bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A return to ad libitum feeding following caloric restriction promotes hepatic steatosis in hyperphagic OLETF rats
Authors: Linden Melissa A. , Fletcher Justin A. , Meers Grace M. , Thyfault John P. , Laughlin M. Harold , Rector R. Scott
Published: July 2016

Hyperphagic Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima fatty (OLETF) rats develop obesity, insulin resistance, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), but lifestyle modifications, such as caloric restriction (CR), can prevent these conditions. We sought to determine if prior CR had protective effects on metabolic health and NAFLD development following a 4-wk return to ad libitum (AL) feeding. Four-week-old male OLETF rats ( n = 8–10/group) were fed AL for 16 wk (O-AL), CR for 16 wk (O-CR; ∼70% kcal of O-AL), or CR for 12 wk followed by 4 wk of AL feeding (O-AL4wk). CR-induced benefit in prevention of NAFLD, including reduced hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and markers of Kupffer cell activation/number, was largely lost in AL4wk rats. These findings occurred in conjunction with a partial loss of CR-induced beneficial effects on obesity and serum triglycerides in O-AL4wk rats, but in the absence of changes in serum glucose or insulin. CR-induced increases in hepatic mitochondrial respiration remained significantly elevated ( P < 0.01) in O-AL4wk compared with O-AL rats, while mitochondrial [1-14C]palmitate oxidation, citrate synthase activity, and β-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase activity did not differ among OLETF groups. NAFLD development in O-AL4wk rats was accompanied by increases in the protein content of the de novo lipogenesis markers fatty acid synthase and stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 and decreases in phosphorylated acetyl-CoA carboxylase (pACC)/ACC compared with O-CR rats ( P < 0.05 for each). The beneficial effects of chronic CR on NAFLD development were largely lost with 4 wk of AL feeding in the hyperphagic OLETF rat, highlighting the importance of maintaining energy balance in the prevention of NAFLD.
N-Alkyl-Substituted Isatins Enhance P2X7 Receptor-Induced Interleukin-1βRelease from Murine Macrophages
Authors: Sluyter Ronald , Vine Kara L.
Published: July 2016

Extracellular adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP) activates the P2X7 receptor channel to induce the rapid release of the proinflammatory cytokine, interleukin- (IL-) 1β, from macrophages. Microtubule rearrangements are thought to be involved in this process. Some isatin derivatives alter microtubules and display anticancer activities. The current study investigated the effect of isatin and seven structurally diverse isatin derivatives on P2X7-mediated IL-1βrelease from murine J774 macrophages. ATP-induced IL-1βand lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release were assessed by specific colorimetric assays. P2X7 activity was determined by flow cytometric measurements of ATP-induced cation dye uptake. Cytotoxicity of isatin derivatives was determined using a tetrazolium-based colorimetric assay. ATP caused rapid IL-1βrelease in a concentration-dependent manner, and this process was completely impaired by the P2X7 antagonist, AZ10606120. In contrast, 5,7-dibromo-N-(p-methoxybenzyl)isatin (NAI) and 3-{4-[5,7-dibromo-1-(4-methoxybenzyl)-2-oxoindolin-3-ylidenamino]phenyl}propanoic acid (NAI-imine) enhanced P2X7-induced IL-1βrelease by twofold compared to that of isatin and the parent molecule, 5,7-dibromoisatin. NAI and NAI-imine had minimal effect on P2X7-induced dye uptake and LDH release. In contrast, 24-hour incubation with NAI and NAI-imine (in the absence of exogenous ATP) induced macrophage death in a concentration-dependent manner. In conclusion, this study demonstrates thatN-alkyl-substituted isatins enhance P2X7 receptor-induced IL-1βrelease from murine macrophages. Thus, in addition to direct anticancer effects, these compounds may also impact inflammatory and immune cells within the tumor microenvironment.
Development of Liquid Capacity Measuring Algorithm Based on Data Integration from Multiple Sensors
Authors: Park Kiwoong , Lee Si-Kyoung , Kim Hyeon Cheol
Published: July 2016

This research proposes an algorithm using a process of integrating data from multiple sensors to measure the liquid capacity in real time regardless of the position of the liquid tank. The algorithm for measuring the capacity was created with a complementary filter using a Kalman filter in order to revise the level sensor data and IMU sensor data. The measuring precision of the proposed algorithm was assessed through repetitive experiments by varying the liquid capacity and the rotation angle of the liquid tank. The measurements of the capacity within the liquid tank were precise, even when the liquid tank was rotated. Using the proposed algorithm, one can obtain highly precise measurements, and it is affordable since an existing level sensor is used.
Effect of Different Mediated Agents on Morphology and Crystallinity of Synthesized Silver Nanowires Prepared by Polyol Process
Authors: Satoungar Mohammad Taghi , Azizi Hamed , Fattahi Saeid , Mehrizi Mohammad Khajeh , Fallahi Hedieh
Published: July 2016

Synthesis and characterization of multiple crystalline silver nanowires (NWs) with uniform diameters were carried out by using 1,2-propandiol and ethylene glycol (EG) as comediated solvents and FeCl3as mediated agent in the presence of poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP). Experimental data and structural characterizations revealed that AgNWs have evolved from the multiple crystalline seeds initially generated by reduction of AgNO3with EG and 1,2-propandiol followed by reducing Fe(III) to Fe(II) which in turn reacts with and removes adsorbed atomic oxygen from the surfaces of silver seeds. In addition, uniform silver nanowires were obtained by using FeCl2and AlCl3as mediated agents in EG solution. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed uniform nanowires in both diameter and length. UV-Vis spectra showed adsorption peaks confirming the formation of nanowires. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns displayed the final product with high crystallinity and purity. In this study, a growth mechanism for forming AgNWs was proposed and a comparison between different mediated agents was carried out.
Exosome-mediated Transfer of αvβ3 Integrin from Tumorigenic to Nontumorigenic Cells Promotes a Migratory Phenotype
Authors: Singh Amrita , Fedele Carmine , Lu Huimin , Nevalainen Marja T. , Keen James H. , Languino Lucia R.
Published: July 2016

The αvβ3 integrin is known to be highly upregulated during cancer progression and promotes a migratory and metastatic phenotype in many types of tumors. We hypothesized that the αvβ3 integrin is transferred through exosomes and, upon transfer, has the ability to support functional aberrations in recipient cells. Here, for the first time, it is demonstrated that αvβ3 is present in exosomes released from metastatic PC3 and CWR22Pc prostate cancer cells. Exosomal β3 is transferred as a protein from donor to nontumorigenic and tumorigenic cells as β3 protein or mRNA levels remain unaffected upon transcription or translation inhibition in recipient cells. Furthermore, it is shown that upon exosome uptake, de novo expression of an αvβ3 increases adhesion and migration of recipient cells on an αvβ3 ligand, vitronectin. To evaluate the relevance of these findings, exosomes were purified from the blood of TRAMP mice carrying tumors where the expression of αvβ3 is found higher than in exosomes from wild-type mice. In addition, it is demonstrated that αvβ3 is coexpressed with synaptophysin, a biomarker for aggressive neuroendocrine prostate cancer.

Implications: Overall this study reveals that the αvβ3 integrin is transferred from tumorigenic to nontumorigenic cells via exosomes, and its de novo expression in recipient cells promotes cell migration on its ligand. The increased expression of αvβ3 in exosomes from mice bearing tumors points to its clinical relevance and potential use as a biomarker. Mol Cancer Res; 14(11); 1136–46. ©2016 AACR.
Up-Regulation of Na+/Ca2+ Exchange in Megakaryocytes Following TGFβ1 Treatment
Authors: Almilaji Ahmad , Yan Jing , Hosseinzadeh Zohreh , Schmid Evi , Gawaz Meinrad , Lang Florian
Published: July 2016

Background: Blood platelets are activated by increase of cytosolic Ca2+ activity ([Ca2+]i). Ca2+ entry is accomplished in part by store operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) involving Ca2+ release activated Ca2+-channel (CRAC) moiety Orai1 and its regulator STIM1, which are stimulated by depletion of intracellular Ca2+ stores. An increase of [Ca2+]i is terminated by Na+/Ca2+-exchange. The expression of both, Orai1 and STIM1 in megakaryocytes is up-regulated by tumor growth factor TGFβ1, a powerful regulator of megakaryocyte differentiation. The present study explored whether TGFβ1 similarly modifies megakaryocyte Na+/Ca2+-exchanger activity. Methods: [Ca2+]i was determined utlizing Fura-2 fluorescence, SOCE from increase of [Ca2+]i, following readdition of extracellular Ca2+ after store depletion, and Na+/Ca2+-exchanger activity from increase of [Ca2+]i and whole cell currents following removal of extracellular Na+. Results: TGFβ1 treatment not only augments the increase of [Ca2+]i following store depletion and SOCE, but significantly up-regulates Na+/Ca2+-exchanger activity as apparent from [Ca2+]i measurements and whole cell currents. Conclusions: TGFβ1 is a powerful stimulator of both, SOCE and Na+/Ca2+-exchanger activity in megakaryocytes.
Corneal Phaeohyphomycosis Caused by Bipolaris hawaiiensis
Authors: Chaidaroon Winai , Supalaset Sumet , Tananuvat Napaporn , Vanittanakom Nongnuch
Published: July 2016

Purpose: To report a rare case of keratitis infected by Bipolaris hawaiiensis. Methods: A patient who was diagnosed as fungal keratitis caused by B. hawaiiensis was retrospectively reviewed for history, clinical characteristics, risk factors, laboratory findings, treatments, and outcomes. Results: A 63-year-old man with a history of trauma and saw dust in the left eye presented with a corneal ulcer. Eye examination revealed whitish infiltration with a feathery edge and small brownish deposits in the anterior stroma of the left cornea. Numerous septate hyphal fragments were detected in a corneal specimen, and nucleotide sequence analysis identified B. hawaiiensis. Treatment was started with 5% natamycin eyedrops and oral itraconazole. Subsequently, a corneal plaque developed which did not respond to medication and debridement. The patient underwent therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty. Conclusions: B. hawaiiensis is a rare cause of corneal phaeohyphomycosis. A brownish pigmented infiltration is an important diagnostic clue, however microbiologic studies are required to obtain a definite diagnosis. Although antifungal medication and debridement are the mainstay of most corneal fungal infection, therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty can prevent morbidity related to this fungal infection.
Decreased Vision as Initial Presenting Symptom of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Case Report
Authors: Palme Christoph , Bechrakis Nikolaos E. , Stattin Martin , Haas Gertrud , Zehetner Claus
Published: July 2016

This case illustrates that hematologic disorders must be considered as a potentially life-threatening cause for vision loss. Proper laboratory workup and timely interdisciplinary approach are essential to ensure the best possible care for ophthalmic patients. Historically, before the use of bone marrow biopsy, the ophthalmologist was often asked to assist in the diagnosis of leukemia. Since ophthalmological symptoms may be the initial presenting signs of leukemia as highlighted in this case, the ophthalmogist is still of crucial importance.
Experimental Validation of Noninvasive Epicardial and Endocardial Activation Imaging
Authors: Oosterhoff Peter , Meijborg Veronique M.F. , van Dam Peter M. , van Dessel Pascal F.H.M. , Belterman Charly N.W. , Streekstra Geert J. , de Bakker Jacques M.T. , Coronel Ruben , Oostendorp Thom F.
Published: July 2016

Background—

Noninvasive imaging of cardiac activation before ablation of the arrhythmogenic substrate can reduce electrophysiological procedure duration and help choosing between an endocardial or epicardial approach. A noninvasive imaging technique was evaluated that estimates both endocardial and epicardial activation from body surface potential maps. We performed a study in isolated and in situ pig hearts, estimating activation from body surface potential maps during sinus rhythm and localizing endocardial and epicardial stimulation sites.

Methods and Results—

From 3 Langendorff-perfused pig hearts, 180 intramural unipolar electrograms were recorded during sinus rhythm and ectopic activation, together with pseudo–body surface potential map ECGs in 2 of them. From 4 other anesthetized pigs, 64-lead body surface potential maps were recorded during sinus rhythm and ventricular stimulation from 27 endocardial and epicardial sites. The ventricular activation pattern was computed from the recorded QRS complexes. For both Langendorff-perfused hearts, the calculated epicardial and endocardial activation patterns showed good qualitative correspondence to the patterns obtained with needle electrodes. Absolute timing difference for sinus rhythm was 10±5 and 11±8 ms respectively, and for ectopic activation 6±5 and 7±6 ms, respectively. Calculated activation for the in situ hearts in sinus rhythm was similar to patterns recorded in Langendorff-perfused hearts. During stimulation, the distance between the stimulation site and calculated site of earliest activation was 18 (15–27) mm, and 23 of 27 stimulation sites were correctly mapped to either endocardium or epicardium.

Conclusions—

Noninvasive activation imaging is able to determine earliest ventricular activation and discriminate endocardial from epicardial origin of activation with clinically relevant accuracy.
Sex odour preference in guppy (Poecilia wingei) males is influenced by the social environment
Authors: Sommer Christian , Olsén K. Håkan
Published: July 2016

The social environment of animals, particularly in the early stages of life, can have great impact on species-specific and sex-specific behaviours. These changes can be irreversible and continue during the entire life. In the present study we asked the question whether the social environment of male Endler’s guppies,Poecilia wingei, housed in an all-male community could affect their preference response to female or male odour cues in a flow through Y-maze. After 30 days in an all-male group males were tested for their preference-avoidance responses to conspecific odours. The males were attracted to male-scented water but not to water scented by females. In simultaneous choice between male and female odours they demonstrated no significant preference. The males were attracted to male-scented water after they were kept for 48 h or 12 days with females. After the Y-maze tests the males’ were placed with two females and their courting behaviour were recorded. The males showed low frequencies of reproductive behaviours. In the all-male group the males had been courting each other. The results show that the social environment influence sexual odour preference and courting behaviour in guppy males.
Bloody-Minded Metaphysics: Barry Allen vs. the World
Authors: Wittingslow Ryan
Published: July 2016

Barry Allen, in his 2005 Knowledge and Civilization and his 2008 Artifice and Design, argues in favor of an epistemic system that is both praxical and performative; knowledge, rather than being expressed propositionally, is a kind of performance that is expressed in artifacts of all kinds, of which propositions are but an example. However, although he makes a compelling case, it is rather less clear the extent to which we are able to make judgments about the world beneath the artifacts. That is to say: it seems clear that we need to provide some account of how the world is, if only so that we have some kind of coherent characterization of what it is exactly that an artifact captures. Accordingly, if we are to buy into Allen’s model, what can we subsequently say about Allen’s metaphysics? This paper is an attempt to tease out some of these concerns.
North Atlantic Storm-Track Sensitivity to Projected Sea Surface Temperature: Local versus Remote Influences
Authors: Ciasto Laura M. , Li Camille , Wettstein Justin J. , Kvamstø Nils Gunnar
Published: July 2016

This study investigates the sensitivity of the North Atlantic storm track to future changes in local and global sea surface temperature (SST) and highlights the role of SST changes remote to the North Atlantic. Results are based on three related coupled climate models: the Community Climate System Model, version 4 (CCSM4), the Community Earth System Model, version 1 (Community Atmosphere Model, version 5) [CESM1(CAM5)], and the Norwegian Earth System Model, version 1 (intermediate resolution) (NorESM1-M). Analysis reveals noticeable intermodel differences in projected storm-track changes from the coupled simulations [i.e., the difference in 200-hPa eddy activity between the representative concentration pathway 8.5 (RCP8.5) and historical scenarios]. In the CCSM4 coupled simulations, the North Atlantic storm track undergoes a poleward shift and eastward extension. In CESM1(CAM5), the storm-track change is dominated by an intensification and eastward extension. In NorESM1-M, the storm-track change is characterized by a weaker intensification and slight eastward extension. Atmospheric experiments driven only by projected local (North Atlantic) SST changes from the coupled models fail to reproduce the magnitude and structure of the projected changes in eddy activity aloft and zonal wind from the coupled simulations. Atmospheric experiments driven by global SST and sea ice changes do, however, reproduce the eastward extension. Additional experiments suggest that increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations do not directly influence storm-track changes in the coupled simulations, although they do through GHG-induced changes in SST. The eastward extension of the North Atlantic storm track is hypothesized to be linked to western Pacific SST changes that influence tropically forced Rossby wave trains, but further studies are needed to isolate this mechanism from other dynamical adjustments to global warming.
Assessing Change in Latent Skills Across Time With Longitudinal Cognitive Diagnosis Modeling: An Evaluation of Model Performance
Authors: Kaya Yasemin , Leite Walter L.
Published: July 2016

Cognitive diagnosis models are diagnostic models used to classify respondents into homogenous groups based on multiple categorical latent variables representing the measured cognitive attributes. This study aims to present longitudinal models for cognitive diagnosis modeling, which can be applied to repeated measurements in order to monitor attribute stability of individuals and to account for respondent dependence. Models based on combining latent transition analysis modeling and the DINA and DINO cognitive diagnosis models were developed and then evaluated through a Monte Carlo simulation study. The study results indicate that the proposed models provide adequate convergence and correct classification rates.
Murine norovirus detection in the exhaust air of IVCs is more sensitive than serological analysis of soiled bedding sentinels
Authors: Zorn Julia , Ritter Bärbel , Miller Manuel , Kraus Monika , Northrup Emily , Brielmeier Markus
Published: July 2016

One limitation to housing rodents in individually ventilated cages (IVCs) is the ineffectiveness of traditional health monitoring programs that test soiled bedding sentinels every quarter. Aerogen transmission does not occur with this method. Moreover, the transmission of numerous pathogens in bedding is uncertain, and sentinel susceptibility to various pathogens varies. A novel method using particle collection from samples of exhaust air was developed in this study which was also systematically compared with routine health monitoring using soiled bedding sentinels. We used our method to screen these samples for the presence of murine norovirus (MNV), a mouse pathogen highly prevalent in laboratory animal facilities. Exhaust air particles from prefilters of IVC racks with known MNV prevalence were tested by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT–qPCR). MNV was detected in exhaust air as early as one week with one MNV-positive cage per rack, while sentinels discharged MNV RNA without seroconverting. MNV was reliably and repeatedly detected in particles collected from samples of exhaust air in all seven of the three-month sampling rounds, with increasing MNV prevalence, while sentinels only seroconverted in one round. Under field conditions, routine soiled bedding sentinel health monitoring in our animal facility failed to identify 67% ( n = 85) of positive samples by RT–qPCR of exhaust air particles. Thus, this method proved to be highly sensitive and superior to soiled bedding sentinels in the reliable detection of MNV. These results represent a major breakthrough in hygiene monitoring of rodent IVC systems and contribute to the 3R principles by reducing the number of animals used and by improving experimental conditions.
An accelerated gradient-based iterative algorithm for solving extended Sylvester–conjugate matrix equations
Authors: Bayoumi Ahmed ME , Ramadan Mohamed A
Published: July 2016

In this paper, we present an accelerated gradient-based iterative algorithm for solving extended Sylvester–conjugate matrix equations. The idea is from the gradient-based method introduced in Wu et al. ( Applied Mathematics and Computation 217(1): 130–142, 2010a) and the relaxed gradient-based algorithm proposed in Ramadan et al. ( Asian Journal of Control 16(5): 1–8, 2014) and the modified gradient-based algorithm proposed in Bayoumi (PhD thesis, Ain Shams University, 2014). The convergence analysis of the algorithm is investigated. We show that the iterative solution converges to the exact solution for any initial value provided some appropriate assumptions be made. A numerical example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method and to test its efficiency and accuracy compared with an existing one presented in Wu et al. (2010a), Ramadan et al. (2014) and Bayoumi (2014).
Progress on the experimental set-up for the testing of a floating offshore wind turbine scaled model in a field site
Authors: Ruzzo Carlo , Fiamma Vincenzo , Nava Vincenzo , Collu Maurizio , Failla Giuseppe , Arena Felice
Published: July 2016

This document describes design and realization of a small-scale field experiment on a 1:30 model of spar floating support structure for offshore wind turbines. The aim of the experiment is to investigate the dynamic behaviour of the floating wind turbine under extreme wave and parked rotor conditions. The experiment has been going on in the Natural Ocean Engineering Laboratory of Reggio Calabria (Italy). In this article, all the stages of the experimental activity are presented, and some results are shown in terms of motions and response amplitude operators. Finally, a comparison with corresponding results obtained using ANSYS AQWA software package is shown, and conclusions are drawn. The presented experimental set-up seems promising to test offshore floating structures for marine renewable energy at a relatively large scale in the Natural Ocean Engineering Laboratory field site.
Clinical Outcomes of Hip Arthroscopy in Radiographically Diagnosed Retroverted Acetabula
Authors: Hartigan David E. , Perets Itay , Walsh John P. , Close Mary R. , Domb Benjamin G.
Published: July 2016

Background:

Symptomatic global retroversion of the acetabulum, as diagnosed on plain radiographs of the pelvis, has traditionally been treated with reverse periacetabular osteotomy, which improves posterior undercoverage and eliminates the anterior pincer lesion. There is a paucity of literature on hip arthroscopy in this group, secondary to theoretical concern of iatrogenic dysplasia, subsequent instability, and arthritis.

Purpose:

To evaluate the outcomes of hip arthroscopy for patients with a radiographic diagnosis of acetabular retroversion, using patient-reported outcomes, visual analog scale (VAS), patient satisfaction, and pre- and postoperative Tönnis grades.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Pre- and postoperative data were prospectively collected and retrospectively reviewed for patients who underwent hip arthroscopy at 1 institution between June 2008 and February 2012. Data were analyzed for patients who had adequate radiographs of the pelvis that demonstrated global acetabular retroversion and who were treated with arthroscopic surgery. Complications were tracked in this institution’s database. The modified Harris Hip Score, Nonarthritic Hip Score, Hip Outcome Score (HOS)–activities of daily living subscale, and HOS–sport-specific subscale, and VAS were analyzed preoperatively and at latest follow-up. Level of postoperative satisfaction was assessed on a scale of 0 to 10. Pre- and postoperative alpha angle, lateral center-edge angle, anterior center-edge angle, crossover percentage, and Tönnis grade were recorded. Tönnis grade at latest follow-up was utilized to determine progression of osteoarthritis.

Results:

A total of 82 hips among 78 patients were identified who met the listed criteria. The mean age of the patients was 23 years, and the mean follow-up was 39 months. These patients showed statistically significant improvement in modified Harris Hip Score (preoperative to ≥2-year follow-up: 65 to 81), Nonarthritic Hip Score (65 to 86), HOS–activities of daily living subscale (69 to 88), HOS–sport-specific subscale (47 to 76), and VAS (5.9 to 2.5) ( P < .0001). In terms of satisfaction with the surgery, they had an mean score of 7.4. There were 3 minor complications, none of which required reoperation. One patient underwent hip arthroplasty at 6 months after hip arthroscopy. Fifteen patients had >2-year radiographic follow-up; none of these patients had an increase in Tönnis grade as compared with the preoperative state.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrates that hip arthroscopy can successfully treat femoroacetabular impingement associated with a globally retroverted acetabulum at a minimum 2-year follow-up. Survivorship was 99% at 2 years, with 1 patient requiring further surgery in the form of hip arthroplasty. There was no noted progression of Tönnis grade at final follow-up. The procedure was extremely safe, with a minor complication rate of 3.6%.
Child Labour and ‘Nowhere’ Children in Post-reforms India
Authors: Giri Amit K. , Singh S.P.
Published: July 2016

Child labour is not only detrimental to individual children, but also to the society, community and the nation as it negatively affects the pace of economic growth by preventing full realization of positive externalities associated with human capital formation. It is also one of the major causes and consequences of poverty. Until early 1990, India had one of the highest incidences of child labour and out of school children in the world. Following the launching of economic reforms, India’s economy started growing at an accelerated rate in the post-reforms era, along with faster decline in the incidence of poverty. In the post-reforms era, the state of India also launched a slew of policies and programmes to eradicate child labour and to increase school enrolment in the country. But, had there been a phenomenal decline in the incidence of child labour and ‘nowhere’ children in the country? Had there been a phenomenal increase in school enrolment and decline in gender educational disparity in the post-reforms era in India? This article addresses these issues.
The influence of the rheological parameters of a hydro-viscoelastic system consisting of a viscoelastic plate, viscous fluid and rigid wall on the frequency response of this system
Authors: Akbarov SD , Ismailov MI
Published: July 2016

In this paper the forced vibration of a hydro-viscoelastic system consisting of a viscoelastic plate, compressible viscous fluid and rigid wall is considered. The focus is on the investigation of the influence of the rheological parameters of the plate material and the viscosity of the fluid on the frequency response of this system. The constitutive relations for the plate material are given through the fractional-exponential operators, and the exact equations of the visco-elastodynamics in the plane-strain state are employed for describing the plate motion. The fluid motion is described through the linearized Navier–Stokes equations and it is assumed that the velocity and force vectors are continuous across the interface plane between the fluid and the plate. Numerical results on the frequency response of the normal stress acting on the interface plane and of the normal velocity of the points of this plane are presented for various values of the rheological parameters of the plate material. These results are also distinguished with respect to inviscid and viscous fluid cases. As a result of the analyses of these results, corresponding conclusions are made on the influence of the rheological parameters of the plate material on the aforementioned frequency responses.
Tourism growth and regional resilience
Authors: Romão João , Guerreiro João , Rodrigues Paulo M. M.
Published: July 2016

As a consequence of the international financial crisis in 2007, the region of Algarve, where tourism plays an important economic and social role, suffered a decrease in tourism demand, while unemployment increased sharply. Although tourism activities registered a quick recovery, unemployment levels continued to grow. This article examines the impacts of tourism activities on the sectorial structure of the regional economy, using a Bayesian vector autoregressive model. The results reveal that tourism growth did not automatically create the expected positive impacts on the economic performance of the other sectors, as was expressed by the objectives defined in the regional development strategies over the last two decades. The positive impacts of tourism were concentrated in the production of non-tradable goods and the construction sector, leading to a significant reduction of the weight of the tradable sector within the regional economy, similar to a process of deindustrialization described as the ‘Dutch disease’. The decline of construction activities after 2007 has led to a significant increase of regional unemployment, although tourism growth has returned to ‘pre-crisis’ levels, revealing the lack of regional resilience.
‘Should I stay or should I go?’
Authors: Zirulia Lorenzo
Published: July 2016

The aim of this article is to model the decisions of tourists and a monopolist firm when weather forecasts are available. Before deciding whether to go on holiday or not, but after the firm has decided and posted its price, tourists can look at weather forecasts. Our results show that the price chosen by the firm and the corresponding equilibrium profit are decreasing as a function of the accuracy of weather forecasts. Consumers, instead, are better off, the more accurate weather forecasts become. Managerial and policy implications are also derived.
Forecasting future demand for domestic thermal insulation in Wales
Authors: Varriale Fabrizio
Published: July 2016

This paper provides a methodology to quantify the demand for building insulation based on present conditions of the housing stock, the estimated future rates of construction and the legislative requirements. The method has been applied to forecast the maximum potential demand for insulation generated in Wales by the domestic sector between 2016 and 2050 in line with the target set to reduce the UK greenhouse gas emissions of 80% from the 1990 level. The areas of building envelopes that could be insulated are calculated for future retrofit interventions and new dwellings. These areas are then associated to the thermal resistance values expected from the insulation layers. Datasets describing the existing Welsh housing stock are used to estimate the demand for loft and solid wall insulation measures in retrofit interventions, while the demand for roof, floor and wall insulation in new dwellings is estimated using projections of future construction activity in Wales. The results can be used to characterise the dwelling stock, build scenarios of insulation uptake and assess the impacts of different products which would lower greenhouse gas emissions from the domestic sector and stimulate the supply chain for low carbon products.
Structural damage identification via multi-type sensors and response reconstruction
Authors: Zhang C. D. , Xu Y. L.
Published: July 2016

One outstanding obstacle that hinders robust application of vibration-based damage identification to civil structures is that the number of sensors installed on a large civil structure is always limited, compared with the total degrees of freedom of the structure, so that the limited measured responses may not provide enough information for detecting local damage. Furthermore, developments in sensor technology make installation of heterogeneous sensors on a structure practical and feasible while every type of sensor has its own merits and drawbacks for damage identification. But the benefits of utilizing heterogeneous sensors in vibration-based damage identification have not been fully investigated. This study proposes a damage identification method by combining the response reconstruction technique with the response sensitivity–based finite element model updating method to address these issues. The number and location of heterogeneous sensors, such as accelerometers, displacement transducers, and strain gauges, are optimally and collectively determined in an optimization strategy to obtain the best reconstruction of multi-type responses of a structure using Kalman filter. After damage occurrence, radial basis function network is employed to predict the mode shapes using the modal properties extracted from the measurement data by experimental modal analysis method, and these modal properties are further used to reconstruct responses of the damaged structure. The reconstructed responses are finally used to identify the damage in terms of sensitivity-based finite element model updating. In every updating, the sparse regularization is employed to increase the identification accuracy. A simply supported overhanging steel beam composed of 40 elements serves as a numerical study to demonstrate the procedure and feasibility of the proposed method. The validation of this method is further conducted by laboratory test. Both simulation study and laboratory test show that the multi-sensing approach via response reconstruction does improve the identification accuracy of damage location and quantization considerably.
England’s Dissatisfactions and the Conservative Dilemma
Authors: Jeffery Charlie , Henderson Ailsa , Scully Roger , Wyn Jones Richard
Published: July 2016

In the immediate aftermath of the Scottish independence referendum, Prime Minister David Cameron raised the ‘English Question’ by advocating English Votes for English Laws in the House of Commons. This article explains why. It uses findings from the 2014 Future of England Survey of attitudes to constitutional issues in England. It reveals a group of interlinked concerns in England: about the advantages Scotland is perceived to have in the UK Union, about the absence of institutional recognition of England in the UK political system, and about the European Union and immigration. It shows that these concerns are distinctively English, held in a broadly uniform way across England and held most strongly by people in England who identify themselves as English, and not British. These concerns, and their linkage to and by English identity, differentiate the supporters of different political parties. They are held least strongly by Labour and Liberal Democrat supporters, and more strongly by Conservative and, especially, UKIP supporters. Cameron’s move on the English Question – and subsequent profiling of English issues in the 2015 UK general election – recognised a territorially distinctive electoral battleground in England on which the Conservatives are now competing with UKIP to articulate a new English nationalism, perhaps at the expense of the Conservative Party’s unionist heritage.
Barriers to non-residential respite care for adults with moderate to complex needs: A UK perspective
Authors: Southby Kris
Published: July 2016

Respite aims to alleviate the stress and burden of caring for someone with an intellectual disability and/or autism. Respite can take place in a number of different ways, but most commonly occurs in a residential setting. Based on survey and interview data with carers (CAs), service users and stakeholders (STs) in a northern city in England, this article explores some of the perceived or actual barriers to availing ‘non-residential’ respite. A number of barriers to non-residential respite are identified. Residential respite appears to be the default conceptualization of ‘respite’ for carers, service users and stakeholders. Persuading carers, service users and stakeholders to give up the familiarity and safety of residential respite in favour of a non-residential alternative will be challenging unless those involved are more informed. Limitations and directions for future research are suggested.
CBFβ-SMMHC creates aberrant megakaryocyte-erythroid progenitors prone to leukemia initiation in mice
Authors: Cai Qi , Jeannet Robin , Hua Wei-Kai , Cook Guerry J. , Zhang Bin , Qi Jing , Liu Hongjun , Li Ling , Chen Ching-Cheng , Marcucci Guido , Kuo Ya-Huei
Published: July 2016

Key Points

CM impairs erythroid lineage specification and differentiation from Pre-Meg/E progenitors. CM creates abnormal preleukemic Pre-Meg/E progenitors predisposed to leukemia initiation.
Model-based clustering with certainty estimation: implication for clade assignment of influenza viruses
Authors: Zhang Shunpu , Li Zhong , Beland Kevin , Lu Guoqing
Published: July 2016

Background

Clustering is a common technique used by molecular biologists to group homologous sequences and study evolution. There remain issues such as how to cluster molecular sequences accurately and in particular how to evaluate the certainty of clustering results.

Results

We presented a model-based clustering method to analyze molecular sequences, described a subset bootstrap scheme to evaluate a certainty of the clusters, and showed an intuitive way using 3D visualization to examine clusters. We applied the above approach to analyze influenza viral hemagglutinin (HA) sequences. Nine clusters were estimated for high pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza, which agree with previous findings. The certainty for a given sequence that can be correctly assigned to a cluster was all 1.0 whereas the certainty for a given cluster was also very high (0.92–1.0), with an overall clustering certainty of 0.95. For influenza A H7 viruses, ten HA clusters were estimated and the vast majority of sequences could be assigned to a cluster with a certainty of more than 0.99. The certainties for clusters, however, varied from 0.40 to 0.98; such certainty variation is likely attributed to the heterogeneity of sequence data in different clusters. In both cases, the certainty values estimated using the subset bootstrap method are all higher than those calculated based upon the standard bootstrap method, suggesting our bootstrap scheme is applicable for the estimation of clustering certainty.

Conclusions

We formulated a clustering analysis approach with the estimation of certainties and 3D visualization of sequence data. We analysed 2 sets of influenza A HA sequences and the results indicate our approach was applicable for clustering analysis of influenza viral sequences.
Mexican immigration, occupational clustering, and the local labor market adjustment of African-American workers
Authors: Toussaint-Comeau Maude
Published: July 2016

Since the 1970s, economic restructuring and shifts in industries have morphed the occupational path of workers, curbing socioeconomic mobility for many—wages of African-American workers which have trended upward in the 1960s and 1970s started stalling beginning in the 1980s. As Hispanic/Mexican immigrants were being absorbed in various industry sectors, researchers have questioned whether unfavorable trends in African-American wages and employment outcomes are tied to Mexican immigration. This paper examines the effect of Mexican immigrants on wages for African-Americans using various estimation methods and finds consistent negative estimates, pointing to an inverse relationship between Mexican immigrants and wages for African-Americans, which is consistent withcrowding outandsubstitution effects. However, in addition, analyses also show that a heavier source of depression of wages for African-Americans stems not just from immigration. In fact, in some ways, occupation clustering and specialization of Mexican immigrants mitigates impact of immigration on African-Americans on a whole range of low-skill occupations. But, all else equal, there appears rather to be a tendency for African-Americans to face an even greater “wage penalty” in more predominantly black occupations. The findings suggest that the interplay of immigration policy and workforce development policies and initiatives should be better understood as part of the conversation to redress factors preventing occupational and wage mobility of disadvantaged minority groups in the labor force.

JEL Classification: J61, J62
HPV Testing of Self-Collected Vaginal Swabs for Cervical Cancer Prevention in South Africa
Authors: Kuhn Louise , Saidu Rakiya , Svanholm-Barrie Cecilia , Tergas Ana , Boa Rosalind , Moodley Jennifer , Wright Thomas C. , Persing David , Campbell Scott , Denny Lynette
Published: July 2016

Abstract 33

Background:

Cervical cancer screening programs in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMIC) need to be strengthened. One of the challenges is insufficient health care personnel to achieve optimal coverage. We evaluated the potential of human papillomavirus (HPV) testing using self-collected vaginal swabs to improve screening.

Methods:

As part of a larger NCI-supported study in Cape Town, South Africa, we recruited 261 HIV-uninfected and 237 HIV-infected women aged 30-60 years, at one primary health care site. All women were instructed to self-collect a vaginal swab on site immediately prior to a gynecologic exam, during which a cervical sample was collected. Both self- and clinician-collected samples were tested for high risk HPV types (16, 18, 45, 31, 33, 35, 52, 58, 51, 59, 39, 56, 66, 68) using Cepheid GeneXpert (HPV XpertTM). All women underwent at least one colposcopy with histological sampling. Classification of endpoint was based on expert pathology review.

Results:

The HPV prevalence using the cervical vs. self sample, respectively, was 14% vs. 25% among HIV-uninfected and 50% vs. 62% among HIV-infected women. Among women who were diagnosed with grade 2 or 3 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) or cervical cancer, 94% were positive on HPV Xpert on the cervical and 88% on the vaginal swab, ignoring HIV status. However, specificity was poor for HPV tests done on self samples, 78% in HIV-uninfected and 52% in HIV-infected women. On a patient preference questionnaire, >90% of women stated they would be prepared to collect a sample at home and two-thirds expressed a preference to be examined by a clinician.

Conclusion:

Even in self-collected vaginal samples, HPV Xpert has excellent sensitivity for detecting cervical cancer precursor lesions. In LMIC settings where the ratio of health care workers to the population is low, HPV testing of self-collected samples could successfully triage women who require further evaluation and treatment.

AUTHORS' DISCLOSURES OF POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST:

Louise Kuhn No relationship to disclose Rakiya Saidu No relationship to disclose Cecilia Svanholm-Barrie No relationship to disclose Ana Tergas Consulting or Advisory Role: Helomics Rosalind Boa No relationship to disclose Jennifer Moodley No relationship to disclose Thomas C. Wright No relationship to disclose David Persing No relationship to disclose Scott Campbell No relationship to disclose Lynette Denny No relationship to disclose
Report on the Treatment of Hodgkin Lymphoma With ABVD Chemotherapy at Two Rural District Hospitals in Rwanda
Authors: DeBoer Rebecca J. , Driscoll Caitlin D. , Butera Yvan , Bigirimana Jean Bosco , Muhayimana Clemence , Fadelu Temidayo , Park Paul H. , Shyirambere Cyprien , Uwizeye Frank Regis , Mpunga Tharcisse , Lehmann Leslie , Shulman Lawrence N.
Published: July 2016

Abstract 34

Background:

While Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is highly curable with standard chemotherapy in high resource settings, there are few reports of HL treatment in low resource settings. In Rwanda, a treatment protocol using six cycles of ABVD chemotherapy (doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, dacarbazine) without radiotherapy has been implemented at two rural district hospitals. Here we report on the feasibility of this approach, our patient characteristics, and preliminary outcomes.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all patients with biopsy confirmed HL seen at Butaro and Rwinkwavu hospitals between June 2012 and August 2015. Data was extracted from clinical charts and analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results:

43 HL patients were seen at Butaro (n=38) and Rwinkwavu (n=5); 58% male, median age 17 (range 4-54). Five (12%) were HIV positive. Of 22 patients with biopsy specimens evaluated for EBV, 12 (55%) were positive, 9 (41%) negative, and one indeterminate. Most patients were staged with chest x-ray (79%); fewer had liver ultrasound (33%) or CT (9%). With that, Ann Arbor stages were I (28%), II (23%), III (21%), IV (21%), and undetermined (7%). Of 39 patients who started ABVD, 25 (64%) completed all 6 cycles. Median time to completion of the 24 week ABVD regimen was 26.1 weeks (IQR 25-27); 26 patients (67%) experienced at least one treatment delay. Dose reductions were rare. At the time of data extraction, 5 (12%) were still on treatment, 18 (43%) in remission, 2 (5%) alive with relapse, 15 (35%) deceased, and 2 (5%) lost to follow up.

Conclusions:

Here we demonstrate the feasibility of treating HL with standard chemotherapy in a low resource setting through international partnership. Our preliminary results suggest that a majority of patients who complete treatment may experience a clinically significant remission with this approach. Further data analysis will identify areas for improvement with the hope of increasing sustained remissions.

AUTHORS' DISCLOSURES OF POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST:

No COIs from the authors.