bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of Advanced Diagnostics for Turbine Disks
Authors: Dunphy J. R. , Atkinson W. H.
Published: March 2015

Quantitative diagnostics are essential for use during design optimization studies of turbine engine components to insure that performance goals and lifetime requirements are met. This paper addresses development and testing of sensors for diagnostic application in turbine hot sections. Technologies tested during this investigation included optical fiber static strain sensors, thin metallic film static strain sensors, advanced wire static strain sensors, thermographic phosphor temperature sensors and heat flux sensors. Reference measurements for the strain sensors were provided by speckle photogrammetry and conventional strain gages, while reference measurements for temperature sensor were provided by optical pyrometry and conventional thermocouples. Simulated engine conditions typical of a high pressure turbine disk were provided by operating a disk in a high speed spin–rig which ran to 13200 revolutions per minute and 950 K. Representative results and application issues will be provided for each sensor type.
Surface analytical investigation on organometal triiodide perovskite
Authors: Wang Chenggong , Liu Xiaoliang , Wang Congcong , Xiao Zhengguo , Bi Cheng , Shao Yuchuan , Huang Jinsong , Gao Yongli
Published: March 2015

In a little over a year, there has been an unexpected breakthrough and rapid evolution of highly efficient solid-state hybrid solar cells based on organometal trihalide perovskite materials. This technology has the potential to produce solar cells with the very highest efficiencies while retaining the very lowest cost. The authors have measured the electronic density of states of CH3NH3PbI3 using ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy (UPS), inverse photoemission spectroscopy (IPES), and x-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS). The valence band maximum and conduction band minimum positions are obtained from the UPS and IPES spectra, respectively, by linear extrapolation of the leading edges. The authors investigate the Au/perovskite and C60/perovskite interfaces by UPS and XPS. An interface dipole of 0.1 eV is observed at Au/perovskite interface. The energy levels of perovskite shift upward by ca.0.4 eV with Au coverage of 64 Å upon it, resulting in band bending, hence a built-in field in perovskite that encourages hole transport to the interface. The XPS results show a strong initial shift of core levels to lower binding energy in the perovskite, which indicates that electrons transfer from the perovskite film to fullerene molecules. Further deposition of fullerene forms C60 solid, accompanied by the reduction of the electron transfer. The strongest electron transfer happened at 1/4 monolayer of fullerene.
A two-hydrophone range and bearing localization algorithm with performance analysis
Authors: Gebbie John , Siderius Martin , Allen John S.
Published: March 2015

An automated, passive algorithm for detecting and localizing small boats using two hydrophones mounted on the seabed is outlined. This extends previous work by Gebbie et al. [(2013). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 134, EL77 − EL83] in which a similar two-hydrophone approach is used to produce an ambiguity surface of likely target locations leveraging multipath analysis and knowledge of the local bathymetry. The work presented here improves upon the prior approach using particle filtering to automate detection and localization processing. A detailed analysis has also been conducted to determine the conditions and limits under which the improved approach can be expected to yield accurate range and unambiguous bearing information. Experimental results in 12 m of water allow for a comparison of different separation distances between hydrophones, and the Bayesian Cramér-Rao lower bound is used to extrapolate the performance expected in 120 m water. This work demonstrates the conditions under which a low cost, passive, sparse array of hydrophones can provide a meaningful small boat detection and localization capability.
Dilution limits dissolved organic carbon utilization in the deep ocean
Authors: Arrieta Jesús M. , Mayol Eva , Hansman Roberta L. , Herndl Gerhard J. , Dittmar Thorsten , Duarte Carlos M.
Published: March 2015

Dilution solves the recalcitrance question

The deep ocean is full of dissolved organic carbon, some of which has remained unchanged for thousands of years. What makes these compounds so resistant to microbial degradation? Perhaps their chemical structures make them intrinsically difficult to metabolize? In contrast, Arrieta
et al.
show that they are simply too dilute to be viable sources of energy for microorganisms (see the Perspective by Middleburg). Further experiments show that if these seemingly recalcitrant organic molecules are concentrated, the ambient microbes can consume them.

Science
, this issue p.
331
; see also p.
290
A prudent path forward for genomic engineering and germline gene modification
Authors: Baltimore David , Berg Paul , Botchan Michael , Carroll Dana , Charo R. Alta , Church George , Corn Jacob E. , Daley George Q. , Doudna Jennifer A. , Fenner Marsha , Greely Henry T. , Jinek Martin , Martin G. Steven , Penhoet Edward , Puck Jennifer , Sternberg Samuel H. , Weissman Jonathan S. , Yamamoto Keith R.
Published: March 2015

A framework for open discourse on the use of CRISPR-Cas9 technology to manipulate the human genome is urgently needed
Complete Genome Sequence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Mucoid Strain FRD1, Isolated from a Cystic Fibrosis Patient
Authors: Silo-Suh Laura A. , Suh Sang-Jin , Ohman Dennis E. , Wozniak Daniel J. , Pridgeon Julia W.
Published: March 2015

We announce here the complete genome sequence of the
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
mucoid strain FRD1, isolated from the sputum of a cystic fibrosis patient. The complete genome of
P. aeruginosa
FRD1 is 6,712,339 bp. This genome will allow comparative genomics to be used to identify genes associated with virulence, especially those involved in chronic pulmonary infections.
Multimorbidity and weight loss in obese primary care patients: longitudinal study based on electronic healthcare records
Authors: Calderón-Larrañaga Amaia , Hernández-Olivan Paola , González-Rubio Francisca , Gimeno-Feliu Luis A , Poblador-Plou Beatriz , Prados-Torres Alexandra
Published: March 2015

Objective

To analyse the association between cardiovascular and mental comorbidities of obesity and weight loss registered in the electronic primary healthcare records.

Design and setting

Longitudinal study of a cohort of adult patients assigned to any of the public primary care centres in Aragon, Spain, during 2010 and 2011.

Participants

Adult obese patients for whom data on their weight were available for 2010 (n=62 901), and for both 2010 and 2011 (n=42 428).

Outcomes

Weight loss (yes/no) was calculated based on the weight difference between the first value registered in 2010 and the last value registered in 2011. Multivariate logistic regression models were adjusted for individuals’ age, sex, total number of chronic comorbidities, type of obesity and length of time between both weight measurements.

Results

According to the recorded clinical information, 9 of 10 obese patients showed at least one chronic comorbidity. After adjusting for covariates, weight loss seemed to be more likely among obese patients with a diagnosis of diabetes and/or dementia and less likely among those with hypertension, anxiety and/or substance use problems (p<0.05). The probability of weight loss was also significantly higher in male patients with more severe obesity and older age.

Conclusions

An increased probability of weight loss over 1 year was observed in older obese male patients, especially among those already manifesting high levels of obesity and severe comorbidities such as diabetes and/or dementia. Yet patients with certain psychological problems showed lower rates of weight reduction. Future research should clarify if these differences persist beyond potential selective weight documentation in primary care, to better understand the trends in weight reduction among obese patients and the underlying role of general practitioners regarding such trends.
Improved Surgical Site Infection (SSI) rate through accurately assessed surgical wounds
Authors: John Honeymol , Nimeri Abdelrahman , ELLAHHAM SAMER
Published: March 2015

Sheikh Khalifa Medical City’s (SKMC) Surgery Institute was identified as a high outlier in Surgical Site Infections (SSI) based on the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) - Semi-Annual Report (SAR) in January 2012. The aim of this project was to improve SSI rates through accurate wound classification.

We identified SSI rate reduction as a performance improvement and safety priority at SKMC, a tertiary referral center. We used the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) best practice guidelines as a guide. ACS NSQIP is a clinical registry that provides risk-adjusted clinical outcome reports every six months. The rates of SSI are reported in an observed/expected ratio. The expected ratio is calculated based on the risk factors of the patients which include wound classification.

We established a multidisciplinary SSI taskforce. The members of the SSI taskforce included the ACS NSQIP team members, quality, surgeons, nurses, infection control, IT, pharmacy, microbiology, and it was chaired by a colorectal surgeon. The taskforce focused on five areas: pre-op showering and hair removal, skin antisepsis, prophylactic antibiotics, peri-operative maintenance of glycaemia, and normothermia. We planned audits to evaluate our wound classification and our SSI rates based on the SAR.

Our expected SSI rates in general surgery and the whole department were 2.52% and 1.70% respectively, while our observed SSI rates were 4.68% and 3.57% respectively, giving us a high outlier status with an odd’s ratio of 1.72 and 2.03. Wound classifications were identified as an area of concern. For example, wound classifications were preoperatively selected based on the default wound classification of the booked procedure in the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) which led to under classifying wounds in many occasions.

A total of 998 cases were reviewed, our rate of incorrect wound classification assignment was 36%, and the worst rates were in appendectomies (97%). Over time our incorrect wound classification decreased down to 22%, while at the same time our actual SSI wound occurrences per month and our odds ratio of SSI in the department have decreased an average of six to three per month.

We followed the best practice guidelines of the ACS NSQIP. Accurate assessment of wound classification is necessary to make sure the expected SSI rates are not falsely high if wounds are under-classified. The present study shows that accurate wound classification in contaminated and dirty wounds can lead to lower odds ratio of SSI.
Towards a new treatment paradigm for ruptured blood blister-like aneurysms of the internal carotid artery? A rapid systematic review
Authors: Szmuda Tomasz , Sloniewski Pawel , Waszak Przemyslaw M , Springer Janusz , Szmuda Marta
Published: March 2015

Background and purpose

Owing to their peculiar features and rare occurrence, ruptured blood blister-like aneurysms (BBAs) of the internal carotid artery are challenging by both surgical and endovascular approaches and their proper management is uncertain. We therefore aimed to define the currently optimal treatment of ruptured BBAs in terms of mortality, outcome, rebleeding, and recurrence.

Method

An in-depth search of electronic databases, gray literature and internet resources for ruptured BBAs was performed and complemented by data retrieval during neurosurgical congresses. Clinical and radiological characteristics, intervention details, outcomes, and the impact factor of the source journal were pooled.

Results

The pooled cohort comprised 311 patients. Neither surgical nor endovascular methods had an impact on clinical outcome, aneurysm regrowth, remote bleeding, or complication rate. By contrast, aneurysm clipping was a predictor of intraoperative bleeding (OR 6.5; 95% CI 1.2 to 34.3), and stent-assisted coiling increased the likelihood of a second treatment (OR 4.1; 95% CI 1.3 to 13.1), its conversion to another modality (OR 4.7; 95% CI 1.4 to 16.0), and incomplete aneurysm obliteration (OR 2.6; 95% CI 1.0 to 6.6). Higher impact journals were more likely to publish papers on endovascular techniques, particularly flow-diverter stents.

Conclusions

None of the methods is unequivocally superior. Considering its inefficiency, stent-assisted coiling should be undertaken with caution. A time-delimited systematic review is needed to establish the most accurate treatment for ruptured BBAs.
The null geodesics of the Reissner–Nordström black hole surrounded by quintessence
Authors: Malakolkalami B. , Ghaderi K.
Published: March 2015

In this paper, by using the effective potential for the photons, we analyze the null geodesics and all kinds of orbits corresponding to the energy levels for the Reissner–Nordström black hole surrounded by quintessence with [Formula: see text] and compare our results with those obtained for the Schwarzschild black hole surrounded by quintessence matter. We also investigate the circular orbits and calculate the angle of deflection of the photons.
Dynamic Buckling of Thermo-Electro-Mechanically Loaded FG-CNTRC Beams
Authors: Yang Jie , Ke Liao-Liang , Feng Chuang
Published: March 2015

Functionally graded carbon nanotube reinforced nanocomposites have drawn great attention in both research and engineering communities. The weak interfacial bonding between carbon nanotubes and the matrix, which traditionally hinders the application of carbon nanotube reinforced nanocomposites, can be remarkably improved through the graded distribution of carbon nanotubes in the matrix. Within the framework of classical beam theory, this paper investigates the dynamic buckling behavior of functionally graded nanocomposite beams reinforced by single-walled carbon nanotubes and integrated with two surface bonded piezoelectric layers. The governing equations of the beam subjected to an applied voltage, a uniform temperature and an axial periodic force are derived by applying Hamilton's principle. Numerical results are presented for beams with different distribution patterns and volume fractions of carbon nanotubes and end support conditions. The influences of the beam geometry, temperature change, applied voltage, static axial force component, boundary condition, carbon nanotube volume fraction and its distribution on the unstable regions of FG-CNTRC piezoelectric beams are discussed in detail.
PLATFORM ADOPTION IN NETWORK MARKETS: SELECTING BENEFICIAL PARTNERS TO ACHIEVE MARKET DOMINANCE
Authors: WIEGAND NICO , WITT SASCHA , STEINER MICHAEL , BACKHAUS KLAUS
Published: March 2015

Strategic partnering has become a common place when introducing innovations to systems markets. In standards battles, network affiliation has been used as a market signal to create confidence in a format's success. This paper's authors thus develop and test a model aimed at finding the right partners to sponsor an innovative technology. The results suggest that company characteristics shape expectations about a system's future value and the likelihood of its survival. Partners that have proven successful in adjacent industries are especially suited to drive diffusion. Attracting big players may therefore be more beneficial than attracting multiple, but minor, firms. Quality clearly beats quantity when selecting new partners.
Subaerial speleothems and deep karst in central Sweden linked to Hirnantian glaciations
Authors: Kröger Björn , Ebbestad Jan Ove R. , Lehnert Oliver , Ullmann Clemens V. , Korte Christoph , Frei Robert , Rasmussen Christian M. Ø.
Published: March 2015

The limestones of the upper Katian Boda mud mounds (Ordovician) of the Siljan district in central Sweden are deeply fractured. The fissures were partly synsedimentary and are often lined with stromatolite-like crusts. These crusts thus far are the only known subaerial Ordovician speleothems. They reach depths of up to 30 m below the former mound top. Macroscopically the crusts form decimetre-sized, cone-shaped domal aggregates, stalactites and stalagmites. Microfabric and morphology identify them as microbially mediated speleothems in a dark environment. Combined Sr and C isotope values indicate a formation of the speleothems from meteoric waters without influence of a significant soil horizon.

For the first time the age of the speleothems can be precisely constrained by δ
13
C whole-rock and brachiopod shell isotope data to the mid-Hirnantian. Repeated and/or prolonged subaerial exposure of the Boda mud mounds during the Hirnantian is evident from karst surfaces and early cements in the mound capping carbonates. The speleothems and the karst surfaces record an estimated sea-level fall in the range of 80–130 m within the time window of the Hirnantian Isotopic Carbon Excursion. This massive regression coincides with maximum ice sheet extent inferred from sections in West Gondwana.

Supplementary material:

87
Sr/
86
Sr isotope ratio of selected brachiopod shells and results of Energy-dispersive-X-ray spectroscopy are available from
http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18809
C1q-TNF-related protein-9, a novel cardioprotetcive cardiokine, requires proteolytic cleavage to generate a biologically active globular domain isoform
Authors: Yuan Yuexing , Lau Wayne Bond , Su Hui , Sun Yang , Yi Wei , Du Yunhui , Christopher Theodore , Lopez Bernard , Wang Yajing , Ma Xin-Liang
Published: March 2015

Prevalence and severity of postmyocardial infarction heart failure continually escalate in type 2 diabetes via incompletely understood mechanisms. The discovery of the cardiac secretomes, collectively known as “cardiokines”, has significantly enhanced appreciation of the local microenvironment's influence on disease development. Recent studies demonstrated that C1q-TNF-related protein-9 (CTRP9), a newly discovered adiponectin (APN) paralog, is highly expressed in the heart. However, its relationship with APN (concerning diabetic cardiovascular injury in particular) remains unknown. Plasma CTRP9 levels are elevated in APN knockout and reduced in diabetic mice. In contrast to APN, which circulates as full-length multimers, CTRP9 circulates in the plasma primarily in the globular domain isoform (gCTRP9). Recombinant full-length CTRP9 (fCTRP9) was cleaved when incubated with cardiac tissue extracts, generating gCTRP9, a process inhibited by protease inhibitor cocktail. gCTRP9 rapidly activates cardiac survival kinases, including AMPK, Akt, and endothelial NOS. However, fCTRP9-mediated kinase activation is much less potent and significantly delayed. Kinase activation by fCTRP9, but not gCTRP9, is inhibited by protease inhibitor cocktail. These results demonstrate for the first time that the novel cardiokine CTRP9 undergoes proteolytic cleavage to generate gCTRP9, the dominant circulatory and actively cardioprotective isoform. Enhancing cardiac CTRP9 production and/or its proteolytic posttranslational modification are of therapeutic potential, attenuating diabetic cardiac injury.
Endogenous brain erythropoietin is a potent sex-specific respiratory stimulant in adult and newborn mice
Authors: Ballot Orlane , Joseph Vincent , Soliz Jorge
Published: March 2015

We tested the hypothesis that endogenous brain Epo is a respiratory stimulant. Adult (3 mo) and newborn (10 days) male and female mice received an intracisternal (cisterna magna) injection of soluble Epo receptor (sEpoR; competes with EpoR to bind Epo; 50 μg/ml) or vehicle (0.1% BSA in PBS). Twenty-four hours after injection, we used whole body plethysmography to record minute ventilation (V̇e) tidal volume (VT), respiratory frequency ( fR), O2consumption (V̇o2), and CO2production (V̇co2) under normoxia and progressive exposure to hypoxia (12-10-6% O2; 10 min each). In adult male and female mice sEpoR decreased normoxic V̇e (−25%), due to a decrease of VTin males and fRin females. Moreover, sEpoR injection decreased the ventilatory response to 12% O2, assessed as V̇e/V̇o2or V̇e/V̇co2, in male but not in female mice. In newborn male and female mice sEpoR decreased V̇e (−37% in males, −59% in females) and VT(−38% in males, −47% in females) in normoxia and fRin females. During hypoxia, sEpoR decreased V̇e/V̇o2and V̇e/V̇co2in mice of both sexes. Upon extreme hypoxia (6% O2), the newborn mice treated with sEpoR showed respiratory depression, signs of asphyxia (gasping) and a high mortality rate in males and females. We concluded that endogenous brain Epo is a potent respiratory stimulant under normoxia and hypoxia in adult and newborn mice. Because sex-specific effects are different in newborn male and female, sex steroids secreted at different ages mice appear to modulate the effects of Epo on respiratory regulation in normoxia and in response to hypoxia.
Assessment of nonlinear interactions in event-related potentials elicited by stimuli presented at short interstimulus intervals using single-trial data
Authors: Loizides Charalambos , Achilleos Achilleas , Iannetti Gian Domenico , Mitsis Georgios D.
Published: March 2015

The recording of brain event-related potentials (ERPs) is a widely used technique to investigate the neural basis of sensory perception and cognitive processing in humans. Due to the low magnitude of ERPs, averaging of several consecutive stimuli is typically employed to enhance the signal to noise ratio (SNR) before subsequent analysis. However, when the temporal interval between two consecutive stimuli is smaller than the latency of the main ERP peaks, i.e., when the stimuli are presented at a fast rate, overlaps between the corresponding ERPs may occur. These overlaps are usually dealt with by assuming that there is a simple additive superposition between the elicited ERPs and consequently performing algebraic waveform subtractions. Here, we test this assumption rigorously by providing a statistical framework that examines the presence of nonlinear additive effects between overlapping ERPs elicited by successive stimuli with short interstimulus intervals (ISIs). The results suggest that there are no nonlinear additive effects due to the time overlap per se but that, for the range of ISIs examined, the second ERP is modulated by the presence of the first stimulus irrespective of whether there is time overlap or not. In other words, two ERPs that overlap in time can still be written as an addition of two ERPs but with the second ERP being different from the first. This difference is also present in the case of nonoverlapping ERPs with short ISIs. The modulation effect elicited on the second ERP by the first stimulus is dependent on the ISI value.
Jasada bhasma, a Zinc-Based Ayurvedic Preparation: Contemporary Evidence of Antidiabetic Activity Inspires Development of a Nanomedicine
Authors: Umrani Rinku D. , Paknikar Kishore M.
Published: March 2015

The roles of metals in human physiology are well established. It is also known that many metals are required in trace amounts for normal metabolism and their deficiency leads to diseases. In Ayurveda, metal-based preparations, that is,bhasmas, are indicated for the treatment of several diseases. Standard textbooks of Ayurveda recommendJasada bhasma(zinc basedbhasma) as the treatment of choice for diabetes. Modern medicine also recognizes the important role of zinc in glucose homeostasis. Yet, studies that validate the use ofJasada bhasmaare few and uncomprehensive. There is an imminent need for a systematic study on physicochemical characterization, pharmacological efficacy, and toxicity assessment of severalbhasmapreparations to generate scientific evidence of their utility and safety. Interestingly, recent studies suggest thatbhasmascomprise submicronic particles or nanoparticles. Thus abhasma-inspired new drug discovery approach could emerge in which several metal based nanomedicines could be developed. This would help in utilizing the age old, time-tested wisdom of Ayurveda in modern medicine. One such study on antidiabetic activity ofJasada bhasmaand the corresponding new drug, namely, zinc oxide nanoparticles, is briefly discussed, as an example.
Interleukin‐18 Increases TLR4 and Mannose Receptor Expression and Modulates Cytokine Production in Human Monocytes
Authors: Dias-Melicio Luciane Alarcão , Fernandes Reginaldo Keller , Rodrigues Daniela Ramos , Golim Marjorie Assis , Soares Angela Maria Victoriano Campos
Published: March 2015

Interleukin‐18 is a proinflammatory cytokine belonging to the interleukin‐1 family of cytokines. This cytokine exerts many unique biological and immunological effects. To explore the role of IL‐18 in inflammatory innate immune responses, we investigated its impact on expression of two toll‐like receptors (TLR2 and TLR4) and mannose receptor (MR) by human peripheral blood monocytes and its effect on TNF‐α, IL‐12, IL‐15, and IL‐10 production. Monocytes from healthy donors were stimulated or not with IL‐18 for 18 h, and then the TLR2, TLR4, and MR expression and intracellular TNF‐α, IL‐12, and IL‐10 production were assessed by flow cytometry and the levels of TNF‐α, IL‐12, IL‐15, and IL‐10 in culture supernatants were measured by ELISA. IL‐18 treatment was able to increase TLR4 and MR expression by monocytes. The production of TNF‐α and IL‐10 was also increased by cytokine treatment. However, IL‐18 was unable to induce neither IL‐12 nor IL‐15 production by these cells. Taken together, these results show an important role of IL‐18 on the early phase of inflammatory response by promoting the expression of some pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) that are important during the microbe recognition phase and by inducing some important cytokines such as TNF‐α and IL‐10.
Evaluating the Effect ofSarconesiopsis magellanica(Diptera: Calliphoridae) Larvae-Derived Haemolymph and Fat Body Extracts on Chronic Wounds in Diabetic Rabbits
Authors: Góngora Jennifher , Díaz-Roa Andrea , Ramírez-Hernández Alejandro , Cortés-Vecino Jesús A. , Gaona María A. , Patarroyo Manuel A. , Bello Felio
Published: March 2015

We evaluated extracts taken fromS. magellanicathird instar larvae fat body and haemolymph using a diabetic rabbit model and compared this to the effect obtained with the same substances taken fromLucilia sericatalarvae. Alloxan (a toxic glucose analogue) was used to induce experimental diabetes in twelve rabbits. Dorsal wounds were made in each animal and they were infected withStaphylococcus aureusandPseudomonas aeruginosa. They were then treated with haemolymph and lyophilized extracts taken from the selected blowflies’ larvae fat bodies. Each wound was then evaluated by using rating scales and histological analysis. More favourable scores were recorded on the PUSH and WBS scales for the wounds treated with fat body derived from the larvae of both species compared to that obtained with haemolymph; however, wounds treated with the substances taken fromS. magellanicahad better evolution. Histological analysis revealed that treatment led to tissue proliferation and more effective neovascularisation in less time with both species’ fat body extracts compared to treatment with just haemolymph. The results suggest the effectiveness of the substances evaluated and validate them in the animal model being used here as topical agents in treating chronic wounds.
Proteases and Protease Inhibitors of Urinary Extracellular Vesicles in Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Musante Luca , Tataruch Dorota , Gu Dongfeng , Liu Xinyu , Forsblom Carol , Groop Per-Henrik , Holthofer Harry
Published: March 2015

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the major complications of diabetes mellitus (DM), leads to chronic kidney disease (CKD), and, ultimately, is the main cause for end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). Beyond urinary albumin, no reliable biomarkers are available for accurate early diagnostics. Urinary extracellular vesicles (UEVs) have recently emerged as an interesting source of diagnostic and prognostic disease biomarkers. Here we used a protease and respective protease inhibitor array to profile urines of type 1 diabetes patients at different stages of kidney involvement. Urine samples were divided into groups based on the level of albuminuria and UEVs isolated by hydrostatic dialysis and screened for relative changes of 34 different proteases and 32 protease inhibitors, respectively. Interestingly, myeloblastin and its natural inhibitor elafin showed an increase in the normo- and microalbuminuric groups. Similarly, a characteristic pattern was observed in the array of protease inhibitors, with a marked increase of cystatin B, natural inhibitor of cathepsins L, H, and B as well as of neutrophil gelatinase-associated Lipocalin (NGAL) in the normoalbuminuric group. This study shows for the first time the distinctive alterations in comprehensive protease profiles of UEVs in diabetic nephropathy and uncovers intriguing mechanistic, prognostic, and diagnostic features of kidney damage in diabetes.
A Local Search Algorithm for the Flow Shop Scheduling Problem with Release Dates
Authors: Ren Tao , Guo Meiting , Lin Lin , Miao Yunhui
Published: March 2015

This paper discusses the flow shop scheduling problem to minimize the makespan with release dates. By resequencing the jobs, a modified heuristic algorithm is obtained for handling large-sized problems. Moreover, based on some properties, a local search scheme is provided to improve the heuristic to gain high-quality solution for moderate-sized problems. A sequence-independent lower bound is presented to evaluate the performance of the algorithms. A series of simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms.
An Office-Based Procedure for Hyphema Treatment
Authors: MomPremier Mikelson , Sadhwani Divya , Shaikh Saad
Published: March 2015

Three cases of hyphema in three different eyes were treated in the office using an anterior chamber fluid-gas exchange technique. Hyphemas were associated with complications of underlying systemic and retinal disease and in the postoperative period of vitrectomy procedures. Patients were successfully treated without requiring return to operating room.
Contemporary Review of the Management of Brain Metastasis with Radiation
Authors: Khuntia Deepak
Published: March 2015

Brain metastases are an important cause of morbidity and mortality, afflicting approximately 200,000 Americans annually. The prognosis for these patients is poor, with median survivals typically measured in months. In this review article, we present the standard treatment approaches with whole brain radiation and as well as novel approaches in the prevention of neurocognitive deficits.
A Machine Learning System for Routing Decision-Making in Urban Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Lai Wei Kuang , Lin Mei-Tso , Yang Yu-Hsuan
Published: March 2015

In vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs), network topology and communication links frequently change due to the high mobility of vehicles. Key challenges include how to shorten transmission delays and increase the stability of transmissions. When establishing routing paths, most research focuses on detecting traffic and selecting roads with higher vehicle densities in order to transmit packets, thus avoiding carry-and-forward scenarios and decreasing transmission delays; however, such approaches may not obtain accurate real-time traffic densities by periodically monitoring each road because vehicle densities change so rapidly. In this paper, we propose a novel routing information system called the machine learning-assisted route selection (MARS) system to estimate necessary information for routing protocols. In MARS, road information is maintained in roadside units with the help of machine learning. We use machine learning to predict the moves of vehicles and then choose some suitable routing paths with better transmission capacity to transmit packets. Further, MARS can help to decide the forwarding direction between two RSUs according to the predicted location of the destination and the estimated transmission delays in both forwarding directions. Our proposed system can provide in-time routing information for VANETs and greatly enhance network performance.
Latino Family Childcare Providers’ Beliefs, Attitudes, and Practices Related to Promotion of Healthy Behaviors among Preschool Children: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Lindsay Ana C. , Salkeld Judith A. , Greaney Mary L. , Sands Faith D.
Published: March 2015

Background. The continuing rise of obesity among Latinos is a public health concern with an immediate need for early prevention. Changes in family structures have increased demand and reliance for child care for young children. Latino children are the fastest-growing segment of the child population in the United States, and research shows that Latino families use preschools and day care centers much less than those of other ethnic groups, apparently because of cultural preferences for family-like care.Objectives. Given that many low income Latino children attend family child care homes (FCCHs), there is a need to explore the role that FCCH providers may play in establishing and reinforcing children’s early healthful eating and physical activity behaviors and consequently in the prevention of childhood obesity.Design. Using purposive sampling, six focus groups were conducted in Spanish with licensed Latino FCCH providersn=44. Data was analyzed to identify recurrent themes.Results. Latino FCCH providers described how they play an influential role in promoting healthful eating and physical activity behaviors of preschool children in their care. They also identified many barriers and challenges in establishing and maintaining healthful nutrition and physical activity behaviors, including high cost of healthy foods, cold weather, and physical environment of FCCH.Conclusions. Latino FCCH providers can have a strong impact in promoting healthful behaviors in low-income, Latino communities. They may be able to effectively deliver interventions targeting low-income, minority families to promote healthful eating and physical activity behaviors and prevent child obesity.
Study on Decision Process and Strategy Choice Behavior under Multimode Choice
Authors: Qin Huanmei , Guan Hongzhi , Yan Hai
Published: March 2015

Information Display Board is used to design an experimental survey and dynamic decision process data are retrieved under a multimode choice scenario with car, bus and subway, and park and ride. It is concluded that car travelers who will switch to choosing park and ride need more decision time to compare it with the existing modes (car, bus and subway) and tend to mainly use compensatory decision strategies in the decision process. The most commonly used decision strategy for travelers is the combined strategy under the multimode choice scenario. Correlation analysis shows that the influencing factors of age, whether the travelers have ever used park and ride, and decision time highly correlate with decision strategy choice. These conclusions have a certain reference value for theory research of decision process under multimode choice.
Pseudomonas aeruginosaAcquisition in Cystic Fibrosis Patients in Context of Otorhinolaryngological Surgery or Dentist Attendance: Case Series and Discussion of Preventive Concepts
Authors: Mainz Jochen G. , Gerber Andrea , Lorenz Michael , Michl Ruth , Hentschel Julia , Nader Anika , Beck James F. , Pletz Mathias W. , Mueller Andreas H.
Published: March 2015

Introduction. P. aeruginosais the primary cause for pulmonary destruction and premature death in cystic fibrosis (CF). Therefore, prevention of airway colonization with the pathogen, ubiquitously present in water, is essential. Infection of CF patients withP. aeruginosaafter dentist treatment was proven and dental unit waterlines were identified as source, suggesting prophylactic measures. For their almost regular sinonasal involvement, CF patients often require otorhinolaryngological (ORL) attendance. Despite some fields around ORL-procedures with comparable risk for acquisition ofP. aeruginosa, such CF cases have not yet been reported. We present four CF patients, who primarily acquiredP. aeruginosaaround ORL surgery, and one around dentist treatment. Additionally, we discuss risks and preventive strategies for CF patients undergoing ORL-treatment. Perils include contact to pathogen-carriers in waiting rooms, instrumentation, suction, drilling, and flushing fluid, when droplets containing pathogens can be nebulized. Postsurgery mucosal damage and debridement impair sinonasal mucociliary clearance, facilitating pathogen proliferation and infestation. Therefore, sinonasal surgery and dentist treatment of CF patients without chronicP. aeruginosacolonization must be linked to repeated microbiological assessment. Further studies must elaborate whether all CF patients undergoing ORL-surgery require antipseudomonal prophylaxis, including nasal lavages containing antibiotics. Altogether, this underestimated risk requires structured prevention protocols.
Transarterial Coil Embolization of a Symptomatic Posttraumatic Plantar Pseudoaneurysm
Authors: Beyer Lukas Philipp , Wohlgemuth Walter A. , Müller-Wille René
Published: March 2015

Posttraumatic pseudoaneurysms of the lateral plantar artery are rare. We report the case of a 31-year-old woman with a painful pseudoaneurysm of the lateral plantar artery resulting from a deep plantar cut injury. The pseudoaneurysm was successfully treated by performing a transarterial “frontdoor-backdoor” coil embolization technique, which is a minimally invasive alternative to conventional ligature of the artery.
Expression of Chemokine Receptors on Peripheral Blood T Cells in Children with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Szczepańska Maria , Sędek Łukasz , Makulska Irena , Szprynger Krystyna , Mazur Bogdan , Bulsa Joanna , Zwolińska Danuta , Karpe Jacek , Ziora Katarzyna , Szczepański Tomasz
Published: March 2015

Chemokine receptors play a role in leukocyte recruitment, activation, and maintaining effector functions and regulate adaptive immune response and angiogenesis. The study aimed at flow cytometric analysis of T cell subsets with selected surface chemokine receptors (CCR4, CCR5, CCR7, CXCR3, and CXCR4) or receptor combination in peripheral blood of children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on hemodialysis (HD). The percentage of T lymphocytes with CD8 and combined CD28,CCR7 expression was higher in HD children. The percentage of T lymphocytes expressing CCR7, CD28,CCR7, and CXCR4,CD8 was increased in children on conservative treatment. Total number (tn) of CXCR4+ cells was reduced in children on hemodialysis. The tn of T CXCR3+ cells was lower in children on conservative treatment. During HD the percentage of T CD4+ cells was higher and of T CXCR3+ lymphocytes was lower after HD session as compared to 15 min of session duration. During HD tn of T cells with expression of CCR4, CCR5, CCR7, CXCR3, and CXCR4 was constant. The alteration of chemokine receptors expression in children with CKD occurs early in the development. Diminished expression of CXCR3, CXCR4 on T cells in patients with CKD on HD might result in impaired inflammatory response. Increased CCR7+ T cell percentage could be responsible for the alteration of migration of cells into secondary lymphatic organs.
Experimental Research Testbeds for Large-Scale WSNs: A Survey from the Architectural Perspective
Authors: Kim Hiecheol , Hong Won-Kee , Yoo Joonhyuk , Yoo Seong-eun
Published: March 2015

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have a significant potential in diverse applications. In contrast to WSNs in a small-scale setting, the real-world adoption of large-scale WSNs is quite slow particularly due to the lack of robustness of protocols at all levels. Upon the demanding need for their experimental verification and evaluation, researchers have developed numerous WSN testbeds. While each individual WSN testbed contributes to the progress with its own unique innovation, still a missing element is an analysis on the overall system architecture and methodologies that can lead to systematic advances. This paper seeks to provide a framework to reason about the evolving WSN testbeds from the architectural perspective. We define three core requirements for WSN testbeds, which are scalability, flexibility, and efficiency. Then, we establish a taxonomy of WSN testbeds that represents the architectural design space by a hierarchy of design domains and associated design approaches. Through a comprehensive literature survey of existing prominent WSN testbeds, we examine their best practices for each design approach in our taxonomy. Finally, we qualitatively evaluate WSN testbeds for their responsiveness to the aforementioned core requirements by assessing the influence by each design approach on the core requirements and suggest future directions of research.
Evolution of Black-Box Models Based on Volterra Series
Authors: Silveira Daniel D. , Coelho Thiago V. N. , dos Santos Alexandre Bessa
Published: March 2015

This paper presents a historical review of the many behavioral models actually used to model radio frequency power amplifiers and a new classification of these behavioral models. It also discusses the evolution of these models, from a single polynomial to multirate Volterra models, presenting equations and estimation methods. New trends in RF power amplifier behavioral modeling are suggested.
A New Fuzzy System Based on Rectangular Pyramid
Authors: Jiang Mingzuo , Yuan Xuehai , Li Hongxing , Wang Jiaxia
Published: March 2015

A new fuzzy system is proposed in this paper. The novelty of the proposed system is mainly in the compound of the antecedents, which is based on the proposed rectangular pyramid membership function instead of t‐norm. It is proved that the system is capable of approximating any continuous function of two variables to arbitrary degree on a compact domain. Moreover, this paper provides one sufficient condition of approximating function so that the new fuzzy system can approximate any continuous function of two variables with bounded partial derivatives. Finally, simulation examples are given to show how the proposed fuzzy system can be effectively used for function approximation.
Postexercise Impact of Ice-Cold Water Bath on the Oxidant-Antioxidant Balance in Healthy Men
Authors: Sutkowy Paweł , Woźniak Alina , Boraczyński Tomasz , Mila-Kierzenkowska Celestyna , Boraczyński Michał
Published: March 2015

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of a 5 min head-out ice-cold water bath on the oxidant-antioxidant balance in response to exercise. The crossover study included the subjects (n=24; aged28.7±7.3years) who performed two identical stationary cycling bouts for 30 min and recovered for 10 min at room temperature (RT=20°C; session 1) or in a pool with ice-cold water (ICW=3°C, 5 min immersion; session 2). The concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in blood plasma (TBARSpl) and erythrocytes (TBARSer) and the erythrocytic activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were measured three times during each of the two study sessions: before the exercise (baseline) and 20 and 40 min after the appropriate recovery session. Lower concentration of TBARSpl 40 min after postexercise recovery in ICW was revealed as compared with that after recovery at RT (P<0.05). Moreover, a statistically significant postexercise increase in the TBARSpl and TBARSer concentrations was found (P<0.01andP<0.05, resp.). A short-term ice-cold water bath decreases postexercise lipid peroxidation.
Viability Analysis of Waste Tires as Material for Rail Vibration and Noise Control in Modern Tram Track Systems
Authors: Zhao Caiyou , Wang Ping , Yi Qiang , Meng Duo
Published: March 2015

This research study focused on the effect of using damping chamber elements made from waste tires on railway noise reduction. First, the energy absorption characteristics of damping chamber elements with various gradation combinations and compaction indices were measured in the laboratory using compression testing. The laboratory compression results demonstrated that the optimal gradation combination of damping chamber elements is as follows: the content of fine rubber particles is 10%, the content of coarse granules is 90%, and the optimal compaction index is 0.98. Next, the findings from the laboratory compression-test studies were used to produce damping chamber elements that were applied to a full-scale modern track model in the laboratory. The measurements of the dynamic properties indicated that the damping chamber elements could significantly reduce the vibration levels of the rail head. Finally, the damping chamber elements, which had been proven effective through laboratory dynamic tests, were widely applied to test rail sections in the field. The field tests demonstrated that damping chamber elements can significantly increase the track vibration decay rate in the frequency range of 200–10000 Hz. Therefore, damping chamber elements made from waste tires are able to control rail vibration and noise in modern tram track systems.
A New Approach for Studying Nonlinear Dynamic Response of a Thin Plate with Internal Resonance in a Fractional Viscoelastic Medium
Authors: Rossikhin Yury A. , Shitikova Marina V. , Ngenzi Jean Claude
Published: March 2015

In the previous analysis, the dynamic behaviour of a nonlinear plate embedded into a fractional derivative viscoelastic medium has been studied by the method of multiple time scales under the conditions of the internal resonances two-to-one and one-to-one, as well as the internal combinational resonances for the case when the linear parts of nonlinear equations of motion occur to be coupled. A new approach proposed in this paper allows one to uncouple the linear parts of equations of motion of the plate, while the same method, the method of multiple time scales, has been utilized for solving nonlinear equations. The influence of viscosity on the energy exchange mechanism between interacting nonlinear modes has been analyzed. It has been shown that for some internal resonances there exist such particular cases when it is possible to obtain two first integrals, namely, the energy integral and the stream function, which allows one to reduce the problem to the calculation of elliptic integrals. The new approach enables one to solve the problems of vibrations of thin bodies more efficiently.
Effects of Shengjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens) and Its Processed Products on Nitric Oxide Production in Macrophage RAW 264.7 Cells
Authors: Liao Hui
Published: March 2015

In Chinese medicine, Shengjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens) and its processed products, such as Ganjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma), Paojiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Preparatum), and Jiangtan (Zingiberis Rhizoma Carbonisata), exert distinct efficacy clinically. This research tried to study the effects of extracts from Shengjiang and its processed products in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. After incubation of the different ginger types in RAW 264.7 cells for 24 h, an aliquot of the culture was mixed with an equal volume of Griess reagent, and nitric oxide (NO) production was evaluated using a Griess assay. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used as the positive control. Milli-Q water (MQW) was used as the solvent control. The results showed that NO production increased significantly in RAW 264.7 cells following the stimulation of LPS (0.05 μg mL−1), Shengjiang, Ganjiang, Paojiang, and Jiangtan (50 μg mL−1, 500 μg mL−1) separately compared with the MQW control (P<0.01). The stimulation effects of Shengjiang and Ganjiang were significantly higher than those of Paojiang and Jiangtan at different concentrations (P<0.01). The conclusion we could get from this research is that Shengjiang and its processed products could induce NO production in RAW 264.7 cells.