bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Older Adults’ Social Interactions in Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs)
Authors: Zhang Fan , Kaufman David
Published: August 2015

The purpose of this study was to investigate older adults’ social interactions in massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs). An online survey was developed and published on eight World of Warcraft (WoW) player forums to gather information about older gamers’ demographic characteristics, play patterns, social interactions in the game, and challenges facing older adults while playing WoW. Results indicate that as for their younger counterparts, older adults’ social interactions in MMORPGs are motivated by social, achievement, and immersion factors; can take place on several different levels; and can be casual or intimate. As in previous research, respondents in this study reported that playing MMORPGs offered older adults opportunities to sustain off-line relationships with family and real-life friends and to build meaningful and supportive relationships with game friends. This study also demonstrated that MMORPGs have the potential to function as a “third place” for older adults to socialize and be entertained as in a real-world club or coffee shop.
Two-dimensional shallow water flow modeling based on an improved unstructured finite volume algorithm
Authors: Bi Sheng , Song Lixiang , Zhou Jianzhong , Xing Linghang , Huang Guobing , Huang Minghai , Kursan Suncana
Published: August 2015

An improved finite volume algorithm is proposed for modeling the free surface flows. The effects of variable reconstruction and treatments for partially wetted cells on numerical oscillations are demonstrated through a complex field-scale simulation. Results show that the combination of a vertex-based slope limiting approach and an updating strategy that the continuity and momentum equations should be simultaneously updated for partially wetted cells is essential to prevent unphysical oscillations. In this situation, the bed slope terms in wetted cells are exactly discretized, whereas the divergence-form-based approach is adopted for partially wetted cells. This new hybrid method provides an alternative way that precisely preserves the well-balanced property. A practical application of realistic dam-break flood propagation is presented. It is found that the model is free of numerical oscillation and can accurately predict dam-break flows over complicated topography with wetting and drying.
Adaptive neural networks control for camera stabilization with active suspension system
Authors: Zhao Feng , Dong Mingming , Qin Yechen , Gu Liang , Guan Jifu
Published: August 2015

The camera always suffers from image instability on the moving vehicle due to unintentional vibrations caused by road roughness. This article presents an adaptive neural network approach mixed with linear quadratic regulator control for a quarter-car active suspension system to stabilize the image captured area of the camera. An active suspension system provides extra force through the actuator which allows it to suppress vertical vibration of sprung mass. First, to deal with the road disturbance and the system uncertainties, radial basis function neural network is proposed to construct the map between the state error and the compensation component, which can correct the optimal state-feedback control law. The weights matrix of radial basis function neural network is adaptively tuned online. Then, the closed-loop stability and asymptotic convergence performance is guaranteed by Lyapunov analysis. Finally, the simulation results demonstrate that the proposed controller effectively suppresses the vibration of the camera and enhances the stabilization of the entire camera, where different excitations are considered to validate the system performance.
Effectiveness of bronchial thermoplasty in severe asthma in ‘real life’ patients compared with those recruited to clinical trials in the same centre
Authors: Bicknell Stephen , Chaudhuri Rekha , Lee Nicola , Shepherd Malcolm , Spears Mark , Pitman Nick , Cameron Euan , Cowan Douglas , Nixon Julie , Thompson Joyce , McSharry Charles , Thomson Neil C.
Published: August 2015

Published information on the effectiveness of bronchial thermoplasty (BT) for severe asthma in ‘real life’ patients is limited. We compared safety and efficacy outcomes 12 months post procedure in 10 clinic patients and 15 patients recruited to clinical trials of BT at the same centre. Baseline asthma severity was greater in the clinic group. Adverse events were similar. Clinical improvements occurred in 50% of the clinic patients compared with 73% of the research patients.
Basement Membrane-Based Glucose Sensor Coatings Enhance Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Vivo
Authors: Klueh Ulrike , Qiao Yi , Czajkowski Caroline , Ludzinska Izabela , Antar Omar , Kreutzer Donald L.
Published: August 2015

Background:

Implantable glucose sensors demonstrate a rapid decline in function that is likely due to biofouling of the sensor. Previous efforts directed at overcoming this issue has generally focused on the use of synthetic polymer coatings, with little apparent effect in vivo, clearly a novel approach is required. We believe that the key to extending sensor life span in vivo is the development of biocompatible basement membrane (BM) based bio-hydrogels as coatings for glucose sensors.

Method:

BM based bio-hydrogel sensor coatings were developed using purified BM preparations (ie, Cultrex from Trevigen Inc). Modified Abbott sensors were coated with Cultrex BM extracts. Sensor performance was evaluated for the impact of these coatings in vitro and in vivo in a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) mouse model. In vivo sensor function was assessed over a 28-day time period expressed as mean absolute relative difference (MARD) values. Tissue reactivity of both Cultrex coated and uncoated glucose sensors was evaluated at 7, 14, 21 and 28 days post–sensor implantation with standard histological techniques.

Results:

The data demonstrate that Cultrex-based sensor coatings had no effect on glucose sensor function in vitro. In vivo glucose sensor performance was enhanced following BM coating as determined by MARD analysis, particularly in weeks 2 and 3. In vivo studies also demonstrated that Cultrex coatings significantly decreased sensor-induced tissue reactions at the sensor implantation sites.

Conclusion:

Basement-membrane-based sensor coatings enhance glucose sensor function in vivo, by minimizing or preventing sensor-induced tissues reactions.
Anterior communicating artery aneurysm: Accuracy of CT angiography in determination of inflow dominance
Authors: Ahmed Osama , Zhang Shihao , Brown Benjamin L , Toms Jaime , Gonzalez-Toledo Eduardo , Guthikonda Bharat , Cuellar Hugo
Published: August 2015

Background

Preoperative assessment of anterior communicating artery (AcoA) aneurysms with cerebral angiography is common, but not without risk. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) is a widely available imaging modality that provides quick acquisition, low morbidity, and low cost. One disadvantage is that it does not provide dynamic information. In this study, the authors sought to determine whether CTA alone can reliably predict the inflow dominance to an AcoA aneurysm.

Methods

Eighty-three patients with ruptured AcoA aneurysms were reviewed retrospectively. Only those patients with both preoperative CTA and cerebral angiogram were included, thus excluding six patients. Four independent observers reviewed the CTAs and attempted to identify the dominant A1. Additionally, three mathematical models were created to identify the dominant A1. These responses were compared to cerebral angiograms.

Results

Four observers were correct in judging the dominant A1 an average of 93% of the time. Seventeen cases were read incorrectly by only one of four observers, and three cases were read incorrectly by two observers. For cases with incorrect readings, the average percentage difference in A1 sizes was 19.6%. For cases read unanimously correct, the average percentage difference in A1 sizes was 42.7%. Mathematical model #3 correctly evaluated the dominant A1 in 97% of the cases.

Conclusions

This study found CT angiograms can be reliable in predicting the inflow dominance to the majority of AcoA aneurysms.
A voxel-based morphometric magnetic resonance imaging study of the brain detects age-related gray matter volume changes in healthy subjects of 21–45 years old
Authors: Bourisly Ali K , El-Beltagi Ahmed , Cherian Jigi , Gejo Grace , Al-Jazzaf Abrar , Ismail Mohammad
Published: August 2015

Previous and more recent work of analyzing structural changes in the brain suggest that certain brain regions such as the frontal lobe are among the brain regions profoundly affected by the aging process across males and females. Also, a unified model of structural changes in a normally aging brain is still lacking. The present study investigated age-related structural brain changes in gray matter from young to early middle-age adulthood for males and females. Magnetic resonance images of 215 normal and healthy participants between the ages of 21–45 years were acquired. Changes in gray matter were assessed using voxel-based morphometry and gray matter volumetric analysis. The results showed significant decrease in gray matter volume between the youngest and oldest groups in the following brain regions: frontal, temporal, and parietal lobes. Grey matter loss in the frontal lobe was among the most widespread of all brain regions across the comparison groups that showed significant age-related changes in grey matter for both males and females. This work provides a unique pattern of age-related decline of normal and healthy adult males and females that can aid in the future development of a unified model of normal brain aging.
A non-alcoholic Wernicke’s encephalopathy case with atypical MRI findings: Clinic versus radiology
Authors: Guler Ayse , Alpaydin Sezin , Sirin Hadiye , Calli Cem , Celebisoy Neşe
Published: August 2015

Wernicke's Encephalopathy is an acute neuropsychiatric syndrome that can be seen in both alcohol abusers and non-alcoholic population as a result of thiamine deficiency. We herein report a non-alcoholic patient with typical clinical presentations but atypical MRI findings. Early clinical suspicion of WE is especially important in non-alcoholic patients with atypical MRI findings. The diagnosis of this group is more difficult to make and the prognosis of the syndrome mostly depends on early initiation of thiamine supplementation.
Vigabatrin-induced MRI changes associated with extrapyramidal symptoms in a child with infantile spasms
Authors: Schonstedt Valeria , Stecher Ximena , Venegas Viviana , Silva Claudio
Published: August 2015

Vigabatrin is an antiepileptic drug used for treatment of infantile spasms. We present a female patient with infantile spasms in treatment with vigabatrin who developed ataxic movements. MRI demonstrated a symmetrical pattern of thalamic and globi pallidi diffusion restriction. While these image features have been widely described to be related to the use of vigabatrin, this case highlights the development of movement disorders in association with MRI signal changes. Awareness of the reversible nature of this condition is reassuring for the treating team and avoids unjustified studies.
Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration of gastric varix with multiple drainage veins performed with temporal occlusion of the pericardiacophrenic vein with a micro-balloon
Authors: Yamagami Takuji , Iida Makoto , Tanitame Nobuko , Yoshimatsu Rika , Ono Chiaki , Waki Koji , Tsuji Keiji , Awai Kazuo
Published: August 2015

We encountered a case with a gastric varix that drained into the gastro-renal shunt, left pericardiacophrenic vein, and several other dilated collateral veins. This patient had a circumaortic venous ring. For this case we successfully performed balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration in which sclerotic agents were infused from the balloon catheter advanced to the left pre-aortic renal vein and the tip was wedged into the end of the gastro-renal shunt. Before injection of sclerotic agents, collateral veins other than the left pericardiacophrenic vein were embolized with micro-coils. During the injection, the left pericardiacophrenic vein was occluded temporarily with a micro-balloon catheter coaxially advanced from the catheter inserted from the femoral vein to the left pericardiacophrenic vein through the left brachiocephalic vein.
Strange bedfellows: the Bundestag’s free vote on pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) reveals how Germany’s restrictive bioethics legislation is shaped by a Christian Democratic/New Left issue-coalition
Authors: Arzheimer Kai
Published: August 2015

Germany’s bioethical legislation presents a puzzle: given structural factors, the country should be at the forefront of reproductive medicine, but its embryology regime remains one of the strictest in Western Europe. Past research has linked this fact to an unusual coalition of Christian and New Left groups, which both draw a connection from modern embryology to eugenics under the Nazis. In this article, the workings of this alleged alliance are demonstrated at the micro-level for the first time. The behaviour of individual MPs in a crucial free vote on pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is modelled using data on their political, sectoral and religious affiliations. Identifying as a Catholic and membership in Christian organisations are strong predictors of resistance to PGD. Even more importantly, net of religious and professional ties, affiliation with either the Christian Democrats or the left-libertarian Green party is closely linked to restrictive bioethical preferences. The modest liberalisation in 2011 was contingent on external factors and the overwhelming support of the historically unusually large FDP delegation. With the FDP no longer represented in parliament and the Christian Democratic/New Left issue coalition even stronger than before, further liberalisation is unlikely.
MLL leukemia induction by genome editing of human CD34+ hematopoietic cells
Authors: Buechele Corina , Breese Erin H. , Schneidawind Dominik , Lin Chiou-Hong , Jeong Johan , Duque-Afonso Jesus , Wong Stephen H. K. , Smith Kevin S. , Negrin Robert S. , Porteus Matthew , Cleary Michael L.
Published: August 2015

Key Points

Genome editing of primary human HSPCs generates MLL leukemias that model clinical disease features and molecular pathogenesis.
The relationship between paediatric foot posture and body mass index: do heavier children really have flatter feet?
Authors: Evans Angela Margaret , Karimi Leila
Published: August 2015

Background

Several studies have found positive correlation between flatfeet and increased body mass in children. One study, utilizing a differing method of foot posture assessment, found the inverse. The purpose of this study was to further explore the relationship between children's foot posture and body mass, utilizing the foot posture index in a large study population, as opposed to the footprint based measures of most previous studies.

Methods

Data for both foot posture index (FPI) and body mass index (BMI) for healthy children were acquired from five previous studies. The amalgamated dataset comprised observations for both BMI and FPI‐6 in 728 children aged from three to 15 years. Three FPI‐6 scores levels defined the range of flatfeet detected: FPI‐6 ≥ +6; FPI‐6 ≥ +8; FPI‐6 ≥ +10. BMI cut‐points were used to define overweight for each age group.

Results

In the study population of 728 children, flatfeet (FPI ≥ +6) were found in 290 (40 %) cases and non‐flatfeet in 438 (60 %) cases. FPI ≥ +8 yielded flatfeet in 142 (20 %) cases and FPI ≥ +10 yielded flatfeet in 41 (5 %) cases. Whilst 272 (37 %) children were overweight, only 74 (10.1 %) of the overweight children had flatfeet (FPI ≥ +6), which diminished to 36 (4.9 %) at FPI ≥ +8, and 9 (1.2 %) at FPI ≥ +10.

Significant and moderate correlation was found between BMI and age (r = 0.384, p < 0.01). Very weak, but significant, correlation was found between BMI and FPI (r = −0.077, p < 0.05). Significant mean differences between gender and BMI were found (t‐test = 2.56, p < 0.05). There was strong correlation between FPI scores on left and right sides (r = 0.899, p < 0.01).

Conclusions

This study found no association between increased body mass and flatfeet in children, a finding in contrast to that repeatedly concluded by many previous studies. Whilst properties of the FPI and BMI are limiting, these findings question the concern about children's increased body mass as a specific influence on (flatter) foot posture, and also the validity of footprint versus anatomically based foot posture measures.
iTRAQ-based proteomic profiling reveals different protein expression between normal skin and hypertrophic scar tissue
Authors: Tan Jianglin , He Weifeng , Luo Gaoxing , Wu Jun
Published: August 2015

Background

A hypertrophic scar is a unique fibrotic disease that only exists in humans. Despite advances in burn care and rehabilitation, as well as progress in the management during these decades, the hypertrophic scar remains hard to cure following surgical methods and drugs for treatment. In this study, we are looking forward to finding the multitude of possible traumatic mechanisms and the underlying molecular signal ways in the formation of the hypertrophic scar.

Methods

We used isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) labeling technology, followed by high-throughput 2D LC-MS/MS, to determine relative quantitative differential proteins between the hypertrophic scar and normal skin tissue.

Results

A total of 3166 proteins were identified with a high confidence (≥95 % confidence). And, a total of 89 proteins were identified as the differential proteins between the hypertrophic scar and normal skin, among which 41 proteins were up-regulated and 48 proteins were down-regulated in the hypertrophic scar. GO-Analysis indicated the up-regulated proteins were involved in extracellular matrix, whereas the down-regulated proteins were involved in dynamic junction and structural molecule activity.

Conclusions

In our study, we demonstrate 89 proteins present differently in the hypertrophic scar compared to normal skin by iTRAQ technology, which might indicate the pathologic process of hypertrophic scar formation and guide us to propose new strategies against the hypertrophic scar.
Perforin-2/Mpeg1 and other pore-forming proteins throughout evolution
Authors: McCormack Ryan , Podack Eckhard R
Published: August 2015

Development of the ancient innate immune system required not only a mechanism to recognize foreign organisms from self but also to destroy them. Pore-forming proteins containing the membrane attack complex Perforin domain were one of the first triumphs of an innate immune system needing to eliminate microbes and virally infected cells. Membrane attack complex of complement and Perforin domain proteins is unique from other immune effector molecules in that the mechanism of attack is strictly physical and unspecific. The large water-filled holes created by membrane attack complex of complement and Perforin domain pore formation allow access for additional effectors to complete the destruction of the foreign organism via chemical or enzymatic attack. Perforin-2/macrophage-expressed protein 1 is one of the oldest membrane attack complexes of complement and Perforin domain protein involved in immune defense, and it is still functional today in vertebrates. Here, we trace the impact of Perforin-2/macrophage-expressed protein 1 from the earliest multicellular organisms to modern vertebrates, as well as review the development of other membrane attack complexes of complement and Perforin domain member proteins.
This issue of Geophysics
Authors: Slob Evert
Published: August 2015

In this article, the Editor of Geophysics provides an overview of all technical articles in this issue of the journal.
Extended wave-equation imaging conditions for passive seismic data
Authors: Witten Ben , Shragge Jeffrey
Published: August 2015

The information obtained from seismic monitoring at injection sites is often limited to seismic event properties (e.g., location, origin time, moment tensor), the accuracy of which greatly depends on the assumed or estimated elastic velocity models. Current traveltime-based methods to calibrate velocity models rely on having distinct arrivals. In surface seismic monitoring, however, the signal-to-noise ratio of arrivals is often too poor for pick-based methods, and migration techniques are needed. Wave-equation migration can image microseismic sources without the need for picking or knowledge of the onset time by reconstructing the wavefield through the model space and applying an imaging condition. We have devised extended imaging conditions for passive seismic wave-equation imaging algorithms, and we have found that they represent a key step toward verifying and updating elastic velocity models. By extending imaging conditions away from zero lag in time and space, we can better evaluate the focusing of a given event based on a self-consistency principle that direct arrival waves focus at zero lag only when the velocity models were correct. We have determined that given an elastic medium and multicomponent recordings, we can propagate and correlate microseismic P- and S-wavefield modes to compute extended imaging conditions that are sensitive to P- and S-wave velocity perturbations. The extended image volume is robust to sparsely sampled data and high levels of noise and is sensitive to velocity model errors. The extended image volume can be used to determine relative P- and S-wave velocity updates to improve focusing.
Subversive Cannibals
Authors: Nascimento Cláudia Tatinge
Published: August 2015

In this article, Cláudia Tatinge Nascimento discusses Brazilian contemporary theater with a focus on the works of playwrights Dib Carneiro Neto, Newton Moreno, Jô Bilac, and Diogo Liberano. She provides an introduction to the country's current cultural and political climate, the influence of Oswald de Andrade's “Cannibalist Manifesto” on contemporary Brazilian artists, and how the English-speaking world's relative ignorance of this country positions it as the “other Latin America.”
Saturated Five-membered N,B-Heterocyclic Carbene: A Computational Study
Authors: Ghambarian Mehdi , Azizi Zahra , Ghashghaee Mohammad
Published: August 2015

A saturated five-membered N,B-heterocyclic carbene was investigated as a new heterocyclic carbene by ab initio and density functional theory (DFT) methods. A compromise between stability and reactivity of this carbene led us to the conclusion that the new carbene is a viable candidate for experimental preparation.
Indian nurses' perceptions of and attitudes towards organ donation
Authors: Vijayalakshmi Poreddi , Nagarajaiah  , Ramachandra  , Math Suresh Bada
Published: August 2015

Nurses play a significant role in identifying and securing potential organ donors in the clinical environment. Research among Indian nurses related to organ donation is sparse. The present study aimed to investigate nurses' attitudes towards organ donation. A cross-sectional descriptive survey was carried out among nurses (n=184) at a tertiary care centre. Data were collected through a self-report questionnaire. A majority (81%) of the respondents were ‘willing to sign the card’ for organ donation; however, only 3.8% (n=7) of them actually ‘signed the organ donation card’. There were significant associations found between intentions to sign the organ donation card and gender (x2=5.852; p<0.054), religion (x2=40.175; p<0.000), and experience caring for brain-dead patients (x2=22.790; p<0.001). The researchers strongly suggest continuing education for nurses to enhance skills and knowledge, as well as sensitivity to cultural, ethical, social, and religious issues, and advocacy in the area of organ donation. Furthermore, nurse administrators must take the initiative to develop guidelines clarifying the role of nurses in the organ donation and transplantation process to promote organ donation and improve rates.
Homossexualidade feminina na Antiguidade ? Ensaio em torno dos trabalhos de Sandra Boehringer
Authors: Leite Letticia Batista Rodrigues
Published: August 2015

Este ensaio bibliográfico tem como seu objetivo central tratar dos recentes trabalhos de autoria da pesquisadora Sandra Boehringer acerca da "homossexualidade feminina" na Antiguidade.
FLORIO, R. Transformaciones del héroe y el viaje heroico en El Peristephanon de Prudencio. Bahía Blanca: Ediuns, 2011. 267 p.
Authors: Tola Eleonora
Published: August 2015

Resenha de FLORIO, R. Transformaciones del héroe y el viaje heroico en El Peristephanon de Prudencio. Bahía Blanca: Ediuns, 2011. 267 p.
A construção literária dos germanos por Sinésio de Cirene: marcas de repulsa e integração em De Regno e De Providentia
Authors: Farias Júnior José Petrúcio
Published: August 2015

Objetivamos discutir a partir de De Regno e De Providentia, escritas por Sinésio de Cirene (370 – 412/3), no momento de sua embaixada à Constantinopla (397/8 – 399/400), a construção da representação literária do outro (bárbaros, citas/germanos) com a finalidade de compreender em que medida tal construção discursiva contribui para refletir sobre as marcas de integração dos germanos na sociedade romana oriental tardia.
Greek Tragedy for the New Millenium: Public Testimony and Restorative Justice in Yael Farber’S Molora
Authors: Dugdale Eric
Published: August 2015

This paper examines Molora, an adaptation of the Orestes story by South African playwright Yael Farber set in the context of South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission. It considers the play’s engagement with restorative justice in relation to the exploration of different forms of justice by Aeschylus in his Oresteia. It also examines Farber’s play in light of the ideas of the influential Brazilian theatre director Augusto Boal, noting how the relationship with the classical past has changed in the three decades between the publication of Boal’s Teatro del oprimido y otras poéticas políticas in 1974 and the première of Farber’s Molora in 2003.
A individualidade da representação nos clássicos
Authors: Canijo João
Published: August 2015

O objetivo central do ensaio é discutir a transposições da tragédia grega para o âmbito da sociedade portuguesa atual.
Inicios de la relación entre Arqueología y divulgación: breve historial y datos actuales de un periódico brasileño
Authors: Tega Calippo Glória Maria Vagioni , Funari Pedro Pablo
Published: August 2015

Este artículo trata sobre los primordios de la relación entre la ciencia arqueológica y su divulgación. Primero trazaremos un panorama histórico de las dos áreas. Después presentaremos datos cuantitativos referentes a la divulgación de la arqueología en el periódico Folha de São Paulo. Los dos momentos aquí expuestos son importantes al permitir una reflexión sobre las actuales prácticas de divulgación de la arqueología al gran público en Brasil.
Educar y Castigar. dispositivos de control social en la estrategia de formación del ciudadano en Cartagena (Colombia): 1880-1900.
Authors: Márquez Estrada José Wilson , Malkún Castillejo William
Published: August 2015

En este artículo se analiza como la elite cartagenera en pleno periodo de la Regeneración construyó una serie de dispositivos de control social que buscaban contrarrestar los altos índices de criminalidad y trasgresión social y a la vez impulsar la construcción del nuevo ciudadano cartagenero. Todo este proyecto estaba soportado en dos dispositivos preventivos y punitivos de intervención social. Un dispositivo policivo y un dispositivo educativo. El objetivo era el impulso de los valores urbanos modernos entre la población cartagenera e igualmente la construcción simbólica del nuevo ciudadano cartagenero, virtuoso, trabajador, educado, católico y respetuoso de la autoridad y del ordenamiento jurídico. Simultáneamente se implementó entre los cartageneros la destrucción simbólica del anti-ciudadano y sus valores negativos: la vagancia, el juego, la mala educación, la trasgresión y su tendencia al delito.
Implications for the biofunctionalization of drug-eluting devices at the example of a site-selective antibody modification for drug eluting stents
Authors: Petersen Svea , Häcker Christiane , Turan Gökmen , Knödler Stefanie , Brodehl Andreas , Drynda Andreas , Kische Stephan , Frerich Bernhard , Birkemeyer Ralf , Ince Hüseyin , Vollmar Brigitte , Schmitz Klaus-Peter , Sternberg Katrin
Published: August 2015

Functionality of implant surfaces is considerably determined by the conformations of immobilized biomolecules adjustable by the applied surface modification approach. Moreover, surface modification of drug eluting systems often needs to be thoroughly optimized with regard to possible drug losses associated with a loss of functionality. Here, we thoroughly investigate biomolecule surface loading, functionality, morphology and stability in dependence of modification conditions at the example of a site-selective immobilization of anti-CD34 antibodies (CD34-Ab) to drug-eluting stents with the aim of providing general information on the biofunctionalization of drug eluting systems. In this context, we demonstrate that the reaction time of biomolecule immobilization defines achievable surface loads but also drug loss. We could moreover show that the used site-selective immobilization procedure elevated the surface functionality considerably in comparison to surfaces modified by random physisorption. Furthermore investigated bionfunctional stability gives important indications for storage conditions of biofunctionalized implants.
Massive ascites in a patient with preeclampsia
Authors: Stanić Žana , Vulić Marko , Tadin Ivica
Published: August 2015

Preeclampsia is a systemic endothelial disorder triggered by many factors originated by the human placenta. The presence of massive ascites (more than 2 L of serous liquid in peritoneal cavity) signifies rare and severe complication of preeclampsia. We present a case of 25-year-old primigravida admitted to hospital due to preeclampsia who immediately after delivery developed a clinical condition similar to hemorrhagic shock, but the explorative laparotomy revealed only massive ascites of 4.5 L serous liquid. We suggest that appearance of massive ascites in women with preeclampsia is the underestimated fact that surprises us frequently. Sometimes, its sudden onset can mimic life-threatening conditions, as happened with our patient. Cautious evaluation of peritoneal fluid quantity in women with preeclampsia could warn the obstetrician about the potential risks that demand more intensive and more frequent maternal and fetal surveillance.
Bioinspired infrared detection using thermoresponsive hydrogel nanoparticles
Authors: Luo Zhen , Chen Jun , Shen Qingchen , He Jiaqing , Shan Hao , Song Chengyi , Tao Peng , Deng Tao , Shang Wen
Published: August 2015

The development of high performance uncooled infrared (IR) detection and imaging systems will greatly expand the application of IR technology in broad areas such as transportation, environmental monitoring, and medical care. Inspired by the superior IR detection capability of beetle Melanophila acuminata, we explored the potential use of hydrogel nanoparticles (NPs) in uncooled IR detection system. In the system, the absorption of the incoming IR radiation by the temperature-sensitive hydrogel NPs, together with water, induces the volume change of the hydrogel NPs, similar to the volume change of the biofluid inside the sensillae receptors in M. acuminata caused by the IR radiation. This volume change results in the change of optical readout (transmittance in this study) in visible range and provides the sensitive detection of the IR radiation. In this work, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylic acid) (poly(NIPAM-co-AAc)) copolymer NPs with different sizes were synthesized and their IR sensing performances were studied in detail. The correlation between the NP size and concentration and the IR sensing property was also discussed in the paper. This work helps enhance the understanding of the response of hydrogel NPs under IR radiation, and offers a potential material system for uncooled IR detection that is inspired by M. acuminata. The direct use of transmittance of the NP solution as the readout for IR detection also provides a simple and sensitive IR detection approach for low cost and portable industrial applications.
Sustaining Civil Peace: A Configurational Comparative Analysis
Authors: Gries Thomas , Palnau Irene
Published: August 2015

While much work has been devoted to the causes and consequences of civil war, little has been done to explore the prerequisites for civil peace. We shift the focus from the determinants of war to the preconditions to sustain peace, and address the following question: Are there necessary or sufficient conditions for stable civil peace? We use Qualitative Comparative Analysis to approach this question. We do not find necessary conditions for civil peace, but distinct potentially sufficient paths. These are (i) the presence of a fully democratic regime and (ii) the presence of a strongly autocratic regime, with the latter further requiring either a) the absence of a youth bulge and non-miserable living conditions or b) the absence of ethnic tensions. The first type of civil peace is referred to as inherent civil peace whereas the second type is largely a result of strong repression and thus denoted coerced civil peace.
Security Perception after the Completion of UN Peacekeeping in Timor-Leste
Authors: Dorussen Han
Published: August 2015

Surveys are a valuable complement to field research and quantitative objective data. A small survey of the perception of security in Timor-Leste following the departure of UN peacekeepers shows most reporting that security has continued to improve. More vulnerable respondents are however more likely to regret the UN exit. Retrospectively the evaluation of the UN is largely positively, but few regret that the mission has completed.
The effect of large area graphene oxide (LAGO) nanosheets on the mechanical properties of polyvinyl alcohol
Authors: Nawaz Khalid , Ayub Muhammad , Ul-Haq Noaman , Khan M.B. , Khan Niazi Muhammad Bilal , Hussain Arshad
Published: August 2015

Large area graphene oxide sheets were synthesized, dispersed in water and used as nanofiller for mechanical improvement in terms of Young’s modulus and ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) at low loading. The molecular level dispersion and interfacial interactions between the graphene oxides and polymeric matrix PVA were the real challenges. An excellent improvement in mechanical properties at 0.35 wt% loading was observed. Modulus improved from 1.58 GPa to 2.72 GPa (~71% improvement), UTS improved from 120 MPa to 197 MPa (~65% improvement), and in spite of these improvements, interestingly, there was no fall in elongation at break at this loading.
Plutonium 241Pu in tissues and organs of Cervidae from Northern Poland
Authors: Strumińska-Parulska Dagmara I. , Skwarzec Bogdan
Published: August 2015

Livers, kidneys and muscles of large herbivorous animals: roe deer, red deer and fallow deer, collected in Northern Poland, were the
subject of the investigation. The concentration of 241Pu ranged widely between 1.31 ± 0.28 and
214.5 ± 25.8 mBq kg
–1 ww and decreased in the order kidney > liver > muscle. The average values of the activity
concentrations of 241Pu were 11.5 ± 1.8 mBq kg
–1 ww in muscles, 14.0 ± 2.25 mBq kg
–1 ww in
liver and 85.5 ± 9.7 mBq kg
–1 ww in kidneys. As statistically checked the sampling location, sex, age and species of
animals did not influence on plutonium concentrations of the analyzed samples. Only the organ type significantly influenced
241Pu content. The values of 241Pu/29+240Pu activity ratio in analyzed samples ranged from 7.12 ± 2.15
to 99.3 ± 16.4 and the results showed the main source of plutonium in analyzed organs could be the Chernobyl accident.
The impact of reconstruction algorithms and time of flight information on PET/CT image quality
Authors: Suljic Alen , Tomse Petra , Jensterle Luka , Skrk Damijan
Published: August 2015

Background. The aim of the study was to explore the influence of various time-of-flight (TOF) and non-TOF reconstruction algorithms on positron emission tomography/computer tomography (PET/CT) image quality.

Materials and methods. Measurements were performed with a triple line source phantom, consisting of capillaries with internal diameter of ~ 1 mm and standard Jaszczak phantom. Each of the data sets was reconstructed using analytical filtered back projection (FBP) algorithm, iterative ordered subsets expectation maximization (OSEM) algorithm (4 iterations, 24 subsets) and iterative True-X algorithm incorporating a specific point spread function (PSF) correction (4 iterations, 21 subsets). Baseline OSEM (2 iterations, 8 subsets) was included for comparison. Procedures were undertaken following the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) NU-2-2001 protocol.

Results. Measurement of spatial resolution in full width at half maximum (FWHM) was 5.2 mm, 4.5 mm and 2.9 mm for FBP, OSEM and True-X; and 5.1 mm, 4.5 mm and 2.9 mm for FBP+TOF, OSEM+TOF and True-X+TOF respectively. Assessment of reconstructed Jaszczak images at different concentration ratios showed that incorporation of TOF information improves cold contrast, while hot contrast only slightly, however the most prominent improvement could be seen in background variability - noise reduction.

Conclusions. On the basis of the results of investigation we concluded, that incorporation of TOF information in reconstruction algorithm mostly affects reduction of the background variability (levels of noise in the image), while the improvement of spatial resolution due to incorporation of TOF information is negligible. Comparison of traditional and modern reconstruction algorithms showed that analytical FBP yields comparable results in some parameter measurements, such as cold contrast and relative count error. Iterative methods show highest levels of hot contrast, when TOF and PSF corrections were applied simultaneously.
Permanent dynamic transporter-mediated turnover of glutamate across the plasma membrane of presynaptic nerve terminals: arguments in favor and against
Authors: Borisova Tatiana
Published: August 2015

Mechanisms for maintenance of the extracellular level of glutamate in brain tissue and its regulation still remain almost unclear, and criticism of the current paradigm of glutamate transport and homeostasis has recently appeared. The main premise for this study is the existence of a definite and non-negligible concentration of ambient glutamate between the episodes of exocytotic release in our experiments with rat brain nerve terminals (synaptosomes), despite the existence of a very potent Na+-dependent glutamate uptake. Glutamate transporter reversal is considered as the main mechanisms of glutamate release under special conditions of energy deprivation, hypoxia, hypoglycemia, brain trauma, and stroke, underlying an increase in the ambient glutamate concentration and development of excitotoxicity. In the present study, a new vision on transporter-mediated release of glutamate as one of the main mechanisms involved in the maintenance of definite concentration of ambient glutamate under normal energetical status of nerve terminals is forwarded. It has been suggested that glutamate transporters act effectively in outward direction in a non-pathological manner, and this process is thermodynamically synchronized with uptake and provides effective outward glutamate current, thereby establishing and maintaining permanent and dynamic glutamatein/glutamateout gradient and turnover across the plasma membrane. In this context, non-transporter tonic glutamate release by diffusion, spontaneous exocytosis, cystine-glutamate exchanger, and leakage through anion channels can be considered as a permanently added ‘new’ exogenous substrate using two-substrate kinetic model calculations. Permanent glutamate turnover is of value for tonic activation of post/presynaptic glutamate receptors, long-term potentiation, memory formation, etc. Counterarguments against this mechanism are also considered.
Optical properties and photocatalytic activity of CdS-TiO2/graphite composite
Authors: Rahmawati Fitria , Wulandari Rini , Nofaris Eti ,   Mudjijono
Published: August 2015

TiO2film was applied to graphite substrate through chemical bath deposition (CBD) method with TiCl4as precursor. CdS was deposited on TiO2/graphite (TiO2/G) by CBD with precursors of CdSO4. A UV-Vis diffuse reflectance (UV-Vis DR) analysis was used to analyze the optical properties and band gap energy. Meanwhile, photocatalytic activity was determined from the quantum yield (QY) value of isopropanol degradation. The X-ray diffraction pattern shows that the TiO2film contains rutile and anatase phases. UV-Vis DR spectrum shows the photoactivity in the visible light area and provides lower band gap value due to CdS deposition. TiO2/G provide energy gap at 3.0 eV, which indicates that rutile phase is dominant. Meanwhile, CdS-TiO2/G shows multiple energy gaps representing CdS at 2.4 eV, rutile at 3.0 eV, and anatase at 3.2 eV. The QY values of CdS-TiO2/G are 7.98×10-3and 8.62×10-4at 450 and 380 nm of radiation light, respectively. These values are higher than the QY of TiO2/G and TiO2-P25/graphite (TiO2-P25/G), which are 1.19×10-4and 5.0×10-4, respectively. The photocatalytic reaction follows the first-order reaction. CdS deposition allows the rate constant to increase from 2×10-3to 13×10-3under UV radiation.
Study of the Standard k-ε Model for Tip Leakage Flow in an Axial Compressor Rotor
Authors: Gao Yanfei , Liu Yangwei , Zhong Luyang , Hou Jiexuan , Lu Lipeng
Published: August 2015

The standard k-ε model (SKE) and the Reynolds stress model (RSM) are employed to predict the tip leakage flow (TLF) in a low-speed large-scale axial compressor rotor. Then, a new research method is adopted to “freeze” the turbulent kinetic energy and dissipation rate of the flow field derived from the RSM, and obtain the turbulent viscosity using the Boussinesq hypothesis. The Reynolds stresses and mean flow field computed on the basis of the frozen viscosity are compared with the results of the SKE and the RSM. The flow field in the tip region based on the frozen viscosity is more similar to the results of the RSM than those of the SKE, although certain differences can be observed. This finding indicates that the non-equilibrium turbulence transport nature plays an important role in predicting the TLF, as well as the turbulence anisotropy.
Frege on the Foundation of Geometry in Intuition
Authors: Shipley Jeremy
Published: August 2015

I investigate the role of geometric intuition in Frege’s early mathemat- ical works and the significance of his view of the role of intuition in geometry to properly understanding the aims of his logicist project. I critically evaluate the interpretations of Mark Wilson, Jamie Tappen- den, and Michael Dummett. The final analysis that I provide clarifies the relationship of Frege’s restricted logicist project to dominant trends in German mathematical research, in particular to Weierstrassian arith- metization and to the Riemannian conceptual/geometrical tradition at Göttingen. Concurring with Tappenden, I hold that Frege’s logicism should not be understood as a continuing a project of reductionist arith- metization. However, Frege does not quite take up the Riemannian ban- ner either. His logicism supports a hierarchical understanding of the structure of mathematical knowledge, according to which arithmetic is applicable to geometry but not vice versa because the former is more general, as revealed by the strictly logical nature of its objects in com- parison to the intuitional nature of geometric objects. I suggest, in par- ticular, that Frege intended that foundational work would show the use of geometric intuition in complex analysis, a source of error for Rie- mann that Weierstrass was proud to have uncovered, to be inessential.
Governança Corporativa Induz Melhor Desempenho e Inibe Alavancagem: Evidência da Indústria Brasileira de Petróleo & Gás
Authors: Silva Vládia Geane Moura , Santos Joséte Florencio dos , Almeida Moisés Araújo
Published: August 2015

Purpose. This study analyzes the oil industry, gas and biofuels in order to identify associations between corporate governance practices with capital structure, risk and performance.Methodology. These data were verified through 3SLS models (Three-Stage Least Squares). For this, we used a data set composed of 19 companies, for a panel data analysis in the period 2005-2009.Findings. The results suggest a negative association between leverage and corporate governance company level, supporting the substitution hypothesis, according to which the leverage works as a governance substitute. Also they did not reject the hypothesis that the greater the governance practices, greater market performances and accounting of these companies, as well as reduces the market risk.Limitations. The main limitation of this research is the sample size, 19 companies, with particular focus on an industry, reducing the generalizability of the results.Originality/Value. This study sought to contribute to the understanding of the relationship between corporate governance, capital structure, performance and risk; specifically for the oil, gas and biofuels in Brazil, an important and understudied emerging market.
Big Data as a Revolutionary Tool in Finance
Authors: Bressan Aureliano Angel
Published: August 2015

A data driven culture is arising as a research field and analytic tool in Finance and Management since the advent of structured, semi-structured and unstructured socio-economic and demographic information from social media, mobile devices, blogs and product reviews from consumers. Big Data, the expression that encompasses this revolution, involves the usage of new tools for financial professionals and academic researchers due to the size of data involved, which require more powerful manipulation tools. In this sense, Machine Learning techniques can allow more effective ways to model complex relationships that arise from the interaction of different types of data, regarding issues such as Operational and Reputational Risk, Portfolio Management, Business Intelligence and Predictive Analytics. The following books can be a good start for those interested in this new field.
Open Access to Content and Financial Innovation
Authors: Mendes-Da-Silva Wesley
Published: August 2015

Over the last twenty years the world has experienced significant growth in the supply of knowledge as a result of the advent of the Internet and there has been a drastic reduction in the cost of acquiring or constructing relevant information. This has meant that various industries, like banks, commerce and even the public management sector have undergone a reconfiguration process. Similarly, universities and the publishers of scientific periodicals need to reflect on their future. After all, who is prepared to pay for content that can be freely accessed? In the wake of the change in the technological paradigm that characterizes communication, and driven by financial crises, we find the topic of Financial Innovation (Lerner, 2006). But this topic was already on the agenda even before the Internet appeared on the scene (Miller, 1986). At the beginning of May 2013, when we started putting together the Journal of Financial Innovation (JoFI) an article entitled “Free-for-all”, which was published in the important British publication, The Economist, discussed the growth of open access scientific journals. At the time the British magazine stressed the practice adopted in the UK, which established open access journals as being the destination for research results. In essence, what is intended is to constitute a quality publication route without readers or authors being burdened with high costs, an area that is still responsible for large portions of the billionaire publishing market around the world.