bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Status of Growth of Group III-Nitride Heterostructures for Deep Ultraviolet Light-Emitting Diodes
Authors: Ding Kai , Avrutin Vitaliy , Özgür Ümit , Morkoç Hadis
Published: October 2017

We overview recent progress in growth aspects of group III-nitride heterostructures for deep ultraviolet (DUV) light-emitting diodes (LEDs), with particular emphasis on the growth approaches for attaining high-quality AlN and high Al-molar fraction AlGaN. The discussion commences with the introduction of the current status of group III-nitride DUV LEDs and the remaining challenges. This segues into discussion of LED designs enabling high device performance followed by the review of advances in the methods for the growth of bulk single crystal AlN intended as a native substrate together with a discussion of its UV transparency. It should be stated, however, that due to the high-cost of bulk AlN substrates at the time of writing, the growth of DUV LEDs on foreign substrates such as sapphire still dominates the field. On the deposition front, the heteroepitaxial growth approaches incorporate high-temperature metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) and pulsed-flow growth, a variant of MOCVD, with the overarching goal of enhancing adatom surface mobility, and thus epitaxial lateral overgrowth which culminates in minimization the effect of lattice- and thermal-mismatches. This is followed by addressing the benefits of pseudomorphic growth of strained high Al-molar fraction AlGaN on AlN. Finally, methods utilized to enhance both p- and n-type conductivity of high Al-molar fraction AlGaN are reviewed.
A Formula of Packing Pressure of a Factor Map
Authors: Zhao Cao , Chen Ercai , Hong Xiucheng , Zhou Xiaoyao
Published: October 2017

In this paper, using the notion of packing pressure, we show a formula of packing pressure of a factor map. We also give an application in conformal repellers.
Integrated Circuit Conception: A Wire Optimization Technic Reducing Interconnection Delay in Advanced Technology Nodes
Authors: Darmi Mohammed , Cherif Lekbir , Benallal Jalal , Elgouri Rachid , Hmina Nabil
Published: October 2017

As we increasingly use advanced technology nodes to design integrated circuits (ICs), physical designers and electronic design automation (EDA) providers are facing multiple challenges, firstly, to honor all physical constraints coming with cutting-edge technologies and, secondly, to achieve expected quality of results (QoR). An advanced technology should be able to bring better performances with minimum cost whatever the complexity. A high effort to develop out-of-the-box optimization techniques is more than needed. In this paper, we will introduce a new routing technique, with the objective to optimize timing, by only acting on routing topology, and without impacting the IC Area. In fact, the self-aligned double patterning (SADP) technology offers an important difference on layer resistance between SADP and No-SADP layers; this property will be taken as an advantage to drive the global router to use No-SADP less resistive layers for critical nets. To prove the benefit on real test cases, we will use Mentor Graphics’ physical design EDA tool Nitro-SoC™ and several 7 nm technology node designs. The experiments show that worst negative slack (WNS) and total negative slack (TNS) improved up to 13% and 56%, respectively, compared to the baseline flow.
Using Random Forests to Select Optimal Input Variables for Short-Term Wind Speed Forecasting Models
Authors: Wang Hui , Sun Jingxuan , Sun Jianbo , Wang Jilong
Published: October 2017

Achieving relatively high-accuracy short-term wind speed forecasting estimates is a precondition for the construction and grid-connected operation of wind power forecasting systems for wind farms. Currently, most research is focused on the structure of forecasting models and does not consider the selection of input variables, which can have significant impacts on forecasting performance. This paper presents an input variable selection method for wind speed forecasting models. The candidate input variables for various leading periods are selected and random forests (RF) is employed to evaluate the importance of all variable as features. The feature subset with the best evaluation performance is selected as the optimal feature set. Then, kernel-based extreme learning machine is constructed to evaluate the performance of input variables selection based on RF. The results of the case study show that by removing the uncorrelated and redundant features, RF effectively extracts the most strongly correlated set of features from the candidate input variables. By finding the optimal feature combination to represent the original information, RF simplifies the structure of the wind speed forecasting model, shortens the training time required, and substantially improves the model’s accuracy and generalization ability, demonstrating that the input variables selected by RF are effective.
Demand-Side Energy Management Based on Nonconvex Optimization in Smart Grid
Authors: Ma Kai , Bai Yege , Yang Jie , Yu Yangqing , Yang Qiuxia
Published: October 2017

Demand-side energy management is used for regulating the consumers’ energy usage in smart grid. With the guidance of the grid’s price policy, the consumers can change their energy consumption in response. The objective of this study is jointly optimizing the load status and electric supply, in order to make a tradeoff between the electric cost and the thermal comfort. The problem is formulated into a nonconvex optimization model. The multiplier method is used to solve the constrained optimization, and the objective function is transformed to the augmented Lagrangian function without constraints. Hence, the Powell direction acceleration method with advance and retreat is applied to solve the unconstrained optimization. Numerical results show that the proposed algorithm can achieve the balance between the electric supply and demand, and the optimization variables converge to the optimum.
Establishing Pine Monocultures and Mixed Pine-Hardwood Stands on Reclaimed Surface Mined Land in Eastern Kentucky: Implications for Forest Resilience in a Changing Climate
Authors: Bell Geoffrey , Sena Kenton , Barton Christopher , French Michael
Published: October 2017

Surface mining and mine reclamation practices have caused significant forest loss and forest fragmentation in Appalachia. Shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata) is threatened by a variety of stresses, including diseases, pests, poor management, altered fire regimes, and climate change, and the species is the subject of a widescale restoration effort. Surface mines may present opportunity for shortleaf pine restoration; however, the survival and growth of shortleaf pine on these harsh sites has not been critically evaluated. This paper presents first-year survival and growth of native shortleaf pine planted on a reclaimed surface mine, compared to non-native loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), which has been highly successful in previous mined land reclamation plantings. Pine monoculture plots are also compared to pine-hardwood polyculture plots to evaluate effects of planting mix on tree growth and survival, as well as soil health. Initial survival of shortleaf pine is low (42%), but height growth is similar to that of loblolly pine. No differences in survival or growth were observed between monoculture and polyculture treatments. Additional surveys in coming years will address longer-term growth and survival patterns of these species, as well as changes to relevant soil health endpoints, such as soil carbon.
Chronic Δ9-THC Exposure Differently Affects Histone Modifications in the Adolescent and Adult Rat Brain
Authors: Prini Pamela , Penna Federica , Sciuccati Emanuele , Alberio Tiziana , Rubino Tiziana
Published: October 2017

Adolescence represents a vulnerable period for the psychiatric consequences of delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) exposure, however, the molecular underpinnings of this vulnerability remain to be established. Histone modifications are emerging as important epigenetic mechanisms involved in the etiopathogenesis of psychiatric diseases, thus, we investigated the impact of chronic Δ9-THC exposure on histone modifications in different brain areas of female rats. We checked histone modifications associated to both transcriptional repression (H3K9 di- and tri-methylation, H3K27 tri-methylation) and activation (H3K9 and H3K14 acetylation) after adolescent and adult chronic Δ9-THC exposure in the hippocampus, nucleus accumbens, and amygdala. Chronic exposure to increasing doses of Δ9-THC for 11 days affected histone modifications in a region- and age-specific manner. The primary effect in the adolescent brain was represented by changes leading to transcriptional repression, whereas the one observed after adult treatment led to transcriptional activation. Moreover, only in the adolescent brain, the primary effect was followed by a homeostatic response to counterbalance the Δ9-THC-induced repressive effect, except in the amygdala. The presence of a more complex response in the adolescent brain may be part of the mechanisms that make the adolescent brain vulnerable to Δ9-THC adverse effects.
Exometabolomic Analysis of Cross-Feeding Metabolites
Authors: Lubbe Andrea , Bowen Benjamin , Northen Trent
Published: October 2017

Microbial consortia have the potential to perform complex, industrially important tasks. The design of microbial consortia requires knowledge of the substrate preferences and metabolic outputs of each member, to allow understanding of potential interactions such as competition and beneficial metabolic exchange. Here, we used exometabolite profiling to follow the resource processing by a microbial co-culture of two biotechnologically relevant microbes, the bacterial cellulose degrader Cellulomonas fimi, and the oleaginous yeast Yarrowia lipolytica. We characterized the substrate preferences of the two strains on compounds typically found in lignocellulose hydrolysates. This allowed prediction that specific sugars resulting from hemicellulose polysaccharide degradation by C. fimi may serve as a cross-feeding metabolites to Y. lipolytica in co-culture. We also showed that products of ionic liquid-treated switchgrass lignocellulose degradation by C. fimi were channeled to Y. lipolytica in a co-culture. Additionally, we observed metabolites, such as shikimic acid accumulating in the co-culture supernatants, suggesting the potential for producing interesting co-products. Insights gained from characterizing the exometabolite profiles of individual and co-cultures of the two strains can help to refine this interaction, and guide strategies for making this an industrially viable co-culture to produce valuable products from lignocellulose material.
Glycemic Response to Black Beans and Chickpeas as Part of a Rice Meal: A Randomized Cross-Over Trial
Authors: Winham Donna M. , Hutchins Andrea M. , Thompson Sharon V.
Published: October 2017

Legumes, such as black beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and chickpeas (Cicer arietinum L.), have a low glycemic index, and may reduce the glycemic load of meals in which they are included. Although the low glycemic response of beans consumed alone has been documented, few studies have examined the glycemic response to traditional food combinations such as black beans and rice or chickpeas and rice. This randomized cross-over study examined the glycemic and insulinemic impact of 50 grams of available carbohydrate from three test meals: plain white rice (control), black beans with rice, and chickpeas with rice among healthy adult women (n = 12, 18–65 years). Treatments were consumed on different mornings, a minimum of 7 days apart. Blood samples were collected at time 0 (fasting), and at 30, 60, 90, and 120 min postprandial, and were subsequently analyzed for glucose and insulin concentrations. Glucose response based on the incremental area under the curve showed a significant difference by treatment (p = 0.027). Changes in blood glucose concentrations were significantly different for the black bean meal and the chickpea meal in comparison to rice alone at 60 min (p = 0.026 and p = 0.024), 90 min (p = 0.001 and p = 0.012) and 120 min post prandial (p = 0.024; black bean meal). Findings indicate that combinations of black beans and chickpeas with white rice improve glycemic response, providing evidence that has promising implications for dietary guidance to reduce postprandial glucose and related health risks through traditional food patterns.
Effect of Aging, Antioxidant, and Mono- and Divalent Ions at High Temperature on the Rheology of New Polyacrylamide-Based Co-Polymers
Authors: Akbari Saeed , Mahmood Syed , Tan Isa , Ling Onn , Ghaedi Hosein
Published: October 2017

The viscosity of four new polymers was investigated for the effect of aging at high temperature, with varying degrees of salinity and hardness. The four sulfonated based polyacrylamide co-polymers were FLOCOMB C7035; AN132 VHM; SUPERPUSHER SAV55; and THERMOASSOCIATIF copolymers. All polymer samples were aged at 80 °C for varying times (from zero to at least 90 days) with and without isobutyl alcohol (IBA) as an antioxidant. To see the effect of divalent ions on the polymer solution viscosity, parallel experiments were performed in a mixture of CaCl2-NaCl of the same ionic strength as 5 wt % NaCl. The polymers without IBA showed severe viscosity reduction after aging for 90 days in both types of preparation (5 wt % NaCl or CaCl2-NaCl). In the presence of IBA, viscosity was increased when aging time was increased for 5 wt % NaCl. In CaCl2-NaCl, on the other hand, a viscosity reduction was observed as aging time was increased. This behavior was observed for all polymers except AN132 VHM.
Polymer Blending as a Novel Approach for Tuning the SPR Peaks of Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Aziz Shujahadeen , Abdulwahid Rebar , Rasheed Mariwan , Abdullah Omed , Ahmed Hameed
Published: October 2017

In the present work, a novel method is exhibited for tuning the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peaks of silver nanoparticles based on chitosan-Poly(vinyl alcohol) blend polymer nanocomposites. Silver nanoparticles were synthesized by in situ method through the chitosan host polymer. The absence of crystalline peaks of PVA in the blend system indicated the occurrence of miscibility between CS and PVA polymers. The UV–vis spectra of CS:AgNt samples shows SPR bands with weak intensity. Obvious tuning in SPR peaks of silver nanoparticles occurred when different amounts of PVA polymer incorporated to the CS:AgNt system. The appearance of distinguishable crystalline peaks of Ag° nanoparticles at 2θ = 38.6° and 2θ = 44.2° in the blend system reveals the role of polymer blending in the enhancement of SPR peaks of silver nanoparticles. Silver nanoparticles synthesized in this work with enhanced SPR peaks are important in various applications and areas such as optoelectronic devices. The TEM images show dispersed silver nanoparticles. The dielectric constant of PVA is higher than that of chitosan. The result of dielectric constant study validates the Mie model which reveals the fact that the dielectric constant of the surrounding material has a great effect on the SPR peak intensity of nanoparticles.
Evaluation of MERIS Chlorophyll-a Retrieval Processors in a Complex Turbid Lake Kasumigaura over a 10-Year Mission
Authors: Salem Salem , Strand Marie , Higa Hiroto , Kim Hyungjun , Kazuhiro Komatsu , Oki Kazuo , Oki Taikan
Published: October 2017

Abstract: The chlorophyll-a (Chla) products of seven processors developed for the Medium Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MERIS) sensor were evaluated. The seven processors, based on a neural network and band height, were assessed over an optically complex water body with Chla concentrations of 8.10–187.40 mg∙m−3 using 10-year MERIS archival data. These processors were adopted for the Ocean and Land Color Instrument (OLCI) sensor. Results indicated that the four processors of band height (i.e. the Maximum Chlorophyll Index (MCI_L1); and Fluorescence Line Height (FLH_L1)); neural network (i.e. Eutrophic Lake (EUL); and Case 2 Regional (C2R)) possessed reasonable retrieval accuracy with root mean square error (R2) in the range of 0.42–0.65. However, these processors underestimated the retrieved Chla > 100 mg∙m−3, reflecting the limitation of the band height processors to eliminate the influence of non-phytoplankton matter and highlighting the need to train the neural network for highly turbid waters. MCI_L1 outperformed other processors during the calibration and validation stages (R2 = 0.65, Root mean square error (RMSE) = 22.18 mg∙m−3, the mean absolute relative error (MARE) = 36.88%). In contrast, the results from the Boreal Lake (BOL) and Free University of Berlin (FUB) processors demonstrated their inadequacy to accurately retrieve Chla concentration > 50 mg∙m−3, mainly due to the limitation of the training datasets that resulted in a high MARE for BOL (56.20%) and FUB (57.00%). Mapping the spatial distribution of Chla concentrations across Lake Kasumigaura using the seven processors showed that all processors—except for the BOL and FUB—were able to accurately capture the Chla distribution for moderate and high Chla concentrations. In addition, MCI_L1 and C2R processors were evaluated over 10-years of monthly measured Chla as they demonstrated the best retrieval accuracy from both groups (i.e. band height and neural network, respectively). The retrieved Chla of MCI_L1 was more accurate at tracking seasonal and annual variation in Chla than C2R, with only slight overestimation occurring during the springtime.
The Imperative of Palliation in the Management of Rabies Encephalomyelitis
Authors: Warrell Mary , Warrell David , Tarantola Arnaud
Published: October 2017

The aim of this review is to guide clinicians in the practical management of patients suffering from rabies encephalomyelitis. This condition is eminently preventable by modern post-exposure vaccination, but is virtually always fatal in unvaccinated people. In the absence of any proven effective antiviral or other treatment, palliative care is an imperative to minimise suffering. Suspicion of rabies encephalomyelitis depends on recognising the classic symptomatology and eliciting a history of exposure to a possibly rabid mammal. Potentially treatable differential diagnoses must be eliminated, notably other infective encephalopathies. Laboratory confirmation of suspected rabies is not usually possible in many endemic areas, but is essential for public health surveillance. In a disease as agonising and terrifying as rabies encephalomyelitis, alleviation of distressing symptoms is the primary concern and overriding responsibility of medical staff. Calm, quiet conditions should be created, allowing relatives to communicate with the dying patient in safety and privacy. Palliative management must address thirst and dehydration, fever, anxiety, fear, restlessness, agitation, seizures, hypersecretion, and pain. As the infection progresses, coma and respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, endocrine, or gastrointestinal complications will eventually ensue. When the facilities exist, the possibility of intensive care may arise, but although some patients may survive, they will be left with severe neurological sequelae. Recovery from rabies is extremely rare, and heroic measures with intensive care should be considered only in patients who have been previously vaccinated, develop rabies antibody within the first week of illness, or were infected by an American bat rabies virus. However, in most cases, clinicians must have the courage to offer compassionate palliation whenever the diagnosis of rabies encephalomyelitis is inescapable.
High-stress study of bioinspired multifunctional PEDOT:PSS/nanoclay nanocomposites using AFM, SEM and numerical simulation
Authors: Diaz Alfredo J , Noh Hanaul , Meier Tobias , Solares Santiago D
Published: October 2017

Bioinspired design has been central in the development of hierarchical nanocomposites. Particularly, the nacre-mimetic brick-and-mortar structure has shown excellent mechanical properties, as well as gas-barrier properties and optical transparency. Along with these intrinsic properties, the layered structure has also been utilized in sensing devices. Here we extend the multifunctionality of nacre-mimetics by designing an optically transparent and electron conductive coating based on PEDOT:PSS and nanoclays Laponite RD and Cloisite Na+. We carry out extensive characterization of the nanocomposite using transmittance spectra (transparency), conductive atomic force microscopy (conductivity), contact-resonance force microscopy (mechanical properties), and SEM combined with a variety of stress-strain AFM experiments and AFM numerical simulations (internal structure). We further study the nanoclay’s response to the application of pressure with multifrequency AFM and conductive AFM, whereby increases and decreases in conductivity can occur for the Laponite RD composites. We offer a possible mechanism to explain the changes in conductivity by modeling the coating as a 1-dimensional multibarrier potential for electron transport, and show that conductivity can change when the separation between the barriers changes under the application of pressure, and that the direction of the change depends on the energy of the electrons. We did not observe changes in conductivity under the application of pressure with AFM for the Cloisite Na+nanocomposite, which has a large platelet size compared with the AFM probe diameter. No pressure-induced changes in conductivity were observed in the clay-free polymer either.
Comparative Analysis of the Dynamic Building Energy Simulation Tools
Authors: Pajaujis Vytautas , Motuzienė Violeta
Published: October 2017

There are a lot of methodologies and simulation tools in the world to assess the energy demand of a building. The results of simulation tools often differ, but the causes are not analysed in more detail. The article compares the results of two most widely used dynamic energy simulation tools – DesignBuilder and IES-VE, when simulation of identical building model with the same assumptions in both programs is performed. In addition, for comparison, calculations are performed with the PHPP program, as well as using STR2.09.04:2008 methodology. The tools compare the heating, cooling capacity, energy consumption of the building for heating and cooling the building during the simulation. Following differences comparing energy demands gained with two different simulation tools are defined: ventilation – up to 11%, cooling – up to 9%, heating – up to 5%.
Experimental Research and Simulation of Fin and Tube Heat Exchanger
Authors: Rubcov Artur , Paulauskaitė Sabina , Misevičiūtė Violeta
Published: October 2017

The paper provides the results of experimental and theoretical test of a wavy fin and tube heat exchanger used to cool air in a ventilation system when the wavy fin of the heat exchanger is dry and wet. The experimental tests, performed in the range of 1000<Re<4500 of the Reynolds number applying LMTD-LMED methodology, determined the dependency of the heat transfer coefficient on the supplied air flow rate with the varying geometry of the heat exchanger (the number of tube rows, the distance between fins, the thickness of the fin and the diameter of the tube). The experimental tests were performed on 9 heat exchangers in heating and 6 heat exchangers in cooling mode. After processing the results of the experimental tests, empirical equation defining the characteristics of the heat transfer coefficient of all heat exchangers were derived. The maximum heat transfer coefficient deviation is 11.6 percent. The correction factor of the wet fin (Lewis number) depending on the number of Reynolds, which ranges from 0.75 to 1.1 also is determined. Maximum capacity deviation equals 3.7 percent. The obtained equations can only be applied to a certain group of heat exchangers (with the same shape of fins or the distance between the tubes). The results of the experimental test and simulation with ANSYS program are compared and the heat transfer coefficients vary from 6.5 to 11.4 percent.
Filter Medias from Granulated Foam-glass, Properties Investigated for Water Treatment Possibilities
Authors: Žurauskienė Ramunė , Valentukevičienė Marina , Žurauskaitė Raminta
Published: October 2017

Inorganic material – granulated foam-glass produced from glass breakage in small porous granule shape. Foam-glass is gotten by connecting thoroughly grounded glass with foamers, later this composition is heated in the furnace in especially high temperature and is turned into various diameter greyish granules. Granulated foam-glass is a unique ecological material of which inner structure pores are arranged in such a way that air is trapped inside. Foam-glass production technology is one of the most advanced since the product is made from secondary raw materials, not leaving any third row waste. From granule surface images it can be seen that granule surface has pores and voids, some of these pores are closed, others are connected with granule’s inner pores, all pore walls are smooth, and the wall material is vitrified. Pores and voids are arranged chaotically in smaller granules, bigger granules inner space structure is tidy, bigger part is occupied by correctly arranged bigger pores and space between them is filled with smaller pores. Granules are composed of amorphous phase, in mineralogical composition can emit one material cristobalite. In the work were researched two fraction granules: 0/2 and 2/4 as well as determined 0/4 fraction granular-metric composition. Researched and determined main physical granule properties and properties related to water effect to the material, shown in micro-structural granule surface and inner structure images. According to explored properties it can be noted that granules can be adapted in water cleaning technologies.
Modelling of Ground Borne Vibration Induced by Road Transport
Authors: Astrauskas Tomas , Grubliauskas Raimondas
Published: October 2017

Ground-borne vibrations induced by road transport is common source of environmental problem for residents living near roads where large flow of vehicles is. Any irregular unevenness of road surface increase the transport induced ground borne vibrations. The ground-borne vibrations travel through soil, different types of soil have different properties and transmission loss of vibrations is different. In this paper the spread of ground borne vibration is modelled using numerical modelling and represented using Surfer software. In this research is considered most common soil types in Lithuania: Peat, clay, sandy loam and loam. Calculated soil particle acceleration near vibration source was highest in Clay soil (34,3 mm/s2). The calculations show that in peat soil vibration travel further than in other soils.
Underwater Noise Modeling in Lithuanian Area of the Baltic Sea
Authors: Bagočius Donatas , Narščius Aleksas
Published: October 2017

Along with rising awareness of public and scientific societies about environmental and ecological impacts of underwater noise, the need for underwater noise modelling in the shallow Lithuanian area of Baltic Sea emerged. Marine Strategy Framework Directive issues regarding underwater noise indicators refers to possibility of evaluation of Good Environmental State using underwater noise measurements as well as possibility to model underwater noise. Main anthropogenic underwater noise contributor in the Seas is the shipping lanes as known due to date, with no exclusion of Lithuanian Baltic Sea area. In this manuscript, it is presented the methods of development of simplistic underwater ambient noise model purposed for computation of underwater soundscape in shallow area of the Lithuanian Baltic Sea.
Research of the Aerodynamic Parameters in a Special Cyclone with Secondary Inlets
Authors: Chlebnikovas Aleksandras , Baltrėnas Pranas
Published: October 2017

Special cyclone – gas treatment device which can be applied to remove the fine particulate matter bigger than 2 micrometres from aggressive gas flow at a temperature of 50–145 °C and a relative humidity of more than 95% and can be achieved the cleaning efficiency over 90%. Cyclone work is based on centrifugal forces and the resulting additional filtration process operation. Cyclone structure equipped with primary and secondary gas flow inflows through which gas dispersed flow is supplied parallel to all channels of the cyclone. Analysed modified multi-channel cyclone can be effectively treated from fine particulate matter, during the cleaning of aggressive gas flow an adhesion/cohesion phenomena could be reduced. Research of aerodynamic parameters it’s the first step of studies to determine the optimal case, at the average gas flow velocity in cyclone channels were 8, 12 and 16 m/s, the gas flow dynamics dependencies into cyclone were determined.
Energy Efficient Glazed Office Building Envelope Solutions for Different European Climates
Authors: Scanferla Marco , Motuzienė Violeta
Published: October 2017

The aim of this study is to show the critical aspects of a completely glazed high rise office building from an energy efficiency point of view in different European climates. The achievable consumptions and the most influential parameters such as glazing U-value, VT/SHGC and shading and their optimal values were investigated. The study has been carried out for a theoretical office building in Italy and Lithuania, representatively of a southern and northern EU climate. The building chosen is representative of all the glazed-simple shape buildings and the analysis of the entirety of the building enables a clear and im-mediate outcome of global consumptions. Number of DesignBuilder simulations were performed and the annual consumptions are summed with the primary energy criteria. Results show the critical aspects of 100% WWR buildings: in the coldest climate the main problem is the huge surface of relatively high glass U-value compared with standard walls, while in the warmer one the main efforts need to be done to avoid the summer overheating caused by incoming solar radiation. Finally, it is shown that it is difficult to lower the overall primary energy consumptions below 130 and 140 kWh/m2a for North-Italy and Lithuania locations respectively. The analysis is focused only in the envelope parameter, thus it is not included renewable energy systems, which can generate higher energy efficiencies.
Evaluation of Thermal Comfort of Kindergarten Buildings
Authors: Bielskus Juozas , Šiupšinskas Giedrius , Rimdžius Dovydas
Published: October 2017

The aim of the article is to evaluate the actual situation of thermal comfort in old non-modernized and modernized kindergartens in Lithuania. In this case, the level of thermal comfort and air quality of two modernized and two non-modernized kindergartens is ana- lyzed. In order to evaluate the level of comfort and air quality of the kindergartens, the air temperature, relative humidity and CO2 levels in the air were measured. The study follows the EN ISO 7730 International Standard’s methodology based on Fanger’s Comfort Model. The results of the research presented in this article are supported by the indicators of thermal comfort and CO2 concentration values. According to the calculated average thermal comfort values, the thermal comfort level of two mod- ernized kindergartens and one non-modernized kindergarten falls within the bounds of the comfort zone. Though, the results of CO2 concentration measurements show that in all the kindergartens during the working days CO2 concentration always exceeds the standard requirements.
Interpretation of a Variable Reflection Nebula Associated with HBC 340 and HBC 341 in NGC 1333
Authors: Dahm S. E. , Hillenbrand L. A.
Published: October 2017

We present multi-epoch, R-band imaging obtained from the Palomar Transient Factory of a small, fan-shaped reflection nebula in NGC 1333 that experiences prominent brightness fluctuations. Photometry of HBC 340 (K7e) and HBC 341 (M5e), a visual pair of late-type, young stellar objects lying near the apex of the nebula, demonstrates that while both are variable, the former has brightened by more than two magnitudes following a deep local minimum in 2014 September. Keck high-dispersion (R ∼ 45,000–66,000), optical spectroscopy of HBC 340 suggests that the protostar is a spectroscopic binary (HBC 340Aa + HBC 340Ab). Both HBC 340 and HBC 341 exhibit strong Hα and forbidden line emission, consistent with accretion and outflow. We conclude that the brightness fluctuations in the reflection nebula represent light echos produced by varying incident radiation emanating from HBC 340. The short-term variability observed in the protostar is attributed to irregular accretion activity, while correlated, dipping behavior on a several hundred day timescale may be due to eclipse-like events caused by orbiting circumstellar material. Archival Hubble Space Telescope imaging of the region reveals a second, faint (F814W ∼ 20.3 mag) companion to HBC 340 that lies 1.″02 (∼235 au) east of the protostar. If associated, this probable substellar mass object (20–50 Jupiter masses), HBC 340B, is likely unrelated to the observed brightness variations. The sustained brightening of HBC 340 since late 2014 can be explained by an EXor-like outburst, the recovery from a long duration eclipse event caused by obscuring circumstellar dust, or by the gradual removal of extincting material from along the line of sight. Our analysis here favors one of the extinction scenarios.
A Muslim Hidalgo? The Nasrid Oligarchy From a Castilian Court Record
Authors: Almagro Clara
Published: October 2017

The aim of this paper is to analyse a number of aspects of the Nasrid Society as it was at the end of the 15th Century. In order to do so, I use information contained in a nobility court record from the beginning of the 16th century and related to the descendants of a convert from the kingdom of Granada who was the son of the governor of the fortress of Iznalloz. The interesting perspective granted by these testimonies, which establish a comparison between part of Castilian’s small nobility and Granada’s oligarchy, raises many questions regarding the society of the kingdom of Granada at the end of the Middle Ages.
Guidelines of the Italian Society of Videosurgery in Infancy for the minimally invasive treatment of pediatric nephrectomy and partial nephrectomy
Authors: Chiarenza Salvatore Fabio , Bleve Cosimo , Esposito Ciro , Escolino Maria , Beretta Fabio , Cheli Maurizio , Di Benedetto Vincenzo , Scuderi Maria Grazia , Casadio Giovanni , Marzaro Maurizio , Fascetti Leon Francesco , Bagolan Pietro , Vella Claudio , Conighi Maria Luisa , Codric Daniela , Nappo Simona , Caione Paolo
Published: October 2017

Not available.
Beyond Field Effect: Analysis of Shrunken Centroids in Normal Esophageal Epithelia Detects Concomitant Esophageal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Selaru Florin M. , Wang Suna , Yin Jing , Schulmann Karsten , Xu Yan , Mori Yuriko , Olaru Alexandru V. , Sato Fumiaki , Hamilton James P. , Abraham John M. , Schneider Paul , Greenwald Bruce D. , Brabender Jan , Meltzer Stephen J.
Published: October 2017

Background and Aims

Because of the extremely low neoplastic progression rate in Barrett's esophagus, it is difficult to diagnose patients with concomitant adenocarcinoma early in their disease course. If biomarkers existed in normal squamous esophageal epithelium to identify patients with concomitant esophageal adenocarcinoma, potential applications would be far-reaching. The aim of the current study was to identify global gene expression patterns in normal esophageal epithelium capable of revealing simultaneous esophageal adenocarcinoma, even located remotely in the esophagus.

Methods

Tissues comprised normal esophageal epithelia from 9 patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma, 8 patients lacking esophageal adenocarcinoma or Barrett's, and 6 patients with Barrett's esophagus alone. cDNA microarrays were performed, and pattern recognition in each of these subgroups was achieved using shrunken nearest centroid predictors.

Results

Our method accurately discriminated normal esophageal epithelia of 8/8 patients without esophageal adenocarcinoma or Barrett's esophagus and of 6/6 patients with Barrett's esophagus alone from normal esophageal epithelia of 9/9 patients with Barrett's esophagus and concomitant esophageal adenocarcinoma. Moreover, we identified genes differentially expressed between the above subgroups. Thus, based on their corresponding normal esophageal epithelia alone, our method accurately diagnosed patients who had concomitant esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Conclusions

These global gene expression patterns, along with individual genes culled from them, represent potential biomarkers for the early diagnosis of esophageal adenocarcinoma from normal esophageal epithelia. Genes discovered in normal esophagus that are differentially expressed in patients with vs. without esophageal adenocarcinoma merit further pursuit in molecular genetic, functional, and therapeutic interventional studies.
Prediction of Functional Class of Proteins and Peptides Irrespective of Sequence Homology by Support Vector Machines
Authors: Tang Zhi Qun , Lin Hong Huang , Zhang Hai Lei , Han Lian Yi , Chen Xin , Chen Yu Zong
Published: October 2017

Various computational methods have been used for the prediction of protein and peptide function based on their sequences. A particular challenge is to derive functional properties from sequences that show low or no homology to proteins of known function. Recently, a machine learning method, support vector machines (SVM), have been explored for predicting functional class of proteins and peptides from amino acid sequence derived properties independent of sequence similarity, which have shown promising potential for a wide spectrum of protein and peptide classes including some of the low- and non-homologous proteins. This method can thus be explored as a potential tool to complement alignment-based, clustering-based, and structure-based methods for predicting protein function. This article reviews the strategies, current progresses, and underlying difficulties in using SVM for predicting the functional class of proteins. The relevant software and web-servers are described. The reported prediction performances in the application of these methods are also presented.
Integration of Neuroimaging and Microarray Datasets through Mapping and Model-Theoretic semantic Decomposition of Unstructured phenotypes
Authors: Pantazatos Spiro P. , Li Jianrong , Pavlidis Paul , Lussier Yves A.
Published: October 2017

An approach towards heterogeneous neuroscience dataset integration is proposed that uses Natural Language Processing (NLP) and a knowledge-based phenotype organizer system (PhenOS) to link ontology-anchored terms to underlying data from each database, and then maps these terms based on a computable model of disease (SNOMED CT®). The approach was implemented using sample datasets from fMRIDC, GEO, The Whole Brain Atlas and Neuronames, and allowed for complex queries such as “List all disorders with a finding site of brain region X, and then find the semantically related references in all participating databases based on the ontological model of the disease or its anatomical and morphological attributes”. Precision of the NLP-derived coding of the unstructured phenotypes in each dataset was 88% (n = 50), and precision of the semantic mapping between these terms across datasets was 98% (n = 100). To our knowledge, this is the first example of the use of both semantic decomposition of disease relationships and hierarchical information found in ontologies to integrate heterogeneous phenotypes across clinical and molecular datasets.
Semantic Integration of Cervical Cancer Data Repositories to Facilitate Multicenter Association Studies: The ASSIST Approach
Authors: Agorastos Theodoros , Koutkias Vassilis , Falelakis Manolis , Lekka Irini , Mikos Themistoklis , Delopoulos Anastasios , Mitkas Pericles A. , Tantsis Antonios , Weyers Steven , Coorevits Pascal , Kaufmann Andreas M. , Kurzeja Roberto , Maglaveras Nicos
Published: October 2017

The current work addresses the unification of Electronic Health Records related to cervical cancer into a single medical knowledge source, in the context of the EU-funded ASSIST research project. The project aims to facilitate the research for cervical precancer and cancer through a system that virtually unifies multiple patient record repositories, physically located in different medical centers/hospitals, thus, increasing flexibility by allowing the formation of study groups “on demand” and by recycling patient records in new studies. To this end, ASSIST uses semantic technologies to translate all medical entities (such as patient examination results, history, habits, genetic profile) and represent them in a common form, encoded in the ASSIST Cervical Cancer Ontology. The current paper presents the knowledge elicitation approach followed, towards the definition and representation of the disease's medical concepts and rules that constitute the basis for the ASSIST Cervical Cancer Ontology. The proposed approach constitutes a paradigm for semantic integration of heterogeneous clinical data that may be applicable to other biomedical application domains.
Who is Ready to Change Illicit Drug Use Behavior: An Emergency Department Study
Authors: Frausto Kenneth A. , Bazargan-Hejazi Shahrzad
Published: October 2017

Objective

To identify emergency department patients who are ready to change their illicit drug use behavior.

Methods

A cross-sectional study of 198 Emergency Department patients at least 18 years old, seeking emergency department services, using at least one illicit drug, and scoring positive for alcohol problem based on CAGE score ≥ 1.

Results

Of the patients, 46% were “not ready” to change their drug behavior, 21% and 33% were “unsure” and “ready”, respectively. Our results identified that “Readiness to change alcohol behavior” [t (197) = 3.37, p ≤ 0.001], health insurance [t (197) = -3.011, p ≤ 0.003], number of drug use [t (197) = 2.88, p ≤ 0.004], and drug-related injury [t (197) = 1.98, p ≤ 0.049] were related to readiness to change illicit drug behavior.

Conclusion

Our results re-iterate the need for intervention programs that focus on screening and treatment for both drugs and alcohol.
Effect of Two-minute Application of 35% Sodium Ascorbate on Composite Bond Strength following Bleaching
Authors: Ismail Eman H , Kilinc Evren , Hardigan Patrick C , Rothrock James K , Thompson Jeffrey Y , Garcia-Godoy Cristina
Published: October 2017

Aim

The aim of this study is to assess the effect of 35% sodium ascorbate on microtensile bond strength of dentin immediately after bleaching with 35% hydrogen peroxide.

Materials and methods

A total of 25 sound human 3rd molars were collected. Teeth were randomly divided into five groups for different treatments: Group I [bleaching + immediate bonding (i.e., restoration)], group II (bleaching + delayed bonding), group III (bleaching + sodium ascorbate + immediate bonding), group IV (bleaching + sodium ascorbate + delayed bonding), and group V (bonding only). After bleaching, but before bonding, groups II and IV were stored for 1 week in deionized water at 37°C. All samples were bonded using OptiBoned FL (Kerr) and Filtek Supreme (3M/ESPE). Teeth were sectioned into 1 × 1 mm 2 bars, and microtensile bond strength was tested with a universal testing machine (Instron 8841) at a cross-head speed of 0.5 mm/minute.

Results

Microtensile bond strength differed significantly across the five groups, with a significant reduction in microtensile strength observed for samples in group I relative to samples in any of the other treatment groups (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The application of a high concentration of sodium ascorbate for a shorter time reversed the negative effect of 35% hydrogen peroxide bleaching on composite bonding strength to dentin.

Clinical significance

The negative effects of bleaching on composite bonding can be neutralized by the application of the reversing agent sodium ascorbate thus, increasing the efficiency of clinic chair time. This is clinically relevant for those patients requiring restorative treatment immediately after inoffice bleaching.

How to cite this article

Ismail EH, Kilinc E, Hardigan PC, Rothrock JK, Thompson JY, Garcia-Godoy C. Effect of Twominute Application of 35% Sodium Ascorbate on Composite Bond Strength following Bleaching. J Contemp Dent Pract 2017;18(10):874-880.
Assessment of Influence of Contact Time between Alginate and Type III Dental Stone on Properties of Cast Model: An in vitro Study
Authors: Dev Shruti , Garhnayak Mirna , Dhal Angurbala , Garhnayak Lokanath , Kar Aswini K
Published: October 2017

Introduction

Alginate is a versatile, irreversible hydrocolloid impression material, which is cost-effective and forms an essential component in dental practice. For elevating the hardness of the cast models, hardeners are combined with stone. Hence, we planned the present study to evaluate the impact of altering the time of contact between alginate and stone after various interim periods.

Materials and methods

The present study included the assessment of impact of time of contact between alginate and stone by the construction of 90 casts using a cylinder model. Two bisecting lines were marked and were named as y and y'. These lines were used for testing the dimensional stability. Using chemically cured acrylic resin, the construction of ten special trays was done. All the impression casts were randomly divided into two study groups, with 45 casts in each group.group I: control group, casts were removed after 60 minutes; group II: study group, casts were removed after 9 hours. A digital caliper was used for measuring the dimensional stability of the cast. All the data were collected and analyzed.

Results

In the specimens of the control group (group I) and the study group (group II), the mean dimensions from y to y' were found to be 17.54 and 17.95 respectively. The mean reading of hardness in the control group and study group was found to be 0.59 and 0.20 respectively. In groups I and II, the number of specimens showing clarity of two lines (X and X”) was 0 and 5 respectively.

Conclusion

There was no change in the dimensional stability of the dental stone model when the contact time was increased.

Clinical significance

Within certain limits, the contact time between alginate and stone can be altered without significantly altering the properties of the cast.

How to cite this article

Dev S, Kar AK, Garhnayak M, Garhnayak L, Dhal A. Assessment of Influence of Contact Time between Alginate and Type III Dental Stone on Properties of Cast Model: An in vitro Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2017;18(10):911-914.