bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Grouped Bees Algorithm: A Grouped Version of the Bees Algorithm
Authors: Nasrinpour Hamid Reza , Massah Bavani Amir , Teshnehlab Mohammad
Published: November 2016

As with many of the non-deterministic search algorithms, particularly those are analogous to complex biological systems, there are a number of inherent difficulties, and the Bees Algorithm (BA) is no exception. Basic versions and variations of the BA have their own drawbacks. Some of these drawbacks are a large number of parameters to be set, lack of methodology for parameter setting and computational complexity. This paper describes a Grouped version of the Bees Algorithm (GBA) addressing these issues. Unlike its conventional version, in this algorithm bees are grouped to search different sites with different neighbourhood sizes rather than just discovering two types of sites, namely elite and selected. Following a description of the GBA, the results gained for 12 benchmark functions are presented and compared with those of the basic BA, enhanced BA, standard BA and modified BA to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed algorithm. Compared to the conventional implementations of the BA, the proposed version requires setting of fewer parameters, while producing the optimum solutions much faster.
A Robust Liquid Chromatographic Method for the Analysis of Azithromycin in Bulk Samples, Tablets and Suspensions
Authors: Okaru Alex O. , Abuga Kennedy O. , Kamau Franco N. , Ndwigah Stanely N. , Lachenmeier Dirk W.
Published: November 2016

A simple, isocratic and robust RP-HPLC method for the analysis of azithromycin was developed, validated and applied for the analysis of bulk samples, tablets and suspensions. The optimum chromatographic conditions for separation were established as mobile phase comprising of acetonitrile-0.1M KH2PO4 pH 6.5-0.1M tetrabutyl ammonium hydroxide pH 6.5-water (25:15:1:59% v/v/v/v) delivered at a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min. The stationary phase consisted of reverse-phase XTerra® (250 mm× 4.6 mm i.d., 5 µm particle size) maintained at a temperature of 43 °C with a UV detection at 215 nm. The method was found to be linear in the range 50-150% (r2=0.997). The limits of detection and quantification were found to be 0.02% (20 µg) and 0.078% (78 µg) respectively with a 100.7% recovery of azithromycin. Degradation products of azithromycin in acidic and oxidative environments at 37 °C were resolved from the active pharmaceutical ingredient and thus the method is fit for the purpose.
Exposure to Contaminated Drinking Water and Health Disparities in North Carolina
Authors: Stillo Frank , MacDonald Gibson Jacqueline
Published: November 2016

Objectives. To examine drinking water quality in majority Black periurban neighborhoods in Wake County, North Carolina, that are excluded from nearby municipal water service and to estimate the health benefits of extending water service.

Methods. We tested 3 samples collected July through December 2014 in 57 private wells for microbial contaminants. We compared contaminant prevalences to those in adjacent community water systems (35 280 samples from routine monitoring). Using a population intervention model, we assessed the number of annual emergency department visits for acute gastrointestinal illness that is preventable by extending water services to the 3799 residents of these periurban communities.

Results. Overall, 29.2% of 171 private well samples tested positive for total coliform bacteria and 6.43% for Escherichia coli, compared with 0.556% and 0.00850% of municipal system samples. An estimated 22% of 114 annual emergency department visits for acute gastrointestinal illness could be prevented by extending community water service.

Conclusions. Predominantly Black periurban neighborhoods excluded from municipal water service have poorer quality drinking water than do adjacent neighborhoods with municipal services. These disparities increase the risk of emergency department visits for acute gastrointestinal illness.
Tuberculosis Screening and Control in the US Military in War and Peace
Authors: Mancuso James D.
Published: November 2016

Tuberculosis (TB) has a well-established association with military populations, but the association of increased TB risk during armed conflict is less certain. This historical review focuses on the evolution of screening practices, the changing epidemiology of TB, and the risk of TB among US military service members during armed conflict from 1885 to the present. Overall, deployed soldiers were not at increased risk for TB compared with nondeployed soldiers in any of these conflicts, and the risk of TB in the US military largely reflected that of the underlying US population. Nevertheless, there are focal risk groups with higher rates of TB in the military, including prisoners of war. Although the principles of TB control in the military conform to those used in the civilian population, unique military exposures during both times of peace and of armed conflict require additional screening, surveillance, and control measures.
The Impact of Michigan’s Partial Repeal of the Universal Motorcycle Helmet Law on Helmet Use, Fatalities, and Head Injuries
Authors: Carter Patrick M. , Buckley Lisa , Flannagan Carol A. C. , Cicchino Jessica B. , Hemmila Mark , Bowman Patrick J. , Almani Farideh , Bingham C. Raymond
Published: November 2016

Objectives. To evaluate the impact of the partial repeal of Michigan’s universal motorcycle helmet law on helmet use, fatalities, and head injuries.

Methods. We compared helmet use rates and motorcycle crash fatality risk for the 12 months before and after the April 13, 2012, repeal with a statewide police-reported crash data set. We linked police-reported crashes to injured riders in a statewide trauma registry. We compared head injury before and after the repeal. Regression examined the effect of helmet use on fatality and head injury risk.

Results. Helmet use decreased in crash (93.2% vs 70.8%; P < .001) and trauma data (91.1% vs 66.2%; P < .001) after the repeal. Although fatalities did not change overall (3.3% vs 3.2%; P = .87), head injuries (43.4% vs 49.6%; P < .05) and neurosurgical intervention increased (3.7% vs 6.5%; P < .05). Male gender (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.65), helmet nonuse (AOR = 1.84), alcohol intoxication (AOR = 11.31), intersection crashes (AOR = 1.62), and crashes at higher speed limits (AOR = 1.04) increased fatality risk. Helmet nonuse (AOR = 2.31) and alcohol intoxication (AOR = 2.81) increased odds of head injury.

Conclusions. Michigan’s helmet law repeal resulted in a 24% to 27% helmet use decline among riders in crashes and a 14% increase in head injury.
Rapid Method for Assessment of Soil Structural Stability by Turbidimeter
Authors: Zhu Yingcan , Marchuk Alla , McLean Bennett John
Published: November 2016

Core Ideas

A quantitative dispersion assessment chart is developed for rapid diagnosis of soil structural stability.

Turbidity and the amount of dispersed clay have a strong linear relationship.

The color and mean particle size of colloidal solution has a negligible effect on the linearity of turbidity.

A rapid and inexpensive method to evaluate soil structural stability via assessment of soil clay dispersion is needed. Such a method would provide critical information for decision‐making for soil and agricultural management not currently undertaken due to the expense of testing. The aim of this work was to validate the use of a turbidimeter for quantifying clay released from soil and to relate this back to dispersive parameters. Ten Australian soils with different physicochemical properties were studied. Six‐step dilution was used to adjust the clay suspensions sequentially by dilution from a datum concentration of 4000 nephelometric turbidity units (NTU). The linearity of turbidity by dilution was verified, considering the effects of soil color and mean particle size. There was a strong correlation between turbidity (NTU) and dispersed clay (mg L−1, % of soil) for each soil. Clay particle size was related to turbidity response, although the coefficients between turbidity and dispersed clay were very close irrespective of mean particle size differences. Dispersed clay was concluded to be accurately quantified using a turbidimeter after spontaneous and mechanical dispersion. A semi‐quantitative dispersion assessment chart was developed for rapid assessment of soil structural stability, the application of which is intended to provide rapid diagnosis and to act as an important index for soil management practitioners. Additionally, when dispersed clay was combined with electrical conductivity and clay content parameters, the dispersive indices (cation ratio of soil structural stability and exchangeable dispersive percentage) were reasonably predicted at a resolution useful for farm management decisions.
Pulmonary Hypertension and Palliative Care: What, When, Where, and Why?
Authors: Fenstad Eric R. , Wordingham Sara E. , Swetz Keith M.
Published: November 2016

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) can be associated with a high level of symptom burden from the disease as well as its treatment. Involvement of palliative care (PC) services may help facilitate discussion regarding goals of care, prognostic planning, and treatment options focused on improving quality of life (QOL).

Background:

PC is active total care of a patient whose disease is not fully responsive to curative therapies, with symptom control as the top priority. After a life-limiting diagnosis is made, health care teams and patients determine prognosis, whether cure is attainable or reasonable, what treatment options are available, risks and benefits of associated treatments, and how treatment or nontreatment will impact QOL and survival. QOL is often the focus of palliative interventions, with the goal to minimize symptoms and empower patients with accurate information to help affirm life and meet objectives of care.

Implications for clinicians:

PC can begin at the onset of symptoms in a disease that cannot be cured. Early PC may help facilitate discussion regarding goals of care when patient expectations are discordant with prognosis. While PC is a responsibility of all clinicians, subspecialist assistance can be helpful when a clinical decline occurs, in the setting of uncertainty, when patients are removed from the transplant list, or when long-term QOL issues are present.

Conclusion:

Communication with patients who have PH can be delicate and requires an understanding of the disease's process, trajectory, and prognosis. PC teams possess communication skills that may benefit patients and providers with QOL optimization, delivery of difficult news, advanced care planning, and shared decision-making.
High Resolution Microsatellite Marker Analysis of Some Rice Landraces Using Metaphor Agarose Gel Electrophoresis
Authors: Kristamtini K. , Taryono T. , Basunanda Panjisakti , Murti Rudi Hari
Published: November 2016

Microsatellite markers or simple sequences repeats are DNA - based molecular techniques that areused to see the different among accessions and inbred lines. There are three methods to analysis the results ofthe polymerase chain reaction of microsatellite markers namely polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE),capillary electroforesis, and Metaphor Agarose Gel Electroforesis (MAGE), and the Use of MAGE assessedmore easily and economically the polymorphic pattern of DNA markers. This study aimed to obtain fast,effective and efficient in term of easy and cheap technique to identify microsatellite markers of some blackrice cultivars and F2 populations from crosses between black with white rice. The results showed that MAGEsuccessfully separated clearly SSRs alleles with different sizes of less than 25 bp .
Black Rice Bran Extracts and Fractions Containing Cyanidin 3-glucoside and Peonidin 3-glucoside Induce Apoptosis in Human Cervical Cancer Cells
Authors: Pratiwi Rarastoeti , Tunjung Woro Anindito Sri , Rumiyati R. , Amalia Alfi Rizqi
Published: November 2016

Anthocyanin of pigmented rice inhibits the growth of cancer cells. The cytotoxicity and apoptosisinducing properties of local black rice (cv Cempo Ireng) extracts and fractions, which contain anthocyaninincluding cyanidin 3-glucoside and peonidin 3-glucoside, on human cervical cancer cell line (HeLa cells) hasbeen evaluated. The pigmented rice bran was extracted and fractionated using methanol-HCl. The MTT testwas performed on HeLa cell cultures to observe the IC50 value. Preparative TLC was performed to obtain thefractions of black rice bran. Cyanidin 3-glucoside and peonidin 3-glucoside were identified in the pigmentedrice bran extract and fractions using UHPLC. Flowcytometry analysis was performed to measure the percentageof apoptotic cells. Our results suggest that the fractions are more toxic than the methanolic crude extract withIC50 values of 85.95 ± 5.56 μg/mL (the lowest one) and 408.13 ± 51.9 μg/mL, respectively. The concentration ofcyanidin 3-glucoside and peonidin 3-glucoside in the methanolic extract were 1.89 and 0.84 μg/mg, respectively.The apoptosis induction by fractions F2 and F4 (52 and 55%) were significantly higher compared to fractionF3 and F5 (30 and 33%) and doxorubicin (21%). Cyanidin 3-glucoside was detected in F4 (0.14 μg/ml) whilepeonidin 3-glucoside in F2 (0.012 μg/ml), however both were not detected in F3 and F5.
Stachybotrys chartarum: A Novel Biological Agent for The Extracellular Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles and Their Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Mohamed Abdel Ghany Tarek
Published: November 2016

Microbial assisted biosynthesis of nanoparticles is a rapidly progressing area of nanobiotechnology. Inthis paper Stachybotrys chartarum assisted extracellular synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is reportedwhen challenged with 1mM silver nitrate (AgNO3). The characterization of AgNPs was carried out visualobservation and UV-Vis spectrophotometry. Further analysis carried out by Fourier Transform InfraredSpectroscopy (FTIR), provides evidence for the presence of proteins as capping agent, which helps in increasingthe stability of the synthesized AgNPs. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) investigations confi rmedthat AgNPs were formed. The synthesized silver nanoparticles were found in the range of 65-108 nm. Finally,the antimicrobial susceptibility of AgNPs synthesized was investigated which exhibited more potent activityagainst bacteria than fungi compared with using silver nitrate at concentration 1mM. Keywords: Antimicrobial activity, Stachybotrys chartarum, Silver nanoparticles
The Phylogenetic Relationship Among Varieties of Lansium domesticum Correa Based on ITS rDNA Sequences
Authors: Hanum Laila , Kasiamdari Rina Sri , Santosa S. , Rugayah R.
Published: November 2016

Lansium domesticum Corr. with vernacular name in Indonesian duku has been reported containingtherapeutic bioactive compounds, and some of these compounds shown to be potent antitumor, anticancer,antimalaria, antimelanogenesis, antibacteria, and antimutagenic activities. This plant is commonly known asduku, kokosan and langsat by the local community in Indonesia. The morphological appearance of all varieties isnearly the same, and identifi cation of the varieties is very diffi cult for growers. Variation of DNA sequences ofthe ITS (Internal transcribed spacer) region can be used as a molecular character to determine the phylogeneticrelationship of different varieties of L. domesticum. The aims of this study were to determine taxonomy status ofduku, kokosan, and langsat, also phylogenetic relationship among varieties of L. domesticum based on ITS rDNAsequencing. DNA was isolated from leaves of plant and then amplifi ed using F1 and R1 primers. Nucleotidesequences were identifi ed using Sequence Scanner Software Programm version 1.0, nucleotide sequences from18S, ITS1, 5.8S, ITS2 and 26S region, that has been mergered using EditSeq and SegMan in software Suite forSequence Analysis DNASTAR Lasergene DM version 3.0.25. The results of study showed that DNA fragmentsranging in size from 782-810 bp. Different pattern of DNA fragments indicated polymorphism among duku,kokosan, and langsat. Based on the results of the ITS rDNA sequencing and phylogenetic tree analysis. Itwas determined that Lansium and Aglaia are a separated genus with the similarity index value of 0.98. Duku,kokosan and langsat were divided into two cluster, namely cluster kokosan-langsat and cluster duku with thesimilarity index value of 0.996. Keywords : Phylogenetic relationship, ITS region, L. domesticum, duku, kokosan, langsat
The synthesis of polymeric dual-functional antimicrobial surface based on poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline)
Authors: Pidhatika Bidhari , Rakhmatullina Ekaterina
Published: November 2016

There is a high interest in the development of antimicrobial coatings to fi ght bacterial infections.We present the development of dual-functional antimicrobial surface, in which a biopassive platform wasfunctionalized with bioactive compounds on the surface, using a graft copolymer system poly(L-lysine)-graftpoly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline)-quarternery ammonium compound (PLL-g-PMOXA-QAC). Alkyne functionalitywas introduced to the PMOXA chain at α-terminus by initiating the living cationic polymerization of 2-methyl-2-oxazoline with a propargylic-initiator. The reaction was terminated with carboxy derivative-terminator thatallows grafting of the polymeric chain from the β-terminus to poly(L-lysine) (PLL) backbone, resulting in graftcopolymer alkynyl PLL-g-PMOXA. The conjugation between alkynyl PLL-g-PMOXA and QAC was thenperformed using click reaction. The chemical structures of the polymers were characterized by MALDI-TOFspectrometry and NMR spectroscopy. The results demonstrate that we have successfully synthesized PLL-g-PMOXA-QAC copolymer with grafting density (number of lysine/number of PMOXA) of 0.33. The resultingPLL-g-PMOXA-QAC copolymer was then immobilized onto carboxylated tissue cultured polystyrene (TCPS)surface and exposed to bacteria solution to test its dual-functional properties. Preliminary live-and-deadbacteria study indicates dual-functionality of the PLL-g-PMOXA-QAC-coated surface.
Do disparities between populations in randomized controlled trials and the real world lead to differences in outcomes?
Authors: Gray Emma , Norris Suzanne , Schmitz Susanne , O'Leary Aisling
Published: November 2016

Aim:
To conduct a systematic review investigating reasons for the disparity between the efficacy and effectiveness rates reported in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies of direct-acting antiviral treatment regimens licensed for use in genotype1 hepatitis C virus-infected individuals.
Methods:
This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the criteria of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses group.
Results:
Statistically significant (p < 0.05) differences in the baseline demographics and sustained virological response rates were observed between RCT and observational studies.
Conclusion:
In order for outcomes from RCTs to be generalizable to the real world, greater consideration needs to be taken to include patient populations that are more representative of those awaiting treatment in the clinical setting.
Donor insemination: Israel as a representative case of a competitive market examining the possibility of policy reform
Authors: Gonen Limor D
Published: November 2016

Aim:
To measure the private and social benefits of donor insemination (DI).
Methods:
An empirical model investigates the general public and DI clients’ willingness to pay (WTP) for DI, and the willingness of potential donors to become altruistic or paid sperm donors.
Results:
The general public and DI clients value DI and have a positive WTP for it, whereas willingness to donate, altruistically or for payment, is either low or very low.
Conclusion:
The general public’s and DI clients’ WTP for DI is in average above actual cost, so the government should consider funding or subsidizing DI. The government should encourage altruistic gamete donation through information and education of all parties involved directly and indirectly in the process of donation whose ultimate goal is the birth of a child.
Effects of tissue neurotransplantation on sceletal muscle tone restoration after experimental mechanical injury of the cerebellum
Authors: Tsymbalyuk V. , Medvediev V. , Senchyk Yu.
Published: November 2016

This work aimed to conduct a comparative study of the restorative effects of transplantation of fetal neural tissue (FNT), olfactory bulb tissue (OBT) and fetal kidney (FK) on the dynamics of muscle hypotonia after cerebellar hemisphere injury in the adult rats. Beam walking test (BWT) allowed detect at least three degrees of hypotonia which correspond to 2, 3, and 4 points. The authors selected animals with function index (FI) by BWT scale strictly lesser than 4 points on the 3rd day after injury. Moderate hypotonia was associated with FI 3 points, severe – 2 points, and mild-4 points. Major differences in the dynamics of the restorative process across study groups were detected at the first month of study: slow recovery of statics and coordination (control); fast recovery (during first 9 days, FK, OBT and FNT groups) that underwent changes by its slow increase during 9th–33rd day. Mild hypotonia in the control group showed itself by the end of the 1st month and on the 9th day in the FK, OBT and FNT groups. Normotony was observed on the 21st (group FNT) and 30th day (groups FK and OBT). These data suggest that neurotransplantation has a significant effect on muscle tone improvement after cerebellar injury, depending on the type of graft.
Fetal stem cells in combined treatment of chronic heart failure and their effect on morphofunctional parameters of the left ventricle myocardium
Authors: Klunnyk M. , Sych N. , Matiyaschuk I. , Ivankova O. , Demchuk M. , Skalozub M. , Sinelnyk A.
Published: November 2016

Fetal stem cells treatment (FSCT) is assumed to be a new direction in a combined therapy for the patients with the severe chronic heart failure (CHF).Material and methods. 20 patients (average age of 50.1 ± 1.1 yrs.) with CHF functional class III-IV (FC) undergoing the transplantation of the cryopreserved cells of the fetal liver and heart obtained from 5-8 weeks gestation embryos were examined. The control group (CG) of 20 patients was compared by gender and age with the main group (MG).Results. Within 6 months after FSC therapy CHF patients reported a significant improvement of the contractile activity of the left ventricle (LV) heart muscle in echocardiography (EchoCG) findings (left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) increased by 20.9 % being 2-fold higher than in patients without FSCT, p<0.05) and in features of LV remodeling (left ventricle end diastolic volume (LV EDV) decreased by 20.5 %, p < 0.05). Serum NT-proBNP significantly raised within 1 month after FSCT by 33.8 %, 50 % and 65.1 % in 1, 3 and 6 months respectively (p<0.001) and was significantly lower after a month of treatment compared with CG (р<0.05).As a result of general condition improvement in CHF patients significant elevation in 6 minute walking distance (6MWD) test was observed and the distance walked increased 7.3-fold (p<0.001), 10.3-fold (p<0.001) and 12.5-fold (p<0.001) vs. the baseline in 1, 3 and 6 months, respectively, which was generally 2-fold higher than in patients of the CG. DASI score increased by 54.6 %, after 3 months — by 63.2 %, after 6 months — by 66.4 %, which is significantly higher than the baseline (p<0.05 vs. baseline).Conclusion. It has been proven that combined treatment of CHF patients using FSCs along with the standard therapy increases the LV myocardial contractility, lowering the blood serum NT-proBNP level and results in overall life quality improvement among the patients.
Weldability of 5754 aluminum alloy using a pulsed Nd:YAG micro scale laser
Authors: Köse Ceyhun
Published: November 2016

Use of laser welding is constantly increasing as it allows attainment of a high welding efficiency and weld quality. In this study, 5754 grade aluminum plates were joined on both sides by means of pulsed Nd:YAG power intensified micro scale laser welding method at three different laser powers in flat position by using supplemental welding wire. Mechanical properties of joints were examined by means of tensile and bending tests and by micro hardness measurements, and their structural changes were examined by means of optical microscope, SEM and EDS. As a result, it was determined that the welded joints could display an adequate tensile strength when exposed to tensile strain under action of static loads, but their bending strength remained relatively weaker. Mechanical properties of welded samples were observed to improve with increasing penetration depending on the increase in the laser power. It is believed that use of siliceous supplemental welding wire was also effective in strength improvement.
Enthalpies of mixing in binary liquid alloys of lutetium with 3d metals
Authors: Ivanov Michael , Berezutski Vadim , Usenko Natalia , Kotova Natalia
Published: November 2016

The enthalpies of mixing in binary liquid alloys of lutetium with chromium, cobalt, nickel and copper were determined at 1 773 – 1 947 K by isoperibolic calorimetry. The enthalpies of mixing in the Lu–Cr melts (measured up to 40 at.% Cr) demonstrate endothermic effects (ΔH = 6.88 ± 0.66 kJ · mol−1 at xLu = 0.60), whereas significant exothermic enthalpies of mixing have been established within a wide composition region for the Co–Lu, Ni–Lu and Cu–Lu liquid alloys. Minimum values of the integral enthalpy of mixing are as follows: ΔHmin = −23.57 ± 1.41 kJ · mol−1 at xLu = 0.38 for the Co–Lu system; ΔHmin = −48.65 ± 2.83 kJ · mol−1 at xLu = 0.40 for the Ni–Lu system; ΔHmin = −24.63 ± 1.52 kJ · mol−1 at xLu = 0.37 for the Cu–Lu system.
Algorithms for Drug Sensitivity Prediction
Authors: De Niz Carlos , Rahman Raziur , Zhao Xiangyuan , Pal Ranadip
Published: November 2016

Precision medicine entails the design of therapies that are matched for each individual patient. Thus, predictive modeling of drug responses for specific patients constitutes a significant challenge for personalized therapy. In this article, we consider a review of approaches that have been proposed to tackle the drug sensitivity prediction problem especially with respect to personalized cancer therapy. We first discuss modeling approaches that are based on genomic characterizations alone and further the discussion by including modeling techniques that integrate both genomic and functional information. A comparative analysis of the prediction performance of four representative algorithms, elastic net, random forest, kernelized Bayesian multi-task learning and deep learning, reflecting the broad classes of regularized linear, ensemble, kernelized and neural network-based models, respectively, has been included in the paper. The review also considers the challenges that need to be addressed for successful implementation of the algorithms in clinical practice.
A Sibelobe Suppressing Beamformer for Coherent Plane Wave Compounding
Authors: Guo Wei , Wang Yuanyuan , Yu Jinhua
Published: November 2016

Contrast degradation is a critical problem in ultrasound plane wave imaging (PWI) resulting from signals leakage from the sidelobes. An ideal sidelobe reduction method may enhance the contrast without remarkably increasing computational load. To this end, we introduce a new singular value decomposition (SVD) sidelobe reduction beamformer for coherent plane wave compounding (CPWC) based on a previous work. The SVD takes advantage of the benefits of the different features of the mainlobe and sibelobe in terms of spatio-angular coherence and removes the sidelobes before the final coherent summation. This SVD-based method provides a three-dimensional approach (2D in the space and 1D in the angle) while the computation load is kept satisfactory by a dimension-reduced operation before the SVD. To directly observe the sidelobe level, we demonstrate the performance of our SVD method with a point spread function (PSF) simulation. Compared to CPWC, our method shows a 6.2 dB reduction in the peak sidelobe level (PSL). We also applied our method to the anechoic cyst inside the speckle for the imaging contrast. Both in the simulation and phantom studies, our method enhances the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) by more than 10%. Therefore, this new beamformer can be an efficient way to suppress sidelobes in PWI.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae in the Production of Fermented Beverages
Authors: Walker Graeme , Stewart Graham
Published: November 2016

Alcoholic beverages are produced following the fermentation of sugars by yeasts, mainly (but not exclusively) strains of the species, Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The sugary starting materials may emanate from cereal starches (which require enzymatic pre-hydrolysis) in the case of beers and whiskies, sucrose-rich plants (molasses or sugar juice from sugarcane) in the case of rums, or from fruits (which do not require pre-hydrolysis) in the case of wines and brandies. In the presence of sugars, together with other essential nutrients such as amino acids, minerals and vitamins, S. cerevisiae will conduct fermentative metabolism to ethanol and carbon dioxide (as the primary fermentation metabolites) as the cells strive to make energy and regenerate the coenzyme NAD+ under anaerobic conditions. Yeasts will also produce numerous secondary metabolites which act as important beverage flavour congeners, including higher alcohols, esters, carbonyls and sulphur compounds. These are very important in dictating the final flavour and aroma characteristics of beverages such as beer and wine, but also in distilled beverages such as whisky, rum and brandy. Therefore, yeasts are of vital importance in providing the alcohol content and the sensory profiles of such beverages. This Introductory Chapter reviews, in general, the growth, physiology and metabolism of S. cerevisiae in alcoholic beverage fermentations.
Entropy-Based Experimental Design for Optimal Model Discrimination in the Geosciences
Authors: Nowak Wolfgang , Guthke Anneli
Published: November 2016

Choosing between competing models lies at the heart of scientific work, and is a frequent motivation for experimentation. Optimal experimental design (OD) methods maximize the benefit of experiments towards a specified goal. We advance and demonstrate an OD approach to maximize the information gained towards model selection. We make use of so-called model choice indicators, which are random variables with an expected value equal to Bayesian model weights. Their uncertainty can be measured with Shannon entropy. Since the experimental data are still random variables in the planning phase of an experiment, we use mutual information (the expected reduction in Shannon entropy) to quantify the information gained from a proposed experimental design. For implementation, we use the Preposterior Data Impact Assessor framework (PreDIA), because it is free of the lower-order approximations of mutual information often found in the geosciences. In comparison to other studies in statistics, our framework is not restricted to sequential design or to discrete-valued data, and it can handle measurement errors. As an application example, we optimize an experiment about the transport of contaminants in clay, featuring the problem of choosing between competing isotherms to describe sorption. We compare the results of optimizing towards maximum model discrimination with an alternative OD approach that minimizes the overall predictive uncertainty under model choice uncertainty.
Information-Theoretic Analysis of Memoryless Deterministic Systems
Authors: Geiger Bernhard , Kubin Gernot
Published: November 2016

The information loss in deterministic, memoryless systems is investigated by evaluating the conditional entropy of the input random variable given the output random variable. It is shown that for a large class of systems the information loss is finite, even if the input has a continuous distribution. For systems with infinite information loss, a relative measure is defined and shown to be related to Rényi information dimension. As deterministic signal processing can only destroy information, it is important to know how this information loss affects the solution of inverse problems. Hence, we connect the probability of perfectly reconstructing the input to the information lost in the system via Fano-type bounds. The theoretical results are illustrated by example systems commonly used in discrete-time, nonlinear signal processing and communications.
Parametric Density Recalibration of a Fundamental Market Model to Forecast Electricity Prices
Authors: Bello Antonio , Bunn Derek , Reneses Javier , Muñoz Antonio
Published: November 2016

This paper proposes a new approach to hybrid forecasting methodology, characterized as the statistical recalibration of forecasts from fundamental market price formation models. Such hybrid methods based upon fundamentals are particularly appropriate to medium term forecasting and in this paper the application is to month-ahead, hourly prediction of electricity wholesale prices in Spain. The recalibration methodology is innovative in seeking to perform the recalibration into parametrically defined density functions. The density estimation method selects from a wide diversity of general four-parameter distributions to fit hourly spot prices, in which the first four moments are dynamically estimated as latent functions of the outputs from the fundamental model and several other plausible exogenous drivers. The proposed approach demonstrated its effectiveness against benchmark methods across the full range of percentiles of the price distribution and performed particularly well in the tails.
An Adaptive Speed Control Approach for DC Shunt Motors
Authors: Tapia-Olvera Ruben , Beltran-Carbajal Francisco , Aguilar-Mejia Omar , Valderrabano-Gonzalez Antonio
Published: November 2016

A B-spline neural networks-based adaptive control technique for angular speed reference trajectory tracking tasks with highly efficient performance for direct current shunt motors is proposed. A methodology for adaptive control and its proper training procedure are introduced. This algorithm sets the control signal without using a detailed mathematical model nor exact values of the parameters of the nonlinear dynamic system. The proposed robust adaptive tracking control scheme only requires measurements of the velocity output signal. Thus, real-time measurements or estimations of acceleration, current and disturbance signals are avoided. Experimental results confirm the efficient and robust performance of the proposed control approach for highly demanding motor operation conditions exposed to variable-speed reference trajectories and completely unknown load torque. Hence, laboratory experimental tests on a direct current shunt motor prove the viability of the proposed adaptive output feedback trajectory tracking control approach.
Linearization and Control of Series-Series Compensated Inductive Power Transfer System Based on Extended Describing Function Concept
Authors: Aditya Kunwar , Williamson Sheldon
Published: November 2016

The extended describing function (EDF) is a well-known method for modelling resonant converters due to its high accuracy. However, it requires complex mathematical formulation effort. This paper presents a simplified non-linear mathematical model of series-series (SS) compensated inductive power transfer (IPT) system, considering zero-voltage switching in the inverter. This simplified mathematical model permits the user to derive the small-signal model using the EDF method, with less computational effort, while maintaining the accuracy of an actual physical model. The derived model has been verified using a frequency sweep method in PLECS. The small-signal model has been used to design the voltage loop controller for a SS compensated IPT system. The designed controller was implemented on a 3.6 kW experimental setup, to test its robustness.
Novel Auto-Reclosing Blocking Method for Combined Overhead-Cable Lines in Power Networks
Authors: Granizo Arrabé Ricardo , Platero Gaona Carlos , Álvarez Gómez Fernando , Rebollo López Emilio
Published: November 2016

This paper presents a novel auto-reclosing blocking method for combined overhead-cable lines in power distribution networks that are solidly or impedance grounded, with distribution transformers in a delta connection in their high-voltage sides. The main contribution of this new technique is that it can detect whether a ground fault has been produced at the overhead line side or at the cable line side, thus improving the performance of the auto-reclosing functionality. This localization technique is based on the measurements and analysis of the argument differences between the load currents in the active conductors of the cable and the currents in the shields at the cable end where the transformers in delta connection are installed, including a wavelet analysis. This technique has been verified through computer simulations and experimental laboratory tests.
Morphological Characteristics and Water-Use Efficiency of Siberian Elm Trees (Ulmus pumila L.) within Arid Regions of Northeast Asia
Authors: Park Go , Lee Don , Kim Ki , Batkhuu Nyam-Osor , Tsogtbaatar Jamsran , Zhu Jiao-Jun , Jin Yonghuan , Park Pil , Hyun Jung , Kim Hyun
Published: November 2016

The Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila L.) is one of the most commonly found tree species in arid areas of northeast Asia. To understand the morphological and physiological characteristics of Siberian elms in arid regions, we analyzed leaves from seven study sites (five arid or semi-arid and two mesic) in China, Mongolia and the Republic of Korea, which covered a wide range of average annual precipitation (232 mm·year−1 to 1304 mm·year−1) under various aridity indexes (AI) and four different microenvironments: sand dune, steppe, riverside and forest. The traits of Siberian elms varied widely along different annual precipitation (P) and AI gradients. Tree height (H), leaf size (LS) and stomatal area per unit leaf area (AS/AL) decreased with increasing AI, whereas leaf mass per unit leaf area (LMA) and water-use efficiency (WUE) increased significantly. In addition, trees at the five arid sites showed significant differences in LS, LMA and AS/AL but not in H and WUE. Thus, our study indicated that indigenous Siberian elm trees in arid areas have substantially altered their morphological and physiological characteristics to avoid heat stress and increase water conservation in comparison to mesic areas. However, their changes differed depending on the surrounding microenvironment even in arid areas. Trees in sand dunes had a smaller LS, higher LMA, thicker leaf cuticle layer and higher stomatal density and AS than those in steppes and near a riverside.
The Safety Attitudes of Senior Managers in the Chinese Coal Industry
Authors: Zhang Jiangshi , Chen Na , Fu Gui , Yan Mingwei , Kim Young-Chan
Published: November 2016

Introduction: Senior managers’ attitudes towards safety are very important regarding the safety practices in an organization. The study is to describe the current situation of senior managers′ attitudes towards safety in the Chinese coal industry. Method: We evaluated the changing trends as well as the reasons for these changes in the Chinese coal industry in 2009 and in 2014 with 168 senior manager samples from large Chinese state-owned coal enterprises. Evaluations of 15 safety concepts were performed by means of a questionnaire. Results and Conclusions: Results indicate that, in 2014, three concepts were at a very high level (mean > 4.5), and six were at a relatively high level (4.5 > mean > 4.0). Analyses of changing trends revealed that nine concepts improved significantly, while four greatly declined in 2014 compared to those in 2009. The data reported here suggest that the reasons for the significant improvement with respect to the nine concepts include the improvement in social and legal environments, the improvement of the culture of social safety, workers′ safety demands being met, and scientific and technical advances in the coal industry. The decline of the four concepts seemed to be caused by a poor awareness of managers in the coal industry that safety creates economic benefits, insufficient information on safety, inadequate attention to the development of a safety culture and safety management methods, and safety organizations and workers′ unions not playing their role effectively. Practical Applications: We therefore recommend strengthening the evidence that safety creates economic benefits, providing incentives for employees to encourage their participation in safety management, and paying more attention to the prevention of accidents in coal mines via safety organizations and unions. These results can provide guidelines for workers, industrialists, and government regarding occupational safety in the whole coal industry.
Comparison of Secular Trends in Cervical Cancer Mortality in China and the United States: An Age-Period-Cohort Analysis
Authors: Wang Jinyao , Bai Zhiqiang , Wang Zhenkun , Yu Chuanhua
Published: November 2016

Background: As one of the most common cancers in the female population, cervical cancer has ranked as the second most incident gynecological cancer in recent years, trailing only breast cancer. We aimed to assess and compare the secular trends in cervical cancer mortality in China and the United States and analyze the independent effects of chronological age, time period and birth cohort using age-period-cohort (APC) analysis. Methods: We performed an age-period-cohort analysis using the intrinsic estimator method to estimate the independent effects of age, time period, and birth cohort on cervical cancer mortality. We collected mortality data for China and the United States from the WHO Mortality Database and China Health Statistical Yearbook database. Results: We examined the general trends in cervical mortality rates in China and the United States during the periods 1988–2012 and 1953–2012, respectively. The age-standardized mortality rates (ASMRs) for cervical cancer in urban China, rural China and the U.S. showed a general decreasing trend during the observation period, except for urban China, which experienced a significant increase beginning in 2002. The mortality rates for cervical cancer in the three areas showed a general increasing trend with age, regardless of the period effect. Period effects declined steadily in both rural China (from 0.19 to −0.26) and the U.S. (from −0.20 to −0.43); however, a slight increasing trend was identified (from −0.25 to 0.33) in urban China, which indicated that the risk of mortality increased with time. Cohort effects peaked in the cohort born in 1911–1915 in both rural China and urban China, declined consistently in the cohort born before 1950, and then decreased again in the cohort born after 1976–1980. The cohort effect in the U.S. peaked in the birth cohort born in 1876–1880, then leveled off and slightly decreased in younger generations. Conclusions: Our study showed that in general, cervical cancer mortality rates increased with age and decreased with birth cohort in the U.S., while the risk of mortality was highest in the cohort born during 1946–1975 in urban China. Additionally, the risk of mortality consistently increased with age in women younger than 64 years old in urban and rural China and began to decline in older groups. Although the age and cohort effects were relatively strong, the period effect may be the key factor affecting cervical cancer mortality trends, mainly reflecting the immediate effects of effective treatment and the implementation of screening.
The Association of Serum Bisphenol A with Thyroid Autoimmunity
Authors: Chailurkit La-or , Aekplakorn Wichai , Ongphiphadhanakul Boonsong
Published: November 2016

Introduction: Data on the association of bisphenol A (BPA) exposure and autoimmunity in humans is unclear. Objective: To elucidate the influence of BPA on thyroid autoimmunity, in the present study we assessed the association between serum BPA and thyroid autoantibodies. Methods: Serum samples from 2361 subjects, aged ≥15 years, from the Thai 4th National Health Examination Survey were measured for BPA, antithyroglobulin (TgAb), antithyroperoxidase (TPOAb) and antithyrotrophin receptor (TRAb) antibodies. Results: The proportion of subjects positive for TgAb, TPOAb and TRAb were 11.1%, 14.9% and 1.9%, respectively. With regard to BPA, 51.9% had serum BPA levels exceeding the detection limit of the assay (0.3). There was a significant increasing trend for subjects with TgAb (p < 0.05) and TPOAb (p < 0.001) positivity as BPA quartiles increased, particularly in the highest quartile. In contrast, no relationship between BPA quartiles and TRAb was found. Logistic regression analysis showed that age, gender and BPA quartiles were determinants of TPOAb or TgAb positivity, independent of BMI. However, only the association between BPA and TPOAb positivity was consistent in both men and women. Conclusions: BPA was independently associated with TPOAb positivity. However, its mechanism related to TPOAb positivity, subsequently leading to autoimmune thyroid disease, needs further investigation.
Nitrogen Removal from Landfill Leachate by Microalgae
Authors: Pereira Sérgio , Gonçalves Ana , Moreira Francisca , Silva Tânia , Vilar Vítor , Pires José
Published: November 2016

Landfill leachates result from the degradation of solid residues in sanitary landfills, thus presenting a high variability in terms of composition. Normally, these effluents are characterized by high ammoniacal-nitrogen (N–NH4+) concentrations, high chemical oxygen demands and low phosphorus concentrations. The development of effective treatment strategies becomes difficult, posing a serious problem to the environment. Phycoremediation appears to be a suitable alternative for the treatment of landfill leachates. In this study, the potential of Chlorella vulgaris for biomass production and nutrients (mainly nitrogen and phosphorus) removal from different compositions of a landfill leachate was evaluated. Since microalgae also require phosphorus for their growth, different loads of this nutrient were evaluated, giving the following N:P ratios: 12:1, 23:1 and 35:1. The results have shown that C. vulgaris was able to grow in the different leachate compositions assessed. However, microalgal growth was higher in the cultures presenting the lowest N–NH4+ concentration. In terms of nutrients uptake, an effective removal of N–NH4+ and phosphorus was observed in all the experiments, especially in those supplied with phosphorus. Nevertheless, N–NO3− removal was considered almost negligible. These promising results constitute important findings in the development of a bioremediation technology for the treatment of landfill leachates.
Pterostilbene Inhibits Human Multiple Myeloma Cells via ERK1/2 and JNK Pathway In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Xie Bingqian , Xu Zhijian , Hu Liangning , Chen Gege , Wei Rong , Yang Guang , Li Bo , Chang Gaomei , Sun Xi , Wu Huiqun , Zhang Yong , Dai Bojie , Tao Yi , Shi Jumei , Zhu Weiliang
Published: November 2016

Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most common malignancy in the hematologic system, which is characterized by accumulation of plasma cells in bone marrow. Pterostilbene (PTE) is a natural dimethylated analog of resveratrol, which has anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties. In the present study, we examined the anti-tumor effect of PTE on MM cell lines both in vitro and in vivo using the cell counting kit (CCK)-8, apoptosis assays, cell cycle analysis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, JC-1 mitochondrial membrane potential assay, Western blotting and tumor xenograft models. The results demonstrated that PTE induces apoptosis in the H929 cell line and causes cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase by enhancing ROS generation and reducing mitochondrial membrane potential. The anti-tumor effect of PTE may be caused by the activation of the extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) 1/2 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathways. Additionally, mice treated with PTE by intraperitoneal injection demonstrated reduced tumor volume. Taken together, the results of this study indicate that the anti-tumor effect of PTE on MM cells may provide a new therapeutic option for MM patients.