bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of Distinct Iron Oxide Nanomaterial Shapes Using Lyotropic Liquid Crystal Solvents
Authors: Salili Seyyed , Worden Matthew , Nemati Ahlam , Miller Donald , Hegmann Torsten
Published: August 2017

A room temperature reduction-hydrolysis of Fe(III) precursors such as FeCl3 or Fe(acac)3 in various lyotropic liquid crystal phases (lamellar, hexagonal columnar, or micellar) formed by a range of ionic or neutral surfactants in H2O is shown to be an effective and mild approach for the preparation of iron oxide (IO) nanomaterials with several morphologies (shapes and dimensions), such as extended thin nanosheets with lateral dimensions of several hundred nanometers as well as smaller nanoflakes and nanodiscs in the tens of nanometers size regime. We will discuss the role of the used surfactants and lyotropic liquid crystal phases as well as the shape and size differences depending upon when and how the resulting nanomaterials were isolated from the reaction mixture. The presented synthetic methodology using lyotropic liquid crystal solvents should be widely applicable to several other transition metal oxides for which the described reduction-hydrolysis reaction sequence is a suitable pathway to obtain nanoscale particles.
Development of Pharmacy Practice in European Countries—The Polish Perspective
Authors: Świeczkowski Damian , Merks Piotr , Cwalina Natalia , Jaguszewski Miłosz
Published: August 2017

Polish pharmacy practice and the distribution of medicinal products in some European countries are still going through a significant transformation. Changes postulated by the pharmacists should strengthen their role, and the place of community pharmacies in the health care system in the context of—among others—the introduction and popularization of pharmaceutical care. Subsequently, these efforts may essentially ensure the professional independence of the pharmacists. The introduction of pharmaceutical care to the pharmacy practice in all European countries will help to improve the quality of patient care and treatment outcomes, and will lead to a better allocation of available resources. Herewith, we present an important voice in the international debate, showing the current changes in the pharmacy practice in Poland, a European Union (EU)-member from 2004. Indeed, this paper presents the perspective of the country in which the position of pharmaceutical care is not well-established, and the role of the pharmacist is still limited to dispensing medicinal products, more than decade after it joined EU.
Increased Surface Roughness in Polydimethylsiloxane Films by Physical and Chemical Methods
Authors: Cabrera Jorge , Ruiz Mariano , Fascio Mirta , D’Accorso Norma , Mincheva Rosica , Dubois Philippe , Lizarraga Leonardo , Negri R.
Published: August 2017

Two methods, the first physical and the other chemical, were investigated to modify the surface roughness of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) films. The physical method consisted of dispersing multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and magnetic cobalt ferrites (CoFe2O4) prior to thermal cross-linking, and curing the composite system in the presence of a uniform magnetic field H. The chemical method was based on exposing the films to bromine vapours and then UV-irradiating. The characterizing techniques included scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, optical microscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and magnetic force microscopy (MFM). The surface roughness was quantitatively analyzed by AFM. In the physical method, the random dispersion of MWCNTs (1% w/w) and magnetic nanoparticles (2% w/w) generated a roughness increase of about 200% (with respect to PDMS films without any treatment), but that change was 400% for films cured in the presence of H perpendicular to the surface. SEM, AFM and MFM showed that the magnetic particles always remained attached to the carbon nanotubes, and the effect on the roughness was interpreted as being due to a rupture of dispersion randomness and a possible induction of structuring in the direction of H. In the chemical method, the increase in roughness was even greater (1000%). Wells were generated with surface areas that were close to 100 μm2 and depths of up to 500 nm. The observations of AFM images and FTIR spectra were in agreement with the hypothesis of etching by Br radicals generated by UV on the polymer chains. Both methods induced important changes in the surface roughness (the chemical method generated the greatest changes due to the formation of surface wells), which are of great importance in superficial technological processes.
Effects of Amino-Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes on the Crystal Structure and Thermal Properties of Polyacrylonitrile Homopolymer Microspheres
Authors: Zhang Hailong , Quan Ling , Xu Lianghua
Published: August 2017

Amino-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotube (amino-CNT)/polyacrylonitrile (PAN) microspheres with diameter of about 300–400 nm were prepared by in situ polymerization under aqueous solution. The morphology, crystal structure, and thermal properties of amino-CNTs on a PAN homopolymer were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectra, X-ray diffraction, and differential scanning calorimetry. The results showed that the amino-CNTs had a significant influence on the morphology of microspheres, and the PAN matrix were grafted onto the surface of amino-CNTs with interfacial bonding between them. The XRD studies showed that the crystal size of amino-CNT/PAN microspheres with lower crystallinity was bigger than in the control PAN homopolymer. The analysis of thermal properties indicated that the amino-CNT/PAN microspheres with lower glass transition temperature had a lower initial temperature and velocity of evolving heat during the exothermic processing as compared with the PAN homopolymer. These results suggested that the incorporation of amino-CNTs into the PAN homopolymer matrix was beneficial for controlling the heat released during the stabilization processing.
The Uncertainty of Nighttime Light Data in Estimating Carbon Dioxide Emissions in China: A Comparison between DMSP-OLS and NPP-VIIRS
Authors: Zhang Xiwen , Wu Jiansheng , Peng Jian , Cao Qiwen
Published: August 2017

Nighttime light data can characterize urbanization, economic development, population density, energy consumption and other human activities. Additionally, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are closely related to the scope and intensity of human activities. In this study, we assess the utility of nighttime light data as a powerful tool to reflect CO2 emissions from energy consumption, analyze the uncertainty associated with different nighttime light data for modeling CO2 emissions, and provide guidance and a reference for modeling CO2 emissions based on nighttime light data. In this paper, Mainland China was taken as a case study, and nighttime light datasets (the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program’s Operational Linescan System (DMSP-OLS) nighttime light data and the Suomi National Polar-Orbiting Partnership Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (NPP-VIIRS) nighttime light data) as well as a global gridded CO2 emissions dataset (PKU-CO2) were used to perform simple regressions at provincial, prefectural and 0.1° × 0.1° grid levels, respectively. The analyses are aimed at exploring the accuracy and uncertainty of DMSP-OLS and NPP-VIIRS nighttime light data in modeling CO2 emissions at different spatial scales. The improvement of nighttime light index and the potential factors influencing the effects of modeling CO2 emissions based on nighttime light datasets were also explored. The results show that DMSP-OLS is superior to NPP-VIIRS in modeling CO2 emissions at all spatial scales, and the bigger the scale, the more evident the advantages of DMSP-OLS. When modeling CO2 emissions with nighttime light datasets, not only the total amount of lights within a given statistical unit but also the agglomeration degree of lights should be taken into account. Furthermore, the geographical location and socio-economic conditions at the study site, such as gross regional product per capita (GRP per capita), population, and urbanization were shown to have an impact on the regression effect of the nighttime lights-CO2 emissions model. The regression effect was found to be better at higher latitude and longitude areas with higher GRP per capita and higher urbanization, while population showed little effect on the regression effect of the nighttime lights - CO2 emissions model. The limitation of this study is that the thresholds of potential factors are unclear and the quantitative guidance is insufficient.
An Acquisition Scheme Based on a Matched Filter for Novel Communication and Navigation Fusion Signals
Authors: Deng Zhongliang , Mo Jun , Jia Buyun , Bian Xinmei
Published: August 2017

In order to enhance the positioning capability of terrestrial networks, a novel communication and navigation fusion signal is proposed. The novel signal multiplexes the communication and navigation signal in the same frequency band, and the navigation system is superimposed on the original communication system. However, the application of pseudorandom noise (PRN) sequences in the navigation system is limited by the communication clock period. Taking the application of PRN sequences limited by the clock period as objects, the present study analyzes truncated PRN (TPRN) sequences. PRN sequences with a TPRN sequence as the navigation signal can overcome the communication system clock period limitation. Then, a matched filter algorithm with double detection (MFADD) is proposed to acquire the novel signal. The matched filter method is applied to the proposed algorithm to determine the start code phase of TPRN. Monte Carlo simulations and real data tests demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm for the designed signal.
Combining Multi-Agent Systems and Wireless Sensor Networks for Monitoring Crop Irrigation
Authors: Villarrubia Gabriel , Paz Juan F. De , Iglesia Daniel H. De La , Bajo Javier
Published: August 2017

Monitoring mechanisms that ensure efficient crop growth are essential on many farms, especially in certain areas of the planet where water is scarce. Most farmers must assume the high cost of the required equipment in order to be able to streamline natural resources on their farms. Considering that many farmers cannot afford to install this equipment, it is necessary to look for more effective solutions that would be cheaper to implement. The objective of this study is to build virtual organizations of agents that can communicate between each other while monitoring crops. A low cost sensor architecture allows farmers to monitor and optimize the growth of their crops by streamlining the amount of resources the crops need at every moment. Since the hardware has limited processing and communication capabilities, our approach uses the PANGEA architecture to overcome this limitation. Specifically, we will design a system that is capable of collecting heterogeneous information from its environment, using sensors for temperature, solar radiation, humidity, pH, moisture and wind. A major outcome of our approach is that our solution is able to merge heterogeneous data from sensors and produce a response adapted to the context. In order to validate the proposed system, we present a case study in which farmers are provided with a tool that allows us to monitor the condition of crops on a TV screen using a low cost device.
Heart Rate Detection Using Microsoft Kinect: Validation and Comparison to Wearable Devices
Authors: Gambi Ennio , Agostinelli Angela , Belli Alberto , Burattini Laura , Cippitelli Enea , Fioretti Sandro , Pierleoni Paola , Ricciuti Manola , Sbrollini Agnese , Spinsante Susanna
Published: August 2017

Contactless detection is one of the new frontiers of technological innovation in the field of healthcare, enabling unobtrusive measurements of biomedical parameters. Compared to conventional methods for Heart Rate (HR) detection that employ expensive and/or uncomfortable devices, such as the Electrocardiograph (ECG) or pulse oximeter, contactless HR detection offers fast and continuous monitoring of heart activities and provides support for clinical analysis without the need for the user to wear a device. This paper presents a validation study for a contactless HR estimation method exploiting RGB (Red, Green, Blue) data from a Microsoft Kinect v2 device. This method, based on Eulerian Video Magnification (EVM), Photoplethysmography (PPG) and Videoplethysmography (VPG), can achieve performance comparable to classical approaches exploiting wearable systems, under specific test conditions. The output given by a Holter, which represents the gold-standard device used in the test for ECG extraction, is considered as the ground-truth, while a comparison with a commercial smartwatch is also included. The validation process is conducted with two modalities that differ for the availability of a priori knowledge about the subjects’ normal HR. The two test modalities provide different results. In particular, the HR estimation differs from the ground-truth by 2% when the knowledge about the subject’s lifestyle and his/her HR is considered and by 3.4% if no information about the person is taken into account.
The Relationship between Sport Participation and Chronic Diseases among Men in the USA: An Examination of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
Authors: Pharr Jennifer , Lough Nancy
Published: August 2017

Sport participation has been associated with lower rates of chronic diseases when compared to other forms of physical activity (PA) among women. However, we do not know if this relationship holds true for men. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between sport participation and men’s health and chronic diseases in the USA. This study was a secondary data analysis of the 2015 national Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey. Participants were questioned extensively about their PA behaviors. Seventy-six different activities were identified and these activities were categorized as sport, conditioning exercise, recreation, or household tasks based upon previously identified categories. Logistic regression was utilized to calculate odds and adjusted odds ratios for chronic diseases based on physical activity category. When compared to men who participated in sport, men in the other PA categories had significantly higher odds for all of the chronic diseases except asthma. After controlling for demographic variables, significant odds remain except for stroke. Higher odds for chronic diseases in the other PA categories indicates that men in these group have a higher risk for chronic diseases than men in the sport category. Because of the potential health improvements related to sports participation, it is important to maintain and increase sport participation for both adolescents and adults.
The Convenience Benefits of the District Heating System over Individual Heating Systems in Korean Households
Authors: Kim Hyo-Jin , Lim Seul-Ye , Yoo Seung-Hoon
Published: August 2017

Koreans usually prefer the district heating system (DHS) to the individual heating system (IHS) because DHS can give them convenience and safety within their living environment. The Korean government thus plans to expand the DHS and requires information about the value that consumers place on the DHS over the IHS, which has not been dealt with in academic literature. This paper attempts to investigate Korean households’ willingness to pay (WTP) for DHS over IHS, for residential heat (RH). To this end, the authors apply the dichotomous choice contingent valuation to assessing additional WTP for DHS using a survey of 1000 randomly selected households living in buildings with IHS. A mixture model is applied to deal with the zero WTP responses. The WTP distribution is specified as a mixture of two distributions, one with a point mass at zero and the other with full support on the positive half of the real line. The results show that the mean additional WTP for DHS-based RH over IHS-based RH is estimated to be KRW 5775 (USD 5.4) per Gcal. This value can be interpreted as the consumer’s convenience benefits of DHS over IHS, and amounts to approximately 6.0% of the average price: KRW 96,510 (USD 90.4) per Gcal in 2013, for IHS-based RH. This information is useful for evaluating changes to the method used for supplying RH from IHS to DHS.
Agroecology to Promote Just Sustainability Transitions: Analysis of a Civil Society Network in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda
Authors: Isgren Ellinor , Ness Barry
Published: August 2017

Agroecology is gaining ground within the debate on how to address systemic social and environmental problems in agriculture. However, it remains marginalized in agricultural research and development plans around the world. This paper analyzes agroecology as a socio-technical niche in Uganda, where its emergence in part can be seen as an unintended consequence of neoliberalist development. The case studied is a civil society network that links farmer groups and non-governmental organizations across different levels. Through the analytical lens of regime dimensions, we find that agroecology is practiced as a smallholder-centric approach that champions collective action, locally appropriate technologies, participatory methods in research and extension, and calls for more active state guidance of agricultural change along specific principles. However, two major concerns are raised; the niche converges with the dominant discourse around commercialization, and policy advocacy is hampered by the apolitical history of NGOs and an increasingly tense political climate. These two areas are critical for agroecology to contribute to just sustainability transitions, and civil society organizations with strong links to smallholder farmers need to be included in the growing scholarly debate both to inform it and to receive guidance from it. Transition frameworks can help facilitate the development of viable institutional designs and explicitly transformative strategies, but we also point towards the need for engagement with theories on civil society collective action and political mobilization.
The Role of Solar Photovoltaics and Energy Storage Solutions in a 100% Renewable Energy System for Finland in 2050
Authors: Child Michael , Haukkala Teresa , Breyer Christian
Published: August 2017

There are several barriers to achieving an energy system based entirely on renewable energy (RE) in Finland, not the least of which is doubt that high capacities of solar photovoltaics (PV) can be feasible due to long, cold and dark Finnish winters. Technologically, several energy storage options can facilitate high penetrations of solar PV and other variable forms of RE. These options include electric and thermal storage systems in addition to a robust role of Power-to-Gas technology. In an EnergyPLAN simulation of the Finnish energy system for 2050, approximately 45% of electricity produced from solar PV was used directly over the course of the year, which shows the relevance of storage. In terms of public policy, several mechanisms are available to promote various forms of RE. However, many of these are contested in Finland by actors with vested interests in maintaining the status quo rather than by those without confidence in RE conversion or storage technologies. These vested interests must be overcome before a zero fossil carbon future can begin. The results of this study provides insights into how higher capacities of solar PV can be effectively promoted and managed at high latitudes, both north and south.
Responses of Agroecosystems to Climate Change: Specifics of Resilience in the Mid-Latitude Region
Authors: Kafatos Menas C. , Kim Seung Hee , Lim Chul-Hee , Kim Jinwon , Lee Woo-Kyun
Published: August 2017

This study examines the productivity and resilience of agroecosystems in the Korean Peninsula. Having learned valuable lessons from a Chapman University project funded by the United States Department of Agriculture which concentrated on the semi-arid region of southwestern United States, our joint Korea—Chapman University team has applied similar methodologies to the Korean Peninsula, which is itself an interesting study case in the mid-latitude region. In particular, the Korean Peninsula has unique agricultural environments due to differences in political and socioeconomic systems between South Korea and North Korea. Specifically, North Korea has been suffering from food shortages due to natural disasters, land degradation and political failure. The neighboring developed country, South Korea, has a better agricultural system but a low food self-sufficiency rate. Therefore, assessing crop yield potential (Yp) in the two distinct regions will reveal vulnerability and risks of agroecosystems in the mid-latitude region under climate change and variability and for different conditions.
Precise Positioning of Marketing and Behavior Intentions of Location-Based Mobile Commerce in the Internet of Things
Authors: Tsai Yao-Te , Wang Shu-Ching , Yan Kuo-Qin , Chang Chih-Ming
Published: August 2017

In the complex environment of the IoT (Internet of Things), the amount of information available is enormous and the number of users also increases at a blistering pace. With a huge number of users, e-commerce marketing strategies in the IoT become extremely important and must be altered accordingly in response to changes in the environment and industry. Hence, the application of IoT technology to mobile commerce allows users to receive integrated information according to time, location, and context using location-based service, and provides them with a more effective shopping experience. The validation results show that external variables indirectly influence behavioral intention through perceived usefulness. The investigation of behavioral intention is used to understand users’ acceptance and using willingness of the store app, which can help narrow the gap between stores and consumers, and help improve operations.
Learning Performance Enhancement Using Computer-Assisted Language Learning by Collaborative Learning Groups
Authors: Wang Ya-huei , Liao Hung-Chang
Published: August 2017

This study attempted to test whether the use of computer-assisted language learning (CALL) and innovative collaborative learning could be more effective than the use of traditional collaborative learning in improving students’ English proficiencies. A true experimental design was used in the study. Four randomly-assigned groups participated in the study: a traditional collaborative learning group (TCLG, 34 students), an innovative collaborative learning group (ICLG, 31 students), a CALL traditional collaborative learning group (CALLTCLG, 32 students), and a CALL innovative collaborative learning group (CALLICLG, 31 students). TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication) listening, reading, speaking, and writing pre-test and post-test assessments were given to all students at an interval of sixteen weeks. Multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA), multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to analyze the data. The results revealed that students who used CALL had significantly better learning performance than those who did not. Students in innovative collaborative learning had significantly better learning performances than those in traditional collaborative learning. Additionally, students using CALL innovative collaborative learning had better learning performances than those in CALL collaborative learning, those in innovative collaborative learning, and those in traditional collaborative learning.
Identifying Groundwater Recharge Sites through Environmental Stable Isotopes in an Alluvial Aquifer
Authors: González-Trinidad Julián , Pacheco-Guerrero Anuard , Júnez-Ferreira Hugo , Bautista-Capetillo Carlos , Hernández-Antonio Arturo
Published: August 2017

Environmental isotope tracers have been a useful tool in providing new insights into hydrologic processes. In Mexico, there have been several studies reporting different values for δ 18 O and δ 2 H for certain geographical areas. The objective of this study is to achieve the isotopic characterization of rainfall and groundwater and to report the comprehensive understanding of groundwater flow processes around and within the Calera aquifer and, consequently, its potential recharge sites. The samples used for the stable isotope analysis ( δ 18 O , δ 2 H ) were measured using a GV-Isoprime isotope-ratio mass spectrometer at the Isotopy Laboratory of the Water Center for Latin America and the Caribbean. The δ D of precipitation ranged between −110.20‰ and 10.11‰, with a mean of −55.67‰ ± 27.81‰. The δ 18 O ranged between −17.80‰ and 2.74‰, with a mean of −9.44‰ ± 4.74‰. The δ D of groundwater ranged between −81.92‰ and −36.45‰, with a mean of −66.05‰ ± 8.58‰. The δ 18 O ranged between −18.26‰ and −8.84‰, with a mean of −12.35‰ ± 2.12‰. The local meteoric water line of the Zacatecas state is δ D = − 2.03 + 5.68 δ 18 O . The groundwater samples were clustered into four groups. The clustering of the samples led to the finding that streamflows play a significant role in the hydrological balance as a source of local recharge to the aquifer.
Self-Reported Adherence to Capecitabine on XELOX Treatment as Adjuvant Therapy for Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Kawakami Kazuyoshi , Yokokawa Takashi , Kobayashi Kazuo , Sugisaki Takahito , Suzuki Kenichi , Suenaga Mitsukuni , Yamaguchi Kensei , Inoue Ayaka , Machida Yoshiaki , Yamaguchi Toshiharu , Hama Toshihiro
Published: August 2017

Adherence has become an important issue in modern oncology treatment. Most studies have included heterogeneous target tumor types, regimens, and therapy settings. Our study focused on capecitabine during capecitabine plus oxaliplatin (XELOX) treatment as an adjuvant therapy for colorectal cancer. The main aims of this study were to evaluate real-life adherence to capecitabine and to investigate candidate factors that might decrease adherence. We studied 338 consecutive patients who received XELOX treatment between December 1, 2011, and April 30, 2015, at the Cancer Institute Hospital of the Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research. Our study assessed adherence to capecitabine through patient-reported treatment diaries and interviewed nonadherents to determine the reasons for not taking capecitabine at a pharmaceutical outpatient clinic. We calculated the adherence rate in a cycle as: number of times the patient took capecitabine/28. Relative dose intensities and factors associated with deteriorating adherence to capecitabine were retrospectively surveyed from electronic patient records. Uni- and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to investigate factors associated with optimal adherence. The study covered 282 patients who received 2,055 cycles of XELOX. Median adherence rate was 94.0% in the first cycle, and median relative dose intensity of capecitabine was 77.8%. The most common reasons for nonadherence were nausea/vomiting and diarrhea. The presence of the following factors was not significantly associated with adherence: ECOG performance status ≥1 (p = 0.715), clinical stage (p = 0.408), primary tumor site (p = 0.576), age ≥70 years at study entry (p = 0.757), female gender (p = 0.504), and not living alone (p = 0.579). The adherence rate from this study was significantly higher than the adherence from metastatic settings. Adherence-enhancing interventions for capecitabine in XELOX treatment as adjuvant therapy comprised management of nausea/vomiting and diarrhea.
Impact of the Karnofsky Performance Status on Survival and its Dynamics during the Terminal Year of Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Authors: Modesto Ana Paula , Usvyat Len , Calice-Silva Viviane , Spigolon Dandara Novakowski , Figueiredo Ana Elizabeth , de Moraes Thyago Proença , Olandoski Marcia , Shimakura Silvia Emiko , Barreti Pasqual , Kotanko Peter , Pecoits-Filho Roberto
Published: August 2017

Background

Simple and low-cost tools to monitor the risk profile of patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD) at high risk of complications and mortality are scarce. One of the tools available to monitor the variation in vitality and dependence levels is the Karnofsky performance status (KPS). This study analyzed the average trends and variation of KPS during the 12 months before death and its independent value in predicting patients’ survival.

Methods

The data were compiled from the BRAZPD II multi-center study, performed in Brazil between 2004 and 2011. For the analysis of KPS dynamics, we included patients with at least 12 months of follow-up on PD and who had a fatal event during the follow-up. The following covariables were evaluated: age, gender, ethnicity, educational level, and presence of diabetes. We used the linear regression model to present the results: the log (time) before death was represented by the regression variable and KPS was the response. We also analyzed the independent impact of baseline KPS on patients’ survival.

Results

From the population of 9,905 patients enrolled in the BRAZPD study, 4,133 survived 12 months on PD and were included in the analysis. There was a gradual decline in the KPS scores, which accelerated in the last 2 months before death. These changes were similar irrespective of age, race, family income, gender, diabetes, PD modality, and education level. We observed 989 fatal events in this population during the observation period, and the KPS score was identified as an independent predictor for mortality in this cohort.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates for the first time the dynamics of KPS before death in PD patients, indicating a progressive and accelerated decline of KPS in the 12 months before patients died. In addition, KPS was an independent predictor of mortality in this population.
The Relationship between Body Composition and Bone Quality Measured with HR-pQCT in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Authors: Fournie Coralie , Pelletier Solenne , Bacchetta Justine , Boutroy Stéphanie , Confavreux Cyrille , Drai Jocelyne , Arkouche Walid , Fouque Denis , Chapurlat Roland , Guebre-Egziabher Fitsum
Published: August 2017

Background

Bone is known to be impaired in chronic kidney disease and dialysis patients. Recent studies have shown that body composition (fat mass and lean mass) may impact bone health. Some of these effects may be related to mediators that are secreted by adipose tissue.

Methods

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between body composition (dual x-ray absorptiometry [DEXA]) and adipokines (leptin, adiponectin), with bone density and microarchitecture assessed with high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) in chronic peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients in a single-center prospective study.

Results

Twenty-three patients with a median age of 61 years and body mass index (BMI) of 27 kg/m2 were recruited. On univariate analysis, age was negatively associated with total volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) ( r = -0.75, p < 0.01), cortical vBMD ( r = -0.85, p < 0.01), and cortical thickness ( r = -0.71, p < 0.01). There was a negative association between leptin and cortical thickness ( r = -0.48, p = 0.021). Fat mass (FM) was negatively correlated with cortical thickness ( r = -0.52, p = 0.012). No association was found between bone parameters and dialysis duration, serum insulin, intact parathyroid hormone, osteocalcin, and adiponectin. The short dialysis vintage could in part explain the lack of correlation with bone parameters. In multivariate analysis, FM was significantly and negatively correlated with total vBMD, cortical and trabecular thickness.

Conclusions

These data suggest that FM is negatively associated with bone quality in PD patients, supporting a relation between body composition and bone that is independent from other dialysis-associated complications. The relative contribution of the different fat deposits (visceral versus subcutaneous) needs to be assessed in future studies.
Standardized Outcomes in Nephrology—Peritoneal Dialysis (SONG-PD): Study Protocol for Establishing a Core Outcome Set in PD
Authors: Manera Karine E. , Tong Allison , Craig Jonathan C. , Brown Edwina A. , Brunier Gillian , Dong Jie , Dunning Tony , Mehrotra Rajnish , Naicker Sarala , Pecoits-Filho Roberto , Perl Jeffrey , Wang Angela Y. , Wilkie Martin , Howell Martin , Sautenet Benedicte , Evangelidis Nicole , Shen Jenny I. , Johnson David W.
Published: August 2017

Background

Worldwide, approximately 11% of patients on dialysis receive peritoneal dialysis (PD). Whilst PD may offer more autonomy to patients compared with hemodialysis, patient and caregiver burnout, technique failure, and peritonitis remain major challenges to the success of PD. Improvements in care and outcomes are likely to be mediated by randomized trials of innovative therapies, but will be limited if the outcomes measured and reported are not important for patients and clinicians. The aim of the Standardised Outcomes in Nephrology-Peritoneal Dialysis (SONG-PD) study is to establish a set of core outcomes for trials in patients on PD based on the shared priorities of all stakeholders, so that outcomes of most relevance for decision-making can be evaluated, and that interventions can be compared reliably.

Methods

The 5 phases in the SONG-PD project are: a systematic review to identify outcomes and outcome measures that have been reported in randomized trials involving patients on PD; focus groups using nominal group technique with patients and caregivers to identify, rank, and describe reasons for their choice of outcomes; semi-structured key informant interviews with health professionals; a 3-round international Delphi survey involving a multi-stakeholder panel; and a consensus workshop to review and endorse the proposed set of core outcome domains for PD trials.

Discussion

The establishment of 3 to 5 high-priority core outcomes, to be measured and reported consistently in all trials in PD, will enable patients and clinicians to make informed decisions about the relative effectiveness of interventions, based upon outcomes of common importance.
Bifunctional organocatalysts for the asymmetric synthesis of axially chiral benzamides
Authors: Miyaji Ryota , Wada Yuuki , Matsumoto Akira , Asano Keisuke , Matsubara Seijiro
Published: August 2017

Bifunctional organocatalysts bearing amino and urea functional groups in a chiral molecular skeleton were applied to the enantioselective synthesis of axially chiral benzamides via aromatic electrophilic bromination. The results demonstrate the versatility of bifunctional organocatalysts for the enantioselective construction of axially chiral compounds. Moderate to good enantioselectivities were afforded with a range of benzamide substrates. Mechanistic investigations were also carried out.
Predicting Vowel Systems: An Acoustic Analysis of the Vowels of Mebêngôkre and Panará
Authors: Lapierre Myriam
Published: August 2017

This paper has both a descriptive and a theoretical goal. The first is to provide novel typological data on two severely understudied languages of the Jê family, Mebêngôkre and Panará, through an acoustic analysis of the vowels of the two languages. The second is to determine whether the predictions made by the Dispersion-Focalization Theory of vowel systems (DFT, Schwartz et al. 1997a) can account for the organization of the vowel systems of these two languages. Acoustic results show that neither Mebêngôkre nor Panará has a true low nasal vowel, and that the acoustic space of the nasal vowel systems of both languages is reduced in the F1 dimension. The DFT fails to predict this typological observation, which is commonly observed in nasal vowel inventories of the world’s languages (Beddor 1982, Kingston 2007). The author proposes that the acoustic space of phonologically nasal vowels is constrained in the F1 dimension. This small modification to the DFT allows the principles governing the organization of oral vowel systems to apply normally in nasal vowels, albeit in a reduced space. This prediction is consistent with the data observed from natural languages, in which we observe a larger number of contrasts among the F2 dimension than the F1 dimension for nasal vowels.
Stratal OT and Underspecification: Evidence from Tundra Nenets
Authors: Staroverov Peter , Kavitskaya Darya
Published: August 2017

Tundra Nenets exhibits many consonantal alternations, such as cluster simplification, place loss, lenition, and a variety of NC-effects, which combine transparent and opaque interactions within the same phrasal domain of application. To reconcile the Tundra Nenets data within Stratal OT, we assume abstract autosegmental representations, relying on underspecification and hierarchical organization of features. The analysis incorporates the proposal of McCarthy (2008) that consonant cluster simplification starts with place loss. Apparent opaque deletion mappings are reanalyzed as coalescence within the correspondence theory (McCarthy and Prince 1995; 1999). The analysis unifies Tundra Nenets consonant cluster alternations and assumes only one surface glottal stop.
To Epenthesize or Not? Adaptations of English Coda [m] in Standard Mandarin Loanwords
Authors: Huang Ho-Hsin , Lin Yen-Hwei
Published: August 2017

This study investigates how English coda [m] is adapted into Standard Mandarin (SM) loanwords both in the existing corpora and in perceptual similarity adaptation data from monolingual SM and bilingual SM-English speakers. The nasal [m] in coda position is prohibited in SM. Deletion, nasal place change ([m]-->[n]/[ŋ]) and vowel epenthesis are the possible repair strategies. The generalizations identified in the corpora indicate that deletion never occurs (cf. Preservation Principle from Paradis 1996, Paradis & Lacharité 1997). Vowel epenthesis appears in SM when English coda [m] is in word-medial and word final positions. Nasal place change appears when English coda [m] is followed by a labial obstruent.  Variable adaptations happen when English coda [m] is followed by an obstruent. The experimental results show that (i) the bilingual experimental strategies for nonce word adaptations are similar to the patterns observed in the SM loanwords corpora and (ii) monolinguals’ adaptation patterns are more variable due to greater dependence on perceptual cues. The fact that monolinguals and bilinguals differ in the extent to which they employ perceptual cues and phonological features/constraints for loanword adaptations challenges a pure perception-based account of loanword adaptation.
Major Place Harmony in ABC and the (Reduced) Role of Representation: Evidence from Ngbaka
Authors: Danis Nick
Published: August 2017

Ngbaka (Ubangi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, [nga]) contains place co-occurrences that are best analyzed as instances of major place harmony, a previously unattested process. In roots, labials cannot co-occur with labial-dorsals, and initial dorsals cannot co-occur with medial labial-dorsals. Using the framework of Agreement by Correspondence, labials (and certain dorsals) correspond, and agree for place. These processes interact with an additional process where homorganic segments agree in voicing. Asymmetries in place interaction is captured through constraint ranking and definitions, thus simplifying the representation of complex segments. These processes are supported by a statistical analysis of newly-digitized dictionary data.
Against Root Faithfulness in Cupeño Stress
Authors: Yates Anthony D
Published: August 2017

This paper develops a new, optimality-theoretic analysis of word-level stress assignment in Cupeño (Takic, Uto-Aztecan). I argue that primary stress is assigned to the leftmost lexically accented (i.e. stress-preferring) morpheme, else to the word's left edge. I contend that this analysis is simpler and better explains the Cupeño data than previous accounts, which assume that special faithfulness constraints privilege the accentual properties of roots over those of other affixes. The typological implications of this renanalysis of Cupeño stress are then discussed; without empirical support from Cupeño, it is suggested that "root faithfulness" plays no role in determining word stress in lexical accent systems cross-linguistically.
A formal analysis of Correspondence Theory
Authors: Payne Amanda , Vu Mai Ha , Heinz Jeffrey
Published: August 2017

This paper provides a computational analysis of the complexity of GEN and Correspondence Theory in terms of the nature of the logic involved in their formulation. The first result of this analysis shows that the GEN function is not definable in Monadic Second Order (MSO) logic. Second, we show that the set of input-output Correspondence-theoretic candidates from a given underlying representation is definable in First Order (FO) logic, which is less complex than MSO-logic. Third, we present some case studies where the correct input-output Correspondence-theoretic candidate from a given underlying representation can be accomplished with FO-definable, language-specific, inviolable constraints without recourse to optimization.
Binarity and Focus in Prosodic Phrasing: New Evidence from Taiwan Mandarin
Authors: Shih Shu-hao
Published: August 2017

This paper makes novel claims and presents new evidence for the binarity of prosodic phrases, alignment of focused elements, and their interaction. Several authors have argued that there are binarity restrictions at the level of the prosodic phrase (e.g. Prince 1980, Ito & Mester 1992, Selkirk 2000). In this paper, I provide new support for this claim from Taiwan Mandarin (TM). I argue that prosodic phrases must be decomposed into Minor Phrases (MIPs) and Major Phrases (MAPs) (Selkirk et al. 2004), and that both levels can have minimal and maximal binarity restrictions. Crucially, MAPs must be binary in TM. Moreover, I argue – after Féry (2013) – that focused elements can require both left and right edge alignment of a constituent (in TM, a MIP). Finally, I show that requirements on binarity and focus can interact in striking ways – a binarity restriction on MAPs prevents alignment to the right edge of focused elements in specific environments.
Allomorph Selection in Vedic Sanskrit Perfects of the Forms CieːCiCj
Authors: Sandell Ryan
Published: August 2017

A pattern of radical allomorphy in a category of reduplicated formations in Vedic Sanskrit is argued to occur predictably on the basis of poorly-cued repetition effects combined with bigram phonotactics. This pattern of allomorphy is further argued to be a kind of phonologically conditioned suppletive allomorphy, in which markedness constraints adjudicate the selection of competing URs, rather than a case of typical phonologically driven allomorphy.
No More Conflicting Directionality:Metrical Conditions on Tianjin Chinese Trisyllabic Tone Sandhi
Authors: Wang Xiaomei , Lin Yen-Hwei
Published: August 2017

Abstract Tianjin Chinese (hereafter Tianjin) exhibits complex interactions among its disyllabic tone sandhi rules, leading to both left-to-right and right-to-left rule applications in trisyllabic sequences (e.g. Chen 1986, X. Wang 2003, Lin 2008). Which directionality to adopt for each particular sequence is arbitrary and cannot be accounted for by any known principles. In addition, some disyllabic tone sandhi rules do not always apply in trisyllabic sequences. Based on the results of a multi-speaker acoustic study, we propose that both issues can be attributed to interactions of metrical structures, sandhi rules, and tonal complexity. We claim that Tianjin tone sandhi applies when both metrical and tonal complexity conditions are satisfied, thereby removing the need for conflicting directionality.
Phonological Trends in Seoul Korean Compound Tensification
Authors: Kim Seoyoung
Published: August 2017

This study investigates Seoul Korean compound tensification. Based on the data collected through a survey, it shows that various phonological factors contribute to the overall tensification probability. The tendencies caused by these factors are follows: (i) tensification is more likely with high frequency items; (ii) tensification is more likely when WA ends with an obstruent, followed by a nasal, liquid and a vowel in order; (iii) tensification is less likely when WB contains a laryngeally marked consonant; (iv) tensification is more likely when WB ends with a liquid and WA also begins with a coronal consonant. This study also provides a formal analysis of this phenomenon, using OT constraints. The specific weights of each constraint are evaluated through Maxent Grammar Tool. This weighted set of the constraints was highly successful in predicting the applicability of compound tensification. Thus, the grammar suggested for Seoul Korean compound tensification can be learned from the actual native speakers’ pronunciation data, and also that this learned grammar can capture the various tendencies observed in this phenomenon.
Looking into Segments
Authors: Inkelas Sharon , Shih Stephanie S
Published: August 2017

This paper outlines Q theory, in which the traditional segment (consonant, vowel) is decomposed into a string of three ordered subsegments, or q, representing the onset, target, and offset of the segment. The postulation of subsegmental structure permits the representation of complex (contour) segments as well as subtle contrasts in segment-internal changes of state. Q Theory synthesizes insights from Autosegmental Phonology, Aperture Theory, and Articulatory Phonology in a representation that standard phonological constraints can refer to. Q theory is supported by arguments that subsegments act independently and need to be independently referenced by the phonological grammar. Embedded into Agreement by Correspondence Theory, Q theory permits the analysis of contour assimilation as well as contour formation, both in the tonal and segmental domains.
Alternatives to Stricture-Driven Assimilation
Authors: Brown Jason
Published: August 2017

Sequences of nasals followed by fricatives have proven to be a special case of marked structures, triggering repairs that are not enforced with other sequences, such as nasals followed by stops.  Most analyses of nasal+fricative sequences assume stops and nasals share the value [-cont], and nasals and fricatives are mismatched for the value of the feature.  This mismatch is thought to be the source of the markedness of this configuration.  This short paper engages the possibility that nasals in some languages have the opposite value for the feature continuant, which predicts that they are in conflict with the value for stops in these languages.  The further prediction is that in these languages, fricatives should exhibit assimilation, but stops will trigger other repairs.  A case study from Finnish indicates that this is not the case: as normally happens, stops undergo place assimilation, but fricatives either resist assimilation, or undergo other repairs.
Vowel Length in Nuer
Authors: Monich Irina Vitta
Published: August 2017

Here we examine newly collected Nuer data to show that Western Nilotic language Nuer distinguishes three degrees of vowel length. A minimal triplet cak ‘tick.SG.NOM” ~ ca:k “milk.PL.NOM” ~ ca::k “milk.PL.GEN” provides an example of this contrast.  Since vowel length plays a crucial role in nominal inflection, we examine distribution of the three degrees of vowel length in the nominal paradigm.  Our preliminary conclusion is that Nuer vowels are lexically specified for two degrees of vowel length only – short and long, and that overlong vowels emerge only as an outcome of a morphological operation which lengthens short and long vowels.   Since we conclude that the three degrees of vowel length do not have equal status in the Nuer grammar, our findings therefore are in line with the reported typological markedness of the three-way contrast in vowel length.