bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of the combination of aeration and biofilm technology on transformation of nitrogen in black-odor river
Authors: Pan Mei , Zhao Jun , Zhen Shucong , Heng Sheng , Wu Jie
Published: May 2016

Excess nitrogen in urban river networks leading to eutrophication has become one of the most urgent environmental problems. Combinations of different aeration and biofilm techniques was designed to remove nitrogen from rivers. In laboratory water tank simulation experiments, we assessed the removal efficiency of nitrogen in both the overlying water and sediments by using the combination of the aeration and biofilm techniques, and then analyzed the transformation of nitrogen during the experiments. Aeration (especially sediment aeration) combined with the biofilms techniques was proved efficient in removing nitrogen from polluted rivers. Results indicated that the combination of sediment aeration and biofilms, with the highest nitrogen removal rate from the overlying water and sediments, was the most effective combined process, which especially inhibited the potential release of nitrogen from sediments by reducing the enzyme activity. It was found that the content of dissolved oxygen in water could be restored on the basis of the application of aeration techniques ahead, and the biofilm technique would be effective in purifying water in black-odor rivers.
CFD for wastewater treatment: an overview
Authors: Samstag R. W. , Ducoste J. J. , Griborio A. , Nopens I. , Batstone D. J. , Wicks J. D. , Saunders S. , Wicklein E. A. , Kenny G. , Laurent J.
Published: May 2016

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is a rapidly emerging field in wastewater treatment (WWT), with application to almost all unit processes. This paper provides an overview of CFD applied to a wide range of unit processes in water and WWT from hydraulic elements like flow splitting to physical, chemical and biological processes like suspended growth nutrient removal and anaerobic digestion. The paper's focus is on articulating the state of practice and research and development needs. The level of CFD's capability varies between different process units, with a high frequency of application in the areas of final sedimentation, activated sludge basin modelling and disinfection, and greater needs in primary sedimentation and anaerobic digestion. While approaches are comprehensive, generally capable of incorporating non-Newtonian fluids, multiphase systems and biokinetics, they are not broad, and further work should be done to address the diversity of process designs. Many units have not been addressed to date. Further needs are identified throughout, but common requirements include improved particle aggregation and breakup (flocculation), and improved coupling of biology and hydraulics.
Ocular Tolerability of Preservative-Free Tafluprost and Latanoprost: in vitro and in vivo Comparative Study
Authors: Esaki Yoshihiko , Shimazaki Atsushi , Pellinen Pertti
Published: May 2016

Objective:

Detrimental effects of the preserved prostaglandin analogs (PGAs) have been thoroughly documented in the published literature. The current work studied two preservative-free (PF) prostaglandin eye drops: PF tafluprost and PF latanoprost. The aim of the study was to compare these two PF formulations in vitro for viability of the human corneal epithelial (HCE-T) cells and in vivo for ocular tolerability of the rabbit eye.

Method:

Viability of the HCE-T cells was measured by the MTS assay. The SV40-immortalized HCE-T cells were exposed to 100 µL of the drug solutions (at their commercial concentrations) or the culture medium. Ocular irritation was evaluated after repeated instillation of the drug solutions in Japanese white rabbits (Kbl:JW).

Results:

A significant loss of HCE-T cell viability was observed in vitro immediately after the exposure to PF latanoprost formulation but not immediately after the exposure to PF tafluprost formulation. Congruently, PF latanoprost induced in vivo more irritation on the rabbit eye than PF tafluprost.

Conclusion:

Comparing these two PF formulations in vitro and in vivo, it is considered that ocular tolerability of PF tafluprost is better than PF latanoprost. Taking into account the composition of these two PF PGA formulations, the solubilizing agent macrogolglycerol hydroxystearate 40 (MGHS40) contained in PF latanoprost formulation is a plausible cause for the negative effects.
Mobile Phone and Web-based Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Depressive Symptoms and Mental Health Comorbidities in People Living With Diabetes: Results of a Feasibility Study
Authors: Clarke Janine , Proudfoot Judith , Ma Howard
Published: May 2016

Background

Depression is often comorbid with diabetes; however, undertreatment of depressive symptoms in people affected is common.

Objective

We studied preliminary acceptability and effectiveness of a fully automated, mobile phone, and web-based public health intervention, myCompass, for reducing depressive symptoms and improving mental health comorbidities in people with diabetes.

Methods

In this single-group feasibility study, 89 volunteers with type 1 (n=34) or type 2 (n=55) diabetes and at least mild depressive symptoms used myCompass for 7 weeks. Web-based measures of depressive and anxious symptoms, functional impairment, diabetes-specific variables, and user satisfaction were completed at baseline, postintervention, and 3-month follow-up.

Results

Retention rates were 54% (n=48) at postintervention and 36% (n=32) at follow-up. Depressive symptoms were significantly improved at postintervention (P<.001; within-group effect size d=1.05), with gains persisting at follow-up. Mental health comorbidities, including anxiety (P<.001), functioning (P<.001), and diabetes-specific distress (P<.001), also showed significant and sustained improvement. Satisfaction with myCompass was high, with convenience and ease of program use, and relevance of program content rated positively by participants.

Conclusions

The myCompass program shows promise as an acceptable and effective treatment for depression and comorbid mental health problems in people with diabetes. The program is broadly available, free to use, and may benefit patients with diabetes who do not access services and/or wish to manage their mental health themselves. Replication of these findings in a controlled study is warranted.
Analysis of complications following vaginal hysterectomy in pelvic organ prolapse
Authors: RC Laxmi , Das Chitra Ranjan
Published: May 2016

Background: Vaginal hysterectomy is one of the most common gynecological procedures performed in Nepal. The most common indication is pelvic organ prolapse (POP). The common complications associated with vaginal hysterectomy are hemorrhage, infections and injury to adjacent organs.Objectives: The aim of this study was to study the type of complications following vaginal hysterectomy in pelvic organ prolapse.Methods: A Prospective observational study was carried out at Lord Buddha Educational Academy Nepalgunj Medical College, Kohalpur, Banke, Nepal from November 2008 to May 2009. A total of 311 patients belonging to age group (20-80) years, presenting to the out-patient department with second to fourth degree utero-vaginal prolapse without any severe medical and surgical problems were included in this study. All the patients who had undergone vaginal hysterectomy during the study period and met the inclusion criteria were included in this study. The data collected was analyzed with standard statistical method (SPSS statistics 16.0).Results: Total of 311 women were included in this study between the age group (20-80 years) with pelvic organ prolapsed (second to fourth degree). All of them underwent vaginal hysterectomy. Among them 39 (12.5%) had complications. The most common complication was secondary haemorrhage accounting for eleven (28.2%) of all complications. Eight (20.5%) patients had retention of urine, four (10.3%) had headache, three (7.7%) patients had primary haemorrhage, three (7.7%) had pelvic cellulitis, three (7.7%) had UTI, three (7.7%) vault abscess, one (2.6%) had bladder injury, one (2.6%) had pelvic peritonitis, one (2.6%) had vault prolapse. We had one death due to septicemia following seven days of post operation.Conclusion: In our study, complication of vaginal hysterectomy was 39 (12.5%) out of 311 patient. The most common complication being secondary haemorrhage 11 (28.2%).Journal of Kathmandu Medical College, Vol. 4(1) 2015, 12-15
Preliminary experience on subcutaneous venous access device (chemoport) in a teaching hospital in Kathmandu
Authors: Joshi Robin
Published: May 2016

Background: Modern subcutaneous venous access device or chemo port nowadays is a vital device used in case of chronic diseases. It is now an established device for administration of medication and blood withdrawal without difficulty and negating repeated skin punctures for those patients who need repeated and long term intravenous medication. But, these devices are not without complications.Objective: To assess preliminary technical success and complication rates of the ultrasound and fluoroscopy guided placement of subcutaneous venous access device.Methods: Between November 2012 to May 2015, 10 port catheter components were implanted. All components were inserted under image guidance. Ultrasound guided puncture of right internal jugular vein was preferred and position of tip of catheter was confirmed by fluoroscopy. Early and late complications were evaluated. The overall cost of the chemo port was also taken into consideration.Results: The implantation was inserted in ten cases. Four patients had ovarian carcinoma, three patients metastatic colonic carcinoma, one had testicular cancer with meditational mass, one patient had metastatic invasive urinary bladder carcinoma and another one had porphyries whose peripheral venous access were all thromboses due to repeated puncture. Peri-procedural early complications like blockage, thrombosis, leak were not observed, however one patient had catheter related fever. Late complications like blockage, port, fractures, dislodgement, venous thrombosis were also not found but One patient had port pocket infection. The cost of the port device in all cases was about 50,000 Nepalese rupees.Conclusion: Larger number of case is required for better statistical evaluation. The main reason for the refusal of subcutaneous venous access device insertion by the patients was the high cost of the device. Cather-related morbidity was in acceptable range so chemo port insertion is feasible in Nepal. Major life threatening complication was not observed.Journal of Kathmandu Medical College, Vol. 4, No. 2, Issue 12, Apr.-Jun., 2015
Properties, weldability and corrosion behavior of supermartensitic stainless steels for on- and offshore applications
Authors: Taban Emel , Kaluc Erdinc , Ojo Olatunji Oladimeji
Published: May 2016

Stimulated material-environment interactions inside and around flowlines of deep or ultra deep wells during oil and gas exploration, and fabrication economy of pipelines have been the major challenges facing the oil and gas industries. Presumably, an extensive focus on high integrity, performance and material economy of flowlines have realistically made supermartensitic stainless steels (SMSS) efficient and effective material choices for fabricating onshore and offshore pipelines. Supermartensitic stainless steels exhibit high strength, good low temperature toughness, sufficient corrosion resistance in sweet and mildly sour environments, and good quality weldability with both conventional welding processes and modern welding methods such as laser beam welding, electron beam welding and hybrid welding approaches. In terms of economy, supermartensitic stainless steels are cheaper and they are major replacements for more expensive duplex stainless steels required for tubing applications in the oil and gas industry. However, weld areas of SMSS pipes are exposed to sulphide stress cracking (SSC), so intergranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC) or stress corrosion cracking can occur. In order to circumvent this risk of cracking, a post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) for 5 minutes at about 650 °C is recommended. This paper provides detailed literature perusal on supermartensitic stainless steels, their weldability and corrosion behaviors. It also highlights a major research area that has not been thoroughly expounded in literature; fatigue loading behaviors of welded SMSS under different corrosive environments have not been thoroughly detailed in literature.
Antibacterial activity and nanocomposite properties of monodispersed silver nanoparticles synthesized by the microwave method
Authors: Lothongkum Anchaleeporn W. , Wongparb Kornwika , Sethapokin Pinthep , Chaisitsak Sutichai
Published: May 2016

Monodispersed colloidal silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) were synthesized by a simple and rapid microwave method. A precursor, AgNO3, was reduced by ethylene glycol (EG) and N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) in the presence of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a stabilizer or capping agent. It was found that the concentration of AgNO3 significantly affected Ag-NPs particle sizes. The particle sizes decreased when the concentration decreased from 0.1 to 0.05 and 0.01 M, which corresponded to narrow size distribution of the particle diameters of approximately 60 to 80, 30 to 40 and 10 to 20 nm. The spherical-shaped monodispersed Ag-NPs were obtained by using a volume ratio of EG to DMF of 2.75 : 2.25, microwave power of 400 W and heating time of 2 min. The volume ratio of EG to DMF and the microwave power influenced the uniformity of the Ag-NPs shape and size, while the heating time had no effect. For antibacterial application, 60–80 and 10–20 nm Ag-NPs showed good disinfection ability against Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) at the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of 32 and 16 µg × ml−1, respectively. In addition, the electrical resistance of the nanocomposites of DMF-loaded Ag-NPs (20–50 nm) without PVP on single-walled carbon nanotubes and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) was measured. As a result, it is obvious that the Ag-NPs help to increase the electrical conductivity of the nanocomposites as the electrical resistance of the Ag-NPs nanocomposites was 4.68 kΩ × cm−2 compared to that of the nanocomposites without Ag-NPs of 8.76 kΩ × cm−2.
GNE-Myopathy in a Greek Romani Family with Unusual Calf Phenotype and Protein Aggregation Pathology
Authors: Papadimas G.K. , Evilä A. , Papadopoulos C. , Kararizou E. , Manta P. , Udd B.
Published: May 2016

Background: GNE-myopathy is increasingly diagnosed in different ethnicities worldwide. No clear genotype-phenotype correlation has been established to date.

Case reports: We describe two affected members of the same family from Balkan population carrying an already known homozygous pathogenic mutation in the kinase domain of the UDP-N-acetylglucosamine 2 epimerase/N-acetylmannosamime kinase ( GNE) gene. The patients presented with severe distal weakness of lower legs combined with rimmed vacuoles in muscle biopsy. However, in contrast to the typical pattern of muscle involvement, one of them showed severe involvement of posterior calf muscles with spared anterior compartment of the lower leg muscles.

Conclusions: These patients provide evidence for a larger variability and further extend the phenotypic spectrum of GNE-myopathy to include preferential calf involvement.
Patient Reported Falls and Balance Confidence in Individuals with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease
Authors: Eichinger Katy , Odrzywolski Karen , Sowden Janet , Herrmann David N.
Published: May 2016

The purpose of this exploratory pilot study was to assess balance confidence in adults with CMT. Charts of individuals with CMT followed in the peripheral neuropathy clinic were reviewed. Information abstracted included demographic, assistive device use, falls, pain, strength, Activities-specific Balance Confidence score, Lower Extremity Functional Scale, 30’ Go, and the Five Times Sit to Stand Test. Balance confidence was found to be decreased in individuals with CMT and was associated with patient report of falls and functional mobility tests. Further investigation of balance confidence and its relationship to falls and quality of life is warranted in a population with CMT.
Evaluation of a continuing professional development training program for physicians and physician assistants in hospitals in Laos based on the Kirkpatrick model
Authors: Yoon Hyun Bae , Shin Jwa-Seop , Bouphavanh Ketsomsouk , Kang Yu Min
Published: May 2016

Purpose: Medical professionals from Korea and Laos have been working together to develop a continuing professional development training program covering the major clinical fields of primary care. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the program from 2013 to 2014 using the Kirkpatrick model. Methods: A questionnaire was used to evaluate the reaction of the trainees, and the trainers assessed the level of trainees’ performance at the beginning and the end of each clinical section. The transfer (behavioral change) of the trainees was evaluated through the review of medical records written by the trainees before and after the training program. Results: The trainees were satisfied with the training program, for which the average score was 4.48 out of 5.0. The average score of the trainees’ performance at the beginning was 2.39 out of 5.0, and rose to 3.88 at the end of each section. The average score of the medical records written before the training was 2.92 out of 5.0, and it rose to 3.34 after the training. The number of patient visits to the district hospitals increased. Conclusion: The continuing professional development training program, which was planned and implemented with the full engagement and responsibility of Lao health professionals, proved to be effective.
Calibration Accuracy of the Dual-Polarization Receivers of the C-Band Swiss Weather Radar Network
Authors: Gabella Marco , Boscacci Marco , Sartori Maurizio , Germann Urs
Published: May 2016

The electromagnetic power that comes from the Sun has been proved to be an effective reference for checking the quality of dual-polarization weather radar receiver. Operational monitoring methods have been developed and implemented for determining the electromagnetic antenna pointing, assessing the receiver stability, and the differential reflectivity offset. So far, the focus has been on relative calibration: horizontal and vertical polarization have been mutually compared and evaluated versus the reference mainly in terms of standard deviation of the error. Radar receivers have been able to capture and describe the monthly variability (slowly varying component) of the microwave signal emitted by the Sun. In this paper, we present results from a novel Sun-based method aiming at the absolute calibration of dual-polarization weather radar receivers. To obtain best results, the radar receiver has to be off-line for a few minutes during the tracking of the Sun in order to have the antenna beam axis pointing at the center of the Sun. Among the five polarimetric weather radar receivers of the Swiss network, radar “WEI” located at an altitude of 2850 m next to Davos shows the best absolute agreement with the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory (DRAO) reference for both horizontal (H) and vertical (V) polarization. Albis radar, which is located at an altitude of 938 m near Zurich, shows the largest difference: the radar receiver is too low compared to the Sun reference by −1.62 (−1.25) dB for the H (V) channel. Interestingly, the standard deviation of the error is smaller than ±0.17 dB for all Swiss radar receivers. With a standard deviation of ±0.04 dB Albis radar shows the best relative agreement between H and V. These results are encouraging and MeteoSwiss is planning to repeat off-line Sun-tracking measurements in the future on a regular basis.
Mitigation Emission Strategy Based on Resonances from a Power Inverter System in Electric Vehicles
Authors: Zhai Li , Zhang Xinyu , Bondarenko Natalia , Loken David , Van Doren Thomas , Beetner Daryl
Published: May 2016

Large dv/dt and di/dt outputs of power devices in the DC-fed motor power inverter can generate conducted and/or radiated emissions through parasitics that interfere with low voltage electric systems in electric vehicles (EVs) and nearby vehicles. The electromagnetic interference (EMI) filters, ferrite chokes, and shielding added in the product process based on the “black box” approach can reduce the emission levels in a specific frequency range. However, these countermeasures may also introduce an unexpected increase in EMI noises in other frequency ranges due to added capacitances and inductances in filters resonating with elements of the power inverter, and even increase the weight and dimension of the power inverter system in EVs with limited space. In order to predict the interaction between the mitigation techniques and power inverter geometry, an accurate model of the system is needed. A power inverter system was modeled based on series of two-port network measurements to study the impact of EMI generated by power devices on radiated emission of AC cables. Parallel resonances within the circuit can cause peaks in the S21 (transmission coefficient between the phase-node-to-chassis voltage and the center-conductor-to-shield voltage of the AC cable connecting to the motor) and Z11 (input impedance at Port 1 between the Insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) phase node and chassis) at those resonance frequencies and result in enlarged noise voltage peaks at Port 1. The magnitude of S21 between two ports was reduced to decrease the amount of energy coupled from the noise source between the phase node and chassis to the end of the AC cable by lowering the corresponding quality factor. The equivalent circuits were built by analyzing current-following paths at three critical resonance frequencies. Interference voltage peaks can be suppressed by mitigating the resonances. The capacitances and inductances generating the parallel resonances and responsible elements were determined by the calculation through the equivalent circuits. A combination of mitigation strategies including adding common-mode (CM) ferrite chokes through the Y-caps and the AC bus bar was designed to mitigate the resonances at 6 MHz, 11 MHz, and 26 MHz related to the CM conducted emission by IGBT switching and the radiated emission of the AC cable. The values of Z11 decreased respectively by 15 dB at 6 MHz, 0.4 dB at 11 MHz, and 11.5 dB at 26 MHz and the values of S21 decreased respectively by 8.6 dB at 6 MHz, 7 dB at 11 MHz, and 6.3 dB at 26 MHz. An equivalent model of the power inverter system for real-time simulation in time domain was built to validate the mitigation strategy in simulation software PSPICE.
Innovation Strategy in Slovak Forest Contractor Firms—A SWOT Analysis
Authors: Štěrbová Martina , Loučanová Erika , Paluš Hubert , Ivan Ľubomír , Šálka Jaroslav
Published: May 2016

The aim of the study is to determine the innovation strategy of contractor firms in the Slovak forestry service sector in the area of further innovation activities development. The strategy identification was based on the analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in this sector. The results indicate that weaknesses of contractor firms exceed their strengths and, considering the degree and importance of their impact, opportunities exceed identified threats. Based on these findings revealing the relations in the area of innovation activities of forestry service contractors, the “Strategy of Partnership” was suggested as the most suitable type of strategy. It can be concluded that such a form of grouping cooperation brings many benefits to contractors in the form of information availability, guidance, training, and management of conflicts, risks and uncertainty, which are associated with the innovation process.
Managing Tree Diversity: A Comparison of Suburban Development in Two Canadian Cities
Authors: Nitoslawski Sophie , Duinker Peter
Published: May 2016

Is (sub)urban forest diversity shaped by previous land use? This study was designed to quantitatively assess the impacts of subdivision development on urban tree-species composition in two Canadian cities: Halifax, Nova Scotia, and London, Ontario. The main goal was to determine whether cities with contrasting pre-urbanized or pre-settlement landscapes—woodlands in Halifax and agricultural fields in London—also revealed differences in urban tree diversity losses and/or gains due to urbanization. In each city, four residential neighbourhoods representing two age categories, older and newer (40–50 years, <15 years), were examined and trees on three land types were sampled: public (street), private (residential), and remnant (woodland). All public street trees within the chosen neighbourhoods were inventoried and approximately 10% of the residential property lots were sampled randomly. Plots were examined in remnant forests in or near each city, representing the original forest habitats prior to agricultural and/or urban landscape transformations. Diameter at breast height, species richness and evenness, and proportions of native and non-native trees were measured. In both cities, streetscapes in newer neighbourhoods exhibit greater species richness and evenness, and are characterized by substantially more native trees. Despite this trend, developers and home owners continue to intensively plant non-native species on newer and smaller property lots. Older neighbourhoods in Halifax containing remnant forest stands hold the greatest number of native trees on private property, alluding to the importance of residual forest buffers and patches in promoting naturalness in the private urban forest. These results suggest that identifying and quantifying flows of species between green spaces during and after development is valuable in order to effectively promote native species establishment and enhance overall urban forest diversity.
Postprocessing of Medium Range Hydrological Ensemble Forecasts Making Use of Reforecasts
Authors: Van den Bergh Joris , Roulin Emmanuel
Published: May 2016

A hydrological ensemble prediction system is running operationally at the Royal Meteorological Institute of Belgium (RMI) for ten catchments in the Meuse basin. It makes use of the conceptual semi-distributed hydrological model SCHEME and the European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) ensemble prediction system (ENS). An ensemble of 51 discharge forecasts is generated daily. We investigate the improvements attained through postprocessing the discharge forecasts, using the archived ECMWF reforecasts for precipitation and other necessary meteorological variables. We use the 5-member reforecasts that have been produced since 2012, when the horizontal resolution of ENS was increased to the N320 resolution (≈30 km over Belgium). The reforecasts were issued weekly, going back 20 years, and we use a calibration window of five weeks. We use these as input to create a set of hydrological reforecasts. The implemented calibration method is an adaption of the variance inflation method. The parameters of the calibration are estimated based on the hydrological reforecasts and the observed discharge. The postprocessed forecasts are verified based on a two-and-a-half year period of data, using archived 51 member ENS forecasts. The skill is evaluated using summary scores of the ensemble mean and probabilistic scores: the Brier Score and the Continuous Ranked Probability Score (CRPS). We find that the variance inflation method gives a significant improvement in probabilistic discharge forecasts. The Brier score, which measures probabilistic skill for forecasts of discharge threshold exceedance, is improved for the entire forecast range during the hydrological summer period, and the first three days during hydrological winter. The CRPS is also significantly improved during summer, but not during winter. We conclude that it is valuable to apply the postprocessing method during hydrological summer. During winter, the method is also useful for forecasting exceedance probabilities of higher thresholds, but not for lead times beyond five days. Finally, we also note the presence of some large outliers in the postprocessed discharge forecasts, arising from the fact that the postprocessing is performed on the logarithmically transformed discharges. We suggest some ways to deal with this in the future for our operational setting.
Review of the Literature on Determinants of Chemical Hazard Information Recall among Workers and Consumers
Authors: Sathar Farzana , Dalvie Mohamed , Rother Hanna-Andrea
Published: May 2016

In many low and middle income countries (LMIC), workers’ and consumers’ only access to risk and hazard information in relation to the chemicals they use or work with is on the chemical label and safety data sheet. Recall of chemical hazard information is vital in order for label warnings and precautionary information to promote effective safety behaviors. A literature review, therefore, was conducted on determinants of chemical hazard information recall among workers and consumers globally. Since comprehension and recall are closely linked, the determinants of both were reviewed. Literature was reviewed from both online and print peer reviewed journals for all study designs and countries. This review indicated that the level of education, previous training and the inclusion of pictograms on the hazard communication material are all factors that contribute to the recall of hazard information. The influence of gender and age on recall is incongruent and remains to be explored. More research is required on the demographic predictors of the recall of hazard information, the effect of design and non-design factors on recall, the effect of training on the recall among low literate populations and the examining of different regions or contexts.
LBMR: Load-Balanced Multipath Routing for Wireless Data-Intensive Transmission in Real-Time Medical Monitoring
Authors: Tseng Chinyang
Published: May 2016

In wireless networks, low-power Zigbee is an excellent network solution for wireless medical monitoring systems. Medical monitoring generally involves transmission of a large amount of data and easily causes bottleneck problems. Although Zigbee’s AODV mesh routing provides extensible multi-hop data transmission to extend network coverage, it originally does not, and needs to support some form of load balancing mechanism to avoid bottlenecks. To guarantee a more reliable multi-hop data transmission for life-critical medical applications, we have developed a multipath solution, called Load-Balanced Multipath Routing (LBMR) to replace Zigbee’s routing mechanism. LBMR consists of three main parts: Layer Routing Construction (LRC), a Load Estimation Algorithm (LEA), and a Route Maintenance (RM) mechanism. LRC assigns nodes into different layers based on the node’s distance to the medical data gateway. Nodes can have multiple next-hops delivering medical data toward the gateway. All neighboring layer-nodes exchange flow information containing current load, which is the used by the LEA to estimate future load of next-hops to the gateway. With LBMR, nodes can choose the neighbors with the least load as the next-hops and thus can achieve load balancing and avoid bottlenecks. Furthermore, RM can detect route failures in real-time and perform route redirection to ensure routing robustness. Since LRC and LEA prevent bottlenecks while RM ensures routing fault tolerance, LBMR provides a highly reliable routing service for medical monitoring. To evaluate these accomplishments, we compare LBMR with Zigbee’s AODV and another multipath protocol, AOMDV. The simulation results demonstrate LBMR achieves better load balancing, less unreachable nodes, and better packet delivery ratio than either AODV or AOMDV.
An Improved Multi-Objective Programming with Augmented ε-Constraint Method for Hazardous Waste Location-Routing Problems
Authors: Yu Hao , Solvang Wei
Published: May 2016

Hazardous waste location-routing problems are of importance due to the potential risk for nearby residents and the environment. In this paper, an improved mathematical formulation is developed based upon a multi-objective mixed integer programming approach. The model aims at assisting decision makers in selecting locations for different facilities including treatment plants, recycling plants and disposal sites, providing appropriate technologies for hazardous waste treatment, and routing transportation. In the model, two critical factors are taken into account: system operating costs and risk imposed on local residents, and a compensation factor is introduced to the risk objective function in order to account for the fact that the risk level imposed by one type of hazardous waste or treatment technology may significantly vary from that of other types. Besides, the policy instruments for promoting waste recycling are considered, and their influence on the costs and risk of hazardous waste management is also discussed. The model is coded and calculated in Lingo optimization solver, and the augmented ε-constraint method is employed to generate the Pareto optimal curve of the multi-objective optimization problem. The trade-off between different objectives is illustrated in the numerical experiment.
Children’s Personal Exposure Measurements to Extremely Low Frequency Magnetic Fields in Italy
Authors: Liorni Ilaria , Parazzini Marta , Struchen Benjamin , Fiocchi Serena , Röösli Martin , Ravazzani Paolo
Published: May 2016

Extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MFs) exposure is still a topic of concern due to their possible impact on children’s health. Although epidemiological studies claimed an evidence of a possible association between ELF-MF above 0.4 μT and childhood leukemia, biological mechanisms able to support a causal relationship between ELF-MF and this disease were not found yet. To provide further knowledge about children’s ELF-MF exposure correlated to children’s daily activities, a measurement study was conducted in Milan (Italy). Eighty-six children were recruited, 52 of whom were specifically chosen with respect to the distance to power lines and built-in transformers to oversample potentially highly exposed children. Personal and bedroom measurements were performed for each child in two different seasons. The major outcomes of this study are: (1) median values over 24-h personal and bedroom measurements were <3 μT established by the Italian law as the quality target; (2) geometric mean values over 24-h bedroom measurements were mostly <0.4 μT; (3) seasonal variations did not significantly influence personal and bedroom measurements; (4) the highest average MF levels were mostly found at home during the day and outdoors; (5) no significant differences were found in the median and geometric mean values between personal and bedroom measurements, but were found in the arithmetic mean.
Tracking Restoration of Park and Urban Street Settings in Coronary Artery Disease Patients
Authors: Grazuleviciene Regina , Vencloviene Jone , Kubilius Raimondas , Grizas Vytautas , Danileviciute Asta , Dedele Audrius , Andrusaityte Sandra , Vitkauskiene Astra , Steponaviciute Rasa , Nieuwenhuijsen Mark
Published: May 2016

The physiological effects of natural and urban environments on the cardiovascular system of coronary artery disease (CAD) patients are not fully understood. This controlled field study examines the effects of restorative walking in a park vs. in an urban street environment on CAD patients’ stress parameters and cardiac function. Methods: Twenty stable CAD patients were randomly allocated to 7 days controlled walking in a city park or in an urban street environment group. The relationship between different environmental exposures and health effects was analyzed using Wilcoxon signed-rank test and exact Mann-Whitney U test. Results: The mean reduction in cortisol levels and negative effects after the walk on the first day was greater in the city park than in the urban street exposed group, while a reduction in negative effects in the urban group were greater after seven days. The reduction in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in the park group was evident on the seventh day before the walk (−4 mm Hg, p = 0.031) and 60 min after the walk (−6.00 mm Hg, p = 0.002). The cortisol slope was negatively associated with the DBP changes (r = −0.514, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Physical activity in a green environment with noise and air pollution levels lower than in an urban environment has a greater positive effect on CAD patients’ stress level and hemodynamic parameters. Mitigating green environmental influences may allow urban residents to maintain health and reduce disability.
A Comprehensive Evaluation of the Burden of Heat-Related Illness and Death within the Florida Population
Authors: Harduar Morano Laurel , Watkins Sharon , Kintziger Kristina
Published: May 2016

The failure of the human body to thermoregulate can lead to severe outcomes (e.g., death) and lasting physiological damage. However, heat-related illness (HRI) is highly preventable via individual- and community-level modification. A thorough understanding of the burden is necessary for effective intervention. This paper describes the burden of severe HRI morbidity and mortality among residents of a humid subtropical climate. Work-related and non-work-related HRI emergency department (ED) visits, hospitalizations, and deaths among Florida residents during May to October (2005–2012) were examined. Sub-groups susceptible to HRI were identified. The age-adjusted rates/100,000 person-years for non-work-related HRI were 33.1 ED visits, 5.9 hospitalizations, and 0.2 deaths, while for work-related HRI/100,000 worker-years there were 8.5 ED visits, 1.1 hospitalizations, and 0.1 deaths. The rates of HRI varied by county, data source, and work-related status, with the highest rates observed in the panhandle and south central Florida. The sub-groups with the highest relative rates regardless of data source or work-relatedness were males, minorities, and rural residents. Those aged 15–35 years had the highest ED visit rates, while for non-work-related hospitalizations and deaths the rates increased with age. The results of this study can be used for targeted interventions and evaluating changes in the HRI burden over time.
The Transcription Factor OsWRKY45 Negatively Modulates the Resistance of Rice to the Brown Planthopper Nilaparvata lugens
Authors: Huangfu Jiayi , Li Jiancai , Li Ran , Ye Meng , Kuai Peng , Zhang Tongfang , Lou Yonggen
Published: May 2016

WRKY transcription factors play a central role not only in plant growth and development but also in plant stress responses. However, the role of WRKY transcription factors in herbivore-induced plant defenses and their underlying mechanisms, especially in rice, remains largely unclear. Here, we cloned a rice WRKY gene OsWRKY45, whose expression was induced by mechanical wounding, by infestation of the brown planthopper (BPH, Nilaparvata lugens) and by treatment with jasmonic acid (JA) or salicylic acid (SA). The antisense expression of OsWRKY45 (as-wrky) enhanced BPH-induced levels of H2O2 and ethylene, reduced feeding and oviposition preference as well as the survival rate of BPH, and delayed the development of BPH nymphs. Consistently, lower population densities of BPH on as-wrky lines, compared to those on wild-type (WT) plants, were observed in field experiments. On the other hand, as-wrky lines in the field had lower susceptibility to sheath blight (caused by Rhizoctonia solani) but higher susceptibility to rice blast (caused by Magnaporthe oryzae) than did WT plants. These findings suggest that OsWRKY45 plays important but contrasting roles in regulating the resistance of rice to pathogens and herbivores, and attention should be paid if OsWRKY45 is used to develop disease or herbivore-resistant rice.
Targeting DNA Damage Response in the Radio(Chemo)therapy of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Li Ling , Zhu Tao , Gao Yuan-Feng , Zheng Wei , Wang Chen-Jing , Xiao Ling , Huang Ma-Sha , Yin Ji-Ye , Zhou Hong-Hao , Liu Zhao-Qian
Published: May 2016

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide due to its high incidence and mortality. As the most common lung cancer, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a terrible threat to human health. Despite improvements in diagnosis and combined treatments including surgical resection, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, the overall survival for NSCLC patients still remains poor. DNA damage is considered to be the primary cause of lung cancer development and is normally recognized and repaired by the intrinsic DNA damage response machinery. The role of DNA repair pathways in radio(chemo)therapy-resistant cancers has become an area of significant interest in the clinical setting. Meanwhile, some studies have proved that genetic and epigenetic factors can alter the DNA damage response and repair, which results in changes of the radiation and chemotherapy curative effect in NSCLC. In this review, we focus on the effect of genetic polymorphisms and epigenetic factors such as miRNA regulation and lncRNA regulation participating in DNA damage repair in response to radio(chemo)therapy in NSCLC. These may provide novel information on the radio(chemo)therapy of NSCLC based on the individual DNA damage response.
Knockdown of AMPKα2 Promotes Pulmonary Arterial Smooth Muscle Cells Proliferation via mTOR/Skp2/p27Kip1 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Ke Rui , Liu Lu , Zhu Yanting , Li Shaojun , Xie Xinming , Li Fangwei , Song Yang , Yang Lan , Gao Li , Li Manxiang
Published: May 2016

It has been shown that activation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) suppresses proliferation of a variety of tumor cells as well as nonmalignant cells. In this study, we used post-transcriptional gene silencing with small interfering RNA (siRNA) to specifically examine the effect of AMPK on pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) proliferation and to further elucidate its underlying molecular mechanisms. Our results showed that knockdown of AMPKα2 promoted primary cultured PASMCs proliferation; this was accompanied with the elevation of phosphorylation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and S-phase kinase-associated protein 2 (Skp2) protein level and reduction of p27Kip1. Importantly, prior silencing of mTOR with siRNA abolished AMPKα2 knockdown-induced Skp2 upregulation, p27Kip1 reduction as well as PASMCs proliferation. Furthermore, pre-depletion of Skp2 by siRNA also eliminated p27Kip1 downregulation and PASMCs proliferation caused by AMPKα2 knockdown. Taken together, our study indicates that AMPKα2 isoform plays an important role in regulation of PASMCs proliferation by modulating mTOR/Skp2/p27Kip1 axis, and suggests that activation of AMPKα2 might have potential value in the prevention and treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Effects of a Bovine Lactoferrin Formulation from Cow’s Milk on Menstrual Distress in Volunteers: A Randomized, Crossover Study
Authors: Ueno Hiroshi , Yoshise Ran , Sugino Tomohiro , Kajimoto Osami , Kobayashi Toshiya
Published: May 2016

Dysmenorrhea is a highly prevalent complaint and highly undiagnosed gynecologic condition. Dairy products have a potential in the management of menstrual distress, and bovine lactoferrin can help the subjective dysphoria associated with dysmenorrhea. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effects of a lactoferrin formulation isolated from cow’s milk on menstrual symptoms in volunteers. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study of the iron-lactoferrin complex (FeLf) was performed in thirty-five healthy Japanese women. Participants received the 150 mg FeLf (per day) or placebo from day ten of the luteal phase to day four of the follicular phase. The Moos Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MDQ) was measured for menstrual distress, and heart rate variability was measured as an index of autonomic nerve balance during menses. A visual analog scale for menstrual pain, and a verbal rating scale for quality of life during the first three days of menstruation were measured. The MDQ score for the automatic nervous system subscale was lower and the parasympathetic nervous system activity was greater in FeLf than in placebo for intention-to-treat or per-protocol populations. The other variables were not different between the groups. No treatment-related side effects were observed during the study. The results indicate that FeLf can provide a beneficial effect on the psychological symptoms in women affected by menstrual distress.
miR-218 Involvement in Cardiomyocyte Hypertrophy Is Likely through Targeting REST
Authors: Liu Jing-Jing , Zhao Cui-Mei , Li Zhi-Gang , Wang Yu-Mei , Miao Wei , Wu Xiu-Juan , Wang Wen-Jing , Liu Chang , Wang Duo , Wang Kang , Li Li , Peng Lu-Ying
Published: May 2016

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been identified as key players in cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, which is associated with significant risks of heart failure. However, many microRNAs are still not recognized for their functions in pathophysiological processes. In this study, we evaluated effects of miR-218 in cardiomyocyte hypertrophy using both in vitro and in vivo models. We found that miR-218 was evidently downregulated in a transverse aortic constriction (TAC) mouse model. Overexpression of miR-218 is sufficient to reduce hypertrophy, whereas the suppression of miR-218 aggravates hypertrophy in primary cardiomyocytes induced by isoprenaline (ISO). In addition, we identified RE1-silencing transcription factor (REST) as a novel target of miR-218; it negatively regulated the expression of REST in hypertrophic cardiomyocytes and the TAC model. These results showed that miR-218 plays a crucial role in cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, likely via targeting REST, suggesting a potential candidate target for interfering hypertrophy.
Microstructured Polymer Blend Surfaces Produced by Spraying Functional Copolymers and Their Blends
Authors: Vargas-Alfredo Nelson , Rodríguez Hernández Juan
Published: May 2016

We described the fabrication of functional and microstructured surfaces from polymer blends by spray deposition. This simple technique offers the possibility to simultaneously finely tune the microstructure as well as the surface chemical composition. Whereas at lower polymer concentration, randomly distributed surface micropatterns were observed, an increase of the concentration leads to significant changes on these structures. On the one hand, using pure homopolystyrene fiber-like structures were observed when the polymer concentration exceeded 30 mg/mL. Interestingly, the incorporation of 2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorostyrene changed the morphology, and, instead of fibers, micrometer size particles were identified at the surface. These fluorinated microparticles provide superhydrophobic properties leading to surfaces with contact angles above 165°. Equally, in addition to the microstructures provided by the spray deposition, the use of thermoresponsive polymers to fabricate interfaces with responsive properties is also described. Contact angle measurements revealed variations on the surface wettability upon heating when blends of polystyrene and polystyrene-b-poly(dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) are employed. Finally, the use of spraying techniques to fabricate gradient surfaces is proposed. Maintaining a constant orientation, the surface topography and thus the contact angle varies gradually from the center to the edge of the film depending on the spray angle.