bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical solution of diffusion equation to study fast neutrons flux distribution for variant radii of nuclear fuel pin and moderator regions
Authors: Mousavi Shirazi S. A.
Published: June 2015

In this symbolic investigation, a cylindrical cell in a LWR, which consists of one fuel pin and moderator (water), is considered. The width of this cylindrical cell is divided into 100 equal units. Since the neutron flux in a cylindrical fuel pin is resulting from the diffusion equation:

-

1
r

d

d
r

φ

(
r
)

+

∑
a

φ

(
r
)

=
S

(
r
)

$ - \frac{1}{r}\frac{d}{{dr}}\varphi \left( r \right) + \mathop \sum \nolimits_a \varphi \left( r \right) = S\left( r \right)$

, the amount of fast neutron fluxes are obtained on the basis of the numeric solution of this equation, and the applied boundary conditions are considered:

φ
′

(
0
)

=

φ
′

(
1
)

=
0

$\varphi '\left( 0 \right) = \varphi '\left( 1 \right) = 0$

. This differential equation is solved by the tridiagonal method for variant enrichments of uranium. Neutron fluxes are obtained in variant radii of fuel pin and moderator and are finally compared with each other. There are some interesting outcomes resulting from this investigation. It can be inferred that because of the fuel enrichment increment, the fast neutron flux increases significantly at the centre of core, while many of the fast neutrons produced are absorbed after entering the water region, moderation of lots of them causes the reduced neutron flux to get improved in this region.
Importance weighting of local flux measurements to improve reactivity predictions in nuclear systems
Authors: Dulla S. , Hoh Siew Sin , Nervo M. , Ravetto P.
Published: June 2015

The reactivity monitoring is a key aspect for the safe operation of nuclear reactors, especially for subcritical source-driven systems. Various methods are available for both off-line and on-line reactivity determination from direct measurements carried out on the reactor. Usually the methods are based on the inverse point kinetic model applied to signals from neutron detectors and results may be severely affected by spatial and spectral effects. Such effects need to be compensated and correction procedures have to be applied. In this work, a new approach is proposed, by using the full information from different local measurements to generate a global signal through a proper weighting of the signals provided by single neutron detectors. A weighting techique based on the use of the adjoint flux proves to be efficient in improving the prediction capability of inverse techniques. The idea is applied to the recently developed algorithm, named MAρTA, that can be used in both off-line and on-line modes.
Pattern of Anti-Microbial Sensitivity and Resistance against Salmonella Species in a Tertiary Hospital in Dhaka
Authors: Begum Afsana , Bari Md Shafiqul , Chowdhury Fazle Rabbi , Ahmed Naser , Sayeed KAR
Published: June 2015

Background: Drug resistant Salmonella spp. continues to remain a health problem as last two decades have witnessed the emergence and spread of multidrug resistance against conventional anti-typhoid drugs. Multidrug resistant (MDR) typhoid is now a serious problem in many developing countries including Bangladesh.Objectives: To find out antimicrobial sensitivity and resistance patterns of different types of Salmonella spp. in patients with enteric fever and to find out the epidemiological strains (e.g. resistant strain, epidemic strain, MDR strain) in patients with enteric fever.Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was done during October 2009November 2010 and JanuaryDecember 2012 at United Hospital Limited, Dhaka. Laboratory reports of blood culture were collected from those patients who were investigated as suspected cases of enteric fever. Both the indoor and outdoor patients were enrolled in the study. Salmonella species resistant to one or more of the first line drugs were divided into resistant strain, epidemic strain and multi-drug resistant strain.Results: During the period October 2009November 2010, total 210 subjects were enrolled. Among the participants, 122 were male and 88 were female. S. typhi were found in 133 samples whereas 76 were S. paratyphi A and only 1 S. paratyphi B. Sensitivity was found 77% for ampicillin, 91.4% for cotrimoxazole, 78.6% for chloramphenicol, 87.6% for ciprofloxacin, 96.6% for cefixime, 98% for ceftriaxone and only 22.1% for azithromycin (77.9% resistant). Total 91 (43.3%) cases were found having resistant strain, 6 (2.8%) epidemic strain and 8 (3.8%) MDR strain Salmonella spp. The sensitivity of azithromycin was analyzed among different categories of strains and revealed that 52.7% showed resistance in resistant strain, 100% in epidemic strain and 87.5% in MDR strain. During the period between JanuaryDecember 2012, total 139 subjects were enrolled. Among the participants 68 were male and 71 were female with a ratio of 1:1.04. S. typhi were found in 84 cases whereas 55 were S. paratyphi A and no S. paratyphi B. Sensitivity was found 62.7% for ampicillin, 82% for cotrimoxazole, 83% for chloramphenicol, 45.2% for azithromycin, 95% for ciprofloxacin, 99.3% for cefixime and 100% for ceftriaxone. Total 55 (39.6%) cases were found having resistant strain, 3 (2.1%) epidemic strain and 17 (12.2%) MDR strain Salmonella spp. Against azithromycin 67.3% showed resistance in resistant strain, 33.3% in epidemic strain and 29.4% in MDR strain.Conclusion: The policy of empirical treatment of enteric fever needs to be rationalized and newer generation antibiotics should be restricted only for multi-resistant cases of enteric fever.J Enam Med Col 2015; 5(2): 88-92
Medication Errors Associated with Look-alike/Sound-alike Drugs: A Brief Review
Authors: Rahman Zaida , Parvin Rukhsana
Published: June 2015

The existence of confusing drug names is one of the most common causes of medication errors. There are many types of medication errors: wrong drug, wrong dose, wrong route of administration, wrong patient etc. Misreading medication names that look similar is a common mistake. These look-alike medication names may also sound alike and can lead to errors associated with verbal prescriptions. Similar sounding drugs may produce confusion and may lead to unintended interchange of drugs causing harm to patients or even patient death. The main aim of the study was to evaluate medication errors related to look alikesound alike drug names and to find out the strategies to prevent these medication errors.J Enam Med Col 2015; 5(2): 110-117
College News 5(2)
Authors: Khan Md Aminul Haque , Parvin Rukhsana
Published: June 2015

Abstract not availableJ Enam Med Col 2015; 5(2): 128-129
Reviewers in this Issue 5(2)
Authors: Editors -
Published: June 2015

Abstract not availableJ Enam Med Col 2015; 5(2): 130
Bishop Koop Technique is Preferred than Primary Anastomosis in Managing Jejunoileal Atresia in a Setup without Neonatal Intensive Care Unit - Our Initial Experience
Authors: Rahman MA Mushfiqur , Farooq Md Abdullah Al , Bhuiyan Md Akbar Husain , Sajid Minhajuddin , Chowdhury Tanvir K , Habib Golam
Published: June 2015

Background: Neonatal intestinal obstruction due to jejunoileal atresia is not uncommon. Recommended treatment is resection with end to back anastomosis and post operative care in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) with Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) support. In a setup without NICU and TPN, mortality of primary anastomosis is very high due to unusual delay in starting enteral feeding. Bishop Koop technique seems to allow early oral feeding and rapid establishment of normal gastrointestinal function and thus reduce mortality and morbidity.Objective: To find out the outcome of Bishop Koop procedure in patients with Jejunoileal atresia.Methods: This is an ongoing study started from March, 2011 in the Department of Pediatric Surgery, Chittagong Medical College Hospital. Here we are presenting our initial experience till June, 2012 (duration of 16 months). During this period total 13 patients of uncomplicated Jejunoileal atresia was treated surgically. Four patients were treated by classical end to oblique anastomosis and all died. Rest of the 9 patients were treated by Bishop Koop technique. Overall outcome of this technique was assessed considering time to establish oral feeding and normal bowel movement, ceasation of coming distal stomas effluent, weight gain, death etc.Result: Out of 9 patients, 6 patients weighing less than 2.5 Kg. Type- III A was the commonest variant. Two patients died following surgery due to sepsis. Oral feeding was possible within 4-7 postoperative day in all survived patients except one. In follow up satisfactory weight gain was observed in all those patients.Conclusion: Bishop Koop technique could be considered as preferred surgical option in a set up without NICU and TPN.J. Paediatr. Surg. Bangladesh 3(1): 5-11, 2012 (January)
Comparison between the Outcome of Tunica Vaginalis Blanket Wrap and Non-wrap Procedures in Urethroplasty
Authors: Sajid Mohammad Minhajuddin , Karim Md Shahid
Published: June 2015

Background: Hypospadias is a developmental anomaly characterized by a urethral meatus that opens onto the ventral surface of the penis, proximal to the end of glans. Fistulas are the most common complication following hypospadias repairs. This study was carried out to see that application of vascularized Tunica Vaginalis Blanket Wrap (TVBW) in urethroplasty reduces fistula rate in hypospadias repair. Objectives: To study the efficacy of Tunica vaginalis blanket wrap to prevent urethrocutaneous (UC) fistula in urethroplasty for hypospadias repair.Methods:Study Design : Prospective comparative studyPlace of Study :Department of Paediatric surgery, Dhaka Shishu Hospital (DSH), Dhaka.Period of Study :April, 2003 to October, 2004 for a total period of 19 months.The study of population : Twenty (20) admitted patients of hypospadias were selected. Patients were grouped into group A and group B on the basis of lottery method. Group A included 10 cases, who were subjected to repair of hypospadias with the application TVBW. Group B included 10 cases, who were subjected to repair of hypospadias without TVBW.Statistical Analysis : Chi-square test (X2 test) were applied. p value <0.01 was taken as significant.Ethical aspect : Research protocol was accepted by DSH. Written consent were taken from parents.Result: Occurrence of post operated UC fistula found significantly higher in non TVBW. Discussion: In our patients for group A (study group), TVBW was used in urethroplasty while urethroplasty for group B (control group) was carried out without TVBW. UC fistula was present in 1 patient (10%) in group A post operatively and in 5 patients (50%) in group B postoperatively and subsequently 2 more patients developed fistula during follow up period. In control group 7 patient (70%) developed UC fistula out of 10 patients (n=10) despite of using periurethral flap of tissue as second layer over the neourethra. In our study, the rate of development of UC fistula is much less (only 10%) in study group. So the result is significant as evidenced by p value which is less than <0.01.This study demonstrates that use of tunica vaginalis as a blanket wrap as second layer over the neourethra reduces the rate of development of UC fistula.Conclusion: TVBW is recommended for urethroplasty to decrease the postoperative UC fistula.J. Paediatr. Surg. Bangladesh 3(1): 30-36, 2012 (January)
Tumour Movement in Proton Therapy: Solutions and Remaining Questions: A Review
Authors: De Ruysscher Dirk , Sterpin Edmond , Haustermans Karin , Depuydt Tom
Published: June 2015

Movement of tumours, mostly by respiration, has been a major problem for treating lung cancer, liver tumours and other locations in the abdomen and thorax. Organ motion is indeed one component of geometrical uncertainties that includes delineation and target definition uncertainties, microscopic disease and setup errors. At present, minimising motion seems to be the easiest to implement in clinical practice. If combined with adaptive approaches to correct for gradual anatomical variations, it may be a practical strategy. Other approaches such as repainting and tracking could increase the accuracy of proton therapy delivery, but advanced 4D solutions are needed. Moreover, there is a need to perform clinical studies to investigate which approach is the best in a given clinical situation. The good news is that existing and emerging technology and treatment planning systems as will without doubt lead in the forthcoming future to practical solutions to tackle intra-fraction motion in proton therapy. These developments may also improve motion management in photon therapy as well.
Diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori: Changes towards the Future
Authors: Kalali Behnam , Formichella Luca , Gerhard Markus
Published: June 2015

Since the first evidence demonstrating the dramatically high incidence of H. pylori infection and the subsequent medical challenges it incurs, health management of H. pylori infection has been a high priority for health authorities worldwide. Despite a decreasing rate of infection in western countries, prevalence of H. pylori infection in developing and in some industrial countries is still very high. Whereas treatment and vaccination against H. pylori is a contemporary issue in medical communities, selective treatment and prior high-throughput screening of the subject population is a major concern of health organizations. So far, diagnostic tests are either elaborative and require relatively advanced medical care infrastructure or they do not fulfill the criteria recommended by the Maastricht IV/Florence consensus report. In this review, in light of recent scientific studies, we highlight current and possible future approaches for the diagnosis of H. pylori. We point out that novel non-invasive tests may not only cover the requirements of gold standard methods in H. pylori detection but also offer the potential for risk stratification of infection in a high throughput manner.
A Possible Cosmological Application of Some Thermodynamic Properties of the Black Body Radiation in n-Dimensional Euclidean Spaces
Authors: Gonzalez-Ayala Julian , Perez-Oregon Jennifer , Cordero Rubén , Angulo-Brown Fernando
Published: June 2015

In this work, we present the generalization of some thermodynamic properties of the black body radiation (BBR) towards an n-dimensional Euclidean space. For this case, the Planck function and the Stefan–Boltzmann law have already been given by Landsberg and de Vos and some adjustments by Menon and Agrawal. However, since then, not much more has been done on this subject, and we believe there are some relevant aspects yet to explore. In addition to the results previously found, we calculate the thermodynamic potentials, the efficiency of the Carnot engine, the law for adiabatic processes and the heat capacity at constant volume. There is a region at which an interesting behavior of the thermodynamic potentials arises: maxima and minima appear for the n—dimensional BBR system at very high temperatures and low dimensionality, suggesting a possible application to cosmology. Finally, we propose that an optimality criterion in a thermodynamic framework could be related to the 3—dimensional nature of the universe.
Exploring Elements That Support Teachers Engagement in Online Professional Development
Authors: Prestridge Sarah , Tondeur Jo
Published: June 2015

This study sought to identify the most effective elements required in online professional development to enable teachers to improve their use of Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) in their classrooms. Four schools in Queensland were involved, with twelve classroom teachers participating in a year-long online professional development program over the school year supported by an online mentor. The online professional development program did not provide course based or sequential learning activities. Rather it was design to enable individual learning pathways and draw on the many professional learning opportunities available through web 2.0 tools and Internet resources. The focus was to explore the process of online ICT professional development to contribute to the conceptualization of how teachers learn in the 21st Century. Findings indicate that teachers need to engage in three elements: investigation, reflection, and constructive dialogue; build a sense of group and individual online presence; and be supported by mentorship that responds to the various cognitive and affective demands of autonomous learners.
The Significance of Experiences of Nature for People with Parkinson’s Disease, with Special Focus on Freezing of Gait—The Necessity for a Biophilic Environment. A Multi-Method Single Subject Study
Authors: Ottosson Johan , Lavesson Lillian , Pinzke Stefan , Grahn Patrik
Published: June 2015

Freezing of Gait (FOG) is a common condition in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). FOG entails suddenly experiencing difficulties moving or feeling that one’s feet are as glued to the ground. It is triggered, e.g., when passing through doorways. Earlier studies suggest that being in natural environments affects FOG in a positive way. Five subjects were recruited to serve as five single subject cases. We used interviews, observations, questionnaires and collected gait pattern data with aid of an accelerometer. A special designed outdoor setting was used, where we investigated whether passing through hedge openings with or without built elements triggered FOG. We found that no one experienced a FOG reaction when they passed through hedge openings without built elements. However, FOG was triggered when a doorframe was inserted into a hedge opening, and/or when peripheral vision was blocked. We interpret the results such that the doorframe triggered a phobic reflex, causing a freezing reaction. Passing through hedge openings does not trigger FOG, which we interpret as a biophilic reaction. Our results, if repeated in future studies, may have significance to everyday lives of PD patients, who could get a simpler life by consciously prioritizing stays in natural surroundings.
Inferring Invasion History of Red Swamp Crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) in China from Mitochondrial Control Region and Nuclear Intron Sequences
Authors: Li Yanhe , Guo Xianwu , Chen Liping , Bai Xiaohui , Wei Xinlan , Zhou Xiaoyun , Huang Songqian , Wang Weimin
Published: June 2015

Identifying the dispersal pathways of an invasive species is useful for adopting the appropriate strategies to prevent and control its spread. However, these processes are exceedingly complex. So, it is necessary to apply new technology and collect representative samples for analysis. This study used Approximate Bayesian Computation (ABC) in combination with traditional genetic tools to examine extensive sample data and historical records to infer the invasion history of the red swamp crayfish, Procambarus clarkii, in China. The sequences of the mitochondrial control region and the proPOx intron in the nuclear genome of samples from 37 sites (35 in China and one each in Japan and the USA) were analyzed. The results of combined scenarios testing and historical records revealed a much more complex invasion history in China than previously believed. P. clarkii was most likely originally introduced into China from Japan from an unsampled source, and the species then expanded its range primarily into the middle and lower reaches and, to a lesser extent, into the upper reaches of the Changjiang River in China. No transfer was observed from the upper reaches to the middle and lower reaches of the Changjiang River. Human-mediated jump dispersal was an important dispersal pathway for P. clarkii. The results provide a better understanding of the evolutionary scenarios involved in the rapid invasion of P. clarkii in China.
Echinacoside Induces Apoptosis in Human SW480 Colorectal Cancer Cells by Induction of Oxidative DNA Damages
Authors: Dong Liwei , Yu Debin , Wu Nuoting , Wang Hongge , Niu Jiajing , Wang Ye , Zou Zhihua
Published: June 2015

Echinacoside is a natural compound with potent reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging and anti-oxidative bioactivities, which protect cells from oxidative damages. As cancer cells are often under intense oxidative stress, we therefore tested if Echinacoside treatment would promote cancer development. Surprisingly, we found that Echinacoside significantly inhibited the growth and proliferation of a panel of cancer cell lines. Treatment of the human SW480 cancer cells with Echinacoside resulted in marked apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, together with a significant increase in active caspase 3 and cleaved PARP, and upregulation of the G1/S-CDK blocker CDKN1B (p21). Interestingly, immunocytochemistry examination of drug-treated cancer cells revealed that Echinacoside caused a significant increase of intracellular oxidized guanine, 8-oxoG, and dramatic upregulation of the double-strand DNA break (DSB)-binding protein 53BP1, suggesting that Echinacoside induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in SW480 cancer cells via induction of oxidative DNA damages. These results establish Echinacoside as a novel chemical scaffold for development of anticancer drugs.
A Theoretical Study of the Binding of [Re6Se8(OH)2(H2O)4] Rhenium Clusters to DNA Purine Base Guanine
Authors: Alvarado-Soto Leonor , Ramirez-Tagle Rodrigo
Published: June 2015

Hexanuclear rhenium complexes are promising candidates for use as antitumor drugs. However, to date, there has been no investigation into the nature of their binding to DNA. In this study, density functional theory (DFT) was used to examine the binding of [Re6Se8(OH)2(H2O)4] to the DNA purine base guanine. The geometrical structures of cluster-guanine adducts in water were modeled at the zero order regular approximation (ZORA)-PW91 level. Calculating the bond energies allowed us to compare the cis and trans forms of the cluster, and a possible manners of interaction between [Re6Se8(OH)2(H2O)3] clusters and DNA was obtained and explained.
The Curcumin Analogue 1,5-Bis(2-hydroxyphenyl)-1,4-pentadiene-3-one Induces Apoptosis and Downregulates E6 and E7 Oncogene Expression in HPV16 and HPV18-Infected Cervical Cancer Cells
Authors: Paulraj Felicia , Abas Faridah , Lajis Nordin , Othman Iekhsan , Hassan Sharifah , Naidu Rakesh
Published: June 2015

In an effort to study curcumin analogues as an alternative to improve the therapeutic efficacy of curcumin, we screened the cytotoxic potential of four diarylpentanoids using the HeLa and CaSki cervical cancer cell lines. Determination of their EC50 values indicated relatively higher potency of 1,5-bis(2-hydroxyphenyl)-1,4-pentadiene-3-one (MS17, 1.03 ± 0.5 μM; 2.6 ± 0.9 μM) and 1,5-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1,4-pentadiene-3-one (MS13, 2.8 ± 0.4; 6.7 ± 2.4 μM) in CaSki and HeLa, respectively, with significantly greater growth inhibition at 48 and 72 h of treatment compared to the other analogues or curcumin. Based on cytotoxic and anti-proliferative activity, MS17 was selected for comprehensive apoptotic studies. At 24 h of treatment, fluorescence microscopy detected that MS17-exposed cells exhibited significant morphological changes consistent with apoptosis, corroborated by an increase in nucleosomal enrichment due to DNA fragmentation in HeLa and CaSki cells and activation of caspase-3 activity in CaSki cells. Quantitative real-time PCR also detected significant down-regulation of HPV18- and HPV16-associated E6 and E7 oncogene expression following treatment. The overall data suggests that MS17 treatment has cytotoxic, anti-proliferative and apoptosis-inducing potential in HPV-positive cervical cancer cells. Furthermore, its role in down-regulation of HPV-associated oncogenes responsible for cancer progression merits further investigation into its chemotherapeutic role for cervical cancer.
Synthesis, Antiviral Bioactivity of Novel 4-Thioquinazoline Derivatives Containing Chalcone Moiety
Authors: Wan Zhihua , Hu Deyu , Li Pei , Xie Dandan , Gan Xiuhai
Published: June 2015

A series of novel 4-thioquinazoline derivatives containing chalcone moiety were designed, synthesized and systematically evaluated for their antiviral activity against TMV. The bioassay results showed that most of these compounds exhibited moderate to good anti-TMV activity. In particular, compounds M2 and M6 possessed appreciable protection activities against TMV in vivo, with 50% effective concentration (EC50) values of 138.1 and 154.8 μg/mL, respectively, which were superior to that of Ribavirin (436.0 μg/mL). The results indicated that chalcone derivatives containing 4-thioquinazoline moiety could effectively control TMV. Meanwhile, the structure-activity relationship (SAR) of the target compounds, studied using the three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship (3D-QSAR) method of comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) based on the protection activities against TMV, demonstrated that the CoMFA model exhibited good predictive ability with the cross-validated q2 and non-cross-validated r2 values of 0.674 and 0.993, respectively. Meanwhile, the microscale thermophoresis (MST) experimental showed that the compound M6 may interaction with the tobacco mosaic virus coat protein (TMV CP).
Mechanical Dispersion of Nanoparticles and Its Effect on the Specific Heat Capacity of Impure Binary Nitrate Salt Mixtures
Authors: Lasfargues Mathieu , Geng Qiao , Cao Hui , Ding Yulong
Published: June 2015

In this study, the effect of nanoparticle concentration was tested for both CuO and TiO2 in eutectic mixture of sodium and potassium nitrate. Results showed an enhancement in specific heat capacity (Cp) for both types of nanoparticles (+10.48% at 440 °C for 0.1 wt % CuO and +4.95% at 440 °C for 0.5 wt % TiO2) but the behavior toward a rise in concentration was different with CuO displaying its highest enhancement at the lowest concentration whilst TiO2 showed no concentration dependence for three of the four different concentrations tested. The production of cluster of nanoparticles was visible in CuO but not in TiO2. This formation of nanostructure in molten salt might promote the enhancement in Cp. However, the size and shape of these structures will most likely impact the energy density of the molten salt.
Citrulline Supplementation Improves Organ Perfusion and Arginine Availability under Conditions with Enhanced Arginase Activity
Authors: Wijnands Karolina , Meesters Dennis , Van Barneveld Kevin , Visschers Ruben , Briedé Jacob , Vandendriessche Benjamin , Van Eijk Hans , Bessems Babs , Hoven Nadine , Von Wintersdorff Christian , Brouckaert Peter , Bouvy Nicole , Lamers Wouter , Cauwels Anje , Poeze Martijn
Published: June 2015

Enhanced arginase-induced arginine consumption is believed to play a key role in the pathogenesis of sickle cell disease-induced end organ failure. Enhancement of arginine availability with l-arginine supplementation exhibited less consistent results; however, l-citrulline, the precursor of l-arginine, may be a promising alternative. In this study, we determined the effects of l-citrulline compared to l-arginine supplementation on arginine-nitric oxide (NO) metabolism, arginine availability and microcirculation in a murine model with acutely-enhanced arginase activity. The effects were measured in six groups of mice (n = 8 each) injected intraperitoneally with sterile saline or arginase (1000 IE/mouse) with or without being separately injected with l-citrulline or l-arginine 1 h prior to assessment of the microcirculation with side stream dark-field (SDF)-imaging or in vivo NO-production with electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy. Arginase injection caused a decrease in plasma and tissue arginine concentrations. l-arginine and l-citrulline supplementation both enhanced plasma and tissue arginine concentrations in arginase-injected mice. However, only the citrulline supplementation increased NO production and improved microcirculatory flow in arginase-injected mice. In conclusion, the present study provides for the first time in vivo experimental evidence that l-citrulline, and not l-arginine supplementation, improves the end organ microcirculation during conditions with acute arginase-induced arginine deficiency by increasing the NO concentration in tissues.
Senescence Meets Dedifferentiation
Authors: Rapp Yemima , Ransbotyn Vanessa , Grafi Gideon
Published: June 2015

Senescence represents the final stage of leaf development but is often induced prematurely following exposure to biotic and abiotic stresses. Leaf senescence is manifested by color change from green to yellow (due to chlorophyll degradation) or to red (due to de novo synthesis of anthocyanins coupled with chlorophyll degradation) and frequently culminates in programmed death of leaves. However, the breakdown of chlorophyll and macromolecules such as proteins and RNAs that occurs during leaf senescence does not necessarily represent a one-way road to death but rather a reversible process whereby senescing leaves can, under certain conditions, re-green and regain their photosynthetic capacity. This phenomenon essentially distinguishes senescence from programmed cell death, leading researchers to hypothesize that changes occurring during senescence might represent a process of trans-differentiation, that is the conversion of one cell type to another. In this review, we highlight attributes common to senescence and dedifferentiation including chromatin structure and activation of transposable elements and provide further support to the notion that senescence is not merely a deterioration process leading to death but rather a unique developmental state resembling dedifferentiation.
Tool for Semiautomatic Labeling of Moving Objects in Video Sequences: TSLAB
Authors: Cuevas Carlos , Yáñez Eva , García Narciso
Published: June 2015

An advanced and user-friendly tool for fast labeling of moving objects captured with surveillance sensors is proposed, which is available to the public. This tool allows the creation of three kinds of labels: moving objects, shadows and occlusions. These labels are created at both the pixel level and object level, which makes them suitable to assess the quality of both moving object detection strategies and tracking algorithms. The labeling can be performed easily and quickly thanks to a very friendly graphical user interface that allows one to automatize many common operations. This interface also includes some semiautomatic advanced tools that simplify the labeling tasks and drastically reduce the time required to obtain high-quality results.
Articulated Non-Rigid Point Set Registration for Human Pose Estimation from 3D Sensors
Authors: Ge Song , Fan Guoliang
Published: June 2015

We propose a generative framework for 3D human pose estimation that is able to operate on both individual point sets and sequential depth data. We formulate human pose estimation as a point set registration problem, where we propose three new approaches to address several major technical challenges in this research. First, we integrate two registration techniques that have a complementary nature to cope with non-rigid and articulated deformations of the human body under a variety of poses. This unique combination allows us to handle point sets of complex body motion and large pose variation without any initial conditions, as required by most existing approaches. Second, we introduce an efficient pose tracking strategy to deal with sequential depth data, where the major challenge is the incomplete data due to self-occlusions and view changes. We introduce a visible point extraction method to initialize a new template for the current frame from the previous frame, which effectively reduces the ambiguity and uncertainty during registration. Third, to support robust and stable pose tracking, we develop a segment volume validation technique to detect tracking failures and to re-initialize pose registration if needed. The experimental results on both benchmark 3D laser scan and depth datasets demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed framework when compared with state-of-the-art algorithms.
Sensorless FOC Performance Improved with On-Line Speed and Rotor Resistance Estimator Based on an Artificial Neural Network for an Induction Motor Drive
Authors: Gutierrez-Villalobos Jose , Rodriguez-Resendiz Juvenal , Rivas-Araiza Edgar , Martínez-Hernández Moisés
Published: June 2015

Three-phase induction motor drive requires high accuracy in high performance processes in industrial applications. Field oriented control, which is one of the most employed control schemes for induction motors, bases its function on the electrical parameter estimation coming from the motor. These parameters make an electrical machine driver work improperly, since these electrical parameter values change at low speeds, temperature changes, and especially with load and duty changes. The focus of this paper is the real-time and on-line electrical parameters with a CMAC-ADALINE block added in the standard FOC scheme to improve the IM driver performance and endure the driver and the induction motor lifetime. Two kinds of neural network structures are used; one to estimate rotor speed and the other one to estimate rotor resistance of an induction motor.
Fruit and Vegetable Quality Assessment via Dielectric Sensing
Authors: Khaled Dalia , Novas Nuria , Gazquez Jose , Garcia Rosa , Manzano-Agugliaro Francisco
Published: June 2015

The demand for improved food quality has been accompanied by a technological boost. This fact enhances the possibility of improving the quality of horticultural products, leading towards healthier consumption of fruits and vegetables. A better electrical characterization of the dielectric properties of fruits and vegetables is required for this purpose. Moreover, a focused study of dielectric spectroscopy and advanced dielectric sensing is a highly interesting topic. This review explains the dielectric property basics and classifies the dielectric spectroscopy measurement techniques. It comprehensively and chronologically covers the dielectric experiments explored for fruits and vegetables, along with their appropriate sensing instrumentation, analytical modelling methods and conclusions. An in-depth definition of dielectric spectroscopy and its usefulness in the electric characterization of food materials is presented, along with the various sensor techniques used for dielectric measurements. The collective data are tabulated in a summary of the dielectric findings in horticultural field investigations, which will facilitate more advanced and focused explorations in the future.
Leadership Effects on Student Learning Mediated by Teacher Emotions
Authors: Sun Jingping , Leithwood Kenneth
Published: June 2015

School leaders’ influence on student achievement is largely indirect. Using systematic review techniques, this paper assesses the impact that leaders have on their students when they focus their improvement efforts on those teacher emotions or dispositions known to have direct effects on teaching and learning in the classroom. Building on an earlier conceptions of how leadership influences student learning and based on a review of research over the last 25 years, this study identifies four distinct teacher emotions which have significant effects on student learning—collective teacher efficacy, teacher commitment, teacher trust in others, and Organizational Citizenship Behavior. This review also describes leadership practices likely to foster productive teacher emotions, most such practices reflecting a transformational approach to leadership.
Lithium-Ion Batteries: Thermal Behaviour Investigation of Unbalanced Modules
Authors: Capron Odile , Samba Ahmadou , Omar Noshin , Coosemans Thierry , Bossche Peter , Van Mierlo Joeri
Published: June 2015

In this paper, the thermal behaviour of an unbalanced battery module made of large lithium iron phosphate cylindrical cells of 18 Ah nominal capacity is investigated during its discharge with 18 A, 54 A and 90 A currents. For this study, several cells were assigned in the module to 5%, 10% and 20% initial depth of discharge (DoD). The thermal management of the cells in the module is achieved based on a forced air cooling. The computations of the temperature distribution inside the cells and the module are performed with a two-dimensional modelling approach. During the discharges, the cells with a non-zero initial DoD show a more pronounced temperature increase up to 5% compared to the reference cells. In the end of the three discharges, the highest temperatures 26.5 °C (18 A), 29.6 °C (54 A) and 32.3 °C (90 A), respectively, are reached for the cells with the highest initial DoD. For these cells, with the increase in the current rate, the highest amount of total heat exceeds 25 W. The reactive and the active heats are found to be the main contributors to the total heat generated by the cells. This study provides the effect of the initial DoD of the cells on the temperature development occurring in an unbalanced battery module during its discharge.
Analgesic Effects of Bee Venom Derived Phospholipase A2 in a Mouse Model of Oxaliplatin-Induced Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Li Dongxing , Lee Younju , Kim Woojin , Lee Kyungjin , Bae Hyunsu , Kim Sun
Published: June 2015

A single infusion of oxaliplatin, which is widely used to treat metastatic colorectal cancer, induces specific sensory neurotoxicity signs that are triggered or aggravated when exposed to cold or mechanical stimuli. Bee Venom (BV) has been traditionally used in Korea to treat various pain symptoms. Our recent study demonstrated that BV alleviates oxaliplatin-induced cold allodynia in rats, via noradrenergic and serotonergic analgesic pathways. In this study, we have further investigated whether BV derived phospholipase A2 (bvPLA2) attenuates oxaliplatin-induced cold and mechanical allodynia in mice and its mechanism. The behavioral signs of cold and mechanical allodynia were evaluated by acetone and a von Frey hair test on the hind paw, respectively. The significant allodynia signs were observed from one day after an oxaliplatin injection (6 mg/kg, i.p.). Daily administration of bvPLA2 (0.2 mg/kg, i.p.) for five consecutive days markedly attenuated cold and mechanical allodynia, which was more potent than the effect of BV (1 mg/kg, i.p.). The depletion of noradrenaline by an injection of N-(2-chloroethyl)-N-ethyl-2-bromobenzylamine hydrochloride (DSP4, 50 mg/kg, i.p.) blocked the analgesic effect of bvPLA2, whereas the depletion of serotonin by injecting DL-p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA, 150 mg/kg, i.p.) for three successive days did not. Furthermore, idazoxan (α2-adrenegic receptor antagonist, 1 mg/kg, i.p.) completely blocked bvPLA2-induced anti-allodynic action, whereas prazosin (α1-adrenegic antagonist, 10 mg/kg, i.p.) did not. These results suggest that bvPLA2 treatment strongly alleviates oxaliplatin-induced acute cold and mechanical allodynia in mice through the activation of the noradrenergic system, via α2-adrenegic receptors, but not via the serotonergic system.
Synthesis of photoresponsive cholesterol-based azobenzene organogels: dependence on different spacer lengths
Authors: Ren Yuchun , Wang Bin , Zhang Xiuqing
Published: June 2015

A series of azobenzene–cholesterol organogel compounds (M0–M12) with different spacers were designed and synthesized. The molecular structures were confirmed by 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The rapid and reversible photoresponsive properties of the compounds were investigated by UV–vis spectroscopy. Their thermal phase behaviors were studied by DSC. The length of the spacer plays a crucial role in the gelation. Compound M6 is the only one that can gelate in ethanol, isopropanol and 1-butanol and the reversible gel–sol transitions are also investigated. To obtain visual insight into the microstructure of the gels, the typical structures of the xerogels were studied by SEM. Morphologies of the aggregates change from flower-like, network and rod with different sizes. By using IR and XRD characterization, it is found that intermolecular H-bonding, the solvents and van der Waals interaction are the main contributions to the specific superstructure.
Revisiting Phonotactic Generalizations in Australian Languages
Authors: Gasser Emily , Bowern Claire
Published: June 2015

Australian languages are famous for their uniform phonological systems. Cross-linguistic surveys of (or including) Australian languages have reinforced this view of Australian inventories and phonotactics. Such uniformity is surprising and unusual given the phylogenetic diversity in the country (28 phylic families). Moreover, although Australianists have assumed that uniformity in phonemic inventory is coupled with unity in phonotactics, this has not been tested.  Here we statistically test the generalizations current in the literature on Australian languages by deriving inventory information from lexical data (rather than grammatical descriptions).  We utilize a comparative database of lexical items from predominantly Pama-Nyungan languages in order to test published generalizations about phoneme inventories, phonotactics, and other phenomena (such as root internal vowel harmony patterns). By using lexical materials to derive inventories and segment frequencies, we are able to assemble a nuanced picture of the diversity of systems present among the languages. Inventory studies confirm, to some degree, the impression of uniformity. However, phoneme frequencies vary substantially across the sample even among languages with similar inventory types. This work is of particular importance to phonological typologies of Australian languages, but it has implications for wider phonological theory as well. The survey used here is the largest comparative database of a single language family. Rarely do we have the opportunity to conduct a large-scale typological investigation of related languages in this way. We also make a contribution to the role of typology in Optimality Theory. A large-scale survey of markedness patterns (in related languages) allows us to study occurring and non-occurring grammars. Finally, we can investigate the predictions of competing theories.
A cyclic factorial typology of Pama-Nyungan stress
Authors: Stanton Juliet
Published: June 2015

I investigate the nature of accentual faithfulness constraints and their rankings relative to markedness constraints, starting from an analysis of stress in 23 Pama-Nyungan (PN) and neighboring Australian aboriginal languages (e.g. Pintupi, Diyari, Warlpiri). In many of these systems, unsuffixed forms are stressed identically, but suffixed forms differ according to the type of paradigmatic uniformity effect observed. The proposed account differs from prior work (e.g. Crowhurst 1994, Kager 1997, Kenstowicz 1998) as it does not appeal to feet and uses directional base-derivative (BD) identity constraints (Benua 1997) to model cyclic effects. 

Predictions of the constraint set are explored through a factorial typology. To constrain the typology’s predictions, I introduce the visibility hypothesis: constraints backed by positive evidence from frequent forms dominate constraints that lack such evidence. Integrating the visibility hypothesis into the factorial typology results in accurately restrictive predictions for the typology of stress-morphology interactions.
D-quantification: A Japanese Variation
Authors: Mizuguchi Shinobu
Published: June 2015

Determiner quantifiers like every and most are assumed to take common nouns phrases of type  to derive a generalized quantifier of type <,t>. Matthewson 2001 subjects this standard assumption to crosslinguistic scruity, and based on St'at'imcets (Lillooet Salish), she proposes a two-step approach to create a QP; the first is the creation of a DP of type  and the second involves quantification over parts of the plural individual denoted by the DP. This paper discusses Japanese, which lacks D and has nouns of type  (cf. Chierchia 1998, Mizuguchi 2004). Japanese allows 'double quantification', which, I argue, is best explained if Japanese nouns remain of type  throughout the derivation.
Truncation in the Spanish left-periphery: fragment answers and recomplementation
Authors: De Cuba Carlos , MacDonald Jonathan E.
Published: June 2015

In this paper, we discuss the contrast between two classes of predicates in Spanish: those that can embed fragment answers and those that cannot. We show that these predicate classes differ not only in the general the availability of fragment answers but also in the availability of the complementizer que in certain constructions as well as the availability of the phenomenon known as  recomplementation, as discussed by Villa-García (2012) and Demonte & Fernández-Soriano (2009). We propose that the syntactic differences between the two classes of predicates arise because these predicates select different types of clausal complements.
Dynamic Semantics, Derived Presuppositions, and the Proviso Problem
Authors: Schueler David Edward
Published: June 2015

The proviso problem (Geurts 1996) is a descriptive inadequacy of satisfaction-type theories of presupposition projection (Heim 1983). DRT models (Geurts 1999) predict the (b) (strengthened) presuppositions below, but DRT fails to model true conditional presuppositions like (1a).

(1)  a.   Presuppositionsat:    b.  Presuppositiondefault:

 

(2))      a.    Presuppositionsat:    b.  Presuppositiondefault:  and
I propose with DRT that strengthening is structural, but within a fully compositional variant of Heim’s (1983) dynamic semantics.
The Canadian Shift: Its Acoustic Trajectory and Consequences for Vowel Categorization
Authors: Kettig Thomas
Published: June 2015

The Canadian Vowel Shift (CS), generally described as a systematic lowering and backing of the front lax vowels (/ɪ, ɛ, æ/; as in KIT, DRESS, and TRAP), has been investigated by several researchers over the last two decades (see Boberg 2005, 2008, 2010; Clarke, Elms & Youssef 1995; Hoffman 2010; Labov, Ash & Boberg 2006; Roeder & Jarmasz 2010; Sadlier- Brown & Tamminga 2008, among others). Using apparent-time comparisons of older and younger Canadians’ vowel spaces, these studies do not always agree on the acoustic trajectory of the CS, notably whether the front lax vowels are principally receding and/or lowering; perhaps these disagreements are unsurprising given the ongoing nature of the vowel shift, the variety of birth years interviewed, and the studies’ methodological differences and diverse locales. Boberg (2005) found /ɛ/ to be retracting and /æ/ to be lowering and then retracting in the speech of Anglophone Montrealers; this paper addresses the current apparent-time trajectory of the CS in one Montreal community. In addition, though several studies have investigated the CS in vowel production, nearly none (save De Decker 2010) have probed its effect on the perceptual categorization of vowels. This paper also introduces a perception experiment carried out with the same participants interviewed for production data.
Unified by degrees
Authors: Zaroukian Erin
Published: June 2015

Modifiers like approximately appear to target degrees within quantifiers (Hackl, 2000; Nouwen, 2010).

These are often degrees of cardinality, as in approximately 20, but can also be degrees in other domains, as in approximately gluten-free. Approximately can also modify certain verbs like doubled, raising the question of whether these verbs should likewise be treated as degrees, allowing for a unified account of approximately. I argue for a unified account of approximately (and similar modifiers like exactly,

almost, and roughly) as a ‘degree modifier’ (Hackl, 2000) such that it combines directly with a degree before composing with remaining material. 
"Maybe" not all scalar implicatures are created equal
Authors: Politzer-Ahles Stephen
Published: June 2015

Most previous neurolinguistic experiments on scalar implicature have focused on the <some,all> scale. We examined the processing of the <maybe,definitely> scale using EEG and MEG. Participants read the word "maybe" in correct contexts, semantically incorrect contexts (where only "definitely not" would have been true), and pragmatically infelicitous contexts (where "definitely" was true). Both violations elicited N400 effects, the effects differed in a late time window (suggesting that the brain was sensitive to different types of meaning, semantic and pragmatic). These findings do not replicate EEG findings on <some,all>, suggesting that different types of scalar inferences may be processed differently.