bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real-World Robustness for Hybrid Vehicle Optimal Energy Management Strategies Incorporating Drivability Metrics
Authors: Opila Daniel F. , Wang Xiaoyong , McGee Ryan , Brent Gillespie R. , Cook Jeffrey A. , Grizzle J. W.
Published: May 2014

Hybrid vehicle fuel economy and drive quality are coupled through the “energy management” controller that regulates power flow among the various energy sources and sinks. This paper studies energy management controllers designed using shortest path stochastic dynamic programming (SP-SDP), a stochastic optimal control design method which can respect constraints on drivetrain activity while minimizing fuel consumption for an assumed distribution of driver power demand. The performance of SP-SDP controllers is evaluated through simulation on large numbers of real-world drive cycles and compared to a baseline industrial controller provided by a major auto manufacturer. On real-world driving data, the SP-SDP-based controllers yield 10% better fuel economy than the baseline industrial controller, for the same engine and gear activity. The SP-SDP controllers are further evaluated for robustness to the drive cycle statistics used in their design. Simplified drivability metrics introduced in previous work are validated on large real-world data sets.
Galerkin Boundary Elements for a Computation of the Surface Tractions in Exterior Stokes Flows
Authors: D'Elía Jorge , Battaglia Laura , Cardona Alberto , Storti Mario , Ríos Rodríguez Gustavo
Published: May 2014

In the computation of a three–dimensional steady creeping flow around a rigid body, the total body force and torque are well predicted using a boundary integral equation (BIE) with a single concentrated pair Stokeslet- Rotlet located at an interior point of the body. However, the distribution of surface tractions are seldom considered. Then, a completed indirect velocity BIE of Fredholm type and second-kind is employed for the computation of the pointwise tractions, and it is numerically solved by using either collocation or Galerkin weighting procedures over flat triangles. In the Galerkin case, a full numerical quadrature is proposed in order to handle the weak singularity of the tensor kernels, which is an extension for fluid engineering of a general framework (Taylor, 2003, “Accurate and Efficient Numerical Integration of Weakly Singulars Integrals in Galerkin EFIE Solutions,” IEEE Trans. on Antennas and Propag., 51(7), pp. 1630–1637). Several numerical simulations of steady creeping flow around closed bodies are presented, where results compare well with semianalytical and finite-element solutions, showing the ability of the method for obtaining the viscous drag and capturing the singular behavior of the surface tractions close to edges and corners. Also, deliberately intricate geometries are considered.
A Comparison Between the Separated Flow Structures Near the Wake of a Bare and a Foam-Covered Circular Cylinder
Authors: Ashtiani Abdi Iman , Hooman Kamel , Khashehchi Morteza
Published: May 2014

The flow structures behind bare and aluminum foam-covered single circular cylinders were investigated using particle image velocimetry (PIV). The experiments are conducted for a range of Reynolds numbers from 2000 to 8000, based on the outer cylinders diameter and the air velocity upstream of the cylinder. The analysis of the PIV data shows the important effects of the foam cover and the inlet velocity on the separated structures. The results show a considerable increase in the wake size behind a foam-covered cylinder compared to that of a bare cylinder. Furthermore, the turbulence intensity is found to be around 10% higher in the case of the foam-covered cylinder where the wake size is approximately doubled for the former case compared to the latter. The turbulence kinetic energy, however, is found to be less Reynolds dependent in the case of the foam-covered cylinder. In addition, small scale structures contribute to the formation of the flow structures in the foam-covered cylinder making them a more efficient turbulent generator for the next rows when used in a heat exchanger tube bundle. On the other hand, a higher energy level in such separated structures will translate into increased pressure drop compared to bare cylinders. Finally, the results of this study can be used as an accurate set of boundary conditions for modeling the flow field past such cylinders.
Customizable Soft Pneumatic Chamber–Gripper Devices for Delicate Surgical Manipulation
Authors: Low Jin-Huat , Delgado-Martinez Ignacio , Yeow Chen-Hua
Published: May 2014

Traditional hard tissue grippers are limited in handling delicate soft tissues during surgery, particularly due to the high stress points that are generated on the soft tissue during gripping. In this study, customizable soft pneumatic chamber–gripper devices were designed to provide compliant gripping, so as to replace conventional tissue grippers such as the laparoscopic grasper or forceps in delicate tissue manipulation. The soft chamber–gripper device involves very simple design and control to generate actuation. It is fabricated from an elastomeric material using a modified soft lithography technique. The device consists of a gripper component that can be made up of one or more gripper arms with a pneumatic channel in each arm, and a chamber filled with air. The pneumatic channels are positioned close to the outer wall of the gripper arms and are connected to the chamber. Upon compression of the chamber, the pneumatic channels will inflate towards the outer walls, which thus bends the gripper arms and results in a closed gripping posture. This soft chamber–gripper device can be used to pick up objects of size up to 2 mm with a compressive force that is more than three times smaller than the grip force generated by traditional forceps. This will be useful in preventing tissue trauma during surgical manipulation, especially in nerve anastomosis.
Simple Expression for the Emittance of H2O–CO2 Mixtures in Zonal Methods of Radiation Transfer Modeling
Authors: Vladimir Lisienko , German Malikov , Alexander Titaev , Viskanta Raymond
Published: May 2014

A new and simple expression for the calculation of the total gas emittance of H2O–CO2 mixtures for modeling radiation transfer in combustion furnaces is presented. Its accuracy is established by comparing the predictions with those based on the well established the model based on Hitemp database. The computational time was found to be reduced by a factor of 3 in comparison to other methods for computing the total emittance of combustion gas mixtures.
Efficient proximity effect correction method based on multivariate adaptive regression splines for grayscale e-beam lithography
Authors: Mi Wujun , Nillius Peter
Published: May 2014

Grayscale electron beam lithography is an important technique to manufacture three-dimensional (3D) micro- and nano-structures, such as diffractive optical devices and Fresnel lenses. However, the proximity effect due to the scattering of electrons may cause significant error to the desired 3D structure. Conventional proximity correction methods depend on the exposure energy distribution which sometimes is difficult to obtain. In this study, the authors develop a novel proximity effect correction method based on multivariate adaptive regression splines, which takes exposure energy and development into consideration simultaneously. To evaluate the method, a Fresnel lens was fabricated through simulation and experiment. The measurements demonstrate the feasibility and validity of the method.
Alkali azide based growth of high quantum efficiency photocathodes
Authors: Cultrera Luca , Brown Mark , Karkare Siddharth , Schaff William , Bazarov Ivan , Dunham Bruce
Published: May 2014

The authors report on successful growth of bialkali photocathode based on CsK2Sb using the alkali metal vapors generated by thermal decomposition of alkali azides. Details about the ultrahigh vacuum growth system and the procedure used are provided. The final quantum efficiency of the photocathode under illumination with 532 nm laser is 9.6%. This value is comparable to the largest ones obtained in our previous experiments using commercial dispensers, indicating that alkali azides are a viable alternative.
Potential Bryde's whale (Balaenoptera edeni) calls recorded in the northern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Rice Aaron N. , Palmer K. J. , Tielens Jamey T. , Muirhead Charles A. , Clark Christopher W.
Published: May 2014

Several marine autonomous recording units (MARUs) were deployed in northeastern Gulf of Mexico from 2010–2012 to study the acoustic ecology of Bryde's whales (Balaenoptera edeni) following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. However, the acoustic repertoire of this sub-population is poorly documented, presently limiting the efficacy of acoustic monitoring applications. Numerous stereotyped, low-frequency signals from a putative biological sound source were found throughout the recordings. Sounds fell into three categories distinguished by spectral and temporal properties. Multiple calls overlapped temporally on individual MARUs, suggesting that multiple sources produced these sounds. The basic features are similar to those from other mysticetes, but they differ from any previously published sounds. Since Bryde's whales are the most common mysticete in the Gulf and have previously been observed within the recording area on multiple occasions, it is likely that Bryde's whales are the most probable source of these sounds. These results potentially identify a suite of previously undocumented calls from Bryde's whales, which could facilitate future passive acoustic monitoring efforts to better understand the population dynamics and status of this sub-population.
Responses of free-living coastal pelagic fish to impulsive sounds
Authors: Hawkins Anthony D. , Roberts Louise , Cheesman Samuel
Published: May 2014

The behavior of wild, pelagic fish in response to sound playback was observed with a sonar/echo sounder. Schools of sprat Sprattus sprattus and mackerel Scomber scombrus were examined at a quiet coastal location. The fish were exposed to a short sequence of repeated impulsive sounds, simulating the strikes from a pile driver, at different sound pressure levels. The incidence of behavioral responses increased with increasing sound level. Sprat schools were more likely to disperse and mackerel schools more likely to change depth. The sound pressure levels to which the fish schools responded on 50% of presentations were 163.2 and 163.3 dB re 1 μPa peak-to-peak, and the single strike sound exposure levels were 135.0 and 142.0 dB re 1 μPa2 s, for sprat and mackerel, respectively, estimated from dose response curves. For sounds leading to mackerel responses, particle velocity levels were also estimated. The method of observation by means of a sonar/echo sounder proved successful in examining the behavior of unrestrained fish exposed to different sound levels. The technique may allow further testing of the relationship between responsiveness, sound level, and sound characteristics for different types of man-made sound, for a variety of fish species under varied conditions.
Robust direction-of-arrival by matched-lags, applied to gunshots
Authors: Lyon Freire Izabela
Published: May 2014

This work investigates the direction-of-arrival problem. A time-delay-estimate (TDE) obtained from a peak of a correlation function is subject to two types of error: type I, approximation errors, and type II, errors due to spurious signals. The iterative least-squares algorithm tentatively selects spatially coherent subsets of TDEs containing no type II errors and minor contributions of type I errors (“matched-lags”). Simulations use a seven-microphone array and a gunshot signal. The evaluation methodology is rigorous, comparing empirical distribution functions of estimation error of algorithms through two-sample, one-sided Kolmogorov–Smirnov tests, and quantifying differences with Cohen's D. The direction-of-arrival estimate is improved, specifically at low signal-to-noise ratios.
An eigenvector-based test for local stationarity applied to array processing
Authors: Quijano Jorge E. , Zurk Lisa M.
Published: May 2014

In sonar array processing, a challenging problem is the estimation of the data covariance matrix in the presence of moving targets in the water column, since the time interval of data local stationarity is limited. This work describes an eigenvector-based method for proper data segmentation into intervals that exhibit local stationarity, providing data-driven higher bounds for the number of snapshots available for computation of time-varying sample covariance matrices. Application of the test is illustrated with simulated data in a horizontal array for the detection of a quiet source in the presence of a loud interferer.
Image source detection for geoacoustic inversion by the Teager-Kaiser energy operator
Authors: Drira Achraf , Guillon Laurent , Boudraa Abdel-Ouahab
Published: May 2014

This letter presents an improvement of the image source method for geoacoustic inversion. The algorithm is based on the Teager-Kaiser energy operator which amplifies the discontinuities in signals while the soft transitions are reduced. This property is exploited for accurate detection of time arrivals and thus for location of the image sources. The effectiveness of the method is shown on both synthetic and real data and the inversion results are, overall, in good agreement with ground truth and other inversion results with a significant reduction of computation time.
A spring model for suspended particles in dissipative particle dynamics
Authors: Phan-Thien N. , Mai-Duy N. , Khoo B. C.
Published: May 2014

This paper is concerned with the use of oscillating particles instead of the usual frozen particles to model a suspended particle in the dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) method. A suspended particle is represented by a set of basic DPD particles connected to reference sites by linear springs of very large stiffness. The reference sites, collectively modeling a rigid body, move as a rigid body motion calculated through their Newton-Euler equations, using data from the previous time step, while the velocities of their associated DPD particles are found by solving the DPD equations at the current time step. In this way, a specified Boltzmann temperature (specific kinetic energy of the particles) can be maintained throughout the computational domain, including the region occupied by the suspended particles. This parameter can also be used to adjust the size of the suspended and solvent particles, which in turn affect the strength of the shear-thinning behavior and the effective maximal packing fraction. Furthermore, the suspension, comprised of suspended particles in a set of solvent particles all interacting under a quadratic soft repulsive potential, can be simulated using a relatively large time step. Several numerical examples are presented to demonstrate attractiveness of the proposed model.
Understanding Patterns of Young Children’s Physical Activity After School—It’s all About Context: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Engelen Lina , Bundy Anita C , Lau Jamie , Naughton Geraldine , Wyver Shirley , Bauman Adrian , Baur Louise
Published: May 2014

Background:

To promote healthy lifestyles, we need to understand more about the patterns of children’s activities after school.

Methods:

Twenty 5- to 7-year-old children and their parents participated in this study. Parents used ‘real-time’ diaries to report children’s activities and contextual information at 3 randomly selected times per day, over 4 week days. Reporting was repeated after 13 weeks. Simultaneously children wore Actical accelerometers.

Results:

Approximately 300 simultaneous accelerometer measurements and diary entries were compared. Mean physical activity levels were highest when children engaged in activities generally considered as “active” and lowest for doing “nothing.” However, the range within activities was very large; some children who reported TV/screen time accumulated high accelerometry counts and conversely, some children were practically sedentary during organized sports. Children spent most (78%) of their after school time indoors, but the children were significantly more active outdoors than indoors [t(74.8) = 5.0, P < .001].

Conclusions:

Accelerometer data in conjunction with real-time diaries provide a more complete understanding of the value of outdoor play in increasing movement opportunities for children’s after school activities.
The Cumulative Impact of Physical Activity, Sleep Duration, and Television Time on Adolescent Obesity: 2011 Youth Risk Behavior Survey
Authors: Laurson Kelly R. , Lee Joey A. , Eisenmann Joey C.
Published: May 2014

Background:

Physical activity (PA), television time (TV), and sleep duration (SLP) are considered individual risk factors for adolescent obesity. Our aim was to investigate the concurrent influence of meeting PA, SLP, and TV recommendations on adolescent obesity utilizing 2011 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey (YRBSS) data.

Methods:

Subjects included 9589 (4874 females) high school students. PA, SLP, and TV were categorized utilizing established national recommendations and youth were cross-tabulated into 1 of 8 groups based on meeting or not meeting each recommendation. Logistic models were used to examine the odds of obesity for each group. Results: Youth meeting the PA recommendation were not at increased odds of obesity, regardless of SLP or TV status. However, not meeting any single recommendation, in general, led to increased odds of not meeting the other two. In boys, 11.8% met all recommendations while 14.1% met 0 recommendations. In girls, only 5.0% met all recommendations while 17.8% met none.

Conclusions:

Boys and girls not meeting any of the recommendations were 4.0 and 3.8 times more likely to be obese compared with their respective referent groups. Further research considering the simultaneous influence these risk factors may have on obesity and on one another is warranted.
Reining in Radiation Injury: HIF2α in the Gut
Authors: Lee Chang-Lung , Moding Everett J. , Kirsch David G.
Published: May 2014

Deletion of prolyl hydroxylase domain proteins or overexpression of hypoxia-inducible factor 2α (HIF2α) in the gastrointestinal epithelium improves survival of mice after abdominal irradiation (Taniguchi
et al
., this issue).
Bacteria-Driven Atherosclerosis
Authors: Erbay Ebru
Published: May 2014

Asymptomatic
Helicobacter cinaedi
infection induces macrophage proinflammatory responses and promotes atherosclerosis.
Finding Needles in the Haystack
Authors: Gerber David E.
Published: May 2014

A noninvasive urinary metabolic profile may identify early lung cancer and predict outcomes.
Severe depression as the sole symptom of affective focal status epilepticus
Authors: Dimitriadis Konstantinos , Pfefferkorn Thomas , Noachtar Soheyl
Published: May 2014

Depression as well as fear, joy and anger have been described as the semiological features of focal epileptic seizures. When emotions present as the sole symptoms of epileptic seizures, they may easily be misdiagnosed as a psychiatric disorder. We describe a patient with affective focal status epilepticus, secondary to limbic encephalitis, in which depression was the only clinical manifestation. Through EEG correlates the epileptic nature of depression could be proven. Furthermore, we discuss the association between epilepsy and depression, as well as the link between ictal depression and suicidal rates.
Reconstruction of the maxilla using a fibula graft and virtual planning techniques
Authors: Rude Kristian , Thygesen Torben H , Sørensen Jens Ahm
Published: May 2014

Use of a vascularised free fibula flap has been a popular method of osseous reconstruction because of its adequate length and acceptance of dental implants. In this article we describe a case of maxillary reconstruction in which virtual planning techniques and rapid prototyping were used to insert a microvascular osteomyocutaneous fibula graft, Medpor implant, and immediate dental implants.
Management of incidental esophageal uptake on FDG PET/CT
Authors: Shah Ami A , Wu Jennifer
Published: May 2014

A 51-year-old Caucasian man with a history of colon carcinoma, status post right hemicolectomy, now with elevated carcinoembryonic antigen underwent positron emission tomography (PET)/CT for evaluation of tumour recurrence. An incidental focal esophageal uptake was noted on PET/CT, without associated mass. Subsequent endoscopy revealed Barrett's esophagus. The second patient, a 63- year-old Caucasian man, underwent a PET/CT to characterise a 12 mm lung nodule. The PET/CT had linear diffuse uptake within the esophagus. Endoscopy and biopsy findings were consistent with reflux esophagitis. This case report discusses management of incidental esophageal uptake on fludeoxyglucose PET/CT.
Cardiac arrest due to baclofen withdrawal syndrome
Authors: Cardoso Ana Luísa , Quintaneiro Claudio , Seabra Helena , Teixeira Carla
Published: May 2014

A 41-year-old man presented with postcervical traumatic complete quadriparesis under intrathecal baclofen therapy (ITB) for refractory spasticity. Less than 24 h after having his baclofen pump substituted, he develops hyperthermia, seizures, cognitive depression, acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure and cardiovascular instability leading to mechanical ventilation and vasopressor support. He was transferred to an intensive care unit with diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia leading to septic shock. He evolved with progressive clinical worsening and multisystem organ failure and cardiac arrest in non-shockable rhythm (pulseless electrical activity)—4 min resuscitation with return of spontaneous circulation. Considering the possible diagnosis of baclofen withdrawal syndrome and, in suspicion of ITB delivery disruption, the catheter system was surgically explored and a leaking tubule attachment was found. Despite aggressive cardiovascular, respiratory and renal support therapy, clinical improvement occurred only after restoration of intrathecal drug delivery. He was discharged from the hospital after 56 days, having returned to baseline status.
The psychological impact of cardiovascular screening: the athlete's perspective
Authors: Asif Irfan M , Johnson Serena , Schmieg Jason , Smith Tiffany , Rao Ashwin L , Harmon Kimberly G , Salerno Jack C , Drezner Jonathan A
Published: May 2014

Background

Published guidelines suggest that ECG screening in US athletes may cause excessive anxiety, especially in those with false-positive findings. However, this has never been formally evaluated.

Methods and study design

Prospective, non-randomised controlled trial. High school athletes received a standardised history and physical examination (control) or a history and physical examination with an ECG (experimental). Prescreen and postscreen assessments for health attitudes, anxiety and impact of screening on sport were conducted.

Results

952 athletes (49.7% girls, mean age 15.5 years) participated (control=150; experimental=802). 4.4% worried about having an underlying cardiac condition, and 73% wanted to learn if they had a cardiac abnormality prior to competition. In the experimental group, 576 had normal screens, 220 had an abnormal screen (by history 15.8%, physical examination 6.2% or ECG 1.7%) but normal work up (false-positive) and 6 were identified with a serious cardiac condition (true-positive, 0.75%). Compared with the control group, those who received an ECG were more likely to: (1) be significantly more satisfied with their screening (p<0.001), (2) feel safer during competition (p<0.01), (3) support that all athletes should receive cardiac screening (p<0.001) and (4) state the ECG positively impacted their training (p<0.001).

False-positive athletes did not report anxiety during or after screening. Distress levels did not differ based on reason for needing further evaluation (history, physical examination or ECG, p=0.311). Compared with control participants, individuals with false-positive results: (1) reported no difference in postscreen anxiety (p=0.775), (2) felt safer during competition (p<0.001), (3) would recommend ECG screening to others (p<0.001) and (4) expressed a positive impact on training (p<0.001).

Conclusions

Excessive anxiety should not be used as a reason to forego ECG screening in athletes.
Predicting energy expenditure through hand rim propulsion power output in individuals who use wheelchairs
Authors: Conger Scott A , Scott Stacy N , Bassett David R
Published: May 2014

Aim

To examine the relationship between hand rim propulsion power and energy expenditure (EE) during wheelchair wheeling and to investigate whether adding other variables to the model could improve on the prediction of EE.

Methods

Individuals who use manual wheelchairs (n=14) performed five different wheeling activities in a wheelchair with a PowerTap power meter hub built into the right rear wheel. Activities included wheeling on a smooth, level surface at three different speeds (4.5, 5.5 and 6.5 km/h), wheeling on a rubberised track at one speed (5.5 km/h) and wheeling on a sidewalk course that included uphill and downhill segments at a self-selected speed. EE was measured using a portable indirect calorimetry system. Stepwise linear regression was performed to predict EE from power output variables. A repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to compare the measured EE to the estimates from the power models. Bland-Altman plots were used to assess the agreement between the criterion values and the predicted values.

Results

EE and power were significantly correlated (r=0.694, p<0.001). Regression analysis yielded three significant prediction models utilising measured power; measured power and speed; and measured power, speed and heart rate. No significant differences were found between measured EE and any of the prediction models.

Conclusion

EE can be accurately and precisely estimated based on hand rim propulsion power. These results indicate that power could be used as a method to assess EE in individuals who use wheelchairs.
Do adult obesity rates in England vary by insecurity as well as by inequality? An ecological cross-sectional study
Authors: Ulijaszek Stanley J
Published: May 2014

Objective

Geographical variations in adult obesity rates have been attributed in part to variations in social and economic inequalities. Insecurity is associated with obesity at the cross-national level, but there is little empirical evidence to show that insecurity contributes to the structuring of adult obesity rates at the subnational level. This is examined in this study across local authorities in England, using a recently developed social classification for the British population.

Setting

Modelled obesity rates from the Health Survey for England 2006–2008 were related to social class (as estimated from the BBC’s Great British Class Survey of 2011 and a nationally representative sample survey), across 320 local authorities in England.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Comparisons of mean obesity rates across Z score categories for seven latent social classes were carried out using one-way analysis of variance. Pooled ordinary least square regression analyses of obesity rates by local authorities according to the proportion of different social classes within each of them were performed to determine the extent of geographical variations in obesity rates among the classes that were more greatly based on insecurity (emergent service workers, precariat), and those more closely based on inequality (elite, established middle class, technical middle class, new affluent workers, traditional working class).

Results

Adult obesity rates vary negatively across local authorities according to the proportion of people in the elite (F=39.06, p<0.001) and technical middle class (F=8.10, p<0.001) and positively with respect to the proportion of people of the established middle class (F=26.36, p<0.001), new affluent workers (F=73.03, p<0.001), traditional working class (F=23.00, p<0.001) and precariat (F=13.13, p<0.001). Social classes more closely based on inequality show greater association with adult obesity rates across local authorities than social classes more closely based on insecurity.

Conclusions

Both insecurity and inequality are associated with the geographical patterning of adult obesity rates across England.
The endoscopy evolution: ‘the superscope era’
Authors: Patel Nisha , Darzi Ara , Teare Julian
Published: May 2014

Developments to the design of the flexible endoscope are transforming the field of gastroenterology. There is a drive to improve colonic adenoma detection rates leading to advancements in the design of the colonoscope. Novel endoscopes now allow increased visualisation of colonic mucosa, including behind colonic folds, and aim to reduce pain associated with the procedure. In addition, a shift in surgical paradigm towards minimally invasive endoluminal surgery has meant innovations in flexible platforms are being sought. There are a number of limitations of the basic endoscope. These include a lack of stability and triangulation of instruments. Modifications to the flexible endoscope design form the basis of a number of newly developed and research platforms, some of which are discussed in this review.
Managing and reporting notifiable disease in the sexual health clinic
Authors: Herbert Sophie , Hewitt Kirsty , Cassell Jackie A
Published: May 2014

Notifiable infections can be and often are transmitted sexually and the process of notification often does not work well in the GUM setting. It is the statutory duty of medical practitioners to report notifiable infections, but there are a number of barriers to reporting in sexual health, in particular concerns that notification may breach confidentiality. In this article, we hope to explain the reporting process and aim to highlight why we need to report and what health protection teams do with the information provided. We hope to make the process simple so that GUM clinics can fulfil their public health obligations and enable timely and appropriate public health action to be taken.
Dynamic Stability and Failure Probability Analysis of Dome Structures Under Stochastic Seismic Excitation
Authors: Li Jie , Xu Jun
Published: May 2014

The intrinsic relationship between deterministic system and stochastic system is profoundly revealed by the probability density evolution method (PDEM) with introduction of physical law into the stochastic system. On this basis, stochastic dynamic stability analysis of single-layer dome structures under stochastic seismic excitation is firstly studied via incorporating an energetic physical criterion for identification of dynamic instability of dome structures into PDEM, which yields to sample stability (stable reliability). However, dynamic instability is not identical to structural failure definitely, where strength failure can be experienced not only in the stable structure but also when the structure is out of dynamic stability. It is practically feasible to decouple the stochastic dynamic response of dome structures to be a stable one and an unstable one according to the generalized density evolution equation (GDEE). Consequently, the global failure probability can be investigated separately based on the corresponding independent stochastic response. For unstable failure probability assessment, the failure probability is the unstable probability if the dome's failure is attributed to instability, whereas inverse absorbing is firstly implemented to get rid of the stochastic response before instability and a complementary process is filled in the safe domain immediately to finally assess the probability of strength failure after dynamic instability.
Properties of Selick's filtration of the double suspension E2
Authors: Grbić Jelena , Theriault Stephen , Zhao Hao
Published: May 2014

To help study the double suspension [Formula: see text] when localised at a prime p, Selick filtered Ω2S2n+1 by H-spaces which geometrically realise a natural Hopf algebra filtration of H*(Ω2S2n+1;ℤ/p). Later, Gray showed that the fiber Wn of E2 has an integral classifying space BWn and there is a homotopy fibration [Formula: see text]. In this paper we correspondingly filter BWn in a manner compatible with Selick's filtration and the homotopy fibration [Formula: see text], study the multiplicative properties and homotopy exponents of the spaces in the filtrations, and use the filtrations to filter exponent information for the homotopy groups of S2n+1. Our results link three seemingly different in nature classical homotopy fibrations given by Toda, Selick and Gray and make them special cases of a systematic whole. In addition we construct a spectral sequence which converges to the homotopy groups of BWn.
Meso-design of heterogeneous dielectric material systems: Structure property relationships
Authors: Baker Jeffrey , Adkins Jon Michael , Rabbi Fazle , Liu Qianlong , Reifsnider Kenneth , Raihan Rassel
Published: May 2014

Heterogeneous materials are inherently dielectric, and charge distribution and transport in such materials involves complex local fields and polarizations that are remarkably sensitive to morphology and the interaction of conduction and permittivity. Trial and error design of such material systems is time consuming and expensive, and often ineffectual. However, heterogeneous materials are essential for energy conversion and storage, and they have become the foundation for major advances in the performance of devices such as batteries, fuel cells, separation membranes, and solar cells. The present paper presents some relationships in support of rational design based on an extensive experimental validation of the concepts and analysis that form a foundation for that design. Salient results include the prediction and confirmation of volume fraction effects (including nondilute mixtures), and the prediction and direct measurement of surface charge effects at internal interfaces as a function of constituent morphology and orientation.
Genetic Variation in Adipokine Genes and Associations with Adiponectin and Leptin Concentrations in Plasma and Breast Tissue
Authors: Llanos Adana A.M. , Brasky Theodore M. , Mathew Jeena , Makambi Kepher H. , Marian Catalin , Dumitrescu Ramona G. , Freudenheim Jo L. , Shields Peter G.
Published: May 2014

Background: Circulating adipokines may be associated with breast cancer risk. Genetic variants governing adipokines and adipokine receptors may also predict risk, but their effect on breast adipokine concentrations is unknown.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of functional SNPs in 5 adipokine genes [adiponectin, leptin (LEP), and their receptors] among 85 cancer-free women who were undergoing reduction mammoplasty.

Results: In multivariable-adjusted regression models, compared with the common GG genotype, the AA genotype of the LEP A19G SNP was associated with 27% lower plasma adiponectin [ratio, 0.73; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.54–0.98] and leptin (ratio, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.55–0.96). Women with the AG genotype of LEP A19G had 39% lower breast leptin (ratio, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.39–0.97) compared with those with the GG genotype. No associations were observed for SNPs in the remaining genes.

Conclusions: Genetic variation in LEP may alter endogenous adipokine concentrations in circulation and in breast tissues.

Impact: These preliminary findings may support the hypothesis that genetic variation in adipokine genes modifies circulating adipokine concentrations and possibly leptin concentrations in local breast tissues, which may be associated with breast cancer risk. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(8); 1559–68. ©2014 AACR.
Molecular Pathways: Targeting Death Receptors and Smac Mimetics
Authors: Fulda Simone
Published: May 2014

Inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) proteins are overexpressed in multiple human malignancies, an event that is associated with poor prognosis and treatment resistance. Therefore, IAP proteins represent relevant targets for therapeutic intervention. Second mitochondrial activator of caspases (Smac) is a mitochondrial protein that is released into the cytosol upon the induction of programmed cell death and promotes apoptosis by neutralizing IAP proteins. On the basis of this property, a variety of small-molecule inhibitors have been developed that mimic the binding domain of the native Smac protein to IAP proteins. Evaluation of these Smac mimetics in preclinical studies revealed that they particularly synergize together with agents that trigger the death receptor pathway of apoptosis. Such combinations might therefore be of special interest for being included in the ongoing evaluation of Smac mimetics in early clinical trials. Clin Cancer Res; 20(15); 3915–20. ©2014 AACR.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration Approval: Obinutuzumab in Combination with Chlorambucil for the Treatment of Previously Untreated Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Lee Hyon-Zu , Miller Barry W. , Kwitkowski Virginia E. , Ricci Stacey , DelValle Pedro , Saber Haleh , Grillo Joseph , Bullock Julie , Florian Jeffry , Mehrotra Nitin , Ko Chia-Wen , Nie Lei , Shapiro Marjorie , Tolnay Mate , Kane Robert C. , Kaminskas Edvardas , Justice Robert , Farrell Ann T. , Pazdur Richard
Published: May 2014

On November 1, 2013, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved obinutuzumab (GAZYVA; Genentech, Inc.), a CD20-directed cytolytic antibody, for use in combination with chlorambucil for the treatment of patients with previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). In stage 1 of the trial supporting approval, patients with previously untreated CD20-positive CLL were randomly allocated (2:2:1) to obinutuzumab + chlorambucil (GClb, n = 238), rituximab + chlorambucil (RClb, n = 233), or chlorambucil alone (Clb, n = 118). The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS), and secondary endpoints included overall response rate (ORR). Only the comparison of GClb to Clb was relevant to this approval and is described herein. A clinically meaningful and statistically significant improvement in PFS with medians of 23.0 and 11.1 months was observed in the GClb and Clb arms, respectively (HR, 0.16; 95% CI, 0.11–0.24; P < 0.0001, log-rank test). The ORRs were 75.9% and 32.1% in the GClb and Clb arms, respectively, and the complete response rates were 27.8% and 0.9% in the GClb and Clb arms, respectively. The most common adverse reactions (≥10%) reported in the GClb arm were infusion reactions, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia, pyrexia, cough, and musculoskeletal disorders. Obinutuzumab was the first Breakthrough Therapy–designated drug to receive FDA approval. Clin Cancer Res; 20(15); 3902–7. ©2014 AACR.
Prognostic Potential of DNA Methylation and Transcript Levels of HIF1A and EPAS1 in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Rawłuszko-Wieczorek Agnieszka Anna , Horbacka Karolina , Krokowicz Piotr , Misztal Matthew , Jagodziński Paweł Piotr
Published: May 2014

Hypoxic conditions during the formation of colorectal cancer may support the development of more aggressive tumors. Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) is a heterodimeric complex, composed of oxygen-induced HIFα and constitutively expressed HIFβ subunits, which mediates the primary transcriptional response to hypoxic stress. Among HIFα isoforms, HIF1α (HIF1A) and endothelial PAS domain–containing protein 1 (EPAS1) are able to robustly activate hypoxia-responsive gene signatures. Although posttranslational regulation of HIFα subunits is well described, less is known about their transcriptional regulation. Here, molecular analysis determined that EPAS1 mRNA was significantly reduced in primary colonic adenocarcinoma specimens compared with histopathologically nonneoplastic tissue from 120 patients. In contrast, no difference in HIF1A mRNA levels was observed between cancerous and noncancerous tissue. Bisulfite DNA sequencing and high-resolution melting analysis identified significant DNA hypermethylation in the EPAS1 regulatory region from cancerous tissue compared with nonneoplastic tissue. Importantly, multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed a high HR for patients with cancer with low EPAS1 transcript levels (HR, 4.91; 95% confidence interval, CI, 0.42–56.15; P = 0.047) and hypermethylated EPAS1 DNA (HR, 33.94; 95% CI, 2.84–405.95; P = 0.0054). Treatment with a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor, 5-Aza-2′-deoxycytidine (5-aza-dC/Decitabine), upregulated EPAS1 expression in hypoxic colorectal cancer cells that were associated with DNA demethylation of the EPAS1 regulatory region. In summary, EPAS1 is transcriptionally regulated by DNA methylation in colorectal cancer.

Implications: DNA methylation and mRNA status of EPAS1 have novel prognostic potential for colorectal cancer. Mol Cancer Res; 12(8); 1112–27. ©2014 AACR.
Prostatic and Dietary Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Prostate Cancer Progression during Active Surveillance
Authors: Moreel Xavier , Allaire Janie , Léger Caroline , Caron André , Labonté Marie-Ève , Lamarche Benoît , Julien Pierre , Desmeules Patrice , Têtu Bernard , Fradet Vincent
Published: May 2014

The association between omega-3 (ω-3) fatty acids and prostate cancer has been widely studied. However, little is known about the impact of prostate tissue fatty acid content on prostate cancer progression. We hypothesized that compared with the estimated dietary ω-3 fatty acids intake and the ω-3 fatty acids levels measured in red blood cells (RBC), the prostate tissue ω-3 fatty acid content is more strongly related to prostate cancer progression. We present the initial observations from baseline data of a phase II clinical trial conducted in a cohort of 48 untreated men affected with low-risk prostate cancer, managed under active surveillance. These men underwent a first repeat biopsy session within 6 months after the initial diagnosis of low-risk prostate cancer, at which time 29% of the men had progressed from a Gleason score of 6 to a Gleason score of 7. At the first repeat biopsy session, fatty acid levels were assessed with a food-frequency questionnaire, and determined in the RBC and in the prostate tissue biopsy. We found that eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) was associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer progression when measured directly in the prostate tissue. Thus, this initial interim study analysis suggests that prostate tissue ω-3 fatty acids, especially EPA, may be protective against prostate cancer progression in men with low-risk prostate cancer. Cancer Prev Res; 7(7); 766–76. ©2014 AACR.
Urinary PGE-M Levels Are Associated with Risk of Colorectal Adenomas and Chemopreventive Response to Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
Authors: Bezawada Navya , Song Mingyang , Wu Kana , Mehta Raaj S. , Milne Ginger L. , Ogino Shuji , Fuchs Charles S. , Giovannucci Edward L. , Chan Andrew T.
Published: May 2014

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) promotes colorectal carcinogenesis. Overall, systemic PGE2 production can be assessed by measuring its major metabolite, PGE-M, in urine. We examined the potential role of PGE-M as a biomarker for colorectal adenoma risk and chemopreventive response to anti-inflammatory drugs. We conducted a prospective case–control study nested within the Nurses' Health Study. Among women who previously provided a urine sample, we identified 420 cases diagnosed with colorectal adenoma during follow-up and matched them to 420 endoscopy-negative controls. We measured urinary PGE-M using an LC/MS assay. Compared with women in the lowest quartile of urinary PGE-M, women in the highest quartile had a multivariate OR of 1.40 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.92–2.14) for any adenoma; 0.91 (95% CI, 0.48–1.72) for low-risk adenoma (solitary adenoma <1 cm in greatest diameter with tubular/unspecified histology); and 1.66 (95% CI, 1.04–2.67) for high-risk adenoma (adenoma ≥1 cm in greatest diameter and/or tubulovillous, villous or high-grade dysplasia histology or multiple adenomas of any size or histology). Regular use of anti-inflammatory drugs (≥2 standard tablets of aspirin/NSAIDs per week) was associated with a significant reduction in adenoma risk (multivariate OR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.43–0.87) in women with high baseline PGE-M (quartiles 2–4), but not low PGE-M (quartile 1).Urinary PGE-M is associated with an increased risk of high-risk adenoma. Anti-inflammatory drugs seem to reduce adenoma risk among women with high, but not low PGE-M. Urinary PGE-M may serve as a biomarker to define subsets of the population who may obtain differential chemopreventive benefit from anti-inflammatory drugs. Cancer Prev Res; 7(7); 758–65. ©2014 AACR.
The Effect of TC14012 on Alkali Burn-Induced Corneal Neovascularization in Mice
Authors: Shen Minqian , Yuan Fei , Jin Jing , Yuan Yuanzhi
Published: May 2014

Aims: To observe the effect of TC14012 (a CXCR4 antagonist and CXCR7 agonist) on alkali burn-induced corneal neovascularization (CNV) in a mouse model. Methods: CNV was induced in vivo by alkali burns on the corneas of BALB/c mice. A total of 54 mice treated with alkali burns were randomly divided into 3 groups, each of which received one of the following treatments: bilateral subconjunctival injections of TC14012 for 3 consecutive days, bilateral subconjunctival injections of balanced saline (BS) for 3 consecutive days or no treatment (blank control). The areas of CNV were measured on days 3, 7 and 14 after the alkali burns. CXCR4, CXCR7, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) mRNAs were detected and quantified by real-time reverse transcription PCR on days 7 and 14. Additionally, the expression of the proteins CXCR4, CXCR7, VEGF, β-arrestin 2, total ERK1/2 and phospho-ERK1/2 was determined by Western blotting. Results: On day 7 after the alkali burns, the CNV area, VEGF, MMP-2 and MMP-9 mRNA levels, and VEGF, β-arrestin 2 and phospho-ERK1/2 protein levels were increased in the TC14012 group compared with the nontreatment and BS groups. However, on day 14, the CNV area, CXCR4, CXCR7, VEGF, MMP-2 and MMP-9 mRNA levels, and the CXCR4, CXCR7, VEGF and β-arrestin 2 protein levels were significantly decreased in the TC14012 group. Conclusions: TC14012 initially enhanced alkali burn-induced CNV but reduced CNV in later stages. In addition to CXCR4, CXCR7 is involved in the pathogenesis of CNV.
Influence of Primary Diagnosis and Complications on Visual Outcome in Patients Receiving a Boston Type 1 Keratoprosthesis
Authors: de Rezende Couto Nascimento Valeria , de la Paz Maria Fideliz , Rosandic Jurja , Stoiber Josef , Seyeddain Orang , Grabner Günther , Alvarez de Toledo Juan , Barraquer Rafael I. , Michael Ralph
Published: May 2014

Purpose: To analyse how primary diagnosis and complications affect the evolution of post-operative visual acuity (VA). Methods: We performed retrospective chart analysis on 59 eyes in 57 patients with various diagnoses, most of which were non-standard indications for Boston type 1 keratoprosthesis (Kpro) implantation. The follow-up period was at least 3 months. Patients were classified based on the evolution of post-operative VA: group A demonstrated stable VA improvement, group B lost VA improvement and group C no significant VA improvement. Results: We assigned 46% of our cases to group A with stable VA improvement, 32% to group B with lost VA improvement, and 22% to group C with no VA improvement. The number of graft failures before Kpro implantation did not influence VA outcome. Except for the relatively good VA outcome in chemical burn and radiation injury patients, there seems to be no association between primary diagnosis and positive or negative VA outcome. Only 9% of patients with posterior segment complications and 20% with infections and associated pathologies were assigned to group A. Conclusion: Most cases (78%) showed improvement in VA after Boston type 1 Kpro (groups A and B). Posterior segment complications and infections mostly resulted in persistent loss of vision. These complications should be prevented and carefully treated.