bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
InfiniBand Verbs on GPU: a case study of controlling an InfiniBand network device from the GPU
Authors: Oden Lena , Fröning Holger
Published: June 2015

Due to their massive parallelism and high performance per Watt, GPUs have gained high popularity in high-performance computing and are a strong candidate for future exascale systems. But communication and data transfer in GPU-accelerated systems remain a challenging problem. Since the GPU normally is not able to control a network device, a hybrid-programming model is preferred whereby the GPU is used for calculation and the CPU handles the communication. As a result, communication between distributed GPUs suffers from unnecessary overhead, introduced by switching control flow from GPUs to CPUs and vice versa. Furthermore, often a designated CPU thread is required to control GPU-related communication. In this work, we modify user space libraries and device drivers of GPUs and the InfiniBand network device in a way to enable the GPU to control an InfiniBand network device to independently source and sink communication requests without any involvement of the CPU. Our results show that complex networking protocols such as InfiniBand Verbs are better handled by CPUs, since overhead of work request generation cannot be parallelized and is not suitable for the highly parallel programming model of GPUs. The massive number of instructions and accesses to host memory that is required to source and sink a communication request on the GPU slows down the performance. Only through a massive reduction in the complexity of the InfiniBand protocol can some performance improvements be achieved.
Feline non-regenerative immune-mediated anaemia: features and outcome in 15 cases
Authors: Black Victoria , Adamantos Sophie , Barfield Dominic , Tasker Séverine
Published: June 2015

Objectives

Pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) and non-regenerative immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia (NRIMHA) are uncommon causes of non-regenerative anaemia affecting the bone marrow in the cat. This retrospective study aimed to describe the clinical features, treatment and outcome (remission and survival) of cats with these disorders.

Methods

Cases of PRCA and NRIMHA presenting between 2009 and 2013 were retrieved. Clinical features including signalment, history, clinical signs and diagnostic investigations were recorded, as well as treatment(s) used and outcome (remission and survival). Outcome was compared for PRCA and NRIMHA.

Results

Fifteen cats met inclusion criteria: seven with PRCA and eight with NRIMHA. The majority (12/15) were younger than 3 years of age. Volume overload was common (8/11). Treatment with whole blood transfusions with or without Oxyglobin was necessary in most cats (14/15) and resulted in congestive heart failure in one cat. Most cats (11/15) achieved remission 12–42 days after starting immunosuppressive treatment. Treatment protocols associated with remission were glucocorticoids alone (remission in 6/7 cats), glucocorticoids and chlorambucil (remission in 3/6 treated cats), glucocorticoids and ciclosporin (one cat only) and ciclosporin alone (one cat only). Relapse was observed in 3/11 cats, and 8/11 cats were still receiving treatment at the time of follow-up. Outcome (remission and survival) did not differ between PRCA and NRIMHA.

Conclusions and relevance

PRCA and NRIMHA are uncommon causes of anaemia in predominantly young cats. The prognosis is reasonable, with a mortality rate of 27%, and it can take at least 6 weeks before remission is observed. Following clinical remission, gradual withdrawal of immunosuppressive treatments should be attempted, with close monitoring for relapse; some cats may require long-term treatment. This study is the first to report the use of chlorambucil as an adjunctive immunosuppressant in these cases. Outcome did not differ for PRCA and NRIMHA.
On the impact of fine filtration on spectrometric oil analysis and inductive wear debris sensors
Authors: Becker Andrew , Abanteriba Sylvester , Dutton Scott , Forrester David , Rowlinson Glen
Published: June 2015

Spectrometric oil analysis has been a popular technique used by oil analysis laboratories to determine the concentration of elements in an oil sample. The primary application of this technique has been the identification of fine wear in lubricated systems as an indicator of abnormal wear in order to prevent failure. It has also found some use for monitoring contaminants and fluid additives. While the literature has varying accounts of the effectiveness of this technique for machinery condition monitoring purposes, the introduction of fine filtration to many modern machines has profound implications for the effectiveness of spectrometric oil analysis. This paper will assess the effectiveness of spectrometric oil analysis in a fine filtered system and compare it with the results from an inductive wear debris sensor. The inductive wear debris sensor is a relatively new sensor for detecting abnormal wear in recirculating lubrication systems. A combination of experimental data and aircraft data is presented.
Discipline admonished: On International Relations fragmentation and the disciplinary politics of stocktaking
Authors: Kristensen Peter Marcus
Published: June 2015

The International Relations discipline has recently witnessed a wave of stocktakings and they surprisingly often follow the narrative that the discipline once revolved around all-encompassing great debates, which, either neatly or claustrophobically depending on the stocktaker, organized the discipline. Today, most stocktakers argue, International Relations has moved beyond great debate — the very symbol of the discipline — and is undergoing fragmentation. For some scholars, fragmentation is caused by the lack of any great structuring debate and a proliferation of less-than-great theories. To others, fragmentation is a result of the divisive great debates themselves. When stocktakers portray fragmentation as novelty, however, they neglect the prominent historical record of this fragmentation narrative. By rereading stocktaking exercises from the 1940s to today, this article argues that the stocktaking genre — past and present — is conducive to seeing the past as more simple, coherent and ordered while the present is marked by fragmentation and cacophony. Neat summaries of the academic scene in one’s own time are quite rare. Few stocktakers ever identified one conversation/debate driving the discipline, not during the first, second, third or fourth debates — and those who did disagreed on what the main trenches and its warriors were. The article concludes by arguing that International Relations’ recurrent anxieties about its fragmentation beg questions, not about whether it is real this time, but about the disciplinary politics of this stocktaking narrative. Stocktaking exercises are never only objective descriptions of a current state of disarray; they are political moves in the discipline. Dissatisfied scholars employ this narrative to lead the discipline in certain directions, often quite idiosyncratic ones that reflect and serve their own position in International Relations.
The reconfiguration of the transnational power bloc in the crisis
Authors: Ougaard Morten
Published: June 2015

The current political conjuncture is analysed as a crisis of hegemony in the transnational power bloc. The previous hegemonic crisis of the 1970s lasted about 10 years before the neoliberal hegemonic project was firmly established. This new regime evolved in two stages: the first marked by the hegemony of transnational industrial capital; the second marked by the hegemony of finance, ending with the global financial crisis. The next regime will mainly be shaped by struggles along three lines of conflict within the transnational power bloc: between finance and productive capital; between ‘green’ and ‘black’ capital; and between the old industrialized countries and the emerging economies. Using patterns of political contestation and policy development as indicators of change in power relations, it is concluded: that finance is still part of the power bloc but no longer hegemonic; that green capital is gaining momentum but facing strong opposition; and that there has been some strengthening of the new powers but the situation is still unsettled. Transition to a green growth model, where productive capital from the North is hegemonic but with strengthened Southern capital, is a possibility but not the only one in this still open situation.
Analysis of weld characteristics of micro-plasma arc welding and tungsten inert gas welding of thin stainless steel (304L) sheet
Authors: Batool Sadaf , Khan Mushtaq , Jaffery Syed Husain Imran , Khan Ashfaq , Mubashar Aamir , Ali Liaqat , Khan Nawar , Anwar Muhammad Nabeel
Published: June 2015

This research work focuses on comparison of the weld geometry, distortion, microstructure and mechanical properties of thin SS 304 L sheets (0.8 mm thickness) welded using micro-plasma arc welding and tungsten inert gas welding process. Initial experiments were performed to identify suitable processing parameters for micro-plasma arc welding and tungsten inert gas welding processes. Microstructures of welds were analysed using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive spectroscopy. The results indicate that the joint produced by micro-plasma arc welding exhibited higher tensile strength, higher ductility, smaller dendrite size and a narrow heat affected zone. Samples welded by micro-plasma arc welding process had lower distortion as compared to that welded by tungsten inert gas process. Micro-plasma arc welding was shown to be the suitable process for welding of thin 304 L sheets owing to its higher welding speed and better weld properties as compared to the tungsten inert gas welding process.
The right to space production and the right to necessity: Insurgent versus legal rights of Palestinians in Jerusalem
Authors: Jabareen Yosef
Published: June 2015

The major problem with theories of the right to the city is that they inherently assume that states are the sole provider of rights and that, in liberal–democratic countries, legal rights are conceptually universal and apply to all individuals equally. I challenge these assumptions and maintain that in some situations, when the state and its governing apparatus violate or deny the very basic rights of a social or ethnic collective, the group itself becomes an alternative source of informal rights. I conceive this violation of basic needs as a necessity state of affairs, which constitutes a true and proper source of law and it makes the right to space production and the right to necessity. Thus, the state of necessity is the source of these informal rights and law, and necessity gives them the legitimation they needs. The disadvantaged groups, the community, not the State, give it the legitimation they need. As Agamben suggests in his State of Exception, that necessity has no law and necessity creates it own law. From this perspective, the right to the production of space is a plane of contradictions and struggle over the distribution of resources and rights among people in general, and between the state and its local government and planning and development institutions in particular. Seen in this light, it is clear that the right to the production of space entails not only formal legal rights but also the informal rights, the right to necessity, generated and invoked by disadvantaged groups.

The production of space, then, is born and reborn at the heart of the contradictions between formal and informal rights, and between the state’s planning apparatus and spatial agenda on the one hand and the status of disadvantaged groups on the other. The conceptual framework offered here seeks to resolve and overcome these contradictions through its contingent relations between legal rights, which are produced and distributed by the state, and the rights of necessity generated and invoked by the collective. From this perspective, the right to the production of space offers a normative framework for illuminating the relationship between the production of space, structure, and power relations at the state and city level and their relations with collective groups, as well as a means of struggle for basic rights of recognition and of the reorganization of urban society.
Proposed guidelines for the protection of vulnerable subjects in clinical trials: Protections for decisionally impaired subjects
Authors: MacFarlane Gordon D , Herzberg Mark C , Campbell Laure
Published: June 2015

Current regulations and guidelines identify specific subject populations as vulnerable. Regulations and guidelines generally stipulate protections with regard to the process of informed consent. Recent clinical trials suggest that satisfying the legal requirements for additional safeguards may not protect subjects to the extent we may desire. We present proposed guidelines for the protection of decisionally impaired subjects throughout the course of the trial.
The Influence of Teacher Epistemology and Practice on Student Engagement in Literacy Learning
Authors: Bock Amanda K. , Erickson Karen A.
Published: June 2015

Learning to read with comprehension requires that students acquire and integrate an increasingly complex set of skills. Students with severe disabilities are often seen as incapable of mastering and integrating the skills required for reading with fluency and comprehension, a presumption that results in decreased access to comprehensive reading instruction. This article reports on one effort to provide comprehensive literacy instruction for students with severe disabilities. Specifically, it reports results of a qualitative exploration of instructional practices and student engagement in two self-contained special education classrooms as teachers implemented a comprehensive literacy program. The MEville to WEville Start-to-Finish Literacy Starters program reflects a research-based instructional framework that balances skills-focused instruction with meaning-focused instruction, focuses on interaction and communication, and emphasizes the application of new skills and understandings. As the two teachers in this study implemented the program, their instruction became increasingly student-centered, interactive, comprehensive, and balanced. The results of this study illustrate how students’ interest, enjoyment, contributions, and cognitive engagement increased as teachers differentially embraced and became more comfortable over time with MeVille’s comprehensive literacy framework.
Serious myelopathy due to magnetic resonance imaging-occult arteriovenous fistula: Case report of petrous ridge dural arteriovenous fistula
Authors: Kim Hyun Jeong , Choi In Sup
Published: June 2015

Background and purpose

We present a case of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-occult intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) with serious cervical myelopathy and review the pathophysiological background.

Summary of case

A 61-year-old man had suffered from progressive neurological deterioration. He had demonstrated swollen spinal cord with diffuse enhancement and no dilated vascularity on MRI. Finally, digital subtraction angiography revealed DAVF at the petrous ridge and it was successfully treated by embolization.

Conclusion

A slow flow DAVF is not readily recognizable on MRI. Whenever a patient presents with unexplainable progressive myelopathy, a possibility of vascular origin has to be considered.
Dynamic analysis of grouped turbo blades using radial basis function
Authors: Hsu Ming-Hung , Tan Paul Juinn Bing
Published: June 2015

Eigenvalue problems of grouped turbo blades were numerically formulated using a radial basis function. This study investigated different boundary conditions, which accompany the radial basis function, for transforming partial differential equations of grouped turbo blades into a discrete eigenvalue problem. The numerical results show the validity and efficiency of the radial basis function for solving this problem. The crack depth considerably affects the dynamic behavior of grouped turbo blades.
Research on carbon fiber–reinforced plastic bumper beam subjected to low-velocity frontal impact
Authors: Hu Yefa , Liu Can , Zhang Jinguang , Ding Guoping , Wu Qiong
Published: June 2015

Lightweight and safety performance of automobiles are two important factors for automobile designs. In this article, a research on lightweight and crashworthiness of automotive bumper has been conducted. The carbon fiber–reinforced plastic bumper beam is considered to replace the traditional high-strength steel one. The low-velocity impact finite element simulations for the above two bumper beams are performed via LS-DYNA. Furthermore, the energy absorption capabilities and dynamic response characteristics of the carbon fiber–reinforced plastic bumper beam are investigated and compared with the steel one. The results show that the carbon fiber–reinforced plastic bumper beam is of the better energy absorption capabilities and dynamic response characteristics than those of the steel one; the weight has decreased remarkably close to 50%. Meanwhile, the effect of lay-up and wall thickness on the crashworthiness of the carbon fiber–reinforced plastic bumper beam under low-velocity impact is also studied in this article to select appropriate design schemes.
Influence of apparent wave velocity on seismic performance of a super-long-span triple-tower suspension bridge
Authors: Wang Hao , Li Jian , Tao Tianyou , Wang Chunfeng , Li Aiqun
Published: June 2015

As one of the main characteristics of seismic waves, apparent wave velocity has great influence on seismic responses of long-span suspension bridges. Understanding these influences is important for seismic design. In this article, the critical issues concerning the traveling wave effect analysis are first reviewed. Taizhou Bridge, the longest triple-tower suspension bridge in the world, is then taken as an example for this investigation. A three-dimensional finite element model of the bridge is established in ABAQUS, and the LANCZOS eigenvalue solver is employed to calculate the structural dynamic characteristics. Traveling wave effect on seismic responses of these long-span triple-tower suspension bridges is investigated. Envelopes of seismic shear force and moment in the longitudinal direction along the three towers, relative displacements between the towers and the girder, and reaction forces at the bottoms of the three towers under different apparent wave velocities are calculated and presented in detail. The results show that the effect of apparent wave velocity on the seismic responses of triple-tower suspension bridge fluctuates when the velocity is lower than 2000 m/s, and the effects turn stable when the velocity becomes larger. In addition, the effects of traveling wave are closely related to spectral characteristics and propagation direction of the seismic wave, and seismic responses of components closer to the source are relatively larger. Therefore, reliable estimation of the seismic input and apparent wave velocity according to the characteristics of the bridge site are significant for accurate prediction of seismic responses. This study provides critical reference for seismic analysis and design of long-span triple-tower suspension bridges.
A hybrid least-squares genetic algorithm–based algorithm for simultaneous identification of geometric and compliance errors in industrial robots
Authors: Zhou Jian , Kang Hee-Jun
Published: June 2015

Due to the flexibility of robot joints and links, industrial robots can hardly achieve the accuracy required to perform tasks when a payload is attached at their end-effectors. This article presents a new technique for identifying and compensating compliance errors in industrial robots. Within this technique, a comprehensive error model consisting of both geometric and compliance errors is established, where joint compliance is modeled as a piecewise linear function of joint torque to approximate the nonlinear relation between joint torque and torsional angle. A hybrid least-squares genetic algorithm–based algorithm is then developed to simultaneously identify the geometric parameters, joint compliance values, and the transition joint torques. These identified geometric and non-geometric parameters are then used to compensate geometric and joint compliance errors. Finally, the developed technique is applied to a 6 degree-of-freedom industrial serial robot (Hyundai HA006). Experimental results are presented that demonstrate the effectiveness of the identification and compensation techniques.
An analytical model for a piezoelectric vibration energy harvester with resonance frequency tunability
Authors: Wang Yun , He Hailang , Xu Rongqiao
Published: June 2015

This article conceptually proposes a new method to tune the resonance frequency of piezoelectric vibration energy harvesters, in which the supporting position of the vibrator can be adjusted for frequency tuning. The corresponding analytical model is established to predict the performances of the harvester based on the principles of energy. First, the equivalent stiffness and mass of the vibrator in bending mode are derived explicitly for the different supporting positions. A simple analysis method is then established for the frequency, output voltage, and output power. Finally, some numerical examples are given to demonstrate the presented method. The results are also compared with those by finite element method and good agreement is observed.
Brayton cycle for internal combustion engine exhaust gas waste heat recovery
Authors: Galindo J , Serrano JR , Dolz V , Kleut P
Published: June 2015

An average passenger car engine effectively uses about one-third of the fuel combustion energy, while the two-thirds are wasted through exhaust gases and engine cooling. It is of great interest to automotive industry to recover some of this wasted energy, thus increasing the engine efficiency and lowering fuel consumption and contamination. Waste heat recovery for internal combustion engine exhaust gases using Brayton cycle machine was investigated. The principle problems of application of such a system in a passenger car were considered: compressor and expander machine selection, machine size for packaging under the hood, efficiency of the cycle, and improvement of engine efficiency. Important parameters of machines design have been determined and analyzed. An average 2-L turbocharged gasoline engine’s New European Driving Cycle points were taken as inlet points for waste heat recovery system. It is theoretically estimated that the recuperated power of 1515 W can be achieved along with 5.7% improvement in engine efficiency, at the point where engine power is 26550 W.
Sediment–flow interactions at channel confluences: A flume study
Authors: Liu Tonghuan , Fan Beilin , Lu Jinyou
Published: June 2015

Sediment transport and bed morphology at channel confluences with different confluence angles and discharge ratios are analyzed through a series of flume experiments. Bed topography and sediment transport rate are measured and results are compared among different conditions. Sediment transport is intermittent and pulsating as the tributary flow mixes with the mainstream, and the sediment transport rate goes up with the increase in discharge ratio and confluence angle. With no sediment supplied from upstream of the flume, a central scour hole will form along the shear plane and develop toward the right bank, and the depth of the central scour hole increases as the confluence angle and discharge ratio increase. With heavy upstream sediment supplement, deposition will happen in the separation zone and upstream of the confluence area because of the tributary. And the deposition height is related to the discharge ratio and confluence angle. Results indicate the significant impact of confluence geometry, sediment, and flow factors on fluvial processes.
Simulation and experimental validation of powertrain mounting bracket design obtained from multi-objective topology optimization
Authors: Zhao Qinghai , Chen Xiaokai , Wang Lu , Zhu Jianfeng , Ma Zheng-Dong , Lin Yi
Published: June 2015

A framework of multi-objective topology optimization for vehicle powertrain mounting bracket design with consideration of multiple static and dynamic loading conditions is developed in this article. Incorporating into the simplified isotropic material with penalization model, compromise programming method is employed to describe the multi-objective and multi-stiffness topology optimization under static loading conditions, whereas mean eigenvalue formulation is proposed to analyze vibration optimization. To yield well-behaved optimal topologies, minimum member size and draw constraint are settled for meeting manufacturing feasibility requirements. The ultimate mounting bracket is reconstructed based on the optimum results. Numerical analyses of the bracket are performed, followed by physical tests. It is proven that topology optimization methodology is promising and effective for vehicle component design.
Fluid–structure interaction study of three-dimensional vehicle model under crosswind
Authors: Zhu Hui , Zhigang Yang
Published: June 2015

It is very important to study fluid–structure interaction of vehicles which move in strong crosswind environment. For solving a fluid–structure interaction problem, the effect of the deformation and vibration of the elastic body on the flow field should be considered. However, the reaction of the vibrating flow field on the vehicle body should be computed. A kind of coach model is selected for solving the fluid–structure coupling problem. We have considered the interaction of the deformation of vehicle suspension and the displacement of sprung mass and the flow field around the coach model using a numerical simulation. The coupling method is partitioned but loosely coupled with the Fluent software to describe the flow field and the ANSYS software to describe the reaction of the structure. The numerical results are in good agreement with the experimental data.
A delay-time-based inspection model for parallel systems
Authors: Liu Xuejuan , Wang Wenbin , Peng Rui , Zhao Fei
Published: June 2015

The delay-time concept has been extensively applied in the field of maintenance, especially for determining the optimal inspection or maintenance interval. It defines a two-stage system failure process: the time from new to an initial defect, known as the normal stage, and the time from this defective point to failure, known as the delay-time stage. Previous works using the delay-time concept have mainly focused on single-component systems and multi-component systems with a series configuration. However, parallel systems also exist in reality, but most existing models for parallel systems use either a single-stage time-to-failure process or a Markov chain to describe the failure mechanism. In this article, we propose a new delay-time-based inspection model for a n-component parallel system and study the optimal inspection interval that minimizes the long-term expected cost per unit time. Two maintenance policies are considered, depending on whether the defective/failed components identified are replaced immediately or not. Numerical examples are presented to show the applicability of the model.
Clinical use of the β3 adrenoceptor agonist mirabegron in patients with overactive bladder syndrome
Authors: Vij Monika , Drake Marcus J.
Published: June 2015

Mirabegron is a β3 adrenoceptor agonist licensed for the treatment of overactive bladder symptoms, such as urinary urgency or urgency incontinence. β3 adrenoceptor activation causes detrusor muscle relaxation, but mirabegron may also act by binding other targets in the bladder, and it may also reduce activity in sensory nerves. Phase III clinical trials (SCORPIO, ARIES, and CAPRICORN) evaluated mirabegron at various doses, demonstrating reduction from baseline to endpoint in mean incontinence episodes and mean number of micturitions per 24 h (coprimary endpoints), along with health-related quality of life and a range of secondary measures. Efficacy was seen in many patients who had previously discontinued antimuscarinic therapy on the grounds of lack of efficacy or poor tolerability. Treatment emergent adverse effects were documented in a long-term study (TAURUS), mostly being of mild or moderate severity. The most frequent adverse effects were hypertension, dry mouth, constipation, and headache, with a lower incidence of dry mouth than for the antimuscarinic active comparator. Efficacy and safety are not substantially different in older patients. A urodynamic safety study in men showed no consistent effect on voiding function, but a small increase in postvoid residual. Use of mirabegron in combination with α-adrenergic blockers does not appear to increase adverse effects. Dose reduction is needed in people with severe renal failure, or moderate hepatic failure. Dose adjustment is not needed in relation to food intake. Ongoing research is evaluating the potential for combination therapy with antimuscarinics.
Community-Engaged Public Health Research to Inform Hospital Campus Planning in a Low Socioeconomic Status Urban Neighborhood
Authors: Brittin Jeri , Elijah-Barnwell Sheila , Nam Yunwoo , Araz Ozgur , Friedow Bethany , Jameton Andrew , Drummond Wayne , Huang Terry T.-K.
Published: June 2015

Objective:

To compare sociodemographic and motivational factors for healthcare use and identify desirable health-promoting resources among groups in a low socioeconomic status (SES) community in Chicago, IL.

Background:

Disparities in health services and outcomes are well established in low SES urban neighborhoods in the United States and many factors beyond service availability and quality impact community health. Yet there is no clear process for engaging communities in building resources to improve population-level health in such locales.

Methods:

A hospital building project led to a partnership of public health researchers, architects, and planners who conducted community-engaged research. We collected resident data and compared factors for healthcare use and choice and likelihood of engaging new health-promoting services.

Results:

Neighborhood areas were strongly associated with ethnic groupings, and there were differences between groups in healthcare choice and service needs, such as, proximity to home was more important to Latinos than African Americans in choice of healthcare facility (  padj = .001). Latinos expressed higher likelihood to use a fitness facility (  padj = .001). Despite differences in vehicle ownership, >75% of all respondents indicated that nearby public transportation was important in choosing healthcare.

Conclusion:

Knowledge of community needs and heterogeneity is essential to decision makers of facility and community development plans. Partnerships between public health, urban planning, architecture, and local constituents should be cultivated toward focus on reducing health disparities. Further work to integrate community perspectives through the planning and design process and to evaluate the long-term impact of such efforts is needed.
Isolation of adipose and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells using CD29 and CD90 modifies their capacity for osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation
Authors: Davies Owen G , Cooper Paul R , Shelton Richard M , Smith Anthony J , Scheven Ben A
Published: June 2015

Mesenchymal stem cells isolated from rats are frequently used for tissue engineering research. However, considerable differences have been identified between rat mesenchymal stem cells and those derived from humans, and no defined panel of markers currently exists for the isolation of these cells. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of cell sorting for CD29+/CD90+ cells from rat adipose and bone marrow tissues on their differentiation and expression of stem cell–associated genes. Flow cytometry showed 66% and 78% CD29+/CD90+ positivity within passage 1 of adipose and bone marrow cultures, respectively. CD29+/CD90+ cells showed a reduction in both osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation when compared with unsorted cells, as determined by alizarin red and Oil Red-O staining, respectively. These findings could not entirely be explained by fluorescence-activated cell sorting–induced cell injury as sort recovery was only modestly affected in adipose-derived cells. Maintaining cells in fluorescence-activated cell sorting buffer did not affect adipose-derived cell viability, but a significant (p < 0.05) reduction was found in bone marrow–derived cell viability. Additionally, CD29+/CD90+ selection was associated with a significant decrease in the expression of Lin28, Sox2, Nanog and CD73 in adipose-derived cell cultures, whereas differences in stem cell–associated gene expression were not observed in sorted bone marrow–derived cell cultures. In summary, this study demonstrated that fluorescence-activated cell sorting had differential effects on adipose-derived cells and bone marrow–derived cells, and both CD29+/CD90+ cells displayed a significantly reduced capacity for osteogenic/adipogenic differentiation. In conclusion, we identify that maintaining heterogeneity within the mesenchymal stem cell population may be important for optimal differentiation.
Masters Swimmers’ Experiences With Coaches
Authors: Callary Bettina , Rathwell Scott , Young Bradley
Published: June 2015

Much work addresses coaches’ contributions to younger athletes; however, the psycho-social coaching needs of adult Masters athletes remain unexamined. This study explored the lived experiences of 10 Masters swimmers (5 male, 5 female; age range = 45-65 years) through interviews. Interpretative phenomenological analysis delved into benefits that swimmers wanted to derive from coaches, how they wished to be coached, and what they liked about coaches. Themes related to (a) swimming and non-swimming benefits; (b) coaches’ experience and professional development, personal attributes, and behaviors holding athletes accountable to training; (c) preferences for coaching instruction; (d) preferences for coaches’ planning/structuring of the practice and program; and (e) preferences for how coaches prepare and interact with them at competitions. We discuss how benefits relate to models of athlete development and identify how preferences link to adult learning literature and models of coaching practice. Finally, we note incongruent findings and limitations to be addressed in future.
Schools and Child Antisocial Behavior
Authors: Pauwels Lieven J. R. , Svensson Robert
Published: June 2015

Contextual research on delinquency is primarily based on the idea that residential areas provide a major ecological setting that (indirectly) shapes observed differences in delinquency. Just like neighborhoods, schools differ in terms of their level of structural characteristics such as the concentration of immigrant children and children from disrupted families. Such characteristics may also shape delinquency. The present study aims to test the relationship between structural characteristics of schools and child antisocial behavior, using a sample of elementary school children ( N = 779, aged 10-12 years in the urban context of Ghent, Belgium). This study found that the concentration of children from disrupted families has an independent effect on child delinquency, independent of social bonds, moral cognitions, and moral emotions. The contextual effect is fully mediated by exposure to peer delinquency.
Arthralgia among women taking aromatase inhibitors: is there a shared inflammatory mechanism with co-morbid fatigue and insomnia?
Authors: Bauml Joshua , Chen Lu , Chen Jinbo , Boyer Jean , Kalos Michael , Li Susan Q. , DeMichele Angela , Mao Jun J.
Published: June 2015

Introduction

Arthralgia is a common toxicity among women taking aromatase inhibitors (AIs) and can lead to premature discontinuation of therapy. We evaluated the association between arthralgia, co-morbid fatigue and/or insomnia, and inflammatory biomarkers among women taking AIs.

Methods

Women taking AIs for early-stage breast cancer completed a modified version of the Brief Pain Inventory, the Brief Fatigue Inventory, and the Insomnia Severity Index and provided blood samples for simultaneous assessment of 34 inflammatory biomarkers with a Luminex kit. Two-sided t tests were used to compare inflammatory biomarker concentrations for patients with or without moderate to severe arthralgia. Multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to evaluate the relationship between comorbid arthralgia, fatigue, and insomnia with identified biomarker concentrations.

Results

Among 203 participants, the severity of arthralgia, fatigue, and insomnia were significantly correlated with each other (p < 0.001 for all comparisons). After controlling for race, chemotherapy history, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use, age, and body mass index, the coexistence of arthralgia, fatigue, and insomnia was associated with elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) (β = 93.1; 95 % confidence interval (CI): 25.1–161.1; p = 0.008), eotaxin (β = 79.9; 95 % CI: 32.5–127.2; p = 0.001), monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 (β = 151.2; 95 % CI: 32.7–269.8; p = 0.013), and vitamin D–binding protein (VDBP) (β = 19,422; 95 % CI: 5500.5–33,344; p = 0.006).

Conclusions

Among women taking AIs, the coexistence of arthralgia, fatigue, and insomnia was associated with increased levels of inflammatory biomarkers (elevated CRP, eotaxin, MCP-1, and VDBP). These findings suggest a possible shared inflammatory mechanism underlying these common symptoms.
Stability-indicating RP-HPLC method for the determination of 6-gingerol in polyherbal formulations
Authors: Kamal Yoonus Kunju Thajudeen Koya , Singh Mhaveer , Ahmad Sayeed , Alam Prawez , Salam Shahana
Published: June 2015

Background

Among different systems medicine practiced worldwide, Unani medicine is the classical one and still commonly practiced in India and abroad for centuries. As it is widely used by a majority of population, it is necessary to come up with a systematic approach to develop well-designed methodologies for the quality control of different polyherbal formulations which are used for treatment of various diseases in this system of medicine.

Methods

A reverse phase stability indicating HPLC method was developed for the determination of 6-gingerol in polyherbal formulations. Separation of 6-gingerol was achieved on reverse phase C18 (250 × 4.6 mm) column with a mobile phase containing methanol: 0.05% orthophosphoric acid in water (60:40, v/v) at 280 nm using UV-visible detector. The flow rate was kept as 1 mL/min. The proposed method was validated according to ICH guidelines for accuracy, precision, robustness, LOD, and LOQ, and statistical analysis proved method was accurate, precise, and robust.

Results

The linear regression analysis data showed a good linear relationship (r
2 = 0.9989 ± 0.0010) for 6-gingerol in the concentration range of 0.5 μg to 500 μg/mL. This proved the method can be employed for the determination 6-gingerol even in nanogram levels. The detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) limits were found to be 0.05 μg and 0.18 μg/mL, respectively. Satisfactory recovery results were observed from the herbal compound formulations (98.5 to 101%). Intra- and inter-day precisions of the method were found convincing, with relative standard deviation (%RSD) values in the range of 0.5 to 1.9%. Forced degradation studies of 6-gingerol was also carried out under different stress conditions which showed that the drug is stable in acidic and basic conditions whereas unstable against dry heat.

Conclusions

Hence, newly validated HPLC method can be used for the quality control and standardization of different herbal formulations which contain Zingiber officianalis as one of the ingredients.
Trade Roots
Authors: Wallace-Thompson Anna
Published: June 2015

As a group show, Trade Roots presented an interesting selection of artists tied together by a common denominator. While at first glance the practices of these diverse artists appeared to have little in common, all three presented works that explored the ways in which our world is constantly changing, and, with it, how cultures adapt, meld, and fuse. They sought to examine the deconstruction and reconstruction of tradition, as well as the evolution of ritual and how, ultimately, these can all blend together to create new, unique, and vibrant cultural practices.
Hedgehog-signaling stimulates the formation of proliferating Müller glia-derived progenitor cells in the retina
Authors: Todd Levi , Fischer Andy J.
Published: June 2015

Müller glia can be stimulated to de-differentiate and become proliferating progenitor cells that regenerate neurons in the retina. The signaling pathways that regulate the formation of proliferating Müller glia-derived progenitor cells (MGPCs) are beginning to be revealed. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether Hedgehog (Hh) -signaling influences the formation of MGPCs in the chick retina. We find that Hh-signaling is increased in damaged retinas where MGPCs are known to form. Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) is normally present in the axons of ganglion cells, but becomes associated with Müller glia and MGPCs following retinal damage. Activation of Hh-signaling with recombinant human Shh or Smoothened agonist (SAG) increased levels of ptch, gli1, gli2, gli3, hes1 and hes5, and stimulated the formation of proliferating MGPCs in damaged retinas. In undamaged retinas, SAG or rhShh had no apparent effect upon the Müller glia. However, SAG combined with FGF2 potentiated the formation of MGPCs, whereas SAG combined with IGF1 stimulated the nuclear migration of Müller glia, but not the formation of MGPCs. Conversely, inhibition of Hh-signaling with KAAD-cyclopamine, Gli antagonists or antibody to Shh reduced numbers of proliferating MGPCs in damaged and FGF2-treated retinas. Hh-signaling potentiates Pax6, Klf4 and cFos expression in Müller glia during the formation of MGPCs. We find that FGF2/MAPK-signaling recruits Hh-signaling into the signaling network that drives the formation of proliferating MGPCs. Our findings implicate Hh-signaling as a key component of the network of signaling pathways that promote the de-differentiation of Müller glia and proliferation of MGPCs.
Stromal Fat4 acts non-autonomously with Dachsous1/2 to restrict the nephron progenitor pool
Authors: Bagherie-Lachidan Mazdak , Reginensi Antoine , Zaveri Hitisha P. , Scott Daryl A. , Helmbacher Françoise , McNeill Helen
Published: June 2015

Regulation of the balance between progenitor self-renewal and differentiation is critical to development. In the mammalian kidney, reciprocal signaling between three lineages (stromal, mesenchymal and ureteric) ensures correct nephron progenitor self-renewal and differentiation. Loss of either the atypical cadherin Fat4 or its ligand Dachsous1 (Dchs1) results in expansion of the mesenchymal nephron progenitor pool, called the condensing mesenchyme (CM). This has been proposed to be due to misregulation of the Hippo kinase pathway transcriptional co-activator YAP. Here, we use tissue-specific deletions to prove that Fat4 acts non-autonomously in the renal stroma to control nephron progenitors. We show that loss of Yap from the CM in a Fat4-null background does not reduce the expanded CM, indicating Fat4 regulates the CM independent of YAP. Analysis of Six2-/-;Fat4-/- double mutants demonstrates that excess progenitors in Fat4 mutants are dependent on Six2, a critical regulator of nephron progenitor self-renewal. Electron microscopy reveals that cell organization is disrupted in Fat4 mutants. Gene expression analysis demonstrates that the expression of Notch and FGF pathway components are altered in Fat4 mutants. Finally, we show that Dchs1, and its paralog Dchs2 function in a partially redundant fashion to regulate the number of nephron progenitors. Our data supports a model in which FAT4 in the stroma binds to DCHS1/2 in the CM to restrict progenitor self-renewal.
Fatores de risco associados à gravidade e óbitos por influenza durante a Pandemia de Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 em região tropical/semi-árida do Brasil
Authors: Lemos Daniele Rocha Queiroz , Pires Neto Roberto da Justa , Perdigão Anne Carolinne Bezerra , Guedes Izabel Florindo , Araújo Fernanda Montenegro Carvalho , Ferreira Guilherme Emílio , Oliveira Fabiana Rocha de , Cavalcanti Luciano Pamplona de Góes
Published: June 2015

Introdução: O vírus da Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 pdm tornou-se uma cepa sazonal da gripe a partir de 2010. Provoca doença leve na maioria dos pacientes e pequena proporção dos acometidos evolui para a forma grave da doença, necessitando de tratamento hospitalar e cuidados intensivos. Durante a pandemia de Influenza A (H1N1) 2009, ainda não era conhecida a patogenicidade e virulência da nova cepa. Este fato ressalta a necessidade de estudos para determinar as características epidemiológicas, clínicas e indicadores de mortalidade, especialmente nas formas graves e óbitos. Objetivo: Identificar os fatores associados à ocorrência de gravidade e óbitos durante a pandemia de Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 pdm no Ceará. Metodologia: Trata-se de uma coorte observacional, retrospectiva, dos pacientes admitidos em hospitais da capital do Ceará e detectados por meio dos casos notificados no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN), no período pandêmico 2009-2010. Foram trabalhados os casos com diagnóstico de infecção aguda por vírus A (H1N1) por RT-PCR. Após identificado o paciente, buscou-se na unidade de hospitalização o prontuário de acompanhamento médico. Utilizou-se como instrumento para coleta de dados a APACHE II e questionário contendo dados da hospitalização, exames clínicos e laboratoriais. Após Teste Qui-quadrado, foram considerados significativos P<0,05 e IC de 95%. Resultados: Foram confirmados 40 casos graves por influenza A (H1N1) 2009 pdm, com 8 (20%) óbitos. Em 2010, os pacientes graves apresentaram duas vezes mais chances de serem internados na UTI e o percentual de óbitos foi 50% maior que em 2009. A letalidade foi 2,4 vezes maior entre os homens. Os pacientes com ensino fundamental completo tinham uma vez mais chances de evoluir para óbito que os pós-graduados. O tempo médio entre a data dos primeiros sintomas e o início do tratamento com Fosfato de Oseltamivir foi de 4,13 dias entre os que evoluíram para cura e 11 dias entre os que evoluíram para óbito (P=0,00). 72,5% (29/40) tinham algum fator associado ou comorbidade. Na admissão, 25% (10/40) dos pacientes tinham entre 11 e 50% de risco de morte e 10% (4/40) tinham injúria cerebral severa. Em relação à necessidade de cuidados intensivos, todos os aspectos estudados foram significativos. Conclusão: A procura por assistência de saúde, retardo no início da terapia antiviral e a presença de comorbidades, principalmente obesidade foram relevantes para a gravidade dos casos.
Hipertensão do avental branco em adolescentes
Authors: Candido Bianca Fernandes Resende , Almeida Martha Elisa Ferreira
Published: June 2015

Objetivo: Avaliar a prevalência da hipertensão do avental branco em crianças e adolescentes, bem como os fatores de risco para a hipertensão arterial. Métodos: Analisaram-se alguns fatores de risco para a hipertensão arterial e os valores pressóricos com o avaliador utilizando vestimentas brancas e coloridas. Realizou-se o teste t pareado para avaliar os valores pressóricos dos adolescentes medidos utilizando diferentes vestimentas e a odds ratio para associar os fatores de risco e a hipertensão arterial, ambos a 5%. Resultados: Participaram 115 crianças e 115 adolescentes, sendo que 27,90% das neninas e 37% dos meninos apresentaram excesso de peso; os perímetros da cintura e do pescoço estavam aumentados em 13,04 e 33,91% dos avaliados, respectivamente. A hipertensão do avental branco foi identificada em 31,52% dos adolescentes, sendo que todos se apresentaram normotensos quando os valores pressóricos foram avaliados com roupas coloridas. Os fatores de risco associados à hipertensão arterial foram o excesso de peso, a ausência de aferição da pressão arterial e o perímetro do pescoço aumentado. Conclusão: Apenas os adolescentes sofreram interferência das vestimentas brancas e apresentaram a hipertensão do avental branco. Os avaliados apresentaram fatores de risco que podem contribuir para o desenvolvimento da hipertensão arterial.