bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measuring risk management performance within a capital program
Authors: J. Perrenoud Anthony , C. Lines Brian , T. Sullivan Kenneth
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to describe how the University of Minnesota's capital program implemented risk management metrics on 266 construction projects and to present the results of the risk metrics.

Design/methodology/approach

– The implementation of Weekly Risk Reports (WRR) on the university construction projects captured information on the internal and external efforts related to minimizing project risks. The report implemented captured project risks, management plans, cost changes and schedule delays.

Findings

– Findings reveal that the university was able to effectively capture project risk metrics through the WRR. The risk metrics identified the risks categories that impacted the 266 project costs and schedules. Through these findings, the university has a better understanding of how their internal stakeholders create the greatest risk to impacting the project cost and schedule. This paper presents the risk impacts collected from the 266 projects.

Research limitations/implications

– A complete analysis of the risk metrics was limited in this research due to the extensive measurements collected. Future analysis will provide additional findings from the risk information.

Originality/value

– The paper presents both the implementation and the risk management measurements used within a capital program of a major university to provide understanding of the common risks that are involved with capital projects.
The permanent program for efficient use of energy at university of São Paulo – PURE-USP
Authors: Saidel Marco , Souza da Silva Rogerio , Marcos do Nascimento Luiz
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to analyze the use of energy management and sustainability in the government sector using a study case conducted by the Permanent Program for Efficient Use of Energy at University of São Paulo (PURE-USP), a pioneer initiative of its kind active since 1997.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper describes the actions and results of PURE-USP.

Findings

– The energy savings promoted by PURE's actions are estimated in about 25 percent after 15 years since the program was implemented. This means a saving of approximately 37 MWh or R$9 million (2.91 million) for an investment of R$1.73 million (560,000).

Practical implications

– The results show that the program is viable and could be replicated in other Brazilian institutions or even in other countries.

Originality/value

– PURE-USP provides in addition to electricity savings (which implies in avoiding environmental impacts) resource savings which in the case of a public institution like the University of São Paulo implies in a more efficient management of public funds.
Management of environmental quality and Kostolac mine areas natural resources usage
Authors: Stevovic Svetlana , Miloradovic Milica , Stevovic Ivan
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to define and theoretically analyse the performance of modern methods investigated to speed up the recultivation process of degraded areas, and apply it into the mining basin, open pit mines, tailings and all other areas, which need environmental quality improvement.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper presents methods of conservation and substitution of natural resources for the purpose of faster land recultivation (reclamation) in degraded coal mine areas. Two types of methods have been developed: forest slope recultivation and agricultural recultivation of flat landfills. Indicators of positive changes include: changes in chemical properties of tailings, increase in biogenic properties and changes in biodiversity.

Findings

– The research results show that the application of these methods, along with the holistic approach and adequate investment, can significantly contribute to the length of recovery process and accelerate it.

Research limitations/implications

– Mining basin Kostolac is used as a model test. The results can be applied on all mining basin, open pits and any degraded area.

Originality/value

– All results and conclusions were drawn, based on the original measurements and experiments. Stake holders, wanting to manage environmental quality after exploitation in mining basin, applying those methods, can find the value of this paper.
LLE and LfA: two powerful tools for TC workers
Authors: Lombardo Aldo
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– This is an appraisal of two workshop formats for people involved with, or interested in Therapeutic Communities (TCs). The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

– The author had the good fortune of being a staff member of two differently organised workshops, both of which aimed to help staff working in TCs with the role of staff member. The origin and structure of the two workshops are described in “Living-Learning Experience” (LLE) and “Learning from Action” (LfA).

Findings

– This is followed by some observations and reflections made possible by the privileged position of the author's participation in both, within a fortnight of each other.

Originality/value

– The two workshops could be considered a valuable complementary training tool.
Human‐impacted areas of France are environmental reservoirs of the Pseudallescheria boydii/Scedosporium apiospermum species complex
Authors: Rougeron Amandine , Schuliar Gaëlle , Leto Julie , Sitterlé Emilie , Landry David , Bougnoux Marie‐Elisabeth , Kobi Abdessamad , Bouchara Jean‐Philippe , Giraud Sandrine
Published: March 2014

Species of the Pseudallescheria boydii/Scedosporium apiospermum complex (PSC) are emerging fungal pathogens able to chronically colonize the airways of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). As P. boydii was found more frequently colonizing the lungs of CF patients in France than in other European countries in a previous report, the present study was conducted in order to clarify distribution of PSC species in France and to characterize their natural habitat. The highest densities of PSC isolates were found in human‐impacted areas, i.e. agricultural areas, fluids obtained from wastewater treatment plants, playgrounds and industrial areas. PSC was not detected from soil samples collected in forests. Most PSC culture‐positive soil samples exhibited a pH range of 6–8. Scedosporium dehoogii, the most abundant species, was detected in all human‐impacted area types except vineyards, whereas Scedosporium aurantiacum was mostly found in agricultural areas. Pseudallescheria boydii and S. apiospermum were predominantly isolated from seashores and playgrounds respectively. Pseudallescheria minutispora was found only once from a playground. This study highlights potential sources of contamination of the patients, especially in the CF context.
Dural Dissection Cyst: a More Accurate Term for Extradural Meningeal Cyst
Authors: Chen Zan , Sun Xiao‐Li , Zhao Yan , Wang Kun , Jian Feng‐Zeng
Published: March 2014

Aims

Spinal extradural meningeal cyst (EMC) aetiology remains unclear. Based on our in‐depth analysis of EMC clinical characters, we propose the alternative term ‘dural dissection cyst’ (DDC), which is more consistent with its aetiology and pathological manifestations.

Methods

We examined the clinical, imaging and operative findings of four patients with spinal EMC (type I A) and analysed the aetiology and treatment of the cyst.

Results

Spinal DDC was observed between T10 and L3 in our series. Patients presented with low back pain, lower extremity numbness and weakness, and segmental muscle atrophy. Small clefts were found on the inner wall of all cysts. Microscopic suture of the cleft successfully improved patient's symptoms and neurological deficits.

Conclusions

Spinal EMC (type I A) is characterized by dural dissection, so the term DDC can best reflect its aetiology. Because it is a dissection cyst, the most reasonable treatment is to suture the fistula.
Effects of Batroxobin with Continuous Transcranial Doppler Monitoring in Patients with Acute Cerebral Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Yitao He , Kefu Ma , Bingshan Tang , Xuejun Fu , Ying Zhan , Zhili Cai , Xin Jiang , Guo Yi
Published: March 2014

Our objective was to determine whether continuous transcranial Doppler (TCD) monitoring could safely enhance the efficacy of batroxobin, a thrombin‐like enzyme extracted from Bothrops atrox moojeni venom, in the treatment for acute cerebral stroke beyond the thrombolytic time window. Ninety patients suffering an acute cerebral stroke were recruited into the study within 12 hours after the onset of symptoms. Patients were randomized to receive batroxobin with (target group) or without 1 hour of continuous TCD monitoring (control group). Clinical evaluation of stroke was based on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, Barthel index (BI), Thrombolysis in Brain Ischemia score (TIBI), the incidence of advancing stroke, and the recurrence of cerebral infarction. The patients receiving continuous TCD monitoring showed significant improvement in NIHSS score at 57 days post treatment compared with the control. Similarly, patients receiving continuous TCD monitoring also showed significant improvement in BI at 3 months compared with the controls. Consistently, both the incidence of advancing stroke after 1 week and the incidence of stroke recurrence after 3 months were significantly lower in TCD monitored group than control group. Moreover, the safety of the employment of TCD monitoring in the treatment of these patients was confirmed as there was no significant difference of the incidence of intracranial hemorrhage at 1 week after the treatment between the target and control groups. Taken together, our study showed that batroxobin, in combination with continuous TCD monitoring at the middle cerebral artery, reduced the incidence of advancing stroke and stroke recurrence after treatment without adverse effects in terms of poststroke intracranial hemorrhage.
Towards ‘activation‐friendly’ integration? Assessing the progress of activation policies in six European countries
Authors: Berthet Thierry , Bourgeois Clara
Published: March 2014

Over the past decade, we have seen the development of a range of active labour market and social policies. In this article, we present an analytical framework (Activation‐FriendlyIntegration,AFI) in order to analyse these policies through the lens of their integration.AFIprovides a synthetic analysis of the nature and intensity of the changes brought about by developments in the fields of employment and social cohesion policies. The core components ofAFIare territorialisation, cross‐sectoriality, conditionality/individualisation and contractualisation/marketisation. These key concepts are discussed on the basis of six national governance schemes implemented over the last decade, with regard to the levels, dimensions and actors involved. This comparison ofFrench,British,Swedish,German,Italian andPolish activation policies points at a problematic misfit when the public is targeted for activation policies and there is a stronger use of tools for profiling and filtering beneficiaries, a greater reliance on contracting processes and a paradigmatic shift in the conception of welfare states' aims, tools and organisations.
Infant Preference for Natural Texture Statistics is Modulated by Contrast Polarity
Authors: Balas Benjamin , Woods Rebecca
Published: March 2014

Adult observers are sensitive to statistical regularities present in natural images. Developmentally, research has shown that children do not show sensitivity to these natural regularities until approximately 8–10 years of age. This finding is surprising given that even infants gradually encode a range of high‐level statistical regularities of their visual environment in the first year of life, We suggest that infants may in fact exhibit sensitivity to natural image statistics under circumstances where images of complex, natural textures, such as a photograph of rocks, are used as experimental stimuli and natural appearance is substantially manipulated. We tested this hypothesis by examining how infants' visual preference for real versus computer‐generated synthetic textures was modulated by contrast negation, which produces an image similar to a photographic negative. We observed that older infants' (9‐months of age) preferential looking behavior in this task was affected by contrast polarity, suggesting that the infant visual system is sensitive to deviations from natural texture appearance, including (1) discrepancies in appearance that differentiate natural and synthetic textures from one another and (2) the disruption of contrast polarity following negation. We discuss our results in the context of adult texture processing and the “perceptual narrowing” of visual recognition during the first year of life.
Seagrass feeding choices and digestive strategies of the herbivorous fish Sarpa salpa
Authors: Goldenberg S. U. , Erzini K.
Published: March 2014

This is the first study investigating the plant–herbivore interaction between Sarpa salpa, which has overgrazed seagrass transplants in Portugal, and the seagrasses Cymodocea nodosa, Zostera marina and Zostera noltii, which have been considered for restoration. When offered the choice between the three seagrasses in outdoor tanks, adult S. salpa clearly preferred Z. noltii. Testing the seagrasses separately, mean ± s.d. feeding rates ranged from 21 ± 11 g seagrass fresh mass kg−1 fish mass day−1 for Z. marina to 32 ± 9 g seagrass fresh mass kg−1 fish mass day−1 for C. nodosa and 40 ± 11 g seagrass fresh mass kg−1 fish mass day−1 for Z. noltii (temperature = 16° C). Food‐processing rate in S. salpa did not differ between seagrasses, and there was no evidence of a regulation of processing rate according to food intake. Seagrasses differed substantially in nitrogen content and C:N, with C. nodosa containing the highest nitrogen content and lowest C:N (2·5 ± 0·1% and 14·0 ± 1·0), followed by Z. noltii (2·1 ± 0·1% and 17·0 ± 1·0) and Z. marina (1·4 ± 0·1% and 26·0 ± 2·0). Food‐processing rate in S. salpa and the nutritional value of the seagrasses were not correlated with the observed feeding preference and rate. The study suggests that C. nodosa and Z. marina are less at risk of overgrazing by S. salpa and might thus be preferable to Z. noltii for seagrass restoration in areas with noticeable abundances of this fish.
Molecular phylogeny of the New World gecko genus Homonota (Squamata: Phyllodactylidae)
Authors: Morando Mariana , Medina Cintia D. , Avila Luciano J. , Perez Cristian H. F. , Buxton Amy , Sites Jack W.
Published: March 2014

The genus Homonota was described by Gray (1845) and currently includes 10 species: Homonota andicola, H. borellii, H. darwinii, H. fasciata, H. rupicola, H. taragui, H. underwoodi, H. uruguayensis, H. williamsii & H. whitii and one subspecies of H. darwinii (H. darwinii macrocephala). It is distributed from 15° latitude south in southern Brazil, through much of Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina to 54° south in Patagonia and across multiple different habitats. Several morphological taxonomic studies on a subset of these species have been published, but no molecular phylogenetic hypotheses are available for the genus. The objective of this study is to present a molecular phylogenetic hypothesis for all the described species in the genus. We sequenced two mitochondrial genes (cyt‐b & 12S: 1745 bp), seven nuclear protein coding (RBMX, DMLX, NKTR, PLRL, SINCAIP, MXRA5, ACA4: 5804 bp) and two anonymous nuclear loci (30Hb, 19Hb: 1306 bp) and implemented traditional concatenated analyses (MP, ML, BI) as well as species‐tree (*beast) approaches. All methods recovered almost the same topology. We recovered the genus Homonota as monophyletic with strong statistical support. Within Homonota, there are three strongly supported clades (whitii, borellii and fasciata), which differ from those previously proposed based on scale shape, osteology, myology and quantitative characters. Detailed morphological analyses based on this highly resolved and well‐supported phylogeny will provide a framework for understanding morphological evolution and historical biogeography of this phenotypically conservative genus. We hypothesize that extensive marine transgressions during Middle and Late Miocene most probably isolated the ancestors of the three main clades in eastern Uruguay (borellii group), north‐western Argentina‐southern Bolivia (fasciata group), and central‐western Argentina (whitii group). Phylogeographic and morphological/morphometric analyses coupled with paleo‐niche modelling are needed to better understand its biogeographical history.
-modules on spaces of rational maps
Authors: Barlev Jonathan
Published: March 2014

Let$X$be an algebraic curve. We study the problem of parametrizing geometric structures over$X$which are only generically defined. For example, parametrizing generically defined maps (rational maps) from$X$to a fixed target scheme$Y$. There are three methods for constructing functors of points for such moduli problems (all originally due to Drinfeld), and we show that the resulting functors are equivalent in the fppf Grothendieck topology. As an application, we obtain three presentations for the category of$D$-modules ‘on’$B(K)\backslash G(\mathbb{A})/G(\mathbb{O})$, and we combine results about this category coming from the different presentations.
Transstyloid, transscaphoid, transcapitate fracture: a variant of scaphocapitate fractures
Authors: Burke Neil G , Cosgrave Ciaran H , O'Neill Barry James , Kelly Eamonn P
Published: March 2014

Transstyloid, transscaphoid, transcapitate fractures are uncommon. We report the case of a 28-year-old man who sustained this fracture following direct trauma. The patient was successfully treated by open reduction internal fixation of the scaphoid and proximal capitate fragment, with a good clinical outcome at 1-year follow-up. This pattern is a new variant of scaphocapitate fracture as involves a fracture of the radial styloid as well.
Pair production of doubly charged Higgs boson at photon linear collider in the Higgs triplet model
Authors: Cao Jun , Shen Jie-Fen
Published: March 2014

The characteristic feature of the Higgs Triplet Model (HTM) is the existence of the doubly charged Higgs bosons H±±. In this paper, we study the pair production of doubly charged Higgs bosons in γγ collisions at the International Linear Collider (ILC). We present the production cross-sections and the distributions of the various observables, i.e. the distributions of the transverse momenta, the rapidity distributions for doubly charged Higgs bosons and the production angle distributions of the charged Higgs boson pair. Our numerical results show that, the values of the unpolarized cross-sections can reach a few hundreds of fb. We also study the possible final state for the decay mode H±±→W±W± and relevant Standard Model (SM) background. Due to high produced rate and small SM background, the possible signals of H±± might be detected via this process in the future ILC experiments.
Next to leading order calculation with dimensional regularization in Nambu–Jona-Lasinio model
Authors: Inagaki T. , Kimura D. , Kohyama H.
Published: March 2014

The Nambu–Jona-Lasinio model is investigated in the 1/Nc expansion with the dimensional regularization. At the four-dimensional limit, the meson propagators have simple forms in the leading order of the 1/Nc expansion. Thus, the next to leading order calculation reduces to an ordinary one loop calculation. Here we obtain an explicit form of the 1/Nc correction and numerically evaluate the Nc dependence for the gap equation.
Abelian Ashtekar formulation from the ADM action
Authors: Contreras Ernesto , Leal Lorenzo
Published: March 2014

We study the Ashtekar formulation of linear gravity starting from the Arnowitt–Deser–Misner (ADM) first-order action of the exact theory, linearizing it, and performing a canonical transformation that coordinatizes the phase-space in terms of the already linearized Ashtekar variables. A quantum geometrical representation, based on the realization of the transverse-traceless part of the linear canonical variables, is presented, and its relationship with previous attempts is discussed. A related geometric representation that realizes directly the observables of the Fierz–Pauli theory, without resorting to deal with the linearized Ashtekar variables, is also discussed.
Performance of Multifiber Beam Element for Seismic Analysis of Reinforced Concrete Structures
Authors: Nguyen Xuan Huy
Published: March 2014

This paper presents a simplified modeling strategy for simulating the nonlinear behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) structures under seismic loadings. A new type of Euler–Bernoulli multifiber beam element with axial force and bending moment interaction is introduced. To analyze the behavior of RC structures in the axial direction, the interpolation of the axial strain is enriched using the incompatible modes method. The model uses the constitutive laws based on plasticity for steel and damage mechanics for concrete. The proposed multifiber element is implemented in the finite element Code_Aster to simulate the nonlinear behavior of two different RC structures. One structure is a building tested on a shaking table; the other is a column subjected to cyclic loadings. The comparison between the simulation and experimental results shows that the performance of this approach is quite good. The proposed model can be used to investigate the behavior of a wider variety of configurations which are impossible to study experimentally.
Incidence, National Trend, and Outcome of Nontraumatic Subarachnoid Haemorrhage in Taiwan: Initial Lower Mortality, Poor Long-Term Outcome
Authors: Lin Hsing-Lin , Soo Kwan-Ming , Chen Chao-Wen , Lin Yen-Ko , Lin Tsung-Ying , Kuo Liang-Chi , Lee Wei-Che , Huang Shiuh-Lin
Published: March 2014

To investigate the longitudinal trend of nontraumatic subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH), we analyzed the annual population-based incidence and mortality rate of nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage in Taiwan. Logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of mortality. The average incidence rate (IR) of nontraumatic SAH was6.25±0.88per 100,000 per year. The prevalence of female patients was higher than in the male population (54.5% versus 45.5%). The average age of these patients was55.78±17.09and females were older than males (58.50±15.9versus52.45±18.50,P<0.001). Of these patients, 97.6% (611/626) were treated with surgical intervention with clipping procedure and 2.9% (18/626) with coiling. Total mortality of these patients was 13.4% (84/626). In adjusted analysis, age (odds ratio [OR], 0.97; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.98-0.98;P<0.001) and Charlson comorbidity index (OR, 0.709; 95% CI, 0.57–0.88;P=0.002) remained independent predictors of the mortality. Patients with nontraumatic SAH had a much higher prevalence in older age groups and in females than in the general population. Patients with old age and more comorbidity have higher mortality. Aggressive management of patients might reduce the initial mortality; however, patient outcome still remains poor.
Gαs Protein Expression Is an Independent Predictor of Recurrence in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Wang Lijuan , Jin Guihua , He Chenchen , Guo Xijing , Zhou Xia , Li Meng , Ying Xia , Wang Le , Wu Huili , Zhu Qing
Published: March 2014

Background. T393C polymorphism in the gene GNAS1, which encodes the G-protein alpha s subunit (Gαs) of heterotrimeric G protein, is significantly associated with the clinical outcome of patients suffering from several cancers. However, studies on the role and protein expression of Gαs subunit in prostate cancer were still unavailable.Methods. The immunohistochemical staining was used to assess Gαs expression through tissue microarray procedure of 56 metastatic PCas, 291 localized PCas, and 67 benign hyperplasia (BPH). Gαs expression was semiquantitatively scored and evaluated the correlation with pathologic parameters and biochemical recurrence of prostate-specific antigen (PSA).Results. Gαs expression was localized in nuclear and cytoplasm in prostate cancer cells and downregulated in metastatic PCa compared to localized PCa and BPH(P<0.001). Gαs was inversely associated with PSA level and Gleason scores; patients with low expression of Gαs had adverse clincopathological features. In multivariable Cox regression analysis, high Gαs expression and Gleason scores were independent predictors of both PSA progression-free and overall survival.Conclusions. Gαs down-expression is associated with adverse pathologic features and clinical PSA biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer. Gαs is an independent predictor to help determine the risk of PSA progression and death.
Special MISO-SAR and MIMO-SAR Modes for Bidirectional Imaging
Authors: Jiang Hai , Song Hongjun , Guo Lei , Wang Wei
Published: March 2014

The paper proposes special multiple-input single-output synthetic aperture radar (MISO-SAR) and multiple-input multiple-output SAR (MIMO-SAR) for bidirectional imaging, which can simultaneously illuminate two areas from different directions in azimuth. For the proposed MISO-SAR, two subpulses with the same carrier frequency and phase coding are transmitted with different azimuth directions by switching the phase coefficients in the transmit modules, and echoes corresponding to the subpulses are received by the main lobe and the first grating lobe of the whole antenna. To suppress mutual interference, the two subpulses are transmitted with different range-frequency bands, and their echoes are demodulated and recorded in different channels in the proposed MIMO-SAR. This paper presents the system design of these modes and analyzes their azimuth ambiguity to signal ratio (AASR). Besides, simulation results on points are carried out to validate the proposed bidirectional imaging modes.
Outcome and Prognostic Factors in T4a Oropharyngeal Carcinoma, Including the Role of HPV Infection
Authors: Psychogios Georgios , Mantsopoulos Konstantinos , Agaimy Abbas , Brunner Kathrin , Mangold Elisabeth , Zenk Johannes , Iro Heinrich
Published: March 2014

Background. The prognosis of patients with advanced oropharyngeal carcinoma (OPSCC) is generally poor. The aim of this study is to investigate the different therapeutic approaches and identify prognostic factors associated with a worse outcome for patients treated for T4a OPSCC, in order to improve treatment selection for the individual.Methods. A retrospective study was conducted on 426 patients with T4a OPC treated between 1980 and 2010. Eleven prognostic factors including treatment modality, lymph node staging, and p16 status as a surrogate marker for human papillomavirus (HPV) infection were analyzed.Results. Univariate analysis showed a significant difference in DSS between N0 and N+ (57.1% versus 26.9%,P<0.001), primary surgical and primary nonsurgical treatment (52.7% versus 31.4%,P<0.001), and perinodal invasion (51.7% versus 19.9%,P=0.011). P16-negative patients tended towards a worse DSS than p16-positive patients (40.2% versus 64.6%,P=0.126) but responded better to primary surgery than to nonsurgical treatment (71.4% versus 34.0%,P=0.113). Multivariate analysis identified the N category as an independent prognostic factor for survival.Conclusion. The survival of p16-negative patients was worse than p16-positive patients, although they seem to respond better to primary surgery. The strongest independent prognostic factor for T4a carcinomas proved to be the presence of lymph node metastases.
Propeller Excitation of Longitudinal Vibration Characteristics of Marine Propulsion Shafting System
Authors: Zhang Ganbo , Zhao Yao , Li Tianyun , Zhu Xiang
Published: March 2014

The submarine experiences longitudinal vibration in the propulsion shafting system throughout most of run. A transfer matrix model of the propulsion shafting system, in which the dynamic characteristics of oil film within thrust bearing are considered, is established to describe the dynamic behavior. Using hydrodynamic lubrication theory and small perturbation method, the axial stiffness and damping of oil film are deduced in great detail, followed by numerical estimation of the foundation stiffness with finite element method. Based upon these values of dynamic parameters, the Campbell diagram describing natural frequencies in terms of shafting rotating speeds is available, and the effect on the 1st natural frequency of considerable variations in thrust bearing stiffness is next investigated. The results indicate that the amplitude of variation of the 1st natural frequency in range of low rotating speeds is great. To reduce off-resonance response without drastic changes in propulsion shafting system architecture, the measure of moving thrust bearing backward is examined. The longitudinal vibration transmission through propulsion shafting system results in subsequent axial excitation of hull; the thrust load acting on hull is particularly concerned. It is observed that the measures of structural modification are of little benefit to minimize thrust load transmitted to hull.
Menopause and Metabolic Syndrome in Tunisian Women
Authors: Ben Ali Samir , Belfki-Benali Hanen , Aounallah-Skhiri Hajer , Traissac Pierre , Maire Bernard , Delpeuch Francis , Achour Noureddine , Ben Romdhane Habiba
Published: March 2014

Objectives. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of menopausal status on the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in Tunisian women.Methods. We analyzed a total of 2680 women aged between 35 and 70 years. Blood pressure, anthropometric indices, fasting glucose, and lipid profile were measured. The MetS was assessed by the modified NCEP-ATPIII definition.Results. The mean values of waist circumference, blood pressure, plasma lipids, and fasting glucose were significantly higher in postmenopausal than in premenopausal women, a difference that was no longer present when adjusting for age. Except for hypertriglyceridaemia, the frequency of central obesity, hyperglycemia, high blood pressure, and high total cholesterol was significantly higher in postmenopausal than in premenopausal women. After adjusting for age, the significance persisted only for hyperglycemia. The overall prevalence of MetS was 35.9%, higher in postmenopausal (45.7% versus 25.6%) than in premenopausal women. A binary logistic regression analysis showed that menopause was independently associated with MetS (OR = 1.41, 95% CI 1.10–1.82) after adjusting for age, residence area, marital status, family history of cardiovascular disease, education level, and occupation.Conclusions. The present study provides evidence that the MetS is highly prevalent in this group of women. Menopause can be a predictor of MetS independent of age in Tunisian women.
PreliminaryIn VitroandIn VivoEvaluation of Antidiabetic Activity ofDucrosia anethifoliaBoiss. and Its Linear Furanocoumarins
Authors: Shalaby Nagwa M. M. , Abd-Alla Howaida I. , Aly Hanan F. , Albalawy Marzougah A. , Shaker Kamel H. , Bouajila Jalloul
Published: March 2014

Aim.Ducrosia anethifoliais used as flavoring additive. There have been little detailed phytochemical reports on this genus and the antidiabetic activity of this plant is not yet evaluated.Method. Structure of compounds was deduced by spectroscopic analyses. Preliminaryin vitroevaluation of the antidiabetic activity of crude extract and its furanocoumarins was carried out (α-amylase,α-glucosidase, andβ-galactosidase). Thein vivoactivity was investigated by measuring some oxidative stress markers. Biomarkers of liver injury and kidney were also determined.Results. Eight linear furanocoumarins, psoralen, 5-methoxypsoralen, 8-methoxypsoralen, imperatorin, isooxypeucedanin, pabulenol, oxypeucedanin methanolate, oxypeucedanin hydrate, and 3-O-glucopyranosyl-β-sitosterol, were isolated. All compounds were reported for the first time from the genusDucrosiaexcept pabulenol. The blood glucose level, liver function enzymes, total protein, lipid, and cholesterol levels were significantly normalized by extract treatment. The antioxidant markers, glucolytic, and gluconeogenic enzymes were significantly ameliorated and the elevated level of kidney biomarkers in the diabetic groups was restored. The compounds showed inhibitory activity in a concentration dependant manner. Imperatorin and 5-methoxypsoralen showed the most potent inhibiting power.Conclusion.D. anethifoliaextract showed hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and antioxidant effect as well as ameliorating kidney function. This extract and some linear furanocoumarins exhibited carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes inhibitory effect.
Catalytic Cascade Dehydration-Etherification of Fructose into 5-Ethoxymethylfurfural with SO3H-Functionalized Polymers
Authors: Li Hu , Zhang Qiuyun , Yang Song
Published: March 2014

A series of SO3H-functionalized polymers were prepared and employed as heterogeneous catalysts for one-pot transformation of fructose into 5-ethoxymethylfurfural (EMF) that is considered to be one of potential liquid biofuels. A high EMF yield of 72.8% could be obtained at 110°C for 10 h, and the polymeric acid catalysts could be recycled for five times without significant loss of catalytic performance.
Cytokines, Fatigue, and Cutaneous Erythema in Early Stage Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Adjuvant Radiation Therapy
Authors: De Sanctis Vitaliana , Agolli Linda , Visco Vincenzo , Monaco Flavia , Muni Roberta , Spagnoli Alessandra , Campanella Barbara , Valeriani Maurizio , Minniti Giuseppe , Osti Mattia F. , Amanti Claudio , Pellegrini Patrizia , Brunetti Serena , Costantini Anna , Alfò Marco , Torrisi Maria Rosaria , Marchetti Paolo , Enrici Riccardo Maurizi
Published: March 2014

We investigated the hypothesis that patients developing high-grade erythema of the breast skin during radiation treatment could be more likely to present increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines which may lead, in turn, to associated fatigue. Forty women with early stage breast cancer who received adjuvant radiotherapy were enrolled from 2007 to 2010. Fatigue symptoms, erythema, and cytokine levels (IL-1β, IL-2, IL6, IL-8, TNF-α, and MCP-1) were registered at baseline, during treatment, and after radiotherapy completion. Seven (17.5%) patients presented fatigue without associated depression/anxiety. Grade ≥2 erythema was observed in 5 of these 7 patients. IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, and TNF-αwere statistically increased 4 weeks after radiotherapy (P<0.05). After the Heckman two-step analysis, a statistically significant influence of skin erythema on proinflammatory markers increase (P= 0.00001) was recorded; in the second step, these blood markers showed a significant impact on fatigue (P= 0.026). A seeming increase of fatigue, erythema, and proinflammatory markers was observed between the fourth and the fifth week of treatment followed by a decrease after RT. There were no significant effects of hormone therapy, breast volume, and anemia on fatigue. Our study seems to suggest that fatigue is related to high-grade breast skin erythema during radiotherapy through the increase of cytokines levels.
Tumor-ActivatedTCRγδ+T Cells from Gastric Cancer Patients Induce the Antitumor Immune Response ofTCRαβ+T Cells via Their Antigen-Presenting Cell-Like Effects
Authors: Mao Chaoming , Mou Xiao , Zhou Yuepeng , Yuan Guoyue , Xu Chengcheng , Liu Hongli , Zheng Tingting , Tong Jia , Wang Shengjun , Chen Deyu
Published: March 2014

HumanγδT cells display the principal characteristics of professional antigen-presenting cells (APCs), in addition to playing a vital role in immunity through cytokine secretion and their cytotoxic activity. However, it is not clear whetherγδT cells perform APC-like functions under pathological conditions. In this study, we showed that, in contrast to peripheral-derivedγδT cells directly isolated from PBMCs of gastric cancer patients, tumor-activatedγδT cells not only killed tumor cells efficiently but also strongly induced primary CD4+and CD8+  αβT cells proliferation and differentiation. More importantly, they abrogated the immunosuppression induced by CD4+CD25+Treg cells and induced the cytotoxic function of CD8+  αβT cells from patients with gastric cancer. In conclusion, tumor-activatedγδT cells can induce adaptive immune responses through their APC-like functions, and these cells may be a potentially useful tool in the development of tumor vaccines and immunotherapy.
Matrix Metalloproteinase-9: Its Interplay with Angiogenic Factors in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Authors: Matusiewicz Malgorzata , Neubauer Katarzyna , Mierzchala-Pasierb Magdalena , Gamian Andrzej , Krzystek-Korpacka Malgorzata
Published: March 2014

Matrix metalloproteinase- (MMP-) 9 is one of the main metalloproteinases reported to be involved in extracellular matrix degradation and recently also in triggering of angiogenic switch in the course of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). The goal of our studies was to estimate in one experimental setting the levels of MMP-9 in sera of Crohn’s Disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) patients and to evaluate its possible diagnostic potential in comparison with other biochemical markers and selected proinflammatory and angiogenic factors. The study group included 176 subjects (CD = 64, UC = 85, control = 27). Concentrations of serum MMP-9 were significantly higher in active than inactive forms of IBD, being higher in active UC than in active CD. Both in the case of CD and UC serum MMP-9 positively correlated with disease activity, IL-6 levels, platelet and leukocyte count, midkine, and PDGF-BB, as well as in UC with ESR and in CD with CRP, IL-1, and VEGF-A. Diagnostic accuracy of MMP-9 in distinguishing active UC from active CD was 66%, and displayed higher specificity than CRP (79.0% versus 61.6%, resp.). Evaluation of serum MMP-9 concentrations could aid in differentiation of active UC from active CD. MMP-9 correlated better with inflammatory and angiogenic parameters in CD than in UC.
Identification of Simple Sequence Repeat Biomarkers through Cross-Species Comparison in a Tag Cloud Representation
Authors: Huang Jhen-Li , Chang Hao-Teng , Cheng Ronshan , Hsu Hui-Huang , Pai Tun-Wen
Published: March 2014

Simple sequence repeats (SSRs) are not only applied as genetic markers in evolutionary studies but they also play an important role in gene regulatory activities. Efficient identification of conserved and exclusive SSRs through cross-species comparison is helpful for understanding the evolutionary mechanisms and associations between specific gene groups and SSR motifs. In this paper, we developed an online cross-species comparative system and integrated it with a tag cloud visualization technique for identifying potential SSR biomarkers within fourteen frequently used model species. Ultraconserved or exclusive SSRs among cross-species orthologous genes could be effectively retrieved and displayed through a friendly interface design. Four different types of testing cases were applied to demonstrate and verify the retrieved SSR biomarker candidates. Through statistical analysis and enhanced tag cloud representation on defined functional related genes and cross-species clusters, the proposed system can correctly represent the patterns, loci, colors, and sizes of identified SSRs in accordance with gene functions, pattern qualities, and conserved characteristics among species.
Oscillation for a Nonlinear Dynamic System with a Forced Term on Time Scales
Authors: Zhang Xinli , Zhu Shanliang
Published: March 2014

We consider a class of two-dimensional nonlinear dynamic system with a forced term on a time scale𝕋and obtain sufficient conditions for all solutions of the system to be oscillatory. Our results not only unify the oscillation of two-dimensional differential systems and difference systems but also improve the oscillation results that have been established by Saker, 2005, since our results are not restricted to the case whereb(t)≠0for allt∈𝕋andg(u)=u. Some examples are given to illustrate the results.
Out-of-Pocket Costs of Asthma Follow-Up Care in Adults in a Sub-Saharan African Country
Authors: Onyedum Cajetan Chigozie , Desalu Olufemi Olumuyiwa , Ukwaja Kingsley Nnanna , Chukwuka Chinwe , Nwosu Nnamdi Ikechukwu , Ezeudo Chijioke
Published: March 2014

Asthma care imposes economic burden on affected patients. Patient costs for asthma care have not been documented in Africa. We aimed to determine the out-of-pocket cost of asthma follow-up care incurred by patients in Nigeria. We conducted a cross-sectional study in three tertiary hospitals in southeastern and northwestern Nigeria. Poorly controlled asthma patients attending a follow-up visit in the respiratory clinic of the hospitals were surveyed. Sociodemographic, health-seeking behavior, and cost data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Of the 110 patients who completed the study, 56 (51%) were females. Also, 72 (65%) of the patients had known about their asthma illness for more than four years. Mean annual direct cost of asthma care was US$368.4 (±228) per patient. Medication cost accounted for the majority (87%) of this cost. Patient costs of care incurred did not differ significantly across age (P = 0.15), education (P = 0.23), marital status (0.49), residence (P = 0.47), or gender (P = 0.65) categories. We conclude that direct cost of care was found to be substantial among poorly controlled asthma patients. Further studies to estimate the costs incurred by patients with exacerbation and differing severity of the disease should be conducted.
On the Menelaus and Ceva 6-Figures in the Fibered Projective Planes
Authors: Bayar Ayşe , Ekmekçi Süheyla
Published: March 2014

The fibered versions of Menelaus and Ceva 6-figures in the fibered projective plane are given and the conditions to the fibered versions of Menelaus and Ceva 6-figures in the fibered projective plane with base plane, that is, projective plane, are determined.
Improving Delay-Margin of Noncollocated Vibration Control of Piezo-Actuated Flexible Beams via a Fractional-Order Controller
Authors: Sangpet Teerawat , Kuntanapreeda Suwat , Schmidt Rüdiger
Published: March 2014

Noncollocated control of flexible structures results in nonminimum-phase systems because the separation between the actuator and the sensor creates an input-output delay. The delay can deteriorate stability of closed-loop systems. This paper presents a simple approach to improve the delay-margin of the noncollocated vibration control of piezo-actuated flexible beams using a fractional-order controller. Results of real life experiments illustrate efficiency of the controller and show that the fractional-order controller has better stability robustness than the integer-order controller.
Protective Effects of Baicalin on Decidua Cells of LPS-Induced Mice Abortion
Authors: Wang Xiaodan , Zhao Yantao , Zhong Xiuhui
Published: March 2014

The study was carried out to investigate the protective effects of Baicalin on decidual cells of LPS-induced abortion mice. In thein vitroexperiment, the decidual cells were cultured by uterus tissue mass cultivation sampled at day 6 of pregnancy, and gradient concentrations of LPS were used to determine the optimal LPS concentration of the injured decidual cells model. The injured decidual cells were treated with Baicalin (4 μg/mL) to determine the protective role of Baicalin. In thein vivoexperiment, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was injected intravenously via the tail vein to induce abortion at day 6 of pregnancy, and the mice were given different concentrations of Baicalin by oral gavage consecutively at days 7 to 8 of pregnancy. On day 9 of gestation, the mice were sacrificed. The TNF and progesterone contents in the serum were assayed by ELISA. The results clearly revealed that Baicalin can prevent the injury to decidual cells from LPS dose dependently, TNF was decreased significantly(P<0.01)compared to LPS group, and there was no effect on the progesterone. These findings suggest that Baicalin has protective effects on the injured decidual cells in the pregnant mice.
Semideciduous Seasonal Forest Production of Leaves and Deciduousness in Function of the Water Balance, LAI, and NDVI
Authors: da Costa Thomaz Correa e Castro , Viana João Herbert Moreira , Ribeiro Juliana Leite
Published: March 2014

This study investigated the relationship between leaf production, litterfall, water balance, Leaf Area Index (LAI), and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) in semideciduous forests. The goal was to model this phenomenon to obtain the estimates of this component as an additional compartment of the ecosystem carbon sink. The tests were conducted in eight semideciduous forest fragments. Twenty-four permanent plots were monitored monthly and LAI measurements and weighing of litterfall deposited in nets were conducted for a period of thirteen months. In this period, Landsat 5 and IRS satellite images were obtained and processed for generation of NDVI. The water balance was calculated for each day. The relationship among the variables “leaf dry weight,” “LAI,” “NDVI,” and “water balance” was verified and a regression model was built and evaluated. The deciduous phenomenon can be explained by hydric balance, and LAI and NDVI are ancillary variables. The tendency of the variables in the period of 13 months was explained by quadratic functions. The varied behavior among the monitoring sites helped to know differences in the deposition of leaves. This study showed that only the leaf component of the litterfall of a semideciduous forest in tropical climate can capture 4 to 8 Mg·ha−1·yr−1of CO2and this amount can be estimated using climate, biophysics, and vegetation index variables.
Clot Lysis and Antimitotic Study of Ficus glomerata Roxb Fruit Extracts
Authors: Shivasharanappa Kirankumar , Londonkar Ramesh
Published: March 2014

The present study was carried out to investigate the thrombolytic and antimitotic potentiality of various extracts of fruits of Ficus glomerata, a traditional medicinal plant, using an in vitro assay method. Three crude extracts such as petroleum ether (FGPE), chloroform (FGCE), and methanol (FGME) were used for the study, with a standard (streptokinase) and negative control (sterile distilled water) to validate the method. The thrombolytic nature of the plant was found significant with methanol extract and chloroform and petroleum ether extracts have recorded mild activity, when compared with the negative control (sterile distilled water). The extracts have shown mild clot lysis, that is, 2.16%, 23.06%, 27.60%, and 47.74% of sterile distilled water, FGPE, FGCE, and FGME, respectively, while the standard (streptokinase) has shown 74.22% clot lysis. FGME inhibited the root growth in number as well as length effectively, followed by FGPE, while FGCE exhibited moderate antimitotic activity and it was supported by mitotic index. Therefore, the obtained results suggest that among all the extracts of plant the methanolic extract has shown highest thrombolytic and antimitotic activity.