bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Creep characterization of gels and nonlinear viscoelastic material model
Authors: Ishikawa Kiyotaka , Fujikawa Masaki , Makabe Chobin , Tanaka Kou
Published: July 2016

In this paper, we examine gel creep behavior and develop a material model for useful and simple numerical simulation of this behavior. This study has three stages and aims: (1) gel creep behavior is examined; (2) the material model is determined and the material constants are identified; and (3) the versatility of the material model and the constants are evaluated. The creep behavior is found to be independent of the initial stress level in the present experiment. Thus, the viscoelastic model proposed by Simo is selected, and its material constants are identified using the results of creep tests. Moreover, from the results of numerical calculations and experiments, it is found that the chosen material model has good reproducibility, predictive performance and high versatility.
Thermoelectric properties of bulk MoSi2 synthesized by solid state microwave heating
Authors: Lan Yu , Xie Mianyu , Ouyang Ting , Yue Song
Published: July 2016

In this research, single phase [Formula: see text]-MoSi2 was prepared by solid state hybrid microwave heating within 90 min at relatively low temperature 1273 K. Such precursor powders were then ball milled and sintered by microwave heating at different temperatures. The thermoelectric (TE) properties of MoSi2 bulks were investigated in the temperature range of 300–673 K. When the sintering temperature increases from 973 K to 1273 K, the electrical resistivity decreases significantly and the Seebeck coefficients increase obviously, leading to the maximum TE powder factor of [Formula: see text] at 673 K. These results demonstrate the feasibility of high efficient and economical synthesis of MoSi2 by microwave heating technique, with the final products having comparable TE performance in comparison to those from typical methods with long duration and energy-extensive consumption.
Influence of sintering temperature on structural, morphological and magnetic properties of barium hexaferrite nanoparticles
Authors: Shafqat M. Burhan , Arif Omer , Atiq Shahid , Saleem Murtaza , Ramay Shahid M. , Mahmood Asif , Naseem Shahzad
Published: July 2016

Barium hexaferrite nanoparticles are attractive for modern data storage and microwave devices due to their unique properties. Single phase synthesis of barium hexaferrite using sol–gel auto-combustion route was optimized by varying sintering temperature and time. X-ray diffraction confirmed single phase hexagonal crystal structure of the sample sintered at 1100[Formula: see text]C for 2 h. Crystallite size, as determined using Scherrer’s formula, was increased with the increase in sintering temperature while the porosity remained nearly unchanged. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) revealed that grain size was increased from nanometers to micrometers by rising the sintering temperature and the shape of particles was platelet-like hexagonal at 900[Formula: see text]C. Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) exhibited that saturation magnetization and coercivity increased with the increase of sintering temperature. Maximum saturation magnetization and coercivity values were 36.80 emu/g and 5365 Oe, respectively, for the sample sintered at 1100[Formula: see text]C for 2 h.
The Use of an Ontotrigger for Designing the Ontology of a Model Maturity Capsule
Authors: Orłowski Cezary , Kapłański Paweł , Nguyen Ngoc-Thanh , Pietranik Marcin
Published: July 2016

The aim of this work is to give the definition and present the possibility of applying (introduced and defined here) ontotriggers to design the ontology of a maturity capsule used in the assessment of IT projects. The complexity of designing ontology processes raises the question of whether there is a need for designing ontologies in a situation where it is possible to map them. The work is divided into four main parts. The first part presents and defines the concept of an ontotrigger. The second part presents a model maturity capsule. Similarities to the maturity capsule of a project managed in accordance with the SCRUM methodology have also been indicated. The third part discusses the method of building ontologies for both capsules and indicates the possibility of mapping them. The fourth part presents the application of an ontotrigger which uses the ability to map both ontologies. In summary, the applicability of ontotriggers has been demonstrated for the design of ontologies of any class and their objects. The process of verifying this applicability for two maturity capsules: the model and SCRUM maturity capsules, showed that the design of ontologies for any IT project management method can be implemented through maturity capsule ontotriggers rather than designing new ontologies.
Regression Analysis Based Software Effort Estimation Method
Authors: Yücalar Fatih , Kilinc Deniz , Borandag Emin , Ozcift Akin
Published: July 2016

Estimating the development effort of a software project in the early stages of the software life cycle is a significant task. Accurate estimates help project managers to overcome the problems regarding budget and time overruns. This paper proposes a new multiple linear regression analysis based effort estimation method, which has brought a different perspective to the software effort estimation methods and increased the success of software effort estimation processes. The proposed method is compared with standard Use Case Point (UCP) method, which is a well-known method in this area, and simple linear regression based effort estimation method developed by Nassif et al. In order to evaluate and compare the proposed method, the data of 10 software projects developed by four well-established software companies in Turkey were collected and datasets were created. When effort estimations obtained from datasets and actual efforts spent to complete the projects are compared with each other, it has been observed that the proposed method has higher effort estimation accuracy compared to the other methods.
ASSESSMENT OF CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS ON AMAN AND BORO RICE YIELDS IN BANGLADESH
Authors: HASAN M. MEHEDI , SARKER Md. ABDUR RASHID , GOW JEFF
Published: July 2016

Despite substantial volumes of research on the impacts of climate change on rice productivity little attention has been paid in evaluating how these impacts differ between traditional varieties (TVs) and high yielding varieties (HYVs). In this study, Aman and Boro rice yields are examined, as respective examples. Cross-sectional time series data over 41 years for four climatic regions of Bangladesh has been used to explore this issue. Each region was examined individually and then across region comparisons were made to try to understand the impacts of major climate variables: average temperature, temperature range, and seasonal rainfall. Using both linear regression and panel data regression models, the major findings are that HYVs for both Aman and Boro rice varieties have less capacity to cope with changing climate conditions in contrast to TVs. Therefore, government should help to promote research and development aimed at developing more climate tolerant varieties, particularly temperature tolerant HYVs which have the potential to solidify the country’s food security situation at least in terms of food availability.
Spike synchrony generated by modulatory common input through NMDA-type synapses
Authors: Wagatsuma Nobuhiko , von der Heydt Rüdiger , Niebur Ernst
Published: July 2016

Common excitatory input to neurons increases their firing rates and the strength of the spike correlation (synchrony) between them. Little is known, however, about the synchronizing effects of modulatory common input. Here, we show that modulatory common input with the slow synaptic kinetics of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors enhances firing rates and also produces synchrony. Tight synchrony (correlations on the order of milliseconds) always increases with modulatory strength. Unexpectedly, the relationship between strength of modulation and strength of loose synchrony (tens of milliseconds) is not monotonic: The strongest loose synchrony is obtained for intermediate modulatory amplitudes. This finding explains recent neurophysiological results showing that in cortical areas V1 and V2, presumed modulatory top-down input due to contour grouping increases (loose and tight) synchrony but that additional modulatory input due to top-down attention does not change tight synchrony and actually decreases loose synchrony. These neurophysiological findings are understood from our model of integrate-and-fire neurons under the assumption that contour grouping as well as attention lead to additive modulatory common input through NMDA-type synapses. In contrast, circuits with common projections through model α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptors did not exhibit the paradoxical decrease of synchrony with increased input. Our results suggest that NMDA receptors play a critical role in top-down response modulation in the visual cortex.
The Utility of Routine Ultrasound Imaging after Elective Transplant Ureteric Stent Removal
Authors: Das Bibek , Hobday Dorian , Olsburgh Jonathon , Callaghan Chris
Published: July 2016

Background. Ureteric stent insertion during kidney transplantation reduces the incidence of major urological complications (MUCs). We evaluated whether routine poststent removal graft ultrasonography (PSRGU) was useful in detecting MUCs before they became clinically or biochemically apparent.Methods. A retrospective analysis was undertaken of clinical outcomes following elective stent removals from adult single renal transplant recipients (sRTRs) at our centre between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2013.Results. Elective stent removal was performed for 338 sRTRs. Of these patients, 222 had routine PSRGU (median (IQR) days after stent removal = 18 (11–31)), 79 had urgent PSRGU due to clinical or biochemical indications, 12 had CT imaging, and 25 had no further renal imaging. Of the 222 sRTRs who underwent routine PSRGU, 210 (94.6%) had no change of management, three (1.4%) required repeat imaging only, and eight patients (3.6%) had incidental (nonureteric) findings. One patient (0.5%) had nephrostomy insertion as a result of routine PSRGU findings, but no ureteric stenosis was identified. Of 79 patients having urgent PSRGU after elective stent removal, three patients required transplant ureteric reimplantation.Conclusions. This analysis found no evidence that routine PSRGU at two to three weeks after elective stent removal provides any added value beyond standard clinical and biochemical monitoring.
Univalent and Starlike Properties for Generalized Struve Function
Authors: Habibullah Aaisha Farzana , Bhaskaran Adolf Stephen , Muthusamy Palani Jeyaraman
Published: July 2016

We derive conditions on the parametersp,b, andcso that the functionzwp,b,c(z),wherewp,b,c(z)is the normalized form of generalized Struve function, belongs to the classS1⁎(α).Also, some sufficient conditions for the functionzwp,b,c(z),to be in the classU(λ),are obtained.
On the Commutative Rings with At Most Two Proper Subrings
Authors: Dobbs David E.
Published: July 2016

The commutative rings with exactly two proper (unital) subrings are characterized. An initial step involves the description of the commutative rings having only one proper subring.
Facilitators and Barriers to Linkage to HIV Care among Female Sex Workers Receiving HIV Testing Services at a Community-Based Organization in Periurban Uganda: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Nakanwagi Sharon , Matovu Joseph K. B. , Kintu Betty N. , Kaharuza Frank , Wanyenze Rhoda K.
Published: July 2016

Introduction. While four in ten female sex workers (FSWs) in sub-Saharan Africa are infected with HIV, only a small proportion is enrolled in HIV care. We explored facilitators and barriers to linkage to HIV care among FSWs receiving HIV testing services at a community-based organization in periurban Uganda. Methods. The cross-sectional qualitative study was conducted among 28 HIV positive FSWs from May to July 2014. Key informant interviews were conducted with five project staff and eleven peer educators. Data were collected on facilitators for and barriers to linkage to HIV care and manually analyzed following a thematic framework approach. Results. Facilitators for linkage to HIV care included the perceived good quality of health services with same-day results and immediate initiation of treatment, community peer support systems, individual’s need to remain healthy, and having alternative sources of income. Linkage barriers included perceived stigma, fear to be seen at outreach HIV clinics, fear and myths about antiretroviral therapy, lack of time to attend clinic, and financial constraints. Conclusion. Linkage to HIV care among FSWs is influenced by good quality friendly services and peer support. HIV service delivery programs for FSWs should focus on enhancing these and dealing with barriers stemming from stigma and misinformation.
Stimulating Effect of Sclareol on Suicidal Death of Human Erythrocytes
Authors: Signoretto Elena , Laufer Stefan A. , Lang Florian
Published: July 2016

Background/Aims: The diterpene alcohol Sclareol has been proposed for the treatment of malignancy. In analogy to apoptosis of nucleated cells, erythrocytes may enter eryptosis, a suicidal cell death characterized by cell shrinkage and cell membrane scrambling with phosphatidylserine translocation to the erythrocyte surface. Cellular mechanisms involved in the triggering of eryptosis include increase of cytosolic Ca2+ activity ([Ca2+]i), oxidative stress, ceramide, p38 kinase and casein kinase 1α. The present study explored, whether Sclareol induces eryptosis and, if so, shed light on the mechanisms involved. Methods: Phosphatidylserine abundance at the erythrocyte surface was estimated from annexin-V-binding, cell volume from forward scatter, [Ca2+]i from Fluo3-fluorescence, abundance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) from 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFDA)-dependent fluorescence, and ceramide abundance at the erythrocyte surface utilizing specific antibodies. Hemolysis was estimated from haemoglobin concentration in the supernatant. Results: A 48 hours exposure of human erythrocytes to Sclareol (≥ 50 µM) significantly increased the percentage of annexin-V-binding cells without significantly modifying the average forward scatter, DCF-fluorescence or ceramide abundance. Sclareol (≥ 50 µM) further triggered hemolysis. Sclareol (100 µM) significantly increased Fluo3-fluorescence, but the effect of Sclareol on annexin-V-binding was not significantly blunted by removal of extracellular Ca2+. Instead, the effect of Sclareol on annexin-V-binding was significantly blunted in the presence of p38 kinase inhibitor skepinone (2 µM) and in the presence of casein kinase 1α inhibitor D4476 (10 µM). Conclusions: Sclareol triggers phospholipid scrambling of the erythrocyte cell membrane, an effect in part due to activation of p38 kinase and casein kinase 1α.
Successful Multidisciplinary Treatment with Secondary Metastatic Liver Resection after Downsizing by Palliative Second-Line Treatment of Colorectal Cancer: A Curative Option
Authors: Wein Axel , Siebler Jürgen , Goertz Ruediger , Wolff Kerstin , Ostermeier Nicola , Busse Dagmar , Kremer Andreas E. , Koch Franz , Hagel Alexander , Farnbacher Michael , Kammerer Ferdinand J. , Neurath Markus F. , Gruetzmann Robert
Published: July 2016

Introduction: The prognostic outcome following progression after palliative first-line treatment for patients suffering from metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma is generally poor. Long-term relapse-free survival with palliative second-line treatment may be achieved in only a limited number of individual cases. Case Report: A 37-year-old patient presented with bilobar liver metastases of colon cancer confirmed by histology with wild-type K-RAS (exon 2). Due to progressive disease after eight cycles of first-line therapy with FOLFIRI plus cetuximab, second-line chemotherapy with modified FOLFOX4 (mFOLFOX4) plus bevacizumab was initiated. During four cycles of mFOLFOX4 plus bevacizumab (2 months), no higher-grade toxicity occurred. Liver MRI with contrast medium revealed downsizing of the segment II/III metastases, as well as regressive, small, faint, hardly definable lesions in segments VI and IVb. The interdisciplinary tumor board of the University of Erlangen thus decided to perform resection of the liver metastases. Segments II and III were resected, and the liver metastases in segments IVa and VI were excised (R0). Histopathology confirmed three of the R0-resected metastases to be completely necrotic, with residual scarring. As perioperative therapy, four additional cycles of mFOLFOX4 plus bevacizumab were administered postoperatively. No higher-grade toxicity was observed. Three years after the initial diagnosis, the patient is relapse free, professionally fully reintegrated, and has an excellent performance status. Conclusion: Patients suffering from metastatic colorectal cancer may benefit from multidisciplinary treatment with secondary metastatic liver resection after downsizing by palliative second-line treatment. In individual cases, patients may even have a curative treatment option, provided that close interdisciplinary collaboration exists.
Expression and Biochemical Characterization of a Thermostable Branching Enzyme from Geobacillus thermoglucosidans
Authors: Ban Xiaofeng , Li Caiming , Gu Zhengbiao , Bao Chunhui , Qiu Yijing , Hong Yan , Cheng Li , Li Zhaofeng
Published: July 2016

The branching enzyme (EC 2.4.1.18) catalyzes the formation of α-1,6 branch points in starch. In this study, the Geobacillus thermoglucosidans gene-encoding branching enzyme was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) and the protein was isolated and characterized. G. thermoglucosidans branching enzyme is a thermostable enzyme with an optimal reaction temperature of nearly 60°C and a half-life at 65°C of approximately 1.1 h. The activity of the recombinant enzyme is optimal at pH 7.5, with broad stability between pH 5.5 and 9.0. Its thermostability, relatively broad pH stability and optimal temperature near the temperature at which starch begins to gelatinize may make it easy to use in industrial production. Furthermore, the enzyme is activated by Mg2+, Ba2+, K+ and Na+ in a concentration-dependent manner and dramatically inhibited by Ni2+ and Co2+. Its substrate dependence, using amylopectin as the substrate, could be adequately fitted using the Michaelis-Menten equation, yielding a Km of 0.99 mg/ml. High-performance anion exchange chromatography results showed that the chain length distribution of branching enzyme-treated waxy corn starch is indistinguishable from that of the branching enzyme-treated common corn starch. This enzyme may therefore be a promising tool for the enzymatic modification of starch.
Immunoglobulin D Multiple Myeloma: Disease Profile, Therapeutic Response, and Survival
Authors: Wang Guo-rong , Sun Wan-jun , Chen Wen-ming , Huang Zhong-xia , Zhang Jia-jia , An Na , Shen Man , Li Xin
Published: July 2016

Objectives: The long-term clinical characteristics, response to therapy, and survival in patients with immunoglobulin D (IgD) multiple myeloma (MM) were investigated. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted that included 68 patients treated in the last 10 years, 37 of whom received bortezomib only (bortezomib group), 13 of whom received bortezomib and underwent autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (bortezomib + ASCT group), and 18 of whom received conditional chemotherapy (non-bortezomib group). Results: The ratio of males to females was 44:24, and the median age was 56.5 years. The overall response rate of each group was 91.9, 77.8, and 100%, respectively. The median overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were 24 and 15.5 months, respectively, among the 68 patients. The median OS of each group was 23, 21.5, and 27 months, respectively. The median PFS of each group was 18, 12, and 24 months, respectively. The 3- and 5-year OS were 64 and 45%, respectively, and the 3- and 5-year PFS were 39 and 13%, respectively, among the 68 patients. Cox regression showed that the percentage of bone marrow plasmacytosis was significantly associated with OS (p = 0.038). Conclusions: The survival of IgD patients is shorter than that of other MM patients. Treatment strategies with bortezomib followed by stem cell transplantation may boost the response rate and improve survival.
Beneficial Effects of Enteral Docosahexaenoic Acid on the Markers of Inflammation and Clinical Outcomes of Neonates Undergoing Cardiovascular Surgery: An Intervention Study
Authors: Bernabe-Garcia Mariela , Lopez-Alarcon Mardia , Villegas-Silva Raul , Mancilla-Ramirez Javier , Rodriguez-Cruz Maricela , Maldonado-Hernandez Jorge , Chavez-Rueda Karina A. , Blanco-Favela Francisco , Espinoza-Garcia Lilia , Lagunes-Salazar Sandra
Published: July 2016

Background: Neonates undergoing surgery are at risk for uncontrolled inflammatory response and adverse clinical outcomes. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) ameliorates inflammation, improving clinical outcomes. However, its effect has not been evaluated in neonates undergoing surgery. We evaluated the effect of DHA on markers of inflammation and clinical outcomes in neonates undergoing surgery. Methods: A double-blind clinical trial evaluated the effect of enteral DHA (DHA group) versus sunflower oil (SO group) perioperatively administered in neonates scheduled for cardiovascular surgery. Inflammation was evaluated by percentage of cells+ for cytokines and CD69 in mononuclear cells at baseline, 24 h and 7 days post surgery. Clinical outcomes measured were sepsis, organ dysfunctions (ODs), length of stay in intensive care and bleeding. Repeated measures analysis of variance and logistic regression were applied. Results: Sixteen neonates received DHA and 18 received SO. Cells+ from neonates in the DHA group showed an early increase in receptor antagonist of interleukin (IL)-1+ (IL-1ra+) and IL-10+ and a late decrease in IL-6+. IL-1β+ and IL-10+ changes were different between groups. After adjusting for confounders, less cells from DHA group were IL-1β+, IL-6+, IL-1ra+ and IL-10+. DHA group presented less sepsis, ODs and shorter stay, but no difference in CD69+CD4+ cells or bleeding between groups. Conclusions: Administration of enteral DHA ameliorates markers of inflammation and improves clinical outcomes in surgical neonates.
The risk of venous thromboembolism in patients with hepatitis C
Authors: Ambrosino Pasquale , Tarantino Luciano , Criscuolo Livio , Nasto Aurelio , Celentano Aldo , Di Minno Matteo Nicola
Published: July 2016

Some studies suggest that patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection have an increased risk of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Unfortunately, available data on this association are contrasting. A systematic review and meta-analysis of literature studies was performed to evaluate the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) associated with HCV. Studies reporting on VTE risk associated with HCV were systematically searched in the PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and EMBASE databases. Six studies (10 data-sets) showed a significantly increased VTE risk in 100,364 HCV patients as compared with 8,471,176 uninfected controls (odds ratio [OR]: 1.900; 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 1.406, 2.570; p<0.0001). These results were confirmed when specifically considering the risk of DVT (6 studies, OR: 1.918; 95 %CI: 1.351, 2.723; p<0.0001), whereas a trend towards an increased risk of PE was documented in HCV patients (4 studies, OR: 1.811; 95 %CI: 0.895, 3.663; p=0.099). The increased VTE risk associated with HCV infection was consistently confirmed when analysing four studies reporting adjusted risk estimates (OR: 1.876; 95 %CI: 1.326, 2.654; P<0.0001), and after excluding studies specifically enrolling populations exposed to transient risk factors for VTE (4 studies, OR: 1.493; 95 %CI: 1.167, 1.910; p=0.001). Meta-regression models suggested that age and male gender may significantly impact on the risk of VTE associated with HCV-positivity. Results of our metaanalysis suggest that HCV-infected subjects may exhibit an increased risk of VTE. However, further high quality studies are needed to extend and confirm our findings.

Supplementary Material to this article is available online at www.thrombosis-online.com.
The HSBQ Algorithm with Triple-play Services for Broadband Hybrid Satellite Constellation Communication System
Authors: Boriboon Anupon , Pongpadpinit Siriwhaddhanah
Published: July 2016

The HSBQ algorithm is the one of active queue management algorithms, which orders to avoid high packet loss rates and control stable stream queue. That is the problem of calculation of the drop probability for both queue length stability and bandwidth fairness. This paper proposes the HSBQ, which drop the packets before the queues overflow at the gateways, so that the end nodes can respond to the congestion before queue overflow. This algorithm uses the change of the average queue length to adjust the amount by which the mark (or drop) probability is changed. Moreover it adjusts the queue weight, which is used to estimate the average queue length, based on the rate. The results show that HSBQ algorithm could maintain control stable stream queue better than group of congestion metric without flow information algorithm as the rate of hybrid satellite network changing dramatically, as well as the presented empiric evidences demonstrate that the use of HSBQ algorithm offers a better quality of service than the traditionally queue control mechanisms used in hybrid satellite network.
Imagens, crenças e verdade nas manifestações de 2013 e 2015
Authors: França Vera Veiga , Bernardes Mayra
Published: July 2016

Este texto relaciona dois acontecimentos marcantes na história brasileira contemporânea: as jornadas de junho de 2013 e as manifestações pró-impeachment de 2015. A partir dos conceitos de face, verdade e violência, organizamos um percurso analítico em três etapas: um olhar sobre as jornadas de junho, uma leitura das manifestações de 2015 a partir de fotografias e uma reflexão sobre as implicações e desdobramentos de 2013 nas manifestações de 2015.
Entre polaridades e porosidades: aberturas plurais nas mídias
Authors: Soares Rosana De Lima , Limberto Andrea
Published: July 2016

RuMoRes, revista científica online dedicada aos estudos de comunicação, linguagem e mídias apresenta, em sua décima nona edição, um conjunto de textos que atravessam seus objetos para pensar as dinâmicas na cultura e os processos comunicacionais. Nas tensões e fricções entre polaridades e porosidades, os artigos buscam descrever e analisar objetos originais e atuais a partir de seu movimento de circulação.
Trânsito de ideias e conformação de práticas: arquitetura e urbanismo na ação habitacional do IAPI
Authors: Aravecchia Botas Nilce
Published: July 2016

No Brasil, desde a década de 1980, num contexto de crescente interesse pela história da habitação, da cidade e do urbanismo, foram se intensificando as investigações sobre o trânsito intercontinental de ideias, o que se evidenciou em publicações e em eventos da área. Nessa mesma perspectiva, propõe-se aqui observar o debate sobre habitação e urbanismo no Brasil, identificando pontos de interlocução com Europa, Estados Unidos (EUA) e outros países da América do Sul. Em algumas situações, esse movimento se configurou pelas influências internacionais e por transferências de conhecimento. Entretanto, o panorama brasileiro também assumiu o protagonismo no processamento e na construção de suas reflexões, o que se comprova pelo trânsito de profissionais e de ideias vinculados à produção pública de habitação realizada no país nas décadas de 1940 e 1950. O Instituto de Aposentadoria e Pensões dos Industriários (IAPI) destacou-se nesse processo pelas inovações tecnológicas propostas e pelos projetos arquitetônicos e urbanísticos que tinham como propósito uma habitação em série de qualidade. Analisando a ação dos arquitetos e dos engenheiros, em sintonia com as determinações administrativas, espera-se demonstrar como o IAPI se transformou num espaço preferencial para a produção massiva de habitação popular no Brasil, em diálogo com o debate internacional.
Coronary Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffold Use in the Treatment of Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Testa Luca , Latib Azeem , Montone Rocco A. , Colombo Antonio , Bedogni Francesco
Published: July 2016

Bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS) represent a promising novel approach for the treatment of coronary artery disease. BVS promise to address some of the well-known limitations of current drug-eluting stents, while providing a transient scaffolding of the vessel to prevent acute vessel closure/recoil. Drug elution by BVS prevents neointimal proliferation in a similar fashion to drug-eluting stents, and complete bioresorption is associated with late vessel lumen enlargement, plaque regression, and restoration of vasomotion. Based on the pathophysiological reasons and on the results derived from clinical studies, BVS are increasingly being used in clinical practice. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the current evidence supporting the use of BVS in clinical practice. In particular, we will discuss the randomized controlled trials and registries evaluating the clinical outcome of these devices, with a special focus on their application in patients with acute coronary syndrome and in specific lesion subsets (bifurcations, chronic total occlusions, and in-stent restenosis).
Linking Neuromodulated Spike-Timing Dependent Plasticity with the Free-Energy Principle
Authors: Isomura Takuya , Sakai Koji , Kotani Kiyoshi , Jimbo Yasuhiko
Published: July 2016

The free-energy principle is a candidate unified theory for learning and memory in the brain that predicts that neurons, synapses, and neuromodulators work in a manner that minimizes free energy. However, electrophysiological data elucidating the neural and synaptic bases for this theory are lacking. Here, we propose a novel theory bridging the information-theoretical principle with the biological phenomenon of spike-timing dependent plasticity (STDP) regulated by neuromodulators, which we term mSTDP. We propose that by integrating an mSTDP equation, we can obtain a form of Friston’s free energy (an information-theoretical function). Then we analytically and numerically show that dopamine (DA) and noradrenaline (NA) influence the accuracy of a principal component analysis (PCA) performed using the mSTDP algorithm. From the perspective of free-energy minimization, these neuromodulatory changes alter the relative weighting or precision of accuracy and prior terms, which induces a switch from pattern completion to separation. These results are consistent with electrophysiological findings and validate the free-energy principle and mSTDP. Moreover, our scheme can potentially be applied in computational psychiatry to build models of the faulty neural networks that underlie the positive symptoms of schizophrenia, which involve abnormal DA levels, as well as models of the NA contribution to memory triage and posttraumatic stress disorder.
Learning Theory Estimates with Observations from General Stationary Stochastic Processes
Authors: Hang Hanyuan , Feng Yunlong , Steinwart Ingo , Suykens Johan A. K.
Published: July 2016

This letter investigates the supervised learning problem with observations drawn from certain general stationary stochastic processes. Here by general, we mean that many stationary stochastic processes can be included. We show that when the stochastic processes satisfy a generalized Bernstein-type inequality, a unified treatment on analyzing the learning schemes with various mixing processes can be conducted and a sharp oracle inequality for generic regularized empirical risk minimization schemes can be established. The obtained oracle inequality is then applied to derive convergence rates for several learning schemes such as empirical risk minimization (ERM), least squares support vector machines (LS-SVMs) using given generic kernels, and SVMs using gaussian kernels for both least squares and quantile regression. It turns out that for independent and identically distributed (i.i.d.) processes, our learning rates for ERM recover the optimal rates. For non-i.i.d. processes, including geometrically [Formula: see text]-mixing Markov processes, geometrically [Formula: see text]-mixing processes with restricted decay, [Formula: see text]-mixing processes, and (time-reversed) geometrically [Formula: see text]-mixing processes, our learning rates for SVMs with gaussian kernels match, up to some arbitrarily small extra term in the exponent, the optimal rates. For the remaining cases, our rates are at least close to the optimal rates. As a by-product, the assumed generalized Bernstein-type inequality also provides an interpretation of the so-called effective number of observations for various mixing processes.
Dynamic Multiscale Modes of Resting State Brain Activity Detected by Entropy Field Decomposition
Authors: Frank Lawrence R. , Galinsky Vitaly L.
Published: July 2016

The ability of functional magnetic resonance imaging (FMRI) to noninvasively measure fluctuations in brain activity in the absence of an applied stimulus offers the possibility of discerning functional networks in the resting state of the brain. However, the reconstruction of brain networks from these signal fluctuations poses a significant challenge because they are generally nonlinear and nongaussian and can overlap in both their spatial and temporal extent. Moreover, because there is no explicit input stimulus, there is no signal model with which to compare the brain responses. A variety of techniques have been devised to address this problem, but the predominant approaches are based on the presupposition of statistical properties of complex brain signal parameters, which are unprovable but facilitate the analysis. In this article, we address this problem with a new method, entropy field decomposition, for estimating structure within spatiotemporal data. This method is based on a general information field-theoretic formulation of Bayesian probability theory incorporating prior coupling information that allows the enumeration of the most probable parameter configurations without the need for unjustified statistical assumptions. This approach facilitates the construction of brain activation modes directly from the spatial-temporal correlation structure of the data. These modes and their associated spatial-temporal correlation structure can then be used to generate space-time activity probability trajectories, called functional connectivity pathways, which provide a characterization of functional brain networks.
A redescription of the monotypic felt scale insect genus Pedroniopsis Green (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Eriococcidae) from India and Burma
Authors: HODGSON CHRIS J. , WILLIAMS DOUGLAS J.
Published: July 2016

Here we redescribe the felt scale genus Pedroniopsis Green and its type species Pedroniopsis beesoni Green for the first time since it was described 90 years ago. We consider that the genus belongs to the family Eriococcidae as presently understood but realise that the family may not be monophyletic. The species was collected in crevices and pits on the bark of Shorea robusta (Dipterocarpaceae) from Odisha State, India, which is its only known locality in India. We also record the species from Burma (Myanmar) for the first time living in galls on Dipterocarpus tuberculatus (Dipterocarpaceae) and, therefore, the species may have a wider distribution but has not been observed because of its cryptic habit. The adult females of the genus and species have some unusual features such as truncate-conical marginal and dorsal setae that are mostly bifid at the tip. We suggest that the genus may be similar in some respects to the genus Sangicoccus Reyne known from farther east in southern Asia.
Changing patient perspectives after compulsory admission and the risk of re-admission during 5 years of follow-up: The Amsterdam Study of Acute Psychiatry IX
Authors: Setkowski Kim , van der Post Louk FM , Peen Jaap , Dekker Jack JM
Published: July 2016

Objective:

Given increasing numbers of compulsory admissions, it is important to assess patient risk profiles and identify factors that are appropriate for intervention.

Methods:

A sample of 116 patients who were compulsorily admitted was studied. Socio-demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded. Patients were interviewed twice using the Verona Service Satisfaction Scale and the Birchwood Insight Scale. Changes in insight and satisfaction during 2 years were linked to the incidence of involuntary re-admissions in the next three follow-up years.

Results:

A higher mean score for patient satisfaction was found (mean=3.77, standard deviation ( SD)=0.56; p⩽.001) in the second interview than in the baseline interview (mean=3.26, SD=0.65). There was also an improvement in insight (in the second interview: mean=7.22, SD=2.86 and in the baseline interview: mean=6.34, SD=3.18; p=.027). There was an inverse correlation between increasing satisfaction (in years 1–2) and the incidence of involuntary admission in years 3–5 (odds ratio (OR)=0.445, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.252–0.793; p=.006). This association proved to be dependent on a history of involuntary admission.

Conclusion:

Increasing patient satisfaction in the first 2 years was associated with a lower risk of compulsory re-admission in the subsequent follow-up period, but this association proved to be dependent on a history of involuntary admissions in these first two follow-up years. Increase in insight during the same period did not show any effect whatsoever.
Fiber Composite Columns Under Compression
Authors: Lanir Y. , Fung Y. C. B.
Published: July 2016

The micromechanics of fiber composite columns under compression is investigated theoretically. The model is based on the assumption that the fiber buckles inside the matrix. In the postbuckling range the fiber is considered as a beam on elastic foundation. The value of the foundation constant is evaluated for a cylindrical fiber. It is shown that prebuckling separation between fiber and matrix affects the critical buckling load and the postbuckling behavior of the fiber.

Computations show that in the linear elastic range of common materials the buckling of the fiber does not affect significantly the overall mechanical behavior of the composite.
Cross-Cultural Comparison of Personality Traits, Attachment Security, and Satisfaction With Relationships as Predictors of Subjective Well-Being in India, Sweden, and the United States
Authors: Galinha Iolanda Costa , Garcia-Martin Miguel Ángel , Oishi Shigehiro , Wirtz Derrick , Esteves Francisco
Published: July 2016

Personality traits like Neuroticism and Extroversion, Satisfaction With Relationships, and Attachment Security are among the most important predictors of subjective well-being (SWB). However, the relative contribution of these predictors to SWB is seldom tested, and even more rarely tested cross-culturally. In this study, we replicate and extend Galinha, Oishi, Pereira, Wirtz, and Esteves, aiming to identify the strongest predictors of SWB, and in what way that contribution is universal or culture-specific, across such collectivist-individualist countries as India, Sweden, and the United States ( N = 1,622). Structural equation modeling showed that Satisfaction With Relationships is a stronger predictor of SWB in India, while Neuroticism is a stronger predictor of SWB in Sweden and the United States, results consistent with prior Portuguese and Mozambican samples. These findings suggest that Satisfaction With Relationships is probably a stronger predictor of SWB in more collectivistic and less developed countries, while low Neuroticism is a stronger predictor of SWB in more individualistic and highly developed countries. Across all samples, Attachment Security and Extroversion showed very weak or nonsignificant effects on SWB above the contribution of Neuroticism and Satisfaction With Relationships, consistent with prior results. Neuroticism significantly mediated the relationship between Attachment Security, SWB, and Satisfaction With Relationships.
A Systematic Review of the Literature on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Victims of Terrorist Attacks
Authors: Paz García-Vera María , Sanz Jesús , Gutiérrez Sara
Published: July 2016

This article was aimed at systematically reviewing the literature on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among victims of terrorist attacks. Electronic and hand searches of the literature identified 35 studies addressing PTSD prevalence based on validated diagnostic interviews. Overall, in the year after terrorist attacks, 33% to 39% of direct victims developed PTSD, whereas the percentage of indirect victims with PTSD was lower (4% in the affected community, 5%–6% among emergency, rescue, and recovery workers, and 17%–29% among relatives and friends of the injured or killed victims), but nonetheless above the prevalence in the general population. With the passing of time, a significant reduction of PTSD can be expected in the affected community and in the emergency and rescue personnel, but not in the injured victims, in the relatives and friends of the injured or killed victims, and in nontraditional, more vulnerable disaster workers. The implications of these results for the psychological treatment of terrorism victims are discussed.
Emergency crowd evacuation modeling and simulation framework with cellular discrete event systems
Authors: Jafer Shafagh , Lawler Ryan
Published: July 2016

First responders and security personnel face many challenges to safely evacuate crowded environments. Conducting frequent physical and table-top exercises are neither feasible nor economical. This is where modeling and simulation comes into play in providing a risk-free and economical method to practice various evacuation strategies, train first responders, and provide accurate decision-support and emergency guidance. With the aid of formal methods, here we present a suite of various egress strategies build on top of an open-source modeling and simulation environment. We use Cellular Discrete-Event System Specification (Cell-DEVS) formalism to explore emergency evacuation scenarios by building 12 egress models representing aspects of human behaviors under emergencies and the activities of authorities in guiding the crowd. The proposed framework explores random and controlled human movement, as well as implementing psychological conditions such as herd following and panicked states. We provide results analysis to compare evacuation speed under various egress methods, allowing for decision making when using the suite for training purposes. The outcome of this work is available on a public repository to serve the DEVS community, researchers, and public safety authorities interested in emergency evacuation simulations.
Optimization of an ecofriendly dyeing process in an industrialized supercritical carbon dioxide unit for acrylic fibers
Authors: Zheng Huanda , Zhang Juan , Zheng Laijiu
Published: July 2016

The feasibility of using supercritical CO2 as a cleaning dyeing medium to dye acrylic fibers was investigated on an industrialized unit. The influence of dyeing temperature, dyeing pressure, dyeing time, and dye concentration on the K/ S values of acrylic fibers was examined using the fractional factorial design of experiments. A second-order polynomial model was established to analyze the interactions between distinct parameters and to obtain the optimal K/ S values. The results showed that an excellent dyeing effect of acrylic fibers was obtained in the industrialized supercritical CO2 unit, but the dyeing effect was easily affected by variations of the dyeing parameters. In the experimental range, a calculated K/ S value could be up to 6.14 with the dyeing temperature of 100℃, dyeing pressure of 26 MPa, dyeing time of 60 min, and dye concentration of 3%. The dyed acrylic fibers presented good color fastness to washing, rubbing, and light. Furthermore, a commercially acceptable levelness and reproducibility for acrylic fibers were obtained in the supercritical CO2 dyeing process.
Are Performance Audits Useful? A Comparison of EU Practices
Authors: Torres Lourdes , Yetano Ana , Pina Vicente
Published: July 2016

Performance audits allow audit institutions to contribute to the improvement of the economy, efficiency, and/or effectiveness of public sector entities through the recommendations of their reports. To assess the impact of the performance audits carried out by EU Supreme and Regional Audit Institutions, this article analyzes whether these recommendations are implemented in practice or not. The results show that there are two main ways in which the recommendations included in the performance audit reports produce an impact: the Anglo-American way, based on auditee actions and follow-up processes, and the Germanic way, based on parliamentary action.
Gifted Programs Cannot Be Successful Without Gifted Research and Theory
Authors: Dimitriadis Christos
Published: July 2016

This study investigated the educational provision for mathematically gifted students offered in primary (elementary) schools in England (United Kingdom) just before the abandonment of the government’s Gifted and Talented (G&T) program. Through a questionnaire within five Educational Authorities and four in-depth case studies in different primary schools that were implementing provision for their most able mathematicians, the study, despite some positive results, found a number of problems relating to the effectiveness and defensibility of the offered provision. This article presents those problems and the identified links between them, the lack of support from gifted theory and research, the lack of support from specialists, and the abandonment of the G&T initiative and makes recommendations that could have sustained and increased the effectiveness of both the schools’ provision and the government’s initiative.
Is ultrasound perfusion imaging capable of detecting mismatch? A proof-of-concept study in acute stroke patients
Authors: Reitmeir Raluca , Eyding Jens , Oertel Markus F , Wiest Roland , Gralla Jan , Fischer Urs , Giquel Pierre-Yves , Weber Stefan , Raabe Andreas , Mattle Heinrich P , Z’Graggen Werner J , Beck Jürgen
Published: July 2016

In this study, we compared contrast-enhanced ultrasound perfusion imaging with magnetic resonance perfusion-weighted imaging or perfusion computed tomography for detecting normo-, hypo-, and nonperfused brain areas in acute middle cerebral artery stroke. We performed high mechanical index contrast-enhanced ultrasound perfusion imaging in 30 patients. Time-to-peak intensity of 10 ischemic regions of interests was compared to four standardized nonischemic regions of interests of the same patient. A time-to-peak >3 s (ultrasound perfusion imaging) or >4 s (perfusion computed tomography and magnetic resonance perfusion) defined hypoperfusion. In 16 patients, 98 of 160 ultrasound perfusion imaging regions of interests of the ischemic hemisphere were classified as normal, and 52 as hypoperfused or nonperfused. Ten regions of interests were excluded due to artifacts. There was a significant correlation of the ultrasound perfusion imaging and magnetic resonance perfusion or perfusion computed tomography (Pearson's chi-squared test 79.119, p < 0.001) (OR 0.1065, 95% CI 0.06–0.18). No perfusion in ultrasound perfusion imaging (18 regions of interests) correlated highly with diffusion restriction on magnetic resonance imaging (Pearson’s chi-squared test 42.307, p < 0.001). Analysis of receiver operating characteristics proved a high sensitivity of ultrasound perfusion imaging in the diagnosis of hypoperfused area under the curve, (AUC = 0.917; p < 0.001) and nonperfused (AUC = 0.830; p < 0.001) tissue in comparison with perfusion computed tomography and magnetic resonance perfusion. We present a proof of concept in determining normo-, hypo-, and nonperfused tissue in acute stroke by advanced contrast-enhanced ultrasound perfusion imaging.