bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short-Term Wind Speed Prediction Using EEMD-LSSVM Model
Authors: Kang Aiqing , Tan Qingxiong , Yuan Xiaohui , Lei Xiaohui , Yuan Yanbin
Published: December 2017

Hybrid Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition (EEMD) and Least Square Support Vector Machine (LSSVM) is proposed to improve short-term wind speed forecasting precision. The EEMD is firstly utilized to decompose the original wind speed time series into a set of subseries. Then the LSSVM models are established to forecast these subseries. Partial autocorrelation function is adopted to analyze the inner relationships between the historical wind speed series in order to determine input variables of LSSVM models for prediction of every subseries. Finally, the superposition principle is employed to sum the predicted values of every subseries as the final wind speed prediction. The performance of hybrid model is evaluated based on six metrics. Compared with LSSVM, Back Propagation Neural Networks (BP), Auto-Regressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA), combination of Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) with LSSVM, and hybrid EEMD with ARIMA models, the wind speed forecasting results show that the proposed hybrid model outperforms these models in terms of six metrics. Furthermore, the scatter diagrams of predicted versus actual wind speed and histograms of prediction errors are presented to verify the superiority of the hybrid model in short-term wind speed prediction.
Effect of Gegen Qinlian Decoction on Cardiac Gene Expression in Diabetic Mice
Authors: Han Jing , Wang Zhenglin , Xing Wei , Yuan Yueying , Zhang Yi , Lv Tiantian , Wang Hongliang , Liu Yonggang , Wu Yan
Published: December 2017

The aim of this research is to investigate the therapeutic effect of GGQL decoction on cardiac dysfunction and elucidate the pharmacological mechanisms. db/db mice were divided into DB group or GGQL group, and WT mice were used as control. All mice were accessed by echocardiography. And the total RNA of LV tissue samples was sequenced, then differential expression genes were analyzed. The RNA-seq results were validated by the results of RT-qPCR of 4 genes identified as differentially expressed. The content of pyruvate and ceramide in myocardial tissue was also measured. The results showed that GGQL decoction could significantly improve the diastolic dysfunction, increase the content of pyruvate, and had the trend to reduce the ceramide content. The results of RNA-seq showed that 2958 genes were differentially expressed when comparing the DB group with the WT group. Among them, compared with the DB group, 26 genes were differentially regulated in the GGQL group. The expression results of 4 genes were consistent with the RNA-seq results. Our study reveals that GGQL decoction has a therapeutic effect on diastolic dysfunction of the left ventricular and the effect may be related to its role in promoting myocardial glycolysis and decreasing the content of ceramide.
A Novel Approach for Operating Speed Continuous Predication Based on Alignment Space Comprehensive Index
Authors: Yan Ying , Li Gengping , Tang Jinjun , Guo Zhongyin
Published: December 2017

Operating speed is a critical indicator for road alignment consistency design and safety evaluation. Although extensive studies have been conducted on operating speed prediction, few models can finish practical continuous prediction at each point along alignment on multilane highways. This study proposes a novel method to estimate the operating speed for multilane highways in China from the aspect of the three-dimensional alignment combination. Operating speed data collected in field experiments on 304 different alignment combination sections are detected by means of Global Positioning System. First, the alignment comprehensive index (ACI) is designed and introduced to describe the function accounting for alignment continuity and driving safety. The variables used in ACI include horizontal curve radius, change rate of curvature, deflection angle of curve, grade, and lane width. Second, the influence range of front and rear alignment on speed is determined on the basis of drivers’ fixation range and dynamical properties of vehicles. Furthermore, a prediction model based on exponential relationships between road alignment and speeds is designed to predict the speed of passenger cars and trucks. Finally, three common criteria are utilized to evaluate the effectiveness of the prediction models. The results indicate that the prediction models outperform the other two operating speed models for their higher prediction accuracy.
Integrated Molecular Characterization of the Lethal Pediatric Cancer Pancreatoblastoma
Authors: Isobe Tomoya , Seki Masafumi , Yoshida Kenichi , Sekiguchi Masahiro , Shiozawa Yusuke , Shiraishi Yuichi , Kimura Shunsuke , Yoshida Misa , Inoue Yoshikage , Yokoyama Akira , Kakiuchi Nobuyuki , Suzuki Hiromichi , Kataoka Keisuke , Sato Yusuke , Kawai Tomoko , Chiba Kenichi , Tanaka Hiroko , Shimamura Teppei , Kato Motohiro , Iguchi Akihiro , Hama Asahito , Taguchi Tomoaki , Akiyama Masaharu , Fujimura Junya , Inoue Akiko , Ito Tsuyoshi , Deguchi Takao , Kiyotani Chikako , Iehara Tomoko , Hosoi Hajime , Oka Akira , Sanada Masashi , Tanaka Yukichi , Hata Kenichiro , Miyano Satoru , Ogawa Seishi , Takita Junko
Published: December 2017

Pancreatoblastoma is a rare pediatric pancreatic malignancy for which the molecular pathogenesis is not understood. In this study, we report the findings of an integrated multiomics study of whole-exome and RNA sequencing as well as genome-wide copy number and methylation analyses of ten pancreatoblastoma cases. The pancreatoblastoma genome was characterized by a high frequency of aberrant activation of the Wnt signaling pathway, either via somatic mutations of CTNNB1 (90%) and copy-neutral loss of heterozygosity (CN-LOH) of APC (10%). In addition, imprinting dysregulation of IGF2 as a consequence of CN-LOH (80%), gain of paternal allele (10%), and gain of methylation (10%) was universally detected. At the transcriptome level, pancreatoblastoma exhibited an expression profile characteristic of early pancreas progenitor-like cells along with upregulation of the R-spondin/LGR5/RNF43 module. Our results offer a comprehensive description of the molecular basis for pancreatoblastoma and highlight rational therapeutic targets for its treatment.

Significance: Molecular genetic analysis of a rare untreatable pediatric tumor reveals Wnt/IGF2 aberrations and features of early pancreas progenitor-like cells, suggesting cellular origins and rational strategies for therapeutic targeting. Cancer Res; 78(4); 865–76. ©2017 AACR.
Implication of Haemodiafiltration Flow Rate on Amikacin Pharmacokinetic Parameters in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Ruiz-Ramos Jesús , Villarreal Esther , Gordon Mónica , Martin-Cerezula María , Broch Maria Jesús , Remedios Marqués María , Poveda Jose Luis , Castellanos-Ortega Álvaro , Ramírez Paula
Published: December 2017

Background: To analyse the effect of haemodiafiltration (CVVHDF) flow rate on amikacin pharmacokinetics and blood concentrations. Methods: Prospective observational study. Patients receiving CVVHDF and amikacin treatment were included. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using Bayesian analysis. Spearman correlation test was used in order to assess the influence of CVVHDF flux on amikacin minimum concentration (Cmin) and plasma clearance. Results: Thirty patients undergoing CVVHDF procedures were included. The treatment with amikacin started at an initial mean dose of 12.4 (4.1) mg/kg/day. An association between the flow rate and Cmin value (r = 0.261; p = 0.161) and plasma clearance was found (r = 0.268; p = 0.152). Four patients (13.3%) were not able to achieve peak concentration over MIC value higher than 8. In 4 patients, amikacin had to be discontinued due to a high Cmin value. Conclusions: Amikacin clearance in patients with CVVHDF is affected by the flow rate used. Therefore, CVVHDF dose should be taken into account when dosing amikacin.
Correlation between Subpubic Arch Angle and Mode of Delivery in Large-for-Gestational-Age Fetuses
Authors: Ghi Tullio , Dall'Asta Andrea , Suprani Alice , Aiello Elisa , Musarò Andrea , Bosi Costanza , Pedrazzi Giuseppe , Kiener Ariane , Arduini Domenico , Frusca Tiziana , Rizzo Giuseppe
Published: December 2017

Objectives: A narrow subpubic arch angle (SPA) has been associated with a higher risk of operative delivery and prolonged labor. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between SPA and labor outcome in a cohort of women delivering a large-for-gestational-age (LGA) fetus. Methods: An observational study involving two Italian tertiary centers (Parma and Rome) was carried out. Nulliparous women referred to the antepartum clinic between 35 and 39 weeks due to an increased risk of having an LGA fetus at birth were prospectively selected for the study purpose. Within the study cohort, SPA measurements were obtained by means of transperineal 3D ultrasound. Elective caesarean section and birth weight below 3,750 g represented exclusion criteria. In the final study group, SPA values were compared between the patients who underwent spontaneous vaginal delivery (SVD) and those who were submitted to unplanned obstetric intervention (UOI) due to prolonged or arrested labor (vacuum delivery or caesarean section). Results: Overall, 129 women were included, and the mean birthweight of the neonates was 4,066 ± 263.03 g. SVD occurred in 63 patients (48.8%), whereas UOI due to prolonged or arrested labor was performed in 66 (51.2%), including 21 cases of vacuum delivery and 45 caesarean sections. The SPA was significantly smaller among women who underwent UOI than in those who achieved SVD (107.9 ± 13.4 vs. 120.7 ± 9.4°, p < 0.001). Furthermore, SPA width was inversely correlated with labor length (p < 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that a smaller SPA (OR 1.091, 95% CI 1.051-1.134, p < 0.001) and an increased birthweight (OR 1.002, 95% CI 1.000-1.004, p = 0.037) were independent risk factors for operative delivery. Conclusion: SPA measurement before labor is helpful in predicting the risk of operative delivery due to prolonged or arrested labor among nulliparous women delivering LGA fetuses.
Beyond Autism: Introducing the Dialectical Misattunement Hypothesis and a Bayesian Account of Intersubjectivity
Authors: Bolis Dimitris , Balsters Joshua , Wenderoth Nicole , Becchio Cristina , Schilbach Leonhard
Published: December 2017

Drawing on sociocultural theories and Bayesian accounts of brain function, in this article we construe psychiatric conditions as disorders of social interaction to fully account for their complexity and dynamicity across levels of description and temporal scales. After an introduction of the theoretical underpinnings of our integrative approach, we take autism spectrum conditions (ASC) as a paradigm example and discuss how neurocognitive hypotheses can be translated into a Bayesian formulation, i.e., in terms of predictive processing and active inference. We then argue that consideration of individuals (even within a Bayesian framework) will not be enough for a comprehensive understanding of psychiatric conditions and consequently put forward the dialectical misattunement hypothesis, which views psychopathology not merely as disordered function within single brains but also as a dynamic interpersonal mismatch that encompasses various levels of description. Moving from a mere comparison of groups, i.e., “healthy” persons versus “patients,” to a fine-grained analysis of social interactions within dyads and groups of individuals will open new avenues and may allow to avoid an overly neurocentric scope in psychiatric research as well as help to reduce social exclusion.
Validation of the Hebrew Version of the Eating Assessment Tool-10 (H-EAT-10)
Authors: Abu-Ghanem Sara , Schechter Melissa , Flesh-Eyni Hanna , Litwin Liat , Makai Esti , Oestreicher-Kedem Yael , Yehuda Moshe
Published: December 2017

Background and Objectives: Dysphagia is a common disability with different etiologies. In order to measure dysphagia symptom severity and effects on quality of life, the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) was developed and validated in the English language. We aimed to develop a Hebrew version of the EAT-10 and to evaluate its internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and validity in Hebrew-speaking adults with dysphagia. Subjects and Methods: The Hebrew EAT-10 (H-EAT-10) questionnaire was completed by 132 patients: 56 patients with dysphagia and 76 controls. Internal consistency analysis was calculated using Cronbach α, and test-retest reliability was calculated using intraclass correlation coefficient in order to assess clinical validity. Results: Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were found to be high in the H-EAT-10 (Cronbach α = 0.955 and intraclass correla tion = 0.98). In addition, H-EAT-10 scores in the dysphagia group were found to be significantly higher than those in the control group (p < 0.001). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that H-EAT-10 is a reliable and valid tool that may be implemented for clinical practice and research on dysphagia in a Hebrew-speaking population.
The Effect of Classroom Capacity on Vocal Fatigue as Quantified by the Vocal Fatigue Index
Authors: Banks Russell E. , Bottalico Pasquale , Hunter Eric J.
Published: December 2017

Objective: Previous research has concluded that teachers are at a higher-than-normal risk for voice issues that can cause occupational limitations. While some risk factors have been identified, there are still many unknowns. Patients and Methods: A survey was distributed electronically with 506 female teacher respondents. The survey included questions to quantify three aspects of vocal fatigue as captured by the Vocal Fatigue Index (VFI): (1) general tiredness of voice (performance), (2) physical discomfort associated with voicing (pain), and (3) improvement of symptoms with rest (recovery). The effect of classroom capacity on US teachers’ self-reported experience of vocal fatigue was analyzed. Results: The results indicated that a classroom’s capacity significantly affected teachers’ reported amounts of vocal fatigue, while a teacher’s age also appeared to significantly affect the reported amount of vocal fatigue. A quadratic rather than linear effect was seen, with the largest age effect occurring at around 40–45 years in all three factors of the VFI. Conclusion: Further factors which may affect vocal fatigue must be explored in future research. By understanding what increases the risk for vocal fatigue, educators and school administrators can take precautions to mitigate the occupational risk of short- and long-term vocal health issues in school teachers.
Is Outpatient Control of Long-Term Non-Invasive Ventilation Feasible in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients?
Authors: Schwarz Sarah Bettina , Callegari Jens , Hamm Christine , Windisch Wolfram , Magnet Friederike Sophie
Published: December 2017

Background: Long-term non-invasive ventilation (NIV) is an established and increasingly used treatment option for patients with chronic hypercapnic chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Following inpatient NIV establishment, inpatient control visits regularly occur thereafter. However, it remains unclear whether such control visits can also be performed in an outpatient setting, which, in turn, would reduce costs, patient burden and the complications related to hospitalization. Objectives: To investigate an outpatient setting with predefined criteria for hospitalization for patients with chronic hypercapnic COPD. Methods: An outpatient clinic located within the hospital in the vicinity of the respiratory care unit provided predefined criteria for hospitalization of COPD patients receiving long-term NIV therapy. The results of this setting were retrospectively analysed. Results: A total of 130 outpatient visits (80 patients) were analysed. In 93 cases (71.5%), hospital admission was not necessary, while hospitalization was performed in 37 cases (28.5%). Out of these, 7 cases with acute conditions required prompt hospitalization. Patients without hospitalization had better PaCO2 values (45.40 ± 5.27 vs. 50.05 ± 8.04, p = 0.002) and Severe Respiratory Insufficiency Questionnaire Summary scores (55.54 ± 19.74 vs. 41.82 ± 19.59, p = 0.012). Conclusion: Outpatient control of long-term NIV in a hospital setting is feasible and has the capacity to identify stable COPD patients in whom NIV therapy is sufficient according to predefined criteria. These patients may not require hospitalization and may account for more than two thirds of cases.
Prophylactic Surgery: For Whom, When and How
Authors: Mau Christine , Untch Michael
Published: December 2017

Risk-reducing surgery has proved to be a reasonable procedure in healthy women with a definitely elevated risk of developing cancer. Here we consider the elevated risk of breast and ovarian cancer. There is a clear indication for such surgery in healthy women with a pathogenic BRCA1/2 mutation. For these patients, a risk-reducing bilateral mastectomy leads to a verifiable reduction in mortality from breast cancer, particularly for young patients. In most cases, surgery is combined with breast reconstruction. The pros and cons of surgical treatment and the different surgical techniques have to be explained to and carefully considered with the patient. As yet, no unequivocal data for the benefits of intensifying early detection have been ascertained with respect to mortality from breast carcinoma. In index patients with a BRCA mutation, the surgical treatment should depend on the prognosis of the primary disease. A lower age at onset and a better prognosis of the primary disease make a contralateral mastectomy (CPM) more reasonable. In the case of BRCA mutation-related cancer, a reduction of mortality through CPM has been proven. A risk-reducing adnexectomy is basically recommended for BRCA mutation carriers. Healthy premenopausal women need a subsequent hormone replacement therapy. The prognosis of the patients is dominated by the ovarian carcinoma. This can be prevented by risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy in 95% of the cases.
Dilemas e perspectivas da abordagem sociológica dos desastres naturais
Authors: Mattedi Marcos
Published: December 2017

O texto examina as controvérsias da abordagem sociológica dos desastres valendo-se dos subsídios extraídos da sociologia da ciência. Mais precisamente, considera os impasses cognitivos e políticos inerentes à sociologia dos desastres por meio das contribuições produzidas pelo estudo das controvérsias científicas. Sustenta que o desenvolvimento da abordagem sociológica dos desastres  estrutura-se em torno de três controvérsias: (a) interdisciplinar: oposição evento-impacto; (b) intradisciplinar: oposição consenso-conflito; (c) extradisciplinar: oposição leigo-perito. Para tentar ultrapassar esses obstáculos, o texto apresenta o modelo Problema-Solução extraído do desenvolvimento da sociologia da ciência e da tecnologia. Com base nesse modelo teórico visa apresentar uma nova definição de desastres. Para desenvolver esse argumento, o texto foi dividido em cinco partes principais: (1) inicia com uma apresentação da problemática sociotécnica do estudo dos desastres; (2) segue com a apresentação das controvérsias interdisciplinares; (3) em seguida, das controvérsias intradisciplinares; (4) e das controvérsias extradisciplinares; (5) e termina com a formulação de uma nova definição de desastre
TAXONOMIAS DE GEOMETRIA DA ARQUITETURA CONTEMPORÂNEA: UMA ABORDAGEM DIDÁTICA AO ENSINO DA MODELAGEM PARAMÉTRICA NA ARQUITETURA
Authors: Pires Janice De Freitas , Pereira Alice Theresinha Cybis , Gonçalves Alexandre
Published: December 2017

Este trabalho tem uma abordagem didática voltada ao ensino da representação gráfica digital para o projeto de arquitetura, procurando identificar estruturas de saber que suportem os conceitos geométricos empregados em obras da arquitetura contemporânea. Diante dos avanços tecnológicos e da recente inserção do design paramétrico em escritórios e escolas de arquitetura, o estudo propõe reconhecer as técnicas de modelagem paramétrica, relacionadas a tais conceitos. Como método de explicitação das estruturas de saber são adotados os conceitos de taxonomia e ontologia, os quais permitem classificar, hierarquizar e associar os conceitos de geometria e de técnicas de modelagem paramétrica. O estudo também visa contribuir para as reflexões, no ensino de arquitetura, sobre as estratégias projetuais baseadas na geometria utilizada pelos arquitetos contemporâneos, uma vez que as representações paramétricas destas geometrias exigem uma compreensão teórica profunda de seus elementos constituintes.
OBJECTILE E AS “NOVAS PRETENSÕES” DO PROJETO PARAMÉTRICO EM ARQUITETURA
Authors: Duarte Rovenir Bertola , Sanches Malu Magalhães , Lepri Louisa Savignon
Published: December 2017

Na década de 1980, Deleuze e Cache produzem um novo conceito encapsulado em uma “palavra bárbara”, o objectile, um tipo de objeto variável, no qual, segundo Deleuze, a flutuação da norma substitui a permanência de uma lei, a produção de um contínuo por variação. Às vezes, uma palavra bárbara é necessária para dar conta de uma “pretensão nova”, um vetor de saída de territórios conhecidos. Quais “pretensões novas” poderiam revelar esse conceito sobre o processo de projeto arquitetônico na era digital? Nesta investigação, propomos pensar o que aconteceria se tomássemos o objectile como objeto do processo de projeto arquitetônico para revelar tais pretensões; se trocássemos um objeto fixo por outro variável, um molde por outro modulado. Apresentamos três níveis de reflexão sobre o projeto paramétrico digital na arquitetura: (a) o objectile e sua relação no processo como ferramenta da variabilidade: caminho para o meta-design; (b) o objectile na questão da escolha dentro do processo projetual: um controle modulado; e (c) o objectile no impacto sobre novas formas de pensar o projeto por dentro: amnésia e inconsciência algorítmica. Por fim, buscamos entender a perturbadora mudança conceitual trazida por essa ideia de projeto baseada em um “contínuo por variação”, afetando formas de pensar e conceitos como processo, controle, liberdade e escolha.
A new species of Hemidactylus (Squamata: Gekkota: Gekkonidae) from Qara Dagh Mountains, Kurdistan Region, with a key to the genus in Iraq
Authors: SAFAEI-MAHROO BARBOD , GHAFFARI HANYEH , GHAFOOR ARAM , AMINI SAYWAN
Published: December 2017

We describe a new species of gecko of the genus Hemidactylus from the oak woodlands of Zagros Forest Steppe of Qara Dagh Mountains, Sulaimani, northeastern Iraq, based on morphological and molecular characteristics. Hemidactylus kurdicus sp. nov. is distinguished from all other related Arid clade Hemidactylus species in the Middle East by having a single pair of postmental scales; it differs H. turcicus, H. robustus, H. ulii, H. sinaitus, H. shihraensis and H. yerburii based on the number of lamellae under the first and fourth toes of pes. Mitochondrial DNA including CytB and 12S identify a consistent divergence between H. kurdicus and H. persicus. An identification key to the genus Hemidactylus in Iraq is presented.
Land–Atmosphere Interactions: The LoCo Perspective
Authors: Santanello Joseph A. , Dirmeyer Paul A. , Ferguson Craig R. , Findell Kirsten L. , Tawfik Ahmed B. , Berg Alexis , Ek Michael , Gentine Pierre , Guillod Benoit P. , van Heerwaarden Chiel , Roundy Joshua , Wulfmeyer Volker
Published: December 2017

Land–atmosphere (L-A) interactions are a main driver of Earth’s surface water and energy budgets; as such, they modulate near-surface climate, including clouds and precipitation, and can influence the persistence of extremes such as drought. Despite their importance, the representation of L-A interactions in weather and climate models remains poorly constrained, as they involve a complex set of processes that are difficult to observe in nature. In addition, a complete understanding of L-A processes requires interdisciplinary expertise and approaches that transcend traditional research paradigms and communities. To address these issues, the international Global Energy and Water Exchanges project (GEWEX) Global Land–Atmosphere System Study (GLASS) panel has supported “L-A coupling” as one of its core themes for well over a decade. Under this initiative, several successful land surface and global climate modeling projects have identified hot spots of L-A coupling and helped quantify the role of land surface states in weather and climate predictability. GLASS formed the Local Land–Atmosphere Coupling (LoCo) project and working group to examine L-A interactions at the process level, focusing on understanding and quantifying these processes in nature and evaluating them in models. LoCo has produced an array of L-A coupling metrics for different applications and scales and has motivated a growing number of young scientists from around the world. This article provides an overview of the LoCo effort, including metric and model applications, along with scientific and programmatic developments and challenges.
Weather-Induced Transport through a Tidal Channel Calibrated by an Unmanned Boat
Authors: Li Chunyan , Weeks Eddie , Huang Wei , Milan Brian , Wu Renhao
Published: December 2017

An unmanned surface vehicle (USV) was designed and constructed to operate continuously for covering both flood and ebb and preferably a complete tidal cycle (e.g., ~24 h) to measure the vertical profiles of horizontal flow velocity. It was applied in a tidal channel at Port Fourchon, Louisiana. A bottom-mounted ADCP was deployed for 515 days. The first EOF mode of the velocity profiles showed a barotropic type of flow that explained more than 98.2% of the variability. The second mode showed a typical estuarine flow with two layers, which explained 0.47% of the variability. Using a linear regression of the total transport from the USV with the vertically averaged velocity from the bottom-mounted ADCP, with an R-squared value of 98%, the total along-channel transport throughout the deployment was calculated. A low-pass filtering of the transport allowed for examining the impact of 76 events with cold, warm, or combined cold–warm fronts passing the area. The top seven most severe events were discussed, as their associated transports obviously stood out in the time series, indicating the importance of weather. It is shown that large-scale weather systems with frontal lines of ~1500–3000-km horizontal length scale control the subtidal transport in the area. Cold (warm) fronts tend to generate outward (inward) transports, followed by a rebound. The maximum coherence between the atmospheric forcing and the ocean response reached ~71%–84%, which occurred at about a frequency f of ~0.29 cycle per day or T of ~3.4 days in the period, consistent with the atmospheric frontal return periods (~3–7 days).
New fired bricks based on municipal solid waste incinerator bottom ash
Authors: Taurino R , Karamanova E , Barbieri L , Atanasova-Vladimirova S , Andreola F , Karamanov A
Published: December 2017

The main objective of this work was to study the sintering process and technological properties of new fired bricks based on high amount of post-treated municipal solid waste incinerator bottom ash and refractory clay. In addition, the effect of the minor addition of flux (Na2CO3) or reinforce (corundum) was also highlighted.

Several methods were used to study the effect of compositions variations on the sintering process, structure and the mechanical characteristics of the test briquettes. Differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA) and dilatometry techniques were applied to study the thermal behaviour while scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and high-temperature X-ray diffraction were used to elucidate the structure and the phase composition. The mechanical characteristics were estimated by micro-indentation, strength and various physical tests (porosity, linear shrinkage and water absorption, etc).

The results highlight the possibility to use very high amount of municipal solid waste incinerator bottom ashes in the production of new fired bricks with good performances at all levels.

It is also shown that the addition of additives managed the final properties, affecting the crystal phase formation, porosity and greatly the strength of the samples.
Another Look at the Relationship between Cohabitation and Marriage – The Use of Crude and Net Probabilities
Authors: Peristera Paraskevi , Ghilagaber Gebrenegus
Published: December 2017

In this paper we propose an approach based on the theoretical relationship between crude and net probabilities of marriage in a competing-risk framework. Analyses based on family dynamics among Swedish men born 1936-1964 show that the probabilities of marriage increase if cohabitation was eliminated (and that probabilities of cohabitation increase if marriage was eliminated). Further, the gains in net probabilities increase at the prime ages of family formation (20-28) but are less significant at other ages. Such results support (at least for the data at hand) the argument that informal cohabitation serves as a prelude to marriage rather than a permanent replacement to it.
Influence of the presence of bioactive compounds in smart-packaging materials on water absorption using NIR spectroscopy and aquaphotomics
Authors: Barzaghi Stefania , Cremonesi Katia , Cattaneo Tiziana Maria Piera
Published: December 2017

Food packaging plays an active role in the environment/packaging/food system, and new solutions take into account new concepts of smart, active, and/or eco-friendly food packaging materials. On this point of view, the active packaging system should be capable of interacting with the food, for instance by the release of active molecules that will provide protection against microbial spoilage, and simultaneously be ‘natural’. A full exploitation of the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of propolis, in order to achieve a significant prolongation of the shelf-life, can meet these needs. Moreover, fast methods able for classifying, sorting, and identifying the quality and the stability characteristics associated with the different materials are requested along the food chain in order to validate their properties. This study aimed the identification of bioactive compounds from Italian propolis in smart packaging materials by applying the aquaphotomics approach. The Aquagrams results highlighted that the absorption differences at 1410 nm are able to identify the paper sheets obtained by the incorporation of the active compounds. A second Aquagrams plot was built up for sheets measured on polythene layer. Results showed different water patterns at 1438, 1440, and from 1474 to 1518 nm. These data confirm that the water absorption in NIR range can be affected by the presence of chemical groups derived from the active compounds of propolis, which are able to interact with water spectral response.
Quantum chemical calculation of NIR spectra of practical materials
Authors: Huck Christian W , Beć Krzysztof B , Grabska Justyna , Ozaki Yukihiro
Published: December 2017

In the third issue of the series on modern quantum chemical methods in the support role of NIR spectroscopy we continue to introduce the researchers from the field of experimental spectroscopy to practical aspects and applications of modern anharmonic theoretical approaches. The first two issues focused on explaining the necessary theoretical and practical background, allowing readers to get more familiar with the topic. An overview of recent literature reports highlighted the advantages stemming from using quantum chemical calculation in the support role to NIR spectroscopy. These deliberations were based on several cases of small- to medium-sized molecules. This part overviews the topic of applications of quantum theoretical methods to complex molecules with practical significance, which typically prove to be challenging objects for theoretical studies. An exemplary application of presented methodology to the case of Rosmarini folium biological samples is also examined here. The rosemary specific active compound, rosmarinic acid, is a relatively complex polyphenol with growing phytopharmaceutical importance, and therefore provides an excellent object of applied studies. The possibilities of combining the information stemming from quantum chemical calculation with the methods of advanced spectral data analysis, which are commonly used in experimental NIR spectroscopy (chemometrics, two-dimensional (2D) correlation spectra) are also overviewed. Again, these deliberations are based directly on the most recent reports published in the field.
Temperature compensation for determination of moisture and reducing sugar of longan honey by near infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Thamasopinkul Chalermpun , Ritthiruangdej Pitiporn , Kasemsumran Sumaporn , Suwonsichon Thongchai , Haruthaithanasan Vichai , Ozaki Yukihiro
Published: December 2017

Near infrared spectra of honeys are affected by sample temperature variation, mainly due to a change in hydrogen bonding of water. The aim of this study was to develop robust and powerful calibration models which can compensate for a variation of sample temperature for the determination of moisture and reducing sugar content in honey using near infrared spectroscopy. Partial least squares regression with the aid of standard normal variate transformation was used to develop three calibration models at constant temperature (25, 35 and 45℃) and a robust calibration model with temperature compensation. All the developed models for moisture and reducing sugar content showed high performance of prediction with coefficient of determination ( r2) and residual prediction deviation values greater than 0.95 and 3.8, respectively. The results show that the temperature compensation model can be considered as a robust calibration model for near infrared determination of moisture and reducing sugar in the honey when sample temperature is varied.
Biobanking Research and Privacy Laws in the United States
Authors: Harrell Heather L. , Rothstein Mark A.
Published: December 2017

Privacy is protected in biobank-based research in the US primarily by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule and the Federal Policy for Protection of Human Subjects (Common Rule). Neither rule, however, was created to function in the unique context of biobank research, and therefore neither applies to all biobank-based research. Not only is it challenging to determine when the HIPAA Privacy Rule or the Common Rule apply, but these laws apply different standards to protect privacy. In addition, many other federal and state laws may be applicable to a particular biobank, researcher, or project. US law also does not directly address international sharing of data or specimens outside of the EU–US Safe Harbor Agreement, which only applies to receipt of data by certain US entities from EU countries, and is in the process of revision. Although new rules would help clarify privacy protections in biobanking, any implemented changes should be studied to determine the sufficiency of the protections as well as its ability to facilitate or hinder international collaborations.
Health and Big Data: An Ethical Framework for Health Information Collection by Corporate Wellness Programs
Authors: Ajunwa Ifeoma , Crawford Kate , Ford Joel S.
Published: December 2017

This essay details the resurgence of wellness program as employed by large corporations with the aim of reducing healthcare costs. The essay narrows in on a discussion of how Big Data collection practices are being utilized in wellness programs and the potential negative impact on the worker in regards to privacy and employment discrimination. The essay offers an ethical framework to be adopted by wellness program vendors in order to conduct wellness programs that would achieve cost-saving goals without undue burdens on the worker. The essay also offers some innovative approaches to wellness that may well better serve the goals of healthcare cost reduction.
Concussion Management Plans' Compliance with NCAA Requirements: Preliminary Evidence Suggesting Possible Improvement
Authors: Baugh Christine M. , Kroshus Emily , Perry Kaitlyn I. , Bourlas Alexandra P.
Published: December 2017

This study examined the extent to which concussion management plans at National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) member schools were in line with NCAA Concussion Policy and best practice recommendations in absence of any process to ensure compliance. Most schools' concussion management plans were in compliance with 3 (60%) or 4 (25.6%) of the NCAA's 4 required components. Annual athlete education and acknowledgement was the requirement least often included, representing an area for improvement. Further, schools tended to more often include best practices that were more medically-oriented (e.g., including baseline examination), compared to best practices that were less medical in nature (e.g., avoiding flagrant head hits).
Observed adducts on positive mode direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry – Proton/ammonium adduct selectivities of 600-sample in-house chemical library
Authors: Sugimura Natsuhiko , Furuya Asami , Yatsu Takahiro , Igarashi Yoko , Aoyama Reiko , Izutani Chisato , Yamamoto Yorihiro , Shibue Toshimichi
Published: December 2017

In this study, direct analysis in real time adduct selectivities of a 558 in-house high-resolution mass spectrometry sample library was evaluated. The protonated molecular ion ([M + H]+) was detected in 462 samples. The ammonium adduct ion ([M + NH4]+) was also detected in 262 samples. [M + H]+ and [M + NH4]+ molecular ions were observed simultaneously in 166 samples. These adduct selectivities were related to the elemental compositions of the sample compounds. [M + NH4]+ selectivity correlated with the number of oxygen atom(s), whereas [M + H]+ selectivity correlated with the number of nitrogen atom(s) in the elemental compositions. For compounds including a nitrogen atom and an oxygen atom [M + H]+ was detected; [M + NH4]+ was detected for compounds including an oxygen atom only. Density functional theory calculations were performed for selected library samples and model compounds. Energy differences were observed between compounds detected as [M + H]+ and [M + NH4]+, and between compounds including a nitrogen atom and an oxygen atom in their elemental compositions. The results suggested that the presence of oxygen atoms stabilizes [M + NH4]+, but not every oxygen atom has enough energy for detection of [M + NH4]+. It was concluded that the nitrogen atom(s) and oxygen atom(s) in the elemental compositions play important roles in the adduct formation in direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry.
Comprehensive chemical comparison of fuel composition and aerosol particles emitted from a ship diesel engine by gas chromatography atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation ultra-high resolution mass spectrometry with improved data processing routines
Authors: Rüger Christopher P , Schwemer Theo , Sklorz Martin , O’Connor Peter B , Barrow Mark P , Zimmermann Ralf
Published: December 2017

The analysis of petrochemical materials and particulate matter originating from combustion sources remains a challenging task for instrumental analytical techniques. A detailed chemical characterisation is essential for addressing health and environmental effects. Sophisticated instrumentation, such as mass spectrometry coupled with chromatographic separation, is capable of a comprehensive characterisation, but needs advanced data processing methods. In this study, we present an improved data processing routine for the mass chromatogram obtained from gas chromatography hyphenated to atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation and ultra high resolution mass spectrometry. The focus of the investigation was the primary combustion aerosol samples, i.e. particulate matter extracts, as well as the corresponding fossil fuels fed to the engine. We demonstrate that utilisation of the entire transient and chromatographic information results in advantages including minimisation of ionisation artefacts and a reliable peak assignment. A comprehensive comparison of the aerosol and the feed fuel was performed by applying intensity weighted average values, compound class distribution and principle component analysis. Certain differences between the aerosol generated with the two feed fuels, diesel fuel and heavy fuel oil, as well as between the aerosol and the feed were revealed. For the aerosol from heavy fuel oil, oxidised species from the CHN and CHS class precursors of the feed were predominant, whereas the CHOx class is predominant in the combustion aerosol from light fuel oil. Furthermore, the complexity of the aerosol increases significantly compared to the feed and incorporating a higher chemical space. Coupling of atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation to gas chromatography was found to be a useful additional approach for characterisation of a combustion aerosol, especially with an automated utilisation of the information from the ultra-high resolution mass spectrometer and the chromatographic separation.
Unexpected hydrated ions in the detection of sodium adduct coumarins using electrospray tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Hu Dan , Cai Tian , Wang Wei-Ying , Ye Li-Ming , Wu Zhi-Jun
Published: December 2017

A series of coumarins were analyzed using electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry in the positive-ion mode. Unexpected hydrated ions ([M + H2O + Na]+) was observed upon collision-induced dissociation of the sodiated ions ([M + Na]+) of eight coumarins. Several factors which affected relative abundance of [M + H2O + Na]+ ions such as collision energy, concentration and solvent were investigated. None of them have effect on the relative abundance of [M + H2O + Na]+. However, the peak of hydrated ions was not detected in the further collision-induced dissociation of protonated ions of coumarins. Apigenin and Quercetin sharing similar benzopyrone structural unit with coumarins are selected for tandem mass spectrometry analysis. There were no hydrated ions in their tandem mass spectrometry spectra of the precursor [M + Na]+ ions. Thus, both coumarins and sodium were necessary for the formation of [M + H2O + Na]+. Together with the result that hydrated ions are not formed by hydrolysis reactions, a six-membered ring structure which involves with the formation of [M + H2O + Na]+ was presented. And D-labeling experiment indicates that the H2O molecule did not come from solvent.
Quick elucidation of cyclodepsipeptide sequence from sacoglossan Elysia grandifolia using electrospray ionisation-tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Tilvi Supriya , Devi Prabha , Majik Mahesh S
Published: December 2017

Butanol fraction of sacoglossan Elysia grandifolia was investigated for identifying peptides using electrospray ionisation-tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS). Without prior isolation, the structural determination is achieved on the basis of mass fragmentation pattern and comparison with the previously established data. The ESI-MS of the fraction in the positive ion mode gave clusters of singly and doubly charged molecular ion peaks. The ESI-MS spectrum showed peaks for the presence of the peptides kahalalides F, G, R and S reported earlier. In addition, it also showed molecular ion peaks at m/z 1557.8 [M+H]+ and doubly charged ions at m/z 779.4 [M+2H]2+, 790.4 [M+Na]2+ and 796.4 [M+K]2+. The MS/MS at m/z 779.4 [M+2H]+2 at collision energy 40 V obtained series of b and y fragment ions. The MS/MS spectrum showed identical fragment ion y6 at m/z 643 which revealed that cyclic part is identical with kahalalide F, R and S. Careful examination of the fragment ions b1 to b7 with their corresponding y fragment ions y12 to y6, respectively and by comparison of MS/MS pattern of kahalalide S, established that proline can be replaced by tyrosine amino acid residue. The mass difference between b4 ( m/z 511) and b5 ( m/z 674) is equal to 163 which is equivalent to mass residue of tyrosine. Their y fragment ions also quickly helped in fixing the puzzle. This resulted in the identification of the peptide sequence cyclo-[Val-(5-MeHex-Val-Thr-Val-Val-Tyr-Lys-Ile)Thr-Ile-Val-Phe-Dhb)] for the new cyclodepsipeptide, kahalalide Z3. Thus, ESI-MS/MS has set a trend in quick identification of new marine molecules.
Computation of stability regions for the cylindrical ion trap with no octupole electric field as compared to the corresponding results of the Paul trap
Authors: Noshad Houshyar , Amouhashemi Majid
Published: December 2017

The cylindrical ion trap is analyzed so that the octupole component of the electric field inside the trap is set to zero. As a consequence, the diameter to height ratio is computed to be 1.20 for which the quadrupole component of the cylindrical ion trap is dominant. Afterwards, it is concluded that the electric potential inside the trap as well as the corresponding stability regions are very similar to those obtained for an ideal Paul trap with pure quadrupole electric field. Furthermore, we drew a conclusion that the stability diagrams of the cylindrical ion trap without octupole term and the stability diagrams of the Paul trap have 5.6%, 3.7%, and 2.9% discrepancy for the first, second, and third stability diagrams, respectively. It should be noted that, expansion of the electric potential inside the cylindrical ion trap in terms of the multipole electric field components and making the advantages of the octupole term elimination has not been reported in the literature previously.
Effect of metal surfaces on matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization analyte peak intensities
Authors: Kancharla Vidhyullatha , Bashir Sajid , Liu Jingbo L , Ramirez Oscar M , Derrick Peter J , Beran Kyle A
Published: December 2017

Different metal surfaces in the form of transmission electron microscope grids were examined as support surfaces in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry with a view towards enhancement of peptide signal intensity. The observed enhancement between 5-fold and 20-fold relative to the normal stainless steel slide was investigated by applying the thermal desorption model for matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization. A simple model evaluates the impact that the thermal properties of the metals have on the ion yield of the analyte. It was observed that there was not a direct, or strong, correlation between the thermal properties of the metals and the corresponding ion yield of the peptides. The effects of both fixed and variable laser irradiances versus ion yield were also examined for the respective metals studied. In all cases the use of transmission electron microscope grids required much lower laser irradiances in order to generate similar peak intensities as those observed with a stainless steel surface.
Anti-interleukin and interleukin therapies for psoriasis: current evidence and clinical usefulness
Authors: Tsai Ya-Chu , Tsai Tsen-Fang
Published: December 2017

Anti-interleukin (IL) therapies have emerged as a major treatment for patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis. This article reviews the up-to-date results of pivotal clinical trials targeting the interleukins used for the treatment of psoriasis, including IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-17, IL-20, IL-22, IL-23, IL-36 and bispecific biologics IL-17A/tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). Cytokines involved in the circuits of psoriasis inflammation without ongoing clinical trials are also mentioned (IL-9, IL-13, IL-15, IL-16, IL-18, IL-19, IL-21, IL-24, IL-27, IL-33, IL-35, IL-37, and IL-38).