bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Driving style for better fuel economy
Authors: Akena Robert , Schmid Felix , Burrow Michael
Published: September 2016

Driving style has emerged as an important determinant of fuel economy. There is now evidence that driving style can be influenced to improve fuel economy as well as other aspects such as safety. However, it is not clear which are the most appropriate and influential factors that affect an individual's, or a group's, driving style with respect to improving fuel economy. In this paper, such factors were identified from the literature and by way of driver training programmes for fuel economy. The factors were then categorised under driver factors, operating the vehicle, vehicle dynamics and driver awareness. The influences of the factors on fuel economy were prioritised using a multi-criteria analysis method called the analytical hierarchy process to determine their relative importance. It was found that driver awareness, measured in terms of culture change and better management, was considered the most influential category. The second most influential category of factors concerned operating the vehicle or vehicle control where acceleration and speed were dominant. The driver-related factors were considered to have the least influence on fuel economy. The results can be used to improve interventions such as driver training by emphasising the most influential driving factors.
REKONTRUKSI PRAFONEM VOKAL PRABAHASA MELAYU RIAU (PMLR)
Authors: Riswara Yanti
Published: September 2016

Abstrak Rekontruksi Prafonem Vokal Prabahasa Melayu Riau (PMLR). Tulisan ini bertujuan untuk menggambarkan salah satu bagian dari proses rekontruksi fonologi pada bahasa Pra-Melayu sebagai refleksi yang ditemukan dalam isolek Melayu modern yang digunakan di Provinsi Riau dan Provinsi Kepulauan Riau, khususnya rekontruksi prafonem vokal. Analisis ini sangat penting karena tidak ada rekontruksi pra-Melayu di tingkat kekerabatan dialek dari bahasa tunggal. Penelitian ini merupakan jenis penelitian kualitatif. Metode yang digunakan dalam menanalisis data adalah metode analisis komparatif deskriptif yang biasanya digunakan dalam linguistik historis dan dialektologi diakronis. Dalam penelitian ini teridentifikasi enam prafonem vokal dalam bahasa Riau pra-Melayu. Selain itu, analisis perubahan fonologis dari pra-Melayu ke isolek Melayu modern menjelaskan setiap bentuk retensi dari inovasi di setiap isolek Melayu modern.Kata kunci: rekontruksi, fonim vokal, pra-Melayu, isolek Melayu modern  Abstract Vowel Prafonemes Recontruction of Prelanguage in Malay Riau. This paper is aimed at describing a part af phonological recontruction of Pre-Malay from the reflexes found in modern Malay isolects used in Riau Province and Kepulauan Riau Province, especially the recontruction of vowel prephonemes. This analysis is very crucial since there is no pre-Malay recontruction in the level of dialect kinship of a single language yet. This is a kind of qualitative research. The method used in analyzing the data is comparative-descriptive method analysis that is usually used in historical linguistics and diachronical dialectology. In the research, it is identified six vowel prephonemes in the Riau pre-Malay. Besides, the analysis of phonological changes from the pre-Malay to modern Malay isolects explaines any retention and innovation forms in each modern Malay isolect.Keywords: recontruction, vowel prephonemes, pre-Malay, modern Malay isolects
PEMEROLEHAN SINTAKSIS (B1) BAHASA “SASAK” PADA ANAK USIA 4-6 TAHUN DI LOMBOK TIMUR MELALUI PERMAINAN TRADISIONAL
Authors: Mushaitir Mushaitir
Published: September 2016

Abstrak Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui pemerolehan sintaksis (B1) bahasa “sasak” pada anak usia 4-6 tahun di Lombok Timur melalui permainan tradisional. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah metode deskriptif kualitatif. Data penelitin ini adalah klausa atau kalimat (B1). Sumber data diperoleh dari anak usia 4-6 tahun di Lombok Timur selaku penutur asli (B1) bahasa “sasak” di desa Kalijaga, Kecamatan Aikmel, Kabupaten Lombok Timur. Teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan adalah teknik simak dan rekam audio visual. Teknik analisis data yang digunakan adalah mentranskrip data, penerjemahan, pengklasifikasian berdasarkan jenis klausa atau kalimat, dan penganalisisan. Hasil analsis data yang diperoleh adalah terdapat penggunaan kalimat tunggal, di antaranya (1) klausa berdasarkan kelengkapan unsur intinya, di dalamnya terdapat klausa lengkap dan klausa tidak lengkap; (2) klausa berdasarkan struktur internalnya, di dalamnya terdapat klausa berstruktur runtut dan klausa berstruktur inversi; dan (3) klausa berdasarkan unsur negasi pada predikat;. Selain itu, terdapat pula penggunakan kalimat majemuk koordinatif dan kalimat majemuk subordinatif.Kata kunci:  pemerolehan sintaksis B1, anak usia 4-6 tahun,  permainan tradisional       AbstractThe purpose of this study is to investigate the acquisition of syntax (B1) of children aged 4-6 years through traditional games. The method used is descriptive qualitative. The research data is a clause or sentence (B1). Sources of data obtained from children aged 4-6 years as native speakers (B1) of “Sasak” language in the village Kalidjaga, Aikmel sub-district, East-Lombok district. The data collection technique used is the listen and record technique using audio-visual equipment. Data analysis technique used was transcribing the data, translation, classification based on the type of clause or sentence, and analyzing. The results of the analysis of data obtained is a single sentence contained use, including: (1) clause based on the completeness of the point, in which there is a complete clause and the clause is not complete; (2) clause based on the internal structure, in which there is a coherent structured clause, and clause inversion structure; and (3) clause based on a predicate negation element ;. In addition , there is also the use of complex sentences coordinative and subordinate compound sentencesKeywords: syntactic derivation B1, children aged 4-6 years, traditional games
Professoras iniciantes em grupo colaborativo: contributos da reflexão ao ensino de geometria
Authors: Ciríaco Klinger Teodoro , Morelatti Maria Raquel Miotto , Ponte João Pedro da
Published: September 2016

Analisamos o processo de aprender a ensinar nos primeiros anos da docência, nas dimensões de conhecimento do conteúdo e do conhecimento didático de cinco professoras em início de carreira integrantes de um grupo colaborativo. A metodologia inscreve-se no campo dos estudos qualitativos de cariz colaborativo. Tomamos por base dois episódios de vídeos de aulas de Matemática envolvendo a classificação de formas geométricas na Educação Infantil e nos anos iniciais do Ensino Fundamental. Analisamos as interações ocorridas no grupo e descrevemos como a reflexão sobre a prática docente e o compartilhamento de experiências contribuem para desenvolvimento do conhecimento das professoras. Os resultados mostram que a vivência colaborativa oportunizou a identificação de lacunas conceituais decorrentes da formação inicial das professoras e desencadeou questões no âmbito da colaboração que levaram o grupo a formular princípios pertinentes para a abordagem deste tema em suas próximas aulas.
Zoology of Atlas-Groups: Dessins D’enfants, Finite Geometries and Quantum Commutation
Authors: Planat Michel , Zainuddin Hishamuddin
Published: September 2016

Every finite simple group P can be generated by two of its elements. Pairs of generators forP are available in the Atlas of finite group representations as (not necessarily minimal) permutation representations P . It is unusual but significant to recognize that a P is a Grothendieck’s dessin d’enfant D and that a wealth of standard graphs and finite geometries G - such as near polygons and their generalizations - are stabilized by a D. In our paper, tripods P − D − G of rank larger than two,corresponding to simple groups, are organized into classes, e.g. symplectic, unitary, sporadic, etc (as in the Atlas). An exhaustive search and characterization of non-trivial point-line configurationsdefined from small index representations of simple groups is performed, with the goal to recognize their quantum physical significance. All the defined geometries G's have a contextuality parameterclose to its maximal value 1.
Effects of Fetal Exposure to Asian Sand Dust on Fetal Development and Reproductive Function in Male Offspring
Authors: Yoshida Seiichi , Ichinose Takamichi , Arashidani Keiichi , He Miao , Takano Hirohisa , Shibamoto Takayuki
Published: September 2016

In recent experimental studies, we reported the aggravating effects of Asian sand dust (ASD) on male reproductive function in mice. However, the effects of fetal ASD exposure on male reproductive function have not been investigated. The present study investigated the effects of fetal ASD exposure on reproductive function in male offspring. Using pregnant CD-1 mice, ASD was administered intratracheally on days 7 and 14 of gestation, and the reproductive function of male offspring was determined at 5, 10, and 15 weeks after birth. The secondary sex ratio was significantly lower in the fetal ASD-exposed mice than in the controls. Histologic examination showed partial vacuolation of seminiferous tubules in immature mice. Moreover, daily sperm production (DSP) was significantly less in the fetal ASD-exposed mice than in the controls. DSP in the fetal ASD-exposed mice was approximately 10% less than the controls at both 5 and 10 weeks. However, both the histologic changes and the DSP decrease were reversed as the mice matured. These findings suggest that ASD exposure affects both the fetal development and the reproductive function of male offspring. In the future, it will be necessary to clarify the onset mechanisms of ASD-induced male fetus death and male reproductive disorders.
Applying an Adaptive Principal-Component Extraction Algorithm in Seismic Data Processing
Authors: Liu Baotong
Published: September 2016

Orthogonal decomposition plays an important role in signal processing. We introduce a neural network learning algorithm for seismic data processing. We present an orthogonal decomposition approach for seismic data via adaptive principal-component extraction. In decomposed eigen-subspace, by means of eigen-extraction, noise is eliminated and the signal-to-noise ratio is enhanced. Compared with the conventional K-L method, the learning algorithm can selectively extract the required few principal components used in eigen-filtering, rather than all principal components of the input data. Therefore, computation costs can be reduced and the more traces there are, the more effective the approach. To demonstrate its effectiveness, we present two real data examples of seismic data processing.
Cable Effects in Ground-Penetrating Radar Data and Implications for Quantitative Amplitude Measurements
Authors: Babcock Esther L. , Annan A. Peter , Bradford John H.
Published: September 2016

Conductive cables have always represented a source of noise in ground-penetrating radar (GPR) data. In some instances, commercially available GPR systems use data processing tools to reduce cable noise. Such processes seldom respect the amplitude fidelity of the signal. For the purpose of careful, quantitative amplitude measurements, use of the raw recorded data is a critical starting point for reliable interpretation of results. During subsequent processing, users can compensate for cable effects to varying degrees. To illustrate the issues inherent with cable noise, we show an example where cable movement during data acquisition generates deviations in reflection amplitude up to 19%. We then present the ramifications of these variations for quantitative data analysis. We conclude that precise cable handling can improve data quality and subsequent data interpretation. Our results are particularly pertinent for quantitative analysis and inversion of GPR data where precise amplitude information is crucial.
A Microfluidic Investigation of the Synergistic Effect of Nanoparticles and Surfactants in Macro-Emulsion-Based Enhanced Oil Recovery
Authors: Xu Ke , Zhu Peixi , Colon Tatiana , Huh Chun , Balhoff Matthew
Published: September 2016

Injecting oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions stabilized with nanoparticles (NPs) or surfactants is a promising option for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) in harsh-condition reservoirs. Stability and rheology of the flowing emulsion in porous media are key factors for the effectiveness of the EOR method. The objective of this study is to use microfluidics to (1) quantitatively evaluate the synergistic effect of surfactants and NPs on emulsion dynamic stability and how NPs affect the emulsion properties, and to (2) investigate how emulsion properties affect the sweep performance in emulsion flooding.

A microfluidic device with well-defined channel geometry of a high-permeability pathway and multiple parallel low-permeability pathways was created to represent a fracture/matrix dual-permeability system. Measurement of droplet coalescence frequency during flow is used to quantify the dynamic stability of emulsions. An NP aqueous suspension (2 wt%) shows excellent ability to stabilize the macro-emulsion when mixed with a trace amount of surfactant (0.05 wt%), revealing a synergistic effect between NPs and surfactant.

For a stable emulsion, when a pore throat is present in the high-permeability pathway, it was observed that flowing emulsion droplets compress each other and then block the high-permeability pathway at a throat structure, which forces the wetting phase into low-permeability pathways. Droplet size shows little correlation with this blocking effect. Water content was observed to be much higher in the low-permeability pathways than in the high-permeability pathways, indicating different emulsion texture and viscosity in channels of different sizes. Consequently, the assumption of bulk emulsion viscosity in the porous medium is not applicable in the description and modeling of the emulsion-flooding process.

Flow of emulsions stabilized by an NP/surfactant mixture shows droplet packing in high-permeability regions that is denser than those stabilized by surfactant only, at high-permeability regions, which is attributed to the enhanced interaction between droplets caused by NPs in the thin liquid film between neighboring oil/water (O/W) interfaces. This effect is shown to enhance the performance of emulsion-blockage effect for sweep-efficiency improvement, showing the advantage of NPs as an emulsion stabilizer during an emulsion-based EOR process.
Enhanced-Hydrocarbon-Recovery Unitization: Aided or Hindered by Strategic Bargaining
Authors: Hodges Paul E. , Harouaka Abdallah , Theis John
Published: September 2016

To avoid the physical and economic harm that the “rule of capture” presents to the efficient development of oil-and-gas reservoirs, there is widespread agreement within the industry that many more fields should be unitized. Whenever the division of economic rents from unitization is discussed, the common notion is that owners’ rights should be protected and all should receive their “fair share.” Although commendable, a fair distribution could very likely run counter to the interests of owners seeking to maximize economic profits and thereby lessen the likelihood of a unit being formed. A hypothetical Permian Basin field is presented, demonstrating the differing division of rents arising from these two approaches. A quantitative measure of conflict reflecting the difficulty of reaching a stable unitization agreement is offered.
Unanticipated failed tracheal intubation due to a cricoid chondrosarcoma
Authors: Lyons Ian , McGlashan Julian , Balasubramanian Ponkumaran
Published: September 2016

We present a case of failed tracheal intubation due to subglottic airway obstruction caused by a previously undetected cricoid chondrosarcoma in an asymptomatic patient. This presentation of chondrosarcoma has not previously been described and highlights the need for investigation where the cause of a failed tracheal intubation is not obvious. This case also demonstrates the need for careful airway management when complete visualisation of the glottis is not possible. We review the current literature and guidance for such events.
Experimental study of hydraulics and sediment capture efficiency in catchbasins
Authors: Tang Yangbo , Zhu David Z. , Rajaratnam N. , van Duin Bert
Published: September 2016

Catchbasins (also known as gully pot in the UK and Australia) are used to receive surface runoff and drain the stormwater into storm sewers. The recent interest in catchbasins is to improve their effectiveness in removing sediments in stormwater. An experimental study was conducted to examine the hydraulic features and sediment capture efficiency in catchbasins, with and without a bottom sump. A sump basin is found to increase the sediment capture efficiency significantly. The effect of inlet control devices, which are commonly used to control the amount of flow into the downstream storm sewer system, is also studied. These devices will increase the water depth in the catchbasin and increase the sediment capture efficiency. Equations are developed for predicting the sediment capture efficiency in catchbasins.
Comparative characteristics of the technical and tactical training among players of 10-11 years in ice hockey, depending on role
Authors: Odintsov Mikhail Vladimirovich
Published: September 2016

This article deals with the problem of tactics and training of hockey players. The results made by the author of the study revealed a correlation between the techniques and tactical actions in ice hockey.
Some psychological and pedagogical features of educational process construction aimed on preservation of students' health
Authors: Batalova Elena Valentinovna
Published: September 2016

Mental development in the learning process is carried out by an organized complex, multi-stage, multidisciplinary, socially significant activities. A major role in creating an enabling environment for learning plays a teacher who owns pedagogical skills, knowledge about their age, level of intellectual development of students. The article presents the basic conditions for a successful organization of the educational process.
Cocoa Polyphenols: Chemistry, Bioavailability and Effects on Cardiovascular Performance
Authors: Dugo Laura , Tripodo Giusy , Santi Luca , Fanali Chiara
Published: September 2016

This review gives an overview of the phenolic compounds composition of cocoa
beans and their modification during manufacturing processes to the final products. Recently
published papers dealing with the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the different
classes of cocoa phenolic compounds will be discussed. Modifications of the qualitative
profile and amount of phenolic compounds in cocoa after the main processes of production
chain, fermentation, drying, roasting, and alkalization, will be described.

The second part will focus on some of the biological effects described for cocoa phenolic
compounds in vitro and in vivo. In particular, the effects of cocoa flavanols on cardiovascular
health and endothelial function have been extensively investigated over the last decades,
with interesting results from nutritional intervention trials and molecular studies. A few recent
updates on the role of cocoa and chocolate consumption on sport performances will be
reported.
O Paralelismo Político em Questão
Authors: Albuquerque Afonso
Published: September 2016

O texto se propõe a analisar a contribuição e os limites do uso do conceito de "paralelismo político" para os estudos comparativos em comunicação política. Atualmente este conceito tem sido usado em uma oposição binária ao modelo de jornalismo "independente" ou "objetivo", de tal modo que todas as situações que não se enquadrariam em um caso, seriam contempladas pelo outro. Alternativamente, ele sugere que este tipo de oposição faz sentido apenas no âmbito das sociedades ocidentais, e que ambas as categorias somente são aplicáveis em contextos nos quais sistemas políticos competitivos coexistam com um ambiente dotado de razoável estabilidade institucional.
Repolitizando a representação: Uma teoria para inciativas digitais em prol dos processos político-representativos no Brasil
Authors: Ituassu Arthur , Azevedo Dilvan
Published: September 2016

O objetivo deste trabalho é sugerir uma estrutura teórica para o desenvolvimento de iniciativas digitais voltadas a contribuir para os processos de mediação da representação política no Brasil. Nesse sentido, são discutidos os problemas em torno da representação, o lugar da representação na teoria contemporânea da democracia, a noção de "representação como comunicação" e as potencialidades que a internet apresenta. Ao fim, sugerimos que iniciativas digitais em prol da representação não devem procurar resolver a natureza paradoxal do sistema representativo e podem ser avaliadas a partir de sua atuação nos campos da informação, participação, deliberação e vinculação política.
Deliberação no Youtube? Debates em torno da questão LGBT
Authors: Oliveira Wesley Matheus de , Sarmento Rayza , Mendonça Ricardo Fabrino
Published: September 2016

O presente trabalho propõe-se a pensar sobre o potencial deliberativo de discussões online em ambientes não institucionais. Integrando um projeto mais amplo sobre deliberação online, o foco deste texto se volta especificamente para os processos discursivos manifestos no Youtube. Para investigar tais processos, trabalha-se com 550 comentários a três vídeos muito acessados que tratavam de direitos LGBT. Esse corpus foi submetido a uma análise deliberativa guiada pelos seguintes critérios: inclusividade, provimento de razões, reciprocidade e respeito presente em cada comentário. A análise indica a existência de uma discussão considerável em torno dos vídeos investigados, sendo que os indivíduos se posicionam sobre a questão abordada, justificando-se e levando em consideração outras perspectivas ali apresentadas. Percebeu-se, ainda, um forte domínio masculino nos debates e forte presença de desrespeito entre os comentadores. 
Internet, eleições e democracia: o uso das redes sociais digitais por Marcelo Freixo na campanha de 2012 para a Prefeitura do Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Ituassu Arthur , Capone Letícia , Parente Taíse , Pecoraro Caroline
Published: September 2016

Esta é uma pesquisa no campo da Internet e Democracia, cujo tema é o uso das redes sociais digitais pelo candidato Marcelo Freixo em sua campanha para a Prefeitura do Rio de Janeiro em 2012. A intenção foi analisar, por meio do caso escolhido, possíveis efeitos do uso da Web para a democracia por meio dos seus impactos nos campos da informação política e transparência da própria campanha; da participação cidadã e do empoderamento cidadão na campanha; e da promoção do debate público sobre questões relacionadas ao espaço político geográfico para o qual a campanha se dirige. Com base em uma análise qualitativa e quantitativa do objeto, constatamos um uso bastante focado no objetivo de engajar e mobilizar os cidadãos em torno da candidatura, com relativa incidência de informação sobre a campanha, mas baixo incentivo à participação, ao menos via Web, ou à deliberação sobre os problemas da cidade. Nesse contexto, entendemos que, ainda que campanhas eleitorais não tenham como objetivo contribuir para a democracia, mas vencer eleições, isso não diminui a importância de analisá-las no campo dos efeitos da comunicação política digital para o ambiente democrático. Palavras-chave: Campanhas online, Eleições, Democracia.

 
PROBABILITY ESTIMATION ON THE RISK OF MORTALITY OF PATIENTS WITH END-STAGE RENAL DISEASE
Authors: Urrutia Jackie D. , De Guzman Jaya C. , M. Baygan Aaron Vito , Baccay Edcon B. , Bautista Lincoln A.
Published: September 2016

The kidneys perform life-maintaining functions like monitoring and regulating body fluids. These excrete excess fluids from the body and retain the substances necessary for the body’s continuing function. If the kidneys malfunction, it may cause some kidney complications that could lead to End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or worst, it may lead to death. End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or 5th stage chronic kidney failure is a growing health condition problem that continues to rise in the Philippines. Kidney Diseases especially End Stage Renal Diseases is the 7th leading cause of death in the country. Using Logistic Regression analysis, this study analyzed the record data such as the age, gender and the complications of 247 patients with Pulmonary Congestion and/or Cardiovascular disease diagnosed with ESRD at M. V. Makabali Memorial Hospital from the year 2008-2013. The present study was undertaken to identify the risk factors which causes to increase the death probability of an ESRD patient. The research concluded that pulmonary congestion and cardiovascular disease are significant factors that increase the patients’ probability to encounter death. Moreover, an ESRD patient with cardiovascular disease has a higher chance to encounter death with a probability of 68.52% than an ESRD patient with pulmonary congestions with a probability of 57.79%. The results also revealed that if a patient suffered from both complications, he/she has a higher risk of mortality with a probability of 98.6%. ESRD may not be curable but with the proper management of health condition and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, it can be prevented and possibly could lessen the risk of death.
Pollen viability in Quercus robur L.
Authors: Batos Branislava , Miljkovic Danijela
Published: September 2016

The variability of viability (germination rate and the length of pollen
tubes) of fresh pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) pollen grains was studied
in vitro on a medium containing 15% sucrose. Spatial variability was studied
by sampling fresh pollen grains from a total of thirteen trees at four
different sites in the area of Belgrade (Kosutnjak, Banovo Brdo, Ada
Ciganlija and Bojcin Forest) in a single year (2011). In order to assess
temporal variability and determine the effects of climate change on a small
time scale, we studied the viability of the pollen grains collected from one
tree at the Banovo Brdo site in six different years (2004, 2005, 2006, 2007,
2011 and 2012). Interindividual variability was tested on the pollen grains
sampled from eight trees at Ada Ciganlija in 2004. The percentage values of
the pollen grain germination rate and the pollen tube length showed no
statistically significant differences between the sites. However, the studied
characteristics of the pollen grain viability (germination rate and pollen
tube length) showed statistically significant differences in both temporal
(between the pollen collection years) and interindividual variability. This
type of research makes a valuable contribution to pedunculate oak breeding
programs through the identification of trees with stable production and a
good quality of pollen. Furthermore, it can be important in defining the
patterns of spatial, temporal and individual variability of pollen grain
viability under the influence of climate factors, which are showing
compelling changing trends from year to year.
Response of Virginia (flue-cured) tobacco genotypes to water-deficit stress
Authors: Shtereva Lydia , Stoimenova Elisaveta , Drumeva-Yoncheva Marina , Michailova Bistra , Kartzeva Tanja , Ivanova Vassilevska-Roumiana
Published: September 2016

The effect of prolonged water deficit on four Virginia (flue-cured) tobacco
genotypes, Line 842, Oxford 207, RG11 and Virgin D, was analyzed in whole
plants. Drought stress was induced by withholding irrigation and subjecting
plants to low, moderate and severe regimes. Some growth indices such as fresh
weight, plant growth rate, number, color and area of new developed leaves, as
well as proline, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content
as a measure of oxidative stress were investigated to examine the role of
genotype in water-deficit tolerance. Under stress, the weight of the
aboveground parts of plants, plant growth height, number of new developed
leaves and leaf area index decreased with the severity of treatment. The
stressed plants accumulated more proline, malonildialdehide and hydrogen
peroxide than control non-stressed plants under water-deficit conditions. The
results showed that among the genotypes, Virgin D (VD) was the most sensitive
to drought, while L 842 and Oxford 207 were moderately tolerant; RG11 was
drought-tolerant. This suggests that the correlation between the
physiological traits and level of antioxidative response exists and therefore
it could be used as a rapid screening test to evaluate the drought tolerance
of tobacco.
Ubiquitin Ligase COP1 Controls Hepatic Fat Metabolism by Targeting ATGL for Degradation
Authors: Ghosh Mainak , Niyogi Sougata , Bhattacharyya Madhumita , Adak Moumita , Nayak Dipak K. , Chakrabarti Saikat , Chakrabarti Partha
Published: September 2016

Optimal control of hepatic lipid metabolism is critical for organismal metabolic fitness. In liver, adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) serves as a major triacylglycerol (TAG) lipase and controls the bulk of intracellular lipid turnover. However, regulation of ATGL expression and its functional implications in hepatic lipid metabolism, particularly in the context of fatty liver disease, is unclear. We show that E3 ubiquitin ligase COP1 (also known as RFWD2) binds to the consensus VP motif of ATGL and targets it for proteasomal degradation by K-48 linked polyubiquitination, predominantly at the lysine 100 residue. COP1 thus serves as a critical regulator of hepatocyte TAG content, fatty acid mobilization, and oxidation. Moreover, COP1-mediated regulation of hepatic lipid metabolism requires optimum ATGL expression for its metabolic outcome. In vivo, adenovirus-mediated depletion of COP1 ameliorates high-fat diet–induced steatosis in mouse liver and improves liver function. Our study thus provides new insights into the regulation of hepatic lipid metabolism by the ubiquitin-proteasome system and suggests COP1 as a potential therapeutic target for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
Medical Marijuana: Just the Beginning of a Long, Strange Trip?
Authors: Ciccone Charles D.
Published: September 2016

Medical marijuana continues to gain acceptance and become legalized in many states. Various species of the marijuana plant have been cultivated, and this plant can contain up to 100 active compounds known as cannabinoids. Two cannabinoids seem the most clinically relevant: Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which tends to produce the psychotropic effects commonly associated with marijuana, and cannabidiol (CBD), which may produce therapeutic effects without appreciable psychoactive properties. Smoking marijuana, or ingesting extracts from the whole plant orally (in baked goods, teas, and so forth), introduces variable amounts of THC, CBD, and other minor cannabinoids into the systemic circulation, where they ultimately reach the central and peripheral nervous systems. Alternatively, products containing THC, CBD, or a combination of both compounds, can be ingested as oral tablets or via sprays applied to the oral mucosal membranes. These products may provide a more predictable method for delivering a known amount of specific cannabinoids into the body. Although there is still a need for randomized controlled trials, preliminary studies have suggested that medical marijuana and related cannabinoids may be beneficial in treating people with chronic pain, inflammation, spasticity, and other conditions seen commonly in physical therapist practice. Physical therapists, therefore, should be aware of the options that are available for patients considering medical marijuana and should be ready to provide information for these patients. Clinicians also should be aware that marijuana can produce untoward effects on cognition, coordination, balance, and cardiovascular and pulmonary function and should be vigilant for any problems that may arise if patients are using cannabinoids during physical rehabilitation.
Approaches for Combining Multiple Measures of Teacher Performance
Authors: Martínez José Felipe , Schweig Jonathan , Goldschmidt Pete
Published: September 2016

A key question facing teacher evaluation systems is how to combine multiple measures of complex constructs into composite indicators of performance. We use data from the Measures of Effective Teaching (MET) study to investigate the measurement properties of composite indicators obtained under various conjunctive, disjunctive (or complementary), and weighted (or compensatory) models. We find that accuracy varies across models and cut-scores and that models with similar accuracy may yield different teacher classifications. Accuracy and consistency are greatest if composites are constructed to maximize reliability and lowest if they seek to optimally predict student test scores. We discuss the implications of the results for the validity of inferences about the performance of individual teachers, and more generally for the design of teacher evaluation systems.
Evaluation of prostate specific antigen level in different age group of Patients in Eastern part of Nepal
Authors: Shreewastav Rupesh Kumar , Gaire Chandra Prakash , Ghimire Ashima , Shah Prashant Kumar , Singh Arambam Giridhari
Published: September 2016

Background A study was conducted to evaluate Prostate specific antigen (PSA) level in different age group of patients in Nobel Medical College Teaching Hospital (NMCTH), Biratnagar, Eastern Nepal.Material and Methods A total of 1870 male patients (age 51-88), attending OPD in different departments of NMCTH, were sent to Clinical Laboratory Services for estimation of Prostate specific antigen from 1st January 2013 to 30thJune 2014 and recruited for this study after Institutional ethical approval. Blood serum of these patients was tested for Prostate specific antigen level by Chemiluminescence Immunoassay (CLIA). Mean value and standard deviation were calculated using Student’s two–tailed t–test. Analysis of data was performed using one– way ANOVA. Results are considered statistically significant if p ≤0.05.Results Out of 1870 patients, 178 patients showed significantly higher level of PSA in their serum when compared to normal individuals. Out of this 178, 37 were from age group of 51-60, 51 were from age group of 61-70, 42 were from age group of 71-80 and 48 were from age group of 81-88. The remaining 1692 patients were having PSA within normal limit. PSA was found to be elevated up to a maximum of 34.5 ng/ml in patient. PSA level of <4 ng/ml was considered normal for this study.Conclusion This study, thus determines the diagnostic level of PSA, in different age group of patients comparing with normal individuals in eastern Part of Nepal that can help in diagnosis, prognosis and management of prostate cancer.Journal of Nobel Medical College Volume 5, Number 1, Issue 8, January-July 2016, 14-19
Feto-Maternal outcomes in Intrahepatic Cholestasis in Pregnancy in a Tertiary Care Centre in Eastern Nepal
Authors: Pokhrel Ghimire Sita , Ghimire Ashima , Jha Gauri Shankar , Chhetry Manisha , Kumar Mahanand
Published: September 2016

Background Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy has poor feto-maternal outcomes. To date there has been sparse publications regarding impact of intrahepatic cholestasis in feto-maternal outcomes in our setting. Therefore, we aimed to study the feto-maternal outcome in patients with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.Material and Methods A hospital based prospective cross-sectional study carried out in department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Nobel Medical College, Biratnagar, Nepal from 1st January 2014 to 30th December 2015 in women who presented with pruritus in third trimester of pregnancy and having deranged liver function tests. All the cases were followed from admission to discharge. Socio-demographic, clinico-laboratory profile and feto-maternal outcomes were recorded in a preformed structured proforma. Descriptive statistics was used to present the data.Results Among 6,780 women admitted for delivery, 80 had cholestasis of pregnancy with incidence of 1.15%. 83% were of 18-35 years and 65% were primigravida. Most distressing symptom was generalized pruritus (75.0 %). The cesarean delivery rate was 46.25% and labor induction rate was (47.5%). Fetal complications were seen in majority of cases that included meconium aspiration syndrome 26 (32.5%), intrapartum fetal distress 21 (26.25%) and requirement of: intensive care 38 (48.75%). There were 7 perinatal and 3 neonatal deaths.Conclusion Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy seems fairly common among pregnant women. It may be responsible for a large number of perinatal and neonatal deaths especially after 36 weeks of gestation. A large prospective study is needed to address the problems in time.Journal of Nobel Medical College Volume 5, Number 1, Issue 8, January-July 2016, 20-25
Clinical Characteristics and Endoscopic Findings of the Patients with Cirrhosis of the Liver in a Tertiary Care Centre in Eastern Nepal
Authors: Ghimire Ram Hari
Published: September 2016

Background Studies on clinical characteristics and upper gastrointestinal endoscopic findings of the cirrhotic patients in a tertiary care centre are sparse from eastern region of Nepal. The aim was to profile these patients clinically and analyse the endoscopic findings.Material and Methods This was a cross-sectional analytical study carried out in the Department of Medicine of Nobel Medical College, Biratnagar from 30st September 2012 to 30th August 2013(one year). After admission, detail medical history and meticulous clinical examination was carried out in every patient with clinical diagnosis of cirrhosis of liver. Routine, biochemical, hematological, imaging and special investigations were sent as per clinical scenario. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was carried out in all patients. Basic descriptive statistics were used to present the data.Results A total of 104 patients were enrolled in our study. The mean age was 50.09 years ± 11.79 (Range 26-79), of which 60% were males. Almost 70% of the patients were from productive age group (31-70 years). All the patients were symptomatic. Chronic excessive alcohol consumption was the commonest cause of cirrhosis (80.76%). The major clinical presentations were ascites (83.65%) and jaundice (79.92%). Pedal edema was the commonest (85.6%) presenting sign. Diabetes mellitus and pneumonia were common comorbidities. Gastroesophageal varices were commonest (70.19%) endoscopic finding.Conclusion Cirrhotic patients presented late with complete decompensation in the form of ascites, jaundice and upper gastrointestinal bleeding from esophageal varices. Mostly people with productive age group were affected.Journal of Nobel Medical College Volume 5, Number 1, Issue 8, January-July 2016, 26-31
High temperature Gleeble microtensile testing of metallic micro specimens
Authors: Kröning Hans-Jürgen , Lang Udo , Hofmann Norbert
Published: September 2016

Engineering of micro parts is an increasingly important area of industrial activity and this field is rapidly developing further. Thus, the simulation of micro parts also becomes more and more important. As reliable material data is required to obtain accurate simulation results, test setups are also necessary to determine the material properties. An experimental setup for microtensile testing of stainless steel micro specimen (i. e., specimen with at least one dimension below 1 mm) to obtain material data in the temperature range from 20 to 350 °C is presented herein. Heating of the specimen is based on Joule (resistive) heating as it is done in macroscopic testing in Gleeble machines. Contactless measurement of temperatures is conducted by an infrared (IR) camera and the determination of strain by a combination of optical microscopy and digital image correlation (DIC). First samples were made from the stainless steel 17-4PH and the results obtained are presented and discussed in comparison with macroscopic properties of this material.
Determination of the stress concentration factor (Kt) in a rectangular plate with a hole under tensile stress using different methods
Authors: Ozkan Murat Tolga , Toktas Ihsan
Published: September 2016

The stress concentration factor in a plate with a hole is very important for joints. There are many different types of joints and forms. Plates are usually connected with bolted, riveted and pin joints. Connection parts need to consist of hole/holes to make a joint using these machine elements. Machine parts are exposed to different stresses. In this study, the stress concentration factor in a plate with a circular hole under axial tension stresses was invegistated. The emprical (Peterson's) stress concentration factor (Kt) was compared with the results of analytical model, regression analysis (REGA), finite element analysis (FEA), artificial neural network (ANN) model. The stress concentration factor (Kt) was modeled using 5 different methods and the accuracy of Peterson's model was tested. The best results were obtained using ANN model. The emprical results and ANN predictions were compared by using statistical error analyzing the absolute fraction of variance (R2 = 0.999999788), root mean square error (RMSE = 0.000934125) and mean error percentage (MEP = 0.033902049) with the test data. ANN model can be used instead of Peterson's model. Kt was determined by the ANN with an acceptable accuracy.
Super hard WC-Cr composite coatings: An approach to potential wear applications
Authors: Sancakoğlu Orkut , Çelik Erdal
Published: September 2016

In this study, submicron (APS = 200 nm) tungsten carbide (WC) ceramic particles were co-deposited with chromium metal (Cr) via electro-co-deposition system to fabricate WC-Cr metal matrix composite coatings. Instead of traditional electrodeposition cells, a new system was designed and coatings were fabricated using this system. Phase identifications of the coatings were performed by X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and surface morphologies were investigated using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) with attached scanning electron microscope (SEM). Hardness values of the coatings were performed under 980.7 mN applied load using a microhardness tester. It was concluded that WC ceramic particles were physically adsorbed on the cathode surface and formed a composite structure with metal Cr and co-deposition of submicron sized ceramic particles with metals via electrodeposition system was strictly successful. In addition, with respect to the reference coatings, WC reinforced composite coatings depict an increased hardness up to twice its value. Frequency, as a parameter of pulse current, is determined as an effective parameter in co-deposition.
Treatment of traumatic brain injury with 17α-ethinylestradiol-3-sulfate in a rat model
Authors: Kim Harrison , Yu Tao , Cam-Etoz Betul , van Groen Thomas , Hubbard William J. , Chaudry Irshad H.
Published: September 2016

OBJECTIVE

17α-ethynylestradiol-3-sulfate (EE-3-SO4) is a highly water-soluble synthetic estrogen that has an extended half-life (∼ 10 hours) over that of naturally occurring estrogen (∼ 10 minutes). In this study, EE-3-SO4 was evaluated in a lateral fluid percussion–induced traumatic brain injury (TBI) model in rats.

METHODS

A total of 9 groups of Sprague-Dawley rats underwent craniectomy. Twenty-four hours later, lateral fluid percussion was applied to 6 groups of animals to induce TBI; the remaining 3 groups served as sham control groups. EE-3-SO4 (1 mg/kg body weight in 0.4 ml/kg body weight) or saline (vehicle control) was injected intravenously 1 hour after TBI; saline was injected in all sham animals. One day after EE-3-SO4/saline injection, intracranial pressure (ICP), cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP), and partial brain oxygen pressure (PbtO2) were measured in Groups 1–3 (2 TBI groups and 1 sham group), and brain edema, diffusion axonal injury, and cerebral glycolysis were assessed in Groups 4–6 using MRI T2 mapping, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and FDG-PET imaging, respectively. Four days after dosing, the open-field anxiety of animals was assessed in Groups 7–9 by measuring the duration that each animal spent in the center area of an open chamber during 4 minutes of monitoring.

RESULTS

EE-3-SO4 significantly lowered ICP while raising CPP and PbtO2, compared with vehicle treatment in TBI-induced animals (p < 0.05). The mean size of cerebral edema of TBI animals treated with EE-3-SO4 was 25 ± 3 mm3 (mean ± SE), which was significantly smaller than that of vehicle-treated animals (67 ± 6 mm3, p < 0.001). Also, EE-3-SO4 treatment significantly increased the fractional anisotropy of the white matter in the ipsilateral side (p = 0.003) and cerebral glycolysis (p = 0.014). The mean duration that EE-3-SO4-treated animals spent in the center area was 12 ± 2 seconds, which was significantly longer than that of vehicle-treated animals (4 ± 1 seconds; p = 0.008) but not different from that of sham animals (11 ± 3 seconds; p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

These data support the clinical use of EE-3-SO4 for early TBI treatment.
Effects of transcranial stimulating electrode montages over the head for lower-extremity transcranial motor evoked potential monitoring
Authors: Tomio Ryosuke , Akiyama Takenori , Ohira Takayuki , Yoshida Kazunari
Published: September 2016

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine the most effective electrode montage to elicit lower-extremity transcranial motor evoked potentials (LE-tMEPs) using a minimum stimulation current.

METHODS

A realistic 3D head model was created from T1-weighted images. Finite element methods were used to visualize the electric field in the brain, which was generated by transcranial electrical stimulation via 4 electrode montage models. The stimulation threshold level of LE-tMEPs in 52 patients was also studied in a practical clinical setting to determine the effects of each electrode montage.

RESULTS

The electric field in the brain radially diffused from the brain surface at a maximum just below the electrodes in the finite element models. The Cz-inion electrode montage generated a centrally distributed high electric field with a current direction longitudinal and parallel to most of the pyramidal tract fibers of the lower extremity. These features seemed to be effective in igniting LE-tMEPs.

Threshold level recordings of LE-tMEPs revealed that the Cz-inion electrode montage had a lower threshold on average than the C3–C4 montage, 76.5 ± 20.6 mA and 86.2 ± 20.6 mA, respectively (31 patients, t = 4.045, p < 0.001, paired t-test). In 23 (74.2%) of 31 cases, the Cz-inion montage could elicit LE-tMEPs at a lower threshold than C3–C4.

CONCLUSIONS

The C3–C4 and C1–C2 electrode montages are the standard for tMEP monitoring in neurosurgery, but the Cz-inion montage showed lower thresholds for the generation of LE-tMEPs. The Cz-inion electrode montage should be a good alternative for LE-tMEP monitoring when the C3–C4 has trouble igniting LE-tMEPs.
Thoracic osteomyelitis and epidural abscess formation due to cat scratch disease: case report
Authors: Dornbos David , Morin Jocelyn , Watson Joshua R. , Pindrik Jonathan
Published: September 2016

Osteomyelitis of the spine with associated spinal epidural abscess represents an uncommon entity in the pediatric population, requiring prompt evaluation and diagnosis to prevent neurological compromise. Cat scratch disease, caused by the pathogen Bartonella henselae, encompasses a wide spectrum of clinical presentations; however, an association with osteomyelitis and epidural abscess has been reported in only 4 other instances in the literature. The authors report a rare case of multifocal thoracic osteomyelitis with an epidural abscess in a patient with a biopsy-proven pathogen of cat scratch disease. A 5-year-old girl, who initially presented with vague constitutional symptoms, was diagnosed with cat scratch disease following biopsy of an inguinal lymph node. Despite appropriate antibiotics, she presented several weeks later with recurrent symptoms and back pain. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed 2 foci of osteomyelitis at T-8 and T-11 with an associated anterior epidural abscess from T-9 to T-12. Percutaneous image-guided vertebral biopsy revealed B. henselae by polymerase chain reaction analysis, and she was treated conservatively with doxycycline and rifampin with favorable clinical outcome.