bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantification of ascorbic acid and sodium ascorbate in powder blends for tableting and in vitamin C chewable tablets by NIR-chemometry
Authors: Tomuţă Ioan , Dudaş Dana , Vonica Andreea Loredana , Leucuţa Sorin E.
Published: October 2013

The paper proposes a near infrared method able to directly and simultaneously quantify ascorbic acid and sodium ascorbate in powder blends for tableting and in vitamin C chewable tablets without any sample preparation. In the first step, calibration models for the quantification of ascorbic acid and sodium ascorbate in powder blends for tableting and subsequently in chewable vitamin C tablets (corresponding to 80-120 % active substance) were developed according to an experimental design with 2 variables and 5 levels. Then, using the best calibration models, the methods were fully validated in terms of recovery, precision and accuracy for both powder blends and vitamin C chewable tablets. The validated concentration range was 15.14-18.51 % for ascorbic acid and 12.06-14.49 % for sodium ascorbate in powder blends and 91.85-111.03 mg per tablet for ascorbic acid and 71.01-84.50 mg per tablet for sodium ascorbate in tablets. Validation results showed good precision and accuracy.
Development and validation of RP HPLC method for determination of betamethasone dipropionate in gingival crevicular fluid
Authors: Bogdanovska Liljana , Popovska Mirjana , Dimitrovska Aneta , Petkovska Rumenka
Published: October 2013

A simple RP HPLC method for quantification of betamethasone dipropionate (BDP) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) has been developed and validated. GCF represents a valuable matrix for therapeutic monitoring of drugs used in the treatment of periodontal disease. The proposed method involves single step extraction for sample preparation. The calibration curve for BDP was linear over the concentration range of 0.10-2.00 μg mL-1 (R2 = 0.9971). RSD values of intra- and inter-day precision ranged 2.2-4.5 and 1.6-5.7 %, while accuracy values were higher than 96.6 and 97.0 %, respectively. The described method can be successfully applied for determination of betamethasone concentrations in GCF obtained from patients with chronic periodontitis after local treatment with BDP cream 0.5 mg g-1.
Thermal history of the Maramureş area (Northern Romania) constrained by zircon fission track analysis: Cretaceous metamorphism and Late Cretaceous to Paleocene exhumation
Authors: Gröger Heike R. , Tischler Matthias , Fügenschuh Bernhard , Schmid Stefan M.
Published: October 2013

This study presents zircon fission track data from the Bucovinian nappe stack (northern part of the Inner Eastern Carpathians, Rodna Mountains) and a neighbouring part of the Biharia nappe system (Preluca massif) in order to unravel the thermal history of the area and its structural evolution by integrating the fission track data with published data on the tectonic and sedimentary evolution of the area. The increase of metamorphic temperatures towards the SW detected by the zircon fission track data suggests SW-wards increasing tectonic overburden (up to at least 15 km) and hence top NE thrusting. Sub-greenschist facies conditions during the Alpine metamorphic overprint only caused partial annealing of fission tracks in zircon in the external main chain of the Central Eastern Carpathians. Full annealing of zircon points to at least 300 °C in the more internal elements (Rodna Mountains and Preluca massif). The zircon fission track central and single grain ages largely reflect Late Cretaceous cooling and exhumation. A combination of fission track data and stratigraphic constraints points to predominantly tectonic differential exhumation by some 7-11 km, connected to massive Late Cretaceous extension not yet detected in the area. Later events such as the latest Cretaceous (“Laramian”) juxtaposition of the nappe pile with the internal Moldavides, causing exhumation by erosion, re-burial by sedimentation and tectonic loading during the Cenozoic had no impact on the zircon fission track data; unfortunately it prevented a study of the low temperature part of the Late Cretaceous exhumation history.
Identity status and emotion regulation in adolescence and early adulthood
Authors: Jankowski Paweł
Published: October 2013

The article presents the results of a study investigating the links between emotion regulation and identity. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between the two variables. On the basis of neo-eriksonian theories, an attempt to specify the role of emotion regulation in the process of identity formation was made. The study involved 849 people (544 women, 304 men) aged 14-25. The participants attended six types of schools: lower secondary school, basic vocational school, technical upper secondary school, general upper secondary school, post-secondary school, and university. The research was conducted with the use of two questionnaires: Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) and Dimensions of Identity Development Scale (DIDS). The analysis of the results points to a partial confirmation of the assumed hypotheses about the differences between people with different identity statuses in respect of the six investigated dimensions of emotion regulation. Also, the hypotheses about the links between the dimensions of emotion regulation and dimensions of identity in the subgroups with different identity statuses were partially confirmed.
Type of social participation and emotion regulation among upper secondary school students
Authors: Jankowski Paweł , Rękosiewicz Małgorzata
Published: October 2013

The article presents the results of research on relationships between types of social participation and emotion regulation. In the study, Gratz’ and Roemer’s (2004) perspective on emotion regulation and Reinders’ and Butz’s (2001) concept of types of social participation were applied. Participants were 1151 students from three types of vocational schools: basic vocational school (n=266), technical upper secondary school (n=644), and specialized upper secondary school (n=241). The results of studies conducted with the use of Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) and Social Participation Questionnaire (SPQ-S 1) indicate that there are small, however, significant, differences in the levels of social participation dimensions and the frequency of particular types of social participation between students from the three investigated types of vocational schools. The level of transitive orientation turned out to be higher among students from the basic vocational schools than among students from the specialized upper secondary schools and the technical upper secondary schools. In each educational group, the level of transitive orientation was significantly higher than the level of moratorium orientation. The hypothesis about the relationship between dimensions of emotion regulation and types of social participation, particularly with respect to the dimension of “lack of emotional awareness”, was confirmed. The most effective style in terms of emotion regulation turned out to be the assimilation type. The highest level of emotion dysregulation proved to be connected with the segregation type.
Predictability of smoking onset among Romanian adolescents
Authors: Lotrean Lucia Maria , Mesters Ilse , Ionut Carmen , de Vries Hein
Published: October 2013

Objectives: Research identifying reliable and country-specific predictors of smoking is needed in order to develop effective adolescent smoking prevention programmes. The objective of this study was to assess the cognitive and socio-demographic factors associated with smoking onset among Romanian teenagers, using both cross-sectional and longitudinal data.

Methods: The data were obtained from a two-wave, one-year longitudinal study carried out among 316 senior high school non-smokers from Cluj-Napoca, Romania. Questionnaires assessed smoking behaviour, attitudes, social influence, self-efficacy and intention regarding smoking (motivational variables) as well as different sociodemographic features.

Results: The cross-sectional analyses showed that socio-demographics and motivational variables were strongly associated with smoking behaviour; the explained variance was 76%. The longitudinal analyses revealed that four variables explained 33% of the variance in change of status from non-smoking to regular smoking over a period of one year. Regular smoking onset after one year was predicted by baseline low self-efficacy in refraining from smoking in different situations, having more smoking friends and playing truant from school. Having a brother was a protective factor.

Conclusion: The results suggest that smoking prevention programmes in Romania should strengthen self-efficacy beliefs and resistance against peer modelling and help Romanian young people to develop skills and action plans to cope with pressure to smoke and challenging situations.
Validation of Slovenian version of Jefferson scale of empathy for students
Authors: Šter Marija Petek , Šter Branko , Petek Davorina , Gorup Eva Cedilnik
Published: October 2013

Objective: Empathy is the most frequently mentioned humanistic dimension of patient care and is considered to be an important quality in physicians. The importance of fostering the development of empathy in undergraduate students is continuously emphasised in international recommendations for medical education. Our aim was to validate and adapt the Slovenian version of the Jefferson Scale of Empathy- Students version (JSE-S) on a sample of first-year medical students.

Methods: First-year students of the Medical faculty in Ljubljana participated in the research. JSE-S version, a selfadministered 20-item questionnaire, was used for collecting the data. Descriptive statistics at the item level and at the scale level, factor analysis, internal consistency and test-retest reliability (two weeks after the first administration) of the JSE-S were performed.

Results: 234 out of 298 (response rate 78.5%) students completed JSE-S. The mean score for the items on the 7-point Likert scale ranged from 3.27 (SD 1.72) to 6.50 (SD 0.82). The mean score for the scale (possible range from 20 to 140) was 107.6 (from 71 to 131, SD 12.6). Using factor analysis, we identified six factors, describing 57.2% of total variability. The Cronbach alpha as a measure of internal consistency was 0.79. The instrument has good temporal stability (test-retest reliability ICC = 0.703).

Conclusion: Findings support the construct validity and reliability of JSE-S for measuring empathy in medical students in Slovenia. Future research is required to evaluate factors contributing to empathy.
Current regulatory and market environment for biosimilars in Serbia
Authors: Pejović Gordana , Filipović Jovan
Published: October 2013

Background: Biosimilars are currently a reality of the pharmaceutical market in the European Union. This paper describes the current regulatory policy for approving biosimilars both in the European Union and in Serbia, which is not a Member State. Also, a comprehensive analysis on biosimilars consumption data on the Serbian market has been performed.

Methods: The European Medicines Agency has established a series of biosimilar scientific guidelines that comprises a regulatory policy for biosimilars in the European Union. This has enabled different biosimilar products to be marketed, making the European Union biosimilar market the most developed one globally. In the paper, this regulatory environment has been analysed, emphasising all relevant biosimilar guidelines as well as marketed biosimilar medicines. Also, an analysis is performed on Serbian regulatory requirements for approving and marketing biosimilars, analysing the Serbian regulatory authority’s consumption data as well as data available from the National Health Insurance Institution.

Results: In the paper, the comprehensive analysis of the current European Union as well as Serbian regulatory environment has been presented, with a special emphasis on the Serbian market potential for biosimilar medicines. Detailed consumption data has been analysed for the period 2007-2011.

Conclusion: Serbia has good potential for biosimilar products, which is supported by national health insurance policy and the general trend of cutting the reimbursement costs for prescription medicines. Five year consumption data for biosimilars in Serbia shows that the Serbian biosimilars market is very small in terms of market share values, especially comparing to other large European biosimilar markets.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice regarding Cervical Cancer Screening Amongst Women visiting Tertiary Centre in Kathmandu, Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Junu , Saha R , Tripathi N
Published: October 2013

Background: Cervical cancer is one of the commonest cancers in Nepal. Fortunately, it is preventable by detecting precancerous lesions and early invasive cancers by various screening tools. Screening can be possible if women are aware of the problem and if they have positive attitude .Therefore this study was conducted to find out about the knowledge, attitude and practice of cervical cancer in Nepalese women attending a tertiary level hospital in Nepal. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire based study was conducted in gynaecological out patient department of Kathmandu Medical College from January to March 2011. Structured questionnaire was used. Demographic profile of women was noted and questions pertaining to knowledge, attitude and practice on screening for cervical cancer were asked. Results: There were 105 respondents, of whom 65.7% had heard about cervical cancer. However, only 42.9% and 18.1% had knowledge about screening for cervical cancer and Pap smear test respectively. More than 85% of women had positive attitude towards screening but the uptake of Pap smear test in the respondents was only 10.5%. It was found that advancing age and longer duration of marriage were significantly associated with better knowledge, attitude and practice. Conclusion: Knowledge and practice of the screening for cervical cancer was poor in gynaecological patients visiting a tertiary level hospital. However the attitude of women towards screening was positive. Nepal Journal of Medical Sciences | Volume 02 | Number 02 | July-December 2013 | Page 85-90 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njms.v2i2.8941
An experience of femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery in advanced brown cataracts in a tertiary Eye Center of Europe
Authors: Bastola Pradeep , Dick BH
Published: October 2013

Background: To assess the results of femtosecond laser use in harder brown cataracts and share the first time experience. Methods: Thirty eyes of thirty patients were included in this hospital based cross sectional descriptive study. The study was carried out from April, 2012 to July, 2012 in University of Bochum, Vision research center, Germany. All surgeries were performed by a single surgeon (Burkhard Dick) using the Catalys femtosecond cataract laser (Optimedica; Santa Clara, California) and a standardized “stop and chop” phaco technique with the Stellaris (Bausch + Lomb; Rochester, New York) phaco machine in venturi fluidics mode. Relevant data was entered in a proforma designed for the study and interpreted. Results: In the study, 19 (63.3%) of the patients were females followed by males. The mean age of the patients was 74.83 years (Std. deviation 6.56). According to lenticular opacification classification system III (LOCS III); mean nuclear sclerosis was 3.9 (Std. deviation 0.80), mean absolute phaco time (APT) was 0.19 seconds (Std. deviation 0.24 seconds) mean effective phaco time (EPT) was 0.02 seconds (Std. deviation 0.04) and mean phaco power (MPP) used was 9.26% (Std. deviation 8.24). Amongst complications; remnant of anterior capsular tag and posterior capsular rupture (PCR) was noted in two patients respectively. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that, with further innovation and optimization of technique and instruments femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery will become phacoless (“aphaco”) for most cataracts, whereas dense cataracts may still require the “pauci-phaco” (reduced phaco energy) technique. Nepal Journal of Medical Sciences | Volume 02 | Number 02 | July-December 2013 | Page 114-118 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njms.v2i2.8953
Effect of Antibiotic Pretreatment on Cerebrospinal Fluid Profiles of Children with Acute Bacterial Meningitis
Authors: Adhikari S , Gauchan E , BK G , Rao KS
Published: October 2013

Background: Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid is gold standard for diagnosis of meningitis. There is considerable difficulty in interpreting laboratory finding after prior antibiotic therapy. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of intravenous antibiotic administration before lumbar puncture on cerebrospinal fluid profiles in children with bacterial meningitis. Methods: A hospital based retrospective study carried out using the data retrieved from the medical record department of Manipal Teaching Hospital Pokhara, Nepal; from 1st July 2006 to 31st July 2011. Clinical findings and relevant investigations were entered in a predesigned proforma. Patients were divided in two different groups as bacterial meningitis with and without prior intravenous antibiotic therapy. Various laboratory parameters including CSF were compared between these two groups using the statistical software, SPSS version 18.0. Results: A total of 114 children were included in this study among which 49(43%) children had received intravenous antibiotics before lumbar puncture. Mean CSF WBC count was(267.6± 211 vs. 208.1±125.3.3) and protein level (114.1±65.9 vs. 98.3±37.7mg/dl) in untreated vs. pretreated groups respectively. Neutrophil percentage was decreased (57.1±28.1vs.72.9±18.9) with higher CSF sugar level (43.3±11.8 vs. 51.2±13.2) after prior antibiotics therapy (p<0.001). Conclusion: Antibiotic pretreatment was associated with higher cerebrospinal fluid glucose levels with decreased neutrophils and increased lymphocytes. Pretreatment did not modify total cerebrospinal fluid white blood cell count and cerebrospinal fluid protein levels. Nepal Journal of Medical Sciences | Volume 02 | Number 02 | July-December 2013 | Page 135-139 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njms.v2i2.8963
Magnitude of ocular trauma in a tertiary care hospital of western Nepal
Authors: Godar ST , Kaini KR , Amatya P , Joshi K , Singh L
Published: October 2013

Background: Ocular injury is one of the major causes of monocular visual impairment and blindness worldwide, with significant socioeconomic impact. The present study was done to establish the incidence and identify the common causes of ocular trauma in a tertiary care hospital of western Nepal. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, conducted at a teaching hospital in western Nepal from January 2012 to January 2013. All ocular trauma cases attending emergency and eye OPD were included in the study. A complete history and detailed ophthalmological evaluation was done. Results: Total number of cases was two hundred and nine. The incidence of ocular trauma was 1.74%. Average age of patients was 28.89±19.06 years. Maximum patients were from third decade of life and were males (66.5%). Majority of ocular trauma occurred in right eye and were sustained at the workplace. Only 2.4% of patients used protective agents. The cases presented to the hospital within 48 hours of injury were 71.8%. Maximum subjects didn’t use any medication before they presented to this hospital. Road traffic accident (RTA) was the commonest cause of ocular trauma followed by wood stick and fall injury. Conclusion: Males are more prone to ocular trauma. As the commonest cause is RTA and very few patients used protective devices so public awareness about eye health program and strict legislation for the use of protective devices may help to reduce the magnitude of ocular injury.   Nepal Journal of Medical Sciences | Volume 02 | Number 02 | July-December 2013 | Page 140-143 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njms.v2i2.8964
Low Molecular Weight Antioxidants (LMWA) and their Orchestration
Authors: Lamichhane A , Chaudhary V , Sah NK , Singh M , Pandey R
Published: October 2013

Every day we hear more and more about free radicals and how they are linked with innumerable diseases and health conditions from ageing to muscular degeneration and even some forms of cancer. The problem is not in knowing that these microscopic enemies exist. We know that they do! The problem is how to fight them so that they are rendered harmless. Under normal metabolic conditions each cell of human body is exposed to about 1010 molecules of superoxide anions (primary free radical) each day. For a person weighing 150 pounds, this amounts to about 4 pounds of superoxide per year, a substantial amount! Once formed, superoxide can react through catalytic pathways in the cell to form many other reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS). The antioxidant defense system in the human body is extensive and consists of multiple layers, which protect against different types of ROS/RNS. Many of the biological effects of antioxidants appear to be related to their ability not only to scavenge the deleterious free radicals but also to modulate cell signalling pathways.   Nepal Journal of Medical Sciences | Volume 02 | Number 02 | July-December 2013 | Page 171-180 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njms.v2i2.8971
Pancoast Tumor Masquerading as Cervical Spondylosis: a Case Report
Authors: Gupta MK , Dhungel K , Ahmad K , Rauniyar RK , Ansari S
Published: October 2013

Pancoast tumor is a primary carcinoma occurring at the apex of the lungs. These tumors have distinct clinical presentation because of their anatomical location and the resultant clinical entity, called Pancoast syndrome, presents as severe pain in the neck, shoulder and arm and as Horner’s syndrome. The initial symptoms are most frequently musculoskeletal in nature and the pulmonary symptoms of lung cancer are rather rare resulting in delayed diagnosis of this condition in majority of the cases. We report a case of 65-year-old female who presented with pain in the neck, left shoulder and arm along with numbness and tingling sensation in her forearm and hand mimicking clinically as cervical spondylosis. On detailed evaluation, she was diagnosed to have Pancoast tumor. This case report highlights the clinical presentation of Pancoast tumor and emphasizes the importance of its inclusion in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with persistent pain in the neck and shoulder. Nepal Journal of Medical Sciences | Volume 02 | Number 02 | July-December 2013 | Page 184-186 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njms.v2i2.8973
Examining the Use of Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy in Canadian Neurological Occupational and Physical Therapy
Authors: Fleet Alana , Che Marion , MacKay-Lyons Marilyn , MacKenzie Diane , Page Stephen , Eskes Gail , McDonald Alison , Boyce Joy , Boe Shaun
Published: October 2013

Purpose: To investigate the use of constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) in Canadian neurological occupational and physical therapy. Method: An online survey was completed by occupational and physical therapists practising in Canadian adult neurological rehabilitation. We measured participants' practices, perceptions, and opinions in relation to their use of CIMT in clinical practice. Results: A total of 338 surveys were returned for a 13% response rate; 92% of respondents knew of CIMT, and 43% reported using it. The majority (88%) of respondents using CIMT employed a non-traditional protocol. Self-rating of level of CIMT knowledge was found to be a significant predictor of CIMT use (p≤0.001). Commonly identified barriers to use included “patients having cognitive challenges that prohibit use of this treatment” and “lack of knowledge regarding treatment.” Conclusions: Although the majority of respondents knew about CIMT, less than half reported using it. Barriers to CIMT use include lack of knowledge about the treatment and institutional resources to support its use. Identifying and addressing barriers to CIMT use—for example, by using continuing professional education to remediate knowledge gaps or developing new protocols that require fewer institutional resources—can help improve the feasibility of CIMT, and thus promote its clinical application.
Concrete Pavement Patching Challenges in Virginia
Authors: Elfino Mohamed , Habib Affan , Lundy Larry , Haider Syed
Published: October 2013

This paper highlights the challenges in developing practical concrete pavement patching specifications for the Virginia Department of Transportation (DOT). Several hypothetical scenarios were analyzed with HIPERPAV to provide a general idea about the sensitivity of the parameters that affect the performance of concrete patches. The study concluded that the use of a maturity meter in the Virginia DOT special provisions will allow a rapid decision to be made regarding early opening to traffic after concrete repairs and will eliminate the need for testing during construction. Specifying a compressive strength of 1,600 psi (11,030 kPa) for opening to traffic will not adversely affect the patch. Contractors can use HIPERPAV to compare various strategies including placement time and traffic opening time for a particular concrete mix. In general, at higher mix temperatures, the peak stress-to-strength ratio is consistently higher over longer times. It is important to control or minimize the base and subbase temperature before concrete is poured. Higher early cracking potential is associated with patch mixes with a lower water–cement ratio. The early cracking potential is higher in longer patches compared with shorter patches in spite of the similar strength gain requirements for opening to traffic. The risk of failure is low for a shorter patch when the traffic opening time is reduced.
Haul Time Effects on Unmodified, Foamed, and Additive-Modified Binders Used in Hot-Mix Asphalt
Authors: Howard Isaac L. , Baumgardner Gaylon L. , Jordan Walter S. , Menapace Andrew M. , Mogawer Walaa S. , Michael Hemsley James
Published: October 2013

In recent years, warm technologies have made enormous changes to the flexible pavement industry in a variety of ways. Warm-mix asphalt is the most recognizable warm technology product, although other advantages are associated with better compaction over a wide range of temperatures and have made long-haul distances appealing for some applications. This paper focuses on using warm-mix technology at traditional hot-mix production temperatures for the purpose of facilitating long haul distances. The primary objective of this study was to investigate how binder-related properties change with haul time when material was mixed at hot-mix temperatures. A secondary objective was to determine if any behavioral differences were present between asphalt binders with no additive, foamed asphalt binders, and asphalt binders with a chemical additive. Plant-mixed asphalt was used for the investigation. The overall conclusion of the research was that haul times of 1 to 8 h produced no major differences in aging for a given binder type or between binder types. Subtle differences were observed between binder types in some instances (e.g., low-temperature properties were slightly better for mixes using warm-mix technologies).
Construction Engineering Recommendations for Curved and Skewed Steel Girder Bridges
Authors: Coletti Domenic , Chavel Brandon , White Donald , Sanchez Andres , Ozgur Cagri , Chong Juan Manuel Jimenez
Published: October 2013

NCHRP Research Project 12-79, Guidelines for Analytical Methods and Erection Engineering of Curved and Skewed Steel Deck-Girder Bridges, investigated more than 70 steel girder bridges. The bridges were analyzed with a variety of one-dimensional, two-dimensional, and three-dimensional analysis methods. Recommendations were provided on appropriate levels of analysis based on the geometric complexity of the bridge, proposed improvements to two-dimensional analysis methods, commentary on the impact of cross-frame detailing methods on fit-up and locked-in forces, and proposed guidelines for erection engineering plans and calculations. The recommendations were published as Appendix B of NCHRP Report 725, Guidelines for Analytical Methods and Construction Engineering of Curved and Skewed Steel Girder Bridges. This paper is a summary of Appendix B of the NCHRP Report, which provided specific, immediately implementable recommendations to practicing bridge design engineers.
Examining Estimation Bias and Efficiency for Pseudopanel Data in Travel Demand Analysis
Authors: Tsai Chi-Hong (Patrick) , Leong Waiyan , Mulley Corinne , Clifton Geoffrey
Published: October 2013

Pseudopanel data have been increasingly applied in travel demand analysis to investigate the long-run travel demand when genuine panel data are unavailable. However, conventional estimation techniques have typically been used without a careful consideration of some unique properties of pseudopanel data. This paper shows that ignoring these properties potentially leads to estimation bias or inefficiency not observed in genuine panel data. The method used is a Monte Carlo experiment with scenarios designed to generate various data possessing pseudopanel data characteristics under conditions of limited observations; the performance of various estimator is evaluated with the use of the simulation results. This research found that the large between-group variation of the exogenous variable and the variance of unobserved group effects in pseudopanel data are the primary causes of estimation bias and inefficiency. Other factors such as cohort sizes and nonspherical errors have a smaller effect on the estimators’ performance. An empirical application using Sydney Household Travel Survey data is also presented to illustrate the simulation findings.
Lomonosovfonna and Holtedahlfonna ice cores reveal east–west disparities of the Spitsbergen environment since AD 1700
Authors: Beaudon Emilie , Moore John C. , Martma Tõnu , Pohjola Veijo A. , Van de Wal Roderik S.W. , Kohler Jack , Isaksson Elisabeth
Published: October 2013

An ice core extracted from Holtedahlfonna ice cap, western Spitsbergen, record spanning the period 1700–2005, was analyzed for major ions. The leading empirical orthogonal function (EOF) component is correlated with an index of summer melt (log([Na+]/[Mg2+]) from 1850 and shows that almost 50% of the variance can be attributed to seasonal melting since the beginning of the industrial revolution. The Holtedahlfonna δ18O value is less negative than in the more easterly Lomonosovfonna ice core, suggesting that moist air masses originate from a closer source, most likely the Greenland Sea. During the Little Ice Age the lower methanesulfonic acid (MSA) concentration and MSA non-sea-salt sulfate fraction are consistent with the Greenland Sea as the main source for biogenic ions in the ice cores. Both the melt index and the MSA fraction suggest that the early decades of the 18th century may have exhibited the coldest summers of the last 300 years in Svalbard. Ammonium concentrations rise from 1880, which may result from the warming of the Greenland Sea or from zonal differences in atmospheric pollution transport over Svalbard. During winter, neutralized aerosols are trapped within the tropospheric inversion layer, which is usually weaker over open seas than over sea ice, placing Holtedahlfonna within the inversion more frequently than Lomonosovfonna.
Actuator Location and Voltages Optimization for Shape Control of Smart Beams Using Genetic Algorithms
Authors: Foutsitzi Georgia , Gogos Christos , Hadjigeorgiou Evangelos , Stavroulakis Georgios
Published: October 2013

This paper presents a numerical study on optimal voltages and optimal placement of piezoelectric actuators for shape control of beam structures. A finite element model, based on Timoshenko beam theory, is developed to characterize the behavior of the structure and the actuators. This model accounted for the electromechanical coupling in the entire beam structure, due to the fact that the piezoelectric layers are treated as constituent parts of the entire structural system. A hybrid scheme is presented based on great deluge and genetic algorithm. The hybrid algorithm is implemented to calculate the optimal locations and optimal values of voltages, applied to the piezoelectric actuators glued in the structure, which minimize the error between the achieved and the desired shape. Results from numerical simulations demonstrate the capabilities and efficiency of the developed optimization algorithm in both clamped−free and clamped−clamped beam problems are presented.
Temporal Variation of SOC Enrichment from Interrill Erosion over Prolonged Rainfall Simulations
Authors: Hu Yaxian , Fister Wolfgang , Kuhn Nikolaus
Published: October 2013

Sediment generated by interrill erosion is commonly assumed to be enriched in soil organic carbon (SOC) compared to the source soil. However, the reported SOC enrichment ratios (ERSOC) vary widely. It is also noteworthy that most studies reported that the ERSOC is greater than unity, while conservation of mass dictates that the ERSOC of sediment must be balanced over time by a decline of SOC in the source area material. Although the effects of crusting on SOC erosion have been recognized, a systematic study on complete crust formation and interrill SOC erosion has not been conducted so far. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of prolonged crust formation and its variability on the ERSOC of sediment. Two silty loams were simultaneously exposed to a rainfall simulation for 6 h. The ERSOC in sediment from both soils increased at first, peaked around the point when steady-state runoff was achieved and declined afterwards. The results show that crusting plays a crucial role in the ERSOC development over time and, in particular, that the conservation of mass applies to the ERSOC of sediment as a consequence of crusting. A “constant” ERSOC of sediment is therefore possibly biased, leading to an overestimation of SOC erosion. The results illustrate that the potential off-site effects of selective interrill erosion require considering the crusting effects on sediment properties in the specific context of the interaction between soil management, rainfall and erosion.
Amending Subsoil with Composted Poultry Litter-II: Effects on Kentucky Bluegrass (Poa pratensis) Establishment, Root Growth, and Weed Populations
Authors: Mandal Mili , Chandran Rakesh , Balasko John
Published: October 2013

Turfgrasses established on a soil deprived of the topsoil during construction disturbance often have low levels of density and uniformity making them susceptible to weeds. Field experiments evaluated composted poultry litter incorporation into subsoil on Kentucky bluegrass growth attributes and subsequent effects on weed populations. Top 20 cm of topsoil was removed and composted poultry litter was incorporated at 0.1, or 0.2, or 0.4 cm/cm-soil into the exposed subsoil to a depth of 12.7 cm before seeding or sodding, and was compared to N-fertilized (50 × 10−4 kg m−2) and control plots. A greenhouse experiment was also conducted to determine the effect of compost incorporation rates on turfgrass rooting depth. Turfgrass yield from seeded plots with compost incorporation rates of 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4 cm/cm-soil, were 200%, 300%, and 500% more, respectively, compared to control plots. Composted poultry litter incorporated at 0.1 cm/cm-soil resulted in at least 70 seedlings in 7.6 cm−2, which was sufficient to attain 100% turf cover. Higher incorporation rates in seeded plots maintained lower numbers of buckhorn plantain and red clover than untreated plots. Rooting depth also increased linearly with compost rates. Overall, compost treatments were able to maintain superior turf cover and quality compared to conventionally fertilized or control plots.
Strategies in Gene Therapy for Glioblastoma
Authors: Kwiatkowska Aneta , Nandhu Mohan , Behera Prajna , Chiocca E. , Viapiano Mariano
Published: October 2013

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive form of brain cancer, with a dismal prognosis and extremely low percentage of survivors. Novel therapies are in dire need to improve the clinical management of these tumors and extend patient survival. Genetic therapies for GBM have been postulated and attempted for the past twenty years, with variable degrees of success in pre-clinical models and clinical trials. Here we review the most common approaches to treat GBM by gene therapy, including strategies to deliver tumor-suppressor genes, suicide genes, immunomodulatory cytokines to improve immune response, and conditionally-replicating oncolytic viruses. The review focuses on the strategies used for gene delivery, including the most common and widely used vehicles (i.e., replicating and non-replicating viruses) as well as novel therapeutic approaches such as stem cell-mediated therapy and nanotechnologies used for gene delivery. We present an overview of these strategies, their targets, different advantages, and challenges for success. Finally, we discuss the potential of gene therapy-based strategies to effectively attack such a complex genetic target as GBM, alone or in combination with conventional therapy.
An Optimization Framework for Comparative Analysis of Multiple Vehicle Powertrains
Authors: Mohan Ganesh , Assadian Francis , Longo Stefano
Published: October 2013

With a myriad of alternative vehicle powertrain architectures emerging in the industry, such as electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles, it is beneficial that the most appropriate system is chosen for the desired vehicle class and duty cycle, and to minimize a given cost function. This paper investigates this issue, by proposing a novel framework that evaluates different types of powertrain architectures under a unified modular powertrain structure. This framework provides a systematic and objective approach to comparing different types of powertrain architectures simultaneously, and will highlight the benefits that can be achieved from each architecture, thus making it possible to develop the reasoning for manufacturers to implement such systems, and potentially accelerate customer take-up of alternative powertrain technology. The results from this investigation have indicated that such analysis is indeed possible, by way of identifying the “cross-over point” between powertrain architectures, where one powertrain architecture transitions into a different architecture with increments in the required travel range.
Output Current Ripple Reduction Algorithms for Home Energy Storage Systems
Authors: Park Jin-Hyuk , Jeong Hae-Gwang , Lee Kyo-Beum
Published: October 2013

This paper proposes an output current ripple reduction algorithm using a proportional-integral (PI) controller for an energy storage system (ESS). In single-phase systems, the DC/AC inverter has a second-order harmonic at twice the grid frequency of a DC-link voltage caused by pulsation of the DC-link voltage. The output current of a DC/DC converter has a ripple component because of the ripple of the DC-link voltage. The second-order harmonic adversely affects the battery lifetime. The proposed algorithm has an advantage of reducing the second-order harmonic of the output current in the variable frequency system. The proposed algorithm is verified from the PSIM simulation and experiment with the 3 kW ESS model.
Asymmetrical Interleaved DC/DC Switching Converters for Photovoltaic and Fuel Cell Applications—Part 2: Control-Oriented Models
Authors: Arango Eliana , Ramos-Paja Carlos , Calvente Javier , Giral Roberto , Serna-Garces Sergio
Published: October 2013

A previous article has presented the members of the asymmetrical interleaved dc/dc switching converters family as very appropriate candidates to interface between photovoltaic or fuel cell generators and their loads because of their reduced ripple and increased current processing capabilities. After a review of the main modeling methods suitable for high-order converters operating, as the asymmetrical interleaved converters (AIC) ones, in discontinuous current conduction mode a full-order averaged model has been adapted and improved to describe the dynamic behavior of AIC. The excellent agreement between the mathematical model predictions, the switched simulations and the experimental results has allowed for satisfactory design of a linear-quadratic regulator (LQR) in a fuel-cell application example, which demonstrates the usefulness of the improved control-oriented modeling approach when the switching converters operate in discontinuous conduction mode.
Dietary Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Inflammation: The Role of Phospholipid Biosynthesis
Authors: Raphael William , Sordillo Lorraine
Published: October 2013

The composition of fatty acids in the diets of both human and domestic animal species can regulate inflammation through the biosynthesis of potent lipid mediators. The substrates for lipid mediator biosynthesis are derived primarily from membrane phospholipids and reflect dietary fatty acid intake. Inflammation can be exacerbated with intake of certain dietary fatty acids, such as some ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and subsequent incorporation into membrane phospholipids. Inflammation, however, can be resolved with ingestion of other fatty acids, such as ω-3 PUFA. The influence of dietary PUFA on phospholipid composition is influenced by factors that control phospholipid biosynthesis within cellular membranes, such as preferential incorporation of some fatty acids, competition between newly ingested PUFA and fatty acids released from stores such as adipose, and the impacts of carbohydrate metabolism and physiological state. The objective of this review is to explain these factors as potential obstacles to manipulating PUFA composition of tissue phospholipids by specific dietary fatty acids. A better understanding of the factors that influence how dietary fatty acids can be incorporated into phospholipids may lead to nutritional intervention strategies that optimize health.
Tissue Engineering of the Corneal Endothelium: A Review of Carrier Materials
Authors: Teichmann Juliane , Valtink Monika , Nitschke Mirko , Gramm Stefan , Funk Richard , Engelmann Katrin , Werner Carsten
Published: October 2013

Functional impairment of the human corneal endothelium can lead to corneal blindness. In order to meet the high demand for transplants with an appropriate human corneal endothelial cell density as a prerequisite for corneal function, several tissue engineering techniques have been developed to generate transplantable endothelial cell sheets. These approaches range from the use of natural membranes, biological polymers and biosynthetic material compositions, to completely synthetic materials as matrices for corneal endothelial cell sheet generation. This review gives an overview about currently used materials for the generation of transplantable corneal endothelial cell sheets with a special focus on thermo-responsive polymer coatings.
Surface Roughness and Morphology Customization of Additive Manufactured Open Porous Ti6Al4V Structures
Authors: Pyka Grzegorz , Kerckhofs Greet , Papantoniou Ioannis , Speirs Mathew , Schrooten Jan , Wevers Martine
Published: October 2013

Additive manufacturing (AM) is a production method that enables the building of porous structures with a controlled geometry. However, there is a limited control over the final surface of the product. Hence, complementary surface engineering strategies are needed. In this work, design of experiments (DoE) was used to customize post AM surface treatment for 3D selective laser melted Ti6Al4V open porous structures for bone tissue engineering. A two-level three-factor full factorial design was employed to assess the individual and interactive effects of the surface treatment duration and the concentration of the chemical etching solution on the final surface roughness and beam thickness of the treated porous structures. It was observed that the concentration of the surface treatment solution was the most important factor influencing roughness reduction. The designed beam thickness decreased the effectiveness of the surface treatment. In this case study, the optimized processing conditions for AM production and the post-AM surface treatment were defined based on the DoE output and were validated experimentally. This allowed the production of customized 3D porous structures with controlled surface roughness and overall morphological properties, which can assist in more controlled evaluation of the effect of surface roughness on various functional properties.
Self-Sensing Properties of Alkali Activated Blast Furnace Slag (BFS) Composites Reinforced with Carbon Fibers
Authors: Vilaplana Josep , Baeza Francisco , Galao Oscar , Zornoza Emilio , Garcés Pedro
Published: October 2013

In recent years, several researchers have shown the good performance of alkali activated slag cement and concretes. Besides their good mechanical properties and durability, this type of cement is a good alternative to Portland cements if sustainability is considered. Moreover, multifunctional cement composites have been developed in the last decades for their functional applications (self-sensing, EMI shielding, self-heating, etc.). In this study, the strain and damage sensing possible application of carbon fiber reinforced alkali activated slag pastes has been evaluated. Cement pastes with 0, 0.29 and 0.58 vol % carbon fiber addition were prepared. Both carbon fiber dosages showed sensing properties. For strain sensing, function gage factors of up to 661 were calculated for compressive cycles. Furthermore, all composites with carbon fibers suffered a sudden increase in their resistivity when internal damages began, prior to any external signal of damage. Hence, this material may be suitable as strain or damage sensor.
On the Nature of Voltammetric Signals Originating from Hydrogen Electrosorption into Palladium-Noble Metal Alloys
Authors: Łukaszewski Mariusz , Hubkowska Katarzyna , Koss Urszula , Czerwiński Andrzej
Published: October 2013

Hydrogen sorption/desorption signals observed on cyclic voltammograms in experiments on hydrogen electrosorption into Pd-noble metal alloys (Pd-Au, Pd-Pt, Pd-Rh, Pd-Ru, Pd-Pt-Rh, Pd-Pt-Au) were characterized. The influence of electrosorption potential, scan rate and alloy bulk composition on the features of the hydrogen peaks was investigated. The experimental results were compared with those obtained on the basis of a model taken from the literature. It was confirmed that the rate of the α-β phase transition controls the overall rate of the process of hydrogen absorption/desorption into/from thin Pd-based electrodes. It was demonstrated that from the analysis of the changes of the hydrogen oxidation peak potential with the hydrogen electrosorption potential in cyclic voltammetric experiments it is possible to determine the limiting Pd bulk content, below which the β-phase in the alloy-hydrogen system is not formed.
Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Natural Products Isolated from Soft Corals of Taiwan between 2008 and 2012
Authors: Wei Wen-Chi , Sung Ping-Jyun , Duh Chang-Yih , Chen Bo-Wei , Sheu Jyh-Horng , Yang Ning-Sun
Published: October 2013

This review reports details on the natural products isolated from Taiwan soft corals during the period 2008–2012 focusing on their in vitro and/or in vivo anti-inflammatory activities. Chemical structures, names, and literature references are also reported. This review provides useful and specific information on potent anti-inflammatory marine metabolites for future development of immune-modulatory therapeutics.