bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Continuous Representability of Interval Orders: The Topological Compatibility Setting
Authors: Bosi G. , Estevan A. , García J. Gutiérrez , Induráin E.
Published: June 2015

In this paper, we go further on the problem of the continuous numerical representability of interval orders defined on topological spaces. A new condition of compatibility between the given topology and the indifference associated to the main trace of an interval order is introduced. Provided that this condition is fulfilled, a semiorder has a continuous interval order representation through a pair of continuous real-valued functions. Other necessary and sufficient conditions for the continuous representability of interval orders are also discussed, and, in particular, a characterization is achieved for the particular case of interval orders defined on a topological space of finite support.
A Novel Linguistic Group Decision-Making Model Based on Extended Hesitant Fuzzy Linguistic Term Sets
Authors: Wei Cuiping , Zhao Na , Tang Xijin
Published: June 2015

Hesitant fuzzy linguistic term set (HFLTS) is a set with ordered consecutive linguistic terms, and is very useful in addressing the situations where people are hesitant in providing their linguistic assessments. Wang [H. Wang, Extended hesitant fuzzy linguistic term sets and their aggregation in group decision making, International Journal of Computational Intelligence Systems 8(1) (2015) 14–33.] removed the consecutive condition to introduce the notion of extended HFLTS (EHFLTS). The generalized form has wider applications in linguistic group decision-making. By introducing distance measures for EHFLTSs, in this paper we develop a novel multi-criteria group decision making model to deal with hesitant fuzzy linguistic information. The model collects group linguistic information by using EHFLTSs and avoids the possible loss of information. Moreover, it can assess the importance weights of criteria according to their subjective and objective information and rank alternatives based on the rationale of TOPSIS. In order to illustrate the applicability of the proposed algorithm, two examples are given and comparisons are made with the other existing methods.
Shallow-water facies setting around the Kačák Event: a multidisciplinary approach
Authors: Königshof P. , Da Silva A. C. , Suttner T. J. , Kido E. , Waters J. , Carmichael S. K. , Jansen U. , Pas D. , Spassov S.
Published: June 2015

In the Eifel area (western Rheinisches Schiefergebirge), a shallow- to deep-subtidal sequence of mixed carbonates and siltstones around the Kačák Event Interval close to the Eifelian–Givetian stage boundary was studied. An overall transgressive trend is inferred by the microfacies evolution. The stratigraphic variations of magnetic susceptibility in carbonates and in shale intervals show an overall decreasing evolution towards the top, which fits well with the transgressive trend. In addition, carbon and oxygen isotopes, and major, trace and rare earth element (REE) analysis have been used to get a better understanding of palaeoenvironmental variations in a shallow-water realm in the late Eifelian (
kockelianus
and
ensensis
conodont biozones): for example, the δ
13
C excursion and Ce anomaly are interpreted to be the local representation of the beginning of the Kačák Event Interval, which is also consistent with the stratigraphy and microfacies analyses.
Differential localization of ion transporters suggests distinct cellular mechanisms for calcification and photosynthesis between two coral species
Authors: Barott Katie L. , Perez Sidney O. , Linsmayer Lauren B. , Tresguerres Martin
Published: June 2015

Ion transport is fundamental for multiple physiological processes, including but not limited to pH regulation, calcification, and photosynthesis. Here, we investigated ion-transporting processes in tissues from the corals Acropora yongei and Stylophora pistillata, representatives of the complex and robust clades that diverged over 250 million years ago. Antibodies against complex IV revealed that mitochondria, an essential source of ATP for energetically costly ion transporters, were abundant throughout the tissues of A. yongei. Additionally, transmission electron microscopy revealed septate junctions in all cell layers of A. yongei, as previously reported for S. pistillata, as well as evidence for transcellular vesicular transport in calicoblastic cells. Antibodies against the alpha subunit of Na+/K+-ATPase (NKA) and plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase (PMCA) immunolabeled cells in the calicoblastic epithelium of both species, suggesting conserved roles in calcification. However, NKA was abundant in the apical membrane of the oral epithelium in A. yongei but not S. pistillata, while PMCA was abundant in the gastroderm of S. pistillata but not A. yongei. These differences indicate that these two coral species utilize distinct pathways to deliver ions to the sites of calcification and photosynthesis. Finally, antibodies against mammalian sodium bicarbonate cotransporters (NBC; SLC4 family) resulted in strong immunostaining in the apical membrane of oral epithelial cells and in calicoblastic cells in A. yongei, a pattern identical to NKA. Characterization of ion transport mechanisms is an essential step toward understanding the cellular mechanisms of coral physiology and will help predict how different coral species respond to environmental stress.
Effects of cold water immersion and active recovery on hemodynamics and recovery of muscle strength following resistance exercise
Authors: Roberts Llion A. , Muthalib Makii , Stanley Jamie , Lichtwark Glen , Nosaka Kazunori , Coombes Jeff S. , Peake Jonathan M.
Published: June 2015

Cold water immersion (CWI) and active recovery (ACT) are frequently used as postexercise recovery strategies. However, the physiological effects of CWI and ACT after resistance exercise are not well characterized. We examined the effects of CWI and ACT on cardiac output (Q̇), muscle oxygenation (SmO2), blood volume (tHb), muscle temperature (Tmuscle), and isometric strength after resistance exercise. On separate days, 10 men performed resistance exercise, followed by 10 min CWI at 10°C or 10 min ACT (low-intensity cycling). Q̇ (7.9 ± 2.7 l) and Tmuscle (2.2 ± 0.8°C) increased, whereas SmO2 (−21.5 ± 8.8%) and tHb (−10.1 ± 7.7 μM) decreased after exercise ( P < 0.05). During CWI, Q̇ (−1.1 ± 0.7 l) and Tmuscle (−6.6 ± 5.3°C) decreased, while tHb (121 ± 77 μM) increased ( P < 0.05). In the hour after CWI, Q̇ and Tmuscle remained low, while tHb also decreased ( P < 0.05). By contrast, during ACT, Q̇ (3.9 ± 2.3 l), Tmuscle (2.2 ± 0.5°C), SmO2 (17.1 ± 5.7%), and tHb (91 ± 66 μM) all increased ( P < 0.05). In the hour after ACT, Tmuscle, and tHb remained high ( P < 0.05). Peak isometric strength during 10-s maximum voluntary contractions (MVCs) did not change significantly after CWI, whereas it decreased after ACT (−30 to −45 Nm; P < 0.05). Muscle deoxygenation time during MVCs increased after ACT ( P < 0.05), but not after CWI. Muscle reoxygenation time after MVCs tended to increase after CWI ( P = 0.052). These findings suggest first that hemodynamics and muscle temperature after resistance exercise are dependent on ambient temperature and metabolic demands with skeletal muscle, and second, that recovery of strength after resistance exercise is independent of changes in hemodynamics and muscle temperature.
A neuro-computational model of economic decisions
Authors: Rustichini Aldo , Padoa-Schioppa Camillo
Published: June 2015

Neuronal recordings and lesion studies indicate that key aspects of economic decisions take place in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC). Previous work identified in this area three groups of neurons encoding the offer value, the chosen value, and the identity of the chosen good. An important and open question is whether and how decisions could emerge from a neural circuit formed by these three populations. Here we adapted a biophysically realistic neural network previously proposed for perceptual decisions (Wang XJ. Neuron 36: 955–968, 2002; Wong KF, Wang XJ. J Neurosci 26: 1314–1328, 2006). The domain of economic decisions is significantly broader than that for which the model was originally designed, yet the model performed remarkably well. The input and output nodes of the network were naturally mapped onto two groups of cells in OFC. Surprisingly, the activity of interneurons in the network closely resembled that of the third group of cells, namely, chosen value cells. The model reproduced several phenomena related to the neuronal origins of choice variability. It also generated testable predictions on the excitatory/inhibitory nature of different neuronal populations and on their connectivity. Some aspects of the empirical data were not reproduced, but simple extensions of the model could overcome these limitations. These results render a biologically credible model for the neuronal mechanisms of economic decisions. They demonstrate that choices could emerge from the activity of cells in the OFC, suggesting that chosen value cells directly participate in the decision process. Importantly, Wang's model provides a platform to investigate the implications of neuroscience results for economic theory.
Cross-species comparison of anticipatory and stimulus-driven neck muscle activity well before saccadic gaze shifts in humans and nonhuman primates
Authors: Goonetilleke Samanthi C. , Katz Leor , Wood Daniel K. , Gu Chao , Huk Alexander C. , Corneil Brian D.
Published: June 2015

Recent studies have described a phenomenon wherein the onset of a peripheral visual stimulus elicits short-latency (<100 ms) stimulus-locked recruitment (SLR) of neck muscles in nonhuman primates (NHPs), well before any saccadic gaze shift. The SLR is thought to arise from visual responses within the intermediate layers of the superior colliculus (SCi), hence neck muscle recordings may reflect presaccadic activity within the SCi, even in humans. We obtained bilateral intramuscular recordings from splenius capitis (SPL, an ipsilateral head-turning muscle) from 28 human subjects performing leftward or rightward visually guided eye-head gaze shifts. Evidence of an SLR was obtained in 16/55 (29%) of samples; we also observed examples where the SLR was present only unilaterally. We compared these human results with those recorded from a sample of eight NHPs from which recordings of both SPL and deeper suboccipital muscles were available. Using the same criteria, evidence of an SLR was obtained in 8/14 (57%) of SPL recordings, but in 26/29 (90%) of recordings from suboccipital muscles. Thus, both species-specific and muscle-specific factors contribute to the low SLR prevalence in human SPL. Regardless of the presence of the SLR, neck muscle activity in both human SPL and in NHPs became predictive of the reaction time of the ensuing saccade gaze shift ∼70 ms after target appearance; such pregaze recruitment likely reflects developing SCi activity, even if the tectoreticulospinal pathway does not reliably relay visually related activity to SPL in humans.
Formation of a long-term memory for visuomotor adaptation following only a few trials of practice
Authors: Huberdeau David M. , Haith Adrian M. , Krakauer John W.
Published: June 2015

The term savings refers to faster motor adaptation upon reexposure to a previously experienced perturbation, a phenomenon thought to reflect the existence of a long-term motor memory. It is commonly assumed that sustained practice during the first perturbation exposure is necessary to create this memory. Here we sought to test this assumption by determining the minimum amount of experience necessary during initial adaptation to a visuomotor rotation to bring about savings the following day. Four groups of human subjects experienced 2, 5, 10, or 40 trials of a counterclockwise 30° cursor rotation during reaching movements on one day and were retested the following day to assay for savings. Groups that experienced five trials or more of adaptation on day 1 showed clear savings on day 2. Subjects in all groups learned significantly more from the first rotation trial on day 2 than on day 1, but this learning rate advantage was maintained only in groups that had reached asymptote during the initial exposure. Additional experiments revealed that savings occurred when the magnitude, but not the direction, of the rotation differed across exposures, and when a 5-min break, rather than an overnight one, separated the first and second exposure. The overall pattern of savings we observe across conditions can be explained as rapid retrieval of the state of learning attained during the first exposure rather than as modulation of sensitivity to error. We conclude that a long-term memory for compensating for a perturbation can be rapidly acquired and rapidly retrieved.
Development of a System and Method for Automated Isolation of Stromal Vascular Fraction from Adipose Tissue Lipoaspirate
Authors: SundarRaj Swathi , Deshmukh Abhijeet , Priya Nancy , Krishnan Vidya S. , Cherat Murali , Majumdar Anish Sen
Published: June 2015

Autologous fat grafting for soft tissue reconstruction is challenged by unpredictable long-term graft survival. Fat derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF) is gaining popularity in tissue reconstruction as SVF-enriched fat grafts demonstrate improved engraftment. SVF also has potential in regenerative medicine for remodeling of ischemic tissues by promoting angiogenesis. Since SVF cells do not require culture expansion, attempts are being made to develop automated devices to isolate SVF at the point of care. We report development of a closed, automated system to process up to 500 mL lipoaspirate using cell size-dependent filtration technology. The yield of SVF obtained by automated tissue digestion and filtration (1.17 ± 0.5 × 105 cells/gram) was equivalent to that obtained by manual isolation (1.15 ± 0.3 × 105;p= 0.8), and the viability of the cells isolated by both methods was greater than 90%. Cell composition included CD34+CD31− adipose stromal cells, CD34+CD31+ endothelial progenitor cells, and CD34−CD31+ endothelial cells, and their relative percentages were equivalent to SVF isolated by the manual method. CFU-F capacity and expression of angiogenic factors were also comparable with the manual method, establishing proof-of-concept for fully automated SVF isolation, suitable for use in reconstructive surgeries and regenerative medicine applications.
An Analytical Insight into the Buckling Paradox for Circular Cylindrical Shells under Axial and Lateral Loading
Authors: Shamass Rabee , Alfano Giulio , Guarracino Federico
Published: June 2015

A large number of authors in the past have concluded that the flow theory of plasticity tends to overestimate significantly the buckling load for many problems of plates and shells in the plastic range, while the deformation theory generally provides much more accurate predictions and is consequently used in practical applications. Following previous numerical studies by the same authors focused on axially compressed cylinders, the present work presents an analytical investigation which comprises the broader and different case of nonproportional loading. The analytical results are discussed and compared with experimental and numerical findings and the reason for the apparent discrepancy on the basis of the so-called “buckling paradox” appears once again to lay in the overconstrained kinematics on the basis of the analytical and numerical approaches present in the literature.
Efficacy of Pulsed Radiofrequency on Cervical 2-3 Posterior Medial Branches in Treating Chronic Migraine: A Randomized, Controlled, and Double-Blind Trial
Authors: Yang Yuecheng , Huang Xuehua , Fan Yinghui , Wang Yingwei , Ma Ke
Published: June 2015

Objective. The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy and safety of pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) in the treatment of chronic migraine (CM) on cervical 2-3 posterior medial branches.Methods. This randomized, double-blind, and controlled clinical trial included 40 subjects with CM, who were randomly divided into two groups: treatment (treated by PRF) and sham (treated by sham treatment). Pain intensity, headache duration (days), the Migraine Disability Assessment Questionnaire (MIDAS), and aspirin dose taken by patients were evaluated at 1, 2, and 6 months after the intervention. Side effects were observed from the time of treatment and throughout the follow-up period.Results. During the follow-up, pain intensity, headache duration (days), disability score, and the analgesic dose were significantly improved in the treatment group compared to the sham group (P<0.001) and the baseline (P<0.001) at all measured time points after intervention. No serious complications were reported.Conclusion. PRF on the cervical 2-3 posterior medial branches could provide satisfactory efficacy in the treatment of CM without obvious adverse effects.
Blasting Vibration Monitoring of Undercrossing Railway Tunnel Using Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Lai Jinxing , Fan Haobo , Chen Jianxun , Qiu Junling , Wang Ke
Published: June 2015

The construction blasting in a new tunnel will undoubtedly influence the structure of existing tunnel. In order to monitor the effect of the blast-induced vibration on the structure of existing tunnel, a wireless sensor network (WSN) was established, which included the blast vibration monitoring system and the wireless remote data acquisition system. An existing railway tunnel was monitored during the construction of a new tunnel in Shaanxi, China. Concrete strain and peak particle velocity (PPV) were adopted to evaluate the influence of new tunnel construction blasting on the structure of existing tunnel. The monitoring results indicated that the concrete strain was different before and after the two tunnels crossing, which was much larger in front of the excavation face, and then it decreased gradually after the crossing. The PPV at the side wall of existing tunnel toward the blasting source was quite higher, and the location of maximum PPV changes with the process of tunnel excavation. When the distance between the existing and new tunnels was 4 m, the PPV reached 11.83 cm/s, which was already beyond the safe value, so the explosive charge should be reduced.
A BRB Based Fault Prediction Method of Complex Electromechanical Systems
Authors: Zhang Bangcheng , Yin Xiaojing , Wang Zhanli , Han Xiaoxia , Gao Zhi
Published: June 2015

Fault prediction is an effective and important approach to improve the reliability and reduce the risk of accidents for complex electromechanical systems. In order to use the quantitative information and qualitative knowledge efficiently to predict the fault, a new model is proposed on the basis of belief rule base (BRB). Moreover, an evidential reasoning (ER) based optimal algorithm is developed to train the fault prediction model. The screw failure in computer numerical control (CNC) milling machine servo system is taken as an example and the fault prediction results show that the proposed method can predict the behavior of the system accurately with combining qualitative knowledge and some quantitative information.
Characterization and Modelling of LeBlanc Hydrodynamic Stabilizer: A Novel Approach for Steady and Transient State Models
Authors: Cunico Marlon Wesley Machado
Published: June 2015

As result of increase of customers’ demands, products become more complexes and dynamics control increased its role into product development. As example, clothing washing machines use LeBlanc balancers in order to reduce vibration issues. Nevertheless, the behaviour of such apparatus is still hard to describe and the numerical simulation of this sort of vibration control is based on ball rings. The main goal of this work is to define and characterize a numerical model that describes the hydrodynamics balance ring in the transient state in addition to steady state models. As consequence, the behaviour of balance ring was identified in a computational fluid dynamics tool and an equation that describes restoration forces, unbalance, force phase, and eccentricity was found.
Two Mathematical Comments on the Thevenin Theorem: An “Algebraic Ideal” and the “Affine Nonlinearity”
Authors: Gluskin Emanuel
Published: June 2015

We discuss the most important and simple concept of basic circuit theory—the concept of the unideal source—or the Thevenin circuit. It is explained firstly how the Thevenin circuit can be interpreted in the algebraic sense. Then, we critically consider the common opinion that it is a linear circuit, showing that linearity (or nonlinearity) depends on the use of the port. The difference between the cases of a source being an input or an internal element (as it is in Thevenin’s circuit) is important here. The distinction in the definition of linear operator in algebra (here in system theory) and in geometry is also important for the subject, and we suggest the wide use of the concept of “affine nonlinearity.” This kind of nonlinearity should be relevant for the development of complicated circuitry (perhaps in a biological modeling context) with nonprescribed definition of subsystems, when the interpretation of a port as input or output can become dependent on the local intensity of a process.
Cognitive Emotional Regulation Model in Human-Robot Interaction
Authors: Liu Xin , Xie Lun , Liu Anqi , Li Dan
Published: June 2015

This paper integrated Gross cognitive process into the HMM (hidden Markov model) emotional regulation method and implemented human-robot emotional interaction with facial expressions and behaviors. Here, energy was the psychological driving force of emotional transition in the cognitive emotional model. The input facial expression was translated into external energy by expression-emotion mapping. Robot’s next emotional state was determined by the cognitive energy (the stimulus after cognition) and its own current emotional energy’s size and source’s position. The two random quantities in emotional transition process—the emotional family and the specific emotional state in the AVS (arousal-valence-stance) 3D space—were used to simulate human emotion selection. The model had been verified by an emotional robot with 10 degrees of freedom and more than 100 kinds of facial expressions. Experimental results show that the emotional regulation model does not simply provide the typical classification and jump in terms of a set of emotional labels but that it operates in a 3D emotional space enabling a wide range of intermediary emotional states to be obtained. So the robot with cognitive emotional regulation model is more intelligent and real; moreover it can give full play to its emotional diversification in the interaction.
The Effects of Acupuncture on Cerebral and Muscular Microcirculation: A Systematic Review of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Studies
Authors: Lo Ming-Yu , Ong Ming Wei , Chen Wei-Yu , Sun Wei-Zen , Lin Jaung-Geng
Published: June 2015

Acupuncture produces physiological effects via stimulating acupoints, proximal or distal to the region of effect. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) noninvasively measures tissue-level hemodynamics in real time. We review the literature investigating the effect of acupuncture on muscular and/or cerebral microcirculation. As the basis, we queried PubMed in June 2014 for articles mentioning both acupuncture and NIRS in title/abstract. The reviewed papers investigated either cerebral (n= 11) or muscular hemodynamics (n= 5) and, based on STRICTA for reporting acupuncture methodology, were overall poor in quality. Acupuncture was found to influence regional oxygen saturation in cerebral and muscular tissue. The cortical response in healthy subjects varied across studies. For subjects with stroke or cerebrovascular dementia, findings suggest that acupuncture may modulate dysfunction in cerebral autoregulation. The muscular response to pressure techniques was more intense than that to needling or laser. Probe proximity could impact measurement sensitivity. No one study simultaneously investigated the direct and remote responses. Research utilizing NIRS to investigate the hemodynamics of acupuncture presently lacks in scope and quality. Improved designs, for example, placebo-controlled, randomized trials, and standardized intervention reporting will raise study quality. Exploiting NIRS in clinical settings, such as stroke, migraine, or other pain conditions, is worthwhile.
Salvage Brachytherapy for Castration-Resistant and External Beam Radiotherapy-Resistant Local Recurrence 17 Years after Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Hosogoe Shogo , Soma Osamu , Matsumoto Teppei , Imai Atsushi , Hatakeyama Shingo , Yoneyama Takahiro , Hashimoto Yasuhiro , Koie Takuya , Ohyama Chikara , Aoki Masahiko
Published: June 2015

A 47-year-old Japanese man was diagnosed with prostate cancer in February 1995 (Initial PSA 77.2 ng/mL, GS3 + 4, cT3N0M0). He underwent radical prostatectomy after androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in June 1995. Nine years after operation, he was diagnosed with local recurrence of prostate cancer and he received postoperative external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) (70 Gy). By May 2008, the PSA dropped to 0.33 ng/mL, and a CT scan showed that the mass had disappeared. On April 2012, the PSA once again rose to 3.1 ng/mL. CT scan and MRI revealed a mass in the prostatic bed. We diagnosed local recurrence of prostate cancer. We underwent salvage low-dose brachytherapy after obtaining informed consent. The prescribed dose of the salvage brachytherapy was 145 Gy to control the tumor considering the hormone resistant prostatic cancer and high-risk feature. PSA level rapidly decreased to 0.66 ng/mL by 6 months after seed implantation. No adverse events were seen during the follow-up period.
Analysis and Recognition of Traditional Chinese Medicine Pulse Based on the Hilbert-Huang Transform and Random Forest in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Guo Rui , Wang Yiqin , Yan Hanxia , Yan Jianjun , Yuan Fengyin , Xu Zhaoxia , Liu Guoping , Xu Wenjie
Published: June 2015

Objective. This research provides objective and quantitative parameters of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) pulse conditions for distinguishing between patients with the coronary heart disease (CHD) and normal people by using the proposed classification approach based on Hilbert-Huang transform (HHT) and random forest.Methods. The energy and the sample entropy features were extracted by applying the HHT to TCM pulse by treating these pulse signals as time series. By using the random forest classifier, the extracted two types of features and their combination were, respectively, used as input data to establish classification model.Results. Statistical results showed that there were significant differences in the pulse energy and sample entropy between the CHD group and the normal group. Moreover, the energy features, sample entropy features, and their combination were inputted as pulse feature vectors; the corresponding average recognition rates were 84%, 76.35%, and 90.21%, respectively.Conclusion. The proposed approach could be appropriately used to analyze pulses of patients with CHD, which can lay a foundation for research on objective and quantitative criteria on disease diagnosis or Zheng differentiation.
Lost-in-Space Star Identification Using Planar Triangle Principal Component Analysis Algorithm
Authors: Zhou Fuqiang , Ye Tao
Published: June 2015

It is a challenging task for a star sensor to implement star identification and determine the attitude of a spacecraft in the lost-in-space mode. Several algorithms based on triangle method are proposed for star identification in this mode. However, these methods hold great time consumption and large guide star catalog memory size. The star identification performance of these methods requires improvements. To address these problems, a star identification algorithm using planar triangle principal component analysis is presented here. A star pattern is generated based on the planar triangle created by stars within the field of view of a star sensor and the projection of the triangle. Since a projection can determine an index for a unique triangle in the catalog, the adoption of thek-vector range search technique makes this algorithm very fast. In addition, a sharing star validation method is constructed to verify the identification results. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm is more robust than the planar triangle andP-vector algorithms under the same conditions.
Suppression of Reserve MCM Complexes Chemosensitizes to Gemcitabine and 5-Fluorouracil
Authors: Bryant Victoria L. , Elias Roy M. , McCarthy Susan M. , Yeatman Timothy J. , Alexandrow Mark G.
Published: June 2015

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the deadliest forms of cancer and is very difficult to treat with conventional chemotherapeutic regimens. Gemcitabine and 5-fluorouracil are used in the management of PDAC and act by indirectly blocking replicative forks. However, these drugs are not highly effective at suppressing disease progression, indicating a need for the development of innovative therapeutic approaches. Recent studies indicate that suppression of the MCM helicase may provide a novel means to sensitize cancer cells to chemotherapeutic agents that inhibit replicative fork progression. Mammalian cells assemble more MCM complexes on DNA than are required to start S-phase. The excess MCM complexes function as backup initiation sites under conditions of replicative stress. The current study provides definitive evidence that cosuppression of the excess/backup MCM complexes sensitizes PDAC tumor lines to both gemcitabine and 5-FU, leading to increased loss of proliferative capacity compared with drugs alone. This occurs because reduced MCM levels prevent efficient recovery of DNA replication in tumor cells exposed to drug. PDAC tumor cells are more sensitive to MCM loss in the presence of gemcitabine than are nontumor, immortalized epithelial cells. Similarly, colon tumor cells are rendered less viable when cosuppression of MCM complexes occurs during exposure to the crosslinking agent oxaliplatin or topoisomerase inhibitor etoposide.

Implications: These studies demonstrate that suppressing the backup complement of MCM complexes provides an effective sensitizing approach with the potential to increase the therapeutic index of drugs used in the clinical management of PDAC and other cancers. Mol Cancer Res; 13(9); 1296–305. ©2015 AACR.
B regulatory cells are increased in hypercholesterolaemic mice and protect from lesion development via IL-10
Authors: Blair Paul , Leib Christoph , Goddard Michael , Rosser Elizabeth , Park Inhye , Nilsson Anna Hultgårdh , Nilsson Jan , Strom Asa , Cross Amanda , Cole Jennifer , Mauri Claudia , Monaco Claudia
Published: June 2015

Whilst innate B1-B cells are atheroprotective, adaptive B2-B cells are considered pro-atherogenic. Different subsets of B regulatory cells (Breg) have been described. In experimental arthritis and lupus-like disease, Breg are contained within the CD21hiCD23hiCD24hi B cell pool. The existence and role of Breg in vascular disease is not known. We sought to investigate the existence, identity and location of Breg in vascular disease. The representation of B2-B cell subsets in the spleens and lymph nodes (LNs) of Apolipoprotein E-/- (ApoE-/-) mice compared to controls was characterised by flow cytometry. Additionally, we utilised a model of neointima formation based on the placement of a perivascular collar around the carotid artery in ApoE-/- mice to ascertain whether B cells and B cell subsets confer protection against lesion development. Adoptive transfer of B cells was performed from wild type or genetically modified mice. We showed that CD21hiCD23hiCD24hi B cells are unexpectedly increased in the draining LNs of ApoE-/- mice. Adoptive transfer of LN-derived B2-B cells or purified CD21hiCD23hiCD24hi B cells to syngeneic mice reduced lesion size and inflammation without changing serum cholesterol levels. Follicular B2-B cells did not confer protection. IL-10 blockade or transfer of IL10-deficient B cells prevented LN-derived B cell-mediated protection. This is the first identification of a specific LN-derived B2-Breg subset that confers IL-10 mediated protection from neointima formation. This may open the way for immune modulatory approaches in cardiovascular disease.
ОПТИМІЗАЦІЯ СТРУКТУРИ ТА УПРАВЛІННЯ САНАТОРНО-КУРОРТНОЮ УСТАНОВОЮ
Authors: Азархов О. Ю.
Published: June 2015

The article describes the features of organization and management of sanatoriums. Informational flows that are necessary to ensure control process are defined. Optimized structure of health resort facility proposed.
УНІФІКАЦІЯ ТА ГАРМОНІЗАЦІЯ ІНФОРМАЦІЇ В АРТРОЛОГІЇ ДЛЯ СТВОРЕННЯ СИСТЕМИ ПРОГНОЗУВАННЯ РЕЗУЛЬТАТІВ ОПЕРАТИВНОГО ВТРУЧАННЯ
Authors: Ryhan M. M.
Published: June 2015

This article discusses the possibility of establishing an information base for automated diagnosis and predicting the outcomes of surgery in gonarthrosis. The unified information document provides the creation of three-dimensional space for decision­making system. Recorded on the same plane the primary symptoms of the disease, the second - the results of pre­processing the information obtained using internationally accepted questionnaires. Finally, the third presents the results of “voting” for final conclusions decision.
ІНФОРМАТИВНЕ ЗНАЧЕННЯ ОКРЕМИХ ПОКАЗНИКІВ ОСЦИЛОГРАМ СУДИН ВЕРХНЬОЇ КІНЦІВКИ, ЗАРЕЄСТРОВАНИХ В ПРОЦЕСІ ВИМІРЮВАННЯ АРТЕРІАЛЬНОГО ТИСКУ
Authors: Vakulenko D. V.
Published: June 2015

New approaches and valuation parameters of the cardiovascular system during the procedure blood pressure electronic pressure meter VAT41 -2. They are informative and promising directions for rapid diagnosis, daily monitoring, monitoring the effectiveness of treatment and research. Correlation was calculated to assess the interaction between different vallue cardiovascular system and show its relevance. Presented in this paper direction requires deeper study and interpretation of the obtained parameters.
Follow-Up of 316 Molecularly Defined Pediatric Long-QT Syndrome Patients
Authors: Koponen Mikael , Marjamaa Annukka , Hiippala Anita , Happonen Juha-Matti , Havulinna Aki S. , Salomaa Veikko , Lahtinen Annukka M. , Hintsa Taina , Viitasalo Matti , Toivonen Lauri , Kontula Kimmo , Swan Heikki
Published: June 2015

Background—

Inherited long-QT syndrome (LQTS) is associated with risk of sudden death. We assessed the clinical course and the fulfillment of current treatment strategies in molecularly defined pediatric LQTS type 1 and (LQT1) and type 2 (LQT2) patients.

Methods and Results—

Follow-up data covering a mean of 12 years were collected for 316 genotyped LQT1 and LQT2 patients aged 0 to 18 years. No arrhythmic deaths occurred during the follow-up. Finnish
KCNQ1
and
KCNH2
founder mutations were associated with fewer cardiac events than other
KCNQ1
and
KCNH2
mutations (hazard ratio [HR], 0.33;
P
=0.03 and HR, 0.16;
P
=0.01, respectively). QTc interval ≥500 ms increased the risk of cardiac events compared with QTc <470 ms (HR, 3.32;
P
=0.001). Treatment with β-blocker medication was associated with reduced risk of first cardiac event (HR, 0.23;
P
=0.001). Noncompliant LQT2 patients were more often symptomatic than compliant LQT2 patients (18% and 0%, respectively;
P
=0.03). Treatment with implantable cardioverter defibrillator was rare (3%) and resulted in reinterventions in 44% of cases.

Conclusions—

Severe cardiac events are uncommon in molecularly defined and appropriately treated pediatric LQTS mutation carriers. β-Blocker medication reduces the risk of cardiac events and is generally well tolerated in this age group of LQTS patients.
The Future of Religious History in Habermas’s Critical Theory of Religion
Authors: MacKendrick Kenneth G. , Sheedy Matt
Published: June 2015

InDiscovering Religious History in the Modern AgeHans Kippenberg argues that the history of religions is the creative work-product of a cultural and political identity crisis, one in which the comparative history of religions became a means for some European scholars to uncouple from an increasingly halfhearted attachment to Christianity and re-experience their own history in a dynamic new form. A future for religion was thus found in the creation of innovative categories for the re-imagining of the past. For this reason Kippenberg rightly posits that the early scholars of religion are best read as “classical theorists of a modern age in which past religion still has a future” (xvi). We argue that the influential critical social theorist Jürgen Habermas, one of the most vocal proponents of the unfinished project of Enlightenment and the conceptual architect of postmetaphysical thinking, has much in common with these early scholars of religion.
Activism and Exception in Covering Egypt’s Uprising: A Critical Reading of the New York Times Representation of Female Protestors
Authors: Allam Nermin
Published: June 2015

This paper interrogates the representation of women in theNEW YORK TIMES (nyt)coverage of the 2011 Egyptian uprising. In it, I highlight some of the ways in which Orientalist stereotypes were often manifested in thenytrepresentation of female protestors. The data for this project draws upon 224 news-stories published in thenytduring the 2011 Egyptian uprising. The stories offer a detailed coverage of the popular movement between January 25 and February 19, 2011. I carry out a textual analysis of news and commentaries, and read the text through the lens of feminist and postcolonial theories. My analysis suggests that traditional Orientalist motifs of passiveness coexisted along new ones of agency in the coverage. By evoking the myth of female passiveness and framing female activism as an exception, thenyt, I suggest, assuaged the effect of women’s activism in deconstructing traditional gender and geopolitical stereotypes. In so doing, the paper contributes to exposing how Orientalist discourses are able to reflect variation and historical shifts. It also extends the postcolonial feminist insight to new cases by offering a critical reading of women’s image in a key global news paper and amidst a period of change and uncertainties.
The Matrix of Communication in Social Movements
Authors: Safshekan Roozbeh
Published: June 2015

Communication technology has played a central role in the last two great socio-political uprisings in Iran’s history: The 1979 Revolution and 2009 Green Movement. By identifying three distinct elements of the communication process, this paper explores how the ability of the political opposition to communicate effectively contributed to the success or decline of these movements as one factor among a broader set of key factors. The first element is the ‘mainstream media’, which is professional, hierarchically structured and often funded by states, big corporations or major publicly funded organizations. ‘Alternative media’, in contrast, is amateur, has a participatory and horizontal working structure and often limited funding. The third, the ‘social network’, is a collection of actors who seek iterative and persisting exchanges among themselves based on common interests, beliefs, and other ties. This trinity constitutes what has been called the ‘matrix of communication’ in this paper.
Applying a Divisive Clustering Algorithm to a Large Ensemble for Medium-Range Forecasting at the Weather Prediction Center
Authors: Brill Keith F. , Fracasso Anthony R. , Bailey Christopher M.
Published: June 2015

This article explores the potential advantages of using a clustering approach to distill information contained within a large ensemble of forecasts in the medium-range time frame. A divisive clustering algorithm based on the one-dimensional discrete Fourier transformation is described and applied to the 70-member combination of the 20-member National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Global Ensemble Forecast System (GEFS) and the 50-member European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) ensemble. Cumulative statistical verification indicates that clusters selected objectively based on having the largest number of members do not perform better than the ECMWF ensemble mean. However, including a cluster in a blended forecast to maintain continuity or to nudge toward a preferred solution may be a reasonable strategy in some cases. In such cases, a cluster may be used to sharpen a forecast weakly depicted by the ensemble mean but favored in consideration of continuity, consistency, collaborative thinking, and/or the trend in the guidance. Clusters are often useful for depicting forecast solutions not apparent via the ensemble mean but supported by a subset of ensemble members. A specific case is presented to demonstrate the possible utility of a clustering approach in the forecasting process.
Diazepam, Alpha and Beta Neurotransmission Modifying Drugs and Contrast Media Mortality in Mice
Authors: Virkkunen P. , Luostarinen M. , Johansson G.
Published: June 2015

Drugs influencing neurotransmission (alpha1,2, beta1,2 agonists, antagonists and diazepam) were given intraperitoneally to test their effects on the mortality of intravenous meglumine diatrizoate. Pretreatment with diazepam in two doses (0.14 and 0.56 mg/kg), alpha1,2 agonist, beta1 agonist and beta1 antagonist affected LD50 so that 5 to 9 per cent more contrast medium could be administered to cause the same mortality as the contrast medium alone. Still higher (19–24%) doses could be used after an alpha1,2 or alpha1 antagonist. The beta1, 2 antagonist employed in the test decreased the contrast dosage by 13 per cent, causing the LD50.
Segmental Hepatic Arterial Occlusion with Absolute Ethanol in Domestic Swine
Authors: Stridbeck H. , Ekelund L. , Jonsson N.
Published: June 2015

Four to five ml of absolute ethanol was injected into a segmental hepatic artery in eight pigs to study the occlusive effect on the hepatic arterial system. Liver cell damage was indicated by a transient moderate elevation of liver enzymes. Follow-up angiography at various time intervals showed persistent occlusion of intrahepatic arteries at different levels in all pigs and occlusion of the common hepatic artery in four. Reconstitution of the intrahepatic arterial circulation via abundant intrahepatic collaterals was, however, observed. Microscopic examinations demonstrated arterial thrombi and necroses in the vascular walls as well as a great variation in the extent of liver parenchymal damage.
Sialography and CT-Sialography in the Diagnosis of Parotid Masses
Authors: Eyjólfsson O. , Nordshus T. , DAhl T.
Published: June 2015

Parotid masses were evaluated by sialography and CT-sialography in 22 patients. Nineteen were benign tumors and one a metastasis. All were identified by CT. Two patients with sialoadenitis were misinterpreted at CT. All benign tumors appeared as lobulated, sharply marginated masses, embedded in displaced glandular parenchyma. The metastasis was lobulated, irregular and located within the gland. With sialography, 17 tumors were identified and 3 small superficial tumors overlooked. Both patients with sialoadenitis were diagnosed by sialography. CT-sialography is recommended in patients with suggested parotid masses, and sialography in suggested inflammatory disease.
Evaluation of the Dunlap/Rippstein Method for Determination of Femoral Neck Angles
Authors: Reikerås O. , Høiseth A. , Reigstad A.
Published: June 2015

The accuracy of the Dunlap method, as modified by Rippstein, for measuring the femoral neck angles was evaluated using adult bodies. The results were correlated to measurements on the dissected femurs. The Dunlap/Rippstein mehtod correlated well with the determinations made in the specimens. The accuracy of the method was within ±7 degrees for the anteversion angle and within −5 to +9 degrees for the head-neck-shaft angle.
The Leriche Syndrome
Authors: Landtman M. , Kivisaari L. , Taavitsainen M.
Published: June 2015

Nine patients with Leriche syndrome were examined with angiography, computed tomograhy and routine abdominal ultrasonography. The diagnosis was readily obtained with angiography and computed tomography, while ultrasonography conducted with a linear array real time scanner failed to establish essential features of the disorder. This is mainly because the thrombosed portion of the aorta does not produce any striking alteration of the echo structure of the vessel. Contrast computed tomography defines the abnormalities of the aorta in great detail.
The Semicircular Canals of the Inner Ear and the Pneumatization of the Temporal Bone
Authors: Muren C. , Wilbrand H.
Published: June 2015

In an investigation of 94 plastic casts of temporal bone specimens a wide range of variations both in the general outline of the pyramid and in the anatomy of its specific structures was found. Attempts were made to estimate the transverse and vertical dimensions of the petrous bone. Both the mastoid and the perilabyrinthine pneumatization correlated to the dimensions of some structures, but not to the size and shape of the semicircular canals.

References
Computed Tomography of Pleural Lesions with Special Reference to the Mediastinal Pleura
Authors: Salonen O. , Kivisaari L. , Standertskjöld-Nordenstam C.-G. , Somer K. , Mattson K. , Tammilehto L.
Published: June 2015

Computed tomography (CT) and conventional chest radiography were reviewed in retrospect in 84 patients in whom pleural pathology was suggested clinically. The importance of administration of contrast medium in distinguishing between malignant lesions and other pleural diseases was given special attention. CT was found to be of value in diagnosing and establishing the extent of pleural lesions, especially in the mediastinal region. All malignancies exhibited high contrast enhancement following intravenous bolus injection of contrast medium. There were no features specific for mesotheliomas distinguishing these from other pleural malignancies. Some benign infectious lesions also showed high contrast enhancement. High contrast enhancement thus indicated malignancy only if an infectious lesion could be excluded. If contrast enhancement was absent or slight, the lesion was likely to be benign. Clinical follow-up may be regarded as justified in such cases. Indirect signs were not helpful in distinguishing between malignant and benign lesions.
Radiologic Aspects of Calcaneal Fractures in Childhood and Adolescence
Authors: Rasmussen F. , Schantz K.
Published: June 2015

One hundred and forty-three calcaneal fractures in 140 patients under the age of 19 years were reviewed. Of the total number, 75 per cent were in males. Eighty fractures were seen in females under 13 years of age and in males under 16 years of age. Fifteen (19%) of these fractures were initially not recognized. Four projections were available in the majority of the cases, and were reviewed: lateral, axial, straight dorsoplantar and oblique dorsoplantar views. The various types of fractures had different courses and localizations. The optimum demonstration of a fracture in a certain projection will therefore be dependent on the type of fracture present. It is clinically difficult to foresee a specific type of calcaneal fracture, and consequently it is recommended that all four views should be obtained routinely following trauma to the calcaneal region in patients of the pertinent age groups.
Ileocolic Intussusception in Large Cell Lymphoma of the Terminal Ileum
Authors: Greco A. , Leung A. W. L. , Zwi L. J. , Burdett-Smith P. , Spencer J. , Gibson R. N. , Allison D. J.
Published: June 2015

A case of an adult patient with ileocolic intussusception secondary to a lymphoma of the terminal ileum is reported. On the computed tomograms, a target mass, with the outer rim representing the annular tumour of the terminal ileum and the eccentric rim of low attenuation representing the mesentery, is described. Ultrasound patterns are those of parallel hypoechoic areas separated by hyperechoic stripes seen on longitudinal sections, and of a rounded mass of low echogenicity, exhibiting two hyperechoic concentric ring-like areas within it, on transverse scans. The appearances of the barium examinations are also described. The English literature is reviewed.