bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gas and water permeability of concrete
Authors: Villar M. V. , Martín P. L. , Romero F. J. , Gutiérrez-Rodrigo V. , Barcala J. M.
Published: November 2014

Concrete is used as a barrier on surface or near-surface facilities for the final disposal of low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste, where gas can be generated and affect the hydraulic properties and the processes taking place in concrete. In this framework, gas-transport properties of concrete samples were investigated using two different laboratory test set-ups: a non-steady-state equipment working under low injection pressures; and a newly fine-tuned steady-state set-up working under different pressures.

Permeability decreased with water content increase but was also greatly affected by the hydraulic history of concrete (i.e. if it had been previously dried or wetted). The intrinsic permeability determined with gas flow was about two orders of magnitude higher than that determined with liquid water (10
−16
v. 10
−18
m
2
), probably due to the chemical reactions taking place during saturation (carbonation). The relative gas permeability of concrete increased sharply for water degrees of saturation smaller than 50%.

The boundary conditions also affected the gas permeability, which seemed to be mostly conditioned by the back pressure and the confining pressure, on the whole decreasing as the effective pressure increased. It is considered that the Klinkenberg effect was not relevant in the range of pressures applied.
EC FORGE project: updated consideration of gas generation and migration in the safety case
Authors: Norris Simon
Published: November 2014

A safety case for a geological disposal facility (GDF) is a set of claims concerning the environmental safety of the disposal of radioactive waste in a GDF, substantiated by a structured collection of arguments and evidence. Such a safety case needs to address environmental safety at the time of disposal and in the long term, after wastes have been emplaced and the facility has been closed.

Waste-derived gas generation and its subsequent migration is an important component of a safety case, and was the focus of research in the integrated, multidisciplinary, European Commission ‘
F
ate
O
f
R
epository
G
as
E
s’ project (FORGE) – a pan-European project with links to international radioactive waste management organizations, regulators and academia, specifically designed to tackle the key research issues associated with the generation and movement of repository gases. FORGE was targeted to address gas issues through a series of laboratory- and field-scale experiments, including the development of new methods for upscaling allowing the optimization of concepts through detailed scenario analysis.

This paper summarizes the overall understanding on the implications of gas generation and migration for the safety functions of the engineered barrier system (EBS) and the host rock, as informed by the output of the FORGE project. Achievements and recommendations from the FORGE project are noted, emphasizing that FORGE has provided confidence in the basic physical understanding and modelling approaches relevant to GDF-derived gas that can be applied for different concepts – such understanding, and the derived component and system models, can be used in a safety case to address regulatory guidance.
Geology and landscape in SW England in the late eighteenth century, as recorded in the travel journals of William George Maton (1774–1840)
Authors: Mather John D.
Published: November 2014

In the summer of 1794 William George Maton, together with his friends Charles Hatchett and Thomas Rackett, embarked on a tour into Cornwall visiting the more southerly parts of Dorset and Devon
en route
. Rackett and Maton completed a second tour two years later, covering the rest of Dorset and Devon together with Somerset. An account of the tours was subsequently published by Maton, providing a contemporary description of SW England during the latter part of the eighteenth century. This was perhaps the first description of the region by scientifically aware travellers. They explored valleys, descended mines, visited smelters and collected minerals and must be regarded as among the earliest geotourists. Many sites which they visited, such as Roche Rock in Cornwall, Kent's Cavern in Devon and Wookey Hole in Somerset, became major attractions for geoscientists in the following centuries. Discussions in the text suggest that the travellers looked at the rocks with neptunist eyes. Maton summarized the geological and mineralogical references on a map which used shading with lines rather than colour to differentiate individual strata. Although rudimentary and inaccurate, the map is of considerable historic importance.
A dynamic model of oxygen transport from capillaries to tissue with moving red blood cells
Authors: Lücker Adrien , Weber Bruno , Jenny Patrick
Published: November 2014

Most oxygen required to support the energy needs of vertebrate tissues is delivered by diffusion from microvessels. The presence of red blood cells (RBCs) makes blood flow in the microcirculation highly heterogeneous. Additionally, flow regulation mechanisms dynamically respond to changes in tissue energy demand. These spatiotemporal variations directly affect the supply of oxygen to parenchymal cells. Due to various limiting assumptions, current models of oxygen transport cannot fully capture the consequences of complex hemodynamic effects on tissue oxygenation and are often not suitable for studying unsteady phenomena. With our new approach based on moving RBCs, the impact of blood flow heterogeneity on oxygen partial pressure (Po2) in the tissue can be quantified. Oxygen transport was simulated using parachute-shaped solid RBCs flowing through a capillary. With the use of a conical tissue domain with radii 19 and 13 μm, respectively, our computations indicate that Po2 at the RBC membrane exceeds Po2 between RBCs by 30 mmHg on average and that the mean plasma Po2 decreases by 9 mmHg over 50 μm. These results reproduce well recent intravascular Po2 measurements in the rodent brain. We also demonstrate that instantaneous variations of capillary hematocrit cause associated fluctuations of tissue Po2. Furthermore, our results suggest that homogeneous tissue oxygenation requires capillary networks to be denser on venular side than on arteriolar side. Our new model for oxygen transport will make it possible to quantify in detail the effects of blood flow heterogeneity on tissue oxygenation in realistic capillary networks.
Measurement bias in activation-recovery intervals from unipolar electrograms
Authors: Western David , Hanson Ben , Taggart Peter
Published: November 2014

The activation-recovery interval (ARI) calculated from unipolar electrograms is regularly used as a convenient surrogate measure of local cardiac action potential durations (APD). This method enables important research bridging between computational studies and in vitro and in vivo human studies. The Wyatt method is well established as a theoretically sound method for calculating ARIs; however, some studies have observed that it is prone to a bias error in measurement when applied to positive T waves. This article demonstrates that recent theoretical and computational studies supporting the use of the Wyatt method are likely to have underestimated the extent of this bias in many practical experimental recording scenarios. This work addresses these situations and explains the measurement bias by adapting existing theoretical expressions of the electrogram to represent practical experimental recording configurations. A new analytic expression for the electrogram's local component is derived, which identifies the source of measurement bias for positive T waves. A computer implementation of the new analytic model confirms our hypothesis that the bias is systematically dependent on the electrode configuration. These results provide an aid to electrogram interpretation in general, and this work's outcomes are used to make recommendations on how to minimize measurement error.
Pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell endothelin-1 expression modulates the pulmonary vascular response to chronic hypoxia
Authors: Kim Francis Y. , Barnes Elizabeth A. , Ying Lihua , Chen Chihhsin , Lee Lori , Alvira Cristina M. , Cornfield David N.
Published: November 2014

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) increases pulmonary vascular tone through direct effects on pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMC) via membrane-bound ET-1 receptors. Circulating ET-1 contributes to vascular remodeling by promoting SMC proliferation and migration and inhibiting SMC apoptosis. Although endothelial cells (EC) are the primary source of ET-1, whether ET-1 produced by SMC modulates pulmonary vascular tone is unknown. Using transgenic mice created by crossbreeding SM22α-Cre mice with ET-1 flox/flox mice to selectively delete ET-1 in SMC, we tested the hypothesis that PASMC ET-1 gene expression modulates the pulmonary vascular response to hypoxia. ET-1 gene deletion and selective activity of SM22α promoter-driven Cre recombinase were confirmed. Functional assays were performed under normoxic (21% O2) or hypoxic (5% O2) conditions using murine PASMC obtained from ET-1+/+ and ET-1−/− mic and in human PASMC (hPASMC) after silencing of ET-1 using siRNA. Under baseline conditions, there was no difference in right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) between SM22α-ET-1−/− and SM22α-ET-1+/+ (control) littermates. After exposure to hypoxia (10% O2, 21–24 days), RVSP was and vascular remodeling were less in SM22α-ET-1−/− mice compared with control littermates ( P < 0.01). Loss of ET-1 decreased PASMC proliferation and migration and increased apoptosis under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. Exposure to selective ET-1 receptor antagonists had no effect on either the hypoxia-induced hPASMC proliferative or migratory response. SMC-specific ET-1 deletion attenuates hypoxia-induced increases in pulmonary vascular tone and structural remodeling. The observation that loss of ET-1 inhibited SMC proliferation, survival, and migration represents evidence that ET-1 derived from SMC plays a previously undescribed role in modulating the response of the pulmonary circulation to hypoxia. Thus PASMC ET-1 may modulate vascular tone independently of ET-1 produced by EC.
Hyperoxia-induced changes in estradiol metabolism in postnatal airway smooth muscle
Authors: Martin Yvette N. , Manlove Logan , Dong Jie , Carey William A. , Thompson Michael A. , Pabelick Christina M. , Pandya Hitesh C. , Martin Richard. J. , Wigle Dennis A. , Prakash Y. S.
Published: November 2014

Supplemental oxygen, used to treat hypoxia in preterm and term neonates, increases the risk of neonatal lung diseases, such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and asthma. There is a known sex predilection for BPD, but the underlying mechanisms are not clear. We tested the hypothesis that altered, local estradiol following hyperoxia contributes to pathophysiological changes observed in immature lung. In human fetal airway smooth muscle (fASM) cells exposed to normoxia or hyperoxia, we measured the expression of proteins involved in estrogen metabolism and cell proliferation responses to estradiol. In fASM cells, CYP1a1 expression was increased by hyperoxia, whereas hyperoxia-induced enhancement of cell proliferation was blunted by estradiol. Pharmacological studies indicated that these effects were attributable to upregulation of CYP1a1 and subsequent increased metabolism of estradiol to a downstream intermediate 2-methoxyestradiol. Microarray analysis of mouse lung exposed to 14 days of hyperoxia showed the most significant alteration in CYP1a1 expression, with minimal changes in expression of five other genes related to estrogen receptors, synthesis, and metabolism. Our novel results on estradiol metabolism in fetal and early postnatal lung in the context of hyperoxia indicate CYP1a1 as a potential mechanism for the protective effect of estradiol in hyperoxia-exposed immature lung, which may help explain the sex difference in neonatal lung diseases.
Identification of a conserved set of upregulated genes in mouse skeletal muscle hypertrophy and regrowth
Authors: Chaillou Thomas , Jackson Janna R. , England Jonathan H. , Kirby Tyler J. , Richards-White Jena , Esser Karyn A. , Dupont-Versteegden Esther E. , McCarthy John J.
Published: November 2014

The purpose of this study was to compare the gene expression profile of mouse skeletal muscle undergoing two forms of growth (hypertrophy and regrowth) with the goal of identifying a conserved set of differentially expressed genes. Expression profiling by microarray was performed on the plantaris muscle subjected to 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, and 14 days of hypertrophy or regrowth following 2 wk of hind-limb suspension. We identified 97 differentially expressed genes (≥2-fold increase or ≥50% decrease compared with control muscle) that were conserved during the two forms of muscle growth. The vast majority (∼90%) of the differentially expressed genes was upregulated and occurred at a single time point (64 out of 86 genes), which most often was on the first day of the time course. Microarray analysis from the conserved upregulated genes showed a set of genes related to contractile apparatus and stress response at day 1, including three genes involved in mechanotransduction and four genes encoding heat shock proteins. Our analysis further identified three cell cycle-related genes at day and several genes associated with extracellular matrix (ECM) at both days 3 and 10. In conclusion, we have identified a core set of genes commonly upregulated in two forms of muscle growth that could play a role in the maintenance of sarcomere stability, ECM remodeling, cell proliferation, fast-to-slow fiber type transition, and the regulation of skeletal muscle growth. These findings suggest conserved regulatory mechanisms involved in the adaptation of skeletal muscle to increased mechanical loading.
Molecular Insights into Pediatric Brain Tumors Have the Potential to Transform Therapy
Authors: Gajjar Amar , Pfister Stefan M. , Taylor Michael D. , Gilbertson Richard J.
Published: November 2014

High-throughput genomic technologies have shed light on the biologic heterogeneity of several pediatric brain tumors. The biology of the four common pediatric brain tumors—namely medulloblastoma; ependymoma; high-grade glioma (HGG), including diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma; and low-grade glioma—is highlighted in this CCR Focus article. The discovery that medulloblastoma consists of four different subgroups, namely WNT, SHH, Group 3, and Group 4, each with distinct clinical and molecular features, has affected the treatment of children with medulloblastoma. Prospective studies have documented the efficacy of SMO inhibitors in a subgroup of patients with SHH medulloblastoma. Efforts are ongoing to develop specific therapies for each of the subgroups of medulloblastoma. Similar efforts are being pursued for ependymoma, HGG, and diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma where the disease outcome for the latter two tumors has not changed over the past three decades despite several prospective clinical trials. Developing and testing targeted therapies based on this new understanding remains a major challenge to the pediatric neuro-oncology community. The focus of this review is to summarize the rapidly evolving understanding of the common pediatric brain tumors based on genome-wide analysis. These novel insights will add impetus to translating these laboratory-based discoveries to newer therapies for children diagnosed with these tumors.

See all articles in this CCR Focus section, “Discoveries, Challenges, and Progress in Primary Brain Tumors.”

Clin Cancer Res; 20(22); 5630–40. ©2014 AACR.
Inhibition of PI3Kβ Signaling with AZD8186 Inhibits Growth of PTEN-Deficient Breast and Prostate Tumors Alone and in Combination with Docetaxel
Authors: Hancox Urs , Cosulich Sabina , Hanson Lyndsey , Trigwell Cath , Lenaghan Carol , Ellston Rebecca , Dry Hannah , Crafter Claire , Barlaam Bernard , Fitzek Martina , Smith Paul D. , Ogilvie Donald , D'Cruz Celina , Castriotta Lillian , Wedge Stephen R. , Ward Lara , Powell Steve , Lawson Mandy , Davies Barry R. , Harrington Elizabeth A. , Foster Emily , Cumberbatch Marie , Green Stephen , Barry Simon T.
Published: November 2014

Loss of PTEN protein results in upregulation of the PI3K/AKT pathway, which appears dependent on the PI3Kβ isoform. Inhibitors of PI3Kβ have potential to reduce growth of tumors in which loss of PTEN drives tumor progression. We have developed a small-molecule inhibitor of PI3Kβ and PI3Kδ (AZD8186) and assessed its antitumor activity across a panel of cell lines. We have then explored the antitumor effects as single agent and in combination with docetaxel in triple-negative breast (TNBC) and prostate cancer models. In vitro, AZD8186 inhibited growth of a range of cell lines. Sensitivity was associated with inhibition of the AKT pathway. Cells sensitive to AZD8186 (GI50 < 1 μmol/L) are enriched for, but not exclusively associated with, PTEN deficiency. In vivo, AZD8186 inhibits PI3K pathway biomarkers in prostate and TNBC tumors. Scheduling treatment with AZD8186 shows antitumor activity required only intermittent exposure, and that increased tumor control is achieved when AZD8186 is used in combination with docetaxel. AZD8186 is a potent inhibitor of PI3Kβ with activity against PI3Kδ signaling, and has potential to reduce growth of tumors dependent on dysregulated PTEN for growth. Moreover, AZD8186 can be combined with docetaxel, a chemotherapy commonly used to treat advanced TBNC and prostate tumors. The ability to schedule AZD8186 and maintain efficacy offers opportunity to combine AZD8186 more effectively with other drugs. Mol Cancer Ther; 14(1); 48–58. ©2014 AACR.
The Clinical Indication and Feasibility of the Enhanced Recovery Protocol for Curative Gastric Cancer Surgery: Analysis of 147 Consecutive Experiences
Authors: Lee Junhyun , Jeon Haemyung
Published: November 2014

Background: Radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer is one of the most invasive procedures in gastrointestinal surgery. A few studies have found that an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol is useful in radical gastrectomy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the appropriate indication and feasibility of an ERAS protocol in radical gastrectomy. Methods: We studied the clinical characteristics in 147 patients managed with an ERAS protocol after radical gastrectomy. Of these patients, the protocol was completely applied to 99 (group I), meaning 48 patients (group II) did not complete the protocol. Results: The age and ECOG (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group) status of patients, extent of lymph node dissection, minilaparotomy and insertion of drains were significant influences on compliance to the ERAS protocol. Overall complication rates showed no difference between the two groups; however, local complications were more frequent in group II than group I. Regarding readmission rates within 30 days and after 30 days, there was no significant difference in the incidence and severity grades of causes of readmission between the two groups. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that an ERAS protocol is feasible and safely applicable without increasing the morbidity and readmission rate after radical gastrectomy if it is applied to patients with positive and less invasive procedures. i 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel
Spontaneous Pre-Existing Hypoxia Does Not Affect Brain Damage after Global Cerebral Ischaemia in Late-Gestation Fetal Sheep
Authors: Davidson Joanne O. , Yuill Caroline A. , Wassink Guido , Bennet Laura , Gunn Alistair J.
Published: November 2014

There is considerable evidence that a mild, non-injurious insult can protect (precondition) against a subsequent injurious insult. Typically, protection is seen when the gap between insults is several days to a week. However, the effect of mild but persistent hypoxia is unknown. In this study we examined the hypothesis that mild pre-existing hypoxia (PaO2 <17 mm Hg) would reduce neural injury in chronically instrumented late-gestation (0.85 gestation) fetal sheep exposed to 30 min of global cerebral ischaemia induced by bilateral carotid artery occlusion (normoxia: n = 9 vs. pre-existing hypoxia: n = 9) or normoxia plus sham ischaemia (sham controls: n = 9). Histopathology was assessed after 7 days of recovery. Fetuses with pre-existing hypoxia had lower PaO2 values (16.1 ± 0.6 vs. 26.0 ± 1.1 mm Hg) and were lighter at post-mortem (4,033 ± 412 vs. 5,261 ± 238 g) compared to normoxic fetuses. Cerebral ischaemia was associated with secondary cortical oedema and seizures, reduced final EEG power, loss of sleep state cycling, and significant loss of neurons and oligodendrocytes, with no significant effect of pre-existing hypoxia. Pre-existing hypoxia was associated with a significantly attenuated rise in mean arterial pressure between 18 and 36 h and slower resolution of cortical oedema between 96 and 150 h after ischaemia. These data suggest that chronic hypoxia is not associated with a significant preconditioning effect.
Genetic and Biological Effects of Sodium-Chloride Cotransporter (SLC12A3) in Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Abu Seman Norhashimah , He Bing , Ojala Juha R.M. , Wan Mohamud Wan Nazaimoon , Östenson Claes-GFran , Brismar Kerstin , Gu Harvest F.
Published: November 2014

Background/Aims: Solute carrier family 12 member 3 (SLC12A3) encodes a sodium/chloride transporter in kidneys. Previous reports suggest that Arg913Gln polymorphism in this gene is associated with diabetic nephropathy (DN), but the data appear to be inconsistent. Up to now, there is no biological evidence concerning the effects of SLC12A3 in DN. In this study, we aim to evaluate the genetic effects of the SLC12A3 gene and its Arg913Gln polymorphism with genetic and functional analyses. Methods: We genotyped SLC12A3 genetic polymorphisms including Arg913Gln in 784 non-diabetes controls and 633 type 2 diabetes (T2D) subjects with or without DN in a Malaysian population and performed a meta-analysis of the present and previous studies. We further analyzed the role of slc12a3 in kidney development and progress of DN in zebrafish and db/db mice. Results: We found that SLC12A3 Arg913Gln polymorphism was associated with T2D (p = 0.028, OR = 0.772, 95% CI = 0.612-0.973) and DN (p = 0.038, OR = 0.547, 95% CI = 0.308-0.973) in the Malaysian cohort. The meta-analysis confirmed the protective effects of SLC12A3 913Gln allele in DN (Z-value = -1.992, p = 0.046, OR = 0.792). Furthermore, with knockdown of zebrafish ortholog, slc12a3 led to structural abnormality of kidney pronephric distal duct at 1-cell stage. Slc12a3 mRNA and protein expression levels were upregulated in kidneys of db/db mice from 6, 12, and 26 weeks at the age. Conclusion: The present study provided the first biological and further genetic evidence that SLC12A3 has genetic susceptibility in the development of DN, while the minor 913Gln allele in this gene confers a protective effect in the disease. i 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel
Primary Cutaneous Amyloidoma: A Case Report
Authors: García Reitboeck Julia , Feldmann Robert , Loader Dagmara , Breier Friedrich , Steiner Andreas
Published: November 2014

Amyloidoma is defined as solitary, localized, tumor-like deposit of amyloid in diverse organs without evidence of systemic amyloidosis. Here we report the case of a 49-year-old male patient with a solitary amyloidoma of the skin seated on the left upper lip. Full medical examination showed no signs of systemic amyloidosis. The mass was removed surgically with tangential shave and so far no signs of recurrence have been found.
Phenomapping for Novel Classification of Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Shah Sanjiv J. , Katz Daniel H. , Selvaraj Senthil , Burke Michael A. , Yancy Clyde W. , Gheorghiade Mihai , Bonow Robert O. , Huang Chiang-Ching , Deo Rahul C.
Published: November 2014

Background—

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a heterogeneous clinical syndrome in need of improved phenotypic classification. We sought to evaluate whether unbiased clustering analysis using dense phenotypic data (phenomapping) could identify phenotypically distinct HFpEF categories.

Methods and Results—

We prospectively studied 397 patients with HFpEF and performed detailed clinical, laboratory, ECG, and echocardiographic phenotyping of the study participants. We used several statistical learning algorithms, including unbiased hierarchical cluster analysis of phenotypic data (67 continuous variables) and penalized model-based clustering, to define and characterize mutually exclusive groups making up a novel classification of HFpEF. All phenomapping analyses were performed by investigators blinded to clinical outcomes, and Cox regression was used to demonstrate the clinical validity of phenomapping. The mean age was 65±12 years; 62% were female; 39% were black; and comorbidities were common. Although all patients met published criteria for the diagnosis of HFpEF, phenomapping analysis classified study participants into 3 distinct groups that differed markedly in clinical characteristics, cardiac structure/function, invasive hemodynamics, and outcomes (eg, phenogroup 3 had an increased risk of HF hospitalization [hazard ratio, 4.2; 95% confidence interval, 2.0–9.1] even after adjustment for traditional risk factors [
P
<0.001]). The HFpEF phenogroup classification, including its ability to stratify risk, was successfully replicated in a prospective validation cohort (n=107).

Conclusions—

Phenomapping results in a novel classification of HFpEF. Statistical learning algorithms applied to dense phenotypic data may allow improved classification of heterogeneous clinical syndromes, with the ultimate goal of defining therapeutically homogeneous patient subclasses.
Lifestyle‐Based Prediction Model for the Prevention of CVD: The Healthy Heart Score
Authors: Chiuve Stephanie E. , Cook Nancy R. , Shay Christina M. , Rexrode Kathryn M. , Albert Christine M. , Manson JoAnn E. , Willett Walter C. , Rimm Eric B.
Published: November 2014

Background

Clinical practice focuses on the primary prevention of cardiovascular (CV) disease (
CVD)
through the modification and pharmacological treatment of elevated risk factors. Prediction models based on established risk factors are available for use in the primary prevention setting. However, the prevention of risk factor development through healthy lifestyle behaviors, or primordial prevention, is of paramount importance to achieve optimal population‐wide CV health and minimize long‐term
CVD
risk.

Methods and Results

We developed a lifestyle‐based
CVD
prediction model among 61 025 women in the Nurses’ Health Study and 34 478 men in the Health Professionals Follow‐up Study, who were free of chronic disease in 1986 and followed for ≤24 years. Lifestyle factors were assessed by questionnaires in 1986. In the derivation step, we used the Bayes Information Criterion to create parsimonious 20‐year risk prediction models among a random two thirds of participants in each cohort separately. The scores were validated in the remaining one third of participants in each cohort. Over 24 years, there were 3775 cases of
CVD
in women and 3506 cases in men. The Healthy Heart Score included age, smoking, body mass index, exercise, alcohol, and a composite diet score. In the validation cohort, the risk score demonstrated good discrimination (Harrell's C‐index, 0.72; 95% confidence interval [
CI],
0.71, 0.74 [women]; 0.77; 95%
CI,
0.76, 0.79 [men]), fit, and calibration, particularly among individuals without baseline hypertension or hypercholesterolemia.

Conclusions

The Healthy Heart Score accurately identifies individuals at elevated risk for
CVD
and may serve as an important clinical and public health screening tool for the primordial prevention of
CVD
.
The Case Law of the European Court of Justice on Access to Justice in the Aarhus Convention and Its Implications for Switzerland
Authors: Epiney Astrid , Pirker Benedikt
Published: November 2014

The present contribution assesses the case law of the European Court of Justice interpreting the provisions of the Aarhus Convention relating to access to justice. Cases have dealt with the temporal scope of application of provisions on access to justice, projects implemented by specific acts of national legislation and their exclusion from the obligations under the Convention, interim relief and the effet utile of provisions on access to justice, the range of possible pleas for judicial review, the role of procedural errors, permissible costs of proceedings, access to justice for environmental associations under different provisions of the Convention and the annulment of a permit and its relationship with the right to property. As is also shown, this case law is at the same time relevant – though not binding – for Switzerland as a non-eu Member State, but party to the Convention.
Distinctive Roles of Air–Sea Coupling on Different MJO Events: A New Perspective Revealed from the DYNAMO/CINDY Field Campaign*
Authors: Fu Xiouhua , Wang Wanqiu , Lee June-Yi , Wang Bin , Kikuchi Kazuyoshi , Xu Jingwei , Li Juan , Weaver Scott
Published: November 2014

Previous observational analysis and modeling studies indicate that air–sea coupling plays an essential role in improving MJO simulations and extending MJO forecasting skills. However, whether the SST feedback plays an indispensable role for the existence of the MJO remains controversial, and the precise physical processes through which the SST feedback may lead to better MJO simulations and forecasts remain elusive.

The DYNAMO/Cooperative Indian Ocean Experiment on Intraseasonal Variability in the Year 2011 (CINDY) field campaign recently completed over the Indian Ocean reveals a new perspective and provides better data to improve understanding of the MJO. It is found that among the five MJO events that occurred during the DYNAMO/CINDY field campaign, only two MJO events (the November and March ones) have robust SST anomalies associated with them. For the other three MJO events (the October, December, and January ones), no coherent SST anomalies are observed. This observational scenario suggests that the roles of air–sea coupling on the MJO vary greatly from event to event.

To elucidate the varying roles of air–sea coupling on different MJO events, a suite of hindcast experiments was conducted with a particular focus on the October and November MJO events. The numerical results confirm that the October MJO is largely controlled by atmospheric internal dynamics, while the November MJO is strongly coupled with underlying ocean. For the November MJO event, the positive SST anomalies significantly improve MJO forecasting by enhancing the response of a Kelvin–Rossby wave couplet, which prolongs the feedback between convection and large-scale circulations, and thus favors the development of stratiform rainfall, in turn, facilitating the production of eddy available potential energy and significantly amplifying the intensity of the model November MJO.
Relationship of apelin, procalcitonin, and fetuin-A concentrations with carotid intima-media thickness in acromegaly
Authors: Topsakal S , Akin F , Turgut S , Yaylali GF , Herek D , Ayada C
Published: November 2014

Background

Acromegaly is characterized by excess growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1 concentrations. There is conflicting evidence as to whether acromegaly is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis. Apelin is an adipose tissue-derived peptide that may be associated with hyperinsulinemia. Fetuin-A is a hepatocyte produced plasma glycoprotein that has an important role as a calcification inhibitor. The aim of this study was to examine apelin, fetuin-A, and procalcitonin concentrations and to assess their relationship with carotid intima medial thickness (cIMT) in subjects with acromegaly.

Methods

Apelin, fetuin-A, and procalcitonin serum concentrations were measured in 37 (20 inactive and 17 active) subjects with acromegaly and 30 control subjects, along with carotid intima medial thickness.

Results

The concentrations of apelin, fetuin-A, and procalcitonin were increased in subjects with acromegaly. There were significant correlations between apelin, fetuin-A, and procalcitonin in subjects with acromegaly. Carotid intima medial thickness values were similar between control subjects and subjects with acromegaly.

Conclusions

Carotid intima medial thickness was not increased in subjects with acromegaly. It is possible that the increased apelin and fetuin-A concentrations observed play a protective role against the development of atherosclerosis in subjects with acromegaly.
Risk Factors Associated With Abscess Formation in Children 5 Years of Age and Younger
Authors: Agrawal Vaidehi , Wright Avery , Mehta Brinda , Zhu Chunxiao , Lindholm Erin , Lee Yong-Woo , Emran Mohammad Ali
Published: November 2014

From 1997 to 2009, hospitalization rates have doubled for pediatric patients with soft tissue abscesses requiring incision and drainage. Despite this increasing national burden, few studies have been conducted to identify the risk factors associated with abscess formation. Our study evaluates a collection of physiological and lifestyle parameters that may serve as risk factors for abscess formation among pediatric patients 5 years of age or younger. Our results indicate family history and age 2 years and younger are associated with higher risk of abscess formation. Furthermore, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus were prevalent pathogens associated with abscess in our study group. Pediatricians may employ these novel parameters to educate parents and/or guardians of high-risk groups on preventing abscess formation to alleviate the burden of incision & dragining requiring abscess on health care costs.
Waist Circumference to Height Ratio in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Mehta Sudhir Ken
Published: November 2014

Background. Waist circumference (WC) to height ratio (WC/HT) is used as a measure of central obesity. However, the optimum ratio that will separate populations with high from low cardiovascular risk remains controversial. This investigation evaluates an optimum WC/HT value to define central obesity in children. Methods. The sensitivity and specificity of WC/HT in 649 children (age 2-18 years) without evidence of heart disease were analyzed for WC and for body mass index (BMI). Results. A WC/HT ≥0.5 resulted in sensitivity:specificity of 99%:72% for detecting central obesity and 83%:77% for detecting overweight (BMI ≥85th percentile) subjects. A value of WC/HT ≥0.55 yielded sensitivity:specificity of 80%:96% for detecting central obesity and 75%:94% for detecting subjects with obesity (BMI ≥95th percentile). Conclusions. The use of WC/HT between ≥0.5 and <0.55 identified subjects at-risk for central obesity and WC/HT ≥0.55 identified central obesity with a high probability.
An Experimental Evaluation of the Impact of Intensive Supervision on the Recidivism of High-Risk Probationers
Authors: Hyatt Jordan M. , Barnes Geoffrey C.
Published: November 2014

This article reports the results of an experimental evaluation of the impact of Intensive Supervision Probation (ISP) on probationer recidivism. Participants, who were assessed at an increased likelihood of committing serious crimes and not ordered to specialized supervision, were randomly assigned to ISP ( n = 447) or standard probation ( n = 385). ISP probationers received more restrictive supervision and experienced more office contacts, home visitations, and drug screenings. After 12 months, there was no difference in offending. This equivalence holds across multiple types of crimes, including violent, non-violent, property, and drug offenses, as well as in a survival analysis conducted for each offense type. ISP probationers absconded from supervision, were charged with technical violations, and were incarcerated at significantly higher rates. Policy implications for these results are discussed.
Anomalous behavior of thermal stability of amino-carbon nanotube–epoxy nanocomposite
Authors: Cividanes Luciana S , Simonetti Evelyn AN , Campos Tiago MB , Bettoni Thelmo S , Brunelli Deborah D , Thim Gilmar P
Published: November 2014

Carbon nanotube–epoxy nanocomposite was obtained using amino-carbon nanotube and its thermal stability was compared with neat resin. The results showed that at lower temperatures (below 360℃), nanocomposite is more stable than neat resin. However, at higher temperatures (above 380℃), the contrary was observed: neat resin is more stable. In order to understand this anomalous behavior, a complete kinetic study of the cure process was performed. The precure degree of the nanocomposite was higher than that of the neat resin. However, both samples showed virtually the same final cure degree. The cure heat and activation energy were very similar for both samples. Nevertheless, the difference in thermal stability between nanocomposite and neat resin is not related to the cure process. This behavior must be associated with the good adhesion of amino-carbon nanotube–epoxy and to the presence of the functional groups linked to the carbon nanotube surface, especially oxygen molecules.
Socioeconomic Inequality and Caries
Authors: Schwendicke F. , Dörfer C.E. , Schlattmann P. , Page L. Foster , Thomson W.M. , Paris S.
Published: November 2014

Dental caries is the most prevalent disease worldwide, with the majority of caries lesions being concentrated in few, often disadvantaged social groups. We aimed to systematically assess current evidence for the association between socioeconomic position (SEP) and caries. We included studies investigating the association between social position (determined by own or parental educational or occupational background, or income) and caries prevalence, experience, or incidence. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for observational studies. Reported differences between the lowest and highest SEP were assessed and data not missing at random imputed. Random-effects inverse-generic meta-analyses were performed, and subgroup and meta-regression analyses were used to control for possible confounding. Publication bias was assessed via funnel plot analysis and the Egger test. From 5539 screened records, 155 studies with mostly low or moderate quality evaluating a total of 329,798 individuals were included. Studies used various designs, SEP measures, and outcome parameters. Eighty-three studies found at least one measure of caries to be significantly higher in low-SEP compared with high-SEP individuals, while only 3 studies found the opposite. The odds of having any caries lesions or caries experience (decayed missing filled teeth [DMFT]/dmft > 0) were significantly greater in those with low own or parental educational or occupational background or income (between odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 1.21 [1.03–1.41] and 1.48 [1.34–1.63]. The association between low educational background and having DMFT/dmft > 0 was significantly increased in highly developed countries ( R2 = 1.32 [0.53–2.13]. Publication bias was present but did not significantly affect our estimates. Due to risk of bias in included studies, the available evidence was graded as low or very low. Low SEP is associated with a higher risk of having caries lesions or experience. This association might be stronger in developed countries. Established diagnostic and treatment concepts might not account for the unequal distribution of caries (registered with PROSPERO [CRD42013005947]).
Taiwanese Students’ Experiences and Attitudes towards English-Medium Courses in Tertiary Education
Authors: Yeh Chun-Chun
Published: November 2014

The recent trend of university internationalization has seen a rapid increase of English as medium of instruction (EMI) courses in Taiwanese tertiary education. Yet, few large-scale studies have been conducted to investigate student learning in EMI courses. This study surveyed 476 students from 25 EMI courses at six universities in Taiwan to probe their learning experiences and general attitudes towards EMI courses. Results revealed that the instructor exerted an important influence on students’ course selection, while seeking English improvement was the second highest-rated reason for enrolling in EMI courses. Students generally reported their learning in EMI courses as satisfactory, though some of them attributed their learning difficulties to their own insufficient English competence. To compensate for comprehension problems, students tended to adopt cognitive learning strategies such as concentrating and taking notes in class. Finally, the survey of student attitudes towards EMI suggested that students generally agreed with its broadly touted benefits, such as boosting English ability, facilitating students’ employability and further studies, and enhancing the competitive edge of Taiwan. Analysis into students’ affective responses also indicated their fairly positive attitudes towards EMI courses. Three implications are drawn based on the findings.
Shipwrecked Sovereignty
Authors: Winter Yves , Chambers-Letson Joshua
Published: November 2014

In 2007, a private corporation specializing in deep-sea salvage retrieved a treasure-laden shipwreck in international waters southwest of the Iberian Peninsula. The wreck was that of a Spanish warship that sunk during the Napoleonic wars. Following the discovery, a legal dispute arose in U.S. federal courts, between the corporate salvors, the Kingdom of Spain, and other litigants. At issue in the legal proceedings was the status of the shipwreck and whether it was protected by sovereign immunity. At the heart of this case are differing political imaginations concerning the authority of states and the role of corporations in the contemporary global order. Through a close reading of court documents and the narratives in which the courts’ rulings are embedded, we demonstrate that the case is symptomatic of the tension in neoliberal sovereignty between two overlapping and at times competing political rationalities: the neoliberal logic of capital and commerce and the logic of sovereign prerogative.
Decoupling control for a three-axis inertially stabilized platform used for aerial remote sensing
Authors: Zhou Xiangyang , Gong Guohao , Li Jianping , Zhang Hongyan , Yu Ruixia
Published: November 2014

A three-axis inertially stabilized platform (ISP) is an important component in an aerial remote sensing system, used for isolating the influences of various disturbances on imaging sensors. In order to deal with the coupling torques and improve the control precision of the ISP, a decoupling control method based on feedforward compensation is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the kinematic and dynamic model of three-axis ISP is developed by using a Lagrange equation. Then, the coupling effects among the three gimbals and base are analysed. Depending on the analysis of the model, the major coupling components are obtained and the dynamic model is simplified. Finally, a decoupling controller based on the feedforward compensation method is designed and applied to the ISP control system. Simulation and experimental results show that the stability and precision of the ISP are effectively improved.
Quantitative estimation of improvements in the efficiency of district heating substation control system
Authors: Martinaitis V , Biekša D , Rogoža A , Savickas R
Published: November 2014

Evaluation of energy performance of buildings is becoming increasingly applicable and constantly requires more and more precise forecasting of energy savings, which could be further interpreted in the economic evaluations of building renovation. Despite the development of a wide range of energy auditing methodologies and software tools, one important component has still not garnered enough attention and has no quantitative evaluation method. This component is energy savings attributed to improved performance of the heating control system. Currently, these savings are evaluated on the basis of arbitrary indices that have been extrapolated from real modernization projects. This approach is simplification and usually has no actual energy savings estimations. This article presents a method for the evaluation of energy savings attributed to improved performance of the district heating substation control system. The idea is based on employing the specific heat losses ( H) of a building. Theoretically, the evaluated H values represent ideal work performance of the heating control system and the actual collected data represent the current state of efficiency of the control system. The estimation of possible energy saving potential between ideal and actual H values results in quantitative energy savings due to the improved performance of the heating control system. This article presents in detail the method application sequence. It provides additional explanation on actual data processing mechanisms by applying regression analysis in order to determine base temperature and accumulated duration curves.

Practical application : None of the energy audit methodologies or software tools answer the question on the amount of energy that can be saved due to improved performance of the heating control system. The method presented in this article is simple, saves on time and enables energy auditors to have a quantifiably based groundwork for estimation of possible energy savings attributed to improved performance of the heating control system.
Effect of the cognitive-motor dual-task using auditory cue on balance of surviviors with chronic stroke: a pilot study
Authors: Choi Wonjae , Lee GyuChang , Lee Seungwon
Published: November 2014

Objective:

To investigate the effect of a cognitive-motor dual-task using auditory cues on the balance of patients with chronic stroke.

Design:

Randomized controlled trial.

Setting:

Inpatient rehabilitation center.

Subjects:

Thirty-seven individuals with chronic stroke.

Interventions:

The participants were randomly allocated to the dual-task group ( n=19) and the single-task group ( n=18). The dual-task group performed a cognitive-motor dual-task in which they carried a circular ring from side to side according to a random auditory cue during treadmill walking. The single-task group walked on a treadmill only. All subjects completed 15 min per session, three times per week, for four weeks with conventional rehabilitation five times per week over the four weeks.

Main measures:

Before and after intervention, both static and dynamic balance were measured with a force platform and using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test.

Results:

The dual-task group showed significant improvement in all variables compared to the single-task group, except for anteroposterior (AP) sway velocity with eyes open and TUG at follow-up: mediolateral (ML) sway velocity with eye open (dual-task group vs. single-task group: 2.11 mm/s vs. 0.38 mm/s), ML sway velocity with eye close (2.91 mm/s vs. 1.35 mm/s), AP sway velocity with eye close (4.84 mm/s vs. 3.12 mm/s). After intervention, all variables showed significant improvement in the dual-task group compared to baseline.

Conclusion:

The study results suggest that the performance of a cognitive-motor dual-task using auditory cues may influence balance improvements in chronic stroke patients.