bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La propuesta formativa del SENA: una opción de permanencia y proyección para los jóvenes de Colombia
Authors: Pascuas Leguizamo Néstor Tarsicio
Published: May 2017

El presente artículo tiene como propósito mostrar un análisis desde la perspectiva de diversos autores sobre las razones que acompañan la deserción de los jóvenes de los escenarios educativos; se incluyen unos datos que emergieron del Centro de Formación Agroindustrial de Campo Alegre en el Huila, que ilustran y visibilizan algunos factores sociales que permean la vida de los jóvenes y que inciden en sus perspectivas profesionales y académicas; finalmente se concluye resaltando el papel que juega una entidad como el SENA en las proyecciones de los jóvenes del país y las bondades que tendría para la juventud colombiana que se articularan los objetivos de las modalidades de la formación para el trabajo con la educación superior, con miras a ampliar sus niveles de permanencia en el sistema educativo.
Phân biệt 3 mô hình đảm bảo chất lượng giáo dục đại học: Kiểm định chất lượng, đánh giá chất lượng và kiểm toán chất lượng
Authors: Nguyen Huu Cuong
Published: May 2017

Bài viết này phân tích sự giống nhau và khác nhau giữa 3 mô hình đảm bảo chất lượng được sử dụng rộng rãi nhất trong các hệ thống giáo dục đại học trên thế giới: kiểm định chất lượng, đánh giá chất lượng và kiểm toán chất lượng. Trước hết, nghiên cứu trình bày những khái niệm liên quan đến đảm bảo chất lượng giáo dục đại học. Tiếp theo, nghiên cứu tập trung thảo luận chi tiết mỗi mô hình. Cuối cùng, bài viết đưa ra sự so sánh giữa 3 mô hình đảm bảo chất lượng này.
Intentional Head Injury: Survivor Victim's Profile, Gender Differences and Role of Alcohol Use at Manipal Teaching Hospital, Pokhara, Nepal
Authors: Atreya Alok , Kanchan T , Karmacharya BG
Published: May 2017

IntroductionHead is a vulnerable area in human body and also a favorable site for assaults which is easily accessible by assailant's raised arms. ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to evaluate the socio demographic spectrum, severity, radiological findings and outcome of victims assaulted to the head. Furthermore, the study aims to correlate such findings to the role of alcohol use in Nepalese context. MethodologyThis longitudinal prospective study includes victims of traumatic head injury as a result of physical assault who were admitted in the Neurosurgery Unit of Manipal Teaching Hospital Pokhara, Nepal from 1st January to 31st December 2015. ResultsIntentional head injury accounted to 17.40% of all head injury cases admitted during the study period. Among them 48 (76.19%) were males and 15 (23.81%) were females. The minimum age of the patient was 15 years and maximum was 84 years with a mean age of 33.89±14.67 years. Most of the victims of physical assault belonged to the age group of 21 to 30 years. Blunt object was the most commonly used for assault. Loss of consciousness was associated only with 49.21% of cases and 14.29% cases had bleeding from ear and/or nose. More than 75% of the cases had significant radiological finding in the form of fracture and/or intracranial lesion. Majority of the victims during the study were treated conservatively and were discharged with advice. Alcohol use was involved in 36.51% cases of intentional head injuries.  ConclusionIntentional injuries under the influence of alcohol use are totally preventable public health concerns. It can be ascertained that reducing availability and improving the environment in which alcohol is sold and consumed can result in a dramatic reduction in violent crimes.Birat Journal of Health Sciences Vol.2/No.1/Issue 2/ Jan - April 2017, Page: 102-105
Laparoscopic Management of Ectopic Pregnancy at Birat Medical College & Teaching Hospital, Morang, Nepal
Authors: Neupane Bhanubhakta , Karki GMS , Dahal P , Karki SB
Published: May 2017

IntroductionEctopic pregnancy is the most life threatening emergency in first trimester of pregnancy. Laparoscopic methods for treating ectopic pregnancy have made it preferred surgical technique over laparotomy. Most of the ectopic pregnancies can now be treated by laparoscopy.ObjectiveTo study outcome of laparoscopic management of ectopic pregnancy. MethodologyA hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted at Birat Medical College and Teaching hospital from May 2013 to April 2016. The informed consent was taken from patients. The collected data was entered in Microsoft Excel and analyzed SPSS.ResultsAll 89 cases of ectopic pregnancies were managed by laparoscopy. All were tubal pregnancies. Salpingectomy was done in 88 cases and salpingostomy in one case without any significant postoperative complications. There was no maternal mortality and no conversion to laparotomy  ConclusionTreatment of ectopic pregnancy by laparoscopy is effective with decreased postoperative morbidity.Birat Journal of Health Sciences Vol.2/No.1/Issue 2/ Jan - April 2017, page: 106-109
An Unusual Case of a Forgotten Intrauterine Contraceptive Device for 25 Years Presented with Ectopic Pregnancy at AMDA Hospital, Damak, Nepal
Authors: Budhathoki Bimala , Sharma P , Dhakal N , Sah R
Published: May 2017

Intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD), Copper T-380A, is widely used by more than one million women around the world. It is a long acting, reversible device with higher safety, low cost and low failure rate profile. Hereby, we reported a case of ectopic pregnancy with a forgotten IUCD. She was a 42 year woman who had forgotten the IUCD placed in her uterus 25 years back. She was totally unaware of the follow up visits, its removal and that IUCD was causing a problem to conceive for the second time. The inserted IUCD was incidentally discovered on ultrasonography, when she presented with history of lower abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding. On investgation, she had right tubal pregnancy with moderate fluid in pelvic cavity. So, emergency laparotomy was performed followed by right salphingectomy and removal of IUCD.Birat Journal of Health Sciences Vol.2/No.1/Issue 2/ Jan - April 2017, Page: 142-144
Melanotrichoblastoma: A Rare Case Report from B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal
Authors: Pokharel Sairil , Karki S , Pradhan A , Agrawal S
Published: May 2017

Melanotrichoblastoma is a variant of pigmented trichoblastoma. It shows heavily pigmented epithelial lobules and differentiaion toward the hair bulb. Abundant dendritic melanocytes are found within the tumor masses. These melanocytes show positivity for S100 protein, HMG45/gp 100 and tyrosinase. The case is being reported because of its rarity.A twenty eight year lady presented to Dermatology OPD with a single nodular lesion on the right temporal region since last five years. Punch biopsy was done. Haematoxylin and eosin stained slides were studied and immunohistochemistry analysis was also done.Variably sized epithelial lobules of basaloid cells spanning the entire dermis was noted on H and E stained slides. Some lobules showed pale looking cells- a reminiscent of follicular germinative cells. Intralesional melanocytes with pigmentation were observed. Immunohistochemistry results showed the melanocytes positive for HMB-45 and S100 and the stroma positive for CD 34. Hence, a definitive diagnosis of Melanotrichoblastoma was made.This case is being presented to emphasize the difficulty posed by adnexal tumors in clinical diagnosis due to their clinical similarity with malignant lesion and rarity.Birat Journal of Health Sciences Vol.2/No.1/Issue 2/ Jan - April 2017
Wertsteigerung im Unternehmen durch E-Technologien?
Authors: Wildemann Horst
Published: May 2017

Kurzfassung

Sich mit Wertsteigerung auseinander zu setzen, wird weitestgehend mit der Erhöhung des Shareholder Value gleich gesetzt. Viele Unternehmen berücksichtigen nicht, dass Wertsteigerung wesentlich durch Stakeholder wie Kunden, Mitarbeiter und Lieferanten beeinflusst wird. Demzufolge sind die Managementpraxis und die Methoden zur Erreichung einer Wertsteigerung auf diese Stellhebel abzustimmen. Informationsverarbeitung, Kooperationsstrategien, Menschenführung, Kernkompetenzen, Generierung und Auswertung von Wissen sowie gezielte Allokation von Beteiligungen sind Maßnahmen und Konzepte, die eine Wertsteigerung aus allen relevanten Perspektiven ermöglichen.
Unternehmensplanung und -steuerung in virtuellen Produktionsmodellen
Authors: Dietel Ulrich , Lang Ralf
Published: May 2017

Kurzfassung

Mit Kooperationen können kleine und mittelständische Unternehmen (KMU) ihre Flexibilität unter Nutzung der Internet-Technologie in eine langfristige Marktstrategie umsetzten. Auf dieser Grundlage entstehen Kooperationsplattformen zur Realisierung einer weltweiten Marktpräsenz. Träger solcher Plattformen können KMU sein, die, gestützt auf spezifisches Produktwissen, mit der Entwicklung bzw. Weiterentwicklung Ihrer Produkte Folgeprozesse mit generieren und in einem virtuellen Produktionsmodell ablegen. Die Anwendung dieses virtuellen Produktionsmodells auf eine konkrete Marktsituation ermöglicht die schnelle Suche und Bindung geeigneter Kooperationspartner und die Steuerung der sich anschließenden Geschäftsprozesse.
Virtuelle Entwickung via World Wide Web
Authors: Walter Holger
Published: May 2017

Kurzfassung

Von der Idee bis zum Verkauf eines Produkts entstehen eine Fülle von Daten unterschiedlichster Art und Menge. Diese jederzeit an allen Standorten eines Unternehmens verfügbar zu machen und optimal zu strukturieren, ist die zentrale Herausforderung für Entwicklungsdienstleister in der Automotive- und Fertigungsindustrie. Gerade diese Unternehmen arbeiten an global verteilten Standorten. Für sie ist es daher ein “Muss”, Produktdaten standortübergreifend zu koordinieren. Heute bestimmt der Kunde mit seinen speziellen Ansprüchen sowohl die Produktlebenszyklen als auch die Vielfalt der Produktvarianten. Folglich wird durch verkürzte Innovationszyklen der Marktdruck stärker, effektivere Entwicklungswerkzeuge und IT-Landschaften sind erforderlich. Mittels Internet ist für global agierende Automobilhersteller die Einbindung von Zulieferern und Partnern realisierbar.
CRM entdeckt das Internet
Authors: Klein Christian
Published: May 2017

Kurzfassung

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) hat sich bereits als ein erfolgreicher Ansatz im Bereich Kundenbindung etabliert. Mit dem so genannten Electronic-Customer Relationship Management zeichnet sich eine aktuelle Tendenz innerhalb des klassischen CRM ab. Dies ist laut Forrester Research ein Web-zentrischer Ansatz, der Kundenkontakte über alle Kommunikationskanäle und Geschäftsfunktionen hinweg intensivieren soll. Dieser Ansatz geht davon aus, dass das Internet eine wichtige Schnittstelle zum Kunden darstellt, die in den nächsten Jahren erheblich an Bedeutung gewinnen wird.
Lactobacillus brevis Lipase: Purification, Immobilization onto Magnetic Florosil NPs, Characterization and Application as a Detergent Additive
Authors: Soleimani Seyedeh Sara , Nadaroglu Hayrunnisa , Kesmen Zulal
Published: May 2017

In this study, a thermo-tolerant and alkaline lipase enzyme was purified from Lactobacillus brevis and immobilized onto modified γ-Fe3O4 florisil nanoparticles (γ-Fe3O4 MF NFs) and the usability of free lipase (FL) and immobilized lipases (IML) as detergent additives was investigated. Lipase enzyme was purified by fractional precipitation using 20% ammonium sulfate, DEAE-Sephadex ion-exchange chromatographic column, and Sephacryl S200 gel filtration chromatographic techniques. Then, the enzyme was purified, which resulted in 135.2-fold purification. Its molecular mass was determined to be 57 kDa by SDS-PAGE. The covalent immobilization of purified lipase was done using γ-Fe3O4 MF NPs. γ-Fe3O4 MF NPs and IML were characterized by using SEM, TEM, FT-IR, and XRD. IML showed a good thermo-stability and its activities were calculated as 80% at 60°C. The free and IML enzymes were most stable at alkaline pHs in the range of 7.0–10.0. Also, IML is more stable towards metal ions compared to free lipase enzyme. Washing performances of some detergent formulations were investigated in the presence and absence of Lipase. Olive oil was removed by the detergent alone and by the detergent and IML at ratios of 45% and 72%, respectively. The study on removal of oil stain from cotton cloths indicated that the removal of oil was superior in the presence of IML and IML with detergent, when compared to the detergent alone.
Study of Ionic Liquid Microemulsions: Ethylammonium Nitrate/TritonX-100/Cyclohexane
Authors: Liu Liping , Hao Jingcheng
Published: May 2017

In this study, ionic liquid (IL), specifically ethylammonium nitrate (EAN), was used instead of water to form nonaqueous microemulsions with cyclohexane and the nonionic surfactant Triton X-100 (TX-100). The phase behavior of the ternary system was investigated, and the microemulsions of ionic liquid-in-oil (IL/O) and oil-in-ionic liquid (O/IL) and the bicontinuous microregion were identified through traditional electrical conductivity measurement. The micropolarities of the IL/O microemulsions were determined via UV–Vis spectroscopy with methyl orange as an absorption probe. Results indicated that the polarity of the reverse micelles remained constant but that of the IL/O microemulsions increased when IL pools were formed. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to study the interaction mechanism between TX-100 and EAN molecules in IL/O microemulsions. We demonstrated that IL/O microemulsions may be promising for application due to the unique features of ILs and microemulsions.
Inhibition of Calcium Carbonate Scale Using an Environmental Friendly Scale Inhibitor
Authors: Wang Huchuan , Peng Chengjun , Jian Yujuan , Fang Chenchen , Wang Xianna , Li Xuewu , Li Chuanrun
Published: May 2017

Calcium carbonate is considered as the most frequent scale commonly occurring in cooling water systems. To reduce calcium carbonate scale in an environment–friendly way, a copolymer consisting of acrylic acid (AA)-acrylamide (AM)-polypropylene glycol and maleic anhydride (PPGAZMA) was developed to inhibit this phenomenon. The structure of the AA-AM-PPGAZMA was characterized by FT-IR method. The performance of AA-AM-PPGAZMA inhibition process was evaluated from static experiment method. Results indicated that excellent ability to control inorganic minerals, with approximately 71.1% calcium carbonate inhibition under the optimum conditions. Also the effect of the copolymer addition on the crystals of calcium carbonate scales morphology was examined through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM illustrated that great changes in the size and morphology of the calcium carbonate scales took place under the influence of AA-AM-PPGAZMA. SEM and XRD results identify that not only the scales shape and size changed but also that the scales forms altered to an extent.
Pinto Bean Cultivars Blackfoot, Nez Perce, and Twin Falls
Authors: Singh Shree P. , Miklas Phillip N. , Brick Mark A. , Schwartz Howard F. , Urrea Carlos A. , Terán Henry , Centeno Carlos , Ogg Barry , Otto Kristen , Soler Alvaro
Published: May 2017

Pinto bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivars ‘Blackfoot’ (Reg. No. CV‐316, PI 680632), ‘Nez Perce’ (Reg. No. CV‐317, PI 680633), and ‘Twin Falls’ (Reg. No. CV‐318, PI 680634) were developed at the University of Idaho, Kimberly Research and Extension Center in collaboration with researchers in Colorado, Nebraska, and Washington. Blackfoot and Nez Perce are sister cultivars derived from the same bulk population, UIP35 (USPT‐CBB‐1/3/‘Othello’/‘UI 906’//‘Topaz’/‘Buster’). Twin Falls was selected from the bulk population UIP40 (USPT‐CBB‐1/3/CO12650/USPT‐ANT‐1//Othello/ABL15). The F8 of both population bulks and checks were yield tested in the Western Regional Bean Trial in 2014 and 2015 and in the Cooperative Dry Bean Nursery in 2015. The three cultivars were yield tested in Idaho in 2015. They were also yield tested across nine production environments in Colorado, Idaho, Nebraska, and Washington in 2016. Blackfoot, Nez Perce, and Twin Falls are the first indeterminate erect Type II growth habit pinto bean cultivars resistant to Bean common mosaic virus (an aphid‐vectored potyvirus) and bean rust developed at University of Idaho. Blackfoot has a compact Type IIA growth habit and produces little or no vine (i.e., elongated terminal axis with intertwined internodes that help the plant climb when provided support). In contrast, Nez Perce is tall and produces medium to long vines, with a Type IIB growth habit. Blackfoot has a mean maturity of 85 d and Nez Perce 95 d in southern Idaho. Twin Falls is a full‐season cultivar (≥100 d) and relatively tall, with very small or no vines for climbing. The three cultivars have relatively smaller seed (<35 g 100−1 seeds) than early‐maturity pinto ‘Othello’ (≥35 g 100−1 seeds) in the Pacific Northwest.
Hip extension strength measured using hand- held dynamometry in a rehabilitation setting
Authors: Cardin Grace , Bohannon Richard W.
Published: May 2017

OBJECTIVE:

Our purpose was to describe the reproducibility and validity of measurements of hip extension strength obtained by hand-held dynamometry from patients participating in inpatient rehabilitation.

METHOD:

Strength measurements were obtained bilaterally from 24 women and 42 men (33-92 years) patients on admission and again the following day. The patients' ability to independently stand from a 45 cm surface and to walk 30 meters was noted.

RESULTS:

The relative test-retest reproducibility of the measurements was supported by intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.703 to 0.835. However, absolute reliability as indicated by minimal detectable changes, was not so good. Known-groups validity was evinced by greater hip extension strength among those able to independently complete a sit-to-stand and to walk 30 meters.

CONCLUSION:

Hip extension strength measurements obtained as described herein in an inpatient rehabilitation setting demonstrate good relative reproducibility and known groups validity.
Creation of a Novel Humanized Dystrophic Mouse Model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Application of a CRISPR/Cas9 Gene Editing Therapy
Authors: Young Courtney S. , Mokhonova Ekaterina , Quinonez Marbella , Pyle April D. , Spencer Melissa J.
Published: May 2017

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is caused by mutations in DMD which disrupt the reading frame. Therapeutic strategies that restore DMD’s reading frame, such as exon skipping and CRISPR/Cas9, need to be tested in the context of the human DMD sequence in vivo. We have developed a novel dystrophic mouse model by using CRISPR/Cas9 to delete exon 45 in the human DMD gene in hDMD mice, which places DMD out-of-frame. We have utilized this model to demonstrate that our clinically-relevant CRISPR/Cas9 platform, which targets deletion of human DMD exons 45–55, can be directly applied in vivo to restore dystrophin.
Severe Exacerbation of Myasthenia Gravis Associated with Checkpoint Inhibitor Immunotherapy
Authors: Cooper Dana S. , Meriggioli Matthew N. , Bonomi Philip D. , Malik Rabia
Published: May 2017

Monoclonal antibodies that target either PD-1 or PD-L1 have recently been approved for treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer. These antibodies are immune checkpoint inhibitors which have been shown to exacerbate Myasthenia Gravis (MG) and other autoimmune diseases. While effective in preventing tumor cells from evading immune attack, immune checkpoint inhibitors such as nivolumab, an antibody directed against the programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) receptor located on T-cells, may also cause immune dysregulation and could cause or potentiate pre-existing autoimmune conditions. We present a patient with latent ocular MG treated with nivolumab for her stage IV non-small cell lung cancer who developed generalized MG and severe myasthenic crisis. Providers must be aware of the risks inherent to these novel therapies since they can have life-threatening effects.
Factors Contributing to Perceived Walking Difficulties in People with Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Kader Manzur , Ullén Susann , Iwarsson Susanne , Odin Per , Nilsson Maria H.
Published: May 2017

Background: While walking difficulties are common in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD), little is known about factors that independently contribute to their perceived walking difficulties.

Objective: To identify factors that independently contribute to perceived walking difficulties in people with PD.

Methods: This study involved 243 (62% men) participants; their mean (min-max) age and PD duration were 70 (45–93) and 8 (1–43) years, respectively. A postal survey preceded a home visit that included observations, clinical tests, questions and questionnaires that were administered as a structured interview. Perceived walking difficulties (dependent variable) were assessed with the self-administered generic Walk-12 (Walk-12G, scored 0–42, higher = worse). Independent variables included personal (e.g., age and general self-efficacy) and social environmental factors (e.g., social support and living situation) as well as disease-related factors including motor (e.g., freezing of gait (FOG) and postural instability) and non-motor symptoms (e.g., fatigue and orthostatic hypotension). Linear multiple regression analysis was used to identify factors that independently contributed to perceived walking difficulties.

Results: Eight significant independent variables explained 56.3% of the variance in perceived walking difficulties. FOG was the strongest significant contributing factor to perceived walking difficulties, followed by general self-efficacy, fatigue, PD duration, lower extremity function, orthostatic hypotension, bradykinesia and postural instability.

Conclusion: Motor and non-motor symptoms as well as personal factors (i.e., general self-efficacy) seem to be of importance for perceived walking difficulties in PD. These findings might nurture future interventions that address modifiable factors in order to enhance walking ability in people with PD.
A central role for hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-2α in hepatic glucose homeostasis
Authors: Ramakrishnan Sadeesh K. , Shah Yatrik M.
Published: May 2017

Hepatic glucose production is regulated by hormonal and dietary factors. At fasting, 80% of glucose released into the circulation is derived from the liver, among which gluconeogenesis accounts for 55% and the rest by glycogenolysis. Studies suggest a complex mechanism involved in the regulation of hepatic glucose metabolism during fasting and post-absorptive phase. Oxygen plays a key role in numerous metabolic pathways such as TCA cycle, gluconeogenesis, glycolysis and fatty acid oxidation. Oxygenation of the gastrointestinal tract including liver and intestine is dynamically regulated by changes in the blood flow and metabolic activity. Cellular adaptation to low oxygen is mediated by the transcription factors HIF-1α and HIF-2α. HIF-1α regulates glycolytic genes whereas HIF-2α is known to primarily regulate genes involved in cell proliferation and iron metabolism. This review focuses on the role of the oxygen sensing signaling in the regulation of hepatic glucose output with an emphasis on hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-2α. Recent studies have established a metabolic role of HIF-2α in systemic glucose homeostasis. Understanding the HIF-2α dependent mechanism in hepatic metabolism will greatly enhance our potential to utilize the oxygen sensing mechanisms to treat metabolic diseases.
Motor cortex stimulation does not lead to functional recovery after experimental cortical injury in rats
Authors: Schönfeld Lisa-Maria , Jahanshahi Ali , Lemmens Evi , Bauwens Matthias , Hescham Sarah-Anna , Schipper Sandra , Lagiere Melanie , Hendrix Sven , Temel Yasin
Published: May 2017

Background: Motor impairments are among the major complications that develop after cortical damage caused by either stroke or traumatic brain injury. Motor cortex stimulation (MCS) can improve motor functions in animal models of stroke by inducing neuroplasticity.

Objective: In the current study, the therapeutic effect of chronic MCS was assessed in a rat model of severe cortical damage.

Methods: A controlled cortical impact (CCI) was applied to the forelimb area of the motor cortex followed by implantation of a flat electrode covering the lesioned area. Forelimb function was assessed using the Montoya staircase test and the cylinder test before and after a period of chronic MCS. Furthermore, the effect of MCS on tissue metabolism and lesion size was measured using [18F]-fluorodesoxyglucose (FDG) μPET scanning.

Results: CCI caused a considerable lesion at the level of the motor cortex and dorsal striatum together with a long-lasting behavioral phenotype of forelimb impairment. However, MCS applied to the CCI lesion did not lead to any improvement in limb functioning when compared to non-stimulated control rats. Also, MCS neither changed lesion size nor distribution of FDG.

Conclusion: The use of MCS as a standalone treatment did not improve motor impairments in a rat model of severe cortical damage using our specific treatment modalities.
The effects of disease-related symptoms on daily function in Wolfram Syndrome
Authors: Doty Tasha , Foster Erin R. , Marshall Bess , Ranck Samantha , Hershey Tamara
Published: May 2017

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate daily function among individuals with Wolfram Syndrome (WFS) and examine whether any limitations are related to disease-related symptoms.

METHODS:

WFS ( n = 31), Type 1 diabetic (T1DM; n = 25), and healthy control (HC; n = 29) participants completed the Pediatric Quality of Life Questionnaire (PEDSQL) Self and Parent Report. PEDSQL domain scores were compared among these groups and between WFS patients with and without specific disease-related symptoms. Relationships between PEDSQL scores and symptom severity as assessed by the Wolfram Unified Rating Scale (WURS) Physical Scale were also examined.

RESULTS:

Across most domains, the WFS group had lower PEDSQL Self and Parent Report scores than the T1DM and HC groups. WFS participants with urinary, sleep, and temperature regulation problems had lower PEDSQL scores than those without. The WURS Physical Scale correlated with Self and Parent Report PEDSQL domains. WFS group Self and Parent Reports correlated with each other.

CONCLUSIONS:

The WFS group reported lower daily function compared to T1DM and HC groups. Within WFS, worse symptom severity and the specific symptoms of sleep, temperature regulation, and urinary problems were associated with poorer daily function. These findings provide rationale for an increased emphasis on identifying, treating and understanding these less well-known symptoms of WFS.
The strategy and architecture of a winner broker in a renowned agent-based smart grid competition
Authors: Ozdemir Serkan , Unland Rainer
Published: May 2017

Local energy production and distributed energy storage facilities will take a prominent position in the future smart grid along with the challenge of sustainability. To cope with that, smart grid simulation platforms are needed in order to analyze the problems of two-way data and energy flow. The Power Trading Agent Competition (Power TAC) provides an open source, smart grid simulation platform to enable various smart grid studies from the perspective of sustainability. In this paper, we present AgentUDE, which competed in the Power TAC 2014 and 2015 Final games as a broker agent. Here, we create and formalize information system artefacts for the electricity trading problem in a continuous and competitive environment. The main trading problem is partitioned to smaller problems to reduce the complexity. Therefore, wholesale and retail electricity market activities are individually discussed for AgentUDE14. In 2015 competition, we added a capacity control capability to AgentUDE14, which was introduced as AgentUDE15. We show that AgentUDE is a successful broker agent in many metrics, analyzing its performance in controlled experiments and international tournaments. We have also reviewed the tournament data from the winner agent’s point of view.
Optimization method of MRI scan parameters of a double inversion recovery sequence using a T1 map and a developed analysis algorithm
Authors: Hayashi Norio , Yarita Kazuma , Sakata Kozue , Motegi Shunichi , Nagase Hiroyuki , Ujita Kouichi , Ogura Akio , Ogura Toshihiro , Shimada Takehiro , Tsushima Yoshito
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUND:

Optimizing scan parameters for double inversion recovery (DIR) sequences remains difficult.

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate a new method for optimizing DIR sequence scan parameters using T1 mapping and a newly developed analysis algorithm.

METHODS:

Twelve healthy volunteers underwent T1 mapping and DIR magnetic resonance imaging. The following steps were used for image optimization including: 1) measurement of gray matter (GM), white matter (WM), and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) T1 values to create a T1 map; 2) calculation of optimized scan parameters by using a developed analysis algorithm; 3) performance assessment of DIR magnetic resonance imaging by using the calculated optimized imaging parameters. Additionally, we used scan parameters from previous studies to obtain DIR images in order to evaluate our new method. The contrast between GM and suppressed tissues was compared between these images and those obtained using the optimized parameters.

RESULTS:

Using our optimization method, WM and CSF regions were suppressed uniformly for all scan conditions. The contrast was significantly higher in images obtained using this optimization method compared to those obtained using previously published parameters ( p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS:

It is possible to obtain superior DIR images by using an optimization method that involves T1 mapping and a newly developed analysis algorithm.
MicroRNA expression profiling in endometriosis-associated infertility and its relationship with endometrial receptivity evaluated by ultrasound
Authors: Xu Xianfeng , Li Zhenzhou , Liu Jin , Yu Sha , Wei Zhaolian
Published: May 2017

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the microRNA expression profiling in endometriosis-associate infertility, and relationship between the microRNA expression and endometrial receptivity evaluated by ultrasound.

METHODS: First, miRNA expression profiling difference of ectopic endometrium between 8 endometriosis patients and 6 endometriosis-free patients were compared. Bioinformatics analyses detected 61 differentially expressed (DE) known miRNAs and 57 DE novel miRNAs. Next, other 24 patients were selected for checking the microRNAs in differential expression by RT-PCR. Among them, case and control groups include 14 endometriosis and 10 endometriosis-free infertility patients, respectively. Last, endometrial receptivity of other 20 endometriosis patients was evaluated by ultrasound. In this group of patients, 12 had high endometrial receptivity, in which infertility is caused by fallopian tube occlusion, and 8 had low endometrial receptivity. The study compared endometrial miRNAs expression between two groups, and also evaluated the relationship between the endometrial miRNAs expression and the endometrial receptivity.

RESULTS: First, study indicated that “proteinaceous extracellular matrix,” “laminin binding” and “extracellular matrix binding” were enriched in 6 up-regulated miRNA targets, while “cell proliferation” was enriched in the 4 down-regulated miRNA targets. Second, 10 miRNAs in different expression (miR-1304- 3p, miR-544b, miR-3684, miR-494-5p, miR-4683, miR-6747-3p; miR-3935, miR-4427, miR-652-5p, miR-205-5p) were detected by RT-PCR, and the results showed statistically significant differences between 2 groups in all 10 miRNAs. Third, the expression levels of miR-1304-3p, miR-494-5p, and miR-4427 were different between the two groups with different endometrial receptivity. But for the miR-544b, there was no statistically significant difference between two groups.

CONCLUSIONS: The study provided a comprehensive understanding to the current knowledge in the field of miRNAs in endometriosis and the relationship between them and the endometrial receptivity. miRNAs could be used as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic agents for this disease. The combination of ultrasound and miRNAs detection could be a better choice for the diagnosis of infertility in the future.
A Comparative Study between Swenson Abdominoperineal Pull-through and Transanal, Full Thickness, Swenson like Approach for Hirschsprung Disease
Authors: Mahmud Khalid , Islam MK , Alam M Rashedul , Karim Sabbir
Published: May 2017

Background: Hirschsprung disease (HD) is a congenital developmental disorder of intrinsic component of enteric nervous system leading to severe complication which needs operative correction. There are different operative techniques existing and each technique has its advantages and disadvantages.Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the better outcome between Transanal full thickness swenson like pull through and Swenson abdomino-perineal pull through.Method: The Prospective comparative study had been carried out in the department of paediatric surgery, Dhaka Shishu (Children) Hospital during the period of January 2014 to July 2016. Total 56 patients with HD patients were included in the study irrespective of colostomy except major co-morbidities which can influence the general outcomes and who did not agree to close stoma within 12 weeks of pull-through operation. Patients were allocated in both groups by purposing sampling. Twenty eight patients with long segment HD were allocated in Group-A and operated by Swenson abdominoperineal pull through and 28 patients with short segment disease were allocated in group-B and operated by Transanal, full thickness, swenson like procedure.Result: Among the study population 32 (57.14%) were male and 24 (42.86%) were female with age range was 1 day- 96 months. Four patients developed urinary incontinence, 3 patients developed cuff abscess and 2 patients developed fecal incontinence. And in group-B no patient developed urinary incontinence but 4 developed cuff and anastomotic abscess and no patient developed fecal incontinence. The mean operation time 114.14 ± 13.02 in group-A and 68.36 ± 16.12 minutes in group-B. Mean hospital stay in group-A was 6.18 ± 1.83 days and 5.05 ± 0.43 days in group-B.Conclusion: The newer modification, Transanal, full thickness Swenson like procedure can be better technique in the management of HD.Bangladesh Crit Care J March 2017; 5(1): 23-27
Management of intracranial hypertension: Recent advances and future directions
Authors: Shrestha Gentle S , Pradhan Saurabh
Published: May 2017

Intracranial hypertension is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. Great deal of research has been done with the goal to improve patient outcome, but the challenges are enormous. From basic managementlike sedation and analgesia, to higher tier therapies, there are mixed evidences, some indicating these interventions to be beneficial and some to be equivocal, but the paucity of high-quality trials limits strong recommendations. This review will try to analyze the extensive literature regarding management of raised intracranial pressure, with particular focus on recent advances and will also try to shed some light on future directions.Bangladesh Crit Care J March 2017; 5(1): 53-62
Procedural sedation with dexmedetomidine for ultrasound guided central venous cannulation in agitated, high risk critically ill patients. A series of three cases
Authors: Shrestha Gentle S , Parajuli Bashu Dev , Bhattarai Amit Sharma
Published: May 2017

Central venous cannulation is a commonly performed procedure in ICU. Even in the experienced hands, it is not free of complications. Acute mechanical adverse events are more likely in agitated and uncooperative patients. Ultrasound guided cannunation of internal jugular vein is associated with higher success rate and fewer mechanical complications when compared with traditional techniques. Dexmedetomidine has been used as a safe and effective agent for procedural sedation in a wide variety of patients. Here we successfully used dexmedetomidine for ultrasound guided central venous cannulation of internal jugular vein in uncooperative high risk patients, even at the extremes of age.Bangladesh Crit Care J March 2017; 5(1): 68-69
Cluster Activities in Different Institutional Environments. Case Studies of ICT-Clusters from Austria, Germany, Ukraine and Serbia
Authors: Konstantynova Anastasiia , Lehmann Tine
Published: May 2017

In recent decades, numerous cluster associations with public and/or private support have been established to facilitate clusters. These cluster associations have launched a number of activities and services aiming to increase the competitiveness, innovation, and productivity of their members and beyond. At the same time, it appears that many of these associations apply similar activity bundles to reach their objectives. However, the institutional context differs between clusters and their countries. This paper questions how these activity bundles are influenced by different sets of institutional conditions and proposes a framework for the explorative analysis of cluster activity bundles in specific institutional environments. Moreover, using the framework, a detailed review of cluster associations and their activities in different information and communication technologies (ICT) clusters is presented, the development of which is central to regional advanced industrial transformation in the context of regional smart specialization and the Industrial Renaissance.
A Study of the Transient Response of Duct Junctions: Measurements and Gas-Dynamic Modeling with a Staggered Mesh Finite Volume Approach
Authors: Torregrosa Antonio , Broatch Alberto , García-Cuevas Luis , Hernández Manuel
Published: May 2017

Duct junctions play a major role in the operation and design of most piping systems. The objective of this paper is to establish the potential of a staggered mesh finite volume model as a way to improve the description of the effect of simple duct junctions on an otherwise one-dimensional flow system, such as the intake or exhaust of an internal combustion engine. Specific experiments have been performed in which different junctions have been characterized as a multi-port, and that have provided precise and reliable results on the propagation of pressure pulses across junctions. The results obtained have been compared to simulations performed with a staggered mesh finite volume method with different flux limiters and different meshes and, as a reference, have also been compared with the results of a more conventional pressure loss-based model. The results indicate that the staggered mesh finite volume model provides a closer description of wave dynamics, even if further work is needed to establish the optimal calculation settings.
Relationship between Amount of Daily Movement Measured by a Triaxial Accelerometer and Motor Symptoms in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Terashi Hiroo , Mitoma Hiroshi , Yoneyama Mitsuru , Aizawa Hitoshi
Published: May 2017

The aim of this study was to analyze the association between the amount of daily movement measured with a triaxial accelerometer (MIMAMORI-Gait) and motor symptoms in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). The subjects were 50 consecutive patients with untreated PD free of dementia. The amount of overall movement over 24 h was measured with the portable MIMAMORI-Gait device and its association with the modified Hoehn and Yahr stage and UPDRS part II and III scores was analyzed. In patients with PD, the amount of overall movement measured with MIMAMORI-Gait was significantly associated with the UPDRS part II score (β = −0.506, p < 0.001) and part III score (β = −0.347, p = 0.010), but not with the modified Hoehn and Yahr stage. The amount of overall movement measured with MIMAMORI-Gait can potentially be used for evaluation of motor symptoms and ADL in PD patients.
Palladium-Catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura Cross-Coupling in Continuous Flow
Authors: Len Christophe , Bruniaux Sophie , Delbecq Frederic , Parmar Virinder
Published: May 2017

Carbon–carbon cross-coupling reactions are among the most important processes in organic chemistry and Suzuki–Miyaura reactions are the most widely used protocols. For a decade, green chemistry and particularly catalysis and continuous flow, have shown immense potential in achieving the goals of “greener synthesis”. To date, it seems difficult to conceive the chemistry of the 21st century without the industrialization of continuous flow process in the area of pharmaceuticals, drugs, agrochemicals, polymers, etc. A large variety of palladium Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reactions have been developed using a continuous flow sequence for preparing the desired biaryl derivatives. Our objective is to focus this review on the continuous flow Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling using homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts.
Synthesis of SAPO-34 Molecular Sieves via Novel Intermittent Hydrothermal Treatment and Its Effect on the Crystallization and Product Properties
Authors: Guo Zhihui , Miao Ping , Zhu Weiping , Guo Lei , Li Fei , Xue Yunpeng , Yin Qi , Yuan Ruixue , Xu Lianbin
Published: May 2017

Intermittent hydrothermal treatment was introduced into the synthesis of SAPO-34 molecular sieves to control the nucleation and the growth in the crystallization. The effect of the crystallization time, the order of long-time and short-time crystallization in two-stage crystallization, and frequency in multi-stage crystallization on synthesis, physicochemical properties and catalytic performance for conversion of methanol to light olefins (MTO) has been studied. The results show that pure SAPO-34 can be obtained with increasing crystallization time. The interruption of the initial crystallization is more beneficial for improving the Si distribution and the MTO catalytic performance of SAPO-34 molecular sieves. The sample obtained by repeatedly alternating heating and cooling during crystallization shows smaller particle size, higher acidity, longer lifetimes and higher yields of ethylene than that obtained by the conventional continuous crystallization at high temperature.
First Nations Approaches to Childhood Obesity: Healthy Lifestyles in Canada Compared with Alternatives for Alaska Native Communities
Authors: De Schweinitz Peter , Wojcicki Janet
Published: May 2017

Alaska Native and American Indian children have among the highest prevalence of obesity in the United States. Canadian Aboriginal populations including First Nations also have high rates of obesity but obesity rates among children are noticeably lower. We highlight some of the important differences between American and Canadian approaches to healthy lifestyles and Aboriginal/Native health, including diet and physical activity, which may in part explain the differences in obesity prevalence. Specifically, the Canadian government provides a food subsidy program to bring perishable fruits and vegetable to remote, rural Canadian areas and secondly supports the use of traditional foods and harvesting/gathering through a number of government supported programs. Lastly, there may be a better sense of community and overall life satisfaction for Aboriginals compared with Alaska Natives, in part because of the incorporation of healthcare and other services within the larger overall community, as opposed to separate services as is the case for Alaska Natives. This perspective provides insight into some of these potential differences.
Minimum Entropy Active Fault Tolerant Control of the Non-Gaussian Stochastic Distribution System Subjected to Mean Constraint
Authors: Jin Haokun , Guan Yacun , Yao Lina
Published: May 2017

Stochastic distribution control (SDC) systems are a group of systems where the outputs considered is the measured probability density function (PDF) of the system output whilst subjected to a normal crisp input. The purpose of the active fault tolerant control of such systems is to use the fault estimation information and other measured information to make the output PDF still track the given distribution when the objective PDF is known. However, if the target PDF is unavailable, the PDF tracking operation will be impossible. Minimum entropy control of the system output can be considered as an alternative strategy. The mean represents the center location of the stochastic variable, and it is reasonable that the minimum entropy fault tolerant controller can be designed subjected to mean constraint. In this paper, using the rational square-root B-spline model for the shape control of the system output probability density function (PDF), a nonlinear adaptive observer based fault diagnosis algorithm is proposed to diagnose the fault. Through the controller reconfiguration, the system entropy subjected to mean restriction can still be minimized when fault occurs. An illustrative example is utilized to demonstrate the use of the minimum entropy fault tolerant control algorithms.
Analysis of the Relative Price in China’s Energy Market for Reducing the Emissions from Consumption
Authors: Jiang Shumin , Guo Jingtao , Yang Chen , Ding Zhanwen , Tian Lixin
Published: May 2017

As a developing country, extensive carbon and sulfur emissions are associated with China’s rapid social and economic development. Chief among them are the emissions from coal and oil consumption. This paper focuses on the demand side, attempting to regulate the range of relative price of oil to coal at the consumption level. Through the adjustment of the relative price, the goal of reducing the emissions of carbon and sulfur could be achieved in the market of energy consumption. Data regression is applied to investigate the functional relationship between emissions and energy prices. The results indicate that when the coal price is less than 300, the higher relative price leads to less carbon and sulfur emissions; when the coal price is more than 300 and less than 500, there exists an optimal relative price which has the least carbon emissions, and this value is not more than 11.5; when the coal price is more than 500, the smaller relative price is beneficial to decline carbon and sulfur emissions. The changed trend of relative price-sulfur emissions is very similar to relative price-carbon emissions. Compared to the present energy situation in China, the relative price of oil to coal still need to be reduced especially when coal price is more than 500.
Economic and Thermal Evaluation of Different Uses of an Existing Structure in a Warm Climate
Authors: D’Agostino Delia , Zacà Ilaria , Baglivo Cristina , Congedo Paolo
Published: May 2017

Accounting for nearly 40% of final energy consumption, buildings are central to European energy policy. The Directive on Energy Performance of Buildings establishes a benchmarking system known as cost-optimality to set minimum energy performance requirements in new and existing buildings. This paper applies the cost-optimal methodology to an existing structure located in the Mediterranean area (Southern Italy). The building is composed of two units that have been considered for different uses: hotel and multi-residential. Several energy efficiency and renewable measures have been implemented both individually and as part of packages of measures. The cost-optimal solution has been identified as able to optimize energy consumption and costs from financial and macroeconomic perspectives. The first reference building (hotel use) shows a maximum reduction of primary energy and CO2 emission of about 42%, falling within the CasaClima energy class D, while the second reference building (residential use) achieves a value of 88% for primary energy and 85% for CO2 emissions, falling into class B. Thermal dispersions through the envelope can be limited using a suitable combination of insulating materials while a variety of technical variants are selected, such as VRF (variant refrigerant flow) systems, heat pumps with fan coils associated with controlled mechanical ventilation, solar thermal and photovoltaic. This paper illustrates the development of energy retrofit projects, in order to reach a balance between efficiency measures and costs for a building having two different uses, providing guidance to similar case studies related to a warm climate.