bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetically modified T cells in cancer therapy: opportunities and challenges
Authors: Sharpe Michaela , Mount Natalie
Published: April 2015

Tumours use many strategies to evade the host immune response, including downregulation or weak immunogenicity of target antigens and creation of an immune-suppressive tumour environment. T cells play a key role in cell-mediated immunity and, recently, strategies to genetically modify T cells either through altering the specificity of the T cell receptor (TCR) or through introducing antibody-like recognition in chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) have made substantial advances. The potential of these approaches has been demonstrated in particular by the successful use of genetically modified T cells to treat B cell haematological malignancies in clinical trials. This clinical success is reflected in the growing number of strategic partnerships in this area that have attracted a high level of investment and involve large pharmaceutical organisations. Although our understanding of the factors that influence the safety and efficacy of these therapies has increased, challenges for bringing genetically modified T-cell immunotherapy to many patients with different tumour types remain. These challenges range from the selection of antigen targets and dealing with regulatory and safety issues to successfully navigating the routes to commercial development. However, the encouraging clinical data, the progress in the scientific understanding of tumour immunology and the improvements in the manufacture of cell products are all advancing the clinical translation of these important cellular immunotherapies.
Advances in using MRI probes and sensors for in vivo cell tracking as applied to regenerative medicine
Authors: Srivastava Amit K. , Kadayakkara Deepak K. , Bar-Shir Amnon , Gilad Assaf A. , McMahon Michael T. , Bulte Jeff W. M.
Published: April 2015

The field of molecular and cellular imaging allows molecules and cells to be visualized in vivo non-invasively. It has uses not only as a research tool but in clinical settings as well, for example in monitoring cell-based regenerative therapies, in which cells are transplanted to replace degenerating or damaged tissues, or to restore a physiological function. The success of such cell-based therapies depends on several critical issues, including the route and accuracy of cell transplantation, the fate of cells after transplantation, and the interaction of engrafted cells with the host microenvironment. To assess these issues, it is necessary to monitor transplanted cells non-invasively in real-time. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a tool uniquely suited to this task, given its ability to image deep inside tissue with high temporal resolution and sensitivity. Extraordinary efforts have recently been made to improve cellular MRI as applied to regenerative medicine, by developing more advanced contrast agents for use as probes and sensors. These advances enable the non-invasive monitoring of cell fate and, more recently, that of the different cellular functions of living cells, such as their enzymatic activity and gene expression, as well as their time point of cell death. We present here a review of recent advancements in the development of these probes and sensors, and of their functioning, applications and limitations.
Finding the most appropriate mouse model of juvenile CLN3 (Batten) disease for therapeutic studies: the importance of genetic background and gender
Authors: Kovács Attila D. , Pearce David A.
Published: April 2015

Mutations in the CLN3 gene cause a fatal neurodegenerative disorder: juvenile CLN3 disease, also known as juvenile Batten disease. The two most commonly utilized mouse models of juvenile CLN3 disease are Cln3-knockout (Cln3−/−) and Cln3Δex7/8-knock-in mice, the latter mimicking the most frequent disease-causing human mutation. To determine which mouse model has the most pronounced neurological phenotypes that can be used as outcome measures for therapeutic studies, we compared the exploratory activity, motor function and depressive-like behavior of 1-, 3- and 6-month-old Cln3−/− and Cln3Δex7/8-knock-in mice on two different genetic backgrounds (129S6/SvEv and C57BL/6J). Although, in many cases, the behavior of Cln3−/− and Cln3Δex7/8 mice was similar, we found genetic-background-, gender- and age-dependent differences between the two mouse models. We also observed large differences in the behavior of the 129S6/SvEv and C57BL/6J wild-type strains, which highlights the strong influence that genetic background can have on phenotype. Based on our results, Cln3−/− male mice on the 129S6/SvEv genetic background are the most appropriate candidates for therapeutic studies. They exhibit motor deficits at 1 and 6 months of age in the vertical pole test, and they were the only mice to show impaired motor coordination in the rotarod test at both 3 and 6 months. Cln3−/− males on the C57BL/6J background and Cln3Δex7/8 males on the 129S6/SvEv background also provide good outcome measures for therapeutic interventions. Cln3−/− (C57BL/6J) males had serious difficulties in climbing down (at 1 and 6 months) and turning downward on (at 1, 3 and 6 months) the vertical pole, whereas Cln3Δex7/8 (129S6/SvEv) males climbed down the vertical pole drastically slower than wild-type males at 3 and 6 months of age. Our study demonstrates the importance of testing mouse models on different genetic backgrounds and comparing males and females in order to find the most appropriate disease model for therapeutic studies.
Heterogeneous disease progression and treatment response in a C3HeB/FeJ mouse model of tuberculosis
Authors: Lanoix Jean-Philippe , Lenaerts Anne J. , Nuermberger Eric L.
Published: April 2015

Mice are the most commonly used species for non-clinical evaluations of drug efficacy against tuberculosis (TB). Unlike commonly used strains, C3HeB/FeJ mice develop caseous necrosis in the lung, which might alter the representation of drug efficacy in a way that is more like human TB. Because the development of such pathology requires time, we investigated the effect of infection incubation period on the activity of six drugs in C3HeB/FeJ and BALB/c mice. Mice were aerosol infected and held for 6, 10 or 14 weeks before receiving therapy with rifampin (RIF), rifapentine (RPT), pyrazinamide (PZA), linezolid (LZD), sutezolid (PNU) or metronidazole (MTZ) for 4-8 weeks. Outcomes included pathological assessments, pH measurements of liquefied caseum and assessment of colony-forming unit (CFU) counts from lung cultures. Remarkable heterogeneity in the timing and extent of disease progression was observed in C3HeB/FeJ mice, largely independent of incubation period. Likewise, drug efficacy in C3HeB/FeJ mice was not affected by incubation period. However, for PZA, LZD and PNU, dichotomous treatment effects correlating with the presence or absence of large caseous lesions were observed. In the case of PZA, its poor activity in the subset of C3HeB/FeJ mice with large caseous lesions might be explained by the pH of 7.36±0.09 measured in liquefied caseum. This study highlights the potential value of C3HeB/FeJ mice for non-clinical efficacy testing, especially for investigating the interaction of lesion pathology and drug effect. Careful use of this model could enhance the bridging of non-clinical results with clinical outcomes.
Presence of multiple lesion types with vastly different microenvironments in C3HeB/FeJ mice following aerosol infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Irwin Scott M. , Driver Emily , Lyon Edward , Schrupp Christopher , Ryan Gavin , Gonzalez-Juarrero Mercedes , Basaraba Randall J. , Nuermberger Eric L. , Lenaerts Anne J.
Published: April 2015

Cost-effective animal models that accurately reflect the pathological progression of pulmonary tuberculosis are needed to screen and evaluate novel tuberculosis drugs and drug regimens. Pulmonary disease in humans is characterized by a number of heterogeneous lesion types that reflect differences in cellular composition and organization, extent of encapsulation, and degree of caseous necrosis. C3HeB/FeJ mice have been increasingly used to model tuberculosis infection because they produce hypoxic, well-defined granulomas exhibiting caseous necrosis following aerosol infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. A comprehensive histopathological analysis revealed that C3HeB/FeJ mice develop three morphologically distinct lesion types in the lung that differ with respect to cellular composition, degree of immunopathology and control of bacterial replication. Mice displaying predominantly the fulminant necrotizing alveolitis lesion type had significantly higher pulmonary bacterial loads and displayed rapid and severe immunopathology characterized by increased mortality, highlighting the pathological role of an uncontrolled granulocytic response in the lung. Using a highly sensitive novel fluorescent acid-fast stain, we were able to visualize the spatial distribution and location of bacteria within each lesion type. Animal models that better reflect the heterogeneity of lesion types found in humans will permit more realistic modeling of drug penetration into solid caseous necrotic lesions and drug efficacy testing against metabolically distinct bacterial subpopulations. A more thorough understanding of the pathological progression of disease in C3HeB/FeJ mice could facilitate modulation of the immune response to produce the desired pathology, increasing the utility of this animal model.
Autophagosome dynamics in neurodegeneration at a glance
Authors: Wong Yvette C. , Holzbaur Erika L. F.
Published: April 2015

Autophagy is an essential homeostatic process for degrading cellular cargo. Aging organelles and protein aggregates are degraded by the autophagosome-lysosome pathway, which is particularly crucial in neurons. There is increasing evidence implicating defective autophagy in neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease. Recent work using live-cell imaging has identified autophagy as a predominantly polarized process in neuronal axons; autophagosomes preferentially form at the axon tip and undergo retrograde transport back towards the cell body. Autophagosomes engulf cargo including damaged mitochondria (mitophagy) and protein aggregates, and subsequently fuse with lysosomes during axonal transport to effectively degrade their internalized cargo. In this Cell Science at a Glance article and the accompanying poster, we review recent progress on the dynamics of the autophagy pathway in neurons and highlight the defects observed at each step of this pathway during neurodegeneration.
Ammonia first? The transition from cutaneous to branchial ammonia excretion in developing rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) is not altered by exposure to chronically high NaCl
Authors: Zimmer Alex M. , Wood Chris M.
Published: April 2015

Larval rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were reared from hatch under control ([Na+]=0.60 mmol/l) or high NaCl ([Na+]=60 mmol/l) conditions to elucidate the driving force for the ontogeny of branchial Na+/NH4+ exchange, one of the earliest gill functions. We hypothesized that if Na+ uptake is the driving force, then in high NaCl there would be a delay in the skin-to-gill shift in ammonia excretion (Jamm) and/or an elevation in whole-body total ammonia (Tamm). In both groups, however, the skin-to-gill shift for Jamm, determined using divided chambers, occurred at the same time (13 days post-hatch; dph) and whole-body Tamm was unchanged. Moreover, high NaCl larvae displayed elevated whole-body [Na+] relative to controls by 18 dph, suggesting that maintaining branchial Jamm occurs at the expense of Na+ balance. Overall, these results support the “ammonia hypothesis” which posits that ammonia excretion, likely as Na+/NH4+ exchange, is the primary function of the early fish gill.
Activity of Horseradish Peroxidase Adsorbed onto Titanate Nanowires
Authors: Nicolini J.V. , Resende N.S. , Ferraz H.C.
Published: April 2015

Immobilization of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) onto titanate nanowires (TNWs) was investigated using different strategies. TNWs were synthesized by a hydrothermal method and characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, nitrogen physisorption (77K) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Free HRP was stable and active in a wide range of pH with optimal activity at 7.0. The Km of HRP with 4-aminoantipyrine and H2O2 as substrate was 0.77 ± 0.25 mmol l−1. Immobilization strategies studied were non-specific adsorption and covalent coupling through amine groups. Adsorption isotherms were well fitted by the Langmuir–Freundlich model. The coverage of TNWs containing HRP adsorbed by covalent coupling was 1.56 mg HRP m−2 and the residual enzymatic activity was approximately 40%. The enzymatic activity of free HRP and immobilized HRP was monitored as a function of storing time. The results confirm that the enzyme is firmly attached to the TNW surface through covalent binding, constituting a very promising platform for a variety of applications such as in biosensing.
Separation of Lactic Acid Produced by Hydrothermal Conversion of Glycerol Using Ion-Exchange Chromatography
Authors: Arcanjo M.R.A. , Fernandes F.A.N. , Silva I. J.
Published: April 2015

Production of lactic acid by hydrothermal conversion of glycerol is an option to add value to the large amounts of glycerol that is being generated during the production of biodiesel. This work aimed to separate lactic acid by ion-exchange resins in a fixed-bed column. Adsorption isotherms were obtained from the breakthrough curves using different initial concentrations of lactic acid (60–302 g/l) and temperatures (30, 40 and 60 °C). Maximum adsorption capacities were estimated by the Langmuir model. Adsorption and desorption cycles for a binary and a real mixture were performed. The methodology proposed for the separation of lactic acid in a fixed-bed column presented high values of adsorptive capacity for both Amberlite IRA-96 and Amberlite IRA-67 resins at 30 °C. Lactic acid was more strongly adsorbed by Amberlite IRA-96 than the IRA-67 resin with maximum adsorption capacity of 544 and 341 g/l, respectively. Chromatographic experiments for the single-component solution (lactic acid), binary mixture (lactic acid and glycerol) and real mixture showed high values of recovery (29.2%, 31.3% and 23.5%, respectively) and productivity (3.14, 7.00 and 2.43 kg of lactic acid/kg resin. day).
CO2 Adsorption on Modified Mg–Al-Layered Double Hydroxides
Authors: Dantas T.C.M. , Junior V.J. Fernandes , Santos A.P.B. dos , Bezerra F.A. , Araujo A.S. , Alves A.P.M.
Published: April 2015

Because of increases in the burning of fossil fuels, there is an increased emission of pollutant gases (e.g. CO2) into the atmosphere. An alternative to minimize these emissions is to capture these gases using porous materials, such as layered double hydroxides (LDHs). In this study, LDHs were synthesized by co-precipitation of ion salts of Mg2+ and Al3+. After the synthesis, the materials were treated with a template to expand the layers. The samples were then characterized by X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis/derivative thermogravimetry, adsorption/desorption of nitrogen, scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. A CO2 adsorption study was then performed to determine the adsorption capacity of the material in accordance with the contact time between the gas and the adsorbent. The adsorption capacities of LDHs and LDHs-P123 for CO2 were 0.72 and 1.36 mmol/g, respectively, showing satisfactory results post-treatment.
Modelling of Hg0 Removal from Gaseous Streams and its Fixation in Hydroxyapatite-Based Adsorbents Modified with Copper Sulphide
Authors: Camargo C.L.M. , Oliveira A.G. , Resende N.S. , Biscaia E.C. , Secchi A.R. , Tavares F.W. , Salim V.M.M.
Published: April 2015

In this work, a mathematical model of a fixed-bed process for elemental mercury removal from gaseous streams is proposed. Advective and diffusive processes were taken into account in the macroscopic mass balance along the bed, and diffusive process was considered in the microscopic mass balance inside the adsorbent particle in which the adsorption process occurs. In addition, a chemical reaction term was used to represent the mercury fixation by the adsorbent. The proposed model was implemented in the Environment for Modelling, Simulation and Optimization dynamic simulator. Model parameters were estimated based on experimental breakthrough curves, by minimizing the least-square function. The model satisfactorily described two experimental breakthrough curves of mercury removal using adsorbents with different preparation methods, both with high mercury fixation capacity. The proposed mathematical model was also able to consistently describe the mercury concentrations in the bed and in the particle.
CO2 Adsorption on Ionic Liquid—Modified Cu-BTC: Experimental and Simulation Study
Authors: Silva F.W.M. da , Magalhães G.M. , Jardim E.O. , Silvestre-Albero J. , Sepúlveda-Escribano A. , de Azevedo D.C.S. , de Lucena S.M.P.
Published: April 2015

We analyzed the adsorption of CO2 in a Cu-BTC metal-organic framework (MOF) impregnated with ionic liquids (ILs) experimentally and by molecular simulation using the Monte Carlo method. The ILs [bmim][PF6] and [bmim][Tf2N] were impregnated in concentrations of 1, 5 and 10 wt%. Monte Carlo computations showed maximum impregnation load of approximately 30 wt% and improved CO2 adsorption up to 2 bar for all the concentrations tested. Experimentally, the impregnated material was carefully characterized and CO2 isotherms were measured. High concentrations of IL solution (10 wt%) had a pronounced detrimental effect on the textural properties of Cu-BTC, whereas for low concentration (5 wt%), no improvement in CO2 adsorption was observed. Based on the experimental and simulated data, the suitability of Cu-BTC as a target MOF for IL impregnation was examined.
Integration of Electricity from Renewable Energy Sources — The Czech Story
Authors: Vrba Miroslav , Špaček Zdeněk , Jež Jiří , Ptáček Jiří
Published: April 2015

Integration of electricity from renewable energy sources is currently a big issue that affects all areas of the power industry (generation – transmission – distribution –consumption) and it relates to all highly developed as well as developing power industry systems. There has recently been a significant increase of installed capacity of renewable energy sources, especially of photovoltaic power plants in the Czech Republic. High levels of electricity generation from renewable energy sources occur during favorable weather conditions in the Central Europe region. This causes loop flows and overloading of transmission systems in the whole region. Huge development of renewable energy sources in the region considerably affects both the distribution system and the transmission system of the Czech Republic. Operation of the Czech power system is negatively influenced and project development of the power system needs to be repeatedly modified and updated. Steeply raising development of subsidized renewable energy sources in Europe and in the Czech Republic brings about many challenges and risks, technical as well as economic and social.
Lessons from Renewables Planning in California and Suggestions to Korea
Authors: Youn Ho Hyern
Published: April 2015

California has established aggressive Renewables Portfolio Standards (RPS) goals to increase the fraction of electricity generated from renewable energy resources and to decrease greenhouse gas emissions under AB 32. By 2010, 20% of California's electricity is required to come from renewables, and 33% has been proposed as a goal for 2020. Most of this new renewable generation will require the electric grid for delivering its electricity to customers.

Renewable generators will be integrated into the electric grid at both the transmission and distribution levels, but most of them are expected to connect to the transmission system in locations remote from load centers and existing transmission infrastructure, thus requiring transmission extensions. Some of this renewable generation will exhibit properties quite different from traditional generation and loads, which pose special challenges for providing timely adequate grid delivery capacity, maintaining reliability, and avoiding economic inefficiencies. Finally, power flow constraints through transmission “gateways” into population centers must be relieved before the electricity from renewables can reach customers.

In addition to constructing effective transmission interconnections between the renewable resource development areas and California's high-voltage electrical grid, it will be necessary to expand the transmission system capability between the backbone grid transmission gateways and from the transmission gateways to the local load centers.

Meeting these challenges for the successful integration of renewables into the electric delivery system will require new or expanded capabilities for the grid. At higher RPS levels, the conventional “build” solutions alone will prove inadequate. New transmission technologies offer the prospect of providing a substantial portion of these new or expanded capabilities.

In this report, we investigate how California is dealing with these challenges. We are covering current status, planning issues and operational issues of renewable energy. We hope this report is useful to whom studying renewable energy.
Intelligent Compact Substations for a Smarter Grid
Authors: Schüpferling Bernd
Published: April 2015

Higher utilization of the power systems, variable load flows due to decentralized power generation from renewable energy sources and a growing need for information of the regulating authorities place higher demands on fault detection and acquisition of system operating data. Furthermore, remote indication and remote control can considerably reduce supply interruption times as well as system breakdown costs, and provide rapid adjustment to varying load conditions.

Therefore, the requirements for the intelligence of transformer substations will increase in the future.

With the gas-insulated medium-voltage switchgear type 8DJH, 8DJH 36 or 8DJH Compact, Siemens offers the basis for application in an intelligent compact substation. It is optionally equipped with motorised operating mechanism; intelligent short-circuit indicators with voltage and current measuring, as well as a Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) in a separated wall-mounting cabinet or as an integral part of the switchgear.

This article provides an overview on different intelligence levels, possible kinds of communication to the telecontrol system as well as necessary components and requirements of intelligent compact substations for a smarter grid.
Future Energy Paradigm of Microgeneration Technologies for Decentralized Smart Home and Office Buildings
Authors: Entchev Evgueniy , Kang Eun Chul , Lee Euy Joon
Published: April 2015

Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER) and Canmet Energy have initiated the joint research project in carrying out investigation and analysis of energy savings of load sharing applications featuring single detached residential and commercial buildings. Moreover, the energy savings of the system which employ ground source heat pump (GSHP), and the hybrid systems of Fuel Cell (FC) – GSHP and Photovoltaic thermal (PVT) – GSHP were also investigated and analyzed. The simple sum of residential and commercial building conventional case was considered as the reference case. The systems' performance was simulated over one full year in TRNSYS software environment under typical weather conditions for Ottawa, Canada and Incheon, Republic of Korea. Reference and advanced load sharing cases were simulated and analyzed in terms of thermal/cooling load satisfied and operational and capital energy savings. These cases were systematically summarized into seven cases, as following:

Case 1 is utilizing conventional set up – boiler and chiller to meet heating and cooling demands of a single detached house. Case 2 is utilizing the same conventional set up as Case 1 – boiler and chiller to meet heating and cooling demands of an office building that has the same layout as the house in Case 1. Case 3 is a simple summation of Case 1 and Case 2 systems and loads. Case 4 is a load sharing setup featuring common boiler and chiller used to meet the combined loads of the house and office. Case 5 is a load sharing case utilizing a ground source heat pump (GSHP) to meet the combined loads of the house and office. Case 6 is a load sharing case where a hybrid PEM fuel cell (FC)/ground source heat pump (GSHP) system is used to meet the combined loads of the house and office. Case 7 is a load sharing case where a hybrid Photovoltaic Thermal (PVT)/ground source heat pump (GSHP) system is used to meet the combined loads of the house and office.

The simulation results show that by using the same equipment with different capacities the load sharing system can achieve operational energy saving of 3–4 % in comparison to the reference system. Furthermore, Case 5, Case 6, and Case 7 were able to save energy up to 40%, 25%, and 57% in comparison to the case 3 respectively.
Regional Approach to Large Scale Wind Integration in South East Europe
Authors: Majstrović Goran , Polen William L.
Published: April 2015

The Southeast Europe Cooperation Initiative Transmission System Planning Project (SECI TSP) is a unique development assistance collaboration supported by the transmission system operators of Southeast Europe (SEE), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the United States Energy Association (USEA). Members of the SECI TSP include 10 transmission system operators from Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Romania and Turkey. Slovenia, Greece and Italy participate in the SECI TSP as observers.

This paper provides a brief introduction to the SECI TSP and reviews results of a SECI TSP study of the capacity of the high voltage electricity transmission network in SEE to integrate wind power. The analysis results from wind power plant (WPP) data collected and verified by 12 TSOs (including Slovenia and Greece) through a series of detailed questionnaires (324 inputs collected) and intensive regional cooperation supported by USAID and USEA since 2000. Besides that, large set of input data on hourly WPP generation profiles for each SECI country for the 2020 planning horizon was employed from the Pan-European Market Database (87,600 output data). Historical data on WPP generation was used as a reference when such data was available, as well as the data available from the national wind integration studies.

The study identifies limiting factors for large scale WPP integration in SEE, contains an analysis of expected WPP output variation, forecasts reserve capacities in the region, identifies network bottleneck resulting from large scale wind integration, and calculates the impact of WPP on regional network losses.

The study results indicate that owing to the sub-regional characteristics of wind patterns, the countries of SEE could reduce by approximately 50% the amount of reserve capacity needed to balance intermittent wind production if such capacity is provided on a regional basis as opposed to the traditional country-by-country approach. This would open up more than 2,000

MW of capacity to be available to the regional electricity market as opposed to holding them in reserve on an individual, country-by country basis. Also, more than 30 regional network bottlenecks were identified as a result of large scale WPP integration through different load flow scenarios.
Seasonal and Interannual Variability of Marine Ecosystem in the North Indian Ocean: A Model Evaluation Study
Authors: Sharada M.K. , Devasena C.Kalyani , Swathi P.S. , SundaraDeepthi M.V. , ShelvaSrinivasan M.K. , Yajnik K.S.
Published: April 2015

We have investigated the climatological and interannual variability of biogeochemical cycles in the north Indian Ocean with simulations of TOPAZ (Tracers Of Phytoplankton with Allometric Zooplankton) during 1949–2009. Model simulations have been carried out with climatological and interannual fluxes forcings and the results have been evaluated by using the available data from different sources in the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. The model captures significant spatial and seasonal features in surface chlorophyll and primary productivity observed in satellite data. Seasonal and interannual variations, and profiles of a few of the state variables obtained from the coupled model simulations compare well with the cruise and satellite data at a few stations for many seasons in the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. We have also studied the spatial, seasonal and interannual variations of sea surface temperature (SST) and surface chlorophyll anomalies in the north Indian Ocean using model simulation results and satellite data. It is seen that a negative surface chlorophyll anomaly correlates well with a positive SST anomaly.
Inter-Comparison of Hydrodynamic Models of Gulf of Khambhat
Authors: SatheeshKumar J , Balaji R
Published: April 2015

The complex seabed contours and geometry of basin lead to a unique tidal pattern along India's Gulf of Khambhat (GoK). Estimation of tidal levels and associated currents in this basin is challenging due to the amplification of tides and intense current magnitudes. In this study, the finite difference based numerical model, Delft3D-FLOW has been set up. Spatially varying bottom roughness parameters have been used to estimate the tidal levels and currents for the entire basin and the results are compared with an earlier work of Sathish Kumar and Balaji (2014 and 2015) based on an alternative finite element based numerical model, Telemac2D. An inter-comparison of model results shows good agreement with each other and with the field measurements. The tidal levels are observed to vary from 2m to more than 10m in the narrowing portion of the gulf while the maximum current velocity is seen as 3m/s.
Prediction of Hydrodynamic Characteristics of Quarter Circular Breakwater Using Stepwise Regression
Authors: Goyal Rushil , Singh Kriti , Hegde Arkal Vittal , Thakur G.S.
Published: April 2015

Quarter Circular Breakwater (QBW) is emerging as a new topic of research for port engineers worldwide, with a special emphasis on its hydrodynamic performance characteristics. QBW is a new type of breakwater based on the principles of Semicircular breakwater (SBW). The present paper discusses the development of prediction models for the coefficient of transmission of QBW using MATLAB based stepwise regression approach. Data used for the modeling was obtained from experiments conducted on scaled downed physical models of QBW in the regular wave flume available at the Marine Structures laboratory of the Department of Applied Mechanics and Hydraulics, National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK), Surathkal in India. Using the stepwise method to perform a multi-linear regression of the transmission coefficient (Kt), a relation was established in terms of independent parameters such as wave height (H), wave period (T) and depth of water (d).
Teaser Propaganda: uma história de cocriação e engajamento
Authors: Nascimento Ademir Macedo , Correia Neto Jorge da Silva , Bobsin Debora , Pereira Felipe Augusto
Published: April 2015

A Teaser Propaganda deseja engajar a comunidade virtual, conseguindo pessoas que sigam a marca nas mídias sociais. DOI: 10.12660/gvcasosv4n2c10http://dx.doi.org/10.12660/gvcasosv4n2c10
Pridia: o desafio da expansão de uma microempresa de cobertura de festas universitárias
Authors: Hamza Kavita Miadaira
Published: April 2015

Os sócios da Pridia precisam decidir sobre os planos de expansão da empresa: expandir o negócio para outras cidades ou integrar a cadeia de valor?DOI: 10.12660/gvcasosv4n2c11 http://dx.doi.org/10.12660/gvcasosv4n2c11
A implantação do Programa de Desenvolvimento Regional Sustentável do Banco do Brasil
Authors: Menezes Leonardo Mendes Lacerda de , Nogueira Cláudio André , Barbosa Alexandre , De Sousa Filho José Milton
Published: April 2015

Uma organização de grande porte, atuante em regiões pouco desenvolvidas do país, discute a incorporação de ações de Desenvolvimento Regional Sustentável à sua política de Responsabilidade Social Empresarial.DOI: 10.12660/gvcasosv4n2c13http://dx.doi.org/10.12660/gvcasosv4n2c13
The expansion of community banks in Brazil: discovering Palmas’ methodology
Authors: Pozzebon Marlei , Christopoulos Tania Pereira , Peeraly Jahan Ara , Saldanha Fabio Prado
Published: April 2015

It has been 14 years since Banco Palmas was created. Joaquim Melo, its coordinator, feels that it is time to reconsider some of the fundamental premises upon which this community bank was built.DOI: 10.12660/gvcasosv4n2c16 http://dx.doi.org/10.12660/gvcasosv4n2c16
Pridia: o desafio da expansão de uma microempresa de cobertura de festas universitárias (Notas de ensino)
Authors: Hamza Kavita Miadaira
Published: April 2015

DOI: 10.12660/gvcasosv4n2n11 http://dx.doi.org/10.12660/gvcasosv4n2n11
Pequenas empresas e a tecnologia de informação: o caso da Happening (Notas de ensino)
Authors: Dos Santos Heloisa Monaco
Published: April 2015

DOI: 10.12660/gvcasosv4n2n12 http://dx.doi.org/10.12660/gvcasosv4n2n12
A implantação do Programa de Desenvolvimento Regional Sustentável do Banco do Brasil (Notas de ensino)
Authors: De Menezes Leonardo Mendes Lacerda , Nogueira Cláudio André , Barbosa Alexandre , De Sousa Filho José Milton
Published: April 2015

DOI: 10.12660/gvcasosv4n2n13 http://dx.doi.org/10.12660/gvcasosv4n2n13
Reestruturação financeira e emissão de debêntures: o caso Ecovias dos Imigrantes (Notas de ensino)
Authors: Martits Luiz Augusto , Fraletti Paulo Beltrão
Published: April 2015

DOI: 10.12660/gvcasosv4n2n14 http://dx.doi.org/10.12660/gvcasosv4n2n14
Case Report: Nitrofurantoin-induced interstitial lung disease
Authors: Basunaid Suhail , Pilate Helena , Schoutteten Melanie , Sprooten Rooy
Published: April 2015

Nitrofurantoin is widely used for urinary tract infection (UTI) prophylaxis. Long-term use is known to be able to cause serious adverse effects including pulmonary and hepatic toxicity. The prevalence of nitrofurantoin-induced pulmonary injury is on the increase again as the drug regains popularity as a urinary antiseptic.

We describe a previously healthy 83-year-old woman who presented to our emergency department in early 2012 with progressive dyspnoea since two weeks. This was not preceded by cough. She had no fever, wheezing, chest pain, or sputum production. She was a 50 pack per year ex-smoker. She had no previous exposure to tuberculosis or industrial chemicals. However, she suffered from recurrent symptomatic UTIs and was on a long-term prescription of nitrofurantoin for prophylaxis.

Respiratory examination revealed dullness on percussion at both lung bases and widespread fine inspiratory crackles throughout both lungs. Arterial blood gas analysis showed hypoxia and complete compensation of respiratory acidosis.

Initial treatment with co-amoxiclavulanic acid was initiated. CT scanning of the chest showed widespread ground-glass appearance in both lungs with organising pneumonia. A diagnosis of nitrofurantoin-induced interstitial lung disease (NIILD) was suspected. Nitrofurantoin was subsequently stopped and prednisone treatment at 30 mg OD was initiated. Follow-up chest X-ray showed marked improvement.
Teaching and communicating science in a digital age
Authors: Scott Graham
Published: April 2015

We assume that digital literacy and access are common to all who teach and communicate their science and to their audiences. We also assume that our digital communication is effective and that by using digital technologies learning experiences are enhanced. But are these reasonable assumptions to make? This F1000Research channel brings together papers developed from presentations made at Teaching and Communicating Science in a Digital Age, a Society for Experimental Biology symposium involving Higher Education Professionals from across the globe to reflect upon the impact that digital technologies have and will have upon aspects of the communication of science. Here I share some thoughts on the discussion that took place and on the papers collated through this channel.
Net Neutrality, Exclusivity Contracts, and Internet Fragmentation
Authors: Kourandi Frago , Krämer Jan , Valletti Tommaso
Published: April 2015

Net neutrality (NN) is believed to prevent the emergence of exclusive online content, which yields Internet fragmentation. We examine the relationship between NN regulation and Internet fragmentation in a game-theoretic model that considers the interplay between termination fees, exclusivity, and competition between two Internet service providers (ISPs) and between two content providers (CPs). An exclusivity arrangement between an ISP and a CP reduces the CP’s exposure to some end users, but it also reduces competition over ads among the CPs. Fragmentation arises in equilibrium when competition over ads among the CPs is very strong, the CPs’ revenues from advertisements are very low, the content of the CPs is highly complementary, or the termination fees are high. We find that the absence of fragmentation is always beneficial for consumers, because they can enjoy all available content. Policy interventions that prevent fragmentation are thus good for consumers. However, results for total welfare are more mixed. A zero-price rule on traffic termination is neither a sufficient nor a necessary policy instrument to prevent fragmentation. In fact, regulatory interventions may be ineffective or even detrimental to welfare and are only warranted under special circumstances.
Do Store Brands Aid Store Loyalty?
Authors: Seenivasan Satheesh , Sudhir K. , Talukdar Debabrata
Published: April 2015

Do store brands aid store loyalty by enhancing store differentiation or merely draw price-sensitive customers with little or no store loyalty? This paper seeks to answer this question by empirically investigating the relationship between store brand loyalty and store loyalty. First, we find a robust, monotonic, positive relationship between store brand loyalty and store loyalty by using multiple loyalty metrics and data from multiple retailers and by controlling for alternative factors that can influence store loyalty. Second, we take advantage of a natural experiment involving a store closure and find that the attrition in chain loyalty is lower for households with greater store brand loyalty prior to store closure. Together, our results are consistent with evidence for the store differentiation role of store brands.

This paper was accepted by J. Miguel Villas-Boas, marketing.
The Power of Optimization Over Randomization in Designing Experiments Involving Small Samples
Authors: Bertsimas Dimitris , Johnson Mac , Kallus Nathan
Published: April 2015

Random assignment, typically seen as the standard in controlled trials, aims to make experimental groups statistically equivalent before treatment. However, with a small sample, which is a practical reality in many disciplines, randomized groups are often too dissimilar to be useful. We propose an approach based on discrete linear optimization to create groups whose discrepancy in their means and variances is several orders of magnitude smaller than with randomization. We provide theoretical and computational evidence that groups created by optimization have exponentially lower discrepancy than those created by randomization and that this allows for more powerful statistical inference.
The current state of treatments for schizophrenia
Authors: Robson Debbie , Gournay Kevin
Published: April 2015

Debbie Robson and Kevin Gournay discuss the advances in treatments for schizophrenia, and its implications for mental health nursing
Service users with diabetes in an acute inpatient setting
Authors: Wiltshire Lyndi , Hurst Heather , Rao Harish
Published: April 2015

This article aimes to review eight of the nine care processes reviewed in 2011/2012 in an acute psychiatric inpatient setting with standards derived from National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines. Data were collected from the electronic records system for all the inpatients admitted in one week of December 2013 against the selected audit standards. Sixty-six service users were identified out of a total of 508 inpatients. Ninety-five percent of the service users had their HbA1c levels documented (a significant improvement from 64% in the previous audit). There was a slight improvement in the number of service users having their total cholesterol levels documented. Serum creatinine levels were documented in all service users, as compared to 82% in the previous audit. The documentation of blood pressure increased from 82% in the previous audit to 97%, and 38% had evidence of an eye check in the previous 12 months. This is a huge improvement on the previous audit (8%). Foot assessments with documentation of pulses checked in (33%) and vibration in (23%) was an improvement from the (11%) in the previous audit. Improvements continued to be seen in screening for diabetes, weight, body mass index and care planning. The assessment tool needs to be integrated into the clinical computer system to improve the collection and recording of data. Staff education regarding the importance of foot care and eye screening and ongoing training in diabetes care, medications and insulin is also important.
Nutrition and learning
Authors: Gibbin Fay
Published: April 2015

Busy Bees Training oversees 700 trainees on catering apprenticeships or short courses. Here, Fay Gibbin explores health and nutrition, and the development opportunities now available to early years chefs.
From incident to station
Authors: Clarke Jenni
Published: April 2015

Last month, we saw how complex play was allowed to emerge when staff in a nursery followed children's interest in weapon play; this month, the play extends into related role-play scenarios.
A wealth of experience
Authors: Harries Judith
Published: April 2015

This series of articles has used practical activities based on the expressive arts, such as music, song and dance, to develop young children's skills in the mathematics area of early learning – this month, money..
Rehabilitation for patients with heart failure
Authors: Conway Barbara
Published: April 2015

Barbara Conway discusses the importance of rehabilitation in improving outcomes for patients with heart failure
Pathophysiology of COPD: Part 1
Authors: Mitchell Jacqueline
Published: April 2015

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is common in the practice nurse setting, but the pathophysiology of the disease is complex and multifaceted, making it a challenge to assess, diagnose and manage within primary care
Medication adherence in adults with epilepsy
Authors: Mantri Pamela
Published: April 2015

Non-adherence to medication in people with epilepsy can have serious consequences. Pamela Mantri considers how practice nurses can help
How should it be spent?
Authors: McKeown Sal
Published: April 2015

While the early years pupil premium has been broadly welcomed by the sector, it identifies challenges to its implementation and questions how Ofsted will judge its impact on children. Sal McKeown reports.
Thyroid Function in Pregnancy: What Is Normal?
Authors: Medici Marco , Korevaar Tim I M , Visser W Edward , Visser Theo J , Peeters Robin P
Published: April 2015

BACKGROUND

Gestational thyroid dysfunction is common and associated with maternal and child morbidity and mortality. During pregnancy, profound changes in thyroid physiology occur, resulting in different thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4) reference intervals compared to the nonpregnant state. Therefore, international guidelines recommend calculating trimester- and assay-specific reference intervals per center. If these reference intervals are unavailable, TSH reference intervals of 0.1–2.5 mU/L for the first trimester and 0.2–3.0 mU/L for the second trimester are recommended. In daily practice, most institutions do not calculate institution-specific reference intervals but rely on these fixed reference intervals for the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid disorders during pregnancy. However, the calculated reference intervals for several additional pregnancy cohorts have been published in the last few years and show substantial variation.

CONTENT

We provide a detailed overview of the available studies on thyroid function reference intervals during pregnancy, different factors that contribute to these reference intervals, and the maternal and child complications associated with only minor variations in thyroid function.

There are large differences in thyroid function reference intervals between different populations of pregnant women. These differences can be explained by variations in assays as well as population-specific factors, such as ethnicity and body mass index. The importance of using correct reference intervals is underlined by the fact that even small subclinical variations in thyroid function have been associated with detrimental pregnancy outcomes, including low birth weight and pregnancy loss. It is therefore crucial that institutions do not rely on fixed universal cutoff concentrations, but calculate their own pregnancy-specific reference intervals.
Exhibition Review
Authors: Hindle Sian
Published: April 2015

A Review of ‘Between Spaces’, Creative Hinckley Gallery, The Atkins, Hinckley, 19 September–16 October 2014
Effects of globalization on the traditional cane and bamboo household objects: A case study on the Nyishi group of Arunachal Pradesh
Authors: Sarma Rashmirekha
Published: April 2015

Globalization poses significant challenges to the survival of the traditional craftsmanship, a domain of intangible cultural heritage. The UNESCO has regularly pointed out the challenges created by globalization, including lengthy apprenticeships with low remuneration, mass-production of goods needed for daily life, environmental and climate change pressures, changing social conditions and cultural tastes, etc. The effects of these challenges are most noticeable when it comes to small indigenous groups, for whom they can have an adverse impact. Arunachal Pradesh is a hill state of India inhabited by 31 indigenous groups. This makes Arunachal Pradesh a suitable site for studying the effects of these challenges. Household objects are one of the numerous expressions of traditional craftsmanship, which have been subjected to the changing influences of globalization within a relatively short period of time. The domestic articles of an average ethnic house of Arunachal Pradesh are usually made of cane and bamboo. The primary focus of this article is to evaluate the effects of the challenges posed by globalization, as mentioned by UNESCO, on the household objects of the Nyishi group, one of the 31 indigenous groups of Arunachal Pradesh. They are traditionally expert in making their household objects with cane and bamboo. The case study was conducted at Seijosa, a locality mainly inhabited by the Nyishis of East Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. Based on the unstructured and open ended interviews, this case study focused on the traditional craftsmen’s perspective and observations about the changes on traditional cane and bamboo household objects of Nyishi community, as they are regularly involved in making and distributing these products. The findings of the case study indicate that almost all the challenges, mentioned by UNESCO, are noticeable on the traditional craftsmanship of cane and bamboo household materials of Nyishi group.