bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spinal drop metastasis from a benign fourth ventricular choroid plexus papilloma in a pediatric patient: case report
Authors: Morshed Ramin A. , Lau Darryl , Sun Peter P. , Ostling Lauren R.
Published: August 2017

Choroid plexus papillomas (CPPs) are typically benign tumors that can occur in any age group but are more commonly found in pediatric patients. Although these tumors are benign, there are several reports in adult patients of distant metastases present either at the time of diagnosis or occurring months to years after initial resection. Here, the authors report the case of a 14-year-old boy who presented with symptoms of elevated intracranial pressure due to obstructive hydrocephalus that was caused by a large fourth ventricular mass. Preoperative imaging included a full MRI of the spine, which revealed an intradural lesion that encased the distal sacral nerve roots at the tip of the thecal sac and was concerning for a drop metastasis. The patient underwent gross-total resection of both the fourth ventricular and sacral tumors with histology of both lesions consistent with benign CPP (WHO Grade I). In addition, the authors review prior reports of both pediatric and adult patients in whom benign CPPs have metastasized with either benign or atypical pathology found at a distant site. Taking into account this unusual case and reports in the literature, patients with even benign CPPs may warrant initial and routine follow-up imaging of the total neural axis in search of the rare, but possible, occurrence of drop metastasis.
Preoperative metabolic acidosis in infants with gastroschisis
Authors: El-Naggar W. , Almudeer A. , Vincer M. , Yanchar N.L.
Published: August 2017

INTRODUCTION:

There is little in literature regarding preoperative management of infants with gastroschisis. It is unclear if these infants develop metabolic acidosis as a consequence of prolonged intrauterine gut compromise or dehydration secondary to increased fluid loss.

AIM:

To assess the frequency of preoperative metabolic acidosis in infants with gastroschisis and investigate whether this acidosis reflects degree of gut compromise.

METHODS:

All infants with gastroschisis born between May 2005 and April 2013 in a single tertiary care center were reviewed. Metabolic acidosis was defined by the presence of pH <7.26 and serum bicarbonate <18.5 or base excess < –8.5 mmol/l. Infants with significant birth depression were excluded. Maternal and neonatal data were collected. Frequency of preoperative metabolic acidosis and its association with gastroschisis prognostic score (GPS), time to first and time to reach full feeds were investigated.

RESULTS:

Sixty infants were identified, 11 were excluded (birth depression/lack of preoperative blood gases). Median preoperative total fluid intake was 130 ml/kg/d. Nine infants (18%) had metabolic acidosis at a median age of 1.2 hours. No association was found between metabolic acidosis or serum lactate and GPS, age at first feed or age at full feeds.

CONCLUSION:

Preoperative metabolic acidosis was identified in a significant number of patients with gastroschisis despite high fluid intake. It does not appear to be associated with the degree of gut compromise. Using metabolic acidosis as an indication of dehydration in these patients needs more investigation.
Intravenous immunoglobulin in the management of a rare cause of hemolytic disease of the newborn: Anti-SARA antibodies
Authors: Venkataraman Rohini , Yusuf Kamran
Published: August 2017

Hemolytic disease of newborn (HDN) is a condition that develops in a fetus, when the IgG molecules produced by the mother pass through the placenta and attack the fetal red blood cells. HDN can occur due to Rh and ABO incompatibilities between the mother and the fetus as well as due to other allo-immune antibodies belonging to Kell (K and k), Duffy (Fya), Kidd (Jka and Jkb), and MNS (M, N, S, and s) systems. Role of intravenous immunoglobulin in management of HDN is not clear.

SARA red blood cell antigen, first discovered in 1990 is a low frequency antigen. We report, a multiparous female whose pregnancy was complicated by HDN due to anti-SARA antibodies requiring both exchange transfusion and intravenous immunoglobulin. The response was sustained after intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) rather than after exchange transfusion.
Bio-produced Propionic Acid: A Review
Authors: Vidra Aladár , Németh Áron
Published: August 2017

Propionic acid is a platform chemical, antifungal agent and important chemical intermediate. Current industrial production of propionic acid is mainly through petrochemical processes because the conventional method of the propionic acid fermentation is uneconomical due to low product yield, productivity and product concentration caused by end-product inhibition. The coproduction of acetic and succinic acids in the propionic acid fermentation processes also makes downstream processing more complicated and costly. To the best of our knowledge there are several and recent reviews in the available literature on propionic acid fermentation processes and strain improvement techniques, but only a few on product recovery and purification, i.e. downstreaming. However, to realize a biorefinery, where propionic acid is a key intermediate, complex discussion of up-, and downstreaming is required. Therefore in this review a short overview of the whole bio-based propionic acid production process is presented including recent results of both upstream and downstream area. Thus the biosynthetic pathways, the significant results of native and recombinant producer strains as well as product recovery are discussed.
Evaluation of Radon Concentration in the Urban Area Foundation of Tirana, Albania
Authors: Dogjani Safet , Muceku Ylber , Lazo Pranvera
Published: August 2017

In this paper, we shortly are treating the results of the radon concentration in soil gas, which are obtained by a detailed study that was carried out during 2000-2005 years in the urban area of Tirana, Capital City of Albania. The field measurements were done by using Luk-4 equipment (Lucas method) and based on technique (Neznal et al. 1992, Neznal et al. 1994a, Neznal et al. 1994b, Neznal et al. 1996, Neznal et al. 2002b). From the analysis of the data taken by this research, was concluded that the level of the radon concentration in soil gas of Tirana urban area depends on the soil type. So, the highest level of radon gas (130.0 kBqm‐3) was observed in the inorganic clays and very fine sands with beige-red color (soils type 1), which is extended on the second terrace of Tirana River. This paper gives conclusions of soil gas radon concentration, where its value range from 0.9-1.54 kBqm‐3 up to 92.03-130.0 kBqm‐3. The results indicate that more than 50% of Tirana urban area is made of soils, which are characterized by high soil gas radon concentration, which constitutes a real risk for the Tirana’s residents.
Biogeography-Based Optimization of the Portfolio Optimization Problem with Second Order Stochastic Dominance Constraints
Authors: Ye Tao , Yang Ziqiang , Feng Siling
Published: August 2017

The portfolio optimization problem is the central problem of modern economics and decision theory; there is the Mean-Variance Model and Stochastic Dominance Model for solving this problem. In this paper, based on the second order stochastic dominance constraints, we propose the improved biogeography-based optimization algorithm to optimize the portfolio, which we called ε BBO. In order to test the computing power of ε BBO, we carry out two numerical experiments in several kinds of constraints. In experiment 1, comparing the Stochastic Approximation (SA) method with the Level Function (LF) algorithm and Genetic Algorithm (GA), we get a similar optimal solution by ε BBO in [ 0 , 0 . 6 ] and [ 0 , 1 ] constraints with the return of 1.174% and 1.178%. In [ - 1 , 2 ] constraint, we get the optimal return of 1.3043% by ε BBO, while the return of SA and LF is 1.23% and 1.26%. In experiment 2, we get the optimal return of 0.1325% and 0.3197% by ε BBO in [ 0 , 0 . 1 ] and [ - 0 . 05 , 0 . 15 ] constraints. As a comparison, the return of FTSE100 Index portfolio is 0.0937%. The results prove that ε BBO algorithm has great potential in the field of financial decision-making, it also shows that ε BBO algorithm has a better performance in optimization problem.
Modelling Airport Pollutants Dispersion at High Resolution
Authors: Sarrat Claire , Aubry Sébastien , Chaboud Thomas , Lac Christine
Published: August 2017

Local air quality is a major concern for the population regularly exposed to high levels of air pollution. Due mainly to its aircraft engine activities during taxiing and take-off, the airport is often submitted to heterogeneous but important concentrations of NO x and Particulate Matter (PM). The study suggests an innovative approach to determining the air traffic impact on air quality at the scale of the airport, its runways, and its terminals, to be able to locate the persistent high-concentration spots, for example. The pollutant concentrations at 10 m resolution and 1 s time step are calculated in order to identify the most affected areas of an airport platform and their contributors. A real day of air traffic on a regional airport is simulated, using observations and aircraft trajectories data from radar streams. In order to estimate the aircraft emissions, the Air Transport Systems Evaluation Infrastructure (IESTA) is used. Regarding local air quality, IESTA relies on the non-hydrostatic meso-scale atmospheric model Meso-NH using its grid-nesting capabilities with three domains. The detailed cartography of the airport distinguishes between grassland, parking, and terminals, allowing the computation of exchanges of heat, water, and momentum between the different types of surfaces and the atmosphere as well as the interactions with the building using a drag force. The dynamic parameters like wind, temperature, turbulent kinetic energy, and pollutants concentration are computed at 10 m resolution over the 2 km × 4 km airport domain. The pollutants are considered in this preliminary study as passive tracers, without chemical reactions. This study aims at proving the feasibility of high-scale modelling over an airport with state-of-the-art physical models in order to better understand the repartition of pollutants over an airport, taking into account advection and turbulence in interactions with buildings and regional trends, emissions, Auxiliary Power Units (APU), taxiing, parking, take off. All these processes drive the model at each time step and are not averaged over one hour or more like in Gaussian or Lagrangian ones. This study is investigating the feasibility of high spatio-temporal air quality modelling for research purposes but not for operational forecasting.
A Neural Networks Approach for Improving the Accuracy of Multi-Criteria Recommender Systems
Authors: Hassan Mohammed , Hamada Mohamed
Published: August 2017

Accuracy improvement has been one of the most outstanding issues in the recommender systems research community. Recently, multi-criteria recommender systems that use multiple criteria ratings to estimate overall rating have been receiving considerable attention within the recommender systems research domain. This paper proposes a neural network model for improving the prediction accuracy of multi-criteria recommender systems. The neural network was trained using simulated annealing algorithms and integrated with two samples of single-rating recommender systems. The paper presents the experimental results for each of the two single-rating techniques together with their corresponding neural network-based models. To analyze the performance of the approach, we carried out a comparative analysis of the performance of each single rating-based technique and the proposed multi-criteria model. The experimental findings revealed that the proposed models have by far outperformed the existing techniques.
Survey on Modelling and Techniques for Friction Estimation in Automotive Brakes
Authors: Ricciardi Vincenzo , Augsburg Klaus , Gramstat Sebastian , Schreiber Viktor , Ivanov Valentin
Published: August 2017

The increased use of disc brakes in passenger cars has led the research world to focus on the prediction of brake performance and wear under different working conditions. A proper model of the brake linings’ coefficient of friction (BLCF) is important to monitor the brake operation and increase the performance of control systems such as ABS, TC and ESP by supplying an accurate estimate of the brake torque. The literature of the last decades is replete with semi-empirical and analytical friction models whose derivation comes from significant research that has been conducted into the direction of friction modelling of pin-disc couplings. On the contrary, just a few models have been developed and used for the prediction of the automotive BLCF without obtaining satisfactory results. The present work aims at collecting the current state of art of the estimation techniques for the BLCF, with special attention to the models for automotive brakes. Moreover, the work proposes a classification of the several existing approaches and discusses the relative pro and cons. Finally, based on evidence of the limitations of the model-based approach and the potentialities of the neural networks, the authors propose a new state observer for BLCF estimation as a promising solution among the supporting tools of the control engineering.
A 2001–2015 Archive of Fractional Cover of Photosynthetic and Non-Photosynthetic Vegetation for Beijing and Tianjin Sandstorm Source Region
Authors: Li Xiaosong , Li Zengyuan , Ji Cuicui , Wang Hongyan , Sun Bin , Wu Bo , Gao Zhihai
Published: August 2017

Fractional covers of photosynthetic and non-photosynthetic vegetation are key indicators for land degradation surveillance in the dryland of China. However, there are no available, well validated, and multispectral-based products. Aiming for this, we selected the Beijing and Tianjin Sandstorm Source Region as the study area, and utilized the linear spectral mixture model for generating the fractional cover of PV, NPV, and bare soil, with endmember spectra retrieved from the field measured endmember spectral library, based on the MODIS NBAR data from 2001 to 2015. The unmixing results were validated through comparison with the field samples. The results show the method adopted could acquire rational and accurate estimation of fractional cover of photosynthetic vegetation (R2 = 0.6297, RMSE = 0.2443) and non-photosynthetic vegetation (R2 = 0.3747, RMSE = 0.2568). The dataset could provide key data support for the users in land degradation surveillance fields.
Spatial Variation in Sediment Organic Carbon Distribution across the Alaskan Beaufort Sea Shelf
Authors: Coffin Richard , Smith Joseph , Yoza Brandon , Boyd Thomas , Montgomery Michael
Published: August 2017

In September 2009, a series of sediment cores were collected across the Alaskan Beaufort Sea shelf-slope. Sediment and porewater organic carbon (OC) concentrations and stable carbon isotope ratios (δ13C) were measured to investigate spatial variations in sediment organic matter (OM) sources and distribution of these materials across the shelf. Cores were collected along three main nearshore (shelf) to offshore (slope) sampling lines (transects) from east-to-west along the North Slope of Alaska: Hammerhead (near Camden Bay), Thetis Island (near Prudhoe Bay), and Cape Halkett (towards Point Barrow). Measured sediment organic carbon (TOC) and porewater dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations and their respective δ13C values were used to investigate the relative contribution of different OM sources to sediment OC pool cycled at each location. Sources of OM considered included: water column-sourced phytodetritus, deep sediment methane (CH4), and terrestrial, tundra/river-sourced OM. Results of these measurements, when coupled with results from previous research and additional analyses of sediment and porewater composition, show a pattern of spatial variation in sediment OC concentrations, OM source contributions, and OM cycled along the Alaskan Beaufort Sea shelf. In general, measured sediment total organic carbon (TOC) concentrations, δ13CTOC values, porewater DOC concentrations, and δ13CDOC values are consistent with an east-to-west transport of modern Holocene sediments with higher OC concentrations primarily sourced from relatively labile terrestrial, tundra OM sources and phytodetritus along the Alaskan Beaufort shelf. Sediment transport along the shelf results in the medium-to-long term accumulation and burial of sediment OM focused to the west which in turn results in higher biogenic CH4 production rates and higher upward CH4 diffusion through the sediments resulting in CH4−AMO-sourced contribution to sediment OC westward along the shelf. Understanding current OM sources and distributions along the Alaskan Beaufort shelf is important for enhancing models of carbon cycling in Arctic coastal shelf systems. This will help support the prediction of the climate response of the Arctic created in the face of future warming scenarios.
The Influence of Combustor Swirl on Pressure Losses and the Propagation of Coolant Flows at the Large Scale Turbine Rig (LSTR): Experimental and Numerical Investigation
Authors: Werschnik Holger , Schneider Marius , Herrmann Janina , Ivanov Dimitri , Schiffer Heinz-Peter , Lyko Christoph
Published: August 2017

The aerothermal interaction of the combustor exit flow on the first vane row has been examined at the Large Scale Turbine Rig (LSTR) at Technische Universität Darmstadt (Darmstadt, Germany). A baseline configuration of axial inflow and a variation of swirling combustor inflow have been studied. The nozzle guide vane (NGV) featured endwall cooling, airfoil film cooling and a trailing edge slot ejection as well as NGV-rotor wheel space purge flow. CO2 is injected for coolant flow tracing. The results are compared to five hole probe (5HP) measurements. The experiments for the baseline configuration are accompanied by numerical simulations using a passive scalar tracking method to validate the results and study the propagation of the coolant flow. The endwall coolant injection is detected to influence the pressure losses in the NGV. It has an impact on the Trailing Edge (TE) coolant ejection as well. For swirling combustor inflow, increased NGV pressure losses and increased mixing of Rear Inner Discharge Nozzle (RIDN) coolant and main flow is observed. An influence of the clocking position of the swirler to the vane is detected. Additional losses within the NGV row can be assigned to the swirler by means of flow tracing.
A Novel STDM Watermarking Using Visual Saliency-Based JND Model
Authors: Wang Chunxing , Zhang Teng , Wan Wenbo , Han Xiaoyue , Xu Meiling
Published: August 2017

The just noticeable distortion (JND) model plays an important role in measuring the visual visibility for spread transform dither modulation (STDM) watermarking. However, the existing JND model characterizes the suprathreshold distortions with an equal saliency level. Visual saliency (VS) has been widely studied by psychologists and computer scientists during the last decade, where the distortions are more likely to be noticeable to any viewer. With this consideration, we proposed a novel STDM watermarking method for a monochrome image by exploiting a visual saliency-based JND model. In our proposed JND model, a simple VS model is employed as a feature to reflect the importance of a local region and compute the final JND map. Extensive experiments performed on the classic image databases demonstrate that the proposed watermarking scheme works better in terms of the robustness than other related methods.
An Overview on the Formation and Processing of Nitrogen-Vacancy Photonic Centers in Diamond by Ion Implantation
Authors: Haque Ariful , Sumaiya Sharaf
Published: August 2017

Nitrogen-vacancy (NV) in diamond possesses unique properties for the realization of novel quantum devices. Among the possibilities in the solid state, a NV defect center in diamond stands out for its robustness—its quantum state can be initialized, manipulated, and measured with high fidelity at room temperature. In this paper, we illustrated the formation kinetics of NV centers in diamond and their transformation from one charge state to another. The controlled scaling of diamond NV center-based quantum registers relies on the ability to position NV defect centers with high spatial resolution. Ion irradiation technique is widely used to control the spatial distribution of NV defect centers in diamond. This is addressed in terms of energetics and kinetics in this paper. We also highlighted important factors, such as ion struggling, ion channeling, and surface charging, etc. These factors should be considered while implanting energetic nitrogen ions on diamond. Based on observations of the microscopic structure after implantation, we further discussed post-annealing treatment to heal the damage produced during the ion irradiation process. This article shows that the ion implantation technique can be used more efficiently for controlled and efficient generation of NV color centers in diamond, which will open up new possibilities in the field of novel electronics and computational engineering, including the art of quantum cryptography, data science, and spintronics.
Effect of Individual Skills and Performance on Humanitarian Organisations: A Structural Equation Model
Authors: Rajakaruna Shanaka , Wijeratne Alge , Mann Tim , Yan Chen
Published: August 2017

The significance of Humanitarian Logistics (HL) skills as basic requirements for employment and career development within the HL field has been demonstrated in previous research by the authors. This research showed a strong relationship between recognised HL skills, individual performance and the HL supply chain. With the increasing number of humanitarian disasters globally, it is essential to determine the correlation between individual performance and humanitarian organisational performance. As with previous research, this paper focuses on HL in the Sri Lankan context. Some limited research has already been undertaken on the subject. However, there were a number of major issues identified during this early research that need to be addressed regarding the effective and efficient operation of humanitarian supply chains. These issues include selecting the right personnel for the job, assessing their performance and building and maintaining measurement indicators to evaluate the performance of the humanitarian organisations. A conceptual model based on a Structural Equation Analysis was deduced from an extensive literature survey and was employed to answer these three interconnected issues. The resultant Structural Equation Model (SEM) was used to analyse the conceptual framework with data being gathered from HL practitioners across Sri Lanka by questionnaire. The existence of a relationship between individual skills and HL performance has been demonstrated previously, but not all skills contribute to individual or organisational performance. This research helps prove earlier theories by other researchers regarding the significance of specific skills for performance. The paper also suggests possible areas of future research.
Improvement of Interaction in a Composite Structure by Using a Sol-Gel Functional Coating on Carbon Fibers
Authors: Szczurek Anna , Barcikowski Michał , Leluk Karol , Babiarczuk Bartosz , Kaleta Jerzy , Krzak Justyna
Published: August 2017

The modification of carbon fibers for improving adhesion between fibers and an epoxy resin in composite materials has become the focus of attention. In this work the carbon fiber coating process has been devised in a way preventing the stiffening and clumping of fibers. To improve interactions between coated fibers and a resin in composites, four types of silica coatings with different organic functional groups (3-aminopropyl–coating 1, 3-mercaptopropyl–coating 2, 2-(3,4-epoxycyclohexyl) ethyl–coating 3, methyl–coating 4) were obtained. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were used to distinguish the changes of a carbon fibers surface after coating deposition. The thickness of the obtained coatings, including the diversity of thickness, was determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The increase in surface free energy (SFE) of modified fibers, including the distinction between the polar and dispersive parts, was examined by wettability measurements using a tensometric test. The developed coating preparation process allowed to cover fibers separately with nanoscale silica layers, which changed their morphology. The introduction of organic functional groups resulted in surface free energy changes, especially an increase in specific polar surface energy components.
Acceptor Side-Chain Effects on the Excited State Dynamics of Two-Dimensional-Like Conjugated Copolymers in Solution
Authors: Huo Ming-Ming , Hu Rong , Yan Wei , Wang Yi-Tong , Chee Kuan , Wang Yong , Zhang Jian-Ping
Published: August 2017

Excited state dynamics of two-dimensional-like conjugated copolymers PFDCN and PFSDCN based on alternating fluorene and triphenylamine main chains and malononitrile pendant acceptor groups with thiophene as π-bridge, have been investigated by using transient absorption spectroscopy. There is an additional conjugated –C=C– bond in PFDCN, which distinguishes it from PFSDCN. The lowest energy absorption band of each copolymer absorption spectrum is attributed to the π−π* transition with intramolecular charge-transfer, which has a lower fluorescence contribution than those of higher energy absorption bands. The optical excitation of either PFDCN or PFSDCN solution generates polaron pairs that then self-localize and evolve to a bound singlet exciton within a few picoseconds. Due to the additional conjugated –C=C– bond in the acceptor side-chain, PFDCN has a stronger intramolecular charge-transfer characteristic compared with PFSDCN, therefore exhibiting a longer self-localization time (7 ps vs. 3 ps for PFSDCN) and a shorter fluorescence lifetime (1.48 ns vs. 1.60 ns for PFSDCN).
Purification, Preliminary Characterization and Hepatoprotective Effects of Polysaccharides from Dandelion Root
Authors: Cai Liangliang , Wan Dongwei , Yi Fanglian , Luan Libiao
Published: August 2017

In this study, purification, preliminary characterization and hepatoprotective effects of water-soluble polysaccharides from dandelion root (DRP) were investigated. Two polysaccharides, DRP1 and DRP2, were isolated from DRP. The two polysaccharides were α-type polysaccharides and didn’t contain protein. DRP1, with a molecular weight of 5695 Da, was composed of glucose, galactose and arabinose, whereas DRP2, with molecular weight of 8882 Da, was composed of rhamnose, galacturonic acid, glucose, galactose and arabinose. The backbone of DRP1 was mainly composed of (1→6)-linked-α-d-Glc and (1→3,4)-linked-α-d-Glc. DRP2 was mainly composed of (1→)-linked-α-d-Ara and (1→)-linked-α-d-Glc. A proof-of-concept study was performed to assess the therapeutic potential of DRP1 and DRP2 in a mouse model that mimics acetaminophen (APAP) -induced liver injury (AILI) in humans. The present study shows DRP1 and DRP2 could protect the liver from APAP-induced hepatic injury by activating the Nrf2-Keap1 pathway. These conclusions demonstrate that the DRP1 and DRP2 might be suitable as functional foods and natural drugs in preventing APAP-induced liver injury.
Fabrication of Monodisperse Flower-Like Coordination Polymers (CP) Microparticles by Spray Technique
Authors: Li Wen-Ze , Zhou Yuan , Liu Fuchun , Li Yunong , Xia Ming-Jian , Han En-Hou , Wang Tieqiang , Zhang Xuemin , Fu Yu
Published: August 2017

In this manuscript, we have developed an efficient spraying method to successfully fabricate a series of flower-like coordination polymers (CP) microparticles, including Co/BDC (1,4-benzenedicarboxylate) metal organic frameworks (MOF) and infinite coordination polymers (ICP) microparticles, as well as Ni-Co/BDC MOF and Zn/DOBDC (2,5-dioxido-1,4-benzenedicarboxylate) MOF. The spraying method has shown high efficiency and universality in synthesizing the flower-like CP. The crystalline structure can be adjusted by varying the solvent composition in the spraying process. SEM observation demonstrated the MOF and ICP microparticles possess the similar flower-like structure, which is composed of nanoflakes with smooth surface, and the flower-like microparticles could be monodisperse with as low as 5% polydispersity. Moreover, the fabrication of the flower-like CP microparticles by spraying has a wide operation window, because there is no need to precisely control the experiment conditions, like solvents, concentration, and spray order. Due to the practicality of spray technique, this work would pave the way for the manufacture of the flower-like materials and have great potential in applications of catalysis, sensor, energy storage, and so on.
Students’ Satisfaction with a Web-Based Pharmacy Program in a Re-Regulated Pharmacy Market
Authors: Gustafsson Maria , Mattsson Sofia , Gallego Gisselle
Published: August 2017

In response to the shortage of pharmacists in Northern Sweden, a web-based Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy program was established at Umeå University in 2003. In 2009, the Swedish pharmacy market was re-regulated from a state monopoly to an open market, but it is unknown what impact this has had on education satisfaction. The objectives of this study were to examine the level of satisfaction among graduates from a web-based pharmacy program and to describe what subjects and skills students would have liked more or less of in their education. A secondary objective was to compare the level of satisfaction before and after the Swedish pharmacy market was re-regulated. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2015 with all alumni who had graduated from the pharmacy program between 2006 and 2014 (n = 511), and responses to questions about graduates’ satisfaction with the program were analyzed (n = 200). Most graduates (88%) agreed or strongly agreed that the knowledge and skills acquired during their education were useful in their current job. The graduates stated that they would have wanted more applied pharmacy practice and self-care counselling, and fewer social pharmacy and histology courses. Further, 82% stated that they would start the same degree program if they were to choose again today, and 92% agreed or strongly agreed that they would recommend the program to a prospective student. Graduates were more likely to recommend the program after the re-regulation (p = 0.007). In conclusion, pharmacy graduates were very satisfied with their education, and no negative effects of the re-regulation could be observed on program satisfaction.
Dry-Spun Neat Cellulose Nanofibril Filaments: Influence of Drying Temperature and Nanofibril Structure on Filament Properties
Authors: Ghasemi Shokoofeh , Tajvidi Mehdi , Bousfield Douglas , Gardner Douglas , Gramlich William
Published: August 2017

Cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) were spun into filaments directly from suspension without the aid of solvents. The influence of starting material properties and drying temperature on the properties of filaments produced from three different CNF suspensions was studied. Refiner-produced CNF was ground using a microgrinder at grinding times of 50 and 100 minutes. Filament spinning was performed using a syringe pump-heat gun setting at three drying temperatures of 210 °C, 320 °C and 430 °C. The structure of starting CNF materials was first evaluated using a combination of optical and atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques. Surface free energy analysis and attenuated total reflectance—Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR–FTIR) were used to study changes in hydrophobicity due to grinding. Morphology of the filaments was studied using SEM micrographs. The influence of different drying temperatures and grinding times on mechanical properties of the CNF filaments were further investigated through tensile tests and results were compared using statistical analysis .It was observed that drying temperature did not significantly influence the tensile properties of the filaments while cellulose nanofiber suspension type (grinding time) had a significant influence and improved mechanical properties. FTIR results confirmed an increase in crystallinity index and decrease in hydroxyl group availability due to grinding.
Sovereignty of the Living Individual: Emerson and James on Politics and Religion
Authors: Bush Stephen
Published: August 2017

William James and Ralph Waldo Emerson are both committed individualists. However, in what do their individualisms consist and to what degree do they resemble each other? This essay demonstrates that James’s individualism is strikingly similar to Emerson’s. By taking James’s own understanding of Emerson’s philosophy as a touchstone, I argue that both see individualism to consist principally in self-reliance, receptivity, and vocation. Putting these two figures’ understandings of individualism in comparison illuminates under-appreciated aspects of each figure, for example, the political implications of their individualism, the way that their religious individuality is politically engaged, and the importance of exemplarity to the politics and ethics of both of them.
Robust Feature Matching Method for SAR and Optical Images by Using Gaussian-Gamma-Shaped Bi-Windows-Based Descriptor and Geometric Constraint
Authors: Chen Min , Habib Ayman , He Haiqing , Zhu Qing , Zhang Wei
Published: August 2017

Improving the matching reliability of multi-sensor imagery is one of the most challenging issues in recent years, particularly for synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and optical images. It is difficult to deal with the noise influence, geometric distortions, and nonlinear radiometric difference between SAR and optical images. In this paper, a method for SAR and optical images matching is proposed. First, interest points that are robust to speckle noise in SAR images are detected by improving the original phase-congruency-based detector. Second, feature descriptors are constructed for all interest points by combining a new Gaussian-Gamma-shaped bi-windows-based gradient operator and the histogram of oriented gradient pattern. Third, descriptor similarity and geometrical relationship are combined to constrain the matching processing. Finally, an approach based on global and local constraints is proposed to eliminate outliers. In the experiments, SAR images including COSMO-Skymed, RADARSAT-2, TerraSAR-X and HJ-1C images, and optical images including ZY-3 and Google Earth images are used to evaluate the performance of the proposed method. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method provides significant improvements in the number of correct matches and matching precision compared with the state-of-the-art SIFT-like methods. Near 1 pixel registration accuracy is obtained based on the matching results of the proposed method.
Quantifying Snow Albedo Radiative Forcing and Its Feedback during 2003–2016
Authors: Xiao Lin , Che Tao , Chen Linling , Xie Hongjie , Dai Liyun
Published: August 2017

Snow albedo feedback is one of the most crucial feedback processes that control equilibrium climate sensitivity, which is a central parameter for better prediction of future climate change. However, persistent large discrepancies and uncertainties are found in snow albedo feedback estimations. Remotely sensed snow cover products, atmospheric reanalysis data and radiative kernel data are used in this study to quantify snow albedo radiative forcing and its feedback on both hemispheric and global scales during 2003–2016. The strongest snow albedo radiative forcing is located north of 30°N, apart from Antarctica. In general, it has large monthly variation and peaks in spring. Snow albedo feedback is estimated to be 0.18 ± 0.08 W∙m−2∙°C−1 and 0.04 ± 0.02 W∙m−2∙°C−1 on hemispheric and global scales, respectively. Compared to previous studies, this paper focuses specifically on quantifying snow albedo feedback and demonstrates three improvements: (1) used high spatial and temporal resolution satellite-based snow cover data to determine the areas of snow albedo radiative forcing and feedback; (2) provided detailed information for model parameterization by using the results from (1), together with accurate description of snow cover change and constrained snow albedo and snow-free albedo data; and (3) effectively reduced the uncertainty of snow albedo feedback and increased its confidence level through the block bootstrap test. Our results of snow albedo feedback agreed well with other partially observation-based studies and indicate that the 25 Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) models might have overestimated the snow albedo feedback, largely due to the overestimation of surface albedo change between snow-covered and snow-free surface in these models.
What Does It Mean to Be a Woman? An Exploratory Study of Femininities among Mazandarani, Azeri and Kurdish Female University Students in Iran
Authors: Rahbari Ladan , Mahmudabadi Zeinab
Published: August 2017

This exploratory study investigated women’s perceptions of femininity among Mazandarani, Azeri and Kurdish female university students in Iran. The study was conducted using interviews with sixteen female university students. Analysis of interviews revealed that three main components predicted general understandings of the concept of femininity: personality traits such as emotionality and dependency, engaging in domestic and caregiving activities in private spaces, and beauty and sexual competition as intrinsic feminine attributes. There was also a general tendency among participants to approach femininity from metaphysical and biological essentialist approaches. Based on the extracted components and interviewees’ articulation of the concept, four types of femininity were recognized: passive, traditional, independent and active. Passive femininity was observed among Azeri and Kurdish students; traditional and independent types existed among students of all three groups and active femininity was observed in the Mazandarani students group. Findings suggest that despite the persisting traditional perceptions and despite differences between student groups, the traditional perceptions of femininity have undergone great transformations in all groups of university students, and the traditional model has been widely re-conceptualized. Based on results, we discuss that it is more accurate to speak of femininities, rather than femininity as a singular and homogeneous concept.
Break-Even Point Analysis of Sodium-Cooled Fast Reactor Capital Investment Cost Comparing the Direct Disposal Option and Pyro-Sodium-Cooled Fast Reactor Nuclear Fuel Cycle Option in Korea
Authors: Kim Sungki , Jang Hong , Gao Ruxing , Kim Chulmin , Chung Yanghon , Bang Sungsig
Published: August 2017

The purpose of this paper is to recommend a break-even point for the capital investment cost for a Sodium-cooled Fast Reactor (SFR) when choosing between a Pyro-SFR nuclear fuel cycle (recycling option via Pyro-processing) and a direct disposal option. This is because the selection of an alternative cannot be justified without a guarantee of economic feasibility. The calculation of a break-even point is necessary because SFR capital investment cost makes up the largest share of the cost for electricity generation. In other words, the cost of capital investment is an important cost driver, and the one that exerts the greatest effect on Pyro-SFR nuclear fuel cycle economics. In the end, the break-even point of the SFR capital investment cost between the Pyro-SFR nuclear fuel cycle and the direct disposal was calculated to be 4284 US$/kWe. In other words, it is possible to claim that the potential for the economic viability of the Pyro-SFR nuclear fuel cycle is greater (compared to investing in direct disposal) when the SFR capital investment cost is 4284 US$/kWe or less. In addition, Pyro-SFR technology will enable sustainable nuclear power generation.
Disease Modifying Effects of the Spider Toxin Parawixin2 in the Experimental Epilepsy Model
Authors: Godoy Lívea , Liberato José , Celani Marcus , Gobbo-Neto Leonardo , Lopes Norberto , Dos Santos Wagner
Published: August 2017

(1) Background: Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is the most common type of epilepsy in adults. It is also the one with the highest percentage of drug-resistance to the current available anti-epileptic drugs (AED). Additionaly, most antiepileptic drugs are only able to control seizures in epileptogenesis, but do not decrease the hippocampal neurodegenerative process. TLE patients have a reduced population of interneuronal cells, which express Parvalbumin (PV) proteins. This reduction is directly linked to seizure frequency and severity in the chronic period of epilepsy. There is therefore a need to seek new therapies with a disease-modifying profile, and with efficient antiepileptic and neuroprotective properties. Parawixin2, a compound isolated from the venom of the spider Parawixia bistriata, has been shown to inhibit GABA transporters (GAT) and to have acute anticonvulsant effects in rats. (2) Methods: In this work, we studied the effects of Parawixin2 and Tiagabine (an FDA- approved GAT inhibitor), and compared these effects in a TLE model. Rats were subjected to lithium-pilocarpine TLE model and the main features were evaluated over a chronic period including: (a) spontaneous recurrent seizures (SRS), (b) neuronal loss, and (c) PV cell density in different regions of the hippocampus (CA1, CA3, DG and Hilus). (3) Results: Parawixin2 treatment reduced SRS frequency whereas Tiagabine did not. We also found a significant reduction in neuronal loss in CA3 and in the hilus regions of the hippocampus, in animals treated with Parawixin2. Noteworthy, Parawixin2 significantly reversed PV cell loss observed particularly in DG layers. (4) Conclusions: Parawixin2 exerts a promising neuroprotective and anti-epileptic effect and has potential as a novel agent in drug design.
Reduced Enterotoxin D Formation on Boiled Ham in Staphylococcus aureus Δagr Mutant
Authors: Susilo Yusak , Sihto Henna-Maria , Rådström Peter , Stephan Roger , Johler Sophia , Schelin Jenny
Published: August 2017

Staphylococcal food poisoning (SFP) is a common cause of foodborne illness worldwide, and enterotoxin D (SED) is one of the most frequent Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxins associated with it. It has been reported that the expression and formation of SED in S. aureus is regulated by the quorum sensing Agr system. In this study, the effect of agr deletion on sed expression in S. aureus grown on boiled ham was investigated. Growth, sed mRNA and SED protein levels in an S. aureus wild type strain and its isogenic Δagr mutant were monitored for 14 days at 22 °C. The results showed that although deletion of the agr gene did not affect the growth rate or maximum cell density of S. aureus on boiled ham, it had a pronounced effect on SED formation during the first 5 days of incubation. The SED concentration was not reflected in the amount of preceding sed transcripts, suggesting that sed transcription levels may not always reflect SED formation. The expression of RNAIII transcript, the regulatory signal of the Agr system, was also monitored. Similar transcription patterns were observed for RNAIII and sed. Surprisingly, in the Δagr mutant, sed expression was comparable to that in the wild type strain, and was thus unaffected by deletion of the Agr system. These results demonstrate that the Agr system appears to only partially affect SED formation, even in a real food environment.
Investigations of Pro- and Anti-Apoptotic Factors Affecting African Swine Fever Virus Replication and Pathogenesis
Authors: Dixon Linda , Sánchez-Cordón Pedro , Galindo Inmaculada , Alonso Covadonga
Published: August 2017

African swine fever virus (ASFV) is a large DNA virus that replicates predominantly in the cell cytoplasm and is the only member of the Asfarviridae family. The virus causes an acute haemorrhagic fever, African swine fever (ASF), in domestic pigs and wild boar resulting in the death of most infected animals. Apoptosis is induced at an early stage during virus entry or uncoating. However, ASFV encodes anti-apoptotic proteins which facilitate production of progeny virions. These anti-apoptotic proteins include A179L, a Bcl-2 family member; A224L, an inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAP) family member; EP153R a C-type lectin; and DP71L. The latter acts by inhibiting activation of the stress activated pro-apoptotic pathways pro-apoptotic pathways. The mechanisms by which these proteins act is summarised. ASF disease is characterised by massive apoptosis of uninfected lymphocytes which reduces the effectiveness of the immune response, contributing to virus pathogenesis. Mechanisms by which this apoptosis is induced are discussed.
Simulink Implementation of a Hydrologic Model: A Tank Model Case Study
Authors: Song Jung-Hun , Her Younggu , Park Jihoon , Lee Kyung-Do , Kang Moon-Seong
Published: August 2017

Simulink, an extension of MATLAB, is a graphics-based model development environment for system modeling and simulation. Simulink’s user-friendly features, including block (data process) and arrow (data transfer) objects, a large number of existing blocks, no need to write codes, and a drag and drop interface, provide modelers with an easy development environment. In this study, a Tank model was developed using Simulink and applied to a rainfall-runoff simulation for a study watershed to demonstrate the potential of Simulink as a tool for hydrological analysis. In the example given here, the Tank model was extended by two sub-modules representing evapotranspiration and storage-runoff distribution. In addition, model pre- and post-processing, such as input data preparation and results plotting, was carried out in MATLAB. Moreover, model parameters were calibrated using MATLAB optimization tools without any additional programming for linking the calibration algorithms and the model. The graphical representation utilized in the Simulink version of the Tank model helped us to understand the hydrological interactions described in the model, and the modular structure of the program facilitated the addition of new modules and the modification of existing modules as needed. From the study, we found that Simulink could be a useful and convenient environment for hydrological analysis and model development.
UNDERPRICING AND NUMBER OF RISK FACTORS OF INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERINGS IN INDONESIA
Authors: Gumanti Tatang Ary , Lestari Ayu Retsi , Manan Siti Sofia Abdul
Published: August 2017

This study examines the effect of number of risk factors, use of proceeds for investment, size of issue and the level of ownership retained on initial returns of firm making Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) in Indonesian capital market. A sample of 290 Indonesia IPOs that went public between 1989 and 2005 were examined. The number of risk factors is found to be positively related to the level of average positive initial returns (underpricing). The level of ownership retention has negative but insignificant relationship with the level of underpricing. Firms that use the proceeds from the offering for investment or expansion purposes are less underpriced than their counterparts that use the funds for operating purposes. Size of issue is negatively associated with the level of underpricing.