bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do the Effects of Secondary Prevention of Cardiovascular Events in PAD Patients Differ from Other Atherosclerotic Disease?
Authors: Poredos Pavel , Jezovnik Mateja
Published: June 2015

Atherosclerosis is considered a generalized disease. Similar or identical etiopathogenetic mechanisms and risk factors are involved in various atherosclerotic diseases, and the positive effects of preventive measures on atherogenesis in different parts of the arterial system were shown. However, until know, great emphasis has been placed on the aggressive pharmacological management of coronary artery disease (CHD), while less attention has been devoted to the management of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), despite its significant morbidity and mortality. Data on the efficacy of preventive measures in PAD patients have mostly been gained from subgroup analyses from studies devoted primarily to the management of coronary patients. These data have shown that treatment of risk factors for atherosclerosis with drugs can reduce cardiovascular events also in patients with PAD. The effects of some preventive procedures in PAD patients differ from coronary patients. Aspirin as a basic antiplatelet drug has been shown to be less effective in PAD patients than in coronary patients. The latest Antithrombotic Trialists’ Collaboration (ATC) meta-analysis demonstrates no benefit of aspirin in reducing cardiovascular events in PAD. Statins reduce cardiovascular events in all three of the most frequently presented cardiovascular diseases, including PAD to a comparable extent. Recent studies indicate that in PAD patients, in addition to a reduction in cardiovascular events, statins may have some hemodynamic effects. They prolong walking distance and improve quality of life. Similarly, angiotensin enzyme inhibitors are also effective in the prevention of cardiovascular events in coronary, cerebrovascular, as well as PAD patients and show positive effects on the walking capacity of patients with intermittent claudication. In PAD patients, the treatment of hypertension and diabetes also effectively prevents cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. As PAD patients are at a highest risk of cardiovascular complications, the risk factors of atherosclerosis should be treated intensively in this group of patients. Most of the preventive measures, including the drugs used for prevention of CHD, are also effective in PAD patients.
Eriodictyol Protects Endothelial Cells against Oxidative Stress-Induced Cell Death through Modulating ERK/Nrf2/ARE-Dependent Heme Oxygenase-1 Expression
Authors: Lee Seung , Yang Hana , Son Gun , Park Hye , Park Cheung-Seog , Jin Young-Ho , Park Yong
Published: June 2015

The pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases is complex and may involve oxidative stress-related pathways. Eriodictyol is a flavonoid present in citrus fruits that demonstrates anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, neurotrophic, and antioxidant effects in a range of pathophysiological conditions including vascular diseases. Because oxidative stress plays a key role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease, the present study was designed to verify whether eriodictyol has therapeutic potential. Upregulation of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), a phase II detoxifying enzyme, in endothelial cells is considered to be helpful in cardiovascular disease. In this study, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) treated with eriodictyol showed the upregulation of HO-1 through extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE) signaling pathways. Further, eriodictyol treatment provided protection against hydrogen peroxide-provoked cell death. This protective effect was eliminated by treatment with a specific inhibitor of HO-1 and RNA interference-mediated knockdown of HO-1 expression. These data demonstrate that eriodictyol induces ERK/Nrf2/ARE-mediated HO-1 upregulation in human endothelial cells, which is directly associated with its vascular protection against oxidative stress-related endothelial injury, and propose that targeting the upregulation of HO-1 is a promising approach for therapeutic intervention in cardiovascular disease.
Synthesis and Characterization of Alternating Polymers Incorporating Boron-Chelated Heterochrysene Units
Authors: Zhang Hailei , Ma Shuli , Li Dongqin , Wu Yonggang , Ba Xinwu
Published: June 2015

The novel boron-chelated π-conjugated polymers named as BF2-poly and BPh2-poly were synthesized by a feasible condensation-chelation strategy. First, conjugated polymers bearing Boc group were prepared by using palladium-catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reaction. Then, conjugated polymers (poly-1) were obtained with high efficiency by removing the Boc group from Boc-poly. Last, boron trifluoride diethyl etherate (BF3·Et2O) or triphenylboron (BPh3) chelated with poly-1 forming the target polymers. Furthermore, the boron-chelated polymers were characterized by UV−Vis absorption spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry and thermogravimetric analysis. As expected, fluorescences peaks at 520 nm and 592 nm were observed in diluted CH2Cl2. In addition, BF2-poly and BPh2-poly showed strong fluorescence at 545 nm and 601 nm in homogeneous solid state. The results coming from thermogravimetric analysis and cyclic voltammetry also revealed that the conjugated polymers have favorable electrochemical and thermostable properties.
OrganicWaste for Compost and Biochar in the EU: Mobilizing the Potential
Authors: Meyer-Kohlstock Daniel , Schmitz Tonia , Kraft Eckhard
Published: June 2015

While several EU member states have working compost markets, only about one third of the bio-waste, around 35 Mio tons is used to produce compost, and to some degree, biogas. The major part is still incinerated or landfilled together with other waste. This paper proposes the improvement of existing and the creation of new compost markets based on the integration of biochar and the implementation of obligatory recycling targets with flexible implementation approaches. Based on a literature review, the production of compost with biochar reduces some of the nitrogen and carbon losses and accelerates the composting process. This indicates economical benefits for the compost producer and the farmer, as well as reduced greenhouse gas emissions. An obligation to recycle organic waste, may it be on a national or on EU level, together with the implementation of appropriate collection systems, could provide the economic and societal base to mobilize the currently unused bio-waste. Should this scenario be realized, the annual amount of biochar-compost out of bio-waste could be used to serve around 3.7% of all arable land in the EU. This would demand no large-scale application, but instead specific uses for specific soil-crop constellations.
Low-Light Image Enhancement Using Adaptive Digital Pixel Binning
Authors: Yoo Yoonjong , Im Jaehyun , Paik Joonki
Published: June 2015

This paper presents an image enhancement algorithm for low-light scenes in an environment with insufficient illumination. Simple amplification of intensity exhibits various undesired artifacts: noise amplification, intensity saturation, and loss of resolution. In order to enhance low-light images without undesired artifacts, a novel digital binning algorithm is proposed that considers brightness, context, noise level, and anti-saturation of a local region in the image. The proposed algorithm does not require any modification of the image sensor or additional frame-memory; it needs only two line-memories in the image signal processor (ISP). Since the proposed algorithm does not use an iterative computation, it can be easily embedded in an existing digital camera ISP pipeline containing a high-resolution image sensor.
Eco Assist Techniques through Real-time Monitoring of BEV Energy Usage Efficiency
Authors: Kim Younsun , Lee Ingeol , Kang Sungho
Published: June 2015

Energy efficiency enhancement has become an increasingly important issue for battery electric vehicles. Even if it can be improved in many ways, the driver’s driving pattern strongly influences the battery energy consumption of a vehicle. In this paper, eco assist techniques to simply implement an energy-efficient driving assistant system are introduced, including eco guide, eco control and eco monitoring methods. The eco guide is provided to control the vehicle speed and accelerator pedal stroke, and eco control is suggested to limit the output power of the battery. For eco monitoring, the eco indicator and eco report are suggested to teach eco-friendly driving habits. The vehicle test, which is done in four ways, consists of federal test procedure (FTP)-75, new european driving cycle (NEDC), city and highway cycles, and visual feedback with audible warnings is provided to attract the driver’s voluntary participation. The vehicle test result shows that the energy usage efficiency can be increased up to 19.41%.
Efficient and Secure Temporal Credential-Based Authenticated Key Agreement Using Extended Chaotic Maps for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Lee Tian-Fu
Published: June 2015

A secure temporal credential-based authenticated key agreement scheme for Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) enables a user, a sensor node and a gateway node to realize mutual authentication using temporal credentials. The user and the sensor node then negotiate a common secret key with the help of the gateway node, and establish a secure and authenticated channel using this common secret key. To increase efficiency, recent temporal credential-based authenticated key agreement schemes for WSNs have been designed to involve few computational operations, such as hash and exclusive-or operations. However, these schemes cannot protect the privacy of users and withstand possible attacks. This work develops a novel temporal credential-based authenticated key agreement scheme for WSNs using extended chaotic maps, in which operations are more efficient than modular exponential computations and scalar multiplications on an elliptic curve. The proposed scheme not only provides higher security and efficiency than related schemes, but also resolves their weaknesses.
A Secure Routing Protocol for Wireless Sensor Networks Considering Secure Data Aggregation
Authors: Rahayu Triana , Lee Sang-Gon , Lee Hoon-Jae
Published: June 2015

The commonly unattended and hostile deployments of WSNs and their resource-constrained sensor devices have led to an increasing demand for secure energy-efficient protocols. Routing and data aggregation receive the most attention since they are among the daily network routines. With the awareness of such demand, we found that so far there has been no work that lays out a secure routing protocol as the foundation for a secure data aggregation protocol. We argue that the secure routing role would be rendered useless if the data aggregation scheme built on it is not secure. Conversely, the secure data aggregation protocol needs a secure underlying routing protocol as its foundation in order to be effectively optimal. As an attempt for the solution, we devise an energy-aware protocol based on LEACH and ESPDA that combines secure routing protocol and secure data aggregation protocol. We then evaluate its security effectiveness and its energy-efficiency aspects, knowing that there are always trade-off between both.
Modeling Short-Term Maximum Individual Exposure from Airborne Hazardous Releases in Urban Environments. Part I: Validation of a Deterministic Model with Field Experimental Data
Authors: Efthimiou George , Bartzis John , Palaiokostas Michail
Published: June 2015

The release of airborne hazardous substances in the atmosphere has a direct effect on human health as, during the inhalation, an amount of concentration is inserted through the respiratory system into the human body, which can cause serious or even irreparable damage in health. One of the key problems in such cases is the prediction of the maximum individual exposure. Current state of the art methods, which are based on the concentration cumulative distribution function and require the knowledge of the concentration variance and the intermittency factor, have limitations. Recently, authors proposed a deterministic approach relating maximum individual exposure to parameters such as the fluctuation intensity and the concentration integral time scale. The purpose of the first part of this study is to validate the deterministic approach with the extensive dataset of the MUST (Mock Urban Setting Test) field experiment. This dataset includes 81 trials, which practically cover various atmospheric conditions and stability classes and contains in total 4004 non-zero concentration sensor data with time resolutions of 0.01–0.02 s. The results strengthen the usefulness of the deterministic model in predicting short-term maximum individual exposure. Another important output is the estimation of the methodology uncertainty involved.
Rainfall Variability in the Huangfuchuang Watershed and Its Relationship with ENSO
Authors: Baddoo Thelma , Guan Yiqing , Zhang Danrong , Andam-Akorful Samuel
Published: June 2015

The impact of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon within the Huangfuchuan watershed, one of the major first-order sub-basins in the middle region of the Yellow River, has not clearly been established. Consequently, the co-varying relationships between rainfall and El Niño/La Niña spanning the period 1954 to 2010 are investigated. Trends and step changes in annual rainfall are investigated with the Mann-Kendall and the distribution free cumulative sum (CUSUM) tests. Wavelet transforms are employed to perform spectral analysis of temporal variations in rainfall rates within the watershed. Cross wavelet and wavelet coherence transforms are used to study localized co-varying relationships between rainfall and ENSO index. Results from statistical tests indicate that rainfall in the Huangfuchuan watershed is declining, although not significantly. In addition, wavelet coherency and cross wavelet analysis, and comparison of the extracted dominant annual rainfall and 2–7 year ENSO signals demonstrate that ENSO events impact Huangfuchuan rainfall with El Niño corresponding to rainfall decline and La Niña to rainfall increment with a semiannual to annual lag.
IDENTIFYING ACTIVE FIRE IN SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIA WITH MODIS DATA AND GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Authors: Ogunbadewa Ebenezer Yemi
Published: June 2015

The potentials of active fire product derived from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) sensor on board of Terra and Aqua spacecrafts were examined for fire detection in a variety of ecosystems in the south western Nigeria. Fire information were obtained from the archived time series MODIS active fire datasets for 10 years (January 2002 to December 2011) and was superimposed on the map of ecosystem types (Intensively cultivated farmlands, woodlands, highland forest, freshwater swamp forest, tree crop plantation, forest plantation, mangrove forest and forest reserves) of the study area. MODIS active fire data were used to investigate the annual trends, geographical spread of fire occurrence and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to identify the degree of fire events in each of ecosystems. The results show that MODIS active fire data imported into the Geographical Information Systems (GIS) data format and analyzed with PCA revealed that highland forest, forest plantation and intensively cultivated farmlands were heavily loaded on the first principal component and accounted for 87.56% variance in the original data. The second principal component accounting for 4.72% is heavily loaded with freshwater swamp forest, forest reserves and tree crop plantation while the regression coefficient of the component score matrix of the first principal component related to the original variables distinguished intensively cultivated farmlands and highland forest as the major source of ecosystems fire in the study area. It is concluded that MODIS active fire data together with PCA can provide a well coordinated near real time information that will be valuable for early warning, monitoring, mitigation and intervention against active fire disaster and catastrophic biomass burning plus a supportive guide for post fire assessment and recovery.
System for investigation of friction properties of the road surface
Authors: Pokorski Janusz , Reński Andrzej , Sar Hubert
Published: June 2015

Friction properties of the road surface have a great influence on the safety of automobile motion. These properties are characterized by the tyre-to-road adhesion coefficient, which is measured during the routine and acceptance investigations of roads. In the paper, the method of measurement of this coefficient is presented. For investigation of the tyre-to-road adhesion coefficient the special measurement system was developed. The main part of the system is dynamometer trailer, which makes it possible to measure the friction force between tyre and road surface. The adhesion coefficient as a quotient of the friction force and vertical load is a result of measurements. Additionally the system enables to determine the graph of the adhesion coefficient as a function of wheel slip ratio. In the paper a description of the measurement system and a principle of its operation are presented. Exemplary results of tyre-to-road adhesion coefficients measured on different roads are also presented. The results show many differences between these coefficients in dependence of road upper layer technology, degree of its wear, weather conditions, sliding velocity and others. The system originally designed for investigation of friction parameters of road surfaces can have much wider applications, for example in tyre investigations, for automotive experts, in the work of judgment witnesses and others.
A mixed approach for determination of initial cable forces in cable-stayed bridges and the parameters variability
Authors: Recupero Antonino , Granata Michele Fabio
Published: June 2015

The determination of initial cable forces in cable-stayed bridges is an important first step in design and analysis of the structure under external loads. Adjustments of stay forces are often required during construction in order to assure the requested behaviour of the bridge in terms of final geometrical configuration and internal force distribution. An accurate assessment of the stay tensioning system allows designers to obtain a good result at the end of construction, by considering the parameters involved as deterministic quantities, assuring the observance of the execution tolerances during works. Actual loads and their variations need instead a stochastic approach which can give useful indications about the effects of parameter variations. Particularly, the measurement on site of the actual values of stay elongations contains errors and the actual values of prestressing forces and working site loads are subjected to unknown variations. In this paper a procedure is implemented which takes into account the stochastic variation of stay elongations and the related uncertainties. The presented method does not require large computational efforts or computer memory. By approximating the probability density distribution of the variables involved by the Gaussian curve, a closed form expression of the imposed elongations given to stays and their variations during erection is provided. The main aim is to obtain an accurate prediction of the differences between the deterministic quantities found by the design analyses and the actual values of deck deformations and stresses in the erection of steel cable-stayed bridges.
UAV photogrammetry for road surface modelling
Authors: Ruzgienė Birutė , Aksamitauskas Česlovas , Daugėla Ignas , Prokopimas Šarūnas , Puodžiukas Virgaudas , Rekus Donatas
Published: June 2015

Recently, the interest of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle application in photogrammetric environment for roads observation and monitoring has increased in many countries, in Lithuania as well. The experimental object for demonstration of capability and efficiency of aerial vehicle-based remote sensing technology for road data collection was a western bypass of Vilnius. The platform of the model UX5 Trimble with mounted camera Sony NEX-5R was applied for gaining images. The implemented means are mobile and not expensive. Photogrammetric technique with software package Business Center Photogrammetry Module was applied for the modelling of images. The correctness of digital surface model generally depends on camera resolution, flight height and accuracy of ground control points. The coordinates of control points were determined using Global Positioning System Trimble R4. Paper demonstrates results of a new technology application possibilities for linear object (road) mapping and accuracy evaluation of spatial models. The road points positioning accuracy investigation was carried out in consideration with geodetic control measurements. The average root mean square error for the points coordinates is 2.94 cm, and standard deviations – 2.78 cm. Analyzing coincidence or mismatches of Vilnius western bypass project data with photogrammetric product, not significant discrepancies of road section features were determined. The cost consideration of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle in conjunction with photogrammetry employment at experimental object is presented.
Measurements of the elastic modulus of pavement subgrade layers using the SASW and FWD test methods
Authors: Yusoff Nur Izzi Md. , Hardwiyono Sentot , Ismail Norfarah Nadia , Taha Mohd Raihan , Rosyidi Sri Atmaja P. , Nayan Khairul Anuar Mohd
Published: June 2015

In pavement management systems, deflection basin tests, such as the Falling Weight Deflectometer test, are common techniques that are widely used, while the surface wave test, i.e. the Spectral Analysis of Surface Wave test, is recently employed as an alternative technique in pavement evaluation and monitoring. In this paper, the performance of both dynamic non-destructive tests on pavement subgrade investigation is presented. Surface wave propagation between a set of receivers was transformed into the frequency domain using the Fast Fourier Transform technique and subsequently a phase spectrum was produced to measure the time lag between receivers. Using the phase difference method, an experimental dispersion curve was generated. Inversion analysis based on the 3-D stiffness matrix method was then performed to produce a shear wave velocity profile. The elastic modulus of pavement layers was calculated based on linear elastic theory. In the Falling Weight Deflectometer test, seven geophones were used to collect in situ deflection data. Based on a back-calculation procedure with the ELMOD software, the elastic modulus of each flexible pavement layer can be obtained. Both techniques are able to comprehensively investigate the elastic modulus of the subgrade layer in existing pavement non-destructively. The elastic modulus between the Spectral Analysis of Surface Wave method and the Falling Weight Deflectometer test on the subgrade layer is observed to be in a good agreement. A correlation of the elastic modulus of thesubgrade layer from both techniques is also presented.
IFNL3 Genotype is associated with Differential Induction of IFNL3 in Primary Human Hepatocytes
Authors: Kurbanov Fuat , Kim Yonghak , Latanich Rachel , Chaudhari Pooja , El-Diwany Ramy , Knabel Matt , Kandathil Abraham J , Cameron Andrew , Cox Andrea , Jang Yoon-Young , Thomas David L , Balagopal Ashwin
Published: June 2015

Background

Lambda interferons (IFNLs) have potent antiviral activity against HCV, and polymorphisms within the IFNL gene cluster near the IFNL3 gene strongly predict spontaneous- and treatment-related HCV infection outcomes. The mechanism(s) linking IFNL polymorphisms and HCV control is currently elusive.

Methods

IFNL induction was studied in primary human hepatocytes (PHH) from 18 human donors, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 18 human donors, multiple cell lines and induced pluripotent stem cell-derived hepatocyte-like cells (iPSC-hepatocytes) from 7 human donors. After stimulation with intracellular RNA and infectious HCV, quantitative PCR (qPCR) primers and probes were designed to distinguish and quantify closely related IFNL messenger (m)RNAs from IFNL1, IFNL2 and IFNL3.

Results

PHH demonstrated the most potent induction of IFNLs, although had lower pre-stimulation levels compared to PBMCs, monocytes and cell lines. PHH stimulation with cytoplasmic poly I:C induced >1,000-fold expression of IFNL1, IFNL2 and IFNL3. PHH from donors who were homozygous for the favourable IFNL3 allele ( IFNL3-CC) had higher IFNL3 induction compared to PHH from IFNL3-TT donors ( P=0.03). Baseline IFNL mRNA expression and induction was also tested in iPSC-hepatocytes: iPSC-hepatocytes had significantly higher baseline expression of IFNLs compared to PHH ( P<0.0001), and IFNL3 induction was marginally different in iPSC-hepatocytes by IFNL genotype ( P=0.07).

Conclusions

Hepatocytes express IFNLs when stimulated by a synthetic viral RNA that signals the cell through the cytoplasm. IFNL induction may be greater in persons with the favourable IFNL3 allele. These data provide insight into the strong linkage between IFNL3 genetics and control of HCV infection.
Low Frequency of Drug-Resistant virus did not Affect the Therapeutic Efficacy in Daclatasvir plus Asunaprevir Therapy in Patients with Chronic HCV Genotype-1 Infection
Authors: Kinugasa Hideaki , Ikeda Fusao , Takaguchi Kouichi , Mori Chizuru , Matsubara Takehiro , Shiraha Hidenori , Takaki Akinobu , Iwasaki Yoshiaki , Toyooka Shinichi , Yamamoto Kazuhide
Published: June 2015

Background

The efficacy of a direct-acting antiviral agent (DAA) is compromised by the development of drug resistance. The associations between resistance-associated virus (RAV) and therapeutic outcomes have not been well-understood.

Methods

A total of 30 patients with HCV genotype-1b were enrolled and treated for 24 weeks with asunaprevir (ASV) and daclatasvir (DCV). Viral sequences in non-structural (NS) regions 3 and 5A in serum and liver tissue before treatment were examined with direct sequencing, next-generation sequencing (NGS) and the PCR-invader method to evaluate the importance of drug-resistance in the prediction of the outcomes of ASV plus DCV therapy.

Results

Of 30 patients (22 treatment-naive patients, 2 interferon-intolerant patients and 6 non-responders), 25 patients (83.3%) achieved sustained virological response (SVR) 24 weeks after the treatment. Viral breakthrough occurred in three treatment-naive patients and one non-responder. One treatment-naive patient experienced viral relapse. Among 25 patients without RAV, 24 obtained SVR, whereas 5 patients had RAV with a 1.3 to 88% frequency, resulting in various therapeutic outcomes. As for HCV compartments, similar RAVs were detected in serum and liver tissue for a patient obtaining SVR despite HCV NS5A Y93H and another developed viral breakthrough although no RAV was detected. Direct sequencing could not detect RAVs in low frequency (1.3 to 12%) for three of four patients.

Conclusions

Low frequency of RAVs might not affect the outcomes of ASV plus DCV therapy. Deep sequencing and PCR-invader methods can detect clinically significant RAVs for ASV plus DCV therapy.
Additions to the list of Finnish Bibionomorpha (Diptera, Nematocera)
Authors: Salmela Jukka , Kaunisto Kari
Published: June 2015

A total of 12 gnat species are reported for the first time from Finland (3 Cecidomyiidae, 1 Keroplatidae, 8 Mycetophilidae), and the occurrence of Macrocera nigropicea Lundström in Finland is verified. All material was collected from the Finnish Lapland, mainly from the north boreal ecoregion. Two of the recorded species are likely to be pyrophilous, associated with forest fire sites. A photo of the ventral appendage of the gonocoxite of Brevicornu setigerum Zaitzev is provided for the first time. The male hypopygium of Mycetophila haruspica Plassmann is redescribed.
Juvenile Fibromyalgia: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Treatment
Authors: Tesher Melissa S.
Published: June 2015

A 14-year-old boy presented with months of severe widespread musculoskeletal pain. He was profoundly fatigued and unable to attend school. Laboratory evaluation, including complete blood count, comprehensive metabolic panel, inflammatory markers, and thyroid function, was unrevealing. Physical examination was also normal except for multiple tender points. The patient was diagnosed with juvenile primary fibromyalgia syndrome and referred for multidisciplinary treatment including physical therapy, exercise, and counseling, and his daily functioning gradually improves. Juvenile fibromyalgia is a complex syndrome that often severely limits patients’ activities and can impede normal adolescent development. Effective treatment requires an understanding of the biologic, psychologic, and social factors contributing to the perpetuation of chronic pain. The author reviews the diagnostic criteria, pathophysiology, and treatment of juvenile fibromyalgia. Medications, particularly antidepressants and anticonvulsants, can be useful adjuncts to therapy. However, multimodal pain management including intensive physical therapy, exercise, counseling, and sleep hygiene is most effective in treating fibromyalgia

. [
Pediatr Ann
. 2015;44(6):e136–e141.]
Tale of Two Entrepreneurs
Authors: Debnath Roma Mitra , Singh Shyamli , Gupta Astha
Published: June 2015

The chapter highlights the innovation of two entrepreneurs. The significance of the innovation on our society regarding the health issues has been focused. Two entrepreneurs and their innovation have been studied very closely. They were interviewed as well as their websites were studied thoroughly. The result of the study shows a close bonding between innovation and creativity.
Beyond the Back Room
Authors: McFall Lisa M.
Published: June 2015

Many professors and students are surprised to learn about the variety of skills metadata and catalog librarians possess that can benefit their digital humanities projects. Metadata and catalog librarians already have experience in areas such as developing project metadata schemas and controlled vocabularies, as well as providing suggestions for project organization, and have the basic abilities needed to support learning new skills such as XML and TEI. This chapter will offer perspectives on how a metadata and catalog librarian can contribute to digital humanities projects. A case study focusing on the involvement of the Metadata and Catalog Librarian with the Digital Humanities Initiative (DHi) at Hamilton College will be used to illustrate one example of how to become successfully involved in digital humanities research on campus.
Filling the Gap
Authors: Cordell Sigrid Anderson , Pearce Alexa L. , Gomis Melissa , Joque Justin
Published: June 2015

Graduate students in the humanities increasingly view training in the use of digital tools and methodologies as critical to their success. Graduate students' interest in becoming familiar with digital tools often accompanies their awareness of a competitive academic job market, coupled with a recognition that teaching and research positions increasingly call for experience and skills in the Digital Humanities (DH). Likewise, recent debates over DH's role in the future of humanities scholarship have heightened the sense that DH skills can translate to crucial job skills. While many graduate students receive encouragement from faculty to pursue digital scholarship, individual academic departments often have limited resources to prioritize the development of these skills at the expense of existing curricular components. This chapter looks at initiatives at the University of Michigan Library that demonstrate the ways in which subject librarians, in collaboration with data and technology specialist librarians, can fill this gap by creating opportunities for graduate students to develop DH skills.
Digital Humanities in Cultural Preservation
Authors: Khan Nadim Akhtar , Rizvi Sabiha Zehra , Zainab Tazeem , Khan Samah Mushtaq
Published: June 2015

Libraries and cultural institutions have been proactive in adopting different policies for preservation of culture. This is evident by the growing number of cultural repositories and digital libraries set for managing and making accessible different forms of cultural assets ranging from folklore, custom documentaries, craft designs and patterns, architectural setups etc. These procedures not only help them to preserve valuable indigenous knowledge but explore the richness in the cultural values of different nations. The proliferation of Information communication technology (ICT) has resulted in the merging of different forms of digitalized information which combine print, voice, video, and graphics for educational and recreational purposes. The application of Digital Humanities in preservation, management and accessibility of cultural resources ranging from curating online collections to data mining large cultural data sets cannot be neglected. The chapter discusses the concept of Digital Humanities in the light of its rich background and importance in present times for preserving human culture by acquiring, managing and making available cultural assets for further research. The chapter also attempts to explore and identify the recent contributions to the concept by analyzing ongoing Digital Humanities initiatives and projects by different organizations and information centers to stimulate future Research and development trend in the field.
Becoming the Gothic Archive
Authors: Fortier Rose , James Heather
Published: June 2015

The Gothic Archive is the flagship digital humanities project for the Marquette University library. The project was birthed from a simple digital collection, and through the partnership of faculty and librarians, was transformed into something more. The core tenets of digital collection creation were adhered to in order to create a solid foundation upon which to build the Archive. The expertise of both groups and communication were key in the evolution of the collection, and in discovering and highlighting the relationships between the objects. This case study reviews the steps Marquette took in creating the collection and taking it to the level of digital humanities project.
Vehicle Load Spectrum Simulation of Long-Span Bridges
Authors: Xu Ting Xia , Li Yan , Wu Zhi Wen
Published: June 2015

Based on the requirement for fatigue damage evaluation of long-span bridges, and existing research literatures, the vehicle type, vehicle weight and time duration are taken as characteristic parameters of random vehicle load. Taking the Second Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge as an example, the characteristics of traffic load are obtained by traffic investigation and the data from existing research results. In the paper the method and process for vehicle load spectrum simulation which includes data acquisition of random traffic load, statistical analysis and Monte Carlo simulation is proposed. The simulation program of random traffic flow is verified using the measured data. The proposed method can provide a reference for random traffic load simulation.
High Energy Milling of Alumina Synthesized by Combustion Reaction Using a Vertical Shaft Attritor Mill: Influence of the Milling Time Length
Authors: da Silva Mirele Costa , Costa N.C.O. , Lira D.S. , Dantas Joelda , Costa A.C.F.M. , de Freitas Normanda Lino
Published: June 2015

Among the vast applications in which the α-alumina can apply, the literature has reported researches which aim to achieve better features of these materials varying the obtainment methodology and some post-obtainment techniques. Thus, this paper aims to evaluate how different milling time lengths of 15, 30, 45 and 60 minutes alter the structure and morphology of α-alumina powders synthesized by combustion reaction. The time and temperature of the combustion reaction were evaluated during the synthesis of the alumina. The samples of non-milled and milled alumina were characterized by XRD and particle size analysis. The results showed that the maximum achieved temperature of reaction was 598°C. The milling time length variation did not alter the stable α-Al2O3majority crystal phase present in all samples. The average particle diameter was reduced from 23.3 to 10.5 μm comparing the non-milled and the sample milled for 60s.
Comparison of Different Alumina Powders for Aqueous Tape Casting Process
Authors: Santos Fernanda P. , Gambin Ediana , Lopes Cristina Moniz A. , Rocha Rosa Maria
Published: June 2015

Tape casting process was used to produce Al2O3 substrates in an aqueous system with acrylic latex emulsion as binder. The present work studied the slurry formulations in aqueous medium of Al2O3 powders with different particle size distribution and made correlation to the green and sintered tapes. Two commercial alumina powders, one sub-micrometric and other micrometric were used. Compositions of Al2O3 slurries with 80 and 83 wt% of solids were prepared by dispersing the powders in water with a dispersant with subsequently additions of 7 and 10 wt% of binder. Sub-micrometric Al2O3 resulted in a high densification tapes regardless solid concentration and binder amount in the slurry, though green density was affected. For micrometric alumina, increasing the solid concentration resulted in a little higher final density.
Electrochemical Study of Ceramics Based on Niobium Oxide over Aluminum Alloy AA 3003
Authors: Tussolini Martha , Ichikawa T , Gallina Andre Lazarin , Banczek E.P. , Rodrigues Paulo Rogério Pinto
Published: June 2015

Corrosion is an undesirable action which can occur in metals. To minimize this problem, there are several types of coat to the metal surface being researched in an attempt to retard the oxidation processes. In this work, the deposition of a new ceramic coating based on niobium oxide over aluminum alloy AA 3003 was studied in order to obtaining a corrosion resistant and less polluting film. It was utilized the experimental planning to optimize the deposition of ceramics, and it was performed electrochemical tests, scanning electron microscopy and dispersive energy spectroscopy to evaluate these films. The ceramic coating based on niobium oxide obtained presented itself as an effective corrosion inhibitor for aluminum alloy AA 3003.
Removal of Toxic Substances (Pb2+ and Zn2+) in Water Using Clay as Natural Smectite Bofe Adsorbent
Authors: Cunha Rochélia Silva Souza , Mota Joseane Damasceno , Rodrigues Meiry Glaucia Freire
Published: June 2015

In this work, the removal of zinc and lead (Zn2+and Pb2+) from aqueous solutions was investigated using a Brazilian bofe clay. The mineral clays were characterized through XRD analysis and CEC. A finite bath system was used to evaluate the main effects of pH values in the range from 3.0 to 5.0 and Zn2+and Pb2+initial concentrations (from 10 to 50 mg/L) on the removal process capacity. The combinations of the XRD and CEC showed characteristics of the group smectite clays. Up to 3.38 mg/g of Lead removal capacity (99.97% efficiency) was reached and values as high as 98.47 % of removal Zinc efficiency and 3.93 mg/g of removal capacity were reached in the assays. Thus indicating that the use of Bofe clay has great potential in the removal of Lead and Zinc.
Evaluation of Incorporation of a Leather Waste Powder in Mortars for Construction Industry
Authors: Mendes Victor Roberto Verga , Sant’ana Alvarenga Rita de Cássia S. , da Silva Charles Luis , de Carvalho José Maria Franco , Rezende Ana Augusta Passos , Fassoni Délio Porto , Santos Carol Ferreira Rezende
Published: June 2015

This paper has the objective to evaluate the technical feasibility of incorporation of leather powder in mortars. First a physical characterization of aggregate was carried and then preceded to the dissolution of the leather powder in alkaline solution, in the proportion of 1:1:1 of waste, alkaline solution and water respectively, obtaining the processed waste. In the next step, it has been molded specimen using two reference recipes in terms of mass, 1:3 of cement and sand, and 1:1:6 of cement, hydrated lime and sand respectively, keeping constant the flow table consistency of 130 ±10 mm and 220±10 mm, for each respectively recipe. Two groups of mortars were produced: one without processed waste, one with 5% and one with 10% in ratio to the cement mass. Tests had been carried such as compressive strength to axial compression, tensile strength to diametrical compression, and adherence strength on surfaces. The resistance tests performed; also the analyses of the leachate and solubilized extracts confirmed the feasibility of incorporation of leather powder in mortars.
Developing the First Operational Nutrient Observatory for Ecosystem, Climate, and Hazard Monitoring for NERACOOS
Authors: Twardowski Michael S. , Townsend David W. , Sullivan James M. , Koch Corey , Pettigrew Neal R. , O'Donnell James , Stymiest Cassie , Salisbury Joseph , Moore Timothy , Young-Morse Riley , Stockley Nicole D. , Morrison J. Ruairidh
Published: June 2015

Abstract An integrated nutrient observatory is being developed within the Northeastern Regional Association of Coastal Ocean Observing Systems (NERACOOS), capable of monitoring nutrient dynamics year-round at temporal and spatial scales necessary to address critical needs
of stakeholders throughout the Northeast region. Nutrient levels and fluxes drive total biological productivity throughout the region, from phytoplankton to commercially exploited fish stocks. Nitrate sensors (Satlantic SUNAs) are being installed on existing mooring assets in western Long
Island Sound, Narragansett Bay (Prudence Island), Great Bay in New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, three sites along the coastal shelf of the Gulf of Maine (GOM), at five depths in Jordan Basin in the interior GOM, and at two depths in the GOM Northeast Channel. Phosphate and ammonium sensors
(WET Labs Cycle-PO4 and Cycle-NH4) are also being deployed at the three nearshore sites. The measurements from these sensors will extend the current sparse, long-term records of nutrients from discretely collected samples in the Northeast region and will dramatically
improve temporal resolution and continuity of the data for use in studying potential impacts of climate change. Nearshore measurements will be used by NERACOOS stakeholders to help assess, regulate, and mitigate the adverse impacts on water quality associated with excessive pollutant loadings.
Measurements throughout the GOM will be used to assess basin-wide nutrient variability and to initialize harmful algal bloom (Alexandrium fundyense) forecast models.
Ushering In a New Generation of Optic and Photonic Sensors
Authors: Logan Catheryn
Published: June 2015

Abstract As technology has advanced, so has our insatiable need to sense what is around us. This commentary discusses the markets that use optic and photonic sensors, which areas can expect growth, and which sensing technologies are mature and which are emerging. A brief
discussion introduces some disruptive technologies that will enable smart sensing. Included is a more detailed understanding of the markets that are making use of fiber optic sensors and some gaps associated with that technology.
Timed Communication Buoy System: A Subsurface Mooring System for Efficient Sensor Data Recovery
Authors: Tian Chuan , Deng Z. Daniel , Xu Xiaoyang , Yang Qingxuan , Zhao Wei
Published: June 2015

Abstract An ocean subsurface mooring system is an effective platform for acquiring information that would advance our understanding of essential ocean processes and impacts of climate changes. Unlike a surface mooring system, data acquired from a subsurface mooring system
cannot be downloaded until the whole system is retrieved. To achieve efficient sensor data recovery, a new, low-cost subsurface mooring system named the Timed Communication Buoy System (TCBS) was designed and implemented. The TCBS is usually integrated in the main float, and designated sensor
data can be downloaded by the control system using a noncontact communication method termed Inductively Coupled Link. After data acquisition, an autonomous communication float in the TCBS can be released from the main float. Upon release, the communication float rises to the sea surface and
transmits sensor data by satellite communication. To evaluate the performance of the TCBS, a short-term sea trial in the South China Sea (SCS) was conducted. Seawater temperature data over 30 days were collected and analyzed. The results demonstrated valid measurements of vertical wavenumber
spectrum and frequency spectrum of internal waves in the SCS. TCBS will lead to important information needed to support fundamental research to better understand the characteristics of internal wave spectrum in the SCS.
Ca2+ Signaling but Not Store-Operated Ca2+ Entry Is Required for the Function of Macrophages and Dendritic Cells
Authors: Vaeth Martin , Zee Isabelle , Concepcion Axel R. , Maus Mate , Shaw Patrick , Portal-Celhay Cynthia , Zahra Aleena , Kozhaya Lina , Weidinger Carl , Philips Jennifer , Unutmaz Derya , Feske Stefan
Published: June 2015

Store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) through Ca2+ release–activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channels is essential for immunity to infection. CRAC channels are formed by ORAI1 proteins in the plasma membrane and activated by stromal interaction molecule (STIM)1 and STIM2 in the endoplasmic reticulum. Mutations in ORAI1 and STIM1 genes that abolish SOCE cause severe immunodeficiency with recurrent infections due to impaired T cell function. SOCE has also been observed in cells of the innate immune system such as macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs) and may provide Ca2+ signals required for their function. The specific role of SOCE in macrophage and DC function, as well as its contribution to innate immunity, however, is not well defined. We found that nonselective inhibition of Ca2+ signaling strongly impairs many effector functions of bone marrow–derived macrophages and bone marrow–derived DCs, including phagocytosis, inflammasome activation, and priming of T cells. Surprisingly, however, macrophages and DCs from mice with conditional deletion of Stim1 and Stim2 genes, and therefore complete inhibition of SOCE, showed no major functional defects. Their differentiation, FcR-dependent and -independent phagocytosis, phagolysosome fusion, cytokine production, NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and their ability to present Ags to activate T cells were preserved. Our findings demonstrate that STIM1, STIM2, and SOCE are dispensable for many critical effector functions of macrophages and DCs, which has important implications for CRAC channel inhibition as a therapeutic strategy to suppress pathogenic T cells while not interfering with myeloid cell functions required for innate immunity.