bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Widespread implementation of EUCAST breakpoints for antibacterial susceptibility testing in Europe
Authors: Brown D , Cantón R , Dubreuil L , Gatermann S , Giske C , MacGowan A , Martínez-Martínez L , Mouton J , Skov R , Steinbakk M , Walton C , Heuer O , Struelens M J , Diaz Högberg L , Kahlmeter G
Published: January 2015

The European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) was established to harmonise clinical antimicrobial breakpoints and to define breakpoints for new agents in Europe. Data from the European Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Network (EARS-Net) external quality assessment (EQA) exercises from 2009 to 2012, from the United Kingdom External Quality Assessment Scheme (UK NEQAS) from November 2009 to March 2013 and data collected by EUCAST through a questionnaire in the first quarter of 2013 were analysed to investigate implementation of EUCAST guidelines in Europe. A rapid change to use of EUCAST breakpoints was observed over time. Figures for implementation of EUCAST breakpoints at the end of the studied period were 61.2% from EARS-Net data and 73.2% from UK NEQAS data. Responses to the EUCAST questionnaire indicated that EUCAST breakpoints were used by?over?50% of laboratories in 18 countries, by 10 to 50% of laboratories in eight countries and by?less than?10% in seven countries. The EUCAST disk diffusion method was used by more than 50% of laboratories in 12 countries, by 10 to 50% of laboratories in ten countries and by?less than?10% in eleven countries. EUCAST guidelines implementation is essential to ensure consistent clinical reporting of antimicrobial susceptibility results and antimicrobial resistance surveillance.
2012/13 influenza vaccine effectiveness against hospitalised influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, A(H3N2) and B: estimates from a European network of hospitals
Authors: Rondy M , Launay O , Puig-Barberà J , Gefenaite G , Castilla J , de Gaetano Donati K , Galtier F , Hak E , Guevara M , Costanzo S , European hospital IVE network Collective , Moren A
Published: January 2015

Binary file ES_Abstracts_Final_ECDC.txt matches
Morphology, Anatomy and Palynology of endemic Cyclamen mirabile hildebr. (Primulaceae) in South-West Turkey
Authors: Dusen Olcay Dinc , Gurcan Betul , Mammadov Ramazan
Published: January 2015

Morphological, anatomical and palynological properties of Cyclamen mirabile Hildebr. endemic to Anatolia, Turkey have been determined. Typifications, synonym lists, descriptions, ecology and phytogeography are provided for the species and its relationships to similiar species are discussed. The anatomical study from different plant parts of C. mirabile have been made for the first time. Its pollen morphologies were also defined. Morphological findings obtained in the present investigation were generally consistent with those given in the Flora of Turkey with some exceptions in numerical data. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjb.v43i3.21589 Bangladesh J. Bot. 43(3): 243-247, 2014 (December)
Jute (Corchorus olitorius var. O-72) stem lignin: variation in content with age
Authors: Tanmoy AM , Alum MA , Islam MS , Farzana T , Khan H
Published: January 2015

Stem lignin content of a mature jute plant was found to be around 29% giving a deposition rate of 0.21% per day. The study was made on individual plants of different ages starting from five weeks when they were big enough to produce sufficient dry mass for lignin estimation to 16 weeks of age when a jute plant is ready for retting. An intense rate of increase (1.15%) was found during the 7th week of growth, probably due to a rise in temperature. Present data and the average rate of increase of lignin production can be considered as a reference value for projects working on producing low-lignin - jute varieties. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjb.v43i3.21603 Bangladesh J. Bot. 43(3): 309-314, 2014 (December)
Assessment of the genetic components and trait associations in diverse set of fieldpea (Pisum sativum L.) genotypes
Authors: Parihar AK , Dixit GP , Pathak V , Singh D
Published: January 2015

One hundred and 40 genotypes of fieldpea were used to assess the genetic divergence for various agronomic traits. The study revealed that all the accessions were significantly different for the traits and a wide range of variability exists for most of the traits. Correlation studies exhibited that seed yield had positive significant correlation with most of the traits. Cluster analysis classified 140 genotypes into 12 distinct groups. A large number of genotypes (30) were placed in cluster IV followed by cluster III with 24 genotypes. The maximum inter-cluster distance was observed between clusters III and IV indicating the possibility of high heterotic effect if the individuals from these clusters are cross-bred. Principal component analysis yielded 12 Eigen vectors and PCA analysis revealed significant variations among traits with seven major principal components explaining about 90% of variations. The estimates of Eigen value associated with the principal components and their respective relative and accumulated variances explained 50.16% of total variation in the first two components. The characters with highest weight in component first were biological yield, pods/plant, yield/plant and branches/plant which explained 34.22% of the total variance. The results of principal component analysis were closely in line with those of the cluster analysis. The grouping of genotypes and hybridization among genetically diverse genotypes of different cluster would be helpful in broadening the genetic base of fieldpea and producing desirable recombinants for developing new fieldpea varieties. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjb.v43i3.21605 Bangladesh J. Bot. 43(3): 323-330, 2014 (December)
Antioxidant and acetylcholinesterase activities of three species of the family Lamiaceae
Authors: Sadashiva CT , Naidoo Y , Naidoo JR , Kalicharan B , Naidoo G
Published: January 2015

Antioxidant and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity of the three species namely, Endostemon obtusifolius (E. Mey. ex benth.) N. E. Br, Plectranthus zuluensis (T. Cooke) and Tetradenia riparia (Hochst.) Codd. were evaluated. Maximum antioxidant activity was exhibited by E. obtusifolius (IC50 130 ?g/ml) followed by T. riparia (IC50 142 ?g/ml) and P. zuluensis (IC50 169 ?g/ml). Acetylcholinesterase inhibition (AChEI) was highest in P. zuluensis (IC50 290 ?g/ml) followed by E. obtusifolius (IC50 470 ?g/ml) and T. riparia (IC50 750?g/ml). The results suggest that these three species possess natural antioxidants and acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, which may be beneficial for the treatment of Alzheimers disease, that require high concentration of these compounds. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjb.v43i3.21606 Bangladesh J. Bot. 43(3): 331-335, 2014 (December)
Agro-morphological diversity in wild rice accessions of Eastern Indo-Gangetic region of India
Authors: Chouhan SK , Singh AK , Singh Aparajita , Singh SP , Singh NK , Singh PK
Published: January 2015

Thirty five wild rice germplasm accessions collected from natural habitat of Eastern Indo-Gangetic region of India were evaluated to estimate their extent of genetic variability, agro-morphological divergence and relationship among themselves for 14 traits. The accessions showed significant genotypic coefficient of variation for all traits analyzed. The accessions were clustered into six groups, the cluster III contained the highest 12 accessions, and clusters I and IV comprised 11 and 7 accessions, respectively; while cluster II and VI have two accessions each, and clusters V was monogenotypic. The maximum intra-cluster distance was observed in cluster VI followed by clusters IV and II while in inter-cluster distance was observed between clusters V and VI followed by clusters II and V indicates wider genetic diversity between germplasm accessions. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean was found in the traits filled grains per panicle, total number of grains per panicle and grain yield per plant. The result suggested that these accessions are valuable resource and can be utilized for yield and yield traits besides disease and pest. Therefore, these accessions should be conserved to utilize in transgressive segregation breeding programme of cultivated indica rice. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjb.v43i3.21607 Bangladesh J. Bot. 43(3): 337-344, 2014 (December)
Uromyces euphorbiae on Euphorbia hirta L. from Guerreroand Michoacan (Mexico): first report
Authors: Marrufo Gerardo Vázquez , Garcidueñas MA Soledad Vázquez , Mukhtar Irum
Published: January 2015

During August and November, 2013, leaves of Euphorbia hirta L. were found with a rust disease in Taxco and Morelia cities in Guerrero and Michoacán states, respectively. The pustules of rust were orange - yellow to dark brown in color and were observed on lower and upper side of leaves. Necrotic red-purple or dark brown spots were also observed upper surface of leaves with pustules on the lower surface. On the basis of morphological characteristics, the rust species was identified as Uromyces euphorbiae. This is the new record of U. euphorbiae on E. hirta in Guerrero and Michoacán states in Mexico. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjb.v43i3.21619 Bangladesh J. Bot. 43(3): 375-376, 2014 (December)
Sacral arachnoid cyst presenting as chronic low back pain
Authors: Agrawal Amit , Santhi Vissa , Rao G Malleswara
Published: January 2015

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v14i1.16191 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.14(1) 2015 p.106-108
Networked Control System Time-Delay Compensation Based on Time-Delay Prediction and Improved Implicit GPC
Authors: Tian Zhong-Da , Li Shu-Jiang , Wang Yan-Hong , Yu Hong-Xia
Published: January 2015

The random time delay in a networked control system can usually deteriorate the control performance and stability of the networked control system. In order to solve this problem, this paper puts forward a networked control system random time-delay compensation method based on time-delay prediction and improved implicit generalized predictive control (GPC). The least squares support vector machine is used to predict the future time delay of network. The parameters of the least squares support vector machine time-delay prediction model are difficult to determine, and the genetic algorithm is used for least squares support vector machine optimal prediction parameter optimization. Then, an improved implicit generalized predictive control method is adopted to compensate for the time delay. The simulation results show that the method in this paper has high prediction accuracy and a good compensation effect for the random time delay of the networked control system, has a small amount of on-line calculation and that the output response and control stability of the system are improved.
On an Objective Basis for the Maximum Entropy Principle
Authors: Miller David , Soleimani Hossein
Published: January 2015

In this letter, we elaborate on some of the issues raised by a recent paper by Neapolitan and Jiang concerning the maximum entropy (ME) principle and alternative principles for estimating probabilities consistent with known, measured constraint information. We argue that the ME solution for the “problematic” example introduced by Neapolitan and Jiang has stronger objective basis, rooted in results from information theory, than their alternative proposed solution. We also raise some technical concerns about the Bayesian analysis in their work, which was used to independently support their alternative to the ME solution. The letter concludes by noting some open problems involving maximum entropy statistical inference.
A Recipe for the Estimation of Information Flow in a Dynamical System
Authors: Gencaga Deniz , Knuth Kevin , Rossow William
Published: January 2015

Information-theoretic quantities, such as entropy and mutual information (MI), can be used to quantify the amount of information needed to describe a dataset or the information shared between two datasets. In the case of a dynamical system, the behavior of the relevant variables can be tightly coupled, such that information about one variable at a given instance in time may provide information about other variables at later instances in time. This is often viewed as a flow of information, and tracking such a flow can reveal relationships among the system variables. Since the MI is a symmetric quantity; an asymmetric quantity, called Transfer Entropy (TE), has been proposed to estimate the directionality of the coupling. However, accurate estimation of entropy-based measures is notoriously difficult. Every method has its own free tuning parameter(s) and there is no consensus on an optimal way of estimating the TE from a dataset. We propose a new methodology to estimate TE and apply a set of methods together as an accuracy cross-check to provide a reliable mathematical tool for any given data set. We demonstrate both the variability in TE estimation across techniques as well as the benefits of the proposed methodology to reliably estimate the directionality of coupling among variables.
Variation and Genetic Structure in Platanus mexicana (Platanaceae) along Riparian Altitudinal Gradient
Authors: Galván-Hernández Dulce , Lozada-García J. , Flores-Estévez Norma , Galindo-González Jorge , Vázquez-Torres S.
Published: January 2015

Platanus mexicana is a dominant arboreal species of riparian ecosystems. These ecosystems are associated with altitudinal gradients that can generate genetic differences in the species, especially in the extremes of the distribution. However, studies on the altitudinal effect on genetic variation to riparian species are scarce. In Mexico, the population of P. mexicana along the Colipa River (Veracruz State) grows below its reported minimum altitude range, possibly the lowest where this tree grows. This suggests that altitude might be an important factor in population genetics differentiation. We examined the genetic variation and population structuring at four sites with different altitudes (70, 200, 600 and 1700 m a.s.l.) using ten inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR) markers. The highest value for Shannon index and Nei’s gene diversity was obtained at 1700 m a.s.l. (He = 0.27, Ne = 1.47, I = 0.42) and polymorphism reached the top value at the middle altitude (% p = 88.57). Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) and STRUCTURE analysis indicated intrapopulation genetic differentiation. The arithmetic average (UPGMA) dendrogram identified 70 m a.s.l. as the most genetically distant site. The genetic structuring resulted from limited gene flow and genetic drift. This is the first report of genetic variation in populations of P. mexicana in Mexico. This research highlights its importance as a dominant species, and its ecological and evolutionary implications in altitudinal gradients of riparian ecosystems.
Running Exercise Alleviates Pain and Promotes Cell Proliferation in a Rat Model of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
Authors: Luan Shuo , Wan Qing , Luo Haijie , Li Xiao , Ke Songjian , Lin Caina , Wu Yuanyuan , Wu Shaoling , Ma Chao
Published: January 2015

Chronic low back pain accompanied by intervertebral disk degeneration is a common musculoskeletal disorder. Physical exercise, which is clinically recommended by international guidelines, has proven to be effective for degenerative disc disease (DDD) patients. However, the mechanism underlying the analgesic effects of physical exercise on DDD remains largely unclear. The results of the present study showed that mechanical withdrawal thresholds of bilateral hindpaw were significantly decreased beginning on day three after intradiscal complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) injection and daily running exercise remarkably reduced allodynia in the CFA exercise group beginning at day 28 compared to the spontaneous recovery group (controls). The hindpaw withdrawal thresholds of the exercise group returned nearly to baseline at the end of experiment, but severe pain persisted in the control group. Histological examinations performed on day 70 revealed that running exercise restored the degenerative discs and increased the cell densities of the annulus fibrosus (AF) and nucleus pulposus (NP). Furthermore, immunofluorescence labeling revealed significantly higher numbers of 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU)-positive cells in the exercise group on days 28, 42, 56 and 70, which indicated more rapid proliferation compared to the control at the corresponding time points. Taken together, these results suggest that running exercise might alleviate the mechanical allodynia induced by intradiscal CFA injection via disc repair and cell proliferation, which provides new evidence for future clinical use.
State Prices and Implementation of the Recovery Theorem
Authors: Backwell Alex
Published: January 2015

It is generally held that derivative prices do not contain useful predictive information, that is, information relating to the distribution of future financial variables under the real-world measure. This is because the market’s implicit forecast of the future becomes entangled with market risk preferences during derivative price formation. A result derived by Ross [1], however, recovers the real-world distribution of an equity index, requiring only current prices and mild restrictions on risk preferences. In addition to being of great interest to the theorist, the potential practical value of the result is considerable. This paper addresses implementation of the Ross Recovery Theorem. The theorem is formalised, extended, proved and discussed. Obstacles to application are identified and a workable implementation methodology is developed.
Photovoltaic and Impedance Spectroscopy Study of Screen-Printed TiO2 Based CdS Quantum Dot Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Atif M. , Farooq W. , Fatehmulla Amanullah , Aslam M. , Ali Syed
Published: January 2015

Cadmium sulphide (CdS) quantum dot sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs) based on screen-printed TiO2 were assembled using a screen-printing technique. The CdS quantum dots (QDs) were grown by using the Successive Ionic Layer Adsorption and Reaction (SILAR) method. The optical properties were studied by UV-Vis absorbance spectroscopy. Photovoltaic characteristics and impedance spectroscopic measurements of CdS QDSSCs were carried out under air mass 1.5 illuminations. The experimental results of capacitance against voltage indicate a trend from positive to negative capacitance because of the injection of electrons from the Fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) electrode into TiO2.
Design, Synthesis and Evaluation of New Marine Alkaloid-Derived Pentacyclic Structures with Anti-Tumoral Potency
Authors: Boucle Sebastien , Melin Celine , Clastre Marc , Guillard Jerome
Published: January 2015

This work describes the synthesis and biological evaluation of a new heterocyclic hybrid derived from the ellipticine and the marine alkaloid makaluvamine A. Pyridoquinoxalinedione 12 was obtained in seven steps with 6.5% overall yield. 12 and its intermediates 1–11 were evaluated for their in vitro cytotoxic activity against different cancer cell lines and tested for their inhibitory activity against the human DNA topoisomerase II. The analysis by electrophoresis shows that the pentacycle 12 inhibits the topoisomerase II like doxorubicine at 100 µM. Compound 9 was found to have an interesting profile, having a cytotoxicity of 15, 15, 15 and 10 μM against Caco-2, HCT-116, Pc-3 and NCI cell lines respectively, without any noticeable toxicity against human fibroblast.
Inhibition of Urinary Macromolecule Heparin on Aggregation of Nano-COM and Nano-COD Crystals
Authors: Ou Yan , Xue Jun-Fa , Tan Cai-Yan , Gui Bao-Song , Sun Xin-Yuan , Ouyang Jian-Ming
Published: January 2015

Purpose: This research aims to study the influences of heparin (HP) on the aggregation of nano calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) and nano calcium oxalate dihydrate (COD) with mean diameter of about 50 nm. Method: The influences of different concentrations of HP on the mean diameter and Zeta potential of nano COM and nano COD were investigated using a nanoparticle size Zeta potential analyzer. Results: HP could be adsorbed on the surface of nano COM and nano COD crystals, leading to an increase in the absolute value of Zeta potential on the crystals and an increase in the electrostatic repulsion force between crystals. Consequently, the aggregation of the crystals is reduced and the stability of the system is improved. The strong adsorption ability of HP was closely related to the -OSO3− and -COO− groups contained in the HP molecules. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed the coordination of HP with Ca2+ ions of COM and COD crystals. Conclusion: HP could inhibit the aggregation of nano COM and nano COD crystals and increase their stability in aqueous solution, which is conducive in inhibiting the formation of calcium oxalate stones.
Paradox-Proof Utility Functions for Heavy-Tailed Payoffs: Two Instructive Two-Envelope Problems
Authors: Powers Michael
Published: January 2015

We identify restrictions on a decision maker’s utility function that are both necessary and sufficient to preserve dominance reasoning in each of two versions of the Two-Envelope Paradox (TEP). For the classical TEP, the utility function must satisfy a certain recurrence inequality. For the St. Petersburg TEP, the utility function must be bounded above asymptotically by a power function, which can be tightened to a constant. By determining the weakest conditions for dominance reasoning to hold, the article settles an open question in the research literature. Remarkably, neither constant-bounded utility nor finite expected utility is necessary for resolving the classical TEP; instead, finite expected utility is both necessary and sufficient for resolving the St. Petersburg TEP.
Safety Margins for Systematic Biometric and Financial Risk in a Semi-Markov Life Insurance Framework
Authors: Niemeyer Andreas
Published: January 2015

Insurance companies use conservative first order valuation bases to calculate insurance premiums and reserves. These valuation bases have a significant impact on the insurer’s solvency and on the premiums of the insurance products. Safety margins for systematic biometric and financial risk are in practice typically chosen as time-constant percentages on top of the best estimate transition intensities. We develop a risk-oriented method for the allocation of a total safety margin to the single safety margins at each point in time and each state. In a case study, we demonstrate the suitability of the proposed method in different frameworks. The results show that the traditional method yields an unwanted variability of the safety level with respect to time, whereas the variability can be significantly reduced by the new method. Furthermore, the case study supports the German 60 percent rule for the technical interest rate.
Mapping Deciduous Rubber Plantation Areas and Stand Ages with PALSAR and Landsat Images
Authors: Kou Weili , Xiao Xiangming , Dong Jinwei , Gan Shu , Zhai Deli , Zhang Geli , Qin Yuanwei , Li Li
Published: January 2015

Accurate and updated finer resolution maps of rubber plantations and stand ages are needed to understand and assess the impacts of rubber plantations on regional ecosystem processes. This study presented a simple method for mapping rubber plantation areas and their stand ages by integration of PALSAR 50-m mosaic images and multi-temporal Landsat TM/ETM+ images. The L-band PALSAR 50-m mosaic images were used to map forests (including both natural forests and rubber trees) and non-forests. For those PALSAR-based forest pixels, we analyzed the multi-temporal Landsat TM/ETM+ images from 2000 to 2009. We first studied phenological signatures of deciduous rubber plantations (defoliation and foliation) and natural forests through analysis of surface reflectance, Normal Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI), and Land Surface Water Index (LSWI) and generated a map of rubber plantations in 2009. We then analyzed phenological signatures of rubber plantations with different stand ages and generated a map, in 2009, of rubber plantation stand ages (≤5, 6–10, >10 years-old) based on multi-temporal Landsat images. The resultant maps clearly illustrated how rubber plantations have expanded into the mountains in the study area over the years. The results in this study demonstrate the potential of integrating microwave (e.g., PALSAR) and optical remote sensing in the characterization of rubber plantations and their expansion over time.
Assessing Handheld Mobile Laser Scanners for Forest Surveys
Authors: Ryding Joseph , Williams Emily , Smith Martin , Eichhorn Markus
Published: January 2015

A handheld mobile laser scanning (HMLS) approach to forest inventory surveying allows virtual reconstructions of forest stands and extraction of key structural parameters from beneath the canopy, significantly reducing survey time when compared against static laser scan and fieldwork methods. A proof of concept test application demonstrated the ability of this technique to successfully extract diameter at breast height (DBH) and stem position compared against a concurrent terrestrial laser scan (TLS) survey. When stems with DBH > 10 cm are examined, an HMLS to TLS modelling success rate of 91% was achieved with the root mean square error (RMSE) of the DBH and stem position being 1.5 cm and 2.1 cm respectively. The HMLS approach gave a survey coverage time per surveyor of 50 m2/min compared with 0.85 m2/min for the TLS instrument and 0.43 m2/min for the field study. This powerful tool has potential applications in forest surveying by providing much larger data sets at reduced operational costs to current survey methods. HMLS provides an efficient, cost effective, versatile forest surveying technique, which can be conducted as easily as walking through a plot, allowing much more detailed, spatially extensive survey data to be collected.
The Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS) on Landsat 8: Design Overview and Pre-Launch Characterization
Authors: Reuter Dennis , Richardson Cathleen , Pellerano Fernando , Irons James , Allen Richard , Anderson Martha , Jhabvala Murzy , Lunsford Allen , Montanaro Matthew , Smith Ramsey , Tesfaye Zelalem , Thome Kurtis
Published: January 2015

The Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS) on Landsat 8 is the latest thermal sensor in that series of missions. Unlike the previous single-channel sensors, TIRS uses two channels to cover the 10–12.5 micron band. It is also a pushbroom imager; a departure from the previous whiskbroom approach. Nevertheless, the instrument requirements are defined such that data continuity is maintained. This paper describes the design of the TIRS instrument, the results of pre-launch calibration measurements and shows an example of initial on-orbit science performance compared to Landsat 7.
Hyperspectral Imagery Super-Resolution by Compressive Sensing Inspired Dictionary Learning and Spatial-Spectral Regularization
Authors: Huang Wei , Xiao Liang , Liu Hongyi , Wei Zhihui
Published: January 2015

Due to the instrumental and imaging optics limitations, it is difficult to acquire high spatial resolution hyperspectral imagery (HSI). Super-resolution (SR) imagery aims at inferring high quality images of a given scene from degraded versions of the same scene. This paper proposes a novel hyperspectral imagery super-resolution (HSI-SR) method via dictionary learning and spatial-spectral regularization. The main contributions of this paper are twofold. First, inspired by the compressive sensing (CS) framework, for learning the high resolution dictionary, we encourage stronger sparsity on image patches and promote smaller coherence between the learned dictionary and sensing matrix. Thus, a sparsity and incoherence restricted dictionary learning method is proposed to achieve higher efficiency sparse representation. Second, a variational regularization model combing a spatial sparsity regularization term and a new local spectral similarity preserving term is proposed to integrate the spectral and spatial-contextual information of the HSI. Experimental results show that the proposed method can effectively recover spatial information and better preserve spectral information. The high spatial resolution HSI reconstructed by the proposed method outperforms reconstructed results by other well-known methods in terms of both objective measurements and visual evaluation.
Integrated Semantics Service Platform for the Internet of Things: A Case Study of a Smart Office
Authors: Ryu Minwoo , Kim Jaeho , Yun Jaeseok
Published: January 2015

The Internet of Things (IoT) allows machines and devices in the world to connect with each other and generate a huge amount of data, which has a great potential to provide useful knowledge across service domains. Combining the context of IoT with semantic technologies, we can build integrated semantic systems to support semantic interoperability. In this paper, we propose an integrated semantic service platform (ISSP) to support ontological models in various IoT-based service domains of a smart city. In particular, we address three main problems for providing integrated semantic services together with IoT systems: semantic discovery, dynamic semantic representation, and semantic data repository for IoT resources. To show the feasibility of the ISSP, we develop a prototype service for a smart office using the ISSP, which can provide a preset, personalized office environment by interpreting user text input via a smartphone. We also discuss a scenario to show how the ISSP-based method would help build a smart city, where services in each service domain can discover and exploit IoT resources that are wanted across domains. We expect that our method could eventually contribute to providing people in a smart city with more integrated, comprehensive services based on semantic interoperability.
An Activity Recognition Model Using Inertial Sensor Nodes in a Wireless Sensor Network for Frozen Shoulder Rehabilitation Exercises
Authors: Lin Hsueh-Chun , Chiang Shu-Yin , Lee Kai , Kan Yao-Chiang
Published: January 2015

This paper proposes a model for recognizing motions performed during rehabilitation exercises for frozen shoulder conditions. The model consists of wearable wireless sensor network (WSN) inertial sensor nodes, which were developed for this study, and enables the ubiquitous measurement of bodily motions. The model employs the back propagation neural network (BPNN) algorithm to compute motion data that are formed in the WSN packets; herein, six types of rehabilitation exercises were recognized. The packets sent by each node are converted into six components of acceleration and angular velocity according to three axes. Motor features such as basic acceleration, angular velocity, and derivative tilt angle were input into the training procedure of the BPNN algorithm. In measurements of thirteen volunteers, the accelerations and included angles of nodes were adopted from possible features to demonstrate the procedure. Five exercises involving simple swinging and stretching movements were recognized with an accuracy of 85%–95%; however, the accuracy with which exercises entailing spiral rotations were recognized approximately 60%. Thus, a characteristic space and enveloped spectrum improving derivative features were suggested to enable identifying customized parameters. Finally, a real-time monitoring interface was developed for practical implementation. The proposed model can be applied in ubiquitous healthcare self-management to recognize rehabilitation exercises.
Usutu Virus: An Emerging Flavivirus in Europe
Authors: Ashraf Usama , Ye Jing , Ruan Xindi , Wan Shengfeng , Zhu Bibo , Cao Shengbo
Published: January 2015

Usutu virus (USUV) is an African mosquito-borne flavivirus belonging to the Japanese encephalitis virus serocomplex. USUV is closely related to Murray Valley encephalitis virus, Japanese encephalitis virus, and West Nile virus. USUV was discovered in South Africa in 1959. In Europe, the first true demonstration of circulation of USUV was reported in Austria in 2001 with a significant die-off of Eurasian blackbirds. In the subsequent years, USUV expanded to neighboring countries, including Italy, Germany, Spain, Hungary, Switzerland, Poland, England, Czech Republic, Greece, and Belgium, where it caused unusual mortality in birds. In 2009, the first two human cases of USUV infection in Europe have been reported in Italy, causing meningoencephalitis in immunocompromised patients. This review describes USUV in terms of its life cycle, USUV surveillance from Africa to Europe, human cases, its cellular tropism and pathogenesis, its genetic relationship with other flaviviruses, genetic diversity among USUV strains, its diagnosis, and a discussion of the potential future threat to Asian countries.
The ARRIBA Concept: Adequate Resorption of Ribavirin
Authors: De Kanter Clara TMM , Koning Ludi , Berden Floor AC , Wasmuth Jan-Christian , Grintjes-Huisman Karin JT , Becker Brigitta , Colbers Angela PH , Roukens Monique MB , Rockstroh Jürgen K , Drenth Joost PH , De Knegt Robert J , Dofferhoff Anton SM , Burger David M
Published: January 2015

Background

Adequate ribavirin exposure is essential for optimal sustained virological response (SVR) rates in chronic HCV treatment. It has been proposed that the area under the concentration-time curve up to 4 h after intake of ribavirin (AUC0–4h) of the first weight-based ribavirin dose should be ≥1.755 mg•h/l to guarantee the highest chance of SVR. Our ARRIBA concept comprises a test dose of ribavirin to select the optimal starting dose to achieve adequate exposure. This study aims to evaluate whether adequate exposure can be achieved after dose advice based on the AUC0–4h of a single weight-based ribavirin test dose.

Methods

(Formerly) HCV-infected subjects received a single weight-based ribavirin test dose (<75 kg: 400 mg; ≥75 kg: 600 mg) and the AUC0–4h was calculated. If ribavirin AUC0–4h was ≥1.755 mg•h/l, subjects received the same dose 4 weeks later; if the AUC0–4h was <1.755 mg•h/l, an adjusted dose was administered. The ribavirin AUC0–4h was recorded again. The primary outcome was the proportion of subjects with an AUC0–4h ≥1.755 mg•h/l after the second dose.

Results

A total of 26 subjects were included. The geometric mean (95% CI) ribavirin AUC0–4h was 1.67 (1.44–1.92) mg•h/l with 9 subjects (35%) reaching the target AUC on day 1. Thus, on day 29, 17 subjects (65%) received an adjusted dose. The geometric mean (95% CI) AUC0–4h increased to 1.90 (1.62–2.21) mg•h/l and then 16 subjects (62%) had an AUC0–4h ≥1.755 mg•h/l, which is significantly higher than day 1 ( P<0.05).

Conclusions

Our ARRIBA concept of a ribavirin test dose, with dose adjustment if necessary, leads to an increased proportion of patients with an AUC≥1.755 mg•h/l compared to traditional weight-based ribavirin dosing.
Bat assemblages from three Atlantic Forest fragments in Rio de Janeiro state, Southeastern Brazil
Authors: Novaes Roberto Leonan , Rosa Daniel , Vrcibradic Davor , Avilla Leonardo
Published: January 2015

Bat species richness in Neotropical localities is generally higher than that of any other group of mammals, and surveys of local bat assemblages may provide useful data for conservation management plans. Although the bat fauna of the Rio de Janeiro state is currently one of the best known in Brazil, there are several localities not adequately surveyed yet, and most of them are in the mountainous regions and in the northern portion of the state. From January 2008 to November 2009, we conducted surveys of bats in three localities in the state of Rio de Janeiro (municipalities of Varre-Sai, Sumidouro, and Cantagalo), and our fieldwork constitutes the first assessment of the bat assemblages of these localities. Surveys were conducted using mist nets in four different habitat types in each locality (forest interior, forest edge, riparian forest, and open areas [pastures]). We captured a total of 148 individuals in 17 species, 14 genera and 3 families. Among them, 11 species were recorded in Sumidouro, seven in Cantagalo, and nine in Varre-Sai. Although species richness was low compared with previous surveys in other close localities, we recorded species that have been rarely sampled in Southeastern Brazil (e.g., Macrophyllum macrophyllum [Phyllostomidae]). The results reinforce the importance of sampling different habitats in short surveys to improve the number of species registered.
Development of the Continuous Curvilinear Lenticulerrhexis Technique for Small Incision Lenticule Extraction
Authors: Zhao Yu , Li Meiyan , Yao Peijun , Shah Rupal , Knorz Michael C. , Zhou Xingtao
Published: January 2015

PURPOSE:

To develop and evaluate the new continuous curvilinear lenticulerrhexis (CCL) technique for small incision lenticule extraction.

METHODS:

Thirty-one eyes of 20 patients with myopia were included in the study. The CCL technique for lenticule extraction was developed and used in 16 eyes of 10 patients (CCL group). The traditional technique of lenticule extraction was used in 15 eyes of 10 patients (traditional group). Uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity, manifest refraction, lenticule quality, the duration of the extraction procedure, microdistorsions in Bowman’s layer under optical coherence tomography (Optovue OCT; Optovue, Inc., Fremont, CA), and adverse events were evaluated at 1 day and 1 month postoperatively.

RESULTS:

At the first postoperative month, all eyes in both groups had an uncorrected distance visual acuity of 1.0 or better. The safety indices were 1.12 and 1.09 for the CCL and traditional groups, respectively. The efficacy indices were 1.06 and 1.09 for the CCL and traditional groups, respectively. All lenticules in the CCL group had intact, round margins, whereas one lenticule in the traditional group had a microdefect margin. There was no statistically significant difference in duration of lenticule extraction or microdistorsions in Bowman’s layer. No eyes in the CCL group developed diffuse lamellar keratitis, as compared to one eye in the traditional group.

CONCLUSIONS:

The CCL technique exhibited excellent safety and efficacy for myopia correction, suggesting CCL is a promising technique that merits further development and study.

[
J Refract Surg
. 2015;31(1):16–21.]
Inflammatory Pseudotumor of the Urinary Bladder
Authors: Rosado Elsa , Pereira José , Corbusier Florence , Demetter Pieter , Bali Maria Antonietta
Published: January 2015

We report a case of an inflammatory pseudotumor of the urinary bladder in a 31 year-old woman. She presented at the emergency room with low abdominal pain and urinary symptoms. Abdominal ultrasound, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were performed and revealed asymmetric thickening of the urinary bladder wall. Cystoscopy with urinary cytology revealed a benign nature of the process. The patient underwent partial cystectomy and the pathologic examination of the specimen revealed an inflammatory pseudotumor. We reviewed the clinical, imaging and pathological features of the inflammatory pseudotumor of the urinary bladder and discussed its differential diagnosis.
Photovoltaic greenhouses: evaluation of shading effect and its influence on agricultural performances
Authors: Castellano Sergio
Published: January 2015

During the last years, European government remuneration polices promoted the realisation of photovoltaic systems integrated with the structures instead of on ground photovoltaic (PV) plants. In this context, in rural areas, greenhouses covered with PV modules have been developed. In order to interdict the building of greenhouses with an amount of opaque panels on covering not coherent with the plant production, local laws assigned a threshold value, usually between 25% and 50%, of the projection on the soil of the roof. These ranges seem not to be based on scientific evaluation about the agricultural performances required to the building but only on empirical assessments. Purpose of this paper is to contribute to better understand the effect of different configurations of PV panels on the covering of a monospan duo-pitched roof greenhouse in terms of shading effect and energy efficiency during different periods of the year. At this aim, daylighting and insolation analysis were performed by means of the software Autodesk® Ecotect® Analysis (Autodesk, Inc., San Rafael, CA, USA) on greenhouse model with different covering ratio of polycrystalline photovoltaic panels on the roof.
Design and preliminary test of a fluidised bed photoreactor for ethylene oxidation on mesoporous mixed SiO2/TiO2 nanocomposites under UV-A illumination
Authors: De Chiara Maria Lucia V. , Amodio Maria Luisa , Scura Francesco , Spremulli Luigina , Colelli Giancarlo
Published: January 2015

Ethylene (C2H4) is a plant hormone that has numerous effects on many horticultural and ornamental crops. It accelerates senescence, stimulates chlorophyll loss, enhances excessive softening, promotes discoloration and browning during storage of fresh produce. Among the techniques used to remove or inhibit ethylene action during postharvest handling of fresh products (potassium-based system, high temperature catalytic oxidation, inhibition of ethylene receptors), the use of titanium oxide (TiO2)-based materials with photocatalytic activity under ultraviolet (UV) light is one of the most promising. A fluidised-bed photoreactor (FBP) was designed to decompose ethylene in the storage room atmosphere, and the relative prototype was manufactured. Since TiO2 powder alone is not suitable for use within a fluidised bed, preliminary tests to select the best support were performed. Alumina microspheres showed a good fluidisation behavior; its functionality was tested with different kind of support material and actual photocatalytic activity was tested using SiO2/TiO2-coated alumina microspheres. A reduction of approximately 72% of ethylene concentration in the tested 40 ppm ethylene gas mixture was observed after 4.5 h of 36W UV light exposure. FBP resulted to be suitable to avoid the detrimental presence of C2H4 in the atmosphere surrounding fresh products within cold storage rooms.
Towards a better understanding of the dynamics of Aphis spiraecola Patch (Homoptera: Aphididae) populations in commercial alpine yarrow fields
Authors: Gama Zulfaidah Penata , Morlacchi Pablo , Lozzia Giuseppe Carlo , Baumgärtner Johann , Giorgi Anna
Published: January 2015

The spatial distribution of Aphis spiraecola Patch was studied in two commercial yarrow fields located in the Swiss and Italian Alps and represented by Taylor’s (1961) power law. The respective parameters indicate a highly aggregated distribution and lead to a high optimum sample size of 400-500 plants in the design of a sampling program. Opportunities for reducing the sampling efforts are discussed. The infestation patterns were studied on the basis of Vansickle’s (1977) time varying distributed delay adequate for modelling the dynamics of age-structured populations. Published literature data were used to parametrize the functions representing the temperature-dependent duration and survival of the nymphal and adult stage. Likewise, literature data were available to obtain reliable estimates for the parameters of the fecundity function comprising the reproductive profile and the number of nymphs produced at different temperatures. The field data were used to parametrize the functions for wing formation and a compound mortality compromising the effects of plant senescence, stem cutting and natural enemies. The model satisfactorily represented the observed infestation patterns. However, there are opportunities for improving parameter estimation and validation. Moreover, the separation of the compound mortality into host plant and natural enemy effects would improve the mechanistic basis of the model and lead towards a tool that could be used to study bottom-up and top-down effects in the yarrow-aphid-natural enemy system.
Some structural details of the hind wings detected in staphylinids of 7 subfamilies (Coleoptera)
Authors: De Marzo Luigi
Published: January 2015

Study of 41 species provided information as follows: (a) a setigerous lobe is located at the costal margin in every species in the subf. Staphylininae; (b) a setal comb occupies the same margin in Xantholinini and O maliinae; (c) one or more spinulae do line the anal fi eld of all O maliinae and most O xytelinae, Tachyporinae and A leocharinae; (d) number of these spinulae in A leocharinae ranges from 1 up to about 100 and is null in two species. Hypothetically, a functional importance may be attributed to both the setigerous lobe, which suggests a mechanical receptor for wing folding control, and to the f﻿﻿labellum-like anal fi eld of the Aleochara, which looks as a device affecting the flying trim.
Temperature-dependent development and survivorship of Idaea inquinata (Scopoli) (Lepidoptera Geometridae) eggs at two humidity levels
Authors: Limonta Lidia , Sulo Juljus , Locatelli Daria Patrizia
Published: January 2015

Idaea inquinata (Scopoli) mainly feeds on dried plants, nevertheless, it is also a potential pest of stored product as it is able to develop on cereal products. The few references on the biology of this species do not deal with the influence of temperature and relative humidity on egg hatching. To fi ll this gap, groups of 100 eggs, 24-48 hours old, were exposed to constant temperatures (13, 15, 36, and 38±1 °C), two relative humidities (35, 70±5%) and a photoperiod of 0:24 (Light:Dark); eight tests were carried out. E ach test was replicated four times. The lowest proportion of hatched eggs was observed at 15 °C (9.5) and 36 °C (8.7) with 35±5% R .H. while at 13 and 38 °C eggs did not hatch. A non-linear function is used to represent the developmental rates and survivorship of eggs at 35 and 70% R .H. between lower and upper thresholds temperature.
Paraleyrodes minei Iaccarino 1990 (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae), new specie for Italy, on Citrus aurantium L., 1758
Authors: Iaccarino Fabio M. , Jesu Riccardo , Giacometti Rosa
Published: January 2015

The nesting whitefly Paraleyrodes minei Iaccarino 1990 (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) was found on leaves of sour orange tree Citrus aurantium L., 1758, in the Gussone Park of the Faculty of Agriculture, of the U niversity of N aples “Federico II”, at Portici, Italy.
Integrated Pest Management as European standard – is it possible?
Authors: Nilsen Lisa
Published: January 2015

As part of the work within the European Committee for Standardization (CEN), standards for conservation of cultural property are being developed in CEN/TC (Technical Committee) 346, Conservation of Cultural Property. In Working Group 4 Environment, a draft is being prepared to create a proposal for standardised Integrated Pest Management. The author of this paper welcomes delegates to the Meeting on Cultural Heritage Pests in Piacenza to contribute to the discussion regarding standardised methods for pest control in the cultural heritage sector.
Monitoring techniques: “StegoGIS: a geographical information system for knowing and preventing infestation risks in cultural heritage”
Authors: Baslé Katia , Guillon Odile , Fohrer Fabien , Daniel Floréal
Published: January 2015

Since 2004, the Cicrp: “Centre Interrégional de Conservation et Restauration du Patrimoine”, located in Marseilles has been involved in an interdisciplinary research program dealing with infestation and re-infestation, on lining pastes used in painting conservation, by the Stegobium paniceum through a GIS system : a geographical information system called “StegoGIS”. The GIS helps understand the insects ethology in its environmental context, mainly in flour and semolina millings in order to determine analysis criteria to prevent, mitigate and fight infestation in the cultural property environment. Our approach is based on three main lines: 1- A transverse approach of infestation in any type of cultural heritage institution: archives, libraries, museums, historic buildings where organic material collections and environment are attractive on an “insect point of view”. 2 –An IPM strategy (Integrated Pest Management) including conservation and management of collections and buildings also based on an infestation survey with actual or potential risks. 3- A “decision- making tool” in diagnosis, preventing methods and treatments for professional conservation staff.