bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects ofLactobacillus gasseriOLL2716 onHelicobacter pylori-Associated Dyspepsia: A Multicenter Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial
Authors: Takagi Atsushi , Yanagi Hidetaka , Ozawa Hideki , Uemura Naomi , Nakajima Shigemi , Inoue Kazuhiko , Kawai Takashi , Ohtsu Toshihiro , Koga Yasuhiro
Published: July 2016

SomeLactobacillusspp. suppressHelicobacter pyloriin the stomach and have potential therapeutic applications for the treatment of gastrointestinal conditions. In this study, the effects ofLactobacillusstrains on functional dyspepsia associated withH. pyloriinfection were examined. Volunteers were screened using the13C-urea breath test (UBT) andH. pyloristool test, and 131 participants who met the selection criteria (mean age: 48.9 years) were randomly givenL. gasseriOLL2716-containing yogurt or placebo yogurt once daily for 12 weeks. Gastrointestinal symptoms (epigastric pain, bloating, postprandial fullness, nausea, and heartburn) and the levels of serum pepsinogen (PG),13C-UBT, andH. pyloristool antigen were assessed. No significant differences were observed between the groups in UBT results,H. pyloristool antigens, or the serum PGI/II ratio. In theL. gasserigroup, postprandial fullness was significantly lower at the end of the trial compared to the initial level (p<0.05) and significantly fewer patients had a VAS score of >10 for bloating compared to the placebo group (p<0.05). Dietary supplementation withL. gasseriOLL2716-containing yogurt may effectively suppress dyspeptic symptoms inH. pylori-infected patients. This study was registered at the University Hospital Medical Network Clinical Trial Registry (UMIN000016746).
Diagnosis Using CCTA and Management of Anomalous Right Coronary Artery from the Opposite Sinus
Authors: Mursleen Asma , Hartlage Gregory , Patel Aarti , Harrison Eric E. , Morales C. Alberto
Published: July 2016

Coronary anomalies can be observed in 1–1.2% of all angiograms performed. Majority of coronary anomalies are benign and do not lead to cardiac ischemia; however anomalous coronary arteries from the opposite sinus (ACAOS) are often associated with sudden cardiac deaths, typically in 0.11–0.35% of individuals who participate in vigorous physical activity (Peñalver et al., 2012). Left and right ACAOS have an incidence of 0.15% and 0.92%, respectively. Left ACAOS are often associated with higher incidence of sudden cardiac death; this could be secondary to greater territory of myocardial perfusion by the left coronary artery. ACAOS are often asymptomatic and initially present as sudden death following exertion in young athletes. The management of left ACAOS is clear and surgery is usually indicated. However there is a lack of consensus on the management of certain cases of right ACAOS. In this paper a case of 20 yo M with right coronary artery from left sinus is going to be presented with a discussion on pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management.
Predictors of Paracentesis in Women with Severe Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Nouri Kazem , Ott Johannes , Lenart Christian , Walch Katharina , Promberger Regina , Tempfer Clemens B.
Published: July 2016

Background: To identify predictors of paracentesis in women with severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Methods: In a retrospective cohort study, we assessed patient characteristics and outcome measures of women with severe OHSS Golan grade II/III from 1996 to 2010 using univariate and multivariate analyses with the number of paracenteses as the main outcome. Results: Three hundred ninety four women with OHSS Golan grade II (n = 40) and grade III (n = 354) were included in the study. Paracentesis was performed in 108/394 (27%) of these women. One paracentesis was performed in 63 (16%), 2 paracenteses in 26 (6%), and ≥3 paracenteses 19 (5%) women, respectively. No thrombotic or cerebrovascular morbidity occurred. The mortality of the cohort was 0/394 (0%). In a univariate analysis, late onset OHSS (p = 0.02), pregnancy (p < 0.001), human chorionic gonadotropin use (p = 0.02), ovarian diameter (p = 0.006), and elevated serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (p < 0.001), hematocrit (p < 0.001), leucocytes (p < 0.001), thrombocytes (p < 0.001), and uric acid (p < 0.001) were associated with paracentesis. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, only alanine aminotransferase (OR 1.006; 95% CI 1.001-1.01) and hematocrit (OR 1.16; 95% CI 1.05-1.27) were independently associated with paracentesis. Conclusion: Alanine aminotransferase and hematocrit at initial presentation are independent predictors of paracentesis.
A Novel-Design Poly-L-Lactic Acid Biodegradable Device for Closure of Atrial Septal Defect: Long-Term Results in Swine
Authors: Xie Zhao-Feng , Wang Shu-Shui , Zhang Zhi-Wei , Zhuang Jian , Liu Xiang-Dong , Chen Xian-Miao , Zhang Gui , Zhang Deyuan
Published: July 2016

Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the long-term effectiveness and safety of a self-expandable, double-disk biodegradable device made of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) for closure of atrial septal defects (ASDs) in swine. Methods: ASDs were created by transseptal needle puncture followed by balloon dilatation in 20 piglets. The experimental group comprised 18 animals, while the remaining 2 animals were used as controls. Effectiveness and safety were evaluated by rectal temperature, leukocyte count, chest radiography, electrocardiogram, transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), intracardiac echocardiography (ICE), and histologic studies. Animals were followed up at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Results: An ASD model was successfully created in 19 animals; 1 piglet died during the procedure. The ASD diameters that were created ranged from 5 to 6.4 mm. Devices were successfully implanted in 17 animals. No animal died during the follow-up studies. Rectal temperatures and electrocardiograms were normal at follow-up, while leukocyte counts transiently increased from 1 to 6 months. Radiography, TTE, ICE, and macroscopic studies demonstrated that PLLA occluders were positioned well, with no shifting, mural thrombus formation, or atrioventricular valve insufficiency. Histologic evaluations showed that PLLA devices were partially degraded in the follow-up study. Conclusions: ASD closure with the novel PLLA biodegradable device is safe and effective. Longer-term studies are needed to evaluate long-term biodegradability.
Computer-Assisted Evaluation of Retinal Vessel Diameter in Retinitis Pigmentosa
Authors: Sodi Andrea , Mucciolo Dario Pasquale , Murro Vittoria , Zoppetti Claudia , Terzuoli Bianca , Mecocci Alessandro , Virgili Gianni , Rizzo Stanislao
Published: July 2016

Purpose: The evaluation of retinal vessel attenuation is very subjective and not sufficiently reliable in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP). We tested semiautomatic software capable of obtaining real-time measurements of vessel diameter. Methods: Retinal vessel diameter was calculated in 25 RP subjects and in 20 healthy controls. The Mann-Whitney test was used to compare the average values of RP patients with those of controls and subgroups of RP patients with different clinical features. Results: The retinal vessel diameter was significantly smaller in RP patients than in controls (p < 0.001). In particular, vessel diameters were smaller in older subjects, in patients with worse ERG responses, and in patients with more severe visual field loss. Conclusions: Computer-assisted analysis of retinal fundus pictures may be helpful in the diagnosis of RP and in monitoring disease progression.
Demyelinizing Neurological Disease after Treatment with Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Antagonists
Authors: Bruè Claudia , Mariotti Cesare , Rossiello Ilaria , Saitta Andrea , Giovannini Alfonso
Published: July 2016

Purpose: Demyelinizing neurological disease is a rare complication after treatment with tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α antagonists. We report on a case of multiple sclerosis after TNFα antagonist treatment and discuss its differential diagnosis. Methods: This is an observational case study. Results: A 48-year-old male was referred to Ophthalmology in January 2015 for an absolute scotoma in the superior quadrant of the visual field in his right eye. Visual acuity was 20/50 in the right eye and 20/20 in the left. Fundus examination was unremarkable bilaterally. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography revealed a normal macular retina structure. Visual field examination revealed a superior hemianopsia in the right eye. Head magnetic resonance imaging showed findings compatible with optic neuritis. The visual evoked potentials confirmed the presence of optic neuritis. The patient had been under therapy with adalimumab since January 2014, for Crohn’s disease. Suspension of adalimumab was recommended, and it was substituted with tapered deltacortene, from 1 mg/kg/day. After 1 month, the scotoma was resolved completely. Conclusions: TNFα antagonists can provide benefit to patients with inflammatory autoimmune diseases. However, they can also be associated with severe adverse effects. Therefore, adequate attention should be paid to neurological abnormalities in patients treated with TNFα antagonists.
Comparison of the Performance of Two Different Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Devices in Clinical Practice
Authors: De Vitis Luigi Antonio , Benatti Lucia , Tomasso Livia , Baldin Giovanni , Carnevali Adriano , Querques Lea , Querques Giuseppe , Bandello Francesco
Published: July 2016

Purpose: To compare the performance of two different spectral-domain optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) devices in clinical practice by evaluating examination execution time and the number of motion artifacts per image. Methods: Seventy-six patients affected by different ocular diseases and 13 healthy subjects consecutively underwent assessments by two different OCTA devices: AngioPlex (Zeiss Meditec, Inc., Dublin, Calif., USA) and AngioVue (OptoVue, Inc., Fremont, Calif., USA). Two different operators (L.A.D.V. and L.B.) measured execution times, excluded low-quality images, and counted the number of motion artifacts per image. Results: The mean execution time was shorter with AngioPlex than with AngioVue for all subjects (3 min 32 s ± 1 min 45 s vs. 4 min 35 s ± 1 min 11 s; p < 0.0001), for the healthy subjects (2 min 31 s ± 45 s vs. 4 min 1 s ± 53 s; p = 0.003), and for the patients (3 min 44 s ± 1 min 48 s vs. 4 min 42 s ± 1 min 13 s; p < 0.0001). The percentages of available images, low-signal-strength images, and images impossible to analyze of the total acquired images obtained using AngioPlex or AngioVue were 85, 6, and 9% and 56, 29, and 15%, respectively. The mean number of motion artifacts was significantly lower in images obtained using AngioPlex than in images obtained using AngioVue for all patients (6.5 ± 5.9 vs. 12.6 ± 8.5; p < 0.0001), for the healthy subjects (6.5 ± 4.6 vs. 10.9 ± 7.9; p = 0.0009), and for the patients (6.6 ± 6.3 vs. 13.1 ± 8.7; p < 0.0001). There was no correlation between the number of artifacts and execution time or patients' age. Conclusion: AngioPlex and AngioVue are useful devices in clinical practice. AngioPlex requires a shorter execution time and provides a higher number of images available for analysis with fewer motion artifacts.
Insights into the Mechanisms of the Acute Kidney Injury-to-Chronic Kidney Disease Continuum
Authors: Takaori Koji , Yanagita Motoko
Published: July 2016

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is an increasingly common clinical problem with significant impact on long-term patient outcome. Recent clinical trials demonstrate that AKI is closely related to the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease, though the precise mechanisms linking AKI to CKD remain unclear. While inflammation, microvascular rarefaction and hypoxia are involved in the AKI-to-CKD continuum, proximal tubule injury seems to play an important role in the progression of CKD. In this review, we focus on the mechanisms of the AKI-to-CKD continuum, especially the mechanism by which injury to the proximal tubules triggers progression to CKD. Elucidating the mechanisms involved in the AKI-to-CKD continuum will support the development of therapeutic options to prevent progression from AKI to CKD.
Computer Memoirs of Ray Lauzzana
Authors: Lauzzana Ray
Published: July 2016

This article traces the author’s work with computers from his earliest experiences in the 1960s through the mid-1980s when personal computers and the Internet changed everything. The author’s earliest work with computing involved developing a “critical path” system along the lines outlined by Buckminster Fuller. He continued mixing art and mathematics throughout his career, engaging psychophysics and synesthesia. By the 1980s, the author turned to publishing about computer graphics; in the mid-1980s, he homebrewed a “listserver” to distribute one of the first electronic publications—fineArt forum (fAf). In 1981, he was invited by Al Gore to develop an exhibition of computer artists at the Library of Congress for the Congressional Hearing on the Internet—the legislation passed, and computing has never been the same.
The Contribution of Desmond Paul Henry (1921–2004) to Twentieth-Century Computer Art
Authors: O’Hanrahan Elaine
Published: July 2016

This paper describes the series of three electronic drawing machines Desmond Paul Henry constructed during the 1960s from World War II analogue bombsight computers and which, by virtue of their inspiration, idiosyncratic modus operandi and analogue-derived effects, earn Henry a place as a British computer art pioneer. The abstract graphic results of these now-defunct drawing machines are presented as precursors to digital images.
Desenvolvimento de uma aplicação para reconhecer significado de palavras homônimas utilizando redes neurais artificiais
Authors: Côrtes Eduardo Gabriel , Frantz Rodrigo , Frozza Rejane
Published: July 2016

Este trabalho propõe desenvolver uma aplicação para auxiliar no entendimento do significado de palavras ambíguas da língua portuguesa, que dependem necessariamente do contexto para serem identificadas. A aplicação foi implementada na linguagem de programação JAVA, utilizando a IDE NetBeans, juntamente com a ferramenta ADReNA, que permitiu modelar e treinar a rede neural artificial backpropagation. Foram desenvolvidas duas versões da aplicação, que se diferenciam pela forma que representam a camada de entrada da rede neural artificial. Testes realizados mostraram que a forma que a rede neural é representada gera influência em seus resultados. Após a realização dos testes, a aplicação se mostrou promissora no reconhecimento de significados de palavras homônimas.
El proceso legislativo en México: la eficiencia de las comisiones permanentes en un Congreso sin mayoría
Authors: Béjar Algazi Luisa , Bárcena Juárez Sergio
Published: July 2016

La forma de evaluar la eficiencia legislativa de las comisiones permanentes en México ha omitido hasta ahora la necesidad de construir coaliciones para lograr la aprobación de cualquier ley por la ausencia de una mayoría cohesionada y estable en el Congreso. En este contexto, el presente artículo se pregunta cómo abordar esa tarea. Parte de la idea de que cualquier esfuerzo en ese sentido requiere un conocimiento más preciso y sistemático de las actividades que realizan las comisiones permanentes en esas circunstancias, así como de las habilidades de su presidente para conducir ese proceso.
Aboriginal Homelessness: A Framework for Best Practice in the Context of Structural Violence
Authors: Oelke Nelly D , Thurston Wilfreda E , Turner David
Published: July 2016

Homelessness among Indigenous peoples is an important issue in Canada and internationally. Research was conducted in seven metropolitan areas in the four western provinces of Canada to explore current services with the aim of developing a best practices framework to end homelessness for Aboriginal peoples. Sequential mixed methods were used. Key results found agreement that Aboriginal peoples were overrepresented among the homeless and policy determined the approach to and comprehensiveness of services provided. Funding, lack of time, and lack of resources were highlighted as issues. Gaps identified included a lack of partnership, cross-cultural collaboration, cultural safety, and evaluation and research in service provision. Best practices included ensuring cultural safety, fostering partnerships among agencies, implementing Aboriginal governance, ensuring adequate and sustainable funding, equitable employment of Aboriginal staff, incorporating cultural reconnection, and undertaking research and evaluation to guide policy and practices related to homelessness among Aboriginal peoples.
The fortune at the bottom of the pyramid
Authors: Prahalad Coimbatore Krishnarao , Hart Stuart L.
Published: July 2016

This article is based on a 1998 working paper from the authors. It was originally published in Strategy+Business n. 26, first quarter 2002, and is one of the basis for the CK Prahalad best seller of the same title. Tha article argues about the possibility and opportunity to transform the bottom of the pyramid market in a profitable market.
Temporalidades e cotidiano escolar em redes de significações: desafios didáticos na tarefa de educar para a compreensão do tempo
Authors: Miranda Sonia Regina
Published: July 2016

O que significa, para a criança, aprender sobre o Tempo, essa plural e intangível marca do humano? Que dificuldades envolvem o manejo de suas múltiplas categorias, bem como a compreensão da ideia de mudança? O que representa, para o professor, o trabalho de dilatação da consciência temporal do jovem num mundo conectado e num tempo acelerado pelas rápidas transformações do presente? Que relações existem entre o modo pelo qual historiadores interpretam o tempo e aquilo que fazemos com tais ferramentas interpretativas no espaço da sala de aula com nossos estudantes? Que permeabilidades e diálogos a sala de aula pode construir para com as camadas temporais que se dispõem para cada um de nós no mundo que circunda a escola e que pulsam ao nosso redor? O que significa educar o olhar para a percepção de tais camadas temporais, entre visibilidades e invisibilidades? Afinal de contas, por que aprender o tempo histórico é algo tão denso e segue sendo tão desafiador para muitos professores? Estas e outras perguntas estiveram sob a esteira de construção deste artigo, cujo objetivo principal é problematizar o tratamento da questão da temporalidade histórica na sala de aula e na escola.
A Simple Approach for Quantifying Accelerated Production Through Heating Producer Wells
Authors: Mao Deming , Xie Xueying , Jones Raymond M. , Harvey Albert , Karanikas John M.
Published: July 2016

This paper focuses on techniques for quantifying accelerated-production rates achieved by installing wellbore heaters in heavy-oil-producer wells. The uniform injection of heat into the wellbore of heavy-oil producers reduces local near-well fluid viscosity, lowers dynamic pressure, and results in increased production rates. Wellbore heat penetrates into the surrounding reservoir through conduction. Because of the exponential dependence of heavy-oil viscosity on temperature, small changes in temperature can substantially reduce near-wellbore oil viscosity. Conduction-heat transfer into the formation is balanced by convection back into the wellbore by the inflowing produced fluids. The higher the flow rate, the lower the heat-penetration depth is for a fixed heater-injection rate.

Schild (1957) presented a steady-state model that deploys boundary condition at an infinite radial location, resulting in the prediction of an infinite-influence region for the temperature when the Péclet number is smaller than unity. Production-improvement factor (PIF) on the order of 100 is reported and will be shown to be overoptimistic when the transient nature is properly represented. In this paper, a transient model is presented dependent on the boundary conditions at a finite radial distance from the wellbore. Predictions of the PIF suggest values on the order of three at small Péclet numbers. Influence of the formation thermal conductivity and permeability can be lumped into a defined Péclet number. The developed correlation is demonstrated to cover the effect of this Péclet number, together with the viscosity ratio, on the PIF.
Micelle Catalyzed Oxidative Degradation of Paracetamol by Water Soluble Colloidal MnO2 in Acidic Medium
Authors: Singh Ajaya Kumar , Sen Neelam , Chatterjee Som Kumar , Singh Narendra Pratap
Published: July 2016

The catalytic effect of cationic micelles of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) on the MnO2-paracetamol (PCM) redox reaction has been examined spectrophotometrically in acidic medium at 298 K. The reaction demonstrates that the stoichiometric ratio of MnO2 and PCM is 1 : 1. The reaction exhibited first order kinetics with respect to [MnO2] and [PCM] but a negative fractional order was observed with respect to [H2SO4]. Various effects such as ionic strength, dielectric constant, [Mn(II)], [salts] and temperature have been studied. The catalytic effect of CTAB has been treated quantitatively by the well known Menger Portnoy and Piszkiewicz model. The values of binding constant (Ks), rate constant in the micellar phase (km), cooperativity index (n) and dissociation constant (KD) have also been calculated. From the several observations, a reaction mechanism has been proposed and the rate law has been derived. Applying the Arrhenius equation, various thermodynamic activation parameters have also been evaluated.
Prediction of Size and Position of Fracture Relevant Defects of Samples Fatigued in the VHCF Area on the Basis of Metallographic Examinations
Authors: Christ H.-J. , Grigorescu A. , Kolyshkin A. , Kaufmann E. , Zimmermann M.
Published: July 2016

This paper aims to examine the connection between the material quality with regard to the size and spatial distribution of the defects and the size or position of the defects causing the fracture which determine the durability of components in the range of Very High Cycle Fatigue (VHCF). For this purpose, the quality of the metastable austenitic steel 1.4301 was characterized via metallographic examinations. Longitudinal and cross sections were taken from a sheet steel. Afterwards size and position of all defects were measured. The metallographic information acquired was used to create a statistical defect distribution model. On the basis of this model and the stress distribution in the most stressed area of the used fatigue samples, the distribution of size and position of the inclusions relevant for the fatigue failure could be predicted. The results of the modelling are in good agreement with the experimental observations regarding the positions of crack initiation on samples failing under VHCF circumstances.
Electrochemical Potential Gradient as a Quantitative in Vitro Test Platform for Cellular Oxidative Stress
Authors: Bryant Carson , Atha Donald , Reipa Vytas
Published: July 2016

Oxidative stress in a biological system is often defined as a redox imbalance within cells or groups of cells within an organism. Reductive-oxidative (redox) imbalances in cellular systems have been implicated in several diseases, such as cancer. To better understand the redox environment within cellular systems, it is important to be able to characterize the relationship between the intensity of the oxidative environment, characterized by redox potential, and the biomolecular consequences of oxidative damage. In this study, we show that an in situ electrochemical potential gradient can serve as a tool to simulate exogenous oxidative stress in surface-attached mammalian cells. A culture plate design, which permits direct imaging and analysis of the cell viability, following exposure to a range of solution redox potentials, was developed. The in vitro oxidative stress test vessel consists of a cell growth flask fitted with two platinum electrodes that support a direct current along the flask bottom. The applied potential span and gradient slope can be controlled by adjusting the constant current magnitude across the vessel with spatially localized media potentials measured with a sliding reference electrode. For example, the viability of Chinese Hamster Ovary cells under a gradient of redox potentials indicated that cell death was initiated at approximately 0.4 V vs. standard hydrogen electrode (SHE) media potential and this potential could be modified with antioxidants. This experimental platform may facilitate studies of oxidative stress characteristics on different types of cells by enabling imaging live cell cultures that have been exposed to a gradient of exogenous redox potentials.
Mucin-Type O-Glycosylation in Gastric Carcinogenesis
Authors: Duarte Henrique , Freitas Daniela , Gomes Catarina , Gomes Joana , Magalhães Ana , Reis Celso
Published: July 2016

Mucin-type O-glycosylation plays a crucial role in several physiological and pathological processes of the gastric tissue. Modifications in enzymes responsible for key glycosylation steps and the consequent abnormal biosynthesis and expression of their glycan products constitute well-established molecular hallmarks of disease state. This review addresses the major role played by mucins and associated O-glycan structures in Helicobacter pylori adhesion to the gastric mucosa and the subsequent establishment of a chronic infection, with concomitant drastic alterations of the gastric epithelium glycophenotype. Furthermore, alterations of mucin expression pattern and glycan signatures occurring in preneoplastic lesions and in gastric carcinoma are also described, as well as their impact throughout the gastric carcinogenesis cascade and in cancer progression. Altogether, mucin-type O-glycosylation alterations may represent promising biomarkers with potential screening and prognostic applications, as well as predictors of cancer patients’ response to therapy.
A New Scalable, Distributed, Fuzzy C-Means Algorithm-Based Mobile Agents Scheme for HPC: SPMD Application
Authors: Benchara Fatéma , Youssfi Mohamed , Bouattane Omar , Ouajji Hassan
Published: July 2016

The aim of this paper is to present a mobile agents model for distributed classification of Big Data. The great challenge is to optimize the communication costs between the processing elements (PEs) in the parallel and distributed computational models by the way to ensure the scalability and the efficiency of this method. Additionally, the proposed distributed method integrates a new communication mechanism to ensure HPC (High Performance Computing) of parallel programs as distributed one, by means of cooperative mobile agents team that uses its asynchronous communication ability to achieve that. This mobile agents team implements the distributed method of the Fuzzy C-Means Algorithm (DFCM) and performs the Big Data classification in the distributed system. The paper shows the proposed scheme and its assigned DFCM algorithm and presents some experimental results that illustrate the scalability and the efficiency of this distributed method.
Zirconate Pyrochlore Frustrated Magnets: Crystal Growth by the Floating Zone Technique
Authors: Ciomaga Hatnean Monica , Decorse Claudia , Lees Martin , Petrenko Oleg , Balakrishnan Geetha
Published: July 2016

This article reviews recent achievements on the crystal growth of a new series of pyrochlore oxides—lanthanide zirconates, which are frustrated magnets with exotic magnetic properties. Oxides of the type A 2 B 2 O 7 (where A = Rare Earth, B = Ti, Mo) have been successfully synthesised in single crystal form using the floating zone method. The main difficulty of employing this technique for the growth of rare earth zirconium oxides A 2 Zr 2 O 7 arises from the high melting point of these materials. This drawback has been recently overcome by the use of a high power Xenon arc lamp furnace for the growth of single crystals of Pr 2 Zr 2 O 7 . Subsequently, large, high quality single crystals of several members of the zirconate family of pyrochlore oxides A 2 Zr 2 O 7 (with A = La → Gd) have been grown by the floating zone technique. In this work, the authors give an overview of the crystal growth of lanthanide zirconates. The optimum conditions used for the floating zone growth of A 2 Zr 2 O 7 crystals are reported. The characterisation of the crystal boules and their crystal quality is also presented.
Effect of a Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Procedure on Heart Rate Variability and Pulse Transit Time Variability: A Comparison Study Based on Fuzzy Measure Entropy
Authors: Zhang Guang , Liu Chengyu , Ji Lizhen , Yang Jing , Liu Changchun
Published: July 2016

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a common treatment method for patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), but its effect on synchronously measured heart rate variability (HRV) and pulse transit time variability (PTTV) have not been well established. This study aimed to verify whether PCI for CAD patients affects both HRV and PTTV parameters. Sixteen CAD patients were enrolled. Two five-minute ECG and finger photoplethysmography (PPG) signals were recorded, one within 24 h before PCI and another within 24 h after PCI. The changes of RR and pulse transit time (PTT) intervals due to the PCI procedure were first compared. Then, HRV and PTTV were evaluated by a standard short-term time-domain variability index of standard deviation of time series (SDTS) and our previously developed entropy-based index of fuzzy measure entropy (FuzzyMEn). To test the effect of different time series length on HRV and PTTV results, we segmented the RR and PTT time series using four time windows of 200, 100, 50 and 25 beats respectively. The PCI-induced changes in HRV and PTTV, as well as in RR and PTT intervals, are different. PCI procedure significantly decreased RR intervals (before PCI 973 ± 85 vs. after PCI 907 ± 100 ms, p < 0.05) while significantly increasing PTT intervals (207 ± 18 vs. 214 ± 19 ms, p < 0.01). For HRV, SDTS-only output significant lower values after PCI when time windows are 100 and 25 beats while presenting no significant decreases for other two time windows. By contrast, FuzzyMEn gave significant lower values after PCI for all four time windows (all p < 0.05). For PTTV, SDTS hardly changed after PCI at any time window (all p > 0.90) whereas FuzzyMEn still reported significant lower values (p < 0.05 for 25 beats time window and p < 0.01 for other three time windows). For both HRV and PTTV, with the increase of time window values, SDTS decreased while FuzzyMEn increased. This pilot study demonstrated that the RR interval decreased whereas the PTT interval increased after the PCI procedure and that there were significant reductions in both HRV and PTTV immediately after PCI using the FuzzyMEn method, indicating the changes in underlying mechanisms in cardiovascular system.
An Innovative Agro-Forestry Supply Chain for Residual Biomass: Physicochemical Characterisation of Biochar from Olive and Hazelnut Pellets
Authors: Zambon Ilaria , Colosimo Fabrizio , Monarca Danilo , Cecchini Massimo , Gallucci Francesco , Proto Andrea , Lord Richard , Colantoni Andrea
Published: July 2016

Concerns about climate change and food productivity have spurred interest in biochar, a form of charred organic material typically used in agriculture to improve soil productivity and as a means of carbon sequestration. An innovative approach in agriculture is the use of agro-forestry waste for the production of soil fertilisers for agricultural purposes and as a source of energy. A common agricultural practice is to burn crop residues in the field to produce ashes that can be used as soil fertilisers. This approach is able to supply plants with certain nutrients, such as Ca, K, Mg, Na, B, S, and Mo. However, the low concentration of N and P in the ashes, together with the occasional presence of heavy metals (Ni, Pb, Cd, Se, Al, etc.), has a negative effect on soil and, therefore, crop productivity. This work describes the opportunity to create an innovative supply chain from agricultural waste biomass. Olive (Olea europaea) and hazelnut (Corylus avellana) pruning residues represent a major component of biomass waste in the area of Viterbo (Italy). In this study, we evaluated the production of biochar from these residues. Furthermore, a physicochemical characterisation of the produced biochar was performed to assess the quality of the two biochars according to the standards of the European Biochar Certificate (EBC). The results of this study indicate the cost-effective production of high-quality biochar from olive and hazelnut biomass residues.
Optimal Placement of Energy Storage and Wind Power under Uncertainty
Authors: Meneses de Quevedo Pilar , Contreras Javier
Published: July 2016

Due to the rapid growth in the amount of wind energy connected to distribution grids, they are exposed to higher network constraints, which poses additional challenges to system operation. Based on regulation, the system operator has the right to curtail wind energy in order to avoid any violation of system constraints. Energy storage systems (ESS) are considered to be a viable solution to solve this problem. The aim of this paper is to provide the best locations of both ESS and wind power by optimizing distribution system costs taking into account network constraints and the uncertainty associated to the nature of wind, load and price. To do that, we use a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) approach consisting of loss reduction, voltage improvement and minimization of generation costs. An alternative current (AC) linear optimal power flow (OPF), which employs binary variables to define the location of the generation, is implemented. The proposed stochastic MILP approach has been applied to the IEEE 69-bus distribution network and the results show the performance of the model under different values of installed capacities of ESS and wind power.
Environmental Health Related Socio-Spatial Inequalities: Identifying “Hotspots” of Environmental Burdens and Social Vulnerability
Authors: Shrestha Rehana , Flacke Johannes , Martinez Javier , Van Maarseveen Martin
Published: July 2016

Differential exposure to multiple environmental burdens and benefits and their distribution across a population with varying vulnerability can contribute heavily to health inequalities. Particularly relevant are areas with high cumulative burdens and high social vulnerability termed as “hotspots”. This paper develops an index-based approach to assess these multiple burdens and benefits in combination with vulnerability factors at detailed intra-urban level. The method is applied to the city of Dortmund, Germany. Using non-spatial and spatial methods we assessed inequalities and identified “hotspot” areas in the city. We found modest inequalities burdening higher vulnerable groups in Dortmund (CI = −0.020 at p < 0.05). At the detailed intra-urban level, however, inequalities showed strong geographical patterns. Large numbers of “hotspots” exist in the northern part of the city compared to the southern part. A holistic assessment, particularly at a detailed local level, considering both environmental burdens and benefits and their distribution across the population with the different vulnerability, is essential to inform environmental justice debates and to mobilize local stakeholders. Locating “hotspot” areas at this detailed spatial level can serve as a basis to develop interventions that target vulnerable groups to ensure a health conducive equal environment.
Bacteria-Templated NiO Nanoparticles/Microstructure for an Enzymeless Glucose Sensor
Authors: Vaidyanathan Settu , Cherng Jong-Yuh , Sun An-Cheng , Chen Chien-Yen
Published: July 2016

The bacterial-induced hollow cylinder NiO (HCNiO) nanomaterial was utilized for the enzymeless (without GOx) detection of glucose in basic conditions. The determination of glucose in 0.05 M NaOH solution with high sensitivity was performed using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and amperometry (i–t). The fundamental electrochemical parameters were analyzed and the obtained values of diffusion coefficient (D), heterogeneous rate constant (ks), electroactive surface coverage (Г), and transfer coefficient (alpha-α) are 1.75 × 10−6 cm2/s, 57.65 M−1·s−1, 1.45 × 10−10 mol/cm2, and 0.52 respectively. The peak current of the i–t method shows two dynamic linear ranges of calibration curves 0.2 to 3.5 µM and 0.5 to 250 µM for the glucose electro-oxidation. The Ni2+/Ni3+ couple with the HCNiO electrode and the electrocatalytic properties were found to be sensitive to the glucose oxidation. The green chemistry of NiO preparation from bacteria and the high catalytic ability of the oxyhydroxide (NiOOH) is the good choice for the development of a glucose sensor. The best obtained sensitivity and limit of detection (LOD) for this sensor were 3978.9 µA mM−1·cm−2 and 0.9 µM, respectively.
Enhanced Visible Transmittance of Thermochromic VO2 Thin Films by SiO2 Passivation Layer and Their Optical Characterization
Authors: Yu Jung-Hoon , Nam Sang-Hun , Lee Ji , Boo Jin-Hyo
Published: July 2016

This paper presents the preparation of high-quality vanadium dioxide (VO2) thermochromic thin films with enhanced visible transmittance (Tvis) via radio frequency (RF) sputtering and plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). VO2 thin films with high Tvis and excellent optical switching efficiency (Eos) were successfully prepared by employing SiO2 as a passivation layer. After SiO2 deposition, the roughness of the films was decreased 2-fold and a denser structure was formed. These morphological changes corresponded to the results of optical characterization including the haze, reflectance and absorption spectra. In spite of SiO2 coating, the phase transition temperature (Tc) of the prepared films was not affected. Compared with pristine VO2, the total layer thickness after SiO2 coating was 160 nm, which is an increase of 80 nm. Despite the thickness change, the VO2 thin films showed a higher Tvis value (λ 650 nm, 58%) compared with the pristine samples (λ 650 nm, 43%). This enhancement of Tvis while maintaining high Eos is meaningful for VO2-based smart window applications.
Enhancement of Biofilm Formation on Pyrite by Sulfobacillus thermosulfidooxidans
Authors: Li Qian , Sand Wolfgang , Zhang Ruiyong
Published: July 2016

Bioleaching is the mobilization of metal cations from insoluble ores by microorganisms. Biofilms can enhance this process. Since Sulfobacillus often appears in leaching heaps or reactors, this genus has aroused attention. In this study, biofilm formation and subsequent pyrite dissolution by the Gram-positive, moderately thermophilic acidophile Sulfobacillus thermosulfidooxidans were investigated. Five strategies, including adjusting initial pH, supplementing an extra energy source or ferric ions, as well as exchanging exhausted medium with fresh medium, were tested for enhancement of its biofilm formation. The results show that regularly exchanging exhausted medium leads to a continuous biofilm development on pyrite. By this way, multiply layered biofilms were observed on pyrite slices, while only monolayer biofilms were visible on pyrite grains. In addition, biofilms were proven to be responsible for pyrite leaching in the early stages.
Food Habits, Lifestyle Factors, and Risk of Prostate Cancer in Central Argentina: A Case Control Study Involving Self-Motivated Health Behavior Modifications after Diagnosis
Authors: Pacheco Sandaly , Pacheco Fabio , Zapata Gimena , Garcia Julieta , Previale Carlos , Cura Héctor , Craig Winston
Published: July 2016

Cancer is the second most important non-communicable disease worldwide and disproportionately impacts low- to middle-income countries. Diet in combination with other lifestyle habits seems to modify the risk for some cancers but little is known about South Americans. Food habits of Argentinean men pre- and post-diagnosis of prostate cancer (n = 326) were assessed along with other lifestyle factors. We studied whether any of the behaviors and risk factors for prostate cancer were found in men with other cancers (n = 394), compared with control subjects (n = 629). Before diagnosis, both cases reported a greater mean consumption of meats and fats and lower intakes of fruits, green vegetables, cruciferous vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains than the controls (all p < 0.001). After diagnosis, cases significantly reduced the intake of meats and fats, and reported other dietary modifications with increased consumption of fish, fruits (including red fruits in prostate cancer), cruciferous vegetables, legumes, nuts, and black tea (all p < 0.001). Additional lifestyle aspects significantly predominant in cases included a reduced quality of sleep, emotional stress, low physical activity, tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, living in rural areas, and being exposed to environmental contaminants. Argentinian men were predisposed to modify their unhealthy dietary habits and other lifestyle factors after cancer diagnosis.
TRPM8 Puts the Chill on Prostate Cancer
Authors: Grolez Guillaume , Gkika Dimitra
Published: July 2016

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in developed countries. Several studies suggest that variations in calcium homeostasis are involved in carcinogenesis. Interestingly, (Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin member 8) TRPM8 calcium permeable channel expression is differentially regulated during prostate carcinogenesis, thereby suggesting a potential functional role for this channel in those cell processes, which are important for PCa evolution. Indeed, several studies have shown that TRPM8 plays a key role in processes such as the proliferation, viability and cell migration of PCa cells. Where cell migration is concerned, TRPM8 seems to have a protective anti-invasive effect and could be a particularly promising therapeutic target. The goal of this review is to inventory advances in understanding of the role of TRPM8 in the installation and progression of PCa.
Crop Area Mapping Using 100-m Proba-V Time Series
Authors: Durgun Yetkin , Gobin Anne , Van De Kerchove Ruben , Tychon Bernard
Published: July 2016

A method was developed for crop area mapping inspired by spectral matching techniques (SMTs) and based on phenological characteristics of different crop types applied using 100-m Proba-V NDVI data for the season 2014–2015. Ten-daily maximum value NDVI composites were created and smoothed in SPIRITS (spirits.jrc.ec.europa.eu). The study sites were globally spread agricultural areas located in Flanders (Belgium), Sria (Russia), Kyiv (Ukraine) and Sao Paulo (Brazil). For each pure pixel within the field, the NDVI profile of the crop type for its growing season was matched with the reference NDVI profile based on the training set extracted from the study site where the crop type originated. Three temporal windows were tested within the growing season: green-up to senescence, green-up to dormancy and minimum NDVI at the beginning of the growing season to minimum NDVI at the end of the growing season. Post classification rules were applied to the results to aggregate the crop type at the plot level. The overall accuracy (%) ranged between 65 and 86, and the kappa coefficient changed from 0.43–0.84 according to the site and the temporal window. In order of importance, the crop phenological development period, parcel size, shorter time window, number of ground-truth parcels and crop calendar similarity were the main reasons behind the differences between the results. The methodology described in this study demonstrated that 100-m Proba-V has the potential to be used in crop area mapping across different regions in the world.
An Optical Sensor for Measuring the Position and Slanting Direction of Flat Surfaces
Authors: Chen Yu-Ta , Huang Yen-Sheng , Liu Chien-Sheng
Published: July 2016

Automated optical inspection is a very important technique. For this reason, this study proposes an optical non-contact slanting surface measuring system. The essential features of the measurement system are obtained through simulations using the optical design software Zemax. The actual propagation of laser beams within the measurement system is traced by using a homogeneous transformation matrix (HTM), the skew-ray tracing method, and a first-order Taylor series expansion. Additionally, a complete mathematical model that describes the variations in light spots on photoelectric sensors and the corresponding changes in the sample orientation and distance was established. Finally, a laboratory prototype system was constructed on an optical bench to verify experimentally the proposed system. This measurement system can simultaneously detect the slanting angles (x, z) in the x and z directions of the sample and the distance (y) between the biconvex lens and the flat sample surface.
Source Authentication for Code Dissemination Supporting Dynamic Packet Size in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Kim Daehee , Kim Dongwan , An Sunshin
Published: July 2016

Code dissemination in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) is a procedure for distributing a new code image over the air in order to update programs. Due to the fact that WSNs are mostly deployed in unattended and hostile environments, secure code dissemination ensuring authenticity and integrity is essential. Recent works on dynamic packet size control in WSNs allow enhancing the energy efficiency of code dissemination by dynamically changing the packet size on the basis of link quality. However, the authentication tokens attached by the base station become useless in the next hop where the packet size can vary according to the link quality of the next hop. In this paper, we propose three source authentication schemes for code dissemination supporting dynamic packet size. Compared to traditional source authentication schemes such as μTESLA and digital signatures, our schemes provide secure source authentication under the environment, where the packet size changes in each hop, with smaller energy consumption.
Respiratory Effects of Sarafotoxins from the Venom of Different Atractaspis Genus Snake Species
Authors: Malaquin Stéphanie , Bayat Sam , Abou Arab Osama , Mourier Gilles , Lorne Emmanuel , Kamel Saïd , Dupont Hervé , Ducancel Frédéric , Mahjoub Yazine
Published: July 2016

Sarafotoxins (SRTX) are endothelin-like peptides extracted from the venom of snakes belonging to the Atractaspididae family. A recent in vivo study on anesthetized and ventilated animals showed that sarafotoxin-b (SRTX-b), extracted from the venom of Atractaspis engaddensis, decreases cardiac output by inducing left ventricular dysfunction while sarafotoxin-m (SRTX-m), extracted from the venom of Atractaspis microlepidota microlepidota, induces right ventricular dysfunction with increased airway pressure. The aim of the present experimental study was to compare the respiratory effects of SRTX-m and SRTX-b. Male Wistar rats were anesthetized, tracheotomized and mechanically ventilated. They received either a 1 LD50 IV bolus of SRTX-b (n = 5) or 1 LD50 of SRTX-m (n = 5). The low-frequency forced oscillation technique was used to measure respiratory impedance. Airway resistance (Raw), parenchymal damping (G) and elastance (H) were determined from impedance data, before and 5 min after SRTX injection. SRTX-m and SRTX-b injections induced acute hypoxia and metabolic acidosis with an increased anion gap. Both toxins markedly increased Raw, G and H, but with a much greater effect of SRTX-b on H, which may have been due to pulmonary edema in addition to bronchoconstriction. Therefore, despite their structural analogy, these two toxins exert different effects on respiratory function. These results emphasize the role of the C-terminal extension in the in vivo effect of these toxins.