bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Group Hero
Authors: Hall Claudia
Published: January 2016

The Group Hero is an emerging archetype of the Hero story that differs from lone hero stories in five specific ways. These are: 1) Heroism is about participation in the larger cause, 2) Heroism is team based, 3) Each team member is different and everyone's contributions are important, 4) The cause takes precedence over personality conflicts, and 5) Leadership is dynamic and team based. Using mass media examples of movies, comic books, and MMO games, this chapter explores each of these themes and how they differ from the presentation of heroism in more traditional lone hero stories. The Group Hero archetype template is then applied to the problem of school bullying, and the chapter ends by challenging digital storytellers of all kinds to apply the Group Hero archetype in new and creative ways to effect positive social changes.
The Assessment of Reaction to Fire of Crushed Straw
Authors: Teslík Jiří , Vodičková Martina , Kutilová Kristýna
Published: January 2016

To full utilization of crushed straw in civil engineering industry is necessary to know its technical parameters. During previous projects on VŠB – TUO, Faculty of Civil Engineering have found parameters like settlement, thermal conductivity or airborne sound insulation. The research on these parameters have had favorable results, therefore the research is going on and other characteristics of crushed straw are finding out. These days the research team deals with determination of important fire characteristics of crushed straw. Fire characteristics play substantial character by building materials and their design in buildings. Nature materials are generally regarded as flammable. If some material is pressed, the same rule as in the phonebook – if you ignite one sheet of paper, it burns. But if you try to ignite the whole phonebook, it will be not so easy. This article is reported the first step of research on the reaction to fire. This is the preliminary classification of crushed straw into reaction to fire. The test was made according to methods which are described below. There are some changes in methods due to different structures of crushed straw.
Analysis of the Relationship of the System “Operationally Efficient Building – Indoor Environment Quality – User”
Authors: Pasek Jan , Matouskova Ingrid , Ort Petr , Chlubna Vojtech , Paskova Katerina , Cupal Martin , Kolarova Lenka , Tvrznikova Diana , Horak Jiri
Published: January 2016

The research focused on the analysis of the interaction of the individual components of the system operationally efficient building – indoor environment quality – user has been conducted since 2014 in the Czech Republic by a team of College of Banking (BIVŠ) employees. The purpose of the research is the evaluation of advantages and disadvantages of operationally efficient buildings by their owners, users or facility managers. One of the most monitored research parameters is the rating of indoor environment quality and its influence in physical and psychological fitness and work performance of the building users. Next, there are also other relationships which are examined – as the importance of the indoor environment quality with regards to other building's parameters, its influence of the estate market value and the users' willingness to participate on the creation and keeping of indoor environment quality. The interpretation of gathered data proved a significant difference of the individual users' demands in relation to their individual preferences. This fact is necessary to respect while design and managing the operationally efficient buildings.
Latex Paint Influence on the Oriented Strand Boards and the Indoor Climate
Authors: Bečkovská Tereza , Vacková Lucie , Tichomirov Vladimír
Published: January 2016

Oriented strand boards are used to be designed as a water vapor retarder in timber structures. This article presents assessment of latex layer influence on oriented strands boards characteristics. Constructions with latex paint for increasing vapor resistance and constructions with a vapor-proof layer were also compared of indoor air parameters change. The values of hygrothermal properties were monitored in various levels of constructions. Full-scale experiments proved the difference of the humidity phenomena for latex painted boards.
Movement of CO2 Concentration in the Room
Authors: Vodičková Martina , Jaroň Zdeněk , Šípková Veronika
Published: January 2016

CO2 concentration in rooms, where we spend most of our lives, has become a problem that is solved by ventilation. In buildings, where is the ventilation additionally implemented, has become a problem with distribution systems. Between professionals is solved system so called “Cascade ventilation”, where is enough to incriminated room was at the junction of the inlet and exhaust air. If this assumption will be confirmed, it will facilitate the management of air distribution systems, especially in the case of renovations. Therefore would be no implementation of ceilings, which constitute a considerable part of the budget. Cascade system is based on the principle of Dalton's Law of partial pressures. For test of this theory has been used room, where is located 8 CO2 sensors. Here was monitored the movement of CO2 concentration from resources (human) and its distribution through the room in horizontal and vertical direction. The experiment was also simplified simulated in a computer program ANSYS Fluent and simulation results are compared with measured values.
Influence of Orientation of Building on Indoor Conditions in a Roof Truss
Authors: Sibilla Luboš , Vlček Milan , Struhala Karel , Kříž Pavel
Published: January 2016

Protection of historical roof trusses is an important part of efforts to protect our cultural heritage. These timber structures carry a lot of information about used tools, technologies or construction processes. Roof trusses are generally threatened by many dangers, which could cause irreparable damage and loss of the carried information. Wood destroying insects and fungi are the gravest threat to historical roof trusses in our climatic conditions. Their spreading depends on several specific (interior) conditions. These include critical moisture content in the wood, relative humidity, amount of natural light and ventilation. In addition to these commonly monitored parameters (and their critical levels) we also must not forget the influence of local geography, biotope or orientation to the cardinal. This paper describes temporal fluctuations of some of the mentioned physical parameters in a historical roof truss with regard to external climatic conditions and orientation to the cardinal.
Applicability Analysis of Selected Methods of Determining the Moisture Content of Highly Porous Thermal Insulations
Authors: Kalousek Lubor , Brzoň Roman , Fišarová Zuzana
Published: January 2016

Spray foam thermal insulations are one of new materials, which are now considerably applied in building practice and which are therefore also the aim of current research. In building practice is an effort to apply these materials to very rugged surfaces in both the external and the internal side of the structure. On the interior side, however, the application is connected with the risk of condensation, which is difficult to verify by the measurement. The contribution is focused just on the comparison of methods and measuring devices designed for immediate detection of moisture in the material of sprayed polyurethane foam. The samples of thermal insulation, which have undergone exposing of humidity in accordance with Czech Standards, were compared by the experimental assessment. The obtained results were compared and evaluated, while as expected, the moisture measuring of highly porous thermal insulation is significantly more difficult than the measuring of thermal insulations made of conventional homogeneous building materials.
Spreading of Temperature Field Caused by Microwave Radiation
Authors: Procházka Martin , Sobotka Jindřich
Published: January 2016

Building construction drying using high-frequency electromagnetic radiation (EMW), or microwave technology (MW), is gaining more usage in practise. It is the quickest way of eliminating water content in construction (wall, ceiling, etc.). Microwave is a term for a part of the electromagnetic radiation of 300 MHz to 300 GHz frequency with a wavelength from 1 mm to 1 m. The frequency of 2,45 GHz and 122 mm wavelength is used for technical practice. Due to the effect of MW radiation a different homogeneity of temperature field can be observed.This article discusses the spreading of the temperature field depending on the water volume and thereby the amount of mass moisture of the material (silica fume). Temperature fields will be shown by the thermo camera at certain time cycles of heating.
Modern Lightweight Structures
Authors: Vanik Zsuzsanna , Magura Martin
Published: January 2016

Aim of this paper is to show modern lightweight structures based on tensegrity systems. Principles of tensegrity structures and cable domes are shown. Last part of this paper is demonstrated how to join simple tensegrity prisms to tensegrity slabs. These structures are very interesting from architectonical point of view, they are made from fully recyclable material – steel and consumption of material is very low. Tensegrity structures have a great potential of the development of modern civil engineering.
Development of a Mathematical Model to Find the Best Solutions for the Refurbishment of Energy-Efficient Buildings
Authors: Leuck Roland
Published: January 2016

An investor has the difficult decision to decide the insulation thickness, before he starts a refurbishment measurement. Due to a long life expectancy of the construction components, this decision should take into account not the immediately effective investment costs, but also the longer lasting running cost. Therefore we are suggesting and discussing some parameters to develop a mathematical approach to find the economical best insulation thickness. We will discuss statical and dynamical economical methods and in the end we will also look which influence have some different thermal conductivities.
Obtainable Method of Measuring the Solar Radiant Flux Based on Silicone Photodiode Element
Authors: Čekon Miroslav , Slávik Richard , Juras Peter
Published: January 2016

Solar radiation exposure and its monitoring does have not only the importance for climate science and meteorology however is equally of highly relevant use for the field of Building Science as primarily those of analyzing thermal aspects in building physics. Here the measuring of solar irradiance by means of well-established solar instruments can be applied whose advances have been undergoing steep progress. Currently, a silicon photodiode element, as a truly obtainable form, may have a feasible exploitation in the field of building applications concerning the solar radiant flux quantifying. It represents a small optoelectronic element and has a several exploitable advantages. The paper presents a perspective alternative to monitor solar irradiance. Own measurement assembly is proposed and introduced. Initial in-situ measurements are performed and final comparability with existing commercial solar instruments is presented. An obtained correlation with existing types demonstrates its applicability to the field of building science and solar energy.
Usage of Raspberry Pi for Temperature and Relative Humidity Measurements and Comparison with HAM Simulation
Authors: Juras Peter , Slavik Richard
Published: January 2016

The temperature and relative humidity measurement in building physics needs special equipment which is often expensive and not available for young researchers. Several programmable platforms are available. This article describes the low-cost solution of temperature and relative humidity measurement using combined Digital Humidity/Temperature sensors and Raspberry Pi as the datalogger.
Five lightweight timber frame wall fragments with various thermal insulations and outdoor coating colors were exposed to the real outdoor boundary climate conditions. The indoor boundary conditions were secured as constant.
The results of measurement using low cost sensors were compared to values obtained by commercially available thermocouples for scientific use and non-steady HAM simulation in WUFI software.
Analysis of Thermal – Moisture Problems in Massive Wooden Sandwich Structures
Authors: Dohnal Jakub , Pěnčík Jan
Published: January 2016

This article focuses on hygrothermal problems in massive wooden sandwich structures. Wood in sandwich structures is already artificially dried before processing, and therefore does not further shrink, as it does in the case of log cabins. Analysed sandwich structure is composed from three layers, and is formed of wooden beam in interior side, thermal insulation and wooden beam in the exterior side. The composition of analysed structure is considered in different thickness with respect to the required heat transfer coefficient. Massive wooden beam on the exterior side causes troubles which exhibits in the reducing capacity of diffusion of water vapor. It is therefore possible that water vapor condenses on the interface of wood and the thermal insulation under certain boundary conditions. Therefore, it is appropriate to place massive wooden beam closest to the interior side. This solution would improve the balance of the diffusion permeability to water vapor permeating from the interior side to the exterior side.
The Effect of Moisture and Relative Humidity on Oriented Strand Boards Properties
Authors: Vacková Lucie , Bečkovský David
Published: January 2016

The article presents results of oriented strand boards moisture testing series. These boards are often used as important vapor retarders and as a part of load bearing structures for timber housing. Changes in the original values of structural physical properties were tested and monitored in laboratory. Performed experiments proved significant differences in physical properties of structures based on organic materials after exposure to for instance water flooding accident.
Analysis of Natural Ventilation Systems in Schoolrooms
Authors: Budiaková Mária
Published: January 2016

The paper is oriented on the analysis of the ventilation systems in schoolrooms. Correct and sufficient ventilation of schoolrooms is very important because students and pupils spend in the schoolrooms the majority of their time in school. In our schools the ventilation is incorrect and insufficient. The biggest problem is winter period when the ventilation is provided only by opening the doors to corridor. This way, there is insufficient intake of oxygen, which causes distractibility and feeling of tiredness of pupils. In current schoolrooms we can use only natural ventilation and thus the schoolrooms have to be ventilated using windows. Therefore this research was focused on the comparison and the analysis of different systems of natural ventilation in schoolrooms. The experimental measurements were carried out in schoolroom, where the parameters of thermal comfort were measured in the different systems of natural ventilation with device Testo 480 which was connected to computer. Gained values of air temperature, air velocity and index PMV are presented in graphs. On the base of analysis of measured values were evaluated the systems of natural ventilation for schoolrooms. In the future, the mechanical ventilation in schoolrooms can be assumed, therefore the recommendation on modern energy saving system of mechanical ventilation is in the end of this paper.
Experimental Assessment of the Influence of Outlet Geometry on the Airflow and Temperatures in the Ventilated Façade Cavity
Authors: Šagát Erik , Matějka Libor , Pěnčík Jan
Published: January 2016

Ventilated façades help to protect buildings against overheating during the summer seasons. The efficiency of this function depends on many factors. The geometry of inlet and outlet openings may be the significant factor of the ventilated façade function. This study presents the experimental assessment of the outlet geometry influence on the temperatures and airflow in the open joint ventilated façade. Two sections with different outlet geometry are compared in the same time. Different types of outlet geometry are based on various window sill dimensions and various cross section dimensions between cladding and window sill. The cavity temperature and airflow differences are assessed during the direct insolation of façade sections. Results show that the effect of outlet opening area is much more significant than the assessed outlet geometry types.
Testing of Illuminance Meters
Authors: Prokopova Lenka , Darula Stanislav , Bosova Daniela
Published: January 2016

If researchers measure illuminance with illuminance meters, they should apply meters appropriate quality, with known accuracy and type of uncertainties. Therefore the test measurements should be performed before carrying out experiments. Illuminance measurements applied in research require using calibrated photometric heads because sensors measure various illuminance levels due to degradation in time. Accuracy of every measurement is influenced by errors of instrument construction and of measuring procedure. During preparation of experiment and its carrying out should be these errors reduced at the most. This paper discusses influence of illuminance quality, importance of the photometric heads calibration on the Daylight Factor measurements.
Insolation of Interiors: The Dead Angle Analysis
Authors: Darula Stanislav , Malikova Marta
Published: January 2016

Quality of the indoor environment is determined by physical and psychophysical factors. People spend in the interiors most of the time during the day. Therefore indoor visual, thermal and acoustic effects are important for their health and work productivity. Visual environment can be evaluated in term of daylight availability, spatial luminance distribution and access to sunlight. Unless availability of sky/diffuse light can be considered for window design because of low intensities, the direct sun radiation with its original wavelength composition and high intensity is important for health and stimulation of human body organs in moderate climatic zones. To evaluate access to sunlight, there is necessary to determine the sun position on the sky, dimensions of envelops and windows as well as orientation of significant apertures and potential impact of external obstructions. Sun rays reaching the window surface can or cannot penetrate into the interior. This depends on the angle of sun beam incidence, orientation and dimensions of the aperture, thickness and structure of the envelope. Angle in which incident rays penetrate in the interior is so called acceptance angle. Angle in which incident rays are not causing insolation of interiors or cannot penetrate through the window glazing is so called dead angle. This paper analyses and discusses the meaning and dimensions of the dead angle.
Gluing as a Type of Stabilization Flat Roofs
Authors: Bogárová Markéta , Stodůlka Jindřich
Published: January 2016

It is necessary to stabilize individual layers of flat roofs, mainly because of wind suction. Apart from anchoring and surcharge, these layers can be secured by bonding. At present gluing is an indispensable and widely used stabilization method. Bonding of the individual layers can be done using many types of quality adhesives and certainly also using available alternatives in the form of cheaper products, but with the problem of functional warranty. Designing a proper amount of adhesive is another matter. Manufactures of adhesives recommend adequate amounts that should be used, but they do not define the necessary strength of the connection.
There are many adhesives usable for this purpose, which can be divided by material, price or quality. This paper focuses on polyurethane glue that is commonly used in the industry. We have created a set of experimental models using this adhesive and measured the strength of the connection
Decreasing Negative Influence of Under-Flow Rainwater Inverted Green Roofs on Passive Houses, Using Accumulating Hydrophilic Mineral Wool Panels
Authors: Vacek Petr , Matějka Libor
Published: January 2016

This paper focuses on safety rainwater runoff from inverted green roof construction. Water flowing between XPS insulation panels has negative impact on thermal characteristics of whole roof. This water deteriorates thermal efficiency of insulation and also microlayers which hinder diffusion are created. The negative effect is especially manifested in passive houses with inverted roof assemblies. The aim of the paper is to describe the negative effect of under-flowing water, to mention various types of green roof usage and the final assessment.
Bridging the Gap between Systems Controls and Architectural Design
Authors: Rader Birgit , Mahdavi Ardeshir
Published: January 2016

The research presented in this paper pursues a two-fold objective:One objective is document and present an innovative approach to support the design and configuration of buildings' technical (environmental control) systems. The currently prevailing practices in this area may be argued to display a number of shortcomings. Specifically, the logic behind a number of decisions along the system design and configuration process are not sufficiently explicated. Such decisions pertain, for example, to the types, number, and locations of device terminals, associated control zones, and zone state sensors. To add clarity and transparency to this process, we developed a building systems control schema that can be automatically generated based on a limited set of design input data (mainly the associative links between projected device terminals and their intended spatial impact zones).The second objective is to demonstrate the usability of the control schema generation method both for architects and engineers and, ideally, as a communication and collaboration platform for both groups. To test and evaluate this usability, we considered a number of possibilities. In one effort, we worked with a number of architecture and engineering students who were introduced to the method and actively deployed it to assess and evaluate the design and configurations of environmental control systems (for heating, cooling, ventilation, and lighting) in existing architectural spaces. Another effort involved extensive interviews with experienced professionals in both architecture and engineering fields to obtain not only general insights about the interface areas of architectural and mechanical design, but also receive specific feedback concerning the scope and potential of the aforementioned method for the automated generation of building control schemas.Given this background, the paper includes the details of the schema generation method as well as the results of usability tests and professional evaluations and feedback.
The Issue of Escape Routes in the Setting up Additional Kindergarten in the Existing Elementary School Building
Authors: Rusinová Marie , Šlanhof Jiří
Published: January 2016

Specialization fire safety of buildings lays requirements which lead to prevention of loss of person ́s live or health. To enable evacuation of persons from burning building through escape ways belongs to the most important fire safety requirements. Fulfilment of requirements for escape ways can influence in special cases indoor environment and exterior appearance of the building. This fact is presented of the example two new classes of kindergarten located in 2nd floor of existing elementary school.
IRF6 Regulates the Expression of IL-36γ by Human Oral Epithelial Cells in Response to Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Huynh Jennifer , Scholz Glen M. , Aw Jiamin , Kwa Mei Qi , Achuthan Adrian , Hamilton John A. , Reynolds Eric C.
Published: January 2016

IFN regulatory factors (IRFs) help to shape the immune response to pathogens by imparting signaling specificity to individual TLRs. We recently demonstrated that IRF6 provides specificity to TLR2 signaling in oral epithelial cells. TLR2 plays an important role in eliciting inflammation to Porphyromonas gingivalis, a keystone pathogen in periodontitis. Therefore, we investigated a role for IRF6 in mediating the inflammatory cytokine response of oral epithelial cells to P. gingivalis. IRF6 expression was strongly upregulated when human oral epithelial cells were challenged with P. gingivalis. Moreover, gene silencing and gene promoter experiments indicated that IRF6 acts downstream of IL-1R–associated kinase 1 to stimulate the expression of the IL-1 family cytokine IL-36γ in response to P. gingivalis. IRF6 and IL-1R–associated kinase 1 also regulated the stimulation of IL-36γ expression by a TLR2 agonist. IL-36γ was shown to elicit inflammatory responses by human monocyte-derived dendritic cells and macrophages, including the expression of the neutrophil chemokines IL-8 and CXCL1, as well as the Th17 chemokine CCL20. IL-36γ similarly stimulated their expression by human oral epithelial cells. Significantly, the Th17 cytokine IL-17 not only stimulated the expression of important regulators of neutrophil recruitment and survival by oral epithelial cells, but IL-17 also stimulated them to express IL-36γ. Thus, our findings suggest that IRF6 is likely to promote inflammation to P. gingivalis through its regulation of IL-36γ.
Aminobisphosphonates Synergize with Human Cytomegalovirus To Activate the Antiviral Activity of Vγ9Vδ2 Cells
Authors: Daguzan Charline , Moulin Morgane , Kulyk-Barbier Hanna , Davrinche Christian , Peyrottes Suzanne , Champagne Eric
Published: January 2016

Human Vγ9Vδ2 T cells are activated through their TCR by neighboring cells producing phosphoantigens. Zoledronate (ZOL) treatment induces intracellular accumulation of the phosphoantigens isopentenyl pyrophosphate and ApppI. Few attempts have been made to use immunomanipulation of Vγ9Vδ2 lymphocytes in chronic viral infections. Although Vγ9Vδ2 T cells seem to ignore human CMV (HCMV)–infected cells, we examined whether they can sense HCMV when a TCR stimulus is provided with ZOL. Fibroblasts treated with ZOL activate Vγ9Vδ2 T cells to produce IFN-γ but not TNF. Following the same treatment, HCMV-infected fibroblasts stimulate TNF secretion and an increased production of IFN-γ, indicating that Vγ9Vδ2 cells can sense HCMV infection. Increased lymphokine production was observed with most clinical isolates and laboratory HCMV strains, HCMV-permissive astrocytoma, or dendritic cells, as well as “naive” and activated Vγ9Vδ2 cells. Quantification of intracellular isopentenyl pyrophosphate/ApppI following ZOL treatment showed that HCMV infection boosts their accumulation. This was explained by an increased capture of ZOL and by upregulation of HMG-CoA synthase and reductase transcription. Using an experimental setting where infected fibroblasts were cocultured with γδ cells in submicromolar concentrations of ZOL, we show that Vγ9Vδ2 cells suppressed substantially the release of infectious particles while preserving uninfected cells. Vγ9Vδ2 cytotoxicity was decreased by HCMV infection of targets whereas anti–IFN-γ and anti-TNF Abs significantly blocked the antiviral effect. Our experiments indicate that cytokines produced by Vγ9Vδ2 T cells have an antiviral potential in HCMV infection. This should lead to in vivo studies to explore the possible antiviral effect of immunostimulation with ZOL in this context.
Intracranial Pial Arteriovenous Fistulae: Diagnosis and Treatment Techniques in Pediatric Patients with Review of Literature
Authors: Alurkar Anand , Karanam Lakshmi Sudha Prasanna , Nayak Suresh , Ghanta Rajesh Kumar
Published: January 2016

Pial arteriovenous fistulae (AVF) are rare vascular lesions comprising single or multiple arterial feeders draining directly into the venous channel without intervening tangle of blood vessels as in brain AV malformations. In our present paper, we describe three cases of pial AVF in the pediatric age group with different presentations treated successfully with endovascular and surgical methods. Two patients underwent treatment for pial AVF by the endovascular technique and one by surgical clipping. The treatments were successful with good clinical outcome. We did not encounter any peri-procedural complications in any of the cases. Pial AVF is a rare entity and high degree of suspicion and adequate clinical and imaging knowledge is required to make the diagnosis. Exclusion of the fistula from the cerebral circulation should be done at the earliest to prevent devastating complications that result during the natural course of the disease.
Attenuation of extubation responses: Comparison of prior treatment with verapamil and dexmedetomidine
Authors: Mistry Tuhin , Purohit Shobha , Arora Gunjan , Gill Nitesh , Sharma Jaya
Published: January 2016

Background: Tracheal extubation is almost always associated with stress response, airway response, and arrhythmias. There are many ways to attenuate this stress response. We have compared verapamil and dexmedetomidine on attenuation of these responses. Materials and Methods: Thirty patients (American Society of Anaesthesiologists Grade I, II) scheduled for spinal surgeries under general anaesthesia were randomly divided into two groups. At the end of surgery, after return of spontaneous efforts (bispectral index >80), in “Group V” verapamil 0.1 mg/kg and in “Group D” dexmedetomidine 0.3 mcg/kg were administered as bolus intravenously over one minute. Heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were recorded just before (T0) and 2 min after intravenous administration of study medications (TM), just after oral suction (TS), immediately after extubation (TE) and 1, 3, 5 and 10 min postextubation (E1, E3, E5, E10). Duration of emergence and extubation, quality of extubation, Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale (RASS) score and time to reach modified Aldrete score ≥9 were compared. Results: HR, SBP, DBP, MAP were higher in Group V than Group D, but statistically insignificant (P > 0.05). Extubation quality scores was 1 for 20%, 2 for 60% and 3 for 20% patients in Group V, whereas 1 in 80%, 2 in 20% in Group D. There was occurrence of bradycardia within 2 min of administration of drug in one patient in Group D. RASS score was in the range of -1 to +1 in >90% patient in Group V, whereas -3 to -1 in 80% cases in Group D. Conclusion: Single dose of dexmedetomidine (0.3 mcg/kg) given before extubation produced significant attenuation of circulatory and airway responses during extubation as compared to verapamil (0.1 mg/kg).
Neurosurgery in morbidly obese patients
Authors: Mohanaselvi S. , Subramanian Rajkumar , Sardar Arijit , Anand Rahul , Agarwal Anil , Khanna Puneet
Published: January 2016

Obesity has significant impact on various organ systems of the body and thus needs a well-planned anaesthetic management. Obese patients with multiple co morbidities are expected to have more complications than normal individuals. Obesity may influence the risk of aneurysm formation and rupture and/or the outcome of patients who have aneurysmal SAH. Most of the neurosurgeries require different patient positions for adequate exposure of surgical site. Moreover morbidly obese patient means a huge and heavy patient who will require bigger operating table and other accessories and their implications. Confusion regarding the risks and benefits of mechanical and pharmacological prophylaxis in neurosurgical patients for DVT with risks of major and minor haemorrhage still persists. The anesthetic concerns in an obese patient undergoing neurosurgery have not been studied so far. This review aims in discussing obesity in neurosurgical patients.
Clinical review of non-invasive intracranial pressure measurement in medical cases
Authors: Nair Shalini
Published: January 2016

Intracranial pressure (ICP) measurement plays a vital role in decision making in neurological emergencies. Invasive methods of ICP monitoring have been the gold standard. Advent of various non-invasive techniques has widened the option of ICP measurement in medical cases as well. We illustrate two cases where optic nerve sheath measurements helped in managing raised ICP and time the need for surgical intervention and review the literature on non-invasive ICP measurement.
Difficult airway leading to carbon dioxide narcosis in a case of fixed cervical spine
Authors: Yadav Rahul , Pandia Mihir , Bithal Parmod , Bharati Sachidanand , Kapoor Indu
Published: January 2016

Inability to secure the airway of a patient after induction of anaesthesia may lead to serious consequences including permanent brain damage and even death. Hypoxia is quite common in difficult intubations especially when it is difficult to ventilate the patient. However, carbon dioxide retention severe enough to cause carbon dioxide narcosis and delayed recovery is a rare occurrence. Here, we report a case of a craniovertebral junction anomaly where inadequate ventilation after induction of anaesthesia resulted in carbon dioxide narcosis and delayed awakening. A 54-year-old, American Society of Anesthesiologists II female patient weighing 70 kg with a diagnosis of craniovertebral junction was scheduled for implant removal for dislodged occipital screw. Fibreoptic intubation was attempted after induction of anaesthesia and muscle paralysis. Even after multiple attempts, intubation could not be done and ventilation by face mask became difficult. Though oxygen saturation could be maintained with the insertion of a laryngeal mask airway (LMA), ventilation was not adequate. The patient remained unresponsive long after discontinuation of anaesthetic agent and reversal of muscle paralysis. Subsequent blood gas analysis showed severe carbon dioxide retention and respiratory acidosis. Patient was given assist control mechanical ventilation through LMA. LMA was removed after improvement in sensorium and the blood gas picture.
Beyond the Ribosome: Extra-translational Functions of tRNA Fragments
Authors: Diebel Kevin W. , Zhou Kun , Clarke Aaron B. , Bemis Lynne T.
Published: January 2016

High-throughput sequencing studies of small RNAs reveal a complex milieu of noncoding RNAs in biological samples. Early data analysis was often limited to microRNAs due to their regulatory nature and potential as biomarkers; however, many more classes of noncoding RNAs are now being recognized. A class of fragments initially excluded from analysis were those derived from transfer RNAs (tRNAs) because they were thought to be degradation products. More recently, critical cellular function has been attributed to tRNA fragments (tRFs), and their conservation across all domains of life has propelled them into an emerging area of scientific study. The biogenesis of tRFs is currently being elucidated, and initial studies show that a diverse array of tRFs are genera ted from all parts of a tRNA molecule. The goal of this review was to present what is currently known about tRFs and their potential as biomarkers for the earlier detection of disease.
A Case of Nonfatal Ventricular Arrhythmia Due to Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis in a Saudi Patient as an Initial Presentation of Graves’ Disease
Authors: Hakami Osamah , Ahmad Maswood M. , Johani Naji Al
Published: January 2016

Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) is a potentially lethal complication of hyperthyroidism characterized by recurrent muscle weakness and hypokalemia. It has been commonly reported in non-Asian populations. Four cases were reported in Saudis so far, and one had a life-threatening arrhythmia. We describe an additional case of a 28-year-old apparently healthy Saudi male patient, who presented with acute paraparesis associated with hypokalemia (K: 2.0 mmol/L), complicated by ventricular tachycardia and cardiac arrest. He was successfully resuscitated and his hypokalemia was corrected. A diagnosis of Graves’ disease associated with TPP was made. He was initially treated with carbimazole and β-blockers and then given a definitive therapy with radioactive iodine, which showed a good response. This case highlights the importance of early recognition and prompt treatment of TPP as a differential diagnosis for muscle weakness. A brief review of TPP and associated arrhythmia is included.
A Scoping Review of Clinical Practice Improvement Methodology Use in Rehabilitation
Authors: Lamontagne Marie-Eve , Gagnon Cynthia , Allaire Anne-Sophie , Noreau Luc
Published: January 2016

Context

The Clinical Practice Improvement (CPI) approach is a methodological and quality improvement approach that has emerged and is gaining in popularity. However, there is no systematic description of its use or the determinants of its practice in rehabilitation settings.

Method

We performed a scoping review of the use of CPI methodology in rehabilitation settings.

Results

A total of 103 articles were reviewed. We found evidence of 13 initiatives involving CPI with six different populations. A total of 335 citations of determinants were found, with 68.7% related to CPI itself. Little information was found about what type of external and internal environment, individual characteristics and implementation process might facilitate or hinder the use of CPI.

Conclusion

Given the growing popularity of this methodological approach, CPI initiatives would gain from increasing knowledge of the determinants of its success and incorporating them in future implementation.
Неулучшаемые оценки модуля канонического произведения
Authors: Merzlyakov Sergey Georgievich
Published: January 2016

Существенно уточнена известная оценка первичного множителя Вейерштрасса и на ее основе получены новые оценки модуля канонического произведения, неулучшаемые на достаточно широких классах целых функций.
Библиография: 2 названия.
Using symbolic interactionism to improve recreational therapy practice for individuals with eating disorders
Authors: Walter, BS, CTRS Alysha A. , Van Puymbroeck, PhD, CTRS Marieke
Published: January 2016

This article provides a description of eating disorders (ED) as a social psychological phenomenon by focusing on how self-processes are formed through social interaction. This phenomenon, known as symbolic interactionism, allows practitioners to better understand the social underpinnings of the destructive thought patterns prevalent in ED. Individuals with ED are highly reactive in social situations, often misinterpreting responses toward them as highly judgmental. Internalizing others’ perceptions creates interpersonal problems. Identifying the self-processes that surround ED will provide recreational therapists the valuable tools needed to develop successful interventions to treat people with ED. Particular attention will be paid to how symbolic interactionism can help recreational therapists understand how individuals with an eating disorder react to social interactions. Finally, implications for recreation therapy research and practice are discussed.
Retrieval of sodium number density profiles in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere from SCIAMACHY limb emission measurements
Authors: Langowski M. P. , von Savigny C. , Burrows J. P. , Rozanov V. V. , Dunker T. , Hoppe U.-P. , Sinnhuber M. , Aikin A. C.
Published: January 2016

Abstract. An algorithm has been developed for the retrieval of sodium atom (Na) number density on a latitude and altitude grid from SCIAMACHY (SCanning Imaging Absorption spectroMeter for Atmospheric CHartographY) limb measurements of the Na resonance fluorescence. The results are obtained between 50 and 150 km altitude and the resulting global seasonal variations of Na are analyzed. The retrieval approach is adapted from that used for the retrieval of magnesium atom (Mg) and magnesium ion (Mg+) number density profiles recently reported by Langowski et al. (2014). Monthly mean values of Na are presented as a function of altitude and latitude. This data set was retrieved from the 4 years of spectroscopic limb data of the SCIAMACHY mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT) measurement mode (mid-2008 to early 2012). The Na layer has a nearly constant peak altitude of 90–93 km for all latitudes and seasons, and has a full width at half maximum of 5–15 km. Small but significant seasonal variations in Na are identified for latitudes less than 40°, where the maximum Na number densities are 3000–4000 atoms cm−3. At middle to high latitudes a clear seasonal variation with a winter maximum of up to 6000 atoms cm−3 is observed. The high latitudes, which are only measured in the summer hemisphere, have lower number densities, with peak densities being approximately 1000 Na atoms cm−3. The full width at half maximum of the peak varies strongly at high latitudes and is 5 km near the polar summer mesopause, while it exceeds 10 km at lower latitudes. In summer the Na atom concentration at high latitudes and at altitudes below 88 km is significantly smaller than that at middle latitudes. The results are compared with other observations and models and there is overall a good agreement with these.
Unusual biogenic calcite structures in two shallow lakes, James Ross Island, Antarctica
Authors: Elster J. , Nedbalová L. , Vodrážka R. , Láska K. , Haloda J. , Komárek J.
Published: January 2016

Abstract. The floors of two shallow endorheic lakes, located on volcanic surfaces on James Ross Island, are covered with calcareous organosedimentary structures. Their biological and chemical composition, lake water characteristics, and seasonal variability of the thermal regime are introduced. The lakes are frozen down to the bottom for 8–9 months a year and their water chemistry is characterised by low conductivity and neutral to slightly alkaline pH. The photosynthetic microbial mat is composed of filamentous cyanobacteria and microalgae that are considered to be Antarctic endemic species. The mucilaginous black biofilm is covered by green spots formed by a green microalga and the macroscopic structures are packed together with fine material. Thin sections consist of rock substrate, soft biofilm, calcite spicules and mineral grains originating from different sources. The morphology of the spicules is typical of calcium carbonate monocrystals having a layered structure and specific surface texture, which reflect growth and degradation processes. The spicules' chemical composition and structure correspond to pure calcite. The lakes' age, altitude, morphometry, geomorphological and hydrological stability, including low sedimentation rates, together with thermal regime predispose the existence of this community. We hypothesise that the precipitation of calcite is connected with the photosynthetic activity of the green microalgae that were not recorded in any other lake in the region. This study has shown that the unique community producing biogenic calcite spicules is quite different to any yet described.
A compilation of global bio-optical in situ data for ocean-colour satellite applications
Authors: Valente A. , Sathyendranath S. , Brotas V. , Groom S. , Grant M. , Taberner M. , Antoine D. , Arnone R. , Balch W. M. , Barker K. , Barlow R. , Bélanger S. , Berthon J.-F. , Besiktepe S. , Brando V. , Canuti E. , Chavez F. , Claustre H. , Crout R. , Frouin R. , García-Soto C. , Gibb S. W. , Gould R. , Hooker S. , Kahru M. , Klein H. , Kratzer S. , Loisel H. , McKee D. , Mitchell B. G. , Moisan T. , Muller-Karger F. , O'Dowd L. , Ondrusek M. , Poulton A. J. , Repecaud M. , Smyth T. , Sosik H. M. , Twardowski M. , Voss K. , Werdell J. , Wernand M. , Zibordi G.
Published: January 2016

Abstract. A compiled set of in situ data is important to evaluate the quality of ocean-olour satellite data records. Here we describe the data compiled for the validation of the ocean-colour products from the ESA Ocean Colour Climate Change Initiative (OC-CCI). The data were acquired from several sources (MOBY, BOUSSOLE, AERONET-OC, SeaBASS, NOMAD, MERMAID, AMT, ICES, HOT, GEPCO), spans between 1997 and 2012, and have a global distribution. Observations of the following variables were compiled: spectral remote-sensing reflectances, concentrations of chlorophyll-a, spectral inherent optical properties and spectral diffuse attenuation coefficients. The data were from multi-project archives acquired via the open internet services or from individual projects, acquired directly from data providers. Methodologies were implemented for homogenisation, quality control and merging of all data. No changes were made to the original data, other than averaging of observations that were close in time and space, elimination of some points after quality control and conversion to a standard format. The final result is a merged table designed for validation of satellite-derived ocean-colour products and available in text format. Metadata of each in situ measurement (original source, cruise or experiment, principal investigator) were propagated throughout the work and made available in the final table. Using all the data in a validation exercise increases the number of matchups and enhances the representativeness of different marine regimes. By making available the metadata, it is also possible to analyse each set of data separately. The compiled data are available at doi:10.1594/PANGAEA.854832.
A long-term record of blended satellite and in situ sea surface temperature for climate monitoring, modeling and environmental studies
Authors: Banzon V. , Smith T. M. , Liu C. , Hankins W.
Published: January 2016

Abstract. This paper describes a blended sea-surface temperature (SST) dataset that is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Climate Data Record (CDR) Program product suite. Using optimum interpolation (OI), in situ and satellite observations are combined on a daily and 0.25° spatial grid to form an SST analysis, i.e., a spatially complete field. A large-scale bias adjustment of the input infrared SSTs is made using buoy and ship observations as a reference. This is particularly important for the time periods when volcanic aerosols from the El Chichon and Mt. Pinatubo eruptions are widespread globally. The main source of SSTs is the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR), available from late 1981 to the present, which is also the temporal span of this CDR. The input and processing choices made to ensure a consistent dataset that meets the CDR requirements is summarized. A brief history and an explanation of the forward production schedule for the preliminary and science-quality final product is also provided. The dataset is produced and archived at the newly formed National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) in Network Common Data Form (netCDF) at http://doi.org/doi:10.7289/V5SQ8XB5 .
Does the Budyko curve reflect a maximum-power state of hydrological systems? A backward analysis
Authors: Westhoff M. , Zehe E. , Archambeau P. , Dewals B.
Published: January 2016

Abstract. Almost all catchments plot within a small envelope around the Budyko curve. This apparent behaviour suggests that organizing principles may play a role in the evolution of catchments. In this paper we applied the thermodynamic principle of maximum power as the organizing principle. In a top-down approach we derived mathematical formulations of the relation between relative wetness and gradients driving run-off and evaporation for a simple one-box model. We did this in an inverse manner such that, when the conductances are optimized with the maximum-power principle, the steady-state behaviour of the model leads exactly to a point on the asymptotes of the Budyko curve. Subsequently, we added dynamics in forcing and actual evaporation, causing the Budyko curve to deviate from the asymptotes. Despite the simplicity of the model, catchment observations compare reasonably well with the Budyko curves subject to observed dynamics in rainfall and actual evaporation. Thus by constraining the model that has been optimized with the maximum-power principle with the asymptotes of the Budyko curve, we were able to derive more realistic values of the aridity and evaporation index without any parameter calibration. Future work should focus on better representing the boundary conditions of real catchments and eventually adding more complexity to the model.