bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between Virulence Factors andTRAF1/4-1BB/Bcl-xLExpression in Gastric Mucosa Infected withHelicobacter pylori
Authors: Wang Fen , Wu Xiang , Liu Zhiying , Bu Guangkui , Li Xiayu , Qu Nanfang , Peng Jin , Xu Canxia , Shen Shourong , Yuan Yi
Published: February 2015

Objective.CagA+/vacAs1+/vacAm1+ Helicobacter pyloriupregulates the expression of tumor necrosis factor receptor–associated factor 1 (TRAF1), tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 9 (4-1BB), and B-cell lymphoma-extra large (Bcl-xL) in human gastric epithelial cells. We investigated the correlation betweencagA/vacAs1/vacAm1andTRAF1/4-1BB/Bcl-xLexpression in gastric mucosal tissue of patients with gastric disorders.Methods. We collected gastric mucosa samples from 35 chronic, nonatrophic gastritis (CG) patients, 41 atrophic gastritis patients, 44 intestinal metaplasia with atypical hyperplasia (IM) patients, and 28 gastric carcinoma (Ca) patients. The expression of  TRAF1,4-1BB, andBcl-xLwas determined using western blotting. The expression ofcagA, vacAs1, andvacAm1inH. pyloriwas examined with polymerase chain reaction.Results. The expression ofTRAF1,4-1BB, andBcl-xLwas significantly upregulated in IM and Ca patients (P<0.05compared with CG). There were more cases ofcagA+/vacAs1+/vacAm1+ H. pyloriinfection in samples with elevatedTRAF1,4-1BB, orBcl-xLexpression (P<0.05). Additionally, there were a remarkably large number of samples with upregulatedTRAF1/4-1BB/Bcl-xLexpression in cases ofcagA+/vacAs1+/vacAm1+ H. pyloriinfection (44 cases, 67.7%;P<0.05).Conclusions. The pathogenesis of IM and Ca may be promoted bycagA+/vacAs1+/vacAm1+ H. pylori, possibly via upregulatedTRAF1,4-1BB, andBcl-xLin gastric mucosal tissue.
Morphological Study of Palatal Rugae in a Sudanese Population
Authors: Ahmed Altayeb Abdalla , Hamid Awrad
Published: February 2015

Palatal rugae patterns have unique characteristics and have been proposed as an alternative method to establish identity when other means, such as fingerprints and dental records, are not attainable. This study was conducted to determine the morphological characteristics of palatine rugae and to assess the existence of side asymmetry in them in Sudanese Arabs. It also assesses the possibility of determining sex using logistic regression. One hundred dental casts for 50 males and 50 females aged between 18 and 23 were studied for palatal rugae dimensions, shapes, and orientations, as well as sexual dimorphism and side symmetry. The most predominant rugae were primary, and the most prevalent shapes in both sexes were wavy, curved, and straight forms. The predominant orientation was forward. Side asymmetry existed more in the orientations than in the shapes, but no side asymmetry was recorded in the dimensions. There was no significant sexual dimorphism in the rugae dimensions, shapes, and orientations, except for forward-directed rugae(P<0.037). A predictive value of 60% was obtained in assigning sex using dimensions and orientations and of 58% using shapes alone. Therefore, the palatal rugae are not recommended for assigning sex effectively among Sudanese Arabs unless it is the only means available.
Modeling and Algorithm for Multiple Spanning Tree Provisioning in Resilient and Load Balanced Ethernet Networks
Authors: Lee Steven S. W. , Li Kuang-Yi , Lin Chieh-Ching
Published: February 2015

We propose a multitree based fast failover scheme for Ethernet networks. In our system, only few spanning trees are used to carry working traffic in the normal state. As a failure happens, the nodes adjacent to the failure redirect traffic to the preplanned backup VLAN trees to realize fast failure recovery. In the proposed scheme, a new leaf constraint is enforced on the backup trees. It enables the network being able to provide 100% survivability against any single link and any single node failure. Besides fast failover, we also take load balancing into consideration. We model an Ethernet network as a twolayered graph and propose an Integer Linear Programming (ILP) formulation for the problem. We further propose a heuristic algorithm to provide solutions to large networks. The simulation results show that the proposed scheme can achieve high survivability while maintaining load balancing at the same time. In addition, we have implemented the proposed scheme in an FPGA system. The experimental results show that it takes only fewμsec to recover a network failure. This is far beyond the 50 msec requirement used in telecommunication networks for network protection.
Radiotracers Used for the Scintigraphic Detection of Infection and Inflammation
Authors: Tsopelas Chris
Published: February 2015

Over the last forty years, a small group of commercial radiopharmaceuticals have found their way into routine medical use, for the diagnostic imaging of patients with infection or inflammation. These molecular radiotracers usually participate in the immune response to an antigen, by tagging leukocytes or other molecules/cells that are endogenous to the process. Currently there is an advancing effort by researchers in the preclinical domain to design and develop new agents for this application. This review discusses radiopharmaceuticals used in the nuclear medicine clinic today, as well as those potential radiotracers that exploit an organism’s defence mechanisms to an infectious or inflammatory event.
Systematic Review: Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer with respect to Stage of Disease
Authors: Hajibandeh Shahab , Hajibandeh Shahin
Published: February 2015

Background. Recent meta-analysis of 21 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) supports the use of adjuvant chemotherapy for nonmetastatic rectal carcinoma. In order to define a subgroup of patients who can potentially benefit from postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy, this study aims to review trials investigating adjuvant chemotherapy with respect to stage of disease in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer who had undergone surgery for cure (stage II and stage III). Methods. We searched electronic information sources to identify randomised trials evaluating adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with stages II and III rectal cancer with overall survival or disease-free survival as outcomes. Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network notes on methodology were used to assess the methodological quality of the selected studies. Random-effects models were applied to calculate pooled outcome data. Results. Eight studies reporting total of 5527 patients were selected for analysis. Adjuvant chemotherapy was associated with statistically significant improvement in disease-free survival and overall survival compared to surgery alone in both stage II and stage III cancer. Conclusions. This study indicates that both stage II and stage III rectal cancer patients may benefit from postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy. However, the benefits of adjuvant chemotherapy for patients who already had neoadjuvant chemoradiation still remain unknown.
Stress Distribution of CF/EP Laminated Composites under Supercritical Conditions
Authors: Huang Haihong , Li Zhenwen , Cheng Huanbo , Yin Yanzhen
Published: February 2015

Enormous amounts of wastes have been produced due to extensive use of carbon fiber/epoxy resin (CF/EP) composites. The fact that the supercritical fluid can be used to recycle these composites efficiently has attracted widespread concerns. A three-dimensional model of CF/EP laminates considering the interfacial layers was established. The internal stress distribution of laminates was simulated based on a heat transfer model; and the change of shear stress with supercritical temperature and pressure was investigated. The results show that the shear stress concentration was located in the interfacial layers; the maximum shear stress can be expressed by a curve of convex parabola to the temperature; and the most serious damage occurred in interfacial layers when temperature approached the glass-transition temperature of resin.
Autopilot Design Method for the Blended Missile Based on Model Predictive Control
Authors: Yang Baoqing , Zhao Yuyu
Published: February 2015

This paper develops a novel autopilot design method for blended missiles with aerodynamic control surfaces and lateral jets. Firstly, the nonlinear model of blended missiles is reduced into a piecewise affine (PWA) model according to the aerodynamics properties. Secondly, based on the equivalence between the PWA model and mixed logical dynamical (MLD) model, the MLD model of blended missiles is proposed taking into account the on-off constraints of lateral pulse jets. Thirdly, a hybrid model predictive control (MPC) method is employed to design autopilot. Finally, simulation results under different conditions are presented to show the effectiveness of the proposed method, which demonstrate that control allocation between aerodynamic control surfaces and lateral jets is realized by adjusting the weighting matrix in an index function.
The Prevalence of Autoantibodies in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type I
Authors: Dirckx Maaike , Schreurs Marco W. J. , de Mos Marissa , Stronks Dirk L. , Huygen Frank J. P. M.
Published: February 2015

Autoimmunity has been suggested as one of the pathophysiologic mechanisms that may underlie complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Screening for antinuclear antibodies (ANA) is one of the diagnostic tests, which is usually performed if a person is suspected to have a systemic autoimmune disease. Antineuronal antibodies are autoantibodies directed against antigens in the central and/or peripheral nervous system. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of these antibodies in CRPS patients with the normal values of those antibodies in the healthy population.
Twenty seven (33%) of the 82 CRPS patients of whom serum was available showed a positive ANA test. This prevalence is significantly higher than in the general population. Six patients (7.3%) showed a positive result for typical antineuronal antibodies. This proportion, however, does not deviate from that in the general population. Our findings suggest that autoantibodies may be associated with the pathophysiology of CRPS, at least in a subset of patients. Further research is needed into defining this subset and into the role of autoantibodies in the pathogenesis of CRPS.
Clinical Characteristics and Treatment Outcome of 485 Patients with Nonfunctioning Pituitary Macroadenomas
Authors: Vargas Guadalupe , Gonzalez Baldomero , Ramirez Claudia , Ferreira Aldo , Espinosa Etual , Mendoza Victoria , Guinto Gerardo , Lopez-Felix Blas , Zepeda Erick , Mercado Moisés
Published: February 2015

Background. Nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs) are the most common benign lesions of the pituitary gland.Objective. To describe our experience with the management of NFPA.Study Design and Methods. Retrospective evaluation of NFPA patients managed between 2008 and 2013. We analyzed data regarding clinical presentation, imaging diagnosis, hormonal status, surgical, radiotherapeutic, and pharmacological treatment, and outcome.Results. 485 patients (54% men, mean age53±14years) were followed for a median of 6.5 years. Visual field abnormalities and headaches were the presenting complaints in 87% and 66%, respectively. The diagnosis of NFPA was made incidentally in 6.2%, and 8% presented with clinical evidence of apoplexy. All patients harbored macroadenomas, with a median volume of 10306 mm3; 57.9% had supra- or parasellar invasion and 19.6% had tumors larger than 4 cm. Central hypothyroidism, hypogonadism, and hypocortisolism were present in 47.2%, 35.9%, and 27.4%, respectively. Surgical resection was performed at least once in 85.7%. Tumor persistence was documented in 27% and was related to the size and invasiveness of the lesion. In selected cases, radiotherapy proved to be effective in controlling or preventing tumor growth.Conclusions. The diagnosis and treatment of NFPA are complex and require a multidisciplinary approach.
Altered Chemokine Signalling in Endothelial Progenitor Cells from Acute Ulcerative Colitis Patients
Authors: De Toni L. , Di Nisio A. , Magagna S. , Michielan A. , Martinato M. , Sturniolo G. C. , D’Incà R. , Foresta C. , Garolla A.
Published: February 2015

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic, idiopathic, inflammatory bowel disease, characterized by alternating stages of clinically active and inactive disease. UC exhibits several inflammatory characteristics, including immune activation, leukocyte infiltration, and altered vascular density. In UC, many of the upregulated inflammatory cytokines are proangiogenic and are released by diverse cell populations, such as infiltrating immune cells and endothelial cells (EC). Increasing evidences suggest that neovascularisation may involve also endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). In this study we evaluated EPCs recruitment and homing, assessed by CXCR4 expression, in both acute and remitting phase of UC. We report an overall decrease of EPCs in UC patients (controls = 97,94 ± 37,34 cells/mL; acute = 31,10 ± 25,38 cells/mL; remitting = 30,33 ± 19,02 cells/mL;P<0.001for both UC groups versus controls). Moreover CXCR4+-EPCs, committed to home in inflammatory conditions, were found to be reduced in acute UC patients compared to both remitting patients and controls (acute = 3,13 ± 4,61 cells/mL; controls = 20,12 ± 14,0; remitting = 19,47 ± 12,83;P<0,001). Interestingly, we found that administration of anti-inflammatory drugs in acute UC is associated with an increase in circulating EPCs, suggesting that this therapy may exert a strong influence on the progenitor cells response to inflammatory processes.
A General Multidimensional Monte Carlo Approach for Dynamic Hedging under Stochastic Volatility
Authors: Bonetti Daniel , Leão Dorival , Ohashi Alberto , Siqueira Vinícius
Published: February 2015

We propose a feasible and constructive methodology which allows us to compute pure hedging strategies with respect to arbitrary square-integrable claims in incomplete markets. In contrast to previous works based on PDE and BSDE methods, the main merit of our approach is the flexibility of quadratic hedging in full generality without a priori smoothness assumptions on the payoff. In particular, the methodology can be applied to multidimensional quadratic hedging-type strategies for fully path-dependent options with stochastic volatility and discontinuous payoffs. In order to demonstrate that our methodology is indeed applicable, we provide a Monte Carlo study on generalized Föllmer-Schweizer decompositions, locally risk minimizing, and mean variance hedging strategies for vanilla and path-dependent options written on local volatility and stochastic volatility models.
Genetic and Biochemical Diversity among Valeriana jatamansi Populations from Himachal Pradesh
Authors: Singh Sunil Kumar , Katoch Rajan , Kapila Rakesh Kumar
Published: February 2015

Valeriana jatamansi Jones is an important medicinal plant that grows wild in Himachal Pradesh, India. Molecular and biochemical diversity among 13 natural populations from Himachal Pradesh was assessed using RAPD and GC‐MS to know the extent of existing variation. A total of seven genetically diverse groups have been identified based on RAPD analysis which corroborated well with the analysis based on chemical constituents. The essential oil yield ranged from 0.6% to 1.66% (v/w). A negative correlation between patchouli alcohol and viridiflorol, the two major valued constituents, limits the scope of their simultaneous improvement. However, other few populations like Chamba‐II and Kandi‐I were found promising for viridiflorol and patchouli alcohol, respectively. The analysis of chemical constitution of oil of the populations from a specific region revealed predominance of specific constituents indicating possibility of their collection/selection for specific end uses like phytomedicines. The prevalence of genetically diverse groups along with sufficient chemical diversity in a defined region clearly indicates the role of ecology in the maintenance of evolution of this species. Sufficient molecular and biochemical diversity detected among natural populations of this species will form basis for the future improvement.
A Spatial Shape Constrained Clustering Method for Mammographic Mass Segmentation
Authors: Lou Jian-Yong , Yang Xu-Lei , Cao Ai-Ze
Published: February 2015

A novel clustering method is proposed for mammographic mass segmentation on extracted regions of interest (ROIs) by using deterministic annealing incorporating circular shape function (DACF). The objective function reported in this study uses both intensity and spatial shape information, and the dominant dissimilarity measure is controlled by two weighting parameters. As a result, pixels having similar intensity information but located in different regions can be differentiated. Experimental results shows that, by using DACF, the mass segmentation results in digitized mammograms are improved with optimal mass boundaries, less number of noisy patches, and computational efficiency. An average probability of segmentation error of 7.18% for well-defined masses (or 8.06% for ill-defined masses) was obtained by using DACF on MiniMIAS database, with 5.86% (or 5.55%) and 6.14% (or 5.27%) improvements as compared to the standard DA and fuzzyc-means methods.
A revision of the New World species of Cremnops Förster (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Agathidinae)
Authors: TUCKER ERIKA M. , CHAPMAN ERIC G. , SHARKEY MICHAEL J.
Published: February 2015

The New World species of the genus Cremnops are revised. Thirty-three species of Cremnops are treated; five are described as new, i.e., C. bertae sp. nov., C. cluttsis sp. nov., C. nymphius sp. nov., C. wileycoyotius sp. nov. and C. witkopegasus sp. nov. Six species are synonymized, i.e., Cremnops caribensis Berta, 1998, is synonymized under C. guanicanus Wolcott, 1924; C. nigrosternum (Morrison 1917) is synonymized under C. haematodes (Brullé 1846); C. punctatus Berta, 1998, is synonymized under C. marshi Berta, 1998; C. sharkei Berta, 1998, is synonymized under C. montrealensis (Morrison 1917);  C. turrialbae Berta de Fernandez, 1998, is synonymized under C. ferrugineus (Cameron 1887); and C. misionensis Berta, 1987, is synonymized under C. slossonae (Morrison 1917).        Cremnops florissanticola is transferred to its original combination Bracon florissanticola Cockerell, 1919, st. rev. Included are a molecular phylogeny, a dichotomous key, links to distribution maps, an electronic interactive key, and images of holotypes.
Late Eocene siliceous sponge fauna of southern Australia: reconstruction based on loose spicules record
Authors: ŁUKOWIAK MAGDALENA
Published: February 2015

An abundant and diversified assemblage of siliceous loose sponge spicules has been identified in the Late Eocene deposits cropping out along the southern coasts of Australia. Based on the comparison of the obtained spicules with those of living sponges, representatives of at least 43 species within 33 genera, 26 families, and 9 orders of “soft” Demospongiae and Homoscleromorpha have been identified in the assemblage. Within the studied sediments, the spicules representing demosponge orders Poecilosclerida, Hadromerida, and Astrophorida were the most diverse. The rest of the five demosponge orders (Halichondrida, Agelasida, Haplosclerida, Spirophorida, and Chondrosida) are represented by single families. Also, a single family Plakinidae within the class Homoscleromorpha that includes two genera was present. The diversity of spicules is similar in all studied samples and areas, even distant geographically, and there are only minor differences between the sections. That indicates a homogenous character of this rich siliceous sponge assemblage. Most of the studied sponge spicules have Recent equivalents among present-day siliceous spicules. However, the fossil ones are bigger which is most likely due to different environmental conditions. Among the recognized sponge species, at least eleven (Agelas cf. axifera, Agelas cf. wiedenmayeri, Penares sclerobesa, Histodermella australis, Trikentrion flabelliforme, Cliona cf. mucronata, Tethya cf. omanensis, Terpios sp., Placinolopha cf. sarai, Dotona pulchella, and Sigmosceptrella quadrilobata) are noted for the first time in the fossil record.
Children’s Cognitive Performance and Selective Attention Following Recent Community Violence
Authors: McCoy Dana Charles , Raver C. Cybele , Sharkey Patrick
Published: February 2015

Research has shown robust relationships between community violence and psychopathology, yet relatively little is known about the ways in which community violence may affect cognitive performance and attention. The present study estimates the effects of police-reported community violence on 359 urban children’s performance on a computerized neuropsychological task using a quasi-experimental fixed-effects design. Living in close proximity to a recent violent crime predicted faster but marginally less accurate task performance for the full sample, evolutionarily adaptive patterns of “vigilant” attention (i.e., less attention toward positive stimuli, more attention toward negative stimuli) for children reporting low trait anxiety, and potentially maladaptive patterns of “avoidant” attention for highly anxious children. These results suggest that community violence can directly affect children’s cognitive performance while also having different (and potentially orthogonal) impacts on attention deployment depending on children’s levels of biobehavioral risk. Implications for mental health and sociological research are discussed.
EFL Learners’ Perspectives on ELT Materials Evaluation Relative to Learning Styles
Authors: Lee Bokyung
Published: February 2015

This paper presents the relationship between Korean EFL learners’ self-reporting learning style preferences and their perspectives on ELT materials evaluation. Quantitative data was acquired from 521 subjects’ responses to a learning style survey and a questionnaire of materials evaluation checklist. The findings show that Korean EFL learners’ major (salient) learning styles were likely to affect their views of materials evaluation. That is, learners with multiple major learning styles and with tactile or kinesthetic learning styles tended to have higher levels of expectation concerning materials evaluation. Also, they tended to be significantly concerned with the criteria relevant to their major learning styles. This suggests that learning style can be a referential indicator for the selection of learner-appropriate ELT materials. Teachers can utilize information about their students’ perspectives on materials evaluation relative to learning styles to facilitate materials selection or adaptation, and to develop teaching methods with consideration of individual learners’ preferences. The implications of the study will be discussed.
Delicate laundering of textiles with application of 38 kHz ultrasonic waves
Authors: Gotoh Keiko , Nakatani Hiromi , Tsujisaka Toshiyuki
Published: February 2015

Ultrasonic cleaning in aqueous solutions was performed using various plain-woven fabrics soiled with oleic acid and/or carbon black as model oily and particulate contaminants. Detergency, which was evaluated from the change in the surface reflectance of the soiled fabrics due to cleaning, was promoted by applying ultrasound as the mechanical action for soil removal in the absence and the presence of anionic surfactant. Both soils were removed easily from the filament fabrics compared with the spun fabrics. Ultrasound, as mechanical action, was favorable for removing carbon black even in the absence of surfactant, whereas the addition of surfactant was effective for removing oleic acid without and with ultrasound. In most cases of soiled fabrics, the detergency obtained with ultrasonic washing for 1 min was comparable to that obtained with a drum-type washer, the Wascator (normal and gentle procedures). Heavy fabric damage was observed after washing with the Wascator, especially for the wool and silk fabrics, whereas there was little damage after ultrasonic washing for all fabrics. Conclusively, ultrasound can be effective in laundering for delicate textiles from the viewpoints of the processing time as well as detergency performance.
Bullying in an increasingly diverse school population: A socio-ecological model analysis
Authors: Lim Seok Jeng Jane , Hoot James L.
Published: February 2015

Systematic research into bullying has a short history spanning about 40 years. However, investigations into school bullying from a multicultural context are especially limited. As schools in the 21st century become increasingly diverse due to rapid globalization and immigration, there is a need to consider bullying within changing populations. The goals of this study were three-fold. First, to explore the prevalence of bullying between refugee, immigrant, and native born children. Second, to explore the impact of immigration status, and age and gender on the prevalence of bullying. Finally, through a socio-ecological model framework, this study examined the influence of individuals and teachers upon bullying among refugee children. This study employed a mixed methodology consisting of both the Swearer Bully Survey and in-depth interviews. A purposeful sampling of 116 Grade 3 and Grade 6 students and 13 teachers from an inner city USA public school participated. Quantitative results suggest that statistically significant differences were found only in regard to grade level. A new image of the concept of ‘victim’ emerged from the qualitative data. Refugee children responded as non passive victims in contrast to the ‘passive victim’ adopted by immigrant and native born children.
Power, place and the New Civic Leadership
Authors: Hambleton Robin
Published: February 2015

In the years since Local Economy was launched in 1986, globalisation has diminished the power of place-based leaders. Place-less actors, meaning people who are not expected to care about the consequences of their decisions for particular places and communities, have gained extraordinary power and influence in the modern era. This growth in place-less power has not, however, erased the power of local democracy. Viewed from an international perspective, many cities are pursuing socially and environmentally enlightened policies that are improving the local quality of life, and Melbourne provides an inspiring example. Since 2010 the UK Coalition Government has worked to diminish further the power of elected local authorities in England. Current proposals, requiring groups of local authorities to plead for bespoke powers, take the super-centralisation of the state to a new level. A different way forward is to learn from examples of bold, place-based leadership in other countries. New Civic Leadership (NCL), an approach that values solidarity, community empowerment and democratic social purpose, is put forward as an alternative to both centralisation and the outdated notion of New Public Management (NPM).
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in Major and Minor League Baseball Players
Authors: Green Gary A. , Pollack Keshia M. , D’Angelo John , Schickendantz Mark S. , Caplinger Roger , Weber Kathleen , Valadka Alex , McAllister Thomas W. , Dick Randall W. , Mandelbaum Bert , Curriero Frank C.
Published: February 2015

Background:

Although mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) is not as common in professional baseball as in collision sports, it does occur and frequently results in significant loss of time away from the sport. To date, no study has investigated MTBI among an entire cohort of professional baseball players.

Purpose:

To investigate MTBIs in major and minor league baseball players to determine the most common mechanisms of injury, activity at time of injury, position, level of play, and time lost, as well as ultimately inform prevention efforts. A secondary objective was to document the association between MTBI and return to play using several different measures.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiologic study.

Methods:

Data were captured from a newly implemented league-wide injury surveillance system that records injuries among all professional baseball players as entered by certified athletic trainers and physicians. The MTBIs were identified with respect to level of play, activity, field location, and mechanism of injury. Time loss was assessed by 3 measures of return to play, and MTBI game rates were reported as injuries per 1000 athlete-exposures. Data were combined over the 2011-2012 seasons for analysis, and results were presented separately for minor and major league players. Chi-square tests were used to test the hypothesis of equal proportions between the various categories of MTBI injury characteristics.

Results:

There were 41 reported MTBIs in the major leagues and 266 in the minor leagues over the 2-year period under study. The overall MTBI game rate across both major and minor league ball clubs was 0.42 per 1000 athlete-exposures. The median time lost was 9 days. Mild traumatic brain injury accounted for 1% of all injuries resulting in time lost from play. For MTBIs that occurred while fielding, catchers were significantly overrepresented. No differences were noted among the 3 measures of time lost.

Conclusion:

Mild traumatic brain injury is an important problem in professional baseball players, especially for catchers. This study provides a foundation for future inquiry to reduce the incidence of MTBI in those positions at greatest risk and to provide a baseline as rules and equipment evolve.
Study of synergistic toughening in a bimodal epoxy nanocomposite
Authors: Keivani Maryam , Khamesinia Alireza , Bagheri Reza , Kouchakzadeh Mohammad Ali , Abadyan Mohamadreza
Published: February 2015

Toughening of epoxy with different types of modifiers produces a bimodal blend that might show better fracture resistance in comparison with single-modified ones. In this research, bimodal epoxy formulations including mixtures of glass microsphere and silica nanoparticles are explored for possible synergistic toughening. The influence of composition on the glass transition temperature ( Tg), tensile characteristics, and fracture toughness ( KIC) is investigated. Interestingly, a synergism in fracture toughness is observed when mixtures of modifiers were incorporated. For the fixed overall modifier content, KIC is higher when the volume fraction of glass microsphere is lesser than the volume fraction of nanosilica. Fractographs reveal that glass microsphere increases the toughness of epoxy matrix by crack pinning/bridging mechanisms. On the other hand, nanosilica enhances the toughness by increase in plastic deformation via shear banding/particle debonding. Interestingly, the origin of synergistic toughness in bimodal epoxies is the interaction between the glass microsphere and crack-tip damage zone which provides comprehensive stable crack deflection within the nanosilica-toughened epoxy. This mechanism results in a mixed-mode crack growth that reduces the strain energy release rate in bimodal formulations.
Effect of the stacking sequence on vibrational behavior of Sansevieria cylindrica/coconut sheath polyester hybrid composites
Authors: Bennet C , Rajini N , Jappes JT Winowlin , Siva I , Sreenivasan VS , Amico SC
Published: February 2015

This work reports on the static mechanical and modal analysis by free vibration response of hybrid natural fiber reinforced polymer composites. Modal analysis may predict the failure of structures prone to dynamic loading conditions. The composites were compression molded using recently identified short Sansevieria cylindrica fibers and coconut sheath mats in a polyester matrix. The study focused on the effect of the stacking sequence and fiber chemical treatment (alkali and silane) on the composite properties. Hybridization of coconut sheath and Sansevieria cylindrica fiber significantly enhanced all properties compared to single-fiber composites. For all composites (pure or hybrid), the increase in mechanical strength and natural frequency was noticed after chemical treatment. The trend in mechanical strength followed: untreated < alkali treated < silane treated. Interestingly, regarding vibrational behavior, coconut sheath/Sansevieria cylindrica/coconut sheath offered superior natural frequency in all three conditions. This highlights that higher modulus composites can be designed by keeping fiber mat as skin and short fiber as core. Morphological investigation revealed that the attraction between fiber–fiber and fiber–matrix is greatly enhanced after silane treatment.
Finite element modeling of fiber reinforced polymer bars embedded in prismatic concrete beams under high temperatures
Authors: Zaidi Ali , Mouattah Kaddour , Masmoudi Radhouane , Hamdi Brahim
Published: February 2015

Numerous experimental tests and analytical investigation were carried out on thermal effects on fiber reinforced polymer bars reinforced concrete structures. Nevertheless, the finite element modeling of thermal behavior of fiber reinforced polymer bars embedded in concrete was insufficiently analyzed, particularly, for asymmetric problems. This paper presents a nonlinear numerical study using ADINA finite element software to investigate the effect of the ratio of concrete cover thickness to fiber reinforced polymer bar diameter ( c/d b) on the distribution of transverse thermal stresses and deformations in fiber reinforced polymer bars and concrete cover for an asymmetric problem using prismatic concrete beams reinforced with fiber reinforced polymer bars submitted to high temperatures up to + 60℃. Also, to predict the thermal loads ( ΔT cr) that produce the first radial cracks within concrete and the thermal loads ( ΔT sp) which cause the splitting failure of the concrete cover as a function of the ratio of concrete cover thickness to fiber reinforced polymer bar diameter for an asymmetric problem. Nonlinear numerical results in terms of cracking thermal loads, thermal deformations, and thermal stresses are compared to those evaluated from analytical models and experimental tests.
Performance enhancement of poly(butylene succinate)/chemithermomechanical pulp fiber composites by debonder treatment
Authors: Yue Xiaopeng , Xu Yongjian , Li Tao , Shao Jiajing
Published: February 2015

Debonder, a kind of weak combination reagent usually used in the production process of fluff pulp, was used as interfacial modifier in poly(butylene succinate)/chemithermomechanical pulp fiber composites. Physical properties of handsheets prepared by treated fibers indicated that the bonding strength between fibers was sharply decreased by the debonder treatment. The mechanical performance of composites prepared from treated fiber showed significant enhancement. In comparison with untreated one, the tensile strength, impact strength, and bending strength of composite containing 40 wt% of chemithermomechanical pulp fiber treated with 0.5 wt% debonder increased by 21.9, 22.3, and 35.4%, respectively. Furthermore, the data of rheological behavior measurement exhibited that the incorporation of debonder lowered the shear viscosity of composite and favored the processing process of composite. Besides, debonder played a role of hydrophobic agent in composites. A significant increase in storage modulus (E’) was observed upon the incorporation of treated chemithermomechanical pulp fiber. Scanning electron microcopy images showed that the interfacial bonding between treated fibers and poly(butylene succinate) matrix was improved.
In vitro evaluation of biocompatibility of Ti–Mo–Sn–Zr superelastic alloy
Authors: Nunome Shoko , Kanetaka Hiroyasu , Kudo Tada-aki , Endoh Kazuki , Hosoda Hideki , Igarashi Kaoru
Published: February 2015

Shape memory alloys (SMAs) including superelastic alloys have unique properties such as shape memory and superelasticity, thus they are recognized as very useful biomaterials. These properties are very advantageous for medical use, and actually the SMA wires have been widely used in medical field. However, biocompatibility of nickel-titanium (Ni–Ti) alloy, which is the only practical SMA at present, has been questioned because of its high nickel content. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biocompatibility of a newly developed Ni-free Ti-based SMA for medical use. The newly developed SMA made of Ti–Mo–Sn–Zr system was processed into a disk of 15.1 mm in diameter. Pure titanium of the same shape was prepared as control. All the disk surfaces were polished using emery papers, #120, #400, and #600. Scanning electron microscopy and a 3D optics profiler were used to evaluate the surface of the materials. In vitro evaluations included colony examination for evaluation of the cell cytotoxicity, DNA quantification for the cell proliferation, Alamar blue assay for metabolic activity, FDA staining for the live cell imaging, and cell cycle analysis, using Chinese hamster fibroblastic V-79 cells and mouse osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells. In colony examination and DNA quantification, there was no significant difference between the Ti–Mo–Sn–Zr and the pure titanium. In FDA staining, cultured cells on the Ti–Mo–Sn–Zr alloy showed the same biocompatibility as those on the pure titanium. The present results suggest that the newly developed Ti–Mo–Sn–Zr alloy showed the high biocompatibility comparable to pure titanium and can be used as efficient biomaterial for medical use.
Biocompatibility of silver containing silica films on Bioverit® II middle ear prostheses in rabbits
Authors: Duda Franziska , Bradel Susanne , Bleich André , Abendroth Philipp , Heemeier Tanja , Ehlert Nina , Behrens Peter , Esser Karl-Heinz , Lenarz Thomas , Brandes Gudrun , Prenzler Nils K
Published: February 2015

For several centuries silver is known for its antibacterial effects. The middle ear is an interesting new scope for silver application since chronic inflammations combined with bacterial infection cause complete destruction of the fragile ossicle chain and tympanic membrane. The resulting conductive deafness requires tympanoplasty for reconstruction. Strategies to prevent bacterial growth on middle ear prostheses are highly recommended. In this study, rabbits were implanted with Bioverit® II middle ear prostheses functionalized with silver containing dense and nanoporous silica films which were compared with pure silica coatings as well as silver sulfadiazine cream applied on nanoporous silica coating. The health status of animals was continuously monitored; blood was examined before and after implantation. After 21 days, the middle ears were inspected; implants and mucosal samples were processed for electron microscopy. Autopsies were performed and systemic spreading of silver was chemically analyzed exemplarily in liver and kidneys. For verification of direct cytotoxicity, NIH 3T3 cells were cultured on similar silver containing silica coatings on glass up to 3 days. In vitro a reduced viability of fibroblasts adhering directly on the samples was detected compared to cells growing on the surrounding plastic of the same culture dish. In transmission electron microscopy, phagocytosed silver silica fragments, silver sulfadiazine cream as well as silver nanoparticles were noticed inside endosomes. In vivo, clinical and post mortem examinations were inconspicuous. Chemical analyses showed no increased silver content compared to controls. Mucosal coverages on almost all prostheses were found. But reduction of granulation tissue was only obvious around silver-coated implants. Single necroses and apoptosis in the mucosa were correlated by intracellular accumulation of metallic silver. For confirming supportive healing effects of middle ear implants, silver ion aggregates need to be tested in the future to optimize biocompatibility while assuring bactericidal effects in the middle ear.
Brainwaves and psyches
Authors: Brenninkmeijer Jonna
Published: February 2015

This article presents an ethnographical and historical analysis of the mode of being that is constituted when people use neurofeedback (brainwave training) for self-improvement. I analyse how human brainwaves have been associated with the psyche since their first demonstration by the psychiatrist Hans Berger, how they were connected to personality types by the cybernetician Grey Walter, and made trainable by the psychologists Joe Kamiya and Barry Sterman. I compare these cases with the reports of contemporary neurofeedback practitioners and users, and demonstrate that working on the self by working on the brain constitutes a complicated relationship between the brain and the self. Moreover, I demonstrate that combinations of brains and selves, material and spiritual ideas, and biological and social explanations are not confusions due to the ignorance of neurofeedback users, but amalgamations that emerged in the work and ideas of early scientists.
Experimental investigation of cutting tool temperature during slot milling of AerMet 100 steel
Authors: Jiang Fulin , Liu Zhanqiang , Wan Yi , Shi Zhenyu , Zhang Han
Published: February 2015

Cutting tool temperature plays a key role in machining processes due to its effect on tool life and material removal rate, especially during high-speed machining of hard-to-cut materials. Several methods have been introduced to measure temperature of static objects in machining, such as workpiece in milling operation or cutting tool in turning operation. However, a few methods have been proposed to measure cutting tool temperature in milling process. In this article, we investigate cutting tool temperature in slot milling process. A wireless temperature measurement system with embedded thermocouple is developed to monitor and record cutting tool temperature. A series of experiments for slot milling of AerMet 100 steels are designed to measure cutting tool temperature with the wireless temperature measurement system. The cutting experiments are carried out under cutting speeds from 500 to 1750 m/min. The measurement results reveal that milling tool temperatures increase first and then decrease as cutting speed increases, and the peak temperature of milling tool appears at a critical cutting speed of about 1250 m/min. The effects of cutting speed on cutting tool temperature and tool wear are discussed.
High-deposition-rate position welding of Al 5083 alloy for spherical-type liquefied natural gas tank
Authors: Kim Cheolhee , Ahn Youngnam , Lee Ki-Bae , Kim Daesoon
Published: February 2015

High-deposition-rate welding is used in the fabrication of liquefied natural gas tanks from thick aluminium plates because the weld defect generally increases and the productivity decreases with increasing number of passes. In this study, high-deposition-rate gas metal arc welding was implemented in vertical-up and horizontal positions. High deposition was achieved in the vertical-up position by pulse welding using 2.4-mm single wire and 1.6-mm twin wires and in the horizontal position by electromagnetic lifting of the weld pool. The arc stabilities for the applied processes were examined and welding procedures for thick plates were developed. A total of 14 welding passes were required for the vertical-up welding of a 70-mm thick plate by using the conventional 1.6-mm single-wire process, and the fully penetrated welds could be achieved with 8 welding passes by using twin-wire welding. Also, 10 welding passes were required for the horizontal welding of a 35-mm-thick plate by the conventional approach, and 6-pass full-penetration welding was successfully implemented by applying an external electromagnetic field.
Trichomonas vaginalis infection: How significant is it in men presenting with recurrent or persistent symptoms of urethritis?
Authors: Ng Andrea , Ross Jonathan DC
Published: February 2015

Persistent or recurrent non-gonococcal urethritis has been reported to affect up to 10–20% of men attending sexual health clinics. An audit was undertaken to review the management of persistent or recurrent non-gonococcal urethritis in men presenting at Whittall Street Clinic, Birmingham, UK. Detection of Trichomonas vaginalis infection was with the newly-introduced nucleic acid amplification test. A total of 43 (8%) of 533 men treated for urethritis re-attended within three months with persistent or recurrent symptoms. Chlamydia trachomatis infection was identified in 13/40 (33%), T. vaginalis in 1/27 (4%) and Mycoplasma genitalium in 6/12 (50%). These findings suggest that the prevalence of T. vaginalis infection remains low in our clinic population and may not contribute significantly to persistent or recurrent non-gonococcal urethritis.
Two cases of possible transmitted drug-resistant HIV: likely HIV superinfection and unmasking of pre-existing resistance
Authors: Martin Fabiola , Lee John , Thomson Emma , Tarrant Nick , Hale Antony , Lacey Charles J
Published: February 2015

In the UK, patients undergo HIV viral load and genotype testing before they are prescribed antiretroviral therapy. The genotype test guides clinicians in prescribing antiretroviral therapy with maximum efficacy against the patient’s specific viral strain. HIV viral load escape under antiretroviral drug therapy, to which the virus was thought to be genotypically susceptible, is commonly observed in patients with poor adherence. We observed early viral escapes in two-newly diagnosed patients, during antiretroviral treatment, with different sequences compared to their original viral resistance test and who reported excellent adherence to and tolerance of their therapy. HIV superinfection with a new viral strain was identified in a patient with multiple risk factors and co-infections with sexually transmitted infections. The second patient was a case of the emergence of primary resistant virus under drug pressure. Both suppressed their virus promptly after treatment switch.
Association between vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms and systemic lupus erythematosus in Portuguese patients
Authors: Carvalho C , Marinho A , Leal B , Bettencourt A , Boleixa D , Almeida I , Farinha F , Costa P P , Vasconcelos C , Silva B M
Published: February 2015

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease of unknown origin, in which both genetic and environmental factors are involved. One such environmental factor is vitamin D, a vital hormone that plays a specific function in the immune system homeostasis, acting through a nuclear receptor ( VDR) expressed in all immune cells. Several polymorphisms of the gene that encodes this receptor have been described. Though inconsistently, these polymorphisms have been associated with clinical manifestations and SLE development.

The aim of this study was to determine the possible association between VDR gene polymorphisms (BsmI, ApaI, TaqI e FokI) and SLE susceptibility and severity, in a cohort of lupus patients from the north of Portugal.

A total of 170 patients (F = 155, M = 15; age = 45 ± 13.4 years) with SLE (diagnosed according the American College of Rheumatology criteria) with at least five years of disease evolution and followed in the Autoimmune Disease Clinical Immunology Unit of Centro Hospitalar do Porto were studied. Patients and 192 ethnicity-matched controls were genotyped for BsmI (rs1544410), ApaI (rs7975232), TaqI (rs731236) and FokI (rs2228570) polymorphisms by TaqMan allelic discrimination assay. Disease severity was assessed by SLICC damage score, number of affected organs, number of severe flares and pharmacological history.

SLE patients with the CT genotype of FokI polymorphism have a higher SLICC value ( p = 0.031). The same result was observed for the group of patients with the TT genotype of TaqI polymorphism ( p = 0.046). No differences were observed in VDR genotype between patients and controls. Also, we observed that the other clinical features analysed were not influenced by VDR polymorphisms.

Our study confirms a possible role of VDR gene polymorphisms in SLE. A positive association was found between VDR polymorphisms and SLE severity (chronic damage). The presence of CT genotype of FokI and TT genotype of TaqI seems to confer a worse prognosis and may constitute a risk factor for higher long-term cumulative damage in SLE patients.