bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clustering on heterogeneous networks
Authors: Huang Yue , Gao Xuedong
Published: April 2014

Objects that are interrelated with each other are often represented as homogeneous networks, in which objects are of the same entity type and relationships between objects are of the same relationship type. However, heterogeneous information networks, composed of multiple types of objects and/or relationships, are ubiquitous in real life. Mining heterogeneous information networks is a new and promising field of research in data mining, and clustering is an important way to identify underlying patterns in data. Although clustering on homogeneous networks has been studied for several decades, clustering on heterogeneous networks has been explored only recently. However, some progress has already been made with respect to this theme, ranging from algorithms to various related applications. This paper presents a brief summary of current research regarding heterogeneous network clustering and addresses some promising research directions. First, it presents a formalized definition and two important aspects of heterogeneous information networks to elaborate why clustering on heterogeneous networks is of significance. Then, this review provides a concise classification of existing heterogeneous network clustering algorithms based on their methodological principles. In addition, it discusses experimental developments and applications of heterogeneous network clustering. The paper addresses several open problems and critical issues for future research. WIREs Data Mining Knowl Discov 2014, 4:213–233. doi: 10.1002/widm.1126

This article is categorized under:

Algorithmic Development > Structure Discovery

Technologies > Computational Intelligence

Technologies > Structure Discovery and Clustering
Open issues for partitioning clustering methods: an overview
Authors: Barioni Maria Camila N. , Razente Humberto , Marcelino Alessandra M. R. , Traina Agma J. M. , Traina Caetano
Published: April 2014

Over the last decades, a great variety of data mining techniques have been developed to reach goals concerning Knowledge Discovery in Databases. Among them, cluster detection techniques are of major importance. Although these techniques have already been largely explored in the scientific literature, there are at least two important open issues: the existent algorithms are not scalable for large high‐dimensional datasets, and the unsupervised nature of traditional data clustering makes it very difficult to generate meaningful clusters. This article presents an overview of the strategies being explored in order to deal more deeply with these issues. Moreover, it describes a new semi‐supervised clustering strategy that exemplifies the integration of several approaches and that can be employed with partitioning algorithms, such as PAM and Clarans. The technique addresses an improvement to these types of algorithms, which is obtained by using must‐link feedback information provided by the users in an interactive and visual environment. WIREs Data Mining Knowl Discov 2014, 4:161–177. doi: 10.1002/widm.1127

This article is categorized under:

Technologies > Structure Discovery and Clustering
Vascular distribution of nanomaterials
Authors: Stapleton Phoebe A. , Nurkiewicz Timothy R.
Published: April 2014

Once considered primarily occupational, novel nanotechnology innovations, and applications have led to widespread domestic use and intentional biomedical exposures. With these exciting advances, the breadth and depth of toxicological considerations must also be expanded. The vascular system interacts with every tissue in the body, striving to maintain homeostasis. Engineered nanomaterials (ENM) have been reported to distribute in many different tissues and organs. However, these observations have tended to use approaches requiring tissue homogenization and/or gross organ analyses. These techniques, while effective in establishing presence, preclude an exact determination of where ENM are deposited within a tissue. If nanotechnology is to achieve its full potential, it is necessary to identify this exact distribution and deposition of ENM throughout the cardiovascular system, with respect to vascular hemodynamics and in vivo ENM modifications taken into account. Distinct levels of the vasculature will first be described as individual compartments. Then the vasculature will be considered as a whole. These unique compartments and biophysical conditions will be discussed in terms of their propensity to favor ENM deposition. Understanding levels of the vasculature will also be discussed. Ultimately, future studies must verify the mechanisms speculated on and presented herein.

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Cardiovascular Disease

Toxicology and Regulatory Issues in Nanomedicine > Toxicology of Nanomaterials
A Comparison of Complications in 400 Patients After Native Nail Versus Silicone Nail Splints for Fingernail Splinting After Injuries
Authors: Weinand Christian , Demir Erhan , Lefering Rolf , Juon Bettina , Voegelin Esther
Published: April 2014

Background

The fingertip is the most commonly injured part of the hand and is an important aesthetic part of the hand.

Methods

In this retrospective study we analyzed data from 700 patients operated on between 1997 and 2008 for complications after nail splinting with native nail or silicone nail. Inclusion criteria were patients living in Bern/Berner Land, complete documentation, same surgical team, standard antibiotics, acute trauma, no nail bed transplantation, and no systemic diseases. Groups were analyzed for differences in age, gender, cause and extension of trauma, bony injury and extent, infection, infectious agent, and nail deformities. Statistical analysis was done using the χ2 test, Fisher’s exact test, and Pearson correlation coefficients.

Results

A total of 401 patients, with a median age of 39.5 years, were included. There were more men with injured nails. Two hundred forty native nails and 161 silicone splints were used. There were 344 compression injuries, 44 amputations, and 13 avulsion injuries. Forty‐three patients had an infection, with gram‐positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) causing most infections. A total of 157 nail dystrophies were observed, split nails most often. The native nail splint group showed significantly (p < 0.015) fewer nail deformities than the silicone nail splint group; otherwise, there were no statistical differences. However, there were twice as many infections in the silicone nail group.

Conclusion

It seems to be advantageous to use the native nail for splinting after trauma, when possible. In case of a destroyed and unusable nail plate, a nail substitute has to be used.
Impact of ATLS Training on Preventable and Potentially Preventable Deaths
Authors: Navarro Salvador , Montmany Sandra , Rebasa Pere , Colilles Carme , Pallisera Anna
Published: April 2014

Background

Multiple trauma continues to have a high incidence worldwide. Trauma is the leading cause of death among people between the ages of 10 and 40. The Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) is the most widely accepted method for the initial control and treatment of multiple trauma patients. It is based on the following hypothesis: The application of the ATLS program may reduce preventable or potentially preventable deaths in trauma patients.

Materials and methods

The present article reports a retrospective study based on the records of prospectively evaluated trauma patients between January 2007 and December 2012. Trauma patients over the age of 18 admitted to the critical care unit or patients who died before hospital admission were included. A multidisciplinary committee looked for errors in the management of each patient and classified deaths into preventable, potentially preventable, or nonpreventable. We recorded the number of specialists at our center who had received training in the ATLS program.

Results

A total of 898 trauma patients were registered. The mean injury severity score was 21 (SD 15), and the mortality rate was 10.7 % (96 cases). There were 14 cases (14.6 %) of preventable or potentially preventable death. The main errors were delay in initiating suitable treatment and performing a computed tomography scan in cases of hemodynamic instability, followed by initiation of incorrect treatment or omission of an essential procedure. As the number of ATLS‐trained professionals increases, the rates of potentially preventable or preventable death fall.

Conclusions

Well‐founded protocols such as the ATLS can help provide the preparation health professionals need. In our hospital environment, ATLS training has helped to reduce preventable or potentially preventable mortality among trauma patients.
Soil acidification and adaptations of plants and microorganisms in Bornean tropical forests
Authors: Fujii Kazumichi
Published: April 2014

In tropical forest ecosystems, a paradoxical relationship is commonly observed between massive biomass production and low soil fertility (low pH). The loss and deficiency of soil phosphorus (P) and bases generally constrain biomass production; however, high productivity on nutrient‐deficient soils of Bornean tropical forests is hypothesized to be maintained by plant and microorganism adaptation to an acidic soil environment. Proton budgets in the plant–soil system indicated that plants and microorganisms promote acidification to acquire bases, even in highly acidic tropical soils. The nitric and organic acids they produce contribute to the mobilization of basic cations and their uptake by plants. In response to soil P deficiency and the recalcitrance of lignin‐rich organic matter, specific trees and fungi can release organic acids and enzymes for nutrient acquisition. Organic acids exuded by roots and rhizosphere microorganisms can promote the solubilization of P bonded to aluminum and iron oxides and its uptake by plants from P‐poor soils. Lignin degradation, a rate‐limiting step in organic matter decomposition, is specifically enhanced in acidic organic layers by lignin peroxidase, produced by white‐rot fungi, which may solubilize recalcitrant lignin and release soluble aromatic substances into the soil solution. This dissolved organic matter functions in the transport of nitrogen, P, and basic cations in acidic soils without increasing leaching loss. In Bornean tropical forests, soil acidification is promoted by plants and microorganisms as a nutrient acquisition strategy, while plant roots and fungi can develop rhizosphere and enzymatic processes that promote tolerance of low pH.
Development of the Analysis of Fecal Stanols in the Oyster Crassostrea gigas and Identification of Fecal Contamination in Shellfish Harvesting Areas
Authors: Harrault Loïc , Jardé Emilie , Jeanneau Laurent , Petitjean Patrice
Published: April 2014

The objective of this work was to study the effects of washing and purification steps on qualitative and quantitative analysis of fecal stanols in the oyster Crassostrea gigas using either single or a combination of lipid purification steps on silica gel or aminopropyl bonded silica gel (NH2) or a washing step. Among the three analytical pathways compared, the two including water extraction or NH2 purification did not lead to higher recoveries and decreased repeatabilities of extractions compared to the single purification on silica gel. This latter led to similar recoveries (ca. 80 %) and repeatabilities (ca. 10 %) for both spiked standards (coprostanol and sitostanol). This analytical pathway has been applied to oysters collected in a harvesting area in Brittany (France) where fecal contaminations are important and allowed to quantify eight stanols in oysters. The relative proportions of fecal stanols of these oysters were combined with principal component analysis in order to investigate the usefulness of their stanol fingerprints to record a fecal contamination and to distinguish its source between human, porcine and bovine contaminations. Oysters non‐fecally contaminated by Escherichia coli did not present specific stanol fingerprints while oysters fecally contaminated had a bovine fingerprint, suggesting a contamination of these samples by bovine sources. As a consequence, the method developed here allows the use of stanol fingerprints of oysters as a microbial source tracking tool that can be applied to shellfish harvesting areas subjected to fecal contaminations in order to identify the different sources of contamination and improve watershed management.
Degumming, Dewaxing and Deacidification of Rice Bran Oil‐Hexane Miscella Using Ceramic Membrane: Pilot Plant Study
Authors: Roy Biswajit , Dey Surajit , Sahoo Ganesh C. , Roy Somendra N. , Bandyopadhyay Sibdas
Published: April 2014

An indigenously developed low‐cost clay‐alumina‐based ceramic microfiltration membrane of 19‐channel configuration has been evaluated for degumming, dewaxing and deacidification of rice bran oil (RBO) miscella having different oil contents at pilot scale. Rice bran wax and soap particles in miscella will aggregate with changes in temperature. This suggests a technique for their effective separation. Low‐temperature cross‐flow membrane filtration was used for single‐stage degumming‐dewaxing and showed 70 % and 80 % removal of acetone insoluble residue from two RBO miscella samples, respectively. Color reduction was 50 %, and oryzanol retention was 70 %. NaOH was used for deacidification in a 10 % excess of that required based on the free fatty acid content in oil. This reduced free fatty acids to 0.2 %. Operating for 10 h with a 0.7 bar trans‐membrane pressure, permeate fluxes of 15 and 8 L/m2 hr were obtained for the degumming‐dewaxing and deacidification operations, respectively. The process has advantages, such as high micronutrient content (1.56 % oryzanol) and negligible oil loss (2.6 %). Moreover, ceramic membrane processing of RBO miscella could be an effective pre‐treatment step with respect to micronutrient enrichment, elimination of heating, neutral oil recovery and a viable option for solvent separation.
Clinical and economic implications of early discharge following posterior spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
Authors: Fletcher Nicholas D. , Shourbaji Nader , Mitchell Phillip M. , Oswald Timothy S. , Devito Dennis P. , Bruce Robert W.
Published: April 2014

Objective

To evaluate the clinical and economic impact of a novel postoperative pathway following posterior spinal fusion (PSF) in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).

Methods

Patient charts were reviewed for demographic data and to determine length of surgery, implant density, use of osteotomies, estimated blood loss, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, length of hospital stay, and any subsequent complications. Hospital charges were divided by charge code to evaluate potential savings.

Results

Two hundred and seventy-nine of 365 patients (76.4 %) treated with PSF carried a diagnosis of AIS and had completed 6 months of clinical and radiologic follow-up, a period of time deemed adequate to assess early complications. There was no difference between groups in age at surgery, sex, number of levels fused, or length of follow-up. Patients managed under the accelerated discharge (AD) pathway averaged 1.36 (31.7 %) fewer days of inpatient stay. Operative time was associated with a shorter length of stay. There was no difference in complications between groups. Hospital charges for room and board were significantly less in the AD group ($1.885 vs. $2,779, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

A pathway aimed to expedite discharge following PSF for AIS decreased hospital stay by nearly one-third without any increase in early complication rate. A small but significant decrease in hospital charges was seen following early discharge. Early discharge following PSF for AIS may be achieved without increased risk of complications, while providing a small cost savings.
Transportin‐1 and Transportin‐2: Protein nuclear import and beyond
Authors: Twyffels Laure , Gueydan Cyril , Kruys Véronique
Published: April 2014

Nearly 20 years after its identification as a new β‐karyopherin mediating the nuclear import of the RNA‐binding protein hnRNP A1, Transportin‐1 is still commonly overlooked in comparison with its best known cousin, Importin‐β. Transportin‐1 is nonetheless a considerable player in nucleo‐cytoplasmic transport. Over the past few years, significant progress has been made in the characterization of the nuclear localization signals (NLSs) that Transportin‐1 recognizes, thereby providing the molecular basis of its diversified repertoire of cargoes. The recent discovery that mutations in the Transportin‐dependent NLS of FUS cause mislocalization of this protein and result in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis illustrates the importance of Transportin‐dependent import for human health. Besides, new functions of Transportin‐1 are emerging in processes other than nuclear import. Here, we summarize what is known about Transportin‐1 and the related β‐karyopherin Transportin‐2.
The morphology of unipolar potentials predicts the depth of activation foci
Authors: Kaneko Yoshiaki , Nakajima Tadashi , Kurabayashi Masahiko
Published: April 2014

Background

The depth of an arrhythmic focus is a major determinant of ablation procedural outcome. This study examined the relationship between the morphology of unipolar potentials and the depth and horizontal distance to activation foci.

Methods

Unipolar left ventricular epicardial mapping was performed in 7 open‐chest dogs, using silicon sheets with 12 unipolar electrodes 1 mm apart, during bipolar pacing from an octopolar plunge electrode with 1‐mm interelectrode spacing. The morphology of the unipolar electrograms was classified as QS, rS, qrS, qRS, rsr'S, or rsR'S.

Results

A QS complex was recorded immediately above a subepicardial or mid‐myocardial pacing site. An rS complex was recorded away from a subepicardial pacing site. A positive wave originating from a down sloping deflection (R‐in‐QR) such as r wave in qrS, R wave in qRS, r′ wave in rsr'S or R′ wave in rsR'S complexes was observed when the recording was above a deep myocardial pacing site or away from a mid‐myocardial pacing site. The amplitude of negative wave immediately before R‐in‐QR (Q‐in‐QR) was inversely correlated with the horizontal (R=−0.40; P<0.0001) and linear (R=−0.22; P=0.0006) distance to the pacing site, and the amplitude of R‐in‐QR was positively correlated with the horizontal (R=0.25; P=0.0001) and linear (R=0.29; P<0.0001) distance to the pacing site. The amplitude of the initial r wave was not correlated with the depth or horizontal and linear distance to the pacing site.

Conclusion

The morphology of unipolar electrograms predicted the horizontal distance and the depth of nearby foci of activation.
Falls, Fear of Falling, Self‐Reported Impairments, and Walking Limitations in Persons With Late Effects of Polio
Authors: Brogårdh Christina , Lexell Jan
Published: April 2014

Objective

To investigate fall frequency during the past year, circumstances relating to falls, fear of falling, self‐reported impairments, and walking limitations in persons with mild to moderate late effects of polio.

Design

A cross‐sectional postal survey.

Participants

A total of 325 persons with clinically and electrophysiologically verified late effects of polio (175 women and 150 men; mean age 70 years).

Method

Data regarding demographics, fall frequency during the past year, and circumstances relating to falls were obtained through a questionnaire. Fear of falling when performing daily activities was assessed with the Falls Efficacy Scale‐International (FES‐I), impairments were assessed with the Self‐Reported Impairments in Persons with Late Effects of Polio (SIPP), and walking limitations were assessed with the Walking Impact Scale (Walk‐12).

Results

Of the 325 respondents, 62% reported at least one fall during the past year. Most of the falls were reported in the afternoon (68%) and when walking outdoors (53%). Persons who fell reported significantly higher (P < .001) mean scores than did the persons who did not fall in the FES‐I (35.8 points versus 29.2 points), SIPP (28.2 points versus 25.0 points), and Walk‐12 (63% versus 43%).

Conclusions

Falls are common in people with mild to moderate late effects of polio, especially later in the day and while walking outdoors. Fear of falling, self‐reported impairments, and walking limitations were greater among the persons who fell than in the persons who did not fall. To reduce falls and fear of falling in persons with late effects of polio and to increase their activity level and participation in various life situations, evidence‐based interdisciplinary fall management programs are needed.
The three faces of European Union health policy: Policy, markets, and austerity
Authors: Greer Scott L
Published: April 2014

European Union health policy has long had two faces. One face was its most visible: its support for data, networks, agencies and research that promoted shared practice and health objectives in fields such as cancer and communicable disease control. The impact the first face was striking mostly because the budget was so small. A second was long its most important: its courts’ application of internal market law and regulation to health care services in pursuit of an integrated European market and freedom of movement of goods, capital, services and people. The impact of this face created EU health care politics, but ultimately had limited effects on health care systems. Since 2010, though, the reaction to financial crisis has given EU health policy a third face: a newly rigorous and intimate fiscal governance model in which member state policies and budgets will be under continuous review, and countries in extreme trouble will face elaborate loan conditions affecting health care in detail. The credibility and wisdom of these new policies is yet to be seen and will be contested, but in principle they commit member states to detailed EU oversight of their health care systems and priorities in pursuit of fiscal rigor.
Bodies on the border: The state, civil society and HIV at Mexico's Fronteras
Authors: Truby Katherine
Published: April 2014

This article examines how HIV-focused civil society organizations operate at Mexico's northern and southern borders. Drawn from a larger study that uses interviews, participant observation, and document analysis to examine these phenomena at the national level in Mexico, this article provides clear evidence that shifting institutional opportunities and divergent policy frames shape organizational activity in these two border zones. While the United States largely frames border health as a question of national security, the Mexican government increasingly views disease as something to protect migrants from. Given these different perceptions and the inherently transnational nature of HIV/ADS, organizations respond to the opportunities and constraints of working on difficult border issues with hard to reach, vulnerable populations. Given recent indications that the Obama administration will provide support to militarize Mexico's southern border, this timely analysis captures the dynamics of civil society organizations’ operations in a moment of potentially shifting opportunity structures.
Optimal mixing in two-dimensional plane Poiseuille flow at finite Péclet number
Authors: Foures D. P. G. , Caulfield C. P. , Schmid P. J.
Published: April 2014

We consider the nonlinear optimisation of the mixing of a passive scalar, initially arranged in two layers, in a two-dimensional plane Poiseuille flow at finite Reynolds and Péclet numbers, below the linear instability threshold. We use a nonlinear-adjoint-looping approach to identify optimal perturbations leading to maximum time-averaged energy as well as maximum mixing in a freely evolving flow, measured through the minimisation of either the passive scalar variance or the so-called mix-norm, as defined by Mathew, Mezić & Petzold (Physica D, vol. 211, 2005, pp. 23–46). We show that energy optimisation appears to lead to very weak mixing of the scalar field whereas the optimal mixing initial perturbations, despite being less energetic, are able to homogenise the scalar field very effectively. For sufficiently long time horizons, minimising the mix-norm identifies optimal initial perturbations which are very similar to those which minimise scalar variance, demonstrating that minimisation of the mix-norm is an excellent proxy for effective mixing in this finite-Péclet-number bounded flow. By analysing the time evolution from initial perturbations of several optimal mixing solutions, we demonstrate that our optimisation method can identify the dominant underlying mixing mechanism, which appears to be classical Taylor dispersion, i.e. shear-augmented diffusion. The optimal mixing proceeds in three stages. First, the optimal mixing perturbation, energised through transient amplitude growth, transports the scalar field across the channel width. In a second stage, the mean flow shear acts to disperse the scalar distribution leading to enhanced diffusion. In a final third stage, linear relaxation diffusion is observed. We also demonstrate the usefulness of the developed variational framework in a more realistic control case: mixing optimisation by prescribed streamwise velocity boundary conditions.
Voting Equilibria Under Proportional Representation
Authors: CHO SEOK-JU
Published: April 2014

This article studies the consequences of strategic voting by outcome-oriented voters in elections under proportional representation (PR). I develop a model of elections under PR, in which voters choose among an arbitrary finite number of parties, and the policy outcome is determined in a postelection bargaining stage. I use a new solution concept, robust equilibrium, which greatly mitigates the well-known problem of indeterminate predictions in multicandidate competition. Applying the equilibrium concept to the model, I find that PR promotes representation of small parties in general, even when voters are strategic. However, the median voter plays a critical role in shaping policy outcomes, which reflects the majoritarian nature of parliamentary policy making rules. Thus, PR may not be incompatible with the majoritarian vision of representative democracy if voters’ main concern is policy outcomes.
Olive oil consumption and risk of CHD and/or stroke: a meta-analysis of case–control, cohort and intervention studies
Authors: Martínez-González Miguel A. , Dominguez Ligia J. , Delgado-Rodríguez Miguel
Published: April 2014

Increasing evidence suggests that the Mediterranean diet can reduce the risk of CVD. Olive oil is the hallmark of this dietary pattern. We conducted a meta-analysis of case–control, prospective cohort studies and a randomised controlled trial investigating the specific association between olive oil consumption and the risk of CHD (101 460 participants) or stroke (38 673 participants). The results of all observational studies were adjusted for total energy intake. The random-effects model assessing CHD as an outcome showed a relative risk (RR) of 0·73 (95 % CI 0·44, 1·21) in case–control studies and 0·96 (95 % CI 0·78, 1·18) in cohort studies for a 25 g increase in olive oil consumption. In cohort studies, the random-effects model assessing stroke showed a RR of 0·74 (95 % CI 0·60, 0·92). The random-effects model combining all cardiovascular events (CHD and stroke) showed a RR of 0·82 (95 % CI 0·70, 0·96). Evidence of heterogeneity was apparent for CHD, but not for stroke. Both the Egger test (P= 0·06) and the funnel plot suggested small-study effects. Available studies support an inverse association of olive oil consumption with stroke (and with stroke and CHD combined), but no significant association with CHD. This finding is in agreement with the recent successful results of the PREDIMED randomised controlled trial.
Three-year change in diet quality and associated changes in BMI among schoolchildren living in socio-economically disadvantaged neighbourhoods
Authors: Lioret Sandrine , McNaughton Sarah A. , Cameron Adrian J. , Crawford David , Campbell Karen J. , Cleland Verity J. , Ball Kylie
Published: April 2014

Findings from research that has assessed the influence of dietary factors on child obesity have been equivocal. In the present study, we aimed to test the hypothesis that a positive change in diet quality is associated with favourable changes in BMI z-scores (zBMI) in schoolchildren from low socio-economic backgrounds and to examine whether this effect is modified by BMI category at baseline. The present study utilised data from a subsample (n 216) of the Resilience for Eating and Activity Despite Inequality study, a longitudinal cohort study with data collected in 2007–8 (T1) and 2010–11 (T2) in socio-economically disadvantaged women and children (5–12 years at T1). Dietary data were collected using a FFQ and diet quality index (DQI) scores derived at both time points. The objective measures of weight, height and physical activity (accelerometers) were included. The other variables were reported in the questionnaires. We examined the association between change in DQI and change in zBMI, using linear regression analyses adjusted for physical activity, screen sedentary behaviour and maternal education level both in the whole sample and in the sample stratified by overweight status at baseline. After accounting for potential covariates, change in diet quality was found to be inversely associated with change in zBMI only in children who were overweight at baseline (P= 0·035), thus supporting the hypothesis that improvement in diet quality is associated with a concurrent improvement in zBMI among already overweight children, but not among those with a normal BMI status. The identification of modifiable behaviours such as diet quality that affect zBMI longitudinally is valuable to inform future weight gain prevention interventions in vulnerable groups.
Influence of feeding graded levels of canned sardines on the inflammatory markers and tissue fatty acid composition of Wistar rats
Authors: Rodrigues Pedro O. , Martins Susana V. , Lopes Paula A. , Ramos Cristina , Miguéis Samuel , Alfaia Cristina M. , Pinto Rui M. A. , Rolo Eva A. , Bispo Paulo , Batista Irineu , Bandarra Narcisa M. , Prates José A. M.
Published: April 2014

Canned sardines are a ready-to-use fish product with excellent nutritional properties owing to its highn-3 long-chain PUFA content, mainly EPA (20 : 5n-3) and DHA (22 : 6n-3). The present study aimed to assess the effect of two dosages of canned sardines, recommended for the primary and secondary prevention of human CVD, on the inflammatory marker concentrations and fatty acid composition of erythrocytes and key metabolic tissues (liver, muscle, adipose tissue and brain) in the rat model. Wistar rats were fed a diet containing 11 % (w/w) of canned sardines (low-sardine (LS) diet) and a diet containing 22 % (w/w) of canned sardines (high-sardine (HS) diet) for 10 weeks. Daily food intake, weight gain, and organ and final body weights were not affected by the dietary treatments. The concentrations of total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol decreased in both the LS and HS groups, while those of alanine aminotransferase and adiponectin increased. The concentrations of IL-1β increased only with the highest dosage of sardine. The dose-dependent influence of the graded levels of EPA+DHA was tissue specific. Compared with that of other tissues and erythrocytes, the fatty acid composition of the brain was less affected by the canned sardine-supplemented diets. In contrast, the retroperitoneal adipose tissue was highly responsive. The deposition ratios of EPA and DHA indicated that the LS diet was optimal for DHA deposition across the tissues, except in the retroperitoneal adipose tissue. Taken together, our findings indicate that a LS diet positively affects plasma lipid profiles and inflammatory mediators, whereas a HS diet has contradictory effects on IL-1β, which, in turn, is not associated with variations in the concentrations of other pro-inflammatory cytokines. This finding requires further investigation and pathophysiological understanding.
Parasitic castration byXenos vesparumdepends on host gender
Authors: CAPPA FEDERICO , MANFREDINI FABIO , DALLAI ROMANO , GOTTARDO MARCO , BEANI LAURA
Published: April 2014

Host castration represents a mechanism used by parasites to exploit energy resources from their hosts by interfering with their reproductive development or to extend host lifespan by removing risks associated with reproductive activity. One of the most intriguing groups of parasitic castrators is represented by the insects belonging to the order Strepsiptera. The macroparasiteXenos vesparumcan produce dramatic phenotypic alterations in its host, the paper waspPolistes dominula. Parasitized female wasps have undeveloped ovaries and desert the colony without performing any social task. However, very little attention has been given to the parasitic impact ofX. vesparumon the male phenotype. Here, we investigated the effects of this parasite on the sexual behaviour and the morpho-physiology ofP. dominulamales. We found that, differently from female wasps, parasitized males are not heavily affected byXenos: they maintain their sexual behaviour and ability to discriminate between female castes. Furthermore, the structure of their reproductive apparatus is not compromised by the parasite. We think that our results, demonstrating that the definition ofX. vesparumas a parasitoid does not apply to infected males ofP. dominula, provide a new perspective to discuss and maybe reconsider the traditional view of strepsipteran parasites.
High-performance tracking of high-speed supercavitating vehicles with uncertain parameters using novel parameter-optimal iterative learning control
Authors: Yahyazadeh Meisam , Noei Abolfazl Ranjbar
Published: April 2014

This paper proposes a new technique based on a Parameter-Optimal Iterative Learning Control (POILC) to track a command pitch rate of a high-speed supercavitating vehicle (HSSV). The pitch rate of a supercavitating vehicle has non-minimum phase behavior. Thus, tracking is fundamentally limited to poor performance. To solve this problem, a feed-forward control can be used while using the cavitator as a control input in the feed-forward path to modify the slow response caused by non-minimum phase behavior. The main idea of this paper is to apply the cavitator input with high precision as a feed-forward control to improve tracking performance. The exact value of the feed-forward control is achieved using POILC. However, in the presence of uncertainty, zero convergence of POILC algorithms is threatened. It will be shown that applying adaptive weight in the performance index, the convergence is guaranteed in the presence of uncertainty and also when the system is sign-indefinite. The proposed technique includes an optimal planning to make the error norm monotonically convergent to zero. The convergence and perfect tracking will be guaranteed through a Lyapunov candidate. Performance and significance of the proposed supercavitating vehicle control will be verified by simulation.
Double aortic arch in a newborn with congenital diaphragmatic hernia and tracheoesophageal fistula
Authors: Chiu Joanne S. , Glickstein Julie , Shah Amee
Published: April 2014

Congenital heart disease is associated with congenital diaphragmatic hernia, but diagnosis by echocardiography can be difficult. We present the unusual case of a patient with a double aortic arch and congenital diaphragmatic hernia diagnosed using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.
Footloose and duty-free? Reflections onEuropean Union – Anti-Dumping Measures on Certain Footwear from China
Authors: DUNOFF JEFFREY L. , MOORE MICHAEL O.
Published: April 2014

European Union (EU) anti-dumping duties imposed on Chinese leather footwear imports led to a challenge before the WTO Dispute Settlement body. The Panel ruled that the EU's presumption that Chinese exporters are subject to economy-wide non-market-economy anti-dumping duties was inconsistent with WTO obligations. The EU declined to appeal this outcome and subsequently changed its anti-dumping regulation in response. This dispute also illustrates the rapidly changing structure of global manufacturing and how these changes can scramble the traditional political economy of import restrictions. In addition, the case highlights how EU members' positions on trade remedy actions can depend importantly on national production patterns and firms' responses to economic pressures from globalization and the further development of global supply chains.
Anxiety among adolescent survivors of pediatric cancer: A missing link in the survivorship literature
Authors: McDonnell Glynnis , Baily Charles , Schuler Tammy , Verdeli Helen
Published: April 2014

Objective:

With growing numbers of pediatric cancer survivors, it is becoming increasingly important to investigate the psychosocial sequelae of surviving cancer diagnosed during childhood or adolescence. It is particularly important to study the psychosocial needs of adolescent survivors of pediatric cancer because adolescence is a critical time during psychosocial development. Although there is existent literature about the general psychosocial adjustment of this population, the literature regarding anxiety is scant. This brief review aimed to assesses currently available literature that addresses anxiety in adolescent cancer survivors.

Method:

Articles assessing psychosocial adjustment in adolescent survivors of pediatric cancer were reviewed for information regarding anxiety symptoms.

Results:

To the authors' knowledge, there is no literature that focuses specifically on anxiety in this population. However, many articles reported results that indicated the possibility of increased anxiety in this group.

Significance of results:

It is critical to further investigate anxiety in this group and develop appropriate interventions if necessary. Doing so will aid the process of enhancing psychosocial care for adolescent cancer survivors.
Family communication and decision making at the end of life: A literature review
Authors: Wallace Cara L.
Published: April 2014

Objective:

Patients and families coping with a terminal illness are faced with a number of decisions over the course of their disease. The role that family communication plays in the process of decision making is an important one. The objectives for this review are to examine the current state of empirical literature on the relationship between family communication and decision making about end-of-life care, to identify gaps, and to discuss implications for policy, practice, and future research.

Method:

Articles were identified using systematic keyword searches within the following relevant databases: Academic Search Complete, CINAHL Plus, Communications and Mass Media Complete, ERIC, PsychINFO, MEDLINE, SocINDEX, and ProQuest.

Results:

The three bodies of relevant literature that emerged during this review include: (1) the importance of family communication at the end of life (EoL); (2) family decision making at the EoL; and (3) the interrelationship of communication (both within the family and with healthcare professionals) and decision making at the EoL. While the literature highlights the role of communication between medical professionals and the patient or family members, there is very little focus on the process of how family communication among the family members themselves contributes to decision making at the end of life.

Significance of results:

Barriers to end-of-life care are important considerations for helping patients to access timely and appropriate services. Understanding the pertinent role of family communication as it relates to the decision for EoL care is the first step in working to provide another avenue for overcoming these barriers.
Single-photon quantum router with multiple output ports
Authors: Yan Wei-Bin , Fan Heng
Published: April 2014

The routing capability is a requisite in quantum network. Although the quantum routing of signals has been investigated in various systems both in theory and experiment, the general form of quantum routing with many output terminals still needs to be explored. Here we propose a scheme to achieve the multi-channel quantum routing of the single photons in a waveguide-emitter system. The channels are composed by the waveguides and are connected by intermediate two-level emitters. By adjusting the intermediate emitters, the output channels of the input single photons can be controlled. This is demonstrated in the cases of one output channel, two output channels and the generic N output channels. The results show that the multi-channel quantum routing of single photons can be well achieved in the proposed system. This offers a scheme for the experimental realization of general quantum routing of single photons.
Unusual truncation of N-acylated peptoids under acidic conditions
Authors: Kim Soomin , Biswas Goutam , Park Shinae , Kim Arim , Park Hyunjung , Park Eunsook , Kim Jeongmi , Kwon Yong-Uk
Published: April 2014

Systematic studies on the unusual truncation of N-acylated peptoids were carried out to examine the electronic effects of acyl groups, and thus to control the formation of deletion sequences based on a plausible mechanism.
Development and validation of a UPLC method for screening potentially counterfeit anti-hypertensive drugs using design of experiment
Authors: Vishnuvardhan Chiguru , Srinivas R. , Satheeshkumar N.
Published: April 2014

An isocratic reversed phase ultra performance liquid chromatography (RP-UPLC) method was developed for screening counterfeit medicines with UV detection at 210 nm.
Electronic structure variation of the surface and bulk of a LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4cathode as a function of state of charge: X-ray absorption spectroscopic study
Authors: Zhou Jigang , Hong Da , Wang Jian , Hu Yongfeng , Xie Xiaohua , Fang Haitao
Published: April 2014

The electronic structure of Li1−xNi0.5Mn1.5O4as a function of the charge state shows different roles of the constituent atoms, and the surface and bulk structures change upon electrochemical cycling.
Voltammetric optimisation of TEMPO-mediated oxidations at cellulose fabric
Authors: Jin Yun , Edler Karen J. , Marken Frank , Scott Janet L.
Published: April 2014

A simple method for rapid voltammetric screening of N-oxyl based mediators and reaction conditions for electrochemical oxidation of cellulose is described. Using immobilised cellulose (cotton cloth) the screening requires small quantities of mediator and yet yields information about relative efficiency of mediator, optimum pH, and preferred buffer identity.
Phaseguide assisted liquid lamination for magnetic particle-based assays
Authors: Phurimsak Chayakom , Yildirim Ender , Tarn Mark D. , Trietsch Sebastiaan J. , Hankemeier Thomas , Pamme Nicole , Vulto Paul
Published: April 2014

An assay platform has been developed utilising phaseguide technology to form aqueous lanes solutions through which magnetic particles are pulled.
Energy: the microfluidic frontier
Authors: Sinton David
Published: April 2014

Highlighted here are the exceptional opportunities I see for microfluidics in energy.
Synthesis and properties of chemiluminescent acridinium ester labels with fluorous tags
Authors: Natrajan Anand , Wen David , Sharpe David
Published: April 2014

Acridinium dimethylphenyl esters are highly sensitive chemiluminescent labels that are used in clinical diagnostics.
Selective monofluorination of active methylene compounds: the important role of ZnCl2in inhibiting overfluorination
Authors: Jiang Fanzhou , Zhao Yanchuan , Hu Jinbo
Published: April 2014

ZnCl2effectively facilitates selective monofluorination of methylene compounds by inhibiting the undesired overfluorination.
Intestine-like micro/mesoporous carbon built of chemically modified banana peel for size-selective separation of proteins
Authors: Liu Rui-Lin , Yin Fu-Yu , Zhang Ji-Fang , Zhang Jing , Zhang Zhi-Qi
Published: April 2014

An intestine-like nanoporous carbon was fabricated and used for size-selective separation of cytochrome c.
Preparation of an ABC tricyclic model of the cylindrospermopsin alkaloids via a biomimetically inspired pathway
Authors: Evans Daniel. M. , Horton Peter N. , Hursthouse Michael B. , Murphy Patrick. J.
Published: April 2014

The protected guanidine18was convertedviaa 4-step sequence (Boc-deprotection, tethered Biginelli condensation, deallylation/decarboxylation and reduction) to give the tricyclic guanidines26and27, models of the tricyclic core of cylindrospermopsin1.
Dendrimers for drug delivery
Authors: Caminade Anne-Marie , Turrin Cédric-Olivier
Published: April 2014

Schematized types of interactions of dendrimers with drugs or biologically active substances.
Enhancingin vitrobiocompatibility and corrosion protection of organic–inorganic hybrid sol–gel films with nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite
Authors: El hadad A. A. , Barranco V. , Jiménez-Morales A. , Peón E. , Hickman G. J. , Perry C. C. , Galván J. C.
Published: April 2014

Application of novel organic–inorganic hybrid sol–gel coatings containing dispersed hydroxyapatite particles improved the biocompatibility and corrosion protection properties of the Ti6Al4V alloy used in medical implants.
Chemical trends of electronic and optical properties of ns2 ions in halides
Authors: Du M. H.
Published: April 2014

Density functional calculations demonstrate how the hybridization between the ns2 ion (e.g., Tl+) and its ligand and the ionicity of the host material affect electronic structure and optical transitions in ns2 ion-activated luminescent materials.
Colloidal hydrophilic silicon germanium alloy nanocrystals with a high boron and phosphorus concentration shell
Authors: Kanno Takashi , Fujii Minoru , Sugimoto Hiroshi , Imakita Kenji
Published: April 2014

Si1−xGex alloy nanocrystals potentially have superior properties compared to Si nanocrystals such as an enhanced absorption cross-section and wider controllability of the band gap energy.
Foreground extraction based on anomaly detection
Authors: Wang Yong , Wang Dianhong
Published: April 2014

A robust method to detect foreground regions in video sequences is presented. For each pixel, the time series of pixel intensity is represented as symbol sequences that are trained and modelled using the Markov model to obtain the anomaly detection threshold. The foreground extraction is performed by comparing the anomaly transition probability of each pixel and its detection threshold. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms the traditional methods.
Ultra‐low power design strategy for two‐stage amplifier topologies
Authors: Leene L.B. , Constandinou T.G.
Published: April 2014

A novel two‐stage amplifier topology and ultra‐low power design strategy for two‐stage amplifiers that utilises pole zero cancellation to address the additional power requirements for stability are presented. For a 288 nA total bias, the presented amplifier achieves a 1.07 MHz unity gain frequency with a 8560 pF MHz/mA figure of merit.
Design of compact dual‐band bandpass filter using dual‐mode stepped‐impedance stub resonators
Authors: Yang Shuai , Lin Lei , Chen Jianzhong , Deng Kun , Liang Chang‐Hong
Published: April 2014

A dual‐band bandpass filter (BPF) using a novel stepped‐impedance stub resonator (SISR) is presented. The proposed SISR is found to have the advantage that the even‐mode resonant frequencies can be flexibly controlled, whereas the odd‐mode resonant frequencies are fixed. Based on the proposed SISR, a dual‐band filter is implemented by tuning its geometric parameters. To improve the selectivity, a filter with four transmission zeros on either side of both passbands is designed by introducing a 0° feeding structure. A prototype of a dual‐band BPF centred at 1.84 and 2.65 GHz has been designed and fabricated. The measured results validate the full‐wave EM simulated results.