bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel prediction model for aircraft spare part intermittent demand in aviation transportation logistics using multi-components accumulation and high resolution analysis
Authors: Li Zhixiong , Zhang Yuelei , Yan Xinping , Peng Zhongxiao
Published: April 2014

High effective management of civil aircraft spare parts is of significant importance for the economical operation of aircrafts. However, the stochastic characteristics of the aircraft spare parts make it difficult to find a reliable rule to precisely predict the future demand. In order to address this issue, this work presents a novel multi-components accumulation and high resolution analysis (MCAHR) method to improve the forecasting performance of aircraft spare parts. The MCAHR takes the advantages of high resolution of the wavelet transform to analyze the time series of spare part intermittent demand. The original time series were decomposed into several sub-bands along with the time axis of the wavelet. Then particle swarm optimized fuzzy neural networks were established for each sub-band to intelligently mine their intrinsic features. Accurate prediction result was hence obtained by the accumulation of the outputs of all fuzzy neural networks. Experimental tests using the historical data of A320 civil aircrafts were carried out in this work to evaluate the proposed MCAHR method. The analysis results have demonstrated a high efficiency of the MCAHR method and that its prediction performance is superior to existing methods. Hence, the proposed MCAHR method has practical importance in the civil aircraft spare part intermittent demand prediction and will provide a significant economic benefit to the industry through reasonable management of aircraft spare parts.
Effect of nonmyeloablative unrelated fetal and neonatal murine peripheral blood mononuclear cell infusion on MRL/lpr mice
Authors: Chuan W , Wu-qing W , Zhu-wen Y , Zuo L
Published: April 2014

For patients with refractory systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), current medications are insufficient to control their condition, and new treatments are necessary. We investigated the effect of fetal and neonatal murine peripheral blood (FNPB) mononuclear cells on MRL/lpr lupus-prone mice. Female MRL/lpr mice were randomized to three groups (control, radiation and infusion groups). The infusion group had significantly better results for survival rate, body weight increase, reduction of spleen index, serum anti-ds-DNA antibody, antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and creatinine (Cr), 24 h urine protein and pathological renal tissue lesions than either the control or radiation group. Graft versus host disease (GVHD) was not observed in MRL/lpr mice in the infusion group. The infusion group also had better hematogenesis reconstruction than the radiation group. Flow cytometry analysis revealed a significant increase in Th1, CD8+ T and T reg cells and a reduction in Th2, CD4+ T and Th17 cells in the peripheral blood of the radiation and infusion groups compared with the control group. Immunocytochemical assay revealed a significant increase in serum transforming growth factor (TGF)-β and a significant reduction in interleukin (IL)-17 in the radiation and infusion groups compared with the control group. Therefore, our study showed that FNPB mononuclear cell infusion has a significant role in regulating CD4+ T cells, Th1/Th2, Th17/T reg balance and their corresponding cytokines in MRL/lpr mice. The FNPB mononuclear cell infusion provided evidence in animals and suggested a potential clinical application for umbilical cord blood transplantation to treat SLE patients.
A new risk-adjusted Bernoulli cumulative sum chart for monitoring binary health data
Authors: Rossi Giuseppe , Sarto Simone Del , Marchi Marco
Published: April 2014

To monitor a health event in patients with a specific risk of developing the event, a risk-adjusted cumulative sum chart is needed. The risk-adjusted cumulative sum chart proposed in the literature has some limitations. Setting appropriate control limits is not straightforward, there is no simple formula for constructing them, and they remain sensitive to changes in the underlying risk distribution and the baseline incidence rate. To overcome these limits, we propose a new risk-adjusted Bernoulli cumulative sum chart as a simple and efficient solution. Analyses of simulated and real data sets illustrate the performance and usefulness of the proposed procedure.
Learning Networks and the Practice of Wisdom
Authors: Marshall Nick , Simpson Barbara
Published: April 2014

Learning networks offer a context and methodology for business managers to learn from each other’s experience. However, the extent to which these networks can facilitate and support wise action remains an open question. In this article, we adopt a Buddhist perspective on wise action as a counterpoint to more familiar Western notions of wisdom as accumulated knowledge. We apply this novel perspective to a case example drawn from a learning network of small and medium-sized enterprises, demonstrating that the Buddhist focus on interdependent origination and impermanence suggests specific ways of working together that can enhance the practice of wisdom in, and beyond, learning networks.
Enhanced structural controllers for non-collocated systems
Authors: Mastory Constantine G , Chalhoub Nabil G
Published: April 2014

The present work investigates the adverse effects of non-collocated sensors and actuators on the phase characteristics of flexible structures and the ensuing implications on the performance of structural controllers. Two closed-loop systems are considered. The first one consists of a pinned-free flexible beam with the control torque applied at the pinned-end. The second one is a clamped-free deformable beam with the control moment generated by two piezoelectric actuators bonded at the top and bottom surfaces near the clamped-end. The phase angle contours for both systems were generated as functions of the normalized sensor location and the excitation frequency. They illustrate the loci of the imaginary open-loop zeros along with the resulting minimum and non-minimum phase regions of the systems as the sensors sweep the entire span of the beams. Two structural controllers are designed based on the sliding mode methodology and the active damping control strategy to attenuate the undesired in-plane transverse deformation of the pinned-free beam. The results have revealed three distinct regions for the sensor’s location whereby the performance of the sliding mode controller can be stable, unstable, or stable after incorporating a remedial action into the control algorithm based on the phase angle contour information of the open-loop system. On the other hand, the active damping controller eliminated the overall in-plane transverse deformation by both active damping and having the first two elastic modes being equal in magnitude and opposite in sign. The dissipative nature of this controller and the dependency of its gains on the mode shapes of the beam have yielded a robust and stable performance of the closed-loop system irrespective of the sensor location.
Dynamic characteristics of a periodic rib-skin structure
Authors: Chen Rong , Wu Tianxing
Published: April 2014

Periodic rib-skin structure is composed of an array of identical elements connected in parallel and each element is a stiffened structure consisting of skins and ribs which are modeled as elastic beams and rigid bodies respectively. The periodic structure is designed to gain excellent longitudinal and flexural vibration band gaps in which corresponding waves cannot propagate in the structure freely. Firstly, longitudinal and flexural vibration mobility matrices of the skins and ribs are derived to obtain mobility equations of single-floor and multi-floor periodic elements. Then, propagation constants of the infinite rib-skin structure are calculated and an in-depth numerical study is performed to examine the relationships between the wave propagation constants and dynamic response of semi-infinite and finite periodic structures. Furthermore, flexural vibration reduction performances of the periodic rib-skin structure below 3000 Hz are discussed in detail. Finally, an experimental setup for measuring the acceleration frequency response of a two-floor periodic rib-skin structure is carried out to verify the numerical solution. Both predicted and measured results have demonstrated that longitudinal and flexural band gaps exist in the periodic rib-skin structure. The flexural vibration transmitted through the structure is substantially suppressed in a wide frequency range below 3000 Hz.
The Efficacy of Computerized Cognitive Training in Adults With ADHD
Authors: Stern Adi , Malik Elad , Pollak Yehuda , Bonne Omer , Maeir Adina
Published: April 2014

Objective: This is a randomized control trial examining the efficiency of computerized cognitive training (CCT) for adults with ADHD, comparing two training conditions with graded levels of executive cognitive demands. Method: Adults with ADHD ( n = 60) were randomized into study ( n = 34) and control ( n = 26) groups. Training was conducted with the computerized AttenFocus program. Control group received a simple, non-hierarchical version with less executive demands. Results: Significant positive changes in symptoms ratings, ecological measures of executive functions, and occupational performance were found in both groups. No significant changes were found in variables of neurocognitive performance battery and quality of life. No significant time by group interaction effects were found. Conclusion: No benefits of the intervention were found relative to the control. Lack of interaction effects may be due to insufficient power, non-specific cognitive training or placebo effects. Results demonstrate some positive findings for general CCT, yet do not support the inclusion of specific higher level executive training.
Adult Male-on-Female Stranger Sexual Homicide
Authors: Greenall Paul V. , Richardson Clare
Published: April 2014

Research into stranger sexual homicide remains limited as is our understanding of this crime, and this can hinder criminal investigations and the assessment and management of offenders. This study aims to address this. Using data gathered by various British police forces, this study presents a descriptive profile of adult male-on-female stranger sexual homicide in Great Britain in recent years. Along with demographic and occupational data on offenders and victims, the criminal histories of offenders are illustrated as are their offense behaviors. The results are discussed in light of similar research, and future directions and implications are considered.
Dilemmas of planning: Intervention, regulation, and investment
Authors: Savini Federico , Majoor Stan , Salet Willem
Published: April 2014

Planning through processes of “co-creation” has become a priority for practitioners, urban activists, and scientific researchers. However, urban development still shows a close instrumentalism on goal-specific tasks, means, and outcomes despite awareness that planning should enlarge possibilities for social change rather than constrain them. The article explores the dilemmas of planning agency in light of the contemporary need to open spaces for innovative practices. Planning is understood as a paradox; a structural tension between organization and spontaneity. The article provides a detailed profile of three specific dilemmas stemming from this condition. We distinguish and conceptually explore the dilemmas of intervention, regulation, and investment in current practices. The article provides a specific understanding of today’s planning dilemmas, exploring the key notions of “space and time” in the intervention dilemma, “material and procedural norms” in the regulation dilemma, and “risk and income” in the investment dilemma. We suggest that planning practice today needs to make sense of these dilemmas, navigating through their extremes to find new contextualized forms of synthesis.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of EEG-Based Motor Imagery Brain-Computer Interface Robotic Rehabilitation for Stroke
Authors: Ang Kai Keng , Chua Karen Sui Geok , Phua Kok Soon , Wang Chuanchu , Chin Zheng Yang , Kuah Christopher Wee Keong , Low Wilson , Guan Cuntai
Published: April 2014

Electroencephalography (EEG)–based motor imagery (MI) brain-computer interface (BCI) technology has the potential to restore motor function by inducing activity-dependent brain plasticity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of an EEG-based MI BCI system coupled with MIT-Manus shoulder-elbow robotic feedback (BCI-Manus) for subjects with chronic stroke with upper-limb hemiparesis. In this single-blind, randomized trial, 26 hemiplegic subjects (Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Motor Recovery After Stroke [FMMA] score, 4-40; 16 men; mean age, 51.4 years; mean stroke duration, 297.4 days), prescreened with the ability to use the MI BCI, were randomly allocated to BCI-Manus or Manus therapy, lasting 18 hours over 4 weeks. Efficacy was measured using upper-extremity FMMA scores at weeks 0, 2, 4 and 12. ElEG data from subjects allocated to BCI-Manus were quantified using the revised brain symmetry index (rBSI) and analyzed for correlation with the improvements in FMMA score. Eleven and 15 subjects underwent BCI-Manus and Manus therapy, respectively. One subject in the Manus group dropped out. Mean total FMMA scores at weeks 0, 2, 4, and 12 weeks improved for both groups: 26.3 ± 10.3, 27.4 ± 12.0, 30.8 ± 13.8, and 31.5 ± 13.5 for BCI-Manus and 26.6 ± 18.9, 29.9 ± 20.6, 32.9 ± 21.4, and 33.9 ± 20.2 for Manus, with no intergroup differences ( P = .51). More subjects attained further gains in FMMA scores at week 12 from BCI-Manus (7 of 11 [63.6%]) than Manus (5 of 14 [35.7%]). A negative correlation was found between the rBSI and FMMA score improvement ( P = .044). BCI-Manus therapy was well tolerated and not associated with adverse events. In conclusion, BCI-Manus therapy is effective and safe for arm rehabilitation after severe poststroke hemiparesis. Motor gains were comparable to those attained with intensive robotic therapy (1,040 repetitions/session) despite reduced arm exercise repetitions using EEG-based MI-triggered robotic feedback (136 repetitions/session). The correlation of rBSI with motor improvements suggests that the rBSI can be used as a prognostic measure for BCI-based stroke rehabilitation.
Laparoscopically Implanted System for Stimulation of the Hypogastric Plexus Induces Colonic Motility, Defecation, and Micturition
Authors: Sobocki Jacek , Nowakowski Michal , Herman Roman M. , Wałęga Piotr , Frączek Mariusz , Tuz Ryszard , Schwartz Tomasz , Murawski Maciej
Published: April 2014

Background. Modulation of the enteric nervous system seems to be promising in several functional colorectal disorders for which targeted, causal treatment methods do not exist. However, sacral nerve stimulation can induce undesirable muscle contraction or paresthesia. Therefore, we have developed a laparoscopic technique for implanting a neural electrode, placed directly over the pelvic autonomic nerve plexus. The aim of this experimental study was to evaluate the effect of stimulating the hypogastric plexus and pelvic nerves on inducing distal colon contraction, defecation, and micturition. Method. A total of 10 white, male healthy pigs (25-30 kg) were subjected to the laparoscopic implantation of the electrode and the stimulator. In the third and fourth weeks postimplantation, the efficacy of the acute and chronic stimulation to induce defecation was evaluated. Results. The average operative time was 105 minutes (85-150 minutes). In all pigs, acute stimulation activated induced defecation, every second day, every time on demand, with an average delay of 139.7 s. Micturition was induced incidentally. Acute or chronic stimulation did not cause any harm, pain, or suffering to the animals. No adverse effects of the stimulation were observed, and no septic complications or macroscopic fibrosis around the electrodes were found on autopsy. Conclusion. Hypogastric plexus stimulation can be a useful and safe option of distal colon contraction, defecation, and micturition. However, the efficacy of the stimulation was observed for a relatively short period of time, and it is not known if it will be sustained for a longer duration.
A Comparative Effectiveness Analysis of Three Continuous Glucose Monitors
Authors: Damiano Edward R. , McKeon Katherine , El-Khatib Firas H. , Zheng Hui , Nathan David M. , Russell Steven J.
Published: April 2014

Background:

The effectiveness and safety of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) is dependent on their accuracy and reliability. The objective of this study was to compare 3 CGMs in adult and pediatric subjects with type 1 diabetes under closed-loop blood-glucose (BG) control. Twenty-four subjects (12 adults) with type 1 diabetes each participated in one 48-hour closed-loop BG control experiment.

Methods:

Venous plasma glucose (PG) measurements obtained every 15 minutes (4657 values) were paired in time with corresponding CGM glucose (CGMG) measurements obtained from 3 CGMs (FreeStyle Navigator, Abbott Diabetes Care; G4 Platinum, Dexcom; Enlite, Medtronic) worn simultaneously by each subject.

Results:

The Navigator and G4 Platinum (G4) had the best overall accuracy, with an aggregate mean absolute relative difference (MARD) of all paired points of 12.3 ± 12.1% and 10.8 ± 9.9%, respectively. Both had lower MARDs of all paired points than Enlite (17.9 ± 15.8%, P < .005). Very large errors (MARD > 50%) were less common with the G4 (0.5%) than with the Enlite (4.3%, P = .0001) while the number of very large errors with the Navigator (1.4%) was intermediate between the G4 and Enlite ( P = .1 and P = .06, respectively). The average MARD for experiments in adolescent subjects were lower than in adult subjects for the Navigator and G4, while there was no difference for Enlite. All 3 devices had similar reliability.

Conclusions:

A comprehensive head-to-head-to-head comparison of 3 CGMs revealed marked differences in both accuracy and precision. The Navigator and G4 were found to outperform the Enlite in these areas.
Neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio is associated with low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in healthy young men
Authors: Tok Duran , Iscen Sinan , Ozenc Salim
Published: April 2014

Objective:

It has been reported that the neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio is significantly elevated in patients with low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (<35 mg/dL). But in this study, some patients had hypertension that may have affected the neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio. This study consisted of 1274 asymptomatic healthy young men. In contrast with the previous study, we investigated the neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio in healthy young men with low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol compared with controls.

Methods:

We studied 1274 asymptomatic young males (military personnel screening) who underwent routine health check-up. Of them, 102 subjects had low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

Results:

The neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio was significantly higher among the men with low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol than that of the control group (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

We conclude that the neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio is significantly elevated in asymptomatic healthy young men with low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol compared with control participants.
Anthropocene Futures
Authors: Berkhout Frans
Published: April 2014

Much of the debate about the Anthropocene has been concerned with global-scale change and with the past. This short paper argues that there is a need for a greater focus on Anthropocene Futures that are relevant to societal actors now and in the relatively near-term future. It suggests that social science perspectives will play an important role in translating insights emerging from the Anthropocene analysis into knowledge that resonates with the lived futures of real people and organisations.
Changes in Health-Related Quality of Life and Knee Function After Knee Injury in Young Female Athletes
Authors: McGuine Timothy A. , Winterstein Andrew P. , Carr Kathleen , Hetzel Scott
Published: April 2014

Background:

Recent literature has called for greater attention to evidence-based practice in sports medicine with the documentation of overall status and impairments following injury. The prospective documentation of impairments associated with knee injuries in female athletes regarding their health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and knee function (KF) of high school and collegiate athletes is limited. Assessing the effect knee injuries have on young female athletes may allow clinicians to better understand the perspectives of the athletes who sustain these injuries.

Purpose:

To document the changes over 12 months in self-reported HRQoL and KF in young females who have sustained a knee injury.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A convenience sample of 242 females (mean age, 17.4 ± 2.4 years) who injured their knee participating in sport or recreational activities was utilized. Injuries were categorized as anterior cruciate ligament tears (ACL), anterior knee pain (AKP), patellar instability (PAT), meniscus tear (MNT), iliotibial band syndrome (ITB), collateral ligament sprain (COL), and other (OTH). HRQoL was assessed with the Short Form–12 v 2.0 survey (SF-12) physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS). KF was assessed with the 2000 International Knee Documentation Committee survey (IKDC). Dependent variables included the paired differences in the 2000 IKDC as well as SF-12 composite scores from preinjury through 12 months postdiagnosis. Paired differences were assessed with repeated-measures analyses of variance ( P ≤ .05).

Results:

IKDC scores were lower through 12 months for ACL, AKP, and PAT; through 6 months for MNT; and through 3 months for COL and OTH. HRQoL PCS and MCS scores were lower through 3 to 12 months depending on the type of injury classification.

Conclusion:

Knee injuries can negatively affect KF and HRQoL for up to 12 months in young females. Sports medicine providers need to be aware of these impacts as they work to effectively treat individuals with these injuries.
India–Pakistan Peace Process
Authors: Routray Bibhu Prasad
Published: April 2014

Attempts to stay engaged in a process of sustained dialogue and achieve incremental progress towards peace by the Indian and Pakistani political leadership suffered another setback in the form of cross-border firing and allegations of ceasefire violations along the Line of Control and the international boundary in 2013. While New Delhi’s Congress party-led regime, facing parliamentary elections in 2014, buckled under pressure from an intrusive media and the opposition political parties, the new civilian government in Islamabad, in its edgy relationship with the country’s powerful military, put the peace project in the back burner. As allegations and counter charges flew, incapacities of both countries to bring the situation under control were reinforced. The article uses this case study to assess the intent of as well as limitations on leadership of both countries for staying engaged in a process of dialogue. Not just their commitment to peace, but the ability to defy the limitations would shape the future of Indo–Pak relations, the article argues.
Iran’s Policy towards Afghanistan
Authors: Akbarzadeh Shahram
Published: April 2014

The fall of the Taliban in 2001 presented Iran with a complex strategic situation. On the one hand, the removal of the Taliban promised to open up new opportunities for Iran to expand its influence, based on historical and cultural ties between Iran and Afghanistan. On the other hand, the 2001 operation brought the United States (US) to the region. The large scale entrenchment of US troops on the eastern borders of Iran presented tangible security risks, dominating Iran’s strategic outlook. The closure of the US base in Uzbekistan and the planned withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan have offered an opportunity to policy makers in Iran to recalibrate bilateral relations with Afghanistan. But the Iranian leadership appears too slow in readjusting its strategic outlook, keeping Iran’s policy towards Afghanistan hostage to its hostility towards the US.
Hybridity and Israel’s Democratic Order
Authors: Harel-Shalev Ayelet , Peleg Ilan
Published: April 2014

This article deals with the quality of Israel’s democracy from the perspective of what it views as the fundamentally hybrid nature of the Israeli regime. From its inception, Israel has been committed to two seemingly conflicting sets of values, one universal (reflected in democratic institutions, practices and ideals) and the other particularistic (reflected in national institutions benefitting a segment of the Israeli population). This article examines the most recent trends in Israel’s constitutional order, including its political culture and especially its legal developments, and their potential impact on the quality of the democratic order in the country. It points out the threats for the existing, imperfect balance between the traditional albeit contradicting commitments of the Israeli society, state and regime, which might push the country toward a hegemonic order.
The representation of visual depth perception based on the plenoptic function in the retina and its neural computation in visual cortex V1
Authors: Songnian Zhao , Qi Zou , Chang Liu , Xuemin Liu , Shousi Sun , Jun Qiu
Published: April 2014

Background

How it is possible to “faithfully” represent a three-dimensional stereoscopic scene using Cartesian coordinates on a plane, and how three-dimensional perceptions differ between an actual scene and an image of the same scene are questions that have not yet been explored in depth. They seem like commonplace phenomena, but in fact, they are important and difficult issues for visual information processing, neural computation, physics, psychology, cognitive psychology, and neuroscience.

Results

The results of this study show that the use of plenoptic (or all-optical) functions and their dual plane parameterizations can not only explain the nature of information processing from the retina to the primary visual cortex and, in particular, the characteristics of the visual pathway’s optical system and its affine transformation, but they can also clarify the reason why the vanishing point and line exist in a visual image. In addition, they can better explain the reasons why a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system can be introduced into the two-dimensional plane to express a real three-dimensional scene.

Conclusions

1. We introduce two different mathematical expressions of the plenoptic functions,PwandPvthat can describe the objective world. We also analyze the differences between these two functions when describing visual depth perception, that is, the difference between how these two functions obtain the depth information of an external scene.

2. The main results include a basic method for introducing a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system into a two-dimensional plane to express the depth of a scene, its constraints, and algorithmic implementation. In particular, we include a method to separate the plenoptic function and proceed with the corresponding transformation in the retina and visual cortex.

3. We propose that size constancy, the vanishing point, and vanishing line form the basis of visual perception of the outside world, and that the introduction of a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system into a two dimensional plane reveals a corresponding mapping between a retinal image and the vanishing point and line.
Solitary lateral neck node metastasis in papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Kim Seok-Mo , Chun Ki Won , Chang Ho Jin , Kim Bup-Woo , Lee Yong Sang , Chang Hang-Seok , Park Cheong Soo
Published: April 2014

Background

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is associated with a high incidence of regional node metastasis, but the patterns of lateral neck node metastasis (LNM) vary. Occasionally, a solitary LNM (SLNM) is seen in PTC patients. We therefore assessed whether selective single level node dissection is appropriate in PTC patients with SLNM.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 241 PTC patients who underwent total thyroidectomy with central neck dissection plus ipsilateral internal jugular node dissection (level II to IV) between January 2010 and December 2011. Of these patients, 51 had SLNM and 190 had multiple LNM (MLNM). The clinicopathologic characteristics of the two groups were compared.

Results

Age, gender ratio, and numbers of lateral neck nodes harvested (29.4 ± 11.0 versus 30.3 ± 9.5; P = 0.574) were similar in the SLNM and MLNM groups. Mean primary tumor size was significantly smaller in the SLNM than in the MNLM group (1.03 cm versus 1.35 cm; P = 0.037). The proportion of patients with primary tumor ≤ 1 cm was significantly greater in the SLNM group (60.8% versus 38.4%; P = 0.006), whereas the proportion with maximal node size ≤ 0.7 cm (28.9% versus 73.3%; P <0.001) and the proportion with capsular invasion (62.7% versus 83.7%, P = 0.002) were significantly lower in the SLNM than in the MLNM group.

Conclusions

Selective single level neck dissection can be considered as an alternative to systemic lateral neck dissection in PTC patients with SLNM, maximal metastatic node size ≤ 0.7 cm, and no extrathyroidal invasion.
Essential roles of zebrafish rtn4/Nogo paralogues in embryonic development
Authors: Pinzón-Olejua Alejandro , Welte Cornelia , Abdesselem Houari , Málaga-Trillo Edward , Stuermer Claudia AO
Published: April 2014

Background

As a consequence of gene/genome duplication, the RTN4/Nogo gene has two counterparts in zebrafish: rtn4a and rtn4b. The shared presence of four specific amino acid motifs—M1 to M4—in the N-terminal region of mammalian RTN4, and zebrafish Rtn4b suggests that Rtn4b is the closest homologue of mammalian Nogo-A.

Results

To explore their combined roles in zebrafish development, we characterized the expression patterns of rtn4a and rtn4b in a comparative manner and performed morpholino-mediated knockdowns. Although both genes were coexpressed in the neural tube and developing brain at early stages, they progressively acquired distinct expression domains such as the spinal cord (rtn4b) and somites (rtn4a). Downregulation of rtn4a and rtn4b caused severe brain abnormalities, with rtn4b knockdown severely affecting the spinal cord and leading to immobility. In addition, the retinotectal projection was severely affected in both morphants, as the retina and optic tectum appeared smaller and only few retinal axons reached the abnormally reduced tectal neuropil. The neuronal defects were more persistent in rtn4b morphants. Moreover, the latter often lacked pectoral fins and lower jaws and had malformed branchial arches. Notably, these defects led to larval death in rtn4b, but not in rtn4a morphants.

Conclusions

In contrast to mammalian Nogo-A, its zebrafish homologues, rtn4a and particularly rtn4b, are essential for embryonic development and patterning of the nervous system.
Classification and characteristics of Japanese patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis in a nationwide, prospective, inception cohort study
Authors: Sada Ken-ei , Yamamura Masahiro , Harigai Masayoshi , Fujii Takao , Dobashi Hiroaki , Takasaki Yoshinari , Ito Satoshi , Yamada Hidehiro , Wada Takashi , Hirahashi Junichi , Arimura Yoshihiro , Makino Hirofumi ,   the Research Committee on Intractable Vasculitides, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan
Published: April 2014

Introduction

We investigated the clinical and serological features of patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) in Japan using data from a nationwide, prospective, inception cohort study.

Methods

In total, 156 Japanese patients with newly diagnosed AAV were classified according to the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) algorithm with exploratory surrogate markers for AAV-related non-granulomatous pulmonary lesions, predefined as alveolar haemorrhage and interstitial lung disease (ILD), and their clinical and serological features were evaluated.

Results

Using the EMEA algorithm, we identified 14 patients (9.0%) with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), 33 (21.2%) with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), 78 (50.0%) with microscopic polyangiitis and renal-limited vasculitis (MPA/RLV), and 31 (19.9%) with unclassifiable vasculitis. The average ages of patients with EGPA (male/female, 5/9), GPA (12/21), and MPA/RLV (35/43) and unclassifiable (9/22) were 58.0, 63.6, 71.1, and 70.6 years, respectively. Myeloperoxidase (MPO)-ANCA and proteinase-3 ANCA positivity was 50.0% and 0% for EGPA, 54.6% and 45.5% for GPA, 97.4% and 2.6% for MPA/RLV, and 93.5% and 3.2% for unclassifiable, respectively. According to the Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score (BVAS), cutaneous (71.4%) and nervous system (92.9%) manifestations were prominent in EGPA and ear, nose, and throat manifestations (84.9%) and chest manifestations (66.7%) in GPA. Renal manifestations developed frequently in MPA/RLV (91.0%) and GPA (63.6%). The average serum creatinine levels were 0.71 mg/dL for EGPA, 1.51 mg/dL for GPA, 2.46 mg/dL for MPA/RLV, and 0.69 mg/dL for unclassifiable. The percentages of patients with ILD were 14.3% for EGPA, 9.0% for GPA, 47.4% for MPA/RLV, and 61.3% for unclassifiable. Patients with ILD (n = 61) had significantly lower BVAS (P = 0.019) with fewer ear, nose, and throat and cardiovascular manifestations than patients without ILD (n = 95).

Conclusions

MPO-ANCA-positive MPA/RLV is the most common form of AAV in Japanese patients, and one-half of patients with GPA were positive for MPO-ANCA. ILD is an important clinical manifestation in Japanese patients with AAV. Unclassifiable vasculitis with MPO-ANCA positivity and ILD may represent a novel variant of MPA.

Trial Registration

The University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry: UMIN000001648. Registered 28 February 2009.
A preliminary evaluation of efficacy and safety of Wharton’s jelly mesenchymal stem cell transplantation in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Liu Xuebin , Zheng Pei , Wang Xiaodong , Dai Guanghui , Cheng Hongbin , Zhang Zan , Hua Rongrong , Niu Xinxin , Shi Jing , An Yihua
Published: April 2014

Introduction

Stem cell therapy has recently been introduced to treat patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, no data are available on the efficacy and safety of allogeneic Wharton’s Jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cell (WJ-MSC) transplantation in patients with T2DM. Here we performed a non-placebo controlled prospective phase I/II study to determine efficacy and safety of WJ-MSC transplantation in T2DM.

Methods

Twenty-two patients with T2DM were enrolled and received WJ-MSC transplantation through one intravenous injection and one intrapancreatic endovascular injection (catheterization). They were followed up for 12 months after transplantation. The primary endpoints were changes in the levels of glycated hemoglobin and C-peptide and the secondary endpoints included insulin dosage, fasting blood glucose (FBG), post-meal blood glucose (PBG), inflammatory markers and T lymphocyte counts.

Results

WJ-MSC transplantation significantly decreased the levels of glucose and glycated hemoglobin, improved C-peptide levels and beta cell function, and reduced markers of systemic inflammation and T lymphocyte counts. No major WJ-MSC transplantation-related adverse events occurred, but data suggest a temporary decrease in levels of C-peptide and beta cell function at one month after treatment, possibly related to intrapancreatic endovascular injection.

Conclusions

Our data demonstrate that treatment with WJ-MSCs can improve metabolic control and beta cell function in patients with T2DM. The therapeutic mechanism may involve improvements in systemic inflammation and/or immunological regulation.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Register ChiCTR-ONC-10000985. Registered 23 September 2010
Entire-Process Simulation of Earthquake-Induced Collapse of a Mockup Cable-Stayed Bridge by Vector Form Intrinsic Finite Element (VFIFE) Method
Authors: Duan Y.F. , He K. , Zhang H.M. , Ting E.C. , Wang C.Y. , Chen S.K. , Wang R.Z.
Published: April 2014

It is important to simulate the entire-process collapse of earthquake excited cable-stayed bridge in order to assure the damage extent under strong earthquakes and to optimize the anti-collapse seismic measures. The newly developed vector form intrinsic finite element (VFIFE) method is capable of computing large deformation, large displacement, collision, and fractures that would happen in the structural collapse. Therefore, it has the potential to simulate the entire-process collapse of earthquake excited structures. For the cable-stayed bridges, the axial forces change significantly during the earthquake excitation. The interaction between the axial forces and bending moments should be taken into account. In order to address this issue, this paper first presents the formulation for integration of VFIFE method and fiber beam-column element model. A bilinear elastic-plastic constitutive damage model is proposed for the mechanical behavior of the fiber and element. The collapse analysis of a 2D mockup bridge scaled from an actual cable-stayed bridge is then conducted. The entire process of the structural damage and collapse are successfully simulated by the proposed method VFIFE-Fiber. This study provides a foundation for seismic damage prediction and anti-collapse seismic design for cable-stayed bridges.
Supersonic Jet Noise Reduction by Chevrons and Fluidic Injection
Authors: Heeb N. , Kastner J. , Gutmark E. , Kailasanath K.
Published: April 2014

This work focuses on the noise reduction capabilities of chevrons, fluidic injection, and a combination of both. The control mechanisms were experimentally investigated for over, under, and ideally expanded operating conditions. Acoustic far-field data was collected to quantify noise reductions and changes to the flow field through use of theoretical relations. Results show appreciable noise reduction by both fluidic injection and chevrons. Optimal performance of the two technologies occured at opposite ends of the operation envelope, with the chevrons performing better in the underexpanded regime and the fluidics in the overexpanded regime. The combination of the two technologies was also shown to achieve substantial noise reduction, but direct additive benefits were not always gained. This result is still important as it shows fluidic injection can be employed on complex geometry nozzles, such as that on the F-35, and still achieve noise reduction.
Deconvolution of Sources in Aeroacoustic Images from Phased Microphone Arrays Using Linear Programming
Authors: Dougherty Robert P. , Ramachandran Rakesh C. , Raman Ganesh
Published: April 2014

A new deconvolution strategy for aeroacoustic beamforming based on linear programming (LP) is introduced. Results of an aeroacoustic test show that it produces virtually the same results as DAMAS in much less time. DAMAS, DAMAS2 and LP display superresolution, which is expressed in terms of the Sparrow resolution limit from optics. CLEAN-SC and TIDY did not achieve superresolution in the test, but did produce higher dynamic range than DAMAS and LP at high frequency.
On Sound Emission by Acoustic Sources in a Shear Flow
Authors: Campos L. M. B. C. , Kobayashi M. H.
Published: April 2014

The Green's function for the plane unidirectional shear flow is obtained without restriction to either the high or low frequencies, that is in an exact form that applies also to local wavelengths comparable to the lengthscale of variation of the shear velocity of the mean flow. The method is a version of the variation of constants, and applies to any velocity profile for which the free wave solution of the unforced wave equation is available. The hyperbolic tangent shear velocity profile is taken as an example, and its eigenfunctions are used in the exact, closed expression for the sound field due to a monopole source in the shear flow. The acoustic pressure due to a point monopole source is plotted as a function of the coordinate transverse to the shear layer for several source positions in the shear flow and several values of the shear layer thickness, free stream Mach number and angle of incidence.
Burning Mouth Syndrome. Update
Authors: Spanemberg Juliana Cassol , De Rivera Campillo Eugenia Rodríguez , Salas Enric Jané , López José López
Published: April 2014

Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) is a chronic disorder that predominately affects middle-aged women in the postmenopausal period. The condition is distinguished by burning symptoms of the oral mucosa and the absence of any clinical signs. The etiology of BMS is complex and it includes a variety of factors. Local, systemic and psychological factors such as stress, anxiety and depression are listed among the possible causes of BMS. May sometimes be classified as BMS Type I, II or III. Although this syndrome is not accompanied by evident organic alterations and it does not present health risks, it can significantly reduce the patient’s quality of life. This study analyzes the available literature related to BMS, and makes special reference to its therapeutic management. The pages that follow will also discuss the diagnostic criteria that should be respected, etiological factors, and clinical aspects. We used the PubMed database and searched it by using the keywords “burning mouth syndrome”, “BMS and review”, and “burning mouth and review”, in the title or abstract of the publication. BMS treatment usually steers towards the management of the symptoms, however, the specific local factors that could play a significant role in worsening the oral burning sensation should be eradicated. The most widely accepted treatment options that show variable results include tricyclic antidepressants, benzodiazepines and antipsychotic drugs; nevertheless there are other therapies that can also be carried out. Professionals that work in the field of dentistry should formulate standardized symptomatic and diagnostic criteria in order to more easily identify the most effective and reliable strategies in BMS treatment through multidisciplinary research.
Apathy in Parkinson's Disease: Neurophysiological Evidence of Impaired Incentive Processing
Authors: Martínez-Horta Saul , Riba Jordi , de Bobadilla Ramón Fernández , Pagonabarraga Javier , Pascual-Sedano Berta , Antonijoan Rosa Maria , Romero Sergio , Mañanas Miquel Àngel , García-Sanchez Carmen , Kulisevsky Jaime
Published: April 2014

Apathy is one of the most common and debilitating nonmotor manifestations of Parkinson's disease (PD) and is characterized by diminished motivation, decreased goal-directed behavior, and flattened affect. Despite its high prevalence, its underlying mechanisms are still poorly understood, having been associated with executive dysfunction, and impaired emotional processing and decision making. Apathy, as a syndrome, has recently been associated with reduced activation in the ventral striatum, suggesting that early- to middle-stage Parkinson's disease patients with this manifestation may have a compromised mesocorticolimbic dopaminergic pathway and impaired incentive processing. To test this hypothesis, we measured the amplitude of the feedback-related negativity, an event-related brain potential associated with performance outcome valence, following monetary gains and losses in human PD patients (12 women) and healthy controls (6 women) performing a gambling task. Early- to middle-stage PD patients presenting clinically meaningful symptoms of apathy were compared with nonapathetic PD patients and healthy controls. Patients with cognitive impairment, depression, and other psychiatric disturbances were excluded. Results showed that the amplitude of the feedback-related negativity, measured as the difference wave in the event-related brain potential between gains and losses, was significantly reduced in PD patients with apathy compared with nonapathetic patients and healthy controls. These findings indicate impaired incentive processing and suggest a compromised mesocorticolimbic pathway in cognitively intact PD patients with apathy.
The Role of Arp2/3 in Growth Cone Actin Dynamics and Guidance Is Substrate Dependent
Authors: San Miguel-Ruiz José E. , Letourneau Paul C.
Published: April 2014

During development extrinsic guidance cues modulate the peripheral actin network in growth cones to direct axons to their targets. We wanted to understand the role of the actin nucleator Arp2/3 in growth cone actin dynamics and guidance. Since growth cones migrate in association with diverse adhesive substrates during development, we probed the hypothesis that the functional significance of Arp2/3 is substrate dependent. We report that Arp2/3 inhibition led to a reduction in the number of filopodia and growth cone F-actin content on laminin and L1. However, we found substrate-dependent differences in growth cone motility, actin retrograde flow, and guidance after Arp2/3 inhibition, suggesting that its role, and perhaps that of other actin binding proteins, in growth cone motility is substrate dependent.
Continuous Postnatal Neurogenesis Contributes to Formation of the Olfactory Bulb Neural Circuits and Flexible Olfactory Associative Learning
Authors: Sakamoto Masayuki , Ieki Nao , Miyoshi Goichi , Mochimaru Daisuke , Miyachi Hitoshi , Imura Tetsuya , Yamaguchi Masahiro , Fishell Gord , Mori Kensaku , Kageyama Ryoichiro , Imayoshi Itaru
Published: April 2014

The olfactory bulb (OB) is one of the two major loci in the mammalian brain where newborn neurons are constantly integrated into the neural circuit during postnatal life. Newborn neurons are generated from neural stem cells in the subventricular zone (SVZ) of the lateral ventricle and migrate to the OB through the rostral migratory stream. The majority of these newborn neurons differentiate into inhibitory interneurons, such as granule cells and periglomerular cells. It has been reported that prolonged supply of newborn neurons leads to continuous addition/turnover of the interneuronal populations and contributes to functional integrity of the OB circuit. However, it is not still clear how and to what extent postnatal-born neurons contribute to OB neural circuit formation, and the functional role of postnatal neurogenesis in odor-related behaviors remains elusive. To address this question, here by using genetic strategies, we first determined the unique integration mode of newly born interneurons during postnatal development of the mouse OB. We then manipulated these interneuron populations and found that continuous postnatal neurogenesis in the SVZ-OB plays pivotal roles in flexible olfactory associative learning and memory.