bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Properties of Stark Resonant States in Exactly Solvable Systems
Authors: Brown Jeffrey M. , Kolesik Miroslav
Published: December 2015

Properties of Stark resonant states are studied in two exactly solvable systems. These resonances are shown to form a biorthogonal system with respect to a pairing defined by a contour integral that selects states with outgoing wave boundary conditions. Analytic expressions are derived for the pseudonorm, dipole moment, and coupling matrix elements which relate systems with different strengths of the external field. All results are based on explicit calculations made possible by a newly designed integration method for combinations of Airy functions representing resonant eigenstates. Generalizations for one-dimensional systems with short-range potentials are presented, and relations are identified which are likely to hold in systems with three spatial dimensions.
Maize Residue as a Viable Substrate for Farm Scale Cultivation of Oyster Mushroom(Pleurotus ostreatus)
Authors: Adjapong Abena O. , Ansah Kwame D. , Angfaarabung Faustina , Sintim Henry O.
Published: December 2015

In the search for alternatives to sawdust as growing media in commercial mushroom cultivation, three organic substrates obtainable as crop residue, maize husk, maize cob, and maize stalk, with each being supplemented with rice bran, were evaluated as growth media for the oyster mushroom,Pleurotus ostreatus(Kummer). For the tested alternatives to sawdust, the harvested weight of fruiting bodies that sprouted on a kilogram maize husk media per crop (32.99 g) was the highest. Sawdust media supported significantly (P<0.001) heavier fruiting bodies (42.18) than the maize residues. The peak mushroom harvests for the various substrates were obtained between the first and seventh fruiting body flushes. The biological efficiency of the substrates, which measured usable nutrients indicated that maize stalk supplemented with rice bran, was 39% compared to that of the sawdust media (60%). The maize husk media and the maize cob media had biological efficiencies of 32% and 9.5%, respectively. These results indicate that two of the tested growing media (maize stalk or husk) produced mushrooms with yield characteristics that were comparable to the well-used sawdust in the cultivation of oyster mushrooms. The environmental and economic parameters involved in the use and carting of sawdust make these on-farm crop residues a viable alternative for mushroom cultivation in especially nonforest zones of Ghana.
Abscess Formation after Septic Arthritis in the Sternoclavicular Joint of Two Healthy Men
Authors: Henriksen Jeppe , Tang Mariann , Hjortdal Vibeke
Published: December 2015

Abscess formation after septic arthritis in the sternoclavicular joint is a rare phenomenon in healthy people without immune suppression, intravenous drug abuse, or diabetes. Here we report two cases with formation of abscess in two middle-aged men, with no relevant comorbidities and no obvious sites of infection. The abscesses were both treated surgically with debridement followed by negative pressure wound therapy and antibiotics. The cases differ in diagnostic procedures and delay of diagnosis and broach the issues of handling a rare disease.
Markerless Augmented Reality via Stereo Video See-Through Head-Mounted Display Device
Authors: Hsieh Chung-Hung , Lee Jiann-Der
Published: December 2015

Conventionally, the camera localization for augmented reality (AR) relies on detecting a known pattern within the captured images. In this study, a markerless AR scheme has been designed based on a Stereo Video See-Through Head-Mounted Display (HMD) device. The proposed markerless AR scheme can be utilized for medical applications such as training, telementoring, or preoperative explanation. Firstly, a virtual model for AR visualization is aligned to the target in physical space by an improved Iterative Closest Point (ICP) based surface registration algorithm, with the target surface structure reconstructed by a stereo camera pair; then, a markerless AR camera localization method is designed based on the Kanade-Lucas-Tomasi (KLT) feature tracking algorithm and the Random Sample Consensus (RANSAC) correction algorithm. Our AR camera localization method is shown to be better than the traditional marker-based and sensor-based AR environment. The demonstration system was evaluated with a plastic dummy head and the display result is satisfactory for a multiple-view observation.
Canards Existence in FitzHugh-Nagumo and Hodgkin-Huxley Neuronal Models
Authors: Ginoux Jean-Marc , Llibre Jaume
Published: December 2015

In a previous paper we have proposed a new method for proving the existence of “canard solutions” for three- and four-dimensional singularly perturbed systems with only onefastvariable which improves the methods used until now. The aim of this work is to extend this method to the case of four-dimensional singularly perturbed systems with twoslowand twofastvariables. This method enables stating a unique generic condition for the existence of “canard solutions” for such four-dimensional singularly perturbed systems which is based on the stability offolded singularities(pseudo singular pointsin this case) of thenormalized slow dynamicsdeduced from a well-known property of linear algebra. This unique generic condition is identical to that provided in previous works. Application of this method to the famous coupled FitzHugh-Nagumo equations and to the Hodgkin-Huxley model enables showing the existence of “canard solutions” in such systems.
Technological Properties of Wheat/Trifoliate Yam (Dioscorea dumetorum) Hardened Tubers Composite Flours
Authors: Essa’a Véronique Josette , Baleba Roger M. Mbanga , Medoua Gabriel Nama
Published: December 2015

The ability of trifoliate hardened-yam flours to partially substitute wheat flour in food formulations was assessed. Three varieties of hardened-yam flour were incorporated in wheat flour in proportions of 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50% (w/w). Samples were evaluated for protein content, Zeleny sedimentation index, Hagberg falling number, functional properties (WAC, WSI, and OAC), and some rheological properties including dough rupture pressure (P), extensibility (L), stability (P/L), and deformation energy (W). Results showed that trifoliate hardened-yam flours do not have acceptable baking properties as pictured by the low Zeleny sedimentation index and the low Hagberg falling number. Protein quality (Zeleny index, 31) of wheat flour helped to compensate gluten deficit of yam flours, but the amylasic activity determined by the Hagberg falling number could not be adjusted, which resulted in a loss of extensibility (L) of the paste at 10% substitution. Multivariate analysis of experimental data regrouped wheat flour and all wheat/hardened-yam treated with kanwa composite flours in one homogeneous cluster. Although wheat/hardened-yam treated with kanwa composite flours had physicochemical and functional properties similar to wheat, the inadequate diastasic activity makes them inappropriate for bread making, marking the strongest influence of that parameter.
Autoextraction of Permanent Incisors and Self-Inflicted Orodental Trauma in a Severely Burned Child
Authors: Keles Sultan , Dogusal Gülçin , Sönmez Işıl
Published: December 2015

Autoextraction is one type of self-injurious behaviour. In the literature, self-injurious behaviours are observed in syndromes and genetic conditions. However, to the best of our knowledge, SIB and autoextraction in a severely burned patient have not been reported to date. This report describes the self-inflicted trauma and autoextraction in a severely burned child, and the management of the child during and after burn treatment.
Atmospheric Aerosols Detection Research with a Dual Field of View Lidar
Authors: Lihui Lv , Tianshu Zhang , Cheng Liu , Yunsheng Dong , Zhenyi Chen , Guangqiang Fan , Yang Liu , Wenqing Liu
Published: December 2015

A dual field of view lidar system with two independent receivers is described to realize the detection of atmospheric aerosols. A CCD camera is attached to a backscatter lidar as a receiver to complement the data in the near-field range affected by the incomplete overlap between the laser beam and the receiver field of view. The signal detected by the CCD camera is corrected and finally glued with the signal of the backscatter lidar to retrieve the aerosol extinction coefficient with Fernald algorithm. The aerosol extinction profile and visibilities measured by the dual field of lidar had been compared with the results measured by another general backscatter lidar and a surface aerosol instrument, respectively. The results suggested that the dual field of view lidar based on a CCD camera is feasible and reliable. It could obtain the data both in the near and in the far range simultaneously, improving the detection accuracy of the lidar system effectively.
A Case of Idiopathic Acute Pancreatitis in the First Trimester of Pregnancy
Authors: Hara Tomomi , Kanasaki Haruhiko , Oride Aki , Ishihara Tomoko , Kyo Satoru
Published: December 2015

Acute pancreatitis is rare in pregnancy, with an estimated incidence of approximately 1 in 1000 to 1 in 10,000 pregnancies. Acute pancreatitis in pregnancy usually occurs in the third trimester. Here, we report a case of acute pancreatitis in the first trimester. A 36-year-old primigravida at 11 weeks of gestation complained of severe lower abdominal pain. The pain gradually worsened and migrated toward the epigastric region. She had no history of chronic alcoholism. Blood investigations showed elevated level of C-reactive protein (9.58 mg/dL), pancreatic amylase (170 IU/L), and lipase (332 IU/L). There was no gallstone and no abnormality in the pancreatic and biliary ducts on ultrasonography. Antinuclear antibody and IgG4 were negative and no evidence of hyperlipidemia or diabetes was found. There was also no evidence of viral infection. On the third day of hospitalization, she was diagnosed with severe acute pancreatitis on magnetic resonance imaging. Medical interventions were initiated with nafamostat mesilate and ulinastatin, and parenteral nutrition was administered through a central venous catheter. On the eighth day of hospitalization, her condition gradually improved with a decreased level of pancreatic amylase and the pain subsided. After conservative management, she did not have any recurrence during her pregnancy.
Bilevel Programming Model of Private Capital Investment in Urban Public Transportation: Case Study of Jinan City
Authors: Xue Yunqiang , Guan Hongzhi , Corey Jonathan , Qin Huanmei , Han Yan , Ma Jiaqi
Published: December 2015

Increasing public transportation subsidies have created fiscal pressures for governments. To ease this financial pressure, Chinese government strongly encourages private capital investment in public transportation. However, previous private capital investments in public transportation operations have largely failed, mainly due to low ticket fares that cannot support sustainable operations. To address this issue, several previous research projects have developed methods to facilitate private capital investment. The majority of the research focuses on qualitative analysis and value for money analysis. Our research proposed a new method of private capital investment in public transportation operations based on the concept of “passenger value.” The feasibility of the proposed method of private investment was analyzed quantitatively by constructing a bilevel programming model. The model was verified based on a sample analysis of Jinan city traffic. Results showed that effective private capital investment increases the total societal benefit from the public transportation system and additionally that the investment method considering “passenger value” is superior to the traditional one. A quantitative tool was provided by the model to evaluate private capital investment effects, design investment policies, and develop further research.
A Mathematical Method for Eliminating Spin Losses in Toroidal Traction Drives
Authors: Li Qingtao , Wu Jie , Li Hua , Yao Jin
Published: December 2015

The efficiency of the original Toroidal continuously variable transmission (CVT) is limited due to the spin losses caused by the different speed distribution in the contact area. To overcome this drawback, this paper replaces the original working surface with a new surface derived from a differential equation and proposes a novel Logarithmic CVT. Equations and ranges of the transmission ratio range, half-cone-angle, and conformity ratio, which are essential geometrical parameters of the Logarithmic CVT, are derived. A set of geometrical parameters is further recommended. With such geometrical parameters, the transmission ratio range of the Logarithmic CVT is as wide as that of the Half-Toroidal CVT. The two types of CVTs are compared with each other in terms of efficiency based on a widely accepted computational model. The results show that efficiency of the Logarithmic CVT is higher than that of Half-Toroidal CVT except for some particular situations because of the thrust bearing losses.
Phenotypic Diversity of Date Palm Cultivars (Phoenix dactylifera L.) from Sudan Estimated by Vegetative and Fruit Characteristics
Authors: Elsafy Mohammed , Garkava-Gustavsson Larisa , Mujaju Claid
Published: December 2015

The aim of this study was to apply some of the vegetative and fruit traits which are easily recognised to identify the variation and the diversity level of the most famous Sudanese date palm cultivars grown on farm in the northern region of Sudan. Sixteen phenotypic traits consisting of ten quantitative and six qualitative characteristics were used for describing the vegetative and fruit characteristics. The principal components analysis (PCA) and UPGMA clustering were used to analyse the data set. The results revealed high variability among the cultivars according to PCA. Fourteen out of the sixteen quantitative and qualitative traits investigated showed a strong discriminating factor suggesting their possible uses in the initiation of Sudanese date palm morphological descriptor list. UPGMA clustering exhibited strong relationship between some cultivars according to their fruit and vegetative characteristics similarity. Based on morphological traits, cultivars Wad-laggi (Lag) and Wad-khateeb (Kha) formed a distinct group suggesting their close relatedness. Similarly, the cultivars sharing the dry fruit texture such as Gondaila (Gon), Tamoda (Tam), Kolmah (Kol), and Barkawi (Bar) were grouped together according to their vegetative traits. Further investigations on Sudanese date palm using more phenotypic characteristics are recommended in order to shape and complete the set of the morphological descriptor list.
Protein Kinase CK2: A Targetable BCR-ABL Partner in Philadelphia Positive Leukemias
Authors: Morotti Alessandro , Carrà Giovanna , Panuzzo Cristina , Crivellaro Sabrina , Taulli Riccardo , Guerrasio Angelo , Saglio Giuseppe
Published: December 2015

BCR-ABL-mediated leukemias, either Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) or Philadelphia positive Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), are the paradigm of targeted molecular therapy of cancer due to the impressive clinical responses obtained with BCR-ABL specific tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). However, BCR-ABL TKIs do not allow completely eradicating both CML and ALL. Furthermore, ALL therapy is associated with much worse responses to TKIs than those observed in CML. The identification of additional pathways that mediate BCR-ABL leukemogenesis is indeed mandatory to achieve synthetic lethality together with TKI. Here, we review the role of BCR-ABL/protein kinase CK2 interaction in BCR-ABL leukemias, with potentially relevant implications for therapy.
A Novel Model on Curve Fitting and Particle Swarm Optimization for Vertical Handover in Heterogeneous Wireless Networks
Authors: Goudarzi Shidrokh , Hassan Wan Haslina , Anisi Mohammad Hossein , Soleymani Seyed Ahmad , Shabanzadeh Parvaneh
Published: December 2015

The vertical handover mechanism is an essential issue in the heterogeneous wireless environments where selection of an efficient network that provides seamless connectivity involves complex scenarios. This study uses two modules that utilize the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm to predict and make an intelligent vertical handover decision. In this paper, we predict the received signal strength indicator parameter using the curve fitting based particle swarm optimization (CF-PSO) and the RBF neural networks. The results of the proposed methodology compare the predictive capabilities in terms of coefficient determination (R2) and mean square error (MSE) based on the validation dataset. The results show that the effect of the model based on the CF-PSO is better than that of the model based on the RBF neural network in predicting the received signal strength indicator situation. In addition, we present a novel network selection algorithm to select the best candidate access point among the various access technologies based on the PSO. Simulation results indicate that using CF-PSO algorithm can decrease the number of unnecessary handovers and prevent the “Ping-Pong” effect. Moreover, it is demonstrated that the multiobjective particle swarm optimization based method finds an optimal network selection in a heterogeneous wireless environment.
Th17 Cells in Type 1 Diabetes: Role in the Pathogenesis and Regulation by Gut Microbiome
Authors: Li Yangyang , Liu Yu , Chu Cong-Qiu
Published: December 2015

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease which is characterized by progressive destruction of insulin producing pancreatic islet β cells. The risk of developing T1D is determined by both genetic and environmental factors. A growing body of evidence supports an important role of T helper type 17 (Th17) cells along with impaired T regulatory (Treg) cells in the development of T1D in animal models and humans. Alteration of gut microbiota has been implicated to be responsible for the imbalance between Th17 and Treg cells. However, there is controversy concerning a pathogenic versus protective role of Th17 cells in murine models of diabetes in the context of influence of gut microbiota. In this review we will summarize current knowledge about Th17 cells and gut microbiota involved in T1D and propose Th17 targeted therapy in children with islet autoimmunity to prevent progression to overt diabetes.
Compressed Measurements Based Spectrum Sensing for Wideband Cognitive Radio Systems
Authors: Khalaf Taha A. , Abdelsadek Mohammed Y. , Farrag Mohammed
Published: December 2015

Spectrum sensing is the most important component in the cognitive radio (CR) technology. Spectrum sensing has considerable technical challenges, especially in wideband systems where higher sampling rates are required which increases the complexity and the power consumption of the hardware circuits. Compressive sensing (CS) is successfully deployed to solve this problem. Although CS solves the higher sampling rate problem, it does not reduce complexity to a large extent. Spectrum sensing via CS technique is performed in three steps: sensing compressed measurements, reconstructing the Nyquist rate signal, and performing spectrum sensing on the reconstructed signal. Compressed detectors perform spectrum sensing from the compressed measurements skipping the reconstruction step which is the most complex step in CS. In this paper, we propose a novel compressed detector using energy detection technique on compressed measurements sensed by the discrete cosine transform (DCT) matrix. The proposed algorithm not only reduces the computational complexity but also provides a better performance than the traditional energy detector and the traditional compressed detector in terms of the receiver operating characteristics. We also derive closed form expressions for the false alarm and detection probabilities. Numerical results show that the analytical expressions coincide with the exact probabilities obtained from simulations.
Presentation and Surgical Management of Duodenal Duplication in Adults
Authors: Jadlowiec Caroline C. , Lobel Beata E. , Akolkar Namita , Bourque Michael D. , Devers Thomas J. , McFadden David W.
Published: December 2015

Duodenal duplications in adults are exceedingly rare and their diagnosis remains difficult as symptoms are largely nonspecific. Clinical presentations include pancreatitis, biliary obstruction, gastrointestinal bleeding from ectopic gastric mucosa, and malignancy. A case of duodenal duplication in a 59-year-old female is presented, and her treatment course is reviewed with description of combined surgical and endoscopic approach to repair, along with a review of historic and current recommendations for management. Traditionally, gastrointestinal duplications have been treated with surgical resection; however, for duodenal duplications, the anatomic proximity to the biliopancreatic ampulla makes surgical management challenging. Recently, advances in endoscopy have improved the clinical success of cystic intraluminal duodenal duplications. Despite these advances, surgical resection is still recommended for extraluminal tubular duplications although combined techniques may be necessary for long tubular duplications. For duodenal duplications, a combined approach of partial excision combined with mucosal stripping may offer advantage.
Carbon Sources for Yeast Growth as a Precondition of Hydrogen Peroxide Induced Hormetic Phenotype
Authors: Vasylkovska Ruslana , Petriv Natalia , Semchyshyn Halyna
Published: December 2015

Hormesis is a phenomenon of particular interest in biology, medicine, pharmacology, and toxicology. In this study, we investigated the relationship between H2O2-induced hormetic response inS. cerevisiaeand carbon sources in yeast growth medium. In general, our data indicate that (i) hydrogen peroxide induces hormesis in a concentration-dependent manner; (ii) the effect of hydrogen peroxide on yeast reproductive ability depends on the type of carbon substrate in growth medium; and (iii) metabolic and growth rates as well as catalase activity play an important role in H2O2-induced hormetic response in yeast.
Numerical Simulation of Oil Jet Lubrication for High Speed Gears
Authors: Fondelli Tommaso , Andreini Antonio , Da Soghe Riccardo , Facchini Bruno , Cipolla Lorenzo
Published: December 2015

The Geared Turbofan technology is one of the most promising engine configurations to significantly reduce the specific fuel consumption. In this architecture, a power epicyclical gearbox is interposed between the fan and the low pressure spool. Thanks to the gearbox, fan and low pressure spool can turn at different speed, leading to higher engine bypass ratio. Therefore the gearbox efficiency becomes a key parameter for such technology. Further improvement of efficiency can be achieved developing a physical understanding of fluid dynamic losses within the transmission system. These losses are mainly related to viscous effects and they are directly connected to the lubrication method. In this work, the oil injection losses have been studied by means of CFD simulations. A numerical study of a single oil jet impinging on a single high speed gear has been carried out using the VOF method. The aim of this analysis is to evaluate the resistant torque due to the oil jet lubrication, correlating the torque data with the oil-gear interaction phases. URANS calculations have been performed using an adaptive meshing approach, as a way of significantly reducing the simulation costs. A global sensitivity analysis of adopted models has been carried out and a numerical setup has been defined.
Phytochemical Profile and Biological Activity ofNelumbo nucifera
Authors: Paudel Keshav Raj , Panth Nisha
Published: December 2015

Nelumbo nuciferaGaertn. (Nymphaeaceae) is a potential aquatic crop grown and consumed throughout Asia. All parts ofN. nuciferahave been used for various medicinal purposes in various systems of medicine including folk medicines, Ayurveda, Chinese traditional medicine, and oriental medicine. Many chemical constituents have been isolated till the date. However, the bioactive constituents of lotus are mainly alkaloids and flavonoids. Traditionally, the whole plant of lotus was used as astringent, emollient, and diuretic. It was used in the treatment of diarrhea, tissue inflammation, and homeostasis. The rhizome extract was used as antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory properties due to the presence of asteroidal triterpenoid. Leaves were used as an effective drug for hematemesis, epistaxis, hemoptysis, hematuria, and metrorrhagia. Flowers were used to treat diarrhea, cholera, fever, and hyperdipsia. In traditional medicine practice, seeds are used in the treatment of tissue inflammation, cancer and skin diseases, leprosy, and poison antidote. Embryo of lotus seeds is used in traditional Chinese medicine as Lian Zi Xin, which primarily helps to overcome nervous disorders, insomnia, and cardiovascular diseases (hypertension and arrhythmia). Nutritional value of lotus is as important as pharmaceutical value. These days’ different parts of lotus have been consumed as functional foods. Thus, lotus can be regarded as a potential nutraceutical source.
Alternative Tuples Based Probabilistic Skyline Query Processing in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Wang Zhiqiong , Xin Junchang , Wang Pei
Published: December 2015

As uncertainty is the inherent character of sensing data, the processing and optimization techniques for Probabilistic Skyline (PS) in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are investigated. It can be proved that PS is not decomposable after analyzing its properties, so in-network aggregation techniques cannot be used directly to improve the performance. In this paper, an efficient algorithm, called Distributed Processing of Probabilistic Skyline (DPPS) query in WSNs, is proposed. The algorithm divides the sensing data into candidate data (CD), irrelevant data (ID), and relevant data (RD). The ID in each sensor node can be filtered directly to reduce data transmissions cost, since, only according to both CD and RD, PS result can be correctly obtained on the base station. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm can effectively reduce data transmissions by filtering the unnecessary data and greatly prolong the lifetime of WSNs.
Exploring Trade-Offs between Specialized Dataflow Kernels and a Reusable Overlay in a Stereo Matching Case Study
Authors: Kenter Tobias , Schmitz Henning , Plessl Christian
Published: December 2015

FPGAs are known to permit huge gains in performance and efficiency for suitable applications but still require reduced design efforts and shorter development cycles for wider adoption. In this work, we compare the resulting performance of two design concepts that in different ways promise such increased productivity. As common starting point, we employ a kernel-centric design approach, where computational hotspots in an application are identified and individually accelerated on FPGA. By means of a complex stereo matching application, we evaluate two fundamentally different design philosophies and approaches for implementing the required kernels on FPGAs. In the first implementation approach, we designed individually specialized data flow kernels in a spatial programming language for a Maxeler FPGA platform; in the alternative design approach, we target a vector coprocessor with large vector lengths, which is implemented as a form of programmable overlay on the application FPGAs of a Convey HC-1. We assess both approaches in terms of overall system performance, raw kernel performance, and performance relative to invested resources. After compensating for the effects of the underlying hardware platforms, the specialized dataflow kernels on the Maxeler platform are around 3x faster than kernels executing on the Convey vector coprocessor. In our concrete scenario, due to trade-offs between reconfiguration overheads and exposed parallelism, the advantage of specialized dataflow kernels is reduced to around 2.5x.
15d-PGJ2 Reduced Microglia Activation and Alleviated Neurological Deficit of Ischemic Reperfusion in Diabetic Rat Model
Authors: Huang Lihong , Li Gang , Feng Xiaofang , Wang Luojun
Published: December 2015

To investigate the effect of PPARγagonist 15d-PGJ2 treatment on the microglia activation and neurological deficit of ischemia reperfusion in diabetic rat model, adult Sprague-Dawley rats were sacrificed for the research. The rats were randomly categorized into four groups: (1) sham-operated group; (2) standard ischemia group; (3) diabetic ischemia group; (4) diabetic ischemia group with diabetes and treated with 15d-PGJ2. Compared to the sham-operated group, all the ischemic groups have significantly severer neurological deficits, more TNF-αand IL-1 expression, increased labeling of apoptotic cells, increased CD68 positive staining of brain lesion, and increased volume of infarct and cerebral edema in both 24 hours and 7 days after reperfusion. Interestingly, reduced neurological deficits, decreased TNF-αand IL-1 expression, less apoptotic cells and CD68 positive staining, and alleviated infarct and cerebral edema volume were observed when 15d-PGJ2 was intraperitoneally injected after reperfusion in diabetic ischemia group, suggesting its neuroprotective role in regulating microglia activation, which may have a therapeutic application in the future.
Nonstationary Random Vibration Performance of Train-Bridge Coupling System with Vertical Track Irregularity
Authors: Li Xiaozhen , Zhu Yan , Jin Zhibin
Published: December 2015

In order to study the random vibration performance of trains running on continuous beam bridge with vertical track irregularity, a time-domain framework of random analysis on train-bridge coupling system is established. The vertical rail irregularity is regarded as a random process. A multibody mass-spring-damper model is employed to represent a moving railway car and the bridge system is simulated by finite elements. By introducing the pseudo excitation algorithm into the train-bridge interaction dynamic system, expressions of the mean value, standard deviation, and power spectral density of the nonstationary random dynamic responses of bridge and vehicles are derived. Monte-Carlo simulations are implemented to validate the presented method. A comprehensive analysis of the train-bridge coupling system with vertical track irregularity is conducted focusing on the effect of the randomness of the vertical rail irregularity on the dynamic behavior of the running train and the three-span continuous concrete bridge. Moreover, stochastic characteristics of the indicator for assessing the safety and the riding quality of the railway cars running on continuous beam bridge are carried out, which may be a useful reference in the dynamic design of the bridge.
Oxidative Stress in Intracerebral Hemorrhage: Sources, Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Targets
Authors: Hu Xin , Tao Chuanyuan , Gan Qi , Zheng Jun , Li Hao , You Chao
Published: December 2015

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is associated with the highest mortality and morbidity despite only constituting approximately 10–15% of all strokes. Complex underlying mechanisms consisting of cytotoxic, excitotoxic, and inflammatory effects of intraparenchymal blood are responsible for its highly damaging effects. Oxidative stress (OS) also plays an important role in brain injury after ICH but attracts less attention than other factors. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that the metabolite axis of hemoglobin‐heme‐iron is the key contributor to oxidative brain damage after ICH, although other factors, such as neuroinflammation and prooxidases, are involved. This review will discuss the sources, possible molecular mechanisms, and potential therapeutic targets of OS in ICH.
Arginine Vasopressin Injected into the Dorsal Motor Nucleus of the Vagus Inhibits Gastric Motility in Rats
Authors: Zhu Jianping , Chang Lanlan , Xie Jinlu , Ai Hongbin
Published: December 2015

Background. Until now, the effect of arginine vasopressin (AVP) in the DMV on gastric motility and the possible modulating pathway between the DMV and the gastrointestinal system remain poorly understood.Objectives. We aimed to explore the role of AVP in the DMV in regulating gastric motility and the possible central and peripheral pathways.Material and Methods. Firstly, we microinjected different doses of AVP into the DMV and investigated its effects on gastric motility in rats. Then, the possible central and peripheral pathways that regulate gastric motility were also discussed by microinjectingSR49059(a specific AVP receptor antagonist) into the DMV and intravenous injection of hexamethonium (a specific neuronal nicotinic cholinergic receptor antagonist) before AVP microinjection.Results. Following microinjection of AVP (180 pmol and 18 pmol) into the DMV, the gastric motility (including total amplitude, total duration, and motility index of gastric contraction) was significantly inhibited (P<0.05). Moreover, the inhibitory effect of AVP (180 pmol) on gastric motility could be blocked completely by bothSR49059(320 pmol) and hexamethonium (8 μmol).Conclusions. It is concluded that AVP inhibits the gastric motility by acting on the specific AVP receptor in the DMV, with the potential involvement of the parasympathetic preganglionic cholinergic fibers.
Methodology for Developing Hydrological Models Based on an Artificial Neural Network to Establish an Early Warning System in Small Catchments
Authors: Sušanj Ivana , Ožanić Nevenka , Marović Ivan
Published: December 2015

In some situations, there is no possibility of hazard mitigation, especially if the hazard is induced by water. Thus, it is important to prevent consequences via an early warning system (EWS) to announce the possible occurrence of a hazard. The aim and objective of this paper are to investigate the possibility of implementing an EWS in a small-scale catchment and to develop a methodology for developing a hydrological prediction model based on an artificial neural network (ANN) as an essential part of the EWS. The methodology is implemented in the case study of the Slani Potok catchment, which is historically recognized as a hazard-prone area, by establishing continuous monitoring of meteorological and hydrological parameters to collect data for the training, validation, and evaluation of the prediction capabilities of the ANN model. The model is validated and evaluated by visual and common calculation approaches and a new evaluation for the assessment. This new evaluation is proposed based on the separation of the observed data into classes based on the mean data value and the percentages of classes above or below the mean data value as well as on the performance of the mean absolute error.
Surrogate Markers of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Progression
Authors: Wanhainen Anders , Mani Kevin , Golledge Jonathan
Published: December 2015

The natural course of many abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) is to gradually expand and eventually rupture and monitoring the disease progression is essential to their management. In this publication, we review surrogate markers of AAA progression. AAA diameter remains the most widely used and important marker of AAA growth. Standardized reporting of reproducible methods of measuring AAA diameter is essential. Newer imaging assessments, such as volume measurements, biomechanical analyses, and functional and molecular imaging, as well as circulating biomarkers, have potential to add important information about AAA progression. Currently, however, there is insufficient evidence to recommend their routine use in clinical practice.
Association of High Ankle Brachial Index With Incident Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality in a High-Risk Population
Authors: Hendriks Eva J.E. , Westerink Jan , de Jong Pim A. , de Borst Gert J. , Nathoe Hendrik M. , Mali Willem P.Th.M. , van der Graaf Yolanda , van der Schouw Yvonne T. , Beulens Joline W.
Published: December 2015

Objective—

The objective of this present study is to determine whether high ankle brachial index (ABI) as compared with ABIs within reference limits is associated with an increased incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events and all-cause mortality in a high-risk population and whether this association is the same for patients with and without diabetes mellitus or prevalent CVD.

Approach and Results—

Seven thousand five hundred and thirty-eight patients with ABI>0.9 and either prevalent CVD or a high risk for CVD were selected from the Second Manifestations of Arterial Disease (SMART) study. Three hundred and thirty-six participants (4.5%) had high ABI (≥1.4 or incompressible). Higher age, male sex, higher body mass index, and diabetes mellitus were associated with higher prevalences of high ABI; smoking and higher non–high-density lipoprotein levels were associated with lower prevalences of high ABI. Cox proportional hazards models were fitted assessing the association of high ABI (as compared with ABI 0.9–1.4) with the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, cardiovascular death, the combined outcome of these 3, and total mortality (median follow-up 6.9 years). After multivariable adjustment, high ABI was associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction (hazard ratio 1.83 [95% confidence interval 1.22–2.76]), but not with stroke (hazard ratio 0.86 [95% confidence interval 0.44–1.69]), cardiovascular (hazard ratio 1.14 [95% confidence interval 0.70–1.84]), or all-cause mortality (hazard ratio 0.95 [95% confidence interval 0.67–1.34]). Associations of high ABI with CVD outcomes tended to be stronger in patients with diabetes mellitus but without statistically significant interactions.

Conclusions—

In a high-risk population, the presence of an ABI≥1.4 was associated with an increased risk for myocardial infarction, but not with stroke, all-cause, or vascular mortality.
Reactive Oxygen Species Can Provide Atheroprotection via NOX4-Dependent Inhibition of Inflammation and Vascular Remodeling
Authors: Gray Stephen P. , Di Marco Elyse , Kennedy Kit , Chew Phyllis , Okabe Jun , El-Osta Assam , Calkin Anna C. , Biessen Erik A.L. , Touyz Rhian M. , Cooper Mark E. , Schmidt Harald H.H.W. , Jandeleit-Dahm Karin A.M.
Published: December 2015

Objective—

Oxidative stress is considered a hallmark of atherosclerosis. In particular, the superoxide-generating type 1 NADPH oxidase (NOX1) has been shown to be induced and play a pivotal role in early phases of mouse models of atherosclerosis and in the context of diabetes mellitus. Here, we investigated the role of the most abundant type 4 isoform (NOX4) in human and mouse advanced atherosclerosis.

Approach and Results—

Plaques of patients with cardiovascular events or established diabetes mellitus showed a surprising reduction in expression of the most abundant but hydrogen peroxide (H
2
O
2
)-generating type 4 isoform (Nox4), whereas Nox1 mRNA was elevated, when compared with respective controls. As these data suggested that NOX4-derived reactive oxygen species may convey a surprisingly protective effect during plaque progression, we examined a mouse model of accelerated and advanced diabetic atherosclerosis, the streptozotocin-treated
ApoE
−/−
mouse, with (
NOX4
−/−
) and without genetic deletion of Nox4. Similar to the human data, advanced versus early plaques of wild-type mice showed reduced Nox4 mRNA expression. Consistent with a rather protective role of NOX4-derived reactive oxygen species,
NOX4
−/−
mice showed increased atherosclerosis when compared with wild-type mice. Deleting NOX4 was associated with reduced H
2
O
2
forming activity and attenuation of the proinflammatory markers, monocyte chemotratic protein-1, interleukin-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α, as well as vascular macrophage accumulation. Furthermore, there was a greater accumulation of fibrillar collagen fibres within the vascular wall and plaque in diabetic
Nox4
−/−
ApoE
−/−
mice, indicative of plaque remodeling. These data could be replicated in human aortic endothelial cells in vitro, where Nox4 overexpression increased H
2
O
2
and reduced the expression of pro-oxidants and profibrotic markers. Interestingly, Nox4 levels inversely correlated with Nox2 gene and protein levels. Although NOX2 is not constitutively active unlike NOX4 and forms rather superoxide, this opens up the possibility that at least some effects of NOX4 deletion are mediated by NOX2 activation.

Conclusions—

Thus, the appearance of reactive oxygen species in atherosclerosis is apparently not always a nondesirable oxidative stress, but can also have protective effects. Both in humans and in mouse, the H
2
O
2
-forming NOX4, unlike the superoxide-forming NOX1, can act as a negative modulator of inflammation and remodeling and convey atheroprotection. These results have implications on how to judge reactive oxygen species formation in cardiovascular disease and need to be considered in the development of NOX inhibitory drugs.
Novel Pulse Oximetry Sonifications for Neonatal Oxygen Saturation Monitoring
Authors: Hinckfuss Kelly , Sanderson Penelope , Loeb Robert G. , Liley Helen G. , Liu David
Published: December 2015

Objective

We aimed to test whether the use of novel pulse oximetry sounds ( sonifications) better informs listeners when a neonate’s oxygen saturation (SpO2) deviates from the recommended range.

Background

Variable-pitch pulse oximeters do not accurately inform clinicians via sound alone when SpO2 is outside the target range of 90% to 95% for neonates on supplemental oxygen. Risk of blindness, organ damage, and death increase if SpO2 remains outside the target range. A more informative sonification may improve clinicians’ ability to maintain the target range.

Method

In two desktop experiments, nonclinicians’ ability to detect SpO2 range and direction of change was tested with novel versus conventional sonifications of simulated patient data. In Experiment 1, a “shoulder” sonification used larger pitch differences between adjacent saturation percentages for SpO2 values outside the target range. In Experiment 2, a “beacon” sonification used equal-appearing pitch differences, but when SpO2 was outside the target range, a fixed-pitch reference tone from the center of the target SpO2 range preceded every fourth pulse tone.

Results

The beacon sonification improved range identification accuracy over the control display (85% vs. 60%; p < .001), but the shoulder sonification did not (55% vs. 52%).

Conclusion

The beacon provided a distinct auditory alert and reference that significantly improved nonclinical participants’ ability to identify SpO2 range.

Application

Adding a beacon to the variable-pitch pulse oximeter sound may help clinicians identify when, and by how much, a neonate’s SpO2 deviates from the target range, particularly during patient transport situations when auditory information becomes essential.
Performance indicators and the new governmentality of water utilities in France
Authors: Renou Yvan
Published: December 2015

This article aims to examine the potential transformation of practices triggered by the introduction of performance indicators in the water utilities in France in the late 2000s. We show that the transformative dynamic that, on the face of it, is brought about by this new governance tool is put into question by the multitude of brakes (political, economic, social and environmental) impeding its deployment. The article analyses the limits of the system by applying Foucault’s governmentality approach, defined by the analytical framework of the management tools as reformulated by Lascoumes and Le Galès.

Points for practitioners

In particular, following the adoption of the Water Framework Directive in 2000, European states have had to streamline their drinking water and sanitation utilities. New methods of regulation, borrowing more markedly than in the past from market logics, have thus gradually taken hold. In this article, we examine the controversial performance indicators of the water and sanitation utilities, whose effectiveness and legitimacy are regularly questioned. We seek to clarify the structuring of the current debate and identify possible ways to improve their functioning on the basis of the French case.
The ‘local turn’ in historical perspective: two city case studies in Britain and Germany
Authors: Hackett Sarah E.
Published: December 2015

This article addresses the ‘local turn’ of migration and integration policies in historical perspective in Newcastle upon Tyne and Bremen. It draws upon a wide range of government documentation and offers a comparative assessment of both cities’ policies from the 1960s onwards. It discusses the vertical dimension of policymaking though an exploration of the local governance of migrant integration in relation to the national level. Although Britain and Germany's post-war immigration histories and political structures have often been perceived as contrasting, this article reveals a convergence in these cities’ governments’ approaches to their own local diverse societies. These case studies question the long-term impact of overarching national constitutional structures on city-level migration policies. Findings are framed within the local governance and multi-level governance MLG debates.

Points for practitioners

European cities are increasingly being recognized for the role they play in devising and implementing their own migration and integration policies. Yet very little is known about the relationship between this ‘local turn’ and multi-level governance (MLG). Practitioners can learn more about cities’ policymaking processes and the extent to which these have been influenced by national agendas, as well as about how research of a historical and cross-country and cross-city nature can inform the on-going policy debate.
The National School Orchestra Contests
Authors: Hash Phillip M.
Published: December 2015

The purpose of this study was to examine the National School Orchestra Contests sponsored by the National Bureau for the Advancement of Music and the Committee on Instrumental Affairs (CIA) of Music Supervisors National Conference from 1929 to 1937. Research questions examined contest (a) organization and operation, (b) rules and procedures, (c) participants, and (d) repertoire, as well as (e) the influence of early school orchestra competitions on subsequent large-group assessment. I also made recommendations for the development of these events today based on their counterparts of the 1920s and 1930s. The first national school orchestra contest convened at the State University of Iowa in May 1929 and in other cities throughout the mid United States until 1937. Judges ranked ensembles based on their ability to perform two prepared selections and sight-read unfamiliar music until 1933, when the CIA implemented a rating system to improve the validity of adjudication, emphasize educational values, and reduce competitiveness. Although the number of participants increased substantially with the rating system, the contests never achieved a national scope due to prohibitive expenses for orchestras traveling long distances.