bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Renal Replacement Therapy: Purifying Efficiency of Automated Peritoneal Dialysis in Diabetic versus Non-Diabetic Patients
Authors: Vega-Diaz Nicanor , Gonzalez-Cabrera Fayna , Marrero-Robayna Silvia , Santana-Estupiñan Raquel , Gallego-Samper Roberto , Henriquez-Palop Fernando , Perez-Borges Patricia , Rodriguez-Perez José
Published: July 2015

Background: In order to reduce the cardiovascular risk, morbidity and mortality of peritoneal dialysis (PD), a minimal level of small-solute clearances as well as a sodium and water balance are needed. The peritoneal dialysis solutions used in combination have reduced the complications and allow for a long-time function of the peritoneal membrane, and the preservation of residual renal function (RRF) in patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD) is crucial for the maintenance of life quality and long-term survival. This retrospective cohort study reviews our experience in automatic peritoneal dialysis (APD) patients, with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) secondary to diabetic nephropathy (DN) in comparison to non-diabetic nephropathy (NDN), using different PD solutions in combination. Design: Fifty-two patients, 29 diabetic and 23 non-diabetic, were included. The follow-up period was 24 months, thus serving as their own control. Results: The fraction of renal urea clearance (Kt) relative to distribution volume (V) (or total body water) (Kt/V), or creatinine clearance relative to the total Kt/V or creatinine clearance (CrCl) decreases according to loss of RRF. The loss of the slope of RRF is more pronounced in DN than in NDN patients, especially at baseline time interval to 12 months (loss of 0.29 mL/month vs. 0.13 mL/month, respectively), and is attenuated in the range from 12 to 24 months (loss of 0.13 mL/month vs. 0.09 mL/month, respectively). Diabetic patients also experienced a greater decrease in urine output compared to non-diabetic, starting from a higher baseline urine output. The net water balance was adequate in both groups during the follow up period. Regarding the balance sodium, no inter-group differences in sodium excretion over follow up period was observed. In addition, the removal of sodium in the urine output decreases with loss of renal function. The average concentration of glucose increase in the cycler in both groups (DN: baseline 1.44 ± 0.22, 12 months 1.63 ± 0.39, 24 months 1.73 ± 0.47; NDN: baseline 1.59 ± 0.40, 12 months 1.76 ± 0.47, 24 months 1.80 ± 0.46), in order to maintain the net water balance. The daytime dwell contribution, the fraction of day and the renal fraction of studies parameters provide sustained benefit in the follow-up time, above 30%. Conclusions: The wet day and residual renal function are determinants in the achievement of the objective dose of dialysis, as well as in the water and sodium balance. The cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) does not seem to influence the cleansing effectiveness of the technique.
Structural Investigation of the Oligosaccharide Portion Isolated from the Lipooligosaccharide of the Permafrost Psychrophile Psychrobacter arcticus 273-4
Authors: Casillo Angela , Parrilli Ermenegilda , Filomena Sannino , Lindner Buko , Lanzetta Rosa , Parrilli Michelangelo , Tutino Maria , Corsaro Maria
Published: July 2015

Psychrophilic microorganisms have successfully colonized all permanently cold environments from the deep sea to mountain and polar regions. The ability of an organism to survive and grow in cryoenviroments depends on a number of adaptive strategies aimed at maintaining vital cellular functions at subzero temperatures, which include the structural modifications of the membrane. To understand the role of the membrane in the adaptation, it is necessary to characterize the cell-wall components, such as the lipopolysaccharides, that represent the major constituent of the outer membrane. The aim of this study was to investigate the structure of the carbohydrate backbone of the lipooligosaccharide (LOS) isolated from the cold-adapted Psychrobacter arcticus 273-4. The strain, isolated from a 20,000-to-30,000-year-old continuously frozen permafrost in Siberia, was cultivated at 4 °C. The LOS was isolated from dry cells and analyzed by means of chemical methods. In particular, it was degraded either by mild acid hydrolysis or by hydrazinolysis and investigated in detail by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy and by ESI FT-ICR mass spectrometry. The oligosaccharide was characterized by the substitution of the heptose residue, usually linked to Kdo in the inner core, with a glucose, and for the unusual presence of N-acetylmuramic acid.
Isolation and Total Synthesis of Stolonines A–C, Unique Taurine Amides from the Australian Marine Tunicate Cnemidocarpa stolonifera
Authors: Tran Trong , Pham Ngoc , Ekins Merrick , Hooper John , Quinn Ronald
Published: July 2015

Cnemidocarpa stolonifera is an underexplored marine tunicate that only occurs on the tropical to subtropical East Coast of Australia, with only two pyridoacridine compounds reported previously. Qualitative analysis of the lead-like enhanced fractions of C. stolonifera by LC-MS dual electrospray ionization coupled with PDA and ELSD detectors led to the identification of three new natural products, stolonines A–C (1–3), belonging to the taurine amide structure class. Structures of the new compounds were determined by NMR and MS analyses and later verified by total synthesis. This is the first time that the conjugates of taurine with 3-indoleglyoxylic acid, quinoline-2-carboxylic acid and β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid present in stolonines A–C (1–3), respectively, have been reported. An immunofluorescence assay on PC3 cells indicated that compounds 1 and 3 increased cell size, induced mitochondrial texture elongation, and caused apoptosis in PC3 cells.
The Antioxidant Activity and Their Major Antioxidant Compounds from Acanthopanax senticosus and A. koreanum
Authors: Kim Young-Hyun , Cho Myoung , Kim Dan-Bi , Shin Gi-Hae , Lee Jin-Ha , Lee Jong , Park Sun-Ok , Lee Sang-Jong , Shin Hyun , Lee Ok-Hwan
Published: July 2015

The antioxidant activity and chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid contents were investigated from different parts of Acanthopanax senticosus and A. koreanum. Antioxidant activity was assessed by various in vitro assays such as DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, reducing power assays and ORAC, and the chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid were validated by HPLC chromatography. Among the various extracts, the fruit extracts of A. senticosus and A. koreanum exhibited strongest antioxidant activities including ABTS, FRAP, reducing power and ORAC, however, strongest DPPH radical scavenging activity was observed from the leaf extract of A. senticosus. In addition, the antioxidant activities of various extracts were correlated with total phenolic and proanthocyanidin contents. The major phenolic contents from various parts of these plants observed that leaf extract of A. senticosus expressed higher levels of chlorogenic acid (14.86 mg/dry weigh g) and caffeic acid (3.09 mg/dry weigh g) than other parts. Therefore, these results suggest that the leaf of A. senticosus may be an excellent natural source for functional foods and pharmaceutical agents, and the validated method was useful for the quality control of A. senticosus.
Extractions of Oil from Descurainia sophia Seed Using Supercritical CO2, Chemical Compositions by GC-MS and Evaluation of the Anti-Tussive, Expectorant and Anti-Asthmatic Activities
Authors: Gong Jian-Hong , Zhang Yan-Li , He Jin-Li , Zheng Xiao-Ke , Feng Wei-Sheng , Wang Xiao-Lan , Kuang Hai-Xue , Li Chun-Ge , Cao Yan-Gang
Published: July 2015

Descurainia sophia is widely distributed in China and is one of the most troublesome annual weeds. It has diverse medicinal usage. D. sophia has abundant oil, making it an important oil plant in China. The main goal of this study was to obtain the maximum yield of the oil by an optimal selection of supercritical fluid extraction parameters. According to the central composite design and response surface methodology for supercritical fluid extraction method, a quadratic polynomial model was used to predict the yield of D. sophia seed oil. A series of runs was performed to assess the optimal extraction conditions. The results indicated that the extraction pressure had the greatest impact on oil yield within the range of the operating conditions studied. A total of approximately 67 compounds were separated in D. sophia seed oil by GC-MS, of which 51 compounds represented 98.21% of the total oils, for the first time. This study was also aimed at evaluating the anti-asthmatic, anti-tussive and expectorant activities in vivo of D. sophia seed oil which supplied for further research on bioactive constituents and pharmacological mechanisms.
Cell-Penetrating Peptides: Possibilities and Challenges for Drug Delivery in Vitro and in Vivo
Authors: Skotland Tore , Iversen Tore , Torgersen Maria , Sandvig Kirsten
Published: July 2015

In this review, we discuss how cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) might get access to their intracellular targets. We specifically focus on the challenge of deciding whether the positively-charged CPPs are just bound to the negatively-charged cell surface and subsequently endocytosed or actually transported into the cytosol, either by direct plasma membrane penetration or after endocytosis. This discussion includes comments about pitfalls when using pharmacological inhibitors in such studies. The possibility of exploiting CPPs as carriers for the delivery of drugs of different sizes in vitro is discussed, as is the use of CPPs as carriers for therapeutic drugs or contrast agents in vivo. We conclude that in many cases, more studies are needed to demonstrate conclusively whether increased delivery of a substance attached to CPPs is due to a membrane-penetrating property or whether the increase is a consequence of just changing the charge of the substance to be delivered. Finally, the expected dose needed for the use of such conjugates in vivo is discussed, including aspects to consider in order to bring potential products into clinical use.
Iminoiodane- and Brønsted Base-Mediated Cross Dehydrogenative Coupling of Cyclic Ethers with 1,3-Dicarbonyl Compounds
Authors: Tejo Ciputra , Sim Xiao , Lee Bo , Ayers Benjamin , Leung Chung-Hang , Ma Dik-Lung , Chan Philip
Published: July 2015

A one-pot, two-step approach to prepare 2-tetrahydrofuran and -pyran substituted 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds by PhI=NTs-mediated amination/Brønsted base-catalyzed cross dehydrogenative coupling (CDC) reaction of the cyclic ether and 1,3-dicarbonyl derivative under mild conditions is reported. The reaction is compatible with a variety of cyclic ethers and 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds, affording the corresponding coupled products in moderate to good yields of up to 80% over two steps.
Modeling the Photocatalytic Mineralization in Water of Commercial Formulation of Estrogens 17-β Estradiol (E2) and Nomegestrol Acetate in Contraceptive Pills in a Solar Powered Compound Parabolic Collector
Authors: Colina-Márquez José , Machuca-Martínez Fiderman , Li Puma Gianluca
Published: July 2015

Endocrine disruptors in water are contaminants of emerging concern due to the potential risks they pose to the environment and to the aquatic ecosystems. In this study, a solar photocatalytic treatment process in a pilot-scale compound parabolic collector (CPC) was used to remove commercial estradiol formulations (17-β estradiol and nomegestrol acetate) from water. Photolysis alone degraded up to 50% of estradiol and removed 11% of the total organic carbon (TOC). In contrast, solar photocatalysis degraded up to 57% of estrogens and the TOC removal was 31%, with 0.6 g/L of catalyst load (TiO2 Aeroxide P-25) and 213.6 ppm of TOC as initial concentration of the commercial estradiols formulation. The adsorption of estrogens over the catalyst was insignificant and was modeled by the Langmuir isotherm. The TOC removal via photocatalysis in the photoreactor was modeled considering the reactor fluid-dynamics, the radiation field, the estrogens mass balance, and a modified Langmuir–Hinshelwood rate law, that was expressed in terms of the rate of photon adsorption. The optimum removal of the estrogens and TOC was achieved at a catalyst concentration of 0.4 g/L in 29 mm diameter tubular CPC reactors which approached the optimum catalyst concentration and optical thickness determined from the modeling of the absorption of solar radiation in the CPC, by the six-flux absorption-scattering model (SFM).
Molecular Docking and Structure-Based Drug Design Strategies
Authors: Ferreira Leonardo , Dos Santos Ricardo , Oliva Glaucius , Andricopulo Adriano
Published: July 2015

Pharmaceutical research has successfully incorporated a wealth of molecular modeling methods, within a variety of drug discovery programs, to study complex biological and chemical systems. The integration of computational and experimental strategies has been of great value in the identification and development of novel promising compounds. Broadly used in modern drug design, molecular docking methods explore the ligand conformations adopted within the binding sites of macromolecular targets. This approach also estimates the ligand-receptor binding free energy by evaluating critical phenomena involved in the intermolecular recognition process. Today, as a variety of docking algorithms are available, an understanding of the advantages and limitations of each method is of fundamental importance in the development of effective strategies and the generation of relevant results. The purpose of this review is to examine current molecular docking strategies used in drug discovery and medicinal chemistry, exploring the advances in the field and the role played by the integration of structure- and ligand-based methods.
Secondary Metabolites from Rubiaceae Species
Authors: Martins Daiane , Nunez Cecilia
Published: July 2015

This study describes some characteristics of the Rubiaceae family pertaining to the occurrence and distribution of secondary metabolites in the main genera of this family. It reports the review of phytochemical studies addressing all species of Rubiaceae, published between 1990 and 2014. Iridoids, anthraquinones, triterpenes, indole alkaloids as well as other varying alkaloid subclasses, have shown to be the most common. These compounds have been mostly isolated from the genera Uncaria, Psychotria, Hedyotis, Ophiorrhiza and Morinda. The occurrence and distribution of iridoids, alkaloids and anthraquinones point out their chemotaxonomic correlation among tribes and subfamilies. From an evolutionary point of view, Rubioideae is the most ancient subfamily, followed by Ixoroideae and finally Cinchonoideae. The chemical biosynthetic pathway, which is not so specific in Rubioideae, can explain this and large amounts of both iridoids and indole alkaloids are produced. In Ixoroideae, the most active biosysthetic pathway is the one that produces iridoids; while in Cinchonoideae, it produces indole alkaloids together with other alkaloids. The chemical biosynthetic pathway now supports this botanical conclusion.
An Emulator Toolbox to Approximate Radiative Transfer Models with Statistical Learning
Authors: Rivera Juan , Verrelst Jochem , Gómez-Dans Jose , Muñoz-Marí Jordi , Moreno José , Camps-Valls Gustau
Published: July 2015

Physically-based radiative transfer models (RTMs) help in understanding the processes occurring on the Earth’s surface and their interactions with vegetation and atmosphere. When it comes to studying vegetation properties, RTMs allows us to study light interception by plant canopies and are used in the retrieval of biophysical variables through model inversion. However, advanced RTMs can take a long computational time, which makes them unfeasible in many real applications. To overcome this problem, it has been proposed to substitute RTMs through so-called emulators. Emulators are statistical models that approximate the functioning of RTMs. Emulators are advantageous in real practice because of the computational efficiency and excellent accuracy and flexibility for extrapolation. We hereby present an “Emulator toolbox” that enables analysing multi-output machine learning regression algorithms (MO-MLRAs) on their ability to approximate an RTM. The toolbox is included in the free-access ARTMO’s MATLAB suite for parameter retrieval and model inversion and currently contains both linear and non-linear MO-MLRAs, namely partial least squares regression (PLSR), kernel ridge regression (KRR) and neural networks (NN). These MO-MLRAs have been evaluated on their precision and speed to approximate the soil vegetation atmosphere transfer model SCOPE (Soil Canopy Observation, Photochemistry and Energy balance). SCOPE generates, amongst others, sun-induced chlorophyll fluorescence as the output signal. KRR and NN were evaluated as capable of reconstructing fluorescence spectra with great precision. Relative errors fell below 0.5% when trained with 500 or more samples using cross-validation and principal component analysis to alleviate the underdetermination problem. Moreover, NN reconstructed fluorescence spectra about 50-times faster and KRR about 800-times faster than SCOPE. The Emulator toolbox is foreseen to open new opportunities in the use of advanced RTMs, in which both consistent physical assumptions and data-driven machine learning algorithms live together.
The Sentinel-1 Mission: New Opportunities for Ice Sheet Observations
Authors: Nagler Thomas , Rott Helmut , Hetzenecker Markus , Wuite Jan , Potin Pierre
Published: July 2015

The Sentinel satellite constellation series, developed by the European Space Agency, represents the dedicated space component of the European Copernicus program, committed to long-term operational services in a wide range of application domains. Here, we address the potential of the Sentinel-1 mission for mapping and monitoring the surface velocity of glaciers and ice sheets. We present an ice velocity map of Greenland, derived from synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data acquired in winter 2015 by Sentinel-1A, the first satellite of the Copernicus program in orbit. The map is assembled from about 900 SAR scenes acquired in Interferometric Wide swath (IW) mode, applying the offset tracking technique. We discuss special features of IW mode data, describe the procedures for producing ice velocity maps, and assess the uncertainty of the ice motion product. We compare the Sentinel-1 ice motion product with velocity maps derived from high resolution SAR data of the TerraSAR-X mission and from PALSAR data. Beyond supporting operational services, the Sentinel-1 mission offers enhanced capabilities for comprehensive and long-term observation of key climate variables, such as the motion of ice masses.
Sentinel-1A Product Geolocation Accuracy: Commissioning Phase Results
Authors: Schubert Adrian , Small David , Miranda Nuno , Geudtner Dirk , Meier Erich
Published: July 2015

Sentinel-1A (S1A) is an Earth observation satellite carrying a state-of-the-art Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imaging instrument. It was launched by the European Space Agency (ESA) on 3 April 2014. With the end of the in-orbit commissioning phase having been completed at the end of September 2014, S1A data products are already consistently providing highly accurate geolocation. StripMap (SM) mode products were acquired regularly and tested for geolocation accuracy and consistency during dedicated corner reflector (CR) campaigns. At the completion of this phase, small geometric inconsistencies had been understood and mitigated, with the high quality of the final product geolocation estimates reflecting the mission’s success thus far. This paper describes the measurement campaign, the methods used during geolocation estimation, and presents best estimates of the product Absolute Location Error (ALE) available at the beginning of S1A’s operational phase.
Theoretical Modeling and Analysis of L- and P-band Radar Backscatter Sensitivity to Soil Active Layer Dielectric Variations
Authors: Du Jinyang , Kimball John , Moghaddam Mahta
Published: July 2015

Freeze-thaw (FT) and moisture dynamics within the soil active layer are critical elements of boreal, arctic and alpine ecosystems, and environmental change assessments. We evaluated the potential for detecting dielectric changes within different soil layers using combined L- and P-band radar remote sensing as a prerequisite for detecting FT and moisture profile changes within the soil active layer. A two-layer scattering model was developed and validated for simulating radar responses from vertically inhomogeneous soil. The model simulations indicated that inhomogeneity in the soil dielectric profile contributes to both L- and P-band backscatter, but with greater P-band sensitivity at depth. The difference in L- and P-band responses to soil dielectric profile inhomogeneity appears suitable for detecting associated changes in soil active layer conditions. Additional evaluation using collocated airborne radar (AIRSAR) observations and in situ soil moisture measurements over alpine tundra indicates that combined L- and P-band SAR observations are sensitive to soil dielectric profile heterogeneity associated with variations in soil moisture and FT conditions.
Discrimination of Rice with Different Pretreatment Methods by Using a Voltammetric Electronic Tongue
Authors: Wang Li , Niu Qunfeng , Hui Yanbo , Jin Huali
Published: July 2015

In this study, an application of a voltammetric electronic tongue for discrimination and prediction of different varieties of rice was investigated. Different pretreatment methods were selected, which were subsequently used for the discrimination of different varieties of rice and prediction of unknown rice samples. To this aim, a voltammetric array of sensors based on metallic electrodes was used as the sensing part. The different samples were analyzed by cyclic voltammetry with two sample-pretreatment methods. Discriminant Factorial Analysis was used to visualize the different categories of rice samples; however, radial basis function (RBF) artificial neural network with leave-one-out cross-validation method was employed for prediction modeling. The collected signal data were first compressed employing fast Fourier transform (FFT) and then significant features were extracted from the voltammetric signals. The experimental results indicated that the sample solutions obtained by the non-crushed pretreatment method could efficiently meet the effect of discrimination and recognition. The satisfactory prediction results of voltammetric electronic tongue based on RBF artificial neural network were obtained with less than five-fold dilution of the sample solution. The main objective of this study was to develop primary research on the application of an electronic tongue system for the discrimination and prediction of solid foods and provide an objective assessment tool for the food industry.
Real-Time PPP Based on the Coupling Estimation of Clock Bias and Orbit Error with Broadcast Ephemeris
Authors: Pan Shuguo , Chen Weirong , Jin Xiaodong , Shi Xiaofei , He Fan
Published: July 2015

Satellite orbit error and clock bias are the keys to precise point positioning (PPP). The traditional PPP algorithm requires precise satellite products based on worldwide permanent reference stations. Such an algorithm requires considerable work and hardly achieves real-time performance. However, real-time positioning service will be the dominant mode in the future. IGS is providing such an operational service (RTS) and there are also commercial systems like Trimble RTX in operation. On the basis of the regional Continuous Operational Reference System (CORS), a real-time PPP algorithm is proposed to apply the coupling estimation of clock bias and orbit error. The projection of orbit error onto the satellite-receiver range has the same effects on positioning accuracy with clock bias. Therefore, in satellite clock estimation, part of the orbit error can be absorbed by the clock bias and the effects of residual orbit error on positioning accuracy can be weakened by the evenly distributed satellite geometry. In consideration of the simple structure of pseudorange equations and the high precision of carrier-phase equations, the clock bias estimation method coupled with orbit error is also improved. Rovers obtain PPP results by receiving broadcast ephemeris and real-time satellite clock bias coupled with orbit error. By applying the proposed algorithm, the precise orbit products provided by GNSS analysis centers are rendered no longer necessary. On the basis of previous theoretical analysis, a real-time PPP system was developed. Some experiments were then designed to verify this algorithm. Experimental results show that the newly proposed approach performs better than the traditional PPP based on International GNSS Service (IGS) real-time products. The positioning accuracies of the rovers inside and outside the network are improved by 38.8% and 36.1%, respectively. The PPP convergence speeds are improved by up to 61.4% and 65.9%. The new approach can change the traditional PPP mode because of its advantages of independence, high positioning precision, and real-time performance. It could be an alternative solution for regional positioning service before global PPP service comes into operation.
A new procedure to adapt any type of soil for the consolidation and construction of earthen structures: projected earth system
Authors: Fuentes-García R. , Valverde-Palacios I. , Valverde-Espinosa I.
Published: July 2015

The “projected earth system” is put forward as an alternative construction method. The soil from each site is adapted following a specific protocol to make it suitable for spraying. The type of construction and the receiving surface determine the machinery and spraying system used (dry or wet mix). The result will be similar in texture and colour to the original material (in the case of earth walls) or to the surrounding material.
Physical-chemical characteristics of an eco-friendly binder using ternary mixture of industrial wastes
Authors: Nguyen Hoang-Anh , Chang Ta-Peng , Chen Chun-Tao , Yang Tzong-Ruey , Nguyen Tien-Dung
Published: July 2015

This study explores the physical-chemical characteristics of paste and mortar with an eco-friendly binder named as SFC cement, produced by a ternary mixture of industrial waste materials of ground granulated blast furnace slag (S), Class F fly ash (FFA), and circulating fluidized bed combustion fly ash (CFA). To trigger the hydration, the CFA, which acted as an alkaline-sulfate activator, was added to the blended mixture of slag and FFA. The water to binder ratio (W/B), curing regime, and FFA addition significantly affected the engineering performances and shrinkage/expansion of the SFC pastes and mortars. The SFC mortars had higher workability than that of ordinary Portland cement (OPC). With similar workability, the SFC mortars had compressive strengths and expansions comparable to OPC mortars. The main hydration products of the hardened SFC cement were ettringite (AFt) and C-S-H/C-A-S-H. The transformation of the AFt to the monosulfates was observed as the hydration time increased.
Evaluation of Landsat based fractional land cover mapping in the Alberta Oil Sands Region
Authors: Pouliot D , Parkinson W , Latifovic R
Published: July 2015

In the Alberta Oil Sand Region (AOSR) high spatial resolution (<5 m) remotely sensed multispectral time series are needed to capture the varying size and rates of change that occur. However, limited spatial-temporal coverage and cost of current high
resolution sensors make such an approach impractical for retrieval of historical information and long term monitoring. Using moderate spatial resolution (~30m) time series such as that available with the Landsat series of sensors provides an alternative. In this research the potential to
derived sub-pixel information on land cover types was evaluated for the AOSR using Landsat time series. Sub-pixel land cover fractions were trained for Landsat using high resolution (2 m) Geoeye data classified into basic land cover types. Cover types evaluated included conifer forest, broadleaf
forest, shrub, low vegetation cover, bare, and water. The point spread function of Landsat was modeled to ensure that the reflectance properties measured were coincident with the training footprint in the higher spatial resolution Geoeye scenes. Decision tree classifiers were used for the fractional
modeling. Results showed that land cover fractions could be estimated over the region with an average absolute error ranging from 7-17%. Sampling exerted a significant effect where validation using a holdout Geoeye scene preformed inferior to sampling from all available scenes as expected.
Water and bare covers had limited sampling for fractions between 25-75% and therefore the results for these covers are uncertain in this range. Better controlling for spectral variability, fractional training and Landsat data quality in site specific analysis suggests significant improvement in
accuracy compared to the regional analysis. The improvement for the site specific analysis ranged from 5-10%. Examination of forest fraction sensitivity to change revealed good agreement with forest harvesting and fire, but did not capture insect related damage well. These findings suggest there
is potential for fractional land cover retrieval, but error is likely to remain moderate if training and remote sensing data are not carefully controlled for large regional applications.
Intelligent control of a renewable, energy-efficient bulk storage tank for dairy farms
Authors: Pelser Wiehan A.
Published: July 2015

No abstract available
Hypocalcemia as a prognostic factor in mortality and morbidity in moderate and severe traumatic brain injury
Authors: Manuel Vinas-Rios , Martin Sanchez-Aguilar , Juan Sanchez-Rodriguez , Fernando Muruato-Araiza , Frerk Meyer , Thomas Kretschmer , Christian Heinen
Published: July 2015

Objectives: Our main objective was to evaluate whether serum hypocalcaemia (defined as <2.1 mmol/L [8.5 mg/dL]) and ionized serum calcium (defined as <1.10 mmol/L [4.5 mg/dL]) is a prognostic factor for mortality and morbidity (defined as Glasgow outcome score [GOS] ≤3) in early moderate and severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Materials and Methods: We developed a retrospective study and evaluated clinical profiles from included patients from January 2004 to December 2012. Patients were between 16 and 87 years old and had a Glasgow coma scale of 3–13 points following TBI, with demonstrable intracranial lesions in cranial computed tomography. Results: We found a significant statistical difference (P < 0.008) in the ionized serum calcium levels on the 3rd day of admission between the groups: GOS ≤3 and >3 (disability/death). According with the receiving operative curves analysis, we found that the best level of higher sensitivity (83.76%) and specificity (66.66%) of hypocalcaemia of serum ionized calcium on 3rd day was the value of 1.11 mmol/L, with an odds ratio value of 6.45 (confidence intervals 95%: 2.02–20.55). Conclusions: The serum levels of ionized calcium on day 3 could be useful for the prediction of mortality and disability in patients with moderate and severe TBI.
Symptomatic lumbosacral perineural cysts: A report of three cases and review of literature
Authors: Sharma Mayur , Velho Vernon , Mally Rahul , Khan Shadma
Published: July 2015

Lumbosacral perineural cysts (Tarlov’s cysts) are nerve root cysts, which are usually asymptomatic and are detected incidentally on imaging. These cysts are rare with an incidence of 4.6%. We report three cases of Lumbosacral Tarlov’s cysts, which presented with cauda equina syndrome and radicular pain syndrome. Two of our patients had symptoms of cauda equina syndrome, and one had acute sciatica. Complete excision of the cyst was achieved in two patients and marsupialization of the cyst was done in another patient due to its large size and dense adherence to the sacral nerve roots. All the patients were relieved of the radicular pain with no new neurological deficit following surgery. Symptomatic lumbosacral Tarlov’s cyst is a rare lesion, and the presentation can be low back pain, cauda equina syndrome or sciatica. Therefore, this entity should be kept in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with these symptoms. Complete Surgical excision of these symptomatic cysts is the treatment of choice to achieve a cure.
Aneurysmal bone cyst of the lumbar spine
Authors: Cugati Goutham , Pande Anil , Jain Pradeep , Symss Nigel , Ramamurthi Ravi , Vasudevan Chakravarthy
Published: July 2015

An aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a benign, locally proliferative vascular disorder of non-neoplastic osseous lesions in children and young adults. Seventy-five percent of ABCs occur before the age of 20 years. They comprise 1.4% of all primary bone tumors, and commonly occur in the long bones. Spinal ABCs are much rarer. We present to you one such rare case of ABC involving the lumbar spine which was successfully treated with surgery. The clinical pathological and radiological features are described. The treatment options available are discussed.
Spinal intradural extramedullary mature cystic teratoma in an adult: A rare tumor with review of literature
Authors: Pandey Sharad , Sharma Vivek , Shinde Neeraj , Ghosh Amrita
Published: July 2015

Background: Spinal intradural extramedullary teratoma is a rare condition, more common in children than in adults often with a history of spinal dysraphism. Method: We reviewed the literature and Pubmed advanced search showed nine results of intradural extramedullary teratoma in adults which included five independent case reports and three cases in a case series. We reported a rare case of intradural extramedullary teratoma in an adult located opposite L4 vertebra with neither spinal dysraphism nor any history of the prior spinal procedure. Results: The occurrence of teratomas in the spine is extremely rare. Further, spinal intradural extramedullary teratoma is more common in children but a rare entity in adults.
Conclusion: Although uncommon, spinal cord neoplasm should be considered in the differential diagnosis of backache or radicular pain associated with neurological deficits even in absence of spinal dysraphism or any spinal procedure.
Outcome of pediatric head injury patients admitted as unknown at a level-i apex trauma centre
Authors: Nath Haradhan , Tandon Vivek , Mahapatra Ashok , Gupta Deepak
Published: July 2015

Objective: Patients with head injury who are not identified at admission are a challenge to manage and in this backdrop we decided to analyze our data of such pediatric patients for their outcome. Materials and Methods: It was a retrospective study conducted at the level-I trauma center. A total of 12 consecutive pediatric (<20 years) age group patients whose identities were not known at the time of admission were included in the study. Results: All 12 patients were male. The road traffic accident was the most common cause of injury (8, 67%). Mean age of the patients were 16.75 ± 4.45 years. Computerized tomography (CT) scan showed cerebral contusion in four (33%) patients. Six (50%) patients needed surgery and others were treated conservatively. During the course of hospital treatment, one (8%) patient died, two (16%) had good recovery, and four (33%) were moderately disabled. Among the 12 patients identity, eight (67%) could be ascertained. Seven (58%) patients were sent home with their relatives, one (8%) was referred to a district hospital and three (25%) remained as unknown and were referred to destitute home for rehabilitation. Conclusion: Unidentified patients of pediatric age group have better outcome if proper care is provided in time.
Cortical membranectomy in chronic subdural hematoma: Report of two cases
Authors: Altinel Faruk , Altin Cihan , Gezmis Esin , Altinors Nur
Published: July 2015

Different surgical procedures have been used in the management of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH). Nowadays treatment with burr hole is more preferable than craniotomy in most clinics. We present two cases of CSDH, which caused neurological deficits. In both cases cortical membranectomy was performed following craniotomy. After this procedure, significant improvement was observed in patients neurological deficits. We recommend that craniotomy and subtotal membranectomy may be a more adequate choice in such cases. This report underlined that craniotomy is still an acceptable, safe, efficient and even a better procedure in selected patients with CSDH.
Infratentorial hemorrhagic cerebral proliferative angiopathy: A rare presentation of a rare disease
Authors: Kumar Sunil , Sharma Mukesh , Srivastava Trilochan , Sinha Virendra
Published: July 2015

Cerebral proliferative angiopathy (CPA) is a unique and rare vascular malformation with distinct clinico-radiological features. CPA is associated with low risk of hemorrhage as compared to classical cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Infratentorial location of diffuse nidus is also an uncommon presentation. Infratentorial hemorrhagic presentation of CPA is a rare co-occurrence. Herein, we report a case of an elderly old male, who presented with acute onset severe headache, recurrent vomiting, vertigo and swaying toward left side while walking. Cerebellar signs in the form of scanning speech, nystagmus, impaired finger-to-nose incoordination test, dysdiadochokinesia, and limb ataxia on the left side were present. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain revealed diffuse vascular network with intermingled normal brain parenchyma and hemorrhage in the left cerebellum. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) revealed diffuse, ill-defined, nidus in left posterior fossa involving the left posterior inferior cerebellar, anterior inferior cerebellar and posterior cerebral arterial territories. There were no definite arterial feeders. DSA showed scattered “puddling” appearance of contrast material in the widespread nidus and drained into the multiple ill-defined posterior fossa veins. The MRI brain and DSA findings were consistent with the diagnosis of the CPA. Treatment in our case was limited to supportive medical therapy because selective embolization was not feasible due to nonidentifiable arterial feeders. He was asymptomatic at 1-year follow-up. This case highlights a rare entity called CPAs, which have different clinical presentations, angiographic features, treatment options and patient outcome as compared to classical cerebral AVMs.
Early versus delayed decompression in acute subaxial cervical spinal cord injury: A prospective outcome study at a Level I trauma center from India
Authors: Gupta Deepak , Vaghani Gaurang , Siddiqui Saquib , Sawhney Chhavi , Singh Pankaj , Kumar Atin , Kale S. , Sharma B.
Published: July 2015

Aims: This study was done with the aim to compare the clinical outcome and patients’ quality of life between early versus delayed surgically treated patients of acute subaxial cervical spinal cord injury. The current study was based on the hypothesis that early surgical decompression and fixations in acute subaxial cervical spinal cord trauma is safe and is associated with improved outcome as compared to delayed surgical decompression. Materials and Methods: A total of 69 patients were recruited and divided into early decompression surgery Group A (operated within 48 h of trauma; n = 23) and late/delayed decompression surgery Group B (operated between 48 h and 7 days of trauma; n = 46). The patients in both groups were followed up, and comparative differences noted in the neurological outcome, quality of life, and bony fusion. Results: The early surgery group spent lesser days in the intensive care unit and hospital (Group A 28.6 vs. Group B 35 days) had lesser postoperative complications (Group A 43% vs. Group B 61%) and a reduced mortality (Group A 30% vs. Group B 45%). In Group A, 38% patients had 1 American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) grade improvement while 31% experienced >2 ASIA grade improvement. In Group B, the neurological improvement was 27% and 32%, respectively (P = 0.7). There was a significant improvement in the postoperative quality of life scores in both groups. Conclusion: Early surgery in patients with acute subaxial cervical spine injury should be considered strongly in view of the lesser complications, early discharge, and reduced mortality.
Hereditary angioedema: A rare presentation after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion
Authors: Umerani Muhammad , Alzahrani Khaled , Mostafa Gabr
Published: July 2015

Hereditary angioedema is an autosomal dominant disorder following a genetic defect of C1 inhibitor gene on chromosome 11. This rare condition presents itself as a recurrent attack of submucosal swelling mostly involving skin, gastrointestinal tract and upper respiratory airway and exacerbates with any physical and emotional stress. Prompt diagnosis and prevention of an acute attack with early recognition and effective treatment can protect the patient from potential laryngeal edema and fatality.
Informed Consent
Authors: Manion F. , Hsieh K. , Harris M. , Fenton S. H.
Published: July 2015

Background: Despite efforts to provide standard definitions of terms such as “medical record”, “computer-based patient record”, “electronic medical record” and “electronic health record”, the terms are still used interchangeably. Initiatives like data and information governance, research biorepositories, and learning health systems require availability and reuse of data, as well as common understandings of the scope for specific purposes. Lacking widely shared definitions, utilization of the afore-mentioned terms in research informed consent documents calls to question whether all participants in the research process — patients, information technology and regulatory staff, and the investigative team — fully understand what data and information they are asking to obtain and agreeing to share.

Objectives: This descriptive study explored the terminology used in research informed consent documents when describing patient data and information, asking the question “Does the use of the term “medical record” in the context of a research informed consent document accurately represent the scope of the data involved?”

Methods: Informed consent document templates found on 17 Institutional Review Board (IRB) websites with Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) were searched for terms that appeared to be describing the data resources to be accessed. The National Library of Medicine’s (NLM) Terminology Services was searched for definitions provided by key standards groups that deposit terminologies with the NLM.

Discussion: The results suggest research consent documents are using outdated terms to describe patient information, health care terminology systems need to consider the context of research for use cases, and that there is significant work to be done to assure the HIPAA Omnibus Rule is applied to contemporary activities such as biorepositories and learning health systems.

Conclusions: “Medical record”, a term used extensively in research informed consent documents, is ambiguous and does not serve us well in the context of contemporary information management and governance.

Citation: Fenton SH, Manion F, Hsieh K, Harris M. Informed Consent: Does Anyone Really Understand What Is Contained In The Medical Record? Appl Clin Inform 2015; 6: 466–477

http://dx.doi.org/10.4338/ACI-2014-09-SOA-0081
Systemic Design: How to Compete by Leveraging the Value System
Authors: Mosca Fabrizio , Tamborrini Paolo , Casalegno Cecilia
Published: July 2015

Sustainability interfaces with the economy through the social and ecological consequences of economic activities. Furthermore, the culture of food lends strategic value to the food system with its economic, social, cultural, and environmental implications. Systemic Design (SD) designs material and energy flows, investigating positive changes in productive processes and activating a new economic model based on open industrial cycles. Firms can build new and strong competitive advantages for themselves and for the territory in which they operate, and this result can be achieved going beyond environmental concerns (environmental responsibility).
R&D and Product Engineering in Global Pharmaceutical Companies
Authors: Riboldazzi Sabina
Published: July 2015

In the global pharmaceutical market, innovation and imitation processes play a key role in companies’ development policies. Through the analysis of the main pharmaceutical companies (originator and generic pharmaceutical companies), this paper aims to identify features that qualify companies themselves, with a particular focus on new product R&D processes.
Partitioning and budget of inorganic and organic chlorine species observed by MIPAS-B and TELIS in the Arctic in March 2011
Authors: Wetzel G. , Oelhaf H. , Birk M. , de Lange A. , Engel A. , Friedl-Vallon F. , Kirner O. , Kleinert A. , Maucher G. , Nordmeyer H. , Orphal J. , Ruhnke R. , Sinnhuber B.-M. , Vogt P.
Published: July 2015

Abstract. The Arctic winter 2010/2011 was characterized by a persistent vortex with extremely low temperatures in the lower stratosphere above northern Scandinavia leading to a strong activation of chlorine compounds (ClOx) like Cl, Cl2, ClO, ClOOCl, OClO, and HOCl, which rapidly destroyed ozone when sunlight returned after winter solstice. The MIPAS-B (Michelson Interferometer for Passive Atmospheric Sounding) and TELIS (TErahertz and submillimeter LImb Sounder) balloon measurements obtained in northern Sweden on 31 March 2011 inside the polar vortex have provided vertical profiles of inorganic and organic chlorine species as well as diurnal variations of ClO around sunrise over the whole altitude range in which chlorine has been undergoing activation and deactivation. This flight was performed at the end of the winter during the last phase of ClOx deactivation. The complete inorganic and organic chlorine partitioning and budget for 31 March 2011, assumed to be representative for the late-winter Arctic stratosphere, has been derived by combining MIPAS-B and TELIS simultaneously observed molecules. A total chlorine amount of 3.41 ± 0.30 parts per billion by volume is inferred from the measurements (above 24 km). This value is in line with previous stratospheric observations carried out outside the tropics confirming the slightly decreasing chlorine amount in the stratosphere. Observations are compared and discussed with the output of a multi-year simulation performed with the chemistry climate model EMAC (ECHAM5/MESSy Atmospheric Chemistry). The simulated stratospheric total chlorine amount is in accordance with the MIPAS-B/TELIS observations, taking into account the fact that some chlorine source gases and very short-lived species are not included in the model.
The Outdoor Dust Information Node (ODIN) – development and performance assessment of a low cost ambient dust sensor
Authors: Olivares G. , Edwards S.
Published: July 2015

Abstract. The large gradients in air quality expected in urban areas present a significant challenge to standard measurement technologies. Small, low-cost devices have been developing rapidly in recent years and have the potential to improve the spatial coverage of traditional air quality measurements. Here we present the first version of the Outdoor Dust Information Node (ODIN) as well as the results of the first real-world measurements. The lab tests indicate that the Sharp dust sensor used in the ODIN presents a stable baseline response only slightly affected by ambient temperature. The field tests indicate that ODIN data can be used to estimate hourly and daily PM2.5 concentrations after appropriate temperature and baseline corrections are applied. The ODIN seems suitable for campaign deployments complementing more traditional measurements.