bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Development and Utility of a Novel Scale That Quantifies the Glycemic Progression Toward Type 1 Diabetes Over 6 Months
Authors: Sosenko Jay M. , Skyler Jay S. , Beam Craig A. , Boulware David , Mahon Jeffrey L. , Krischer Jeffrey P. , Greenbaum Carla J. , Rafkin Lisa E. , Matheson Della , Herold Kevan C. , Palmer Jerry P. ,   the Type 1 Diabetes TrialNet and Diabetes Prevention Trial–Type 1 Study Groups
Published: March 2015

OBJECTIVE

We developed a scale to serve as a potential end point for 6-month glycemic progression (PS6M) toward type 1 diabetes (T1D) in autoantibody-positive relatives of individuals with T1D.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The PS6M was developed from Diabetes Prevention Trial–Type 1 (DPT-1) data and tested in the TrialNet Pathway to Prevention Study (PTP). It is the difference between 6-month glucose sum values (30–120 min oral glucose tolerance test values) and values predicted for nonprogressors.

RESULTS

The PS6M predicted T1D in the PTP (P < 0.001). The area under the receiver operating chacteristic curve was greater (P < 0.001) for the PS6M than for the baseline–to–6-month difference. PS6M values were higher in those with two or more autoantibodies, 30–0 min C-peptide values <2.00 ng/mL, or DPT-1 Risk Scores >7.00 (P < 0.001 for all).

CONCLUSIONS

The PS6M is an indicator of short-term glycemic progression to T1D that could be a useful tool for assessing preventive treatments and biomarkers.
Efficacy and Safety of Saxagliptin in Older Participants in the SAVOR-TIMI 53 Trial
Authors: Leiter Lawrence A. , Teoh Hwee , Braunwald Eugene , Mosenzon Ofri , Cahn Avivit , Kumar K.M. Prasanna , Smahelova Alena , Hirshberg Boaz , Stahre Christina , Frederich Robert , Bonnici Francois , Scirica Benjamin M. , Bhatt Deepak L. , Raz Itamar ,   for the SAVOR-TIMI 53 Steering Committee and Investigators
Published: March 2015

OBJECTIVE

To examine the safety and cardiovascular (CV) effects of saxagliptin in the predefined elderly (≥65 years) and very elderly (≥75 years) subpopulations of the Saxagliptin Assessment of Vascular Outcomes Recorded in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus–Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 53 (SAVOR-TIMI 53) trial.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Individuals ≥40 years (n = 16,492; elderly, n = 8,561; very elderly, n = 2,330) with HbA1c ≥6.5% (47.5 mmol/mol) and ≤12.0% (107.7 mmol/mol) were randomized (1:1) to saxagliptin (5 or 2.5 mg daily) or placebo in a double-blind trial for a median follow-up of 2.1 years.

RESULTS

The hazard ratio (HR) for the comparison of saxagliptin versus placebo for the primary end point (composite of CV mortality, myocardial infarction, or ischemic stroke) was 0.92 for elderly patients vs. 1.15 for patients <65 years (P = 0.06) and 0.95 for very elderly patients. The HRs for the secondary composite end points in the entire cohort, elderly cohort, and very elderly cohort were similar. Although saxagliptin increased the risk of hospitalization for heart failure in the overall saxagliptin population, there was no age-based treatment interaction (P = 0.76 for elderly patients vs. those <65 years; P = 0.34 for very elderly patients vs. those <75 years). Among saxagliptin-treated individuals with baseline HbA1c ≥7.6% (59.6 mmol/mol), the mean change from baseline HbA1c at 2 years was −0.69%, −0.64%, −0.66%, and −0.66% for those ≥65, <65, ≥75, and <75 years old, respectively. The incidence of overall adverse events (AEs) and serious AEs was similar between saxagliptin and placebo in all cohorts; however, hypoglycemic events were higher for saxagliptin versus placebo regardless of age.

CONCLUSIONS

The SAVOR-TIMI 53 trial supports the overall CV safety of saxagliptin in a robust number of elderly and very elderly participants, although the risk of heart failure hospitalization was increased irrespective of age category. AEs and serious AEs as well as glycemic efficacy of saxagliptin in elderly patients are similar to those found in younger patients.
The Effect Of Sodium Alginate Concentration On The Rheological Parameters Of Spinning Solutions
Authors: Brzezińska Magdalena , Szparaga Grzegorz
Published: March 2015

The aim of the study was to determine the rheological properties of solutions of two types of sodium alginate in water. Rheological studies were carried out to determine the rheological properties of the spinning solutions. Polymer solutions of different concentrations were obtained. Based on the preliminary research of the concentrations of solutions, the proper n and k parameters were selected in order to obtain fibre by wet spinning from solution method. For selected concentrations of polymer solutions, the calcium alginate fibres were obtained.
Prodromus of moth flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) from Slovakia
Authors: Oboňa Jozef , Ježek Jan
Published: March 2015

First records of fourteen species of moth flies are from Slovakia mentioned: Apsycha pusilla (Tonnoir, 1922), Clytocerus (Boreoclytocerus) splendidus Ježek & Hájek, 2007, C. (B.) tetracorniculatus Wagner, 1977, Jungiella (Jungiella) hygrophila Ježek, 1987, J. (J.) valachica (Vaillant, 1963), J. (Psychocha) laminata (Szabó, 1960), Parajungiella prikryli Ježek, 1999, Pericoma (Pericoma) exquisita Eaton, 1893, P. (P.) ljubiniensis Krek, 1969, P. (P.) vestita Vaillant & Withers, 1993, Psychoda alticola Vaillant, 1973, P. uniformata Haseman, 1907, Pneumia compta (Eaton, 1893) and P. kabelaki Omelková & Ježek, 2012. Records on the basis of larvae of Berdeniella manicata (Tonnoir, 1920), Pericoma (Pericoma) pseudoexquisita Tonnoir, 1940 and Pneumia stammeri (Jung, 1956) in the past are first time confirmed as adults from Slovakia. Some detailed important morphological characters males of two selected species Pericoma (Pericoma) exquisita and P. (P.) pseudoexquisita are figured. All credible and available data of non-biting moth flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) from Slovakia were summarized (396 localities) and many new collecting sites (visited by different collectors from 1977 to 2013) added (188 localities). A suitable grid mapping for Central Europe was used. A preliminary conservation status of 51 rare species is discussed. The speciesrichness of the psychodid fauna in Slovakia is increased by this paper to 117 species.
Improvement on the Discrepancy of (t, e, s)-Sequences
Authors: Tezuka Shu
Published: March 2015

Recently, a notion of (t, e, s)-sequences in base b was introduced, where e = (e1, . . . , es) is a positive integer vector, and their discrepancy bounds were obtained based on the signed splitting method. In this paper, we first propose a general framework of (Tε , ε, s)-sequences, and present that it includes (T, s)-sequences and (t, e, s)-sequences as special cases. Next, we show that a careful analysis leads to an asymptotic improvement on the discrepancy bound of a (t, e, s)-sequence in an even base b. It follows that the constant in the leading term of the star discrepancy bound is given by
The Order of Appearance of the Product of Five Consecutive Lucas Numbers
Authors: Marques Diego , Trojovský Pavel
Published: March 2015

Let Fn be the nth Fibonacci number and let Ln be the nth Lucas number. The order of appearance z(n) of a natural number n is defined as the smallest natural number k such that n divides Fk. For instance, z(Fn) = n = z(Ln)/2 for all n > 2. In this paper, among other things, we prove that

for all positive integers n ≡ 0,8 (mod 12).
The Imagistic Theatre of Robert Whitman
Authors: Rottner Nadja
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACT:

This essay discusses the experimental theatre of Robert Whitman who, in 1960, turned toward performance with the sensibility of a process-oriented painter and sculptor. More specifically, it addresses the role that perception plays in both the creation and the reception of three of his less often studied performances: Architecture (1972), Northern Dark (1987), and, more recently, Passport (2011). As part of a larger intermedia trend in American art of the 1950s and early 1960s to create audio-visual “Happenings” that seek to “intensify” and “renew perceptual experience,” these postdramatic event-structures interweave film into complex imagistic sequences that are both felt and understood cognitively, live and mediated. In a discussion of the remedial intent implicit in Whitman’s theatre of vision, termed a “theatre of images” by Bonnie Maranca, the article relies on early American process philosophy to clarify the nature and the effects of embodied experience that these works seek to elicit.
A Postcolonial Reading of Lesia Ukraïnka’sOrhiia
Authors: Andrianova Anastassiya
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACT:

Lesia Ukraïnka’s Orhiia [The Orgy] (1913) is traditionally read as an anti-colonial allegory for Ukraine’s subjugation to Russia, an approach supported by Ukraine’s history and Ukraïnka’s biography. Such readings highlight the plight of the male hero, whose aesthetic ideals are inextricable from his loyalty to his nation. The aim of the present article is to offer a new interpretation that focuses, rather, on the marginal characters previously dismissed as “cultural renegades,” who aligned themselves with Russian culture. Grounded in postcolonial feminist theory, this close analysis reveals the tensions between national loyalty and sterile parochialism and between cosmopolitanism and aesthetic integrity. By placing Ukraïnka’s Orhiia in the Second-World context, the article invites further inquiry into Eastern- and Central-European modernist drama that re-enacts important aspects of these nations’ colonial experience, particularly the effects of the imperial male gaze on colonial women artists.
Adaptation, Fidelity, and the “Reek” of Aesthetic Ideology: Susan Sontag’s Lady from the Sea
Authors: Gunn Olivia Noble
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACT:

This article considers Susan Sontag’s adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s The Lady from the Sea (1888). Both Ibsen and Sontag break faith with older traditions in order to keep faith with amended and contemporary versions of aesthetic truth. Sontag considered Ibsen’s play to be deeply flawed, but I argue that the flaws Sontag perceived arose, instead, from the conflict between her romantic-modernist ideology and Ibsen’s counter-romantic and realist drama. By pairing down Ibsen’s dense world in favour of symbolism, her play expresses a starker critique of bourgeois marriage; her mermaid is a symbol for a poetics of sexual difference that resists the possibility of woman’s happy adjustment to a patriarchal world. Ibsen, on the other hand, uses his mermaid to acknowledge the simultaneous power and hollowness of romantic symbols, indicating how they can overshadow other aesthetic interests – including the complex and neurotic, late-nineteenth-century bourgeois housewife.
“Vibrational Bonding”: A New Type of Chemical Bond is Discovered
Authors: Rhodes Christopher J. , Macrae Roderick M.
Published: March 2015

A long-sought but elusive new type of chemical bond, occurring on a minimum-free, purely repulsive potential energy surface, has recently been convincingly shown to be possible on the basis of high-level quantum-chemical calculations. This type of bond, termed a vibrational bond, forms because the total energy, including the dynamical energy of the nuclei, is lower than the total energy of the dissociated products, including their vibrational zero-point energy. For this to be the case, the ZPE of the product molecule must be very high, which is ensured by replacing a conventional hydrogen atom with its light isotope muonium (Mu, mass = 1/9 u) in the system Br – H – Br, a natural transition state in the reaction between Br and HBr. A paramagnetic species observed in the reaction Mu + Br2 has been proposed as a first experimental sighting of this species, but definitive identification remains challenging.
Tooth brushing with and without Dentifrice - A Comparative Study
Authors: Pathak Liza
Published: March 2015

Tooth brushing is such a familiar process that it is easy to forget how crucial it is to oral health and how important it is to brush properly. Twenty three patients were selected in the age-group of 30-40 having tooth brushing abrasion in the cervical region of at least three teeth and taught the Modified Stillmans Brushing Technique during a four week pre-test period. Plaque disclosing agent was used prior to and after brushing to educate the subjects .At the end of the pre-test period  a complete oral prophylaxis was done to obtain a zero plaque score. The patient was asked to refrain from any oral hygiene procedure for next 48 hours and nonfibrous regular diet was advised. After 48 hours pre-brushing plaque scoring was recorded according to Turesky-Gilmore-Glickman Modification of the Quigley-Hein plaque index. A split mouth design was followed to record the post brushing plaque scores.  Each time the patients were asked to brush on both upper and lower quadrants of one side for recording post-brushing plaque scores  without dentifrice first and then brush on the upper and lower quadrants of the other side for recording plaque scores with dentifrice. The three treatment groups viz. Pre-brushing, Post-brushing without dentifrice and Post-brushing with dentifrice when subjected to ANOVA confirmed that the Modified Stillmans Technique effectively removes plaque in both post-brushing situations (p<0.01).The subjects showed a reduction in plaque levels in the Post-brushing trials as indicated by C.D. value (0.0179) (p<0.05). It can be derived from the statistical analysis that if properly done tooth brushing removes plaque effectively when used with or without dentifrice. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjdre.v5i1.22451 Bangladesh Journal of Dental Research and Education Vol.5(1) 2015: 06-10
Oral Health Status among Drug Addicts in a Selected Hospital in Dhaka City
Authors: Mamun Md Abdullah Al , Kabir Md Jahangir , Farzan Md Sajedul Asif , Zerin Ishrat , Kabir Md Arafat , Uddin AKM Salah
Published: March 2015

This was a cross-sectional study on oral health status of drug addicted patients admitted in a drug abuse treatment center in Dhaka city. This study was conducted at Mukti Mental Hospital, Drug & Alcohol Treatment Center situated at Gulshan, Dhaka, Bangladesh. The study was carried out among 50 drug addicts from the month of January to June 2012. Data were collected from the patients from 21st April to 5th May 2012. The main objective of the study was to assess and investigate the oral hygiene practice and oral health status of drug abusers. Fifty drug abusers irrespective of sex and age were interviewed & their oral health status was evaluated using the World Health Organization recommended procedures for Decayed, Missing, Filled teeth and the periodontal status. Data were collected with a pretested structured questionnaire and checklist.  Dental caries was found in 92% of the drug addicts, while Missing and Filled teeth were recorded 86% and 88% of the addicts respectively.  86% of the addicts demonstrated DMFT score 1 or Higher; whereas 14% of the addicts demonstrated DMFT score 0 or were free from any form of dental decay, missing teeth or dental filling and 74% of the drug addicts had gingival inflammation and bleeding from gum, 42% had some oral mucosal lesion like apthus ulcer and candidiasis. The number of Decayed, Missing or Filled teeth increased with less frequency of daily tooth brushing and this finding was significant (p<0.01). On the basis of these findings it was concluded that dental caries in drug addicts is a major health concern and creating awareness among the public about harmful effects of drugs on their oral health through plan and policy can reduce the burden of dental diseases. Moreover mass media and general education of the mass people can play a vital role. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjdre.v5i1.22452 Bangladesh Journal of Dental Research and Education Vol.5(1) 2015: 11-13
Orthopantomographic evaluation of third molar developmental stages in relation to chronological age of Bangladeshi female garment workers: A case report
Authors: Mahmud Shaikh Zakir , Nomann Nahid Al , Kabir Md Arafat , Jan Chowdhury Moin
Published: March 2015

Human teeth are among the most distinctive and long lasting features of mammal species. Various quantitative and qualitative methodologies have been developed by the researchers in order to establish an assessment format to determine the correlation between the dental age and the chronological age. The morphological and radiological examinations of third molars make up a part of the orthodontic, pedodontic, forensic odontology and oral surgical treatments and remain the most reliable biologic indicator available for age estimation during the middle teens and early twenties. This age calculation requirement is not only for differentiating the juvenile from the adult status in criminal law cases, but also for chronological age estimation in relation to school attendance, social benefits, employment and marriage. A case for actual need for age estimation using a developing third molar is presented here DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjdre.v5i1.22456 Bangladesh Journal of Dental Research and Education Vol.5(1) 2015: 22-25
Posterior Resin Bonded Fixed Dental Prosthesis - A Case Report
Authors: Ahmad Naeem , Bashir Taseer , Khan Azeem , Krishnan Vijay , Yadav Monu , Saluja Aarti
Published: March 2015

Dentistry is an ever evolving science. With the advancements in the field of bonding techniques and also in the tooth preparation methods, the use of Resin bonded fixed dental prostheses is becoming a treatment of choice for small posterior edentulous spans. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjdre.v5i1.22458 Bangladesh Journal of Dental Research and Education Vol.5(1) 2015: 26-28
Growth attributes of rapeseed varieties (Brassica campestris l.) in relation to sowing dates and weedings treatments
Authors: Akhter Mst Towhida , Kundu PB , Paul NK
Published: March 2015

Context: To analyze the effect of sowing dates and weeding treatments on growth attributes such as total dry matter (TDM), leaf area index (LAI), net assimilation rate (NAR), crop growth rate (CGR), leaf area ratio (LAR) of three rapeseed (Brassica campestris L.) Objectives: The objective of the study was to identify the growth in relation to sowing dates and weed competition and identify the weeding number for better growth of rapeseed. Materials and Methods: This investigation was arranged as factorial experiment based on the split-split plot design with three replications. Four sowing dates were including 18 October (S1), 12 November (S2), 17 November (S3) and 3 December (S4) and three weeding treatments were no weeding (W0), one hand weeding (W1) and two hand weeding (W2) and three varieties viz., BINA Sarisha-5, BINA Sarisha-6 and BARI Sarisha-14 were investigated. Results: The results showed that, TDM, LAI, CGR, NAR and LAR were affected by sowing date and weeding treatments. The highest TDM, LAI and CGR were obtained in the first sowing and two weedings treatment. The highest NAR was found in S2 plants and W0 treatment. The highest LAR was found in S2 plants and W1 treatment. Conclusion: The results obtained in this study suggest that the first sowing and two weeding treatments are superior for the production of rapeseed. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbs.v21i0.22519 J. bio-sci. 21: 51-59, 2013
Development of captive Juvenile male Grasscutters (Thryonomys swinderianus. Temminck 1827) fed with two common forage grass species in Nigeria
Authors: Ogunjobi JA , Adu BW , Onadeko SA , Jayeola OB
Published: March 2015

Context: Sustainable utilization of abundant forage grass species in Nigeria is very crucial in grasscutter domestication programme. Objective: This study evaluates comparative effects of Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) and Gamba grass (Andropogon gayanus) parts on growth performance of captive-bred juvenile male grasscutters. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted inside Grasscutter Domestication Unit of Federal College of Wildlife Management, New Bussa, Niger State, Nigeria. The experimental animal comprised of twenty-four juvenile males (JM) with mean live-weight of 410±2.11g fed four basal dietary treatment combinations: Elephant grass stem (EGS), Elephant Grass Leaf (EGL), Gamba Grass Stem (GGS) and Gamba Grass Leaf (GGL) in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement for 120 days to obtain data which includes feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), weight gain (WG), nutrient digestibilities of dry matter (DM) and crude fibre (CF). Results: Average daily feed intake (FI) in JM was significantly (p<0.05) higher in experimental animals fed with GGS (107.23g/d) and EGS (106.21g/d) relative to GGL (105.89g/d) and EGL (105.14g/d). EGL exhibited higher (4.45g/d) WG and lowest (23.69) FCR. JM fed EGL recorded highest digestibility of DM (85.64%) and CF (83.84%), respectively. Grass species and parts interaction showed significant variation (p<0.05) on FI, DM and CF of the animals when fed EGL. Conclusion: It was evident that EGL was maximally utilized by captive-bred juvenile male grasscutters for growth performance hence, feeding of captive male grass cutters with EGL as basal food for table meat production is recommended. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbs.v21i0.22523 J. bio-sci. 21: 89-98, 2013
Food and feeding habits of Juvenile white sea bass, Lates Calcarifer (Bloch) from the Shibsha river in the South-Western coastal region of Bangladesh
Authors: Kamruzzaman Sk , Al Noor Syeda Mushahida , Hossain Md Delwer
Published: March 2015

Abstract not available DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbs.v21i0.22528 J. bio-sci. 21: 141-144, 2013
ʿudūl in the Qur'an and its Effects on tafsīr
Authors: Ahmad al-Zahrani Mashraf Ibn
Published: March 2015

This study examines aspects of ʿudūl (linguistic and stylistic departure for rhetorical purposes) in the Qur'an alongside its use in tafsīr to help ascertain the deeper meanings of the Qur'an. It highlights the precedence of the mufassirūn in considering this aspect of Qur'anic style, and the ways in which scholars of rhetoric benefitted from their findings. To this end, it first studies the term ʿudūl and its development, and then discusses the relationship between it and related terms, demonstrating how the features of ʿudūl give it a semantic capacity that give it priority over other related aspects of Qur'anic style. The article then discusses the classification of types of ʿudūl in the Qur'an in terms of their application to both individual words and larger structures, and gives practical examples illustrating its effects in elucidating meaning in the Qur'an.
Modern Housing Retrofit: Assessment of Upgrade Packages to EnerPHit Standard for 1940–1960 State Houses in Auckland
Authors: Leardini Paola , Manfredini Manfredo
Published: March 2015

New Zealand state housing includes a significant portion of problematic buildings constructed after the public housing scheme launched in 1936. Most of these houses are still uninsulated, thus, cold, draughty, mouldy, and progressively decaying; however, as they are fundamental elements of the country’s culture, society, and environment, and are built with good quality materials and sound construction, they are suitable candidates for effective energy upgrades. This paper presents findings of a study on problems and opportunities of retrofitting the state houses built between 1940 and 1960 in the Auckland region. It advocates strategic national policies and initiatives for retrofitting, based on more challenging performance thresholds. The research defines and virtually implements an incremental intervention strategy including different retrofit packages for a typical 1950s stand-alone house. Indoor and outdoor environmental parameters were monitored over a year, and data used to establish a base case for thermal simulation. The upgrade packages were then modelled to assess their impact on the house’s thermal performance, comparing heating requirements and comfort of various insulation and ventilation options. The paper reports on effective ways of preserving the integrity of such a house, while improving its thermal performance to the EnerPHit standard, and discusses the benefits of introducing this holistic approach into New Zealand retrofit practice.
Hierarchical Load Tracking Control of a Grid-Connected Solid Oxide Fuel Cell for Maximum Electrical Efficiency Operation
Authors: Li Yonghui , Wu Qiuwei , Zhu Haiyu
Published: March 2015

Based on the benchmark solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) dynamic model for power system studies and the analysis of the SOFC operating conditions, the nonlinear programming (NLP) optimization method was used to determine the maximum electrical efficiency of the grid-connected SOFC subject to the constraints of fuel utilization factor, stack temperature and output active power. The optimal operating conditions of the grid-connected SOFC were obtained by solving the NLP problem considering the power consumed by the air compressor. With the optimal operating conditions of the SOFC for the maximum efficiency operation obtained at different active power output levels, a hierarchical load tracking control scheme for the grid-connected SOFC was proposed to realize the maximum electrical efficiency operation with the stack temperature bounded. The hierarchical control scheme consists of a fast active power control and a slower stack temperature control. The active power control was developed by using a decentralized control method. The efficiency of the proposed hierarchical control scheme was demonstrated by case studies using the benchmark SOFC dynamic model.
Cognitive Functioning and Walking Speed in Older Adults as Predictors of Limitations in Self-Reported Instrumental Activity of Daily Living: Prospective Findings from the Obu Study of Health Promotion for the Elderly
Authors: Makizako Hyuma , Shimada Hiroyuki , Doi Takehiko , Tsutsumimoto Kota , Lee Sangyoon , Hotta Ryo , Nakakubo Sho , Harada Kazuhiro , Lee Sungchul , Bae Seongryu , Harada Kenji , Suzuki Takao
Published: March 2015

Our aim was to determine whether baseline measures of cognitive functioning, walking speed, and depressive status are independent predictors of limitations in instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) in older adults. The cross-sectional study involved 1329 community-dwelling adults, aged 75 years or older. At baseline, the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Symbol Digit Substitution Test (SDST), Geriatric Depressive Scale (GDS), and a word list memory task were completed, and self-reported IADLs and walking speed were recorded. The longitudinal study involved 948 participants without baseline IADL limitation, which was assessed at baseline and 15-month follow up, using the three Kihon Checklist subitems. In cross-sectional analyses, participants with IADL limitation demonstrated greater GDS scores, slower walking speeds, and lower MMSE, word list memory task, and SDST (only for women) scores relative to those without IADL limitation. In the longitudinal analyses, baseline walking speed (men: OR 0.98; women: OR 0.97, p < 0.05) and word list memory task scores (men: OR 0.84; women: OR 0.83, p < 0.05) in both sexes and SDST scores in women (OR 0.96, p = 0.04) were independent predictors of subsequent IADL limitation. Walking speed, memory, and processing speed may be independent predictors of IADL limitation in older adults.
Characterization of Aminoglycoside Resistance and Virulence Genes among Enterococcus spp. Isolated from a Hospital in China
Authors: Li Wanxiang , Li Jing , Wei Quhao , Hu Qingfeng , Lin Xiaowei , Chen Mengquan , Ye Renji , Lv Huoyang
Published: March 2015

This study investigated the aminoglycoside resistance phenotypes and genotypes, as well as the prevalence of virulence genes, in Enterococcus species isolated from clinical patients in China. A total of 160 enterococcal isolates from various clinical samples collected from September 2013 to July 2014 were identified to the species level using the VITEK-2 COMPACT system. The antimicrobial susceptibilities of the identified Enterococcus strains were determined by the Kirby-Bauer (K-B) disc diffusion method. PCR-based assays were used to detect the aminoglycoside resistance and virulence genes in all enterococcal isolates. Of 160 Enterococcus isolates, 105 were identified as E. faecium, 35 as E. faecalis, and 20 isolates were classified as “other” Enterococcus species. High-level aminoglycoside resistance (HLAR) for gentamicin, streptomycin, and both antibiotics was identified in 58.8, 50, and 34.4% of strains, respectively. The most common virulence gene (50.6% of isolates) was efaA, followed by asa1 (28.8%). The most prevalent aminoglycoside resistance genes were aac(6')-Ie-aph(2''), aph(2')-Id, aph(3')-IIIa, and ant(6')-Ia, present in 49.4%, 1.3%, 48.8% and 31.3% of strains, respectively. Overall, E. faecium and E. faecalis were most frequently associated with hospital-acquired enterococcal infections in Zhejiang Province. All aminoglycoside resistance genes, except aph(2'')-Id, were significantly more prevalent in HLAR strains than amongst high level aminoglycoside susceptible (HLAS) strains, while there was no significant difference between HLAR and HLAS strains in regard to the prevalence of virulence genes, apart from esp, therefore, measures should be taken to manage infections caused by multi-drug resistant Enterococcus species.
South African Foundation Phase Teachers’ Perceptions of ADHD at Private and Public Schools
Authors: Kern Anwynne , Amod Zaytoon , Seabi Joseph , Vorster Adri
Published: March 2015

This study investigated foundation phase teachers’ perceptions of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The teachers’ views on the aetiology, appropriate interventions and incidence rates of ADHD were examined. A total of 130 foundation phase teachers from mainstream private and public schools completed a self-developed questionnaire that had been piloted by the researchers. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data, specifically to determine whether there were differences in responses between public and private school teachers. Thematic content analysis was used to identify the themes that emerged from the open-ended questions. It was found that the teachers had a limited understanding of ADHD, in terms of what it is as well as the aetiology. In addition, it emerged that medication was the preferred method of intervention despite the participants’ awareness of alternative intervention methods. A comparison of the private and public school teachers’ results indicated no significant difference in their perceptions regarding the aetiology, interventions or incidence rates of ADHD.
Precursor-Less Coating of Nanoparticles in the Gas Phase
Authors: Pfeiffer Tobias , Kedia Puneet , Messing Maria , Valvo Mario , Schmidt-Ott Andreas
Published: March 2015

This article introduces a continuous, gas-phase method for depositing thin metallic coatings onto (nano)particles using a type of physical vapor deposition (PVD) at ambient pressure and temperature. An aerosol of core particles is mixed with a metal vapor cloud formed by spark ablation by passing the aerosol through the spark zone using a hollow electrode configuration. The mixing process rapidly quenches the vapor, which condenses onto the core particles at a timescale of several tens of milliseconds in a manner that can be modeled as bimodal coagulation. Gold was deposited onto core nanoparticles consisting of silver or polystyrene latex, and silver was deposited onto gold nanoparticles. The coating morphology depends on the relative surface energies of the core and coating materials, similar to the growth mechanisms known for thin films: a coating made of a substance having a high surface energy typically results in a patchy coverage, while a coating material with a low surface energy will normally “wet” the surface of a core particle. The coated particles remain gas-borne, allowing further processing.
Temperature-Induced Liquid-Liquid Transition in Metallic Melts: A Brief Review on the New Physical Phenomenon
Authors: Zu Fang-Qiu
Published: March 2015

Understanding the nature of liquid structures and properties remains an open problem for many fundamental and applied fields. It is well known that there is no other defined phase line above liquidus (TL) in phase diagrams of ordinary alloys. However, via resorts of internal friction, electric resistivity, thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction, solidification, etc., the results of our research on lots of single- and multiple-component melts show a novel physical image: temperature induced liquid-liquid structure transition (TI-LLST) can occur above TL. Moreover, the solidification behaviors and structures out of the melts that experienced TI-LLST are distinct from those out of the melts before TI-LLST. In this paper, some typical examples of TI-LLST and characteristic aspects of the TI-LLST are briefly reviewed, in which the main contents are limited in our own achievements, although other groups have also observed similar phenomena using different methods. In the sense of phenomenology, TI-LLST reported here is quite different from other recognized liquid transitions, i.e., there are only a few convincing cases of liquid P, Si, C, H2O, Al2O3-Y2O3, etc. in which the transition occurs, either induced by pressure or at a supercooled state and near liquidus.
Phase Angle and Handgrip Strength Are Sensitive Early Markers of Energy Intake in Hypophagic, Non-Surgical Patients at Nutritional Risk, with Contraindications to Enteral Nutrition
Authors: Caccialanza Riccardo , Cereda Emanuele , Klersy Catherine , Bonardi Chiara , Cappello Silvia , Quarleri Lara , Turri Annalisa , Montagna Elisabetta , Iacona Isabella , Valentino Francesco , Pedrazzoli Paolo
Published: March 2015

The assessment of nutritional intakes during hospitalization is crucial, as it is known that nutritional status tends to worsen during the hospital stay, and this can lead to the negative consequences of malnutrition. International guidelines recommend the use of parenteral nutrition (PN) in hypophagic, non-surgical patients at nutritional risk, with contraindications to enteral nutrition. However, to date, there are no published data regarding either energy intake or objective measurements associated with it in this patient population. The aim of the present exploratory methodological study was to evaluate whether phase angle (PhA) and handgrip strength normalized for skeletal muscle mass (HG/SMM) are sensitive early markers of energy intake in hypophagic, non-surgical patients at nutritional risk, with contraindications to enteral nutrition. We evaluated 30 eligible patients, who were treated with personalized dietary modifications and supplemental PN for at least one week during hospitalization. In a liner regression model adjusted for age, gender, basal protein intake and the basal value of each variable, a trend toward improvement of PhA and preservation of HG/SMM was observed in patients satisfying the estimated calorie requirements (N = 20), while a significant deterioration of these parameters occurred in those who were not able to reach the target (N = 10). The mean adjusted difference and 95% CI were +1.4° (0.5–2.3) (p = 0.005) for PhA and +0.23 (0.20–0.43) (p = 0.033) for HG/SMM. A significant correlation between PhA and HG/SMM variations was also observed (r = 0.56 (95% CI, 0.23–0.77); p = 0.0023). PhA and HG/SMM were able to distinguish between hypophagic, non-surgical patients at nutritional risk who satisfied their estimated caloric requirements and those who did not after a one-week personalized nutritional support. Clinical studies are warranted, in order to verify these preliminary observations and to validate the role of PhA variations as early markers of anabolic/catabolic fluctuations.
Food Group and Micronutrient Intake Adequacy among Children, Adults and Elderly Women in Greece
Authors: Manios Yannis , Moschonis George , Grammatikaki Evangelia , Mavrogianni Christina , Van den Heuvel Ellen , Bos Rolf , Singh-Povel Cecile
Published: March 2015

The aim of the present study was to record the percentage of children, adults and elderly women in Greece meeting food and micronutrient intake recommendations. Additionally, the present study was aiming to identify the main food contributors of micronutrient intakes and assess the degree up to which meeting food intake recommendations also ensures micronutrient intake adequacy. Dietary intake data from three studies conducted in Greece (on 9–13-year-old children; 40–60-year-old adults; and 50–75-year-old women) were used to estimate mean intakes, the percentages of subjects meeting food and nutrient intake recommendations and the contribution of six core food groups to nutrient intake adequacy. The present study showed that more than 50% of children, adults and elderly women were failing to consume the recommended portions of vegetables, dairy and grains. Furthermore, children and adults consuming the recommended portions of individual core food groups had significantly lower percentages of inadequate micronutrient intakes compared to their counterparts not meeting food intake recommendations (p < 0.05). Nevertheless, even among those consuming the recommended portions from a specific core food group, the recommended intake of the corresponding micronutrient (for which this food group is the main contributor) was not always met. Indicatively, 18.2%–44.1% and 4.2%–7.0% of the populations under study were not meeting calcium and vitamin C intake recommendations, although they were consuming the recommended portions of dairy and fruits, respectively. In conclusion, these findings highlight the importance for public health policy makers to take all necessary initiatives to support the population in achieving the recommended intakes from all core food groups, but also emphasize on food variety to ensure adequate intake for all micronutrients.
Fast Wavelet-Based Model Predictive Control of Differentially Flat Systems
Authors: Wang Ruigang , Tippett Michael , Bao Jie
Published: March 2015

A system is differentially flat if it is Lie–Bäcklund (L-B) equivalent to a free dynamical system that has dimensions equal to that of the input of the original system. Utilizing this equivalence, the problem of nonlinear model predictive control of a flat system can be reduced to a lower dimensional nonlinear programming problem with respect to the flat outputs. In this work, a novel computational method based on Haar wavelets in the time-domain for solving the resulting nonlinear programming problem is developed to obtain an approximation of the optimal flat output trajectory. The Haar wavelet integral operational matrix is utilized to transform the nonlinear programming problem to a finite dimensional nonlinear optimization problem. The proposed approach makes use of flatness as a structural property of nonlinear systems and the convenient mathematical properties of Haar wavelets to develop an efficient computational algorithm for nonlinear model predictive control of differentially flat systems. Further improvement on computational efficiency is achieved by providing solutions with multiple resolutions (e.g., obtaining high resolution solutions only for the near future, but allowing coarse approximation for the later stage in the prediction horizon).
Proactive and Reactive Transmission Power Control for Energy-Efficient On-Body Communications
Authors: Vallejo Mónica , Recas Joaquín , Ayala José
Published: March 2015

In wireless body sensor network (WBSNs), the human body has an important effect on the performance of the communication due to the temporal variations caused and the attenuation and fluctuation of the path loss. This fact suggests that the transmission power must adapt to the current state of the link in a way that it ensures a balance between energy consumption and packet loss. In this paper, we validate our two transmission power level policies (reactive and predictive approaches) using the Castalia simulator. The integration of our experimental measurements in the simulator allows us to easily evaluate complex scenarios, avoiding the difficulties associated with a practical realization. Our results show that both schemes perform satisfactorily, providing overall energy savings of 24% and 22% for a case of study, as compared to the maximum transmission power mode.
Comparison of the Detection Characteristics of Trace Species Using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy and Laser Breakdown Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Wang Zhenzhen , Deguchi Yoshihiro , Yan Junjie , Liu Jiping
Published: March 2015

The rapid and precise element measurement of trace species, such as mercury, iodine, strontium, cesium, etc. is imperative for various applications, especially for industrial needs. The elements mercury and iodine were measured by two detection methods for comparison of the corresponding detection features. A laser beam was focused to induce plasma. Emission and ion signals were detected using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and laser breakdown time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LB-TOFMS). Multi-photon ionization and electron impact ionization in the plasma generation process can be controlled by the pressure and pulse width. The effect of electron impact ionization on continuum emission, coexisting molecular and atomic emissions became weakened in low pressure condition. When the pressure was less than 1 Pa, the plasma was induced by laser dissociation and multi-photon ionization in LB-TOFMS. According to the experimental results, the detection limits of mercury and iodine in N2 were 3.5 ppb and 60 ppb using low pressure LIBS. The mercury and iodine detection limits using LB-TOFMS were 1.2 ppb and 9.0 ppb, which were enhanced due to different detection features. The detection systems of LIBS and LB-TOFMS can be selected depending on the condition of each application.
North American Soil Degradation: Processes, Practices, and Mitigating Strategies
Authors: Baumhardt R. , Stewart B. , Sainju U.
Published: March 2015

Soil can be degraded by several natural or human-mediated processes, including wind, water, or tillage erosion, and formation of undesirable physical, chemical, or biological properties due to industrialization or use of inappropriate farming practices. Soil degradation occurs whenever these processes supersede natural soil regeneration and, generally, reflects unsustainable resource management that is global in scope and compromises world food security. In North America, soil degradation preceded the catastrophic wind erosion associated with the dust bowl during the 1930s, but that event provided the impetus to improve management of soils degraded by both wind and water erosion. Chemical degradation due to site specific industrial processing and mine spoil contamination began to be addressed during the latter half of the 20th century primarily through point-source water quality concerns, but soil chemical degradation and contamination of surface and subsurface water due to on-farm non-point pesticide and nutrient management practices generally remains unresolved. Remediation or prevention of soil degradation requires integrated management solutions that, for agricultural soils, include using cover crops or crop residue management to reduce raindrop impact, maintain higher infiltration rates, increase soil water storage, and ultimately increase crop production. By increasing plant biomass, and potentially soil organic carbon (SOC) concentrations, soil degradation can be mitigated by stabilizing soil aggregates, improving soil structure, enhancing air and water exchange, increasing nutrient cycling, and promoting greater soil biological activity.
Chimeric Rabies Virus-Like Particles Containing Membrane-Anchored GM-CSF Enhances the Immune Response against Rabies Virus
Authors: Kang Hongtao , Qi Yinglin , Wang Hualei , Zheng Xuexing , Gao Yuwei , Li Nan , Yang Songtao , Xia Xianzhu
Published: March 2015

Rabies remains an important public health threat in most developing countries. To develop a more effective and safe vaccine against rabies, we have constructed a chimeric rabies virus-like particle (VLP), which containing glycoprotein (G) and matrix protein (M) of rabies virus (RABV) Evelyn-Rokitnicki-Abelseth (ERA) strain, and membrane-anchored granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and it was named of EVLP-G. The immunogenicity and protective efficacy of EVLP-G against RABV were evaluated by intramuscular administration in a mouse model. The EVLP-G was successfully produced in insect cells by coinfection with three recombinant baculoviruses expressing G, M, and GM-CSF, respectively. The membrane-anchored GM-CSF possesses a strong adjuvant activity. More B cells and dendritic cells (DCs) were recruited and/or activated in inguinal lymph nodes in mice immunized with EVLP-G. EVLP-G was found to induce a significantly increased RABV-specific virus-neutralizing antibody and elicit a larger and broader antibody subclass responses compared with the standard rabies VLP (sRVLP, consisting of G and M). The EVLP-G also elicited significantly more IFN-γ- or IL-4-secreting CD4+ and CD8+ T cells than the sRVLP. Moreover, the immune responses induced by EVLP-G protect all vaccinated mice from lethal challenge with RABV. These results suggest that EVLP-G has the potential to be developed as a novel vaccine candidate for the prevention and control of animal rabies.
Potential Benefits from Sharing Rainwater Storages Depending on Characteristics in Demand
Authors: Seo Yongwon , Park Sun , Kim Young-Oh
Published: March 2015

A rainwater harvesting system (RWHS) is an alternative water resource that collects and stores rainwater from rooftops. It helps smooth out variations in water supply and sustainable water resources management. In this study, we investigated the potential benefits from sharing RWHS with nearby neighbors in a community. We introduced different mean, variance, and correlation in water demand for each water user. A simple case of a community composed of four prospective users is introduced to investigate the benefit from sharing RWHSs. Using the historical rainfall records from four catchments in South Korea, a storage-reliability-yield analysis is applied to obtain the required storage and corresponding reliability for a given yield ratio. The results indicate that the required total storage is reduced when RWHSs are shared among users and the rate of reduction is proportional to the degree of sharing. The required total storage was reduced down to 61% compared to the original storage when RWHSs are shared for a target reliability of 80%. The benefit from sharing also depends on the demands, which are different among users. Test cases with different means and variances as well as correlation disclose the conditions when the benefit from sharing RWHSs is maximized. The result showed that difference in mean and variance additionally reduces the required storage up to 3% and correlation in demand also as much affects the required storage.