bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tapered Two-Layer Broadband Vibration Energy Harvesters
Authors: Xiong Xingyu , Olutunde Oyadiji S.
Published: December 2014

Two-layer piezoelectric vibration energy harvesters using convergent and divergent tapered structures have been developed for broadband power output. The harvesters consist of a base cantilevered beam, which is attached to an upper beam by a spacer to develop a two-layer configuration. Two masses are attached to each layer to tune the resonance frequencies of each harvester and one of these masses also serves as the spacer. By varying the positions of the masses, the convergent and divergent tapered harvesters can generate close resonance frequencies and considerable power output in the first two modes. A broadband harvester design strategy is introduced based on a modal approach, which determines the modal performance using mass ratio and modal electromechanical coupling coefficient (EMCC). The required modal parameters are derived using the finite element method. Mass ratio represents the influence of the modal mechanical behavior on the power density directly. Since the dominant mode causes the remaining modes to have smaller mass ratios, smaller EMCC, and poor performance, the design strategy involves the selection of the harvester configurations with close resonances and favorable values of mass ratio initially, and deriving the EMCC and power density of those selected configurations.
Lung ultrasound-guided emergency pneumothorax needle aspiration in a very preterm infant
Authors: Migliaro Fiorella , Sodano Angela , Capasso Letizia , Raimondi Francesco
Published: December 2014

Pneumothorax is a frequent critical situation in the neonatal intensive care unit. Diagnosis relies on clinical judgement, transillumination and chest radiogram. We report the case of a very preterm infant suddenly developing significant and persistent desaturation and bradycardia. Re-intubation and cardiopulmonary resuscitation were performed. Clinical and cold light examination were not suggestive of pneumothorax according to two experienced neonatologists. A lung ultrasound scan showed evidence of right pneumothorax that was promptly aspirated. Approximately 20 min later, a chest radiogram confirmed the ultrasound diagnosis. Point-of-care lung ultrasound is a useful tool for detecting symptomatic pneumothorax and accelerating its treatment.
Endoscopic extraction of proximally migrated biliary stent by intrastent balloon inflation
Authors: Odemis Bulent , Beyazit Yavuz , Tanoglu Alpaslan , Kayacetin Ertuğrul
Published: December 2014

Endoscopically placed bile duct stents are commonly used to relieve obstruction in patients with benign or malignant biliary disease. These stents may become dislodged and migrate in about 5–10% of patients. Distally migrated stents can be managed expectantly, allowing the foreign body to pass through the rectum. However, proximal migration of biliary stents usually necessitates endoscopic stent removal. We present a case of a proximally migrated stent that was extracted successfully with intrastent balloon inflation during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).
Pregnancy desire and dual method contraceptive use among people living with HIV attending clinical care in Kenya, Namibia and Tanzania
Authors: Antelman Gretchen , Medley Amy , Mbatia Redempta , Pals Sherri , Arthur Gilly , Haberlen Sabina , Ackers Marta , Elul Batya , Parent Julie , Rwebembera Anath , Wanjiku Lucy , Muraguri Nicholas , Gweshe Justice , Mudhune Sandra , Bachanas Pamela
Published: December 2014

Aim

To describe factors associated with pregnancy desire and dual method use among people living with HIV in clinical care in sub-Saharan Africa.

Design

Sexually active HIV-positive adults were enrolled in 18 HIV clinics in Kenya, Namibia and Tanzania. Demographic, clinical and reproductive health data were captured by interview and medical record abstraction. Correlates of desiring a pregnancy within the next 6 months, and dual method use [defined as consistent condom use together with a highly effective method of contraception (hormonal, intrauterine device (IUD), permanent)], among those not desiring pregnancy, were identified using logistic regression.

Results

Among 3375 participants (median age 37 years, 42% male, 64% on antiretroviral treatment), 565 (17%) desired a pregnancy within the next 6 months. Of those with no short-term fertility desire (n=2542), 686 (27%) reported dual method use, 250 (10%) highly effective contraceptive use only, 1332 (52%) condom use only, and 274 (11%) no protection. Respondents were more likely to desire a pregnancy if they were from Namibia and Tanzania, male, had a primary education, were married/cohabitating, and had fewer children. Factors associated with increased likelihood of dual method use included being female, being comfortable asking a partner to use a condom, and communication with a health care provider about family planning. Participants who perceived that their partner wanted a pregnancy were less likely to report dual method use.

Conclusions

There was low dual method use and low use of highly effective contraception. Contraceptive protection was predominantly through condom-only use. These findings demonstrate the importance of integrating reproductive health services into routine HIV care.
Albertosaurus (Dinosauria: Theropoda) material from an Edmontosaurus bonebed (Horseshoe Canyon Formation) near Edmonton: clarification of palaeogeographic distribution
Authors: Bell Phil R. , Currie Philip J.
Published: December 2014

Tyrannosaurid cranial bones — including a maxilla, dentary, and pterygoid — were collected from a monodominant Edmontosaurus bonebed in the Horseshoe Canyon Formation exposed near the city of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The maxilla can be identified as Albertosaurus sarcophagus based on the narrow interfenestral strut and relatively deep dental pits along the length of the palatal shelf. Cranial bones are interpreted to have come from a single large individual that was incorporated into the site during, or temporally close to, the formation of the final taphocoenosis. This discovery constitutes the northernmost record of A. sarcophagus, and helps to narrow the geographic gap of latest Cretaceous tyrannosaurs between Alberta and Alaska. The geographic distribution of A. sarcophagus — eclipsed only in areal extent by Tyrannosaurus rex in North America — attests to the adaptability of this species, which endured regional changes in climate that forced extirpation of many ornithischian taxa during deposition of the Horseshoe Canyon Formation.
Isotopic characterization of organic matter from the Danek Bonebed (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada) with special reference to amber
Authors: Davies Lauren J. , McKellar Ryan C. , Muehlenbachs Karlis , Wolfe Alexander P.
Published: December 2014

During the course of excavating the Maastrichtian Danek Bonebed in the city of Edmonton, a range of well-preserved organic materials was recovered alongside vertebrate remains, including amber, coal, and unpermineralized plant fragments. Herein, we report carbon and hydrogen stable isotopic characterizations of these materials to provide ancillary insights into genesis of the fossil deposit. These analyses permit isotopic comparisons between the various organic fractions at the Danek locality, as well as with other Late Cretaceous localities in Alberta. The investigation of amber proves particularly informative, with carbon stable isotope ratios that are regionally consistent and furthermore conform to the larger, global-scale isotopic trend for this material, and hydrogen results that inform paleoclimatic conditions at the time of amber formation. When coupled with chemotaxonomic information from amber Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, the isotopic results indicate a consistent taxodioid forest composition and relatively stable environmental conditions across the three horizons that encapsulate the Danek bonebed.
Stratigraphy of the Danek Bonebed (Upper Cretaceous Horseshoe Canyon Formation, central Alberta) and correlations with strata in the Drumheller and Grande Prairie regions
Authors: Eberth David A. , Bell Phil R.
Published: December 2014

Although considerable work has been conducted on the stratigraphy and dinosaur assemblages of the Horseshoe Canyon Formation of southern Alberta, equivalent strata and assemblages in central Alberta remain poorly understood. Data from the Danek Bonebed (Edmonton, Alberta) are beginning to fill this gap. The bonebed occurs 4 m above the #9 Big Island Coal Seam. This stratigraphic position lies just below the middle of the Horseshoe Canyon Formation in the Edmonton region, and also lies below a thick, stratigraphically significant non-coaly interval that is expressed throughout central and southern Alberta. The stratigraphic position of the Danek Bonebed equates best with the uppermost Horsethief Member of the Horseshoe Canyon Formation in the Drumheller region and the upper part of Unit 4 of the Wapiti Formation in the Grande Prairie region. In both Drumheller and Grande Prairie, the correlated position of the bonebed underlies a zone of marine transgression (Drumheller Marine Tongue), which, in turn, includes the Campanian–Maastrichtian boundary. In the context of Geologic Time Scale 2004, we infer a late Campanian age of 71.0–71.3 Ma for the bonebed. The Danek’s dinosaurian assemblage is limited taxonomically, but compares well with the Edmontosaurus regalis – Pachyrhinosaurus canadensis fossil assemblage zone in the Drumheller region. We propose that a mega-herbivore faunal assemblage, characterized by Edmontosaurus and Pachyrhinosaurus, extended continuously across the climatically wet coastal plain of latest Campanian southern and central Alberta, and likely extended northwest into the North Slope of Alaska, where it persisted into the early Maastrichtian.
Sugar maple (Acer saccharum) forests at their northern distribution limit are recurrently impacted by fire
Authors: Pilon Vanessa , Payette Serge
Published: December 2014

The sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) forest is a widespread temperate forest prevailing south of 48°N in Quebec. Windthrows are the principal disturbance maintaining the old-growth status of the forest supposedly since its postglacial establishment. Nonetheless, the presence of wood charcoal buried in several sugar maple forest soils attests to the occurrence of fire during the Holocene. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the long-term fire dynamics and species composition of three sites (Témiscamingue, Saguenay, and Gaspé peninsula) currently dominated by sugar maple situated at its northern range limit. The botanical identification and 14C dating of charcoal fragments extracted from the soil surface and the mineral soil indicate that the development of the sugar maple sites was influenced by recurrent fires at least over the last 1000 to 3500 years. Two of the studied sugar maple stands are of recent origin, with the Témiscamingue forest being established after the most recent fire in the late 18th to early 19th centuries. Our data highlight the resilience of sugar maple forests in a disturbance regime dominated by frequent fires and suggest that the northernmost sugar maple forests are young ecosystems at the Holocene timescale.
Logic Decomposition for PAL-Based CPLDs
Authors: Kania Dariusz
Published: December 2014

The Programmable Array Logic (PAL)-based logic block is the core of the great majority of Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs). The purpose of this paper is to compare two models of decomposition dedicated to PAL-based devices. Non-standard usage of decomposition, which leads to the reduction of used PAL-based logic blocks in a programmable structure, is the aim of the presented methods. Each decomposition step is optimized for implementation in a PAL-based structure that is characterized by a PAL-based logic block. The essence of decomposition models is oriented towards minimizing the number of PAL-based logic blocks used and adjusting the designed circuit to fit the structures of PAL-based blocks best. In the experimental section, a comparison of two decomposition models with the classical implementation approach is presented. Results of the experiments prove that the proposed methods lead to a significant reduction of chip area in relation to the classical approach, especially if CPLD structures consist of PAL-based blocks containing a relatively small number of product terms.
Exact Solution of Thermoelastic Damping and Frequency Shifts in a Nano-Beam Resonator
Authors: Abbas Ibrahim A.
Published: December 2014

In this study, we consider the problem of a generalized thermoelastic vibration of a bounded nano-beam resonator in the context of Green and Naghdi theory (GNIII). The first four modes of vibration in the nano-beam resonator are investigated for the beam under clamped and simply supported conditions. Analytical expressions for the deflection, temperature change, frequency shifts, and thermoelastic damping in the beam are derived. The numerical results have been presented graphically in respect of natural frequencies, thermoelastic damping and frequency shift.
Equivalent Linear Model for Existing Soil-Structure Systems
Authors: Sameti Amir Rezaei , Ghannad Mohammad Ali
Published: December 2014

The concept of equivalent linearization is extended for the soil-structure systems, in which the strength ratio (defined as the ratio of the yielding strength to the elastic strength demand) is known rather than the ductility ratio. The nonlinear soil-structure system is replaced by a linear single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) system, which can capture the response of the actual system with sufficient accuracy. The dynamic characteristics of the equivalent linear SDOF system are determined through a statistical approach. The super-structure is modeled by an inelastic SDOF system with bilinear behavior, and the homogeneous half space beneath the structure by a discrete model, following the Cone Model. To cover a wide range of soil-structure systems, a comprehensive parametric study is conducted using a set of nondimensional parameters for the soil-structure system. The accuracy of the equivalent linear parameters is then assessed. The results confirm that the proposed equivalent linear model can capture the simultaneous effects of soil-structure interaction (SSI) and nonlinearity in the super-structure concerning the maximum inelastic response of the soil-structure system.
EFFECTS OF CULTURE PERIODS AND LOADING ON BIOMECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF SHEEP COLLAGEN FASCICLES
Authors: CILINGIR AHMET C.
Published: December 2014

Soft tissues (e.g., tendon, skin, cartilage) change their dimensions and properties in response to applied mechanical stress/strain, which is called remodeling. Experimental studies using tissue cultures were performed to understand the biomechanical properties of collagen fascicles under mechanical loads. Collagen fascicles were dissected from sheep Achilles tendons and loaded under 1, 2, and 3 kg for 2, 4, and 6 days under culture. The mechanical properties of collagen fascicles after being loaded into the culture media were determined using tensile tester, and resultant stress–strain curves, tangent modulus, tensile strength, and strain at failure values were compared with those in a non-loaded and non-cultured control group of fascicles. The tangent modulus and tensile strength of the collagen fascicles increased with the increasing remodeling load after two days of culture. However, these values gradually decreased with the increasing culture period compared with the control group. According to the results obtained in this study, the mechanical properties of collagen fascicles were improved by loading at two days of culture, most likely due to the remodeling of collagen fibers. However, after a period of remodeling, local strains on the collagen fibrils increased, and finally, the collagen fibrils broke down, decreasing the mechanical properties of the tissue.
Doubly elliptic strings on the (anti) de Sitter manifold
Authors: Gaudin Michel , Moschella Ugo
Published: December 2014

We present a new class of elliptic-like strings on two-dimensional manifolds of constant curvature. Our solutions are related to a class of identities between Jacobi theta functions and to the geometry of the light-cone in one dimension more. We show in particular that two well-known fundamental identities among theta functions have a natural interpretation as expressing the Virasoro constraints of dS or AdS strings.
The Changes of Absorption and Catalytic Capacity on Reduced Graphene Oxide After Electron Beam Irradiation
Authors: Liu Peng , Qi Wei , An Wenzhen , Tian Longlong , Li Zhan , Chen Xiaolei , Wu Wangsuo
Published: December 2014

As is well-known, porous nanomaterials have attracted increasing attention recently, and graphene-related materials (such as porous graphene) have been studied both experimentally and theoretically. Almost all researches are focused on nanoelectronics, supercapacitors, multifunctional membrances, bio-applications or others. Consequently, in order to understand the differences between porous graphene and normal graphene at adsorption and catalytic property, in this experiment, with the removal of metal ion (152 Eu(III) ) and organic matter (gallic acid) and reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) by NaBH 4 as model reactions, a systematic investigation into the adsorptive performance as well as catalytic activity of graphene with or without electron beam irradiation exposure had been carried out. As the results showed, compared with the reduction of pristine graphene oxidized (R-GO), the reduction of graphene oxidized with electron beam irradiation exposure (100 MGy, about 2 h, radiation graphene oxide (R-RGO)) had many irregular defects caused by lack of atoms; the adsorptive performance of the R-RGO increased for metals but decreased for organic matter. However, the adsorption rate of the R-RGO was lower for metals, but higher for organic matter than that of the R-GO. In addition, the results also showed that the R-RGO had a better catalytic capacity than the R-GO.
Growth Hormone and Reproduction: A Review of Endocrine and Autocrine/Paracrine Interactions
Authors: Hull Kerry L. , Harvey Steve
Published: December 2014

The somatotropic axis, consisting of growth hormone (GH), hepatic insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), and assorted releasing factors, regulates growth and body composition. Axiomatically, since optimal body composition enhances reproductive function, general somatic actions of GH modulate reproductive function. A growing body of evidence supports the hypothesis that GH also modulates reproduction directly, exerting both gonadotropin-dependent and gonadotropin-independent actions in both males and females. Moreover, recent studies indicate GH produced within reproductive tissues differs from pituitary GH in terms of secretion and action. Accordingly, GH is increasingly used as a fertility adjunct in males and females, both humans and nonhumans. This review reconsiders reproductive actions of GH in vertebrates in respect to these new conceptual developments.
Association Analysis between g.18873C>T and g.27522G>A Genetic Polymorphisms ofOPGand Bone Mineral Density in Chinese Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Wang Fei , Cao Yi , Li Fang , Shan Jianlin , Wen Tianlin
Published: December 2014

Several studies report that theOPGis an important candidate gene in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis. This study aimed to detect the potential association ofOPGgene polymorphisms with osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. We recruited 928 subjects containing 463 with primary postmenopausal osteoporosis and 465 healthy volunteers as controls. The BMD of neck hip, lumbar spine (L2–4), and total hip were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Through the created restriction site-polymerase chain reaction (CRS-PCR), PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP), and DNA sequencing methods, the g.18873C>T and g.27522G>A have been investigated. As for g.18873C>T, our data indicated that subjects with CC genotype have significantly higher BMD value than those of CT and TT genotypes (allPvalues < 0.05). As for g.27522G>A, the BMD values of subjects with GG genotype were significantly higher than those of GA and AA genotypes (allPvalues < 0.05). Our findings suggest that theOPGg.18873C>T and g.27522G>A genetic polymorphisms are associated with the decreased risk for osteoporosis in Chinese postmenopausal women.
Computation of a Canonical Form for Linear 2D Systems
Authors: Boudellioua Mohamed Salah
Published: December 2014

Symbolic computation techniques are used to obtain a canonical
form for polynomial matrices arising from discrete 2D linear state-space
systems. The canonical form can be regarded as an extension of the
companion form often encountered in the theory of 1D linear systems. Using
previous results obtained by Boudellioua and Quadrat (2010) on the reduction by
equivalence to Smith form, the exact connection between the original polynomial
matrix and the reduced canonical form is set out. An example is given to
illustrate the computational aspects involved.
Oxidative Cleavage ofβ-Keto Sulfones via Nitrous Acid
Authors: Abdel-Aziz Hatem A.
Published: December 2014

The reaction of nitrous acid with 1-aryl-2-(arylsulfonyl)ethanones3a–eafforded the unexpected arenecarboxylic acids12a–e, formic acid14, and benzene/4-toluenesulfinic acid15a,bthrough oxidative cleavage reaction. 4-Chlorobenzoic acid (12a), [1,1′-biphenyl]-4-carboxylic acid (12b), 2-naphthoic acid (12c), 2-thiophenecarboxylic acid (12d), and 2-benzofurancarboxylic acid (12e) were isolated in 72%, 62%, 55%, 58%, and 62% yields, respectively. The reported mechanistic pathways proposed the production of 1-aryl-2-(phenyl/tolylsulfonyl)ethane-1,2-dione7instead of arenecarboxylic acids12. A mechanistic pathway to explain the reaction of nitrous acid with 1-aryl-2-(arylsulfonyl)ethanones3a–ewas suggested. In this pathway, the intermediate 1,2-oxazete10lost benzene/4-toluenesulfinic acid15to produce 1,2-oxazet-3-one11. Ring cleavage of the latter intermediate afforded the arenecarboxylic acids12.
The Potentially Dangerous Asteroid (101955) Bennu
Authors: Włodarczyk I.
Published: December 2014

We computed impact solutions of the potentially dangerous asteroid (101955) Bennu based on 569 optical observations from September 11.40624 UTC, 1999 to January 20.11189 UTC, 2013, and 29 radar observations from September 21, 1999, through September 29, 2011. Using the freely available OrbFit software package, we can follow its orbit forward in the future
searching for close approaches with the earth, which can lead to possible impacts up to 2200. With the A2 nongravitational parameter in the motion of the asteroid (101955) Bennu we computed possible impact solutions using different JPL planetary and lunar ephemerides and different number of additional massive perturbed asteroids. The possible impact path of risk for 2175 is presented. Additionally, we computed possible impact solutions using the normal places method of the selection of Bennu’s astrometric observations. Moreover, we computed time evolution of the mean orbital elements and the orbital nodes of Bennu 5 kyr in the backwards and 1 kyr in the future using the Yarkovsky effects. We computed the mean motion and secular orbital resonances of the Bennu. We also computed the influence of the JPL planetary and lunar ephemerides DE403, DE405, DE406, DE414, and DE423 on the close approaches of the asteroid (101955) Bennu with the earth.
Expression of Maspin and Ezrin Proteins in Periocular Basal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Bagheri Mansooreh , Eghtedari Masoomeh , Bagheri Mandana , Geramizadeh Bita , Talebnejad Mohammadreza
Published: December 2014

Background.The aim of this study was to investigate maspin and ezrin expression in different subtypes of periocular basal cell carcinoma (BCC).Methods.Tissue samples from 43 patients with periocular BCC. Our cases were comprised of 10 morpheaform, 25 nodular, and 8 adenoid type BCCs. Immunohistochemical staining for maspin and ezrin was performed by Envision detection system.Results.There was no difference between different subtypes of BCC in maspin expression regarding positivity, intensity, and pattern of expression. Ezrin was expressed in all subtypes of BCC but the intensity was significantly higher in morpheaform BCC compared to nodular and adenoid types (P<0.001andP=0.012, resp.); ninety percent of morpheaform samples showed strong ezrin intensity, while this strong intensity was only present in 25% and 12% of adenoid and nodular subtypes, respectively. There was no correlation between age, sex, or tumor margin involvement and expression of neither maspin nor ezrin. There was no correlation between maspin and ezrin expression except in nodular type, in which an inverse correlation was found(P=0.004).Conclusion.Ezrin is expressed intensely in morpheaform BCC of periocular region. Further studies are needed to show the significance of this finding in prognosis of morpheaform BCC.
Robotic Prostatectomy Has a Superior Outcome in Larger Prostates and PSA Density Is a Strong Predictor of Biochemical Recurrence
Authors: Bishara S. , Vasdev N. , Lane T. , Boustead G. , Adshead J.
Published: December 2014

Objectives. The aims of this study were to compare the outcomes of robotic assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) between patients who had larger (≥75 g) and smaller (<75 g) prostates and to evaluate the performance of PSA density (PSAD) in determining the oncological outcome of surgery.Methods and Materials. 344 patients who underwent RALP at a single institution were included in the study. Preoperative risk factors and postoperative, oncological outcomes, erectile function, and continence status were recorded prospectively.Results. During a mean follow-up of 20 months, biochemical recurrencePSA>0.2was observed in 15 patients (4.3%). Prostate size ≥75 g was associated with lower Gleason score on final pathologyP=0.004and lower pathological stageP=0.02but an increased length of hospital stayP=0.05. PSAD on binary logistic regression independently predicted biochemical recurrence (BCR) when defined as postoperative PSA >0.1P=0.001and PSA >0.2P=0.039. In both instances PSA was no longer a significant independent predictor.Conclusions. RALP in large prostates (≥75 g, <150 g) is as safe as RALP in smaller prostates and is associated with a lower pathological grade and stage. Higher PSAD is independently associated with BCR and is superior to PSA as a predictor of BCR after RALP.
Epidermoid Causing Ischemic Stroke in the Brainstem
Authors: Ramdasi Raghvendra , Mahore Amit , Kulkarni Abhijeet , Rangarajan Vithal , Patil Manoj , Kawale Juhi
Published: December 2014

Intracranial tumors may rarely cause stroke. We report an epidermoid cyst causing stroke in a pediatric patient. We have also reviewed the literature and pathogenesis of stroke caused by intracranial tumors.
Inferior Level of Maxillary Sinus and Cortical Bone Thickness at Maxillary Posterior Quadrant, in Three Different Growth Patterns: 3D-Computed Tomographic Study
Authors: Vibhute Pavankumar Janardan , Patil Pushkar A.
Published: December 2014

Objective of this retrospective study was to measure cortical bone thickness and lowest level of maxillary sinus at maxillary posterior quadrant in different growth pattern (hypodivergent, average, and hyperdivergent) at prospective microimplant placement sites in order to understand both safety and stability aspects of microimplant placement by using cone-beam 3-dimensional computed tomographic images. In posterior quadrant, vertical distance from cementoenamel junction to lowest level of maxillary sinus at interradicular region was measured. Buccal cortical bone thickness was measured at 3 different vertical levels at interradicular space. The cortical bone thickness was found more at sinus floor level and above it than below the sinus floor. In perspective of miniscrew placement, study shows that maxillary sinus floor is safer with average and hyperdivergent growth pattern than hypodivergent growth pattern. In the proximity of maxillary sinus floor, 1 mm or more cortical bone can be expected in maxillary posterior region in average and hyperdivergent growth patterns. However, it was thicker in hypodivergent than hyperdivergent growth patterns. Hypodivergent patients require either more horizontal insertion (more parallel to occlusal plane) or shorter length of miniscrew to avoid damage to maxillary sinus.
Kaczmarz Iterative Projection and Nonuniform Sampling with Complexity Estimates
Authors: Wallace Tim , Sekmen Ali
Published: December 2014

Kaczmarz’s alternating projection method has been widely used for solving mostly over-determined linear system of equations Ax=b in various fields of engineering, medical imaging, and computational science. Because of its simple iterative nature with light computation, this method was successfully applied in computerized tomography. Since tomography generates a matrix A with highly coherent rows, randomized Kaczmarz algorithm is expected to provide faster convergence as it picks a row for each iteration at random, based on a certain probability distribution. Since Kaczmarz’s method is a subspace projection method, the convergence rate for simple Kaczmarz algorithm was developed in terms of subspace angles. This paper provides analyses of simple and randomized Kaczmarz algorithms and explains the link between them. New versions of randomization are proposed that may speed up convergence in the presence of nonuniform sampling, which is common in tomography applications. It is anticipated that proper understanding of sampling and coherence with respect to convergence and noise can improve future systems to reduce the cumulative radiation exposures to the patient. Quantitative simulations of convergence rates and relative algorithm benchmarks have been produced to illustrate the effects of measurement coherency and algorithm performance, respectively, under various conditions in a real-time kernel.
Nonlocal Problems Arising in Thermoelectrics
Authors: Chung Jaywan , Ryu Byungki
Published: December 2014

We revisit the derivation of a nonlocal problem modelling temperature distribution due to power generation using thermoelectric effect. The problem has nonlocal coefficients in reaction and convection terms rather than diffusion term, which makes the problem more interesting. In this paper, we prove that the nonlocal problem has a unique decreasing solution when electric current induced by the thermoelectric effect is small enough.
Molecular Pathways: microRNAs, Cancer Cells, and Microenvironment
Authors: Berindan-Neagoe Ioana , Calin George A.
Published: December 2014

One of the most unexpected discoveries in molecular oncology over the last decade is the interplay between abnormalities in protein-coding genes and short noncoding microRNAs (miRNA) that are causally involved in cancer initiation, progression, and dissemination. This phenomenon was initially defined in malignant cells; however, in recent years, more data have accumulated describing the active participation of miRNAs produced by microenvironment cells. As hormones, miRNAs can be released by a donor cell in various forms of vesicles or as “free” molecules secreted by active mechanisms. These miRNAs spread as signaling molecules that are uptaken either as exosomes or as “free” RNAs, by cells located in other parts of the organism. Here, we discuss the communication between cancer cells and the microenvironment through miRNAs. We further expand this in a more translational context and present miRNAs as predictors of treatment response, as crucial agents in targeted therapeutics, and as significant molecules to target. Clin Cancer Res; 20(24); 6247–53. ©2014 AACR.
Long-Lasting Responses under Treatment with Ipilimumab: An Argument against Maintenance Therapy?
Authors: Dick Julika , Enk Alexander , Hassel Jessica Cecile
Published: December 2014

Ipilimumab, a monoclonal CTLA-4 antibody, was the first drug improving overall survival in patients with metastatic melanoma. However, there are still unanswered questions concerning therapeutic regimes, e.g. if maintenance therapy is needed to achieve long-term response. We present three patients with metastatic melanoma who received ipilimumab after progression under chemotherapy. In all of these patients ipilimumab led to a long-term tumor control of at least 32 months. Interestingly, all of them developed severe autoimmune toxicity and ipilimumab treatment was discontinued after 1 respectively 2 cycles. The present cases demonstrate that a long-term response to ipilimumab can be achieved without maintenance therapy.
Core Data Necessary for Reporting Clinical Trials on Nutrition in Infancy
Authors: Koletzko Berthold , Fewtrell Mary , Gibson Robert , van Goudoever Johannes B. , Hernell Olle , Shamir Raanan , Szajewska Hania ,   on behalf of the Consensus Group on Outcome Measures Made in Paediatric Enteral Nutrition Clinical Trials (COMMENT) and the Early Nutrition Project
Published: December 2014

This paper presents an updated and revised summary of the ‘core data set' that has been proposed to be recorded and reported in all clinical trials on infant nutrition by the recently formed Consensus Group on Outcome Measures Made in Paediatric Enteral Nutrition Clinical Trials (COMMENT). This core data set was developed based on a previous proposal by the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) Committee on Nutrition in 2003. It comprises confidential data to identify subjects and facilitate contact for further follow-up, data to characterize the cohort studied and data on withdrawals from the study, and some additional core data for all nutrition studies on preterm infants. We recommend that all studies on nutrition in infancy should collect and report this core data set to facilitate interpretation and comparison of results from clinical studies, and of systematic data evaluation and meta-analyses. Editors of journals publishing such reports are encouraged to require the reporting of the minimum data set described here either in the main body of the publication or as supplementary online material. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel
Assessment of the Effects of Superior Canal Dehiscence Location and Size on Intracochlear Sound Pressures
Authors: Niesten Marlien E.F. , Stieger Christof , Lee Daniel J. , Merchant Julie P. , Grolman Wilko , Rosowski John J. , Nakajima Hideko Heidi
Published: December 2014

Superior canal dehiscence (SCD) is a defect in the bony covering of the superior semicircular canal. Patients with SCD present with a wide range of symptoms, including hearing loss, yet it is unknown whether hearing is affected by parameters such as the location of the SCD. Our previous human cadaveric temporal bone study, utilizing intracochlear pressure measurements, generally showed that an increase in dehiscence size caused a low-frequency monotonic decrease in the cochlear drive across the partition, consistent with increased hearing loss. This previous study was limited to SCD sizes including and smaller than 2 mm long and 0.7 mm wide. However, the effects of larger SCDs (>2 mm long) were not studied, although larger SCDs are seen in many patients. Therefore, to answer the effect of parameters that have not been studied, this present study assessed the effect of SCD location and the effect of large-sized SCDs (>2 mm long) on intracochlear pressures. We used simultaneous measurements of sound pressures in the scala vestibuli and scala tympani at the base of the cochlea to determine the sound pressure difference across the cochlear partition - a measure of the cochlear drive in a temporal bone preparation - allowing for assessment of hearing loss. We measured the cochlear drive before and after SCDs were made at different locations (e.g. closer to the ampulla of the superior semicircular canal or closer to the common crus) and for different dehiscence sizes (including larger than 2 mm long and 0.7 mm wide). Our measurements suggest the following: (1) different SCD locations result in similar cochlear drive and (2) larger SCDs produce larger decreases in cochlear drive at low frequencies. However, the effect of SCD size seems to saturate as the size increases above 2-3 mm long and 0.7 mm wide. Although the monotonic effect was generally consistent across ears, the quantitative amount of change in cochlear drive due to dehiscence size varied across ears. Additionally, the size of the dehiscence above which the effect on hearing saturated varied across ears. These findings show that the location of the SCD does not generally influence the amount of hearing loss and that SCD size can help explain some of the variability of hearing loss in patients. i 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel
Invariant Natural Killer T Cells Promote T Cell Immunity by Modulating the Function of Lung Dendritic Cells during Chlamydia pneumoniae Infection
Authors: Shekhar Sudhanshu , Joyee Antony George , Gao Xiaoling , Peng Ying , Wang Shuhe , Yang Jie , Yang Xi
Published: December 2014

In this study, we examined the effect of invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells on the function of lung dendritic cells (LDCs) in eliciting protective immunity against Chlamydia pneumoniae (Cpn) lung infection. We employed a combination of approaches including the use of iNKT cell-deficient, Jα18-knockout (KO) mice and LDC adoptive transfer. We found that iNKT cells significantly altered the number, phenotype and cytokine profile of LDCs following infection. Furthermore, coculture of T cells with LDCs from Cpn-infected wild-type (WT) and KO mice induced type-1 and type-2 responses, respectively. More importantly, upon adoptive transfer, LDCs from Cpn-infected WT mice (WT-LDCs) conferred protective immunity, whereas LDCs from KO mice (KO-LDCs) increased the severity of disease after challenge infection. Further cytokine analyses of the lung tissues and lung-draining lymph node cells showed that KO-LDC-recipient mice exhibited a type-2 cytokine production pattern, while WT-LDC recipients exhibited a type-1 cytokine profile. Taken together, our results provide in vivo evidence that iNKT cells play a critical role in modulating LDC function to generate protective T-cell immunity, particularly in a clinically relevant intracellular bacterial infection.
Methionine Sulfoxide Reductase A, B1 and B2 Are Likely to Be Involved in the Protection against Oxidative Stress in the Inner Ear
Authors: Kwon Tae-Jun , Oh Se-Kyung , Kim Ye-Ri , Kim Min-A , Lee Byeonghyeon , Choi Kwang Shik , Lee Jaetae , Kim Un-Kyung , Lee Kyu-Yup
Published: December 2014

The methionine sulfoxide reductase (Msr) family of proteins is a class of repair enzymes that reduce methionine-S (MsrA) or methionine-R (MsrB) sulfoxide to methionine. Recent studies have reported that mutations in the MSRB3 gene cause autosomal recessive hearing loss in humans, and in mice MsrB3 deficiency leads to profound hearing loss due to hair cell apoptosis and stereocilia degeneration. However, apart from MsrB3, studies on Msr proteins in the inner ear have not yet been reported. In this study, we identified and characterized Msr expression in the cochlea and vestibule. First, we confirmed RNA expression levels of Msr family members in the cochlea and vestibule using reverse transcription PCR and detected Msr family members in both tissues. We also conducted immunohistochemical staining to localize Msr family members within the cochlea and vestibule. In the cochlea, MsrA was detected in supporting cells, spiral ligament, spiral limbus, Reissner's membrane and the spiral ganglion. MsrB1 was specifically expressed in hair cells and the spiral ganglion. MsrB2 was noted in the spiral ganglion, tectorial membrane and stria vascularis. In the vestibule, MsrA and MsrB1 were detected in hair cells and the vestibular ganglion, while MsrB2 was restricted to the vestibular ganglion. In this study, we identified distinct distributions of Msr family members in the organ of Corti and hypothesized that MsrA, MsrB1 and MsrB2 protect proteins in the organ of Corti from oxidative stress.
A Plakophilin-1 Gene Mutation in an Egyptian Family with Ectodermal Dysplasia-Skin Fragility Syndrome
Authors: Abdalla Ebtesam M. , Has Cristina
Published: December 2014

Ectodermal dysplasia-skin fragility syndrome (ED-SFS) is a rare genodermatosis caused by mutations in the PKP1 gene, encoding the desmosomal plaque protein plakophilin-1. Since its initial description in 1997, few individuals with this disorder have been reported to date. Here, we present the first Egyptian cases of ED-SFS, carrying a novel homozygous mutation in the PKP1 gene. Direct sequencing of the amplified DNA from the affected cases disclosed a G-to-T transversion at nucleotide position c.203-1 within intron 1 of PKP1 (c.203-1G>T). To the best of our knowledge, this mutation has not been previously described in the databases.
Composition of Dietary Macronutrient Intake Is Not Associated with Prevalence of Coronary Artery Calcification in Healthy Korean Adults
Authors: Sung Ki-Chul , Sung Eunju , Byrne Christopher D. , Kim Yong Bum , Ahn Chul Woo , Chung Hye-Kyung
Published: December 2014

Background and Aims: There is little information supporting the relationships between macronutrients and pre-clinical atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to identify whether dietary macronutrient content is related with CAC. Methods: 10,793 healthy Korean adults in a cohort were enrolled. Subjects were divided into CAC (CAC score >0) or non-CAC group (CAC score = 0). Intake of energy, carbohydrate (CHO), protein and fat were obtained using food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Macronutrient composition was expressed as the ratio of energy from each macronutrient to total energy. Subjects were classified into three groups according to tertiles of intake for each macronutrient. To investigate the association between macronutrient intake and CAC, multiple regression analysis was conducted according to tertile groups of each macronutrient. Results: The prevalence of CAC significantly differed among tertile groups of CHO and fat intake in men (p < 0.001, p < 0.01) and women (p < 0.05, p < 0.01). However, multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the odds ratios (ORs) for CAC were not significantly different among tertile groups of each macronutrient intake after adjustment in men (CHO: OR = 0.965 [95% CI = 0.826-1.129]; protein: OR = 1.029 [95% CI = 0.881-1.201]; fat: OR = 1.015 [95% CI = 0.868-1.188]) and women (CHO: OR = 1.158 [95% CI = 0.550-2.438]; protein: OR = 1.261 [95% CI = 0.629-2.528]; fat: OR = 0.625 [95% CI = 0.286-1.365]). Conclusions: The prevalence of CAC may not be associated with composition of dietary macronutrient intake in in healthy Korean adults. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel
Financing Mongolia’s Mineral Growth
Authors: Chuluundorj Khashchuluun , Danzanbaljir Enkhjargal
Published: December 2014

Mongolia’s high economic growth based on abundant mineral resource in recent years is a welcome story in today’s world economic situation. This has been fuelled by massive commodity demand from Chinese, Korean, Japanese and Russian heavy industries. However, the growth and progress of the financial sector has not been able to catch up with this high-speed mineral growth and therefore a pivotal policy reform is needed in the financial sector and this should be implemented by the Government together with the financial community. This paper considers a number of key questions: What can the Central Bank, Financial Regulatory Commission and other financial institutions do to meaningfully increase domestic financial services for the mining sector? Are current programmes and policies making a difference? Is there any model country for Mongolia in this matter for improving its laws and institutions? Is there any option other than fdi for financing the extraction of Mongolia’s vast mineral resources?
Japanese Commitment in the Mongolian Economy, Resources and Infrastructure Development
Authors: Homma Kunioki
Published: December 2014

Since liberalisation of the Mongolian economy, Japan has contributed substantially to Mongolia’s economic development and is proud of being the largest donor country to Mongolia. However, due to the recent rapid growth of the Mongolian economy the country will be soon be beyond the scope of oda donations from oecd countries. The Mongolian government oda budget will be reduced and private investment from overseas will have to be enlarged and enhanced. Most of the infrastructures have been supported by foreign government aid in Mongolia, but from now on Mongolia must rely on its own money or foreign private financial sources to develop such infrastructures. However, in the short term the Mongolian government budget is not going to be large enough to support the current increasing demands for infrastructure development.

In this transitional period for Mongolia, changing the money source from foreign government aid to private investment, private companies and investors from Japan are also facing this new agenda in Mongolia. There are many issues to consider. Both Japan and Mongolia should mutually solve these issues.
Resource Depletion in China and its Implications for Mongolia
Authors: Borjigin Burensain
Published: December 2014

China’s natural resources are concentrated in areas inhabited by ethnic minorities which constitute over 60 per cent of China’s territory. When world attention is drawn to China’s rapid economic development and its global energy strategy, people tend to forget how natural resources in the minority regions were extracted to fuel China’s development prior to its high growth era. In other words, who or what regions sustained China’s economy by providing energy and resources after the 1950s? We may also ask what has happened to these minority regions in China’s new energy strategy. Since these regions are frontier regions, what does China’s energy globalisation look like there?

This paper studies the historical process of resource extraction in areas inhabited by the Mongols, focusing on the Daqing Oil Field and North China Oil Field. Through discussing how the depletion of oil in these traditional energy bases has led to China’s energy expansion into its northern neighbour of Mongolia, it aims to define the place and significance of Mongolia in China’s global energy strategy.
Hydrochemical Characteristics of the Mongolian Plateau and its Pollution Levels
Authors: Nagafuchi Osamu , Nakazawa Koyomi , Okano Kanji , Osaka Ken’ichi , Nishida Yuki , Hishida Naoko , Tsogtbaatar Jamstram , Choijil Javzan
Published: December 2014

Increasing large-scale and rampant small-scale mining activity in Mongolia is raising fears about the possibility of regional environmental pollution. To characterise the level of groundwater pollution related to large- and small-scale underground resource development in the Mongolian plateau, we analysed 10 groundwater and 3 surface water samples collected from three areas: the Oyu Tolgoi mining area (n = 3), the Tavan Tolgoi mining area (n = 9) and an abandoned small-scale gold-mining site in the suburban of Ulaanbaatar (n = 1). The samples were collected between 29 August and 5 September 2012. Measurement parameters included pH; electrical conductivity; dissolved organic carbon; dissolved nitrogen; and the concentrations of major ions and trace elements. Principal component analyses, Piper diagrams and enrichment factor analyses were applied to a set of hydrochemical data. Water samples were analysed to identify components that may adversely affect the regional environment and human health. Analytical measurements showed that the studied sites were highly affected by fossil salt water and trace elements derived from anthropogenic activity. We found that groundwater samples from the Oyu Tolgoi area were more polluted than those from the Tavan Tolgoi area. Because wells in the pasture area adjacent to the mining sites supply drinking water for livestock and nomads, it is especially important to monitor these wells for NO3−, As and Se, for which the World Health Organisation has established drinking-water guidelines. The concentrations of NO3−, As and Se in wells may be used as indicators to evaluate the human and livestock health risks related to mining activity in this area.