bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effective removal of heavy metal ions from aqueous solutions using a new chelating resin poly [2,5-(1,3,4-thiadiazole)-benzalimine]: kinetic and thermodynamic study
Authors: Dinesh Kirupha Selvaraj , Kalaivani Selvaraj , Vidhyadevi Thangaraj , Premkumar Periyaraman , Baskaralingam Palanithamy , Sivanesan Subramanian , Ravikumar Lingam
Published: December 2015

A novel poly [2,5-(1,3,4-thiadiazole)-benzalimine] abbreviated as TDPI adsorbent was synthesized using simple polycondensation technique. The synthetic route involves the preparation of 2,5-diamino-1,3,4-thiadiazole from 2,5-dithiourea and subsequent condensation with terephthalaldehyde. The resin was chemically characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), 1H-NMR, and 13C-NMR spectroscopic analysis. Surface morphology and thermal stability were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA). The effect of the pH value of solution, contact time, adsorbent dose, and initial metal ion concentration were investigated by batch equilibrium adsorption experiments. Kinetic studies show that the adsorption of metal ions onto the resin proceeds according to the pseudo-second-order model and the equilibrium data were best interpreted by the Redlich–Peterson isotherm. The experimental values of the adsorption capacities of Pb2+, Cu2+, Ni2+, and Cd2+ on to TDPI could reach up to 437.2, 491.6, 493.7, and 481.9 mg.g−1 respectively. The exothermic nature of the process, the affinity of the adsorbent towards the metal ions and the feasibility of the process are explained in the thermodynamic parameters. The resin stability and re-usability studies suggest that the resin is chemically stable (0.3 N HCl and H2SO4) and could be regenerated without any serious decline in performance.
Reference pathogen numbers in urban stormwater for drinking water risk assessment
Authors: Page D. W. , Barry K. , Gonzalez D. , Keegan A. , Dillon P.
Published: December 2015

Targeted stormwater event-based monitoring of adenovirus, Cryptosporidium and Campylobacter, the human health reference pathogens of viruses, protozoa and bacteria, respectively, was undertaken to determine numbers prior to water recycling via an aquifer. This allowed the determination of a 95th percentile of reference pathogen numbers in stormwater (2 n/L for adenoviruses, 1.4 n/L for Cryptosporidium and 11 n/L for Campylobacter) and was used in a quantitative microbial risk assessment to determine the required microbial inactivation targets. Log10 removals through treatments and/or control measures to manage pathogen risks were determined for different end uses based on the 95th percentile numbers. Public open space irrigation was found to require 1.6 log10 reduction for viruses, 0.6 log10 for protozoa and 1.2 log10 for bacteria; third pipe systems which include potential exposure through toilet flushing and washing machine use require 2.7 log10 reduction for viruses, 1.8 log10 for protozoa and 2.3 log10 for bacteria; and drinking water requires 5.8 log10 reduction for viruses, 4.8 log10 for protozoa and 5.3 log10 for bacteria. These results are the first reported for an Australian urban stormwater site with sufficient data for a drinking water risk assessment.
Effects of pipe materials on biofouling under controlled hydrodynamic conditions
Authors: Gamri S. , Soric A. , Tomas S. , Molle B. , Roche N.
Published: December 2015

Experiments were carried out to investigate pipe material impacts on biofouling, at high effluent concentration levels and under controlled hydrodynamic conditions. Two velocities (0.4 and 0.8 m s−1) were used to monitor biofilm growth on polyethylene (PE) and polyvinylchloride (PVC) pipe walls, respectively. These conditions were established based on wastewater irrigation practices. A decrease in biomass is observed after 49 days of experiments for both velocities and may be related to biofilm detachment. Biofilm growth is greater at 0.8 m s−1. For both velocities, PVC is less sensitive to biofilm growth than PE. Pipe straightness plays a primary role in biofilm growth control. This effect is more significant than pipe surface characteristics (roughness, hydrophobic/hydrophilic properties).
Optimisation of micro-processes for shear-assisted solid–liquid separation in a rotatory batch flow vortex reactor
Authors: Oyegbile B. , Ay P. , Narra S.
Published: December 2015

This paper reports the study of micro-processes in a novel pre-treatment technique using a pellet forming batch flow vortex reactor of cylindrical shape that consists of axially revolving rotor plates between fixed stator plates. The suspension was first mixed with high molecular weight synthetic polymers by stirring for approximately 50 seconds and then agitated for 20 minutes. The process was optimised for a number of operating conditions including polymer type and dosing regimen, rotation speed, wall-plate gap distance, residence time and suspension filling method. The results of the investigation show that optimising a number of process variables that influence floc formation and growth, along with specific apparatus construction and geometry, help to maintain the suspension in a metastable state that is crucial for the formation of pellet-like compact agglomerates with better dewaterability and uniform aggregate size. A maximum dry solids content of 28.3% after gravity dewatering through a 0.5 mm sieve was recorded during the investigation, with a maximum particle removal efficiency of 97.5%.
Reference Range of Platelet Delta Granules in the Pediatric Age Group: An Ultrastructural Study of Platelet Whole Mount Preparations from Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Sorokin Victoria , Alkhoury Razan , Al-Rawabdeh Sura , Houston Ronald H. , Thornton David , Kerlin Bryce , O'Brien Sarah , Baker Peter , Boesel Carl , Uddin Minhaj , Yin Han , Kahwash Samir
Published: December 2015

This study sought to determine delta granule normal ranges for children and to validate methodology for the appropriate diagnosis of delta granule deficiency (storage pool disease) by using the whole-mount technique in electron microscopy. Specimens obtained from 40 healthy volunteers (2 months of age through 21 years old, 21 females and 19 males) were tested. Results showed dense granules/platelet (DG/Plt) ranged from 1.78 to 5.25. The 5th percentile was 1.96 DG/Plt with an overall mean ± SEM 3.07 ± 0.12 DG/Plt. In comparison, a previously published lower cutoff value, 3.68 DG/Plt, was significantly higher than the mean from our volunteers ( P < 0.0001). We found no variability in dense granules/platelet based on race or sex and no significant variation by age subgroup. Pending wider studies, the value of 2 DG/Plt is a more appropriate lower limit of normal. In the absence of wider studies (in healthy volunteers and patients), laboratories should consider establishing their own reference ranges.
Promoting Gross Motor Skills in Toddlers: The Active Beginnings Pilot Cluster Randomized Trial
Authors: Veldman Sanne L. C. , Okely Anthony D. , Jones Rachel A.
Published: December 2015

This study examined the feasibility, acceptability, and potential efficacy of a gross motor skill program for toddlers. An 8-wk. skills program in which children practiced three skills was implemented for 10min. daily in two randomly designated childcare centers. Two other centers served as the control group. Recruitment and retention rates were collected for feasibility. Data on professional development, children's participation, program duration, and appropriateness of the lessons were collected for acceptability, and the Test of Gross Motor Development–2 and Get Skilled, Get Active (total of 28 points) were used to look at the potential efficacy. The participants were 60 toddlers ( M age = 2.5 yr., SD = 0.4; n = 29 boys), and the retention rate was 95%. Overall participation was 76%, and educators rated 98% of the lessons as appropriate. Compared with the control group, the intervention group showed significantly greater improvements in motor skills ( p < .05, Cohen's d = 1.13). This study shows that a brief intervention, which is easy to integrate on a daily basis in childcare settings, can improve motor skills among toddlers.
Investigation Of Helium Implanted Fe–Cr Alloys By Means Of X–Ray Diffraction And Positron Annihilation Spectroscopy
Authors: Novák Patrik , Gokhman Aleksandr , Dobročka Edmund , Bokor Jozef , Pecko Stanislav
Published: December 2015

X-ray diffraction (XRD) and positron annihilation spectroscopy (PAS) have been used for the characterization of the two binary alloys Fe-Cr with Cr content 2.36 and 8.39 wt%. The influence of ion implantation on these alloys was studied. Different implantation doses of helium, up to 0.5 C/cm2, were used to simulate neutron-induced damage in a sub-surface region. To characterize the damage, a lattice parameter, coherent domain size, residual stress and a crystallographic texture have been studied by grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD). It was found out that these parameters showed a similar dependence on the implantation dose as the positron lifetime determined by positron annihilation spectroscopy.
Fracture of fusion mass after hardware removal in patients with high sagittal imbalance
Authors: Sedney Cara L. , Daffner Scott D. , Stefanko Jared J. , Abdelfattah Hesham , Emery Sanford E. , France John C.
Published: December 2015

OBJECT

As spinal fusions become more common and more complex, so do the sequelae of these procedures, some of which remain poorly understood. The authors report on a series of patients who underwent removal of hardware after CT-proven solid fusion, confirmed by intraoperative findings. These patients later developed a spontaneous fracture of the fusion mass that was not associated with trauma. A series of such patients has not previously been described in the literature.

METHODS

An unfunded, retrospective review of the surgical logs of 3 fellowship-trained spine surgeons yielded 7 patients who suffered a fracture of a fusion mass after hardware removal. Adult patients from the West Virginia University Department of Orthopaedics who underwent hardware removal in the setting of adjacent-segment disease (ASD), and subsequently experienced fracture of the fusion mass through the uninstrumented segment, were studied. The medical records and radiological studies of these patients were examined for patient demographics and comorbidities, initial indication for surgery, total number of surgeries, timeline of fracture occurrence, risk factors for fracture, as well as sagittal imbalance.

RESULTS

All 7 patients underwent hardware removal in conjunction with an extension of fusion for ASD. All had CT-proven solid fusion of their previously fused segments, which was confirmed intraoperatively. All patients had previously undergone multiple operations for a variety of indications, 4 patients were smokers, and 3 patients had osteoporosis. Spontaneous fracture of the fusion mass occurred in all patients and was not due to trauma. These fractures occurred 4 months to 4 years after hardware removal. All patients had significant sagittal imbalance of 13–15 cm. The fracture level was L-5 in 6 of the 7 patients, which was the first uninstrumented level caudal to the newly placed hardware in all 6 of these patients. Six patients underwent surgery due to this fracture.

CONCLUSIONS

The authors present a case series of 7 patients who underwent surgery for ASD after a remote fusion. These patients later developed a fracture of the fusion mass after hardware removal from their previously successfully fused segment. All patients had a high sagittal imbalance and had previously undergone multiple spinal operations. The development of a spontaneous fracture of the fusion mass may be related to sagittal imbalance. Consideration should be given to reimplanting hardware for these patients, even across good fusions, to prevent spontaneous fracture of these areas if the sagittal imbalance is not corrected.
Return to the emergency department after ventricular shunt evaluation
Authors: Sarda Samir , Simon Harold K. , Hirsh Daniel A. , Wang Andrew , Shane Tubbs R. , Chern Joshua J.
Published: December 2015

OBJECT

Patients with CSF shunts are medically complex and frequently present to the emergency department (ED) with suspected shunt malfunction. After adequate evaluation in the ED and proper disposition, some patients return to the ED within a short period of time. In this study, the authors examined the reasons for ED revisits within 7 days of the index ED visit to discern possible preventable returns.

METHODS

There were 3080 index ED visits made by patients with shunted hydrocephalus between 2010 and 2013. Index ED visits preceded by another ED visit or neurosurgical procedure within 60 days were excluded. Index ED visits for reasons unrelated to shunt function and those that led directly to admissions and shunt revision surgeries were also excluded. The remaining 1509 ED visits were eligible for analysis in this study. Final dispositions from the index ED visit included home (1176 cases), admission to the neurosurgery service for observation (134 cases), and admission to other services (199 cases). Subsequent events within 7 days, including ED revisits, hospital admissions, and shunt-related surgery were recorded, and reasons for the ED revisits were categorized based on whether the visit was related to shunt function concerns. Clinical and socioeconomic factors were analyzed for their association with ED revisits by using statistical methods.

RESULTS

Of the 1176 patients discharged home from the ED after shunt function evaluation, 101 (8.6%) returned to the ED within 7 days. Of the 134 patients admitted to the neurosurgery service for observation only, 8 (6.0%) returned to the ED within 7 days of discharge. Of the 199 patients admitted to hospital services other than neurosurgery, 13 (6.5%) returned to the ED within 7 days of discharge. The reasons for ED revisits vary (total of 122 visits combining the 3 groups), but at least 60% of the revisits were clearly unrelated to shunt function. A younger age, daytime arrival to the ED, and living within the metropolitan area were identified as risk factors for ED revisits.

CONCLUSIONS

Children with CSF shunts are medically complex and use ED services often. After an index ED visit at which shunt function was deemed to be the chief concern, the purpose of the subsequent return to the ED within 7 days was often for complaints unrelated to shunt function. Caution is warranted when attempting to classify these complex patients as having potential preventable return-to-system events.
Temporal Shaping of High Peak Power Pulse Trains from a Burst-Mode Laser System
Authors: Körner Jörg , Reiter Jürgen , Hein Joachim , Kaluza Malte
Published: December 2015

It has been shown in the past that pulsed laser systems operating in the so-called “burst mode” are a beneficial approach to generate high peak power laser pulses at high repetition rates suitable for various applications. So far, most high-energy burst-mode laser systems put great effort into generating a homogeneous energy distribution across the burst duration, e.g., by shaping the pump pulse. In this work, we present a new shaping technique, which is able to produce arbitrary energy distributions within the burst by pre-shaping the seed pulse burst with a Pockels cell. Furthermore, this technique allows for the precompensation of any static modulations across the burst, which may be introduced during the subsequent amplification process. Therefore, a pulse burst with a uniform energy distribution can also be generated. The method is tested with an ultra-short pulse burst mode laser amplifier system producing bursts of a 1 ms duration with a pulse repetition rate of 1 MHz and a maximum output power of 800 W during the burst. Furthermore, a method to predict the influence of the amplifier on a non-uniformly shaped burst is presented and successfully tested to produce a pre-defined pulse shape after amplification.
Testing the Predictive Validity and Construct of Pathological Video Game Use
Authors: Groves Christopher , Gentile Douglas , Tapscott Ryan , Lynch Paul
Published: December 2015

Three studies assessed the construct of pathological video game use and tested its predictive validity. Replicating previous research, Study 1 produced evidence of convergent validity in 8th and 9th graders (N = 607) classified as pathological gamers. Study 2 replicated and extended the findings of Study 1 with college undergraduates (N = 504). Predictive validity was established in Study 3 by measuring cue reactivity to video games in college undergraduates (N = 254), such that pathological gamers were more emotionally reactive to and provided higher subjective appraisals of video games than non-pathological gamers and non-gamers. The three studies converged to show that pathological video game use seems similar to other addictions in its patterns of correlations with other constructs. Conceptual and definitional aspects of Internet Gaming Disorder are discussed.
Jet-Fuel Range Hydrocarbons from Biomass-Derived Sorbitol over Ni-HZSM-5/SBA-15 Catalyst
Authors: Weng Yujing , Qiu Songbai , Ma Longlong , Liu Qiying , Ding Mingyue , Zhang Qian , Zhang Qi , Wang Tiejun
Published: December 2015

Aromatics and cyclic-hydrocarbons are the significant components of jet fuel with high energy-density. However, conventional technologies for bio-fuel production cannot produce these products without further aromatization and isomerization. In this work, renewable liquid fuel with high content of aromatics and cyclic-hydrocarbons was obtained through aqueous catalytic conversion of biomass sorbitol over Ni-HZSM-5/SBA-15 catalyst. Texture characteristics of the catalyst were determined by physisorption of N2, which indicated its bimodal pore structures were microporous (HZSM-5, pore width: 0.56 nm) and mesoporous (SBA-15, pore width: 8 nm). The surface acidity included weak and strong acid sites, predominantly Lewis type, and was further confirmed by the NH3-TPD and Py-IR analysis. The catalytic performances were tested in a fixed-bed reactor under the conditions of 593 K, WHSV of 0.75 h−1, GHSV of 2500 h−1 and 4.0 MPa of hydrogen pressure, whereby oil yield of 40.4 wt. % with aromatics and cyclic-hydrocarbons content of 80.0% was obtained.
Optimal Operation of Combined Heat and Power System Based on Forecasted Energy Prices in Real-Time Markets
Authors: Gu Chenghong , Xie Da , Sun Junbo , Wang Xitian , Ai Qian
Published: December 2015

This paper develops a discrete operation optimization model for combined heat and powers (CHPs) in deregulated energy markets to maximize owners’ profits, where energy price forecasting is included. First, a single input and multi-output (SIMO) model for typical CHPs is established, considering the varying ratio between heat and electricity outputs at different loading levels. Then, the energy prices are forecasted with a gray forecasting model and revised in real-time based on the actual prices by using the least squares method. At last, a discrete optimization model and corresponding dynamic programming algorithm are developed to design the optimal operation strategies for CHPs in real-time. Based on the forecasted prices, the potential operating strategy which may produce the maximum profits is pre-developed. Dynamic modification is then conducted to adjust the pre-developed operating strategy after the actual prices are known. The proposed method is implemented on a 1 MW CHP on a typical day. Results show the optimized profits comply well with those derived from real-time prices after considering dynamic modification process.
Integrated Assessment of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) in South Africa’s Power Sector
Authors: Viebahn Peter , Vallentin Daniel , Höller Samuel
Published: December 2015

This article presents an integrated assessment conducted in order to explore whether carbon capture and storage (CCS) could be a viable technological option for significantly reducing future CO2 emissions in South Africa. The methodological approach covers a commercial availability analysis, an analysis of the long-term usable CO2 storage potential (based on storage capacity assessment, energy scenario analysis and source-sink matching), an economic and ecological assessment and a stakeholder analysis. The findings show, that a reliable storage capacity assessment is needed, since only rough figures concerning the effective capacity currently exist. Further constraints on the fast deployment of CCS may be the delayed commercial availability of CCS, significant barriers to increasing the economic viability of CCS, an expected net maximum reduction rate of the power plant’s greenhouse gas emissions of 67%–72%, an increase in other environmental and social impacts, and low public awareness of CCS. One precondition for opting for CCS would be to find robust solutions to these constraints, taking into account that CCS could potentially conflict with other important policy objectives, such as affordable electricity rates to give the whole population access to electricity.
Evaluation of VIIRS Land Surface Temperature Using CREST-SAFE Air, Snow Surface, and Soil Temperature Data
Authors: Pérez Díaz Carlos , Lakhankar Tarendra , Romanov Peter , Khanbilvardi Reza , Yu Yunyue
Published: December 2015

In this study, the Visible Infrared Imager Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) Land Surface Temperature (LST) Environmental Data Record (EDR) was evaluated against snow surface (T-skin) and near-surface air temperature (T-air) ground observations recorded at the Cooperative Remote Sensing Science and Technology Center—Snow Analysis and Field Experiment (CREST-SAFE), located in Caribou, ME, USA during the winters of 2013 and 2014. The satellite LST corroboration of snow-covered areas is imperative because high-latitude regions are often physically inaccessible and there is a need to complement the data from the existing meteorological station networks. T-skin is not a standard meteorological parameter commonly observed at synoptic stations. Common practice is to measure surface infrared emission from the land surface at research stations across the world that allow for estimating ground-observed LST. Accurate T-skin observations are critical for estimating latent and sensible heat fluxes over snow-covered areas because the incoming and outgoing radiation fluxes from the snow mass and T-air make the snow surface temperature different from the average snowpack temperature. Precise characterization of the LST using satellite observations is an important issue because several climate and hydrological models use T-skin as input. Results indicate that T-air correlates better than T-skin with VIIRS LST data and that the accuracy of nighttime LST retrievals is considerably better than that of daytime. Based on these results, empirical relationships to estimate T-air and T-skin for clear-sky conditions from remotely-sensed (RS) LST were derived. Additionally, an empirical formula to correct cloud-contaminated RS LST was developed.
Effectiveness of Interventions to Reduce Tobacco Smoke Pollution in Homes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Rosen Laura , Myers Vicki , Winickoff Jonathan , Kott Jeff
Published: December 2015

Introduction: Smoke-free homes can help protect children from tobacco smoke exposure (TSE). The objective of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis to quantify effects of interventions on changes in tobacco smoke pollution in the home, as measured by air nicotine and particulate matter (PM). Methods: We searched MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and Embase. We included controlled trials of interventions which aimed to help parents protect children from tobacco smoke exposure. Two reviewers identified relevant studies, and three reviewers extracted data. Results: Seven studies were identified. Interventions improved tobacco smoke air pollution in homes as assessed by nicotine or PM. (6 studies, N = 681, p = 0.02). Analyses of air nicotine and PM separately also showed some benefit (Air nicotine: 4 studies, N = 421, p = 0.08; PM: 3 studies, N = 340, p = 0.02). Despite improvements, tobacco smoke pollution was present in homes in all studies at follow-up. Conclusions: Interventions designed to protect children from tobacco smoke are effective in reducing tobacco smoke pollution (as assessed by air nicotine or PM) in homes, but contamination remains. The persistence of significant pollution levels in homes after individual level intervention may signal the need for other population and regulatory measures to help reduce and eliminate childhood tobacco smoke exposure.
A Survey of 42 Semi-Volatile Organic Contaminants in Groundwater along the Grand Canal from Hangzhou to Beijing, East China
Authors: Li Xiaojie , Rao Zhu , Yang Zhipeng , Guo Xiaochen , Huang Yi , Zhang Jing , Guo Feng , Liu Chen
Published: December 2015

The status of organic pollution in groundwater in eastern China along the Grand Canal from Hangzhou to Beijing was evaluated. Forty-two semi-volatile organic contaminants were analyzed, including 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), seven polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), 12 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and seven organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs). Among the detected contaminants, PAHs were the most widespread compounds. One PCB and six OCPs were detected in the groundwater samples, but none of the target OPPs was detected. The total concentration of the 16 PAHs ranged from 0.21 to 1006 ng/L, among which phenanthrene (271 ng/L) and fluoranthene (233 ng/L) were present at very high concentrations and naphthalene (32 positive detections in 50 samples) and fluorene (28 detections in 50 samples) were the most frequently detected. Benzo[a]pyrene equivalents indicated a high environmental risk related to PAHs in a few groundwater samples. To identify the possible sources of PAHs, three concentration ratios, low molecular weight PAHs/high molecular weight PAHs, anthracene/(anthracene + phenanthrene) and fluoranthene/(fluoranthene + pyrene), were determined, that indicated that the PAHs mainly originated from mixed sources: pyrolytic and petrogenic sources with different ratios at different sites.
Anthropometric Status and Nutritional Intake in Children (6–9 Years) in Valencia (Spain): The ANIVA Study
Authors: Morales-Suárez-Varela María , Rubio-López Nuria , Ruso Candelaria , Llopis-Gonzalez Agustín , Ruiz-Rojo Elías , Redondo Maximino , Pico Yolanda
Published: December 2015

The aim of our study was to assess nutritional intake and anthropometric statuses in schoolchildren to subsequently determine nutritional adequacy with Spanish Dietary Reference Intake (DRIs). The ANIVA study, a descriptive cross-sectional study, was conducted in 710 schoolchildren (6–9 years) in 2013–2014 in Valencia (Spain). Children’s dietary intake was measured using 3-day food records, completed by parents. Anthropometric measures (weight and height) were measured according to international standards, and BMI-for-age was calculated and converted into z-scores by WHO-Anthro for age and sex. Nutrient adequacy was assessed using DRI based on estimated average requirement (EAR) or adequate intake (AI). Pearson’s chi-square and Student’s t-test were employed. Of our study group (47.61% boys, 52.39% girls), 53.1% were normoweight and the weight of 46.9% was inadequate; of these, 38.6% had excess body weight (19.6% overweight and 19.0% obesity). We found intakes were lower for biotin, fiber, fluoride, vitamin D (p < 0.016), zinc, iodine, vitamin E, folic acid, calcium and iron (p < 0.017), and higher for lipids, proteins and cholesterol. Our results identify better nutritional adequacy to Spanish recommendations in overweight children. Our findings suggest that nutritional intervention and educational strategies are needed to promote healthy eating in these children and nutritional adequacies.
MicroRNA-Target Network Inference and Local Network Enrichment Analysis Identify Two microRNA Clusters with Distinct Functions in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Sass Steffen , Pitea Adriana , Unger Kristian , Hess Julia , Mueller Nikola , Theis Fabian
Published: December 2015

MicroRNAs represent ~22 nt long endogenous small RNA molecules that have been experimentally shown to regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally. One main interest in miRNA research is the investigation of their functional roles, which can typically be accomplished by identification of mi-/mRNA interactions and functional annotation of target gene sets. We here present a novel method “miRlastic”, which infers miRNA-target interactions using transcriptomic data as well as prior knowledge and performs functional annotation of target genes by exploiting the local structure of the inferred network. For the network inference, we applied linear regression modeling with elastic net regularization on matched microRNA and messenger RNA expression profiling data to perform feature selection on prior knowledge from sequence-based target prediction resources. The novelty of miRlastic inference originates in predicting data-driven intra-transcriptome regulatory relationships through feature selection. With synthetic data, we showed that miRlastic outperformed commonly used methods and was suitable even for low sample sizes. To gain insight into the functional role of miRNAs and to determine joint functional properties of miRNA clusters, we introduced a local enrichment analysis procedure. The principle of this procedure lies in identifying regions of high functional similarity by evaluating the shortest paths between genes in the network. We can finally assign functional roles to the miRNAs by taking their regulatory relationships into account. We thoroughly evaluated miRlastic on a cohort of head and neck cancer (HNSCC) patients provided by The Cancer Genome Atlas. We inferred an mi-/mRNA regulatory network for human papilloma virus (HPV)-associated miRNAs in HNSCC. The resulting network best enriched for experimentally validated miRNA-target interaction, when compared to common methods. Finally, the local enrichment step identified two functional clusters of miRNAs that were predicted to mediate HPV-associated dysregulation in HNSCC. Our novel approach was able to characterize distinct pathway regulations from matched miRNA and mRNA data. An R package of miRlastic was made available through: http://icb.helmholtz-muenchen.de/mirlastic.
Novel Polycarbo-Substituted Imidazo[1,2-c]quinazolines: Synthesis and Cytotoxicity Study
Authors: Khoza Tebogo , Makhafola Tshepiso , Mphahlele Malose
Published: December 2015

Amination of the 2-aryl-6-bromo-4-chloro-8-iodoquinazolines with 2-aminoethanol followed by acid-promoted cyclodehydration of the incipient 2-((6,8-dihalo-2-phenylquinazolin-4-yl)amino)ethanols afforded the corresponding novel 5-aryl-9-bromo-7-iodo-2,3-dihydro-2H-imidazo[1,2-c]quinazolines. The latter were, in turn, subjected to sequential (Sonogashira and Suzuki-Miyaura) and one-pot two-step (Sonogashira/Stille) cross-coupling reactions to afford diversely functionalized polycarbo-substituted 2H-imidazo[1,2-c]quinazolines. The imidazoquinazolines were screened for in vitro cytotoxicity against human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cells and human cervical cancer (HeLa) cells.
Storage Stability of Kinnow Fruit (Citrus reticulata) as Affected by CMC and Guar Gum-Based Silver Nanoparticle Coatings
Authors: Shah Syed , Jahangir Muhammad , Qaisar Muhammad , Khan Sher , Mahmood Talat , Saeed Muhammad , Farid Abid , Liaquat Muhammad
Published: December 2015

The influence of carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC) and guargum-based coatings containing silver nanoparticles was studied on the postharvest storage stability of the kinnow mandarin (Citrus reticulata cv. Blanco) for a period of 120 days (85%–90% relative humidity) at 4 °C and 10 °C. Physicochemical and microbiological qualities were monitored after every 15 days of storage. Overall results revealed an increase in total soluble solid (TSS), total sugars, reducing sugars and weight loss but this increase was comparatively less significant in coated fruits stored at 4 °C. Ascorbic acid, total phenolics, and antioxidant activity was significantly enhanced in coated fruits stored at 4 °C. Titratable acidity significantly decreased during storage except for coated kinnow stored at 4 °C. In control samples stored at 10 °C, high intensity of fruit rotting and no chilling injury was observed. Total aerobic psychrotrophic bacteria and yeast and molds were noticed in all treatments during storage but the growth was not significant in coated fruits at 4 °C. Kinnow fruit can be kept in good quality after coating for four months at 4 °C and for 2 months at 10 °C.
Anti-Obesity Effect of 6,8-Diprenylgenistein, an Isoflavonoid of Cudrania tricuspidata Fruits in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice
Authors: Jo Yang , Choi Kyeong-Mi , Liu Qing , Kim Seon , Ji Hyeong-Jin , Kim Myounghwan , Shin Sang-Kyung , Do Seon-Gil , Shin Eunju , Jung Gayoung , Yoo Hwan-Soo , Hwang Bang , Lee Mi
Published: December 2015

Obesity, which is characterized by excessive fat accumulation, is associated with several pathological disorders, including metabolic diseases. In this study, the anti-obesity effect of 6,8-diprenylgenistein (DPG), a major isoflavonoid of Cudrania tricuspidata fruits was investigated using high fat-diet (HFD)-induced obese mice at the doses of 10 and 30 mg/kg for six week. The body weight of the DPG-treated groups was significantly lower compared to the HFD-treated group. In addition, fat accumulation in epididymal adipose tissue and liver was dramatically decreased in the HFD + DPG groups. The food efficiency ratios of the HFD + DPG groups were also lower compared to the HFD group with the same food intake. Metabolic parameters that had increased in the HFD group were decreased in the HFD + DPG groups. Further studies demonstrate that DPG efficiently reduces lipogenic genes by regulation of transcription factors, such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α (C/EBPα), and hormones, such as leptin and adiponection. DPG also regulates acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) and hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) by AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation. Taken together, DPG is beneficial for the regulation of obesity, especially resulting from high fat intake.
Nutrition Interventions for Prevention and Management of Childhood Obesity: What Do Parents Want from an eHealth Program?
Authors: Burrows Tracy , Hutchesson Melinda , Chai Li Kheng , Rollo Megan , Skinner Geoff , Collins Clare
Published: December 2015

With the growth of Internet technologies, offering interventions for child and family weight management in an online format may address barriers to accessing services. This study aimed to investigate (i) whether an eHealth family healthy lifestyle program would be of interest to parents; and (ii) preferences and/or expectations for program components and features. Parents of children aged four to18 years were recruited through social media and completed an online survey (54 items) including closed and open-ended questions. Responses were collated using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Seventy-five participants were included (92% mothers, mean age 39.1 ± 8.6 years, mean BMI 27.6 ± 6.3 kg/m2). The index child had a mean age of 11 ± 6.2 years with 24% overweight/obese. The majority of parents (90.3%) reported interest in an online program, with preference expressed for a non-structured program to allow flexibility users to log-on and off as desired. Parents wanted a program that was easy to use, practical, engaging, endorsed by a reputable source, and able to provide individual tailoring and for their children to be directly involved. The current study supports the need for online delivery of a healthy lifestyle program that targets greater parental concerns of diet rather than child weight.
The Effect of Epidermal Structures on Leaf Spectral Signatures of Ice Plants (Aizoaceae)
Authors: Heim René , Jürgens Norbert , Große-Stoltenberg André , Oldeland Jens
Published: December 2015

Epidermal structures (ES) of leaves are known to affect the functional properties and spectral responses. Spectral studies focused mostly on the effect of hairs or wax layers only. We studied a wider range of different ES and their impact on spectral properties. Additionally, we identified spectral regions that allow distinguishing different ES. We used a field spectrometer to measure ex situ leaf spectral responses from 350 nm–2500 nm. A spectral library for 25 species of the succulent family Aizoaceae was assembled. Five functional types were defined based on ES: flat epidermal cell surface, convex to papillary epidermal cell surface, bladder cells, hairs and wax cover. We tested the separability of ES using partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) based on the spectral data. Subsequently, variable importance (VIP) was calculated to identify spectral regions relevant for discriminating our functional types (classes). Classification performance was high, with a kappa value of 0.9 indicating well-separable spectral classes. VIP calculations identified six spectral regions of increased importance for the classification. We confirmed and extended previous findings regarding the visible-near-infrared spectral region. Our experiments also confirmed that epidermal leaf traits can be classified due to clearly distinguishable spectral signatures across species and genera within the Aizoaceae.
Organizational Green IT Adoption: Concept and Evidence
Authors: Deng Qi , Ji Shaobo
Published: December 2015

Green IT has emerged as an important research topic in information systems and in other areas, such as business sustainability management. Some progress has been made in our understandings of green IT in a wide area of research topics, ranging from the green IT definition to the motivation for adopting green IT by organizations. This paper provides a holistic review and explanation of why organizations adopt green IT. Based on an extensive review of extant studies and a broad theoretical foundation, the paper presents a theoretical framework on organizational green IT adoption (OGITA). For researchers, the study provides a comprehensive review of previous green IT adoption studies and a roadmap for future research. For practitioners, the study provides managers and policy makers a systematic analytical framework in guiding their business decisions.
Mechanisms of Hepatitis C Viral Resistance to Direct Acting Antivirals
Authors: Ahmed Asma , Felmlee Daniel
Published: December 2015

There has been a remarkable transformation in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C in recent years with the development of direct acting antiviral agents targeting virus encoded proteins important for viral replication including NS3/4A, NS5A and NS5B. These agents have shown high sustained viral response (SVR) rates of more than 90% in phase 2 and phase 3 clinical trials; however, this is slightly lower in real-life cohorts. Hepatitis C virus resistant variants are seen in most patients who do not achieve SVR due to selection and outgrowth of resistant hepatitis C virus variants within a given host. These resistance associated mutations depend on the class of direct-acting antiviral drugs used and also vary between hepatitis C virus genotypes and subtypes. The understanding of these mutations has a clear clinical implication in terms of choice and combination of drugs used. In this review, we describe mechanism of action of currently available drugs and summarize clinically relevant resistance data.
Efficacy of Antiviral Drugs against Feline Immunodeficiency Virus
Authors: Hartmann Katrin , Wooding Anita , Bergmann Michèle
Published: December 2015

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is one of the most common infectious agents affecting cats worldwide .FIV and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) share many properties: both are lifelong persistent lentiviruses that are similar genetically and morphologically and both viruses propagate in T-lymphocytes, macrophages, and neural cells. Experimentally infected cats have measurable immune suppression, which sometimes progresses to an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. A transient initial state of infection is followed by a long latent stage with low virus replication and absence of clinical signs. In the terminal stage, both viruses can cause severe immunosuppression. Thus, FIV infection in cats has become an important natural model for studying HIV infection in humans, especially for evaluation of antiviral compounds. Of particular importance for chemotherapeutic studies is the close similarity between the reverse transcriptase (RT) of FIV and HIV, which results in high in vitro susceptibility of FIV to many RT-targeted antiviral compounds used in the treatment of HIV-infected patients. Thus, the aim of this article is to provide an up-to-date review of studies on antiviral treatment of FIV, focusing on commercially available compounds for human or animal use.
A novel and practical asymmetric synthesis of dapoxetine hydrochloride
Authors: Zhu Yijun , Liu Zhenren , Li Hongyan , Ye Deyong , Zhou Weicheng
Published: December 2015

A novel and practical asymmetric synthesis of dapoxetine hydrochloride by using the chiral auxiliary (S)-tert-butanesulfinamide was explored. The synthesis was concise, mild, and easy to perform. The overall yield and stereoselectivity were excellent.
CLEANEAST™ Comprehensive Environmental Assessment Tool for Livestock and Poultry Farms: Design, Utility, and Performance for Adoption of Sustainable Agri-Environmental Practices
Authors:   RTI International, Deerhake Marion , Mosley Christopher , Rice Mark , Schaffner Karen , Wesley-Snider Amy , Ubaka-Blackmoore Nneka , Peterson Paul
Published: December 2015

RTI’s Environmental Assessment (EA) Tool enables livestock and poultry farmers to evaluate their operations for environmental challenges and identify practical ways to address those challenges.
Between 2007 and 2011, the Comprehensive Livestock Environmental Assessment and Nutrient Management Planning (CLEANEAST™) Project provided confidential, no-cost EAs and nutrient management planning (NMP) assistance to more than 400 livestock and poultry operations. During 2007 and 2008, RTI, our sub-agreement partner, North Carolina State University, and subcontractor, Agri-Waste Technology, Inc., designed the EA Tool, which contains over 400 questions in 12 topical areas. We pilot tested the EA Tool at two livestock operations before full-scale application.
We used the EA Tool at more than 290 livestock and poultry operations in 20 states east of the Mississippi River. In total, operators received 385 EA-related recommendations for improving on-farm, environmentally related practices. We used our results to inform both livestock and poultry sectors, as well as the US Department of Agriculture and US EPA, of nutrient management practices observed; to predict potential environmental releases from technologies and practices; to measure adoption rates of recommendations, technologies, and practices; to evaluate behavioral response to outreach; and to identify future needs for water and air quality program improvements and policy. The EA Tool remains in the public domain, and as interest grows in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate variability, the EA Tool can be readily expanded to inform farmers about their emissions from manure management and guide them in obtaining carbon credits for mitigation measures.
ACCOMMODATING ENERGY PRICE VOLATILITY IN LIFE CYCLE COST ANALYSIS OF ASPHALT PAVEMENTS
Authors: MIRZADEH Iman , BIRGISSON Bjorn
Published: December 2015

Energy price is related to more than half of the total life cycle cost of asphalt pavements. Furthermore, the fluctuation related to price of energy has been much higher than the general inflation and interest rate. This makes the energy price inflation an important variable that should be addressed when performing life cycle cost (LCC) studies regarding asphalt pavements. The present value of future costs is highly sensitive to the selected discount rate. Therefore, the choice of the discount rate is the most critical element in LCC analysis during the life time of a project. The objective of the paper is to present a discount rate for asphalt pavement projects as a function of interest rate, general inflation and energy price inflation. The discount rate is defined based on the portion of the energy related costs during the life time of the pavement. Consequently, it can reflect the financial risks related to the energy price in asphalt pavement projects. It is suggested that a discount rate sensitivity analysis for asphalt pavements in Sweden should range between –20 and 30%.
LOCAL CLIMATE CHANGE AND URBAN HEAT ISLAND MITIGATION TECHNIQUES – THE STATE OF THE ART
Authors: Akbari Hashem , Cartalis Constantinos , Kolokotsa Denia , Muscio Alberto , Pisello Anna Laura , Rossi Federico , Santamouris Matheos , Synnef Afroditi , WONG Nyuk Hien , Zinzi Michele
Published: December 2015

Increase of the ambient air temperature in cities caused by the urban heat island phenomenon has a seri- ous impact on the economic and social system of cities. to counterbalance the consequences of the increased urban temperatures important research has been carried out resulting in the development of efficient mitigation technologies. the present paper aims to present the state of the art in terms of local climate change and urban heat island mitigation techniques. In particular, developments in the field on highly reflective materials, cool and green roofs, cool pavements, urban green and of other mitigation technologies are presented in detail, while examples of implemented projects are given.
USING THE NEW FIBRE CONTACT ELEMENT METHOD FOR DYNAMIC STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS
Authors: Estêvão João M. C. , Carreira Ana S.
Published: December 2015

In literature, there are many methods proposed for structural analysis based on discrete element formulations, mainly for nonlinear problems. One of these new methods is the Fibre Contact Element Method (FCEM). Many of these methods have been used for structural dynamic analysis problems. However, there are some questions about their precision in capturing the dynamic elastic response of structures when comparing to methods based on continuous models, like the well known Finite Element Method (FEM). For this reason, the results obtained with FCEM were extensively compared with FEM results and with laboratorial tests, to better understand the performance of this new method in capturing the elastic dynamic response of structures. Results indicate that this kind of discrete methods are able to determine the vibration modes of a structure with equal or better precision level than the obtained with FEM. FCEM was also used to capture the dynamic response of a reinforced concrete frame with infill walls, as a way to show the method capabilities in reproducing the dynamic behaviour of structures that have an almost continuous mass distribution.
DESIGN REVISIONS OF COMPLEX BUILDING STRUCTURES: WORK EXPERIENCE IN LITHUANIA, LEGISLATIVE, ORGANIZATIONAL AND TECHNICAL ASPECTS
Authors: Samofalov Michail , Papinigis Vytautas
Published: December 2015

This paper presents an engineering survey based on experience of the authors during design and expertise of complex building structures in period of 2000–2014. Legal, organizational and technical aspects in a procedure of changes in structural design documentation are investigated. Separate actions for implementing changes according to legislative documents in Lithuania in technical and working structural projects are presented by a general algorithm. Actual questions about sequence in proceeding with local and global analytical calculations during designing of complex structures and peculiarities of processing revised structural drawings and text documents are described in this paper. Relevance of the subject is illustrated by an example of a successful decision in solving common construction and design problems of an office building in Vilnius. Finally, conclusions and recommendations are given. This paper is an investigation of the considered problem and is designated for science researchers in civil engineering, educational and public organizations working with refinement of the design procedures and project documentation handling, and for practicing engineers.