bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modal verbs in Han period Chinese Part I: The syntax and semantics of kě ? and kě yǐ ?
Authors: MEISTERERNST Barbara , MEISTERERNST Barbara
Published: August 2013

This article focuses on a synchronic analysis of the modal auxiliary verbs ke ? and kě yǐ ? in Han period Chinese. The study reveals that in Han period Chinese ke ? and kě yǐ ? predominantly express root possibility values, while deontic values are mainly restricted to the negated form of the construction. Propositional values (either epistemic or evidential) are almost non-existent and co-occurr only with verbs that licence an evidential interpretation, a notion which is already present in Classical Chinese.
Modal verbs in Han period Chinese Part II: Negative Markers in combination with the modal auxiliary verbs kĕ and kĕ yĭ
Authors: MEISTERERNST Barbara , MEISTERERNST Barbara
Published: August 2013

In this synchronie study of the modal auxiliary verbs kĕ and kĕ yĭ in Han period Chinese, it is shown that they predominantly express root possibility values, while deontic values are mainly restricted to the negated form of the construction. Propositional values (either epistemic or evidential) are almost non- existent and co-occur only with verbs that licence an evidential interpretation. In Part II, the three structures where kĕ combines with a negative marker are discussed. These are the structures: [NEG Vmod VP], [Vmod NEG VP] and [NEGVmod NEG VP], which mainly express the deontic modalities of prohibition but also root possibility.
Retroflex initials in the history of Southern Guanhua phonology
Authors: COBLIN W. South , COBLIN W. South
Published: August 2013

During most of its history the Guānhuà koine is thought to have been rooted in the southern Mandarin dialects of the Yangtze watershed. However, the earliest alphabetic recordings of this language, dating from the mid-fifteenth century, show that it had certain distinctly northern characteristics. The present paper studies one of the features, i.e., retroflexion of certain syllable initials, and concludes that this is attributable to northern migration into the Nanking area from mid-Yuán to early Ming times. Subsequently, the koine came under increasingly heavy southern influence, resulting in competing non-northern forms in the lexicon. These probably became dominant later in the history of the koine.
Notes et Documents
Authors: GALAMBOS Imre , GALAMBOS Imre
Published: August 2013

From the 11th century onwards, the Xixia state grew into a major power along the northwestern frontier of Song China. This article examines the Tangut perspective of their geo-political environment as it is reflected in a translation of a Chinese military treatise called Jiangyuan, a work attributed to Zhuge Liang. The concluding part of the original text presents the traditional Sino-centric worldview with the four barbarian tribes (Yi, Man, Rong and Di) around the empire. The Tangut translation, however, omits three of the four tribes and discusses only the Northern Di, thus adapting the Chinese viewpoint to fit their own situation.
DNA barcoding confirms the presence of Hydria cervinalis (Scopoli, 1763) in the Iberian Peninsula (Lepidoptera: Geometridae: Larentiinae)
Authors: RUBIO ROSA M. , GUERRERO JUAN J. , GARRE MANUEL , ORTIZ ANTONIO S.
Published: August 2013

The genus Hydria Hübner, 1822 is distributed across the Palearctic and Nearctic regions, and includes more than 50 species in South America. In Europe, this genus includes five species subdivided into three species-groups, the undulata, the cervinalis and the montivagata species group (Hausmann & Viidalepp 2012). Of these five species, three have been reported from the Iberian Peninsula, Hydria undulata (Linnaeus 1758), H. gudarica (Dufay 1983), and H. montivagata andalusica (Ribbe 1912) (Redondo et al. 2009; Hausmann & Viidalepp 2012). Hydria cervinalis (Scopoli, 1763) is widely distributed from England to western European Russia to the east and from southern Fennoscandia, to the Alps and Carpathians Mountains in the south. This distribution matches a Euro-Caucasian pattern (Hausmann & Viidalepp 2012). H. cervinalis was cited from Eastern Pyrenees (Mazel & Peslier 1997), in the southern Iberian System based on one female from Uña (Cuenca) (Dominguez 1991, unpublished) and from Albarracin (Teruel) (Zerny 1927). However, according to Redondo et al. (2009), all these records must be referred to H. gudarica. Recently, H. cervinalis has been cited by Hausmann and Viidalepp (2012) in the Iberian Peninsula based on our data.
The Analysis and Prediction of Microphysical States and Polarimetric Radar Variables in a Mesoscale Convective System Using Double-Moment Microphysics, Multinetwork Radar Data, and the Ensemble Kalman Filter
Authors: Putnam Bryan J. , Xue Ming , Jung Youngsun , Snook Nathan , Zhang Guifu
Published: August 2013

Doppler radar data are assimilated with an ensemble Kalman Filter (EnKF) in combination with a double-moment (DM) microphysics scheme in order to improve the analysis and forecast of microphysical states and precipitation structures within a mesoscale convective system (MCS) that passed over western Oklahoma on 8–9 May 2007. Reflectivity and radial velocity data from five operational Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) S-band radars as well as four experimental Collaborative and Adaptive Sensing of the Atmosphere (CASA) X-band radars are assimilated over a 1-h period using either single-moment (SM) or DM microphysics schemes within the forecast ensemble. Three-hour deterministic forecasts are initialized from the final ensemble mean analyses using a SM or DM scheme, respectively. Polarimetric radar variables are simulated from the analyses and compared with polarimetric WSR-88D observations for verification. EnKF assimilation of radar data using a multimoment microphysics scheme for an MCS case has not previously been documented in the literature. The use of DM microphysics during data assimilation improves simulated polarimetric variables through differentiation of particle size distributions (PSDs) within the stratiform and convective regions. The DM forecast initiated from the DM analysis shows significant qualitative improvement over the assimilation and forecast using SM microphysics in terms of the location and structure of the MCS precipitation. Quantitative precipitation forecasting skills are also improved in the DM forecast. Better handling of the PSDs by the DM scheme is believed to be responsible for the improved prediction of the surface cold pool, a stronger leading convective line, and improved areal extent of stratiform precipitation.
Numerical Prediction of the 8 May 2003 Oklahoma City Tornadic Supercell and Embedded Tornado Using ARPS with the Assimilation of WSR-88D Data
Authors: Xue Ming , Hu Ming , Schenkman Alexander D.
Published: August 2013

The 8 May 2003 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, tornadic supercell is predicted with the Advanced Regional Prediction System (ARPS) model using four nested grids with 9-km, 1-km, 100-m, and 50-m grid spacings. The Oklahoma City Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) radial velocity and reflectivity data are assimilated through the ARPS three-dimensional variational data assimilation (3DVAR) and cloud analysis on the 1-km grid to generate a set of initial conditions that includes a well-analyzed supercell and associated low-level mesocyclone. Additional 1-km experiments show that the use of radial velocity and the proper use of a divergence constraint in the 3DVAR play an important role in the establishment of the low-level mesocyclone during the assimilation and forecast. Assimilating reflectivity data alone failed to predict the mesocyclone intensification. The 100-m grid starts from the interpolated 1-km control initial conditions, while the further nested 50-m grid starts from the 20-min forecast on the 100-m grid. The forecasts on both grids cover the entire period of the observed tornado outbreak and successfully capture the development of tornadic vortices. The intensity of a tornado on the 50-m grid reaches the high end of category 3 on the Fujita scale (F3), while the corresponding simulated tornado on the 100-m grid reaches F2 intensity. The timing of the tornadogenesis on both grids agrees with the observations very well, although the predicted tornado was slightly weaker and somewhat shorter lived. The predicted tornado track parallels the observed damage track although it is displaced northward by about 8 km. The predicted tornado vortices have realistic structures similar to those documented in previous theoretical, idealized modeling and some observational studies. The prediction of an observed tornado in a supercell with a similar degree of realism has not been achieved before.
Killing Kony
Authors: Tiernay Michael
Published: August 2013

Is there a relationship between leadership change and the probability of conflict termination in civil war? This article uses an original data set on the leaders of rebel groups combined with existing data on state leaders to determine whether leadership change in states or rebel groups affects the probability that a civil war will end. Three results emerge: (1) when the leader of a rebel group is captured or killed, wars are 398 percent more likely to end, (2) conflicts are less likely to end while rebel groups are being led by their founder, and (3) the leader of a state that presided over the beginning of the conflict is significantly more likely to bring the conflict to an end than a replacement leader. The results are robust to the use of matching techniques and other tests of endogeneity.
Regulatory Forum Commentary
Authors: Morton Daniel , Sistare Frank D. , Nambiar Prashant R. , Turner Oliver C. , Radi Zaher , Bower Nancy
Published: August 2013

International regulatory and pharmaceutical industry scientists are discussing revision of the International Conference on Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Registration of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) S1 guidance on rodent carcinogenicity assessment of small molecule pharmaceuticals. A weight-of-evidence approach is proposed to determine the need for rodent carcinogenicity studies. For compounds with high human cancer risk, the product may be labeled appropriately without conducting rodent carcinogenicity studies. For compounds with minimal cancer risk, only a 6-month transgenic mouse study (rasH2 mouse or p53+/− mouse) or a 2-year mouse study would be needed. If rodent carcinogenicity testing may add significant value to cancer risk assessment, a 2-year rat study and either a 6-month transgenic mouse or a 2-year mouse study is appropriate. In many cases, therefore, one rodent carcinogenicity study could be sufficient. The rasH2 model predicts neoplastic findings relevant to human cancer risk assessment as well as 2-year rodent models, produces fewer irrelevant neoplastic outcomes, and often will be preferable to a 2-year rodent study. Before revising ICH S1 guidance, a prospective evaluation will be conducted to test the proposed weight-of-evidence approach. This evaluation offers an opportunity for a secondary analysis comparing the value of alternative mouse models and 2-year rodent studies in the proposed ICH S1 weight-of-evidence approach for human cancer risk assessment.
Automated Audiometry Using Apple iOS‐Based Application Technology
Authors: Foulad Allen , Bui Peggy , Djalilian Hamid
Published: August 2013

Objective

The aim of this study is to determine the feasibility of an Apple iOS‐based automated hearing testing application and to compare its accuracy with conventional audiometry.

Study Design

Prospective diagnostic study.

Setting

Academic medical center.

Subjects and Methods

An iOS‐based software application was developed to perform automated pure‐tone hearing testing on the iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. To assess for device variations and compatibility, preliminary work was performed to compare the standardized sound output (dB) of various Apple device and headset combinations. Forty‐two subjects underwent automated iOS‐based hearing testing in a sound booth, automated iOS‐based hearing testing in a quiet room, and conventional manual audiometry.

Results

The maximum difference in sound intensity between various Apple device and headset combinations was 4 dB. On average, 96% (95% confidence interval [CI], 91%‐100%) of the threshold values obtained using the automated test in a sound booth were within 10 dB of the corresponding threshold values obtained using conventional audiometry. When the automated test was performed in a quiet room, 94% (95% CI, 87%‐100%) of the threshold values were within 10 dB of the threshold values obtained using conventional audiometry. Under standardized testing conditions, 90% of the subjects preferred iOS‐based audiometry as opposed to conventional audiometry.

Conclusion

Apple iOS‐based devices provide a platform for automated air conduction audiometry without requiring extra equipment and yield hearing test results that approach those of conventional audiometry.
Development of thermoacoustic devices for power generation and refrigeration
Authors: Jaworski Artur J , Mao Xiaoan
Published: August 2013

This paper is intended as a technical overview of the research and development work initially undertaken at the University of Manchester and subsequently transferred to the University of Leicester as part of the EPSRC-funded SCORE project ( Stove for Cooking, Refrigeration and Electricity supply). The objectives of the work were twofold: Firstly, to develop an early demonstrator of a low-power electricity generator (to deliver approximately 10–20 W of electricity). This was to be based on the concept of using low-cost materials, working fluids and linear alternators suitable for deployment in rural areas of developing countries. The issues of concern here were the development of a suitable thermoacoustic engine topology and control measures; design of suitable heat exchanger configurations from initial use of electrical heaters to heat input through propane combustion; and characterisation of commercial loudspeakers to work as linear alternators and subsequent incorporation of selected models for engine prototyping purposes. These matters will be illustrated by a number of demonstrators and their testing in the laboratory environment. Secondly, to develop a demonstrator of a combustion driven thermoacoustic cooler for storage of vital medical supplies in remote and rural areas where there is no access to electricity grid. To this end, the paper will describe the design, construction and test results of an electrically driven demonstrator of a standing wave thermoacoustic engine coupled to a travelling wave thermoacoustic cooler. The final part of the paper will summarise the achievements to date and outline future work that has spun out from the original SCORE project. This will in particular include the current work on a scaled up version of electricity generator designed to deliver 100 W of electricity by using a two-stage engine configuration and the issues of integration of the thermoacoustic electricity generator and thermoacoustic cooler into one system.
Using Photovoice to Explore the Unique Life Perspectives of Youth With Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Stegenga Kristin , Burks Lisa M.
Published: August 2013

Objectives: Sickle cell disease (SCD) has been associated with multiple physical and psychosocial challenges but less is known about the experience of living with the disease, particularly from the perspective of children/adolescents. Photovoice uses photography to access the experiences of individuals living with a disease and provides them with a voice for expression. It provides a unique approach to exploring the perspective of children/adolescents with SCD. This pilot study examines the perspective of children/adolescents with SCD using photovoice, both to gain understanding of the perspective of these patients and the utility of the research method with this population. Method: Twelve participants with SCD between the ages of 6 and 14 years participated in this study. Participants took photographs during camp and completed qualitative interviews afterward to explore their perspective on life with SCD and experience with the photovoice method. Results: Main themes derived from content analysis of the qualitative interviews included the following: ( a) importance of friends, ( b) controlling symptoms, and ( c) importance of camp. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that ( a) a camp can provide a beneficial social outlet with peers with SCD, ( b) children/adolescents with SCD are able to manage their complex symptoms at a young age, and ( c) photovoice is a useful methodology for children/adolescents with SCD and potentially other chronic illnesses.
Effect of External Irrelevant Distracters on a Visual Search Test in School-Age Children
Authors: Quiroga M. A. , Santacreu J. , López-Cavada C. , Capote E. , Morillo D.
Published: August 2013

Objective: This study aimed to test the effect of an irrelevant external distracter included in a computer-administered visual search test. Two hypotheses were tested: (a) If the distracter affects performance, attention efficiency will be lowered; (b) if children do not habituate to the distracter, performance will be lower for every item of the test. Method: Distraction was induced changing the screen color unexpectedly several times in each trial—450 children (225 girls and 225 boys) from second to sixth course were tested. This group was compared with a group of 423 children from the same age range who were tested with the same test without distraction. Results: Induced distraction reduced attention efficiency for all ages and for every trial in the treatment group (test with distraction). Speed was lower, but number of errors did not increase. Conclusion: School-age children cope with an irrelevant external distracter by reducing speed, not accuracy.
Simulation of large thrust-bearing performance at transient states, warm and cold start-up
Authors: Pajączkowski Piotr , Schubert Andreas , Wasilczuk Michał , Wodtke Michał
Published: August 2013

The start-up of a large hydrodynamic thrust bearing of a vertical hydrogenerator is one of the most critical situations during the lifetime of a bearing. Hydrodynamic load capacity is low due to low speed and higher thermal deformations of the pad. A new approach to the simulation of a hydrodynamic bearing is shown in this article. A combination of finite elements method and computational fluid dynamics is used to perform the transient simulation of the bearing start-up. A bidirectional bearing of a pump-storage power plant is investigated. To show the potential advantages of the new method, a comparison of the warm and cold start procedure is presented. The thermal crowning of the bearing pad, oil film gap and other parameters of both cases are compared in this article.
The persistent embryonic vein in Klippel–Trenaunay syndrome
Authors: Oduber Charlène EU , Young-Afat Danny A , van der Wal Allard C , van Steensel Maurice AM , Hennekam Raoul CM , van der Horst Chantal MAM
Published: August 2013

Klippel–Trenaunay syndrome (KTS) is a congenital malformation syndrome with prominent vascular anomalies. A persistent embryonic vein (PEV) may be located on the affected leg(s) of patients with KTS. Our understanding of PEVs of the legs is limited and their nomenclature is confusing. The objective of this study was to obtain further insight in the prevalence, nomenclature and etiology of PEVs of the legs in KTS and to propose a standardized description of anomalous leg veins in KTS. We investigated 70 KTS patients for the presence of PEVs (lateral marginal vein, LMV) of the legs by duplex ultrasonography. We performed histopathological analysis of a surgically excised PEV (LMV) of a typical KTS patient, and we conducted an extensive literature study. Duplex ultrasonography showed LMVs in 12/70 (17.1%) patients. The terms used to describe PEVs in the leg are quite variable, while indicating only two types: lateral marginal vein (LMV) and persistent sciatic vein (PSV). The histology of the excised LMV showed remarkable similarity with that of varicose veins found in the general population. In conclusion, the prevalence of LMVs in our KTS cohort is 17.1%. Two PEVs can be found in the legs and we propose nomenclature based on anatomical criteria, thereby using only the terms persistent lateral marginal vein and persistent sciatic vein, combined with the patency of the deep venous system. We hypothesize that PEVs are most likely caused by a genetic defect leading to abnormal venous pattern formation, which is further supported by our histopathological findings.
Functional Behavioral Assessment for a Boy With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Problem Behavior
Authors: Theodoridou Zoe , Koutsoklenis Athanasios
Published: August 2013

This article focuses on the application of functional behavioral assessment (FBA) to design a positive behavior intervention (PBI) for a boy with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) who encounters serious difficulties at the mainstream school because of behavioral problems and physical limitations. After the definition of problem behavior and its causes, a number of environmental changes in the context of positive behavior support (PBS) aiming at learning outcome and social engagement were implemented. The assessment steps and the intervention are thoroughly discussed. This work expands the existing literature by highlighting the feasibility and applicability of FBA and PBS in a low-incidence population within a Greek classroom environment.
Poverty and Awakening Cortisol in Adolescence
Authors: McFarland Michael J. , Hayward Mark D.
Published: August 2013

The deleterious effects of poverty on mental and physical health are routinely argued to operate, at least in part, via dysregulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, although empirical examinations connecting poverty with HPA axis functioning are rare. Research on the effects of timing of poverty is a particularly neglected aspect of this relationship. This study uses 15 years of prospective data from the Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development to assess how exposure to poverty during infancy, childhood, and adolescence is related to awakening cortisol ( n = 826), a marker of HPA axis functioning. Among female participants, poverty exposure in infancy and adolescence, but not childhood, was negatively associated with awakening cortisol. Poverty exposure was unrelated to cortisol among male participants. The importance of timing and gender differences are discussed along with directions for future research.
Pseudomorphic transformation of Ca/Mg carbonates into phosphates with focus on dolomite conversion
Authors: Schultheiss S. , Sethmann I. , Schlosser M. , Kleebe H.-J.
Published: August 2013

Hydrothermal conversion of single crystals of calcite, CaCO3, dolomite, CaMg(CO3)2, and magnesite, MgCO3, was carried out in ammonium phosphate buffer solution. While calcite easily forms a pseudomorph of hydroxylapatite, Ca5(PO4)3OH, it takes several weeks to convert magnesite into pseudomorphic dittmarite, (NH4)Mg(PO4)·H2O. The conversion of dolomite, as the compositional intermediate, also proceeded slowly, but yielded a biphasic pseudomorph composed of whitlockite, Ca9Mg(PO4)6O(PO3OH), and dittmarite. To our knowledge, this is the first description of a biphasic pseudomorph with chemically and structurally different phases. Near the surface, the two phases formed a porous layered structure, while towards the core of the single crystal a fine-grained mixture of both minerals precipitated. The initially sequential pattern of precipitation of Ca-rich whitlockite followed by Mg-rich dittmarite can be explained by dissolved Mg ions being adsorbed onto the dolomite surface or incorporated into hydrated magnesium complexes, retarding crystallization of dittmarite. Surface adsorbed Mg ions impeding further dissolution of dolomite also partly accounts for the observed lower reaction rates of dolomite and magnesite, as compared to calcite. An additional factor decreasing the reaction rates of dolomite and magnesite is a considerable increase in molar volume upon conversion, which restricts the formation of porosity and, hence, ion transport to the reaction front.
Mineralogy of atmospheric dust impacting the Rio Tinto mining area (Spain) during episodes of high metal deposition
Authors: Fernández-Caliani J. C. , de la Rosa J. D. , Sánchez de la Campa A. M. , González-Castanedo Y. , Castillo S.
Published: August 2013

This study is the first to investigate the mineral composition of the atmospheric particulate matter deposited at Rio Tinto, Spain, an historical mining district of world-class importance, with emphasis on metal-bearing particles and their environmental implications. The dustfall is
composed of quartz, feldspars, phyllosilicates (mica, chlorite and/or kaolinite) and a variety of accessory heavy minerals, the most common being primary sulfides (pyrite, chalcopyrite with minor galena, sphalerite and bornite) and their oxidation products (notably goethite, hematite and jarosite).
This mineral assemblage suggests a local source of wind-blown dust and it is consistent with the large deposition levels of sulfide-related elements (As, Bi, Cd, Cu, Pb, Sb and Zn) registered at the sampling site adjacent to the mine waste dumps. However, the generation of potentially harmful
dust particles is not restricted to mine wastes. Anthropogenic metallic compounds arising from a nearby hazardous waste disposal centre can make a relevant additional contribution to the metal deposition, particularly for Fe, Ni, Cr and Mn. Atmospheric fallout is a major mechanism for metal
input to soils and plants around or near the mining area.
Fixed point and coupled fixed point theorems on b-metric-like spaces
Authors: Alghamdi Mohammed Ali , Hussain Nawab , Salimi Peyman
Published: August 2013

We first introduce the concept of b-metric-like space which generalizes the notions of partial metric space, metric-like space and b-metric space. Then we establish the existence and uniqueness of fixed points in a b-metric-like space as well as in a partially ordered b-metric-like space. As an application, we derive some new fixed point and coupled fixed point results in partial metric spaces, metric-like spaces and b-metric spaces. Moreover, some examples and an application to integral equations are provided to illustrate the usability of the obtained results.

MSC:47H10, 54H25, 55M20.
An audit of sample sizes for pilot and feasibility trials being undertaken in the United Kingdom registered in the United Kingdom Clinical Research Network database
Authors: Billingham Sophie AM , Whitehead Amy L , Julious Steven A
Published: August 2013

Background

There is little published guidance as to the sample size required for a pilot or feasibility trial despite the fact that a sample size justification is a key element in the design of a trial. A sample size justification should give the minimum number of participants needed in order to meet the objectives of the trial. This paper seeks to describe the target sample sizes set for pilot and feasibility randomised controlled trials, currently running within the United Kingdom.

Methods

Data were gathered from the United Kingdom Clinical Research Network (UKCRN) database using the search terms ‘pilot’ and ‘feasibility’. From this search 513 studies were assessed for eligibility of which 79 met the inclusion criteria. Where the data summary on the UKCRN Database was incomplete, data were also gathered from: the International Standardised Randomised Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN) register; the clinicaltrials.gov website and the website of the funders. For 62 of the trials, it was necessary to contact members of the research team by email to ensure completeness.

Results

Of the 79 trials analysed, 50 (63.3%) were labelled as pilot trials, 25 (31.6%) feasibility and 14 were described as both pilot and feasibility trials. The majority had two arms (n = 68, 86.1%) and the two most common endpoints were continuous (n = 45, 57.0%) and dichotomous (n = 31, 39.2%). Pilot trials were found to have a smaller sample size per arm (median = 30, range = 8 to 114 participants) than feasibility trials (median = 36, range = 10 to 300 participants). By type of endpoint, across feasibility and pilot trials, the median sample size per arm was 36 (range = 10 to 300 participants) for trials with a dichotomous endpoint and 30 (range = 8 to 114 participants) for trials with a continuous endpoint. Publicly funded pilot trials appear to be larger than industry funded pilot trials: median sample sizes of 33 (range = 15 to 114 participants) and 25 (range = 8 to 100 participants) respectively.

Conclusion

All studies should have a sample size justification. Not all studies however need to have a sample size calculation. For pilot and feasibility trials, while a sample size justification is important, a formal sample size calculation may not be appropriate. The results in this paper describe the observed sample sizes in feasibility and pilot randomised controlled trials on the UKCRN Database.
The prevalence of depression and anxiety among Chinese adults with cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Yi-Long , Liu Li , Wang Yang , Wu Hui , Yang Xiao-Shi , Wang Jia-Na , Wang Lie
Published: August 2013

Background

A lot of empirical studies have been conducted to evaluate the prevalence of depression and anxiety among Chinese adults with cancer. We aimed to conduct a meta-analysis in order to evaluate the prevalence and odds ratios of depression and anxiety in Chinese adults with cancer compared with those without.

Methods

The three most comprehensive computerized Chinese academic databases-CNKI, Wangfang and Vip databases-were systematically screened through September 2012. PubMed and Web of Science (SCIE) were also searched from their inception until September 2012 without language restrictions, and an internet search was also used. Case–control studies assessing the prevalence of depression and anxiety among Chinese adults with cancer were analyzed. Study selection and appraisal were conducted independently by three authors. The non-weighted prevalence, pooled random-effects estimates of odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were all calculated.

Results

Seventeen eligible studies with a total of 3497 subjects were included. The prevalence of depression and anxiety were significantly higher in adults with cancer compared with those without (Depression: 54.90% vs. 17.50%, OR = 7.85, 95% CI = 5.56-11.07, P = 0.000; Anxiety: 49.69% vs. 18.37%, OR = 6.46, 95% CI = 4.36-9.55, P = 0.000), the same situation was also observed in subgroup of control groups, assessment methods and cancer types. Although no difference of depression was observed in studies utilizing clinical diagnosis compared with self-report, the OR of anxiety in adults with cancer compared with those without was higher in studies utilizing clinical diagnosis (OR = 8.42, 95% CI = 4.83-14.70) than self-reports (OR = 5.83, 95% CI = 3.64-9.34). The ORs of depression and anxiety in cancer patients compared with disease group (Depression: OR = 6.03, 95% CI = 4.23-8.61; Anxiety: OR = 4.40, 95% CI = 3.05-6.36) were lower than in those compared with normal group (Depression: OR = 13.58, 95% CI = 6.26-29.46; Anxiety: OR = 15.47, 95% CI = 10.00-23.95).

Conclusions

We identified high prevalence rates of depression and anxiety among Chinese adults with cancer. The findings support that the prevalence of depression and anxiety among adults with cancer should receive more attention in Chinese medical settings.
Association of circulating levels of nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT/Visfatin) and of a frequent polymorphism in the promoter of the NAMPT gene with coronary artery disease in diabetic and non-diabetic subjects
Authors: Saddi-Rosa Pedro , Oliveira Carolina Soares , Crispim Felipe , Giuffrida Fernando MA , de Lima Valter Correia , Vieira José Gilberto , Doria Alessandro , Velho Gilberto , Reis André Fernandes
Published: August 2013

Background

Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) is the limiting enzyme in one of pathways of synthesis of Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, a redox coenzyme. NAMPT is considered as an insulin-mimetic factor and a potential regulatory factor in inflammatory and immune processes. Associations of circulating NAMPT levels with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and insulin resistance have been reported. We investigated association of circulating NAMPT levels and the rs9770242 NAMPT gene polymorphism with coronary artery disease (CAD).

Methods

We studied 594 Brazilian subjects undergoing a coronary angiography (49% of whom had type 2 diabetes). CAD, defined as stenosis greater than 50% in one major coronary vessel or branch, was observed in 68% of subjects. Genetic studies were also performed in 858 North-American Non-Hispanic White subjects with type 2 diabetes (49% with CAD).

Results

We observed an interaction between glycemic and CAD status on the comparison of NAMPT levels by CAD status. NAMPT levels were higher in type 2 diabetic patients with CAD as compared to those without CAD: 5.27 ± 2.93 ng/ml vs. 4.43 ± 2.94 ng/ml, p = 0.006 (mean ± SD). NAMPT levels were not significantly different in non-diabetic subjects with or without CAD. The T-allele of rs9770242 was associated with CAD in the Brazilian cohort (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.06 - 2.01, p = 0.02) while no association was observed in the North-American cohort.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that circulating NAMPT levels are associated with CAD in type 2 diabetic patients. NAMPT rs9770242 polymorphism may be associated with CAD in some populations.
Nanostructured conformal hybrid solar cells: a promising architecture towards complete charge collection and light absorption
Authors: Iza Diana C , Muñoz-Rojas David , Musselman Kevin P , Weickert Jonas , Jakowetz Andreas C , Sun Haiyan , Ren Xin , Hoye Robert L Z , Lee Joon H , Wang Haiyan , Schmidt-Mende Lukas , MacManus-Driscoll Judith L
Published: August 2013

We introduce hybrid solar cells with an architecture consisting of an electrodeposited ZnO nanorod array (NRA) coated with a conformal thin layer (<50 nm) of organic polymer-fullerene blend and a quasi-conformal Ag top contact (Thin/NR). We have compared the performance of Thin/NR cells to conventional hybrid cells in which the same NRAs are completely filled with organic blend (Thick/NR). The Thin/NR design absorbs at least as much light as Thick/NR cells, while charge extraction is significantly enhanced due to the proximity of the electrodes, resulting in a higher current density per unit volume of blend and improved power conversion efficiency. The NRAs need not be periodic or aligned and hence can be made very simply.
Probabilistic G-contractions
Authors: Kamran Tayyab , Samreen Maria , Shahzad Naseer
Published: August 2013

In this paper we introduce the notion of probabilistic G-contraction and establish some fixed point theorems in such settings. Our results generalize/extend some recent results of Jachymski and Sehgal and Bharucha-Reid. Consequently, we obtain fixed point results for

(
ϵ
,
δ
)

-chainable PM-spaces and for cyclic operators.

MSC:47H10, 54H25.
Design and synthesis of tetrahydrophthalimide derivatives as inhibitors of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase
Authors: Penta Ashok , Ganguly Swastika , Murugesan Sankaran
Published: August 2013

Background

Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) are one of the key components in highly active anti-retroviral therapy because of their high specificity and less toxicity. NNRTIs inhibit reverse transcriptase enzyme by binding to the allosteric site, which is 10Å away from the active site. Rapid emergence of resistance is the major problem with all anti-HIV agents. Hence, there is continuous need to develop novel anti-HIV agents active against both drug sensitive and resistance strains.

Results

All the 16 synthesized 2-(1,3-dioxo-3a,4-dihydro-1H-isoindol-2(3H,7H,7aH)-yl)-N-(substitutedphenyl) acetamide 4(a-p) analogs were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. Lipinski rule of five parameters and molecular parameters like solubility, drug likeness, and drug score were derived for designed analogs using online servers like Molinspiration and Osiris property explorer. Synthesized compounds were evaluated for their HIV-1 reverse transcriptase inhibitor activity by HIV-1 RNA-dependent DNA polymerase activity assay at 2 and 20 μM concentrations.

Conclusions

Among the 16 synthesized compounds, 4a, 4b, 4f, 4g, 4k, and 4l showed weak reverse transcriptase inhibitor activity at 20 μM concentration. For the designed compounds, there was no correlation observed between molecular modeling and in vitro studies.
Hyaluronic acid fragments enhance the inflammatory and catabolic response in human intervertebral disc cells through modulation of toll-like receptor 2 signalling pathways
Authors: Quero Lilian , Klawitter Marina , Schmaus Anja , Rothley Melanie , Sleeman Jonathan , Tiaden André N , Klasen Juergen , Boos Norbert , Hottiger Michael O , Wuertz Karin , Richards Peter J
Published: August 2013

Introduction

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is characterized by extracellular matrix breakdown and is considered to be a primary cause of discogenic back pain. Although increases in pro-inflammatory cytokine levels within degenerating discs are associated with discogenic back pain, the mechanisms leading to their overproduction have not yet been elucidated. As fragmentation of matrix components occurs during IVD degeneration, we assessed the potential involvement of hyaluronic acid fragments (fHAs) in the induction of inflammatory and catabolic mediators.

Methods

Human IVD cells isolated from patient biopsies were stimulated with fHAs (6 to 12 disaccharides) and their effect on cytokine and matrix degrading enzyme production was assessed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The involvement of specific cell surface receptors and signal transduction pathways in mediating the effects of fHAs was tested using small interfering RNA (siRNA) approaches and kinase inhibition assays.

Results

Treatment of IVD cells with fHAs significantly increased mRNA expression levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 and -13. The stimulatory effects of fHAs on IL-6 protein production were significantly impaired when added to IVD cells in combination with either Toll-like receptor (TLR)-2 siRNA or a TLR2 neutralizing antibody. Furthermore, the ability of fHAs to enhance IL-6 and MMP-3 protein production was found to be dependent on the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase signaling pathway.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that fHAs may have the potential to mediate IVD degeneration and discogenic back pain through activation of the TLR2 signaling pathway in resident IVD cells.
Association of HLA-DRB1 and -DQB1alleles and haplotypes with rheumatoid arthritis in a Pakistani population
Authors: Muazzam Ambreen Gul , Mansoor Atika , Ali Lubna , Siddiqi Saima , Hameed Abdul , Ajmal Muhammad , Mazhar Kehkashan
Published: August 2013

Introduction

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease with poorly understood pathophysiology. Genetic components of disease etiology, especially human leukocyte antigen (HLA) associations, are well known. Ethnic differences account for a number of variations in disease association with the HLA locus and there seem to be differences in various studies regarding its genetic predisposition. This study was aimed at determining the contribution of DRB1 and DQB1 components of HLA class II in rheumatoid arthritis in a Pakistani cohort.

Method

For this study, 110 patients and 120 healthy controls from the same geographical area and matched ethnicity were enrolled. Blood DNA was isolated from all the subjects and HLA alleles were typed following allele specific amplification. Subsequently, haplotypes were generated and allelic and haplotype distribution frequencies were compared among the patients and controls using χ2 and Arlequin software. The data obtained by this analysis were also compared with other reported associations found in the Pakistani population by meta-analysis.

Results

HLA allelic status was determined among the patients and controls from the same geographical area to account for differences in ethnicity and environmental factors. Significant associations were found for alleles as well as haplotypes among the patients of rheumatoid arthritis. DRB1*10, DQB1*05 and DQB1*602 were found to be associated with disease susceptibility, whereas DRB1*11 and DQB1*02 had protective effect against the disease. Similarly, haplotype DRB1*10-DQB1*05 was associated disease risk, whereas DRB1*07-DQB1*02 and DRB1*11-DQB1*0301 had a protective effect.

Conclusion

There is a significant DRB1and DQB1 allele and haplotype association with rheumatoid arthritis susceptibility and protection.
Loss-of-Function and Gain-of-Function Mutations of Calcium-Sensing Receptor: Functional Analysis and the Effect of Allosteric Modulators NPS R-568 and NPS 2143
Authors: Nakamura Akie , Hotsubo Tomoyuki , Kobayashi Keiji , Mochizuki Hiroshi , Ishizu Katsura , Tajima Toshihiro
Published: August 2013

Objective:

Activating mutations in the calcium-sensing receptor (CASR) gene cause autosomal dominant hypoparathyroidism, and heterozygous inactivating CASR mutations cause familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia. Recently, there has been a focus on the use of allosteric modulators to restore the functional activity of mutant CASRs. In this study, the effect of allosteric modulators NPS R-568 and NPS 2143 on CASR mutants was studied in vitro.

Methods:

DNA sequence analysis of the CASR gene was undertaken in autosomal dominant hypoparathyroidism and familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia Japanese patients, and the functional consequences for the Gi-MAPK pathway and cell surface expression of CASR were determined. Furthermore, we studied the effect of NPS R-568 and NPS 2143 on the signal transduction activity and cell surface expression of each mutant CASR.

Results:

We identified 3 activating mutations (S122C, P569H, and I839T) and 2 inactivating mutations (A110T and R172G) in patients. The activating and inactivating mutations caused leftward and rightward shifts, respectively, in the dose-response curves of the signaling pathway. NPS R-568 rescued the signal transduction capacity of 2 inactivating mutants without increasing cell surface expression levels. NPS 2143 suppressed the enhanced activity of the activating mutants without altering cell surface expression levels, although A843E, which is a constitutively active mutant, was suppressed to a lesser degree.

Conclusions:

We have identified 4 novel mutations of CASR. Moreover, our results indicate that allosteric modulators can restore the activity of the loss- and gain-of-function mutant CASRs, identified in this study.
Interactions Between Pregnancy, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Reutrakul Sirimon , Zaidi Nausheen , Wroblewski Kristen , Kay Helen H. , Ismail Mahmoud , Ehrmann David A. , Van Cauter Eve
Published: August 2013

Context:

Questionnaire studies linked symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) to the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Whether this association is present when OSA is assessed objectively by polysomnography is not known.

Objective:

The objective of the study was to assess the relationship between pregnancy, OSA, and GDM.

Design, Setting, and Participants:

We conducted observational case-control studies using polysomnography in 15 nonpregnant, nondiabetic women (NP-NGT), 15 pregnant women with normal glucose tolerance (P-NGT), and 15 pregnant women with GDM (P-GDM). The groups were frequency matched for age and race/ethnicity. Pregnant women were studied during the late second to early third trimester.

Main Outcome Measures:

Comparisons of OSA diagnosis and sleep parameters between NP-NGT and P-NGT to assess the impact of pregnancy and between P-NGT and P-GDM to explore the association between GDM and OSA were measured.

Results:

Compared with NP-NGT, P-NGT women had a higher apnea hypopnea index (AHI) (median 2.0 vs 0.5, P = .03) and more disrupted sleep as reflected by a higher wake time after sleep onset (median 66 vs 21 min, P < .01) and a higher microarousal index (median 16.4 vs 10.6, P = .01). Among the pregnant women, P-GDM had markedly lower total sleep time (median 397 vs 464 min, P = .02) and a higher AHI (median 8.2 vs 2.0, P = .05) than P-NGT women. OSA was more prevalent in P-GDM than in P-NGT women (73% vs 27%, P = .01). After adjustment for prepregnancy body mass index, the diagnosis of GDM was associated with a diagnosis of OSA [odds ratio 6.60 (95% confidence interval 1.15–37.96)]. In pregnancy, after adjusting for prepregnancy body mass index, higher microarousal index significantly associated with higher hemoglobin A1c and fasting glucose levels. Higher oxygen desaturation index was associated with higher fasting glucose levels.

Conclusion:

Pregnancy is associated with sleep disturbances. Sleep is more disturbed in GDM than in P-NGT women. There is a strong association between GDM and OSA.
Validation of in-cylinder flow structure of controlled auto-ignition engine
Authors: Beauquel J. , Ibrahim S. , Chen R.
Published: August 2013

Numerical calculations have been carried out to investigate the in-cylinder transient flow structure of a controlled auto-ignition (CAI) engine running at speeds of 1,500rpm and 2,000rpm. The calculated turbulent flow structure and velocities are validated against published laser doppler anemometry (LDA) experimental data. The experimental data were re-processed to represent the time dependent mean velocities for all measured points. The actual geometry configuration of the engine is imported into the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code used in this study. The simulations take into account the movement of the inlet, exhaust valves and the piston. The CFD simulations replicate the experimental work where only air was inserted into a driven optical engine. Also, to simulate an engine in controlled auto-ignition (CAI) mode, the same valve timing that allows 36% internal exhaust gas recirculation (IEGR) was applied for the air intake. The calculated results are found to agree well with the LDA measurements with an overall agreement of 75.06% at 1,500 rpm and 73.42% at 2,000 rpm.
Effect of different cooling methods on the corrosion behavior at welded area of aluminium alloy
Authors: Nik W. , Rosliza R. , Zulkifli M. , Hui D.
Published: August 2013

The effect of different cooling methods on the corrosion behaviour at welded area of aluminium alloy 5083 was investigated by using weight loss study, potendynamic polarization study and morphology study. All samples were cooled by using air cooling method and quenching method. There was an increase of weight loss for both cooling methods where samples with air cooling method showed lower percentage of weight loss as compared to samples with quenching methods. The corrosion rate gained from this study revealed that samples with air cooling method showed lower corrosion rate compared to samples with quenching method. In potentiodynamic polarization study, the value of corrosion current density, Icorr increased with respect to immersion period. This behaviour signifies the occurrence of porosity where the air cooled samples show lower value of Icorr compared to quenched samples. The increase in Icorr causes the value of polarization resistance, Rp to decrease and corrosion rate to increase. The morphology study conducted revealed the existence of porosity and caused pitting corrosion on quenched samples which proved the samples with quenching method was more corroded as compared to samples with air cooling method.