bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Recharge Mechanisms and Sources of Groundwater Salinization in Ras Jbel Coastal Aquifer (Northeast Tunisia) Using Hydrogeochemical Tools, Environmental Isotopes, GIS, and Statistics
Authors: Hammami Abidi Jamila , Farhat Boutheina , Ben Mammou Abdallah , Oueslati Naceur
Published: May 2017

Groundwater is among the most available water resources in Tunisia; it is a vital natural resource in arid and semiarid regions. Located in north-eastern Tunisia, the Metline-Ras Jbel-Raf Raf aquifer is a mio-plio-quaternary shallow coastal aquifer, where groundwater is the most important source of water supply. The major ion hydrochemistry and environmental isotope composition (δ18O, δ2H) were investigated to identify the recharge sources and processes that affect the groundwater salinization. The combination of hydrogeochemical, isotopic, statistical, and GIS approaches demonstrates that the salinity and the groundwater composition are largely controlled by the water-rock interaction particularly the dissolution of evaporate minerals and the ion exchange process, the return flow of the irrigation water, agricultural fertilizers, and finally saltwater intrusion which started before 1980 and which is partially mitigated by the artificial recharge since 1993. As for the stable isotope signatures, results showed that groundwater samples lay on and around the local meteoric water line LMWL; hence, this arrangement signifies that the recharge of the Ras Jbel aquifer is ensured by recent recharge from Mediterranean air masses.
Box-Counting Method of 2D Neuronal Image: Method Modification and Quantitative Analysis Demonstrated on Images from the Monkey and Human Brain
Authors: Rajković Nemanja , Krstonošić Bojana , Milošević Nebojša
Published: May 2017

This study calls attention to the difference between traditional box-counting method and its modification. The appropriate scaling factor, influence on image size and resolution, and image rotation, as well as different image presentation, are showed on the sample of asymmetrical neurons from the monkey dentate nucleus. The standard BC method and its modification were evaluated on the sample of 2D neuronal images from the human neostriatum. In addition, three box dimensions (which estimate the space-filling property, the shape, complexity, and the irregularity of dendritic tree) were used to evaluate differences in the morphology of type III aspiny neurons between two parts of the neostriatum.
Contralateral Ovarian Metastasis of Clear-Cell Renal Carcinoma: A Rare Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Uruc Fatih , Akan Serkan , Sahin Aytaç , Yildirim Caglar , Urkmez Ahmet
Published: May 2017

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) constitutes 2-3% of all types of cancers. RCCs metastasize into lungs (50–60%), lymph nodes (36%), bones (30–40%), liver (30–40%), and brain (5%) in respective percentages. RCC rarely metastasizes into ovary. Only 25 cases of ovarian tumor, which metastasized into kidneys, have been presented. In the literature, a kidney-ovary axis has been defined, and its interrelationship begins with embryological life. With this case report, we aimed both to present a very rarely seen metastasis of RCC into contralateral ovary and also to review the literature.
Abstract B47: A novel combination of Biochanin-A/ 5-Fluorouracil against colon cancer: Impact on Wnt/beta-catenin signaling
Authors: Mahmoud Mohamed , El-Sesy Mohamed , Tolba Mai F. , Ella Dalal A. Abou El
Published: May 2017

Giza, Egypt.

Colon cancer is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide. It is considered the second leading cause of cancer deaths in both women and men combined. Although 5-fluorouracil (5FU) is the first line of therapy for colon cancer, its use is significantly hampered by drug toxicity and development of tumor resistance. Therefore, it is important to investigate strategies to overcome such stumbling block. Biochanin-A (Bio-A) is a promising natural isoflavone that has selective cytotoxicity against cancer cells. This study aimed at investigating the modulatory impact of Bio-A on 5FU cytotoxicity in colon cancer cells and exploring the possible underlying mechanisms with emphasis on Wnt/beta catenin signals. Cytotoxicity and Calcusyn synergy analyses were conducted to assess IC50 and synergism between Bio-A and 5FU in both Caco-2 and HCT-116 cell lines. The effect of the different treatments on Wnt/ β-catenin signals was assessed using phospho-tracer enzyme linked immunoassays. Bio-A alone showed cytotoxic activity against Caco-2 and HCT-116 colon cancer cells with IC50 values of 34.34 and 34.41 μM respectively using sulforhodamine-B cytotoxicity assay. Combined treatment of 5FU/ Bio-A at 1:2 and 1:4 ratios reduced the IC50 of 5FU significantly by 26.7 and 57% in Caco-2 cell line. The same treatments produced reduction of 5FU IC50 by 13.2 and 39.6% in HCT-116. Calcusyn® analysis indicated that the combinations were synergistic in both cell lines with combination index CI<1. Since Wnt/ β-catenin signaling plays an important role in the pathogenesis of colon cancer, the study was substantiated to investigate the effects of Bio-A and Bio-A/5FU combination on some key signals in addition to cell cycle analysis and assessment of cyclin D1 expression. Bio-A significantly suppressed Akt-phosphorylation and hence reduced GSK3β phosphorylation and preserved it in the active form. Hence, treatment with Bio-A boosted the ratio of phosphorylated β-catenin(p-S45)/total β-catenin indicating an increased degradation of β-catenin and reduced signaling. In conclusion, these results underscore the potential merit of Bio-A as an adjuvant to 5FU for the management of colon cancer. Further tumor xenograft studies are encouraged in order to verify this effect in vivo.

Citation Format: Mohamed Mahmoud, Mohamed El-Sesy, Mai F. Tolba, Dalal A. Abou El Ella. A novel combination of Biochanin-A/ 5-Fluorouracil against colon cancer: Impact on Wnt/beta-catenin signaling. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Translational Control of Cancer: A New Frontier in Cancer Biology and Therapy; 2016 Oct 27-30; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(6 Suppl):Abstract nr B47.
Fetal Tricuspid Regurgitation in the First Trimester as a Screening Marker for Congenital Heart Defects: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Scala Carolina , Morlando Maddalena , Familiari Alessandra , Leone Roberti Maggiore Umberto , Ferrero Simone , D'Antonio Francesco , Khalil Asma
Published: May 2017

Background: Assessment of tricuspid flow has been reported to improve the performance of screening for aneuploidies and congenital heart defects (CHD). However, the performance of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) as a screening marker for CHD in euploid fetuses is yet to be established. The main aim of this meta-analysis was to establish the predictive accuracy of TR for CHD. Methods: MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched electronically utilizing combinations of the relevant medical subject heading for “fetus,” “tricuspid regurgitation,” and “first trimester.” The outcomes explored were prevalence of TR in an euploid population, strength of association between TR and CHD, and predictive accuracy of TR for CHD in euploid fetuses. Summary estimates of sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios, and diagnostic odds ratio for the overall predictive accuracy of TR for the detection of CHD were computed using the hierarchical summary receiver-operating characteristics model. Results: A total of 452 articles were identified; 60 were assessed with respect to their eligibility for inclusion and a total of 4 studies were included in the study. TR was associated with an increased risk of CHD (RR: 9.6, 95% CI 2.8-33.5; I2: 92.7%). The strength of association between TR and CHD persisted when considering fetuses at risk for CHD, such as those with increased nuchal translucency (RR: 7.2, 95% CI 5.2-9.8; I2: 0%), while TR did not show any association with CHD when detected in a population at low risk for cardiac defects (RR: 9.3, 95% CI 0.8-111.8; I2: 93%). The overall diagnostic performance of TR in detecting CHD was poor in detecting CHD (sROC: 0.684, SE: 0.61) with a sensitivity of 35.2% (95% CI 26.9-44.1) and a specificity of 98.6% (95% CI 98.5-98.7). Detection of TR at the 11-14 weeks' scan showed a positive likelihood ratio of 7.2 (95% CI 5.3-9.8) in detecting CHD when applied to a population at risk for CHD such as fetuses with an increased nuchal translucency. Conclusion: The detection of TR in the first trimester increases the risk of CHD. However, isolated TR in the first trimester does not seem to be a strong predictor for CHD.
Tumor Heterogeneity: Will It Change What Pathologists Do
Authors: Bosman Fredrik T.
Published: May 2017

Although the notion that tumors are heterogeneous is well rooted in diagnostic pathology, the extent of this heterogeneity at the molecular level and its impact on (targeted) treatment choice will certainly influence the practice of pathology. Even though the consequences of tumor heterogeneity for cancer care are as yet incompletely understood, pathologists can contribute to solving major scientific and clinical problems related to tumor heterogeneity by rethinking guidelines for tumor sampling, to have a more comprehensive covering of intratumor heterogeneity in the available tumor tissue samples. They should develop guidelines and/or technology to adequately document sample characteristics such as percentage of tumor cells in a sample. They need to contribute to training of bioinformaticians in the field of cancer pathobiology and integrate such well-trained bioinformaticians in the workflow leading to a final pathology report. They also need to redefine postgraduate training programs in diagnostic pathology to address the need for in-depth training in molecular cancer pathobiology. Pathologists might contribute more to making the public at large aware of the importance of data sharing. Finally, pathologists should support the creation of consortia in which clinical and molecular data are shared with the translational research community.
Dermoscopy of Subungual Exostosis: A Retrospective Study of 10 Patients
Authors: Piccolo Vincenzo , Argenziano Giuseppe , Alessandrini Aurora M. , Russo Teresa , Starace Michela , Piraccini Bianca Maria
Published: May 2017

Introduction: Subungual exostosis (SE), the most common nail tumor of young adults, is a benign bony proliferation of the distal phalanx occurring beneath the nail. Misdiagnosis or late diagnosis frequently occurs and no dermoscopy features of this tumor were previously outlined. Material and Methods: To describe the dermoscopic appearance of SE, 10 patients with radiologically and histologically confirmed SE were retrospectively retrieved from our tertiary referral centers. Data regarding age, gender, time to diagnosis, clinical presentation, dermoscopic features, involved nail and history of trauma were recorded for each patient. Results: In our patients, clinical findings were similar to previous reports. Among the dermoscopic features, vascular ectasia was the most common finding (70%), followed by hyperkeratosis (60%), onycholysis (40%), and ulceration (30%). Conclusion: Dermoscopy could be a useful technique aimed at creating diagnostic suspicion of this benign nail condition, although X-ray examination and histopathology are mandatory for the diagnosis.
Indigo Naturalis Ameliorates Oxazolone-Induced Dermatitis but Aggravates Colitis by Changing the Composition of Gut Microflora
Authors: Adachi Soichiro , Hoshi Namiko , Inoue Jun , Yasutomi Eiichiro , Otsuka Takafumi , Dhakhwa Ramesh , Wang Zi , Koo Yuna , Takamatsu Toshihiro , Matsumura Yuriko , Yamairi Haruka , Watanabe Daisuke , Ooi Makoto , Tanahashi Toshihito , Nishiumi Shin , Yoshida Masaru , Azuma Takeshi
Published: May 2017

Background: Indigo naturalis (IND) is an herbal medicine that has been used as an anti-inflammatory agent to treat diseases including dermatitis and inflammatory bowel disease in China. However, the mechanism by which IND exerts its immunomodulatory effect is not well understood. Methods: A murine model of dermatitis and inflammatory bowel disease, both induced by oxazolone (OXA), was treated with IND. The severity of dermatitis was evaluated based on ear thickness measurements and histological scoring. The severity of colitis was evaluated by measuring body weight, histological scoring, and endoscopic scoring. The expression of inflammatory cytokines in ear and colon tissue was evaluated using real-time PCR. 16S rRNA DNA sequencing of feces from OXA-induced colitis mice was performed before and after IND treatment. The effects of IND on OXA-induced colitis were also evaluated after depleting the gut flora with antibiotics to test whether alteration of the gut flora by IND influenced the course of intestinal inflammation in this model. Results: IND treatment ameliorated OXA dermatitis with a reduction in IL-4 and eosinophil recruitment. However, OXA colitis was significantly aggravated in spite of a reduction in intestinal IL-13, a pivotal cytokine in the induction of the colitis. It was found that IND dramatically altered the gut flora and IND no longer exacerbated colitis when colitis was induced after gut flora depletion. Conclusions: Our data suggest that IND could modify the inflammatory immune response in multiple ways, either directly (i.e., modification of the allergic immune cell activity) or indirectly (i.e., alteration of commensal compositions).
Long-Term Efficacy of S-1 Chemotherapy plus Administration of Octreotide for a Patient with Metastatic Neuroendocrine Tumor (Gastrinoma)
Authors: Hiraide Sakura , Ono Sadahide , Kato Satoshi
Published: May 2017

Metastatic neuroendocrine tumors (gastrinomas) have a poor prognosis. Octreotide can reduce gastrin levels and alleviate hormonal symptoms, and possibly slow tumor growth as well. No drugs were available except streptozocin for the treatment of metastatic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (PNET) in 2008. We report a case of PNET in a 53-year-old woman with multiple liver tumors treated with S-1 plus octreotide. After 6 months from the initiation of the treatment, the pancreatic tumor and liver metastases regressed, and the patient achieved partial response without the development of any serious adverse event. For more than 8 years, the patient has remained asymptomatic without disease progression and is continuing treatment with octreotide and S-1. A marked suppression of gastrin levels has also been achieved. Combination therapy with octreotide and S-1 has been effective and well tolerated in patients with metastatic gastrinoma.
Renal-Limited “Lupus-Like” Nephritis: How Much of a Lupus
Authors: Maziad Asmaa S. Abu , Torrealba Jose , Seikaly Mouin G. , Hassler Jared R. , Hendricks Allen R.
Published: May 2017

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by development of autoantibodies to nuclear and cytoplasmic antigens. A small subset of SLE patients who had the typical clinical features of SLE was reported to show persistently negative antinuclear antibody tests. Our report describes a 5-year-old male who presented with histopathological findings suggestive of lupus nephritis with no clinical signs or symptoms of SLE and negative autoantibodies. He was treated with corticosteroids, mycophenolate mofetil, and monthly intravenous cyclophosphamide. During the 2-year follow-up period, the proteinuria resolved and kidney function improved with continued negative autoantibody workup. This case presents a category of renal-limited “lupus-like” glomerulonephritis which can be challenging to treat and carries a poor prognosis.
A new species of Eupholus Boisduval from West New Guinea (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: RIEDEL ALEXANDER , PORION THIERRY
Published: May 2017

Eupholus Boisduval is outstanding among weevils for its large body size and splendid coloration. Nevertheless, some species have eluded discovery until recently. Here we describe E. marielaurae sp. n. from the Arfak Mountains of West New Guinea. We provide morphological and molecular characters to differentiate it from E. cuvierii (Guérin-Méneville).
Updated inventory and distribution of free-living flatworms from Tunisian waters
Authors: GAMMOUDI MEHREZ , GARBOUJ MYRIAM , EGGER BERNHARD , TEKAYA SAÏDA
Published: May 2017

Records of free-living flatworms (turbellarians) from Tunisian waters are scattered. Based on new material and published accounts, an annotated checklist of free-living flatworm species from Tunisian waters is provided. A total of 29 species is recorded, including 18 species with new material and 11 species only from literature records. For each species, information on systematics, habitats and distribution is supplied, together with taxonomic or biological remarks. Three species, the acotylean polyclads Cestoplana rubrocinta Lang, 1884 and Comoplana agilis (Lang, 1884) as well as the marine triclad Cercyra hastata Schmidt, 1861 are recorded for the first time in Tunisia. The controversial occurrence of the leptoplanid polyclad Leptoplana tremellaris in the Mediterranean is supported with histological sections and embryological data. The proseriate Monocelis fusca Örsted, 1843 previously reported from Tunisia is considered to be a misidentification.By presenting a checklist of the recorded species, this work summarizes our current knowledge of the turbellarian fauna diversity in Tunisia, providing baseline data for future biogeographical, ecological, behavioral and evolutionary investigations.
A new annual fish of the genus Simpsonichthys (Cyprinodontiformes: Cynolebiidae) from the upper Rio Jequitinhonha basin, Brazil
Authors: NIELSEN DALTON TAVARES BRESSANE , PESSALI TIAGO CASARIM , DUTRA GUILHERME MOREIRA
Published: May 2017

A new species of Simpsonichthys is described from the upper rio Jequitinhonha basin, Minas Gerais, eastern Brazil. It is diagnosed from all congeners by presenting an A-patterned frontal squamation. Additionally, males of the new species differs from all congeners by the color pattern of body, the color of iris, the absence of contact organs in the pectoral fin, presence of scales on anal-fin base, pectoral-fin length, caudal fin length, and eye diameter. Females of the new species can be diagnosed from remaining congeners by the pectoral-fin length. The conservation status of the new species is evaluated. Comments on the relationships of the new species within the genus Simpsonichthys are presented.
Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome secondary to caffeine withdrawal
Authors: Kalladka Dheeraj , Siddiqui Aslam , Tyagi Alok , Newman Edward
Published: May 2017

We describe a 39-year-old man who developed thunderclap headaches during a hospital admission for accidental superficial burns. His magnetic resonance brain imaging was normal expect for diffuse segmental vasoconstriction. Prior to admission, he was consuming excessive amounts of caffeine which was restarted and slowly tapered and stopped over weeks. Repeat magnetic resonance angiogram showed resolution of segmental vasoconstriction. The implications of prescribed and non-prescribed drugs on cerebral vasculature have been discussed.
A rare presentation of meralgia paraesthetica in limb girdle muscular dystrophy
Authors: Zeliha Karaahmet Ozgur , Gurcay Eda , Ozturk Duygu , Guzel Sukran , Cakci Aytul
Published: May 2017

A 44-year-old female with paraesthesia and pain on the left anterolateral thigh who had been diagnosed with limb-girdle muscular dystrophy by electromyography and muscle biopsy is presented. Neurological examination revealed atrophy of the proximal muscles of both shoulders, plus pseudo hypertrophy of both calves. Electromyography exhibited a myopathic pattern. Musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging demonstrated a fusiform nerve swelling below the inguinal ligament suggesting lateral femoral cutaneous nerve compression, consistent with meralgia paraesthetica. Treatment with a perineural injection of betamethasone dipropionate and betamethasone sodium phosphate combination, and prilocaine-HCl, under ultrasound guidance, was performed. Symptoms resolved within 6 h. At 3-week follow-up, the patient was asymptomatic, and there was no paraesthesia or pain on examination. In this case, ultrasound-guided perineural injection of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve with local anaesthetics and steroid served both diagnostic and therapeutic functions.
Stabilization of linear time-varying systems using proportional-derivative state feedback
Authors: Abdelaziz Taha HS
Published: May 2017

This paper presents the stabilization approach for linear time-varying continuous-time systems using proportional-derivative (PD) state feedback control. The solvability conditions for the problem are considered. The general analytical expressions for the PD controller gains are derived, which describe the available degrees of freedom offered by PD state feedback. The non-uniqueness of the controller gains is utilized to obtain closed-loop systems with small gain elements. Two numerical examples are introduced to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Attitude stabilization of a rigid spacecraft with actuator delay and fault
Authors: Safa Alireza , Baradarannia Mahdi , Kharrati Hamed , Khanmohammadi Sohrab
Published: May 2017

Time delays and actuator faults are phenomena which are frequently encountered in practical control systems and are found to have significant effects on the performance of operation and control. It is shown that even a very small delay may destabilize the spacecraft system. Therefore, besides considering the effects of modelling uncertainties and external disturbances, time delay and actuator fault effects should be properly handled in the spacecraft to achieve reliable and accurate control. This paper describes a simple and effective method to attitude stabilize a spacecraft. The proposed method works by augmenting a backstepping controller with a modified extended state observer-based feedforward control law. The backstepping control is used to compensate for an unknown delay in the inputs, while the feedforward term attenuates the effects of modelling uncertainties, external disturbances and actuator faults. In particular, actuator faults, modelling uncertainties and external disturbances are viewed as unknown nonlinear functions of the measurable state variables, estimated using a modified extended state observer, and then compensated for. The effectiveness of the proposed control algorithm is analytically authenticated and verified via simulation studies.
Study of Going-Concern Opinions
Authors: Swanson Zane , Theis John
Published: May 2017

Findings indicate that a Shumway method of decomposition of individual ratios is more explanatory of the existence of going concerns than a summary Altman Z score. Obfuscation of financial statement information appears to occur when going-concern footnotes are reported.
Diversification and democracy
Authors: Kolstad Ivar , Wiig Arne
Published: May 2017

Does diversification of an economy improve the chances of democracy? In theory, diversification may reduce elite cohesion and improve citizens’ outside options, making democracy more likely. This paper estimates the effect of export diversification on democracy, using data from 143 countries. We use variability within countries in fertile soil as an instrument for diversification, controlling for country size. To address the possibility that current fertile soil variability may have been influenced by historical country characteristics that could also have affected democracy today, we control for historical changes in land cover. We identify a statistically significant, positive effect of diversification on democracy.
Child Athletes and Athletic Objectification
Authors: Cameron Nadine , McPherson Lynne , Atkins Prue , Nicholson Matthew , Long Maureen
Published: May 2017

This article examines the risks associated with conceptualizing the child athlete’s body primarily in aesthetic terms and as an instrument of sporting victory, and develops a concept of “athletic objectification.” It draws on a recent research project involving Australian males and females aged between 18 and 25 who participated in organized sport as children. It identifies socially prevalent beliefs and values to which the athletic objectification of children may be partially attributed. These include the orthodoxy that sport is inherently good for children’s development, and the particular valorization of sporting success and gendered expectations that characterize Western society. It concludes with the argument that serving children’s best interests in sport requires that their broader psychosocial needs are given priority above the short-term development of their athletic capacity.
Physical activity experiences of youth with visual impairments: An Alaskan perspective
Authors: Haegele Justin A , Yessick Amanda , Nicole Kirk T
Published: May 2017

The purpose of this study was to explore the physical activity experiences of youth with visual impairments living in Alaska. This study utilized a descriptive-qualitative methodology using an exploratory case study design. A convenience sample of four (one female, three males; aged 12–18 years) Alaskan youths with visual impairments participated in this study. Data included semi-structured interviews, reflective interview notes, and observational notes. Data were transcribed verbatim, and thematic development was undertaken inductively using a three-step analytic process. Based on the analysis, two interrelated themes emerged from the data: (a) “I don’t really participate in sports other than at camp”: preferences for unstructured activities and (b) “my sister’s willing to do anything”: familial impact on physical activity. Results of this study can help inform future efforts to promote physical activity engagement among youth with visual impairments, particularly those living in geographic areas similar to Alaska.
Physical activity, body composition, and well-being of school children and youths with visual impairments in Germany
Authors: Giese Martin , Teigland Christina , Giessing Jürgen
Published: May 2017

The study compares levels of physical activity, body composition values, and emotional well-being of school-age children and youths with visual impairments ( n = 115) in specialized schools with those of sighted children ( n = 118) in mainstream schools. The methodology included pedometers, bioelectrical impedance analysis, and the WHO-Five Well-being Index. In all relevant parameters, students with visual impairments achieved results comparable to those of sighted students, and the degree of visual impairment did not correlate significantly with the parameters. The results confirm the positive effects and the importance of physical activity for students with visual impairments. High levels of physical activity are possible which provide health-related benefits for children and youths with visual impairments.
Diffuse microvascular dysfunction and loss of white matter integrity predict poor outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Rost Natalia S , Cougo Pedro , Lorenzano Svetlana , Li Hua , Cloonan Lisa , Bouts Mark JRJ , Lauer Arne , Etherton Mark R , Karadeli Hasan H , Musolino Patricia L , Copen William A , Arai Ken , Lo Eng H , Feske Steve K , Furie Karen L , Wu Ona
Published: May 2017

We sought to investigate the relationship between blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability and microstructural white matter integrity, and their potential impact on long-term functional outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). We studied 184 AIS subjects with perfusion-weighted MRI (PWI) performed <9 h from last known well time. White matter hyperintensity (WMH), acute infarct, and PWI-derived mean transit time lesion volumes were calculated. Mean BBB leakage rates (K2 coefficient) and mean diffusivity values were measured in contralesional normal-appearing white matter (NAWM). Plasma matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) levels were studied at baseline and 48 h. Admission stroke severity was evaluated using the NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) was obtained at 90-days post-stroke. We found that higher mean K2 and diffusivity values correlated with age, elevated baseline MMP-2 levels, greater NIHSS and worse 90-day mRS (all p < 0.05). In multivariable analysis, WMH volume was associated with mean K2 ( p = 0.0007) and diffusivity ( p = 0.006) values in contralesional NAWM. In summary, WMH severity measured on brain MRI of AIS patients is associated with metrics of increased BBB permeability and abnormal white matter microstructural integrity. In future studies, these MRI markers of diffuse cerebral microvascular dysfunction may improve prediction of cerebral tissue infarction and functional post-stroke outcomes.
First-person view semi-autonomous teleoperation of cooperative wheeled mobile robots with visuo-haptic feedback
Authors: Lui Kent Yee , Cho Hyunjun , Ha ChangSu , Lee Dongjun
Published: May 2017

We propose a novel semi-autonomous teleoperation control framework for two nonholonomic wheeled mobile robots, which are cooperatively grasping and transporting a deformable object without any physical grip-enforcing fixture and are teleoperated by a single remote human user via a first-person view camera attached on the over-seeing wheeled mobile robot with some visuo-haptic feedback. First, we apply nonholonomic passive decomposition to split the kinematics of the two wheeled mobile robots into the grasping/first-person view-centering behavior and the teleoperation-related behavior. We reveal that, under a mixed constraint of the system (i.e. physical/nonholonomic no-slip/drift constraint and artificial/holonomic grasping/first-person view-centering constraint), the first-person view camera cannot track an arbitrary human command. We then design the semi-autonomous control architecture, consisting of an autonomous grasping-enforcing and first-person view-centering control and a first-person view camera teleoperation control, which in turns stands upon autonomous human command tracking control. We also design visual and haptic feedback to notify the user of, and also nudge them to reduce, the command-behavior mismatch caused by the mixed constraint, which is difficult for the user to understand via the limited first-person view, we can thus induce user confusion/frustration and consequently performance deterioration. Experiment verification and a human subject study are performed to show the efficacy of our proposed first-person view semi-autonomous teleoperation framework with the visuo-haptic feedback.
Alterations in post-movement beta event related synchronization throughout the migraine cycle: A controlled, longitudinal study
Authors: Mykland Martin Syvertsen , Bjørk Marte Helene , Stjern Marit , Sand Trond
Published: May 2017

Background

The migraine brain is believed to have altered cortical excitability compared to controls and between migraine cycle phases. Our aim was to evaluate post-activation excitability through post-movement beta event related synchronization (PMBS) in sensorimotor cortices with and without sensory discrimination.

Subjects and methods

We recorded EEG of 41 migraine patients and 31 healthy controls on three different days with classification of days in relation to migraine phases. During each recording, subjects performed one motor and one sensorimotor task with the right wrist. Controls and migraine patients in the interictal phase were compared with repeated measures (R-) ANOVA and two sample Student’s t-test. Migraine phases were compared to the interictal phase with R-ANOVA and paired Student’s t-test.

Results

The difference between PMBS at the contralateral and ipsilateral sensorimotor cortex was altered throughout the migraine cycle. Compared to the interictal phase, we found decreased PMBS at the ipsilateral sensorimotor cortex in the ictal phase and increased PMBS in the preictal phase. Lower ictal PMBS was found in bilateral sensorimotor cortices in patients with right side headache predominance.

Conclusion

The cyclic changes of PMBS in migraine patients may indicate that a dysfunction in deactivation and interhemispheric inhibition of the sensorimotor cortex is involved in the migraine attack cascade.
Plasticity in the Period of the Circadian Pacemaker Induced by Phase Dispersion of Its Constituent Cellular Clocks
Authors: Beersma Domien G. M. , Gargar Kim A. , Daan Serge
Published: May 2017

The mammalian circadian pacemaker is commonly thought to be a rigid oscillator that generates output under a variety of circumstances that differ only in phase, period, and/or amplitude. Yet the pacemaker is composed of many cells that each can respond to varying circumstances in different ways. Computer simulations demonstrate that networks of such pacemaker cells behave differently under a light-dark cycle compared with constant darkness. The differences demonstrate that the circadian pacemaker is plastic: The pacemaker shapes its properties in response to the circumstances. A consequence is that properties of a pacemaker under a light-dark cycle cannot be derived from studies of the same system in constant darkness. In this paper we show that the dispersion of phase in a network of coupled oscillators can influence ensemble period: For the considered type of coupling, it is demonstrated that the more synchronous the cells are, the longer is the ensemble period. This is consistent with various data sets obtained in mammals, and even with a data set from fruit flies, in which circadian variation in behavior is regulated in a distinctly differently way from that in mammals. We conclude that environmental circumstances such as photoperiod and exposure to light pulses in otherwise darkness modify the phase distribution of the network and, thereby, the period of the ensemble. Our study supports the view that such properties as circadian period are not solely determined by clock genes but are also determined by the genes that regulate the communication in cellular networks.
Student–Teacher Relationships and Student Anxiety: Moderating Effects of Sex and Academic Achievement
Authors: Kurdi Vanessa , Archambault Isabelle
Published: May 2017

This study examined the influence of student–teacher relationships on children’s anxiety and its differential association according to children’s sex and academic achievement. The sample included 350 third- and fourth-grade students and their elementary school teachers. Results of multiple regression analysis indicated that student–teacher conflict at the beginning of the school year was associated with higher anxiety in students at the end of the year. The influence of conflict with teachers also varied for boys and girls, according to their academic achievement. Indeed, high-achieving girls reporting conflict with teachers presented more anxiety compared with boys and their low-achieving peers. This study highlights the influence of teachers on student anxiety, and brings attention to high-achieving girls, a group rarely considered at risk.
Effect of polyurethane dispersion treatment on the performance improvement of carbon woven fabric-reinforced composites
Authors: Yang Yuqiu , Zhang Zhiyuan , Ma Yan , Ueda Masahito , Yokozeki Tomohiro , Sugahara Toshi , Hamada Hiroyuki
Published: May 2017

In this study, two types of polyurethane dispersion were applied as surface treatment for 10 types of washed/nonwashed carbon plain woven fabric-reinforced thermosetting and thermoplastic composites. To investigate the effects of surface treatment on the mechanical properties, the impregnation of various laminates was observed by a digital microscope. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) was employed to investigate the interfacial interaction properties. Static tensile test was used to study the mechanical properties of composites. A correlation between the mechanical properties and interfacial interaction of composites was successfully observed. The acoustic emission (AE) from various composites was recorded in order to investigate the initial fracture and failure mechanism. Meanwhile, the knee-point method was also employed to look for initial fracture, which showed a good fit to initial strain detected from AE (amplitude > 80 dB). Furthermore, scanning electron microscopic images of single fiber and fractured carbon fiber bundles confirmed the interfacial properties evaluated by DMA analysis. Finally, remarkable improvement in mechanical properties (≈33.3%) of CF/PA6 laminates is discussed.
Designing the main controller of auxiliary braking systems for heavy-duty vehicles in nonemergency braking conditions
Authors: Zheng Hongpeng , Lei Yulong , Song Pengxiang
Published: May 2017

With the development of the road industry, heavy-duty vehicles now require additional braking power to fulfill their braking requirements. Auxiliary braking systems, which include a hydraulic retarder and an engine brake, can provide additional braking force in nonemergency braking conditions. A water medium retarder is a new type of hydraulic retarder that can convert the kinetic energy of a vehicle into the thermal energy of coolant. This study introduces a novel auxiliary braking system involving a water medium retarder and an engine brake for heavy-duty vehicles. The specific forces of heavy-duty vehicles and the auxiliary braking system are established. The control logic of the novel auxiliary braking system is assigned, and a main controller is designed to dynamically manage the entire braking process. The main controller includes controllers A and B, which handles the engine brake and water medium retarder, respectively. The heavy-duty vehicles dynamic system model is created using MATLAB/Simulink. Upon performance testing, simulation results show that the designed main controller can effectively and rapidly manage the auxiliary braking system, thus satisfying the braking requirements in any nonemergency braking condition. Even when the slope of a road changes, the main controller can extract dynamical forces as well as acceleration parameters and fulfill the braking requirements of vehicles.
The Impact of the Public Distribution System in India
Authors: Thampi Anjana
Published: May 2017

In the context of the recent evidence of a revival of the PDS in certain states, its impact between 2004–2005 and 2011–2012 on the nutritional indicators of children aged 7–19 years was studied by state. This exercise showed that the PDS has had a significant impact on the longer-term nutritional indicator in three of the four functioning states and on the short-term indicator in two reviving states. This indicates that the revival has begun to translate into nutritional gains and catch-up growth of children in some states. Two sets of indicators were used to understand the mechanisms through which these gains were attained. One considered the dependence on the calories provided by PDS commodities; this showed a high dependence on PDS for sufficient intake of calories in functioning states and increasing dependence in certain reviving states. The second indicator was an index of dietary variety. This followed a pattern of higher dietary diversity in beneficiary households in most of the functioning and reviving states. These are encouraging results which offer scope for further reforms.
Poverty and Food Security: Trends Among Socio-religious Groups in India
Authors: Das Panchanan , Sengupta Anindita
Published: May 2017

This article analyses food insecurity, poverty risk and inequality in different castes and religious groups in India by utilizing National Sample Survey Organisation’s (NSSO) household-level information between 1999–2000 and 2011–2012. The article provides an assessment of the socio-economic characteristics of food-insecure households of the country, and it finds that the poverty risk estimated on the basis of relative poverty line increased both in rural and urban India between 1999–2000 and 2011–2012. The study finds that the likelihood of incidence of food security for the population increased, irrespective of social and religious groups. Food security was lower in Muslims than in Hindus. The relative degree of food security was significantly less among the tribal people compared to other social groups.
Geometric nonlinear distributed parameter model for cantilever-beam piezoelectric energy harvesters and structural dimension analysis for galloping mode
Authors: Tan Ting , Yan Zhimiao , Lei Hong , Sun Weipeng
Published: May 2017

To investigate the effects of structural dimension on the performance of cantilever-beam piezoelectric energy harvesters, a novel distributed parameter model considering the geometric nonlinearity of the cantilever beam is proposed using the extended Hamilton’s principle. Electromechanical decoupling method is utilized to simplify the coupling simulation and facilitate the geometric dimension analysis. For such harvesters operated in galloping mode, the effects of the geometric dimension of the cantilever beam on the electromechanical coupling term, modified natural frequency, electrical damping, modal velocity, power, power density, and tip displacement are investigated. The geometric nonlinearity is found to affect the tip displacement and power greatly at high wind speed. Due to subtle changes of the modal velocity with the geometric parameters, the variation of the power with these parameters is found to be approximately predicted from that of the electrical damping, while the variation of the tip displacement with these parameters is detected to be opposite to that of the modified natural frequency. For higher power with smaller tip displacement, shorter narrower thicker substrate layer fully covered with thicker piezoelectric layer is preferred. For higher power density with smaller tip displacement, shorter wider thicker substrate layer covered with shorter thinner piezoelectric layer is recommended.
Benchmark study of a small-scale slab track system with squeeze-mode magnetorheological fluid isolators
Authors: Li Rui , Mu Wenjun , Sun Tianyu , Li Xi , Wang Xiaojie
Published: May 2017

A magnetorheological fluid squeeze-mode isolator is proposed to improve the vibration isolation performance of a subway floating slab track system. However, it is difficult to carry out the test for the full-scale track vibration isolation system in the laboratory. The research is based on scale analysis of the floating slab track system, from the point view of the dimensionless of the dynamic characteristics of physical quantity, to establish a small-scale test bench system for the magnetorheological fluid isolators. A small-scale magnetorheological fluid device with squeeze mode is designed, and its performance is tested. The experimental results showed that the squeeze-mode magnetorheological fluid Isolators can provide a large range of damping force for energy dissipation with a small amount of input electric power. The major parameters of a small-scale test bench are obtained according to the similarity theory. The force transmissibility ratio and the relative acceleration transmissibility ratio are selected as evaluation index of system similarity. Furthermore, a test bench is built according to the small-scale model parameter analysis. The experimental studies showed that the bench testing results were consistency with that of theoretical model in evaluating the vibration force and acceleration. Therefore, the small-scale study of magnetorheological track vibration isolation system based on similarity theory reveals the isolation performance of a real slab track prototype system.
The Driving Forces of Marital Dissolution in Asian Countries
Authors: Subarimaniam Neerushah , Hassan Siti Aishah , Zakaria Noor Syamilah
Published: May 2017

Marital dissolution is the legal termination of marital obligations between spouses, and it has been perceived as a very common issue, especially when there are more challenges and expectations in one’s life. This article is a systematic review study, which explores the factors or driving forces that lead to marital dissolution. Besides that, the pattern of this study is derived from a combination of marital dissolution culture, factors of marital dissolution, perspectives, and information extracted from Asian countries. Electronic database was used to search appropriate reading materials and a total of 10 journals were found. This article presents a systematic review of 10 journals that are the results of some inclusion and exclusion criteria. The driving forces of marital dissolution such as domestic violence, cohabitation, interparental conflict, economic considerations, house holding, and separation across borders were discussed systematically.
Family Functions in Relation to Behavioral and Psychological Disorders in Chinese Culture
Authors: Fan Hongying , Zhang Bingren , Wang Wei
Published: May 2017

Family is comprised of two or more individuals related by blood, marriage, or adoption. It basically functions to satisfy the varied hierarchy of needs for each individual. In Chinese culture or society, family structure may have some uniqueness, and its functions are greatly influenced by Confucianism, which suppresses some desires of an individual in order to let him or her fit into the collectivistic community. Contemporary literature has illustrated that many behavioral and psychological disorders in China are associated with family, most of which might be due to the malfunctions of family. There is however no literature that specifically illustrates the link between the Chinese culture and family-related mental disorders. Anxiety, depression, personality disorder, sexual disorder, alcoholism, and others which are documented in China, nevertheless, are related to the malfunctioned family under Chinese culture. Future well-designed studies are needed to fully address the Chinese culture contributions to the etiopathologies of these disorders.
Closing the Acculturation Gap
Authors: Cheung Christopher W. , Jahn Stephani A. B.
Published: May 2017

As the minority population of the United States grows rapidly, there is an increased need for culturally attentive counseling. East Asian Americans are a particularly large group among U.S. minorities, and their culture is distinct from those of other Asian groups. Their values are rooted in Confucian values and teachings, including the importance of respect, family, emotional restraint, saving face, and others. When these families immigrate to the United States, they face the process of acculturation, which affects members of the family differently, according to generation. East Asian Americans often present in counseling with acculturation-related conflicts between parents and children. Family counselors can use a Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) approach for family counseling to provide a problem-solving orientation to suit these clients. The theory is adaptable to fit clients’ worldviews, and its application can be used in a family-focused way that aligns well with this collectivist culture’s way of viewing themselves. A case example and transcripts illustrate the application of SFBT principles and techniques with a Chinese American multigenerational family.
How Time With a Father Relates to Child’s Sexual Health
Authors: Kimberly Claire , Linton Regan Deal
Published: May 2017

Relatively few studies have examined the fathers’ influence on their child’s sexual health and how it can be utilized in a practitioner setting. The research that has investigated the father–child relationship has been limited by confounding variables, discrepancy in terminology, and lack of diversity in samples. In reaction to this need, this study looked at the impact of both the presence of the father and the quality of the father’s relationship with their child on their child’s later sexual behaviors, attitudes, and relational satisfaction. Based on the results, recommendations are provided to therapists on how to further understand the relational aspects of the father–child relationship and how it might impact multiple levels of their child’s sexual health.