bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Atmometers within Urban Home Lawn Microclimates
Authors: Peterson K. W. , Bremer D. J. , Fry J. D.
Published: July 2015

An atmometer is an inexpensive tool used to measure evapotranspiration (ET) in situ. The effects of microclimates associated with urban lawns on the performance of atmometers are not well documented. Our objective was to compare ET estimates between atmometers and the FAO‐56 Penman–Monteith equation (PMET, FAO56‐PM), including within urban lawns. The study was conducted in six lawns in 2010 and one in 2011 in Manhattan, KS, and four lawns in Wichita, KS, in 2011. A weather station and atmometer were positioned in an open sward of turfgrass near each city during each measurement period in Manhattan and Wichita. A commercially available Bellani plate atmometer, using a green canvas cover for grass reference ET (ATET), was placed next to a portable weather station in two contrasting microclimates within each lawn. Weather stations recorded temperature, net radiation, relative humidity, and wind speed data used to calculate PMET. Open sward ATET (4.73 mm d–1) averaged 14% less than PMET (5.48 mm d–1). Within microclimates, ATET (3.94mm d–1) averaged 22% greater than PMET (3.23 mm d–1). The differences in ET estimates between measurement techniques varied with wind speed, net radiation, and vapor pressure deficit. The best relationships between ATET and PMET, at the open sward and within microclimates, occurred when wind speed was >1 m s–1, vapor pressure deficit was >2 kPa, and net radiation was >5 MJ m–2 d–1. Overall, atmometers can provide reliable estimates of PMET and could benefit practitioners with irrigation management within microclimates.
Comparison of IHM and MIKE SHE Model Performance for Modeling Hydrologic Dynamics in Shallow Water Table Settings
Authors: Zhang Jing , Ross Mark
Published: July 2015

Modeling hydrologic dynamics behavior in shallow water table settings provides unique challenges for integrated hydrologic models. The Integrated Hydrologic Model (IHM), a comprehensive distributed‐parameter model, was developed based on deterministic and physically based soil and vegetative properties. In the paper, the IHM was compared with the popular MIKE SHE model in the study of a shallow water table site in west‐central Florida. The theoretical basis and integration pathways of IHM are discussed. The models were compared in terms of their performance in predicting streamflow and water table depth. Performance was evaluated using the coefficient of determination (R2) and the Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (Ens). The P factor and R factor were used as uncertainty statistics, comparing observed data with the 95% prediction band. Both models performed reasonably well and reliably in predicting monthly water table depth and streamflow, with acceptable R2 values (0.49–0.86) and Ens values (0.41–0.78) over a 3‐yr period. Overall, MIKE SHE was the more robust model, producing slightly better streamflow predictions than IHM. However, there was no major difference in the ability of the models to predict depth of the water table, using existing parameter sets. The generalized likelihood uncertainty estimation (GLUE) was used to quantify parameter sensitivity and the uncertainty of predictions made by the IHM and MIKE SHE models. A sensitivity analysis (SA) was conducted in the form of Sobol's method with first‐ and second‐order sensitivity indices, based on the Ens values for the two models. Pair‐wise correlations between parameters as well as uncertainties associated with equifinality in model parameter estimation were also explored. It is concluded that both models performed adequately after calibration, and parameter identification in both was subject to considerable uncertainties.
Macropore–Matrix Water Flow Interaction around a Vertical Macropore Embedded in Fine Sand—Laboratory Investigations
Authors: Germer K. , Braun J.
Published: July 2015

Infiltration experiments were conducted in a large‐scale container setup to investigate water flow through a macropore and between the macropore and the surrounding porous media matrix. The experimental container had a height of 120 cm. Its base was a half disk with a diameter of 100 cm. The container was built from stainless steel with an observation glass window as a section plane. It was homogeneously filled with fine sand. An artificial macropore was placed vertically along the centerline of the glass pane. Tensiometers embedded throughout allowed for a continuous observation of pore water pressure heads. During the injection of water into the macropore, interval photography was employed to visualize the propagation of the water front in the matrix. It was shown that water is being imbibed into the surrounding matrix due to capillary forces, thus depleting the discharge in the macropore. For initially dry sand, this matrix–macropore interaction effectively limits the penetration depth of water inside the macropore. Only after long injection periods (>8 h for low injection rates) with a concurrent increase in water saturation in the porous matrix around the macropore does the vertical macropore flow increase successively and thus a penetration to deeper zones is detected. For all injection rates the water distribution in the matrix was observed visually and showed that for small and medium flow rates the lateral distribution in the matrix temporarily predominated the vertical inflow in the macropore. The experimental design allowed for the calculation of transfer velocity in water flows between the macropore and the surrounding matrix. Furthermore the transfer velocities could be related to the water pressure head in the surrounding fine‐grained sand matrix. Here a distinct decrease of transfer velocity from dry to wet conditions was observed. The transfer velocities obtained were discussed and compared with the results from similar experiments conducted by other authors. These experiments provide a large data set and thus a sound basis for testing and improving numerical models.
Effects of Soil Bulk Density on Gas Transport Parameters and Pore‐Network Properties across a Sandy Field Site
Authors: Masís-Meléndez Federico , de Jonge Lis Wollesen , Chamindu Deepagoda T. K. K. , Tuller Markus , Moldrup Per
Published: July 2015

The gas diffusion coefficient, air permeability, and their interrelations with air‐filled porosity are essential for characterization of diffusive and convective transport of gases in soils. Variations in soil bulk density can affect water retention, air‐filled pore space, and pore‐network connectivity and tortuosity and, thereby, control gas diffusion and air permeability. Considering 86 undisturbed core samples with variable bulk densities that were extracted on a 15 by 15 m grid from the top layer of a sandy field, the effects of soil bulk density on gas transport parameters and the soil water characteristic were investigated. Interactions with soil organic matter, sand, and clay fractions were also examined. To evaluate bulk density effects, two constitutive parameters were derived from each of the three measured relationships. The Campbell pore‐size distribution index (b) and the air‐entry matric potential (ψae) were derived from the soil water characteristic; the diffusive percolation threshold (εDPT), the air‐filled porosity where gas diffusivity ceases to almost zero because of interconnected water films creating isolated–inactive air content, and a pore‐network connectivity index (A2) were derived from the gas diffusivity curve, and the analogous parameters convective percolation threshold (εCPT) and convective pore‐network connectivity index (B2) from the air permeability curve. All six parameters showed significant negative correlations with bulk density. To further account for the effects of both bulk density and macroporosity in parametric gas transport models, a diffusive‐analog macroporosity–dependent model (DAMP) for gas diffusivity and a generalized Kawamoto et al. model (GK) for air permeability, which yielded improved predictive capabilities when compared with previous models, were developed. Both new models apply a reference point of prediction at −100 cm H2O matric potential (macroporosity drained), corresponding to the point where analysis of pore‐network tortuosity (T) and equivalent pore diameter for gas transport (dg) showed diminishing effects of water blockage on gas transport in the sandy soil.
Performance of a ‘Transitioned’ Infiltration BasinPart 1: TSS, Metals, and Chloride Removals
Authors: Natarajan Poornima , Davis Allen P.
Published: July 2015

The water quality performance of a ‘failed' stormwater infiltration basin that has ‘transitioned' to a wetpond/wetland has been evaluated over a three‐year period. Total suspended solids, heavy metals, and chloride in highway runoff and discharge from the transitioned basin were measured during 38 storm events. The transitioned basin provided significant reductions in TSS Event Mean Concentrations (EMCs) and mass in the runoff. Reductions in metal EMCs generally occurred. Chloride followed a seasonal cycle of high loading and mass export during colder periods, and gradual reductions in both EMCs and mass during other periods. The cumulative mass reductions were 89% TSS, 73% copper, 63% lead, 55% zinc, and 45% chloride for the study period. Combined with the dry‐weather water quality in the transitioned basin, the mechanisms of pollutant removal were identified as volume reduction, sedimentation, adsorption, and dilution. The presence of wetpond/wetland features, including hydrophytic vegetatioņ enhanced the pollutant removal processes.
Domestic violence and alcohol use: Security measures of compulsory treatment and a case study
Authors: Dragisic-Labas Sladjana
Published: July 2015

Alcohol consumption is one among a number of factors in the etiology of
violent crime which includes domestic violence. Domestic violence usually
designates: violence between partners (spouses) and violence towards children
and elderly parents. The aim of this article is to highlight the impact of
alcohol abuse (intoxication) and alcohol dependence on domestic violence, but
also to emphasize the multifactoriality of this relation, the economic damage
that society suffers and the society?s very role with regard to the
alcohol-crime relation. Presented are also different research projects and
statistical data regarding the prevalence of this phenomena, together with
three case studies that involved violent behavior towards the spouse,
children and parents. The offenders received an order of compulsory treatment
of alcoholism in a psychiatric institution and have been treated and observed
for two years (psychotherapy and support clubs). The literature and the
experiences of psychotherapeutic practice lead to a conclusion that
prevention of alcohol abuse and alcoholism is indeed one of the factors that
play a significant role in reducing the rate of violent crime, especially of
domestic violence.
Randomized Controlled Trial Investigating the Effects of a Low–Glycemic Index Diet on Pregnancy Outcomes in Women at High Risk of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: The GI Baby 3 Study
Authors: Markovic Tania P. , Muirhead Ros , Overs Shannon , Ross Glynis P. , Louie Jimmy Chun Yu , Kizirian Nathalie , Denyer Gareth , Petocz Peter , Hyett Jon , Brand-Miller Jennie C.
Published: July 2015

OBJECTIVE

Dietary interventions can improve pregnancy outcomes in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). We compared the effect of a low–glycemic index (GI) versus a conventional high-fiber (HF) diet on pregnancy outcomes, birth weight z score, and maternal metabolic profile in women at high risk of GDM.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

One hundred thirty-nine women [mean (SD) age 34.7 (0.4) years and prepregnancy BMI 25.2 (0.5) kg/m2] were randomly assigned to a low-GI (LGI) diet (n = 72; target GI ∼50) or a high-fiber, moderate-GI (HF) diet (n = 67; target GI ∼60) at 14–20 weeks’ gestation. Diet was assessed by 3-day food records and infant body composition by air-displacement plethysmography, and pregnancy outcomes were assessed from medical records.

RESULTS

The LGI group achieved a lower GI than the HF group [mean (SD) 50 (5) vs. 58 (5); P < 0.001]. There were no differences in glycosylated hemoglobin, fructosamine, or lipids at 36 weeks or differences in birth weight [LGI 3.4 (0.4) kg vs. HF 3.4 (0.5) kg; P = 0.514], birth weight z score [LGI 0.31 (0.90) vs. HF 0.24 (1.07); P = 0.697], ponderal index [LGI 2.71 (0.22) vs. HF 2.69 (0.23) kg/m3; P = 0.672], birth weight centile [LGI 46.2 (25.4) vs. HF 41.8 (25.6); P = 0.330], % fat mass [LGI 10 (4) vs. HF 10 (4); P = 0.789], or incidence of GDM.

CONCLUSIONS

In intensively monitored women at risk for GDM, a low-GI diet and a healthy diet produce similar pregnancy outcomes.
Pituitary metastases: current practice in Japan
Authors: Habu Mika , Tokimura Hiroshi , Hirano Hirofumi , Yasuda Soichiro , Nagatomo Yasushi , Iwai Yoshiyasu , Kawagishi Jun , Tatewaki Koshi , Yunoue Shunji , Campos Francia , Kinoshita Yasuyuki , Shimatsu Akira , Teramoto Akira , Arita Kazunori
Published: July 2015

OBJECT

With advancement of cancer treatment and development of neuroimaging techniques, contemporary clinical pictures of pituitary metastases (PMs) must have changed from past reports. The goal of this paper was to elucidate the clinical features of PMs and current clinical practice related to those lesions. In this retrospective study, questionnaires were sent to 87 physicians who had treated PMs in Japan.

RESULTS

Between 1995 and 2010, 201 patients with PMs were treated by the participating physicians. The diagnosis of PM was histologically verified in 69 patients (34.3%). In the other 132 patients (65.7%), the PM was diagnosed by their physicians based on neuroimaging findings and clinical courses. The most frequent primary tumor was lung (36.8%), followed by breast (22.9%) and kidney (7.0%) cancer. The average interval between diagnosis of primary cancer and detection of PM was 2.8 ± 3.9 (SD) years. Major symptoms at diagnosis were visual disturbance in 30.3%, diabetes insipidus in 27.4%, fatigue in 25.4%, headache in 20.4%, and double vision in 17.4%. Major neuroimaging features were mass lesion in the pituitary stalk (63.3%), constriction of tumor at the diaphragmatic hiatus (44.7%), hypothalamic mass lesion (17.4%), and hyperintensity in the optic tract (11.4%). Surgical treatment was performed in 26.9% of patients, and 74.6% had radiation therapy; 80.0% of patients who underwent radiotherapy had stereotactic radiotherapy. The median survival time was 12.9 months in total. Contributing factors for good prognosis calculated by Cox proportional hazard analysis were younger age, late metastasis to the pituitary gland, smaller PM size, and radiation therapy. The Kaplan-Meier survival was significantly better in patients with breast cancer and renal cell cancer than in those with lung cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

At the time of this writing, approximately 60% (120/201) of PMs had been treated by stereotactic radiation therapy in Japan. The median survival time was much longer than that reported in past series. To confirm the changes of clinical features and medical practice, a prospective and population-based survey is mandatory.
John Howship (1781–1841) and growing skull fracture: historical perspective
Authors: Bir Shyamal C. , Kalakoti Piyush , Notarianni Christina , Nanda Anil
Published: July 2015

In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Dr. John Howship, a pioneering British surgeon, described the clinical features and pathophysiology of various surgical disorders of the human body. His critical contributions to pediatric neurosurgery came in 1816 when he first described the features of an important childhood condition following head trauma, what he referred to as parietal bone absorption. This condition as depicted by Dr. Howship was soon to be christened by later scholars as traumatic cephalhydrocele, traumatic meningocele, leptomeningeal cyst, meningocele spuria, fibrosing osteitis, cerebrocranial erosion, and growing skull fracture. Nevertheless, the basic features of the condition as observed by Dr. Howship were virtually identical to the characteristics of the above-mentioned disorders. This article describes the life and accomplishments of Dr. Howship and his contributions to the current understanding of growing skull fracture.
Cancer and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender/transsexual, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) populations
Authors: Quinn Gwendolyn P. , Sanchez Julian A. , Sutton Steven K. , Vadaparampil Susan T. , Nguyen Giang T. , Green B. Lee , Kanetsky Peter A. , Schabath Matthew B.
Published: July 2015

This article provides an overview of the current literature on seven cancer sites that may disproportionately affect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender/transsexual, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) populations. For each cancer site, the authors present and discuss the descriptive statistics, primary prevention, secondary prevention and preclinical disease, tertiary prevention and late‐stage disease, and clinical implications. Finally, an overview of psychosocial factors related to cancer survivorship is offered as well as strategies for improving access to care. CA Cancer J Clin 2015;65:384–400. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Neural Regulation of Pancreatic Cancer: A Novel Target for Intervention
Authors: Chang Aeson , Kim-Fuchs Corina , Le Caroline , Hollande Frédéric , Sloan Erica
Published: July 2015

The tumor microenvironment is known to play a pivotal role in driving cancer progression and governing response to therapy. This is of significance in pancreatic cancer where the unique pancreatic tumor microenvironment, characterized by its pronounced desmoplasia and fibrosis, drives early stages of tumor progression and dissemination, and contributes to its associated low survival rates. Several molecular factors that regulate interactions between pancreatic tumors and their surrounding stroma are beginning to be identified. Yet broader physiological factors that influence these interactions remain unclear. Here, we discuss a series of preclinical and mechanistic studies that highlight the important role chronic stress plays as a physiological regulator of neural-tumor interactions in driving the progression of pancreatic cancer. These studies propose several approaches to target stress signaling via the β-adrenergic signaling pathway in order to slow pancreatic tumor growth and metastasis. They also provide evidence to support the use of β-blockers as a novel therapeutic intervention to complement current clinical strategies to improve cancer outcome in patients with pancreatic cancer.
Facile Electrodeposition of Flower-Like PMo12-Pt/rGO Composite with Enhanced Electrocatalytic Activity towards Methanol Oxidation
Authors: Wang Xiaoying , Zhang Xiaofeng , He Xiaolei , Ma Ai , Le Lijuan , Lin Shen
Published: July 2015

A facile, rapid and green method based on potentiostatic electrodeposition is developed to synthesize a novel H3PMo12O40-Pt/reduced graphene oxide (denoted as PMo12-Pt/rGO) composite. The as-prepared PMo12-Pt/rGO is characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results reveal that graphene oxide (GO) is reduced to the rGO by electrochemical method and POMs clusters are successfully located on the rGO as the modifier. Furthermore, the PMo12-Pt/rGO composite shows higher electrocatalytic activity, better tolerance towards CO and better stability than the conventional pure Pt catalyst.
Titanium-Niobium Oxides as Non-Noble Metal Cathodes for Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells
Authors: Ishihara Akimitsu , Tamura Yuko , Chisaka Mitsuharu , Ohgi Yoshiro , Kohno Yuji , Matsuzawa Koichi , Mitsushima Shigenori , Ota Ken-ichiro
Published: July 2015

In order to develop noble-metal- and carbon-free cathodes, titanium-niobium oxides were prepared as active materials for oxide-based cathodes and the factors affecting the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity were evaluated. The high concentration sol-gel method was employed to prepare the precursor. Heat treatment in Ar containing 4% H2 at 700–900 °C was effective for conferring ORR activity to the oxide. Notably, the onset potential for the ORR of the catalyst prepared at 700 °C was approximately 1.0 V vs. RHE, resulting in high quality active sites for the ORR. X-ray (diffraction and photoelectron spectroscopic) analyses and ionization potential measurements suggested that localized electronic energy levels were produced via heat treatment under reductive atmosphere. Adsorption of oxygen molecules on the oxide may be governed by the localized electronic energy levels produced by the valence changes induced by substitutional metal ions and/or oxygen vacancies.
What’s in a Number?
Authors: Hohn Keith
Published: July 2015

People like to distill complicated phenomenon into easily digestible numbers. [...]
Parental Perception, Prevalence and Primary Care Physicians’ Knowledge on Childhood Food Allergy in Croatia
Authors: Baricic Tamara , Catipovic Marija , Cetinic Erina , Krmek Vlado , Horvat Ivona
Published: July 2015

Food allergy in children is increasing and the perception of food allergy among parents is even more common. In a questionnaire-based study of 702 children aged 6 to 48 months in four primary care settings, the aim was to determine the prevalence of perception vs. proven food allergy, parental anxiety and general pediatrician knowledge of food allergy. In 95/702 children (13.5%) parentally-reported food was associated reactions. IgE and/or skin prick test (SPT) and/or an open provocation test were performed in 48 (6.8%) and allergy was proven in 38 (5.4%) children. Discrepancy between parental perception and proven allergy is significant (p < 0.001), especially for food other than milk, egg and peanut (p < 0.001). Allergy to milk was the most common. Allergy to peanut was significantly more common in children ≥2 years (p < 0.05). Severe reactions occurred in 5/95 (5.2%) of all children and in 5/38 (13.1%) of allergic children, in 3/5 caused by peanut. Parents of children with proven allergy do not experience high degree of anxiety. The perception of food allergy among general pediatricians is limited, and in children with severe reactions precautionary measures and information to parents were insufficient. Parents and general pediatricians need additional education in food allergy.
Fabrication and Evaluation of Multilayer Nanofiber-Hydrogel Meshes with a Controlled Release Property
Authors: Wu Rigumula , Niamat Rohina , Sansbury Brett , Borjigin Mandula
Published: July 2015

Controlled release drug delivery systems enable the sustained release of bioactive molecules, and increase bioavailability over an extended length of time. Biocompatible and biodegradable materials such as polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers and alginate hydrogel play a significant role in designing controlled release systems. Prolonged release of bioactive molecules is observed when these polymer materials are used as matrices independently. However, there has not been a report in the literature that shows how different molecules are released at various rates over time. The goal of this study is to demonstrate a novel drug delivery system that has a property of releasing designated drugs at various rates over a defined length of time. We fabricated multilayer nanofiber-hydrogel meshes using electrospun PCL nanofiber and alginate hydrogel, and evaluated their controlled release properties. The multilayer meshes are composed of sandwiched layers of alternating PCL nanofibers and alginate hydrogel. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP), encapsulated in the designated hydrogel layers, is used as a mock drug for the release study. The exposed top layer of the meshes demonstrates a dramatically higher burst release and shorter release time compared to the deeper layers. Such properties of the different layers within the meshes can be employed to achieve the release of multiple drugs at different rates over a specified length of time.
Prevent Wounds by Conducting a Comprehensive Foot Examination and Intervention
Authors: Burdette-Taylor Michele
Published: July 2015

Lower extremity wounds and falls are on the rise with the demographics and projected aging population. Diabetes and heart disease supersede cancer deaths. A basic foot exam—performed routinely on patients identified as high risk allows time for early intervention and prevention. A Certified Foot and Nail Care Nurse (CFCN) who evaluates clients on a regular basis, conducts a comprehensive lower extremity exam for loss of protective sensation (LOPS) and compromised peripheral blood flow is more likely to provide needed care in a timely manner. Why a nurse? Because nurses who have the level of education, expertise through acquired training, and are board certified are competent to assess, educate, provide intervention, and refer. Utilizing CFCNs is cost-effective and efficient. CFCN is utilized as a member of the multidisciplinary team. Nurses are educators and education is an effective method for prevention. Nurses, as the most trusted health care provider, communicate, establish rapport, and develop sustaining relationships. Utilizing the Wound Ostomy Continence Nurses’ Credentialing Board (WOCNCB) CFCN raises the standard of care substantially and reduces overall costs to life, limbs, and dollars. This innovation in practice improves outcomes, patient satisfaction, and safety while reducing hospital admissions.
Cobalt Oxide Nanoparticles: Behavior towards Intact and Impaired Human Skin and Keratinocytes Toxicity
Authors: Mauro Marcella , Crosera Matteo , Pelin Marco , Florio Chiara , Bellomo Francesca , Adami Gianpiero , Apostoli Piero , De Palma Giuseppe , Bovenzi Massimo , Campanini Marco , Filon Francesca
Published: July 2015

Skin absorption and toxicity on keratinocytes of cobalt oxide nanoparticles (Co3O4NPs) have been investigated. Co3O4NPs are commonly used in industrial products and biomedicine. There is evidence that these nanoparticles can cause membrane damage and genotoxicity in vitro, but no data are available on their skin absorption and cytotoxicity on keratinocytes. Two independent 24 h in vitro experiments were performed using Franz diffusion cells, using intact (experiment 1) and needle-abraded human skin (experiment 2). Co3O4NPs at a concentration of 1000 mg/L in physiological solution were used as donor phase. Cobalt content was evaluated by Inductively Coupled–Mass Spectroscopy. Co permeation through the skin was demonstrated after 24 h only when damaged skin protocol was used (57 ± 38 ng·cm−2), while no significant differences were shown between blank cells (0.92 ± 0.03 ng cm−2) and those with intact skin (1.08 ± 0.20 ng·cm−2). To further investigate Co3O4NPs toxicity, human-derived HaCaT keratinocytes were exposed to Co3O4NPs and cytotoxicity evaluated by MTT, Alamarblue® and propidium iodide (PI) uptake assays. The results indicate that a long exposure time (i.e., seven days) was necessary to induce a concentration-dependent cell viability reduction (EC50 values: 1.3 × 10−4 M, 95% CL = 0.8–1.9 × 10−4 M, MTT essay; 3.7 × 10−5 M, 95% CI = 2.2–6.1 × 10−5 M, AlamarBlue® assay) that seems to be associated to necrotic events (EC50 value: 1.3 × 10−4 M, 95% CL = 0.9–1.9 × 10−4 M, PI assay). This study demonstrated that Co3O4NPs can penetrate only damaged skin and is cytotoxic for HaCat cells after long term exposure.
Evaluating the Association between Diabetes, Cognitive Decline and Dementia
Authors: Ojo Omorogieva , Brooke Joanne
Published: July 2015

The aim of this article is to review the association between diabetes mellitus, cognitive decline and dementia, including the effects of cognitive decline and dementia on self management of diabetes. This is a literature review of primary research articles. A number of contemporary research articles that met the inclusion criteria were selected for this review paper. These articles were selected using a number of search strategies and electronic databases, such as EBSCOhost Research and SwetsWise databases. The duration of diabetes, glycated haemoglobin levels and glycaemic fluctuations were associated with cognitive decline and dementia. Similarly, hypoglycaemia was significantly related to increased risk of developing cognitive decline and dementia. Furthermore, cognitive decline and dementia were associated with poorer diabetes management. There is evidence of the association between diabetes, cognitive decline and dementia including the shared pathogenesis between diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, the self management of diabetes is affected by dementia and cognitive decline. It could be suggested that the association between diabetes and dementia is bidirectional with the potential to proceed to a vicious cycle. Further studies are needed in order to fully establish the relationship between diabetes, cognitive decline and dementia. Patients who have diabetes and dementia could benefit from structured education strategies, which should involve empowerment programmes and lifestyle changes. The detection of cognitive decline should highlight the need for education strategies.
Protective Effect of Lycium ruthenicum Murr. Against Radiation Injury in Mice
Authors: Duan Yabin , Chen Fan , Yao Xingchen , Zhu Junbo , Wang Cai , Zhang Juanling , Li Xiangyang
Published: July 2015

The protective effect of Lycium ruthenicum Murr. against radiation injury was examined in mice. Kunming mice were randomly divided into a control group, model group, positive drug group and L. ruthenicum high dose (8 g/kg), L. ruthenicum middle dose (4 g/kg), L. ruthenicum low dose (2 g/kg) treatment groups, for which doses were administered the third day, seventh day and 14th day after irradiation. L. ruthenicum extract was administered orally to the mice in the three treatment groups and normal saline was administered orally to the mice in the control group and model group for 14 days. The positive group was treated with amifostine (WR-2721) at 30 min before irradiation. Except for the control group, the groups of mice received a 5 Gy quantity of X-radiation evenly over their whole body at one time. Body weight, hemogram, thymus and spleen index, DNA, caspase-3, caspase-6, and P53 contents were observed at the third day, seventh day, and 14th day after irradiation. L. ruthenicum could significantly increase the total red blood cell count, hemoglobin count and DNA contents (p < 0.05). The spleen index recovered significantly by the third day and 14th day after irradiation (p < 0.05). L. ruthenicum low dose group showed a significant reduction in caspase-3 and caspase-6 of serum in mice at the third day, seventh day, and 14th day after irradiation and L. ruthenicum middle dose group experienced a reduction in caspase-6 of serum in mice by the seventh day after irradiation. L. ruthenicum could decrease the expression of P53. The results showed that L. ruthenicum had protective effects against radiation injury in mice.
Sulforaphane (SFN): An Isothiocyanate in a Cancer Chemoprevention Paradigm
Authors: Ullah Mohammad
Published: July 2015

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in its latest World Cancer Report (2014) has projected the increase in the global cancer burden from 14 million (2012) to 22 million incidence annually within the next two decades. Such statistics warrant a collaborative engagement of conventional and complementary and alternative therapies to contain and manage cancer. In recent years, there has been a shift in the cancer chemoprevention paradigm with a significant focus turning towards bioactive components of human diets for their anticancer properties. Since diet is an integral part of lifestyle and given that an estimated one third of human cancers are believed to be preventable though appropriate lifestyle modification including dietary habits, the current shift in the conventional paradigm assumes significance. Several epidemiological studies have indicated that consumption of broccoli is associated with a lower risk of cancer incidence including breast, prostate, lung, stomach and colon cancer. The edible plant belonging to the family of cruciferae such as broccoli is a rich source of glucoraphanin, a precursor of isothiocyanate sulforaphane which is considered to be a potent anti-cancer agent. Plant-based dietary agents such as sulforaphane mimic chemotherapeutic drugs such as vorinostat, possessing histone deacetylase inhibition activity. Evidence from epidemiological and experimental studies have emerged, enhancing the clinical plausibility and translational value of sulforaphane in cancer chemoprevention. The present review provides the current understanding of the cancer chemopreventive pharmacology of sulforaphane towards its potential as an anticancer agent.
Toughness of Bulk Metallic Glasses
Authors: Madge Shantanu
Published: July 2015

Bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) have desirable properties like high strength and low modulus, but their toughness can show much variation, depending on the kind of test as well as alloy chemistry. This article reviews the type of toughness tests commonly performed and the factors influencing the data obtained. It appears that even the less-tough metallic glasses are tougher than oxide glasses. The current theories describing the links between toughness and material parameters, including elastic constants and alloy chemistry (ordering in the glass), are discussed. Based on the current literature, a few important issues for further work are identified.
The Effect of Grinding and Roasting Conditions on the Selective Leaching of Nd and Dy from NdFeB Magnet Scraps
Authors: Yoon Ho-Sung , Kim Chul-Joo , Chung Kyung , Jeon Sanghee , Park Ilhwan , Yoo Kyoungkeun , Jha Manis
Published: July 2015

The pretreatment processes consisting of grinding followed by roasting were investigated to improve the selective leaching of Nd and Dy from neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) magnet scraps. The peaks of Nd(OH)3 and Fe were observed in XRD results after grinding with NaOH as the amount of water addition increased to 5 cm3. These results indicate that the components of Nd and Fe in NdFeB magnet could be changed successfully into Nd(OH)3 and Fe, respectively. In the roasting tests using the ground product, with increasing roasting temperature to 500 °C, the peaks of Nd(OH)3 and Fe disappeared while those of Nd2O3 and Fe2O3 were shown. The peaks of NdFeO3 in the sample roasted at 600 °C were observed in the XRD pattern. Consequently, 94.2%, 93.1%, 1.0% of Nd, Dy, Fe were leached at 400 rpm and 90 °C in 1 kmol·m−3 acetic acid solution with 1% pulp density using a sample prepared under the following conditions: 15 in stoichiometric molar ratio of NaOH:Nd, 550 rpm in rotational grinding speed, 5 cm3 in water addition, 30 min in grinding time, 400 °C and 2 h in roasting temperature and time. The results indicate that the selective leaching of Nd and Dy from NdFeB magnet could be achieved successfully by grinding and then roasting treatments.
Data Mining of Gene Arrays for Biomarkers of Survival in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Coveney Clare , Boocock David , Rees Robert , Deen Suha , Ball Graham
Published: July 2015

The expected five-year survival rate from a stage III ovarian cancer diagnosis is a mere 22%; this applies to the 7000 new cases diagnosed yearly in the UK. Stratification of patients with this heterogeneous disease, based on active molecular pathways, would aid a targeted treatment improving the prognosis for many cases. While hundreds of genes have been associated with ovarian cancer, few have yet been verified by peer research for clinical significance. Here, a meta-analysis approach was applied to two carefully selected gene expression microarray datasets. Artificial neural networks, Cox univariate survival analyses and T-tests identified genes whose expression was consistently and significantly associated with patient survival. The rigor of this experimental design increases confidence in the genes found to be of interest. A list of 56 genes were distilled from a potential 37,000 to be significantly related to survival in both datasets with a FDR of 1.39859 × 10−11, the identities of which both verify genes already implicated with this disease and provide novel genes and pathways to pursue. Further investigation and validation of these may lead to clinical insights and have potential to predict a patient’s response to treatment or be used as a novel target for therapy.
Substituent Effects on the Stability and Antioxidant Activity of Spirodiazaselenuranes
Authors: Lamani Devappa , Bhowmick Debasish , Mugesh Govindasamy
Published: July 2015

Spirodiazaselenuranes are structurally interesting compounds and the stability of these compounds depends highly on the nature of the substituents attached to the nitrogen atoms. Aromatic substituents are known to play important roles in stabilizing the Se-N bonds in spiro compounds. In this study, several spirodiazaselenuranes are synthesized by introducing benzylic and aliphatic substituents to understand their effect on the stability of the Se-N bonds and the antioxidant activity. Replacement of phenyl substituent by benzyl/alkyl groups significantly reduces the stability of the spirodiazaselenuranes and slows down the oxidative cyclization process. The selenium centre in the spiro compounds undergoes further oxidation to produce the corresponding selenurane oxides, which are stable at room temperature. Comparison of the glutathione peroxidase (GPx) mimetic activity of the compounds showed that the diaryl selenides having heterocyclic rings are significantly more active due to the facile oxidation of the selenium centre. However, the activity is reduced significantly for compounds having aliphatic substituents. In addition to GPx activity, the compounds also inhibit peroxynitrite-mediated nitration and oxidation reaction of protein and small molecules, respectively. The experimental observations suggest that the antioxidant activity is increased considerably upon substitution of the aromatic group with the benzylic/aliphatic substituents on the nitrogen atoms.
Chloro({2-[mesityl(quinolin-8-yl-κN)boryl]-3,5-dimethyl-phenyl}methyl-κC)palladium(II) as a Catalyst for Heck Reactions
Authors: Tamang Sem , Hoefelmeyer James
Published: July 2015

We recently reported an air and moisture stable 16-electron borapalladacycle formed upon combination of 8-quinolyldimesitylborane with bis(benzonitrile)dichloropalladium(II). The complex features a tucked mesityl group formed upon metalation of an ortho-methyl group on a mesityl; however it is unusually stable due to contribution of the boron pz orbital in delocalizing the carbanion that gives rise to an η4-boratabutadiene fragment coordinated to Pd(II), as evidenced from crystallographic data. This complex was observed to be a highly active catalyst for the Heck reaction. Data of the catalyst activity are presented alongside data found in the literature, and initial comparison reveals that the borapalladacycle is quite active. The observed catalysis suggests the borapalladacycle readily undergoes reductive elimination; however the Pd(0) complex has not yet been isolated. Nevertheless, the ambiphilic ligand 8-quinolyldimesitylborane may be able to support palladium in different redox states.
High Vegetable Fats Intake Is Associated with High Resting Energy Expenditure in Vegetarians
Authors: Montalcini Tiziana , De Bonis Daniele , Ferro Yvelise , Carè Ilaria , Mazza Elisa , Accattato Francesca , Greco Marta , Foti Daniela , Romeo Stefano , Gulletta Elio , Pujia Arturo
Published: July 2015

It has been demonstrated that a vegetarian diet may be effective in reducing body weight, however, the underlying mechanisms are not entirely clear. We investigated whether there is a difference in resting energy expenditure between 26 vegetarians and 26 non-vegetarians and the correlation between some nutritional factors and inflammatory markers with resting energy expenditure. In this cross-sectional study, vegetarians and non-vegetarians were matched by age, body mass index and gender. All underwent instrumental examinations to assess the difference in body composition, nutrient intake and resting energy expenditure. Biochemical analyses and 12 different cytokines and growth factors were measured as an index of inflammatory state. A higher resting energy expenditure was found in vegetarians than in non-vegetarians (p = 0.008). Furthermore, a higher energy from diet, fibre, vegetable fats intake and interleukin-β (IL-1β) was found between the groups. In the univariate and multivariable analysis, resting energy expenditure was associated with vegetarian diet, free-fat mass and vegetable fats (p < 0.001; Slope in statistic (B) = 4.8; β = 0.42). After adjustment for cytokines, log10 interleukin-10 (IL-10) still correlated with resting energy expenditure (p = 0.02). Resting energy expenditure was positively correlated with a specific component of the vegetarian’s diet, i.e., vegetable fats. Furthermore, we showed that IL-10 was positively associated with resting energy expenditure in this population.
Agreement between Two Methods of Dietary Data Collection in Male Adolescent Academy-Level Soccer Players
Authors: Briggs Marc , Rumbold Penny , Cockburn Emma , Russell Mark , Stevenson Emma
Published: July 2015

Collecting accurate and reliable nutritional data from adolescent populations is challenging, with current methods providing significant under-reporting. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine the accuracy of a combined dietary data collection method (self-reported weighed food diary, supplemented with a 24-h recall) when compared to researcher observed energy intake in male adolescent soccer players. Twelve Academy players from an English Football League club participated in the study. Players attended a 12 h period in the laboratory (08:00 h–20:00 h), during which food and drink items were available and were consumed ad libitum. Food was also provided to consume at home between 20:00 h and 08:00 h the following morning under free-living conditions. To calculate the participant reported energy intake, food and drink items were weighed and recorded in a food diary by each participant, which was supplemented with information provided through a 24-h recall interview the following morning. Linear regression, limits of agreement (LOA) and typical error (coefficient of variation; CV) were used to quantify agreement between observer and participant reported 24-h energy intake. Difference between methods was assessed using a paired samples t-test. Participants systematically under-reported energy intake in comparison to that observed (p < 0.01) but the magnitude of this bias was small and consistent (mean bias = −88 kcal·day−1, 95% CI for bias = −146 to −29 kcal·day−1). For random error, the 95% LOA between methods ranged between −1.11 to 0.37 MJ·day−1 (−256 to 88 kcal·day−1). The standard error of the estimate was low, with a typical error between measurements of 3.1%. These data suggest that the combined dietary data collection method could be used interchangeably with the gold standard observed food intake technique in the population studied providing that appropriate adjustment is made for the systematic under-reporting common to such methods.
Prediction of Macronutrients at the Canopy Level Using Spaceborne Imaging Spectroscopy and LiDAR Data in a Mixedwood Boreal Forest
Authors: Gökkaya Kemal , Thomas Valerie , Noland Thomas , McCaughey Harry , Morrison Ian , Treitz Paul
Published: July 2015

Information on foliar macronutrients is required in order to understand plant physiological and ecosystem processes such as photosynthesis, nutrient cycling, respiration and cell wall formation. The ability to measure, model and map foliar macronutrients (nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg)) at the forest canopy level provides information on the spatial patterns of ecosystem processes (e.g., carbon exchange) and provides insight on forest condition and stress. Imaging spectroscopy (IS) has been used particularly for modeling N, using airborne and satellite imagery mostly in temperate and tropical forests. However, there has been very little research conducted at these scales to model P, K, Ca, and Mg and few studies have focused on boreal forests. We report results of a study of macronutrient modeling using spaceborne IS and airborne light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data for a mixedwood boreal forest canopy in northern Ontario, Canada. Models incorporating Hyperion data explained approximately 90% of the variation in canopy concentrations of N, P, and Mg; whereas the inclusion of LiDAR data significantly improved the prediction of canopy concentration of Ca (R2 = 0.80). The combined used of IS and LiDAR data significantly improved the prediction accuracy of canopy Ca and K concentration but decreased the prediction accuracy of canopy P concentration. The results indicate that the variability of macronutrient concentration due to interspecific and functional type differences at the site provides the basis for the relationship observed between the remote sensing measurements (i.e., IS and LiDAR) and macronutrient concentration. Crown closure and canopy height are the structural metrics that establish the connection between macronutrient concentration and IS and LiDAR data, respectively. The spatial distribution of macronutrient concentration at the canopy scale mimics functional type distribution at the site. The ability to predict canopy N, P, K, Ca and Mg in this study using only IS, only LiDAR or their combination demonstrates the excellent potential for mapping these macronutrients at canopy scales across larger geographic areas into the next decade with the launch of new IS satellite missions and by using spaceborne LiDAR data.
Optimized 3D Street Scene Reconstruction from Driving Recorder Images
Authors: Zhang Yongjun , Li Qian , Lu Hongshu , Liu Xinyi , Huang Xu , Song Chao , Huang Shan , Huang Jingyi
Published: July 2015

The paper presents an automatic region detection based method to reconstruct street scenes from driving recorder images. The driving recorder in this paper is a dashboard camera that collects images while the motor vehicle is moving. An enormous number of moving vehicles are included in the collected data because the typical recorders are often mounted in the front of moving vehicles and face the forward direction, which can make matching points on vehicles and guardrails unreliable. Believing that utilizing these image data can reduce street scene reconstruction and updating costs because of their low price, wide use, and extensive shooting coverage, we therefore proposed a new method, which is called the Mask automatic detecting method, to improve the structure results from the motion reconstruction. Note that we define vehicle and guardrail regions as “mask” in this paper since the features on them should be masked out to avoid poor matches. After removing the feature points in our new method, the camera poses and sparse 3D points that are reconstructed with the remaining matches. Our contrast experiments with the typical pipeline of structure from motion (SfM) reconstruction methods, such as Photosynth and VisualSFM, demonstrated that the Mask decreased the root-mean-square error (RMSE) of the pairwise matching results, which led to more accurate recovering results from the camera-relative poses. Removing features from the Mask also increased the accuracy of point clouds by nearly 30%–40% and corrected the problems of the typical methods on repeatedly reconstructing several buildings when there was only one target building.