bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of K shell absorption parameters for some lanthanides using the X-ray attenuation method
Authors: Akman F. , Durak R. , Kaçal M.R.
Published: July 2015

The total attenuation cross section at the K edge, absorption jump ratio, jump factor, Davisson–Kirchner ratio, and oscillator strength parameters for the K shell were determined by measuring the total attenuation cross sections around the K edge for Pr, Nd2O3, and Sm. The measurements were performed in a secondary excitation geometry using the Kα2, Kα1, Kβ1, and Kβ2 X-rays (in the region from 31.817 to 55.293 keV) from different secondary source targets excited by the 59.54 keV γ-photons from an 241Am annular source. It is the first time that the Davisson–Kirchner ratio values have been determined for present samples. The experimental results were compared with the theoretically calculated and other available experimental results.
Surveillance and falsification implications for open source intelligence investigations
Authors: Bayerl Petra Saskia , Akhgar Babak
Published: July 2015

Legitimacy of surveillance is crucial to safeguarding validity of OSINT data as a tool for law-enforcement agencies.
Accelerating File System Metadata Access with Byte-Addressable Nonvolatile Memory
Authors: Wei Qingsong , Chen Jianxi , Chen Cheng
Published: July 2015

File system performance is dominated by small and frequent metadata access. Metadata is stored as blocks on the hard disk drive. Partial metadata update results in whole-block read or write, which significantly amplifies disk I/O. Furthermore, a huge performance gap between the CPU and disk aggravates this problem. In this article, a file system metadata accelerator (referred to as FSMAC) is proposed to optimize metadata access by efficiently exploiting the persistency and byte-addressability of Nonvolatile Memory (NVM). The FSMAC decouples data and metadata access path, putting data on disk and metadata in byte-addressable NVM at runtime. Thus, data is accessed in a block from I/O the bus and metadata is accessed in a byte-addressable manner from the memory bus. Metadata access is significantly accelerated and metadata I/O is eliminated because metadata in NVM is no longer flushed back to the disk periodically. A lightweight consistency mechanism combining fine-grained versioning and transaction is introduced in the FSMAC. The FSMAC is implemented on a real NVDIMM platform and intensively evaluated under different workloads. Evaluation results show that the FSMAC accelerates the file system up to 49.2 times for synchronized I/O and 7.22 times for asynchronized I/O. Moreover, it can achieve significant performance speedup in network storage and database environment, especially for metadata-intensive or write-dominated workloads.
The moral challenges of driverless cars
Authors: Kirkpatrick Keith
Published: July 2015

Autonomous vehicles will need to decide on a course of action when presented with multiple less-than-ideal outcomes.
Fighting disease with data
Authors: Sirota Marina , Chen Bin
Published: July 2015

Recent advances in genome typing and sequencing technologies have enabled quick generation of a vast amount of molecular data at very low cost. The mining and computational analysis of this type of data can help shape new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in biomedicine.
Development and Application of Smart Geogrid Embedded with Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors
Authors: Wang Zheng-fang , Wang Jing , Sui Qing-mei , Liang Xun-mei , Jia Lei , Li Shu-cai , Lu Shi-de
Published: July 2015

Smart geogrids embedded with fiber Bragg grating (FBG) for reinforcement as well as measurement of geotechnical structures have been developed. After the fabricating process of the geogrids is detailed, finite element (FE) simulations are conducted to analyze the strain distribution of geogrids and the strain transfer characteristics from geogrids to fiber optic. Results indicate that FBG should be deployed in the middle of the geogrids rib to make sure that uniform strain distribution along the FBG. Also, PVC protective sleeves, which are used to protect fiber optic when integrated with geogrids, have smaller strain transfer loss than nylon sleeves. Tensile experiments are conducted to test strain measurement performance of proposed geogrids, and the results demonstrate that proposed smart geogrids have good linearity and consistency. Temperature experiments show that FBG embedded in geogrids has higher temperature sensitivity, and the temperature induced error can be compensated by an extra FBG strain-independent sensor. Furthermore, designed smart geogrids are used in a geotechnical model test to monitor strain during tunnel excavation. The strain tendency measured by smart geogrids and traditional strain sensor agree very well. The results indicate that smart geogrids embedded with FBGs can be an effective method to measure strains for geological engineering related applications.
Association of the Genetic Polymorphisms in Transcription Factor 7-Like 2 and Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors-γ2 with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Its Interaction with Obesity Status in Emirati Population
Authors: Al-Safar Habiba , Hassoun Ahmed , Almazrouei Shaikha , Kamal Wala , Afandi Bachar , Rais Naushad
Published: July 2015

Background. Transcription factor 7-like 2 gene (TCF7L2) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors-γ2 (PPAR-γ2) have a profound effect on the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and had previously been found to be associated with T2DM risk in various ppopulations. However, studies in the Arab population are inconsistent. We conducted a case control study to confirm the association of variants rs10885409 ofTCF7L2andPro12Ala(rs1801282) ofPPAR-γ2with risk of T2DM and related complications in Emirati population of Arab origin. We also investigated the interaction of these associations with obesity status.Methods. DNA was extracted from the saliva samples of 272 T2DM patients and 216 nondiabetic Emiratis. Genotyping for rs10885409 (TCF7L2) and rs1801282 (PPAR-γ2 P12A) variants was accomplished with a TaqMan assay. The subgroups were constituted according to obesity status.Results. In the nonobese group, the rs10885409 C allele in the recessive model was significantly associated with the incidence of T2DM (OR 1.975 [95% CI 1.127–3.461],P=0.017), but this association was not observed in the obese group or when BMI was not considered.PPAR-γ2risk allele Pro12 frequency (0.96) was similar in the groups tested and more than 90% population was homozygous for this allele.Conclusions. Our case-control study is the first of its kind in Emiratis which establishesTCF7L2rs10885409 C allele as a T2DM risk factor in Emiratis and this association is modulated by obesity status. We also confirmed that Pro12Ala mutation inPPAR-γ2is not associated with T2DM risk in this population.
The Inhibitory Effect of Alisol A 24-Acetate fromAlisma canaliculatumon Osteoclastogenesis
Authors: Kim Kwang-Jin , Leutou Alain Simplice , Yeon Jeong-Tae , Choi Sik-Won , Kim Seong Hwan , Yee Sung-Tae , Choi Kyung Hee , Nam Sang-Jip , Son Young-Jin
Published: July 2015

Osteoporosis is a disease that decreases bone mass. The number of patients with osteoporosis has been increasing, including an increase in patients with bone fractures, which lead to higher medical costs. Osteoporosis treatment is all-important in preventing bone loss. One strategy for osteoporosis treatment is to inhibit osteoclastogenesis. Osteoclasts are bone-resorbing multinucleated cells, and overactive osteoclasts and/or their increased number are observed in bone disorders including osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Bioactivity-guided fractionations led to the isolation of alisol A 24-acetate from the dried tuber ofAlisma canaliculatum. Alisol A 24-acetate inhibited RANKL-mediated osteoclast differentiation by downregulating NFATc1, which plays an essential role in osteoclast differentiation. Furthermore, it inhibited the expression of DC-STAMP and cathepsin K, which are related to cell-cell fusion of osteoclasts and bone resorption, respectively. Therefore, alisol A 24-acetate could be developed as a new structural scaffold for inhibitors of osteoclast differentiation in order to develop new drugs against osteoporosis.
Zuogui Jiangtang Jieyu Formulation Prevents Hyperglycaemia and Depressive-Like Behaviour in Rats by Reducing the Glucocorticoid Level in Plasma and Hippocampus
Authors: Wang YuHong , Yang Hui , Li Wei , Meng Pan , Han YuanShan , Zhang Xiuli , Cao DeLiang , Tan Yuansheng
Published: July 2015

Aim. To determine whether Zuogui Jiangtang Jieyu prescription (ZGJTJY) has hypoglycemic and antidepressant effects which are mediated by corticosterone through adjustment of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) and glucocorticoid (GR) levels.Materials and Methods. The diabetes-related depression rats were randomly divided into four groups: the model group, metformin (1.8 mg/kg) combined with fluoxetine (10.8 mg/kg) group, and ZGJTJY high and low dose groups. Four weeks after modeling, blood glucose, behavior, and cognitive function of depression were detected. The expressions of 11β-HSD1 and GR in hippocampus were measured by western blotting and immunohistochemical experiments.Results. We found that (1) the treatment with ZGJTJY (10.26 g/kg) increases the motor activities and improves cognition ability. (2) ZGJTJY (10.26 g/kg) significantly relieves the disorder in blood and the relative indexes. (3) ZGJTJY (10.26 g/kg) can reduce hippocampal corticosterone expression levels and further improve hippocampus pathological changes. (4) ZGJTJY increased the expression of GR accompanied with decreasing 11β-HSD1 in hippocampus.Conclusions. ZGJTJY inhibits the expression of 11β-HSD1 and increases GR in hippocampus and subsequently modulates blood glucose levels, and therefore it is potential property that ZGJTJY could be of benefit for the treatment of behavior and cognitive function of diabetes-related depression.
Mechanism and Treatment Strategy of Osteoporosis after Transplantation
Authors: Song Lei , Xie Xu-Biao , Peng Long-Kai , Yu Shao-Jie , Peng Ya-Ting
Published: July 2015

Osteoporosis (OP) has emerged as a frequent and devastating complication of organ solid transplantation process. Bone loss after organ transplant is related to adverse effects of immunosuppressants on bone remodeling and bone quality. Many factors contribute to the pathogenesis of OP in transplanted patients. Many mechanisms of OP have been deeply approached. Drugs for OP can be generally divided into “bone resorption inhibitors” and “bone formation accelerators,” the former hindering bone resorption by osteoclasts and the latter increasing bone formation by osteoblasts. Currently, bisphosphonates, which are bone resorption inhibitors drugs, are more commonly used clinically than others. Using the signaling pathway or implantation bone marrow stem cell provides a novel direction for the treatment of OP, especially OP after transplantation. This review addresses the mechanism of OP and its correlation with organ transplantation, lists prevention and management of bone loss in the transplant recipient, and discusses the recipients of different age and gender.
The Characteristics of CNT/Cement Composites with Acid-Treated MWCNTs
Authors: Kang Su-Tae , Seo Jun-Yeong , Park Sun-Hong
Published: July 2015

This study investigated the effects of acid-treated MWCNTs on the workability, compressive and tensile strength, porosity, and microstructure of CNT/cement composites. While workability decreased with acid treatment of CNTs, compressive and tensile strength improved significantly. Strength was also enhanced by using acid-treated CNTs alone, compared to using a surfactant with acid-treated CNTs. MIP analysis revealed that the porosity decreases from using acid-treated CNTs and that using acid-treated CNTs without a surfactant was more effective in reducing the size of micropores. A SEM analysis revealed improved CNT dispersion and dense hydration products in cement composites containing acid-treated CNTs. Ultimately, the use of acid-treated CNTs improved the CNT dispersion within CNT/cement composites, enhanced the pore structure, and formed denser hydration products around CNTs.
A Framework for Multidisciplinary Optimization of a Balancing Mechanism for an Industrial Robot
Authors: Persson Johan A. , Feng Xiaolong , Wappling Daniel , Ölvander Johan
Published: July 2015

The paper presents a framework that can be used to design and optimize a balancing mechanism for an industrial robot. The framework has the capability to optimize three different concepts: a mechanical, a pneumatic, and a hydropneumatic. Several disciplines are included in the framework, such as dynamic and static analyses of the robot performance. Optimization is performed for each concept and the obtained optimal designs are all better than the reference design. This means that the framework can be used as a tool both to optimize the balancing mechanism and also to support concept selection.
No-Wait Flexible Flow Shop Scheduling with Due Windows
Authors: Huang Rong-Hwa , Yang Chang-Lin , Liu Shang-Chia
Published: July 2015

To improve capacity and reduce processing time, the flow shop with multiprocessors (FSMP) system is commonly used in glass, steel, and semiconductor production. No-wait FSMP is a modern production system that responds to periods when zero work is required in process production. The production process must be continuous and uninterrupted. Setup time must also be considered. Just-in-time (JIT) production is very popular in industry, and timely delivery is important to customer satisfaction. Therefore, it is essential to consider the time window constraint, which is also very complex. This study focuses on a no-wait FSMP problem with time window constraint. An improved ant colony optimization (ACO), known as ant colony optimization with flexible update (ACOFU), is developed to solve the problem. The results demonstrate that ACOFU is more effective and robust than ACO when applied to small-scale problems. ACOFU has superior solution capacity and robustness when applied to large-scale problems. Therefore, this study concludes that the proposed algorithm ACOFU performs excellently when applied to the scheduling problem discussed in this study.
Genetic Factors in the Pathogenesis of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver and Steatohepatitis
Authors: Dongiovanni Paola , Romeo Stefano , Valenti Luca
Published: July 2015

Liver fat accumulation generally related to systemic insulin resistance characterizes nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which in the presence of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) can progress towards cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Due to the epidemic of obesity, NAFLD is now the most frequent liver disease in Western countries. Epidemiological, familial, and twin studies provide evidence for a strong genetic component of NAFLD susceptibility. Recently, genome-wide association studies led to the identification of the major inherited determinants of hepatic fat accumulation:patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing 3 (PNPLA3)I148M gene andtransmembrane 6 superfamily member 2 (TM6SF2)E167K gene variants, involved in lipid droplets remodelling and very low-density lipoproteins secretion, are the major determinants of interindividual differences in liver steatosis, and susceptibility to progressive NASH. In this review, we aimed to provide an overview of recent insights into the genetics of hepatic fat accumulation and steatohepatitis.
Serum Vitamin D and Pyridinoline Cross-Linked Carboxyterminal Telopeptide of Type I Collagen in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: Zhang Pingping , Li Qiuxia , Wei Qiujing , Liao Zetao , Lin Zhiming , Fang Linkai , Gu Jieruo
Published: July 2015

Objective. To assess the serum vitamin D and ICTP levels in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and investigate their relationship with disease activity and bone mineral density (BMD).Method. 150 patients and 168 controls were included. Serum 25(OH)D, ICTP, C-reaction protein (CRP), Bath AS Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Bath AS Functional Index (BASFI), and Hip BMD were assessed in patients. 25(OH)D and ICTP were detected in controls.Results. The serum 25(OH)D in AS was 57.92 ± 24.42 nmol/L, significantly lower than controls (91.24 ± 42.02 nmol/L). Serum ICTP in AS was 5.72 ± 3.88 ug/L, significantly higher than controls (3.69 ± 1.26 ug/L). ICTP level was higher in men than in women patients (6.07 ± 4.05 versus 3.84 ± 1.96 ug/L,P≤0.01); it was also higher in JAS than in AAS (9.52 ± 3.79 versus 5.27 ± 3.65 ug/L,P≤0.01). Furthermore, 25(OH)D was negatively correlated with ICTP. Low 25(OH)D and high ICTP were one of the reasons of AS patients’ low hip BMD. Besides, a significant relationship was found between serum ICTP and CRP.Conclusion. There was a high incidence of vitamin D inadequacy in AS. Serum ICTP level was elevated in AS, especially in JAS and male patients. 25(OH)D and ICTP seem to be valuable markers to detect bone loss in AS.
The Clinicopathological Features of BRAF Mutated Papillary Thyroid Cancers in Chinese Patients
Authors: Yang Li-Bo , Sun Lin-Yong , Jiang Yong , Tang Ying , Li Zhi-Hui , Zhang Hong-Ying , Bu Hong , Ye Feng
Published: July 2015

TheBRAFV600Emutation is commonly found in papillary thyroid cancers (PTCs) at different frequencies in different regions. However, the association between theBRAFV600Emutation and clinicopathological features in Chinese PTC patients is unknown. A total of 543 Chinese patients with histologically confirmed PTC were enrolled in this study. For the BRAF mutation assay, the target fragments were amplified and sequenced with an ABI 3500 gene analyzer. In 170 of 543 samples (31.3%), theBRAFV600Emutation was detected. In the bivariate analysis, theBRAFV600Emutation showed an association with bilaterality, tumor size, extrathyroidal invasion, and lymph node metastases (LNM). However, in the multivariate analysis, theBRAFV600Emutation was positively related to only tumor size (>1 cm) and extrathyroidal invasion. In addition, the multivariate analysis also showed that the age at diagnosis (<45 y) and tumor size (>1 cm) were independent predictors for LNM. In this study, theBRAFV600Emutation is positively associated with worse prognostic factors, including larger tumor size and the tumor extending to the thyroid capsule or extrathyroidal region; however, it is not an independent predictor for LNM.
Complementary Therapies for Idiopathic Hirsutism: Topical Licorice as Promising Option
Authors: Faghihi Gita , Iraji Fariba , Abtahi-Naeini Bahareh , Saffar Bahar , Saffaei Ali , Pourazizi Mohsen , Aslani Abolfazl , Nilforoushzadeh Mohammad Ali
Published: July 2015

Hirsutism is one of the most prevalent health problems in women. The aim of the study was to compare the effect of 755 nm alexandrite hair removal laser with that of alexandrite laser plus topical licorice on the improvement of idiopathic hirsutism. A double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled study was performed on 90 female subjects. The patients were divided into two groups: alexandrite laser plus 15% licorice gel (group A) and placebo (group B). Each subject received one of both products over one side of the face, twice daily for 24 weeks on the hirsute locations. Each group underwent five sessions of alexandrite laser at 6-week intervals. To minimize the effects of confounding variables, the test was performed on two separate zones of patients’ skin. The mean ± SD numbers of terminal hairs in group A were 7.05 ± 4.55 for zone 1 and 6.06 ± 3.70 for zone 2. In group B, they were 3.18 ± 1.75 for zone 1 and 2.49 ± 1.63 for zone 2. The difference in the mean number of terminal hairs was statistically significant between the two groups (p<0.001), and there were no serious adverse reactions. The treatment of idiopathic hirsutism with 755 nm alexandrite laser plus topical licorice is more effective than alexandrite laser only.
Agent Behavior-Based Simulation Study on Mass Collaborative Product Development Process
Authors: Zhang Shuo , Li Yingzi , Zhang Xiaodong
Published: July 2015

Mass collaborative product development (MCPD) benefits people by high innovation products with lower cost and shorter lead time due to quick development of group innovation, Internet-based customization, and prototype manufacturing. Simulation is an effective way to study the evolution process and therefore to guarantee the success of MCPD. In this paper, an agent behavior-based simulation approach of MCPD is developed, which models the MCPD process as the interactive process of design agents and the environment objects based on Complex Adaptive System (CAS) theory. Next, the structure model of design agent is proposed, and the modification and collaboration behaviors are described. Third, the agent behavior-based simulation flow of MCPD is designed. At last, simulation experiments are carried out based on an engineering case of mobile phone design. The experiment results show the following: (1) the community scale has significant influence on MCPD process; (2) the simulation process can explicitly represent the modification and collaboration behaviors of design agents; (3) the community evolution process can be observed and analyzed dynamically based on simulation data.
A CPW-Fed Quasi-PIFA Antenna Using Quasi-Lumped Resonators for Mobile Phones
Authors: Rafiee Majid , Ain Mohd Fadzil bin , Shahar Aftanasar Md.
Published: July 2015

A novel single CPW-fed Quasi-Planar Inverted-F Antenna (PIFA) using quasi-lumped elements is developed for mobile communication handheld terminals operating at 2.6 GHz. The antenna is composed of an inductor covered by a set of interdigital and parasitic capacitors. The proposed antenna achieves a measured bandwidth of 11% for return loss with the antenna gain of about 4 dBi. The antenna is designed in single layer (zero height) which is appropriate to be used in thin devices where a small room is considered for the antenna. The proposed antenna is suitable for use in Long Term Evolution band 7. The operating frequency of introduced antenna depends on the number of interdigital fingers and inductor length rather than the total resonator patch only, so that the operating frequency can be altered while the total patch size remains unchanged. The calculated operating frequency is confirmed by simulation and measurement. Also the dipole-like simulated radiation pattern is confirmed by measurement.
Toward Collinearity-Avoidable Localization for Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Yan Xiaoyong , Song Aiguo , Yu Jimin , Yang Zhong
Published: July 2015

In accordance with the collinearity problem during computation caused by the beacon nodes used for location estimation which are close to be in the same line or same plane, two solutions are proposed in this paper: the geometric analytical localization algorithm based on positioning units and the localization algorithm based on the multivariate analysis method. The geometric analytical localization algorithm based on positioning units analyzes the topology quality of positioning units used to estimate location and provides quantitative criteria based on that; the localization algorithm based on the multivariate analysis method uses the multivariate analysis method to filter and integrate the beacon nodes coordinate matrixes during the process of location estimation. Both methods can avoid low estimation accuracy and instability caused by multicollinearity.
Power Allocation Optimization: Linear Precoding Adapted to NB-LDPC Coded MIMO Transmission
Authors: Chehade Tarek , Collin Ludovic , Rostaing Philippe , Radoi Emanuel , Bazzi Oussama
Published: July 2015

In multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission systems, the channel state information (CSI) at the transmitter can be used to add linear precoding to the transmitted signals in order to improve the performance and the reliability of the transmission system. This paper investigates how to properly join precoded closed-loop MIMO systems and nonbinary low density parity check (NB-LDPC). Theqelements in the Galois field, GF(q), are directly mapped toqtransmit symbol vectors. This allows NB-LDPC codes to perfectly fit with a MIMO precoding scheme, unlike binary LDPC codes. The new transmission model is detailed and studied for several linear precoders and various designed LDPC codes. We show that NB-LDPC codes are particularly well suited to be jointly used with precoding schemes based on the maximization of the minimum Euclidean distance (max-dmin) criterion. These results are theoretically supported by extrinsic information transfer (EXIT) analysis and are confirmed by numerical simulations.
Microseismic Signal Characterization and Numerical Simulation of Concrete Beam Subjected to Three-Point Bending Fracture
Authors: Xu Nuwen , Dai Feng , Sha Chun , Lei Yingcheng , Li Biao
Published: July 2015

To study the generation mechanism and failure mode of cracks in mass concrete, microseismic monitoring is conducted on the fracture processes of the three-point bending roller compacted concrete (RCC) beam of Guanyinyan hydropower station. The spectrum characteristics of microseismic signals in different deformation and failure stages of the concrete beam are analyzed, and the identification method of the fracture stages and crack propagation precursors of concrete beam is established. Meanwhile, the Realistic Failure Process Analysis code (RFPA) is adopted to simulate and analyze the entire failure processes of concrete beam from its cracks initiation, development, propagation, and coalescence, until macroscopic fractures formation subjected to three-point bending test. The relation curve of the load, loaded displacement, and acoustic emission (AE) of concrete beam in the three-point bending test is also obtained. It is found that the failure characteristics of concrete beam obtained from numerical experiments agree well with the field physical test results. The heterogeneity of concrete is the major cause of zigzag propagation paths of beam cracks subjected to three-point bending tests. The results lay foundation for further exploring the formation mechanism of dam concrete cracks of Guanyinyan hydropower station.
Buccal Cytome Biomarkers and Their Association with Plasma Folate, Vitamin B12 and Homocysteine in Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Thomas Philip , Fenech Michael
Published: July 2015

Background/Aims: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an irreversible neurodegenerative disorder and is the commonest form of dementia. One aim of this study was to determine whether AD individuals have altered plasma folate, vitamin B12 and homocysteine (Hcy) levels compared to controls. The other aim was to investigate correlations between B vitamins and buccal biomarkers to test whether they are influenced by B vitamin status. Methods: Folate, vitamin B12 and Hcy were measured using ARCHITECT® and AxSYM® assays. Genomic stability was measured using the buccal micronucleus cytome assay. Results: The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for AD basal cells was 0.96 (p < 0.0001), for karyorrhectic cells 0.88 (p < 0.0001) and for basal and karyorrhectic cells 0.91 (p < 0.0001). Hcy was significantly increased (p = 0.0003) compared to controls. Plasma vitamin B12 in controls showed a positive correlation with pyknosis (r = 0.5365, p = 0.004), karyolysis (r = 0.5447, p = 0.004) and condensed chromatin (r = 0.5238, p = 0.006). Plasma vitamin B12 in AD cases showed a positive correlation with micronuclei (r = 0.3552, p = 0.04) and basal cells (r = 0.3448, p = 0.04), whilst plasma Hcy showed a negative correlation with karyorrhectic cells (r = -0.4107, p = 0.01). Conclusions: Hcy was significantly increased in AD cases relative to controls. The lower frequency of basal cells and karyorrhectic cells observed in AD cases may be explained by lower vitamin B12 and higher Hcy levels, respectively.
A new genus and a new species of Sminthuridae (Collembola: Symphypleona) from Atlantic Forest of Brazil
Authors: DA SILVA DIEGO DIAS , PALACIOS-VARGAS JOSÉ G. , BELLINI BRUNO CAVALCANTE
Published: July 2015

Sminthuridae comprises approximately 240 species distributed worldwide. In Brazil it is represented only by 11 species and four genera. Herein we describe a new genus and species of subfamily Sminthurinae from Atlantic Forest of Rio Grande do Norte State, Northeastern Brazil. The new described genus is similar to Gisinurus, Songhaica, Dietersminthurus and Soqotrasminthurus, especially in its unguis shape, with open cavity; but differs from all other genera of Sminthuridae by the presence of a single pretarsal chaeta in anterior side, smooth mucronal edges and a unique head chaetotaxy.
The AAI Becomes an Institution
Authors: Foer Albert A.
Published: July 2015

In this article, Albert Foer chronicles the creation of the American Antitrust Institute and his years as president of that organization. Covering the original vision for the AAI, the creation of its advisory board, the search for funding, and other challenges of becoming a unique education, research, and advocacy organization, this memoir traces the trajectory of a genuine American institution in the field of competition policy.
Bert Foer
Authors: Skitol Robert
Published: July 2015

This article explains Bert’s role in building the American Antitrust Institute into a strong and important contributor to the robust evolution of antitrust law and enforcement policy.
The Role of Efficiencies in Antitrust Law
Authors: Gundlach Gregory T. , Moss Diana
Published: July 2015

An increasing number of antitrust stakeholders have advanced the opinion that enhancing economic efficiency is the most appropriate way to maximize consumer welfare. However, continuing and important questions surround the conclusion that efficiency should be the primary objective and central criterion of competition policy and antitrust law. This two-part special issue of the Antitrust Bulletin examines this debate by focusing on cutting-edge, multidisciplinary thinking, and recent developments concerning economic efficiency and its primacy as an important goal for competition policy and antitrust law.
Introduction
Authors: Curran William J.
Published: July 2015

This is an introduction to the contributions to this symposium and the principal themes that unite them.
Including High School Students with Severe Disabilities in General Education Classes: Perspectives of General and Special Educators, Paraprofessionals, and Administrators
Authors: Carter Erik W. , Hughes Carolyn
Published: July 2015

Increasing the participation of youth with severe disabilities in general education has remained a consistent and prominent focus of legislative, policy, and research initiatives. We examined the perceptions of high school staff regarding the goals, barriers, benefits, outcomes, and supports associated with including adolescents with severe disabilities in general education classes. We found that general and special educators, paraprofessionals, and administrators both converged and diverged in their evaluations of different aspects of general education participation. Despite broad agreement regarding the benefits of and instructional priorities in general education classrooms, stakeholders differed significantly in their perceptions of barriers associated with including students with disabilities in general education classes at their high schools.
Engineering properties of composite materials containing waste ceramic dust from advanced hollow brick production as a partial replacement of Portland cement
Authors: Kulovaná Tereza , Vejmelková Eva , Pokorný Jaroslav , Siddique Jamal Akhter , Keppert Martin , Rovnaníková Pavla , Ondráček Michal , Keršner Zbyněk , Černý Robert
Published: July 2015

Waste ceramic dust originating in the advanced hollow brick production is applied as a supplementary cementing material replacing a part of Portland cement in concrete. The measurements of mechanical and fracture-mechanical properties, water vapor and liquid water transport parameters, thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity, and freeze/thaw resistance show that the ceramic dust application does not affect negatively the properties of the analyzed concretes over the whole studied Portland cement replacement range up to 40% by mass. The achievement of such a high limit for the ceramic dust application can be attributed, besides the pozzolanic reaction being initiated already during the time period of 7 to 28 days, to the positive effect of the excess ceramic dust in the mixes with a high volume of uniformly distributed air voids. The part of the ceramic additive which cannot participate in the hydration and pozzolanic reactions due to the lack of available Ca2+ acts, apparently, as fine aggregate partially filling the voids, thus contributing to the compaction of the hardened mixes and compensating, to a certain extent, the factual decrease of the amount of binder.
The Likelihood of a “Youth Discount” in Juvenile Court Sanctions
Authors: Leiber Michael J. , Peck Jennifer H. , Beaudry-Cyr Maude
Published: July 2015

The juvenile court to varying degrees operates under the doctrine of parens patriae whereby decision makers can rely on both legal and extralegal considerations to decide a case outcome. Within this context, age is viewed as a factor in assessing the culpability of a youth that may result in what has been coined as a “youth discount.” Lacking is inquiry into the extent to which age acts as a mitigating determinant of juvenile justice outcomes for Whites, Blacks, males, females, and various race/gender combinations. Relying on interpretations of the symbolic threat perspective and theory that emphasizes racial and gender stereotyping, the present research examined the individual effects of race, gender, and age on court sanctions, as well as the joint relationships between these three offender characteristics with decision making. The results have implications for providing clarity into the contextual effects of race, gender, and age on juvenile justice proceedings.
Menger-Hausdorff metric and common fixed point theorems in Menger probabilistic G-metric spaces
Authors: Tu Qiang , Zhu Chuanxi , Wu Zhaoqi
Published: July 2015

In this paper, we introduce the concepts of generalized probabilistically bounded set $\Omega^{*}$

Ω
∗

and Menger-Hausdorff metric $\widetilde{G}^{*}$

G
˜

∗

in Menger probabilistic G-metric spaces, and prove that $(\Omega^{*},\widetilde{G}^{*},\Delta)$
(

Ω
∗

,

G
˜

∗

,
Δ
)
is also a Menger probabilistic G-metric space. Utilizing these concepts, we establish some common fixed point theorems for three hybrid pairs of mappings satisfying the common property $(E.A)$
(
E
.
A
)
in Menger probabilistic G-metric spaces. Finally, an example is given to exemplify the theorems.
Supporting students as FGDP(UK) e-ssociates
Authors: Fowler Jacqueline
Published: July 2015

For the first time in its history, the Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK) has opened its doors to dental students, becoming the only academic dental institution in the UK to offer free 'membership' to undergraduates in their final two years of study. Unlike the College, the FGDP(UK) has no traditional 'captive' membership market; postgraduate qualifications are not essential to practise general dentistry and joining a postgraduate academic body is optional. In recognising the need to develop innovative strategies to sustain its existing membership and attract new members, the Faculty has undertaken several initiatives, as well as strengthening its current membership services.
Reordering surgical workforce and education: opportunity for excellence?
Authors: Jefferis Tony
Published: July 2015

Postgraduate surgical education in the UK stands at a crossroads. After the fiasco of the online Medical Training Application Service (MTAS) the Modernising Medical Careers inquiry led by Sir John Tooke gives the profession encouragement to engage fully with the organisation and delivery of medical training and service. In addition to the reorganisation of training there are more changes imminent, notably the European Working Time Directive (EWTD) and Lord Darzi's impending review on the delivery of medical services. The question that needs addressing is 'how can high-quality surgical education be delivered in this time of rapid organisational change?'
BSS from the trainee perspective
Authors: Ricks Matthew
Published: July 2015

The Intercollegiate Basic Surgical Skills (BSS) course is run at different centres around the country and is regulated by the Royal College of Surgeons. It is aimed at foundation year 2 and specialist trainees with an interest in surgery. It is an opportunity to learn basic and specialty-specific surgical skills. The course at the College tends to be very popular and oversubscribed, running over two-and-a-half days, and is facilitated by senior surgeons with an interest in teaching.
An orthopaedic subspecialty fellowship within the MMC structure: implications for trainee operative surgical experience
Authors: Lewis PM , Leggetter P , Datta A , Myers GJC , Williams DH
Published: July 2015

There have been fundamental changes in both medical and surgical education over the last few years in order to streamline training and develop subspecialisation. Labelled as Modernising Medical Careers (MMC), changes include the much-criticised Medical Training Application Service (MTAS), a new governing body in the form of the Postgraduate Medical Education and Training Board (PMETB), along with radical changes in the overall training structure.
Social media and medicine
Authors: Worrall Matthew
Published: July 2015

This summer the role of new communications technology has scarcely been out of the headlines, with its effectiveness illustrated by the organisation of political unrest in Iran and the propulsion of Glaswegian singer, Susan Boyle, to overnight global celebrity. We have also seen the perils of unintended consequences with young Australian cricketer, Philip Hughes, getting his knuckles rapped for letting slip his exclusion from the test side before the selectors announced the team. This year has seen a breakthrough of 'social media' internet applications from niche groups of the young and technically literate to broad mass usage. Increasingly, what is said and posted online is playing an important role in society – and medicine is not immune.
Time spent in theatre predicts training opportunities and progression for core surgical trainees
Authors: Welchman Sophie-Anne , Wilkins Denis , Chant Harvey
Published: July 2015

Operative skills are the defining attribute of a surgeon. Traditional surgical training encourages trainees to take every opportunity to spend time observing and assisting in the operating theatre. There is an impression that the time constraints of working schedules, the breakdown of the traditional consultant team and the structured approach adopted by the Intercollegiate Surgical Curriculum Programme (ISCP) have discouraged trainees from spending time in the operating theatre outside of explicit training sessions.
The benefits of on-site cytology with ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration in a one-stop neck lump clinic
Authors: Ganguly A , Giles TE , Smith PA , White FE , Nixon PP
Published: July 2015

INTRODUCTION

In the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidance on cancer services published in 2004, it was recommended that specialist clinics should be set up for the assessment of patients with neck lumps, structured in a similar way to one-stop breast lump clinics with a cytopathologist present and preferably ultrasound guidance. The aim of this study was to audit the performance of ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) with on-site cytology in a one-stop neck lump clinic at The Royal Liverpool University Hospital.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data were collected between November 2008 and May 2009 (7 months). Details of the adequacy rate for the FNA were recorded and whether multiple passes were required. The likely adequacy rate if ultrasound guidance was not available was also calculated.

RESULTS

A total of 274 patients were included in the audit. Of these, 227 (83%) patients required a single pass for adequate diagnostic material. Of the remaining, 45 (16%) required two passes and 2 (1%) required three passes. The overall sample inadequacy rate was 11 of 274 (4%). From these results, it could be predicted that, if immediate cytological evaluation was unavailable, the inadequacy rate would have been 41 of 274 (15%).

CONCLUSIONS

This audit has illustrated the benefits of a one-stop clinic with on-site cytology in providing a rapid diagnostic head and neck cancer service.
Emergency presentation of retrograde intussusception as a late complication of gastric bypass
Authors: Pande R , Fraser I , Harmston C
Published: July 2015

Retrograde intussusception is a rare complication of a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. With the rising number of gastric bypass operations being performed in the UK, the incidence of retrograde intussusception is likely to increase. We report the first case in the UK and highlight its insidious presentation and the importance of considering intussusception in any patient with a history of a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.
Nitric oxide levels following perfusion differ in donation after circulatory death and donation after brain death transplants
Authors: Johns R , Chaudry A , Khanafer E , Ilham A , Stephens M , Philips A , Asderakis A
Published: July 2015

Affiliated to the Association of Surgeons in Training and the British Transplantation Society, the Carrel Club is the transplant trainee surgical society. The Carrel Club held a joint meeting with the Chapter of Transplant Surgeons, a subsidiary organisation of the British Transplantation Society, at the Manchester Hilton Hotel on 31 January and 1 February 2013. As part of the meeting, ten abstracts were presented. A selection is printed below. The winner of the Best Presentation award was Mr Mownah.
The impact of virtual crossmatching in the shortening of cold ischaemic times in renal transplantation
Authors: Mownah OA , Dosani T , Wilson C , Wyrley-Birch H , Talbot D
Published: July 2015

Affiliated to the Association of Surgeons in Training and the British Transplantation Society, the Carrel Club is the transplant trainee surgical society. The Carrel Club held a joint meeting with the Chapter of Transplant Surgeons, a subsidiary organisation of the British Transplantation Society, at the Manchester Hilton Hotel on 31 January and 1 February 2013. As part of the meeting, ten abstracts were presented. A selection is printed below. The winner of the Best Presentation award was Mr Mownah.
Complement inhibition as a novel strategy in renal transplantation
Authors: Turner SS , Drage M , Watson C , Nicholson M , Sacks S
Published: July 2015

Affiliated to the Association of Surgeons in Training and the British Transplantation Society, the Carrel Club is the transplant trainee surgical society. The Carrel Club held a joint meeting with the Chapter of Transplant Surgeons, a subsidiary organisation of the British Transplantation Society, at the Manchester Hilton Hotel on 31 January and 1 February 2013. As part of the meeting, ten abstracts were presented. A selection is printed below. The winner of the Best Presentation award was Mr Mownah.
What is the true incidence of metachronous colorectal liver metastases? evidence from the UK Follow-up After Colorectal Surgery (FACS) trial
Authors: Pugh SA , Fuller A , Rose P , Perera-Salazar R , Mellor J , George S , Mant D , Primrose JN
Published: July 2015

The 2013 Alpine Liver and Pancreatic Surgery meeting was held in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy. The meeting was organised by the Association of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland. The following abstracts were selected for presentation at the meeting.
Is lymphatic endoglin expression a risk marker for breast cancer metastasis?
Authors: Ogunbiyi SO , Clasper S , Baxter G , Holt S
Published: July 2015

The following abstracts won prizes at the 153rd East Midlands Surgical Society meeting held on 9 November 2012 at Leicester General Hospital. First prize was won by George et al. The paper by Ogunbiyi et al was placed second and the paper by Khanna et al was placed third.
Reduction of pain following laparoscopic surgery: a double blind prospective randomised controlled trial
Authors: Khanna A , Sezen E , Barlow A , Rayt H , Finch JG
Published: July 2015

The following abstracts won prizes at the 153rd East Midlands Surgical Society meeting held on 9 November 2012 at Leicester General Hospital. First prize was won by George et al. The paper by Ogunbiyi et al was placed second and the paper by Khanna et al was placed third.
A series of four fractured Exeter™ stems in hip arthroplasty
Authors: Davies BM , Branford White HA , Temple A
Published: July 2015

We describe the cases of four patients who presented with painful hips and were found to have fractured cemented Exeter™ V40™ stems. Failure was multifactorial. Fractured Exeter™ stems are rarely reported and this series raises a concern that a population of patients may be at risk of such morbidity.
Elective day-case laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a formal assessment of the need for outpatient follow-up
Authors: van Boxel GI , Hart M , Kiszely A , Appleton S
Published: July 2015

Introduction

Elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is performed routinely as day-case surgery. Most hospital trusts have a policy of no routine postoperative outpatient follow-up although there are no formal guidelines on this. The aim of this retrospective study was to identify the incidence of complications, the degree of symptom resolution and patient satisfaction with a view to formally appraising the need for outpatient follow-up.

Methods

Patients who underwent LC in the period between February 2011 and June 2012 were contacted retrospectively by telephone. A standardised questionnaire was used to ascertain the incidence of surgical site infection (SSI), other complications, symptom resolution and patient satisfaction.

Results

A total of 211 responses were collected. The rate of SSI was 7.6% (n=16), with the only specific risk factor being smoking (p=0.027). All other complications had a combined incidence of 7% (n=15). There was complete resolution of symptoms in 64% of patients. Of the 36% of patients with residual symptoms, 45% described abdominal discomfort or pain, 41% described reflux symptoms and 14% complained of diarrhoea. Patient satisfaction was very high (96%), yet 33% of patients visited their general practitioner postoperatively in relation to their surgery.

Conclusions

Patients are highly satisfied with elective day-case LC. However, SSI is not uncommon, occurring in 1 in 13 patients. Although the majority of patients experience complete symptom resolution, a significant proportion do not. In our experience, routine outpatient follow-up is not required. Nevertheless, the lack of formal follow-up may prove a missed learning opportunity, potentially resulting in inappropriate patient selection for surgery.
Seminars in Liver Disease
Authors: Berk Paul D
Published: July 2015

If you would like to submit a book to the Annals for review, please send two copies to: Publications Department, The Royal College of Surgeons of England, 35–43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PE. Book reviews are published at the discretion of the editor.
Evacuation and care of servicemen with open femoral fractures in flanders (1914–1918)
Authors: Kirkup John
Published: July 2015

The static trench warfare that emerged on the Flanders plain during 1914 departed from previous concepts of military confrontation owing to this terrain’s particular geology and climate. Unlike fuctuating battles in desert, the hilly and mountainous conditions, rich low-lying farm lands and frequent rainfall generated handicapping mud, churned up by thousands of soldiers, horses, military vehicles and shell-fire ( Figure 1 ).
Special care dentistry – a five-year retrospective
Authors: Master Selina
Published: July 2015

The establishment of a specialty in special care dentistry (SCD) in 2008 provided the foundation for professional and service development to address inequities in the provision of oral care for adults with disabilities and impairments.