bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation of a zero-dimensional and 2-phase combustion model for dual-fuel compression ignition engine simulation
Authors: Mikulski Maciej , Wierzbicki Sławomir
Published: April 2016

Increasing demands for the reduction of exhaust emissions and the pursuit to re-duce the use of fossil fuels require the search for new fuelling technologies in combustion engines. One of the most promising technologies is the multi-fuel compression ignition engine concept, in which a small dose of liquid fuel injected directly into the cylinder acts as the ignition inhibitor of the gaseous fuel. Achieving the optimum combustion process in such an engine requires the application of advanced control algorithms which require mathematical modelling support. In response to the growing demand for new simulation tools, a 0-D model of a dual-fuel engine was proposed and validated. The validation was performed in a broad range of engine operating points, including various speeds and load condition, as well as different natural gas/diesel blend ratios. It was demonstrated that the average model calculation error within the entire cycle did not exceed 6.2%, and was comparable to the measurement results cycle to cycle variations. The maximum model calculation error in a single point of a cycle was 15% for one of the complex (multipoint injection) cases. In other cases, it did not exceed 11%.
Experimental and analytical evaluation of preheating temperature during multipass repair welding
Authors: Sedmak Aleksandar , Tanaskovic Drakce , Murariu Alin
Published: April 2016

Experimental measurement and analytical calculation of preheating, i. e. interpass temperature during multi-pass repair welding has been presented. Analytical calculation is based on heat transfer analysis, whereas measurements have been performed by thermovision camera. Repair welding was performed on crane wheels in the Steelworks Smederevo. Comparison of results indicated that analytical calculation is good enough as the first approximation, but it needs further elaboration, e. g. taking into account the radiation component of heat dissipation and/or temperature dependence of material thermomechanical properties.
At-home vs In-office Bleaching: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: de Geus JL , Wambier LM , Kossatz S , Loguercio AD , Reis A
Published: April 2016

Objective: A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to evaluate the risk and intensity of tooth sensitivity during in-office and at-home bleaching in adult patients. The efficacy of dental bleaching was also evaluated.

Methods: A comprehensive search was performed in the MEDLINE via PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature database, Brazilian Library in Dentistry, Cochrane Library, and System for Information on Grey Literature in Europe without restrictions. The annual conference of the International Association for Dental Research abstracts (1990-2014) and unpublished and ongoing trials registry were also searched. Dissertations and theses were searched using the ProQuest Dissertations and Periódicos Capes Theses databases. Only randomized clinical trials that compared the prevalence or intensity of tooth sensitivity during in-office and at-home bleaching in adult patients were included and studies that evaluated the efficacy of these dental bleaching techniques, in terms of shade guide units (ΔSGU) and in terms of color difference measured with a spectrophotometer (ΔE*).

Results: After the removal of duplicates, 1139 articles were identified. After title and abstract screening, 29 studies remained. Fifteen studies were further excluded, whereas 12 studies remained for qualitative analyses and 8 for the meta-analysis of the primary and secondary outcomes. No significant difference in the risk/intensity of tooth sensitivity or in bleaching efficacy was observed in the present study.

Conclusion: In an overall comparison of at-home and in-office bleaching, no differences were detected, either regarding risk/intensity of tooth sensitivity or the effectiveness of the bleaching treatment. This comparison, however, does not take into consideration variations in the protocols (daily usage time, number of bleaching sessions, and product concentration) of the bleaching techniques in the studies included.
Prescription drug coverage and drug utilization: New evidence from the HRS prescription drug study
Authors: Engelhardt Gary V.
Published: April 2016

The linking of detailed information on health, medical care, and insurance to economic outcomes is a central feature of data collection efforts in the economics of aging. In this paper, I use newly available linked panel data from a unique supplement to the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) known as the Prescription Drug Study (PDS) to examine the impact of insurance coverage on prescription drug utilization for those 65 and older. Fixed-effect estimates suggest that gaining coverage resulted in a 15% increase in utilization. Gaining coverage also was associated with a 20-50% reduction in the incidence of cost-related non-adherence. However, even among the uninsured, only a relatively small proportion of drugs(12%) were associated with episodes of cost-related non-adherence.
Combining survey and administrative data in Italian business surveys
Authors: Biffignandi Silvia , Nascia Leopoldo , Zeli Alessandro
Published: April 2016

The main Italian enterprise surveys are shifting from a simple traditional data collection approach to a more complex one. This new approach is based on survey database management involving the recasting of many data sources(including administrative data). The reasons for utilising administrative data are: improved timeliness, increased precision and a reduction in the statistical burden. In our paper we focus on the Italian SCI survey( Sistema dei Conti delle Imprese, i.e., Businesses accounts survey). A number of innovations have been introduced into this survey over the last few years and remain ongoing. Since 2005, final economic estimates are obtained combining various data sources, primarily administrative data. The integration procedure involves a number of methodological solutions. In this paper we deal with the problem of non-response, particularly unit non-response. At first methodological issues, research and applicative trends in the NSI (National Statistical Institute) are briefly reviewed. Afterwards alternative means of estimating business data using administrative records and integrating sources are applied to the SCI survey data. The integration procedure is presented and its impact on the improvement of final data quality is verified.
Measuring poverty using the Supplemental Poverty Measure in the Panel Study of Income Dynamics, 1998 to 2010
Authors: Kimberlin Sara , Shaefer H. Luke , Kim Jiyoon
Published: April 2016

The Supplemental Poverty Measure (SPM) was recently introduced by the U.S. Census Bureau as an alternative measure of poverty that addresses many shortcomings of the official poverty measure (OPM) to better reflect the resources households have available to meet their basic needs. The Census SPM is available only in the Current Population Survey (CPS). This paper describes a method for constructing SPM poverty estimates in the Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID), for the biennial years 1998 through 2010. A public-use dataset of individual-level SPM status produced in this analysis will be available for download on the PSID website. Annual SPM poverty estimates from the PSID are presented for the years 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, and 2010 and compared to SPM estimates for the same years derived from CPS data by the Census Bureau and independent researchers. We find that SPM poverty rates in the PSID are somewhat lower than those found in the CPS, though trends over time and impact of specific SPM components are similar across the two datasets.
Measuring visible underemployment
Authors: Sen Roy Sugata , Chakrabortty Sourav
Published: April 2016

In this paper we have looked into the problems of measuring visible underemployment. Some measures to gauge the intensity of visible underemployment have been suggested and their properties studied. Measures based on given time-norms for work are also suggested. The results are illustrated through examples.
Mass Flux Distribution Measurements and Visualizations of a Fluid Sheet Generated by a Partially Immersed Dip-Lubricated Gear
Authors: Várhegyi Zsolt , Kristóf Gergely
Published: April 2016

A simplified model of gearbox lubrication flow is investigated. A metric gear with module size 4 mm, tooth number 38, tip radius 80.25 mm and width 40 mm, is partially immersed and rotated between 0–12 1/s frequencies in room temperature distilled water. Flash and laser sheet visualizations of the global flow field and the boundary layer are presented. Resolved mass flow distributions in the fluid sheet above the water surface are obtained with in-situ liquid trapping (bucketing). The relation between the circumferential velocity and integrated mass flux of the fluid sheet is found to be linear above a critical speed, for which an analytical formula is given. Using dimensional analysis, we show that the relation between the mass flux and gear speed signifies a Reynolds-number independent behavior of the boundary layer around the immersed part of the gear.
Effect of the Fins Length for the Passive Cooling of the Photovoltaic Panels
Authors: Nehari Taieb , Benlakam Mohamed , Nehari Driss
Published: April 2016

A two-dimensional (2D) numerical model was used to simulate the use of a phase change material linked to a PV system to control the temperature rise of the PV cells. The predicted temperatures using the 2D model have been compared with experimental and numerical data of the literature and a good agreement was obtained for both the isotherm contours and time evolution of the temperature.An extended surface (fins) has been used in order to improve conductive heat transfer and to reinforce the thermal homogeneity. Concerning the inner fins included on the PV panel (Front), the obtained results show that these fins reduce significantly the temperature. Furthermore, the configurations of L = 25, 30 and 35 mm allow better cooling of the PV panel. On the other hand, the back inner fin used reduces dramatically the performance of the PV/PCM system for cooling the panel.
Experimental Study of a Closed Loop Pulsating Heat Pipe Aiming at Assessing the Optimized Operational Conditions
Authors: Samadi Masoud , Zarenezhad Bahman
Published: April 2016

In recent times pulsating heat pipes turn into a pleasing field of study for researchers as useful devices to enhance and intensify heat transfer. Experimental data under various operating conditions for a better theoretical understanding are needed. This paper presents an experimental study on a closed loop pulsating heat pipe made of copper with 14 U-turns. The experiments were carried out for different working fluids (acetone, distilled water, ethanol and methanol) and their mixing, heat input, filling ratio and evacuation levels to optimize operational conditions. Thermal resistance at steady state specified for performance evaluation and showed better results for acetone. The mentioned working fluids in filling ratio of 60 % have better operation and acetone has the best. As well as experiments in different evacuation levels showed, more evacuation lead to more performance.
Evaluation of total abdominal hysterectomy over the decade in Holy Family Red Crescent Medical College Hospital - A retrospective observational study
Authors: Nazneen Rumana , Monir Fahmida , Yeasmin Salma , Akhter Sharmin , Bakshi Lipy , Sultana Kishwar
Published: April 2016

Hysterectomy is the commonest major surgical procedure in Gynaecology & usually performed to improve quality of life rather than to cure life-threatening conditions. The rates differ between countries depending on differences in morbidity, health economical aspects, traditions and attitudes. This retrospective observational study was carried out from 2001-2010 & included all cases of abdominal hysterectomy done for benign and non emergency conditions in the department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Holy Family Red Crescent Medical College and Hospital, Dhaka with the intention to assess the proportion and the indications of total abdominal hysterectomy over a 10-year period. Percentage of the total abdominal hysterectomy remained between 50-70% of the total major operations over the decade. Fibroid was found to be the most common indication among the admitted patients (around 36%) with highest percetage in 2006 and 2007 (43% and 46% respectively). Next important indication was dysfunctional uterine bleeding (20%) followed by pelvic inflammatory disease (13%), ovarian mass (5%), endometriosis & adenomyosis (4%) and post menopausal bleeding (2%). The majority of hysterectomies were abdominal and the most common indication was uterine fibroids. The overall rate for hysterectomy remained reasonably stable.Bangladesh Med J. 2015 May; 44 (2): 87-91
Freedom from the Stranglehold of Time: Shelley's Visionary Conception in Queen Mab
Authors: Weinberg Alan
Published: April 2016

Notwithstanding ground-breaking studies of Queen Mab, the visionary scope of the work remains largely neglected. The present essay sets out to explore the vision and to show how the concern with Time is integral to it, and not just a framing device for Mab's overview of past, present and future that forms the greater substance of the whole work. The poem envisions the possibility of overcoming time's dominion or at least of coming to terms with it. The reach of the poem encompasses and extends beyond history, the repository of memory and recorded time, thus placing the attack on society within a visionary conceptualization that has no clear boundaries at all, and necessarily so. Shelley's intent is to open up discourse, to saturate his work with thinking that, from the broadest possible imaginary perspective and given his own personal stamp, disrupts time-bound presuppositions that confine human lives within the narrow limits that imprison them.
Daughters of Eve: The Labouring-class Autobiographical Hermeneutics of Two Romantic-Era English Prophetesses, Dorothy Gott (c.1748–1812) and Joanna Southcott (1750–1814)
Authors: Cho Nancy Jiwon , Niblett Matthew
Published: April 2016

This article explores the rich seam of female prophetic writing in Romantic-era England by comparing and contrasting two of the most significant millenarian prophetesses of the period: Dorothy Gott and Joanna Southcott. The literary significance of these figures has remained underexplored, in spite of the two women's striking use of life writing in their millenarian texts, which included spiritual autobiography; the typological interpretation of personal incidents; the inclusion of autobiographical verse amidst expository prose to convey the sense of God's divine voice speaking through the untaught woman; and the appendage of personal letters contemporaneous with the timeline of chronicled events in order to provide evidence for the prophetess's authenticity. In this study, we uncover the women's respective autobiographical hermeneutics and assess their literary significance, particularly in developing a range of textual practices that sought to counter their disadvantaged class and gender positions as labouring-class female spiritual leaders unable to claim established theological or ecclesiological authority.
Nano-Modeling and Computation in Bio and Brain Dynamics
Authors: Di Sia Paolo , Licata Ignazio
Published: April 2016

The study of brain dynamics currently utilizes the new features of nanobiotechnology and bioengineering. New geometric and analytical approaches appear very promising in all scientific areas, particularly in the study of brain processes. Efforts to engage in deep comprehension lead to a change in the inner brain parameters, in order to mimic the external transformation by the proper use of sensors and effectors. This paper highlights some crossing research areas of natural computing, nanotechnology, and brain modeling and considers two interesting theoretical approaches related to brain dynamics: (a) the memory in neural network, not as a passive element for storing information, but integrated in the neural parameters as synaptic conductances; and (b) a new transport model based on analytical expressions of the most important transport parameters, which works from sub-pico-level to macro-level, able both to understand existing data and to give new predictions. Complex biological systems are highly dependent on the context, which suggests a “more nature-oriented” computational philosophy.
A Cascade of Champions: A Qualitative Study about the MA-CORD Media Competition Implementation
Authors: Criss Shaniece , Tran Alvin , Ganter Claudia , Aftosmes-Tobio Alyssa , Gortmaker Steven , Viswanath Kasisomayajula , Kwass Jo-Ann , Davison Kirsten
Published: April 2016

A media competition was part of the Massachusetts Childhood Obesity Research Demonstration (MA-CORD) Study. Criss et al., previously outlined the development and implementation of the competition, including variation in reach and adoption of the intervention across schools and afterschool programs. In this qualitative study, we examine community, provider, and organizational factors that explain the variation of media competition reach in school and afterschool programs, and describe the awareness of the media competition across other community sectors. Durlak and DuPre’s ecological framework for understanding effective implementation provided the theoretical underpinnings for this study. Fifty-four key informant interviews were conducted, transcribed, and analyzed. Organizational capacity of committed teachers/staff and adaptability of the media competition seemed to be drivers for higher reach within school and afterschool programs. Salient themes that emerged as facilitators of effective implementation were having a cascade of champions and providing opportunity to participate in the media competition outside traditional class time. Clinics and coalitions were identified as additional sectors aware of the media competition. Specifically, our findings offer a new perspective on intervention design and a recommended direction for further study.
Starvation after Cobalt-60 γ-Ray Radiation Enhances Metastasis in U251 Glioma Cells by Regulating the Transcription Factor SP1
Authors: Zhao Tuo , Wang Hailong , Ma Hong , Wang Hao , Chen Bo , Deng Yulin
Published: April 2016

Radiation is of clinical importance during glioma therapy; however, vasculature damage is observed over the treatment course. This type of tissue damage might lead to starvation conditions, affecting tumor metastasis. To test this possibility, we compared starvation conditions in conjunction with radiation treatment to monitor metastatic ability in the U251 glioma cell line. Transcriptome, western blot, and immunofluorescence analyses were used to measure the RNA and protein expression changes of the U251 cells after various treatments. We found that starvation combined with radiation treatment yielded the most significant expression changes in metastasis-related factors compared to that in the control groups. In addition, a metastasis assay was used to directly measure the metastatic ability of the treated cells, which confirmed that the U251 cells treated with starvation combined with radiation possessed the highest metastatic ability. Furthermore, bioinformatics analysis demonstrated that SP1 represented a common transcription factor associated with changes in metastasis-related factors. Blocking SP1 activity by an inhibitor suppressed the starvation-plus-radiation treatment-mediated enhancement of U251 cell metastasis. Our study provides the first evidence that starvation caused by radiation might play a significant role in enhancing the ability of the glioma cell line U251 to metastasize via regulation of the transcription factor SP1.
The Early Stages of Heart Development: Insights from Chicken Embryos
Authors: Wittig Johannes , Münsterberg Andrea
Published: April 2016

The heart is the first functioning organ in the developing embryo and a detailed understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in its formation provides insights into congenital malformations affecting its function and therefore the survival of the organism. Because many developmental mechanisms are highly conserved, it is possible to extrapolate from observations made in invertebrate and vertebrate model organisms to humans. This review will highlight the contributions made through studying heart development in avian embryos, particularly the chicken. The major advantage of chick embryos is their accessibility for surgical manipulation and functional interference approaches, both gain- and loss-of-function. In addition to experiments performed in ovo, the dissection of tissues for ex vivo culture, genomic, or biochemical approaches is straightforward. Furthermore, embryos can be cultured for time-lapse imaging, which enables tracking of fluorescently labeled cells and detailed analysis of tissue morphogenesis. Owing to these features, investigations in chick embryos have led to important discoveries, often complementing genetic studies in mice and zebrafish. As well as including some historical aspects, we cover here some of the crucial advances made in understanding early heart development using the chicken model.
Polymer Magnetic Composite Core Based Microcoils and Microtransformers for Very High Frequency Power Applications
Authors: Mariappan Saravana , Moazenzadeh Ali , Wallrabe Ulrike
Published: April 2016

We present a rapid prototyping and a cost effective fabrication process on batch fabricated wafer-level micro inductive components with polymer magnetic composite (PMC) cores. The new PMC cores provide a possibility to bridge the gap between the non-magnetic and magnetic core inductive devices in terms of both the operating frequency and electrical performance. An optimized fabrication process of molding, casting, and demolding which uses teflon for the molding tool is presented. High permeability NiFeZn powder was mixed with Araldite epoxy to form high resistive PMC cores. Cylindrical PMC cores having a footprint of 0.79 mm 2 were fabricated with varying percentage of the magnetic powder on FR4 substrates. The core influence on the electrical performance of the inductive elements is discussed. Inductor chips having a solenoidal coil as well as transformer chips with primary and secondary coils wound around each other have been fabricated and evaluated. A core with 65% powder equipped with a solenoid made out of 25 µm thick insulated Au wire having 30 turns, yielded a constant inductance value of 2 µH up to the frequency of 50 MHz and a peak quality factor of 13. A 1:1 transformer with similar PMC core and solenoidal coils having 10 turns yielded a maximum efficiency of 84% and a coupling factor of 96%. In order to protect the solenoids and to increase the mechanical robustness and handling of the chips, a novel process was developed to encapsulate the components with an epoxy based magnetic composite. The effect on the electrical performance through the magnetic composite encapsulation is reported as well.
Apatite Biominerals
Authors: Combes Christèle , Cazalbou Sophie , Rey Christian
Published: April 2016

Calcium phosphate apatites offer outstanding biological adaptability that can be attributed to their specific physico-chemical and structural properties. The aim of this review is to summarize and discuss the specific characteristics of calcium phosphate apatite biominerals in vertebrate hard tissues (bone, dentine and enamel). Firstly, the structural, elemental and chemical compositions of apatite biominerals will be summarized, followed by the presentation of the actual conception of the fine structure of synthetic and biological apatites, which is essentially based on the existence of a hydrated layer at the surface of the nanocrystals. The conditions of the formation of these biominerals and the hypothesis of the existence of apatite precursors will be discussed. Then, we will examine the evolution of apatite biominerals, especially during bone and enamel aging and also focus on the adaptability of apatite biominerals to the biological function of their related hard tissues. Finally, the diagenetic evolution of apatite fossils will be analyzed.
The Psychrotolerant Antarctic Fungus Lecanicillium muscarium CCFEE 5003: A Powerful Producer of Cold-Tolerant Chitinolytic Enzymes
Authors: Fenice Massimiliano
Published: April 2016

Lecanicillium muscarium CCFEE 5003, isolated in Continental Antarctica, is a powerful producer of extracellular cold-tolerant enzymes. Chitin-hydrolyzing enzymes seems to be the principal extracellular catalytic activities of this psychrotolerant fungus. The production of chitinolytic activities is induced by chitin and other polysaccharides and is submitted to catabolite repression. The chitinolytic system of L. muscarium consists of a number of different proteins having various molecular weights and diverse biochemical characteristics, but their most significant trait is the marked cold-tolerance. L. muscarium and selected strains of the biocontrol agent of pathogenic fungi Trichoderma harzianum, have been compared for their ability to produce chitinolytic enzymes at different temperatures. At low temperatures the Antarctic strain was definitely much more efficient. Moreover, the fungus was able to exert a strong mycoparasitic action against various other fungi and oomycetes at low temperatures. The parasitic role of this organism appeared related to the production of cell wall degrading enzymes being the release of extracellular chitinolytic enzymes a key event in the mycoparasitic process. Due to the mentioned characteristics, L. muscarium could have an important role for potential applications such as the degradation of chitin-rich materials at low temperature and the biocontrol of pathogenic organisms in cold environments. For these reasons and in view of future industrial application, the production of chitinolytic enzymes by the Antarctic fungus has been up-scaled and optimised in bench-top bioreactor.
Low Urinary Iodine Concentration among Mothers and Children in Cambodia
Authors: Laillou Arnaud , Sophonneary Prak , Kuong Khov , Hong Rathavuth , Un Samoeurn , Chamnan Chhoun , Poirot Etienne , Berger Jacques , Wieringa Frank
Published: April 2016

A 2014 national assessment of salt iodization coverage in Cambodia found that 62% of samples were non-iodized, suggesting a significant decline in daily iodine intakes. The Cambodian Micronutrient Survey conducted in 2014 (CMNS-2014) permitted obtaining national data on urinary iodine concentrations (UIC) to assess iodine status and whether iodized salt use had an impact. Urine samples were collected from mothers (n = 736) and children (n = 950). The median UIC was 63 µg/L and 72 µg/L in mothers and children respectively. More than 60% of mothers and their children had a UIC < 100 µg/L, thereby indicating a serious public health problem. Iodine status was significantly lower among mothers and children living in rural areas, belonging to the poorest socioeconomic category, or living in a household not using iodized salt. The limited enforcement of the legislation for iodized salt has resulted in a major decrease in the prevalence of iodized salt, which in turn has compromised iodine status in Cambodia. It is essential for the government to enhance enforcement of the iodized salt legislation, and implement short term strategies, such as iodine supplementation, to prevent an increase of severe complications due to iodine deficiency in the Cambodian population.
Ginseng Berry Extract Attenuates Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Induced Acute and Chronic Colitis
Authors: Zhang Wei , Xu Li , Cho Si-Young , Min Kyung-Jin , Oda Tatsuya , Zhang LiJun , Yu Qing , Jin Jun-O
Published: April 2016

This study investigates the in vivo functions of ginseng berry extract (GB) as a therapy for dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis. C57BL/6 mice were given drinking water containing DSS (3%) for eight days to induce acute colitis. At the same time, the mice received an oral dose of GB (50 mg/kg) once daily. The GB-treated mice were less susceptible to the development of acute colitis than were control mice treated with saline, as determined by weight loss, disease activity, and colon histology. The administration of GB to DSS-treated mice also reduced the numbers and inhibited the activation of colon-infiltrating T cells, neutrophils, intestinal CD103−CD11c+ dendritic cells (cDCs), and macrophages. In addition, GB treatment promoted the migration of CD103+CD11c+ cDCs and expansion of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells in the colons of DSS-treated mice. Similarly, in the DSS-induced chronic colitis model, GB treatment improved the macroscopic and histological appearance of the colon wall when compared to untreated control mice, as indicated by longer colon length and lower histological scores. This is the first report to show that oral administration of GB suppresses immune activation and protects against experimentally induced colitis.
Evaluation and Optimization of the Financial Sustainability of Public Rental Housing Projects: A Case Study in Nanjing, China
Authors: Li Dezhi , Chen Yanchao , Chen Hongxia , Hui Eddie , Guo Kai
Published: April 2016

In recent years, Chinese governments have launched ambitious plans in developing public rental housing (PRH), which are almost impossible to accomplish without the involvement of the private sector. Yet, very few quantitative studies have been carried out to evaluate the financial sustainability of PRH projects in China, especially from the perspective of the private sector. This knowledge gap is bridged through the evaluation of the financial sustainability of a hypothetical privately owned PRH project in Nanjing, China as a case study, utilizing data of a state-owned PRH project and the classic discounted cash flow method. The results indicate that the studied project is financially infeasible, which means that private companies would not be willing to participate in the provision of public rental housing, if they merely focus on profits. Then, the most cost-effective optimization measure of the studied case is quantitatively selected from four possible optimization scenarios, leading to a financial balance. This paper presents the current financial status of Chinese PRH projects, thereby providing policy makers with useful references to effectively accelerate the private sector’s provision of PRH in China.
Tentacle Transcriptome and Venom Proteome of the Pacific Sea Nettle, Chrysaora fuscescens (Cnidaria: Scyphozoa)
Authors: Ponce Dalia , Brinkman Diane , Potriquet Jeremy , Mulvenna Jason
Published: April 2016

Jellyfish venoms are rich sources of toxins designed to capture prey or deter predators, but they can also elicit harmful effects in humans. In this study, an integrated transcriptomic and proteomic approach was used to identify putative toxins and their potential role in the venom of the scyphozoan jellyfish Chrysaora fuscescens. A de novo tentacle transcriptome, containing more than 23,000 contigs, was constructed and used in proteomic analysis of C. fuscescens venom to identify potential toxins. From a total of 163 proteins identified in the venom proteome, 27 were classified as putative toxins and grouped into six protein families: proteinases, venom allergens, C-type lectins, pore-forming toxins, glycoside hydrolases and enzyme inhibitors. Other putative toxins identified in the transcriptome, but not the proteome, included additional proteinases as well as lipases and deoxyribonucleases. Sequence analysis also revealed the presence of ShKT domains in two putative venom proteins from the proteome and an additional 15 from the transcriptome, suggesting potential ion channel blockade or modulatory activities. Comparison of these potential toxins to those from other cnidarians provided insight into their possible roles in C. fuscescens venom and an overview of the diversity of potential toxin families in cnidarian venoms.
Development and characterization of microsatellite primers in the federally endangered Astragalus bibullatus (Fabaceae)
Authors: Morris Ashley B. , Scalf Cassandra , Burleyson Austin , Johnson La Tonya , Trostel Kevin
Published: April 2016

Premise of the study:

Microsatellites were developed for Astragalus bibullatus (Fabaceae), a federally endangered narrow endemic, to investigate reproductive ecology and species boundaries among closely related taxa.

Methods and Results:

Next‐generation sequencing was used to develop 12 nuclear microsatellite loci that amplify in A. bibullatus, as well as in A. crassicarpus var. trichocalyx, A. gypsodes, and A. tennesseensis. Identified loci were di‐ and trinucleotide repeats, with 1–15 alleles per locus. Observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.000–0.938 and 0.000–0.860, respectively. Cross‐amplification of three loci previously published in A. michauxii was also confirmed for the taxa included here.

Conclusions:

These data indicate the utility of novel microsatellite loci for conservation genetics and reproductive ecology in closely related Astragalus species.
The Association between Glucose Exposure and the Risk of Peritonitis in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Authors: van Diepen Anouk T.N. , van Esch Sadie , Struijk Dirk G. , Krediet Raymond T.
Published: April 2016

Background and objective

Little or no clinical evidence is available on the association between glucose exposure and peritoneal host defense in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. The objective of the present study was to quantify the exposure to glucose during the first year on PD and investigate the association with subsequent peritonitis.

Methods

We analyzed prospectively collected demographic and peritonitis data from incident adult PD patients between 1990 and 2010. For the present study, we conducted a review of both in- and outpatient medical records of all patients to obtain their day-to-day dialysis schemes during the first year on PD. From these data, the average exposure to glucose was quantified. The exposure was stratified into low- and high-glucose groups based on the median, analyzed per standard deviation and in quartiles. Cox proportional hazard models were used to calculate crude and adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals for the association between glucose exposure and peritonitis. Adjustments were made for age, sex, primary kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, Davies comorbidity score and the treatment period.

Results

In total, 230 patients were included in the study of whom 151 (66%) experienced a first peritonitis episode. The median follow-up time was 2.6 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 1.9 – 3.8) in the low-glucose group and 3.1 (IQR: 2.1 – 4.2) in the high-glucose group. After adjustment for confounding factors, no association between high glucose exposure and the risk of peritonitis was found (HR: 0.81; 0.55 – 1.17). No association was present when glucose exposure was analyzed per standard deviation (SD) (HR: 0.98; 0.79 – 1.21) or patient quartiles were applied. No association was identified between glucose exposure and severe peritonitis, Staphylococcus aureus peritonitis, or a peritonitis episode that lasted more than 14 days.

Conclusions

Exposure to glucose is not associated with an increased risk of peritonitis. The equilibrium between glycemic harm to peritoneal host defense and detrimental effects of glucose on invading microorganisms may determine the susceptibility to peritoneal infection.
Comparison of Early Mechanical and Infective Complications in First Time Blind, Bedside, Midline Percutaneous Tenckhoff Catheter Insertion with Ultra-Short Break-in Period in Diabetics and Non-Diabetics: Setting New Standards
Authors: George Ninoo , Alexander Suceena , David Vinoi George , Basu Gopal , Mohapatra Anjali , Valson Anna T. , Jacob Shibu , Pathak Harish K. , Devasia Antony , Tamilarasi Veerasamy , Varughese Santosh
Published: April 2016

Background

There are no large studies that have examined ultra-short break-in period with a blind, bedside, midline approach to Tenckhoff catheter insertion.

Methods

Observational cohort study of 245 consecutive adult patients who underwent percutaneous catheter insertion for chronic peritoneal dialysis (PD) at our center from January 2009 to December 2013. There were 132 (53.9%) diabetics and 113 (46.1%) non-diabetics in the cohort.

Results

The mean break-in period for the percutaneous group was 2.68 ± 2.6 days. There were significantly more males among the diabetics (103 [78%] vs 66 [58.4%], p = 0.001). Diabetics had a significantly higher body mass index (BMI) (23.9 ± 3.7 kg/m2 vs 22.2 ± 4 kg/m2, p < 0.001) and lower serum albumin (33.1 ± 6.3 g/L vs 37 ± 6 g/L, p < 0.001) compared with non-diabetics. Poor catheter outflow was present in 6 (4.5%) diabetics and 16 (14.2%) non-diabetics ( p = 0.009). Catheter migration was also significantly more common in the non-diabetic group (11 [9.7%] vs 2 [1.5%], p = 0.004). Primary catheter non-function was present in 17(15%) of the non-diabetics and in 7(5.3%) of the diabetics ( p = 0.01). There were no mortality or major non-procedural complications during the catheter insertions. Among patients with 1 year of follow-up data, catheter survival (93/102 [91.2%] vs 71/82 [86.6%], p = 0.32) and technique survival (93/102 [91.2%] vs 70/82 [85.4%], p = 0.22) at 1 year was comparable between diabetics and non-diabetics, respectively.

Conclusions

Percutaneous catheter insertion by practicing nephrologists provides a short break-in period with very low mechanical and infective complications. Non-diabetic status emerged as a significant risk factor for primary catheter non-function presumed to be due to more patients with lower BMI and thus smaller abdominal cavities. This is the first report that systematically compares diabetic and non-diabetic patients.
Estimation of the Center Effect on Early Peritoneal Dialysis Failure: A Multilevel Modelling Approach
Authors: Guillouët Sonia , Veniez Ghislaine , Verger Christian , Béchade Clémence , Ficheux Maxence , Uteza Juliette , Lobbedez Thierry
Published: April 2016

Introduction

This study was carried out to investigate the center effect on the risk of peritoneal dialysis (PD) failure within the first 6 months of therapy using a multilevel approach.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study based on data from the French Language Peritoneal Dialysis Registry. We analyzed 5,406 incident patients starting PD between January 2008 and December 2012 in 128 PD centers. The end of the observation period was December 31, 2013.

Results

Of the 5,406 patients, 415 stopped PD within the first 6 months. There was a significant heterogeneity between centers (variance of the random effect: 0.10). Only 3% of the variance of the event of interest was attributable to differences between centers. At the individual level, only treatment before PD (odds ratio [OR]: 1.93 for hemodialysis and OR: 2.29 for renal transplantation) and underlying nephropathy ( p < 0.01) were associated with early PD failure. At the center level, only center experience was associated (OR: 0.78) with the risk of PD failure. Center effect accounted for 52% of the disparities between centers.

Conclusion

Center effect on early PD failure is significant. Center experience is associated with a lower risk of transfer to hemodialysis.
Rate of Decline of Residual Kidney Function before and after the Start of Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: He Lian , Liu Xihui , Li Zi , Abreu Zita , Malavade Tushar , Lok Charmaine E. , Bargman Joanne M.
Published: April 2016

Background

There is a paucity of information on whether peritoneal dialysis (PD) slows the decline of residual kidney function (RKF) compared to the natural slope of RKF decline prior to dialysis start. Our aim was to analyze the RKF decline before and after initiating PD, and to determine the principal factors affecting this decline during the PD period.

Methods

We determined individual glomerular filtration rates (GFR) for approximately 12 months before and after PD in 77 new PD patients in a large academic medical center (2008 – 2012). The GFR was estimated by the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation in the predialysis period and by averaging 24-hour urine creatinine and urea clearances in the PD period. The rate of RKF decline was calculated using unadjusted linear regression analysis. Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to compare RKF decline before and after PD initiation. Multivariate linear regression was used to identify independent risk factors for RKF decline in the PD phase.

Results

A significantly slower mean rate of RKF decline was observed in the PD period compared with the predialysis period (-0.21 ± 0.30 vs -0.59 ± 0.55 mL/min/1.73 m2/month, p < 0.01). Higher baseline RKF, higher serum phosphate, and older age were independently associated with faster decline of RKF (all p < 0.01).

Conclusions

In patients with advanced chronic kidney disease, initiating PD was associated with a slower rate of RKF decline compared to the rate in the predialysis period.
MULTI-CRITERIA DECISION MAKING IN CIVIL ENGINEERING. PART II – APPLICATIONS
Authors: Zavadskas Edmundas Kazimieras , Antuchevičienė Jurgita , Kaplinski Oleg
Published: April 2016

The first part of the paper shortly presented developments of multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) methods and general data about their use in civil engineering, i.e. distribution by years, countries, authors and journals (Zavadskas et al. 2015). The current part of the paper focuses on MCDM application areas and domains. Web of Science Category “Engineering Civil” in Thomson Reuters Web of Science Core Collection academic data base is searched for a topic of MCDM. Only articles and review document types are selected for a detailed survey. They are grouped by Research Areas as presented in Web of Science data base. The most numerous research areas as Construction Building Technology, Transportation, Water Resources and Engineering (other topics) are analysed in detail. Research domains and solved problems are described as well as applied MCDM methods are highlighted. A total of 114 articles are reviewed, showing a wide possibilities of applying MCDM methods for civil engineering problems.
THE IMPACT OF RUBBER CRUMB ON THE MECHANICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF CONCRETE
Authors: Akinyele Joseph Olawale , Salim Ramadhan Wanjala , Kupolati Williams Kehinde
Published: April 2016

Various works have been carried out on both the physical and mechanical properties of rubberized concrete in previous research. But the chemical composition of rubberized concrete has not been fully investigated. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive x-ray spectrum (EDX) analysis were used to determine the element composition and the peak intensity of chemical elements in the waste rubber concrete. The SEM and EDX analysis results showed that, ferrous iron, oxygen, calcium, and silicon were the dominant elements, and these elements reduced as more waste rubber were added to the concrete. Carbon and sulphur elements increased as rubber crumbs were added to the rubberized concrete. The work concluded that the presence of rubber crumb in the concrete samples contributed to both mechanical and chemical changes in the property of rubberized concrete.
COMPOSITIONAL SIMILARITIES AND DISTINCTIONS BETWEEN TITAN’S EVAPORITIC TERRAINS
Authors: MacKenzie S. M. , Barnes Jason W.
Published: April 2016

We document the similarities in composition between the equatorial basins Tui Regio, Hotei Regio, and other 5-μm-bright materials, notably the north polar evaporites, by investigating the presence and extent of an absorption feature at 4.92 μm. In most observations, Woytchugga Lacuna, Ontario Lacus, MacKay Lacus, deposits near Fensal, some of the lakes and dry lake beds south of Ligeia, and the southern shores of Kraken Mare share the absorption feature at 4.92 μm observed in the spectra of Tui and Hotei. Besides Woytchugga and at Fensal, these 5-μm-bright deposits are geomorphologically substantiated evaporites. Thus, the similarity in composition strengthens the hypothesis that Tui and Hotei once contained liquid. Other evaporite deposits, however, do not show the 4.92 μm absorption, notably Muggel Lacus and the shores of Ligeia Mare at the north pole. This difference in composition suggests that there is more than one kind of soluble material in Titan’s lakes that can create evaporite and/or that the surface properties at the Visual and Infrared Mapping Spectrometer wavelength scale are not uniform between the different deposits (crystal size, abundance, etc.). Our results indicate that the surface structure, composition, and formation history of Titan’s evaporites may be at least as dynamic and complex as their Earth counterparts.
ON THE MASS AND ORIGIN OF CHARIKLO’S RINGS
Authors: Pan Margaret , Wu Yanqin
Published: April 2016

Observations in 2013 and 2014 of the Centaur 10199 Chariklo and its ring system consistently indicated that the radial width of the inner, more massive ring varies with longitude. That strongly suggests that this ring has a finite eccentricity despite the fast differential precession that Chariklo’s large quadrupole moment should induce. If the inferred apse alignment is maintained by the ring’s self-gravity, as it is for the Uranian rings, we estimate a ring mass of a few times 1016 g and a typical particle size of a few meters. These values imply a collisional spreading time of ∼105 years, which is somewhat shorter than the typical Centaur dynamical lifetime of a few million years and much shorter than the age of the solar system. In light of this time constraint, we evaluate previously suggested ring formation pathways including collisional ejection and satellite disruption. We also investigate in detail a contrasting formation mechanism, the lofting of dust particles off Chariklo’s surface into orbit via outflows of sublimating CO and/or N2 triggered after Chariklo was scattered inward by giant planets. This alternate scenario predicts that rings should be common among 100 km class Centaurs but rare among Kuiper Belt objects and smaller Centaurs. It also predicts that Centaurs should show seasonal variations in cometary activity with activity maxima occurring shortly after equinox.