bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Case of Multiple Myeloma with Unusual Serum Protein Electrophoresis
Authors: Nargis Waheeda , Ibrahim Mohammad
Published: June 2016

Monoclonal gammopathy is a group of B-cell disorders resulting in the secretion of a specific and unique monoclonal immunoglobulin (M-component); best detecting with high resolution agarose gel electrophoresis. An M-protein is usually visible as a localized band on agarose gel electrophoretic peak in the beta, gamma, or rarely in the alpha-2globulin region of the densitometer tracing. Here, we presented a multiple myeloma patient with IgA kappa paraprotein showing an M spike in the alpha-2 globulin region in agarose gel electrophoresis.Pulse Vol.8 January-December 2015 p.77-80
Adult Patient Presenting Rare Brain Tumour-Gliosarcoma
Authors: Khalequezzaman Syed , Alam Jahangir , Ahsan Sania , Khan Biva Shrestha
Published: June 2016

Gliosarcoma is a rare primary malignancy of the central nervous system, classified by the World Health Organization as a high-grade glioma and a variant of glioblastoma multiforme. A 57-year-old gentleman presented with a history of left-sided weakness and loss of appetite. Brain MRI was suggestive of right frontal and thalamic mass lesion with contrast enhancement at the periphery. Open biopsy examination revealed a malignant brain tumour presenting a biphasic tissue pattern with gliomatous and mesenchymal components suggestive of gliosarcoma. Although the treatment of gliosarcomas is almost similar to glioblastomas (surgical resection and, depending on clinical status, radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy) the prognosis of gliosarcomas remains poorPulse Vol.8 January-December 2015 p.85-88
Comparative Perspective of Human Behavior Patterns to Uncover Ownership Bias among Mobile Phone Users
Authors: Arai Ayumi , Fan Zipei , Matekenya Dunstan , Shibasaki Ryosuke
Published: June 2016

With the rapid spread of mobile devices, call detail records (CDRs) from mobile phones provide more opportunities to incorporate dynamic aspects of human mobility in addressing societal issues. However, it has been increasingly observed that CDR data are not always representative of the population under study because it only includes device users alone. To understand the discrepancy between the population captured by CDRs and the general population, we profile principal populations of CDRs by analyzing routines based on time spent at key locations and compare these data with those of the general population. We employ a topic model to estimate typical routines of mobile phone users using CDRs as topics. The routines are extracted from field survey data and compared between those of the general population and mobile phone users. We found that there are two main population groups of mobile phone users in Dhaka: males engaged in an income-generating activity at a specific location other than home and females performing household tasks and spending most of their time at home. We determine that CDRs tend to omit students, who form a significant component of the Dhaka population.
The Complete Chloroplast Genome Sequences of the Medicinal Plant Pogostemon cablin
Authors: He Yang , Xiao Hongtao , Deng Cao , Xiong Liang , Yang Jian , Peng Cheng
Published: June 2016

Pogostemon cablin, the natural source of patchouli alcohol, is an important herb in the Lamiaceae family. Here, we present the entire chloroplast genome of P. cablin. This genome, with 38.24% GC content, is 152,460 bp in length. The genome presents a typical quadripartite structure with two inverted repeats (each 25,417 bp in length), separated by one small and one large single-copy region (17,652 and 83,974 bp in length, respectively). The chloroplast genome encodes 127 genes, of which 107 genes are single-copy, including 79 protein-coding genes, four rRNA genes, and 24 tRNA genes. The genome structure, GC content, and codon usage of this chloroplast genome are similar to those of other species in the family, except that it encodes less protein-coding genes and tRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis reveals that P. cablin diverged from the Scutellarioideae clade about 29.45 million years ago (Mya). Furthermore, most of the simple sequence repeats (SSRs) are short polyadenine or polythymine repeats that contribute to high AT content in the chloroplast genome. Complete sequences and annotation of P. cablin chloroplast genome will facilitate phylogenic, population and genetic engineering research investigations involving this particular species.
Human Saliva Collection Devices for Proteomics: An Update
Authors: Khurshid Zohaib , Zohaib Sana , Najeeb Shariq , Zafar Muhammad , Slowey Paul , Almas Khalid
Published: June 2016

There has been a rapid growth in the interest and adaptation of saliva as a diagnostic specimen over the last decade, and in the last few years in particular, there have been major developments involving the application of saliva as a clinically relevant specimen. Saliva provides a “window” into the oral and systemic health of an individual, and like other bodily fluids, saliva can be analyzed and studied to diagnose diseases. With the advent of new, more sensitive technologies to detect smaller concentrations of analytes in saliva relative to blood levels, there have been a number of critical developments in the field that we will describe. In particular, recent advances in standardized saliva collection devices that were not available three to four years ago, have made it easy for safe, simple, and non-invasive collection of samples to be carried out from patients. With the availability of these new technologies, we believe that in the next decade salivary proteomics will make it possible to predict and diagnose oral as well as systemic diseases, cancer, and infectious diseases, among others. The aim of this article is to review recent developments and advances in the area of saliva specimen collection devices and applications that will advance the field of proteomics.
Molecular Characterization of the Complete Genome of Three Basal-BR Isolates of Turnip mosaic virus Infecting Raphanus sativus in China
Authors: Zhu Fuxiang , Sun Ying , Wang Yan , Pan Hongyu , Wang Fengting , Zhang Xianghui , Zhang Yanhua , Liu Jinliang
Published: June 2016

Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) infects crops of plant species in the family Brassicaceae worldwide. TuMV isolates were clustered to five lineages corresponding to basal-B, basal-BR, Asian-BR, world-B and OMs. Here, we determined the complete genome sequences of three TuMV basal-BR isolates infecting radish from Shandong and Jilin Provinces in China. Their genomes were all composed of 9833 nucleotides, excluding the 3′-terminal poly(A) tail. They contained two open reading frames (ORFs), with the large one encoding a polyprotein of 3164 amino acids and the small overlapping ORF encoding a PIPO protein of 61 amino acids, which contained the typically conserved motifs found in members of the genus Potyvirus. In pairwise comparison with 30 other TuMV genome sequences, these three isolates shared their highest identities with isolates from Eurasian countries (Germany, Italy, Turkey and China). Recombination analysis showed that the three isolates in this study had no “clear” recombination. The analyses of conserved amino acids changed between groups showed that the codons in the TuMV out group (OGp) and OMs group were the same at three codon sites (852, 1006, 1548), and the other TuMV groups (basal-B, basal-BR, Asian-BR, world-B) were different. This pattern suggests that the codon in the OMs progenitor did not change but that in the other TuMV groups the progenitor sequence did change at divergence. Genetic diversity analyses indicate that the PIPO gene was under the highest selection pressure and the selection pressure on P3N-PIPO and P3 was almost the same. It suggests that most of the selection pressure on P3 was probably imposed through P3N-PIPO.
Recycling and Refurbishing of Epoxy Packaging Mold Ports and Plungers
Authors: Huang Wan-Chiech , Hsu Chao-Ming , Yang Cheng-Fu
Published: June 2016

During the integrated circuit (IC) packaging process, acid or alkaline chemical ingredients in the packaging material and in the mold cleaning cake are the major contributor to the corrosion of mold ports and plungers. To prolong the service life of these parts, this study concentrates of three aspects of the problem: First, after recycling and cleaning the plungers and ports, a special vacuum coating is applied to counteract corrosion and reduce abrasion. This coating is resistant to acid and alkali and has a hardness of up to HV4000. This makes it both resistant to abrasion and prolongs working life. Halogen-free packaging material has now been introduced to produce Green Electric Membership Corporations (EMC). However, this material is more viscous than the older, more polluting, plastic cake and this shortens the time between mold cleaning and subsequently reduces time for production as well. Also, most abrasion of the plunger occurs within 3 mm of the tip. We have developed a silver welding technique for this portion and a process in which several materials are used for the main body of the plunger. The procedure involves cutting off the tip and welding on a compound material, we have used DC53 + F10 Steel. These techniques allow recycling and refurbishment of the plungers and ports of packaging molds to prolong their service life to a considerable degree. Take Advanced Semiconductor Engineering Inc. as an example, if each plant uses 1000 sets a month, 12 plants will use 144 thousand sets every year. The saving on each set is about NT$1600. This represents a saving of half the expenditure on mold ports and plungers.
Molecular Imaging of Angiogenesis and Vascular Remodeling in Cardiovascular Pathology
Authors: Golestani Reza , Jung Jae-Joon , Sadeghi Mehran
Published: June 2016

Angiogenesis and vascular remodeling are involved in a wide array of cardiovascular diseases, from myocardial ischemia and peripheral arterial disease, to atherosclerosis and aortic aneurysm. Molecular imaging techniques to detect and quantify key molecular and cellular players in angiogenesis and vascular remodeling (e.g., vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptors, αvβ3 integrin, and matrix metalloproteinases) can advance vascular biology research and serve as clinical tools for early diagnosis, risk stratification, and selection of patients who would benefit most from therapeutic interventions. To target these key mediators, a number of molecular imaging techniques have been developed and evaluated in animal models of angiogenesis and vascular remodeling. This review of the state of the art molecular imaging of angiogenesis and vascular (and valvular) remodeling, will focus mostly on nuclear imaging techniques (positron emission tomography and single photon emission tomography) that offer high potential for clinical translation.
Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis
Authors: Tracy Michael , Okorie Caroline , Foley Elizabeth , Moss Richard
Published: June 2016

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), a progressive fungal allergic lung disease, is a common complication of asthma or cystic fibrosis. Although ABPA has been recognized since the 1950s, recent research has underscored the importance of Th2 immune deviation and granulocyte activation in its pathogenesis. There is also strong evidence of widespread under-diagnosis due to the complexity and lack of standardization of diagnostic criteria. Treatment has long focused on downregulation of the inflammatory response with prolonged courses of oral glucocorticosteroids, but more recently concerns with steroid toxicity and availability of new treatment modalities has led to trials of oral azoles, inhaled amphotericin, pulse intravenous steroids, and subcutaneously-injected anti-IgE monoclonal antibody omalizumab, all of which show evidence of efficacy and reduced toxicity.
Capsaicin Inhibited Aggressive Phenotypes through Downregulation of Tumor-Associated NADH Oxidase (tNOX) by POU Domain Transcription Factor POU3F2
Authors: Chen Hung , Lee Yi , Chen Huei , Yeh Chia , Chueh Pin , Lin Yi-Mei
Published: June 2016

Capsaicin has been reported to preferentially inhibit the activity of tumor-associated NADH oxidase (tNOX), which belongs to a family of growth-related plasma membrane hydroquinone oxidases in cancer/transformed cells. The inhibitory effect of capsaicin on tNOX is associated with cell growth attenuation and apoptosis. However, no previous study has examined the transcriptional regulation of tNOX protein expression. Bioinformatic analysis has indicated that the tNOX promoter sequence harbors a binding motif for POU3F2, which is thought to play important roles in neuronal differentiation, melanocytes growth/differentiation and tumorigenesis. In this study, we found that capsaicin-mediated tNOX downregulation and cell migration inhibition were through POU3F2. The protein expression levels of POU3F2 and tNOX are positively correlated, and that overexpression of POU3F2 (and the corresponding upregulation of tNOX) enhanced the proliferation, migration and invasion in AGS (human gastric carcinoma) cells. In contrast, knockdown of POU3F2 downregulates tNOX, and the cancer phenotypes are affected. These findings not only shed light on the molecular mechanism of the anticancer properties of capsaicin, but also the transcription regulation of tNOX expression that may potentially explain how POU3F2 is associated with tumorigenesis.
New 30-Noroleanane Triterpenoid Saponins from Holboellia coriacea Diels
Authors: Ding Wenbing , Li Ye , Li Guanhua , He Hualiang , Li Zhiwen , Li Youzhi
Published: June 2016

Three new 30-noroleanane triterpenoid saponins, akebonoic acid 28-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1′′→6′)-β-d-glucopyranosyl ester (1), akebonoic acid 28-O-(6′′-O-caffeoyl)-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1′′→6′)-β-d-glucopyranosyl ester (Holboelliside A, 2) and 3β,20α,24-trihydroxy-29-norolean-12-en-28-oic acid 3-O-(6′-O-caffeoyl)-β-d-glucopyranoside (Holboelliside B, 3) were isolated from the stems of Holboellia coriacea Diels, together with five known compounds, eupteleasaponin VIII (4), 3α-akebonoic acid (5), quinatic acid (6), 3β-hydroxy-30-norhederagenin (7) and quinatoside A (8). The structures of these compounds were determined on the basis of spectral and chemical evidence. Compounds 1–5 were evaluated for their inhibitory activity against three human tumors HepG2, HCT116 and SGC-7901 cell lines in vitro.
Solid Phase Formylation of N-Terminus Peptides
Authors: Tornesello Anna , Sanseverino Marina , Buonaguro Franco
Published: June 2016

Formylation of amino groups is a critical reaction involved in several biological processes including post-translational modification of histones. The addition of a formyl group (CHO) to the N-terminal end of a peptide chain generates biologically active molecules. N-formyl-peptides can be produced by different methods. We performed the N-formylation of two chemotactic hexapetides, Met1-Leu2-Lys3-Leu4-Ile5-Val6 and Met1-Met2-Tyr3-Ala4-Leu5-Phe6, carrying out the reaction directly on peptidyl-resin following pre-activation of formic acid with N,N-dicyclohexylcarbodiimmide (DCC) in liquid phase. The overnight incubation at 4 °C resulted in a significant increase in production yields of formylated peptides compared to the reaction performed at room temperature. The method is consistently effective, rapid, and inexpensive. Moreover, the synthetic strategy can be applied for the formylation of all primary amines at N-terminus of peptide chains or amino groups of lysine side-chains in solid phase.
Enhanced Activity of Supported Ni Catalysts Promoted by Pt for Rapid Reduction of Aromatic Nitro Compounds
Authors: Shang Huishan , Pan Kecheng , Zhang Lu , Zhang Bing , Xiang Xu
Published: June 2016

To improve the activities of non-noble metal catalysts is highly desirable and valuable to the reduced use of noble metal resources. In this work, the supported nickel (Ni) and nickel-platinum (NiPt) nanocatalysts were derived from a layered double hydroxide/carbon composite precursor. The catalysts were characterized and the role of Pt was analysed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) mapping, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) techniques. The Ni2+ was reduced to metallic Ni0 via a self-reduction way utilizing the carbon as a reducing agent. The average sizes of the Ni particles in the NiPt catalysts were smaller than that in the supported Ni catalyst. The electronic structure of Ni was affected by the incorporation of Pt. The optimal NiPt catalysts exhibited remarkably improved activity toward the reduction of nitrophenol, which has an apparent rate constant (Ka) of 18.82 × 10−3 s−1, 6.2 times larger than that of Ni catalyst and also larger than most of the reported values of noble-metal and bimetallic catalysts. The enhanced activity could be ascribed to the modification to the electronic structure of Ni by Pt and the effect of exposed crystal planes.
Nanoparticles in Bioimaging
Authors: Gun’ko Yurii
Published: June 2016

This Special Issue of Nanomaterials is dedicated to the application of nanoparticulate materials in biological imaging.[...]
DNA Sequencing by Hexagonal Boron Nitride Nanopore: A Computational Study
Authors: Zhang Liuyang , Wang Xianqiao
Published: June 2016

The single molecule detection associated with DNA sequencing has motivated intensive efforts to identify single DNA bases. However, little research has been reported utilizing single-layer hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) for DNA sequencing. Here we employ molecular dynamics simulations to explore pathways for single-strand DNA (ssDNA) sequencing by nanopore on the hBN sheet. We first investigate the adhesive strength between nucleobases and the hBN sheet, which provides the foundation for the hBN-base interaction and nanopore sequencing mechanism. Simulation results show that the purine base has a more remarkable energy profile and affinity than the pyrimidine base on the hBN sheet. The threading of ssDNA through the hBN nanopore can be clearly identified due to their different energy profiles and conformations with circular nanopores on the hBN sheet. The sequencing process is orientation dependent when the shape of the hBN nanopore deviates from the circle. Our results open up a promising avenue to explore the capability of DNA sequencing by hBN nanopore.
Nutrition in Pregnancy: Optimising Maternal Diet and Fetal Adaptations to Altered Nutrient Supply
Authors: Morrison Janna , Regnault Timothy
Published: June 2016

Maternal nutrition during pregnancy, and how this impacts placental and fetal growth and metabolism, is of considerable interest to women, their partners and their health care professionals.[...]
Vitamin D in Fibromyalgia: A Causative or Confounding Biological Interplay?
Authors: Karras Spyridon , Rapti Eleni , Matsoukas Stauros , Kotsa Kalliopi
Published: June 2016

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic syndrome with an increasing prevalence, characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain in combination with a variety of cognitive symptoms and fatigue. A plethora of scientific evidence that has accumulated during the last decades, resulted in a significant improvement of the understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease. However, current therapeutic approaches in patients with FM remains a multidimensional approach including patient education, behavioral therapy, exercise, pain management, and relief of chronic symptoms, rather than the use drug therapies, based on the mechanisms of disease development. Vitamin D, a fat-soluble vitamin derived mainly from skin synthesis through ultraviolet radiation, has been recognized to manifest a plethora of extraskeletal actions, apart from its fundamental role in skeletal and calcium homeostasis, including modulation of cell growth, neuromuscular actions, and potential anti-inflammatory properties. Recent findings indicate that hypovitaminosis D to be highly prevalent in patients with FM. Supplementation studies are limited so far, indicating potential beneficial effects on pain and severity of the disease, however specific recommendations are lacking. This review aims to summarize and critically appraise data regarding the pathophysiological interplay between vitamin D and FM, available results from observational and supplementation studies so far, with a clinical discourse on current knowledge gaps and future research agenda.
Two-Stage n-PSK Partitioning Carrier Phase Recovery Scheme for Circular mQAM Coherent Optical Systems
Authors: Rodrigo Navarro Jaime , Kakkar Aditya , Pang Xiaodan , Iglesias Olmedo Miguel , Ozolins Oskars , Da Ros Francesco , Piels Molly , Schatz Richard , Zibar Darko , Jacobsen Gunnar , Popov Sergei
Published: June 2016

A novel two-stage n-PSK partitioning carrier phase recovery (CPR) scheme for circular multilevel quadrature amplitude modulation (C-mQAM) constellations is presented. The first stage of the algorithm provides an initial rough estimation of the received constellation, which is utilized in the second stage for CPR. The performance of the proposed algorithm is studied through extensive simulations at the forward error correction bit error rate targets of 3.8 × 10−3 and 1 × 10−2 and is compared with different CPR algorithms. A significant improvement in the combined linewidth symbol duration product (ΔνTs) tolerance is achieved compared to the single-stage n-PSK partitioning scheme. Superior performance in the ΔνTs tolerance compared to the blind phase search algorithm is also reported. The relative improvements with respect to other CPR schemes are also validated experimentally for a 28-Gbaud C-16QAM back-to-back transmission system. The computational complexity of the proposed CPR scheme is studied, and reduction factors of 24.5 | 30.1 and 59.1 | 63.3 are achieved for C-16QAM and C-64QAM, respectively, compared to single-stage BPS in the form of multipliers | adders.
Follower-Centric Influences on Sexual Decision Making in a Pentecostal Church Faith Community
Authors: Mpofu Elias
Published: June 2016

This study utilized participatory action research approaches to construct a follower-centric framework for measuring influences on sexual decision making by youth members of a church organization. Participants were Batswana Pentecostal church members self-reporting on their engagement in pre-marital sex (n = 68, females = 62%; age range 15–23 years; median age = 20.3 years) from eight of 26 randomly selected congregations. They completed a multi-stage concept mapping process that included free listing of statements of potential influences on their sexual decisions. They then sorted the statements into groupings similar in meaning to them, and rated the same statements for relative importance to their sexual decisions. Multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analysis of the data yielded a five cluster solution in which church teachings emerged as most salient to the teenagers’ sexual decision making followed by future orientation, community norms, knowledge about HIV/AIDS and prevention education. While the youth believed to be influenced by religion teachings on primary sexual abstinence, they self-reported with pre-marital sex. This suggests a need for secondary abstinence education with them to reduce their risk for STIs/HIV and unwanted pregnancies. Concept mapping is serviceable to construct frameworks and to identify content of follower-centric influences on sexual decision making by church youth members.
Stride Counting in Human Walking and Walking Distance Estimation Using Insole Sensors
Authors: Truong Phuc , Lee Jinwook , Kwon Ae-Ran , Jeong Gu-Min
Published: June 2016

This paper proposes a novel method of estimating walking distance based on a precise counting of walking strides using insole sensors. We use an inertial triaxial accelerometer and eight pressure sensors installed in the insole of a shoe to record walkers’ movement data. The data is then transmitted to a smartphone to filter out noise and determine stance and swing phases. Based on phase information, we count the number of strides traveled and estimate the movement distance. To evaluate the accuracy of the proposed method, we created two walking databases on seven healthy participants and tested the proposed method. The first database, which is called the short distance database, consists of collected data from all seven healthy subjects walking on a 16 m distance. The second one, named the long distance database, is constructed from walking data of three healthy subjects who have participated in the short database for an 89 m distance. The experimental results show that the proposed method performs walking distance estimation accurately with the mean error rates of 4.8% and 3.1% for the short and long distance databases, respectively. Moreover, the maximum difference of the swing phase determination with respect to time is 0.08 s and 0.06 s for starting and stopping points of swing phases, respectively. Therefore, the stride counting method provides a highly precise result when subjects walk.
Accurate Vehicle Location System Using RFID, an Internet of Things Approach
Authors: Prinsloo Jaco , Malekian Reza
Published: June 2016

Modern infrastructure, such as dense urban areas and underground tunnels, can effectively block all GPS signals, which implies that effective position triangulation will not be achieved. The main problem that is addressed in this project is the design and implementation of an accurate vehicle location system using radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology in combination with GPS and the Global system for Mobile communication (GSM) technology, in order to provide a solution to the limitation discussed above. In essence, autonomous vehicle tracking will be facilitated with the use of RFID technology where GPS signals are non-existent. The design of the system and the results are reflected in this paper. An extensive literature study was done on the field known as the Internet of Things, as well as various topics that covered the integration of independent technology in order to address a specific challenge. The proposed system is then designed and implemented. An RFID transponder was successfully designed and a read range of approximately 31 cm was obtained in the low frequency communication range (125 kHz to 134 kHz). The proposed system was designed, implemented, and field tested and it was found that a vehicle could be accurately located and tracked. It is also found that the antenna size of both the RFID reader unit and RFID transponder plays a critical role in the maximum communication range that can be achieved.
A MEMS Resonant Sensor to Measure Fluid Density and Viscosity under Flexural and Torsional Vibrating Modes
Authors: Zhao Libo , Hu Yingjie , Wang Tongdong , Ding Jianjun , Liu Xixiang , Zhao Yulong , Jiang Zhuangde
Published: June 2016

Methods to calculate fluid density and viscosity using a micro-cantilever and based on the resonance principle were put forward. Their measuring mechanisms were analyzed and the theoretical equations to calculate the density and viscosity were deduced. The fluid-solid coupling simulations were completed for the micro-cantilevers with different shapes. The sensing chips with micro-cantilevers were designed based on the simulation results and fabricated using the micro electromechanical systems (MEMS) technology. Finally, the MEMS resonant sensor was packaged with the sensing chip to measure the densities and viscosities of eight different fluids under the flexural and torsional vibrating modes separately. The relative errors of the measured densities from 600 kg/m3 to 900 kg/m3 and viscosities from 200 μPa·s to 1000 μPa·s were calculated and analyzed with different microcantilevers under various vibrating modes. The experimental results showed that the effects of the shape and vibrating mode of micro-cantilever on the measurement accuracies of fluid density and viscosity were analyzed in detail.
Low-Carbon Based Multi-Objective Bi-Level Power Dispatching under Uncertainty
Authors: Zhou Xiaoyang , Zhao Canhui , Chai Jian , Lev Benjamin , Lai Kin
Published: June 2016

This research examines a low-carbon power dispatch problem under uncertainty. A hybrid uncertain multi-objective bi-level model with one leader and multiple followers is established to support the decision making of power dispatch and generation. The upper level decision maker is the regional power grid corporation which allocates power quotas to each follower based on the objectives of reasonable returns, a small power surplus and low carbon emissions. The lower level decision makers are the power generation groups which decide on their respective power generation plans and prices to ensure the highest total revenue under consideration of government subsidies, environmental costs and the carbon trading. Random and fuzzy variables are adopted to describe the uncertain factors and chance constrained and expected value programming are used to handle the hybrid uncertain model. The bi-level models are then transformed into solvable single level models using a satisfaction method. Finally, a detailed case study and comparative analyses are presented to test the proposed models and approaches to validate the effectiveness and illustrate the advantages.
Investigating the Performance of a Fractal Ultrasonic Transducer Under Varying System Conditions
Authors: Barlow Euan , Algehyne Ebrahem , Mulholland Anthony
Published: June 2016

As applications become more widespread there is an ever-increasing need to improve the accuracy of ultrasound transducers, in order to detect at much finer resolutions. In comparison with naturally occurring ultrasound systems the man-made systems have much poorer accuracy, and the scope for improvement has somewhat plateaued as existing transducer designs have been iteratively improved over many years. The desire to bridge the gap between the man-made and naturally occurring systems has led to recent investigation of transducers with a more complex geometry, in order to replicate the complex structure of the natural systems. These transducers have structures representing fractal geometries, and these have been shown to be capable of delivering improved performance in comparison with standard transducer designs. This paper undertakes a detailed investigation of the comparative performance of a standard transducer design, and a transducer based on a fractal geometry. By considering how these performances vary with respect to the key system parameters, a robust assessment of the fractal transducer performance is provided.
Evaluation of the Toxicity and Toxicokinetics of Cereulide from an Emetic Bacillus cereus Strain of Milk Origin
Authors: Cui Yifang , Liu Yuan , Liu Xiaoye , Xia Xi , Ding Shuangyang , Zhu Kui
Published: June 2016

Bacillus cereus is an opportunistic foodborne agent causing food poisoning and many infectious diseases. The heat-stable emetic toxin cereulide is one of the most prevalent toxins produced by pathogenic B. cereus, resulting in symptoms such as emesis and liver failure. In the present work, the toxicity and toxicokinetics of cereulide from an emetic B. cereus isolate (CAU45) of raw milk were evaluated. The production of cereulide was tested by a cytotoxicity test and enzyme immunoassay, and confirmed by the presence of the ces (cereulide synthetase) gene and the ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method. All results showed that the amount and toxicity of cereulide produced by CAU45 was 7 to 15.3 folds higher than the reference emetic B. cereus DSMZ 4312. Cereulide in plasma was collected at different time points after a single intravenous injection to evaluate its toxicokinetics in rabbits. The maximum concentration of cereulide was achieved in 2.6 ± 3.4 h after administration, with the elimination half-life of 10.8 ± 9.1 h, which expands our understanding of the toxic effects of cereulide. Together, it suggests that urgent sanitary practices are needed to eliminate emetic toxins and emetic B. cereus in raw milk.
Scènes de la vie rurale à travers Le livre des abeilles de Thomas de Cantimpré.
Authors: Platelle Henri
Published: June 2016

L'historien, on le sait, peut trouver son bien dans les endroits les plus inattendus. C'est ainsi qu'un traité religieux et moral comme Le livre des abeilles de Thomas de Cantimpré (XIIIe siècle) peut fournir, grâce aux historiettes dont il est truffé (les exempla) de précieuses informations sur la société du temps et donc sur la vie rurale. On y découvre sans surprise, mais de manière très vivante, l'importance du moulin et de la forge, sources de richesse mais aussi de péché ; on voit dans la campagne le troupeau communal sous la garde d'un bouvier aux étranges pouvoirs, tandis qu'au jour de la dédicace (la « ducasse ») toute la population danse et chante etc.. La moisson (c'est bien le cas de le dire) pourrait être indéfiniment prolongée ; qu'on se reporte à la traduction qui vient d'en être proposée !
Auberchicourt (1434) : une charte de village au pays d'Ostrevant.
Authors: Cauchies Jean-Marie
Published: June 2016

La charte que l'abbé d'Anchin octroie le 18 juillet 1434 aux habitants d' Auberchichourt comporte, à côté des dispositions réglementaires les plus diverses (institutions et fonctions villageoises, procédures, successions, protection de la possessio, crimes et délits, droits seigneuriaux, mesures de police...), un relevé détaillé des tenures bénéficiant d'un régime favorable de relief. Réminiscences de coutumes hainuyères et valenciennoises voisinent avec des archaïsmes. L'emprise du monastère y paraît mesurée. Le relevé des tenures fournit une idée de la structure du village. La confirmation du texte par le bailli de Hainaut marque peut-être une intervention de la puissance publique comtale dans la région au ressort controversé de l'Ostrevant.
Pouvaient-ils se fier à leurs documents comptables ? Sur un accord entre le roi Philippe VI et la comtesse Mahaut d'Artois (1329).
Authors: Delmaire Bernard
Published: June 2016

Edition et premier commentaire d'un acte inédit de 1329 par lequel le roi Philippe VI de Valois réclame à la comtesse d'Artois, Mahaut, une quinzaine de créances (plus de 120 000 livres parisis) dues depuis 1270 ; Mahaut réplique en réclamant des sommes encore supérieures. Comment ces listes ont-elles été dressées ? Les demandes sont-elles justifiées par les archives comptables ?
Territorialité, institutions et sources fiscales en Flandre maritime au Moyen Age.
Authors: Curveiller Stéphane
Published: June 2016

A partir de sources fiscales concernant deux châtellenies essentiellement rurales, celles de Bergues et de Bourbourg, l'évolution des pouvoirs et des entités territoriales a pu être appréhendée du XIIIe au XVIe siècle. Aux structures anciennes d'origine féodale, héritage plutôt d'un hinterland plus ou moins dynamique, se superposent sur le littoral flamand des structures nouvelles, des bailliages urbains à la tête desquels on trouve les avant-ports de Gravelines et de Dunkerque, symboles de la politique menée par la famille d'Alsace.

Mais dans cette contrée récemment conquise par l'homme, les conflits surgissent rapidement entre les nouveaux bailliages et les anciennes châtellenies tandis que les intérêts économiques croissants suscitent des rivalités entre les ports littoraux eux-mêmes. Aux taxes anciennes s'ajoutent des taxes plus récentes à caractère économique, preuve supplémentaire que la façade littorale flamande est devenue à la fin du Moyen Age un véritable enjeu entre des Etats modernes en cours de formation. Le réseau urbain n'est-il pas le reflet de cette évolution ?
Les approvisionnements en vin de la cour de Bourgogne au XVe siècle sous Philippe le Bon.
Authors: Sommé Monique
Published: June 2016

Les écrous journaliers des hôtels ducaux, grâce à la richesse de leur contenu, permettent, malgré de grandes lacunes, de mettre en relief la variété des types d'approvisionnement à la cour de Bourgogne, et notamment la place des vins de présent et des vins des vignobles ducaux. Les vins produits dans la principauté (Beaune, Brabant, Namur, Somme) sont acquis dans les régions viticoles, les autres (Île-de-France, Poitou, Rhin) dans les villes des Pays-Bas. Les vins de Beaune et du Rhin sont les plus appréciés et les plus chers. La variabilité des prix est liée à l'importance de la récolte et au coût du transport, plus élevé par route que par eau.
Les services de la Trésorerie des guerres et de la Recette de l'artillerie de Charles le Téméraire.
Authors: Garnier Pierre-Louis
Published: June 2016

On dispose aux archives du Nord d'assez nombreux documents issus des services des trésoriers des guerres et des receveurs de l'artillerie «bourguignons». Ce fonds s'avère en majeure partie d'origine contentieuse. On peut considérer qu'il s'agit d'une sorte d'anthologie qui permet d'étudier comment le système militaire et administratif développé par Charles le Téméraire a été mis en oeuvre et quelles en étaient les limites. Après avoir rappelé l'ordre de grandeur des moyens militaires et financiers dont le dernier Valois de Bourgogne disposait, on s'attache à décrire le fonctionnement interne des deux services qui assuraient le « soutien » de l'armée. Il semble que la recette de l'artillerie, qui était en charge de l'essentiel de la logistique, avait une mission plus difficile que celle qui incombait à la trésorerie des guerres ; ceci permet en partie de comprendre pourquoi les archives de l'artillerie sont les plus abondantes. La procédure de mise en place des fonds et d'exécution des dépenses était très souple ; ceci permettait d'accélérer le service ; mais cela ne pouvait conduire qu'à des embrouilles, même dans le cas où tous les acteurs auraient été de bonne foi.
Le grand commerce frison au début du Moyen Age : une mise à jour.
Authors: Lebecq Stéphane
Published: June 2016

Cet article veut mettre à jour ou corriger certains aspects d'une thèse publiée en 1983 sur Marchands et navigateurs frisons du haut Moyen Age. Il utilise en particulier les résultats des fouilles récentes de York, Ipswich, Londres, Ribe et Birka pour réapprécier les positions du commerce frison en Angleterre et en Scandinavie. S'il réaffirme le rôle des anciens Frisons dans la mise au point des bateaux a fond plat ou arrondi des types de la « proto-kogge » et de la « proto-hulk», il prend en compte la nouvelle datation (v. 1100) de la fameuse épave n° 1 d'Utrecht, qui interdit désormais de voir en elle un témoin ou un vecteur du grand commerce frison de la haute époque.
Un petit pèlerinage méconnu : Notre-Dame d'Esquerchin près de Douai (XIVe-XVIe siècle)
Authors: Maillot Jean-François
Published: June 2016

Een vergeten bedevaart : Onze Lieve Vrouw van Esquerchin, bij Dowaai.

De lokale bedevaarten worden, bij gebrek aan documenten, vaak wat vergeten. Zij zijn even intéressant als de grotere plaatsen van devotie. De originaliteit van de bedevaart naar O.L.V. van Esquerchin, bij Dowaai in het Noorden, schuilt in de aanwezi- gheid van voldoende en divers archiefmateriaal om een beeld te krijgen van de verschillende gebruiken in deze verering.

De bisschop van Kamerijk draagt in 1092 de kerk van Esquerchin over aan de abdij Saint-Sauveur van Anchin, die van de eenvoudige dorpskerk voor het midden van de xvie eeuw een priorij maakt.

In de kerk bevindt zich een mirakelbeeld van de Maagd, dat in de xve en begin xvie eeuw bedevaarten aantrekt uit de hele streek.

Sommigen komen uit devotie als de hertog Filips de Goede en Isabella van Portugal. Anderen voeren de wens uit in het testament van een overledene. Nog anderen als uitvoering van een door het gerecht opgelegde straf wegens een misdrijf.

De giften die de pelgrims meebrengen gaan grotendeels naar de monniken van Anchin. Zij ontvangen ook de opbrengst van inzamelingen tijdens processies (uit- besteed aan leken) en van de winstgevende verkoop van kaarsen en médailles tijdens kermissen ter ere van de Geboorte van de Maagd.
On-line quizzes to evaluate comprehension and integration skills
Authors: Badia Valiente José David , Olmo Cazevieille Françoise , Navarro Jover José Manuel
Published: June 2016

This work demonstrates the use of a 2.0 tool, namely, Socrative, to evaluate one of the cross-curricular competences indicated by the Universitat Politècnica de València, specifically, comprehension and integration. It has been applied to the courses in different areas: sciences, engineering and languages.As part of its implementation, activities were proposed that could be done at the beginning, during or at the end of the class to, on the one hand, help students acquire the knowledge associated with the course(s), and on the other, gather evidence that demonstrates acquisition of said competence.The results show a high level of satisfaction by the students with the use of the Socrative tool as an element to promote active participation and the acquisition of the cross-curricular competence of comprehension and integration; therefore, its extension to other courses has been suggested.
The use of technology in a model of formative assessment
Authors: García López Alfonsa , García Mazarío Francisco
Published: June 2016

This work describes a formative assessment model for the Mathematical Analysis course taken by engineering students. It includes online questionnaires with feedback, a portfolio with weekly assignments, exams involving the use of mathematical software and a project to be completed in small groups of two or three students. The model has been perfected since 2009, and during the 2014-15 academic year the creation of a pilot online learning community was added. Based on Google+, it has been used for a peer assessment experiment involving student projects, among other uses.
The development of professional competences using the interdisciplinary project approach with university students
Authors: González-Carrasco Mònica , Francés Ortega Jesús , De Castro Vila Rodolfo , Castañer Vivas Margarida , San Molina Joan , Marti Bonmati Joan
Published: June 2016

This work describes an experience conducted by a group of professors from different departments at the University of Girona (Catalonia, Spain) which arose from the need for interdisciplinary work in university classrooms in order to promote competences relevant to the professional sector.As part of this experience, students from different degree programs were challenged to work collaboratively and in an interdisciplinary manner on a project related to the management of a school cafeteria designed for a real educational center. The work promoted the development of competences that are otherwise difficult to attain through activities that lack an interdisciplinary approach, which are key in today's professional world, such as multi-professional teamwork. Based on this experience, the feasibility of students from different areas of study carrying out a final degree project (FDP) that meets real, contextualized needs and requires the contribution of knowledge from different disciplines is considered.
Learning based on the project entitled "Design and construction of a wooden bridge"
Authors: Barris Cristina , Torres Lluís , Simon Enric
Published: June 2016

This article presents the results of a case involving the application of project-based learning carried out with students in the Mechanical Engineering degree program at the University of Girona. The project, entitled “Design and construction of a wooden bridge”, was conducted at the Polytechnic School in the third-year Structures course. This project required students to address, consider and solve different problems related to the resistance of materials, structural calculations, material optimization and structural design. The project also included the building of the bridge based on the calculations made, thus enabling the students to verify the suitability of the theoretical calculations as compared to real results. Finally, a competition was held to reward those teams who obtained the best ratio between the failure load and the weight of the bridge. The main conclusion observed from the implementation of only two editions of this project is the acquisition of the different proposed competences (both specific and cross-curricular) by the students. Finally, it was interesting to note that after completing the activity, the students were observed to be more motivated by the course content.
V International UNIVEST Conference: The challenges of improving assessment
Authors: Univest Univest , Amante Garcia Beatriz , Martínez Martínez María
Published: June 2016

The V International UNIVEST Conference aimed to provide an integrative and critical outlook on the assessment process, considering it as an activity integrated in general university teaching, with the active participation of all subjects involved at all educational stages. With that main goal, the emphasis in this edition was on creating a forum to debate and exchange ideas about university teaching and learning processes and the importance of placing students in the centre of those processes.
Atypical Pectoralis Major Muscle Wasting in a Recreational Weight Lifter
Authors: Parnes Nata , Blevins Maryellen I. , Carey Paul , Friedman Darren J.
Published: June 2016

Pectoralis major injuries are relatively uncommon and can pose a diagnostic challenge. Deformity and weakness of this muscle in weight lifters is typically due to traumatic tendon rupture and often requires surgical repair. However, there are other less common etiologies that can mimic the clinical presentation of pectoralis major wasting and weakness that require different treatment approaches. This article describes a case of a 48-year-old recreational weight lifter who presented with severe pectoralis major wasting and weakness secondary to isolated mononeuropathy of the lateral pectoral nerve possibly due to Parsonage Turner syndrome. The patient was treated nonoperatively and achieved full recovery 18 months after onset. Parsonage Turner syndrome should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients with atraumatic weakness and wasting of the pectoralis major muscle and dysfunction. [
Orthopedics.
2016; 39(4):e756–e759.]
Primary Osteomyelitis of the Clavicle in Children
Authors: Ghate Sushant , Thabet Ahmed M. , Gosey G. Max , Southern Edward P. , Bégué Rodolfo E. , King Andrew G.
Published: June 2016

Osteomyelitis of the clavicle is a rare entity with a broad differential diagnosis and high potential for complications if not diagnosed promptly and treated appropriately. The threshold for surgical intervention should be low to prevent osteonecrosis and bony resorption. In addition, although rare, life-threatening complications have been reported. This report describes primary osteomyelitis of the clavicle that was diagnosed in a 22-month-old girl on her third clinical evaluation after 4 days of symptoms. She presented to a children's tertiary care emergency department with fever and acute pain and swelling of her right shoulder and arm. The diagnosis was confirmed through clinical, laboratory, and imaging studies including ultrasound; these revealed subperiosteal abscess formation, which may have developed in part as the result of a delayed diagnosis from the 2 prior emergency department visits. The patient was treated initially with intravenous antibiotics and underwent therapeutic as well as diagnostic needle-guided tissue aspiration under ultrasound guidance. This ruled out malignancy but was not curative, and the subperiosteal abscess recurred within 24 hours, prompting formal operative irrigation and debridement. The patient was seen for 12-month follow-up and has had no complications or evidence of recurrence. This case emphasizes the need for a high index of suspicion to prevent diagnostic delays as well as the importance of a low threshold for surgical debridement to minimize the potential for complications that could prolong the treatment course. [
Orthopedics.
2016; 39(4):e760–e763.]