bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reliability of the Vascular Claudication Reporting in Diabetic Patients With Peripheral Arterial Disease
Authors: Manfredini Fabio , Lamberti Nicola , Malagoni Anna Maria , Zambon Christel , Basaglia Nino , Mascoli Francesco , Manfredini Roberto , Zamboni Paolo
Published: May 2014

We evaluated whether altered reporting of ischemic symptoms occurs in diabetic patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and stable claudication. Patients (n = 152) with claudication were enrolled (120 males; mean age: 71.0 ± 8.6 years): 74 with diabetes (DM-PAD) and 78 without (DMfree-PAD). The degree of muscle oxygenation at symptom onset and maximal speed (Smax) during an incremental treadmill test was recorded at the gastrocnemius by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and quantified by area under the curve of oxygenated hemoglobin (AUC-Hbo2) and area under the curve of differential hemoglobin (AUC-dHb). The DM-PAD and DMfree-PAD showed similar exercise capacities inversely correlated with the degree of muscle oxygenation but significantly lower values of AUC-Hbo2 and AUC-dHb for DM-PAD at symptom onset and Smax (−356 vs −122 and −1200 vs −359, P < .0001). During a NIRS-assisted test, the report of claudication in the presence of diabetes was delayed, occurring at a lower degree of oxygenation than in patients with PAD only, with potential implications for testing, functional staging, and balance disorders.
The Social Motivation Hypothesis for Prosocial Behavior
Authors: Godman Marion , Nagatsu Michiru , Salmela Mikko
Published: May 2014

Existing economic models of prosociality have been rather silent in terms of proximate psychological mechanisms. We nevertheless identify the psychologically most informed accounts and offer a critical discussion of their hypotheses for the proximate psychological explanations. Based on convergent evidence from several fields of research, we argue that there nevertheless is a more plausible alternative proximate account available: the social motivation hypothesis. The hypothesis represents a more basic explanation of the appeal of prosocial behavior, which is in terms of anticipated social rewards. We also argue in favor of our own social motivation hypothesis over Robert Sugden’s fellow-feeling account (due originally to Adam Smith). We suggest that social motivation not only stands as a proximate account in its own right but also provides a plausible scaffold for other more sophisticated motivations (e.g., fellow-feelings). We conclude by discussing some possible implications of the social motivation hypothesis on existing modeling practice.
Vascular sequelae of mediastinal fibrosis
Authors: Arbra Chase A , Valentino Joseph D , Martin Jeremiah T
Published: May 2014

Fibrosing mediastinitis is a condition in which mediastinal fat is replaced by fibrous tissue. Complications may arise due to progressive fibrotic infiltration and compression of major vascular, respiratory, and nervous structures within the mediastinum. We describe 3 similar cases of fibrosing mediastinitis with pulmonary vessel involvement. Imaging and intraoperative observation revealed involvement of the pulmonary vasculature in all 3 patients. Perfusion studies showed decreased or absent perfusion to one or both of the lungs. All patients tested negative for histoplasmosis, 2 required lung resection, with the 3rd forgoing surgery.
Partner support for individual self-expansion opportunities
Authors: Fivecoat Hayley C. , Tomlinson Jennifer M. , Aron Arthur , Caprariello Peter A.
Published: May 2014

Previous research indicates that partner responsiveness and self-expansion play key roles in the creation, maintenance, and improvement of close relationships. This experiment examined the hypothesis that active (vs. passive) partner support for an individual’s opportunity for self-expansion would increase relationship satisfaction. In an experimental task manipulated to be either self-expanding or stressful, dating couple members ( N = 116; 58 couples) received active or passive support messages, ostensibly from their partners. Among those in longer term (14–60 months), but not in shorter term relationships, relationship satisfaction increased significantly more for those who received active (vs. passive) support for self-expansion. This same pattern was not found when partners’ messages responded to a stressful task or for couples in short-term relationships. This study provides the first experimental evidence for effects on relationship satisfaction of partner support for individual self-expansion. In addition, the findings suggest the potential substantial importance of relationship length for moderating self-expansion processes.
An evolutionary view of science: Imitation and memetics
Authors: Kantorovich Aharon
Published: May 2014

Scientific thought is characterized in general as methodical and rational. I would like to present here an opposing view, which treats science as a non-systematic activity, where serendipity, tinkering and imitation, rather than so-called rational thought, characterizes it. All these kinds of acts, which are considered to be a-rational, are related to an evolutionary view of science. Here I deal with a version of evolutionary epistemology as applied to science, integrated with the concept of ‘meme’. Richard Dawkins, who coined the term, treats memes as units of information that propagate in the meme pool by leaping from brain to brain. Memetics is the counterpart of genetics in the cultural arena. In its application to science, it deals with the manner in which memes/ideas spread in scientific communities. Memes (ideas) replicate through imitation. Examples of this phenomenon in science are illustrated by some historical cases. In particular, I deal with the evolution of theories of ‘internal symmetries’ in particle physics.
Environmentalism in Social Work
Authors: Jeffery Donna
Published: May 2014

I am designing an elective on environmentalism in social work; there are numerous directions that the course could take. In the social work literature, an emerging theme is the depiction of Indigenous peoples as the original environmentalists, best situated to mentor the profession. However, I argue that this bypasses the ways that ideologies of nature operate in political spaces. Indigenous social movements around land and resources face resistance and we must engage with interdisciplinary critiques of the dangers of simplistic conceptualizations of the environment to see the intense political struggles taking place.
Strengthening Positive Parenting Through Intervention
Authors: Howell Kathryn H. , Miller Laura E. , Lilly Michelle M. , Burlaka Viktor , Grogan-Kaylor Andrew C. , Graham-Bermann Sandra A.
Published: May 2014

This study examined the effectiveness of an evidence-based intervention in changing the positive and negative parenting practices of 120 mothers who experienced intimate partner violence (IPV) in the last 2 years. Mothers assigned to the treatment group participated in a 10-session evidence-based intervention, known as the Moms' Empowerment Program, which targets the mental health problems of women and works to increase access to resources and improve parenting abilities of women exposed to IPV. Participants were interviewed at baseline and immediately following the intervention or waitlist period, representing an elapsed time of approximately 5 weeks. After controlling for relevant demographic variables, violence severity, and mental health, women showed significantly more change in their positive parenting scores if they were in the treatment condition. No significant differences were found between the treatment and comparison groups in their negative parenting practices change scores. These findings suggest that even short-term intervention can improve positive parenting skills and parenting knowledge for women who have experienced partner abuse.
The Anguish of Repatriation
Authors: Grzymała-Kazłowska Aleksandra , Grzymała-Moszczyńska Halina
Published: May 2014

Repatriation remains an unsolved problem of Polish migration policy. To date, it has taken place on a small scale, mostly outside of the state’s repatriation system. Thousands of people with a promised repatriation visa are still waiting to be repatriated. The majority of the repatriates come from Kazakhstan, home to the largest population of descendants of Poles in the Asian part of the former USSR. They come to Poland not only for sentimental reasons, but also in search of better living conditions. However, repatriates—in particular older ones—experience a number of problems with adaptation in Poland, dominated by financial and housing-related issues. A further source of difficulties for repatriates, alongside their spatial dispersion, insufficient linguistic and cultural competencies, and identity problems, is finding a place on and adapting to the Polish labor market. Despite their difficult situation and special needs, the repatriates in Poland are not sufficiently supported due to the inefficiency of administration and non-governmental institutions dealing with the task of repatriates’ integration. This results in the anguish of repatriation.
The overvaluing of expertise in discussion partner choice
Authors: Ahn T.K. , Ryan John Barry
Published: May 2014

Since the introduction of economic theory to political science, theorists have argued that discussion could serve as an effective information shortcut if individuals communicate with experts who have similar preferences. Previous experimental and survey studies have found mixed results for the efficacy of social communication, but they have not observed the process of discussion partner selection which is so central to the previous models. This paper presents the results of a group-based experiment that allows for discussion partner selection. We fail to find aggregate enlightenment through social communication: lesser informed subjects are helped by social communication, but better informed subjects are harmed. This result is caused in part because subjects are too willing to seek out more expert discussion partners who have different ex ante preferences.
Development and design of a narrow-gauge hydrogen-hybrid locomotive
Authors: Coombe Duncan , Fisher Peter , Hoffrichter Andreas , Kent Stephen , Reed Daniel , Rowshandel Hamed , Tutcher Jonathan , Entezami Mani , Hillmansen Stuart , Bevan Alexander , Book David , Dickerson Rory , Harris Ivor , Roberts Clive , Sperin Kevin , Stewart Edward , Yeo Graeme , Zentani Adnan
Published: May 2014

Hydrogen used as an energy carrier is a promising alternative to diesel for autonomous railway motive power, but, globally, few prototypes exist. In 2012, the Institution of Mechanical Engineers held the inaugural Railway Challenge, in which the participating teams had to develop, design and construct a locomotive to run on 10.25 inch (260.35 mm) gauge track while meeting certain set design criteria as well as competing in operational challenges. The University of Birmingham Railway Challenge Team’s locomotive design is described in this paper. The vehicle is the UK’s first hydrogen-powered locomotive and is called Hydrogen Pioneer. The drive-system consists of a hydrogen tank, a 1.1 kW proton-exchange-membrane fuel cell stack, a 4.3 kWh battery pack and two 2.2 kW permanent-magnet traction motors. The development of the locomotive, from the original concept to the final design, and the design validation are all presented in this paper. The locomotive completed successfully all challenges through which the proof of the concept of a hydrogen-hybrid locomotive was established.
Data-driven model for maintenance decision support: A case study of railway signalling systems
Authors: Morant Amparo , Larsson-Kråik Per-Olof , Kumar Uday
Published: May 2014

Signalling systems ensure the safe operation of the railway network. Their reliability and maintainability directly affect the capacity and availability of the railway network, in terms of both infrastructure and trains, as a line cannot be fully operative until a failure has been repaired. The purpose of this paper is to propose a data-driven decision support model that integrates the various parameters of corrective maintenance data and to study maintenance performance by considering different reliability, availability, maintainability and safety parameters. This model is based on failure analysis of historical events in the form of corrective maintenance actions. It has been validated in a case study of railway signalling systems and the results are summarised. The model allows the creation of maintenance policies based on failure characteristics, as it integrates the information recorded in the various parameters of the corrective maintenance work orders. The model shows how the different failures affect the dependability of the system: the critical failures indicate the reliability of the system, the corrective actions give information about the maintainability of the components, and the relationship between the corrective maintenance times measures the efficiency of the corrective maintenance actions. All this information can be used to plan new strategies of preventive maintenance and failure diagnostics, reduce the corrective maintenance and improve the maintenance performance.
John Herbert Hovell (1910–1988), TD, MRCS, LRCP, FRCS, FDSRCS (Eng), FFD (Ire), DOrth
Authors: Gelbier Stanley
Published: May 2014

When the author studied at the Royal Dental Hospital from 1957 to 1961, John Hovell was a highly respected teacher and consultant, very popular with both patients and undergraduates. Hovell uniquely practised two widely different specialties at consultant level: oral surgery and orthodontics. Moreover, his story is one of a great dental clinician, a dental politician and a charismatic and caring man.
Levi Myers (1767–1822): An eighteenth century Glasgow medical graduate from South Carolina
Authors: Collins Kenneth
Published: May 2014

Levi Myers, a native of Georgetown, South Carolina, was the first Jewish medical graduate at the University of Glasgow, obtaining the MD, in 1787. Myers had been registered for studies at the University of Edinburgh for three years, from 1785/1786 to 1787/1788, after some years of training with a physician in Charleston, South Carolina. Recent studies of Jewish life in Edinburgh have revealed the evidence of a settled group of Jewish inhabitants in the city during the last quarter of the eighteenth century, during the time of Myers’ sojourn in Edinburgh and thirty years before the formal inauguration of Scotland’s first Jewish community. This paper examines the context of Myers’ studies in Edinburgh as an American medical student and as a Jew.
Dysregulation of Catalase Activity in Newborn Myocytes During Hypoxia Is Mediated by c-Abl Tyrosine Kinase
Authors: Cabigas E. Bernadette , Liu Jie , Boopathy Archana V. , Che Pao Lin , Crawford Brian H. , Baroi Gitangali , Bhutani Srishti , Shen Ming , Wagner Mary B. , Davis Michael E.
Published: May 2014

In the adult heart, catalase (CAT) activity increases appropriately with increasing levels of hydrogen peroxide, conferring cardioprotection. This mechanism is absent in the newborn for unknown reasons. In the present study, we examined how the posttranslational modification of CAT contributes to its activation during hypoxia/ischemia and the role of c-Abl tyrosine kinase in this process. Hypoxia studies were carried out using primary cardiomyocytes from adult (>8 weeks) and newborn rats. Following hypoxia, the ratio of phosphorylated to total CAT and c-Abl in isolated newborn rat myocytes did not increase and were significantly lower (1.3- and 4.2-fold, respectively; P < .05) than their adult counterparts. Similarly, there was a significant association ( P < .0005) between c-Abl and CAT in adult cells following hypoxia (30.9 ± 8.2 to 70.7 ± 13.1 au) that was absent in newborn myocytes. Although ubiquitination of CAT was higher in newborns compared to adults following hypoxia, inhibition of this did not improve CAT activity. When a c-Abl activator (5-(1,3-diaryl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)hydantoin [DPH], 200 µmol/L) was administered prior to hypoxia, not only CAT activity was significantly increased ( P < .05) but also phosphorylation levels were also significantly improved ( P < .01) in these newborn myocytes. Additionally, ischemia–reperfusion (IR) studies were performed using newborn (4-5 days) rabbit hearts perfused in a Langendorff method. The DPH given as an intracardiac injection into the right ventricle of newborn rabbit resulted in a significant improvement ( P < .002) in the recovery of developed pressure after IR, a key indicator of cardiac function (from 74.6% ± 6.6% to 118.7% ± 10.9%). In addition, CAT activity was increased 3.92-fold ( P < .02) in the same DPH-treated hearts. Addition of DPH to adult rabbits in contrast had no significant effect (from 71.3% ± 10.7% to 59.4% ± 12.1%). Therefore, in the newborn, decreased phosphorylation of CAT by c-Abl potentially mediates IR-induced dysfunction, and activation of c-Abl may be a strategy to prevent ischemic injury associated with surgical procedures.
Dual Eligibility, Selection of Skilled Nursing Facility, and Length of Medicare Paid Postacute Stay
Authors: Rahman Momotazur , Gozalo Pedro , Tyler Denise , Grabowski David C. , Trivedi Amal , Mor Vincent
Published: May 2014

Medicare and Medicaid dual-eligible beneficiaries use more medical care and experience worse health outcomes than Medicare-only beneficiaries. This article points to a possible inefficiency in the skilled nursing facility (SNF) admission process, specifically that patients and SNFs are partially matched based on dual-eligibility status, and investigates its influence on patients’ SNF length of stay. Using a set of fee-for-service beneficiaries newly admitted for Medicare-paid SNF care, we document two findings: (1) compared with Medicare-only patients, dual-eligibles are more likely to be discharged to SNFs with low nurse-to-patient ratios and (2) dual-eligibles are more likely to become long-stay nursing home residents than Medicare-only beneficiaries if treated in SNFs with low nurse-to-patient ratios. We conclude that changes in the current SNF care referral process have the potential to reduce excess SNF utilization by dual-eligible beneficiaries and could help reduce spending by both Medicare and Medicaid.
UV treatments on the physicochemical properties of tilapia skin and pig skin gelatin
Authors: Wu CK , Tsai JS , Chen ZY , Sung WC
Published: May 2014

Tilapia skin gelatin, pig skin gelatin, and their mousse premixes were exposed to UV irradiation for 103, 206, and 309 kJ/cm2. All samples after 309 kJ/cm2 exposure exhibited a significant increase in gel strength, gel forming ability as well as viscosity of solutions. It was shown that UV treatment could also improve the pig skin gelatin foam stability and foam formation ability compared to those of tilapia skin gelatin. Nevertheless, the panelists gave the lowest scores to mousse made with 309 kJ/cm2 UV-irradiated premix mousse pig skin gelatin. Tilapia skin gelatin could be used as a substitute ingredient for premix mousse made from pig skin gelatin.
Case studies of a camera-aided imaging method for evaluation of interior luminous environments
Authors: Cai H. , Saifan M. I. , Killeen J. A.
Published: May 2014

This paper introduces a camera-aided imaging method to help lighting practitioners, especially students and beginners, to evaluate the quality of interior luminous environments. This imaging method adopts the high dynamic range photography to acquire millions of luminance values across an interior luminous environment, stores the data on a high dynamic range (HDR) image, and then uses a MatLab code ( http://people.ku.edu/∼h717c996/research.html ) to plot two-dimensional luminance and luminance gradient maps of the luminous environment for further evaluation. Four case studies were conducted to validate this imaging method. The HDR image of each test scenario and its luminance and luminance gradient maps were analysed to evaluate the lighting quality in light of four visual concepts, including hierarchy of focal accents, glare and reflectance, entry of daylight, and lighting the walls. Information extracted from those images could be used to improve problematic lighting conditions. The method is useful for vision-based lighting evaluation practice.
Reducing thermal contact resistance using thermocompression method to bond vertically aligned carbon nanotubes in magnetic field
Authors: Lv Qiang , Hu Xizheng , Chen Xiqu , Gan Zhiyin
Published: May 2014

With the increasing power densities of chip and diminishing size of semiconductor chips, thermal interface materials become a research emphasis to accelerate the development of semiconductor industry. Vertically aligned carbon nanotubes are good thermal interface materials because of high thermal conductance and excellent mechanical compliance. To reduce the thermal contact resistance between vertically aligned carbon nanotubes and silicon, thermocompression method in magnetic field was used to bond them in this work. The surface of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes was metallized with nickel and a vacuum chamber was used as bonding condition. The thermal contact resistance Rmc between vertically aligned carbon nanotubes and metallized Si of 12 sample groups were measured with a thermal transient tester. The result shows that the Rmc with magnetic field is 14% lower than the Rmc without magnetic field averagely. The magnetic field can be used to reduce the thermal contact resistance between vertically aligned carbon nanotubes and metallized Si.
Distributing positive leadership
Authors: Tubin Dorit , Pinyan-Weiss Michal
Published: May 2014

The concept of distributed leadership is widely used, but the ways whereby it becomes positive when distributed from the principal through the school counselor, still call for further clarification. The present study aims to illuminate this subject by analyzing the work of the principal and the counselors in five successful Israeli schools. Using an instrumental multi-case study method, it was found that the main distribution practice was team counseling, a counselor-led practice wherein at any time a student’s need arises, the counselor forms an ad hoc team to work together until the problem is solved, at which time the team is disbanded. By working within the school’s structure, respecting participants’ trust and expertise, and enabling information flow, the principal and the counselor facilitate distribution of positive leadership for the benefit of students and the school. Further theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Transition to Adulthood
Authors: Wei Xin , Wagner Mary , Hudson Laura , Yu Jennifer W. , Shattuck Paul
Published: May 2014

Relatively little is known about the pathways youth with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) take in the transition to adulthood in terms of employment and postsecondary education (PSE). Applying life course sequence analysis to a nationally representative sample of youth with ASDs ( N = 120), this study clustered various longitudinal sequences into three typical transition groups in the 6 years after high school exit: primarily focused on PSE (57.4%), continuously or increasingly disengaged (i.e., not employed nor in PSE, 29.0%), and primarily focused on employment (13.6%). All three groups experienced unique struggles in the transition to adulthood. We found variations in disproportionate transition patterns by gender, family income, functional cognitive skills, and conversational skills. Policy implications are discussed.
Synthesis and recovery of bulk Fe4O5 from magnetite, Fe3O4. A member of a self-similar series of structures for the lower mantle and transition zone
Authors: Guignard J. , Crichton W. A.
Published: May 2014

A multi-anvil press was combined with monochromatic synchrotron X-ray radiation to investigate the synthesis, at high-pressure high-temperature conditions, of a recoverable bulk sample of Fe4O5, from an initial magnetite, Fe3O4, sample. Angle-dispersive diffraction patterns show that magnetite firstly breaks down, into an assemblage of hematite (Fe2O3) + Fe4O5. By increasing temperature at constant load, hematite disappears progressively by either reduction or by melting, or a combination of both. In the final product only Fe4O5 remains and, in the absence of hematite, can be kept stable and be recovered at ambient conditions. Refinement of the diffraction patterns at standard conditions demonstrate that Fe4O5 has the Sr2Tl2O5-type-structure with space group Cmcm and a = 2.8964(2) Å, b = 9.8225(6) Åand c = 12.5808(7) Å. This structure-type and related members of a homologous series, offer the possibility that the general sequence of AB(2+n)X(4+n) chemistries could, under certain conditions, be extended to accommodate prevalent oxygen fugacity or, indeed, other ordered stoichiometries through extension of the c axis by the addition of FeO6 octahedral blocks. This structural series, as in other systems, offers possibilities of hosting charge-transfer, Jahn-Teller and other electronic phenomena − as well as supporting metric distortions. Each of these possibilities is highlighted through illustration and extension to related structure-types, most notably from those of the spinels, post-spinels and post-perovskites.
Mössbauerite, Fe63+O4(OH)8[CO3]·3H2O, the fully oxidized ‘green rust’ mineral from Mont Saint-Michel Bay, France
Authors: Génin J.-M. R. , Mills S. J. , Christy A. G. , Guérin O. , Herbillon A. J. , Kuzmann E. , Ona-Nguema G. , Ruby C. , Upadhyay C.
Published: May 2014

The new mineral mössbauerite (IMA2012−049), Fe63+O4(OH)8[CO3]·3H2O, is a member of the fougèrite group of the hydrotalcite supergroup. Thus, it has a layered double hydroxide-type structure, in which brucite-like layers [Fe63+O4(OH)8]2+ are intercalated with CO32− anions and water molecules. Mössbauerite is the fully oxidized analogue of fougèrite and trébeurdenite, related to them chemically by the exchange of (Fe3+O2−) with (Fe2+OH−). Mössbauerite, intimately intergrown with trébeurdenite, was discovered in intertidal gleys from Mont Saint-Michel Bay, France, along with quartz, feldspars and clay minerals. Mössbauerite is formed by the oxidation of the other members of the fougèrite group. Like them, it occurs as μm-scale platelets in gleys with restricted access to atmospheric O and decomposes rapidly when exposed to air. Identification and characterization of these minerals has relied on an electrochemical study of synthetic analogues and Mössbauer spectroscopy, which inspired the name of the new mineral.

Unlike fougèrite and trébeurdenite, which are blue-green, pure synthetic mössbauerite is orange in colour. Detailed optical and other physical properties could not be determined because of the small platelet size and instability. The hardness is probably 2−3, by analogy with other members of the supergroup and the density, calculated from unit-cell parameters, is 2.950 g/cm3. Synchrotron X-ray data indicate that the natural material is a nanoscale intergrowth of 2T and 3T polytypes; the latter probably has the 3T7 stacking sequence. The corresponding maximum possible space group symmetries are Pm1 and P3m1. Unit-cell parameters for the 3T cell are a = 3.032(7) Å, c = 22.258(4) = 367.420 Å and Z = ½.

Mössbauer spectroscopy at 78 K indicates that two distinct Fe3+ environments exist in a 2:1 ratio. These are interpreted to be ordered within each layer, but without the development of a threedimensional superlattice. Mössbauerite undergoes gradual magnetic ordering at 70−80 K to a ferromagnetic state, below which it splits into three sextets S1m, S2m and S3m, as measured at 15 K, and shows the same intensity ratio ½:⅙:⅓ as the three doublets for fougèrite D1f, D2f, D3f in the paramagnetic state at 78 K. This suggests that there is also short-range coupling of interlayer carbonate anions with respect to the octahedral layers and that the 2D long-range order of carbonates in interlayers remains unchanged.
The quest for forbidden crystals
Authors: Bindi L. , Steinhardt P. J.
Published: May 2014

The world of crystallography was forced to reassess its rules about thirty years ago with the introduction of the concept of quasicrystals, solids with rotational symmetries forbidden to crystals, by Levine and Steinhardt (1984) and the discovery of the first examples in the laboratory by Shechtman et al. (1984). Since then, >100 different types of quasicrystals have been synthesized in the laboratory under carefully controlled conditions. The original theory suggested that quasicrystals can be as robust and stable as crystals, perhaps even forming under natural conditions. This thought motivated a decade-long search for a natural quasicrystal, culminating in the discovery of icosahedrite (Al63Cu24Fe13), an icosahedral quasicrystal found in a museum sample consisting of several typical rock-forming minerals combined with exotic rare metal alloy minerals like khatyrkite and cupalite. Here we briefly recount the extraordinary story of the search and discovery of the first natural quasicrystal.
Bone marrow T-cell infiltration during acute GVHD is associated with delayed B-cell recovery and function after HSCT
Authors: Mensen Angela , Jöhrens Korinna , Anagnostopoulos Ioannis , Demski Sonya , Oey Maike , Stroux Andrea , Hemmati Philipp , Westermann Jörg , Blau Olga , Wittenbecher Friedrich , Movassaghi Kamran , Szyska Martin , Thomas Sybill , Dörken Bernd , Scheibenbogen Carmen , Arnold Renate , Na Il-Kang
Published: May 2014

Key Points

Donor T-cell infiltration of the bone marrow is associated with impaired B-cell immunity after allogeneic HSCT. Quantification of κ-deleting recombination excision circles as a biomarker for bone marrow B-cell output in different clinical episodes.
A new method to disperse CdS quantum dot-sensitized TiO2 nanotube arrays into P3HT:PCBM layer for the improvement of efficiency of inverted polymer solar cells
Authors: Li Fumin , Chen Chong , Tan Furui , Yue Gentian , Shen Liang , Zhang Weifeng
Published: May 2014

We report that the efficiency of ITO/nc-TiO2/P3HT:PCBM/MoO3/Ag inverted polymer solar cells (PSCs) can be improved by dispersing CdS quantum dot (QD)-sensitized TiO2 nanotube arrays (TNTs) in poly (3-hexylthiophene) and [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (P3HT:PCBM) layer. The CdS QDs are deposited on the TNTs by a chemical bath deposition method. The experimental results show that the CdS QD-sensitized TNTs (CdS/TNTs) do not only increase the light absorption of the P3HT:PCBM layer but also reduce the charge recombination in the P3HT:PCBM layer. The dependence of device performances on cycles of CdS deposition on the TNTs was investigated. A high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 3.52% was achieved for the inverted PSCs with 20 cyclic depositions of CdS on TNTs, which showed a 34% increase compared to the ITO/nc-TiO2/P3HT:PCBM/MoO3/Ag device without the CdS/TNTs. The improved efficiency is attributed to the improved light absorbance and the reduced charge recombination in the active layer.
Multihop range-free localization with approximate shortest path in anisotropic wireless sensor networks
Authors: Lee Sangwoo , Park Chansik , Lee Min Joon , Kim Sunwoo
Published: May 2014

This paper presents a multihop range-free localization algorithm that tolerates network anisotropy with a small number of anchors. A detoured path detection is proposed to detect if the shortest path between nodes is detoured from their direct path by measuring the deviation in the hop count between the direct and shortest paths. A novel distance estimation method is introduced to approximate the shortest path based on the path deviation and to estimate their distance by taking into account the extent of the detour of the approximate shortest path. Compared to other range-free algorithms, the proposed algorithm requires fewer anchors while achieving higher localization accuracy in anisotropic networks. We demonstrated its superiority over existing range-free localization algorithms through extensive computer simulations.
Existence and multiplicity of positive solutions for one-dimensional prescribed mean curvature equations
Authors: Lu Yanqiong , Ma Ruyun , Gao Hongliang
Published: May 2014

In this work, we establish the existence and multiplicity results of positive solutions for one-dimensional prescribed mean curvature equations. Our approach is based on fixed point index theory for completely continuous operators which leave invariant a suitable cone in a Banach space of continuous functions.

MSC:34B10, 34B18.
A parallel nonlinear adaptive enhancement algorithm for low- or high-intensity color images
Authors: Zhou Zhigang , Sang Nong , Hu Xinrong
Published: May 2014

This article addresses the problem of color image enhancement for images with low or high intensity and poor contrast (LIPC or HIPC). A parallel nonlinear adaptive enhancement (PNAE) algorithm using information from local neighborhood is presented to resolve the problem in parallel. The PNAE algorithm consists of three steps. First, a red-green-blue (RGB) color image is converted to an intensity image, then an adaptive intensity adjustment with local contrast enhancement is parallelly performed, and finally, colors are restored. The PNAE algorithm can be adjusted to control the level of enhancement on the overall lightness and the contrast achieved at the output separately. Most of the parameters used in PNAE are robust for LIPC and HIPC color image enhancement. Experimental results show that PNAE outperforms two popular methods in both computational efficiency and overall content preservation of image while improving local contrast for LIPC and HIPC image enhancement.
A dataset comprising four micro-computed tomography scans of freshly fixed and museum earthworm specimens
Authors: Lenihan Jennifer , Kvist Sebastian , Fernández Rosa , Giribet Gonzalo , Ziegler Alexander
Published: May 2014

Background

Although molecular tools are increasingly employed to decipher invertebrate systematics, earthworm (Annelida: Clitellata: ‘Oligochaeta') taxonomy is still largely based on conventional dissection, resulting in data that are mostly unsuitable for dissemination through online databases. In order to evaluate if micro-computed tomography (μCT) in combination with soft tissue staining techniques could be used to expand the existing set of tools available for studying internal and external structures of earthworms, μCT scans of freshly fixed and museum specimens were gathered.

Findings

Scout images revealed full penetration of tissues by the staining agent. The attained isotropic voxel resolutions permit identification of internal and external structures conventionally used in earthworm taxonomy. The μCT projection and reconstruction images have been deposited in the online data repository GigaDB and are publicly available for download.

Conclusions

The dataset presented here shows that earthworms constitute suitable candidates for μCT scanning in combination with soft tissue staining. Not only are the data comparable to results derived from traditional dissection techniques, but due to their digital nature the data also permit computer-based interactive exploration of earthworm morphology and anatomy. The approach pursued here can be applied to freshly fixed as well as museum specimens, which is of particular importance when considering the use of rare or valuable material. Finally, a number of aspects related to the deposition of digital morphological data are briefly discussed.
Lysine-specific demethylase 1-mediated demethylation of histone H3 lysine 9 contributes to interleukin 1β-induced microsomal prostaglandin E synthase 1 expression in human osteoarthritic chondrocytes
Authors: El Mansouri Fatima Ezzahra , Nebbaki Salwa-Sarah , Kapoor Mohit , Afif Hassan , Martel-Pelletier Johanne , Pelletier Jean-Pierre , Benderdour Mohamed , Fahmi Hassan
Published: May 2014

Introduction

Microsomal prostaglandin E synthase 1 (mPGES-1) catalyzes the terminal step in the biosynthesis of PGE2, a critical mediator in the pathophysiology of osteoarthritis (OA). Histone methylation plays an important role in epigenetic gene regulation. In this study, we investigated the roles of histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9) methylation in interleukin 1β (IL-1β)-induced mPGES-1 expression in human chondrocytes.

Methods

Chondrocytes were stimulated with IL-1β, and the expression of mPGES-1 mRNA was evaluated using real-time RT-PCR. H3K9 methylation and the recruitment of the histone demethylase lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) to the mPGES-1 promoter were evaluated using chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. The role of LSD1 was further evaluated using the pharmacological inhibitors tranylcypromine and pargyline and small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated gene silencing. The LSD1 level in cartilage was determined by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry.

Results

The induction of mPGES-1 expression by IL-1β correlated with decreased levels of mono- and dimethylated H3K9 at the mPGES-1 promoter. These changes were concomitant with the recruitment of the histone demethylase LSD1. Treatment with tranylcypromine and pargyline, which are potent inhibitors of LSD1, prevented IL-1β-induced H3K9 demethylation at the mPGES-1 promoter and expression of mPGES-1. Consistently, LSD1 gene silencing with siRNA prevented IL-1β-induced H3K9 demethylation and mPGES-1 expression, suggesting that LSD1 mediates IL-1β-induced mPGES-1 expression via H3K9 demethylation. We show that the level of LSD1 was elevated in OA compared to normal cartilage.

Conclusion

These results indicate that H3K9 demethylation by LSD1 contributes to IL-1β-induced mPGES-1 expression and suggest that this pathway could be a potential target for pharmacological intervention in the treatment of OA and possibly other arthritic conditions.
Intergenerational genomic DNA methylation patterns in mouse hybrid strains
Authors: Orozco Luz D , Rubbi Liudmilla , Martin Lisa J , Fang Fang , Hormozdiari Farhad , Che Nam , Smith Andrew D , Lusis Aldons J , Pellegrini Matteo
Published: May 2014

Background

DNA methylation is a contributing factor to both rare and common human diseases, and plays a major role in development and gene silencing. While the variation of DNA methylation among individuals has been partially characterized, the degree to which methylation patterns are preserved across generations is still poorly understood. To determine the extent of methylation differences between two generations of mice we examined DNA methylation patterns in the livers of eight parental and F1 mice from C57BL/6J and DBA/2J mouse strains using bisulfite sequencing.

Results

We find a large proportion of reproducible methylation differences between C57BL/6J and DBA/2J chromosomes in CpGs, which are highly heritable between parent and F1 mice. We also find sex differences in methylation levels in 396 genes, and 11% of these are differentially expressed between females and males. Using a recently developed approach to identify allelically methylated regions independently of genotypic differences, we identify 112 novel putative imprinted genes and microRNAs, and validate imprinting at the RNA level in 10 of these genes.

Conclusions

The majority of DNA methylation differences among individuals are associated with genetic differences, and a much smaller proportion of these epigenetic differences are due to sex, imprinting or stochastic intergenerational effects. Epigenetic differences can be a determining factor in heritable traits and should be considered in association studies for molecular and clinical traits, as we observed that methylation differences in the mouse model are highly heritable and can have functional consequences on molecular traits such as gene expression.
Staining algorithm for seismic modeling and migration
Authors: Chen Bo , Jia Xiaofeng
Published: May 2014

In seismic migration, some structures such as those in subsalt shadow zones are not imaged well. The signal in these areas may be even weaker than the artifacts elsewhere. We evaluated a method to significantly improve the signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) in poorly illuminated areas of the model. We constructed a “phantom” wavefield: an extension of the wavefield to the complex domain. The imaginary wavefield was synchronized with the real wavefield, but it contained only the events relevant to a target region of the model, which was specified using a staining algorithm. The real wavefield interacted with the entire model. However, all structures except for the target were transparent to the imaginary wavefield, which is excited only when the real wavefront arrives at the target structure. The real and the imaginary source wavefields were crosscorrelated with the regular receiver wavefield. The results were revealed in two images: the conventional reverse time migration image and an image of the target region only. Synthetic experiments showed that the S/N of the target structures was improved significantly, with other structures effectively muted.
Leveraging Electronic Health Record Systems to Create and Provide Electronic Cancer Survivorship Care Plans: A Pilot Study
Authors: Tevaarwerk Amye J. , Wisinski Kari B. , Buhr Kevin A. , Njiaju Ucheanna O. , Tun May , Donohue Sarah , Sekhon Navnit , Yen Thomas , Wiegmann Douglas A. , Sesto Mary E.
Published: May 2014

Rapid care plan creation and delivery within an EHR is possible. Further research is required to explore the barriers to automating importation into plans as well as the impact of EHR-integrated plans.
Can Patient Comorbidities Be Included in Clinical Performance Measures for Radiation Oncology?
Authors: Owen Jean B. , Khalid Najma , Ho Alex , Kachnic Lisa A. , Komaki Ritsuko , Tao May Lin , Currey Adam , Wilson J. Frank
Published: May 2014

ACE-27 is predictive of treatment modifications for patients with cancers of the breast, cervix, lung, prostate, and stomach who receive radiation as part of their care.
Hepatitis C Virus Screening in Patients With Cancer Receiving Chemotherapy
Authors: Hwang Jessica P. , Suarez-Almazor Maria E. , Torres Harrys A. , Palla Shana L. , Huang Donna S. , Fisch Michael J. , Lok Anna S.F.
Published: May 2014

Misconceptions may exist about which patients should be screened for hepatitis C virus infection.
High-Priority Topics for Cancer Quality Measure Development: Results of the 2012 American Society of Clinical Oncology Collaborative Cancer Measure Summit
Authors: Hassett Michael J. , McNiff Kristen K. , Dicker Adam P. , Gilligan Timothy , Hendricks Carolyn B. , Lennes Inga , Murray Thomas , Krzyzanowska Monika K.
Published: May 2014

Addressing the high-priority topics identified by this effort will help fill the gaps left by existing cancer quality measures, including care coordination and transitions, quality of life, safety, experience of care, and outcomes.
Innovative Payment Models and Measurement for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Newcomer Lee N.
Published: May 2014

The rising cost of health care in the United States is on an unsustainable trajectory. Payment models that reward cost-effective and high-quality care are desperately needed.
Economic Value of a Cancer Case Management Program
Authors: Wu Charlotte , Bannister Wade , Schumacker Pamela , Rosen Michael , Ozminkowski Ronald , Rossof Arthur
Published: May 2014

Participation in the cancer support program was associated with lower cancer-related medical costs and greater hospice use.
The ASCO Quality Training Program: Designing and Implementing a Medical Specialty Society–Based Quality Improvement Training Program
Authors: Jacobson Joseph O. , Quinn Doris , Gilligan Timothy , Corning Davis Barbara , Dalby Carole , Bretsch Jennifer , McNiff Kristen
Published: May 2014

The mission of ASCO”s Quality Training Program is “to teach oncology providers to engage in successful quality improvement activities in their practice settings and to train oncologists to assume quality leadership positions and champion quality initiatives.”
The Measure of a Physician, the Measure of Our Practices: What We Measure Reflects What We Believe
Authors: Neuss Michael N.
Published: May 2014

Physicians cannot charge forward with measures, incentives, penalties, and public reporting without first understanding how to allow for the appropriate variation of care as determined by patient beliefs, preferences, and comorbidities.
Patient-Reported Outcome Performance Measures in Oncology
Authors: Basch Ethan , Snyder Claire , McNiff Kristen , Brown Rebecca , Maddux Suzanne , Smith Mary Lou , Atkinson Thomas M. , Howell Doris , Chiang Anne , Wood William , Levitan Nathan , Wu Albert W. , Krzyzanowska Monika
Published: May 2014

Patient self-reporting affords the opportunity to better understand the impact of care processes on how patients feel.
A Brief History of Quality Improvement
Authors: Parry Gareth J.
Published: May 2014

Intrinsic motivation can fuel people to activate improvement initiatives in their local health care systems.
Consumption Inequality over the Last Half Century: Some Evidence Using the New PSID Consumption Measure
Authors: Attanasio Orazio , Pistaferri Luigi
Published: May 2014

This paper contributes to the debate regarding trends in consumption inequality in the United States. We present a new measure of consumption inequality based on the redesigned 1999-2011 PSID. We impute consumption to the families observed before 1999 using the more comprehensive consumption data available from 1999 onward. One advantage of this procedure is in sample verification of the quality of the imputation procedure; another is that it yields a long time series (1967-2010). Consumption inequality was stable in the 1970s, as was income inequality. It increased significantly after 1980. The Great Recession was associated with a decline in consumption inequality.
Estimates of Annual Consumption Expenditures and Its Major Components in the PSID in Comparison to the CE
Authors: Andreski Patricia , Li Geng , Samancioglu Mehmet Zahid , Schoeni Robert
Published: May 2014

Comprehensive data on consumption expenditures have historically not been collected in US longitudinal household surveys. The Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID) expanded its expenditure data collection in 1999 and 2005. We examine these new expenditure data, highlighting several unique features of the PSID data. We then compare the PSID expenditure data with those in the Consumer Expenditure Survey (CE). We document that the PSID data cover nearly the entire scope of the CE data, and the mean statistics of total expenditures compare favorably between the two surveys. However, significant differences remain for certain expenditure categories.
The Aggregate Impact of Household Saving and Borrowing Constraints: Designing a Field Experiment in Uganda
Authors: Kaboski Joseph P. , Lipscomb Molly , Midrigan Virgiliu
Published: May 2014

We develop a model of households with multiple needs (smoothing shocks, financing investment) and constraints (limited credit, self-control issues) in order to examine the nature of household's financing constraints in a developing country, and the impact of relaxing them. We show that increased access to credit has very different implications for the aggregate model economy depending on its form: asset-financed or cash. We then illustrate how a short-term increase in access to loans leads to very distinct behavior in the short run. The relevance of the model can be evaluated using a field experiment, which we are currently implementing in Uganda.
Can Intangible Capital Explain Cyclical Movements in the Labor Wedge?
Authors: Gourio François , Rudanko Leena
Published: May 2014

Intangible capital is an important factor of production in modern economies that is generally neglected in business cycle analyses. We demonstrate that intangible capital can have a substantial impact on business cycle dynamics, especially if the intangible is complementary with production capacity. We focus on customer capital: the capital embodied in the relationships a firm has with its customers. Introducing customer capital into a standard real business cycle model generates a volatile and countercyclical labor wedge, due to a mismeasured marginal product of labor. We also provide new evidence on cyclical variation in selling effort to discipline the exercise.