bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The association between individual-level social capital and health: cross-sectional, prospective cohort and fixed-effects models
Authors: Oshio Takashi
Published: July 2015

Background

It is well known that individual-level social capital is positively associated with health, but most preceding studies have not fully controlled for an individual's time-invariant attributes, especially unobserved ones. The current study attempted to address how the association between individual-level social capital and health is confounded by an individual's unobserved time-invariant attributes.

Methods

Data were collected from six-wave nationwide panel surveys conducted from 2005 to 2010, with 162 720 observations from 30 590 individuals. Individual-level bonding and bridging social capital, as well as their associations with self-rated health (SRH) and psychological distress (measured by Kessler 6 scores), were considered. Estimation results of cross-sectional, prospective cohort and fixed-effects logistic models were compared.

Results

The OR of reporting poor SRH responding to high bonding social capital rose from 0.64 (95% CI 0.62 to 0.65) in the pooled cross-sectional model to 0.77 (0.75 to 0.80) in the prospective cohort model and 0.87 (0.82 to 0.92) in the fixed-effects model. Similar patterns were observed for bridging social capital, but the OR of reporting poor SRH became non-significant in the fixed-effects model. Similar results were obtained for psychological distress.

Conclusions

The results suggest that the association between individual-level social capital and health is overstated by an individual's unobserved time-invariant attributes. The relevance of health in individual-level social capital should be assessed cautiously.
Endovascular stroke therapy with the Aperio thrombectomy device
Authors: Kallenberg Kai , Solymosi Laszlo , Taschner Christian A , Berkefeld Joachim , Schlamann Marc , Jansen Olav , Arnold Sebastian , Tomandl Bernd , Knauth Michael , Turowski Bernd
Published: July 2015

Background

The pharmaceutical therapy for acute ischemic stroke has shortcomings in reopening large vessels and dissolving long thrombi, and endovascular treatment has been found to provide added value. The Aperio thrombectomy device showed promising results in an experimental study. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the device clinically.

Methods

119 patients with acute stroke were treated in nine centers using the Aperio thrombectomy device. Target vessel, diameter, thrombus length, procedure time, recanalization, number of deployments, additional use of anticoagulants, complications, and the use of additional devices were assessed.

Results

The median thrombus length was 15 mm (range 1.5–20 mm) and the average time from device insertion to recanalization was 30 min (range 5–120 min). Blood flow restoration (Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction (TICI) 2–3) was achieved in 85%. In the majority of cases complete clot removal was achieved (TICI 0, 12%; TICI 1, 2%; TICI 2a, 14%; TICI 2b, 18%; TICI 3, 53%). The median number of deployments was 2 (range 1–6). Twelve procedural complications (10%) occurred.

Conclusions

The Aperio thrombectomy device seems to be an effective and adequately safe tool for reopening occluded cerebral arteries in the setting of acute stroke.
Identifying patients with rheumatoid arthritis with moderate disease activity at risk of significant radiographic progression despite methotrexate treatment
Authors: Fautrel B , Nab H W , Brault Y , Gallo G
Published: July 2015

Objectives

To determine the baseline factors predictive of significant radiographic progression (SRP) in patients with moderately active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) despite receiving methotrexate (MTX).

Methods

Patients from the MTX arm of the Trial of Etanercept and Methotrexate with Radiographic Patient Outcomes (TEMPO) trial with sustained moderate RA (defined as ≥3.2 mean disease activity score in 28 joints ≤5.1 during the last 6 months of the first year) were analysed for SRP (mTSS >3.0 overall) after 2 and 3 years. Baseline predictors for SRP were identified by univariate and multivariate analyses. All variables shown to be significantly associated with SRP were categorised based on clinically relevant cut-offs and tertiles and were included in a matrix risk model.

Results

228 patients were assigned MTX treatment, 210 patients were in the radiographic intention-to-treat population, and 96 of these had sustained moderate RA. SRP occurred in 25 (26%) and 33 (34%) patients after 2 and 3 years of MTX treatment, respectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses found that C reactive protein (CRP) and rheumatoid factor (RF) positivity at baseline were predictive of SRP after 2 and 3 years (p<0.05 for all). The matrix risk model showed that RF positivity and CRP levels >40 mg/L at baseline were significantly associated with SRP after 2 (p<0.05 for both; R2=0.24) and 3 years (p<0.05 for both; R2=0.22). The baseline erosion score was not found to be predictive of SRP.

Conclusions

Patients with sustained moderate RA despite receiving MTX treatment are at risk of SRP, with both RF positivity and high CRP levels shown to be predictive of this.
Claw length recommendations for dairy cow foot trimming
Authors: Archer S. C. , Newsome R. , Dibble H. , Sturrock C. J. , Chagunda M. G. G. , Mason C. S. , Huxley J. N.
Published: July 2015

The aim was to describe variation in length of the dorsal hoof wall in contact with the dermis for cows on a single farm, and hence, derive minimum appropriate claw lengths for routine foot trimming. The hind feet of 68 Holstein‐Friesian dairy cows were collected post mortem, and the internal structures were visualised using x‐ray µCT. The internal distance from the proximal limit of the wall horn to the distal tip of the dermis was measured from cross‐sectional sagittal images. A constant was added to allow for a minimum sole thickness of 5 mm and an average wall thickness of 8 mm. Data were evaluated using descriptive statistics and two‐level linear regression models with claw nested within cow. Based on 219 claws, the recommended dorsal wall length from the proximal limit of hoof horn was up to 90 mm for 96 per cent of claws, and the median value was 83 mm. Dorsal wall length increased by 1 mm per year of age, yet 85 per cent of the null model variance remained unexplained. Overtrimming can have severe consequences; the authors propose that the minimum recommended claw length stated in training materials for all Holstein‐Friesian cows should be increased to 90 mm.
Building material preferences with a focus on wood in urban housing: durability and environmental impacts
Authors: Høibø Olav , Hansen Eric , Nybakk Erlend
Published: July 2015

As societies urbanize, a growing proportion of the global population and an increasing number of housing units will be needed in urban areas. High-rise buildings and environmentally friendly, renewable materials must play important roles in sustainable urban development. To achieve this, it is imperative that policy makers, planners, architects, and construction companies understand consumer preferences. We use data from urban dwellers in the Oslo region of Norway to develop an understanding of material preferences in relation to environmental attitudes and knowledge about wood. We emphasise wood compared with other building materials in various applications (structural, exterior, and interior) within urban apartment blocks. We use 503 responses from a web panel. Our findings show that Oslo area consumers tend to prefer materials other than wood in various applications in apartment blocks, especially structural applications. Still, some respondent prefer wood, including some applications in apartment blocks where wood is currently not commonly used. The best target for wood-based urban housing includes younger people who have strong environmental values. As environmental attitudes evolve in society and a greater proportion of consumers search out environmentally friendly product alternatives, the opportunities for wood to gain market share will most likely increase.
Central GLP-1 receptor activation improves cholesterol metabolism partially independent of its effect on food intake
Authors: Patel Vishal , Joharapurkar Amit Arvind , Kshirsagar Samadhan Govind , Patel Kartikkumar Navinchandra , Bahekar Rajesh , Shah Gaurang , Jain Mukul R.
Published: July 2015

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists modulate lipid metabolism, apart from controlling glucose homeostasis. We investigated the role of central GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonism in regulation of hepatic lipid metabolism in cholesterol-fed hamsters. Cholesterol-fed hamsters were treated by intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) route with exendin-4, as acute or repeated dose regimen and compared with hamsters pair-fed to the exendin-treated hamsters and with hamsters co-treated with GLP-1 antagonist exendin-9. Effect of acute treatment was observed on food intake, tyloxapol-induced hypertriglyceridemia, and corn oil induced post prandial lipemia. Plasma and hepatic lipids and changes in the expression of hepatic genes involved in lipid metabolism were assessed after chronic administration. Acute, as well as repeated dose, treatment of exendin-4 showed significant changes in hepatic lipids, circulating fatty acids, triglycerides, LDL, and cholesterol. Expression of SREBP-1c was reduced while that of LDLR and CYP7A1 was increased after the repeated dose treatment, and there was no change in HMG CoA reductase. These changes were blocked by co-treatment of exendin-9, and not replicated by pair feeding to the significant extent. Central GLP-1 receptor activation showed profound effects on peripheral lipid metabolism, which were partially independent of its effect on food intake.
Ocular nerve growth factor administration (oNGF) affects disease severity and inflammatory response in the brain of rats with experimental allergic encephalitis (EAE)
Authors: Carito Valentina , Nicolò Sara De , Fiore Marco , Maccarone Mattia , Tirassa Paola
Published: July 2015

The rat acute experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model was used to investigate the effects of ocularly administered nerve growth factor (oNGF) on disease development and brain inflammation. It was found that oNGF affects clinical scores. However, EAE rats receiving oNGF treatment showed reduced expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in the cerebellum and the hippocampus, but not in the frontal cortex. These data confirm the ability of oNGF to counteract the effects of EAE in the brain and suggest a role for oNGF in the regulation of local inflammatory responses observed in the acute phase of EAE.
Narrow band and angle-insensitive filter based on one-dimensional photonic crystal containing graded-index defect
Authors: Xu Bobo , Zheng Gaige , Wu Yigen
Published: July 2015

Using finite difference time domain (FDTD) method, we numerically investigate one-dimensional photonic crystals (1D PCs) with [Formula: see text] structure, where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] stand for different dielectric materials, and [Formula: see text] the graded-index (GRIN) material. The transmission properties of the multilayer structure have been studied, and the results show that a tunable narrow band-pass filter (BPF) can be obtained by changing gradient coefficients of the GRIN defect layer. For an increasing incident angle, although the transmittance becomes smaller, positions of the resonant peak remain the same, which can act as the angle-insensitive filter.
Study of Local Matching-Based Facial Recognition Methods Using Thermal Infrared Imagery
Authors: Hermosilla Gabriel , Farias Gonzalo , San Martin Cesar , Gallardo Francisco
Published: July 2015

This paper shows a comparative study among different local matching-based methods for thermal infrared face recognition. The principal assumption of this work is that the thermal face corresponds to the diffuse energy emission captured by an infrared camera, where the thermal signature is unique for each subject and it can be addressed as a texture descriptor with thermal images. Local matching-based methods find inter-class differences that improve the face recognition rate in thermal spectrum. Specifically, this work considers four methods: Local Binary Pattern (LBP), Local Derivative Pattern (LDP), Weber Linear Descriptor (WLD) and Histograms of Oriented Gradients Descriptors (HOG). The methods are evaluated and compared using the UCHThermalFace database, that considers real-world conditions and unconstrained environments, such as indoor and outdoor setups, natural variations in illumination, facial expression, pose, accessories, occlusions, and background. Results indicate that HOG variants followed by LBP method achieved the best recognition rates for face recognition systems.
INFLUENCE OF STICKY RICE AND ANIONIC POLYACRYLAMIDE ON THE CRYSTALLIZATION OF CALCIUM CARBONATE IN CHINESE ORGANIC SANHETU
Authors: LIU HUI , PENG CHANGSHENG , DAI MIN , GU QINGBAO , SONG SHAOXIAN
Published: July 2015

The crystallization of calcium carbonate ( CaCO 3) in soil controlled by natural organic material was considered a very important reason to enhance the property of ancient Chinese organic Sanhetu (COS), but how the organic material affected the crystallization of CaCO 3 in COS is still unclear. In this paper, a natural organic material (sticky rice, SR) and a synthetic organic material (anionic polyacrylamide, APAM) were selected as additives to investigate their effect on the crystallization of CaCO 3. The experimental results showed that the morphology and size of CaCO 3 crystals could be affected by the concentration of additives and reaction time, while only the size of CaCO 3 crystals could be affected by the concentration of reactant. Although the morphology and size of CaCO 3 crystals varied greatly with the variation of additive concentration, reactant concentration and reaction time, the polymorph of CaCO 3 crystals were always calcite, according to SEM/EDX, XRD and FTIR analyses. This study may help us to better understand the mechanism of the influence of organic materials on CaCO 3 crystallization and properties of COS.
Schiff Base Ligand Coated Gold Nanoparticles for the Chemical Sensing of Fe(III) Ions
Authors: Jimoh Abiola Azeez , Helal Aasif , Shaikh M. Nasiruzzaman , Abdul Aziz Md. , Yamani Zain H. , Al-Ahmed Amir , Kim Jong-Pil
Published: July 2015

New Schiff base‐coated gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) of type AuNP@L (where L: thiolated Schiff base ligand) have been synthesized and characterized using various spectroscopic techniques. The AuNPs and AuNP@L were imaged by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and were confirmed to be well‐dispersed, uniformly distributed, spherical nanoparticles with an average diameter of 8–10 nm. Their potential applications for chemosensing were investigated in UV‐Vis and fluorescence spectroscopic studies. The AuNP@L exhibited selectivity for Fe3+ in an
ethanol/water mixture (ratio 9 : 1 v/v). The absorption and emission spectral studies revealed a 1 : 1 binding mode for Fe3+, with binding constants of 8.5 × 105 and 2.9 × 105 M−1, respectively.
Classical Flutter and Active Control of Wind Turbine Blade Based on Piezoelectric Actuation
Authors: Liu Tingrui
Published: July 2015

The aim of this article is to analyze classical flutter and active control of single-cell thin-walled composite wind turbine blade beam based on piezoelectric actuation. Effects of piezoelectric actuation for classical flutter suppression on wind turbine blade beam subjected to combined transverse shear deformation, warping restraint effect, and secondary warping are investigated. The extended Hamilton’s principle is used to set up the equations of motion, and the Galerkin method is applied to reduce the aeroelastic coupled equations into a state-space form. Active control is developed to enhance the vibrational behavior and dynamic response to classical aerodynamic excitation and stabilize structures that might be damaged in the absence of control. Active optimal control scheme based on linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG) controller is implemented. The research provides a way for rare study of classical flutter suppression and active control of wind turbine blade based on piezoelectric actuation.
Comparisons of Differentiation Potential in Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Wharton’s Jelly, Bone Marrow, and Pancreatic Tissues
Authors: Kao Shih-Yi , Shyu Jia-Fwu , Wang Hwai-Shi , Lin Chi-Hung , Su Cheng-Hsi , Chen Tien-Hua , Weng Zen-Chung , Tsai Pei-Jiun
Published: July 2015

Background. Type 1 diabetes mellitus results from autoimmune destruction ofβ-cells. Insulin-producing cells (IPCs) differentiated from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in human tissues decrease blood glucose levels and improve survival in diabetic rats. We compared the differential ability and the curative effect of IPCs from three types of human tissue to determine the ideal source of cell therapy for diabetes.Methods. We induced MSCs from Wharton’s jelly (WJ), bone marrow (BM), and surgically resected pancreatic tissue to differentiate into IPCs. Thein vitrodifferential function of these IPCs was compared by insulin-to-DNA ratios and C-peptide levels after glucose challenge.In vivocurative effects of IPCs transplanted into diabetic rats were monitored by weekly blood glucose measurement.Results. WJ-MSCs showed better proliferation and differentiation potential than pancreatic MSCs and BM-MSCs.In vivo, WJ-IPCs significantly reduced blood glucose levels at first week after transplantation and maintained significant decrease till week 8. BM-IPCs reduced blood glucose levels at first week but gradually increased since week 3. In resected pancreas-IPCs group, blood glucose levels were significantly reduced till two weeks after transplantation and gradually increased since week 4.Conclusion. WJ-MSCs are the most promising stem cell source forβ-cell regeneration in diabetes treatment.
Remarks on the Regularity Criterion of the Navier-Stokes Equations with Nonlinear Damping
Authors: Wang Weihua , Zhou Guopeng
Published: July 2015

This paper is concerned with the regularity criterion of weak solutions to the three-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations with nonlinear damping in critical weakLqspaces. It is proved that if the weak solution satisfies∫0T∇u1Lq,∞2q/2q-3+∇u2Lq,∞2q/2q-3/1+ln⁡e+∇uL22ds<∞,  q>3/2, then the weak solution of Navier-Stokes equations with nonlinear damping is regular on(0,T].
Multifocal Insulinoma in Pancreas and Effect of Intraoperative Ultrasonography
Authors: Borazan Ersin , Aytekin Alper , Yilmaz Latif , Elci Muhsin , Karaca Mehmet Salih , Kervancioglu Selim , Balik Ahmet Abdulhalik
Published: July 2015

Insulinoma is the most frequently seen functional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor. The incidence of multifocal insulinoma is lower than 10%. Its treatment is direct or laparoscopic excision. The present case was examined with the findings of hypoglycemia and hypercalcemia, and as there was high insulin and C-peptide levels the initial diagnosis was insulinoma. The case was investigated in terms of MEN 1. During preoperative screening for localization, there was one focus in the head of the pancreas in the abdominal tomography and two foci in endoscopic ultrasonography. No other focus was detected through intraoperative visual or manual palpation. However, five foci were detected during operation by intraoperative ultrasonography. The relation of masses with the main pancreatic canal was evaluated and they were excised by enucleation method. There was no recurrence during the postoperative 18-month follow-up of the patient. As a result, during treatment for insulinoma, it should be kept in mind that there might be multifocal foci. In all insulinomas, the whole pancreas should be evaluated with intraoperative ultrasonography because none of the current preoperative diagnostic methods are as sensitive as manual palpation of pancreas and intraoperative ultrasonography. The intraoperative detection of synchronous five foci in pancreas is quite a rare condition.
Two General Extension Algorithms of Latin Hypercube Sampling
Authors: Liu Zhi-zhao , Li Wei , Yang Ming
Published: July 2015

For reserving original sampling points to reduce the simulation runs, two general extension algorithms of Latin Hypercube Sampling (LHS) are proposed. The extension algorithms start with an original LHS of sizemand construct a new LHS of sizem+nthat contains the original points as many as possible. In order to get a strict LHS of larger size, some original points might be deleted. The relationship of original sampling points in the new LHS structure is shown by a simple undirected acyclic graph. The basic general extension algorithm is proposed to reserve the most original points, but it costs too much time. Therefore, a general extension algorithm based on greedy algorithm is proposed to reduce the extension time, which cannot guarantee to contain the most original points. These algorithms are illustrated by an example and applied to evaluating the sample means to demonstrate the effectiveness.
Complexity Uncertainty Analysis of Dynamic in a Dual-Channel Energy Supply Chain Model with Heterogeneous Retailers
Authors: Li Ting , Ma Junhai , Sun Lijian
Published: July 2015

This paper analyses the dynamics of dual-channel energy supply chain model with heterogeneous retailers (as regards the type of expectations’ formation). On the basis of analyzing the stabilities of four fixed points in the three-dimensional dynamic system, local stable regions of Nash equilibrium are obtained. Effects ofSon the stable regions and profit are studied. Simulation results show that the adjustment of price speed has an obvious impact on the complexity of competition. The performances of the model in different period are measured by using the index of average profit. The results show that unstable behavior in economic system is often an unfavorable outcome. So this paper discusses the application of parameters control method when the model is in chaos and then allows the oligarchs to eliminate the negative effects.
Motivational Differences between Whole Blood and Apheresis Donors in Quebec, Canada: A Questionnaire-Based Survey in a Voluntary Nonremunerated Context
Authors: Charbonneau Johanne , Cloutier Marie-Soleil , Carrier Élianne
Published: July 2015

Background. Finding ways to recruit apheresis donors is crucial. The aim of this study was to provide a quantitative analysis of the motivations of regular plasma/platelets donors (PPDs) in comparison with those of regular whole blood donors (WBDs), in a voluntary and nonremunerated context.Study Design and Methods. Motives to donate blood and demographic characteristics were collected through questionnaires completed by 795 WBDs and 473 PPDs. Chi-square tests were completed to determine which motivations stand out across the two blood donor groups.Results. The motivator selected by the highest percentage was “my blood can save lives.” Comparison of WBDs and PPDs showed that 12 out of 23 items were statistically significantly different from one group to another.Conclusion. The belief that helping others is in their nature is more prevalent among PPDs. In this sense, their profile is unique. Four other motivators distinguish this group from the WBDs: “I think there is a strong need for blood products,” “it gives me a sense of pride,” “I like to have goals,” and “I receive telephone reminders.” These motivators point to the role the ongoing support provided by blood collection agencies (BCAs) plays with PPDs.
Multicontrast MRI Quantification of Focal Inflammation and Degeneration in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Bonnier Guillaume , Roche Alexis , Romascano David , Simioni Samanta , Meskaldji Djalel Eddine , Rotzinger David , Lin Ying-Chia , Menegaz Gloria , Schluep Myriam , Du Pasquier Renaud , Sumpf Tilman Johannes , Frahm Jens , Thiran Jean-Philippe , Krueger Gunnar , Granziera Cristina
Published: July 2015

Introduction. Local microstructural pathology in multiple sclerosis patients might influence their clinical performance. This study applied multicontrast MRI to quantify inflammation and neurodegeneration in MS lesions. We explored the impact of MRI-based lesion pathology in cognition and disability.Methods. 36 relapsing-remitting MS subjects and 18 healthy controls underwent neurological, cognitive, behavioural examinations and 3 T MRI including (i) fluid attenuated inversion recovery, double inversion recovery, and magnetization-prepared gradient echo for lesion count; (ii) T1, T2, and T2*relaxometry and magnetisation transfer imaging for lesion tissue characterization. Lesions were classified according to the extent of inflammation/neurodegeneration. A generalized linear model assessed the contribution of lesion groups to clinical performances.Results. Four lesion groups were identified and characterized by (1) absence of significant alterations, (2) prevalent inflammation, (3) concomitant inflammation and microdegeneration, and (4) prevalent tissue loss. Groups 1, 3, 4 correlated with general disability (Adj-R2=0.6;P=0.0005), executive function (Adj-R2=0.5;P=0.004), verbal memory (Adj-R2=0.4;P=0.02), and attention (Adj-R2=0.5;P=0.002).Conclusion. Multicontrast MRI provides a new approach to inferin vivohistopathology of plaques. Our results support evidence that neurodegeneration is the major determinant of patients’ disability and cognitive dysfunction.
Antenatal Diagnosis of a Rare Neural Tube Defect: Sincipital Encephalocele
Authors: Kehila Mehdi , Ghades Sana , Abouda Hassine Saber , Masmoudi Aida , Chanoufi Mohamed Badis
Published: July 2015

Context. Fetal sincipital encephalocele is one of the most serious congenital neural tube defects with a high risk of mortality and neonatal morbidity. Prenatal diagnosis of this malformation is important in fetal medicine.Case Report. We report a case of prenatal diagnosis of sincipital encephalocele using ultrasound and MRI imaging. The diagnosis was done at 25 weeks of gestation by identifying an anterior cephalic protrusion through a defect in the skull.Conclusion. Through this case, we discuss the differential diagnosis, management, and prognosis of such lesions.
A Comparison of Food Supply from 1984 to 2009 and Degree of Dietary Westernization in Taiwan with Asian Countries and World Continents
Authors: Peng Cheau-Jane , Lin Cheng-Yao , Guo How-Ran
Published: July 2015

Objective. To compare quality, quantity, and trends of food supply from 1984 to 2009 and degree of food westernization in Taiwan with Asian countries and world continents by using food balance data.Methods. We compiled data from food balance sheets of Taiwan and Food and Agriculture Organization, including five continents and three most populated countries each in Eastern, Southern, and Southeastern Asia over the period 1984–2009. Quantity of food supply per capita was referenced to Taiwan food guides. The population-weighted means of food supply from Europe, North America, South America, and Australia and New Zealand continents in terms of energy and nutrient distributions, animal/plant sources, and sugar/alcohol contribution were used as indicators of westernization. Trends of food supply per capita of six food groups were plotted, and linear regression was applied to evaluate food changes.Findings. Taiwan’s food supply provided sufficient quantity in food energy, with the lowest cereals/roots supply and rice to wheat ratio, but the highest meat and oil supplies per capita among the 10 studied Asian countries. Taiwan food supply showed the most westernization among these countries.Conclusion. Food supply of Taiwan, although currently sufficient, indicated some security problems and high tendency of diet westernization.
Exact Static Analysis of In-Plane Curved Timoshenko Beams with Strong Nonlinear Boundary Conditions
Authors: Lee Sen-Yung , Yan Qian-Zhi
Published: July 2015

Analytical solutions have been developed for nonlinear boundary problems. In this paper, the shifting function method is applied to develop the static deflection of in-plane curved Timoshenko beams with nonlinear boundary conditions. Three coupled governing differential equations are derived via the Hamilton’s principle. The mathematical modeling of the curved beam system can be decomposed into a complete sixth-order ordinary differential characteristic equation and the associated boundary conditions. It is shown that the proposed method is valid and performs well for problems with strong nonlinearity.
A Hybrid Algorithm of GA + Simplex Method in the WSN Localization
Authors: Wang Feng , Wang Cong , Wang ZiZhong , Zhang Xue-ying
Published: July 2015

Localization provides the key support for wireless sensor networks (WSNs). In order to solve the large-error problem in the third phase and the poor position accuracy of the least square method in the weighted DV-Hop algorithm, a hybrid algorithm of GA + simplex method was proposed in this paper. The weighted DV-Hop position algorithm was applied to estimate the distance between the unknown node and the anchor node in the first and second phase. In the third phase, a hybrid genetic algorithm with the simplex method was proposed to optimize the coordinates of the unknown nodes. In the hybrid genetic algorithm, a fitness function which combined the cost function with the penalty function was built, and the simplex method was used to increase the local search ability of the algorithm. Experiments show that both of the localization accuracy and network coverage rate are improved significantly, and the hybrid algorithm of GA + simplex method is suitable for the WSN localization.
Bilateral Ureteral Obstruction in Children after Appendectomy
Authors: Grande M. , Lisi G. , Bianchi D. , Bove P. , Miano R. , Esser A. , De Sanctis F. , Neri A. , Grande S. , Villa M.
Published: July 2015

Acute renal failure due to bilateral ureteral obstruction is a rare complication after appendectomy in children. We report a case of bilateral ureteric obstruction in a 14-year-old boy nine days after surgery for an acute appendicitis. After saline-filling of the urinary bladder, transabdominal ultrasound demonstrated bilateral hydronephrosis of moderate degree. No abscess was found with CT but presence of millimetric stones on both distal ureters was shown, with bilateral calyceal dilatation. Cystoscopy revealed inflammatory changes in the bladder base. Following introduction of bilateral ureteric stents, there was rapid normalisation of urinary output and serum creatinine.
Cocaine Causes Apoptotic Death in Rat Mesencephalon and Striatum Primary Cultures
Authors: Lepsch Lucilia B. , Planeta Cleopatra S. , Scavone Critoforo
Published: July 2015

To study cocaine’s toxic effectsin vitro, we have used primary mesencephalic and striatal cultures from rat embryonic brain. Treatment with cocaine causes a dramatic increase in DNA fragmentation in both primary cultures. The toxicity induced by cocaine was paralleled with a concomitant decrease in the microtubule associated protein 2 (MAP2) and/or neuronal nucleus protein (NeuN) staining. We also observed in both cultures that the cell death caused by cocaine was induced by an apoptotic mechanism, confirmed by TUNEL assay. Therefore, the present paper shows that cocaine causes apoptotic cell death and inhibition of the neurite prolongation in striatal and mesencephalic cell culture. These data suggest that if similar neuronal damage could be produced in the developing human brain, it could account for the qualitative or quantitative defects in neuronal pathways that cause a major handicap in brain function following prenatal exposure to cocaine.
An Efficient Optimization Method for Solving Unsupervised Data Classification Problems
Authors: Shabanzadeh Parvaneh , Yusof Rubiyah
Published: July 2015

Unsupervised data classification (or clustering) analysis is one of the most useful tools and a descriptive task in data mining that seeks to classify homogeneous groups of objects based on similarity and is used in many medical disciplines and various applications. In general, there is no single algorithm that is suitable for all types of data, conditions, and applications. Each algorithm has its own advantages, limitations, and deficiencies. Hence, research for novel and effective approaches for unsupervised data classification is still active. In this paper a heuristic algorithm, Biogeography-Based Optimization (BBO) algorithm, was adapted for data clustering problems by modifying the main operators of BBO algorithm, which is inspired from the natural biogeography distribution of different species. Similar to other population-based algorithms, BBO algorithm starts with an initial population of candidate solutions to an optimization problem and an objective function that is calculated for them. To evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithm assessment was carried on six medical and real life datasets and was compared with eight well known and recent unsupervised data classification algorithms. Numerical results demonstrate that the proposed evolutionary optimization algorithm is efficient for unsupervised data classification.
Acute Portomesenteric Venous Thrombosis following Laparoscopic Small Bowel Resection and Ventral Hernia Repair
Authors: Sivasambu Bhradeev , Yogarajah Meera , Wilson Thomas
Published: July 2015

Acute portomesenteric venous thrombosis is a rare but life-threatening complication of laparoscopic surgery that has been described in literature. Prompt diagnosis and early initiation of treatment are vital to prevent life-threatening complications such as mesenteric ischemia and infarction. A 51-year-old lady had laparoscopic small bowel resection and primary anastomosis with ventral hernia repair 4 weeks earlier for partial small bowel obstruction. Her postoperative period was uneventful and she was discharged home. Four weeks after surgery she developed watery diarrhea and generalized abdominal pain for four-day duration. A computed tomography of the abdomen revealed portomesenteric venous thrombosis although a computed tomography of abdomen before surgery 4 weeks back did not show any portomesenteric venous thrombosis. We are reporting a case of acute portomesenteric venous thrombosis as a complication of laparoscopic surgery.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid Attenuates Cerebral Ischemia and Reperfusion Injury via Insulin Receptor and PI3K/Akt-Dependent Inhibition of NADPH Oxidase
Authors: Dong Yinhua , Wang Hongxin , Chen Zefeng
Published: July 2015

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) has various pharmacological effects such as antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic properties. In the present study, administration of ALA (40 mg/kg, i.p.) for 3 days resulted in a significant decrease in neuronal deficit score and infarct volume and a significant increase in grip time and latency time in Morris water maze at 48 h after middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion (MCAO/R) in rats. ALA also reduced the increased TUNEL-positive cells rate and the enhanced caspase-3 activity induced by MCAO/R. However, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, we found that ALA could activate insulin receptor and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways, inhibit the expression and activity of NADPH oxidase, and subsequently suppress the generation of superoxide and the augment of oxidative stress indicators including MDA, protein carbonylation, and 8-OHdG. In conclusion, ALA attenuates cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury via insulin receptor and PI3K/Akt-dependent inhibition of NADPH oxidase.
Synthesis and Characterization with Antineoplastic, Biochemical, Cytotoxic, and Antimicrobial Studies of Schiff Base Cu(II) Ion Complexes
Authors: Haque M. M. , Kudrat-E-Zahan Md. , Banu Laila Arjuman , Islam Md. Shariful , Islam M. S.
Published: July 2015

Copper(II) complexes containing two Schiff base ligands derived from 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde with 2-aminophenol and 3-aminophenol have been synthesized and characterized by means of analytical, magnetic, and spectroscopic methods. Bacteria, fungus,Entamoeba histolytica, and antineoplastic activities of the synthesized complexes have been determined by monitoring the parameters cell growth inhibition, survival time of tumour mice, time-body relation, causing of intraperitoneal cells and macrophages, alkaline phosphatase activity, hematological effect, and biopsy of tumour.
A Dirichlet Process Mixture Based Name Origin Clustering and Alignment Model for Transliteration
Authors: Zhang Chunyue , Zhao Tiejun , Li Tingting
Published: July 2015

In machine transliteration, it is common that the transliterated names in the target language come from multiple language origins. A conventional maximum likelihood based single model can not deal with this issue very well and often suffers from overfitting. In this paper, we exploit a coupled Dirichlet process mixture model (cDPMM) to address overfitting and names multiorigin cluster issues simultaneously in the transliteration sequence alignment step over the name pairs. After the alignment step, the cDPMM clusters name pairs into many groups according to their origin information automatically. In the decoding step, in order to use the learned origin information sufficiently, we use a cluster combination method (CCM) to build clustering-specific transliteration models by combining small clusters into large ones based on the perplexities of name language and transliteration model, which makes sure each origin cluster has enough data for training a transliteration model. On the three different Western-Chinese multiorigin names corpora, the cDPMM outperforms two state-of-the-art baseline models in terms of both the top-1 accuracy and mean F-score, and furthermore the CCM significantly improves the cDPMM.
Output Feedback and Single-Phase Sliding Mode Control for Complex Interconnected Systems
Authors: Tsai Yao-Wen , Huynh Van Van
Published: July 2015

This paper generalized a new sliding mode control (SMC) without reaching phase to solve two important problems in the stability of complex interconnected systems: (1) a decentralized controller that uses only output variables directly and (2) the stability of complex interconnected systems ensured for all time. A new sliding surface is firstly designed to construct a single-phase SMC in which the desired motion is determined from the initial time instant. A new lemma is secondly established for the controller design using only output variables. The proposed single-phase SMC and the decentralized output feedback controller ensure the robust stability of complex interconnected systems from the beginning to the end. One of the key features of the single phase SMC scheme is that reaching time, which is required in most of the existing two phases of SMC approaches to stabilize the interconnected systems, is removed. Finally, a numerical example is used to demonstrate the efficacy of the method.
Maximizing the Therapeutic Potential of HSP90 Inhibitors
Authors: Butler Lisa M. , Ferraldeschi Roberta , Armstrong Heather K. , Centenera Margaret M. , Workman Paul
Published: July 2015

HSP90 is required for maintaining the stability and activity of a diverse group of client proteins, including protein kinases, transcription factors, and steroid hormone receptors involved in cell signaling, proliferation, survival, oncogenesis, and cancer progression. Inhibition of HSP90 alters the HSP90-client protein complex, leading to reduced activity, misfolding, ubiquitination, and, ultimately, proteasomal degradation of client proteins. HSP90 inhibitors have demonstrated significant antitumor activity in a wide variety of preclinical models, with evidence of selectivity for cancer versus normal cells. In the clinic, however, the efficacy of this class of therapeutic agents has been relatively limited to date, with promising responses mainly observed in breast and lung cancer, but no major activity seen in other tumor types. In addition, adverse events and some significant toxicities have been documented. Key to improving these clinical outcomes is a better understanding of the cellular consequences of inhibiting HSP90 that may underlie treatment response or resistance. This review considers the recent progress that has been made in the study of HSP90 and its inhibitors and highlights new opportunities to maximize their therapeutic potential. Mol Cancer Res; 13(11); 1445–51. ©2015 AACR.
A Hierarchical Generalized Linear Model in Combination with Dispersion Modeling to Improve Sib-Pair Linkage Analysis
Authors: Lee Woojoo , Kim Jeonghwan , Lee Youngjo , Park Taesung , Suh Young Ju
Published: July 2015

Objective: We explored a hierarchical generalized linear model (HGLM) in combination with dispersion modeling to improve the sib-pair linkage analysis based on the revised Haseman-Elston regression model for a quantitative trait. Methods: A dispersion modeling technique was investigated for sib-pair linkage analysis using simulation studies and real data applications. We considered 4 heterogeneous dispersion settings according to a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in the various statistical models based on the Haseman-Elston regression model. Results: Our numerical studies demonstrated that susceptibility loci could be detected well by modeling the dispersion parameter appropriately. In particular, the HGLM had better performance than the linear regression model and the ordinary linear mixed model when the SNR is low, i.e., when substantial noise was present in the data. Conclusion: The study shows that the HGLM in combination with dispersion modeling can be utilized to identify multiple markers showing linkage to familial complex traits accurately. Appropriate dispersion modeling might be more powerful to identify markers closest to the major genes which determine a quantitative trait.
The Big Bluff of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Diagnosis: The Role of Neurodegenerative Disease Mimics
Authors: Bicchi Ilaria , Emiliani Carla , Vescovi Angelo , Martino Sabata
Published: July 2015

Neurodegenerative diseases include a significant number of pathologies affecting the nervous system. Generally, the primary cause of each disease is specific; however, recently, it was shown that they may be correlated at molecular level. This aspect, together with the exhibition of similar symptoms, renders the diagnosis of these disorders difficult. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is one of these pathologies. Herein, we report several cases of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis misdiagnosed as a consequence of features that are common to several neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's, Huntington's and Alzheimer's disease, spinal muscular atrophy, progressive bulbar palsy, spastic paraplegia and frontotemporal dementia, and mostly with the lysosomal storage disorder GM2 gangliosidosis. Overall reports highlight that the differential diagnosis for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis should include correlated mechanisms.
A Tale of Two Occupations
Authors: Aldous Christopher
Published: July 2015

This article explores divisions over hunting game in postwar Japan, illuminating a neglected aspect of the u.s. Occupation—namely the interrelationship between General Headquarters, Armed Forces Pacific (ghq, afpac), its military organization, and the more familiar General Headquarters, Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers (ghq, scap), with the primary mission of democratic reform. It also examines the previously overlooked work of scap’s Natural Resources Section, particularly its wildlife branch under its leader Oliver Austin, who clashed with members of the u.s. military over the need to restrict their hunting activities. A keen ornithologist, Austin worked hard to uphold a conservation program based on sound economic and ecological principles, viewing the mist netting of small insectivorous birds for food as counter-productive in agricultural terms. In contrast, he regarded the netting of waterfowl on special preserves where shooting was illegal as an efficient and sustainable means of harvesting game for domestic consumption. Members of the u.s. military objected to such limits, choosing to shoot in protected areas despite the damage done to the livelihoods of Japanese netting communities. The behavior of these Americans, who resented any restrictions on their leisure activities, reveals a colonial mindset that supported the belief that u.s. military control over Japan excused them from complying with Japanese laws.
Leadership Accountability in Islam: Islamic Standards for Holding the Executive Accountable for Official Misconduct
Authors: Abdelaal Mohamed
Published: July 2015

This paper seeks to refute a common belief that the ruler in Islam is unchecked and that he serves for life regardless of any official misconduct he may commit by providing a religious basis for the concept of political accountability through the investigation of the concept of presidential impeachment in Islam. In doing so, the article first sheds significant light on the Caliphate system of governance, the rights and duties of the Caliph, his legal status, and the inauguration process. Further, the article introduces the conflicting views regarding the issue of removing the ruler in the context of Islamic jurisprudence, examines the role of the Islamic scholars in redressing the ruler and correcting the official misconduct, and sheds light on the Islamic alternatives of impeachment and the extent to which they differ from what is known in modern constitutional doctrines.
Shaping Global Sustainability in the Umbrella of “Comprehensive Globalisation”—Germany’s Role
Authors: Messner Dirk
Published: July 2015

The current confrontation of irreconcilable concepts of global order poses a serious threat to international cooperation in crucial areas of global governance. German foreign policy faces many challenges in an international system characterised by “comprehensive globalisation”. This global constellation however also implies the great opportunity to establish new patterns of cooperation via transformative alliances with emerging actors of international politics. In this way, Germany could play a substantial transformative role in the global agenda for sustainability.
Eriophyoid mite fauna (Acari: Trombidiformes: Eriophyoidea) of Turkey: new species, new distribution reports and an updated catalogue
Authors: DENIZHAN EVSEL , MONFREDA ROSITA , LILLO ENRICO DE , ÇOBANOĞLU SULTAN
Published: July 2015

More than one hundred species of Eriophyoidea have been recorded hitherto from Turkey. Within the last decade, a large plant survey was carried out in order to investigate the eriophyoid fauna present in Turkey, with particular emphasis on species affecting weeds and ornamental plants. In addition, the Turkish literature has been examined for previous records of eriophyoid mites. New species, Paraphytoptus intybi n. sp. on common cichory, Cichorium intybus (Compositae) and Phytoptus albae n. sp. on white poplar, Populus alba (Salicaceae), are described and illustrated herein. In addition, a further 31 species were found to be new records for the eriophyoid fauna of Turkey with Aceria calaceris, Phyllocoptes didelphis and Vasates immigrans being new reports for the Palaearctic region. All known eriophyoid species records from Turkey appearing in papers published up until March 2013 are listed in this catalogue along with remarks and information on their current distribution in Turkey and taxonomic status.