bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A mathematical model for rolling/sliding line contacts in boundary and near boundary lubrication
Authors: Yu Qingtao , Chang L , Jeng Yeau-Ren
Published: March 2015

This paper presents a mathematical model for rolling/sliding line contacts operating in boundary and near boundary lubrication. The model is developed with first-principle formulations and incorporates key mechanical, thermal and tribo-chemical aspects of the problem including mode of deformation of the contact, friction, flash temperature, boundary film characterization and fluid–solid load sharing. For given load, speeds, bulk temperature and proportion of solid load-sharing, the model outputs a number of variables that are useful for the assessment of the state and severity of the problem. They include contact pressure, temperature, degree of plastic deformation, friction coefficient, friction power intensity, degree of friction-induced junction growth and integrity of the boundary film. The model may be implemented into a gear contact model to study gear systems under loss of lubrication. It may also be integrated with the light mixed-lubrication model of the authors to develop a more complete mixed-lubrication model covering the entire regime of the mixed lubrication. The model is evaluated with a limited scope and more extensive evaluations are needed in time of its validity and applicability through various means and in various settings.
Antibiotic Resistance and the Biology of History
Authors: Landecker Hannah
Published: March 2015

Beginning in the 1940s, mass production of antibiotics involved the industrial-scale growth of microorganisms to harvest their metabolic products. Unfortunately, the use of antibiotics selects for resistance at answering scale. The turn to the study of antibiotic resistance in microbiology and medicine is examined, focusing on the realization that individual therapies targeted at single pathogens in individual bodies are environmental events affecting bacterial evolution far beyond bodies. In turning to biological manifestations of antibiotic use, sciences fathom material outcomes of their own previous concepts. Archival work with stored soil and clinical samples produces a record described here as ‘the biology of history’: the physical registration of human history in bacterial life. This account thus foregrounds the importance of understanding both the materiality of history and the historicity of matter in theories and concepts of life today.
Endovascular therapy for cerebrovascular injuries after head and neck trauma
Authors: Alderazi Yazan J , Cruz Ghislaine M , Kass-Hout Tareq , Prestigiacomo Charles J , Duffis E Jesus , Gandhi Chirag D
Published: March 2015

Cerebrovascular injuries after blunt or penetrating head and neck trauma often lead to significant disability from ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke and uncontrolled extracranial hemorrhage. Trauma causes carotid or vertebral dissection, occlusion, pseudoaneurysm, arteriovenous fistula, vessel transection, traumatic epistaxis, venous sinus thrombosis and carotid cavernous fistula. The rapid development of neuroendovascular techniques over the past two decades has led to effective therapies for each of these injuries. Controlled lesion embolization may use coils, liquid embolics (onyx or n-butyl cyanoarcrylate), polyvinyl alcohol particles or detachable balloons; there is stent angioplasty with uncovered, overlapping and covered stents or mechanical thrombolysis using stent-retrievers or aspiration catheters and the use of balloon occlusion tests and supraselective angiography to delineate safety of vessel sacrifice and to diagnose occult lesions respectively. Furthermore, the proliferation of stroke centers has increased local availability of rapid neuroendovascular expertise at many major trauma centers. Neuroendovascular therapies are less invasive than surgery, can often preserve the injured parent vessels and aid in treating conditions where surgery may be limited. In the absence of randomized controlled trials we present a narrative review of current endovascular therapeutic applications for each of these injuries. This expands the therapies at trauma teams' disposal in the continued effort to control bleeding, reduce secondary injury and prevent disability after trauma. Further research is necessary to inform the role of endovascular techniques after trauma. In particular, comparative studies are necessary to quantify the risk and benefits in conditions where surgical options also exist.
Determination of the harshness–softness attribute of shadows
Authors: Aydın-Yağmur Ş , Dokuzer-Öztürk L
Published: March 2015

A shadow has two different attributes, harshness–softness and lightness–darkness.A three-phase study designed to quantify these shadow characteristics has been carried out. In the first phase, numerous computer-generated examples of shadows were produced and their harshness–softness attribute was evaluated. The harshness–softness of shadows was graded based on the visual evaluation performed in this phase. In the second phase, the lightness–darkness attribute was graded depending on a calculation-based approach. In the third phase, a mock-up room office was constructed and various lighting scenarios created. The shadows produced under the different lighting scenarios were quantified using the results of the first and second phases. These quantities were then compared with people’s judgements of the shadows on the work table. The general impressions of the subjects concerning the shadows on the work table as well as the appearance of faces were also collected. The grading of the shadows in the room based on the results of the first and second phases was found to be consistent with the subjects’ evaluations.
The Uncertainty-of-Outcome Hypothesis and the Industrial Organization of Sports Leagues
Authors: Eckard E. Woodrow
Published: March 2015

The uncertainty-of-outcome hypothesis (UOH) posits that sports fans value competitive contests, implying that competitive imbalance within a league will motivate stronger teams to leave. Testable hypotheses can be formulated utilizing the many college football conference realignments over the last century. The results support the UOH. For example, schools leaving an existing conference to form a new major conference, or join a preexisting one, were on average stronger than their former associates in the years before their departure. Also, the number of seed conference championships won by departing schools generally exceeded their “fair share” under an equal-likelihood assumption.
Understanding support workers’ competence development in working with parents with intellectual disability
Authors: Mc Hugh Elaine , Starke Mikaela
Published: March 2015

Training for support workers who work with parents with intellectual disability can be aided by understanding how they perceive the training process and their competence development. This study explored the perceptions of competence development and the training process in Swedish support workers trained in the evidence-informed programme ‘Parenting Young Children’ (PYC). Training included a workshop, monthly peer support groups and access to a programme manual. Five focus groups discussed experiences of the PYC programme and the training they received. Twelve support workers completed a competency questionnaire. The findings of the current study suggest that perceived skill improved over time. Specifically, the findings suggest that peer support is a beneficial training follow-up mechanism for knowledge exchange and performance reflection. The main issues faced in skill development were transfer of learning and accessing parents to work with. These findings also highlight the importance of facilitative administration and technical support for managers and agencies.
New cities
Authors: Moser Sarah
Published: March 2015

This commentary responds to Ayona Datta’s article on ‘New Urban Utopias of India’, in which she examines Dholera as one of the pioneers of India’s national ‘smart city’ agenda. My response probes the roots of new cities such as Dholera, arguing that beyond their connections to post-independence new towns, they can also be understood as the descendants of and heirs to colonial imperial city building. Despite the rhetoric put forth by political figures, designers, consultants and other ‘visionaries’ and ‘thought leaders’ who label new cities as ‘innovation hubs’, ‘smart’, ‘global’ and ‘eco’, these glittering utopias in fact reproduce colonial era power dynamics and priorities. I suggest that stronger arguments could be made to connect Dholera and other planned ‘entrepreneurial cities’ to colonial urban development and power structures in order to demonstrate the continuities in new city projects over the past century.
The allure of ‘smart city’ rhetoric
Authors: Watson Vanessa
Published: March 2015

New visions of future cities, often graphically depicted as replicas of Dubai or Singapore and frequently promoted under the label of ‘smart cities’, are sweeping the Indian subcontinent, but increasingly they are appearing on the African continent as well. This response to Datta’s article draws the parallels and differences between what can be called ‘fantasy city’ ideas in these two parts of the world and warns of the consequences.
High mobility group box 1 contributes to anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-induced neutrophils activation through receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) and Toll-like receptor 4
Authors: Wang Chen , Wang Huan , Chang Dong-Yuan , Hao Jian , Zhao Ming-Hui , Chen Min
Published: March 2015

Introduction

High mobility group box-1 (HMGB1), a typical damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) protein, is associated with inflammatory conditions and tissue damage. Our recent study found that circulating HMGB1 levels could reflect the disease activity of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV). The current study aimed to investigate whether HMGB1 participated in ANCA-induced neutrophil activation, which is one of the most important pathogenic aspects in the development of AAV.

Methods

The various effects of HMGB1 in ANCA-induced neutrophil activation were measured. Antagonists for relevant receptors and signaling molecules were employed.

Results

ANCA antigens translocation on neutrophils primed with HMGB1 was significantly higher than non-primed neutrophils. The levels of respiratory burst and degranulation increased significantly in HMGB1-primed neutrophils activated with ANCA-positive IgG, as compared with non-primed neutrophils. Furthermore, blocking Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), rather than TLR2, resulted in a significant decrease in HMGB1-induced ANCA antigens translocation, respiratory burst and degranulation. Similar effects were also found when blocking MyD88 and NF-κB.

Conclusions

HMGB1 could prime neutrophils by increasing ANCA antigens translocation, and the primed neutrophils could be further induced by ANCA, resulting in the respiratory burst and degranulation. This process is TLR4- and RAGE-dependent through the MyD88/NF-κB pathway.
Cerebrospinal fluid amyloid-β 42/40 ratio in clinical setting of memory centers: a multicentric study
Authors: Dumurgier Julien , Schraen Susanna , Gabelle Audrey , Vercruysse Olivier , Bombois Stéphanie , Laplanche Jean-Louis , Peoc’h Katell , Sablonnière Bernard , Kastanenka Ksenia V , Delaby Constance , Pasquier Florence , Touchon Jacques , Hugon Jacques , Paquet Claire , Lehmann Sylvain
Published: March 2015

Introduction

The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers amyloid-β (Aβ), tau and phosphorylated tau (p-tau181) are now used for the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Aβ40 is the most abundant Aβ peptide isoform in the CSF, and the Aβ 42/40 ratio has been proposed to better reflect brain amyloid production. However, its additional value in the clinical setting remains uncertain.

Methods

A total of 367 subjects with cognitive disorders who underwent a lumbar puncture were prospectively included at three French memory centers (Paris-North, Lille and Montpellier; the PLM Study). The frequency of positive, negative and indeterminate CSF profiles were assessed by various methods, and their adequacies with the diagnosis of clinicians were tested using net reclassification improvement (NRI) analyses.

Results

On the basis of local optimum cutoffs for Aβ42 and p-tau181, 22% of the explored patients had indeterminate CSF profiles. The systematic use of Aβ 42/40 ratio instead of Aβ42 levels alone decreased the number of indeterminate profiles (17%; P = 0.03), but it failed to improve the classification of subjects (NRI = −2.1%; P = 0.64). In contrast, the use of Aβ 42/40 ratio instead of Aβ42 levels alone in patients with a discrepancy between p-tau181 and Aβ42 led to a reduction by half of the number of indeterminate profiles (10%; P < 0.001) and was further in agreement with clinician diagnosis (NRI = 10.5%; P = 0.003).

Conclusions

In patients with a discrepancy between CSF p-tau181 and CSF Aβ42, the assessment of Aβ 42/40 ratio led to a reliable biological conclusion in over 50% of cases that agreed with a clinician’s diagnosis.
Kidney disease as a determinant of cognitive decline and dementia
Authors: Etgen Thorleif
Published: March 2015

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has evolved as a possible new determinant of cognitive decline and dementia. This review outlines the presumed pathophysiology of cognitive decline in CKD, which consists of traditional and new vascular risk factors as well as nonvascular risk factors and metabolic and biochemical abnormalities within the central nervous system caused by CKD. The recent major cross-sectional studies and longitudinal studies – including one meta-analysis – that mostly suggest an association of cognitive decline and CKD are discussed. Finally, potential therapeutic strategies are presented.
Selective spectrofluorimetric method for the determination of perindopril erbumine in bulk and tablets through derivatization with dansyl chloride
Authors: Sakur Amir Alhaj , Chalati Tamim , Fael Hanan
Published: March 2015

Background

Perindopril erbumine is an antihypertensive, which belongs to the category of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors) that inhibit the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II.

Methods

A new, selective, and sensitive spectrofluorimetric method was developed for the determination of perindopril erbumine based on the reaction with dansyl chloride in alkaline medium to give a highly fluorescent derivative which was measured at 496 nm after excitation at 340 nm in dichloromethane. The reaction conditions were studied and optimized.

Results

Under the optimum conditions, the fluorescence intensity was linear over a concentration range of 1.0 to 21.0 μg/mL (R
2 = 0.9997) with a detection limit of 0.242 μg/mL. In order to validate the method, the results were compared with those obtained by a high performance liquid chromatography method.

Conclusions

The proposed method was successfully applied to the analysis of perindopril erbumine in pure form and tablets with good precision and accuracy as revealed by t- and F tests. The mechanism of the reaction has also been discussed.
The Effects of Short-Term and Long-Term Testosterone Supplementation on Blood Viscosity and Erythrocyte Deformability in Healthy Adult Mice
Authors: Guo Wen , Bachman Eric , Vogel Johannes , Li Michelle , Peng Liming , Pencina Karol , Serra Carlo , Sandor Nicolae L. , Jasuja Ravi , Montano Monty , Basaria Shehzad , Gassmann Max , Bhasin Shalender
Published: March 2015

Testosterone treatment induces erythrocytosis that could potentially affect blood viscosity and cardiovascular risk. We thus investigated the effects of testosterone administration on blood viscosity and erythrocyte deformability using mouse models. Blood viscosity, erythrocyte deformability, and hematocrits were measured in normal male and female mice, as well as in females and castrated males after short-term (2 wk) and long-term (5–7 mo) testosterone intervention (50 mg/kg, weekly). Castrated males for long-term intervention were studied in parallel with the normal males to assess the effect of long-term testosterone deprivation. An additional short-term intervention study was conducted in females with a lower testosterone dose (5 mg/kg). Our results indicate no rheological difference among normal males, females, and castrated males at steady-state. Short-term high-dose testosterone increased hematocrit and whole-blood viscosity in both females and castrated males. This effect diminished after long-term treatment, in association with increased erythrocyte deformability in the testosterone-treated mice, suggesting the presence of adaptive mechanism. Considering that cardiovascular events in human trials are seen early after intervention, rheological changes as potential mediator of vascular events warrant further investigation.
Naringenin Prevents Obesity, Hepatic Steatosis, and Glucose Intolerance in Male Mice Independent of Fibroblast Growth Factor 21
Authors: Assini Julia M. , Mulvihill Erin E. , Burke Amy C. , Sutherland Brian G. , Telford Dawn E. , Chhoker Sanjiv S. , Sawyez Cynthia G. , Drangova Maria , Adams Andrew C. , Kharitonenkov Alexei , Pin Christopher L. , Huff Murray W.
Published: March 2015

The molecular mechanisms and metabolic pathways whereby the citrus flavonoid, naringenin, reduces dyslipidemia and improves glucose tolerance were investigated in C57BL6/J wild-type mice and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) null (Fgf21−/−) mice. FGF21 regulates energy homeostasis and the metabolic adaptation to fasting. One avenue of this regulation is through induction of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (Pgc1a), a regulator of hepatic fatty acid oxidation and ketogenesis. Because naringenin is a potent activator of hepatic FA oxidation, we hypothesized that induction of FGF21 might be an integral part of naringenin's mechanism of action. Furthermore, we predicted that FGF21 deficiency would potentiate high-fat diet (HFD)-induced metabolic dysregulation and compromise metabolic protection by naringenin. The absence of FGF21 exacerbated the response to a HFD. Interestingly, naringenin supplementation to the HFD robustly prevented obesity in both genotypes. Gene expression analysis suggested that naringenin was not primarily targeting fatty acid metabolism in white adipose tissue. Naringenin corrected hepatic triglyceride concentrations and normalized hepatic expression of Pgc1a, Cpt1a, and Srebf1c in both wild-type and Fgf21−/− mice. HFD-fed Fgf21−/− mice displayed greater muscle triglyceride deposition, hyperinsulinemia, and impaired glucose tolerance as compared with wild-type mice, confirming the role of FGF21 in insulin sensitivity; however, naringenin supplementation improved these metabolic parameters in both genotypes. We conclude that FGF21 deficiency exacerbates HFD-induced obesity, hepatic steatosis, and insulin resistance. Furthermore, FGF21 is not required for naringenin to protect mice from HFD-induced metabolic dysregulation. Collectively these studies support the concept that naringenin has potent lipid-lowering effects and may act as an insulin sensitizer in vivo.
Aberrant over-expression of TRPM7 ion channels in pancreatic cancer: required for cancer cell invasion and implicated in tumor growth and metastasis
Authors: Yee Nelson S. , Kazi Abid A. , Li Qin , Yang Zhaohai , Berg Arthur , Yee Rosemary K.
Published: March 2015

Our previous studies in zebrafish development have led to identification of the novel roles of the transient receptor potential melastatin-subfamily member 7 (TRPM7) ion channels in human pancreatic cancer. However, the biological significance of TRPM7 channels in pancreatic neoplasms was mostly unexplored. In this study, we determined the expression levels of TRPM7 in pancreatic tissue microarrays and correlated these measurements in pancreatic adenocarcinoma with the clinicopathological features. We also investigated the role of TRPM7 channels in pancreatic cancer cell invasion using the MatrigelTM-coated transwell assay. In normal pancreas, TRPM7 is expressed at a discernable level in the ductal cells and centroacinar cells and at a relatively high level in the islet endocrine cells. In chronic pancreatitis, pre-malignant tissues, and malignant neoplasms, there is variable expression of TRPM7. In the majority of pancreatic adenocarcinoma specimens examined, TRPM7 is expressed at either moderate-level or high-level. Anti-TRPM7 immunoreactivity in pancreatic adenocarcinoma significantly correlates with the size and stages of tumors. In human pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells in which TRPM7 is highly expressed, short hairpin RNA-mediated suppression of TRPM7 impairs cell invasion. The results demonstrate that TRPM7 channels are over-expressed in a proportion of the pre-malignant lesions and malignant tumors of the pancreas, and they are necessary for invasion by pancreatic cancer cells. We propose that TRPM7 channels play important roles in development and progression of pancreatic neoplasm, and they may be explored as clinical biomarkers and targets for its prevention and treatment.
Bazooka/PAR3 is dispensable for polarity in Drosophila follicular epithelial cells
Authors: Shahab Jaffer , Tiwari Manu D. , Honemann-Capito Mona , Krahn Michael P. , Wodarz Andreas
Published: March 2015

Apico-basal polarity is the defining characteristic of epithelial cells. In Drosophila, apical membrane identity is established and regulated through interactions between the highly conserved Par complex (Bazooka/Par3, atypical protein kinase C and Par6), and the Crumbs complex (Crumbs, Stardust and PATJ). It has been proposed that Bazooka operates at the top of a genetic hierarchy in the establishment and maintenance of apico-basal polarity. However, there is still ambiguity over the correct sequence of events and cross-talk with other pathways during this process. In this study, we reassess this issue by comparing the phenotypes of the commonly used baz4 and baz815-8 alleles with those of the so far uncharacterized bazXR11 and bazEH747 null alleles in different Drosophila epithelia. While all these baz alleles display identical phenotypes during embryonic epithelial development, we observe strong discrepancies in the severity and penetrance of polarity defects in the follicular epithelium: polarity is mostly normal in bazEH747 and bazXR11 while baz4 and baz815-8 show loss of polarity, severe multilayering and loss of epithelial integrity throughout the clones. Further analysis reveals that the chromosomes carrying the baz4 and baz815-8 alleles may contain additional mutations that enhance the true baz loss-of-function phenotype in the follicular epithelium. This study clearly shows that Baz is dispensable for the regulation of polarity in the follicular epithelium, and that the requirement for key regulators of cell polarity is highly dependent on developmental context and cell type.
Resources, challenges and way forward in rare mitochondrial diseases research
Authors: Rajput Neeraj Kumar , Singh Vipin , Bhardwaj Anshu
Published: March 2015

Over 300 million people are affected by about 7000 rare diseases globally. There are tremendous resource limitations and challenges in driving research and drug development for rare diseases. Hence, innovative approaches are needed to identify potential solutions. This review focuses on the resources developed over the past years for analysis of genome data towards understanding disease biology especially in the context of mitochondrial diseases, given that mitochondria are central to major cellular pathways and their dysfunction leads to a broad spectrum of diseases. Platforms for collaboration of research groups, clinicians and patients and the advantages of community collaborative efforts in addressing rare diseases are also discussed. The review also describes crowdsourcing and crowdfunding efforts in rare diseases research and how the upcoming initiatives for understanding disease biology including analyses of large number of genomes are also applicable to rare diseases.
‘Nudging’ behaviours in healthcare: Insights from behavioural economics
Authors: Voyer Ben
Published: March 2015

Since the creation of the Behavioural Insight Team in 2010, the word ‘nudge’ has become a popular one in social and public policy. According to policymakers and managers, applications of behavioural economics to public sector management results in increased policy efficiency and savings. This article offers a critical perspective on the topic, and discusses how the application of behavioural economics can foster innovative healthcare management. It first reviews behavioural economics principles and demonstrates how these can be used in healthcare management. Second, it discusses the methodological aspects of applying behavioural economics principles. Finally, limitations and current issues within the field are discussed.
How innovations will boost adult immunisation programmes in the UK
Authors: Couturier Jerome , Sola Davide
Published: March 2015

National healthcare systems are increasingly required to adapt to rigorous budgetary constraints to maintain their level of service. As a result, efficiency in healthcare delivery has now become paramount. The authors investigated several innovative immunisation programmes for adults in the UK and the USA—all of which were recognised for their successful health outcomes. A practical framework was then derived, which the authors believe could significantly help policy makers, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies and other health stakeholders better organise the process of vaccination.
Joint call for addressing issues in the 0–19 health-care service
Authors: Voogd Caroline , Murphy Madeleine , Gardner Sophie
Published: March 2015

Midwifery, health visiting and school nursing services play an essential role in ensuring the health and wellbeing of children from conception to adulthood, yet there are many issues affecting all, which urgently need to be addressed.
Education Committee calls for compulsory PSHE and SRE
Authors: Lepkowska Dorothy
Published: March 2015

A new report published last month calls for compulsory PSHE and SRE in schools. Dorothy Lepkowska looks at the report's recommendations.
Terrorism reports: Looking at the potential impact on children
Authors: Thornton Stephanie
Published: March 2015

Images of death and violence are commonly relayed by the media, these can have long-lasting effects on children and young people. Stephanie Thornton provides an overview of the possible impact, suggestions on helping reduce fear and anxiety, and signs to look out for.
Supporting children and families affected by cancer
Authors: Forward Catherine
Published: March 2015

This series of articles aims to gather health promotion resources on specific themes relevant to school nursing practice. This month, Catherine Forward looks at the needs of children, young people and families affected by cancer.
Preventing mastitis infection through teat disinfection
Authors: Ohnstad Ian
Published: March 2015

Post-milking teat disinfection has been a cornerstone of most mastitis control programmes since the introduction of the National Institute for Research in Dairying (NIRD) Five-Point Mastitis Control Plan in the 1960s ( Neave et al, 1969 ). The disinfection of teats after milking has been shown in numerous studies to dramatically reduce the number of new mastitis infections, particularly those caused by contagious mastitis pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, Mycoplasma bovis and Corynebacterium bovis ( Bramley et al, 1996 ; Nickerson, 2001 ). More recently, pre-milking teat disinfection has become more common and this practice has been widely adopted to reduce the number of potential intramammary infections caused by environmental bacteria such as Streptococcus uberis and Escherichia coli. There is a wide range of formulations of pre- and post-milking teat disinfectant products but most researchers agree that for any product to be effective, it must be applied efficiently and effectively ( Lopez, 2014 ). The effectiveness of teat disinfection can be limited by either ineffective formulation or poor application. Failure to disinfect the entire teat surface will reduce the potential benefits, either pre- or post-milking.
Relationship of Pathologic Factors to Efficacy of Sorafenib Treatment in Patients With Metastatic Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Araki Hidemori , Tsuzuki Toyonori , Kimura Tohru , Tanaka Kuniaki , Yamada Shin , Sassa Naoto , Yoshino Yasushi , Hattori Ryohei , Gotoh Momokazu
Published: March 2015

Objectives:

To evaluate the predictive value of growth patterns in patients undergoing sorafenib treatment for metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinomas (CCRCCs).

Methods:

Forty-eight patients were analyzed, each of whom underwent nephrectomy and received sorafenib treatment for metastatic CCRCC. Progression-free survival (PFS) was predicted using pathologic parameters, including pathologic stage, Fuhrman nuclear grade (FNG), the presence of a sarcomatoid component, lymphovascular invasion, tumor necrosis, and growth pattern.

Results:

Three (6%) patients showed partial response, 20 (42%) patients showed stable disease, and 25 (52%) patients showed progressive disease. Univariate analyses demonstrated that FNG, the presence of a sarcomatoid component, tumor necrosis, and growth pattern were significantly associated with PFS. In the multivariate analysis, growth pattern was the only parameter that was significantly and independently predictive of PFS.

Conclusions:

As a novel histologic prognostic parameter, growth pattern may be useful for predicting response to sorafenib treatment.
Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
Authors: Carrasco-Avino Gonzalo , Schiano Thomas D. , Ward Stephen C. , Thung Swan N. , Fiel M. Isabel
Published: March 2015

Objectives:

Liver biopsy diagnosis of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is difficult. We performed a detailed histologic analysis of PSC cases using novel bioinformatics analysis to identify histologic features that may be useful in its diagnosis.

Methods:

PSC liver explants were examined and compared with primary biliary cirrhosis and hepatitis C explants to act as controls. Demographic, macroscopic, and histologic variables were analyzed using both conventional statistics and an integrative bioinformatics approach, significance analysis of microarrays (SAM), and hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA).

Results:

The PSC group was younger and had distinctive PSC features, including bile duct scars, onion-skin fibrosis, and arterial fibrointimal hyperplasia. SAM allowed the integration of variables by comparing PSC and control groups, whereas HCA was able to correctly categorize each group.

Conclusions:

This study demonstrates characteristic PSC histology as well as arterial hyperplasia to be distinctive features that may aid in PSC diagnosis and be confirmed by bioinformatics.
The francophone media in Belgium: A question of identity
Authors: Lits Marc
Published: March 2015

In Belgium, the political and linguistic divisions make problematic the assertion of a national or regional identity. The political evolution entailed a quadruple division of the media: linguistics; public channels versus private; local channels versus national; and national versus foreign countries. In this context, Flanders became a foreign ground for the French speakers, and the opposite is also true. When a subject is treated, it is as if it was about foreign policy, with simplifications, by resorting to stereotypes.

Taken in these intercommunity cleavages, the Belgian media reveal more of the identity crisis of a country near the separatism than they build a strong identity. The media work as relays of their respective public opinions. That raises the question of the role of media belonging to different linguistic areas but living in the same political entity, and their difficulty to find a balance between defense of the interests of their community and relation distanced from the national stakes.
Analytic Error Assessment of Gyro-Free INS
Authors: Klein Itzik
Published: March 2015

Agyro-free INS consists of at least six distributed accelerometers capable of obtaining linear and angular acceleration and thereby capable of functioning as a conventional INS. Most of the research in the gyro-free field focused on seeking optimal accelerometer configurations and less attention was given to deriving appropriate statespace models and analytical error assessment as in a conventional INS.

In this paper, we aim to fill this gap by contributing to three aspects of gyro-free theory. Firstly, practical gyrofree kinematic equations of motion and corresponding error-state models fitting to any set of accelerometers configuration are derived. Secondly, an analytic error assessment of the North Channel dynamics is provided enabling insight on the parameters affecting the gyro-free INS position error. Thirdly, a comparison between INS and gyrofree INS is performed, based on the derived analytical expressions.
Experimental and Non-Experimental Methods in Development Economics: A Porous Dialectic
Authors: Dehejia Rajeev
Published: March 2015

This paper surveys six widely-used non-experimental methods for estimating treatment effects (instrumental variables, regression discontinuity, direct matching, propensity score matching, linear regression and non-parametric methods, and difference-in-differences), and assesses their internal and external validity relative both to each other and to randomized controlled trials. While randomized controlled trials can achieve the highest degree of internal validity when cleanly implemented in the field, the availability of large, nationally representative data sets offers the opportunity for a high degree of external validity using non-experimental methods. We argue that each method has merits in some context and they are complements rather than substitutes.
Analytical Evaluation of Bit Error Rate Performance of a Free-Space Optical Communication System with Receive Diversity Impaired by Pointing Error
Authors: Nazrul Islam A. K. M. , Majumder S. P.
Published: March 2015

Analysis is carried out to evaluate the conditional bit error rate conditioned on a given value of pointing error for a Free Space Optical (FSO) link with multiple receivers using Equal Gain Combining (EGC). The probability density function (pdf) of output signal to noise ratio (SNR) is also derived in presence of pointing error with EGC. The average BER of a SISO and SIMO FSO links are analytically evaluated by averaging the conditional BER over the pdf of the output SNR. The BER performance results are evaluated for several values of pointing jitter parameters and number of IM/DD receivers. The results show that, the FSO system suffers significant power penalty due to pointing error and can be reduced by increasing in the number of receivers at a given value of pointing error. The improvement of receiver sensitivity over SISO is about 4 dB and 9 dB when the number of photodetector is 2 and 4 at a BER of 10
Crystal structure of (μ2-acetato-κ2O,O’)-(μ2-bromido)-(μ2-oxido)-tetrabromido- triphenylphosphane-κP-triphenylphosphaneoxide-κOdirhenium( IV)), C38H33Br5O4P2Re2
Authors: Mukiza Janvier , Gerber Thomas I. A. , Hosten Eric C. , Betz Richard
Published: March 2015

C38H33Br5O4P2Re2, triclinic, P1̄ (no. 2), a = 10.7759(5) Å, b = 13.4635(6) Å, c = 14.7580(7) Å, α = 93.642(2)°, β = 108.372(2)°, γ = 91.303(2)°, V = 2025.8 Å3, Z = 2, Rgt(F) = 0.0207, wRref(F2) = 0.0492, T = 200 K.
Crystal structure of 5-di-tert-butylphosphinoyl-25,26,27,28-tetrabenzoyloxy- calix[4]arene – dichloromethane (1:1), C64H65O5P – CH2Cl2, C65H67Cl2O5P
Authors: Elaieb Fethi , Sémeril David , Matt Dominique , Hedhli Ahmed
Published: March 2015

C65H67Cl2O5P, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 16.118(1) Å, b = 10.0843(7) Å, c = 35.113(2) Å, β = 104.009(3)°, V = 5537.5 Å3, Z = 4, Rgt(F) = 0.0930, wRref(F2) = 0.1855, T = 173 K.
Crystal structure of tricarbonyl-chlorido-(2E)-2-(6-(E-(2-hydroxyphenylimino) methyl)pyridine-2-yl)methyleneaminophenol-rhenium(I), C22H15ClN3O5Re
Authors: Habarurema Gratien , Gerber Thomas I. A. , Hosten Eric C. , Betz Richard
Published: March 2015

C22H15ClN3O5Re, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 13.1731(4) Å, b = 10.6615(3) Å, c = 16.7609(5) Å, β = 112.546(1)°, V = 2174.1 Å3, Z = 4, Rgt(F) = 0.0177, wRref(F2) = 0.0381, T = 200 K.
Efficient synthesis of 2,3-dimethoxy-5-methyl-6-morpholinomethyl-1,4-benzoquinone hydrochloride
Authors: Wang Jin , Liao Teng-huo-sheng , Yang Jian
Published: March 2015

The title compound (5) was prepared by a reaction sequence starting from 2,3,4,5-tetramethoxytoluene (1) via the Blanc reaction, oxidation and alkylation. The described method provides a good yield of the C-6 heterocyclic-substituted benzoquinone derivative and is suitable for the synthesis of other benzoquinone derivatives.
A Powerful New Quantitative Genetics Platform, CombiningCaenorhabditis elegansHigh-Throughput Fitness Assays with a Large Collection of Recombinant Strains
Authors: Andersen Erik C , Shimko Tyler C , Crissman Jonathan R , Ghosh Rajarshi , Bloom Joshua S , Seidel Hannah S , Gerke Justin P , Kruglyak Leonid
Published: March 2015

The genetic variants underlying complex traits are often elusive even in powerful model organisms such as Caenorhabditis elegans with controlled genetic backgrounds and environmental conditions. Two major contributing factors are: (1) the lack of statistical power from measuring the phenotypes of small numbers of individuals, and (2) the use of phenotyping platforms that do not scale to hundreds of individuals and are prone to noisy measurements. Here, we generated a new resource of 359 recombinant inbred strains that augments the existing C. elegans N2xCB4856 recombinant inbred advanced intercross line population. This new strain collection removes variation in the neuropeptide receptor gene npr-1, known to have large physiological and behavioral effects on C. elegans and mitigates the hybrid strain incompatibility caused by zeel-1 and peel-1, allowing for identification of quantitative trait loci that otherwise would have been masked by those effects. Additionally, we optimized highly scalable and accurate high-throughput assays of fecundity and body size using the COPAS BIOSORT large particle nematode sorter. Using these assays, we identified quantitative trait loci involved in fecundity and growth under normal growth conditions and after exposure to the herbicide paraquat, including independent genetic loci that regulate different stages of larval growth. Our results offer a powerful platform for the discovery of the genetic variants that control differences in responses to drugs, other aqueous compounds, bacterial foods, and pathogenic stresses.
Simulation of corn (Zea mays L.) production in different agricultural zones of Colombia using the AquaCrop model
Authors: García Á. Javier , Riaño H. Nestor , Magnitskiy Stanislav
Published: March 2015

Due to climate changes and increasing food needs, it is important to develop simple models of wide application to determine the irrigation needs. The aim of this study was to calibrate and validate the AquaCrop model in maize crop of the variety ICA V156 in different locations of Colombia, such as Chinchina (Caldas), Palmira (Valle del Cauca) and Cerete (Cordoba), situated at altitudes of 20, 900, and 1,340 m a.s.l., respectively. As part of the model calibration, the biomass, harvest index, and grain yield were recorded. After the calibration, the Pearson correlation coefficient and the respective analysis of variance were calculated for each variable. The biomass, harvest index and grain yield were different in each study site, with the highest grain obtained in Cerete, followed by Chinchina and, finally, Palmira. The modeling in each of the locations showed similarity between the field data and the simulated data in each of the sites. In the calibration, Palmira had the highest grain yield (4.9 t ha-1), followed by Chinchina (4.83 t ha-1) and Cerete (4.15 t ha-1). The validation in each location allowed for the determination of the grain yield, harvest index, biomass and the amount of water needed for crop growth, which averaged 3.45 kg of biomass per m3 of evapotranspired water and was reflected in an average yield of 1.26 kg of grain per m3 of evapotranspired water.
Thermal and in vitro evaluation of a composite material pHEMA/Chitosan/Hydroxyapatite
Authors: Salgado-Delgado Areli.M. , Vargas-Galarza Zully , Salgado-Delgado René , Rubio-Rosas Efraín , García-Hernández Edgar , Hernández-Díaz Wendy. N.
Published: March 2015

Bioactive materials based on polymer/hydroxyapatite are currently being extensively investigated as materials for promotion of bone tissue regeneration and reconstruction [1]. In this work, a material interpenetrating based on poly 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (pHEMA), Chitosan and hydroxyapatite (HA) was prepared following the methodology of the foaming gas Damla Çetin [2], generating an interpenetrated network with the chitosan filled with hydroxyapatite. The materials were evaluated by thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and in vitro bioactivity [3] (SBF) and characterized by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The TGA studies suggested that there was not existence of possible interactions between polymers and HA but there is a thermal stability increase in the HA content. Meanwhile, SBF and its characterization by SEM, was found that the materials are bioactives as indicated by the formation of a bone-like apatite layer after immersion in simulated body ﬂuid, indicating the potential of this material for use in bone tissue engineering.
The Direct Measurement of Ionic Piezoresistance
Authors: Cook Stuart N. , Tuller Harry L.
Published: March 2015

Ionic piezoresistance, the effect of lattice strain on ionic conductivity, is an important concept that needs to be harnessed to engineer the next generation of fast ionic conductors. To date there have been many reports of strain affecting changes in the level of ionic conductivity in solid electrolytes. The fundamental understanding is, however, still lacking, with limited experimental quantification of the magnitude of the effect. Here, we propose using the ionic piezoresistive coefficient, the constant of proportionality between the strain state and the change in conductivity, as a quantitative measure of this effect and detail a novel technique we have developed to quantify this in high temperature ionically conducting materials.
Biochemical Effects of Imazapic on Bermudagrass Growth Regulation, Broomsedge (Andropogon virginicus) Control, and MSMA Antagonism
Authors: McCullough Patrick E. , Yu Jialin , Shilling Donn G. , Czarnota Mark A. , Johnston Christopher R.
Published: March 2015

Broomsedge populations have increased substantially over the last decade on roadsides in Georgia. The invasiveness of this species might have resulted from imazapic use for bermudagrass growth regulation and the limited use of MSMA on roadsides. The objectives of this research were to evaluate (1) differential growth inhibition of bermudagrass and broomsedge to imazapic, (2) susceptibility of isolated acetolactate synthase (ALS) enzymes of bermudagrass and broomsedge to imazapic, (3) broomsedge control with tank mixtures of imazapic with MSMA, and (4) the influence of imazapic on absorption and translocation of14C-MSMA. In greenhouse experiments, imazapic reduced bermudagrass shoot biomass ~ 2 times more from the nontreated than broomsedge. Isolated ALS enzymes of bermudagrass were ~ 100 times more susceptible to inhibition by imazapic than broomsedge. In field experiments, imazapic provided no control of broomsedge, but MSMA alone controlled broomsedge 81% at 12 mo after initial treatments (MAIT). Broomsedge control was reduced to 45% when MSMA was tank mixed with imazapic at 12 MAIT. In laboratory experiments, imazapic tank mixtures did not reduce broomsedge absorption or translocation of14C-MSMA. Overall, bermudagrass is more susceptible to imazapic due to greater target-site inhibition than broomsedge. Results emphasize the importance of MSMA use for broomsedge control, but agronomists should avoid tank mixtures with imazapic to reduce potential antagonism.
Evaluating Annual Bluegrass Herbicide Resistance Evolution in Golf Course Fairways
Authors: Cross Robert B. , Bridges William C. , McCarty Lambert B. , McElroy J. Scott
Published: March 2015

Annual bluegrass is one of the most diverse plant species in the world and is the most problematic winter annual weed in commercial turfgrass. Continuous application of the same herbicide mechanism of action for annual bluegrass control on golf courses has increased herbicide-resistant populations. The purpose of this research was to simulate six herbicide-use strategies to evaluate the risk of annual bluegrass resistance evolution to glyphosate. In a worst-case scenario of yearly glyphosate applications at dormancy, resistance evolved within 10 yr and was predicted to evolve in > 90% of populations by yr 20. When glyphosate was rotated on alternate years with a unique mechanism of action, resistance was delayed for 12 to 15 yr. Season-long control of annual bluegrass often requires multiple herbicide applications. Therefore, additional strategies were simulated in which glyphosate was applied at dormancy with combinations of PRE and/or POST herbicides at various timings. Resistance was most effectively delayed with a PRE application in late summer, a POST application in fall, and alternating glyphosate with a different POST option at dormancy. This delayed resistance by 25 yr and a 35% risk was predicted after 50 yr. Strategies utilizing three annual herbicide applications with unique mechanisms of action were more effective for controlling population growth compared to other strategies. Resistance was predicted to evolve within 35 yr for each of the strategies simulated. However, these results indicate annual bluegrass herbicide resistance can be managed by using an integrated herbicide program, rotating unique mechanisms of action as frequently as possible.
BANKRUPTCY THREATS FOR RUSSIAN ORGANIZATIONS AMID THE GLOBAL FINANCIAL CRISIS
Authors: Kovan S. E.
Published: March 2015

The global financial and economic crisis significantly affected enterprises of the real economy sector. According to some estimates, in 2009 about 40% of unprofitable Russian businesses of this economy sector were bankrupt. An important task for the state management is preventing mass bankrupts and non-payments crisis. Some measures to reduce bankrupt risks for enterprises of the real economy sector have been suggested in order to save business and increase its efficiency.
DEVELOPMENT OF ELECTRIC NETWORK IN EUROPE: THE CURRENT SITUATION AND PERSPECTIVES
Authors: Debarberis L. , Fulli G. , Alecu C. , Gangale F.
Published: March 2015

Maintaining and improving reliable, efficient grids is vital for a modern society. The European transmission and distribution networks are ageing and they are faced with different challenges that may push them to evolve following different trends and conflicting drivers. The present paper aims therefore at assessing the current situation and at evaluating the possible future evolution of the electricity grids in Europe. It analyses technological state of the art and the expected deployment of advanced technology in transmission and distribution. The study highlights the main barriers hindering the development of the present grids and the design of future electricity networks and tries to identify a possible way forward. The paper also focuses on possible synergies with other sectors. Many actions still need to be taken, both at European and national level, to develop the future electricity networks.