bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transit Systems and Ridership under Extreme Weather and Climate Change Stress: An Urban Transportation Agenda for Hazards Geography
Authors: Barnes Mark
Published: November 2015

This review examines studies that detail the effects of weather and climate on urban transit systems and ridership. The aim is to help revitalize a hazards geography research agenda to support stakeholder decision‐making on hazard risk and disaster vulnerability for US transit systems and ridership. Largely representative of the literature are field perspectives outside of hazards geography whose predispositions to positivism neglect equity concerns of vital importance to hazard risk mitigation, vulnerability reduction, adaptation, and resilience research and practitioner communities. The article argues for hazards geography's perspectival insight to fill this void. Themes discussed in the article include hazards geography value, transit system vulnerability to meteorological and non‐meteorological factors, place‐based climate change vulnerability assessments, policymaker and managerial perceptions of climate change, and transit ridership choice. The article concludes with a call to hazards geographers to conduct critical assessments of structural and non‐structural adaptation measures, investigate mobility decision‐making and coping strategies, and develop theoretical understandings on adaptation policymaking and practice in relation to hazard risk and disaster vulnerability.
The Presence of Phage Orthologous Genes inHelicobacter pyloriCorrelates with the Presence of the Virulence FactorsCagAandVacA
Authors: Kyrillos Alexandra , Arora Gaurav , Murray Bradley , Rosenwald Anne G.
Published: November 2015

Background

The bacteriumHelicobacter pyloriis associated with ulcers and the development of gastric cancer. Several genes, including cytotoxin‐associated gene A (CagA) and vacuolating cytotoxin A (VacA), are associated with increased gastric cancer risk. Some strains ofH. pylorialso contain sequences related to bacteriophage phiHP33; however, the significance of these phage‐related sequences remains unknown.

Materials and Methods

We assessed the extent to which phiHP33‐related sequences are present in 335H. pyloristrains using homology searches then mapped shared genes between phiHP33 andH. pyloristrains onto an existing phylogeny.

Results

One hundred and twenty‐oneH. pyloristrains contain phage orthologous sequences, and the presence of the phage‐related sequences correlates with the presence of CagA and VacA. Mapping of the phage orthologs onto a phylogeny ofH. pyloriis consistent with the hypothesis that these genes were acquired by horizontal gene transfer.

Conclusions

phiHP33 phage orthologous sequences might be of significance in understanding virulence of differentH. pyloristrains.
Asia's ‘Boom’ of Difficult Memories: Remembering World War Two Across East and Southeast Asia
Authors: Schumacher Daniel
Published: November 2015

This article takes a cue from the tremendous increase in the creation of public sites of memory in Asia over the last few decades that are dedicated to the devastating events that took place in the Asian theatre of World War Two. The dissonant representations of these events still evoke strong emotions in the region and reveal many unresolved conflicts that stem from this war. This paper will survey the current research on the public remembrance of the Second World War in East and Southeast Asia. It will first delineate the most critical turning points in publicly recalling and framing the war by examining Asia's selective ‘memory boom’ in the 1980s and 1990s and the spread of victimhood narratives across the region. It will go on to assess the repercussions of these processes for reconciliation efforts that seek to tackle and resolve the quarrels fought over differing representations of the war in Asia – a topic, which has begun to attract considerable scholarly attention. The conclusion will suggest that furthering research on non‐state actors, transnational forces, and on local religious characteristics in the processes of memory‐making might help us to arrive at a more nuanced understanding of what has been labelled Asia's ‘Memory Problem’ and perhaps even forge new routes to reconciliation.
The Ibadan Origins of Modern African Literature: African Writers Series, Mbari Club & the Social Character of Ibadan
Authors: Ibironke Olabode
Published: November 2015

This paper carries forward and develops the theme of the character of African writing as a product of a specific discipline of the imagination within the postcolonial city itself by evoking the genealogy of African literature. The emergence of the postcolonial city represented a moment of intense cultural outreach and the internationalization of African literary production. The production of African literature was as much a function of global regimes of political and economic activities of itinerant publishers and of the icon of postcolonial modernity, the educational system, as it was the direct reflection of the transformations of the city. Importantly, the imperative of the literary function of cultural unification in modern Africa coincided with the simultaneous emergence of cosmopolitan centers of artistic production in a number of African cities, especially, Ibadan.
Host and disease factors are associated with cognitive function in European HIV‐infected adults prior to initiation of antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Winston A , Stöhr W , Antinori A , Arenas‐Pinto A , Llibre JM , Amieva H , Cabié A , Williams I , Di Perri G , Tellez MJ , Rockstroh J , Babiker A , Pozniak A , Raffi F , Richert L ,   the NEAT 001/Agence Nationale de Recherche sur le SIDA (ANRS) 143 Study Group
Published: November 2015

Objectives

Deficits in cognitive function remain prevalent in HIV‐infected individuals. The aim of this European multicentre study was to assess factors associated with cognitive function in antiretroviral therapy (ART)‐naïve HIV‐infected subjects at the time of enrolment in the NEAT 001/Agence Nationale de Recherche sur le SIDA (ANRS) 143 study.

Methods

Prior to starting ART, seven cognitive tests exploring domains including episodic memory, verbal fluency, executive function and psychomotor speed were administered with scores standardized to z‐score using the study population sample mean and standard deviation. The primary measure was overall z‐score average (NPZ). We assessed associations between baseline factors and test results using multivariable regression models.

Results

Of 283 subjects with baseline cognitive assessments, 90% were male and 12% of black ethnicity. Median (interquartile range) age, years of education, years of known HIV infection, baseline CD4 count and baseline HIV RNA were 39 (31, 47) years, 13 (11, 17) years, 1 (0, 4) years, 344 (279, 410) cells/μL and 4.74 (4.28, 5.14) log10 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL, respectively. Forty per cent were current smokers. Factors significantly associated with poorer overall cognitive performance in multivariable models included older age, shorter duration of education, black ethnicity, lower height, and lower plasma HIV RNA.

Conclusions

In this large, European‐wide, ART‐naïve population with relatively preserved immunity and early HIV infection, cognitive function scores at the time of ART initiation were associated with demographic and HIV‐disease factors.
A study of the suppression of body odour in elderly subjects by anti‐fungal agents
Authors: Ozeki C. , Moro O.
Published: November 2015

Objective

The suppression of body odour following the use of shampoos or soaps containing the anti‐fungal agent miconazole nitrate (MCZ) has been recognized anecdotally. To determine whether MCZ could play a role in the suppression of body odour through inhibiting squalene oxidation.

Methods

A prospective study recruited 54 elderly subjects residing in a nursing facility who needed bathing assistance. Subjects bathed with three types of body soap over a 6‐week study period (regular soap, sample soap (soap containing MCZ), control soap; 2 weeks per type of soap). Body odour was evaluated based on olfactory assessment of the subjects and their clothing. The subjects and the examiners were blinded to the type of soap (sample or control) being used during the study. An analysis using GC/MS was also carried out to identify the volatile compounds associated with body odour.

Results

Suppression of unpleasant body odour of the neck and axilla was reported in subjects who used the sample soap. Three common volatile compounds were detected from the T‐shirts worn by the subjects: 2‐ethylbutanal, 6‐methyl‐5‐hepten‐2‐one, and geranylacetone. The occurrence of these compounds was reduced using the sample soap.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that MCZ could play a role in the suppression of body odour.
UV‐blocking potential of oils and juices
Authors: Gause S. , Chauhan A.
Published: November 2015

Objective

Sunscreens are commonly used to protect the body from damage caused by UV light. Some components of organic sunscreens have been shown to pass through the skin during wear which could raise toxicity concerns for these compounds. This study explores the potential for oils and fruit and vegetable juices to be substitutes for these compounds.

Methods

The absorptivity of various oils (canola oil, citronella oil, coconut oil, olive oil, soya bean oil, vitamin E, as well as aloe vera) and fruit and vegetable juices (acerola, beet, grape, orange carrot, purple carrot and raspberry) was measured in vitro. The mean absorptivity was compared with FDA‐approved UV absorbers to gauge the potential of the natural products. The most promising candidates were incorporated into formulations, and the UV transmittance of a 20‐μm‐thick film of the formulation was measured. The formulations were also imaged by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy.

Results

The absorptivity of oils was at least two orders of magnitude lower compared to the commercial UV blockers. The fruit juice powders were more effective at UV blocking but still showed an order of magnitude lower absorptivity compared to commercial UV blockers.

Conclusion

The UV blocking from most natural oils is insufficient to obtain a significant UV protection. Formulations containing 50wt% purple carrot showed good UV‐blocking capabilities and represent a promising ingredient for sunscreen and cosmetic applications.
miR‐124 interacts with the Notch1 signalling pathway and has therapeutic potential against gastric cancer
Authors: Jiang Lei , Lin Tiesu , Xu Chaochao , Hu Sunkuan , Pan Yangyang , Jin Rong
Published: November 2015

Aberrant Notch signalling plays an important role in cancer progression. However, little is known about the interaction between miRNA and the Notch signalling pathway and its role in gastric cancer (GC). In this study, we found that miR‐124 was down‐regulated in GC compared with adjacent normal tissue. Forced expression of miR‐124 inhibited GC cell growth, migration and invasion, and induced cell cycle arrest. miR‐124 negatively regulated Notch1 signalling by targeting JAG1. miR‐124 levels were also shown to be inversely correlated with JAG1 expression in GC. Furthermore, we found that the overexpression of the intracellular domain of Notch1 repressed miR‐124 expression, promoted GC cell growth, migration and invasion. Conversely, blocking Notch1 using a γ‐secretase inhibitor up‐regulated miR‐124 expression, inhibited GC cell growth, migration and invasion. In conclusion, our data demonstrates a regulatory feedback loop between miR‐124 and Notch1 signalling in GC cells, suggesting that the miR‐124/Notch axis may be a potential therapeutic target against GC.
Aesthetic crown lengthening: periodontal and patient‐centred outcomes
Authors: Silva Cléverson O. , Soumaille Jéssica M. S. , Marson Fabiano C. , Progiante Patrícia S. , Tatakis Dimitris N.
Published: November 2015

Aim

The objective of this prospective study was to assess clinical and patient‐centred outcomes of aesthetic crown lengthening surgery for the treatment of altered passive eruption.

Materials and Methods

Twenty‐two patients were treated and followed up for 6 months. The evaluated clinical parameters included, among others, probing depth, clinical attachment level, clinical crown length (CLc), cemento‐enamel junction to alveolar bone crest distance, gingival width (GW) and gingival display (GD). Subjects completed surveys to evaluate satisfaction with smile, gingiva and tooth features and experience with the procedure.

Results

Average CLc was 8.5 ± 0.5 mm at baseline and significantly increased (9.9 ± 0.5 mm; p < 0.0001) at 6 months. Concomitantly, GW significantly decreased from baseline (5.8 ± 1.2 mm) to 6 months (4.9 ± 1.1 mm; p < 0.008), as did GD (from 2.6 ± 2.0 mm to 1.1 ± 1.9 mm; p < 0.0001). In contrast to their pre‐operative satisfaction level, the majority (≥73%) of patients were very satisfied post‐operatively with gingival and tooth display, when smiling or talking, and with maxillary anterior tooth size and shape. All patients would undergo the procedure again and would recommend it to someone with a similar problem.

Conclusion

Aesthetic crown lengthening surgery results in high levels of patient satisfaction and predictable and stable outcomes in the short term.
Serum vitamin B12 is inversely associated with periodontal progression and risk of tooth loss: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Zong Geng , Holtfreter Birte , Scott Ann E. , Völzke Henry , Petersmann Astrid , Dietrich Thomas , Newson Rachel S. , Kocher Thomas
Published: November 2015

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the association of serum vitamin B12 with the progression of periodontitis and risk of tooth loss in a prospective cohort study.

Materials and Methods

In the Study of Health in Pomerania, 1648 participants were followed from 2002–2006 to 2008–2012 (mean duration 5.9 years). Serum vitamin B12 was measured by chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay. Probing pocket depth (PD) and clinical attachment loss (CAL) were measured to reflect periodontal status on a half‐mouth basis at each survey cycle. Tooth numbers are based upon a full‐mouth tooth count.

Results and Conclusions

In multivariate regression models, baseline vitamin B12 was inversely associated with changes in mean PD (Ptrend = 0.06) and mean CAL (Ptrend = 0.01), and risk ratios of tooth loss (TL;Ptrend = 0.006) over time. Compared to participants in the highest vitamin B12 quartile, those in the lowest quartile had 0.10 mm (95%CI: 0.03, 0.17;Pdifference = 0.007) greater increase in mean PD, 0.23 mm (95%CI: 0.09, 0.36;Pdifference = 0.001) greater increase in mean CAL and a relative risk of 1.57 (95%CI: 1.22, 2.03;Pdifference < 0.001) for TL. Stratified analyses showed stronger associations between vitamin B12 and changes in mean CAL among never smokers (Pinteraction = 0.058). Further studies are needed to understand the potential mechanisms of these findings.
A Direct Neurokinin B Projection from the Arcuate Nucleus Regulates Magnocellular Vasopressin Cells of the Supraoptic Nucleus
Authors: Pineda R. , Sabatier N. , Ludwig M. , Millar R. P. , Leng G.
Published: November 2015

Central administration of neurokinin B (NKB) agonists stimulates immediate early gene expression in the hypothalamus and increases the secretion of vasopressin from the posterior pituitary through a mechanism that depends on the activation of neurokinin receptor 3 receptors (NK3R). The present study reports that, in the rat, immunoreactivity for NK3R is expressed in magnocellular vasopressin and oxytocin neurones in the supraoptic nucleus (SON) and paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus, and that NKB immunoreactivity is expressed in fibres in close juxtaposition with vasopressin neurones at both of these sites. Retrograde tracing in the rat shows that some NKB‐expressing neurones in the arcuate nucleus project to the SON and, in mice, using an anterograde tracing approach, it is found that kisspeptin‐expressing neurones of the arcuate nucleus, which are known to co‐express NKB, project to the SON and PVN. Finally, i.c.v. injection of the NK3R agonist senktide is shown to potently increase the electrical activity of vasopressin neurones in the SON in vivo with no significant effect detected on oxytocin neurones. The results suggest that NKB‐containing neurones in the arcuate nucleus regulate the secretion of vasopressin from magnocellular neurones in rodents, and the possible significance of this is discussed.
Motives for Vulvar Surgery of Women with Lichen Sclerosus
Authors: Brauer Marieke , van Lunsen Rik , Burger Matthé , Laan Ellen
Published: November 2015

Introduction

Women with lichen sclerosus (LS) may experience (superficial) dyspareunia or the inability to have vaginal intercourse due to painful fissures and narrowing of the vaginal introitus. A surgical procedure may contribute to the relief of these sexual pain problems. It is unknown what motives women have to undergo surgery in order to regain the ability to have sexual intercourse. Such knowledge can offer important insights that are indispensable when discussing the option of vulvar surgery with patients with LS and might prevent potential patient dissatisfaction. This study’s purpose is to examine why women with LS decide to undergo vulvar surgery in order to restore intercourse.

Methods

Nineteen women with anogenital LS participated in audiotaped qualitative individual interviews, in which their motives for undergoing vulvar surgery to restore intercourse were explored retrospectively. Interview data were analyzed using the constant comparative method.

Results

Three main motives for wanting to undergo surgery in order to restore intercourse were found. These were the desire to be a “normal” woman, the desire to sexually satisfy the male partner, and the desire to regain the experience of intimacy and sexual enjoyment. Another reason for surgery was to reduce daily life LS symptoms. The sexual pain complaints prevented the women from living up to their norms about heterosexuality and gender roles. Being unable to have intercourse led women to feel inadequate as a woman and as a sexual partner.

Conclusions

Women with LS may opt for surgery to restore their identity as a “normal” woman and sexual partner, to regain the experience of coital intimacy, and to be less bothered by LS symptoms in daily life. The present findings point to the importance of a thorough couple-based sexual history in which women’s motives for and expectations of vulvar surgery will be explored in order to facilitate a good decision and to increase treatment satisfaction.
Psychological Treatment Trials for Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder: A Sexual Medicine Critique and Perspective
Authors: Pyke Robert E. , Clayton Anita H.
Published: November 2015

Introduction

Publications claim efficacy for treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in women with cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and mindfulness meditation training (MMT). However, no review has evaluated the evidence for these therapies from the rigorous perspective of sexual medicine.

Aims

The aim of this study was to evaluate the published controlled trials of CBT and MMT for disorders of sexual desire from the perspective of sexual medicine standards of control paradigms, risk/benefit ratios, and clinical significance.

Methods

MEDLINE was reviewed from the last 10 years. Evaluated study quality via 10 metrics and efficacy as mean change, and proportion of responders and remitters.

Results

Three controlled trials support CBT and two controlled trials support MMT. The reports of the trials each lacked several scientific requirements: a hierarchy of endpoints with a planned primary endpoint, sufficient information on the intervention to reproduce it, randomization, adequate control, accepted measures of benefits and harms, compliance data, and/or outcomes of clinical relevance.

Conclusions

Psychological treatments for HSDD are not yet supported by adequate clinical trials. The current scientific and regulatory standards for drug treatment trials should also be applicable to psychological treatment trials.
Trend in Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens)tusk asymmetry, 1990–2014
Authors: MacCracken James G. , Benter R. Brad
Published: November 2015

We used the basal circumference of Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) tusks (upper canine teeth,n= 21,068 pairs) to estimate fluctuating asymmetry (FA1 index) from 1990 to 2014. The mean difference in circumference between paired tusks was −0.006 (SEM= 0.002) cm and approximately normally distributed. Measurement error was 0.6 (0.02)%, similar between biologists and lay persons (P= 0.83), and ≤15% ofFA1. TuskFA1 was greatest in 1990 then declined by 56% (P= 0.0001) through 2014. Male and female trends differed (P= 0.0001) and maleFA1 was 40% greater (P= 0.0001) and the rate of decline 28% steeper (P= 0.3) than females. A quartic polynomial model (r2= 0.66,wi= 0.685) fit the trend for female data better than simpler forms, whereas a linear model (r2= 0.55,wi= 0.693) was a better fit for male data. Walrus tuskFA1 reflected periods when the population was stressed due to food limitations and then recovered, and perhaps when females began to experience the loss of preferred sea ice habitat in summer andFA1 is an easily monitored indicator. More work is needed to confirm the link betweenFA1, individual fitness, and adaptive potential.
Colon wall motility: comparison of novel quantitative semi‐automatic measurements using cine MRI
Authors: Hoad C. L. , Menys A. , Garsed K. , Marciani L. , Hamy V. , Murray K. , Costigan C. , Atkinson D. , Major G. , Spiller R. C. , Taylor S. A. , Gowland P. A.
Published: November 2015

Background

Recently, cine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has shown promise for visualizing movement of the colonic wall, although assessment of data has been subjective and observer dependent. This study aimed to develop an objective and semi‐automatic imaging metric of ascending colonic wall movement, using image registration techniques.

Methods

Cine balanced turbo field echo MRI images of ascending colonic motility were acquired over 2 min from 23 healthy volunteers (HVs) at baseline and following two different macrogol stimulus drinks (11 HVs drank 1 L and 12 HVs drank 2 L). Motility metrics derived from large scale geometric and small scale pixel movement parameters following image registration were developed using the post ingestion data and compared to observer grading of wall motion. Inter and intra‐observer variability in the highest correlating metric was assessed using Bland–Altman analysis calculated from two separate observations on a subset of data.

Key Results

All the metrics tested showed significant correlation with the observer rating scores. Line analysis (LA) produced the highest correlation coefficient of 0.74 (95% CI: 0.55–0.86), p < 0.001 (Spearman Rho). Bland–Altman analysis of the inter‐ and intra‐observer variability for the LA metric, showed almost zero bias and small limits of agreement between observations (−0.039 to 0.052 intra‐observer and −0.051 to 0.054 inter‐observer, range of measurement 0–0.353).

Conclusions & Inferences

The LA index of colonic motility derived from cine MRI registered data provides a quick, accurate and non‐invasive method to detect wall motion within the ascending colon following a colonic stimulus in the form of a macrogol drink.
Transcriptome‐derived evidence supports recent polyploidization and a major phylogeographic division in Trithuria submersa (Hydatellaceae, Nymphaeales)
Authors: Marques Isabel , Montgomery Sean A. , Barker Michael S. , Macfarlane Terry D. , Conran John G. , Catalán Pilar , Rieseberg Loren H. , Rudall Paula J. , Graham Sean W.
Published: November 2015

Relatively little is known about species‐level genetic diversity in flowering plants outside the eudicots and monocots, and it is often unclear how to interpret genetic patterns in lineages with whole‐genome duplications. We addressed these issues in a polyploid representative of Hydatellaceae, part of the water‐lily order Nymphaeales.

We examined a transcriptome of Trithuria submersa for evidence of recent whole‐genome duplication, and applied transcriptome‐derived microsatellite (expressed‐sequence tag simple‐sequence repeat (EST‐SSR)) primers to survey genetic variation in populations across its range in mainland Australia.

A transcriptome‐based Ks plot revealed at least one recent polyploidization event, consistent with fixed heterozygous genotypes representing underlying sets of homeologous loci. A strong genetic division coincides with a trans‐Nullarbor biogeographic boundary.

Patterns of ‘allelic’ variation (no more than two variants per EST‐SSR genotype) and recently published chromosomal evidence are consistent with the predicted polyploidization event and substantial homozygosity underlying fixed heterozygote SSR genotypes, which in turn reflect a selfing mating system. The Nullarbor Plain is a barrier to gene flow between two deep lineages of T. submersa that may represent cryptic species. The markers developed here should also be useful for further disentangling species relationships, and provide a first step towards future genomic studies in Trithuria.
Sports activities enhance the prevalence of rhinitis symptoms in schoolchildren
Authors: Kusunoki Takashi , Takeuchi Jiro , Morimoto Takeshi , Sakuma Mio , Mukaida Kumiko , Yasumi Takahiro , Nishikomori Ryuta , Heike Toshio
Published: November 2015

Background

To evaluate the association between sports activities and allergic symptoms, especially rhinitis, among schoolchildren.

Methods

This longitudinal survey of schoolchildren collected data from questionnaires regarding allergic symptoms based on the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) program and sports participation that were distributed to the parents of children at all 12 public primary schools in Ohmi‐Hachiman City, Shiga Prefecture, Japan. Data were collected annually from 2011 until 2014, when the children reached 10 years of age. Blood samples were obtained in 2014, and the levels of immunoglobulin (Ig)E specific to four inhalant allergens were measured.

Results

Data from 558 children were analyzed. At 10 years of age, prevalence of asthma and eczema did not differ significantly, while rhinitis was significantly higher (p = 0.009) among children who participated in sports. Prevalence of rhinitis increased as the frequency or duration of sports participation increased (p < 0.01). The prevalence of new‐onset rhinitis increased significantly among 10‐year‐olds with increasing duration of participation in sports (p = 0.03). Among those who participated in continuous sports activities, the prevalence of rhinitis was significantly higher with prolonged eczema (p = 0.006). Sports activities did not increase sensitization to inhalant allergens.

Conclusion

Sports activities enhance the prevalence of rhinitis in schoolchildren. Prolonged eczema, together with sports participation, further promotes the symptoms. The mechanisms of these novel findings warrant further investigation.
Prognostic significance of histological therapeutic effect in preoperative chemotherapy for breast cancer
Authors: Kobayashi Kokoro , Horii Rie , Ito Yoshinori , Miyagi Yumi , Ohno Shinji , Iwase Takuji , Akiyama Futoshi
Published: November 2015

To establish a prognostic prediction system, we examined the relationships between prognosis and histological therapeutic effect or ypTNM classification in 258 breast cancer patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The case distribution according to therapeutic effect was nine patients (3.5%) with Grade 0, 169 (65.5%) with Grade 1, 58 (22.5%) with Grade 2, and 22 (8.5%) with Grade 3. The 5‐year overall survival (OS) rate by therapeutic effect was 56% in Grade 0, 81% in Grade 1, 87% in Grade 2, and 96% in Grade 3. The higher the therapeutic effect the better the prognosis, with a significant difference among the groups (P = 0.008). The case distribution according to ypTNM classification was 20 patients (7.8%) with Stage 0, 83 (32.2%) with Stage I, 77 (29.8%) with Stage II, and 78 (30.2%) with Stage III. The 5‐year OS rate by ypTNM classification was 95% in Stage 0, 94% in Stage I, 89% in Stage II, and 59% in Stage III. While prognosis was mostly comparable in Stages 0 and I, in the other stages it became significantly worse as residual cancer increased (P < 0.001). The prognosis of breast cancer patients with neoadjuvant chemotherapy can be predicted by histological therapeutic effect and staging classification of residual cancer.
Swiss banking secrecy and the problem of international cooperation in tax matters: A nut too hard to crack?
Authors: Emmenegger Patrick
Published: November 2015

How was Swiss resistance to international cooperation in tax matters overcome? This article argues that while Swiss banks are structurally dependent on access to the United States (US) financial market, Switzerland is structurally dependent on the economic welfare of its largest banks. Taking advantage of a tax evasion scandal in the midst of the global financial crisis, this indirect dependence gave US law enforcement authorities the opportunity to exercise pressure on Switzerland by threatening to criminally indict Switzerland's largest bank. The tax evasion scandal and subsequent Swiss concessions to the US had two important consequences for international tax cooperation. First, the scandal provided a focal point for collective action that allowed other countries to coordinate their strategies and direct them against the country that had been identified as uncooperative. Second, the scandal undermined Switzerland's ability to impede collective action because the bank's public admission of wrongdoing demonstrated the necessity of international tax cooperation.
Elevated sL1‐CAM levels in BALF and serum of IPF patients
Authors: Zhang Yingwei , Bi Lintao , Qiu Yuying , Wang Yang , Ding Jingjing , Zhuang Yi , Tian Yaqiong , Cai Hourong
Published: November 2015

Background and objective

IPF is a form of interstitial pneumonia of unknown origin that has a poor prognosis for which current treatments are limited. Recent studies have shown that EMT plays a role in IPF and tumour metastasis. L1‐CAM has also been linked to EMT during tumour development and tumour metastasis. Our aim was to determine prospectively the level of L1‐CAM in IPF patients.

Methods

Forty consecutive Chinese patients (with IPF, 16; LC, 12; and CC, 12), but no apparent lung or other organ's diseases were enrolled. Soluble L1‐CAM (sL1‐CAM), TGF‐β1, PDGF, γ‐INF levels in BALF and serum sL1‐CAM were measured using ELISA.

Results

BALF sL1‐CAM levels of IPF, LC and CC patients were 10.87 ± 0.88 ng/mL, 6.34 ± 0.67 ng/mL and 5.43 ± 0.65 ng/mL, respectively. BALF sL1‐CAM concentration of IPF patients was significantly higher than that in LC and in CC patients. Besides, serum sL1‐CAM levels in patients with IPF, LC and CC were 9.60 ± 1.41 ng/mL, 9.82 ± 0.72 ng/mL and 5.41 ± 1.07 ng/mL, respectively. The serum sL1‐CAM levels in patients with IPF and LC were significantly higher than those in patients with CC (P < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusions

The concentrations of sL1‐CAM both in BALF and in serum of patients with IPF are markedly increased compared with controls. This indicates that L1‐CAM might be involved in the pathogenesis of IPF as well as that of LC.
Comparison of innate immune responses towards rhinovirus infection of primary nasal and bronchial epithelial cells
Authors: Alves Marco P. , Schögler Aline , Ebener Simone , Vielle Nathalie J. , Casaulta Carmen , Jung Andreas , Moeller Alexander , Geiser Thomas , Regamey Nicolas
Published: November 2015

Background and objective

Rhinoviruses (RV) replicate in both upper and lower airway epithelial cells. We evaluated the possibility of using nasal epithelial cells (NEC) as surrogate of bronchial epithelial cells (BEC) for RV pathogenesis cell culture studies.

Methods

We used primary paired NEC and BEC cultures established from healthy subjects and compared the replication of RV belonging to the major (RV16) and minor (RV1B) group, and the cellular antiviral and proinflammatory cytokine responses towards these viruses. We related antiviral and pro‐inflammatory responses of NEC isolated from CF and COPD patients with those of BEC.

Results

RV16 replication and major group surface receptor (ICAM‐1) expression were higher in healthy NEC compared with BEC (P < 0.05); RV1B replication and minor group surface receptor (LDLR) expression were similar. Healthy NEC and BEC produced similar levels of IFN‐β and IFN‐λ2/3 upon RV infection or after simulation with poly(IC). IL‐8 production was similar between healthy NEC and BEC. IL‐6 release at baseline (P < 0.01) and upon infection with RV16 (P < 0.05) and poly(IC) stimulation (P < 0.05) was higher in NEC. RV1B viral load in NEC was related to RV1B viral load in BEC (r = 0.49, P = 0.01). There was a good correlation of IFN levels between NEC and BEC (r = 0.66, P = 0.0004 after RV1B infection). IL‐8 production in NEC was related to IL‐8 production in BEC (r = 0.48, P = 0.02 after RV1B infection).

Conclusion

NEC are a suitable alternative cellular system to BEC to study the pathophysiology of RV infections and particularly to investigate IFN responses induced by RV infection.
Opus musivum, opus variegatum: the mosaic form in early modern culture
Authors: Farley Stuart
Published: November 2015

This article seeks to contribute to what has been called ‘new’ – or ‘historical’ – formalism by attending to the form of things and by considering how such things might give rise to literary forms. It does so by locating an aesthetic form in the realm of things—namely, what was known as the ‘mosaic work’ (opus musivum) – and by tracing the ways in which such a material artefact might give shape to a variety of literary texts, such as the essay, the cento, the miscellaneous prose‐tract, even the Bible. Moreover, in focusing on the prose‐texts of Michel de Montaigne, John Donne, Robert Burton, Meric Casaubon, and Thomas Browne, among others, the present study demonstrates that prose, like its counterpart verse, does indeed possess a form of its own and that such a form contributes to the work done by prose.
Mode I–III Decomposition of the J‐integral from DIC Displacement Data
Authors: Molteno M. R. , Becker T. H.
Published: November 2015

This paper presents the implementation of the decomposition method on digital image correlation (DIC) obtained displacement fields to obtain J‐integral results (J) and respective stress intensity factors (SIFs). DIC is increasingly used with the J‐integral approach in experimental mechanics to obtain J estimates from complex fracture processes. In this approach, the decomposition method is applied to DIC displacement fields for the first time. Here, displacement fields are separated before stresses and strains are computed, so that subsequent computation of separate J or SIF components may follow the classical full‐field J‐integral approach. The sensitivity of the decomposition method to experimental errors is investigated using synthetically generated errors imposed on crack tip displacement fields (Williams' series), from which improvements to the procedure are proposed. The method is experimentally tested on PMMA Arcan specimens under mode I, II, and III, and mixed‐mode I–III loading. Test results were compared to fracture toughness values obtained from ASTM tests and literature with close agreement.
Successful treatment of cytomegalovirus enteritis after unrelated allogeneic stem cell transplantation by the infusion of ex vivo‐expanded CD4+ lymphocytes derived from the recipient's peripheral blood donor cells
Authors: Muto T. , Takeda Y. , Tsukamoto S. , Sakai S. , Mimura N. , Ohwada C. , Takeuchi M. , Sakaida E. , Ota S. , Iseki T. , Shimizu N. , Morio T. , Nakaseko C.
Published: November 2015

Adoptive immunotherapies have been developed for antiviral agent‐refractory cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease after stem cell transplantation (SCT). However, the application of such strategies is limited, particularly in terms of need for donor cooperation regarding blood sampling and inaccessibility in the setting of cord blood transplantation. Herein, we describe the first successful treatment of antiviral agent‐refractory CMV enteritis after allogeneic SCT by the infusion of ex vivo‐expanded donor‐derived CD4+ lymphocytes obtained from the recipient's peripheral blood.
Parallel Computing Enables Whole-Trip Train Dynamics Optimizations
Authors: Wu Qing , Cole Colin , Spiryagin Maksym
Published: November 2015

Due to the high computing demand of whole-trip train dynamics simulations and the iterative nature of optimizations, whole-trip train dynamics optimizations using sequential computing schemes are practically impossible. This paper reports advancements in whole-trip train dynamics optimizations enabled by using the parallel computing technique. A parallel computing scheme for whole-trip train dynamics optimizations is presented and discussed. Two case studies using parallel multiobjective particle swarm optimization (pMOPSO) and parallel multiobjective genetic algorithm (pMOGA), respectively, were performed to optimize a friction draft gear design. Linear speed-up was achieved by using parallel computing to cut down the computing time from 18 months to just 11 days. Optimized results using pMOPSO and pMOGA were in agreement with each other; Pareto fronts were identified to provide technical evidence for railway manufacturers and operators.
Improvement in Geometrical Accuracy and Mechanical Property for Arc-Based Additive Manufacturing Using Metamorphic Rolling Mechanism
Authors: Xie Yang , Zhang Haiou , Zhou Fei
Published: November 2015

Additive manufacturing (AM), or 3D printing, is drawing considerable contemporary interest due to its characteristics of high material utilization, great flexibility in product design, and inherent moldless process. Arc-based AM (AAM) is a promising AM method with high deposition rate and favorable buildup quality. Components made by AAM are fabricated through superimposed weld beads deposited from metal wire. Unlike laser-based additive manufacturing, AAM is more difficult to control. Because of the large energy input of the energy source and the liquidity of the melting metal material, bottleneck problems like shrinkage porosity, cracking, residual stresses, and deformation occur. Resultant poor geometrical accuracy and mechanical property keep AAM from industrial application. Especially in the aerospace industry, structural and mechanical property specifications are stringent and critical. This paper presents a novel hybrid manufacturing method by using hot-rolling process to assist the arc welding to solve the above problems. Initially, a miniature metamorphic rolling mechanism (MRM) was developed using metamorphic mechanism theory. Configuration and topology of the MRM can change according to the feature of the components to roll the top and lateral surfaces of the bead. Subsequently, three single-pass multilayer walls were built, respectively, for comparison. The rolled results show significant improvement in geometrical accuracy of the built features. Tensile test results demonstrate improvement in mechanical properties. The improved mechanical properties of rolled specimens are superior to wrought material in travel direction. Microstructure comparisons indicate columnar grains observed in vertical direction and fusion zones were suppressed. Eventually, fabrication of a large-scale aerospace component validates the feasibility of industry application for the hybrid manufacturing technology.
An Accurate and Efficient Approach to Three-Dimensional Geometric Modeling of Undeformed Chips for the Geometric and the Physical Simulations of Three-Axis Milling of Complex Parts
Authors: Chang Zhiyong , Chen Zezhong C.
Published: November 2015

To pursue high-performance computer numerical control (CNC) milling of complex parts, it is crucial to simulate their machining process geometrically and physically with high fidelity beforehand. The geometric simulation is to construct three-dimensional (3D) models of the finished parts and to compute geometric deviation between the models and the part designs, in order to verify the planned tool paths. The physical simulation is to build undeformed chips geometric models and in-process workpiece models and to compute instantaneous cutting forces, in order to optimize the machining parameters. Therefore, it is essential to accurately and efficiently model undeformed chips geometry in machining complex geometric parts. Unfortunately, this work is quite challenging, and no well-established method for this work is available. To address this problem, our work proposes an accurate and effective approach to 3D geometric modeling of undeformed chips geometry in three-axis milling of complex parts. The outstanding feature of this approach is that undeformed chip models and in-process workpiece models can be effectively constructed. This approach lays a theoretical foundation for the geometric and the physical simulations of three-axis milling. It advances the technique of machining simulation and promotes high-performance machining of complex parts.
Numerical Simulation and Experimentation on Electrochemical Buffing
Authors: Tailor Piyushkumar B. , Agrawal Amit , Joshi Suhas S.
Published: November 2015

The electrochemical buffing (ECB) process primarily works on the principle of preferential dissolution by coupling of electrical, chemical, and mechanical actions. ECB is used to buff clean and hygienic nanoscale surface finish of high-purity components. Despite being well known, the process mechanism has not been discussed adequately in the literature, which makes process control and its use difficult. This work explores the various material removal mechanisms through numerical simulations to better understand and control the ECB process. The numerical results are found to match reasonably well with the experimental data. It is found from the simulation results that the flux of species generated is dominated by current density and interelectrode gap, whereas flow of electrolyte and rotation speed of buff-head primarily influence their migration. The simulation model also infers that convective flux contributes of order of 102 over to diffusion flux in species migration, whereas electrophoretic flux does not have a significant contribution.
Kinematic Synthesis of Rotary Machines Generated by Regular Curve-Polygons
Authors: Figliolini Giorgio , Rea Pierluigi , Grande Salvatore
Published: November 2015

The subject of this paper is the kinematic synthesis of volumetric rotary machines, also known as GeRotors (GEnerated ROTORs), which are based on the planetary motion of suitable regular curve-polygons. In particular, the outer and inner conjugate profiles of a generating regular curve-polygon with any number of lobes and different circumcircle and rounded corner radii were synthesized as envelope curves of the polycentric profiles. This also enabled a regular curve-polygon with cusp corners to be obtained, as in the case of the Reuleaux triangle. The proposed formulation was then implemented in a matlab code and validated by means of several significant examples of rotary machines.
System Architecture, Level of Decomposition, and Structural Complexity: Analysis and Observations
Authors: Min GwangKi , Suh Eun Suk , Hölttä-Otto Katja
Published: November 2015

As a result of technological advance and ever-increasing stakeholder expectations, today’s engineering systems are becoming entities of a complex nature. Therefore, understanding and managing the complexity of such systems are becoming increasingly important, in particular during the early stages of the system development process, such as conceptual and preliminary design. In this paper, an analysis to measure the structural complexity of a system is presented. Systems with different architectural configurations (integral, linear-modular, and bus-modular) were analyzed at various levels of system decomposition. The results show that the structural complexity of a system depends largely on the architectural configurations at the lowest level of system decomposition. The sensitivities of each architectural configuration (due to the addition of more connections) were different. A real-life complex system was observed from the architectural configuration and structural complexity point of view.
Enhanced Formulae for Determining Both Free Length and Rate of Cylindrical Compression Springs
Authors: Paredes Manuel
Published: November 2015

Cylindrical compression springs have been commonly exploited in mechanical systems for years and their behavior is considered as well identified. Nevertheless, it appears that, even though old research studies suggest correcting the rate formula, the main industrial software dedicated to spring design exploits the uncorrected one. In order to evaluate the accuracy of the analytical formulae for spring behavior, an experimental study was performed, which tried to cover the common design space. This study was done using the two common coil ends: closed and ground ends, and closed and not ground ends. Moreover, the accuracy of the load–length relation was investigated whereas older studies focused only on the spring rate. It appears that the common uncorrected formulae give satisfactory results only when large numbers of coils are involved. We also highlight, for the first time, that it is interesting to correct not only the spring rate but also the free length of the spring.
A Compilation of Design for Environment Guidelines
Authors: Telenko Cassandra , O'Rourke Julia M. , Conner Seepersad Carolyn , Webber Michael E.
Published: November 2015

Policymakers, consumers, and industry leaders are increasingly concerned about the environmental impacts of modern products. In response, product designers seek simple and effective methods for lowering the environmental footprints of their concepts. Design for environment (DfE) is a field of product design methodology that includes tools, methods, and principles to help designers reduce environmental impact. The most powerful and well-known tool for DfE is life cycle assessment (LCA). LCA requires a fully specified design, however, which makes it applicable primarily at the end of the design process. Because the decisions with the greatest environmental impact are made during early design stages when data for a comprehensive LCA are not yet available, it is important to develop DfE tools that can be implemented in the early conceptual and embodiment design stages. Based on a broad critical review of DfE literature and best practices, a set of 76 DfE guidelines are compiled and reconciled for use in early stage design of products with minimal environmental impact. Select guidelines are illustrated through examples, and several strategies for using the guidelines are introduced.
Planar Deployable Linkage and Its Application in Overconstrained Lift Mechanism
Authors: Zhao Dong-Jie , Zhao Jing-Shan , Yan Zheng-Fang
Published: November 2015

This paper investigates the application of a planar deployable structure with screw theory and discusses its possible applications in overconstrained lift platforms via calculating its stiffness. These platforms are all made up of a number of identical scissor-form pivoted links. Compared with their traditional counterparts, the lift platforms with planar deployable structures have higher stiffness and higher strength in applications because every lift platform is multiplane overconstrained mechanism connected by a strengthened frame at each deployable layer. In operation, these deployable structures are always symmetric about the vertical central axis connecting the moving platform and the fixed one. Therefore, the stress conditions of the links in each layer can be assumed to be identical as the lift platform is moving up and down. Prototype test illustrates the innovation of the lift mechanisms while keeping the same load capacity.