bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neural Underpinnings of the Decline of Topographical Memory in Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Boccia Maddalena , Silveri Maria Caterina , Sabatini Umberto , Guariglia Cecilia , Nemmi Federico
Published: June 2016

Spatial navigation is one of the cognitive functions known to decline in both normal and pathological aging. In the present study, we aimed to assess the neural correlates of the decline of topographical memory in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). Patients with aMCI and age-matched controls were engaged in an intensive learning paradigm, lasting for 5 days, during which they had to encode 1 path from an egocentric perspective and 1 path from an allocentric perspective. After the learning period, they were asked to retrieve each of these paths using an allocentric or egocentric frame of reference while undergoing a functional magnetic resonance imaging scan. We found that patients with aMCI showed a specific deficit in storing new topographical memories from an allocentric perspective and retrieving stored information to perform the egocentric task. Imaging data suggest that this general decline is correlated with hypoactivation of the brain areas generally involved in spatial navigation.
Indoor Air Quality
Authors: Seguel Joseph M. , Merrill Richard , Seguel Dana , Campagna Anthony C.
Published: June 2016

Many health care providers are concerned with the role environmental exposures play in the development of respiratory disease. While most individuals understand that outdoor air quality is important to their health status, many are unaware of the detrimental effects indoor air pollution can potentially have on them. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates both outdoor and indoor air quality. According to the EPA, indoor levels of pollutants may be up to 100 times higher than outdoor pollutant levels and have been ranked among the top 5 environmental risks to the public. There has been a strong correlation between air quality and health, which is why it is crucial to obtain a complete environmental exposure history from a patient. This article focuses on the effects indoor air quality has on the respiratory system. Specifically, this article will address secondhand smoke, radon, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, formaldehyde, house cleaning agents, indoor mold, animal dander, and dust mites. These are common agents that may lead to hazardous exposures among individuals living in the United States. It is important for health care providers to be educated on the potential risks of indoor air pollution and the effects it may have on patient outcomes. Health problems resulting from poor indoor air quality are not easily recognized and may affect a patient’s health years after the onset of exposure.
Formation mechanism of quick emergency response capability for urban rail transit: Inter-organizational collaboration perspective
Authors: Zhang Yanchun , Zou Dejian , Zheng Junwei , Fang Xiaoping , Luo Haijuan
Published: June 2016

With the rapid development of urban rail transit in China recently, improving its quick emergency response capability is becoming an important issue. Based on the perspective of inter-organizational collaboration, this article examines the formation mechanism of quick emergency response capability of urban rail transit and proposes the concept model hypothesis, in order to highlight the inter-organizational emergency collaboration relationships and the quick emergency response capability. According to site surveys and analysis of the elements of inter-organizational collaboration in emergency rescue and the meaning of quick emergency response capability, the scale of emergency collaboration and emergency response capability is designed, and the hypothetical concept model is tested by structural equation model. The results indicate that the emergency collaboration can be realized mainly through emergency organizations, resources, plans, and information. These elements interact with each other; the quick emergency response capability includes fast reaction and emergency disposal capability, emergency decision and execution capability, and coordination and joint action capability. These capabilities restrict each other. Moreover, emergency collaboration has significant but different influence on different dimensions of quick emergency response capability. Therefore, allocating and controlling emergency elements are pivotal to realizing inter-organizational emergency collaboration and generating the quick emergency response capability of urban rail transit.
Effect of temperature and pressure on stress of impeller in axial-centrifugal combined compressor
Authors: Zheng Xinqian , Ding Chuang
Published: June 2016

Axial-centrifugal combined compressors are commonly used, and the stresses of their impeller are important and influenced by temperature and pressure. The effects of temperature and pressure on the stresses of the impeller with different inlet conditions are investigated. Conjugate heat transfer analysis and three-dimensional structural finite element analysis are used to get the stresses of the impeller. The effects of temperature and pressure are obtained by comparing the equivalent (Von-Mises) stresses between cases taking and not taking them into account. From the result, the temperature effect is surprisingly large for low inlet temperature, reaching 57% of the total equivalent stress, and should be carefully considered. The effect strongly relates with the inlet conditions and the disk thermal boundary conditions. Thus, the later can’t be treated as adiabatic as usual. For certain inlet conditions, the stress of the impeller can be improved by adjusting the disk thermal boundary conditions. In addition, the temperature mainly affects the stress on the disk and the root of the blade. The pressure effect is small for low inlet temperature and can be sufficiently large for high inlet temperature. Furthermore, the pressure mainly influences the stress on the blade part and can reduce the stresses at the inducer of a negative-lean impeller.
A new estimate technology of non-invasive continuous blood pressure measurement based on electrocardiograph
Authors: Wu Chung-Min , Chuang Chueh Yu , Chen Yeou-Jiunn , Chen Shih-Chung
Published: June 2016

Various physiological parameters have been widely used in the prevention and detection of diseases. In particular, the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases can be observed through daily measurement of blood pressure. Currently, the most common blood pressure measurement method records blood pressure on the upper arm. This can lead to the subject feeling uncomfortable and tension in the arm from the stress may lead to measurement errors. An electrocardiogram represents the electrical activity during heart function, but also contains blood pressure–related information. This study is an attempt to extract features related to blood pressure from the electrocardiogram signal using a new non-invasive blood pressure measurement technology that utilizes intelligent neural network algorithms to calculate blood pressure values from electrocardiogram parameters. In this study, the average error rate of the blood pressure measurement was lower than 5% compared to the common blood pressure machine. The proposed approach alleviates the errors caused by discomfort, which provides a more feasible method to continuously monitor blood pressure in less stressful conditions. This technology has significant potential for advancing healthcare.
Research on self-learning control method for aircraft engine above idle state
Authors: Yu Bing , Shen Enyu , Huang Yihuan , Lu Feng
Published: June 2016

The iterative learning control for aircraft engine above idle state is studied. An approach combining the proportional integral iterative learning with the traditional proportional integral derivative controller is proposed and then this hybrid iterative learning controller is constructed to control the speed of three typical engine models. In the simulation study, the proposed method is applied to the nonlinear component level engine model, state variable engine model, and linear parameter-varying engine model; the results show that the performance of the proposed hybrid iterative learning controller is much better than the traditional proportional integral derivative controller.
Electromechanical integrated magnetic gear
Authors: Hao Xiu-hong , Zhang Hong-fei , Men Ji-de
Published: June 2016

This study proposes a new type of magnetic gear, namely, the electromechanical integrated magnetic gear, that integrates the traditional field-modulated magnetic gear, drive, and control. The topology and operating principle of the electromechanical integrated magnetic gear are described in detail in this article, and the constraints of parameter design and speed ratio of electromechanical integrated magnetic gear are presented. Moreover, magnetic field distribution is analyzed with the finite element method. Subsequently, the harmonics of the magnetic field and the electromagnetic torque are calculated. The static torques on all the components are exhibited by finite element method and torque test. The effects of the design parameters on the torques and the torque densities are discussed, and the results show that electromechanical integrated magnetic gear has a high speed ratio and can generate a high torque at low speed. The maximum torques are affected by air-gap thickness and other parameters.
Oligodendrocytes in HIV-associated pain pathogenesis
Authors: Shi Yuqiang , Shu Jianhong , Liang Zongsuo , Yuan Subo , Tang Shao-Jun
Published: June 2016

Background

Although the contributions of microglia and astrocytes to chronic pain pathogenesis have been a focal point of investigation in recent years, the potential role of oligodendrocytes, another major type of glial cells in the CNS that generates myelin, remains largely unknown.

Results

We report here that cell markers of the oligodendrocyte lineage, including NG2, PDGFRα, and Olig2, are significantly increased in the spinal dorsal horn of HIV patients who developed chronic pain. The levels of myelin proteins myelin basic protein and proteolipid protein are also aberrant in the spinal dorsal horn of “pain-positive” HIV patients. Similarly, the oligodendrocyte and myelin markers are up-regulated in the spinal dorsal horn of a mouse model of HIV-1 gp120-induced pain. Surprisingly, the expression of gp120-induced mechanical allodynia appears intact up to 4 h after myelin basic protein is knocked down or knocked out.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that oligodendrocytes are reactive during the pathogenesis of HIV-associated pain. However, interfering with myelination does not alter the induction of gp120-induced pain.
Phospholipase C gamma mediates endogenous brain-derived neurotrophic factor-regulated calcitonin gene-related peptide expression in colitis-induced visceral pain
Authors: Hashmi Fiza , Liu Miao , Shen Shanwei , Qiao Li-Ya
Published: June 2016

Background

Visceral hypersensitivity is a complex pathophysiological paradigm with unclear mechanisms. Primary afferent neuronal plasticity marked by alterations in neuroactive compounds such as calcitonin gene-related peptide is suggested to underlie the heightened sensory responses. Signal transduction that leads to calcitonin gene-related peptide expression thereby sensory neuroplasticity during colitis remains to be elucidated.

Results

In a rat model with colitis induced by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid, we found that endogenously elevated brain-derived neurotrophic factor elicited an up-regulation of calcitonin gene-related peptide in the lumbar L1 dorsal root ganglia. At seven days of colitis, neutralization of brain-derived neurotrophic factor with a specific brain-derived neurotrophic factor antibody reversed calcitonin gene-related peptide up-regulation in the dorsal root ganglia. Colitis-induced calcitonin gene-related peptide transcription was also inhibited by brain-derived neurotrophic factor antibody treatment. Signal transduction studies with dorsal root ganglia explants showed that brain-derived neurotrophic factor-induced calcitonin gene-related peptide expression was mediated by the phospholipase C gamma, but not the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt or the mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase pathway. Application of PLC inhibitor U73122 in vivo confirmed that colitis-induced and brain-derived neurotrophic factor-mediated calcitonin gene-related peptide up-regulation in the dorsal root ganglia was regulated by the phospholipase C gamma pathway. In contrast, suppression of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activity in vivo had no effect on colitis-induced calcitonin gene-related peptide expression. During colitis, calcitonin gene-related peptide also co-expressed with phospholipase C gamma but not with p-Akt. Calcitonin gene-related peptide up-regulation during colitis correlated to the activation of cAMP-responsive element binding protein in the same neurons. Consistently, colitis-induced cAMP-responsive element binding protein activation in the dorsal root ganglia was attenuated by brain-derived neurotrophic factor antibody treatment.

Conclusion

These results suggest that colitis-induced and brain-derived neurotrophic factor-mediated calcitonin gene-related peptide expression in sensory activation is regulated by a unique pathway involving brain-derived neurotrophic factor-phospholipase C gamma-cAMP-responsive element binding protein axis.
Methylcobalamin ameliorates neuropathic pain induced by vincristine in rats
Authors: Xu Jing , Wang Wei , Zhong Xiong-Xiong , Feng Yi-Wei , Wei Xu-Hong , Liu Xian-Guo
Published: June 2016

Background

Vincristine, a widely used chemotherapeutic agent, often induces painful peripheral neuropathy and there are currently no effective drugs to prevent or treat this side effect. Previous studies have shown that methylcobalamin has potential analgesic effect in diabetic and chronic compression of dorsal root ganglion model; however, whether methylcobalamin has effect on vincristine-induced painful peripheral neuropathy is still unknown.

Results

We found that vincristine-induced mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia, accompanied by a significant loss of intraepidermal nerve fibers in the plantar hind paw skin and an increase in the incidence of atypical mitochondria in the sciatic nerve. Moreover, in the spinal dorsal horn, the activity of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase and the protein expression of p-p65 as well as tumor necrosis factor α was increased, whereas the protein expression of IL-10 was decreased following vincristine treatment. Furthermore, intraperitoneal injection of methylcobalamin could dose dependently attenuate vincristine-induced mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia, which was associated with intraepidermal nerve fibers rescue, and atypical mitochondria prevalence decrease in the sciatic nerve. Moreover, methylcobalamin inhibited the activation of NADPH oxidase and the downstream NF-κB pathway. Production of tumor necrosis factor α was also decreased and production of IL-10 was increased in the spinal dorsal horn following methylcobalamin treatment. Intrathecal injection of Phorbol-12-Myristate-13-Acetate, a NADPH oxidase activator, could completely block the analgesic effect of methylcobalamin.

Conclusions

Methylcobalamin attenuated vincrinstine-induced neuropathic pain, which was accompanied by inhibition of intraepidermal nerve fibers loss and mitochondria impairment. Inhibiting the activation of NADPH oxidase and the downstream NF-κB pathway, resulting in the rebalancing of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the spinal dorsal horn might also be involved. These findings might provide potential target for preventing vincristine-induced neuropathic pain.
Talent development environment and achievement goal adoption among Korean and Singaporean athletes: Does perceived competence matter?
Authors: Wang Chee Keng John , Pyun Do Young , Li Chunxiao , Lee Mi Sook
Published: June 2016

The objectives of this study were twofold. The first was to compare differences in perceptions of the talent development environment, achievement goals, and perceived competence, in terms of an individual characteristic (i.e. gender), a cultural characteristic (i.e. country), and their interactions (i.e. gender by country). The second was to examine the moderating effects of perceived competence on the relationships between the talent development environment and achievement goals. Data were collected from 363 athletes in Singapore and 349 athletes in Korea. A series of MANOVAs and path analyses were employed for testing of the main hypotheses. First, in terms of the talent development environment, male athletes scored higher in long-term development focus, communication, support network, and long-term development fundamentals. Second, in terms of achievement goals and perceived competence, male athletes scored higher in competence and performance-approach goal, but female athletes scored higher in mastery-avoidance goal. While Singaporean athletes scored higher in perceived competence, mastery-approach, and mastery-avoidance, Korean athletes scored higher in performance-avoidance. Lastly, the path analysis provided empirical evidence supporting the moderation effects of perceived competence on the relationships between the talent development environment and achievement goal adoption.
Examining the skill involvements of under-16 rugby league players during a small-sided game and match-play
Authors: Bennett Kyle JM , Scott Brendan R , Fransen Job , Elsworthy Nathan , Sanctuary Colin E , Gabbett Tim J , Dascombe Ben J
Published: June 2016

This study investigated the correlations between the skill demands of an ‘on-side’ small-sided game (SSG) and match-play in under-16 junior rugby league players. Fifteen Harold Matthews players undertook a SSG (10 vs. 10 on a 68 m by 40 m playing surface for 3 min) in the week leading up to round 6 of their competitive season. The frequency of skill involvements (i.e. offensive, defensive and total) was manually coded using a specific criterion. The defensive and total skill involvements were significantly higher per minute of play in the SSG when compared to match-play. A significant, very large, positive correlation was observed between offensive and total skill involvements during a SSG and offensive skill involvements during a match (r(s) = 0.80, p < 0.01; r(s) = 0.71, p < 0.01, respectively). No significant correlations were evident for defensive skill involvements during SSG and match-play. Overall, it appears that the selected SSG provided players with ample opportunity to practice match-specific skills. In addition, the transfer of these opportunities seems confined to offensive rather then defensive skills.
Use of routinely collected data in reporting falls in hospitals in a local health district in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Trinh Lieu Thi Thuy , Achat Helen , Assareh Hassan
Published: June 2016

Objective:

To examine the quality of the two routinely collected sets of data, the Incident Information Management System (IIMS) and the health information exchange (HIE) in hospitals in New South Wales, Australia.

Method:

IIMS records indicating a fall and its location were examined. HIE data were examined using International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10-AM codes W00-W19 and an indicator, ‘onset of the condition’ for falls in hospital. If onset of the condition was not recorded, ICD-10-AM code for place of occurrence (Y92.22 = Health service area) immediately following ICD-10-AM code for the fall was used. Comprehensive criteria were applied to exclude records of earlier documented falls. IIMS and HIE data were linked. Characteristics of falls that were recorded in one data set but not in the other were determined.

Results:

Between January 2010 and December 2014, 8647 falls in hospitals were recorded in IIMS, 2169 were recorded in HIE and 9338 were recorded in either data set (rate of 3.2 falls per 1000 bed days). IIMS captured 93% and HIE captured 23% of these falls. Of the falls recorded in HIE, 677 (31%) were not recorded in IIMS. These were more likely to be subsequent falls, by patients who were female, younger than 65 years, who underwent a non-allied health procedure or had length of stay less than 1 week.

Conclusions:

IIMS captured the vast majority of falls in hospitals but failed to report one-third of falls recorded in HIE.
A Different Beast? Televised Election Debates in Parliamentary Democracies
Authors: Anstead Nick
Published: June 2016

Research on televised election debates has been dominated by studies of the United States. As a result, we know far less about other national contexts, including many parliamentary democracies that now hold televised election debates. This article makes two contributions to address this. Theoretically, the study argues that traditional approaches for understanding the development of campaign communication practices (particularly, Americanization and hybridization) are limiting when applied to television debates and instead offers an alternative theoretical approach, the concept of speciation drawn from biological science. This is then applied in the empirical section of the article in a comparative analysis of the evolution of televised election debates in four parliamentary democracies: Australia, Canada, West Germany/Germany, and the United Kingdom. Based on this analysis, the article argues that the logic of parliamentary democracy coupled with more diffuse party systems has created a distinctive type of televised debate, generally more open to smaller parties based on their success at winning seats in the legislature.
Institutional Registry of Elderly Patients With Hip Fracture in a Community-Based Tertiary Care Hospital in Argentina (RIAFC)
Authors: Benchimol Javier , Fiorentini Fernando , Elizondo Cristina M. , Boietti Bruno R. , Carabelli Guido , Barla Jorge , Sancineto Carlos , Waisman Gabriel D. , Giunta Diego H.
Published: June 2016

Background:

A clinical registry encompasses a selective set of rigorously collected and stored clinical data focused on a specific condition. Hip fracture is a common complication of osteoporosis in elderly patients. Hip fracture substantially increases the risk of death and major morbidity in the elderly patients. Limited data regarding hip fracture are available from Latin America and Argentina. The purpose of this project is to create an institutional registry of elderly patients with hip fracture in order to obtain data that reveal the impact of this disease in our environment, allowing us to evaluate different strategies of patient’s care and clinical outcomes.

Objective:

To describe the implementation of an institutional registry of elderly patients with hip fracture in Argentina.

Methods:

In this article, we described the creation, implementation, and data management of a prospective registry of elderly patients with hip fracture. The registry contains information on baseline demographics, comorbidities, laboratory, and radiological data. Follow-up at 3 and 12 months postfracture is done by phone interview to assess physical function, readmissions, and morbi-mortality. Clinical Trials registry number NCT02279550.

Conclusion:

In this project, we have created a hip fracture registry. We hope that this registry will provide valuable data that can lead us to new lines of research, addressed to answer questions raised in clinical practice.
LARS Artificial Ligament Versus ABC Purely Polyester Ligament for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Iliadis Dimitrios Ph. , Bourlos Dimitrios N. , Mastrokalos Dimitrios S. , Chronopoulos Efstathios , Babis George C.
Published: June 2016

Background:

Graft choice for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is of critical importance. Various grafts have been used so far, with autografts long considered the optimal solution for the treatment of ACL-deficient knees. Limited data are available on the long-term survivorship of synthetic grafts.

Purpose:

To compare the functional outcome and survivorship of ACL reconstructions performed using the LARS (ligament augmentation and reconstruction system) ligament and the ABC (active biosynthetic composite) purely polyester ligament.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

The results of 72 patients who underwent primary arthroscopic ACL reconstruction with the LARS ligament and 31 cases with an ABC purely polyester ligament were reviewed. The mean follow-up periods for the LARS and ABC groups were 9.5 and 5.1 years, respectively. A survivorship analysis of the 2 synthetic grafts was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method with a log-rank test (Mantel-Cox, 95% CI). Lysholm, Tegner activity, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores as well as laxity measurements obtained using a KT-1000 arthrometer were recorded for all intact grafts, and a Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison reasons.

Results:

The rupture rates for LARS and ABC grafts were 31% (95% CI, 20%-42%) and 42% (95% CI, 25%-59%), respectively. For intact grafts, the mean Lysholm score was good for both groups (90 for the LARS group and 89 for the ABC group), with the majority of patients returning to their preinjury level of activities, and the mean IKDC score was 90 for the LARS group and 86 for the ABC group.

Conclusion:

The rupture rates of both LARS and ABC grafts were both high. However, the LARS ligament provided significantly better survivorship compared with the ABC ligament at short- to midterm follow-up (95% CI).
Conceptualizing American Attitudes toward Immigrants’ Dual Loyalty
Authors: Kusow Abdi M. , DeLisi Matt
Published: June 2016

The social issue of immigrants’ dual loyalty figures prominently in the 2016 U.S. presidential primaries, yet little is known about Americans’ views on the subject. Drawing on data from a nationally representative telephone survey, the authors specifically explored nonimmigrant Americans’ attitudes toward immigrants’ dual loyalty. The results show that attitudes toward this dual loyalty are informed by multiple boundary-making processes, including the extent to which respondents strongly believe that immigrants should celebrate American values and traditions and share their vision of America, that immigration should be restricted as much as possible, and that American influence in the world is important.
The Pacific Production Game
Authors: Erskine Laura , Sablynski Chris J.
Published: June 2016

There are many exercises available to instructors that illustrate concepts in general management, leadership, teams, and negotiation. In this article, we describe a Lego® building activity that can be used to teach any (and all) of these concepts. The “Pacific Production Game” is both fun and educational. Students all play an active role in conducting and debriefing the exercise, and feedback is overwhelmingly positive. This activity can be adapted to students at all levels. It can be conducted in small classes and classes as large as 150 students. Detailed instructions for preparing the materials, running the activity for three different learning objectives (four functions of management, team building, and negotiation), and conducting the debriefs for each are provided.
CD38 expression and complement inhibitors affect response and resistance to daratumumab therapy in myeloma
Authors: Nijhof Inger S. , Casneuf Tineke , van Velzen Jeroen , van Kessel Berris , Axel Amy E. , Syed Khaja , Groen Richard W. J. , van Duin Mark , Sonneveld Pieter , Minnema Monique C. , Zweegman Sonja , Chiu Christopher , Bloem Andries C. , Mutis Tuna , Lokhorst Henk M. , Sasser A. Kate , van de Donk Niels W. C. J.
Published: June 2016

Key Points

Response to the CD38-targeting antibody daratumumab is significantly associated with CD38 expression levels on the tumor cells. Resistance to daratumumab is accompanied by increased expression of complement-inhibitory proteins.
Long-term safety and tolerability of bapineuzumab in patients with Alzheimer’s disease in two phase 3 extension studies
Authors: Ivanoiu Adrian , Pariente Jérémie , Booth Kevin , Lobello Kasia , Luscan Gerald , Hua Lisa , Lucas Prisca , Styren Scot , Yang Lingfeng , Li David , Black Ronald S. , Brashear H. Robert , McRae Thomas
Published: June 2016

Background

Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies that target amyloid beta has been under investigation as a treatment for patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The 3000 and 3001 phase 3 clinical studies of intravenous bapineuzumab assessed safety and efficacy in patients with mild to moderate AD recruited in over 26 countries. This article describes the long-term safety and tolerability of bapineuzumab in the extension studies for these two protocols.

Methods

The long-term safety and tolerability of intravenous-administered bapineuzumab in patients with AD was evaluated in apolipoprotein E ε4 allele noncarriers (Study 3002, extension of Study 3000) and apolipoprotein E ε4 allele carriers (Study 3003, extension of Study 3001). Those receiving bapineuzumab in the parent study were continued at the same dose; if receiving placebo, patients began bapineuzumab. Bapineuzumab doses were 0.5 mg/kg in both studies and also 1.0 mg/kg in the noncarrier study. Clinical efficacy of bapineuzumab was also assessed in exploratory analyses.

Results

Because of lack of efficacy in two other phase 3 trials, the parent protocols were stopped early. As a result, Studies 3002 and 3003 were also terminated. In total, 492 and 202 patients were enrolled in Studies 3003 and 3002, respectively. In apolipoprotein E ε4 carriers (Study 3003), treatment-emergent adverse events occurred in 70.7 % of the patients who originally received placebo and 66.9 % of those who originally received bapineuzumab. In noncarriers, treatment-emergent adverse events occurred in 82.1 % and 67.6 % of patients who received placebo + bapineuzumab 0.5 mg/kg and placebo + bapineuzumab 1.0 mg/kg, respectively, and in 72.7 % and 64.3 % of those who received bapineuzumab + bapineuzumab 0.5 mg/kg and 1.0 mg/kg, respectively. Amyloid-related imaging abnormalities with edema or effusions were the main bapineuzumab-associated adverse events in both studies, occurring in approximately 11 % of placebo + bapineuzumab and 4 % of bapineuzumab + bapineuzumab groups overall. Exploratory analyses of clinical efficacy were not significantly different between groups in either study.

Conclusions

In these phase 3 extension studies, intravenous bapineuzumab administered for up to approximately 3 years showed no unexpected safety signals and a safety profile consistent with previous bapineuzumab trials.

Trial registration

Noncarriers (Study 3002): ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00996918. Registered 14 October 2009.

Carriers (Study 3003): ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00998764. Registered 16 October 2009.
Elastic properties of heavy oil sands: Effects of temperature, pressure, and microstructure
Authors: Li Hui , Zhao Luanxiao , Han De-Hua , Sun Min , Zhang Yu
Published: June 2016

We have investigated the elastic properties of heavy oil sands influenced by the multiphase properties of heavy oil itself and the solid matrix with regard to temperature, pressure, and microstructure. To separately identify the role of the heavy oil and solid matrix under specific conditions, we have designed and performed special ultrasonic measurements for the heavy oil and heavy oil-saturated solids artificial samples. The measured data indicate that the viscosity of heavy oil reaches [Formula: see text] at the temperature of glass point, leading the heavy oil to act as a part of a solid frame of the heavy oil sand sample. The heavy oil is likely movable pore fluid accordingly once its viscosity dramatically drops to approximately [Formula: see text] at the temperature of liquid point. The viscosity-induced elastic modulus of heavy oil in turn makes the elastic properties of heavy oil-saturated grain solid sample to be temperature dependent. In addition, the rock physics model suggests that the microstructure of heavy oil sand is transitional; consequently, the solid Gassmann equation underestimates the measured velocities at the low temperature range of the quasisolid phase of heavy oil, whereas overestimates when the temperature exceeds the liquid point. The heavy oil sand sample has a higher modulus and approaches the upper bound due to the stiffer heavy oil itself acting as a rock frame as the temperature decreases. In contrary, heavy oil sand displays a lower modulus and approaches the lower bound when the heavy oil becomes softer as the temperature goes up.
Challenges of Treating Childhood Medulloblastoma in a Country With Limited Resources: 20 Years of Experience at a Single Tertiary Center in Malaysia
Authors: Rajagopal Revathi , Abd-Ghafar Sayyidatul , Ganesan Dharmendra , Bustam Mainudin Anita Zarina , Wong Kum Thong , Ramli Norlisah , Jawin Vida , Lum Su Han , Yap Tsiao Yi , Bouffet Eric , Qaddoumi Ibrahim , Krishnan Shekhar , Ariffin Hany , Abdullah Wan Ariffin
Published: June 2016

Purpose

Pediatric medulloblastoma (MB) treatment has evolved over the past few decades; however, treating children in countries with limited resources remains challenging. Until now, the literature regarding childhood MB in Malaysia has been nonexistent. Our objectives were to review the demographics and outcome of pediatric MB treated at the University Malaya Medical Center between January 1994 and December 2013 and describe the challenges encountered.

Methods

Fifty-one patients with childhood MB were seen at University Malaya Medical Center. Data from 43 patients were analyzed; eight patients were excluded because their families refused treatment after surgery.

Results

Headache and vomiting were the most common presenting symptoms, and the mean interval between symptom onset and diagnosis was 4 weeks. Fourteen patients presented with metastatic disease. Five-year progression-free survival (± SE) for patients ≥ 3 years old was 41.7% ± 14.2% (95% CI, 21.3% to 81.4%) in the high-risk group and 68.6% ± 18.6% (95% CI, 40.3% to 100%) in the average-risk group, and 5-year overall survival (± SE) in these two groups was 41.7% ± 14.2% (95% CI, 21.3% to 81.4%) and 58.3% ± 18.6% (95% CI, 31.3% to 100%), respectively. Children younger than 3 years old had 5-year progression-free and overall survival rates (± SE) of 47.6% ± 12.1% (95% CI, 28.9% to 78.4%) and 45.6% ± 11.7% (95% CI, 27.6% to 75.5%), respectively. Time to relapse ranged from 4 to 132 months. Most patients who experienced relapse died within 1 year. Febrile neutropenia, hearing loss, and endocrinopathy were the most common treatment-related complications.

Conclusion

The survival rate of childhood MB in Malaysia is inferior to that usually reported in the literature. We postulate that the following factors contribute to this difference: lack of a multidisciplinary neuro-oncology team, limited health care facilities, inconsistent risk assessment, insufficient data in the National Cancer Registry and pathology reports, inadequate long-term follow-up, and cultural beliefs leading to treatment abandonment.
The extraordinary joint material of an articulated coralline alga. I. Mechanical characterization of a key adaptation
Authors: Denny Mark W. , King Felicia A.
Published: June 2016

Flexibility is key to survival for seaweeds exposed to the extreme hydrodynamic environment of wave-washed rocky shores. This poses a problem for coralline algae, whose calcified cell walls make them rigid. Through the course of evolution, erect coralline algae have solved this problem by incorporating joints (genicula) into their morphology, allowing their fronds to be as flexible as those of uncalcified seaweeds. To provide the flexibility required by this structural innovation, the joint material of Calliarthron cheilosporioides, a representative articulated coralline alga, relies on an extraordinary tissue that is stronger, more extensible and more fatigue resistant than the tissue of other algal fronds. Here, we report on experiments that reveal the viscoelastic properties of this material. On the one hand, its compliance is independent of the rate of deformation across a wide range of deformation rates, a characteristic of elastic solids. This deformation rate independence allows joints to maintain their flexibility when loaded by the unpredictable – and often rapidly imposed – hydrodynamic force of breaking waves. On the other hand, the genicular material has viscous characteristics that similarly augment its function. The genicular material dissipates much of the energy absorbed as a joint is deformed during cyclic wave loading, which potentially reduces the chance of failure by fatigue, and the material accrues a limited amount of deformation through time. This limited creep increases the flexibility of the joints while preventing them from gradually stretching to the point of failure. These new findings provide the basis for understanding how the microscale architecture of genicular cell walls results in the adaptive mechanical properties of coralline algal joints.
Editorial
Authors: Lionarakis Antonis
Published: June 2016

Ένα απλό ερώτημα μας οδηγεί σε ένα γεγονός που περιέχει μια μεγάλη αγωνία: τι γίνεται όταν το εκπαιδευτικό υλικό σε ένα περιβάλλον ανοικτής και εξ αποστάσεως εκπαίδευσης έχει παλιώσει, αξιολογείται ως προβληματικό, έχει ξεπεράσει κατά πολύ το όριο ζωής του και όλοι ζητούν την αντικατάστασή του; Δημιουργείται έτσι ένα ζήτημα αξιοπιστίας, ακαδημαϊκής ποιότητας και επιστημονικής επάρκειας. Για το εκπαιδευτικό αυτό περιβάλλον το ζήτημα είναι θεμελιώδες και ζωτικό. Είναι θέμα επιβίωσης, θέμα ύπαρξης μέσα σε ένα κλίμα ανταγωνιστικότητας και σύγχρονων απαιτήσεων. Είναι ταυτόχρονα θέμα λειτουργίας και αξιοποίησης τεχνολογικών εργαλείων, τα οποία αποτελούν όχημα ανεκμετάλλευτων δυνατοτήτων.
DOCLASP - Docking ligands to target proteins using spatial and electrostatic congruence extracted from a known holoenzyme and applying simple geometrical transformations
Authors: Chakraborty Sandeep
Published: June 2016

The ability to accurately and effectively predict the interaction between proteins and small drug-like compounds has long intrigued researchers for pedagogic, humanitarian and economic reasons. Protein docking methods (AutoDock, GOLD, DOCK, FlexX and Glide to name a few) rank a large number of possible conformations of protein-ligand complexes using fast algorithms. Previously, it has been shown that structural congruence leading to the same enzymatic function necessitates the congruence of electrostatic properties (CLASP). The current work presents a methodology for docking a ligand into a target protein, provided that there is at least one known holoenzyme with ligand bound - DOCLASP (Docking using CLASP). The contact points of the ligand in the holoenzyme defines a motif, which is used to query the target enzyme using CLASP. If there are significant matches, the holoenzyme and the target protein are superimposed based on congruent atoms. The same linear and rotational transformations are also applied to the ligand, thus creating a unified coordinate framework having the holoenzyme, the ligand and the target enzyme. In the current work, the dipeptidyl peptidase-IV inhibitor vildagliptin was docked to the PI-PLC structure complexed with myo-inositol using DOCLASP. Also, corroboration of the docking of phenylthiourea to the modelled structure of polyphenol oxidase (JrPPO1) from walnut is provided based on the subsequently solved structure of JrPPO1 (PDBid:5CE9). Analysis of the binding of the antitrypanosomial drug suramin to nine non-homologous proteins in the PDB database shows a diverse set of binding motifs, and multiple binding sites in the phospholipase A2-likeproteins from the Bothrops genus of pitvipers. The conformational changes in the suramin molecule on binding highlights the challenges in docking flexible ligands into an already ’plastic’ binding site. Thus, DOCLASP presents a method for ’soft docking’ ligands to proteins with low computational requirements.
Investment in tourism and hospitality of India
Authors: Холодцова Ирина , Kholodtsova Irina
Published: June 2016

Development problems of international tourism and hospitality, associated with unstable foreign economic relations and international payments, lack of a stable insurance system and other socio-economic problems, including terrorism and uncontrolled migration, make it difficult to attract investment in this sector of economy. The example of Asian newly industrialized countries, which demonstrate comprehensive, steady and very rapid development, proves viability of this economic model and prospects for investment in tourism and hospitality. The huge and growing market, developing infrastructure, sophisticated financial sector, flexible regulatory environment, benefits, sustainability of state system and good economic prospects make India attractive for investments. Thus, in India the following opportunities for foreign investors to contribute in Indian tourism and hospitality were formed: government initiatives in various segments of tourism, significant relations of tourism with other important sectors of economy (construction, industry, transport, in gardening, agriculture, etc.), growing middle class and the availability of natural resources, democratic visa rules and social freedom, presence of well-known foreign corporations, the growth of average annual income of the hotel segment of "5 stars" and others. Further study of this subject can be continued in the development of investment risk insurance mechanisms to promote foreign direct investment into developing countries to support economic growth, poverty reduction and improvement of people´s lives. The options for improving investment risk insurance may include not only financial risks insurance, but also insurance of political (by state guarantees) or certain non-commercial risks for investment in developing countries, as well as the provision of services for the settlement of disputes between the public and private entities to guarantee the investment of capital.
The role of the state in the development of inclusive tourism
Authors: Логунова Наталья , Logunova Natalya , Доценко Жанна , Dotsenko Zhanna
Published: June 2016

The article actualizes the necessity for the inclusive tourism development and establishes its importance for people with disabilities. It is revealed that the implementation of the state policy in the field of inclusive tourism and development planning of this sector at national and regional levels must meet two principles. The fist principle is "universal design", which provides the creation of a barrier-free environment for the unimpeded access to facilities and services to all citizens regardless of their existing disability. The second one is "reasonable accommodation" through creating adaptive social environment from the point of view of the necessity and possibility commensuration by means of adapting the environment to the needs of people with disabilities, on the basis of which the principal guidelines and key priorities in the sphere of state regulation of this type of tourism are formulated. The analysis of the content of the state program "Accessible Environment" and the scope of the methodology is carried out. The latter allows to objectify and systematize the accessibility of facilities and services in priority areas of life of people with disabilities, the most significant of which are: the organization of monitoring the accessibility of facilities and services for people with disabilities; the development of services and organizations that provide these services considering the needs of the disabled and other people with limited mobility; the development of plans and programs for adaptation through the development of social infrastructure; preparation and dissemination of information and reference materials. This allowed us to indicate the main directions of the regional policy covering economic, social, environmental and technological aspects. Each aspect includes a corresponding set of methods and tools of state support in the development of inclusive tourism.
The implementation of sustainable development principles in order to optimize the system of competitiveness of tourist destinations
Authors: Рассохина Татьяна , Rassokhina Tatyana , Лебедев Константин , Lebedev Konstantin
Published: June 2016

The article is devoted to the development of a model of tourist destination competitiveness based on the principles of sustainable development. It is shown that insufficient attention to solving economic, social and environmental problems through mechanisms of global concept of sustainable development is one of the main factors constraining the growth of competitiveness. The authors prove the following. When creating tourist destinations of different scales, environment for the local community is formed, which should be comfortable and for tourists. In the opposite case, tourist destinations will experience a crisis in its development. The authorial model of ensuring the tourist destination competitiveness, developed on the basis of classical model of M. Porter and G. Dunning. The role of the local community as one of the factors of competitiveness is proved. The analysis of the sustainable development criteria according to UNWTO regarding the creation of conditions for the local community development is conducted, the basic conditions are identified. The authors have conducted an expert survey in destinations of Kaluga region and Tatarstan. On its base the graphical analysis of realization sustainable development criteria concerning creation of conditions for local community activation as the competitive strength of the tourist destination is represented. The main typical problems are identified. Based on it three types of competiveness strategies in the context of sustainable development are specified. The authors have conducted the analysis of indicators of social and tourism development of the Russian regions and have distinguished 10 regions most in need of the implementation of the proposed model. This article provides recommendations for increasing of competitive advantage and sustainable development of tourist destinations.
The possibility of cooperation of tourism companies with the cruise tour operators
Authors: Стахова Людмила , Stakhova Lyudmila
Published: June 2016

Today it becomes evident that the financial crisis in Russia, the bankruptcy of tour operators and airline companies, a high degree of terrorist threat in key resorts threaten mass protracted crisis for the entire tourism industry, including for companies engaged in travel agency activities. In times of crisis it is especially important for businesses to be competitive, active and looking for new opportunities to maintain and increase the profitability of the enterprise. Cruises can become the instrument of the current growth in travel agencies. This article analyzes the possibilities of usage of cruise offers to expand the assortment policy of travel agencies. These problems are not adequately reflected in the work of scientists. The scientific works generally deal with issues of development trends of the cruise market, and actively discuss issues of cruise tourism development near Alaska, as well as regional peculiarities of river cruises. To disclose the theme and achieve the goal the author examines the development of cruise companies, conducts the analysis of price offer by regions, seasons and cabin types, compares cruise tour operators, operating on the Russian market, and also indicates the work prospects with each of them through the analysis of the contractual relationship and commission. The relevance of the study caused by a forecast of significant growth in demand for cruise tours among Russian tourists in the coming years against the backdrop of a flexible pricing policy cruise companies and the crisis in mass destinations such as Egypt and Turkey.