bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Firm entry modes and Chinese business networks: Malaysian investments in Vietnam
Authors: Lim Guanie
Published: March 2016

This paper examines the Malaysian Chinese firms that have expanded into Vietnam. Based on research and qualitative personal interviews with Malaysian Chinese firms that have invested in Vietnam, the paper unpacks the entry modes that these firms have undertaken. It argues that the Malaysian Chinese firms prefer joint ventures in their Vietnamese businesses to wholly‐owned subsidiaries and personal direct investments. This paper also argues that such investments are often embedded in social and intraethnic ties, which connect Malaysian Chinese firms with Vietnam's ethnic Chinese businessmen. To this end, these firms tend to rely on informal ties and nonmarket institutions in the form of the ethnic Chinese business networks. Nevertheless, the Malaysian Chinese firms are not averse to collaborating with nonethnic Chinese firms that enjoy a good relationship with the Vietnamese state. This observation is especially marked in the property and construction, and finance sectors.
Comparison of the Effects of Telephone Suicide Prevention Help by Volunteers and Professional Paid Staff: Results from Studies in the USA and Quebec, Canada
Authors: Mishara Brian L. , Daigle Marc , Bardon Cécile , Chagnon François , Balan Bogdan , Raymond Sylvaine , Campbell Julie
Published: March 2016

Research since the 1960s has consistently found that lay volunteers are better at helping suicidal callers than professionals. Yet, professional degrees are increasingly becoming requirements for helpline workers. In our first study, we conducted post hoc comparisons of U.S. helplines with all professional paid staff, all lay volunteers, and a mix of both, using silent monitoring and standardized assessments of 1,431 calls. The volunteer centers more often conducted risk assessments, had more empathy, were more respectful of callers, and had significantly better call outcome ratings. A second study of five Quebec suicide prevention centers used silent monitoring to compare telephone help in 1,206 calls answered by 90 volunteers and 39 paid staff. Results indicate no significant differences between the volunteers and paid employees on outcome variables. However, volunteers and paid staff with over 140 hours of call experience had significantly better outcomes. Unlike the United States, Quebec paid employees were not required to have advanced professional degrees. We conclude from these results and previous research that there is no justification for requiring that suicide prevention helpline workers be mental health professionals. In fact, the evidence to date indicates that professionals may be less effective in providing telephone help to suicidal individuals when compared to trained lay volunteers.
Dimensions of Job Quality, Mechanisms, and Subjective Well‐Being in the United States
Authors: Horowitz Jonathan
Published: March 2016

How does job quality predict subjective well‐being in the United States? Prior research suggests that various job quality dimensions such as job security and individual task discretion affect subjective well‐being, but the theoretical mechanisms are implied rather than tested and aspects of job quality are rarely tested together. I use structural equation modeling and General Social Survey data to assess the impact of five job quality dimensions—individual task discretion, monetary compensation, job security, low work intensity, and safe work conditions—on subjective well‐being. Then, I show that job quality influences subjective well‐being by improving social life, altering class identification, affecting physical health, and increasing amounts of leisure time. Finally, while I find that job quality dimensions do have statistically significant effects on subjective well‐being, the way in which job quality affects subjective well‐being differs by job dimension. In other words, job quality has a statistically significant impact on subjective well‐being, but different job quality domains are connected to subjective well‐being in different ways.
The reduced state of the plastoquinone pool is required for chloroplast‐mediated stomatal closure in response to calcium stimulation
Authors: Wang Wen‐Hua , He En‐Ming , Chen Juan , Guo Ying , Chen Juan , Liu Xiang , Zheng Hai‐Lei
Published: March 2016

Besides their participation in photosynthesis, leaf chloroplasts function in plant responses to stimuli, yet how they direct stimulus‐induced stomatal movement remains elusive. Here, we showed that over‐reduction of the plastoquinone (PQ) pool by dibromothymoquinone (DBMIB) was closely associated with stomatal closure in plants which required chloroplastic H2O2 generation in the mesophyll. External application of H2O2 reduced the PQ pool, whereas the cell‐permeable reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) reversed the DBMIB‐induced over‐reduction of the PQ pool and stomatal closure. Mesophyll chloroplasts are key players of extracellular Ca2+ (Ca2+o)‐induced stomatal closure, but when treated with either 3‐(3′,4′‐dichlorophenyl)‐1,1‐dimethylurea (DCMU) or NAC they failed to facilitate Ca2+o‐induced stomatal closure due to the inhibition of chloroplastic H2O2 synthesis in mesophyll. Similarly, the Arabidopsis electron transfer chain‐related mutants npq4‐1, stn7 and cas‐1 exhibited diverse responses to Ca2+o or DBMIB. Transcriptome analysis also demonstrated that the PQ pool signaling pathway shared common responsive genes with the H2O2 signaling pathway. These results implicated a mechanism for chloroplast‐mediated stomatal closure involving the generation of mesophyll chloroplastic H2O2 based on the reduced state of the PQ pool, which is calcium‐sensing receptor (CAS) and LHCII phosphorylation dependent.
Postoperative anemia and early functional outcomes after fast‐track hip arthroplasty: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Jans Øivind , Bandholm Thomas , Kurbegovic Sorel , Solgaard Søren , Kjærsgaard‐Andersen Per , Johansson Pär I. , Kehlet Henrik ,   on behalf of the Lundbeck Foundation Centre for Fast‐Track Hip and Knee Replacement Collaborative Group
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND

Postoperative anemia is prevalent in fast‐track hip arthroplasty (THA) where patients are mobilized and discharged early, but whether anemia impairs functional recovery after discharge has not been adequately evaluated previously. This study aimed to evaluate whether postoperative anemia influenced recovery of mobility and quality of life (Qol) during the first 2 weeks after discharge from THA.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

This was a prospective observational study in 122 THA patients more than 65 years of age. Mobility and Qol were assessed pre‐ and postoperatively by the 6‐minute walk test (6MWT; primary outcome), the timed up‐and‐go test, and the FACT‐anemia subscale. Twenty‐four‐hour mobility at home was assessed by activity monitoring on Days 1 to 6 after discharge. Hemoglobin (Hb) at discharge (HbD) and the Hb decrease from preoperatively (ΔHb) were compared to mobility and Qol the first 2 weeks after discharge using bivariate and multivariate linear regression.

RESULTS

Mean (±SD) HbD and ΔHb values were 11.1 (±1.4) and 2.8 (±1.2) g/dL and correlated weakly to 6MWT 2 weeks after discharge (r = 0.23 and r = −0.20 respectively; p < 0.05) but HbD levels were not correlated to other mobility or Qol measures. After adjustment for preoperative patient‐related factors, HbD explained 6% (95% confidence interval, 0%‐9%; p < 0.05) of the variation in 6MWT recovery.

CONCLUSION

Despite a weak, but significant, correlation between postoperative Hb and the recovery of 6MWT, all other mobility and Qol measures were not influenced by postoperative Hb. Thus, moderate postoperative anemia has limited impact on early postdischarge functional recovery after fast‐track THA.
Episcleral cyclosporine A implants for the management of unilateral keratoconjunctivitis sicca in an 8‐year‐old mare
Authors: Mackenzie Catriona J. , Carslake Harry B. , Robin Matthew , Kent Rebecca J. , Malalana Fernando
Published: March 2016

An 8‐year‐old mare was presented for investigation of a 1‐month history of blepharospasm, eyelid swelling, corneal edema, and ocular discharge of the right eye (OD). Ophthalmic examination confirmed mucopurulent ocular discharge, conjunctival hyperemia, and a dry, dull appearance to the corneaOD. Schirmer tear test results confirmed an absence of tear productionOD(0 mm/min) consistent with keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Treatment with topical 0.2% cyclosporine A resulted in an improvement in clinical signs. An episcleral cyclosporine A implant was placed under standing sedation 5 days after initial presentation. Re‐examination 9 days post‐operatively confirmed that the mare's tear production in the right eye had improved and no further clinical signs had been observed. Topical medications were gradually discontinued. Re‐examinations performed up to 12 months postsurgery showed no recurrence of clinical signs and no adverse effects of the implant. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the use of a cyclosporine A implant in the management ofKCSin a horse and highlights its potential as an effective, alternative therapy in the management ofKCSin horses.
Land-cover changes predict steep declines for the Sumatran orangutan (
Pongo abelii
)
Authors: Wich Serge A. , Singleton Ian , Nowak Matthew G. , Utami Atmoko Sri Suci , Nisam Gonda , Arif Sugesti Mhd. , Putra Rudi H. , Ardi Rio , Fredriksson Gabriella , Usher Graham , Gaveau David L. A. , Kühl Hjalmar S.
Published: March 2016

New surveys provide higher estimate of Sumatran orangutans than previously, but future scenarios indicate decline continues.
A three-dimensional culture system recapitulates placental syncytiotrophoblast development and microbial resistance
Authors: McConkey Cameron A. , Delorme-Axford Elizabeth , Nickerson Cheryl A. , Kim Kwang Sik , Sadovsky Yoel , Boyle Jon P. , Coyne Carolyn B.
Published: March 2016

A three-dimensional cell culture model of syncytiotrophoblasts recapitulates their secretory, morphological, and microbial resistance phenotypes.
Effect of pycnogenol and spirulina on vancomycin-induced renal cortical oxidative stress, apoptosis, and autophagy in adult male albino rat
Authors: Bayomy Naglaa A. , Abdelaziz Eman Z. , Said Mona A. , Badawi Marwa S. , El-Bakary Reda H.
Published: March 2016

Vancomycin-induced nephrotoxicity has been reported to occur in 5%–25% of patients who were administered with it. Several natural antioxidants were found to be effective against drug-induced toxicity. We evaluated the possible protective effects of spirulina and pycnogenol alone or in combination on vancomycin-induced renal cortical oxidative stress. Forty-nine rats were randomly divided into 7 groups: group I, control; group II, received spirulina 1000 mg/kg per day; group III, received pycnogenol 200 mg/kg per day; group IV, received vancomycin 200 mg/kg per day every 12 h; group V, (spirulina + vancomycin); group VI, (pycnogenol + vancomycin); and group VII, (pycnogenol + spirulina + vancomycin). At the end of the experiment, kidney functions were estimated and then the kidneys were removed, weighed, and sampled for histopathological, immunohistochemistry, and biochemical studies. Administration of spirulina and pycnogenol alone or in combination decreased elevated serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, renal malondialdehyde, and immunoexpression of the proapoptotic protein (Bax), autophagic marker protein (LC3/B), and inducible nitric oxide synthase induced by vancomycin. They increased reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and immunoexpression of the antiapoptotic protein (Bcl2). They also ameliorated the morphological changes induced by vancomycin. The combination therapy of spirulina and pycnogenol showed better protective effects than the corresponding monotherapy.
Structure of two classes of Lie superalgebras of Block type
Authors: Xia Chunguang
Published: March 2016

In this paper, we study the structure theory of two classes of Lie superalgebras [Formula: see text] of Block type, where [Formula: see text] is a positive integer. In particular, the automorphism groups, derivation superalgebras and central extensions of [Formula: see text] are completely determined.
A new explicit solution to the lattice sine-Gordon equation
Authors: Xu Xiaoxue , Cao Cewen
Published: March 2016

Based on a new discrete Lax pair, an elementary explicit solution is found for the lattice sine-Gordon equation through Riemann surface method. It contains only exponential functions, quite different from the usual higher genus solutions, expressed with complicated theta functions. The solutions to the associated models, the lattice potential MKdV equation and a special H3 equation are also discussed.
Research on Fault Diagnosis Method of Civil Aviation Engine Variable Bleed Valve System Based on Artificial Immune Algorithm
Authors: Wang Liwen , Zhang Lu , Xu Meng , Shi Xudong
Published: March 2016

Variable Bleed Valve (VBV) system is an important component of civil aviation engine which can be used to adjust the opening degree of bleed valve. By adjusting the opening degree of bleed valve, a part of outlet air from low-pressure compressor can flow into the fan so as to improve the working stability of low-pressure compressor. VBV system was chosen as the research object in this paper, which internal structure and composition were analyzed and its model was established from part to the whole at first. Then, the negative selection algorithm of variable radius detectors was researched to achieve VBV system faults diagnosis by selecting characteristic parameters and setting up multi-type fault diagnosis process. At last, electrohydraulic servo valve fault, VBV system controller fault and linear variable differential transformer fault were intentionally set up to verify the effectiveness of fault diagnosis method. Through the process of detector generation and fault recognition, the faults in VBV system can be diagnosed effectively.
A Self-Adaptive Fuzzy Inference Model Based on Least Squares SVM for Estimating Compressive Strength of Rubberized Concrete
Authors: Cheng Min-Yuan , Hoang Nhat-Duc
Published: March 2016

This paper presents an AI approach named as self-Adaptive fuzzy least squares support vector machines inference model (SFLSIM) for predicting compressive strength of rubberized concrete. The SFLSIM consists of a fuzzification process for converting crisp input data into membership grades and an inference engine which is constructed based on least squares support vector machines (LS-SVM). Moreover, the proposed inference model integrates differential evolution (DE) to adaptively search for the most appropriate profiles of fuzzy membership functions (MFs) as well as the LS-SVM’s tuning parameters. In this study, 70 concrete mix samples are utilized to train and test the SFLSIM. According to experimental results, the SFLSIM can achieve a comparatively low MAPE which is less than 2%.
Frames for operators in Banach spaces via semi-inner products
Authors: Dastourian Bahram , Janfada Mohammad
Published: March 2016

In this paper, the concept of a family of local atoms in a Banach space is introduced by using a semi-inner product (s.i.p.). Then this concept is generalized to an atomic system for operators in Banach spaces. We also give some characterizations of atomic systems leading to new frames for operators. In addition, a reconstruction formula is obtained. The characterizations of atomic systems allow us to state some results for sampling theory in s.i.p reproducing kernel Banach spaces. Finally, we define the concept of frame operator for these kinds of frames in Banach spaces and then we establish a perturbation result in this framework.
Conserved features of complexes of TATA-box binding proteins with DNA
Authors: Zanegina Olga , Aksianov Evgeniy , Alexeevski Andrei V. , Karyagina Anna , Spirin Sergei
Published: March 2016

A comparative analysis of all available structures of complexes of TATA-box binding proteins (TBPs) with DNA is performed. Conserved features of DNA–protein interaction are described, including nine amino acid residues that form conserved hydrogen bonds, 13 residues participating in formation of two conserved hydrophobic clusters at DNA–protein interface, and four conserved water-mediated contacts. Partial symmetry of conserved contacts reflects quasi-symmetry of TBP structure.
High-Quality Water-Soluble Core/Shell/Shell CdSe/CdS/ZnS Quantum Dots Balanced by Ionic and Nonionic Hydrophilic Capping Ligands
Authors: Liu Lu , Xu Hu , Shen Bing , Zhong Xinhua
Published: March 2016

Pentaerythritol tetrakis 3-mercaptopropionate (PTMP) grafted poly(acryl acid) (PAA) ionic hydrophilic oligomer PAA-PTMP (PP) and dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA) grafted methoxypoly(ethylene glycol) (mPEG) nonionic hydrophilic oligomer mPEG-DHLA (PD) have been designed, synthesized and used as co-capping ligands in water-solubilization of hydrophobic quantum dots (QDs) via ligand exchange. The obtained oligomers with multi-thiol groups could bind strongly to the surface atoms of QDs. Meanwhile, the carboxyl groups (from PP) and mPEG segment (from PD) can render QDs water-soluble, and the free carboxylic groups can possibly be used for the further bioconjugation. The resulting water-soluble QDs have been characterized by ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis), fluorescence, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy as well as transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) techniques. The water-soluble QDs have relatively small hydrodynamic size (10[Formula: see text]12 nm), and importantly, retain high fluorescence quantum yields (up to 45%) compared with that of the originally hydrophobic QDs (49%). In addition, they have tunable surface charges and show excellent colloidal stability over a relatively broad pH range ([Formula: see text]), in high salt concentration, and even after thermal treatment at 100[Formula: see text]C. These results indicate that the water-soluble QDs coated by PP and PD oligomers have potential applications in cellular imaging and biosensor.
On n-quasi-m-isometric operators
Authors: Mecheri Salah , Prasad T.
Published: March 2016

We introduce the class of [Formula: see text]-quasi-[Formula: see text]-isometric operators on Hilbert space. This generalizes the class of [Formula: see text]-isometric operators on Hilbert space introduced by Agler and Stankus. An operator [Formula: see text] is said to be [Formula: see text]-quasi-[Formula: see text]-isometric if [Formula: see text] In this paper [Formula: see text] matrix representation of a [Formula: see text]-quasi-[Formula: see text]-isometric operator is given. Using this representation we establish some basic properties of this class of operators.
Surface pencils in Euclidean 4-space 𝔼4
Authors: Bulca Betul , Arslan Kadri
Published: March 2016

In this paper, we study the problem of constructing a family of surfaces (surface pencils) from a given curve in [Formula: see text]-dimensional Euclidean space [Formula: see text]. We have shown that the generalized rotation surfaces in [Formula: see text] are the special type of surface pencils. Further, the curvature properties of these surfaces are investigated. Finally, we give some examples of flat surface pencils in [Formula: see text].
Construction of non-isomorphic covering arrays
Authors: Torres-Jimenez Jose , Izquierdo-Marquez Idelfonso
Published: March 2016

A covering array CA([Formula: see text]) of strength [Formula: see text] and order [Formula: see text] is an [Formula: see text] array over [Formula: see text] with the property that every [Formula: see text] subarray covers all members of [Formula: see text] at least once. When the value of [Formula: see text] is the minimum possible it is named as the covering array number (CAN) i.e. [Formula: see text]. Two CAs are isomorphic if one of them can be derived from the other by a combination of a row permutation, a column permutation, and a symbol permutation in a subset of columns. Isomorphic CAs have equivalent coverage properties, and can be considered as the same CA; the truly distinct CAs are those which are non-isomorphic among them. An interesting and hard problem is to construct all the non-isomorphic CAs that exist for a particular combination of the parameters [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. We constructed the non-isomorphic CAs for 70 combinations of values of the parameters [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], the results allow us to determine CAN(3,13,2) =16, CAN(3,14,2) =16, CAN(3,15,2) =17, CAN(3,16,2) =17, and CAN(2,10,3) =14. The exact lower bound for these covering arrays numbers had not been determined before either by computational search or by algebraic analysis.
Modeling and Extended State Observer Based Dynamic Surface Control for Cold Rolling Mill System
Authors: Li Xu , Zhang Xin
Published: March 2016

The modeling and control problems are investigated for cold rolling mill system. Firstly, we establish a monitor automatic gauge control (MAGC) model for a practical cold rolling mill system. The new model is with mismatched uncertainties. Then, an extended state observer (ESO) is developed to estimate uncertainties. In the general high-order systems, the ESO is also used to estimate states. By dynamic surface control method, we design the controller to guarantee stabilization of the cold rolling mill system. Furthermore, we extend proposed method to general high-order systems, in which we analyze the difference from cold rolling mill system. Finally, simulation results for MAGC system are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy.
Peculiar Presentation of Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Ahmed Hamdy M. A. , Diab Amany , Ahmed Ayman , Abohamad Samar , Elgendy Hala
Published: March 2016

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory and recurrent disorder that is characterized by bowel inflammation. Among the extraintestinal manifestations (EIMs) that associate UC are the joints and renal manifestations. Joint affection in the form of arthritis can precede the intestinal manifestations of UC. However, renal affection with amyloidosis does not precede the UC diagnosis. Herein, we report a case of 26-year-old male diagnosed with UC after having peripheral arthritis for long time in addition to spondylitis and kidney amyloidosis.
Endogenous Generation of Singlet Oxygen and Ozone in Human and Animal Tissues: Mechanisms, Biological Significance, and Influence of Dietary Components
Authors: Onyango Arnold N.
Published: March 2016

Recent studies have shown that exposing antibodies or amino acids to singlet oxygen results in the formation of ozone (or an ozone‐like oxidant) and hydrogen peroxide and that human neutrophils produce both singlet oxygen and ozone during bacterial killing. There is also mounting evidence that endogenous singlet oxygen production may be a common occurrence in cells through various mechanisms. Thus, the ozone‐producing combination of singlet oxygen and amino acids might be a common cellular occurrence. This paper reviews the potential pathways of formation of singlet oxygen and ozone in vivo and also proposes some new pathways for singlet oxygen formation. Physiological consequences of the endogenous formation of these oxidants in human tissues are discussed, as well as examples of how dietary factors may promote or inhibit their generation and activity.
Hi-Speed USB Based Middleware for Integration of Real-Time Systems with the Cloud
Authors: Augustyn Jacek , Maślanka Paweł , Hamuda Grzegorz
Published: March 2016

An important aspect of realizations of the Internet of Things containing sophisticated sensors and actuators is their integration with the Cloud, by the use of a middleware. This integration results in handling streams of data produced by sensors as well as streams sent back to actuators. In cases for which both large streams and a short reaction time are required, a special real-time oriented approach is necessary to design and build an interconnecting middleware. This paper proposes a hybrid low-cost, low-power middleware architecture for handling and processing of sensor related data streams. It is based on two microprocessor boards interconnected by high speed USB link. Variants including three embedded hardware implementations of the proposed architecture, two software realizations (single and multithread ones), and two process scheduling algorithms have been examined to evaluate their real-time performances. Series of experiments have been performed in order to measure closed loop control times and sensor data streams achievable in practice. An outcome is presented and discussed in detail. Obtained results confirm that the proposed architecture can be applied as middleware to integrate such elements of Internet of Things as robots and similarly time-constrained systems with the Cloud. The results can serve as reference point in research and development of real-time middleware solutions.
A Meta-Analysis of Studies Evaluating Visual and Anatomical Outcomes in Patients with Treatment Resistant Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration following Switching to Treatment with Aflibercept
Authors: Seguin-Greenstein Sophie , Lightman Sue , Tomkins-Netzer Oren
Published: March 2016

With the introduction of aflibercept, eyes with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) not responding well to injections of ranibizumab or bevacizumab can be switched to treatment with aflibercept. We carried out a meta-analysis to analyze all available evidence of visual and anatomical outcomes of eyes with resistant neovascular AMD switched to aflibercept at six months. Data from seven retrospective and prospective studies looking at change in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT) were included. Weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% CI were estimated using the standardized mean change method. The overall results of the meta-analysis showed a small but statistically significant improvement in BCVA six months following treatment switch to aflibercept (WMD 0.142, 95% CI 0.006 to 0.28;p=0.04), and the effect was more significant in data gathered from prospective studies (WMD 0.407, 95% CI 0.023 to 0.791,p=0.038). There was a significant improvement in CRT following treatment switch to aflibercept (WMD −0.36, 95% CI −0.485 to −0.235;p<0.0001). Our meta-analysis indicates that following treatment switch to aflibercept patients may have a significant improvement in CRT with stabilization or even some improvement in their visual acuity.
Development and Validation of Chronopotentiometric Method for Imidacloprid Determination in Pesticide Formulations and River Water Samples
Authors: Đurović Ana , Stojanović Zorica , Kravić Snežana , Grahovac Nada , Bursić Vojislava , Vuković Gorica , Suturović Zvonimir
Published: March 2016

A new electrochemical method for determination of imidacloprid using chronopotentiometry on thin film mercury and glassy carbon electrode was presented. The most important experimental parameters of chronopotentiometry were examined and optimized with respect to imidacloprid analytical signal. Imidacloprid provided well-defined reduction peak in Britton-Robinson buffer on thin film mercury electrode at −1.0 V (versus Ag/AgCl (KCl, 3.5 mol/L)) and on glassy carbon electrode at −1.2 V (versus Ag/AgCl (KCl, 3.5 mol/L)). The reduction time was linearly proportional to concentrations from 0.8 to 30.0 mg/L on thin film mercury electrode and from 7.0 to 70.0 mg/L on glassy carbon electrode. The detection limits were 0.17 mg/L and 0.93 mg/L for thin film mercury and glassy carbon electrode, respectively. The estimation of method precision as a function of repeatability and reproducibility showed relative standard deviations values lower than 3.73%. Recovery values from 97.3 to 98.1% confirmed the accuracy of the proposed method, while the constancy of the transition time with deliberated small changes in the experimental parameters indicated a very good robustness. A minor influence of possible interfering compounds proved good selectivity of the method. Developed method was applied for imidacloprid determination in commercial pesticide formulations and river water samples.
Long-Term Dynamics of Urban Soil Pollution with Heavy Metals in Moscow
Authors: Kosheleva N. E. , Nikiforova E. M.
Published: March 2016

Results of 21-year-long (1989–2010) observations of the concentrations and the spatial distribution patterns of nine heavy metals (HMs) in topsoils of the Eastern district of Moscow are presented. The quantitative parameters of soil pollution include the annual increase rates of HM concentrations in several land-use zones. The maps of geochemical anomalies were compiled using the data collected in 1989, 2005, and 2010. The growth of the total volume of industrial and vehicles’ emissions between 1989 and 2005 caused significant deposition of Pb, Zn, Cu, and Cd. The additional input of Cd to the soils is attributed to the application of sewage sludge as fertilizers. The relative increment of concentrations was the highest for Pb, Co, Cu, Ni, and Cr. In 2005–2010, the relative annual increment rate was the highest for Cr, Cd, Co, and Ni, and it increased by an order of magnitude as compared to the previous period. By contrast, Pb and Cu concentrations decreased owing to the soil reclamation, the exclusion of leaded gasoline as a fuel for vehicles and closing some hazardous enterprises. Joint analysis of snow and soil geochemical maps allows identification of the zones of actual, permanent, and relict pollution.
Effects of Wutou Decoction on DNA Methylation and Histone Modifications in Rats with Collagen‐Induced Arthritis
Authors: Liu Ya-Fei , Wen Cai-Yu-Zhu , Chen Zhe , Wang Yu , Huang Ying , Hu Yong-Hong , Tu Sheng-Hao
Published: March 2016

Background. Wutou decoction (WTD) has been wildly applied in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and experimental arthritis in rats for many years. Epigenetic deregulation is associated with the aetiology of rheumatoid arthritis; however, the effects of WTD on epigenetic changes are unclear. This study is set to explore the effects of WTD on DNA methylation and histone modifications in rats with collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA). Methods. The CIA model was established by the stimulation of collagen and adjuvant. The knee synovium was stained with hematoxylin and eosin. The DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) and methylated CpG binding domain 2 (MBD2) expression of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were determined by Real‐Time PCR. The global DNA histone H3‐K4/H3‐K27 methylation and total histones H3 and H4 acetylation of PBMCs were detected. Results. Our data demonstrated that the DNMT1 mRNA expression was significantly lowered in group WTD compared to that in group CIA (P < 0.05). The DNA methylation level was significantly reduced in group WTD compared to that in group CIA (P < 0.05). Moreover, H3 acetylation of PBMCs was overexpressed in WTD compared with CIA (P < 0.05). Conclusions. WTD may modulate DNA methylation and histone modifications, functioning as anti‐inflammatory potential.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell‐Derived Microvesicles Support Ex Vivo Expansion of Cord Blood‐Derived CD34+ Cells
Authors: Xie Hui , Sun Li , Zhang Liming , Liu Teng , Chen Li , Zhao Aiqi , Lei Qian , Gao Fei , Zou Ping , Li Qiubai , Guo An-yuan , Chen Zhichao , Wang Hongxiang
Published: March 2016

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are known to support the characteristic properties of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) in the bone marrow hematopoietic microenvironment. MSCs are used in coculture systems as a feeder layer for the ex vivo expansion of umbilical cord blood (CB) to increase the relatively low number of HSPCs in CB. Findings increasingly suggest that MSC‐derived microvesicles (MSC‐MVs) play an important role in the biological functions of their parent cells. We speculate that MSC‐MVs may recapitulate the hematopoiesis‐supporting effects of their parent cells. In the current study, we found MSC‐MVs containing microRNAs that are involved in the regulation of hematopoiesis. We also demonstrated that MSC‐MVs could improve the expansion of CB‐derived mononuclear cells and CD34+ cells and generate a greater number of primitive progenitor cells in vitro. Additionally, when MSC‐MVs were added to the CB‐MSC coculture system, they could improve the hematopoiesis‐supporting effects of MSCs. These findings highlight the role of MSC‐MVs in the ex vivo expansion of CB, which may offer a promising therapeutic approach in CB transplantation.
Oblique Axis Body Fracture: An Unstable Subtype of Anderson Type III Odontoid Fractures—Apropos of Two Cases
Authors: Takai Hirokazu , Konstantinidis Lukas , Schmal Hagen , Helwig Peter , Knöller Stefan , Südkamp Norbert , Hauschild Oliver
Published: March 2016

Purpose. Anderson type III odontoid fractures have traditionally been considered stable and treated conservatively. However, unstable cases with unfavorable results following conservative treatment have been reported.Methods. We present the cases of two patients who sustained minimally displaced Anderson type III fractures with a characteristic fracture pattern that we refer to as “oblique type axis body fracture.”Results. The female patients aged 90 and 72 years, respectively, were both diagnosed with minimally displaced Anderson type III fractures. Both fractures had a characteristic “oblique type” fracture pattern. The first patient was treated conservatively with cervical spine immobilization in a semirigid collar. However, gross displacement was noted at the 6-week follow-up visit. The second patient was therefore treated operatively by C1–C3/4 posterior fusion and the course was uneventful.Conclusions. Oblique type axis body fractures resemble a highly unstable subtype of Anderson type III fractures with the potential of severe secondary deformity following conservative treatment, irrespective of initial grade of displacement. The authors therefore warrant a high index of suspicion for this injury and suggest early operative stabilization.
Stochastic Portfolio Selection Problem with Reliability Criteria
Authors: Meng Xiangsong , Yang Lixing
Published: March 2016

Portfolio selection focuses on allocating the capital to a set of securities such that the profit or the risks can be optimized. Due to the uncertainty of the real-world life, the return parameters always take uncertain information in the realistic environments because of the scarcity of the a priori knowledge or uncertain disturbances. This paper particularly considers a portfolio selection process in the stochastic environment, where the return parameters are characterized by sample-based correlated random variables. To decrease the decision risks, three evaluation criteria are proposed to generate the reliable portfolio selection plans, including max-min reliability criterion, percentile reliability criterion, and expected disutility criterion. The equivalent linear (mixed integer) programming models are also deduced for different evaluation strategies. A genetic algorithm with a polishing strategy is designed to search for the approximate optimal solutions of the proposed models. Finally, a series of numerical experiments are implemented to demonstrate the effectiveness and performance of the proposed approaches.
A Virtual Reality-Cycling Training System for Lower Limb Balance Improvement
Authors: Yin Chieh , Hsueh Ya-Hsin , Yeh Chun-Yu , Lo Hsin-Chang , Lan Yi-Ting
Published: March 2016

Stroke survivors might lose their walking and balancing abilities, but many studies pointed out that cycling is an effective means for lower limb rehabilitation. However, during cycle training, the unaffected limb tends to compensate for the affected one, which resulted in suboptimal rehabilitation. To address this issue, we present a Virtual Reality-Cycling Training System (VRCTS), which senses the cycling force and speed in real-time, analyzes the acquired data to produce feedback to patients with a controllable VR car in a VR rehabilitation program, and thus specifically trains the affected side. The aim of the study was to verify the functionality of the VRCTS and to verify the results from the ten stroke patients participants and to compare the result of Asymmetry Ratio Index (ARI) between the experimental group and the control group, after their training, by using the bilateral pedal force and force plate to determine any training effect. The results showed that after the VRCTS training in bilateral pedal force it had improved by 0.22 (p=0.046) and in force plate the stand balance has also improved by 0.29 (p=0.031); thus both methods show the significant difference.
An Improved Rigid Multibody Model for the Dynamic Analysis of the Planetary Gearbox in a Wind Turbine
Authors: Yang Wenguang , Jiang Dongxiang
Published: March 2016

This paper proposes an improved rigid multibody model for the dynamic analysis of the planetary gearbox in a wind turbine. The improvements mainly include choosing the inertia frame as the reference frame of the carrier, the ring, and the sun and adding a new degree of freedom for each planet. An element assembly method is introduced to build the model, and a time-varying mesh stiffness model is presented. A planetary gear study case is employed to verify the validity of the improved model. Comparisons between the improvement model and the traditional model show that the natural characteristics are very close; the improved model can obtain the right equivalent moment of inertia of the planetary gear in the transient simulation, and all the rotation speeds satisfy the transmission relationships well; harmonic resonance and resonance modulation phenomena can be found in their vibration signals. The improved model is applied in a multistage gearbox dynamics analysis to reveal the prospects of the model. Modal analysis and transient analysis with and without time-varying mesh stiffness considered are conducted. The rotation speeds from the transient analysis are consistent with the theory, and resonance modulation can be found in the vibration signals.
Molecular Basis of Valine-Citrulline-PABC Linker Instability in Site-Specific ADCs and Its Mitigation by Linker Design
Authors: Dorywalska Magdalena , Dushin Russell , Moine Ludivine , Farias Santiago E. , Zhou Dahui , Navaratnam Thayalan , Lui Victor , Hasa-Moreno Adela , Casas Meritxell Galindo , Tran Thomas-Toan , Delaria Kathy , Liu Shu-Hui , Foletti Davide , O'Donnell Christopher J. , Pons Jaume , Shelton David L. , Rajpal Arvind , Strop Pavel
Published: March 2016

The degree of stability of antibody–drug linkers in systemic circulation, and the rate of their intracellular processing within target cancer cells are among the key factors determining the efficacy of antibody–drug conjugates (ADC) in vivo. Previous studies demonstrated the susceptibility of cleavable linkers, as well as auristatin-based payloads, to enzymatic cleavage in rodent plasma. Here, we identify Carboxylesterase 1C as the enzyme responsible for the extracellular hydrolysis of valine-citrulline-p-aminocarbamate (VC-PABC)-based linkers in mouse plasma. We further show that the activity of Carboxylesterase 1C towards VC-PABC–based linkers, and consequently the stability of ADCs in mouse plasma, can be effectively modulated by small chemical modifications to the linker. While the introduced modifications can protect the VC-PABC–based linkers from extracellular cleavage, they do not significantly alter the intracellular linker processing by the lysosomal protease Cathepsin B. The distinct substrate preference of the serum Carboxylesterase 1C offers the opportunity to modulate the extracellular stability of cleavable ADCs without diminishing the intracellular payload release required for ADC efficacy. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(5); 958–70. ©2016 AACR.
Metachronous Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma and Kaposi Sarcoma of the Right Eyelid and Lacrimal Gland in a Patient with Granulomatous Common Variable Immunodeficiency
Authors: Stenton Sophie , Fernando Malee , Currie Zanna , Mudhar Hardeep Singh
Published: March 2016

Purpose: To describe the ophthalmic and histopathological features of a female with granulomatous common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) who presented with upper-lid swelling. Procedures: The patient underwent a biopsy of the right upper lid/palpebral lacrimal gland with imaging showing a left-sided nasopharyngeal mass, multiple lymph nodes within the mediastinum, bilateral lung nodules and a peritoneal nodule in the right iliac fossa. The right upper-lid swelling progressed and was subject to a second biopsy. Results: The first right upper-lid biopsy revealed a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), confirmed with clonal IgH gene rearrangement with PCR. The nasopharyngeal mass and lymph nodes were suspected clinically to be DLBCL. However, a biopsy of the nasopharyngeal mass showed Kaposi sarcoma (KS). The second biopsy of the right upper lid/palpebral lacrimal gland revealed KS with no evidence of DLBCL. Conclusion: This is the first documentation of periocular/orbital metachronous DLBCL and KS in a patient with granulomatous CVID. We discuss the role of fluctuating immunity in CVID to explain the spontaneous regression of the DLBCL and the varying clinical picture.
The Clinicopathologic Heterogeneity of Grade 3 Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: Morphological Differentiation and Proliferation Identify Different Prognostic Categories
Authors: Milione Massimo , Maisonneuve Patrick , Spada Francesca , Pellegrinelli Alessio , Spaggiari Paola , Albarello Luca , Pisa Eleonora , Barberis Massimo , Vanoli Alessandro , Buzzoni Roberto , Pusceddu Sara , Concas Laura , Sessa Fausto , Solcia Enrico , Capella Carlo , Fazio Nicola , La Rosa Stefano
Published: March 2016

Background/Aims: Gastroenteropancreatic (GEP) neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs) are defined as neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) with a Ki-67 index >20% according to the 2010 WHO classification. Some reports suggest that this category is heterogeneous. We retrospectively studied a series of 136 patients affected by grade 3 GEP-NECs with the aim to clarify the prognostic role of tumor morphological differentiation, proliferation, defect in mismatch repair proteins (MMRd), CD117 expression, and site of origin. The primary endpoint was the correlation between these parameters and the overall survival (OS). Methods: Univariate and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were used to assess the prognostic significance of various clinical and histopathologic features. Results: With a median follow-up of 81 months, the median OS was 12.9 months. At multivariate analysis, morphological differentiation, Ki-67 index, MMRd, stage, and CD117 expression were independent prognostic markers in NECs. Three different prognostic categories of NECs were identified according to the degree of morphologic differentiation (well vs. poorly differentiated) and Ki-67 index (<55% vs. ≥55%). On this basis, median OS was 43.6 months in well-differentiated neoplasms with a Ki-67 index 20-55% (named type A), 24.5 months in poorly differentiated neoplasms with a Ki-67 index 20-55% (type B), and 5.3 months (p < 0.0001) in poorly differentiated neoplasms with a Ki-67 index ≥55% (type C). Conclusions: The present study suggests that GEP-NECs represent a heterogeneous group of neoplasms which can be better classified in different prognostic categories using both tumor morphology and Ki-67 index.
The effect of beta-tricalcium phosphate on mechanical and thermal performances of poly(lactic acid)
Authors: Ferri JM , Gisbert I , García-Sanoguera D , Reig MJ , Balart R
Published: March 2016

Orthophosphates are bioactive crystals with similar structure, in terms of elemental composition and crystal nature, to human bone. In this work, biocomposite materials were prepared with poly(lactic acid) (PLA) as matrix, and beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) as osteoconductive filler by extrusion-compounding followed by conventional injection molding. The β-TCP load content was varied in the 10–40 wt% range and the influence of the β-TCP load on mechanical performance of PLA/β-TCP composites was evaluated. Mechanical properties of composites were obtained by standardized tensile, flexural, impact, and hardness tests. Thermal analysis of composites was carried out by means of differential scanning calorimetry; degradation at high temperatures was studied by thermogravimetric analysis; and the effect of the β-TCP load on dynamical response of composites was studied by mechanical thermal analysis in torsion mode. The best-balanced properties were obtained for PLA composites containing 30 wt% β-TCP with a remarkable increase in the Young’s modulus. These materials offer interesting properties to be used as base materials for medical applications such as interference screws due to high stiffness and mechanical resistance.
Fishing line artificial muscle reinforced composite for impact mitigation and on-demand damage healing
Authors: Zhang Pengfei , Li Guoqiang
Published: March 2016

In this study, a fishing line artificial muscle reinforced syntactic foam composite was investigated. About 3.5 vol.% of polymer artificial muscle was woven into a two-dimensional grid skeleton and embedded into a syntactic foam matrix. The grid-stiffened syntactic foam composite was designed to be able to repeatedly heal cracks on-demand. Short thermoplastic fibers were also dispersed into the foam matrix both as reinforcement and as a healing agent. The composite panel was repeatedly impacted, bending fractured, and healed as per the biomimetic close-then-heal strategy. It is found that the composite panel responds to impact quasi-statically. The impact- and bending-induced macroscopic cracks can be repeatedly healed with high healing efficiency, under both free and clamped boundary conditions. Contrary to most healing systems, the healing efficiency within the damage–healing cycles in this study increases as the damage-healing cycle increases. Because the artificial muscle is made of low-cost and high-strength fishing line, it is envisioned that the composite panel developed in this study may be a viable alternative core for healable lightweight composite sandwich structures at competitive cost.
Understanding the Lack of Parent–Child Value Similarity
Authors: Chan Hoi-Wing , Tam Kim-Pong
Published: March 2016

The parent–child value similarity is typically far from perfect. In this research, we propose that this phenomenon is attributable to the very first step in value socialization—parents’ selection of socialization values. The premise of this account is that parents consider not only values they personally endorse but also values they perceive to be normative in relevant societies when socializing children. Accordingly, parent–child similarity is not a necessary outcome of value socialization. We found supporting evidence to this account in a study of 94 immigrant mother–child dyads in Hong Kong. Our mother participants indeed referred to both their perceived value norms in the settlement society and the original society and their personal values when selecting socialization values. Also, the dual perceived value norms were to some extent internalized by their children. Furthermore, our mother participants’ degree of reference to value norms benefited their children’s psychosocial functioning. Specifically, participants who referred to the value norms in the settlement society to a larger extent had children with fewer adaptation difficulties, and participants who referred to the value norms in the original society had children with stronger identification with that society. Altogether, our findings indicate that investigating how parents select socialization values can illuminate our understanding of parent–child value similarity. Implications of these findings for the theoretical understanding of value socialization and children’s functioning are discussed.