bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endometriosis: the role of magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Saba Luca , Sulcis Rosa , Melis Gian Benedetto , de Cecco Carlo Nicola , Laghi Andrea , Piga Mario , Guerriero Stefano
Published: March 2014

Several imaging options are available today to diagnose endometriosis. Currently, the two techniques most used are sonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Three-dimensional (3D) sonography has proved to be particularly sensitive in the diagnosis of endometriosis. In recent years, MRI has emerged as a high reproducible method to explore endometriosis; moreover, its capability to evaluate tissue signal is an extremely powerful system in the differential diagnosis with other pathologies and for the identification of malignant degeneration. The purpose of this paper is to present the state-of-the-art of MRI of endometriosis by performing a review of the literature and showing the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and classification of endometriosis. In this work, the technique that should be used, MR findings of endometriosis and the principles of differential diagnosis are explained.
Risk factors for invasive pneumococcal disease in HIV-infected adults in France in the highly active antiretroviral therapy era
Authors: Munier Anne-Lise , de Lastours Victoire , Porcher Raphaël , Donay Jean-Luc , Pons Jean-Louis , Molina Jean-Michel
Published: March 2014

Invasive pneumococcal diseases remain frequent and severe in HIV-infected subjects. To identify opportunities for prevention, we assessed risk factors of invasive pneumococcal diseases (IPD) in HIV-infected patients over a 10-year period in France. We performed a retrospective case-control study in a reference centre of HIV management in Paris. All HIV-infected patients having suffered from IPD between 2000 and 2011 were included. Control subjects were HIV-infected with no history of IPD or pneumonia, matched by date of diagnosis of HIV with controls. Two controls were randomly selected for each subject. In all, 42 HIV-infected patients presented 44 IPD episodes during the study period and were compared to 84 controls. In the multivariate analysis, patients with IPD were more likely than controls to have a Charlson Comorbidity Index ≥2 (adjusted OR = 7.07, 95% CI 1.99–25.1, p = 0.003), CD4-cell count <200/cells/µL (aOR = 6.93, 95% CI 1.80–26.7, p = 0.005), HIV-RNA viral load >400 copies/mL (aOR = 5.56, 95% CI 1.58–19.5, p = 0.007) and a non-European origin (aOR = 4.26, 95% CI 1.02–17.9, p = 0.047). HIV-infected patients with a higher burden of comorbidities, uncontrolled HIV replication, low CD4-cell counts and/or of non-European origin are at higher risk of developing IPD. Better screening for and management of HIV infection is necessary to reduce the risk of IPD.
An efficient and simple refined theory for buckling and free vibration of exponentially graded sandwich plates under various boundary conditions
Authors: Meziane Mohamed Ait Amar , Abdelaziz Hadj Henni , Tounsi Abdelouahed
Published: March 2014

In this paper, an efficient and simple refined shear deformation theory is presented for the vibration and buckling of exponentially graded material sandwich plate resting on elastic foundations under various boundary conditions. The displacement field of the present theory is chosen based on nonlinear variations in the in-plane displacements through the thickness of the plate. By dividing the transverse displacement into the bending and shear parts and making further assumptions, the number of unknowns and equations of motion of the present theory is reduced and hence makes them simple to use. Equations of motion are derived from Hamilton’s principle. Numerical results for the natural frequencies and critical buckling loads of several types of symmetric exponentially graded material sandwich plates are presented. The accuracy of the present theory is verified by comparing the obtained results with solutions available in the literature. Numerical results show that the present theory can archive accuracy comparable to the existing higher order shear deformation theories that contain more number of unknowns.
Instructions in the operating room: How the surgeon directs their assistant’s hands
Authors: Mondada Lorenza
Published: March 2014

This article deals with surgical practice as it is locally organized within the course of the operation; it focuses on the way in which surgical action shaping the body for the local purposes of the operation is organized in a timely, situated, interactive manner. In order to do that, I offer a systematic analysis of the instructions addressed by a chief surgeon to his assistant in the form of directives during a surgical operation, as well as of instructed actions of the assistant following the directives of the surgeon. In this way, I aim to show how surgery is a methodic collaborative achievement, relying on finely tuned coordination between staff members. More generally, the article sketches a systematic and detailed analysis of instructions as situated accomplishments in time, and of instructed action as resulting from an embodied and indexical understanding of directives and requests as they are produced in time and in context.
Dietary soy isoflavones increased hepatic protein disulfide isomerase content and suppressed its enzymatic activity in rats
Authors: Xiao Chao Wu , Donak Kevin , Ly Olivia , Wood Carla , Cooke Gerard , Curran Ivan
Published: March 2014

Protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) is a multifunctional protein and plays important roles in protein folding, triglyceride transfer, insulin degradation, and thyroid hormone transportation. This study examined the modulation of PDI expression by soy consumption using rat as a model. Sprague-Dawley male and female rats at 50 days (d) of age were fed diets containing either 20% casein or alcohol-washed soy protein isolate (SPI, containing 50 mg isoflavones (ISFs)/kg diet) or SPI plus ISF (250 mg/kg diet) and mated at age of 120 d. The offspring (F1) were fed the same diets as their parents. Addition of ISF to SPI diet markedly increased PDI protein content in the liver and testis of the adult rats compared with the casein or SPI diet. PDI mRNA abundance in the liver and protein content in the brain, thyroid, heart, and uterus were unchanged by the diets. Two-dimensional Western blot showed that the rats fed diets containing SPI had a diminished hepatic PDI protein with an isoelectric point (pI) of 6.12, a dephosphorylated form, compared with the rats fed diets containing either casein or SPI with supplemental ISF. Soy ISF added into SPI diet remarkably suppressed hepatic PDI activity of the rats compared with the casein diet. Moreover, soy ISF dose-dependently increased PDI and thyroid hormone receptor (TR) β protein content, whereas reduced TR DNA binding ability in human hepatocytes. Overall, this study shows that soy ISF increased hepatic PDI protein content, but addition of ISF into SPI diet inhibited its enzymatic activities and this effect may be mediated through a post-transcriptional mechanism.
Erectile dysfunction
Authors: Russell Andrew , Ecclestone Hazel , Kavia Rajesh
Published: March 2014

Erectile dysfunction is a persistent or recurrent difficulty maintaining or achieving an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual activity. It is one of the most commonly reported sexual dysfunctions in men and can have a dramatic impact on the quality of life of the individual and his partner's. Erectile dysfunction has a high prevalence and is an important marker of cardiovascular risk. There are many treatment options available and treating this symptom improves quality of life, well-being and can reduce the risk of subsequently developing cardiovascular disease.
Consistency of metagenomic assignment programs in simulated and real data
Authors: Garcia-Etxebarria Koldo , Garcia-Garcerà Marc , Calafell Francesc
Published: March 2014

Background

Metagenomics is the genomic study of uncultured environmental samples, which has been greatly facilitated by the advent of shotgun-sequencing technologies. One of the main focuses of metagenomics is the discovery of previously uncultured microorganisms, which makes the assignment of sequences to a particular taxon a challenge and a crucial step. Recently, several methods have been developed to perform this task, based on different methodologies such as sequence composition or sequence similarity. The sequence composition methods have the ability to completely assign the whole dataset. However, their use in metagenomics and the study of their performance with real data is limited. In this work, we assess the consistency of three different methods (BLAST + Lowest Common Ancestor, Phymm, and Naïve Bayesian Classifier) in assigning real and simulated sequence reads.

Results

Both in real and in simulated data, BLAST + Lowest Common Ancestor (BLAST + LCA), Phymm, and Naïve Bayesian Classifier consistently assign a larger number of reads in higher taxonomic levels than in lower levels. However, discrepancies increase at lower taxonomic levels. In simulated data, consistent assignments between all three methods showed greater precision than assignments based on Phymm or Bayesian Classifier alone, since the BLAST + LCA algorithm performed best. In addition, assignment consistency in real data increased with sequence read length, in agreement with previously published simulation results.

Conclusions

The use and combination of different approaches is advisable to assign metagenomic reads. Although the sensitivity could be reduced, the reliability can be increased by using the reads consistently assigned to the same taxa by, at least, two methods, and by training the programs using all available information.
DNA methylation subgroups and the CpG island methylator phenotype in gastric cancer: a comprehensive profiling approach
Authors: Loh Marie , Liem Natalia , Vaithilingam Aparna , Lim Pei Li , Sapari Nur Sabrina , Elahi Eiram , Mok Zuan Yu , Cheng Chee Leong , Yan Benedict , Pang Brendan , Salto-Tellez Manuel , Yong Wei Peng , Iacopetta Barry , Soong Richie
Published: March 2014

Background

Methylation-induced silencing of promoter CpG islands in tumor suppressor genes plays an important role in human carcinogenesis. In colorectal cancer, the CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP) is defined as widespread and elevated levels of DNA methylation and CIMP+ tumors have distinctive clinicopathological and molecular features. In contrast, the existence of a comparable CIMP subtype in gastric cancer (GC) has not been clearly established. To further investigate this issue, in the present study we performed comprehensive DNA methylation profiling of a well-characterised series of primary GC.

Methods

The methylation status of 1,421 autosomal CpG sites located within 768 cancer-related genes was investigated using the Illumina GoldenGate Methylation Panel I assay on DNA extracted from 60 gastric tumors and matched tumor-adjacent gastric tissue pairs. Methylation data was analysed using a recursively partitioned mixture model and investigated for associations with clinicopathological and molecular features including age,Helicobacter pyloristatus, tumor site, patient survival, microsatellite instability andBRAFandKRASmutations.

Results

A total of 147 genes were differentially methylated between tumor and matched tumor-adjacent gastric tissue, withHOXA5and hedgehog signalling being the top-ranked gene and signalling pathway, respectively. Unsupervised clustering of methylation data revealed the existence of 6 subgroups under two main clusters, referred to as L (low methylation; 28% of cases) and H (high methylation; 72%). Female patients were over-represented in the H tumor group compared to L group (36% vs 6%; P = 0.024), however no other significant differences in clinicopathological or molecular features were apparent. CpG sites that were hypermethylated in group H were more frequently located in CpG islands and marked for polycomb occupancy.

Conclusions

High-throughput methylation analysis implicates genes involved in embryonic development and hedgehog signaling in gastric tumorigenesis. GC is comprised of two major methylation subtypes, with the highly methylated group showing some features consistent with a CpG island methylator phenotype.
Solitary myofibroma of the mandible in an adult with magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography findings: a case report
Authors: Tanaka Yoko , Yamada Hiroyuki , Saito Tomoyuki , Nakaoka Kazutoshi , Kumagai Kenichi , Fujihara Hisako , Mishima Kenji , Hamada Yoshiki
Published: March 2014

Myofibroma is a benign tumor composed of myoid spindle cells. The prevalence of myofibroma in the oral cavity is very low, with the mandible being the most common site. This report describes an adult case of myofibroma that arose on the mandible and includes magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) findings. On the MRI T1-weighted images, the tumor appeared with signal iso-intensity and was highly and heterogeneously enhanced with contrast material. On the T2-weighted images, it appeared with increased signal intensity. 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-PET imaging showed abnormal strong accumulation of FDG in the left mandibular region. The tumor was removed by marginal resection of the left mandible under general anesthesia. Histopathological findings revealed that the tumor stroma contained abundant thin-walled vessels. The postoperative course was uneventful, and we found no evidence of recurrence at the postoperative 34-month follow-up.
Iterative algorithms for quasi-variational inclusions and fixed point problems of pseudocontractions
Authors: Yao Yonghong , Agarwal Ravi P , Liou Yeong-Cheng
Published: March 2014

In this paper, quasi-variational inclusions and fixed point problems of pseudocontractions are considered. An iterative algorithm is presented. A strong convergence theorem is demonstrated.

MSC:49J40, 47J20, 47H09, 65J15.
Food allergen sensitization pattern in adults in relation to severity of atopic dermatitis
Authors: Röckmann Heike , van Geel Maartje J , Knulst Andre C , Huiskes Jorike , Bruijnzeel‐Koomen Carla AFM , de Bruin‐Weller Marjolein S
Published: March 2014

Background

Limited data are available on the frequency of IgE mediated food sensitization and food allergy (FA) in adults with atopic dermatitis (AD).

Objective

We investigated the pattern of food sensitization in adults with AD in relation to AD severity using multiplexed allergen microarray.

Methods

211 adult patients referred between January 2010‐July 2011 for evaluation of AD were unselectively included. Severity of AD was determined by therapy intensity, SASSAD‐skin‐score and sTARC levels. Allergen specific sIgE levels were measured by ImmunoCAP ISAC® microarray. FA was defined as convincing history taken by physician and sensitization to the corresponding allergen.

Results

Sensitization to food was found in 74.4% of the AD patients, 54% had a positive history of FA and 20.4% asymptomatic sensitization. There was no association between severity of AD and frequency of food sensitization or history of FA.

Sensitization to PR‐10 related food allergens occurred most frequently (63.5%) and was independent from AD severity. Correspondingly, pollen‐food syndrome accounted for most of the FA, being also independent from AD severity. Of all plant food allergens only sensitization to nAra h 1 was significantly more frequent in patients with severe AD. In the total group 75 (35.5%) patients with AD showed sensitization to any animal food allergen. The percentage was significantly higher in patients with severe AD (51.4%) compared to patients with mild/moderate AD (27.7%). Sensitization to cow's milk allergens, in particular to nBos d lactoferrin, was more frequent in severe AD patients.

Conclusion

AD was frequently associated with food sensitization. The percentage of sensitization to animal food allergens was significantly higher in severe AD patients.
Maintenance cognitive stimulation therapy for dementia: single-blind, multicentre, pragmatic randomised controlled trial
Authors: Orrell Martin , Aguirre Elisa , Spector Aimee , Hoare Zoe , Woods Robert T. , Streater Amy , Donovan Helen , Hoe Juanita , Knapp Martin , Whitaker Christopher , Russell Ian
Published: March 2014

Background

There is good evidence for the benefits of short-term cognitive stimulation therapy for dementia but little is known about possible long-term effects.

Aims

To evaluate the effectiveness of maintenance cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) for people with dementia in a single-blind, pragmatic randomised controlled trial including a substudy with participants taking acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs).

Method

The participants were 236 people with dementia from 9 care homes and 9 community services. Prior to randomisation all participants received the 7-week, 14-session CST programme. The intervention group received the weekly maintenance CST group programme for 24 weeks. The control group received usual care. Primary outcomes were cognition and quality of life (clinical trial registration: ISRCTN26286067).

Results

For the intervention group at the 6-month primary end-point there were significant benefits for self-rated quality of life (Quality of Life in Alzheimer's Disease (QoL-AD) P = 0.03). At 3 months there were improvements for proxy-rated quality of life (QoL-AD P = 0.01, Dementia Quality of Life scale (DEMQOL) P = 0.03) and activities of daily living (P = 0.04). The intervention subgroup taking AChEIs showed cognitive benefits (on the Mini-Mental State Examination) at 3 (P = 0.03) and 6 months (P = 0.03).

Conclusions

Continuing CST improves quality of life; and improves cognition for those taking AChEIs.
Upper body contributions to power generation during rapid, overhand throwing in humans
Authors: Roach Neil T. , Lieberman Daniel E.
Published: March 2014

High-speed and accurate throwing is a distinctive human behavior. Achieving fast projectile speeds during throwing requires a combination of elastic energy storage at the shoulder, as well as the transfer of kinetic energy from proximal body segments to distal segments. However, the biomechanical bases of these mechanisms are not completely understood. We used inverse dynamics analyses of kinematic data from 20 baseball players fitted with 4 different braces that inhibit specific motions to test a model of power generation at key joints during the throwing motion. We found that most of the work produced during throwing is generated at the hips, and much of this work (combined with smaller contributions from the pectoralis major) is used to load elastic elements in the shoulder and power the rapid acceleration of the projectile. Despite rapid angular velocities at the elbow and wrist, the restrictions confirm that much of the power generated to produce these distal movements comes from larger proximal segments, such as the shoulder and torso. Wrist hyperextension enhances performance only modestly. Together, our data also suggest heavy reliance on elastic energy storage may help explain some common throwing injuries and can provide further insight into the evolution of the upper body and when our ancestors first developed the ability to produce high speed throws.
Optimal Pricing and Inventory Control Policy with Quantity-Based Price Differentiation
Authors: Lu Ye , Chen Youhua (Frank) , Song Miao , Yan Xiaoming
Published: March 2014

A firm facing price dependent stochastic demand aims to maximize its total expected profit over a planning horizon. In addition to the regular unit selling price, the firm can utilize quantity discounts to increase sales. We refer to this dual-pricing strategy as quantity-based price differentiation. At the beginning of each period, the firm needs to make three decisions: replenish the inventory, set the unit selling price if the unit sales mode is deployed, and set the quantity-discount price if the quantity-sales mode is deployed (or the combination of the two modes of sales). We identify conditions under which the optimal inventory control policy and selling/pricing strategy is well structured. Remarkably, under a utility-based demand framework, these conditions can be unified by a simple regularity assumption that has long been used in the auction and mechanism design literature. Moreover, sharper structural results are yielded for the optimal selling strategy. We also examine the comparative advantage of quantity-based price differentiation with respect to model parameters. Our numerical study shows that substantial profit improvement can be gained as a result of shifting from uniform pricing to quantity-based pricing, especially when the product has a low unit ordering cost and high utility.
Active gated imaging in driver assistance system
Authors: Grauer Yoav
Published: March 2014

In this paper, we shall present the active gated imaging system (AGIS) in relation to the automotive field. AGIS is based on a fast-gated camera and pulsed illuminator, synchronized in the time domain to record images of a certain range of interest. A dedicated gated CMOS imager sensor and near infra-red (NIR) pulsed laser illuminator, is presented in this paper to provide active gated technology. In recent years, we have developed these key components and learned the system parameters, which are most beneficial to nighttime (in all weather conditions) driving in terms of field of view, illumination profile, resolution, and processing power. We shall present our approach of a camera-based advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) named BrightEye™, which makes use of the AGIS technology in the automotive field.
Cicero’s Theology and the Concept of Fate
Authors: Begemann Elisabeth
Published: March 2014

This article examines Cicero’s discussion of theology in the context of providing Rome with philosophical writings. I argue that in his treatises de natura deorum, de divinatione and de fato, Cicero conceptualized a traditional, idealized version of Roman theology under the premise that religio and cultus deorum are indispensable for a moral society as it is outlined in de re publica and de legibus. In continually stressing active divine participation in the lives of men, Cicero underlines the importance of goodwill between the divine and human spheres which finds expression in cultus deorum. As concepts such as Stoic fate run counter to the belief that the gods can be ritually influenced by prayer or ritual, the gods can neither be identified with fate itself nor be subject to it. Cicero rather stresses free will in all contexts to uphold the moral society, both human and divine.
Effect of Tin, Copper and Boron on the Hot Ductility of 20CrMnTi Steel between 650 °C and 1100 °C
Authors: Peng Hong-bing , Chen Wei-qing , Chen Lie , Guo Dong
Published: March 2014

The hot ductility of 20CrMnTi steel with
Management of neonates born to women with Graves' disease: a cohort study
Authors: Besançon Alix , Beltrand Jacques , Le Gac Isabelle , Luton Dominique , Polak Michel
Published: March 2014

Objective

Hyperthyroidism in neonates born to mothers with Graves' disease (GD) can be associated with significant morbidity and mortality, but is still overlooked by clinicians. Management of neonatal hyperthyroidism would be improved by a better understanding of the predictive factors involved. The aim of this study was to evaluate the course of thyroid function and clinical outcomes during the first postnatal month in babies born to mothers with GD.

Design

Prospective observational study.

Methods

Sixty-eight neonates born to mothers with GD were managed from birth and divided into three groups based on thyrotropin receptor antibody (TRAb) and anti-thyroid drug (ATD) status in the mother: TRAb−ve/ATD−ve,n=27; TRAb−ve/ATD+ve,n=8; and TRAb+ve/ATD+ve,n=33. The main outcome measures were clinical examination, thyroid function tests (TSH, free thyroxine (FT4), free triiodothyronine, and TRAb), echocardiography, thyroid ultrasonography, and bone maturation assessment.

Results

None of the infants born to TRAb−vemothers with GD developed neonatal hyperthyroidism. Of the 33 TRAb+ve/ATD+veneonates, 24 (72.7%) had positive TRAb on cord blood assays, and seven of these developed neonatal hyperthyroidism. FT4elevation between days 3 and 7 but not at birth was predictive of the development of hyperthyroidism.

Conclusions

TRAb status should be checked in the third trimester in mothers with GD and on cord blood in their neonates; if positive, it indicates a high risk of neonatal hyperthyroidism. FT4measurement at birth should be repeated between days 3 and 5 (and by day 7 at the latest); rapid FT4elevation during the first postnatal week is predictive of hyperthyroidism and warrants ATD therapy.
Engine emissions and combustion analysis of biodiesel from East African countries
Authors: Maina Paul
Published: March 2014

Environmental, availability and financial problems associated with fossil fuels encourage the manufacture and

use of biodiesel. In this study, vegetable oil was extracted from

Jatropha curcas

seeds sourced from Kenya

and Tanzania. A two-step acid–base catalytic transesterification process was used to produce biodiesel

because of the amount of free fatty acids present in the oil. The test rig used in the experiments was an Audi,

1.9-litre, turbocharged direct injection, compression ignition engine. Emissions were measured using an

Horiba emission analyser system while combustion data was collected by a data acquisition system, from

which cylinder pressure and rate of heat release of the test engine in every crank angle were calculated.

The two biodiesels showed better emission characteristics than the fossil diesel included in the tests for

comparison purposes. Cylinder pressure and heat release of the biodiesel were also within acceptable

ranges. However, the emission and combustion characteristics differed between the two biodiesels – a result

likely related to their different origins. These findings prove that the source of biodiesel is an important factor

to consider.
Palaeomagnetic and synchrotron analysis of >1.95 Ma fossil-bearing palaeokarst at Haasgat, South Africa
Authors: Herries Andy I.R. , Kappen Peter , Kegley Anthony D.T. , Patterson David , Howard Daryl L. , De Jonge Martin D. , Potze Stephany , Adams Justin W.
Published: March 2014

Palaeomagnetic analysis indicates that Haasgat, a fossil-bearing palaeocave in the Gauteng Province of

South Africa, is dominated by reversed magnetic polarity in its oldest, deepest layers and normal polarity in

the younger layers. The presence of in-situ

Equus

specimens suggests an age of less than ~2.3 Ma, while

morphological analysis of faunal specimens from the ex-situ assemblage suggests an age greater than

1.8 Ma. Given this faunal age constraint, the older reversed polarity sections most likely date to the beginning

of the Matuyama Chron (2.58–1.95 Ma), while the younger normal polarity deposits likely date to the very

beginning of the Olduvai Sub-Chron (1.95–1.78 Ma). The occurrence of a magnetic reversal from reversed

to normal polarity recorded in the sequence indicates the deposits of the Bridge Section date to ~1.95 Ma.

All the in-situ fossil deposits that have been noted are older than the 1.95 Ma reversal, but younger than

2.3 Ma. Haasgat therefore dates to an interesting time period in South African human evolution that saw

the last occurrence of two australopith species at ~2.05–2.02 Ma (Sts5

Australopithecus africanus

from

Sterkfontein Member 4) to ~1.98 Ma (

Australopithecus sediba

from Malapa) and the first occurrence of

early

Homo

(Sk847),

Paranthropus

and the Oldowan within Swartkrans Member 1 between ~2.0 Ma and

~1.8 Ma.
Impact of lower stratospheric ozone on seasonal prediction systems
Authors: Mathole Kelebogile , Ndarana Thando , Beraki Asmerom , Landman Willem A.
Published: March 2014

We conducted a comparison of trends in lower stratospheric temperatures and summer zonal wind fields
based on 27 years of reanalysis data and output from hindcast simulations using a coupled ocean-
atmospheric general circulation model (OAGCM). Lower stratospheric ozone in the OAGCM was relaxed to
the observed climatology and increasing greenhouse gas concentrations were neglected. In the reanalysis,
lower stratospheric ozone fields were better represented than in the OAGCM. The spring lower stratospheric/
upper tropospheric cooling in the polar cap observed in the reanalysis, which is caused by a direct ozone
depletion in the past two decades and is in agreement with previous studies, did not appear in the OAGCM.
The corresponding summer tropospheric response also differed between data sets. In the reanalysis, a
statistically significant poleward trend of the summer jet position was found, whereas no such trend was
found in the OAGCM. Furthermore, the jet position in the reanalysis exhibited larger interannual variability
than that in the OAGCM. We conclude that these differences are caused by the absence of long-term lower
stratospheric ozone changes in the OAGCM. Improper representation or non-inclusion of such ozone
variability in a prediction model could adversely affect the accuracy of the predictability of summer rainfall
forecasts over South Africa.
An evaluation for harnessing low-enthalpy geothermal energy in the Limpopo Province, South Africa
Authors: Dhansay Taufeeq , De Wit Maarten , Patt Anthony
Published: March 2014

South Africa generates most of its energy requirements from coal, and is now the leading carbon emitter in

Africa, and has one of the highest rates of emissions of all nations in the world. In an attempt to decrease its

CO

2

emissions, South Africa continues to research and develop alternative forms of energy, expand on the

development of nuclear and has began to explore potentially vast shale gas reserves. In this mix, geothermal

has not been considered to date as an alternative energy source. This omission appears to stem largely

from the popular belief that South Africa is tectonically too stable. In this study, we investigated low-enthalpy

geothermal energy from one of a number of anomalously elevated heat flow regions in South Africa. Here, we

consider a 75-MW enhanced geothermal systems plant in the Limpopo Province, sustainable over a 30-year

period. All parameters were inculcated within a levelised cost of electricity model that calculates the single

unit cost of electricity and tests its viability and potential impact toward South Africa’s future energy security

and CO

2

reduction. The cost of electricity produced is estimated at 14 USc/KWh, almost double that of

coal-generated energy. However, a USD25/MWh renewable energy tax incentive has the potential of making

enhanced geothermal systems comparable with other renewable energy sources. It also has the potential

of CO

2

mitigation by up to 1.5 gCO

2

/KWh. Considering the aggressive nature of the global climate change

combat and South Africa’s need for a larger renewable energy base, low-enthalpy geothermal energy could

potentially form another energy option in South Africa’s alternative energy basket.
Bosutinib in Combination With the Aromatase Inhibitor Letrozole: A Phase II Trial in Postmenopausal Women Evaluating First-Line Endocrine Therapy in Locally Advanced or Metastatic Hormone Receptor-Positive/HER2-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Moy Beverly , Neven Patrick , Lebrun Fabienne , Bellet Meritxell , Xu Binghe , Sarosiek Tomasz , Chow Louis , Goss Paul , Zacharchuk Charles , Leip Eric , Turnbull Kathleen , Bardy-Bouxin Nathalie , Duvillié Ladan , Láng István
Published: March 2014

Author Summary

Background.

Endocrine therapy resistance in hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer (BC) may involve crosstalk between HRs and growth factor signaling pathways. We evaluated bosutinib, a dual Src/Abl tyrosine kinase inhibitor that has previously demonstrated some antitumor activity in BC, plus letrozole as first-line endocrine therapy in locally advanced or metastatic HR+/HER2− BC.

Methods.

Sixteen postmenopausal women were enrolled in a phase II study evaluating the safety/efficacy of bosutinib plus letrozole. In the single-arm safety/dose-confirming lead-in (part 1), patients received oral bosutinib at 400 mg/day plus letrozole at 2.5 mg/day; adverse events (AEs) and dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) were monitored, and initial efficacy was assessed. A randomized efficacy/safety phase (part 2) was planned to evaluate the combination versus letrozole monotherapy.

Results.

Fifteen of 16 subjects experienced treatment-related AEs, most commonly diarrhea (69%). Treatment-related hepatotoxicity AEs (primarily alanine aminotransferase [ALT] or aspartate aminotransferase [AST] elevations) occurred in 6 of 16 patients (38%). Four of 15 evaluable patients (27%) experienced a DLT (grade 3/4 ALT/AST elevations, n = 2; grade 3 rash, n = 1; grade 3 diarrhea or vomiting, n = 1), including 1 Hy's law hepatotoxicity case. All DLTs resolved following treatment discontinuation. One patient achieved confirmed partial response; one had stable disease for >24 weeks. Study termination occurred before part 2.

Conclusion.

The unfavorable risk-benefit ratio did not warrant further investigation of bosutinib plus letrozole.
Construction Systems of Neolithic Dolmen Walls on the Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Martínez-Torres Luis M. , Martínez-Fernández Miguel
Published: March 2014

Walls of corridors and chambers in the Neolithic dolmens of Portugal and Spain were constructed using megalithic
slabs or masonry. When constructed with slabs, the slabs were arranged using two very different construction systems,
based either on placement of an orthostat or on imbrication of the slabs. Although generally dolmens are described
with orthostats, on the Iberian Peninsula are most often constructed using imbricated slabs. The walls of orthostatic and
masonry dolmens are lintelled structures. The walls of imbricated slab dolmens, however, are unique structures without
later representation. Temporally, the orthostatic dolmens represent the earliest construction system, followed by those of
imbricated slabs and finally those of masonry. This evolution can be explained in terms of the capacities of the selfsupporting
walls and simplification of the construction processes.
Determination of microstructural changes by severely plastically deformed copper-aluminum alloy: Optical study
Authors: Romcevic N. , Gilic M. , Anzel I. , Rudolf R. , Mitric M. , Romcevic M. , Hadzic B. , Joksimovic D. , Petrovic-Damjanovic M. , Kos M.
Published: March 2014

Our work deals with the problem of producing a complex metal-ceramic
composite using the processes of internal oxidation (IO) and severe plastic
deformation. For this purpose, Cu-Al alloy with 0.4wt.% of Al was used. IO of
sample serves in the first step of the processing as a means for attaining a
fine dispersion of nanosized oxide particles in the metal matrix. Production
technology continues with repeated application of severe plastic deformation
(SPD) of the resulting metalmatrix composite to produce the bulk nanoscaled
structural material. SPD was carried out with equal channel angular pressing
(ECAP), which allowed that the material could be subjected to an intense
plastic strain through simple shear. Microstructural characteristics of one
phase and multiphase material was studied on internally oxidized Cu with
0.4wt.% of Al sample composed of one phase copper-aluminum solid solution in
the core and fine dispersed oxide particles in the same matrix in the mantle
region. In this manner AFM, X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy were
used. Local structures in plastically deformed samples reflect presence of
Cu, CuO, Cu2O, Cu4O3 or Al2O3 structural characteristics, depending on type
of sample.
Insulin Inhibits Cardiac Contractility by Inducing a Gi-Biased β2-Adrenergic Signaling in Hearts
Authors: Fu Qin , Xu Bing , Liu Yongming , Parikh Dippal , Li Jing , Li Ying , Zhang Yuan , Riehle Christian , Zhu Yi , Rawlings Tenley , Shi Qian , Clark Richard B. , Chen Xiongwen , Abel E. Dale , Xiang Yang K.
Published: March 2014

Insulin and adrenergic stimulation are two divergent regulatory systems that may interact under certain pathophysiological circumstances. Here, we characterized a complex consisting of insulin receptor (IR) and β2-adrenergic receptor (β2AR) in the heart. The IR/β2AR complex undergoes dynamic dissociation under diverse conditions such as Langendorff perfusions of hearts with insulin or after euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamps in vivo. Activation of IR with insulin induces protein kinase A (PKA) and G-protein receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) phosphorylation of the β2AR, which promotes β2AR coupling to the inhibitory G-protein, Gi. The insulin-induced phosphorylation of β2AR is dependent on IRS1 and IRS2. After insulin pretreatment, the activated β2AR-Gi signaling effectively attenuates cAMP/PKA activity after β-adrenergic stimulation in cardiomyocytes and consequently inhibits PKA phosphorylation of phospholamban and contractile responses in myocytes in vitro and in Langendorff perfused hearts. These data indicate that increased IR signaling, as occurs in hyperinsulinemic states, may directly impair βAR-regulated cardiac contractility. This β2AR-dependent IR and βAR signaling cross-talk offers a molecular basis for the broad interaction between these signaling cascades in the heart and other tissues or organs that may contribute to the pathophysiology of metabolic and cardiovascular dysfunction in insulin-resistant states.
Fuzzy approach - a new chapter in the methodology of psychology?
Authors: Stoklasa Jan , Talášek Tomáš , Musilová Jana
Published: March 2014

This paper aims to briefly introduce the main idea behind the fuzzy approach and to identify the areas and problems encountered in the humanities that might profit from using this approach. Based on a short overview of selected applications of fuzzy in psychology we identify key areas in which the fuzzy approach has already been applied, and propose a list of general types of problems that the fuzzy approach may provide solutions for in psychology and the humanities in general. These types of problems are illustrated using practical examples. The benefits and possible shortcomings of using the fuzzy approach compared to classical approaches in use today are discussed.

The goal of this paper is to indicate areas in research and practice in the humanities, where modern mathematical tools—in this case linguistic fuzzy modeling—have already been used or might prove promising.
Fast and unique Tucker decompositions via multiway blind source separation
Authors: Zhou G. , Cichocki A.
Published: March 2014

A multiway blind source separation (MBSS) method is developed to decompose large-scale tensor (multiway array) data. Benefitting from all kinds of well-established constrained low-rank matrix factorization methods, MBSS is quite flexible and able to extract unique and interpretable components with physical meaning. The multilinear structure of Tucker and the essential uniqueness of BSS methods allow MBSS to estimate each component matrix separately from an unfolding matrix in each mode. Consequently, alternating least squares (ALS) iterations, which are considered as the workhorse for tensor decompositions, can be avoided and various robust and efficient dimensionality reduction methods can be easily incorporated to pre-process the data, which makes MBSS extremely fast, especially for large-scale problems. Identification and uniqueness conditions are also discussed. Two practical issues dimensionality reduction and estimation of number of components are also addressed based on sparse and random fibers sampling. Extensive simulations confirmed the validity, flexibility, and high efficiency of the proposed method. We also demonstrated by simulations that the MBSS approach can successfully extract desired components while most existing algorithms may fail for ill-conditioned and large-scale problems.
Motion planning of the trident snake robot equipped with passive or active wheels
Authors: Paszuk D. , Tchoń K. , Pietrowska Z.
Published: March 2014

We study the kinematics of the trident snake robot equipped with either active joints and passive wheels or passive joints and active wheels. A control system representation of the kinematics is derived, and control singularities examined. Two motion planning problems are addressed, corresponding to diverse ways of controlling the robot, and solved by means of the endogenous configuration space approach. The constraints imposed by the presence of control singularities are handled using the imbalanced Jacobian algorithm assisted by an auxiliary feedback. Performance of the motion planning algorithms is demonstrated by computer simulations.
Tool stiffness influence on the chosen physical parameters of the milling process
Authors: Zębala W.
Published: March 2014

This article presents our own model researches, relating to the down milling process of Aluminium alloy (Al6061) and Titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V), with a tool made of sintered carbides. These investigations pay the special attention to the impact of the tool rigidity on the process of chip formation. The simulation calculations have been carried out for two cases of the cutting process: case 1 - assuming an ideally rigid construction of a milling cutter (length of tool does not impact its deflection under the cutting forces); case 2 - it is possible that the tool can be subjected to deflection under the cutting forces (length of a tool part is counted from the holder end to the contact point of a cutting edge with the machining material).
The choice of optimal 3-rd order polynomial packet dropping function for NLRED in the presence of self-similar traffic
Authors: Domańska J. , Augustyn D.R. , Domański A.
Published: March 2014

Algorithms of queue management in IP routers determine which packet should be deleted when necessary. The article investigates the influence of the self-similarity on the optimal packet rejection probability function in a special case of NLRED queues. This paper describes another approach to the non-linear packet dropping function. We propose to use the solutions based on the polynomials with degree equals to 3. The process of obtaining the optimal dropping packets function has been presented. Our researches were carried out using the Discrete Event Simulator OMNET++. The AQM model was early verified using the discrete-time Markov chain. The obtained results show that the traffic characteristic has the great impact on the network node behavior, but self-similarity of network traffic has no influence on the choosing of the optimal dropping packet function.
Gas sensors based on nanostructures of semiconductors ZnO and TiO2
Authors: Pustelny T. , Procek M. , Maciak E. , Stolarczyk A. , Drewniak S. , Urbańczyk M. , Setkiewicz M. , Gut K. , Opilski Z.
Published: March 2014

The paper presents a resistance structures with sensor layers based on nanostructures elaborated on the base of TiO2 and ZnO. The structures were tested concerning their sensitivities to the effects of nitrogen dioxide in the atmosphere of synthetic air. The TiO2 and ZnO nanostructures played the role of sensor layers. Investigations have proved that the elaborated resistance structures with TiO2 and ZnO layers are sensitive to the presence of NO2 in the atmosphere of synthetic air. The resistance of the structure amounted to about 20 in the case of ZnO structures and to about 200 in the case of TiO2 structures. The investigations confirmed that resistance structures with ZnO and TiO2, exposed to the effect of nitrogen dioxide in the atmosphere of synthetic air changes their resistances relatively fast. This indicates that such structures might be practically applied in sensors of nitrogen dioxide ensuring a short time of response.
Conquering the Outdoors with On-site Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Mächler Lars , Brennwald Matthias S. , Tyroller Lina , Livingstone David M. , Kipfer Rolf
Published: March 2014

In recent years, mass spectrometers with a membrane inlet separating gases from water for final analysis have been used successfully for the on-site quantification of dissolved gases in surface waters. In 'classical' membrane inlet mass spectrometers (MIMS), the membrane directly separates
the water from the high-vacuum environment of the mass spectrometer. The gas equilibrium MIMS (GE-MIMS) that is described in this review, however, makes use of an intermediate pressure reduction stage after the membrane inlet. Hence, the gas concentrations after the membrane are at steady
state, near solubility equilibrium with the water to be analyzed. This setup has several advantages over classical MIMS, which enable autonomous and continuous in-field operation. The GE-MIMS can be used to acquire noble gas concentration time series (NGTS). Noble gases are useful tracers
for physical gas exchange and transport in groundwater and other aqueous systems. Hence NGTS enable the temporal dynamics of physical gas exchange and transport in groundwater and other aqueous systems to be investigated. To determine the O2 turnover that has occurred in groundwater
since recharge, both the O2 concentration in situ and the total input of O2 to the groundwater since recharge is needed. Determination of the latter is only possible if the relevant physical exchange and transport mechanisms can be quantified. In particular, gas
exchange between soil air and groundwater often significantly affects groundwater O2 concentrations. Determination of O2 turnover in groundwater therefore requires a combined analysis of O2 and noble gas concentrations.
Combustion, Respiration and Intermittent Exercise: A Theoretical Perspective on Oxygen Uptake and Energy Expenditure
Authors: Scott Christopher
Published: March 2014

While no doubt thought about for thousands of years, it was Antoine Lavoisier in the late 18th century who is largely credited with the first “modern” investigations of biological energy exchanges. From Lavoisier’s work with combustion and respiration a scientific trend emerges that extends to the present day: the world gains a credible working hypothesis but validity goes missing, often for some time, until later confirmed using proper measures. This theme is applied to glucose/glycogen metabolism where energy exchanges are depicted as conversion from one form to another and, transfer from one place to another made by both the anaerobic and aerobic biochemical pathways within working skeletal muscle, and the hypothetical quantification of these components as part of an oxygen (O2) uptake measurement. The anaerobic and aerobic energy exchange components of metabolism are represented by two different interpretations of O2 uptake: one that contains a glycolytic component (1 L O2 = 21.1 kJ) and one that does not (1 L O2 = 19.6 kJ). When energy exchange transfer and oxygen-related expenditures are applied separately to exercise and recovery periods, an increased energy cost for intermittent as compared to continuous exercise is hypothesized to be a direct result.
Liquid Crystal Lensacons, Logarithmic and Linear Axicons
Authors: Algorri José , Urruchi Virginia , García-Cámara Braulio , Sánchez-Pena José
Published: March 2014

Until now, several attempts have been made to obtain axicons by using liquid crystals. Previous results had always a considerable deviation from the linear response and the resulting aperture is square. In addition, classical fabrications methods are expensive and only produce fixed phase profiles. In this study, a novel structure to obtain tunable axicons with a perfect conical shape and a circular aperture is proposed and theoretically studied. The proposed optical device is based on nematic liquid crystal and phase shifted electrical signals. A simulation program consisted of Finite Elements Method to solve the voltage distribution combined with the Frank-Oseen equation to solve the molecular position of the nematic liquid crystal is employed. This device is totally reconfigurable by using low voltage signals. The focus depth and the position of this one can be controlled electrically.