bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The relationship between glycemic control, beta2-microglobulin and inflammation in patients on maintenance dialysis treatment
Authors: Raikou Vaia D , Kyriaki Despina
Published: April 2015

Background

Hyperglycemia appears to play a significant role on the inflammatory cytokines production. Beta2-microglobulin (beta2M) is accumulated in the circulation of dialysis patients. We studied the relationship between glycemic control defined by glucose serum concentrations and insulin resistance, beta2M and markers of inflammation in patients on renal replacement therapies with or/and without diabetes mellitus.

Methods

We enrolled 96 dialyzed patients, 62 males and 34 females. The treatment modalities which were applied were : regular hemodialysis (HD, n = 34), predilution hemodiafiltration (HDF, n = 42) and peritoneal dialysis (PD, n = 20). Dialysis adequacy was defined by Kt/V for urea.Beta2M and insulin serum concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassays. hsCRP and TNF-α serum concentrations were measured by ELISA. Insulin resistance was calculated using the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR).We examined the association of elevated serum glucose with inflammatory factors and we built a multivariable model to investigate if glucose could be a potential determinant of beta2M serum levels.

Results

Serum glucose was positively correlated with beta2M and TNF-α (r = 0.320, p = 0.002 and r = 0.215, p = 0.03 respectively).We observed significant association between the patients with higher serum glucose concentrations and the patients with greater beta2Μ concentrations (x2 = 4.44, p = 0.03). Multivariable model showed that glucose acts as a significant independent determinant of beta2M adjusting for age, gender, dialysis modality and metabolic acidosis status.

Conclusions

The elevated glucose concentrations were positively associated with both, greater beta2M serum concentrations and up-regulated inflammatory procedure in dialysis patients with or/and without diabetes mellitus.
Behind and beyond Bandung: historical and forward-looking reflections on south-south cooperation
Authors: Assie-Lumumba N’Dri Therese
Published: April 2015

In their respective struggles for liberation the Asians and Africans, as oppressed people, joined forces in the first half of the 20th century by forming several pre-Bandung organizations. On the African side people of African descent, from the continent and the Diaspora, united to provide the leadership for substantive participation to the common African-Asian front that led to the Bandung conference of April 18-24 1955. The intelligentsia of African descent, including young students in Western Europe and the United States, played leadership roles in shaping the movements. Among them are W. E. B. Du Bois of the United States and Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana. In terms of the post-Bandung establishment of enduring legacies, it is worth indicating that the resolutions and some of their applications led to global coalitions including the Non-Aligned Movement and G77 within the United Nations. On the occasion of the 50th anniversary that was marked by the April 22-24 2005 Asian-African Summit held in Indonesia African and Asian leaders decided to rekindle the spirit of Bandung and renew their commitment to attain its goal through renewed cooperation between Asia and Africa in adopting the New Asian-African Strategic Partnership (NAASP). Despite the continued challenges that African countries face in varying degrees, a regained confidence building on their assets, especially with different generations of people of the continent and historic and recent Diaspora, with it would be possible to build a global front toward the reaffirmation of global common humanity guided by the spirit of Bandung.
Expanding the Scope of the Tail-to-Tail Dimerization of Vinyl Compounds Catalyzed by N-Heterocyclic Carbene
Authors: Matsuoka Shin-ichi , Nakazawa Masanori , Suzuki Masato
Published: April 2015

The tail-to-tail dimerization of vinyl compounds catalyzed by an N-heterocyclic carbene was found to show a very broad substrate scope and tolerance to various functional groups. The optimization of the dimerizations of 2-vinylpyridine and n-butyl acrylate, as low and high electrophilicity model substrates, indicates that high reaction temperatures around 150 °C are required for both substrates. In addition to methacrylates and methacrylonitrile, the applicable substrates range from an activated styrene and vinyl pyridines to highly reactive acrylonitrile, dimethyl acrylamide, and various functionalized acrylates. The alcohol additives significantly increase the catalytic turnover number to 18 for the dimerization of acrylates. Deuterium labeling experiments indicate that the alcohols promote the intermolecular proton transfers.
Creation of Mesopores in ZSM-5 Zeolite Crystals by a Novel Double-acyloxy Organosilane Surfactant
Authors: Han Jiaji , Liu Dongliang
Published: April 2015

Pores of ca. 11 nm size were created in ZSM-5 zeolite crystals by a novel double-acyloxy amphiphilic organosilane surfactant as a mesopore-directing template. The zeolite crystals had a platelet-like morphology and sponge-like surface. The morphology of the obtained zeolites was compared with conventional zeolite synthesized by the same procedure except for the absence of the double-acyloxy organosilane surfactant.
Facile Electrodeposition of MoOx onto Gold Microwire Electrode: Application to Voltammetric Determination of As(III) under Mild Conditions
Authors: Liu Zhong-Gang , Chen Xing , Guo Zheng , Liu Jin-Huai , Huang Xing-Jiu
Published: April 2015

Molybdenum oxide (MoOx) was electrochemically deposited onto the surface of a Au microwire electrode in a simple manner. The MoOx-Au microwire electrode exhibited effective and sensitive determination of As(III) under mild conditions. No obvious interference from Cu(II) on the determination of As(III) was observed since the response of Cu(II) appeared at a more positive potential.
Macromolecular Helicity Induction and Memory in a Poly(biphenylylacetylene) Bearing an Ester Group and Its Application to a Chiral Stationary Phase for High-performance Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Ishidate Ryoma , Shimomura Kouhei , Ikai Tomoyuki , Kanoh Shigeyoshi , Maeda Katsuhiro
Published: April 2015

An optically inactive poly(biphenylylacetylene) bearing an ester group at the 4′-position of the pendants formed a preferred-handed helical conformation and biased axial chirality in the pendants through a noncovalent interaction with a chiral alcohol, both of which were retained (memorized) even after removal of the chiral alcohol. The chiral stationary phase for high-performance liquid chromatography, prepared by coating the polymer with macromolecular helicity memory on silica gel, showed good chiral recognition ability towards various racemates.
The culture of general palliative nursing care in medical departments: an ethnographic study
Authors: Bergenholtz Heidi , Jarlbaek Lene , Hølge-Hazelton Bibi
Published: April 2015

Background:

In many countries, approximately half of the population dies in hospital, making general palliative nursing care (GPNC) a core nursing task. GPNC in the hospital setting is described as challenging, however little is known about its actual practice.

Aim:

To explore the GPNC culture in medical departments.

Methods:

An ethnographic study, using Spradley's 12-step method, with observational field studies and interviews with nurses from three medical departments in a Danish regional hospital.

Findings:

Three cultural themes emerged from the analysis, focusing on the setting, the practice and the nurses' reflections on GPNC: (1) GPNC provided in a treatment setting, (2) transition to loving care and the licence to perform palliative care (PC) and (3) potential for team improvement.

Conclusions:

GPNC as a culture in medical departments seemed to be embedded in a setting not suited for dying patients. Palliative care was still practised according to the transition model of care, sharply dividing curative from palliative care, and was inappropriately conducted in a fragmented and individual-based way. The term ‘loving care’ was used as a ‘gate-opener’ to provide palliative care for the dying; however, the content of this term was not defined or expressed among the health professionals. Practical and professional nursing skills are not sufficient to improve GPNC in the hospital department. Leaders on all levels need also to address the culture in which palliative care is embedded.
Comprensión de los efectos escolares en Sudáfrica a través del análisis multinivel: hallazgos de la TIMSS 2011
Authors: Winnaar L. D. , Frempong G. , Blignaut R.
Published: April 2015

Introducción. Los estudios sobre el efecto de la escuela, por lo general, giran en torno a dos temas principales: la comprensión de los factores dentro de las escuelas que explican la variación en los niveles de logro entre los estudiantes, y las diferencias entre las escuelas respecto a la variación en el rendimiento de sus estudiantes. Dada la limitación de la investigación del efecto de la escuela en Sudáfrica, este trabajo explora cómo las diferentes características de los estudiantes y de la escuela están relacionadas con el rendimiento.Método. Utilizando los datos del TIMSS Sudáfrica 2011 (TIMSS), esta investigación emplea el análisis multinivel para identificar los indicadores más importantes de las escuelas exitosas de Sudáfrica. El análisis inicial implica la partición de la variación total en los estudiantes según el nivel de logro en matemáticas, intra y entre escuelas. Esto nos permitió calcular el efecto aproximado de la escuela (en la medida en que las escuelas varían en los niveles de logro de sus estudiantes). El análisis de seguimiento consistió en añadir características escolares y de los estudiantes en los modelos multinivel para perfilar los estudiantes y las escuelas que tienen más éxito.Resultados. El análisis multinivel indica que las diferencias en las escuelas representan alrededor del 62% de la variación en el nivel de logro de los estudiantes en matemáticas. Los estudiantes con más éxito son los que asisten a las escuelas que cuentan con recursos adecuados, tienen maestros que están satisfechos con sus condiciones de trabajo y que están especializados en el campo de la matemática. También muestran que la actitud de los estudiantes hacia las matemáticas tiene un impacto en su desempeño.Discusión. Los resultados demuestran la necesidad de que los responsables de las políticas educativas de Sudáfrica sigan mejorando el ambiente de aprendizaje de las escuelas con menos recursos y también animen a los profesores a inculcar un sentido de valor y confianza en sí mismo en el aprendizaje de matemáticas y mejorar la preparación del profesorado.
Validation of the Domains of Creativity Scale for Nigerian Preservice Science, Technology, and Mathematics Teachers
Authors: Awofala Adeneye O. A. , Fatade Alfred O.
Published: April 2015

Introduction. Investigation into the factor structure of Domains of Creativity Scale has been on for sometimes now. The purpose of this study was to test the validity of the Kaufman Domains of Creativity Scale on Nigerian preservice science, technology, and mathematics teachers.Method. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed on the responses of 337 preservice science, technology, and mathematics teachers to the Kaufman Domains of Creativity Scale.Results. Results of both analyses supported the five-factor structure of the Kaufman Domains of Creativity Scale: Mechanical/Scientific, Scholarly, Performance (encompassing writing and music), Self/Everyday, and Artistic. Construct validity of the Kaufman Domains of Creativity Scale was supported by its relationships with the Big Five Inventory in ways that were predicted by theory and consistent with previous research. Coefficient alphas and coefficients of congruence were generally strong.Discussion and Conclusion. The present study provided incremental validity to the multidimensional nature of the Kaufman Domains of Creativity Scale thus reinforcing the five-factor model namely Mechanical/Scientific, Scholarly, Performance (encompassing writing and music), Self/Everyday, and Artistic. Additionally, a Nigerian version of the 50-item Kaufman Domains of Creativity Scale in the three major indigenous languages: Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba need to created and tested among undergraduate and postgraduate students in Nigerian institutions of higher learning.
Evaluación de prácticas de conservación de suelos forestales en México: caso de las zanjas trinchera
Authors: Cotler Ávalos Helena , Cram Heydrich Silke , Martinez Trinidad Sergio , Bunge Verónica
Published: April 2015

Las zanjas trinchera constituyen la principal práctica de conservación de suelos realizada en México y se implementa indistintamente en diversas condiciones geográficas y ecológicas.

La evaluación de las zanjas trinchera como práctica de conservación de suelos se hizo en 28 sitios distribuidos en siete estados (Baja California Sur, Guanajuato, Hidalgo, Querétaro, Michoacán, Tlaxcala y Veracruz), mediante la caracterización del medio físico, la descripción y análisis de suelos, así como entrevistas a los dueños de la tierra.

Los principales resultados señalan que la construcción de esta obra genera un gran número de impactos negativos. Entre ellos, la remoción de suelos como consecuencia de la excavación, la cual puede movilizar de 60-123 ton/ha y la exposición de 0.4-6.3 ton/ha de carbono orgánico en la superficie. Los resultados mostraron también que esta práctica no mejora las condiciones de retención de humedad, necesarias para sostener la reforestación asociada y no son adoptadas por la población.

Los resultados y la revisión de literatura permitieron identificar ciertas condiciones ambientales recomendadas para la construcción de zanjas trinchera, como un clima árido y semi-árido (aprox.300 mm de precipitación promedio), rango de pendiente (hasta 40%), suelos poco profundos (menos de 20 cm) y sin horizonte arcilloso y con una vegetación rala y discontinua.

 
Effect of A-Site Ion Excess on (K, Na)NbO3 Thin Film Fabricated by Sol–Gel Non-alkoxide Process
Authors: Yao Lin-Lin , Ji Li-Xia , Zhu Kong-Jun , Wang Jing , Liu Jing-Song , Qiu Jin-Hao
Published: April 2015

Lead-free (K, Na)NbO3(KNN) ferroelectric films were fabricated on Ti substrates by sol–gel non-alkoxide process. Nb2O5 was used to prepare the soluble niobium source by citrate method. KNN thin films with perovskite phase were obtained by pyrolyzing at 500°C and annealing at 700°C. The influence of A-site ion excess on the phase, microstructure and electric properties of the films was investigated. X-ray diffraction and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) data indicate that the volatilization of K was severer than Na during the thermal treatment, and K excess is assisted to get pure perovskite phase. Meanwhile, the P–E loops and the dielectric curves manifest that K excess plays a role to improve the ferroelectric performance, while Na excess contributes to good dielectric property.
Determinants of sexual activities and contraceptive usage among adolescents in high schools in Ogbomoso, a semi-urban settlement in Nigeria
Authors: Owonikoko Kola M. , Bello-Ajao Hajarah T. , Fawole Adegboyega A. , Adeniji Adetunji O.
Published: April 2015

Background: Abortion complications constitute 13% of maternal deaths worldwide and 40% of maternal deaths in Nigeria, while 80% of patients with abortion complications are adolescents.

Aims: Assessing the adolescents’ knowledge and attitude and the determinants of their sexual activities and contraceptive usage.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among high school students of Ogbomoso – a semi-urban settlement. Stratified multistage randomization was used to select one high school from each of five local government areas of the study site. Students were interviewed with pretested questionnaire to sought information on demographic status, family type, knowledge of sexuality, and contraceptive usages.

Results: The age range of the respondents was 10–19 years with mean±SD age 13.7±1.9 years. Among them, 6.5% were sexually active. Of the respondents, 56.8% scored good knowledge about sexuality and contraception and 57.5% respondents had good attitude to contraception. Age (p=0.004) and father’s education (p=0.001) were factors associated with knowledge about sexuality and contraception, while mothers’ occupation (p=0.02) and fathers’ occupation (p=0.001) and education (p=0.04) were significantly associated with positive attitude toward contraception.

Conclusion: This study revealed that a significant percentage of the studied adolescents had poor knowledge and attitude toward contraception, and many of the sexually active respondents had inaccurate knowledge on the use of contraceptives and where it could be obtained.
Influence of the Longitudinal and Lateral Suspension Damping on the Vibration Behaviour in the Railway Vehicles
Authors: Dumitriu Mădălina
Published: April 2015

The paper focuses on the influence of the longitudinal and lateral suspension damping in correlation with the velocity upon the vibration behaviour of the railway vehicles while moving on a tangent track. The numerical simulations are developed based on a linear model of a 17-degree of freedom vehicle that allows the evaluation of the dynamic behaviour of the vehicle in a sub-critical velocity. Based on the response frequency functions of the vehicle in a harmonic and in a random behaviour, a series of basic properties of the stable behaviour of the forced lateral vibrations has been made evident, as well as the opportunities to lower the level of the carbody vibrations by changing the suspension damping.
Crystal structure of 2-benzoyl-3-(4-methylphenyl)cyclopropane-1,1- dicarbonitrile, C19H14N2O
Authors: Yanping Yi
Published: April 2015

C19H14N2O, triclinic, P1̄ (no. 2), a = 8.138(2) Å, b = 10.434(2) Å, c = 11.109(2) Å, α = 99.678(5)°, β = 111.028(4)°, γ = 112.769(5)°, V = 758.5 Å3, Z = 2, Rgt(F) = 0.0506, wRref(F2) = 0.1553, T = 296 K.
Crystal structure of bis(isocyanato-κ1N)-bis(2-(pyridin-4-ylthio)pyrazine- κ1N) zinc(II), C20H14N8S4Zn
Authors: Chen Wen-Hua , Sun Xiao-Li , Wang Zhi-Peng , Guo Hui
Published: April 2015

C20H14N8S4Zn, monoclinic, C2/c (no. 15), a = 26.041(3) Å, b = 5.7001(6) Å, c = 16.676(2) Å, β = 100.773(7)°, V = 2431.7 Å3, Z = 4, Rgt(F) = 0.0380, wRref(F2) = 0.1115, T = 296 K.
The three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) infection with Schistocephalus solidus in Hel marina (Puck Bay, Baltic Sea, Poland)
Authors: Mačát Zdeněk , Bednařík Adam , Rulík Martin
Published: April 2015

Parasitic relations between animals are very common in wild nature. In this paper, we studied levels of infection in three-spined stickleback with plerocercoids of Schistocephalus solidus from Puck Bay (Baltic Sea, Poland). The total prevalence of infection was 54.2%, while proportion of infected individuals was significantly higher for females than for males. The body width was found to be significantly positively correlated with the number and the weight of parasites. In spite of the increasing deterioration of the Baltic Sea ecosystem by excessive eutrophication and hypoxia, lower prevalence of infection compared to previous published data indicates that there are likely other factors than pollution affecting the life cycle of parasites and the level of parasitism.
Distribution, diversity and some ecological characteristics of benthic amphipods in the Kapidağ Peninsula (Marmara Sea, Turkey)
Authors: Mulayim Aysegul , Arısal Saltuk Buğra , Balkıs Hüsamettin
Published: April 2015

The aim of this study was to determine the environmental factors affecting the fauna and the distribution of benthic amphipod species occurring on the Kapıdağ Peninsula, which is located in the south of the Marmara Sea. A total of 31 amphipod species were identified during the course of this study. In both seasons, Jassa marmorata (Holmes, 1905) and Protohyale schmidtii (Heller, 1866) were the most abundant species. During the study, temperature varied between 11.0 and 17.8°C, while salinity varied between 12.5 and 18.7 PSU; values of dissolved oxygen and pH ranged from 7.2 to 11.4 mg l-1 and 7.2 to 8.5 respectively at the coastal sites where hard bottom sampling was conducted. However, with regard to other sites where soft bottom sampling was carried out, the temperature varied between 8.0 and 18.0°C, salinity between 17.7 and 29.2 PSU, while values for dissolved oxygen and pH ranged from 5.1 to 11.4 mg l-1 and 7.8 to 8.7, respectively. In addition, the study of the amphipod species distribution revealed that the number of species was higher in spring compared to autumn while the number of individuals was higher in autumn compared to spring.
Macrophyte biometric features as an indicator of the trophic status of small water bodies
Authors: Nagengast Barbara , Kuczyńska-Kippen Natalia
Published: April 2015

The aim of the study was to determine whether biometric features of plants collected from single-species phytocoenoses developing in ponds can be used to describe habitat conditions of these water bodies. The biometric measurements were carried out in 148 field small water bodies at a total of 198 sites. The length of plants, their dry biomass, and volume of plant shoots were analyzed, converted to 1000 dm3 of water. The biometric measurements showed very large differences in individual parameters of different macrophyte species. The biggest differences were found in the length of elodeids and helophytes (from 1 cm to > 900 cm), regardless of trophic conditions. Although the Polish flora is dominated by plants having a wide ecological range, there are species whose parameters correspond to specific habitat fertility. The highest biometric parameters were found for Ceratophyllum submersum, Sparganium erectum, Typha latifolia and Schoenoplectus lacustris in ponds characterized by increased trophic conditions. In contrast, Myriophyllum spp. alone showed a negative correlation with trophic state indices. The trophic effect on the studied parameters becomes more apparent for species with optima in fertile water bodies. The parameters of Ceratophyllum submersum can be considered as the trophic state index (TSI).
Contracaecum spp. from endemic Baikal fishes: the Baikal yellowfin Cottocomephorus grewingkii (Dybowski, 1874) and the longfin Baikal sculpin Cottocomephorus inermis (Yakovlev, 1890)
Authors: Rusinek Olga , Kulikowski Marek , Najda Katarzyna , Rokicki Jerzy
Published: April 2015

All the nematodes found in body cavities of the examined endemic Baikal fishes: 88 Baikal yellowfin Cottocomephorus grewingkii (Dybowski, 1874) and 35 longfin Baikal sculpin Cottocomephorus inermis (Yakovlev, 1890) were identified as Contracaecum osculatum baicalensis (Mozgovoi and Ryjikov, 1950) L3 larvae. The prevalence, mean intensity, intensity range and abundance of the nematodes in C. grewingkii were 37.5%, 2.55, 1-31, and 0.96, respectively, the corresponding values in C. inermis were 60.0%, 2.43, 1-10, and 1.46. The infestation level in C. grewingkii was significantly higher than in C. inermis (Mann-Whitney U-test, p<0.02). The number of parasites was found to increase with the fish length. Although in both and C. inermis, the anisakids were more frequent in males (prevalence of 52.17 and 67.76%, respectively) than in females (prevalence of 35.39 and 42.86%, respectively), differences between the sexes in the infestation level in the two species were not significant (Mann-Whitney U-test, P= 0.09 and P=0.23, respectively). The molecular method applied (PCF-RFLP) allows to identify all the nematodes in both examined fish species as C. osculatum baicalensis.
Synthesis, structure, and optical nonlinearity of soluble ternary cadmium copper tellurolate complex [Cd(μ-TeTol)4{Cu(PPh3)2}2] (Tol = 4-tolyl)
Authors: Wang Yan-Jing , Hu Feng , Jia Ai-Quan , Shi Hua-Tian , Zhang Qian-Feng
Published: April 2015

Reaction of [Me4N]2[Cd(TeTol)4] (Tol = 4-tolyl) with two equivalents of [Cu(PPh3)2NO3] gave a new soluble tellurolate-bridged heterobimetallic complex of [Cd(μ-TeTol)4{Cu(PPh3)2}2] (1) in which two [Cu(PPh3)2]+ fragments are chelated at opposite edges of a tetrahedral [Cd(TeTol)4]2– moiety via the tellurium atoms. Complex 1 is air and optically stable. The nonlinear optical absorption (α
2 = 7.4 × 10–4 cm W–1 mol–1) and refraction (n
2 = 2.3 × 10–9 cm2 W–1 mol–1) were determined by z-scan techniques with 7 ns pulses at 532 nm.
Phase I study of the anti-IGF1R antibody cixutumumab with everolimus and octreotide in advanced well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: Dasari Arvind , Phan Alexandria , Gupta Sanjay , Rashid Asif , Yeung Sai-Ching Jim , Hess Kenneth , Chen Helen , Tarco Emily , Chen Huiqin , Wei Caimiao , Anh-Do Kim , Halperin Daniel , Meric-Bernstam Funda , Yao James
Published: April 2015

Preclinical data suggest multiple roles for the IGF1 receptor (IGF1R) in neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), including mediating resistance to mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors. Everolimus, an oral mTOR inhibitor, and octreotide long-acting repeatable (LAR) are approved for subgroups of well-differentiated NET. The primary objective of the present study was to establish the safety and recommended phase II dose (RP2D) of cixutumumab, a monoclonal antibody (MAB) against IGF1R, with everolimus and octreotide LAR. Patients with well-differentiated NET were treated with 10 mg everolimus p.o. daily, 20 mg octreotide LAR i.m. every 21 days, and escalating doses of cixutumumab. An expansion cohort was enrolled at RP2D. Correlative studies included the evaluation of mTOR pathway inhibition in paired tumor biopsies and the effects of this combination on metabolism via indirect calorimetry. Nineteen patients with progressive disease were enrolled, including nine to the expansion portion. Two patients had dose-limiting toxicities of grade 3 mucositis at 15 mg/kg cixutumumab. Long-term tolerance at RP2D was problematic, and the most common ≥grade 3 adverse event was fatigue. One patient with metastatic insulinoma had a confirmed partial response, whereas 17 had stable disease. The median progression-free survival was 43.6 weeks, and the median overall survival was 25.5 months. The RP2D of this combination per the predefined study protocol of 10 mg/kg cixutumumab i.v., 20 mg octreotide LAR i.m. every 21 days plus 10 mg everolimus p.o. daily is associated with non-dose-limiting toxicities that limit long-term tolerance. Although a signal of activity was noted in the present study, this will need to be reconciled with limited tolerance of the combination and data from larger studies of anti-IGF1R MABs in NET that have been disappointing.
60 YEARS OF NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY: The hypothalamo-pituitary–gonadal axis
Authors: Plant Tony M
Published: April 2015

This review provides an outline of how our understanding of the neuroendocrine control of the hypothalamo-pituitary–gonadal axis has evolved since the publication of Geoffrey Harris' renowned monograph in 1955. Particular attention is directed to the neurobiology underlying pulsatile GnRH release from the hypothalamus, the neuroendocrine control of ovarian cycles, puberty and seasonality of gonadal function, and to ideas that have emerged as a result of examining the relationship between growth and the reproductive axis. The review closes with i) a brief discussion of how knowledge gained as a result of pursing the early hypotheses of Harris has led to major clinical and therapeutic applications, and ii) a personal glimpse into the future of research in this fascinating area of biology.
Dose Response Curves for Microwave Ablation in the Cardioplegia-Arrested Porcine Heart
Authors: Gaynor Sydney L. , Byrd Gregory D. , Diodato Michael D. , Ishii Yosuke , Lee Anson M. , Prasad Sandip M. , Gopal Jegan , Berube Dany , Schuessler Richard B. , Damiano Jr. Ralph J.
Published: April 2015

Introduction: Microwave ablation has been used clinically for the surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation, particularly during valve procedures. However, dose- response curves have not been established for this surgical environment. The purpose of this study was to examine dosimetry curves for the Flex 4 and Flex 10 microwave devices in an acute cardioplegia-arrested porcine model. Methods: Twelve domestic pigs (40-45 kg) were acutely subjected to Flex 4 (n = 6) and Flex 10 (n = 6) ablations. On a cardioplegically arrested heart maintained at 10-15oC, six endocardial atrial and seven epicardial ventricular lesions were created in each animal. Ablations were performed for 15 s, 30 s, 45 s, 60 s, 90 s, 120 s, and 150 s (65 W, 2.45 GHz). The tissue was stained with 2,3,5-triphenyl-tetrazolium chloride and lesions were sectioned at 5 mm intervals. Lesion depth and width were determined from digital photomicrographs of each lesion (resolution .03 mm). Results: Average atrial thickness was 2.88 .4 mm (range 1.0 to 8.0 mm). 94% of ablated atrial sections created by the FLEX 4 (n = 16) and the FLEX 10 (n = 16) were transmural at 45 seconds. 100% of atrial sections were transmural at 90 seconds with the FLEX 10 (n = 14) and at 60 seconds with the Flex 4 device (n = 15). Lesion width and depth increased with duration of application. Conclusion: Both devices were capable of producing transmural lesions on the cardioplegically arrested heart at 65 W. These curves will allow surgeons to ensure transmural ablation by tailoring energy delivery to the specific atrial geometry.
Adaptive Development of Yellow Toadflax (Linaria vulgaris) Chemical Control Recommendations
Authors: Almquist Travis L. , Wirt Katie L. , Adams Jason W. , Lym Rodney G.
Published: April 2015

Yellow toadflax (Linaria vulgaris P. Mill.) infestations in North Dakota increased 300-fold from 1997 to 2011, when the plant was added to the state noxious weed list. Long-term control of other invasive species had included biological control agents, but no effective agents for yellow toadflax had been identified, so a control program using herbicides was needed. The objective was to shift from short-term control with picloram applied in the fall at maximum allowed rates to long-term management with minimal nontarget species impact with an adaptive management approach. Yellow toadflax control was increased from an average of 64% with picloram at 1,120 g ha−1 alone 12 mo after treatment (MAT) to over 90% when applied with diflufenzopyr while the picloram rate was reduced 50%. Yellow toadflax control with aminocyclopyrachlor applied at 140 g ha−1 ranged from 91 to 49% 12 MAT when applied in June or September, respectively. In contrast, yellow toadflax control with picloram plus dicamba plus diflufenzopyr averaged > 90% regardless of application date during the growing season. Land managers now have at least two options for long-term yellow toadflax control with a wide window of application timing. The goal of replacing a single high-use–rate herbicide treatment was met but both picloram and aminocyclopyrachlor can injure many desirable forbs. However, application timing can now be adjusted to have the least impact on nontarget species. The adaptive development program led to a 58% reduction in yellow toadflax infestations in North Dakota by 2014.
Gene therapy for haemophilia: an update on progress in clinical trials
Authors: Gilgunn Sarah
Published: April 2015

Clotting factor replacement therapy has proven a highly effective means of treating haemophilia A and B. But treatment involves frequent and lifelong infusion of factor concentrates and is generally prophylactic rather than curative. It is also extremely expensive, associated with inhibitor formation and does not fully abolish the potential for spontaneous bleeding. Gene therapy offers a potential cure for haemophilia, with the possible continuous expression of a clotting factor gene following the administration of a viral vector carrying the appropriate gene. Recent clinical trials of gene therapy for haemophilia have proven positive in selected patients and new studies are underway.
Patient advocacy helps patients weigh up gene therapy trial risk/benefits
Authors: Morris John
Published: April 2015

The investigators behind the first gene therapy trial with adenoassociated virus 8 (AAV8) Factor IX appointed a patient ombudsperson to help ensure participants were able to give truly informed consent. The experiences and challenges of the ombudsperson, who met with the first six UK-based patients, are described. It was stressed to potential participants that altruism, rather than any expectation of clinical benefit, should be the primary motivation to taking part. At the same time a sober assessment of the potential risks to their safety needed to be made.
Protected areas mitigate diseases of reef‐building corals by reducing damage from fishing
Authors: Lamb Joleah B. , Williamson David H. , Russ Garry R. , Willis Bette L.
Published: April 2015

Parks and protected areas have been instrumental in reducing anthropogenic sources of damage in terrestrial and aquatic environments. Pathogen invasion often succeeds physical wounding and injury, yet links between the reduction of damage and the moderation of disease have not been assessed. Here, we examine the utility of no‐take marine reserves as tools for mitigating diseases that affect reef‐building corals. We found that sites located within reserves had fourfold reductions in coral disease prevalence compared to non‐reserve sites (80 466 corals surveyed). Of 31 explanatory variables assessed, coral damage and the abundance of derelict fishing line best explained differences in disease assemblages between reserves and non‐reserves. Unexpectedly, we recorded significantly higher levels of disease, coral damage, and derelict fishing line in non‐reserves with fishing gear restrictions than in those without gear restrictions. Fishers targeting stocks perceived to be less depleted, coupled with enhanced site access from immediately adjacent boat moorings, may explain these unexpected patterns. Significant correlations between the distance from mooring sites and prevalence values for a ciliate disease known to infest wounded tissue (r= −0.65), coral damage (r= −0.64), and the abundance of derelict fishing line (r= −0.85) corroborate this interpretation. This is the first study to link disease with recreational use intensity in a park, emphasizing the need to evaluate the placement of closures and their direct relationship to ecosystem health. Since corals are modular, ecological processes that govern reproductive and competitive fitness are frequently related to colony surface area therefore, even low levels of cumulative tissue loss from progressing diseases pose significant threats to reef coral persistence. Disease mitigation through reductions in physical injury in areas where human activities are concentrated is another mechanism by which protected areas may improve ecosystem resilience in a changing climate.
Melding kin structure and demography to elucidate source and sink habitats in fragmented landscapes
Authors: Beasley J. C. , Dharmarajan G. , Rhodes O. E.
Published: April 2015

The source‐sink model undoubtedly is one of the most established paradigms for associating variance in population dynamics with heterogeneity in habitat quality. However, despite extensive theoretical support by the scientific community, the majority of studies seeking empirical validation for this model have lacked sufficient data to distinguish source and sink habitats, particularly for large or secretive mammals. Using relatively long‐term mark‐recapture and genetic data for a generalist mesopredator within a fragmented agricultural ecosystem, we show that use of a two‐stage approach incorporating both genetic and demographic data can be a powerful tool for evaluating the population structure of organisms occupying complex ecological systems. We further demonstrate that a strong concordance exists between demographic attributes and underlying genetic expectations, suggesting evaluation of fine‐scale genetic patterns alone may provide valuable insights into the population dynamics of species. These data have important implications for advancing our ability to quantify heterogeneity in population stability, particularly for large or imperiled species where sufficient demographic data cannot be obtained to parameterize traditional source‐sink models.
Development and Field Trial of the Well-Lateral-Intervention Tool
Authors: Noui-Mehidi M. N. , Saeed A. S. , Al-Khamees H.. , Farouk M..
Published: April 2015

Wells with extended-reach multilaterals have improved reservoir contact and have opened the opportunity for well-placement and -drilling optimization. Since the early 2000s, the number of maximum-reservoir-contact wells has increased substantially, and the benefit of these wells is being realized at the early implementation stage. To enhance the performance of these multilateral wells, intervention operations in the laterals are required. Stimulation, data acquisition, and other operations are required to optimize the production from the laterals; however, accessing the lateral of any wellbore for intervention in a reliable manner is still a challenge. The present paper describes the development of an intelligent, real-time controllable tool, the well-lateral-intervention tool (WLIT), that can identify a lateral junction and steer an intervention/surveillance string into it. The WLIT is designed to be deployed by use of either coiled tubing or e-line (with the help of a well tractor for extended-reach horizontal deployment) for logging and/or stimulation purposes. This application provides the ability to increase the quantity and quality of information collected from the entire well—main bore and the multiple laterals individually—to obtain the best answer. The discussion is dedicated to the development stages of the tool and field-trial-test results. The WLIT has two versions. The first version is called “wired,” which accommodates specific logging tools that are compatible with the WLIT design, whereas the second version, “wireless,” allows the use of all types of logging-tool strings from any third-party provider. The test results highlight both versions of the tool. The WLIT sensory equipment and the control environment are described, and results from the field-trial tests are presented.
Preparation and Application of Biochar from Brewery`s Spent Grain and Sewage Sludge
Authors: Yinxin Zhang , Jishi Zhang , Yi Ma
Published: April 2015

Brewery`s spent grain (BSG) and sewage sludge (SS) were used as raw material at the temperature from 400°C to 700 °C and limited oxygen (O<5%) conditions to prepare biochar (BC). One aim is to examine the BC characterization prepared under different temperatures and various proportions of SS. Another aim is to find the optimum preparation conditions of BC for treating wastewater. Results showed BC had more obvious physical and chemical variation between 400°C and 500°C than temperature 600°C and 700°C. pH was followed by 700°C > 600°C > 500°C >4000°C increased from 6.0 to 10.1. FT-IR results showed: BC rich in carboxyl and phenolic hydroxyl which were surface oxygen functional groups. Electron microscope scanning (EMS) analysis results indicated: when the temperature was 400°C, the surface of BC formed tiny holes, but was fuzzy; with the pyrolysis temperature increasing, plug of the hole opened and walls became thinner. BC adsorption results showed: under same pyrolysis temperature, adsorption effects were best under the proportion of SS 80% for ammonia-nitrogen, 100% for phosphorus-containing wastewater, and 10% for chromium (VI) wastewater. BC prepared under higher temperature had the better removal effect for wastewater.
Different-lags Synchronization in Time-delay and Circuit Simulation of Fractional-order Chaotic System Based on Parameter Identification
Authors: Xiaohong Zhang , Peng Cheng
Published: April 2015

This study constructs a novel four-dimensional fractional-order chaotic system. It verifies chaotic nonlinear dynamic
behaviors and physical reliability by numerical simulation and hardware circuit design. For a class of parameter
uncertainty fractional different-lags ( τi ) chaotic systems, the authors design a time-delayed (δ) synchronization controllers
and parameter adaptive laws. It proves that the drive system and the response system tend to be synchronized and
identified parameter when the control parameter matrix K satisfies the condition that K – nE is a positive definite matrix.
Simulation results show physical reliability of the fractional-order different-lags chaotic system and verify effectiveness
of different-lags synchronization in time-delayed system method design.
Seepage Analysis of The Structure with Cracks Based on XFEM
Authors: Huo Zhong-Yan , Qian Guang-Xuan , Zheng Dong-Jian
Published: April 2015

For the difficulty of applying classical fracture criteria to the actual hydraulic engineering and simulating the
process of cracking by conditional FEM, the XFEM was introduced in the analysis of the seepage field in hydraulic
structures in this paper. Firstly, the enriched forms of nodes are analyzed in the elements intersecting with cracks, and
then the enriched functions were built, which could either reflect the features of conductivity matrix within cracks, or
satisfy the condition that osmotic pressure is continuous across the crack. Thus, the XFEM approximation form was
obtained. Finally, combining the initial conditions and boundary conditions, the discrete equations and workflow of
XFEM for solving the seepage field were established. The case study shows that the method is reasonable and reliable.
Test Studies on the Corrosion Features for the Bridge Foundations Durability in a Household Refuse Landfill Environment
Authors: Li Fangyuan , Huang Junchao , Shen Yin
Published: April 2015

Generally, the bridges or buildings cannot be constructed on a refuse landfill, since the special chemical compositions and microorganisms in landfill will impose adverse effects on the concrete foundations. Especially, the impacts on their durability are still unknown. The purpose of this paper is to get the corrosive features of a refuse landfill to give suggestions for the durability design of the structure’s foundation. The present work is based on a bridge construction in Linhai Road, Shanghai, which should pass through a household dump landfill in a rare environment, by means of a low-bridge crossing. With the aims of ensuring the durability in long-term service and providing some reference experiences, we have performed sampling tests on the bridge pile foundations under this corrosive environment, in terms of chlorine ion content, electric flux and strength. With regard to the positions along the radial direction of pile sections, the chloride ion concentrations varies slightly and negligibly with the varying coring depths and increases with the varying coring depths, indicating that the permeability in pile foundations is enhanced gradually with the increasing buried depths. Considering the calculated permeability coefficients, the concretes with the adopted compositions doesn’t meet the expected values. The measured electric flux of concretes under sewage condition is obviously higher than it is under standard curing condition, suggesting that the hazardous substances significantly affects the anti-permeability performance of concretes under on-site geological conditions. The damages of dump environment on the concrete durability of the bridge pile foundations were accessed.
Reliability of Arch Retaining Structure with Stochastic Parameters
Authors: Ming Liu , Yongping Wu , Xinzhou Qiao
Published: April 2015

Aimed at the reliability problems of arch retaining structure with stochastic parameters, in consideration of the influences of the randomness of the structural parameters and loads, the concrete paper applies program building relevant arch retaining structural model. The simulation programs are based on the response surface method and Monte Carlo method hybrid simulation analysis method. The structure failure probability and the probability distribution of the maximum stress of arch retaining structure are obtained in this study: get the influence of different random parameters on the structural reliability of arch retaining structure. This method can offer a theoretical basis for roadway supporting structure analysis and design.
A Synchronous CAD/CAE Modeling Method and Applications in
Parametric Parts Library
Authors: Pan Zhiyi , Wang Xin , Teng Rumin , Gao Shunde
Published: April 2015

Current parametric parts library cannot contribute to the reuse of finite element model. It is essential to remodel
or exchange model for parts in CAE software. This paper presents a synchronous CAD/CAE modeling method,
which can be employed in parts library based on Siemens NX software. Primary CAD and CAE information in part are
merged into master model, which acts as cornerstone for solid model, FE model and simulation model. Thus, part models
from parts library can be directly used into simulation analysis, and parametric amendment and change propagation is
sustained. A software package developed for designers is helpful to search and achieve desired part from parts library.
Three case studies are carried out to clarify synchronous CAD/CAE modeling process and change propagation procedure.
Experiment and Finite Analysis on Resonant Bending Fatigue of Marine
Risers
Authors: Xiaoming Fang , Zhichao Yan , Liquan Wang , Yuxuan Huang
Published: April 2015

Riser system is a key equipment for offshore oil and gas development. When conducting riser design, fatigue
failure mode is the chief one among the many failure modes which should be taken into account. To assess the fatigue
performance of riser accurately, it is necessary to conduct fatigue tests. Resonant bending fatigue test is one effective
method for fatigue tests of risers. In this paper, the principle of resonant bending fatigue test and test procedures are
presented firstly, and then a finite element model using ABAQUS is created to simulate the resonant bending fatigue test,
and the results from the finite element model are compared with the experimental results. The good agreements between
the FEM results and experimental results verify the accuracy of the finite element model in this paper.
Mechanical Analysis of Crossbeam in a Gantry Machine Tool and its Deformation Compensation
Authors: Qilong Li , Xuhong Guo , Yao Chen , Wenzheng Ji , Liang Wang , Tao Zhang
Published: April 2015

The beam is an important component in agantry machining center, and its deformation is believed to have asignificant impact on both the machining accuracy and the machining performance. In this research, the finite element models of a complete gantry machining center and the crossbeam are established, in whicht he restraint and boundary conditions for the finite element analysis are also introduced. It is noted thatthe impact of balance cylinders on the key components is fully considered when dealing with the force analysis. Computed results of the static characteristic analysis showed that the maximum deformation is about 0.080925 mm when crossbeam operates under different conditions. Then, the distortion curve and the compensation curve of guide rail are obtained, and the equation of a fitting compensation curve is also deduced through numerical analysis. This research is expected to provide a theoretical guide for distortion compensation of the crossbeam.
Strength Analysis and Experiment of High Speed Railway Gearbox Bracket
Authors: Yang Jianwei , Yang Minghan , Li Xi , Wang Xing
Published: April 2015

Light-weighting of high speed railway equipments has become a major trend, which leads to the upgradations of equipments. A new C-shaped bracket has been produced to connect the driving gearbox with the bogie. This paper built a three-dimensions model of a C-shaped bracket, got the maximum distribution of the stress and deformation under two different working conditions from finite element analysis (FEA). Then it presents a method to perform a corresponding experiment. It is observed that the computed values form FEA are in very good agreement with the experimental values, which both verified the structural strength of this C-shaped bracket.