bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Avaliação da nasalidade de fala na fissura labiopalatina
Authors: Padilha Edna Zakrzevski , Dutka Jeniffer de Cássia Rillo , Marino Viviane Cristina de Castro , Lauris José Roberto Pereira , Silva Mariana Jales Felix da , Pegoraro-Krook Maria Inês
Published: May 2015

Objetivo Descrever os resultados da nasalidade de fala de indivíduos com fissura labiopalatina e comparar os achados de nasalidade estabelecidos por meio do julgamento perceptivo-auditivo realizado ao vivo com os achados estabelecidos por análise de gravações por juízes, em dois tipos de amostras de fala. Métodos O estudo envolveu a análise retrospectiva dos resultados de avaliações perceptivo-auditivas da nasalidade de fala realizadas ao vivo por uma fonoaudióloga e o julgamento prospectivo, por consenso de juízas de 100 gravações de amostras de fala, obtidas durante a produção de dois conjuntos de estímulos de fala: um com consoantes de alta pressão (CAP, n=100) e outro com consoantes de baixa pressão (CBP, n=100). Os dados pertenciam a pacientes de ambos os gêneros, com idades entre 5 e 12 anos, que tiveram a fissura labiopalatina operada por um mesmo cirurgião. Resultados A ausência de hipernasalidade foi constatada em 69% dos julgamentos ao vivo. Quando presente, a hipernasalidade leve foi constatada em 23% dos casos, enquanto a hipernasalidade moderada em 8%. Para os julgamentos das amostras gravadas, 50% foram identificadas com hipernasalidade durante a produção das amostras CAP e 62% durante a das amostras CBP. Diferença significativa foi encontrada entre o resultado do julgamento ao vivo e o julgamento pelas juízas nas amostras CAP. A concordância entre as modalidades de avaliação variou de 79% para as amostras CAP e 80% para as amostras CBP, sendo considerada moderada. Conclusão O julgamento perceptivo ao vivo da nasalidade de fala pode detectar melhor a ausência de hipernasalidade, seguida pela hipernasalidade de grau leve, em comparação com o julgamento realizado por juízes múltiplos, a partir de amostras gravadas. Contudo, tem a desvantagem de os dados não poderem ser reproduzidos, nem quantificados, nem compartilhados por outros membros da equipe.
Thought Content and Appraisals in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Authors: Solem Stian , Hagen Kristen , Hansen Bjarne , Håland Åshild T. , Launes Gunvor , Lewin Adam B. , Storch Eric A. , Vogel Patrick A.
Published: May 2015

A premise for cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is that appraisal of obsessions maintains OCD symptoms whereas obsessive content is less important. The main aim of this study was therefore to explore this notion using the autogenous and reactive classification of obsessive content and by assessing changes in appraisals and symptoms following CBT for OCD. More specifically, the study investigates whether recovery from OCD is associated with changes in appraisal and explores how thought content relates to appraisal and symptoms both before and CBT. Data from 156 adults with OCD completing CBT for OCD were analyzed. Changes in appraisals were related to improvement in OCD symptoms. Slightly more participants reported reactive intrusions (47%) than autogenous (29%), but combinations of the two were common (24%). These classifications of thought content were not related to levels of appraisal or change in symptoms, with the exception of patients with autogenous thoughts who appraised their intrusions as more important than others. OCD is heterogeneous regarding thought content and strength of appraisals but can be quite homogeneous in terms of CBT treatment response. Also, and in line with cognitive theory, recovery from OCD is associated with changes in appraisals.
Leadership for the Integration of Comprehensive Care and Interprofessional Collaboration
Authors: Starck Patricia L. , Rooney Laura L.
Published: May 2015

The clinically prepared Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) professional is uniquely prepared to integrate the concepts of comprehensive care with interprofessional collaboration. Leadership skills and team-based competencies can shift the academic paradigm from educating in silos to interprofessional education, thereby addressing the problems originating from a fragmented health care system. A successful nurse-managed clinic accredited as a Level 2 patient-centered medical home, under the leadership of a DNP professional, is described. Interprofessional team training in comprehensive care is then described in a piloted program known as the Deans’ Honors Colloquium.
Yield, Quality, and Spectral Reflectance Responses of Cotton under Subsurface Drip Irrigation
Authors: Attia Ahmed , Rajan Nithya , Ritchie Glen , Cui Song , Ibrahim Amir , Hays Dirk , Xue Qingwu , Wilborn Jim
Published: May 2015

In the semiarid Texas Rolling Plains, the growth and yield of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is driven by the amount of water available to the crop through irrigation and precipitation. A field study was conducted in 2012 and 2013 at Chillicothe, TX, to investigate the growth, yield, water use efficiency (WUE), and spectral reflectance responses of cotton. A split‐split plot design with three replications was used with irrigation as the main plot (three irrigation levels and dryland), tillage (no tillage and conventional tillage) as the subplot, and cultivars (PHY499, DP1044, PHY375, and FM9170) as the sub‐subplot treatments. Plant height, lint yield, WUE, and fiber quality were significantly affected by irrigation and irrigation × cultivar interaction. Increasing irrigation level resulted in a linear increase in lint yield and WUE. The irrigation × cultivar interaction showed that the 90% evapotranspiration (ET) replacement treatment with PHY375 produced the greatest lint yield and WUE. Tillage did not significantly affect lint yield, WUE, or fiber quality. Increasing irrigation resulted in a linear increase in fiber length and strength, and a linear decrease in fiber micronaire. Two vegetation indices, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and normalized difference water index (NDWI) were calculated using spectral reflectance measurements in this study. The NDWI increased steadily for all irrigation treatments during the measurement period. However, NDVI exhibited little change during the peak growth period between 79 and 89 d after planting. We suggest further investigation on using NDWI for irrigation management for cotton in the Texas Rolling Plains.
Two‐Year Growth Cycle Sugarcane Crop Parameter Attributes and Their Application in Modeling
Authors: Meki Manyowa N. , Kiniry Jim R. , Youkhana Adel H. , Crow Susan E. , Ogoshi Richard M. , Nakahata Mae H. , Tirado‐Corbalá Rebecca , Anderson Ray G. , Osorio Javier , Jeong Jaehak
Published: May 2015

The renewed interest in the use of sugarcane (Saccharin officinarum L.) for biofuel could provide a viable market for potential Hawaiian sugarcane feedstock producers. In Hawaii, sugarcane is grown as an irrigated 2‐yr cycle crop. There is however little information on crop parameter attributes of 2‐yr cycle sugarcane. This field study on Maui, Hawaii, analyzed the relationship between sugarcane biomass accumulation and specific crop parameters. Overall, the high dry biomass yield (80.20 Mg ha−1) was the result of a high leaf area index (LAI, 7.50) and radiation use efficiency (RUE, 2.06 g MJ−1. The crop growth rate was highly correlated to LAI (R2, 0.86), and a light extinction coefficient (k) of 0.53 was estimated. Stalk density was estimated at 18 stalks m−2, with a maximum plant height of 3.6 m, and a rooting depth exceeding 2.0 m. When the crop parameters were incorporated into a biological model of Agricultural Land Management Alternatives with Numerical Assessment Criteria (ALMANAC) the model accurately simulated sugarcane yields across seven different soil types and multiple management scenarios of applied irrigation water, N and P fertilizer inputs and various planting and harvest dates. The mean simulation percent (%) errors ranged from –6.4% to 1.8%, while the calculated Fisher's paired t test of 1.41 with 39 degrees of freedom, showed no significant differences (P ≥ 0.05) between measured and simulated yields. The ALMANAC model should be useful as a decision support tool for evaluating sugarcane management alternatives that maximize yields while optimizing water, N and P inputs.
Factors Controlling Phosphorus Mobilization in a Coastal Plain Tributary to the Chesapeake Bay
Authors: Upreti Kiran , Joshi Sunendra R. , McGrath Joshua , Jaisi Deb P.
Published: May 2015

Nutrients released to open waters may cause deterioration of water quality and impact aquatic ecosystems. Although a significant fraction of phosphorus (P) entering brackish tidal waters may be retained in the riverbed, such storage could be temporary because a fraction of retained P can be remobilized during the fluctuation of physiochemical and biological conditions in the river water. This study aimed to identify the roles of environmental parameters in remobilizing P from selected sections of East Creek on the Delmarva Peninsula in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. It included a series of field measurements and controlled laboratory experiments using sediment and water samples from the creek. Environmental parameters chosen to identify P release included biologically mediated redox change, pH, salinity, and temperature. Our results show that enhanced microbial activity and pH fluctuation play major roles in P release from all sites, and the extent of P release from headwater sediments (agriculture‐intensive area) was three to four times higher than that in the lower reaches of the creek (wetlands). Increases in salinity and temperature promoted release of P, albeit in insignificant amounts. Calculation based on regression equations developed from statistical analysis of P release and retention data indicated that a significant amount of P could be remobilized from the creek bed sediments under current conditions. Furthermore, the relationship of water O isotope ratios with tide and water column P concentrations indicates that the tides play a major role in diluting and removing P from the upstream region of the creek. These results highlight the role of biogeochemical processes in remobilization of legacy P from river bed sediment and export from a watershed.
Significance of immunization for public health
Authors: Cekanac Radovan
Published: May 2015

nema
Bacterial infections associated with allogenic bone transplantation
Authors: Stepanovic Zeljko , Ristic Branko
Published: May 2015

Background/Aim. Bone allografts are frequently used in orthopedic
reconstructive procedures carrying a high risk for recipients. To assess the
nature and frequency of allograft contamination and associated surgical
infection the case records from our institutional bone bank were reviewed.
Methods. We retrospectively analyzed the microbiology of discarded bone
allografts and the surgical site of the recipients. A case series of patients
who acquired surgical site infection after allogenic bone transplantation was
presented. Swab culturing was conducted on 309 femoral heads from living
donors who underwent partial and total hip arthroplasty between January 2007
and December 2013. To prevent potential bone allograft contamination we used
saline solution of 2.0 mg/ml of amikacin during thawing. The overall
infection rate was analyzed in 197 recipients. Results. Of the 309 donated
femoral heads, 37 were discarded due to bacterial contamination, giving the
overall contamination rate of 11.97%. The postoperative survey of 213 bone
allotransplantations among 197 recipients showed the infection rate of 2.03%.
The coagulase-negative Staphylococcus was the most commonly identified
contaminant of bone allografts and recipient surgical sites. Conclusion. The
allograft contamination rate and the infection rate among recipients in our
institution are in accordance with the international standards. The
coagulase-negative Staphylococcus was the most commonly identified
contaminant of bone allografts and recipient surgical sites. There is no
strong evidence that surgical site infections were associated with bone
allograft utilization. We plan further improvements in allograft handling and
decontamination with highly concentrated antibiotic solutions in order to
reduce infection risk for recipients.
Changes in Vertical Distribution of Spectral Reflectance within Spring Barley Canopy as an Indicator of Nitrogen Nutrition, Canopy Structure and Yield Parameters
Authors: Klem Karel , Rajsnerová Petra , Novotná Kateřina , Mìša Petr , Křen Jan
Published: May 2015

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the spectral reflectance in the vertical profile of spring barley canopy at the booting growth stage and to determine how the reflectance gradient changes in relation to crop density and nitrogen (N) nutrition. Vertical gradients of spectral reflectance were studied in field trials with three sowing densities (2, 4 and 6 million of germinating seeds/ha) and two levels of N nutrition (0 and 90 kg/ha). It was found that differences in vegetation indices caused by N nutrition are most pronounced in the second and third leaf from the top, and these increase with increasing sowing density.

The vertical gradient of reflectance, specifically the ratio between the leaves F-3/F-1 for vegetation indices based on red-edge reflectance, represents a reliable indicator of number of ears per area unit (R = –0.87 for Normalised Red Edge-Red Index (NRERI) and –0.93 for Zarco-Teja-da and Miller Simple Ratio Index (ZM)). A close relationship to ear productivity was found almost for all observed vegetation indices and any leaf in vertical profile (R = 0.79–0.97). In contrast, the prediction of protein content in barley grain was the most reliable when the red-edge reflectance indices (ZM and NRERI) particularly from upper three leaves were used (R = 0.81–0.88). The results show that the knowledge of reflectance heterogeneity in the vertical profile of canopy can significantly contribute to the interpretation of the measured data, to the differentiation of the N nutrition effect from the response to canopy density, and finally to a more accurate estimation of yield parameters and protein content in grain.
Oxidation Stress is Adaptative Reaction Inductor of Winter Wheat Plants
Authors: Batsmanova Ludmila , Taran Nataliya , Kosyan Anatolij
Published: May 2015

Hydrogen peroxide impact upon the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), development of lipid peroxidation processes (LP), photosynthetic pigment content and productivity in conditions of field experiment were studied for winter wheat varieties of different ecotypes, namely Stolychna, Polisska 90 – forest-steppe, and Scala-steppe. It was found that hydrogen peroxide action for 24 h induced LP activity, whereas antioxidative enzyme activity dropped at two varieties. Exception was the Stolychna plants that showed decrease in all indexes studied after treatment. In the next phase of ontogenesis (flowering), however, SOD activity increased both in the plants of Polisska 90 and Scala, while CAT and LP activities were close to control in all plants. The data suggest that treatment by hydrogen peroxide stimulated the formation of general unspecific resistance of plants and increased the grain productivity of winter wheat varieties studied.
Effect of Organic Fertilizers on Botanical Composition of Grassland, Herbage Yield and Quality
Authors: Štýbnarová Marie , Mičová Pavlína , Fiala Karel , Karabcová Hana , Látal Oldřich , Pozdíšek Jan
Published: May 2015

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of organicfertilizers (cow manure + dung water; cattle slurry) applied in different annual doses of nitrogen (54, 84 and 120 kg/ha) by different intensities of grassland utilization (extensive – two cuts per year, medium intensive – three cuts per year, intensive – four cuts per year) on percentage of plant functional groups, dry matter yield, and forage quality. The study was performed on small-plot trial over 7 years on moderately moist grassland in the Czech Republic. The proportion of legumes was significantly higher in the treatments fertilized with cow manure + dung-water combined with medium intensive utilization and intensive utilization (10.2% and 10.3%, respectively). Fertilization significantly increased dry matter yields by 51.9% (cow manure + dung water) and 56% (cattle slurry) compared with unfertilized controls (4.81 t/ha). Grasslands fertilized with cattle slurry showed significantly higher concentration of crude protein (142.9 g/kg) compared with unfertilized (126.4 g/kg). Extensive grassland utilization significantly affected the increase of crude fibre concentration (up to 282.1 g/kg), and decrease of the energy value (up to 4.68 MJ g/kg of NEL). Organic matter digestibility was also negatively influenced by extensive grassland utilization (61.0%, 65.42% and 67.44% for the extensive, medium intensive and intensive utilization, respectively). Our findings suggested that medium intensive and intensive grassland utilization by the organic fertilization, which corresponded to annual doses of nitrogen of 84 and 120 kg/ha were the most suitable from the viewpoint of animal nutrition.
Craniovertebral junction instability as an extension of cocaine-induced midline destructive lesions: case report
Authors: Brembilla Carlo , Lanterna Luigi Andrea , Risso Andrea , Bombana Enrico , Gritti Paolo , Trezzi Rosangela , Bonaldi Giuseppe , Biroli Francesco
Published: May 2015

With the increasingly widespread illicit use of cocaine, a broad spectrum of clinical pathologies related to this form of drug abuse is emerging. The most frequently used method of administration of powdered cocaine is intranasal inhalation, or “snorting.” Consequently, adverse effects of cocaine on the nasal tract are common. Habitual nasal insufflations of cocaine can cause mucosal lesions. If cocaine use becomes chronic and compulsive, progressive damage of the mucosa and perichondrium leads to ischemic necrosis of the septal cartilage and perforation of the nasal septum. Occasionally, cocaine-induced lesions cause extensive destruction of the osteocartilaginous structures of the nose, sinuses, and palate and can mimic other diseases such as tumors, infections, and immunological diseases. In the literature currently available, involvement of the craniovertebral junction in the cocaine-induced midline destructive lesions (CIMDLs) has never been reported.

The present case concerns a 44-year-old man who presented with long-standing symptoms including nasal obstruction, epistaxis, dysphagia, nasal reflux, and severe neck pain. A diagnosis of CIMDL was made in light of the patient’s history and the findings on physical and endoscopic examinations, imaging studies, and laboratory testing. Involvement of the craniovertebral junction in the destructive process was evident. For neurosurgical treatment, the authors considered the high grade of atlantoaxial instability, the poorly understood cocaine-induced lesions of the spine and their potential evolution overtime, as well as cocaine abusers’ poor compliance. The patient underwent posterior craniovertebral fixation. Understanding, classifying, and treating cocaine-induced lesions involving the craniovertebral junction are a challenge.
Steal phenomenon in Sturge-Weber syndrome imitating an ictal electroencephalography change in the contralateral hemisphere: report of 2 cases
Authors: Limotai Chusak , Go Cristina Y. , Baba Shiro , Okanari Kazuo , Ochi Ayako , Rutka James T. , Snead O. Carter , Otsubo Hiroshi
Published: May 2015

Infants with Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) are considered for surgery if they develop seizures and the seizures prove medically refractory. The authors report on 2 infants (15 and 19 months old) with SWS who underwent scalp video electroencephalography (EEG) and subsequent functional hemispherotomy for intractable partial motor seizures due to extensive left hemispheric angiomatosis. They presented with similar interictal and ictal EEG findings. Ictal EEG showed abrupt high-amplitude delta slow waves, without evolution on the contralateral hemisphere before the build-up of ictal EEG changes on the lesional hemisphere. The patients became seizure free after hemispherotomy. The ictal contralateral slow waves were not a sign of an ictal hemisphere and may indicate prominent ischemic changes resulting from a steal phenomenon of hemispheric angiomatosis during seizure.
The long-term outcomes of radiosurgery for arteriovenous malformations in pediatric and adolescent populations
Authors: Hanakita Shunya , Koga Tomoyuki , Shin Masahiro , Igaki Hiroshi , Saito Nobuhito
Published: May 2015

OBJECT

Although stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has been accepted as a therapeutic option for arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in children and adolescents, substantial data are still lacking regarding the outcomes of SRS for AVMs in this age group, especially long-term complications. This study aimed to clarify the long-term outcomes of SRS for the treatment of AVM in pediatric patients aged ≤ 18 years.

METHODS

Outcomes of 116 patients who were aged 4–18 years when they underwent SRS between 1990 and 2009 at the study institute were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

The median follow-up period after SRS was 100 months, with 6 patients followed up for more than 20 years. Actuarial obliteration rates at 3 and 5 years after SRS were 68% and 88%, respectively. Five hemorrhages occurred in 851 patient-years of follow-up. The annual bleeding rate after SRS before obliteration was calculated as 1.3%, which decreased to 0.2% after obliteration. Shorter maximum nidus diameter (p = 0.02) and higher margin dose (p = 0.03) were associated with a higher obliteration rate. Ten patients experienced adverse events after SRS. Of them, 4 patients presented with delayed complications years after SRS (range 9–20 years after SRS).

CONCLUSIONS

SRS can reduce the risk of hemorrhage in pediatric and adolescent AVMs, with an acceptable risk of complications in the long term. However, adverse events such as expanding hematoma and radiation necrosis that can occur after substantial follow-up should be taken into account at the time that treatment decisions are made and informed consent is obtained.
Treatment biases in traumatic neurosurgical care: a retrospective study of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 1998 to 2009
Authors: McCutcheon Brandon A. , Chang David C. , Marcus Logan , Gonda David D. , Noorbakhsh Abraham , Chen Clark C. , Talamini Mark A. , Carter Bob S.
Published: May 2015

OBJECT

This study was designed to assess the relationship between insurance status and likelihood of receiving a neurosurgical procedure following admission for either extraaxial intracranial hemorrhage or spinal vertebral fracture.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS; 1998–2009) was performed. Cases of traumatic extraaxial intracranial hematoma and spinal vertebral fracture were identified using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) diagnosis codes. Within this cohort, those patients receiving a craniotomy or spinal fusion and/or decompression in the context of an admission for traumatic brain or spine injury, respectively, were identified using the appropriate ICD-9 procedure codes.

RESULTS

A total of 190,412 patients with extraaxial intracranial hematoma were identified between 1998 and 2009. Within this cohort, 37,434 patients (19.7%) received a craniotomy. A total of 477,110 patients with spinal vertebral fracture were identified. Of these, 37,302 (7.8%) received a spinal decompression and/or fusion. On multivariate analysis controlling for patient demographics, severity of injuries, comorbidities, hospital volume, and hospital characteristics, uninsured patients had a reduced likelihood of receiving a craniotomy (odds ratio [OR] 0.76, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.71–0.82) and spinal fusion (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.64–0.71) relative to insured patients. This statistically significant trend persisted when uninsured and insured patients were matched on the basis of mortality propensity score. Uninsured patients demonstrated an elevated risk-adjusted mortality rate relative to insured patients in cases of extraaxial intracranial hematoma. Among patients with spinal injury, mortality rates were similar between patients with and without insurance.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, uninsured patients were consistently less likely to receive a craniotomy or spinal fusion for traumatic intracranial extraaxial hemorrhage and spinal vertebral fracture, respectively. This difference persisted after accounting for overall injury severity and patient access to high- or low-volume treatment centers, and potentially reflects a resource allocation bias against uninsured patients within the hospital setting. This information adds to the growing literature detailing the benefits of health reform initiatives seeking to expand access for the uninsured.
Generalized Yang–Baxter Operators for Dieudonné Modules
Authors: Saramago Rui
Published: May 2015

An enrichment of a category of Dieudonné modules is made by considering Yang–Baxter conditions, and these are used to obtain ring and coring operations on the corresponding Hopf algebras. Some examples of these induced structures are discussed, including those relating to the Morava K-theory of Eilenberg–MacLane spaces.
The Design and Simulation of Natural Personalised Ventilation (NPV) System for Multi-Bed Hospital Wards
Authors: Adamu Zulfikar , Price Andrew
Published: May 2015

Adequate ventilation is necessary for thermal comfort and reducing risks from infectious bio-aerosols in hospital wards, but achieving this with mechanical ventilation has carbon and energy implications. Natural ventilation is often limited to window-based designs whose dilution/mixing effectiveness are subject to constraints of wind speed, cross ventilation, and in the case of hospital wards, proximity of patients to external walls. A buoyancy-driven natural ventilation system capable of achieving dilution/mixing was shown to be feasible in a preceding study of novel system called natural personalised ventilation (NPV). This system combined both architecture and airflow engineering principles of space design and buoyancy and was tested and validated (salt-bath experiment) for a single bed ward. This research extends the previous work and is proof-of-concept on the feasibility of NPV system for multi-bed wards. Two different four-bed ward types were investigated of using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations under wind-neutral conditions. Results predict that NPV system could deliver fresh air to multiple patients, including those located 10 m away from external wall, with absolute flow rates of between 32 L·s−1 and 54 L·s−1 for each patient/bed. Compared to same wards simulated using window design, ingress of airborne contaminants into patients’ breathing zone and summer overheating potential were minimised, while overall ward dilution was maximised. Findings suggest the NPV has potentials for enabling architects and building service engineers to decouple airflow delivery from the visualisation and illumination responsibilities placed upon windows.
Transport Mechanisms for CO2-CH4 Exchange and Safe CO2 Storage in Hydrate-Bearing Sandstone
Authors: Birkedal Knut , Hauge Lars , Graue Arne , Ersland Geir
Published: May 2015

CO2 injection in hydrate-bearing sediments induces methane (CH4) production while benefitting from CO2 storage, as demonstrated in both core and field scale studies. CH4 hydrates have been formed repeatedly in partially water saturated Bentheim sandstones. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and CH4 consumption from pump logs have been used to verify final CH4 hydrate saturation. Gas Chromatography (GC) in combination with a Mass Flow Meter was used to quantify CH4 recovery during CO2 injection. The overall aim has been to study the impact of CO2 in fractured and non-fractured samples to determine the performance of CO2-induced CH4 hydrate production. Previous efforts focused on diffusion-driven exchange from a fracture volume. This approach was limited by gas dilution, where free and produced CH4 reduced the CO2 concentration and subsequent driving force for both diffusion and exchange. This limitation was targeted by performing experiments where CO2 was injected continuously into the spacer volume to maintain a high driving force. To evaluate the effect of diffusion length multi-fractured core samples were used, which demonstrated that length was not the dominating effect on core scale. An additional set of experiments is presented on non-fractured samples, where diffusion-limited transportation was assisted by continuous CO2 injection and CH4 displacement. Loss of permeability was addressed through binary gas (N2/CO2) injection, which regained injectivity and sustained CO2-CH4 exchange.
System Identification and Resonant Control of Thermoacoustic Engines for Robust Solar Power
Authors: Hong Boe-Shong , Lin Tsu-Yu
Published: May 2015

It was found that thermoacoustic solar-power generators with resonant control are more powerful than passive ones. To continue the work, this paper focuses on the synthesis of robustly resonant controllers that guarantee single-mode resonance not only in steady states, but also in transient states when modelling uncertainties happen and working temperature temporally varies. Here the control synthesis is based on the loop shifting and the frequency-domain identification in advance thereof. Frequency-domain identification is performed to modify the mathematical modelling and to identify the most powerful mode, so that the DSP-based feedback controller can online pitch the engine to the most powerful resonant-frequency robustly and accurately. Moreover, this paper develops two control tools, the higher-order van-der-Pol oscillator and the principle of Dynamical Equilibrium, to assist in system identification and feedback synthesis, respectively.
On the Three-Person Game Baccara Banque
Authors: Ethier Stewart , Lee Jiyeon
Published: May 2015

Baccara banque is a three-person zero-sum game parameterized by \(\theta\in(0,1)\). A study of the game by Downton and Lockwood claimed that the Nash equilibrium is of only academic interest. Their preferred alternative is what we call the independent cooperative equilibrium. However, this solution exists only for certain \(\theta\). A third solution, which we call the correlated cooperative equilibrium, always exists. Under a ''with replacement'' assumption as well as a simplifying assumption concerning the information available to one of the players, we derive each of the three solutions for all \(\theta\).
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 in Mainland China
Authors: Li Xin-Lou , Liu Kun , Yao Hong-Wu , Sun Ye , Chen Wan-Jun , Sun Ruo-Xi , De Vlas Sake , Fang Li-Qun , Cao Wu-Chun
Published: May 2015

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 has posed a significant threat to both humans and birds, and it has spanned large geographic areas and various ecological systems throughout Asia, Europe and Africa, but especially in mainland China. Great efforts in control and prevention of the disease, including universal vaccination campaigns in poultry and active serological and virological surveillance, have been undertaken in mainland China since the beginning of 2006. In this study, we aim to characterize the spatial and temporal patterns of HPAI H5N1, and identify influencing factors favoring the occurrence of HPAI H5N1 outbreaks in poultry in mainland China. Our study shows that HPAI H5N1 outbreaks took place sporadically after vaccination campaigns in poultry, and mostly occurred in the cold season. The positive tests in routine virological surveillance of HPAI H5N1 virus in chicken, duck, goose as well as environmental samples were mapped to display the potential risk distribution of the virus. Southern China had a higher positive rate than northern China, and positive samples were mostly detected from chickens in the north, while the majority were from duck in the south, and a negative correlation with monthly vaccination rates in domestic poultry was found (R = −0.19, p value = 0.005). Multivariate panel logistic regression identified vaccination rate, interaction between distance to the nearest city and national highway, interaction between distance to the nearest lake and wetland, and density of human population, as well as the autoregressive term in space and time as independent risk factors in the occurrence of HPAI H5N1 outbreaks, based on which a predicted risk map of the disease was derived. Our findings could provide new understanding of the distribution and transmission of HPAI H5N1 in mainland China and could be used to inform targeted surveillance and control efforts in both human and poultry populations to reduce the risk of future infections.
Calculated Third Order Rate Constants for Interpreting the Mechanisms of Hydrolyses of Chloroformates, Carboxylic Acid Halides, Sulfonyl Chlorides and Phosphorochloridates
Authors: Bentley T.
Published: May 2015

Hydrolyses of acid derivatives (e.g., carboxylic acid chlorides and fluorides, fluoro- and chloroformates, sulfonyl chlorides, phosphorochloridates, anhydrides) exhibit pseudo-first order kinetics. Reaction mechanisms vary from those involving a cationic intermediate (SN1) to concerted SN2 processes, and further to third order reactions, in which one solvent molecule acts as the attacking nucleophile and a second molecule acts as a general base catalyst. A unified framework is discussed, in which there are two reaction channels—an SN1-SN2 spectrum and an SN2-SN3 spectrum. Third order rate constants (k3) are calculated for solvolytic reactions in a wide range of compositions of acetone-water mixtures, and are shown to be either approximately constant or correlated with the Grunwald-Winstein Y parameter. These data and kinetic solvent isotope effects, provide the experimental evidence for the SN2-SN3 spectrum (e.g., for chloro- and fluoroformates, chloroacetyl chloride, p-nitrobenzoyl p-toluenesulfonate, sulfonyl chlorides). Deviations from linearity lead to U- or V-shaped plots, which assist in the identification of the point at which the reaction channel changes from SN2-SN3 to SN1-SN2 (e.g., for benzoyl chloride).
Potential Role of Thymosin Beta 4 in Liver Fibrosis
Authors: Kim Jieun , Jung Youngmi
Published: May 2015

Liver fibrosis, the main characteristic of chronic liver diseases, is strongly associated with the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which are responsible for extracellular matrix production. As such, investigating the effective regulators controlling HSC activation provides important clues for developing therapeutics to inhibit liver fibrosis. Thymosin beta 4 (Tβ4), a major actin-sequestering protein, is known to be involved in various cellular responses. A growing body of evidence suggests that Tβ4 has a potential role in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis and that it is especially associated with the activation of HSCs. However, it remains unclear whether Tβ4 promotes or suppresses the activation of HSCs. Herein, we review the potential role of Tβ4 in liver fibrosis by describing the effects of exogenous and endogenous Tβ4, and we discuss the possible signaling pathway regulated by Tβ4. Exogenous Tβ4 reduces liver fibrosis by inhibiting the proliferation and migration of HSCs. Tβ4 is expressed endogenously in the activated HSCs, but this endogenous Tβ4 displays opposite effects in HSC activation, either as an activator or an inhibitor. Although the role of Tβ4 has not been established, it is apparent that Tβ4 influences HSC activation, suggesting that Tβ4 is a potential therapeutic target for treating liver diseases.
Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cell with Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Nanotubes in the Active Layer: Effect of Nanocomposite Synthesis Technique on Photovoltaic Properties
Authors: Keru Godfrey , Ndungu Patrick , Mola Genene , Nyamori Vincent
Published: May 2015

Nanocomposites of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes (N-CNTs) have been synthesized by two methods; specifically, direct solution mixing and in situ polymerization. The nanocomposites were characterized by means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray dispersive spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectrophotometry, photoluminescence spectrophotometry (PL), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and dispersive surface energy analysis. The nanocomposites were used in the active layer of a bulk heterojunction organic solar cell with the composition ITO/PEDOT:PSS/P3HT:N-CNTS:PCBM/LiF/Al. TEM and SEM analysis showed that the polymer successfully wrapped the N-CNTs. FTIR results indicated good π-π interaction within the nanocomposite synthesized by in situ polymerization as opposed to samples made by direct solution mixing. Dispersive surface energies of the N-CNTs and nanocomposites supported the fact that polymer covered the N-CNTs well. J-V analysis show that good devices were formed from the two nanocomposites, however, the in situ polymerization nanocomposite showed better photovoltaic characteristics.
Microstructure and Deformation of Coronary Stents from CoCr-Alloys with Different Designs
Authors: Weiss Sabine , Mitevski Bojan
Published: May 2015

Coronary heart disease is still one of the most common sources for death in western industrial countries. Since 1986, a metal vessel scaffold (stent) has been inserted to prevent the vessel wall from collapsing. Most of these coronary stents are made from CrNiMo­steel (316L). Due to its austenitic structure, the material shows a good combination of strength, ductility, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility. However, this material has some disadvantages like its non-MRI compatibility and its poor fluoroscopic visibility. Other typically used materials are the Co­Base alloys L-605 and F-562 which are MRI compatible as well as radiopaque. Another interesting fact is their excellent radial strength and therefore the ability to produce extra thin struts with increased strength. However, because of a strut diameter much less than 100 μm, the cross section consists of about 5 to 10 crystal grains (oligo­crystalline). Thus, very few or even just one grain can be responsible for the success or failure of the whole stent. To investigate the relation between microstructure, mechanical factors and stent design, commercially available Cobalt-Chromium stents were investigated with focus on distinct inhomogeneous plastic deformation due to crimping and dilation. A characteristic, material related deformation behavior with predominantly primary slip was identified to be responsible for the special properties of CoCr stents.
Design and Synthesis of Novel N-Arylsulfonyl-3-(2-yl-ethanone)-6-methylindole Derivatives as Inhibitors of HIV-1 Replication
Authors: Che Zhiping , Liu Shengming , Tian Yuee , Hu Zhenjie , Chen Yingwu , Chen Genqiang
Published: May 2015

Seven novel N-arylsulfonyl-3-(2-yl-ethanone)-6-methylindole derivatives 4a–f and 6 were readily synthesized and have been identified as inhibitors of human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) replication. Initial biological studies indicated that among these derivatives, N-(p-ethyl)phenylsulfonyl-3-[2-morpholinoethanone]-6-methylindole (4f) and N-(p-ethyl)phenylsulfonyl-3-[2-(5-phenyl-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2-yl-thio)ethanone]-6-methylindole (6) showed the most promising activity against HIV-1 replication. The effective concentration (EC50) and therapeutic index (TI) values of 4f and 6 were 9.42/4.62 μM, and >49.77/66.95, respectively. The cytotoxicity of these compounds has also been assessed. No significant cytotoxicities were found for any of these compounds.
Mapping Annual Precipitation across Mainland China in the Period 2001–2010 from TRMM3B43 Product Using Spatial Downscaling Approach
Authors: Shi Yuli , Song Lei , Xia Zhen , Lin Yurong , Myneni Ranga , Choi Sungho , Wang Lin , Ni Xiliang , Lao Cailian , Yang Fengkai
Published: May 2015

Spatially explicit precipitation data is often responsible for the prediction accuracy of hydrological and ecological models. Several statistical downscaling approaches have been developed to map precipitation at a high spatial resolution, which are mainly based on the valid conjugations between satellite-driven precipitation data and geospatial predictors. Performance of the existing approaches should be first evaluated before applying them to larger spatial extents with a complex terrain across different climate zones. In this paper, we investigate the statistical downscaling algorithms to derive the high spatial resolution maps of precipitation over continental China using satellite datasets, including the Normalized Distribution Vegetation Index (NDVI) from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), the Global Digital Elevation Model (GDEM) from the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER), and the rainfall product from the Tropical Rainfall Monitoring Mission (TRMM). We compare three statistical techniques (multiple linear regression, exponential regression, and Random Forest regression trees) for modeling precipitation to better understand how the selected model types affect the prediction accuracy. Then, those models are implemented to downscale the original TRMM product (3B43; 0.25° resolution) onto the finer grids (1 × 1 km2) of precipitation. Finally we validate the downscaled annual precipitation (a wet year 2001 and a dry year 2010) against the ground rainfall observations from 596 rain gauge stations over continental China. The result indicates that the downscaling algorithm based on the Random Forest regression outperforms, when compared to the linear regression and the exponential regression. It also shows that the addition of the residual terms does not significantly improve the accuracy of results for the RF model. The analysis of the variable importance reveals the NDVI related predictors, latitude, and longitude, elevation are key elements for statistical downscaling, and their weights vary across different climate zones. In particular, the NDVI, which is generally considered as a powerful geospatial predictor for precipitation, correlates weakly with precipitation in humid regions.
Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy-Based Defect Sensing Technique in Estimating Cracks
Authors: Zhang Tingting , Zhou Liangdong , Ammari Habib , Seo Jin
Published: May 2015

A defect sensing method based on electrical impedance spectroscopy is proposed to image cracks and reinforcing bars in concrete structures. The method utilizes the frequency-dependent behavior of thin insulating cracks: low-frequency electrical currents are blocked by insulating cracks, whereas high-frequency currents can pass through thin cracks to probe the conducting bars. From various frequency-dependent electrical impedance tomography (EIT) images, we can show its advantage in terms of detecting both thin cracks with their thickness and bars. We perform numerical simulations and phantom experiments to support the feasibility of the proposed method.
A Review of China’s Rural Water Management
Authors: Yu Xiaoman , Geng Yong , Heck Peter , Xue Bing
Published: May 2015

With less than 6% of total global water resources but one fifth of the global population, China is facing serious challenges for its water resources management, particularly in rural areas due to the long-standing urban-rural dualistic structure and the economic-centralized developmental policies. This paper addresses the key water crises in rural China including potable water supply, wastewater treatment and disposal, water for agricultural purposes, and environmental concerns, and then analyzes the administrative system on water resources from the perspective of characteristics of the current administrative system and regulations; finally, synthetic approaches to solve water problems in rural China are proposed with regard to institutional reform, regulation revision, economic instruments, technology innovation and capacity-building. These recommendations provide valuable insights to water managers in rural China so that they can identify the most appropriate pathways for optimizing their water resources, reducing the total wastewater discharge and improving their water-related ecosystem.
Ribosome-Inactivating and Related Proteins
Authors: Schrot Joachim , Weng Alexander , Melzig Matthias
Published: May 2015

Ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs) are toxins that act as N-glycosidases (EC 3.2.2.22). They are mainly produced by plants and classified as type 1 RIPs and type 2 RIPs. There are also RIPs and RIP related proteins that cannot be grouped into the classical type 1 and type 2 RIPs because of their different sizes, structures or functions. In addition, there is still not a uniform nomenclature or classification existing for RIPs. In this review, we give the current status of all known plant RIPs and we make a suggestion about how to unify those RIPs and RIP related proteins that cannot be classified as type 1 or type 2 RIPs.
Violence et déchéance extrêmes
Authors: Scotto di Vettimo Delphine
Published: May 2015

L’auteur, psychologue clinicienne, explore à partir d’une situation clinique le champ des violences intrafamiliales extrêmes impliquant ici un inceste à la fois paternel, maternel et fraternel. C’est au décours de la maternité que ce passé traumatique (et non dit) fut ravivé, nécessitant du sujet d’importants remaniements psychiques pour ne pas sombrer dans la dépression profonde. Le suivi clinique engagé montre les limites du processus thérapeutique, lorsque l’impensable et a fortiori l’irreprésentable provoquent une incapacité d’élaboration du trauma et son dépassement. Enfin, l’auteur propose d’éclairer les enjeux déterminants de la dynamique transférentielle et contretransférentielle, pour le travail d’historicisation et d’inscription du trauma par le sujet, qui vont s’inaugurer par des modalités inédites de création subjective présageant d’un véritable processus de subjectivation.
Chine : l’impossible changement de modèle
Authors: Sabatier Pierre
Published: May 2015

Après avoir basé sa croissance sur sa compétitivité à l’export (modèle allemand) puis sur une politique d’investissements massifs à partir de 2009 (modèle espagnol), la Chine se trouve aujourd’hui face à deux faiblesses : une compétitivité de plus en plus faible à l’export et des difficultés pour aller plus loin dans sa politique d’investissement. Conscientes de ce double péril, les autorités souhaitent développer un marché intérieur afin que les dépenses des ménages prennent le relais des exportations et de l’investissement. Assumer une récession est l’inévitable décrochage par lequel le pays devra passer avant d’espérer pouvoir rééquilibrer son modèle économique.
Énergie, l’Europe en réseaux
Authors: Derdevet Michel
Published: May 2015

Le 23 février 2015, Michel Derdevet, Secrétaire général et membre du Directoire d’ERDF, a remis au Président de la République son rapport sur un renforcement des coopérations européennes en matière de réseaux énergétiques. Il y dresse un constat lucide sur les difficultés et les enjeux qu’affronte la politique énergétique européenne et montre que les réseaux sont au cœur des défis de demain. Michel Derdevet présente ainsi douze propositions concrètes pour une relance énergétique européenne autour d’un renforcement de la sécurité d’approvisionnement et des coopérations, d’une rénovation de la régulation et des financements et d’une montée en puissance de la R&D et de l’innovation.
L’énergie radicale de Touki Bouki
Authors: Chérel Emmanuelle
Published: May 2015

Le film  Mille soleils  de la cinéaste Mati Diop (Grand prix du FID de Marseille 2013) nous convie aujourd’hui à revoir le film de Djibril Diop Mambety, son premier long-métrage, Touki Bouki , le voyage de la hyène, considéré comme un classique du cinéma après avoir reçu le prix de la critique internationale du festival de Cannes en 1973. Par ses caractéristiques formelles très audacieuses et par les thèmes toujours actuels qu’il traite, ce film continue à nous questionner : que nous dit-il sur l’histoire du cinéma depuis lors ? De quelles manières Mati Diop le convoque-t-elle ? Comment dialogue-t-il avec le Sénégal contemporain ? Mais également avec les relations France-Afrique ? Ou avec l’Occident ?