bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Unit Process Cost for an Engineering-Scale Pyroprocess Facility Using a Process Costing Method in Korea
Authors: Kim Sungki , Ko Wonil , Bang Sungsig
Published: August 2015

Pyroprocessing, which is a dry recycling method, converts spent nuclear fuel into U (Uranium)/TRU (TRansUranium) metal ingots in a high-temperature molten salt phase. This paper provides the unit process cost of a pyroprocess facility that can process up to 10 tons of pyroprocessing product per year by utilizing the process costing method. Toward this end, the pyroprocess was classified into four kinds of unit processes: pretreatment, electrochemical reduction, electrorefining and electrowinning. The unit process cost was calculated by classifying the cost consumed at each process into raw material and conversion costs. The unit process costs of the pretreatment, electrochemical reduction, electrorefining and electrowinning were calculated as 195 US$/kgU-TRU, 310 US$/kgU-TRU, 215 US$/kgU-TRU and 231 US$/kgU-TRU, respectively. Finally the total pyroprocess cost was calculated as 951 US$/kgU-TRU. In addition, the cost driver for the raw material cost was identified as the cost for Li3PO4, needed for the LiCl-KCl purification process, and platinum as an anode electrode in the electrochemical reduction process.
Juvenile Southern Pine Response to Fertilization Is Influenced by Soil Drainage and Texture
Authors: Albaugh Timothy , Fox Thomas , Allen H. , Rubilar Rafael
Published: August 2015

We examined three hypotheses in a nutrient dose and application frequency study installed in juvenile (aged 2–6 years old) Pinus stands at 22 sites in the southeastern United States. At each site, eight or nine treatments were installed where nitrogen was applied at different rates (0, 67, 134, 268 kg ha−1) and frequencies (0, 1, 2, 4 and 6 years) in two or four replications. Phosphorus was applied at 0.1 times the nitrogen rate and other elements were added as needed based on foliar nutrient analysis to insure that nutrient imbalances were not induced with treatment. Eight years after treatment initiation, the site responses were grouped based on texture and drainage characteristics: soil group 1 consisted of poorly drained soils with a clayey subsoil, group 2 consisted of poorly to excessively drained spodic soils or soils without a clay subsoil, and group 3 consisted of well-drained soils with a clayey subsoil. We accepted the first hypothesis that site would be a significant factor explaining growth responses. Soil group was also a significant factor explaining growth response. We accepted our second hypothesis that the volume growth-cumulative dose response function was not linear. Volume growth reached an asymptote in soil groups 1 and 3 between cumulative nitrogen doses of 300–400 kg ha−1. Volume growth responses continued to increase up to 800 kg ha−1 of cumulatively applied nitrogen for soil group 2. We accepted our third hypothesis that application rate and frequency did not influence the growth response when the cumulative nitrogen dose was equivalent. There was no difference in the growth response for comparisons where a cumulative nitrogen dose of 568 kg ha−1 was applied as 134 kg ha−1 every two years or as 269 kg ha−1 every four years, or where 269 kg ha−1 of nitrogen was applied as four applications of 67 kg ha−1 every two years or as two applications of 134 kg ha−1 every four years. Clearly, the sites examined here were limited by nitrogen and phosphorus, and applications of these elements to young stands effectively ameliorated these limitations. However, there were differences in the response magnitude that were related to soil texture and drainage. Juvenile fertilizer applications resulted in high stocking levels early in the rotation; this condition should be considered when undertaking juvenile fertilization programs.
Point Cluster Analysis Using a 3D Voronoi Diagram with Applications in Point Cloud Segmentation
Authors: Ying Shen , Xu Guang , Li Chengpeng , Mao Zhengyuan
Published: August 2015

Three-dimensional (3D) point analysis and visualization is one of the most effective methods of point cluster detection and segmentation in geospatial datasets. However, serious scattering and clotting characteristics interfere with the visual detection of 3D point clusters. To overcome this problem, this study proposes the use of 3D Voronoi diagrams to analyze and visualize 3D points instead of the original data item. The proposed algorithm computes the cluster of 3D points by applying a set of 3D Voronoi cells to describe and quantify 3D points. The decompositions of point cloud of 3D models are guided by the 3D Voronoi cell parameters. The parameter values are mapped from the Voronoi cells to 3D points to show the spatial pattern and relationships; thus, a 3D point cluster pattern can be highlighted and easily recognized. To capture different cluster patterns, continuous progressive clusters and segmentations are tested. The 3D spatial relationship is shown to facilitate cluster detection. Furthermore, the generated segmentations of real 3D data cases are exploited to demonstrate the feasibility of our approach in detecting different spatial clusters for continuous point cloud segmentation.
DNA Targeting Sequence Improves Magnetic Nanoparticle-Based Plasmid DNA Transfection Efficiency in Model Neurons
Authors: Vernon Matthew , Dean David , Dobson Jon
Published: August 2015

Efficient non-viral plasmid DNA transfection of most stem cells, progenitor cells and primary cell lines currently presents an obstacle for many applications within gene therapy research. From a standpoint of efficiency and cell viability, magnetic nanoparticle-based DNA transfection is a promising gene vectoring technique because it has demonstrated rapid and improved transfection outcomes when compared to alternative non-viral methods. Recently, our research group introduced oscillating magnet arrays that resulted in further improvements to this novel plasmid DNA (pDNA) vectoring technology. Continued improvements to nanomagnetic transfection techniques have focused primarily on magnetic nanoparticle (MNP) functionalization and transfection parameter optimization: cell confluence, growth media, serum starvation, magnet oscillation parameters, etc. Noting that none of these parameters can assist in the nuclear translocation of delivered pDNA following MNP-pDNA complex dissociation in the cell’s cytoplasm, inclusion of a cassette feature for pDNA nuclear translocation is theoretically justified. In this study incorporation of a DNA targeting sequence (DTS) feature in the transfecting plasmid improved transfection efficiency in model neurons, presumably from increased nuclear translocation. This observation became most apparent when comparing the response of the dividing SH-SY5Y precursor cell to the non-dividing and differentiated SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells.
Therapeutic Strategies and New Intervention Points in Chronic Hepatitis Delta Virus Infection
Authors: Guo Zhimin , King Thomas
Published: August 2015

Chronic hepatitis delta virus infection (CHD) is a condition arising from super-infection of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected patients, resulting in a more rapid advance in liver pathology and hepatocellular carcinoma than is observed for HBV mono-infection. Although hepatitis delta virus (HDV) is structurally simple, its life cycle involves the complex participation of host enzymes, HBV-derived surface antigen (HBsAg), and HDV-auto-ribozyme and hepatitis delta antigen (HDAg) activities. Unsatisfactory clinical trial results with interferon-based therapies are motivating researchers to adjust and redirect the approach to CHD drug development. This new effort will likely require additional structural and functional studies of the viral and cellular/host components involved in the HDV replication cycle. This review highlights recent work aimed at new drug interventions for CHD, with interpretation of key pre-clinical- and clinical trial outcomes and a discussion of promising new technological approaches to antiviral drug design.
From Classical to Discrete Gravity through Exponential Non-Standard Lagrangians in General Relativity
Authors: El-Nabulsi Rami
Published: August 2015

Recently, non-standard Lagrangians have gained a growing importance in theoretical physics and in the theory of non-linear differential equations. However, their formulations and implications in general relativity are still in their infancies despite some advances in contemporary cosmology. The main aim of this paper is to fill the gap. Though non-standard Lagrangians may be defined by a multitude form, in this paper, we considered the exponential type. One basic feature of exponential non-standard Lagrangians concerns the modified Euler-Lagrange equation obtained from the standard variational analysis. Accordingly, when applied to spacetime geometries, one unsurprisingly expects modified geodesic equations. However, when taking into account the time-like paths parameterization constraint, remarkably, it was observed that mutually discrete gravity and discrete spacetime emerge in the theory. Two different independent cases were obtained: A geometrical manifold with new spacetime coordinates augmented by a metric signature change and a geometrical manifold characterized by a discretized spacetime metric. Both cases give raise to Einstein’s field equations yet the gravity is discretized and originated from “spacetime discreteness”. A number of mathematical and physical implications of these results were discussed though this paper and perspectives are given accordingly.
Titanium Alloys
Authors: Whittaker Mark
Published: August 2015

Although originally discovered in the 18th century [1], the titanium industry did not experience any significant advancement until the middle of the 20th century through the development of the gas turbine engine [2]. Since then, the aerospace sector has dominated worldwide titanium use with applications in both engines and airframe structures [3]. The highly desirable combination of properties, which include excellent corrosion resistance, favourable strength to weight ratios, and an impressive resistance to fatigue, has led to an extensive range of applications [4], with only high extraction and processing costs still restricting further implementation. [...]
Biomimetic-Based Output Feedback for Attitude Stabilization of Rigid Bodies: Real-Time Experimentation on a Quadrotor
Authors: Guerrero-Castellanos José , Rifaï Hala , Marchand Nicolas , Cruz-José Rafael , Mohammed Samer , Guerrero-Sánchez W. , Mino-Aguilar Gerardo
Published: August 2015

The present paper deals with the development of bounded feedback control laws mimicking the strategy adopted by flapping flyers to stabilize the attitude of systems falling within the framework of rigid bodies. Flapping flyers are able to orient their trajectory without any knowledge of their current attitude and without any attitude computation. They rely on the measurements of some sensitive organs: halteres, leg sensilla and magnetic sense, which give information about their angular velocity and the orientation of gravity and magnetic field vectors. Therefore, the proposed feedback laws are computed using direct inertial sensors measurements, that is vector observations with/without angular velocity measurements. Hence, the attitude is not explicitly required. This biomimetic approach is very simple, requires little computational power and is suitable for embedded applications on small control units. The boundedness of the control signal is taken into consideration through the design of the control laws by saturation of the actuators’ input. The asymptotic stability of the closed loop system is proven by Lyapunov analysis. Real-time experiments are carried out on a quadrotor using MEMS inertial sensors in order to emphasize the efficiency of this biomimetic strategy by showing the convergence of the body’s states in hovering mode, as well as the robustness with respect to external disturbances.
A Combined Molecular Docking/Dynamics Approach to Probe the Binding Mode of Cancer Drugs with Cytochrome P450 3A4
Authors: Panneerselvam Suresh , Yesudhas Dhanusha , Durai Prasannavenkatesh , Anwar Muhammad , Gosu Vijayakumar , Choi Sangdun
Published: August 2015

Cytarabine, daunorubicin, doxorubicin and vincristine are clinically used for combinatorial therapies of cancers in different combinations. However, the knowledge about the interaction of these drugs with the metabolizing enzyme cytochrome P450 is limited. Therefore, we utilized computational methods to predict and assess the drug-binding modes. In this study, we performed docking, MD simulations and free energy landscape analysis to understand the drug-enzyme interactions, protein domain motions and the most populated free energy minimum conformations of the docked protein-drug complexes, respectively. The outcome of docking and MD simulations predicted the productive, as well as the non-productive binding modes of the selected drugs. Based on these interaction studies, we observed that S119, R212 and R372 are the major drug-binding residues in CYP3A4. The molecular mechanics Poisson–Boltzmann surface area analysis revealed the dominance of hydrophobic forces in the CYP3A4-drug association. Further analyses predicted the residues that may contain favorable drug-specific interactions. The probable binding modes of the cancer drugs from this study may extend the knowledge of the protein-drug interaction and pave the way to design analogs with reduced toxicity. In addition, they also provide valuable insights into the metabolism of the cancer drugs.
Eco-Friendly Synthesis of a New Class of Pyridinium-Based Ionic Liquids with Attractive Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Messali Mouslim
Published: August 2015

The present study reports a green synthesis of a new family of ionic liquids (ILs) based on functionalized 4-dimethylaminopyridinium derivatives. The structures of 23 newly synthesized ILs (2–24) were confirmed by FT-IR, 1H-, 13C-, 11B-, 19F-, and 31P-NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. The antimicrobial activity of all novel ILs was tested against a panel of bacteria and fungi. The results prove that all tested ILs are effective antibacterial and antifungal agents, especially 4-(dimethylamino)-1-(4-phenoxybutyl) pyridinium derivatives 5 and 19.
Ethnomedicinal, Phytochemical and Pharmacological Profile of Anthriscus sylvestris as an Alternative Source for Anticancer Lignans
Authors: Olaru Octavian , Niţulescu George , Orțan Alina , Dinu-Pîrvu Cristina
Published: August 2015

Anthriscus sylvestris (L.) Hoffm. is a wild herbaceous plant common in most temperate regions. It has been used traditionally to treat headaches, as a tonic, as antitussive, antipyretic, analgesic and diuretic. The plant contains deoxypodophyllotoxin, which is proven to have antitumor and anti-proliferative effects, anti-platelet aggregation, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and insecticidal activity. Deoxypodophyllotoxin is considered to be the plant’s most important constituent, because of its pharmacological properties and because it can be converted into epipodophyllotoxin, the main raw material for the semisynthesis of the cytostatic agents etoposide and teniposide. This work summarizes for the first time the results related to the botanical description, distribution and habitat, phytochemical and pharmacological properties and emphasizes the aspects for future biotechnological research to establish its utility in the therapeutic arsenal.
Preformulation Studies of Bee Venom for the Preparation of Bee Venom-Loaded PLGA Particles
Authors: Park Min-Ho , Kim Ju-Heon , Jeon Jong-Woon , Park Jin-Kyu , Lee Bong-Joo , Suh Guk-Hyun , Cho Cheong-Weon
Published: August 2015

It is known that allergic people was potentially vulnerable to bee venom (BV), which can induce an anaphylactic shock, eventually leading to death. Up until recently, this kind of allergy was treated only by venom immunotherapy (VIT) and its efficacy has been recognized worldwide. This treatment is practiced by subcutaneous injections that gradually increase the doses of the allergen. This is inconvenient for patients due to frequent injections. Poly (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) has been broadly studied as a carrier for drug delivery systems (DDS) of proteins and peptides. PLGA particles usually induce a sustained release. In this study, the physicochemical properties of BV were examined prior to the preparation of BV-loaded PLGA nanoparticles NPs). The content of melittin, the main component of BV, was 53.3%. When protected from the light BV was stable at 4 °C in distilled water, during 8 weeks. BV-loaded PLGA particles were prepared using dichloromethane as the most suitable organic solvent and two min of ultrasonic emulsification time. This study has characterized the physicochemical properties of BV for the preparation BV-loaded PLGA NPs in order to design and optimize a suitable sustained release system in the future.
Addition of CFCl3 to Aromatic Aldehydes via in Situ Grignard Reaction
Authors: Barkakaty Balaka , Talukdar Bandana , Lokitz Bradley
Published: August 2015

Synthetic modification of trichlorofluoromethane (CFCl3) to non-volatile and useful fluorinated precursors is a cost-effective and an environmentally benign strategy for the safe consumption/destruction of the ozone depleting potential of the reagent. In this report, we present a novel method for in situ Grignard reaction using magnesium powder and CFCl3 for synthesis of dichlorofluoromethyl aromatic alcohols.
Relationship between Carotenoids, Retinol, and Estradiol Levels in Older Women
Authors: Maggio Marcello , De Vita Francesca , Lauretani Fulvio , Bandinelli Stefania , Semba Richard , Bartali Benedetta , Cherubini Antonio , Cappola Anne , Ceda Gian , Ferrucci Luigi
Published: August 2015

Background. In vitro evidence suggests anti-estrogenic properties for retinol and carotenoids, supporting a chemo-preventive role of these phytochemicals in estrogen-dependent cancers. During aging there are significant reductions in retinol and carotenoid concentrations, whereas estradiol levels decline during menopause and progressively increase from the age of 65. We aimed to investigate the hypothesis of a potential relationship between circulating levels of retinol, carotenoids, and estradiol (E2) in a cohort of late post-menopausal women. Methods. We examined 512 women ≥ 65 years from the InCHIANTI study. Retinol, α-caroten, β-caroten, β-criptoxantin, lutein, zeaxanthin, and lycopene levels were assayed at enrollment (1998–2000) by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography. Estradiol and testosterone (T) levels were assessed by Radioimmunometry (RIA) and testosterone-to-estradiol ratio (T/E2), as a proxy of aromatase activity, was also calculated. General linear models adjusted for age (Model 1) and further adjusted for other confounders including Body Mass Index (BMI) BMI, smoking, intake of energy, lipids, and vitamin A; C-Reactive Protein, insulin, total cholesterol, liver function, and testosterone (Model 2) were used to investigate the relationship between retinol, carotenoids, and E2 levels. To address the independent relationship between carotenoids and E2 levels, factors significantly associated with E2 in Model 2 were also included in a fully adjusted Model 3. Results. After adjustment for age, α-carotene (β ± SE = −0.01 ± 0.004, p = 0.02) and β-carotene (β ± SE = −0.07 ± 0.02, p = 0.0007) were significantly and inversely associated with E2 levels. α-Carotene was also significantly and positively associated with T/E2 ratio (β ± SE = 0.07 ± 0.03, p = 0.01). After adjustment for other confounders (Model 2), the inverse relationship between α-carotene (β ± SE = −1.59 ± 0.61, p = 0.01), β-carotene (β ± SE = −0.29 ± 0.08, p = 0.0009), and E2 persisted whereas the relationship between α-carotene and T/E2 ratio was attenuated (β ± SE = 0.22 ± 0.12, p = 0.07). In a fully adjusted model (Model 3), only β-carotene (β ± SE = −0.05 ± 0.02, p = 0.03) was significantly and inversely associated with E2 levels independent of α-carotene. No association was found between retinol, total non-pro-vitamin A carotenoids, lutein, zeaxanthin, and lycopene, and E2 levels. Conclusions: In older women, β-carotene levels are independently and inversely associated with E2.
Intestinal Microbiota and Celiac Disease: Cause, Consequence or Co-Evolution?
Authors: Cenit María , Olivares Marta , Codoñer-Franch Pilar , Sanz Yolanda
Published: August 2015

It is widely recognized that the intestinal microbiota plays a role in the initiation and perpetuation of intestinal inflammation in numerous chronic conditions. Most studies report intestinal dysbiosis in celiac disease (CD) patients, untreated and treated with a gluten-free diet (GFD), compared to healthy controls. CD patients with gastrointestinal symptoms are also known to have a different microbiota compared to patients with dermatitis herpetiformis and controls, suggesting that the microbiota is involved in disease manifestation. Furthermore, a dysbiotic microbiota seems to be associated with persistent gastrointestinal symptoms in treated CD patients, suggesting its pathogenic implication in these particular cases. GFD per se influences gut microbiota composition, and thus constitutes an inevitable confounding factor in studies conducted in CD patients. To improve our understanding of whether intestinal dysbiosis is the cause or consequence of disease, prospective studies in healthy infants at family risk of CD are underway. These studies have revealed that the CD host genotype selects for the early colonizers of the infant’s gut, which together with environmental factors (e.g., breast-feeding, antibiotics, etc.) could influence the development of oral tolerance to gluten. Indeed, some CD genes and/or their altered expression play a role in bacterial colonization and sensing. In turn, intestinal dysbiosis could promote an abnormal response to gluten or other environmental CD-promoting factors (e.g., infections) in predisposed individuals. Here, we review the current knowledge of host-microbe interactions and how host genetics/epigenetics and environmental factors shape gut microbiota and may influence disease risk. We also summarize the current knowledge about the potential mechanisms of action of the intestinal microbiota and specific components that affect CD pathogenesis.
The Production of Vinyl Acetate Monomer as a Co-Product from the Non-Catalytic Cracking of Soybean Oil
Authors: Jones Benjamin , Linnen Michael , Tande Brian , Seames Wayne
Published: August 2015

Valuable chemical by-products can increase the economic viability of renewable transportation fuel facilities while increasing the sustainability of the chemical and associated industries. A study was performed to demonstrate that commercial quality chemical products could be produced using the non-catalytic cracking of crop oils. Using this decomposition technique generates a significant concentration of C2−C10 fatty acids which can be isolated and purified as saleable co-products along with transportation fuels. A process scheme was developed and replicated in the laboratory to demonstrate this capability. Using this scheme, an acetic acid by-product was isolated and purified then reacted with ethylene derived from renewable ethanol to generate a sample of vinyl acetate monomer. This sample was assessed by a major chemical company and found to be of acceptable quality for commercial production of polyvinyl acetate and other products.
Proteome Characterization of Leaves in Common Bean
Authors: Robison Faith , Heuberger Adam , Brick Mark , Prenni Jessica
Published: August 2015

Dry edible bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is a globally relevant food crop. The bean genome was recently sequenced and annotated allowing for proteomics investigations aimed at characterization of leaf phenotypes important to agriculture. The objective of this study was to utilize a shotgun proteomics approach to characterize the leaf proteome and to identify protein abundance differences between two bean lines with known variation in their physiological resistance to biotic stresses. Overall, 640 proteins were confidently identified. Among these are proteins known to be involved in a variety of molecular functions including oxidoreductase activity, binding peroxidase activity, and hydrolase activity. Twenty nine proteins were found to significantly vary in abundance (p-value < 0.05) between the two bean lines, including proteins associated with biotic stress. To our knowledge, this work represents the first large scale shotgun proteomic analysis of beans and our results lay the groundwork for future studies designed to investigate the molecular mechanisms involved in pathogen resistance.
It’s not Just the Author: The Reader and the Editor Are Dead, Too
Authors: Modarres Ali
Published: August 2015

The world of academic publishing has changed significantly. In this short essay, I attempt to offer a few observations as the editor of an international journal, suggesting that we may need to have a more in-depth theoretical engagement with current publishing practices. This includes the diminishing role of editors, the nature of authorship and the related review process, and the ways in which the publishing industry responds to, and shapes, our academic publishing practices.
Decision Fusion with Channel Errors in Distributed Decode-Then-Fuse Sensor Networks
Authors: Yan Yongsheng , Wang Haiyan , Shen Xiaohong , Zhong Xionghu
Published: August 2015

Decision fusion for distributed detection in sensor networks under non-ideal channels is investigated in this paper. Usually, the local decisions are transmitted to the fusion center (FC) and decoded, and a fusion rule is then applied to achieve a global decision. We propose an optimal likelihood ratio test (LRT)-based fusion rule to take the uncertainty of the decoded binary data due to modulation, reception mode and communication channel into account. The average bit error rate (BER) is employed to characterize such an uncertainty. Further, the detection performance is analyzed under both non-identical and identical local detection performance indices. In addition, the performance of the proposed method is compared with the existing optimal and suboptimal LRT fusion rules. The results show that the proposed fusion rule is more robust compared to these existing ones.
Ag-Modified In2O3/ZnO Nanobundles with High Formaldehyde Gas-Sensing Performance
Authors: Fang Fang , Bai Lu , Song Dongsheng , Yang Hongping , Sun Xiaoming , Sun Hongyu , Zhu Jing
Published: August 2015

Ag-modified In2O3/ZnO bundles with micro/nano porous structures have been designed and synthesized with by hydrothermal method continuing with dehydration process. Each bundle consists of nanoparticles, where nanogaps of 10–30 nm are present between the nanoparticles, leading to a porous structure. This porous structure brings high surface area and fast gas diffusion, enhancing the gas sensitivity. Consequently, the HCHO gas-sensing performance of the Ag-modified In2O3/ZnO bundles have been tested, with the formaldehyde-detection limit of 100 ppb (parts per billion) and the response and recover times as short as 6 s and 3 s, respectively, at 300 °C and the detection limit of 100 ppb, response time of 12 s and recover times of 6 s at 100 °C. The HCHO sensing detect limitation matches the health standard limitation on the concentration of formaldehyde for indoor air. Moreover, the strategy to synthesize the nanobundles is just two-step heating and easy to scale up. Therefore, the Ag-modified In2O3/ZnO bundles are ready for industrialization and practical applications.
A Microgripper with a Post-Assembly Self-Locking Mechanism
Authors: Yuan Guangmin , Yuan Weizheng , Hao Yongcun , Li Xiaoyi , Chang Honglong
Published: August 2015

In this work, we report a new design for an electrostatically actuated microgripper with a post-assembly self-locking mechanism. The microgripper arms are driven by rotary comb actuators, enabling the microgripper to grip objects of any size from 0 to 100 μm. The post-assembly mechanism is driven by elastic deformation energy and static electricity to produce self-locking and releasing actions. The mechanism enables the microgripper arms to grip for long periods without continuously applying the external driving signal, which significantly reduces the effects and damage to the gripped objects caused by these external driving signals. The microgripper was fabricated using a Silicon-On-Insulator (SOI) wafer with a 30 μm structural layer. Test results show that this gripper achieves a displacement of 100 μm with a driving voltage of 33 V, and a metal wire with a diameter of about 1.6 mil is successfully gripped to demonstrate the feasibility of this post-assembly self-locking mechanism.
Views of Family Physicians about Survivorship Care Plans to Provide Breast Cancer Follow-Up Care: Exploration of Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: O’Brien M.A. , Grunfeld E. , Sussman J. , Porter G. , Hammond Mobilio M.
Published: August 2015

Background: The U.S. Institute of Medicine recommends that cancer patients receive survivorship care plans, but evaluations to date have found little evidence of the effectiveness of such plans. We conducted a qualitative follow-on study to a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to understand the experiences of family physicians using survivorship care plans to support the follow-up of breast cancer patients. Methods: A subset of family physicians whose patients were enrolled in the parent RCT in Ontario and Nova Scotia were eligible for this study. In interviews, the physicians discussed survivorship care plans (intervention) or usual discharge letters (control), and their confidence in providing follow-up cancer care. Results: Of 123 eligible family physicians, 18 (10 intervention, 8 control) were interviewed. In general, physicians receiving a survivorship care plan found only the 1-page care record to be useful. Physicians who received only a discharge letter had variable views about the letter’s usefulness; several indicated that it lacked information about potential cancer- or treatment-related problems. Most physicians were comfortable providing care 3–5 years after diagnosis, but desired timely and informative communication with oncologists. Conclusions: Although family physicians did not find extensive survivorship care plans useful, discharge letters might not be sufficiently comprehensive for follow-up breast cancer care. Effective strategies for two-way communication between family physicians and oncologists are still lacking.
An Open-Label Expanded-Access Trial of Bendamustine in Patients with Rituximab-Refractory Indolent Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma or Previously Untreated Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: BEND-ACT
Authors: Kouroukis C.T. , Crump M. , MacDonald D. , Larouche J.F. , Stewart D.A. , Johnston J. , Sauvageau S. , Beausoleil E. , Sage P. , Dubois S.G. , Christofides A. , Di Clemente S. , Sehn L.
Published: August 2015

Background: Bendamustine is a bifunctional alkylating agent with unique properties that distinguish it from other agents in its class. Bendamustine is used as monotherapy or in combination with other agents to treat patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Methods: The prospective interventional open-label BEND-ACT trial evaluated bendamustine in patients with rituximab-refractory indolent NHL (iNHL) and previously untreated CLL. Study objectives were to assess the safety and tolerability of bendamustine monotherapy and to provide patients with access to bendamustine before Health Canada approval. The study aimed to enrol up to 100 patients. All patients with iNHL received an intravenous dose of bendamustine 120 mg/m2 over 60 minutes on days 1 and 2 for up to eight 21- or 28-day treatment cycles. All patients with CLL received an intravenous dose of bendamustine 100 mg/m2 over 30 minutes on days 1 and 2 for up to six 28-day treatment cycles. Results: Of 90 patients treated on study (16 with CLL and 74 with iNHL), 35 completed the study (4 with CLL and 31 with iNHL). The most common treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAES) were nausea (70%), fatigue (57%), vomiting (40%), and diarrhea (33%)—mostly grades 1 and 2. Ondansetron was the most common supportive medication used in the patients (63.5% of those with iNHL and 68.8% of those with CLL). Neutropenia (32%), anemia (23%), and thrombocytopenia (21%) were the most frequent hematologic TEAES, with neutropenia being the most common grade 3 or 4 TEAES leading to dose modification. Dose delays occurred in 28 patients (31.3%) because of grade 3 or 4 TEAES, with a higher incidence of dose delays being observed in iNHL patients on the 21-day treatment cycle than in those on the 28-day treatment cycle (50.0% vs. 24.1%). During the study, 33 patients (36.7%) experienced at least 1 serious adverse event, and 4 deaths were reported (all in patients with iNHL). Conclusions: The type and frequency of the TEAES reported accorded with observations in earlier clinical trials and post-marketing experiences, thus confirming the acceptable and manageable safety profile of bendamustine.
Patient Preferences for Timing and Access to Radiation Therapy
Authors: Olivotto I.A. , Soo J. , Olson R.A. , Rowe L. , French J. , Jensen B. , Pastuch A. , Halperin R. , Truong P.T.
Published: August 2015

Purpose: Patient preferences for radiation therapy (rt) access were investigated. Methods: Patients completing a course of rt at 6 centres received a 17-item survey that rated preferences for time of day; day of week; actual, ideal, and reasonable travel times for rt; and actual, ideal, and reasonable times between referral and first oncologic consultation. Patients receiving single-fraction rt or brachytherapy alone were excluded. Results: Of the respondents who returned surveys (n = 1053), 54% were women, and 74% had received more than 15 rt fractions. With respect to appointment times, 88% agreed or strongly agreed that rt between 08h00 and 16h30 was preferred; 14%–15% preferred 07h30–08h00 or 16h30–17h00; 10% preferred 17h00–18h00; and 6% or fewer preferred times before 07h30 or after 18h00. A preference not to receive rt before 07h30 or after 18h00 was expressed by 30% or more of the respondents. When days of the week were considered, 18% and 11% would have preferred to receive rt on a Saturday or Sunday respectively; 52% and 55% would have preferred not to receive rt on those days. A travel time of 1 hour or less for rt was reported by 82%, but 61% felt that a travel time of 1 hour or more was reasonable. A first consultation within 2 weeks of referral was felt to be ideal or reasonable by 88% and 73% of patients respectively. Conclusions: An rt service designed to meet patient preferences would make most capacity available between 08h00 and 16h30 on weekdays and provide 10%–20% of rt capacity on weekends and during 07h30–08h00 and 16h30–18h00 on weekdays. Approximately 80%, but not all, of the responding patients preferred a 2-week or shorter interval between referral and first oncologic consultation.
Documentación sobre conventos franciscanos femeninos en el archivo diocesano de Mérida-Badajoz
Authors: Pérez Ortiz Mª Guadalupe , Vivas Moreno Agustín
Published: August 2015

El presente trabajo tiene por objeto el análisis de la documentación franciscana, en su rama femenina, ubicado en el fondo antiguo del Archivo Diocesano de Mérida-Badajoz, actualmente denominado Archivos Eclesiásticos de Mérida-Badajoz. Para ello, tras unas breves notas sobre la historia y organización de dicho Archivo, realizamos un análisis de la documentación desde múltiples perspectivas: su condición de manuscrito o impreso, cronología, topografía, contenidos, especificándose la documentación existente para cada convento. El estudio concluye con el catálogo de los documentos custodiados en la entidad.
Una aproximación a la historia del convento mínimo de Nuestra Señora de la Victoria de Arahal (1546-1835)
Authors: Jordán Fernández Jorge Alberto
Published: August 2015

El presente artículo tiene como finalidad presentar una síntesis histórica de lo que fue el convento de Nuestra Señora de la Victoria de Arahal, orden de mínimos. Para ello, después de realizar una pequeña contextualización de la orden de los mínimos, pasamos a desarrollar el objeto de nuestro trabajo en tres grandes apartados: la historia, la economía y el patrimonio artístico del convento arahalense a lo largo de sus casi tres siglos de existencia. Unas conclusiones y el repertorio de fuentes y bibliografía cierran el trabajo.
Diálogos con la Reina de los Cielos. Visiones y locuciones de una monja chilena del siglo XVIII
Authors: Millar Carvacho René
Published: August 2015

El artículo analiza un texto inédito escrito por una monja de Santiago de Chile, a mediados del siglo XVIII, por mandato de su confesor. En él se refieren las visiones y locuciones tuvo con la Virgen, las que giran en torno a la figura del confesor. Esto hace bastante especial el relato, pues el sacerdote aparece como un personaje central de las visiones, que se beneficia de la intercesión de la religiosa ante los seres celestiales. Pero al mismo tiempo, la narración deja en evidencia a una religiosa muy consciente de su papel, de sus limitaciones como mujer y de su poder mediador. Por otra parte, el relato de la monja muestra no sólo su manera de vivir la fe, sino también nos permite acercarnos a la mentalidad religiosa de su época.
La Asociación Católica Nacional de Propagandistas durante la fase central del régimen de Franco
Authors: Martín Puerta Antonio
Published: August 2015

La creación de la ACN de P en 1909 responde a la necesidad de generar una forma actualizada de presencia pública del catolicismo. Durante el régimen de Franco la ACN de P tuvo una importante repercusión en la vida pública: influyó en los ámbitos institucionales; sus miembros colaboraron en la vida de las organizaciones católicas; también en obras asistenciales, dada la complicada situación social de la época. Hacia la mitad del régimen se generan varios puntos de inflexión histórica: un nuevo gobierno en 1957; la constitución del Mercado Común; la política de estabilización, que modifica el modelo económico; finalmente, el Concilio Vaticano II. Todas estas líneas modifican el panorama de fondo. Los propagandistas también modificarán sus actuaciones en la vida política y religiosa, en consonancia con tales cambios.
Utilizing UML, cTLA, and SRN
Authors: Khan Razib Hayat
Published: August 2015

To meet the challenge of conducting quantitative analysis at the early stage of the system development process, this chapter introduces an extensive framework for performance modeling of a distributed system. The goal of the performance modeling framework is the assessment of the non-functional properties of the distributed system at an early stage based on the system's functional description and deployment mapping of service components over an execution environment. System's functional description with deployment mapping has been specified using UML. To analyze the correctness of the UML specification style, we have used temporal logic, specifically cTLA, to formalize the UML model. We have shown in detail how UML models are formalized by a set of cTLA processes and production rules. To conduct the performance evaluation of a distributed system, the UML model is transformed into analytic model SRN. We have specified an automated model transformation process to generate SRN model from UML, which is performed in an efficient and scalable way by the use of model transformation rules.
A Computer Based System for ECG Arrhythmia Classification
Authors: Nirmala S. R. , Sarma Pratiksha
Published: August 2015

Biological signals can be classified according to its various characteristics like waveform shape, statistical structure and temporal properties. Among various bioelectric signals, one of the most familiar signal is the ECG. It is a signal derived from the electrical activity of the heart. The heart is an important organ which supplies body with oxygen. ECG is widely used in monitoring the health condition of the human. Cardiac arrhythmias can affect electrical system of the heart muscles and cause abnormal heart rhythms that can lead to insufficient pumping of blood and death risks. An important step towards identifying an arrhythmia is the classification of heartbeats. Modern analysis of electrical activity of the heart uses simple as well as sophisticated algorithms of digital signal processing. With the advent of technology, automatic classification of electrocardiogram signals through human-computer interactive systems has received great attention. This chapter discusses some computer assisted classification techniques based on statistical features extracted from ECG signal.
A Review on Vision-Based Hand Gesture Recognition and Applications
Authors: Choudhury Ananya , Talukdar Anjan Kumar , Sarma Kandarpa Kumar
Published: August 2015

In the present scenario, vision based hand gesture recognition has become a highly emerging research area for the purpose of human computer interaction. Such recognition systems are deployed to serve as a replacement for the commonly used human-machine interactive devices such as keyboard, mouse, joystick etc. in real world situations. The major challenges faced by a vision based hand gesture recognition system include recognition in complex background, in dynamic background, in presence of multiple gestures in the background, under variable lighting condition, under different viewpoints etc. In the context of sign language recognition, which is a highly demanding application of hand gesture recognition system, coarticulation detection is a challenging task. The main objective of this chapter is to provide a general overview of vision based hand gesture recognition system as well as to bring into light some of the research works that have been done in this field.
Design of the While Listening Activities in Interactive Multimedia Listening Software
Authors: Turel Vehbi , Waraich Atif
Published: August 2015

This chapter focuses on the design of the while-listening activities while designing and developing interactive multimedia listening software (MLS) that aims to enhance language learners' listening skills as a part of learning English as a second. The language learners' perceptions towards the type (priority) as well as the number of the while listening activities (questions) on screen at one time were investigated. In total, 56 (N = 56) language learners participated in this study. The study was mostly quantitative and partly qualitative in nature. The quantitative results were analysed with SPSS. The qualitative data were analysed by examining the participants' responses gathered from the open-ended questions and semi-structured interviews, and by focussing on the shared themes among the responses. The results reveal that the language learners think that the priority as well as the number of the while listening activities on screen at one time can help as well as hinder their focus and comprehension at the while-listening stage in terms of different aspects.
Design of Multimedia Listening Software
Authors: Turel Vehbi , McKenna Peter
Published: August 2015

This chapter focuses on the principles and guidelines that should be borne in mind when designing and developing some digital elements of interactive multimedia listening software such as ‘unfamiliar items', ‘glossary', aural texts', and ‘speech rate' in interactive multimedia listening software as a part of second/foreign language learning (FLL). The stages of software design and development are categorized into six separate stages: (1) feasibility, (2) setting up a team of experts, (3) designing, (4) programming, (5) testing, and (6) evaluating. Not only is each stage vital to the design and development process for cost effective multimedia listening software, but the design of each digital element of interactive multimedia listening software at each stage is also fundamental. Therefore, a wide range of principles and guidelines need to be borne in mind at each stage in order to be able to design and develop every single element efficiently.The elements which are the focus of this chapter are:‘unfamiliar items', ‘glossary', aural texts', and ‘speech rate'.
The Effectiveness of Multiple Media Tools in L2 Listening
Authors: Kang Tingting
Published: August 2015

Due to the nature of listening, multiple media tools (e.g., audiocassette players, radio, video, multimedia, and language laboratory) have been utilized in second language (L2) listening instruction for a long time. This chapter recruited the most recently published empirical studies and meta-analyzed available evidence on the effects of different multiple media tools on L2 listening comprehension. The results revealed a medium-to-large effect of multiple media tools on listening comprehension in between-group designs (Cohen's d = .69). The effects of individual multiple media tools have also been statistically synthesized. Further, moderator analysis could help L2 educators and test developers make decisions on applying different multiple media tools in the fields of L2 instruction and assessment. Specifically, subtitles (in the first language/L1) /captions (in the source language/L2), as well as self-regulated listening and slow speed, are recommended to teachers and test developers as a means to improve learners' listening comprehension. In the end, this chapter concludes by identifying potential areas for future research.
Impact of ICT on Innovation
Authors: Idota Hiroki , Bunno Teruyuki , Tsuji Masatsugu
Published: August 2015

The innovation process in SMEs (small- and medium-sized enterprises) is complex and in comparison with large firms the causal relationships between promoting factors and innovation have yet not been sufficiently clarified. This chapter attempts to analyze the innovation process using Structural Equation Modeling, in particular focusing on the role of ICT. Seven hypotheses are demonstrated by two models. The results obtained are as follows: (i) top management participation and employee motivation in the innovation process enhance the effect of introducing ICT; (ii) the effect of ICT use raises innovation capability, in particular the ability to connect with external linkages; (iii) ICT use, innovation capability and external linkages enhance innovation activity; and (iv) the effect of ICT use and innovation capability promote innovation directly.
Societal and Economical Impact on Citizens through Innovations Using Open Government Data
Authors: Misra D. P. , Mishra Alka
Published: August 2015

This chapter analyzes the impact that an open data policy can have on the citizens of India. Especially in a scenario where government accountability and transparency has become the buzzword for good governance and further look at whether the availability of open data can become an agent for socio-economic change in India. What kind of change it can bring to India which has its own complexities when it comes to socio economic issues and whether the steps taken by the government are up to the mark to address these complexities through data sharing. In order to understand the changes which may occur for the good or the bad, the chapter looks at specific examples where the open data platform have been utilized in India and what impact they have had on the Indian society and how the citizens have responded to it.