bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Individual Characteristics and the Disability Employment Gap
Authors: Sevak Purvi , Houtenville Andrew J. , Brucker Debra L. , O’Neill John
Published: June 2015

Although people with disabilities have poorer employment outcomes, on average, than do people without disabilities, some of them fare relatively well in the labor market. To learn more about the individual characteristics associated with positive employment outcomes among people with disabilities, we use data from the 2009–2011 American Community Survey to examine differences in employment outcomes by demographic and other individual characteristics in a multivariable framework. Controlling for all other individual characteristics, we find the employment gap between individuals with and without disabilities is smaller among those in their 20s and 60s relative to the middle aged, Asians relative to Whites, Hispanics relative to non-Hispanics, married individuals, individuals with higher levels of educational attainment, and women. Overall, results suggest that policies and practices designed to improve employment outcomes among people with disabilities should consider how individual characteristics interact with disability as challenges to or facilitators of employment success.
“They Don’t Take It Seriously”
Authors: Latakienė Jolanta , Skruibis Paulius , Dadašev Said , Grižas Antanas , Dapševičiūtė Indrė , Gailienė Danutė
Published: June 2015

Different elements of suicidal communication have been explored; however, the understanding of suicide attempters’ perception of surrounding people’s reactions is scarce. This study aims to unravel perceived reactions of surrounding people to suicidal communication and their effect on suicidal intent. Twenty-one person (7 men and 14 women, 18–62 years, M = 31.5) admitted to a general ( N = 6) or psychiatric ( N = 15) hospital after a suicide attempt participated. Hybrid thematic analysis was used for semistructured interview data analysis. Indifference and disengaging in helping are the most common perceived reactions to reports before the attempt. Reactions during the attempt are noticeably more active. Unresponsiveness and provocation to suicide are considered as impelling factors to commit suicide. Active reactions, for example, prohibitions are not viewed as such. Mostly suicide intent is communicated prior to attempt or after harming oneself, but it is taken into account by surrounding people more seriously during the attempt.
Breathing Photography
Authors: Powell Kimberly
Published: June 2015

In this article, I write performatively about an artistic practice known as carbon photo printing as a prosthetic space where embodied encounters of images, memory, personal reflection, poetic refrains, materials, creation, and research are brought together in contiguous relation. Drawing primarily from Charles Garoian’s theory of art and research prosthesis and from Brian Massumi’s theories of semblance and research-creation, I describe processes of carbon printmaking from the initial stages of digital negative creation to the final stages of photographic development in an effort to frame research as co-existent and co-emerging within a field of relations rather than as an external practice applied to a context. I conclude the article with a discussion of research as reconceived as a prosthetic encounter by drawing upon the concept of research-creation and its emphasis on expanded perception, experimentation, relationality, and transduction.
Foragers and fictions in the Kalahari: Indigenous identities and the politics of deconstruction
Authors: Sylvain Renee
Published: June 2015

In this paper I examine assumptions about race and identity that inform debates about indigenous rights in southern Africa. I illustrate how the ‘Kalahari debate’ and the more recent ‘indigenous peoples debate’ both rely on dubious assumptions about what ‘social construction’ means. I draw from public controversies and academic debates surrounding the forced relocation of San from the Central Kalahari Game Reserve in Botswana to illustrate two key arguments in this paper: The first is that deconstructionism does not always confront the forms of justice it claims as its priorities, such as racism and class inequalities; the second is that the deconstructionist project commits us to problematic assumptions about what ‘race’ means and what ‘real’ identities must be.
Romanticism and holism in the anthropology of the West (revisiting Bergson’s paradox)
Authors: Duarte Luiz FD
Published: June 2015

The anthropology of the West, as a project of comparative knowledge of the multifarious human experience, depends on a positive disposition towards difference and holism, both as an empirical focus and as a method – in opposition to the scientific style inherited from the Enlightenment and its naturalistic and individualistic bases. This outward movement of anthropology obeys another, subordinate yet essential, ideological dimension of Western cosmology, here described as Romanticism. The paradox implied by a quest for a distant difference and the oblique awareness of the internal cultivation of difference is the key for a critical analysis of contemporary ‘postmodern’ anthropological tendencies.
Bridging community livelihoods and cultural conservation through tourism: Case study of Kabaka heritage trail in Uganda
Authors: Ahebwa Wilber M , Aporu John P , Nyakaana Jockey B
Published: June 2015

This paper analyses the promotion of culture-based tourism as a tool for cultural conservation and community livelihoods improvement in Buganda region, Uganda. A pragmatic approach was adopted to explore the existing cultural heritage resources in Buganda and their conservation for tourism as a means for community development. Data were collected using documentary reviews, focus group discussions with key actors in the tourism subsector, and a questionnaire interview. Results indicate that culture-based tourism is positively correlated to cultural conservation and community livelihood. The paper highlights the importance of culture-based tourism and culture conservation on community livelihood in the context of Uganda. The significant results obtained in this case study also show that cultural conservation was a strong predictor of community livelihoods. It is concluded that if culture-based tourism is enhanced and promoted, it has the potential to influence people’s livelihoods through the income generated from tourism activities and employment. This in turn contributes to the preservation of cultural heritage sites and hence sustainability. There is however need to investigate the novel and innovative ways of marketing and promoting cultural tourism in Uganda to enable improvement in people’s livelihood. It is also necessary to devise ways on how to increase community involvement in planning, implementation, and securing benefits of culture-based tourism.
Glycogen synthase kinase 3β inhibition enhanced proliferation, migration and functional re-endothelialization of endothelial progenitor cells in hypercholesterolemia microenvironment
Authors: Cui Bin , Jin Jun , Ding Xiaohan , Deng Mengyang , Yu Shiyong , Song MingBao , Yu Yang , Zhao Xiaohui , Chen Jianfei , Huang Lan
Published: June 2015

Hypercholesterolemia impairs the quantity and function of endothelial progenitor cell. We hypothesized that glycogen synthase kinase 3β activity is involved in regulating biological function of endothelial progenitor cells in hypercholesterolemia microenvironment. For study, endothelial progenitor cells derived from apolipoprotein E-deficient mice fed with high-fat diet were used. Glycogen synthase kinase 3β activity was interfered with glycogen synthase kinase 3β inhibitor lithium chloride or transduced with replication defective adenovirus vector expressing catalytically inactive glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β-KM). Functions of endothelial progenitor cells, proliferation, migration, secretion and network formation of endothelial progenitor cells were assessed in vitro. The expression of phospho-glycogen synthase kinase 3β, β-catenin and cyclinD1 in endothelial progenitor cells was detected by Western blot. The in vivo function re-endothelialization and vasodilation were also analyzed by artery injury model transplanted with glycogen synthase kinase 3β-inhibited endothelial progenitor cells. We demonstrated that while the proliferation, migration, network formation as well as VEGF and NO secretion were impaired in apolipoprotein E-deficient endothelial progenitor cells, glycogen synthase kinase 3β inhibition significantly improved all these functions. Apolipoprotein E-deficient endothelial progenitor cells showed decreased phospho-glycogen synthase kinase 3β, β-catenin and cyclinD1 expression, whereas these signals were enhanced by glycogen synthase kinase 3β inhibition and accompanied with β-catenin nuclear translocation. Our in vivo model showed that glycogen synthase kinase 3β inhibition remarkably increased re-endothelial and vasodilation. Taken together, our data suggest that inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase 3β is associated with endothelial progenitor cell biological functions both in vitro and in vivo. It might be an important interference target in hypercholesterolemia microenvironment.
Ride comfort optimization of a multi-axle heavy motorized wheel dump truck based on virtual and real prototype experiment integrated Kriging model
Authors: Gong Bian , Guo Xuexun , Hu Sanbao , Xu Lin
Published: June 2015

The optimization of hydro-pneumatic suspension parameters of a multi-axle heavy motorized wheel dump truck is carried out based on virtual and real prototype experiment integrated Kriging model in this article. The root mean square of vertical vibration acceleration, in the center of sprung mass, is assigned as the optimization objective. The constraints are the natural frequency, the working stroke, and the dynamic load of wheels. The suspension structure for the truck is the adjustable hydro-pneumatic suspension with ideal vehicle nonlinear characteristics, integrated with elastic and damping elements. Also, the hydraulic systems of two adjacent hydro-pneumatic suspension are interconnected. Considering the high complexity of the engineering model, a novel kind of meta-model called virtual and real prototype experiment integrated Kriging is proposed in this article. The interpolation principle and the construction of virtual and real prototype experiment integrated Kriging model were elucidated. Being different from traditional Kriging, virtual and real prototype experiment integrated Kriging combines the respective advantages of actual test and Computer Aided Engineering simulation. Based on the virtual and real prototype experiment integrated Kriging model, the optimization results, obtained by experimental verification, showed significant improvement in the ride comfort by 12.48% for front suspension and 11.79% for rear suspension. Compared with traditional Kriging, the optimization effect was improved by 3.05% and 3.38% respectively. Virtual and real prototype experiment integrated Kriging provides an effective way to approach the optimal solution for the optimization of high-complexity engineering problems.
Nonlinear dynamical model of an automotive dual mass flywheel
Authors: Chen Lei , Zeng Rong , Jiang Zhengfeng
Published: June 2015

The hysteresis, stick–slip, and rotational speed-dependent characteristics in a basic dual mass flywheel are obtained from a static and a dynamic experiments. Based on the experimental results, a nonlinear model of the transferred torque in this dual mass flywheel is developed, with the overlying form of nonlinear elastic torque and frictional torque. The nonlinearities of stiffness are investigated, deriving a nonlinear model to describe the rotational speed-dependent stiffness. In addition, Bouc–Wen model is used to model the hysteretic frictional torque. Thus, the nonlinear 2-degree-of-freedom system of this dual mass flywheel is set up. Then, the Levenberg–Marquardt method is adopted for the parameter estimation of the frictional torque. Finally, taking the nonlinear stiffness in this model into account, the parameters of Bouc–Wen model are estimated based on the dynamic test data.
One-year results of the ANCHOR trial of EndoAnchors for the prevention and treatment of aortic neck complications after endovascular aneurysm repair
Authors: Jordan William D , Mehta Manish , Ouriel Kenneth , Arko Frank R , Varnagy David , Joye James , Moore William M , de Vries Jean-Paul PM
Published: June 2015

Objectives

EndoAnchors have been used to address proximal aortic neck complications including type Ia endoleaks and endograft migration after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR).

Methods

The study population included 100 patients with one-year follow-up in the ANCHOR study. A primary cohort ( N = 73) comprised patients who underwent EndoAnchor implantation at the time of an initial EVAR and a Revision cohort ( N = 27) included patients treated remote from EVAR. A hostile neck was defined for neck length <10 mm, neck diameter >28 mm, angulation >60°, conical configuration or significant mural thrombus or calcium.

Results

Baseline anatomy included neck length of 17 ± 14 mm, diameter of 27 ± 5 mm, and angulation of 35 ± 18°; 83% of patients had hostile necks. Over 18 ± 4 months of clinical follow-up, six patients (6%) underwent aneurysm-related reinterventions. There were no aneurysm ruptures. Over 13 ± 2 months of imaging follow-up, freedom from type Ia endoleak was 95% in the Primary Arm and 77% in the Revision Arm ( P = .006). Aneurysm sacs regressed > 5 mm within one year in 45% of the Primary cases and in 25% of the Revisions. Aneurysm expansion > 5 mm occurred in one revision patient.

Conclusion

Despite a high frequency of hostile neck anatomy, proximal neck complications were relatively infrequent after EndoAnchor use.
Preparation and characterization of micro or nano cellulose fibers via electroless Ni-P composite coatings
Authors: Pan Yan-Fei , Huang Jin-Tian , Wang Xin
Published: June 2015

Ni-P composite coatings were prepared on cellulose fiber surface via a simple electroless Ni-P approach. The metal-coated extent, dispersion extent of micro or nano cellulose fibers and crystalline structure of Ni-P composite coatings were investigated. The homogeneous hollow composite coatings and metal-coated extent of micro or nano cellulose fibers were improved with the increase in ultrasonic power, and the ideal composite coatings were obtained as ultrasonic up to 960 W. The metallization for cellulose fibers enhanced the dispersion extent of micro or nano cellulose fibers. A uniform coating, consisting of the hollow coating on cellulose fibers surface, could be obtained. At the same time, metallization did not damage the original structure and surface functional groups of cellulose fibers. The concentration of cellulose fibers and ultrasonic power had a direct influence on the metal-coated extent of cellulose fiber surface. The metal-coated extent, dispersion extent of micro or nano cellulose fibers and crystalline structure of Ni-P composite coatings exhibited excellent properties as the concentration of cellulose fibers and ultrasonic power were 2 g/L and 960 W, respectively.
Police use of discretion in response to domestic violence
Authors: Myhill Andy , Johnson Kelly
Published: June 2015

This article addresses the issue of police officers’ use of discretion when responding to domestic violence. With reference to Ericson and Haggerty’s theory of risk-oriented policing, we collected data direct from information management systems in an English police force and conducted field observations with attending officers to explore the degree to which officers used discretion to interpret the national definition of domestic violence. We also considered how officers applied national standards for recording incidents and crimes. We found that considerable discretion was required to interpret the official definition of domestic violence, and that decision making in relation to recording or otherwise incidents and crimes of domestic violence was variable. Specifically, we found examples of domestic-related incidents not recorded as such, and examples of crimes either not or incorrectly recorded. The implications of these findings for policy and practice are discussed.
Acute respiratory failure in pregnancy
Authors: Lapinsky Stephen E
Published: June 2015

Respiratory failure affects up to 0.2% of pregnancies, more commonly in the postpartum period. Altered maternal respiratory physiology affects the assessment and management of these patients. Respiratory failure may result from pregnancy-specific conditions such as preeclampsia, amniotic fluid embolism or peripartum cardiomyopathy. Pregnancy may increase the risk or severity of other conditions, including thromboembolism, asthma, viral pneumonitis, and gastric acid aspiration. Management during pregnancy is similar to the nonpregnant patient. Endotracheal intubation in pregnancy carries an increased risk, due to airway edema and rapid oxygen desaturation following apnea. Few data are available to direct prolonged mechanical ventilation in pregnancy. Chest wall compliance is reduced, perhaps permitting slightly higher airway pressures. Optimizing oxygenation is important, but data on the use of permissive hypercapnia are limited. Delivery of the fetus does not always improve maternal respiratory function, but should be considered if benefit to the fetus is anticipated.
More than healthy bones: a review of vitamin D in muscle health
Authors: Tanner S. Bobo , Harwell Susan A.
Published: June 2015

Vitamin D has known importance to bone health including calcium and phosphate homeostasis and appears to have a role in skeletal muscle health as well. Cases of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency have been associated with poor muscle health. While the exact effects and mechanism of action remains controversial, current data lean towards insufficient vitamin D playing a role in musculoskeletal pain, sarcopenia, myopathy, falls and indirectly via cerebellar and cognitive dysfunction. Sophisticated experimental techniques have allowed detection of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) on skeletal muscle and cerebellar tissue, which if validated in further large studies, could confirm the mechanism of vitamin D in these associations. While further study is required, vitamin D repletion can have a substantial impact on muscle as well as bone health.
Looking for a route in turbulent waters
Authors: Lo Presti Alessandro , Pluviano Sara
Published: June 2015

The labour market has changed dramatically in the last few decades; in particular, lifetime employment within the same organization is now less frequent and careers have increasingly become boundaryless and unpredictable. Therefore, individuals need to take charge of their career development and try to increase their chances in the labour market. This is why employability has become a key and urgent concept for employees and employers, policy makers, scholars, and practitioners. Despite this increasing interest, employability still lacks a mainstream definition and a comprehensive theoretical model. To address this void, the present integrative review aims to (a) provide a new definition of employability contrasting it with previous contributions, (b) depict accurately the current body of evidence, and based on gaps in research published to date, (c) provide a heuristic model to inspire future research and address unresolved issues.
Polyvinylchloride intercalated poly(ethylene glycol)-modified-multi-walled carbon nanotube buckypaper composites via resin-infiltration technique
Authors: Khan Faiza , Kausar Ayesha , Siddiq Muhammad
Published: June 2015

In this paper, synthesis and characterization of polymer intercalated carbon nanotube buckypaper for improved structural, morphological, electrical, and thermal properties have been discussed. Resin-infiltration technique was opted for the preparation of polyvinylchloride intercalated poly(ethylene glycol) -modified-multi-walled carbon nanotube buckypaper. The effect of increasing purified nanotube (purified multi-walled carbon nanotube) and functional nanotube (functional multi-walled carbon nanotube) content on the properties of BP-polyvinylchloride/poly(ethylene glycol)/purified multi-walled carbon nanotube and BP-polyvinylchloride/poly(ethylene glycol)/functional multi-walled carbon nanotube buckypaper composites was investigated, while using same amount of polymer. Results indicated better interaction between polyvinylchloride and functional multi-walled carbon nanotube due to hydrogen bonding relative to polyvinylchloride and purified multi-walled carbon nanotube where no chemical link was present between the two. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results confirmed the modification of functional multi-walled carbon nanotube, and formation of buckypaper composite. Scanning electron microscopy micrographs showed better network formation in BP-polyvinylchloride/poly(ethylene glycol)/functional multi-walled carbon nanotube samples and intercalation of polymer can be seen forming polymer-coated functional multi-walled carbon nanotube network. Thermal stability was found to be improved by the increment of multi-walled carbon nanotube and the difference between the thermal stability of functional multi-walled carbon nanotube and purified multi-walled carbon nanotube buckypaper was also prominent. The maximum degradation temperature (Tmax) of functional composite BP-polyvinylchloride/poly(ethylene glycol)/functional multi-walled carbon nanotube 0.05 (469℃) was higher relative to non-functional BP-polyvinylchloride/poly(ethylene glycol)/purified multi-walled carbon nanotube 0.05 (461℃). The glass transition temperature of BP-polyvinylchloride/poly(ethylene glycol)/functional multi-walled carbon nanotube 0.05 was found as 249℃, while BP-polyvinylchloride/poly(ethylene glycol)/functional multi-walled carbon nanotube 0.05 depicted higher Tg of 271℃. Amorphous character of polymer/carbon nanotube -buckypaper composite showed a trend towards crystallinity according to X-ray diffraction results. Purified multi-walled carbon nanotube-based buckypaper presented conductivity up to 1.91 × 10−1 S cm−1, while BP-polyvinylchloride/poly(ethylene glycol)/functional multi-walled carbon nanotube 0.01–0.08 had increased conductivity up to 9.88 × 10−1 S cm−1.
Monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis and early-stage chronic lymphocytic leukemia: diagnosis, natural history, and risk stratification
Authors: Strati Paolo , Shanafelt Tait D.
Published: June 2015

Monoclonal B lymphocytosis (MBL) is defined as the presence of a clonal B-cell population in the peripheral blood with fewer than 5 × 109/L B-cells and no other signs of a lymphoproliferative disorder. The majority of cases of MBL have the immunophenotype of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). MBL can be categorized as either low count or high count based on whether the B-cell count is above or below 0.5 × 109/L. Low-count MBL can be detected in ∼5% of adults over the age of 40 years when assessed using standard-sensitivity flow cytometry assays. A number of biological and genetic characteristics distinguish low-count from high-count MBL. Whereas low-count MBL rarely progresses to CLL, high-count MBL progresses to CLL requiring therapy at a rate of 1% to 2% per year. High-count MBL is distinguished from Rai 0 CLL based on whether the B-cell count is above or below 5 × 109/L. Although individuals with both high-count MBL and CLL Rai stage 0 are at increased risk of infections and second cancers, the risk of progression requiring treatment and the potential to shorten life expectancy are greater for CLL. This review highlights challenging questions regarding the classification, risk stratification, management, and supportive care of patients with MBL and CLL.
Human intermittent hypoxia-induced respiratory plasticity is not caused by inflammation
Authors: Beaudin Andrew E. , Waltz Xavier , Pun Matiram , Wynne-Edwards Katherine E. , Ahmed Sofia B. , Anderson Todd J. , Hanly Patrick J. , Poulin Marc J.
Published: June 2015

Ventilatory instability, reflected by enhanced acute hypoxic (AHVR) and hypercapnic (AHCVR) ventilatory responses is a fundamental component of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) pathogenesis. Intermittent hypoxia-induced inflammation is postulated to promote AHVR enhancement in OSA, although the role of inflammation in intermittent hypoxia-induced respiratory changes in humans has not been examined. Thus, this study assessed the role of inflammation in intermittent hypoxia-induced respiratory plasticity in healthy humans.

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised crossover study design, 12 males were exposed to 6 h of intermittent hypoxia on three occasions. Prior to intermittent hypoxia exposures, participants ingested (for 4  days) either placebo or the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs indomethacin (nonselective cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor) and celecoxib (selective COX-2 inhibitor). Pre- and post-intermittent hypoxia resting ventilation, AHVR, AHCVR and serum concentration of the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α were assessed.

Pre-intermittent hypoxia resting ventilation, AHVR, AHCVR and TNF-α concentrations were similar across all three conditions (p≥0.093). Intermittent hypoxia increased resting ventilation and the AHVR similarly across all conditions (p=0.827), while the AHCVR was increased (p=0.003) and TNF-α was decreased (p=0.006) with only selective COX-2 inhibition.

These findings indicate that inflammation does not contribute to human intermittent hypoxia-induced respiratory plasticity. Moreover, selective COX-2 inhibition augmented the AHCVR following intermittent hypoxia exposure, suggesting that selective COX-2 inhibition could exacerbate OSA severity by increasing ventilatory instability.
Effects of fluid administration on renal perfusion in critically ill patients
Authors: Moussa Mouhamed Djahoum , Scolletta Sabino , Fagnoul David , Pasquier Pierre , Brasseur Alexandre , Taccone Fabio Silvio , Vincent Jean-Louis , De Backer Daniel
Published: June 2015

Introduction

Fluid administration is a first-line therapy for acute kidney injury associated with circulatory failure. Although aimed at increasing renal perfusion in these patients, this intervention may improve systemic hemodynamics without necessarily ameliorating intrarenal flow distribution or urine output. We used Doppler techniques to investigate the effects of fluid administration on intrarenal hemodynamics and the relationship between changes in renal hemodynamics and urine output. We hypothesized that, compared to systemic hemodynamic variables, changes in renal hemodynamics would better predict increase in urine output after fluid therapy.

Methods

We measured systemic hemodynamic variables and performed renal interlobar artery Doppler on both kidneys before and after volume expansion in 49 adult patients with acute circulatory failure. We measured systolic and diastolic velocities and computed the resistivity index (RI). We recorded urine output for 3 h before and after the fluid challenge.

Results

Fluid administration resulted in a small but consistent decrease in RI (from 0.73 ± 0.09 to 0.71 ± 0.09, p < 0.01). There was a concomitant increase in mean arterial pressure (from 75 ± 15 to 80 ± 14 mmHg, p < 0.01), pulse pressure (49 ± 19 to 55 ± 19 mmHg, p < 0.01) and urine output (55 ± 76 to 81 ± 87 ml/hour, p < 0.01). Changes in RI were negatively correlated with changes in urine output and mean arterial pressure but not in pulse pressure. The increase in urine output was predicted by changes in RI but not by changes in systemic hemodynamics.

Conclusions

Changes in renal hemodynamics during a fluid challenge can be observed by Doppler ultrasonography before urine output increases. Moreover, these changes are better predictors of an increase in urine output than are mean arterial pressure and pulse pressure.
Genetic risk variants associated with in situ breast cancer
Authors: Campa Daniele , Barrdahl Myrto , Gaudet Mia M. , Black Amanda , Chanock Stephen J. , Diver W. Ryan , Gapstur Susan M. , Haiman Christopher , Hankinson Susan , Hazra Aditi , Henderson Brian , Hoover Robert N. , Hunter David J. , Joshi Amit D. , Kraft Peter , Le Marchand Loic , Lindström Sara , Willett Walter , Travis Ruth C. , Amiano Pilar , Siddiq Afshan , Trichopoulos Dimitrios , Sund Malin , Tjønneland Anne , Weiderpass Elisabete , Peeters Petra H. , Panico Salvatore , Dossus Laure , Ziegler Regina G. , Canzian Federico , Kaaks Rudolf
Published: June 2015

Introduction

Breast cancer in situ (BCIS) diagnoses, a precursor lesion for invasive breast cancer, comprise about 20 % of all breast cancers (BC) in countries with screening programs. Family history of BC is considered one of the strongest risk factors for BCIS.

Methods

To evaluate the association of BC susceptibility loci with BCIS risk, we genotyped 39 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), associated with risk of invasive BC, in 1317 BCIS cases, 10,645 invasive BC cases, and 14,006 healthy controls in the National Cancer Institute’s Breast and Prostate Cancer Cohort Consortium (BPC3). Using unconditional logistic regression models adjusted for age and study, we estimated the association of SNPs with BCIS using two different comparison groups: healthy controls and invasive BC subjects to investigate whether BCIS and BC share a common genetic profile.

Results

We found that five SNPs (CDKN2BAS-rs1011970, FGFR2-rs3750817, FGFR2-rs2981582, TNRC9-rs3803662, 5p12-rs10941679) were significantly associated with BCIS risk (P value adjusted for multiple comparisons <0.0016). Comparing invasive BC and BCIS, the largest difference was for CDKN2BAS-rs1011970, which showed a positive association with BCIS (OR = 1.24, 95 % CI: 1.11–1.38, P = 1.27 x 10−4) and no association with invasive BC (OR = 1.03, 95 % CI: 0.99–1.07, P = 0.06), with a P value for case-case comparison of 0.006. Subgroup analyses investigating associations with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) found similar associations, albeit less significant (OR = 1.25, 95 % CI: 1.09–1.42, P = 1.07 x 10−3). Additional risk analyses showed significant associations with invasive disease at the 0.05 level for 28 of the alleles and the OR estimates were consistent with those reported by other studies.

Conclusions

Our study adds to the knowledge that several of the known BC susceptibility loci are risk factors for both BCIS and invasive BC, with the possible exception of rs1011970, a putatively functional SNP situated in the CDKN2BAS gene that may be a specific BCIS susceptibility locus.
Cough hypersensitivity as a neuro‐immune interaction
Authors: Song Woo‐Jung , Chang Yoon‐Seok
Published: June 2015

Cough is an intrinsic protective reflex. However, chronic cough affects a considerable proportion of general population and has a major impact on quality of life. A recent paradigm shift to ‘cough hypersensitivity syndrome’ suggests that chronic cough arises from hypersensitivity of the airway sensory nerves. As cough reflex is determined by interaction of the nervous system with immune system, persistent dysregulation of one or both of these systems may lead to chronic cough hypersensitivity. Here we review the current evidence for the neuro‐immune interactions that underlie cough hypersensitivity and discuss future therapeutic strategies.
Some results on approximate solutions of variational inequality problems for inverse strongly monotone operators
Authors: Iemoto Shigeru
Published: June 2015

We present results on approximate solutions to variational inequality problems for an injective inverse strongly monotone operator. Our results are based on Edelstein’s theorem (Edelstein in J. Lond. Math. Soc. 37:74-79, 1962).
Cerebrospinal Fluid CRH Levels in Late Pregnancy Are Not Associated With New-Onset Postpartum Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Zaconeta Alberto Moreno , Amato Angélica Amorim , Barra Gustavo Barcelos , Casulari da Motta Lucília Domingues , de Souza Vinícius Carolino , Karnikowski Margô Gomes de Oliveira , Casulari Luiz Augusto
Published: June 2015

Context:

CRH participates in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and in neural circuits involved in the pathophysiology of depression. During pregnancy, the placenta produces large amounts of CRH, and production ceases abruptly after delivery. The relationship between CRH in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) during pregnancy and peripartum mood disorders has not been investigated.

Objectives:

The objectives were to determine whether there are differences in CSF CRH concentrations of pregnant and nonpregnant women and whether CSF CRH concentrations in late pregnancy are associated with the presence of depressive symptoms during pregnancy and in the early postpartum period.

Design:

This was a prospective cohort study conducted from January to April, 2011.

Setting:

The study was conducted in one public and two private hospitals in Brasilia, Brazil.

Patients:

Patients included 107 healthy pregnant women who underwent elective cesarean delivery and 22 nonpregnant healthy women who underwent spinal anesthesia for elective surgical sterilization.

Intervention:

CRH in CSF was measured in pregnant and nonpregnant women by ELISA.

Main Outcome Measure:

The association between CSF CRH concentration at delivery and maternal depression assessed before cesarean section and postpartum (4 to 8 wk) with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), with a cutoff of ≥ 13.

Results:

CRH concentration in the CSF was significantly higher in pregnant (4.1 ± 0.51 log CRH) than in nonpregnant women (3.6 ± 0.26 log CRH) (P < .001). Depressive symptoms starting after delivery occurred in 5.6% of women. CRH concentration in CSF was not different between women without depressive symptoms and women showing such symptoms during pregnancy or in the postpartum period.

Conclusion:

CRH concentration in the CSF was higher in pregnant women than in nonpregnant women. However, in this sample, CSF CRH in late pregnancy was not associated with new-onset depressive symptoms in the early postpartum period.
An Expedient Strategy towards an Advanced Pyrrolidine Intermediate for the Synthesis of Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids
Authors: Bera Smritilekha , Mondal Dhananjoy , Chatterjee Bhaskar
Published: June 2015

The asymmetric synthesis of a new pyrrolidine intermediate and a preceding amino triol derivative was accomplished using Crimmins’ modified Evans aldol reaction as the key step. The synthetically useful pyrrolidine intermediate is expected to serve as the immediate precursor of biologically important pyrrolizidine alkaloids (−)-isoretronecanol and (−)-cremastrine. In addition, the amino triol subunit acts as a useful intermediate for the synthesis of oxocane heterocycles.
Hydrothermal Synthesis of Fluorescent Carbon Dots towards Ion Response and Silk Screen Patterns
Authors: Huang Likai , Yang Shengyang , Chen Li , Chen Su
Published: June 2015

In this work, we report a one-step hydrothermal reaction to fabricate fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) using polyimide (PI) as precursor. The as-prepared CDs exhibit bright blue-green fluorescence and a favorable quantum yield of ca. 20%. Also, the fluorescent CDs show both pH dependence and an ion response towards metal ions, as well as a fluorescence shift after being passivated by various organic amines. In addition, the CDs can be used as fluorescent inks to achieve fluorescent patterns for promising applications in anticounterfeit and optoelectronic devices.
Designed Synthesis of Porphyrin-based Two-dimensional Covalent Organic Frameworks with Highly Ordered Structures
Authors: Chen Xiong , Gao Jia , Jiang Donglin
Published: June 2015

Porphyrins are representative functional π-systems; synthesizing their highly ordered structures is an established goal in chemistry. Here, we report the designed synthesis of a series of porphyrin-based covalent organic frameworks with highly ordered structures through polycondensation. The porphyrin-based frameworks exhibited high crystallinity, high porosity, and extended π-conjugation over the polyporphyrin sheets.
Bis(terpyridine)iron(II) Complex Wires with a Bithiophene Linker for Superior Long-range Electron Transport
Authors: Bajpayee Aayushi , Maeda Hiroaki , Katagiri Shunsuke , Sakamoto Ryota , Nishihara Hiroshi
Published: June 2015

Fabrication of bis(terpyridine)iron(II) complex wires by introduction of a bithiophene-linked bridging ligand (LBT) on the Au(111) surface is discussed. A comparative study revealed a very small energy gap between the HOMOs of Fe(tpy)2 and LBT indicating relatively strong electronic coupling and better electron-transport ability. By cyclic voltammetry and potential step chronoamperometric measurements, the small attenuation factor (βd = 0.010 ± 0.004 Å−1) was witnessed.
Microscopic Characteristics of Water Flooding and the Affecting Factors of Low-Permeability Sandstone Reservoir in Zhidan Area, Ordos Basin, China
Authors: Ma Yao , Li Wenhou , Liu Chiyang
Published: June 2015

This paper is to analyze the issues arose during water-flooding exploitation of the low-permeability sandstone reservoir in Ordos Basin, China, and to provide relevant theoretical supports. The method of sandstone micro-model for water flooding experiment was used here to simulate water flooding process, in order to analyze the characteristics of water flooding in low permeability sandstone reservoir from the microscopic view. In addition, the study explored affecting factors to displacement efficiency of low-permeability sandstone reservoir, by analytical tests of physical properties, casting thin sections observation, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and x-ray diffractometer test. The results show that the main displacement methods are homogeneous displacement, finger displacement and mesh displacement in the five experimental models, and a combination of multiple displacement methods in one model is also common. Distribution patterns of residual oil observed in the experimental models include circuitous residual oil and cut-off residual oil. The highest displacement efficiency can reach up to 55.19%, while the average is 42.41%. The displacement efficiency is relatively high, suggesting a good prospect for water-flooding development of the reservoir. We analyzed the possible affecting factors for displacement efficiency of low-permeability sandstone reservoir, from both the objective factors of reservoir and human controllable factors, including physical properties of the reservoir, heterogeneity of pore structure, wettability of the reservoir, volume of injected water and displacement pressure, etc. It turns out that heterogeneity of pore structure is the most critical factor. The greater the heterogeneity of pore structure is, the more likely the circuitous residual oil would be and then the decrease of displacement efficiency.
An Analytical Model for Heat Transfer Process in Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage
Authors: Tian Xiao , Mu Longxin , Wu Xianghong , Xu Feng
Published: June 2015

A new analytical model is developed and solved to reveal heat transfer mechanism during steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD). The new model is transformed to a boundary value problem (BVP) for second order ordinary differential equations (ODEs) to be solved. Moreover, a new relationship between oil saturation and dimensionless reservoir temperature is established and utilized to solve the model. The results reveal three main conclusions. Firstly, although the specific proportion of convection to conduction during heat transfer process is influenced by properties of rock and fluids in the reservoir, convective heat flux is more important than conductive heat flux near steam chamber edge (around 0–2 m). Secondly, convective heat flux decreases rapidly away from the chamber edge and quickly becomes negligible compared to conductive heat flux. As a result, the influence of convection on reservoir temperature is marginal during the whole heat transfer process. Thirdly, classic relationship between reservoir temperature and distance measured from the steam-chamber edge, which is developed under conductive heat transfer assumption, is still applicable when considering both conductive and convective heat transfer.
Evaluation as Fuel Diesel Engine of Methyl Esters Derived from Waste Animal Fats
Authors: Behçet Rasim
Published: June 2015

The purpose of this study is to convert waste animal fats, which are harmful to the environment and human health, into biodiesel fuel and to investigate the using of biodiesel as fuel in diesel engines. For this reason, fish fat methyl ester (FFME) and chicken fat methyl ester (CFME) have been produced by transesterification method from fish fat and chicken fat. After that, methyl esters have been used as fuel in a single-cylinder, four stroke, direct injection and air-cooled diesel engine; and the effects of fuels on engine performance and exhaust emissions have been comparatively investigated with standard diesel fuel (D2). Engine tests show that the performance parameters of biodiesel fuels do not differ greatly from those of the diesel fuel. Slight power losses, combined with an increase in the fuel consumption, are experienced with the animal fat based biodiesel fuels. On the other hand, exhaust emissions (HC and CO) of FFME and CFME fuels were lower than those of diesel fuel. Taken into account of good fuel combustion characteristics and positive effects on the environment, it can be concluded that FFME and CFME fuels can be used as an alternative to diesel fuel.
A GIS Based Integration Method for Geothermal Resources Exploration and Site Selection
Authors: Noorollahi Younes , Ghasempour Roghayeh , Jalilinasrabady Saeid
Published: June 2015

A toolbox using a Geographic Information System (GIS) was developed and introduced as a decision-making tool to locate potential geothermal areas. The study aims to introduce step-by-step guidelines and develop a user friendly computer program that can determine promising geothermal areas. Six data layers characterizing the geothermal area are employed in the site selection process.

ArcMap was used as a base program to develop the GIS Model for Geothermal Resource Exploration (GM-GRE), which consists of geoprocessing tools and a model builder. Criteria for defining promising areas based on each layer are defined using spatial relationship analysis of currently producing geothermal wells in Akita and Iwate prefectures in northern Japan as proven geothermal resources and evidence layers. Areas with geothermal potential were defined and prioritized using input data layers.
Feedback Control of Rijke-Type Thermoacoustic Oscillations Transient Growth
Authors: Zhang Zhiguo , Guan Di
Published: June 2015

Non-normality can lead to acoustic disturbances transient growth in linearly stable thermoacoustic systems. This can cause small-amplitude disturbances to grow into limit cycle oscillations and the systems become nonlinearly unstable. Such self-excited limit cycle oscillations are detrimental to the land-based gas turbine and aero-engines. In this work, we demonstrate the conventional controllers such as linear quadratic regulator (LQR) fail in eliminating the transient energy growth, which has great potential to trigger thermoacoustic instability. To minimize the acoustic disturbances transient growth, a transient growth controller (TGC) is designed by considering the non-normality effect. The performance of the conventional controllers and TGC is performed and compared in a horizontal thermoacoustic system with Dirichlet boundary conditions and monopole-like actuators implemented. An acoustically compact heat source is confined and modelled as time-lag formulation. The TGC controller is shown to be able to not only stabilize the thermoacoustic system but also minimize the transient energy growth.
Mercury Adsorption Characteristics of Sulphur-Impregnated Activated Carbon Pellets for the Flue Gas Condition of a Cement-Manufacturing Process
Authors: Min Hyo-Ki , Ahmad Tanveer , Kim Kwang-Yul , Oh Kwang-Joong , Lee Sang-Sup
Published: June 2015

Powdered activated carbon is used for adsorption of mercury in flue gas. However, in the cement-manufacturing process, it is more suitable to use fixed-bed granular activated carbon than powdered activated carbon injection, so the cement can be reused. Because activated carbon is influenced by both adsorption temperature and composition of flue gas, its mercury adsorption capacity varies greatly. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the efficiency of activated carbon for mercury adsorption in advance under the operating conditions in which it is going to be used. We examined the mercury adsorption from exhaust gas in the cement-manufacturing process using sulphur-impregnated activated carbon pellets. The study results show that sulphur-impregnated activated carbon pellets had a high efficiency for mercury adsorption at a high exhaust gas temperature of 180 °C. Experimental results also indicated that the activated carbon pellets had a high efficiency for mercury adsorption (>93%) at 90, 135 and 180 °C from simulated gas without sulphur dioxide. These results indicate that activated carbon pellets have a high efficiency for mercury adsorption in the exhaust gas in the cement-manufacturing process, which is characterized by low levels of sulphur dioxide.
Investigating Potential of Wind Energy in Mahshahr, Iran
Authors: Asakereh Abbas , Omid Mahmoud , Alimardani Reza , Sarmadian Fereydoon
Published: June 2015

In this paper, measured time-series wind speed data in two sites in Mahshahr (Iran) were analyzed to find wind energy potential of this region. The objective was to evaluate the most important characteristics of wind energy in the studied sites using means of meteorological and Weibull distribution functions. The statistical approach was used to estimate mean wind speed, wind speed distribution function, mean wind power density and mean wind energy density of the sites at heights of 10 and 40 m. Annual mean wind speeds at heights of 10 and 40 m above the ground were 4.11 and 6.08 m/s, respectively. The results revealed wide variation in the values of monthly power and energy densities in the region. The lowest and highest values of mean wind energy densities at height of 10 m were 30.8 and 111.8 kWh/m2/month in July and January, respectively. The winds had mean energy density of 1210 kWh/m2/year at 40 m height. It can be concluded that Mahshahr region has a relatively good potential for harnessing winds.
Simulation of Damage for Wind Turbine Blades Due to Airborne Particles
Authors: Fiore Giovanni , Selig Michael S.
Published: June 2015

A mathematical model and simulation of airborne particle collisions with a 38 m, 1.5 MW horizontal axis wind turbine blade are presented. Two types of particles were analyzed, namely insects and sand grains. Computations were performed using a two-dimensional inviscid flowfield solver coupled with a particle position code. Three locations along the blade were considered and characterized by airfoils of the DU series. The insect simulations estimated the residual debris thickness on the blade, while sand simulations computed the surface erosion rate. Results show that the impact locations along the blade depend on angle of attack, freestream velocity, airfoil shape, and particle mass. Particles were found to collide primarily at the leading edge. The volume of insect debris per unit span was maximum at r/ R = 0.75. The erosion rate due to sand was maximum on the low pressure side of the blade. An erosion rate approximately ten times higher was observed at r/ R = 0.75, as compared with the section at r/ R = 0.35. Near the leading edge, large angles of impact occurred and erosion rate had a minimum, while it reached maximum values slightly downstream where the impact angle was more skewed.