bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DIFFUSION-DRIVEN INSTABILITY AND WAVE PATTERNS OF LESLIE–GOWER COMPETITION MODEL
Authors: LI MEI-FENG , ZHANG GUANG , LU ZHI-YI , ZHANG LU
Published: July 2015

In this paper, the diffusion-driven instability of the Leslie–Gower competition model with the periodic boundary conditions is investigated. By using the linearization method and the inner product techniques, the instability conditions of this model at the coexistence fixed point and the competitive exclusion fixed points are obtained, respectively. As an example, the diffusion-driven instability conditions of a symmetric Leslie–Gower competition model at the coexistence fixed point is obtained when the diffusion coefficients are equal. Under these instability conditions, various patterns, including spirals, traveling waves and disorders, are observed in the numerical simulations. On the other hand, we also numerically investigate the effects of diffusion coefficient and the strength of the interspecific competition on the wave patterns.
REGULATORY CAPITAL MODELING FOR CREDIT RISK
Authors: RUTKOWSKI MAREK , TARCA SILVIO
Published: July 2015

The Basel II internal ratings-based (IRB) approach to capital adequacy for credit risk plays an important role in protecting the banking sector against insolvency. We outline the mathematical foundations of regulatory capital for credit risk, and extend the model specification of the IRB approach to a more general setting than the usual Gaussian case. It rests on the proposition that quantiles of the distribution of conditional expectation of portfolio percentage loss may be substituted for quantiles of the portfolio loss distribution. We present a more compact proof of this proposition under weaker assumptions. Then, constructing a portfolio that is representative of credit exposures of the Australian banking sector, we measure the rate of convergence, in terms of number of obligors, of empirical loss distributions to the asymptotic (infinitely fine-grained) portfolio loss distribution. Moreover, we evaluate the sensitivity of credit risk capital to dependence structure as modeled by asset correlations and elliptical copulas. Access to internal bank data collected by the prudential regulator distinguishes our research from other empirical studies on the IRB approach.
Nonexistence of a pair of arc disjoint directed Hamilton cycles on line digraphs of 2-diregular digraphs
Authors: Govindan T. , Muthusamy A.
Published: July 2015

Bermond conjectured that if G is Hamilton cycle decomposable, then L(G), the line graph of G is Hamilton cycle decomposable. In this paper, we prove that, for any k > 5, there exists a directed Hamilton cycle decomposable 2-diregular digraph D of order 2k such that L(D) is not directed Hamilton cycle decomposable.
Homotopy Analysis Method for Nonlinear Periodic Oscillating Equations with Absolute Value Term
Authors: Cui Jifeng , Xu Hang , Lin Zhiliang
Published: July 2015

Based on the homotopy analysis method (HAM), an analytic approach is proposed for highly nonlinear periodic oscillating equations with absolute value terms. The nonsmoothness of absolute value terms is handled by means of Fourier expansion, and the convergence is accelerated by using the iteration method. Two typical examples which can not be solved by the method of averaging of perturbation technique are employed to illustrate the validity and flexibility of this approach. Rather, accurate approximations are obtained using the HAM-based approach. The proposed approach has general meanings and thus can be used to solve many highly nonlinear periodic oscillating systems with this type of nonsmoothness of absolute value term.
Improvement of Shelf Life and Sensory Quality of Pears Using a Specialized Edible Coating
Authors: Cruz Virgilio , Rojas Romeo , Saucedo-Pompa Saúl , Martínez Dolores G. , Aguilera-Carbó Antonio F. , Alvarez Olga B. , Rodríguez Raúl , Ruiz Judith , Aguilar Cristóbal N.
Published: July 2015

An edible coating functionalized with pomegranate polyphenols was designed. Different blends of candelilla wax, gum arabic, jojoba oil, and pomegranate polyphenols were formulated in order to improve the shelf life quality of pears (variety Bartlett), and all formulations were applied by immersion onto the fruit surface. Coated pears with and without polyphenols and uncoated pears (control) were stored under the same conditions. Fruits were analyzed to evaluate changes in their physicochemical, microbiological, and sensorial properties during 30 days of storage at room temperature. Coated pears coded as T13 (candelilla wax 3%, gum arabic 4%, jojoba oil 0.15%, and pomegranate polyphenols 0.015%) extended and improved their shelf life quality due to the minimization of the physic-chemical changes and sensorial properties. Therefore, the results indicated that the formulated edible coating has potential to extend the shelf life and maintain quality of pears. It was probed that coated pears were accepted for consumers as a good product. Edible coating application represents a good alternative to keep pears freshness for longer periods.
Intradermal DNA Electroporation Induces Cellular and Humoral Immune Response and Confers Protection against HER2/neu Tumor
Authors: Lamolinara Alessia , Stramucci Lorenzo , Hysi Albana , Iezzi Manuela , Marchini Cristina , Mariotti Marianna , Amici Augusto , Curcio Claudia
Published: July 2015

Skin represents an attractive target for DNA vaccine delivery because of its natural richness in APCs, whose targeting may potentiate the effect of vaccination. Nevertheless, intramuscular electroporation is the most common delivery method for ECTM vaccination. In this study we assessed whether intradermal administration could deliver the vaccine into different cell types and we analyzed the evolution of tissue infiltrate elicited by the vaccination protocol. Intradermal electroporation (EP) vaccination resulted in transfection of different skin layers, as well as mononuclear cells. Additionally, we observed a marked recruitment of reactive infiltrates mainly 6–24 hours after treatment and inflammatory cells included CD11c+. Moreover, we tested the efficacy of intradermal vaccination against Her2/neu antigen in cellular and humoral response induction and consequent protection from a Her2/neu tumor challenge in Her2/neu nontolerant and tolerant mice. A significant delay in transplantable tumor onset was observed in both BALB/c (p≤0,0003) and BALB-neuT mice (p=0,003). Moreover, BALB-neuT mice displayed slow tumor growth as compared to control group (p<0,0016). In addition, while in vivo cytotoxic response was observed only in BALB/c mice, a significant antibody response was achieved in both mouse models. Our results identify intradermal EP vaccination as a promising method for delivering Her2/neu DNA vaccine.
Geometric Least Square Models for Deriving[0,1]-Valued Interval Weights from Interval Fuzzy Preference Relations Based on Multiplicative Transitivity
Authors: Yang Xuan , Wang Zhou-Jing
Published: July 2015

This paper presents a geometric least square framework for deriving[0,1]-valued interval weights from interval fuzzy preference relations. By analyzing the relationship among[0,1]-valued interval weights, multiplicatively consistent interval judgments, and planes, a geometric least square model is developed to derive a normalized[0,1]-valued interval weight vector from an interval fuzzy preference relation. Based on the difference ratio between two interval fuzzy preference relations, a geometric average difference ratio between one interval fuzzy preference relation and the others is defined and employed to determine the relative importance weights for individual interval fuzzy preference relations. A geometric least square based approach is further put forward for solving group decision making problems. An individual decision numerical example and a group decision making problem with the selection of enterprise resource planning software products are furnished to illustrate the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed models.
Current Patterns of Management of Advanced Prostate Cancer in Routine Clinical Practice in Spain
Authors: Ribal Maria José , Martínez-Salamanca Juan Ignacio , García Freire Camilo
Published: July 2015

Objective. To describe urologists’ practice patterns when managing patients with advanced prostate cancer (PCa) in Spain.Methods. This was an observational study conducted by 120 urologists using retrospective data of advanced PCa patients attending hospitals and outpatient centers.Results. Urologists evaluated a total of 375 patients (mean age: 75 years; ECOG 0-1: 77%; mean serum PSA levels at study entry: 50.5 ng/Ml). Approximately 50% of patients had bone metastases, and 60.6% experienced pain as the main symptom of progressive disease. Primary androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) use was 99.7%, with continuous ADT as the dominant strategy (91.9%). After failure of initial ADT, antiandrogen withdrawal was the next method most commonly used in 57% of patients. Choice of secondary hormonal treatment was made mostly by urologists (96%), who continued to monitor patients. Patient follow-up after chemotherapy and supportive care were mainly done in urology units, although responsibility was shared with medical oncologists and radiologists.Conclusion. The urologists’ attitudes towards management of PCa in the routine practice in Spain show the urologist as an integral component even when patients progress to advanced stages of the disease.
Prevalence and Prognostic Value of Early Repolarization in Low Risk Surgical Patients
Authors: Ota Chiho , Shiono Sin-nosuke , Fujino Yuji , Kamibayashi Takahiko , Hayashi Yukio
Published: July 2015

Recent epidemiological studies documented that early repolarization may be associated with increased risk of serious cardiac events, including cardiac death. Little is known about the prognostic significance of this pattern in low risk surgical patients. This retrospective study included 3028 patients over 18 years of age and with ASA class I and II risk, undergoing noncardiac elective surgery. We followed the patients for one year. Early repolarization in preoperative ECG was found in 219 patients (7.2%) and patients with early repolarization were more likely to be male and younger. Newly observed cardiac events were significantly higher in the early repolarization group (1.37% versus 0.21%;P=0.003). Multivariate regression analysis reveals that early repolarization (odds ratio: 6.019,P=0.013) significantly increased newly observed cardiac events. Our retrospective study suggests that low risk surgical patients with early repolarization have statistically higher opportunity of newly observed cardiac events within one year after surgery.
Assessing the Impact of Mechanical Damage on Full-Thickness Porcine and Human Skin Using anIn VitroApproach
Authors: Dabboue Hinda , Builles Nicolas , Frouin Éric , Scott Dan , Ramos Jeanne , Marti-Mestres Gilberte
Published: July 2015

For most xenobiotics, the rates of percutaneous absorption are limited by diffusion through the horny layer of skin. However, percutaneous absorption of chemicals may seriously increase when the skin is damaged. The aim of this work was to develop anin vitrorepresentative model of mechanically damaged skins. The epidermal barrier was examined following exposure to a razor, a rotating brush, and a microneedle system in comparison to tape-stripping which acted as a reference. Excised full-thickness skins were mounted on a diffusion chamber in order to evaluate the effect of injuries and to mimic physiological conditions. The transepidermal water loss (TEWL) was greatly increased when the barrier function was compromised. Measurements were made for all the damaged biopsies and observed histologically by microscopy. On human and porcine skins, the tape-stripping application (0 to 40 times) showed a proportional increase in TEWL which highlights the destruction of the stratum corneum. Similar results were obtained for all cosmetic instruments. This is reflected in our study by the nonsignificant difference of the mean TEWL scores between 30 strips and mechanical damage. For a specific appreciation, damaged skins were then selected to qualitatively evaluate the absorption of a chlorogenic acid solution using fluorescence microscopy.
Xuezhikang Capsule for Type 2 Diabetes with Hyperlipemia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trails
Authors: Li Min , He Qingyong , Chen Yinfeng , Li Bo , Feng Bo , Zhang Zhenpeng , Wang Jie
Published: July 2015

Objective. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Xuezhikang capsule treating type 2 diabetes with hyperlipidemia.Methods. We searched six databases to identify relevant studies published before January 2015. Two review authors independently extracted data and assessed the Cochrane risk of bias tool. We resolved disagreements with this assessment through discussion and a decision was achieved by consensus.Results. We included 21 studies (1548 participants). Treatment courses were at least 8 weeks. Overall, the risk of bias of included trials was unclear. Among them, 16 studies could conduct meta-analysis. The result showed that compared with routine group (5 studies), Xuezhikang group had more effect on decreasing TC, TG, LDL-C, and rising HDL-C. However, compared with statins group (11 studies), Xuezhikang group has less effect on decreasing TC, TG, and rising HDL-C. Meanwhile, two groups had no statistical differences of LDL-C level.Conclusion. Xuezhikang capsule may be effective for treating type 2 diabetes with hyperlipemia. Our findings should be considered cautiously due to unclear risk of bias of the included studies and low methodological quality. Therefore, more strictly designed large-scale randomized clinical trials are needed to evaluate the efficacy of Xuezhikang capsule in type 2 diabetes with hyperlipemia.
An Endosymbiotic Evolutionary Algorithm for the Hub Location-Routing Problem
Authors: Sun Ji Ung
Published: July 2015

We consider a capacitated hub location-routing problem (HLRP) which combines the hub location problem and multihub vehicle routing decisions. The HLRP not only determines the locations of the capacitatedp-hubs within a set of potential hubs but also deals with the routes of the vehicles to meet the demands of customers. This problem is formulated as a 0-1 mixed integer programming model with the objective of the minimum total cost including routing cost, fixed hub cost, and fixed vehicle cost. As the HLRP has impractically demanding for the large sized problems, we develop a solution method based on the endosymbiotic evolutionary algorithm (EEA) which solves hub location and vehicle routing problem simultaneously. The performance of the proposed algorithm is examined through a comparative study. The experimental results show that the proposed EEA can be a viable solution method for the supply chain network planning.
Intravesical Migration of Missed Intrauterine Device Associated with Stone Formation: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Kart Mücahit , Gülecen Turgay , Üstüner Murat , Çiftçi Seyfettin , Yavuz Ufuk , Özkürkçügil Cüneyd
Published: July 2015

Intrauterine device is the most widely used method of reversible contraception. It may cause various complications including perforation of uterus. In this case, 44-year-old woman was presented with lower urinary tract symptoms after six years of insertion. Patient has no remarkable physical or laboratory finding but abdominal ultrasound revealed a 27 mm hyperechogenicity, suggestive of foreign body or calculus on the posterior bladder wall which was removed endoscopically. This case highlights the need of immediate and periodic evaluation of women with intrauterine device to avoid missing serious complications.
Z′Resonance and AssociatedZhProduction at Future Higgs Boson Factory: ILC and CLIC
Authors: Gutiérrez-Rodríguez A. , Hernández-Ruíz M. A.
Published: July 2015

We study the prospects of theB-Lmodel with an additionalZ′boson to be a Higgs boson factory at high-energy and high-luminosity linear electron positron colliders, such as the ILC and CLIC, through the Higgs-strahlung processe+e-→(Z,Z′)→Zh, including both the resonant and the nonresonant effects. We evaluate the total cross section ofZhand we calculate the total number of events for integrated luminosities of 500–2000 fb−1and center of mass energies between 500 and 3000 GeV. We find that the total number of expectedZhevents can reach 106, which is a very optimistic scenario and it would be possible to perform precision measurements for bothZ′and Higgs boson in future high-energye+e-colliders experiments.
Multivariate Self-Dual Morphological Operators Based on Extremum Constraint
Authors: Lei Tao , Wang Yi , Luo Weiwei
Published: July 2015

Self-dual morphological operators (SDMO) do not rely on whether one starts the sequence with erosion or dilation; they treat the image foreground and background identically. However, it is difficult to extend SDMO to multichannel images. Based on the self-duality property of traditional morphological operators and the theory of extremum constraint, this paper gives a complete characterization for the construction of multivariate SDMO. We introduce a pair of symmetric vector orderings (SVO) to construct multivariate dual morphological operators. Furthermore, utilizing extremum constraint to optimize multivariate morphological operators, we construct multivariate SDMO. Finally, we illustrate the importance and effectiveness of the multivariate SDMO by applications of noise removal and segmentation performance. The experimental results show that the proposed multivariate SDMO achieves better results, and they suppress noises more efficiently without losing image details compared with other filtering methods. Moreover, the proposed multivariate SDMO is also shown to have the best segmentation performance after the filtered images via watershed transformation.
A Systematic Overview of Reviews for Complementary and Alternative Therapies in the Treatment of the Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Authors: Lauche Romy , Cramer Holger , Häuser Winfried , Dobos Gustav , Langhorst Jost
Published: July 2015

Objectives.This systematic overview of reviews aimed to summarize evidence and methodological quality from systematic reviews of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for the fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS).Methods.The PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases were screened from their inception to Sept 2013 to identify systematic reviews and meta-analyses of CAM interventions for FMS. Methodological quality of reviews was rated using the AMSTAR instrument.Results.Altogether 25 systematic reviews were found; they investigated the evidence of CAM in general, exercised-based CAM therapies, manipulative therapies, Mind/Body therapies, acupuncture, hydrotherapy, phytotherapy, and homeopathy. Methodological quality of reviews ranged from lowest to highest possible quality. Consistently positive results were found for tai chi, yoga, meditation and mindfulness-based interventions, hypnosis or guided imagery, electromyogram (EMG) biofeedback, and balneotherapy/hydrotherapy. Inconsistent results concerned qigong, acupuncture, chiropractic interventions, electroencephalogram (EEG) biofeedback, and nutritional supplements. Inconclusive results were found for homeopathy and phytotherapy. Major methodological flaws included missing details on data extraction process, included or excluded studies, study details, and adaption of conclusions based on quality assessment.Conclusions.Despite a growing body of scientific evidence of CAM therapies for the management of FMS systematic reviews still show methodological flaws limiting definite conclusions about their efficacy and safety.
Rock Mass Blastability Classification Using Fuzzy Pattern Recognition and the Combination Weight Method
Authors: Xiao Shuangshuang , Li Kemin , Ding Xiaohua , Liu Tong
Published: July 2015

Rock mass blastability classification provides a theoretical basis for rock mass blasting design, which is used to select blasting explosives, to estimate the unit explosive consumption, and to determine blasting design parameters. The primary factors that affect rock mass blastability were analyzed by selecting five indexes for rock mass blastability classification, that is, the rock Protodyakonov coefficient, rock tensile strength, rock density, rock wave impedance, and integrity coefficient of rock mass, and by identifying standards for the rock mass blastability classification and a method for testing the blasting classification indexes. The index weights were calculated using the combination weight method, which is based on game theory. A model for rock mass blastability classification was developed in combination with a fuzzy pattern recognition method. This classification method was applied to a Heidaigou open-pit coal mine, where mudstone, fine sandstone, medium sandstone, and coarse sandstone were determined to have a blastability degree of II, which corresponds to a blastability characterization of “easy,” and the unit explosive consumption of mudstone, fine sandstone, medium sandstone, and coarse sandstone was determined to be 0.44, 0.42, 0.40, and 0.36 kg/m3, respectively. These results were used to develop a loose blasting design that was effective for loose blasting.
Unusual Causes of Abrupt Anuria Early Post-Renal Transplantation
Authors: Konana Chennabasappa Gurudev , Puri Sonika , Varma Vijay , Eswarappa Mahesh
Published: July 2015

Renal transplantation using living donors has superior outcomes in comparison to deceased donor transplantation and results in immediate allograft function in a majority of cases. Rarely may allograft be nonfunctional from the beginning, or anuria is noted after a period of good urine output. Surgical causes for anuria should be high on the differential diagnosis in immediate-to-early posttransplant period, especially in an unsensitized recipient. We present two unusual causes of early onset anuria after living related renal transplantation where early surgical reexploration salvaged renal allografts with excellent long term outcomes.
A 28-Year-Old Woman with Fever, Weight Loss, Pancytopenia, and Multiple Hepatosplenic and Bone Lesions
Authors: Sheybani Fereshte , Amiri Bezat , Naderi HamidReza , Sarvghad Mohammad Reza
Published: July 2015

Brucellosis is a systemic zoonotic infection that can involve any organ or system in the body. It may present with a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations. Considering such myriad presentations, brucellosis should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of any febrile illness in a compatible epidemiological context. Here, we report a rare presentation of acute brucellosis with multifocal osteomyelitis and hepatosplenic lesions.
Dopaminergic Regulation of Striatal Interneurons in Reward and Addiction: Focus on Alcohol
Authors: Clarke Rhona , Adermark Louise
Published: July 2015

Corticobasal ganglia networks coursing through the striatum are key structures for reward-guided behaviors. The ventral striatum (nucleus accumbens (nAc)) and its reciprocal connection with the ventral tegmental area (VTA) represent a primary component of the reward system, but reward-guided learning also involves the dorsal striatum and dopaminergic inputs from the substantia nigra. The majority of neurons in the striatum (>90%) are GABAergic medium spiny neurons (MSNs), but both the input to and the output from these neurons are dynamically controlled by striatal interneurons. Dopamine is a key neurotransmitter in reward and reward-guided learning, and the physiological activity of GABAergic and cholinergic interneurons is regulated by dopaminergic transmission in a complex manner. Here we review the role of striatal interneurons in modulating striatal output during drug reward, with special emphasis on alcohol.
Image Quality Assessment of a CMOS/Gd2O2S:Pr,Ce,F X-Ray Sensor
Authors: Michail Christos
Published: July 2015

The aim of the present study was to examine the image quality performance of a CMOS digital imaging optical sensor coupled to custom made gadolinium oxysulfide powder scintillators, doped with praseodymium, cerium, and fluorine (Gd2O2S:Pr,Ce,F). The screens, with coating thicknesses 35.7 and 71.2 mg/cm2, were prepared in our laboratory from Gd2O2S:Pr,Ce,F powder (Phosphor Technology, Ltd.) by sedimentation on silica substrates and were placed in direct contact with the optical sensor. Image quality was determined through single index (information capacity, IC) and spatial frequency dependent parameters, by assessing the Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) and the Normalized Noise Power Spectrum (NNPS). The MTF was measured using the slanted-edge method. The CMOS sensor/Gd2O2S:Pr,Ce,F screens combinations were irradiated under the RQA-5 (IEC 62220-1) beam quality. The detector response function was linear for the exposure range under investigation. Under the general radiography conditions, both Gd2O2S:Pr,Ce,F screen/CMOS combinations exhibited moderate imaging properties, in terms of IC, with previously published scintillators, such as CsI:Tl, Gd2O2S:Tb, and Gd2O2S:Eu.
Compressed Sensing Based Apple Image Measurement Matrix Selection
Authors: Xiao Ying , Gao Wanlin , Zhang Ganghong , Zhang Han
Published: July 2015

The purpose of this paper is to design a measurement matrix of apple image based on compressed sensing to realize low cost sampling apple image. Compressed sensing based apple image sampling method makes a breakthrough to the limitation of the Nyquist sampling theorem. By investigating the matrix measurement signal, the method can project a higher dimensional signal to a low-dimensional space for data compression and reconstruct the original image using less observed values. But this method requires that the measurement matrix and sparse transformation base satisfy the conditions of RIP or incoherence. Real time acquiring and transmitting apple image has great importance for monitoring the growth of fruit trees and efficiently picking apple. This paper firstly chooses sym5 wavelet base as apple image sparse transformation base, and then it uses Gaussian random matrices, Bernoulli random matrices, Partial Orthogonal random matrices, Partial Hadamard matrices, and Toeplitz matrices to measure apple images, respectively. Using the same measure quantity, we select the matrix that has best reconstruction effect as the apple image measurement matrix. The reconstruction PSNR values and runtime were used to compare and contrast the simulation results. According to the experiment results, this paper selects Partial Orthogonal random matrices as apple image measurement matrix.
Biometrics Analysis and Evaluation on KoreanMakgeolliUsing Brainwaves and Taste Biological Sensor System
Authors: Kim Yong-Sung , Kim Yong-Suk
Published: July 2015

There are several methods available in measuring food taste. The sensory evaluation, for instance, is a typical method for panels to test of taste and recognize smell with their nose by measuring the degree of taste characteristic, intensity, and pleasure. There are many issues entailed in the traditional sensory evaluation method such as forming a panel and evaluation cost; moreover, it is only localized in particular areas. Accordingly, this paper aimed to select food in one particular area, and compare and review the content between sensory evaluations using a taste biological sensor, as well as presenting an analysis of brainwaves using EEG and finally a proposal of a new method for sensory evaluation. In this paper, the researchers have conducted a sensory evaluation whereas a maximum of nine points were accumulated by purchasing eight types of rice wine. These eight types ofMakgeolliwere generalized by generating multidimensional data with the use of TS-5000z, thus learning mapping points and scaling them. The contribution of this paper, therefore, is to overcome the disadvantages of the sensory evaluation with the usage of the suggested taste biological sensor system.
Acute Brucellosis with Splenic Infarcts: A Case Report from a Tertiary Care Hospital in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alyousef Mishal , Enani Mushira , Elkhatim Mohammad
Published: July 2015

Splenic infarction is an extremely rare and unique presentation of brucellosis. Only few cases have been reported worldwide. We here report a case of a young man, presenting with acute onset of fever, left hypochondial pain, and vomiting. Further evaluation revealed multiple splenic infarcts and positive blood culture for brucellosis despite negative transesophageal echocardiography for endocarditis. Significant improvement in clinical symptoms and splenic lesions was achieved after six weeks of combination therapy against brucellosis.
The Different Effects of BMI and WC on Organ Damage in Patients from a Cardiac Rehabilitation Program after Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Xu Lin , Zhao Hui , Qiu Jian , Zhu Wei , Lei Hongqiang , Cai Zekun , Lin Wan-Hua , Huang Wenhua , Zhang Heye , Zhang Yuan-Ting
Published: July 2015

One of the purposes of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is to monitor and control weight of the patient. Our study is to compare the different obesity indexes, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference (WC), through one well-designed CR program (CRP) with ACS in Guangzhou city of Guangdong Province, China, in order to identify different effects of BMI and WC on organ damage. In our work, sixty-one patients between October 2013 and January 2014 fulfilled our study. We collected the vital signs by medical records, the clinical variables of body-metabolic status by fasting blood test, and the organ damage variables by submaximal exercise treadmill test (ETT) and ultrasonic cardiogram (UCG) both on our inpatient and four-to-five weeks of outpatient part of CRP after ACS. We mainly used two-tailed Pearson’s test and liner regression to evaluate the relationship of BMI/WC and organ damage. Our results confirmed that WC could be more accurate than BMI to evaluate the cardiac function through the changes of left ventricular structure on the CRP after ACS cases. It makes sense of early diagnosis, valid evaluation, and proper adjustment to ACS in CRP of the obesity individuals in the future.
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery for Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia by Targeting the Medial Cisternal Segment of the Glossopharyngeal Nerve: Report of 3 Cases
Authors: Xiong Nan-Xiang , Tan Daisong , Fu Peng , Zhao Hong-Yang
Published: July 2015

Gamma knife surgery (GKS) is now used as a treatment option for glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GPN). Most authors have selected the distal part of the nerve as the gamma knife target. Here we report on 3 patients with medically intractable GPN who were treated with GKS. All 3 patients had a single shot with a 4-mm collimator which was used to deliver 80 Gy to the 100% isodose line. The GKS targets were the medial cisternal segments of the glossopharyngeal nerve. Patients were investigated prospectively, treated, and then assessed periodically with respect to pain relief and neurological function. Three patients felt pain reduced at 2, 7, and 11 days, respectively. None of them have suffered recurrent pain since becoming pain free. The follow-up after radiosurgery was 25 months, 22 months, and 20 months, respectively. This preliminary experience provides encouraging evidence that choosing the medial cisternal segment of the glossopharyngeal nerve as the target is also an option for the treatment of GPN with stereotactic radiosurgery and is consistent with previous reports. Additional follow-ups and a larger number of patients are needed to demonstrate the long-term safety and effectiveness for this indication.
An Epithelial Ca2+-Sensor Protein is an Alternative to Calmodulin to Compose Functional KCNQ1 Channels
Authors: Inanobe Atsushi , Tsuzuki Chizuru , Kurachi Yoshihisa
Published: July 2015

Background/Aims: KCNQ channels transport K+ ions and participate in various cellular functions. The channels directly assemble with auxiliary proteins such as a ubiquitous Ca2+-sensor protein, calmodulin (CaM), to configure the physiological properties in a tissue-specific manner. Although many CaM-like Ca2+-sensor proteins have been identified in eukaryotes, how KCNQ channels selectively interact with CaM and how the homologues modulate the functionality of the channels remain unclear. Methods: We developed protocols to evaluate the interaction between the green fluorescent protein-tagged C-terminus of KCNQ1 (KCNQ1cL) and Ca2+-sensors by detecting its fluorescence in size exclusion chromatography and electrophoresed gels. The effects of Ca2+-sensor proteins on KCNQ1 activity was measured by two electrode voltage clamp technique of Xenopus oocytes. Results: When co-expressed CaM and KCNQ1cL, they assemble in a 4:4 stoichiometry, forming a hetero-octamer. Among nine CaM homologues tested, Calml3 was found to form a hetero-octamer with KCNQ1cL and to associate with the full-length KCNQ1 in a competitive manner with CaM. When co-expressed in oocytes, Calml3 rendered KCNQ1 channels resistant to the voltage-dependent depletion of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate by voltage-sensitive phosphatase. Conclusion: Since Calml3 is closely related to CaM and is prominently expressed in epithelial cells, Calml3 may be a constituent of epithelial KCNQ1 channels and underscores the molecular diversity of endogenous KCNQ1 channels.
Higher Cardiovascular Risk in Common Variable Immunodeficiency and X-Linked Agammaglobulinaemia Patients
Authors: Vieira Daniele Gonçalves , Costa-Carvalho Beatriz Tavares , Hix Sonia , da Silva Rosangela , Correia Milena S.G. , Sarni Roseli Oselka Saccardo
Published: July 2015

Introduction: Common variable immunodeficiency and X-linked agammaglobulinaemia are primary immunodeficiencies classified as antibody deficiencies, and they both result in hypogammaglobulinaemia. Objective: Evaluate the lipid profile and other cardiovascular risk biomarkers in CVID and XLA patients. Methods: In total, 24 patients and 12 healthy controls matched by age and gender were included in the study. We evaluated anthropometric measurements, and seric total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), triglycerides (TG), apo A-I, small dense LDL (sdLDL), C-reactive protein (CRP), and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), myeloperoxidase (MPO), cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP), and lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) were assessed. Results: CRP (p = 0.008) and TNF-alpha (p < 0.001) concentrations were significantly higher, whereas HDL-c (p = 0.025) and apo A-I (p = 0.013) levels were significantly lower in patients than in the controls. In the patient group, a negative and significant correlation was observed between HDL-c and TNF-alpha (r = -0.406; p = 0.049) and between HDL-c and TG (r = -0.641; p = 0.001). Conclusion: Common variable immunodeficiency and X-linked agammaglobulinaemia patients presented themselves with increased inflammatory markers associated with a decreased HDL-c and apo A-I levels, which can predispose to a high cardiovascular risk.
Characteristics and Mechanisms of the Subseasonal Eastward Extension of the South Asian High
Authors: Ren Xuejuan , Yang Dejian , Yang Xiu-Qun
Published: July 2015

This study investigates the features of eastward extension of the South Asian high (SAH) and its connection with diabatic heating and rainfall over eastern Asia on subseasonal time scales. The causes of SAH’s eastward extension are examined by potential vorticity (PV) diagnosis with emphasis on the joint role of diabatic heating feedback and midlatitude wave train. The SAH’s eastward extension features eastward propagation of a wave train across Eurasia. Among the wave train, the migration of weak high from the western flank of the Tibetan Plateau (TP) to the east of TP contributes to the SAH’s eastward extension at the early stage. When the SAH approaches its easternmost position, a strong negative PV (positive geopotential height) center prevails to the east of the TP at 200 hPa. The associated anomalies in diabatic heating and rainfall include the anomalous heating and above-normal rainfall over the South China Sea (SCS) and subtropical western Pacific occurring 12 days before the SAH’s easternmost stretch, and then anomalous cooling and below-normal rainfall over the southern foot of the TP and southern China and heating and above-normal rainfall over the northern TP and northern China a week later. The anomalous heating and ascending motion over the northern TP and northern China act to increase negative PV locally at 200 hPa. The cooling and descending induce positive PV over southern China. The north–south dipolar structure of PV anomaly with the climatological northerly flow is favorable to southward advection of a negative PV anomaly at 200 hPa. The anomalous heating over the SCS–western Pacific helps to develop a below-normal rainfall condition over southern China via inducing a lower-level anomalous cyclone over coastal region. These processes are conducive to the SAH’s eastward extension at its later stage.
Global Detection and Analysis of Coastline-Associated Rainfall Using an Objective Pattern Recognition Technique
Authors: Bergemann Martin , Jakob Christian , Lane Todd P.
Published: July 2015

Coastally associated rainfall is a common feature, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. However, it has been difficult to quantify the contribution of coastal rainfall features to the overall local rainfall. The authors develop a novel technique to objectively identify precipitation associated with land–sea interaction and apply it to satellite-based rainfall estimates. The Maritime Continent, the Bight of Panama, Madagascar, and the Mediterranean are found to be regions where land–sea interactions play a crucial role in the formation of precipitation. In these regions ~40%–60% of the total rainfall can be related to coastline effects. Because of its importance for the climate system, the Maritime Continent is a region of particular interest, with high overall amounts of rainfall and large fractions resulting from land–sea interactions throughout the year. To demonstrate the utility of this study’s identification method, the authors investigate the influence of several modes of variability, such as the Madden–Julian oscillation and the El Niño–Southern Oscillation, on coastal rainfall behavior. The results suggest that during large-scale suppressed convective conditions, coastal effects tend to modulate the rainfall over the Maritime Continent leading to enhanced rainfall over land regions compared to the surrounding oceans. The authors propose that the novel objective dataset of coastally influenced precipitation can be used in a variety of ways, such as to inform cumulus parameterization or as an additional tool for evaluating the simulation of coastal precipitation within weather and climate models.
Radar Vertical Profile of Reflectivity Correction with TRMM Observations Using a Neural Network Approach
Authors: Wang Yadong , Zhang Jian , Chang Pao-Liang , Cao Qing
Published: July 2015

Complex terrain poses challenges to the ground-based radar quantitative precipitation estimation (QPE) because of partial or total blockages of radar beams in the lower tilts. Reflectivities from higher tilts are often used in the QPE under these circumstances and biases are then introduced due to vertical variations of reflectivity. The spaceborne Precipitation Radar (PR) on board the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite can provide good measurements of the vertical structure of reflectivity even in complex terrain, but the poor temporal resolution of TRMM PR data limits their usefulness in real-time QPE. This study proposes a novel vertical profile of reflectivity (VPR) correction approach to enhance ground radar–based QPEs in complex terrain by integrating the spaceborne radar observations. In the current study, climatological relationships between VPRs from an S-band Doppler weather radar located on the east coast of Taiwan and the TRMM PR are developed using an artificial neural network (ANN). When a lower tilt of the ground radar is blocked, higher-tilt reflectivity data are corrected with the trained ANN and then applied in the rainfall estimation. The proposed algorithm was evaluated with three typhoon precipitation events, and its preliminary performance was evaluated and analyzed.
Geometry-Based Models for Studying the Effects of Wind Farm Layout
Authors: Ghaisas Niranjan S. , Archer Cristina L.
Published: July 2015

Layout studies are critical in designing large wind farms, since wake effects can lead to significant reductions in power generation. Optimizing wind farm layout using computational fluid dynamics is practically unfeasible today because of their enormous computational requirements. Simple statistical models, based on geometric quantities associated with the wind farm layout, are therefore attractive because they are less demanding computationally. Results of large-eddy simulations of the Lillgrund (Sweden) offshore wind farm are used here to calibrate such geometry-based models. Several geometric quantities (e.g., blockage ratio, defined as the fraction of the swept area of a wind turbine that is blocked by upstream turbines) and their linear combinations are found to correlate very well (correlation coefficient of ~0.95) with the power generated by the turbines. Linear models based on these geometric quantities are accurate at predicting the farm-averaged power and are therefore used here to study layout effects in large wind farms. The layout parameters that are considered include angle between rows and columns, angle between incoming wind and columns (orientation), turbine spacings, and staggering of alternate rows. Each can impact wind power production positively or negatively, and their interplay is complex. The orientation angle is the most critical parameter influencing wake losses, as small changes in it can cause sharp variations in power. In general, for a prevailing wind direction, the orientation angle should be small (7.5°–20°) but not zero; staggering and spacing are beneficial; and nonorthogonal layouts may outperform orthogonal ones. This study demonstrates the utility of simple, inexpensive, and reasonably accurate geometry-based models to identify general principles governing optimal wind farm layout.
Effects of Antenna Patterns on Cloud Radar Polarimetric Measurements
Authors: Myagkov Alexander , Seifert Patric , Wandinger Ulla , Bauer-Pfundstein Matthias , Matrosov Sergey Y.
Published: July 2015

This paper presents an experimental analysis of the antenna system effects on polarimetric measurements conducted with cloud radars operating in the linear depolarization ratio (LDR) mode. Amplitude and phase of the copolar and cross-polar antenna patterns are presented and utilized. The patterns of two antennas of different quality were measured at the Hungriger Wolf airport near Hohenlockstedt, Germany, during the period from 28 January to 1 February 2014. For the measurements a test transmitter mounted on a tower and the scanning 35-GHz (Ka band) cloud radar MIRA-35, manufactured by METEK GmbH and operated in the receiving mode, were used. The integrated cross-polarization ratios (ICPR) are calculated for both antennas and compared with those measured in light rain. Correction algorithms for observed LDR and the co-cross-channel correlation coefficient ρ are presented. These algorithms are aimed at removing/mitigating polarization cross-coupling effects that depend on the quality of radar hardware. Thus, corrected LDR and ρ are primarily influenced by scatterer properties. The corrections are based on the decomposition of the coherency matrix of the received signals into fully polarized and nonpolarized components. The correction brings LDR values and the co-cross-channel correlation coefficients from two radars with different antenna systems to a close agreement, thus effectively removing hardware-dependent biases. Uncertainties of the correction are estimated as 3 dB for LDR in the range from −30 to −10 dB. In clouds, the correction of the co-cross-channel correlation coefficient ρ results in near-zero values for both vertically pointed radars.
Young Adult Outcomes and the Life-Course Penalties of Parental Incarceration
Authors: Mears Daniel P. , Siennick Sonja E.
Published: July 2015

Objectives:

The transition to adulthood can be challenging, especially for children of incarcerated parents. Drawing on reentry and life-course scholarship, we argue that parental incarceration may adversely affect multiple life outcomes for children as they progress from adolescence into adulthood and that such effects may persist from early young adulthood into late young adulthood.

Methods:

The study uses propensity score matching analyses of National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health data ( N = 12,844).

Results:

Analyses identified harmful effects of parental incarceration on many life domains, including criminal behavior, mental health, illegal drug use, education, earnings, and intimate relationships. These effects typically surfaced by early young adulthood and continued into late young adulthood.

Conclusions:

The results suggest that parental incarceration constitutes a significant turning point in the lives of young people and underscore the importance of life-course perspectives for understanding incarceration effects. They also illustrate that formal punishment policies may create harms that potentially offset intended benefits.
A Thematic Literature Review
Authors: Broadhurst Kathleen , Harrington Ann
Published: July 2015

The purpose of this review was to investigate within the literature the link between transcendent phenomena and peaceful death. The objectives were firstly to acknowledge the importance of such experiences and secondly to provide supportive spiritual care to dying patients. Information surrounding the aforementioned concepts is underreported in the literature. The following 4 key themes emerged: spiritual comfort; peaceful, calm death; spiritual transformation; and unfinished business. The review established the importance of transcendence phenomena being accepted as spiritual experiences by health care professionals. Nevertheless, health care professionals were found to struggle with providing spiritual care to patients who have experienced them. Such phenomena are not uncommon and frequently result in peaceful death. Additionally, transcendence experiences of dying patients often provide comfort to the bereaved, assisting them in the grieving process.
Risk Factors Associated with Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders among Female Flight Attendants
Authors: Lee Hyeonkyeong , Wilbur JoEllen , Conrad Karen M. , Miller Arlene M.
Published: July 2015

In preparation for surveying female flight attendants about work-related musculoskeletal disorder risk factors and symptoms, a focus group study was completed with members of the target population. The aims of this study were to ensure completeness of a previously developed list of physically strenuous job tasks performed by female flight attendants and assess the clarity, appropriateness, and applicability of existing self-reported measures to be used in the survey. Female flight attendants who worked one or more long-haul international flights in the prior 3 months and 75 or more hours in the prior month were recruited from the union membership. A trained moderator led a 2-hour discussion with the flight attendants. With use of a transcript-based analysis, a final list of 41 job tasks was created. Useful comments on a set of self-reported measures were obtained. The information provided an essential step toward integrating workers' perspectives into development of the survey.