bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impacts of Worktime Control in Context
Authors: Stein Jackie
Published: July 2015

This article examines the relationships between workers’ control over their working time and their well-being, looking at how these relationships differ across a set of health care occupations that are stratified by class, gender, and race (physicians, nurses, emergency medical technicians [EMTs], and certified nursing assistants [CNAs]). Across occupations, workers’ ability to control their schedules decreases their job-related stress. The results show that different dimensions of worktime control (WTC) affect workers in different occupations in distinctive ways, offering a corrective to prior work that combines workers who occupy different locations in the system of social stratification. Among nursing assistants—the most socially marginalized group in the study—the relationships between particular aspects of WTC and job stress were distinct from those associations among the other three occupations, reinforcing the importance of examining these relationships in occupationally specific contexts. This kind of comparative perspective illuminates the ways distributions of intangible resources such as WTC both emerge from and reinforce existing patterns of social stratification. The implications of these differences for research and policy are discussed.
Teratogens and Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Lynch Tara A. , Abel David E.
Published: July 2015

The antenatal diagnosis of fetal congenital heart disease (CHD) allows for identification of potentially life-threatening conditions that may occur in the early neonatal period. A suspicion of congenital heart disease often occurs during the routine fetal anatomical survey. Subsequently, fetal echocardiography allows for a more detailed assessment of the cardiac lesion that is necessary in order to plan for delivery and postnatal surgical management. To enhance detection of congenital cardiac anomalies, and in particular ones that are potentially serious, it is important for the obstetrical sonographer to have an understanding of potential teratogenic agents associated with an increased risk of congenital heart disease.
KCNQ Channels in Nociceptive Cold-Sensing Trigeminal Ganglion Neurons as Therapeutic Targets for Treating Orofacial Cold Hyperalgesia
Authors: Abd-Elsayed Alaa A , Ikeda Ryo , Jia Zhanfeng , Ling Jennifer , Zuo Xiaozhuo , Li Min , Gu Jianguo G
Published: July 2015

Background

Hyperexcitability of nociceptive afferent fibers is an underlying mechanism of neuropathic pain and ion channels involved in neuronal excitability are potentially therapeutic targets. KCNQ channels, a subfamily of voltage-gated K+ channels mediating M-currents, play a key role in neuronal excitability. It is unknown whether KCNQ channels are involved in the excitability of nociceptive cold-sensing trigeminal afferent fibers and if so, whether they are therapeutic targets for orofacial cold hyperalgesia, an intractable trigeminal neuropathic pain.

Methods

Patch-clamp recording technique was used to study M-currents and neuronal excitability of cold-sensing trigeminal ganglion neurons. Orofacial operant behavioral assessment was performed in animals with trigeminal neuropathic pain induced by oxaliplatin or by infraorbital nerve chronic constrictive injury.

Results

We showed that KCNQ channels were expressed on and mediated M-currents in rat nociceptive cold-sensing trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons. The channels were involved in setting both resting membrane potentials and rheobase for firing action potentials in these cold-sensing TG neurons. Inhibition of KCNQ channels by linopirdine significantly decreased resting membrane potentials and the rheobase of these TG neurons. Linopirdine directly induced orofacial cold hyperalgesia when the KCNQ inhibitor was subcutaneously injected into rat orofacial regions. On the other hand, retigabine, a KCNQ channel potentiator, suppressed the excitability of nociceptive cold-sensing TG neurons. We further determined whether KCNQ channel could be a therapeutic target for orofacial cold hyperalgesia. Orofacial cold hyperalgesia was induced in rats either by the administration of oxaliplatin or by infraorbital nerve chronic constrictive injury. Using the orofacial operant test, we showed that retigabine dose-dependently alleviated orofacial cold hyperalgesia in both animal models.

Conclusion

Taken together, these findings indicate that KCNQ channel plays a significant role in controlling cold sensitivity and is a therapeutic target for alleviating trigeminal neuropathic pain that manifests orofacial cold hyperalgesia.
At the Center of Everything: Regional Rivalries, Imperial Politics, and the Mapping of the Mosetenes Frontier in Late Colonial Bolivia
Authors: Scott Heidi V.
Published: July 2015

The late colonial mapping of frontiers in the eastern Andes of Charcas (colonial Bolivia) has been neglected both in scholarship on frontier mapping, which overlooks this region, and historical studies of frontier formation in Charcas, which pay little attention to cartography. This article examines a set of maps made by a midlevel colonial official in 1797 amid efforts to open a road from Chulumani district in the Intendancy of La Paz to the Franciscan mission of Mosetenes. The article advances understandings of the material and imaginative interconnectedness of frontiers in Charcas by highlighting regional rivalries in frontier colonization and demonstrating how the piedmont regions were given meaning in relation to other, more distant lowland frontiers. Additionally, by comparing the 1797 maps with a map of Chulumani district made by the same individual in 1810, the essay demonstrates how the Mosetenes frontier was resignified in the wake of the 1809 political upheavals.
A Signal Timing Method to Reduce the Emissions in Arterials (Case Study: Enghelab Avenue in Ahvaz)
Authors: Rezvan Omid , Tabatabaei Seyed , Yoosefi Marziyeh
Published: July 2015

Actuated signal control is very efficient for isolated intersections, but along arterials it lacks the means to synchronize signals, leading to high delays and frequent stops which produce high emissions and fuel consumption. This research aims to use new paradigms based on actuated control that can lead signals to synchronize with their neighboring intersections resulting in reduction of emissions, fuel consumption and travel time in the arterials. In this research, traffic signal coordination software Synchro 8 was used to coordinate the signals on closely spaced intersections in Enghelab avenue in Ahvaz. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of proposed control logic, a simulation test bed was developed in the traffic simulation model SimTraffic 8 and 3D viewer 8.The Proposed logic resulted in total travel time, emissions and fuel consumption reductions of up to 25.6 %, 12.61% and 16.4% respectively compared to current condition logic in Enghelab avenue.
Investigating the Effect of Admixtures on Surface Strength of Concrete in Urban Sewage Systems.
Authors: Roustaei Hassan
Published: July 2015

One of the most important properties of concrete is its strength. However, in certain circumstances, like urban sewage systems, concrete is attacked and corroded, being exposed to the sulfuric acid produced from H2S in a biological process, thereby undergoing a decrease in its strength. This paper studies the effect of concrete admixtures on surface strength of concrete in acidic environments, using Twist-Off method. In order to investigate the corrosion process in concrete and consequent decrease in its strength, the calibration curve for the partially destructive twist-off method was firstly determined. Then, 15 concrete samples mixed with air-entraining admixtures, plasticizers, and micro-silica were prepared and placed in acidic and neutral PH environments in sewer pipes and sewage treatment plant. Using twist-off method and calibration curve, surface strengths of the samples were measured in a 135-day period and compared with one another.
The Comparison of Seismic Effects of Near-field and Far-field Earthquakes on Relative Displacement of Seven-storey Concrete Building with Shear Wall
Authors: Heydari Mahdi , Mousavi Mahdi
Published: July 2015

In the past few years, numerous studies on the effects of near-field earthquakes on the response of structures and their differences with far-field earthquakes imply the attention of researchers to this issue. In this regard, the objectives of present study are to study the effects of near-field earthquakes on the behavior of structures and to compare these types of earthquakes with far-field ones. To do this, the characterization of near-field earthquakes and their descriptions are used to define the differences between near-field and far-field earthquakes in regard to radically distinctive responses of structures. In the present study, the incremental dynamic analysis of a seven-storey building with concrete structure for few near-field and far-field earthquakes is done and the associated diagrams of relative structural displacement are compared. In the end, the comparison of these plots is used to denote the differences in the structural behaviors of these two types of earthquakes.
Study the Pattern of Land Occupied in Residential Components Based on the Theory of Heat Due to Human Thermal Comfort in Kerman-Iran
Authors: Iranmanesh Iman , Etminan Ima , Iranmanesh Minoo
Published: July 2015

Due to the reduction of fossil energy sources, taking a step towards reducing energy consumption, leads to saving resources and protecting the environment will be limited. In this way, taking advantage of the potential energy of the environment is the most logical way to achieve thermal comfort. On the other hand, as that human activities take place in both open and enclosed environment, the impact of climate on human physiology is different in this two environments. So, directly in the various elements of the free space affect to the man directly. Further, the climate of open environment has a major impact on the climate of indoor environment. The residential area next to the outdoor units, needs to provide comfort at a demand for more. Further, In the hot and dry air of Kerman, more consideration is needed. therefore try to assess the impact on indoor outdoor view of the position of occupied land and from the standpoint of conventional thermal index (Mahoney, Oleg, Giovannini) on patterns in Kerman was the dominant pattern of issue. By Using the harvest field, in Kerman, 4 leitmotif of land occupation for housing units are discovered. Along with, the thermal index for Kerman localization and the results on the shape of the occupation of the land test and control also its suggested to consider two-way stretch & east-west courtyard, vegetation and create shading on the ground as a model for the occupation of land.
An Overview of Pros and Cons of Zipper Braced Frames
Authors: Roshan A , Farahoni R
Published: July 2015

The chevron bracing system provides the highest level of stiffness and average ductility by using the yield or buckling of braces. This system demonstrates weak post-buckling behavior while other structural members such as beams, columns and joints show elastic behavior. As a result of bracing buckling at a story, the unbalancing force acts perpendicular on the middle of the beam span and results in the concentration of damage on that story. Consequently, the affected story becomes prone to the soft story mechanism and the structure collapses eventually. In order to prevent this problem, it is possible to place vertical elements (zippers) between beams so that the head of bracings are connected at height and the resulting unbalancing force in the story is transferred to upper stories. Such a frame is known as the zipper frame. With a proper zipper configuration, it is possible to address the problems and weaknesses of the chevron bracing frame. Therefore, zipper frames can become proper substitutes for this type of bracing systems. By using the chevron element in the chevron bracing and turning it into a zipper frame, it is possible to increase the strength, ductility and energy absorption capacity of such frames.
Mega-KV
Authors: Zhang Kai , Wang Kaibo , Yuan Yuan , Guo Lei , Lee Rubao , Zhang Xiaodong
Published: July 2015

In-memory key-value stores play a critical role in data processing to provide high throughput and low latency data accesses. In-memory key-value stores have several unique properties that include (1) data intensive operations demanding high memory bandwidth for fast data accesses, (2) high data parallelism and simple computing operations demanding many slim parallel computing units, and (3) a large working set. As data volume continues to increase, our experiments show that conventional and general-purpose multicore systems are increasingly mismatched to the special properties of key-value stores because they do not provide massive data parallelism and high memory bandwidth; the powerful but the limited number of computing cores do not satisfy the demand of the unique data processing task; and the cache hierarchy may not well benefit to the large working set.

In this paper, we make a strong case for GPUs to serve as special-purpose devices to greatly accelerate the operations of in-memory key-value stores. Specifically, we present the design and implementation of Mega-KV, a GPU-based in-memory key-value store system that achieves high performance and high throughput. Effectively utilizing the high memory bandwidth and latency hiding capability of GPUs, Mega-KV provides fast data accesses and significantly boosts overall performance. Running on a commodity PC installed with two CPUs and two GPUs, Mega-KV can process up to 160+ million key-value operations per second, which is 1.4-2.8 times as fast as the state-of-the-art key-value store system on a conventional CPU-based platform.
Validating Paediatric Morphometrics: body proportion measurement using photogrammetric anthropometry
Authors: Penders Bas , Brecheisen Ralph , Gerver Angèle , van Zonneveld Geertjan , Gerver Willem-Jan
Published: July 2015

Taking multiple anthropometric measurements for the description of body proportions in an accurate way is a time-consuming procedure that requires specific tools and skills. This is why we developed an alternative method based on digital photography for taking these measurements which is faster and easier to use, to make anthropometry more user-friendly and approachable to paediatricians.

We conducted a cross-sectional study in 54 children between 2 and 18 years of age. We compared manual measurements with photogrammetric measurements to validate our method.

Inter-observer correlations of all measurements are ≥0.96 and mean differences are 0.3–0.9 cm, except for arm span. Comparison of manual to photogrammetric measurements shows mean differences of 0.6–1.3 cm, with correlations ≥0.92, except for sitting height and arm span. Correlations of ratios between methods are height/sitting height (

Photogrammetric anthropometry is faster, easier to use and provides the paediatrician with more flexibility as taking the digital photographs and performing the analysis are separated.
Job characteristics and musculoskeletal pain among shift workers of a poultry processing plant in Southern Brazil
Authors: Barro Dânia , Olinto Maria Teresa Anselmo , Macagnan Jamile Block Araldi , Henn Ruth Liane , Pattussi Marcos Pascoal , Faoro Mariana Wentz , Garcez Anderson da Silva , Paniz Vera Maria Vieira
Published: July 2015

Job characteristics and musculoskeletal pain among shift workers of a poultry processing plant in Southern Brazil: Dânia Barro, et al. Postgraduate Program in Collective Health, University of Vale do Rio dos Sinos, Brazil

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between job characteristics and musculoskeletal pain among shift workers employed at a 24‐hour poultry processing plant in Southern Brazil.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study of 1,103 production line workers aged 18−52 years. The job characteristics of interest were shift (day/night), shift duration, and plant sector ambient temperature. Musculoskeletal pain was defined as self‐reported occupational‐related pain in the upper or lower extremities and trunk, occurring often or always, during the last 12 months.

Results

The mean (SD) participant age was 30.8 (8.5) years, and 65.7% of participants were women. The prevalence of musculoskeletal pain was greater among female participants than male participants. After adjustment for job characteristics and potential confounders, the prevalence ratios (PR) of lower extremity musculoskeletal pain among female workers employed in extreme‐temperature conditions those working the night shift, and those who had been working longer on the same shift were 1.75 (95% CI 1.12, 2.71), 1.69 (95% CI 1.05, 2.70), and 1.64 (95% CI 1.03, 2.62), respectively. In male workers, only extreme‐temperature conditions showed a significant association with lower extremity musculoskeletal pain (PR=2.17; 95% CI 1.12, 4.22) after adjustment analysis.

Conclusions

These findings suggest a need for implementation of measures to mitigate the damage caused by nighttime work and by working under extreme temperature conditions, especially among female shift workers, such as changing positions frequently during work and implementation of rest breaks and a workplace exercise program, so as to improve worker quality of life.
Theoretical Research of the Impact of the Digging-Out Working Tool on the Beetroot During the Vibrational Digging up from the Soil
Authors: Bulgakov V. , Golovach I. , Adamchuk V.
Published: July 2015

Aim. The elaboration of the theory of the impact of the vibrational digging-out working tool on the body of the beetroot, attached to the soil, and the substantiation of the rational kinematic and constructive parameters of the advanced vibrational digging-out working tool on the basis of the results obtained. Methods. The main provisions of advanced mathematics and theoretical mechanics were used, in particular, the general theory of mechanical impact and the oscillation theory. The equation systems obtained were solved using PC and the elaborated programme. Results. The main provisions of the theory of the impact of the digging-out working tool on the beetroot while extracting the latter from the soil were elaborated. The mathematical model of the impact interaction of the digging-out working tool and the body of the beetroot, attached to the soil, during the vibrational digging-out of sugar beets was created. The equations, describing the mentioned process, were used as a basis for the impact impulse and
the impact force; the conditions of not damaging the beetroot during the impact were established. The analytic expression for the determination of the allowed frequency of vibra- tions of the working vibrational digging-out tool with the consideration of its constructive parameters and the translational motion was obtained. The estimates, obtained using PC calculations, allow designing advanced working vibrational digging-out tools to harvest sugar beets, taking the condition of avoiding damage to the root into account. Conclusions. The analytic expression for the determination of the allowed frequency of vibrations of the vibrational digging-out working tool, taking into account its constructive parameters and the translational motion, was obtained taking the condition of avoiding damage to the root into consideration. The algorithm and the PC analysis programme for the allowed frequency of oscillations of the vibrational digging- out working tool with the consideration of no damage to the beetroot during
the impact interaction were elabo- rated. Numerous PC estimates demonstrated that on condition of the mentioned weight of the working tool of m = 1.0 kg the allowed frequency, at which there is no damage to the beetroot, should not exceed v = 10.0 hertz (with the oscillation amplitude of a = 0.015 m and the maximum depth of the digging-out working tool in the soil of h = 0.1 m). Here the translational motion should be in the range of 1.3 ... 2.2 m/s. The obtained results of the theoretical research allow designing advanced vibrational digging-out working tools to harvest sugar beets without damaging them.
Effect of the exposure to maternal smoking during pregnancy and childhood on the body mass index until adolescence
Authors: Muraro Ana Paula , Gonçalves-Silva Regina Maria Veras , Ferreira Márcia Gonçalves , Silva Gulnar Azevedo e , Sichieri Rosely
Published: July 2015

OBJECTIVE Investigate the effect of exposure to smoking during pregnancy and early childhood on changes in the body mass index (BMI) from birth to adolescence. METHODS A population-based cohort of children (0-5 years old) from Cuiabá, Midwest Brazil, was assessed in 1999-2000 (n = 2,405). Between 2009 and 2011, the cohort was re-evaluated. Information about birth weight was obtained from medical records, and exposure to smoking during pregnancy and childhood was assessed at the first interview. Linear mixed effects models were used to estimate the association between exposure to maternal smoking during pregnancy and preschool age, and the body mass index of children at birth, childhood and adolescence. RESULTS Only 11.3% of the mothers reported smoking during pregnancy, but most of them (78.2%) also smoked during early childhood. Among mothers who smoked only during pregnancy (n = 59), 97.7% had smoked only in the first trimester. The changes in body mass index at birth and in childhood were similar for children exposed and those not exposed to maternal smoking. However, from childhood to adolescence the rate of change in the body mass index was higher among those exposed only during pregnancy than among those who were not exposed. CONCLUSIONS Exposure to smoking only during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, seems to affect changes in the body mass index until adolescence, supporting guidelines that recommend women of childbearing age to stop smoking.
On the complementarity of classical test theory and item response models: item difficulty estimates and computerized adaptive testing
Authors: Costa Patrícia , Ferrão Maria Eugénia
Published: July 2015

This study aims to provide statistical evidence of the complementarity between classical test theory and item response models for certain educational assessment purposes. Such complementarity might support, at a reduced cost, future development of innovative procedures for item calibration in adaptive testing. Classical test theory and the generalized partial credit model are applied to tests comprising multiple choice, short answer, completion, and open response items scored partially. Datasets are derived from the tests administered to the Portuguese population of students enrolled in the 4th and 6th grades. The results show a very strong association between the estimates of difficulty obtained from classical test theory and item response models, corroborating the statistical theory of mental testing.
Descrição da atuação do farmacêutico em equipe multiprofissional com ênfase no cuidado ao idoso hospitalizado
Authors: Pinto Isabela Vaz Leite , Castro Mariza dos Santos , Reis Adriano Max Moreira
Published: July 2015

OBJETIVOS: Descrever a atuação do farmacêutico numa equipe multiprofissional, com ênfase no cuidado ao idoso hospitalizado, e intervenções farmacêuticas realizadas durante o seguimento farmacoterapêutico dos indivíduos atendidos. MÉTODOS: Estudo descritivo, exploratório, retrospectivo. A amostra englobou 24 pacientes com idade >60anos, atendidos pelo farmacêutico da equipe multiprofissional de cuidado ao idoso do Hospital Risoleta Tolentino Neves, Belo Horizonte, MG. A farmacoterapia foi analisada em relação ao número de medicamentos; indicação; dose; posologia; aspectos biofarmacêuticos relacionados à via de administração oral ou enteral; estabilidade; incompatibilidade e via de medicamentos parenterais; interações medicamentosas; efetividade e segurança. Verificou-se também a adequação dos medicamentos para idosos, segundo os critérios de Beers. Os medicamentos com atividade anticolinérgica foram identificados segundo Rudolph et al. e Chew et al. As informações foram registradas em instrumento de coleta de dados e a análise estatística descritiva foi realizada em SPSS 10.0. RESULTADOS: Houve diminuição na utilização de medicamentos potencialmente inapropriados para idosos, sendo que na prescrição de alta nenhum idoso estava em uso destes; oito (30%) utilizaram esses medicamentos na admissão; e cinco (20,8%), durante a internação hospitalar. O número de pacientes com prescrição de medicamentos anticolinérgicos reduziu-se de 19 (79,2%) durante a internação para quatro (16,6%) no momento da alta. Vinte e um (87,5%) pacientes demandaram intervenções farmacêuticas, sendo que 20 (83,3%) demandaram intervenções farmacêuticas junto ao médico. Realizou-se um total de 163 intervenções farmacêuticas, com uma média de 6,79 intervenções/paciente e aceitação de 82,2%. CONCLUSÕES: A atuação farmacêutica no cuidado ao idoso, integrada com ações multidisciplinares, otimiza a farmacoterapia, refletindo na segurança e efetividade da assistência prestada ao idoso.
Filtro de Kalman extendido aplicado en la navegación de un AUV
Authors: Cárdenas Vivanco Persing Junior , Apolonio de Barros Ettore
Published: July 2015

Este trabajo trata el problema de navegación de unvehículo submarino autónomo. Dos estimadores de estado son propuestos como solución, aplicando fusiónsensorial basada en el filtro de Kalman extendido.Los estimadores de estado emplean medidas de unaunidad de medición inercial, un sensor de velocidadpor efecto Doppler, un profundímetro y una brújula.El primer estimador de estado estima las variablesde orientación independientemente de las variablesde velocidad y profundidad del vehículo. En el segundo estimador, se considera el acoplamiento en lasecuaciones de orientación, velocidad y profundidaddel vehículo. Para el diseño y pruebas de los estimadores de estado propuestos, fue empleada la basede datos del vehículo submarino autónomo Pirajubaque contiene el registro de los sensores del vehículodurante pruebas en el mar. Los resultados de unasimulación numérica con esta base de datos validanlos estimadores de estado propuestos en el presente
trabajo. Finalmente, fue realizado un análisis comparativo de estos estimadores.
Experimental study of free-convection flame propagation
Authors: Yevdokimov O. A. , Guryanov A. I.
Published: July 2015

The results of studying the burnout of diffusion jets flowing into stationary atmosphere in laminar, transitional and turbulent flows with the direction of the initial pulse in the range of angles from 0 to 360 relative to the vertical are presented in the paper. Experimental data on the values of relative curvilinear flame length, its projections on the axes Ox, Oy, the coordinates of the flame stabilization point in the range of Reynolds numbers from =500 to Re=15000 as functions of angle are obtained. The experimental data are presented in the form of characteristic curves and summarized as criteria equations that take into account the effect of free convection in the framework of the theory of jet torch burning on the position of the flame front, the geometry and volume of the combustion zone The results of photographing the process of jet combustion are presented. Recommendations on how to improve the combustion efficiency and the choice of optimal primary, geometrical and thermal parameters of the jet (Re number, Fr number, the relative length of the jet, the initial diameter of the jet, the position of the flame stabilization point, the angle relative to vertical) are given, and the thermophysical characteristics of diffusion reacting gas jet formation with account of free convection are shown.
Research of small spacecraft dynamiсs taking into account the influence of elastic vibrations of asjacent solar panels and aerodynamic moment
Authors: Yelenev V. D. , Titov B. A. , Davydov E. I. , Davydov I. E. , Kochyan A. G. , Yudintsev V. V.
Published: July 2015

The article presents the analysis of the dynamics of small spacecraft (SS) with affixed solar panels which have a certain degree of elasticity due to their construction. A mathematical model of spacecraft disturbed motion during the boost phase is formed which takes into account the body elasticity and the presence of liquid filling. A finite-dimensional system of equations of SS elastic disturbed motion is formed in the process of constructing the model taking into account power dissipation. The issues of elastic vibrations that appear after the dynamic operations connected with SS re-orientation or reconstruction of some of its elements are discussed. Research has been conducted using a modeling complex to estimate the influence of elastic vibrations of the SS structure on the precision and dynamic characteristics of the control system such as the analysis of transition process duration and maximum amplitude of variations of the measured value of SS angular velocity. Dependences of SS angular speed on time have been obtained. The analysis of the results obtained shows that elastic vibrations of the SS structure have a strong impact on spacecraft dynamics in the spinning mode. It is noted that the vibrations in the pitch channel are the most crucial, It is there that vibrations out of the panel plane and twist modes relative to the symmetry axis of opened panel flaps take place in the nominal position of solar panels. Moreover, spacecraft motion during the process of its separation from the space rocket is discussed taking into account the influence of small aerodynamic moment.
Missile control on the basis of construction of attainability domains
Authors: Tolpegin O. A.
Published: July 2015

The paper deals with the application of attainability domains for the solution of missile control problems. Methods of calculating the attainability domains are analyzed and two examples of calculating the attainability domains of a missile are given. A set of problems is presented for the solution of which the attainability domains were used. A conflicting problem of approach-evasion of two missiles with and without taking account of errors of measurements of motion parameters is discussed. The problem is considered as a differential game of two players with opposite interests. Controls of the players are selected at discrete points in time, based on the analysis of the relative position of attainability domains constructed for a number of the future meeting time points. If the errors of measuring are taken into account the attainability domains are constructed not from the current position but from the information domains that contain the exact values of the motion parameters. The approach problem of two missiles with a maneuvering object is presented in the form of a coalition differential game. In this case the combined attainability domains of the missiles are constructed. Minimax attainability domains constructed taking into account the action of disturbances are used in the problem of synthesis of normal acceleration of the missile under the action of disturbances. In the final part of the paper we discuss the problem of minimax filtration of the missile motion parameters in which information domains including the attainability domain of the missile are approximated by the parallelepipeds in the phase space under consideration.
ACE2 Deficiency Worsens Epicardial Adipose Tissue Inflammation and Cardiac Dysfunction in Response to Diet-Induced Obesity
Authors: Patel Vaibhav B. , Mori Jun , McLean Brent A. , Basu Ratnadeep , Das Subhash K. , Ramprasath Tharmarajan , Parajuli Nirmal , Penninger Josef M. , Grant Maria B. , Lopaschuk Gary D. , Oudit Gavin Y.
Published: July 2015

Obesity is increasing in prevalence and is strongly associated with metabolic and cardiovascular disorders. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has emerged as a key pathogenic mechanism for these disorders; angiotensin (Ang)-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) negatively regulates RAS by metabolizing Ang II into Ang 1-7. We studied the role of ACE2 in obesity-mediated cardiac dysfunction. ACE2 null (ACE2KO) and wild-type (WT) mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) or a control diet and studied at 6 months of age. Loss of ACE2 resulted in decreased weight gain but increased glucose intolerance, epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) inflammation, and polarization of macrophages into a proinflammatory phenotype in response to HFD. Similarly, human EAT in patients with obesity and heart failure displayed a proinflammatory macrophage phenotype. Exacerbated EAT inflammation in ACE2KO-HFD mice was associated with decreased myocardial adiponectin, decreased phosphorylation of AMPK, increased cardiac steatosis and lipotoxicity, and myocardial insulin resistance, which worsened heart function. Ang 1-7 (24 µg/kg/h) administered to ACE2KO-HFD mice resulted in ameliorated EAT inflammation and reduced cardiac steatosis and lipotoxicity, resulting in normalization of heart failure. In conclusion, ACE2 plays a novel role in heart disease associated with obesity wherein ACE2 negatively regulates obesity-induced EAT inflammation and cardiac insulin resistance.
Natural Variation in Interleukin-2 Sensitivity Influences Regulatory T-Cell Frequency and Function in Individuals With Long-standing Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Yang Jennie H.M. , Cutler Antony J. , Ferreira Ricardo C. , Reading James L. , Cooper Nicholas J. , Wallace Chris , Clarke Pamela , Smyth Deborah J. , Boyce Christopher S. , Gao Guo-Jian , Todd John A. , Wicker Linda S. , Tree Timothy I.M.
Published: July 2015

Defective immune homeostasis in the balance between FOXP3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) and effector T cells is a likely contributing factor in the loss of self-tolerance observed in type 1 diabetes (T1D). Given the importance of interleukin-2 (IL-2) signaling in the generation and function of Tregs, observations that polymorphisms in genes in the IL-2 pathway associate with T1D and that some individuals with T1D exhibit reduced IL-2 signaling indicate that impairment of this pathway may play a role in Treg dysfunction and the pathogenesis of T1D. Here, we have examined IL-2 sensitivity in CD4+ T-cell subsets in 70 individuals with long-standing T1D, allowing us to investigate the effect of low IL-2 sensitivity on Treg frequency and function. IL-2 responsiveness, measured by STAT5a phosphorylation, was a very stable phenotype within individuals but exhibited considerable interindividual variation and was influenced by T1D-associated PTPN2 gene polymorphisms. Tregs from individuals with lower IL-2 signaling were reduced in frequency, were less able to maintain expression of FOXP3 under limiting concentrations of IL-2, and displayed reduced suppressor function. These results suggest that reduced IL-2 signaling may be used to identify patients with the highest Treg dysfunction and who may benefit most from IL-2 immunotherapy.
White Rain: 9/11 and American Fiction
Authors: Nadel Ira
Published: July 2015

Abstract:

How have authors responded to 9/11? This article examines a variety of reactions in light of the need to construct a dominant narrative necessary to restore a sense of security and understanding. But no single work or group of works has so far managed to trump the tragedy, and a void remains. The phrase “white rain” expresses the blizzard of paper generated by authors attempting to make sense of the event. Authors as diverse as John Updike, Don DeLillo, Frédéric Beigbeder, Jonathan Safran Foer, and Thomas Pynchon are the focus of the analysis here, showing how newly opened textual spaces are filled with works alternating between history and fiction. Of particular importance is the role of film, the importance of fear, and the symbol of flags in evaluating the process of recovery. Of particular note is the unease that characterizes the reaction of writers to the challenge they face: how to unite 9/11 as it exists in our cultural imagination with the event itself. That is the new task of literature in the post-9/11 age which, ironically, seems to require conflict or catastrophe for its inspiration.
Self-Assembly of High Density of Triangular Silver Nanoplate Films Promoted by 3-Aminopropyltrimethoxysilane
Authors: Bakar Norhayati , Shapter Joe , Salleh Muhamad , Umar Akrajas
Published: July 2015

In this work, we studied the structure of synthesized triangular silver nanoplates in solution and the growth of the nanoplates on a silicon surface using 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APTMS) as a coupling agent. The triangular-shaped colloidal silver nanoplates were simply synthesized by a direct chemical reduction approach. We studied the three characteristic peaks of the unique optical absorbance of triangular silver nanoplates and subsequently measured an average edge length of 26 ± 1 nm. The nanoplate thickness was determined to be 7 ± 2 nm from transmission electron microscopy images. Depositing the nanoplates on a silicon surface was carried out to determine the coverage of triangular nanoplates obtained when adhesion was promoted by a coupling agent. The APTMS film assisted the attachment of the nanoplates to the silicon surface and the coverage of the nanoplates increased with increasing deposition time. The triangular silver nanoplate thin film was a monolayer and a high coverage (near complete) was obtained after eight hours of exposure to the nanoplate solution. The silver film formed was shown to be a good surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate as it gave an enormous Raman enhancement for bisphenol A (BPA).
Design and Characterization of a Sensorized Microfluidic Cell-Culture System with Electro-Thermal Micro-Pumps and Sensors for Cell Adhesion, Oxygen, and pH on a Glass Chip
Authors: Bonk Sebastian , Stubbe Marco , Buehler Sebastian , Tautorat Carsten , Baumann Werner , Klinkenberg Ernst-Dieter , Gimsa Jan
Published: July 2015

We combined a multi-sensor glass-chip with a microfluidic channel grid for the characterization of cellular behavior. The grid was imprinted in poly-dimethyl-siloxane. Mouse-embryonal/fetal calvaria fibroblasts (MC3T3-E1) were used as a model system. Thin-film platinum (Pt) sensors for respiration (amperometric oxygen electrode), acidification (potentiometric pH electrodes) and cell adhesion (interdigitated-electrodes structures, IDES) allowed us to monitor cell-physiological parameters as well as the cell-spreading behavior. Two on-chip electro-thermal micro-pumps (ETμPs) permitted the induction of medium flow in the system, e.g., for medium mixing and drug delivery. The glass-wafer technology ensured the microscopic observability of the on-chip cell culture. Connecting Pt structures were passivated by a 1.2 μm layer of silicon nitride (Si3N4). Thin Si3N4 layers (20 nm or 60 nm) were used as the sensitive material of the pH electrodes. These electrodes showed a linear behavior in the pH range from 4 to 9, with a sensitivity of up to 39 mV per pH step. The oxygen sensors were circular Pt electrodes with a sensor area of 78.5 μm2. Their sensitivity was 100 pA per 1% oxygen increase in the range from 0% to 21% oxygen (air saturated). Two different IDES geometries with 30- and 50-μm finger spacings showed comparable sensitivities in detecting the proliferation rate of MC3T3 cells. These cells were cultured for 11 days in vitro to test the biocompatibility, microfluidics and electric sensors of our system under standard laboratory conditions.
Reaction Kinetic Parameters and Surface Thermodynamic Properties of Cu2O Nanocubes
Authors: Li Xingxing , Tang Huanfeng , Lu Xianrui , Lin Shi , Shi Lili , Huang Zaiyin
Published: July 2015

Cuprous oxide (Cu2O) nanocubes were synthesized by reducing Cu(OH)2 in the presence of sodium citrate at room temperature. The samples were characterized in detail by field-emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, and N2 absorption (BET specific surface area). The equations for acquiring reaction kinetic parameters and surface thermodynamic properties of Cu2O nanocubes were deduced by establishment of the relations between thermodynamic functions of Cu2O nanocubes and these of the bulk Cu2O. Combined with thermochemical cycle, transition state theory, basic theory of chemical thermodynamics, and in situ microcalorimetry, reaction kinetic parameters, specific surface enthalpy, specific surface Gibbs free energy, and specific surface entropy of Cu2O nanocubes were successfully determined. We also introduced a universal route for gaining reaction kinetic parameters and surface thermodynamic properties of nanomaterials.
New Polymorphic Forms of Pemetrexed Diacid and Their Use for the Preparation of Pharmaceutically Pure Amorphous and Hemipentahydrate Forms of Pemetrexed Disodium
Authors: Michalak Olga , Łaszcz Marta , Jatczak Kamil , Witkowska Anna , Bujak Iwona , Groman Aleksandra , Cybulski Marcin
Published: July 2015

The preparation of stable amorphous pemetrexed disodium of pharmaceutical purity as well as the process optimization for the preparation of the hemipentahydrate form of pemetrexed disodium are described. Analytical methods for the polymorphic and chemical purity studies of pemetrexed disodium and pemetrexed diacid forms were developed. The physicochemical properties of the amorphous and hydrate forms of pemetrexed disodium, as well as new forms of pemetrexed diacid (a key synthetic intermediate) were studied by thermal analysis and powder X-ray diffraction. High-performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography methods were used for the chemical purity and residual solvents determination. In order to study the polymorphic and chemical stability of the amorphous and hemipentahydrate forms, a hygroscopicity test (25 °C, 80% RH) was performed. Powder diffraction and high-performance liquid chromatography analyses revealed that the amorphous character and high chemical purity were preserved after the hygroscopicity test. The hemipentahydrate form transformed completely to the heptahydrate form of pemetrexed disodium. Both pemetrexed disodium forms were produced with high efficiency and pharmaceutical purity in a small commercial scale. Amorphous pemetrexed disodium was selected for further pharmaceutical development. Two new polymorphs (forms 1 and 2) of pemetrexed diacid were used for the preparation of high purity amorphous pemetrexed disodium.
An Electrochemical Glucose Sensor Based on Zinc Oxide Nanorods
Authors: Marie Mohammed , Mandal Sanghamitra , Manasreh Omar
Published: July 2015

A glucose electrochemical sensor based on zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods was investigated. The hydrothermal sol–gel growth method was utilized to grow ZnO nanorods on indium tin oxide-coated glass substrates. The total active area of the working electrode was 0.3 × 0.3 cm2 where titanium metal was deposited to enhance the contact. Well aligned hexagonal structured ZnO nanorods with a diameter from 68 to 116 nm were obtained. The excitonic peak obtained from the absorbance spectroscopy was observed at ~370 nm. The dominant peak of Raman spectroscopy measurement was at 440 cm−1, matching with the lattice vibration of ZnO. The uniform distribution of the GOx and Nafion membrane that has been done using spin coating technique at 4000 rotations per minute helps in enhancing the ion exchange and increasing the sensitivity of the fabricated electrochemical sensor. The amperometric response of the fabricated electrochemical sensor was 3 s. The obtained sensitivity of the fabricated ZnO electrochemical sensor was 10.911 mA/mM·cm2 and the lower limit of detection was 0.22 µM.
Narratives of Psychosocial Response to Microtrauma Injury among Long-Distance Runners
Authors: Russell Hayley , Wiese-Bjornstal Diane
Published: July 2015

Athletes with microtrauma or overuse injuries resulting from an accumulation of repeated small forces may differ from athletes with macrotrauma or acute injuries in their psychosocial responses because of the unique challenges presented by these insidious-onset and often chronic injuries. Our purpose was to use narrative inquiry to examine the psychosocial experiences and responses of 10 long-distance runners who had experienced microtrauma injuries. Qualitative data analysis of interview data led to a chronological timeline of the injury experience and an assessment of the meaning attributed to these injury experiences using a variation of Mishler’s core-narrative approach. Participants reported distinct thoughts, feelings, and behaviors during each phase of the injury—pre-injury, injury onset, and outcome. In the pre-injury period, participants indicated specific running-related goals and attributed their injuries to overtraining or a change in training. During the injury onset phase, participants consistently indicated two themes: self-diagnosis and treatment, and not taking time off. Within the outcome phase of injury, participants acknowledged changed training because of the injury, and lessons learned from their injury experiences. The narratives of microtrauma-injured runners revealed psychosocial distress and behavioral tendencies post-injury that have important implications for runners, coaches, and healthcare professionals.
O’Leary-Sant Symptom Index Predicts the Treatment Outcome for OnabotulinumtoxinA Injections for Refractory Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome
Authors: Kuo Yuh-Chen , Kuo Hann-Chorng
Published: July 2015

Although intravesical injection of onabotulinumtoxinA (BoNT-A) has been proved promising in treating patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS), what kind of patients that may benefit from this treatment remains unclear. This study investigated the predictors for a successful treatment outcome. Patients with IC/BPS who failed conventional treatments were enrolled to receive intravesical injection of 100 U of BoNT-A immediately followed by hydrodistention. Variables such as O’Leary-Sant symptom and problem indexes (ICSI and ICPI), pain visual analogue scale (VAS), functional bladder capacity (FBC), voiding diary, and urodynamic parameters were measured at baseline and six months after treatment. A global response assessment (GRA) ≥ 2 at six months was defined as successful. There were101 patients enrolled. Significant improvements were observed in mean ICSI, ICPI, OSS (ICSI + ICPI), pain VAS, FBC, frequency, nocturia and GRA at six months after BoNT-A injections (all p < 0.05). The successful rate at six months was 46/101 (45.54%). Multivariate logistic regression revealed the baseline ICSI (odds ratio = 0.770, 95% confidence interval = 0.601–0.989) was the only predictor for a treatment outcome. ICSI ≥ 12 was the most predictive cutoff value for a treatment failure, with a ROC area of 0.70 (sensitivity = 69.1%, specificity = 60.9%).
Accessibility of Travel and Hospitality Services as Perceived by Travelers with Mobility Impairments
Authors: Park Yeon Woo , Cole Shu , Zhang Ye
Published: July 2015

The purpose of this study is to investigate mobility-impaired consumers' perceived accessibility of travel and hospitality services. Focus groups and semistructured interviews were conducted among 23 participants with mobility impairments. Results of the study suggest five dimensions
of accessibility in travel and hospitality services as perceived by customers with mobility impairments: access to physical features, access to service procedures, ease of access to physical and service features, upkeep of accessible physical and service features, and access to accurate and
reliable information. This conceptualization of accessibility can be used by travel and hospitality services to develop accessible services for people with mobility impairments.