bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anomalies of Northern Hemisphere ozone associated with a tropopause‐lower stratosphere teleconnection during summer
Authors: Wang Yuanxiang , Zhao Ping , Xu Haiming , Liu Ge
Published: June 2015

Using the ozone data set from the satellite observations and the atmospheric reanalysis data sets during 1979–2005, we examine the variability of a tropopause‐lower stratosphere (TS) teleconnection a and its relationship with the ozone change over the Northern Hemisphere (NH) during summer. The TS teleconnection has an approximate opposite phase to that in the upper‐troposphere Asian‐Pacific Oscillation (APO), and the TS teleconnection index (the TS index) is also related well to the APO index. Corresponding to a higher TS index, the ozone generally decreases in the NH mid‐high latitudes (near 40°N and the Far East of Russia). This link between the TS teleconnection and the ozone is physically supported by the changes of the background atmospheric circulation. When the TS index is higher, the decrease of the ozone is closely associated with an increase of the local tropopause height. The upward and downward motion variations in the upper troposphere and the lower stratosphere in the east and west parts of the anomalous anticyclones associated with the TS index strengthen the exchanges of the ozone between the troposphere and the lower stratosphere, which may cause a decrease of the ozone. The horizontal advection of the ozone could also contribute to the ozone decreases over these regions.
Hyperspectral image analysis for CARS, SRS, and Raman data
Authors: Masia Francesco , Karuna Arnica , Borri Paola , Langbein Wolfgang
Published: June 2015

In this work, we have significantly enhanced the capabilities of the hyperspectral image analysis (HIA) first developed by Masia et al. The HIA introduced a method to factorize the hyperspectral data into the product of component concentrations and spectra for quantitative analysis of the chemical composition of the sample. The enhancements shown here comprise (1) a spatial weighting to reduce the spatial variation of the spectral error, which improves the retrieval of the chemical components with significant local but small global concentrations; (2) a new selection criterion for the spectra used when applying sparse sampling to speed up sequential hyperspectral imaging; and (3) a filter for outliers in the data using singular value decomposition, suited e.g. to suppress motion artifacts. We demonstrate the enhancements on coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering, stimulated Raman scattering, and spontaneous Raman data. We provide the HIA software as executable for public use. © 2015 The Authors. Journal of Raman Spectroscopy published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CEOs AND CHROs: EXPECTATION, CONNECTION, AND SUCCESSION
Authors: Ulrich Dave , Filler Ellie
Published: June 2015

Chief executive officers (CEOs) traditionally rise to their position via areas such as finance or operations, according to Ulrich and Filler. But as people skills become more important, they predict that companies will increasingly look to chief human resources officers (CHROs) as potential candidates to become CEOs. They believe that high‐performing HR executives master six particular domains, each of which is essential to succeed at the CEO level: strategic positioner, credible activist, capability builder, change champion, HR innovator and integrator, and technology (information) proponent. In their rise to the top, they must “acquire sufficient technical and financial skills, both in early education and in career steps along the way.”
Multiscale modeling of interface debonding effect on mechanical properties of nanocomposites
Authors: Hosseini Seyyed Ahmad , Saber‐Samandari Saeed , Maleki Moghadam Reza
Published: June 2015

Mechanical behavior of SiO2 nanoparticle‐epoxy matrix composites was investigated via finite element analysis with an emphasis on the nanofiller‐interphase debonding effect using a three‐dimensional nanoscale representative volume element (RVE). The new model, in which a cohesive zone material (CZM) layer is considered as an inclusion‐interphase bonding, can be applied to polymer nanocomposites reinforced by inclusions of different forms, including spherical, cylindrical, and platelet shapes. Upon validation by experimental data, the model was used to study the effects of interphase properties, nanoparticle size, and inclusion volume fraction on the mechanical properties of nanocomposites. According to the results, taking into account the inclusion‐interphase debonding provides more precise results compared with perfect bonding, especially in nanocomposites with nanoparticles of smaller size. Moreover, the outcomes disclosed that the amount of changes in the elastic modulus by particle size variation is higher when the relative thickness (the interphase thickness to the particle diameter ratio) increases. For relative thicknesses lower than a critical value, the particle size and the interphase properties have negligible effect on the elastic modulus of the nanocomposite, and the elastic modulus of nanocomposite mostly depends on nanofiller content. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:789–796, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
A variant of Baptista's encryption scheme
Authors: Kanso Ali , Ghebleh M. , Noura Hassan
Published: June 2015

The idea of employing chaotic maps in building encryption schemes has attracted the attention of many researchers since the late 1980s. In 1998, M.S. Baptista proposed an elegant encryption scheme based on a one–dimensional chaotic map. Many variants of this scheme have been proposed. Baptista's scheme and some of its variants have been subjected to cryptanalytic attacks such as the one‐time pad attack and the entropy attack. We propose a variant of Baptista's encryption scheme based on two coupled one–dimensional chaotic maps, which also employs mixing, that is, every character in the ciphertext depends on all preceding plaintext characters. Our proposed scheme overcomes the aforementioned attacks. Empirical results show that this idea improves the performance of the scheme. Baptista's approach generates a ciphertext, which is generally larger than the plaintext, but the distribution of the ciphertext symbols allows compression. Simulation results verify that our proposed scheme accommodates better compression rates than the original scheme. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficient revocable certificateless public key encryption with a delegated revocation authority
Authors: Tsai Tung‐Tso , Tseng Yuh‐Min , Huang Sen‐Shan
Published: June 2015

Quite recently, Shen et al. proposed a revocable certificateless public key encryption (RCL‐PKE) scheme in the standard model, in which the key generation center (KGC) can efficiently revoke misbehaving or compromised users. However, their scheme was shown to be insecure. Moreover, the work of revoking users is executed only by the KGC, and their scheme requires high computation cost. In this paper, we propose the first secure RCL‐PKE scheme with a delegated revocation authority in the standard model. We emphasize that the delegated revocation authority shares the responsibility for user revocation to reduce the load of the KGC and provide the revocation flexibility. When compared with Shen et al.'s scheme, our scheme has better performance in terms of each user's private key size and computation cost. Under the decisional bilinear Diffie–Hellman and collision‐resistant hash function assumptions, we demonstrate that the proposed RCL‐PKE scheme is semantically secure in the standard model. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tracking and Finding Slow‐Proliferating/Quiescent Cancer Stem Cells with Fluorescent Nanodiamonds
Authors: Lin Hsin‐Hung , Lee Hsiao‐Wen , Lin Ruey‐Jen , Huang Chih‐Wei , Liao Yi‐Chun , Chen Yit‐Tsong , Fang Jim‐Min , Lee Te‐Chang , Yu Alice L. , Chang Huan‐Cheng
Published: June 2015

Quiescent cancer stem cells (CSCs) have long been considered to be a source of tumor initiation. However, identification and isolation of these cells have been hampered by the fact that commonly used fluorescent markers are not sufficiently stable, both chemically and photophysically, to allow tracking over an extended period of time. Here, it is shown that fluorescent nanodiamonds (FNDs) are well suited for this application. Genotoxicity tests of FNDs with comet and micronucleus assays for human fibroblasts and breast cancer cells indicate that the nanoparticles neither cause DNA damage nor impair cell growth. Using AS‐B145‐1R breast cancer cells as the model cell line for CSC, it is found that the FND labeling outperforms 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine (EdU) and carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester (CFSE) in regards to its long‐term tracking capability (>20 d). Moreover, through a quantification of their stem cell activity by measuring mammosphere‐forming efficiencies (MFEs) and self‐renewal rates, the FND‐positive cells are identified to have an MFE twice as high as that of the FND‐negative cells isolated from the same dissociated mammospheres. Thus, the nanoparticle‐based labeling technique provides an effective new tool for tracking and finding slow‐proliferating/quiescent CSCs in cancer research.
Deadline scheduling in the Linux kernel
Authors: Lelli Juri , Scordino Claudio , Abeni Luca , Faggioli Dario
Published: June 2015

During the last decade, there has been a considerable interest in using Linux in real‐time systems, especially for industrial control. The simple and elegant design of Linux guarantees reliability and very good performance, while its open‐source license allows to modify and change the source code according to the user needs. However, Linux has been designed to be a general‐purpose operating system. Therefore, it presents some issues like unpredictable latencies and limited support for real‐time scheduling. In this paper, we present our experience in the design and implementation of the real‐time scheduler that has been recently included in the Linux kernel. The scheduler is based on the Resource Reservation paradigm, which allows to enforce temporal isolation between the running tasks. We describe the genesis of the project, the challenges we have encountered, the implementation details and the API offered to the programmers. Then, we show the experimental results measured on a real hardware. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microstructure, Texture, and Tensile Properties of a Severely Warm‐Rolled and Annealed Duplex Stainless Steel
Authors: Ahmed Mohammed Zaid , Bhattacharjee Pinaki P.
Published: June 2015

The effect of severe warm‐rolling and annealing is studied in a duplex stainless steel (DSS). For this purpose, a duplex steel is warm‐rolled at 625 °C to 90, 95, and 98% reduction in thickness and then isothermally annealed at 1175 °C for time ranging from 2 to 120 min. Ultrafine microstructure is achieved during warm‐rolling. Austenite shows continuous grain refinement up to the highest strain level, but ferrite shows saturation in grain refinement beyond 90% reduction. The structural evolution in the two phases is consistent with the texture evolution. Austenite shows transition from copper‐type to brass‐type texture with increasing deformation, while ferrite shows strong RD fiber (RD//<110>) as compared to ND fiber (ND//<111>) components, but no significant change in texture beyond 90% reduction in thickness. A typical bamboo‐type morphology evolves during isothermal annealing for short duration, which transforms into globular morphology with increasing annealing time due to the interpenetration of the two phases. Ferrite shows stronger RD fiber due to recovery. In contrast, profuse annealing twins and retained the deformation texture in austenite indicate discontinuous recrystallization without preferential orientation selection. Ultrahigh strength (>1 GPa) is achieved after warm‐rolling. Annealing results in increased ductility at the expense of strength.
Lokalisierung des initialen Versagens bei Verbundsicherheitsglas unter stoßartiger Belastung
Authors: Alter Christian , Manthei Gerd , Kolling Stefan , Schneider Jens
Published: June 2015

Um Finite‐Elemente‐Simulationen von Verbundsicherheitsglas unter stoßartiger Belastung hinsichtlich ihrer Genauigkeit zu überprüfen werden quasistatische und dynamische Validierungsversuche mit einem speziell entwickelten Impaktor durchgeführt. Maßgeblich für die Güte der FEM‐Rechnung ist die Prognose des initialen Risses im Glas. Zu dessen Lokalisation wird eine Schallemissionsmessung durchgeführt und die Ergebnisse mit der Ortung über eine optische 3D‐Hochgeschwindigkeitsmessung verglichen.

Localization of initial failure in laminated glass under impact loading. Component tests with laminated glass under impact loading up to fracture are performed for validation of the predictability of numerical simulations. Apart from the stiffness of the structure the prediction of the initial crack is essential for validation with respect to the post breakage behavior. In the present work quasi static and dynamic tests are performed with respect of the deformation and the breakage behavior. In order to locate the initial failure during the tests an acoustic emission analyses is applied and checked by a three‐dimensional high‐speed digital image correlation measurement.
Concise Review: Quiescence in Adult Stem Cells: Biological Significance and Relevance to Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Rumman Mohammad , Dhawan Jyotsna , Kassem Moustapha
Published: June 2015

Adult stem cells (ASCs) are tissue resident stem cells responsible for tissue homeostasis and regeneration following injury. In uninjured tissues, ASCs exist in a nonproliferating, reversibly cell cycle-arrested state known as quiescence or G0. A key function of the quiescent state is to preserve stemness in ASCs by preventing precocious differentiation, and thus maintaining a pool of undifferentiated ASCs. Recent evidences suggest that quiescence is an actively maintained state and that excessive or defective quiescence may lead to compromised tissue regeneration or tumorigenesis. The aim of this review is to provide an update regarding the biological mechanisms of ASC quiescence and their role in tissue regeneration. Stem Cells  2015;33:2903—2912
In Search of the ‘core Electorate’: How Should Political Parties React to an Individualistic Society?
Authors: Lange Nico
Published: June 2015

Voters are becoming unstable in their voting behaviour, and party identification is in decline. These are only two of the developments that have their roots in a more individualistic society. Parties are confronted with these developments and have to find a way to maintain their attraction for the electorate. This article illustrates the challenges for parties and gives recommendations for action to maintain political stability.
ACR Select Identifies Inappropriate Underutilization of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in British Columbia
Authors: Eddy Kathleen , Beaton Adam , Eddy Richard , Mathieson John
Published: June 2015

Purpose

A study was performed to evaluate the ACR Select software in determining the level of appropriateness of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in Island Health in British Columbia.

Methods

A total of 1228 consecutive CT and MRI studies performed in a 3-day period were entered into a software program provided by the National Decision Support Company based on the ACR Appropriateness Criteria. The program was able to analyze 93% (1141) of these studies. A subset of these requisitions was manually reviewed.

Results

The software program demonstrated a very low 2.5% inappropriate rate and manual review showed an even lower number of 0.6%. In a sample of studies deemed to be appropriate by the software, manual review agreed with this ranking in all cases. In addition, in 20% of cases where CT was done, the software program suggested that MRI would be a more appropriate choice.

Conclusions

First, the ACR Select software is a useful tool to assess appropriateness of CT and MRI, although it may underestimate the level of appropriateness of studies labeled as inappropriate. Second, CT and MRI are being ordered appropriately in Island Health in British Columbia. The software recommendation of MRI as more appropriate in 20% of cases where CT was done suggests a lack of MRI resources in Island Health.
Benign and Malignant Male Breast Diseases: Radiologic and Pathologic Correlation
Authors: Yen Peggy P.W. , Sinha Namita , Barnes Penny J. , Butt Robinette , Iles Sian
Published: June 2015

Male breast disease comprises a wide spectrum of benign and malignant processes. We present the spectrum of diseases encountered at our institution over the past 7 years (2007-2013) and correlate their radiological and histopathological appearances. Gynaecomastia is the most frequently encountered disease due to its association with a variety of causes. Male breast malignancies, though rare, must be considered. The most frequently encountered pathological characteristic is invasive and the predominant histologic subtypes are infiltrating ductal carcinomas.
The role of specific early trauma in adult depression: A meta-analysis of published literature. Childhood trauma and adult depression
Authors: Mandelli L. , Petrelli C. , Serretti A.
Published: June 2015

Background

A large literature has long focused on the role of trauma in childhood and risk for psychological disorders in adulthood. Despite several studies performed, to date, it is not clear which weight have different childhood stressors specifically on the risk for depression in adult life. In the present study, we performed a meta-analysis of the literature in order to assess the effective role of childhood traumas as risk factor in the onset of depressive disorders in adults.

Methods

Previously published papers investigating the exposure to childhood trauma and their association with depression in adult subjects were retrieved in literature through common databases. Meta-analysis was conducted by the RevMan software. The quality of studies was evaluated by an adapted version of the New-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale; bias publication was evaluated by the Egger's test. Meta-regression analysis was employed to detect potential confounders and/or moderating variables. Finally, a sensitivity analysis was post-hoc performed to control for potential confounders.

Results

Emotional abuse showed the strongest association with depression (OR = 2.78) followed by neglect (OR = 2.75) and sexual abuse (OR = 2.42). Significant associations were also found for domestic violence (OR = 2.06) and physical abuse (OR = 1.98). Nevertheless, in post-hoc analysis, emotional abuse and neglect showed the strongest associations with depression as compared to other kinds of child trauma.

Conclusions

These findings support the role of neglect and emotional abuse as significantly associated to depression. Sexual/physical abuse or violence in family may be unspecific risk factors for mental disturbance. Other kind of trauma may play a less relevant role in risk of adult depression, though they should be not underestimated.
Uncleavable Nup98–Nup96 is functional in the fission yeastSchizosaccharomyces pombe
Authors: Asakawa Haruhiko , Mori Chie , Ohtsuki Chizuru , Iwamoto Masaaki , Hiraoka Yasushi , Haraguchi Tokuko
Published: June 2015

Essential nucleoporins Nup98 and Nup96 are coded by a single open reading frame, and produced by autopeptidase cleavage. The autocleavage site of Nup98–Nup96 is highly conserved in a wide range of organisms. To understand the importance of autocleavage, we examined a mutant that produces the Nup98–Nup96 joint molecule as a sole protein product of thenup189+ gene in the fission yeastSchizosaccharomyces pombe. Cells expressing only the joint molecule were found to be viable. This result indicates that autocleavage of Nup98–Nup96 is dispensable for cell growth, at least under normal culture conditions inS. pombe.
Proteasome inhibitors prevent cell death and prolong survival of mice challenged by Shiga toxin
Authors: Hattori Takayuki , Watanabe-Takahashi Miho , Ohoka Nobumichi , Hamabata Takashi , Furukawa Koichi , Nishikawa Kiyotaka , Naito Mikihiko
Published: June 2015

Shiga toxin (Stx) causes fatal systemic complications. Stx induces apoptosis, but the mechanism of which is unclear. We report that Stx induced rapid reduction of short‐lived anti‐apoptotic proteins followed by activation of caspase 9 and the progression of apoptosis. Proteasome inhibitors prevented the reduction of anti‐apoptotic proteins, and inhibited caspase activation and apoptosis, suggesting that the reduction of anti‐apoptotic proteins is a prerequisite for Stx‐induced apoptosis. A clinically approved proteasome inhibitor, bortezomib, prolonged the survival of mice challenged by Stx. These results imply that proteasome inhibition may be a novel approach to prevent the fatal effects of Stx.
BCG related complications
Authors: Alfawaz Tariq S. , Alshehri Mohammed , Alshahrani Dayel
Published: June 2015

Background and objectives:

Although the BCG vaccine is usually a safe vaccine, a number of complications can occur, such as adverse local reactions, regional lymphadenitis, osteomyelitis and disseminated infection in immunocompromised children, with lymphadenitis being the most common complication. Our objective to describe the associated clinical char-acteristics and outcomes.

Materials and methods:

This was a prospective observational study conducted over two year’s period.

Results:

100 patients were enrolled with (62%) males and (38%) females. 93 cases (93%) have nodes involvement with a total of 103 nodes was reported as follow: Axillary, supraclavicle, cervical with number of 75(72.8%), 23(22.3%), 5(4.9%) respectively. (55.3%) resulted in suppu-ration, and (44.7%) with non-suppuration. Only 3 cases (3%) had severe disease with dissemi-nation, (88.3%) had small size nodes (< 3 cm), and (11.7%) with large size nodes (>3 cm). (88%) had self-limited disease, and node disappears between (8-168 weeks).

Conclusion:

In the Majority of BCG related lymphadenitis is a benign condition with sponta-neous healing. Also there is Increase incidence of association between BCG vaccine and serious disseminated infections in immunodeficiency cases.
A 22‐single nucleotide polymorphism Alzheimer's disease risk score correlates with family history, onset age, and cerebrospinal fluid Aβ42
Authors: Sleegers Kristel , Bettens Karolien , De Roeck Arne , Van Cauwenberghe Caroline , Cuyvers Elise , Verheijen Jan , Struyfs Hanne , Van Dongen Jasper , Vermeulen Steven , Engelborghs Sebastiaan , Vandenbulcke Mathieu , Vandenberghe Rik , De Deyn Peter Paul , Van Broeckhoven Christine ,   BELNEU consortium
Published: June 2015

Introduction

The ability to identify individuals at increased genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD) may streamline biomarker and drug trials and aid clinical and personal decision making.

Methods

We evaluated the discriminative ability of a genetic risk score (GRS) covering 22 published genetic risk loci for AD in 1162 Flanders‐Belgian AD patients and 1019 controls and assessed correlations with family history, onset age, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers (Aβ1–42, T‐Tau, P‐Tau181P).

Results

A GRS including all single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and age‐specific APOE ε4 weights reached area under the curve (AUC) 0.70, which increased to AUC 0.78 for patients with familial predisposition. Risk of AD increased with GRS (odds ratio, 2.32 (95% confidence interval 2.08–2.58 per unit; P < 1.0e−15). Onset age and CSF Aβ1–42 decreased with increasing GRS (Ponset_age = 9.0e−11; PAβ = 8.9e−7).

Discussion

The discriminative ability of this 22‐SNP GRS is still limited, but these data illustrate that incorporation of age‐specific weights improves discriminative ability. GRS‐phenotype correlations highlight the feasibility of identifying individuals at highest susceptibility.
Mechanical stress related to brain atrophy in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Nogueira Marcel Levy , Lafitte Olivier , Steyaert Jean‐Marc , Bakardjian Hovagim , Dubois Bruno , Hampel Harald , Schwartz Laurent
Published: June 2015

Introduction

The effects related to endogenous mechanical energy in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology have been widely overlooked. With the support of available data from literature and mathematical arguments, we hypothesize that brain atrophy in AD could be co‐driven by the cumulative impact of the pressure within brain tissues.

Methods

Brain volumetric and physical data in AD and normal aging (NA) were extracted from the literature. Average brain shrinkage and axial deformations were evaluated mathematically. Mechanical stress equivalents related to brain shrinkage were calculated using a conservation law derived from fluid and solid mechanics.

Results

Pressure equivalents of 5.92 and 3.43 mm Hg were estimated in AD and in NA, respectively.

Discussion

The calculated increments of brain mechanical stress in AD, which could be impacted by marked dampening of arterial pulse waves, may point to the need to expand the focus on the mechanical processes underpinning pathologic aging of the brain.
Loss‐of‐function mutation in ABCA1 and risk of Alzheimer's disease and cerebrovascular disease
Authors: Nordestgaard Liv Tybjærg , Tybjærg‐Hansen Anne , Nordestgaard Børge G. , Frikke‐Schmidt Ruth
Published: June 2015

Introduction

The adenosine triphosphate‐binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) is a major cholesterol transporter highly expressed in the liver and brain. In the brain, ABCA1 lipidates apolipoprotein E (apoE), facilitates clearance of amyloid‐β, and may be involved in maintenance of the blood‐brain barrier via apoE‐mediated pathways.

Methods

We tested whether a loss‐of‐function mutation in ABCA1, N1800H, is associated with plasma levels of apoE and with risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in 92,726 individuals and with risk of cerebrovascular disease in 64,181 individuals.

Results

N1800H AC (0.2%) versus AA (99.8%) was associated with a 13% lower plasma level of apoE (P = 1 × 10−11). Multifactorially adjusted hazard ratios for N1800H AC versus AA were 4.13 (95% confidence interval, 1.32–12.9) for AD, 2.46 (1.10–5.50) for cerebrovascular disease, and 8.28 (2.03–33.7) for the hemorrhagic stroke subtype.

Discussion

A loss‐of‐function mutation in ABCA1, present in 1:500 individuals, was associated with low plasma levels of apoE and with high risk of AD and cerebrovascular disease in the general population.
Benchmarking biomarker‐based criteria for Alzheimer's disease: Data from the Swedish Dementia Registry, SveDem
Authors: Rosén Christoffer , Farahmand Bahman , Skillbäck Tobias , Nägga Katarina , Mattsson Niklas , Kilander Lena , Religa Dorota , Wimo Anders , Blennow Kaj , Winblad Bengt , Zetterberg Henrik , Eriksdotter Maria
Published: June 2015

Introduction

New research guidelines for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) include biomarker evidence of amyloid‐β (Aβ) and tau pathology. The aim of this study was to investigate what proportion of AD patients diagnosed in clinical routine in Sweden that had an AD‐indicative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarker profile.

Methods

By cross‐referencing a laboratory database with the Swedish Dementia Registry (SveDem), 2357 patients with data on CSF Aβ and tau biomarkers and a clinical diagnosis of AD with dementia were acquired.

Results

Altogether, 77.2% had pathologic Aβ42 and total tau or phosphorylated tau in CSF. These results were stable across age groups. Female sex and low mini‐mental state examination score increased the likelihood of pathologic biomarkers.

Discussion

About a quarter of clinically diagnosed AD patients did not have an AD‐indicative CSF biomarker profile. This discrepancy may partly reflect incorrect (false positive) clinical diagnosis or a lack in sensitivity of the biomarker assays.
Diagnostic value of lobar microbleeds in individuals without intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Martinez‐Ramirez Sergi , Romero Jose‐Rafael , Shoamanesh Ashkan , McKee Ann C. , Van Etten Ellis , Pontes‐Neto Octavio , Macklin Eric A. , Ayres Alison , Auriel Eitan , Himali Jayandra J. , Beiser Alexa S. , DeCarli Charles , Stein Thor D. , Alvarez Victor E. , Frosch Matthew P. , Rosand Jonathan , Greenberg Steven M. , Gurol M. Edip , Seshadri Sudha , Viswanathan Anand
Published: June 2015

Introduction

The Boston criteria are the basis for a noninvasive diagnosis of cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) in the setting of lobar intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). We assessed the accuracy of these criteria in individuals with lobar microbleeds (MBs) without ICH.

Methods

We identified individuals aged >55 years having brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and pathological assessment of CAA in a single academic hospital and a community‐based population (Framingham Heart Study [FHS]). We determined the positive predictive value (PPV) of the Boston criteria for CAA in both cohorts, using lobar MBs as the only hemorrhagic lesion to fulfill the criteria.

Results

We included 102 individuals: 55 from the hospital‐based cohort and 47 from FHS (mean age at MRI 74.7 ± 8.5 and 83.4 ± 10.9 years; CAA prevalence 60% and 46.8%; cases with any lobar MB 49% and 21.3%; and cases with ≥2 strictly lobar MBs 29.1% and 8.5%, respectively). PPV of “probable CAA” (≥2 strictly lobar MBs) was 87.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 60.4–97.8) and 25% (95% CI, 13.2–78) in hospital and general populations, respectively.

Discussion

Strictly lobar MBs strongly predict CAA in non‐ICH individuals when found in a hospital context. However, their diagnostic accuracy in the general population appears limited.
A cytosine‐thymine (CT)‐rich haplotype in intron 4 of SNCA confers risk for Lewy body pathology in Alzheimer's disease and affects SNCA expression
Authors: Lutz Michael W. , Saul Robert , Linnertz Colton , Glenn Omolara‐Chinue , Roses Allen D. , Chiba‐Falek Ornit
Published: June 2015

Introduction

We recently showed that tagging single‐nucleotide polymorphisms across the SNCA locus were significantly associated with increased risk for Lewy body (LB) pathology in Alzheimer's disease (AD) cases. However, the actual genetic variant(s) that underlie the observed associations remain elusive.

Methods

We used a bioinformatics algorithm to catalog structural variants in a region of SNCA intron 4, followed by phased sequencing. We performed a genetic association analysis in autopsy series of LB variant of Alzheimer's disease (LBV/AD) cases compared with AD‐only controls. We investigated the biological functions by expression analysis using temporal‐cortex samples.

Results

We identified four distinct haplotypes within a highly polymorphic low‐complexity cytosine‐thymine (CT)‐rich region. We showed that a specific haplotype conferred risk to develop LBV/AD. We demonstrated that the CT‐rich site acts as an enhancer element, where the risk haplotype was significantly associated with elevated levels of SNCA messenger RNA.

Discussion

We have discovered a novel haplotype in a CT‐rich region in SNCA that contributes to LB pathology in AD patients, possibly via cis‐regulation of the gene expression.
The effects of normal aging on amyloid‐β deposition in nondemented adults with Down syndrome as imaged by carbon 11–labeled Pittsburgh compound B
Authors: Lao Patrick J. , Betthauser Tobey J. , Hillmer Ansel T. , Price Julie C. , Klunk William E. , Mihaila Iulia , Higgins Andrew T. , Bulova Peter D. , Hartley Sigan L. , Hardison Regina , Tumuluru Rameshwari V. , Murali Dhanabalan , Mathis Chester A. , Cohen Annie D. , Barnhart Todd E. , Devenny Darlynne A. , Mailick Marsha R. , Johnson Sterling C. , Handen Benjamin L. , Christian Bradley T.
Published: June 2015

Introduction

In Down syndrome (DS), the overproduction of amyloid precursor protein is hypothesized to predispose young adults to early expression of Alzheimer‐like neuropathology.

Methods

PET imaging with carbon 11–labeled Pittsburgh compound B examined the pattern of amyloid‐β deposition in 68 nondemented adults with DS (30–53 years) to determine the relationship between deposition and normal aging. Standard uptake value ratio (SUVR) images were created with cerebellar gray matter as the reference region.

Results

Multiple linear regression revealed slight but highly significant (corrected P < .05) positive correlations between SUVR and age. The striatum showed the strongest correlation, followed by precuneus, parietal cortex, anterior cingulate, frontal cortex, and temporal cortex.

Conclusion

There is an age‐related amyloid‐β deposition in the DS population, but as a pattern of elevated cortical retention becomes apparent, the correlation of SUVR with age ceases to be significant. Factors unrelated to aging may drive an increase in deposition during early Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis.
The effect of white matter hyperintensities on neurodegeneration in mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Tosto Giuseppe , Zimmerman Molly E. , Hamilton Jamie L. , Carmichael Owen T. , Brickman Adam M. ,   Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: June 2015

Introduction

It is unclear whether white matter hyperintensities (WMHs), magnetic resonance imaging markers of small‐vessel cerebrovascular disease, promote neurodegeneration and associated clinical decline in Alzheimer's disease (AD), or simply co‐occur with recognized pathogenic processes.

Methods

In 169 patients with mild cognitive impairment, followed for 3 years, we examined the association of (1) baseline regional WMH and cerebral spinal fluid–derived t‐tau (total tau) with entorhinal cortex atrophy rates, as a marker of AD‐related neurodegeneration, and conversion to AD; and (2) baseline regional WMH with change in t‐tau level.

Results

In participants with low baseline t‐tau, higher regional WMH volumes were associated with faster entorhinal cortex atrophy. Higher parietal WMH volume predicted conversion to AD in those with high t‐tau. Higher parietal and occipital WMH volumes predicted increasing t‐tau.

Discussion

WMHs affect AD clinical and pathologic processes both directly and interacting with tau.
Genetically predicted body mass index and Alzheimer's disease–related phenotypes in three large samples: Mendelian randomization analyses
Authors: Mukherjee Shubhabrata , Walter Stefan , Kauwe John S.K. , Saykin Andrew J. , Bennett David A. , Larson Eric B. , Crane Paul K. , Glymour M. Maria ,   Adult Changes in Thought Study Investigators,   Religious Orders Study/Memory and Aging Project Investigators,   Alzheimer's Disease Genetics Consortium
Published: June 2015

Observational research shows that higher body mass index (BMI) increases Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk, but it is unclear whether this association is causal. We applied genetic variants that predict BMI in Mendelian randomization analyses, an approach that is not biased by reverse causation or confounding, to evaluate whether higher BMI increases AD risk. We evaluated individual‐level data from the AD Genetics Consortium (ADGC: 10,079 AD cases and 9613 controls), the Health and Retirement Study (HRS: 8403 participants with algorithm‐predicted dementia status), and published associations from the Genetic and Environmental Risk for AD consortium (GERAD1: 3177 AD cases and 7277 controls). No evidence from individual single‐nucleotide polymorphisms or polygenic scores indicated BMI increased AD risk. Mendelian randomization effect estimates per BMI point (95% confidence intervals) were as follows: ADGC, odds ratio (OR) = 0.95 (0.90–1.01); HRS, OR = 1.00 (0.75–1.32); GERAD1, OR = 0.96 (0.87–1.07). One subscore (cellular processes not otherwise specified) unexpectedly predicted lower AD risk.
A chord error conforming tool path B-spline fitting method for NC machining based on energy minimization and LSPIA
Authors: He Shanshan , Ou Daojiang , Yan Changya , Lee Chen-Han
Published: June 2015

Piecewise linear (G01-based) tool paths generated by CAM systems lack G1 and G2 continuity. The discontinuity causes vibration and unnecessary hesitation during machining. To ensure efficient high-speed machining, a method to improve the continuity of the tool paths is required, such as B-spline fitting that approximates G01 paths with B-spline curves. Conventional B-spline fitting approaches cannot be directly used for tool path B-spline fitting, because they have shortages such as numerical instability, lack of chord error constraint, and lack of assurance of a usable result. Progressive and Iterative Approximation for Least Squares (LSPIA) is an efficient method for data fitting that solves the numerical instability problem. However, it does not consider chord errors and needs more work to ensure ironclad results for commercial applications. In this paper, we use LSPIA method incorporating Energy term (ELSPIA) to avoid the numerical instability, and lower chord errors by using stretching energy term. We implement several algorithm improvements, including (1) an improved technique for initial control point determination over Dominant Point Method, (2) an algorithm that updates foot point parameters as needed, (3) analysis of the degrees of freedom of control points to insert new control points only when needed, (4) chord error refinement using a similar ELSPIA method with the above enhancements. The proposed approach can generate a shape-preserving B-spline curve. Experiments with data analysis and machining tests are presented for verification of quality and efficiency. Comparisons with other known solutions are included to evaluate the worthiness of the proposed solution.

Highlights The presented B-spline tool path fitting method is chord-error conforming. It is numerically stable and hence industrial-strength. The proposed ELSPIA algorithm incorporates stretching energy into LSPIA algorithm. Includes actual machining experiments to validate the worthiness.
“I” value justice, but “we” value relationships: Self‐construal effects on post‐transgression consumer forgiveness
Authors: Sinha Jayati , Lu Fang‐Chi
Published: June 2015

Causal attributions and brand‐relationships are known to determine how consumers react to brand transgressions. Considering both transgression controllability and brand‐relationship strength, the authors show that self‐construal moderates consumer reactions to brand transgressions. Three studies using different product and service failure scenarios demonstrate that consumers who have independent self‐construals are more forgiving when the brand has no control over the transgression, regardless of brand‐relationship strength. However, consumers who have interdependent self‐construals are more forgiving when they have strong relationships with the transgressing brand, even if the brand is at fault. Furthermore, the salience of justice concerns versus expectancies for long‐term brand‐relationships underlies the self‐construal effects on consumer forgiveness.
The Effects of Hip and Spine Orthoses on Braking Parameters: A Simulated Study With Healthy Subjects
Authors: Hofmann Ulf Krister , Thumm Stefan , Jordan Maurice , Walter Christian , Rondak Ina‐Christine , Ipach Ingmar
Published: June 2015

Background

Although a person's fitness to drive has gained more attention over the past few years, investigations have focused mainly on postsurgical (eg, hip arthroplasty) driving performance. Few data are available on how orthoses affect the ability to perform an emergency stop.

Objective

To determine whether common lumbar and hip orthoses impair driving performance by increasing brake response time and weakening brake force (BF).

Design

Crossover repeated measures design.

Setting

University hospital.

Participants

A crossover, repeated‐measures design was used to test 30 healthy volunteers with and without each of the orthoses in random order.

Methods

A custom‐made simulator was created from a car cabin fitted with measurement equipment to record braking parameters under realistic spatial constraints.

Main Outcome Measurements

Reaction time (RT), foot transfer time (FTT) (these 2 together: brake response time), and maximum BF.

Results

Although spine orthoses lead to statistically significant increases in RT (Vertebradyn‐Strong, P = .002; Horizon 637 LSO, P = .32; and SofTec Dorso, P = .013), this effect was not observed in hip orthoses, where instead FTT was prolonged (DynaCox and Hohmann‐like orthosis, P < .001). BF was not significantly altered in any of the orthoses.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that hip and spine orthoses lead to impaired driving performance. Depending on the type of immobilization, this effect mostly increases RT or FTT, lengthening total stopping distances by up to half a meter at 100 km/h. However, in the absence of an underlying pathological condition in individuals with orthoses, their braking performance should be sufficient to continue driving.
Biomechanical and Clinical Correlates of Stance‐Phase Knee Flexion in Persons With Spastic Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Rha Dong‐wook , Cahill‐Rowley Katelyn , Young Jeffrey , Torburn Leslie , Stephenson Katherine , Rose Jessica
Published: June 2015

Objective

To identify biomechanical and clinical parameters that influence knee flexion (KF) angle at initial contact (IC) and during single limb stance phase of gait in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP) who walk with flexed‐knee gait.

Design

Retrospective analysis of gait kinematics and clinical data collected from 2010‐2013.

Setting

Motion & Gait Analysis Laboratory at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford, CA.

Participants

Gait analysis data from persons with spastic CP (Gross Motor Function Classification System [GMFCS] I‐III) who had no prior surgery were analyzed. Participants exhibiting KF ≥20° at IC were included; the more‐involved limb was analyzed.

Methods

Outcome measures were analyzed with respect to clinical findings, including passive range of motion, Selective Motor Control Assessment for the Lower Extremity (SCALE), gait kinematics, and musculoskeletal models of muscle‐tendon lengths during gait.

Main Outcome Measures

KF at IC (KFIC) and minimum KF during single‐limb support (KFSLS) were investigated.

Results

Thirty‐four participants met the inclusion criteria, and their data were analyzed (20 males and 14 females, mean age 10.1 years, range 5‐20 years). Mean KFIC was 34.4 ± 8.4 degrees and correlated with lower SCALE score (ρ = –0.530, P = .004), later peak KF during swing (ρ = 0.614, P < .001), and shorter maximal muscle length of the semimembranosus (ρ = –0.359, P = .037). Mean KFSLS was 18.7 ± 14.9 and correlated to KF contracture (ρ = 0.605, P < .001) and shorter maximal muscle length of the semimembranosus (ρ = –0.572, P < .001) and medial gastrocnemius (ρ = –0.386, P = .024). GMFCS correlated more strongly to KFIC (ρ = 0.502, P = .002) than to KFSLS (ρ = 0.371, P = .031). Linear regression found that both the SCALE score (P = .001) and delayed timing of peak KF during swing (P = .001) independently predicted KFIC. KF contracture (P = .026) and maximal length of the semimembranosus (P = .043) independently predicted KFSLS.

Conclusion

Correlates of KFIC differed from those for KFSLS and suggest that impaired selective motor control and later timing of swing‐phase KF influence knee position at IC, whereas KF contracture and muscle lengths influence minimal KF in single‐limb support, findings with important treatment implications.
Effects of a Single Hand–Exercise Session on Manual Dexterity and Strength in Persons with Parkinson Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Mateos‐Toset Sara , Cabrera‐Martos Irene , Torres‐Sánchez Irene , Ortiz‐Rubio Araceli , González‐Jiménez Emilio , Valenza Marie Carmen
Published: June 2015

Objective

To evaluate the effects on manual dexterity, hand grip, and pinch strength of a single intervention focused on hand exercises.

Design

Randomized, controlled, blinded study.

Patients

Sixty people with Parkinson disease (PD) were recruited; 30 participants were allocated to a brief exercise session and 30 to a control group.

Interventions

Participants randomized to the experimental group received a 15‐minute exercise session focused on hand training using therapeutic putty. Participants allocated to the control group performed active upper limb exercises.

Main Outcome Measurements

Measures of manual dexterity (assessed by the Purdue Pegboard Test and the Chessington Occupational Therapy Neurologic Assessment Battery dexterity task) and strength (hand grip and pinch strength) were recorded at baseline and after the intervention.

Results

Participants had significantly improved manual dexterity values (P < .05) after the intervention. They also had increased hand grip (P < .001) and pinch strength (P < .05).

Conclusions

A single hand–exercise session showed an improvement in manual dexterity and strength in persons with PD.
The Relationship of Anticipatory Gluteus Medius Activity to Pelvic and Knee Stability in the Transition to Single‐Leg Stance
Authors: Kim Daehan , Unger Janelle , Lanovaz Joel L. , Oates Alison R.
Published: June 2015

Background

The knee abduction moment in a weight‐bearing limb is an important risk factor of conditions such as patellofemoral pain and knee osteoarthritis. Excessive pelvic drop in single‐leg stance can increase the knee abduction moment. The gluteus medius muscle is crucial to prevent pelvic drop and must be activated in anticipation of the transition from double‐leg to single‐leg stance.

Objective

To examine the relationship of anticipatory activity of the gluteus medius to pelvic drop and knee abduction moment.

Design

Observational, cross‐sectional correlational study.

Setting

Research laboratory.

Participants

Twenty female adults (mean age 22.6 years, standard deviation 2.5) were recruited and fully participated. Participant selection was limited to healthy women who did not have a history of knee and ankle ligament injuries, any indication of knee, hip, and/or low back pain, and/or knowledge of the proper squat technique.

Methods

Participants performed 16 single‐leg mini squats on their nondominant leg.

Main Outcome Measures

The onset and magnitude of anticipatory gluteus medius activity were measured in relation to toe‐off of the dominant leg during the transition from double‐leg to single‐leg stance. Preplanned correlations between anticipatory gluteus medius onset and its activation magnitude, pelvic obliquity, and knee abduction moment were examined.

Results

The magnitude of anticipatory gluteus medius activity was significantly correlated with the knee abduction moment (rs (18) = −0.303, P < .001) and pelvic obliquity (rs (18) = 0.361, P < .001), whereas gluteus medius onset was not significantly correlated with either knee abduction moment or pelvic obliquity.

Conclusions

The amount of gluteus medius activity is more important for controlling knee and pelvic stability in the frontal plane than the onset of activation.