentially persons. I show how the availability of this neglected formulation of animalism undermines objections based on the essentiality of personhood.
Development of sustainable resource based poly(urethane-etheramide)/Fe2O3 nanocomposite as anticorrosive coating materials
Authors: Shaik Mohammed Rafi , Alam Manawwer , Alandis Naser M. 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
Linseed polyetheramide (LPEtA) resin was synthesized by the condensation polymerization of N-N-bis (2-hydroxyethyl) linseed oil fatty amide (HELA) with pyrogallol. The residual hydroxyl groups of LPEtA resin were further modified with isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) to obtain linseed poly(urethane-etheramide) (ULPEtA) via addition polymerization. ULPEtA was modified with iron oxide nanoparticles in different weight percent (0.1 wt%, 0.2 wt%, 0.3 wt% and 0.4 wt%) producing ULPEtA/Fe2O3 nanocomposite. Spectroscopic characterization of HELA, LPEtA and ULPEtA was carried out by using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) and carbon nuclear magnetic resonance (13C-NMR) techniques. Physicochemical and physico-mechanical properties of LPEtA and ULPEtA were carried out by using standard methods. Thermal stability and anticorrosion performance were assessed by thermogravimetric analysis/differential scanning calorimetry (TGA/DSC) and potentiodynamic polarization. The corrosion behavior of ULPEtA/Fe2O3 nanocomposite coatings on mild steel was investigated in different corrosive environments (3.5 wt% HCl, 5.0 wt% NaCl, 3.5 wt% NaOH, and tap water) at room temperature. Surface morphology study was performed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX). Coating properties such as gloss, scratch hardness, flexibility and impact resistance were evaluated using standard methods. The results of this study showed that ULPEtA/Fe2O3 nanocomposite coatings exhibit good physico-mechanical, anticorrosive properties and can be safely used up to 220°C.
Effect of compatibilizer on the properties of PBS/lignin composites prepared via a vane extruder
Authors: Liu Huan Yu , Chen Fu Quan , Guo Rui Biao , Zhang GuiZhen , Qu JinPing 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
Maleic anhydride (MAH) grafted polymers and silanes have been used as the compatibilizer in poly (butylene succinate)/lignin (PBS/lignin) composites. Compatibilized composites were fabricated by a novel vane extruder (VE). The effects of MAH grafted and coupling agent on the mechanical, thermal property, rheological property and water absorption of PBS/lignin were investigated. The results showed that the use of MAH grafted polymers and silanes resulted in significant improvements in flexural property, tensile modulus and tensile strength. Furthermore, MAH grafted polymers and silanes exhibited some improvement on the properties of vicat softening temperature as well as water absorption. The composites treated by MAH grafted polymers and silanes showed non-Newtonian behaviors from rheological tests. A better interfacial adhesion between lignin and matrix was observed from the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the compatibilized composites.
Phonological processes in Portuguese children with speech sound disorders
Authors: Jesus Luis M. T. , Lousada Marisa , Domingues Diana , Hall Andreia , Tomé David 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThis study investigates the nature of phonological impairment in 20 pre- and early school Portuguese children with phonologically based Speech Sound Disorders (SSD). The phonological profile of these children was compared with the performance of 232 younger typically developing (TD) controls. Results showed differences in phonological acquisition of children with phonologically based SSD, namely a low percentage of correct consonants score and a higher percentage of occurrences of typical phonological processes. Children with phonologically based SSD also used phonological processes (e.g., backing and initial consonant deletion) that are considered unusual in normally developing children and were not observed in the TD group. Results for SSD children also showed that early acquisition consonants were substituted by later acquisitions. Children with SSD presented differences in phonological acquisition, unusual phonological processes, and replaced early acquisition consonants by later acquisition consonants. This knowledge is useful for speech and language therapists in the diagnosis and treatment of SSD.