bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of technological parameters of production (methodological aspect)
Authors: Sosnina T. N.
Published: July 2015

Technological parameters of production are analyzed using the basic triad of concepts: conditional, primary and secondary objects of labor. The conclusion about the unique feature of the subject of labor to fix the pros and cons of mans production effort and means of his activities is reasoned. We propose to consider the object of labor as a non-differentiable combination of the natural (substrate) and the social (abstract and concrete labor implemented in the substrate). It operates in a technological space - time (a thing - the process of becoming a thing). In any situation, the primary object of labor (mining technology) is preceded by a conditional object (research tech), finished or end product is preceded by a secondary object of labor (processing technology). The points of technological restrictions identify the parameters of the optimal technological mode for the system "man - tool object of labor" with regard to economic, social and environmental components. Technological parameters are specified by examples of technological chains (traditional and innovative) of individual enterprises, production units of cluster and network types. Postulates of the theory of object of labor reflect the methodologically important status of technologies of any kind of production-material, spiritual, virtual and social.
Electrization of the surface of low-orbiting small spacecraft “AIST”
Authors: Syomkin N. D. , Bragin V. V. , Piyakov A. V. , Telegin A. M. , Ryazanov D. M. , Matviets M. G.
Published: July 2015

The article presents the results of a space experiment that analyzed the process of electrization of low-orbit satellites. The research of the process of electrization took place on the small spacecraft "AIST-L" (flight) and "AIST-T" (technological) using the "Meteor scientific equipment. The equipment includes multi-sensors that measure the temperature, illumination and electrification. The experiment revealed significant correlation between the process of differential charging of the apparatus and the external factors of space environment. The influence of both controlled and uncontrolled flight modes on the electrization of low-orbit satellites was estimated. The mode of micro acceleration compensation is controlled by three orthogonally arranged solenoids. The data obtained make it possible to assess the density of the flow of electrons falling on the surface of the sensor, and confirm the mathematical model of spacecraft electrization proposed in the article and based on the method of integral equations. The model takes into account the effect of shielding the redistribution of charges on the surface of the spacecraft by plasma.
Sludge Reduction by H2O2 Oxidation with Fe/MgO Catalyst
Authors: Cho Sung Hoon , Hwang Duck Kun , Um Wooyong , Son Dae Hee , Oh Kyeongseok
Published: July 2015

This study aimed to determine whether catalytic pretreatment can be used as a method to reduce the amount of wastewater sludge. In this study, H2O2 oxidation in the presence of a heterogeneous Fe/MgO catalyst was added to the pretreatment step. Initially a laboratory‐scale test showed a TCOD (total chemical oxygen demand) was reduced 27.4% during catalytic oxidation compared to 2.1% in a catalyst‐free option. Catalytic pretreatment was then evaluated in a bench‐scale flow‐loop test. Two bench systems were composed of identical serial processes that included anaerobic digestion, aerobic digestion, and coagulating sedimentation. The only difference between the two processes was whether catalytic pretreatment of sediment sludge was used or not. Results showed that catalyst‐free oxidation TCOD gradually increased from 4200 to 7800 mg/L while catalytic oxidation maintained TCOD values at 4200 ± 200 mg/L. In addition, catalytic pretreatment reduced total nitrogen from 46.9 to 41.0 mg/L and phosphate from 3.1 to 2.3 mg/L.
Variations in Depth and Chemical Composition of Groundwater During an Interval in Intermittent Water Delivery
Authors: Yongjin Chen , Weihong Li , Jiazhen Liu , Ming Lu , Mengchen Xu , Shengliang Liu
Published: July 2015

Based on monitoring data collected from 2006 to 2009 at the lower reaches of the Tarim River, tempo‐spatial variations in groundwater depth and chemistry during an approximately 3‐year interval of intermittent water delivery were studied. Results indicate that as the groundwater depth increased at the upper sector of the river's lower reaches from March 2007 to September 2009, so too did the main chemical composition of groundwater. Groundwater depth at the intermediate sector also increased, but major ions in groundwater declined. The groundwater depth at the lower sector started to decrease in August 2008, and the concentrations of main ions in the groundwater generally rose and fell along with the variations in groundwater depth. The groundwater depth and chemistry in the monitoring wells located at a distance from the aqueduct expressed complex changes at different sections. For instance, at the section near the Daxihaizi Reservoir Section B, groundwater depth increased gradually, but chemical composition changed little. In contrast, the groundwater depth of monitoring wells far from the Daxihaizi Reservoir (Section I) decreased and salt content in the groundwater increased. In sectors at a moderate distance from the reservoir, groundwater depth decreased and concentrations of main ions significantly increased.
Importance of breast-feeding in antioxidant defense
Authors: Savic Dragana , Vojinovic Jelena , Zvezdanovic Lilika , Cosic Vladan , Savic Vojin
Published: July 2015

We investigated the importance of two enzymes (superoxide dismutase - SOD and
glutathione peroxidase - GSH-Px) in the antioxidant defence of newborns and
analysed their activity in: human colostrum and milk (from 63 mothers, after
normal delivery, without complications or signs of infection), gastric fluid
(from 10 breast-fed newborns, 7-28 days after birth; and from 15
artificially-fed newborns, with no signs of infection, 7-28 days after
birth), and plasma (from 10 newborns, 1- 28 days old, with no signs of
infection, and 10 newborns, 1-28 days old, with signs of neonatal sepsis).
The results of the study showed that there was statistically significant
increased activity of SOD (p<0.001) in colostrum compared to mature milk.
There was no statistically important difference in the activity of GSHPx
between those two samples. The activity of SOD in the gastric fluid of the
artificially-fed newborns was statistically significantly lower than in the
breast-fed newborns (p<0.001). The same results were found for mature
mother?s milk. We discovered a significant increase of SOD plasma activity in
the newborns with sepsis, compared to the breast-fed newborns, with no signs
of infection. The negative correlation between the activities of SOD and
GSH-Px in the gastric fluid samples of the breast-fed and the
artificially-fed newborns and the newborns with sepsis, showed that the
activities of both enzymes were important for adequate antioxidant defence
during the neonatal period. Breast-feeding with both colostrum and mature
human milk is probably very important for adequate antioxidant defence in
newborns.
Effects of Medical Disputes on Internet Communications of Negative Emotions and Negative Online Word-of-Mouth
Authors: Lee Yi-Chih , Wu Wei-Li
Published: July 2015

Emotions play an important role in human behavior. Negative emotions resulting from medical disputes are problems for medical personnel to solve but also have a significant impact on a hospital's reputation and people's trust in the hospital. One medical dispute case was chosen from an Internet news source to assess the correlation between people's negative emotions and negative online word-of-mouth. Convenience sampling was used in school faculties and university students who had shared their medical treatment experiences online were the research participants. A total of 221 Taiwanese participants volunteered (158 women, 63 men; ages: 26.7% under 19, 22.6% 20–29, 30.8% 30–39, 19.9% over 40). Four negative emotions were measured using rating scales: uncertainty, anger, disappointment, and sadness. Four negative online word-of-mouth measures were: venting, advice search, helping receiver, and revenge. A modeled relationship was assessed by partial least square method (PLS). Then, people's positive emotions were further analyzed to assess changes after spreading negative word-of-mouth. The results showed that uncertainty had a positive effect on venting and advice search. People who felt anger or regret spread word-of-mouth in order to help the receiver. Disappointment may trigger the revenge behavior of negative word-of-mouth. Negative emotions could be relieved after engaging in the behavior of helping the receiver.
Effects of Different Modes of Preparatory Motion on Dart-Throwing Performance
Authors: Shiraki Yoshihide , Yamamoto Shinji , Kushiro Keisuke
Published: July 2015

Preparatory motion (consciously or unconsciously moving a body part just before performing a task) enhances motor performance. Repeated body movements are roughly categorized as rhythmic and discrete. However, the most effective mode of preparatory motion remains unclear. The present study utilized both modes of preparatory motion and compared subsequent performances. Twelve participants executed dart throwing after performing rhythmic, discrete, or no preparatory motion. Performance was statistically evaluated by comparing the error components, assumed contributions of each mode of preparatory motion. The results revealed that the mean value of the error component for the rhythmic mode was significantly smaller than that for the discrete mode. This suggests that the rhythmic mode of preparatory motion produced better dart-throwing performance.
Effects of Colors on the Feeling of Being Dazzled Evoked by Stimuli with Luminance Gradients
Authors: Hanada Mitsuhiko
Published: July 2015

The sensation of being dazzled by light was investigated, and the effects of colors on the feeling were assessed using stimuli composed of a disk and a surrounding annulus with luminance gradient, which had a glowing appearance. The colors of the disk and annulus were varied, while the luminance of each pixel was unchanged. In addition, disk and maximum annulus luminances were also varied. Ten participants were asked to rate the feeling of being dazzled for the stimuli. Results of a four-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated that the main effect of disk color was not significant, whereas the annulus color was. Furthermore, there was significant interaction of the disk color and the annulus color. On the whole, the feeling of being dazzled for the light-blue or pink annulus was stronger than that for the other colors, while the light-blue (pink) annulus did not significantly differ in that feeling from the yellow, green, or gray annulus when the disk color was light-blue (pink). This indicates that the same disk color as the annulus color tended to reduce the feeling of being dazzled.
Politics of War Memories: Remembering the Japanese Internment in Joseph Craig Danner’s The Fires of Edgarville
Authors: Lee Jade Tsui-yu
Published: July 2015

Abstract:

The article examines the trope of war memories in Joseph Craig Danner’s The Fires of Edgarville (2009), discussing how the characters reveal the long-hidden secrets, wrapped in historical mystery, that plague a small Oregon lumber town during the Pacific War(s)—racism, revenge, and a phantom arsonist, among others. A journey into the past and into the history of war trauma, the novel pieces together the diminishing and elliptical memories of various individuals and ethnic groups. It is the epitome of the war narrative, characterized by melancholic post-memory and the mourning for loss, which offers a site of contested war(s) and cultural memories, a redemptive and liberating force that enables the traumatized, and the violators, to cope with the future.
Hexachloro benzene in the Nanshan Karst systems, China
Authors: Alam MJ , Daoxian Y , Yachuan S , Jiang YJ , Quayum ME , Cheng LJ
Published: July 2015

Karst areas have much higher ecological vulnerability and are easy to be contaminated with hexachlorinated benzene (HCB) which is introduced as health risk pollutants. HCB concentrations were used to understand the transport of HCB conducted in the Nanshan karst system, China. Water, sediments from the underground river and water, sediments and soil from the surface systems were collected monthly in 2011 - 2012 and HCB were analyzed. The levels of HCB were 19.9 ng L-1 in underground waters and 11.6 ng g-1 in underground sediments while 99.1 ng L-1 in surface waters and 110.5 ng g-1 in surface sediments and 2.8 ng g-1 in soils. Seasonal variations were found in concentrations of HCB both in the waters and the sediments. HCB concentrations varied from 7.8 ng L-1 in winter to 86.9 ng L-1 in spring in the groundwaters and 0.3 ng g-1 in autumn to 36.7 ng g-1 in spring in the underground sediments. HCB concentrations varied from 38.6 ng L-1 in autumn to 1019.8 ng L-1 in spring in the surface waters, 0.7 ng g-1 in autumn to 133.4 ng g-1 in spring in the surface sediments and 2.5 ng g-1 in autumn to 17.4 ng g-1 in winter in soil. The substantial seasonal variation found between underground system and surface system which indicate that the surface systems play major role for the transport and contamination of HCB in the underground river systems due to karst features.Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 50(2), 109-116, 2015
Lipid composition of the brains of she-goat and castrated goat consumed in Ekiti State, Nigeria
Authors: Adeyeye EI , Adesina AJ
Published: July 2015

The levels of fatty acids, phospholipids and sterols were determined in the brains of she-goat and castrated goat found in Ekiti State, Nigeria by gas chromatography. Results showed that the crude fat levels were 9.98 and 10.2 % in the brains of she-goat and castrated goat respectively. The fatty acid composition of she-goat and castrated goat brain shows that the SFA was 40.6 and 42.7 %, MUFA was 37.1 and 38.7 % and PUFA was 20.9 and 22.3% respectively. The other parameters of she-goat and castrated goat brain were found: PUFA/SFA, 0.490 and 0.548; MUFA/SFA, 0.869 and 0.953; n-6/n-3, 0.775 and 11.7; LA/ALA, 0.876 and 28.0; AA/DGLA, 6.05 and 17.4; EPA/DHA, 1.00 and 5.89 and EPSI (PUFA/MUFA), 0.564 and 0.575 respectively. Phospholipids were present in she-goat and castrated goat with a value range of 2365 and 3047 mg/100g respectively. Among the sterols, only cholesterol was of any significant level with values of 1353 mg/100g (she-goat brain) and 1355 mg/100g (castrated goat brain). Linear correlation at ? = 0.05, df: n-1 showed that no significant difference exists between the crude fats, phospholipids and sterols except in the fatty acids parameters.Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 50(2), 153-162, 2015
Pilot Study for Investigating the Cyclic Behavior of Slit Damper Systems with Recentering Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) Bending Bars Used for Seismic Restrainers
Authors: Seo Junwon , Kim Young , Hu Jong
Published: July 2015

Although the steel slit dampers commonly utilized for aseismic design approach can dissipate considerable energy created by the yielding of base materials, large residual deformation may happen in the entire frame structure. After strong external excitation, repair costs will be incurred in restoring a structure to its original condition and to replace broken components. For this reason, alternative recentering devices characterized by smart structures, which mitigate the damage for such steel energy dissipation slit dampers, are developed in this study. These devices, feasibly functioning as seismic restrainers, can be improved by implementing superelastic shape memory alloy (SMA) bending bars in a parallel motion with the steel energy-dissipating damper. The bending bars fabricated with superelastic SMAs provide self-centering forces upon unloading, and accordingly contribute to reducing permanent deformation in the integrated slit damper system. The steel slit dampers combined with the superelastic SMA bending bars are evaluated with respect to inelastic behavior as simulated by refined finite element (FE) analyses. The FE slit damper models subjected to cyclic loads are calibrated to existing test results in an effort to predict behavior accurately. The responses of the proposed slit damper systems are compared to those of the conventionally used slit damper systems. From the analysis results, it is concluded that innovative steel slit dampers combined with superelastic SMA bending bars generate remarkable performance improvements in terms of post-yield strength, energy dissipation, and recentering capability.
Lack of Population Genetic Structuring in Ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) in a Fragmented Landscape
Authors: Figueiredo Marina , Cervini Marcelo , Rodrigues Fernando , Eizirik Eduardo , Azevedo Fernando , Cullen Laury , Crawshaw Peter , Galetti Pedro
Published: July 2015

Habitat fragmentation can promote patches of small and isolated populations, gene flow disruption between those populations, and reduction of local and total genetic variation. As a consequence, these small populations may go extinct in the long-term. The ocelot (Leopardus pardalis), originally distributed from Texas to southern Brazil and northern Argentina, has been impacted by habitat fragmentation throughout much of its range. To test whether habitat fragmentation has already induced genetic differentiation in an area where this process has been documented for a larger felid (jaguars), we analyzed molecular variation in ocelots inhabiting two Atlantic Forest fragments, Morro do Diabo (MD) and Iguaçu Region (IR). Analyses using nine microsatellites revealed mean observed and expected heterozygosity of 0.68 and 0.70, respectively. The MD sampled population showed evidence of a genetic bottleneck under two mutational models (TPM = 0.03711 and SMM = 0.04883). Estimates of genetic structure (FST = 0.027; best fit of k = 1 with STRUCTURE) revealed no meaningful differentiation between these populations. Thus, our results indicate that the ocelot populations sampled in these fragments are still not significantly different genetically, a pattern that strongly contrasts with that previously observed in jaguars for the same comparisons. This observation is likely due to a combination of two factors: (i) larger effective population size of ocelots (relative to jaguars) in each fragment, implying a slower effect of drift-induced differentiation; and (ii) potentially some remaining permeability of the anthropogenic matrix for ocelots, as opposed to the observed lack of permeability for jaguars. The persistence of ocelot gene flow between these areas must be prioritized in long-term conservation planning on behalf of these felids.
The Impacts of Environmental Tax in China: A Dynamic Recursive Multi-Sector CGE Model
Authors: Xiao Bowen , Niu Dongxiao , Guo Xiaodan , Xu Xiaomin
Published: July 2015

In recent years, the accumulated environmental problems resulting from excessive usage of fossil fuels have gradually loomed. Thus, an environmental tax, as an important policy tool, has been put on the agenda in China. In this paper, a dynamic recursive multi-sector Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) model is applied to explore the impacts of the environmental tax on China’s economy. To comprehensively analyze the impacts, we introduce four kinds of typical contaminants and set two kinds of scenarios: different tax rates and different tax refunds. The results show that the environmental tax is conducive to environmental improvement, but the economic variables are adversely affected, for example, the loss of GDP at the low level tax rate is 0.46%. In order to offset the negative impacts, we presume the government refunds the tax. The results show that this can indeed relieve the negative effects. When the government refunds the production tax and corporate income tax, 0.49% and 0.34% of GDP is relieved by respectively. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the implementation of the environmental tax in China and lays a solid foundation for the introduction of the environmental tax.
The Future of Solar Power in the United Kingdom
Authors: Reid Gerard , Wynn Gerard
Published: July 2015

We used detailed industry data to analyse the impacts of expected further cost reductions on the competitiveness of solar power in Britain, and assess whether the solar market can survive without support in the near future. We investigated three solar power markets: large-scale, ground-mounted “solar farms” (defined in our analysis as larger than a 5000 kilowatt system); commercial roof-top (250 kW); and residential rooftop (3 kW). We found that all three would be economic without support in the next decade. Such an outcome assumes progressively falling support under a stable policy regime. We found that unsubsidised residential solar power may be cheaper with battery storage within the next five to 10 years. Unsupported domestic solar battery packs achieve payback periods of less than 10 years by 2025. That could create an inflexion point driving adoption of domestic solar systems. The variability of solar power will involve some grid integration costs at higher penetration levels, such as more frequent power market scheduling; more interconnector capacity; storage; and backup power. These costs and responses could be weighed against non-market benefits including the potential for grid balancing; lower carbon and particulate emissions; and energy security.
The Flyby Anomaly in an Extended Whitehead’s Theory
Authors: Acedo Luis
Published: July 2015

In this paper, we consider an extended version of Whitehead’s theory of gravity in connection with the flyby anomaly. Whitehead’s theory is a linear approximation defined in a background Minkowski spacetime, which gives the same solutions as standard general relativity for the Schwarzschild and Kerr metrics cast in Kerr–Schild coordinates. For a long time and because it gives the same results for the three classical tests—perihelion advance, light bending and gravitational redshift—it was considered a viable alternative to general relativity, but as it is really a linear approximation, it fails in more stringent tests. The model considered in this paper is a formal generalization of Whitehead’s theory, including all possible bilinear forms. In the resulting theory, a circulating vector field of force in the low velocities’ approximation for a rotating planet is deduced, in addition to Newtonian gravity. This extra force gives rise to small variations in the asymptotic velocities of flybys around the Earth to be compared to the recently reported flyby anomaly.
Determinants of the Government Bond Yield in Spain: A Loanable Funds Model
Authors: Hsing Yu
Published: July 2015

This paper applies demand and supply analysis to examine the government bond yield in Spain. The sample ranges from 1999.Q1 to 2014.Q2. The EGARCH model is employed in empirical work. The Spanish government bond yield is positively associated with the government debt/GDP ratio, the short-term Treasury bill rate, the expected inflation rate, the U.S. 10 year government bond yield and a dummy variable representing the debt crisis and negatively affected by the GDP growth rate and the expected nominal effective exchange rate.
Molecular Classification and Pharmacogenetics of Primary Plasma Cell Leukemia: An Initial Approach toward Precision Medicine
Authors: Simeon Vittorio , Todoerti Katia , La Rocca Francesco , Caivano Antonella , Trino Stefania , Lionetti Marta , Agnelli Luca , De Luca Luciana , Laurenzana Ilaria , Neri Antonino , Musto Pellegrino
Published: July 2015

Primary plasma cell leukemia (pPCL) is a rare and aggressive variant of multiple myeloma (MM) which may represent a valid model for high-risk MM. This disease is associated with a very poor prognosis, and unfortunately, it has not significantly improved during the last three decades. New high-throughput technologies have allowed a better understanding of the molecular basis of this disease and moved toward risk stratification, providing insights for targeted therapy studies. This knowledge, added to the pharmacogenetic profile of new and old agents in the analysis of efficacy and safety, could contribute to help clinical decisions move toward a precision medicine and a better clinical outcome for these patients. In this review, we describe the available literature concerning the genomic characterization and pharmacogenetics of plasma cell leukemia (PCL).
Environmental and Geotechnical Assessment of the Steel Slags as a Material for Road Structure
Authors: Sas Wojciech , Głuchowski Andrzej , Radziemska Maja , Dzięcioł Justyna , Szymański Alojzy
Published: July 2015

Slags are the final solid wastes from the steel industry. Their production from waste and associated materials is a proper implementation of the basic objectives and principles of the waste management. This study aims to investigate the chemical and selected significant geotechnical parameters of steel slag as the alternative materials used in road construction. These investigations are strongly desired for successful application in engineering. Young’s modules E, and resilient modules Mr showed that their values corresponding with requirements for subbase (principal or auxiliary) and riding surface as well. Tested mechanical properties were conducted in soaked and un-soaked (optimal moisture content) conditions. The designated high content of chromium and zinc are strongly associated with the internal crystal structure of steel slag. The results do not lead to threats when they are applied in roads’ structures. Mechanical characterization was obtained by performing California bearing ratio (CBR) tests for steel slag in fixed compaction and moisture content conditions. Moreover, cyclic loading of steel slag was conducted with the application of cyclic California bearing ratio (cCBR) apparatus to characterization of this material as a controlled low-strength material. Finally, field studies that consist of static load plate VSS tests were presented.
Using Mobile Devices in Environmental Education and Education for Sustainable Development—Comparing Theory and Practice in a Nation Wide Survey
Authors: Schaal Steffen , Lude Armin
Published: July 2015

Mobile electronic devices (MED) with integrated GPS receivers are increasingly popular in environmental education (EE) and education for sustainable development (ESD). This paper aims at identifying the possible applications of these devices, as well as identifying obstacles to such utilities. Therefore, a two-part study was conducted: An expert Delphi study and a nationwide online survey in Germany and Austria. In this paper, the results of the online survey are reported and compared to the findings of the Delphi study. The questionnaire of the online survey was based on a theoretical framework comprising different dimensions for the use of MED. Overall, 120 projects were included in the study. The most common target groups were school classes and the devices most frequently used were GPS receivers. The projects addressed the criteria of ESD, such as elaboration of local/global perspectives of sustainability and competencies of EE like pro-environmental behavior or attitudes. All projects were classified according to their educational design in a 2 × 2-scheme. The most common activities were predefined routes within a narrow instructional setting. Divergences between expert views and practical realization are identified and discussed.
“Mobile Cultures” as Leisure Pursuits and Tourist Attractions: Gauchos, Cowboys, and Indians
Authors: Cohen Erik
Published: July 2015

This comparative study combines conceptual approaches of the mobilities paradigm and postcolonial theory, with the notion of identity politics, in the analysis of two “mobile cultures”: the gauchos of the South American pampas and the cowboys and Indians of the American
West. It examines the permutations that the representations of these myths underwent, as they “traveled” from their remote origins to national centers, and to ever further destinations abroad, in case studies of their dissemination in Argentina, Brazil, Germany, and Thailand. The
article discusses specifically the routes and symbolic means of travel of the myths, the subcultures they engendered, the manner in which the representations of the iconic mythical figures were deployed to serve the identity politics at the destinations, and the leisure pursuits and commercialized
tourist establishments, such as festivals, theme parks, and cowboy towns based on these myths.
Coronary Artery Calcification Score as a Predictor of All-Cause Mortality and Cardiovascular Outcome in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Authors: Xie Qionghong , Ge Xiaolin , Shang Da , Li Yun , Yan Huanqing , Tian Jing , Hao Chuan-Ming , Zhu Tongying
Published: July 2015

Background

This study aimed to examine whether the coronary artery calcification score (CaCS) was associated with the prognosis of peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients.

Methods

Adult PD patients who were clinically stable for at least 2 months were recruited for this prospective, observational cohort study. Coronary artery calcification was assessed using multislice spiral computed tomography and was recorded according to the Agatston score. The end-points including all-cause mortality, cardiovascular events, and cardiovascular mortality were assessed. Multivariate Cox regression was used to identify independent predictors of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular events (CVEs), and cardiovascular mortality.

Results

A total of 179 PD patients (86 men) with a mean age of 63.5 ± 14.8 years were recruited for this study. Coronary artery calcification scores ranging from 0 to 5,257 were stratified as follows: no (CaCS = 0, n = 54), low (0 < CaCS < 400, n = 72), and high (CaCS ≥ 400, n = 53) calcification. The follow-up duration was 30.6 ± 16.2 (24 – 63) months. Compared with the no calcification group, patients with a higher CaCS were older and had lower diastolic blood pressure, residual renal function, and serum albumin, and higher HbA1C and serum insulin. Multivariate Cox regression revealed that the CaCS was an independent predictor for all the 3 endpoints after adjustment in PD patients.

Conclusions

CaCS was an independent predictor of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular events, and cardiovascular mortality in patients receiving peritoneal dialysis.
In situ SU-8 silver nanocomposites
Authors: Fischer Søren V , Uthuppu Basil , Jakobsen Mogens H
Published: July 2015

Nanocomposite materials containing metal nanoparticles are of considerable interest in photonics and optoelectronics applications. However, device fabrication of such materials always encounters the challenge of incorporation of preformed nanoparticles into photoresist materials. As a solution to this problem, an easy new method of fabricating silver nanocomposites by an in situ reduction of precursors within the epoxy-based photoresist SU-8 has been developed. AgNO3 dissolved in acetonitrile and mixed with the epoxy-based photoresist SU-8 forms silver nanoparticles primarily during the pre- and post-exposure soft bake steps at 95 °C. A further high-temperature treatment at 300 °C resulted in the formation of densely homogeneously distributed silver nanoparticles in the photoresist matrix. No particle growth or agglomeration of nanoparticles is observed at this point. The reported new in situ silver nanocomposite materials can be spin coated as homogeneous thin films and structured by using UV lithography. A resolution of 5 µm is achieved in the lithographic process. The UV exposure time is found to be independent of the nanoparticle concentration. The fabricated silver nanocomposites exhibit high plasmonic responses suitable for the development of new optoelectronic and optical sensing devices.
In vitro susceptibility of a penicillin-resistant and tolerable isolate of Streptococcus pneumoniae to combination therapy
Authors: Majhi Arnab , Nandi Ajeya , Adhikary Rana , Mahanti Sayantika , Bishayi Biswadev
Published: July 2015

Introduction: Preference for combination therapy to treat infection due to multidrug-resistant S. pneumoniae (MDRSP) has not been well elucidated in previous studies. Methodology: In the present study, 19 antibiotics in combinations were tested against an MDRSP isolate. In vitro susceptibility studies including minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimal bactericidal concentrations (MBC) and disk agar diffusion (DAD), tolerance to resistant antibiotics, checkerboard assay, time-kill curve, hemolytic assay, and autolysis assay were performed on the test strain to study its in vitro susceptibility to combination therapy. Results: From the checkerboard assay and time-kill curve, it was observed that a combination of levofloxacin (MIC, 16 µg/mL) and ceftriaxone (MIC, 2 µg/mL), at sub-MIC concentration was synergistic and most effective against the MDRSP isolate (penicillin MIC, > 64 µg/mL). Hemolytic activities also increased significantly with combination therapy compared to monotherapy (p < 0.05). Moreover, the hemolytic activity of levofloxacin in combination with ceftriaxone was better than ciprofloxacin plus ceftriaxone or cefepime. The autolysis rate was also found to increase rapidly within one hour of exposure to levofloxacin plus ceftriaxone, and this was found to be significantly different from the other combinations at the fifth and sixth hour post incubation (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This data suggests that this combination is bactericidal in vitro, and requires further studies in in vivo models for treatment against MDRSP infections.
Bacterial pericarditis and antimicrobial resistance at the Tehran Heart Center, Iran
Authors: Sotoudeh Anvari Maryam , Kianinejad Rezvan , Boroumand Mohammad Ali , Arzhan Soraya , Jalali Arash
Published: July 2015

Introduction: When bacterial pericarditis is suspected, urgent pericardial drainage combined with intravenous antibacterial therapy is mandatory to avert devastating, life-threatening complications. There have been scanty results on antimicrobial susceptibility of common causative microorganisms of bacterial pericarditis; most studies had small sample sizes and were performed decades ago. Methodology: This prospective study surveyed the causative bacteria in infectious pericardial effusions and their antimicrobial susceptibility among 320 consecutive cardiac patients who underwent pericardiocentesis at Tehran Heart Center between 2007 and 2012, using the European Society of Cardiology (ESC)’s criteria. Results: Staphylococcus spp. (S. epidermidis, S. aureus, S. haemolyticus) were the main causative organisms isolated from cultures of pericardial effusion samples. Other causative organisms were Streptococcus spp., Enterococcus faecium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii. In the cultures studied, 35% methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis (MRSE) and 42.9% methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) were detected. The most effective antimicrobial agents in S. epidermidis were gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, and cefoxitin. Clindamycin was relatively effective. S. aureus was highly susceptible to clindamycin and erythromycin. In cases of S. haemolyticus infection, clindamycin, erythromycin, cefoxitin, and ciprofloxacin were effective antibiotics. Conclusions: In order to diminish the nascence and extension of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens, logical and optimized antimicrobial usage and monitoring in hospitals are highly recommended. It is incumbent on healthcare systems to determine current local resistance patterns by which to guide empiric antimicrobial therapy for specific infections and microorganism types.
Antiretroviral therapy, CD4, viral load, and disease stage in HIV patients in Saudi Arabia: a 2001–2013 cross-sectional study
Authors: Memish Ziad A , Al-Tawfiq Jaffar A , Filemban Sanaa M , Qutb Syed , Fodail Abdullah , Ali Batol , Darweeish May
Published: July 2015

Introduction: The incidence of HIV/AIDS is increasing worldwide and in the Middle East. In this study, we analyzed the use of antiretroviral therapy (ART), the patterns of CD4 and viral load (VL), and stage of presentation. Methodology: Laboratory variables, ART use, and CD4 count were obtained and analyzed retrospectively. Results: A total of 997 cases from eight HIV/AIDS care providers were included. Of the total cases, 274 (28.3%) had a CD4 count of < 200 cells/mm3, and 413 (42.3%) had a viral load of > 5 log10. Of the total cases, 50% were on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), and the majority of cases were asymptomatic (70%). Of those patients on ART, 247 (39.5%) took tenofovir/emtricitabine combined with either efavirenz (147; 14.7%) or lopinavir/ritonavir (100; 10%), and 158 (15.8%) were on lamivudine and zidovudine with either efavirenz (32; 3.2%) or lopinavir/ritonavir (126; 12.6%). Other combinations were used in 70 (7%) patients. The mean (± standard deviation) of baseline CD4 and viral load were 401 cells/mm3 (322 cells/mm3) and 4.6 log1010 (1.3 log10), respectively. At diagnosis, 72% of patients were asymptomatic; 50% had AIDS and 20% had CD4 count < 350. Conclusions: ART use was in line with international guidelines, but the number of patients receiving ART was lower than expected. Large proportions of cases presented late with AIDS at diagnosis or had CD4 < 350. Further data is needed to evaluate the medical care of patients with HIV/AIDS in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Phenotypic Complexity of the Human Regulatory T Cell Compartment Revealed by Mass Cytometry
Authors: Mason Gavin M. , Lowe Katie , Melchiotti Rossella , Ellis Richard , de Rinaldis Emanuele , Peakman Mark , Heck Susanne , Lombardi Giovanna , Tree Timothy I. M.
Published: July 2015

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are an essential component of the cellular immune response, occupying a key role in maintaining immunological tolerance and present an attractive therapeutic target in a range of immunopathologies. Comprehensive analysis of the human Treg compartment has been restricted due to technical limitations. The advent of mass cytometry enables simultaneous assessment of vastly increased phenotypic parameters at single-cell resolution. In this study, we used mass cytometry to examine the complexity of human Tregs using an extensive panel of surface markers associated with Treg function and phenotype. We applied unsupervised clustering analysis, revealing 22 distinct subpopulations of Tregs, representing previously identified and novel subpopulations. Our data represent the most in-depth phenotypic description of the human Treg compartment at single-cell resolution and show a hitherto unrecognized degree of phenotypic complexity among cells of the regulatory lineage.
Ice flow and glacial transport in Lower St. Lawrence, Quebec
Authors: Rappol M
Published: July 2015

The Late Wisconsinan history of ice movements is reconstructed for the region of Lower St. Lawrence and western Gaspésie based on an inventory of glacial striations and an analysis of the glacial dispersal of Appalachian indicator rocks and Precambrian
erratics. The invasion by laurentide ice fom across St. Lawrence Valley appears to have been the first major glacial event. During this phase, ice moved easterly and southeasterly over the study area. Restricted glaciation may have preceded this event in higher are as; local ice caps likely covered
Gaspésie and Miramichi Highlands. The development of a marine ice stream in St. Lawrence Valley radically changed the ice flow pattern. Ice now moved down-valley towards Gulf of St. Lawrence: in a northeastern direction along the valley axis and towards north or north-northeast over the study
area. Decreasing discharge in the ice stream due to drawdown and accelerated calving as a result of late glacial rise of sea level caused the progression of a calving bay up St. Lawrence Valley, passing the study area between 14 and 13 ka BP. During passage of the calving bay, ice movement over the
study area shifted from directions towards north-northeast and north to northwest and west. During these events, an Appalachian ice divide developed, which stretchedfrom the highlands of central Gaspésie, through northwestern New Brunswick and northern Maine, into the Eastern Townships of
southern Quebec. Fossiliferous tills, observed at several places, indicate that Laurentide as well as Appalachian ice readvanced at least once after passage of the calving bay. Laurentide ice covered the coastal zone of the Rivière-du-Loup area around 11.8 ka BP and in the Rimouski area,
Appalachian ice readvanced in marine waters after 12.3 ka BP.
Météo spatiale - effets sur la techonologie
Authors:   Canadian Space Weather Forecast Centre
Published: July 2015

La météorologie spatiale désigne les conditions et les processus se produisant dans l'espace qui peuvent avoir des répercussions sur l'environnement proche de la Terre. Les processus de météorologie spatiale peuvent inclure des
changements du champ magnétique interplanétaire, l'éjection de masses coronales du Soleil et des perturbations du champ magnétique de la Terre. Les effets de ces conditions vont des dommages aux satellites à la perturbation des réseaux
électriques.
Lessons learned about ageing and gerontological nursing in South Africa
Authors: Booker Staja Q.
Published: July 2015

Background: The unprecedented global growth in older adults merits high-quality gerontological nursing care. As gerontological nursing grows in visibility in developed and developing countries, nurses must possess a broader worldview of ageing with knowledge of physiological, psychosocial, and cultural issues.Purpose: The purpose of this article is to: (1) highlight lessons learned on differences and similarities in ageing and care of older adults in the United States of America (USA) and South Africa (SA); and (2) provide recommendations on how to advance gerontological nursingeducation in SA.Methods: A two-week international service-learning project was undertaken by visiting SA and learning about their nursing system and care of older adults. Service-learning is an innovative teaching-learning-service method that provided reflective and hands-on experience of gerontological nursing. This article provides a personal reflection of lessons learned about ageing and gerontological nursing during the service-learning project.Findings: Care of older adults in SA is in many ways different from and similar to that in the USA. Consequently global nurses should recognise those differences and provide culturally appropriate care. This service-learning experience also demonstrated the need for gerontological nursing education in SA. Based on this, recommendations on how to infuse and advance gerontological nursing education in SA are provided.Conclusion: Caring for older adults in a global context requires knowledge and understanding of cultures and their values and practices. With a growing population of diverse older adults, there is a need for incorporation
Numerical Simulations of Particle Sedimentation Using the Immersed Boundary Method
Authors: Ghosh Sudeshna , Stockie John M.
Published: July 2015

We study the settling of solid particles in a viscous incompressible fluid contained within a two-dimensional channel, where the mass density of the particles is greater than that of the fluid. The fluid-structure interaction problem is simulated numerically using the immersed boundary method, where the added mass is incorporated using a Boussinesq approximation. Simulations are performed with a single circular particle, and also with two particles in various initial configurations. The terminal particle settling velocity and drag coefficient correspond closely with other theoretical, experimental and numerical results, and the particle trajectories reproduce the expected behavior qualitatively. In particular, simulations of a pair of interacting particles similar drafting-kissing-tumbling dynamics to that observed in other experimental and numerical studies.
Long Time Behaviour of an Exponential Integrator for a Vlasov-Poisson System with Strong Magnetic Field
Authors: Frénod Emmanuel , Hirstoaga Sever A. , Lutz Mathieu , Sonnendrücker Eric
Published: July 2015

With the aim of solving in a four dimensional phase space a multi-scale Vlasov-Poisson system, we propose in a Particle-In-Cell framework a robust time-stepping method that works uniformly when the small parameter vanishes. As an exponential integrator, the scheme is able to use large time steps with respect to the typical size of the solution’s fast oscillations. In addition, we show numerically that the method has accurate long time behaviour and that it is asymptotic preserving with respect to the limiting Guiding Center system.
A Constrained Finite Element Method Based on Domain Decomposition Satisfying the Discrete Maximum Principle for Diffusion Problems
Authors: Chen Xingding , Yuan Guangwei
Published: July 2015

In this paper, we are concerned with the constrained finite element method based on domain decomposition satisfying the discrete maximum principle for diffusion problems with discontinuous coefficients on distorted meshes. The basic idea of domain decomposition methods is used to deal with the discontinuous coefficients. To get the information on the interface, we generalize the traditional Neumann-Neumann method to the discontinuous diffusion tensors case. Then, the constrained finite element method is used in each subdomain. Comparing with the method of using the constrained finite element method on the global domain, the numerical experiments show that not only the convergence order is improved, but also the nonlinear iteration time is reduced remarkably in our method.
Tropical and mid-latitude forcing of continental Antarctic temperatures
Authors: Turney C. S. M. , Fogwill C. J. , Klekociuk A. , van Ommen T. D. , Curran M. A. J. , Moy A. D. , Palmer J. G.
Published: July 2015

Abstract. Future changes in atmospheric circulation and associated modes of variability are a major source of uncertainty in climate projections. Nowhere is this issue more acute than across the mid- to high-latitudes of the Southern Hemisphere (SH) which over the last few decades has experienced extreme and regional variable trends in precipitation, ocean circulation, and temperature, with major implications for Antarctic ice melt and surface mass balance. Unfortunately there is a relative dearth of observational data, limiting our understanding of the driving mechanism(s). Here we report a new 130-year annually-resolved record of δ D – a proxy for temperature – from the South Geographic Pole where we find a significant influence from extra-tropical pressure anomalies which act as "gatekeepers" to the meridional exchange of air masses. Reanalysis of global atmospheric circulation suggests these pressure anomalies play a considerably larger influence on mid- to high-latitude SH climate than hitherto believed, modulated by the tropical Pacific Ocean. Our findings suggest that future increasing tropical warmth will strengthen meridional circulation, exaggerating current trends, with potentially significant impacts on Antarctic surface mass balance.