bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Presidential inability: Filling in the gaps
Authors: Feerick John D.
Published: April 2015

This article focuses on potential gaps caused by the absence from the Twenty-Fifth Amendment of provisions to deal with the disability of a Vice President and the omission from the statutory line of succession law of provisions comparable to Sections 3 and 4 of the Twenty-Fifth Amendment for when there is an able Vice President. The analysis offers a critical review of the latent ambiguities in the succession provision to the United States Constitution, noting problems that have arisen from the time of the Constitutional Convention, to John Tyler's accession to office, to numerous disability crises that presented themselves throughout the twentieth century, to the present day. As the world becomes more complex and threats to the presidency more common, continued examination of our succession structure and its adequacy for establishing clear and effective presidential succession provisions under a broad range of circumstances is of paramount concern. This article embraces this robust discussion by offering some suggestions for improving the system in a way that does not require a constitutional amendment. The first part of the analysis traces the events that have driven the development of the nation's succession procedures. The second part examines the inadequacies, or “gaps,” that remain in the area of presidential inability, and the third part sets forth recommendations for resolving these gaps.
The politics of presidential illness: Ronald Reagan and the Iran-Contra Scandal
Authors: Gilbert Robert E.
Published: April 2015

This paper assesses the likelihood that the Iran-Contra scandal was shaped heavily by the effects of Ronald Reagan's cancer surgery in summer, 1985. During the President's hospitalization and in the period soon after, he took several actions—which he apparently did not remember—that launched a policy that was unwise, counterproductive, and a failure. These damaged both his Administration and his standing in history. The 25thAmendment afforded Reagan the means by which his involvement in these events could easily have been avoided. However, the President and his aides determined that he would resume the powers and duties of the presidency only hours after undergoing extensive cancer surgery. This decision contributed materially to the most damaging episode of Reagan's eight-year presidency.
Increasing the Biological Stability Profile of a New Chemical Entity, UPEI-104, and Potential Use as a Neuroprotectant Against Reperfusion-Injury
Authors: Saleh Tarek , Connell Barry , Kucukkaya Inan , Abd-El-Aziz Alaa
Published: April 2015

Previous work in our laboratory demonstrated the utility of synthetic combinations of two naturally occurring, biologically active compounds. In particular, we combined two known anti-oxidant compounds, lipoic acid and apocynin, covalently linked via an ester bond (named UPEI-100). In an animal model of ischemia-reperfusion injury (tMCAO), UPEI-100 was shown to produce equivalent neuroprotection compared to each parent compound, but at a 100-fold lower dose. However, it was determined that UPEI-100 was undetectable in any tissue samples almost immediately following intravenous injection. Therefore, the present investigation was done to determine if biological stability of UPEI-100 could be improved by replacing the ester bond with a more bio cleavage-resistant bond, an ether bond (named UPEI-104). We then compared the stability of UPEI-104 to the original parent compound UPEI-100 in human plasma as well as liver microsomes. Our results demonstrated that both UPEI-100 and UPEI-104 could be detected in human plasma for over 120 min; however, only UPEI-104 was detectable for an average of 7 min following incubation with human liver microsomes. This increased stability did not affect the biological activity of UPEI-104 as measured using our tMCAO model. Our results suggest that combining compounds using an ether bond can improve stability while maintaining biological activity.
Source Material and Concentration of Wildfire-Produced Pyrogenic Carbon Influence Post-Fire Soil Nutrient Dynamics
Authors: Michelotti Lucas , Miesel Jessica
Published: April 2015

Pyrogenic carbon (PyC) is produced by the thermal decomposition of organic matter in the absence of oxygen (O). PyC affects nutrient availability, may enhance post-fire nitrogen (N) mineralization rates, and can be a significant carbon (C) pool in fire-prone ecosystems. Our objectives were to characterize PyC produced by wildfires and examine the influence that contrasting types of PyC have on C and N mineralization rates. We determined C, N, O, and hydrogen (H) concentrations and atomic ratios of charred bark (BK), charred pine cones (PC), and charred woody debris (WD) using elemental analysis. We also incubated soil amended with BK, PC, and WD at two concentrations for 60 days to measure C and N mineralization rates. PC had greater H/C and O/C ratios than BK and WD, suggesting that PC may have a lesser aromatic component than BK and WD. C and N mineralization rates decreased with increasing PyC concentrations, and control samples produced more CO2 than soils amended with PyC. Soils with PC produced greater CO2 and had lower N mineralization rates than soils with BK or WD. These results demonstrate that PyC type and concentration have potential to impact nutrient dynamics and C flux to the atmosphere in post-fire forest soils.
Effect of Planting Density on Knot Attributes and Branch Occlusion of Betula alnoides under Natural Pruning in Southern China
Authors: Wang Chunsheng , Zhao Zhigang , Hein Sebastian , Zeng Ji , Schuler Johanna , Guo Junjie , Guo Wenfu , Zeng Jie
Published: April 2015

Knot-related defects are the major cause of timber quality degradation, and diminishing this kind of defects is an important issue in forest management. For the purpose of clear-wood production, knot attributes and branch occlusion of Betula alnoides under natural pruning were investigated in a 14-year-old experimental plantation with five planting densities ranging from 500 to 3333 stems per hectare in southern China, and a total of 1325 occluded branches from 30 trees were sampled and dissected. The mean occluded branch diameter (OBD), radius of knots and branch insertion angle (IA) decreased significantly with increasing planting density. Planting with high stocking density significantly reduced the frequency of thick occluded branches (diameter ≥ 20 mm) while increasing the frequency of small ones (diameter < 10 mm). Branch occlusion time (OT) also tended to increase with decreasing planting density. The results of generalized linear mixed models showed that OBD was the major factor influencing OT, radius of dead portion of knot (RDP), total radius of knot (TRK) and IA. In addition, OT was positively correlated with RDP but negatively correlated with stem diameter growth rate during branch occlusion (SDGR). Silvicultural strategies with appropriate planting density for large-diameter clear-wood production of B. alnoides were discussed.
Spatial Forest Harvest Scheduling for Areas Involving Carbon and Timber Management Goals
Authors: Dong Lingbo , Bettinger Pete , Liu Zhaogang , Qin Huiyan
Published: April 2015

Forest carbon sequestration has become an important ecological service for human society. Given the widespread attention paid to global climate change over the last few decades, a potential need has arisen to develop forest management plans that integrate carbon management and other spatial and non-spatial goals. The objective of this research was to develop a spatial forest planning process by which one could assess either a carbon stocks objective, a timber production objective, or a spatial objective related to the arrangement of forest management activities. This process was used to evaluate the maximization of (1) volume scheduled for harvest; (2) carbon stocks; and (3) spatial aggregation of the management activities through a utility function where all are equally weighted objectives. The process was employed for the development of 30-year plans for a forested landscape in northeast China that was approximately 120,000 ha in size. In addition, the sensitivity of the results with respect to four initial forest age structures was tested. Constraints mainly included those related to the need for an even flow of scheduled harvest volume and to the need to adhere to a maximum harvest opening size. The proposed scheduling process employed a simulated annealing algorithm to schedule harvests in an attempt to produce a high value of the utility function. Results showed that carbon stocks in the case study forests could significantly increase in the next 30 years under the proposed harvesting plans. Of the case study forest landscapes, the values of both the utility function and the computing time required were significantly different between different initial forest age structures (p < 0.05), i.e., the older forest landscape obtained the highest average solution value (0.6594 ± 0.0013) with the fastest processing speed (2.45 min per solution). For a fixed harvest level, the average carbon density (tons per hectare) at the end of planning horizon also increased by 4.48 ± 9.61 t/ha, 8.73 ± 10.85 t/ha, 2.99 ± 9.19 t/ha and 1.03 ± 9.77 t/ha when maximizing the total utility functions for the actual, young, normal and older forests, respectively, when compared those at their initial conditions. This heuristic spatial forest planning process can allow forest managers to examine a number of different management activities, for both timber production and carbon stocks, prior to selecting a preferred alternative.
Isolated Diastolic Hypertension Associated Risk Factors among Chinese in Anhui Province, China
Authors: Wang Yanchun , Xing Fengjun , Liu Rongjuan , Liu Li , Zhu Yu , Wen Yufeng , Sun Wenjie , Song Ziwei
Published: April 2015

Objective: To explore potential risk factors of isolated diastolic hypertension (IDH) among young and middle-aged Chinese. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 338 subjects, aged 25 years and above, using random sampling technique. There were 68 cases of IDH, 46 cases of isolated systolic hypertension (ISH), 89 cases of systolic and diastolic hypertension (SDH), and 135 of subjects with normal blood pressure. Cases and controls were matched on sex by frequency matching. Demographic characteristics, blood pressure and other relevant information were collected. Results: Compared with controls, patients with IDH and ISH had significant higher level of triglyceride, high density lipoprotein, blood glucose and body mass index (BMI) (p < 0.05); while patients with SDH had significantly higher level of total cholesterol, triglyceride, glucose and BMI (p < 0.05). Linear mixed effects model showed that drinking tea, family history of hypertension (FHH), higher blood glucose, triglyceride and low density lipoprotein were related with elevated diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (p < 0.01); HFH, blood glucose, creatinine and BMI have positive effect on systolic blood pressure (SBP) (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Drinking tea, FHH, high levels of triglyceride, high density lipoprotein, blood glucose and BMI are associated with IDH among young and middle-aged Chinese.
Selected Tea and Tea Pomace Extracts Inhibit Intestinal α-Glucosidase Activity in Vitro and Postprandial Hyperglycemia in Vivo
Authors: Oh Jungbae , Jo Sung-Hoon , Kim Justin , Ha Kyoung-Soo , Lee Jung-Yun , Choi Hwang-Yong , Yu Seok-Yeong , Kwon Young-In , Kim Young-Cheul
Published: April 2015

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic disorder characterized by postprandial hyperglycemia, which is an early defect of T2DM and thus a primary target for anti-diabetic drugs. A therapeutic approach is to inhibit intestinal α-glucosidase, the key enzyme for dietary carbohydrate digestion, resulting in delayed rate of glucose absorption. Although tea extracts have been reported to have anti-diabetic effects, the potential bioactivity of tea pomace, the main bio waste of tea beverage processing, is largely unknown. We evaluated the anti-diabetic effects of three selected tea water extracts (TWE) and tea pomace extracts (TPE) by determining the relative potency of extracts on rat intestinal α-glucosidase activity in vitro as well as hypoglycemic effects in vivo. Green, oolong, and black tea bags were extracted in hot water and the remaining tea pomace were dried and further extracted in 70% ethanol. The extracts were determined for intestinal rat α-glucosidases activity, radical scavenging activity, and total phenolic content. The postprandial glucose-lowering effects of TWE and TPE of green and black tea were assessed in male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats and compared to acarbose, a known pharmacological α-glucosidase inhibitor. The IC50 values of all three tea extracts against mammalian α-glucosidase were lower or similar in TPE groups than those of TWE groups. TWE and TPE of green tea exhibited the highest inhibitory effects against α-glucosidase activity with the IC50 of 2.04 ± 0.31 and 1.95 ± 0.37 mg/mL respectively. Among the specific enzymes tested, the IC50 values for TWE (0.16 ± 0.01 mg/mL) and TPE (0.13 ± 0.01 mg/mL) of green tea against sucrase activity were the lowest compared to those on maltase and glucoamylase activities. In the animal study, the blood glucose level at 30 min after oral intake (0.5 g/kg body wt) of TPE and TWE of both green and black tea was significantly reduced compared to the control in sucrose-loaded SD rats. The TPE of all three teas had significantly higher phenolic content than those of the TWE groups, which correlated strongly with the DPPH radical scavenging activity. This is the first report of tea pomace extract significantly inhibits intestinal α-glucosidase, resulting in delayed glucose absorption and thereby suppressed postprandial hyperglycemia. Our data suggest that tea pomace-derived bioactives may have great potential for further development as nutraceutical products and the reuse of otherwise biowaste as valuable bioresources for the industry.
Effects of Paeonol on Anti-Neuroinflammatory Responses in Microglial Cells
Authors: Lin Chingju , Lin Hsiao-Yun , Chen Jia-Hong , Tseng Wen-Pei , Ko Pei-Ying , Liu Yu-Shu , Yeh Wei-Lan , Lu Dah-Yuu
Published: April 2015

Increasing studies suggest that inflammatory processes in the central nervous system mediated by microglial activation plays an important role in numerous neurodegenerative diseases. Development of planning for microglial suppression is considered a key strategy in the search for neuroprotection. Paeonol is a major phenolic component of Moutan Cortex, widely used as a nutrient supplement in Chinese medicine. In this study, we investigated the effects of paeonol on microglial cells stimulated by inflammagens. Paeonol significantly inhibited the release of nitric oxide (NO) and the expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Treatment with paeonol also reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and inhibited an ATP-induced increased cell migratory activity. Furthermore, the inhibitory effects of neuroinflammation by paeonol were found to be regulated by phosphorylated adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase-α (AMPK-α) and glycogen synthase kinase 3 α/β (GSK 3α/β). Treatment with AMPK or GSK3 inhibitors reverse the inhibitory effect of neuroinflammation by paeonol in microglial cells. Furthermore, paeonol treatment also showed significant improvement in the rotarod performance and microglial activation in the mouse model as well. The present study is the first to report a novel inhibitory role of paeonol on neuroinflammation, and presents a new candidate agent for the development of therapies for inflammation-related neurodegenerative diseases.
A Review of the Effect of Diet on Cardiovascular Calcification
Authors: Nicoll Rachel , Howard John , Henein Michael
Published: April 2015

Cardiovascular (CV) calcification is known as sub-clinical atherosclerosis and is recognised as a predictor of CV events and mortality. As yet there is no treatment for CV calcification and conventional CV risk factors are not consistently correlated, leaving clinicians uncertain as to optimum management for these patients. For this reason, a review of studies investigating diet and serum levels of macro- and micronutrients was carried out. Although there were few human studies of macronutrients, nevertheless transfats and simple sugars should be avoided, while long chain ω-3 fats from oily fish may be protective. Among the micronutrients, an intake of 800 μg/day calcium was beneficial in those without renal disease or hyperparathyroidism, while inorganic phosphorus from food preservatives and colas may induce calcification. A high intake of magnesium (≥380 mg/day) and phylloquinone (500 μg/day) proved protective, as did a serum 25(OH)D concentration of ≥75 nmol/L. Although oxidative damage appears to be a cause of CV calcification, the antioxidant vitamins proved to be largely ineffective, while supplementation of α-tocopherol may induce calcification. Nevertheless other antioxidant compounds (epigallocatechin gallate from green tea and resveratrol from red wine) were protective. Finally, a homocysteine concentration >12 µmol/L was predictive of CV calcification, although a plasma folate concentration of >39.4 nmol/L could both lower homocysteine and protect against calcification. In terms of a dietary programme, these recommendations indicate avoiding sugar and the transfats and preservatives found in processed foods and drinks and adopting a diet high in oily fish and vegetables. The micronutrients magnesium and vitamin K may be worthy of further investigation as a treatment option for CV calcification.
Undetected Toxicity Risk in Pharmacogenetic Testing for Dihydropyrimidine Dehydrogenase
Authors: Falvella Felicia , Caporale Marta , Cheli Stefania , Martinetti Antonia , Berenato Rosa , Maggi Claudia , Niger Monica , Ricchini Francesca , Bossi Ilaria , Bartolomeo Maria , Sottotetti Elisa , Bernardi Francesca , De Braud Filippo , Clementi Emilio , Pietrantonio Filippo
Published: April 2015

Fluoropyrimidines, the mainstay agents for the treatment of colorectal cancer, alone or as a part of combination therapies, cause severe adverse reactions in about 10%–30% of patients. Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD), a key enzyme in the catabolism of 5-fluorouracil, has been intensively investigated in relation to fluoropyrimidine toxicity, and several DPD gene (DPYD) polymorphisms are associated with decreased enzyme activity and increased risk of fluoropyrimidine-related toxicity. In patients carrying non-functional DPYD variants (c.1905+1G>A, c.1679T>G, c.2846A>T), fluoropyrimidines should be avoided or reduced according to the patients’ homozygous or heterozygous status, respectively. For other common DPYD variants (c.496A>G, c.1129-5923C>G, c.1896T>C), conflicting data are reported and their use in clinical practice still needs to be validated. The high frequency of DPYD polymorphism and the lack of large prospective trials may explain differences in studies’ results. The epigenetic regulation of DPD expression has been recently investigated to explain the variable activity of the enzyme. DPYD promoter methylation and its regulation by microRNAs may affect the toxicity risk of fluoropyrimidines. The studies we reviewed indicate that pharmacogenetic testing is promising to direct personalised dosing of fluoropyrimidines, although further investigations are needed to establish the role of DPD in severe toxicity in patients treated for colorectal cancer.
The Da Vinci European BioBank: A Metabolomics-Driven Infrastructure
Authors: Carotenuto Dario , Luchinat Claudio , Marcon Giordana , Rosato Antonio , Turano Paola
Published: April 2015

We present here the organization of the recently-constituted da Vinci European BioBank (daVEB, https://www.davincieuropeanbiobank.org/it). The biobank was created as an infrastructure to support the activities of the Fiorgen Foundation (http://www.fiorgen.net/), a nonprofit organization that promotes research in the field of pharmacogenomics and personalized medicine. The way operating procedures concerning samples and data have been developed at daVEB largely stems from the strong metabolomics connotation of Fiorgen and from the involvement of the scientific collaborators of the foundation in international/European projects aimed to tackle the standardization of pre-analytical procedures and the promotion of data standards in metabolomics.
Building Bridges across Sectors and Scales: Exploring Systemic Solutions towards A Sustainable Management of Land —Experiences from 4th Year Status Conference on Research for Sustainable Land Management
Authors: Repp Annegret , Weith Thomas
Published: April 2015

Interacting land use demands and competing interests originating from fields such as agriculture, housing, mobility and nature conservation call for integrated governance approaches that incorporate disciplinary perspectives and arbitrate between them. The German research program “Sustainable Land Management” targets this challenge and provides an umbrella for a number of regional projects involving transdisciplinary system-oriented approaches to sustainable land use, connecting researchers and practitioners. This research note gives an insight into the experiences presented at the program’s fourth year status conference, held in October 2014 in Berlin. It focuses on cross-scalar and cross-sectoral approaches to governing urban-rural interdependencies of land use and scrutinizes debates on how to implement and disseminate project results.
Bifunctionalized Allenes. Part XVI. Synthesis of 3-Phosphoryl-2,5-dihydrofurans by Coinage Metal-Catalyzed Cyclo-isomerization of Phosphorylated α-Hydroxyallenes
Authors: Christov Valerij , Ismailov Ismail , Ivanov Ivaylo
Published: April 2015

Phosphorylated α-hydroxyallenes 1 and 2 were smoothly converted into the corresponding 2,5-dihydrofurans 3 and 4 in an 5-endo-trig cycloisomerization reaction by using 5 mol % of coinage metal salts as catalyst. Experimental conditions such as the type of the solvent, the reaction temperature, the mol % and the type of the catalyst were optimized. This mild and efficient cyclization method can be applied to dimethyl 1-hydroxyalkyl-alka-1,2-dienephosphonates 1 and 2-diphenylphosphinoyl-2,3-dien-1-ols 2a–c and 3-diphenylphosphinoyl-3,4-dien-2-ols 2d,e, furnishing 3-phosphorylated 2,5-dihydrofurans 3 and 4 in very good yields.
Synthesis, Anti-Tumor and Anti-Angiogenic Activity Evaluations of Asiatic Acid Amino Acid Derivatives
Authors: Jing Yue , Wang Gang , Ge Ying , Xu Minjie , Gong Zhunan
Published: April 2015

Fifteen semi-synthetic derivatives of asiatic acid (AA) have been synthesized and evaluated for their biological activities. The successful modification of these compounds at the C-2, C-3, C-23 and C-28 positions was confirmed using NMR, MS and IR spectra. Further, their anti-tumor effects were evaluated in vitro using different cancer cell lines (HeLa, HepG2, B16F10, SGC7901, A549, MCF7 and PC3), while their anti-angiogenic activities were evaluated in vivo using a larval zebrafish model. Among the derivatives, compounds 4–10 showed more potent cytotoxic and anti-angiogenic effects than AA, while compounds 11–17 had significantly less effects. The new derivative 10 was also included in finished formulations to evaluate its stability using HPLC due to its potential topical use. The derivative 10 had markedly better anti-tumor activities than both AA and other derivatives, with similar stability as its parent compound AA.
A Novel ARX-Based Approach for the Steady-State Identification Analysis of Industrial Depropanizer Column Datasets
Authors: Rincón Franklin , Roux Galo , Lima Fernando
Published: April 2015

This paper introduces a novel steady-state identification (SSI) method based on the auto-regressive model with exogenous inputs (ARX). This method allows the SSI with reduced tuning by analyzing the identifiability properties of the system. In particular, the singularity of the model matrices is used as an index for steady-state determination. In this contribution, the novel SSI method is compared to other available techniques, namely the F-like test, wavelet transform and a polynomial-based approach. These methods are implemented for SSI of three different case studies. In the first case, a simulated dataset is used for calibrating the output-based SSI methods. The second case corresponds to a literature nonlinear continuous stirred-tank reactor (CSTR) example running at different steady states in which the ARX-based approach is tuned with the available input-output data. Finally, an industrial case with real data of a depropanizer column from PETROBRAS S.A. considering different pieces of equipment is analyzed. The results for a reflux drum case indicate that the wavelet and the F-like test can satisfactorily detect the steady-state periods after careful tuning and when respecting their hypothesis, i.e., smooth data for the wavelet method and the presence of variance in the data for the F-like test. Through a heat exchanger case with different measurement frequencies, we demonstrate the advantages of using the ARX-based method over the other techniques, which include the aspect of online implementation.
Comparative Assessment of Satellite-Retrieved Surface Net Radiation: An Examination on CERES and SRB Datasets in China
Authors: Pan Xin , Liu Yuanbo , Fan Xingwang
Published: April 2015

Surface net radiation plays an important role in land–atmosphere interactions. The net radiation can be retrieved from satellite radiative products, yet its accuracy needs comprehensive assessment. This study evaluates monthly surface net radiation generated from the Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES) and the Surface Radiation Budget project (SRB) products, respectively, with quality-controlled radiation data from 50 meteorological stations in China for the period from March 2000 to December 2007. Our results show that surface net radiation is generally overestimated for CERES (SRB), with a bias of 26.52 W/m2 (18.57 W/m2) and a root mean square error of 34.58 W/m2 (29.49 W/m2). Spatially, the satellite-retrieved monthly mean of surface net radiation has relatively small errors for both CERES and SRB at inland sites in south China. Substantial errors are found at northeastern sites for two datasets, in addition to coastal sites for CERES. Temporally, multi-year averaged monthly mean errors are large at sites in western China in spring and summer, and in northeastern China in spring and winter. The annual mean error fluctuates for SRB, but decreases for CERES between 2000 and 2007. For CERES, 56% of net radiation errors come from net shortwave (NSW) radiation and 44% from net longwave (NLW) radiation. The errors are attributable to environmental parameters including surface albedo, surface water vapor pressure, land surface temperature, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) of land surface proxy, and visibility for CERES. For SRB, 65% of the errors come from NSW and 35% from NLW radiation. The major influencing factors in a descending order are surface water vapor pressure, surface albedo, land surface temperature, NDVI, and visibility. Our findings offer an insight into error patterns in satellite-retrieved surface net radiation and should be valuable to improving retrieval accuracy of surface net radiation. Moreover, our study on radiation data of China provides a case example for worldwide validation.
Directly Estimating Endmembers for Compressive Hyperspectral Images
Authors: Xu Hongwei , Fu Ning , Qiao Liyan , Peng Xiyuan
Published: April 2015

The large volume of hyperspectral images (HSI) generated creates huge challenges for transmission and storage, making data compression more and more important. Compressive Sensing (CS) is an effective data compression technology that shows that when a signal is sparse in some basis, only a small number of measurements are needed for exact signal recovery. Distributed CS (DCS) takes advantage of both intra- and inter- signal correlations to reduce the number of measurements needed for multichannel-signal recovery. HSI can be observed by the DCS framework to reduce the volume of data significantly. The traditional method for estimating endmembers (spectral information) first recovers the images from the compressive HSI and then estimates endmembers via the recovered images. The recovery step takes considerable time and introduces errors into the estimation step. In this paper, we propose a novel method, by designing a type of coherent measurement matrix, to estimate endmembers directly from the compressively observed HSI data via convex geometry (CG) approaches without recovering the images. Numerical simulations show that the proposed method outperforms the traditional method with better estimation speed and better (or comparable) accuracy in both noisy and noiseless cases.
Estimating the Total Economic Value of Cultivated Flower Land in Taiwan
Authors: Huang Chin-Huang , Wang Chiung-Hsia
Published: April 2015

Many arable land areas have been converted to residential or business uses by Taiwan government authorities, because the low farmland value is associated with the low value of agricultural products. However, agriculture is multifunctional. This study investigates farmland value through Total Economic Value (TEV) for Tianwei Township, which is Taiwan’s largest floral farmland region. Direct use value measures the floral products’ output value and recreational benefit. Recreational benefit from visitors’ flower sightseeing was measured by the travel cost method (TCM). Option value and non-use value, including bequest value and existence value, measure the residents’ willingness to pay through the double-bounded dichotomous contingent valuation method (CVM). The results show that the total floral products’ output is NT$1.441 billion in 2007, recreational benefit is roughly NT$17.757 billion. The intangible value of option value and non-use values are approximately between NT$5 million to 15 million. Therefore, ignoring various values of farmland might lead to an underestimation of farmland value.
Baculovirus-mediated Gene Delivery and RNAi Applications
Authors: Makkonen Kaisa-Emilia , Airenne Kari , Ylä-Herttulala Seppo
Published: April 2015

Baculoviruses are widely encountered in nature and a great deal of data is available about their safety and biology. Recently, these versatile, insect-specific viruses have demonstrated their usefulness in various biotechnological applications including protein production and gene transfer. Multiple in vitro and in vivo studies exist and support their use as gene delivery vehicles in vertebrate cells. Recently, baculoviruses have also demonstrated high potential in RNAi applications in which several advantages of the virus make it a promising tool for RNA gene transfer with high safety and wide tropism.
Assessing the Influences of a Flood Diversion Project on Mitigating River Stage, Inundation Extent and Economic Loss
Authors: Chen Wei-Bo , Liu Wen-Cheng , Fu Huei-Shuin , Jang Jiun-Huei
Published: April 2015

Taiwan usually suffers severe inundation disasters during typhoons and strong rainstorms, and therefore flood mitigation is considered an important issue. To assess the effect of the Yuansantze flood diversion tunnel (YFDT) on flood mitigation at the upstream reaches of the Keelung River, a three-dimensional, unstructured grid, Finite-Volume, primitive equation Community Ocean Model (FVCOM) was used. The model was validated with observed data for water levels and inundation extent during different typhoon events. The simulated results show a good agreement with field measurements of water level with three historical typhoon events but underestimated the measured inundation extent with Typhoon Nari. The validated model was then applied to assess the flood mitigation and economic loss with the YFDT. The results demonstrated that the river level decreases approximately 3 m with the YFDT and that the inundation extent decreases by more than 50% in the Ruifang District with YFDT. The YDFT aims to not only mitigate hazards but also reduce economic losses. The average annual expected benefit after construction of the YFDT is approximately 184 million NTD in the Ruifang District.
Distal tibial tuberosity translation using TTA implants for the treatment of patella alta in large breed dogs
Authors: Pike F. S. , Aiken S. W. , Pugliese L. C.
Published: April 2015

Introduction: Medial patellar luxation frequently occurs in dogs resulting in lameness with increasing incidence in large breed dogs. Patella alta has been defined as a patellar ligament length to patellar length ratio that is greater than two and may predispose to patellar luxation.

Objective: To describe the surgical technique for stabilization of the distal translation of the tibial tuberosity using tibial tuberosity advancement plates and the clinical outcomes with follow-up for clinical cases of dogs.

Methods: Dogs that were presented with the complaint of patellar luxation and that were concurrently diagnosed with patella alta and were greater than 20 kg in body weight underwent surgery using a tibial tuberosity advancement plate to stabilize the osteotomy. Radiographic assessment of A:PL distance (the ratio of the proximal aspect of the patella to the femoral condyle [A] to the patellar length [PL]), L:P ratio (ratio of the length of the patellar ligament to the diagonal length of the patella), and owner assessment were obtained.

Results: Eleven stifles in nine dogs underwent surgical correction with a mean preoperative L:P ratio of 2.47. There were no complications and the lameness resolved clinically. The mean A:PL ratios preoperatively (2.6 ± 0.22) and postoperatively (2.1 ± 0.25) were significantly different (p = 0.0003). All owners were satisfied with the outcome and all dogs had a resolution of lameness with no recurrence of patellar luxation.

Clinical significance: Stabilization of distal translation of the tibial tuberosity using tibial tuberosity advancement implants to correct patella alta in large breed dogs was feasible and resulted in good clinical outcome.
Impact of a Low-Glucose Peritoneal Dialysis Regimen on Fibrosis and Inflammation Biomarkers
Authors: Yung Susan , Lui Sing Leung , Ng Chris K.F. , Yim Andrew , Ma Maggie K.M. , Lo Kin Yee , Chow Chik Cheung , Chu Kwok Hong , Chak Wai Leung , Lam Man Fai , Yung Chun Yu , Yip Terence P.S. , Wong Sunny , Tang Colin S.O. , Ng Flora S.K. , Chan Tak Mao
Published: April 2015

Background

The impact of a low-glucose peritoneal dialysis (PD) regimen on biomarkers of peritoneal inflammation, fibrosis and membrane integrity remains to be investigated.

Methods

In a randomized, prospective study, 80 incident PD patients received either a low-glucose regimen comprising Physioneal (P), Extraneal (E) and Nutrineal (N) (Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Deerfield, IL, USA) (PEN group), or Dianeal (control group) for 12 months, after which both groups continued with Dianeal dialysis for 6 months. Serum and dialysate levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), decorin, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), interleukin-6 (IL-6), macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), hyaluronan (HA), adiponectin, solubleintracellular adhesion molecule (s-ICAM), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and P-selectin, and dialysate cancer antigen 125 (CA125), were measured after 12 and 18 months. This paper focuses on results after 12 months, when patients in the PEN group changed to glucose-based PD fluid (PDF).

Results

At the end of 12 months, effluent dialysate levels of CA125, decorin, HGF, IL-6, adiponectin and adhesion molecules were significantly higher in the PEN group compared to controls, but all decreased after patients switched to glucose-based PDF. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor level was lower in the PEN group but increased after changing to glucose-based PDF and was similar to controls at 18 months. Serum adiponectin level was higher in the PEN group at 12 months, but was similar in the 2 groups at 18 months. Body weight, residual renal function, ultrafiltration volume and total Kt/V did not differ between both groups. Dialysate-to-plasma creatinine ratio at 4 h was higher in the PEN group at 12 months and remained so after switching to glucose-based PDF.

Conclusion

Changes in the biomarkers suggest that the PEN PD regimen may be associated with better preservation of peritoneal membrane integrity and reduced systemic vascular endothelial injury.
Analyzing French and Italian iPhone 4S Mobile Cloud Customer Satisfaction Presented by Organizational Sustainability Modeling
Authors: Chang Victor
Published: April 2015

This chapter explains the use of Organizational Sustainability Modeling (OSM), a model to evaluate the status of risk and return for Cloud Computing including Mobile Cloud, where the customer satisfaction rate is an important indicator. The authors describe how to use OSM to collect and analyze French and Italian 2011 data, in which the iPhone 4S Cloud service is used as the representation for Mobile Cloud industry. OSM data analysis shows that French and Italian data have declined customer satisfaction, being affected by the economic downturn. There are medium-high uncontrolled risks and good data consistencies in both countries. The use of 3D Visualization helps further data analysis and interpretation. Comparisons between French and Italian data are presented, and rationale for their similarities and differences are explained in detail. Additionally, OSM and other similar methods are compared. Due to the capabilities to support both quantitative and qualitative approaches with support from real case studies, OSM is a better method to analyze customer satisfaction in Mobile Cloud.
Cloud Computing for Rural ICT Implementations
Authors: Firdhous Mohamed Fazil Mohamed
Published: April 2015

Half of the world's population live in rural areas and majority of them are in developing countries. The rural population face many challenges in their life compared to their urban counterparts. Some of these challenges include high unemployment rate, limited employment opportunities in their areas, high brain drain to more developed cities, lack of access to education and healthcare facilities. Information and communication technology has been identified as the enabling technology that can be used to overcome the present day problems. There are several ICT projects implemented across the world with the objective of helping these rural masses. But many of these projects face sustainability challenges due to lack of resources. In this chapter, the author takes an in depth look at how cloud computing can be leveraged successfully to address the sustainability problem of current rural ICT implementation.
Cloud Services for Healthcare
Authors: Koumaditis Konstantinos , Pittas George , Themistocleous Marinos , Vassilacopoulos George , Prentza Andriana , Kyriazis Dimosthenis , Malamateniou Flora
Published: April 2015

Healthcare organisations are forced to reconsider their current business practices and embark on a cloud adoption journey. Cloud-Computing offers important benefits that make it attractive for healthcare (e.g. cost effective model, big data management etc.). Large Information Technology (IT) companies are investing big sums in building infrastructure, services, tools and applications to facilitate Cloud-Computing for healthcare organisations, practitioners and patients. Yet, many challenges that such integration projects contain are still in the e-health research agenda like design and technology requirements to handle big volume of data, ensure scalability and user satisfaction to name a few. The purpose of this chapter is (a) to address the Cloud-Computing services for healthcare in the form of a Personal Healthcare record (PHR) and (b) demonstrate a multidisciplinary project. In doing so, the authors aim at increasing the awareness of this important endeavour and provide insights on Cloud-Computing e-health services for healthcare organisations.
Scheduling of Extract, Transform, and Load (ETL) Procedures with Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Vrbanić Vedran , Kalpić Damir
Published: April 2015

A number of ETL procedures are used in the process of loading data to data warehouse systems. Some procedures can be executed concurrently in parallel mode, while for the others there are precedence constraints. Thus, the problem in scheduling procedures for execution is similar to the problem of scheduling of jobs in multiprocessor systems. The solution to this problem has been proposed in the optimum schedule of jobs minimizing the total execution time. When optimizing the schedule for ETL procedures, minimization of the total execution time is not the primary goal. Namely, the ETL procedures provide data required for reports aimed for business users and such reports need to be prepared until the user-defined deadlines. If the deadlines are not breached, the solution is satisfactory, regardless of the total execution time. Also, one cannot assume that all ETL processes are of the same importance – some have higher priorities than the others. That is the reason why prioritization and introduction of explicit bounds to completion time for individual ETL processes is attempted with genetic algorithm (GA). This paper encompasses implementation of the algorithm, experiments with different parameters and testing the quality of obtained solutions.
Spread and dispersal of emerald ash borer (Coleoptera: Buprestidae): estimating the spatial dynamics of a difficult-to-detect invasive forest pest
Authors: Siegert Nathan W. , Mercader Rodrigo J. , McCullough Deborah G.
Published: April 2015

The emerald ash borer (EAB),Agrilus planipennisFairmaire (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), is a destructive invasive pest that threatens North American ash (Fraxinus(Oleaceae)) and inflicts substantial aesthetic, ecological, and economic damage in urban forests and rural woodlands. Understanding adult EAB dispersal and spread of infestations is critical to effectively manage and mitigate its potential impact in North America and elsewhere. Challenges of quantifying short-distance and long-distance movement of adult EAB in the field remain exceptionally difficult. Here we review our current understanding of EAB spread. Research to date suggests natural spread of EAB populations is variable and influenced by local environmental conditions, but limited to only a few km per year. In contrast, long-distance spread resulting from anthropogenic movement of infested ash material, such as nursery trees or firewood, can greatly increase local and regional rate of spread through the formation of satellite populations. Key areas in need of future research are highlighted.
Check-list di gruppi selezionati dell’entomofauna dell’area “Arcipelago Mentanese-Cornicolano” (Lazio)
Authors: Crucitti Pierangelo , Brocchieri Davide , Bubbico Francesco , Castelluccio Paolo , Emiliani Federica , Francioni Gianfranco , Tringali Luca
Published: April 2015

Nel lavoro vengono presentate check-list di specie di Insecta − Odonata, Mantodea, Orthopteroidea, Coleoptera, Lepidoptera - monitorate in un’area della Campagna Romana a nord-est di Roma, nota come “arcipelago Mentanese-Cornicolano”, caratterizzata da habitat altamente frammentati con parcelle di bosco mesotermofilo, agrosistemi, aree urbane e suburbane, attraversate da una rete di infrastrutture lineari. L’andamento morfologico tipico è quello di rilievi collinari e vallecole poco incise con terreni vulcanici argillificati e substrati carbonatici con vistose manifestazioni carsiche. Il territorio include integralmente le riserve naturali regionali gestite dalla Provincia di Roma, “Nomentum” e “Macchia di Gattaceca e Macchia del Barco”. Nonostante le misure di protezione, assai poco era noto sinora sull’entomofauna dell’area. osservazioni saltuarie protratte per oltre un decennio seguite da raccolte intensive concentrate tra il 2009 ed il 2013 con applicazione di metodiche di cattura dirette e indirette (retini entomologici, aspiratori, trappole a caduta, aeree e luminose) unitamente all’analisi dei dati bibliografici, hanno consentito di rilevare la presenza di 422 specie. L’analisi biogeografica è stata limitata a odonata e Coleoptera Carabidae ben rappresentati sul totale delle specie osservate nella città di Roma circoscritta dal Grande Raccordo anulare. Specie di particolare interesse conservazionistico sono analiticamente discusse. Per quanto la check-list debba considerarsi necessariamente incompleta e non sia stata condotta una adeguata analisi quantitativa, queste raccolte suggeriscono l’esistenza di un popolamento entomatico fortemente impoverito. In particolare, “Nomentum” versa in uno stato di conservazione complessivamente mediocre, “Macchia di Gattaceca e Macchia del Barco” versa in uno stato di conservazione discreto (Macchia di Gattaceca) o buono (Macchia del Barco). La presenza di alcune tessere ambientali di rilevante interesse zoocenotico suggerisce il potenziamento delle misure di protezione, ancora largamente insufficienti.
Histopathological differentiation of oral squamous cell carcinoma and salivary lactate dehydrogenase: A biochemical study
Authors: D’Cruz Audrey M. , Pathiyil Varsha
Published: April 2015

Context: Early diagnosis of oral cancer is a priority health objective, in which oral health professionals may play a pivotal role. Detection should lead to less damage from cancer therapy and to a better prognosis. Aims: The aim was to estimate and compare the salivary lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in various histological differentiation of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients and normal subjects. Settings and Design: Hospital-based setting, case-control study. Subjects and Methods: A case-control study was undertaken comprising 30 OSCC patients and 30 healthy controls. The OSCC patients were grouped into well-differentiated, moderately differentiated and poorly differentiated OSCC based on their histological tumor differentiation. Unstimulated whole saliva was collected, assayed for LDH levels using a standard kit and measured spectrophotometrically at 340 nm. Statistical Analysis Used: The results obtained were subjected to statistical analysis using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U-tests. Spearman′s correlation was used to correlate the histological tumor differentiation with the salivary LDH levels. Results: The mean salivary LDH levels in the control group, well-differentiated OSCC group, moderately differentiated OSCC group, and poorly differentiated OSCC group were 117.33 ± 19.37 IU/L, 355.83 ± 16.73 IU/L, 484.18 ± 25.84 IU/L, and 620.35 ± 18.69 IU/L, respectively. The difference in the mean salivary LDH levels was statistically significant among the various groups (Kruskal-Wallis χ2 = 50.820, P < 0.001). Spearman′s correlation showed significant difference between salivary LDH levels and histological differentiation of OSCC (r = -0.689, P < 0.01). Conclusions: The salivary LDH levels were higher in OSCC patients when compared to the healthy controls. The salivary LDH levels were found to be the highest among the poorly differentiated OSCC.