bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of Mesothelin Measurement in Patients With Cytology-Negative Pleural Effusion Undergoing Medical Thoracoscopy
Authors: Leong Su Lyn , Lee Y. C. Gary , Robinson Bruce W. , Creaney Jenette
Published: April 2015

Background:

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rapidly fatal tumor of increasing worldwide incidence. Diagnosis of MPM may be difficult and is an area of academic and clinical interest. Diagnosis by effusion cytology is controversial, and the clinical utility of soluble biomarkers, particularly mesothelin, remains unexplored in the difficult to diagnose patient.

Objectives:

We studied the diagnostic value of measuring mesothelin in patients with cytology-negative pleural effusion undergoing medical thoracoscopy.

Methods:

Patients were enrolled prospectively and underwent medical thoracoscopy. Biopsy samples were reviewed following standard care guidelines. Soluble mesothelin was quantitated by commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in effusion and serum samples collected at the time of thoracoscopy. Patients were followed up until death or for a median of 28 (interquartile range 18-43) months.

Results:

Biopsy for thoracoscopy was definitive for malignancy in 17 of the 36 cases (16 MPM and 1 lung adenocarcinoma) and suspicious of malignancy in 6 cases. A final diagnosis of malignancy was made for 27 cases (24 MPM, 2 lung adenocarcinoma, and 1 primary pleural T-cell lymphoma). At thoracoscopy, soluble mesothelin was elevated in the effusion of 13 cases all of which were MPM. Serum mesothelin was elevated in 6 cases with MPM. One case with elevated mesothelin on whom thoracoscopic biopsy demonstrated a pleural plaque was diagnosed with metastatic MPM 9 months later.

Conclusion:

Elevated effusion mesothelin had a positive predictive value of 100% for a final diagnosis of MPM. Elevated mesothelin, in effusion or serum, should raise the index of suspicion of malignancy and warrants continued clinical follow-up.
High frequency of MYD88 mutations in vitreoretinal B-cell lymphoma: a valuable tool to improve diagnostic yield of vitreous aspirates
Authors: Bonzheim Irina , Giese Sabrina , Deuter Christoph , Süsskind Daniela , Zierhut Manfred , Waizel Maria , Szurman Peter , Federmann Birgit , Schmidt Janine , Quintanilla-Martinez Leticia , Coupland Sarah E. , Bartz-Schmidt Karl Ulrich , Fend Falko
Published: April 2015

Key Points

MYD88 mutation analysis significantly improves the detection rate of vitreoretinal B-cell lymphoma. The high frequency of MYD88 mutations in primary VRL provides further evidence that VRL and primary CNS lymphoma represent the same entity.
Ability of dynamic holography in self-assembled hybrid nanostructured silica films for all-optical switching and multiplexing
Authors: Telbiz German , Bugaychuk Svitlana , Leonenko Eugen , Derzhypolska Liudmyla , Gnatovskyy Vladimir , Pryadko Igor
Published: April 2015

The sol-gel method has been employed in the fabrication of easily processable mesostructured films consisting of a nonionic surfactant and silica as the inorganic component. The ability of the occluded Pluronic P123 mesostructures to solubilize guest molecules made these films ideal host matrices for organic dyes and molecular assemblies, possessing substantial nonlinear susceptibilities. These films were explored for use as the photonic layer in all-optical time-to-space converters and proved successful at increasing the optical response of the intercalated dyes to a point that would make these composite films applicable for use as the photonic layer. Recording of a dynamical grating in a single-pulse regime has been obtained. Since the dynamical grating exhibits the fast relaxation time (up to 10 ns), the nonlinear mechanism represents an electronic excitation of the photosensitive molecules. As far as the dye molecules are distributed in nanoporous silica, a model of ‘gas of molecular dye’ may be rightly used in order to consider nonlinear optical properties in the nanostructured hybrid films. We suppose that further improvement of the nonlinear optical nanomaterials may follow on the way to embed additional inclusions, which will not promote the heat accumulation in the host matrix and will lead to effective dissipation of the heat energy.

PACS:78.20.-e; 42.70 -а; 42.79
Reappraisal of the diagnostic and prognostic value of morning stiffness in arthralgia and early arthritis: results from the Groningen EARC, Leiden EARC, ESPOIR, Leiden EAC and REACH
Authors: van Nies Jessica AB , Alves Celina , Radix-Bloemen Audrey LS , Gaujoux-Viala Cécile , Huizinga Tom WJ , Hazes Johanna MW , Brouwer Elisabeth , Fautrel Bruno , Mil Annette HM van der Helm-van
Published: April 2015

Introduction

Morning stiffness is assessed daily in the diagnostic process of arthralgia and arthritis, but large-scale studies on the discriminative ability are absent. This study explored the diagnostic value of morning stiffness in 5,202 arthralgia and arthritis patients and the prognostic value in early rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

In arthralgia patients referred to the Early Arthritis Recognition Clinics (EARC) of Leiden (n = 807) and Groningen (n = 481) or included in the Rotterdam Early Arthritis Cohort (REACH) study (n = 353), the associations (cross-sectional analyses) between morning stiffness and presence of arthritis at physical examination were studied. In early arthritis patients, included in the Leiden Early Arthritis Clinic (EAC) (n = 2,748) and Evaluation et Suivi de POlyarthrites Indifférenciées Récentes (ESPOIR) (n = 813), associations with fulfilling the 2010-RA criteria after one year were assessed. In 2010-RA patients included in the EAC (n = 1,140) and ESPOIR (n = 677), association with the long-term outcomes of disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD)-free sustained remission and radiological progression were determined. Morning stiffness was defined as a duration ≥60 minutes; sensitivity analyses were performed for other definitions.

Results

In arthralgia, morning stiffness (≥60 minutes) associated with the presence of arthritis; Leiden EARC odds ratio (OR) 1.49 (95% CI 1.001 to 2.20), Groningen EARC OR 2.21 (1.33 to 3.69) and REACH OR 1.55 (0.97 to 2.47) but the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUCs) were low (0.52, 0.57, 0.54). In early arthritis, morning stiffness was associated with 2010-RA independent of other predictors (Leiden EAC OR 1.72 (95% CI 1.31 to 2.25, AUC 0.68), ESPOIR OR 1.68 (1.03 to 2.74, AUC 0.64)). Duration of ≥30 minutes provided optimal discrimination for RA in early arthritis. Morning stiffness was not associated with radiological progression or DMARD-free sustained remission.

Conclusions

Morning stiffness in arthralgia and early arthritis is associated with arthritis and RA respectively. This supports the incorporation of morning stiffness in the diagnostic process.
Clinical characteristics of bipolar disorder: a comparative study between Argentina and the United States
Authors: Holtzman Jessica N , Lolich Maria , Ketter Terence A , Vázquez Gustavo H
Published: April 2015

Background

Bipolar disorder presents with diverse clinical manifestations. Numerous investigators have sought to identify variables that may predict a more severe illness course.

Methods

With the objective of studying the clinical characteristics of bipolar patients between South and North America, a comparison was performed between a sample from Argentina (n = 449) and a sample from the United States (n = 503) with respect to demographics and clinical characteristics, including presence of comorbidities.

Results

The Argentinian sample had more unfavorable demographics and higher rates of prior psychiatric hospitalization and prior suicide attempt but a better social outcome. However, the sample from the United States had a higher rate of prior year rapid cycling, as well as younger bipolar disorder onset age (mean ± SD, 17.9 ± 8.4 vs. 27.1 ± 11.4 years) and more severe clinical morbidity, though there was no significant difference in terms of the total duration of the illness. Argentinian compared to American patients were taking more mood stabilizers and benzodiazepines/hypnotics, but fewer antipsychotics and other psychotropic medications, when considering patients in aggregate as well as when stratifying by illness subtype (bipolar I versus bipolar II) and by illness onset age (≤21 vs. >21 years). However, there was no significant difference in rate of antidepressant prescription between the two samples considered in aggregate.

Conclusions

Although possessing similar illness durations, these samples presented significant clinical differences and distinctive prescription patterns. Thus, though the Argentinian compared to North American patients had more unfavorable demographics, they presented a better social outcome and, in several substantive ways, more favorable illness characteristics. In both samples, early onset (age ≤ 21 years) was a marker for poor prognosis throughout the illness course, although this phenomenon appeared more robust in North America.
Synthesis and
in vitro
characterizations of porous carboxymethyl cellulose-poly(ethylene oxide) hydrogel film
Authors: Lee Su Yeon , Bang Sumi , Kim Sumi , Jo Seong Yeon , Kim Bum-Chul , Hwang Yunjae , Noh Insup
Published: April 2015

Background

Cellulose and its derivatives such as carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) have been employed as a biomaterial for their diverse applications such as tissue engineering, drug delivery and other medical materials. Porosity of the scaffolds has advantages in their applications to tissue engineering such as more cell adhesion and migration leading to better tissue regeneration. After synthesis of CMC-poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) hydrogel by mixing the solutions of both CMC-acrylate and PEO-
hexa
-thiols, fabrication and evaluation of a CMC-PEO gel and its film in porous form have been made for its possible applications to tissue regeneration. Physicochemical and biological properties of both CMC-PEO hydrogel and porous films have been evaluated by using physicochemical assays by SEM, FTIR and swelling behaviors as well as
in vitro
assays of MTT, Neutral red, BrdU, gel covering and tissue ingrowth into the pores of the CMC-PEO gel films. Degradation of CMC-PEO hydrogel was also evaluated by treating with esterase over time.

Results

Chemical grafting of acrylate to CMC was verified by analyses of both FTIR and NMR. CMC-PEO hydrogel was obtained by mixing two precursor polymer solutions of CMC-acrylate and PEO-
hexa
-thiols and by transforming into a porous CMC-PEO gel film by gas forming of ammonium bicarbonate particles. The fabricated hydrogel has swollen in buffer to more than 6 times and degraded by esterase. The results of
in vitro
assays of live and dead, MTT, BrdU, Neutral red and gel covering on the cells showed excellent cell compatibility of CMC-PEO hydrogel and porous gel films. Furthermore the porous films showed excellent
in vitro
adhesion and migration of cells into their pore channels as observed by H&E and MT stains.

Conclusions

Both CMC-PEO hydrogel and porous gel films showed excellent biocompatibility and were expected to be a good candidate scaffold for tissue engineering.
ZTEM and VTEM airborne EM and magnetic results over the Lalor copper‐gold volcanogenic massive sulfide deposit region, near Snow Lake, Manitoba
Authors: Legault Jean M. , Plastow Geoffrey , Zhao Shengkai , Bournas Nasreddine , Prikhodko Alexander , Orta Marta
Published: April 2015

The 14.4-Mt Lalor copper-zinc-gold deposit situated in the Flin Flon Greenstone Belt of north-central Manitoba is large ([Formula: see text]) but deeply buried ([Formula: see text]) and was discovered using deep penetrating ground fixed-loop time-domain electromagnetic (EM). Results from three different airborne EM surveys over a five-year span permit comparisons of the system responses over the Lalor volcanogenic massive sulfide deposit region, assisted using 1D-2D-3D inversions. In late March, 2007, soon after its drilling discovery, Hudson Bay Exploration contracted Geotech to fly helicopter versatile time-domain electromagnetic (VTEM) surveys over the region west of Snow Lake, Manitoba. The deposit was not detected due to its large depth of burial ([Formula: see text]) and the lack of magnetic response. In 2009, Geotech carried out a helicopter z‐axis tipper electromagnetic (ZTEM) passive EM test survey over the Lalor deposit, which was successful and led to a larger survey over the area. In 2012, a second VTEM survey test was flown, using the more deeply penetrating [Formula: see text] system. Although it had sufficient penetration to detect the orebody, on-site mine-site development appeared to overprint the deeper [Formula: see text] deposit response. However, a deep ([Formula: see text]) conductive anomaly from a stringer sulfide occurrence, known as South Bull’s Eye, which lies south of Lalor, was well resolved in the ZTEM and [Formula: see text] surveys.
Structure and Property Investigations of the Lowest Energy Poly(amidoamine)-CH2CH3 Conformers
Authors: Jin Tao , Kong Fan-mei , Bai Rui-qin
Published: April 2015

Density functional theory is used to optimize the minimum conformers of the lowest generation (G0) ethyl (CH2CH3)-terminated poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers with UB3LYP/6-31++G** methods in the gas phase. The obtained a, b, c, and d conformers are the most stable, and all the secondary amide groups are in the trans-position except for the a conformer. The terminal group rotation, the intramolecular hydrogen bonding, and interbranch interactions all minimize the energy of the conformers. The IR spectra of the lowest energy conformers of PAMAM-CH2CH3 are also studied.
Enhanced High-temperature Carbon Sequestration with Ceramic-based Sorbents
Authors: Kumakiri Izumi , Okamoto Takatoshi , Murao Takuya , Tanaka Kazuhiro , Kita Hidetoshi
Published: April 2015

Titanium dioxide-based solid sorbents were applied for CO2 capture over 400 °C. Novel reaction route for CO2 capture by Ba2TiO4 is identified. Due to the contribution of a mechanism alternative to what has previously been reported, higher CO2 capture ability has been achieved.
Research roundup
Authors: Franklin Jennifer
Published: April 2015

Synopses of a selection of recently published research articles of relevance to palliative care.
REVISORES 2014
Authors: EJREP EJREP
Published: April 2015

REVISORES 2014
A review of market based management as a strategic performance tool- an illustrative example through Tata steel
Authors: Vardhan Julie
Published: April 2015

While market economy is being questioned after the recent economic crises for its philosophy of the individual working for oneself, relentless capitalism and an unaccountable profit motive; market as a construct needs to be considered in the right perspective. This study explores the concept of Market-based Management (MBM) which brings the power of a free-market economy inside a firm. Although the strategic tool had been proposed two decades back, its application to organizations as a performance tool has not been much explored. The purpose of the paper is to explore from a constructivist perspective the applicability and relevance of Market-based Management in the context of Tata Steel, an Indian steel manufacturing company with global presence. Through secondary data analysis of Tata and at a conceptual level, it is seen that MBM could be used to transform firms into market-based institutions as a way of improving efficiency. Hopefully, the study will provide a solid ground for a more extensive research in understanding the implementation of MBM in a company.
Multi-analyte analysis of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants in human plasma using tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Blaich Cornelia , Müller Carsten , Michels Guido , Wiesen Martin H.J.
Published: April 2015

The non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) apixaban, dabigatran, and rivaroxaban are being administered in fixed doses without routine monitoring of anticoagulant activities. Despite this key advantage over vitamin K antagonists (VKAs), assessment of anticoagulant intensities is required in various clinical circumstances. We developed a multi-analyte approach for mass spectrometric analysis of NOACs in human plasma.

Plasma samples were precipitated with acetonitrile. Separation was achieved by liquid chromatography using a C18 column and a gradient elution within a run time of 2.5 min. Positive electrospray ionization was used and ion transitions monitored by a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. Stable-isotope-labeled analogues of analytes were employed as internal standards for quantitative analysis. Certified external quality control samples were obtained for external validation.

For all analytes, linearity could be demonstrated over the concentration range of 1–500 μg/L (R

The method enables rapid and reliable simultaneous determination of NOAC concentrations in human plasma. It was successfully introduced into clinical practice; a case with rivaroxaban overdose is presented to exemplify the method’s applicability.
Crystal structure of 1,1'-(1,4-phenylenebis(methylene))bis(2-methyl-1Hbenzo[ d]imidazol-3-ium) 2,5-dicarboxyterephthalate, C17H14N2O4
Authors: Li Shi-Hui , Zhang Rui , Zhang Meng-Yin , Zhu Wen-Qing
Published: April 2015

C17H14N2O4, triclinic, P1̄ (no. 2), a = 7.025(1) Å, b = 9.607(2) Å, c = 10.749(2) Å, α = 97.47(3)°, β = 92.10(3)°, γ = 91.01(3)°, V = 718.6 Å3, Z = 2, Rgt(F) = 0.0564, wRref(F2) = 0.1251, T = 293 K.
Crystal structure of 4-(5-(benzoyloxy)-3-methyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)benzoic acid monohydrate, C18H16N2O5
Authors: Zhao Chun-Xiang , Ding Yong-Jie , Li Xin , Zhao Hui , Li Juan
Published: April 2015

C18H16N2O5, triclinic, P1̄ (no. 2), a = 8.716(1) Å, b = 9.969(1) Å, c = 11.435(2) Å, α = 104.535(3)°, β = 104.039(4)°, γ = 111.181(2)°, V = 833.5 Å3, Z = 2, Rgt(F) = 0.0446, wRref(F2) = 0.1276, T = 296 K.
Encoding of Yaw in the Presence of Distractor Motion: Studies in a Fly Motion Sensitive Neuron
Authors: Roy Suva , Sinha Shiva R. , de Ruyter van Steveninck Rob
Published: April 2015

Motion estimation is crucial for aerial animals such as the fly, which perform fast and complex maneuvers while flying through a 3-D environment. Motion-sensitive neurons in the lobula plate, a part of the visual brain, of the fly have been studied extensively for their specialized role in motion encoding. However, the visual stimuli used in such studies are typically highly simplified, often move in restricted ways, and do not represent the complexities of optic flow generated during actual flight. Here, we use combined rotations about different axes to study how H1, a wide-field motion-sensitive neuron, encodes preferred yaw motion in the presence of stimuli not aligned with its preferred direction. Our approach is an extension of “white noise” methods, providing a framework that is readily adaptable to quantitative studies into the coding of mixed dynamic stimuli in other systems. We find that the presence of a roll or pitch (“distractor”) stimulus reduces information transmitted by H1 about yaw, with the amount of this reduction depending on the variance of the distractor. Spike generation is influenced by features of both yaw and the distractor, where the degree of influence is determined by their relative strengths. Certain distractor features may induce bidirectional responses, which are indicative of an imbalance between global excitation and inhibition resulting from complex optic flow. Further, the response is shaped by the dynamics of the combined stimulus. Our results provide intuition for plausible strategies involved in efficient coding of preferred motion from complex stimuli having multiple motion components.
Effects of Genic Base Composition on Growth Rate in G+C-rich Genomes
Authors: Kelkar Yogeshwar D , Phillips Daniel S , Ochman Howard
Published: April 2015

The source and significance of the wide variation in the genomic base composition of bacteria have been a matter of continued debate. Although the variation was originally attributed to a strictly neutral process, i.e., species-specific differences in mutational patterns, recent genomic comparisons have shown that bacteria with G+C-rich genomes experience a mutational bias toward A+T. This difference between the mutational input to a genome and its overall base composition suggests the action of natural selection. Here, we examine if selection acts on G+C contents in Caulobacter crescentus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which both have very G+C-rich genomes, by testing whether the expression of gene variants that differ only in their base compositions at synonymous sites affects cellular growth rates. In C. crescentus, expression of the more A+T-rich gene variants decelerated growth, indicating that selection on genic base composition is, in part, responsible for the high G+C content of this genome. In contrast, no comparable effect was observed in P. aeruginosa, which has similarly high genome G+C contents. Selection for increased genic G+C-contents in C. crescentus acts independently of the species-specific codon usage pattern and represents an additional selective force operating in bacterial genomes.
Customer perceptions of road infrastructure surface conditions
Authors: Blom Carron M. , De Marco Luca , Guthrie Peter M.
Published: April 2015

Performance is a key tenet of infrastructure management. This paper looks at a measure of service level in infrastructure, namely, road smoothness. Conventionally, studies of this type have focused on the technical measures themselves. This paper presents the results of the first stage of a New Zealand-based case study that, by contrast, explored the engineering processes through the lens of the outcomes they sought to achieve; in this instance, customer comfort. The paper asserts that if performance is to be determined by outcomes, then a holistic approach is needed, including a revised definition of technical performance.
The impending medical revolution in haemophilia care: one patient’s view
Authors: Jones Adam R.
Published: April 2015

The history of haemophilia care has been fraught with extreme successes and epic failures. The development of plasmaderived concentrates made prophylactic treatment and home care possible, but the unintended consequences were devastating for a generation and only abated with the emergence of recombinant products. Now with the arrival of longer-acting factor concentrates and the potential offered by gene therapy, further improvements in medical and social outcomes are possible. But these new treatment approaches raise challenging ethical and moral issues that society must be prepared to confront.
History illustrates the danger that privatisation poses to haemophilia
Authors: Owen David
Published: April 2015

David Owen was Labour Health Minister 1974-76 and now sits as an independent social democrat in the House of Lords. Before entering Parliament he trained as a medical doctor at St Thomas’s Hospital, London, where he was Clinical Neurologist and Psychiatric Registrar. He has championed the NHS throughout its existence and is now a powerful advocate for its reinstatement to its original purpose. In this extract from his 2014 book The Health of the Nation, NHS in Peril, David Owen sets out the consequences of the 2012 Health and Social Care Act for the haemophilia community.
Preparation and Performance Research of WPU Modified by Nanopolyphosphazenes
Authors: Jianbing Chen , Xiangli Ning , Wenjing Hu , Jiangjie Wang
Published: April 2015

It is reported in this paper that waterborne polyurethane (WPU) can be modified by nanopolyphosphazenes
fibers, which had been prepared containing hydroxyl groups, followed by reaction with WPU. At the same time, physical
blends had also been carried out in the experiments. The results showed that the tensile strength of the WPU films through
chemical modification containing 0.5 wt% fibers is, 1.22 MPa, and that the elongation at break is 1294.50%. This data has
significantly increased when compared against WPU, in which the elongation at break is only 785.50%. The thermal
decomposition temperature of the WPU modified by nanopolyphosphazenes is 50 % higher than that of regular WPU. At
the same time, its preparation method had some influences on the mechanical properties of the composite materials.
The Wireless Environment Monitoring Alarm System Based on Selforganizing Network
Authors: Huawei Zhang , Nan Li , Zhanjun Jiang , Qiang Li
Published: April 2015

Under complicated conditions, it is necessary for environmental monitoring to design a wireless monitoring
alarm system which can replace the wired system or as a supplement. The system discussed here bases on ARM7 microprocessor
named LPC1114 and transceiver module named CC2530. With ZigBee, CSM/GPRS, this system uses multiple
sensors to self-organized form a data acquisition and monitoring network system with variety of sensors fusion in the region.
The system has some characteristics such as quick, convenient and accurate. Combining with the GSM SMS or
GPRS alarm, the system can accurately and reliably monitor temperature, humidity and other environmental factors, and
realize remote monitoring in large area and the complicated environment. Thus, this system has high practical value.
Study on Water-Cooled Solar Semiconductor Air Conditioner
Authors: Zhi-Ming Dong , Li-Xia Guo , Ji-Bin Chang , Xue-Bin Zhou
Published: April 2015

Aiming to compare the cooling effect, two types of solar-powered semiconductor air-conditioning devices were
designed in different structures. According to the cooling load in an experimental room, the solar panels and battery capacity
were determined for the development of a test system. In the same working condition, a comparison test was carried
out to examine the cooling performance. Experimental results showed that the design of dual water-cooled cooling
unit presented a higher ratio of energy efficiency, with its maximum value of 1.08. By observing the experimental data of
the prototype, its comparative economic evaluation results indicated that the annualized cost of solar semiconductor airconditioning
was app. 2.7 times that of air-conditioning made from an ordinary compressor.
Random Small Sample Prediction Model on Displacement of Extensive Deep Soil Excavation
Authors: Shengquan Zhou , Xiaolong Zhao , Zhaoming Yao
Published: April 2015

In order to forecast the displacement of deep foundation pit support, this document proposes a new method which
combines the cross validation method and supports vector machine (SVM) based on random small samples. Because the
random small monitoring data are difficult to fit and forecast, the cross validation method and different kernel function of
support vector machine algorithm arerepeatedly used to establish and optimize the displacement prediction model of
underground continuous wall, and then uses validation samples to test the accuracy of the models. The results show that this
method can meet the requirements of precision relatively well, and Cauchy kernel function is better than the other. In the
aspect of accuracy of model fitting and prediction, this method has great advantages, which can be applied to practical
engineering.
Highway Disaster Alignment Decision-making Model Under the Fragile Environment Condition in Mountain Area
Authors: Chuandong Gao , Guoxiong Wu , Guodong Liu
Published: April 2015

Highway disaster alignment is a complex multi-object decision-making problem especially under frail
environment conditions such as in mountainous areas. In addition, these objects do not have public characteristics. This
paper established the multi-object functional decision making model from the topographic, geologic environmental aspect
that may grow and become the cause of all kinds of highway disasters. Using the multi-object decision making theory, this
model considered the multi-object forthe highway alignment from the qualitative and quantitative aspect, which has an
important academic significance and applied value. In the end of this paper, an example of the analysis is given which
indicated the model and its effectivness.
An Experimental Study on Seismic Performance of Steel Truss Coupling Beams with Buckling-restrained Brace
Authors: Sun Weidong , Li Kang , Niu Xinyu
Published: April 2015

Through the pseudo-static test on the steel truss coupling beams with buckling-restrained brace, the bearing capacity, deformation capacity, hysteresis curve, skeleton curve, ductility, Energy Dissipation and stiffness degradation of such coupling beam are understood. The test results show that the steel truss coupling beams with buckling-restrained brace is characterized by bigger bearing capacity, higher ductility and good plastic energy dissipation capacity.
3D Seismic Survey Technique in Less Explored Region
Authors: Hongwei Tang , Wenxin He
Published: April 2015

By summarizing the experiences of routine acquisition geometry designs, and using the 3D seismic survey data
of a less explored region for instance, this paper put forward an acquisition geometry design method for less explored
region plus the geological stratum calibration by reflection wave and time-depth conversion method. After drilling data
and roadway data verification, the re-argumentation of acquisition geometry parameters for parameter determination and
the forward modeling technique for geological stratum calibration and the stacking velocity time-depth conversion were
proved to be very effective in improving the accuracy of seismic survey.
Aerodynamic Characteristics of Asymmetric Airfoils Blade Small Vertical
Axis Wind Turbines
Authors: Zhao Li-Hua , Liu Ming
Published: April 2015

In this paper, using sliding mesh model, the numerical simulation of small vertical axis wind turbine
aerodynamic performance was studied with FLUENT software. Got change rule of four same thickness and different
camber‘s NACA series asymmetrical airfoil moment coefficient of the wind turbine and wind power machine with the tip
speed ratio. Wind turbine benchmark blade around the flow field was studied. Research shows that within a certain range,
small vertical axis wind turbine aerodynamic performance be promoted if the airfoil relative thickness increases. In the
case of large attack angle, the wind turbine blade is easy to be separated. It provides a theoretical reference for optimal
design of a small vertical axis wind turbine.
Factor Structure of the Internet Addiction Test in Online Gamers and Poker Players
Authors: Khazaal Yasser , Achab Sophia , Billieux Joel , Thorens Gabriel , Zullino Daniele , Dufour Magali , Rothen Stéphane
Published: April 2015

Background

The Internet Addiction Test (IAT) is the most widely used questionnaire to screen for problematic Internet use. Nevertheless, its factorial structure is still debated, which complicates comparisons among existing studies. Most previous studies were performed with students or community samples despite the probability of there being more problematic Internet use among users of specific applications, such as online gaming or gambling.

Objective

To assess the factorial structure of a modified version of the IAT that addresses specific applications, such as video games and online poker.

Methods

Two adult samples—one sample of Internet gamers (n=920) and one sample of online poker players (n=214)—were recruited and completed an online version of the modified IAT. Both samples were split into two subsamples. Two principal component analyses (PCAs) followed by two confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) were run separately.

Results

The results of principal component analysis indicated that a one-factor model fit the data well across both samples. In consideration of the weakness of some IAT items, a 17-item modified version of the IAT was proposed.

Conclusions

This study assessed, for the first time, the factorial structure of a modified version of an Internet-administered IAT on a sample of Internet gamers and a sample of online poker players. The scale seems appropriate for the assessment of such online behaviors. Further studies on the modified 17-item IAT version are needed.
Performance on the Modified Star Excursion Balance Test at the Time of Return to Sport Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Clagg Sarah , Paterno Mark V. , Hewett Timothy E. , Schmitt Laura C.
Published: April 2015

Study Design

Cross-sectional.

Objectives

To compare performance on the modified Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) between participants with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) at the time of return to sport and uninjured control participants.

Background

The modified SEBT is a clinical tool to assess neuromuscular control deficits. Deficits in dynamic stability and neuromuscular control persist after ACLR, but assessment with the modified SEBT in this population at the time of return to sport has not been reported.

Methods

Sixty-six participants (mean age, 17.6 years) at the time of return to sport following unilateral primary ACLR (ACLR group) and 47 uninjured participants (mean age, 17.0 years) serving as a control group participated. For the modified SEBT, the anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral reach distances were recorded. Lower extremity muscle strength was quantified with isokinetic dynamometry. Independent-sample t tests were used to evaluate performance differences between the ACLR group and the control group and between the ACLR subgroups. In the ACLR group, bivariate correlations determined the association of modified SEBT performance with time since surgery and lower extremity muscle strength.

Results

The ACLR group had lower anterior reach distances on the involved and uninvolved limbs compared to the control group. There were no differences observed between groups in reach distances for the posteromedial and posterolateral directions or in limb symmetry indices for any of the reach directions. In the ACLR group, time from surgery and meniscal status at the time of ACLR did not influence modified SEBT performance, whereas participants with patellar bone-tendon-bone grafts had a lower posterolateral reach distance compared to those with hamstring grafts. In the ACLR group, involved-limb hip abduction strength positively correlated with all reach distances, and quadriceps strength positively correlated with posterolateral reach.

Conclusion

At the time of return to sport, participants post-ACLR demonstrated reduced modified SEBT anterior reach in both involved and uninvolved limbs compared to uninjured participants, with no other group differences. In the ACLR group, modified SEBT reach distance was associated with lower extremity muscle strength, but not with time from reconstruction or meniscal status at the time of ACLR. Lower extremity muscle strength and graft type may interact to influence modified SEBT posterior reach performance, but this requires further study.

Level of Evidence

Prognosis, level 2b-. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2015;45(6):444–452. Epub 21 Apr 2015. doi:10.2519/jospt.2015.5040
Epidemiology of Ankle Sprains and the Risk of Separation From Service in US Army Soldiers
Authors: Bulathsinhala Lakmini , Hill Owen T. , Scofield Dennis E. , Haley Timothy F. , Kardouni Joseph R.
Published: April 2015

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Objectives

To report the incidence rate of ankle sprains in active-duty soldiers and to examine if soldiers who sustain ankle sprain injuries are more likely to leave the Army than those who do not sustain an ankle sprain.

Background

Ankle sprains are one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries in physically active people and have been identified as the most common foot or ankle injury in active-duty Army personnel, with a rate of 103 sprains per 1000 soldiers per year.

Methods

Data were analyzed on the entire active-duty US Army population from 2000 to 2006 (n = 1 014 042). A semi-parametric Cox proportional hazard model was built.

Results

The overall incidence rate for ankle sprains was 45.14 per 1000 person-years. After controlling for length of service prior to the study period, soldiers who sustained a single ankle sprain were 27% less likely (relative risk ratio = 0.73; 95% confidence interval: 0.73, 0.75) to leave the service than soldiers who had no documented history of an ankle sprain. However, this trend toward increased service time no longer held true for those who sustained a recurrent sprain (risk ratio = 1.07; 95% confidence interval: 0.99, 1.15).

Conclusion

It appears that individuals who sustain an incident ankle sprain have longer time in service in the Army than those who do not sustain this injury. However, this trend toward longer service time no longer held true for soldiers who sustained a recurrent sprain. This could be an indication that preventing recurrent injury could factor into longer periods of military service.

Level of Evidence

Prognosis, level 2b. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2015;45(6):477–484. Epub 21 Apr 2015. doi:10.2519/jospt.2015.5733
The Use of Compression Stockings During a Marathon Competition to Reduce Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage: Are They Really Useful?
Authors: Areces Francisco , Salinero Juan José , Abian-Vicen Javier , González-Millán Cristina , Ruiz-Vicente Diana , Lara Beatriz , Lledó María , Del Coso Juan
Published: April 2015

Study Design

Case-control study; ecological study.

Objectives

To examine the efficacy of wearing compression stockings to prevent muscle damage and to maintain running performance during a marathon competition.

Background

Exercise-induced muscle damage has been identified as one of the main causes of the progressive decrease in running and muscular performance found during marathon races.

Methods

Thirty-four experienced runners were pair-matched for age, anthropometric data, and best race time in the marathon, and randomly assigned to a control group (n = 17) of runners who wore conventional socks or to a group of runners who wore foot-to-knee graduated compression stockings (n = 17). Before and after the race, a sample of venous blood was obtained, and jump height and leg muscle power were measured during a countermovement jump. Serum myoglobin and creatine kinase concentrations were determined as blood markers of muscle fiber damage.

Results

Total race time was not different between the control group and the compression stockings group (210 ± 23 and 214 ± 22 minutes, respectively; P = .58). Between the control group and the compression stockings group, postrace reductions in leg muscle power (−19.8% ± 17.7% versus −24.8% ± 18.4%, respectively; P = .37) and jump height (−25.3% ± 14.1% versus −32.5% . 20.4%, respectively; P = .27) were similar. At the end of the race, there were no differences between the control group and the compression stockings group in serum myoglobin (568 ± 347 ng·mL−1 versus 573 ± 270 ng·mL−1, respectively; P = .97) and creatine kinase concentration (390 ± 166 U·L−1 versus 487 ± 227 U·L−1, respectively; P = .16).

Conclusion

The use of compression stockings did not improve running pace and did not prevent exercise-induced muscle damage during the marathon. Wearing compression stockings during long-distance running events is an ineffective strategy to avoid the deleterious effects of muscle damage on running performance.

Level of Evidence

Therapy, level 2b. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2015;45(6):462–470. Epub 21 Apr 2015. doi:10.2519/jospt.2015.5863
Mass-balance changes of the debris-covered glaciers in the Langtang Himal, Nepal, from 1974 to 1999
Authors: Pellicciotti Francesca , Stephan Christa , Miles Evan , Herreid Sam , Immerzeel Walter W. , Bolch Tobias
Published: April 2015

Thick debris cover on glaciers can significantly reduce ice melt. However, several studies have suggested that debris-covered glaciers in the Himalaya might have lost mass at a rate similar to debris-free glaciers. We reconstruct elevation and mass changes for the debris-covered glaciers of the upper Langtang valley, Nepalese Himalaya, using a digital elevation model (DEM) from 1974 stereo Hexagon satellite data and the 2000 SRTM (Shuttle Radar Topography Mission) DEM. Uncertainties are high in the accumulation areas, due to data gaps in the SRTM and difficulties with delineation of the glacier borders. Even with these uncertainties, we obtain thinning rates comparable to those of several other studies in the Himalaya. In particular, we obtain a total mass balance for the investigated debris-covered glaciers of the basin of –0.32 ± 0.18 m w.e. a−1. However, there are major spatial differences both between glaciers and within any single glacier, exhibiting a very distinct nonlinear mass-balance profile with elevation. Through analysis of surface velocities derived from Landsat ETM+ imagery, we show that thinning occurs in areas of low velocity and low slope. These areas are prone to a general, dynamic decay of surface features and to the development of supraglacial lakes and ice cliffs, which may be responsible for a considerable increase in overall glacier ablation.
Fourth-Order Contour Mode ZnO-on-SOI Disk Resonators for Mass Sensing Applications
Authors: Rivera Ivan , Avila Adrian , Wang Jing
Published: April 2015

In this work, we have investigated the design, fabrication and testing of ZnO-on-SOI fourth-order contour mode disk resonators for mass sensing applications. This study aims to unveil the possibility for real-time practical mass sensing applications by using high-Q ZnO-on-SOI contour-mode resonators while taking into account their unique modal characteristics. Through focused ion beam (FIB) direct-write metal deposition techniques, the effects of localized mass loading on the surface of three extensional mode devices have been investigated. Ten microfabricated 40 mm-radius disk resonators, which all have a 20 mm-thick silicon device layer and 1 mm-thick ZnO transducer layer but varied anchor widths and numbers, have exhibited resonant frequencies ranging from 84.9 MHz to 86.7 MHz with Q factors exceeding 6000 (in air) and 10,000 (in vacuum), respectively. It has been found that the added mass at the nodal locations leads to noticeable Q-factor degradation along with lower induced frequency drift, thereby resulting in reduced mass sensitivity. All three measured devices have shown a mass sensitivity of ~1.17 Hz·fg−1 at the maximum displacement points with less than 33.3 ppm of deviation in term of fractional frequency change. This mass sensitivity is significantly higher than 0.334 Hz·fg−1 at the nodal points. Moreover, the limit of detection (LOD) for this resonant mass sensor was determined to be 367 ag and 1290 ag (1 ag = 10−18 g) for loaded mass at the maximum and minimum displacement points, accordingly.
Increasing Octane Value in Catalytic Cracking of n-Hexadecane with Addition of *BEA Type Zeolite
Authors: Shimada Iori , Imai Ryoichi , Hayasaki Yoshinori , Fukunaga Hiroshi , Takahashi Nobuhide , Takatsuka Toru
Published: April 2015

In this study, multifunctional catalysts were developed by adding *BEA or MFI zeolite with high Si/Al ratio to a residual fluidized catalytic cracking (RFCC) catalyst and tested in the catalytic cracking of n-hexadecane, which is a heavy crude oil model compound, for the purpose of increasing the octane value of produced gasoline under the strong hydrogen transfer activity of the RFCC catalyst. Reaction products analysis revealed that the addition of *BEA zeolite to the RFCC catalyst increased the yields of olefins and multi-branched paraffins, which resulted in improvement of the octane value without sacrificing gasoline yield. On the contrary, the addition of MFI zeolite decreased the gasoline yield because it cracks the gasoline range olefins into LPG range olefins. In general, it is difficult to increase the yield of multi-branched molecules because the multi-branched molecule is more easily cracked than linear molecules. Our results suggest the possibility for the selective acceleration of isomerization reaction by the addition of less acidic *BEA zeolite to the RFCC catalyst.
Error and Congestion Resilient Video Streaming over Broadband Wireless
Authors: Al-Jobouri Laith , Ali Ismail , Fleury Martin , Ghanbari Mohammed
Published: April 2015

In this paper, error resilience is achieved by adaptive, application-layer rateless channel coding, which is used to protect H.264/Advanced Video Coding (AVC) codec data-partitioned videos. A packetization strategy is an effective tool to control error rates and, in the paper, source-coded data partitioning serves to allocate smaller packets to more important compressed video data. The scheme for doing this is applied to real-time streaming across a broadband wireless link. The advantages of rateless code rate adaptivity are then demonstrated in the paper. Because the data partitions of a video slice are each assigned to different network packets, in congestion-prone wireless networks the increased number of packets per slice and their size disparity may increase the packet loss rate from buffer overflows. As a form of congestion resilience, this paper recommends packet-size dependent scheduling as a relatively simple way of alleviating the buffer-overflow problem arising from data-partitioned packets. The paper also contributes an analysis of data partitioning and packet sizes as a prelude to considering scheduling regimes. The combination of adaptive channel coding and prioritized packetization for error resilience with packet-size dependent packet scheduling results in a robust streaming scheme specialized for broadband wireless and real-time streaming applications such as video conferencing, video telephony, and telemedicine.
Risk of Children’s Dermal Exposure to Galaxolide through Personal Care Products
Authors: Correia Patrícia , Cruz Agostinho , Santos Lúcia , Alves Arminda
Published: April 2015

Galaxolide is the most used fragrance since the early 1990s, and it has been largely detected in environmental and biological matrices. This polycyclic musk is present in almost all of our daily products, so the risk of human exposure is substantial, as it had been proved by its detection in human tissues and fluids. Due to the lack of information about the concentrations found in consumer products, monitoring data is needed for exposure assessment purposes. Dermal contact, mostly by personal care products, seems to be the major route of human exposure to galaxolide, and, due to the immaturity of young children’s skin, exposure consequences can be worse in this population. The main objective of this study was to evaluate galaxolide levels in personal care products used by children of Oporto (Portugal), aged 0–5 years, and relate it with consumer habits. Consumer patterns were obtained through 250 questionnaires to caregivers of Oporto children. The 79 most used products were extracted by a dispersive solid phase extraction methodology known as QuEChERS and galaxolide was determined by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection. The concentrations ranged between 0.001 ± 0.001 mg·kg−1, on a baby wipe, and 300.480 ± 8.819 mg·kg−1, on glycerin soap, which may correspond to an estimated daily dermal exposure of 277.10 ± 0.02 µg·day−1 on the population of Oporto children. This value is in the range of the results observed for adults, although no information of toxicological risk for children is available.
Types of Hair Dye and Their Mechanisms of Action
Authors: Da França Simone , Dario Michelli , Esteves Victoria , Baby André , Velasco Maria
Published: April 2015

Hair color change by dye application is a common procedure among women. Hair dyes are classified, according to color resistance, into temporary, semipermanent, demipermanent and permanent. The first two are based on molecules which are already colored. Temporary dyes act through dye deposition on cuticles, but semipermanent may penetrate a little into the cortex and so the color resists up to six washes. Demipermanent and permanent dyes are based on color precursors, called oxidation dyes, and the final shade is developed by their interactions with an oxidizing agent, but they differ from the alkalizing agent used. In oxidation systems, there is an intense diffusion of the molecules into the cortex, what promotes a longer color resistance. Dyes and color precursors present differences related to chromophore groups, hair fiber affinity, water solubility, and photo stability. The aim of this review is to discuss the differences among hair dye products available in the market and their action mechanisms, molecular structures, application methods, and some aspects of formulations.