bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Color Image Encryption Algorithm Based on TD-ERCS System and Wavelet Neural Network
Authors: Zhang Kun , Fang Jian-bo
Published: October 2015

In order to solve the security problem of transmission image across public networks, a new image encryption algorithm based on TD-ERCS system and wavelet neural network is proposed in this paper. According to the permutation process and the binary XOR operation from the chaotic series by producing TD-ERCS system and wavelet neural network, it can achieve image encryption. This encryption algorithm is a reversible algorithm, and it can achieve original image in the rule inverse process of encryption algorithm. Finally, through computer simulation, the experiment results show that the new chaotic encryption algorithm based on TD-ERCS system and wavelet neural network is valid and has higher security.
Risk Factors Associated with Unsafe Injection Practices at the First Injection Episode among Intravenous Drug Users in France: Results from PrimInject, an Internet Survey
Authors: Guichard Anne , Guignard Romain , Lert France , Roy Elise
Published: October 2015

Background. New drug use patterns may increase the risk of human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis infections. In France, new injection patterns among youths with diverse social backgrounds have emerged, which may explain the persistently high rates of hepatitis C virus infection. This study explores factors associated with injection risk behaviours at first injection among users who began injecting in the post-2000 era.Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted on the Internet from October 2010 to March 2011, through an online questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression identified the independent correlates of needle sharing and equipment (cooker/cotton filter) sharing.Results. Among the 262 respondents (mean age 25 years), 65% were male. Both risk behaviours were positively associated with initiation before 18 years of age (aOR 3.7 CI 95% 1.3–10.6 and aOR 3.0 CI 95% 1.3–7.0) and being injected by another person (aOR 3.1 CI 95% 1.0–9.9 and aOR 3.0 CI 95% 1.3–7.1). Initiation at a party was an independent correlate of equipment sharing (aOR 2.6 95% CI 1.0–6.8). Conclusions. Results suggest a need for innovative harm reduction programmes targeting a variety of settings and populations, including youths and diverse party scenes. Education of current injectors to protect both themselves and those they might initiate into injection is critically important.
On the Durability of Sealable Circular Concrete Structures under Chloride Environment
Authors: Mi Changwen , Shao Kaikai , Li Xiaobao
Published: October 2015

Reinforcement corrosion resulting from chloride attack is one major mechanism that compromises concrete durability. Numerical methods were commonly used for tackling Fick’s diffusion equations. In this paper, we developed a Crank-Nicolson based finite difference scheme suitable for circular concrete structures. Both a time-dependent surface chloride model and diffusivity were considered. The impact of an ideal sealer on chloride redistribution was further investigated. Results suggested that the chloride threshold depth in a concrete structure is greatly affected by the radius of curvature, environment severity, and diffusivity. For sealable concrete structures, both the sealer application timing and location are of great importance.
Model of Multilayer Knowledge Diffusion for Competence Development in an Organization
Authors: Różewski Przemysław , Jankowski Jarosław
Published: October 2015

Growing role of intellectual capital within organizations is affecting new strategies related to knowledge management and competence development. Among different aspects related to this field, knowledge diffusion has become one of the interesting areas from both practitioner and researcher’s perspectives. Several models were proposed with main goal of simulating diffusion and explaining the nature of these processes. Existing models are focused on knowledge diffusion and they assume diffusion within a single layer using knowledge representation. From the organizational perspective connecting several types of knowledge and modelling changes of competence can bring additional value. In this paper we extended existing approaches by using multilayer diffusion model and focused on analysis of competence development process. The proposed model describes competence development process in a new way through horizontal and vertical knowledge diffusion in multilayer network. In the network, agents collaborate and interchange various kinds of knowledge through different layers and these mutual activities affect the competencies in a positive or negative way. Taking into consideration worker’s cognitive and social abilities and the previous level of competence the new competence level can be estimated. The model is developed to support competence management in different organizations.
Effects of Seawater Corrosion and Freeze-Thaw Cycles on Mechanical Properties of Fatigue Damaged Reinforced Concrete Beams
Authors: Liu Zijian , Diao Bo , Zheng Xiaoning
Published: October 2015

The effects of seawater corrosion and freeze-thaw cycles on the structural behavior of fatigue damaged reinforced concrete (FDRC) beams were experimentally studied. Results show that the residual strength of FDRC beams reduces as the fatigue load level (the ratio of maximum fatigue load to the ultimate static load) increases. The reduction in the loading capacity of FDRC beams in atmosphere environment was about 6.5% and 17.8% for given fatigue load levels of 0.2 and 0.3, respectively. However, if FDRC beams are exposed to the environment of seawater wet-dry cycles or to the environment of alternating actions of freeze-thaw and seawater immersion, as expected during the service life of RC bridge structures in coastal regions or in cold coastal regions, a more rapid reduction in the strength and stiffness of the beams is observed. The significance of an accurate simulation of working load and service condition RC bridge structures in coastal regions and cold coastal regions is highlighted.
First Principles Study of Electronic and Magnetic Properties of Co‐Doped Armchair Graphene Nanoribbons
Authors: Li Biao , Xu Dahai , Zhao Jun , Zeng Hui
Published: October 2015

Using the first principles calculations, we have studied the atomic and electronic structures of single Co atom incorporated with divacancy in armchair graphene nanoribbon (AGNR). Our calculated results show that the Co atom embedded in AGNR gives rise to significant impacts on the band structures and the FM spin configuration is the ground state. The presence of the Co doping could introduce magnetic properties. The calculated results revealed the arising of spin gapless semiconductor characteristics with doping near the edge in both ferromagnetic (FM) and antiferromagnetic (AFM) magnetic configurations, suggesting the robustness for potential application of spintronics. Moreover, the electronic structures of the Co‐doped AGNRs are strongly dependent on the doping sites and the edge configurations.
Micromechanism Underlying Nonlinear Stress-DependentK0of Clays at a Wide Range of Pressures
Authors: Shang Xiang-yu , Yang Chen , Zhou Guo-qing , Zheng Xiu-zhong
Published: October 2015

In order to investigate the mechanism underlying the reported nonlinear at-rest coefficient of earth pressure,K0of clays at high pressure, a particle-scale model which can be used to calculate vertical and horizontal repulsion between clay particles has been proposed. This model has two initial states which represent the clays at low pressure and high pressure, and the particles in this model can undergo rotation and vertical translation. The computation shows that the majority of particles in a clay sample at high pressure state would experience rotation during one-dimensional compression. In addition, rotation of particles which tends to form a parallel structure causes an increase of the horizontal interparticle force, while vertical translation leads to a decrease in it. Finally, the link between interparticle force, microstructure, and macroscopicK0is analyzed and it can be used to interpret well the nonlinear changes inK0with both vertical consolidation stress and height-diameter ratio.
Response of Spatial Patterns of Denitrifying Bacteria Communities to Water Properties in the Stream Inlets at Dianchi Lake, China
Authors: Yi Neng , Gao Yan , Zhang Zhenhua , Wang Yan , Liu Xinhong , Zhang Li , Yan Shaohua
Published: October 2015

Streams are an important sink for anthropogenic N owing to their hydrological connections with terrestrial systems, but main factors influencing the community structure and abundance of denitrifiers in stream water remain unclear. To elucidate the potential impact of varying water properties of different streams on denitrifiers, the abundance and community of three denitrifying genes coding for nitrite (nirK, nirS) and nitrous oxide (nosZ) reductase were investigated in 11 streams inlets at the north part of Dianchi Lake. The DGGE results showed the significant pairwise differences in community structure ofnirK, nirS, andnosZgenes among different streams. The results of redundancy analysis (RDA) confirmed that nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations, pH, and temperature in waters were the main environmental factors leading to a significant alteration in the community structure of denitrifiers among different streams. The denitrifying community size was assessed by quantitative PCR (qPCR) of thenirS, nirK, andnosZgenes. The abundance ofnirK, nirS, andnosZwas positively associated with concentrations of total N (TN) andPO43- (p<0.001). The difference in spatial patterns betweennirKandnirScommunity diversity, in combination with the spatial distribution of thenirS/nirKratio, indicated the occurrence of habitat selection for these two types of denitrifiers in the different streams. The results indicated that the varying of N species andPO43- together with pH and temperature would be the main factors shaping the community structure of denitrifiers. Meanwhile, the levels of N in water, together withPO43- , tend to affect the abundance of denitrifiers.
Locally Corroded Stiffener Effect on Shear Buckling Behaviors of Web Panel in the Plate Girder
Authors: Huh Jungwon , Kim In-Tae , Ahn Jin-Hee
Published: October 2015

The shear buckling failure and strength of a web panel stiffened by stiffeners with corrosion damage were examined according to the degree of corrosion of the stiffeners, using the finite element analysis method. For this purpose, a plate girder with a four-panel web girder stiffened by vertical and longitudinal stiffeners was selected, and its deformable behaviors and the principal stress distribution of the web panel at the shear buckling strength of the web were compared after their post-shear buckling behaviors, as well as their out-of-plane displacement, to evaluate the effect of the stiffener in the web panel on the shear buckling failure. Their critical shear buckling load and shear buckling strength were also examined. The FE analyses showed that their typical shear buckling failures were affected by the structural relationship between the web panel and each stiffener in the plate girder, to resist shear buckling of the web panel. Their critical shear buckling loads decreased from 82% to 59%, and their shear buckling strength decreased from 88% to 76%, due to the effect of corrosion of the stiffeners on their shear buckling behavior. Thus, especially in cases with over 40% corrosion damage of the vertical stiffener, they can have lower shear buckling strength than their design level.
Evaluation of an Improved Technique for Geosynthetic-Reinforced and Pile-Supported Embankment
Authors: Zhang Jun , Liu Shao-wen , Pu He-fu
Published: October 2015

With a large number of applications of conventional technique for geosynthetic-reinforced and pile-supported (GRPS) embankment (called CT embankment), many deficiencies have been exposed. In view of the deficiencies, an improved technique, fixed-geosynthetic-reinforced and pile-supported embankment (called FGT embankment), is developed. To investigate the performance of the FGT embankment, the comparison analyses and parametric studies are conducted by Finite Element Method (FEM). The influencing factors investigated include elastic modulus of soil, tensile stiffness of geosynthetics, pile length, pile spacing, and pile elastic modulus. In addition, the cost evaluation for the FGT embankment and CT embankment is also made. The results show that the FGT embankment can significantly reduce the settlement and differential settlement, enhance the stability, and provide an economical and effective measure for the construction of high embankment at the bridge approach.
Smoke-Free Workplaces Are Associated with Protection from Second-Hand Smoke at Homes in Nigeria: Evidence for Population-Level Decisions
Authors: Kaleta Dorota , Polanska Kinga , Usidame Bukola
Published: October 2015

The evidence suggests that smoke-free workplace policies may change social norms towards exposing others to second-hand smoke at home. The aim of the study was to assess whether being employed in a smoke-free workplace (SFWP) is associated with living in a smoke-free home (SFH). We used the data from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey conducted in Nigeria in 2012, in which 9,765 individuals were interviewed including 1,856 persons who worked indoors. The percentage of Nigerians employed in SFWP that reported living in a SFH was higher compared to those employed in a workplace where smoking occurred (95% versus 73%). Working in a SFWP was associated with a significantly higher likelihood of living in a SFH (OR = 5.3;p<0.001). Urban inhabitants indicated more frequently that they lived in SFH compared to rural residents (OR = 2.0;p=0.006). The odds of living in a SFH were significantly higher among nonsmokers and nonsmokeless tobacco users compared to smokers and smokeless tobacco users (OR = 28.8;p<0.001; OR = 7.0;p<0.001). These findings support the need for implementation of comprehensive smoke-free policies in Nigeria that result in substantial health benefits.
From Body to Mind and Spirit: Qigong Exercise for Bereaved Persons with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome-Like Illness
Authors: Li Jie , Chan Jessie S. M. , Chow Amy Y. M. , Yuen Lai Ping , Chan Cecilia L. W.
Published: October 2015

Bereavement may bring negative impacts on the mind, body, and spiritual well-being of grieving persons. Some bereaved persons with chronic fatigue syndrome- (CFS-) illness experience a dual burden of distress. This study investigated the effects of bereavement on CFS-like illness by comparing bereaved and nonbereaved participants. It also adopted a random group design to investigate the effectiveness of Qigong on improving the well-being of bereaved participants. The Qigong intervention comprised 10 group sessions delivered twice a week for 5 weeks and home-practice for at least three times a week lasting 15–30 minutes each. The participants’ fatigue, anxiety, and depression, quality of life (QoL), and spiritual well-being were measured at baseline and 3 months after treatment. The bereaved participants experienced significantly greater mental fatigue (16.09 versus 14.44,p=0.017) and lower physical QoL (34.02 versus 37.17,p=0.011) than their nonbereaved counterparts. After 3 months, the mental fatigue (−8 versus −4,p=0.010) and physical fatigue (−10 versus −5,p=0.007) experienced by intervention group had declined significantly, and improvements on their spirituality (14 versus −2,p=0.013) and psychological QoL (8.91 versus 0.69,p=0.002) scores exceeded those of the control group.
Is Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2 a Link between Inflammation and Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Authors: Södergren Anna , Karp Kjell , Bengtsson Christine , Möller Bozena , Rantapää-Dahlqvist Solbritt , Wållberg-Jonsson Solveig
Published: October 2015

Objective. Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), a marker of vascular inflammation, is associated with cardiovascular disease. This prospective study of an inception cohort aimed to investigate whether the level of Lp-PLA2 is associated with subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Methods. Patients from northern Sweden diagnosed with early RA were consecutively recruited into an ongoing prospective study. From these, all patients ≤60 years (n=71) were included for measurements of subclinical atherosclerosis at inclusion (T0) and five years later (T5). Forty age- and sex-matched controls were included. The patients were clinically assessed, SCORE, Reynolds Risk Score, and Larsen score were calculated, and blood samples were drawn from all individuals at T0 and T5.Results. There was no significant difference in the level of Lp-PLA2 between patients with RA and controls (p>0.05). In simple linear regression models among patients with RA, Lp-PLA2 at T0 was significantly associated with intima media thickness (IMT) at T0 and T5, flow mediated dilation (FMD) at T0 and T5, ever smoking, male sex, HDL-cholesterol (inversely), non-HDL-cholesterol, SCORE, Reynolds Risk Score, and Larsen score (p<0.05).Conclusion. In this cohort of patients with early RA, the concentration of Lp-PLA2 was associated with both subclinical atherosclerosis and disease severity.
A Huge Capital Drop with Compression of Femoral Vessels Associated with Hip Osteoarthritis
Authors: Takasago Tomoya , Goto Tomohiro , Tsutsui Takahiko , Kondo Kenji , Hamada Daisuke , Tonogai Ichiro , Wada Keizo , Sairyo Koichi
Published: October 2015

A capital drop is a type of osteophyte at the inferomedial portion of the femoral head commonly observed in hip osteoarthritis (OA), secondary to developmental dysplasia. Capital drop itself is typically asymptomatic; however, symptoms can appear secondary to impinge against the acetabulum or to irritation of the surrounding tissues, such as nerves, vessels, and tendons. We present here a case of unilateral leg edema in a patient with hip OA, caused by a huge bone mass occurring at the inferomedial portion of the femoral head that compressed the femoral vessels. We diagnosed this bone mass as a capital drop secondary to hip OA after confirming that the mass occurred at least after the age of 63 years based on a previous X-ray. We performed early resection and total hip arthroplasty since the patient’s hip pain was due to both advanced hip OA and compression of the femoral vessels; moreover, we aimed to prevent venous thrombosis secondary to vascular compression considering the advanced age and the potent risk of thrombosis in the patient. A large capital drop should be considered as a cause of vascular compression in cases of unilateral leg edema in OA patients.
Identifying Novel Candidate Genes Related to Apoptosis from a Protein-Protein Interaction Network
Authors: Wang Baoman , Yuan Fei , Kong Xiangyin , Hu Lan-Dian , Cai Yu-Dong
Published: October 2015

Apoptosis is the process of programmed cell death (PCD) that occurs in multicellular organisms. This process of normal cell death is required to maintain the balance of homeostasis. In addition, some diseases, such as obesity, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases, can be cured through apoptosis, which produces few side effects. An effective comprehension of the mechanisms underlying apoptosis will be helpful to prevent and treat some diseases. The identification of genes related to apoptosis is essential to uncover its underlying mechanisms. In this study, a computational method was proposed to identify novel candidate genes related to apoptosis. First, protein-protein interaction information was used to construct a weighted graph. Second, a shortest path algorithm was applied to the graph to search for new candidate genes. Finally, the obtained genes were filtered by a permutation test. As a result, 26 genes were obtained, and we discuss their likelihood of being novel apoptosis-related genes by collecting evidence from published literature.
Budd-Chiari Syndrome in China: A Systematic Analysis of Epidemiological Features Based on the Chinese Literature Survey
Authors: Zhang Wei , Qi Xun , Zhang Xitong , Su Hongying , Zhong Hongshan , Shi Jingpu , Xu Ke
Published: October 2015

Background.Thousands of Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) studies have been published in China, and yet no one has explored its incidence or prevalence in the whole country.Methods.Three most commonly used Chinese language electronic databases were searched, and epidemiological data were extracted from the selected articles.Results.By the end of 2013, 20191 BCS cases were reported in China. The mean age of BCS patients was 36.29 ± 1.28 years, and ratio of male to female was 150/100. About 80% BCS patients were distributed in Henan, Shandong, Beijing, Jiangsu, and Anhui, and all of them except for Beijing were located in the downstream areas of Yellow River and the whole Huai River basin. The incidence and prevalence of BCS in China with and without the top 5 high-prevalence areas were estimated to be 0.88/million per year and 7.69/million and 0.28/million per year and 2.21/million, respectively.Conclusions.Most BCS patients in China are distributed in the downstream areas of Yellow River and the whole Huai River basin. The incidence and prevalence are comparable to those of Western countries without taking into account the top 5 high-prevalence areas.
Unified Switching between Active Flying and Perching of a Bioinspired Robot Using Impedance Control
Authors: Du Shanshan , Chen Heping , Liu Yong , Hu Runting
Published: October 2015

Currently, a bottleneck problem for battery-powered microflying robots is time of endurance. Inspired by flying animal behavior in nature, an innovative mechanism with active flying and perching in the three-dimensional space was proposed to greatly increase mission life and more importantly execute tasks perching on an object in the stationary way. In prior work, we have developed some prototypes of flying and perching robots. However, when the robots switch between flying and perching, it is a challenging issue to deal with the contact between the robot and environment under the traditional position control without considering the stationary obstacle and external force. Therefore, we propose a unified impedance control approach for bioinspired flying and perching robots to smoothly contact with the environment. The dynamic model of the bioinspired robot is deduced, and the proposed impedance control method is employed to control the contact force and displacement with the environment. Simulations including the top perching and side perching and the preliminary experiments were conducted to validate the proposed method. Both simulation and experimental results validate the feasibility of the proposed control methods for controlling a bioinspired flying and perching robot.
Symmetry‐Dependent Spin Transport Properties and Spin‐Filter Effects in Zigzag‐Edged Germanene Nanoribbons
Authors: Cao Can , Long Mengqiu , Mao Xiancheng
Published: October 2015

We performed the first‐principles calculations to investigate the spin‐dependent electronic transport properties of zigzag‐edged germanium nanoribbons (ZGeNRs). We choose of ZGeNRs with odd and even widths of 5 and 6, and the symmetry‐dependent transport properties have been found, although the σ mirror plane is absent in ZGeNRs. Furthermore, even‐N and odd‐N ZGeNRs have very different current‐voltage relationships. We find that the even 6‐ZGeNR shows a dual spin‐filter effect in antiparallel (AP) magnetism configuration, but the odd 5‐ZGeNR behaves as conventional conductors with linear current‐voltage dependence. It is found that when the two electrodes are in parallel configuration, the 6‐ZGeNR system is in a low resistance state, while it can switch to a much higher resistance state when the electrodes are in AP configuration, and the magnetoresistance of 270% can be observed.
Renin-Angiotensin Activation and Oxidative Stress in Early Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Negi Smita I. , Jeong Euy-Myoung , Shukrullah Irfan , Veleder Emir , Jones Dean P. , Fan Tai-Hwang M. , Varadarajan Sudhahar , Danilov Sergei M. , Fukai Tohru , Dudley Samuel C.
Published: October 2015

Animal models have suggested a role of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) activation and subsequent cardiac oxidation in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Nevertheless, RAS blockade has failed to show efficacy in treatment of HFpEF. We evaluated the role of RAS activation and subsequent systemic oxidation in HFpEF. Oxidative stress markers were compared in 50 subjects with and without early HFpEF. Derivatives of reactive oxidative metabolites (DROMs), F2-isoprostanes (IsoPs), and ratios of oxidized to reduced glutathione (EhGSH) and cysteine (EhCyS) were measured. Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) levels and activity were measured. On univariate analysis, HFpEF was associated with male sex(p=0.04), higher body mass index (BMI)(p=0.003), less oxidizedEhCyS(p=0.001), lower DROMs(p=0.02), and lower IsoP(p=0.03). Higher BMI (OR: 1.3; 95% CI: 1.1–1.6) and less oxidizedEhCyS (OR: 1.2; 95% CI: 1.1–1.4) maintained associations with HFpEF on multivariate analysis. Though ACE levels were higher in early HFpEF (OR: 1.09; 95% CI: 1.01–1.05), ACE activity was similar to that in controls. HFpEF is not associated with significant systemic RAS activation or oxidative stress. This may explain the failure of RAS inhibitors to alter outcomes in HFpEF.
Determination of a New Parameter, Elevated Epiretinal Membrane, by En Face OCT as a Prognostic Factor for Pars Plana Vitrectomy and Safer Epiretinal Membrane Peeling
Authors: Pavlidis Mitrofanis , Georgalas Ilias , Körber Norbert
Published: October 2015

Purpose. To evaluate the significance of the area of epiretinal membrane (EM) that is not in contact with the retinal structure as a preoperative parameter for safer grasping of the EM and a prognostic factor for visual improvement/outcome.Methods. This prospective observational study included 73 consecutive patients (80 eyes) who underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and EM peeling. Corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) and central foveal thickness (CFT) were evaluated preoperatively and at 12 months postoperatively. The number of initial peeling grasps was recorded in the operation protocol. The elevated EM portion was identified by en face optical coherence tomography (OCT) and processed digitally to calculate its area.Results. Surgery was found to significantly improve CDVA and decrease CFT. CDVA improvement correlated with elevated EM, preoperative CFT, and the number of grasping attempts.Conclusion. The detection of elevated EM via en face OCT could assist safer grasping of the EM and indicate the potential for visual outcome improvement after PPV and EM peeling.
Monitoring Microcirculatory Blood Flow with a New Sublingual Tonometer in a Porcine Model of Hemorrhagic Shock
Authors: Palágyi Péter , Kaszaki József , Rostás Andrea , Érces Dániel , Németh Márton , Boros Mihály , Molnár Zsolt
Published: October 2015

Tissue capnometry may be suitable for the indirect evaluation of regional hypoperfusion. We tested the performance of a new sublingual capillary tonometer in experimental hemorrhage. Thirty-six anesthetized, ventilated mini pigs were divided into sham-operated (n=9) and shock groups (n=27). Hemorrhagic shock was induced by reducing mean arterial pressure (MAP) to 40 mmHg for 60 min, after which fluid resuscitation started aiming to increase MAP to 75% of the baseline value (60–180 min). Sublingual carbon-dioxide partial pressure was measured by tonometry, using a specially coiled silicone rubber tube. Mucosal red blood cell velocity (RBCV) and capillary perfusion rate (CPR) were assessed by orthogonal polarization spectral (OPS) imaging. In the 60 min shock phase a significant drop in cardiac index was accompanied by reduction in sublingual RBCV and CPR and significant increase in the sublingual mucosal-to-arterial PCO2gap (PSLCO2gap), which significantly improved during the 120 min resuscitation phase. There was significant correlation betweenPSLCO2gap and sublingual RBCV (r=-0.65,p<0.0001), CPR (r=-0.64,p<0.0001), central venous oxygen saturation (r=-0.50,p<0.0001), and central venous-to-arterial PCO2difference (r=0.62,p<0.0001). This new sublingual tonometer may be an appropriate tool for the indirect evaluation of circulatory changes in shock.
Comparative Analysis of Methods to Induce Myocardial Infarction in a Closed-Chest Rabbit Model
Authors: Isorni Marc-Antoine , Casanova Amaury , Piquet Julie , Bellamy Valérie , Pignon Charly , Puymirat Etienne , Menasche Philippe
Published: October 2015

Objective.To develop a rabbit model of closed-chest catheter-induced myocardial infarction.Background.Limitations of rodent and large animal models justify the search for clinically relevant alternatives.Methods.Microcatheterization of the heart was performed in 47 anesthetized 3-4 kg New Zealand rabbits to test five techniques of myocardial ischemia: free coils (n=4), interlocking coils (n=4), thrombogenic gelatin sponge (n=4), balloon occlusion (n=4), and alcohol injection (n=8). In order to limit ventricular fibrillation, an antiarrhythmic protocol was implemented, with beta-blockers/amiodarone before and xylocaine infusion during the procedure. Clinical, angiographic, and echographic data were gathered. End points included demonstration of vessel occlusion (TIMI flow grades 0 and 1 on the angiogram), impairment of left ventricular function at 2 weeks after procedure (by echocardiography), and pathologically confirmed myocardial infarction.Results.The best arterial access was determined to be through the right carotid artery. The internal mammary guiding catheter 4-Fr was selected as the optimal device for selective intracoronary injection. Free coils deployed prematurely and tended to prolapse into the aorta. Interlocking coils did not deploy completely and failed to provide reliable results. Gelatin sponge was difficult to handle, adhered to the catheter, and could not be clearly visualized by fluoroscopy. Balloon occlusion yielded inconsistent results. Alcohol injection was the most efficient and reproducible method for inducing myocardial infarction (4 out of 6 animals), the extent of which could be fine-tuned by using a coaxial balloon catheter as a microcatheter (0.52 mm) to achieve a superselective injection of 0.2 mL of alcohol. This approach resulted in a 20% decrease in LVEF and infarcted myocardium was confirmed histologically.Conclusions.By following a stepwise approach, a minimally invasive, effective, and reproducible rabbit model of catheter-induced myocardial infarction has been developed which addresses the limitations of rodent experiments while avoiding the logistical and cost issues associated with large animal models.
A New Asymptotic Notation: Weak Theta
Authors: Mogoş Andrei-Horia , Mogoş Bianca , Florea Adina Magda
Published: October 2015

Algorithms represent one of the fundamental issues in computer science, while asymptotic notations are widely accepted as the main tool for estimating the complexity of algorithms. Over the years a certain number of asymptotic notations have been proposed. Each of these notations is based on the comparison of various complexity functions with a given complexity function. In this paper, we define a new asymptotic notation, called “Weak Theta,” that uses the comparison of various complexity functions with two given complexity functions. Weak Theta notation is especially useful in characterizing complexity functions whose behaviour is hard to be approximated using a single complexity function. In addition, in order to highlight the main particularities of Weak Theta, we propose and prove several theoretical results: properties of Weak Theta, criteria for comparing two complexity functions, and properties of a new set of complexity functions (also defined in the paper) based on Weak Theta. Furthermore, to illustrate the usefulness of our notation, we discuss an application of Weak Theta in artificial intelligence.
Fault Tolerant Line-Based Barrier Coverage Formation in Mobile Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Shen Jie , Wang Zhibo , Wang Zhi
Published: October 2015

Barrier coverage is a fundamental problem for lots of applications in wireless sensor networks. In reality, sensor nodes’ true locations may not be known to us considering that not every sensor node is equipped with a GPS. The measured locations of sensor nodes obtained by applying node localization algorithm often have errors, which makes it difficult to form a line-based barrier with mobile sensor nodes. In this paper, we study how to efficiently schedule mobile sensor nodes to form a barrier when sensor nodes suffer from location errors. We explore the relationship between the existence of uncovered hole and location errors and find that the lengths of uncovered holes are decided by the cumulative location errors. We also propose a method in frequency domain to efficiently calculate the distributions of the cumulative location errors. The possibility of the existence of uncovered holes can be derived by analyzing the step responses of the cumulative location errors. Extensive experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
H-Index for Stochastic Linear Discrete-Time Systems
Authors: Li Yan , Zhang Weihai , Liu Xikui
Published: October 2015

This paper discusses theH-index problem for stochastic linear discrete-time systems. A necessary and sufficient condition ofH-index is given for such systems in finite horizon. It is proved that when theH-index is greater than a given value, the feasibility ofH-index is equivalent to the solvability of a constrained difference equation. The above result can be applied to the fault detection observer design. Finally, some examples are presented to illustrate the proposed theoretical results.
PI3K–mTORC2 but not PI3K–mTORC1 Regulates Transcription of HIF2A/EPAS1 and Vascularization in Neuroblastoma
Authors: Mohlin Sofie , Hamidian Arash , von Stedingk Kristoffer , Bridges Esther , Wigerup Caroline , Bexell Daniel , Påhlman Sven
Published: October 2015

Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) is a master regulator of cellular responses to oxygen deprival with a critical role in mediating the angiogenic switch in solid tumors. Differential expression of the HIF subunits HIF1α and HIF2α occurs in many human tumor types, suggesting selective implications to biologic context. For example, high expression of HIF2α that occurs in neuroblastoma is associated with stem cell–like features, disseminated disease, and poor clinical outcomes, suggesting pivotal significance for HIF2 control in neuroblastoma biology. In this study, we provide novel insights into how HIF2α expression is transcriptionally controlled by hypoxia and how this control is abrogated by inhibition of insulin-like growth factor-1R/INSR-driven phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling. Reducing PI3K activity was sufficient to decrease HIF2α mRNA and protein expression in a manner with smaller and less vascularized tumors in vivo. PI3K-regulated HIF2A mRNA expression was independent of Akt or mTORC1 signaling but relied upon mTORC2 signaling. HIF2A mRNA was induced by hypoxia in neuroblastoma cells isolated from metastatic patient–derived tumor xenografts, where HIF2A levels could be reduced by treatment with PI3K and mTORC2 inhibitors. Our results suggest that targeting PI3K and mTORC2 in aggressive neuroblastomas with an immature phenotype may improve therapeutic efficacy. Cancer Res; 75(21); 4617–28. ©2015 AACR.
Androgen Receptor Upregulation Mediates Radioresistance after Ionizing Radiation
Authors: Spratt Daniel E. , Evans Michael J. , Davis Brian J. , Doran Michael G. , Lee Man Xia , Shah Neel , Wongvipat John , Carnazza Kathryn E. , Klee George G. , Polkinghorn William , Tindall Donald J. , Lewis Jason S. , Sawyers Charles L.
Published: October 2015

Clinical trials have established the benefit of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) combined with radiotherapy in prostate cancer. ADT sensitizes prostate cancer to radiotherapy-induced death at least in part through inhibition of DNA repair machinery, but for unknown reasons, adjuvant ADT provides further survival benefits. Here, we show that androgen receptor (AR) expression and activity are durably upregulated following radiotherapy in multiple human prostate cancer models in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, the degree of AR upregulation correlates with survival in vitro and time to tumor progression in animal models. We also provide evidence of AR pathway upregulation, measured by a rise in serum levels of AR-regulated hK2 protein, in nearly 20% of patients after radiotherapy. Furthermore, these men were three-fold more likely to experience subsequent biochemical failure. Collectively, these data demonstrate that radiotherapy can upregulate AR signaling after therapy to an extent that negatively affects disease progression and/or survival. Cancer Res; 75(22); 4688–96. ©2015 AACR.
Control of Proliferation and Cancer Growth by the Hippo Signaling Pathway
Authors: Ehmer Ursula , Sage Julien
Published: October 2015

The control of cell division is essential for normal development and the maintenance of cellular homeostasis. Abnormal cell proliferation is associated with multiple pathological states, including cancer. Although the Hippo/YAP signaling pathway was initially thought to control organ size and growth, increasing evidence indicates that this pathway also plays a major role in the control of proliferation independent of organ size control. In particular, accumulating evidence indicates that the Hippo/YAP signaling pathway functionally interacts with multiple other cellular pathways and serves as a central node in the regulation of cell division, especially in cancer cells. Here, recent observations are highlighted that connect Hippo/YAP signaling to transcription, the basic cell-cycle machinery, and the control of cell division. Furthermore, the oncogenic and tumor-suppressive attributes of YAP/TAZ are reviewed, which emphasizes the relevance of the Hippo pathway in cancer. Mol Cancer Res; 14(2); 127–40. ©2015 AACR.
Molecular Heterogeneity and Receptor Coamplification Drive Resistance to Targeted Therapy inMET-Amplified Esophagogastric Cancer
Authors: Kwak Eunice L. , Ahronian Leanne G. , Siravegna Giulia , Mussolin Benedetta , Borger Darrell R. , Godfrey Jason T. , Jessop Nicholas A. , Clark Jeffrey W. , Blaszkowsky Lawrence S. , Ryan David P. , Lennerz Jochen K. , Iafrate A. John , Bardelli Alberto , Hong Theodore S. , Corcoran Ryan B.
Published: October 2015

MET inhibition is effective in some patients with MET-amplified esophagogastric cancer (EGC), but understanding acquired and de novo resistance mechanisms will be critical to improving therapy. We identified KRAS mutation as a novel cause of acquired resistance in a patient after a 2-year response to a MET inhibitor. We also observed that 40% to 50% of patients with MET-amplified EGC harbor coamplification of HER2 and/or EGFR concurrently in the same tumor cells, which can drive de novo resistance. One patient with concurrent MET and HER2 amplification was refractory to HER2 blockade, but responded to combined MET/HER2 inhibition. We also found striking heterogeneity in MET amplification between distinct metastatic lesions and primary tumors in individual patients with EGC. In these patients, MET inhibition led to mixed responses and disease progression through outgrowth of non–MET-amplified clones, which could be monitored in circulating tumor DNA. Thus, receptor coamplification and molecular heterogeneity may be key drivers of clinical resistance in MET-amplified EGC.

Significance: Coamplification of driver oncogenes occurs frequently in EGC and can drive therapeutic resistance, supporting a role for comprehensive molecular analysis prior to targeted therapy. EGCs can also exhibit extensive heterogeneity in gene amplification between distinct tumor lesions within the same patient, suggesting that molecular profiling of a single-lesion biopsy may be insufficient to guide targeted therapy selection. Cancer Discov; 5(12); 1271–81. ©2015 AACR.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1225
Network Structure, Influence, Selection, and Adolescent Delinquent Behavior
Authors: Jose Rupa , Hipp John R. , Butts Carter T. , Wang Cheng , Lakon Cynthia M.
Published: October 2015

This study uses National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health) data to explore the co-evolution of friendship networks and delinquent behaviors. Using a stochastic actor–based (SAB) model, we simultaneously estimate the network structure, influence process, and selection process on adolescents in 12 small schools ( N = 1,284) and 1 large school ( N = 976) over three time periods. Our results indicate the presence of both selection and influence processes. Moderating effects were tested for density, centrality, and popularity, with only a weak interaction effect for density and influence in the small schools ( p < .10). Contexts outside the school affected school networks: adolescents in the large school were particularly likely to form ties to others from equally disadvantaged neighborhoods, and adolescents in the small schools with more outside of school ties increased their delinquency over time. These findings support the importance of delinquency in peer selection and influence processes.
Has NHS reorganisation saved lives? A CuSum study using 65 years of data
Authors: Lale Alice S , Temple Jonathan MF
Published: October 2015

Objectives

To determine if NHS reforms affect population mortality.

Design

Retrospective study using routinely published data.

Setting & participants

Resident population of England and Wales 1948 to 2012

Main outcome measure

All cause age sex directly standardised mortality England and Wales 1948 to 2012.

Methods

Using the CuSum technique and Change-Point Analysis to identify sustained changes in the improving age-standardised mortality rates for the period 1948-2012, and comparing the time of these changes with periods of NHS reform. Where observed changes did not fit with NHS reform, changes external to the NHS were sought as a possible explanation of changes observed.

Results

CuSum plotting and CPA showed no significant changes in female mortality trend between 1948 and 2012. However, this analysis identified a sustained improvement in the male mortality trend, occurring in the mid-1970s. A further change in the rate of male mortality decline was found around the Millennium.

Conclusion

The 1974 NHS reorganisation, changing service arrangements predominantly for women and children, is considered an unlikely explanation of the improved rate of male mortality decline. Thus, centrally led NHS reorganisation has never had any detectable effect on either male or female mortality and must be considered ineffective for this purpose. But some evidence supporting the view that increased funding improves outcomes is found.
‘I am only half alive’: Organ trafficking in Pakistan amid interlocking oppressions
Authors: Yousaf Farhan Navid , Purkayastha Bandana
Published: October 2015

This article delves into the gendered/classed phenomenon of organ trafficking based on ethnographic and archival data from Pakistan. Drawing upon experiences of victims of organ trafficking, the authors situate trafficking for organ trade within a global–national–local political economy of human trafficking. They argue that the theoretical focus on women in discussions of gendered sex trafficking, and a separate discussion on labor trafficking contribute to the relative invisibility of organ trafficking which mostly targets poor men. Yet, organ trafficking is located within the same interlocking set of oppressions that perpetuate other forms of trafficking. The authors argue that, as sociologists, we have to shift our focus from the organs to the people whose organs are harvested and trafficked in order to develop a framework that views different forms of trafficking as a continuum.
Global civil society and education policy in post-genocide Rwanda
Authors: Russell Susan Garnett
Published: October 2015

Drawing on the case of Rwanda, this article investigates why certain global norms are more likely to be ‘translated’ to national educational policies and the differential influence of inter-governmental organizations (IGOs) and international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) in transmitting global norms. Qualitative analysis of national education policy documents and interviews with international development organizations reveal that global norms linked to development, Education for All (EFA), and gender equality are more amenable to ‘translation’ to the local level, while human rights norms are contested and ‘edited’ for a post-conflict context. The restricted political space for civil society constrains the ability of INGOs to openly advocate for contentious issues; thus, IGOs have more financial and normative influence on national education policies. Findings elucidate mechanisms for the adoption of global models in post-conflict settings.
Conspicuous production: Wine, capital and status
Authors: Overton John , Banks Glenn
Published: October 2015

The recent expansion of the global wine industry, especially in developing countries, has brought to light the apparent phenomenon of conspicuous production. This form of economic activity is characterised by investment decisions that seek status and reputation alongside or, in many cases, ahead of profits. This paper examines the wine industry and uncovers examples of conspicuous production occurring at different scales, from celebrities and individual investors through to national strategies. Although the empirical evidence is somewhat scattered, we argue this is a source of capital of significance in the wine industry, and possibly in other sectors of the economy.
Mental health consequences of stress and trauma: allostatic load markers for practice and policy with a focus on Indigenous health
Authors: Berger Maximus , Juster Robert-Paul , Sarnyai Zoltán
Published: October 2015

Objective:

Mental health, well-being, and social life are intimately related as is evident from the higher incidence of psychiatric illness in individuals exposed to social stress and adversity. Several biological pathways linking social adversity to health outcomes are heavily investigated in the aims of facilitating early identification and prevention of adverse health outcomes. We provide a practice-orientated overview of the allostatic load model and how it relates to metabolic and cardiovascular comorbidity in psychiatric disorders.

Conclusions:

Allostatic load brings together a set of neuroendocrine, metabolic, immune and cardiovascular biomarkers that are elevated in individuals with adverse early life experiences and are predictive of cardiovascular and metabolic risk in psychiatric illness of critical importance for Indigenous Australians.
Towards culturally appropriate assessment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social and emotional well-being
Authors: Balaratnasingam Sivasankaran , Anderson Lynette , Janca Aleksandar , Lee Jason
Published: October 2015

Objective:

Identification of need for specialist assessment and the use of relevant cultural information to inform mental health assessment and care are two key factors in improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander access to and experience of mental health care. This paper describes the Here and Now Aboriginal Assessment tool (HANAA) and the Cultural Information Gathering Tool (CIGT), two instruments developed to be used respectively by non-mental health clinicians and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health workers.

Method:

Following widespread consultations and feedback, two independent groups of mental health clinicians based in Western Australia and Queensland were involved in developing the HANAA and CIGT.

Results:

Both the HANAA and CIGT fill unmet needs in terms of instruments that can be used by non-specialists working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Conclusions:

Preliminary use of the HANAA and CIGT suggests that they are well received, easy to deploy and effective instruments that promote cultural security and communication with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.