bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A validated stability‐indicating ultra performance liquid chromatography method for the determination of potential process‐related impurities in eplerenone
Authors: Du Mingluo , Pan Chunyan , Chen Jing , Song Min , Zhu Tingting , Hang Taijun
Published: June 2016

A simple, sensitive, and accurate stability‐indicating analytical method has been developed and validated using ultra high performance liquid chromatography. The developed method is used to evaluate the related substances of eplerenone (EP). The degradation behavior of EP under stress conditions was determined, and the major degradants were identified by ultra high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. The chromatographic conditions were optimized using an impurity‐spiked solution, and the samples, generated from forced degradation studies. The resolution of EP, its potential impurities, and its degradation products was performed on a Waters UPLC BEH C18 column (50 × 2.1 mm, 1.7 μm) by linear gradient elution using a mobile phase consisting of 10 mmol/L ammonium acetate adjusted to pH 4.5, methanol and acetonitrile. A photo‐diode array detector set at 245 nm was used for detection. The flow rate was set at 0.3 mL/min. The procedure had good specificity, linearity (0.02–3.14 μg/mL), recovery (96.1–103.9%), limit of detection (0.01–0.02 μg/mL), limit of quantitation (0.03–0.05 μg/mL), and robustness. The correction factors of the process‐related substances were calculated.
Recurrence of autoimmune liver disease and inflammatory bowel disease after pediatric liver transplantation
Authors: Liberal Rodrigo , Vergani Diego , Mieli‐Vergani Giorgina
Published: June 2016

Approximately 10% of children with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and 30% of those with sclerosing cholangitis (SC) require liver transplantation (LT). LT is indicated in patients who present with fulminant hepatic failure (ie, with encephalopathy) and in those who develop end‐stage liver disease despite treatment. After LT, recurrent AIH is reported in approximately 30% of patients and recurrent SC in up to 50%. Diagnosis of recurrence is based on biochemical abnormalities, seropositivity for autoantibodies, interface hepatitis on histology, steroid dependence, and, for SC, presence of cholangiopathy. Recurrence of SC after LT is often associated with poorly controlled inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Recurrence may even appear years after LT; therefore, steroid‐based immunosuppression should be maintained at a higher dose than that used for patients transplanted for nonautoimmune liver diseases. Although the impact of recurrent disease on graft function is controversial, it seems that in pediatric LT recipients recurrence of AIH or SC is associated with compromised graft survival. Exacerbation of preexistent IBD may be observed after LT for SC or AIH, and IBD appears to have a more aggressive course than before LT. In addition, IBD can develop de novo following LT. Liver Transplantation 22 1275–1283 2016 AASLD
Chang's meaning of capacitation: A molecular perspective
Authors: Gervasi Maria Gracia , Visconti Pablo E.
Published: June 2016

Dr. Min Chue Chang's contributions to the field of reproductive biology set the stage for the development of the contraceptive pill and in vitro fertilization. Throughout his publications, Dr. Chang was also able to transmit his view of the fertilization process in ways that organized research for newer generations of reproductive biologists. Particularly relevant for the achievement of in vitro fertilization in mammals was the discovery that the sperm required a period of residence in the female tract to become fertilization‐competent; Dr. Chang and Dr. Austin, in Australia, independently reported this process, now known as sperm capacitation. This review discusses Dr. Chang's views on capacitation, and puts them in the context of recent advances in the understanding of the molecular basis of this process. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 83: 860–874, 2016 © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The roles of gender and personality factors in vandalism and scrawl‐graffiti among Swedish adolescents
Authors: Nordmarker Anki , Hjärthag Fredrik , Perrin‐Wallqvist Renée , Archer Trevor
Published: June 2016

A total of 360 upper secondary school students in Sweden were divided into three grouping variables: gender (male, female), vandalism (involved, not involved), and scrawl‐graffiti (involved, not involved). Relevant to the discussion of whether or not scrawl‐graffiti may be construed as vandalism or art, the aim of the study was to explore whether or not personality factors known to be linked to vandalism in general (such as impulsivity, affectivity, emotional disability, and optimism) are related also to involvement in scrawl‐graffiti, and, furthermore, how the gender factor relates to vandalism and scrawl‐graffiti, respectively. The analysis showed that impulsiveness was a significant variable related to vandalism as well as to scrawl‐graffiti. Further analysis indicated that vandalism was predicted by non‐planning impulsiveness whereas scrawl‐graffiti was predicted by motor impulsiveness. Analyses showed also that there were significant gender differences related to both vandalism and scrawl‐graffiti, whereby male participants were significantly more involved in vandalism than female participants, while the latter were significantly more involved in scrawl‐graffiti than the former.
Carbon nanotube‐based thermoplastic polyurethane‐poly(methyl methacrylate) nanocomposites for pressure sensing applications
Authors: Imran Syed Muhammad , Shao Godlisten N. , Haider M. Salman , Hwang Hae Jin , Choa Yong‐Ho , Hussain Manwar , Kim Hee Taik
Published: June 2016

We have synthesized unique flexible pressure‐sensitive nanocomposites by means of a solution mixing method, by adding multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) into a thermoplastic urethane (TPU) matrix along with poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) microbeads of various sizes. The influence of the various PMMA bead sizes on the pressure sensing properties of the nanocomposites was studied over a range of pressures. The PMMA microbeads were used to achieve an early percolation threshold at low loadings of MWCNTs. We used scanning electron microscopy to study the nanocomposites' morphology, and conducted differential scanning calorimetry analyses to investigate their thermal properties. The nanocomposites' electrical and thermal conductivities were also measured under various applied pressures. The nanocomposites displayed repeatable electrical responses under various applied pressures, demonstrating their suitability for use as pressure sensing materials. The proposed material is an ideal candidate for use in the preparation of pressure‐sensitive devices. POLYM. ENG. SCI. 56:1031–1036, 2016. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
High performance InGaZnO‐based Schottky diodes fabricated at room temperature
Authors: Yan Linlong , Xin Qian , Du Lulu , Zhang Jiawei , Luo Yi , Wang Qingpu , Song Aimin
Published: June 2016

Recently, Indium gallium zinc oxide (InGaZnO or IGZO) has attracted much attention for flexible and transparent electronics, because of its superior electric properties, optical transparency and low processing temperature. In this work, Schottky diodes with a structure of Pd/IGZO/Ti/Au were fabricated by radio‐frequency magnetron sputtering at room temperature without any thermal treatment. The optimised diode with a 66‐nm‐IGZO layer shows an extremely large barrier height (1.02 eV), a very high rectification ratio (> 8.5 × 107), and a close to unit ideality factor (1.23). Our results suggest that Pd and IGZO can form very high quality Schottky contact with a large barrier height, extremely low defects density and high uniformity. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The Effect of Intercritical Annealing on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Ferritic–Martensitic Two‐Phase Steels
Authors: Wolf Lars Oliver , Nürnberger Florian , Rodman Dmytro , Maier Hans Jürgen
Published: June 2016

Modified press‐hardening processes are very attractive for manufacturing safety‐relevant vehicle body parts from steels with martensitic–ferritic microstructures. In the process developed, the formation of the two‐phase microstructure and the hot sheet forming simultaneously occur subsequently to an intercritical annealing. By contrast, previously used process chains do not integrate setting of a multi‐phase microstructure within the forming step. In order to successfully combine the intercritical annealing with the actual forming, comprehensive knowledge of the microstructural evolution and the resulting mechanical properties is needed. Specifically, different heat‐treating routes are used to obtain different microstructures of ferritic–martensitic dual‐phase steels and partial martensitic steels. As a result of intercritical annealing in the temperature range of Ac1–Ac3, it is possible to vary the martensite volume fractions from 7 to 96 vol%. The data obtained can be employed for numerically describing the microstructural transformation and for designing the heat treatment process. It is demonstrated that this combined process allows for designing steels that feature properties that are similar to complex‐phase steels.
Umnutzung von Bestandskranbahnen (Teil 1)
Authors: Seeßelberg Christoph
Published: June 2016

Bestehende Kranbahnen für eine zukünftige andere Nutzung zu ertüchtigen ist eine Aufgabe, der sich Tragwerksplaner oft stellen müssen. Nach der Feststellung des Zustands der Kranbahn kann entschieden werden, ob ihrem Austausch gegenüber ihrer Instandsetzung und Weiternutzung der Vorzug zu geben ist. In diesem ersten Teil des Beitrages wird eine Vielzahl von Optionen vorgestellt, die geeignet sein könnten, die Voraussetzungen für eine Weiternutzung der Kranbahn zu schaffen. Die Querschnittsverstärkung ist eine naheliegende, aber sicherlich nicht die einzige und oft auch nicht die beste Lösung. Bauliche Veränderungen und/oder lastmindernde Steuerungen des Krans können in vielen Fällen eine Weiternutzung der gegebenenfalls instandgesetzten aber unveränderten Kranbahn ermöglichen.

In einem zweiten Teil des Beitrages steht die Ermüdungssicherheit im Fokus. Bei ermüdungsmäßig schwer beanspruchten Kranbahnträgern kann das Werkstoffgefüge durch frühere Beanspruchungen bereits vorgeschädigt sein, selbst wenn keine Risse erkennbar sind. Es werden Wege aufgezeigt, wie sich eine Schadenssummation aus vergangener und zukünftiger Nutzung durchführen lässt, um die noch verfügbare Lebensdauer der Kranbahn abzuschätzen. Die Annahmen über die Schwere des Kranbetriebs, die in der Planungsphase einer Kranbahn zu treffen sind, erweisen sich im Nachhinein manchmal als zu ungünstig. Dann kann eine Neueinstufung der Kranbahn in eine andere Beanspruchungsklasse (BK) angemessen sein. Eine niedrigere BK bedeutet für eine Bestandskonstruktion eine längere Nutzungsdauer.

New usage of existing crane runways. Strengthening of existing crane runways for future use is a common problem to be solved by structural engineers. After determination of their technical condition it has to be decided whether replacement of the crane runway is necessary or repair and further usage of the girder are possible. In the first part of the article a wide range of options is presented, that might be capable of creating conditions for the further use of the crane runway. To increase the cross section of the crane runway is an obvious way, but not the only one and in some cases not even the best. To enable a further usage of the crane runway, some details of the crane design can be changed or electronically the way the crane rolls and handles payloads.

The second part of the article focusses on the fatigue strength of crane runways. The material structure of crane runways with heavy fatigue loading may be pre‐damaged due to the previous usage even if there are no cracks detected. Possibilities are shown on how to combine the fatigue damage caused by previous and further use to estimate the remaining life of the crane runway. In retrospect the assumptions concerning the severity of the fatigue loading, which have to be made during the planning process of the crane runway, sometimes turn out as to be too unfavourable. In those cases, a reclassification of the crane fatigue loading can be possible. A lower classification of the crane causes a longer period of use.
Ermittlung der Vorkrümmungen e0 für die Berechnung von Aluminiumtragwerken nach DIN EN 1999‐1‐1 nach Theorie II. Ordnung
Authors: Saal Helmut , Misiek Thomas , Höglund Torsten
Published: June 2016

Für den Tragfähigkeitsnachweis nach Theorie II. Ordnung wird der Stich e0 der Vorkrümmungen der Einzelstäbe benötigt. In dem Nationalen Anhang DIN EN 1999‐1‐1/NA/A1 wird als NDP zu 5.3.2(3) beschrieben, wie dieser ermittelt werden darf. Es werden die Gleichungen für die auf die Stablänge L bezogene Vorkrümmung e0/L für sechs verschiede Querschnittsformen, die ein breites Spektrum abdecken, für lineare Interaktionsbeziehungen sowie für nichtlineare Interaktionsbeziehungen hergeleitet. Die hergeleiteten Gleichungen stellen e0/L als Funktion von Faktoren dar, von denen der erste den Querschnitt, der zweite die Streckgrenze fo und der dritte die bezogene Schlankheit, Knickklasse und Interaktionsbeziehung erfasst. Die numerische Auswertung dieser Gleichungen ergibt ungünstigste Grenzwerte von e0/L, die aber angesichts des großen Spektrums der Parameter im Allgemeinen so weit auf der sicheren Seite liegen, dass die Anwendung der zugrunde liegenden Gleichungen empfohlen wird. Für Stäbe mit über den Querschnitt infolge WEZ veränderlicher Streckgrenze fo werden die Berechnungsmöglichkeiten am Beispiel eines dünnwandigen Kreisrohres dargestellt.

Determination of initial bow imperfections e0 for second‐order analysis of aluminum structures according to EN 1999‐1‐1. The initial bow imperfection e0 is required if structures are designed with the internal forces and moments from second‐order analysis. The National Annex DIN EN 1999‐1‐1/NA/A1 as a NDP to 5.3.2(3) of DIN EN 1999‐1‐1 describes how e0 may be calculated. Based on this, formulae are derived for calculating the relative initial bow imperfections e0/L for six very different types of cross sections which cover a very wide range. Linear as well as nonlinear M‐N‐interaction relations are used depending on the type of cross section. These formulae describe e0/L as product of functions of which the first depends on the cross section, the second on the proof strength fo and the third on relative slenderness, buckling class and interaction relation. The numerical evaluation of these formulae gives conservative limit values for e0/L. However, due to the wide range of the parameters these values will in general be that far on the safe side that the application of the formula with the relevant parameters is recommended. For members where fo due to the HAZ is variable over the cross section a linear and alternatively a nonlinear interaction relation may be used as safe approximation. This is demonstrated with a thin‐walled circular tube.
D‐Peptides as Recognition Molecules and Therapeutic Agents
Authors: Liu Min , Li Xue , Xie Zuoxu , Xie Cao , Zhan Changyou , Hu Xuefeng , Shen Qing , Wei Xiaoli , Su Bingxia , Wang Jing , Lu Weiyue
Published: June 2016

Over recent years, D‐peptides have attracted increasing attention. D‐peptides increase enzymatic stability, prolong the plasma half‐life, improve oral bioavailability, and enhance binding activity and specificity with receptor or target proteins, in comparison with the corresponding L‐peptide. Therefore, D‐peptides are considered to have potential as recognition molecules and therapeutic agents. This review focuses on the design and application of D‐peptides with biological activity.
Enantioselective Vinylogous Organocascade Reactions
Authors: Hepburn Hamish B. , Dell'Amico Luca , Melchiorre Paolo
Published: June 2016

Cascade reactions are powerful tools for rapidly assembling complex molecular architectures from readily available starting materials in a single synthetic operation. Their marriage with asymmetric organocatalysis has led to the development of novel techniques, which are now recognized as reliable strategies for the one‐pot enantioselective synthesis of stereochemically dense molecules. In recent years, even more complex synthetic challenges have been addressed by applying the principle of vinylogy to the realm of organocascade catalysis. The key to the success of vinylogous organocascade reactions is the unique ability of the chiral organocatalyst to transfer reactivity to a distal position without losing control on the stereo‐determining events. This approach has greatly expanded the synthetic horizons of the field by providing the possibility of forging multiple stereocenters in remote positions from the catalyst's point of action with high selectivity, while simultaneously constructing multiple new bonds. This article critically describes the developments achieved in the field of enantioselective vinylogous organocascade reactions, charting the ideas, the conceptual advances, and the milestone reactions that have been essential for reaching highly practical levels of synthetic efficiency.

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Utility of Japanese oriental medicine for the alternative target in the treating rheumatoid arthritis to target: 2014 recommendations update
Authors: Kogure Toshiaki , Harada Naoyuki , Yamamoto Kanoko , Tatsumi Takeshi , Kasahara Yuji
Published: June 2016

Aim

The therapeutic strategy for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has markedly changed over the past 10 years. The aim of this study was to describe the position of Japanese oriental (kampo) medicine (JOM) in the therapeutic strategy for RA, termed ‘treat to target’ by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR).

Methods

First we describe the 2014 ACR/EULAR recommendations update, then we consider the utility of JOM in the RA treatment algorithm, based on previous studies.

Results

There are two routes for treating RA in the updated 2014 algorithm: one is the main target and the other is the alternative target. JOM is often associated with the alternative target. Cases of representative RA patients (elderly RA patient with infectious disease and an RA patient with rectal cancer) are used as treatment examples. It may be difficult to clinically apply JOM to the main target, because it takes time for JOM to take effect.

Conclusion

Trends in the therapeutic strategy for RA, and the clinical application of JOM are demonstrated. Furthermore, standardization of the traditional diagnostic system to enable use of JOM for the main target in the treatment algorithm is discussed.
Re: Placental magnetic resonance imaging T2* measurements in normal pregnancies and in those complicated by fetal growth restriction. M. Sinding, D. A. Peters, J. B. Frøkjær, O. B. Christiansen, A. Petersen, N. Uldbjerg and A. Sørensen. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2016; 47: 748–754
Authors: Wikström J.
Published: June 2016

Linked Comment: Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2016; 47: 748–754
Insights into cardiac alterations after pre‐eclampsia: an echocardiographic study
Authors: Orabona R. , Vizzardi E. , Sciatti E. , Bonadei I. , Valcamonico A. , Metra M. , Frusca T.
Published: June 2016

Objectives

To investigate cardiovascular (CV) performance status several years after early‐onset (EO) or late‐onset (LO) pre‐eclampsia (PE), using echocardiography to assess myocardial strain and left ventricular (LV) torsional mechanics and ventricular–arterial coupling (VAC).

Methods

Thirty non‐pregnant women with a previous singleton pregnancy complicated by EO‐PE, 30 who had experienced LO‐PE and 30 controls underwent echocardiography with two‐dimensional (2D) speckle tracking between 6 months and 4 years after delivery and their findings were compared. All women were free from CV risk factors. VAC was defined as the ratio between aortic elastance (Ea) and LV end‐systolic elastance (Ees).

Results

Women in the EO‐PE group showed a persistent subclinical impairment in LV systole and a slight alteration in right ventricular function, with reductions in LV 2D strain (circumferential, radial and longitudinal) and right ventricular 2D strain and impairment of LV torsional mechanics, when compared both with women in the LO‐PE group and with healthy controls. Although VAC was within the normal range in the whole study cohort, its individual components Ea and Ees were significantly altered more often in the EO‐PE group than in both the LO‐PE group and controls. All parameters investigated (except right ventricular 2D strain) were associated independently with gestational age at the time of diagnosis of PE.

Conclusions

Women with a history of EO‐PE are more likely to have subclinical impairment of systolic biventricular function than are those with a history of LO‐PE and controls. The components of VAC (Ea and Ees) show subclinical alterations which are more significant in women with a history of EO‐PE than in those with a history of LO‐PE and controls, although VAC itself is maintained. Our study supports the use of closer CV monitoring in previously pre‐eclamptic women, particularly those in whom PE was preterm. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Total pregnancy loss after chorionic villus sampling and amniocentesis: a cohort study
Authors: Bakker M. , Birnie E. , Robles de Medina P. , Sollie K. M. , Pajkrt E. , Bilardo C. M.
Published: June 2016

Objectives

To identify maternal‐, operator‐ and procedure‐related variables that affect procedure‐related pregnancy loss after transcervical (TC) and transabdominal (TA) chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and amniocentesis and to estimate the rates of spontaneous and procedure‐related loss in comparable subgroups of women.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study conducted at the University Medical Center Groningen and the Academic Medical Center, The Netherlands. Databases of both centers were searched to identify singleton pregnancies that had undergone a combined test and/or anomaly scan at around 20 weeks' gestation, or an invasive procedure (CVS and/or amniocentesis) between January 2001 and December 2011. Maternal characteristics, obstetric history, technical aspects of the invasive procedure, ultrasound examinations and fetal and neonatal outcomes were available for 29 201 cases. Women were categorized, according to the type of examination they had received, into the following five groups: first‐trimester combined test (and 20‐week anomaly scan); 20‐week anomaly scan only; CVS; amniocentesis; amniocentesis after unsuccessful CVS. Rates of fetal loss were compared between groups.

Results

Variables significantly associated with a higher rate of fetal loss were, for CVS, repeat attempts during the procedure, use of TC cannula instead of biopsy forceps, gestational age at procedure ≥ 13 weeks and a pregnancy after assisted reproductive techniques, and, for amniocentesis, if indication was fetal anomaly or family history of anomalies and repeat attempts during the procedure. In women aged ≥ 36 years who did not undergo an invasive procedure, spontaneous fetal loss rate (FLR) after first‐trimester combined test was 1.40%, whereas after CVS, FLR was 2.76% and 2.43% for a TC and TA approach, respectively. The additional risk of fetal loss with TC‐CVS was therefore 1.36% (1 : 74), which varied according to the instrument used (0.27% for forceps and 3.12% for cannula), and with TA‐CVS was 1.03% (1 : 97). In women aged ≥ 36 years who underwent a 20‐week anomaly scan only, spontaneous FLR was 0.63%. In women who underwent amniocentesis solely because of advanced maternal age, FLR was 1.11%. The additional risk of fetal loss with amniocentesis was 0.48% (1 : 208).

Conclusion

The total rate of procedure‐related fetal loss after TA‐ and TC‐CVS and amniocentesis appears lower than the risks on which women are currently counseled. There was a trend for a decrease in risk when the level of experience of the operator increased. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Climate change as a ‘hyperobject’: a critical review of Timothy Morton's reframing narrative
Authors: Boulton Elizabeth
Published: June 2016

Climate policy, climate communication and cognitive science researches have identified that better ways of conveying the climate change story are needed; specifically, a new frame or narrative is required. There are also increasing calls for the arts and humanities to play a greater role in the ‘meaning‐making’ task around climate change. Philosopher and literary theorist Timothy Morton has created a new approach, one which frames global warming as a ‘hyperobject’. Morton's work demonstrates the value of artistic and philosophical approaches in helping people perceive climate change, as well as understand how it may feel. It opens up a potentially crucial discussion about ontology (the study of ‘Being’ and existence) illuminating the difficult emotional and conceptual territory humans must cross. His work is intended to awaken people abruptly but debate exists as to whether Morton's approach is too harsh and disempowering, or whether it is the spur required for humans to adjust cognitively and emotionally to a new climate reality. Morton's frame vividly captures human vulnerability, but his association of vulnerability with shame and humiliation is concerning. Morton's narrative style, brilliantly evocative at times, is at others contentiously obscure. While this engenders what may be a necessary experience of dislocation, it also risks rendering his more valuable ideas impenetrable to many readers. WIREs Clim Change 2016, 7:772–785. doi: 10.1002/wcc.410

This article is categorized under:

Trans‐Disciplinary Perspectives > Humanities and the Creative Arts
An underwater acoustic communication scheme exploiting biological sounds
Authors: ElMoslimany Ahmad , Zhou Meng , Duman Tolga M. , Papandreou‐Suppappola Antonia
Published: June 2016

Underwater acoustic (UWA) communications have attracted a lot of interest in recent years motivated by a wide range of applications including offshore oil field exploration and monitoring, oceanographic data collection, environmental monitoring, disaster prevention, and port security. Different signaling solutions have been developed to date including non‐coherent communications, phase coherent systems, multi‐input and multi‐output solutions, time‐reversal‐based communication systems, and multi‐carrier transmission approaches. This paper deviates from the traditional approaches to UWA communications and develops a scheme that exploits biomimetic signals. In the proposed scheme, a transmitter maps the information bits to the parameters of a biomimetic signal, which is transmitted over the channel. The receiver estimates the parameters of the received signal and demaps them back to bits to estimate the message. As exemplary biomimetic signals, analytical signal models with nonlinear instantaneous frequency are developed that match mammal sound signatures in the time‐frequency plane are developed. Suitable receiver structures as well as performance analysis are provided for the proposed transmission scheme, and some results using data recorded during the Kauai Acomms MURI 2011 UWA communications experiment are presented. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Unified routing protocol based on passive bandwidth measurement in heterogeneous WMNs
Authors: Li Zhimin , Wang Hai , Dong Chao , Wu Fan , Yu Weibo
Published: June 2016

The past few years have witnessed a surge of wireless mesh networks (WMNs)‐based applications and heterogeneous WMNs are taking advantage of multiple radio interfaces to improve network performance. Although many routing protocols have been proposed for heterogeneous WMNs, most of them mainly relied on hierarchical or cluster techniques, which result in high routing overhead and performance degradation due to low utilization of wireless links. This is because only gateway nodes are aware of all the network resources. In contrast, a unified routing protocol (e.g., optimal link state routing (OLSR)), which treats the nodes and links equally, can avoid the performance bottleneck incurred by gateway nodes. However, OLSR has to pay the price for unification, that is, OLSR introduces a great amount of routing overhead for broadcasting routing message on every interface. In this paper, we propose unified routing protocol (URP), which is based on passive bandwidth measurement for heterogeneous WMNs. Firstly, we use the available bandwidth as a metric of the unification and propose a low‐cost passive available bandwidth estimation method to calculate expected transmission time that can capture the dynamics of wireless link more accurately. Secondly, based on the estimated available bandwidth, we propose a multipoint relays selection algorithm to achieve higher transmission ability and to help accelerate the routing message diffusion. Finally, instead of broadcasting routing message on all channels, nodes running URP transmit routing message on a set of selected high bandwidth channels. Results from extensive simulations show that URP helps improve the network throughput and to reduce the routing overhead compared with OLSR and hierarchical routing. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mathematical models of breast and ovarian cancers
Authors: Botesteanu Dana‐Adriana , Lipkowitz Stanley , Lee Jung‐Min , Levy Doron
Published: June 2016

Women constitute the majority of the aging United States (US) population, and this has substantial implications on cancer population patterns and management practices. Breast cancer is the most common women's malignancy, while ovarian cancer is the most fatal gynecological malignancy in the US. In this review, we focus on these subsets of women's cancers, seen more commonly in postmenopausal and elderly women. In order to systematically investigate the complexity of cancer progression and response to treatment in breast and ovarian malignancies, we assert that integrated mathematical modeling frameworks viewed from a systems biology perspective are needed. Such integrated frameworks could offer innovative contributions to the clinical women's cancers community, as answers to clinical questions cannot always be reached with contemporary clinical and experimental tools. Here, we recapitulate clinically known data regarding the progression and treatment of the breast and ovarian cancers. We compare and contrast the two malignancies whenever possible in order to emphasize areas where substantial contributions could be made by clinically inspired and validated mathematical modeling. We show how current paradigms in the mathematical oncology community focusing on the two malignancies do not make comprehensive use of, nor substantially reflect existing clinical data, and we highlight the modeling areas in most critical need of clinical data integration. We emphasize that the primary goal of any mathematical study of women's cancers should be to address clinically relevant questions. WIREs Syst Biol Med 2016, 8:337–362. doi: 10.1002/wsbm.1343

This article is categorized under:

Analytical and Computational Methods > Analytical Methods

Models of Systems Properties and Processes > Mechanistic Models

Translational, Genomic, and Systems Medicine > Translational Medicine
Surgical treatment of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Laca L'. , Dedinská I. , Palkoci B. , Miklušica J. , Janík J.
Published: June 2016

ABSTRACT

Background:

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IHCC) is the second most frequently developed primary carcinoma of liver, after hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). They are biologically aggressive and they are frequently discovered in late study. Surgical removal is the only curative therapeutic method for treatment of such tumors.

Patients and methods:

From 1.1.2004 to 31.12.2014, at the Department of Surgery, University Hospital Martin and Jessenius Medical Faculty of Comenius University in Martin, we operated 411 patients with benign, primary, metastatic tumors of liver, where in 33 patients (8%) the histology confirmed the primary intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma of liver. In the group, we evaluated the 1-year and 5-year survival of the patients according to radical resections, the degree of differentiation of tumor (grading), and according to positivity of lymph node. The results were statistically analyzed by the Student t-test and Kaplan–Meier curves of survival.

Results:

The average age of the patients was 59.6 ± 11.4 years, the males represented 46.2%, the females represented 53.8%. The average age of males was 58 ± 13.2, and females 61 ± 9.8 years. Large anatomic resections of 3 and more segments of liver were performed in 24 patients, anatomic resections and metastasectomies were performed in 6 patients, two patients had radiofrequency ablation of tumor. R0 resection was achieved in 20 patients, R1 resection in 8 patients, and R2 resection in 5 patients. One-year survival in the R0 group was 65%, in the R1 group 62%, and in the R2 resections group it was only 20%; five-year survival after R0 resections was 52%, and in R1 and R2 it was zero, which proved to be statistically significant. The median of survival in R0 resections was 12 months (interval 1–87 months), in R1 resections it was 12 months (interval 1–36 months), and after R2 resections it was 7 months (interval 1–12 months). One-year and five-year survival, depending on the degree of differentiation, was statistically non-significant; however, the five-year survival of G1 tumors is on the level of being statistically significant – the 5-year survival expressed in percentage G1/G2/G3 was 50%/12%/0% respectively. Positive lymph nodes were found in 16 patients (48%) from the group of 33 patients. The one-year and five-year survival was not statistically significant; however, 5 years of survival was recorded in 30% patients with negative lymph node and 0% patients with positivity of lymph node.

Conclusion:

Resection of tumor is the optional method; it should be attempted to achieve R0 resection and at the same time to preserve sufficient volume of residual functional parenchyma. Radical R0 resection is considered by us as the only possible method of surgical treatment for survival of patients with IHCC.

Highlights
Dynamic analysis and controller design for a slider–crank mechanism with piezoelectric actuators
Authors: Akbari Samin , Fallahi Fatemeh , Pirbodaghi Tohid
Published: June 2016

Dynamic behaviour of a slider–crank mechanism associated with a smart flexible connecting rod is investigated. Effect of various mechanisms' parameters including crank length, flexibility of the connecting rod and the slider's mass on the dynamic behaviour is studied. Two control schemes are proposed for elastodynamic vibration suppression of the flexible connecting rod and also obtaining a constant angular velocity for the crank. The first scheme is based on feedback linearization approach and the second one is based on a sliding mode controller. The input signals are applied by an electric motor located at the crank ground joint, and two layers of piezoelectric film bonded to the top and bottom surfaces of the connecting rod. Both of the controllers successfully suppress the vibrations of the elastic linkage.

Highlights Dynamic behaviour of a slider–crank mechanism associated with a smart flexible connecting rod is investigated. Effect of various mechanisms' parameters including crank length, flexibility of the connecting rod and the slider's mass on the dynamic behaviour is studied. Two control schemes are proposed for elastodynamic vibration suppression of the flexible connecting rod and also obtaining a constant angular velocity for the crank. Controllers are based on feedback linearization approach and sliding mode controller.
Immediate discontinuation of ablation during pulmonary vein isolation remarkably decreases the incidence of esophageal thermal lesions even when using steerable sheaths
Authors: Watanabe Norikazu , Chiba Yuta , Onishi Yoshimi , Kawasaki Shiro , Munetsugu Yumi , Onuma Yoshimasa , Itou Hiroyuki , Onuki Tatsuya , Minoura Yoshino , Adachi Taro , Kawamura Mitsuharu , Asano Taku , Tanno Kaoru , Kubota Yutarou , Konishi Kazuo , Kobayashi Youichi
Published: June 2016

Background

Left atrial–esophageal fistulas (LAEFs) are serious complications with high mortality after atrial fibrillation radiofrequency ablation (AFRA). Decreasing the incidence of esophageal thermal lesions (EsoTLs) that may lead to LAEFs is important. The aim of this study was to suppress EsoTL development and determine the appropriate alarm setting for a temperature‐monitoring probe by using steerable sheath (STS) methods.

Methods

We enrolled 82 consecutive patients (mean, 61.9±11.7 years; 75.6% men) who underwent AFRA, including pulmonary vein isolation for symptomatic, drug‐refractory atrial fibrillation with esophageal temperature monitoring by using STS between January 2011 and April 2014. All patients underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGE) 1–3 days after AFRA. The timing of ablation discontinuation in the first 17 patients was determined by each physician during AFRA (only monitoring group, OM). In the next 65 patients, physicians were to immediately discontinue ablation when an alarm set at 39 °C went off (instruction group, INS). We compared two groups with respect to the incidence of EsoTLs.

Results

Among the 82 patients, 5 (6.1%) had EsoTLs after AFRA. EsoTLs occurred in 3 of 17 patients (17.6%) and 2 of 65 patients (3.1%) in the OM and INS groups, respectively. The incidence of EsoTLs in the INS group was significantly lower than that in the OM group (p=0.0254). EsoTL did not occur at maximal temperature less than 39 °C, measured by using esophageal temperature‐monitoring probe.

Conclusions

Immediate discontinuation of ablation during pulmonary vein isolation remarkably decreased the incidence of EsoTLs, even when using STS.
Can the neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio be used to predict recurrence and progression of non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer?
Authors: Albayrak Sebahattin , Zengin Kursad , Tanik Serhat , Atar Muhittin , Unal Serhat Haluk , Imamoglu M. Abdurrahim , Gurdal Mesut
Published: June 2016

The aim of our study was to evaluate whether neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a predictor of disease progression and recurrence in patients with primary non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). This was a prospective study of 86 patients with newly diagnosed NMIBC. The patients were classified by the number of points assigned by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer risk tables. The correlation between progression score, recurrence score, age, mean platelet volume, red blood cell distribution width and NLR was assessed statistically. The same parameters were compared between the risk groups. A significant difference in NLR and age values was observed between recurrence and progression risk score groups. The relationships between NLR and recurrence and progression risk scores were no longer significant after correcting for the statistical effect of age on scores. Age was significantly different between groups after adjusting for NLR. Our study revealed that NLR and age were associated with patient age and bladder tumor progression and recurrence risk scores. After correcting for age, the significant relationship with NLR was lost, in contrast to some previous studies. We recommend that patient age should be corrected to avoid misleading results in NLR studies.
Compact Z-pinch radiation source dedicated to broadband absorption measurements
Authors: Hong Dunpin , Rabat Hervé , Le Menn Erwan , Zaepffel Clément , Bauchire Jean-Marc
Published: June 2016

In order to acquire a broadband absorption spectrum in a single shot, a compact radiation source was developed by using a Z-pinch type electric discharge. This paper presents the mechanical and electrical construction of the source, as well as its electrical and optical characteristics, including the intense continuum of radiation emitted by the source in the UV and visible spectral range. It also shows that the compactness of the source allows direct coupling with the probed medium, enabling broadband absorption measurement in the spectral range of 200–300 nm without use of an optical fiber which strongly attenuates the light in the short wavelength range. Concretely, thanks to this source, broadband spectral absorption of NO molecules around 210 nm and that of OH molecules around 310 nm were recorded in this direct coupling arrangement. Copper atom spectral absorption around 325 nm of the peripheral cold zones of an intense transient arc was also recorded.
Wind-tunnel tests of a heavy-class helicopter optimised for drag reduction
Authors: Gibertini G. , Zanotti A. , Droandi G. , Grassi D. , Campanardi G. , Auteri F. , Aceti A. , Le Pape A.
Published: June 2016

Wind-tunnel tests of a heavy-class helicopter model were carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of several components optimised for drag reduction by computational fluid dynamics analysis. The optimised components included different hub-cap configurations, a fairing for blade attachments and the sponsons. Moreover, the effects of vortex generators positioned on the back ramp were investigated. The optimisation effect was evaluated by comparison of the drag measurements carried out for both the original and the optimised helicopter configurations. The comprehensive experimental campaign involved the use of different measurement techniques. Indeed, pressure measurements and stereo particle image velocimetry surveys were performed to achieve a physical insight about the results of load measurements. The test activity confirms the achievement of an overall reduction of about 6% of the original model drag at cruise attitude.
Hegel's Theory of Normativity
Authors: ALZNAUER MARK
Published: June 2016

This essay offers an interpretation of Hegel's theory of normativity according to which normative evaluation is primarily a matter of a thing's answerability to its own constitutive norms. I show that natural and spiritual norms correspond to two different species of normative evaluation for Hegel, two categorically distinct ways something can violate its own constitutive norms. I conclude with some general reflections on the relationship between normativity and ontology in Hegel's system.
Experiments on low-Reynolds-number turbulent flow through a square duct
Authors: Owolabi Bayode E. , Poole Robert J. , Dennis David J. C.
Published: June 2016

Previous experimental studies on turbulent square duct flow have focused mainly on high Reynolds numbers for which a turbulence-induced eight-vortex secondary flow pattern exists in the cross-sectional plane. More recently, direct numerical simulations (DNS) have revealed that the flow field at Reynolds numbers close to transition can be very different; the flow in this ‘marginally turbulent’ regime alternating between two states characterised by four vortices. In this study, we experimentally investigate the onset criteria for transition to turbulence in square ducts. In so doing, we highlight the potential importance of Coriolis effects on this process for low-Ekman-number flows. We also present experimental data on the mean flow properties and turbulence statistics in both marginally and fully turbulent flow at relatively low Reynolds numbers using laser Doppler velocimetry. Results for both flow categories show good agreement with DNS. The switching of the flow field between two flow states at marginally turbulent Reynolds numbers is confirmed by bimodal probability density functions of streamwise velocity at certain distances from the wall as well as joint probability density functions of streamwise and wall normal velocities which feature two peaks highlighting the two states.
Three-dimensional instabilities in oscillatory flow past elliptic cylinders
Authors: Gallardo José P. , Andersson Helge I. , Pettersen Bjørnar
Published: June 2016

We investigate the early development of instabilities in the oscillatory viscous flow past cylinders with elliptic cross-sections using three-dimensional direct numerical simulations. This is a classical hydrodynamic problem for circular cylinders, but other configurations have received only marginal attention. Computed results for some different aspect ratios ${\it\Lambda}$ from 1 : 1 to 1 : 3, all with the major axis of the ellipse aligned in the main flow direction, show good qualitative agreement with Hall’s stability theory (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 146, 1984, pp. 347–367), which predicts a cusp-shaped curve for the onset of the primary instability. The three-dimensional flow structures for aspect ratios larger than 2 : 3 resemble those of a circular cylinder, whereas the elliptical cross-section with the lowest aspect ratio of 1 : 3 exhibits oblate rather than tubular three-dimensional flow structures as well as a pair of counter-rotating spanwise vortices which emerges near the tips of the ellipse. Contrary to a circular cylinder, instabilities for an elliptic cylinder with sufficiently high eccentricity emerge from four rather than two different locations in accordance with the Hall theory.
Investigation on Wind Environments of Surrounding Open Spaces Around a Public Building
Authors: Yang A.-S. , Juan Y.-H. , Wen C.-Y. , Su Y.-M. , Wu Y.-C.
Published: June 2016

The purpose of this study is to highlight the effectiveness and necessity of the computational methods applications for architecture conceptual designs and improve the use of advanced simulation tools in urban planning. The results can provide the urban designers, planners and other decision makers with useful design information for assessing human wind comfort of the surrounding open spaces of public buildings in an urban area. Among different kinds of public buildings, museum architecture is of significant social value and importance for the augmentation of urban image. Using the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao for the case study, this investigation performed CFD simulations of the airflow over the museum to characterize the wind environments around the buildings. The predicted wind speed distributions were used to determine the wind comfort level of the featured spots around the museum for evaluating the suitability allowing visitors to sit or stand at the pedestrian plane for extended periods.
Environment, Resource Integration, and New Ventures’ Competitive Advantage in China
Authors: Cai Li , Anokhin Sergey , Yin Miaomiao , Hatfield Donald E.
Published: June 2016

Chinese new ventures have two principal approaches to resource integration: the stabilizing approach, which makes minor changes to a firm's current resource bundles, or the pioneering approach, which creates new capabilities. Two characteristics of Chinese entrepreneurial environment are distinct: environmental dynamism (uncertain markets, unstable institutions and the rapid technology upgrading) and munificence (the degree of competitive intensity and resource abundance). This study suggests that environmental dynamism and environmental munificence moderate the relationships between resource integration approaches and competitive advantage. Results based on a study of 410 Chinese new ventures show that both stabilizing and pioneering approaches to resource integration positively influence new ventures’ competitive advantage under the condition of low environmental dynamism and either high or low environmental munificence. However, neither stabilizing nor pioneering approaches have a significant effect on new ventures’ competitive advantage under the condition of low environmental munificence and high environmental dynamism. Only the pioneering approach has a positive effect on new ventures’ competitive advantage under the condition of high environmental munificence and high environmental dynamism.