bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pulse Sign Separation Technique for the Received Bits in Wireless Ultra‐Wideband Combination Approach
Authors: Fayadh Rashid A. , Malek F. , Fadhil Hilal A.
Published: July 2014

When receiving high data rate in ultra‐wideband (UWB) technology, many users have experienced multiple‐user interference and intersymbol interference in the multipath reception technique. Structures have been proposed for implementing rake receivers to enhance their capabilities by reducing the bit error probability (Pe), thereby providing better performances by indoor and outdoor multipath receivers. As a result, several rake structures have been proposed in the past to reduce the number of resolvable paths that must be estimated and combined. To achieve this aim, we suggest two maximal ratio combiners based on the pulse sign separation technique, such as the pulse sign separation selective combiner (PSS‐SC) and the pulse sign separation partial combiner (PSS‐PC) to reduce complexity with fewer fingers and to improve the system performance. In the combiners, a comparator was added to compare the positive quantity of positive pulses and negative quantities of negative pulses to decide whether the transmitted bit was 1 or 0. The Pe was driven by simulation for multipath environments for impulse radio time‐hopping binary phase shift keying (TH‐BPSK) modulation, and the results were compared with those of conventional selective combiners (C‐SCs) and conventional partial combiners (C‐PCs).
Numerical Validation of the Delaunay Normalization and the Krylov‐Bogoliubov‐Mitropolsky Method
Authors: Ortigosa David , San-Juan Juan Félix , Pérez Iván , San-Martín Montserrat
Published: July 2014

A scalable second‐order analytical orbit propagator programme based on modern and classical perturbation methods is being developed. As a first step in the validation and verification of part of our orbit propagator programme, we only consider the perturbation produced by zonal harmonic coefficients in the Earth’s gravity potential, so that it is possible to analyze the behaviour of the mathematical expressions involved in Delaunay normalization and the Krylov‐Bogoliubov‐Mitropolsky method in depth and determine their limits.
A Case of Bilateral Auricular Chondritis in a Heifer
Authors: Adissu Hibret A. , Baird John D. , Wood Geoffrey A.
Published: July 2014

Auricular chondritis is an extremely rare condition in cattle and other domestic animals. A 13-month-old Jersey heifer was presented with cutaneous papillomatosis and bilaterally droopy ears. Histopathology revealed bilateral auricular chondritis characterized by lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate and extensive destruction and fibrosis of the auricular cartilage.
Research on Torque Ratio Based on the Steering Wheel Torque Characteristic for Steer-by-Wire System
Authors: Han Yandong , He Lei , Wang Xiang , Zong Changfu
Published: July 2014

Steer-by-wire system can improve the performance of vehicle handling stability. Removing the mechanical linkages between the front wheels and the steering wheel leads to a key technique of force feedback for steer-by-wire system. In view of the characteristic of variable torque transmission ratio for steer-by-wire system, this paper proposes a method for designing torque ratio based on the steering wheel torque characteristic for steer-by-wire system. It converts the torque ratio design into equivalent assist torque design by analyzing their relationship. It achieves the torque ratio design at different conditions based on the negative equivalent assist torque characteristic curve. Simulations and vehicle experiments are conducted by the proposed method, and the results show that the design goal has been achieved and the steering wheel torque characteristic obtained is very similar to that of the reference car.
The K–Cl Cotransporter KCC3 as an Independent Prognostic Factor in Human Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Shiozaki Atsushi , Takemoto Kenichi , Ichikawa Daisuke , Fujiwara Hitoshi , Konishi Hirotaka , Kosuga Toshiyuki , Komatsu Shuhei , Okamoto Kazuma , Kishimoto Mitsuo , Marunaka Yoshinori , Otsuji Eigo
Published: July 2014

The objectives of the present study were to investigate the role of K–Cl cotransporter 3 (KCC3) in the regulation of cellular invasion and the clinicopathological significance of its expression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Immunohistochemical analysis performed on 70 primary tumor samples obtained from ESCC patients showed that KCC3 was primarily found in the cytoplasm of carcinoma cells. Although the expression of KCC3 in the main tumor (MT) was related to several clinicopathological features, such as the pT and pN categories, it had no prognostic impact. KCC3 expression scores were compared between the MT and cancer nest (CN), and the survival rate of patients with aCN>MTscore was lower than that of patients with aCN≤MTscore. In addition, the survival rate of patients in whom KCC3 was expressed in the invasive front of tumor was lower than that of the patients without it. Furthermore, multivariate analysis demonstrated that the expression of KCC3 in the invasive front was one of the most important independent prognostic factors. The depletion of KCC3 using siRNAs inhibited cell migration and invasion in human ESCC cell lines. These results suggest that the expression of KCC3 in ESCC may affect cellular invasion and be related to a worse prognosis in patients with ESCC.
Emission Spectral Control of a Silicon Light Emitting Diode Fabricated by Dressed-Photon-Phonon Assisted Annealing Using a Short Pulse Pair
Authors: Kawazoe Tadashi , Wada Naoki , Ohtsu Motoichi
Published: July 2014

We fabricated a high-efficiency infrared light emitting diode (LED) via dressed-photon-phonon (DPP) assisted annealing of a p-n homojunctioned bulk Si crystal. The center wavelength in the electroluminescence (EL) spectrum of this LED was determined by the wavelength of a CW laser used in the DPP-assisted annealing. We have proposed a novel method of controlling the EL spectral shape by additionally using a pulsed light source in order to control the number of phonons for the DPP-assisted annealing. In this method, the Si crystal is irradiated with a pair of pulses having an arrival time difference between them. The number of coherent phonons created is increased (reduced) by tuning (detuning) this time difference. A Si-LED was subjected to DPP-assisted annealing using a 1.3 μm (hν=0.94 eV) CW laser and a mode-locked pulsed laser with a pulse width of 17 fs. When the number of phonons was increased, the EL emission spectrum broadened toward the high-energy side by 200 meV or more. The broadening towards the low-energy side was reduced to 120 meV.
Construct Validity and Reliability of the Adult Rejection Sensitivity Questionnaire: A Comparison of Three Factor Models
Authors: Innamorati Marco , Balsamo Michela , Fairfield Beth , Fabbricatore Mariantonietta , Tamburello Antonino , Saggino Aristide
Published: July 2014

Objectives and Methods. The aim of the study was to investigate the construct validity of the ARSQ.Methods. The ARSQ and self-report measures of depression, anxiety, and hopelessness were administered to 774 Italian adults, aged 18 to 64 years.Results. Structural equation modeling indicated that the factor structure of the ARSQ can be represented by a bifactor model: a general rejection sensitivity factor and two group factors, expectancy of rejection and rejection anxiety. Reliability of observed scores was not satisfactory: only 44% of variance in observed total scores was due to the common factors. The analyses also indicated different correlates for the general factor and the group factors.Limitations. We administered an Italian version of the ARSQ to a nonclinical sample of adults, so that studies which use clinical populations or the original version of the ARSQ could obtain different results from those presented here.Conclusion. Our results suggest that the construct validity of the ARSQ is disputable and that rejection anxiety and expectancy could bias individuals to readily perceive and strongly react to cues of rejection in different ways.
An Emerging Translational Model to Screen Potential Medicinal Plants for Nephrolithiasis, an Independent Risk Factor for Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Wu San-Yuan , Shen Jui-Lung , Man Kee-Ming , Lee Yuan-Ju , Chen Huey-Yi , Chen Yung-Hsiang , Tsai Kao-Sung , Tsai Fuu-Jen , Lin Wei-Yong , Chen Wen-Chi
Published: July 2014

Pharmacological therapy for urolithiasis using medicinal plants has been increasingly adopted for the prevention of its recurrence. A Drosophila melanogaster model developed for translational research of urolithiasis was applied to evaluate agents with potential antilithic effects and calcium oxalate (CaOx) formation. Potential antilithic herbs were prepared in a mixture of food in a diluted concentration of 5,000 from the original extract with 0.5% ethylene glycol (EG) as the lithogenic agent. The control group was fed with food only. After 3 weeks, flies (n ≥ 150 for each group) were killed using CO2 narcotization, and the Malpighian tubules were dissected, removed, and processed for polarized light microscopy examination of the crystals. The crystal formation rate in the EG group was 100.0%. In the study, 16 tested herbal drugs reached the crystal formation rate of 0.0%, including Salviae miltiorrhizae, Paeonia lactiflora, and Carthami flos. Scutellaria baicalensis enhanced CaOx crystal formation. Two herbal drugs Commiphora molmol and Natrii sulfas caused the death of all flies. Our rapid screening methods provided evidence that some medicinal plants have potential antilithic effects. These useful medicinal plants can be further studied using other animal or human models to verify their effects.
Novel Functional Changes during Podocyte Differentiation: Increase of Oxidative Resistance and H-Ferritin Expression
Authors: Bányai Emese , Balogh Enikő , Fagyas Miklós , Arosio Paolo , Hendrik Zoltán , Király Gábor , Nagy Gábor , Tánczos Bence , Pócsi István , Balla György , Balla József , Bánfalvi Gáspár , Jeney Viktória
Published: July 2014

Podocytes are highly specialized, arborized epithelial cells covering the outer surface of the glomerular tuft in the kidney. Terminally differentiated podocytes are unable to go through cell division and hereby they are lacking a key property for regeneration after a toxic injury. Podocytes are long-lived cells but, to date, little is known about the mechanisms that support their stress resistance. Our aim was to investigate whether the well-known morphological changes during podocyte differentiation are accompanied by changes in oxidative resistance in a manner that could support their long-term survival. We used a conditionally immortalized human podocyte cell line to study the morphological and functional changes during differentiation. We followed the differentiation process for 14 days by time-lapse microscopy. During this period nondifferentiated podocytes gradually transformed into large, nonproliferating, frequently multinucleated cells, with enlarged nuclei and opened chromatin structure. We observed that differentiated podocytes were highly resistant to oxidants such as H2O2and heme when applied separately or in combination, whereas undifferentiated cells were prone to such challenges. Elevated oxidative resistance of differentiated podocytes was associated with increased activities of antioxidant enzymes and H-ferritin expression. Immunohistochemical analysis of normal human kidney specimens revealed that podocytes highly express H-ferritinin vivoas well.
Invasive Mucinous Adenocarcinoma Associated with Adjacent Sessile Serrated Lesion of the Appendix Vermiform: A Case Report
Authors: Kinoshita Osamu , Murayama Yasutoshi , Kuriu Yoshiaki , Nakanishi Masayoshi , Sakakura Chohei , Otsuji Eigo
Published: July 2014

Although the definition of sessile serrated lesion (SSL) of colon is controversial and the risk of progression to malignancy is also under investigation at present, SSL is generally described as a polyp characterized by a serrated architecture. It is estimated to represent a feature of a new cancerization pathway, coined “serrated neoplasia pathway,” particularly in right-sided colon adenocarcinomas. On the other hand, in appendix, the role of this pathway remains uncertain, probably because very few cases of appendiceal adenocarcinoma associated with SSL were reported, and furthermore, immunohistochemical examination was rarely carried out. We herein report an interesting case of invasive appendiceal mucinous adenocarcinoma exhibiting SSL, which was pathologically estimated as a potential precursor lesion, and performed representative immunohistochemistry for both the mucinous adenocarcinoma and SSL in the same specimen. To further elucidate the progression of the appendiceal carcinoma from SSL, both an adequate sectioning of the lesion and systematic immunohistochemical examination of a large number of appendiceal carcinoma cases containing adjacent SSL would be required.
Naming the Messiah: A Contribution to the 4Q246 ‘Son of God’ Debate
Authors: Ferda Tucker S.
Published: July 2014

The attempt to identify the obscure “son of God” figure in 4Q246 often begins with discussion of the structure of the fragment and the background of the titles employed. This article suggests there are problems with both approaches and offers an alternative: an examination of biblical naming traditions and a rhetorical analysis of the way in which the figure “is called” the son of God in i 9 and ii 1. It concludes that the “son” is probably identified positively given the fragment’s similarity with positive naming traditions in the biblical text, as well as its dissimilarity with other examples of Jewish and Christian polemic. Further, it is probable that the divine naming of the figure participates in a widespread messianic topos.
The Asian Pohlia trematodontea, is a new synonym of Pohlia elongata (Bryophyta, Bryales)
Authors: Suarez Guillermo Martin , Flores Jorge Rafael
Published: July 2014

Pohlia trematodontea was first described by C. Müller (1853) as Bryum trematodonteum based on material collected in India, and moved to Webera by A. Jaeger (1875). Crosby et al. (1999), considered the species as insufficiently know.
Stigmaphyllon caatingicola (Malpighiaceae), a new species from Seasonally Dry Tropical Forests in Brazil
Authors: Almeida Rafael Felipe , Amorim André Marcio Araujo
Published: July 2014

Stigmaphyllon caatingicola is described and illustrated.  We also provide a distribution map, and comments on species distributions, conservation and taxonomy. This species is distinguished from Stigmaphyllon urenifolium by its deciduous leaves when flowering, lamina membranaceous, entire to apically trilobed, abaxially tomentose, with hairs deciduous in patches, one latero-anterior petal with reddish macula, sepals with darkish hairs, styles glabrous, stigma foliolate, and samaroid mericarps densely sericeous, with a dorsal wing horizontally orientated.
Ephemeroptera from the Venezuelan Guayanas´s Uplands: Families Leptophlebiidae, Euthyplociidae and Oligoneuriidae
Authors: DOMÍNGUEZ EDUARDO , GRILLET MARIA-EUGENIA , NIETO CAROLINA , MOLINERI CARLOS , GUERRERO EDMUNDO
Published: July 2014

As a continuation of a series of papers to improve the knowledge of the Ephemeroptera fauna of the Venezuelan Guayana´s Uplands, an update of the families Leptophlebiidae, Euthyplociidae and Oligoneuriidae in the region is presented. As a result, Paramaka incognita sp. nov. is described, the female of Askola emmerichi is described for the first time, and the genera Askola, Hydrosmilodon and Leentvaaria, the subgenus Miroculis (Atroari) and the species Miroculis (M.) marauiae are recorded for the first time for Venezuela.
Beroe gracilis (Ctenophora) from the Humboldt Current System: first occurrence of this species in the southern hemisphere
Authors: OliveirA Otto M. P. , FeLIú Guillermo , PALMA SERGIO
Published: July 2014

Beroe gracilis Künne, 1939 is a small neritic ctenophore, previously recorded only from cold waters of the northern hemisphere. The present study provides the first record of the species in the southern hemisphere, found in the surface layer of the Humboldt Current System off the central Chilean coast (32°–36.5° S). A complete description of this material is provided.
Description of the third instar of Hygrobia nigra (Clark, 1862) Coleoptera: Paelobiidae), with a key for the identification of mature larvae of Hygrobia Latreille, 1804 and phylogenetic analysis
Authors: MICHAT MARIANO C. , ALARIE YVES , HENDRICH LARS
Published: July 2014

The mature larva of the squeak beetle Hygrobia nigra (Clark, 1862) (Paelobiidae) is studied for the first time based on detailed descriptions and illustrations of selected structures, with special emphasis on morphometry and chaetotaxy. A key for the identification of mature larvae of four of the six species of Hygrobia Latreille, 1804 known worldwide is presented. The phylogenetic relationships of the species are analyzed based on a cladistic analysis of a combined data set including larval and adult characters. Hygrobia nigra shares with the other known species of the genus several larval apomorphies including the presence of paramedian lip-like lobes on the epipharynx, a well-developed gula, gills on thoracic and first three abdominal sterna, and the maxillary stipites inserted into submental pouches, and is unique in the presence of a larger number of secondary setae on the metacoxa. The presence of a compact group of minute sensilla in the place where the galea is commonly located suggests that members of Hygrobia lost the galea, a condition independently evolved in some dytiscid lineages. The Australian species form a well-supported clade characterized by the presence of a short nasale, fewer natatory setae on the metatibia, and a marked shortening of the antennal sensorial appendage and the last abdominal segment. However, no larval characters were discovered to resolve relationships within that clade. The Palearctic H. hermanni (Fabricius, 1775) lacks a distinct nasale and is resolved as sister to the clade formed by the Australian species.
A new species of Pachycerianthus (Cnidaria, Anthozoa, Ceriantharia) from Tropical Southwestern Atlantic
Authors: STAMPAR SÉRGIO N. , MORANDINI ANDRÉ C. , DA SILVEIRA FÁBIO LANG
Published: July 2014

A new species of Pachycerianthus (Cnidaria: Ceriantharia) is described from the Brazilian coast of the southwestern Atlantic Ocean. Pachycerianthus schlenzae sp. nov. is found in fine sand or mud in shallow waters of Abrolhos and Royal Charlotte Bank. The new species is only known from this area and is most notably different from other species of the genus Pachycerianthus in mesentery arrangement and cnidome. In addition to the description, we provide some biological data collected from individuals cultivated under laboratory conditions.
The species of Trite Simon, 1885 (Araneae: Salticidae) from New Caledonia
Authors: PATOLETA BARBARA M.
Published: July 2014

The male holotype of Trite lineata Simon, 1885 is redescribed and the palp is illustrated for the first time. The female is formally described. Three new species are diagnosed, described and illustrated: Trite caledoniensis sp. nov., T. guilberti sp. nov. and T. simoni sp. nov. Remarks on distribution and relationships of the genus are given.
Pethia rutila (Teleostei: Cyprinidae), a new species from Mizoram, Northeast India
Authors: LALRAMLIANA LALRAMLIANA , KNIGHT J. D. MARCUS , LALTLANHLUA ZATHANG
Published: July 2014

Pethia rutila, a new species is described from Karnaphuli drainage, Mizoram, Northeast India. It is distinguished from its congeners in having a complete lateral line with 21–22 scales, an inconspicuous black humeral spot on the scale row below the 3rd and 4th lateral-line scales, a black blotch on the caudal peduncle centered above the insertion of the last anal-fin ray, overlapping lateral-line scales 16–18 or 17–19 and ½4/1/3½ scales in transverse line from dorsal-fin origin to pelvic-fin origin.
Morphology and Phylogeny of a New Frontonia Ciliate, F. paramagna spec. nov. (Ciliophora, Peniculida) from Harbin, Northeast China
Authors: CHEN YING , ZHAO YAN , PAN XUMING , DING WENQIAO , AL-RASHEID KHALED A. S. , QIU ZIJIAN
Published: July 2014

This paper describes a new Frontonia ciliate, F. paramagna spec. nov., sampled from freshwater in Harbin, northeast China, based on its morphology, infraciliature, ultrastructure and small subunit ribosomal RNA gene information. The new species is defined by the following features: large sized freshwater form, 400–610 × 110–160 μm in vivo, about 179–201 somatic kineties, three peniculi, each with four kineties, three vestibular and six or seven postoral kineties, one elongated-elliptical macronucleus, centrally-located, a single contractile vacuole, without canals, located right-dorsally in the posterior half of the body. Sequence alignment and phylogenetic analyses based on the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene indicated that the new species has characters distinct from its known congeners. The ultrastructure of the trichocyst and other extrusomes, and the subpellicular fibre system, were observed by both scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Much of the ultrastructure is here given for the first time by SEM, and these features provide complementary data for taxonomic purposes.
A new species of the genus Micropeza Meigen (Diptera: Micropezidae) from Brazil
Authors: HARTERREITEN-SOUZA ÉRICA SEVILHA , SUJII EDISON RYOITI , PUJOL-LUZ JOSÉ ROBERTO
Published: July 2014

The stilt-legged fly genus Micropeza contains 82 valid species. Currently 10 species are recorded in Brazil. Here we describe a new species, M. dactyloptera sp. nov., based on 108 specimens (55 males and 53 females) from the States of Goiás, Paraná, and Distrito Federal, Brazil.
Difference in glucagon-like peptide-1 concentrations between C-peptide negative type 1 diabetes mellitus patients and healthy controls
Authors: Zibar Karin , Ćuća Jadranka Knežević , Blaslov Kristina , Bulum Tomislav , Smirčić-Duvnjak Lea
Published: July 2014

Background

The role of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) has become a new scientific interest in the field of pathophysiology of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), but the results of the published studies were contradictory. The aim of our study was therefore to measure fasting and postprandial GLP-1 concentrations in T1DM patients and in healthy controls and to examine the difference in those concentrations between the two groups of subjects.

Methods

The cross-sectional study included 30 C-peptide negative T1DM patients, median age 37 years (20–59), with disease duration 22 years (3–45), and 10 healthy controls, median age 30 years (27–47). Fasting and postprandial total and active GLP-1 concentrations were measured by ELISA (ALPCO, USA). The data were statistically analysed by SPSS, and significance level was accepted at P < 0.05.

Results

Both fasting total and active GLP-1 concentrations were significantly lower in T1DM patients (total 0.4 pmol/L, 0–6.4 and active 0.2 pmol/L, 0–1.9) compared with healthy controls (total 3.23 pmol/L, 0.2–5.5 and active 0.8 pmol/L, 0.2–3.6), P = 0.008 for total GLP-1 and P = 0.001 for active GLP-1. After adjustment for age, sex and body mass index, binary logistic regression showed that both fasting total and active GLP-1 remained significantly independently lower in T1DM patients (total GLP-1: OR 2.43, 95% CI 1.203–4.909 and active GLP-1: OR 8.73, 95% CI 1.472–51.787).

Conclusions

T1DM patients had independently lower total and active GLP-1 fasting concentrations in comparison with healthy people, which supports the potential therapeutic role of incretin therapy, along with insulin therapy, in T1DM patients.
Zero dark squared: Does the US benefit from more Special Operations Forces?
Authors: Martin Grant
Published: July 2014

There is no question that the number of United States Special Operations Forces (SOF) is growing. This paper argues that focusing on the increase in size obscures what should be the real debate: what kind of SOF should the US employ in the twenty-first century? I conclude with two ideas: that SOF’s best capability is at the tactical level, and that the largest benefit they can provide a democracy is in the conduct of special warfare, and not the more popular surgical strike operations. It would be wise, therefore, for democracies to resist the natural inclination to grow SOF simply because they perceive a growth in asymmetric threats. SOF, conducting special warfare, can offer democracies both a “special” capability and also more subtle, longer-term influence than is normally associated with conventional armed forces.
The Archimedean point: Science and technology in the thought of Hannah Arendt, 1951–1963
Authors: Yaqoob Waseem
Published: July 2014

This essay examines Hannah Arendt’s treatment of science and technology in her work during the 1950s and early 1960s. As scientific research acquired prominence in the United States and Germany after the Second World War, its public meaning was shaped by geopolitics and fears about nuclear weapons and the uncontrollable nature of technological development. A detailed exploration of the development of Arendt’s thought in this context has not been undertaken before. This essay refines our understanding of Arendt’s relationship with familiar interlocutors such as Karl Jaspers and Martin Heidegger, and challenges readings that concentrate narrowly on her analysis of totalitarianism as a reference point for understanding her thought.
Optimal dose of dexmedetomidine for attenuating cardiovascular response during emergence in patients undergoing total laparoscopic hysterectomy
Authors: Seo Kwon-Hui , Kim Yong-Il , Kim Yong-Shin
Published: July 2014

Objective

To investigate the optimal dose of dexmedetomidine for attenuating the haemodynamic response during emergence from anaesthesia.

Methods

Patients undergoing laparoscopic total hysterectomy were randomly allocated to receive 0.9% normal saline (control group) or dexmedetomidine (0.5 µg/kg, 0.75 µg/kg or 1.0 µg/kg 30 min) before extubation. Heart rate, systolic and diastolic arterial pressure and extubation time were measured before drug administration, immediately after the end of drug administration, 10 min after the end of drug administration, immediately after extubation and 5 min after extubation.

Results

A total of 120 patients were included in the study (30 per group). Systolic and diastolic arterial pressure and heart rate after drug administration were significantly lower in all three dexmedetomidine groups compared with controls. Extubation times in the 0.75 and 1.0 µg/kg dexmedetomidine groups were significantly longer than in the control group.

Conclusion

Intravenous infusion of 0.5 µg/kg dexmedetomidine 30 min before the end of surgery attenuated the haemodynamic responses during emergence without prolonging the extubation time. Dexmedetomidine doses higher than 0.5 µg/kg did not exert additional positive effects on cardiovascular responses, but did significantly prolong the extubation time.
Proactive and Reactive Sibling Aggression and Adjustment in Adolescence
Authors: Tucker Corinna Jenkins , Van Gundy Karen T. , Wiesen-Martin Desireé , Hiley Sharp Erin , Rebellon Cesar J. , Stracuzzi Nena F.
Published: July 2014

Existing research on aggression tends to narrowly focus on peers; less is known about sibling aggression, most likely due to its historical acceptance. Aggression is characterized by its forms (i.e., physical vs. social or relational aggression) and its functions (i.e., the motivations behind the aggressive act and categorized as proactive vs. reactive aggression). We use data from a two-wave study of middle ( n = 197; Mage = 12.63 years at Wave 1) and older ( n = 159; Mage = 16.50 years at Wave 1) adolescents to assess the extent to which proactive and reactive functions of sibling aggression make unique or conditional contributions to adolescent adjustment (i.e., depression, delinquency, and substance use). We find that proactive sibling aggression increases risk for problem substance use and delinquent behavior, reactive sibling aggression increases risk for depressed mood and delinquent behavior, and such results are observed even with statistical adjustments for sociodemographic and family variables, stressful life events, and prior adjustment. Few conditional effects of proactive or reactive sibling aggression by sex or grade are observed; yet, for all three outcomes, the harmful effects of reactive sibling aggression are strongest among adolescents who report low levels of proactive sibling aggression. The results speak to the importance of understanding the proactive and reactive functions of sibling aggressive behaviors for adolescent adjustment.
Relationships Between Testosterone Levels and Cognition in Patients With Alzheimer Disease and Nondemented Elderly Men
Authors: Seidl Jennifer N. Travis , Massman Paul J.
Published: July 2014

Background/Aims:

Previous research suggests that low levels of testosterone may be associated with the development of Alzheimer disease (AD), as well as poorer performance on certain neuropsychological tests and increased risk of depression.

Methods:

This study utilized data from 61 nondemented older men and 68 men with probable AD.

Results:

Testosterone levels did not differ between the groups. Regression analyses in men with AD revealed that testosterone levels did not significantly predict performance on neuropsychological tests or a measure of depression. Among controls, testosterone levels predicted estimated premorbid verbal IQ and performance on a verbal fluency test.

Conclusion:

Findings suggest that testosterone is not associated with most neuropsychological test performances in patients with AD.
Rotary galloping with a lock–unlock elastic spinal joint
Authors: Wei Xiaohui , Long Yongjun , Wang Chunlei , Wang Shigang
Published: July 2014

The effect of the spinal joint on dynamic performance of quadrupedal model in galloping gait is presented in this paper. A 12-DOF sagittal planner galloping model with one spinal joint and four actuated legs including hip and knee joints is introduced. The spinal joint is controlled by a lock–unlock mechanism, in which the spinal joint is locked when maximum extension or flexion is obtained and unlocked when proper conditions are met (at the instance of the back trailing leg touches the ground or at a certain body angle). The differences between the dynamic models with and without a spine and the effect of different initial angles of the spinal joint, different postures (landing angle differences, swing angles and initial heights of center of mass), and different horizontal velocities on the dynamic performance are analyzed. It is illustrated that a quadrupedal model using a slightly controlled spinal joint with proper body postures when galloping exhibits considerable improvement of dynamic performance, and legged systems should not employ rotary galloping pattern until running speeds are sufficient.
Theoretical and experimental investigations on Stirling-type pulse tube cryocoolers with U-type configuration to achieve temperature below 20 K
Authors: Badgujar AD , Atrey MD
Published: July 2014

To achieve lower temperatures is a subject of recent research and development activities in the field of pulse tube cryocoolers. To reach a temperature of 20 K, multi-staging is necessary in Stirling-type pulse tube cryocoolers. In the present work, Sage software is used to design a three-stage gas-coupled as well as thermal-coupled pulse tube cryocooler. A single-stage and a two-stage pulse tube cryocoolers are developed, tested and are coupled by a thermal link to build up a three-stage thermal-coupled pulse tube cryocooler. The lowest temperature of 19.61 K is obtained with a cooling capacity of 220 mW at 30 K at the third stage operating at 17 bar charge pressure and 68 Hz frequency. The phase-shifting mechanism used is a double inlet valve at the third stage while the inertance tube is used for the other stages.
A non-linear vehicle dynamics model for accurate representation of suspension kinematics
Authors: Vaddi Prashanth KR , Kumar Cheruvu S
Published: July 2014

A non-linear full vehicle model for simulation of vehicle ride and handling performance is proposed. The model effectively estimates the suspension spring compressions, thus improving the accuracy of normal force calculations. This is achieved by developing models for suspension kinematics, which are then integrated with the commonly used 14 degrees of freedom vehicle dynamics models. This integrated model effectively estimates parameters like camber angles, toe angles and jacking forces, which are capable of significantly affecting the handling performance of the vehicle. The improvements in the accuracy of spring compressions help in simulating the effects of non-linear suspension elements, and the accuracy of handling simulation is enhanced by the improvements in normal force estimates. The model developed in Simulink is validated by comparing the results to that from ADAMS car.
Access to Public Health Services: A Disaggregated Analysis of Uttar Pradesh
Authors: Tripathi Tulika , Mishra Nripendra Kishore
Published: July 2014

Access to public health care has often been equated with health outcomes. Outcomes-based analysis often misunderstands the process of access to health. This article conceives access to health as a bundled concept and decomposes access into availability, affordability and acceptability. Access to health is determined by public provisioning as well as by socio-economic characteristics of households. It attempts to examine these dimensions across different regions of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh (UP). It shows that there are variations across regions and socio-economic characteristics of households. A particular group from one region may not have the same degree of access as its counterpart in another region and at the same time there are variations across groups in the same region. The scale of development of regions also plays an important role in promoting or hindering access to health.

JEL Classification: I12, I14, I18, Z13, N35, H51
Thromboprophylaxis and Incidence of Venous Thromboembolism in Patients With Hemophilia A or B Who Underwent High-Risk Orthopedic Surgeries
Authors: Raza Shahzad , Kale Gautam , Kim Daniel , Akbar Syed A. , Holm Lisa , Naidzionak Ulad , Hossain Akm M. , Dong Xiang , Doll Donald C. , Freter Carl E. , Hopkins Tamara
Published: July 2014

Total hip replacement (THR) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) carry a high risk of postoperative venous thromboembolism (VTE); therefore, anticoagulation prophylaxis is recommended in these patients. Unfortunately, there are no guidelines about VTE prophylaxis in patients with hemophilia who underwent these high-risk surgeries. To determine whether these patients have high risk of VTE, we conducted a retrospective study on patients with hemophilia who underwent elective THR/TKA at our institute from 2004 to 2012. Postoperatively, we collected information on duration and method of factor VIII/IX infusion, VTE-prophylaxis, and complications. There were 23 patients with hemophilia, 18 (78%) with hemophilia A and 5 (22%) with hemophilia B, who underwent high-risk surgeries (39% THR and 61% TKA). The VTE prophylaxis included sequential compression device, 12 (52%), and prophylactic enoxaparin, 1 (4%). Ten (43%) patients did not receive VTE prophylaxis. At 1-year follow-up, we did not find any evidence of clinical VTE in our patients. Better risk stratification is needed to identify patients who would benefit from pharmacological prophylaxis.
Beyond the Service Process
Authors: Makarem Suzanne C. , Al-Amin Mona
Published: July 2014

Understanding patient perceptions of hospital encounters is crucial for the continuous efforts to improve quality of care in the United States. Abundant research has examined the influence of different service process dimensions on customer satisfaction, but scant research has explored how the organizational context affects customer perceptions of service providers. The authors propose a more comprehensive model of customer satisfaction that moves beyond the service process to incorporate organizational and market factors that affect customer experiences directly and indirectly through their influence on the service process. Three organizational and market factors lie at the center of the health care debate: physician ownership, hospital specialization, and market competition. The authors employ the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems to determine patient ratings and the American Hospital Association Annual Survey to determine organizational and market factors. The results show that physician ownership, specialization, and market competition positively affect patient ratings. Dimensions of the service process act as a mediator between organizational and market factors and patient ratings. This study provides new insights into the importance of including both organizational and market factors and service process dimensions when examining customer ratings and offers implications for governance and strategy in service organizations.
Aramid/epoxy composites with angle-laid reinforcement constructions for ballistic protection
Authors: Yan Ruosi , Chen Xiaogang
Published: July 2014

This paper investigates the ballistic impact mechanism of multi-ply aramid/epoxy composites with different laying up structures. Ballistic impact behaviour of the composites was evaluated by their energy absorption capacity and high-speed video observation and analysis. Plain woven aramid fabrics were used as reinforcements and the Seemann composites resin infusion moulding process (STRIMP) was employed for manufacturing composites with ARALDITE LY 564 epoxy matrix in this study. Angle-laid dry fabric assembles were used as reinforcements in parallel to the align-laid fabric assemblies. The energy loss during penetration process was used to characterise the ballistic performance of the composites experimentally. The results of the investigation indicate that for three-layered composites, [0/45/0] and [0/30/60] angle-laid constructions absorb 3% and 10% more energy than the composite with align-laid reinforcement. However, for the four-layered composites, angle-laid composites demonstrate lower ballistic resistance than the align-laid composites, which calls for further investigation.
Factors associated with non evidence-based prescribing of antipsychotics
Authors: Connolly Anne , Taylor David
Published: July 2014

Objectives:

Non evidence-based prescribing of antipsychotics is common in the UK and internationally with high doses and polypharmacy the norm. These practices often remain even after systematic attempts are made to change. We aimed to establish which factors are linked to antipsychotic prescribing quality so we can identify and target patients for interventions to improve quality and allow us to understand further the drivers of non evidence-based prescribing.

Objectives:

A cross-sectional survey with a collection of factors potentially affecting antipsychotic prescribing quality outcomes was carried out in eight secondary care units in England. Participants were inpatients prescribed regular antipsychotics on the day of the survey. Antipsychotic dose, polypharmacy, type and route were the main outcome measures.

Objectives:

Data were collected for 1198 patients. Higher total dose was associated with greater weight, higher number of previous admissions, longer length of admission, noncompliance with medication and use of an atypical antipsychotic. A lower total dose was associated with clozapine use. Polypharmacy was associated with not being a patient at the South London and Maudsley NHS Trust centre, the subject having a forensic history, a greater number of previous admissions and higher total dose. Younger age, not being detained under a Mental Health Act section, atypical antipsychotic use and oral route were predictors of antipsychotic monotherapy. Atypical antipsychotic use was associated with oral route, higher total dose, being administered only one antipsychotic, having had fewer previous antipsychotics and no anticholinergic use. Use of the oral route was associated with not being sectioned under the Mental Health Act, atypical antipsychotic use, younger age, non-schizophrenia diagnosis, fewer previous admissions and a lower total dose.

Objectives:

In patients with chronic illness who are detained, heavier, noncompliant, not taking clozapine and on a depot antipsychotic, prescribers use larger doses and antipsychotic polypharmacy. We found that use of percentage of licensed maximum doses favours typical antipsychotics arbitrarily, and that high doses and polypharmacy are inextricably linked.
Homo profanus: The Christian martyr and the violence of meaning-making
Authors: Recla Matthew
Published: July 2014

The martyr is a potent symbol of sacrifice in Western cultural discourse. Understanding martyrdom as sacrifice, however, blunts the potency of the martyr's action. It obscures the violence by which the martyr's death becomes, paradoxically, a means to define institutional life. In this article, I propose an analogous relationship between the early Christian martyr and Giorgio Agamben's enigmatic homo sacer. Like homo sacer, the Christian martyr provides an “other” against which to organize institutional life. Read as a sacrifice, the martyr also exemplifies the threat of biopolitics that Agamben describes, where mere existence can be isolated from political life and made subject to sovereign violence. Distinguishing the martyr from their institutional appropriation is a step toward exposing the modes of violence inherent in sovereign power. It provides the possibility of reconceptualizing the martyr as an autonomous figure of resistance, not as homo sacer but as homo profanus.
PRIMA-1Met induces myeloma cell death independent of p53 by impairing the GSH/ROS balance
Authors: Tessoulin Benoît , Descamps Géraldine , Moreau Philippe , Maïga Sophie , Lodé Laurence , Godon Catherine , Marionneau-Lambot Séverine , Oullier Thibauld , Le Gouill Steven , Amiot Martine , Pellat-Deceunynck Catherine
Published: July 2014

Key Points

Myeloma cells are highly sensitive to PRIMA-1Met, independent of p53. PRIMA-1Met induces myeloma cell death by impairing GSH/ROS balance.
Mouse models in the study of chronic lymphocytic leukemia pathogenesis and therapy
Authors: Simonetti Giorgia , Bertilaccio Maria Teresa Sabrina , Ghia Paolo , Klein Ulf
Published: July 2014

Mouse models that recapitulate human malignancy are valuable tools for the elucidation of the underlying pathogenetic mechanisms and for preclinical studies. Several genetically engineered mouse models have been generated, either mimicking genetic aberrations or deregulated gene expression in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The usefulness of such models in the study of the human disease may potentially be hampered by species-specific biological differences in the target cell of the oncogenic transformation. Specifically, do the genetic lesions or the deregulated expression of leukemia-associated genes faithfully recapitulate the spectrum of lymphoproliferations in humans? Do the CLL-like lymphoproliferations in the mouse have the phenotypic, histological, genetic, and clinical features of the human disease? Here we compare the various CLL mouse models with regard to disease phenotype, penetrance, and severity. We discuss similarities and differences of the murine lymphoproliferations compared with human CLL. We propose that the Eμ-TCL1 transgenic and 13q14-deletion models that have been comprehensively studied at the levels of leukemia phenotype, antigen-receptor repertoire, and disease course show close resemblance to the human disease. We conclude that modeling CLL-associated genetic dysregulations in mice can provide important insights into the molecular mechanisms of disease pathogenesis and generate valuable tools for the development of novel therapies.
Sequencing of breast cancer stem cell populations indicates a dynamic conversion between differentiation states in vivo
Authors: Klevebring Daniel , Rosin Gustaf , Ma Ran , Lindberg Johan , Czene Kamila , Kere Juha , Fredriksson Irma , Bergh Jonas , Hartman Johan
Published: July 2014

Introduction

The cancer stem cell model implies a hierarchical organization within breast tumors maintained by cancer stem-like cells (CSCs). Accordingly, CSCs are a subpopulation of cancer cells with capacity for self-renewal, differentiation and tumor initiation. These cells can be isolated through the phenotypic markers CD44+/CD24-, expression of ALDH1 and an ability to form nonadherent, multicellular spheres in vitro. However, controversies to describe the stem cell model exist; it is unclear whether the tumorigenicity of CSCs in vivo is solely a proxy for a certain genotype. Moreover, in vivo evidence is lacking to fully define the reversibility of CSC differentiation.

Methods

In order to answer these questions, we undertook exome sequencing of CSCs from 12 breast cancer patients, along with paired primary tumor samples. As suggested by stem classical cell biology, we assumed that the number of mutations in the CSC subpopulation should be lower and distinct compared to the differentiated tumor cells with higher proliferation.

Results

Our analysis revealed that the majority of somatic mutations are shared between CSCs and bulk primary tumor, with similar frequencies in the two.

Conclusions

The data presented here exclude the possibility that CSCs are only a phenotypic consequence of certain somatic mutations, that is a distinct and non-reversible population of cells. In addition, our results imply that CSCs must be a population of cells that can dynamically switch from differentiated tumor cells, and vice versa. This finding increases our understanding of CSC function in tumor heterogeneity and the importance of identifying drugs to counter de-differentiation rather than targeting CSCs.
Novel Analytical Method to Determine Factors Causing Unwanted Sticking of Glued Wood Particles onto Machinery Parts*
Authors: Himsel Alexandra , Müller Ulrich , Kantner Wolfgang , Moser Johann , Mitter Roland , van Herwijnen Hendrikus W. G.
Published: July 2014

“Sticking” of glued particles onto machine parts (blender, conveyor, forming station) during wood panel production increasingly occurs when applying low-emission aminoplastic adhesives. Therefore, a new and reproducible method to investigate sticking effects was developed. With this setup, both drying out of the adhesive and the tendency of particles to adhere onto machinery components can be described. The method consists of a rotating cylinder made out of different materials and of diverse surface roughness in order to simulate machine parts, which runs over a wood surface where resin is applied. The wood surface represents the wood particles. The temperature of the wood surface and the ambient air as well as the relative humidity can be controlled. Before starting the experiment, a defined amount of adhesive is applied onto the wood surface and with this a “glue line” is built up. Drying out of the adhesive causes an increase of the rolling resistance up to a peak value. Afterward, an abrupt or gradual decrease of the rolling resistance is observed. This rolling resistance is accurately measured and recorded. Using the approach described above, influences of different materials, climate conditions, surface temperature and roughness, as well as adhesive properties can be observed. The initial results provide strong evidence that climate conditions of the ambient air as well as material and surface properties of machine parts show a significant contribution to the phenomenon.