bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Safety and Efficacy of Omarigliptin (MK-3102), a Novel Once-Weekly DPP-4 Inhibitor for the Treatment of Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Sheu Wayne H.-H. , Gantz Ira , Chen Menghui , Suryawanshi Shailaja , Mirza Arpana , Goldstein Barry J. , Kaufman Keith D. , Engel Samuel S.
Published: August 2015

OBJECTIVE

This study was conducted to determine the optimal dose of omarigliptin, a once-weekly (q.w.) dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-4) inhibitor, for the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes and evaluate the long-term safety of that dose.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In a multicenter, double-blind, 12-week, dose-range finding study, 685 oral antihyperglycemic agent-naïve or washed-out subjects with type 2 diabetes were randomized to one of five once-weekly doses of omarigliptin (0.25 mg, 1 mg, 3 mg, 10 mg, or 25 mg) or placebo. The primary efficacy end point was change from baseline in HbA1c, and secondary end points were 2-h postmeal glucose (PMG) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG). Analysis included all patients who received at least one dose of the study medication. Subjects who completed the base study were eligible to enter a 66-week extension study.

RESULTS

Once-weekly treatment for 12 weeks with omarigliptin provided dose-related reductions in HbA1c, 2-h PMG, and FPG. At week 12, the omarigliptin 25-mg dose provided the greatest glycemic efficacy. The placebo-adjusted least-squares mean reductions from baseline in HbA1c, 2-h PMG, and FPG were −0.72% (−7.8 mmol/mol), −2.5, and −1.3 mmol/L, respectively (all P < 0.001). The incidence of adverse events was similar across dose groups, with a low incidence of symptomatic hypoglycemia and no effect on body weight. Omarigliptin was generally well-tolerated throughout the base and extension studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Omarigliptin 25 mg q.w., compared with placebo, provided significant glucose lowering and was generally well tolerated for up to 78 weeks in patients with type 2 diabetes.
The Presence and Consequence of Nonalbuminuric Chronic Kidney Disease in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Thorn Lena M. , Gordin Daniel , Harjutsalo Valma , Hägg Stefanie , Masar Robert , Saraheimo Markku , Tolonen Nina , Wadén Johan , Groop Per-Henrik , Forsblom Carol M.
Published: August 2015

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the prevalence of nonalbuminuric chronic kidney disease in type 1 diabetes to assess whether it increases the risk of cardiovascular and renal outcomes as well as all-cause mortality.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This was an observational follow-up of 3,809 patients with type 1 diabetes from the Finnish Diabetic Nephropathy Study. All patients were Caucasians and thoroughly examined at baseline. Their mean age was 37.6 ± 11.8 years and duration of diabetes 21.2 ± 12.1 years. Follow-up data on cardiovascular and renal outcomes and mortality were retrieved from registers. During 13 years of median follow-up, 378 developed end-stage renal disease, 415 suffered an incident cardiovascular event, and 406 died.

RESULTS

At baseline, 78 (2.0%) had nonalbuminuric chronic kidney disease. This was associated with older age, female sex, history of retinal laser treatment, cardiovascular events, and the number of antihypertensive drugs in use, but not with blood pressure levels or specific antihypertensive agents. Nonalbuminuric chronic kidney disease did not increase the risk of albuminuria (hazard ratio [HR] 2.0 [95% CI 0.9–4.4]) or end-stage renal disease (HR 6.4 [0.8–53.0]) but did increase the risk of cardiovascular events (HR 2.0 [1.4–3.5]) and all-cause mortality (HR 2.4 [1.4–3.9]). The highest risk of cardiovascular and renal end points was observed in the patients with albuminuria.

CONCLUSIONS

Nonalbuminuric chronic kidney disease is not a frequent finding in patients with type 1 diabetes, but when present, it is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and all-cause mortality but not with renal outcomes.
Modelling glacier-bed overdeepenings and possible future lakes for the glaciers in the Himalaya—Karakoram region
Authors: Linsbauer A. , Frey H. , Haeberli W. , Machguth H. , Azam M.F. , Allen S.
Published: August 2015

Surface digital elevation models (DEMs) and slope-related estimates of glacier thickness enable modelling of glacier-bed topographies over large ice-covered areas. Due to the erosive power of glaciers, such bed topographies can contain numerous overdeepenings, which when exposed following glacier retreat may fill with water and form new lakes. In this study, the bed overdeepenings for ~28 000 glaciers (40 775 km2) of the Himalaya-Karakoram region are modelled using GlabTop2 (Glacier Bed Topography model version 2), in which ice thickness is inferred from surface slope by parameterizing basal shear stress as a function of elevation range for each glacier. The modelled ice thicknesses are uncertain (±30%), but spatial patterns of ice thickness and bed elevation primarily depend on surface slopes as derived from the DEM and, hence, are more robust. About 16 000 overdeepenings larger than 104m2 were detected in the modelled glacier beds, covering an area of ~2200 km2 and having a volume of ~120km3 (3-4% of present-day glacier volume). About 5000 of these overdeepenings (1800 km2) have a volume larger than 106m3. The results presented here are useful for anticipating landscape evolution and potential future lake formation with associated opportunities (tourism, hydropower) and risks (lake outbursts).
Synodontia between Permanent Mandibular Central & Lateral Incisors
Authors: Agarwal Nitin , Giri Debanti , Mathur Saurabh , Agarwal Kirti
Published: August 2015

Dental fusion also called synodontia is a rare dental developmental anomaly in which the union of two independently developing primary or permanent tooth buds occurs. Tooth fusion is defined as union between the dentin and / or enamel of two or more separate developing teeth. The fusion may be partial or total depending upon the stage of tooth development at the time of union. The etiology of fusion is still unclear. The overall prevalence of the tooth fusion is approximately 0.5%. Fusion may be unilateral or bilateral and most often occurs in primary teeth with more predilections for anterior teeth. Clinically fused anterior teeth frequently have a groove or notch on the incisal edge that goes in buccolingual direction and radiographically, the dentin of fused teeth always appears to be joined in some region with separate pulp chambers and canals. Hence the cases of fusion of permanent teeth in different ages are presented.Bangladesh Journal of Dental Research and Education Vol.5(2) 2015: 70-72
A Study of Post Obturation Pain Following Single Visit Root Canal Treatment
Authors: Jabeen Salma , Khurshiduzzaman Dr
Published: August 2015

Introduction: Root canal treatment (RCT) is a common procedure in dentistry. In recent year, single visit RCT has gained increased acceptance as a treatment procedure of RCT. One of the problem of RCT is post obturation pain. Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the incidence of post obturation pain related to single visit RCT in asymptomatic non-vital single rooted teeth. Methods: A total 60 cases of endodontically involved asymptomatic non-vital single rooted teeth without any evidence of periapical radiolucency in radiograph, were selected for this study. The canals of all teeth were prepared and filled using the standarized preparation and lateral condensation filling technique. The frequency of post obturation pain was recorded as no pain, slight, moderate and severe pain and evaluated at the day l and at the day 7 after obturation. Result: Out of the 60 patients involved in the study, 37 patients had no pain, 12 patients had slight pain and 11 patients had moderate pain at the day 1 after post obturation. At the day 7 after post obturation, 50 patients had no pain, 8 patients had slight pain and 2 patients had moderate pain. No one showed severe pain in both follow up days. Conclusion: Statistically significant differences were found in the incidence and degree of pain between two follow up days. Incidence of pain was more in 1st post obturation day and decreased thereafter. Chattagram Maa-O-Shishu Hospital Medical College Journal Volume 12, Issue 3, September 2013: 16-19
Association of Ankle Brachial Pressure Index (ABPI) in Patients with Ischemic Stroke : A Case Control Study
Authors: Shahi Mohammad Selim , Rahman Aminur , Wadud Md Shaheen , Saha Uttam Kumar , Ahmed AK Takib Uddin , Ali Zahed , Kundu Narayan Chandra , Quraishi Firoz Ahmed , Hossain Sakhawat
Published: August 2015

Background: Several epidemiological studies have identified the association of abnormal ABPI with ischemic stroke. So the goal of this study was to determine the actual relationship of ABPI with ischemic stroke in the context of our country. Methods: This case control study was carried out in the Department of Neurology, Sir Salimullah Medical College and Mitford Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh. ABPI was measured by Doppler ultrasound machine of 100 patients who were admitted to the Mitford Hospital during the study period. Among them 50 patients with Ischemic stroke, confirmed by CT/MRI scan of brain were considered as case and 50 age-sex matched individuals with one or more vascular risk factors (VRF) but without stroke were considered as control. Then the results of ABPI were compared between the two groups. Results: Among the 50 patients with ischemic stroke (case group), 74% had normal ABPI and 26% had ABPI< 0.9; on the other hand among 50 age and sex matched individuals (control group) 90% had normal ABPI and 10% had ABPI <0.9. The difference was statistically significant between two groups. (p=<0.05).This association remained significant even after adjustment for potential confounders (age, gender, high BMI, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, smoking, ischemic heart disease and family history) in a multiple logistic regression model. Conclusion: The incidence of low ABPI is significantly higher in ischemic stroke patients than the age- sex matched control. Chattagram Maa-O-Shishu Hospital Medical College Journal Volume 12, Issue 3, September 2013: 27-33
Outcome of Peritoneal Dialysis in Children : Experience in a Tertiary Level Hospital in Chittagong, Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain Kamal , Badruddoza Md , Hoque AMM Ehteshamul
Published: August 2015

Objective: The objective of the study is to see the outcome of peritoneal dialysis in child age group ranging from 6 months to 15 yearsadmitted in ChattagramMaa- Shishu-O-General Hospital ICU setup. Methods: Patients were selected randomly who admitted with the indication of renal replacement therapy.Intermittent peritoneal dialysis was done in 10 patients from February 2012 to January 2013. Results: Out of ten patients eight survived and two died due to complication.The success rate is 80%.Among the survivors four made complete recovery with no complication and another fourwere sent to paediatric surgery for treatment of obstructive uropathy, the primary cause of the renal failure. Conclusion: The data presented indicate that peritoneal dialysis is an effective type of dialysis, that it is safe, that it can be accomplished with a minimum of equipment and that a trained team is essential for its efficient use. It is the preferable practical procedure currently available by which dialysis of an anuric infant or small child can be accomplished. Chattagram Maa-O-Shishu Hospital Medical College Journal Volume 12, Issue 3, September 2013: 34-36
Management of Jejunoileal Atresia : Our 5 year Experience
Authors: Shahjahan Md , Ferdous Kazi Md. Noor-ul , Mitul Md Ashrarur Rahman , Islam M Kabirul
Published: August 2015

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to see the outcome of primary anastomosis and enterostomy in jejunoileal atresia, to identify the complications associated with these surgical procedures and to find out a preferable surgical option for the complicated atresia. Methods: This prospective study was carried out in the Department of pediatric Surgery, in a tertiary pediatric hospital during the period of 5 years (July 2006 to June 2011). The study included neonates of both sexes, who were per operatively diagnosed as jejuno-ileal atresia. We excluded the patients of jejunoileal atersia with associated major anomaly like complex ARM, gastroschisis, omphalocele etc. Results: During this study period, a total 176 patients were diagnosed as jejunoileal atresia. Twelve of them were excluded due to presence of major associated anomaly. So the sample size was 164. Resection and primary anastomosis were done in 132 jejunoileal atresia with or without gangrene. Enterostomy were done in 32 cases, complicated by perforation of proximal segment with gangrene and peritoneal soiling. Mortality was higher after primary anastomosis in complicated atresia but much better than enterostomy. Complications were also more frequent and troublesome after enterostomy. Conclusion: Primary anastomosis gave better outcome in all types of jejuno-ileal atresia with or without complication which reduce the post operative morbidity and mortality. Chattagram Maa-O-Shishu Hospital Medical College Journal Volume 12, Issue 3, September 2013: 52-55
Stapled Versus Hand-Sewn Anastomosis in Colorectal Cancer Surgery : A comparative study
Authors: Singha Jawhar Lal , Haq Zahidul , Majid MA
Published: August 2015

Introduction: In spite of long journey of intestinal anastomotic techniques surgeons still are not free from doubt about the leakage after colorectal anastomosis. In distal rectal anastomosis after cancer surgery it poses more risk due to poor colonic vascularity and reduced remaining tissue to nourish the anastomotic site. Exploration of surgical staplers has provided some procedural advantages and sense of security to surgeons as well as to patients in respect to sphincter saving and thereby improving quality of life. However, outcome measures of these devices should be made to see its efficacy over conventional hand-sewn technique because their cost play role in treatment plan. The result of such comparative study may help surgeons to counsel the patients. Objectives: To find out whether stapled anastomosis is safer than hand-sewn anastomosis in colon and rectal cancer surgery. methods: The quasi-experimental study was undertaken in the department of general and colorectal surgery, Bangabandu Sheikh Mujib Medical University hospital during Feb 2005 to June 2008. Total 100 patients were selected. 48 patients underwent Stapled and 52 underwent Hand-sewn anastomosis. The patients were treated and postoperatively managed by same colorectal surgeon. The outcome variables were time required for anastomoses, postoperative hospital stay and early and late complications in postoperative and follow-up period. Result and observation: The age, sex, socioeconomic status or co-morbidities did not show any statistical difference between two groups as in the hospital stay (p=.821). The time required for anastomosis showed strongly significant difference (18.17 min and 26.85 min; p=.000) in favor of stapling group. The hemorrhage from anastomotic line (p=1.00), anastomotic leakage (p=.413), ileus/ obstruction (p=.640) and wound dehiscence (p=.640) were much less in stapled group though they lack statistical power. All others except anastomotic stenosis (p=.514) showed almost similar results. Conclusion: Considering user perspective, time requirement and postoperative complications stapling technique appear to be safer and superior to hand-sewn technique though it demands statistical strengthening on large scale study. Chattagram Maa-O-Shishu Hospital Medical College Journal Volume 12, Issue 3, September 2013: 56-61
Inguinal Lymphatic Malformation: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Rahman Musrat , Alim SAM , Akhter Morsheda , Sultana Shahana
Published: August 2015

Lymphatic malformation are most commonly located in regions of confluence of major lymphatic channels, including the neck ( 75%), axilla ( 20%), mediastinum, retroperitoneum, pelvis and groin. We are reporting here a very rare case in which a 15 months old boy presented with a painless lump in the right groin. Preoperative imaging, exploration, macroscopic and microscopic examination of the excised specimen revealed it a case of lymphatic malformation (cystic hygroma). This case is unique in terms of site of presentation. Chattagram Maa-O-Shishu Hospital Medical College Journal Volume 12, Issue 3, September 2013: 62-63
Primary Vaginal Carcinoma, Tales of Tragedy : Case Report
Authors: Begum Sahana , Akhter Rowshan , Begum Khadiza
Published: August 2015

Primary carcinoma of vagina is a rare entity in gynaecological oncology. Carcinoma of vagina in prolapsed uterus is extremely rare. A tumour should be considered as a primary vaginal carcinoma when cervix is uninvolved. Here two cases of primary vaginal carcinoma are reported. These cases were confirmed by histopathology and exclusion of carcinoma cervix, endometrium and ovary through meticulous physical examination and relevant investigations. These two patients were treated by radiotherapy. Chattagram Maa-O-Shishu Hospital Medical College Journal Volume 12, Issue 3, September 2013: 64-66
Topical Tacrolimus Brings Remission of Vitiligo and Halo Nevus in A Boy : A Case Report
Authors: Hossain Delwar , Fatema Shirin , Ahmed ASM Mostaque , Islam Jaynul
Published: August 2015

Development of acquired idiopathic white patch on the skin is called vitiligo and around a nevomelanocytic nevus is called halo nevus. Our patient had a halo nevus in the forehead and vitiligo elsewhere. Complete remission of his vitiligo and halo nevus was achieved with topical tacrolimus ointment without incurring any harm to the patient. Chattagram Maa-O-Shishu Hospital Medical College Journal Volume 12, Issue 3, September 2013: 70-72
Disability adjusted life years among arsenicosis patients in an arsenic-affected area of southern Bangladesh
Authors: Laskar MS , Gazi EA , Basu BK , Chowdhury S , Ahmad SA , Khan MH
Published: August 2015

Disability adjusted life years (DALY) is the sum of the present value of future years of lifetime lost through premature mortality, and the present value of years of future life-time adjusted for the average severity of any mental or physical disability caused by a disease or injury. As a method for estimating the global burden of disease, DALY was first introduced in the World Development Report in 1993 by the World Bank. The aim of this study was to estimate DALY among arsenicosis patients. DALY was calculated for 104 arsenicosis patients from an arsenic-affected rural area of southern Bangladesh using the estimated years they lived with disability (YLD). The mean (SD) of cumulative arsenic exposure level was 5.0 (3.2) mg/l-years. Among the patients, 64% reported reduction in working ability. The portion of the patients with disability for more than 50 years was as high as 58.7%. The mean (SD) of YLD and DALY was 54.0 (9.8) and 9.2 (1.5), respectively. A total of 5621 YLD equivalent to 961.7 DALY was lost due to arsenicosis (when life expectancy at birth according to Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics was applied, the YLD and DALY were 3899.2 and 868.9, respectively). There was significant relationship of YLD with education of the patients (p < 0.05). There was significant relationship between DALY and education of the patients (p < 0.05). There was also significant relationship between DALY and reduction in working ability of the patients (p < 0.05). The findings of the study justify for the policy makers to adopt adequate measures such as prevention, treatment and rehabilitation to alleviate the sufferings of the arsenicosis patients.Mediscope Vol. 2, No. 1: 2015, Pages 4-12
Metastatic male breast cancer
Authors: Sarker MK , Chowdhury PK , Mondal DK
Published: August 2015

Breast cancer of female is common but rare in male. It is diagnosed in advanced stage due to  the limited amount of breast tissue and lack of awareness. Most cases occur over the age of 60  years. Male breast cancer is treated like female breast cancer. The outcome of the disease is  worse, 5-4 years survival in about 40% cases.Mediscope Vol. 2, No. 1: 2015, Pages 36-38
Screening for Sleep Apnea in Morbidly Obese Pilots
Authors: Ruskin Keith Jonathan , Caldwell John A. , Caldwell J. Lynn , Boudreau Eilis Ann
Published: August 2015

BACKGROUND: Debate regarding the merits of screening pilots for sleep apnea has been stimulated by recently issued guidance from the Federal Aviation Administration. It has long been appreciated that sleep apnea results in poor quality sleep, and that poor quality sleep is associated
with daytime fatigue and decrements in performance. However, the relationship between sleep apnea and poor performance, including risk for accidents is not as well understood. Good quality data are available for commercial truck drivers and have helped influence transportation policy, but
there is a lack of pilot specific data. The purpose of this article is to review the basic epidemiology, pathophysiology, and treatment of sleep apnea, including major risk factors for apnea, such as body mass index (BMI), and to look at what is known about the impact of sleep apnea on performance
in transportation related occupations. While pilot specific data may be lacking, good quality data for commercial truckers are available and can be used to formulate rational public policy with the goal of improving aviation safety. This article was reviewed by the Council of the Aerospace
Medical Association and approved as a position paper of the Association.Ruskin KJ, Caldwell JA, Caldwell JL, Boudreau EA. Screening for sleep apnea in morbidly obese pilots. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2015; 86(9):835–841.
Tissue Changes During Operational Load Bearing in UH-60 Aircrew Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Games Kenneth E. , Kollock Roger O. , Windham Jerrod , Fischer Gregory S. , Sefton JoEllen M.
Published: August 2015

INTRODUCTION: Warfighters involved in mounted operations often experience prolonged periods of tissue loading, leading to injury. Determining how anatomical structures are affected during loading aids in the prevention and treatment of injury. The purpose of this study was to
develop a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compatible seat system that simulates a UH-60 Blackhawk in-flight sitting posture.METHODS: Eight men were scanned with a 3.0 Tesla MRI. Scans were collected with and without 6.38 psi of pressure applied to the buttocks via two air bladders
and an MRI-compatible robot controller system.RESULTS: Scans revealed that 6.38 psi of pressure applied to the buttocks significantly decreases total soft-tissue thickness beneath the left and right ischial tuberosities by 3.6 and 3.8 mm, respectively.DISCUSSION: At operational
load bearing pressures seen in the UH-60, the soft tissue structures of the buttocks are compressed. These findings aid in our understanding of the etiology of repetitive trauma disorders in aircrew due to prolonged sitting. This study serves as the foundation for future work examining the
anatomical changes associated with prolonged restricted sitting and other operational activities. A better understanding of the anatomical characteristics associated with mounted operations is invaluable to the prevention and treatment of injuries reported by warfighters and civilian populations.Games
KE, Kollock RO, Windham J, Fischer GS, Sefton JM. Tissue changes during operational load bearing in UH-60 aircrew using magnetic resonance imaging. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2015; 86(9):815–818.
Non-Canonical Hh Signaling in Cancer—Current Understanding and Future Directions
Authors: Gu Dongsheng , Xie Jingwu
Published: August 2015

As a major regulatory pathway for embryonic development and tissue patterning, hedgehog signaling is not active in most adult tissues, but is reactivated in a number of human cancer types. A major milestone in hedgehog signaling in cancer is the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of a smoothened inhibitor Vismodegib for treatment of basal cell carcinomas. Vismodegib can block ligand-mediated hedgehog signaling, but numerous additional clinical trials have failed to show significant improvements in cancer patients. Amounting evidence indicate that ligand-independent hedgehog signaling plays an essential role in cancer. Ligand-independent hedgehog signaling, also named non-canonical hedgehog signaling, generally is not sensitive to smoothened inhibitors. What we know about non-canonical hedgehog signaling in cancer, and how should we prevent its activation? In this review, we will summarize recent development of non-canonical hedgehog signaling in cancer, and will discuss potential ways to prevent this type of hedgehog signaling.
A Gloss Composition and Context Clustering Based Distributed Word Sense Representation Model
Authors: Chen Tao , Xu Ruifeng , He Yulan , Wang Xuan
Published: August 2015

In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in learning a distributed representation of word sense. Traditional context clustering based models usually require careful tuning of model parameters, and typically perform worse on infrequent word senses. This paper presents a novel approach which addresses these limitations by first initializing the word sense embeddings through learning sentence-level embeddings from WordNet glosses using a convolutional neural networks. The initialized word sense embeddings are used by a context clustering based model to generate the distributed representations of word senses. Our learned representations outperform the publicly available embeddings on half of the metrics in the word similarity task, 6 out of 13 sub tasks in the analogical reasoning task, and gives the best overall accuracy in the word sense effect classification task, which shows the effectiveness of our proposed distributed distribution learning model.
Soil Nitrogen Transformations and Availability in Upland Pine and Bottomland Alder Forests
Authors: Yoon Tae , Noh Nam , Chung Haegeun , Yang A-Ram , Son Yowhan
Published: August 2015

Soil nitrogen (N) processes and inorganic N availability are closely coupled with ecosystem productivity and various ecological processes. Spatio-temporal variations and environmental effects on net N transformation rates and inorganic N concentrations in bulk soil and ion exchange resin were examined in an upland pine forest (UPF) and a bottomland alder forest (BAF), which were expected to have distinguishing N properties. The annual net N mineralization rate and nitrification rate (kg N·ha−1·year−1) were within the ranges of 66.05–84.01 and 56.26–77.61 in the UPF and −17.22–72.24 and 23.98–98.74 in the BAF, respectively. In the BAF, which were assumed as N-rich conditions, the net N mineralization rate was suppressed under NH4+ accumulated soils and was independent from soil temperature. On the other hand, in the UPF, which represent moderately fertile N conditions, net N transformation rates and N availability were dependent to the generally known regulation by soil temperature and soil water content. Stand density might indirectly affect the N transformations, N availability, and ecosystem productivity through different soil moisture conditions. The differing patterns of different inorganic N indices provide useful insight into the N availability in each forest and potential applicability of ion exchange resin assay.
Depression, Help-Seeking and Self-Recognition of Depression among Dominican, Ecuadorian and Colombian Immigrant Primary Care Patients in the Northeastern United States
Authors: Caplan Susan , Buyske Steven
Published: August 2015

Latinos, the largest minority group in the United States, experience mental health disparities, which include decreased access to care, lower quality of care and diminished treatment engagement. The purpose of this cross-sectional study of 177 Latino immigrants in primary care is to identify demographic factors, attitudes and beliefs, such as stigma, perceived stress, and ethnic identity that are associated with depression, help-seeking and self-recognition of depression. Results indicated that 45 participants (25%) had depression by Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) criteria. Factors most likely to be associated with depression were: poverty; difficulty in functioning; greater somatic symptoms, perceived stress and stigma; number of chronic illnesses; and poor or fair self-rated mental health. Fifty-four people endorsed help-seeking. Factors associated with help-seeking were: female gender, difficulty in functioning, greater somatic symptoms, severity of depression, having someone else tell you that you have an emotional problem, and poor or fair self-rated mental health. Factors most likely to be associated with self-recognition were the same, but also included greater perceived stress. This manuscript contributes to the literature by examining attitudinal factors that may be associated with depression, help-seeking and self-recognition among subethnic groups of Latinos that are underrepresented in research studies.
Effects of Humic Acid and Suspended Solids on the Removal of Heavy Metals from Water by Adsorption onto Granular Activated Carbon
Authors: Sounthararajah Danious , Loganathan Paripurnanda , Kandasamy Jaya , Vigneswaran Saravanamuthu
Published: August 2015

Heavy metals constitute some of the most dangerous pollutants of water, as they are toxic to humans, animals, and aquatic organisms. These metals are considered to be of major public health concern and, therefore, need to be removed. Adsorption is a common physico-chemical process used to remove heavy metals. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and suspended solids (SS) are associated pollutants in water systems that can interact with heavy metals during the treatment process. The interactions of DOC and SS during the removal of heavy metals by granular activated carbon were investigated in batch and fixed-bed column experiments. Batch adsorption studies indicated that Langmuir adsorption maxima for Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Ni at pH 6.5 were 11.9, 11.8, 3.3, 2.0, and 1.8 mg/g, respectively. With the addition of humic acid (HA) (DOC representative), they were 7.5, 3.7, 3.2, 1.6, and 2.5 mg/g, respectively. In the column experiment, no breakthrough (complete removal) was obtained for Pb and Cu, but adding HA provided a breakthrough in removing these metals. For Zn, Cd and Ni, this breakthrough occurred even without HA being added. Adding kaolinite (representative of SS) had no effect on Pb and Cu, but it did on the other metals.
Interaction of High Flash Point Electrolytes and PE-Based Separators for Li-Ion Batteries
Authors: Hofmann Andreas , Kaufmann Christoph , Müller Marcus , Hanemann Thomas
Published: August 2015

In this study, promising electrolytes for use in Li-ion batteries are studied in terms of interacting and wetting polyethylene (PE) and particle-coated PE separators. The electrolytes are characterized according to their physicochemical properties, where the flow characteristics and the surface tension are of particular interest for electrolyte–separator interactions. The viscosity of the electrolytes is determined to be in a range of η = 4–400 mPa∙s and surface tension is finely graduated in a range of γL = 23.3–38.1 mN∙m−1. It is verified that the technique of drop shape analysis can only be used in a limited matter to prove the interaction, uptake and penetration of electrolytes by separators. Cell testing of Li|NMC half cells reveals that those cell results cannot be inevitably deduced from physicochemical electrolyte properties as well as contact angle analysis. On the other hand, techniques are more suitable which detect liquid penetration into the interior of the separator. It is expected that the results can help fundamental researchers as well as users of novel electrolytes in current-day Li-ion battery technologies for developing and using novel material combinations.
Rational Design of Diketopyrrolopyrrole-Based Small Moleculesas Donating Materials for Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Jin Ruifa , Wang Kai
Published: August 2015

A series of diketopyrrolopyrrole-based small molecules have been designed toexplore their optical, electronic, and charge transport properties as organic solar cell(OSCs) materials. The calculation results showed that the designed molecules can lowerthe band gap and extend the absorption spectrum towards longer wavelengths.The designed molecules own the large longest wavelength of absorption spectra,the oscillator strength, and absorption region values. The optical, electronic, and chargetransport properties of the designed molecules are affected by the introduction of differentπ-bridges and end groups. We have also predicted the mobility of the designed moleculewith the lowest total energies. Our results reveal that the designed molecules are expectedto be promising candidates for OSC materials. Additionally, the designed molecules areexpected to be promising candidates for electron and/or hole transport materials. On thebasis of our results, we suggest that molecules under investigation are suitable donors for[6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) and its derivatives as acceptors of OSCs.
Statistical Ring Opening Metathesis Copolymerization of Norbornene and Cyclopentene by Grubbs’ 1st-Generation Catalyst
Authors: Nikovia Christiana , Maroudas Andreas-Philippos , Goulis Panagiotis , Tzimis Dionysios , Paraskevopoulou Patrina , Pitsikalis Marinos
Published: August 2015

Statistical copolymers of norbornene (NBE) with cyclopentene (CP) were prepared by ring-opening metathesis polymerization, employing the 1st-generation Grubbs’ catalyst, in the presence or absence of triphenylphosphine, PPh3. The reactivity ratios were estimated using the Finemann-Ross, inverted Finemann-Ross, and Kelen-Tüdos graphical methods, along with the computer program COPOINT, which evaluates the parameters of binary copolymerizations from comonomer/copolymer composition data by integrating a given copolymerization equation in its differential form. Structural parameters of the copolymers were obtained by calculating the dyad sequence fractions and the mean sequence length, which were derived using the monomer reactivity ratios. The kinetics of thermal decomposition of the copolymers along with the respective homopolymers was studied by thermogravimetric analysis within the framework of the Ozawa-Flynn-Wall and Kissinger methodologies. Finally, the effect of triphenylphosphine on the kinetics of copolymerization, the reactivity ratios, and the kinetics of thermal decomposition were examined.
Recognizing Banknote Fitness with a Visible Light One Dimensional Line Image Sensor
Authors: Pham Tuyen , Park Young , Kwon Seung , Nguyen Dat , Vokhidov Husan , Park Kang , Jeong Dae , Yoon Sungsoo
Published: August 2015

In general, dirty banknotes that have creases or soiled surfaces should be replaced by new banknotes, whereas clean banknotes should be recirculated. Therefore, the accurate classification of banknote fitness when sorting paper currency is an important and challenging task. Most previous research has focused on sensors that used visible, infrared, and ultraviolet light. Furthermore, there was little previous research on the fitness classification for Indian paper currency. Therefore, we propose a new method for classifying the fitness of Indian banknotes, with a one-dimensional line image sensor that uses only visible light. The fitness of banknotes is usually determined by various factors such as soiling, creases, and tears, etc. although we just consider banknote soiling in our research. This research is novel in the following four ways: first, there has been little research conducted on fitness classification for the Indian Rupee using visible-light images. Second, the classification is conducted based on the features extracted from the regions of interest (ROIs), which contain little texture. Third, 1-level discrete wavelet transformation (DWT) is used to extract the features for discriminating between fit and unfit banknotes. Fourth, the optimal DWT features that represent the fitness and unfitness of banknotes are selected based on linear regression analysis with ground-truth data measured by densitometer. In addition, the selected features are used as the inputs to a support vector machine (SVM) for the final classification of banknote fitness. Experimental results showed that our method outperforms other methods.
Off-Grid DOA Estimation Using Alternating Block Coordinate Descent in Compressed Sensing
Authors: Si Weijian , Qu Xinggen , Qu Zhiyu
Published: August 2015

This paper presents a novel off-grid direction of arrival (DOA) estimation method to achieve the superior performance in compressed sensing (CS), in which DOA estimation problem is cast as a sparse reconstruction. By minimizing the mixed k-l norm, the proposed method can reconstruct the sparse source and estimate grid error caused by mismatch. An iterative process that minimizes the mixed k-l norm alternately over two sparse vectors is employed so that the nonconvex problem is solved by alternating convex optimization. In order to yield the better reconstruction properties, the block sparse source is exploited for off-grid DOA estimation. A block selection criterion is engaged to reduce the computational complexity. In addition, the proposed method is proved to have the global convergence. Simulation results show that the proposed method has the superior performance in comparisons to existing methods.
Cultivated Land Changes and Agricultural Potential Productivity in Mainland China
Authors: Xiao Linlin , Yang Xiaohuan , Cai Hongyan , Zhang Dingxiang
Published: August 2015

With rapid and continuous population growth and the associated declining quality of cultivated land, food security in China has been attracting the attention of scholars both domestically and internationally. In recent decades, the implications of the cultivated land balance policy have promoted spatial changes of cultivated land. Estimating the agricultural potential productivity and assessing its response to cultivated land changes could provide a scientific basis for strategic decision-making concerning grain production and thus guarantee food security. In the present study, the Agro-Ecological Zone (AEZ) model was applied to estimate the agricultural potential productivity. Data from the second national land survey were first applied to characterize the changes of cultivated land (by comparing the cultivated land in 2009 with that in 2012) and their influence on potential productivity in Mainland China. We propose a utilization degree of total potential productivity (UTP) and its ratio coefficient (RUTP) to reveal the utilization status of potential productivity and its change characteristics at the provincial level. It was found that there was a trend for cultivated land to be shifted away from cities, and the average productive capability per hectare of cultivated land declined from 7386.5 kg/ha to 6955.2 kg/ha by occupying highly productive cultivated land generally near the cities and compensating less productive cultivated land in remote areas. UTPs and RUTPs indicate a significant difference in the utilization status of potential productivity among the 31 provinces of Mainland China. Grain production with the aim of sustainable development should be strategized according to the particular facts of each province. The methods we applied can mine the impacts of cultivated land changes on potential productivity and the utilization of potential productivity effectively.
Assessing the Determinants of Renewable Electricity Acceptance Integrating Meta-Analysis Regression and a Local Comprehensive Survey
Authors: Bigerna Simona , Polinori Paolo
Published: August 2015

In dealing with renewable electricity (RE), individuals are involved both as end-consumers on the demand side and as stakeholders (citizens) in the local production process on the supply side. Empirical evidence shows that in many countries, consumers are willing to pay a significant amount to facilitate adoption of RE. By contrast, environmental externalities are often the cause of strong opposition to RE adoption if local communities are involved as stakeholders in wind, solar or biomass investment projects. Looking at the literature on willingness to pay and on willingness to accept, we have investigated RE acceptance mechanisms. First, we have used the meta-analysis to assess the major determinants of RE acceptance on both demand and supply sides. Meta-analysis has provided some insights useful for managing field research on an onshore wind farm enlargement project located in the Umbria region. Meta-analysis and survey results confirm that the local community plays a central role in local RE acceptance. Furthermore, people who have previous experience with windmills require less compensation, or are willing to pay more, for RE development. Results suggest that these attributes should be included in future research to improve understanding of determinants of RE acceptance.
Design of IP Camera Access Control Protocol by Utilizing Hierarchical Group Key
Authors: Kang Jungho , Han Jaekyung , Park Jong
Published: August 2015

Unlike CCTV, security video surveillance devices, which we have generally known about, IP cameras which are connected to a network either with or without wire, provide monitoring services through a built-in web-server. Due to the fact that IP cameras can use a network such as the Internet, multiple IP cameras can be installed at a long distance and each IP camera can utilize the function of a web server individually. Even though IP cameras have this kind of advantage, it has difficulties in access control management and weakness in user certification, too. Particularly, because the market of IP cameras did not begin to be realized a long while ago, systems which are systematized from the perspective of security have not been built up yet. Additionally, it contains severe weaknesses in terms of access authority to the IP camera web server, certification of users, and certification of IP cameras which are newly installed within a network, etc. This research grouped IP cameras hierarchically to manage them systematically, and provided access control and data confidentiality between groups by utilizing group keys. In addition, IP cameras and users are certified by using PKI-based certification, and weak points of security such as confidentiality and integrity, etc., are improved by encrypting passwords. Thus, this research presents specific protocols of the entire process and proved through experiments that this method can be actually applied.
Nanoparticle Drug Delivery Systems Designed to Improve Cancer Vaccines and Immunotherapy
Authors: Fan Yuchen , Moon James
Published: August 2015

Recent studies have demonstrated great therapeutic potential of educating and unleashing our own immune system for cancer treatment. However, there are still major challenges in cancer immunotherapy, including poor immunogenicity of cancer vaccines, off-target side effects of immunotherapeutics, as well as suboptimal outcomes of adoptive T cell transfer-based therapies. Nanomaterials with defined physico-biochemical properties are versatile drug delivery platforms that may address these key technical challenges facing cancer vaccines and immunotherapy. Nanoparticle systems have been shown to improve targeted delivery of tumor antigens and therapeutics against immune checkpoint molecules, amplify immune activation via the use of new stimuli-responsive or immunostimulatory materials, and augment the efficacy of adoptive cell therapies. Here, we review the current state-of-the-art in nanoparticle-based strategies designed to potentiate cancer immunotherapies, including cancer vaccines with subunit antigens (e.g., oncoproteins, mutated neo-antigens, DNA and mRNA antigens) and whole-cell tumor antigens, dendritic cell-based vaccines, artificial antigen-presenting cells, and immunotherapeutics based on immunogenic cell death, immune checkpoint blockade, and adoptive T-cell therapy.
Combined ICESat and CryoSat-2 Altimetry for Accessing Water Level Dynamics of Tibetan Lakes over 2003–2014
Authors: Song Chunqiao , Ye Qinghua , Sheng Yongwei , Gong Tongliang
Published: August 2015

Long-term observations of lake water level are essential to our understanding of the evolution of Tibetan lake system. CryoSat-2 radar altimetry data over the Tibetan Plateau (2010–2014, P2) is used to extend lake level measurements from ICESat laser altimetry (2003–2009, P1). This study evaluates the performance of CryoSat-2 data by comparing with gauge-based water levels that are calibrated by ICESat-observed water level time series, and quantifies the uncertainty of water-level change rate estimates from satellite altimetry measurements. We completely investigate the 131 lakes that were observed by both ICESat and CryoSat-2. The mean change rate of water level for all of examined lakes in P2 (0.19 ± 0.03 m·year–1) is slightly lower than that (0.21 ± 0.02 m·year–1) observed in P1. The extended lake level time series also indicates that, in the past few years, lakes in the Northern Changtang (especially in Hol Xil) showed accelerated growth; and that the extensive lake level rises north to the Gangdise Mountains, during 2003–2009, were found dampened during the CryoSat-2 observation period. The spatio-temporal heterogeneity of precipitation observed from weather stations can be used to partly explain the observed temporal pattern of lake level changes over different sub-zones of the plateau.
Does stronger pollen competition improve offspring fitness when pollen load does not vary?
Authors: Pélabon Christophe , Hennet Lauriane , Bolstad Geir H. , Albertsen Elena , Opedal Øystein H. , Ekrem Runa K. , Armbruster W. Scott
Published: August 2015

PREMISE OF THE STUDY:

Competition among pollen grains from a single donor is expected to increase the quality of the offspring produced because of the recessive deleterious alleles expressed during pollen‐tube growth. However, evidence for such an effect is inconclusive; a large number of studies suffer from confounding variation in pollen competition with variation in pollen load.

METHODS:

In this study, we tested the effect of pollen competition on offspring performance independently of pollen‐load variation. We compared seed mass and early seedling performance in Dalechampia scandens (Euphorbiaceae) between crosses in which variation in pollen competition was achieved, without variation in pollen load, by manipulating the dispersion of pollen grains on the stigmas.

KEY RESULTS:

Despite a large sample size (211 crosses on 20 maternal plants), we failed to find an effect of pollen competition on seed characteristics or early seedling performance. Paternal effects were always limited, and pollen competition never reduced the within‐father (residual) variance.

CONCLUSION:

These results suggest that limited within‐donor variation in genetic quality of pollen grains reduces the potential benefits of pollen competition in the study population. The lack of paternal effects on early sporophyte performance further suggests that benefits of pollen competition among pollen from multiple donors should be limited as well, and it raises questions about the significance of pollen competition as a mechanism of sexual selection.
Synthesis of a tricyclic lactam via Beckmann rearrangement and ring-rearrangement metathesis as key steps
Authors: Kotha Sambasivarao , Ravikumar Ongolu , Majhi Jadab
Published: August 2015

A tricyclic lactam is reported in a four step synthesis sequence via Beckmann rearrangement and ring-rearrangement metathesis as key steps. Here, we used a simple starting material such as dicyclopentadiene.