bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE CONTAGIOUS POWER OF INNOVATIVENESS: HOW DIFFERENT CORPORATE PARTNERS CONTRIBUTE TO A FIRM'S KNOWLEDGE
Authors: MOOS BERNHARD , WAGNER HEINZ-THEO , BEIMBORN DANIEL , WEITZEL TIM
Published: July 2015

As innovation is often created in networks, a company's business partners influence its innovative outcome. Although many studies investigate innovation networks as a means to explore and exploit external knowledge, virtually no research has focused on the characteristics of external partners — in particular their innovativeness. This study considers axial and lateral corporate partners and investigates the differential impact of the partners' innovativeness on a company's knowledge stocks (market, technological, organisational, process, and product knowledge).

Drawing on the literature on inter-organisational networks and using survey data from the manufacturing industry, the results extend theory by revealing that not only relationships with partners but also their properties — partner innovativeness — are important for a company's knowledge stock. In essence our results suggest that the innovativeness of a firm's axial and lateral partners positively yet diversely influences its various knowledge stocks.
SIMILAR, YET DIFFERENT: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE ROLE OF TRUST IN RADICAL AND INCREMENTAL PRODUCT INNOVATION
Authors: BRATTSTRÖM ANNA , LÖFSTEN HANS , RICHTNÉR ANDERS
Published: July 2015

Trust within teams is a central performance driver in product innovation. In this paper, we examine the antecedents to and performance implications of trust in firms engaged in radical innovation compared to those working towards incremental innovations. Our findings suggest that systematic processes and structures are significantly linked to trust in firms conducting radical innovation, but not so in firms conducting incremental innovation. Our findings also indicate that trust is significantly linked to business performance in radical innovation firms, although we do not find that the link between trust and performance is stronger for radical innovation firms, compared to incremental innovation firms. A central contribution of our study is therefore a better understanding of how trust operates differently in radical innovation firms, compared to incremental innovation firms. Our findings are of interest to research on radical innovation management, as well as to researchers studying the role of trust in a context of product innovation.
EXPLORING THE PRODUCT INNOVATION OUTCOMES OF CORPORATE CULTURE AND EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
Authors: STOCK RUTH MARIA , SCHNARR NILS LENNART
Published: July 2015

Corporate culture and top executives’ leadership behaviour both may drive firm innovativeness. However, resource constraints often force firms to specify one source to spread an innovation orientation. Innovation-oriented corporate culture reflects the values, norms, and artifacts shared by a large set of organisational members; conventional wisdom implies that it fosters innovativeness. In contrast, top executives’ leadership behaviour drives innovations from the top; its influence on product innovation outcomes remains uncertain. This study examines the relative impact of innovation-oriented corporate culture and top executives’ transformational leadership on new product frequency. In so doing, it complements the commonly applied resource-based perspective with an upper echelons perspective, emphasizing top executives as the most important predictors of the firm’s strategic actions. Relying on dyadic data from 136 top executives and 414 subordinates, the results show that an innovation-oriented corporate culture is more effective in enhancing the frequency of new product introductions than top executives’ transformational leadership.
Dynamics of SVEIS epidemic model with distinct incidence
Authors: Nyamoradi N. , Javidi M. , Ahmad B.
Published: July 2015

In this paper, we study the global dynamics of a SVEIS epidemic model with distinct incidence for exposed and infectives. The model is analyzed for stability and bifurcation behavior. To account for the realistic phenomenon of non-homogeneous mixing, the effect of diffusion on different population subclasses is considered. The diffusive model is analyzed using matrix stability theory and conditions for Turing bifurcation are derived. Numerical simulations support our analytical results on the dynamic behavior of the model.
文化地景创造与社群历史意识
Authors: 徐 雨村
Published: July 2015

在许多富含历史遗迹的马来西亚城市，例如槟城与马六甲，申请文化遗产蔚为风潮。然而，在欠缺文化史迹的城市，人们会如何建构他们的文化遗产？在马来西亚砂拉越州的诗巫市，华人社群呼应自1980年代以来的全马来西亚华人意识抬头风潮，一向有意识地重新省思与建构自身的历史，并由华人社团联合会担当提升华人意识的责任，曾主办两届马来西亚华人文化节，并以砂拉越州的华人文化堡垒自居。实质上，2001年以来诗巫推动的纪念公园计划，反映着随着全球化的脚步以及文化资产运动风潮，祖居地意识却有不降反升之势。各乡属群体（方言群）透过纪念公园计划，再度阐释各自的历史，具象化其历史表述。诗巫的华人社群并非永远处于边缘位置，而是有可能反转地位，成为祖居地及马国华人重新思索自身文化传统的核心。创造文化地景并非全然为了促进观光，历史意识的重新塑造本身可能就是核心的目标。
Computational prediction of electrical and thermal conductivities of disklike particulate composites
Authors: Qiu J. , Yi Y. B. , Guo X.
Published: July 2015

The effective conductivities are determined for randomly oriented disklike particles using an efficient computational algorithm based on the finite element method. The pairwise intersection criteria of disks are developed using a set of vector operations. An element partition scheme has been implemented to connect the elements on different disks across the lines of intersection. The computed conductivity is expressed as a function of the disk density and size. It is further expressed in a power-law form with the key parameters determined from curve fitting. The particle number and the trial number of simulations vary with the disk size to minimize the computational effort in search of the percolation paths. The estimated percolation threshold agrees very well with the result reported in the literature. It has been confirmed that the statistical invariant for percolation is a cubic function of the characteristic size, and that the definition of percolation threshold is consistent with that of the equivalent system containing spherical particles. Binary dispersions of disks of different radii have also been investigated to study the effect of the size distribution. The approximate solutions in the power-law function have potential applications in advanced composites with embedded graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs).
The Macro Path of China's Low-Carbon Urbanization
Authors: PAN Jiahua , LIANG Benfan , XIONG Na , QI Guozhan
Published: July 2015

The continuing and the massive urbanization and citizenization have been the persistent and immense impetus for China's economic growth and industrial upgrading. This paper analyzes the low-carbon challenges of China's urbanization and the macro connotation of low-carbon urbanization, and explores the macro path of China's low-carbon urbanization.
Stochastic simulation framework for the limit order book using liquidity-motivated agents
Authors: Panayi Efstathios , Peters Gareth W.
Published: July 2015

In this paper, we develop a new form of simulation model for limit order books based on heterogeneous trading agents, whose motivations are liquidity driven. These agents are abstractions of real market participants, expressed in a stochastic model framework. We develop an efficient way to perform statistical calibration of the model parameters on Level 2 limit order book data from Chi-X, based on a combination of indirect inference and multi-objective optimization. We then demonstrate how such a modeling framework can be of use in testing exchange regulations, as well as informing brokerage decisions and other trading based scenarios.
Option pricing via radial basis functions: Performance comparison with traditional numerical integration scheme and parameters choice for a reliable pricing
Authors: Giribone Pier Giuseppe , Ligato Simone
Published: July 2015

This paper aims to examine how the radial basis function (RBF) technique works in the financial field, to compare the RBF performance with the results obtained with traditional methods (FDM, FEM), to choose the more suitable radial basis function to solve option pricing and to explain how its shape parameters can be set. It is crucial to set properly the shape parameter for the precision of the method and ultimately for the determination of the derivatives fair-value. Applying a maximum likelihood estimation (MLE), the authors propose a financial approach for its evaluation based on market/theoretical prices calibration.
Computational Modeling of Multiphase Reactors
Authors: Joshi J.B. , Nandakumar K.
Published: July 2015

Multiphase reactors are very common in chemical industry, and numerous review articles exist that are focused on types of reactors, such as bubble columns, trickle beds, fluid catalytic beds, etc. Currently, there is a high degree of empiricism in the design process of such reactors owing to the complexity of coupled flow and reaction mechanisms. Hence, we focus on synthesizing recent advances in computational and experimental techniques that will enable future designs of such reactors in a more rational manner by exploring a large design space with high-fidelity models (computational fluid dynamics and computational chemistry models) that are validated with high-fidelity measurements (tomography and other detailed spatial measurements) to provide a high degree of rigor. Understanding the spatial distributions of dispersed phases and their interaction during scale up are key challenges that were traditionally addressed through pilot scale experiments, but now can be addressed through advanced modeling.
Modulation of the Translational Landscape During Herpesvirus Infection
Authors: Glaunsinger Britt A.
Published: July 2015

Herpesviral mRNAs are produced and translated by cellular machinery, rendering them susceptible to the network of regulatory events that impact translation. In response, these viruses have evolved to infiltrate and hijack translational control pathways as well as to integrate specialized host translation strategies into their own repertoire. They are robust systems to dissect mechanisms of mammalian translational regulation and continue to offer insight into cis-acting mRNA features that impact assembly and activity of the translation apparatus. Here, I discuss recent advances revealing the extent to which the three herpesvirus subfamilies regulate both host and viral translation, thereby dramatically impacting the landscape of protein synthesis in infected cells.
Motor patterns of the small intestine explained by phase-amplitude coupling of two pacemaker activities: the critical importance of propagation velocity
Authors: Huizinga Jan D. , Parsons Sean P. , Chen Ji-Hong , Pawelka Andrew , Pistilli Marc , Li Chunpei , Yu Yuanjie , Ye Pengfei , Liu Qing , Tong Mengting , Zhu Yong Fang , Wei Defei
Published: July 2015

Phase-amplitude coupling of two pacemaker activities of the small intestine, the omnipresent slow wave activity generated by interstitial cells of Cajal of the myenteric plexus (ICC-MP) and the stimulus-dependent rhythmic transient depolarizations generated by ICC of the deep muscular plexus (ICC-DMP), was recently hypothesized to underlie the orchestration of the segmentation motor pattern. The aim of the present study was to increase our understanding of phase-amplitude coupling through modeling. In particular the importance of propagation velocity of the ICC-DMP component was investigated. The outcome of the modeling was compared with motor patterns recorded from the rat or mouse intestine from which propagation velocities within the different patterns were measured. The results show that the classical segmentation motor pattern occurs when the ICC-DMP component has a low propagation velocity (<0.05 cm/s). When the ICC-DMP component has a propagation velocity in the same order of magnitude as that of the slow wave activity (∼1 cm/s), cluster type propulsive activity occurs which is in fact the dominant propulsive activity of the intestine. Hence, the only difference between the generation of propagating cluster contractions and the Cannon-type segmentation motor pattern is the propagation velocity of the low-frequency component, the rhythmic transient depolarizations originating from the ICC-DMP. Importantly, the proposed mechanism explains why both motor patterns have distinct rhythmic waxing and waning of the amplitude of contractions. The hypothesis is brought forward that the velocity is modulated by neural regulation of gap junction conductance within the ICC-DMP network.
Limb suction evoked during arterial occlusion causes systemic sympathetic activity in humans
Authors: Cui Jian , Blaha Cheryl , Herr Michael D. , Drew Rachel C. , Muller Matthew D. , Sinoway Lawrence I.
Published: July 2015

Venous saline infusions in an arterially occluded forearm evokes reflex increases in muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) and blood pressure (BP). We hypothesized that the application of suction to the human limbs would activate this venous distension reflex and raise sympathetic outflow. We placed airtight pressure tanks and applied 100 mmHg negative pressure to an arterially occluded limb (occlusion and suction, O&S) to induce tissue deformation without fluid translocation. BP, heart rate (HR), and MSNA were assessed in 19 healthy subjects during 2 min of arm or leg O&S. Occlusion without suction served as a control. During a separate visit, saline (5% forearm volume) was infused into veins of the arterially occluded arm ( n = 13). The O&S increased limb circumference, MSNA burst rate (arm: Δ6.7 ± 0.7; leg: Δ6.8 ± 0.7 bursts/min), and total activity (arm: Δ199 ± 14; leg: Δ172 ± 22 units/min) and BP (arm: Δ4.3 ± 0.3; leg: Δ9.4 ± 1.4 mmHg) from the baseline. The MSNA and BP responses during arm O&S correlated with those during leg O&S. Occlusion alone had no effect on MSNA and BP. MSNA ( r = 0.607) responses during arm O&S correlated with those evoked by the saline infusion into the arm. These correlations suggest that sympathetic activation during limb O&S is likely, at least partially, to be evoked via the venous distension reflex. These data suggest that suction of an occluded limb evokes sympathetic activation and that the limb venous distension reflex exists in arms and legs of normal humans.
Obesity-associated cardiac dysfunction in starvation-selected Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Hardy Christopher M. , Birse Ryan T. , Wolf Matthew J. , Yu Lin , Bodmer Rolf , Gibbs Allen G.
Published: July 2015

There is a clear link between obesity and cardiovascular disease, but the complexity of this interaction in mammals makes it difficult to study. Among the animal models used to investigate obesity-associated diseases, Drosophila melanogaster has emerged as an important platform of discovery. In the laboratory, Drosophila can be made obese through lipogenic diets, genetic manipulations, and adaptation to evolutionary stress. While dietary and genetic changes that cause obesity in flies have been demonstrated to induce heart dysfunction, there have been no reports investigating how obesity affects the heart in laboratory-evolved populations. Here, we studied replicated populations of Drosophila that had been selected for starvation resistance for over 65 generations. These populations evolved characteristics that closely resemble hallmarks of metabolic syndrome in mammals. We demonstrate that starvation-selected Drosophila have dilated hearts with impaired contractility. This phenotype appears to be correlated with large fat deposits along the dorsal cuticle, which alter the anatomical position of the heart. We demonstrate a strong relationship between fat storage and heart dysfunction, as dilation and reduced contractility can be rescued through prolonged fasting. Unlike other Drosophila obesity models, the starvation-selected lines do not exhibit excessive intracellular lipid deposition within the myocardium and rather store excess triglycerides in large lipid droplets within the fat body. Our findings provide a new model to investigate obesity-associated heart dysfunction.
Calmodulin and CaMKII modulate ENaC activity by regulating the association of MARCKS and the cytoskeleton with the apical membrane
Authors: Alli Abdel A. , Bao Hui-Fang , Liu Bing-Chen , Yu Ling , Aldrugh Summer , Montgomery Darrice S. , Ma He-Ping , Eaton Douglas C.
Published: July 2015

Phosphatidylinositol bisphosphate (PIP2) regulates epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) open probability. In turn, myristoylated alanine-rich C kinase substrate (MARCKS) protein or MARCKS-like protein 1 (MLP-1) at the plasma membrane regulates the delivery of PIP2to ENaC. MARCKS and MLP-1 are regulated by changes in cytosolic calcium; increasing calcium promotes dissociation of MARCKS from the membrane, but the calcium-regulatory mechanisms are unclear. However, it is known that increased intracellular calcium can activate calmodulin and we show that inhibition of calmodulin with calmidazolium increases ENaC activity presumably by regulating MARCKS and MLP-1. Activated calmodulin can regulate MARCKS and MLP-1 in two ways. Calmodulin can bind to the effector domain of MARCKS or MLP-1, inactivating both proteins by causing their dissociation from the membrane. Mutations in MARCKS that prevent calmodulin association prevent dissociation of MARCKS from the membrane. Calmodulin also activates CaM kinase II (CaMKII). An inhibitor of CaMKII (KN93) increases ENaC activity, MARCKS association with ENaC, and promotes MARCKS movement to a membrane fraction. CaMKII phosphorylates filamin. Filamin is an essential component of the cytoskeleton and promotes association of ENaC, MARCKS, and MLP-1. Disruption of the cytoskeleton with cytochalasin E reduces ENaC activity. CaMKII phosphorylation of filamin disrupts the cytoskeleton and the association of MARCKS, MLP-1, and ENaC, thereby reducing ENaC open probability. Taken together, these findings suggest calmodulin and CaMKII modulate ENaC activity by destabilizing the association between the actin cytoskeleton, ENaC, and MARCKS, or MLP-1 at the apical membrane.
Single-unit activity, threshold crossings, and local field potentials in motor cortex differentially encode reach kinematics
Authors: Perel Sagi , Sadtler Patrick T. , Oby Emily R. , Ryu Stephen I. , Tyler-Kabara Elizabeth C. , Batista Aaron P. , Chase Steven M.
Published: July 2015

A diversity of signals can be recorded with extracellular electrodes. It remains unclear whether different signal types convey similar or different information and whether they capture the same or different underlying neural phenomena. Some researchers focus on spiking activity, while others examine local field potentials, and still others posit that these are fundamentally the same signals. We examined the similarities and differences in the information contained in four signal types recorded simultaneously from multielectrode arrays implanted in primary motor cortex: well-isolated action potentials from putative single units, multiunit threshold crossings, and local field potentials (LFPs) at two distinct frequency bands. We quantified the tuning of these signal types to kinematic parameters of reaching movements. We found 1) threshold crossing activity is not a proxy for single-unit activity; 2) when examined on individual electrodes, threshold crossing activity more closely resembles LFP activity at frequencies between 100 and 300 Hz than it does single-unit activity; 3) when examined across multiple electrodes, threshold crossing activity and LFP integrate neural activity at different spatial scales; and 4) LFP power in the “beta band” (between 10 and 40 Hz) is a reliable indicator of movement onset but does not encode kinematic features on an instant-by-instant basis. These results show that the diverse signals recorded from extracellular electrodes provide somewhat distinct and complementary information. It may be that these signal types arise from biological phenomena that are partially distinct. These results also have practical implications for harnessing richer signals to improve brain-machine interface control.
pigkMutation underliesmachobehavior and affects Rohon-Beard cell excitability
Authors: Carmean V. , Yonkers M. A. , Tellez M. B. , Willer J. R. , Willer G. B. , Gregg R. G. , Geisler R. , Neuhauss S. C. , Ribera A. B.
Published: July 2015

The study of touch-evoked behavior allows investigation of both the cells and circuits that generate a response to tactile stimulation. We investigate a touch-insensitive zebrafish mutant, macho (maco), previously shown to have reduced sodium current amplitude and lack of action potential firing in sensory neurons. In the genomes of mutant but not wild-type embryos, we identify a mutation in the pigk gene. The encoded protein, PigK, functions in attachment of glycophosphatidylinositol anchors to precursor proteins. In wild-type embryos, pigk mRNA is present at times when mutant embryos display behavioral phenotypes. Consistent with the predicted loss of function induced by the mutation, knock-down of PigK phenocopies maco touch insensitivity and leads to reduced sodium current (INa) amplitudes in sensory neurons. We further test whether the genetic defect in pigk underlies the maco phenotype by overexpressing wild-type pigk in mutant embryos. We find that ubiquitous expression of wild-type pigk rescues the touch response in maco mutants. In addition, for maco mutants, expression of wild-type pigk restricted to sensory neurons rescues sodium current amplitudes and action potential firing in sensory neurons. However, expression of wild-type pigk limited to sensory cells of mutant embryos does not allow rescue of the behavioral touch response. Our results demonstrate an essential role for pigk in generation of the touch response beyond that required for maintenance of proper INa density and action potential firing in sensory neurons.
A Simpler GMRES Method for Oscillatory Integrals with Irregular Oscillations
Authors: Wu Qinghua , Xiang Meiying
Published: July 2015

A simpler GMRES method for computing oscillatory integral is presented. Theoretical analysis shows that this method is mathematically equivalent to the GMRES method proposed by Olver (2009). Moreover, the simpler GMRES does not require upper Hessenberg matrix factorization, which leads to much simpler program and requires less work. Numerical experiments are conducted to illustrate the performance of the new method and show that in some cases the simpler GMRES method could achieve higher accuracy than GMRES.
Effect of Substrate Temperature on the Thermoelectric Properties of the Sb2Te3 Thin Films Deposition by Using Thermal Evaporation Method
Authors: Lin Jyun-Min , Chen Ying-Chung , Yang Cheng-Fu , Chen Wei
Published: July 2015

The antimony‐telluride (Sb2Te3) thermoelectric thin films were prepared on SiO2/Si substrates by thermal evaporation method. The substrate temperature that ranged from room temperature to 150°C was adopted to deposit the Sb2Te3 thin films. The effects of substrate temperature on the microstructures and thermoelectric properties of the Sb2Te3 thin films were investigated. The crystal structure and surface morphology of the Sb2Te3 thin films were characterized by X‐ray diffraction analyses and field emission scanning electron microscope observation. The RT‐deposited Sb2Te3 thin films showed the amorphous phase. Te and Sb2Te3 phases were coexisted in the Sb2Te3‐based thin films as the substrate temperature was higher than room temperature. The average grain sizes of the Sb2Te3‐based thin films were 39 nm, 45 nm, 62 nm, 84 nm, and 108 nm, as the substrate temperatures were 50°C, 75°C, 100°C, 125°C, and 150°C, respectively. The Seebeck coefficients, electrical conductivity, and power factor were measured at room temperature; we had found that they were critically dependent on the substrate temperature.
Effect of Environmental Factors on Germination and Emergence of Invasive Rumex confertus in Central Europe
Authors: Kołodziejek Jeremi , Patykowski Jacek
Published: July 2015

Rumex confertus is a biennial species native to Eastern Europe and Asia, where it thrives on meadow‐steppes and glades in forest‐steppe. This species has increased its range rapidly within central Europe, yet its biology is not well understood, which has led to poorly timed management. Effects of temperature, light, sodium chloride (NaCl), hydrogen ion concentration (pH), potassium nitrate (KNO3), and polyethylene glycol 6000 on seed germination were examined. Seedling emergence was examined for seeds sown at different depths in sand‐filled pots. Seeds of R. confertus were nondormant at maturity. The germination percentage and rate of germination were significantly higher in light than in darkness. Secondary dormancy was induced in these seeds by 12 weeks of dark incubation at 4°C. The seeds of R. confertus undergo a seasonal dormancy cycle with deep dormancy in winter and early spring and a low level of dormancy in early autumn. Germination decreased as soil salinity increased. increased the percentage and rate of germination in the studied species. Decrease in seedling emergence from the seeds buried at >0.5 cm may be due to deficiency of light. From our experiments, we conclude that the weed R. confertus normally becomes established in vegetation gaps or due to disturbance of the uppermost soil layer during the growing season through the germination of seeds originating from a long‐lived seed bank.
Hyperandrogenism-Insulin Resistance-Acanthosis Nigricans Syndrome
Authors: Dédjan A. H. , Chadli A. , El Aziz S. , Farouqi A.
Published: July 2015

Introduction. Female hyperandrogenism is a frequent motive of consultation. It is revealed by hirsutism, acne or seborrhea, and disorders in menstruation cycle combined or not with virilisation signs. Several etiologies are incriminated but the hyperandrogenism-insulin resistance-acanthosis nigricans syndrome is rare.Observation. A 20-year-old girl, having had a five-year-old secondary amenorrhea. The exam revealed a patient, normotensive with a body mass index at 30 kg/m2and a waist measurement of 120 cm, a severe hirsutism assessed to be 29 according to Ferriman Gallwey scale, virilisation signs of male morphotype, clitoridic hypertrophy and frontal alopecia, and an acanthosis nigricans behind the neck, in the armpits and elbows. The assessment carried out revealed testosteronemia at 1.28 ng/mL, which is more than twice the upper norm of the laboratory. Imaging studies were negative for both ovarian and adrenal masses. The retained diagnosis is HAIR-AN syndrome probably related to ovarian hyperthecosis and she was provided with androcur 50 mg/day and estradiol pills 2 mg/day and under hygiene-dietetic conditions.Conclusion. This case proves that HAIR-AN syndrome could be responsible for severe hyperandrogenism with virilisation signs. It must be retained after discarding the tumoral causes and when there are signs of insulin resistance.
CD4+RORγt++ and Tregs in a Mouse Model of Diet‐Induced Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis
Authors: Vonghia Luisa , Ruyssers Nathalie , Schrijvers Dorien , Pelckmans Paul , Michielsen Peter , De Clerck Luc , Ramon Albert , Jirillo Emilio , Ebo Didier , De Winter Benedicte , Bridts Chris , Francque Sven
Published: July 2015

Background and Aims. Inflammatory mediators that cross‐talk in different metabolically active organs are thought to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH). This study was aimed at investigating the CD4+RORγt+ T‐helper cells and their counterpart, the CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ regulatory T cells in the liver, subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), and abdominal adipose tissue (AAT) in a high fat diet (HFD) mouse model. Methods. C57BL6 mice were fed a HFD or a normal diet (ND). Liver enzymes, metabolic parameters, and liver histology were assessed. The expression of CD4+RORγt+ cells and regulatory T cells in different organs (blood, liver, AAT, and SAT) were analyzed by flow cytometry. Cytokine and adipokine tissue expression were studied by RT‐PCR. Results. Mice fed a HFD developed NASH and metabolic alterations compared to normal diet. CD4+RORγt++ cells were significantly increased in the liver and the AAT while an increase of regulatory T cells was observed in the SAT of mice fed HFD compared to ND. Inflammatory cytokines were also upregulated. Conclusions. CD4+RORγt++ cells and regulatory T cells are altered in NASH with a site‐specific pattern and correlate with the severity of the disease. These site‐specific differences are associated with increased cytokine expression.
Immediate Effects of Kinesiology Taping of Quadriceps on Motor Performance after Muscle Fatigued Induction
Authors: Ahn Ick Keun , Kim You Lim , Bae Young-Hyeon , Lee Suk Min
Published: July 2015

Objectives. The purpose of this cross-sectional single-blind study was to investigate the immediate effects of Kinesiology taping of quadriceps on motor performance after muscle fatigued induction.Design. Randomized controlled cross-sectional design.Subjects. Forty-five subjects participated in this study. Participants were divided into three groups: Kinesiology taping group, placebo taping group, and nontaping group.Methods. Subjects performed short-term exercise for muscle fatigued induction, followed by the application of each intervention. Peak torque test, one-leg single hop test, active joint position sense test, and one-leg static balance test were carried out before and after the intervention.Results. Peak torque and single-leg hopping distance were significantly increased when Kinesiology taping was applied (p<0.05). But there were no significant effects on active joint position sense and single-leg static balance.Conclusions. We proved that Kinesiology taping is effective in restoring muscle power reduced after muscle fatigued induction. Therefore, we suggest that Kinesiology taping is beneficial for fatigued muscles.
Presentation of Complex Homozygous Allele inABCA4Gene in a Patient with Retinitis Pigmentosa
Authors: Audere Māreta , Rutka Katrīna , Šepetiene Svetlana , Lāce Baiba
Published: July 2015

Retinitis pigmentosa is a degenerative retinal disease characterized by progressive photoreceptor damage, which causes loss of peripheral and night vision and the development of tunnel vision and may result in loss of central vision. This study describes a patient with retinitis pigmentosa caused by a mutation in theABCA4gene with complex allele c.1622T>C, p.L541P; c.3113C>T, p.A1038V in homozygous state.
A New Approach and Solution Technique to Solve Time Fractional Nonlinear Reaction-Diffusion Equations
Authors: Cilingir Sungu Inci , Demir Huseyin
Published: July 2015

A new application of the hybrid generalized differential transform and finite difference method is proposed by solving time fractional nonlinear reaction-diffusion equations. This method is a combination of the multi-time-stepping temporal generalized differential transform and the spatial finite difference methods. The procedure first converts the time-evolutionary equations into Poisson equations which are then solved using the central difference method. The temporal differential transform method as used in the paper takes care of stability and the finite difference method on the resulting equation results in a system of diagonally dominant linear algebraic equations. The Gauss-Seidel iterative procedure then used to solve the linear system thus has assured convergence. To have optimized convergence rate, numerical experiments were done by using a combination of factors involving multi-time-stepping, spatial step size, and degree of the polynomial fit in time. It is shown that the hybrid technique is reliable, accurate, and easy to apply.
Dynamical Analysis of an SEIT Epidemic Model with Application to Ebola Virus Transmission in Guinea
Authors: Li Zhiming , Teng Zhidong , Feng Xiaomei , Li Yingke , Zhang Huiguo
Published: July 2015

In order to investigate the transmission mechanism of the infectious individual with Ebola virus, we establish an SEIT (susceptible, exposed in the latent period, infectious, and treated/recovery) epidemic model. The basic reproduction number is defined. The mathematical analysis on the existence and stability of the disease-free equilibrium and endemic equilibrium is given. As the applications of the model, we use the recognized infectious and death cases in Guinea to estimate parameters of the model by the least square method. With suitable parameter values, we obtain the estimated value of the basic reproduction number and analyze the sensitivity and uncertainty property by partial rank correlation coefficients.
Clustering Ensemble for Identifying Defective Wafer Bin Map in Semiconductor Manufacturing
Authors: Hsu Chia-Yu
Published: July 2015

Wafer bin map (WBM) represents specific defect pattern that provides information for diagnosing root causes of low yield in semiconductor manufacturing. In practice, most semiconductor engineers use subjective and time-consuming eyeball analysis to assess WBM patterns. Given shrinking feature sizes and increasing wafer sizes, various types of WBMs occur; thus, relying on human vision to judge defect patterns is complex, inconsistent, and unreliable. In this study, a clustering ensemble approach is proposed to bridge the gap, facilitating WBM pattern extraction and assisting engineer to recognize systematic defect patterns efficiently. The clustering ensemble approach not only generates diverse clusters in data space, but also integrates them in label space. First, the mountain function is used to transform data by using pattern density. Subsequently,k-means and particle swarm optimization (PSO) clustering algorithms are used to generate diversity partitions and various label results. Finally, the adaptive response theory (ART) neural network is used to attain consensus partitions and integration. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of proposed WBMs clustering ensemble approach. Several criterions in terms of sum of squared error, precision, recall, andF-measure were used for evaluating clustering results. The numerical results showed that the proposed approach outperforms the other individual clustering algorithm.
Road Vehicle Monitoring System Based on Intelligent Visual Internet of Things
Authors: Li Qingwu , Cheng Haisu , Zhou Yan , Huo Guanying
Published: July 2015

In recent years, with the rapid development of video surveillance infrastructure, more and more intelligent surveillance systems have employed computer vision and pattern recognition techniques. In this paper, we present a novel intelligent surveillance system used for the management of road vehicles based on Intelligent Visual Internet of Things (IVIoT). The system has the ability to extract the vehicle visual tags on the urban roads; in other words, it can label any vehicle by means of computer vision and therefore can easily recognize vehicles with visual tags. The nodes designed in the system can be installed not only on the urban roads for providing basic information but also on the mobile sensing vehicles for providing mobility support and improving sensing coverage. Visual tags mentioned in this paper consist of license plate number, vehicle color, and vehicle type and have several additional properties, such as passing spot and passing moment. Moreover, we present a fast and efficient image haze removal method to deal with haze weather condition. The experiment results show that the designed road vehicle monitoring system achieves an average real-time tracking accuracy of 85.80% under different conditions.
A Multicriteria Decision Model for Assessment of Failure Consequences in the RCM Approach
Authors: Alencar Marcelo H. , de Almeida Adiel T.
Published: July 2015

This paper proposes a multicriteria decision model based on MAUT (Multiattribute Utility Theory) incorporated into an RCM (Reliability Centered Maintenance) approach in order to provide a better assessment of the consequences of failure, allowing a more effective maintenance planning. MAUT provides an evaluation of probability distributions on each attribute as well as trade-offs involving lotteries. The model proposed takes advantage of such evaluations and it also restructures consequence groups established in an RCM approach into new five dimensions. As a result, overall indices of utility are computed for each failure mode analyzed. With these values, the ranking of the alternatives is established. The decision-maker’s preferences are taken into account so that the final result for each failure mode incorporates subjective aspects based on the decision-maker’s perceptions and behavior.
LogDet Rank Minimization with Application to Subspace Clustering
Authors: Kang Zhao , Peng Chong , Cheng Jie , Cheng Qiang
Published: July 2015

Low-rank matrix is desired in many machine learning and computer vision problems. Most of the recent studies use the nuclear norm as a convex surrogate of the rank operator. However, all singular values are simply added together by the nuclear norm, and thus the rank may not be well approximated in practical problems. In this paper, we propose using a log-determinant (LogDet) function as a smooth and closer, though nonconvex, approximation to rank for obtaining a low-rank representation in subspace clustering. Augmented Lagrange multipliers strategy is applied to iteratively optimize the LogDet-based nonconvex objective function on potentially large-scale data. By making use of the angular information of principal directions of the resultant low-rank representation, an affinity graph matrix is constructed for spectral clustering. Experimental results on motion segmentation and face clustering data demonstrate that the proposed method often outperforms state-of-the-art subspace clustering algorithms.
Right Breast Mastectomy and Reconstruction with Tissue Expander under Thoracic Paravertebral Blocks in a 12-Week Parturient
Authors: Webb Christopher Allen-John , Weyker Paul David , Cohn Shara , Wheeler Amanda , Lee Jennifer
Published: July 2015

Paravertebral blocks are becoming increasingly utilized for breast surgery with studies showing improved postoperative pain control, decreased need for opioids, and less nausea and vomiting. We describe the anesthetic management of an otherwise healthy woman who was 12 weeks pregnant presenting for treatment of her breast cancer. For patients undergoing breast mastectomy and reconstruction with tissue expanders, paravertebral blocks offer an anesthetic alternative when general anesthesia is not desired.
Developing an Inspection Optimization Model Based on the Delay-Time Concept
Authors: Nazemi Ehsan , Shahanaghi Kamran
Published: July 2015

Infrastructures are considered as important facilities required for every country and society to be able to work properly. Aging and deterioration of such structures during their lifetime are a major concern both for maintenance researchers in the academic world and for the practitioners. This concern is mainly because the deterioration increases the maintenance costs dramatically and lowers the reliability, availability, and safety of the structural system. Preventive maintenance and inspection activities are the most usual means for keeping the structure in a good condition. This paper utilizes the concept of delay-time for developing the optimal inspection policy for deteriorating structures. In the proposed stochastic model, discrete times of inspection activities are taken as the decision variables of an optimization problem, in a way that the obtained aperiodic (nonuniform) inspection schedule minimizes the total downtime ratio of the structure. To illustrate the model capabilities, various numerical examples are solved and results are compared with the traditional periodic (uniform) inspection policies. The results indicate the substantial reduction in system downtime due to the wisely planned inspection schedule and the appropriate utilization of delay-time concept, which is indeed a powerful framework for inspection optimization problems.
Study of Microstructure and Mechanical Properties Effects on Workpiece Quality in Sheet Metal Extrusion Process
Authors: Suriyapha Chatkaew , Bubphachot Bopit , Rittidech Sampan
Published: July 2015

Sheet metal extrusion is a metal forming process in which the movement of a punch penetrates a sheet metal surface and it flows through a die orifice; the extruded parts can be deflected to have an extrusion cavity and protrusion on the opposite side. Therefore, this process results in a narrow region of highly localized plastic deformation due to the formation and microstructure effect on the work piece. This research investigated the characteristics of the material‐flow behavior during the formation and its effect on the microstructure of the extruded sheet metal using the finite element method (FEM). The actual parts and FEM simulation model were developed using a blank material made from AISI‐1045 steel with a thickness of 5 mm; the material’s behavior was determined subject to the punch penetration depths of 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80% of the sheet thickness. The results indicated the formation and microstructure effects on the sheet metal extrusion parts and defects. Namely, when increasing penetration, narrowing the die orifice the material flows through, the material was formed by extruding, and defects were visibility, and the microstructure of the material’s grains’ size was flat and very fine. Extrusion defects were not found in the control material flow. The region of highly localized plastic deformation affected the material gain and mechanical properties. The FEM simulation results agreed with the experimental results. Moreover, FEM could be investigated as a tool to decrease the cost and time in trial and error procedures.
Conditional Optimization and One Inverse Boundary Value Problem
Authors: Ivanshin Pyotr N.
Published: July 2015

Here we construct different approximate solutions of the plane inverse boundary value problem of aerohydrodynamics. In order to do this we solve some conditional optimization problems in the norms∥·∥2,∥·∥∞, and ∥·∥1and some of their generalizations. We present the example clarifying the mathematical constructions and show that the supremum norm generalization seems to be the optimal one of all the functionals considered in the paper.
Exercise-Induced Pulmonary Edema in a Triathlon
Authors: Yamanashi Hirotomo , Koyamatsu Jun , Nobuyoshi Masaharu , Murase Kunihiko , Maeda Takahiro
Published: July 2015

Introduction. Family physicians have more opportunities to attend athletic competitions as medical staff at first-aid centers because of the increasing popularity of endurance sports.Case. A 38-year-old man who participated in a triathlon race experienced difficulty in breathing after swimming and was moved to a first-aid center. His initial oxygen saturation was 82% and a thoracic computed tomography scan showed bilateral ground glass opacity in the peripheral lungs. His diagnosis was noncardiogenic pulmonary edema associated with exercise or swimming: exercise-induced pulmonary edema (EIPE) or swimming-induced pulmonary edema (SIPE). Treatment with furosemide and corticosteroid relieved his symptoms of pulmonary edema.Discussion. Noncardiogenic pulmonary edema associated with endurance sports is not common, but knowledge about EIPE/SIPE or neurogenic pulmonary edema associated with hyponatremia, which is called Ayus-Arieff syndrome, is crucial. Knowledge and caution for possible risk factors, such as exposure to cold water or overhydration, are essential for both medical staff and endurance athletes.Conclusion. To determine the presence of pulmonary edema associated with strenuous exercise, oxygen saturation should be used as a screening tool at a first-aid center. To avoid risks for EIPE/SIPE, knowledge about these diseases is essential for medical staff and for athletes who perform extreme exercise.
Fc-Receptor Interactions Regulate Both Cytotoxic and Immunomodulatory Therapeutic Antibody Effector Functions
Authors: DiLillo David J. , Ravetch Jeffrey V.
Published: July 2015

Antibodies are now recognized as key therapeutic tools to combat most forms of malignancy. Although the first wave of therapeutic antibodies that emerged over two decades ago directly target tumor cells for killing, a new class of antibody therapies targeting immunoregulatory pathways to boost antitumor immune responses by activating the immune system is poised for clinical success. A notable common characteristic of both classes of therapeutic antibodies is the importance of the IgG Fc domain, which connects the fine specificity of an antibody with immune cells that mediate antibody-triggered effector functions through their engagement of Fc receptor (FcR) family members. It is now clear that multiple variables, including the nature of the target molecules, the local presence of effector cells, and the expression patterns of FcRs, will dictate whether and how an antibody will necessitate interactions with FcRs to mediate optimal therapeutic effects. Thus, through careful in vivo mechanistic analyses of individual therapeutic antibodies, Fc domains engineered for optimal engagement of the appropriate cellular FcRs must be designed to maximize clinical success. Cancer Immunol Res; 3(7); 704–13. ©2015 AACR.
14th St. Gallen International Breast Cancer Conference 2015: Evidence, Controversies, Consensus - Primary Therapy of Early Breast Cancer: Opinions Expressed by German Experts
Authors: Jackisch Christian , Harbeck Nadia , Huober Jens , von Minckwitz Gunter , Gerber Bernd , Kreipe Hans-Heinrich , Liedtke Cornelia , Marschner Norbert , Möbus Volker , Scheithauer Heike , Schneeweiss Andreas , Thomssen Christoph , Loibl Sibylle , Beckmann Matthias W. , Blohmer Jens-Uwe , Costa Serban-Dan , Decker Thomas , Diel Ingo , Fasching Peter A. , Fehm Tanja , Janni Wolfgang , Lück Hans-Joachim , Maass Nicolai , Scharl Anton , Untch Michael
Published: July 2015

The key topics of this year's 14th St. Gallen Consensus Conference on the diagnosis and therapy of primary breast cancer were again questions about breast surgery and axillary surgery, radio-oncology and systemic therapy options in consideration of tumor biology, and the clinical application of multigene assays. This year, the consensus conference took place in Vienna. From a German perspective, it makes sense to substantiate the results of the vote of the international panel representing 19 countries in light of the updated national therapy recommendations of the AGO (Arbeitsgemeinschaft Gynäkologische Onkologie). Therefore, 14 German breast cancer experts, 3 of whom are members of the International St. Gallen Panel, have commented on the voting results of the St. Gallen Consensus Conference 2015 in relation to clinical routine in Germany.
Invasive Epithelioid Angiomyolipoma with Tumor Thrombus in the Inferior Vena Cava: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Que Xinxiang , Zhu Youming , Ye Changjiang , Bi Dongbin , Fan Jianqun , Ding Sentai , Ning Hao , Ding Kejia
Published: July 2015

Renal angiomyolipoma (AML) is a benign tumor. However, rare cases of renal AML demonstrate aggressive behaviors such as tumor thrombus extension into the inferior vena cava (IVC). We successfully treated a case of epithelioid AML in the right kidney involving the IVC. We also reviewed and analyzed 45 case reports of the common type of AML. Radiologists and clinicians should know that epithelioid AML can be an aggressive tumor.
Porphyria Cutanea Tarda Masquerading as Epidermolysis Bullosa Acquisita: A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Deen Kristyn , Wu Jason
Published: July 2015

Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) is the most common type of porphyria worldwide and is often initially diagnosed when cutaneous manifestations arise. We present two patients where misdiagnosis of PCT occurred due to the condition masquerading as epidermolysis bullosa acquisita histologically. In patients with undifferentiated bullous/erosive skin conditions occurring in photo-distributed regions, PCT should be considered in the differential diagnosis irrespective of histopathological findings on biopsies and further investigated and treated appropriately.