bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Substituent effects in nitro derivatives of carbazoles investigated by comparison of low-temperature crystallographic studies with density functional theory (DFT) calculations
Authors: Gajda Katarzyna , Zarychta Bartosz , Kopka Katarzyna , Daszkiewicz Zdzisław , Ejsmont Krzysztof
Published: September 2014

The crystal structure of 9H-carbazole, C12H9N, (I), has been redetermined at low temperature for use as a reference structure in a comparative study with the structures of 1-nitro-9H-carbazole, C12H8N2O2, (II), and 9-nitrocarbazole, C12H8N2O2, (III). The molecule of (I) has crystallographically imposed mirror symmetry (Z′ = 0.5). All three solid-state structures are slightly nonplanar, the dihedral angles between the planes of the arene and pyrrole rings ranging from 0.40 (7)° in (III) to 1.82 (18)° in (II). Nevertheless, a density functional theory (DFT) study predicts completely planar conformations for the isolated molecules. To estimate the influence of nitro-group substitution on aromaticity, the HOMA (harmonic oscillator model of aromaticity) descriptor of π-electron delocalization has been calculated in each case. The HOMA indices for the isolated and solid-state molecules are relatively consistent and decrease in value for aromatic rings that are substituted with a π-electron-withdrawing nitro group. Substitution of the arene ring influences the π-electron delocalization in the ring only weakly, showing strong resistance to a perturbation of its geometry, contrary to what is observed for nitro substitution of the five-membered heterocyclic pyrrole ring. In (II), the molecules are arranged in near-planar dimers connected to each other by strong N—H...O hydrogen bonds that stack parallel to the crystallographicbaxis. A similar stacking arrangement is observed in (III), although here the stacked structure is formed by stand-alone molecules.
Modeling of fast pre-joining processes optimization for skin-stringer panels
Authors: Liu Gang , Tang Wei , Ke Ying-Lin , Chen Qing-Liang , Bi Yunbo
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose a new model for optimizing pre-joining processes quickly and accurately, guiding workers to standardized operations. For the automatic riveting in panel assemblies, the traditional approach of determination of pre-joining processes entirely rests on the experience of workers, which leads to the improper number, location and sequence of pre-joining, the low quality stability and the high repair rate in most cases.

Design/methodology/approach

– The clearances computation with the complete finite element model for every process combination is time-consuming. Therefore a fast pre-joining processes optimization model (FPPOM) is proposed. This model treats both the measured initial clearances and the stiffness matrices of key points of panels as an input; considers the permissive clearances as an evaluation criterion; regards the optimal number, location and sequence as an objective; and takes the neighborhood-search-based adaptive genetic algorithm as a solution.

Findings

– A comparison between the FPPOM and complete finite element model with clearances (CFEMC) was made in practice. Further, the results indicate that running the FPPOM is time-saving by >90 per cent compared with the CFEMC.

Practical implications

– This paper provides practical insights into realizing the pre-joining processes optimization quickly.

Originality/value

– This paper is the first to propose the FPPOM, which could simplify the processes, reduce the degrees of freedom of nodes and conduct the manufacturers to standardized manipulations.
Inspector Robot – A new collaborative testing system designed for the automotive final assembly line
Authors: Müller Rainer , Vette Matthias , Scholer Matthias
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The paper aims to deliver an approach of how lightweight robot systems can be used to automate manual processes for higher efficiency, increased process capability and enhanced ergonomics. To show how these systems can be utilized in practice, a new collaborative testing system for an automated water leak test was designed using an image processing system utilized by the robot.

Design/methodology/approach

– The “water leak test” in an automotive final assembly line is often a significant cost factor due to its labour-intensive nature. This is particularly the case for premium car manufacturers as each vehicle is watered and manually inspected for leakage. This paper delivers an approach that optimizes the efficiency and capability of the test process by using a new automated in-line inspection system whereby thermographic images are taken by a lightweight robot system and then processed to locate the leak. Such optimization allows the collaboration of robots and manual labour which, in turn, enhances the capability of the process station.

Findings

– This paper examines the development of novel applications for lightweight robotic systems and provides a suitable process whereby the systems are optimized in technical, ergonomic and safety-related aspects.

Research limitations/implications

– A new automated testing process in combination with a processing algorithm was developed.

Practical implications

– To optimize and validate the system, it was set up in a true to reality model factory and brought to a prototypical status. Several original equipment manufacturers showed great interest in implementing the system in their assembly line.

Social implications

– The direct human–robot collaboration allows humans and robots to share the same workspace without strict separation measures which is a great advantage compared with traditional industrial robots. The workers benefit from a more ergonomic workflow and are relieved from unpleasant, repetitive and burdensome tasks.

Originality/value

– A lightweight robotic system was implemented in a continuous assembly line as a new area of application for these systems. The automated water leak test gives a practical example of how to enrich the assembly and commissioning lines, which are currently dominated by manual labour, with new technologies. This is necessary to reach a higher efficiency and process capability while maintaining a higher flexibility potential than fully automated systems.
Particle crushing simulations with improved discontinuous deformation analysis
Authors: Wang Xiao-Bo , Xu Wen-Jie , Zhang Bing-Yin , Sun Qi-Cheng
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– Rock-fill dams are embankments of compacted free-draining granular earth containing an impervious zone. Earth utilized in such dams often contains a high percentage of large particles – hence the term rock-fill. Mass stability of these dams results from friction and particle interactions rather than through a cementing agent binding the particles together. However, high-stress conditions and prolonged exposure to the elements can severely damage rock-fill. Therefore, understanding and modeling rock-fill breakage is important for dam engineering. The purpose of this paper is to improve discontinuous deformation analysis (DDA) techniques for modeling rock-fill breakage, proving the new method using simulations of spherical particle crushing.

Design/methodology/approach

– This work models rock-fill as bonded ellipsoid particles, and develops an improved DDA method to model the breakage of particle assemblies. The paper starts by describing the principles of three-dimensional DDA for spherical particles, and then derives the submatrices for normal contact, shear contact, and frictional force. The new algorithm incorporates a bond model with a revised open-close iteration algorithm into the DDA method to simulate particle crushing. To validate the improved DDA method, calculated particle contacts and movements are validated against theoretical results. Finally, this work performs a series of point-loading experimental tests for cement ellipsoid particles of both high and low compression strengths, with the test results compared against the results from corresponding DDA simulations.

Findings

– In particle crushing tests, the force and displacement show an approximately linear relationship until the crushing point, at which point low compression ellipsoid particles split into several large pieces while the high-compression particles break into many small fragments. The DDA simulation results are in good agreement with the crushing tests, demonstrating the validity of the DDA method for solving particle crushing problems. Although the improved DDA model is applicable to rock-fill particle crushing studies, some issues remain, particularly in increasing calculation efficiency and performing large-scale computations and long real-time simulations. Future research should address these issues.

Originality/value

– A bond model with a revised open-close iteration algorithm is incorporated into the DDA method. The simulated results shed insight into rock-fill crushing mechanisms, an element of concern in engineering practices.
Topology optimization of bi-modulus structures using the concept of bone remodeling
Authors: Cai Kun , Luo Zhen , H. Qin Qing
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to develop a heuristic method for topology optimization of a continuum with bi-modulus material which is frequently occurred in practical engineering.

Design/methodology/approach

– The essentials of this model are as follows: First, the original bi-modulus is replaced with two isotropic materials to simplify structural analysis. Second, the stress filed is adopted to calculate the effective strain energy densities (SED) of elements. Third, a floating reference interval of SED is defined and updated by active constraint. Fourth, the elastic modulus of an element is updated according to its principal stresses. Final, the design variables are updated by comparing the local effective SEDs and the current reference interval of SED.

Findings

– Numerical examples show that the ratio between the tension modulus and the compression modulus of the bi-modulus material in a structure has a significant effect on the final topology design, which is different from that in the same structure with isotropic material. In the optimal structure, it can be found that the material points with the higher modulus are reserved as much as possible. When the ratio is far more than unity, the material can be considered as tension-only material. If the ratio is far less than unity, the material can be considered as compression-only material. As a result, the topology optimization of continuum structures with tension-only or compression-only materials can also be solved by the proposed method.

Originality/value

– The value of this paper is twofold: the bi-modulus material layout optimization in a continuum can be solved by the method proposed in this paper, and the layout difference between the structure with bi-modulus material and the same structure but with isotropic material shows that traditional topology optimization result could not be suitable for a real bi-modulus layout design project.
Evolutionary team based on different metaheuristics for solving a real-world problem in the telecommunication domain
Authors: M. Chaves-Gonzalez Jose , A. Vega-Rodríguez Miguel
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to study the use of a heterogeneous and evolutionary team approach based on different sources of knowledge to address a real-world problem within the telecommunication domain: the frequency assignment problem (FAP). Evolutionary algorithms have been proved as very suitable strategies when they are used to solve NP-hard optimization problems. However, these algorithms can find difficulties when they fall into local minima and the generation of high-quality solutions when tacking real-world instances of the problem is computationally very expensive. In this scenario, the use of a heterogeneous parallel team represents a very interesting approach.

Design/methodology/approach

– The results have been validated by using two real-world telecommunication instances which contain real information about two GSM networks. Contrary to most of related publications, this paper is focussed on aspects which are relevant for real communication networks. Moreover, due to the stochastic nature of metaheuristics, the results are validated through a formal statistical analysis. This analysis is divided in two stages: first, a complete statistical study, and after that, a full comparative study against results previously published.

Findings

– Comparative study shows that a heterogeneous evolutionary proposal obtains better results than proposals which are based on a unique source of knowledge. In fact, final results provided in the work surpass the results of other relevant studies previously published in the literature.

Originality/value

– The paper provides a complete study of the contribution provided by the different metaheuristics included in the team and the impact of using different sources of evolutionary knowledge when the system is applied to solve a real-world FAP problem. The conclusions obtained in this study represent an original contribution never reached before for FAP.
The role of budget speech: a Malaysian Government study
Authors: Ferry Laurence , Zakaria Zamzulaila , Eckersley Peter
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to study the role of budget speech in the Malaysian Government as a “hybrid” for governing both the economy and social cohesion.

Design/methodology/approach

– Through archival research, a governmentality framework and the concept of hybrids (Miller et al., 2008) are employed to explore the role of budget speech in articulating ways in which the government managed the economic and social agenda.

Findings

– Previous governmentality studies have primarily been conducted on economic performance in western liberal democracies. Such research has illustrated the framework, measures undertaken by the government and choices of the governable person in actions for economic life. This paper applies these studies to a South East Asian context and finds that budget speeches between 2007 and 2011 are hybrids, in that they set out ways of achieving the two key priorities of post-independence Malaysia – the need to promote economic development whilst also fostering social harmony. Most notably, it finds that economic development was the dominant priority in those budget speeches held prior to the global financial crisis and 2008 general election, whereas social cohesion assumed this position from 2009 onwards.

Originality/value

– The findings have both practical and social implications for Malaysia, but also other jurisdictions that are using budget speeches to try to promote economic reforms and foster social cohesion.
Supplier development and public procurement: allies, coaches and bedfellows
Authors: Mark McKevitt David , Davis Paul
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– Using the lens of mentoring theory the authors test the extent to which public buyers informally support suppliers and the influence of organisational context on mentoring support. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– Principal component analysis was used to analyse questionnaire responses from over 300 public buyers in Ireland. Cluster analysis produced three mentor profiles.

Findings

– The findings show a positive relationship between organisations that take a strategic approach to suppliers and buyers who offer career and psychosocial support to suppliers. However, those organisations that lack a strategic perspective of suppliers saw buyers offer political support and coaching.

Research limitations/implications

– The implications are that coaching and political support may compensate for deficits in organisational support for suppliers generally. The findings contribute to a growing literature on informal interaction opportunities in public procurement.

Originality/value

– To date research of supplier development is limited to formal developmental activities and in the context of private sector buyer-supplier relationships.
Multi-type childhood maltreatment: associations with health risk behaviours and mental health problems in adolescence
Authors: Mangion Mariella , C. Buttigieg Sandra
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to determine whether multi-type child maltreatment is associated with health-risk behaviours and mental ill-health in adolescence.

Design/methodology/approach

– In total, 406 15-16-year-old students from Maltese schools answered the “Child maltreatment physical and mental health” questionnaire (Nguyenet al., 2010). This assessed demographics, health risk behaviour, mental health and child maltreatment.

Findings

– Of the four categories of maltreatment measured (physical, sexual, emotional and neglect), 27.4 per cent of the young people experienced one type, 16.6 per cent two types, 11.1 per cent three and 6.5 per cent four. For health-risk behaviours, there were positive relationships between multi-type maltreatment and school fights (r=0.27,p<0.01), breaking school rules (r=0.19,p<0.01), illicit drug use (r=0.14,p<0.05) and alcohol use (r=0.10,p<0.05). As regards mental health, multi-type maltreatment was positively associated with depression (r=0.38,p<0.01) and anxiety (r=0.23,p<0.01), and negatively associated with self-esteem (r=−0.26,p<0.01).

Practical implications

– Early recognition of multi-type maltreatment and its consequences enables providers of children's services to offer the required diverse range of services. Additionally, policy makers should ensure the adoption of multi-sectoral and collaborative inter-agency approaches so as to effectively and holistically manage child maltreatment, not only during the acute childhood phase but also during adolescence and adulthood, when consequences are expected to emerge.

Originality/value

– This study raises awareness about the prevalence of multi-type child maltreatment in Malta. It also highlights the negative association between cumulative exposure to multi-type child maltreatment and mental health outcomes and risky behaviours.
Production efficiency of Chinese banks: a revisit
Authors: Tina Zhang Xiaotian , Wang Yong
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The last decade witnessed the reform of China's financial sector, during which Chinese commercial banks’ ownership and operation had been significantly changed in order to improve efficiency. The purpose of this paper is to investigates whether these banks have improved their productivity efficiency during their rapid expansion and growth in the post reform era from 2004 to 2011.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data envelopment analysis is used to investigate the production efficiency of Chinese commercial banks during 2004-2011. First, the technical efficiency (TE) score is constructed to evaluate bank productivity. The TE score is disintegrated into pure technical efficiency (PTE) and scale efficiency (SE) to examine the effects of technical factors and scale economies. Second, the Malmquist index is constructed to explore the year-by-year productivity. Lastly, regression analysis examines how bank characteristics and ownership structure affect productivity efficiency.

Findings

– The Big Four banks are less efficient than other commercial banks, and public banks are less efficient than private banks. The low efficiency is primarily due to scale inefficiency, rather than PTE. In addition, ownership structure impacts production efficiency. Specifically, foreign ownership is related to high efficiency while state ownership is associated with lower productivity.

Research limitations/implications

– There were small observations of public banks in China. Thus, a more comprehensive test is impractical to explore whether or not annual changes in ownership structure improve their production efficiency. With more date, such a test will reveal further information about the relationship between ownership and productivity.

Originality/value

– The authors are the first to assess the production efficiency of Chinese commercial banks after the recent financial reform during which Chinese commercial banks had undergone significant structural changes. The lower overall productivity of Big Four and public banks is a result of scale inefficiency, although these banks are better than their peers with respect to input-output transformation.
New Markers for Ventricular Repolarization in Coronary Slow Flow: Tp‐e Interval, Tp‐e/QT Ratio, and Tp‐e/QTc Ratio
Authors: Karaman Kayihan , Altunkaş Fatih , Çetin Mustafa , Karayakali Metin , Arısoy Arif , Akar Ilker , Zencir Cemil , Aygüç Barış , Çelik Ataç
Published: September 2014

Background

Coronary slow flow (CSF) is characterized by normal or near‐normal coronary arteries with delayed opacification of the distal vasculature that it may cause angina pectoris, acute myocardial infarction, life‐threatening arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death. The Tp‐e interval, Tp‐e/QT ratio, and Tp‐e/QTc ratio are also known as predictors of ventricular arrhythmogenesis. The aim of this study was to assess ventricular repolarization in patients with CSF by using Tp‐e interval, Tp‐e/QT ratio, and Tp‐e/QTc ratio.

Methods

This study included 50 patients with CSF and 51 control subjects. Coronary flow rates of all subjects were documented by thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) frame count (TFC). Tp‐e interval, Tp‐e/QT ratio, and Tp‐e/QTc ratio were measured from the 12‐lead electrocardiogram. These parameters were compared between groups.

Results

In electrocardiographic parameters analysis, QT, QTc, QTd, and QTcd were significantly increased in CSF patients compared with the control subjects (P < 0.001, P = 0.019, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). The Tp‐e interval, Tp‐e/QT ratio, and Tp‐e/QTc ratio in the CSF patients were significantly higher than those in the control subjects (Tp‐e: 117 ± 21 milliseconds [ms] vs 96 ± 16 ms, P < 0.001; Tp‐e/QT: 0.30 ± 0.06 vs 0.27 ± 0.06, P = 0.005; Tp‐e/QTc: 0.27 ± 0.06 vs 0.24 ± 0.05, P < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, increased Tp‐e and Tp‐e/QT ratio were associated with CSF.

Conclusions

Our study revealed that when compared to the control subjects, Tp‐e interval, Tp‐e/QT ratio, and Tp‐e/QTc were significantly increased in the CSF patients.
Patients with localized non‐small cell lung cancer miss out on curative surgery with distance from specialist care
Authors: Tracey Elizabeth , McCaughan Brian , Badgery‐Parker Tim , Young Jane , Armstrong Bruce K.
Published: September 2014

Background

To determine whether increasing distance to the nearest accessible specialist hospital (NASH, a public hospital with a thoracic surgical service) increases a patient's likelihood of missing out on curative surgery for localized non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Method

Population‐based study of cancer registry records for 27 033 people with lung cancer diagnosed in New South Wales, Australia, between 2000 and 2008 linked to hospital admission records. This analysis includes 3240 patients with localized NSCLC admitted to hospital within 12 months of diagnosis.

Results

Patients who lived 100+ km from the NASH were more likely to have no surgery (50.6%) than those living 0–39 km away (37.6%) and more likely to attend general hospitals for their care (52.2% at 100+ km, 14.8% at 0–39 km). Relative to patients living 0–39 km from the NASH and attending a specialist hospital for their care, the odds ratio (OR) of not having surgery was high if patients attended a general hospital (adjusted OR 5.99, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.87–9.26, for those 0–39 km distant) and even higher as distance from the NASH increased (24.68, 95% CI 12.37–49.13 for 40–49 km and 30.10, 95% CI 18.2–49.40 for 100+ km). For patients treated in specialist hospitals (public or private), the trend with distance was opposite: relative to 0–39 km, the OR was 0.29 (95% CI 0.15–0.50) at 40–99 km and 0.14 (95% CI 0.08–0.26) at 100+ km.

Conclusions

Patients with localized NSCLC are most likely to have no potentially curative surgery if they live distant from a specialist hospital and attend a general hospital for their care.
14 Collapse and Sustainability: Rome, the Maya, and the Modern World
Authors: Tainter Joseph A.
Published: September 2014

The factors that make a society sustainable, or vulnerable to collapse, can rarely be discerned within a human lifetime. Sustainability challenges develop over periods of decades, generations, or centuries. Sustainability must therefore be a historical science. A major challenge of the IHOPE program is how to draw valid comparisons among different kinds of societies, existing at different times, that can clarify our contemporary problems of sustainability. This paper develops and illustrates a theory for understanding sustainability and collapse that has cross‐cultural applicability. Illustrating the theory by the collapse of the Western Roman Empire yields new insights into what it means to be a sustainable society. Comparison to the Maya reveals that, despite many differences, the Roman Empire and Maya polities underwent similar patterns of cultural evolution, and developed similar vulnerabilities. Comparison of both historical cases to the sustainability challenges of today demonstrates that contemporary industrial societies face evolutionary processes similar to those experienced by the Romans and the Maya. This analysis yields several points that are worthwhile for policy makers to understand.
The lignan (+)‐episesamin interferes with TNF‐α‐induced activation of VSMC via diminished activation of NF‐ĸB, ERK1/2 and AKT and decreased activity of gelatinases
Authors: Freise C. , Querfeld U.
Published: September 2014

Aim

Activation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC), a key event in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, is triggered by inflammatory stimuli such as tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) causing a mitogenic VSMC response. The polyphenol (+)‐episesamin (ES) was shown to counteract TNF‐α‐induced effects, for example in macrophages. Aiming for novel therapeutic options, we here investigated whether ES protects VSMC from TNF‐α‐induced growth and migration, which both contribute to the onset and progression of atherosclerosis.

Methods

Human and murine VSMC were treated with combinations of ES and TNF‐α. Expressions of mRNA were analyzed by RT‐PCR. Enzymatic activities and proliferation were determined by specific substrate assays. Cell signalling was analyzed by Western blot and reporter gene assays. Migration was assessed by wound healing assays.

Results

ES at 1–10 μm reduced basal and TNF‐α‐induced VSMC proliferation and migration due to impaired activation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinases (ERK)1/2, Akt (protein kinase B), nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐ĸB) and vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)‐1. This was accompanied by reduced expression and secretion of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)‐2/‐9, which are known to promote VSMC migration. Specific inhibitors of Akt, NF‐ĸB and MMP‐2/‐9 reduced TNF‐α‐induced VSMC proliferation, confirming ES‐specific effects. Besides, ES reduced TNF‐α‐ and H2O2‐induced oxidative stress and in parallel induces anti‐inflammatory haem oxygenase (HO)‐1 expression.

Conclusion

ES interferes with inflammation‐associated VSMC activation and subsequent decreased proliferation and migration due to anti‐oxidative properties and impaired activation of NF‐ĸB, known contributors to atherogenesis. These results suggest ES as a complemental treatment of VSMC specific vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis.
A Supplement to the Non‐Destructive Analysis of Guan Wares From the Palace Museum (Beijing) Collection, Based on Their Body Compositions
Authors: Li H. , Ding Y. Z. , Lv C. L. , Miao J. M. , Chen T. M. , Tang J. J. , Shen Y. M. , Deng H. Y.
Published: September 2014

Non‐destructive EDXRF analysis has been carried out to measure the body compositions of 32 pieces of ‘original’ Song Guan ware and 14 pieces of Guan‐type ware of Ming and Qing imitation from the Palace Museum collection. The purpose of this study is to test the conclusions of our previous provenance study based on EDXRF analysis of glaze composition of the same samples. In agreement with the grouping derived from the glaze composition, our new data show the following. (1) Samples G1, G3, G29 and G39 are also reclassified into Ming and Qing imitations, and samples M41 and Q54 are reclassified into authentic Song Guan wares. (2) A set of seven dishes of ‘original’ Guan ware is reconfirmed as being made in the north of China by comparison with Ru shards from the Qingliangsi and Zhanggongxiang kilns in Ruzhou city. (3) In addition, this study suggests that three wares of ‘Original’ Song Guan wares (G26, G27 and G30) should be attributed to Longquan black‐body celadon. (4) The compositions of the Palace Museum Guan wares are compared with those of the shards from two Hangzhou Guan ware kiln sites. However, more work has to be done to trace the provenance of the ‘authentic’ Song Guan wares from the Palace Museum collection.
Effect of platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB on tissue integration of cross‐linked and non‐cross‐linked collagen matrices in a rat ectopic model
Authors: Thoma Daniel S. , Nänni Nadja , Benic Goran I. , Weber Franz E. , Hämmerle Christoph H. F. , Jung Ronald E.
Published: September 2014

Aim

To test whether or not the network structure and the addition of recombinant human platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB (rhPDGF‐BB) to a chemically cross‐linked collagen matrix (CCM)‐ and a non‐cross‐linked collagen matrix (NCCM)‐influenced tissue integration, angiogenesis, and matrix degradation.

Materials and methods

Four treatment modalities were randomly assigned to four unconnected pouches in the back of 50 rats: (i) CCM‐S (soaked in saline), (ii) CCM‐P (plus rhPDGF‐BB), (iii) NCCM‐S (soaked in saline), and (iv) NCCM‐P (plus rhPDGF‐BB). The animals were sacrificed at 2, 4, 8, 16, and 24 weeks. Descriptive histology and histomorphometric assessments were performed thereby evaluating matrix thickness, the number of vessels (angiogenesis), and connective tissue formation. Means and standard deviations were calculated. Robust linear mixed modeling was used to test the effect of group (NCCM vs CCM), rhPDGF‐BB, and time point of sacrifice (2, 4, and 8 weeks).

Results

The thickness of NCCM groups revealed stability (range 440–570 μm) over 8 weeks, while the matrices were no longer present at 16 and 24 weeks. CCM matrices demonstrated a maximal thickness at 2 weeks (2689 ± 187 μm for CCM‐S and 2693 ± 389 μm for CCM‐P), a decrease of roughly 40% at 8 weeks, but were still present at 16 and 24 weeks. Vascularization of NCCM gradually increased over time with a peak (mean 17.0; SD 1.7) for NCCM‐S and NCCM‐P (22.0 ± 34.8) at 8 weeks. Angiogenesis in CCM was significantly more pronounced at early time points with a peak at 2 weeks (29.3 ± 16.8 for CCM‐S and 30.3 ± 18.4 for CCM‐P). No statistically significant effect of rhPDGF‐BB was observed for any of the evaluated parameters (all P > 0.05).

Conclusions

The compact layer (in NCCM) delayed angiogenesis and connective tissue formation, while the spongeous cross‐linked matrix of CCM facilitated early vascularization and demonstrated network presence over a longer time span.
Risk of venous thromboembolism in people with epilepsy
Authors: Martz Gabriel U. , Wilson Dulaney A. , Malek Angela M. , Selassie Anbesaw W.
Published: September 2014

Objective

Risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) among people with epilepsy (PWEs) has not been previously reported. Standard VTE prevention methods may increase the risk of complications in this population. This statewide study assessed the risk of VTE in PWEs.

Methods

Main risk categories were grouped into definite epilepsy (DE), probable epilepsy (PE), and migraine, a comparable neurologic condition. All inpatient, emergency department, and hospital‐based outpatient encounters in South Carolina from January 1, 2000 through December 31, 2011, were evaluated for the primary outcome variable of VTE, defined as having a diagnosis of VTE at or after the diagnosis of epilepsy or migraine. Coagulopathies and common comorbidities of epilepsy were enumerated. Differences in VTE proportions were assessed using 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Association of VTE with epilepsy and migraine was evaluated with Cox proportional hazard modeling.

Results

A total of 138,497 people with migraine (PWMs) and 67,900 PWEs (32,186 DE, 35,714 PE) were included. VTE occurred in 2.7% of PWEs (4.2% among DE), and 0.6% of PWMs. The hazard ratio for VTE in DE compared with PWMs was 3.08 (95% CI 2.76−3.42), adjusted for all covariables. Higher numbers of comorbidities were strongly associated with VTE. PWE had higher numbers of comorbidities (52% with 2+ comorbidities versus 23% of PWM), but the impact of comorbidities on VTE risk was larger in PWM.

Significance

Higher VTE risk in PWE than PWM suggests risk factors associated with epilepsy, independent of chronic neurologic illness. VTE occurrence in PWE is comparable to published rates among people with cancer.
Honeybees Use Celestial and/or Terrestrial Compass Cues for Inter‐Patch Navigation
Authors: Najera Daniel A. , McCullough Erin L. , Jander Rudolf
Published: September 2014

Foraging honeybees (Apis mellifera) are well known to fly straight from the hive, their primary hub, to distal goals as well as between familiar feeding sites. More recently, it was shown that a distal feeding site may be used as a secondary hub. If not fully satiated, the foraging bee may decide to depart the first feeding site in a new compass direction straight to one of many other feeding sites (inter‐patch foraging). Using a recently developed recording method, we discovered that the chosen departure direction at a secondary hub can be guided exclusively by either celestial or terrestrial compass cues. Given our data, we draw two theoretical inferences. First, the bees must be capable of learning and remembering multiple, spatially distinct, navigation vectors between the hive and among multiple feeding sites. Second, this documented and useful representation of multiple navigation vectors between multiple, identified target locations logically implies composite place‐vector mapping, stored in long‐term memory.
Protein post‐translational modification in host defense: the antimicrobial mechanism of action of human eosinophil cationic protein native forms
Authors: Salazar Vivian A. , Rubin Jenny , Moussaoui Mohammed , Pulido David , Nogués Maria Victòria , Venge Per , Boix Ester
Published: September 2014

Knowledge on the contribution of protein glycosylation in host defense antimicrobial peptides is still scarce. We have studied here how the post‐translational modification pattern modulates the antimicrobial activity of one of the best characterized leukocyte granule proteins. The human eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), an eosinophil specific granule protein secreted during inflammation and infection, can target a wide variety of pathogens. Previous work in human eosinophil extracts identified several ECP native forms and glycosylation heterogeneity was found to contribute to the protein biological properties. In this study we analyze for the first time the antimicrobial activity of the distinct native proteins purified from healthy donor blood. Low and heavy molecular weight forms were tested on Escherichia coli cell cultures and compared with the recombinant non‐glycosylated protein. Further analysis on model membranes provided an insight towards an understanding of the protein behavior at the cytoplasmic membrane level. The results highlight the significant reduction in protein toxicity and bacteria agglutination activity for heavy glycosylated fractions. Notwithstanding, the lower glycosylated fraction mostly retains the lipopolysaccharide binding affinity together with the cytoplasmic membrane depolarization and membrane leakage activities. From structural analysis we propose that heavy glycosylation interferes with the protein self‐aggregation, hindering the cell agglutination and membrane disruption processes. The results suggest the contribution of post‐translational modifications to the antimicrobial role of ECP in host defense.
Hypocenter migration and crustal seismic velocity distribution observed for the inland earthquake swarms induced by the 2011 Tohoku‐Oki earthquake in NE Japan: implications for crustal fluid distribution and crustal permeability
Authors: Okada T. , Matsuzawa T. , Umino N. , Yoshida K. , Hasegawa A. , Takahashi H. , Yamada T. , Kosuga M. , Takeda T. , Kato A. , Igarashi T. , Obara K. , Sakai S. , Saiga A. , Iidaka T. , Iwasaki T. , Hirata N. , Tsumura N. , Yamanaka Y. , Terakawa T. , Nakamichi H. , Okuda T. , Horikawa S. , Katao H. , Miura T. , Kubo A. , Matsushima T. , Goto K. , Miyamachi H.
Published: September 2014

After the occurrence of the 2011 magnitude 9 Tohoku earthquake, the seismicity in the overriding plate changed. The seismicity appears to form distinct belts. From the spatiotemporal distribution of hypocenters, we can quantify the evolution of seismicity after the 2011 Tohoku earthquake. In some earthquake swarms near Sendai (Nagamachi‐Rifu fault), Moriyoshi‐zan volcano, Senya fault, and the Yamagata–Fukushima border (Aizu‐Kitakata area, west of Azuma volcano), we can observe temporal expansion of the focal area. This temporal expansion is attributed to fluid diffusion. Observed diffusivity would correspond to the permeability of about 10−15 (m2). We can detect the area from which fluid migrates as a seismic low‐velocity area. In the lower crust, we found seismic low‐velocity areas, which appear to be elongated along N–S or NE–SW, the strike of the island arc. These seismic low‐velocity areas are located not only beneath the volcanic front but also beneath the fore‐arc region. Seismic activity in the upper crust tends to be high above these low‐velocity areas in the lower crust. Most of the shallow earthquakes after the 2011 Tohoku earthquake are located above the seismic low‐velocity areas. We thus suggest fluid pressure changes are responsible for the belts of seismicity.
Effect of probiotic VSL#3 in the treatment of minimal hepatic encephalopathy: A non‐inferiority randomized controlled trial
Authors: Pratap Mouli Venigalla , Benjamin Jaya , Bhushan Singh Mamta , Mani Kalaivani , Garg Sushil Kumar , Saraya Anoop , Joshi Yogendra Kumar
Published: September 2014

Aim

Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) impairs daily functioning and health‐related quality of life in chronic liver disease (CLD). Lactulose is the standard treatment but has side‐effects. Probiotics have an encouraging role in MHE. The aim of the present study was to test whether probiotics are non‐inferior to lactulose in improving MHE.

Methods

Patients with CLD (n = 227) were screened for MHE using neuropsychometric tests (number connection tests A and B [or figure connection tests A and B]) and/or neurophysiological test (P‐300 auditory event‐related potential), and 120 (53%) were diagnosed with MHE by abnormal tests. MHE patients were randomized to lactulose (30–60 mL/day) or probiotic (four capsules of VSL#3; total of 450 billion CFU/day) for 2 months. Response was defined as normalization of tests. Serum ammonia was measured by commercial kit.

Results

Of 120 patients randomized, 40 in the lactulose arm and 33 in the probiotic arm completed 2 months of intervention. MHE improved in 25 (62.5%) patients taking lactulose and 23 (69.7%) taking probiotics. The effect size of difference of improvement in MHE between lactulose and probiotic was 0.072 per per‐protocol analysis and 0.040 as per intention to treat analysis (within −20% of non‐inferiority margin). Serum ammonia was comparable between groups at baseline and 2 months; it decreased in patients in whom MHE improved, while increased in patients with no improvement in MHE.

Conclusion

The probiotic VSL#3 was non‐inferior to the standard therapy, lactulose in the treatment of MHE. Improvement in MHE correlated with reduction of ammonia levels.
Age‐related morphometric changes of inner structures of the skin assessed by in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy
Authors: Kawasaki Kaori , Yamanishi Kiyofumi , Yamada Hidekazu
Published: September 2014

Background

In vivo reflectance confocal microscopy is a useful technique for non‐invasive biometry of cutaneous inner structures. In this study, the changes in the inner structures were examined in a wide age range of healthy Japanese using this technique.

Materials and methods

Skin on the flexor side of the arm and on the face, which represent sun‐protected and sun‐exposed sites of the skin, respectively, was examined in 52 healthy Japanese subjects aged 6 months–81 years old using a reflectance confocal microscope Vivascope® 3000.

Results

The size of granular cells increased with age and was larger in the group aged over 50 years than in the young group aged 18–21 years old, at both sites. The size of prickle cells also increased with age in the face but not in the arm. The size of dermal papillae measured at depths of 50 μm (Z = 50 μm) and 80 μm (Z = 80 μm) from the surface decreased with age. The size at Z = 80 μm was smaller in the older group than in the younger group at both sites. However, the mean size of granular cells and dermal papillae was smaller in the face than in the arm. The number of dermal papillae decreased with age in the arm at Z = 50 μm and in the face at Z = 80 μm.

Conclusions

Skin aging may be reflected in the size of granular and prickle cells and dermal papillae, and the extent varies in each sun‐exposed or sun‐protected skin site.
Simultaneous detection of IgG, IgM, IgA complexes and C3d attached to erythrocytes by flow cytometry
Authors: Alzate M. A. , Manrique L. G. , Bolaños N. I. , Duarte M. , Coral‐Alvarado P. , González J. M.
Published: September 2014

Introduction

Immune complexes attached to erythrocyte membrane are involved in autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) pathogenesis. Currently, direct antiglobulin test (DAT) is used for AIHA diagnosis; however, its performance can be variable. The aim of this study was to design a flow cytometry protocol for simultaneous detection of IgG, IgM, IgA immune complexes and C3d attached to erythrocytes in AIHA patients .

Methods

A procedure was standardized for assessing independent or simultaneous IgG, IgM, IgA immune complexes and C3d, which were detected using secondary antibodies. The protocol developed was applied to blood samples of patients with AIHA, donors at risk of developing the disease, and healthy controls.

Results

Twenty‐four blood samples were assessed: nine patients with AIHA, five donors at risk of developing the disease, and 10 healthy controls. In the AIHA group, all were positive for C3d, seven for IgG, four for IgA, and one for IgM. Two AIHA patients that were negative for DAT‐IgG and C3d were positive for C3d by flow cytometry.

Conclusion

Flow cytometry is a consistent method for identifying the presence of IgG, IgM, IgA immune complexes and C3d attached to erythrocytes and can be helpful for understanding the mechanisms involved in AIHA pathogenesis.
Is gestational weight gain associated with offspring obesity at 36 months?
Authors: Diesel J. C. , Eckhardt C. L. , Day N. L. , Brooks M. M. , Arslanian S. A. , Bodnar L. M.
Published: September 2014

Objective

We examined the association between gestational weight gain (GWG) and offspring obesity at age 36 months.

Methods

Mother–infant dyads (n = 609) were followed from a first study visit (mean [standard deviation]: 18.8 [2.7] weeks gestation) to 36 months postpartum. Total GWG over the entire pregnancy was defined as excessive or non‐excessive according to the 2009 Institute of Medicine guidelines. Four mutually exclusive categories of excessive or non‐excessive GWG across early (conception to first study visit) and late (first study visit to delivery) pregnancy defined GWG pattern. Body mass index (BMI) z‐scores ≥95th percentile of the 2000 Centers for Disease Control (CDC) references defined offspring obesity at 36 months. Multivariable log‐binomial models adjusted for pre‐pregnancy BMI and breastfeeding were used to estimate the association between GWG and childhood obesity risk.

Results

Nearly half of the women had total excessive GWG. Of these, 46% gained excessively during both early and late pregnancy while 22% gained excessively early and non‐excessively late, and the remaining 32% gained non‐excess weight early and excessively later. Thirteen per cent of all children were obese at 36 months. Excessive total GWG was associated with more than twice the risk of child obesity (adjusted risk ratio [95% confidence interval]: 2.20 [1.35, 3.61]) compared with overall non‐excessive GWG. Compared with a pattern of non‐excessive GWG in both early and late pregnancy, excessive GWG in both periods was associated with an increased risk of obesity (2.39 [1.13, 5.08]).

Conclusions

Excessive GWG is a potentially modifiable factor that may influence obesity development in early childhood.
TheGhent effect for whom? Mapping the variations of theGhent effect across different trade unions inDenmark
Authors: Høgedahl Laust
Published: September 2014

The presence of an unemployment insurance system based on voluntary membership in unemployment insurance funds (known as the ‘Ghent system’) and a high union density has long been known and well documented, and even referred to as a special ‘Ghent effect’. However theGhent system, especially in the three classicGhent countries,Finland,Sweden andDenmark, has come under significant pressure in recent years, and many researchers are referring to an erosion of theGhent system as a recruiting mechanism for trade unions. But prior research aimed at documenting theGhent effect seems to disregard variations in how strongly trade unions benefit from theGhent system as a recruiting mechanism. Hence, this article sets out to investigate whether all trade unions equally benefit from aGhent effect across different sectors and occupations by studying theDanish case. Unique survey data made it possible to mapDanish wage earners' reasons for joining or leaving unemployment insurance funds and trade unions. The article finds that there are great variations amongDanish trade unions in terms of how strongly they are dependent on aGhent effect as a recruiting mechanism. We may expect the same variations in the two otherGhent countries,Sweden andFinland, because the organisation of theGhent system is similar in the three Nordic countries. In addition, the article shows that this variation might help explain why some trade unions are on the rise to the detriment of others.
Microstructure and Thermo‐Kinetics Analysis in Combustion Synthesis of Si3N4 with High α‐Phase Content
Authors: Ge Yiyao , Cui Wei , Wang Qi , Zou Yifeng , Xie Zhipeng , Chen Kexin
Published: September 2014

In this work, Si3N4 powders containing ~88% by weight of α‐phase were prepared by adopting a facile yet efficient combustion synthesis strategy under a nitrogen pressure of 6 MPa. A unique radial–spheroidal cluster morphology was strikingly observed in the as‐fabricated Si3N4 products. More significantly, a three‐step growth mechanism was rationally proposed herein based on quenching experiments and thermo‐kinetic calculations. As concluded, both the combustion temperature achieved and the sustaining time in high‐temperature period played significant roles in obtaining silicon nitride powders with controlled high contents of α‐phase Si3N4.