bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is total hip arthroplasty a successful and safe procedure in Jehovah's Witnesses? Mean five-year results
Authors: Harwin Steven F. , Pivec Robert , Naziri Qais , Issa Kimona , Mont Michael A.
Published: April 2014

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) can be challenging in Jehovah's Witnesses because of the potential for blood loss. Because these patients will not accept blood transfusions, multiple strategies to prevent blood loss have been developed. The purpose of this study was to report implant survivorship, clinical outcomes, radiographic outcomes, morbidity, and mortality of Jehovah's Witnesses undergoing primary THA. Databases from two institutions were reviewed to identify 53 patients (55 hips) who were Jehovah's Witnesses and had a primary total hip arthroplasty. There were 27 women and 26 men who had a mean age of 63 years (range 35-94 years), and a mean follow-up of 63 months (range 24-120 months). All Jehovah's Witnesses had a comprehensive perioperative blood management strategy employed by a coordinated medical and surgical team. Mean post-operative Harris Hip Scores were 86 points, and implant survivorship was 97%. There were two aseptic revisions for osteolysis and component loosening. There were no mortalities, and three minor surgical and two minor medical complications occurred during the study. Excellent clinical outcomes were found for Jehovah's Witness undergoing total hip arthroplasty using a comprehensive blood management protocol. We believe that the use of a specialised blood management protocol involving a team approach to preoperative evaluation, appropriate anaesthesia, and surgical and postoperative management was responsible for minimising complications. Total hip arthroplasty is safe and efficacious in this patient group if proper preoperative safeguards are utilised.
Asymmetrical hip loading correlates with metal ion levels in patients with metal-on-metal hip resurfacing during sit-to-stand
Authors: Mellon Stephen , Grammatopoulos George , Pandit Hemant , Murray David W. , Gill Harinderjit S.
Published: April 2014

The occurrence of pseudotumours following metal-on-metal hip resurfacing arthroplasty (MoMHRA) has been associated with high serum metal ion levels and consequently higher than normal bearing wear. Measuring ground reaction force is a simple method of collecting information on joint loading during a sit-to-stand (STS). We investigated vertical ground reaction force (VGRF) asymmetry during sit-to-stand for 12 MoMHRA patients with known serum metal ion levels. Asymmetry was assessed using two methods: a ratio of VGRF for implanted/unimplanted side and an absolute symmetry index (ASI). It was found that subjects with high serum metal ion levels preferentially loaded their implanted sides. The difference between the two groups was most apparent during the first 22% of STS. VGRF ratio showed significant and strong correlation with serum metal ion levels (Spearman's rho = 0.8, p = 0.003). These results suggest that individual activity patterns play a role in the wear of MoMHRA and preferential loading of an implanted limb during the initiation of motion may increase the wear of metal-on-metal hip replacements.
Use of Calcium-containing Endodontic Sealers as Apical Barrier in Fluid-contaminated Wide-open Apices
Authors: Prati Carlo , Siboni Francesco , Polimeni Antonella , Bossu' Maurizio , Gandolfi Maria Giovanna
Published: April 2014

Purpose

The sealing of wide-open apex roots is still a challenge and requires the use of apical barrier techniques. The aim was to evaluate ex vivo the sealing and the apical morphology of 3 commercial calcium oxide (CaO)-containing sealers - namely, 2 zinc oxide-based (CRCS and Sealapex) and a calcium silicate MTA-based (TechBiosealer Endo) - placed in wet root canals with artificial wide-open apices.

Methods

Thirty human single-rooted teeth were shaped with Protaper and an artificial open apex (diameter size 110) was created. Each root was inserted in a custom-designed support containing simulated body fluid (Hank's balanced salt solution, HBSS) at the bottom simulating the presence of periapical fluid in the canal. Each sealer (TechBiosealer Endo, CRCS, Sealapex) was compacted to the apical 5 mm and the filled roots stored in HBSS at 37°C. The sealing was evaluated as micro-infiltrated fluid since 24 hours up to 6 months using a high-precision digital fluid flow meter. The sealers were also studied for setting time in HBSS, calcium releasing (statistical analysis by 2-way ANOVA followed by Student-Newman-Keuls test, P<0.05) and surface morpho-chemistry by environmental scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive X-ray (ESEM-EDX) and optical microscopy (OM) analysis.

Results

All sealers showed a stable seal. TechBiosealer Endo maintained a better seal than the other materials (P<0.05) and ESEM-EDX and OM analyses showed the presence of apatite deposits.

Conclusions

The clinical use of hydraulic hydrophilic MTA-based sealers can be recommended to stop/reduce the fluid flow rate through the apex. The artificial apical barrier in wet wide apices is a suitable technique able to seal wet root canals.
Interfacial Sliding Properties of Bone Screw Materials and Their Effect on Screw Fixation Strength
Authors: Koistinen Arto P. , Korhonen Hannu , Kröger Heikki , Lappalainen Reijo
Published: April 2014

Background

This study examined the effect of interfacial sliding and test material properties on the fixation strength and insertional properties of self-tapping bone screws. Various substitute materials (polyacetal [POM], poly(methyl methacrylate) [PMMA] and E-glass-filled Epoxy [Sawbones®]) for human bone were evaluated, and the results were compared with the findings for cadaver bone.

Methods

Initial coefficient of friction (CoF) of the screw material stainless steel AISI316 was tested using a pin-on-disk apparatus, and the screws were exposed to pullout tests after insertion torque tests. The effect of a smooth diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating was studied by applying the coating on both CoF test balls and bone screws.

Results

Mechanical properties of test blocks strongly correlated to both pullout strength and insertion torque of the screws: for noncoated 2.7-mm screws, tensile strength correlated to pullout strength and insertion torque, with Pearson correlation coefficients r=0.977 and r=0.738, respectively. In contrast, CoF correlated strongly to screw insertion torque but not to pullout strength in bone substitute materials (for noncoated 2.7-mm screws, r=0.652 and r=0.248, respectively). There were no significant differences in CoF using noncoated and DLC-coated screw materials against bone substitutes.

Conclusions

Proper materials for in vitro testing help in evaluating the biomechanics of the implants in advance. However, choosing the material needs attention, as their ability to model human bone depends on test type.
Production of Nanobodies against Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA) Recognizing LnCaP Cells
Authors: Zare Hamed , Rajabibazl Masoumeh , Rasooli Iraj , Ebrahimizadeh Walead , Bakherad Hamid , Ardakani Leila Safaiee , Gargari Seyed Latif Mousavi
Published: April 2014

Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in men. The antibody-mediated therapy for cancer treatment depends on the identification of selected molecular targets. The prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is a potential molecular target in prostate cancer and is abundantly expressed in this type of cancer. This study is aimed at designing and producing a recombinant PSMA epitope and a monoclonal nanobody with a high affinity toward the PSMA protein. A DNA fragment encoding the dominant epitopes of PSMA was designed, synthesized, and expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3). A camel was immunized with the purified recombinant PSMA (rPSMA). Following mRNA isolation and cDNA synthesis, the variable fragment of heavy-chain antibodies (VHH) fragments were cloned and displayed on the surface of an M13 phage and used in sequential panning rounds. After phage ELISA and selection of colonies with the highest affinity, soluble nanobodies were produced and evaluated. Affinity of the nanobodies to rPSMA was estimated to be 3.5 × 10−7. Adherence of the purified anti-PSMA VHH was tested in cell-ELISA in the LnCaP and PC3 cell lines. VHH efficiently bound to LnCaP cells. The high specificity and affinity of this nanobody suggests its possible application as an effective tool in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer.
A Study on the Education Assistant System Using Smartphones and Service Robots for Children
Authors: Jeong Gu-Min , Park Chang-Woo , You Sujeong , Ji Sang-Hoon
Published: April 2014

In this paper, we propose a new education assistant system model using both smartphones and service robots for children's learning. Through the interaction between a smartphone and a robot, various use cases can be derived. For example, we can control the movement of the robot remotely, watch the status of the children using real-time streaming, or read the answer on the smartphone while only the question is displayed on the robot. Considering these facts, we present three use cases, namely ‘remote control’, ‘streaming’ and ‘N-screen’ for robot-based learning with smartphones. The proposed learning model is implemented in Android-based smartphones and a service robot using the OPRoS platform, and we show that the proposed model works well. 1
Maternal and infant Bordetella pertussis infection
Authors: Narkevičiūtė Irena , Kavaliūnaitė Ema , Janušaitienė Rūta
Published: April 2014

Background. Pertussis continues to be a public health concern around the world because of increasing morbidity among vaccinated children and adults, severe disease forms in infants and late diagnosis. It is frequently believed that pertussis is exclusively a “childhood disease”, but there have been increasing reports of B. pertussis infection among adolescents and adults, although the peak incidence and the highest mortality occur among infants.
Case presentation. 7-week-old infant illness started with a dry cough, on the 8th day of her illness it became paroxysmal. The infant’s recurrent apnea episodes started on the day 12 of the illness, she started vomiting and developed severe respiratory failure. The patient required intubation and ventilation and stayed in PICU for 9 days. Blood showed lymphocytic leukocytosis. Pertussis diagnosis was confirmed by specific IgM antibody seroconversion. Disease to her 30-year-old mother began with catarrhal symptoms, later her paroxysmal coughing became accompanied by vomiting. Atypical bacterial bronchitis was suspected. Rigorous epidemiological history and detection of pertussis antibodies have helped to the confirmation of the pertussis diagnosis. The clinical course of B. pertussis infection in the infant was severe, and the mother’s course was mild.
Conclusions. Our presented clinical case of the infant and her mother’s B. pertussis infection illustrates the complex diagnostic difficulties in diagnosing pertussis, requiring laboratory confirmation, analysis of epidemiological data and appropriate evaluation. Pertussis to the infant and the mother occurred with the typical three stages: catarrhal, paroxysmal and convalescente. The infant underwent a severe form of the disease, but the outcome was good. Understanding the source of pertussis may provide new approaches to preventing pertussis in the most vulnerable infants.
Posturografia em idosos com distúrbios vestibulares e quedas
Authors: Macedo Camila , Gazzola Juliana Maria , Caovilla Heloisa Helena , Ricci Natalia Aquaroni , Doná Flávia , Ganança Fernando Freitas
Published: May 2014

Introdução: A posturografia estática e dinâmica tem sido usada para analisar a habilidade de idosos com disfunção vestibular em manter o equilíbrio corporal em diferentes condições de conflitos sensoriais. O objetivo do exame é quantificar a velocidade de oscilação e o deslocamento do centro de pressão nas condições de conflitos visual, somatossensorial e interação visuo-vestibular, e o limite de estabilidade. Objetivo: Analisar a literatura referente ao controle do equilíbrio corporal em idosos com distúrbios vestibulares por meio de posturografia computadorizada estática e dinâmica. Métodos: Revisão nas bases de dados LILACS, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Scielo, Cochrane, ISI Web of Knowledge e bibliotecas virtuais de teses e dissertações, utilizando as palavras-chave “Idoso”, “Equilíbrio Postural”, “Avaliação”, “Controle Postural”, “Quedas”, “Posturografia”, “Vestibular” e/ou “Tontura” de publicações dos últimos vinte anos. Resultados: Há vários modelos de posturografias que mensuram as respostas posturais e o risco de quedas em indivíduos idosos, perante os diferentes estímulos sensoriais, incluindo a tecnologia de realidade virtual. Os idosos com desequilíbrio corporal, tontura, e/ou com histórico de quedas apresentam pior desempenho que idosos sem queixas, sem histórico de quedas e indivíduos mais jovens. Conclusão: A posturografia é uma valiosa ferramenta para análise quantitativa do controle postural, permitindo a identificação das condições sensoriais nas quais os idosos vestibulopatas apresentam maior instabilidade.
The effects of recent uplift and volcanism on deposition in Mono Lake, California, from seismic‐reflection (CHIRP) profiles
Authors: Colman S. M. , Hemming S. R. , Stine S. , Zimmerman S. R. H.
Published: May 2014

About 150 km of high‐resolution, seismic reflection (Compressed High‐Intensity Radar Pulse) profiles (approximately 20 m penetration) were collected in Mono Lake in order to define the uppermost sedimentary architecture of the basin, which has been heavily impacted by recent volcanic, tectonic, and climatic processes. The study also provides an important background for ongoing efforts to obtain paleoenvironmental records from sediment cores in the lake. The history of four seismic‐stratigraphic units in the upper 20 m of section are inferred from the data, and the interpretations are generally consistent with previous interpretations of lake history for the past 2000 years, including a major lowstand at 1941 m. No shorelines below the previously documented major lowstand at 1941 m were found. A relatively steep slope segment, whose toe is at about 1918 m, and which occurs on the southern and western margins of the deep basin of the lake, is interpreted as the relict foreset slope of deposition from prograding western tributaries. This topography is unconformably overlain by a unit of interbedded tephra and lake sediments of variable lithology, which contains tephra of the North Mono (600–625 cal yr BP) eruption in its upper part. The tephra‐rich unit is overlain by a mostly massive mudflow deposit that is locally more than 18 m thick and that is distributed in a radial pattern around Paoha Island. The evidence suggests that within the past few hundred years, rapid uplift of Paoha Island through thick, preexisting lake deposits led to widespread slope failures, which created a terrain of disrupted, intact blocks near the island, and a thick, fluid mudflow beyond. As is common in mudflows, the mudflow moved up the depositional slope of the lake floor, terminating against the preexisting slopes, likely in multiple surges. Since about 1700 Common Era, fine‐grained, well‐laminated sediments have accumulated in the deep parts of the lake at anomalously rapid rates, probably driven by continued rapid, small‐scale shedding of sediment from Paoha Island.
Weakening and strengthening structures in the Hadley Circulation change under global warming and implications for cloud response and climate sensitivity
Authors: Su Hui , Jiang Jonathan H. , Zhai Chengxing , Shen Tsaepyng J. , Neelin J. David , Stephens Graeme L. , Yung Yuk L.
Published: May 2014

It has long been recognized that differences in climate model‐simulated cloud feedbacks are a primary source of uncertainties for the model‐predicted surface temperature change induced by increasing greenhouse gases such as CO2. Large‐scale circulation broadly determines when and where clouds form and how they evolve. However, the linkage between large‐scale circulation change and cloud radiative effect (CRE) change under global warming has not been thoroughly studied. By analyzing 15 climate models, we show that the change of the Hadley Circulation exhibits meridionally varying weakening and strengthening structures, physically consistent with the cloud changes in distinct cloud regimes. The regions that experience a weakening (strengthening) of the zonal‐mean circulation account for 54% (46%) of the multimodel‐mean top‐of‐atmosphere (TOA) CRE change integrated over 45°S–40°N. The simulated Hadley Circulation structure changes per degree of surface warming differ greatly between the models, and the intermodel spread in the Hadley Circulation change is well correlated with the intermodel spread in the TOA CRE change. This correlation underscores the close interactions between large‐scale circulation and clouds and suggests that the uncertainties of cloud feedbacks and climate sensitivity reside in the intimate coupling between large‐scale circulation and clouds. New model performance metrics proposed in this work, which emphasize how models reproduce satellite‐observed spatial variations of zonal‐mean cloud fraction and relative humidity associated with the Hadley Circulation, indicate that the models closer to the satellite observations tend to have equilibrium climate sensitivity higher than the multimodel mean.
Polymer Nanoparticles Encased in a Cyclodextrin Complex Shell for Potential Site‐ and Sequence‐Specific Drug Release
Authors: Ruiz‐Esparza Guillermo U. , Wu Suhong , Segura‐Ibarra Victor , Cara Francisca E. , Evans Kurt W. , Milosevic Miljan , Ziemys Arturas , Kojic Milos , Meric‐Bernstam Funda , Ferrari Mauro , Blanco Elvin
Published: May 2014

Time‐staggered combination chemotherapy strategies show immense potential in cell culture systems, but fail to successfully translate clinically due to different routes of administration and disparate formulation parameters that preclude a specific order of drug presentation. A novel platform consisting of drug‐containing PLGA polymer nanoparticles, stably fashioned with a shell composed of drug complexed with cationic cyclodextrin, capable of releasing drugs time‐ and sequence‐specifically within tumors is designed. Morphological examination of nanoparticles measuring 150 nm highlight stable and distinct compartmentalization of model drugs, rhodamine and bodipy, within the core and shell, respectively. Sequential release is observed in vitro, owing to cyclodextrin shell displacement and subsequent sustained release of core‐loaded drug, kinetics preserved in breast cancer cells following internalization. Importantly, time‐staggered release is corroborated in a murine breast cancer model following intravenous administration. Precise control of drug release order, site‐specifically, potentially opens novel avenues in polychemotherapy for synergy and chemosensitization strategies.
Charge‐Transfer Complexes and Their Role in Exciplex Emission and Near‐Infrared Photovoltaics
Authors: Ng Tsz‐Wai , Lo Ming‐Fai , Fung Man‐Keung , Zhang Wen‐Jun , Lee Chun‐Sing
Published: May 2014

Charge transfer and interactions at organic heterojunctions (OHJs) are known to have critical influences on various properties of organic electronic devices. In this Research News article, a short review is given from the electronic viewpoint on how the local molecular interactions and interfacial energetics at P/N OHJs contribute to the recombination/dissociation of electron‐hole pairs. Very often, the P‐type materials donate electrons to the N‐type materials, giving rise to charge‐transfer complexes (CTCs) with a Pδ+–Nδ− configuration. A recently observed opposite charge‐transfer direction in OHJs is also discussed (i.e., N‐type material donates electrons to P‐type material to form Pδ−–Nδ+). Recent studies on the electronic structures of CTC‐forming material pairs are also summarized. The formation of Pδ−–Nδ+‐type CTCs and their correlations with exciplex emission are examined. Furthermore, the potential applications of CTCs in NIR photovoltaic devices are reviewed.
The genetics of functional disability in schizophrenia and bipolar illness: Methods and initial results for VA cooperative study #572
Authors: Harvey Philip D. , Siever Larry J. , Huang Grant D. , Muralidhar Sumitra , Zhao Hongyu , Miller Perry , Aslan Mihaela , Mane Shrikant , McNamara Margaret , Gleason Theresa , Brophy Mary , Przygodszki Ronald , O'Leary Timothy J. , Gaziano Michael , Concato John
Published: May 2014

Given the prominence of cognitive impairments and disability associated with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, substantial interest has arisen in identifying determinants of the diseases and their features. Genetic variation has been linked to skills that underlie disability (“functional capacity” or FC), highlighting need for understanding of these relationships. We describe the design and methods of a large, multisite, observational study focusing on the genetics of functional disability in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, presenting initial data on recruitment, and characterization of the sample. Known as Veterans Affairs (VA) Cooperative Studies Program (CSP)#572, this study is recruiting, diagnosing, and assessing U.S. Veterans with either schizophrenia or bipolar I disorder. Assessments include neuropsychological (NP) testing, FC, suicidality, and co‐morbid conditions such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A sample of “psychiatrically healthy” Veterans from another project serves as a comparison group. An interim total of 8,140 participants (42.1% schizophrenia) have been recruited and assessed as of September 30, 2013, with 9 months of enrollment remaining and with a target sample size of 9,500. Veterans with schizophrenia were more likely to never have married, whereas lifetime PTSD and suicidality were more common in the bipolar veterans. Performance on the FC measures and NP tests was consistent with previous results, with mean t‐scores of 35 (−1.5 SD) for schizophrenia and 41 (−0.9 SD) for the bipolar Veterans. This large population is representative of previous studies in terms of patient performance and co‐morbidities. Subsequent genomic analyses will examine the genomic correlates of performance‐based measures. Published 2014. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Development of a disposable electrode modified with carbonized, graphene‐loaded nanofiber for the detection of dopamine in human serum
Authors: Ekabutr Pongpol , Sangsanoh Pakakrong , Rattanarat Poomrat , Monroe Charles W. , Chailapakul Orawon , Supaphol Pitt
Published: May 2014

A one‐step electrode surface modification is proposed in which a disposable, screen‐printed carbon electrode is functionalized with carbonized, electrospun polyacrylonitrile (PAN)‐loaded graphene (G) nanoparticles to form a composite, CPAN5G‐4x. The electrochemical behavior of the CPAN5G‐4x electrode was examined by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction were used to characterize the surface morphology and physical properties of the carbonized composite nanofibers before and after modification. The modified electrode was found to be effective for the detection of dopamine (DA) using square‐wave voltammetry (SWV) in the presence of interfering substances such as ascorbic acid and uric acid. With the addition of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) to an optimized solution of phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) at a pH of 2, the fabricated electrode exhibited enhanced electrocatalytic activity toward the oxidation of DA relative to PBS without SDS at a pH of 7.4. The SWV current displayed a linear response to DA concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 100 μM, with a limit of detection of 70 nM (S/N = 3) and a sensitivity of 1.4258 μA μM−1 cm−2. Finally, the CPAN5G‐4x electrode was used to determine DA levels in human serum. The modified electrode can potentially be harnessed for further electrochemical biosensor applications. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40858.
Determination of hydroquinone using poly(3‐methylthiophene) synthesized electrochemically on pt electrode in methylene chloride
Authors: Kavanoz Muammer , Bük Ufuk , Ülker Emine
Published: May 2014

Poly(3‐methylthiophene) (P3MT) film was synthesized by potentiodynamic method on Pt electrode in methylene chloride solution containing 0.10M tetrabuthlammonium perchlorate supporting electrolyte and used for the determination of hydroquinone (HQ) with amperometric I–t method in solution consisting of NaHSO4/Na2SO4 (SBS; pH 2.0). This modified electrode has a lower working potential and good operational stability due to reducing electrode fouling when compared with the direct oxidation of HQ at the bare Pt electrode. Limit of detection, limit of quantification, and the linear response range were found to be 1.32 × 10−5 mM, 4.41 × 10−5 mM, and between 4.41 × 10−5 – 50.0 mM (R2 = 0.997), at 0.50 V versus saturated calomel electrode, respectively. HQ determination in complex matrix was checked using real samples to demonstrate the applicability of modified electrode. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40859.
75 Jahre Schiffshebewerk in Rothensee
Authors: Braun Michael
Published: May 2014

Vier Jahre nach der Inbetriebnahme des Schiffshebewerkes in Niederfinow hat in Deutschland in Rothensee ein weiteres solches Ingenieurbauwerk den Betrieb aufgenommen. Im Gegensatz zu ersterem hat die Anlage in Rothensee nicht diese Aufmerksamkeit erlangt. Dabei ist sie in stahlbaumäßiger Hinsicht mindestens genauso interessant. Das Bauwerk versieht noch heute anstandslos seinen Dienst.

For 75 years shiplift of Rothensee

In 1934 a ship lift in Niederfinow/Germany starts work. Four years later another similar facility in Rothensee near Magdeburg went into action. Both projects were quite different in their public perceptions all the time although the later is from the point of engineering view very interesting at all. The Rothensee facility is full on duty today.
Fährverbindung Osttimor – eine Machbarkeitsstudie
Authors: Schwarz Oliver , Hader Arnulf , Berger Harald
Published: May 2014

Im Rahmen der deutsch‐timoresischen Partnerschaft im maritimen Sektor wurde auf Initiative des timoresischen Ministers für Transport die Erstellung einer Machbarkeitsstudie für eine zusätzliche Fährverbindung in dem Inselstaat ausgeschrieben.

Ziel der neuen Fährverbindung ist es, die ökonomische Entwicklung von Timor‐Leste zu fördern sowie die Lebensgrundlage der Bevölkerung zu verbessern. Im Rahmen der Machbarkeitsstudie wurde, ergänzend zu der bereits bestehenden Fährverbindung, welche die Hauptstadt Dili mit der westlich gelegenen Enklave Oecussi und der vorgelagerten Insel Ataúro verbindet, ein Konzept für eine neue Anbindung zwischen der Nord‐ und Südküste entwickelt.

Die Studie behandelt die technische und ökonomische Machbarkeit der Fährverbindung, das Herausarbeiten potenzieller Fähranleger entlang der Route sowie die konzeptionelle Konstruktionsart der Fähre. Die Entwürfe für die Fähre wie auch für die Anleger basieren auf zuverlässigen und nachhaltigen Lösungen.

Ferry connection in Timor‐Leste – Feasibility study

In the framework of the German‐Timorese financial cooperation in the maritime sector, the Timorese Minister of Transport has launched a tender for the elaboration of a feasibility study for an additional ferry link in the island state.

The aim of the new ferry link is to foster the economic development of Timor‐Leste as well as to improve the living conditions of the Timorese population.

As a complement to the already existing ferry link between Dili, the enclave of Oecussi on the north west coast of the island and the Ataúro Island, the feasibility study comprises a concept for a new ferry link between the north and south coast of Timor‐Leste.

The study covers the technical and economic feasibility of the new ferry link, the identification of potential ferry landing sites along the route as well as the conceptual design of the ferry. All design options for ferry and landing sites are based on reliable and sustainable approaches.
Ein Beitrag zum Teilsicherheitsbeiwert für Wasserdruck
Authors: Kunz Claus
Published: May 2014

Durch die Umstellung im konstruktiven Ingenieurbau auf das Teilsicherheitskonzept der Eurocodes wurde im Zuge der Überarbeitung der DIN 19702 der Teilsicherheitsbeiwert von Wasser überlegt und hergeleitet. Wasser ist eine spezifische, in der Regel veränderliche Leiteinwirkung von Wasserbauwerken, teilweise aber auch von geotechnischen Bauwerken, und unterscheidet sich von typischen veränderlichen Einwirkungen wie z. B. Verkehrslasten oder auch klimatischen Lasten wie Wind und Schnee. Wasserdruck ist eine Funktion des Wasserstands, dessen Schwankungen die eigentliche Unsicherheit, die durch eine Extremwertverteilung statistisch abgebildet wird, bedeuten. Die probabilistische Untersuchung typischer Wasserstände führte zur generalisierten Ermittlung von Teilsicherheitsbeiwerten ungünstiger veränderlicher Wasserdruck‐Einwirkungen für DIN 19702, aber auch zur Einschätzung von Wasser als quasi‐ständige Einwirkung. Darüber hinaus lässt sich aus der Sicherheitsbetrachtung das mechanische Verständnis für die Einwirkung Wasser näher beleuchten und gegebenenfalls für eine realistische Schnittgrößen‐Ermittlung nutzen.

Contribution to a partial safety factor for water pressure

Due to the change of structural engineering codes to the partial safety concept of the Eurocodes the partial safety factor of water has been investigated and derived for the revision of DIN 19702. Water is a specific, usually varying key action for hydraulic structures, but sometimes also for geotechnical structures, and differs from typical variable actions such as traffic loads or climatic loads such as wind and snow. Water pressure is a function of the water level, the fluctuations means the actual uncertainty, which is imaged by a statistically extreme value distributions. The probabilistic analysis of typical water levels led to generalized determination of partial safety factors for a unfavorable varying water pressure influences within DIN 19702, but also for evaluating water as a quasi‐permanent action. In addition, the mechanical understanding of the action effect of water pressure is discussed and might be used, where appropriate, for a realistic effect analysis for structural design.
Unpredictable feelings: academic women under research audit
Authors: Grant Barbara M. , Elizabeth Vivienne
Published: May 2014

Academic research is subject to audit in many national settings. In Aotearoa/New Zealand, the government regulates the flow of publicly funded research income into tertiary institutions through the Performance‐Based Research Fund (PBRF). This article enquires into the effects of the PBRF by exploring data collected from 16 academic women of varying rank in the arts, humanities and social sciences. References to the women's emotions were extracted from the transcripts of semi‐structured interviews, in which they were asked about experiences of being researchers and doing research in the early years of the PBRF. The analysis presented here undertakes a politicised reading of those emotions—as capacities subject to governmentality—to engage with two issues currently explored in the international higher education literature: (1) the gendered effects of audit, and (2) the notable absence of collective political resistance on the part of academics. We argue that, while the PBRF does produce emotions implicated in reshaping researcher practices, identities, and relationships with colleagues, those effects are fractured and far from predictably gendered. Moreover, the dominant flavour of the feelings described is unlikely to support collective political resistance and more likely to be implicated in increased individualism, pressure to perform and judgmentalism towards others. At the same time, some emotions prompted and sustained forms of active resistance towards research audit's threat to academic imaginations and collegial culture.
Efficient purification of antiproliferative polysaccharides from Hypsizigusmarmoreus with radial flow chromatography
Authors: Yan Pei‐Sheng , Cao Li‐Xin , Zhang Bing‐Zhao
Published: May 2014

The increasing commercial significance of natural polysaccharides for use in medicinal products is stimulating the development of efficient and easy scale‐up techniques for polysaccharide purification. In this research, the crude polysaccharides from submerged cultivation broth of Hypsizigus marmoreus were purified using radial flow chromatography (RFC), and the antiproliferative activity of the purified fractions was evaluated in vitro. DEAE Sepharose CL‐6B was selected to be packed in the RFC column based on its good resolution, physical stability, and low cost. Compared with axial flow chromatography (AFC), an efficient chromatographic process with significantly less time and buffer consumption but yielding higher polysaccharide recovery and resolution was established in RFC, which could clearly purify the crude polysaccharides into different fractions. An acceptable linear scale‐up effect of RFC from 100 to 500 mL was successfully achieved without loss of resolution and enhancement of time consumption. 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays in cell cultures indicated that the purified polysaccharide fractions possess moderate antiproliferative activities in three different human cancer cell lines, but have significantly lower cytotoxicity in normal human cell lines in vitro. Among the polysaccharide fractions, the main purified acidic fraction W‐I could be considered as a novel potential antitumor agent candidate for several tumors, especially for human alveolar epithelial tumors. This research confirmed for the first time that RFC would be a new fast and efficient tool for purification of polysaccharides into different fractions, both at laboratory and commercial scales. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 30:872–878, 2014
Symptomatic hepatic hydrothorax successfully treated with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS)–role of titration of portosystemic gradient reduction to avoid post‐TIPS encephalopathy
Authors: Krishnamoorthy T. L. , Taneja M. , Chang P. E.
Published: May 2014

Key Clinical Message

We describe a challenging case of hepatic hydrothorax secondary to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis cirrhosis. Our management involved successfully treating the hydrothorax with a transjugular intrahepatic porto‐systemic shunt but having to manage the subsequent complication of hepatic encephalopathy. We conclude with a review of the available literature.
Birth of a boy with isolated short stature after prenatal diagnosis of a Xp22.3 nullosomy due to an inherited t(X;15) (p22.3;p10) translocation
Authors: Blondeel E. , Molina‐Gomes D. , Bouhanna P. , Fauvert D. , Crosnier H. , Dessuant H. , Vialard F.
Published: May 2014

Key Clinical Message

Translocations between X and acrocentric chromosomes are rare. We report on the inheritance of a familial t(X;15)(p22.3;p10) translocation in a fetus referred for short long bones. Cytogenetic analysis revealed an unbalanced translocation combined with a three‐gene nullosomy. After genetic counseling, a prognosis was established and a healthy boy was delivered.
Characterization of New Specific Copper Chelators as Potential Drugs for the Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Nguyen Michel , Robert Anne , Sournia‐Saquet Alix , Vendier Laure , Meunier Bernard
Published: May 2014

The non‐controlled redox‐active metal ions, especially copper, in the brain of patients with Alzheimer disease (AD) should be considered at the origin of the intense oxidative damage in the AD brain. Several bis(8‐aminoquinoline) ligands, such as 1 and PA1637, are able to chelate Cu2+ with high affinity, and are specific chelators of copper with respect to iron and zinc. They are able to efficiently extract Cu2+ from a metal‐loaded amyloid. In addition, these tetradentate ligands are specific for the chelation of Cu2+ compared with Cu+. Consequently, the copper ion is easily released from the bis(8‐aminoquinoline) ligand under reductive conditions, and can be trapped again by a protein having some affinity for copper such as human serum albumin (HSA) proteins. In addition, the copper is not efficiently released from [Cu(CQ)2] in reductive conditions. The catalytic production of H2O2 by [Cu2+‐Aβ1−28]/ascorbate is inhibited in vitro by the bis(8‐aminoquinoline) 1, suggesting that 1 should be able to play a protective role against oxidative damages induced by copper‐loaded amyloids.
Quasi‐static image‐based immersed boundary‐finite element model of left ventricle under diastolic loading
Authors: Gao Hao , Wang Huiming , Berry Colin , Luo Xiaoyu , Griffith Boyce E.
Published: May 2014

Finite stress and strain analyses of the heart provide insight into the biomechanics of myocardial function and dysfunction. Herein, we describe progress toward dynamic patient‐specific models of the left ventricle using an immersed boundary (IB) method with a finite element (FE) structural mechanics model. We use a structure‐based hyperelastic strain‐energy function to describe the passive mechanics of the ventricular myocardium, a realistic anatomical geometry reconstructed from clinical magnetic resonance images of a healthy human heart, and a rule‐based fiber architecture. Numerical predictions of this IB/FE model are compared with results obtained by a commercial FE solver. We demonstrate that the IB/FE model yields results that are in good agreement with those of the conventional FE model under diastolic loading conditions, and the predictions of the LV model using either numerical method are shown to be consistent with previous computational and experimental data. These results are among the first to analyze the stress and strain predictions of IB models of ventricular mechanics, and they serve both to verify the IB/FE simulation framework and to validate the IB/FE model. Moreover, this work represents an important step toward using such models for fully dynamic fluid–structure interaction simulations of the heart. © 2014 The Authors. International Journal for Numerical Methods in Engineering published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neuropsychiatric symptom clusters targeted for treatment at earlier versus later stages of dementia
Authors: Rockwood Kenneth , Mitnitski Arnold , Richard Matthew , Kurth Matthias , Kesslak Patrick , Abushakra Susan
Published: May 2014

Objective

To characterize clusters of neuropsychiatric symptoms targeted for tracking the disease course in people with dementia, in relation to stage.

Methods

Baseline symptoms from 2922 subjects from two datasets (one clinic based, one online) were aggregated. Common neuropsychiatric symptoms identified by patients/carers as targets of treatment using a dementia SymptomGuide™ were selected. The Global Deterioration Scale was used for clinic staging, and an artificial neural network algorithm, for staging online subjects. Symptom clusters were detected using multiple correspondence analysis and connectivity graph analysis based on relative risk (RR). In a connectivity graph, each pair of nodes (representing symptoms) is connected if their co‐occurrence is statistically significant; direction is indicated as positive if RR > 1 and negative otherwise.

Results

Neuropsychiatric symptoms were targeted for treatment in 1072 patients (37%). Agitation (37%) and sleep disturbances (28%) were most common symptoms. One cluster (in people with cognitive impairment, no dementia (CIND) or mild dementia) showed significant co‐occurrence of anxiety and restlessness; decreased initiative was chiefly seen in isolation. A second cluster (in moderate/severe dementia) was defined by significant co‐occurrence of delusions and hallucinations with sleep disturbances; in these subjects, decreased initiative was related to aggression.

Conclusions

Two analytical methods identified neuropsychiatric symptom clusters targeted to track the disease course. In CIND/mild dementia, a profile of decreased initiative distinct from depression suggests possible executive dysfunction. In moderate/severe dementia, targets more reflected psychotic symptoms. Visual data displays allow the relationships between multiple symptoms to be considered simultaneously, which commonly is how they present in patients. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Boosted activation of right inferior frontoparietal network: A basis for illusory movement awareness
Authors: Cignetti Fabien , Vaugoyeau Marianne , Nazarian Bruno , Roth Muriel , Anton Jean‐Luc , Assaiante Christine
Published: May 2014

The feeling of illusory movement is considered important in the study of human behavior because it is deeply related to motor consciousness. However, the neural basis underlying the illusion of movement remains to be understood. Following optimal vibratory stimulation of muscle tendon, certain subjects experience illusory movements while others do not. In the present fMRI study, we sought to uncover the neural basis of illusory movement awareness by contrasting a posteriori these two types of subjects. Examining fMRI data using leave‐one‐subject‐out general linear models and region of interest analyses, we found that a non‐limb‐specific associative network, including the opercular part of the right inferior frontal gyrus and the right inferior parietal lobule, was more active in subjects with illusions. On the other hand, levels of activation in other brain areas involved in kinaesthetic processing were rather similar between the two subsamples of subjects. These results suggest that activation of the right inferior frontoparietal areas, once passed a certain threshold, forms the basis of illusory movements. This is consistent with the global neuronal workspace hypothesis that associates conscious processing with surges of frontoparietal activity. Hum Brain Mapp 35:5166–5178, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Does red undermine individuals' intellectual performance? A test in China
Authors: Shi Jiaxin , Zhang Chao , Jiang Feng
Published: May 2014

Previous research shows that red impairs individuals' performance on challenging intellectual tasks in achievement situations. However, no research to date has examined this issue in Chinese society. In China, red has a positive connotation in general (unlike in the West), but also has a negative connotation for students, given that teachers mark incorrect answers in red (like in the West). Therefore, the question of whether red promotes or undermines intellectual performance for Chinese individuals needs to be tested. The present research investigated this and found, consistent with findings obtained in the West, that red undermined the intellectual performance of Chinese students. Future directions and potential mechanisms are discussed.
Structural brain changes in early‐onset and late‐onset depression: An update of volumetric MRI findings
Authors: Tittmann Mandy , Günther Thomas , Sacher Julia , Himmerich Hubertus , Villringer Arno , Hegerl Ulrich , Schönknecht Peter
Published: May 2014

Early‐onset (EOD) and late‐onset depression (LOD) are associated with different neuropsychological syndromes and structural brain changes. In this article, neuroimaging studies examining structural brain changes in elderly depressed patients are reviewed. The presented findings support current assumptions that depression in the elderly generally is associated with volume reductions in brain structures, notably in the hippocampus and the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC). Concerning structural cerebral differences between EOD and LOD, the review yielded conflicting results—only for OFC, but not for amygdala or hippocampus, pronounced effects in LOD than in EOD can be assumed. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 24, 149–160, 2014
Creation of various skin sensations using pulsed focused ultrasound: Evidence for functional neuromodulation
Authors: Lee Wonhye , Kim Hyungmin , Lee Sungon , Yoo Seung‐Schik , Chung Yong An
Published: May 2014

Ultrasound application to neural tissues modifies their activity, and it is increasingly considered as a new mode of functional neuromodulation in both central and peripheral nervous system. We investigate that ultrasound focused to skin surface can induce differential peripheral sensations by modulating the activity of sensory receptors. Pulsed focused ultrasound was applied to the last digit of human hands for 10 s using combinations of acoustic frequencies (350 and 650 kHz), tone‐burst‐durations (0.1 and 1.0 ms), pulse repetition frequencies (10 and 100 Hz) with 1% duty cycle, and acoustic intensities (3–100 mW/cm2), divided into two ambient temperatures (20 and 40°C). On insonification, volunteers reported cooling, warming, vibrotactile sensations, and mild nociception, while there was no actual increase to the skin temperature. Continuous insonification, in contrast to pulsed insonification, failed to elicit these sensations. Our results suggest that pulsed ultrasound temporarily modifies the activity of the sensory receptors on the skin, and casts future utility in dermatological applications as well as in the field of haptic device interfaces. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 24, 167–174, 2014
Tuning composition and architecture of biomimetic scaffolds for enhanced matrix synthesis by murine cardiomyocytes
Authors: Gishto Arsela , Farrell Kurt , Kothapalli Chandrasekhar R.
Published: May 2014

A major onset of heart failure is myocardial infarction, which causes the myocardium to lose cardiomyocytes and transform into a scar tissue. Since mammalian infarcted cardiac tissue has a limited ability to regenerate, alternative strategies including implantation of tissue‐engineered scaffolds at the site of damaged myocardium have been explored. The goal is to enable in situ cardiac reconstruction at the injured myocardium site, replace the lost cardiomyocytes, deliver the required biomolecules, and remodel the extracellular matrix (ECM). ECM synthesis and deposition by cardiomyocytes within such scaffolds remains categorically unexplored. Here, we investigated the survival, ECM synthesis and deposition, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) release by cardiomyocytes within three‐dimensional (3D) substrates. Rat cardiomyocytes were cultured for three weeks within two structurally different substrates: 3D collagen hydrogels or polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibrous scaffolds. The concentration and composition of the hydrogels was varied, while PCL nanofibers were surface‐modified with various ECM proteins. Results showed that myocyte attachment and survival was higher within collagen hydrogels, while myocyte alignment and beating was noted only within PCL scaffolds. Total protein synthesis by myocytes within PCL scaffolds was significantly higher compared to that within collagen hydrogels, although more protein was deposited as matrix within hydrogels. Significant ECM synthesis and matrix deposition, TIMP‐1, and MMP release were noted within modified collagen hydrogels and PCL nanofiber scaffolds. These results were qualitatively confirmed by imaging techniques. Results attest to the prominent role of scaffold composition and architecture in influencing cardiomyocyte phenotype, matrix synthesis and cytokines release, with significant applications in cardiac tissue remodeling strategies. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 693–708, 2015.