bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alcohol use disorder due to social isolation after a nuclear disaster in Fukushima
Authors: Morita Tomohiro , Tanimoto Tetsuya , Hori Arinobu , Kanazawa Yukio
Published: June 2015

It is well-known that a nuclear disaster causes health problems including cancer, however, information on mental disorders linked to a nuclear disaster is limited. On 11 March 2011, there was a serious nuclear power plant accident in Fukushima, Japan. Subsequently, in October 2012, a 78-year-old man living 31 km from the plant was admitted to the hospital with head trauma. This was his third physical trauma since the nuclear accident. A thorough interview revealed that his alcohol intake had increased after the disaster, suggesting that his injuries might be related to alcohol use. The diagnosis of alcohol use disorder was established based on the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. He had been exposed to social isolation after evacuation of his neighbourhood. Using education and intervention, he was successfully treated. We should recognise that a nuclear disaster might cause social isolation among the elderly, leading to mental disorders and alcohol use disorder. Early diagnosis and intervention might be beneficial for individuals presenting the above symptoms.
Safeguarding the role of the vet in sheep farming
Authors: Lovatt Fiona
Published: June 2015

Continuing Veterinary Record's series of articles discussing the state of different sectors of the veterinary profession, Fiona Lovatt reviews the role of vets in sheep farming in the UK, arguing that they need to deliver high‐quality, cost‐effective advice to secure their position in the industry.
Learning from teaching overseas
Authors: Burrows Imogen , Hodgson Claire
Published: June 2015

Equine practitioners Imogen Burrows and Claire Hodgson went to the Gambia as part of an XLEquine initiative to provide CPD for local vets through the country's Department of Livestock Services
Running of the cosmological constant and estimate of its value in quantum general relativity
Authors: Ward B. F. L.
Published: June 2015

We present the connection between the running of the cosmological constant and the estimate of its value in the resummed quantum gravity (RQG) realization of quantum general relativity. We also address in this way some of the questions that have been raised concerning this latter generalization and application of the original prescription of Feynman for the formulation of quantum general relativity.
Propagation of quantum particles in Brans–Dicke spacetime: The case of gamma ray bursts
Authors: Capozziello Salvatore , Lambiase Gaetano
Published: June 2015

The propagation of boson particles in a gravitational field described by the Brans–Dicke (BD) theory of gravity is analyzed. We derive the wave function of the scalar particles, and the effective potential experienced by the quantum particles considering the role of the varying gravitational coupling. Besides, we calculate the probability to find the scalar particles near the region where a naked singularity is present. The extremely high energy radiated in such a situation could account for the huge emitted power observed in gamma ray bursts (GRBs).
Finiteness, duality and fermionic symmetry
Authors: Kawamura Yoshiharu
Published: June 2015

We propose a framework for a new type of finite field theories based on a hidden duality between an ultraviolet and an infrared region. Physical quantities do not receive radiative corrections at a fundamental scale or the fixed point of the duality transformation, and this feature is compatible with models possessing a specific fermionic symmetry. Theories can be tested indirectly by relations among parameters, reflecting underlying symmetries.
An Adaptive Hybrid PSO Multi-Objective Optimization Algorithm for Constrained Optimization Problems
Authors: Hu Hongzhi , Tian Shulin , Guo Qing , Ouyang Aijia
Published: June 2015

In attempting to overcome the limitation of current methods to solve complicated constrained optimization problems, this paper proposes an adaptive hybrid particle swarm optimization multi-objective optimization (AHPSOMO) algorithm. In the early stage, this algorithm initializes the individuals in a population in an even manner using good point set (GPS) theory so that the diversity of the population can be guaranteed. In the process of local search, differential evolution (DE) algorithm is introduced for updating local optimal individuals. Particle swarm optimization method is further adopted to conduct global search as per the multi-objective approach. The results of simulation tests on 24 classic test functions and three engineering constrained optimization problems show that compared with other algorithms, our proposed algorithm is effective and feasible, which can offer highly accurate solutions with good robustness.
Electric Load Movement Forecasting Based on the DFT Interpolation with Periodic Extension
Authors: Yang Zong-Chang
Published: June 2015

Electric load forecasting is increasingly important for the industry. This study addresses the load forecasting based on the discrete Fourier transform (DFT) interpolation. As the most common analysis method in the frequency domain, the conventional Fourier analysis cannot be directly applied to prediction. From the perspective of time-series analysis, electric load movement influenced by various factors is also a time-series, which is usually subject to cyclical variations. Then with periodic extension for the load movement, a forecasting approach based on the DFT interpolation is proposed for predicting its movement. The proposed DFT interpolation prediction model is applied to experiments of forecasting the daily EUNITE load movement and annual load movement of State Grid Corporation in China. The experimental results and analysis show potentiality of the proposed method. Performance comparisons indicate that the proposed DFT interpolation model performs better than the three commonly used interpolation algorithms as well as the classical autoregressive (AR) model, the ARMA model, and the BP-artificial neural network (ANN) model on the same forecasting tasks.
Emergence in Interactive Artistic Visualization
Authors: Seevinck Jen
Published: June 2015

This research draws on theories of emergence to inform the creation of an artistic and direct visualization. This is an interactive artwork and drawing tool for creative participant experiences. Emergence is characteristically creative and many different models of emergence exist. It is therefore possible to effect creativity through the application of emergence mechanisms from these different disciplines. A review of theories of emergence and examples of visualization in the arts, is provided. An art project led by the author is then discussed in this context. This project, Iterative Intersections, is a collaboration with community artists from Cerebral Palsy League. It has resulted in a number of creative outcomes including the interactive art application, Of me with me. Analytical discussion of this work shows how its construction draws on aspects of experience design, fractal and emergent theory to effect perceptual emergence and creative experience as well as to facilitate self-efficacy.
Interactive Exploration of Data with Visual Metaphors
Authors: Cybulski Jacob L. , Keller Susan , Saundage Dilal
Published: June 2015

Visual Analytics (VA) is an approach to data analysis by means of visual manipulation of data representation, which relies on innate human abilities of perception and cognition. Even though current visual toolkits in the Business Analytics (BA) domain have improved the effectiveness of data exploration, analysis and reporting, their features are often not intuitive, and can be confusing and difficult to use. Moreover, visualizations generated from these toolkits are mostly accessible to specialist users. Thus, there is a need for analytic environments that support data exploration, interpretation and communication of insight that do not add to the cognitive load of the analyst and their non-technical clients. In this conceptual paper, we explore the potential of primary metaphors, which arise out of human lived and sensory-motor experiences, in the design of immersive visual analytics environments. Primary metaphors provide ideas for representation of time, space, quantity, similarity, actions and team work. Using examples developed in our own work, we also explain how to combine such metaphors to create complex and cognitively acceptable visual metaphors, such as 3D data terrains that approximate our intuition of reality and create opportunities for data to be viewed, navigated, explored, touched, changed, discussed, reported and described to others, individually or collaboratively.
Generating Reusable Visual Notations Using Model Transformation
Authors: Avazpour Iman , Grundy John , Vu Hai L.
Published: June 2015

Visual notations are a key aspect of visual languages. They provide a direct mapping between the intended information and set of graphical symbols. Visual notations are most often implemented using the low level syntax of programming languages which is time consuming, error prone, difficult to maintain and hardly human-centric. In this paper we describe an alternative approach to generating visual notations using by-example model transformations. In our new approach, a semantic mapping between model and view is implemented using model transformations. The notations resulting from this approach can be reused by mapping varieties of input data to their model and can be composed into different visualizations. Our approach is implemented in the CONVErT framework and has been applied to many visualization examples. Three case studies for visualizing statistical charts, visualization of traffic data, and reuse of a Minard's map visualization's components, are presented in this paper. A detailed user study of our approach for reusing notations and generating visualizations has been provided. 80% of the participants in this user study agreed that the novel approach to visualization was easy and 87% stated that they quickly learned to use the tool support.
A Tool Supporting End-User Development of Access Control in Web Applications
Authors: Caruccio Loredana , Deufemia Vincenzo , D'Souza Christopher , Ginige Athula , Polese Giuseppe
Published: June 2015

End-user development (EUD) is drawing an increasing attention due to the necessity of users to frequently extend and personalize their applications. In particular, EUD in the context of Web (EUDWeb) is focusing on technologies capable of supporting development tasks that the end-user feels more complex. However, although the specification and implementation of access control is perceived as a particularly complex task, little efforts have been made to support it within current EUDWeb environments. Thus, in this paper we propose an EUDWeb framework and tool for the specification and the generation of web applications embedding access control mechanisms. We extended a previous mockup-based EUDWeb approach, by introducing visual assistance mechanisms enabling the specification of role-based access control policies, and their integration within the application logic. The usability of the proposed framework has been evaluated by means of a user study, in which we have shown that a group of heterogeneous end-users could proficiently use the proposed framework to develop meaningful web applications, some of which including access control functionalities.
New directions and challenging computations in fluid dynamics modeling with stabilized and multiscale methods
Authors: Bazilevs Yuri , Takizawa Kenji , Tezduyar Tayfun E.
Published: June 2015

In this paper, we provide a brief overview of the development of stabilized and multiscale methods in fluid dynamics. We mainly focus on recent developments and new directions in the variational multiscale (VMS) methods. We also discuss applications of the VMS techniques to fluid dynamics problems involving computational challenges associated with high-Reynolds-number flows, wall-bounded turbulent flows, flows with moving domains including subdomains in relative motion, and free-surface flows.
Curve diagrams, laminations, and the geometric complexity of braids
Authors: Jugé Vincent
Published: June 2015

Braids can be represented geometrically as curve diagrams. The geometric complexity of a braid is the minimal complexity of a curve diagram representing it. We introduce and study the corresponding notion of geometric generating function. We compute explicitly the geometric generating function for the group of braids on three strands and prove that it is neither rational nor algebraic, nor even holonomic. This result may appear as counterintuitive. Indeed, the standard complexity (due to the Artin presentation of braid groups) is algorithmically harder to compute than the geometric complexity, yet the associated generating function for the group of braids on three strands is rational.
Review of the Clinical Use of Fluoroscopy in Hand Surgery
Authors: Gieroba Tom J. , Bain Gregory I. , Cundy Peter J.
Published: June 2015

Fluoroscopy is a commonly used tool in hand surgery. There have been recent advances in the technology and its clinical utilisation. Indications include assessment of joint and fracture fixation and stability, particularly when combined with minimally invasive techniques. Recent developments include surgeon operated mini C-arm image intensifiers. We present a review of the clinical utilisation of fluoroscopy in hand surgery including recent developments, Australian legislation, safety issues, strategies to reduce radiation exposure and clinical examples for imaging distal radius and scaphoid fracture fixation.
The Classification of Swanson for Congenital Anomalies of Upper Limb Modified by the Japanese Society for Surgery of the Hand (JSSH)
Authors: Iba Kousuke , Horii Emiko , Ogino Toshihiko , Kazuki Kenichi , Kashiwa Katsuhiko
Published: June 2015

The aim of this study is to introduce the classification of Swanson for congenital anomalies of upper limb modified by the Japanese Society for Surgery of the Hand (the JSSH modification) in English. The Swanson classification has been widely accepted by most hand surgeons. However, several authors have suggested that complex cases, particularly those involving the complex spectrum of cleft hand and symbrachydactyly, are difficult to classify into the classification schemes. In the JSSH modification, brachysyndactyly, so-called atypical cleft hand and transverse deficiency are included under the same concept of transverse deficiency. Cleft hand, central polydactyly, and syndactyly are included in the same category of abnormal induction of digital rays. We believe that the JSSH modification system is effective in providing hand surgeons with the clinical features and conditions for congenital anomalies.
Analysis of quantum-mechanical states of the ring-shaped Mie-type diatomic molecular model via the Fisher's information
Authors: Falaye B. J. , Oyewumi K. J. , Sadikoglu F. , Hamzavi M. , Ikhdair S. M.
Published: June 2015

Recently, the information theory of quantum-mechanical systems has aroused the interest of many theoretical physicists. This is due to the fact that it provides a deeper insight into the internal structure of the system. Also, it is the strongest support of the modern quantum computation and information, which is a basic theory for numerous technological developments. This study reports the solution of Schrödinger equation with the ring-shaped Mie-type potential. The rotational-vibrational spectroscopic study of some few selected diatomic molecules are given. The probability distribution density of the system which gives the probability density for observing the electron in the state characterized by the quantum numbers (n, l, m) in the ring-shaped Mie-type potential is obtained. Finally, the analysis for this distribution via a complementary information measures of a probability distribution known as the Fisher's information have been presented.
Dimension estimates for sets of uniformly badly approximable systems of linear forms
Authors: Broderick Ryan , Kleinbock Dmitry
Published: June 2015

The set of badly approximable m × n matrices is known to have Hausdorff dimension mn. Each such matrix comes with its own approximation constant c, and one can ask for the dimension of the set of badly approximable matrices with approximation constant greater than or equal to some fixed c. In the one-dimensional case, a very precise answer to this question is known. In this note, we obtain upper and lower bounds in higher dimensions. The lower bounds are established via the technique of Schmidt games, while for the upper bound we use homogeneous dynamics methods, namely exponential mixing of flows on the space of lattices.
On the pseudo-nullity of the dual fine Selmer groups
Authors: Lim Meng Fai
Published: June 2015

In this paper, we will study the pseudo-nullity of the dual fine Selmer group and its related question. We investigate certain situations, where one can deduce the pseudo-nullity of the dual fine Selmer group of a general Galois module over an admissible p-adic Lie extension F∞ from the knowledge of the pseudo-nullity of the Galois group of the maximal abelian unramified pro-p extension of F∞ at which every prime of F∞ above p splits completely. In particular, this gives us a way to construct examples of the pseudo-nullity of the dual fine Selmer group of a Galois module that is unramified outside p. We will illustrate our results with many examples.
Bootstrapped zero density estimates and a central limit theorem for the zeros of the zeta function
Authors: Maples Kenneth , Rodgers Brad
Published: June 2015

We unconditionally prove a central limit theorem for linear statistics of the zeros of the Riemann zeta function with diverging variance. Previously, theorems of this sort have been proved under the assumption of the Riemann hypothesis. The result mirrors central limit theorems in random matrix theory that have been proved by Szegő, Spohn, and Soshnikov among others, and therefore provides support for the view that the zeros of the zeta function are distributed like the eigenvalues of a random matrix. A key ingredient in our proof is a simple bootstrapping of classical zero density estimates of Selberg and Jutila for the zeta function, which may be of independent interest.
Zero-sum subsequences of distinct lengths
Authors: Gao Weidong , Zhao Pingping , Zhuang Jujuan
Published: June 2015

Let G be an additive finite abelian group, and let disc (G) denote the smallest positive integer t such that every sequence S over G of length ∣S∣ ≥ t has two nonempty zero-sum subsequences of distinct lengths. We determine disc (G) for some groups including the groups [Formula: see text], the groups of rank at most two and the groups Cmpn⊕ H, where m, n are positive integers, p is a prime and H is a p-group with pn≥ D*(H).
Phonon dispersion calculations using the Vaks model in antiferroelectric lead zirconate
Authors: Andronikova D. A. , Burkovsky R. G. , Filimonov A. V. , Tagantsev A. K. , Vakhrushev S. B.
Published: June 2015

The calculations of low-energy phonon dispersion relations in lead zirconate (PZ) have been carried out using the Vaks model. This model takes into account only five low-energy phonon modes and their interactions. It has been shown that this model allows to achieve good agreement not only between calculated and experimental transverse acoustic phonon dispersion but also between their temperature dependences. It has been shown 5-mode system, which describes low-energy phonon dispersion in PZ, is close to unstable state. Even a little change of interaction parameter can lead to lattice instability with nonzero wave vector q crit . Wave vector q crit could have any value, including irrational one. In this case, system will undergo an incommensurate phase transition.
Tissue necrosis and passage of fluid due to cold stress from the thermally damaged human body peripherals: A mathematical model
Authors: Khanday M. A. , Hussain Fida , Nazir Khalid
Published: June 2015

The development of cold injury takes place in the human subjects by means of crystallization of tissues in the exposed regions at severe cold temperatures. The process together with the evaluation of the passage of fluid discharge from the necrotic regions with respect to various degrees of frostbites has been carried out by using variational finite element technique. The model is based on the Pennes' bio-heat equation and mass diffusion equations together with suitable initial and boundary conditions. The results are analyzed in relation with atmospheric temperatures and other parameters of the tissue medium.
Modeling Active Mechanosensing in Cell–Matrix Interactions
Authors: Chen Bin , Ji Baohua , Gao Huajian
Published: June 2015

Cells actively sense the mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix, such as its rigidity, morphology, and deformation. The cell–matrix interaction influences a range of cellular processes, including cell adhesion, migration, and differentiation, among others. This article aims to review some of the recent progress that has been made in modeling mechanosensing in cell–matrix interactions at different length scales. The issues discussed include specific interactions between proteins, the structure and mechanosensitivity of focal adhesions, the cluster effects of the specific binding, the structure and behavior of stress fibers, cells' sensing of substrate stiffness, and cell reorientation on cyclically stretched substrates. The review concludes by looking toward future opportunities in the field and at the challenges to understanding active cell–matrix interactions.
Regulation of Rad6/Rad18 Activity During DNA Damage Tolerance
Authors: Hedglin Mark , Benkovic Stephen J.
Published: June 2015

Replicative polymerases (pols) cannot accommodate damaged template bases, and these pols stall when such offenses are encountered during S phase. Rather than repairing the damaged base, replication past it may proceed via one of two DNA damage tolerance (DDT) pathways, allowing replicative DNA synthesis to resume. In translesion DNA synthesis (TLS), a specialized TLS pol is recruited to catalyze stable, yet often erroneous, nucleotide incorporation opposite damaged template bases. In template switching, the newly synthesized sister strand is used as a damage-free template to synthesize past the lesion. In eukaryotes, both pathways are regulated by the conjugation of ubiquitin to the PCNA sliding clamp by distinct E2/E3 pairs. Whereas monoubiquitination by Rad6/Rad18 mediates TLS, extension of this ubiquitin to a polyubiquitin chain by Ubc13–Mms2/Rad5 routes DDT to the template switching pathway. In this review, we focus on the monoubiquitination of PCNA by Rad6/Rad18 and summarize the current knowledge of how this process is regulated.
Structural Biology of the Major Facilitator Superfamily Transporters
Authors: Yan Nieng
Published: June 2015

The ancient and ubiquitous major facilitator superfamily (MFS) represents the largest secondary transporter family and plays a crucial role in a multitude of physiological processes. MFS proteins transport a broad spectrum of ions and solutes across membranes via facilitated diffusion, symport, or antiport. In recent years, remarkable advances in understanding the structural biology of the MFS transporters have been made. This article reviews the history, classification, and general features of the MFS proteins; summarizes recent structural progress with a focus on the sugar porter family transporters exemplified by GLUT1; and discusses the molecular mechanisms of substrate binding, alternating access, and cotransport coupling.
Anatomy of Nanoscale Propulsion
Authors: Yadav Vinita , Duan Wentao , Butler Peter J. , Sen Ayusman
Published: June 2015

Nature supports multifaceted forms of life. Despite the variety and complexity of these forms, motility remains the epicenter of life. The applicable laws of physics change upon going from macroscales to microscales and nanoscales, which are characterized by low Reynolds number (Re). We discuss motion at low Re in natural and synthetic systems, along with various propulsion mechanisms, including electrophoresis, electrolyte diffusiophoresis, and nonelectrolyte diffusiophoresis. We also describe the newly uncovered phenomena of motility in non-ATP-driven self-powered enzymes and the directional movement of these enzymes in response to substrate gradients. These enzymes can also be immobilized to function as fluid pumps in response to the presence of their substrates. Finally, we review emergent collective behavior arising from interacting motile species, and we discuss the possible biomedical applications of the synthetic nanobots and microbots.
A Rare Case of a Renal Cell Carcinoma Confined to the Isthmus of a Horseshoe Kidney
Authors: Kongnyuy Michael , Martinez Daniel , Park Anthony , McCormick Barrett , Parker Justin , Hall Mary
Published: June 2015

Horseshoe kidney (HSK) is the most common renal anomaly. Reports of the incidence of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in HSK are conflicting. Very few cases of isthmus-located RCC have been reported in the literature. We report a unique case of an isthmus-located RCC. Proper vascular and tumor imaging prior to surgery is key to successful tumor removal.
Existence Results for New Weak and Strong Mixed Vector Equilibrium Problems on Noncompact Domain
Authors: Farajzadeh Ali , Ungchittrakool Kasamsuk , Jarernsuk Apisit
Published: June 2015

We introduce and consider two new mixed vector equilibrium problems, that is, a new weak mixed vector equilibrium problem and a new strong mixed vector equilibrium problem which are combinations of certain vector equilibrium problems, and vector variational inequality problems. We prove existence results for the problems in noncompact setting.
Immunosuppression and Multiple Primary Malignancies in Kidney-Transplanted Patients: A Single-Institute Study
Authors: Santangelo Michele L. , Criscitiello Carmen , Renda Andrea , Federico Stefano , Curigliano Giuseppe , Dodaro Concetta , Scotti Alessandro , Tammaro Vincenzo , Calogero Armando , Riccio Eleonora , Pisani Antonio , Carlomagno Nicola
Published: June 2015

Immunodeficiency is associated with higher cancer incidence. However, it is unknown whether there is a link between immunodeficiency and development of multiple primary malignancies. In the present study we analyse this link focusing on kidney-transplanted patients, as they are at higher risk of developing cancer due to the chronic assumption of immunosuppressants. We followed up 1200 patients who underwent kidney transplantation between 1980 and 2012. A total of 77/1200 kidney-transplanted patients developed cancer and 24 of them developed multiple cancers. Most multiple cancers were synchronous with a nonsignificant association between cancer and rejection episodes. In the general cancer population, one-ninth of patients are at higher risk of developing a second tumor over a lifetime; hence it would be reasonable to conclude that, from a merely theoretical and statistical viewpoint, long-term transplanted patients potentially have a higher risk of developing MPMs. However, data did not confirm this assumption, probably because these patients die before a second primary malignancy appears. Despite many observations on the increased incidence of different tumor types in immunodeficient patients and despite immunosuppression certainly being a predisposing factor for the multicancer syndrome, data so far are not robust enough to justify a correlation between immunodeficiency and multiple primary malignancies in transplanted patients.
The Fetal Modified Myocardial Performance Index: Is Automation the Future?
Authors: Maheshwari Priya , Henry Amanda , Welsh Alec W.
Published: June 2015

The fetal modified myocardial performance index (Mod-MPI) is a noninvasive, pulsed-wave Doppler-derived measure of global myocardial function. This review assesses the progress in technical refinements of its measurement and the potential for automation to be the crucial next step. The Mod-MPI is a ratio of isovolumetric to ejection time cardiac time intervals, and the potential for the left ventricular Mod-MPI as a tool to clinically assess fetal cardiac function is well-established. However, there are wide variations in published reference ranges, as (1) a standardised method of selecting cardiac time intervals used in Mod-MPI calculation has not been established; (2) cardiac time interval measurement currently requires manual, inherently subjective placement of callipers on Doppler ultrasound waveforms; and (3) ultrasound machine settings and ultrasound system type have been found to affect Mod-MPI measurement. Collectively these factors create potential for significant inter- and intraobserver measurement variability. Automated measurement of the Mod-MPI may be the next key development which propels the Mod-MPI into routine clinical use. A novel automated system of Mod-MPI measurement is briefly presented and its implications for the future of the Mod-MPI in fetal cardiology are discussed.
Physical Activity during Winter in Old-Old Women Associated with Physical Performance after One Year: A Prospective Study
Authors: Mizumoto Atsushi , Ihira Hikaru , Makino Keitaro , Saitoh Shigeyuki , Ohnishi Hirofumi , Furuna Taketo
Published: June 2015

Background. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the decline of physical activity during winter influences physical performances (after 1 year) in old-old women.Methods. Fifty-three Japanese women (mean age: 78.4 ± 3.2 years) participated in this study. Data of physical activity was collected by using an accelerometer at baseline and 3-month follow-up, and participants who decreased step counts in this period were defined as declining groups. We measured grip strength, knee extensor strength, total length of the center of gravity, hip walking distance, and maximum walking speed to evaluate physical performances at baseline and 1-year follow-up. Repeated-measures analysis of variance determined the difference in physical performance between declining groups and maintenance group with maintained or improved step counts.Results. Daily step counts for 22 older women (41.5%) decreased during winter. A statistically significant interaction effect between group and time was found for maximum walking speed (F(1,50)=5.23,p=0.03).Post hoccomparisons revealed that walking speed in the maintenance group significantly increased compared with baseline (p=0.01); the declining group showed no significant change (p=0.44).Conclusion. Change of physical activity during winter influences the physical performance level after 1 year in community-dwelling old-old women, particularly its effect on maximum walking speed.
Regenerating Salivary Glands in the Microenvironment of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Ono Hitomi , Obana Aya , Usami Yu , Sakai Manabu , Nohara Kanji , Egusa Hiroshi , Sakai Takayoshi
Published: June 2015

This report describes our initial attempt to regenerate salivary glands using induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cellsin vivoandin vitro. Glandular tissues that were similar to the adult submandibular glands (SMGs) and sublingual glands could be partially produced by the transplantation of iPS cells into mouse salivary glands. However, the tumorigenicity of iPS cells has not been resolved yet. It is well known that stem cells affect their microenvironment, known as a stem cell niche. We focused on the niche and the interaction between iPS cells and salivary gland cells in our study on salivary gland regeneration. Coculture of embryonic SMG cells and iPS cells have better-developed epithelial structures and fewer undifferentiated specific markers than monoculture of embryonic SMG cellsin vitro. These results suggest that iPS cells have a potential ability to accelerate differentiation for salivary gland development and regeneration.
Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Cytotoxic Activities of Propolis from the Stingless BeeTetragonisca fiebrigi(Jataí)
Authors: Campos Jaqueline Ferreira , Santos Uilson Pereira dos , Rocha Paola dos Santos da , Damião Marcio José , Balestieri José Benedito Perrella , Cardoso Claudia Andrea Lima , Paredes-Gamero Edgar Julian , Estevinho Leticia Miranda , de Picoli Souza Kely , Santos Edson Lucas dos
Published: June 2015

Propolis from stingless beesTetragonisca fiebrigifound in Brazil is used in folk medicine by their nutritional and therapeutic properties. However, there are no scientific records evidencing such properties. The present study was designed to investigate the chemical composition and the biological properties of propolis fromT. fiebrigi. For this, the chemical composition of the ethanol extract of propolis (EEP) was determined by GC-MS and presented phenolic compounds, alcohol, and terpenes as its major class compounds. The antimicrobial activity was accessed in gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and in fungi, isolated from different biological fluids and reference strains. The EEP was active against all microorganisms and showed antioxidant activity by scavenging free radicals, inhibiting hemolysis and lipid peroxidation in human erythrocytes incubated with an oxidizing agent. The anti-inflammatory potential of the EEP was confirmed by inhibition of the hyaluronidase enzyme. The cytotoxic activity was concentration-dependent against K562 cells, with a predominance of death by necrosis. Taken together, these results show that propolis fromT. fiebrigihas important therapeutic activities, which suggest its potential application in the pharmaceutical industry, as well as in health foods, beverages, and nutritional supplements.
An Empirical Study of Strategic Positioning and Production Efficiency
Authors: Chang Hsihui , Fernando Guy D. , Tripathy Arindam
Published: June 2015

We examine the relationship between strategic positioning of firms and their production efficiency. Firms with competitive advantages based on either cost leadership or differentiation are able to outperform their competitors. Firms pursuing a cost leadership strategy seek to be the lowest cost producer, primarily by minimizing inputs for a given level of output, thus concentrating on increasing the efficiency of their production processes. On the other hand, firms that pursue a differentiation strategy rely on innovation, brand development, marketing, and so forth to achieve competitive advantages; therefore such firms do not place high emphasis on production efficiency. Thus the importance of production efficiency for the success of a firm depends on the strategic positioning of the firm. We apply DEA to an archival data for a large sample of publicly listed firms to investigate the importance of production efficiency for firms based on their strategic positioning. We provide empirical evidence that firms pursuing a cost leadership strategy attribute higher importance to production efficiency, while firms pursuing differentiation strategy attribute less importance to production efficiency.
Mucocutaneous Involvement in Behçet’s Disease: How Systemic Treatment Has Changed in the Last Decades and Future Perspectives
Authors: Rotondo Cinzia , Lopalco Giuseppe , Iannone Florenzo , Vitale Antonio , Talarico Rosaria , Galeazzi Mauro , Lapadula Giovanni , Cantarini Luca
Published: June 2015

Behçet’s disease (BD) is a multisystemic disorder of unknown etiology characterized by the “triple symptom complex” consisting of recurrent oral aphthosis, genital ulcers, and chronic relapsing bilateral uveitis. Recurrent mucocutaneous lesions are generally considered the hallmark of the disease, being the most common symptoms presenting at the onset of disease. Although the improvement of knowledge about the pathogenetic mechanism added important changes in the treatment management of BD clinical manifestations, thus avoiding the appearance of serious life‐threatening complications which are disease related, the mucocutaneous lesions are still the most nagging clinical manifestations to be treated. In this work we reviewed the current state of knowledge regarding the therapeutic approaches for mucocutaneous lesions of BD mainly based on controlled studies to provide a rational framework for selecting the appropriate therapy for treating these troublesome features of the disease.
Existence and Multiplicity of Fast Homoclinic Solutions for a Class of Nonlinear Second-Order Nonautonomous Systems in a Weighted Sobolev Space
Authors: Zhang Qiongfen , Li Yuan
Published: June 2015

This paper is concerned with the following nonlinear second-order nonautonomous problem:ü(t)+q(t)u̇(t)-∇K(t,u(t))+∇W(t,u(t))=0, wheret∈R,u∈RN, andK,W∈C1(R×RN,R)are not periodic intandq:R→Ris a continuous function andQ(t)=∫0t‍q(s)dswithlim|t|→+∞⁡Q(t)=+∞. The existence and multiplicity of fast homoclinic solutions are established by using Mountain Pass Theorem and Symmetric Mountain Pass Theorem in critical point theory.
Preliminary Study of Pet Owner Adherence in Behaviour, Cardiology, Urology, and Oncology Fields
Authors: Talamonti Zita , Cassis Chiara , Brambilla Paola G. , Scarpa Paola , Stefanello Damiano , Cannas Simona , Minero Michela , Palestrini Clara
Published: June 2015

Successful veterinary treatment of animals requires owner adherence with a prescribed treatment plan. The aim of our study was to evaluate and compare the level of adherence of the owners of patients presented for behavioural, cardiological, urological, and oncological problems. At the end of the first examination, each owner completed a questionnaire. Then, the owners were called four times to fill out another questionnaire over the phone. With regard to the first questionnaire, statistically significant data concern behavioral medicine and cardiology. In the first area the owner’s worry decreases during the follow-up and the number of owners who would give away the animal increases. In cardiology, owners who think that the pathology harms their animal’s quality of life decreased significantly over time. With regard to the 9 additional follow-up questions, in behavioural medicine and urology the owner’s discomfort resulting from the animal’s pathology significantly decreases over time. Assessment of adherence appears to be an optimal instrument in identifying the positive factors and the difficulties encountered by owners during the application of a treatment protocol.
A Novel Object Tracking Algorithm Based on Compressed Sensing and Entropy of Information
Authors: Ma Ding , Yu Zhezhou , Yu JiKun , Pang Wei
Published: June 2015

Object tracking has always been a hot research topic in the field of computer vision; its purpose is to track objects with specific characteristics or representation and estimate the information of objects such as their locations, sizes, and rotation angles in the current frame. Object tracking in complex scenes will usually encounter various sorts of challenges, such as location change, dimension change, illumination change, perception change, and occlusion. This paper proposed a novel object tracking algorithm based on compressed sensing and information entropy to address these challenges. First, objects are characterized by the Haar (Haar-like) and ORB features. Second, the dimensions of computation space of the Haar and ORB features are effectively reduced through compressed sensing. Then the above-mentioned features are fused based on information entropy. Finally, in the particle filter framework, an object location was obtained by selecting candidate object locations in the current frame from the local context neighboring the optimal locations in the last frame. Our extensive experimental results demonstrated that this method was able to effectively address the challenges of perception change, illumination change, and large area occlusion, which made it achieve better performance than existing approaches such as MIL and CT.
The Pathogenicity of Anti-β2GP1-IgG Autoantibodies Depends on Fc Glycosylation
Authors: Fickentscher Christoph , Magorivska Iryna , Janko Christina , Biermann Mona , Bilyy Rostyslav , Nalli Cecilia , Tincani Angela , Medeghini Veronica , Meini Antonella , Nimmerjahn Falk , Schett Georg , Muñoz Luis E. , Andreoli Laura , Herrmann Martin
Published: June 2015

To analyze the glycosylation of anti-β2GP1, we investigated purified IgG from healthy children, patients with APS, and asymptomatic adult carriers of antiphospholipid antibodies. We observed that in the sera of healthy children and of patients with APS, IgG3 and IgG2 were predominant, respectively. The potentially protective anti-β2GP1-IgM was lower in the sera of healthy children. Although anti-β2GP1-associated C1q did not differ between children and patients with antiphospholipid syndrome, the associated C3c was significantly higher in the sera of healthy children. This indicates a more efficient clearance of anti-β2GP1 immune complexes in the healthy children. This clearance is not accompanied by inflammation or coagulatory events. It is likely that the most important pathogenic factor of the anti-β2GP1-IgG is related to the different glycosylation observed in healthy and diseased individuals. We detected a significantly higher sialylation of anti-β2GP1-IgG isolated from the sera of healthy children and asymptomatic adults when compared with that of patients with clinically apparent antiphospholipid syndrome. Low sialylated IgG reportedly ameliorates inflammation and inflammation promotes hyposialylation. Thus, both reactions create a vicious circle that precipitates the pathology of the antiphospholipid syndrome including thrombus-formation. We conclude that the increased sialylation of anti-β2GP1-IgG of sera of healthy individuals limits their pathogenicity.
Obliteration of Intercondylar Notch Mimicking Flexion-Extension Gap Imbalance in a Cruciate Retaining Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Gungor Harun Resit , Kiter Esat , Akkaya Semih , Ok Nusret , Yorukoglu Cagdas
Published: June 2015

Following total knee arthroplasty (TKA), the most frequent cause of extension deficit and limitation of range of motion in early postoperative period is related to improper tensioning of soft tissues and failure to balance extension and flexion gaps. If a cruciate retaining (CR) prosthesis is the planned implant, then attention should be given to balancing the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), and any factor that alters this balance may also cause deterioration of knee balance in postoperative period. Here, we report on an unusual case referred from another hospital because of continuous pain and restriction of knee motion in early postoperative period following CR-designed TKA that was initially thought to be due to flexion-extension imbalance. However, during the revision procedure, extruded cement to the intercondylar notch was found to be both mechanically blocking terminal extension and limiting flexion by possible mechanism of irritation of the synovial nerve endings around the stretched anterior fibers of PCL during flexion. This case was successfully treated by removal of extruded cement from intercondylar notch to decompress PCL, polyethylene exchange, and secondary patellar resurfacing.
Combined Analysis of SNP Array Data Identifies Novel CNV Candidates and Pathways in Ependymoma and Mesothelioma
Authors: Wajnberg Gabriel , Carvalho Benilton S. , Ferreira Carlos G. , Passetti Fabio
Published: June 2015

Copy number variation is a class of structural genomic modifications that includes the gain and loss of a specific genomic region, which may include an entire gene. Many studies have used low-resolution techniques to identify regions that are frequently lost or amplified in cancer. Usually, researchers choose to use proprietary or non-open-source software to detect these regions because the graphical interface tends to be easier to use. In this study, we combined two different open-source packages into an innovative strategy to identify novel copy number variations and pathways associated with cancer. We used a mesothelioma and ependymoma published datasets to assess our tool. We detected previously described and novel copy number variations that are associated with cancer chemotherapy resistance. We also identified altered pathways associated with these diseases, like cell adhesion in patients with mesothelioma and negative regulation of glutamatergic synaptic transmission in ependymoma patients. In conclusion, we present a novel strategy using open-source software to identify copy number variations and altered pathways associated with cancer.
Efficient Service Selection in Mobile Information Systems
Authors: Wang Shangguang , Sun Lei , Sun Qibo , Li Xuyan , Yang Fangchun
Published: June 2015

With the rapid development of mobile wireless networks such as 4G and LET, ever more mobile services and applications are emerging in mobile networks. Faced with massive mobile services, a top priority of mobile information systems is how to find the best services and compose them into new value-added services (e.g., location-based services). Hence, service selection is one of the most fundamental operations in mobile information systems. Traditional implementation of service selection suffers from the problems of a huge number of services and reliability. We present an efficient approach to service selection based on computing QoS uncertainty that achieves the best solution in two senses: (1) the time cost for finding the best services is short and (2) the reliability of the selected services is high. We have implemented our approach in experiments with real-world and synthetic datasets. Our results show that our approach improves on the other approaches tested.
Protective and Therapeutic Effects of Chinese Medicine Formula Jiajian Yunvjian on Experimental Cardiac Remodeling after Myocardial Infarction Induced by Coronary Artery Ligation
Authors: Du Jun , Gu Wei-liang , Chen Chang-xun , Wang Ying , Lv Jian
Published: June 2015

Introduction. This study was designed to explore the effect and mechanism of a classic Chinese medicine formula Jiajian Yunvjian (JJYNJ) on cardiac remodeling. Cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI) model was achieved by coronary artery ligation (CAL).Methodology. When dosed orally once daily, the effects of JJYNJ on hemodynamics, left ventricular weight index (LVWI), heart weight index (HWI), concentration, and gene expression of neuroendocrine factors as well as the histomorphological observation were determined.Results. After 4 weeks, mild cardiac remodeling in CAL group was characterized compared with sham group, but after 4 weeks of treatment of JJYNJ, hemodynamics improved, HWI reduced, and circulating angiotensin II (Ang II), endothelin-1 (ET-1), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), and hydroxyproline (Hyp) concentrations as well as Ang II receptor type 1 (AT1R) mRNA, transforming growth factorβ1(TGF-β1) mRNA, and TNF-αmRNA levels in myocardium were lower than in CAL group. Decreased plasma aldosterone (ALD) concentration, cross-sectional area of cardiomyocyte, collagen volume fraction (CVF), collagen types I and III, perivascular collagen area (PVCA), and upregulated nitric oxide (NO) levels were observed at the same time.Conclusions. These findings suggest that JJYNJ may have a protective and therapeutic function on cardiac remodeling related to MI.