bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parallel ionoregulatory adjustments underlie phenotypic plasticity and evolution ofDrosophilacold tolerance
Authors: MacMillan Heath A. , Ferguson Laura V. , Nicolai Annegret , Donini Andrew , Staples James F. , Sinclair Brent J.
Published: December 2014

Low temperature tolerance is the main predictor of variation in the global distribution and performance of insects, yet the molecular mechanisms underlying cold tolerance variation are poorly known, and it is unclear whether the mechanisms that improve cold tolerance within the lifetime of an individual insect are similar to those that underlie evolved differences among species. The accumulation of cold-induced injuries by hemimetabolous insects is associated with loss of Na+ and K+ homeostasis. Here we show that this model holds true for Drosophila; cold exposure increases hemolymph [K+] in D. melanogaster, and cold-acclimated flies maintain low hemolymph [Na+] and [K+], both at rest and during a cold exposure. This pattern holds across 24 species of the Drosophila phylogeny, where improvements in cold tolerance have been consistently paired with reductions in hemolymph [Na+] and [K+]. Cold-acclimated D. melanogaster have low activity of Na+/K+-ATPase, which may contribute to the maintenance of low hemolymph [Na+] and underlie improvements in cold tolerance. Modifications to ion balance are associated with both phenotypic plasticity within D. melanogaster and evolutionary differences in cold tolerance across the Drosophila phylogeny, which suggests that adaptation and acclimation of cold tolerance in insects may occur through similar mechanisms. Cold-tolerant flies maintain hemolymph osmolality despite low hemolymph [Na+] and [K+], possibly through modest accumulations of organic osmolytes. We propose that this could have served as an evolutionary route by which chill-susceptible insects developed more extreme cold tolerance strategies.
MALDI-TOF MS Study of the Photooxidation of PCBM and Its Suppression by P3HT
Authors: Yamane Shogo , Mizukado Junji , Suzuki Yasumasa , Sakurai Miho , Chen Liang , Suda Hiroyuki
Published: December 2014

The photooxidation of [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) in thin films and the effects of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) on the photooxidation of PCBM were studied using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Two reaction routes of PCBM oxidation and its suppression by P3HT were examined for the first time.
Complexes Bearing Protic N-Heterocyclic Carbenes: Synthesis and Applications
Authors: Jahnke Mareike C , Hahn F Ekkehardt
Published: December 2014

Next to complexes bearing N,N′-dialkylazolium-derived N-heterocyclic carbenes (NR,NR-NHCs), the coordination chemistry of protic NHC ligands (NH,NR-NHCs and NH,NH-NHCs) has recently attracted attention. The protic NHC ligands offer multiple opportunities for postsynthetic modifications. This review summarizes methods for the generation of complexes with protic NHC ligands, with a special focus on the recently developed oxidative addition of 2-halogenoazoles to low-valent transition metals. Selected applications for complexes with protic NHC ligands, like the template-controlled preparation of NHC-containing macrocycles and the utilization of the NH function of protic carbene ligands as a molecular recognition unit, will also be discussed.
Case Report: Urgent endovascular treatment of subclavian artery injury after blunt trauma
Authors: Nakada Taka-aki , Idoguchi Koji , Fukuma Hiroshi , Ono Hidefumi , Nakao Shota , Matsuoka Tetsuya
Published: December 2014

Subclavian arterial injury is rare and potentially life-threatening, particularly when it leads to arterial occlusion, causing limb ischemia, retrograde thromboembolization and cerebral infarction within hours after injury. Here we report a blunt trauma case with subclavian arterial injury, upper extremity ischemia, and the need for urgent treatment to salvage the limb and prevent cerebral infarction. A 41-year-old man had a left, open, mid-shaft clavicle fracture and left subclavian artery injury accompanied by a weak pulse in the left radial artery, decreased blood pressure of the left arm compared to the right, and left hand numbness. Urgent debridement and irrigation of the open clavicle fracture was followed by angiography for the subclavian artery injury. The left distal subclavian artery had a segmental dissection with a thrombus. Urgent endovascular treatment using a self-expanding nitinol stent successfully restored the blood flow and blood pressure to the left upper extremity. Endovascular treatment is a viable option for cases of subclavian artery injury where there is a risk of extremity ischemia and cerebral infarction.
The engineering relations for definition of geotextile containers’ parameters
Authors: Меркулова Татьяна , Merkulova Tatyana , Кравченко Александр , Kravchenko Aleksandr
Published: December 2014

The problem of the dehydration of the deposit formed in

the course of sewage treatment is considered. The new foreign technology

of the dehydration of suspensions in geotextile containers is

offered. The main principle of the work of new technology is described.

The divergence in a percentage parity between full elliptic

integrals taken under the table and integrals calculated on expressions

is shown.
Disclosure Policy and Industry Fluctuations
Authors: Bertomeu Jeremy , Liang Pierre Jinghong
Published: December 2014

This paper examines voluntary disclosures in a repeated oligopoly and their association with price-setting behavior and industry profits along industrial fluctuations. The analysis focuses on the collectively optimal equilibrium among oligopoly firms. We show that, in industries that are highly concentrated or feature low cost of capital, nondisclosure is prevalent and results in stable product prices and high profit margins. Otherwise, firms may selectively disclose to soften competition in the product market. Under partial disclosure, firms withhold information during sharp industry expansions or declines. Consequently, the disclosure policy dampens the dissemination of shocks to the industry.

This paper was accepted by Mary Barth, accounting.
Novel referral hepatitis C protocol: new standards in the USA
Authors: Redden Toby L , Lundeen Tina M
Published: December 2014

The gastroenterology clinic at Sanford Health, USA, anticipates an increase in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) based on the 2012 Centers for Disease Control (CDC) screening recommendations. The purpose of this practice improvement project was to refine the existing workflow of the gastroenterology clinic when caring for and managing patients with HCV. The plan, do, study, act (PDSA) model was followed to improve the processes and meet clinic goals. Utilising the PDSA model allowed many areas of weakness to be identified. These areas included a lack of: consistent communication, the referring providers knowledge about hepatitis C, and depression monitoring at the clinic. To address these areas of weakness, a standardised, hepatitis C referral protocol; the role of a designated hepatitis C nurse; provider reference algorithms; and a PHQ-9 administration were created and implemented. The introduction of the new processes at the gastroenterology clinic has created a positive performance improvement for staff members and patients.
Fighting liver disease: understanding the integral role of public health
Authors: Bosanquet Joanne , Clayton Michelle
Published: December 2014

Liver disease is becoming a major public health problem in the UK. Increasing numbers of premature deaths from liver disease, with the average age of death at 59 years, paints a rather grim picture. This article reviews how the underlying principles of public health can help nurses to develop the necessary knowledge, understanding, and skills to tackle this challenging issue. This article is the first in a series of three articles that will consider how public health can positively influence liver disease.
Palliative care in Thailand
Authors: Krongyuth Panit , Campbell Cathy L , Silpasuwan Pimpan
Published: December 2014

In Thailand, several barriers exist that prevent people with life-limiting illnesses from accessing good-quality palliative care, namely: lack of palliative care providers; lack of training and education for the palliative care workforce; and issues with availability and distribution of opioids. Without palliative care, people suffer needlessly during the last months of their life. This paper gives an analysis of these issues and provides recommendations for clinical practice, research and health policy that may help to alleviate these issues.
Getting a feel for reading
Authors: White Hilary
Published: December 2014

Books come in all different shapes and sizes and are fascinating objects in their own right. Hilary White suggests activities which will help children to appreciate their physical characteristics and learn how to look after them.
Everything in its place
Authors: Barber Jenny
Published: December 2014

Jenny Barber revisits the key tenets of Montessori practice and highlights how its emphasis on child led practice and independence makes it increasingly relevant to the characteristics of effective learning in the EYFS.
Find your learning style
Authors: Hart Karen
Published: December 2014

If you are keen to get your teeth into a new qualification but can't see how it is practically possible to work it around your other commitments, why not consider an online course with a company such as Laser Learning?
Roving robots
Authors: Croft Sue
Published: December 2014

Robots can be a good introduction to sciences and mathematics. A poem about robots is the starting point for this series of activities, which encourages children to form sequences of numbers and instructions.
Travelling by sea
Authors: Garner Lynne
Published: December 2014

Riding the waves In the final article in this series, Lynne Garner focuses on sea travel. Help children understand why boats float and explore how they move on the water. What is the difference between a boat and a ship?
‘Doing their own thing’
Authors: Barber Jenny
Published: December 2014

Paint is a wonderful creative resource which children should be able to use freely, says Jenny Barber.
‘2015 is a big number!’
Authors: Clarke Jenni
Published: December 2014

There are lots of special events in January which are perfect for number-led activities and observations.
Life on the farm
Authors: de Bruin Eleanor
Published: December 2014

The following activities let the children explore a farmyard in the setting: they will count with the ducks in a pond, create and find their way on a farmyard plan, and learn where milk comes from.
Telling a tall tale…
Authors: Hampshire Viv
Published: December 2014

Let children's imagination run wild with activities to help them make up stories. Viv Hampshire adapts the old parlour game of Consequences to help children understand how stories are created.
A whole new ball game
Authors: White Hilary
Published: December 2014

Although we tend to associate balls with throwing, catching and kicking games, they can also be used as a tool for art activities – or as an inspiration for art and craft creations such as polystyrene lollipops.
Judicial Management of Juror Impropriety
Authors: Taylor Nick , Denyer Judge Roderick
Published: December 2014

The debate surrounding the utility of trial by jury is as relevant as ever. Much criticism of the ability of jurors to carry out their task was brought to the fore following the highly publicised Pryce trial and the comments from Sweeney J indicating a fundamental problem in jurors' understanding of their role. Furthermore, media attention surrounding a steady stream of cases involving juror misconduct has called into question whether jury trial can survive in its current form. This article recognises that although juries are not a normative part of a fair trial, they do have considerable value in enhancing public confidence in the fairness of the criminal process, particularly through the perception of impartiality. If public support is lost, then the value of jury might be lost with it. Whilst the Law Commission is rightly considering how jurors might be more prepared in advance to carry out their role effectively, this article considers the current judicial approach to dealing with the practical issue of juror impropriety once it has occurred. Through looking at a series of trial and appeal cases it can be seen that a framework has developed which seeks to ensure that trials are derailed rarely whilst the impartiality of the jury is safeguarded. It is maintained that in emphasising both actual and apparent impartiality the vital element of public confidence in the existing process can be preserved.
A Householder's Right to Kill or Injure an Intruder under the Crime and Courts Act 2013: An Australian Comparison
Authors: Dobinson Ian , Elliott Edward
Published: December 2014

Section 43 of the Crime and Courts Act 2013 has amended s. 76 of the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 such that a person may be acquitted in a case of self-defence in his or her own home where he or she uses disproportionate, but not grossly disproportionate, force against an intruder. This extends to circumstances where a householder intentionally kills such an intruder. This amendment, a result of Conservative Party policy, appears to be based on populist appeal and a response to certain high-profile cases. By comparison, Australian home invasion legislation imposes limitations on the rights of a householder to kill in circumstances such as a home invasion. In addition, a number of Australian jurisdictions provide for a partial defence of excessive self-defence. Section 43 provides only that the disproportionate force used by a householder be reasonable in the circumstances as the householder believed them to be. Further to this, the amendments are vague, ambiguous and likely to create significant uncertainty.
Direct nucleophilic difluoromethylation of aromatic isoxazoles activated by electron-withdrawing groups using (difluoromethyl)trimethylsilane
Authors: Wang Xin , Tokunaga Etsuko , Shibata Norio
Published: December 2014

The activation of aromatic diaryl isoxazoles with strong electron-withdrawing groups, such as the nitro, triflyl, and the phenylsulfonyl groups, at the 4-position has enabled the first regio- and diastereoselective difluoromethylation at the 5-position of isoxazoles by nucleophilic addition using (difluoromethyl) trimethylsilane, Me3SiCF2H, to provide difluoromethylated isoxazolines in good yields. Conjugated styryl-4-nitroisoxazoles were also nicely converted into the corresponding CF2H adducts with high regio- and excellent diastereoselectivities. Since the trifluoromethylated analogs of the corresponding diaryl-isoxazolines are effective ectoparasiticides, represented by fluralaner, should a series of difluoromethylated isoxazolines be obtained, they would be of great importance as promising drug candidates in this field.
Lessons learned from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a bridge to lung transplantation
Authors: Shumaster Vladimir , Jawitz Oliver , Yuh David , Bonde Pramod
Published: December 2014

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been used infrequently as a bridge to lung transplantation due to lack of consensus and data regarding the benefits of such a strategy. We present data from the United Network of Organ Sharing (UNOS) database on the outcomes of patients bridged to lung transplantation with ECMO. We used the UNOS database to analyze data between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2011. During this time 14,263 lung transplants were performed, of which 143 (1.0%) were bridged using ECMO. Patients on ECMO as a bridge to lung transplantation were compared to those transplanted without prior ECMO support. Demographics, survival rates, complications, and rejection episodes were compared between the two groups. The 30-day, 6-month, 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year survival rates were 69%, 56%, 48%, 26%, and 11%, respectively, for the ECMO bridge group and 95%, 88%, 81%, 58%, and 38% respectively, for the control group (p ≤ 0.01). The ECMO group incurred higher rate of postoperative complications, including airway dehiscence (4% vs. 1%, p ≤ 0.01), stroke (3% vs. 2%, p ≤ 0.01), infection (56% vs. 42%, p ≤ 0.01), and pulmonary embolism (10% vs. 0.6%, p ≤ 0.01). The length of hospital stay was longer for the ECMO group (41 vs. 25 days, p ≤ 0.01), and they were treated for rejection more often (49% vs. 36%, p = 0.02). The use of ECMO as a bridge to lung transplantation is associated with significantly worse survival and more frequent postoperative complications. Therefore, we advocate very careful patient selection and cautious use of ECMO.
The anti-coagulants ASIS or APC do not protect against renal ischemia/ reperfusion injury
Authors: Loubele Sarah , Spek Arnold , Leenders Peter , Matthijsen R A , Buurman Wim , peutz-kootstra carine , ten Cate Hugo , Spronk Henri
Published: December 2014

Renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is the main cause of acute renal failure. The severity of injury is determined by endothelial damage as well as inflammatory and apoptotic processes. The anti-coagulants active site inhibited factor VIIa (ASIS) and activated protein C (APC) are besides their anti-coagulant function also known for their cytoprotective properties. In this study the effect of ASIS and APC was assessed on renal I/R injury and this in relation to inflammation and apoptosis. Our results showed no effect of ASIS or APC on renal injury as determined by histopathological scoring as well as by BUN and creatinin levels. Furthermore, no effect on fibrin staining was detected but ASIS did reduce TF activity levels after a 2 hrs reperfusion period. Neither ASIS nor APC administration influenced overall inflammation markers, although some inflammatory effects of ASIS on interleukin (IL)-1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were detectable after 2 hrs of reperfusion. Finally, neither APC nor ASIS had an influence on cell signaling pathways or on the number of apoptotic cells within the kidneys. From this study we can conclude that the anti-coagulants ASIS and APC do not have protective effects in renal I/R injury in the experimental setup as used in this study which is in contrast to the protective effects of these anti-coagulants in other models of I/R.
ADESÃO A FARMACOTERAPIA EM PACIENTES CADASTRADOS NO HIPERDIA EM UMA UNIDADE BÁSICA DE SAÚDE EM ARACAJU, SE
Authors: Santos Kathlyn Pinheiro dos , Costa Monia Carla Machado , Rios Marcos Cardoso , Rios Priscila Souza de Sena
Published: December 2014

Estudos têm demonstrado que algumas das complicações da Hipertensão Arterial e Diabetes mellitus seriam preveníveis com os serviços de atenção básica e mudança de atitude do paciente. Com vistas à diminuição dos problemas associados à farmacoterapia o Hiperdia aparece como alvo estratégico. Ainda assim, os problemas de adesão acontecem. O objetivo do estudo é verificar o grau de adesão à farmacoterapia e conhecimento dos pacientes portadores de Hipertensão e Diabetes mellitus tipo 2 atendidos em uma Unidade Básica de Saúde em Aracaju/SE. Pacientes com hipertensão e diabetes mellitus apresentaram o mesmo índice (79%) de acertos e por isso foram classificados, segundo teste de Batalla, como cumpridores do tratamento medicamentoso. Outro aspecto importante para o entendimento dos fatores que associam o baixo grau de adesão é a análise do teste de Morisky e Green (1986). De acordo com o teste, apenas 15% dos pacientes foram classificados como aderentes ao tratamento medicamentoso. Resultados mais expressivos foram de pacientes que apresentaram baixo grau de adesão, com perfil semelhante ao de ambas as intencionalidades. Como os fatores educacionais estão envolvidos, torna-se necessário que estratégias educativas adequadas a estes grupos sejam realizadas, visando o esclarecimento sobre Hipertensão Arterial e Diabetes mellitus.
SEGUIMENTO FARMACOTERAPÊUTICO DIRECIONADO AOS ANIMAIS DOMÉSTICOS: SERIA VIÁVEL?
Authors: Nicoletti Maria Aparecida , Fukushima André Rinaldi
Published: December 2014

A atuação global na área da saúde humana tem direcionado seu foco ao cuidado do paciente, tendo o medicamento como segundo plano. Neste sentido, em humanos o seguimento farmacoterapêutico (que faz parte da Atenção Farmacêutica) vem sendo uma ferramenta de grande auxílio para a detecção de Problemas Relacionados a Medicamentos (PRM) para que possam ser evitados ou identificados visando impedir/minimizar aparecimento de Resultados Negativos relacionados a Medicamentos (RNM).  Considerando a necessidade do sucesso terapêutico como o resultado a ser obtido no cuidado à saúde, este texto traz uma reflexão sobre a possibilidade sobre o estabelecimento de modelo de seguimento farmacoterapêutico (Dáder modificado) ser adaptado e aplicado à área animal, particularmente, em animais que fazem uso crônico de medicamentos.
An upper bound for the double outer-independent domination number of a tree
Authors: Krzywkowski Marcin
Published: December 2014

A vertex of a graph is said to dominate itself and all of its neighbors. A double outer-independent dominating set of a graph G is a set D of vertices of G such that every vertex of G is dominated by at least two vertices of D, and the set V(G)∖D is independent. The double outer-independent domination number of a graph G, denoted by γ
d

oi(G), is the minimum cardinality of a double outer-independent dominating set of G. We prove that for every nontrivial tree T of order n, with l leaves and s support vertices we have
γ
d

oi(T) ≤ (2n + l + s)/3, and we characterize the trees attaining this upper bound.
Weighted spaces related to Bochner integrable functions
Authors: Jain Pankaj , Jain Sandhya
Published: December 2014

Duality is obtained for the space L

w

p
(I, X), which is the weighted Lebesgue space that consists of functions having values in a Banach space X.
Second language acquisition and linguistics: A bidirectional perspective
Authors: Spinner Patti , Gass Susan
Published: December 2014

We argue for a bidirectional relationship between second language research and linguistic theories. It is our belief that SLA research should look to linguistics for concepts and models that provide a basis upon which to make hypotheses, conduct data analysis, and draw conclusions, and we also believe that linguistic theorists can develop and improve their understanding of linguistic concepts and models by examining the results from SLA studies. In this paper, we present arguments in favor of this approach, with examples from two different types of linguistic universals: the Noun Phrase Accessibility Hierarchy and features such as tense and number. Second language acquisition data have been used to provide evidence for the Noun Phrase Accessibility Hierarchy and provide a way to understand areas in which its predictions are not met. Similarly, second language data provide us with a view of what happens when there is a contrast between features in a speaker’s native language and the language being learned. The data thus may shed light on the universality of features, in addition to how features are represented, parsed, and processed. In both cases, we argue that second language data are valuable when examining certain linguistic questions because they illuminate areas of conflict or mismatch between two linguistic systems.
Crystal structure of 3,5-diaza-methyl-2-methyl-6-oxo-6-phenyl-4- thioxohexanoate, at 200 K, C12H14N2O3S
Authors: Odame Felix , Hosten Eric C. , Tshentu Zenixole R. , Betz Richard
Published: December 2014

C12H14N2O3S, triclinic, P1̅ (no. 2), a = 7.4237(4) Å, b = 8.7173(5) Å, c = 11.3227(6) Å, α = 73.411(2)°, β = 72.173(3)°, γ = 68.967(3)°, V = 638.2 Å3, Z = 2, Rgt(F) = 0.0426, wRref(F2) = 0.1158, T = 200 K.
Thermal degradation of high-density polyethylene/soya spent powder blends
Authors: Ting Sam Sung , Achmad Norsri Kurniati , Ismail Hanafi , Santiagoo Ragunathan , Zulkepli Nik Noriman
Published: December 2014

This study investigates the properties of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) with different soya spent powder (SSP) blend contents upon oven aging. The aged properties of the HDPE/SSP blends were studied by using tensile test, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier transform infrared analysis. The tensile strength and elongation at break (E
b) decreased inversely proportional to SSP content and aging period. The thermal stability of the blends was significantly reduced after 21 days of aging. After aging, the melting temperature and crystallinity of the blends decreased with increasing aging period. These results revealed that samples with higher SSP content are more brittle upon oven aging.
Gold Nanoparticles in Novel Green Deep Eutectic Solvents: Self-Limited Growth, Self-Assembly & Catalytic Implications
Authors: O'Neill Maeve , Raghuwanshi Vikram Singh , Wendt Robert , Wollgarten Markus , Hoell Armin , Rademann Klaus
Published: December 2014

In this article, we are reporting the catalytic activity of gold
nanoparticles (AuNPs) dispersed in a novel eco-friendly Deep
Eutectic Solvent (DES; choline chloride and urea) at room
temperature. A low energy sputter deposition method is employed to
synthesize AuNPs on the DES surface. This is a simple,
economical and clean method for producing monodisperse gold
nanoparticles by a self-limited growth mechanism. Detailed Small Angle
X-ray Scattering (SAXS), UV–Vis and Transmission Electron Microscopy
(TEM) investigations show the formation of spherical AuNPs of
5 nm in diameter. Moreover, these particles have a strong
tendency to self-assemble at the DES surface as well as into the
bulk. This is a new addition to a novel generation of gold based
catalysts. The catalytic activity of Au nanoparticles in DES is
revealed quantitatively by analyzing the apparent conversion reaction
rate constant k
app of para-nitrophenol to para-aminophenol
in the presence of sodium borohydride. Catalytic activity reported in
the present article is much faster (k
app = 0.34 s
–1) than the rate reported earlier
(k
app = 0.030 min
–1) by Chirea et al. for
gold nanowire networks [Langmuir, 2011, 27, 3906]. In agreement with
the literature, we explain the higher catalytic activity in terms of
a larger surface area of AuNPs in a non-self-assembled state.
Improved Determination of Apparent and Plastic Viscosity for Aqueous Solution of Drilling Fluid Additives
Authors: Dilip K. Rajak  , Akhilendra K. Pathak  , Chandan Guria
Published: December 2014

Rheological behavior of drilling fluids is very complex. Exact determination of shear rates helps to predict apparent and plastic viscosity very accurately, which will help to monitor drilling operation efficiently. This paper deals with the improved estimation of shear rates of drilling fluids with varying rotor rotation using coaxial-cylinder Fann viscometer, which is based on generalized difference equation under purely steady, laminar and isothermal tangential fluid flow condition. Rotor rotating speeds and bob dial readings are the input variables for shear rate prediction. The proposed equation was used to calculate shear rates accurately (hence apparent, plastic viscosity and yield point) for several non-Newtonian fluids, mainly, aqueous suspension of bentonite, xanthan gum, poly anionic cellulose and carbomethoxy cellulose solution. Finally, the predicted consistency plots were compared with those which are obtained from the conventional method of estimating the rate of shear for drilling fluids.
Black Box Modelling of Gasoil Hydrotreating by Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Ghazi Otmanine  , Kahina Bedda  , Noureddine Bentahar
Published: December 2014

Hydrotreating of gasoil is one of the most important processes in petroleum refining; it helps to improve the characteristics of diesel fuel to make it meet the required specifications and pollution standards. Modelling of this process would, among other things, allow to predict the product quality as a function of different process variables (temperature, pressure, space velocity). There are several modelling techniques, among them the Black Box type modelling by Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs), which is used to model the hydrotreating process at pilot scale. The approach used in this work is an artificial intelligence approach. The model developed is a neural network Multi Layer Perceptron (MLP) type. Network learning (NL) is carried out according to the Backpropagation Gradient algorithm with momentum; The Early Stopping (ES) technique has been used to prevent the effect of overfitting and thereby ensure a good generalization of the model. Experimental and predicted results show good agreement with an error not exceeding 4%.
Perovskite Ti3AlC Carbide Splitting in High Nb Containing TiAl Alloys
Authors: Wang Li , Gabrisch Heike , Lorenz Uwe , Schimansky Frank-Peter , Stark Andreas , Pyczak Florian
Published: December 2014

Transmission electron microscopy has been used to investigate the morphological development of the perovskite (P-) Ti3AlC carbides in the γ matrix of a Ti-45Al-5Nb-0.75C alloy during annealing. P-Ti3AlC carbides in the γ matrix initially have a needle-like shape but during annealing at 800 °C they change to a plate-like shape. In the needle-like shape the carbides are orientated parallel to the [001] direction of the matrix. They extend along the [100]γ or [010]γ direction into plates later and subsequently split into sub particles after extended annealing. It is proposed that the elastic interaction energy between the split sub domains may be the reason that this decomposition into sub-particles is energetically favorable.
Wybrane narzędzia pomiaru innowacyjności
Authors: Wodecka-Hyjek Angelika
Published: December 2014

The aim of this paper is to organise and present a number of tools for measuring innovation in the field: the economies of nations, enterprises and public sector organisations. The first part of the paper presents definitions of innovation based on the professional literature. The main part then describes selected tools for measuring innovation in four fields: national economies, using the Summary Innovation Index (SII) and Innovation Barometer (Innobarometer - INN); enterprises, using the work of A. Pomykalski, Boston Consulting Group and L. Białoń; public sector organisations, using a model designed by the PUBLIN Project; model measures of the diffusion of innovations by R. M. Walker, C. N. Avellaneda and F. S. Berry. The final part of the paper articulates problems in measurement highlighted regardless of the context of the study and the difficulties in designing a universal tool.
Plant‐sex‐biased tritrophic interactions on dioecious willow
Authors: Kabir Md. Faisal , Moritz Kim K. , Stenberg Johan A.
Published: December 2014

Plant sex effects on herbivores are well studied, but little is known about these effects on predators and predator–herbivore dynamics. Here we take a holistic approach to study, simultaneously, plant sex effects on herbivore and predator preference and performance, as well as population densities and predation pressure in the field. For dioecious Salix cinerea (grey willow) we found that male plants represented higher host plant quality than females for an omnivorous predator (Anthocoris nemorum, common flower bug), while host plant quality for its herbivorous prey (Phratora vulgatissima, blue willow beetle) was not sex‐biased. The herbivore strongly preferred the host plant sex (female) that was suboptimal for the predator, which in turn followed its prey to female plants, leading to plant‐sex‐biased predation. These results provide new insight into the far‐reaching effects of plant sex on insect communities, and open up novel opportunities for improving biocontrol of the herbivore in Salix short rotation coppice.
System for Rapid Assessment of Pneumonia and Influenza-Related Mortality—Ohio, 2009–2010
Authors: Rodgers Loren E. , Paulson John , Fowler Brian , Duffy Rosemary
Published: December 2014

Rapid mortality surveillance is critical for state emergency preparedness. To enhance timeliness during the 2009–2010 influenza A H1N1 pandemic, the Ohio Department of Health activated a drop-down menu within Ohio’s Electronic Death Registration System for reporting of pneumonia- or influenza-related deaths approximately 5 days postmortem. We used International Classification of Diseases—Tenth Revision (ICD-10) codes, available 2–3 months postmortem as the standard, and assessed their agreement with drop-down-menu codes for pneumonia- or influenza-related deaths. Among 56 660 Ohio deaths during September 2009–March 2010, agreement was 97.9% for pneumonia (κ = 0.85) and 99.9% for influenza (κ = 0.79). Sensitivity was 80.2% for pneumonia and 73.9% for influenza. Drop-down menu coding enhanced timeliness while maintaining high agreement with ICD-10 codes.
Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Effects of Racism on Mental Health Among Residents of Black Neighborhoods in New York City
Authors: Kwate Naa Oyo A. , Goodman Melody S.
Published: December 2014

Objectives. We investigated the impact of reported racism on the mental health of African Americans at cross-sectional time points and longitudinally, over the course of 1 year.

Methods. The Black Linking Inequality, Feelings, and the Environment (LIFE) Study recruited Black residents (n = 144) from a probability sample of 2 predominantly Black New York City neighborhoods during December 2011 to June 2013. Respondents completed self-report surveys, including multiple measures of racism. We conducted assessments at baseline, 2-month follow-up, and 1-year follow-up. Weighted multivariate linear regression models assessed changes in racism and health over time.

Results. Cross-sectional results varied by time point and by outcome, with only some measures associated with distress, and effects were stronger for poor mental health days than for depression. Individuals who denied thinking about their race fared worst. Longitudinally, increasing frequencies of racism predicted worse mental health across all 3 outcomes.

Conclusions. These results support theories of racism as a health-defeating stressor and are among the few that show temporal associations with health.
Second-Generation Antipsychotics and Tardive Syndromes in Affective Illness: A Public Health Problem With Neuropsychiatric Consequences
Authors: Jacobsen Frederick M.
Published: December 2014

Food and Drug Administration–approved information and public advertisements belie neurodegenerative risks for second-generation antipsychotics in affective illness. Package inserts label tardive syndromes “potentially reversible” while uniformly omitting patient counseling for long-term neurodegenerative side effects. I found that only 2 of 78 outpatients exposed to second-generation antipsychotics reported awareness of tardive syndromes. Updated literature challenges safety advantages of atypical versus typical antipsychotics. Physician and patient information regarding tardive syndromes from second-generation antipsychotics approved for affective illness is inadequate.
Examination of seed characters of Vachellia farnesiana (L.) Wight & Arn. as potentially applicable species in Serbia under climate change conditions
Authors: Grbic Mihailo , Skocajic Dragana , Djukic Matilda , Djunisijevic-Bojovic Danijela , Markovic Marija
Published: December 2014

Seeds of sweet acacia (Vachellia farnesiana (L.) Wight & Arn.) were
mechanically scarified and treated with concentrated sulfuric acid in order
to determine the permeability degree of the seed coat. The obtained results
suggest a stronger form of seed coat dormancy that prevents potential
invasiveness after introduction. The species is recommended for limited
cultivation in outdoor conditions and unlimited use in interior spaces as
full size or bonsai trees.
Noise exposure of a tractor driver at skidding of wood assortments in hilly-mountaineous areas
Authors: Danilovic Milorad , Poje Anton , Antonic Slavica
Published: December 2014

The first phase of transport of forest products (skidding) in Serbia is
usually performed by skid trails with adapted agricultural tractors. The
educational base ?Goc - Gvozdac? compartment 21 was the selected object of
this research. Data recording was carried out in June 2011. The vehicle
driven by the driver was an IMT 565 DV tractor. The organizational form of
work was 1T + 1P (tractor driver and assistant). The microphone of a Bruel &
Kjaer 4189 noise measuring instrument was mounted on the helmet of the
tractor driver in accordance with the ISO 9612: 2012 standard. The recording
was performed with a Bruel & Kjaer 2250 instrument. The values of the
following parameters with appropriate filters: LAeq (dB(A)), LAIeq (dB(A)),
LCpeak (dB(C)), LZeq (dB) were measured. The measured exposure of the
workers to noise was the highest in the course of the main productive time
(empty or full drive). It was found that the eight-hour exposure to noise of
the driver (88 dB (A)) exceeds the limit value of daily exposure according to
European legislation. The results show that it is necessary for drivers to
use hearing protection equipment when transporting wood with the studied
transportation vehicle.
Luteolin Attenuates Hepatic Steatosis and Insulin Resistance Through the Interplay Between the Liver and Adipose Tissue in Mice with Diet-Induced Obesity
Authors: Kwon Eun-Young , Jung Un Ju , Park Taesun , Yun Jong Won , Choi Myung-Sook
Published: December 2014

The flavonoid luteolin has various pharmacological activities. However, few studies exist on the in vivo mechanism underlying the actions of luteolin in hepatic steatosis and obesity. The aim of the current study was to elucidate the action of luteolin on obesity and its comorbidity by analyzing its transcriptional and metabolic responses, in particular the luteolin-mediated cross-talk between liver and adipose tissue in diet-induced obese mice. C57BL/6J mice were fed a normal, high-fat, and high-fat + 0.005% (weight for weight) luteolin diet for 16 weeks. In high fat–fed mice, luteolin improved hepatic steatosis by suppressing hepatic lipogenesis and lipid absorption. In adipose tissue, luteolin increased PPARγ protein expression to attenuate hepatic lipotoxicity, which may be linked to the improvement in circulating fatty acid (FA) levels by enhancing FA uptake genes and lipogenic genes and proteins in adipose tissue. Interestingly, luteolin also upregulated the expression of genes controlling lipolysis and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle prior to lipid droplet formation, thereby reducing adiposity. Moreover, luteolin improved hepatic insulin sensitivity by suppressing SREBP1 expression that modulates Irs2 expression through its negative feedback and gluconeogenesis. Luteolin ameliorates the deleterious effects of diet-induced obesity and its comorbidity via the interplay between liver and adipose tissue.
Genetic Variants Associated With Quantitative Glucose Homeostasis Traits Translate to Type 2 Diabetes in Mexican Americans: The GUARDIAN (Genetics Underlying Diabetes in Hispanics) Consortium
Authors: Palmer Nicholette D. , Goodarzi Mark O. , Langefeld Carl D. , Wang Nan , Guo Xiuqing , Taylor Kent D. , Fingerlin Tasha E. , Norris Jill M. , Buchanan Thomas A. , Xiang Anny H. , Haritunians Talin , Ziegler Julie T. , Williams Adrienne H. , Stefanovski Darko , Cui Jinrui , Mackay Adrienne W. , Henkin Leora F. , Bergman Richard N. , Gao Xiaoyi , Gauderman James , Varma Rohit , Hanis Craig L. , Cox Nancy J. , Highland Heather M. , Below Jennifer E. , Williams Amy L. , Burtt Noel P. , Aguilar-Salinas Carlos A. , Huerta-Chagoya Alicia , Gonzalez-Villalpando Clicerio , Orozco Lorena , Haiman Christopher A. , Tsai Michael Y. , Johnson W. Craig , Yao Jie , Rasmussen-Torvik Laura , Pankow James , Snively Beverly , Jackson Rebecca D. , Liu Simin , Nadler Jerry L. , Kandeel Fouad , Chen Yii-Der I. , Bowden Donald W. , Rich Stephen S. , Raffel Leslie J. , Rotter Jerome I. , Watanabe Richard M. , Wagenknecht Lynne E.
Published: December 2014

Insulin sensitivity, insulin secretion, insulin clearance, and glucose effectiveness exhibit strong genetic components, although few studies have examined their genetic architecture or influence on type 2 diabetes (T2D) risk. We hypothesized that loci affecting variation in these quantitative traits influence T2D. We completed a multicohort genome-wide association study to search for loci influencing T2D-related quantitative traits in 4,176 Mexican Americans. Quantitative traits were measured by the frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test (four cohorts) or euglycemic clamp (three cohorts), and random-effects models were used to test the association between loci and quantitative traits, adjusting for age, sex, and admixture proportions (Discovery). Analysis revealed a significant (P < 5.00 × 10−8) association at 11q14.3 (MTNR1B) with acute insulin response. Loci with P < 0.0001 among the quantitative traits were examined for translation to T2D risk in 6,463 T2D case and 9,232 control subjects of Mexican ancestry (Translation). Nonparametric meta-analysis of the Discovery and Translation cohorts identified significant associations at 6p24 (SLC35B3/TFAP2A) with glucose effectiveness/T2D, 11p15 (KCNQ1) with disposition index/T2D, and 6p22 (CDKAL1) and 11q14 (MTNR1B) with acute insulin response/T2D. These results suggest that T2D and insulin secretion and sensitivity have both shared and distinct genetic factors, potentially delineating genomic components of these quantitative traits that drive the risk for T2D.
Lowering Body Weight in Obese Mice With Diastolic Heart Failure Improves Cardiac Insulin Sensitivity and Function: Implications for the Obesity Paradox
Authors: Sankaralingam Sowndramalingam , Abo Alrob Osama , Zhang Liyan , Jaswal Jagdip S. , Wagg Cory S. , Fukushima Arata , Padwal Raj S. , Johnstone David E. , Sharma Arya M. , Lopaschuk Gary D.
Published: December 2014

Recent studies suggest improved outcomes and survival in obese heart failure patients (i.e., the obesity paradox), although obesity and heart failure unfavorably alter cardiac function and metabolism. We investigated the effects of weight loss on cardiac function and metabolism in obese heart failure mice. Obesity and heart failure were induced by feeding mice a high-fat (HF) diet (60% kcal from fat) for 4 weeks, following which an abdominal aortic constriction (AAC) was produced. Four weeks post-AAC, mice were switched to a low-fat (LF) diet (12% kcal from fat; HF AAC LF) or maintained on an HF (HF AAC HF) for a further 10 weeks. After 18 weeks, HF AAC LF mice weighed less than HF AAC HF mice. Diastolic function was improved in HF AAC LF mice, while cardiac hypertrophy was decreased and accompanied by decreased SIRT1 expression, increased FOXO1 acetylation, and increased atrogin-1 expression compared with HF AAC HF mice. Insulin-stimulated glucose oxidation was increased in hearts from HF AAC LF mice, compared with HF AAC HF mice. Thus lowering body weight by switching to LF diet in obese mice with heart failure is associated with decreased cardiac hypertrophy and improvements in both cardiac insulin sensitivity and diastolic function, suggesting that weight loss does not negatively impact heart function in the setting of obesity.
Restoration of Glucose Counterregulation by Islet Transplantation in Long-standing Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Rickels Michael R. , Fuller Carissa , Dalton-Bakes Cornelia , Markmann Eileen , Palanjian Maral , Cullison Kevin , Tiao Janice , Kapoor Shiv , Liu Chengyang , Naji Ali , Teff Karen L.
Published: December 2014

Patients with long-standing type 1 diabetes (T1D) may exhibit defective glucose counterregulation and impaired hypoglycemia symptom recognition that substantially increase their risk for experiencing severe hypoglycemia. The purpose of this study was to determine whether intrahepatic islet transplantation improves endogenous glucose production (EGP) in response to hypoglycemia in T1D patients experiencing severe hypoglycemia. We studied longitudinally subjects (n = 12) with ∼30 years, disease duration before and 6 months after intrahepatic islet transplantation using stepped hyperinsulinemic-hypoglycemic and paired hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps with infusion of 6,6-2H2-glucose and compared the results with those from a nondiabetic control group (n = 8). After islet transplantation, HbA1c was normalized, and time spent while hypoglycemic (<70 mg/dL) was nearly abolished as indicated by continuous glucose monitoring. In response to insulin-induced hypoglycemia, C-peptide (absent before transplant) was appropriately suppressed, glucagon secretion was recovered, and epinephrine secretion was improved after transplantation. Corresponding to these hormonal changes, the EGP response to insulin-induced hypoglycemia, which was previously absent, was normalized after transplantation, with a similar effect seen for autonomic symptoms. Because the ability to increase EGP is ultimately required to circumvent the development of hypoglycemia, these results provide evidence that intrahepatic islet transplantation can restore glucose counterregulation in long-standing T1D and support its consideration as treatment for patients with hypoglycemia unawareness experiencing severe hypoglycemia.
Deformations of the Protection Shelf in the “Wapno” Salt Mine, Based on Model Studies
Authors: Kortas Grzegorz , Maj Agnieszka
Published: December 2014

The catastrophic mine failure resulting from the inrush of water into the Wapno Salt Mine was probably caused by a fracture in the roof protection shelf. The purpose of the present study was to apply the method of the homogenization of the multi-level room-and-pillar structure in the Wapno Salt Mine for 3D+t modelling of the elastic-viscous medium to determine the distribution of stress and strain, and, on that basis, to estimate the geomechanical conditions existing in the roof shelf. This paper presents briefly the spatial development of the salt mine’s structure and the results of the surveying measurements carried out during the salt mine’s operation and after the mine was flooded. Those results constituted a basis for the verification of the introduced homogenization parameters, i.e. the time-dependent changes of the elasticity modulus and the susceptibility to creep at particular salt mine’s levels. A simulated process demonstrated the development of positive values of principle stresses, increasing with time, and of omnidirectional tensile strains. In such conditions, the cracking of the protection shelf body could proceed, also with opening of water flow paths from the dome cap into the salt mine’s workings. This paper presents a new research method, the results of its application, and the obtained distribution of stresses and strains that can be useful for the assessment of water hazard in other salt mines.
Research on the Influence of Excavation and Loading on Z-Direction Displacement in Surrounding Soil Mass
Authors: Li X. , Zhou W. , Han L. , Xi W.J. , Crusoe Garmondyu E.
Published: December 2014

To probe into the pattern in which the excavation and loading process have on such factors as stress and displacement in neighboring regions of deep open pits, a mechanical unloading model in coal mining process and another model for the loading process are set up respectively. Besides, FLAC3D software is used to simulate dynamic excavating and loading process in open pits and record such data as the unbalanced stress, unloading strength and displacement fluctuations, which further serve as basis for studying the functional relationship about different mining heights and scope of influence using fitting method. The research results indicate that the unloading strength enhances with increasing mining depth in a linear fashion. In addition, a noticeable displacement circle takes shape around the stope, which would also extends with growing mining depth. As to waste loading, it brings about large-scale surface subsidence in neighboring regions, which follows a logarithm function convergence pattern with the distance away from the dump border. Under combined effects of excavation and loading, the value of the soil mass displacement would increase with growing mining depth and loading height. Specifically, the soil displacement at a distance of 100 m away from the stope border (around 200 m away from the outer dump border) is abnormally significant and it further develops at a rate of 0.0228 mm/h.