bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discovery Radiomics for Imaging-driven Quantitative Personalized Cancer Decision Support
Authors: Wong Alexander , Chung Audrey G. , Kumar Devinder , Shafiee Mohammad Javad , Khalvati Farzad , Haider Masoom
Published: December 2015

In this paper, we describe the underlying methodology behind discovery
radiomics, where the ultimate goal is to discover customized,
abstract radiomic feature models directly from the wealth of medical
imaging data to better capture highly unique tumor traits beyond
what can be captured using hand-crafted radiomic feature
models. We further explore the current state-of-the-art in discovery
radiomics and their application to various forms of cancer such
as prostate cancer and lung cancer, and show that discovery radiomics
can yield significant potential clinical impact.
Efficient and Scalable Image Segmentation Using Bag-of-Features and Stochastic Region Merging
Authors: Medeiros R. S. , Wong Alexander , Scharcanski Jacob
Published: December 2015

This work presents an efficient and scalable texture segmentation
algorithm based on bag-of-features and stochastic region merging.
The image is partitioned into blocks and processed independently
to obtain regions, which are then merged to obtain the final
segmentation. Experimental results shows the proposed method
achieves an overall speed improvement of at least 4.5x and requires
6.5x less memory, while still improving segmentation accuracy
for large images.
Superpixel-based Prostate Cancer Detection from Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Zhang Junjie , Khalvati Farzad , Wong Alexander , Haider Masoom A.
Published: December 2015

This paper presents a superpixel-basedapproach to detectprostate cancers from diffusion magnetic resonance imaging(dMRI).In this approach,superpixel generatedcandidate regionsare incorporated in thequantitativeradiomics model, MAPS[1], to detectprostate cancers from dMRI modalities. Experimental resultsshowthe feasibility of the proposed superpixel-based approach with improved computation efficiency and detection accuracy.
Akvizityviniai veiksmažodžiai gauti ir tekti senuosiuose XVI–XVII a. lietuvių kalbos raštuose | Acquisitive verbs gauti ‘get’ and tekti ‘be gotten’ in the 16th–17th century texts of Old Lithuanian
Authors: Jasionytė-Mikučionienė Erika
Published: December 2015

Straipsnyje analizuojami lietuvių kalbos veiksmažodžiai gauti ir tekti kaip akvizityvinio modalumo raiškos priemonės senuosiuose lietuvių kalbos raštuose (XVI–XVII a.). Plačiau ar siauriau gauti tipo veiksmažodžiai tirti anglų (Gronemeyer 2001), švedų (Viberg 2002), vokiečių (Lenz 2008), estų (Tragel ir Habicht 2012), netgi tajų kalbose (Takahashi 2006). Vis dėlto, kaip pastebima van der Auweros et al. straipsnyje (2009), trūksta detalesnių gauti tipo veiksmažodžių kaip akvizityvinio modalumo raiškos priemonių tyrimų ankstesniuose kalbų raidos etapuose. Lietuvių kalbos gauti ir tekti daugiausia tirti dabartinėje bendrinėje lietuvių kalboje (žr. Usoniene, Jasionyte 2010; Jasionytė-Mikučionienė 2014), o išsamesnio tyrimo, skirto gauti ir tekti vartosenai įvairiuose senuosiuose lietuvių kalbos tekstuose, nėra. Tad straipsnio tikslas – aprašyti veiksmažodžių gauti ir tekti vartosenos ypatumus XVI–XVII a. lietuvių kalbos raštuose ir aptarti galimas modalinių reikšmių raidos tendencijas.
O ENSINO DE HISTÓRIA NO CURSO TÉCNICO INTEGRADO DE TURISMO - CEFETRN/IFRN - CAMPUS NATAL/CENTRAL (2005-2011)
Authors: Lima Aline Cristina Silva , Medeiros Neta Olívia Morais
Published: December 2015

O presente estudo busca compreender o espaço que o Ensino de História ocupava no currículo do Curso Técnico de Nível Médio Integrado de Turismo, do CEFETRN/IFRN - Campus Natal/Central (2005-2011). Realizamos um levantamento bibliográfico sobre a produção do conhecimento na área de Ensino de história, com ênfase no diálogo com trabalhos de Circe Bittencourt, Geraldo Horn e Geyso Germinari. No que concerne a relação Educação/trabalho seguimos os princípios definidos por Antonio Gramsci, revisitando também as concepções de Ensino Médio Integrado e Educação Profissional mais contemporâneas, bem como as prescrições legais para essa modalidade, o Decreto 5.154/2004 e o Plano de Curso de Turismo. Entrevistamos docentes de História que atuaram no referido curso, para entendermos as concepções de Ensino de História e as práticas pedagógicas desenvolvidas nos liames entre EMI e Ensino de História. Percebemos que embora haja avanços no PPC de Turismo (2005), e algumas possibilidades do exercício da história temática e de uma aproximação mais eficaz entre história e trabalho, ainda prevalece a noção de linearidade e eurocentrismo na organização curricular, dificultando a proposta de integração inerente ao EMI. No que concerne às práticas dos professores, afirmamos que não havia um modelo de Ensino de História, mas múltiplas práticas e concepções.
Generic Multimodal Ontologies for Human-Agent Interaction
Authors: Braşoveanu Adrian , Manolescu Adriana , Spînu Marian Nicu
Published: December 2015

Watching the evolution of the Semantic Web (SW) from its inception to these days we can easily observe that the main task the developers face while building it is to encode the human knowledge into ontologies and the human reasoning into dedicated reasoning engines. Now, the SW needs to have efficient mechanisms to access information by both humans and artificial agents. The most important tools in this context are ontologies. The last years have been dedicated to solving the infrastructure problems related to ontologies: ontology management, ontology matching, ontology adoption, but as time goes by and these problems are better understood the research interests in this area will surely shift towards the way in which agents will use them to communicate between them and with humans. Despite the fact that interface agents could be bilingual, it would be more efficient, safe and swift that they should use the same language to communicate with humans and with their peers. Since anthropocentric systems entail nowadays multimodal interfaces, it seems suitable to build multimodal ontologies. Generic ontologies are needed when dealing with uncertainty. Multimodal ontologies should be designed taking into account our way of thinking (mind maps, visual thinking, feedback, logic, emotions, etc.) and also the processes in which they would be involved (multimodal fusion and integration, error reduction, natural language processing, multimodal fission, etc.). By doing this it would be easier for us (and also fun) to use ontologies, but in the same time the communication with agents (and also agent to agent talk) would be enhanced. This is just one of our conclusions related to why building generic multimodal ontologies is very important for future semantic web applications.
Women's Expectations for Breast Cancer Prevention and Early Detection: High Expectations Can Be Achieved
Authors: Brown Powel
Published: December 2015

Additional research is needed to improve the ability to detect life-threatening cancer at an early curable stage and to prevent the development of such cancer. Many research groups are working to discover more effective and safer methods to detect and prevent life-threatening breast cancer. The results from such research studies will ultimately allow women’s expectations for breast cancer prevention and early detection to be met.
Risky Mortgages, Bank Leverage and Credit Policy
Authors: Ferrante Francesco
Published: December 2015

Two key channels that allowed the 2007-2009 mortgage crisis to severely impact the real economy were: a housing net worth channel, as defined by Mian and Sufi (2014), which affected the wealth of leveraged households; and a bank net worth channel, which reduced the ability of financial intermediaries to provide credit. To capture these features of the Great Recession, I develop a DSGE model with balance-sheet constrained banks financing both risky mortgages and productive capital. Mortgages are provided to agents facing idiosyncratic housing depreciation risk, implying an endogenous default decision and a link between their borrowing capacity and house prices. The interaction among the housing net worth channel, the bank net worth channel and endogenous foreclosures generates novel amplification mechanisms. I analyze the quantitative implications of these new channels by considering two different shocks linked to the supply of mortgage credit: an increase in the va riance of housing risk and a deterioration in the collateral value of mortgages for bank funding. Both shocks are able to produce co-movements in house prices, business investment, consumption and output. Finally, I study two types of policy interventions that are able to reduce the severity of a mortgage crisis: debt relief for borrowing households and central bank credit intermediation.
Estudio de la variación de la genitalia masculina de las especies de la tribu phanaeini (SCARABAEIDAE: SCARABAEINAE) en Colombia
Authors: Manjarres H. Elsa H. , Molano R. Fredy
Published: December 2015

En este trabajo se examinó la variación morfológica de la genitalia masculina de la tribu Phanaeini, grupo de escarabajos coprófagos de importancia ecológica por el proceso de reciclaje de nutrientes que llevan a cabo. Se revisaron 122 ejemplares de 55 especies y 25 ejemplares de países como Costa Rica, Brasil, Perú, Bolivia y Venezuela. Se presenta la descripción de la variación del segmento genital, edeago, saco interno, esclerito basal, esclerito medial, esclerito placa y esclerito elongado de las especies de los seis géneros de la tribu Phanaeini presentes en Colombia. Los resultados de este trabajo muestran que la genitalia masculina de las especies de la tribu Phanaeini es heterogénea pero única en cada especie siendo de valor taxonómico; la diversificación en la morfología de la genitalia es bastante amplia, representada en la variación de las múltiples formas que adoptan principalmente los escleritos del saco interno.
Caracterización de los lepóridos (MAMMALIA: LEPORIDAE) del bosque seco tropical del departamento del Tolima (Colombia)
Authors: Castañeda Román D. , Viana Carlos E. , Buitrago Luis A.
Published: December 2015

Un número de lepóridos del bosque seco tropical del departamento del Tolima (Colombia), no ha sido caracterizado. Con este objetivo se capturaron 22 lepóridos, de los cuales se seleccionaron 13 para realizar estudios morfométricos y citogenéticos. Se tomaron muestras de sangre para determinar el número cromosómico y se evaluaron parámetros morfométricos, entre ellos medidas craneales y corporales. Se encontró en todos los lepóridos un número cromosómico 2n = 38. Esta información junto con las medidas morfométricas permitieron establecer que dichos lepóridos hacen parte de la especie Sylvilagus brasiliensis, los cuales se han adaptado a las condiciones particulares de la región.
Les llegendes sobre el naixement i la infantesa de Jesús a la tradició catalana
Authors: Valriu Llinàs Caterina
Published: December 2015

A la tradició catalana hi ha un gran nombre de llegendes que tracten del naixement i la infantesa de Jesús i que s’articulen entorn d’episodis dels evangelis. L’estudi revisa més de 150 d’aquests relats provinents de diversos indrets del domini lingüístic, els confronta amb les informacions que aporten els evangelis, n’analitza els personatges principals, les estructures narratives, els aspectes literaris, les funcions que acompleixen en el context social, la ideologia que vehiculen i la seva intencionalitat moral. Finalment, es constata l’abundància i varietat de materials, la relació amb les creences religioses i màgiques, la funcionalitat estructural i ideològica i la seva importància en el context dels gèneres narratius orals així com en l’imaginari col·lectiu.
L’aportació de Joaquim Gonzàlez Caturla a la rondallística valenciana
Authors: Vidal Lloret Vicent
Published: December 2015

Joaquim Gonzàlez Caturla és un dels primers autors valencians de la democràcia dedicat a la recopilació de rondalles. En aquest article s’analitza el conjunt de la seva producció rondallística i es posa en relació amb el seu context a fi d’esbrinar-ne les característiques principals i valorar-ne l’aportació. Els seus dos reculls, Rondalles de l’Alacantí (1985) i Rondalles del Baix Vinalopó (1987), presenten unes característiques molt semblants que fan pensar en un lector model doble: el públic infantil-juvenil, pel format, el to i l’estil dels volums, i un públic més especialitzat, pels pròlegs, les introduccions de l’autor i les notes d’interès lingüístic i folklòric. Això suposa un punt d’originalitat respecte dels rondallistes precedents i remet a la doble vessant d’aquest autor: literat i folklorista. L’altra originalitat que es destaca és el fet d’ésser l’únic folklorista que ha treballat sistemàticament les rondalles del Baix Vinalopó i el principal que ha tractat les de l’Alacantí. A pesar que Caturla disposava de diversos precedents al País Valencià, als anys vuitanta ell és un dels més importants per la quantitat i la qualitat de les rondalles que recull.
El llarg camí del Mal Caçador. El Comte Arnau i el Barón d’Espés revisitats
Authors: Roma Riu Josefina
Published: December 2015

L’anàlisi de dues figures mítiques del Pirineu, al Ripollès i a la Ribagorça, el Barón d’Espés i el Comte Arnau, ens fa veure dues històries paral·leles que comprenen, en primer lloc, el descrèdit fomentat pel poder, cap a personatges als quals es titlla de depredadors sexuals desmesurats; en segon lloc, la seva possible aliança amb el dimoni i la bruixeria, i, en tercer lloc, el càstig per a tota l’eternitat com un exemple del Mal Caçador, en el cas del Comte Arnau, més diluït en el Barón d’Espés, i la mort afrosa causada pels seus gats o gossos, en el cas del Barón d’Espés. Aquests personatges, però, no són més que la derivació en personatges locals, d’antigues divinitats del tipus d’Odin, conductores d’ànimes que, a través de les diverses aculturacions religioses sofertes, han estat descavalcades dels seus valors positius per enfonsar-les en l’inframón o infern, amb trets negatius, com passa generalment quan es produeix una confrontació entre dues cultures i una en surt perdedora. Però el poble ha triat per blasmar aquests personatges no la depredació sexual, sinó l’abús de poder dels nobles cap als seus vassalls.
Sustainable supply chain management through enterprise resource planning (ERP): a model of sustainable computing
Authors: Rauth Bhardwaj Broto
Published: December 2015

Green supply chain management (GSCM) is a driver of sustainable strategy. This topic is becoming increasingly important for both academia and industry. With the increasing demand for reducing carbon foot prints, there is a need to study the drivers of sustainable development. There is also need for developing the sustainability model. Using resource based theory (RBT) the present model for sustainable strategy has been developed. On the basis of data collected, the key drivers of sustainability were developed. We used regression and correlation analysis for developing the final model. The study findings suggest that the drivers of GSCM are the environmental policy and the green human resource management (GHRM). This can be done by providing training for adopting sustainability practices. Besides this, another key driver is the sustainability criteria in supplier selection which was found to be enhancing the outcomes of sustainability. The model has practical and theoretical value as it proposes that management support for implementing the sustainability strategy in the organization is essential. The study also guides the managers for implementing sustainable supply chain management practices in the organization.
The value of knowledge sharing: impact of tacit and explicit knowledge sharing on team performance of scientists
Authors: Obrenovic Bojan , Obrenovic Slobodan , Hudaykulov Akmal
Published: December 2015

Knowledge sharing that takes place among team members is a process of great relevance that builds ties and relationships which in turn results in positive organizational and team outcomes. However, as it is not usually formally included in the job descriptions and is not a formal part of organizations’ and team activities, it is considered to be an organization citizenship behavior. Our paper emphasizes significance of tacit and explicit knowledge sharing to team performance in the context of scientific cooperation. Positive relationship between tacit knowledge sharing and explicit knowledge sharing with team performance was found using linear regression. Furthermore, high levels of knowledge sharing and team performance were identified among scientists.
Academic Commentary: 'Toward Deeper Understandings of Volunteering Practice'
Authors: Bartels Koen P.R.
Published: December 2015

Volunteering is on the rise. Sure, it has been around for over a century. And over the past decades, overall levels of voluntary activity have remained relatively stable in the UK. But what has been changing is the attention for volunteering and its centrality to the governance of Western societies (see, for example Bryer, 2014). We are witnessing increasing ambitions and expectations about how much people should volunteer and what voluntary organisations should achieve.
Third Sector Commentary: 'Improving and Proving Volunteering, from a Practitioner's Perspective'
Authors: Nicholson Keith
Published: December 2015

This review looks at the wide and deep subject of volunteering. A subject close to my heart and a one which Third Sector organizations of any size will have an interest in. The three papers discussed varied in style, geographical coverage and focus, however, help us develop our understanding of volunteering. Reading these works made me reflect on the typologies of organisations I come across in my journey around the Third Sector, from tiny to small, small to medium, medium to large, and a final superlative size. These typologies could be explored further in the context of volunteering and presented many different perspectives on issues of volunteering.
Probability distribution of turbulence in curvilinear cross section mobile bed channel
Authors: Sharma Anurag , Kumar Bimlesh
Published: December 2015

The present study investigates the probability density functions (PDFs) of two-dimensional turbulent velocity fluctuations, Reynolds shear stress (RSS) and conditional RSSs in threshold channel obtained by using Gram–Charlier (GC) series. The GC series expansion has been used up to the moments of order four to include the skewness and kurtosis. Experiments were carried out in the curvilinear cross section sand bed channel at threshold condition with uniform sand size of d50 = 0.418 mm. The result concludes that the PDF distributions of turbulent velocity fluctuations and RSS calculated theoretically based on GC series expansion satisfied the PDFs obtained from the experimental data. The PDF distribution of conditional RSSs related to the ejections and sweeps are well represented by the GC series exponential distribution, except that a slight departure of inward and outward interactions is observed, which may be due to weaker events. This paper offers some new insights into the probabilistic mechanism of sediment transport, which can be helpful in sediment management and design of curvilinear cross section mobile bed channel.
Weevils of the genus Ceutorhynchus germ associated with oilseed rape in northern Serbia
Authors: Sivcev Ivan , Sivcev Lazar , Pesic Snezana , Graora Draga , Tomic Vladimir , Dudic Boris
Published: December 2015

Our research of the genus Ceutorhynchus associated with oilseed rape was
conducted in northern parts of Serbia (Stari Zednik, Subotica). A specific
assemblage of eight weevil species was found. The most numerous were stem
weevils Ceutorhynchus napi with 81% of all trapped specimens, followed by C.
pallidactylus with 18%. The remaining six weevil specimens were C.
obstrictus, C.erysimi, C. minutus, C. picitarsis, C. sulcicollis and C.
typhae, comprising 1% of all trapped insects. Stem weevils C. napi and C.
pallidactylus began to immigrate into the oilseed rape fields in autumn, as
early as November 10 (BBCH 17-18). The maximum flight was recorded at the
beginning of oilseed rape stem elongation (BBCH 22-25) on March 23. A new
generation of C. pallidactylus emerged from oilseed rape fields in June (BBCH
76-88), while individual specimens occurred during the autumn. The majority
of C. napi emerged in March next year, sporadically until May 7. As a
consequence of C. napi dominance insecticide treatment should be performed
earlier than usual, i.e. when C. pallidactilus is the primary target.
Nanomaterials Meet Li-ion Batteries
Authors: Kwon Nam Hee , Brog Jean-Pierre , Maharajan Sivarajakumar , Crochet Aurélien , Fromm Katharina M.
Published: December 2015

Li-ion batteries are used in many applications in everyday life: cell phones, laser pointers, laptops, cordless drillers or saws, bikes and even cars. Yet, there is room for improvement in order to make the batteries smaller and last longer. The Fromm group contributes to this research
focusing mainly on nanoscale lithium ion cathode materials. This contribution gives an overview over our current activities in the field of batteries. After an introduction on the nano-materials of LiCoO2 and LiMnPO4, the studies of our cathode composition and preparation will be presented.
Stress-induced Ageing of Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Held Marcel , Sennhauser Urs
Published: December 2015

Lithium-ion batteries are well established for use in portable consumer products and are increasingly used in high power electro-mobility and photovoltaic storage applications. In hybrid and plug-in electric vehicles degradation and useful lifetime at standard operation conditions are
critical parameters in addition to performance and safety. Here stress-induced ageing of commercially available high power battery cells of the type A123 AHR32113M1 Ultra-B, consisting of a LiFePO4 cathode and a graphite anode have been investigated. A usually accepted capacity
loss for electric vehicles of 20% was reached after 8560 stress profiles corresponding to a driving distance of almost 200'000 km. Cycling with a stress profile applying constant power corresponding to the average power and energy of a full stress profile and starting at 60% state of charge
showed a much faster capacity loss. Electric impedance measurements show the dependence of the capacity loss and constant phase element at low frequency, indicating Li-ion diffusion blocking in the cathode. Microscopic analysis of anode, separator, and cathode, shows defect formation in bulk material and at interfaces.
Hydrogen Storage in the Carbon Dioxide – Formic Acid Cycle
Authors: Fink Cornel , Montandon-Clerc Mickael , Laurenczy Gabor
Published: December 2015

This year Mankind will release about 39 Gt carbon dioxide into the earth's atmosphere, where it acts as a greenhouse gas. The chemical transformation of carbon dioxide into useful products becomes increasingly important, as the CO2 concentration in the atmosphere has reached
400 ppm. One approach to contribute to the decrease of this hazardous emission is to recycle CO2, for example reducing it to formic acid. The hydrogenation of CO2 can be achieved with a series of catalysts under basic and acidic conditions, in wide variety of solvents.
To realize a hydrogen-based charge-discharge device ('hydrogen battery'), one also needs efficient catalysts for the reverse reaction, the dehydrogenation of formic acid. Despite of the fact that the overwhelming majority of these reactions are carried out using precious metals-based catalysts (mainly Ru), we review here developments for catalytic hydrogen evolution from formic acid with iron-based complexes.
CO2 Hydrogenation: Supported Nanoparticles vs. Immobilized Catalysts
Authors: Tada Shohei , Thiel Indre , Lo Hung-Kun , Copéret Christophe
Published: December 2015

The conversion of CO2 to more valuable chemicals has been the focus of intense research over the past decades, and this field has become particularly important in view of the continuous increase of CO2 levels in our atmosphere and the need to find alternative ways
to store excess energy into fuels. In this review we will discuss different strategies for CO2 conversion with heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysts. In addition, we will introduce some promising research concerning the immobilization of homogeneous catalysts on heterogeneous supports, as a hybrid of hetero- and homogeneous catalysts.
Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Combined Sensible/Latent Thermal Energy Storage for High-Temperature Applications
Authors: Geissbühler Lukas , Zavattoni Simone , Barbato Maurizio , Zanganeh Giw , Haselbacher Andreas , Steinfeld Aldo
Published: December 2015

Combined sensible/latent heat storage allows the heat-transfer fluid outflow temperature during discharging to be stabilized. A lab-scale combined storage consisting of a packed bed of rocks and steel-encapsulated AlSi12 was investigated experimentally and numerically. Due
to the small tank-to-particle diameter ratio of the lab-scale storage, void-fraction variations were not negligible, leading to channeling effects that cannot be resolved in 1D heat-transfer models. The void-fraction variations and channeling effects can be resolved in 2D models of the flow
and heat transfer in the storage. The resulting so-called bypass fraction extracted from the 2D model was used in the 1D model and led to good agreement with experimental measurements.
Equol-induces apoptosis in chemoresistant ovarian cancer cells via external pathway
Authors: Gong Xue-Mei , Hu Cheng-Jiu , Zhao Quan-Jing , Shi Dong-Mei
Published: December 2015

Polyphenolic compounds present in fruits, vegetables and grains are bioactive molecules which elicit a wide range of responses both in vivo and in vitro. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the soybean isoflavone Equol could induce apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells. In this study, we evaluated molecular events associated with apoptosis induced by Equol and paclitaxel (PTX) in an ovarian cancer cell line SKOV-3. To assess whether growth inhibition was due to apoptosis, flow cytometry, colorimetry experiments, immunoblot analyses through measuring DNA fragmentation, the level of TRAIL,the cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and the activation of caspase-3, -8 and -9 were also performed. Additional markers of apoptosis were also measured like phosphatidylserine externalization and morphological changes. In addition, glycoprotein P (P-gp) activity in SKOV-3 ovarian cancer cell line was also estimated. The experimental results showed that apoptosis was induced by extrinsic pathway triggered by certain TNF family members. Overall results suggested that Equol induces apoptosis in SKOV-3 cells via a TRAIL and caspase 8-dependent pathway whereas paclitaxel leads to smaller apoptotic events when compared to that of Equol.
Effect of vitamin B12 supplementation on glycemic control in poorly controlled hyperhomocysteinemic type 2 diabetic patients
Authors: Keche Yogendra Narayanrao , Yegnanarayan Radha , Bhat Shreepad
Published: December 2015

This study was conducted to observe the effect of vitamin B12 supplementation on glycemic control in poorly controlled hyperhomocysteinemic type 2 diabetic patients by measuring HbA1c levels at baseline and 4 weeks. Patient having serum homocysteine more than 15 µmol/L or vitamin B12 less than 223 pg/mL were enrolled in this study. One group received methylcobalamin 500 µg daily with their usual anti-diabetic therapy and the other group received only suitable anti-diabetic drug therapy. Methylcobalamin 500 µg was given daily for period of 4 weeks. Glycemic control was measured by levels of HbA1c, blood sugar at baseline and at 4 weeks. Serum homocysteine levels was reduced from 21.5 ± 2.6 to 15.4 ± 6.4 (p=0.04) with vitamin B12 supplementation at 4 weeks. At 4 weeks, HbA1c decreased from 9.9 ± 0.9 to 8.7 ± 0.5 (p<0.01) in vitamin B12 deficient patients after vitamin B12 supplementation. There is role of vitamin B12 in glycemic control in poorly controlled type 2 diabetic patients.

 
Effect of Therapeutic Exercises and ADL Instructions in Low Back Pain During Pregnancy
Authors: Sobhan Fauzia , Uddin Md Taslim , Hassan Muhammad Kamrul , Walid Chowdhury Mohammad , Sadeque ABM Zafar
Published: December 2015

Aim of this study is to educate pregnant women about posture and application of biomechanical principles in functional and work related activities and to prevent low back pain with help of Exercise Program and Education. Patients were randomly allocated in two groups. Group A included 30 patients and they received traditional antenatal care. Group B included more 30 patients and received therapeutic exercise and ADL instructions. They had one visit every two week for six weeks. In each visit both groups were evaluated for variables including pain, tenderness, mobility index and sleep. Pain was assessed by subjective intensity and VAS; tenderness was evaluated by tenderness index, mobility index by scoter test and SLR (straight leg rising). All the relevant collected data were recorded in prescribed data sheet and analyzed by using computer based statistical packages for social science (SPSS). A p value < 0.05 was considered as significant. Studentst test and Chi-square test was done to see the level of significance as required. The Study concluded that the back care in the form of Exercise Program and Postural Education given to women as early in their pregnancy as possible may prevent back pain or decrease the severity of back pain if it occurs.Medicine Today 2015 Vol.27(1): 8-11
Combined Aortobifemoral and Femoropopliteal Bypass in Management of Extensive Atherosclerosis: A Case Report
Authors: Rahman Md Mahbubur , Khan Omar Sadeque , Alam Saleh Ahmed Nurul , Adhikary Asit Baran , Aftabuddin Md
Published: December 2015

A 52 years old non diabetic, normotensive man with aortoiliac and femoropopliteal occlusive disease, combined aortobifemoral and femoropopliteal bypass with silver coated expanded polytetra fluoroethylene (ePTFE) graft was performed. His operation was uneventful, postoperative recovery was excellent. His recovery was early and sent home on 14th postoperative day without symptoms.Medicine Today 2015 Vol.27(1): 34-35
Ubiquitous Presence and Novel Diversity of Anaerobic Alkane Degraders in Cold Marine Sediments
Authors: Gittel Antje , Donhauser Jonathan , Røy Hans , Girguis Peter R. , Jørgensen Bo B. , Kjeldsen Kasper U.
Published: December 2015

Alkanes are major constituents of crude oil and are released to the marine environment by natural seepage and from anthropogenic sources. Due to their chemical inertness, their removal from anoxic marine sediments is primarily controlled by the activity of anaerobic alkane-degrading microorganisms. To facilitate comprehensive cultivation-independent surveys of the diversity and distribution of anaerobic alkane degraders, we designed novel PCR primers that cover all known diversity of the 1-methylalkyl succinate synthase gene (masD/assA), which catalyzes the initial activation of alkanes. We studied masD/assA gene diversity in pristine and seepage-impacted Danish coastal sediments, as well as in sediments and alkane-degrading enrichment cultures from the Middle Valley (MV) hydrothermal vent system in the Pacific Northwest. MasD/assA genes were ubiquitously present, and the primers captured the diversity of both known and previously undiscovered masD/assA gene diversity. Seepage sediments were dominated by a single masD/assA gene cluster, which is presumably indicative of a substrate-adapted community, while pristine sediments harbored a diverse range of masD/assA phylotypes including those present in seepage sediments. This rare biosphere of anaerobic alkane degraders will likely increase in abundance in the event of seepage or accidental oil spillage. Nanomolar concentrations of short-chain alkanes (SCA) were detected in pristine and seepage sediments. Interestingly, anaerobic alkane degraders closely related to strain BuS5, the only SCA degrader in pure culture, were found in mesophilic MV enrichments, but not in cold sediments from Danish waters. We propose that the new masD/assA gene lineages in these sediments represent novel phylotypes that are either fueled by naturally occurring low levels of SCA or that metabolize medium- to long-chain alkanes. Our study highlights that masD/assA genes are a relevant diagnostic marker to identify seepage and microseepage, e.g., during prospecting for oil and gas, and may act as an indicator of anthropogenic oil spills in marine sediments.
A New Smoothing Conjugate Gradient Method for Solving Nonlinear Nonsmooth Complementarity Problems
Authors: Chu Ajie , Du Shouqiang , Su Yixiao
Published: December 2015

In this paper, by using the smoothing Fischer-Burmeister function, we present a new smoothing conjugate gradient method for solving the nonlinear nonsmooth complementarity problems. The line search which we used guarantees the descent of the method. Under suitable conditions, the new smoothing conjugate gradient method is proved globally convergent. Finally, preliminary numerical experiments show that the new method is efficient.
Time Perspective and Emotion Regulation as Predictors of Age-Related Subjective Passage of Time
Authors: Wittmann Marc , Rudolph Tina , Linares Gutierrez Damisela , Winkler Isabell
Published: December 2015

Hardly any empirical work exists concerning the relationship between the intra-individually stable time perspective relating to the past, present, and future and the subjective speed of time passing in everyday life. Moreover, studies consistently show that the subjective passage of time over the period of the last ten years speeds up as we get older. Modulating variables influencing this phenomenon are still unknown. To investigate these two unresolved issues, we conducted an online survey with n = 423 participants ranging in age between 17 and 81 assessing trait time perspective of the past, present, and future, and relating these subscales with a battery of measures pertaining to the subjective passage of time. Moreover, the subjective passage of time as an age-dependent variable was probed in relationship to emotion awareness, appraisal and regulation. Results show how present hedonism is linked with having fewer routines in life and a faster passage of the last week; the past negative perspective is related to time pressure, time expansion and more routine; a pronounced future perspective is related to a general faster passage of time. Importantly, increased emotion regulation and a balanced time perspective are related to a slower passage of the last ten years. These novel findings are discussed within models of time perception and the time perspective.
Mobile Phone-Based Lifestyle Intervention for Reducing Overall Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Guangzhou, China: A Pilot Study
Authors: Liu Zhiting , Chen Songting , Zhang Guanrong , Lin Aihua
Published: December 2015

With the rapid and widespread adoption of mobile devices, mobile phones offer an opportunity to deliver cardiovascular disease (CVD) interventions. This study evaluated the efficacy of a mobile phone-based lifestyle intervention aimed at reducing the overall CVD risk at a health management center in Guangzhou, China. We recruited 589 workers from eight work units. Based on a group-randomized design, work units were randomly assigned either to receive the mobile phone-based lifestyle interventions or usual care. The reduction in 10-year CVD risk at 1-year follow-up for the intervention group was not statistically significant (–1.05%, p = 0.096). However, the mean risk increased significantly by 1.77% (p = 0.047) for the control group. The difference of the changes between treatment arms in CVD risk was –2.83% (p = 0.001). In addition, there were statistically significant changes for the intervention group relative to the controls, from baseline to year 1, in systolic blood pressure (–5.55 vs. 6.89 mmHg; p < 0.001), diastolic blood pressure (–6.61 vs. 5.62 mmHg; p < 0.001), total cholesterol (–0.36 vs. –0.10 mmol/L; p = 0.005), fasting plasma glucose (–0.31 vs. 0.02 mmol/L; p < 0.001), BMI (–0.57 vs. 0.29 kg/m2; p < 0.001), and waist hip ratio (–0.02 vs. 0.01; p < 0.001). Mobile phone-based intervention may therefore be a potential solution for reducing CVD risk in China.
An Approach for Indoor Path Computation among Obstacles that Considers User Dimension
Authors: Liu Liu , Zlatanova Sisi
Published: December 2015

People often transport objects within indoor environments, who need enough space for the motion. In such cases, the accessibility of indoor spaces relies on the dimensions, which includes a person and her/his operated objects. This paper proposes a new approach to avoid obstacles and compute indoor paths with respect to the user dimension. The approach excludes inaccessible spaces for a user in five steps: (1) compute the minimum distance between obstacles and find the inaccessible gaps; (2) group obstacles according to the inaccessible gaps; (3) identify groups of obstacles that influence the path between two locations; (4) compute boundaries for the selected groups; and (5) build a network in the accessible area around the obstacles in the room. Compared to the Minkowski sum method for outlining inaccessible spaces, the proposed approach generates simpler polygons for groups of obstacles that do not contain inner rings. The creation of a navigation network becomes easier based on these simple polygons. By using this approach, we can create user- and task-specific networks in advance. Alternatively, the accessible path can be generated on the fly before the user enters a room.
Exogenous Spermidine Alleviates Low Temperature Injury in Mung Bean (Vigna radiata L.) Seedlings by Modulating Ascorbate-Glutathione and Glyoxalase Pathway
Authors: Nahar Kamrun , Hasanuzzaman Mirza , Alam Md. , Fujita Masayuki
Published: December 2015

The role of exogenous spermidine (Spd) in alleviating low temperature (LT) stress in mung bean (Vigna radiata L. cv. BARI Mung-3) seedlings has been investigated. Low temperature stress modulated the non-enzymatic and enzymatic components of ascorbate-glutathione (AsA-GSH) cycle, increased H2O2 content and lipid peroxidation, which indicate oxidative damage of seedlings. Low temperature reduced the leaf relative water content (RWC) and destroyed leaf chlorophyll, which inhibited seedlings growth. Exogenous pretreatment of Spd in LT-affected seedlings significantly increased the contents of non-enzymatic antioxidants of AsA-GSH cycle, which include AsA and GSH. Exogenous Spd decreased dehydroascorbate (DHA), increased AsA/DHA ratio, decreased glutathione disulfide (GSSG) and increased GSH/GSSG ratio under LT stress. Activities of AsA-GSH cycle enzymes such as ascorbate peroxidase (APX), monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR), dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR) and glutathione reductase (GR) increased after Spd pretreatment in LT affected seedlings. Thus, the oxidative stress was reduced. Protective effects of Spd are also reflected from reduction of methylglyoxal (MG) toxicity by improving glyoxalase cycle components, and by maintaining osmoregulation, water status and improved seedlings growth. The present study reveals the vital roles of AsA-GSH and glyoxalase cycle in alleviating LT injury.
Phenotypic, Genetic, and Environmental Correlations between Reaction Times and Intelligence in Young Twin Children
Authors: Schermer Julie , Vernon Philip
Published: December 2015

Phenotypic, genetic, and environmental correlations between various reaction time measures and intelligence were examined in a sample of six-year-old twin children (N = 530 individuals). Univariate genetic analyses conducted on the same-sex pairs (101 monozygotic (MZ) pairs and 132 same-sex dizygotic (DZ) pairs) demonstrated that the intelligence measure and four of the seven reaction time measures had a genetic component (ranging from 44% to 76%). At the phenotypic level, half of the reaction time measures had significant negative correlations with the intelligence measure. Bivariate genetic analyses revealed that only two of the observed phenotypic correlations could be explained by common genetic factors and that the remaining correlations were better explained by common environmental factors.
Generation of Internal-Image Functional Aptamers of Okadaic Acid via Magnetic-Bead SELEX
Authors: Lin Chao , Liu Zeng-Shan , Wang Dong-Xu , Li Lin , Hu Pan , Gong Sheng , Li Yan-Song , Cui Cheng , Wu Zong-Cheng , Gao Yang , Zhou Yu , Ren Hong-Lin , Lu Shi-Ying
Published: December 2015

Okadaic acid (OA) is produced by Dinophysis and Prorocentrum dinoflagellates and primarily accumulates in bivalves, and this toxin has harmful effects on consumers and operators. In this work, we first report the use of aptamers as novel non-toxic probes capable of binding to a monoclonal antibody against OA (OA-mAb). Aptamers that mimic the OA toxin with high affinity and selectivity were generated by the magnetic bead-assisted systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) strategy. After 12 selection rounds, cloning, sequencing and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analysis, four candidate aptamers (O24, O31, O39, O40) were selected that showed high affinity and specificity for OA-mAb. The affinity constants of O24, O31, O39 and O40 were 8.3 × 108 M−1, 1.47 × 109 M−1, 1.23 × 109 M−1 and 1.05 × 109 M−1, respectively. Indirect competitive ELISA was employed to determine the internal-image function of the aptamers. The results reveal that O31 has a similar competitive function as free OA toxin, whereas the other three aptamers did not bear the necessary internal-image function. Based on the derivation of the curvilinear equation for OA/O31, the equation that defined the relationship between the OA toxin content and O31 was Y = 2.185X − 1.78. The IC50 of O31 was 3.39 ng·mL−1, which was close to the value predicted by the OA ELISA (IC50 = 4.4 ng·mL−1); the IC10 was 0.33 ng·mL−1. The above data provides strong evidence that internal-image functional aptamers could be applicable as novel probes in a non-toxic assay.
The Application of Carbon Composites in the Rehabilitation of Historic Baroque Vaults
Authors: Witzany Jiří , Brožovský Jiří , Čejka Tomáš , Kroftová Klára , Kubát Jan , Makovička Daniel , Zigler Radek
Published: December 2015

The stabilization and reinforcement of damaged barrel vaults with lunettes over an arcaded walk, applying composite strips based on high-strength carbon fibers and epoxy resin, was performed during the restoration of a historic monastery. The application of reinforcing composite strips in the soffit of damaged barrel vaults was preceded by relatively extensive experimental research and theoretical analyses. This method significantly reduces the interventions into and the degradation of the original historic structure (surface application) and is reversible.
Application of InSAR and Gravimetry for Land Subsidence Hazard Zoning in Aguascalientes, Mexico
Authors: Pacheco-Martínez Jesús , Cabral-Cano Enrique , Wdowinski Shimon , Hernández-Marín Martín , Ortiz-Lozano José , Zermeño-de-León Mario
Published: December 2015

In this work we present an application of InSAR and gravimetric surveys for risk management related to land subsidence and surface ground faulting generation. A subsidence velocity map derived from the 2007–2011 ALOS SAR imagery and a sediment thicknesses map obtained from the inversion of gravimetric data were integrated with a surface fault map to produce a subsidence hazard zoning in the city of Aguascalientes, Mexico. The resulting zoning is presented together with specific recommendations about geotechnical studies needed for further evaluation of surface faulting in these hazard zones. The derived zoning map consists in four zones including null hazard (stable terrain without subsidence), low hazard (areas prone to subsidence), medium hazard (zones with subsidence) and high hazard (zones with surface faulting). InSAR results displayed subsidence LOS velocities up to 10 cm/year and two subsidence areas unknown before this study. Gravimetric results revealed that the thicker sediment sequence is located toward north of Aguascalientes City reaching up to 600 m in thickness, which correspond to a high subsidence LOS velocity zone (up to 6 cm/year).
A Simplified Methodology for Evaluating the Impact of Point Thermal Bridges on the High-Energy Performance of a Passive House
Authors: Šadauskienė Jolanta , Ramanauskas Juozas , Šeduikytė Lina , Daukšys Mindaugas , Vasylius Algimantas
Published: December 2015

In the design of high-energy performance buildings with ventilated facade systems, the evaluation of point thermal bridges is complicated and is often ignored in practice. This paper analyzes the relationship between the point thermal bridges resulting from aluminum fasteners, which are used for installation facades cladding, and the thermal properties of materials that are used in external walls layers and dimension of layers. Research has shown that the influence of the point thermal bridges on the U-value of the entire wall may achieve an average of up to 30% regarding thermal properties of materials of the external wall layers and the dimension of layers. With the increase in thermal conductivity of the bearing layer material and the thickness of the thermal insulation layer, the point thermal transmittance χ-value increased. For this reason, the U-value of the entire wall may increase by up to 35%. With the increase of the thickness of the bearing layer and thermal conductivity value of thermal insulation layer, the point thermal transmittance χ-value decreased by up to 28%. A simplified methodology is presented for the evaluation of point thermal bridges based on the thermal and geometrical properties of external wall layers.
AN EFFECTIVE DATABASE MANAGEMENT OF THE URBAN UNDERGROUND FACILITIES AND TOPOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
Authors: Stankevičius Žilvinas , Šlikas Dominykas , Popovas Darius
Published: December 2015

In developed countries the most accurate and reliable spatial data (M 1:500–1:1000) are extensively used. The same spatial object could be inscribed into separate systems: utilities companies have some systems, municipality collected catalogues of CAD data, separately developed real estate map. The same spatial objects are repeated and reiterated, unreasonable costs are incurred for their storage, the customers find it complicated to determine and select the best and appropriate spatial data required just for their own needs. This article suggests the solution of the problem. Authors have introduced the idea to compose and develop information system specialized for topography and infrastructure subsequently to be merged and coordinated. The model for data storage, data provision to the customers and service activities is defined. The available electronic services for the spatial data are described as advantageous for implementation on topographic maps, for inspection and monitoring of construction projects, for the issue of permits of excavation works and for the other activities.