bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling and analysis of the carrier arrangement in three-dimensional circular braiding
Authors: Zhuo Meng , Yujing Zhang , Xintong Hu , Yujie Chen , Yize Sun
Published: January 2017

In this paper, the carrier arrangement in three-dimensional (3D) circular braiding is studied. To obtain suitable arrangements, the guide grooves of carriers are defined and divided into several types. Restricted conditions of the carrier positions are derived by obeying the characteristics of the carrier motion. Based on the restricted conditions, a mathematical model is established and applied to determine the possible carrier positions. Using the model, reasonable carrier arrangements are discussed. In comparison with practical engineering, the model is proven to be a useful tool for the 3D circular braiding process and helpful for designing a 3D circular braiding machine.
Development of spatially branched woven node structures on the conventional weaving loom
Authors: Fazeli Monireh , Hübner Matthias , Lehmann Theo , Gebhardt Ulrike , Hoffmann Gerald , Cherif Chokri
Published: January 2017

The increasing need of consistent implementation of lightweight constructions in many technical fields makes the manufacture of near net-shaped node structure to be used in textile-reinforced composites a subject of great interest. The manufacture of the node structure is required to provide a strong node point whilst maintaining the circumference of each adjoining strut. Despite a variety of available methods to produce three-dimensional nodal fabric, the required geometry for the complex nodular connection element has not yet been fully achieved. Furthermore, the available methods have limitations. The developed woven concept in this work allows for maintaining the configuration of the node structure and dimensions of the tubes, especially at the node points. As a result, all tubes positioned at node points are fully open; this is accomplished without distorting the surrounding area once the flat woven node structure is removed from the loom and erected into three-dimensional configuration. In order to produce a three-dimensional structure on a conventional weaving machine, the structure must be flattened in an appropriate way. By using a mathematical algorithm, it is possible to graph the flattened structure precisely. The developed weaving concept and relating calculation are applied to create the weaving plan of the spatial nodal structures, which can be produced on a shuttle weaving loom. The developed concept in this paper will provide repeatable manufacturing of complex node structures by using the conventional weaving loom. The struts of node structures manufactured using this method can be woven at any angle and with spatial arrangements.
Determination of segmental and overall ventilation of clothed walking human by means of electric circuit analogy
Authors: Ismail Nagham , Ghaddar Nesreen , Ghali Kamel
Published: January 2017

A new simplified model has been developed to determine the ventilation induced by swinging motion and external wind for a fabric clothed cylinder representing a limb or a trunk. The simplified model is based on an analogy between air flow and an electric circuit. When a clothed body segment is subject to external wind, the microclimate air flow electric circuit is represented by resistances. When the clothed segment is subject to a swinging motion, the air flow electric circuit is composed of inductance and resistance elements. The model is validated by comparing the predicted ventilation rates to published experimental data in different conditions: varying permeability, wind speeds, swinging frequencies (for the clothed arm), walking conditions, and aperture configurations. The predictions of the simplified model lie within the standard deviation range of the published experiments. Moreover, although it is simplified, the relative error between the simplified model and the published experiment of an oscillating limb is considered acceptable (18%).
Modelling Unconventional Gas Traps: Elmworth Field, Alberta, Canada
Authors: Maubeuge F. , Lerche I.
Published: January 2017

The Elmworth Field is the largest gas field of the Western Canada sedimentary Deep Basin. Gas found in stratigraphic traps lies downdip from water, with no known permeability barrier between. A two dimensional quantitative analysis of the basin was undertaken in order to simulate such unconventional entrapment. The modelling shows how it is possible to accumulate gas in the low permeability sand reservoirs of the Lower Cretaceous. It appears that the Elmworth basin is a system in dynamical evolution, where gas loss due to migration is partly compensated for by contemporary gas generation. While the on-going gas generation is highly influenced by the recent paleoheat flow, the early migration has been controlled by cementation which, by lowering the permeability, reduces the gas loss with time, so that significant gas trapping can be obtained today.

This work presents a set of conditions leading to such unconventional gas accumulations and discusses the parameters influencing the total amount of gas accumulated at present day; characteristics of the sediments, such as porosity and permeability behavior through time, cementation parameters, amount of sediments removed during the Paleocene erosion, or heat flow variation with time, are also bracketed in order that gas accumulations predicted are in agreement with those observed today. The inherent underpressure due to gas saturated formations is also considered.
Analysis of the Impact of Accounting Accruals on Earnings Uncertainty and Response Coefficients
Authors: Feltham Gerald A. , Pae Jinhan
Published: January 2017

This paper uses the residual income valuation model in Feltham and Ohlson (1996) as the basis for developing a model in which management has private information and their choice of accruals influences the information received by investors. The noisiness of accruals relative to management's private value relevant information is exogenous. The analysis examines how the characteristics of the management's private information and their accrual choice process influences the variance of unexpected earnings and the earnings response coefficient. The variance of unexpected earnings is shown to be an increasing function of the noise in managed accruals, but information enhancing earnings management does not necessarily decrease the variance of unexpected earnings. It depends on the nature of the information. The earnings response coefficient is shown to depend on both the persistence of earnings as well as the informativeness of reported earnings.
Validity of Anthropometric Norms Used in the Assessment of Hospitalized Patients
Authors: Gray Gregory E. , Gray Lorraine Kulhanek
Published: January 2017

To assess the validity of standards for weight, arm circumference, triceps skinfold, and arm muscle circumference commonly used to assess the nutritional status of hospitalized patients, these standards were applied to data for the normal U.S. population. Moderate depletion was defined as a value between 60 and 90 percent of the standard; severe depletion was defined as a value below 60 percent of the standard. The standards themselves were found to differ substantially from the population averages, and this method of classifying an individual does not take into account the fact that there is more variation in the population for some measures than for others. As a result, the proportion of individuals classified as depleted varied greatly between measures and also between sexes and ages. Over half of all young women would be classified as moderately depleted based on the arm muscle circumference. Over half of young men would be classified as depleted based on the tricep skinfold, and half of these would be classified as severely depleted. It is recommended that the use of these standards and this method of interpretation be abandoned and replaced by the use of tables of percentiles for the U.S. population.
2000 in Review: A Synthesis of the Special Education Technology Literature
Authors: Edyburn Dave L.
Published: January 2017

Scholars and practitioners alike are challenged by the pace of change and the challenge of staying apprised of current developments in their discipline. Despite the ease of accessing the World Wide Web and its ever-increasing supply of information, the professional journal continues to serve an important gatekeeping function that validates and manages a discipline's emerging knowledge base. The purpose of this study was to examine the extant knowledge base that contributes to recent additions to special education technology knowledge. Research synthesis methods were used to examine two questions: How widely scattered is the literature on special education technology? What have we learned lately?

The table of contents from each issue of 31 journals in special education technology, special education, and educational technology published in 2000 were studied. The procedures yielded a corpus of 906 articles of which 197 articles (22%) were judged relevant for this review by contributing to the emerging knowledge base on special education technology research and practice. Analysis of the literature scatter revealed relevant literature could be found in 29 journals but that a core set of four journals contributed 55% of the relevant articles. Content analysis of the relevant articles revealed several recurrent themes in the literature: (a) augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), (b) accessibility (c) assistive technology, (d) implementation issues, (e) Internet applications and web resources, (f) preservice teacher education, and (g) technology integration. The value and limitations of this synthesis methodology are noted along with the implications of this work for future research.
Sorption Properties of Cation-Exchanged Heulandite
Authors: Kasture M.W. , Tamhankar S.S. , Joshi V.V. , Choudhari A.L. , Shiralkar V.P.
Published: January 2017

Samples collected from the Aurangabad District, Maharashtra, India were characterized by XRD, IR, TGA and DTA methods, and by chemical analysis, as calcium-rich heulandite. Samples of potassium heulandite (K-Heu) and hydrogen heulandite (H-Heu) were prepared by ion exchange, their thermal stabilities being confirmed by XRD, IR, TGA and DTA methods. Water sorption studies were carried out at five different temperatures on the parent material (P-Heu) and on K-Heu and H-Heu. Different sorption models were tested on the data obtained and the corresponding results are reported.
Innovative Players in Economic Development in Europe
Authors: Mitra Jay , Formica Piero
Published: January 2017

This article analyses the behaviour of ‘learning’ companies and ‘entrepreneurial’ universities in the context of the territorial and business ecosystems of innovation in which they are involved. Against a background of the fundamental differences between the higher education and the commercial sector, and the history of university—industry cooperation in Europe, the characteristics of territorial ecosystems for innovation (TEIs) are set out and the holistic, networking and interactive models of knowledge and technology transfer are discussed. This analysis provides a conceptual framework for the successful development of territorial ecosystems of innovation which are identified as crucial for future successful European socio-economic development. As concrete examples of activities which contribute towards this end, the authors offer brief case studies of the Economic Development Unit and Innovation Centre at the University of North London and the London Technopole Initiative.
Influence of Depth of Hypnosis on Pupillary Reactivity to a Standardized Tetanic Stimulus in Patients Under Propofol-Remifentanil Target–Controlled Infusion: A Crossover Randomized Pilot Study
Authors: Sabourdin Nada , Peretout Jean-Baptiste , Khalil Eliane , Guye Marie-Laurence , Louvet Nicolas , Constant Isabelle
Published: January 2017

BACKGROUND:

Pupillometry allows the measurement of pupillary diameter variations in response to nociceptive stimuli. This technique has been used to monitor the balance between analgesia and nociception. Under general anesthesia, the amplitude of pupillary dilation is related to the amount of administered opioids. The objective of this study was to determine whether at a constant infusion rate of opioids, the pupillary response was influenced by depth of hypnosis assessed by the bispectral index (BIS).

METHODS:

Twelve patients (14–20 years) anesthetized for orthopedic surgery were included. Under propofol-remifentanil target–controlled infusion, remifentanil effect site target concentration was fixed at 1 ng/mL. Two measures of pupillary reflex dilation were performed on each patient in a randomized order: one at BIS 55 and one at BIS 25. These levels of BIS were obtained by adjusting propofol target concentration and maintained for 10 minutes before each measure. For each measure, we applied a standardized tetanic stimulation on the patient’s forearm (60 mA, 100 Hz, 5 seconds). All measures were performed before the beginning of surgery.

RESULTS:

Pupillary dilation was significantly greater at BIS 55 than at BIS 25: 32.1% ± 5.3% vs 10.4% ± 2.5% (mean difference estimate [95% confidence interval]: 21.8% [12.9–30.6], P < .001), without carryover effect (P = .30) nor period effect (P = .52). Hemodynamic parameters and BIS were not modified by the stimulation.

CONCLUSIONS:

In patients receiving a constant infusion of remifentanil at a target concentration of 1 ng/mL, pupillary dilation after a standardized tetanic stimulation was influenced by depth of hypnosis assessed by the BIS.
Kon-tiki enhances PS2 integrin adhesion and localizes its ligand, Thrombospondin, in the myotendinous junction
Authors: Pérez-Moreno Juan J. , Espina-Zambrano Agueda G. , García-Calderón Clara B. , Estrada Beatriz
Published: January 2017

Cell–extracellular-matrix adhesion is mediated by cell receptors, mainly integrins and transmembrane proteoglycans, which can functionally interact. How these receptors are regulated and coordinated is largely unknown. We show that the conserved transmembrane Drosophila proteoglycan Kon-tiki (Kon, also known as Perdido) interacts with the αPS2βPS integrin (αPS2 is encoded by inflated and βPS by myospheroid) to mediate muscle–tendon adhesion. kon and inflated double mutant embryos show a synergistic increase in muscle detachment. Furthermore, Kon modulates αPS2βPS signaling at the muscle attachment, since phosphorylated Fak is reduced in kon mutants. This reduction in integrin signaling can be rescued by the expression of a truncated Kon protein containing its transmembrane and extracellular domains, suggesting that these domains are sufficient to mediate this signaling. We show that these domains are sufficient to properly localize the αPS2βPS ligand, Thrombospondin, to the muscle attachment, and to partially rescue Kon-dependent muscle–tendon adhesion. We propose that Kon can engage in a protein complex with αPS2βPS and enhance integrin-mediated signaling and adhesion by recruiting its ligand, which would increase integrin-binding affinity to the extracellular matrix, resulting in the consolidation of the myotendinous junction.
Assessment of pesticide coating on cereal seeds by near infrared hyperspectral imaging
Authors: Vermeulen Ph. , Flémal P. , Pigeon O. , Dardenne P. , Fernández Pierna J. , Baeten V.
Published: January 2017

Classical chromatographic methods, such as ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC), are used as
reference methods to assess seed quality and homogeneous pesticide coating of seeds. These methods have some
important drawbacks since they are time consuming, expensive, destructive and require a substantial amount of solvent,
among others. Near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy seems to be an interesting alternative technique for the determination of
the quality of seed treatment and avoids most of these drawbacks. The objective of this study was to assess the quality
of pesticide coating treatment by near infrared hyperspectral imaging (NIR-HSI) by analysing, on a seed-by-seed basis,
several seeds simultaneously in comparison to NIR spectroscopy and UPLC as the reference method. To achieve this goal,
discrimination—partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA)—models and regression—partial least squares
(PLS)—models were developed. The results obtained by NIR-HSI are compared to the results obtained with NIR
spectroscopy and UPLC instruments. This study has shown the potential of NIR hyperspectral imaging to assess the
quality/homogeneity of the pesticide coating on seeds.
CT and MRI findings of thymic carcinoid
Authors: Shimamoto Aya , Ashizawa Kazuto , Kido Yasuo , Hayashi Hideyuki , Nagayasu Takeshi , Kawakami Atsushi , Mukae Hiroshi , Hayashi Tomayoshi , Ohtsubo Mayumi , Shigematsu Kazuto , Nakazono Takahiko , Yabuuchi Hidetake , Uetani Masataka
Published: January 2017

Objective:

To evaluate the CT and MRI findings of thymic carcinoid and to compare these findings with previously published findings of thymoma.

Methods:

11 cases of pathologically proven thymic carcinoid were reviewed retrospectively. Three patients had typical carcinoid, and eight patients had atypical carcinoid. The characteristics of the tumours and related thoracic abnormalities were assessed in each case on CT and/or MRI by two chest radiologists. The final decisions on the findings were reached by consensus.

Results:

Thymic carcinoids were more likely to have a large mass (ranging from 18 to 105 mm), irregular contours (n = 8), heterogeneous intensity on T  2 weighted images (n = 6; eight patients underwent MRI), heterogeneous enhancement (n = 9) and local invasion (n = 7). A necrotic or cystic component was identified in seven patients (one typical carcinoid and six atypical carcinoids). Lymphadenopathy was seen in four patients. Septum, capsule, haemorrhage and calcification were seen in three patients, two patients, two patients and one patient, respectively, with atypical carcinoid.

Conclusion:

Thymic carcinoids tend to have a high prevalence of large masses, irregular contours, heterogeneous intensity on T  2 weighted images, heterogeneous enhancement and local invasion on CT and/or MRI. A necrotic or cystic component is often seen in atypical carcinoid.

Advances in knowledge:

Radiologic features of thymic carcinoid mimic those of high-risk thymomas and/or thymic carcinomas.
Visiting the ‘Jungle’ camp in Calais as a student volunteer: Personal reflections
Authors: Garmroudi Amir Reza
Published: January 2017

It was while studying for my Master’s in Media Practice for Development that I went to the ‘Jungle’ camp in Calais as a volunteer. I visited twice – once in November 2015 and again in January 2016. I had lived and worked with displaced people in Nepal after finishing school, and then visited Palestine to conduct research for my undergraduate dissertation in January 2015. I guess the motivation for going to Calais in November 2015 was a combination of empathy and fascination. I had heard drastically different media reports about the number of people in Calais, the infrastructure of the ‘Jungle’ camp and the conditions for the inhabitants. But in many ways from the outset the trip seemed a moral paradox. Would my presence benefit ‘the refugees’, or was I embarked on some kind of misery tourism? This was a question I discussed a lot with the friends I travelled with over the short period of time we spent there. When we arrived on the first trip, we discovered through the leaders of the volunteer infrastructure already working there that the French government had sanctioned the demolition of an area of the camp closest to the highway leading to the port, so as to be better able to stop people attempting to break through the recently built £1.2 million fence commissioned by the British government. In the camp it was exhausting work; we had to explain to the people from Eritrea, Ethiopia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Iran, Syria, Sudan, Egypt, among other countries, that their makeshift homes were set to be demolished and they needed to relocate to another area of the camp. The weather was bitterly cold. The camp smelt of burning rubbish and Middle Eastern food being prepared in the many makeshift restaurants.
Seeking asylum and the politics of family
Authors: Griffiths Melanie
Published: January 2017

Gender identities and family roles and relationships have an important – but controversial and contested – place in the British asylum system. Drawing on the experience of a refused asylum seeker, who I call Martin, this article considers the various ways in which ‘family’ arose in the long course of his asylum claim: from the loss of his parents, to falling in love and creating new family ties in the UK. Through Martin’s narrative of his experiences of the immigration system, and the realities and aftermath of prison and immigration detention, the article considers the politics, tensions and hurdles of family ties for asylum seekers and those facing forced removal from the UK.
A fast and reproducible cell- and 96-well plate-based method for the evaluation of P2X7 receptor activation using YO-PRO-1 fluorescent dye
Authors: Rat Patrice , Olivier Elodie , Tanter Caroline , Wakx Anaïs , Dutot Mélody
Published: January 2017

The YO-PRO-1 assay provides a quantitative estimation of P2X7 receptor activation. P2X7 receptor is associated to pathological conditions including infectious, inflammatory, neurological, musculoskeletal disorders, pain and cancer. Most primary cells and cell lines from diverse origin may be used thanks to the ubiquitous distribution of P2X7 receptor. To study the activation of P2X7 receptor by chemicals or biological agents, we established a microplate-based cytometry protocol to accurately and rapidly quantify the activation of P2X7 receptor that leads to the formation of large pores in cell membranes. The YO-PRO-1 assay is based on the ability of cells to incorporate and bind YO-PRO-1 dye to DNA after activation of P2X7 receptor through pore formation. Cells are seeded in 96-well plates and incubated with the compound being tested for the appropriate time. The microplate is then incubated for 10 min with YO-PRO-1 staining solution. After the 10 min staining time, fluorescence signal is read using a microplate reader in 1 min. This procedure is easier and requires less handling steps than flow cytometry. 96-well plate based YO-PRO-1 assay is a reproducible and fast method to study both P2X7 receptor activation by toxic agents at subnecrotic concentrations and P2X7 receptor inhibition by antagonists.
A guide to simple, direct, and quantitative in vitro binding assays
Authors: Lapetina Stefanie , Gil-Henn Hava
Published: January 2017

Recent advances in proteomic screening approaches have led to the isolation of a wide variety of binding partners to interacting proteins and opened an avenue to analyze and understand signaling pathways. The study of protein-protein interactions is a key component in elucidating and understanding signaling pathways. Despite the importance of these interactions, very few studies are quantitative or report binding affinities. Here we present a simple method for examination and analysis of direct protein-protein binding interactions between two purified proteins. In the quantitative pull-down assay, one protein (the bait protein) is immobilized on beads whereas a second protein (the prey) is kept in solution. The concentration of the bait protein is kept constant, whereas the concentration of the prey protein is increased until binding saturation is achieved. After incubation, the beads are precipitated to separate unbound prey protein in solution from prey protein bound to the bait. The fraction of bound prey protein can then be loaded on a protein gel and the resulting bands can be analyzed with standard software. The quantitative pull-down assay with purified recombinant proteins provides a simple method to obtain dissociation constants (Kd). These quantifications are invaluable to compare relative binding of proteins, to map binding sites, and to show that binding is direct. This assay presents a powerful method to quantitatively analyze protein-protein interactions with tools that are available in most biochemistry laboratories and does not require the use of specialized or expensive equipment.
Representaciones socioeconómicas de la naturaleza en el Pacífico Sur costarricense (1938-1962)
Authors: Conejo Barboza Luis
Published: January 2017

La Historia de la United Fruit Company en la región latinoamericana ha sido tema de diferentes debates que han arrojado, como conclusión general, el peso significativo en la vida política, social, ambiental, cultural y económica de los países donde se estableció. La empresa como tal, además de buscar una sostenibilidad financiera y aumentar su capital también se dio a la tarea de construir y consolidar un mercado por medio de la publicidad así como al desarrollo de un ambiente cordial y pacífico a través de las relaciones públicas. Este artículo estudia cuáles fueron las principales representaciones socioeconómicas generadas por la transnacional para la región del Pacífico Sur costarricense, por medio del uso de la propaganda del departamento de relaciones públicas, la revista empresarial UNIFRUITCO, reportes para accionistas y diversas fuentes empresariales.
A Preliminary Report on the Thraustochytrid(s) and Labyrinthulid(s) Associated with a Pathological Condition in the Lesser Octopus Eledone cirrhosa
Authors: Polglase Jane L.
Published: January 2017

A pathological condition occurring in the lesser octopus, Eledone cirrhosa, is described. This results in progressive ulceration of the skin of the animal, followed by oedema of body tissues and death. Light and electron microscope studies of the skin ulcers reveal the constant presence of thraustochytrid-like organism(s) and often, although not in all instances, the presence of a presumed labyrinthulid. Studies are currently in progress to identify both these organisms and to establish the role that they play in the condition described.
Cytological Mechanism Underlying Darkness-Survival of the Unicellular Red Alga Porphyridillm cruentum
Authors: Bisalputra Thana , Antia Naval J.
Published: January 2017

1. The ultrastructure of the unicellular rhodophyte Porphyridium cntentum Naegeli was examined prior to 8-weeks' placement in total darkness and after subsequent re-exposure to light. The algal cells were contained in inorganic seawater medium incapable of supporting growth in darkness. The "recovery" process of the darkness-inactivated alga was monitored by electron microscopy of culture samples periodically fixed from zero to 72 hours of reinstatement in continuous light.

2. Four types of cells were recognized in the course of this study: (i) nomlal (vegetative) cells from growth in light; (ii) moribund (presumed non-viable) cells from senescence; (iii) donnant (resting) cells from darkness inactivation; (iv) reactivated cells recovering from dormancy on re-exposure to light. Apart from 22% reduction in cell volume from light deprivation, these cell types differed from one another in relatively minor structural details, and there were no indications of wall thickening or other features commonly considered characteristic of spores and cysts. The donnant cells were characterized by poor stainability of all internal membranes, excessive clumping of thylakoids, absence of recognizable pyrenoid, starch bodies, endoplasmic reticulum, dictyosomes, and proliferation of plastoglobuli and cytoplasmic vacuoles. Cells with such properties intermediate between the normal and dormant types were considered reactivated by light, whilst those showing extensive damage (dilation and rupture) of membranes of vital organelles were considered moribund. Phycobilisomes were observed in all cell types.

3. The population emerging from darkness showed 90% dormant and 10% moribund cells. With increasing duration of re-illumination, the dormant cells were rapidly transformed into reactivated types, which achieved population peak at 6 hr and then declined with further transformation to normal cells. At 24-hr illumination, the normal cells were predominant, with total disappearance of donnant cells. The conversion of reactivated to normal cells was virtually complete within 48-72 hr illumination.

4. It is concluded that P. cruentum survives darkness by a process of dormancy involving minimal ultrastructural changes, and the absence of extra wall or sheath formation is inferred to facilitate the remarkably rapid activation of the alga on restoration of light.
The natriuretic peptide MR-proANP predicts all-cause mortality and adverse outcome in community patients: a 10-year follow-up study
Authors: Odermatt Jonas , Hersberger Lara , Bolliger Rebekka , Graedel Lena , Christ-Crain Mirjam , Briel Matthias , Bucher Heiner C. , Mueller Beat , Schuetz Philipp
Published: January 2017

Background:

The precursor peptide of atrial natriuretic peptide (MR-proANP) has a physiological role in fluid homeostasis and is associated with mortality and adverse clinical outcomes in heart failure patients. Little is known about the prognostic potential of this peptide for long-term mortality prediction in community-dwelling patients. We evaluated associations of MR-proANP levels with 10-year all-cause mortality in patients visiting their general practitioner for a respiratory tract infection.

Methods:

In this post-hoc analysis including 359 patients (78.5%) of the original trial, we calculated cox regression models and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) to assess associations of MR-proANP blood levels with mortality and adverse outcome including death, pulmonary embolism, and major adverse cardiac or cerebrovascular events.

Results:

After a median follow-up of 10.0 years, 9.8% of included patients died. Median admission MR-proANP levels were significantly elevated in non-survivors compared to survivors (80.5 pmol/L, IQR 58.6–126.0; vs. 45.6 pmol/L, IQR 34.2–68.3; p<0.001) and associated with 10-year all-cause mortality (age-adjusted HR 2.0 [95% CI 1.3–3.1, p=0.002]; AUC 0.79). Results were similar for day 7 blood levels and also for the prediction of other adverse outcomes.

Conclusions:

Increased MR-proANP levels were associated with 10-year all-cause mortality and adverse clinical outcome in a sample of community-dwelling patients. If diagnosis-specific cut-offs are confirmed in future studies, this marker may help to direct preventive measures in primary care.
Hb variants in Korea: effect on HbA1c using five routine methods
Authors: Yun Yeo-Min , Ji Misuk , Ko Dae-Hyun , Chun Sail , Kwon Gye Cheol , Lee Kyunghoon , Song Sang Hoon , Seong Moon Woo , Park Sung Sup , Song Junghan
Published: January 2017

Background:

Quantification of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is a challenge in patients with hemoglobin (Hb) variants. We evaluated the impact of various Hb variants on five routine HbA1c assays by comparing with the IFCC reference measurement procedure (RMP).

Methods:

Whole blood samples showing warning flags or no results on routine HPLC HbA1c assays were confirmed for Hb variants and were submitted to HbA1c quantification using Sebia Capillarys 2 Flex Piercing, Roche Tina-quant HbA1c Gen. 2, Bio-Rad Variant II Turbo 2.0, ADAMS HA-8180, Tosoh G8 standard mode, and IFCC RMP using LC-MS.

Results:

Among 114 samples, the most common variants were Hb G-Coushatta (n=47), Queens (n=41), Ube-4 (n=11), Chad (n=4), Yamagata (n=4), G-His-Tsou (n=2), G-Taipei (n=1), Fort de France (n=1), Hoshida (n=1), and two novel variants (Hb α-globin, HBA 52 Gly>Cys and Hb β-globin, HBB 146 His>Asn). In terms of control samples, all the result of HbA1c were “acceptable”, within the criteria of ±7% compared to IFCC RMP target values. However, percentage of “unacceptable” results of samples with Hb variants were 16% for Capillarys 2, 7% for Tina-quant, 51% for Variant II Turbo 2.0, 95% for G8 standard mode, and 89% for HA-8180. The Capillarys 2 and HA-8180 assay did not provide the results in 5 and 40 samples with Hb variants, respectively.

Conclusions:

HbA1c results from five routine assays in patients with relatively common Hb variants in Korea showed various degrees of bias compared to those of IFCC RMP. Therefore, laboratories should be aware of the limitation of their methods with respect to interference from Hb variants found commonly in their local population and suggest an alternative HbA1c quantification method.
The relationship between vacuum and hemolysis during catheter blood collection: a retrospective analysis of six large cohorts
Authors: Mrazek Cornelia , Simundic Ana-Maria , Wiedemann Helmut , Krahmer Florian , Felder Thomas Klaus , Kipman Ulrike , Hoppe Uta , Haschke-Becher Elisabeth , Cadamuro Janne
Published: January 2017

Background:

Blood collection through intravenous (IV) catheters is a common practice at emergency departments (EDs). This technique is associated with higher in vitro hemolysis rates and may even be amplified by the use of vacuum collection tubes. Our aim was to investigate the association of five different vacuum tubes with hemolysis rates in comparison to an aspiration system under real-life conditions and to propose an equation to estimate the amount of hemolysis, depending on the vacuum collection tube type.

Methods:

We retrospectively evaluated hemolysis data of plasma samples from our ED, where blood is drawn through IV catheters. Over the past 5 years, we compared 19,001 hemolysis index values amongst each other and against the respective vacuum pressure (Pv) of the collection tubes, which were used within the six observational periods.

Results:

The highest hemolysis rates were associated with full-draw evacuated tubes. Significantly reduced hemolysis was observed for two kinds of partial-draw tubes. The hemolysis rate of one partial-draw blood collection tube was comparable to those of the aspiration system. Regression analysis of Pvand mean free hemoglobin (fHb) values yielded the formula fHb (g/L)=0.0082*Pv2–0.1143*Pv+ 0.5314 with an R2of 0.99.

Conclusions:

If IV catheters are used for blood collection, hemolysis rates directly correlate with the vacuum within the tubes and can be estimated by the proposed formula. By the use of partial-draw vacuum blood collection tubes, hemolysis rates in IV catheter collections can be reduced to levels comparable with collections performed by aspiration systems.
An assessment of overutilization and underutilization of laboratory tests by expert physicians in the evaluation of patients for bleeding and thrombotic disorders in clinical context and in real time
Authors: Sarkar Mayukh K. , Botz Chad M. , Laposata Michael
Published: January 2017

Background:

Diagnostic error is extremely common in the USA and likely around the world. A major reason for the diagnostic error is both the overutilization and the underutilization of laboratory tests. Using a panel of two to four experts in coagulation, test selection was reviewed in clinical context and in real time, and consensus determinations were made to derive conclusions about the extent of overutilization and underutilization.

Methods:

Two hundred cases of patients being evaluated for bleeding or thrombotic issues were presented at each daily meeting of the diagnostic management team, and a review of each case for appropriate utilization of tests was completed.

Results:

Two hundred randomly selected cases revealed 77.5% diagnostic errors (155 cases). Sixteen percent were associated with overutilization of laboratory tests, 44% were associated with underutilization, and 17.5% were associated with both. The annual cost burden estimated for overutilization alone in one institution of 450 beds was on the order of $20,000. The cost burden for the delay in diagnosis or the misdiagnosis in cases with underutilization is orders of magnitude greater ($200,000 or more), but it is impossible to determine the cost of a misdiagnosis in an individual case because it can produce many different clinical outcomes.

Conclusions:

This was a rare opportunity for experts in a given field to review cases in real time and in clinical context and provide immediately a consensus answer about test utilization. The results of this study show errors in test selection in nearly 75% of the cases evaluated.
A Proposal of a Mass Appraisal System in Greece with CAMA System: Evaluating GWR and MRA techniques in Thessaloniki Municipality
Authors: Dimopoulos Thomas , Moulas Alexandros
Published: January 2017

Property tax in Greece is levied since 1985 not on Market Values but on the “objective value” of the properties as it is defined by the Ministry of Economics. It forms a non-flexible system, with market-irrelevant and unrealistic values, inducing land-policy practices and potential political cost to each periodical update. Furthermore, instead of adjusting taxation levels to the current economic reality, the real estate market is experiencing further burdening through approximately 40 different property taxes and levies, leading to further shrinking and depreciation. The authors believe that a fairer taxation system could significantly assist the property sector in Greece. Thus, through this paper and by studying and analyzing best practices from other countries, they propose models that can be applied with the use of existing data in Greece. This work aims to identify the critical parameters that affecting property values in Thessaloniki to create a Market Value forecasting tool for a fairer taxation system, to highlight the importance of a GIS system for this purpose and to compare the results of MRA with the use of SPSS with those of GWR in ArcGIS environment. For the purposes of this study, the Municipality of Thessaloniki was chosen due to its very well organized portal with significant and well organized geographical data and because authors manage to access some data from the Central Bank of Greece, regarding property valuations.
A hybrid downscaling approach for the estimation of climate change effects on droughts using a geo-information tool. Case study: Thessaly, Central Greece
Authors: Tzabiras John , Loukas Athanasios , Vasiliades Lampros
Published: January 2017

Multiple linear regression is used to downscale large-scale outputs from CGCM2 (second generation CGCM of Canadian centre for climate monitoring and analysis) and ECHAM5 (developed at the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology), statistically to regional precipitation over the Thessaly region, Greece. Mean monthly precipitation data for the historical period Oct.1960-Sep.2002 derived from 79 rain gauges were spatially interpolated using a geostatistical approach over the region of Thessaly, which was divided into 128 grid cells of 10 km × 10 km. The methodology is based on multiple regression of large scale GCM predictant variables with observed precipitation and the application of a stochastic time series model for precipitation residuals simulation (white noise). The methodology was developed for historical period (Oct.1960–Sep.1990) and validated against observed monthly precipitation for period (Oct.1990–Sep.2002). The downscaled proposed methodology was used to calculate the standardized precipitation index (SPI) at various timescales (3-month, 6-month, 9-month, 12-month, 24-month) in order to estimate climate change effects on droughts. Various evaluation statistics were calculated in order to validate the process and the results showed that the method is efficient in SPI reproduction but the level of uncertainty is quite high due to its stochastic component.
Comparison of MODIS 250 m products for early corn yield predictions: a case study in Vojvodina, Serbia
Authors: Govedarica Miro , Jovanović Dušan , Sabo Filip , Borisov Mirko , Vrtunski Milan , Alargić Ivan
Published: January 2017

The aim of the paper is to compare Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (
The effect of test dose and first IR stimulation temperature on post-IR IRSL measurements of rock slices
Authors: Liu Jinfeng , Murray Andrew , Sohbati Reza , Jain Mayank
Published: January 2017

Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) is increasingly applied to the dating of rock surfaces. There is at present no practical way of separating pure minerals (quartz and feldspar) from hard rocks for OSL measurement without losing the grain-size dependent dosimetric information and there is little information about the performance of the single-aliquot regeneration-dose (SAR) measurement protocol on the post-infrared infrared stimulated luminescence (pIRIR) signals from rock slices. The latter is investigated here. Our data indicate that there is a systematic increase in dose response curve saturation (or Do) with test dose size when the regeneration doses are first given in increasing order, and then decreasing order. This trend disappears if these orders are reversed. The reproducibility of dose response curves is dependent on the size of the test dose (poorer for small test dose). For rock slices given a saturation dose in the laboratory, it is observed that the sensitivity corrected pIRIR290 signal lies close to saturation level of the dose response curve, for first IR stimulation at temperatures between 50 and 250°C. However, the pIRIR290 signal from naturally saturated slices lies close to the laboratory saturation levels only for higher first IR stimulation temperatures e.g. 200°C or 250°C. Our data confirm earlier suggestions based on sand-grain measurements that, for older samples, accurate measurements close to saturation require that a higher first IR temperature is used.
Ingannevoli come monete false. I κίβδηλοι χρησμοί in Erodoto
Authors: Ingarao Giovanni
Published: January 2017

Herodotus uses the adjective κίβδηλος only three times in order to refer to a misleading prophecy of the Delphic oracle. Once, that is the episode of the Spartan liberation of Athens from the tyrants (V, 91), the deceit is clear because we are told that the Pythia was corrupted. The other two occurrences, i. e. the prophecy the Spartans receive about the conquest of the Arcadia and the one that Croesus obtains about the Persians, are more problematic, but in both cases the expansionism of the characters have a catastrophic outcome. The analysis of the occurrences of κίβδηλος in previous, contemporary or slightly later texts shows the extremely negative meaning of this adjective: a fraudulent alteration of the reality is often implied. Traces of disillusion emerge from the narration: people that are anxious to possess always more and more clash with the intrigues of the Delphic god and are finally forced to face the difficulty to know in advance what only the experience can teach.
Surface foraging in Scapanus moles
Authors: Dinets Vladimir
Published: January 2017

Some mole genera, including Scapanus of western North America, are usually considered to be fully fossorial. I present data showing that surface foraging is used by adults of all four Scapanus species, and evidence that such foraging is not a particularly rare behavior. Scapanus moles forage on the surface when leaf litter is wet and does not produce much noise; they also move slowly, remain within a small area, and usually forage in places with dense cover. These adaptations decrease the risk of predation and make surface foraging behavior difficult to detect for human observers. Numerous unpublished and a few published observations suggest that many, if not all, species in other “fully fossorial” mole genera forage on the surface at least occasionally. This is true not just for true moles (Talpidae), but also for unrelated, but convergently similar golden (Chrysotalpidae) and marsupial (Notoryctidae) moles. Apparently, surface foraging is too important for fossorial insectivores to be completely lost even in the most fossorial taxa.
Crystal structure of N,N-dimethyl-N′-(2-methyl-4-oxo-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrobenzo[4,5]thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3(4H)-yl)formimidamide, C14H18N4OS
Authors: Al-Jaeed Nada , Lahsasni Siham , Ghabbour Hazem A. , El-Sayed Nahed N. E.
Published: January 2017

C14H18N4OS, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 15.479(4) Å, b = 13.203(3) Å, c = 7.3147(17) Å, β = 99.385(7)°, V = 1474.9(6) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt(F) = 0.070, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.197, T = 296(2).
Work Integration Social Enterprises in Switzerland
Authors: Adam Stefan , Avilés Gregorio , Ferrari Domenico , Amstutz Jeremias , Crivelli Luca , Enrico Cavedon , Gafner Anja , Greppi Spartaco , Schmitz Daniela , Wüthrich Bernadette , Zoebeli Daniel
Published: January 2017

The article aims to present the Swiss landscape of work integration social enterprises (WISEs). The origins of SEs are rooted within three distinct social security regimes, i. e. disability insurance, unemployment insurance and social assistance. The debate around SE has a longer tradition in the French-speaking part of the country, while it seems more recent in the German-speaking area. The literature review presented in this article allowed for identifying at least five definitions of the WISE model emerging from Swiss civil society. The heterogeneity of their normative elements reflects different conceptions about the positioning of SE in the market, its resources mix, the integration goals and the wage models for the disadvantaged workers. This article draws on a recent empirical survey from which some key-figures concerning the size of the WISE sector have been estimated. Descriptive statistics on legal forms, profit allocation, target-groups, integration goals, remuneration models, economic sectors and the competitive nature of WISEs are provided. By means of a cluster analysis, four models of SE have been identified. The article concludes with a discussion of some of the major issues around the future development of the sector.
Initial survey on fresh fruit and vegetable
preferences of Neumayer Station crew members:
Input to crop selection and psychological benefits
of space-based plant production systems
Authors: Mauerer M. , Schubert D. , Zabel P. , Bamsey M. , Kohlberg E. , Mengedoht D.
Published: January 2017

The inclusion of higher plants in bio-regenerative
life support systems has been suggested to contribute
to a nutritious menu, increase food acceptability and
provide psychological benefits to the crew. In 2017, the
EDEN ISS project will deploy a greenhouse module to
the Neumayer Station III in Antarctica. This system will
be used to advance bio-regenerative life support system
technologies and operations. An initial survey was
conducted to improve crop selection for the EDEN ISS
greenhouse module by further investigating the aspects
of food acceptability and psychological benefits of crop
cultivation. Former members of the overwintering crews of
the three Neumayer stations were asked about their fresh
food and vegetable preferences and about further aspects
concerning Antarctic plant production. Results confirm the
benefits of growing higher plants in isolated and confined
environments and offer insight on the importance of crop
selection aspects like taste, texture, pungency and colour.
Redistribution of iron ions in porous ferrisilicates during redox treatments
Authors: Lázár Károly
Published: January 2017

Relocation of iron ions in microporous Fe-FER, (Al+Fe)-FER, Fe-MFI (FER: ferrierite, MFI: silicalite) and in mesoporous Fe-MCM-41 ferrisilicate (MCM: Mobile Crystalline Material) samples was followed during redox treatments primarily by tool of the in situ Mössbauer spectroscopy. Coexistence of various Fe3+ and Fe2+ species is demonstrated. In microporous Fe-FER and Fe-MFI existence of combined μ-oxo iron dimers, Fe3+
FW-O-Fe2+
EFW can be proposed. The presence of these dimers can easily be correlated with catalytic effect shown in certain oxidation processes. Structural rearrangement can also be revealed in mesoporous Fe-MCM-41 which result in improvement of catalytic performance in CO oxidation.