bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation and Characterization of Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) by Acid Hydrolysis Using Microwave Assisted Method from Cotton Wool
Authors: Kusumattaqiin Fataa , Chonkaew Wunpen
Published: August 2015

The microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) was extracted by microwave assisted from cotton wool. The effects of sulfuric acid concentration, time and temperature on the yield were investigated by a single factor experiments and the preparation condition were optimized using 23 factorial design and analyzed by statistical test. The obtained MCC were characterized using particle size analyzer, FT‐IR and XRD. The results showed that the main parameter in order of increasing effects on the MCC yield were time, temperature and acid concentration. The optimum condition was found at acid concentration 55% (w/w), time 1 minute and temperature 30°C. The range of particle size at that condition was from 0.052 μm to 353.078 μm, the yield was 78.67% (w/w) and the crystallinity index was 53.16%. Moreover the crystal structure transformed from cellulose I to cellulose II. The crystal structure of cellulose II was obtained without mercerization and ionic liquid treatments.
Mechanical, Thermal, and Morphological Properties of Sawdust/Poly(lactic acid) Composites: Effects of Alkali Treatment and Poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) Content
Authors: Nomai Jiraporn , Jarapanyacheep Rapisa , Jarukumjorn Kasama
Published: August 2015

Sawdust/poly(lactic acid) (PLA) composites were prepared using a melt blending process. Sawdust content was 30 wt%. The effects of alkali treatment and poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) content on mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties of the composites were investigated. With the addition of sawdust into PLA, tensile modulus increased whereas tensile strength, elongation at break, impact strength, and thermal stability decreased. Alkali treatment improved the interfacial adhesion between sawdust and PLA matrix leading to the enhancement in mechanical properties and thermal stability of the composites. PBAT was used to improve toughness of the composites. PBAT content was varied as 10, 20, and 30 wt%. With increasing PBAT content, elongation at break and impact strength of the composites increased whereas tensile strength and tensile modulus decreased due to the presence of soft elastomeric phase that exhibited high flexibility and toughness. Additionally, thermal stability of the composites improved with increasing PBAT content. SEM micrographs revealed enhanced filler‐matrix interfacial adhesion and some features of ductile fracture in the composites toughened with PBAT.
Mechanical Properties and Thermal Stability of Poly(butylene succinate)/Acrylonitrile Butadiene Rubber Blend
Authors: Hemsri Sudsiri , Thongpin Chanchai , Moradokpermpoon Narongsuk , Niramon Pitchayapa , Suppaso Mukrawee
Published: August 2015

Acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) has been blended into biodegradable Poly(butylene succinate) (PBS). The PBS/NBR blends with ratios of 100/0, 90/10, 80/20, 70/30, 60/40 and 50/50 by weight were prepared in an internal mixer. Dicumyl peroxide (DCP) was used for vulcanization of the NBR phase in the blends. Mechanical properties and thermal stability as well as morphologies of pure PBS, vulcanized NBR and PBS/NBR blends were investigated. The blends provide much higher elongation and impact strength than the pure PBS. The PBS/NBR blend with a ratio of 90/10 shows superior result to toughness, and gives comparable results for modulus and tensile strength at break with respect to the pure PBS. Morphology observation reveals the compatibility of the PBS/NBR blends, especially in the blends with 10‐30 wt% NBR content. Moreover, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) result shows that thermal stability of PBS is enhanced when NBR is added.
Optimizing robustness in geometric routing via embedding redundancy and regeneration
Authors: Houthooft Rein , Sahhaf Sahel , Tavernier Wouter , De Turck Filip , Colle Didier , Pickavet Mario
Published: August 2015

Geometric routing is an alternative to traditional routing algorithms in which traffic is no longer forwarded using lookup tables, but using coordinates in an embedding of the underlying network. A major downside of current geometric routing algorithms is their inability to handle network failures in a graceful manner. Moreover, they cannot deal with dynamic graph topologies. This article presents a geometric routing scheme that uses an embedding based on a spanning forest. Allowing nodes to select the optimal spanning tree leads to both shorter paths and natural traffic redirection in case of network failures. By constructing the forest in such a way that its disconnected components have low redundancy, their coverage is maximized. Results show that this system is able to operate gracefully in severe failure scenarios, without any form of path protection or restoration. By means of an embedding regeneration procedure, the routing scheme is able to continuously adapt to an altering network topology. This geometric routing algorithm effectively combines two key objectives, namely low path stretch and high robustness. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 66(4), 320–334 2015
Metric tree‐like structures in real‐world networks: an empirical study
Authors: Abu‐Ata Muad , Dragan Feodor F.
Published: August 2015

Based on solid theoretical foundations, we present strong evidence that a number of real‐world networks, taken from different domains (such as Internet measurements, biological data, web graphs, and social and collaboration networks) exhibit tree‐like structures from a metric point of view. We investigate a few graph parameters, namely, the tree‐distortion and the tree‐stretch, the tree‐length and the tree‐breadth, Gromov's hyperbolicity, the cluster‐diameter and the cluster‐radius in a layering partition of a graph; such parameters capture and quantify this phenomenon of being metrically close to a tree. By bringing all those parameters together, we provide efficient means for detecting such metric tree‐like structures in large‐scale networks. We also show how such structures can be used. For example, they are helpful in efficient and compact encoding of approximate distance and almost shortest path information and in quick and accurate estimation of diameters and radii of those networks. Estimating the diameter and estimating the radius of a graph (or distances between arbitrary vertices) are fundamental primitives in many network and graph mining algorithms. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 67(1), 49–68 2016
Tobacco Use Among Siblings of Childhood Cancer Survivors: A Report From the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study
Authors: Buchbinder David , Oeffinger Kevin , Franco‐Villalobos Conrado , Yasui Yutaka , Alderfer Melissa A. , Armstrong Gregory T. , Casillas Jacqueline , Ford Jennifer , Krull Kevin R. , Leisenring Wendy , Recklitis Christopher , Robison Leslie L. , Zeltzer Lonnie K. , Lown E. Anne
Published: August 2015

Background

Having a brother or sister with childhood cancer may influence health behaviors during adulthood. The aim of this study was to compare tobacco use in siblings of survivors with peers and to identify factors associated with sibling tobacco use.

Procedures

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using adult siblings (N = 1,974) of 5+ year cancer survivors in the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS) and participants (N = 24,105, weighted to match CCSS) in the 2007 National Health Interview Survey. Self‐reported tobacco use, sociodemographic, and cancer‐related risk factors were analyzed.

Results

Siblings were equally likely to have ever smoked compared to their peers (odds ratio [OR] 1.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.93–1.12). Siblings were less likely to be current smokers (OR 0.83, 95%CI 0.73–0.94), but more likely to be former smokers (OR 1.21, 95%CI 1.08–1.35). Siblings with low education were more likely to ever smoke (OR 1.51, 95%CI 1.15–2.00) and be current smokers (OR 1.67, 95%CI 1.24–2.26) compared to their peers. Among siblings, risk factors for current tobacco use included the following: low income <$20,000 (OR 1.66, 95%CI 1.09–2.54), low education (OR 6.68, 95%CI 4.07–10.97), psychological distress (OR 5.36, 95%CI 2.21–13.02), and heavy alcohol use (OR 3.68, 95%CI 2.50–5.41).

Conclusions

Siblings of survivors take up smoking at similar rates to their peers, but are more likely to quit. Efforts are needed to address disparities by providing greater psychosocial support and education for the lowest socioeconomic status families facing childhood cancer. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015; 9999:XX–XX © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of bonded lengths and wrappings on energy capacity and debonding strain of reinforced concrete beams strengthened with carbon‐fiber‐reinforced polymer
Authors: Hong Sungnam , Park Sun‐Kyu
Published: August 2015

In this study, a series of flexural tests were performed to evaluate the energy capacity and debonding strain of reinforced concrete beams strengthened with a carbon‐fiber‐reinforced polymer (CFRP). Seven reinforced concrete beams were fabricated and loaded up to failure in a three‐point bending test. The type of CFRP laminate (plate or sheet), bonded length (1.44 or 2.16 m), and wrapping of the CFRP sheet were selected as the key test variables. The test results showed that beams strengthened with CFRP sheets were more effective than those strengthened with CFRP plates. The CFRP‐strengthened beams showed an elastic energy greater than that of the control beam, but the opposite result was obtained for the plastic energy. The average debonding strains of the CFRP plates and sheets were 4,309 and 11,649 μ, respectively, which corresponded to 21.5% and 77.1% of their respective ultimate tensile. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:1418–1426, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Production of flexible polymeric photoanodes using binder‐free electrophoretic deposition and compression for dye‐sensitized solar cells
Authors: Kocaoglu Bahadir Can , Ozenbas Macit
Published: August 2015

Electrophoretic deposition (EPD) of titania nanoparticles have been utilized in order to form the nanoporous photoanodes of dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) on flexible polymeric (PEN/PET) substrates. Highly uniform, adherent nanoporous thick films were produced by uniformly dispersing the titania nanoparticles in alcoholic suspensions without any binders. Suspension performances of each type of isopropanol based mixtures have been examined. Additionally, the effect of acetylacetone addition in suspensions on zeta potential and effective particle size of the colloids is investigated. EPD process has been conducted in single step while the uniformity of the morphology and the thickness of the films were maintained preventing the damage on ITO layer due to excessive voltage exposure. Subsequently, the mechanical compression is applied via cold isostatic pressing (CIP) with a pressure profile in order to obtain 12‐14 µm film thickness and photon to current conversion efficiency of 2.16% was obtained under AM1.5 conditions. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Meta‐analysis of studies with bivariate binary outcomes: a marginal beta‐binomial model approach
Authors: Chen Yong , Hong Chuan , Ning Yang , Su Xiao
Published: August 2015

When conducting a meta‐analysis of studies with bivariate binary outcomes, challenges arise when the within‐study correlation and between‐study heterogeneity should be taken into account. In this paper, we propose a marginal beta‐binomial model for the meta‐analysis of studies with binary outcomes. This model is based on the composite likelihood approach and has several attractive features compared with the existing models such as bivariate generalized linear mixed model (Chu and Cole, 2006) and Sarmanov beta‐binomial model (Chen et al., 2012). The advantages of the proposed marginal model include modeling the probabilities in the original scale, not requiring any transformation of probabilities or any link function, having closed‐form expression of likelihood function, and no constraints on the correlation parameter. More importantly, because the marginal beta‐binomial model is only based on the marginal distributions, it does not suffer from potential misspecification of the joint distribution of bivariate study‐specific probabilities. Such misspecification is difficult to detect and can lead to biased inference using currents methods. We compare the performance of the marginal beta‐binomial model with the bivariate generalized linear mixed model and the Sarmanov beta‐binomial model by simulation studies. Interestingly, the results show that the marginal beta‐binomial model performs better than the Sarmanov beta‐binomial model, whether or not the true model is Sarmanov beta‐binomial, and the marginal beta‐binomial model is more robust than the bivariate generalized linear mixed model under model misspecifications. Two meta‐analyses of diagnostic accuracy studies and a meta‐analysis of case–control studies are conducted for illustration. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The choice of prior distribution for a covariance matrix in multivariate meta‐analysis: a simulation study
Authors: Hurtado Rúa Sandra M. , Mazumdar Madhu , Strawderman Robert L.
Published: August 2015

Bayesian meta‐analysis is an increasingly important component of clinical research, with multivariate meta‐analysis a promising tool for studies with multiple endpoints. Model assumptions, including the choice of priors, are crucial aspects of multivariate Bayesian meta‐analysis (MBMA) models. In a given model, two different prior distributions can lead to different inferences about a particular parameter. A simulation study was performed in which the impact of families of prior distributions for the covariance matrix of a multivariate normal random effects MBMA model was analyzed. Inferences about effect sizes were not particularly sensitive to prior choice, but the related covariance estimates were. A few families of prior distributions with small relative biases, tight mean squared errors, and close to nominal coverage for the effect size estimates were identified. Our results demonstrate the need for sensitivity analysis and suggest some guidelines for choosing prior distributions in this class of problems. The MBMA models proposed here are illustrated in a small meta‐analysis example from the periodontal field and a medium meta‐analysis from the study of stroke. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Misunderstandings about Q and ‘Cochran's Q test' in meta‐analysis
Authors: Hoaglin David C.
Published: August 2015

Many meta‐analyses report using ‘Cochran's Q test' to assess heterogeneity of effect‐size estimates from the individual studies. Some authors cite work by W. G. Cochran, without realizing that Cochran deliberately did not use Q itself to test for heterogeneity. Further, when heterogeneity is absent, the actual null distribution of Q is not the chi‐squared distribution assumed for ‘Cochran's Q test'. This paper reviews work by Cochran related to Q. It then discusses derivations of the asymptotic approximation for the null distribution of Q, as well as work that has derived finite‐sample moments and corresponding approximations for the cases of specific measures of effect size. Those results complicate implementation and interpretation of the popular heterogeneity index I2. Also, it turns out that the test‐based confidence intervals used with I2 are based on a fallacious approach. Software that outputs Q and I2 should use the appropriate reference value of Q for the particular measure of effect size and the current meta‐analysis. Q is a key element of the popular DerSimonian–Laird procedure for random‐effects meta‐analysis, but the assumptions of that procedure and related procedures do not reflect the actual behavior of Q and may introduce bias. The DerSimonian–Laird procedure should be regarded as unreliable. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Semiconductor Nanowire Light‐Emitting Diodes Grown on Metal: A Direction Toward Large‐Scale Fabrication of Nanowire Devices
Authors: Sarwar ATM Golam , Carnevale Santino D. , Yang Fan , Kent Thomas F. , Jamison John J. , McComb David W. , Myers Roberto C.
Published: August 2015

Bottom‐up nanowires are attractive for realizing semiconductor devices with extreme heterostructures because strain relaxation through the nanowire sidewalls allows the combination of highly lattice mismatched materials without creating dislocations. The resulting nanowires are used to fabricate light‐emitting diodes (LEDs), lasers, solar cells, and sensors. However, expensive single crystalline substrates are commonly used as substrates for nanowire heterostructures as well as for epitaxial devices, which limits the manufacturability of nanowire devices. Here, nanowire LEDs directly grown and electrically integrated on metal are demonstrated. Optical and structural measurements reveal high‐quality, vertically aligned GaN nanowires on molybdenum and titanium films. Transmission electron microscopy confirms the composition variation in the polarization‐graded AlGaN nanowire LEDs. Blue to green electroluminescence is observed from InGaN quantum well active regions, while GaN active regions exhibit ultraviolet emission. These results demonstrate a pathway for large‐scale fabrication of solid state lighting and optoelectronics on metal foils or sheets.
Myeloma Propagating Cells, Drug Resistance and Relapse
Authors: Karadimitris Anastasios , Chaidos Aristeidis , Caputo Valentina , Goudevenou Katerina , Ponnusamy Kanagaraju , Xiao Xiaolin
Published: August 2015

Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable tumor of the plasma cells, the terminally differentiated immunoglobulin secreting B lineage cells. The genetic make-up of MM has been extensively characterized but its impact on the biology of the disease is incomplete without more precise knowledge of the identity and functional role of cells with multiple myeloma propagating activity (MMPA). We review here recent data that link MMPA with myeloma clonotypic populations organized in a cellular hierarchy that mirrors normal B cell development and also with drug resistance and disease relapse. We further propose a conceptual framework which, with optimal use of recent technological advances in genomics and phenomics, could allow dissection of the cellular and molecular properties of cells with MMPA, drug resistance and in vivo relapse in an integrated and patient-specific manner. There is real hope that these approaches will significantly contribute to further improvements in disease control, overall survival, and possibly cure of patients with MM. Stem Cells  2015;33:3205–3211
A Mouse Model of Targeted Musashi1 Expression in Whole Intestinal Epithelium Suggests Regulatory Roles in Cell Cycle and Stemness
Authors: Cambuli F.M. , Correa B.R. , Rezza A. , Burns S.C. , Qiao M. , Uren P.J. , Kress E. , Boussouar A. , Galante P.A.F. , Penalva L.O.F. , Plateroti M.
Published: August 2015

The intestinal epithelium is very peculiar for its continuous cell renewal, fuelled by multipotent stem cells localized within the crypts of Lieberkühn. Several lines of evidence have established the evolutionary conserved RNA-binding protein Musashi1 as a marker of adult stem cells, including those of the intestinal epithelium, and revealed its roles in stem cell self-renewal and cell fate determination. Previous studies from our laboratories have shown that Musashi1 controls stem cell-like features in medulloblastoma, glioblastoma, and breast cancer cells, and has pro-proliferative and pro-tumorigenic properties in intestinal epithelial progenitor cells in vitro. To undertake a detailed study of Musashi1's function in the intestinal epithelium in vivo, we have generated a mouse model, referred to as v-Msi, overexpressing Musashi1 specifically in the entire intestinal epithelium. Compared with wild type litters, v-Msi1 mice exhibited increased intestinal crypt size accompanied by enhanced proliferation. Comparative transcriptomics by RNA-seq revealed Musashi1's association with gut stem cell signature, cell cycle, DNA replication, and drug metabolism. Finally, we identified and validated three novel mRNA targets that are stabilized by Musashi1, Ccnd1 (Cyclin D1), Cdk6, and Sox4. In conclusion, the targeted expression of Musashi1 in the intestinal epithelium in vivo increases the cell proliferation rate and strongly suggests its action on stem cells activity. This is due to the modulation of a complex network of gene functions and pathways including drug metabolism, cell cycle, and DNA synthesis and repair. Stem Cells  2015;33:3621–3634
Catalytic Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation of Imines: Recent Advances
Authors: Foubelo Francisco , Yus Miguel
Published: August 2015

In this review article recent developments in the asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of imines from 2008 up to today are presented. The main methodology involves either metal‐catalyzed procedures in the presence of a chiral ligand or organocatalyzed technologies using a Hantzsch ester and a chiral BINOL‐derived phosphoric acid. The most important procedures are collected, paying special attention to the application of this methodology in synthetic organic chemistry.

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Theoretical Implications of Contemporary Brain Science for Japanese EFL Learning
Authors: Clayton John Lloyd
Published: August 2015

Recent advances in brain science show that adult native Japanese speakers utilize a different balance of language processing routes in the brain as compared to native English speakers. Biologically this represents the remarkable flexibility of the human brain to adapt universal human cognitive processes to fit the specific needs of linguistic and cultural environments. For language teaching, however, and because of nearly three decades of globalization and English language programming in the Japanese education system, this represents a key theoretical and practical issue that cannot be overlooked. Using a range of contemporary interdisciplinary research findings, this theoretical article opens a discussion of these cognitive routes, the mechanisms by which they might occur, and ideas regarding how they might be accommodated in planning future English as a foreign language (EFL) programs for Japanese speakers.
Reasons for Silence: A Case Study of Two Korean Students at a U.S. Graduate School
Authors: Choi Jung Yun
Published: August 2015

This article explores the perception and reasons for Korean students’ silence and low levels of oral participation in U.S. graduate programs. It analyzes a case study conducted with two Korean students currently attending graduate school in urban settings. The researcher conducted semi‐structured interviews with the participants, using a constant comparisons method for data analysis. The study shows that the participants perceived themselves to be the quietest members of their classes. Reasons for silence included poor command of the English terms relevant for their discipline, influence of Korean classroom mannerisms, and face saving. However, the participants had a strong desire to contribute, which was revealed when they actively worked on an online discussion board. This implies the need for pedagogical tools to encourage and help these students actively speak up in U.S. classrooms.
Field test validation of Flex5, MSC.Adams, alaska/Wind and SIMPACK for load calculations on wind turbines
Authors: Zierath János , Rachholz Roman , Woernle Christoph
Published: August 2015

Load calculation is a very important part in the development of wind turbines. Prototype testing over the whole product life cycle is not possible. Accurate load calculations are necessary to ensure that the wind turbine withstands the loads during the expected lifetime. During the last 20years, Flex5 developed at the Danish Technical University has been used as standard tool for load calculation. Ongoing development leads to a more detailed simulation of wind turbines. A lot of general purpose multibody programs are available providing packages for load calculation of wind turbines. Within this contribution, the multibody codes Flex5, MSC.Adams, alaska/Wind and SIMPACK are compared with measurements on a prototype of a 2.05MW wind turbine developed by W2E Wind to Energy. The aim of this work is not to set one simulation package as reference but to validate all simulation packages by measurements on a physical wind turbine. A statistical and dynamical evaluation of simulation results and measurements by means of maximum, minimum, mean value, standard deviation and rainflow matrix has been performed to compare the simulation packages. The comparison of the values of wind turbine behaviour such as generated electrical power or rotor speed shows a good agreement between simulations and measurements. This could be expected because of the use of the same controller software as used on the physical wind turbine. Considering the interface loads of the wind turbine, differences occur between the simulation packages caused by different kinds of modelling. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Upwind preview to a horizontal axis wind turbine: a wind tunnel and field‐scale study
Authors: Howard Kevin B. , Guala Michele
Published: August 2015

Data collected at the Eolos wind research facility and in the Saint Anthony Falls Laboratory atmospheric boundary layer wind tunnel are used to study the impact of turbulent inflow conditions on the performance of a horizontal axis wind turbine on flat terrain. The Eolos test facility comprises a 2.5MW Clipper Liberty C96 wind turbine, a meteorological tower and a WindCube LiDAR wind profiler. A second set of experiments was completed using particle image velocimetry upwind and in a wake of a miniature turbine in the wind tunnel to complement LiDAR measurements near the Eolos turbine. Joint statistics, most notably temporal cross‐correlations between wind velocity at different heights and turbine performance, are presented and compared at both the laboratory and field scales. The work (i) confirms that the turbine exerts a blockage effect on the mean flow and (ii) suggests a key, specific elevation, above hub height, where the incoming velocity signal is statistically most relevant to turbine operation and control. Wind tunnel measurements confirm such indication and suggest that hub height velocity measurements are optimal for wind preview and/or as input for active control strategies in aligned turbine configurations. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Review: advances in in situ and satellite phenological observations in Japan
Authors: Nagai Shin , Nasahara Kenlo Nishida , Inoue Tomoharu , Saitoh Taku M. , Suzuki Rikie
Published: August 2015

To accurately evaluate the responses of spatial and temporal variation of ecosystem functioning (evapotranspiration and photosynthesis) and services (regulating and cultural services) to the rapid changes caused by global warming, we depend on long-term, continuous, near-surface, and satellite remote sensing of phenology over wide areas. Here, we review such phenological studies in Japan and discuss our current knowledge, problems, and future developments. In contrast with North America and Europe, Japan has been able to evaluate plant phenology along vertical and horizontal gradients within a narrow area because of the country’s high topographic relief. Phenological observation networks that support scientific studies and outreach activities have used near-surface tools such as digital cameras and spectral radiometers. Differences in phenology among ecosystems and tree species have been detected by analyzing the seasonal variation of red, green, and blue digital numbers (RGB values) extracted from phenological images, as well as spectral reflectance and vegetation indices. The relationships between seasonal variations in RGB-derived indices or spectral characteristics and the ecological and CO2 flux measurement data have been well validated. In contrast, insufficient satellite remote-sensing observations have been conducted because of the coarse spatial resolution of previous datasets, which could not detect the heterogeneous plant phenology that results from Japan’s complex topography and vegetation. To improve Japanese phenological observations, multidisciplinary analysis and evaluation will be needed to link traditional phenological observations with “index trees,” near-surface and satellite remote-sensing observations, “citizen science” (observations by citizens), and results published on the Internet.
Lysosomale Speicherkrankheiten: Therapeutische Optionen
Authors: Beck Michael
Published: August 2015

Für einige lysosomale Speicherkrankheiten steht eine Enzymersatz-Therapie zur Verfügung oder wird derzeit entwickelt. Um zu erreichen, dass intravenös applizierte Enzyme das Zentralnervensystem erreichen, werden Methoden entwickelt, durch Modifizierung der Enzyme oder durch Anwendung von Nanopartikeln die Bluthirnschranke zu überwinden. Eine andere Therapie-Option besteht in der Anwendung von Substrathemmern, die für den M. Gaucher und den M. Niemann-Pick Typ C eingesetzt werden. Derzeit werden Chaperone für verschiedene lysosomale Speicherkrankheiten entwickelt, die jedoch den Nachteil haben, dass sie nur bei bestimmten Mutationen eingesetzt werden können. „Read-Through“ Substanzen werden lediglich bei Vorliegen einer Nonsense-Mutation wirksam sein können. Auf dem Gebiet der lysosomalen Speicherkrankheiten wird eine Gen-Therapie derzeit nur im Rahmen klinischer Studien durchgeführt. Bevor dieses Behandlungs-Prinzip breite Anwendung finden kann, sollten jedoch noch Fragen zum Beispiel bezüglich der Langzeit-Sicherheit, der möglichen Immun-Reaktion und der Organ-Spezifität des für die Insertion verwendeten Vektors beantwortet werden. Um eine Behandlung einleiten zu können, bevor irreversible Organschäden auftreten, ist in vielen Ländern ein Neugeborenen-Screening für lysosomale Speicherkrankheiten eingeführt worden. Da jedoch damit mehr Mutationsträger diagnostiziert wurden als auf Grund epidemiologischer Untersuchungen zu erwarten war, muß angenommen werden, dass auch sehr leicht betroffene Patienten damit erfaßt werden. Eine sichere Aussage über den zu erwartenden Schweregrad kann jedoch auch durch eine Gen-Analyse nicht gemacht werden, so dass eine Therapie-Entscheidung im Einzelfall eventuell sehr schwierig ist. Für dieses Dilemma ist bisher noch keine Lösung gefunden worden.
Community‐based integration of management of non‐communicable diseases in China
Authors: Xiao Yue
Published: August 2015

Non‐communicable diseases (NCDs) are a leading cause of deaths and of disease burden in China. This paper analyzes the rationale and implications of a community‐based approach to a better coordinated NCDs care and management system in China. As argued by the author, the buildup of an integrated NCDs care delivery system is feasible now and large health expenditures will be saved if more stable outpatients with NCDs could be shifted to community health facilities to receive their medications. However, the key issues remain in building a general practitioner led (GP‐led) primary care delivery system in China. Some prominent issues include the shortage of quality generalists, lack of proper incentives and management mechanisms, and the absence of patients and provider, and restrictive arrangements in basic health insurance policies. Even with these hard‐to‐solve issues, some recent reform initiatives for integrated NCDs care delivery in some localities have demonstrated originality and creativeness in developing better coordination between primary and secondary NCDs care. However, without large‐scale public sector reform, innate issues with human resource development, income distribution and financing of public healthcare providers cannot be solved. It may take a long time to see deep integration of primary and secondary NCDs care in China.
Mediobasal hypothalamic and adenohypophyseal TRH‐degrading enzyme (PPII) is down‐regulated by zinc deficiency
Authors: Alvarez‐Salas Elena , Alcántara‐Alonso Viridiana , Matamoros‐Trejo Gilberto , Vargas Miguel Angel , Morales‐Mulia Marcela , de Gortari Patricia
Published: August 2015

Thyrotropin‐releasing hormone (TRH) synthesized in hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus directs hypothalamus‐pituitary‐thyroid (HPT) axis function, regulating thyrotropin release from adenohypophysis and thyroid hormones serum concentration. Pyroglutamyl aminopeptidase II (PPII), a Zn‐dependent metallopeptidase located in adenohypophysis and medial‐basal‐hypothalamus degrades TRH released from the median eminence and participates in HPT axis function by regulating TRH‐induced thyrotropin release from adenohypophysis. It is unknown whether dietary Zn deficiency down‐regulates PPII. Our aim was to compare adenohypohyseal and medial‐basal‐hypothalamic PPII activity and expression of adult rats fed a Zn‐deficient diet (2 ppm) throughout their lifespan (DD), prenatally (DC) or after weaning (CD) vs. that of animals fed a control diet (20 ppm:CC).

Female rats consumed a Zn‐deficient or control diet from two weeks before gestation and up to the end of lactation. We analyzed adenohypophyseal and medial‐basal‐hypothalamic PPII activity of dams and male offspring when adults; its relation to median eminence TRH, serum thyrotropin, leptin and thyroid hormones concentration. Offspring ate the same diet as their dams (CC, DD) or were switched from dietary regime after weaning (CD, DC) and until 2.5 months of age. DD males showed decreased adenohypophyseal and medial‐basal‐hypothalamic PPII activity, along with high thyrotropin serum concentration. Post‐weaning Zn‐deficiency (CD) decreased PPII activity only in adenohypophysis and increased thyrotropin circulating levels. Zn‐replenishment (DC) normalized PPII activity in both regions and serum thyrotropin concentration. Adenohypophyseal PPII activity decreased and prolactin levels increased in Zn‐deficient dams. We concluded that long‐term changes in dietary Zn down‐regulate PPII activity independently of T3, increasing thyrotropin serum concentration, overall resembling sub‐clinical hypothyroidism.
Lumbar Intradiskal Platelet‐Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections: A Prospective, Double‐Blind, Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Tuakli‐Wosornu Yetsa A. , Terry Alon , Boachie‐Adjei Kwadwo , Harrison Julian R. , Gribbin Caitlin K. , LaSalle Elizabeth E. , Nguyen Joseph T. , Solomon Jennifer L. , Lutz Gregory E.
Published: August 2015

Objective

To determine whether single injections of autologous platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) into symptomatic degenerative intervertebral disks will improve participant‐reported pain and function.

Design

Prospective, double‐blind, randomized controlled study.

Setting

Outpatient physiatric spine practice.

Participants

Adults with chronic (≥6 months), moderate‐to‐severe lumbar diskogenic pain that was unresponsive to conservative treatment.

Methods

Participants were randomized to receive intradiskal PRP or contrast agent after provocative diskography. Data on pain, physical function, and participant satisfaction were collected at 1 week, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year. Participants in the control group who did not improve at 8 weeks were offered the option to receive PRP and subsequently followed.

Main Outcome Measures

Functional Rating Index (FRI), Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for pain, the pain and physical function domains of the 36‐item Short Form Health Survey, and the modified North American Spine Society (NASS) Outcome Questionnaire were used.

Results

Forty‐seven participants (29 in the treatment group, 18 in the control group) were analyzed by an independent observer with a 92% follow‐up rate. Over 8 weeks of follow‐up, there were statistically significant improvements in participants who received intradiskal PRP with regards to pain (NRS Best Pain) (P = .02), function (FRI) (P = .03), and patient satisfaction (NASS Outcome Questionnaire) (P = .01) compared with controls. No adverse events of disk space infection, neurologic injury, or progressive herniation were reported following the injection of PRP.

Conclusion

Participants who received intradiskal PRP showed significant improvements in FRI, NRS Best Pain, and NASS patient satisfaction scores over 8 weeks compared with controls. Those who received PRP maintained significant improvements in FRI scores through at least 1 year of follow‐up. Although these results are promising, further studies are needed to define the subset of participants most likely to respond to biologic intradiskal treatment and the ideal cellular characteristics of the intradiskal PRP injectate.
A Channel Apart: Why the United Kingdom has Departed from the European Commission’s Recommendation on Class Actions
Authors: MULHERON Rachael
Published: August 2015

Over the course of 2013–15, there have been significant developments in the reform of class actions in Europe. The European Commission published its Recommendation of common principles concerning collective redress in June 2013, whilst the Consumer Rights Act 2015 – which was introduced into the United Kingdom Parliament in January 2014 and obtained Royal Assent on 26 March 2015 – contains a class action for competition law infringements. Although there is some ‘common ground’ between these legislative instruments, their divergences are far more legally significant, and comprise the focus of analysis in this article. Regarding the two topics of standing to sue, and the opt-in versus opt-out approach to forming the class, the approaches of the European Commission and the UK Parliament differ markedly, reflecting the deep policy, political and judicial divisions which have manifested in this area of reform for over a decade. The legislators have also ultimately chosen different scopes of application, with the European Commission preferring a ‘horizontal’ approach to reform, whilst the UK Parliament has pursued a sector-specific reform agenda. In respect of standing to sue and the opt-in versus opt-out debate, there are numerous sound legal and political reasons that manifestly support the UK law-makers’ decision to depart from the 2013 Recommendation. However, in respect of the horizontal-versus-sectoral debate, the topsy-turvy history of reform at both European and domestic levels has resulted, ironically, in both the Commission and UK policy-makers reversing the views which each had initially adopted within the past decade. Undoubtedly, as these reform measures demonstrate, the collective redress landscape is both evolving and controversial.
The Use of International Treaty Law by the Court of Justice of the European Union
Authors: ODERMATT Jed
Published: August 2015

The Court of Justice of the European Union has on numerous occasions employed the provisions of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, to the extent that they represent principles of customary international law, in its judicial reasoning. At first glance, the Court’s use of the Vienna rules demonstrate fidelity towards international law; it can be seen as contributing to the ‘strict observance and the development of international law’. Upon closer examination, however, one finds that the Court applies these rules in a fashion that often deviates from the way in which other courts and bodies have applied the same principles. This article examines how the Court has used international treaty law, arguing that the Court often employs a novel, ‘European’ approach to certain principles. While the Court is free to apply treaty law in a manner it believes to be appropriate, the extent of this divergence risks undermining the integrity and uniform application of the Vienna rules.
Ratner’s property and mild mixing for smooth flows on surfaces
Authors: KANIGOWSKI ADAM , KUŁAGA-PRZYMUS JOANNA
Published: August 2015

Let${\mathcal{T}}=(T_{t}^{f})_{t\in \mathbb{R}}$be a special flow built over an IET$T:\mathbb{T}\rightarrow \mathbb{T}$of bounded type, under a roof function$f$with symmetric logarithmic singularities at a subset of discontinuities of$T$. We show that${\mathcal{T}}$satisfies the so-called switchable Ratner’s property which was introduced in Fayad and Kanigowski [On multiple mixing for a class of conservative surface flows.Invent. Math.to appear]. A consequence of this fact is that such flows are mildly mixing (before, they were only known to be weakly mixing [Ulcigrai. Weak mixing for logarithmic flows over interval exchange transformations.J. Mod. Dynam.3(2009), 35–49] and not mixing [Ulcigrai. Absence of mixing in area-preserving flows on surfaces.Ann. of Math.(2)173(2011), 1743–1778]). Thus, on each compact, connected, orientable surface of genus greater than one there exist flows that are mildly mixing and not mixing.
Graph algebras and orbit equivalence
Authors: BROWNLOWE NATHAN , CARLSEN TOKE MEIER , WHITTAKER MICHAEL F.
Published: August 2015

We introduce the notion of orbit equivalence of directed graphs, following Matsumoto’s notion of continuous orbit equivalence for topological Markov shifts. We show that two graphs in which every cycle has an exit are orbit equivalent if and only if there is a diagonal-preserving isomorphism between their$C^{\ast }$-algebras. We show that it is necessary to assume that every cycle has an exit for the forward implication, but that the reverse implication holds for arbitrary graphs. As part of our analysis of arbitrary graphs$E$we construct a groupoid${\mathcal{G}}_{(C^{\ast }(E),{\mathcal{D}}(E))}$from the graph algebra$C^{\ast }(E)$and its diagonal subalgebra${\mathcal{D}}(E)$which generalises Renault’s Weyl groupoid construction applied to$(C^{\ast }(E),{\mathcal{D}}(E))$. We show that${\mathcal{G}}_{(C^{\ast }(E),{\mathcal{D}}(E))}$recovers the graph groupoid${\mathcal{G}}_{E}$without the assumption that every cycle in$E$has an exit, which is required to apply Renault’s results to$(C^{\ast }(E),{\mathcal{D}}(E))$. We finish with applications of our results to out-splittings of graphs and to amplified graphs.
Towards the detection of moving separation in unsteady flows
Authors: Miron Philippe , Vétel Jérôme
Published: August 2015

In many engineering systems operating with a working fluid, the best efficiency is reached close to a condition of flow separation, which makes the prediction of this condition very important in industry. Provided that wall-based quantities can be measured, we know today how to obtain good predictions for two- and three-dimensional steady and periodic flows. In these flows, the separation is defined on a fixed line attached to a material surface. The last case to elucidate is the one where this line is no longer attached to the wall but on the contrary is contained within the flow. This moving separation is probably, however, the most common case of separation in natural flows and industrial applications. Since this case has received less attention during the past few years, we propose in this study to examine some properties of moving separation in two-dimensional, unsteady flows where the separation does not leave a signature on the wall. Since in this framework separation can be extracted by using a Lagrangian frame where the separation profile can be viewed as a hyperbolic unstable manifold, we propose a method to extract the separation point defined by the Lagrangian saddle point that belongs to this unstable manifold. In practice, the separation point and profile are initially extracted by detecting the most attracting Lagrangian coherent structure near the wall, and they can then be advected in time for subsequent instants. It is found that saddle points, which initially act as separation points in the viscous wall flow region, remarkably preserve their hyperbolicity even if they are ejected from the wall towards the inviscid region. Two test cases are studied: the creeping flow of a rotating and translating cylinder close to a wall, and the unsteady separation in the boundary layer generated by a planar jet impinging onto a plane wall.
Mid-Holocene bifacial tradition evidenced in Augila Oasis, Cyrenaica, Libya
Authors: Mason John P. , Lucarini Giulio
Published: August 2015

This article considers three lithic artefacts (two sidescrapers and a gouge or plane) discovered at Augila Oasis, located in Cyrenaica along the dried riverbed of Wadi Nashoof and once directly in the line of the Western Desert trade and pilgrimage route. The three Augila tools belong to the so-called bifacial tradition, which spread in the eastern Sahara during the mid-Holocene, from c. 6000 to 4800 BC, and find parallels among the mid-Holocene production of the northern edge of the Farafra Oasis and other contexts of the Egyptian Western Desert. The presence of the bifacial tradition in the Lower Nile Valley and in the Libyan littoral could have unfolded through exchange networks during periods of favourable climatic condition in the mid-Holocene.
TRADITION AND INNOVATION IN GREEK TRAGEDY'S MYTHOLOGICAL EXEMPLA
Authors: Konstantinou Ariadne
Published: August 2015

Novelties introduced into traditional myths are an essential characteristic of Greek tragedy. Each and every play demonstrates, in different ways, how tragedians were versatile and innovative in handling mythic material. Modern prefaces to individual tragedies often discuss the possible innovations in the dramatization of a myth compared to previous or subsequent versions. Innovations advanced in a play sometimes became so familiar that they came to be regarded as ‘standard’. Such examples include the condemnation and death of the protagonist in Sophocles’ Antigone and, in all likelihood, Medea's filicide in Euripides’ Medea.
Performance Comparison between the Multi-Colony and Multi-Pheromone ACO Algorithms for Solving the Multi-objective Routing Problem in a Public Transportation Network
Authors: Faroqi Hamed , Mesgari Mohammad saadi
Published: August 2015

Routing in a multimodal urban public transportation network, according to the user's preferences, can be considered as a multi-objective optimisation problem. Solving this problem is a complicated task due to the different and incompatible objective functions, various modes in the network, and the large size of the network. In this research, two optimisation algorithms are considered for solving this problem. The multi-colony and multi-pheromone Ant Colony Optimisation (ACO) algorithms are two different modes of the Multi-Objective ACO (MOACO) algorithm. Moreover, according to the acquired information, the algorithms implemented in the public transportation network of Tehran consist of four modes. In addition, three objective functions have been simultaneously considered as the problem's objectives. The algorithms are run with different initial parameters and afterwards, the results are compared and evaluated based on the different obtained routes and with the aid of the convergence and repeatability tests, diversity and convergence metrics.