bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Simulation‐Based Framework for the Cooperation of VMS Travel Guidance and Traffic Signal Control
Authors: Li Meng , Jiang Han , Zhang Zhen , Ni Wei , Zhang Pinchao , Song Jingyan
Published: June 2014

Nowadays, both travel guidance systems and traffic signal control systems are quite common for urban traffic management. In order to achieve collaborative effect, different models had been proposed in the last two decades. In recent years, with the development of variable message sign (VMS) technology, more and more VMS panels are installed on major arterials to provide highly visible and concise graphs or text messages to drivers, especially in developing countries. To discover drivers’ responses to VMS, we establish a drivers’ en route diversion model according to a stated‐preference survey. Basically, we proposed a cooperative mechanism and systematic framework of VMS travel guidance and major arterials signal operations. And then a two‐stage nested optimization problem is formulated. To solve this optimization problem, a simulation‐based optimization method is adopted to optimize the cooperative strategies with TRANSIMS. The proposed method is applied to the real network of Tianjin City comprising of 30 nodes and 46 links. Simulations show that this new method could well improve the network condition by 26.3%. And analysis reveals that GA with nested dynamic programming is an effective technique to solve the optimization problem.
Numerical Simulation of 3D Solid-Liquid Turbulent Flow in a Low Specific Speed Centrifugal Pump: Flow Field Analysis
Authors: Shi Baocheng , Wei Jinjia
Published: June 2014

For numerically simulating 3D solid-liquid turbulent flow in low specific speed centrifugal pumps, the iteration convergence problem caused by complex internal structure and high rotational speed of pump is always a problem for numeral simulation researchers. To solve this problem, the combination of three measures of dynamic underrelaxation factor adjustment, step method, and rotational velocity control means according to residual curves trends of operating parameters was used to improve the numerical convergence. Numeral simulation of 3D turbulent flow in a low specific speed solid-liquid centrifugal pump was performed, and the results showed that the improved solution strategy is greatly helpful to the numerical convergence. Moreover, the 3D turbulent flow fields in pumps have been simulated for the bottom ash-particles with the volume fraction of 10%, 20%, and 30% at the same particle diameter of 0.1 mm. The two-phase calculation results are compared with those of single-phase clean water flow. The calculated results gave the main region of the abrasion of the impeller and volute casing and improve the hydraulic design of the impeller in order to decrease the abrasion and increase the service life of the pump.
Covariance‐Based Estimation from Multisensor Delayed Measurements with Random Parameter Matrices and Correlated Noises
Authors: Caballero-Águila R. , Hermoso-Carazo A. , Linares-Pérez J.
Published: June 2014

The optimal least‐squares linear estimation problem is addressed for a class of discrete‐time multisensor linear stochastic systems subject to randomly delayed measurements with different delay rates. For each sensor, a different binary sequence is used to model the delay process. The measured outputs are perturbed by both random parameter matrices and one‐step autocorrelated and cross correlated noises. Using an innovation approach, computationally simple recursive algorithms are obtained for the prediction, filtering, and smoothing problems, without requiring full knowledge of the state‐space model generating the signal process, but only the information provided by the delay probabilities and the mean and covariance functions of the processes (signal, random parameter matrices, and noises) involved in the observation model. The accuracy of the estimators is measured by their error covariance matrices, which allow us to analyze the estimator performance in a numerical simulation example that illustrates the feasibility of the proposed algorithms.
EWS–WT1 Oncoprotein Activates Neuronal Reprogramming Factor ASCL1 and Promotes Neural Differentiation
Authors: Kang Hong-Jun , Park Jun Hong , Chen WeiPing , Kang Soo Im , Moroz Krzysztof , Ladanyi Marc , Lee Sean Bong
Published: June 2014

The oncogenic fusion gene EWS–WT1 is the defining chromosomal translocation in desmoplastic small round-cell tumors (DSRCT), a rare but aggressive soft tissue sarcoma with a high rate of mortality. EWS–WT1 functions as an aberrant transcription factor that drives tumorigenesis, but the mechanistic basis for its pathogenic activity is not well understood. To address this question, we created a transgenic mouse strain that permits physiologic expression of EWS–WT1 under the native murine Ews promoter. EWS–WT1 expression led to a dramatic induction of many neuronal genes in embryonic fibroblasts and primary DSRCT, most notably the neural reprogramming factor ASCL1. Mechanistic analyses demonstrated that EWS–WT1 directly bound the proximal promoter of ASCL1, activating its transcription through multiple WT1-responsive elements. Conversely, EWS–WT1 silencing in DSRCT cells reduced ASCL1 expression and cell viability. Notably, exposure of DSRCT cells to neuronal induction media increased neural gene expression and induced neurite-like projections, both of which were abrogated by silencing EWS–WT1. Taken together, our findings reveal that EWS–WT1 can activate neural gene expression and direct partial neural differentiation via ASCL1, suggesting agents that promote neural differentiation might offer a novel therapeutic approach to treat DSRCT. Cancer Res; 74(16); 4526–35. ©2014 AACR.
Constellations of Cultural Practices across Generations: Indigenous American Heritage and Learning by Observing and Pitching In
Authors: Rogoff Barbara , Najafi Behnosh , Mejía-Arauz Rebeca
Published: June 2014

This article argues that a generational approach focusing on changing constellations of cultural practices helps to understand culture. We contrast this approach with the “box approach,” which categorizes individuals by racial or ethnic ancestry. The article focuses on the survival, disappearance, and transformation of constellations of cultural practices related to Learning by Observing and Pitching In to activities of the family and community (LOPI) in Indigenous communities of the Americas, across time and place. We illustrate the importance of considering constellations of cultural practices by showing connections among schooling, urban/rural residence, occupations, Indigenous birthing and spiritual practices, and LOPI across three cultural communities in a Mexican metropolis across three generations. We argue that a constellation of practices, including the cultural tradition of Learning by Observing and Pitching In to family and community endeavors, links widespread communities with Indigenous practices of the Americas.
Learning by Observing and Pitching In: Benefits and Processes of Expanding Repertoires
Authors: Coppens Andrew D. , Silva Katie G. , Ruvalcaba Omar , Alcalá Lucía , López Angélica , Rogoff Barbara
Published: June 2014

To conclude this special issue of Human Development on Learning by Observing and Pitching In to family and community endeavors (LOPI), we argue that everyone can benefit from learning to do things in more than one way, expanding our repertoires of practice. We examine potential developmental benefits for children's collaborative initiative, alertness, and skills in perspective-taking, self-regulation, and planning, in addition to acquiring particular information and skills. To deepen our understanding of the processes involved in LOPI, we discuss further research to investigate suggestions that LOPI may routinely involve: a calm measured pace; articulate nonverbal conversation and parsimonious verbal conversation that build on shared endeavors; encouragement of appropriate behavior through narrative approaches; and assessment in support of learning to contribute to shared productive endeavors. We conclude by recommending a wider use of LOPI and argue that this way of supporting learning involves sophisticated community and individual efforts and organization.
Ambient Air Pollution and Pregnancy-Induced Hypertensive Disorders
Authors: Pedersen Marie , Stayner Leslie , Slama Rémy , Sørensen Mette , Figueras Francesc , Nieuwenhuijsen Mark J. , Raaschou-Nielsen Ole , Dadvand Payam
Published: June 2014

Pregnancy-induced hypertensive disorders can lead to maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality, but the cause of these conditions is not well understood. We have systematically reviewed and performed a meta-analysis of epidemiological studies investigating the association between exposure to ambient air pollution and pregnancy-induced hypertensive disorders including gestational hypertension and preeclampsia. We searched electronic databases for English language studies reporting associations between ambient air pollution and pregnancy-induced hypertensive disorders published between December 2009 and December 2013. Combined risk estimates were calculated using random-effect models for each exposure that had been examined in ≥4 studies. Heterogeneity and publication bias were evaluated. A total of 17 articles evaluating the impact of nitrogen oxides (NO
2
, NO
X
), particulate matter (PM
10
, PM
2.5
), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O
3
), proximity to major roads, and traffic density met our inclusion criteria. Most studies reported that air pollution increased risk for pregnancy-induced hypertensive disorders. There was significant heterogeneity in meta-analysis, which included 16 studies reporting on gestational hypertension and preeclampsia as separate or combined outcomes; there was less heterogeneity in findings of the 10 studies reporting solely on preeclampsia. Meta-analyses showed increased risks of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy for all pollutants except CO. Random-effect meta-analysis combined odds ratio associated with a 5-µg/m
3
increase in PM
2.5
was 1.57 (95% confidence interval, 1.26–1.96) for combined pregnancy-induced hypertensive disorders and 1.31 (95% confidence interval, 1.14–1.50) for preeclampsia. Our results suggest that exposure to air pollution increases the risk of pregnancy-induced hypertensive disorders.
Splanchnic Tissue Oxygenation for Predicting Feeding Tolerance in Preterm Infants
Authors: Dani Carlo , Corsini Iuri , Generoso Marta , Gozzini Elena , Bianconi Tommaso , Pratesi Simone
Published: June 2014

Background: Feeding intolerance is very frequent in preterm infants, and the development of an early effective biomarker for its prediction could be useful for carrying out a proper feeding strategy. Our aim was to evaluate if the measurement of splanchnic regional oxygenation (rSO2S) and splanchnic fractional oxygen extraction ratio (FOES) using near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is correlated with the time needed to achieve full enteral feeding and if it can predict the development of feeding intolerance. Materials and Methods: We measured rSO2S and FOES in preterm infants 25 ± 0 to 31 ± 6 weeks of gestational age at 24–72 hours of life during continuous enteral feeding. Results: Linear regression analysis did not evidence any relationship between rSO2S and FOES and the time for achievement of full enteral feeding. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that birth weight <1000 g (relative risk [RR], 4.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.23–16.45) and patent ductus arteriosus occurrence (RR, 9.3; 95% CI, 1.31–66.06) increased the risk of developing feeding intolerance in our population. Conclusion: Splanchnic oxygenation and oxygen extraction measured in the first days of life are not correlated with the time needed to achieve full enteral feeding in preterm infants receiving continuous enteral nutrition.
Gender Boot Camp for Korean Immigrant Patriarchs
Authors: Kim Allen J.
Published: June 2014

This paper explores the “new father” conversion process undertaken by participants of the worldwide, South Korean–inspired Father School movement. Focusing on first-generation Korean immigrant men living in the United States, men pursue an alternative Western paradigm of fatherhood emphasizing an emotionally expressive and caring “new father” ideal at odds with the distant and domineering fatherhood style that traditionally characterizes much of this population. Based on the ethnographic study of multiday seminars and content analyses of movement rhetoric and men’s personal letters, I assess how immigrant fatherhood is reconstituted within the stew of intensive interaction and affective bonding. The gender conversion process undertaken by these men involves five core elements: (1) trying participation, (2) defining fatherhood models, (3) following organizational roles and guidelines, (4) confessing fatherhood transgressions, and (5) projecting new fatherhood. This study extends conversion theory by explicating the processual and time-specific nature of how these distant immigrant patriarchs learn to become expressive dads.
Body memory and kinesthetic body feedback: The impact of light versus strong movement qualities on affect and cognition
Authors: Koch Sabine C , Fuchs Thomas , Summa Michela
Published: June 2014

What influence does body memory from light vs strong movement qualities have on affect and cognition? This article relates the phenomenological theory of body memory, movement observation theory from dance, and psychological conceptual and empirical work on body feedback. Kinesthetic body feedback means efferent feedback from the body’s peripheral movements to the higher cortical functions, such as the systematic effects of the adoption of certain gestures or postures on the memory for life events. Meaning of movements is stored in the body in relation to our learning history –ontogenetic as well as phylogenetic. Based on the phenomenological theory of body memory, we hypothesize that specific movement qualities will have a differential impact on affect and cognition. In accordance with our hypotheses, our results suggest that strong movements are related to more fighting affect and more negative memory recall, whereas light movements – just as a non-movement control condition – are related to more indulgent affect and more positive memory recall. Results are discussed with reference to the phenomenological framework.
The Role of Cultural Meanings and Situated Interaction in Shaping Emotion
Authors: Robinson Dawn T.
Published: June 2014

Cultures, institutions, and social roles powerfully shape affective experience. Four types of social affect—cultural sentiments, characteristic emotions, structural emotions, and consequent emotions—characterize relations between culture, social structure, and individual affective experience within social interactions. This article briefly reviews findings from contemporary research traditions about these forms of affect and finishes with simulations comparing predictions about social emotions across cultures. The results of that simulation study illustrate how we might use data and tools from affect control theory to investigate differences in basic cultural sentiments, as well as predictions about the core types of social emotions—those associated with identities, those associated with structural relationships, and those evoked by a social event.
The Meaning of Disgust: A Refutation
Authors: Strohminger Nina
Published: June 2014

Recently, McGinn (2011) has proposed a new theory of disgust. This theory makes empirical claims as to the history and function of disgust, yet does not take into account contemporary scientific research on the subject. This essay evaluates his theory for its merits as an account of disgust, and as a piece of scholarship more generally, and finds it lacking.
Glioblastoma Multiforme in an HIV-Infected Patient
Authors: Oliveira Victor Costa Morais de , Gomes Thalita , Ferreira Luiz Carlos Lima , Damian Márcia Melo , Silva Vera Márcia Fonseca Queiroz , Araújo José Ribamar , Safe Izabella Picinin , Ramasawmy Rajendranath
Published: June 2014

We reported a case of glioblastoma multiforme in a 42-year-old female patient with HIV infection, who had a rapid progression to AIDS. She was diagnosed with an intracerebral mass and treated as neurotoxoplasmosis with improvement in the first week of therapy. On the fourth week she had a clinical worsening evolving to death, receiving the diagnosis at necropsy.
Selenium supplementation in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: effects on pro-inflammatory cytokines levels
Authors: Daeian Nesa , Radfar Mania , Jahangard-Rafsanjani Zahra , Hadjibabaie Molouk , Ghavamzadeh Ardeshir
Published: June 2014

Background

Pro-inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) play an important role in the development of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) complications. We explored the effect of Selenium as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent on pro-inflammatory cytokines levels in HSCT candidates.

Findings

Plasma concentrations of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 were measured in 74 patients from a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. In both groups, there were 37 patients with median age of 32 years. Patients received oral Se tablets (200 mcg) or placebo twice daily beginning from the first day of high dose chemotherapy (HDC) through 14 days after HSCT. Cytokine levels were determined before starting HDC (prior to first dose of Se), 7 and 14 days after HSCT. Plasma levels of TNF-α were not significantly different between Se and control group (P = 0.13). IL-1 levels were similar between two groups (P = 0.88). No significant differences were detected in IL-6 levels between Se and control group (P = 0.96).

Conclusion

Selenium had no effect on pro-inflammatory cytokines levels in patients undergoing HSCT. It is likely that earlier initiation and/or larger doses of Se are required to affect inflammatory cytokines significantly.
Periprosthetic bone loss: diagnostic and therapeutic approaches
Authors: Cavalli Loredana , Brandi Maria Luisa
Published: June 2014

Total joint replacement surgery is being performed on an increasingly large part of the population. Clinical longevity of implants depends on their osseointegration, which is influenced by the load, the characteristics of the implant and the bone-implant interface, as well as by the quality and quantity of the surrounding bone. Aseptic loosening due to periprosthetic osteolysis is the most frequent known cause of implant failure. Wear of prosthetic materials results in the formation of numerous particles of debris that cause a complex biological response. Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) is regarded as an accurate method to evaluate Bone Mineral Density (BMD) around hip or knee prostheses. Further data may be provided by a new device, the Bone Microarchitecture Analysis (BMA), which combines bone microarchitecture quantification and ultra high resolution osteo-articular imaging. Pharmacological strategies have been developed to prevent bone mass loss and to extend implant survival. Numerous trials with bisphosphonates show a protective effect on periprosthetic bone mass, up to 72 months after arthroplasty. Strontium ranelate has been demonstrated to increase the osseointegration of titanium implants in treated animals with improvement of bone microarchitecture and bone biomaterial properties.
Severe form of hemolytic-uremic syndrome with multiple organ failure in a child: a case report
Authors: Mijatovic Dino , Blagaic Ana , Zupan Zeljko
Published: June 2014

Introduction: Hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) is a leading cause of acute renal failure in infants and young children. It is traditionally defined as a triad of acute renal failure, hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia that occur within a week after prodromal hemorrhagic enterocolitis. Severe cases can also be presented by acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), toxic megacolon with ileus, pancreatitis, central nervous system (CNS) disorders and multiple organ failure (MOF).

Case presentation: A previously healthy 4-year old Caucasian girl developed acute renal failure, thrombocytopenia and hemolytic anemia following a short episode of abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea. In the next week of, what initially appeared as typical HUS, she developed MOF, including ileus, pancreatitis, hepatitis, coma and ARDS, accompanied by hemodynamic instability and extreme leukocytosis. Nonetheless, the girl made a complete recovery after one month of the disease. She was successfully treated in the intensive care unit and significant improvement was noticed after plasmapheresis and continuous veno-venous hemodialysis.

Conclusions: Early start of plasmapheresis and meticulous supportive treatment in the intensive care unit, including renal placement therapy, may be the therapy of choice in severe cases of HUS presented by MOF. Monitoring of prognostic factors is important for early performance of appropriate diagnostic and therapeutical interventions.
New forms of checks and balances are needed to improve research integrity
Authors: Iorns Elizabeth , Chong Christin
Published: June 2014

Recent attempts at replicating highly-cited peer-reviewed studies demonstrate that the “reproducibility crisis” is indeed upon us. However, punitive measures against individuals committing research misconduct are neither sufficient nor useful because this is a systemic issue stemming from a lack of positive incentive. As an alternative approach, here we propose a system of checks and balances for the publishing process that involves 1) technical review of methodology by publishers, and 2) incentivizing direct replication of key experimental results. Together, these actions will help restore the self-correcting nature of scientific discovery.
Hospitalizations of Adults With Intellectual Disability in Academic Medical Centers
Authors: Ailey Sarah H. , Johnson Tricia , Fogg Louis , Friese Tanya R.
Published: June 2014

Individuals with intellectual disability (ID) represent a small but important group of hospitalized patients who often have complex health care needs. Individuals with ID experience high rates of hospitalization for ambulatory-sensitive conditions and high rates of hospitalizations in general, even when in formal community care systems; however, no research was found on the common reasons for which this population is hospitalized. Academic medical centers often treat the most complex patients, and data from these centers can provide insight into the needs of patient populations with complex needs. The purpose of this study was to analyze descriptive data from the UHC (formerly known as the University Healthsystem Consortium; an alliance of 115 U.S. academic medical centers and 300 of their affiliated hospitals) regarding common reasons for hospitalization, need for intensive care, and common hospitalization outcome measures of length of stay and complications for adult (age ≥ 18) patients with ID. Findings indicate the need for specific attention to the needs of hospitalized patients with ID.
Basic considerations for determining the amount of press fit in acetabular cup endoprostheses as a function of the elastic bone behavior
Authors: Winter Werner , Karl Matthias
Published: June 2014

Acetabular cup endoprostheses are frequently placed in pelvic bone, employing the mechanical principle of press fit. While a sufficiently stable bone-implant connection is desirable, deformation of the cup and fracture of the pelvis should be avoided. The goal of this work is to demonstrate the importance of the elastic properties of bone on the amount of press fit achievable in a specific situation. On the basis of previous work describing the relation between relative bone mineral density and relative elastic modulus for cortical and trabecular bone, mechanical equations were used for analyzing the press-fit loading situation of an acetabular cup. Additionally, a two-dimensional finite element model was used for visualizing the stress and strain situation in the host bone occurring as a consequence of implant insertion, as well as the effect of moment loads acting on the acetabular cup. Given the fact that oversizing the implant for a specific recipient site is the only clinical means of optimizing press fit, knowledge of the elastic properties of the host bone before implant selection would be beneficial. Such information could, for instance, be derived from intraoperative compressive testing of the host bone.
An Arbitrary-Order and Compact-Stencil Discretization of Diffusion on General Meshes Based on Local Reconstruction Operators
Authors: Di Pietro Daniele A. , Ern Alexandre , Lemaire Simon
Published: June 2014

We develop an arbitrary-order primal method for diffusion problems on general polyhedral meshes.
The degrees of freedom are scalar-valued polynomials of the same order at mesh elements and faces.
The cornerstone of the method is a local (elementwise) discrete gradient reconstruction operator.
The design of the method additionally hinges on a least-squares penalty term on faces weakly enforcing the matching between local element- and face-based degrees of freedom.
The scheme is proved to optimally converge in the energy norm and in the L2
-norm of the potential for smooth solutions.
In the lowest-order case, equivalence with the Hybrid Finite Volume method is shown.
The theoretical results are confirmed by numerical experiments up to order 4 on several polygonal meshes.
Microbially influenced corrosion of steels by Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Abdolahi Ahmad , Hamzah Esah , Ibrahim Zaharah , Hashim Shahrir
Published: June 2014

Microbially influenced corrosion (MIC) is a destructive type of corrosion that is initiated, facilitated, or accelerated by the presence and metabolic activity of bacteria. MIC of steels is a great issue in many industries such as marine, freshwater systems, and gas/oil pipelines.Pseudomonas aeruginosais one of the aerobic slime-forming bacteria that are ubiquitous in marine environment that corrode steel structures. This article aims to provide a review on MIC of steels caused by bacteria, mostly in the case ofP. aeruginosa. The mechanisms of MIC will be discussed based on bacteria-metal reactions and emphasize the role ofP. aeruginosaon corrosion of steels.
A New Quantum Cuckoo Search Algorithm for Multiple Sequence Alignment
Authors: Kartous Widad , Layeb Abdesslem , Chikhi Salim
Published: June 2014

Multiple sequence alignment (MSA) is one of the major problems that can be encountered in the bioinformatics field. MSA consists in aligning a set of biological sequences to extract the similarities between them. Unfortunately, this problem has been shown to be NP-hard. In this article, a new algorithm was proposed to deal with this problem; it is based on a quantum-inspired cuckoo search algorithm. The other feature of the proposed approach is the use of a randomized progressive alignment method based on a hybrid global/local pairwise algorithm to construct the initial population. The results obtained by this hybridization are very encouraging and show the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed solution.
Comparison of statistical methods for finding network motifs
Authors: Albieri Vanna , Didelez Vanessa
Published: June 2014

There has been much recent interest in systems biology for investigating the structure of gene regulatory systems. Such networks are often formed of specific patterns, or network motifs, that are interesting from a biological point of view. Our aim in the present paper is to compare statistical methods specifically with regard to the question of how well they can detect such motifs. One popular approach is by network analysis with Gaussian graphical models (GGMs), which are statistical models associated with undirected graphs, where vertices of the graph represent genes and edges indicate regulatory interactions. Gene expression microarray data allow us to observe the amount of mRNA simultaneously for a large number of genes
The Genetic Control of Apomixis: Asexual Seed Formation
Authors: Hand Melanie L , Koltunow Anna M G
Published: June 2014

Apomixis (asexual seed formation) is the result of a plant gaining the ability to bypass the most fundamental aspects of sexual reproduction: meiosis and fertilization. Without the need for male fertilization, the resulting seed germinates a plant that develops as a maternal clone. This dramatic shift in reproductive process has been documented in many flowering plant species, although no major seed crops have been shown to be capable of apomixis. The ability to generate maternal clones and therefore rapidly fix desirable genotypes in crop species could accelerate agricultural breeding strategies. The potential of apomixis as a next-generation breeding technology has contributed to increasing interest in the mechanisms controlling apomixis. In this review, we discuss the progress made toward understanding the genetic and molecular control of apomixis. Research is currently focused on two fronts. One aims to identify and characterize genes causing apomixis in apomictic species that have been developed as model species. The other aims to engineer or switch the sexual seed formation pathway in non-apomictic species, to one that mimics apomixis. Here we describe the major apomictic mechanisms and update knowledge concerning the loci that control them, in addition to presenting candidate genes that may be used as tools for switching the sexual pathway to an apomictic mode of reproduction in crops.
The Role of Phase Stability in Ductile, Ordered B2 Intermetallics
Authors: Morris James R. , Ye Yiying , Krcmar Maja , Fu Chong Long
Published: June 2014

We discuss the underlying atomistic mechanism for experimentally observed large tensile ductility in various strongly ordered B2 intermetallic compounds. First-principles calculations demonstrate that all of the compounds exhibit little energy differences between the B2, B27 and B33 phases. These calculations relate observations of ductility in YAg, YCu and ZrCo to shape-memory materials including NiTi. One transformation pathway between the B2 and B33 phases establishes a connection between this phase competition, and stacking faults on the {011}B2 plane. The low energy of such a stacking fault will lead to splitting of the b=<100> dislocations into b/2 partials, observed in ZrCo, TiCo, and in the B19' phase of NiTi. Calculations demonstrate that this pathway is competitive with the traditional pathway for NiTi.
Relation between ultra-sensitive C-reactive protein, diabetes and periodontal disease in patients with and without myocardial infarction
Authors: Arregoces Francina Escobar , Uriza Catalina Latorre , Porras Juliana Velosa , Camargo Maria Beatriz Ferro , Morales Alvaro Ruiz
Published: June 2014

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of diabetes and periodontal disease in us-CRP, an inflammatory marker in patients with and without acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Subjects and methods: A case-control study was conducted in 401 subjects aged between 30 and 75 years, living in Bogotá D.C. (Colombia). Patients arriving at the emergency room of the San Ignacio University Hospital with AMI were included into the case group. The control group was defined as those subjects without AMI. The following blood tests were performed: complete blood count (CBC), glycemia, total cholesterol, triglycerides, cHDL, cLDL, and us-CRP. Patients with infections or antibiotic treatment within the last three months, who had received periodontal treatment within the six months prior to the study entry, had oral ulcerations, or less than seven teeth were excluded from the study. Periodontal disease was diagnosed based on the 1999 Armitage’s classification. Results: The mean us-CRP value found in diabetic patients with severe chronic periodontitis was 5.31 mg/L (SD 6.82), and 2.38 mg/L (SD 4.42) in non-diabetic patients, being statistically significant (p = 0.000). Conclusion: Diabetes had an impact in periodontal disease and us-CRP. In patients with AMI, DM and PD considerably increased the us-CRP.
Importância do viés de memória na obtenção da idade da menarca pelo método recordatório em adolescentes brasileiras
Authors: Castilho Silvia Diez , Nucci Luciana Bertoldi , Assuino Samanta Ramos , Hansen Lucca Ortolan
Published: June 2014

Objetivo: Comparar a idade da menarca obtida pelo método recordatório conforme o tempo decorrido desde o evento para verificar a importância do viés de memória. Sujeitos e métodos: Foram avaliadas 1.671 meninas (7-18 anos) em escolas de Campinas-SP quanto à ocorrência da menarca, pelos métodos status quo (menarca: sim ou não) e recordatório, (data da menarca, para as que a referiram). A idade da ocorrência do evento obtida pelo status quo foi calculada pelo logito, que considera todo o grupo, e a obtida pelo recordatório, pela média da idade da menarca referida. Nesse grupo a idade da menarca foi obtida pela diferença entre a data do evento referida e a data de nascimento. As meninas que referiram menarca (883; 52,8%) foram divididas em quatro grupos de acordo com o tempo decorrido desde o evento. Para as análises foram utilizadas a ANOVA e a regressão logística, com significância de 0,05. Resultados: A idade da menarca, calculada pelo logito, foi de 12,14 anos (IC95% 12,08-12,20). As médias das idades referidas pelo método recordatório foram: para as que menstruaram há 1 ano ou menos 12,26 anos (±1,14), entre > 1 e 2 anos 12,29 anos (±1,22), entre > 2 e 3 anos 12,23 anos (±1,27) e mais de 3 anos 11,55 anos (±1,24), p < 0,001. Conclusão: A idade da menarca obtida pelo método recordatório foi semelhante para as meninas que menstruaram há 3 anos ou menos (e se aproximou da idade calculada pelo logito); acima de 3 anos o viés de memória foi significante.
Peracetic Acid as an Alternative Disinfection Technology for Wet Weather Flows
Authors: Coyle Elizabeth E. , Ormsbee Lindell E. , Brion Gail M.
Published: June 2014

Rain‐induced wet weather flows (WWFs) consist of combined sewer overflows, sanitary sewer overflows, and stormwater, all of which introduce pathogens to surface waters when discharged. When people come into contact with the contaminated surface water, these pathogens can be transmitted resulting in severe health problems. As such, WWFs should be disinfected. Traditional disinfection technologies are typically cost‐prohibitive, can yield toxic byproducts, and space for facilities is often limited, if available. More cost‐effective alternative technologies, requiring less space and producing less harmful byproducts are currently being explored. Peracetic acid (PAA) was investigated as one such alternative and this research has confirmed the feasibility and applicability of using PAA as a disinfectant for WWFs. Peracetic acid doses ranging from 5 mg/L to 15 mg/L over contact times of 2 to 10 minutes were shown to be effective and directly applicable to WWF disinfection.
What do we Think an Encyclopaedia is?
Authors: Schopflin Katharine
Published: June 2014

The death of the encyclopaedia is increasingly reported in connection with the abandonment of hard copy reference publishing, the dispersal of library reference collections and the preference for end-users to seek information from search engines and social media. Yet this particular form of the book evolved in a very specific way to meet the needs of knowledge-seekers, needs which persist and perhaps flourish in an age of information curiosity. This article uncovers what is meant by ‘encyclopaedia’ by those who produce and use them. Based on survey and interview research carried out with publishers, librarians and higher education students, it demonstrates that certain physical features and qualities are associated with the encyclopaedia and continue to be valued by them. Having identified these qualities, the article then explores whether they apply to three incidences of electronic encyclopaedias, Britannica Online, The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy and Wikipedia. Could it be that rather than falling into obsolescence, their valued qualities are being adopted by online forms of knowledge provision?
A New Equation for Deriving Vegetation Phenophase from Time Series of Leaf Area Index (LAI) Data
Authors: Che Mingliang , Chen Baozhang , Zhang Huifang , Fang Shifeng , Xu Guang , Lin Xiaofeng , Wang Yuchen
Published: June 2014

Accurately modeling the land surface phenology based on satellite data is very important to the study of vegetation ecological dynamics and the related ecosystem process. In this study, we developed a Sigmoid curve (S-curve) function by integrating an asymmetric Gaussian function and a logistic function to fit the leaf area index (LAI) curve. We applied the resulting asymptotic lines and the curvature extrema to derive the vegetation phenophases of germination, green-up, maturity, senescence, defoliation and dormancy. The new proposed S-curve function has been tested in a specific area (Shangdong Province, China), characterized by a specific pattern in leaf area index (LAI) time course due to the dominant presence of crops. The function has not yet received any global testing. The identified phenophases were validated against measurement stations in Shandong Province. (i) From the site-scale comparison, we find that the detected phenophases using the S-curve (SC) algorithm are more consistent with the observations than using the logistic (LC) algorithm and the asymmetric Gaussian (AG) algorithm, especially for the germination and dormancy. The phenological recognition rates (PRRs) of the SC algorithm are obviously higher than those of two other algorithms. The S-curve function fits the LAI curve much better than the logistic function and asymmetric Gaussian function; (ii) The retrieval results of the SC algorithm are reliable and in close proximity to the green-up observed data whether using the AVHRR LAI or the improved MODIS LAI. Three inversion algorithms shows the retrieval results based on AVHRR LAI are all later than based on improved MODIS LAI. The bias statistics reveal that the retrieval results based on the AVHRR LAI datasets are more reasonable than based on the improved MODIS LAI datasets. Overall, the S-curve algorithm has the advantage of deriving vegetation phenophases across time and space as compared to the LC algorithm and the AG algorithm. With the SC algorithm, the vegetation phenophases can be extracted more effectively.
A Photogrammetric and Computer Vision-Based Approach for Automated 3D Architectural Modeling and Its Typological Analysis
Authors: García-Gago Jesús , González-Aguilera Diego , Gómez-Lahoz Javier , San José-Alonso Jesús
Published: June 2014

Thanks to the advances in integrating photogrammetry and computer vision, as well as in some numeric algorithms and methods, it is possible to aspire to turn 2D (images) into 3D (point clouds) in an automatic, flexible and good-quality way. This article presents a new method through the development of PW (Photogrammetry Workbench) (and how this could be useful for architectural modeling). This tool enables the user to turn images into scale 3D point cloud models, which have a better quality than those of laser systems. Moreover, the point clouds may include the respective orthophotos with photographic texture. The method allows the study of the typology of architecture and has been successfully tested on a sample of ten religious buildings located in the region of Aliste, Zamora (Spain).
Investigation of Groundwater Flow Variations near a Recharge Pond with Repeat Deliberate Tracer Experiments
Authors: Clark Jordan , Morrissey Sheila , Dadakis Jason , Hutchinson Adam , Herndon Roy
Published: June 2014

Determining hydraulic connections and travel times between recharge facilities and production wells has become increasingly important for permitting and operating managed aquifer recharge (MAR) sites, a water supply strategy that transfers surface water into aquifers for storage and later extraction. This knowledge is critical for examining water quality changes and assessing the potential for future contamination. Deliberate tracer experiments are the best method for determining travel times and identifying preferential flow paths between recharge sites over the time scales of weeks to a few years. This paper compares the results of two deliberate tracer experiments at Kraemer Basin, Orange County, CA, USA. Results from the first experiment, which was conducted in October 1998, showed that a region of highly transmissive sedimentary material extends down gradient from the basin for more than 3 km [1]. Mean groundwater velocities were determined to be approximately 2 km/year in this region based on the arrival time of the tracer center of mass. A second experiment was initiated in January 2008 to determine if travel times from this basin to monitoring and production wells changed during the past decade in response to new recharge conditions. Results indicate that flow near Kraemer Basin was stable, and travel times to most wells determined during both experiments agree within the experimental uncertainty.
Treatment Outcomes for Male Breast Cancer: A Single-Centre Retrospective Case–Control Study
Authors: Rushton M. , Kwong A. , Visram H. , Graham N. , Petrcich W. , Dent S.
Published: June 2014

Background: Male breast cancer (bc) is a rare disease, and the availability of information on treatment outcomes is limited compared with that for female bc. The objective of the present study was to compare disease-free (dfs) and overall survival (os) for men compared with women having early-stage bc. Methods: This retrospective case–control study compared men and women treated for stage 0–iiib bc at a single institution between 1981 and 2009. Matching was based on age at diagnosis, year of diagnosis, and stage. Treatment, recurrence, and survival data were collected. Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to calculate os and dfs. Results: For the 144 eligible patients (72 men, 72 women), median age at diagnosis was 66.5 years. Treatments included mastectomy (72 men, 38 women), radiation (29 men, 44 women), chemotherapy (23 men, 20 women), and endocrine therapy (57 men, 57 women). Mean dfs was 127 months for women compared with 93 months for men (p = 0.62). Mean os was 117 months for women compared with 124 months for men (p = 0.35). In multivariate analysis, the only parameter that affected both dfs and os was stage at diagnosis. Conclusions: This case–control study is one of the largest to report treatment outcomes in early-stage male bc patients treated in a non-trial setting. Male patients received systemic therapy that was comparable to that received by their female counterparts, and they had similar os and dfs. These results add to current evidence from population studies that male sex is not a poor prognostic factor in early-stage breast cancer.
Tryptophan Catabolism Restricts IFN-γ–Expressing Neutrophils and Clostridium difficile Immunopathology
Authors: El-Zaatari Mohamad , Chang Yu-Ming , Zhang Min , Franz Matthew , Shreiner Andrew , McDermott Andrew J. , van der Sluijs Koenraad F. , Lutter René , Grasberger Helmut , Kamada Nobuhiko , Young Vincent B. , Huffnagle Gary B. , Kao John Y.
Published: June 2014

The interplay between Clostridium difficile and the host’s metabolome is believed to influence the severity of infection. However, the mechanism for this phenomenon remains unclear. In this study, we model one of these metabolic pathways by focusing on tryptophan metabolism in the host. We found that inhibition of tryptophan catabolism in IDO1-knockout mice led to increased mucosal destruction, cecal hemorrhage, and increased production of IFN-γ in response to C. difficile infection, but no significant change in mucosal effector or regulatory T cell numbers or IL-10 mRNA expression. The increased immunopathology in infected IDO1-knockout mice was associated with a lower C. difficile burden and an increased percentage of IFN-γ–expressing neutrophils. We further demonstrated the ability of kynurenine to induce apoptosis in bone marrow–derived neutrophils, whereas the presence of tryptophan reversed this effect, providing a possible mechanism for the increased neutrophil accumulation in IDO1−/− mice. We conclude that C. difficile induces tryptophan catabolism in cecal lamina propria cells, which restricts C. difficile–associated immunopathology and the accumulation of IFN-γ–expressing neutrophils. This might represent a self-regulatory mechanism for neutrophils, via the IFN-γ–IDO1 pathway, to restrict their own accumulation during infection. These findings have important clinical implications because IDO inhibitors are used to treat cancer in clinical trials (in patients particularly susceptible to getting C. difficile infection), and treatment with IDO1 inhibitors may exacerbate the severity of C. difficile colitis.
PILRα Negatively Regulates Mouse Inflammatory Arthritis
Authors: Sun Yonglian , Caplazi Patrick , Zhang Juan , Mazloom Anita , Kummerfeld Sarah , Quinones Gabriel , Senger Kate , Lesch Justin , Peng Ivan , Sebrell Andrew , Luk Wilman , Lu Yanmei , Lin Zhonghua , Barck Kai , Young Judy , Del Rio Mariela , Lehar Sophie , Asghari Vida , Lin WeiYu , Mariathasan Sanjeev , DeVoss Jason , Misaghi Shahram , Balazs Mercedesz , Sai Tao , Haley Benjamin , Hass Philip E. , Xu Min , Ouyang Wenjun , Martin Flavius , Lee Wyne P. , Zarrin Ali A.
Published: June 2014

Paired Ig-like type 2 receptor (PILR)α inhibitory receptor and its counterpart PILRβ activating receptor are coexpressed on myeloid cells. In this article, we report that PILRα, but not PILRβ, is elevated in human rheumatoid arthritis synovial tissue and correlates with inflammatory cell infiltration. Pilrα−/− mice produce more pathogenic cytokines during inflammation and are prone to enhanced autoimmune arthritis. Correspondingly, engaging PILRα with anti-PILRα mAb ameliorates inflammation in mouse arthritis models and suppresses the production of proinflammatory cytokines. Our studies suggest that PILRα mediates an important inhibitory pathway that can dampen inflammatory responses.
Human NK Cells Licensed by Killer Ig Receptor Genes Have an Altered Cytokine Program That Modifies CD4+ T Cell Function
Authors: Lin Lin , Ma Chao , Wei Bo , Aziz Najib , Rajalingam Raja , Yusung Susy , Erlich Henry A. , Trachtenberg Elizabeth A. , Targan Stephan R. , McGovern Dermot P. B. , Heath James R. , Braun Jonathan
Published: June 2014

NK cells are innate immune cells known for their cytolytic activities toward tumors and infections. They are capable of expressing diverse killer Ig-like receptors (KIRs), and KIRs are implicated in susceptibility to Crohn’s disease (CD), a chronic intestinal inflammatory disease. However, the cellular mechanism of this genetic contribution is unknown. In this study, we show that the “licensing” of NK cells, determined by the presence of KIR2DL3 and homozygous HLA-C1 in host genome, results in their cytokine reprogramming, which permits them to promote CD4+ T cell activation and Th17 differentiation ex vivo. Microfluidic analysis of thousands of NK single cells and bulk secretions established that licensed NK cells are more polarized to proinflammatory cytokine production than unlicensed NK cells, including production of IFN-γ, TNF-α, CCL-5, and MIP-1β. Cytokines produced by licensed NK augmented CD4+ T cell proliferation and IL-17A/IL-22 production. Ab blocking indicated a primary role for IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-6 in the augmented T cell–proliferative response. In conclusion, NK licensing mediated by KIR2DL2/3 and HLA-C1 elicits a novel NK cytokine program that activates and induces proinflammatory CD4+ T cells, thereby providing a potential biologic mechanism for KIR-associated susceptibility to CD and other chronic inflammatory diseases.