bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Semi-Active Vortex Induced Vibration Control of an Elastic Elliptical Cylinder with Energy Regeneration Capability
Authors: Hasheminejad Seyyed M. , Rabiee Amir H. , Jarrahi Miad
Published: February 2017

The concept of energy-regenerative damping is adopted in semi-active vortex-induced vibration (VIV) suppression of an elastically supported inclined impenetrable elliptical cylinder modeled as a two degree-of-freedom (DOF) system in laminar cross-flow at low Reynolds numbers (Re = 210). It is based on the intelligent (model free) adaptive fuzzy sliding mode control (AFSMC) strategy in conjunction with switch-based energy regenerating circuit of a tunable electromagnetic (EM) damper. The semi-active damper is linked to the plant model in a multi-field co-simulation framework via MATLAB/Simulink coupled with a user defined function in a CFD package. The AFSM controller initially calculates the desired transverse control force for suppression of the cylinder VIV. Consequently, by smart adjustment of the variable circuit load resistance, the current flow through EM damper circuit is adaptively modulated in such a way that the damping force continually tracks its active counterpart in a semi-active manner. Furthermore, when the damper is operating in the regeneration mode, the mechanical vibration energy that is traditionally dissipated as heat in conventional viscous dampers will be stored as electric charge in a capacitor. Numerical simulations demonstrate that the regenerative semi-active EM-based VIV control system can effectively suppress the cylinder motion while recovering a certain portion of mechanical vibration energy through the cooperative action of two distinct operation modes of the EM damper. Unlike conventional active control systems, the proposed system does not require a large external power supply, and at least part of the required power may be provided by the recovered energy.
Accuracy of Colon Capsule Endoscopy in Detecting Colorectal Polyps in Individuals with Familial Colorectal Cancer: Could We Avoid Colonoscopies?
Authors: Alvarez-Urturi Cristina , Fernández-Esparrach Gloria , Ibáñez Inés Ana , Rodríguez De Miguel Cristina , Dedeu Josep Maria , Bessa Xavier , Córdova Henry , Pellisé Maria , Balaguer Francesc , Ginés Angels , Barranco Luis , Araujo Isis K. , Andreu Montserrat , Llach Josep , Castells Antoni , González-Suarez Begoña
Published: February 2017

Background. Individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer (CRC) have an increased risk of CRC. We evaluated the diagnostic yield of CCE in the detection of lesions and also two different colon preparations. Methods. A prospective multicenter study was designed to assess CCE diagnostic yield in a cohort of asymptomatic individuals with a family history of CRC. CCE and colonoscopy were performed on the same day by 2 endoscopists who were blinded to the results of the other procedure. Results. Fifty-three participants were enrolled. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of CCE for detecting advanced adenomas were 100%, 98%, 67%, and 100%. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of CCE for the diagnosis of individuals with polyps were 87%, 97%, 93%, and 88%, respectively. CCE identify 100% of individuals with significant or advanced lesions. Overall cleanliness was adequate by 60.7% of them. The PEG-ascorbic boost seems to improve colon cleanliness, with similar colonic transit time. Conclusion. CCE is a promising tool, but it has to be considered as an alternative technique in this population in order to reduce the number of colonoscopies performed. More studies are needed to understand appropriate screening follow-up intervals and optimize the bowel preparation regimen.
The Strict‐Sense Nonblocking Multirate logd(N, 0, p) Switching Network
Authors: Kabaciński Wojciech , Rajewski Remigiusz
Published: February 2017

This paper considers the nonblocking conditions for a multirate logd(N, 0, p) switching network at the connection level. The necessary and sufficient conditions for the discrete bandwidth model, as well as sufficient and, in particular cases, also necessary conditions for the continuous bandwidth model, were given. The results given for d⌊(n − 1)/2⌋f0 ≥ f1 + 1 in the discrete bandwidth model are the same as those proposed by Hwang et al. (2005); however, in this paper, these results were extended to other values of f0, f1, and d. In the continuous bandwidth model for B + b > 1, the results given in this paper are also the same as those by Hwang et al. (2005); however, for B + b ≤ 1, it was proved that a smaller number of vertically stacked logdN switching networks are needed.
Modelling of Electromagnetic Scattering by a Hypersonic Cone-Like Body in Near Space
Authors: Qian Ji-Wei , Zhang Hai-Li , Xia Ming-Yao
Published: February 2017

A numerical procedure for analysis of electromagnetic scattering by a hypersonic cone-like body flying in the near space is presented. First, the fluid dynamics equation is numerically solved to obtain the electron density, colliding frequency, and the air temperature around the body. They are used to calculate the complex relative dielectric constants of the plasma sheath. Then the volume-surface integral equation method is adopted to analyze the scattering properties of the body plus the plasma sheath. The Backscattering Radar Cross-Sections (BRCS) for the body flying at different speeds, attack angles, and elevations are examined. Numerical results show that the BRCS at a frequency higher than 300 MHz is only slightly affected if the speed is smaller than 7 Mach. The BRCS at 1 GHz would be significantly reduced if the speed is greater than 7 Mach and is continuously increased, which can be attributed to the absorption by the lossy plasma sheath. Typically, the BRCS is influenced by 5~10 dBm for a change of attack angle within 0~15 degrees, or for a change of elevation within 30~70 km above the ground.
Astronomical Tasks for Tests of X-Ray Optics in VZLUSAT-1 Nanosatellite
Authors: Blazek Martin , Pata Petr , Inneman Adolf , Skala Petr
Published: February 2017

VZLUSAT-1 nanosatellite (scheduled launch in spring 2017 from India) is a CubeSat mission which, besides other instrumentation, contains X-ray desk to perform efficiency tests of the X-ray optics. In this article the analysis of potential observational candidates for VZLUSAT-1 X-ray board is presented together with the suggestion of observational modes, laboratory measurements, and estimations of exposure settings.
FTY720 Attenuates Angiotensin II-Induced Podocyte Damage via Inhibiting Inflammatory Cytokines
Authors: Su Ke , Zeng Ping , Liang Wei , Luo Zhengyu , Wang Yiman , Lv Xifeng , Han Qi , Yan Miao , Chen Cheng
Published: February 2017

FTY720, a new chemical substance derived from the ascomyceteIsaria sinclairii, is used for treating multiple sclerosis, renal cancer, and asthma. Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) is a bioactive sphingolipid metabolite and exists in red blood cells. FTY720 is a synthetic S1P analog which can block S1P evoking physiological effects. Recently studies show that S1P was participating in activated inflammation cells induced renal injury. The objective of this study was to assess the protective effect of FTY720 on kidney damage and the potential mechanism of FTY720 which alleviate podocyte injury in chronic kidney disease. In this study, we selected 40 patients with IgA nephropathy and examined their clinical characteristics. Ang II-infusion rat renal injury model was established to evaluate the glomeruli and tubulointerstitial lesion. The result showed that the concentration of S1P in serum and urine was positively correlated with IgA nephropathy patients’ renal injury. FTY720 could reduce renal histological lesions induced by Ang II-infusion in rats. Moreover, FTY720 decreased S1P synthesis in Ang II-infusion rats via downregulation of inflammatory cytokines including TNF-αand IL-6. In addition, FTY720 alleviated exogenous S1P-induced podocyte damage. In conclusion, FTY720 is able to attenuate S1P-induced podocyte damage via reducing inflammatory cytokines.
Effects of Honey on Oral Mucositis among Pediatric Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemo/Radiotherapy Treatment at King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al Jaouni Soad K. , Al Muhayawi Mohammad S. , Hussein Abear , Elfiki Iman , Al-Raddadi Rajaa , Al Muhayawi Saad M. , Almasaudi Saad , Kamal Mohammad Amjad , Harakeh Steve
Published: February 2017

One of the most common complications of cancer chemotherapy is oral mucositis. This study evaluates the therapeutic effects of honey with the focus on grade III and IV oral mucositis, reduction of bacterial and fungal infections, duration of episodes of oral mucositis, and body weight in pediatric leukemic patients undergoing chemo/radiotherapy. This is an open labeled randomized controlled study conducted at our hospital on 40 pediatric cancer patients undergoing chemo/radiotherapy. All the 40 patients included in this study experienced a sum total of 390 episodes of fever and neutropenia associated with oral mucositis. A significant reduction of oral mucositis, associated Candida, and aerobic pathogenic bacterial infections was noted in patients in the honey treatment group. Also, there is a significant decrease in the duration of hospitalization for all those in the treatment group combined with a significant increase of body weight, delayed onset, and decreased severity of pain related to oral mucositis. Complications of oral mucositis can be tremendously reduced by the topical application of local Saudi honey and honey should be used as an integrative approach in prophylaxis and treatment of chemo/radiotherapy‐induced oral mucositis in pediatric cancer patients. Further research is needed to elucidate and better understand the underlying mechanism.
Hypoxia Causes Downregulation of Dicer in Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Which Is Required for Upregulation of Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1α and Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Ibrahim Ahmed Atef , Schmithals Christian , Kowarz Erik , Köberle Verena , Kakoschky Bianca , Pleli Thomas , Kollmar Otto , Nitsch Scarlett , Waidmann Oliver , Finkelmeier Fabian , Zeuzem Stefan , Korf Horst-Werner , Schmid Tobias , Weigert Andreas , Kronenberger Bernd , Marschalek Rolf , Piiper Albrecht
Published: February 2017

Purpose: A role of Dicer, which converts precursor miRNAs to mature miRNAs, in the tumor-promoting effect of hypoxia is currently emerging in some tumor entities. Its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is unknown.

Experimental Design: HepG2 and Huh-7 cells were stably transfected with an inducible Dicer expression vector and were exposed to hypoxia/normoxia. HepG2-Dicer xenografts were established in nude mice; hypoxic areas and Dicer were detected in HCC xenografts and HCCs from mice with endogenous hepatocarcinogenesis; and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers were analyzed by immunohistochemistry or by immunoblotting. The correlation between Dicer and carbonic anhydrase 9 (CA9), a marker of hypoxia, was investigated in resected human HCCs.

Results: Hypoxia increased EMT markers in vitro and in vivo and led to a downregulation of Dicer in HCC cells. The levels of Dicer were downregulated in hypoxic tumor regions in mice with endogenous hepatocarcinogenesis and in HepG2 xenografts. In human HCCs, the levels of Dicer correlated inversely with those of CA9, indicating that the negative regulation of Dicer by hypoxia also applies to HCC patients. Forced expression of Dicer prevented the hypoxia-induced increase in hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1α), HIF2α, hypoxia-inducible genes (CA9, glucose transporter 1), EMT markers, and cell migration.

Conclusions: We here identify downmodulation of Dicer as novel essential process in hypoxia-induced EMT in HCC and demonstrate that induced expression of Dicer counteracted hypoxia-induced EMT. Thus, targeting hypoxia-induced downmodulation of Dicer is a promising novel strategy to reduce HCC progression. Clin Cancer Res; 23(14); 3896–905. ©2017 AACR.
Validation of the Prognostic Utility of the Electrocardiogram for Acute Drug Overdose
Authors: Manini Alex F. , Nair Ajith P. , Vedanthan Rajesh , Vlahov David , Hoffman Robert S.
Published: February 2017

Background

While it is certain that some emergency department patients with acute drug overdose suffer adverse cardiovascular events (
ACVE
), predicting
ACVE
is difficult. The prognostic utility of the
ECG
for heterogeneous drug overdose patients remains to be proven. This study was undertaken to validate previously derived features of the initial
ECG
associated with
ACVE
in this population.

Methods and Results

We performed a prospective validation cohort study to evaluate adult emergency department patients with acute drug overdose at 2 urban university hospitals over 5 years in whom an emergency department admission
ECG
was performed. Exclusion criteria were alternate diagnoses, anaphylaxis, chronic drug toxicity, and missing outcome data.
ACVE
was defined as any of the following: circulatory shock, myocardial injury, ventricular dysrhythmia, or cardiac arrest. Blinded cardiologists interpreted
ECG
s for previously derived predictors of
ACVE
(ectopy,
QT
prolongation, nonsinus rhythm, ischemia/infarction),
QT
dispersion, and prominent R wave in lead
AVR
. Of 589 patients who met inclusion criteria (48% male, mean age 42), there were 95
ACVE
s (39 shock, 64 myocardial injury, 26 dysrhythmia, 16 cardiac arrest). The most common drug exposures were as follows: benzodiazepines, opioids, and acetaminophen. Previously derived criteria were highly predictive of
ACVE
, with QT correction >500 ms as the highest risk feature (
OR
11.2,
CI
4.6–27).

Conclusions

This study confirms that early
ECG
evaluation is essential to assess the cardiovascular prognosis and medical clearance of emergency department patients with acute drug overdose. Furthermore, this study validates previously derived high‐risk features of the admission
ECG
to risk stratify for
ACVE
in this patient population.
Outline of a Marxist Commodity Theory of the Public Sphere
Authors: Roberts John Michael
Published: February 2017

In recent years, the public sphere, which represents a realm in civil society where people can debate and discuss a range of issues and common concerns important to them, has become a key area for research in the humanities and social sciences. Arguably, however, Marxist theory has yet to advance a theoretical account of the most abstract and simple ideological properties of the capitalist public sphere as these appear under universal commodity relationships. The paper therefore tentatively seeks to develop such an account. Specifically, the paper theoretically derives a peculiar public sphere under capitalism, which is mediated between at least two commodity owners who also possess distinctive personalities driven by desires to own commodities. The paper then explains in more detail how the social form of this public sphere develops through other elements of commodity relations and their contradictions.
Working Children in Europe: A Socio-Legal Approach to the Regulation of Child Work
Authors: Ferreira Nuno
Published: February 2017

Since the beginning of the 2008 economic crisis, reports of child work across Europe have increased. This article looks into the European Union (eu) legal framework that applies to children who work, and offers a socio-legal analysis of child work regulation more generally. In so doing, it considers the role of a range of factors relevant to the regulation of child work, including children’s rights, cultural relativism, social constructions of childhood, empirical evidence of the benefits and harm of child work, and the different contexts in which children are found working. Crucially, the article advances a justification for retaining a restrictive approach in relation to child work in the European context on the basis of legal, social, economic and cultural factors.
Ankyloglossia and Lingual Frenotomy: National Trends in Inpatient Diagnosis and Management in the United States, 1997‐2012
Authors: Walsh Jonathan , Links Anne , Boss Emily , Tunkel David
Published: February 2017

Objectives

(1) Describe trends in the diagnosis of ankyloglossia and the use of lingual frenotomy and (2) analyze patient‐ and hospital‐level factors as compared with the total pediatric discharge population.

Study Design

National database analysis.

Methods

We reviewed available data from 1997 to 2012 using the Kids’ Inpatient Database, Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. All weighted pediatric discharges with ankyloglossia, newborn feeding difficulty, or lingual frenotomy were analyzed for variables of sex, payer, zip code median income, hospital ownership, location/teaching status, bed size, region, and children’s hospital status. Chi‐square analysis with 95% CIs and odds ratio were used to identify differences between the study group and the total database discharge population.

Results

Diagnosis of ankyloglossia increased each year of publication (every third year)—with 3934, 5430, 7785, 11,397, 19,459, and 32,837 children, respectively, from 1997 to 2012—with the largest increase in the last 6 years. Similarly, frenotomy increased with 1279, 1633, 2538, 3988, 6900, and 12,406 procedures. Compared with the total discharge population, children with ankyloglossia or frenotomy were more often male (63.6% ankyloglossia, 65.3% frenotomy vs 51.2%), privately insured (60.1%, 62.1% vs 43.6%), from a higher median‐income zip code (78.1%, 78.2% vs 68.6%), and in Midwest region (29.3%, 32.3% vs 21.7%).

Conclusion

These pilot data show increases in diagnoses of ankyloglossia and use of frenotomy. There is a preponderance of children who are male, privately insured, or Midwest residents being diagnosed and treated for ankyloglossia. This broad variation may reflect local practice patterns or imply cultural and socioeconomic bias.
Strength of ~20-Hz Rebound and Motor Recovery After Stroke
Authors: Parkkonen Eeva , Laaksonen Kristina , Piitulainen Harri , Pekkola Johanna , Parkkonen Lauri , Tatlisumak Turgut , Forss Nina
Published: February 2017

Background. Stroke is a major cause of disability worldwide, and effective rehabilitation is crucial to regain skills for independent living. Recently, novel therapeutic approaches manipulating the excitatory-inhibitory balance of the motor cortex have been introduced to boost recovery after stroke. However, stroke-induced neurophysiological changes of the motor cortex may vary despite of similar clinical symptoms. Therefore, better understanding of excitability changes after stroke is essential when developing and targeting novel therapeutic approaches. Objective and Methods. We identified recovery-related alterations in motor cortex excitability after stroke using magnetoencephalography. Dynamics (suppression and rebound) of the ~20-Hz motor cortex rhythm were monitored during passive movement of the index finger in 23 stroke patients with upper limb paresis at acute phase, 1 month, and 1 year after stroke. Results. After stroke, the strength of the ~20-Hz rebound to stimulation of both impaired and healthy hand was decreased with respect to the controls in the affected (AH) and unaffected (UH) hemispheres, and increased during recovery. Importantly, the rebound strength was lower than that of the controls in the AH and UH also to healthy-hand stimulation despite of intact afferent input. In the AH, the rebound strength to impaired-hand stimulation correlated with hand motor recovery. Conclusions. Motor cortex excitability is increased bilaterally after stroke and decreases concomitantly with recovery. Motor cortex excitability changes are related to both alterations in local excitatory-inhibitory circuits and changes in afferent input. Fluent sensorimotor integration, which is closely coupled with excitability changes, seems to be a key factor for motor recovery.
CSF-1–induced Src signaling can instruct monocytic lineage choice
Authors: Endele Max , Loeffler Dirk , Kokkaliaris Konstantinos D. , Hilsenbeck Oliver , Skylaki Stavroula , Hoppe Philipp S. , Schambach Axel , Stanley E. Richard , Schroeder Timm
Published: February 2017

Key Points

SFK signaling is sufficient to mediate M fate instruction by CSF-1. c-Src activity is sufficient to enforce M fate, both in myeloid progenitors and in nonmyeloid cells.
Therapeutic targeting of acute myeloid leukemia stem cells
Authors: Pollyea Daniel A. , Jordan Craig T.
Published: February 2017

For more than 50 years, investigators have considered a malignant stem cell as the potential origin of and a key therapeutic target for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and other forms of cancer.1-4 The nature and existence of tumor-initiating cells for leukemia and other malignancies have long been the subject of intense and rigorous study; indeed, the promise of the potential to eradicate such cells is clear. However, until recently, deficiencies in our understanding of the nature of these cell populations, coupled with a limited ability to therapeutically exploit their weaknesses, have been limiting factors in realizing the goal of targeting leukemic stem cells (LSCs). Exciting new insights into the fundamental underpinnings of LSCs are now being made in an era in which drug development pipelines offer the potential to specifically target pathways of significance. Therefore, the focus in this new era, characterized by the confluence of understanding LSCs and the ability to target them, is shifting from “if it can be done” to “how it will be done.” Moving from a theoretical stage to this hopeful era of possibilities, new challenges expectedly arise, and our focus now must shift to determining the best strategy by which to target LSCs, with their well-documented heterogeneity and readily evident intra- and interpatient variability. The purpose of this review is therefore both to summarize the key scientific findings pertinent to AML LSC targeting and to consider methods of clinical evaluation that will be most effective for identifying successful LSC-directed therapies.
Biology and relevance of human acute myeloid leukemia stem cells
Authors: Thomas Daniel , Majeti Ravindra
Published: February 2017

Evidence of human acute myeloid leukemia stem cells (AML LSCs) was first reported nearly 2 decades ago through the identification of rare subpopulations of engrafting cells in xenotransplantation assays. These AML LSCs were shown to reside at the apex of a cellular hierarchy that initiates and maintains the disease, exhibiting properties of self-renewal, cell cycle quiescence, and chemoresistance. This cancer stem cell model offers an explanation for chemotherapy resistance and disease relapse and implies that approaches to treatment must eradicate LSCs for cure. More recently, a number of studies have both refined and expanded our understanding of LSCs and intrapatient heterogeneity in AML using improved xenotransplant models, genome-scale analyses, and experimental manipulation of primary patient cells. Here, we review these studies with a focus on the immunophenotype, biological properties, epigenetics, genetics, and clinical associations of human AML LSCs and discuss critical questions that need to be addressed in future research.
Characteristics of Chang 7 shale gas in the Triassic Yanchang Formation, Ordos Basin, China
Authors: Wang Xiangzeng
Published: February 2017

The Yanchang Formation in the Ordos Basin in North Central China represents a large, long-lived lacustrine system of the late Triassic Period. The extensive shales within this system provide hydrocarbons (HCs) for conventional and unconventional oil and gas reservoirs. In the formation, the Chang 7 shale is the thickest shale with the best geochemical parameters, and it is the main source rock in this area. In recent years, the discovery of shale gas in the Chang 7 shale has promoted the exploration and development of lacustrine shale gas in China. We have estimated the shale gas resource potential based on the analysis of the geologic conditions of the Chang 7 shale. The average thickness of the Chang 7 shale reaches 42.6 m, and the main organic matter types are types [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. The average content of organic carbon is more than 3%, and the average HC potential is [Formula: see text]. However, the thermal maturity of the Chang 7 shale is low with a vitrinite reflectance [Formula: see text] ranging from 0.83% to 1.10%. The Chang 7 shale lithology consists of shale and sandy laminations or thin sandstones. The shale is characterized by high clay mineral content and poor porosity and permeability, with an average porosity of 1.8% and an average permeability of [Formula: see text]. The sandy laminations or thin sandstones are characterized by relatively higher brittle mineral content, relatively lower clay mineral content, and higher porosity and permeability. The pores of the Chang 7 shale include primary intergranular and intragranular pores, secondary intragranular and intragranular dissolved pores, fracture pores, and organic-matter-hosted pores. The proportion of adsorbed gas, free gas, and dissolved gas is approximately 52%, 37%, and 11%, respectively, and the shale gas resources of the Chang 7 shale are [Formula: see text].
Turning performance of brief squidLolliguncula brevisduring attacks on shrimp and fish
Authors: Jastrebsky Rachel , Bartol Ian , Krueger Paul
Published: February 2017

Although squid are generally considered to be effective predators, little is currently known quantitatively about how squid maneuver and position themselves during prey strikes. In this study, high-speed video and kinematic analyses were used to study attacks by brief squid Lolliguncula brevis on both shrimp and fish. Squid attack success was high (>80%) and three behavioral phases were identified: (1) approach, (2) strike and (3) recoil. Lolliguncula brevis demonstrated greater maneuverability (i.e., a smaller length-specific turning radius) and employed more body adjustments (i.e., mantle angle posturing) during approaches toward shrimp versus fish. Squid exhibited higher linear approach/strike velocities and accelerations with faster swimming fish prey compared to slower shrimp prey. Agility (i.e., turning rate) during prey encounters was comparable to performance extremes observed during non-predatory turns, and did not differ according to prey type or distance. Despite having the ability to modulate tentacle extension velocity, squid instead increased their own swimming velocity rather than increasing tentacle velocity when targeting faster fish prey during the strike phase, but this was not the case for shrimp prey. Irrespective of prey type, L. brevis consistently positioned themselves above the prey target prior to the tentacle strike, possibly to facilitate a more advantageous downward projection of the tentacles. During the recoil, L. brevis demonstrated length-specific turning radii similar to those recorded during the approach despite vigorous escape attempts by some prey. Clearly, turning performance is integral to prey attacks in squid, with differences in attack strategy varying depending on the prey target.
Achieving effective glycaemic control using an insulin micro-pump
Authors: Kelly Peter
Published: February 2017

For those with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), a deranged blood glucose level can cause hypo/hyperglycaemic episodes and in the long term contribute to microvascular disease. Such outcomes can effect concordance with insulin management regimens and affect the patient's quality of life. A variety of insulin delivery methods are available, including continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) via either a tethered or patch pump. Pumps have the potential to improve delivery, monitoring and adjustment of insulin regimens, thus freeing patient's time and affording more control of their disease. This article reports how a new patch pump, has helped a cohort of patients to improve blood glucose variability levels and thus quality of life.
Failed home visits must be recorded and followed-up
Authors: Griffith Richard
Published: February 2017

A district nurse has been suspended by the Nursing and Midwifery Council for failing to record or follow-up a missed visit to a vulnerable patient ( Nursing and Midwifery Council, 2016 ).

In this article Richard Griffith considers the professional and legal implications for district nurses of failing to properly record and follow-up patients where an attempted visit to provide care or treatment is unsuccessful.
The tandem of "capital-work" as the basis for labour economics
Authors: Renkas Jurij
Published: February 2017

From a fundamental accounting principle of duality follows that capital is an abstract category, defined as the ability to perform work. The study abstract nature of capital reveals important features, in particular, that capital is undergo spontaneous scattering. Developing a model of measuring human capital and consideration of the spontaneous dispersion of capital led to the conclusion that the fair remuneration must balance the natural dissipation of human capital. Research shows that remuneration is determined by the percentage of capital. This percentage is the size of random, whose average value is 8% per annum [1/year]. Analysis of the level of remuneration shows that human capital is preserved and there is its depreciation. This average is also the economic constant of potential growth. Issues of capital measurement and fair remuneration are part of the emerging labour economics.
Effect of land use change on soil organic carbon
Authors: Barančíková Gabriela , Makovníková Jarmila , Halas Ján
Published: February 2017

The direction of changes and conversion of soil organic carbon (SOC) is in most current ecosystems influenced by human activity. Soil Science and Conservation Research Institute is responsible for monitoring the agricultural soils in a five-year cycle. One part of the soil monitoring involves the determination of the soil organic carbon (SOC) storage. Further, we followed the conversion of arable land on grassland during more than 20 years of monitoring period at some locations where changes in land use occurred. Ten places on basic network and 2 places on key monitoring localities in which arable land have been converted into grassland were identified. About 50 percent of studied soils converted into permanent grassland were Cambisols. The other converted soil types were Luvic Stagnosol, Stagnic Regosol, Mollic Fluvisol, and Stagnic Luvisol. The results showed that after the third monitoring cycle (2002), increase of SOC was observed in all the localities, with the change in land use. Statistical parameter (t-test) confirmed significant differences between the set of average SOC values before and after the land use conversion. The chemical structure of humic acids (HA) isolated from arable soil and permanent grassland indicated increasing of aliphatic carbon content in grassland HA. More aromatic and stabile were HA isolated from arable soils.
Analysis of relations between crop temperature indices and yield of different sunflower hybrids foliar treated by biopreparations
Authors: Kovár Marek , Černý Ivan , Ernst Dávid
Published: February 2017

The application of biological active preparations (BAPs) and remote-sensing control in the management of agronomic intervention are an important part of successful crop cultivation. The effects of foliar application of two BAPs (containing amino acids or Abiestins®) on yield and yield-forming, as well eco-physiological traits calculated from infrared thermographs data (crop water stress index, CWSI and index of stomatal conductance, Ig) of three hybrids of sunflower were studied in field poly-factorial experiments, realised during two years (2012 and 2013). The results showed that the application of selected BAPs has contributed to an increase of the sunflower yield, in particular through an increase in the weight of thousand seeds (rp = 0.761, P < 0.001). Similarly, oil content in achenes was significantly higher in treatments with BAPs, mainly with preparation containing free amino acids. The study describes the quantitative relationship between yield and quality of sunflower production (rp = −0.41, P < 0.01). Selected hybrids of sunflower in two growth stages showed the significant differences in CWSI and Ig (both at P < 0.01), respectively. An analysis of negative linear relation between the yield of achenes and CWSI (rp = −0.654, P < 0.001) confirmed that higher value of plant stress resulted in a smaller yield and vice-versa. The opposite trend was observed between yield and Ig index (rp = 0.576, P < 0.001). The data obtained from IR thermography can be used for monitoring the physiological health of sunflower plants, as well in potential prediction and control of yield.
Nontrivial Solutions for Potential Systems Involving the Mean Curvature Operator in Minkowski Space
Authors: Gurban Daniela , Jebelean Petru , Şerban Călin
Published: February 2017

In this paper, we use the critical point theory for convex, lower semicontinuous perturbations of

C
1

{C^{1}}

-functionals to obtain the existence of multiple nontrivial solutions for one parameter potential systems involving the operator

u
↦

div
⁡

(

∇
⁡
u

1
-

|

∇
⁡
u

|

2

)

{u\mapsto\operatorname{div}(\frac{\nabla u}{\sqrt{1-|\nabla u|^{2}}})}

. The solvability of a general non-potential system is also established.
Are Immigrants in Favour of Immigration? Evidence from England and Wales
Authors: Braakmann Nils , Waqas Muhammad , Wildman John
Published: February 2017

Using the UK Citizenship Survey for the years 2007–2010, this paper investigates how immigrants view immigration and how these views compare to the views of natives. Immigrants who have been in the UK longer are similar to natives in being opposed to further immigration, while recent immigrants are more in favour of further immigration. Labour market concerns do not play a large role for either immigrants or natives. However, there is some evidence that financial and economic shocks can increase anti-immigration sentiments.
Design and Analysis of a New ZOR Antenna with Wide Half Power Beam Width (HPBW) Characteristic
Authors: Peng Lin , Xie Ji-yang , Jiang Xing , Ruan Cheng-li
Published: February 2017

Novel zeroth-order resonator (ZOR) composites epsilon-zero resonance (EZR) and mu-zero resonance (MZR) characteristics was proposed. The proposed resonator was constructed by moving via from centre of the conventional mushroom structure (CMS) to the edge, then, an edge-located via mushroom structure (ELV-MS) was formed. Thus, boundary conditions were transformed from all open-ended to half short-ended and half open-ended. Then, the new ZOR composites EZR and MZR characteristics (called EZR-MZR resonator). Owing to the unique characteristic of the composite EZR and MZR, the proposed ZOR antenna radiates both horizontal-polarized field (uni-directional) and vertical-polarized field (omni-directional). Then, wide half power beam width (HPBW) radiation patterns were realized for the antenna. The deduction and analysis of the proposed EZR-MZR resonator were conducted based on the composite right/left-handed transmission line (CRLH TL) and ZOR theories, and field distributions. The proposed ZOR antenna was investigated with two cases of coupling feeding.
Family language policy by Hakkas in Balik Pulau, Penang
Authors: Xiaomei Wang
Published: February 2017

Family domain is crucial for language maintenance. It is also a critical avenue for children’s language acquisition. In Spolsky’s language management theory, family is one of the key domains for language management. In this study, we focus on family language management in Hakka families in Balik Pulau, Penang. Structured-interviews were conducted in November 2012. In total, 14 Hakka families were interviewed. In each family, one parent and one child were interviewed. This article examines family language policy from three perspectives: ideology, practice, and management. The results show that Hakkas in Penang give great importance to Mandarin and almost abandon Hakka in the family domain. However, they still have strong Hakka identity and some parents have restarted to speak Hakka with their children consciously. Multilingual capacity is a common expectation from parents. With multilingual input in the family domain, most of the children become passive bilinguals or multilinguals. The regional prestige dialect Hokkien is part of the repertoire of these Hakka families. However, there are no intentional efforts from the parents to teach Hokkien to their children. Conscious language management is only found for Mandarin and sometimes for English. This results from the parents’ language ideology that Mandarin is the most important language for Chinese Malaysians and English is an international language for their children’s future career. Findings from the current study contribute to the understanding of language maintenance and language shift in general.
Mathematical model involving chemical reaction and mass transfer for the ozonation of dimethyl phthalate in water in a bubble column reactor
Authors: Wang Jianbing , Xia Zhilin , Cao Zuhai , Yang Shaoxia , Zhu Wanpeng
Published: February 2017

This research investigated the establishment of a mathematical model for the ozonation of dimethyl phthalate (DMP) through the analysis of the mass transfer and reactions in a semi-batch bubble column reactor. Negative step tracer experiments were conducted with ozone as a tracer, which indicated that the gas phase is perfectly well mixed at the gas flow rate of 400 mL/min. Based on the results from ozone absorption experiments the mass transfer coefficient of ozone was determined to be 0.0054 s
Adrenocortical neoplasms in adulthood and childhood: distinct presentation. Review of the clinical, pathological and imaging characteristics
Authors: Melo-Leite Andréa Farias de , Elias Paula Condé Lamparelli , Teixeira Sara Reis , Tucci Silvio , Barros Gyl Eanes , Antonini Sonir R. , Muglia Valdair Francisco , Elias Jorge
Published: February 2017

Adrenocortical tumors (ACT) in adulthood and childhood vary in clinical, histopathological, molecular, prognostic, and imaging aspects. ACT are relatively common in adults, as adenomas are often found incidentally on imaging. ACT are rare in children, though they have a significantly higher prevalence in the south and southeast regions of Brazil. In clinical manifestation, adults with ACT present more frequently with glucocorticoid overproduction (Cushing syndrome), mineralocorticoid syndromes (Conn syndrome), or the excess of androgens in women. Subclinical tumors are frequently diagnosed late, associated with compression symptoms of abdominal mass. In children, the usual presentation is the virilizing syndrome or virilizing association and hypercortisolism. Histopathological grading and ACT classification in malignant and benign lesions are different for adults and children. In adults, the described criteria are the Hough, Weiss, modified Weiss, and Van Slooten. These scores are not valid for children; there are other criteria, such as proposed by Wieneke and colleagues. In molecular terms, there is also a difference related to genetic alterations found in these two populations. This review discusses the imaging findings of ACT, aiming to characterize the present differences between ACT found in adults and children. We listed several differences between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and positron emission tomography–computed (PET-CT) and also performed a literature review, which focuses on studied age groups of published articles in the last 10 years regarding cortical neoplasm and imaging techniques. Published studies on ACT imaging in children are rare. It is important to stress that the majority of publications related to the differentiation of malignant and benign tumors are based almost exclusively on studies in adults. A minority of articles, however, studied adults and children together, which may not be appropriate.
Sterically protected organophosphorus compounds of unusual structures
Authors: Yoshifuji Masaaki
Published: February 2017

The character of bis(2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenyl)diphosphene is described experimentally and theoretically. The diphosphene is stabilized by steric protection and the structure can be characterized by spectroscopic as well as crystallographic analyses. Theoretical calculation on the diphosphene strongly suggests that the P=P bond is an isolated double bond and that the P–C bonds are single covalent bond. The reactivity has been investigated including photolysis, oxidation, sulfurization, selenation, transition-metal complex formation, and carbene addition. Plausible mechanistic scheme for the reaction of the diphosphene with 3,4,5,6-tetrachlorocyclohexa-3,5-diene-1,2-dione (or tetrachloro-o-benzoquinone) to a pentavalent spiro product is discussed based on the product analysis.
Community Archives in the Digital Era: A Case from the LGBT Community
Authors: Cocciolo Anthony
Published: February 2017

This project looks at the challenges of establishing a digital community archives. The case that will be explored is that of Front Runners New York, an LGBT running club. The archive documents this small slice of the New York City LGBT community, capturing the impact of the AIDS epidemic and the community's struggle for wide acceptance in the 1980s and 1990s, and more recent triumphs in the 2010s such as the success of the marriage equality movement. This project finds that establishing and maintaining a community digital archive necessitates navigating a complex set of technological and social issues, including ownership and copyright, methods for capturing records, digitization and born-digital record keeping, social media and web archiving, and digital preservation. Using an action-research approach, this paper discusses the solutions developed to address these issues, as well as those that remain unresolved.
Eine Frage des Wohnorts
Authors: Helbig Marcel , Jähnen Stefanie , Marczuk Anna
Published: February 2017

In diesem Beitrag gehen wir der Frage nach, inwieweit die Entfernung zur nächsten Hochschule (Universität/Fachhochschule) die Wahrscheinlichkeit beeinflusst, ein Studium aufzunehmen bzw. aufnehmen zu wollen. Außerdem untersuchen wir die Mechanismen, die dem Zusammenhang zwischen Hochschulentfernung und Studierneigung zugrunde liegen. Dafür nutzen wir die DZHW-Studienberechtigtenpanels 1999–2010. Es finden sich Hinweise für eine unmittelbare und mittelbare Wirkung der erwarteten finanziellen Kosten der Hochschulentfernung auf die Studienentscheidung. Darüber hinaus sind emotionale Kosten ein moderierender Faktor des untersuchten Zusammenhangs. In den neuen Bundesländern spielt die Entfernung zur nächsten Hochschule eine geringere Rolle. Dort lässt sich zudem eine sozialstrukturell ungleiche Verteilung der Studienberechtigten im Hinblick auf die Entfernung zur nächsten Universität beobachten.
Nerve-Specific Input Modulation to Spinal Neurons during a Motor Task in the Monkey
Authors: Confais Joachim , Kim Geehee , Tomatsu Saeka , Takei Tomohiko , Seki Kazuhiko
Published: February 2017

If not properly regulated, the large amount of reafferent sensory signals generated by our own movement could destabilize the CNS. We investigated how input from peripheral nerves to spinal cord is modulated during behavior. We chronically stimulated the deep radial nerve (DR; proprioceptive, wrist extensors), the median nerve (M; mixed, wrist flexors and palmar skin) and the superficial radial nerve (SR; cutaneous, hand dorsum) while four monkeys performed a delayed wrist flexion–extension task. Spinal neurons putatively receiving direct sensory input were defined based on their evoked response latency following nerve stimulation. We compared the influence of behavior on the evoked response (responsiveness to a specific peripheral input) and firing rate of 128 neuron-nerve pairs based on their source nerve. Firing rate increased during movement regardless of source nerve, whereas evoked response modulation was strikingly nerve-dependent. In SR (n= 47) and M (n= 27) neurons (cutaneous or mixed input), the evoked response was suppressed during wrist flexion and extension. In contrast, in DR neurons (n= 54, pure proprioceptive input), the evoked response was facilitated exclusively during movements corresponding to the contraction of DR spindle-bearing muscles (i.e., wrist extension). Furthermore, modulations of firing rate and evoked response were uncorrelated in SR and M neurons, whereas they tended to be positively comodulated in DR neurons. Our results suggest that proprioceptive and cutaneous inputs to the spinal cord are modulated differently during voluntary movements, suggesting a refined gating mechanism of sensory signals according to behavior.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTVoluntary movements produce copious sensory signals, which may overwhelm the CNS if not properly regulated. This regulation is called “gating” and occurs at several levels of the CNS. To evaluate the specificity of sensory gating, we investigated how different sources of somatosensory inputs to the spinal cord were modulated while monkeys performed wrist movements. We recorded activity from spinal neurons that putatively received direct connections from peripheral nerves while stimulating their source nerves, and measured the evoked responses. Whereas cutaneous inputs were suppressed regardless of the type of movement, muscular inputs were specifically facilitated during relevant movements. We conclude that, even at the spinal level, sensory gating is a refined and input-specific process.
Identity-Specific Reward Representations in Orbitofrontal Cortex Are Modulated by Selective Devaluation
Authors: Howard James D. , Kahnt Thorsten
Published: February 2017

Goal-directed behavior is sensitive to the current value of expected outcomes. This requires independent representations of specific rewards, which have been linked to orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) function. However, the mechanisms by which the human brain updates specific goals on the fly, and translates those updates into choices, have remained unknown. Here we implemented selective devaluation of appetizing food odors in combination with pattern-based neuroimaging and a decision-making task. We found that in a hungry state, participants chose to smell high-intensity versions of two value-matched food odor rewards. After eating a meal corresponding to one of the two odors, participants switched choices toward the low intensity of the sated odor but continued to choose the high intensity of the nonsated odor. This sensory-specific behavioral effect was mirrored by pattern-based changes in fMRI signal in lateral posterior OFC, where specific reward identity representations were altered after the meal for the sated food odor but retained for the nonsated counterpart. In addition, changes in functional connectivity between the OFC and general value coding in ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) predicted individual differences in satiety-related choice behavior. These findings demonstrate how flexible representations of specific rewards in the OFC are updated by devaluation, and how functional connections to vmPFC reflect the current value of outcomes and guide goal-directed behavior.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) is critical for goal-directed behavior. A recent proposal is that OFC fulfills this function by representing a variety of state and task variables (“cognitive maps”), including a conjunction of expected reward identity and value. Here we tested how identity-specific representations of food odor reward are updated by satiety. We found that fMRI pattern-based signatures of reward identity in lateral posterior OFC were modulated after selective devaluation, and that connectivity between this region and general value coding ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) predicted choice behavior. These results provide evidence for a mechanism by which devaluation modulates a cognitive map of expected reward in OFC and thereby alters general value signals in vmPFC to guide goal-directed behavior.