bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Primary Care-based Collaborative Hepatitis C Clinic: Clinical Structure and Virologic Outcomes with Direct Acting Antiviral Therapy
Authors: Ho Samuel B. , Dollarhide Adrian , Thorisdottir Hilda , Michelsen James , Perry Christine , Kravetz David , Herrin Ann , Carlson Laurie , Hadley Sue , Montoya Dan , Robinson Shannon , Sanchez Courtney , Enrique Ernesto , Groessl Erik
Published: August 2016

Background:

Currently 4 million persons in the US have active hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and most have never successfully completed antiviral treatment. Newer therapies herald potential for wider uptake and acceptance of treatment, but the number of hepatology specialists is limited and newer models are needed to increase access to care. The aim of this study is to describe a collaborative primary care-based clinic for HCV treatment.

Methods:

Retrospective analysis of a collaborative primary care clinic developed for the evaluation and treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C at one VA medical center. A half-day clinic was organized with 4 primary care MDs, 2 hepatologists, 2 nurse practitioners, and a co-located psychiatrist, pharmacist and nurse case manager. Clinic productivity and outcomes related to the number of patients who initiated and completed treatment with direct acting antivirals (DAA) and pegylated interferon and ribavirin were evaluated.

Results:

In this 18 month period, the clinic had 1890 confirmed HCV registry patients and 1690 clinic visits. 74 HCV genotype 1 patients initiated DAA therapy. Primary care providers treated 47 patients (32% cirrhotic) and hepatologists treated 27 patients (48% cirrhotic). Final SVR rate was 54.6% (39.2% cirrhotics vs. 65.2% noncirrhotics). SVR rates were higher in patients with primary care providers (61.7%) vs. hepatologists (44.4%). Despite numerous adverse events, early treatment termination for adverse events occurred in 5.3% vs. 21.3% for virologic non-response. Multivariate analysis revealed no significant differences between primary care and hepatology for SVR and treatment discontinuations.

Conclusion:

This clinic demonstrated effectiveness and safety with DAA therapy. This illustrates potential for a primary care based collaborative clinic, which will be crucial for expanding access to effective HCV care.
Co-occurring Depression, Chronic Pain and Substance Use Disorders in People with Hepatitis C
Authors: Chereji Elizabeth , Kern Shira , Fuller Bret , Morasco Benjamin J. , Phelps Alissa , Hauser Peter
Published: August 2016

Chronic infection with Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is common and can result in serious and sometimes fatal liver complications. The impact of HCV on the liver can be further complicated by medical and psychological comorbidities. Depression, substance use, and pain syndromes are frequent co-morbid conditions in people with HCV and diminish functioning, quality of life, and treatment compliance. Understanding the underlying biological mechanisms of these comorbid conditions within the context of HCV may help elucidate factors contributing to their co-occurrence, perhaps mediatedviapro-inflammatory cytokines. The current review provides a synthesis of the literature on depression, substance use disorders and chronic pain in the presence of HCV. The review includes studies conducted with both veteran and civilian populations. The implications for assessment and antiviral treatment of HCV will be considered.
Antiviral Treatment to Prevent Transmission of Hepatitis C in People Who Inject Drugs
Authors: Dieperink Eric , Knott Astrid
Published: August 2016

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is common among people who inject drugs (PWID) and causes significant morbidity and mortality. Opiate replacement therapy and needle exchange programs have effectively prevented the transmission of the Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) but have been less effective for HCV. Other HCV prevention strategies are needed. Antiviral therapy with all oral direct acting antivirals is currently available and appears to be highly effective even in PWID and offers a possible strategy to further prevention efforts. This paper will review current evidence for treatment as prevention for HCV in PWID.
Nurturing Environmental Stewards through Preschool Physical Design
Authors: Shaari Mariam Felani , Ismail Izaham Shah , Sh. Ahmad Sabarinah
Published: August 2016

Environmental stewardship starts with education. This paper aims to discuss how preschools can be used to nurture environmental stewards among Malaysian children. In summary, elements of preschool physical environments can be manipulated to enhance environmental education while landscape elements such as vegetation and topography can be manipulated to maximize interaction with nature. Effective interaction with nature is the most important factor to ensure environmental awareness. Findings are useful for Malaysian designers and policy makers to ensure that preschool's physical settings support environmental education to respond to climate change and preserve the planet for future generations.
Well-Being Assessment of Youth in Urban Marginalized Community
Authors: Othman Saberi , Iskandar Mohd Mohni , Mohamed Nur Ikhwan
Published: August 2016

This paper examines the well-being of eight domains  of youth in the marginalized urban community. Study area was at Low Cost Housing Project of Lembah Pantai, Kuala Lumpur. Four hundred of youth age between 15 - 25 years old has been selected by stratified sampling. The average of well-being score is intermediate  for the whole sample. However, the male score is slightly higher compared to female. Moral values show the highest score whilst participation in the community shows the lowest score for both male and female. As a conclusion, there is intermediate score of well-being  of youth in the urban marginalized community.
The Health Benefits of Children by Different Natural Landscape Contacting Level
Authors: Tseng Tzuhui Angie , Shen Ching-Cheng
Published: August 2016

Previous studies seldom explore the health benefits of different levels of nature exposure on children. 241 valid samples from five primary schools in Hsinchu, Taiwan were investigated. Results showed that comparing to being on school campuses, children would have higher levels of physical activity when visiting neighborhood parks and forest. Only the forest level natural landscape experiences  have significant positive impact on enjoying nature, preferences and empathy and sense of belonging. Forest level natural landscape experiences would also positively affect mental health, and physical health is built up through physical activity. Therefore, rural natural settings would be more beneficial to children.
Grey to Green: Rehabilitation of urban dump site through regenerative landscape design
Authors: Syed Othman Thani Sharifah Khalizah , Abdul Rahim Noorjannah , Nik Mohamad Nik Hanita , Mohd Hashim Nor Hanisah
Published: August 2016

Attempt to rehabilitate the degraded land has been made, and has evidenced many successful redevelopments atop of the land. This paper attempts to look into the specific role of landscape architects in remedying the former dump site. The conceptual design by using principles of the regenerative landscape has been experimented through the proposed remediation of ex-landfill in Mukim Krubong, Malacca. Utilisation of the tropical plant species as an adaptive mechanism to ecologically remedying the contaminated land has been identified. It is hoped that the findings of this paper could contribute to expanding knowledge for sustainable landscape regeneration.
Inducing Website Design Innovation towards Customer Loyalty
Authors: Din Noorriati , Putit Lennora , Mohd Noor Muhammad Naqib
Published: August 2016

Having an attractive and innovative web design could serve as a basis for both offline and online retailers to provide detailed information towards satisfying potential buying intention amongst online shoppers, and subsequently contribute traffic flow to the intended website. This study revealed that both graphic design and social cues attributes were found to have a positive and significant relationship with customer loyalty. Given the valuable experience to the site, the aim of this study is to investigate the extent to which website design attributes affects customer loyalty towards a particular brand or product.
Autovalores da pesquisa e heterovalores das éticas
Authors: Giorgi Raffaele De
Published: August 2016

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O desenvolvimento do estado moderno: conflito entre garantias inovadoras e formas tradicionais
Authors: Marcantonio Jonathan Hernandes
Published: August 2016

O presente artigo objetiva demonstrar brevemente como a concepção teórica e instrumental de Estado Moderno, a qual supostamente havia propiciado em termos históricos e jurídicos a conquista de direitos materiais rumo à consagração dos direitos humanos, sofre na atualidade por uma necessidade de atualização, especialmente em seus pilares estruturais, graças a insistência do Estado em não se desvincular dos primeiros propósitos e princípios jurídicos formais que se consolidaram em sua constituição formal, a partir do século XVII. Nosso propósito aqui é tentar identificar esse lapso de compatibilidade entre o conteúdo material do direito garantido pelo Estado e a própria estrutura do Estado como garantidor de tais direitos, apesar dos esforços históricos para que tal adequação fosse realizada.
A judicialização e a crise de autoridade nas demandas que versam sobre o aborto preventivo no Tribunal de Justiça do Rio Grande do Sul
Authors: Deconto Paula
Published: August 2016

A judicialização das demandas sociais e políticas acontece nas sociedades democráticas ocidentais a partir do segundo pós-guerra. Tal fenômeno encontra-se estampado nas causas submetidas ao julgamento dos desembargadores do Tribunal de Justiça do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, que versam sobre o aborto preventivo. Os juízes, em face da perda de autoridade das magistraturas sociais, cumprem o papel de últimos guardiões da democracia em nossas sociedades contemporâneas. Neste artigo, explana-se de que forma os desembargadores gaúchos, enquanto atores sociais, interpretam este papel e se, eventualmente, sentem algum desconforto em tomar tais decisões. Para tanto, utilizamos como método de pesquisa a análise documental e a análise de conteúdo, buscando um exame mais qualitativo que quantitativo das decisões proferidas pelos referidos desembargadores.
Direitos humanos e sistema econômico: estrutura e semântica de um fragmento constitucional global
Authors: Amato Lucas Fucci
Published: August 2016

Partindo do referencial da teoria dos sistemas, estudos de sociologia da constituição têm discutido as perspectivas do constitucionalismo na sociedade mundial. Os direitos fundamentais, instituição típica das constituições nacionais, não apenas galgam o plano do direito internacional na forma de direitos humanos, mas também se reproduzem em ordens privadas, à margem do Estado e do sistema político. A economia, como um sistema funcional global que reproduz sobretudo expectativas cognitivas, é o foco principal desse constitucionalismo mundial. Criticando a tese dos fragmentos constitucionais globais de Gunther Teubner, este artigo mostra que as estruturas jurídicas envolvidas na conformação da constitucionalização privada da economia precisariam enfrentar o desafio de institucionalizar reivindicações de direitos apenas pelo mercado, sem depender do apelo à opinião pública (esfera pública da política). A semântica desse constitucionalismo mundial econômico – os discursos da governança e da sustentabilidade – parece insuficiente para, conjugada ao mercado, garantir legitimidade a essas pretensas constituições privadas.
Economic Analysis of Cargo Cycles for Urban Mail Delivery
Authors: Choubassi Carine , Seedah Dan P. K. , Jiang Nan , Walton C. Michael
Published: August 2016

Freight constitutes a large portion of urban daily traffic, contributing to emissions, noise, and safety concerns. Moreover, urban freight logistics are often hindered by the last mile, characterized by significant delays and high delivery costs. Firms in dense urban areas are therefore seeking more efficient and reliable modes for their last-mile services. One mode that has been gaining widespread interest is the cargo cycle. Current research on cargo cycles is limited; however, their success in effectively delivering urban goods is gaining recognition. An examination was done of the economic feasibility of using different types of cargo cycles in varying urban contexts. A case study that assessed replacing the U.S. Postal Service vehicles with cargo cycles for last-mile mail deliveries in three population densities is presented. With the use of existing depots, the results of the case study indicate that electric cargo trikes have the lowest net present value among the modes in congested areas with high population densities such as central business districts. Moreover, having a depot positioned within the delivery area was found to play a significant role in increasing the competitiveness of trikes compared with other modes.
Truck Appointment Systems
Authors: Huynh Nathan , Smith Daniel , Harder Frank
Published: August 2016

Given their potential to improve drayage and terminal operations, truck appointment systems are needed more than ever to alleviate the growing truck drayage crisis at major U.S. ports. This paper examines the state of the art and the state of the practice for truck appointment systems, discusses their shortcomings, and identifies elements of successful and effective truck appointment systems. This paper aims to illuminate the intricacies of truck appointment systems, to discuss elements and features that need to be considered in actual or studied systems, and to highlight areas that need additional research.
Schedule Coordination, Delay Propagation, and Disruption Resilience in Intermodal Logistics Networks
Authors: Chen Cheng-Chieh (Frank) , Tsai Ya-Hsuan (Natalie) , Schonfeld Paul
Published: August 2016

Three optimization models were developed to manage operations in intermodal logistics networks, from routine scheduling delay to recovery from major disruptions. Efficient transfer coordination in intermodal logistics networks can reduce the freight dwell time at transfer terminals where various routes interconnect and can reduce storage requirements at terminals. The first model coordinated vehicle schedules and cargo transfers at intermodal freight terminals, primarily by optimizing coordinated service frequencies and slack times. When delay perturbations propagated within a logistics network that used schedule coordination, a second model determined whether each ready outbound vehicle should have been dispatched immediately or held to wait for late incoming vehicles. Finally, a set of optimal resilient actions was considered by the proposed third model during the postdisruption phases, such as switching shipping modes and routes, renting other carriers' capacities, reallocating local trucks, and prioritizing the order of shipments because of limited capacities.
General Metaheuristic Algorithm for a Set of Rich Vehicle Routing Problems
Authors: Qi Mingyao , Peng Cheng , Huang Xiaoyu
Published: August 2016

This paper studies a set of rich vehicle routing problems incorporating various complexities found in real-life applications. The rich vehicle routing problem considers simultaneously four multiple constraints: multiple depots, multiple time windows, multiple trips, and multiple vehicle types. A metaheuristic algorithm called the general vehicle routing algorithm, based on the skewed variable neighborhood search, was designed to address the problem of any combination on five features. A slice of operators and heuristic approaches developed for the specific constraints is embedded in the general vehicle routing algorithm. Six combination vehicle routing problem types were investigated. The computational results demonstrated that the proposed algorithm is competitive for both benchmark instances and generated instances in accuracy of solution and computational time.
Forecasting Global Maritime Container Demand with Integrated Trade–Transportation Modeling Framework
Authors: Sou Weng Sut , Ong Ghim Ping
Published: August 2016

Global maritime trade has experienced increasing trade value and volume in recent decades. Most trade commodities are transported through seaborne containers. Therefore, the ability to forecast maritime container demand is important to policy makers for keeping their competitive advantage or to plan for infrastructure development. Numerous efforts have been made to forecast container demand, most such studies adopting an economic approach or a transportation model. Few studies have considered the forecasting of maritime container demand from an integrative economic trade–transportation modeling perspective. The study presented in this paper developed a quantitative demand forecasting approach to predict future seaborne container demand in the global context. This integrated forecasting framework uses the transportation-based four-step model coupled with economic and trade theories. Computable general equilibrium models based on economic theories were developed to derive the amount of trade flow between countries. Through the application of transportation mode choice models, the amount of seaborne trade between countries was then estimated. Statistical models with expert opinions were developed to convert commodity value into number of containers. The developed model framework was then used to study the container demand trends in several countries between 2008 and 2018. This case study found that the model framework could simulate global maritime trade and container demand and would be useful for planners in formulating relevant macroeconomic trade and transport policies.
A Two Year Observation on Trend of Primary Glomerulonephritis in A Tertiary Care Hospital of Bangladesh
Authors: Samad Tabassum , Haque Wasim Md Mohosin Ul , Rahim Muhammad Abdur , Ananna Mehruba Alam , Iqbal Sarwar
Published: August 2016

Aim: Glomerulonephritis remains the most probable underlying cause of end stage renal disease of uncertain aetiology in many developing countries, including Bangladesh. The pattern of glomerular disease varies widely from country to country. In Bangladesh, the incidence and histological pattern of glomerulonephritis is inadequately described. We performed a study, aiming to determine pattern of primary glomerulonephritis in a tertiary care hospital of our country.Material & Methods: It was a cross-sectional hospital based prospective study conducted at BIRDEM general hospital starting from from July 2013 to June 2015. It included all patients with primary glomerulonephritis and who underwent native kidney biopsy.Result: Total 67 biopsy were performed and among them primary glomerulonephritis was 42. Female and male ratio was 1.3:1 and mean age was 42.73±14 (14-75) years. Indications of biopsy were proteinuria (>1gm/day) and unexplained acute kidney injury. The commonest histopathological pattern in primary glomerulonephritis was membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis 33.33% (14/ 42) followed by mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis 30.95% (13/42). Only three (7%) patient required blood transfusion for post biopsy bleeding. No one required nephrectomy.Conclusion: In conclusion, mesangial proliferative and membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis are the two most common causes of primary glomerulonephritis. Nephrotic range proteinuria was the main indication of biopsy. Post biopsy complication was negligible. Creation of a national renal registry is essential for obtaining more specific epidemiological data.Bangladesh J Medicine Jul 2016; 27(2) : 68-70
Emphysematous Pyelonephritis: Successfully Managed with Conventional Approach
Authors: Samad Tabassum , Haque Wasim Md Mohosin Ul , Rahim Muhammad Abdur , Rahim MA , Iqbal Sarwar
Published: August 2016

Emphysematous pyelonephritis is a rare necrotizing renal parenchymal infection characterized by gas accumulation in kidneys with or without involving surrounding structures. Patients with diabetes mellitus are the usual sufferers. Here we depict a case of a young Bangladeshi diabetic lady who presented with abdominal pain and dysuria. Investigations confirmed left sided emphysematous pyelonephritis. She responded well to open drainage along with antibiotic coverage.Bangladesh J Medicine Jul 2016; 27(2) : 78-80
Waldmanns Disease : Endoscopic finding
Authors: Kabir Ahmedul
Published: August 2016

Abstract not availableBangladesh J Medicine Jul 2016; 27(2) : 89
A Multi-Objective Harmony Search Algorithm for Sustainable Design of Floating Settlements
Authors: Cubukcuoglu Cemre , Chatzikonstantinou Ioannis , Tasgetiren Mehmet , Sariyildiz I. , Pan Quan-Ke
Published: August 2016

This paper is concerned with the application of computational intelligence techniques to the conceptual design and development of a large-scale floating settlement. The settlement in question is a design for the area of Urla, which is a rural touristic region located on the west coast of Turkey, near the metropolis of Izmir. The problem at hand includes both engineering and architectural aspects that need to be addressed in a comprehensive manner. We thus adapt the view as a multi-objective constrained real-parameter optimization problem. Specifically, we consider three objectives, which are conflicting. The first one aims at maximizing accessibility of urban functions such as housing and public spaces, as well as special functions, such as a marina for yachts and a yacht club. The second one aims at ensuring the wind protection of the general areas of the settlement, by adequately placing them in between neighboring land masses. The third one aims at maximizing visibility of the settlement from external observation points, so as to maximize the exposure of the settlement. To address this complex multi-objective optimization problem and identify lucrative alternative design solutions, a multi-objective harmony search algorithm (MOHS) is developed and applied in this paper. When compared to the Differential Evolution algorithm developed for the problem in the literature, we demonstrate that MOHS achieves competitive or slightly better performance in terms of hyper volume calculation, and gives promising results when the Pareto front approximation is examined.
Antiphospholipid Antibodies: From General Concepts to Its Relation with Malignancies
Authors: Gómez-Puerta José , Espinosa Gerard , Cervera Ricard
Published: August 2016

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an adquired autoimmune pro-thrombotic disease characterized by arterial and/or venous thrombosis and/or fetal losses associated with the persistent presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) detectable by solid phase assays (anticardiolipin (aCL) and anti-β2 glycoprotein I, β2GPI) and/or functional coagulation test (lupus anticoagulant (LA)). Most patients with typical APS manifestations have the presence of one or more of conventional aPL, but, some patients might exhibit clinical features related with APS but with persistent negative determinations of “classic” aPL (seronegative APS). Expanding the network of autoantibodies in patients highly suspected of having APS but who have normal results from a conventional test using new antibodies (i.e., phosphatidylserine/prothrombin and β2GPI domain 1) would increase the diagnosis. Thrombosis is one of the leading causes of death among patients with cancer, representing up to 15% of all deaths. Cancer increases the risk of thrombosis and chemotherapy is further associated with a higher risk of thrombosis. In addition, aPL may contribute to an increased risk of thrombosis in patients with malignancies, although the levels do not seem to reflect their pathogenicity. Several malignancies, particularly hematological and lymphoproliferative malignancies, may indeed be associated with the generation of aPL but do not necessarily enhance the thrombophilic risk in these patients.
How Is a Data-Driven Approach Better than Random Choice in Label Space Division for Multi-Label Classification?
Authors: Szymański Piotr , Kajdanowicz Tomasz , Kersting Kristian
Published: August 2016

We propose using five data-driven community detection approaches from social networks to partition the label space in the task of multi-label classification as an alternative to random partitioning into equal subsets as performed by RAkELd. We evaluate modularity-maximizing using fast greedy and leading eigenvector approximations, infomap, walktrap and label propagation algorithms. For this purpose, we propose to construct a label co-occurrence graph (both weighted and unweighted versions) based on training data and perform community detection to partition the label set. Then, each partition constitutes a label space for separate multi-label classification sub-problems. As a result, we obtain an ensemble of multi-label classifiers that jointly covers the whole label space. Based on the binary relevance and label powerset classification methods, we compare community detection methods to label space divisions against random baselines on 12 benchmark datasets over five evaluation measures. We discover that data-driven approaches are more efficient and more likely to outperform RAkELd than binary relevance or label powerset is, in every evaluated measure. For all measures, apart from Hamming loss, data-driven approaches are significantly better than RAkELd ( α = 0 . 05 ), and at least one data-driven approach is more likely to outperform RAkELd than a priori methods in the case of RAkELd’s best performance. This is the largest RAkELd evaluation published to date with 250 samplings per value for 10 values of RAkELd parameter k on 12 datasets published to date.
A Photovoltaic-Based SEPIC Converter with Dual-Fuzzy Maximum Power Point Tracking for Optimal Buck and Boost Operations
Authors: Ramalu Tanaselan , Mohd Radzi Mohd , Mohd Zainuri Muhammad , Abdul Wahab Noor , Abdul Rahman Ribhan
Published: August 2016

In this paper, a photovoltaic (PV)-based single ended primary-inductor converter (SEPIC) is developed with introduction of dual-fuzzy logic controller (FLC) maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm. Separate FLC parts, for the first time used for MPPT, are configured for optimal operations of both buck and boost operations. During buck operation, a high overshoot voltage exists, and during boost operation, an undershoot voltage occurs, both during the initial rising period. Definitely, a single-FLC MPPT could not be able to minimize both problems, which on the other hand can be handled by the proposed MPPT algorithm. For evaluation purposes, buck operation has been conducted during high irradiance, while during low irradiance, boost operation has been conducted. The dual-FLC MPPT with SEPIC was simulated in MATLAB-Simulink, and further a laboratory prototype was implemented with a TMS320F28335 eZdsp board. Both simulation and experimental results and comparison analysis (with the single-FLC MPPT) have been presented. From the results and analysis, the dual-FLC MPPT performs better than the single-FLC MPPT in terms of faster response time, lower overshoot and undershoot, and further significant reduction of power losses.
Unshrouded Plate Fin Heat Sinks for Electronics Cooling: Validation of a Comprehensive Thermal Model and Cost Optimization in Semi-Active Configuration
Authors: Ventola Luigi , Curcuruto Gabriele , Fasano Matteo , Fotia Saverio , Pugliese Vincenzo , Chiavazzo Eliodoro , Asinari Pietro
Published: August 2016

Plate Fin Heat Sinks (PFHS) are among the simplest and most widespread devices for electronics cooling. Because of the many design parameters to be considered, developing both cost and thermal effective PFHS is a critical issue. Here, a novel thermal model of PFHS is presented. The model has a broad field of applicability, being comprehensive of the effects of flow bypass, developing boundary layers, fin efficiency and spreading resistance. Experiments are then carried out to validate the proposed thermal model, and its good accuracy is demonstrated. Finally, an optimization methodology based on genetic algorithms is proposed for a cost-effective selection of the design parameters of PFHS, which is particularly effective with semi-active configurations. Such an optimization methodology is then tested on a commercial heat sink, resulting in a possible 53% volume reduction at fixed thermal performances.
Environment-Friendly Heterogeneous Alkaline-Based Mixed Metal Oxide Catalysts for Biodiesel Production
Authors: Lee Hwei , Juan Joon , Yun Hin Taufiq-Yap , Ong Hwai
Published: August 2016

The critical problem arising from the depletion of fossil fuels has stimulated recent interests in alternative sources for petroleum-based fuel. An alternative fuel should be technically feasible, readily available, sustainable, and techno-economically competitive. Biodiesel is considered as a potential replacement of conventional diesel fuel, which is prepared from non-edible and high-acid feedstock via transesterification technology. The focus of this study is to investigate the catalytic activity of mixed metal oxides (MMOs) as catalysts for biodiesel production by using non-edible jatropha oil as feedstock. Various types of MMOs (CaO-MgO, CaO-ZnO, CaO-La2O3, and MgO-ZnO) were synthesized via a co-precipitation method. In this study, transesterification activities are closely related to the physicochemical properties of catalysts. The presence of different active metals in the binary system greatly influenced the surface area, basicity, and the stability of catalysts. The catalytic activity of MMO catalysts was increased in the order of CaO-ZnO (94% ± 1%) > CaO ~ CaO-MgO ~ CaO-La2O3 (~90% ± 2%) > MgO-ZnO (83% ± 2%) > MgO (64% ± 1%) > ZnO (41% ± 2%) > La2O3 (23% ± 1%). In addition, the MMO catalysts, especially CaO-ZnO, demonstrated high reusability and catalyst stability for four cycles of transesterification reaction of jatropha oil.
Contribution of Geothermal Resources to Energy Autonomy: Evaluation and Management Methodology
Authors: Topliceanu Liliana , Puiu Gabriel
Published: August 2016

The development of renewable energy is one of the aspirations of the European Union energy policy, being generated by the struggle against climatic changes and by the intention of achieving a high rate of energy autonomy. In this context, geothermal energy is a viable solution which has been little exploited so far. Analysing the EU’s dependence on imported energy, the paper provides a short review of the utilization of geothermal energy, of the advantages and of the problems raised by the exploitation of this resource. It also analyzes the availability of this resource in Romania and the contribution it can have towards the energy autonomy of local communities. The paper presents a particular methodology for calculating the energy autonomy. Using this methodology, one can obtain an energetic overview of the community or the area analyzed, can calculate the degree of energy autonomy and, based on the results achieved, a sustainable development strategy can be designed. The low enthalpy case study used emphasizes the way this methodology can be deployed and, moreover, allows an analysis of the contribution of geothermal energy to the degree of autonomy of the Romanian community.
Towards Harmonizing Leaf Litter Decomposition Studies Using Standard Tea Bags—A Field Study and Model Application
Authors: Didion Markus , Repo Anna , Liski Jari , Forsius Martin , Bierbaumer Michael , Djukic Ika
Published: August 2016

Decomposition of plant litter is a key process for the transfer of carbon and nutrients in ecosystems. Carbon contained in the decaying biomass is released to the atmosphere as respired CO2, and may contribute to global warming. Litterbag studies have been used to improve our knowledge of the drivers of litter decomposition, but they lack comparability because litter quality is plant species-specific. The use of commercial tea bags as a standard substrate was suggested in order to harmonize studies, where green tea and rooibos represent more labile and more recalcitrant C compounds as surrogates of local litter. Here we examine the potential of the use of standardized material for improving our understanding of litter decomposition across climate regions, and to further develop pertinent models. We measured the decomposition of incubated local and standard litters over two years along an elevation gradient in the Austrian Limestone Alps. The similar response to changes in temperature and precipitation of the pairs of local and standard litter—i.e., Fagus sylvatica and green tea, and Pinus nigra and rooibos tea, respectively—suggests the suitability of the standard litters for further examining the role of environmental drivers of decomposition. Harmonized data obtained from standardized litter experiments would provide a key prerequisite for further developing simulation models for the estimation of the C balance of ecosystem litter pools.
A Novel QoS Provisioning Algorithm for Optimal Multicast Routing in WMNs
Authors: Yang Weijun , Chen Yuanfeng
Published: August 2016

The problem of optimal multicast routing in Wireless Mess Networks (WMNs) with Quality-of-Service (QoS) provisioning, which is Non-Deterministic Polynomial (NP)-complete, is studied in this paper. The existing algorithms are not very efficient or effective. In order to find an approximation optimal solution for WMNs in feasible time from source to the set of destination nodes, combining the previous deterministic algorithm with the well-known Minimum Path Cost Heuristic (MPH) algorithm, a novel multicast heuristic approximation (NMHA) algorithm with QoS provisioning is proposed in this paper to deal with it. The theoretical validations for the proposed algorithm are presented to show its performance and efficiency. After that, the random static networks with different destination nodes are evaluated. Simulations in these networks show that the proposed algorithm can achieve the approximate optimal solution with the approximation factor of 2(1 + ε)(1 − 1/q) and the time complexity of O(qmn2τK−1).
Effect of Hypoxia on Ldh-c Expression in Somatic Cells of Plateau Pika
Authors: Wei Dengbang , Wei Linna , Li Xiao , Wang Yang , Wei Lian
Published: August 2016

Sperm specific lactate dehydrogenases (LDH-C4) is a lactate dehydrogenase that catalyzes the conversion of pyruvate to lactate. In mammals, Ldh-c was originally thought to be expressed only in testes and spermatozoa. Plateau pika (Ochotona curzoniae), which belongs to the genus Ochotona of the Ochotonidea family, is a hypoxia-tolerant mammal living 3000–5000 m above sea level on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, an environment which is strongly hypoxic. Ldh-c is expressed not only in testes and sperm, but also in the somatic tissues of plateau pika. To reveal the effect of hypoxia on pika Ldh-c expression, we investigated the mRNA and protein level of Ldh-c as well as the biochemical index of anaerobic glycolysis in pika somatic tissues at the altitudes of 2200 m, 3200 m and 3900 m. Our results showed that mRNA and protein expression levels of Ldh-c in the tissues of pika’s heart, liver, brain and skeletal muscle were increased significantly from 2200 m to 3200 m, but had no difference from 3200 m to 3900 m; the activities of LDH and the contents of lactate showed no difference from 2200 m to 3200 m, but were increased significantly from 3200 m to 3900 m. Hypoxia up-regulated and maintained the expression levels of Ldh-c in the pika somatic cells. Under the hypoxia condition, plateau pikas increased anaerobic glycolysis in somatic cells by LDH-C4, and that may have reduced their dependence on oxygen and enhanced their adaptation to the hypoxic environment.
Newborn Parent Based Intervention to Increase Child Safety Seat Use
Authors: Liu Xiangxiang , Yang Jingzhen , Cheng Fuyuan , Li Liping
Published: August 2016

This paper intends to assess the effect of a maternity department intervention on improvement of knowledge and use of child safety seats (CSS) among newborn parents. An intervention study included three groups (one education plus free CSS intervention group, one education only group, and one control group). The participants were parents of newborns in the maternity department of two hospitals. Both of the intervention groups received a folded pamphlet of child passenger safety, a height chart and standardized safety education during their hospital stay after giving birth. The education plus free CSS intervention group received an additional free CSS and professional installation training at hospital discharge. The control group received a pamphlet with educational information about nutrition and food safety. Three months after enrollment, a telephone follow-up was conducted among participants in the three groups. Data on child passenger safety knowledge, risky driving behaviors, and use of CSS were evaluated before and after the intervention. A total of 132 newborn parents were enrolled in the study; of those, 52 (39.4%) were assigned into the education plus free CSS intervention group, 44 (33.3%) were in the education intervention only group, and 36 (27.3%) were in the control group. No significant differences existed in demographics among the three groups. There was a significant difference in newborn parents’ child passenger safety knowledge and behaviors in the three groups before and after the intervention. In addition, the CSS use increased significantly in the education plus free CSS group after the intervention compared to parents in the education only or control groups. Education on safety, combined with a free CSS and professional installation training, were effective at increasing newborn parents’ knowledge and use of CSS. Future studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up are needed to determine a long-term effect of the intervention.
Recent Advances on Endocrine Disrupting Effects of UV Filters
Authors: Wang Jiaying , Pan Liumeng , Wu Shenggan , Lu Liping , Xu Yiwen , Zhu Yanye , Guo Ming , Zhuang Shulin
Published: August 2016

Ultraviolet (UV) filters are used widely in cosmetics, plastics, adhesives and other industrial products to protect human skin or products against direct exposure to deleterious UV radiation. With growing usage and mis-disposition of UV filters, they currently represent a new class of contaminants of emerging concern with increasingly reported adverse effects to humans and other organisms. Exposure to UV filters induce various endocrine disrupting effects, as revealed by increasing number of toxicological studies performed in recent years. It is necessary to compile a systematic review on the current research status on endocrine disrupting effects of UV filters toward different organisms. We therefore summarized the recent advances on the evaluation of the potential endocrine disruptors and the mechanism of toxicity for many kinds of UV filters such as benzophenones, camphor derivatives and cinnamate derivatives.
Coordination Environment of Cu(II) Ions Bound to N-Terminal Peptide Fragments of Angiogenin Protein
Authors: Magrì Antonio , Munzone Alessia , Peana Massimiliano , Medici Serenella , Zoroddu Maria , Hansson Orjan , Satriano Cristina , Rizzarelli Enrico , La Mendola Diego
Published: August 2016

Angiogenin (Ang) is a potent angiogenic factor, strongly overexpressed in patients affected by different types of cancers. The specific Ang cellular receptors have not been identified, but it is known that Ang–actin interaction induces changes both in the cell cytoskeleton and in the extracellular matrix. Most in vitro studies use the recombinant form (r-Ang) instead of the form that is normally present in vivo (“wild-type”, wt-Ang). The first residue of r-Ang is a methionine, with a free amino group, whereas wt-Ang has a glutamic acid, whose amino group spontaneously cyclizes in the pyro-glutamate form. The Ang biological activity is influenced by copper ions. To elucidate the role of such a free amino group on the protein–copper binding, we scrutinized the copper(II) complexes with the peptide fragments Ang(1–17) and AcAng(1–17), which encompass the sequence 1–17 of angiogenin (QDNSRYTHFLTQHYDAK-NH2), with free amino and acetylated N-terminus, respectively. Potentiometric, ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and circular dichroism (CD) studies demonstrate that the two peptides show a different metal coordination environment. Confocal microscopy imaging of neuroblastoma cells with the actin staining supports the spectroscopic results, with the finding of different responses in the cytoskeleton organization upon the interaction, in the presence or not of copper ions, with the free amino and the acetylated N-terminus peptides.
Drought-Induced Leaf Proteome Changes in Switchgrass Seedlings
Authors: Ye Zhujia , Sangireddy Sasikiran , Okekeogbu Ikenna , Zhou Suping , Yu Chih-Li , Hui Dafeng , Howe Kevin , Fish Tara , Thannhauser Theodore
Published: August 2016

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is a perennial crop producing deep roots and thus highly tolerant to soil water deficit conditions. However, seedling establishment in the field is very susceptible to prolonged and periodic drought stress. In this study, a “sandwich” system simulating a gradual water deletion process was developed. Switchgrass seedlings were subjected to a 20-day gradual drought treatment process when soil water tension was increased to 0.05 MPa (moderate drought stress) and leaf physiological properties had expressed significant alteration. Drought-induced changes in leaf proteomes were identified using the isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) labeling method followed by nano-scale liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (nano-LC-MS/MS) analysis. Additionally, total leaf proteins were processed using a combinatorial library of peptide ligands to enrich for lower abundance proteins. Both total proteins and those enriched samples were analyzed to increase the coverage of the quantitative proteomics analysis. A total of 7006 leaf proteins were identified, and 257 (4% of the leaf proteome) expressed a significant difference (p < 0.05, fold change <0.6 or >1.7) from the non-treated control to drought-treated conditions. These proteins are involved in the regulation of transcription and translation, cell division, cell wall modification, phyto-hormone metabolism and signaling transduction pathways, and metabolic pathways of carbohydrates, amino acids, and fatty acids. A scheme of abscisic acid (ABA)-biosynthesis and ABA responsive signal transduction pathway was reconstructed using these drought-induced significant proteins, showing systemic regulation at protein level to deploy the respective mechanism. Results from this study, in addition to revealing molecular responses to drought stress, provide a large number of proteins (candidate genes) that can be employed to improve switchgrass seedling growth and establishment under soil drought conditions (Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD004675).
Electrochemical Determination of Food Preservative Nitrite with Gold Nanoparticles/p-Aminothiophenol-Modified Gold Electrode
Authors: Üzer Ayşem , Sağlam Şener , Can Ziya , Erçağ Erol , Apak Reşat
Published: August 2016

Due to the negative impact of nitrate and nitrite on human health, their presence exceeding acceptable levels is not desired in foodstuffs. Thus, nitrite determination at low concentrations is a major challenge in electroanalytical chemistry, which can be achieved by fast, cheap, and safe electrochemical sensors. In this work, the working electrode (Au) was functionalized with p-aminothiophenol (p-ATP) and modified with gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs) to manufacture the final (Au/p-ATP-Aunano) electrode in a two-step procedure. In the first step, p-ATP was electropolymerized on the electrode surface to obtain a polyaminothiophenol (PATP) coating. In the second step, Au/p-ATP-Aunano working electrode was prepared by coating the surface with the use of HAuCl4 solution and cyclic voltammetry. Determination of aqueous nitrite samples was performed with the proposed electrode (Au/p-ATP-Aunano) using square wave voltammetry (SWV) in pH 4 buffer medium. Characteristic peak potential of nitrite samples was 0.76 V, and linear calibration curves of current intensity versus concentration was linear in the range of 0.5–50 mg·L−1 nitrite with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.12 mg·L−1. Alternatively, nitrite in sausage samples could be colorimetrically determined with high sensitivity by means of p-ATP‒modified gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and naphthylethylene diamine as coupling agents for azo-dye formation due to enhanced charge-transfer interactions with the AuNPs surface. The slopes of the calibration lines in pure NO2− solution and in sausage sample solution, to which different concentrations of NO2− standards were added, were not significantly different from each other, confirming the robustness and interference tolerance of the method. The proposed voltammetric sensing method was validated against the colorimetric nanosensing method in sausage samples.
Docosahexaenoic Acid Induces Oxidative DNA Damage and Apoptosis, and Enhances the Chemosensitivity of Cancer Cells
Authors: Song Eun , Kim Hyeyoung
Published: August 2016

The human diet contains low amounts of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and high amounts of ω-6 PUFAs, which has been reported to contribute to the incidence of cancer. Epidemiological studies have shown that a high consumption of fish oil or ω-3 PUFAs reduced the risk of colon, pancreatic, and endometrial cancers. The ω-3 PUFA, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), shows anticancer activity by inducing apoptosis of some human cancer cells without toxicity against normal cells. DHA induces oxidative stress and oxidative DNA adduct formation by depleting intracellular glutathione (GSH) and decreasing the mitochondrial function of cancer cells. Oxidative DNA damage and DNA strand breaks activate DNA damage responses to repair the damaged DNA. However, excessive DNA damage beyond the capacity of the DNA repair processes may initiate apoptotic signaling pathways and cell cycle arrest in cancer cells. DHA shows a variable inhibitory effect on cancer cell growth depending on the cells’ molecular properties and degree of malignancy. It has been shown to affect DNA repair processes including DNA-dependent protein kinases and mismatch repair in cancer cells. Moreover, DHA enhanced the efficacy of anticancer drugs by increasing drug uptake and suppressing survival pathways in cancer cells. In this review, DHA-induced oxidative DNA damage, apoptotic signaling, and enhancement of chemosensitivity in cancer cells will be discussed based on recent studies.
pH-Responsive PLGA Nanoparticle for Controlled Payload Delivery of Diclofenac Sodium
Authors: Khanal Shalil , Adhikari Udhab , Rijal Nava , Bhattarai Shanta , Sankar Jagannathan , Bhattarai Narayan
Published: August 2016

Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) based nanoparticles have gained increasing attention in delivery applications due to their capability for controlled drug release characteristics, biocompatibility, and tunable mechanical, as well as degradation, properties. However, thorough study is always required while evaluating potential toxicity of the particles from dose dumping, inconsistent release and drug-polymer interactions. In this research, we developed PLGA nanoparticles modified by chitosan (CS), a cationic and pH responsive polysaccharide that bears repetitive amine groups in its backbone. We used a model drug, diclofenac sodium (DS), a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), to study the drug loading and release characteristics. PLGA nanoparticles were synthesized by double-emulsion solvent evaporation technique. The nanoparticles were evaluated based on their particle size, surface charge, entrapment efficacy, and effect of pH in drug release profile. About 390–420 nm of average diameters and uniform morphology of the particles were confirmed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging and dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurement. Chitosan coating over PLGA surface was confirmed by FTIR and DLS. Drug entrapment efficacy was up to 52%. Chitosan coated PLGA showed a pH responsive drug release in in vitro. The release was about 45% more at pH 5.5 than at pH 7.4. The results of our study indicated the development of chitosan coating over PLGA nanoparticle for pH dependent controlled release DS drug for therapeutic applications.