bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of fuzzy axiomatic design methodology for selection of design alternatives
Authors: Vinodh S. , Kamala V. , Jayakrishna K.
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to report a research conducted to apply fuzzy axiomatic design approach for selecting the design alternatives of an overflow valve.

Design/methodology/approach

– The approach started with the identification of functional requirements (FRs) and design parameters (DPs) and the relationship between them to select the best design alternative. Fuzzy analytical hierarchy process was used to calculate the weightage of FRs. The independence and information axioms were being deployed to validate the selection process.

Findings

– The most important FRs being identified include “improve manufacturability and adaptability”, “improve ease of operation” and “provide strength and reliability”. The most important DPs are design unification on washer and outlet valve, material selection for improving the strength and reliability and pressure change to check whether the valve is withstanding the pressure using flow analysis. The best design alternative (A1) which deals with material substitution is being implemented in the case organization. The proposed methodology also enables contemporary design engineers to effectively select the best design among a set of alternatives in a fuzzy environment.

Research limitations/implications

– This paper presents the application of fuzzy axiomatic design for selecting the best design alternative of an overflow valve. The identified best design is being subjected to implementation in the case organization.

Practical implications

– The industry decision makers were involved throughout the conduct of the study. Hence, the inferences derived from the study possess practical feasibility.

Originality/value

– The application of the fuzzy axiomatic design approach for selecting the best design alternative of an overflow valve is the original contribution of the authors. Also, the practical feasibility of the approach is also being exemplified.
Osmia cornifrons vitellogenin: cDNA cloning, structural analysis and developmental expression
Authors: Lee Kyeong Yong , Yoon Hyung Joo , Jin Byung Rae
Published: March 2015

Osmia cornifrons plays a major role in the pollination of orchards, but basic information on vitellogenin and oocyte development is limited. To better understand vitellogenin in hymenopteran insects, we cloned a cDNA encoding vitellogenin from the hornfaced bee O. cornifrons. Osmia cornifrons vitellogenin cDNA contains 5477 bp with an open reading frame of 1783 amino acid residues, and has a predicted molecular mass of approximately 200.21 kDa and a pI of 6.55. Osmia cornifrons vitellogenin possesses four consensus (RXXR/S) cleavage sites and has conserved DGXR and GL/ICG motifs in the C‐terminus. The deduced amino acid sequence of the O. cornifrons vitellogenin cDNA showed a 66% identity with Megachile rotundata, 53% to Apis mellifera, 51% to Bombus ignitus and 42%–30% with other hymenopteran insect vitellogenins. Phylogenetic analysis showed that O. cornifrons vitellogenin clustered with vitellogenins from Megachilidae, Apidae, Vespidae and Formicidae species but not with those from Pteromalidae, Aphelinidae or Ichneumonidae species. The expression profile of O. cornifrons vitellogenin mRNA during development revealed that O. cornifrons vitellogenin was first detected in the pupal stage and was continuously detected during the adult stage. Interestingly, O. cornifrons vitellogenin mRNA expression was low in mid‐diapause, then gradually increased beginning on day 3 of the newly emerged adult stage, and subsequently declined. These results suggest that the expression level of O. cornifrons vitellogenin mRNA is stage‐specific.
Fabrication of SERS‐Active Substrates using Silver Nanofilm‐Coated Porous Anodic Aluminum Oxide for Detection of Antibiotics
Authors: Chen Jing , Feng Shaolong , Gao Fang , Grant Edward , Xu Jie , Wang Shuo , Huang Qian , Lu Xiaonan
Published: March 2015

We have developed a silver nanofilm‐coated porous anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) as a surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)‐active substrate for the detection of trace level of chloramphenicol, a representative antibiotic in food systems. The ordered aluminum template generated during the synthesis of AAO serves as a patterned matrix on which a coated silver film replicates the patterned AAO matrix to form a 2‐dimensional ordered nanostructure. We used atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy images to determine the morphology of this nanosubstrate, and characterized its localized surface plasmon resonance by ultraviolet‐visible reflection. We gauged the SERS effect of this nanosubstrate by confocal micro‐Raman spectroscopy (782‐nm laser), finding a satisfactory and consistent performance with enhancement factors of approximately 2 × 104 and a limit of detection for chloramphenicol of 7.5 ppb. We applied principal component analysis to determine the limit of quantification for chloramphenicol of 10 ppb. Using electromagnetic field theory, we developed a detailed mathematical model to explain the mechanism of Raman signal enhancement of this nanosubstrate. With simple sample pretreatment and separation steps, this silver nanofilm‐coated AAO substrate could detect 50 ppb chloramphenicol in milk, indicating good potential as a reliable SERS‐active substrate for rapid detection of chemical contaminants in agricultural and food products.
Secondary Calcification of Planktic Foraminifera from the Indian Sector of Southern Ocean
Authors: Rahul MOHAN , Suhas S. SHETYE , Manish TIWARI , Narayanpillai ANILKUMAR
Published: March 2015

This study focused on planktic foraminifera in plankton tows and surface sediments from the western Indian sector of Southern Ocean in order to evaluate the potential foraminiferal secondary calcification and/or dissolution in the sediment. It is found that the symbiotic foraminiferal species are abundant in the subtropical region, whereas non‐symbiotic species dominate in the sub‐Antarctic and polar frontal regions. The distribution of the symbiotic and non‐symbiotic foraminiferal species is controlled by temperature, salinity, light, nutrients and phytoplankton biomass. There is also a lateral southern extent in abundance of planktic foraminifera from surface sediments to plankton tows. The shell weights of the planktic foraminifera N. pachyderma, G. bulloides and G. ruber within the surface sediments are on an average heavier by 27%, 34% and 40% respectively than shells of the same size within the plankton tows, indicative of secondary calcification. The planktic foraminiferal isotopes show the presence of heavier isotopes in the surface sediment foraminifera as compared to plankton tows, thus confirming secondary calcification. Secondary calcification in G. ruber occurs in the euphotic zone, whereas in case of N. pachyderma and G. bulloides it is at deeper depths. We also observed a decrease in the shell spines in surface sediment foraminifera as compared to plankton tows, indicative of the morphological changes that foraminifera underwent during gametogenesis.
Morphometrics of Heliolites (Tabulata) from the Late Ordovician, Yushan, Jiangxi, South China
Authors: Mingjian DAI , Lu LIU , Dong‐Jin LEE , Yunbiao PENG , Aisheng MIAO
Published: March 2015

The Upper Ordovician Xiazhen Formation in the Jiangshan‐Changshan‐Yushan (JCY) triangle area on the Zhejiang‐Jiangxi provincial border, South China, is composed of a mixed carbonate‐siliciclastic sequence representing various shallow‐water platform environments. Highly diversified and abundant heliolitid coral faunas are recognized in the formation and occur over time and space in certain stratigraphic horizons and various lithofacies. Heliolites has been studied using multivariate morphometric analysis applied to differentiate species and evaluate intraspecific and interspecific variations. Ten morphological characters quantified by examination and measurement from transverse and longitudinal thin sections and statistically tested allowed selection of effective characters to discriminate species. Results of frequency histograms, correlation analysis and principle component analysis indicated that certain characters would be suitable for cluster analysis, which were performed on principle component score matrices obtained from the raw data set coordinated with coralla by all those characters. Five major clusters at a relative distance of five on the resulting dendrogram of Heliolites are regarded as morphospecies thus making valid taxa: Heliolites tashanensis Lin and Chow, 1977; Heliolites caracolica (Lin and Chow, 1977); Heliolites columella (Lin and Chow, 1977); Heliolites waicunensis Lin and Chow, 1977; and H. sinensis irregularis Lin and Chow, 1977. The discrimination of these morphospecies by the cluster analysis is verified by discriminant analyses and descriptive statistics.
Fractal Characteristics of Fault Structures and Their Use for Mapping Ore‐prospecting Potential in the Qitianling Area, Southern Hunan Province, China
Authors: Nan WANG , Yongshun LIU , Nian PENG , Cailai WU , Ningqiang LIU , Baofeng NIE , Xiaoyu YANG
Published: March 2015

Quantitative analyses of the spatial distribution of fault structures can provide a theoretical basis for forecasting prospective ore deposits. Characteristics and complexity of fault structure distribution in the Qitianling area, Southern Hunan Province, China, were quantitatively calculated and appraised by fractal and multifractal methods to evaluate the relation between fault structures and ore‐prospecting potential. The results show that the lengths of faults can be modeled as multifractals. Multifractal spectra evidently reflect the characteristics of the scaling of fault structures. The box‐counting dimension value (D) of fault structures is equal to 1.656, as indicates complexity of the spatial distribution of faults and favorable structural conditions for the formation of ore deposits. Moreover, the D values of sub‐regions were calculated and isopleths of their fractal dimension values were plotted accordingly. Overlay analyses of isopleths of fractal dimension values and distributions of known ore deposits show that areas with the larger fractal dimension values of fault structures have more ore deposits. This spatial coupling relationship between D values and ore deposits can be used to forecast and explore other ore deposits. On the basis of complexity theory for ore‐forming systems, three exploration targets with high D values were delineated as prospective ore deposits.
Fission Track Thermochronology Evidence for the Cretaceous and Paleogene Tectonic Event of Nyainrong Microcontinent, Tibet
Authors: Lu LU , Zhen ZHAO , Zhenhan WU , Cheng QIAN , Peisheng YE
Published: March 2015

Fission track dating was applied to analyze the 20 samples from Nyainrong microcontinent, and we obtained 20 apatite and 15 zircon fission track ages. The results show single population grain ages with a single mean age and associated central ages mainly ranging from 108±7Ma to 35±4Ma. Their mean track lengths are 12.2–13.9 μm with a single peak. Zircon fission track age range from 78±3 Ma to 117±4 Ma. The results represented the two tectonic uplift events in the study area, namely the Cretaceous and Paleogene periods. According to thermal history modeling results, uplifting rates of two tectonic events is 0.31–0.1 mm/a and 0.07–0.04 mm/a respectively. Combined with field condition and study results, it is suggested that the Cretaceous tectonic uplift event was related to the closure ocean basin caused by Qaingtang Lhasa collision, and the Paleogene tectonic uplift event was related to the south to thrust system caused by Indo‐Asian collision.
Exhumation History of the Xining Basin Since the Mesozoic and Its Tectonic Significance
Authors: Yannan WANG , Jin ZHANG , Wenhua QI , Shan GUO
Published: March 2015

The Xining Basin is located in the northeastern Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau, and its continuous Cenozoic strata record the entire uplift and outgrowth history of the Tibetan Plateau during the Cenozoic. The newly obtained apatite fission track data presented here shows that the Xining Basin and two marginal mountain ranges have experienced multiphase rapid cooling since the Jurassic, as follows. In the Middle—Late Jurassic, the rapid exhumation of the former Xining Basin resulted from collision between the Qiangtang Block and the Tarim Block. During the Early‐Late Cretaceous, the former Xining Basin underwent a tectonic event due to marginal compression, causing the angular unconformity between the Upper and Lower Cretaceous. In the Late Cretaceous to the Early Cenozoic, collision between the Qiangtang Block and the Lhasa Block may have resulted in the rapid exhumation of the Xining Basin and the Lajishan to the south. In the Early Cenozoic (ca. 50–30 Ma), collision between the Indian and Eurasia plates affected the region that corresponds to the present northeastern Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau. During this period, the central Qilian Block rotated clockwise by approximately 24° to form a wedge‐shaped basin (Le., the Xining Basin) opening to the west. During ca. 17–8 Ma, the entire northeastern Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau underwent dramatic deformation, and the Lajishan uplifted rapidly owing to the northward compression of the Guide Basin from the south. A marked change in subsidence occurred in the Xining Basin during this period, when the basin was tectonically inverted.
Geochemistry, U‐Pb Geochronology and Sr‐Nd‐Hf Isotopes of the Early Cretaceous Volcanic Rocks in the Northern Da Hinggan Mountains
Authors: Xinlu HU , Shuzhen YAO , Mouchun HE , Zhenju DING , Bin CHEN
Published: March 2015

Whole‐rock geochemical, zircon U‐Pb geochronological and Sr‐Nd‐Hf isotopic data are presented for the Early Cretaceous volcanic rocks from the northern Da Hinggan Mountains. The volcanic rocks generally display high SiO2 (73.19–77.68 wt%) and Na2O+K2O (6.53–8.98 wt%) contents, with enrichment in Rb, Th, U, Pb and LREE, and depletion in Nb, Ta, P and Ti. Three rhyolite samples, one rhyolite porphyry sample, and one volcanic breccia sample yield weighted mean 206pb/238U ages of 135.1±1.2 Ma, 116.5±1.1 Ma, 121.9±1.0 Ma, 118.1±0.9 Ma and 116.9±1.4 Ma, respectively. All these rocks have moderate (87Sr/86Sr)i values of 0.704912 to 0.705896, slightly negative εNd(t) values of –1.4 to –0.1, and positive εHf(t) values of 3.7 to 8. Their zircon Hf and whole‐rock Nd isotopic model ages range from 594 to 1024 Ma. These results suggest that the Early Cretaceous volcanic rocks were originated from melting of subducted oceanic crust and associated sediments during the closure of the Mongol‐Okhotsk Ocean.
VirtualCom: a simulation model for eco‐evolutionary community assembly and invasion
Authors: Münkemüller Tamara , Gallien Laure
Published: March 2015

What is the relative importance of environmental filtering and competition in community assembly and invasion? At large spatial scales and for species‐rich systems, this question can be answered by studying functional and phylogenetic diversity patterns. The greater availability of community composition surveys, functional trait data bases and/or phylogenies from across a wide range of ecosystems has led to a significant increase in studies based on the analysis of diversity patterns. However, the underlying conceptual and methodological assumptions have recently been put into question, requiring rigorous evaluation of their reliability.

In order to test these underlying assumptions, we need to be able to compare diversity patterns with their true underlying processes. For empirical data, we usually do not know these underlying processes, but for virtual data generated by simulation models, this information is available. Using two illustrative examples, we introduce VirtualCom, a simulation model that generates such data sets. Integrating both ecological and evolutionary processes, VirtualCom simulates the evolution of the pool of regionally occurring species, the process‐based assembly of native communities and the invasion of novel species into native communities.

The model provides functionalities for a variety of processes. Most importantly, in the simulation of the species pool, different trait evolution models allow the generation of clustered and random trait distributions in the phylogeny (resulting in varying strength of phylogenetic signal). Additionally, when the species assemble from the species pool into local communities based on their trait values, the relative strength of environmental filtering and competition can be set independently.

By offering possibilities for a broad range of simulation‐based modelling experiments, VirtualCom is a simple and readily usable tool that will help to resolve theoretical and methodological issues in community ecology.
Inferring species extinction: the use of sighting records
Authors: Boakes Elizabeth H. , Rout Tracy M. , Collen Ben
Published: March 2015

Accurate measures of extinction are needed in biodiversity monitoring and conservation management, but ascertaining the exact time at which a species became extinct is difficult since a small population may go undetected for many years.

For little‐studied species, often the only information available is historical sighting data. Several statistical tests have been developed which use this information to make inferences about a species’ extinction. The increasing array of methods can present a daunting choice.

We review the more frequently cited methods, for each model explaining its assumptions, the data required, the scenarios it was developed for and power considerations, if known. We provide guidance on selecting the most appropriate method for a particular sighting record.

We give examples from the literature to show how the methods have been usefully applied across conservation research, informing conservation decision‐making and extinction inference.
Are analysts' cash flow forecasts useful?
Authors: Jung Sung Hwan
Published: March 2015

This study provides evidence that the cost of equity capital decreases with the number of analysts who issue both cash flow and earnings forecasts (cash analysts). The evidence also shows that cash analysts reduce information asymmetry and predict long‐term earnings more accurately than analysts who issue only earnings forecasts. Taken together, these findings suggest that cash analysts provide market participants with high‐quality information and, as a result, firms benefit from cash analyst coverage in the form of a reduced cost of equity capital.
Role of morality in the experience of guilt and shame within the armed forces
Authors: Nazarov A. , Jetly R. , McNeely H. , Kiang M. , Lanius R. , McKinnon M. C.
Published: March 2015

Objective

Despite advances in our understanding of mental health issues among military forces, a large proportion of military personnel continue to exhibit deployment‐related psychological issues. Recent work has identified symptoms of guilt and shame related to moral injury as contributing significantly to combat‐related mental health issues. This systematic scoping review explores the association between morality and symptoms of guilt and shame within military forces.

Method

A search of the literature pertaining to guilt, shame and morality within military samples was conducted.

Results

Nineteen articles were selected for review. There is strong evidence linking exposure to and the perceived perpetration of moral transgressions with experiences of guilt and shame. Critically, symptoms of guilt and shame were related to adverse mental health outcomes, particularly the onset of post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). No studies have explored moral judgment in conjunction with assessments of guilt or moral injury.

Conclusion

These findings have important implications for the prevention and treatment ofPTSD‐related symptoms in military samples. By measuring moral judgment prior to deployment, it may be possible to predict the likelihood of incurring moral injuries and the development of associated symptoms. Early intervention programmes aimed at ameliorating guilt and shame are required to prevent the long‐term development of deployment‐related psychological distress.
A Comparison of Bayesian and Frequentist Interval Estimators in Regression that Utilize Uncertain Prior Information
Authors: Kabaila Paul , Dharmarathne Gayan
Published: March 2015

Consider a linear regression model with independent normally distributed errors. Suppose that the scalar parameter of interest is a specified linear combination of the components of the regression parameter vector. Also suppose that we have uncertain prior information that a distinct specified linear combination of these components takes the value zero. We provide succinct and informative descriptions of interval estimators for the parameter of interest using the new concepts of scaled offset and scaled half‐length. We describe the Bayesian equi‐tailed and shortest credible intervals for the parameter of interest that result from a prior density for the parameter about which we have uncertain prior information that is a mixture of a rectangular ‘slab’ and a Dirac delta function ‘spike’, combined with noninformative prior densities for the other parameters of the model. This prior belongs to the class of ‘slab and spike’ priors, which have been used for Bayesian variable selection. We compare these credible intervals with Kabaila and Giri's frequentist confidence interval for the parameter of interest that utilizes this uncertain prior information. We show that these frequentist and Bayesian interval estimators depend on the data in very different ways. We also consider some close variants of this prior distribution that lead to Bayesian and frequentist interval estimators with greater similarity. Nonetheless, as we show, substantial differences between these interval estimators remain.
Three‐Dimensional Simulation of Mass Transfer in Artificial Kidneys
Authors: Ding Weiping , Li Weili , Sun Sijie , Zhou Xiaoming , Hardy Peter A. , Ahmad Suhail , Gao Dayong
Published: March 2015

In this work, the three‐dimensional velocity and concentration fields on both the blood and dialysate sides in an artificial kidney were simulated, taking into account the effects of the flow profiles induced by the inlet and outlet geometrical structures and the interaction between the flows of blood and dialysate. First, magnetic resonance imaging experiments were performed to validate the mathematical model. Second, the effects of the flow profiles induced by the blood and dialysate inlet and outlet geometrical structures on mass transfer were theoretically investigated. Third, the clearance of toxins was compared with the clearance value calculated by a simple model that is based on the ideal flow profiles on both the blood and dialysate sides. Our results show that as the blood flow rate increases, the flow field on the blood side becomes less uniform; however, as the dialysate flow rate increases, the flow field on the dialysate side becomes more uniform. The effect of the inlet and outlet geometrical structures of the dialysate side on the velocity and concentration fields is more significant than that of the blood side. Due to the effects of the flow profiles induced by the inlet and outlet geometrical structures, the true clearance of toxins is lower than the ideal clearance, especially when the dialysate flow rate is low or the blood flow rate is high. The results from this work are significant for the structural optimization of artificial kidneys and the accurate prediction of toxin clearance.
Supporting teachers in data‐informed educational design
Authors: McKenney Susan , Mor Yishay
Published: March 2015

Recent years have seen a growing recognition of the value of positioning teaching as a design science. In this context, we see a great potential in the possible synergy between educational design, learning analytics and teacher inquiry. This synergy is demonstrated in the form of Computer Supported Curriculum Analysis, Design and Evaluation for Science Education in Africa (CASCADE‐SEA), a computer‐based support tool that assists teachers in creating exemplary lesson materials for secondary level science and mathematics in southern Africa. The purpose of the present study is to articulate how teachers might be supported in the synergistic processes that are integral to educational design. It does so by revisiting existing data collected during the design, development and evaluation of CASCADE‐SEA, and sharing the results of a retrospective analysis in light of recent developments in learning analytics, learning design and teacher inquiry. The retrospective analysis revealed insights related to each of the aforementioned themes. For learning analytics, those were social structures of learning and teaching practices; pedagogy‐driven collection and analysis of data; and the use of data to inform teaching and learning. For learning design, the findings pertained to the language, practices and tools used to achieve particular educational aims. For teacher inquiry, the findings relate to the empirical process of question formulation, methods selection, collection and analysis of data, and sharing/reflecting on the findings as well as overall process. Based on the retrospective analysis, design considerations are offered for a modern application to replace the practical and effective desktop software that was developed during the 1990s.
Basin and petroleum system modelling of the East Coast Basin, New Zealand: a test of overpressure scenarios in a convergent margin
Authors: Burgreen‐Chan Blair , Meisling Kristian E. , Graham Stephan
Published: March 2015

In the East Coast Basin (ECB), an active convergent margin of the North Island, New Zealand, the smectite‐rich Eocene Wanstead Formation forms an effective regional seal, creating high overpressure in the underlying Cretaceous through Palaeocene units due to disequilibrium compaction. This study examines the evolution of pore pressure and porosity in Hawke Bay of the ECB based on stepwise structural reconstruction of a stratigraphic and structural framework derived from interpretation of a regional two‐dimensional seismic line. This framework is incorporated into a basin and petroleum system model to predict the generation, distribution, and dissipation of overpressure, and examine the influence of faults, erosion, structural thickening, and seal effectiveness of the Wanstead Formation on pore pressure evolution. We find that natural hydraulic fracturing is likely occurring in sub‐Wanstead source rocks, which makes it a favourable setting for potential shale gas plays. We use poroelastic modelling to investigate the impact of horizontal bulk shortening due to tectonic compression on pore pressure and the relative order of principal stresses. We find that shortening modestly increases pore pressure. When 5% or greater shortening occurs, the horizontal stress may approach and exceed vertical stress in the last 4 Myr of the basin's history. Shortening impacts both the magnitude and relative order of principal stresses through geological time. Due to the overpressured nature of the basin, we suggest that subtle changes in stress regime are responsible for the significant changes in structural deformational styles observed, enabling compressional, extensional, and strike‐slip fault regimes to all occur during the tectonic history and, at times, simultaneously.
Cadmium‐coordinated supramolecule suppresses tumor growth of T‐cell leukemia in mice
Authors: Zhou Xiaoping , Koizumi Yukio , Zhang Muxin , Natsui Miyuki , Koyota Souichi , Yamada Manabu , Kondo Yoshihiko , Hamada Fumio , Sugiyama Toshihiro
Published: March 2015

Cadmium is a toxic pollutant with occupational and environmental significance, due to its diverse toxic effects. Supramolecules that conjugate and decontaminate toxic metals have potential for use in treatment of cadmium intoxication. In addition, metal‐coordinating ability has been postulated to contribute to the cytotoxic effects of anti‐tumor agents such as cisplatin or bleomycin. Thiacalixarenes, cyclic oligomers of p‐alkylphenol bridged by sulfur atoms, are supramolecules known to have potent coordinating ability to metal ions. In this study, we show that cadmium‐coordinated thiacalix[4]arene tetrasulfate (TC4ATS‐Cd) exhibits an anti‐proliferative effect against T‐cell leukemia cells. Cadmium exhibited cytotoxicity with IC50 values ranging from 36 to 129 μM against epithelia‐derived cancer cell lines, while TC4ATS‐Cd elicited no significant cytotoxicity (IC50 > 947 μM). However, a number of T‐cell leukemia cell lines exhibited marked sensitivity to TC4ATS‐Cd. In Jurkat cells, toxicity of TC4ATS‐Cd occurred with an IC50 of 6.9 μM, which is comparable to that of 6.5 μM observed for cadmium alone. TC4ATS‐Cd induced apoptotic cell death through activation of caspase‐3 in Jurkat cells. In a xenograft model, TC4ATS‐Cd (13 mg/kg) treatment significantly suppressed the tumor growth of Jurkat cells in mice. In addition, TC4ATS‐Cd‐treated mice exhibited significantly less cadmium accumulation in liver and kidney compared to equimolar cadmium‐treated mice. These results suggest that cadmium‐coordinated supramolecules may have therapeutic potential for treatment of T‐cell leukemia.
Placement characteristics and stability: a longitudinal analysis of Norwegian children in foster homes
Authors: Angel Bjørn Øystein , Blekesaune Morten
Published: March 2015

This paper investigates how enhanced support for foster parents, such as covering fees and providing consultants and relief, may reduce the number of replacements experienced by children in foster care. It also investigates the extent to which replacements are associated with family (kin) vs. non‐family foster parents, or with legal characteristics of the placement (i.e. forced administrative decisions vs. relief measures agreed upon by the parents). Statistical analyses of administrative data from Norway investigated the longitudinal relationships between these characteristics and the number of replacements at two levels – children (N = 16 109) and municipalities (N = 418) – over 5 years (2007–2011). The results reveal modest associations between enhanced support and fewer replacements; for example, replacement rates are lower for children placed in homes of kin than in non‐family homes. Replacements also tend to be fewer when the placement is forced rather than consensual.
Atrial Septal Aneurysms and Supraventricular Arrhythmias: The Role of Atrial Electromechanical Delay
Authors: Russo Vincenzo , Rago Anna , Di Meo Federica , Papa Andrea Antonio , Ciardiello Carmine , Cristiano Anna , Calabrò Raffaele , Russo Maria Giovanna , Nigro Gerardo
Published: March 2015

Background

Paroxysmal supraventricular arrhythmias (SVAs) frequently occur in patients with atrial septal aneurysm (ASA). The aim of the current study was to evaluate the electrocardiographic (P‐wave duration and dispersion) and echocardiographic (atrial electromechanical delay, AEMD) noninvasive indicators of atrial conduction heterogeneity in healthy ASA subjects without interatrial shunt and to assess the AEMD role in predicting the SVAs onset in this population.

Materials and Methods

One hundered ASA patients (41 males, mean age of 32.5 ± 8 years) and 100 healthy subjects used as controls, matched for age and gender, were studied for the occurrence of SVAs during a 4‐year follow‐up, through 30‐day external loop recorder (ELR) monitoring performed every 3 months. ASAs were diagnosed by transthoracic echocardiography based on the criteria of a minimal aneurismal base of ≥15 mm and an excursion of ≥10 mm. Intra‐AEMD and inter‐AEMD of both atria were measured through tissue Doppler echocardiography. P‐wave dispersion (PD) was carefully measured using 12‐lead electrocardiogram (ECG).

Results

Compared to the healthy control group, the ASA group showed a statistically significant increase in inter‐AEMD, intra‐left AEMD, maximum P‐wave duration, and PD. Dividing the ASA group into 2 subgroups (patients with or without SVAs), the inter‐AEMD, intra‐left AEMD, P max, and PD were significantly higher in the subgroup with SVAs compared to the subgroup without SVAs. There were significant good correlations of intra‐left AEMD and inter‐AEMD with PD. A cutoff value of 40.1 msec for intra‐left AEMD had a sensitivity of 82% and a specificity of 83% in identifying ASA patients at risk for SVA.

Conclusion

Our results showed that the echocardiographic AEMD indices (intra‐left and inter‐AEMD) and the PD were significantly increased in healthy ASA subjects without interatrial shunt. PD and AEMD represent noninvasive, inexpensive, useful, and simple parameters to assess the SVAs' risk in ASA patients.
Isolated Left Ventricular Diastolic Collapse Due to Extra‐Thoracic Compression
Authors: Costa Rana , Zahnan Jad , Skouri Hadi , Gharzuddine Walid , Al‐Masri Lara , Ayyoub Chakib , Abchee Antoine B.
Published: March 2015

Isolated collapse of the left ventricle (LV) in diastole is not a very common finding on two‐dimensional echocardiography. Reported cases in the literature were due to either loculated postoperative pericardial effusion/hematoma or left pleural effusion. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of LV diastolic collapse secondary to extra‐thoracic compression.
Four‐Dimensional Speckle Tracking Echocardiography in Patients with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Orta Kilickesmez Kadriye , Baydar Onur , Bostan Cem , Coskun Ugur , Kucukoglu Serdar
Published: March 2015

Objective

Abnormal left ventricular (LV) deformational mechanics have been demonstrated in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) using two‐dimensional (2D) speckle tracking echocardiography, but there is not enough information about the four‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (4DSTE) in these patients. The objective of the study was to identify and quantify the left ventricular contractility in patients with HCM using 4DSTE.

Methods

Thirty patients [age, 54.6 ± 12.1 years; 12 (40%) women] with diagnosis of nonobstructive HCM and 20 healthy controls [age, 47.42 ± 11.43 years; 8 (40%) women] underwent 4DSTE measurement of longitudinal, radial, circumferential, and area strains.

Results

Patients with HCM showed lower longitudinal (−13.5% vs. −20.3%, P < 0.001) and radial (33.4% vs. 43.6%, P < 0.001) strain, but higher circumferential (−22.7% vs. −15.9%, P < 0.001) and area (−30.7% vs. −22.1%, P < 0.001) strain than control subjects. Peak LV twist showed significantly higher values in patients with HCM (13.7 ± 5.3 vs. 11.3 ± 4.8, P < 0.005).

Conclusions

Patients with HCM have reduced longitudinal and radial strain but increased circumferential and area strain on 4DSTE. These results are found appropriate with previous 2DSTE studies. Thus, 4DSTE is useful to determine LV deformational mechanics.
Occult hepatitis B among patients with chronic renal failure on hemodialysis from a capital city in northeast Brazil
Authors: Fontenele Andrea Martins Melo , Gainer Juliana Braga Furtado , da Silva e Silva Daniel Viana , Cruz Santos Max Diego , Salgado João Victor , Salgado Filho Natalino , Ferreira Adalgisa Sousa Paiva
Published: March 2015

Occult hepatitis B (OHB) is characterized by the presence of HBV‐DNA in the absence of HBsAg in the serum of patients. Hemodialysis patients are at high risk for hepatitis B virus and there are few data on the prevalence of OHB in this population, mainly in Brazil. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of OHB in patients undergoing hemodialysis. A cross‐sectional study was performed, including 301 patients on chronic hemodialysis at two dialysis centers in São Luís (Maranhão), northeast Brazil. Serological tests were performed for HBsAg, anti‐HBc, anti‐HBs, and anti‐HCV using enzyme immunoassays (ELISA); HBV‐DNA and HCV‐RNA were studied by real‐time PCR. The mean age was 49 ± 15 years, and 128 (42%) were female. Serological tests confirmed that all samples were HBsAg negative. Anti‐HBc was positive in 114 (38%) patients, anti‐HBc and anti‐HBs were simultaneously positive in 104 (35%), and anti‐HBc alone was positive in 10 (3%). Tests were negative for anti‐HBc and anti‐HBs in 55 patients (18%). Anti‐HBs was the only positive marker in 132 (44%) patients. Anti‐HCV was positive in 15 (5%) patients with HCV‐RNA present in 14 of them (93%). HBV‐DNA was positive in seven cases (2.3%). There was no association of HBV‐DNA with age, gender, time on dialysis, previous kidney transplant, or HBV serological pattern, but there was a positive correlation with the presence of anti‐HCV (P < 0.001). OHB in chronic renal failure patients on hemodialysis appears to be a relevant finding, suggesting that studying HBV‐DNA in this population using sensitive molecular tests should be a recommended course of action, especially in candidates for renal transplant.
Aneusomy detected by fluorescence in‐situ hybridization has high positive predictive value for Barrett's dysplasia
Authors: Allan Euan A G , Miller Roy , Going James J
Published: March 2015

Aims

The goal of this study was to pilot a commercial four‐colour fluorescence in‐situ hybridization (FISH) probe set as a marker of dysplasia in surveillance biopsies.

Methods and results

FISH probes to 9p12 (CDKN2A), 17q11.2‐12 (HER2), 8q24.12‐13 (CMYC) and 20q13.2 (ZNF217) in 20 cases of Barrett's oesophagus. Dysplastic and non‐dysplastic mucosa were compared for each case. Two observers independently counted 50 cells in each region of interest (ROI), and the mean score taken. Wilcoxon's signed‐rank test was used to determine the significance of differences between dysplastic and non‐dysplastic tissue. Predictive power was determined by logistic regression and receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted to examine sensitivity and specificity of each gene to detect dysplasia. Interobserver agreement was excellent. HER2, CMYC and ZNF217 showed significant (P < 0.0005) increases in copy number in dysplastic mucosa; CDKN2A had an insignificant (P = 0.852) decrease when compared to non‐dysplastic mucosa. While aneusomy was strongly predictive of dysplasia, eusomy did not rule it out.

Conclusions

Increased HER2, CMYC and ZNF217 copy number distinguished dysplastic from non‐dysplastic mucosa, but non‐detection of aneusomy did not exclude dysplasia. Further studies are justified to determine whether FISH‐positive dysplasia might justify earlier treatment by radio‐frequency ablation.
My Borate Life: An Enigmatic Journey
Authors: Wright Adrian C.
Published: March 2015

Borates are enigmatic materials, in both the vitreous and crystalline states, in that their structures and properties do not reflect those of the corresponding silicates. Examples are given of this unusual behavior, and it is shown that it arises from two special features that are unique to borate systems, viz. a change in the coordination number of some of the boron atoms from 3 to 4 on the introduction of a network modifier such as Na2O, and the presence at low modifier fractions, xM, of superstructural units, which comprise rigid combinations of the basic borate structural units. These two factors are invoked to explain the anomalous variation of the properties of borate glasses with xM, including the so‐called borate anomaly, and the lecture concludes with four important questions in borate science that still remain unanswered.
Risk factors for secondary caries in direct composite restorations in primary teeth
Authors: Metz Isabel , Rothmaier Katrin , Pitchika Vinay , Crispin Alexander , Hickel Reinhard , Garcia‐Godoy Franklin , Bücher Katharina , Kühnisch Jan
Published: March 2015

Background

Secondary caries or caries adjacent to restorations is the most frequent reason for replacement of dental restorations. Though, limited data is available on variables influencing the development of secondary caries in primary teeth.

Aim

To investigate risk factors for the development of secondary caries adjacent to direct composite restorations in primary teeth.

Design

For this retrospective study, data of 2417 composite restorations, which were placed due to primary carious lesions, were considered. A total of 212 restorations failed due to secondary caries within a maximum observation period of 8 years. A control group was randomly selected. Mann–Whitney U‐test, binomial logistic regression with backward elimination and Cox regression with frailty model were performed (P < 0.05).

Results

The overall caries experience amounted to 6.3 dmft and 13.3 dmfs. 72.5% of restorations failed within the first 2 years. Older children and children from families with a higher socio‐economic status showed a lower risk for secondary caries. Further, the dentist and the adhesive had a significant influence on the longevity. Posterior restorations had a higher risk to fail in comparison with anterior restorations.

Conclusions

Within the limitation of this study, it is concluded that the development of secondary caries is influenced by several factors. Nevertheless, the secondary caries rate was found to be relatively low in this high‐risk population.
Formal R&D management and strategic decision making in small firms in knowledge‐intensive business services
Authors: Teirlinck Peter , Spithoven André
Published: March 2015

Small research and development (R&D) active firms in knowledge‐intensive business services (KIBS) can be characterised as technology experts in niche markets. Their reliance on expertise in one or a few key technology areas involves a continuous challenge to make strategic decisions in terms of future technology and market positioning. The formal management of R&D is considered an important part hereof. However, besides the fact that it is no common practice in about half of these companies, little is known about formal R&D management in small firms in KIBS. This paper addresses this gap using a combined quantitative and qualitative research approach. The starting point for the descriptive quantitative empirical analysis is a representative sample of small R&D active firms in KIBS provided by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development business R&D survey for Belgium. The presence of formal R&D management is related to aspects of dynamic capabilities. The qualitative research is based on strategic choices in the innovation strategy in 12 purposively chosen small firms during the period 2005–2011. It maps the evolution of the firm's technology and market positioning within a setting adapted to small firms in KIBS, and highlights its relation with formal R&D management. The analysis reveals that formal R&D management in small firms in KIBS can be related to more complex linkages between internal innovation strengths and opportunities in the firm's external environment. Moreover, formal R&D management in KIBS is found to be closely related to dynamics in strategic decision making in terms of market positioning and to innovation success. The influence of formal R&D management on the technology focus in small firms in KIBS turned out to be of minor importance.
The risk of post‐operative complications in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis patients on biologic therapy undergoing surgical procedures
Authors: Bakkour W. , Purssell H. , Chinoy H. , Griffiths C.E.M. , Warren R.B.
Published: March 2015

Background

There is limited evidence as to whether biologic therapy should be stopped or continued in patients with psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis (PsA) who are undergoing surgical procedures. Current guidelines of care recommend a planned break from biologic therapy in those undergoing major surgical procedures.

Objective

To audit current practice of managing biologic therapy peri‐operatively in a tertiary referral psoriasis clinic against guidelines of care and to investigate the effects of continuing/stopping biologic therapy in psoriasis and PsA patients.

Methods

A retrospective audit of psoriasis and PsA patients who had a surgical procedure whilst on biologic therapy. A proforma was used to collect information on the biologics used, whether they were stopped peri‐operatively and whether patients developed post‐operative complications and/or disease flare.

Results

A total of 42 patients who had 77 procedures were identified. Procedures ranged from skin surgery to orthopaedic and cardiothoracic surgery. Biologic therapy was continued in the majority of procedures (76%). There was no significant difference in post‐operative risk of infection and delayed wound healing between those patients who continued and those who stopped biologic therapy, including those undergoing major surgery. Interrupting biologic therapy peri‐operatively was associated with a significant (P = 0.003) risk of flare of psoriasis or PsA.

Conclusion

Continuing biologic therapy in psoriasis and PsA patients peri‐operatively did not increase the risk of post‐operative complications. Interrupting biologic therapy peri‐operatively significantly increased the risk of disease flare. This study is limited by cohort size and requires replication, ideally in a prospective randomized controlled manner.
Chronic stress experience and burnout syndrome have appreciable influence on health‐related quality of life in patients with psoriasis
Authors: Breuer K. , Göldner F.M. , Jäger B. , Werfel T. , Schmid‐Ott G.
Published: March 2015

Background

Psoriasis has a negative impact on health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and may favour mental comorbidity.

Objective

To investigate the contribution of chronic stress and burnout experience to HRQoL and how mental health influences the efficacy of an inpatient rehabilitation measure in psoriasis patients.

Methods

Eighty‐four psoriasis patients taking part in a 3‐week inpatient rehabilitation measure participated in the study. Severity of psoriasis was assessed with the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and by patients' self‐evaluation at the beginning and end of treatment. The following aspects of mental health were explored using validated questionnaires. Symptoms of chronic stress and burnout experience: Trier Inventory for the Assessment of Chronic Stress (TICS) and Shirom Melamed Burnout Measure (SMBM). Symptoms of depression: depression scale of the Patient Health Questionnaire in the German version (PHQ‐D). HRQoL: Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and Short Form Health Survey‐8 (SF‐8).

Results

Linear regression analyses revealed that chronic stress, burnout experience and perceived symptom severity but not clinician‐assessed severity of psoriasis had independent negative effects on HRQoL. Patients who achieved a PASI reduction of <75% at discharge from the rehabilitation measure had lower baseline QoL and showed more symptoms of depression, chronic stress and burnout than patients who achieved a PASI improvement of ≥75.

Conclusion

Chronic stress and burnout have appreciable influence on HRQoL and may adversely affect treatment success in psoriasis patients. Our data underscore the importance of a multidimensional approach in the management of psoriasis.