bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of an Infectious Diseases Specialist on ICU Multidisciplinary Rounds
Authors: Gilbert David N.
Published: April 2014

Objective. To ascertain the influence of a physician infectious diseases specialist (IDS) on antibiotic use in a medical/surgical intensive care unit.Method. Over a 5-month period, the antibiotic regimens ordered by the ICU multidisciplinary team were studied. The days of antibiotic therapy (DOT) when management decisions included an IDS were compared to DOT in the absence of an IDS. The associated treatment expense was calculated.Results. Prior to multidisciplinary rounds (MDRs), 79-80% of the patients were receiving one or more antibiotic. IDS participation occurred in 61 multidisciplinary rounding sessions. There were 384 patients who before MDRs had orders for 669 days of antimicrobial therapy (DOT). After MDRs, the antimicrobial DOT were reduced to 511 with a concomitant cost saving of $3772. There were 51 MDR sessions that occurred in the absence of the IDS. There were 352 patients who before MDRs had orders for 593 DOT. After MDRs, the DOT were reduced to 572 with a cost savings of $727. The results were normalized by number of patients evaluated with statistically greater reductions when MDRs included the IDS. In addition, the number of rounding sessions with a reduction in DOT was greater with the participation of the IDS.Conclusion. The addition of an IDS to multidisciplinary ICU patient rounds resulted in a reduction in antibiotic DOT and attendant drug expense.
Attractor for a Reaction-Diffusion System Modeling Cancer Network
Authors: Chen Xueyong , Shen Jianwei , Zhou Hongxian
Published: April 2014

A reaction-diffusion cancer network regulated by microRNA is considered in this paper. We study the asymptotic behavior of solution and show the existence of global uniformly bounded solution to the system in a bounded domainΩ⊂Rn. Some estimates and asymptotic compactness of the solutions are proved. As a result, we establish the existence of the global attractor inL2(Ω)×L2(Ω)and prove that the solution converges to stable steady states. These results can help to understand the dynamical character of cancer network and propose a new insight to study the mechanism of cancer. In the end, the numerical simulation shows that the analytical results agree with numerical simulation.
Combination of Two Nonlinear Techniques Applied to a 3-DOF Helicopter
Authors: Ahmadi P. , Golestani M. , Nasrollahi S. , Vali A. R.
Published: April 2014

A combination of two nonlinear control techniques, fractional order sliding mode and feedback linearization control methods, is applied to 3-DOF helicopter model. Increasing of the convergence rate is obtained by using proposed controller without increasing control effort. Because the proposed control law is robust against disturbance, so we only use the upper bound information of disturbance and estimation or measurement of the disturbance is not required. The performance of the proposed control scheme is compared with integer order sliding mode controller and results are justified by the simulation.
Adaptive Fractional Differentiation Harris Corner Detection Algorithm for Vision Measurement of Surface Roughness
Authors: Tang Rui-Yin , Zeng Zhou-Mo
Published: April 2014

The Harris algorithm via fractional order derivative (the adaptive fractional differentiation Harris corner detection algorithm), which adaptively adjusts the fractal dimension parameter, has been investigated for an analysis of image processing relevant to surface roughness by vision measurements. The comparative experiments indicate that the algorithm allows the edge information in the high frequency areas to be enhanced, thus overcoming shortcomings. The algorithm permits real-time measurements of surface roughness to be performed with high precision, superior to the conventional Harris algorithm.
Traffic Incident Clearance Time and Arrival Time Prediction Based on Hazard Models
Authors: Ji Yang beibei , Jiang Rui , Qu Ming , Chung Edward
Published: April 2014

Accurate prediction of incident duration is not only important information of Traffic Incident Management System, but also an effective input for travel time prediction. In this paper, the hazard based prediction models are developed for both incident clearance time and arrival time. The data are obtained from the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads’ STREAMS Incident Management System (SIMS) for one year ending in November 2010. The best fitting distributions are drawn for both clearance and arrival time for 3 types of incident: crash, stationary vehicle, and hazard. The results show that Gamma, Log‐logistic, and Weibull are the best fit for crash, stationary vehicle, and hazard incident, respectively. The obvious impact factors are given for crash clearance time and arrival time. The quantitative influences for crash and hazard incident are presented for both clearance and arrival. The model accuracy is analyzed at the end.
A Platform for Screening Potential Anticholinesterase Fractions and Components Obtained from Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bge for Treating Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Sun Yu , Peng Ying , Li Lin-Guang , Zheng Li-Wei , Lin Dong-Ju , Li Ling-Zhi , Song Shao-Jiang
Published: April 2014

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive memory loss and cognitive impairment. Cholinesterase inhibitors are widely used for the symptomatic treatment of Alzheimer’s disease to enhance central cholinergic transmission. In this study, a bioactivity‐oriented screening platform based on a modified Ellman’s method and HPLC‐QTOF MS technique was developed to rapidly screen active agents of Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bge. The 60% ethanol fraction from an ethyl acetate extract exhibited the most potential anticholinesterase activity. Fifteen steroid saponins were identified by the mass spectrum, standards and literature reports. Twenty‐five compounds were isolated from the active fraction. The results showed that compounds with the C6–C3–C6 skeleton probably had both AChE and BuChE inhibitory activities. Xanthone and benzene derivatives exhibited no or little activity. Lignans showed weak BuChE inhibitory activity. The steroidal saponins demonstrated moderate or weak AChE inhibitory activity.
A New Dataset Size Reduction Approach for PCA‐Based Classification in OCR Application
Authors: Shayegan Mohammad Amin , Aghabozorgi Saeed
Published: April 2014

A major problem of pattern recognition systems is due to the large volume of training datasets including duplicate and similar training samples. In order to overcome this problem, some dataset size reduction and also dimensionality reduction techniques have been introduced. The algorithms presently used for dataset size reduction usually remove samples near to the centers of classes or support vector samples between different classes. However, the samples near to a class center include valuable information about the class characteristics and the support vector is important for evaluating system efficiency. This paper reports on the use of Modified Frequency Diagram technique for dataset size reduction. In this new proposed technique, a training dataset is rearranged and then sieved. The sieved training dataset along with automatic feature extraction/selection operation using Principal Component Analysis is used in an OCR application. The experimental results obtained when using the proposed system on one of the biggest handwritten Farsi/Arabic numeral standard OCR datasets, Hoda, show about 97% accuracy in the recognition rate. The recognition speed increased by 2.28 times, while the accuracy decreased only by 0.7%, when a sieved version of the dataset, which is only as half as the size of the initial training dataset, was used.
Modes and Carrier Density in Dispersive and Nonlinear Gain Planar Photonic Crystal Cavity
Authors: Zhou Renlong , Wu Mengxiong , Xiao Yingyi , Wu Lingxi , Liu Qiong , Xie Suxia , Deng Hui , Zeng Lisan , Nie Guozheng
Published: April 2014

The cavity mode and carrier density in dispersive and nonlinear gain planar photonic crystal cavities are studied with the three‐dimensional finite‐difference time‐domain method. Planar photonic crystal cavity can enhance light mater interaction, which can be used to design a photonic crystal cavity laser. With the effect of both total internal reflection and photonic band gap confinement, the frequency responses of the planar photonic crystal cavity can be obtained by simulation. The effect of carrier diffusion is calculated through the laser rate equations. The electric field intensity distribution, temporal behavior of electric field energy, and carrier density characteristics are analyzed from the resonance cavity mode.
Comparison of Three Different Curves Used in Path Planning Problems Based on Particle Swarm Optimizer
Authors: Liang J. J. , Song H. , Qu B. Y. , Liu Z. F.
Published: April 2014

In path planning problems, the most important task is to find a suitable collision‐free path which satisfies some certain criteria (the shortest path length, security, feasibility, smoothness, and so on), so defining a suitable curve to describe path is essential. Three different commonly used curves are compared and discussed based on their performance on solving a set of path planning problems. Dynamic multiswarm particle swarm optimizer is employed to optimize the necessary parameters for these curves. The results show that Bezier curve is the most suitable curve for producing path for the certain path planning problems discussed in this paper. Safety criterion is considered as a constrained condition. A new constraint handling method is proposed and compared with other two constraint handling methods. The results show that the new method has a better characteristic to improve the performance of algorithm.
Viscoelastic Parameter Model of Magnetorheological Elastomers Based on Abel Dashpot
Authors: Guo Fei , Du Cheng-bin , Li Run-pu
Published: April 2014

In this paper, a parametric constitutive model based on Abel dashpot is established in a simple form and with clear physical meaning to deduce the expression of dynamic mechanical modulus of MREs. Meanwhile, in consideration for the pressure stress on MREs in the experiment of shear mechanical properties or the application to vibration damper, some improvements are made on the particle chain model based on the coupled field. In addition, in order to verify the accuracy of the overall model, five groups of MREs samples based on silicone rubber with different volume fractions are prepared and the MCR51 rheometer is used to conduct the experiment of dynamic mechanical properties based on frequency and magnetic field scanning. Finally, experimental results indicate that the established model fits well with laboratory data; namely, the relationship between the dynamic modulus of MREs and changes in frequency and magnetic field is well described by the model.
Guaranteed Cost Control for Multirate Networked Control Systems with Both Time‐Delay and Packet‐Dropout
Authors: Zhu Qixin , Xie Binbin , Zhu Yonghong
Published: April 2014

Compared with traditional networked control systems, the sampling rates of the nodes are not the same in the multirate networked control systems (NCSs). This paper presents a new stabilization method for multirate NCSs. A multirate NCSs with simultaneous considering time‐delay and packet‐dropout is modeled as a time‐varying sampling system with time‐delay. The proposed Lyapunov function deceases at each input signal updating point, which is largely ignored in prior works. Sufficient condition for the stochastic mean‐square stability of the multirate NCSs is given, and the cost function value is less than a bound. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
An Approach for Solving Discrete Game Problems with Total Constraints on Controls
Authors: Raxmonov Asqar , Ibragimov Gafurjan I.
Published: April 2014

We consider a linear pursuit game of one pursuer and one evader whose motions are described by different-type linear discrete systems. Controls of the players satisfy total constraints. Terminal setMis a subset ofℝnand it is assumed to have nonempty interior. Game is said to be completed ifyk-xk∈Mat some stepk. To construct the control of the pursuer, at each stepi, we use positions of the players from step 1 to stepiand the value of the control parameter of the evader at the stepi. We give sufficient conditions of completion of pursuit and construct the control for the pursuer in explicit form. This control forces the evader to expend some amount of his resources on a period consisting of finite steps. As a result, after several such periods the evader exhausted his energy and then pursuit will be completed.
Building and Repairing the Heart: What Can We Learn from Embryonic Development?
Authors: Freire Ana G. , Resende Tatiana P. , Pinto-do-Ó Perpétua
Published: April 2014

Mammalian heart formation is a complex morphogenetic event that depends on the correct temporal and spatial contribution of distinct cell sources. During cardiac formation, cellular specification, differentiation, and rearrangement are tightly regulated by an intricate signaling network. Over the last years, many aspects of this network have been uncovered not only due to advances in cardiac development comprehension but also due to the use of embryonic stem cells (ESCs)in vitromodel system. Additionally, several of these pathways have been shown to be functional or reactivated in the setting of cardiac disease. Knowledge withdrawn from studying heart development, ESCs differentiation, and cardiac pathophysiology may be helpful to envisage new strategies for improved cardiac repair/regeneration. In this review, we provide a comparative synopsis of the major signaling pathways required for cardiac lineage commitment in the embryo and murine ESCs. The involvement and possible reactivation of these pathways following heart injury and their role in tissue recovery will also be discussed.
A Construction of Bent Functions of n+2 Variables from a Bent Function of n Variables and Its Cyclic Shifts
Authors: Climent Joan-Josep , García Francisco J. , Requena Verónica
Published: April 2014

We present a method to iteratively construct new bent functions of n+2 variables from a bent function of n variables and its cyclic shift permutations using minterms of n variables and minterms of 2 variables. In addition, we provide the number of bent functions of n+2 variables that we can obtain by applying the method here presented, and finally we compare this method with a previous one introduced by us in 2008 and with the Rothaus and Maiorana-McFarland constructions.
Sm:HAp Nanopowders Present Antibacterial Activity against Enterococcus faecalis
Authors: Ciobanu Carmen Steluta , Popa Cristina Liana , Predoi Daniela
Published: April 2014

The synthesis of nanoparticles with inhibitory and bactericidal effects represents a great interest in development of new materials for biological applications. In this paper we present for the first time the synthesis of nanoparticles at low temperature and primary tests concerning the adherence of Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212 (gram‐positive bacteria). All the XRD peaks were indexed in accordance with the hexagonal HAp in P63m space group. The EDAX spectrum and elemental mapping of O, P, Ca, and Sm demonstrate that all the elements were homogeneously distributed in with xSm = 0.03. The peaks at 347.3 eV, 532.1 eV, and 133.8 eV in the XPS spectra can be attributed to the binding energy of Ca 2p, O 1s, and P 2p. The peak at 1084.4 eV observed in was attributed to the Sm 3d5/2. Bacterial adhesion was reduced on sample when compared to pure HAp (xSm = 0) and significant differences in bacterial adhesion on pure HAp (x = 0) and Sm:HAp (xSm = 0.01,  xSm = 0.03, and xSm = 0.1) were observed. The bacterial adhesion decreased when the samarium concentrations increased. Finally, we demonstrate that the Sm:HAp nanopowder with xSm > 0 showed high antibacterial activity against Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212.
A Design Outline for Floating Point Absorber Wave Energy Converters
Authors: Faizal Mohammed , Ahmed M. Rafiuddin , Lee Young-Ho
Published: April 2014

An overview of the most important development stages of floating point absorber wave energy converters is presented. At a given location, the wave energy resource has to be first assessed for varying seasons. The mechanisms used to convert wave energy to usable energy vary for different wave energy conversion systems. The power output of the generator will have variations due to varying incident waves. The wave structure-interaction leads to modifications in the incident waves; thus, the power output is also affected. The device has to be stable enough to prevent itself from capsizing. The point absorber will give optimum performance when the incident wave frequencies correspond to the natural frequency of the device. The methods for calculating natural frequencies for pitching and heaving systems are presented. Mooring systems maintain the point absorber at the desired location. Various mooring configurations as well as the most commonly used materials for mooring lines are discussed. An overview of scaled modelling is also presented.
Basal Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck Region: A Retrospective Analysis of Completely Excised 331 Cases
Authors: Demirseren Duriye Deniz , Ceran Candemir , Aksam Berrak , Demirseren Mustafa Erol , Metin Ahmet
Published: April 2014

The aim of the study is to analyze all completely excised BCCs in the head and neck region with regard to age, sex, personal and familial history, skin type, tumor localization and size, histopathological subtype of tumor, reconstruction method, and recurrence rates. Incompletely excised BCCs were not included in this study since incomplete excision is the most important preventable risk factor for recurrence. In 320 patients, 331 lesions were retrospectively evaluated by dividing into the following 8 subunits: scalp, frontotemporal, orbital, nose, cheek, auricula, perioral, and chin-neck area. Most of the patients were in 60–70 age group (34.7%). The nose (32.3%) was the most common site of presentation. Clinically, all lesions and, histopathologically, most of the lesions (42.2%) presented were of the nodular type. All cases of recurrence after complete excision (n=9, 2.7%) were located in the median parts of the head and neck region and were mainly diagnosed histopathologically as sclerotic and micronodular. Even though completely excised, head and neck region BCCs, especially which are more prone to recurrence due to anatomical and histopathological properties, should be more closely monitored in order to decrease morbidity and health care costs.
Retracted: A Data Gathering Method Based on a Mobile Sink for Minimizing the Data Loss in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Park Junho , Bok Kyoungsoo , Seong Dongook , Kim Sanglae , Yoo Jaesoo
Published: April 2014

The sensor nodes near to the fixed sink node suffer from the quickly exhausted energy. For this, many methods have been researched to distribute the energy consumption into all wireless sensor nodes using a mobile sink. Since the mobile sink changes its location in the network continuously, it has limited time to communicate with the sensor nodes and needs the time to move to each sensor node. Therefore, before the mobile sink approaches the sensor node, the node can collect huge data by event occurrence. It causes the memory overflow of the sensor node and then the data loss. We propose a novel data gathering method based on a mobile sink considering the data loss in wireless sensor networks. The proposed scheme actively sends the stored data to the mobile sink by considering the amount of collected data in the cluster header and the mobile patterns of the sink node. By doing so, it minimizes the data loss of each sensor node. To show the superiority, we compare it with the existing scheme. Our experimental results show that our proposed scheme minimizes the data loss and has similar network lifetime over the existing scheme based on a mobile sink.
Promising SINEs for Embargoing Nuclear–Cytoplasmic Export as an Anticancer Strategy
Authors: Tan David S.P. , Bedard Philippe L. , Kuruvilla John , Siu Lillian L. , Razak Albiruni R. Abdul
Published: April 2014

In cancer cells, the nuclear–cytoplasmic transport machinery is frequently disrupted, resulting in mislocalization and loss of function for many key regulatory proteins. In this review, the mechanisms by which tumor cells co-opt the nuclear transport machinery to facilitate carcinogenesis, cell survival, drug resistance, and tumor progression will be elucidated, with a particular focus on the role of the nuclear–cytoplasmic export protein. The recent development of a new generation of selective inhibitors of nuclear export (XPO1 antagonists) and how these novel anticancer drugs may bring us closer to the implementation of this therapeutic strategy in the clinic will be discussed.

Significance: The nuclear transport mechanism is dysregulated in many malignancies and is associated with dysfunction of many regulatory proteins. Targeting this mechanism as an anticancer strategy has been compelling, and novel agents that selectively inhibit the nuclear export pathway have demonstrated preliminary evidence of clinical efficacy with an acceptable safety profile. Cancer Discov; 4(5); 527–37. ©2014 AACR.
Complement 5a Receptor Mediates Angiotensin II–Induced Cardiac Inflammation and Remodeling
Authors: Zhang Congcong , Li Yulin , Wang Chunxiao , Wu Yina , Cui Wei , Miwa Takashi , Sato Sayaka , Li Huihua , Song Wen-Chao , Du Jie
Published: April 2014

Objective—

Inflammation contributes to hypertension-induced cardiac damage and fibrotic remodeling. Complement activation produces anaphylatoxins, which are major inflammatory effectors. Here, we investigated the role of complement anaphylatoxins in angiotensin II (Ang II)–induced cardiac remodeling.

Approach and Results—

We measured human plasma levels of complement anaphylatoxins in hypertensive individuals and controls and studied the role of complement activation in a mouse model of Ang II–induced hypertension and cardiac injury. We found that complement 5a (C5a) concentration was more elevated in hypertensive individuals than in controls. Infusion of Ang II in mice for 7 days led to increased anaphylatoxin concentration in plasma and perivascular C3b deposition in the heart. C5a receptor (C5aR)–deficient but not C3a receptor–deficient mice exhibited markedly reduced cardiac remodeling and inflammation after Ang II infusion. Pharmacological inhibition of C5a production by an anti-C5 monoclonal antibody produced similar effects to C5aR deficiency. Bone marrow chimera experiments revealed that C5aR expression on bone marrow–derived cells was critical in mediating Ang II–induced cardiac injury and remodeling. The C5aR pathway regulated the expression of adhesion molecules on peripheral monocytes, as well as infiltration and cytokine production of macrophage in the heart.

Conclusions—

Complement is activated in hypertensive hearts, and the C5aR signaling pathway on blood monocytes/macrophages plays a pathological role in Ang II–induced cardiac inflammation and remodeling. Therapeutic inhibition of complement may protect patients from hypertension-related heart injury.
Periprocedural Stroke and Bleeding Complications in Patients Undergoing Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation With Different Anticoagulation Management
Authors: Di Biase Luigi , Burkhardt J. David , Santangeli Pasquale , Mohanty Prasant , Sanchez Javier E. , Horton Rodney , Gallinghouse G. Joseph , Themistoclakis Sakis , Rossillo Antonio , Lakkireddy Dhanunjaya , Reddy Madhu , Hao Steven , Hongo Richard , Beheiry Salwa , Zagrodzky Jason , Rong Bai , Mohanty Sanghamitra , Elayi Claude S. , Forleo Giovanni , Pelargonio Gemma , Narducci Maria Lucia , Russo Antonio Dello , Casella Michela , Fassini Gaetano , Tondo Claudio , Schweikert Robert A. , Natale Andrea
Published: April 2014

Background—

Periprocedural thromboembolic and hemorrhagic events are worrisome complications of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF). The periprocedural anticoagulation management could play a role in the incidence of these complications. Although ablation procedures performed without warfarin discontinuation seem to be associated with lower thromboembolic risk, no randomized study exists.

Methods and Results—

This was a prospective, open-label, randomized, parallel-group, multicenter study assessing the role of continuous warfarin therapy in preventing periprocedural thromboembolic and hemorrhagic events after radiofrequency catheter ablation. Patients with CHADS
2
score ≥1 were included. Patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to the off-warfarin or on-warfarin arm. The incidence of thromboembolic events in the 48 hours after ablation was the primary end point of the study. The study enrolled 1584 patients: 790 assigned to discontinue warfarin (group 1) and 794 assigned to continuous warfarin (group 2). No statistical difference in baseline characteristics was observed. There were 39 thromboembolic events (3.7% strokes [n=29] and 1.3% transient ischemic attacks [n=10]) in group 1: two events (0.87%) in patients with paroxysmal AF, 4 (2.3%) in patients with persistent AF, and 33 (8.5%) in patients with long-standing persistent AF. Only 2 strokes (0.25%) in patients with long-standing persistent AF were observed in group 2 (
P
<0.001). Warfarin discontinuation emerged as a strong predictor of periprocedural thromboembolism (odds ratio, 13; 95% confidence interval, 3.1–55.6;
P
<0.001).

Conclusion—

This is the first randomized study showing that performing catheter ablation of AF without warfarin discontinuation reduces the occurrence of periprocedural stroke and minor bleeding complications compared with bridging with low-molecular-weight heparin.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01006876.
Patient-Accessible Tool for Shared Decision Making in Cardiovascular Primary Prevention
Authors: Fontana Marianna , Asaria Perviz , Moraldo Michela , Finegold Judith , Hassanally Khalil , Manisty Charlotte H. , Francis Darrel P.
Published: April 2014

Background—

Primary prevention guidelines focus on risk, often assuming negligible aversion to medication, yet most patients discontinue primary prevention statins within 3 years. We quantify real-world distribution of medication disutility and separately calculate the average utilities for a range of risk strata.

Method and Results—

We randomly sampled 360 members of the general public in London. Medication aversion was quantified as the gain in lifespan required by each individual to offset the inconvenience (disutility) of taking an idealized daily preventative tablet. In parallel, we constructed tables of expected gain in lifespan (utility) from initiating statin therapy for each age group, sex, and cardiovascular risk profile in the population. This allowed comparison of the widths of the distributions of medication disutility and of group-average expectation of longevity gain. Observed medication disutility ranged from 1 day to >10 years of life being required by subjects (median, 6 months; interquartile range, 1–36 months) to make daily preventative therapy worthwhile. Average expected longevity benefit from statins at ages ≥50 years ranges from 3.6 months (low-risk women) to 24.3 months (high-risk men).

Conclusion—

We can no longer assume that medication disutility is almost zero. Over one-quarter of subjects had disutility exceeding the group-average longevity gain from statins expected even for the highest-risk (ie, highest-gain) group. Future primary prevention studies might explore medication disutility in larger populations. Patients may differ more in disutility than in prospectively definable utility (which provides only group-average estimates). Consultations could be enriched by assessing disutility and exploring its reasons.
Isolated Cortical Vein Thrombosis
Authors: Coutinho Jonathan M. , Gerritsma Jorn J. , Zuurbier Susanna M. , Stam Jan
Published: April 2014

Background and Purpose—

Isolated cortical vein thrombosis is a distinct subtype of cerebral venous and sinus thrombosis. Because of the rarity of isolated cortical vein thrombosis, limited knowledge on its clinical and radiological manifestations is available.

Methods—

We performed a systematic review of published data. Isolated cortical vein thrombosis had to have been diagnosed by MRI, conventional angiography, computed tomography venography, autopsy, or surgery. Cases with concurrent thrombosis of a cerebral sinus were excluded.

Results—

Of 175 potentially relevant studies, 47 were included in the analysis, with a total of 116 patients. All studies were case reports and case series. Mean age was 41 years and 68% were women. The most common symptoms were headache (71%), seizures (58%), and focal neurological deficits (62%). Papilledema was not reported in any patient, and increased cerebrospinal fluid pressure was reported only in 2. Infection (19%), pregnancy or puerperium (35% of women), and oral contraceptive use (21% of women) were the most common risk factors. Most cases (73%) were diagnosed with MRI, but conventional angiography was also performed in 47%. A total of 81% had a parenchymal brain lesion and 80% were treated with anticoagulation. In-hospital mortality was 6%.

Conclusions—

Signs of increased intracranial pressure seem to be less common in isolated cortical vein thrombosis compared with cerebral venous and sinus thrombosis. MRI and in some cases conventional angiography are the most frequently used diagnostic modalities and anticoagulation is the most widely used therapy.
Preexisting Cerebral Microbleeds on Susceptibility-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Post-Thrombolysis Bleeding Risk in 392 Patients
Authors: Gratz Pascal P. , El-Koussy Marwan , Hsieh Kety , von Arx Sebastian , Mono Marie-Luise , Heldner Mirjam Rachel , Fischer Urs , Mattle Heinrich P. , Zubler Christoph , Schroth Gerhard , Gralla Jan , Arnold Marcel , Jung Simon
Published: April 2014

Background and Purpose—

The question whether cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) visible on MRI in acute stroke increase the risk for intracerebral hemorrhages (ICHs) or worse outcome after thrombolysis is unresolved. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of CMB detected with pretreatment susceptibility-weighted MRI on ICH occurrence and outcome.

Methods—

From 2010 to 2013 we treated 724 patients with intravenous thrombolysis, endovascular therapy, or intravenous thrombolysis followed by endovascular therapy. A total of 392 of the 724 patients were examined with susceptibility-weighted MRI before treatment. CMBs were rated retrospectively. Multivariable regression analysis was used to determine the impact of CMB on ICH and outcome.

Results—

Of 392 patients, 174 were treated with intravenous thrombolysis, 150 with endovascular therapy, and 68 with intravenous thrombolysis followed by endovascular therapy. CMBs were detected in 79 (20.2%) patients. Symptomatic ICH occurred in 21 (5.4%) and asymptomatic in 75 (19.1%) patients, thereof 61 (15.6%) bleedings within and 35 (8.9%) outside the infarct. Neither the existence of CMB, their burden, predominant location nor their presumed pathogenesis influenced the risk for symptomatic or asymptomatic ICH. A higher CMB burden marginally increased the risk for ICH outside the infarct (
P
=0.048; odds ratio, 1.004; 95% confidence interval, 1.000–1.008).

Conclusions—

CMB detected on pretreatment susceptibility-weighted MRI did not increase the risk for ICH or worsen outcome, even when CMB burden, predominant location, or presumed pathogenesis was considered. There was only a small increased risk for ICH outside the infarct with increasing CMB burden that does not advise against thrombolysis in such patients.
Prisoners and Paupers
Authors: Olzak Susan , Shanahan Suzanne
Published: April 2014

This article uses data on prisoners incarcerated for misdemeanors in late-nineteenth-century U.S. cities to assess a three-part argument that asserts that threats to white dominance prompted efforts of social control directed against African Americans and foreign-born whites: (1) For African Americans, competition with whites for jobs instigated efforts by whites to enforce the racial barrier. (2) For the foreign-born, upward mobility became associated with white identity, which allowed those who “became white” to be seen as less threatening. We thus expect the threat from foreign-born whites to be highest where their concentration in poverty was greatest. (3) We suggest that violence against a given boundary raises the salience of group threat, so a positive relationship should exist between prior violence against a group and its level of incarceration for misdemeanors. Using panel analyses of cities from 1890 through 1910, we find supporting evidence for the first two arguments and partial support for the third.
Trust in the Police
Authors: Nix Justin , Wolfe Scott E. , Rojek Jeff , Kaminski Robert J.
Published: April 2014

Tyler’s process-based model of policing suggests that the police can enhance their perceived legitimacy and trustworthiness in the eyes of the public when they exercise their authority in a procedurally fair manner. To date, most process-based research has focused on the sources of legitimacy while largely overlooking trust in the police. The present study extends this line of literature by examining the sources of trust in the police. In particular, emerging research has revealed that neighborhood context influences attitudes toward the police but much less attention has been given to exploring the role individuals’ perceptions of their neighborhood play in shaping such evaluations. Therefore, the present study considers whether individuals’ perceptions of collective efficacy serve as a social-psychological cognitive orientation that influences levels of trust in the police. Using data from a recently conducted mail survey of a random sample of 1,681 residents from a metropolitan city, we find that procedural justice evaluations are a primary source of trust in the police. At the same time, however, level of perceived collective efficacy is positively associated with trust even after accounting for procedural justice. The findings suggest that police procedural fairness is vitally important to establishing trust from the public but peoples’ cognitive orientation toward their neighborhood context partially shapes the level of trustworthiness they afford to the police.
Thermal properties of polypropylene/muscovite layered silicate composites: effects of organic modifications and compatibilisers
Authors: Omar Mohd Firdaus , Akil Hazizan Md , Rasyid Mohd Fadli Ahmad , Sharif Jamaliah Mohd
Published: April 2014

Polymer-layered silicate nanocomposites containing polypropylene, compatibilisers, muscovite, and organomuscovite were prepared through the hot compression technique. Muscovite particles were initially treated with lithium nitrate, followed by cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, to obtain the organomuscovite through an ion-exchange treatment. Maleic anhydride and polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane were used as compatibilisers to modify the polypropylene/organomuscovite nanocomposite systems. The effectiveness of the ion-exchange treatment and the implementations of both compatibilisers were successfully proven using the Fourier transforms infrared, X-ray diffraction, as well as the transmission electron microscopy. The overall thermal properties of the polypropylene/muscovite layered silicate composites were investigated by applying both differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. It was found that the polypropylene reinforced with organomuscovite recorded higher thermal properties in terms of crystallisation temperature and thermal stability than its counterpart; whereas, the melting temperature and the degree of crystallinity displayed an opposite trend. For the effect of the compatibiliser, it was found that compatibilised polypropylene/organomuscovite nanocomposites recorded higher values of decomposition and crystallisation temperatures than that of non-compatibilised polypropylene/organomuscovite nanocomposites. However, the melting temperature and the degree of crystallinity of compatibilised polypropylene/organomuscovite nanocomposites were slightly lower, as compared to non-compatibilised polypropylene/organomuscovite nanocomposites.
Effect of processing and wearing on viscoelastic modeling of polylactide/wool and polyester/wool woven fabrics subjected to bursting
Authors: Manich Albert M , Miguel Rui , Silva Manuel José dos Santos , Lucas Jose , Martí Meritxell , Cayuela Diana
Published: April 2014

Polyester fibers (PET) are greatly used in textiles but depend on fossil fuel resources. Poly-(lactic acid) (PLA) is an aliphatic polyester that can be derived from 100% renewable resources. The load–extension plot of a polylactide fiber seems to be especially compatible with that of wool. Consequently polyester/wool 55/45 and polylactide/wool 55/45 yarns were spun using the Sirospun process and plain and twill woven fabrics were industrially produced. Washed and heat set fabrics were subjected to a conventional process of dyeing and decatizing. Fabrics were gradually worn by abrasion using a Martindale wear and abrasion tester.

Using the bursting strength test, the viscoelastic behavior of the fabrics when multidirectional extended was simulated and modeled using a modified non-linear Maxwell model. The three steps of fiber decrimping and orientation, fiber stretching and maximum yield and breaking were analyzed. PET/wool fabrics show a more linear behavior than PLA/wool ones and the influence of weave, finishing and wearing on the viscoelastic behavior of PLA/wool fabrics were highly relevant when compared with that on PET/wool ones. It seems that when blended with PET, wool develops its felting effect during finishing and wearing, while when blended with PLA, the felting effect of wool is hardly developed due to the lower resistance of PLA to hydrolysis and its lower thermal stability. PLA fiber properties need to be improved probably through the development of new L-D lactide (PLDLA) copolymers of different ratios between components and molecular weights to reach the optimal desirable properties for the fiber.
The probability of sale and price premiums in withdrawn auctioned properties
Authors: Stevenson Simon , Young James
Published: April 2014

This paper examines the impact of the auction process of residential properties that whilst unsuccessful at auction sold subsequently. The empirical analysis considers both the probability of sale and the premium of the subsequent sale price over the guide price, reserve and opening bid. The findings highlight that the final achieved sale price is influenced by key price variables revealed both prior to and during the auction itself. Factors such as auction participation, the number of individual bidders and the number of bids are significant in a number of the alternative specifications.
The British industrial revolution and the ideological revolution: Science, Neoliberalism and History
Authors: Ashworth William J.
Published: April 2014

During the late-nineteenth and twentieth centuries interpretations of the British Industrial Revolution became embedded within debates over competing systems of political economy, primarily liberal democracy (free trade) versus socialism (state regulation). At the heart of this contest was also the question of epistemology. A picture emerged of the Industrial Revolution that reflected such contrasting perspectives; for those with a Western liberal bent Britain industrialized first due to a weak state, an emphasis upon individual liberty, the right institutions and culture of creativity born of free minds and free markets. At the heart of this was the emergence of science; objectivity and Western democracy became a key cornerstone of this perspective. This view was first especially spearheaded by the Austrian economists Ludwig von Mises (1881–1973) and, slightly later, Friedrich A. Hayek (1899–1992). The debate subsequently became particularly fierce during the Cold War, and since the fall of the Berlin Wall the role of the state and protectionism within Britain’s industrial history has greatly diminished. Indeed today’s dominant historiography continues to erase Britain’s actual industrial experience and, instead, reflect entrenched liberal and neoliberal prescriptions. A major axiom of this ideological viewpoint is the centrality of science and its history.
Neural-network-based robot time-varying force control with uncertain manipulator–environment system
Authors: Xu Wenkang , Cai Chenxiao , Zou Yun
Published: April 2014

This paper considers the problem of time-varying force control for robot manipulators in the presence of uncertainties from both the robotic model and working environment. The position-based impedance control (PBIC) method is employed and in order to achieve accurate time-varying force tracking, an improved PBIC is proposed. A neural-network-based robust controller is proposed to compensate for the system uncertainties, and an adaptive law is developed to identify the uncertain environmental parameters. Simulation results on a two-link robot manipulator confirm the effectiveness of the method in achieving time-varying force tracking.
Identifying Mechanisms of Change
Authors: Riley Andrew R. , Gaynor Scott T.
Published: April 2014

This study examined therapeutic mechanisms of action at the single-participant level in a behavior therapy (BT) for youth depression. By controlling for non-specific early responses, identifying potential mechanisms of action a priori, taking frequent measures of hypothesized mechanisms and dependent variables, rigorously evaluating internal validity, and using a variety of analytic methods, a unique model for analysis of potential mediators was created. Eleven children ( M age = 9.84) meeting criteria on the Children’s Depression Rating Scale–Revised ( M = 55.36) and Children’s Depression Inventory ( M = 23.45) received non-directive therapy (NDT), followed by BT for those still displaying significant symptoms. Four participants (36%) had a clinically significant response to NDT. For the remaining seven, statistically significant changes in depressive symptoms and family interactions during the BT interval were found at the group level. At the single-participant level, evidence suggesting that outcome was at least partially mediated by changes in treatment targets was obtained for four of seven (57%). As the field further embraces efforts to learn not only whether treatments work but also how they work, the single-participant approach to evaluating mediators provides a useful framework for evaluating theories of therapeutic change.
A Review of the Evidence for the Use of Ventilation as a Surrogate Measure of Energy Expenditure
Authors: Gastinger Steven , Donnelly Alan , Dumond Rémy , Prioux Jacques
Published: April 2014

Precise measurement of sedentary behavior and physical activity is necessary to characterize the dose‐response relationship between these variables and health outcomes. The most frequently used methods employ portable devices to measure mechanical or physiological parameters (eg, pedometers, heart rate monitors, accelerometers). There is considerable variability in the accuracy of total energy expenditure (TEE) estimates from these devices. This review examines the potential of measurement of ventilation () to provide an estimate of free‐living TEE. The existence of a linear relationship between and energy expenditure (EE) was demonstrated in the mid‐20th century. However, few studies have investigated this parameter as an estimate of EE due to the cumbersome equipment required to measure . Portable systems that measure without the use of a mouthpiece have existed for about 20 years (respiratory inductive plethysmography). However, these devices are adapted for clinical monitoring and are too cumbersome to be used in conditions of daily life. Technological innovations of recent years (small electromagnetic coils glued on the chest/back) suggest that could be estimated from variations in rib cage and abdominal distances. This method of TEE estimation is based on the development of individual/group calibration curves to predict the relationship between ventilation and oxygen consumption. The new method provides a reasonably accurate estimate of TEE in different free‐living conditions such as sitting, standing, and walking. Further work is required to integrate these electromagnetic coils into a jacket or T‐shirt to create a wearable device suitable for long‐term use in free‐living conditions.
Plasma Aluminum Concentrations in Pediatric Patients Receiving Long‐Term Parenteral Nutrition
Authors: Courtney‐Martin Glenda , Kosar Christina , Campbell Alison , Avitzur Yaron , Wales Paul W. , Steinberg Karen , Harrison Debra , Chambers Kathryn
Published: April 2014

Background: Patients receiving long‐term parenteral nutrition (PN) are at increased risk of aluminium (Al) toxicity because of bypass of the gastrointestinal tract during PN infusion. Complications of Al toxicity include metabolic bone disease (MBD), Al‐associated encephalopathy in adults, and impaired neurological development in preterm infants. Unlike the United States, there are no regulations regarding Al content of large‐ and small‐volume parenterals in Canada. We, therefore, aimed to present our data on plasma Al concentration and Al intake from our cohort of pediatric patients receiving long‐term PN. Methods: Plasma Al concentration was retrospectively gathered from the patient charts of all 27 patients with intestinal failure (IF) receiving long‐term PN at The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada, and compared with age‐ and sex‐matched controls recruited for comparison. In addition, Al concentration was measured in PN samples collected from 10 randomly selected patients with IF and used to determine their Al intake. Results: The plasma Al concentration of patients with IF receiving long‐term PN was significantly higher than that of control participants (1195 ± 710 vs 142 ± 63 nmol/L; P < .0001). In the subgroup of 10 patients for whom Al intake from their PN solution was determined, mean ± SD Al intake from PN was 15.4 ± 15 µg/kg, 3 times the Food and Drug Administration upper recommended intake level, and Al intake was significantly related to plasma Al concentration (P = .02, r2 = 0.52). Conclusion: Pediatric patients receiving long‐term PN for IF in Canada are at risk for Al toxicity.
Positive effects of promoting prosocial behavior in early adolescence
Authors: Caprara Gian Vittorio , Kanacri Bernadette Paula Luengo , Gerbino Maria , Zuffianò Antonio , Alessandri Guido , Vecchio Giovanni , Caprara Eva , Pastorelli Concetta , Bridglall Beatrice
Published: April 2014

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a pilot school-based intervention called CEPIDEA, designed to promote prosocial behavior in early adolescence. The study took place in a middle school located in a small city near Rome. The intervention group included 151 students (52.3% males; Mage = 12.4), and the control group 173 students (50.3% females; Mage = 13.0). Both groups were assessed at three time points, each 6 months apart. A Latent Growth Curve analysis revealed that the intervention group, compared to the control group, showed an increase of helping behavior along with a decrease of physical and verbal aggression across time. Current results also showed that the increase of helping behavior mediated the decline of verbal aggression in adolescents who had attended the intervention. Participants of CEPIDEA also attained higher grades than the control group at the end of middle school. Overall, findings suggest that promoting prosocial behavior may serve to counteract aggressive conduct and enhance academic achievement during adolescence.