bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of β-oxidation is not a valid therapeutic tool for reducing oxidative stress in conditions of neurodegeneration
Authors: Schönfeld Peter , Reiser Georg
Published: April 2016

According to recent reports, systemic treatment of rats with methylpalmoxirate (carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 inhibitor) decreased peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids in brain tissue. This was taken as evidence of mitochondrial β-oxidation in brain, thereby contradicting long-standing paradigms of cerebral metabolism, which claim that β-oxidation of activated fatty acids has minor importance for brain energy homeostasis. We addressed this controversy. Our experiments are the first direct experimental analysis of this question. We fueled isolated brain mitochondria or rat brain astrocytes with octanoic acid, but octanoic acid does not enhance formation of reactive oxygen species, neither in isolated brain mitochondria nor in astrocytes, even at limited hydrogen delivery to mitochondria. Thus, octanoic acid or l-octanoylcarnitine does not stimulate H2O2 release from brain mitochondria fueled with malate, in contrast to liver mitochondria (2.25-fold rise). This does obviously not support the possible occurrence of β-oxidation of the fatty acid octanoate in the brain. We conclude that a proposed inhibition of β-oxidation does not seem to be a helpful strategy for therapies aiming at lowering oxidative stress in cerebral tissue. This question is important, since oxidative stress is the cause of neurodegeneration in numerous neurodegenerative or inflammatory disease situations.
Non-Gaussian diffusion imaging for malignant and benign pulmonary nodule differentiation: a preliminary study
Authors: Das Sushant Kumar , Yang Dong Jun , Wang Jin Liang , Zhang Chuan , Yang Han Feng
Published: April 2016

Background

Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) derived apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) has demonstrated inconsistent results in pulmonary nodule differentiation. Diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI), which quantifies non-Gaussian diffusion, is believed to better characterize tissue micro-structure than conventional DWI.

Purpose

To assess the feasibility of DKI in human lungs and to compare its diagnostic value with standard DWI in differentiating malignancies from benign pulmonary nodules.

Material and Methods

Thirty-five pulmonary nodules in 32 consecutive patients were evaluated by DKI by using 3b-values of 0, 500, and 1000 s/mm2 and conventional DWI with b values of 0 and 800 s/mm2. Two observers independently evaluated and compared diagnostic accuracy of mean kurtosis (MK) and ADC values in differentiating malignancies from benign pulmonary nodules. The intra- and inter-observer repeatability (intra-class correlation coefficient [ICC]) were also assessed for each derived measures.

Results

The diagnostic accuracy, and the area under curve (AUC) in differentiating malignancies from benign pulmonary nodule, were not significantly higher for MK (Obs. 1a: 85.70%, 0.87; Obs. 1b: 80.00%, 0.80; and Obs. 2: 82.80%, 0.91) as compared to ADC (Obs. 1a: 77.14%, 0.81; Obs. 1b: 80.00%, 0.85; and Obs. 2: 77.14%, 0.85 respectively). The intra- and inter-observer agreement (ICC) for malignant and benign lesions was substantial for each reading.

Conclusion

The initial results of this study indicate the feasibility of DKI in human lungs. However, there was no significant benefit of DKI derived MK values over ADC for malignant and benign pulmonary nodule differentiation.
Apparent diffusion coefficient values are superior to transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy for the assessment of prostate cancer aggressiveness
Authors: Li Chunmei , Chen Min , Wang Jianye , Wang Xuan , Zhang Wei , Zhang Chen
Published: April 2016

Background

Few studies have focused on comparing the utility of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided biopsy in predicting prostate cancer aggressiveness. Whether apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values can provide more information than TRUS-guided biopsy should be confirmed.

Purpose

To retrospectively assess the utility of ADC values in predicting prostate cancer aggressiveness, compared to the TRUS-guided prostate biopsy Gleason score (GS).

Material and Methods

The DW images of 54 patients with biopsy-proven prostate cancer were obtained using 1.5-T magnetic resonance (MR). The mean ADC values of cancerous areas and biopsy GS were correlated with prostatectomy GS and D’Amico clinical risk scores, respectively. Meanwhile, the utility of ADC values in identifying high-grade prostate cancer (with Gleason 4 and/or 5 components in prostatectomy) in patients with a biopsy GS ≤ 3 + 3 = 6 was also evaluated.

Results

A significant negative correlation was found between mean ADC values of cancerous areas and the prostatectomy GS ( P < 0.001) and D’Amico clinical risk scores ( P < 0.001). No significant correlation was found between biopsy GS and prostatectomy GS ( P = 0.140) and D’Amico clinical risk scores ( P = 0.342). Patients harboring Gleason 4 and/or 5 components in prostatectomy had significantly lower ADC values than those harboring no Gleason 4 and/or 5 components ( P = 0.004).

Conclusion

The ADC values of cancerous areas in the prostate are a better indicator than the biopsy GS in predicting prostate cancer aggressiveness. Moreover, the use of ADC values can help identify the presence of high-grade tumor in patients with a Gleason score ≤ 3 + 3 = 6 during biopsy.
Determination of the electrical conductivity of human liver metastases: impact on therapy planning in the radiofrequency ablation of liver tumors
Authors: Zurbuchen Urte , Poch Franz , Gemeinhardt Ole , Kreis Martin E , Niehues Stefan M , Vahldieck Janis L , Lehmann Kai S
Published: April 2016

Background

Radiofrequency ablation is used to induce thermal necrosis in the treatment of liver metastases. The specific electrical conductivity of a liver metastasis has a distinct influence on the heat formation and resulting tumor ablation within the tissue.

Purpose

To examine the electrical conductivity σ of human colorectal liver metastases and of tumor-free liver tissue in surgical specimens.

Material and Methods

Surgical specimens from patients with resectable colorectal liver metastases were used for measurements (size of metastases <30 mm). A four-needle measuring probe was used to determine the electrical conductivity σ of human colorectal liver metastasis (n = 8) and tumor-free liver tissue (n = 5) in a total of five patients. All measurements were performed at 470 kHz, which is the relevant frequency for radiofrequency ablation. The tissue temperature was also measured. Hepatic resections were performed in accordance with common surgical standards. Measurements were performed in the operating theater immediately after resection.

Results

The median electrical conductivity σ was 0.57 S/m in human colorectal liver metastases at a median temperature of 35.1℃ and 0.35 S/m in tumor-free liver tissue at a median temperature of 34.9℃. The electrical conductivity was significantly higher in tumor tissue than in tumor-free liver tissue ( P = 0.005). There were no differences in tissue temperature between the two groups ( P = 0.883).

Conclusion

The electrical conductivity is significantly higher in human colorectal liver metastases than in tumor-free liver tissue at a frequency of 470 kHz.
Is multidetector computed tomography comparable to magnetic resonance imaging for assessment of lumbar foraminal stenosis?
Authors: Kang Woo Young , Ahn Joong Mo , Lee Joon Woo , Lee Eugene , Bae Yun Jung , Seo Jiwoon , Kim Junghoon , Kang Heung Sik
Published: April 2016

Background

Both multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used for assessment of lumbar foraminal stenosis (LFS). Therefore, it is relevant to assess agreement between these imaging modalities.

Purpose

To determine intermodality, inter-, and intra-observer agreement for assessment of LFS on MDCT and MRI.

Material and Methods

A total of 120 foramina in 20 patients who visited our institution in January and February 2014 were evaluated by six radiologists with different levels of experience. Radiologists evaluated presence and severity of LFS on sagittal CT and MR images according to a previously published LFS grading system. Intermodality agreement was analyzed by using weighted kappa statistics, while inter- and intra-observer agreement were analyzed by using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and kappa statistics.

Results

Overall intermodality agreement was moderate to good (kappa, 0.478–0.765). In particular, two professors and one fellow tended to overestimate the degree of LFS on CT compared with MRI. For inter-observer agreement of all six observers, ICCs indicated excellent agreement for both CT (0.774) and MRI (0.771), while Fleiss’ kappa values showed moderate agreement for CT (0.482) and MRI (0.575). There was better agreement between professors and fellows compared with residents. For intra-observer agreement, ICCs indicated excellent agreement, while kappa values showed good to excellent agreement for both CT and MRI.

Conclusion

MDCT was comparable to MRI for diagnosis and assessment of LFS, especially for experienced observers. However, there was a tendency to overestimate the degree of LFS on MDCT compared with MRI.
Uterine peristalsis and junctional zone: correlation with age and postmenopausal status
Authors: Kiguchi Kayo , Kido Aki , Kataoka Masako , Shitano Fuki , Fujimoto Koji , Himoto Yuki , Moribata Yusaku , Kurata Yasuhisa , Fushimi Yasutaka , Okada Tomohisa , Togashi Kaori
Published: April 2016

Background

Although age-related change of junctional zone (JZ) of the uterus has been known, there has been no previous systematic study of age-related changes of uterine peristalsis that is observed as the wave conduction of the thickest or darkest area within the JZ.

Purpose

To examine the age-related changes of uterine peristalsis in pre and postmenopausal women using cine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and to determine the correlation between peristalsis and JZ on T2-weighted (T2W) imaging.

Material and Methods

Cine MRI analysis was performed in 64 premenopausal volunteers and in 43 postmenopausal women. The peristaltic frequency, JZ detectability, and JZ thickness were evaluated and compared between the two groups. In the premenopausal group, the correlations between age and each item was examined. In the postmenopausal group, the number of years after menopause was used instead of age. The correlation between peristaltic frequency and JZ detectability or thickness was also analyzed.

Results

Peristaltic frequency and JZ detectability significantly differed between the two groups, while JZ thickness did not. Peristaltic frequency did not vary significantly with age before menopause and no peristalsis was observed after menopause. JZ detectability did not change significantly with age or number of years after menopause, while JZ thickness significantly increased with age before menopause, but did not vary after menopause. A significant moderate correlation was observed between JZ detectability and peristaltic frequency, but not between JZ thickness and peristaltic frequency.

Conclusion

Uterine peristalsis frequency did not change significantly according to age, but observed peristalsis on MRI significantly decreased after menopause.
The Ends of the World: International Relations and the Anthropocene
Authors: Harrington Cameron
Published: April 2016

The concept of the Anthropocene – the geological epoch defined by human action – has so far remained largely absent from International Relations (IR) analyses. This is perplexing given the monumental stakes involved in dealing with planetary change and the discipline’s overriding focus on crisis. This silence may exist, however, because contemporary studies of international relations are troubled by the Anthropocene, which shifts basic assumptions about how humans live in the midst of perpetual danger, harm, and risk. It also presents us with the prospect of failure in existential terms, if indeed we are living in (and causing) ‘the sixth mass extinction’. The focus of this article, therefore, is threefold. First, to consider the challenges to environmental IR that the Anthropocene concept presents; second, to probe what it means for IR to respond to the end of nature; and third, what is required of IR to deal with the prospect of mass extinction. It is argued that Earth system changes wrought by human action require the discipline to demystify its own ontological, epistemological, and ethical approaches that are culpable in ushering in the Anthropocene. Doing so may allow IR to provide necessary insight into the contemporary and historical effects of the state system as an enabler of planetary change, and the future possibilities for global politics within the Anthropocene.
Death Penalty Disposition in China: What Matters?
Authors: Li Yudu , Longmire Dennis , Lu Hong
Published: April 2016

In theory, sentencing decisions should be driven by legal factors, not extra-legal factors. However, some empirical research on the death penalty in the United States shows significant relationships between offender and victim characteristics and death sentence decisions. Despite the fact that China frequently imposes death sentences, few studies have examined these sanctions to see if similar correlations occur in China’s capital cases. Using data from published court cases in China involving three violent crimes—homicide, robbery, and intentional assault—this study examines the net impact of offender’s gender, race, and victim–offender relationship on death sentence decisions in China. Our overall multiple regression results indicate that, after controlling for other legal and extra-legal variables, an offender’s gender, race, and victim–offender relationship did not produce similar results in China when compared with those in the United States. In contrast, it is the legal factors that played the most significant role in influencing the death penalty decisions. The article concludes with explanations and speculations on the unique social, cultural, and legal conditions in China that may have contributed to these correlations.
Progress in operational flood mapping using satellite synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and airborne light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data
Authors: Brown Kyle M. , Hambidge Crispin H. , Brownett Jonathan M.
Published: April 2016

During flooding, operational tools for mapping flood extent and depth of water in flood-prone areas are required by those planning emergency response, including UK statutory agencies such as the Environment Agency. Satellite data have become a source of information to map and monitor floods, but many of the methods developed to process the data are unsuitable for accurate, near real-time production of flood information products. This paper describes a new semi-automated methodology developed to provide operational mapping of flood extent and flood depth using satellite synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data combined with light detection and ranging (LiDAR) elevation data. In this method, an analyst uses the flood boundary derived from 8 m spatial resolution satellite SAR data to estimate the flood surface elevation at points around a flooded area using a digital terrain model derived from LiDAR data. This method is compared to a simple satellite ‘SAR-only’ method for generating flood extent and alternative, automated methods of generating flood extent and depth that also used SAR and LiDAR. TerraSAR-X and SPOT 5 data were used from an area including the UK Somerset Levels which suffered a major flood event in February 2014. The new semi-automated method produced similar overall accuracy to the SAR-only method ( Po = 95.8% and Po = 95.3%, respectively), but was more accurate at mapping flood extent where large vegetation or other objects appeared in the satellite SAR data. The automated methods were relatively inaccurate (overall accuracy ranged from Po = 83.4% to Po = 88.8%), but were used to identify where further work on improving the semi-automated-elevation method could be carried out. In addition to the flood extent information provided by the semi-automated-elevation method, flood surface elevation data were produced that could be used to estimated flood depths and flood volumes. The accuracy of the flood elevation surface was tested using LiDAR data acquired of the water surface during the flooding (root mean square error = 0.152 m). The paper discusses progress towards operational flood monitoring using SAR and LiDAR remote sensing products.
Evaluating susceptibility of karst dolines (sinkholes) for collapse in Sango, Tennessee, USA
Authors: Siska Peter P. , Goovaerts Pierre , Hung I-Kuai
Published: April 2016

Dolines or sinkholes are earth depressions that develop in soluble rocks complexes such as limestone, dolomite, gypsum, anhydrite, and halite; dolines appear in a variety of shapes from nearly circular to complex structures with highly curved perimeters. The occurrence of dolines in the studied karst area is not random; they are the results of geomorphic, hydrologic, and chemical processes that have caused partial subsidence, even the total collapse of the land surface when voids and caves are present in the bedrock and the regolith arch overbridging these voids is unstable. In the study area, the majority of collapses occur in the regolith (bedrock cover) that bridges voids in the bedrock. Because these collapsing dolines may result in property damage and even cause the loss of lives, there is a need to develop methods for evaluating karst hazards. These methods can then be used by planners and practitioners for urban and economic development, especially in regions with a growing population. The purpose of the project reported in this paper is threefold: (1) to develop a karst feature database, (2) to investigate critical indicators associated with doline collapse, and (3) to develop a doline susceptibility model for potential doline collapse based on external morphometric data. The study has revealed the presence of short range spatial dependence in the distribution of the dolines’ morphometric parameters such as circularity, the geographic orientation of the main doline axes, and the length-to-width doline ratios; therefore, geostatistics can be used to spatially evaluate the susceptibility of the karst area for doline collapse. The partial susceptibility estimates were combined into a final probability map enabling the identification of areas where, until now, undetected dolines may cause significant hazards.
A 21st-century renaissance of kites as platforms for proximal sensing
Authors: Duffy James P. , Anderson Karen
Published: April 2016

In 1903, WH Dines first proposed kites as platforms from which scientific measurements could be captured. This early paper was focused on the collection of atmospheric measurements but later on, kites were used widely as platforms for aerial photography – a memorable example is the aerial survey of San Francisco captured from a kite platform after the 1906 earthquake. In this paper, we begin by providing a brief overview of this early scientific and remote sensing work from kite platforms. We then discuss the resurgence of kite use within modern geography and environmental science research using examples from published work in the past 20 years. We discuss how the use of kites in these disciplines has expanded in recent years, with a renewed focus on the collection of proximal remote sensing data. Also, we present a variety of contemporary examples of kite-based sensing (including basic mapping, ecological survey, population counts and humanitarian mapping) and discuss the merits of kites compared to drone-based platforms which have captured much of the public and scientific attention as proximal sensing platforms in recent times. The beauty of kite-based proximal sensing lies in the simplicity and low-cost nature of data capture, as highlighted by Dines’ 1903 paper. This simplicity supported by the wide array of modern complex data processing capabilities means that kites are now in a position to deliver fine-grained spatial data to the modern geographer. Furthermore, in today’s world, there are many situations where kites can fly freely, but drones cannot.
Political Economy of Banking and Debt Crisis in the EU: Rising Financialization and its Ramifications
Authors: Kotarski Kristijan , Brkic Luka
Published: April 2016

This paper is structured into four different parts. In the first part the authors analyze the origins of banking and debt crisis in the EU. The state and the evolution of the EU banking sector before the crisis and in its immediate aftermath is analyzed in detail in order to dispel the myth of the existence of an exclusively debt-induced crisis. This part also introduces the notion of financialization into the analysis. The second part analyzes the crisis-related dynamics by using endogenous monetary theory and makes particular use of balance-sheet recession as a concept. The third part introduces political consequences of the banking and debt crisis in the EU by focusing on the political crisis of legitimacy and its impact upon the EU integration process. In order to deal with this topic the authors borrow several concepts from critical international political economy such as transnational elite, knowledge production, and hegemony. We posit a close link between actions of the European transnational elite, crisis origins, and their ramifications. The fourth part focuses on the two most-discussed policy solutions in tackling the crisis: the banking and the fiscal union as well as their feasibility. Additionally, it lays out some fundamental trillemas for creating a viable way out of the crisis which are unfortunately often neglected in public debate. The main argument refers to the growing impact of financialization in the EU and its detrimental effect on the potential for integrated, stable, and prosperous EU economies. The authors explain the changing social, political, and economic landscape and evaluate the main challenges and obstacles to economic and political governance in the EU. The paper is concluded with some heterodox policy recommendations for overcoming them.

JEL classification: B52, E51, E52, F34, F50, G01, G20, P48
Physically entrapped gelatin in polyethylene glycol scaffolds for three-dimensional chondrocyte culture
Authors: Zhang Jingjing , Mujeeb Ayeesha , Feng Junxia , Li Yijiang , Du Yanan , Lin Jianhao , Ge Zigang
Published: April 2016

Developing tissue-engineered constructs for clinical use must satisfy the fundamental biologic parameters of biocompatibility, cell adhesiveness, and biodegradability. Physical entrapment of bioactive agents into synthetic polymers, as three-dimensional scaffolds, holds great promise for cell culture applications. Here, in an attempt to elucidate the effects of physical interlocking of natural and synthetic gel networks on cell responses within three-dimensional microenvironments, gelatin (of different concentrations) was physically incorporated into macroporous polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogels to fabricate PEG-GEL1 (10:1, PEG:gelatin) and PEG-GEL5 (10:5, PEG:gelatin). The effect of the physically entrapped gelatin on primary chondrocytes was investigated in relation to cell distribution, morphology and viability, proliferation, gene expression, and extracellular matrix accumulation in vitro. Our findings have shown successful incorporation of two different concentrations of gelatin into polyethylene glycol macroporous hydrogels through physical mixing. These physical blends not only enhanced chondrocyte adhesion and proliferation but also boosted gene expression of collagen II and aggrecan after 14 days in culture. Although results demonstrated that gelatin levels dropped sharply in PEG-GEL1 and PEG-GEL5 in the first 7 days, however evidently, after days 14 and 21 gelatin levels in both groups remained substantially unchanged and in turn enhanced glycosaminoglycan formation in vitro. Thus, the modification of polyethylene-glycol-based scaffolds with physically entrapped gelatin may be sufficient for dictating three-dimensional microenvironments for chondrocyte cultures.
Measuring the Effects of Limited and Persistent School Bullying Victimization: Repeat Victimization, Fear, and Adaptive Behaviors
Authors: Randa Ryan , Reyns Bradford W. , Nobles Matt R.
Published: April 2016

Extant research on school bullying has largely focused on the incidence rather than the modality of the experience, leaving key questions about impact unexplored. With a nationally representative sample of more than 3,000 cases, the present study explores the utility of expanding the classification scheme of bullying victimization to include limited victimization and persistent victimization experiences. By examining the differences in victimization, fear of victimization, and avoidance behaviors, the present study establishes that significant differences in fear of future victimization and adaptive avoidance behaviors do exist between the groups classified as limited and persistent. Furthermore, the present study explores the potential differences in the moderating influence of fear of future victimization on the relationship between limited/persistent bullying victimization and adaptive avoidance behavior. Ultimately, the evidence suggests that differentiating between limited and persistent bullying victimization is important for understanding the impact of bullying on students.
Fearfulness in the Community: Empirical Assessments of Influential Factors
Authors: Boateng Francis D.
Published: April 2016

Fear of crime has been well studied; however, there has yet not been widespread consideration of the potential impact of both individual- and neighborhood-level factors on residents’ level of fear of crime. From a logistic-regression analytical standpoint, the present study empirically explores the contribution of several factors in explaining residents’ propensity for being fearful of crime. Precisely, the study tests the applicability and generalizability of three theoretical perspectives of fear of crime in the Ghanaian context and examines the effects of residents’ attitudes toward the police on their levels of fear of crime. Using large-scale cross-sectional data collected on more than 1,000 residents from 25 neighborhoods in Ghana, the results demonstrate significant predictive effects of both individual- and neighborhood-level factors on citizens’ rate of fearfulness. Findings from this study have both theoretical and practical implications, and provide important insights for the police to reduce levels of fear of crime in the community.
Association Between Metacognition and Mood Symptoms Poststroke
Authors: Donnellan Claire , Al Banna M. , Redha N. , Al Sharoqi I. , Al-Jishi A. , Bakhiet M. , Taha S. , Abdulla F.
Published: April 2016

Introduction:

The link between metacognition and mood has been well established, particularly in other conditions with psychological comorbidity, however, there is no evidence regarding this association in the area of stroke.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to examine the association between metacognition, based on the Self-Regulatory Executive Function model, and mood symptoms in the acute phase after stroke.

Methods:

One hundred thirty patients were recruited to a prospective stroke study in Bahrain, and n = 64 were assessed for mood and cognition. A neuropsychological battery of cognitive assessments included the following measures: the Mini-Mental State Examination, the Trail Making Test (A+B), and the Metacognition Questionnaire 30 (MCQ-30) for metacognition. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale assessed mood symptoms, and stroke severity was measured using the National Institute of Health Stroke Severity Scale.

Results:

Total MCQ-30 scores were significantly associated with both anxiety ( r = .47, P = .001) and depression ( r = .54, P <. 0001). The MCQ-30 subscales’ cognitive confidence, cognitive self-consciousness, and uncontrollability/danger were the specific factors to be associated with mood symptoms ( P < .01). Global cognition ( r =.32, P < .01), but not executive function, was significantly associated with depression only. Metacognition remained a statistically significant correlate with depression (β = .42, P < .0001) and anxiety (β = .51, P < .0001) after adjusting for education and global cognition.

Discussion:

Metacognition is a better determinant of mood symptoms after stroke, especially in regions where illiteracy levels are high in older populations, in comparison to executive function and global cognition.
Meta-Analysis of Facial Emotion Recognition in Behavioral Variant Frontotemporal Dementia
Authors: Bora Emre , Velakoulis Dennis , Walterfang Mark
Published: April 2016

Behavioral disturbances and lack of empathy are distinctive clinical features of behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) in comparison to Alzheimer disease (AD). The aim of this meta-analytic review was to compare facial emotion recognition performances of bvFTD with healthy controls and AD. The current meta-analysis included a total of 19 studies and involved comparisons of 288 individuals with bvFTD and 329 healthy controls and 162 bvFTD and 147 patients with AD. Facial emotion recognition was significantly impaired in bvFTD in comparison to the healthy controls ( d = 1.81) and AD ( d = 1.23). In bvFTD, recognition of negative emotions, especially anger ( d = 1.48) and disgust ( d = 1.41), were severely impaired. Emotion recognition was significantly impaired in bvFTD in comparison to AD in all emotions other than happiness. Impairment of emotion recognition is a relatively specific feature of bvFTD. Routine assessment of social–cognitive abilities including emotion recognition can be helpful in better differentiating between cortical dementias such as bvFTD and AD.
Quetiapine for Psychosis in Parkinson Disease and Neurodegenerative Parkinsonian Disorders
Authors: Desmarais Philippe , Massoud Fadi , Filion Josée , Nguyen Quoc Dinh , Bajsarowicz Paulina
Published: April 2016

We performed a systematic review of randomized controlled trials to assess the high-level evidence regarding the role of quetiapine in the treatment of psychosis in patients with neurodegenerative parkinsonian disorders. Studies were included in the qualitative review if they (1) enrolled participants with diagnosis of Parkinson disease, Lewy body dementia, or any other neurodegenerative parkinsonian disorders; (2) assessed the efficacy of quetiapine; and (3) evaluated psychotic and motor outcomes using validated tools. Of the 341 manuscripts identified, 7 studies fulfilled our inclusion criteria. The studies’ risk of bias was considered low. A total of 241 participants enrolled in these trials. Heterogeneity was high due to inclusion criteria, user definitions, assessment tools, and study design. Although not causing any motor deterioration, quetiapine failed to significantly reduce psychotic symptoms compared to placebo when objectively assessed on the Brief Psychotic Rating Scale, the most frequently reported scale in these studies. High loss to follow-up and dropout rates as well as significant improvement in psychotic symptoms in the placebo groups may have affected measurements of possible positive medication effects.
Frontal Cortical Atrophy as a Predictor of Poststroke Apathy
Authors: Mihalov Ján , Mikula Peter , Budiš Jaroslav , Valkovič Peter
Published: April 2016

The aim of the study was to identify associations between the symptoms of poststroke apathy and sociodemographic, stroke-related (severity of stroke, degree of disability, and performance in activities of daily living), and radiological correlates. We determined the degree of cortical and subcortical brain atrophy, the severity of white matter and basal ganglia lesions on baseline computed tomography (CT) scans, and the localization of acute ischemia on control CT or magnetic resonance imaging scans in subacute stages of stroke. During follow-up examinations, in addition to the assessment of apathy symptoms using the Apathy Scale, we also evaluated symptoms of depression and anxiety using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. The study included 47 consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke. Correlates significantly associated with apathy, determined at baseline and during follow-up, were entered into the “predictive” and “associative” multiple regression models, respectively. Frontal cortical atrophy and symptoms of depression were most strongly associated with poststroke apathy symptoms. In order to model an interrelation between both cortical atrophy and white matter lesions and aging, we supplemented 2 additional “predictive” models using interaction variables, whereby we confirmed the role of frontal cortical atrophy as a predictor of poststroke apathy also as a function of the increasing age of patients.
Do Associations Between Perceived Environmental and Individual Characteristics and Walking Limitations Depend on Lower Extremity Performance Level?
Authors: Sakari Ritva , Rantakokko Merja , Portegijs Erja , Iwarsson Susanne , Sipilä Sarianna , Viljanen Anne , Rantanen Taina
Published: April 2016

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze whether the associations between perceived environmental and individual characteristics and perceived walking limitations in older people differ between those with intact and those with poorer lower extremity performance. Method: Persons aged 75 to 90 ( N = 834) participated in interviews and performance tests in their homes. Standard questionnaires were used to obtain walking difficulties; environmental barriers to and, facilitators of, mobility; and perceived individual hindrances to outdoor mobility. Lower extremity performance was tested using Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Results: Among those with poorer lower extremity performance, the likelihood for advanced walking limitations was, in particular, related to perceived poor safety in the environment, and among those with intact performance to perceived social issues, such as lack of company, as well as to long distances. Discussion: The environmental correlates of walking limitations seem to depend on the level of lower extremity performance.
Aid Volatility and Social Performance in Microfinance
Authors: D’Espallier Bert , Hudon Marek , Szafarz Ariane
Published: April 2016

Uncertainty makes objectives harder to reach. This article examines whether uncertainty in subsidies leads to mission drift in microfinance institutions (MFIs). Using a worldwide sample of 1,151 MFIs active in 104 countries, we find that interest rates increase with aid volatility while average loan size (ALS) is inversely related to aid volatility. These results suggest that MFIs consider ALS as a signaling device for commitment to their social mission, but use interest rates as an adjustment variable to cope with uncertainty. The policy prescription to donor agencies wishing to curtail the rise in interest rates is to deliver subsidies predictably and transparently.
Positioning method and assembly precision for aircraft wing skin
Authors: Guo Feiyan , Wang Zhongqi , Kang Yonggang , Li Xining , Chang Zhengping , Wang Binbin
Published: April 2016

To an aircraft, the accuracy of aerodynamic configuration has a direct influence on flight performance. To improve the assembly accuracy of aircraft wing components, two kinds of positioning method and the corresponding assembly precision are studied, and a low-cost flexible assembly tooling system for different wing components is proposed. First, the article analyzes the technological characteristics of airplane wing skin and determines the assembly requirement. Second, positioning method based on contour boards and coordination holes and their assembly precision are researched. Third, to verify the positioning method and the algorithm of assembly precision calculation based on coordination holes, a locating unit with three motion axes is designed and manufactured. Fourth, experimental verification is done and the corresponding results are analyzed. Experiment results showed the assembly precision based on coordination holes has an improvement of 24% contrasting with the precision based on contour boards, and the assembly productivity is increased by 60%. The flexible assembly tooling system also has a demonstration effect for other flexible assembly tooling within the aerospace industry.
A study on implementation of lean manufacturing in Indian foundry industry by analysing lean waste issues
Authors: Prasad Suresh , Khanduja Dinesh , Sharma Surrender K
Published: April 2016

Lean proliferates the value-adding work by eliminating wastes and reducing incidental and non-value-adding work to a certain possible extent. Waste can be defined as anything other than the essential resources of people, machines, and materials that are needed to add value to the product. According to the lean concept, any action which does not directly enhance product’s value can be considered as waste. Analysis of lean waste issues is one of the primary steps to implement lean principles in many industries and the same is applicable for the foundry industry as well. The purpose of this article is to investigate the importance of various lean waste issues in Indian foundry industry for improvement in productivity and elimination of wastes, thereby initiating lean implementation. For the purposes of this study, we employed the survey questionnaire method to collect data against 17 lean waste issues from 71 middle- to senior-level professionals belonging to Indian foundry industry. The survey instrument of lean waste issues is developed based on a number of sources from the literature and formal discussions with academicians and foundry industry professionals. The responses were received on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from never found to mostly found. Descriptive statistics is employed to find out the relative significance of lean waste issues. Exploratory factor and reliability analyses are conducted to obtain and validate constructs and measure each construct’s Cronbach’s alpha. Finally, the study concludes that there is a need for elimination of lean waste issues to implement lean manufacturing and fulfil the requirements of Indian foundry industry.
Fabrication and characterization of open cell porous regular interconnected metallic structure with solid core
Authors: Singh Jatender Pal , Pandey Pulak M
Published: April 2016

Metallic parts having open cell porous regular interconnected metallic structure of predetermined unit cell are being fabricated using metal powder–based rapid prototyping machines. These machines are capital intensive. All porous structures including open cell porous regular interconnected metallic structure have less density, so they lack in strength problems as compared to the solid structure. The strength of open cell porous regular interconnected metallic structure can be enhanced by providing solid inner core. In this study, a cost-effective technique has been developed to fabricate open cell porous regular interconnected metallic structure with solid core using ceramic powder–based three-dimensional printing machine and pressureless sintering. In this work, two approaches of fabrication were developed. In the first approach, only spherical metal powder was used, while in the second approach, a solid metallic rod along with spherical metal powder was utilized. Interconnected porosity and sinter density of the fabricated specimens were measured using Archimedes’ principle. The characterization was done using microstructure analysis, energy dispersive analysis, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. Mechanical properties of developed structures were determined using tensile, compressive and impact tests.
Dynamic characteristics of wind turbine gear transmission system with random wind and the effect of random backlash on system stability
Authors: Chen Huitao , Wang Xianhui , Gao Haichao , Yan Fan
Published: April 2016

In order to study the dynamic characteristics of gear transmission system of wind turbine with random wind and the effect of random backlash on system stability, a stochastic volatility model is established to obtain the external excitation of gear transmission system of wind turbine. A dynamic model of system is set up with the consideration of gear time-varying mesh stiffness, transmission error and backlash. The dynamic behavior of system with random wind and the effect of random backlash on system stability are obtained using numerical method. The results show that: (1) The vibration displacement of system components has the similar trends with external excitation, and the higher the speed, the greater the vibration displacement. (2) Random backlash has a significantly influence on system stability. The instability of system decreases at first and then increases with the increase of mean backlash, and the stability of system decrease with the increase of standard deviation of backlash. The operation stability of a wind turbine will improve if select an appropriate gear backlash.
Experimental investigation into the effect of chatter on surface micro-topography of gears in grinding
Authors: Liu Yao , Wang Xiufeng , Lin Jing , Zhao Wei
Published: April 2016

Chatter affects the surface topography and functional performance of work pieces significantly. The surface topography of work pieces is multi-scale, and the characteristics of different levels of the surface topography are closely connected to the different functional performance of the work piece. The relationship between chatter vibration and surface micro-topography is complicated and not specified. By investigating and understanding this relationship clearly, the manufacturing process can be directed to be controlled more actively and accurately, which helps complete the product with expected surface topography and functional performance. This paper aims to reveal the effect of chatter on the surface micro-topography of gears in grinding. Grinding processes considering different machining states and surface topographies of gears under each process were analyzed comprehensively. The following findings were observed. First, chatter causes significant increase of the tooth flank surface roughness in low frequency and increase of the profile roughness, whereas in a different manner in the different gear flank directions. Second, the influence of chatter mainly concentrates on certain frequency bands of the surface topography, and the effect of chatter on the 3D surface topography is within a frequency range. Third, chatter vibration with its multi-frequency-band characteristics shows a multi-scale influence on the work piece surface topography. The possible mechanisms for the formation of these effects were also discussed.
Flow and windage due to bolts on a rotating disc
Authors: Noor Mohamed Sulfickerali , Chew John , Hills Nick
Published: April 2016

The cooling air in a rotating machine is subject to windage as it passes over the rotor surface, particularly for cases where nonaxisymmetric features such as boltheads are encountered. The ability to accurately predict windage can help reduce the quantity of cooling air required, resulting in increased efficiency. Previous work has shown that the steady computational fluid dynamics solutions can give reasonable predictions for the effects of bolts on disc moment for a rotor–stator cavity with throughflow but flow velocities and disc temperature are not well predicted. Large fluctuations in velocities have been observed experimentally in some cases. Time-dependent computational fluid dynamics simulations reported here bring to light the unsteady nature of the flow. Unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes calculations for 120° and 360° models of the rotor–stator cavity with 9 and 18 bolts were performed in order to better understand the flow physics. Although the rotor–stator cavity with bolts is geometrically steady in the rotating frame of reference, it was found that the bolts generate unsteadiness which creates time-dependent rotating flow features within the cavity. At low throughflow conditions, the unsteady flow significantly increases the average disc temperature.
Experimental study of kriging-based crack identification in plate structure
Authors: Gao Haiyang , Hu Xiaofei , Han Fang , Li Xinming , Zhang Jungang
Published: April 2016

One of the major issues that existing crack identification methods utilizing dynamic responses are facing is the limitation of engineering feasibility. How to suppress the effect of measurement noise and improve the identification accuracy is still challenging. In this work, an effective method is proposed to identify the size of an arbitrary internal crack in plate structure based on a Kriging surrogate model, and a series of laboratory tests are designed to verify the practicability of this strategy. The initial Kriging surrogate model is constructed by samples of crack parameters (tip locations) and corresponding root mean square (RMS) of random responses as the inputs and outputs, respectively. To further improve the surrogate accuracy and reduce computational cost during the inverse problem, an optimal point-adding process for Kriging model updating is then carried out. Experimental results of crack identification in a cantilever plate indicate that the proposed method can be an alternative to conventional crack detection methods even in the presence of measurement noise and modeling errors.
Kinematic and bottom-hole pattern analysis of a composite drill bit of cross-scraping
Authors: Yang Yingxin , Zhang Chunliang , Chen Lian , Liu Yong
Published: April 2016

For improving the drilling efficiency of polycrystalline diamond compact drill bit, a novel polycrystalline diamond compact drill bit is presented with a new rock-breaking method named as cross-scraping. In the novel polycrystalline diamond compact drill bit which is referred to as a composite drill bit, polycrystalline diamond compact cutters are mounted on rotary wheels as major cutting elements, and as a result, mesh-like scraping tracks are formed in the outer radial area of the bottom-hole. Rock-breaking method of the composite drill bit causes both shearing and fracture failure of the bottom-hole rock, which will greatly increase the rock-breaking efficiency and will prolong the bit service life. By analyzing the complex motion of cutters on the composite drill bit, velocity and acceleration models of the cutters, as well as wheel/bit speed ratio model of the bit are established in accordance with the geometric relationship between cutters and bit body in a compound coordinate system. In simulation examples, motion tracks, velocity and acceleration features of the cutter and especially the bottom-hole pattern are analyzed. Further, indoor experiments are conducted to test the mesh-like bottom-hole pattern and rock-breaking features, which have proved the accuracy of the analysis model of the composite drill bit.