bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Correlations between Health-Related Quality of Life Changes and Pain and Anxiety in Orthodontic Patients in the Initial Stage of Treatment
Authors: Wang Jing , Tang Xiaoshan , Shen Yun , Shang Guangwei , Fang Li , Wang Raorao , Xu Yuanzhi
Published: January 2015

This study aimed to assess generic health-related quality of life (HRQoL), pain intensity, and anxiety levels and the relationship between the three aspects in healthy young Chinese orthodontic patients in the early stage of orthodontic treatment. We enrolled 252 eligible participants (10–29 years old) to complete validated Chinese versions of questionnaires, including the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (S-AI), the visual analogue scale (VAS), and the Short-Form 36-Item Health Survey (SF-36) at baseline and on days 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, and 30 after initial archwire placement (SF-36 only at baseline and day 30). The response rate was 96% (243 of 252). SF-36 had moderate reliability (Cronbach's alpha coefficient exceeding 0.7, good fit on day 30). Statistical significant changes were observed in physical function (P<0.01), body pain (P=0.01), and general health (P<0.01) domains. Spearman correlation coefficients for SF-36 with S-AI were −0.131~−0.515 (P<0.05); SF-36 with VAS were −0.141~−0.273 (P<0.05), indicating significant but moderate negative correlations between HRQoL and pain/anxiety. Overall, the application of SF-36 in assessing HRQoL is reluctantly suitable for young Chinese orthodontic patients in the early stage of orthodontic treatment. Early treatment-related pain and anxiety are important factors in HRQoL.
Rate Allocation for Wireless Multimedia Sensor Networks Using Pricing Mechanism
Authors: Jian Ming Zhang , YI Wang , Ze Ming Xie , Shi Yi Tang , Hao Yuan Ou
Published: January 2015

A bandwidth allocation algorithm for wireless multimedia sensor networks is proposed in this paper. On the premise ofInitialallocation algorithm based on distortion and congestion model to provide an efficient system performance, the allocation algorithm based on pricing mechanism we proposed balances the real-time requirement of different users by adjusting the bandwidth price in each network and each slot. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm balances the bandwidth ratio of different users according to the video complexity, and it can provide a good system performance guaranteeing the fairness among the users.
Effects of Calcium Phosphate Nanocrystals on Osseointegration of Titanium Implant in Irradiated Bone
Authors: Li Jun Yuan , Pow Edmond Ho Nang , Zheng Li Wu , Ma Li , Kwong Dora Lai Wan , Cheung Lim Kwong
Published: January 2015

Radiotherapy may compromise the integration of implant and cause implant loss. Implant surface modifications have the possibility of promoting cell attachment, cell growth, and bone formation which ultimately enhance the osseointegration process. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of calcium phosphate nanocrystals on implant osseointegration in irradiated bone. Sixteen rabbits were randomly assigned into control and nano-CaP groups, receiving implants with dual acid-etched surface or dual acid-etched surface discretely deposited of nanoscale calcium-phosphate crystals, respectively. The left leg of all the rabbits received 15 Gy radiation, followed by implants placement one week after. Four animals in each group were sacrificed after 4 and 12 weeks, respectively. Implant stability quotient (ISQ), ratio of bone volume to total volume (BV/TV), bone growth rate, and bone-to-implant contact (BIC) were evaluated. The nano-CaP group showed significantly higher ISQ (week 12,P=0.031) and bone growth rate (week 6,P=0.021; week 9,P=0.001) than that in control group. No significant differences in BV/TV and BIC were found between two groups. Titanium implant surface modified with CaP nanocrystals provides a potential alternative to improve bone healing around implant in irradiated bone.
Structure-Function Based Molecular Relationships in Ewing’s Sarcoma
Authors: Todorova Roumiana
Published: January 2015

Ewing’s Sarcoma Oncogene (ews) on chromosome 22q12 is encoding a ubiquitously expressed RNA-binding protein (EWS) with unknown function that is target of tumor-specific chromosomal translocations in Ewing’s sarcoma family of tumors. A model of transcription complex was proposed in which the heterodimer Rpb4/7 binds to EAD, connecting it to Core RNA Pol II. The DNA-binding domain, provided by EFP, is bound to the promoter. Rpb4/7 binds RNA, stabilizing the transcription complex. The complex Rpb4/7 can stabilize the preinitiation complexes by converting the conformation of RNA Pol II. EWS may change its conformation, so that NTD becomes accessible. Two different mechanisms of interaction between EWS and RNA Pol II are proposed: (I) an intermolecular EWS-EWS interaction between two molecules, pushing conformation from “closed” to “open” state, or (II) an intramolecular interaction inside the molecule of EWS, pushing conformation of the molecule from “closed” to “open” state. The modified forms of EWS may interact with Pol II subunits hsRpb5 and hsRpb7. The EWS and EFPs binding partners are described schematically in a model, an attempt to link the transcription with the splicing. The proposed model helps to understand the functional molecular interactions in cancer, to find new partners and ways to treat cancer.
A New Globally Exponential Stability Criterion for Neural Networks with Discrete and Distributed Delays
Authors: Chen Hao , Zhong Shouming , Yang Jinxiang
Published: January 2015

This paper concerns the problem of the globally exponential stability of neural networks with discrete and distributed delays. A novel criterion for the globally exponential stability of neural networks is derived by employing the Lyapunov stability theory, homomorphic mapping theory, and matrix theory. The proposed result improves the previously reported global stability results. Finally, two illustrative numerical examples are given to show the effectiveness of our results.
Identification of Potential Transcriptomic Markers in Developing Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Meta-Analysis of Gene Expression Profiles
Authors: Fang Fang , Pan Jian , Xu Lixiao , Li Gang , Wang Jian
Published: January 2015

The goal of this study was to identify potential transcriptomic markers in developing ankylosing spondylitis by a meta-analysis of multiple public microarray datasets. Using the INMEX (integrative meta-analysis of expression data) program, we performed the meta-analysis to identify consistently differentially expressed (DE) genes in ankylosing spondylitis and further performed functional interpretation (gene ontology analysis and pathway analysis) of the DE genes identified in the meta-analysis. Three microarray datasets (26 cases and 29 controls in total) were collected for meta-analysis. 905 consistently DE genes were identified in ankylosing spondylitis, among which 482 genes were upregulated and 423 genes were downregulated. The upregulated gene with the smallest combined rank product (RP) wasGNG11(combinedRP=299.64). The downregulated gene with the smallest combined RP wasS100P(combinedRP=335.94). In the gene ontology (GO) analysis, the most significantly enriched GO term was “immune system process” (P=3.46×10-26). The most significant pathway identified in the pathway analysis was antigen processing and presentation (P=8.40×10-5). The consistently DE genes in ankylosing spondylitis and biological pathways associated with those DE genes identified provide valuable information for studying the pathophysiology of ankylosing spondylitis.
Virtual Screening of Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors Using the Lipinski’s Rule of Five and ZINC Databank
Authors: Nogara Pablo Andrei , Saraiva Rogério de Aquino , Caeran Bueno Diones , Lissner Lílian Juliana , Lenz Dalla Corte Cristiane , Braga Marcos M. , Rosemberg Denis Broock , Rocha João Batista Teixeira
Published: January 2015

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive and neurodegenerative pathology that can affect people over 65 years of age. It causes several complications, such as behavioral changes, language deficits, depression, and memory impairments. One of the methods used to treat AD is the increase of acetylcholine (ACh) in the brain by using acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs). In this study, we used the ZINC databank and the Lipinski’s rule of five to perform a virtual screening and a molecular docking (using Auto Dock Vina 1.1.1) aiming to select possible compounds that have quaternary ammonium atom able to inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. The molecules were obtained by screening and furtherin vitroassays were performed to analyze the most potent inhibitors through the IC50value and also to describe the interaction models between inhibitors and enzyme by molecular docking. The results showed that compound D inhibited AChE activity from different vertebrate sources and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) fromEquus ferus(EfBChE), with IC50ranging from 1.69 ± 0.46 to 5.64 ± 2.47 µM. Compound D interacted with the peripheral anionic subsite in both enzymes, blocking substrate entrance to the active site. In contrast, compound C had higher specificity as inhibitor ofEfBChE. In conclusion, the screening was effective in finding inhibitors of AChE and BuChE from different organisms.
Giant Polypoid Tumor Expressing on the Pyloric Ring
Authors: Sonoda Hirofumi , Kobayashi Takashi , Endo Yuhei , Irie Shoichi , Hirata Toru , Minamimura Keisuke , Mafune Ken-ichi , Mori Masaya
Published: January 2015

A 66-year-old Japanese man was referred to our hospital because of suspected duodenal cancer. Upper gastric endoscopy revealed a giant polypoid-type tumor that extended from the duodenum bulb to the pyloric ring. A computed tomography scan revealed a slightly enhanced lobular tumor protruding into the duodenum bulb. Positron emission tomography showed an accumulation of18F-fluorodeoxyglucose in the area extending from the antrum of the stomach to the duodenum bulb. Since an endoscopic ultrasound test suggested that the tumor might invade the muscular tunic, indications of endoscopic mucosal resection were not favored, and the tumor was curatively removed via distal gastrectomy. The histopathologic diagnosis was papillary adenocarcinoma, and the invasion depth was the mucosal layer without vascular invasion, which was different from the preoperative diagnosis. Our case suggests the difficulties in precise diagnosis of the invasion depth of the giant polypoid cancer.
Innate Immune System and Inflammation in Alzheimer's Disease: From Pathogenesis to Treatment
Authors: Serpente Maria , Bonsi Rossana , Scarpini Elio , Galimberti Daniela
Published: January 2015

Immune activation and inflammation, likely triggered by amyloid-beta (Aβ) deposition, play a remarkable role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), which is the most frequent cause of dementia in the elderly. The principal cellular elements of the brain innate immune system likely to be involved in such processes are microglia. In an attempt to search for new disease-modifying drugs, the immune system has been addressed, with the aim of removing deposition of Aβ or tau by developing vaccines and humanized monoclonal antibodies. The aim of this review is to summarize the current evidence regarding the role played by microglia and inflammatory molecules in the pathogenesis of AD. In addition, we will discuss the main active and passive immunotherapeutic approaches.
Primary Closure and Rate of Bile Leak following Laparoscopic Common Bile Duct Exploration via Choledochotomy
Authors: Hua Jie , Lin Shengping , Qian Daohai , He Zhigang , Zhang Ti , Song Zhenshun
Published: January 2015

Background: Choledocholithiasis is traditionally managed by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography or T-tube insertion following common bile duct exploration. This study examined the efficacy and safety of primary duct closure following laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) via choledochotomy. Methods: Between September 2011 and September 2013, 157 consecutive patients underwent LCBDE via choledochotomy. Results: Of 157 LCBDE procedures, 138 (87.9%) were successfully completed with primary closure of the choledochotomy. Eight patients (5.1%) underwent closure with T-tube drainage after choledochotomy and 11 patients (7.0%) were converted to open surgery. The biliary tree was free of stones at the end of surgery in 154 patients (98.1%). Postoperative bile leak occurred in 6 patients (3.8%). The median follow-up period was 18 (2-33) months, with no evidence of further bile duct stones or bile duct stricture in any patients. Univariable analysis revealed that successful duct clearance (p = 0.010) and diameter of the common bile duct (p < 0.001) were two significant risk factors for bile leak. Conclusions: Primary duct closure following LCBDE is effective and safe for the management of choledocholithiasis. The postoperative bile leak rate may be low in skilled laparoscopic surgeons with a careful selection of patients.
Preliminary Results of ‘Liver-First' Reverse Management for Advanced and Aggressive Synchronous Colorectal Liver Metastases: A Propensity-Matched Analysis
Authors: Tanaka Kuniya , Murakami Takashi , Matsuo Kenichi , Hiroshima Yukihiko , Endo Itaru , Ichikawa Yasushi , Taguri Masataka , Koda Keiji
Published: January 2015

Background: Although a ‘liver-first' approach recently has been advocated in treating synchronous colorectal metastases, little is known about how results compare with those of the classical approach among patients with similar grades of liver metastases. Methods: Propensity-score matching was used to select study subjects. Oncologic outcomes were compared between 10 consecutive patients with unresectable advanced and aggressive synchronous colorectal liver metastases treated with the reverse strategy and 30 comparable classically treated patients. Results: Numbers of recurrence sites and recurrent tumors irrespective of recurrence sites were greater in the reverse group then the classic group (p = 0.003 and p = 0.015, respectively). Rates of freedom from recurrence in the remaining liver and of freedom from disease also were poorer in the reverse group than in the classical group (p = 0.009 and p = 0.043, respectively). Among patients treated with 2-stage hepatectomy, frequency of microvascular invasion surrounding macroscopic metastases at second resection was higher in the reverse group than in the classical group (p = 0.011). Conclusions: Reverse approaches may be feasible in treating synchronous liver metastases, but that strategy should be limited to patients with less liver tumor burden.
Progress in interventional cardiology: challenges for the future
Authors: Liehn Elisa , Militaru Constantin , Vogt Felix , Simsekyilmaz Sakine
Published: January 2015

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the western and developing countries. Percutaneous transluminal coronary interventions have become the most prevalent treatment option for coronary artery disease; however, due to serious complications, such as stent thrombosis and in-stent restenosis (ISR), the efficacy and safety of the procedure remain important issues to address. Strategies to overcome these aspects are under extensive investigation. In this review, we summarise relevant milestones during the time to overcome these limitations of coronary stents, such as the development of polymer-free drug-eluting stents (DES) to avoid pro-inflammatory response due to the polymer coating or the developement of stents with cell-directing drugs to, simultaneously, improve re-endothelialisation and inhibit ISR amongst other techniques most recently developed, which have not fully entered the clinical stage. Also the novel concept of fully biodegradable DES featured by the lack of a permanent foreign body promises to be a beneficial and applicable tool to restore a natural vessel with maintained vasomotion and to enable optional subsequent surgical revascularisation.
ATOS MELANCÓLICOS
Authors: Saturnino Andrea Caruso
Published: January 2015

O que um elenco infantil aporta a uma peça de temática adulta? O presente artigo reflete sobre a presença das crianças no espetáculo Matéria Prima, da companhia espanhola La Tristura. Focamos na teatralidade que emerge do deslocamento de temas adultos ao serem tratados por crianças, destacando este traço como um dos elementos do conceito de teatro performativo desenvolvido por Josette Féral.
Variable Activation of the DNA Damage Response Pathways in Patients Undergoing Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography Myocardial Perfusion Imaging
Authors: Hee Lee Won , Nguyen Patricia , Hu Shijun , Liang Grace , Ong Sang-Ging , Han Leng , Sanchez-Freire Veronica , Lee Andrew S. , Vasanawala Minal , Segall George , Wu Joseph C.
Published: January 2015

Background—

Although single-photon emission computed tomography myocardial perfusion imaging (SPECT MPI) has improved the diagnosis and risk stratification of patients with suspected coronary artery disease, it remains a primary source of low-dose radiation exposure for cardiac patients. To determine the biological effects of low-dose radiation from SPECT MPI, we measured the activation of the DNA damage response pathways using quantitative flow cytometry and single-cell gene expression profiling.

Methods and Results—

Blood samples were collected from patients before and after SPECT MPI (n=63). Overall, analysis of all recruited patients showed no marked differences in the phosphorylation of proteins (H2AX, protein 53, and ataxia telangiectasia mutated) after SPECT. The majority of patients also had either downregulated or unchanged expression in DNA damage response genes at both 24 and 48 hours post-SPECT. Interestingly, a small subset of patients with increased phosphorylation had significant upregulation of genes associated with DNA damage, whereas those with no changes in phosphorylation had significant downregulation or no difference, suggesting that some patients may potentially be more sensitive to low-dose radiation exposure.

Conclusions—

Our findings showed that SPECT MPI resulted in a variable activation of the DNA damage response pathways. Although only a small subset of patients had increased protein phosphorylation and elevated gene expression postimaging, continued care should be taken to reduce radiation exposure to both the patients and operators.
Risk Profiles for Aortic Dissection and Ruptured or Surgically Treated Aneurysms: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Landenhed Maya , Engström Gunnar , Gottsäter Anders , Caulfield Michael P. , Hedblad Bo , Newton‐Cheh Christopher , Melander Olle , Smith J. Gustav
Published: January 2015

Background

Community screening to guide preventive interventions for acute aortic disease has been recommended in high‐risk individuals. We sought to prospectively assess risk factors in the general population for aortic dissection (
AD
) and severe aneurysmal disease in the thoracic and abdominal aorta.

Methods and Results

We studied the incidence of
AD
and ruptured or surgically treated aneurysms in the abdominal (
AAA
) or thoracic aorta (
TAA
) in 30 412 individuals without diagnosis of aortic disease at baseline from a contemporary, prospective cohort of middle‐aged individuals, the Malmö Diet and Cancer study. During up to 20 years of follow‐up (median 16 years), the incidence rate per 100 000 patient‐years at risk was 15 (95%
CI
11.7 to 18.9) for
AD
, 27 (95%
CI
22.5 to 32.1) for
AAA
, and 9 (95%
CI
6.8 to 12.6) for
TAA
. The acute and in‐hospital mortality was 39% for
AD
, 34% for ruptured
AAA
, and 41% for ruptured
TAA
. Hypertension was present in 86% of individuals who subsequently developed
AD
, was strongly associated with incident
AD
(hazard ratio [
HR
] 2.64, 95%
CI
1.33 to 5.25), and conferred a population‐attributable risk of 54%. Hypertension was also a risk factor for
AAA
with a smaller effect. Smoking (
HR
5.07, 95%
CI
3.52 to 7.29) and high apolipoprotein B/A1 ratio (
HR
2.48, 95%
CI
1.73 to 3.54) were strongly associated with
AAA
and conferred a population‐attributable risk of 47% and 25%, respectively. Smoking was also a risk factor for
AD
and
TAA
with smaller effects.

Conclusions

This large prospective study identified distinct risk factor profiles for different aortic diseases in the general population. Hypertension accounted for more than half of the population risk for
AD
, and smoking for half of the population risk of 
AAA
.
Art, Science and Communities of Practice
Authors: Wilson Brett , Hawkins Barbara , Sim Stuart
Published: January 2015

Through editorials such as Bob Root-Bernstein’s ArtScience “manifesto” in Leonardo Vol. 44, No. 3 (2011), Leonardo has long encouraged a broader and more inclusive understanding of the subtle interplay between science and art, and the belief that as individuals and cultural agents we all blend both aspects in our respective fields of endeavor. However, discourse and collaboration across the arts, sciences and humanities is not yet a mature and fully effective process. The authors contribute to this debate by drawing on elements of their Project Dialogue research program, set alongside published accounts of experiences at earlier U.K. art-science programs, to sketch out a theoretical framework that could inform ArtScience through a re-formulated cultural model of knowledge encompassing art and science.
The Affects of Agency: An Entangled Ethnography of a Living Machine
Authors: Salter Chris
Published: January 2015

The author discusses an experimental and interdisciplinary art science project based out of SymbioticA and in collaboration with Ionat Zurr and Oron Catts that attempts to construct a “living machine” out of skeletal muscle tissue and the ontological, aesthetic and methodological complexities inherent in such a project.
Manifesto on Art, Design and Social Science—Method as Speculative Event
Authors: Michael Mike , Costello Brigid , Mooney-Somers Julie , Kerridge Ian
Published: January 2015

The authors propose that techniques from art and design can be used within social science research as part of a speculative methodology and provide a set of heuristic principles for speculative method, characterizing it as processual, performative, playful, promising and propositional.
Bulbophyllum chyrmangensis (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae), a new species from Meghalaya, Northeast IndiaBulbophyllum chyrmangensis (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae), a new species from Meghalaya, Northeast India
Authors: Verma Durgesh , Lavania Seshu , Singh Sushil Kumar
Published: January 2015

Bulbophyllum section Brachyantha (Reichenbach 1861: 264) comprises about 26 species distributed from India to Japan and the Philippines, with one species in New Guinea (Vermeulen 2014: 27). In northeastern India, the section is represented by nine species (Hooker 1890, Augustine et al. 2001, Lucksom 2007, Rao 2007, Chen & Vermeulen 2009), which were earlier treated under Bulbophyllum section Umbellata (Bentham & Hooker 1883: 503).
Two new species of Pseudotrimezia (Iridaceae) endemic to Diamantina Plateau, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: Lovo Juliana , MELLO-SILVA RENATO
Published: January 2015

Two new species of Pseudotrimezia are described and illustrated. Both species are endemic to localities of “campos rupestres” in Diamantina Plateau, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. Pseudotrimezia nana is remarkably distinguished by the overall size, one of the smallest within the genus, bracts on the flowering stem and leaf anatomy. Pseudotrimezia striata is noteworthy due a partly bifacial leaf that encloses the flowering stem. Morphological comparisons with similar species are also provided.
New species of the genus Encyonema (Cymbellales, Bacillariophyta) from the Descoberto River Basin, Central-western Brazil
Authors: Da Silva Weliton Jose , Souza Maria das Gracas Machado de
Published: January 2015

Two new species of Encyonema are described from Central-western Brazil, bringing the total number of species in this genus recorded in Brazil to 45. Encyonema menezesiae has lanceolate valves with the ends subcapitate to rostrate-capitate, whereas E. candangense has linear valves with indistinct ends. The two species show deep alveoli, linear foramina, and densely areolate striae. These characteristics, together with the narrow valves, distinguish E. menezesiae and E. candangense from related taxa. The new species occurred in slightly acid and mostly oligotrophic waters. Similar aquatic environments in this region are being drastically affected by the use of biocides and fertilizers for agriculture. The description of these two species and their ecological preferences may provide useful information for the preservation of aquatic systems and their communities in Brazil.
A survey of the weevils of Ukraine. Bark and ambrosia beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Platypodinae and Scolytinae)
Authors: NIKULINA TATYANA , MANDELSHTAM MIKHAIL , PETROV ALEXANDER , NAZARENKO VITALIJ , YUNAKOV NIKOLAI
Published: January 2015

Our knowledge of Ukrainian bark and ambrosia beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae and Platypodinae) is summarized as a baseline for future studies of the fauna, with a checklist including information on distribution, host trees, biology and taxonomy. One hundred twenty-two species are recorded from Ukraine, of which seven are recorded for the first time. One species is recorded for the first time from Europe. Previous records of 24 species are considered dubious and requiring confirmation. In contrast to the Palaearctic Catalogue (Knížek 2011b), we consider Anisandrus maiche to be first described by Kurentsov (1941) rather than by Eggers (1942); A. maiche (Eggers, 1942) is a junior synonym of A. maiche (Kurentsov, 1941).
LABLE: A Multi-Institutional, Student-Led, Atmospheric Boundary Layer Experiment
Authors: Klein P. , Bonin T. A. , Newman J. F. , Turner D. D. , Chilson P. B. , Wainwright C. E. , Blumberg W. G. , Mishra S. , Carney M. , Jacobsen E. P. , Wharton S. , Newsom R. K.
Published: January 2015

This paper presents an overview of the Lower Atmospheric Boundary Layer Experiment (LABLE), which included two measurement campaigns conducted at the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Program Southern Great Plains site in Oklahoma during 2012 and 2013. LABLE was conducted as a collaborative effort between the University of Oklahoma (OU), the National Severe Storms Laboratory, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), and the ARM program. LABLE can be considered unique in that it was designed as a multiphase, low-cost, multiagency collaboration. Graduate students served as principal investigators and took the lead in designing and conducting experiments aimed at examining boundary layer processes.

The main objective of LABLE was to study turbulent phenomena in the lowest 2 km of the atmosphere over heterogeneous terrain using a variety of novel atmospheric profiling techniques. Several instruments from OU and LLNL were deployed to augment the suite of in situ and remote sensing instruments at the ARM site. The complementary nature of the deployed instruments with respect to resolution and height coverage provides a near-complete picture of the dynamic and thermodynamic structure of the atmospheric boundary layer. This paper provides an overview of the experiment including 1) instruments deployed, 2) sampling strategies, 3) parameters observed, and 4) student involvement. To illustrate these components, the presented results focus on one particular aspect of LABLE: namely, the study of the nocturnal boundary layer and the formation and structure of nocturnal low-level jets. During LABLE, low-level jets were frequently observed and they often interacted with mesoscale atmospheric disturbances such as frontal passages.
Distancing and limited resourcefulness: Third sector service provision under austerity localism in the north east of England
Authors: Clayton John , Donovan Catherine , Merchant Jacqui
Published: January 2015

Drawing on the concept of ‘austerity localism’, (Featherstone et al., 2012) this paper explores the impact of recent spending cuts and a revitalisation of the localism agenda on the work of locally embedded third sector organisations who work with marginal communities in the north east of England. In three key areas there exists a problematic relationship between the progressive language of empowerment, as set out in contemporary localist discourse, and the experiences and perceptions of service providers and service users. These relate to involvement in decision-making processes about the allocation of squeezed funding; the ability and desirability of voluntary groups to become autonomous; and the restricted resourcefulness of third sector organisations in a context of austerity. What comes through our data in all these cases are forms of social and spatial distancing, between third sector organisations and local decision makers, between organisations and their service users and also across the sector itself. Such distancing is facilitated by contexts in which resources, trust and empathy are undermined. The paper concludes that understanding the challenges faced by marginalised communities, and the third sector agencies working with them, requires recognition of the existing capacities within places, the importance of situated power relationships as well as wider connections of dependence and responsibility.
Private video monitoring of public spaces: The construction of new invisible territories
Authors: Firmino Rodrigo , Duarte Fabio
Published: January 2015

The idea of smart cities is to a great extent based on the belief of planners and city managers that substantial (and instrumental) use of information and communication technologies in the management of urban functions can make cities work better. This is also part of the coordinated discourse adopted by planners, managers and politicians around the world in an attempt to position their cities in the fierce competition for revenue, jobs and people. In this paper we will concentrate on gaining an understanding of informational territories built to support surveillance and control of public spaces. We seek to question this relation by making reference to several specific uses of information and communication technologies for surveillance purposes and to discuss it from the point of view of definitions of territory. Our goal is to discuss the fact that, under the ‘mantra’ of smarter cities and on the grounds of public security, there is a scattering of micro and macro informational territorial elements that overlap to undermine the meaningfulness of urban public spaces.
Bridging the gap: An exploration of how DMO managers use education to overcome challenges
Authors: Zavattaro Staci M , Adams Frank G
Published: January 2015

Place branding practices are increasingly taking place within public sector organisations, yet destination marketing organisation managers are insufficiently researched through a lens of managerial theory. Extending previous empirical research on DMO management obstacles, this study contributes to the literature by reporting results of interviews with DMO managers throughout a Southern state, and finds that managers face four major challenges: personnel, technological, political, and educational. The educational challenge manifests in how DMO managers respond to the other three obstacles, extending knowledge regarding how DMO managers justify their organisation’s existence and mission to potentially sceptical audiences.
Psychology in the 2011 South African census
Authors: Louw Johann , Machemedze Takwanisa
Published: January 2015

The database of the 2011 South African census results provides an additional source of data to understand psychology education in South Africa. Despite the limitations of the data, the emerging picture is a familiar one: Those reporting psychology as a primary field of education tend to be concentrated in urban areas and are mostly White and female. In addition, census respondents are mostly Afrikaans-speaking or English-speaking and earn reasonable salaries.
The distribution of rubber oil in oil-extended thermoplastic elastomer styrene–butadiene–styrene
Authors: Ma Bing-shui , Xia Qiang-bin , Yin Jin-can , Guo Chun-mei , Ren Tian-hui
Published: January 2015

Rubber oil and thermoplastic elastomer styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS) were selected for this work to study the distribution of rubber oil in SBS. Glass transition temperature ( Tg) of different components in rubber oil and rigid or soft phase in oil-extended thermoplastic elastomer SBS were measured by means of rheometer and dynamic mechanical analysis. Results calculated by Fox equation and verification tests proved that rubber oil is not only distributed in soft phase but also in rigid phase of SBS. Saturated hydrocarbon components of rubber oil tend to dissolve in soft phase, while aromatic components tend to dissolve in rigid phase.
Place recognition based on matching of planar surfaces and line segments
Authors: Cupec Robert , Nyarko Emmanuel Karlo , Filko Damir , Kitanov Andrej , Petrović Ivan
Published: January 2015

This paper considers the potential of using three-dimensional (3D) planar surfaces and line segments detected in depth images for place recognition. A place recognition method is presented that is based on matching sets of surface and line features extracted from depth images provided by a 3D camera to features of the same type contained in a previously created environment model. The considered environment model consists of a set of local models representing particular locations in the modeled environment. Each local model consists of planar surface segments and line segments representing the edges of objects in the environment. The presented method is designed for indoor and urban environments. A computationally efficient pose hypothesis generation approach is proposed that ranks the features according to their potential contribution to the pose information, thereby reducing the time needed for obtaining accurate pose estimation. Furthermore, a robust probabilistic method for selecting the best pose hypothesis is proposed that allows matching of partially overlapping point clouds with gross outliers. The proposed approach is experimentally tested on a benchmark dataset containing depth images acquired in the indoor environment with changes in lighting conditions and the presence of moving objects. A comparison of the proposed method to FAB-MAP and DLoopDetector is reported.
From ‘energy geography’ to ‘energy geographies’
Authors: Calvert Kirby
Published: January 2015

This paper takes stock of geographical contributions to the study of energy and energy futures. The paper is written in two parts. First, I trace the methodological and philosophical traditions that underpin geographical approaches to energy studies. I argue that while ‘energy geography’ is arguably a pragmatic shorthand with which to communicate to the broader energy studies community, geographical studies of energy have expanded in scope and theoretical plurality so that ‘energy geographies’ is a more appropriate label. Energy geographers are well positioned to contribute to scientific and policy debates surrounding energy due to their privileged position at the borderland between various philosophical and methodological traditions. Second, I identify some of the problems, opportunities and uncertainties that contemporary energy geographers are helping to identify, understand, and resolve. Past contributions and critical issues for future scholarship are highlighted in four themes: (1) using advanced socio-spatial theory to better understand the energy-society relationship; (2) geo-political and geo-economic assessments of (changing) global energy trade networks; (3) geographical perspectives on socio-technical (energy) transitions; and (4) advanced spatial decision-support for energy planning and technology implementation. While this discussion is by no means exhaustive, it aims to bring some clarity and specificity to the policy and academic relevance of geographical thought and practice as it relates to energy issues.
A Review of Self-Management Interventions for People With Dementia and Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Quinn Catherine , Toms Gill , Anderson Daniel , Clare Linda
Published: January 2015

Self-management offers a way of helping people with dementia or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to play an active role in managing their condition. Barlow, Wright, Sheasby, Turner, and Hainsworth have defined self-management as the “individual’s ability to manage the symptoms, treatment, physical and psychosocial consequences and life style changes inherent in living with a chronic condition.” Although commonly used in other chronic health conditions, there has been relatively little exploration of the role of self-management in dementia or MCI. This review aimed to identify group-based psychosocial interventions for people with dementia or MCI that incorporate significant elements of self-management. Fifteen interventions were included in the review: 12 for people with dementia and 3 for participants with MCI. In both the dementia and MCI interventions, the most commonly included self-management components were information, communication, and social support, and skills training. The review findings indicate that components of self-management have been incorporated into group-based interventions for people with dementia and MCI. Further studies are needed to address the methodological limitations of the included studies and to determine the effectiveness of self-management interventions with these populations.
Dapagliflozin
Authors: Davis Portia N. , Ndefo Uche Anadu , Oliver Ashley
Published: January 2015

Objective:

To review clinical evidence for the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of dapagliflozin (Farxiga-AstraZeneca), a sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, as monotherapy or in combination with other hypoglycemic agents for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Data Sources:

Literature was identified through a systematic MEDLINE search of clinical trial results for dapagliflozin.

Data Synthesis:

Multiple controlled clinical trials have established the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of dapagliflozin as monotherapy or in combination with other therapies for type 2 diabetes. Dapagliflozin is approved by Food and Drug Administration as monotherapy or as an add-on to other glucose lowering agents including insulin for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Conclusion:

Dapagliflozin is effective for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Hard times for trade union anti-racism workplace strategies
Authors: Ouali Nouria , Jefferys Steve
Published: January 2015

This article reviews research into how European trade unions have responded to workplace racism against minority and migrant workers in the more difficult economic and political situation following the 2008 recession. Its main focus is on research carried out in Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Italy and the UK in 2003–2005, 2008–2009 and 2013. Union pressure for equal treatment had already weakened somewhat before the crisis. Subsequently, unemployment levels for ethnic minority and migrant workers rose much faster than for ‘national majority’ workers, and levels of tension in the workplace have often increased. The article distinguishes four main union responses: denial of racism and protection of the interests of national majority workers; the demand that minorities assimilate without special provisions; recognition of the need for minorities to have some special services and support; and the adoption of positive measures to promote equal treatment.
Development and evaluation of hybrid seat cushions for helicopter aircrew vibration mitigation
Authors: Chen Yong , Wickramasinghe Viresh , Zimcik David
Published: January 2015

This article investigates the use of novel energy-absorbing materials to reduce vibration transmitted through helicopter pilot seat cushions. A type of engineered material known as the hybrid air cushioning system was integrated into the design of helicopter seat cushions in addition to conventional foam materials. The prototype seat cushions were preliminarily evaluated as the bottom seat cushion on a Bell-412 nonarmored pilot seat through mechanical shaker tests. The promising cushion designs were further evaluated on a Bell-412 helicopter through extensive flight tests. The pilot whole-body vibration levels were assessed in accordance with ISO 2631-1:1997 standard. The flight test results demonstrated that the prototype cushions were able to reduce significantly the pilot whole-body vibration. Therefore, the integration of hybrid air cushioning system with Bell-412 seat cushion can serve as a low-cost solution to mitigate the vibration levels transmitted to helicopter pilots.
Direct adaptive control for individual blade pitch control of wind turbines for load reduction
Authors: Magar Kaman Thapa , Balas Mark J , Frost Susan
Published: January 2015

In this article, a theory of adaptive disturbance rejection control is used to design an individual blade pitch controller to reduce the loading in a utility-scale wind turbine. The goal of the adaptive disturbance rejection control is to regulate the blade pitch angle individually to reduce the asymmetrical loading in blade due to vertical wind shear and also to reject the unnecessary disturbance introduced by the wind turbulence. The applicability of the theory is illustrated by implementing the controller in the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s 5-MW nonlinear, high-fidelity wind turbine model and simulating it in MATLAB/Simulink.
Performance evaluation and comparison of magnetorheological elastomer absorbers working in shear and squeeze modes
Authors: Sun Shuaishuai , Deng Huaxia , Yang Jian , Li Weihua , Du Haiping , Alici Gursel
Published: January 2015

The adaptive tuned vibration absorbers based on magnetorheological elastomers are mainly developed in shear and squeeze working modes. The distinctions between the two kinds of magnetorheological elastomer absorbers are less investigated. In order to investigate the distinctions induced by the working mode, two magnetorheological elastomer absorbers working in different modes are theoretically and experimentally analyzed in this article. Magnetorheological elastomer was first prepared and tested in shear and squeeze modes by parallel-plate rheometer and materials test system, respectively. Then, the fabricated magnetorheological elastomers were used to develop absorbers working in shear and squeeze modes. The performance of these two absorbers at various magnetic fields is characterized under swept excited frequencies by using a vibration testing system. The experimental results illustrate that the natural frequency of the magnetorheological elastomer absorber working in shear mode can be tuned from 32 to 62 Hz, while the variation range of the natural frequency of the magnetorheological elastomer absorber working in squeeze mode is from 62 to 127 Hz, which indicates the squeeze magnetorheological elastomer absorber has larger frequency-shift range than the shear magnetorheological elastomer absorber. Then, two theoretical models are presented to investigate and predict the frequency-shift performance of the two magnetorheological elastomer absorbers. The theoretical analysis results further verify the above conclusion.
Happiness and social determinants across age cohorts in Taiwan
Authors: Hsu Hui-Chuan , Chang Wen-Chiung , Chong Young-Sook , An Jeong Shin
Published: January 2015

The purpose of this study was to examine happiness and social determinants across age cohorts in Taiwan. The data were obtained from the 2011 Taiwan Social Change Survey (aged 18 +, n = 2,199). The social determinants of happiness included socioeconomic status and social connection. Happiness was not different across the age groups. Receiving less family support, less formal support, more social trust and more control over life were significant for the younger group. Being married and having more social participation were significant for the middle-aged. Receiving less family support and having a higher economic status were significant for the older group.
Using the M/G/∞ queueing model to predict inpatient family medicine service census and resident workload
Authors: Garrison Gregory M , Pecina Jennifer L
Published: January 2015

The number and timing of unplanned admissions to inpatient teaching services vary. Recent changes to resident duty hours make it essential to maximize learning experiences and balance workload on these services. Queueing theory provides a mechanism for understanding and planning for the variations in admissions and daily census. Daily admissions, length of stay, and daily census were modeled for a teaching inpatient family medicine service over 46 months using an M/G/∞ queueing model. Q–Q plots and a Kolmogorov–Smirnov test were used to check the fit of actual data to the model. Admissions and daily census followed a Poisson distribution (λ = 3.28 and λ = 8.28, respectively), while length-of-stay followed a lognormal distribution (µ = 0.49, σ2 = 0.83). The M/G/∞ queueing model proved useful for predicting overflow admission frequency, defining expected resident workload in terms of patient-days, and determining hospital unit size requirements.
Study of reinforced beam of concrete-wooden composite on basis of its failure type and mechanical properties
Authors: Shamsian Mohammad , Bayatkashkoli Ali , Hasanzadeh Marzie
Published: January 2015

Concrete-wooden composite beams are structural systems in which an upper concrete flange is connected to a lower timber web. In this study, the concrete-wooden composite beams are produced by using tangential boards of Pinus sp. (dimensions of 100 cm × 5 cm × 2.5 cm). The concrete is reinforced by nail and wire. Concrete-wooden composite beams are made from two types of design. The two arrangement types include one side of the timber and opposite side concrete and, also, it includes the two side timbers and concrete center. Nails (No. 4 and 5) with 3 cm and 5 cm spacing were used for preparing wooden-concrete composite. The nails were hammered about 1.5 cm deep into the boards. After the wooden-concrete composite beams were constructed, their mechanical properties (three-point bending) were measured. The results showed that composite beams with nailing spaces of 3 cm, the concrete height of 5 cm, and the arrangement of two side timbers have been the best mechanical properties. Whereas composite beams with one-sided timber, nailing spaces of 5 cm, and the concrete height of 10 cm have shown the least mechanical strength. The beams of concrete-wooden composite have shown a nonlinear break behavior.
A Formal Test for Asymmetry in the Uncertainty of Outcome Hypothesis
Authors: Lenten Liam J. A.
Published: January 2015

The presence of asymmetry in the relation between attendances and competitive balance in the Australian Football League is tested, over the period 1945-2010. The results from the well-specified structural time-series model validate the uncertainty of outcome hypothesis, and the null of no asymmetry is rejected easily in the structural innovations of the series, although it is not rejected in the levels. The latter finding substantiates the reversibility (without net loss of demand) of league revenue-sharing and labor market policies that influence demand in professional sports leagues.