bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nutrient sufficiency in beef cows grazing on a dwarf bamboo‐dominated forestland pasture in Japan
Authors: Nakano Miwa , Yayota Masato , Ohtani Shigeru
Published: December 2014

The nutritional status of cows grazing on a 120‐ha public alpine forestland pasture dominated by the dwarf bamboo Sasa senanensis located in central Japan was evaluated over the course of 2 years. Data were collected during grazing seasons in three periods: early (June), mid‐ (August) and late (late September–early October) periods. During these periods, the number of experimental Japanese Black cows varied between three and six. With the exception of the dry matter (DM) intake in 2005 and the crude protein (CP) digestibility in 2006, the DM and CP intake and digestibility were lower in the mid‐ and late periods than in the early period for both years (P < 0.05). Metabolizable energy intake was slightly insufficient for the requirement of the cows in the late period of 2005; in the mid‐ and late periods of 2006, the metabolizable energy intake was 0.4 to 0.5 times the requirement. These results suggest that the energy intake of cows grazing on forestland pasture dominated by S. senanensis would not satisfy their requirements starting in the mid‐period (August) grazing, even though the pasture had abundant herbage resources during these periods.
Longitudinal Analysis of Inhibitors of Manufacturer Delivery Performance
Authors: Heim Gregory R. , Peng David Xiaosong , Jayanthi Shekhar
Published: December 2014

This article examines demand, manufacturing, and supply factors proposed to inhibit manufacturer delivery execution. Extant research proposes many factors expected to harm delivery performance. Prior cross‐sectional empirical research examines such factors at the plant level, generally finding factors arising from dynamic complexity to be significant, but factors arising from detail complexity to be insignificant. Little empirical research examines the factors using product‐level operating data, which arguably makes more sense for analyzing how supply chain complexity factors inhibit delivery. For purposes of research triangulation, we use longitudinal product‐level data from MRP systems to examine whether the factors inhibit internal manufacturing on time job rates and three customer‐oriented measures of delivery performance: product line item fill rates, average delivery lead times, and average tardiness. Our econometric models pool product line item data across division plants and within distinct product families, using a proprietary monthly dataset on over 100 product line items from the environmental controls manufacturing division of a Fortune 100 conglomerate. The data summarize customer ordering events of over 900 customers and supply chain activities of over 80 suppliers. The study contributes academically by finding significant detail complexity inhibitors of delivery that prior studies found insignificant. The findings demonstrate the need for empirical research using data disaggregated below the plant‐level unit of analysis, as they illustrate how some factors previously found insignificant indeed are significant when considered at the product‐level unit of analysis. Managers can use the findings to understand better which drivers and inhibitors of delivery performance are important.
Glycaemic control of Type 1 diabetes in clinical practice early in the 21st century: an international comparison
Authors: McKnight J. A. , Wild S. H. , Lamb M. J. E. , Cooper M. N. , Jones T. W. , Davis E. A. , Hofer S. , Fritsch M. , Schober E. , Svensson J. , Almdal T. , Young R. , Warner J. T. , Delemer B. , Souchon P. F. , Holl R. W. , Karges W. , Kieninger D. M. , Tigas S. , Bargiota A. , Sampanis C. , Cherubini V. , Gesuita R. , Strele I. , Pildava S. , Coppell K. J. , Magee G. , Cooper J. G. , Dinneen S. F. , Eeg‐Olofsson K. , Svensson A.‐M. , Gudbjornsdottir S. , Veeze H. , Aanstoot H.‐J. , Khalangot M. , Tamborlane W. V. , Miller K. M.
Published: December 2014

Aims

Improving glycaemic control in people with Type 1 diabetes is known to reduce complications. Our aim was to compare glycaemic control among people with Type 1 diabetes using data gathered in regional or national registries.

Methods

Data were obtained for children and/or adults with Type 1 diabetes from the following countries (or regions): Western Australia, Austria, Denmark, England, Champagne‐Ardenne (France), Germany, Epirus, Thessaly and Thessaloniki (Greece), Galway (Ireland), several Italian regions, Latvia, Rotterdam (The Netherlands), Otago (New Zealand), Norway, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Sweden, Volyn (Ukraine), USA and Wales) from population or clinic‐based registries. The sample size with available data varied from 355 to 173 880. Proportions with HbA1c < 58 mmol/mol (< 7.5%) and ≥ 75 mmol/mol (≥ 9.0%) were compared by age and sex.

Results

Data were available for 324 501 people. The proportions with HbA1c 58 mmol/mol (< 7.5%) varied from 15.7% to 46.4% among 44 058 people aged < 15 years, from 8.9% to 49.5% among 50 766 people aged 15–24 years and from 20.5% to 53.6% among 229 677 people aged ≥ 25 years. Sex differences in glycaemic control were small. Proportions of people using insulin pumps varied between the 12 sources with data available.

Conclusion

These results suggest that there are substantial variations in glycaemic control among people with Type 1 diabetes between the data sources and that there is room for improvement in all populations, especially in young adults.
Understanding the role of patient organizations in health technology assessment
Authors: Moreira Tiago
Published: December 2014

Background

The involvement of patient representatives in health technology assessment is increasingly seen by policy makers and researchers as key for the deployment of patient‐centred health care, but there is uncertainty and a lack of theoretical understanding regarding the knowledge and expertise brought by patient representatives and organisations to HTA processes.

Objective

To propose a conceptually‐robust typological model of the knowledge and expertise held by patient organisations.

Design, data collection and analysis

The study followed a case‐study design. Data were collected within an international research project on patient organisations' engagement with knowledge, and included archival and documentary data, in‐depth interviews with key members of the organisation and participant observation. Data analysis followed standard procedure of qualitative analysis anchored in an analytic induction approach.

Results

Analysis identified three stages in the history of the patient organisation under analysis – Alzheimer's Society. In a first period, the focus is on ‘caring knowledge’ and an emphasis on its volunteer membership. In a transition stage, a combination of experiential, clinical and scientific knowledge is proposed in an attempt to expand its field of activism into HTA. In the most recent phase, there is a deepening of its network of associations to secure its role in the production of evidence.

Conclusions

Analysis identified an important relationship between the forms of knowledge deployed by patient organisations and the networks of expertise and policy they mobilise to pursue their activities. A model of this relationship is outlined, for the use of further research and practice on patient involvement.
Crystal Structure and Infrared Reflection Spectra of SrLn2Al2O7 (Ln = La, Nd, Sm) Microwave Dielectric Ceramics
Authors: Yi Lei , Liu Xiao Qiang , Chen Xiang Ming
Published: December 2014

SrLn2Al2O7 (Ln = La, Nd, Sm) ceramics belonging to Ruddlesden–Popper phase with n = 2 in space group I4/mmm have been prepared by a standard solid‐state reaction process. Their crystal structure refinement and infrared reflection spectra analysis have been carried out to investigate the correlations among the crystal structure, polar phonon modes, and microwave dielectric characteristics. Heavy deviations of cation–oxygen bonds in (Sr,Ln)O12, (Sr,Ln)O9, and AlO6 polyhedra are observed, and the deviations significantly affect the microwave dielectric characteristics of the present ceramics. The polar phonon modes with lower frequencies due to translation vibration of Sr/La ions against the AlO6 octahedron give the primary contribution to dielectric constant and intrinsic dielectric loss at microwave frequencies. The calculated Q × f value is significantly larger than the measured one, and this result is very obvious for SrLa2Al2O7 ceramics where the calculated one (130,300 GHz) is about 2 times of the measured one (68,800 GHz).
Targeting the bone marrow microenvironment in multiple myeloma
Authors: Kawano Yawara , Moschetta Michele , Manier Salomon , Glavey Siobhan , Görgün Güllü T. , Roccaro Aldo M. , Anderson Kenneth C. , Ghobrial Irene M.
Published: December 2014

Multiple myeloma (MM) is characterized by clonal expansion of malignant plasma cells in the bone marrow (BM). Despite the significant advances in treatment, MM is still a fatal malignancy. This is mainly due to the supportive role of the BM microenvironment in differentiation, migration, proliferation, survival, and drug resistance of the malignant plasma cells. The BM microenvironment is composed of a cellular compartment (stromal cells, osteoblasts, osteoclasts, endothelial cells, and immune cells) and a non‐cellular compartment. In this review, we discuss the interaction between the malignant plasma cell and the BM microenvironment and the strategy to target them.
Do we need more drugs for chronic myeloid leukemia?
Authors: Holyoake Tessa L. , Helgason G. Vignir
Published: December 2014

The introduction of protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in 1998 transformed the management of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), leading to significantly reduced mortality and improved 5 year survival rates. However, the CML community is faced with several clinical issues that need to be addressed. Ten to 15% of CML patients are diagnosed in advanced phase, and small numbers of chronic phase (CP) cases experience disease progression each year during treatment. For these patients, TKIs induce only transient responses and alternative treatment strategies are urgently required. Depending on choice of first line TKI, approximately 30% of CML CP cases show suboptimal responses, due to a combination of poor compliance, drug intolerance, and drug resistance, with approximately 50% of TKI‐resistance caused by kinase domain mutations and the remainder due to unknown mechanisms. Finally, the chance of successful treatment discontinuation is on the order of only 10–20% related to disease persistence. Disease persistence is a poorly understood phenomenon; all CML patients have functional Philadelphia positive (Ph+) stem and progenitor cells in their bone marrows and continue to express BCR‐ABL1 by DNA PCR, even when in very deep remission and following treatment discontinuation. What controls the maintenance of these persisting cells, whether it is necessary to fully eradicate the malignant clone to achieve cure, and how that might be approached therapeutically are open questions.
Role of the ubiquitin proteasome system in hematologic malignancies
Authors: Sahasrabuddhe Anagh A. , Elenitoba‐Johnson Kojo S. J.
Published: December 2014

Ubiquitination is a post‐translational modification process that regulates several critical cellular processes. Ubiquitination is orchestrated by the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS), which constitutes a cascade of enzymes that transfer ubiquitin onto protein substrates. The UPS catalyzes the destruction of many critical protein substrates involved in cancer pathogenesis. This review article focuses on components of the UPS that have been demonstrated to be deregulated by a variety of mechanisms in hematologic malignancies. These include E3 ubiquitin ligases and deubiquitinating enzymes. The prospects of specific targeting of key enzymes in this pathway that are critical to the pathogenesis of particular hematologic neoplasia are also discussed.
TET proteins and 5‐methylcytosine oxidation in hematological cancers
Authors: Ko Myunggon , An Jungeun , Pastor William A. , Koralov Sergei B. , Rajewsky Klaus , Rao Anjana
Published: December 2014

DNA methylation has pivotal regulatory roles in mammalian development, retrotransposon silencing, genomic imprinting, and X‐chromosome inactivation. Cancer cells display highly dysregulated DNA methylation profiles characterized by global hypomethylation in conjunction with hypermethylation of promoter CpG islands that presumably lead to genome instability and aberrant expression of tumor suppressor genes or oncogenes. The recent discovery of ten‐eleven‐translocation (TET) family dioxygenases that oxidize 5mC to 5‐hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), 5‐formylcytosine (5fC), and 5‐carboxylcytosine (5caC) in DNA has led to profound progress in understanding the mechanism underlying DNA demethylation. Among the three TET genes, TET2 recurrently undergoes inactivating mutations in a wide range of myeloid and lymphoid malignancies. TET2 functions as a bona fide tumor suppressor particularly in the pathogenesis of myeloid malignancies resembling chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) in human. Here we review diverse functions of TET proteins and the novel epigenetic marks that they generate in DNA methylation/demethylation dynamics and normal and malignant hematopoietic differentiation. The impact of TET2 inactivation in hematopoiesis and various mechanisms modulating the expression or activity of TET proteins are also discussed. Furthermore, we also present evidence that TET2 and TET3 collaborate to suppress aberrant hematopoiesis and hematopoietic transformation. A detailed understanding of the normal and pathological functions of TET proteins may provide new avenues to develop novel epigenetic therapies for treating hematological malignancies.
New themes in the biological functions of 5‐methylcytosine and 5‐hydroxymethylcytosine
Authors: Moen Erika L. , Mariani Christopher J. , Zullow Hayley , Jeff‐Eke Meselle , Litwin Edward , Nikitas John N. , Godley Lucy A.
Published: December 2014

5‐methylcytosine (5‐mC) and 5‐hydroxymethylcytosine (5‐hmC) play a critical role in development and normal physiology. Alterations in 5‐mC and 5‐hmC patterns are common events in hematopoietic neoplasms. In this review, we begin by emphasizing the importance of 5‐mC, 5‐hmC, and their enzymatic modifiers in hematological malignancies. Then, we discuss the functions of 5‐mC and 5‐hmC at distinct genic contexts, including promoter regions, gene bodies, intron‐exon boundaries, alternative promoters, and intragenic microRNAs. Recent advances in technology have allowed for the study of 5‐mC and 5‐hmC independently and specifically permitting distinction between the bases that show them to have transcriptional effects that vary by their location relative to gene structure. We extend these observations to their functions at enhancers and transcription factor binding sites. We discuss dietary influences on 5‐mC and 5‐hmC levels and summarize the literature on the effects of folate and vitamin C on 5‐mC and 5‐hmC, respectively. Finally, we discuss how these new themes in the functions of 5‐mC and 5‐hmC will likely influence the broader research field of epigenetics.
Democracy at a TTIP'ing point: Seizing a slim chance to reassert democratic sovereignty in Europe
Authors: Crouch Colin
Published: December 2014

Colin Crouch, who first diagnosed and described our ‘post‐democratic’ malaise a decade ago, assesses the strength of recent democratic interventions in the previously closed‐shop TTIP negotiations as a reaction to deepening crises of popular mistrust and political capture in European and western democratic national polities.
Victories in the Andes: The recent past and near future of Bolivia under Evo Morales
Authors: Dangl Benjamin
Published: December 2014

Bolivian president Evo Morales is one of the political left's most successful modern leaders. Benjamin Dangl traces the course of Morales' ascent and presidency, and explains how Bolivia has become a country ‘almost unimaginable in the neoliberal 1990s’.
Genome‐Wide Identification of MicroRNAs Responsive to High Temperature in Rice (Oryza sativa) by High‐Throughput Deep Sequencing
Authors: Li J. , Wu L.‐Q. , Zheng W.‐Y. , Wang R.‐F. , Yang L.‐X.
Published: December 2014

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are known to play important roles in plant growth and stress response. Heat stress is a severe abiotic stresses by adversely affecting plant growth and yield. To identify heat‐responsive miRNAs at the genome‐wide level in rice (Oryza sativa), we constructed two small RNA libraries from young panicles treated or not with heat conditions. Ion torrent sequencing of the two libraries identified 294 known miRNAs and 539 novel miRNAs. Differential expression analysis showed that 26 miRNAs were downregulated and 21 miRNAs were upregulated in response to heat stress. Among them, five heat‐responsive miRNAs, including miR162b, miR529a‐p5, PC‐5P‐62245‐9, miR171b and miR169n, were validated by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. A total of 44 target genes of the differentially expressed miRNAs were predicted. These target genes are most significantly overrepresented in the cell growth process. The results demonstrated that rice miRNAs play critical roles in the heat stress response. This study opens up a new avenue for understanding the regulatory mechanisms of miRNAs involvement in the heat stress response in rice.
Association Between Left Ventricular Mechanics and Heart Rate Variability in Untreated Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Tadic Marijana , Cuspidi Cesare , Pencic Biljana , Pavlovic Sinisa U. , Ivanovic Branislava , Kocijancic Vesna , Celic Vera
Published: December 2014

The authors sought to investigate left ventricular (LV) mechanics and heart rate variability (HRV), and their relationship, in untreated hypertensive patients. A total of 63 untreated hypertensive patients and 45 healthy patients were included. All patients underwent 24‐hour Holter monitoring and echocardiographic examination (two‐ and three‐dimensional). All parameters of time and frequency domain of HRV were decreased in the hypertensive patients. Two‐dimensional LV longitudinal and circumferential deformation was significantly reduced in hypertensive patients. Three‐dimensional LV strain in all three directions as well as area strain were reduced in the hypertensive group. In two different models of multivariate regression, two‐dimensional LV longitudinal and circumferential strain, as well as three‐dimensional LV area strain, remained associated with HRV parameters independently of LV structural and functional parameters. This study showed that LV mechanics and HRV were significantly impaired in untreated hypertensive patients. Two‐ and three‐dimensional echocardiographic LV deformation were independently associated with HRV parameters in the whole study population.
Enhanced clinical pharmacy service targeting tools: risk‐predictive algorithms
Authors: El Hajji Feras W. D. , Scullin Claire , Scott Michael G. , McElnay James C.
Published: December 2014

Rationale, aims and objectives

This study aimed to determine the value of using a mix of clinical pharmacy data and routine hospital admission spell data in the development of predictive algorithms. Exploration of risk factors in hospitalized patients, together with the targeting strategies devised, will enable the prioritization of clinical pharmacy services to optimize patient outcomes.

Methods

Predictive algorithms were developed using a number of detailed steps using a 75% sample of integrated medicines management (IMM) patients, and validated using the remaining 25%. IMM patients receive targeted clinical pharmacy input throughout their hospital stay. The algorithms were applied to the validation sample, and predicted risk probability was generated for each patient from the coefficients. Risk threshold for the algorithms were determined by identifying the cut‐off points of risk scores at which the algorithm would have the highest discriminative performance. Clinical pharmacy staffing levels were obtained from the pharmacy department staffing database.

Results

Numbers of previous emergency admissions and admission medicines together with age‐adjusted co‐morbidity and diuretic receipt formed a 12‐month post‐discharge and/or readmission risk algorithm. Age‐adjusted co‐morbidity proved to be the best index to predict mortality. Increased numbers of clinical pharmacy staff at ward level was correlated with a reduction in risk‐adjusted mortality index (RAMI).

Conclusions

Algorithms created were valid in predicting risk of in‐hospital and post‐discharge mortality and risk of hospital readmission 3, 6 and 12 months post‐discharge. The provision of ward‐based clinical pharmacy services is a key component to reducing RAMI and enabling the full benefits of pharmacy input to patient care to be realized.
A feasibility study of behavioural activation for depressive symptoms in adults with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Jahoda A. , Melville C. A. , Pert C. , Cooper S.‐A. , Lynn H. , Williams C. , Davidson C.
Published: December 2014

Background

Important work has been carried out adapting cognitive behavioural therapy for people with intellectual disabilities. However, there is a lack of alternative psychological therapies available for people with intellectual disabilities and emotional difficulties. Behavioural activation for depression is less reliant on verbal communication and focuses on increasing purposeful activity and reducing avoidance.

Method

This feasibility study involved the development and piloting of an adapted manual of behavioural activation for people with intellectual disabilities. The intervention consisted of 10–12 sessions and a key adaptation was that the therapist worked with the clients alongside a significant other in their life, either a paid carer or family member. Baseline, post‐intervention (3 months after entering the study) and 6‐month quantitative follow‐up data were obtained. Primary outcome data were gathered, concerning depressive symptoms, participants' levels of activity and general well‐being.

Results

Twenty‐three adults with intellectual disabilities with symptoms of depression were recruited from specialist health services. In terms of acceptability, the behavioural activation intervention was well received and only two individuals dropped out, with a further two lost to follow‐up. The main measures of depression appeared to be sensitive to change. Pre‐ to post‐intervention data showed a significant reduction in self‐report of depressive symptoms with a strong effect size (r = 0.78), that was maintained at follow‐up (r = 0.86). Positive change was also obtained for informant reports of depressive symptoms from pre‐ to post‐intervention, with a strong effect size (r = 0.7). Once again, this positive change was maintained at follow‐up (r = 0.72).

Conclusions

The study suggested that behavioural activation may be a feasible and worthwhile approach to tackling depression in people with intellectual disabilities. However, a randomised controlled trial would be required to establish its effectiveness, with more sensitive measurement of change in activity.
Development of the human infrahepatic inferior caval and azygos venous systems
Authors: Hikspoors Jill P. J. M. , Soffers Jelly H. M. , Mekonen Hayelom K. , Cornillie Pieter , Köhler S. Eleonore , Lamers Wouter H.
Published: December 2014

Differences in opinion regarding the development of the infrahepatic inferior caval and azygos venous systems in mammals centre on the contributions of ‘caudal cardinal’, ‘subcardinal’, ‘supracardinal’, ‘medial and lateral sympathetic line’ and ‘sacrocardinal’ veins. The disagreements appear to arise from the use of topographical position rather than developmental origin as criterion to define separate venous systems. We reinvestigated the issue in a closely spaced series of human embryos between 4 and 10 weeks of development. Structures were visualized with the Amira® reconstruction and Cinema4D® remodelling software. The vertebral level and neighbouring structures were used as topographic landmarks. The main results were that the caudal cardinal veins extended caudally from the common cardinal vein between CS11 and CS15, followed by the development of the subcardinal veins as a plexus sprouting ventrally from the caudal cardinal veins. The caudal cardinal veins adapted their course from lateral to medial relative to the laterally expanding lungs, adrenal glands, definitive kidneys, sympathetic trunk and umbilical arteries between CS15 and CS18, and then became interrupted in the part overlaying the regressing mesonephroi (Th12‐L3). The caudal part of the left caudal cardinal vein then also regressed. The infrarenal part of the inferior caval vein originated from the right caudal cardinal vein, while the renal part originated from subcardinal veins. The azygos veins developed from the remaining cranial part of the caudal cardinal veins. Our data show that all parts of the inferior caval and azygos venous systems developed directly from the caudal cardinal veins or from a plexus sprouting from these veins.
Perivascular Enhancement in a Patient with Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disease during an Optic Neuritis Attack
Authors: Pekcevik Yeliz , Izbudak Izlem
Published: December 2014

We present a case with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disease (NMOSD) who had perivascular enhancement during an optic neuritis attack. Cloud‐like enhancement, pencil‐thin enhancement, and leptomeningeal enhancement have been defined as specific enhancement patterns to neuromyelitis optica (NMO). Perivascular enhancement has not been described before in NMO/NMOSD. This finding suggests that perivascular enhancement may also be seen in NMO/NMOSD patients.
Prevalence of human papillomaviruses in the healthy oral mucosa of women with high‐grade squamous intra‐epithelial lesion and of their partners as compared to healthy controls
Authors: Tatár Tímea Zsófia , Kis Andrea , Szabó Éva , Czompa Levente , Boda Róbert , Tar Ildikó , Szarka Krisztina
Published: December 2014

Oral human papillomavirus (HPV) carriage rates were investigated in relation to genital HPV carriage in women with HPV‐associated cervical lesions and male partner of such women, including several couples, in comparison with healthy individuals. Buccal and lingual mucosa of 60 males and 149 females with healthy oral mucosa and without known genital lesion, genital and oral mucosa of further 40 females with cervical high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) and 34 male sexual partners of women with HSIL (including 20 couples) were sampled. HPV DNA was detected using MY/GP PCR. Genotype was determined by sequencing or restriction fragment length polymorphism. Virus copy numbers were determined by real‐time PCR. Overall, oral HPV carriage rate was 5.7% (12/209) in healthy individuals; average copy number was 5.8 × 102 copies/1 μg DNA; male and female rates were comparable. Oral carriage in women with HSIL was significantly higher, 20.0% (8/40, P = 0.003); males with partners with HSIL showed a carriage rate of 17.6% (6/34), copy numbers were similar to the healthy controls. In contrast, genital carriage rate (52.9%, 18/34 vs. 82.5%, 33/40; P = 0.006) and average copy number were lower in males (5.0 × 105 vs. 7.8 × 105 copies/1 μg DNA; P = 0.01). Oral copy numbers in these groups and in healthy individuals were comparable. High‐risk genotypes were dominant; couples usually had the same genotype in the genital sample. In conclusion, genital HPV carriage is a risk factor of oral carriage for the individual or for the sexual partner, but alone is not sufficient to produce an oral HPV infection in most cases.
Cognitive function and endogenous cytokine levels in children with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Abu Faddan N. H. , Shehata G. A. , Abd Elhafeez H. A. , Mohamed A. O. , Hassan H. S. , Abd El Sameea F.
Published: December 2014

Little is known about how hepatitis C (HCV) infection affects cognitive function in children. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of HCV infection on cognitive function of children with normal liver functions and their relationships to endogenous IFN‐α, IL‐6 and TNF‐α. IFN‐α, IL‐6 and TNF‐α were measured and the Arabic version of the Stanford–Binet test used to assess cognitive functions in 35 children with HCV infection and 23 controls. Serum levels of IL‐6 and IFN‐α were significantly higher in patients compared to controls. There was a significant effect on vocabulary, comprehension, and abstract visual reasoning, quantitative reasoning and bead memory tests, as well as total short‐term memory and intelligence quotient in patients compared to controls. There was a significant positive correlation between IFN‐α and IL‐6. Also there were significant negative correlations between IFN‐α and Abstract visual reasoning test, Quantitative reasoning test, Bead memory test, Total short‐term memory and Intelligence quotient; and between IL‐6 and Abstract visual reasoning test, Quantitative reasoning test and Intelligence quotient. There was no significant correlation between TNF‐α and any of the cognitive functions. Cytokine levels were not related to demographic characteristics of the patients or viral load (PCR). Children with chronic hepatitis C infection in its early stages showed signs of cognitive impairment, with the memory tasks being mostly affected. There was a significant correlation between endogenous cytokines and cognitive impairment in these children. Further studies are needed to define the effect of successful antiviral treatment.
Non‐invasive score system for fibrosis in chronic hepatitis: proposal for a model based on biochemical, FibroScan and ultrasound data
Authors: Gaia Silvia , Campion Daniela , Evangelista Andrea , Spandre Maurizio , Cosso Loretta , Brunello Franco , Ciccone Giovannino , Bugianesi Elisabetta , Rizzetto Mario
Published: December 2014

Background & Aims

We elaborate a non‐invasive score system for liver fibrosis (NISF), exploring its diagnostic performance and comparing its accuracy to FibroScan in patients with chronic viral hepatitis (CH) and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Methods

Clinical, biochemical, elastographic and ultrasound parameters derived from patients with CH (n = 83) or NAFLD (n = 58), undergoing liver biopsy for fibrosis assessment, were prospectively collected as potential predictors of fibrosis. Each parameter was evaluated for its correlation with the liver biopsy (Gold Standard). Candidate predictors with good interobserver agreement and correlation with histological stages were combined into two algorithms (NISF) to predict fibrosis in chronic viral hepatitis and NAFLD.

Results

The CH‐NISF included six parameters: bluntness of liver edges, irregularity of left lobe surface, diameter of segment 4, liver stiffness measurement, platelet count and ALT values. The ability of the model to discriminate F3–F4 vs F0–F1 stages and F2 vs F0‐F1 was high (AUROC of 0.95 and 0.83 respectively) and better than FibroScan alone, especially in intermediate stages (F2 vs F0‐F1), AUROC 0.83 vs 0.57 (P = 0.003). The resulting algorithm is available as mathematical formula, nomogram or free online link. [http://health.mafservizi.it/NISF_Calculator/liver.htm]

The NAFLD‐NISF included liver stiffness, platelet count and AST levels, had good ability to discriminate F0–F1 vs F2–F3–F4 stages (AUROC 0.86), however, not significantly higher than FibroScan.

Conclusions

CH‐NISF can be proposed as preliminary and easily available staging tool, superior to FibroScan alone in predicting histological fibrosis, especially in intermediate stages. Further validations are needed to improve NISF accuracy in NAFLD.
EXPECTATIONS OF FUNCTIONS OF STOCHASTIC TIME WITH APPLICATION TO CREDIT RISK MODELING
Authors: Costin Ovidiu , Gordy Michael B. , Huang Min , Szerszen Pawel J.
Published: December 2014

We develop two novel approaches to solving for the Laplace transform of a time‐changed stochastic process. We discard the standard assumption that the background process () is Lévy. Maintaining the assumption that the business clock () and the background process are independent, we develop two different series solutions for the Laplace transform of the time‐changed process . In fact, our methods apply not only to Laplace transforms, but more generically to expectations of smooth functions of random time. We apply the methods to introduce stochastic time change to the standard class of default intensity models of credit risk, and show that stochastic time‐change has a very large effect on the pricing of deep out‐of‐the‐money options on credit default swaps.
Internet addiction and physical and psychosocial behavior problems among rural secondary school students
Authors: Gür Kamer , Yurt Seher , Bulduk Serap , Atagöz Sinem
Published: December 2014

The aim of this study was to determine secondary school students' levels of Internet addiction and the physical and psychosocial behavior problems they face while using the Internet. This descriptive study was conducted in three state secondary schools in a rural area in the western part of Turkey. This study's sample consisted of 549 students who agreed to participate, with the consent of their families, and who had an Internet connection at home. The data were evaluated using t‐tests and variance analyses. In this study the students' score of Internet addiction was at medium level (mean addiction score 44.51 ± 17.90). There were significant differences between the students' Internet addiction scores and the presence of physical behavior problems (going to bed late, skipping meals, eating meals in front of the computer) and psychosocial behavior problems (suffering from conditions such as restlessness, anger, heart palpitations, or tremors when they could not connect to the Internet, decreased relationships with family and friends, feelings of anger, arguing with parents, and finding life boring and empty without an Internet connection).
A comparison of methods for the detection of the r′s haplotype
Authors: Moulds Joann M. , Noumsi Ghislain T. , Billingsley Katrina L.
Published: December 2014

Background

The r′s haplotype is found in 5% to 15% of individuals of African descent. Persons with this haplotype have a partial C antigen and weakened e and can produce anti‐C or other “e‐like” alloantibodies. Thus, for these chronically transfused patients, accurate detection of the r′s haplotype is important for selection of matched units.

Study Design and Methods

African‐American donors were genotyped using the human erythrocyte antigen (HEA) microarray. Samples (n = 125) identified as “possible r′s” were then tested by IDCORE XT and RHD and RHCE microarrays. DNA sequencing was used to resolve discordant samples. The genotyping results were compared to serologic testing using a monoclonal anti‐C reagent (Clone MS24).

Results

Of the 125 possible r′s samples identified by HEA, only 94 (75%) were confirmed by both RHD and RHCE microarrays. The IDCORE XT accurately detected 93 of 94 (99%) of the confirmed r′s and had no false positives. DNA sequencing of the one discordant sample revealed the presence of a compound heterozygote with RHD* DIII.4/RHCE*ceVS.02 as one haplotype and r′s Type 2 as the other. The 31 unconfirmed r′s samples carried RHCE*ceVS.03 not linked to the hybrid RHD‐CE‐D. This occurred most often with RHD*DIIIa (55%) or RHD*01 (19%) and rarely with DIII.4, DIII.6, DAU3, and weak D Type 14. Serologic testing with anti‐C gave 100% concordance with the r′s samples.

Conclusions

The predominant type of r′s in African‐Americans is Type 1, which can be detected either by a reagent anti‐C containing Clone MS24 or by IDCORE XT. However, serology cannot differentiate between a normal C allele and the hybrid.
Evaluation of oxidative stress in the anemia of dogs with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Kogika Marcia M. , Lustoza Marcio D. , Hagiwara Mitika K. , Caragelasco Douglas S. , Martorelli Cinthia R. , Mori Clara S.
Published: December 2014

Background

Anemia and systemic oxidative stress may occur in dogs with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Only scarce information regarding the intraerythrocytic redox status under these conditions is available at this time.

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the indicators of oxidative stress and intraerythrocytic antioxidant defense in dogs with anemia of CKD.

Methods

Thirty dogs with CKD in stages 3 or 4 with nonregenerative anemia (HCT ≤ 37%) were compared to 20 healthy dogs. Complete blood count, reticulocyte %, blood smear evaluation, intraerythrocytic concentrations of total (GSHt), reduced (GSH), and oxidized glutathione (GSSH), and activities of glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and superoxide dismutase (SOD), as well as plasma concentrations of thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBAR) were determined.

Results

Anemia of CKD dogs was nonregenerative (reticulocytes ≤ 0.2% with scarce anisocytosis and poikilocytosis). Intraerythrocytic GSSH and SOD, and plasma TBAR were higher in dogs with CKD. There was a positive correlation between the creatinine concentration and TBAR, and negative correlations between creatinine concentration and HCT, as well as between HCT and TBAR. In CKD dogs with a higher degree of anemia, SOD levels were higher and GSSH concentrations were lower. Despite the evidence of increased systemic oxidative stress, the compensatory response of SOD and the sustained intraerythrocytic concentrations of GSSH in CKD dogs with anemia indicated that the erythrocytes maintained the antioxidant defense.

Conclusions

There was no strong evidence that oxidative stress was associated with higher degrees of anemia in dogs with CKD.
ULTRASONOGRAPHIC EVALUATION OF ADRENAL GLAND SIZE COMPARED TO BODY WEIGHT IN NORMAL DOGS
Authors: Soulsby Stacy N. , Holland Merrilee , Hudson Judith A. , Behrend Ellen N.
Published: December 2014

The accepted cut‐off value for adrenal gland maximum diameter of 0.74 cm to distinguish adrenal gland enlargement in dogs regardless of body weight may not be appropriate for small to medium breed dogs. The purpose of the current retrospective study was to examine adrenal gland dimensions as a function of body weight in healthy dogs in three weight categories (< 10 kg, 10–30 kg, and > 30 kg) representing small, medium, and large breeds, respectively, to establish greater confidence in determining if adrenal gland size is abnormal. The measurements of length (sagittal plane), cranial and caudal pole thickness (sagittal and transverse planes), and caudal pole width (transverse plane) of both adrenal glands were obtained ultrasonographically in clinically healthy dogs (n= 45) with 15 dogs in each weight group. Findings support our hypothesis that adrenal gland size correlates with body weight in normal dogs, and more precise reference intervals should be created for adrenal gland size by categorizing dogs as small, medium, or large breed. The caudal pole thickness of either adrenal gland in a sagittal plane was the best dimension for evaluating adrenal gland size based on low variability, ease, and reliability in measurement.
Lie Group Analysis of a Nanofluid Bioconvection Flow Past a Vertical Flat Surface With an Outer Power-Law Stream
Authors: Xu Hang
Published: December 2014

In this paper, an analysis on a bioconvection flow of a nanofluid past a vertical flat plate in the presence of an out power-law stream is made. The passively controlled nanofluid model is used to approximate this flow problem, which is believed to be physically more realistic than previously commonly used actively controlled nanofluid models. The Lie group transformation method is introduced to seek similarity solutions of such nanobioconvection flows for the first time. The reduced governing equations are then solved numerically with a finite difference technique. Besides, the influences of various parameters such as the Grashof number, the Prandtl number, the bioconvection Rayleigh number, the Lewis number, the bioconvection Péclet number, and the Schimdt number on the distributions of the density of motile micro-organisms profiles, as well as the local skin friction coefficient, the local Nusselt number, the local wall mass flux, and the local density of the motile micro-organisms are analyzed and discussed.
Future Use of Large Eddy Simulation in Aero‐engines
Authors: Tyacke James C. , Tucker Paul G.
Published: December 2014

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has become a critical tool in the design of aero-engines. Increasing demand for higher efficiency, performance, and reduced emissions of noise and pollutants has focused attention on secondary flows, small scale internal flows, and flow interactions. In conjunction with low order correlations and experimental data, RANS (Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes) modeling has been used effectively for some time, particularly at high Reynolds numbers and at design conditions. However, the range of flows throughout an engine is vast, with most, in reality being inherently unsteady. There are many cases where RANS can perform poorly, particularly in zones characterized by strong streamline curvature, separation, transition, relaminarization, and heat transfer. The reliable use of RANS has also been limited by its strong dependence on turbulence model choice and related ad-hoc corrections. For complex flows, large-eddy simulation (LES) methods provide reliable solutions, largely independent of turbulence model choice, and at a relatively low cost for particular flows. LES can now be used to provide in depth knowledge of flow physics, for example, in areas such as transition and real wall roughness effects. This can be used to inform RANS and lower order modeling (LOM). For some flows, LES can now even be used for design. Existing literature is used to show the potential of LES for a range of flows in different zones of the engine. Based on flow taxonomy, best practices including RANS/LES zonalization, meshing requirements, and turbulent inflow conditions are introduced, leading to the proposal of a tentative expert system for industrial use. In this way, LES becomes a well controlled tool, suitable for design use and reduces the burden on the end user. The problem sizes tackled however have lagged behind potential computing power, hence future LES use at scale requires substantial progress in several key areas. Current and future solver technologies are thus examined and the potential current and future use of LES is considered.
Adaptive Repetitive Control With Two Nonsynchronized Sampling
Authors: Yao Wu-Sung
Published: December 2014

Repetitive controllers have been shown to be effective for tracking periodic reference commands with known period. For a reference with fixed period, its implementation can be done with time fixed sampling where an integer number of samples in each period can be required. With variable periodic signal tracking with real-time realization, the number of samples per period may be a noninteger with a fixed sample rate. This paper presents an adaptive repetitive control scheme for reducing tracking errors due to variable periodic reference signals with two nonsynchronized sampling. Aside from time sampling, a position pulse signal generated by optical encoder is used to produce another fixed sampling. This technique can accommodate the variable periodic signal and variable samples per period for synchronization can be achieved by the position sampling. Experimental studies of a twin linear motor control system which comes up with variable periodic references are given. The experimental results illustrate the validity of the proposed implementation method in that adaptive repetitive control with two nonsynchronized sampling can effectively eliminate steady-state errors within a few cycles that are caused by variable periodic references.
Statistics of Extreme Wind Speeds and Wave Heights by the Bivariate ACER Method
Authors: Naess Arvid , Karpa Oleh
Published: December 2014

In the reliability engineering and design of offshore structures, probabilistic approaches are frequently adopted. They require the estimation of extreme quantiles of oceanographic data based on the statistical information. Due to strong correlation between such random variables as, e.g., wave heights and wind speeds (WS), application of the multivariate, or bivariate in the simplest case, extreme value theory is sometimes necessary. The paper focuses on the extension of the average conditional exceedance rate (ACER) method for prediction of extreme value statistics to the case of bivariate time series. Using the ACER method, it is possible to provide an accurate estimate of the extreme value distribution of a univariate time series. This is obtained by introducing a cascade of conditioning approximations to the true extreme value distribution. When it has been ascertained that this cascade has converged, an estimate of the extreme value distribution has been obtained. In this paper, it will be shown how the univariate ACER method can be extended in a natural way to also cover the case of bivariate data. Application of the bivariate ACER method will be demonstrated for measured coupled WS and wave height data.
Efficient Filtering in Topology Optimization via B-Splines1
Authors: Wang Mingming , Qian Xiaoping
Published: December 2014

This paper presents a B-spline based approach for topology optimization of three-dimensional (3D) problems where the density representation is based on B-splines. Compared with the usual density filter in topology optimization, the new B-spline based density representation approach is advantageous in both memory usage and central processing unit (CPU) time. This is achieved through the use of tensor-product form of B-splines. As such, the storage of the filtered density variables is linear with respect to the effective filter size instead of the cubic order as in the usual density filter. Numerical examples of 3D topology optimization of minimal compliance and heat conduction problems are demonstrated. We further reveal that our B-spline based density representation resolves the bottleneck challenge in multiple density per element optimization scheme where the storage of filtering weights had been prohibitively expensive.
Investigations on the Application of Elastomagnetic Abrasive Balls for Fine Finishing
Authors: Sooraj V. S. , Radhakrishnan V.
Published: December 2014

This paper discusses a unique and flexible mode of applying fine abrasive grains in the form of mesoscale elastomagnetic abrasive balls, controlled using magnetic field, to achieve micro/nanoscale surface finish. The proposed balls are easy to load in the working gap to form an elastomagnetic abrasive brush that can be moved over the surface to get the required microcutting action. The effect of elastomeric medium present in the balls is clearly illustrated, and proven to be a viable approach for yielding ultra fine finish without altering the surface form. An analytical model is presented to describe the effect of finishing forces, torque, as well as the major process variables affecting the material removal. Detailed experimental investigation is reported with the statistical analysis of results and the validation of theoretical model.
Friction, Contact Pressure, and Nonlinear Behavior of Steel Tubes in Subsea Umbilicals
Authors: Parsinejad Farzan , Kassner Chris , Kurtz Mark , Ye Naiquan
Published: December 2014

This paper focuses on evaluating the impact of friction and contact pressure on helical steel tubes. The initial gaps between steel tubes and adjacent layers, friction coefficients and the contact stiffness are the main factors that affect such investigation. A novel methodology by using UFLEX2D (a MARINTEK product) has been applied for modeling complex umbilical cross sections and for the study of these parameters. Two cross sections for the same subsea application but with different designs have been investigated in the study. It has been shown how fatigue damage can be significantly impacted by different cross-sectional design. For this study, nonlinear moment/curvature relationship has been included in the analyses. Based on the findings of this study, more realistic results can be achieved by including the nonlinear behavior in global analysis for fatigue damage calculations instead of using nominal bending stiffness supplied by umbilical manufacturer.