bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adrenocorticotropic hormone versus methylprednisolone added to interferon β in patients with multiple sclerosis experiencing breakthrough disease: a randomized, rater-blinded trial
Authors: Berkovich Regina , Bakshi Rohit , Amezcua Lilyana , Axtell Robert C. , Cen Steven Y. , Tauhid Shahamat , Neema Mohit , Steinman Lawrence
Published: October 2016

Background:

The objective of this study was to evaluate monthly intramuscular adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) gel versus intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) add-on therapy to interferon β for breakthrough disease in patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis.

Methods:

This was a prospective, open-label, examiner-blinded, 15-month pilot study evaluating patients with Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score 3.0–6.5 and at least one clinical relapse or new T2 or gadolinium-enhanced lesion in the previous year. Twenty-three patients were randomized to ACTH ( n = 12) or IVMP ( n = 11) and completed the study. The primary outcome measure was the cumulative number of relapses. Secondary outcomes included EDSS, Mental Health Inventory (MHI), plasma cytokines, MS Functional Composite (MSFC), Quality-of-Life (MS-QOL) score, bone mineral density (BMD), and new or worsened psychiatric symptoms per month. Brain magnetic resonance imaging was analyzed post hoc. This was a preliminary and small-scale study.

Results:

Relapse rates differed significantly [ACTH 0.08, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.01–0.54 versus IVMP 0.80, 95% CI 0.36–1.75; rate ratio, IVMP versus ACTH: 9.56, 95% CI 1.23–74.6; p = 0.03]. ACTH improved ( p = 0.03) MHI (slope 0.95 ± 0.38 points/month; p = 0.02 versus slope −0.38 ± 0.43 points/month; p = 0.39). On-study decreases (all p < 0.05) in eight cytokine levels occurred only in the ACTH group. However, on-study EDSS, MSFC, MS-QOL, BMD, and MRI lesion changes were not significant between groups. Psychiatric symptoms per patient were greater with IVMP than ACTH (0.55, 95% CI 0.12–2.6 versus 0; p < 0.0001). Other common adverse events were insomnia and urinary tract infections (IVMP, seven events each) and fatigue or flu symptoms (ACTH, five events each).

Conclusions:

This study provided class II evidence that ACTH produced better examiner-assessed cumulative rates of relapses per patient than IVMP in the adjunctive treatment of breakthrough disease in multiple sclerosis.
Daclizumab high-yield process in the treatment of relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis
Authors: Preiningerova Jana Lizrova , Vachova Marta
Published: October 2016

Daclizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that binds to the α subunit (CD25) of the interleukin-2 receptor and favorably modulates the immune environment in multiple sclerosis (MS). Blockage of CD25, among other effects, causes expansion and enhanced function of regulatory CD56bright natural killer cells, which seems to be the leading mechanism of action in MS. Phase II and III clinical trials have demonstrated that monthly subcutaneous injections of daclizumab high yield process (DAC HYP) 150 mg in patients with relapsing MS led to a significant reduction of annualized relapse rate and decreased number of contrast-enhanced lesions on brain magnetic resonance imaging. Treatment with DAC HYP had efficacy superior to treatment with weekly injections of interferon β1a. This review summarizes the development of and clinical experience with daclizumab in MS.
Medium- to long-term outcomes of botulinum toxin A for idiopathic overactive bladder
Authors: Eldred-Evans David , Sahai Arun
Published: October 2016

Botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) has become an important therapeutic tool in the management of refractory overactive bladder (OAB). Over the last decade, there have been growing numbers of patients receiving repeat injections and these outcomes have begun to be reported in large, high-quality cohorts. This article reviews the current evidence for the medium- to long-term use of BoNT-A in adults with idiopathic detrusor overactivity (IDO) receiving repeat injections. We find that medium-term outcomes are encouraging but long-term outcomes are not as extensively reported. There is high-quality evidence that efficacy following the first injection persists across multiple treatment cycles. There are no additional safety concerns from repeat injections up to six treatment cycles. However, there is a need for further data to confirm the efficacy and safety of BoNT-A beyond the follow-up period in the current literature.
Many Neurology Readmissions Are Nonpreventable
Authors: Le Sidney T. , Josephson S. Andrew , Puttgen Hans A. , Gibson Lorrie , Guterman Elan L. , Leicester Heather M. , Graf Carla L. , Probasco John C.
Published: October 2016

Introduction:

Reducing unplanned hospital readmissions has become a national focus due to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) penalties for hospitals with high rates. A first step in reducing unplanned readmission is to understand which patients are at high risk for readmission, which readmissions are planned, and how well planned readmissions are currently captured in comparison to patient-level chart review.

Methods:

We examined all 5455 inpatient neurology admissions over a 2-year period to University of California San Francisco Medical Center and Johns Hopkins Hospital via chart review. We collected information such as patient age, procedure codes, diagnosis codes, all-payer diagnosis-related group, observed length of stay (oLOS), and expected length of stay. We performed multivariate logistic modeling to determine predictors of readmission. Discharge summaries were reviewed for evidence that a subsequent readmission was planned.

Results:

A total of 353 (6.5%) discharges were readmitted within 30 days. Fifty-five (15.6%) of the 353 readmissions were planned, most often for a neurosurgical procedure (41.8%) or immunotherapy (23.6%). Only 8 of these readmissions would have been classified as planned using current CMS methodology. Patient age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.01 for each 10-year increase, P < .001) and estimated length of stay (OR = 1.04, P = .002) were associated with a greater likelihood of readmission, whereas index admission oLOS was not.

Conclusions:

Many neurologic readmissions are planned; however, these are often classified by current CMS methodology as unplanned and penalized accordingly. Modifications of the CMS lists for potentially planned neurological and neurosurgical procedures and for acute discharge neurologic diagnoses should be considered.
Sacubitril/valsartan in heart failure: latest evidence and place in therapy
Authors: Kaplinsky Edgardo
Published: October 2016

Despite significant therapeutic advances, patients with chronic heart failure (HF) remain at high risk for HF progression and death. Sacubitril/valsartan (previously known as LCZ696) is a first-in-class medicine that contains a neprilysin (NEP) inhibitor (sacubitril) and an angiotensin II (Ang-II) receptor blocker (valsartan). NEP is an endopeptidase that metabolizes different vasoactive peptides including natriuretic peptides, bradykinin and Ang-II. In consequence, its inhibition increases mainly the levels of both, natriuretic peptides (promoting diuresis, natriuresis and vasodilatation) and Ang-II whose effects are blocked by the angiotensin receptor blocker, valsartan (reducing vasoconstriction and aldosterone release). Results from the 8442 patient PARADIGM-HF study showed in patients with New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II–IV and reduced ejection fraction treated with LCZ696 ( versus enalapril), the following benefits: reduction of the risk of death from cardiovascular causes by 20%; reduction of HF hospitalizations by 21%; reduction of the risk of all-cause mortality by 16%. Overall there was a 20% risk reduction on the primary endpoint, composite measure of cardiovascular (CV) death or time to first HF hospitalization. PARADIGM-HF was stopped early after a median follow up of 27 months. Post hoc analyses of PARADIGM-HF as well as the place in therapy of sacubitril/valsartan, including future directions, are included in the present review.
Early histological findings may predict the clinical phenotype in Crohn’s colitis
Authors: Klein Amir , Mazor Yoav , Karban Amir , Ben‐Itzhak Ofer , Chowers Yehuda , Sabo Edmond
Published: October 2016

Background and aims

Predicting the clinical course of Crohn’s disease (CD) is relevant for treatment selection. Currently, such diagnostic tools are lacking. In a previous pilot study, morphometric tissue image analysis showed promise in predicting the clinical phenotype and need for surgery. In this study, we aimed to validate our previous results on a larger cohort.

Methods

Colonic biopsies from CD patients with colonic or ileocolonic disease and at least five years of post‐biopsy clinical follow‐up were analyzed. The results were used to predict post‐biopsy clinical phenotypes and outcomes. Data analysis was performed using multivariate regression models, discriminant score (DS) computations and Neural Network (NNET).

Results

Multivariate analysis of morphometric variables differentiated between B1 and B2 phenotypes (sensitivity 81%, specificity 74%, accuracy on cross‐validation 75%; area under the curve (AUC) of 0.74 (CI 0.6–0.84; NNET model sensitivity 87%, specificity 67% on the testing population)). Differentiation between B1 and B3 phenotypes was also possible (sensitivity 69%, specificity 76%, accuracy 70.5% on cross‐validation; AUC 0.78 (CI 0.68–0.89); NNET model sensitivity 78%, specificity 77% on the testing population)). Differentiating between B2 and B3 phenotypes was not possible using morphometric variables. Multivariate analysis predicted surgery (sensitivity 67%, specificity 72.5%, accuracy 69%; AUC 0.72 (CI 0.61–0.82); NNET model sensitivity 80%, specificity 91% on the testing population)).

Conclusions

This study validates previous results and suggests that morphometric image analysis of early biopsies from Crohn’s colitis patients may contribute to the prediction of future outcomes such as clinical phenotype and surgery. Prospective validation on larger cohorts is still needed.
Negative Self-Referential Processing Predicts the Recurrence of Major Depressive Episodes
Authors: LeMoult Joelle , Kircanski Katharina , Prasad Gautam , Gotlib Ian H.
Published: October 2016

Most individuals who develop major depressive disorder (MDD) will experience a recurrent depressive episode; we know little, however, about cognitive mechanisms that increase the likelihood of recurrence. In the current study we examined whether negatively biased self-referential processing, negative life events, baseline depressive symptoms, and psychotropic medication use predicted the onset of a subsequent depressive episode in a longitudinal study of women with a history of recurrent MDD. Higher levels of depressive symptoms at baseline predicted experiencing a greater number of negative life events, which, in turn, tended to predict recurrence of depression. It is important that after accounting for other associations, negatively biased self-referential processing contributed unique variance to the likelihood of experiencing a depressive episode over the next 3 years. Thus, negatively biased self-referential processing appears to be a significant risk factor for the recurrence of depressive episodes and may be an important target for interventions aimed at preventing future episodes.
Grammatical Versus Pragmatic Error
Authors: Wolfe Joanna , Shanmugaraj Nisha , Sipe Jaclyn
Published: October 2016

Many communication instructors make allowances for grammatical error in nonnative English speakers’ writing, but do businesspeople do the same? We asked 169 businesspeople to comment on three versions of an email with different types of errors. We found that businesspeople do make allowances for errors made by nonnative English speakers, perceiving these errors as less bothersome than those made by native speakers. We also found that businesspeople perceive pragmatic errors of politeness and tone as even more bothersome than grammatical error—a finding we share with our students to persuade them of the importance of polite and professional email correspondence.
Clinical study of Gene‐Eden‐VIR/Novirin in genital herpes: suppressive treatment safely decreases the duration of outbreaks in both severe and mild cases
Authors: Polansky Hanan , Itzkovitz Edan , Javaherian Adrian
Published: October 2016

Background

We conducted a clinical study that tested the effect of suppressive treatment with the botanical product Gene‐Eden‐VIR/Novirin on genital herpes. Our previous paper showed that the treatment decreased the number of genital herpes outbreaks without any side effects. It also showed that the clinical effects of Gene‐Eden‐VIR/Novirin are mostly better than those reported in the studies that tested acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir. The current paper reports the effect of suppressive treatment with Gene‐Eden‐VIR/Novirin on the duration of outbreaks, in severe and mild genital herpes cases.

Methods

The framework was a retrospective chart review. The population included 137 participants. The treatment was 1–4 capsules per day. The duration of treatment was 2–48 months. The study included three controls: baseline, no‐treatment, and dose–response.

Results

The treatment decreased the duration of outbreaks in 87 % of participants and decreased the mean duration of outbreaks from 8.77 days and 6.7 days in the control groups to 2.87 days in the treatment group (P < 0.001, both groups). All participants reported no adverse experiences.

Conclusions

This paper shows that suppressive treatment with Gene‐Eden‐VIR/Novirin decreased the duration of genital herpes outbreaks, in both severe and mild cases, without any side effects. Based on the results reported in this and our previous paper, we recommend suppressive treatment with Gene‐Eden‐VIR/Novirin as a natural alternative to both suppressive and episodic treatments with current drugs, in both severe and mild genital herpes cases.

Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02715752 Registered 17 March 2016 Retrospectively Registered
MG-63 cells proliferation following various types of mechanical stimulation on cells by auxetic hybrid scaffolds
Authors: Choi Hong Jin , Lee Jun Jae , Lee Jung Bok , Sung Hak-Joon , Shin Jung-Woog , Shin Ji Won , Wu Yanru , Kim Jeong Koo
Published: October 2016

Background

Mechanical properties and cyto-compatibility of a composite scaffold which possessed negative (−) Poisson’s ratio (NPR) was investigated for effective load transfer from auxetic scaffold to cell.

Methods

Organic/inorganic composite scaffolds were prepared by mixing hydroxyapatite (HA) to poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA). To induce NPR in composite scaffold, 3-directional volumetric compression was applied during the scaffold fabrication at adequate temperature(60°C). The pore size of scaffold ranged between 355–400 μm.

Results

Poisson’s ratios of NPR scaffolds and control scaffolds were −0.07 and 0.16 at 10 % strain. For stable physical stimulating to loaded cells, ceramic/polymer composite scaffold was prepared by incorporating HA in PLGA to increase mechanical strength. Compressive strength of the HA/PLGA composite scaffold (15 wt. % HA to PLGA) was about 21.7 % higher than that of PLGA-only scaffold. The recovery rates of the NPR composite scaffold after applying compression in the dry and wet states were 90 % and 60 %, respectively. Also the composite scaffold was shown to have better hydrophilicity (61.9°) compared to the PLGA-only scaffolds (65.3°). Cell proliferation of osteoblast-like cell line (MG-63) in the composite scaffold was 20 % higher than in PLGA-only scaffold at static compressive stimulation. For dynamic compressive stimulation (15 min cyclic interval), cell proliferation in the composite scaffold was 2 times higher than that of in PLGA-only scaffold. In conclusion, NPR composite (HA/PLGA) scaffold was effective in isotropic compressive load delivery for osteogenic cell proliferation.

Conclusion

This composite scaffold with stimulation can be used as tissue engineered scaffold and dynamic cell culture system for bone tissue regeneration.
Circadian Rhythm and Sleep Disruption: Causes, Metabolic Consequences, and Countermeasures
Authors: Potter Gregory D. M. , Skene Debra J. , Arendt Josephine , Cade Janet E. , Grant Peter J. , Hardie Laura J.
Published: October 2016

Circadian (∼24-hour) timing systems pervade all kingdoms of life and temporally optimize behavior and physiology in humans. Relatively recent changes to our environments, such as the introduction of artificial lighting, can disorganize the circadian system, from the level of the molecular clocks that regulate the timing of cellular activities to the level of synchronization between our daily cycles of behavior and the solar day. Sleep/wake cycles are intertwined with the circadian system, and global trends indicate that these, too, are increasingly subject to disruption. A large proportion of the world's population is at increased risk of environmentally driven circadian rhythm and sleep disruption, and a minority of individuals are also genetically predisposed to circadian misalignment and sleep disorders. The consequences of disruption to the circadian system and sleep are profound and include myriad metabolic ramifications, some of which may be compounded by adverse effects on dietary choices. If not addressed, the deleterious effects of such disruption will continue to cause widespread health problems; therefore, implementation of the numerous behavioral and pharmaceutical interventions that can help restore circadian system alignment and enhance sleep will be important.
Phosphorylation of STAT2 on serine-734 negatively regulates the IFN-α-induced antiviral response
Authors: Steen Håkan C. , Kotredes Kevin P. , Nogusa Shoko , Harris Michele Y. , Balachandran Siddharth , Gamero Ana M.
Published: October 2016

Serine phosphorylation of STAT proteins is an important post-translational modification event that, in addition to tyrosine phosphorylation, is required for strong transcriptional activity. However, we recently showed that phosphorylation of STAT2 on S287 induced by type I interferons (IFN-α and IFN-β), evoked the opposite effect. S287-STAT2 phosphorylation inhibited the biological effects of IFN-α. We now report the identification and characterization of S734 on the C-terminal transactivation domain of STAT2 as a new phosphorylation site that can be induced by type I IFNs. IFN-α-induced S734-STAT2 phosphorylation displayed different kinetics to that of tyrosine phosphorylation. S734-STAT2 phosphorylation was dependent on STAT2 tyrosine phosphorylation and JAK1 kinase activity. Mutation of S734-STAT2 to alanine (S734A) enhanced IFN-α-driven antiviral responses compared to those driven by wild-type STAT2. Furthermore, DNA microarray analysis demonstrated that a small subset of type I IFN stimulated genes (ISGs) was induced more by IFNα in cells expressing S734A-STAT2 when compared to wild-type STAT2. Taken together, these studies identify phosphorylation of S734-STAT2 as a new regulatory mechanism that negatively controls the type I IFN-antiviral response by limiting the expression of a select subset of antiviral ISGs.
Previous vena cava occlusion as the cause of a bilateral iliofemoral thrombosis
Authors: Burkert B. , Regeniter Ph. , Mumme A. , Hummel T. , Mühlberger D.
Published: October 2016

A case of bilateral iliofemoral thrombosis in a 17-year-old [male] patient is presented. It was only revealed during bilateral transfemoral thrombectomy that the thrombosis was due to previous inferior vena cava occlusion. This required a complex interventional reconstruction of the vena cava with secondary stenting of both renal veins. The postoperative venogram showed blood outflow from the left renal vein into the portal vein and from the right renal vein into the inferior vena cava via collaterals. At follow-up presentation, the patient was asymptomatic with normal findings on computed tomography scanning.
Pyoderma gangraenosum – from the right diagnostic investigations to targeted therapy
Authors: Jockenhöfer F. , Dissemond J.
Published: October 2016

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rarely diagnosed neutrophilic skin disorder that still remains a diagnosis of exclusion. Therefore, the diagnosis has to be done in the synopsis of typical clinical findings, patient’s history and exclusion of relevant differential diagnoses. There are numerous references to relevant comorbidities from the metabolic syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel diseases. Of particular importance is the potential association of PG with (haematologic) neoplasms. Treatment of PG includes topical and systemic immuno-modulating or immuno-suppressant therapies. Most important are for topical as well as systemic treatments are glucocorticoids. All other treatments represent an off-label-use. Especially Cyclosporine and TNF-α-inhibitors demonstrated very good and promising clinical results. Accompanying modern moist wound-therapy concepts avoiding painful dressings and an analgesic therapy are recommended.
Interstate Standard on Measurement Assurance of Occupational Safety (GOST 12.0.005-2014)
Authors: Черный  , Chernyy K.
Published: October 2016

An experience related to fixing of uniform requirements to metrological support in the labor safety area in Eurasian

countries using interstate standardization procedures is considered. The approaches to ensuring the unity of measurements

realized in the interstate standard during a control process for parameters determining a labor conditions status from a

labor safety position are discussed.
Travelling with a stoma: a literature review
Authors: Young Kate
Published: October 2016

Given the daily challenges that unfamiliar environments, food and culture bring, many ostomates find the prospect of travelling with a stoma stressful. Yet with good advice, international travel can be enjoyed, whether experienced for leisure or work purposes. To practice safely, nurses require knowledge of research evidence, combined with a wealth of practical knowledge, derived from patient experience. This article examines how these types of knowledge can be brought together to ensure that people with a stoma are able to anticipate travel in a more positive way.
Major Components and Health Functionalities of Brown Rice, Germinated Brown Rice, Barley, and Buckwheat
Authors: Kang Smee , Song Sang Hoon
Published: October 2016

Brown rice, barley, and buckwheat contain a variety of functional ingredients, such as vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibers. Germination is an effective technique for improving the digestion and absorption of the constituents in grains. In addition, germination could modify the chemical properties of grains and increase the content of biologically active substances. Many studies have reported that the intake of grains or germinated grains could ameliorate blood glucose level, stimulate the immune system, lower blood pressure, and result in anti-obesity effect. Therefore, grains and germinated grains are being utilized in a variety of functional products. The present study reviews the primary components and bio-functionalities of grains (brown rice, barley, and buckwheat) and germinated grains (germinated brown rice). The development of grain products for promoting health functional properties is also discussed.
Effect of Hydrolyzed Anchovy Oligopeptide Under 5 kDa on Dried Noodle as Salty Taste Enhancer
Authors: Lee Jiseon , Cho Hyeong-Yong , Choi Mi-Jung
Published: October 2016

The reduction of the content of sodium chloride in noodle was studied to prevent the problems related to excessive sodium intake, such as high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases. This study investigated the effect of hydrolyzed anchovy products (HAP) on the salty taste of cooked noodle. The experiment was set up to determine the general properties of dough in dried and cooked noodles, with a sensory test used while increasing the concentration of HAP at same salt contents. There was no significant difference in water binding capacity, solubility, swelling power, lightness, and cooking properties. The redness, yellowness, and hardness were increased upon increasing the contents of HAP. From the sensory evaluation, cooked noodle with added HAP had a high score in appearance, color, texture, and flavor. Moreover, 50% and 75% HAP showed higher values than the control item in saltiness, preference of saltiness, and overall acceptance. Consequently, the HAP could have an effect on dried noodles or cooked noodles as a salty taste enhancer without changing the noodle’s properties.
Quantitative Analysis of Polycosanol Emulsion With GC-MS
Authors: Chung Ha-Yull
Published: October 2016

Recently, polycosanol products have been actively introduced into the domestic market based on their potential biological activity. The analytical procedures of polycosanol, which determine the TMS derivatives of each polycosanol with GC-FID, were presented for inspection of standards. However, the conventional procedures are not readily applicable to polycosanol emulsion which is prepared by mixing polycosanol and water together with emulsifiers because of their interferences. Therefore, the quantitative analytical procedure of polycosanol emulsion with GC-MS at selected ion monitoring mode was proposed and its validity was inspected for standardization. The analysis of polycosanol standards according to the proposed procedure showed the following values: 90.5% for reproducibility; 0.48-5.83% for the RSD; 0.000479-0.001314 μg/μL for the LOD; 0.001452-0.003983 μg/μL for the LOQ; 80.38-108.98% for accuracy; and 0.01-4.88% for the coefficients of variation. The average reproducibilities of polycosanol emulsions according to the current procedure were 87.43±4.48% and 88±2.2%, respectively, which were within the 80-120% range of the designated amounts. Therefore, it was found that the proposed analytical procedure with GC-MS at SIM mode in this study would be promising for the accurate quantitative analysis of polycosanol emulsion.
Muffin Development Using Blueberry Powder and Shelf Life Determination of Modified Atmosphere Packaged Blueberry Muffin
Authors: Lee Seung Jo , Kim Myung Hwan , Han Gwi Jung , Min Sea Cheol
Published: October 2016

Muffin was developed using blueberry powder and the shelf life of the muffin packaged in modified atmosphere was determined. Blueberry was freeze-dried and milled to prepare powder. As the concentration of blueberry powder increased from 0 to 15% (w/w), hardness and gumminess also increased (p<0.05). The Hunter L and b values of the crust and crumb of muffin decreased as the concentration increased, while their Hunter a values increased. Blueberry powder concentrations of 10 and 15% resulted in high preference in taste, texture, and overall acceptability. Blueberry muffin containing powder at 10% was packaged in modified atmosphere (MA). The optimum gas for modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) of the muffin was the mixture of carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen (N2) (7:3), which improved microbial stability without altering muffin hardness. The shelf life of modified atmosphere packaged blueberry muffin was determined using the accelerated life test. The shelf life values for MA packaged blueberry muffin stored at 25 and 35°C were predicted as 21 and 5 d, respectively. Further, the Q10 values for 25-35°C and 35-45°C were determined as 4.2 and 2.9, respectively. The MAP can preserve blueberry muffin for 3 weeks at 25°C, without the external addition of preservatives.
Impact of Drying Temperature and Steaming Treatment on the Browning and Antioxidant Activity of Hot-air Dried Platycodon Grandiflorum
Authors: Jeon Ajeong , Park Youn-Moon , Kim Hyun-Seok
Published: October 2016

The effect of drying temperature and steaming time on the browning and antioxidant activity of dried Platycodon grandiflorum was investigated. Thirteen treatment conditions were constructed using central composite face-centered design containing 5 center points. Drying temperature and steaming time (as factors) were 45-75°C and 15-45 min. According to treatment conditions, dried Platycodon grandiflorum was assessed for color characteristic, degree of browning, total polyphenol content, and DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging (as responses). When increasing drying temperature within a given steaming time, dried Platycodon grandiflorum exhibited decreased lightness, increased redness, degree of browning, and total polyphenol contents, and enhanced antioxidant activities. Except for total polyphenol contents and antioxidant activities, steaming time within a given drying temperature exhibited similar effects to those observed in drying temperature. However, steaming time did not likely influence total polyphenol contents and revealed the opposite trends observed for the effect of drying temperature on their antioxidant activities. The overall results suggested that drying temperature was the main factor for changes in the browning and antioxidant activity of dried Platycodon grandiflorum.
The Effect of Temperature Distribution in the Retort on the Degree of Sterilization and the Quality of Potato
Authors: Kim Joo Heung , Yoon Won Byong
Published: October 2016

The effect of temperature distribution in the retort on the degree of sterilization and the product quality was investigated. The temperature distribution in the retort chamber in an industrial scale of retort was evaluated. The target processing temperature was set to 121.1°C based on the standard sterilization process for C. botulinum. The temperature distributions at several points in the retort chamber were measured during the sterilization process, such as the heating (25°C to 121.1°C), holding (121.1°C), and cooling (121.1°C to 25°C) processes. Fo-values at different positions in the chamber were evaluated and compared. Potato cubes were used as a control sample to obtain the heat penetration curve for evaluating the degree of sterilization and the quality changes. Potato samples in cube shape (13×13×13 mm) were prepared and packed in 5 kg of retort pouch pack. A significant temperature deviation occurred during the cooling process and it significantly affected the degree of sterilization.
Salty Taste Enhancing Effect of Enzymatically Hydrolyzed Anchovy Protein in Cooking Application
Authors: Kim Jin Seon , Youn So Jung , Cho Hyung-Yong , Shin Jung-Kue
Published: October 2016

The purpose of this study was to investigate the possibility of the use of enzymatically hydrolyzed anchovy protein (eHAP) to enhancing of salty taste in dried pollack soup and mungbean sprout when it was applied in cooking. The salty taste enhancing effect was evaluated by comparing the dried pollack soup samples with eHAP added and the control sample containing 0.6% NaCl, and the result showed that the salty taste enhancing effect was 15%, 25%, 42%, and 46% in the samples with 0.1%, 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5% eHAP added, respectively. The overall acceptability was decreased as the eHAP addition was increased. In case of a bean sprout containing 0.7% NaCl, the salty taste enhancing effect was 29%, 18%, 16%, and 31% in the 0.1%, 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5% eHAP added, respectively. The lightness and yellowness were decreased as the eHAP addition was increased in both the dried pollack soup and the bean sprout. The pH of the dried pollack soup was decreased but the pH of the bean sprout dish was increased as the addition of eHAP was increased. The application of eHAP to food showed a significant salty taste enhancing effect, but the effect was dependent on the type of foods.
Temporal diversity of Taraxacum kok-saghyz plants reveals high rubber yield phenotypes
Authors: CORNISH KATRINA , KOPICKY STEVEN L. , MCNULTY SARAH K. , AMSTUTZ NIKITA , CHANON ANN M. , WALKER SONIA , KLEINHENZ MATTHEW D. , MILLER ALBERT R. , STREETER JOHN G.
Published: October 2016

Cornish K, Kopicky SL, McNulty SK, Amstutz N, Chanon AM, Walker S, Kleinhenz MD, Miller AR, Streeter JG. 2016. Temporal diversity of Taraxacum kok-saghyz plants reveals high rubber yield phenotypes. Biodiversitas 17: 847-856. Taraxacum koksaghyz is a diploid, out-crossing, rubber-producing species under development as an alternative natural rubber crop. About 17,650 seed were obtained from progeny of 20 wild collected plants. New populations of plants were developed in Ohio from a random subsample of these seed, which were then open pollinated. In November 2011, these seed were direct seeded in outdoor shallow raised beds and in high tunnel deep raised beds. Plants were harvested from the outdoor beds from July 2012 to July 2013 to provide temporal phenotypic data as plants developed and overwintered. The high tunnel beds were harvested July 2013, and provided data on 11 individual accessions, and their progeny, and on the effect of winter bed heating. Plants were highly variable. Rubber concentration in root tissue was not directly correlated with root, shoot or plant size. Across all growing conditions and developmental stage, the highest rubber yields per plant were found in plants with large roots combined with a large rosette, and an above average rubber concentration. These parameters appeared to segregate independently, and rubber concentration was heritable. Interbreeding plants selected for large root, large rosette and then high rubber concentration, should rapidly move Taraxacum kok-saghyz towards domestication and commercialization.
Internationalizing the art school: What part does the studio have to play?
Authors: Caldwell Elizabeth , Gregory Jodi
Published: October 2016

Art, Design and Architecture (ADA) education has a number of distinctive features, including the use of the studio as a locus for an interactive approach to teaching and learning. This article explores the concept of ‘internationalization’ and uses it as a basis to explore the pedagogies found in ADA from an intercultural perspective. The study involved staff and international students participating in focus groups and workshop events to share their experiences of teaching and learning in ADA. We found that ADA pedagogies provide a number of specific opportunities and challenges for internationalization. Positive aspects include the social nature of the studio facilitating the development of independent learning and critical skills. However, the issues raised were the lack of value placed on the development of IT/technical skills and language proficiency. We suggest that there is much that ADA pedagogies have to offer on the debate on internationalization.
Modern Trends in Airport Self Check-in Kiosks
Authors: Sabatová Jarmila , Galanda Jozef , Adamčík František , Jezný Martin , Šulej Radoslav
Published: October 2016

Due to maintain the flow of the check-in process of air passengers, it is essential that services that ensure this process have been carried as quickly and effectively. One of the major current problems in this area is the efficiency of clearance of a large number of passengers over the check-in counters. By the gradual development of so-called self check-in services eventually delegate some activities in check-in process to passengers and the entire clearance process to speed up. In this article the authors deal with current state of the use of self check-in services in the world and predict the expected evolution of these services in the future. Subsequently, the authors present a new design of self-service kiosk and graphical user interface (GUI) of application such self-service check-in kiosk based on the analysis of the functions and features of similar solutions available on the market and with considering all currently known IATA requirements and the criteria relating to disabled passengers in order to lighten the load check-in counters and thereby accelerated the clearance of the passenger at the airport. The aim of the authors was to create a cost competitive solution offering such new features and services that do not offer other solutions, with an emphasis on improving the efficiency of the check-in process of passengers at the airport.
Image Analysis in Wood Testing - Selected Examples
Authors: Wąsik Radosław , Michalec Krzysztof
Published: October 2016

This paper is a review article which presents examples of application of the image analysis in wood testing. The objective of the paper was to present selected research methods with the use of image analysis used in the research on anatomy and macro-structure of wood carried out in the Department of Forest and Wood Utilization of the Institute of Forest Utilization and Forest Technology of the University of Agriculture in Krakow. In the part concerning research on wood anatomy the following areas of application of the image analysis were indicated: identification of wood species and variability of the selected parameters of the anatomic structure with special attention to coniferous trees. In the part concerning the research on macro-structure of wood, methodology of collection and preparation of wood samples and measurement of the most important properties of the macrostructure was described with the use of the image analysis program. Moreover, the selected areas of practical application of the results of such analysis were indicated.
Invariant Means on Banach Spaces
Authors: Łukasik Radosław
Published: October 2016

In this paper we study some generalization of invariant means on Banach spaces. We give some sufficient condition for the existence of the invariant mean and some examples where we have not it.
Integration Trends of EU Internal Security and Law Enforcement: How Legal, Technological and Operational Advancements Matter
Authors: Loik Ramon
Published: October 2016

Rising concerns about the spread of cross-border criminal networks and transnational terrorism have transformed the international security arena into a more diverse, fragmented, diffused, less visible and hardly predictable one. Thus, (in)security is more mobile and remote than some decades ago. The establishment of an integrated European security area requires efforts to develop common standards and joint practices in terms of harmonisation of legal systems, advanced integration of security measures and tools, coherence of procedures and shared operational methods of law enforcement. The article discusses the main integration trends, challenges and options of internal security reforms in the European Union (EU) from legal, technological and operational advancement perspectives. It is argued that some harmonisation of criminal law as sharing and pooling of sovereignty has been achieved on the supranational level. The approach of supra-territoriality development is proposed in terms of shared security space management, where enhanced functional needs towards discursive coherence by copulative regulations and technological measures can be innovated to overcome some obstacles in the EU’s security integration and achieve further operational success.
The Concepts of Trademark Exhaustion and Parallel Imports: A Comparative Analysis between the EU and the USA
Authors: Dobrin Samuel , Chochia Archil
Published: October 2016

The article intends to analyze the closely correlated concepts of trademark exhaustion and parallel imports. The growing importance of these concepts in the current world, especially in the European Union, makes it an interesting research topic, even though the concepts are complicated due to their nature and different actors involved. The authors use comparative approach, concentrating on two world leaders in the field, in order to discover what is the approach of the EU as well as the approach of the USA to the concepts of trademark exhaustion and parallel imports, what are the benefits and weaknesses of these approaches, and analyze why these markets have arrived at certain conclusions.
Cultural Diplomacy of Slavic European Union Member States: A Cross-country Analysis
Authors: Udovič Boštjan , Podgornik Ana
Published: October 2016

The article deals with the role of cultural diplomacy in Slavic EU Member States. Its basic idea is to present the main characteristics of cultural diplomacy as a field of possible cooperation between the Slavic EU member countries. The conclusions of the research are three: firstly, the cultural diplomacy of the Slavic EU Member States is fragmented and diversified. Secondly, each country promotes its own cultural diplomacy and there is almost no cooperation between countries in the cultural field. Finally, cultural diplomacy is still an omitted instrument of Slavic EU Member States and a fertile ground for future collaboration within the EU and in the region of Central Europe.
PID Controller Design Based on Radial Basis Function Neural Networks for the Steam Generator Level Control
Authors: Xiangsong Kong , Xurui Chen , Jiansheng Guan
Published: October 2016

Steam generator level control system is a vital control system for the Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR). However, the steam generator level process is a highly nonlinear and non-minimum phase system, the conventional Proportional- Integral-Derivative (PID) control scheme with fixed parameters was difficult to obtain satisfactory control performance. The Radial Basis Function (RBF) Neural Networks based PID control strategy (RBFNN-PID) is proposed for the steam generator level control. This method can identify the mathematical model of the steam generator via the RBF neural networks, and then the PID parameters can be optimized automatically to accommodate the characteristic variation of the process. The optimal number of the hidden layer neurons is also discussed in this paper. The simulation results shows that the PID controller designed based on the RBF neural networks has good control performance on the steam generator level control.
Capacity of Right-Turn Lane at Signalized Intersection under Pedestrian-Bicycle Effect
Authors: Gao Chao , Liu Xiao-Ming , Yang Xiao-Kuan
Published: October 2016

The effect of pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure is used to analyze the capacity for right-turn lane at signalized intersection. Each cycle at the signalized intersection was divided into several periods. The effect of pedestrian and bicycle at each period was analyzed. The number of right-turn cars going through signalized intersection was calculated by using probability theory and mathematical statistics. The capacity under the effect of pedestrian and bicycle for right-turn lane at signalized Intersection was deduced. The calculated results were deduced by using the survey data of two signalized intersections at Jinan city. The mean difference values are 8% and 10.1%, compared with VISSIM simulation results. The comparisons show that this model can fully describe the effect of pedestrian and bicycle to signalized intersection.
The use of situation-bound utterances in Chinese foreign language textbooks
Authors: Yeh Shu-Han
Published: October 2016

This article examines the use of situation-bound utterances (qíngjìng zhuānyòngyǔ情境专用语) in five mainstream Chinese foreign language textbooks in order to survey, categorize, and discuss their use therein. Kecskes (2000a. A cognitive-pragmatic approach to situation-bound utterances.Journal of Pragmatics32(5). 605–625) defined Situation-bound utterances (hereafter SBUs) as “highly conventionalized, prefabricated pragmatic units whose occurrences are tied to standardized communicative situations” (2000a: 606). SBUs are prevalent in Modern Chinese and in several ways represent Chinese culture. Many Chinese foreign language textbooks, however, underestimate the importance of SBUs. Based on information culled from five textbooks (Integrated Chinese中文听说读写,First Step中文起步,Basic Spoken Chinese基础中文：听与说,Practical Audio-Visual Chinese实用视听华语, andNew Practical Chinese Reader新实用汉语) a Chinese SBUs database has been generated. One hundred seventy-eight Chinese SBUs are identified, and they are categorized into ten speech act categories. Among these, the three most common speech acts are: (1) greetings/daily conversation, (2) polite request, and (3) inquiry. These speech acts represent and reflect the concept and practice of politeness in Chinese culture.Basic Spoken Chineseprovides the most detailed and clearest explanations of SBUs, and explains the most appropriate contexts for use of SBUs. As for repeated use of SBUs, bothBasic Spoken ChineseandIntegrated Chineseoutperformed the other textbooks. None of the textbooks examined, however, adequately explain the use and importance of SBUs in Modern Chinese. The purpose of this study is to fill this lacuna.
人类空间、时间感知对人类语言结构的普遍影响：语义距离象似性跟可别度领先象似性及其引申
Authors: 丙甫 陆
Published: October 2016

提要

汉语语法的特点是形态少，语法编码主要依靠语序和虚词。本文在强调语序之重要性的基础上，指出决定语序的两个最基本的动因：空间性的 “语义距离象似性” 和时间性、语用性的 “可别度领先象似性”，并对这两个动因的种种引申用法做了初步梳理。这两个动因的广泛存在表明，人类最基本的两个感知范畴，空间感知和时间感知，在语言机制中也发挥了决定性作用。
汉越词对越南学生汉语阅读的影响
Authors: 金英 武
Published: October 2016

提要

本文的目的是为了使学生能够更快更好地提高阅读理解的能力，能够利用好汉越词来理解汉语词语。论文考察了汉越词对越南学生在阅读汉语对越南学生的帮助和常常由此引起的偏误，并得出了影响的原因，进而针对这些问题提出了一些教学对策。论文界定了有关汉越词的一些概念，进而在《成语辨析词典》、《汉语俗语词典》、《汉语歇后语辞典》中，随机抽样成语、俗语、歇后语作为引例进行分析。同时，也从《汉语水平词汇与汉字等级大纲》里随机抽样词语来当例句而进行研究和分析汉语词语与汉越词在语义、篇章方面的对应关系。然后，考察了越南学生在阅读汉语过程中，汉越词对汉语词语理解的帮助以及存在的偏误。论文对那些帮助和偏误产生的原因进行了具体分析，并针对这些原因提出具体的教学对策。本文还对利用汉越词在阅读汉语教学以及教材编写方面提出一些建议。希望通过本文的研究和分析可以提高对越南学生的汉语阅读教学效果，提高越南学生学习阅读的效率。本文的研究结论在汉语阅读教学工作中，无论是在课堂教学还是教材编写方面，都会有一定的参考价值。
Evaluation of Biogas Production and Usage Potential
Authors: Kalinichenko Antonina , Havrysh Valerii , Perebyynis Vasyl
Published: October 2016

The aim of the research is the development of theoretical and methodical bases for determining the feasibility of plant raw materials growing for its further bioconversion into energy resources and technological materials to maximize profit from business activities. Monograph, statistics, modelling and abstract logical methods have been used during the research. Directions of biogas usage have been examined. Biogas yields from different crops have been analyzed. It has been determined that high methane yields can be provided from root crops, grain crops, and several green forage plants. So, forage beet and maize can provide more than 5,500 m3 of biogas per hectare. Attention is paid to the use of by-products of biogas plants, especially carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is an important commodity and can increase profitability of biogas plant operating. It can be used for different purposes (food industry, chemical industry, medicine, fumigation, etc). The most important parameters of the biogas upgrading technologies have been analyzed. If output of an upgrade module is more than 500 nm3/h, investment costs of different available technologies are almost equal. According to experts, it is economically feasible to use anaerobic digestion biogas systems to upgrade biomethane provided their performance is equivalent to 3,000 litres of diesel fuel per day. The economic and mathematical models have been suggested to determine the feasibility of growing plant materials to maximize the gross profit. The target function is the maximum gross income from biogas utilization. It has the following limitations: annual production of biogas, consumption of electricity, heat and motor fuels. The mathematical model takes into account both meeting own requirement and selling surplus energy resources and co-products including carbon dioxide. In case of diesel fuel substitution, an ignition dose of diesel fuels has been considered. The algorithm for making a decision on construction of a biogas plant has been offered.