bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of commonly used organophosphate pesticides that induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in peripheral blood lymphocytes of rats
Authors: Ojha A , Gupta YK
Published: December 2016

In a previous study, we have found that organophosphate (OP) pesticides such as chlorpyrifos (CPF), methyl parathion (MPT), and malathion (MLT) significantly induced genotoxicity in peripheral blood lymphocytes of rats. To explore the mechanism of OP-induced genotoxicity, we measured the formation of DNA interstrand cross-links (DICs) and apoptosis in peripheral blood lymphocytes of rats. Peripheral blood lymphocytes of rats were treated with CPF, MPT, and MLT individually and in combination at concentrations of 0.1 and 0.25 LC50 for 2, 4, 8, and 12 h at 37°C. Lipid peroxidation (LPO) was measured as a biomarker of oxidative stress. Apoptosis induced by CPF, MPT, and MLT individually and in combination was determined by measuring the intracellular level of active caspase-3 and caspase-9 by spectrofluorimetry. We found significant dose- and time-dependent increases in LPO, DICs formation and increase of intracellular active caspase-3 and caspase-9 in exposed peripheral blood lymphocytes of rats. These findings suggest that the studied pesticides have potential to induce oxidative stress, cause DNA adduct formation, and cause failure of adduct repair, which leads to apoptosis that is partially mediated by activation of intracellular caspase-3 and caspase-9.
Nilotinib attenuates endothelial dysfunction and liver damage in high-cholesterol-fed rabbits
Authors: El-Agamy DS
Published: December 2016

Nilotinib is an oral potent tyrosine kinase inhibitor that has diverse biological activities. However, its effects on hypercholesterolemia and associated disorders have not been studied yet. The present study explored the effect of nilotinib on atherosclerosis progression, endothelial dysfunction, and hyperlipidemia-associated hepatic injury in high-cholesterol (HC)-fed rabbits. Rabbits were classified into four groups: control, nilotinib, HC, and HC + nilotinib groups. Rabbits were fed either a regular diet or an HC-enriched diet for 8 weeks. By the end of the eighth week, blood and tissue samples were obtained for biochemical, histological, immunohistochemical, and in vitro analyses. Results indicated that the HC diet induced a significant elevation in the serum lipid parameters (triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol), lactate dehydrogenase, and nitric oxide content. Endothelial dysfunction was evident through the impairment of acetylcholine-induced relaxation of isolated aortas and the histopathological lesions of the aortic specimen. Moreover, HC significantly increased serum malondialdehyde. Liver damage was clear through increase in serum transaminases and alkaline phosphatase, and it was further supported by histopathological examination. HC increased the expression of platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR)-B in both aorta and liver tissues. Interestingly, nilotinib administration retarded atherosclerosis progression and attenuated all of the aforementioned parameters. These data suggest that nilotinib may counteract atherosclerosis development, vascular dysfunction, and hepatic damage in HC-fed rabbits through interfering with PDGF-B.
Inequality-adjusted Human Development Index: States in India
Authors: Suryanarayana M. H. , Agrawal Ankush , Prabhu K. Seeta
Published: December 2016

The UNDP Human Development Report (HDR) for 2010 introduced a new index, the Inequality-adjusted Human Development Index (IHDI), to capture the distributional dimensions of human development. The indicators used for the three dimensions of the HDI, namely, income, education and health, are adjusted for inequalities in attainments across persons. In the light of growing concern with inequalities in India and the focus of the Government of India on inclusive growth, this article adopts the methodology proposed in the HDR 2010 to compute the HDI and the IHDI for states in India. This is done largely using the available information from different National Sample Survey (NSS) rounds on appropriate variables. To facilitate cross-country comparison, the indices are normalized with reference to the goalposts mentioned in the HDR 2010. The findings of this study provide useful policy insights for a strategy to promote human development by addressing inequalities across dimensions in different states in the country. The potential lost due to inequalities is the highest in education among the three dimensions. Similarly, the inequalities are staggering in the case of health. Given the spectacular growth that the country has witnessed in the last decade, the policies promoting economic growth needs to be integrated with the distributional dimensions of education and health.
A Preliminary Study on Cognitive–Behavior Interventions for Hong Kong Chinese Delinquent Youth
Authors: Wong Daniel F. K. , Ip Priscilla S. Y. , Chan Man Ho , Zhuang Xiao Yu
Published: December 2016

Objectives:

This study evaluated a culturally attuned cognitive–behavior intervention for reducing impulsivity and delinquency-related attitudes and behaviors among Chinese delinquent youth in Hong Kong.

Methods:

A quasi-experimental design was adopted. Twenty participants received CBI, and 20 received routine counseling for a period of 12 months. All participants filled out a standardized questionnaire before the intervention and at 6 and 12 months of intervention.

Results:

A series of 2 × 3 analyses of variance were used to examine the Time × Group Effects of the two groups of participants. Results suggested, when compared to the control group, the participants in the experimental group showed greater and continuous positive changes in overall impulsivity, nonplanning impulsivity, cognitive impulsivity, and overall delinquency, with effect sizes showing moderate to large magnitude of change.

Conclusion:

This culturally attuned CBI program may be a useful inclusion in the outreaching social services for Chinese delinquent youth in Hong Kong.
Religion and Spiritual Care in Pediatric Intensive Care Unit: Parental Attitudes Regarding Physician Spiritual and Religious Inquiry
Authors: Arutyunyan Tsovinar , Odetola Folafoluwa , Swieringa Ryan , Niedner Matthew
Published: December 2016

Objective:

Parents of seriously ill children require attention to their spiritual needs, especially during end-of-life care. The objective of this study was to characterize parental attitudes regarding physician inquiry into their belief system.

Materials and Main Results:

A total of 162 surveys from parents of children hospitalized for >48 hours in pediatric intensive care unit in a tertiary academic medical center were analyzed. Forty-nine percent of all respondents and 62% of those who identified themselves as moderate to very spiritual or religious stated that their beliefs influenced the decisions they made about their child’s medical care. Although 34% of all respondents would like their physician to ask about their spiritual or religious beliefs, 48% would desire such enquiry if their child was seriously ill. Those who identified themselves as moderate to very spiritual or religious were most likely to welcome the discussion ( P < .001). Two-thirds of the respondents would feel comforted to know that their child’s physician prayed for their child. One-third of all respondents would feel very comfortable discussing their beliefs with a physician, whereas 62% would feel very comfortable having such discussions with a chaplain.

Conclusion:

The study findings suggest parental ambivalence when it comes to discussing their spiritual or religious beliefs with their child’s physicians. Given that improved understanding of parental spiritual and religious beliefs may be important in the decision-making process, incorporation of the expertise of professional spiritual care providers may provide the optimal context for enhanced parent–physician collaboration in the care of the critically ill child.
Couples Therapy and Empathy
Authors: Schmidt Christopher D. , Gelhert Nathan C.
Published: December 2016

Empathy is directly related to one’s satisfaction with a romantic partner, and therefore, most approaches to couples therapy explicitly address empathy as a means for creating positive relational change. Imago relationship therapy (IRT) is practiced extensively worldwide yet lacks research validating its effectiveness. Given IRT’s focus on developing empathy within the members of the romantic partnership, it is important to examine how empathy contributes to change in relationship satisfaction. This random and controlled study examined the impact of 12 weeks of IRT treatment on individual ( N = 60) empathy levels. Results showed a significant interaction between time and condition and found significant increases in treatment group empathy levels at each of three assessment points. These findings begin to emphasize the impact of IRT on couple empathy levels and highlight the potential benefits of using this particular therapeutic modality to promote positive relational change within romantic relationships. The research would have benefited from greater diversity within the sample and a greater understanding of the specific therapist interventions that impact client couple empathy levels.
Social Dynamics of Renewable Energy—How the European Union’s Renewable Energy Directive Triggers Land Pressure in Tanzania
Authors: Harnesk David , Brogaard Sara
Published: December 2016

The European Union plays a globally influential role in environmental legislation, with policies and regulation rooted in particular norms. Through a narrative on regulatory capitalism, ecological modernization, and diffusion, we trace how the promotion of renewable energy in transport through subsidies, mandatory targets, and prescriptive criteria for liquid biofuels mobilize social forces for its market development. The study identifies prevailing norms, mechanisms of decision making, and the network of actors involved in this regulatory regime and also identifies where and through whom its expansion influenced decisions in Tanzania. The findings show how this regime emphasizes systematic eco-innovation of energy technologies, has a substitutable approach to natural capital, and subordinates social concerns to economic efficiency. The analysis shows how this regime mobilized a broader network of actors with similar interests, who mediated the political space of liquid biofuels in Tanzania in ways which conflicted with a domestic critique concerning land use.
An Investigation of a Computerized Sequential Depression Module of the MMPI-2
Authors: Nyquist Alex C. , Forbey Johnathan D.
Published: December 2016

The current study investigated the utility and validity of a computerized “depression” module of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory–Second version (MMPI-2), with and without sequential testing rules, with a college student sample. Participants completed one of three MMPI-2 test–retest administrations (i.e., conventional–conventional, conventional–module, or conventional–sequential module) as well as 15 criterion measures across two testing sessions exactly 1 week apart. The findings pointed to statistically significant and clinically meaningful time-savings in administering selected MMPI-2 scales (for both full-length and variable-length versions). Criterion measures rationally selected to represent similar (depression, anhedonia, anxiety) and dissimilar (behavioral, thought, and somatic dysfunction) psychological constructs were administered to assess the convergent and discriminant validity of the depression module. The criterion correlations suggested minimal differences in discriminant and convergent validity across administration modes, suggesting limited to no impact of administering targeted MMPI-2 scales in terms of construct validity.
Predicting Sexual Harassment From Hostile Sexism and Short-Term Mating Orientation: Relative Strength of Predictors Depends on Situational Priming of Power Versus Sex
Authors: Diehl Charlotte , Rees Jonas , Bohner Gerd
Published: December 2016

Previous research has shown that short-term mating orientation (STMO) and hostile sexism (HS) selectively predict different types of sexual harassment. In a priming experiment, we studied the situational malleability of those effects. Male participants could repeatedly send sexist jokes (gender harassment), harassing remarks (unwanted sexual attention), or nonharassing messages to a (computer-simulated) female target. Before entering the laboratory, participants were unobtrusively primed with the concepts of either sexuality or power. As hypothesized, sexuality priming strengthened the link between STMO and unwanted sexual attention, whereas power priming strengthened the link between HS and gender harassment. Practical implications are discussed.
Reducing Stigma and Punitive Attitudes Toward Pedophiles Through Narrative Humanization
Authors: Harper Craig A. , Bartels Ross M. , Hogue Todd E.
Published: December 2016

Stigmatization and societal punitiveness about pedophilia have a range of potential consequences, such as the social isolation of people with sexual interest in children, and the formation of policies that are not consistent with empirical research findings. Previous research has shown that people with pedophilic sexual interests use societal thinking to self-stigmatize, which in turn may actually serve to increase their risk of committing a sexual offense. In this study, we compared two attitudinal interventions (first-person narrative vs. expert opinion) using a student sample ( N = 100). It was hypothesized that both interventions would lead to reductions in stigmatization and punitive attitudes about pedophiles on an explicit (self-report) level but that only the narrative intervention would lead to reductions of these constructs at the implicit level. Our findings supported both hypotheses. We further discuss the role of narrative humanization in this area and offer suggestions for further research based upon the theoretical and methodological implications of the findings.
Effect of Al2O3 nanoparticle reinforcement on the mechanical and high-temperature tribological behavior of Al-7075 alloy
Authors: Bai Yaping , Guo Yongchun , Li Jianping , Yang Zhong , Tian Jia
Published: December 2016

In this paper, Al2O3/7075 composites were prepared by mechanical alloying with subsequent hot-pressing sintering, and the effect of Al2O3 nanoparticle on the mechanical and tribological behavior of 7075 was studied. The mechanical property results showed that the hardness and compressive strength of Al2O3/7075 composites first increased and then decreased with Al2O3 amount increasing, and 5 wt.% Al2O3 addition made the material exhibit excellent comprehensive mechanical properties. The tribological properties also indicated that 5 wt.% Al2O3 nanoparticle significantly improved the high-temperature wear resistance of 7075 alloys. Thus, all the mechanical and tribological results confirmed that the addition of Al2O3 nanoparticle was a better strengthening way for 7075 alloys at high temperatures.
A cross-cultural validation of the controlling teacher behaviours scale in physical education
Authors: Hein Vello , Emeljanovas Arunas , Mieziene Brigita
Published: December 2016

The present study examined the validity of the factor structure and invariance of the Controlling Teacher Behaviours Scale (CTBS) across two nations. Data were collected from Estonian ( n=453) and Lithuanian ( n=431) students using the multidimensional measure of teachers’ controlling behaviours. Multi-sample confirmatory factor analyses showed that the measure of teachers’ controlling behaviours with four scales (negative conditional regard, controlling use of rewards, excessive personal control and intimidation) were partially invariant at the configural, metric and strong invariance level. The results of the latent mean estimates showed no differences between Estonian and Lithuanian students in respect of the perception of the use of reward, whereas the perception of negative conditional regard, intimidation and excessive personal control appeared to be higher for Estonian students. The results indicated that CTBS is generally suitable for measuring the perceptions of teachers’ controlling behaviour among Estonian and Lithuanian students. Furthermore, results established that one item was perceived differently across samples and, therefore, there is a need for further research to test the invariance of the CTBS among student samples with different cultural backgrounds.
Prognostic value of an increase in post-exercise ankle–brachial index
Authors: Hammad Tarek A , Hiatt William R , Gornik Heather L , Shishehbor Mehdi H
Published: December 2016

Prior studies have assessed the prognostic value of a decrease, not an increase, of the post-exercise ankle–brachial index (ABI) among patients with normal resting results. Thus, we sought to evaluate the prognostic significance of an increase in post-exercise ABI among these patients. From a single center vascular laboratory database between September 2005 and January 2010, we retrospectively identified 1437 consecutive patients with a normal resting ABI (1.00–1.40) and available post-exercise results. We classified them into group 1 (normal subjects; post-exercise ABI drop ⩽ 20%, 58%) and group 2 (post-exercise ABI increase, 42%) after excluding those with an ABI drop > 20% (peripheral artery disease) as they had known disease ( n=192). The primary outcome was to assess the risk of ischemic events, defined as a composite of unadjudicated death, stroke, or myocardial infraction (MACE). Associations between groups and outcomes were examined using multivariable Cox proportional hazard and propensity analyses. Both groups had similar prevalence of cardiovascular comorbidities. In unadjusted analysis, group 2 was more likely to have MACE ( p = 0.001). After adjusting for all baseline characteristics, an increase in post-exercise ABI compared to normal subjects was associated with a higher MACE (adjusted HR: 1.70, 95% CI: 1.14–2.53; p=0.009). This association stayed statistically significant after propensity matching (adjusted HR: 1.80, 95% CI: 1.17–2.76; p=0.007). This hypothesis-generating analysis showed that an increase in post-exercise ABI appears to identify a population with a higher risk for MACE. A prospective study of this association and mechanisms of risk should be conducted.
Factors influencing the probability of a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder in girls versus boys
Authors: Duvekot Jorieke , van der Ende Jan , Verhulst Frank C , Slappendel Geerte , van Daalen Emma , Maras Athanasios , Greaves-Lord Kirstin
Published: December 2016

In order to shed more light on why referred girls are less likely to be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder than boys, this study examined whether behavioral characteristics influence the probability of an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis differently in girls versus boys derived from a multicenter sample of consecutively referred children aged 2.5–10 years. Based on information from the short version of the Developmental, Dimensional and Diagnostic Interview and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, 130 children (106 boys and 24 girls) received a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed., text rev.) criteria and 101 children (61 boys and 40 girls) did not. Higher overall levels of parent-reported repetitive and restricted behavior symptoms were less predictive of an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis in girls than in boys (odds ratio interaction = 0.41, 95% confidence interval = 0.18–0.92, p = 0.03). In contrast, higher overall levels of parent-reported emotional and behavioral problems increased the probability of an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis more in girls than in boys (odds ratio interaction = 2.44, 95% confidence interval = 1.13–5.29, p = 0.02). No differences were found between girls and boys in the prediction of an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis by overall autistic impairment, sensory symptoms, and cognitive functioning. These findings provide insight into possible explanations for the assumed underidentification of autism spectrum disorder in girls in the clinic.
Attention and written expression in school-age, high-functioning children with autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Zajic Matthew C , McIntyre Nancy , Swain-Lerro Lindsay , Novotny Stephanie , Oswald Tasha , Mundy Peter
Published: December 2016

High-functioning children with autism spectrum disorders often find writing challenging. These writing difficulties may be specific to autism spectrum disorder or to a more general clinical effect of attention disturbance, as these children are often comorbid for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptomatology (and children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder often also find writing challenging). To examine this issue, this study investigated the role of attention disturbance on writing in 155 school-age children across four diagnostic groups: high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (HFASD) with lower ADHD symptoms (HFASD-L), HFASD with higher ADHD symptoms (HFASD-H), ADHD symptoms but no autism spectrum disorder symptoms, and typical development. Both HFASD subgroups and the ADHD group displayed lower word production writing scores than the typical development group, but the clinical groups did not differ. The HFASD-H and ADHD groups had significantly lower theme development and text organization writing scores than the typical development group, but the HFASD-L and typical development groups were not significantly different. The findings support prior research reporting writing problems in children with autism spectrum disorder but also suggest that children with HFASD-H may be at greater risk for writing difficulties than children with HFASD-L. Better understanding the role of attention in writing development could advance methods for assessment and intervention for children with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder at risk for writing difficulties.
Psychometric analysis of the Salutogenic Health Indicator Scale (SHIS) in adolescents
Authors: Garmy Pernilla , Berg Agneta , Clausson Eva K. , Hagell Peter , Jakobsson Ulf
Published: December 2016

Aim: The aim of this study was to test the psychometric properties of the Salutogenic Health Indicator Scale (SHIS) in an adolescent population. Methods: The investigation was performed among Swedish students aged 13–15 years ( n = 817; 58% girls). The SHIS was assessed for respondent acceptability, and its psychometric properties were evaluated according to classical test theory (regarding unidimensionality, targeting, reliability, and external construct validity). Results: The adolescents found it easy to complete the questionnaire, which was completed in an average of 4 minutes. Exploratory factor analysis, which is based on polychoric correlations, identified one factor, supporting the instrument’s unidimensionality. Floor/ceiling effects were ⩽ 3.3%. Reliability estimates yielded a Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.93; the test–retest reliability ( n = 50; 2-week interval) coefficients were 0.89 for the total SHIS score and 0.52–0.79 for item scores. Spearman correlations with other variables were based on a priori expectations (self-rated general health, 0.595; depressive symptoms, −0.773; anxiety, −0.577; and sleep problems, 0.519). Conclusions: Our observations support both the acceptability and the psychometric properties of the SHIS as a brief, unidimensional assessment tool for salutogenic health in adolescents. Further studies using modern test theory are needed to better understand the measurement properties of the SHIS, including the functioning of its response categories and its comparability between adolescents and adults.
A study on the application of the experience economy to luxury cruise passengers
Authors: Hwang Jinsoo , Han Heesup
Published: December 2016

The purpose of this study tried to identify the significance of the experience economy in the luxury cruise industry. To achieve this purpose, this study suggested that four dimensions of the experience economy including education, entertainment, esthetics, and escapism positively affect brand prestige. In addition, it was proposed that brand prestige plays an important role in the formation of the following three outcome variables: social value, brand attachment, and brand loyalty. Data were collected from 312 luxury cruise passengers via an online company’s system in the U.S. The data analysis results showed that all four dimensions of the experience economy have a positive influence on brand prestige, which in turn positively affects social value, brand attachment, and brand loyalty. Both theoretical and managerial implications of the results are discussed.
The experience of spirituality from the perspective of people living with dementia: A systematic review and meta-synthesis
Authors: Daly Louise , Fahey-McCarthy Elizabeth , Timmins Fiona
Published: December 2016

Spirituality is an important aspect of humanity. Concerned with deriving meaning from events, and connection with others, it provides a mechanism for some to cope with illness and disability. While spiritual support is recognised as important, little is known about the spiritual needs of those people experiencing dementia. This meta-synthesis considers the experiences of spirituality from the perspective of people living with a diagnosis of dementia. Using a review protocol, key words from a preliminary scoping review were used to direct database searches in November 2013. A total of 667 papers were initially identified. However, following careful quality review assessment a final eight papers were selected. Findings demonstrated the ongoing importance of spirituality to people living with dementia and its importance as a means of finding hope, meaning and linkage with past, present and future. Expression of spirituality through faith practices, contact with faith communities, and the impact of dementia on these, were also highlighted.
Toward a strategic view of higher education social responsibilities: A dynamic capabilities approach
Authors: Hayter Christopher S. , Cahoy Daniel R.
Published: December 2016

The social responsibilities of higher education serve as the foundation for its existence. Within an increasingly global context, society expects colleges and universities to undertake new and increasingly complex social responsibilities that expand traditional higher education missions while emphasizing new obligations such as economic development and sustainability. Higher education institutions have responded by adding new programs and services—such as new degree programs, equity and inclusion offices, and training for older workers—and aggressively pursuing new sources of revenue in support of their missions. Despite these considerable efforts, there is a growing sense that higher education is not adequately fulfilling its social responsibilities. We contend that these trends do not stem from intransigence, but are instead symptomatic of the need for strategic management frameworks tailored to the unique social responsibilities and impacts of higher education. To this end, we introduce a strategic social responsibility framework based on the emergent concept of dynamic capabilities. Strategic social responsibility emphasizes the establishment and continuing renewal of an orchestration infrastructure that enables colleges and universities to maximize their social impact through the alignment of strategy and resources. Implications for future scholarship and policy are discussed.
Culture(s) of control: Political dynamics in cannabis policy in England & Wales and the Netherlands
Authors: Brewster David
Published: December 2016

This paper draws upon an empirical comparative study of policy-making in England & Wales and the Netherlands. Recent changes in cannabis policy prima facie indicate some convergence towards a toughening of approaches, thereby suggesting commonalities in control cultures. However, analysis of findings illuminate significant differences in the policy process between these jurisdictions which contribute towards continued divergence towards small-scale supply and consumption of cannabis. It is argued that this can be understood and explained through an understanding of differences in both political institutions and cultures, and in organizational responsibilities and relations of power. Consequentially, this further supports the notion that comparative research and theorizing needs to take account of mechanisms and features which lead to variegated control cultures.
A Novel Copolymer-Based Functional SPECT/MR Imaging Agent for Asialoglycoprotein Receptor Targeting
Authors: Zhang Pu , Guo Zhide , Zhang Deliang , Liu Chang , Chen Guibing , Zhuang Rongqiang , Song Manli , Wu Hua , Zhang Xianzhong
Published: December 2016

The aim of this study is to develop a copolymer-based single-photon emission computed tomography/magnetic resonance (SPECT/MR) dual-modality imaging agent that can be labeled with both technetium-99m (99mTc) and gadolinium (Gd) and target asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR) via galactose. Monomers of N- p-vinylbenzyl-6-(2-(4-dimethylamino)benzaldehydehydrazono) nicotinate (VNI) for labeling of 99mTc, 5,8- bis(carboxymethyl)-3-oxo-11-(2-oxo-2-((4-vinylbenzyl)amino)ethyl)-1-(4-vinylphenzyl)-2,5,8,11-tetraazatridecan-13-oic acid (V2DTPA) for labeling of Gd, and vinylbenzyl- O-β-d-galactopyranosyl-d-gluconamide (VLA) for targeting ASGPR were synthesized, respectively. Then the copolymer P(VLA-co-VNI-co-V2DTPA) ( pVLND2) was synthesized and characterized by gel permeation chromatography, dynamic light scattering, and high-performance liquid chromatography analysis. After labeling with 99mTc and Gd simultaneously, the radiochemical purity, toxicity, relaxivity (r1), and in vivo SPECT/MR imaging in mice were evaluated. Single-photon emission computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging and biodistribution results showed that pVLND2 could target ASGPR well. The significantly improved signal to noise ratio was observed in mice liver during MR imaging. All the results suggest that this novel kind of copolymer has the potential to be further developed as a functional SPECT/MR imaging agent.
First PET Imaging Studies With 63Zn-Zinc Citrate in Healthy Human Participants and Patients With Alzheimer Disease
Authors: DeGrado Timothy R. , Kemp Bradley J. , Pandey Mukesh K. , Jiang Huailei , Gunderson Tina M. , Linscheid Logan R. , Woodwick Allison R. , McConnell Daniel M. , Fletcher Joel G. , Johnson Geoffrey B. , Petersen Ronald C. , Knopman David S. , Lowe Val J.
Published: December 2016

Abnormalities in zinc homeostasis are indicated in many human diseases, including Alzheimer disease (AD). 63Zn-zinc citrate was developed as a positron emission tomography (PET) imaging probe of zinc transport and used in a first-in-human study in 6 healthy elderly individuals and 6 patients with clinically confirmed AD. Dynamic PET imaging of the brain was performed for 30 minutes following intravenous administration of 63Zn-zinc citrate (∼330 MBq). Subsequently, body PET images were acquired. Urine and venous blood were analyzed to give information on urinary excretion and pharmacokinetics. Regional cerebral 63Zn clearances were compared with 11C-Pittsburgh Compound B (11C-PiB) and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) imaging data. 63Zn-zinc citrate was well tolerated in human participants with no adverse events monitored. Tissues of highest uptake were liver, pancreas, and kidney, with moderate uptake being seen in intestines, prostate (in males), thyroid, spleen, stomach, pituitary, and salivary glands. Moderate brain uptake was observed, and regional dependencies were observed in 63Zn clearance kinetics in relationship with regions of high amyloid-β plaque burden (11C-PiB) and 18F-FDG hypometabolism. In conclusion, zinc transport was successfully imaged in human participants using the PET probe 63Zn-zinc citrate. Primary sites of uptake in the digestive system accent the role of zinc in gastrointestinal function. Preliminary information on zinc kinetics in patients with AD evidenced regional differences in clearance rates in correspondence with regional amyloid-β pathology, warranting further imaging studies of zinc homeostasis in patients with AD.
A simulation assessment of methods to infer cultural transmission on dark networks
Authors: Karimov Rouslan , Matthews Luke J
Published: December 2016

The social transmission of beliefs, behaviors, and technologies is a central function of dark networks, just as it is in legitimate networks. One motivation for disrupting dark networks is to break the flow of information and learning. It is often unclear, however, which network should be targeted for disruption because individuals inhabit multiple and correlated networks, and the most relevant network for a given cultural process must be inferred from limited empirical data. Three analytic methods potentially are able to distinguish among alternative network diffusion processes: autoregression, dyadic regression with permutations, and dyadic regression with or random effects. All three rely on having measureable cultural outcomes and network or tree-like connections among the data points. We tested the ability of each method to infer cultural diffusion correctly within 4000 simulated datasets generated on two historical networks that linked violent and pacifist Anabaptist religious groups. Under both frequentist and Bayesian inference procedures, regression of dyadic matrices with random effects exhibited the best statistical performance. We found similar results in a more comprehensive search of the network parameter space that simulated both network structures and the diffusion of traits.
Research on path loss and shadow fading of ultra wideband simulation channel
Authors: Hongmei Zhao , Hailong Yao , Shuting Guo
Published: December 2016

The uniform geometrical theory of diffraction and ray tracing technique is used to simulate ultra wideband signal multipath propagation characteristics. The simulation model covers indoor office and outdoor corridor with thick wall and metal doors. The range of path loss exponent of distance is obtained by regression analysis, and the lognormal distribution about shadowing fading is got by the fitting and test. The distance-dependence path loss in the indoor and indoor to the corridor present lognormal distribution characteristics. Through the comparative research, the signal of the transmission metal door has a decisive influence on the corridor environment.
Secure protection of video recorder video in smart car
Authors: Kim Cheonshik , Shin Dongkyoo , Shin Dongil , Yang Chin-Nung
Published: December 2016

Many automobile drivers have come to believe that installation of video recording equipment in a car is essential to providing evidence in case of a car accident and to facilitate reporting to police. Thus, it is important to develop an in-vehicle video recorder with high resolution to document accidents. To provide such video quality, the H.264 video format, which offers high compression and good quality, has been used for an in-vehicle video recorder. However, due to problems with fabricated evidence of digital records, we propose a new watermark method to authenticate in-vehicle video. This watermarking scheme authenticates and protects in-vehicle video. The proposed scheme manipulates the quantization table of the I-frames in car surveillance videos and embeds watermarks in the I-frames. Experimental verification was done to confirm the authentication and tamper detection of the proposed watermark image method for in-vehicle video.
A clustering approach for error beacon filtering in underwater wireless sensor networks
Authors: Liu Linfeng , Du Jingli , Guo Dongyue
Published: December 2016

Underwater wireless sensor networks are the enabling technology for the aquatic environmental monitoring and exploring and have attracted much attention recently. Due to the highly hostile and unpredictable underwater environments, some beacon nodes tend to move or be damaged. Therefore, the unknown nodes will be positioned with larger error, which abases the value of data collected by sensor nodes. In order to solve the beacon error problem, this article proposes an error beacon filtering algorithm based on K-means clustering. First, the coordinate of each beacon is calculated through an improved trilateration method, and then the beacon with the maximum positioning error is filtered out via the K-means clustering algorithm. The remaining beacons repeat the above processes until the distance error of each beacon does not exceed a preset threshold. The analysis of simulation results indicates that the error beacons can be accurately found and filter out through our proposed error beacon filtering algorithm (based on K-means clustering), and thus the localization accuracy is enhanced. Besides, error beacon filtering algorithm also has a provable low complexity.
A feasibility study of ballet education using measurement and analysis on partial features of still scenes
Authors: Park So-Hyun , Hong Gwang-Soo , Park Sun-Woo , Nasridinov Aziz , Park In-Ja , Kim Byung-Kyu , Park Young-Ho
Published: December 2016

There have been a number of dance and ballet education systems using different multimedia devices. One of the well-known multimedia devices is Kinect which uses multiple built-in sensors. We focus on Kinect-based dance and ballet education systems. Existing systems that use Kinect cannot properly recognize the turnout movement. We propose the use of a lower body joint point estimation algorithm and a closest foot points estimation algorithm that can efficiently perform image localization for recognition of basic ballet movements. In addition, in order to evaluate correct ballet movements, we propose a method that extracts partial features from still scenes and performs measurements for knee and foot positions. The proposed method is the first ballet education system that properly measures movements of a ballet dancer.
A new algorithm for finding the K shortest paths in a time-schedule network with constraints on arcs
Authors: Guo Jianyuan , Jia Limin
Published: December 2016

Time-schedule network with constraints on arcs (TSNCA) means network with a list of pre-defined departure times for each arc. Compared to past research on finding the K shortest paths in TSNCA, the algorithm in this paper is suitable for networks having parallel arcs with the same direction between two nodes. A node label algorithm for finding the K shortest paths between two nodes is proposed. Temporal-arcs are put into the labels of nodes and arranged by ascending order. The number of temporal-arcs is limited to K in every label of node to improve the effectiveness of the algorithm. The complexity of this algorithm is [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the maximum number of departure times from a node, [Formula: see text] is the number of arcs in network, and [Formula: see text] is the number of nodes in network. Experiments are carried out on major part of real urban mass transit network in Beijing, China. The result proves that the algorithm is effective and practical.
Hierarchical remote data possession checking method based on massive cloud files
Authors: Haifeng Ma , Zhenguo Gao , Nianmin Yao
Published: December 2016

Cloud storage service enables users to migrate their data and applications to the cloud, which saves the local data maintenance and brings great convenience to the users. But in cloud storage, the storage servers may not be fully trustworthy. How to verify the integrity of cloud data with lower overhead for users has become an increasingly concerned problem. Many remote data integrity protection methods have been proposed, but these methods authenticated cloud files one by one when verifying multiple files. Therefore, the computation and communication overhead are still high. Aiming at this problem, a hierarchical remote data possession checking (hierarchical-remote data possession checking (H-RDPC)) method is proposed, which can provide efficient and secure remote data integrity protection and can support dynamic data operations. This paper gives the algorithm descriptions, security, and false negative rate analysis of H-RDPC. The security analysis and experimental performance evaluation results show that the proposed H-RDPC is efficient and reliable in verifying massive cloud files, and it has 32–81% improvement in performance compared with RDPC.
Two years’ long-term follow up in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy: efficacy of intravenous immunoglobulin treatment
Authors: Ellrichmann Gisa , Gold Ralf , Ayzenberg Ilya , Yoon Min-Suk , Schneider-Gold Christiane
Published: December 2016

Background:

Administration of intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIgs) is established for long-term treatment of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP). Prevention of secondary axonal loss going along with permanent clinical disability and muscular atrophy is a major aim in CIDP therapy. To assess long-term clinical efficacy of IVIg treatment despite heterogenous disease course and variable complaints reported by the patients, long-term electrophysiological monitoring was performed for systematic evaluation of therapeutic efficacy of IVIg.

Methods:

A total of 21 patients with CIDP treated with IVIg 1 g/kg bodyweight every 3–6 weeks were examined electrophysiologically every 12 months over a period of 2 years.

Results:

Assessment of clinical symptoms, using the Inflammatory Neuropathy Cause and Treatment (INCAT) and Hughes functional grading score (F-score) revealed improvement of motor and sensory symptoms over a period of 2 years. As electrophysiological results remained stable, IVIg treatment seems to be suitable to prevent axonal loss in CIDP.

Conclusions:

This study confirms efficacy of IVIg as firstline therapy in CIDP. Doses and frequency of IVIg application should be adapted based on clinical evaluation and analysis of long-term electrophysiological findings.
Effects of injection pressure on cavitation and spray in marine diesel engine
Authors: Yan Fei , Du Yuchen , Wang Lihui , Tang Wenxian , Zhang Jian , Liu Bo , Liu Chenpeng
Published: December 2016

Numerical simulation of the cavitation and spray in a marine diesel engine is performed to investigate the effects of injection pressure on the cavitation flow and spray characteristics in the marine diesel engine, which in turn influence atomization and combustion in the cylinder. A two-phase flow model combined with single bubble dynamics and a droplet break-up model are used to simulate cavitation and spray, respectively, and the results are compared to the experimental data. With increasing injection pressure, the pressure fluctuations inside the nozzle become more intense. The spray penetration is proportional to time at the beginning of injection. Higher injection pressure increases the spray angle. In addition, massive structures on spray edge can return to the spray body, whereas the massive structures on the spray head remain unchanged throughout its lifetime. Each additional 20 MPa of injection pressure reduces the Sauter mean diameter by approximately 9%.
Computational Fluid Dynamic study on the effect of near gravity material on dense medium cyclone treating coal using Discrete Phase Model and Algebraic Slip mixture multiphase model
Authors: Aketi Veera AK , Vakamalla TR , Narasimha M , Sreedhar GE , Shivakumar R , RajanKumar
Published: December 2016

In this paper, the effect of near gravity material at desired separation density during the coal washing is studied. It is believed that the Dense Medium Separation of coal particles in the presence of high percentage of near gravity material, results in a significant misplacement of coal particles to wrong products. However the performance of dense medium cyclone does not merely depend on the total amount of near gravity materials but also on their distribution as well as on their quality. This paper deals with numerical simulation of magnetite medium segregation and coal partitioning handled in a 350 mm dense medium cyclone.

Volume of Fluid coupled with Reynolds Stress Model is used to resolve the two-phase air-core and turbulence. Algebraic Slip mixture multiphase model with the granular options are considered to predict magnetite medium segregation. Medium segregation results are validated against Gamma Ray Tomography measurements. Further, Discrete Phase Model is used to track the coal particles. Residence Time Distribution of different size and density coal particles are also estimated using Discrete Phase Model. Additionally, Algebraic Slip mixture model is also utilised to simulate magnetite and coal particle segregation at different near gravity material proportions. Discrepancies in the coal particle behaviour at different near gravity material content are explained using locus of zero vertical velocities, mixture density, coal volume fractions.
Measurement of combined glenoid and Hill–Sachs lesions in anterior shoulder instability
Authors: Rouleau Dominique M. , Garant-Saine Laurianne , Canet Fanny , Sandman Emilie , Ménard Jérémie , Clément Julien
Published: December 2016

Background

Recurrent glenohumeral anterior instability (RGAI) frequently induces combined glenoid and Hill–Sachs bone lesions and is a risk factor for soft tissue repair failure. This cohort study describes a simple preoperative quantification method for bone loss, the Clock method, the first that combines glenoid and humeral lesions.

Methods

Computed tomography scans of 34 shoulders with RGAI were twice reviewed by three independent observers, who measured bone lesions using the new Clock method and existing validated methods. Intra- and inter-observer reliability of the Clock method was evaluated (intraclass correlation coefficient). Pearson correlation was used to correlate Clock method with existing methods, and with function (Western Ontario Shoulder Instability, Quick-Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand).

Results

Thirty-two patients met the inclusion criteria: three females and 29 males, mean age 28 years. The intra- and inter-observer reliability was excellent, with intraclass correlation coefficient ranging from 0.817 to 0.938 for the novel Clock method. Humeral Clock and Glenoid Clock strongly correlated with Humeral Ratio ( r = 0.882, p < 0.001) and Glenoid Surface Area and Glenoid Ratio ( r = 0.793 and 0.717, p < 0.001), respectively. The classic threshold of 25% of the glenoid diameter with the Glenoid Ratio method corresponds to 4 hours with the Glenoid Clock method.

Conclusions

The Clock method is quick and reliable, with more studies being needed to investigate whether it is correlated with surgical outcomes.
Energy extraction from ocean currents using straight bladed cross-flow hydrokinetic turbine
Authors: Dudhgaonkar Prasad , Duraisamy Nagasamy , Jalihal Purnima
Published: December 2016

Harvesting marine renewable energy remains to be a prime focus of researchers across the globe both in environmental and in commercial perspectives. India is blessed with a long coastline, and the seas around Indian peninsula offer ample potential to tap various ocean energy forms. National Institute of Ocean Technology carries out research and various ocean energy technologies, out of which harnessing kinetic energy in seawater currents is one. This article presents the open sea trials recently carried out on National Institute of Ocean Technology’s cross-flow hydrokinetic ocean current turbine in South Andaman. The turbine was designed to generate 100 W electricity at 1.2 m/s current speed and was built in-house. The turbine was initially tested in a seawater channel and then was deployed in Macpherson Strait in Andaman. It was fitted below a floating platform designed especially for this purpose, and the performance of the turbine was continuously logged inside an on-board data acquisition system. The trials were successful and in line with computations.