bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Problems in diabetes managment in school setting in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes in Serbia
Authors: Jesic Maja , Milenkovic Tatjana , Mitrovic Katarina , Todorovic Sladjana , Zdravkovic Vera , Jesic Milos , Bosnjovic-Tucakovic Tatjana , Markovic Slavica , Vorgucin Ivana , Stankovic Sandra , Sajic Silvija
Published: January 2016

Background/Aim. Children with type 1 diabetes typically spend one-third of
the day in school and they should achieve the same level of diabetes
management there as they do outside the school environment. The aim of this
study was to identify problems in diabetes management in children with type 1
diabetes at school according to the perceptions reported by children and
parents. Methods. This crosssectional survey was carried out at nine public
hospitals in Serbia with a cohort of 6-18-year old children/adolescents. The
parents were personally informed about the objectives of the survey and the
necessity to involve their children. The self-reporting questionnaire
included demographic information as well as some questions that helped to
evaluate the general situation of children with type 1 diabetes at school.
Results. The obtained results show that not all children test blood glucose
levels at school (50% of children in the 6-10- year-old age group and 67.3%
in the age group over 11 years) and that not all children receive insulin at
school (81.1% vs 18.9%, and 57.7% vs 42.3%, respectively). The frequency of
severe hypoglycemia was 2.7% in children and 3.3% in adolescents. A high
proportion of teachers did not have diabetes training. Conclusion. This brief
report about problems in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes at
school in Serbia indicates what happens in the school setting and suggests
how to improve control of this disease and facilitate the complete
integration of children with diabetes at school.
Successful usage of intravenous lipid emulsion in treatment of acute verapamil poisoning: A case report
Authors: Vukovic-Ercegovic Gordana , Perkovic-Vukcevic Natasa , Djordjevic Snezana , Segrt Zoran , Potrebic Olivera , Jankovic Snezana , Jovic-Stosic Jasmina , Marinkovic Nadica
Published: January 2016

Introduction. During the last few years, intravenous lipid emulsions have
been effectively used in treatment of acute poisonings with lipophilic
substances, including verapamil. Case report. A 37-year-old women presented 1
hour after ingestion of 2.8 g verapamil with hypotension and complete heart
block. Because of the applied standard therapy failure and further patients
impairment, Intralipid? 20% was used. Sinus rhythm was restored, arterial
blood pressure increased and verapamile concentrations, both total and free
decreased. Conclusion. Intravenous lipid emulsion can be important in
treatment of severe acute intoxication and cardiotoxicity caused by
verapamil.
Prince and despot Stefan Lazarevic and monastery of Great Lavra of Saint Athanasius on Mount Athos
Authors: Glusac Jеlena
Published: January 2016

Great Lavra of Saint Athanasius is one of the Mount Athos monasteries richly
donated by Serbian rulers and noblemen with properties and material goods.
The monastery was acquiring its properties by completing requests from abbot
and monks, but also on the initiative of the founder himself. Depending on
the situation, which was dictated by the current situation in the country,
the estates were privileged to a certain extent. They were abolished in
moments when the danger from the Ottomans was at a high level. The population
of the monastery villages primarily had to participate in military service
both materially and physically. In such circumstances they were exempt from
those work obligations directly related to the ruler?s palace. House of
Lazarevic had issued a total of five charters in the period from 1394/1395 to
1427. Great Lavra received several villages: Kurilovo, Vrankovo, Saludovac,
Buljane, Izvor, Brnica and Kvasicevica, then had its property in Trg in
Paracinov Brod. It had revenue of transit customs in the village of Izvor and
from customs office in Novo Brdo. Introductions of charters reflect the piety
of royal family, desire to continue the traditions of their god-loving
ancestors and to enroll its members in the ranks of the largest benefactors.
Architecture of water mills in the central part of western Serbia
Authors: Kuzovic Dusko , Stojnic Nedeljko
Published: January 2016

Water mills are important economic facilities of rural households. They are
built on the edge of a lot near the water stream in order to preserve arable
land. They have a similar organization as economic and residential buildings
in rural garden. The internal organization of the building may consist of
one, two or more rooms. The central room contains mill mechanism and grain
and flour storage. Larger water mills include a separate room for the miller.
Some water mills have porch. Building corpus is a wooden skeleton with
horizontal planks. The building rests on the ground in two ways: a) on a
stone foundation and wooden logs, b) on a stone wall. The roof is hipped,
covered with wooden shingles, stone slabs or ceramic tiles. A large number of
objects are out of order and subject to rapid deterioration.
A Link Between Hypoglycemia and Progression of Atherosclerosis in the Veterans Affairs Diabetes Trial (VADT)
Authors: Saremi Aramesh , Bahn Gideon D. , Reaven Peter D.
Published: January 2016

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether a link exists between serious hypoglycemia and progression of atherosclerosis in a substudy of the Veterans Affairs Diabetes Trial (VADT) and to examine whether glycemic control during the VADT modified the association between serious hypoglycemia and coronary artery calcium (CAC) progression.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Serious hypoglycemia was defined as severe episodes with loss of consciousness or requiring assistance or documented glucose <50 mg/dL. Progression of CAC was determined in 197 participants with baseline and follow-up computed tomography scans.

RESULTS

During an average follow-up of 4.5 years between scans, 97 participants reported severe hypoglycemia (n = 23) or glucose <50 mg/dL (n = 74). Serious hypoglycemia occurred more frequently in the intensive therapy group than in the standard treatment group (74% vs. 21%, P < 0.01). Serious hypoglycemia was not associated with progression of CAC in the entire cohort, but the interaction between serious hypoglycemia and treatment was significant (P < 0.01). Participants with serious hypoglycemia in the standard therapy group, but not in the intensive therapy group, had ∼50% greater progression of CAC than those without serious hypoglycemia (median 11.15 vs. 5.4 mm3, P = 0.02). Adjustment for all baseline differences, including CAC, or time-varying risk factors during the trial, did not change the results. Examining the effect of serious hypoglycemia by on-trial HbA1c levels (cutoff 7.5%) yielded similar results. In addition, a dose-response relationship was found between serious hypoglycemia and CAC progression in the standard therapy group only.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite a higher frequency of serious hypoglycemia in the intensive therapy group, serious hypoglycemia was associated with progression of CAC in only the standard therapy group.
K-manifolds locally described by Sasaki manifolds
Authors: Di Terlizzi Luigia , Pastore Anna Maria
Published: January 2016

K-manifolds are normal metric globally framed f-manifolds whose Sasaki 2-form is closed. We introduce and study some subclasses of K-manifolds. We describe some examples and we also state local decomposition theorems.
Global Trends and Research Aims for English Academic Oral Presentations
Authors: Barrett Neil E. , Liu Gi-Zen
Published: January 2016

English has become the de facto language for communication in academia in many parts of the world, but English language learners often lack the language resources to make effective oral academic presentations. However, English for academic purposes (EAP) research is beginning to provide valuable insights into this emerging field. This literature review is a systematic overview of the research on EAP oral monologues and EAP monologues that employ learning technology (LT). Three investigative aims were addressed in the research: linguistic description of the final oral presentation, the learning processes including learner attitudes toward the process, and LT for oral monologues. Major findings included linguistic and discourse differences among learners, experts, and native speakers; the need for specific guidelines and focused training; the role of multimodal resources; and the pedagogical affordances of the LT. Identified challenges, future research directions, and instructional suggestions are provided for instructors and researchers.
Study of Role of Iron Deficiency Anaemia in Febrile Seizures in Children in a Tertiary Care Centre
Authors: Sreenivasa Bheema Naik , Kumar Gowripura Visweswaraiah , Manjunatha Bheema Naik
Published: January 2016

Introduction: The world health organization estimates that anaemia largely caused by iron deficiency, affecting between 500 million and two billion people worldwide. Considering the age prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia and febrile convulsion which are the same, the role of iron in the metabolism of neurotransmitter and some enzymes, the function of hemoglobin in conveying oxygen to the brain and since fever can exacerbate symptoms that result from anaemia, a relationship between iron deficiency anaemia and febrile convulsions is probable. Some studies have suggested iron deficiency as a predisposing factor for febrile seizures. We designed this case control study to evaluate the relationship between iron deficiency anaemia and febrile convulsions. The objective of this study was to study the role of iron deficiency as a risk factor for febrile seizures.Materials and Methods: Hundred cases and 100 controls were included in the study. Cases were children of age group six months to six years presenting with febrile seizures. Controls were children of same age group presenting with febrile illness but without any seizures. After informed consent, detailed history was taken and clinical examination done in both cases and controls and blood investigations were done to diagnose iron deficiency anemia. Two groups were matched for age and sex. In all children hemoglobin (Hb) level, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), red cell distribution width (RDW) and plasma ferritin (PF) were determined and the data collected were analyzed statistically.Results: The mean PF was significantly lower in cases compared to controls (p=0.000) and RDW was significantly higher in cases compared to controls (p=0.00). The mean Hb%, MCV, MCH are lower in cases compared to controls but it was statistically not significant.Concluson: Iron deficiency is a significant risk factor for febrile seizures in children of age group six months to six years. Early detection and timely correction of iron deficiency may be helpful for prevention of febrile seizures in children.J Nepal Paediatr Soc 2015;35(2):148-151
Comparison of Intranasal Midazolam and Rectal Diazepam as Anticonvulsant in Children
Authors: Gunawan Prastiya Indra , Rulian Fadil , Saharso Darto
Published: January 2016

Introduction: Rectal diazepam is reputed as the gold-standard management of childhood seizures. Otherwise, intranasal (IN) midazolam has no first-pass metabolism and faster onset of action. The effectiveness and easier route of these drugs are important choices for faster seizure cessation. The aim of this study was to clarify the effectiveness of intranasal midazolam compared with rectal diazepam for seizure termination.Material and Methods: The children, one month until 18 years of age, presented with acute seizures. Patients were randomly classified into two groups with either received intranasal midazolam or rectal diazepam for seizure termination. Interval time of drug administration to cease seizure was compared. The log-rank analysis was used for statistical analysis. Side effect of both drugs were evaluated.Results: There were 60 patients enrolled the study, 30 in each group. The median time interval for seizures cessation with intranasal midazolam was 42 seconds, otherwise in rectal diazepam group was 180 seconds. There was statistically significant difference interval time between two groups (p<0.01). None of the both groups had any significant side effects statistically.Conclusion: Intranasal midazolam is effective to terminate a seizure in children. It can be used as an alternative treatment for seizures in patients with intravenous or rectal route difficulties.J Nepal Paediatr Soc 2015;35(2):117-122
How Much Are PhD Students Publishing before Graduation?: An Examination of Four Social Science Disciplines
Authors: Hatch Trevan , Skipper Antonius
Published: January 2016

Demonstrating research activity and a productive publishing record is crucial for landing a tenure-track position after graduation. What does it mean, however, to be productive in publishing? How many manuscripts have PhD students who landed tenure-track positions published in recent years? The purpose of this study is to explore publishing productivity of PhD students in the United States in four social science disciplines: political science, psychology, social work/family science, and sociology. Data were collected from the curriculum vitae of 500 scholars currently employed at 108 research institutions in the United States and who finished their doctorate degrees within the last five years (2010–14). We found that PhD students in our sample averaged 4.3 peer-reviewed journal or book chapter publications before graduation. Analysis of the independent disciplines of interest is also presented.
RETRACTED: Knockdown of USP39 by lentivirus-mediated RNA interference suppresses the growth of oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Li Ke-Yi , Zhang Jie , Jiang Li-Cheng , Zhang Bin , Xia Chun-Peng , Xu Kai , Chen Hai-Ying , Yang Qiao-Zhi , Liu Shu-Wei , Zhu Hong
Published: January 2016

This article has been retracted, and the online PDF has been watermarked ``RETRACTION''. The retraction notice is available at http://doi.org/10.3233/CBM219904.
Is there an agreement among the items of the Korean physical therapist licensing examination, learning objectives of class subjects, and physical therapists’ job descriptions?
Authors: Kang Min-Hyeok , Kwon Oh-Yun , Kim Yong-Wook , Kim Ji-Won , Kim Tae-Ho , Oh Tae-Young , Weon Jong-Hyuk , Lee Tae-Sik , Oh Jae-Seop
Published: January 2016

Purpose: To determine the agreement among the items of the Korean physical therapist licensing examination, learning objectives of class subjects, and physical therapists’ job descriptions. Methods: The main tasks of physical therapists were classified, and university courses related to the main tasks were also classified. Frequency analysis was used to determine the proportions of credits for the classified courses out of the total credits of major subjects, exam items related to the classified courses out of the total number of exam items, and universities that offer courses related to the Korean physical therapist licensing examination among the surveyed universities. Results: The proportions of credits for clinical decision making and physical therapy diagnosis-related courses out of the total number credits for major subjects at universities were relatively low (2.06% and 2.58%, respectively). Although the main tasks of physical therapists are related to diagnosis and evaluation, the proportion of physiotherapy intervention-related items (35%) was higher than that of examination and evaluation-related items (25%) on the Korean physical therapist licensing examination. The percentages of universities that offer physical therapy diagnosis and clinical decision making-related courses were 58.62% and 68.97%, respectively.Conclusion: Both the proportion of physiotherapy diagnosis and evaluation-related items on the Korean physical therapist licensing examination, and the number of subjects related to clinical decision making and physical therapy diagnosis in the physical therapy curriculum, should be increased to ensure that the examination items and physical therapy curriculum reflect the practical tasks of physical therapists.
Sparse Representation-Based SAR Image Target Classification on the 10-Class MSTAR Data Set
Authors: Song Haibo , Ji Kefeng , Zhang Yunshu , Xing Xiangwei , Zou Huanxin
Published: January 2016

Recent years have witnessed an ever-mounting interest in the research of sparse representation. The framework, Sparse Representation-based Classification (SRC), has been widely applied as a classifier in numerous domains, among which Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) target recognition is really challenging because it still is an open problem to interpreting the SAR image. In this paper, SRC is utilized to classify a 10-class moving and stationary target acquisition and recognition (MSTAR) target, which is a standard SAR data set. Before the classification, the sizes of the images need to be normalized to maintain the useful information, target and shadow, and to suppress the speckle noise. Specifically, a preprocessing method is recommended to extract the feature vectors of the image, and the feature vectors of the test samples can be represented by the sparse linear combination of basis vectors generated by the feature vectors of the training samples. Then the sparse representation is solved by l 1 -norm minimization. Finally, the identities of the test samples are inferred by the reconstructive errors calculated through the sparse coefficient. Experimental results demonstrate the good performance of SRC. Additionally, the average recognition rate under different feature spaces and the recognition rate of each target are discussed.
Statistical Modeling Approaches for PM10 Prediction in Urban Areas; A Review of 21st-Century Studies
Authors: Taheri Shahraiyni Hamid , Sodoudi Sahar
Published: January 2016

PM10 prediction has attracted special legislative and scientific attention due to its harmful effects on human health. Statistical techniques have the potential for high-accuracy PM10 prediction and accordingly, previous studies on statistical methods for temporal, spatial and spatio-temporal prediction of PM10 are reviewed and discussed in this paper. A review of previous studies demonstrates that Support Vector Machines, Artificial Neural Networks and hybrid techniques show promise for suitable temporal PM10 prediction. A review of the spatial predictions of PM10 shows that the LUR (Land Use Regression) approach has been successfully utilized for spatial prediction of PM10 in urban areas. Of the six introduced approaches for spatio-temporal prediction of PM10, only one approach is suitable for high-resolved prediction (Spatial resolution < 100 m; Temporal resolution ≤ 24 h). In this approach, based upon the LUR modeling method, short-term dynamic input variables are employed as explanatory variables alongside typical non-dynamic input variables in a non-linear modeling procedure.
Crystal Structures of Two 1,4-Diamino-1,2,4-triazolium Salts
Authors: Laus Gerhard , Wurst Klaus , Kahlenberg Volker , Schottenberger Herwig
Published: January 2016

Bis(1,4-diamino-1,2,4-triazolium) sulfate (1) was obtained from the corresponding chloride by ion metathesis using Ag2SO4. Further metathesis with barium 5,5′-azotetrazolate yielded bis(1,4-diamino-1,2,4-triazolium) 5,5′-azotetrazolate (2). Numerous NH···N and NH···O interactions were identified in the crystal structures of 1 and 2. Both compounds undergo exothermal decomposition upon heating.
Low Voltage Ride-Through Capability Solutions for Permanent Magnet Synchronous Wind Generators
Authors: Mendes Victor , Matos Frederico , Liu Silas , Cupertino Allan , Pereira Heverton , De Sousa Clodualdo
Published: January 2016

Due to the increasing number of wind power plants, several countries have modified their grid codes to include specific requirements for the connection of this technology to the power system. One of the requirements is the ride-through fault capability (RTFC), i.e., the system capability to sustain operation during voltage sags. In this sense, the present paper intends to investigate the behavior of a full-converter wind generator with a permanent magnet synchronous machine during symmetrical and asymmetrical voltage sags. Two solutions to improve the low voltage ride-through capability (LVRT) of this technology are analyzed: discharging resistors (brake chopper) and resonant controllers (RCs). The design and limitations of these solutions and the others proposed in the literature are discussed. Experimental results in a 34 kW test bench, which represents a scaled prototype of a real 2 MW wind conversion system, are presented.
miR-16-5p Is a Stably-Expressed Housekeeping MicroRNA in Breast Cancer Tissues from Primary Tumors and from Metastatic Sites
Authors: Rinnerthaler Gabriel , Hackl Hubert , Gampenrieder Simon , Hamacher Frank , Hufnagl Clemens , Hauser-Kronberger Cornelia , Zehentmayr Franz , Fastner Gerd , Sedlmayer Felix , Mlineritsch Brigitte , Greil Richard
Published: January 2016

For quantitative microRNA analyses in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue, expression levels have to be normalized to endogenous controls. To investigate the most stably-expressed microRNAs in breast cancer and its surrounding tissue, we used tumor samples from primary tumors and from metastatic sites. MiRNA profiling using TaqMan® Array Human MicroRNA Cards, enabling quantification of 754 unique human miRNAs, was performed in FFPE specimens from 58 patients with metastatic breast cancer. Forty-two (72%) samples were collected from primary tumors and 16 (28%) from metastases. In a cross-platform analysis of a validation cohort of 32 FFPE samples from patients with early breast cancer genome-wide microRNA expression analysis using SurePrintG3 miRNA (8 × 60 K)® microarrays from Agilent® was performed. Eleven microRNAs could be detected in all samples analyzed. Based on NormFinder and geNorm stability values and the high correlation (rho ≥ 0.8) with the median of all measured microRNAs, miR-16-5p, miR-29a-3p, miR-126-3p, and miR-222-3p are suitable single gene housekeeper candidates. In the cross-platform validation, 29 human microRNAs were strongly expressed (mean log2-intensity > 10) and 21 of these microRNAs including miR-16-5p and miR-29a-3p were also stably expressed (CV < 5%). Thus, miR-16-5p and miR-29a-3p are both strong housekeeper candidates. Their Normfinder stability values calculated across the primary tumor and metastases subgroup indicate that miR-29a-3p can be considered as the strongest housekeeper in a cohort with mainly samples from primary tumors, whereas miR-16-5p might perform better in a metastatic sample enriched cohort.
Imaging for High-Throughput Phenotyping in Energy Sorghum
Authors: Batz Jose , Méndez-Dorado Mario , Thomasson J.
Published: January 2016

The increasing energy demand in recent years has resulted in a continuous growing interest in renewable energy sources, such as efficient and high-yielding energy crops. Energy sorghum is a crop that has shown great potential in this area, but needs further improvement. Plant phenotyping—measuring physiological characteristics of plants—is a laborious and time-consuming task, but it is essential for crop breeders as they attempt to improve a crop. The development of high-throughput phenotyping (HTP)—the use of autonomous sensing systems to rapidly measure plant characteristics—offers great potential for vastly expanding the number of types of a given crop plant surveyed. HTP can thus enable much more rapid progress in crop improvement through the inclusion of more genetic variability. For energy sorghum, stalk thickness is a critically important phenotype, as the stalk contains most of the biomass. Imaging is an excellent candidate for certain phenotypic measurements, as it can simulate visual observations. The aim of this study was to evaluate image analysis techniques involving K-means clustering and minimum-distance classification for use on red-green-blue (RGB) images of sorghum plants as a means to measure stalk thickness. Additionally, a depth camera integrated with the RGB camera was tested for the accuracy of distance measurements between camera and plant. Eight plants were imaged on six dates through the growing season, and image segmentation, classification and stalk thickness measurement were performed. While accuracy levels with both image analysis techniques needed improvement, both showed promise as tools for HTP in sorghum. The average error for K-means with supervised stalk measurement was 10.7% after removal of known outliers.
Multiplicative Expression for the Coefficient in Fermionic 3–3 Relation
Authors: Korepanov Igor
Published: January 2016

Recently, a family of fermionic relations were discovered corresponding to Pachner move 3–3 and parameterized by complex-valued 2-cocycles, where the weight of a pentachoron (4-simplex) is a Grassmann–Gaussian exponent. Here, the proportionality coefficient between Berezin integrals in the l.h.s. and r.h.s. of such relations is written in a form multiplicative over simplices.
A Rapid Screening Analysis of Antioxidant Compounds in Native Australian Food Plants Using Multiplexed Detection with Active Flow Technology Columns
Authors: Rupesinghe Emmanuel , Jones Andrew , Shalliker Ross , Pravadali-Cekic Sercan
Published: January 2016

Conventional techniques for identifying antioxidant and phenolic compounds in native Australian food plants are laborious and time-consuming. Here, we present a multiplexed detection technique that reduces analysis time without compromising separation performance. This technique is achieved using Active Flow Technology-Parallel Segmented Flow (AFT-PSF) columns. Extracts from cinnamon myrtle (Backhousia myrtifolia) and lemon myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) leaves were analysed via multiplexed detection using an AFT-PSF column with underivatised UV-VIS, mass spectroscopy (MS), and the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•) derivatisation for antioxidants as detection methods. A number of antioxidant compounds were detected in the extracts of each leaf extract.
Imidazole Alkaloids from the South China Sea Sponge Pericharax heteroraphis and Their Cytotoxic and Antiviral Activities
Authors: Gong Kai-Kai , Tang Xu-Li , Liu Yi-Sheng , Li Ping-Lin , Li Guo-Qiang
Published: January 2016

Marine sponges continue to serve as a rich source of alkaloids possessing interesting biological activities and often exhibiting unique structural frameworks. In the current study, chemical investigation on the marine sponge Pericharax heteroraphis collected from the South China Sea yielded one new imidazole alkaloid named naamidine J (1) along with four known ones (2–5). Their structures were established by extensive spectroscopic methods and comparison of their data with those of the related known compounds. All the isolates possessed a central 2-aminoimidazole ring, substituted by one or two functionalized benzyl groups in some combination of the C4 and C5 positions. The cytotoxicities against selected HL-60, HeLa, A549 and K562 tumor cell lines and anti-H1N1 (Influenza a virus (IAV)) activity for the isolates were evaluated. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited cytotoxicities against the K562 cell line with IC50 values of 11.3 and 9.4 μM, respectively. Compound 5 exhibited weak anti-H1N1 (influenza a virus, IAV) activity with an inhibition ratio of 33%.
Engineered Polymeric Hydrogels for 3D Tissue Models
Authors: Park Sujin , Park Kyung
Published: January 2016

Polymeric biomaterials are widely used in a wide range of biomedical applications due to their unique properties, such as biocompatibility, multi-tunability and easy fabrication. Specifically, polymeric hydrogel materials are extensively utilized as therapeutic implants and therapeutic vehicles for tissue regeneration and drug delivery systems. Recently, hydrogels have been developed as artificial cellular microenvironments because of the structural and physiological similarity to native extracellular matrices. With recent advances in hydrogel materials, many researchers are creating three-dimensional tissue models using engineered hydrogels and various cell sources, which is a promising platform for tissue regeneration, drug discovery, alternatives to animal models and the study of basic cell biology. In this review, we discuss how polymeric hydrogels are used to create engineered tissue constructs. Specifically, we focus on emerging technologies to generate advanced tissue models that precisely recapitulate complex native tissues in vivo.
Iron-Mediated Homogeneous ICAR ATRP of Methyl Methacrylate under ppm Level Organometallic Catalyst Iron(III) Acetylacetonate
Authors: Wu Jian , Jiang Xiaowu , Zhang Lifen , Cheng Zhenping , Zhu Xiulin
Published: January 2016

Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization (ATRP) is an important polymerization process in polymer synthesis. However, a typical ATRP system has some drawbacks. For example, it needs a large amount of transition metal catalyst, and it is difficult or expensive to remove the metal catalyst residue in products. In order to reduce the amount of catalyst and considering good biocompatibility and low toxicity of the iron catalyst, in this work, we developed a homogeneous polymerization system of initiators for continuous activator regeneration ATRP (ICAR ATRP) with just a ppm level of iron catalyst. Herein, we used oil-soluble iron (III) acetylacetonate (Fe(acac)3) as the organometallic catalyst, 1,1′-azobis (cyclohexanecarbonitrile) (ACHN) with longer half-life period as the thermal initiator, ethyl 2-bromophenylacetate (EBPA) as the initiator, triphenylphosphine (PPh3) as the ligand, toluene as the solvent and methyl methacrylate (MMA) as the model monomer. The factors related with the polymerization system, such as concentration of Fe(acac)3 and ACHN and polymerization kinetics, were investigated in detail at 90 °C. It was found that a polymer with an acceptable molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn = 1.43 at 45.9% of monomer conversion) could be obtained even with 1 ppm of Fe(acac)3, making it needless to remove the residual metal in the resultant polymers, which makes such an ICAR ATRP process much more industrially attractive. The “living” features of this polymerization system were further confirmed by chain-extension experiment.
Detection of Spatio-Temporal Changes of Norway Spruce Forest Stands in Ore Mountains Using Landsat Time Series and Airborne Hyperspectral Imagery
Authors: Mišurec Jan , Kopačková Veronika , Lhotáková Zuzana , Campbell Petya , Albrechtová Jana
Published: January 2016

The study focuses on spatio-temporal changes in the physiological status of the Norway spruce forests located at the central and western parts of the Ore Mountains (northwestern part of the Czech Republic), which suffered from severe environmental pollution from the 1970s to the 1990s. The situation started improving after the pollution loads decreased significantly at the end of the 1990s. The general trends in forest recovery were studied using the tasseled cap transformation and disturbance index (DI) extracted from the 1985–2015 time series of Landsat data. In addition, 16 vegetation indices (VIs) extracted from airborne hyperspectral (HS) data acquired in 1998 using the Advanced Solid-State Array Spectroradiometer (ASAS) and in 2013 using the Airborne Prism Experiment (APEX) were used to study changes in forest health. The forest health status analysis of HS image data was performed at two levels of spatial resolution; at a tree level (original 2.0 m spatial resolution), as well as at a forest stand level (generalized to 6.0 m spatial resolution). The temporal changes were studied primarily using the VOG1 vegetation index (VI) as it was showing high and stable sensitivity to forest damage for both spatial resolutions considered. In 1998, significant differences between the moderately to heavily damaged (central Ore Mountains) and initially damaged (western Ore Mountains) stands were detected for all the VIs tested. In 2013, the stands in the central Ore Mountains exhibited VI values much closer to the global mean, indicating an improvement in their health status. This result fully confirms the finding of the Landsat time series analysis. The greatest difference in Disturbance Index (DI) values between the central (1998: 0.37) and western Ore Mountains stands (1998: −1.21) could be seen at the end of the 1990s. Nonetheless, levelling of the physiological status of Norway spruce was observed for the central and western parts of the Ore Mountains in 2013 (mean DI values −1.04 (western) and −0.66 (central)). Although the differences between originally moderately-to-heavily damaged, and initially damaged stands generally levelled out by 2013, it is still possible to detect signs of the previous damage in some cases.
Assessment of Three Tropospheric Delay Models (IGGtrop, EGNOS and UNB3m) Based on Precise Point Positioning in the Chinese Region
Authors: Zhang Hongxing , Yuan Yunbin , Li Wei , Li Ying , Chai Yanju
Published: January 2016

Tropospheric delays are one of the main sources of errors in the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). They are usually corrected by using tropospheric delay models, which makes the accuracy of the models rather critical for accurate positioning. To provide references for suitable models to be chosen for GNSS users in China, we conduct herein a comprehensive study of the performances of the IGGtrop, EGNOS and UNB3m models in China. Firstly, we assess the models using 5 years’ Global Positioning System (GPS) derived Zenith Tropospheric Delay (ZTD) series from 25 stations of the Crustal Movement Observation Network of China (CMONOC). Then we study the effects of the models on satellite positioning by using various Precise Point Positioning (PPP) cases with different tropospheric delay resolutions, the observation data processed in PPP is from 21 base stations of CMONOC for a whole year of 2012. The results show that: (1) the Root Mean Square (RMS) of the IGGtrop model is about 4.4 cm, which improves the accuracy of ZTD estimations by about 24% for EGNOS and 19% for UNB3m; (2) The positioning error in the vertical component of the PPP solution obtained by using the IGGtrop model is about 15.0 cm, which is about 30% and 21% smaller than those of the EGNOS and UNB3m models, respectively. In summary, the IGGtrop model achieves the best performance among the three models in the Chinese region.
Closed-Loop Control of Chemical Injection Rate for a Direct Nozzle Injection System
Authors: Cai Xiang , Walgenbach Martin , Doerpmond Malte , Schulze Lammers Peter , Sun Yurui
Published: January 2016

To realize site-specific and variable-rate application of agricultural pesticides, accurately metering and controlling the chemical injection rate is necessary. This study presents a prototype of a direct nozzle injection system (DNIS) by which chemical concentration transport lag was greatly reduced. In this system, a rapid-reacting solenoid valve (RRV) was utilized for injecting chemicals, driven by a pulse-width modulation (PWM) signal at 100 Hz, so with varying pulse width the chemical injection rate could be adjusted. Meanwhile, a closed-loop control strategy, proportional-integral-derivative (PID) method, was applied for metering and stabilizing the chemical injection rate. In order to measure chemical flow rates and input them into the controller as a feedback in real-time, a thermodynamic flowmeter that was independent of chemical viscosity was used. Laboratory tests were conducted to assess the performance of DNIS and PID control strategy. Due to the nonlinear input–output characteristics of the RRV, a two-phase PID control process obtained better effects as compared with single PID control strategy. Test results also indicated that the set-point chemical flow rate could be achieved within less than 4 s, and the output stability was improved compared to the case without control strategy.
A Hierarchical Aggregation Approach for Indicators Based on Data Envelopment Analysis and Analytic Hierarchy Process
Authors: Pakkar Mohammad
Published: January 2016

This research proposes a hierarchical aggregation approach using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) for indicators. The core logic of the proposed approach is to reflect the hierarchical structures of indicators and their relative priorities in constructing composite indicators (CIs), simultaneously. Under hierarchical structures, the indicators of similar characteristics can be grouped into sub-categories and further into categories. According to this approach, we define a domain of composite losses, i.e., a reduction in CI values, based on two sets of weights. The first set represents the weights of indicators for each Decision Making Unit (DMU) with the minimal composite loss, and the second set represents the weights of indicators bounded by AHP with the maximal composite loss. Using a parametric distance model, we explore various ranking positions for DMUs while the indicator weights obtained from a three-level DEA-based CI model shift towards the corresponding weights bounded by AHP. An illustrative example of road safety performance indicators (SPIs) for a set of European countries highlights the usefulness of the proposed approach.
Challenges while Updating Planning Parameters of an ERP System and How a Simulation-Based Support System Can Support Material Planners
Authors: Stumvoll Ulrike , Claus Thorsten
Published: January 2016

In an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, production planning is influenced by a variety of parameters. Previous investigations show that setting parameter values is highly relevant to a company’s target system. Parameter settings should be checked and adjusted, e.g., after a change in environmental factors, by material planners. In practice, updating the parameters is difficult due to several reasons. This paper presents a simulation-based decision support system, which helps material planners in all stages of decision-making processes. It will present the system prototype’s user interface and the results of applying the system to a case study.
Recombinant HSA-CMG2 Is a Promising Anthrax Toxin Inhibitor
Authors: Li Liangliang , Guo Qiang , Liu Ju , Zhang Jun , Yin Ying , Dong Dayong , Fu Ling , Xu Junjie , Chen Wei
Published: January 2016

Anthrax toxin is the major virulence factor produced by Bacillus anthracis. Protective antigen (PA) is the key component of the toxin and has been confirmed as the main target for the development of toxin inhibitors. The inhibition of the binding of PA to its receptor, capillary morphogenesis protein-2 (CMG2), can effectively block anthrax intoxication. The recombinant, soluble von Willebrand factor type A (vWA) domain of CMG2 (sCMG2) has demonstrated potency against anthrax toxin. However, the short half-life of sCMG2 in vivo is a disadvantage for its development as a new anthrax drug. In the present study, we report that HSA-CMG2, a protein combining human serum albumin (HSA) and sCMG2, produced in the Pichia pastoris expression system prolonged the half-life of sCMG2 while maintaining PA binding ability. The IC50 of HSA-CMG2 is similar to those of sCMG2 and CMG2-Fc in in vitro toxin neutralization assays, and HSA-CMG2 completely protects rats from lethal doses of anthrax toxin challenge; these same challenge doses exceed sCMG2 at a sub-equivalent dose ratio and overwhelm CMG2-Fc. Our results suggest that HSA-CMG2 is a promising inhibitor of anthrax toxin and may contribute to the development of novel anthrax drugs.
The Master Transcription Factor mtfA Governs Aflatoxin Production, Morphological Development and Pathogenicity in the Fungus Aspergillus flavus
Authors: Zhuang Zhenhong , Lohmar Jessica , Satterlee Timothy , Cary Jeffrey , Calvo Ana
Published: January 2016

Aspergillus flavus produces a variety of toxic secondary metabolites; among them, the aflatoxins (AFs) are the most well known. These compounds are highly mutagenic and carcinogenic, particularly AFB1. A. flavus is capable of colonizing a number of economically-important crops, such as corn, cotton, peanut and tree nuts, and contaminating them with AFs. Molecular genetic studies in A. flavus could identify novel gene targets for use in strategies to reduce AF contamination and its adverse impact on food and feed supplies worldwide. In the current study, we investigated the role of the master transcription factor gene mtfA in A. flavus. Our results revealed that forced overexpression of mtfA results in a drastic decrease or elimination of several secondary metabolites, among them AFB1. The reduction in AFB1 was accompanied by a decrease in aflR expression. Furthermore, mtfA also regulates development; conidiation was influenced differently by this gene depending on the type of colonized substrate. In addition to its effect on conidiation, mtfA is necessary for the normal maturation of sclerotia. Importantly, mtfA positively affects the pathogenicity of A. flavus when colonizing peanut seeds. AF production in colonized seeds was decreased in the deletion mtfA strain and particularly in the overexpression strain, where only trace amounts were detected. Interestingly, a more rapid colonization of the seed tissue occurred when mtfA was overexpressed, coinciding with an increase in lipase activity and faster maceration of the oily part of the seed.
Implications of Texture and Erodibility for Sediment Retention in Receiving Basins of Coastal Louisiana Diversions
Authors: Xu Kehui , Bentley Samuel , Robichaux Patrick , Sha Xiaoyu , Yang Haifei
Published: January 2016

Although the Mississippi River deltaic plain has been the subject of abundant research over recent decades, there is a paucity of data concerning field measurement of sediment erodibility in Louisiana estuaries. Two contrasting receiving basins for active diversions were studied: West Bay on the western part of Mississippi River Delta and Big Mar, which is the receiving basin for the Caernarvon freshwater diversion. Push cores and water samples were collected at six stations in West Bay and six stations in Big Mar. The average erodibility of Big Mar sediment was similar to that of Louisiana shelf sediment, but was higher than that of West Bay. Critical shear stress to suspend sediment in both West Bay and Big Mar receiving basins was around 0.2 Pa. A synthesis of 1191 laser grain size data from surficial and down-core sediment reveals that silt (4–63 μm) is the largest fraction of retained sediment in receiving basins, larger than the total of sand (>63 μm) and clay (<4 μm). It is suggested that preferential delivery of fine grained sediment to more landward and protected receiving basins would enhance mud retention. In addition, small fetch sizes and fragmentation of large receiving basins are favorable for sediment retention.
Radial shock wave therapy in dogs with hip osteoarthritis
Authors: Ferreira Marcio , Hagen Stefano , Patricio Geni , Matera Julia , Souza Alexandre
Published: January 2016

Objective: The study aims were to evaluate the effects of radial shock wave therapy (RSWT) in dogs with hip osteoarthritis (OA) using clinical assessment and kinetic analysis.

Methods: Thirty dogs diagnosed with bilateral hip OA and 30 healthy dogs were used. In OA dogs, one limb was randomly selected for treatment with RSWT while the contra -lateral limb served as an untreated control. Dogs were evaluated while walking on a pressure walkway. Peak vertical force (PVF) and vertical impulse (VI) were documented; symmetry index (SI) was also calculated. Blinded clinical evaluation was performed using a visual analogue scale (VAS). Owner perception data regarding levels of physical activity were also collected. The RSWT protocol (2000 pulses, 10 Hz, 2–3.4 bars) consisted of three weekly treatment sessions (days 1, 8 and 16). Follow-up data were collected 30, 60 and 90 days after the first session. Data were compared between time points, groups and limbs pairs.

Results: At the end of the experimental period, mean PVF and VI values had increased (25.9 to 27.6%BW and 2.1 to 12.7%BW × s respectively) in treated limbs, with no significant differences in control limbs; SI values suggest improvement. Mean PVF and VI remained lower in the treated compared to the healthy group following treatment. The VAS scores suggested improvement in pain and lameness in treated dogs. Owner perception data suggested improved levels of physical activity following treatment.

Conclusions and clinical significance: Outcomes of this study suggested beneficial effects of RSWT in dogs with hip osteoarthritis.
Early acetabular cartilage wear following hemiarthroplasty: An ovine model
Authors: Callary Stuart , Solomon Lucian , Stamenkov Roumen , McGee Margaret , Howie Donald , Field John
Published: January 2016

Objectives: Hemiarthroplasty induces degenerative changes in the hip joint, which are difficult to evaluate in vivo. Radiostereometric analysis (RSA) is a radiographic measurement technique that has recently been used to measure acetabular cartilage wear in vivo. The aim of the study was to measure acetabular cartilage wear, using this technique, in an ovine model during the first 14 weeks post-implantation.

Methods: Measurements of three-dimensional femoral head migration, combined with visual assessments at necropsy and safranin O staining for cartilage integrity, were undertaken.

Results: Mean femoral head migration during the first six weeks was 0.525 mm in the medial, 0.144 mm in the cranial, and 0.517 mm in the dorsal direction. The majority of this migration was confirmed to be cartilage wear in the medial and dorsal aspects of the acetabulum at necropsy and with subsequent histological evaluation depicting significant cartilage degeneration.

Clinical significance: Radiostereometric analysis is the current gold standard technique for in vivo assessment of implant migration following total hip replacement. This study has utilized RSA to quantify the amount of early cartilage wear in vivo, which was supported by ex vivo evaluations. Accurately measuring the amount of cartilage wear will allow future studies to compare component material and design characteristics prior to clinical use.
Femoral rotation unpredictably affects radiographic anatomical lateral distal femoral angle measurements
Authors: Miles James
Published: January 2016

Objective: To describe the effects of internal and external femoral rotation on radiographic measurements of the anatomical lateral distal femoral angle (a-LDFA) using two methods for defining the anatomical proximal femoral axis (a-PFA).

Methods: Digital radiographs were obtained of 14 right femora at five degree intervals from 10° external rotation to 10° internal rotation. Using freely available software, a-LDFA measurements were made using two different a-PFA by a single observer on one occasion.

Results: Mean a-LDFA was significantly greater at 10° external rotation than at any other rotation. The response of individual femora to rotation was unpredictable, although fairly stable within ±5° of zero rotation. Mean a-LDFA for the two a-PFA methods differed by 1.5°, but were otherwise similarly affected by femoral rotation.

Clinical significance: If zero femoral elevation can be achieved for radiography, a-LDFA measurements do not vary much with mild femoral rotation (±5°). Outside of this range, a-LDFA varies unpredictably with femoral rotation.