bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Probabilistic creep rupture life evaluation of T91 alloy boiler superheater tubes influenced by steam‐side oxidation
Authors: Huang J. L. , Zhou K. Y. , Xu J. Q. , Xu X. H.
Published: August 2014

A systematic probabilistic evaluation method for the long‐term creep rupture life (LCL) of T91 alloy superheater tubes is proposed in this work. The effects of steam‐side oxidation on the effective load‐bearing thickness and temperature of tube wall are taken into account, and the latest assessment results of the creep rupture strength of T91 alloy are utilized. Since the uncertain factors including not only the geometry dimensions but also the operational conditions may hinder a reliable analysis, instead of usual deterministic methods, probabilistic life evaluation employing Monte Carlo simulation method is performed. The effects of initial inner tube diameter, steam temperature, and steam flow on the LCL of superheater tubes are analyzed, and simple fitting functions formulating the analysis results are obtained. The survival probability of the tubes, which reflects the possibility for the LCL to be longer than a given time, is calculated. It is found that when the initial inner tube diameter or the steam temperature increases, the survival probability of the tubes exhibits a decrease trend. However, the steam flow has an opposite effect. Based on the conclusions, feasible measures that can be adopted to improve the survival probability of high temperature steam generation components in coal‐fired power plants are introduced.
The temperature dependence of the coefficients of thermal expansion of phenolic resin
Authors: Wang Yong , Bian Cheng , Cui Jiajia , Jing Xinli
Published: August 2014

Cross‐linked polymers, such as phenolic resin and its composites are widely used in industrial practice, but the absence of clear understanding on their thermal expansion behaviors in glassy state limits their applications, especially in the occasions where dimensional accuracy are addressed. The coefficients of thermal expansion (CTEs) of cured phenolic resin and inorganic particles filled phenolic resin at glassy state at different temperatures are analyzed in this article. The results show that the CTEs of glassy cross‐linked polymers change with temperature, and exhibit a strong dependence on the temperature. By modifying the state equation of linear amorphous polymer, the equation that can be used to quantitatively describe the temperature dependence of CTEs of cross‐linked polymers is established. By analyzing the temperature dependence of CTE, an equation is proposed to predict the CTEs of filled phenolic resins with different filler loadings at a specific temperature. The results of this study have contributed to a better understanding of the thermal expansion behaviors of glassy cross‐linked polymers, and are of great significance in industrial practice. POLYM. COMPOS., 146–152, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Children and youth with type 1 diabetes developing concomitant autoimmune disease do not exhibit worsening metabolic control or growth impairment
Authors: Soni Astha , Shaw Emily Jayne , Natarajan Anuja , Ng Sze May
Published: August 2014

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and concurrent autoimmune condition (AI) on glycaemic control and growth in children.

Twenty‐eight children with T1DM and associated autoimmune condition were matched by sex and age at onset with two controls each. HbA1c, height standard deviation scores (SDS), weight SDS and BMI SDS were measured between six months and five years after developing T1DM.

We included 28 children with T1DM and AI (10 males) and 56 (20 males) age and sex matched controls with T1DM. Out of the 28 patients with AI conditions, 21 (75%) had coeliac disease (CD), eight (28%) had autoimmune hypothyroidism (AH) and one (4%) patient had both CD and AH. Development of an AI condition occurred at 2.3 ± 3.1 years after diagnosis of T1DM. There was no significant difference in growth parameters between children in the AI group compared with controls from diagnosis to five years after diagnosis of T1DM. Children in the AI group had a significantly better HbA1c control six months after diagnosis, but no significance was noted at one, two, three and five years. Multiple logistic regression of factors showed no independent risk factors that affected the development of an AI.

Suboptimal therapeutic control of an autoimmune condition such as coeliac disease and T1DM is known to lead to impairment in growth and substantial morbidity. Our study shows children with T1DM developing a concurrent autoimmune disease were not at risk of worsening metabolic control or growth impairment in the long term. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Looking back to the future: a personal reflection on the Francis Inquiry
Authors: de Silva Prasanna
Published: August 2014

Following on from the Francis Inquiry, multidisciplinary teams need to reflect deeply on whether biases have influenced their decision making in order to prevent similar mistakes in the future, argues Dr de Silva
Characterization of metabolites determined by means of 1H HR MAS NMR in intervertebral disc degeneration
Authors: Pacholczyk-Sienicka Barbara , Radek Maciej , Radek Andrzej , Jankowski Stefan
Published: August 2014

Object

The objective of this study is the identification of metabolites by means of1H high resolution magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (1H HR MAS NMR) spectroscopy and the evaluation of their applicability in distinguishing between healthy and degenerated disc tissues.

Materials and methods

Differences between the metabolic profiles of healthy and degenerated disc tissues were studied by means of1H HR MAS NMR. Analysis was performed for 81 disc tissue samples (control samplesn = 21, degenerated disc tissue samplesn = 60). Twenty six metabolites (amino acids, carbohydrates, and alcohols) were identified and quantified.

Results

The results indicate that the metabolic profile of degenerated discs is characterized by the presence of 2-propanol and the absence ofscyllo-inositol and taurine. The concentrations of 2-propanol and lactate increase with age.

Conclusion

PCA analysis of ex vivo1H HR MAS NMR data revealed the occurrence of two groups: healthy and degenerative disc tissues. The effects of insufficient nutrient supply of discs, leading to their degeneration and back pain, are discussed.
Vegetation factors influencing the establishment and growth of the endangered Japanese orchid, Cypripedium macranthos var. rebunense
Authors: Kosaka Noriko , Kawahara Takayuki , Takahashi Hideki
Published: August 2014

Cypripedium macranthos var. rebunense is a well‐known endangered terrestrial orchid that is endemic to the cool‐temperate Rebun Island off the coast of northwestern Hokkaido, Japan. The present study aimed to identify suitable methods for conservation of this orchid through management of the natural vegetation. We analyzed the vegetation types and plants growing sympatrically with this orchid using two‐way indicator species analysis (TWINSPAN) and detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) ordination. Reproductive orchids can survive in various broad‐leaved and short to medium‐height herbaceous meadows with high plant species richness at a small scale in coastal regions. In order to maintain C. macranthos var. rebunense populations, succession to dense and tall large‐leaved herbs, Sasa scrub, shrubs, and trees, should be suppressed. Favorable vegetation for the establishment of seedlings of this orchid includes narrow‐leaved, medium‐sized grasses, sedges, herbs, mosses, and prostrate mat‐forming shrubs. The ground cover offered by these plants and their litter may favor stability of moisture, temperature, and suitable light conditions at the ground surface. In situ seed sowing at such ‘safe sites’ is a potential low‐impact technique to enhance seedling recruitment of this orchid.
Fatty Acid Profiles of Commercially Available Finfish Fillets in the United States
Authors: Cladis Dennis P. , Kleiner Alison C. , Freiser Helene H. , Santerre Charles R.
Published: August 2014

Fillets of 76 finfish species (293 composites of three fish) were obtained from commercial seafood vendors in six regions of the United States (i.e., Great Lakes, Mid‐Atlantic, New England, Northwest, Southeast, and Southwest). Full fatty acid profiles were determined for each species and are presented here. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have been associated with many health benefits. Thus, fillets of each species were compared for total EPA plus DHA content, which ranged from 17 mg/100 g (pangasius/swai) to 2430 mg/100 g (Chilean sea bass). Of the top ten most popularly consumed seafoods in the US, finfish, including salmon species (717–1533 mg/100 g), Alaskan pollock (236 mg/100 g), tilapia (76 mg/100 g), channel catfish (44 mg/100 g), Atlantic cod (253 mg/100 g), and pangasius/swai (17 mg/100 g), exhibited a wide concentration range of EPA plus DHA. Large variances were found within many of the farmed species analyzed, which likely stems from dietary differences in the farm‐fed diet. The results of this study provide current information on a broad range of species and will help nutritionists and the public make informed decisions regarding seafood consumption.
Experimental Design Applied for Cost and Efficiency of Antioxidants in Biodiesel
Authors: Orives Juliane Resges , Galvan Diego , Pereira Jaqueline Laís , Coppo Rodolfo Lopes , Borsato Dionísio
Published: August 2014

Oxidation stability is a parameter of great importance for biodiesel quality control to both producers and subsequent consumers. To maintain the quality of biodiesel, currently the most effective and economical method is the addition of antioxidants that prevent or retard the biofuel oxidation reaction. In this study, efficiency and cost of synthetic antioxidants added to B100 biodiesel from soybean oil and pork fat were evaluated, using butylhydroxyanisole (BHA), butylhydroxytoluene (BHT) and tert‐butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), in pure form or in mixtures, according to a simplex‐centroid mixture experimental design. Results demonstrate an increased induction period (IP) in all trials when compared to the control sample, and TBHQ was the only antioxidant alone that met all the specification standards, while BHT and BHA alone met only the American standard specifications. The antioxidant mixture that presented the highest synergistic effect was that of TBHQ and BHA. Multi‐response optimization indicated an optimum formulation containing 75 % TBHQ and 25 % BHA with an IP of 7.27 h at 110 °C and the antioxidant mixture cost of 31.31 USD, to be added for a ton of biodiesel. This simplex‐centroid mixture experimental design shows an ability to be applied in the biodiesel, oils and fats industry to evaluate the oxidation stability and the occurrence of synergism between different mixtures of synthetic or natural antioxidants and their costs.
Zinc finger MYND‐type containing 8 promotes tumour angiogenesis via induction of vascular endothelial growth factor‐A expression
Authors: Kuroyanagi Junya , Shimada Yasuhito , Zhang Beibei , Ariyoshi Michiko , Umemoto Noriko , Nishimura Yuhei , Tanaka Toshio
Published: August 2014

Zinc finger, MYND‐type containing 8 (ZMYND8) encodes a receptor for activated C‐kinase protein. Here, we report that ZMYND8 promotes angiogenesis in prostate cancer xenografts in zebrafish, as well as tube formation in human umbilical vascular endothelial cell (HUVEC) cultures. Using transcriptome analyses, we found upregulation of ZMYND8 expression in both zebrafish prostate cancer xenografts and prostate cancer samples from patients. In vitro and in vivo ZMYND8 knockdown suppressed angiogenesis, whereas ZMYND8 overexpression enhanced angiogenesis. Notably, ZMYND8 induced vegfa mRNA expression selectively in prostate cancer xenografts. Integrated analysis of human and zebrafish transcriptomes, which identified ZMYND8, might be a powerful strategy to determine also other molecular targets for inhibiting prostate cancer progression.
Selenoprotein K form an intermolecular diselenide bond with unusually high redox potential
Authors: Liu Jun , Zhang Zhengqi , Rozovsky Sharon
Published: August 2014

Selenoprotein K (SelK) is a membrane protein involved in antioxidant defense, calcium regulation and the ER‐associated protein degradation pathway. We found that SelK exhibits a peroxidase activity with a rate that is low but within the range of other peroxidases. Notably, SelK reduced hydrophobic substrates, such as phospholipid hydroperoxides, which damage membranes. Thus, SelK might be involved in membrane repair or related pathways. SelK was also found to contain a diselenide bond—the first intramolecular bond of that kind reported for a selenoprotein. The redox potential of SelK was −257 mV, significantly higher than that of diselenide bonds in small molecules or proteins. Consequently, SelK can be reduced by thioredoxin reductase. These finding are essential for understanding SelK activity and function.
Psychometric Properties of the Chinese Version of the Kid-KINDLR Questionnaire for Measuring the Health-related Quality of Life of School-aged Children
Authors: Chan Phoebe L.C. , Ng Serena S.W. , Chan Dora Y.L.
Published: August 2014

Objective/Background

The reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the Kid-KINDLR questionnaire were examined with school-aged children in Hong Kong.

Methods

A total of 112 healthy children were selected by convenience sampling from two primary schools and 30 children with global developmental delay were selected from an outpatient occupational therapy department of a convalescent hospital. The Kid-KINDLR questionnaire was translated using independent forward and backward translation. The content validity of the translated instrument was evaluated by four experts. Internal consistency, factor analysis, and construct validity were examined in the healthy children group, whereas known-group comparison was performed in the group with global developmental delay.

Results

The significance value of the Shapiro—Wilk test was greater than 0.05, indicating that the sample displayed a normal distribution. The total score had good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = .77); however, the consistency of the subscales varied (Cronbach's alpha ranged from .47 to .70). The children and parent questionnaires did not load onto the six factors originally hypothesized. Instead, seven factors were generated. Evidence supporting the questionnaire's validity included a lack of age and sex bias and positive known-group differentiation (Wilks’ lambda = 0.906, p = .035).

Conclusion

The Chinese version of the Kid-KINDLR questionnaire exhibited good psychometric properties, but the internal consistency of the translated instrument needs further improvement. It is recommended that practitioners focus on the Kid-KINDLR total score when interpreting the Kid-KINDLR data. Overall, the study findings indicate that the Chinese version of the Kid-KINDLR is an important tool for use in clinical practice.
Status epilepticus as presenting manifestation of H1N1 infection
Authors: Takkar Aastha , Goyal Manoj , Modi Manish , Kharbanda Parampreet , Yaddanapudi Lakshminarayana , Lal Vivek , Prabhakar Sudesh
Published: August 2014

Background During the global H1N1 pandemic, neurological complications were reported in approximately 6–10% of children suffering from H1N1 infection, but only rarely in adults. Generalized convulsive status epilepticus (GCSE) as a presenting manifestation of H1N1 infection in an adult is exceedingly rare and has not been reported in literature. We report a patient who presented to us with GCSE as a presenting manifestation of H1N1 infection who improved following appropriate antiviral treatment.

Methods and results This 20-year-old gentleman presented to us with history of fever followed by GCSE of 24 h duration. He was treated symptomatically and was evaluated in detail. He was diagnosed to be suffering from H1N1 infection based on appropriate serological tests. After start of antiviral therapy, he improved and is doing well at 4 months follow up.

Conclusion This case report further expands the spectrum of clinical findings associated with sporadic H1N1 infection. A possibility of H1N1 infection should be considered in all patients who present with GCSE without any obvious cause so that appropriate diagnostic tests and treatment can be carried out at the earliest.
Trends in preterm birth in singleton deliveries in a Hong Kong population
Authors: Hui Annie S.Y. , Lao Terence T. , Leung Tak Yeung , Schaaf Jelle M. , Sahota Daljit S.
Published: August 2014

Objective

To examine trends in preterm birth and its relationship with perinatal mortality in Hong Kong.

Methods

In a retrospective cohort study, data were reviewed from singletons delivered between 1995 and 2011 at a university teaching hospital. Trends in preterm birth (between 24 and 36 weeks of pregnancy), perinatal mortality, and subtypes of preterm birth (spontaneous, iatrogenic, and following preterm premature rupture of membranes [PPROM]) were examined via linear regression.

Results

There were 103 364 singleton deliveries, of which 6722 (6.5%) occurred preterm, including 1835 (1.8%) early preterm births (24–33 weeks) and 4887 (4.7%) late preterm births (34–36 weeks). Frequency of preterm birth remained fairly consistent over the study period, but that of spontaneous preterm birth decreased by 25% (β = −0.83; P < 0.001), from 4.5% to 3.8%. Frequency of preterm birth following PPROM increased by 135% (β = 0.82; P < 0.001), from 0.7% to 1.7%. The perinatal mortality rate decreased from 56.7 to 37.0 deaths per 1000 deliveries before 37 weeks (β = −0.16; P = 0.54). Early preterm birth contributed to 16.0% of all deaths.

Conclusion

Although the overall rate of preterm birth in Hong Kong has remained constant, the frequencies of its subtypes have changed. Overall perinatal mortality is gradually decreasing, but early preterm birth remains a major contributor.
Serum metabolomic profiles evaluated after surgery may identify patients with oestrogen receptor negative early breast cancer at increased risk of disease recurrence. Results from a retrospective study
Authors: Tenori Leonardo , Oakman Catherine , Morris Patrick G. , Gralka Ewa , Turner Natalie , Cappadona Silvia , Fornier Monica , Hudis Cliff , Norton Larry , Luchinat Claudio , Di Leo Angelo
Published: August 2014

Purpose

Metabolomics is a global study of metabolites in biological samples. In this study we explored whether serum metabolomic spectra could distinguish between early and metastatic breast cancer patients and predict disease relapse.

Methods

Serum samples were analysed from women with metastatic (n = 95) and predominantly oestrogen receptor (ER) negative early stage (n = 80) breast cancer using high resolution nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Multivariate statistics and a Random Forest classifier were used to create a prognostic model for disease relapse in early patients.

Results

In the early breast cancer training set (n = 40), metabolomics correctly distinguished between early and metastatic disease in 83.7% of cases. A prognostic risk model predicted relapse with 90% sensitivity (95% CI 74.9–94.8%), 67% specificity (95% CI 63.0–73.4%) and 73% predictive accuracy (95% CI 70.6–74.8%). These results were reproduced in an independent early breast cancer set (n = 40), with 82% sensitivity, 72% specificity and 75% predictive accuracy. Disease relapse was associated with significantly lower levels of histidine (p = 0.0003) and higher levels of glucose (p = 0.01), and lipids (p = 0.0003), compared with patients with no relapse.

Conclusions

The performance of a serum metabolomic prognostic model for disease relapse in individuals with ER‐negative early stage breast cancer is promising. A confirmation study is ongoing to better define the potential of metabolomics as a host and tumour‐derived prognostic tool.
Diagnosis of Neoplasia in Endometrial Biopsies
Authors: Fadare Oluwole , Parkash Vinita
Published: August 2014

With its unique algorithmic and pattern-based approach, Diagnosis of Neoplasia in Endometrial Biopsies is an essential practical guide to interpreting endometrial biopsy samples. All potential entities are classified based on the dominant histologic pattern, with each resulting sub-group progressively sub-classified to reach a diagnosis. Decision tree flowcharts facilitate rapid narrowing of the differential diagnosis. Recent advancements are discussed and explained, and strengths and limitations of diagnostic tests are identified in the context of their application to the biopsy sample. Lavishly illustrated throughout, this book serves the practising pathologist as a scope-side assistant for quick reference, up-to-date guidance, and recommendations for ancillary testing. For the resident, this book facilitates quick and comprehensive mastery of the interpretation and diagnosis of endometrial biopsies. The book is packaged with a password, giving the user online access to all the text and images.
Atlas of Gross Neuropathology
Authors: Kurian Kathreena M. , Moss Tim H. , Camelo-Piragua Sandra
Published: August 2014

This comprehensive atlas presents over four hundred gross neuropathology images from post-mortem tissues, collected at autopsy over a period of thirty years. Covering neoplastic and non-neoplastic pathology of both adult and paediatric brain, spinal cord and spine disease, it offers unparalleled access to the entire central nervous system. Practical introductions and succinct descriptions accompany superb quality colour images, enabling rapid learning from the authors' wealth of real-life experience. At a time when gross images of brain and spine diseases are increasingly difficult to access, this is an essential guide to the diagnosis of neurologic diseases by post-mortem examination. A must-have practical resource for pathologists, neuropathologists, radiologists, neurologists and neurosurgeons, both in training and in practice.
Global assessment of select phytonutrient intakes by level of fruit and vegetable consumption
Authors: Murphy Mary M. , Barraj Leila M. , Spungen Judith H. , Herman Dena R. , Randolph R. Keith
Published: August 2014

Despite dietary recommendations that have repeatedly underscored the importance of increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables, intakes worldwide are lower than recommended levels. Consequently, the diets of many individuals may be lacking in nutrients and phytonutrients typical of a diet rich in a variety of fruits and vegetables. In the present study, we estimated phytonutrient intakes by adults categorised by sex, level of fruit and vegetable consumption ( < 5v.≥ 5 servings/d), and geographic diet cluster. Intakes of nine select phytonutrients were estimated from the 2002–4 World Health Survey fruit and vegetable servings intake data (n198 637), the FAO supply utilisation accounts data, and phytonutrient concentration data obtained from the US Department of Agriculture databases and the published literature. Percentage contributions to each phytonutrient intake from fruit and vegetable sources were also estimated. Estimated intakes of phytonutrients from fruits and vegetables varied across the thirteen geographic diet clusters, reflecting regional differences in both numbers and proportions of fruit and vegetable servings consumed, and the specific types of fruits and vegetables available in the diet. The mean phytonutrient intakes by adults consuming ≥ 5 servings/d of fruits and vegetables were approximately 2- to 6-fold the mean phytonutrient intakes by adults with low fruit and vegetable consumption ( < 5 servings/d). In some cases, phytonutrient intakes by adults consuming ≥ 5 servings/d of fruits and vegetables in one geographic diet cluster were lower than the intakes by adults reporting < 5 servings/d in another cluster. The findings from this assessment provide important information regarding the major dietary patterns of phytonutrient intakes across geographic diet clusters.
Phytonutrient intakes in relation to European fruit and vegetable consumption patterns observed in different food surveys
Authors: Tennant David R. , Davidson Julia , Day Andrea J.
Published: August 2014

Fruit and vegetables make an important contribution to health, partly due to the composition of phytonutrients, such as carotenoids and polyphenols. The aim of the present study was to quantify the intake of fruit and vegetables across different European countries using food consumption data of increasing complexity: food balance sheets (FBS); the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Comprehensive Database; individual food consumption data from the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS). Across Europe, the average consumption of fruit and vegetables ranged from 192 to 824 g/d (FBS data). Based on EFSA data, nine out of fourteen countries consumed < 400 g/d (recommended by the WHO), although even in the highest-consuming countries such as Spain, 36 % did not reach the target intake. In the UK, the average consumption of fruit and vegetables was 310 g/d (NDNS data). Generally, phytonutrient intake increased in accordance with fruit and vegetable intake across all European countries with the exception of lycopene (from tomatoes), which appeared to be higher in some countries that consumed less fruit and vegetables. There were little differences in the average intake of flavanols, flavonols and lycopene in those who did or did not meet the 400 g/d recommendation in the UK. However, average intakes of carotenoid, flavanone, anthocyanidin and ellagic acid were higher in those who consumed >400 g/d of fruit and vegetables compared with those who did not. Overall, intakes of phytonutrients are highly variable, suggesting that while some individuals obtain healthful amounts, there may be others who do not gain all the potential benefits associated with phytonutrients in the diet.
The epidemiology and global burden of autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Baxter A. J. , Brugha T. S. , Erskine H. E. , Scheurer R. W. , Vos T. , Scott J. G.
Published: August 2014

Background

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are persistent disabling neurodevelopmental disorders clinically evident from early childhood. For the first time, the burden of ASDs has been estimated for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2010 (GBD 2010). The aims of this study were to develop global and regional prevalence models and estimate the global burden of disease of ASDs.

Method

A systematic review was conducted for epidemiological data (prevalence, incidence, remission and mortality risk) of autistic disorder and other ASDs. Data were pooled using a Bayesian meta-regression approach while adjusting for between-study variance to derive prevalence models. Burden was calculated in terms of years lived with disability (YLDs) and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), which are reported here by world region for 1990 and 2010.

Results

In 2010 there were an estimated 52 million cases of ASDs, equating to a prevalence of 7.6 per 1000 or one in 132 persons. After accounting for methodological variations, there was no clear evidence of a change in prevalence for autistic disorder or other ASDs between 1990 and 2010. Worldwide, there was little regional variation in the prevalence of ASDs. Globally, autistic disorders accounted for more than 58 DALYs per 100 000 population and other ASDs accounted for 53 DALYs per 100 000.

Conclusions

ASDs account for substantial health loss across the lifespan. Understanding the burden of ASDs is essential for effective policy making. An accurate epidemiological description of ASDs is needed to inform public health policy and to plan for education, housing and financial support services.
Simulation-based fast collision detection for scaled polyhedral objects in motion by exploiting analytical contact equations
Authors: Liu Jing-Sin , Pan Wen-Hua , Ku Wen-Yang , Tsao Y.-H. , Chang Y.-Z.
Published: August 2014

Based on the results of the study of convex object motion1 (J. Hopcroft and G. Wilfong, “Motion of objects in contact,” Int. J. Robot. Res., 4(4), 32–46 (1986)), this paper addresses the problem of exact collision detection of a pair of scaled convex polyhedra in relative motion, and determines the contact conditions of tangential contact features, arbitrary relative motion involving translation and rotation, and uniform scaling of the objects about a fixed point. We propose a new concept of the decision curve based on analytical contact equations that characterize a continuum of scaling factors (or a single scaling factor), which ensures that a pair of objects undergoing a scaling transformation will maintain the same tangential contact feature pair (or make instantaneous tangential contact feature transitions). We propose a reliable simulation-based approach to construct the decision curve by hybridizing analytical contact equations and conventional collision detection method, called the Fast Collision Detection Method (FCDM). This method can determine whether two scaled objects will make contact at specific tangential contact features (vertices, edges, or faces) under particular uniform scaling factors and after distinctive relative motion with better accuracy and less computational time than the existing collision detection methods. Finally, we demonstrate our approach for solving motion design in simple assembly/disassembly problems.
The association between invasive Lantana camara and seedlings/saplings of a plant community in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, India
Authors: Wilson Gaius , Desai Ajay A. , Sim Dalice A. , Gruber Monica A. M. , Lester Philip J.
Published: August 2014

We examined changes in a community of seedlings/saplings 10–150 cm tall associated with the presence of a widely invasive plant, Lantana camara and environmental covariates along 67 randomly located transects, in Mudumalai, India. We compared plant species assemblage and grass cover in L. camara-invaded and uninvaded plots in three habitats. Multivariate analyses revealed a significant association of all environmental covariates with plant species assemblage. Pairwise tests indicated that L. camara was significantly associated with changes in plant species assemblage and grass cover within the moist and dry deciduous forest, but not in the thorn forest. The relationship between L. camara and that of elephant browse plants varied with species. A linear regression analysis indicated that L. camara invasion was the only significant predictor of grass occupancy. Our results indicate that in addition to other factors, L. camara was associated with altering plant species assemblage, some elephant browse plants and grass cover in the moist and dry deciduous forest. It appears that L. camara can have a major effect on diversity within this reserve, but whether this effect is by L. camara driving the change or being associated with other habitat change requires further experimental evidence.
Antidepressants and the Placebo Effect
Authors: Kirsch Irving
Published: August 2014

Antidepressants are supposed to work by fixing a chemical imbalance, specifically, a lack of serotonin in the brain. Indeed, their supposed effectiveness is the primary evidence for the chemical imbalance theory. But analyses of the published data and the unpublished data that were hidden by drug companies reveals that most (if not all) of the benefits are due to the placebo effect. Some antidepressants increase serotonin levels, some decrease it, and some have no effect at all on serotonin. Nevertheless, they all show the same therapeutic benefit. Even the small statistical difference between antidepressants and placebos may be an enhanced placebo effect, due to the fact that most patients and doctors in clinical trials successfully break blind. The serotonin theory is as close as any theory in the history of science to having been proved wrong. Instead of curing depression, popular antidepressants may induce a biological vulnerability making people more likely to become depressed in the future.
The Effects of Manipulating Verbal Suggestions on Physical Performance
Authors: Carlino Elisa , Benedetti Fabrizio , Pollo Antonella
Published: August 2014

Expectation induced by verbal suggestions is known to be a central mechanism in the generation of the placebo response in different physiological and pathological conditions. Here, we analyze the impact of different verbal suggestions in an experimental setting, measuring work performed, and rate of perceived exertion in healthy subjects undergoing strenuous exercise. A double protocol is used, with different probabilities of receiving what is believed to be an ergogenic substance (in fact, a placebo), with or without an associated conditioning procedure. We show that while high verbal suggestions of motor improvement can work alone, low verbal suggestions produce a response only after conditioning, and that in the absence of verbal suggestions (open-label placebo) no response can ever be elicited. These results can be useful for the design of both clinical trial and sports training protocols.
Minimizing Carry-Over Effects After Treatment Failure and Maximizing Therapeutic Outcome
Authors: Hofmann Mareile , Wrobel Nathalie , Kessner Simon , Bingel Ulrike
Published: August 2014

According to experimental and clinical evidence, the experiences of previous treatments are carried over to different therapeutic approaches and impair the outcome of subsequent treatments. In this behavioral pilot study we used a change in administration route to investigate whether the effect of prior treatment experience on a subsequent treatment depends on the similarity of both treatments. We experimentally induced positive or negative experiences with a topical analgesic treatment in two groups of healthy human subjects. Subsequently, we compared responses to a second, unrelated and systemic analgesic treatment between both the positive and negative group. We found that there was no difference in the analgesic response to the second treatment between the two groups. Our data indicate that a change in administration route might reduce the influence of treatment history and therefore be a way to reduce negative carry-over effects after treatment failure. Future studies will have to validate these findings in a fully balanced design including larger, clinical samples.
Placebo and Nocebo Effects in Chronic Pain Patients
Authors: Vase Lene , Skyt Ina , Laue Petersen Gitte , Price Donald D.
Published: August 2014

Placebo, as well as nocebo, effects have been primarily investigated in studies with healthy volunteers exposed to acute experimental pain. Yet with regard to chronic pain patients, there is emerging evidence for significant placebo effects but not for nocebo effects. Expectations of pain relief are known to contribute to placebo effects, and lately the influence of emotional feelings has also been investigated. In this line of research, an experiential method has been applied to capture the emotional feelings that chronic pain patients experience during placebo and nocebo interventions. The findings indicate that the patients’ expectations of treatment effects are highly embedded in their emotional feelings. Hence, in order to optimize placebo factors in the clinical treatment of patients, it may be pivotal to investigate and enhance both expectancies and emotional feelings about treatments.
Analgesics in Chronic Back Pain
Authors: Kamping Sandra , Müller Maike , Klinger Regine , Schmitz Julia , Flor Herta
Published: August 2014

Patients’ attitude toward and their personal experience of analgesics may not only influence their expectations about new medications they are prescribed but might also influence placebo effects. We assessed attitudes toward pain medication with an 8-item instrument and experiences with pain medication with an 11-item instrument and evaluated the relationship of attitudes and experiences and placebo responses in chronic back pain patients. On average, patients reported a slightly negative attitude toward analgesics and a slightly positive experience with them compared to healthy pain-free controls that had a more positive attitude toward and experience of analgesics. Pain patients seemed to report their short-term experience with analgesics when completing our instrument, as can be seen by the regression of experience with pain medication and the subscale short-term efficacy of non-/minimally invasive pain medication of the pain interview. Using a pharmacological placebo in a subsample of 38 patients, we were able to show that patients with positive attitudes had a larger placebo response than patients with negative attitudes. The size of the placebo response could be predicted using the mean attitude score. Future placebo research assessing patients’ attitudes toward analgesics seems important and could help to understand the results obtained.
Chemical solution deposition derived (001)-oriented epitaxial BiFeO3 thin films with robust ferroelectric properties using stoichiometric precursors (invited)
Authors: Zhang Qi , Valanoor Nagarajan , Standard Owen
Published: August 2014

Phase pure bismuth ferrite (BiFeO3) thin films with (001)-oriented epitaxial structure are realized on lanthanum strontium manganite (La0.67Sr0.33MnO3) buffered (001)-SrTiO3 substrates by chemical solution deposition. The annealing process is optimized such that a stoichiometric precursor can be used to accurately control the Bi:Fe ratio. Ferroelectric, dielectric, and resistive switching behaviours are investigated for 40 nm, 70 nm, and 150 nm BFO thin films. While the thinnest film (40 nm) shows very leaky loops, square and fully saturated polarization hysteresis loops are shown for the thicker films. The highest remanent polarization (2Pr = 100 μC/cm2) and relative dielectric constant (εr = 613) are obtained in the 150 nm BFO thin film. High cycle fatigue tests show that the thick films are resistant to polarization fatigue. Piezoresponse force microscopy results show that the domain structure varies with thickness. Resistive switching and polarization mediated diode effects are also observed. These robust properties suggest that chemical solution deposition derived BiFeO3 thin films can offer a viable low cost alternative.
Effects of rapid thermal annealing on properties of Ga-doped MgxZn1−xO films and Ga-doped MgxZn1−xO/AlGaN heterojunction diodes
Authors: Hsueh Kuang-Po , Cheng Po-Wei
Published: August 2014

This study investigated the thermal annealing effects of Ga-doped MgxZn1−xO (GMZO) films and GMZO/AlGaN heterojunction diodes. GMZO films were deposited using a radio-frequency magnetron sputtering system with a 4-in. ZnO/MgO/Ga2O3 target. In addition, the Hall results, X-ray diffraction, transparent performance, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) spectra were measured. The as-grown GMZO film deposited in this study exhibited a high transparency with transmittances over 95% in the visible region (360–700 nm) and a sharp absorption edge in the UV region (275–350 nm). The phenomenon of phase separation in the GMZO films was investigated based on the XPS spectra, revealing that an increase in the O-Zn signal accompanied a decline in the O-Ga signal after the thermal annealing. Moreover, the current-voltage (I-V) characteristics of the GMZO/AlGaN n-p junction diodes were examined at different annealing temperatures. The light emission derived from the forward-biased junction and near-ultraviolet (near-UV) light emission was evident at all p-n junctions. The n-GMZO/p-AlGaN diode annealed at 800 °C exhibited a brighter near-UV emission compared with the other diodes. In addition, the spectrum of diode annealed at 800 °C exhibited a broad peak at 474 nm (2.62 eV) and a tail of the emission spectrum extending to 850 nm. Based on these findings, the GMZO films are suitable for forming transparent contact layers in optoelectronic devices, and the n-GMZO/p-AlGaN junction diode is a feasible alternative in near-UV light emission devices.
Tunable and high quality factor SrTiO3 surface acoustic wave resonator
Authors: Alzuaga Sébastien , Daniau William , Salut Roland , Baron Thomas , Ballandras Sylvain , Defay Emmanuel
Published: August 2014

We fabricated a tunable surface acoustic wave resonator in the 2 GHz-frequency range by depositing and patterning 2 μm-wide pitch inter-digitated Al electrodes on SrTiO3 (STO) paraelectric substrate. We took advantage of the electrostrictive behavior of STO, whose properties are nonlinear with respect to the applied electric field, to induce tunability of the resonance frequency. The obtained frequency tunability reaches 0.7% at 0.5 MV/cm. Besides, the main advantage of this device is its high acoustic quality factor Q reaching 2450 at 2 GHz, thanks to the single-crystal nature of STO. This is one order of magnitude larger than the typical quality factor of its tunable bulk acoustic wave resonators counterparts.
Citizenship at Work in the Israeli Periphery: The Case of Peri Ha'Galil
Authors: Cohen Nir , Aharon-Gutman Meirav
Published: August 2014

In this paper we examine a struggle waged by production line workers at a formerly state-owned factory located in Israel's northern periphery. Intially an attempt to prevent the closure of the privatized factory, it soon became an all-out struggle through which production line workers deployed their peripheral location and ethnoclass identities to make claims for and enact their citizenship (at work). Drawing on two years of ethnographic research, we argue that despite—or perhaps because of—years of persistent labor market reforms traditional industrial factories remain critical spaces for the constitution of citizenship in Israel. In contrast to the past, in which state-sponsored industrial employment created a perfect congruence between labor market participation and citizenship (‘I work therefore I am a citizen’), recent processes aimed at enhancing labor market flexibility have fundamentally altered these relations. Under constant threats of downsizing, precariatized industrial workers in privatized factories experience a restless citizenship, a ceaseless battle to secure their jobs through what might be called the work of citizenship.
FromEtelāʿātitoEslāhtalabi: Saʿid Hajjarian, Political Theology and the Politics of Reform in Post-Revolutionary Iran
Authors: Sadeghi-Boroujerdi Eskandar
Published: August 2014

This article examines the importance of the political thought and praxis of politico, ‘reformist’ strategist and intellectual, Saʿid Hajjarian, and his rethinking of the post-revolutionary Iranian state’s sources and bases of legitimacy in the 1990s and 2000s. It also provides an exposition and assessment of a number of his recommendations for the realisation of ‘political development’ (towseʿeh-ye siyāsi) in the post-revolutionary order and their contribution to the discourse ofeslāhātduring the presidency of Hojjat al-Islam Mohammad Khatami (1997–2005). Moreover, it attempts to situate Hajjarian within a broader spectrum of reformist political opinion and its proponents within the Islamic Republic of Iran’s political class.
Stepping on Congress
Authors: Maltzman Forrest , Mark Alyx , Shipan Charles R. , Zilis Michael A.
Published: August 2014

Legislative enactment is only one step in the life of a law. How a law shapes public life after enactment is frequently the result of whether the judiciary interprets the provisions contained in a law and how courts reconcile provisions within and across laws. But the factors that determine whether the judiciary ends up playing such a role are not well understood. We investigate why the courts, through statutory interpretation, address some major laws but not others and why some laws are addressed soon after enactment, while others are on the books for years before they reach the judicial branch. Our evidence shows that conditions at the time of enactment, plus features of the law, play a major role in determining whether, and when, a law reaches the courts. More specifically, both divided government and disagreement between the two chambers increase the likelihood that the courts will address significant laws.
Can Agricultural Cooperatives Reduce Poverty? Heterogeneous Impact of Cooperative Membership on Farmers' Welfare in Rwanda
Authors: Verhofstadt Ellen , Maertens Miet
Published: August 2014

We analyze the inclusiveness and effectiveness of agricultural cooperatives in Rwanda. We estimate mean income and poverty effects of cooperative membership using propensity score matching techniques. We analyze heterogeneous treatment effects across farmers by analyzing how estimated treatment effects vary over farm and farmer characteristics and over the estimated propensity score. We find that cooperative membership in general increases income and reduces poverty and that these effects are largest for larger farms and in more remote areas. We find evidence of a negative selection because impact is largest for farmers with the lowest propensity to be a cooperative member.
Modeling genome coverage in single-cell sequencing
Authors: Daley Timothy , Smith Andrew D.
Published: August 2014

Motivation: Single-cell DNA sequencing is necessary for examining genetic variation at the cellular level, which remains hidden in bulk sequencing experiments. But because they begin with such small amounts of starting material, the amount of information that is obtained from single-cell sequencing experiment is highly sensitive to the choice of protocol employed and variability in library preparation. In particular, the fraction of the genome represented in single-cell sequencing libraries exhibits extreme variability due to quantitative biases in amplification and loss of genetic material.

Results: We propose a method to predict the genome coverage of a deep sequencing experiment using information from an initial shallow sequencing experiment mapped to a reference genome. The observed coverage statistics are used in a non-parametric empirical Bayes Poisson model to estimate the gain in coverage from deeper sequencing. This approach allows researchers to know statistical features of deep sequencing experiments without actually sequencing deeply, providing a basis for optimizing and comparing single-cell sequencing protocols or screening libraries.

Availability and implementation: The method is available as part of the preseq software package. Source code is available at http://smithlabresearch.org/preseq .

Contact:  andrewds@usc.edu

Supplementary information:  Supplementary material is available at Bioinformatics online.
Fast construction of FM-index for long sequence reads
Authors: Li Heng
Published: August 2014

Summary: We present a new method to incrementally construct the FM-index for both short and long sequence reads, up to the size of a genome. It is the first algorithm that can build the index while implicitly sorting the sequences in the reverse (complement) lexicographical order without a separate sorting step. The implementation is among the fastest for indexing short reads and the only one that practically works for reads of averaged kilobases in length.

Availability and implementation:  https://github.com/lh3/ropebwt2

Contact:  hengli@broadinstitute.org