bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regional Variation in Identified Cancer Care Needs of Early-Career Oncologists in China, India, and Pakistan
Authors: Lyerly H. Kim , Fawzy Maria R. , Aziz Zeba , Nair Reena , Pramesh C.S. , Parmar Vani , Parikh Purvish M. , Jamal Rozmin , Irumnaz Azizunissa , Ren Jun , Stockler Martin R. , Abernethy Amy P.
Published: April 2015

Background.

Cancer incidence and mortality is increasing in the developing world. Inequities between low-, middle-, and high-income countries affect disease burden and the infrastructure needs in response to cancer. We surveyed early-career oncologists attending workshops in clinical research in three countries with emerging economies about their perception of the evolving cancer burden.

Methods.

A cross-sectional survey questionnaire was distributed at clinical trial concept development workshops held in Beijing, Lahore, Karachi, and Mumbai at major hospitals to acquire information regarding home-country health conditions and needs.

Results.

A total of 100 respondents participated in the workshops held at major hospitals in the region (India = 29, China = 25, Pakistan = 42, and other = 4). Expected consensus on many issues (e.g., emergence of cancer as a significant health issue) was balanced with significant variation in priorities, opportunities, and challenges. Chinese respondents prioritized improvements in cancer-specific care and palliative care, Indian respondents favored improved cancer detection and advancing research in cancer care, and Pakistani respondents prioritized awareness of cancer and improvements in disease detection and cancer care research. For all, the most frequently cited opportunity was help in improving professional cancer education and training.

Conclusion.

Predominantly early-career oncologists attending clinical research workshops (in China, India, and Pakistan) identified needs for increasing clinical cancer research, professional education, and public awareness of cancer. Decision makers supporting efforts to reduce the burden of cancer worldwide will need to factor the specific needs and aspirations of health care providers in their country in prioritizing health policies and budgets.
In Reply
Authors: Auchus Richard J. , Yu Margaret K. , Nguyen Suzanne , Mundle Suneel D.
Published: April 2015

Dexamethasone combined with abiraterone acetate might result in improved survival in the treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer compared with the Food and Drug Administration-approved prednisone combination, but the hypothesis must be confirmed with with clinical studies comparing the two combinations.
Current state of K-based geopolymer cements cured at ambient temperature
Authors: Gupta Rishi , Rathod Harsh M.
Published: April 2015

The increasing focus on global climate change, the public and consumer preferences for “green” products and the associated markets in carbon credits have promoted the use of alternate cements in place of pure Portland cement binders. Using alkali activation method, waste materials such as fly ash and slag can be modified to replace ordinary Portland cement. In the present study, a combination of sodium hydroxide pellets and sodium silicate solution is used for the alkali activation of fly ash to prepare geopolymer cement. In the same way, a mixture of KOH (pellets) and K-silicate solution has been used with fly ash and slag (used in British Columbia, Canada) for comparison. Ambient temperature curing has been considered in addition to oven curing. Compressive strength tests indicate that both duration and intensity of the temperature affect the properties of the geopolymer. Higher intensity of the temperature accelerates the polymerization process much faster and gives higher compressive strength for the same duration of curing. On the other hand, longer duration of curing leads to improved hardened properties compared to shorter span at the same intensity. This paper presents data for curing done at ambient temperatures and the effectiveness of using potassium- and sodium-based solutions for geopolymer cement. Further recommendations for future work are also included.
Monont'sa pumped-storage power project, Lesotho
Authors: Dennehy Terry , Auriault Claire , Grillot Patrick
Published: April 2015

This paper describes the pre-feasibility design of a high-head pumped-storage scheme in Lesotho. The underground powerhouse accommodates four 300 MW Francis pump turbines of regulated double-stage type achieving net heads of 723 m and 696 m in pumping and generating modes, respectively. Power drawn from the grid at off-peak periods will be regenerated at peak periods. The generation capacity is 1200 MW for 21 h. Roller-compacted concrete and concrete-faced rock-fill dams were selected for the particular reservoir sites. The headrace and tailrace tunnels, pressure shaft and manifold were concrete lined and sited where available minimum in situ rock stresses can safely contain internal pressures. Penstocks were steel lined. A twin-cavern arrangement was selected for the powerhouse set 800 m below ground. Features include downward demountable turbine runners in the machine cavern and rapid-acting bonneted draft tube gates accessed from the transformer cavern. A system of non-waterway tunnels provides access, separate emergency escape, ventilation and power cable routing to the surface switchyard. This paper addresses the energy characteristics and cycle efficiency of the project, and the considerations involved in the selection of the hydro-mechanical plant, electro-mechanical plant and civil works.
The simulated effects of timber harvest on suitable habitat for Indiana and northern long‐eared bats
Authors: Pauli B. P. , Zollner P. A. , Haulton G. S. , Shao G. , Shao G.
Published: April 2015

Bat conservation in the eastern United States following the onset of white‐nose syndrome necessitates the conservation and production of important summer habitat required by bats for both diurnal roosting and nocturnal foraging and commuting. Forest management via silvicultural applications can purposely direct forest succession so important habitat features are retained and developed. The effects of timber harvest on habitat at large spatiotemporal scales for a species are not always readily apparent but can be investigated with spatially explicit forest dynamic modeling. Here we used a forest succession model (LANDIS‐II) to simulate future forest conditions under different harvest regimes. We simulated nine harvest scenarios on Indiana State Forests that ranged from a complete cessation of timber harvest to intensive timber extraction. We then applied previously created models of nocturnal and diurnal habitat occupancy for both Indiana and northern long‐eared bats. We found that suitable nocturnal habitat was maximized for Indiana bats but minimized for northern long‐eared bats under low intensity timber harvest scenarios. Among moderate intensity timber harvest scenarios, both species exhibited the greatest amount of suitable nocturnal habitat when timber harvest applications focused on regenerative openings. The quantity of suitable diurnal habitat trended in the opposite direction of nocturnal habitat with selection harvests favoring suitable roosting habitat. Finally, both species displayed a trend in which overall suitable habitat was primarily driven by the degree of suitable diurnal habitat rather than nocturnal habitat. These results highlight the complex nature of managing multiple habitat needs for more than one species. Furthermore, our research illustrates the importance of understanding the distinct habitat requirements associated with different life history needs that can occur within a single species. Despite such complexities, our results can help guide forest management to preserve and encourage suitable habitat for multiple imperiled bat species.
Development of In Vitro Denture Biofilm Models for Halitosis Related Bacteria and their Application in Testing the Efficacy of Antimicrobial Agents
Authors: Wu Tingxi , He Xuesong , Lu Hongyang , Bradshaw David J , Axe Alyson , Loewy Zvi , Liu Honghu , Shi Wenyuan , Lux Renate
Published: April 2015

Objective: Since dentures can serve as a reservoir for halitosis-causing oral bacteria, halitosis development is a concern for denture wearers. In this study, we surveyed the prevalence of four selected halitosis-related species (Fusobacterium nucleatum, Tannerella forsythia,Veillonella atypicaandKlebsiella pneumoniae) in clinical denture plaque samples, and developed denture biofilm models for these speciesin vitroto facilitate assessment of antimicrobial treatment efficacy.Design:Denture plaque from ten healthy and ten denture stomatitis patients was screened for the presence of aforementioned four species by PCR. Biofilm formation by these halitosis-associated species on the surfaces of denture base resin (DBR) discs was evaluated by crystal violet staining and confocal laser scanning microscopy. The efficacy of denture cleanser treatment on these mono-species biofilms was evaluated by colony counting.Results:80% of the subjects in the denture stomatitis group and 60% in the healthy group contained at least one of the targeted halitosis-related species in their denture plaque. All halitosis species tested were able to form biofilms on DBR disc surfaces to varying degrees. Thesein vitromono-species resin biofilm models were used to evaluate the efficacy of denture cleansers, which exhibited differential efficacies. When forming biofilms on resin surfaces, the halitosis-related species displayed enhanced resistance to denture cleansers compared with their planktonic counterparts.Conclusion:The four selected halitosis-related bacterial species examined in this study are present on the majority of dentures. The mono-species biofilm models established on DBR discs for these species are an efficient screening tool for dental product evaluation.
The Temperature Dependence of Micro-Leakage between Restorative and Pulp Capping Materials by Cu Diffusion
Authors: H Kamalak , A Mumcu , S Altin
Published: April 2015

We used the Cu ions for the leakage analysis between pulp capping and restorative materials. Theoretically, Cu has more advantages than Ag ions due to their smaller radii (rCu2+=73 pm and rAg2+=94 pm), lower mass density (dCu=8.96 g/cm3 and dAg=10.49 g/cm3) and higher radio opacity which can be more useful by X-ray or EDX detectors, cheaper price and more abundance in planet when compared with Ag element which is generally used in the leakage studies. The micro leakage between dental restorations and pulp capping materials has been determined by using Micro Computed Tomography, Scanning Electron Microscopy and EDX analysis. It is found that the leakage has temperature dependent mechanism which increases with the increasing temperature. As a result, using Cu solution for leakage studies in dentine is an effective and easy method which can be used in dental science.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR Excision of Congenital Bilateral Persistent Pupillary Membrane in a Child with Exotropia
Authors: Iida Michiko , Mimura Tatsuya , Goto Mari , Kamei Yuko , Kondo Aki , Saito Yusuke , Okuma Hiroko , Matsubara Masao
Published: April 2015

Purpose :

To report the clinical and histopathological findings of a patient who had bilateral persistent pupillary membrane with exotropia and high hyperopia.

Methods :

Case Report: A 7-year-old boy presented with a persistent pupillary membrane in both eyes. His best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/20 in the right eye and 20/32 in the left eye with exotropia of 18 prism diopters. He underwent surgical resection of both membranes. At 5 months postoperatively, BCVA was 20/20 with final bilateral refraction of +6.5 D in both eyes. Exotropia and photophobia showed improvement immediately after surgery. Histopathological examination revealed typical features of normal iris tissue in the excised membranes.

Conclusion :

Bilateral persistent pupillary membranes were excised successfully without injury to other ocular tissues, including the crystalline lens. Surgical treatment may be required for the management of persistent pupillary membrane associated with visual impairment such as exotropia or photophobia.
The Causes of Hyperreflective Dots in Optical Coherence Tomography Excluding Diabetic Macular Edema and Retinal Venous Occlusion§§
Authors: Turgut Burak , Yildirim Hakan
Published: April 2015

Purpose :

To investigate the causes of hyperreflective dots (HRDs) in spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) excluding diabetic macular edema (DME) and RVO (retinal vein occlusion).

Patients and Methods :

The medical records of 56 patients with HRDs documented by OCT were reviewed retrospectively. The patients with DME and RVO were excluded from the study in order to prevent misdiagnosing hard exudates or HRDs. The causes, unilaterality or bilaterality of HRD and demographic properties of the patients with HRD were evaluated.

Results :

Sixty four eyes of 56 patients having HRDs were included in this study. Of the patients with HRD, 17 (30.36%) were women and 39 (69.64%) were men. The ages of patients were between 13 to 84 years (median 60.18 years). The causes of HRD were as follows: papilledema in 4 eyes (6.25%), active neovascular age related macular degeneration (AMD) in 33 eyes (51.56%), familial dominant drusen in 2 eyes (3.13%), central serous chorioretinopathy in 19 eyes (29.69%) and commotio retina in 2 eyes (3.13%), choroidal folds in one eye (1.56%), branch retinal artery occlusion in one eye (1.56%), central retinal artery occlusion in one patient (1.56%) and Best vitelliform macular dystrophy in one eye (1.56%). The most common cause of HRD was AMD. The causes of HRDs in both eyes were AMD and papilledema.

Conclusion :

The most common causes of HRDs excluding DME and RVO seem as active exudative AMD. The presence of HRDs in retinal diseases might affect the decisions and the results of the treatment and the prognosis of diseases.
Preparation and Ion Recognition Characteristics of a Trichloroacetic Acid Surface‐Imprinted Material
Authors: Gao Baojiao , Zhang Tintin , Chen Tao
Published: April 2015

In this work, a trichloroacetic acid (TCAA) surface‐imprinted material with high performance was prepared. In an aqueous solution, the molecules of the cationic monomer acryloyloxyethyl‐trimethyl ammonium chloride (DAC) arranged around the template TCAA anion via electrostatic interaction. By initiating of the surface‐initiating system of –NH2/S2O82−, the graft/cross‐linking polymerization of DAC and the crosslinker N,N′‐Methylenebisacrylamide and the TCAA surface‐imprinting were simultaneously carried out on SiO2 particles, forming TCAA anion surface‐imprinted material IIP‐PDAC/SiO2. With monochloroacetic acid (MCAA) and phenylacetic acid (PAA) as two contrast acids, the recognition character of the imprinted material IIP‐PDAC/SiO2 was investigated. This imprinted material possesses special recognition selectivity and excellent binding affinity for TCAA anion. The binding amount of IIP‐PDAC/SiO2 particles for TCAA reaches 0.93mmol/g, whereas their binding amounts for MCAA and PAA are only 0.48 mmol/g and 0.15 mmol/g, respectively. The selectivity coefficients of IIP‐PDAC/SiO2 for TCAA relative to MCAA and PAA anions are 3.61and 9.12, respectively.
Photocatalytic Degradation of p‐Nitrophenol in an Annular Column Photoreactor and the Intermediates
Authors: Heibati Masoumeh , Jalilnejad Elham , Vahabzadeh Farzaneh
Published: April 2015

The photocatalytic degradation of p‐nitrophenol using a titanium dioxide suspension was studied in an annular column photoreactor operating in batch recycle mode with an aerated reservoir tank. The dependency of the process efficiency on the initial PNP concentration was quantitatively defined using an exponential function. The degradation rate was highest at pH 7‐7.2. The appearance of p‐benzoquinone, p‐hydroquinone, and phenol during the degradation process was confirmed by high‐performance liquid chromatography analysis. The formation of similar intermediates during the microbial degradation of PNP has been reported previously. The formation of hydroxyl radicals is predominant in the PNP photodegradation route, and fluctuations of the chemical oxygen demand may be indicative of the appearance of unidentified and probably nonbiodegradable intermediates formed during photocatalysis. These compounds likely contribute to the COD variations. Herein, the results of PNP removal via photocatalytic degradative reactions are discussed, and the intermediates are compared to those observed in enzymatic reactions.
Catalytic Roles of Mn(II) and Fe(III) in the Reduction of Cr(VI) by Mandelic Acid under an Irradiation of Simulated Solar Light
Authors: Li Ying , Li Hui , Zhong Ning , Quan Guixiang , Lan Yeqing
Published: April 2015

The catalytic roles of manganese(II) [Mn(II)] and iron(III) [Fe(III)] in the reduction of hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] by mandelic acid, both with and without the presence of light, was investigated through a series of batch experiments. The results demonstrated that both Mn(II) and Fe(III) could markedly accelerate the photoreduction of Cr(VI) by mandelic acid; additionally, the catalysis of Fe(III) was superior to that of Mn(II). Without the presence of light, Mn(II) still enhanced the reduction of Cr(VI) by mandelic acid, but Fe(III) did not exert any impact on the reaction. When compared with the activities of phenylacetic acid, it was concluded that the catalytic roles of both Mn(II) and Fe(III) in the reduction of Cr(VI) were directly related to the α‐OH group and not to the carboxyl group. The photoreduction of Cr(VI) by mandelic acid, assisted by Mn(II), followed pseudo‐first‐order kinetics at the initial stage of the reaction, but in the presence of Fe(III) it followed a pseudo‐zero‐order model.
Trehalose improves cell proliferation and dehydration tolerance of human HaCaT cells
Authors: Lee Kyung , Moon Doo , Kang Sang
Published: April 2015

Trehalose is a disaccharide molecule that serves as a natural osmotic
regulator in halophilic microorganisms and plants but not in mammals. We
observed that human HaCaT cells supplied with trehalose improved cell
proliferation and extended viability under dehydration. In HaCaT cells, in
response to increasing concentrations of exogenous trehalose, the levels of
heat shock protein (HSP) 70 increased and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 1
decreased. Proteome analysis of trehalose-treated HaCaT cells revealed
remarkable increases in the levels of proteins involved in cell signaling and
the cell cycle, including p21 activated kinase I, Sec I family domain protein
and elongation factor G. Moreover, the proteins for cell stress resistance,
tryptophan hydroxylase, serine/cysteine proteinase inhibitors and vitamin D
receptors were also increased. In addition, the proteins responsible for the
maintenance of the cytoskeleton and cellular structures including
procollagen-lysine dioxygenase, vinculin and ezrin were increased. Proteomic
data revealed that trehalose affected HaCaT cells by inducing the proteins
involved in cell proliferation. These results suggest that trehalose improves
the proliferation and dehydration tolerance of HaCaT cells by inducing
proteins involved in cell growth and dehydration protection.
Influence of MgO on the phase equilibria in the CuxO–FeOy–MgO –SiO2 system in equilibrium with copper alloy – Part II: Results and discussion
Authors: Crivits Tijl , Hayes Peter C. , Jak Evgueni
Published: April 2015

Phase equilibria in the ‘Cu2O’–‘Fe2O3’–MgO – SiO2 system in equilibrium with copper alloy have been investigated at temperatures between 1 075 and 1 250 °C. A high-temperature equilibration/quenching/electron probe micro-analysis technique has been used to accurately determine the liquid and solid compositions. Results on phase equilibria in the pyroxene and olivine primary phase fields are reported, providing new data on the effect of MgO on the liquidus temperatures in these fields. It was found that increasing MgO concentrations increases the liquidus temperatures in the olivine and pyroxene primary phase fields. The cuprite–delafossite–tridymite–pyroxene eutectic temperature of the quaternary system was determined to be between 1 075 and 1 080 ± 5 °C.
Evolution of Fe-rich compounds in a secondary Al–Si–Cu alloy: influence of cooling rate
Authors: Fabrizi Alberto , Timelli Giulio , Ferraro Stefano , Bonollo Franco
Published: April 2015

The influence of cooling rate on the chemical composition and morphological structure of Fe-rich intermetallics in a secondary Al–Si–Cu alloy has been investigated by using several analysis techniques such as optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spec-troscopy and backscattered electron diffraction. Mor-phological, chemical composition and size evolution of α-Al(Fe, Mn, Cr)Si have been observed and characterized under different solidification conditions. By varying the cooling rate, α-Al(Fe, Mn, Cr)Si blocky crystals, as well as chinese-script, branched structures and dendrites form, while coarse β-Al(Fe, Mn)Si needles appear at lower cooling rates.
Peripheral vision as anthropological critique
Authors: Shore Cris , Trnka Susanna
Published: April 2015

In the context of rapid neoliberal reform, both anthropology as a discipline and the social and cultural phenomena it studies are undergoing profound changes. In this article we develop June Nash's concept of “peripheral vision” to show how peripheries, and the politics of “peripheralization”, can illuminate processes of neoliberalization and the implications that this has for anthropological knowledge production. We argue that anthropology is uniquely situated to examine the conceptual blind spots produced by capitalism. By recasting “peripheral vision” as an analytic concept and methodological tool, we show how cultivating our ethnographic sensibilities to identify and hone in on events and processes that lie beyond our immediate field of vision can provide a useful antidote to the seductive fantasies of contemporary capitalism. In doing so, we also suggest how this approach can help counter some of the increasing strictures on knowledge production and narrowing of the research imagination that neoliberal reforms impose.
Local capitalism and neoliberalization in a Shenzhen former lineage village
Authors: Trémon Anne-Christine
Published: April 2015

This article examines the process of neoliberalization in the Shenzhen special economic zone in Guangdong Province, China. Building on the case study of a former peasant and almost single-lineage village that has become a part of the city of Shenzhen, I show how neoliberal principles aimed at advancing the transition to capitalism are combined with and countered by other ethical traditions. Owing to the long-standing conception of the lineage as an enterprise, the maintenance of the lineage structure in the transformation of the rural collectives has offered fertile ground for the emergence of a local capitalist coalition. Yet the current discourses on the necessity of obliterating the remains of the collective economy and introducing individual ownership run counter to the collectivist values of the lineage village community and the embeddedness of its economy in kinship and territorial ties. I further illustrate this discordance by the way in which the villagers managed to save their founding ancestor's grave site following government requests to clear the land by removing tombs. These policies form a complex blend of state interventions in the economy, neoliberal governance, and Confucian principles.
“Ginger is a gamble”
Authors: Münster Daniel
Published: April 2015

Responding to agrarian crisis at home, cash crop cultivators hailing from the South Indian district of Wayanad increasingly engage in the seasonal production of ginger in other states of India. This is a purely profit-based and unsustainable crop boom that takes a toll on both labor and the environment. This ethnographic analysis of speculative ginger cultivation situates this emerging economic complex in the regional political ecology, farming practices, individual farmers' hopes and aspirations, and in relation to the qualities of ginger as a cultivar. It argues that ginger is a special kind of boom crop and that its cultivation on large tracts of leased land is the manifestation of a moment of agrarian uncertainty and the neoliberalization of agriculture in South India coproduced by the properties of ginger. As a neoliberal boom crop, ginger exemplifies a regime of flexibilization of agrarian accumulation that has proved a profitable move for some, but has brought financial ruin and debt traps for many others.
Facility Location Problem of Beverage Distribution Considering Time Window and Land Use Plan Using GIS
Authors: Lee EunSu , Dybing Alan , Shakya Sumadhur
Published: April 2015

As the boundaries and population of urban areas expand, beverage distributors may seek to expand the capacity in their distribution centers. As a result, they may need to add new locations or increase the utilization of their existing center. This paper investigates the facility location problem through network space, considering traversable truck roads, thereby providing a strategic decision for identifying a depot location in consideration of vehicle routings from a real application. For the analysis, a geospatial tool, which is embedded in the commercial software ArcMap®, was used for routing and calibrating the model. Ten candidates from commercial and industrial zones in the cities of Fargo, West Fargo, and Moorhead were considered for future distribution centers. The candidate locations were analyzed to determine which site minimizes the total transportation costs and travel miles in consideration of time window, vehicle capacity, heterogeneous vehicle types, land use plan, and hours-of-service. Most attractive candidates are close to the intersections of major highways. From the analysis, the study recommends locating a distribution center at three alternatives based on the average ranking method. This study can be used by distributors as they consider new locations and extra depots to support strategic planning to deal with mid-term and long-term growth of demand in beverage markets. This study provides a ready-to-use example of how to adopt state-of-the-art spatial technology and operations research using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and bring it to state-of-practice.
Pt/MOx/SiO2, Pt/MOx/TiO2, and Pt/MOx/Al2O3 Catalysts for CO Oxidation
Authors: Qin Hongmei , Qian Xiaoshuang , Meng Tao , Lin Yi , Ma Zhen
Published: April 2015

Conventional supported Pt catalysts have often been prepared by loading Pt onto commercial supports, such as SiO2, TiO2, Al2O3, and carbon. These catalysts usually have simple metal-support (i.e., Pt-SiO2) interfaces. To tune the catalytic performance of supported Pt catalysts, it is desirable to modify the metal-support interfaces by incorporating an oxide additive into the catalyst formula. Here we prepared three series of metal oxide-modified Pt catalysts (i.e., Pt/MOx/SiO2, Pt/MOx/TiO2, and Pt/MOx/Al2O3, where M = Al, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Ba, La) for CO oxidation. Among them, Pt/CoOx/SiO2, Pt/CoOx/TiO2, and Pt/CoOx/Al2O3 showed the highest catalytic activities. Relevant samples were characterized by N2 adsorption-desorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), H2 temperature-programmed reduction (H2-TPR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), CO temperature-programmed desorption (CO-TPD), O2 temperature-programmed desorption (O2-TPD), and CO2 temperature-programmed desorption (CO2-TPD).
A Criterion for Topological Close-Packed Phase Formation in High Entropy Alloys
Authors: Lu Yiping , Dong Yong , Jiang Li , Wang Tongmin , Li Tingju , Zhang Yong
Published: April 2015

The stability of topological close-packed (TCP) phases were found to be well related to the average value of the d-orbital energy level \( \overline{Md} \) for most reported high entropy alloys (HEAs). Excluding some HEAs that contain high levels of the elements aluminum and vanadium, the results of this study indicated that the TCP phases form at \( \overline{Md} \) > 1.09. This criterion, as a semi-empirical method, can play a key role in designing and preparing HEAs with high amounts of transitional elements.
An Entropy-Based Network Anomaly Detection Method
Authors: Bereziński Przemysław , Jasiul Bartosz , Szpyrka Marcin
Published: April 2015

Data mining is an interdisciplinary subfield of computer science involving methods at the intersection of artificial intelligence, machine learning and statistics. One of the data mining tasks is anomaly detection which is the analysis of large quantities of data to identify items, events or observations which do not conform to an expected pattern. Anomaly detection is applicable in a variety of domains, e.g., fraud detection, fault detection, system health monitoring but this article focuses on application of anomaly detection in the field of network intrusion detection.The main goal of the article is to prove that an entropy-based approach is suitable to detect modern botnet-like malware based on anomalous patterns in network. This aim is achieved by realization of the following points: (i) preparation of a concept of original entropy-based network anomaly detection method, (ii) implementation of the method, (iii) preparation of original dataset, (iv) evaluation of the method.
Modelling Wind for Wind Farm Layout Optimization Using Joint Distribution of Wind Speed and Wind Direction
Authors: Feng Ju , Shen Wen
Published: April 2015

Reliable wind modelling is of crucial importance for wind farm development. The common practice of using sector-wise Weibull distributions has been found inappropriate for wind farm layout optimization. In this study, we propose a simple and easily implementable method to construct joint distributions of wind speed and wind direction, which is based on the parameters of sector-wise Weibull distributions and interpolations between direction sectors. It is applied to the wind measurement data at Horns Rev and three different joint distributions are obtained, which all fit the measurement data quite well in terms of the coefficient of determination . Then, the best of these joint distributions is used in the layout optimization of the Horns Rev 1 wind farm and the choice of bin sizes for wind speed and wind direction is also investigated. It is found that the choice of bin size for wind direction is especially critical for layout optimization and the recommended choice of bin sizes for wind speed and wind direction is finally presented.
Risk Assessment for Natural Gas Hydrate Carriers: A Hazard Identification (HAZID) Study
Authors: Kim Kipyoung , Kang Hokeun , Kim Youtaek
Published: April 2015

Sea transport of natural gas in the form of hydrate pellets is a new technological approach. Introducing new technologies bears raises the possibility of introducing unknown risks or—in case of alternatives for already existing technical solutions—higher risk, either human-, environmental-, or property-related. The option of gas transport by natural gas hydrate pellets has been introduced within the Korean joint research project. One key task was the safety evaluation of the novel natural gas hydrate carrier (NGH carrier) developed in the project. The aim of this work was to support and assess the risk aspects of the development to ensure that the risk level for the newly developed concept is as low as for existing competing concepts, especially LNG carriers. The NGH carrier is based on the concept of the self-preservation effect and thereby preserves NGH in the form of pellets at atmospheric pressure and temperatures lower than −20 °C. In order to identify all the possible hazards in the system and then enhance the system safety, a Hazard Identification (HAZID) study was conducted. As a result of the HAZID, 80 identified hazards in total were explored and ranked in terms of risk index for the semi-quantitative risk evaluation. Among the hazards identified, three hazards were found to have unacceptable risk level and twenty eight to have acceptable but ALARP risk level. Regarding the hazards with unacceptable risk or ALARP risk, additional safety actions and recommendations for risk control were discussed and proposed in a SAFETY ACTION REGISTER, which would be considered and utilized by designers when developing the detailed system design in the future. In conclusion, the overall safety level of the NGH carrier is considered acceptable. However, it was found that a few external hazards associated with extremely harsh weather could be critical threats to the system. Relevant safety actions against them, therefore, must be provided in the system design.
Traditional Healing, Biomedicine and the Treatment of HIV/AIDS: Contrasting South African and Native American Experiences
Authors: Flint Adrian
Published: April 2015

Traditional healing remains an important aspect of many people’s engagement with healthcare and, in this, responses to the treatment of HIV/AIDS are no different. However, given the gravity of the global HIV/AIDS pandemic, there has been much debate as to the value of traditional healing in this respect. Accordingly, this paper explores the extent to which meaningful accommodation between the biomedical and traditional sectors is possible (and/or even desirable). It does this through a consideration of Native American and South African experiences, looking at how the respective groups, in which medical pluralism is common, have addressed the issue of HIV/AIDS. The paper points to the importance of developing “culturally appropriate” forms of treatment that emphasise complementary rather than adversarial engagement between the traditional and biomedical systems and how policymakers can best facilitate this.
Repetitive Daily Point of Choice Prompts and Occupational Sit-Stand Transfers, Concentration and Neuromuscular Performance in Office Workers: An RCT
Authors: Donath Lars , Faude Oliver , Schefer Yannick , Roth Ralf , Zahner Lukas
Published: April 2015

Objective: Prolonged office sitting time adversely affects neuromuscular and cardiovascular health parameters. As a consequence, the present study investigated the effects of prompting the use of height-adjustable working desk (HAWD) on occupational sitting and standing time, neuromuscular outcomes and concentration in office workers. Methods: A single-blinded randomized controlled trial (RCT) with parallel group design was conducted. Thirty-eight office workers were supplied with HAWDs and randomly assigned (Strata: physical activity (PA), BMI, gender, workload) to a prompt (INT) or non-prompt (CON) group. INT received three daily screen-based prompts within 12 weeks. CON was only instructed once concerning the benefits of using HAWDs prior to the start of the study. Sitting and standing times were objectively assessed as primary outcomes for one entire working week using the ActiGraph wGT3X-BT at baseline (pre), after 6 (mid) and 12 weeks (post). Concentration (d2-test), postural sway during upright stance (under single, dual and triple task) and lower limb strength endurance (heel-rise) were collected as secondary outcomes. Results: With large but not statistically significant within group effects from pre to post, INT increased weekly standing time at work by 9% (p = 0.22, d = 0.8) representing an increase from 7.2 h (4.8) to 9.7 (6.6) h (p = 0.07). Concentration and neuromuscular performance did not change from pre to post testing (0.23 < p < 0.95; 0.001 < ηp² < 0.05). Conclusion: Low-frequent and low cost screen-based point of choice prompts (3 per day within 12 weeks) already result in notable increases of occupational standing time of approx. daily 30 min. These stimuli, however, did not relevantly affect neuromuscular outcomes.
Architecture of a Process Broker for Interoperable Geospatial Modeling on the Web
Authors: Bigagli Lorenzo , Santoro Mattia , Mazzetti Paolo , Nativi Stefano
Published: April 2015

The identification of appropriate mechanisms for process sharing and reuse by means of composition is considered a key enabler for the effective uptake of a global Earth Observation infrastructure, currently pursued by the international geospatial research community. Modelers in need of running complex workflows may benefit from outsourcing process composition to a dedicated external service, according to the brokering approach. This work introduces our architecture of a process broker, as a distributed information system for creating, validating, editing, storing, publishing and executing geospatial-modeling workflows. The broker provides a service framework for adaptation, reuse and complementation of existing processing resources (including models and geospatial services in general) in the form of interoperable, executable workflows. The described solution has been experimentally applied in several use scenarios in the context of EU-funded projects and the Global Earth Observation System of Systems.
Modulation of the Genome and Epigenome of Individuals Susceptible to Autism by Environmental Risk Factors
Authors: Koufaris Costas , Sismani Carolina
Published: April 2015

Diverse environmental factors have been implicated with the development of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Genetic factors also underlie the differential vulnerability to environmental risk factors of susceptible individuals. Currently the way in which environmental risk factors interact with genetic factors to increase the incidence of ASD is not well understood. A greater understanding of the metabolic, cellular, and biochemical events involved in gene x environment interactions in ASD would have important implications for the prevention and possible treatment of the disorder. In this review we discuss various established and more alternative processes through which environmental factors implicated in ASD can modulate the genome and epigenome of genetically-susceptible individuals.
Potential Natural Products for Alzheimer’s Disease: Targeted Search Using the Internal Ribosome Entry Site of Tau and Amyloid-β Precursor Protein
Authors: Tasi Yun-Chieh , Chin Ting-Yu , Chen Ying-Ju , Huang Chun-Chih , Lee Shou-Lun , Wu Tzong-Yuan
Published: April 2015

Overexpression of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) and the hyperphosphorylation of the tau protein are vital in the understanding of the cause of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). As a consequence, regulation of the expression of both APP and tau proteins is one important approach in combating AD. The APP and tau proteins can be targeted at the levels of transcription, translation and protein structural integrity. This paper reports the utilization of a bi-cistronic vector containing either APP or tau internal ribosome entry site (IRES) elements flanked by β-galactosidase gene (cap-dependent) and secreted alkaline phosphatase (SEAP) (cap-independent) to discern the mechanism of action of memantine, an N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist. Results indicate that memantine could reduce the activity of both the APP and tau IRES at a concentration of ~10 μM (monitored by SEAP activity) without interfering with the cap-dependent translation as monitored by the β-galactosidase assay. Western blot analysis of the tau protein in neuroblastoma (N2A) and rat hippocampal cells confirmed the halting of the expression of the tau proteins. We also employed this approach to identify a preparation named NB34, extracts of Boussingaultia baselloides (madeira-vine) fermented with Lactobacillus spp., which can function similarly to memantine in both IRES of APP and Tau. The water maze test demonstrated that NB34 could improve the spatial memory of a high fat diet induced neurodegeneration in apolipoprotein E-knockout (ApoE−/−) mice. These results revealed that the bi-cistronic vector provided a simple, and effective platform in screening and establishing the mechanistic action of potential compounds for the treatment and management of AD.
Synthesis and Bioactivity of Luffarin I
Authors: Urosa Aitor , Marcos Isidro , Díez David , Lithgow Anna , Plata Gabriela , Padrón José , Basabe Pilar
Published: April 2015

The first synthesis of Luffarin I, sesterterpenolide isolated from sponge Luffariella geometrica, has been accomplished from commercially available sclareol. The key strategy involved in this synthesis is the diastereoselective reduction of an intermediate ketone. Luffarin I against human solid tumor cell lines showed antiproliferative activities (GI50) in the range 12–17 μM.
A Survey of Marine Natural Compounds and Their Derivatives with Anti-Cancer Activity Reported in 2012
Authors: Sawadogo Wamtinga , Boly Rainatou , Cerella Claudia , Teiten Marie , Dicato Mario , Diederich Marc
Published: April 2015

Although considerable effort and progress has been made in the search for new anticancer drugs and treatments in the last several decades, cancer remains a major public health problem and one of the major causes of death worldwide. Many sources, including plants, animals, and minerals, are of interest in cancer research because of the possibility of identifying novel molecular therapeutics. Moreover, structure-activity-relationship (SAR) investigations have become a common way to develop naturally derived or semi-synthetic molecular analogues with improved efficacy and decreased toxicity. In 2012, approximately 138 molecules from marine sources, including isolated compounds and their associated analogues, were shown to be promising anticancer drugs. Among these, 62% are novel compounds. In this report, we review the marine compounds identified in 2012 that may serve as novel anticancer drugs.
Inhibition of Oxidative Stress and Skin Aging-Related Enzymes by Prenylated Chalcones and Other Flavonoids from Helichrysum teretifolium
Authors: Popoola Olugbenga , Marnewick Jeanine , Rautenbach Fanie , Ameer Farouk , Iwuoha Emmanuel , Hussein Ahmed
Published: April 2015

Ten flavonoid-related structures viz. heliteretifolin (1), isoxanthohumol (2), 2',4',6'-trihydroxy-3'-prenylchalcone (3), isoglabranin (4), glabranin (5), 7-methoxy-isoglabranin (6), quercetin (7), 4'-methoxyquercetin (8), 4'-methoxykaempferol (9) and mosloflavone (10) were isolated from a H. teretifolium methanolic extract and identified. One of them (compound 1) is reported for the first time from a natural source, while compounds 6, 8–10 were isolated for the first time from the genus Helichrysum. The total extract of H. teretifolium showed potent antioxidant activity. When tested for total antioxidant capacity compound 3 possesses moderate biological activity compared to 2, which displayed some of the highest TEAC values (4529.01 ± 2.44; 4170.66 ± 6.72) µM TE/g, respectively. Compounds 7 and 8 demonstrated the highest inhibitory activities on Fe2+-induced lipid peroxidation (IC50 = 2.931; 6.449 µg/mL); tyrosinase (8.092; 27.573) and elastase (43.342; 86.548). Additionally, the total antioxidant capacities measured as FRAP (4816.31 ± 7.42; 3584.17 ± 0.54) µM AAE/g, and ORAC for hydroxyl radical (7.265 ± 0.71; 6.779 ± 3.40) × 106 and peroxyl radical (17.836 ± 2.90; 12.545 ± 5.07) × 103 µM TE/g were also observed for compounds 7 and 8, respectively. In conclusion, H. teretifolium total extract represents a rich source of bioactive constituents with potent antioxidant and moderate anti-tyrosinase and anti-elastase activities that can help to avert accumulation of free radicals in the body, and could therefore be good candidates for the prevention and/or treatment of skin-related conditions, such as aging. This is the first scientific report on the chemical and biological profile of H. teretifolium.
MicroRNA and Breast Cancer: Understanding Pathogenesis, Improving Management
Authors: Eastlack Steven , Alahari Suresh
Published: April 2015

The advent of the microRNAs in the early 1990s has proven to be a tremendously significant development within the purview of gene regulation. They participate in the regulation of a broad assembly of processes vital to proper cell function and the perturbation of these pathways following alteration of miRNA expression is strongly believed to contribute to the pathogenesis of cancer. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the miRNAs that have to date been well-characterized in the context of human breast neoplasia. Detailed discussion will center around their role in tumor initiation and progression, control of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), cancer stem cell formation, use as biomarkers in tissues and circulation, as well as their role in cancer treatment. In addition, attention will be given to topics which remain underexplored, such as miRNA control of cancer cell metabolism and the genomic/epigenetic origins underlying the preliminary disruption of miRNA expression in disease. This review will also address and attempt to resolve instances where discordant, inter-study findings have been reported (examples of which are replete in the literature) while also identifying bottlenecks hampering progress in miRNA research and other challenges that confront this fledgling but promising field of biomedical research.
Fitnah: The Afterlife of a Religious Term in Recent Political Protest
Authors: Lifintseva Tatyana , Isaev Leonid , Shishkina Alisa
Published: April 2015

The phenomenon of fitnah could be traced throughout history in different regions and cultures. The Arab spring events of 2011–2012 are not an exception in this context. The next outburst of protest activity occurred where it was not expected in the near future—in Ukraine. If we compare the events in the Arab countries in 2011 and Ukraine in 2013–2014, it can be concluded that in essence they fit the characteristics of fitnah very well, which are attributed to it by the Arabic political culture. In both cases, the fitnah acquired permanent character turning into anarchy and chaos (“fouda”). The government/the ruling power found itself unprepared for such manifestations of fitnah and miscalculated the threat posed by the protesters. From our perspective, in the modern world this phenomenon can be explained by the rapid development of Internet technologies that gives the opposition an opportunity to prepare a protest virtually, in an area not totally controlled by the government.
Modeling of Nanoparticular Magnetoresistive Systems and the Impact on Molecular Recognition
Authors: Teich Lisa , Kappe Daniel , Rempel Thomas , Meyer Judith , Schröder Christian , Hütten Andreas
Published: April 2015

The formation of magnetic bead or nanoparticle superstructures due to magnetic dipole dipole interactions can be used as configurable matter in order to realize low-cost magnetoresistive sensors with very high GMR-effect amplitudes. Experimentally, this can be realized by immersing magnetic beads or nanoparticles in conductive liquid gels and rearranging them by applying suitable external magnetic fields. After gelatinization of the gel matrix the bead or nanoparticle positions are fixed and the resulting system can be used as a magnetoresistive sensor. In order to optimize such sensor structures we have developed a simulation tool chain that allows us not only to study the structuring process in the liquid state but also to rigorously calculate the magnetoresistive characteristic curves for arbitrary nanoparticle arrangements. As an application, we discuss the role of magnetoresistive sensors in finding answers to molecular recognition.