bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Detectable Venous Pressure Drops Expected with Venous Needle Dislodgement
Authors: Ribitsch Werner , Schilcher Gernot , Hafner‐Giessauf Hildegard , Krisper Peter , Horina Jörg H. , Rosenkranz Alexander R. , Schneditz Daniel
Published: December 2013

Venous needle dislodgement (VND) is a potentially fatal complication during hemodialysis (HD) treatment and the venous pressure monitor is the most widely used device for its detection. VND can only be detected by the venous sensor if the resulting pressure drop exceeds the difference between the actual venous pressure and the lower alarm limit. In clinical practice, the lower alarm limit is usually set 30–40 mmHg below the actual venous pressure to avoid a disproportionate high number of nuisance alarms.

The aim of this study was to quantify the number of fistulas and grafts in a group of HD patients where venous pressure monitoring can be expected to detect VND. We determined intra‐access pressures in 99 chronic HD patients. Sixty‐five (65.7%) had a fistula and 34 (34.3%) had a prosthetic graft as a vascular access. Mean intra‐access pressure (Pa) in fistulas was 32.6 ± 23.5 mmHg, whereas in grafts mean Pa was 60.9 ± 19.5 mmHg. Nineteen (29.2%) of the fistulas and 32 (94.1%) of the grafts exhibited an intra‐access pressure above 40 mmHg. Therefore, in our study nearly all grafts but only 29% of fistulas would fulfill the requirement for venous pressure monitoring to detect VND.
Shared Education Initiatives in Northern Ireland: A Model for Effective Intergroup Contact in Divided Jurisdictions
Authors: Blaylock Danielle , Hughes Joanne
Published: December 2013

As Northern Ireland transitions from violence to sustainable peace, one area in particular that remains deeply divided is the parallel education system that operates for Catholic and Protestant pupils. Working within the existing system of separate education, and underpinned by contact theory, the Sharing Education Programme (SEP) was launched in 2007 to deliver shared classes for pupils from the different sectors. While SEP is a relatively new initiative, evidence suggests that the programme positively impacts intergroup attitudes and behaviours of participants, and contrary to existing polemic that denounces the separate faith schools as a site for reconciliation in divided societies, the effectiveness of the programme suggests that separate education can be harnessed to promote more positive intergroup relations. Indeed, we argue that the value of the shared education approach lies in the fact that it can balance the aspirations of those who advocate separate education as a fundamental right in liberal democratic societies, and those who see integrated or common education as the only solution to ethnic/racial divisions. This ideological bridging enhances the appeal of the shared education model in other similarly divided jurisdictions – a point taken up in the discussion.
Narratives of Immigration and National Identity: Findings from a Discourse Analysis of German and U.S. Social Studies Textbooks
Authors: Kotowski Jan Michael
Published: December 2013

Following the tradition of discourse analysis, this article examines representations of two narratives of immigration in U.S. and German social studies textbooks: the ideas of the United States as a nation of immigrants and of Germany as a (non‐)immigration country. Textbooks are of particular importance in this regard, as they contain one of the few quasi‐official formulations of national self‐understandings. Among the most crucial findings is that in Germany, the country's decade‐old self‐denial of its status as a country of immigration is no longer a tenable official position, but, at the same time, the conscious self‐identification as an immigration country has not yet profoundly reshaped German national identity. In the United States, on the other hand, the clichéd self‐designation as a ‘nation of immigrants’ has not lost its appeal as a rhetorical device and grand narrative of national history, but seems increasingly anachronistic with regard to the country's broader immigration discourse.
Zionism and Bilingualism: Palestinian‐Jewish Bilingual Schools in Documentary Films
Authors: Romano‐Hvid Carmit
Published: December 2013

This article discusses the experience of Arabic‐Hebrew bilingual schools in Israel through the lens of four documentaries. It investigates Zionism's view and understanding of bi‐national and bilingual education based on the stories of the documentaries, and on background information received through interviews with the film‐directors and school principals. I argue that the materials shown in the documentaries could serve as evidence that even in a bi‐national and bilingual educational setting, the hegemony of the majority ethnic group is present and felt. The cinematic choices reflect repetition of specific tropes (e.g. how national holidays are celebrated, creating ‘balance’ between representations of Palestinian and Jewish suffering) but remain silent about the linguistic challenges and the remaining inequality.
OligoneuriaPictet: phylogenetic analysis and description of three new species fromBrazil (Ephemeroptera:Oligoneuriidae)
Authors: SALLES FREDERICO F. , SOARES ELAINE D. G. , MASSARIOL FABIANA C. , FARIA LUIZ R. R.
Published: December 2013

For 150 yearsO. anomalahas been the only known species ofOligoneuria, the type genus of theOligoneuriidae (Ephemeroptera). However, two species have been recently described andOligoneuriahas been proposed as a senior synonym of the genusOligoneurioides. In the present paper, based on material from theAmazon andBrazilianAtlanticForest, three new species are described, including information on all life stages. Given these new species, as well as the lack of cladistic support for the proposed synonymy betweenOligoneuriaandOligoneurioides, a phylogenetic analysis was performed in order to address the relationships between all species and to test the status ofOligoneurioides. Our results show that the status of the genus is uncertain, mainly due to the lack of knowledge of the type species ofO. anomala, known exclusively from a female subimago. Taking into account phylogenetic as well as taxonomic arguments, we propose that the genusOligoneuriashould be divided into three subgenera:Oligoneurias.s., forO. anomala;Oligoneuria(Yawari) new subgenus, forOligoneuria truncatasp.n.; andOligoneuria(Oligoneurioides) for the remaining five species, includingO. amandaesp.n.andO. mitrasp.n.

This published work has been registered in ZooBank,http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:A2AEE4B7‐FEA8‐4067‐8F3B‐666095EDB997.
A new HLA allele, HLA‐B*08:108, described in two unrelated Spanish individuals
Authors: Balas A. , Sánchez‐Gordo F. , Gomez‐Zumaquero J. M. , Prat I. , Vicario J. L.
Published: December 2013

HLA‐B*08:108 shows one nucleotide difference regarding B*08:01:01 at codon 109 (CTC>TTC, L109>F109).
Binding Cross‐Border Regions: an Analysis of Cross‐Border Governance in Lille‐Kortrijk‐Tournai Eurometropolis
Authors: Durand Frédéric , Nelles Jen
Published: December 2013

While the relatively free and frequent flow of traffic across international boundaries is an essential foundation of cross‐border regions, cross‐border public transit systems are the ultimate symbols of metropolitan integration. This paper investigates the governance of the cross‐border transit system in Eurometropolis of Lille‐Kortrijk‐Tournai between France and Belgium. It relies on a qualitative analysis of actors and institutions as well as social network analysis to more precisely fix the positions and roles of actors on either side of the border. The new cross‐border institution, the EGTC agency, is a central actor in public transit policy networks and its function is more complex than the institutional analysis implies. Evaluating these roles in evolving cross‐border public transit policy enables an assessment of the effectiveness of this new governance institution and the challenges faced by general‐purpose cross‐border governance structures in affecting policy areas in which political authority is fragmented.
Perceiving the Ordinary: A Study of Everyday Landscapes in Belgium
Authors: Vanderheyden Vincent , Van der Horst Dan , Van Rompaey Anton , Schmitz Serge
Published: December 2013

Landscape researchers have devoted relatively little attention to ordinary or everyday landscapes. This paper investigates differences in opinion about the attractiveness of these landscapes between groups of people according to their linguistic area and other socio‐demographic characteristics. A survey of 1,542 Dutch and French speakers in Belgium using photo‐questionnaires depicted the different types of Belgian rural landscape. Significant differences were observed regarding landscapes containing the same features, allowing to posit, to test, and to validate certain hypotheses. Dutch speakers found chessboard agrarian landscapes more attractive. Less educated participants felt more positive towards anthropogenic landscapes. Women were more attracted by farmed fields. Qualitative data added depth to the analysis, permitting to explore different ways in which people related to the landscape pictures. For a theoretical interpretation, we draw on Gibson's affordances theory and we revisit Larrère & Larrère's ways of looking at landscape theory.
Understanding Mode Choice in the Chinese Context: The Case of Nanjing Metropolitan Area
Authors: Feng Jianxi , Dijst Martin , Wissink Bart , Prillwitz Jan
Published: December 2013

In post‐reform China, rapid motorisation causes various problems like traffic congestion, diminishing road safety and air pollution. Adequate policies necessitate an understanding of the forces behind changing mode choices, but the rapidly developing literature is not complete yet. This paper aims to help fill that gap with an analysis of mode choice for commuting and shopping‐leisure trips in Nanjing. Using the Nanjing Residents Travel Survey, we find that models with the same independent variables explain mode choice in Nanjing better than in other cities in the world. Comparatively, members of ‘adult families’ use public transport and walking more often than the private car and bicycle. And inhabitants of danwei neighbourhoods walk more often than residents in commodity housing estates. These conclusions suggest that ongoing socio‐spatial transformations will push mode choice in China further towards private car use.
Treatment outcomes in a cohort of Palestine refugees with diabetes mellitus followed through use of E‐Health over 3 years in Jordan
Authors: Khader Ali , Ballout Ghada , Shahin Yousef , Hababeh Majed , Farajallah Loai , Zeidan Wafaa , Abu‐Zayed Ishtaiwi , Kochi Arata , Harries Anthony D. , Zachariah Rony , Kapur Anil , Shaikh Irshad , Seita Akihiro
Published: December 2013

Objective

The aim of this study was to use E‐Health to report on 12‐month, 24‐month and 36‐month outcomes and late‐stage complications of a cohort of Palestine refugees with diabetes mellitus (DM) registered in the second quarter of 2010 in a primary healthcare clinic in Amman, Jordan.

Method

Retrospective cohort study with treatment outcomes censored at 12‐month time points using E‐Health in UNRWA's Nuzha Primary Health Care Clinic.

Results

Of 119 newly registered DM patients, 61% were female, 90% were aged ≥40 years, 92% had type 2 DM with 73% of those having hypertension and one‐third of patients were newly diagnosed. In the first 3 years of follow‐up, the proportion of clinic attendees decreased from 72% to 64% and then to 61%; the proportion lost to‐follow‐up increased from 9% to 19% and then to 29%. At the three time points of follow‐up, 71–78% had blood glucose ≤180 mg/dl; 63–74% had cholesterol <200 mg/dl; and about 90% had blood pressure <140/90 mmHg. Obesity remained constant at 50%. The proportion of patients with late‐stage complications increased from 1% at baseline to 7% at 1 year, 14% at 2 years and 15% at 3 years.

Conclusion

Nuzha PHC Clinic was able to monitor a cohort of DM patients for 3 years using E‐Health and the principles of cohort analysis. This further endorses the use of cohort analysis for managing patients with DM and other non‐communicable diseases.
Flow cytometric evaluation of ki67 for the determination of malignancy grade in canine lymphoma
Authors: Poggi A. , Miniscalco B. , Morello E. , Comazzi S. , Gelain M. E. , Aresu L. , Riondato F.
Published: December 2013

Ki67 is a nuclear antigen significantly correlated with degree of malignancy in human non‐Hodgkin lymphomas. We wanted to assess the ability of flow cytometric evaluation of Ki67 index (Ki67I) in differentiating the grade of malignancy in canine lymphomas. Ki67I was determined on lymph node aspirates of 90 immunophenotyped lymphomas classified according to the updated Kiel classification: 80 high grade (HG, 62 B cell and 18 T cell) and 10 low grade (LG, 3 B cell and 7 T cell) lymphomas. HG lymphomas showed significantly higher Ki67I compared with LG lymphomas (P < 0.0001). A significant difference in HG lymphomas was detected between B‐ and T‐immunophenotypes. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve highlighted a high accuracy of Ki67I in recognizing HG lymphomas [area under the curve (AUC) = 99.4] and a cut‐off value of 12.2% was established (sensitivity = 96.3% and specificity = 100%). Thus, we suggest the combination of Ki67I flow cytometric determination and immunophenotype as a reliable tool to classify canine lymphomas.
Effects of natriuretic peptides on electrical conduction in the sinoatrial node and atrial myocardium of the heart
Authors: Azer John , Hua Rui , Krishnaswamy Pooja S. , Rose Robert A.
Published: December 2013

Key points

Natriuretic peptides are powerful regulators of the cardiovascular system, but their direct electrophysiological effects in the heart are poorly understood.

We have used optical mapping techniques to determine the effects of B‐type and C‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP and CNP) as well as their receptors (NPR‐A, NPR‐B and NPR‐C) on electrical conduction in the sinoatrial node and atrial myocardium.

In basal conditions, BNP and CNP speed conduction within the sinoatrial node (SAN) and into the atrial myocardium in association with shifts in the initial exit site by activating NPR‐A and NPR‐B.

In the presence of isoproterenol, BNP and CNP have the opposite effect whereby conduction in the SAN and atria is slowed. These inhibitory effects are due to the activation of NPR‐C as well as NPR‐A/B.

We conclude that natriuretic peptides have potent effects on electrical conduction in the heart. These effects are complex and can involve multiple natriuretic peptide receptors.

Natriuretic peptides, including B‐type and C‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP and CNP), are powerful regulators of the cardiovascular system; however, their electrophysiological effects in the heart, particularly in the sinoatrial node (SAN), are incompletely understood. We have used high‐resolution optical mapping to measure the effects of BNP and CNP, and the roles of natriuretic peptide receptors (NPR‐A, NPR‐B and NPR‐C), on electrical conduction within the SAN and atrial myocardium. In basal conditions BNP and CNP (50–500 nm) increased conduction velocity (CV) within the SAN by ∼30% at the high dose and shifted the initial exit site superiorly. These effects sped conduction from the SAN to the surrounding atrial myocardium and were mediated by the NPR‐A and NPR‐B receptors. In the presence of isoproterenol (1 μm) the NPR‐C receptor made a major contribution to the effects of BNP and CNP in the heart. In these conditions BNP, CNP and the NPR‐C agonist cANF each decreased SAN CV and shifted the initial exit site inferiorly. The effects of cANF (30% reduction) were larger than BNP or CNP (∼15% reduction), indicating that BNP and CNP activate multiple natriuretic peptide receptors. In support of this, the inhibitory effects of BNP were absent in NPR‐C knockout mice, where BNP instead elicited a further increase (∼25%) in CV. Measurements in externally paced atrial preparations demonstrate that the effects of natriuretic peptides on CV are partially independent of changes in cycle length. These data provide detailed novel insight into the complex effects of natriuretic peptides and their receptors on electrical conduction in the heart.
Clinical Pharmacodynamics of Antipseudomonal Cephalosporins in Patients with Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia
Authors: MacVane Shawn H. , Kuti Joseph L. , Nicolau David P.
Published: December 2013

Advanced-generation cephalosporins are frequently used for empirical coverage of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) due to their activity against a broad spectrum of Gram-positive and Gram-negative aerobic bacteria, including
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
and
Enterobacteriaceae
. Providing optimal antibiotic exposure is essential to achieving successful response in patients with VAP. We evaluated exposures of two antipseudomonal cephalosporins, ceftazidime and cefepime, in patients with VAP due to Gram-negative bacilli to identify the pharmacodynamic parameter predictive of microbiological success. Population pharmacokinetic models were used to estimate individual free drug exposures. Pharmacodynamic indices were determined for each patient using the baseline Gram-negative bacilli with the highest drug MIC. Classification and regression tree analysis was utilized to partition exposure breakpoints, and multivariate logistic regression was conducted to identify predictors of microbiological success. A total of 73 patients (18 receiving ceftazidime therapy and 55 receiving cefepime therapy) were included. MICs ranged widely from 0.047 to 96 μg/ml. The microbiological success rate was 58.9%. Predictive breakpoints were identified for all pharmacodynamic parameters, including a serum
f
T > MIC greater than 53% (
P
= 0.02). When controlling for APACHE II (odds ratio [OR], 1.01; 95% confidence interval, 0.93 to 1.09;
P
= 0.85) and combination therapy (OR, 0.74; 95% confidence interval, 0.25 to 2.19;
P
= 0.59), achieving a greater than 53%
f
T > MIC remained a significant predictor of success (OR, 10.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.1 to 92.3;
P
= 0.04). In patients with VAP due to Gram-negative bacilli, serum exposure of greater than 53%
f
T > MIC was found to be a significant predictor of favorable microbiological response for antipseudomonal cephalosporins. These data are useful when determining dosing regimens for cephalosporin agents under development for pneumonia.
Antibiotic Activity against Naive and Induced Streptococcus pneumoniae Biofilms in an
In Vitro
Pharmacodynamic Model
Authors: Vandevelde Nathalie M. , Tulkens Paul M. , Van Bambeke Françoise
Published: December 2013

Biofilms play a role in the pathogenicity of pneumococcal infections. A pharmacodynamic
in vitro
model of biofilm was developed that allows characterization of the activity of antibiotics against viability and biomass by using in parallel capsulated (ATCC 49619) and noncapsulated (R6) reference strains. Naive biofilms were obtained by incubating fresh planktonic cultures for 2 to 11 days in 96-well polystyrene plates. Induced biofilms were obtained using planktonic bacteria collected from the supernatant of 6-day-old naive biofilms. Biomass production was more rapid and intense in the induced model, but the levels were similar for both strains. Full concentration responses fitting sigmoidal regressions allowed calculation of maximal efficacies and relative potencies of drugs. All antibiotics tested (amoxicillin, clarithromycin, solithromycin, levofloxacin, and moxifloxacin) were more effective against young naive biofilms than against old or induced biofilms, except macrolides/ketolides, which were as effective at reducing viability in 2-day-old naive biofilms and in 11-day-old induced biofilms of R6. Macrolides/ketolides, however, were less potent than fluoroquinolones against R6 (approximately 5- to 20-fold-higher concentrations needed to reduction viability of 20%). However, at concentrations obtainable in epithelial lining fluid, the viabilities of mature or induced biofilms were reduced 15 to 45% (amoxicillin), 17 to 44% (macrolides/ketolides), and 12 to 64% (fluoroquinolones), and biomasses were reduced 5 to 45% (amoxicillin), 5 to 60% (macrolides/ketolides), and 10 to 76% (fluoroquinolones), with solithromycin and moxifloxacin being the most effective and the most potent agents (due to lower MICs) in their respective classes. This study allowed the ranking of antibiotics with respect to their potential effectiveness in biofilm-related infections, underlining the need to search for still more effective options.
Trends in Antibiotic Resistance in Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci in the United States, 1999 to 2012
Authors: May Larissa , Klein Eili Y. , Rothman Richard E. , Laxminarayan Ramanan
Published: December 2013

Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) are important bloodstream pathogens that are typically resistant to multiple antibiotics. Despite the concern about increasing resistance, there have been no recent studies describing the national prevalence of CoNS pathogens. We used national resistance data over a period of 13 years (1999 to 2012) from The Surveillance Network (TSN) to determine the prevalence of and assess the trends in resistance for
Staphylococcus epidermidis
, the most common CoNS pathogen, and all other CoNS pathogens. Over the course of the study period,
S. epidermidis
resistance to ciprofloxacin and clindamycin increased steadily from 58.3% to 68.4% and from 43.4% to 48.5%, respectively. Resistance to levofloxacin increased rapidly from 57.1% in 1999 to a high of 78.6% in 2005, followed by a decrease to 68.1% in 2012. Multidrug resistance for CoNS followed a similar pattern, and this rise and small decline in resistance were found to be strongly correlated with levofloxacin prescribing patterns. The resistance patterns were similar for the aggregate of CoNS pathogens. The results from our study demonstrate that the antibiotic resistance in CoNS pathogens has increased significantly over the past 13 years. These results are important, as CoNS can serve as sentinels for monitoring resistance, and they play a role as reservoirs of resistance genes that can be transmitted to other pathogens. The link between the levofloxacin prescription rate and resistance levels suggests a critical role for reducing the inappropriate use of fluoroquinolones and other broad-spectrum antibiotics in health care settings and in the community to help curb the reservoir of resistance in these colonizing pathogens.
Imipenem, Meropenem, or Doripenem To Treat Patients with Pseudomonas aeruginosa Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia
Authors: Luyt Charles-Edouard , Aubry Alexandra , Lu Qin , Micaelo Maïté , Bréchot Nicolas , Brossier Florence , Brisson Hélène , Rouby Jean-Jacques , Trouillet Jean-Louis , Combes Alain , Jarlier Vincent , Chastre Jean
Published: December 2013

Only limited data exist on
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) treated with imipenem, meropenem, or doripenem. Therefore, we conducted a prospective observational study in 169 patients who developed
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
VAP. Imipenem, meropenem, and doripenem MICs for
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
isolates were determined using Etests and compared according to the carbapenem received. Among the 169 isolates responsible for the first VAP episode, doripenem MICs were lower (
P
< 0.0001) than those of imipenem and meropenem (MIC
50
s, 0.25, 2, and 0.38, respectively); 61%, 64%, and 70% were susceptible to imipenem, meropenem, and doripenem, respectively (
P
was not statistically significant). Factors independently associated with carbapenem resistance were previous carbapenem use (within 15 days) and mechanical ventilation duration before VAP onset. Fifty-six (33%) patients had at least one VAP recurrence, and 56 (33%) died. Factors independently associated with an unfavorable outcome (recurrence or death) were a high day 7 sequential organ failure assessment score and mechanical ventilation dependency on day 7. Physicians freely prescribed a carbapenem to 88 patients: imipenem for 32, meropenem for 24, and doripenem for 32. The remaining 81 patients were treated with various antibiotics. Imipenem-, meropenem-, and doripenem-treated patients had similar VAP recurrence rates (41%, 25%, and 22%, respectively;
P
= 0.15) and mortality rates (47%, 25%, and 22%, respectively;
P
= 0.07). Carbapenem resistance emerged similarly among patients treated with any carbapenem. No carbapenem was superior to another for preventing carbapenem resistance emergence.
Intramuscular lipoma of the abductor digiti minimi mimicking intramuscular haemangioma
Authors: Lui Tun Hing
Published: December 2013

Intramuscular lipoma of the foot is rarely reported. We reported a case of intramuscular lipoma of the abductor digiti minimi mimicking intramuscular haemangioma in clinical and MR findings.
Effects of soil density on grass-induced suction distributions in compacted soil subjected to rainfall
Authors: Ng C.W.W. , Leung A.K. , Woon K.X.
Published: December 2013

Grass is recognized as being beneficial in reducing rainfall infiltration in some kinds of surface cover systems such as landfill cover, because rainwater discharges as surface runoff due to reduced water permeability caused by evapotranspiration-induced soil suction as well as foliage interception. However, the distributions of grass-induced suction in various compacted soils during rainfall are rarely reported. Moreover, it is not straightforward to determine an optimum soil dry density for minimizing rainfall infiltration and at the same time encouraging plant growth. This is because there are conflicting requirements for vegetated cover systems, i.e., compacted soil should not be too dense as to impede root growth, while on the other hand to minimize infiltration. This study thus aims to investigate, quantify, and compare grass-induced suction distributions in silty sand compacted at different densities when subjected to artificial rainfall in the laboratory. A grass species, Cynodon dactylon, which is common in many parts of Asia, was selected for testing. Compacted soil with and without a growing grass patch was tested at three relative compactions (RCs) of 70%, 80%, and 95%, in six test boxes. Test results reveal that at an RC of 95%, suction (40 kPa) retained in vegetated soil after rainfall is 100% higher than that (20 kPa) in bare soil. Among the vegetated soil compacted at the three RCs, suction retained was the highest at an RC of 95% (40 kPa), whereas suction decreased to 0 kPa at an RC of 70% after rainfall. As the average depth of grass roots decreased by 36% due to an increase in RC from 70% to 95%, the depth of influence of suction for vegetated soil at an RC of 95% reduced to less than half of root depth, which was the shallowest among the three compacted soil specimens.
Centrifuge modeling of large-diameter underground pipes subjected to heavy traffic loads
Authors: Rakitin Boris , Xu Ming
Published: December 2013

Large-diameter pipes, as well as heavy vehicles, have become increasingly prevalent, which imposes uncertainties on pipe design. This paper describes the procedure and results of a series of geotechnical centrifuge tests performed on a large 1400 mm diameter reinforced concrete pipe subjected to heavy traffic loading up to 850 kN. The influence of soil cover depth, as well as the positions and magnitude of traffic loads, on the bending moments of the pipe were investigated. The centrifuge test results were found to be in reasonable agreement with those from full-scale tests. The pipe would experience the most unfavorable conditions when the heaviest axle of the traffic vehicle was located directly above the pipe crown. A deeper soil cover would lead to higher initial stresses in the pipe, as well as reduced influence of traffic load. However, even for a soil cover depth of 4 m, there is significant bending moment induced by the heavy truck loading, which cannot be ignored during pipeline design. A comparison was made between the centrifuge test results and several widely adopted design methods, and unconservative calculation results were noticed for large-diameter rigid pipes lying at a shallow soil cover depth subjected to heavy traffic loading.
Abnormal mitosis induced by wheat–rye 1R monosomic addition lines
Authors: Fu Shu-Lan , Yang Man-Yu , Ren Zheng-Long , Yan Ben-Ju , Tang Zong-Xiang
Published: December 2013

Octoploid triticale were derived from common wheat (Triticum aestivum L. ‘Mianyang11’) × rye (Secale cereale L. ‘Kustro’), and some progeny were obtained by the backcrossing of triticale with ‘Mianyang11’ followed by self-fertilization. In situ hybridization using rye genomic DNA and repetitive sequences pAs1 and pSc119.2 as probes was used to analyze the mitotic chromosomes of these progeny. Three wheat–rye 1R monosomic addition lines and a wheat line (12FT-1685) containing a 1R and a 1BL.1RS translocation chromosome were identified. Abnormal mitosis was observed in the two lines. During mitosis of a 1R monosomic addition line (3-8-20-1R-2), lagging chromosomes, micronuclei, chromosomal bridges, and the one pole segregation of 1R chromosome were observed. Abnormal mitotic behaviour of chromosomes was also observed in some of the self-progeny plants of lines 12FT-1685 and 3-8-20-1R-2. These progeny contained 1R chromosome or 1R chromosome arm. In addition, 4B chromosomes were absent from one of the progeny of 3-8-20-1R-2. This abnormal mitotic behaviour of chromosomes was not observed in two other 1R monosomic addition lines. These results indicate that a single 1R chromosome added to wheat might cause abnormal mitotic behaviour of both wheat and rye chromosomes and different genetic variations might occurr among the sibling 1R monosomic addition lines.
ON INTEGRABILITY OF MASSLESS AdS4×ℂℙ3 SUPERPARTICLE EQUATIONS
Authors: UVAROV D. V.
Published: December 2013

Lax representation is elaborated for the equations of motion of massless superparticle on the AdS4×ℂℙ3 superbackground that proves their classical integrability.
NON-MINIMAL RF2-TYPE CORRECTIONS TO HOLOGRAPHIC SUPERCONDUCTOR
Authors: SERT ÖZCAN , ADAK MUZAFFER
Published: December 2013

We study (2+1)-dimensional holographic superconductors in the presence of non-minimally coupled electromagnetic field to gravity by considering an arbitrary linear combination of RF2-type invariants with three parameters. Our analytical analysis shows that the non-minimal couplings affect the condensate and the critical temperature.
RELATIONAL QUADRILATERALLAND I: THE CLASSICAL THEORY
Authors: ANDERSON EDWARD
Published: December 2013

Relational particle mechanics models bolster the relational side of the absolute versus relational motion debate. They are additionally toy models for the dynamical formulation of general relativity (GR) and its problem of time (PoT). They cover two aspects that the more commonly studied minisuperspace GR models do not: (1) by having a nontrivial notion of structure and thus of cosmological structure formation and of localized records. (2) They have linear as well as quadratic constraints, which is crucial as regards modeling many PoT facets. I previously solved relational triangleland classically, quantum mechanically and as regards a local resolution of the PoT. This rested on triangleland's shape space being 𝕊2with isometry group SO(3), allowing for use of widely-known geometry, methods and atomic/molecular physics analogies. I now extend this work to the relational quadrilateral, which is far more typical of the general N-a-gon, represents a "diagonal to nondiagonal Bianchi IX minisuperspace" step-up in complexity, and encodes further PoT subtleties. The shape space now being ℂℙ2with isometry group SU(3)/ℤ3, I now need to draw on geometry, shape statistics and particle physics to solve this model; this is therefore an interdisciplinary paper. This Paper treats quadrilateralland at the classical level, and then paper II provides a quantum treatment.
A STRUCTURE-MOTIVATED MODEL OF THE PASSIVE MECHANICAL RESPONSE OF THE PRIMARY PORCINE RENAL ARTERY
Authors: ZHOU BORAN , WOLF LAUREN , RACHEV ALEXANDER , SHAZLY TAREK
Published: December 2013

The primary renal arteries transport up to one fourth of cardiac output to the kidneys for blood plasma ultrafiltration, with a functional dependence on the vessel geometry, composition and mechanical properties. Despite the critical physiological function of the renal artery, the few biomechanical studies that have focused on this vessel are either uniaxial or only partially describe its bi-axial mechanical behavior. In this study, we quantify the passive mechanical response of the primary porcine renal artery through bi-axial mechanical testing that probes the pressure-deformed diameter and pressure-axial force relationships at various longitudinal extensions, including the in-vivo axial stretch ratio. Mechanical data are used to parameterize and validate a structure-motivated constitutive model of the arterial wall. Together, experimental data and theoretical predictions of the stress distribution within the arterial wall provide a comprehensive description of the passive mechanical response of the porcine renal artery.
ENTANGLEMENT CRITERION FOR COHERENT SUBTRACTION AND COHERENT ADDITION OF BIPARTITE CONTINUOUS VARIABLE STATES
Authors: JIANG LI-ZHEN , CHEN XIAO-YU , YE TIAN-YU , HONG FANG-YU , WU LIANG-NENG
Published: December 2013

We study the entanglement conditions of two quite general classes of two-mode non-Gaussian states. Using computable cross norm and realignment criterion, we obtain the sufficient conditions of entanglement for coherently added or subtracted two-mode squeezed thermal states, and the sufficient condition of entanglement for any photon number entangled state (PNES) evolving in a thermal noise and amplitude damping channel.
NEURAL NETWORK RULE EXTRACTION BY A NEW ENSEMBLE CONCEPT AND ITS THEORETICAL AND HISTORICAL BACKGROUND: A REVIEW
Authors: HAYASHI YOICHI
Published: December 2013

This paper presents theoretical and historical backgrounds related to neural network rule extraction. It also investigates approaches for neural network rule extraction by ensemble concepts. Bologna pointed out that although many authors had generated comprehensive models from individual networks, much less work had been done to explain ensembles of neural networks. This paper carefully surveyed the previous work on rule extraction from neural network ensembles since 1988. We are aware of three major research groups i.e., Bologna' group, Zhou' group and Hayashi' group. The reason of these situations is obvious. Since the structures of previous neural network ensembles were quite complicated, the research on the efficient rule extraction algorithm from neural network ensembles was few although their learning capability was extremely high. Thus, these issues make rule extraction algorithm for neural network ensemble difficult task. However, there is a practical need for new ideas for neural network ensembles in order to realize the extremely high-performance needs of various rule extraction problems in real life. This paper successively explain nature of artificial neural networks, origin of neural network rule extraction, incorporating fuzziness in neural network rule extraction, theoretical foundation of neural network rule extraction, computational complexity of neural network rule extraction, neuro-fuzzy hybridization, previous rule extraction from neural network ensembles and difficulties of previous neural network ensembles. Next, this paper address three principles of proposed neural network rule extraction: to increase recognition rates, to extract rules from neural network ensembles, and to minimize the use of computing resources. We also propose an ensemble-recursive-rule extraction (E-Re-RX) by two or three standard backpropagation to train multi-layer perceptrons (MLPs), which enabled extremely high recognition accuracy and the extraction of comprehensible rules. Furthermore, this enabled rule extraction that resulted in fewer rules than those in previously proposed methods. This paper summarizes experimental results of rule extraction using E-Re-RX by multiple standard backpropagation MLPs and provides deep discussions. The results make it possible for the output from a neural network ensemble to be in the form of rules, thus open the "black box" of trained neural networks ensembles. Finally, we provide valuable conclusions and as future work, three open questions on the E-Re-RX algorithm.
The magmatic evolution of three Venusian coronae
Authors: Lang Nicholas P. , López Iván
Published: December 2013

The volcanic and tectonic histories of Venusian coronae appear to be intricately linked. We explore that link through the construction of geological maps of three coronae using Magellan synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery and altimetry radar data. Each examined corona – Aramaiti, Bhumidevi and Zemire Coronae – is characterized by an annulus of concentric fractures, lava flows, tholi and clusters of small shields. Radial fractures occur at one corona (Bhumidevi Corona), whereas the other two coronae (Aramaiti and Zemire Coronae) occur within linear fracture belts. Based on observed timing relationships, we propose that the evolution of these three coronae is similar to large silicic caldera formation on Earth in that the formation of concentric fractures facilitated a mass evacuation of a magma reservoir residing underneath each corona resulting in subsequent corona collapse. Our model emphasizes the late-stage evolution of these coronae and predicts that all the erupted products could be basaltic. Such predictions are testable through continued geological mapping of coronae, as well as through
in situ
spectral analyses by Venusian landers.
mHealth @ UAH
Authors: Milosevic Mladen , Milenkovic Aleksandar , Jovanov Emil
Published: December 2013

New health care systems that integrate wearable sensors, personal devices, and servers promise to fundamentally change the way health care services are delivered and used.
Quantified performance
Authors: Strohrmann Christina , Tröster Gerhard
Published: December 2013

A look at how athletic performance can be measured outside of the laboratory.
Computational geometry column 58
Authors: Dumitrescu Adrian , Jiang Minghui
Published: December 2013

This column is devoted to opaque sets also known as barriers. A set of curves Γ that meet every line which intersects a given convex body
B
is called an opaque set or barrier for
B
. Although the shape and length of shortest barriers for simple bodies, such as a unit equilateral triangle or a unit square are seldom disputed, no proof of optimality is known or appears to be even near in sight.
Analytic Solution of a Class of Fractional Differential Equations
Authors: Hu Yue , Yang Zuodong
Published: December 2013

We consider the analytic solution of a class of fractional differential equations with variable coefficients by operatorial methods. We obtain three theorems which extend the Garra’s results to the general case.
Periodontal Care as a Fundamental Step for an Active and Healthy Ageing
Authors: Cafiero Carlo , Matarasso Marco , Marenzi Gaetano , Iorio Siciliano Vincenzo , Bellia Loredana , Sammartino Gilberto
Published: December 2013

In the industrialized part of the world, an increasing number of people live the old age without too many restrictions due to illness or physiological impairment. This group is known as the young elderly. On the contrary, a consistent part of seniors develops a greater number of medical conditions and become more and more dependent, these are the old elderly. The first cause of tooth lost in industrialized word is periodontitis that generally strikes people older than 40 years and determines serious detriment of the stomatognatic organ. Smoking and stress are risk factors for periodontitis that are common and shared between young, adult, and older age. Diabetes mellitus, obesity, and osteoporosis are very frequent pathological situations in older age. They have been identified as cofactors in the progression of periodontitis. Many dental associations recognize the importance of continued research on oral fluids diagnostics and welcome the development of rapid point‐of‐care tests providing accurate measurements of clinically validated biomarkers. At present, well‐studied molecules associated with host response factors and with derived tissue destruction mediators have been proposed as diagnostic biomarkers for periodontitis detected in the oral fluids.
Method to Locate Contaminant Source and Estimate Emission Strength
Authors: Hongquan Qu , Yongjiao Wang , Liping Pang , Haijuan Chang , Changnian Zhang
Published: December 2013

People greatly concern the issue of air quality in some confined spaces, such as spacecraft, aircraft, and submarine. With the increase of residence time in such confined space, contaminant pollution has become a main factor which endangers life. It is urgent to identify a contaminant source rapidly so that a prompt remedial action can be taken. A procedure of source identification should be able to locate the position and to estimate the emission strength of the contaminant source. In this paper, an identification method was developed to realize these two aims. This method was developed based on a discrete concentration stochastic model. With this model, a sensitivity analysis algorithm was induced to locate the source position, and a Kalman filter was used to further estimate the contaminant emission strength. This method could track and predict the source strength dynamically. Meanwhile, it can predict the distribution of contaminant concentration. Simulation results have shown the virtues of the method.
Optimum Design of Geometrically Nonlinear Double-Layer Domes by Firefly Metaheuristic Algorithm
Authors: Kamyab Moghadas R. , Garakani A. , Kalantarzadeh M.
Published: December 2013

Size optimization of double-layer scallop domes subjected to static loading is focused in the present paper. As this type of space structures possesses a large number of the structural elements, optimum design of such structures results in efficient structural configurations. In this paper, optimization task is achieved using firefly algorithm (FA) by taking into account linear and nonlinear responses of the structure. In the nonlinear optimization process only the geometrical nonlinearity effects are included. The numerical results demonstrate that nonlinear optimization provides more efficient structures compared with the linear one.
From the Idea to Its Realization: The Evolution of Minimally Invasive Techniques in Neurosurgery
Authors: Grunert P.
Published: December 2013

Minimally invasive techniques in neurosurgery evolved in two steps. Many minimally invasive concepts like neuronavigation, endoscopy, or frame based stereotaxy were developed by the pioneers of neurosurgery, but it took decades till further technical developments made the realization and broad clinical application of these early ideas safe and possible. This thesis will be demonstrated by giving examples of the evolution of four minimally invasive techiques: neuronavigation, transsphenoidal pituitary surgery, neuroendoscopy and stereotaxy. The reasons for their early failure and also the crucial steps for the rediscovery of these minimally invasive techniques will be analysed. In the 80th of the 20th century endoscopy became increasingly applied in different surgical fields. The abdominal surgeons coined as first for their endoscopic procedures the term minimally invasive surgery in contrast to open surgery. In neurrosurgery the term minimally invasive surgery stood not in opposiotion to open procedures but was understood as a general concept and philosophy using the modern technology such as neuronavigation, endoscopy and planing computer workstations with the aim to make the procedures less traumatic.
Free Space Ranging Utilizing Chaotic Light
Authors: Zhao Tong , Wang Bing-jie , Wang Yun-cai , Chang Xiao-ming
Published: December 2013

We report our recent works on free space ranging with chaotic light. Using a laser diode with optical feedback as chaotic source, a prototype of chaotic lidar has been developed and it can achieve a range-independent resolution of 18 cm and measurable distance of 130 m at least. And its antijamming performance is presented experimentally and numerically. Finally, we, respectively, employ the wavelet denoising method and the correlation average discrete-component elimination algorithm to detect the chaotic signal in noisy environment and suppress the side-lobe noise of the correlation trace.
The Role of Autophagy in the Pathogenesis of Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Yamahara Kosuke , Yasuda Mako , Kume Shinji , Koya Daisuke , Maegawa Hiroshi , Uzu Takashi
Published: December 2013

Diabetic nephropathy is a leading cause of end-stage renal disease worldwide. The multipronged drug approach targeting blood pressure and serum levels of glucose, insulin, and lipids fails to fully prevent the onset and progression of diabetic nephropathy. Therefore, a new therapeutic target to combat diabetic nephropathy is required. Autophagy is a catabolic process that degrades damaged proteins and organelles in mammalian cells and plays a critical role in maintaining cellular homeostasis. The accumulation of proteins and organelles damaged by hyperglycemia and other diabetes-related metabolic changes is highly associated with the development of diabetic nephropathy. Recent studies have suggested that autophagy activity is altered in both podocytes and proximal tubular cells under diabetic conditions. Autophagy activity is regulated by both nutrient state and intracellular stresses. Under diabetic conditions, an altered nutritional state due to nutrient excess may interfere with the autophagic response stimulated by intracellular stresses, leading to exacerbation of organelle dysfunction and diabetic nephropathy. In this review, we discuss new findings showing the relationships between autophagy and diabetic nephropathy and suggest the therapeutic potential of autophagy in diabetic nephropathy.
Compressive Strength Properties of Natural Gas Hydrate Pellet by Continuous Extrusion from a Twin-Roll System
Authors: Lee Yun-Hoo , Koh Bong-Hwan , Kim Heung Soo , Song Myung Ho
Published: December 2013

This study investigates the compressive strength of natural gas hydrate (NGH) pellet strip extruded from die holes of a twin-roll press for continuous pelletizing (TPCP). The lab-scale TPCP was newly developed, where NGH powder was continuously fed and extruded into strip-type pellet between twin rolls. The system was specifically designed for future expansion towards mass production of solid form NGH. It is shown that the compressive strength of NGH pellet strip heavily depends on parameters in the extrusion process, such as feeding pressure, pressure ratio, and rotational speed. The mechanism of TPCP, along with the compressive strength and density of pellets, is discussed in terms of its feasibility for producing NGH pellets in the future.
Study on Optimal Placement and Reasonable Number of Viscoelastic Dampers by Improved Weight Coefficient Method
Authors: Qu Ji-ting , Li Hong-nan
Published: December 2013

A new optimal method is presented by combining the weight coefficient with the theory of force analogy method. Firstly, a new mathematical model of location index is proposed, which deals with the determination of a reasonable number of dampers according to values of the location index. Secondly, the optimal locations of dampers are given. It can be specific from stories to spans. Numerical examples are illustrated to verify the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed mathematical model and optimal method. At last, several significant conclusions are given based on numerical results.
Markers of Oxidative Stress during Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Tiwari Brahm Kumar , Pandey Kanti Bhooshan , Abidi A. B. , Rizvi Syed Ibrahim
Published: December 2013

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is rising all over the world. Uncontrolled state of hyperglycemia due to defects in insulin secretion/action leads to a variety of complications including peripheral vascular diseases, nephropathy, neuropathy, retinopathy, morbidity, and/or mortality. Large body of evidence suggests major role of reactive oxygen species/oxidative stress in development and progression of diabetic complications. In the present paper, we have discussed the recent researches on the biomarkers of oxidative stress during type 2 diabetes mellitus.