bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analyses of exhaled breath condensate cytokines for identification of lung cancer
Authors: Gessner Christian , Ruschpler Peter , Fricke Stephan , Gillissen Adrian , Hoheisel Gerhard , Lehmann Joerg , Sack Ulrich
Published: November 2017

Early non-invasive detection of lung cancer is a precondition for enabling better prognosis supported by new innovative therapy regimes. The aim of our study was to evaluate angiogenic and inflammatory proteins in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) as markers for lung cancer. Our report presents a diagnostic study of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in EBC of 300 individuals, 84 patients with lung cancer, 111 patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and in 105 healthy controls. Detection of VEGF and bFGF in EBC was applicable to discriminate cancer patients from COPD patients as well as from healthy volunteers. Especially VEGF seems to be suitable to discriminate between non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and control groups with highest VEGF values in EBC of patients with progressive NSCLC. The concentration of angiogenic factors correlated with disease progression as well as higher tumor stage. This study supports cytokine analysis in EBC as a suitable noninvasive diagnostic screening method for lung cancer detection and monitoring.
Bisalbuminämie: Normvariante oder pathologischer Befund?
Authors: Steiner Michael , Lüdemann Jan
Published: November 2017

Ausgehend von der kasuistischen Beobachtung einer zweigipfligen Albuminbande in der Serumproteinelektrophorese wird die Bisalbuminämie als angeborene oder erworbene Proteinanomalie nach Durchsicht der Literatur in einer Kurzübersicht dargestellt. Nach einer Einführung zur Bisalbuminämie werden deren Nachweismethoden, funktionelle und klinische Bedeutung sowie Befundinterpretation behandelt. Bei der Bisalbuminämie handelt es sich um eine seltene neutrale Normvariante ohne Symptom- bzw. Krankheitswert, die keiner weiteren Abklärung bedarf.
Molekulare und Zelluläre Möglichkeiten in der Allergiediagnostik
Authors: Hoffmann Hans Jürgen , Darsow Ulf , Hofmaier Stephanie , Kleine-Tebbe Jörg , Matricardi Paolo M. , Wedi Bettina , Eberlein Bernadette
Published: November 2017

Eine Allergiediagnostik beruht auf einer gründlichen Anamnese, Sensibilisierungstests und Provokationstests zur objektiven Bestätigung des verursachenden Allergenes unter kontrollierten Bedingungen. In dieser Übersicht werden die verfügbaren molekularen und zellulären Tests zur Allergensuche beschrieben. Seit der Identifikation, Klonierung und Expression des Hauptallergens der Birkenpollen, Bet v 1, haben sich die molekularen Einsatzmöglichkeiten in der Allergiediagnostik enorm gesteigert. In einer frei verfügbaren Monographie der European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI), dem „Molecular Allergy Users Guide 2016“, werden die Möglichkeiten einer modernen molekularen serologischen Diagnostik detailliert beschrieben. Auch die zelluläre Diagnostik hat sich in den letzten Jahren rasch weiterentwickelt mit der Möglichkeit molekulare Allergene einzusetzen und dem Ziel eine wiederholte Exposition des Patienten mit dem Allergen zu vermeiden. Exakte Messungen sind von externer Qualitätssicherung abhängig, die für die Serumdiagnostik bereits vorhanden ist und in der zellulären Diagnostik derzeit entwickelt wird. Mit der europäischen Standardisierung der diagnostischen Tests im Labor erweitert sich die Palette der Möglichkeiten zur persönlichen Allergiediagnostik.
The values of mean platelet volume and the mean platelet volume/platelet ratio for predicting deep venous thrombosis in Behçet’s disease
Authors: Erden Fatma , Karagoz Hatice , Avci Atil , Avci Deniz , Cetinkaya Ali , Erden Abdulsamet
Published: November 2017

Background:

Behçet’s disease (BD) is a systemic vasculitis of all types of vessels of both the venous and arterial sites. Mean platelet volume (MPV) is the most commonly used measure of platelet (Plt) size and is also a potential marker of Plt activity. In this study, we wanted to evaluate the MPV value and the MPV/Plt ratio in patients with deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in BD.

Methods:

Overall, 228 patients – 49 BD patients with a thrombotic complication and 179 BD patients without a thrombotic complication (as the control group) – were included the study.

Results:

Of the 49 patients with thrombosis, there was a very significant difference between the genders: 41 (83.6%) were males while only eight (16.4%) were females (p<0.0001). There was a statistically significant difference among the patients with and without thrombosis according to the median MPV value and the MPV/Plt ratio (p<0.0001).

Conclusions:

Increased MPV can predict the risk of DVT development as well as the male sex among BD patients. The MPV/Plt ratio may also be used for predicting DVT.
Kongressbericht: 3. Münchner POCT-Symposium, 13. – 15. März 2017, Klinikum rechts der Isar der TU München
Authors: Bietenbeck Andreas , Schmalenberg Michael , Luppa Peter B.
Published: November 2017

Die Arbeitsgruppe POCT der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Klinische Chemie und Laboratoriumsmedizin (DGKL) hat vom 13. bis 15. März 2017 das dritte Münchner Symposium zum Thema „Weiterentwicklung der patientennahen Sofortdiagnostik in unterschiedlichen klinischen Anwendungsbereichen“ organisiert. Unter der Kongressleitung von Prof. Dr. Peter B. Luppa, TU München wurden die Themenschwerpunkte von 43 Vortragenden behandelt. Dabei wurden insgesamt 9 Sitzungen von den Mitgliedern der Arbeitsgruppe POCT geleitet. Die Kongresssprachen waren Deutsch und Englisch. Eine angeschlossene Industrieausstellung mit 29 IVD-Unternehmen zeigte die neuesten POCT-Analysengeräte. Erstmals fand zudem eine ePosterausstellung mit 24 Postern in zwei eigenen Sessions statt. Dabei lagen die Poster elektronisch vor, der vorstellende Autor konnte es an einem speziellen Monitor allen Teilnehmern wie eine Bilderpräsentation vorführen. Neu war auch die Vergabe von 4 Vortrags- und 2 Posterpreisen.
Application guide: training of professional users of devices for near-patient testing
Authors: Barabas Nicola , Bietenbeck Andreas
Published: November 2017

Insufficient operator training has been identified as an underlying root cause for many errors of point-of-care testing. However, while the need for operator training is beyond doubt, the practical solutions on how to train operators remain challenging. Therefore a multidisciplinary team of experts created the application guide VDE-AR-E 2411-2-101 “Schulung professioneller Anwender von patientennahen Tests” (Training of professional users of devices for near-patient testing). This work is based on the talk of Nicola Barabas during the POCT-Symposium in Munich 2017 and presents selected aspects of the application guide such as the role of the manufacturer, the learning path, the selection of training topics, the train-the-trainer concept and e-learning.
HbA1c-POC-Systeme zur Therapiekontrolle und Diagnostik des Diabetes: Ausreichende Qualität und Qualitätskontrolle?
Authors: Freckmann Guido
Published: November 2017

Der HbA1c-Wert ist ein in der Diabetologie etablierter Langzeitmarker zur Stoffwechselkontrolle, der mit der mittleren Glukosekonzentration der letzten ~2–3 Monate korreliert. Der HbA1c dient zur Kontrolle der Therapieziele ist somit ein wichtiger Bestandteil jeder Patientenvisite. Mit Point-of-Care-Messsystemen (POC) erfolgt die HbA1c-Bestimmung direkt in der Praxis und das Ergebnis steht innerhalb kurzer Zeit zur Verfügung. Ein POC- HbA1c-Messsystem in der Arztpraxis unterliegt nach Rili-BÄK der praxisinternen Qualitätskontrolle mit vom Hersteller geliefertem Kontrollmaterial, allerdings ist eine Teilnahme an Ringversuchen nicht verpflichtend. Wenn man dennoch an Ringversuchen teilnimmt beträgt die zulässige Abweichung ±18% vom Zielwert, was in Kombination mit dem teilweise noch verwendeten, nicht für alle Systeme kommutablen Ringversuchsmaterial, keine sichere Beurteilung der Genauigkeit zulässt. Die Messgenauigkeit von HbA1c-POC-Systemen variiert nach der aktuellen Studienlage deutlich. Teilweise zeigte sich zum Beispiel ein deutlicher Bias in beide Richtungen. Um eine zuverlässige Überprüfung der Messqualität von POC- HbA1c-Messsystem zu ermöglichen sollte die Teilnahme am Ringversuch verpflichtend werden. Eine Umstellung auf Vollblut als Kontrollmaterial im Ringversuch und eine deutliche Senkung der zulässigen Abweichung im Ringversuch sollte angestrebt werden. Mit solchen Maßnahmen ließe sich eine aussagekräftige herstellerunabhängige Qualitätskontrolle sicherstellen.
Charakteristika der neuen EU-Verordnung über In-vitro-Diagnostika und Auswirkungen auf POCT und medizinische Laboratorien
Authors: Spitzenberger Folker
Published: November 2017

Die aktuellen regulatorischen Anforderungen für In-vitro-Diagnostika (IVD) stützen sich in der EU und in Deutschland auf die europäische IVD-Richtlinie aus dem Jahr 1998. Um verschiedene, über die Zeit entstandene Schwächen zu beheben (z. B. im Hinblick auf Produkte, die auf neueren Techniken und Anwendungen beruhen) hat die Europäische Kommission eine neue EU-Verordnung über IVD („IVDR“) im Mai des Jahres 2017 veröffentlicht. Der Anwendungsbereich der Verordnung wird vergrößert und wird zum ersten Mal explizit POCT einschließen und regulieren. Nach der IVDR wird die Klassifizierung der POC-Diagnostika nach 7 Klassifizierungsregeln auf der Grundlage des Anhangs VIII und im Rahmen eines neuen Klassifizierungssystems erfolgen, das 4 Risikoklassen einschließt: A (geringstes Risiko), B, C und D (höchstes Risiko). Grundsätzlich ähnelt die Regulierung von POC-Diagnostika dann den Produkten zur Eigenanwendung („Heimdiagnostika“). Abgesehen von Produkten der Klasse A besteht die Minimalanforderung in einer Überprüfung der technischen Dokumentation des Produkts durch eine benannte Stelle. Folglich werden benannnte Stellen vermehrt in die Konformitätsbewertung u. a. von POC-Produkten eingebunden sein. Mit der neuen IVDR werden auch erstmals auf EU-Ebene gesetzliche Anforderungen an „In-Haus-Verfahren“ formuliert. Dabei handelt es sich um Untersuchungsverfahren, die mit Produkten durchgeführt werden, die in ein und derselben Gesundheitseinrichtung hergestellt und verwendet werden.
POCT: Möglichkeiten und Anwendungsbereiche zur athletennahen Sofortdiagnostik im Hochleistungs- und Spitzensport
Authors: Achtzehn Silvia , Behringer Michael , Krüger Malte , Wahl Patrick , Wahl Yvonne , Broich Holger , Mester Joachim
Published: November 2017

In der Sportmedizin und -wissenschaft sowie im Hochleistungssport werden Untersuchungen sowohl unter standardisierten Bedingungen im Labor als auch im Feld durchgeführt. Es kommen dabei die unterschiedlichsten medizinischen Messmethoden zum Einsatz. Fast immer werden sie von Blutanalysen begleitet, wobei sowohl hochkomplexe Laborverfahren als auch das Point of care Testing (POCT) angewendet werden. Auch wenn das POCT schon mit Beginn seiner Entwicklung im sportlichen Kontext Beachtung gefunden hat, so ist der Begriff in diesem Bereich noch nicht etabliert und Veröffentlichungen von Untersuchungen mit Leistungs- und Spitzensportlern, bei denen das POCT als Messmethode explizit genannt wird, bisher sehr selten. Der vorliegende Artikel soll aus diesem Grund an Hand unterschiedlicher Studien und in Anlehnung an einen Vortrag auf dem 3. Münchener POCT-Symposium einen Überblick über die verschiedenen Fragestellungen mit sportwissenschaftlichem Hintergrund bieten, bei denen POCT zur athletennahen Sofortdiagnostik eingesetzt wird.
Ultra-fast PCR technologies for point-of-care testing
Authors: Ullerich Lars , Campbell Stephanie , Krieg-Schneider Frank , Bürsgens Federico , Stehr Joachim
Published: November 2017

This contribution presents exemplary approaches on how to improve the most time-limiting part of polymerase chain reactions, the heating and cooling steps. A new technology, Laser PCR®, promises to deliver a solution fast enough for point-of-care applications.
Optical sensing in POCT: the contribution of the Institute of Applied Physics of the Italian CNR
Authors: Giannetti Ambra , Adinolfi Barbara , Berneschi Simone , Berrettoni Chiara , Chiavaioli Francesco , Tombelli Sara , Trono Cosimo , Baldini Francesco
Published: November 2017

The activity developed at the Institute of Applied Physics “Nello Carrara” in strict collaboration with physicians is described with particular attention to the measurement of bile-containing refluxes in the gastroesophageal apparatus, to the detection of gastric carbon dioxide in intensive care patients, to the measurement of sepsis biomarkers in serum samples and to the measurements of immunosuppressants in transplanted patients.
Patient Blood Management – Labormedizinische Unterstützung und POCT
Authors: Hintereder Gudrun
Published: November 2017

Die Einführung von Patient Blood Management (PBM) führt zu einem Paradigmenwechsel bezüglich Erkennen und Therapie der Anämie und zeigt Maßnahmen auf um die Entstehung einer Anämie zu verhindern. PBM unterstützt den Arzt im Entscheidungsdilemma zwischen positiver Wirkung und nachteiligen Nebenwirkungen von Bluttransfusionen. Mit PBM wird der Blutverbrauch deutlich reduziert und die Nebenwirkungen gesenkt. Nicht nur die therapeutischen Maßnahmen, sondern auch die diagnostischen PBM Maßnahmen im Labor führen zu einer relevanten Verringerung des Blutvolumens. PBM Studienergebnisse zeigen eine signifikant Reduktion der Morbidität und Mortalität und die Verbesserung des Patienten- Outcome. Ein weiterer positiver Nebeneffekt ist Schonung von Ressourcen in allen beteiligten Bereichen, welches zu einer relevanten Kostenreduktion und Steigerung der Wirtschaftlichkeit führt. Zusätzlich sensibilisiert das PBM bezüglich des Vorliegens, der Entwicklung und der Therapie einer anämischen Situation sowie den Umgang mit der kostbaren Ressource Blut. Die Bedeutung des PBM wird mittlerweile von der Industrie auch für das Labor unterstützt; für den Bereich POCT ist das PBM jedoch bisher noch nicht adäquat technisch realisiert.
A technology platform for digital nucleic acid diagnostics at the point of care
Authors: Borst Nadine , Schuler Friedrich , Wadle Simon , Schulz Martin , Specht Mara , Li Jia , Becherer Lisa , Trotter Martin , Rodríguez-Martínez Ana Belén , Paust Nils , Zengerle Roland , Stetten Felix von
Published: November 2017

The combination of digital amplification and centrifugal microfluidics can enable quantitative and fast diagnostics at the point of care (PoC). The new unit operation of centrifugal step emulsification allows high throughput droplet generation. Different methods for digital nucleic acid analysis, including PCR, recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) and loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), have already been demonstrated. Our novel approach of integrated sample-to-answer analysis is introduced, and examples for the detection of HIV and single cell analysis of antibiotic resistant bacteria are presented. Next to these LabDisk based systems, a microfluidic cartridge termed DropChip allows for digital amplification using only commercially available laboratory devices.
Commutators of Littlewood-Paley gκ∗ $g_{\kappa}^{*} $-functions on non-homogeneous metric measure spaces
Authors: Lu Guanghui , Tao Shuangping
Published: November 2017

The main purpose of this paper is to prove that the boundedness of the commutator$\mathcal{M}_{\kappa,b}^{*} $generated by the Littlewood-Paley operator$\mathcal{M}_{\kappa}^{*} $and RBMO (μ) function on non-homogeneous metric measure spaces satisfying the upper doubling and the geometrically doubling conditions. Under the assumption that the kernel of$\mathcal{M}_{\kappa}^{*} $satisfies a certain Hörmander-type condition, the authors prove that$\mathcal{M}_{\kappa,b}^{*} $is bounded on Lebesgue spacesLp(μ) for 1 <p< ∞, bounded from the spaceLlogL(μ) to the weak Lebesgue spaceL1,∞(μ), and is bounded from the atomic Hardy spacesH1(μ) to the weak Lebesgue spacesL1,∞(μ).
Hom-Lie superalgebra structures on exceptional simple Lie superalgebras of vector fields
Authors: Sun Liping , Liu Wende
Published: November 2017

According to the classification by Kac, there are eight Cartan series and five exceptional Lie superalgebras in infinite-dimensional simple linearly compact Lie superalgebras of vector fields. In this paper, the Hom-Lie superalgebra structures on the five exceptional Lie superalgebras of vector fields are studied. By making use of the ℤ-grading structures and the transitivity, we prove that there is only the trivial Hom-Lie superalgebra structures on exceptional simple Lie superalgebras. This is achieved by studying the Hom-Lie superalgebra structures only on their 0-th and (−1)-th ℤ-components.
When Words Inflict Harm: Documenting Sexuality and Gender Identity Microaggressions in Schools for LGBTQQ Youth
Authors: Linville Darla
Published: November 2017

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer and questioning students are commonly thought of as vulnerable to bullying and harassment in US schools, although there is hope that school climates are improving for LGBTQQ youth with the implementation of anti-bullying legislation and policies in almost every state. Although these policies address most overt and physical forms of bullying, other insults, assaults and invalidations may continue undetected. These sexual orientation and gender identity microaggressions, identified in counseling literature, can help teacher educators, teachers and school administrators better understand the psychological, academic and health effects of negative stereotypes and perceptions of LGBTQQ youth that are unaddressed in schools. This paper analyzes prevalent discourses about LGBTQQ youth in schools for evidence of the microaggressions identified in the literature. Microaggressions are discussed and the effects of harassment and stereotyping on school belongingness are examined.
Decomposition of palladium acetate and C60fullerite during thermal evaporation in PVD process
Authors: Rymarczyk Joanna , Czerwosz Elżbieta , Diduszko Ryszard , Kozłowski Mirosław
Published: November 2017

The mechanisms of thermal decomposition of evaporated material during Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) process depend on the kind of evaporated material. Such parameters of PVD process as deposition rate, source temperature and deposition time should be carefully selected taking into account the properties of material. Deposited films can span the range of chemical compositions based on the source materials. The nanostructural carbon films in form of palladium nanograins embedded in various carbonaceous matrixes were obtained by thermal evaporation during PVD process from two separated sources containing C60fullerite and palladium acetate, both in a form of powder. The evaporation was realized by resistive heating of sources under a dynamic vacuum of 10-3Pa. The influence of decomposition path of evaporated materials on the film structure has been discussed. Prepared C-Pd films were characterized using thermo-gravimetric method, differential thermal analysis, infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. The influence of decomposition of Pd acetate and fullerite on the final film structure was also shown.
Influence of organic dopants (L-alanine and L-arginine) on structural, spectroscopic and thermal properties of ammonium dihydrogen phosphate crystal
Authors: Parikh K.D. , Joshi J.H. , Joshi M.J.
Published: November 2017

Ammonium dihydrogen phosphate is a popular nonlinear optical crystal used for second harmonic generation efficiency improvement in pump lasers. Due to molecular chirality and zwitterionic structure, amino acids are used to enhance various properties of ADP crystal. The single crystals of ammonium dihydrogen phosphate (ADP) added with different concentrations (0.3 wt.%, 0.4 wt.% and 0.5 wt.%) of amino acids (L-alanine and L-arginine) impurities were grown using slow evaporation solution growth (SESG) technique at room temperature. To study the structural properties, powder XRD study was carried out which revealed that all the grown crystals have tetragonal structural symmetry. The presence of various functional groups was confirmed using FT-IR spectroscopy. The thermal spectra (TGA/DTA/DSC) were recorded for all grown samples to determine their decomposition. Also kinetic and thermodynamic parameters were determined from the thermal study.
Optimum response of functionally graded piezoelectric plates in thermal environments
Authors: Nourmohammadi Hossein , Behjat Bashir
Published: November 2017

In this article, the static response of the functionally graded piezoelectric (FGP) plates with piezoelectric layers (sandwich FGPM) is studied based on the first order shear deformation plate theory. The plate is under mechanical, electrical and thermal loadings and finite element method is employed to obtain the solution of the equation. All mechanical, thermal and piezoelectric properties, except Poisson ratio, obey the power law distribution through the thickness. By solving the governing equation, optimum value of power law index is investigated in each type of loading. The effects of different volume fraction index, layer arrangements, various boundary conditions and different loading types, are studied on the deflection of FGPM plate. It is inferred that, the correlations between the deflection, power law index and layer arrangement are completely different in the mechanical and thermal loading and the optimum value of the power law index should be selected in each case separately. This optimum values can be used as a design criterion to build a reliable sensors and actuators in thermal environments.
Novel lighting properties of white LEDs with two-layered remote phosphor package using red-emitting α-SrO·3B2O3:Sm2+ phosphor
Authors: Minh Tran Hoang Quang , Nhan Nguyen Huu Khanh , Anh Nguyen Doan Quoc , Lee Hsiao-Yi
Published: November 2017

This paper investigates a method for improving the lighting performance of white light-emitting diodes (WLEDs), packaged using two separating remote phosphor layers, yellow-emitting YAG:Ce phosphor layer and red-emitting α-SrO·3B2O3:Sm2+ phosphor layer. The thicknesses of these two layers are 800 μm and 200 μm, respectively. Both of them have been examined at average correlated color temperatures (CCT) of 7700 K and 8500 K. For this two-layer model, the concentration of red phosphor has been varied from 2 % to 30 % in the upper layer, while in the lower layer the yellow phosphor concentration was kept at 15 %. It was found interesting that the lighting properties, such as color rendering index (CRI) and luminous flux, are enhanced significantly, while the color uniformity is maintained at a level relatively close to the level in one-layer configuration (measured at the same correlated color temperature). Besides, the transmitted and reflected light of each phosphor layer have been revised by combining Kubelka-Munk and Mie-Lorenz theories. Through the analysis, it is demonstrated that the packaging configuration of two-layered remote phosphor that contains red-emitting α-SrO·3B2O3:Sm2+ phosphor particles provides a practical solution to general WLEDs lighting.
Synthesis of Pd–Ni/C bimetallic materials and their application in non-enzymatic hydrogen peroxide detection
Authors: Kazici Hilal Celik , Salman Firat , Kivrak Hilal Demir
Published: November 2017

In this study, carbon based bimetallic materials (Pd-Ni/C) were synthesized by polyol method in order to increase the hydrogen peroxide reduction catalytic activity of Pd using Ni metal. Hydrogen peroxide reduction and sensing properties of the prepared catalysts were measured by electrochemical methods. As a result, we have established that the addition of Ni at different ratios to Pd has a considerable electrocatalytic effect on H2O2reduction. This work provides a simple route for preparation of Pd-Ni catalysts to create a very active and sensible electrochemical sensor for H2O2sensing.
Fabrication of Ag and Au nanoparticles in cross-linked polymer microgels for their comparative catalytic study
Authors: Shah Luqman Ali , Sayed Murtaza , Siddiq Mohammad
Published: November 2017

Three dimensional cross-linked polymer microgels with temperature responsive N-isopropyl acrylamide (NIPAM) and pH sensitive methacrylic acid (MAA) were successfully synthesized by free radical emulsion polymerization with different amounts of MAA. Silver and gold nanoparticles with the size of 6.5 nm and 3.5 nm (±0.5 nm), respectively were homogeneously reduced inside these materials by chemical reduction method at pH 2.78 and 8.36 for the preparation of hybrid materials. The samples were characterized by FT-IR, DLS and TEM techniques. The catalytic activity of the hybrid materials was investigated for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) using NaBH4 as reducing agent by UV-Vis spectroscopy. The hybrid polymer network synthesized at pH 8.36 showed enhanced catalytic efficiency compared to the catalysts synthesized at pH 2.78. In this study, it has been stated that the catalyst activity strongly depends on the amount of MAA, pH value during synthesis and the type of entrapped metal nanoparticles.
Heritability for Yield and Glycoalkaloid Content in Potato Breeding under Warm Environments
Authors: Benavides Manuel A. Gastelo , Diaz Luis , Burgos Gabriela , Felde Thomas Zum , Bonierbale Merideth
Published: November 2017

High temperatures affect potato production in the tropics, putting tuber yield and quality at risk and leading to increased glycoalkaloid concentration the cause of the bitter taste in potatoes and a cause for concern for human health. The International Potato Center (CIP), has developed new heat tolerant clones which are heat tolerant and also resistant to late blight. These clones offer an opportunity to evaluate yield and glycoalkaloid levels after growth under high temperature environments. We evaluated four sets of 16 full-sib families and 20 clones for tuber yield and glycoalkaloid content in order to estimate narrow-sense and broad-sense heritability respectively. We used a randomized complete block design replicated in three locations in Peru; San Ramon, La Molina and Majes At harvest, the number and weight of marketable and nonmarketable tubers were recorded. We analyzed samples of tubers from each clone for glycoalkaloid content using spectrophotometry. Narrow-sense heritability for tuber yield, tuber number and average tuber weight were 0.41, 0.50 and 0.83, respectively, indicating that further gains in breeding for heat tolerance will be possible. Broadsense heritability for glycoalkaloid content was 0.63 and correlation with tuber yield was weak, r=0.33 and R²=0.11 (P<0.01). High heritability and weak correlation will allow us to select clones with high tuber yield and low glycoalkaloid content, to serve as candidate varieties and parents in breeding programs.
Using sustainable development actions to promote the relevance of mountain wines in export markets
Authors: Graça António R. , Simões Luís , Freitas Rui , Pessanha Miguel , Sandeman George
Published: November 2017

Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs (WCED, 1987). For the business community, sustainability is more than mere window-dressing. By adopting sustainable practices, companies can gain a competitive edge, increase their market share, and boost shareholder value (IISD, 2013). The wine industry has incorporated sustainability into its business strategy for a long time. In the USA, several industry organizations promoted its adoption by both grape growers and winemakers. In mountain wine regions, sustainability becomes more important as these regions generally struggle with reduced competitiveness due to inherent difficulties such as accessibility, remoteness, sparseness of business and population, topography and pedoclimatology (EUROMONTANA 2005). Therefore, any improvement in sustainability is a key factor for the viability of mountain wine producers. Sogrape Vinhos farms 480 ha of mountain vineyards in DWR securing the quality base of grapes for its SANDEMAN Port and CASA FERREIRINHA Douro wines. The company continuously adopted sustainable practices across the whole value chain, from grape to glass. This paper illustrates how a simple, but comprehensive, sustainability assessment, as proposed by a US-based award, can be used to monitor and improve sustainable development practices for a wine business set in an adverse environment, while raising awareness in a key market for wines produced in a mountain vineyard area such as the DWR.
Effect of Salt Stress and Irrigation Water on Growth and Development of Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.)
Authors: Caliskan Omer , Kurt Dursun , Temizel Kadir Ersin , Odabas Mehmet Serhat
Published: November 2017

This study was conducted to assess the influence of different salinity and irrigation water treatments on the growth and development of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.). Five salinity levels (0.4, 1.00, 2.50, 4.00 and 8.00 dSm-1) and three different irrigation water regimes (80, 100, 120% of full irrigation) were applied in a factorial design with three replications. Dry root weight, aerial part dry weight and aerial part/root ratio were determined and evaluated as experimental parameters at the end of growing period. Results revealed significant decreases in yields with increasing salinity levels. However, basil managed to survive high salt stress. With increasing salinity levels, decreases in growth were higher in roots than in leaves. Changes in the amount of irrigation water also significantly affected the evaluated parameters.
Sicilian Castles and Coastal Towers
Authors: Kirk Scott
Published: November 2017

While much attention has been paid to the development of castles as the hallmark architectural symbol of the Middle Ages, less attention has been given to the changes in European defensive strategies that occurred between the 15
Engaging with Linguistic Diversity in Global Cities: Arguing for ‘Language Hierarchy Free’ Policy and Practice in Education
Authors: Mehmedbegovic Dina
Published: November 2017

Educators working in diverse contexts and looking to promote language learning, as well as maintaining home languages, often encounter resistance and negativity directed towards a wide range of languages resulting in language loss at the individual level and language death at a societal level. On the other hand, a small number of languages are regarded as high status languages, in demand to study and speak. This paper has two aims: firstly, to identify processes which result in different attitudes to languages, which will be termed: language hierarchies and, secondly, to suggest an innovative way of creating conditions for development of ‘hierarchy-free education policy and practice’. In order to exemplify these processes the author’s previous research conducted in London and Cardiff is used. Hierarchy-free policy and practice is promoted as a necessary condition for sustainability of endangered languages. The second part of this paper introduces the concept of: ‘Healthy Linguistic Diet’ (Mehmedbegović 2011) and makes a proposal based on this concept for a new, cognitive-based approach to policy and practice in education which would help eradicate language hierarchies. This section presents latest research evidence from cognitive neuroscience, which supports the argument that all stakeholders in education and wider society would benefit from a shift in attitudes and approach to bilingualism and learning other languages. The benefits at the individual and societal level are so significant that acting on this evidence is not only an educational, but also a health and moral imperative too. In the conclusion, I give recommendations in terms of how this new strategy could be developed and implemented.
Phantom Limbs, Extended Minds and the Decline of Religiosity: A Cognitive and Evolutionary Perspective
Authors: Salazar Carles
Published: November 2017

The purpose of this paper is to advance a hypothesis that might explain the decline of religious belief and practice among the so-called WEIRD (Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich and Democratic) populations. The main point of this paper is to postulate a causal relationship between two variables that appear to be significantly correlated: on one hand, the decline of religious belief and practice that has been observed in those populations during the twentieth century, and especially since the second half of that century; on the other, the remarkable growth of their life span during that period. The factor that the author proposes as an explanation for that correlation is the causal link relating to the experience of the death of significant others and belief in the supernatural in such a way that the more that experience happens to be relevant in a population’s day-to-day life the more that population will be prone to entertain beliefs in the supernatural, and conversely, the less prominent that experience happens to be, the less inclined that population will be to uphold those beliefs.
Hydrogen production from glycerol reforming: conventional and green production
Authors: Seadira Tumelo , Sadanandam Gullapelli , Ntho Thabang Abraham , Lu Xiaojun , Masuku Cornelius M. , Scurrell Mike
Published: November 2017

The use of biomass to produce transportation and related fuels is of increasing interest. In the traditional approach of converting oils and fats to fuels, transesterification processes yield a very large coproduction of glycerol. Initially, this coproduct was largely ignored and then considered as a useful feedstock for conversion to various chemicals. However, because of the intrinsic large production, any chemical feedstock role would consume only a fraction of the glycerol produced, so other options had to be considered. The reforming of glycerol was examined for syngas production, but more recently the use of photocatalytic decomposition to hydrogen (H2) is of major concern and several approaches have been proposed. The subject of this review is this greener photocatalytic route, especially involving the use of solar energy and visible light. Several different catalyst designs are considered, together with a very wide range of secured rates of H2 production spanning several orders of magnitude, depending on the catalytic system and the process conditions employed. H2 production is especially high when used in glycerol-water mixtures.
Population-based differences in immune system response contribute to an increased risk of schizophrenia in African migrants?
Authors: Nesic Milica J. , Maric Nadja P.
Published: November 2017

Among the highest incidences of schizophrenia is the one documented in second-generation migrants of African descent in the Western countries. Interestingly, people of African and European ancestry demonstrate significant genetic-based differences in immune system regulation and response. As a result, the pro-inflammatory phenotype is more pronounced in people of African descent than it is in Europeans. At the same time, the role of the immune system in the etiology of schizophrenia is gaining increased recognition. Here, we propose that the population-specific genetic variation within the immune system interacts with unfavourable environments to contribute to a higher risk of schizophrenia in people of African ancestry. Our hypothesis is supported by recent findings from two separate fields of research−population genetics and psychoneuroimmunology. Moreover, we highlight the need to include African populations in genetic studies of schizophrenia.
Accelerated aging and aging process in the brain
Authors: Isaev Nickolay K. , Genrikhs Elisaveta E. , Oborina Maria V. , Stelmashook Elena V.
Published: November 2017

One of the approaches to the research of the problem of aging is the study of genetic pathologies leading to accelerated aging, such as the Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome, Werner syndrome, and Down syndrome. Probably, this approach can be used in an attempt to understand the neuronal mechanisms underlying normal and pathological brain aging. The analysis of the current state of scientific knowledge about these pathologies shows that in the Hutchinson-Gilford progeria and Werner syndrome, the rate of brain aging is significantly lower than the rate of whole body aging, whereas in Down syndrome, the brain ages faster than other organs due to amyloid-beta accumulation and chronic oxidative stress in the brain tissue. The main point of a previously proposed hypothesis is that the aging of higher animals and humans is associated with an increased level of reactive oxygen species in mitochondria with age, which activates apoptosis, thus reducing the number of functioning cells.
Stress relaxation behavior of annealed aluminum-carbon nanotube composite
Authors: Mansoor Muhammad , Shahid Muhammad
Published: November 2017

The mechanical properties and stress relaxation behavior of annealed aluminum-carbon nanotube composite were studied and compared with those of pure aluminum. The composite was prepared using an induction furnace, where 1.6 vol.% of multiwall carbon nanotubes were added in aluminum as strengthening material. It was found that the mechanical strength of the annealed composite was almost twice that of aluminum. The stress relaxation behavior of both materials was logarithmic in nature. However, the stress relaxation, hardening component, and intrinsic height of the thermally activated barrier were significantly influenced by the presence of nanotubes in the aluminum matrix. It was found that the stress relaxation rate of the composite was reduced (>30%) and the hardening component was increased (>100%) compared with that of aluminum. The calculated strengths of the thermally activated barriers for aluminum and the composite were 1.7 and 2.6 eV, respectively.
Representation of doubly infinite matrices as non-commutative Laurent series
Authors: Arenas-Herrera María Ivonne , Verde-Star Luis
Published: November 2017

We present a new way to deal with doubly infinite lower Hessenberg matrices based on the representation of the matrices as the sum of their diagonal submatrices. We show that such representation is a simple and useful tool for computation purposes and also to obtain general properties of the matrices related with inversion, similarity, commutativity, and Pincherle derivatives. The diagonal representation allows us to consider the ring of doubly infinite lower Hessenberg matrices over a ring R as a ring of Laurent series in one indeterminate, with coefficients in the ring of R-valued sequences that don’t commute with the indeterminate.
Matrices induced by arithmetic functions acting on certain Krein spaces
Authors: Cho Ilwoo
Published: November 2017

In this paper, we study matrices induced by arithmetic functions under certain Krein-space representations induced by (multi-)primes less than or equal to fixed positive real numbers.
Antiferromagnetic ordering in the plumbide EuPdPb
Authors: Heletta Lukas , Klenner Steffen , Block Theresa , Pöttgen Rainer
Published: November 2017

The plumbide EuPdPb was synthesized in polycrystalline form by reaction of the elements in a sealed niobium ampoule in a muffle furnace. The structure was refined from single-crystal X-ray diffractometer data: TiNiSi type, Pnma, a=752.4(2), b=476.0(2), c=826.8(2) pm, wR2=0.0485, 704 F
2 values and 20 variables. The europium atoms are coordinated by two tilted and puckered Pd3Pb3 hexagons (280–289 pm Pd–Pb) with pronounced Eu–Pd bonding (312–339 pm). Temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibility measurements show Curie-Weiss behaviour and an experimental magnetic moment of 7.35(1) μB per Eu atom. EuPdPb orders antiferromagnetically at T
N=13.8(5) K and shows a metamagnetic transition at a critical field of 15 kOe. 151Eu Mössbauer spectra confirm divalent europium (δ=–10.04(1) mm s−1) and show full magnetic hyperfine field splitting (B
hf=21.1(1) T) at 6 K.
Liquid Water Confined in Cellulose with Variable Interfacial Hydrophilicity
Authors: Watermann Tobias , Sebastiani Daniel
Published: November 2017

We investigate liquid water confined within nanoscale cellulose slabs by means of molecular dynamics simulations. Depending on the construction of the cellulose–water interface, two different surface structures with distinct levels of hydrophilicity are exposed to the water. The different philicities are reflected in the response of the water phase to this geometric confinement, both in terms of the density profile and in the strength of the aqueous hydrogen bonding network. At the smooth surface cut along the (010) axis of the cellulose crystal, water shows typical properties of a hydrophilic confinement: the density shows fluctuations that disappear further away from the wall, the water molecules orient themselves and the coordination numbers increases at the interface. As a consequence, the water becomes “harder” at the interface, with a considerably increased local ordering. At the zigzag-shaped surface along the (111) axis, the degree of hydrophilicity is reduced, and only small effects can be seen: the density shows weak fluctuations, and the orientation of the water molecules is closer to that of bulk water than to the smooth surface. The local coordination numbers remains constant over the whole confinement. Our work shows that the nature of the exposed cellulose interface has a strong influence on how the structure of adjacent water is modified. The different ways of surface construction yield distinct degrees of hydrophilicity and spatial accessibility regarding the hydrogen bond network, resulting in a notably different interfacial water structure.
Effect of Moisture on Methane Permeation Through Fermenter Covering Films in Biogas Plants
Authors: Weber Marius , Arena Francesco , Konrad Andreas , Hempelmann Rolf
Published: November 2017

Methane permeation through polyamide and polyethylene mono and multilayer films has been measured via direct coupling of a gaschromatograph with a permeation measurement cell. Methane permeabilities [in cm3 (STP)·mm·d−1·bar−1·m−2] for single films were found to be 335 for polyethylene (PE) at 40°C, 0.64 for polyamide (PA) 6/6.6 with dry gas and 8.7 for PA 6/6.6 with water vapour saturated test gas. As a result, under operating conditions of biogas production facilities (40°C, water vapour saturated), the replacement of PE by PA, as biogas membrane on top of a fermenter, can reduce methane emission through permeation by a factor of about 40.
Mechanical Characterization of Granite Rock Materials: On the Influence from Pre-Existing Defects
Authors: Jelagin D. , Saadati M. , Jerjen I. , Larsson P.-L.
Published: November 2017

The length, orientation, and population of pre-existing cracks play an important role in the mechanical response of quasi-brittle materials, such as granite. Specifically, Bohus granite rock is at issue in the present investigation. The aims of this study are (1) to demonstrate the existence and characteristics of pre-existing defects (cracks) in granite rock specimens, and (2) to determine the influence from these defects at characterization of such materials. In doing so, X-ray tomography was the method used to visualize the cracking of three-point bending specimens in the context of pre-existing defects. It was also the intention to relate the experimentally determined effect of these cracks at three-point bending testing with corresponding results from numerical methods and specifically finite-element calculations. In the latter case, the location of these cracks was of primary interest and it was shown that this feature can be of considerable importance at material characterization.
Blast Performance of Demining Footwear: Numerical and Experimental Trials on Frangible Leg Model and Injury Modeling
Authors: Karahan M. , Karahan E. A. , Karahan N.
Published: November 2017

This study reveals the protective efficacy of a personal protective boot against mine blasts, both experimentally and numerically. By employing analyses conducted with the use of different amounts of explosives, the protective efficacy of the developed boot is compared to a typical military boot as reference. Both for analysis and verification tests, a ballistic gelatin covered frangible leg model was used. Strain energy that is exerted on the leg was determined with numerical analyses and verified with data obtained from strain gauges that were placed on the leg model. By employing the dynamic finite-element method, the physical injury that occurred to the leg model was examined and compared with the results of the blast test. The Type 2 boot decreased the strain energy by approximately 80 % compared with the Type 1 boot. This observation was also verified with measurements obtained from strain-gauge sensors placed along the tibia. It was observed that the damage occurring on the tibia was limited to local injuries and concentrated at a single spot without causing any fractures with the Type 2 boot. As a result of axial load, the leg with the Type 1 boot demonstrated fractures at several points rather than a fracture at a single point based on deflection. Hence, the latter case yields irremediable injuries.
Evaluation of Nano-ZnO Dispersed State in Bitumen with Digital Imaging Processing Techniques
Authors: Li R. , Dai Y. , Wang P. , Sun C. , Zhang J. , Pei J.
Published: November 2017

Nano-ZnO can be used as the tracer material to mark the asphalt, and the dispersion of nano-ZnO in the asphalt has an important impact on the mark effect; thus, it is important to study the dispersion state of nano-ZnO in asphalt. In order to achieve this goal, a method of sample preparation to make the nano-ZnO particle exposed to the asphalt surface, and a method for evaluating the dispersion state of nano-ZnO based on digital image processing technique, were put forward in this paper. In this quantitative evaluation system, scanning electron microscope and IPP software were used to scan the sample and output data; area ratio variation coefficient, number variation coefficient, and average particle size of nano-ZnO particle were used to evaluate the dispersion of nano-ZnO. Besides that, through the research of the dispersion state, the optimal dispersion conditions of nano-ZnO in asphalt were found out in this paper.
Performance Evaluation of Standalone Photovoltaic System with Isolated Dual-Inductor dc–dc Converter for Water-Pumping Application
Authors: Hussaini M. Mohammadha , Amala A. Josephine
Published: November 2017

This paper proposes a new dual inductor-based converter for an autonomous photovoltaic (PV) water pumping system without the use of a battery bank. This converter is used to provide continuous power to the three-phase induction motor drive directly from the PV array. The proposed system offers two boosting stages to boost the low value of PV array output voltage into a high-value dc voltage, which is required for the dc link of the three-phase inverter. The dual inductor-based converter provides power to the load in both the ON state and OFF state of the chopping switch over buck, boost, and Ćuk converters used in PV-integrated water pumping applications. The principle of operation of the proposed dual inductor-based converter-fed, three-phase induction motor are analyzed and discussed. The MATLAB simulation and experimental prototype results are presented to validate the performance of the proposed dual boost converter-fed, three-phase induction motor.