bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reliability of Performance-Based Clinical Measurements to Assess Shoulder Girdle Kinematics and Positioning: Systematic Review
Authors: D'hondt Norman E. , Kiers Henri , Pool Jan J.M. , Hacquebord Sijmen T. , Terwee Caroline B. , Veeger Dirkjan (H.E.J.)
Published: September 2016

Background

Deviant shoulder girdle movement is suggested as an eminent factor in the etiology of shoulder pain. Reliable measurements of shoulder girdle kinematics are a prerequisite for optimizing clinical management strategies.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability, measurement error, and internal consistency of measurements with performance-based clinical tests for shoulder girdle kinematics and positioning in patients with shoulder pain.

Data Sources

The MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus databases were systematically searched from inception to August 2015.

Study Selection

Articles published in Dutch, English, or German were included if they involved the evaluation of at least one of the measurement properties of interest.

Data Extraction

Two reviewers independently evaluated the methodological quality per studied measurement property with the 4-point-rating scale of the COSMIN (COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments) checklist, extracted data, and assessed the adequacy of the measurement properties.

Data Synthesis

Forty studies comprising more than 30 clinical tests were included. Actual reported measurements of the tests were categorized into: (1) positional measurement methods, (2) measurement methods to determine dynamic characteristics, and (3) tests to diagnose impairments of shoulder girdle function. Best evidence synthesis of the tests was performed per measurement for each measurement property.

Limitations

All studies had significant limitations, including incongruence between test description and actual reported measurements and a lack of reporting on minimal important change. In general, the methodological quality of the selected studies was fair to poor.

Conclusions

High-quality evidence indicates that measurements obtained with the Modified Scapular Assistance Test are not reliable for clinical use. Sound recommendations for the use of other tests could not be made due to inadequate evidence. Across studies, diversity in description, performance, and interpretation of similar tests was present, and different criteria were used to establish similar diagnoses, mostly without taking into account a clinically meaningful context. Consequently, these tests lack face validity, which hampers their clinical use. Further research on validity and how to integrate a clinically meaningful context of movement into clinical tests is warranted.
Registration of ‘Kardia’, a Two‐Rowed Spring Food Barley
Authors: Hu G. , Evans C. P. , Satterfield K. , Ellberg S. , Marshall J. M. , Obert D. E.
Published: August 2016

‘Kardia’ (Reg. No. CV‐360, PI 675999), a two‐rowed spring hulled food barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) cultivar developed by the USDA‐ARS, Aberdeen, ID, in cooperation with the University of Idaho Agricultural Experiment Station, was released in 2015. Kardia is derived from the cross 03AH3054/98Ab12019’ and was advanced through bulk pedigree F1– F5. Kardia was tested at the USDA‐ARS and all other cooperative trials as line 2Ab09‐X06F084‐51. Kardia tested across 40 location years and has shown better yield in irrigated condition and similar yield in dryland comparing to the current two‐rowed spring hulled food barley cultivar check ‘Salute’, but it has lower yield than ‘Baronesse’, a feed barley check. Kardia, however, has shown significantly higher β‐glucan content than Salute. Kardia could be a good hulled cultivar and a better alternative than Salute in the food barley production market.
AI and the future of operating systems
Authors: Bura Stéphane
Published: September 2016

The current generation of Operating Systems (OSes) and apps are all about translating the interaction vocabulary to a smaller device and a touch screen. The next generation of OSes that will dominate the next twenty years of computing will be all about translating the apps and the interaction so that it leverages the AI capabilities of the device and that the AI leverages the data of the user. This paper will discuss the paradigm shift in operating systems.
A smart access to global innovation networks
Authors: Magnier Pascal
Published: September 2016

In today’s networked age, managing access to expertise is becoming a strategic issue for innovative companies. The digital economy and Big Data are changing the shape of accessing global expertise. Global competition means that large firms can no longer assume that all the expertise they need is available within their own walls, or even within their own countries. To face this growing challenge, organizations of all sizes need a new generation of tools to identify, understand, compare, recommend, and capitalize on their company’s networks. By combining impactful data with a collaborative workflow, Expernova helps companies to structure their open innovation processes and access the best expertise worldwide so that they may capitalize on a global network.
The evolving U.S. policy environment for open research data
Authors: Joseph Heather
Published: September 2016

This paper presents a brief overview of emerging policies to open up access to research data in the United States. It provides a summary of the drivers behind policy development, outlines some key precedents that serve as a foundation for an emerging research data policy framework, examines the latest policies and suggests a few ways that the academic and research communities can work to ensure that these policies continue to evolve in a direction that actively supports the best interests of the research enterprise.
Development of one electrode type pH sensor measuring in microscopic region
Authors: Tsuchiya Kazuyoshi , Aljarf Saad Mohammad , Kaneko Daiki , Kajiwara Kagemasa , Kimura Minoru
Published: August 2016

pH sensors are used to measure pH of solvents changed by a chemical reaction in a beaker. Those pH sensors are created by the glass electrode approach, which has a glass thin film of approximately 0.05 [mm] at the bottom, and source electrode, which has a liquid interchange at the bottom; in addition, a silver chloride electrode was included in each electrode. Because of the complex construction, the size increases, hence it is important to downsize the pH sensor in ex-change to monitor pH in microscopic measurement, for instance cells. Nonetheless, it is complicated to create a smaller sized in the glass electrode method; KCl solution is used as an internal liquid of the glass electrode and the source electrode. Hence, in this paper, the solid type of one electrode approach without an internal liquid as a new pH measuring method is proposed. An antimony electrode (as a working electrode) creates the one electrode approach and an Ag/AgIO3 electrode (as a source electrode) deposited on the surface with Sb/Sb2O3 and SiO2 thin film (as an insulator) of the functioning electrode. Thus, the proposed sensor is a reliable sensor; therefore, the coefficient of determination between them shows more than 0.98.
Human motion caption with vision and inertial sensors for hand/arm robot teleoperation
Authors: Kobayashi Futoshi , Kitabayashi Keiichi , Shimizu Kai , Nakamoto Hiroyuki , Kojima Fumio
Published: August 2016

The multi-fingered robot hand has much attention in various fields. Many robot hands have been proposed so far. A teleoperation system for the hand/arm robot allows intuitive manipulation of the hand/arm robot. This paper deals with a motion capture system for controlling the hand/arm robot remotely. Here, we use vision and inertial sensors simultaneously in order to detect the position and the posture of an operator's arm and hand.
Effects of saline solution on the electrical characteristics of spiral coils for implantable wireless power transfer
Authors: Matsui Daigo , Oga Satohiro , Kyoso Masaki , Kiryu Shogo , Shimatani Yuichi
Published: August 2016

Several types of small spiral coils were made as receiver coils for wireless power-transmission to the implantable medical devices. The electrical characteristics of the coils were tested in the air and the physiological saline solution under the similar ionic condition to the body fluid. Both of the effective inductance and the effective loss were increased in the saline in the range of tested frequency. In the saline, relationship between the operating frequency and the effective inductance closely fitted to the equation curve derived from a simple circuit model that includes a stray capacitance component. The values of capacitance estimated from the curve fittings were proportional to the surface area of the coil.
Objectively Assessed Physical Activity and its Association with Balance, Physical Function and Dyskinesia in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Nero Håkan , Benka Wallén Martin , Franzén Erika , Conradsson David , Ståhle Agneta , Hagströmer Maria
Published: September 2016

Background: The desirable effects of physical activity in individuals with Parkinson’s disease are well-known, although according to results from previous studies factors associated with objectively assessed physical activity are not fully investigated.

Objective: To investigate demographic, disease-related and mobility-related factors that associate with objectively measured physical activity, in a sample of older adults with mild to moderate Parkinson’s disease.

Methods: Demographic, disease-related and mobility-related factors were gathered by interview from a total of 91 older adults with Parkinson’s disease, followed by an evaluation of balance control using the Mini-BESTest. After initial testing, participants wore a tri-axial accelerometer during a week of free-living. Correlation analysis and multiple linear regression was used to investigate factors associated with total PA, represented by total activity counts, and time in brisk walking.

Results: Motor impairment, physical function, body mass index and dyskinesia contributed to the variance of total physical activity, explaining 34 % of the variance, while physical function and balance control were significant factors associated with brisk walking, explaining 22 %.

Conclusions: This study identified factors that have not been shown to associate with objectively measured physical activity previously, such as dyskinesia, balance control and self-rated physical function. The findings also demonstrated that associated factors differ, depending on the activity behavior being investigated. However, other factors than those included in this study may also be of importance.
Professional ethics in complementary and alternative medicines in management of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Kim Hee Jin , Jeon Beomseok , Chung Sun Ju
Published: September 2016

The practice of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is not, at present, considered an integral part of conventional medicine. As the popularity of CAM grows and access to information about CAM increases through the media and internet where CAMs are often promoted, patients are at risk of exposure unvalidated information. Therefore, there is a need for physicians to examine objectively the efficacy and safety of CAM, compare it with current medications, and become actively involved in the CAM treatment with patients. In accordance with these needs, this manuscript reviews the utility, scientific evidence, safety and cost-effectiveness of CAM in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease (PD). We also address the ethical issues of CAM practices.
Extensive use of vasodilator agents and functional echocardiography to monitor extremely-low-birth-weight infants in Japan
Authors: Miyata M. , Toyoshima K. , Yoda H. , Murase M. , Kawato H. , Yamamoto K. , Tanaka K. , Kotani M. , Kobayashi M.
Published: August 2016

National surveys were conducted in Japan to assess the current practices for circulatory management of extremely-low-birth-weight infants (ELBWIs) in acute phases. Approximately 80 and 100 institutions were surveyed in 2006 and 2011, respectively. Echocardiography was identified as an important diagnostic tool at 95% of the surveyed institutions. Furthermore, 74% of the institutions survey in 2011 used vasodilator agents. In 2011, the mean velocity of circumferential fiber shortening (mVcfc) and left ventricular end-systolic wall stress (ESWS) were used by 60% of the surveyed institutions to evaluate the relationship between afterload of the left ventricle and left ventricular contractility. Overall, the data collected from these national surveys clarified the current practices for circulatory management of ELBWIs in Japan, particularly the use of echocardiography and cardiovascular agents, including catecholamines and vasodilators.
Cord blood lead level in an urban inner-city hospital
Authors: Chawla S. , Elbakoush F. , Natarajan G. , Dwaihy M. , Berry A. , Ravindranath Y. , Bhambhani K. , Narayan S.B.
Published: August 2016

Lead levels were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) in umbilical cord blood samples of 150 neonates in an urban inner-city hospital. The mean (SD) gestation and birth weight of our cohort were 38.8 (1.7) weeks and 3,217 (519) grams. There were 89% African-Americans, 53% males and 79% were born via vaginal delivery. Mean (SD) maternal age was 24.5 (5.8) years. History of drug abuse and smoking was reported in 8.7% and 10.7% respectively, with only 1 mother reporting a history of high lead level in childhood. Prenatal vitamin intake was reported in 99.3%. Cord blood lead level was available in 144 patients, with lead level of <1μg/dL seen in 141 (97.9%) and>1 in 3 (2.1%) patients. No patient had cord blood lead level of >2μg/dL. High lead levels during childhood in high-risk urban population, however, suggest the need for intensive efforts for prevention of environmental exposure to lead in early childhood.
Changes in Ripening Associated Biochemical and Enzymatic Characteristics of Late Season Mango (Mangifera indica, L.) of Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain M. A.
Published: September 2016

Mango is the most important fruit in Bangladesh because of its great utility, characteristic flavor, pleasant aroma and nutritional values, but short shelf life limits its export potentiality to earn foreign currency. To identify the key factors associated with ripening process of late season mango, we comparatively analyzed the unripe (mature green) and ripe fruit of late season mango (Ashwina variety).  The starch, reducing sugar (RS), vitamin-C and total titratable acidity (TA) were significantly higher at the unripe stage than that at the ripening stage. The total sugar (TS), non-reducing sugar (NRS), total soluble solid (TSS) and total phenol (PC) were found to be lower at unripe stage than that of the levels of respective parameters at ripen stage. Enzymatic analysis showed that the activity of ?-hexosaminidase increased 13-folds at ripen stage than that at mature stage, while the activity of ?-mannosidase, polyphenol oxidase, ?-galactosidase and ?-glucanase increased moderately; again amylase and invertase activity decreased, suggesting that ?-hexosaminidase is a biomarker enzyme that predominantly associated with the ripening of Ashwina mango.
An Epigenomic Approach to Improving Response to Neoadjuvant Cisplatin Chemotherapy in Bladder Cancer
Authors: Xylinas Evanguelos , Hassler Melanie , Zhuang Dazhong , Krzywinski Martin , Erdem Zeynep , Robinson Brian , Elemento Olivier , Clozel Thomas , Shariat Shahrokh
Published: September 2016

Bladder cancer is among the five most common cancers diagnosed in the Western world and causes significant mortality and morbidity rates in affected patients. Therapeutic options to treat the disease in advanced muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) include cystectomy and chemotherapy. Neoadjuvant cisplatin-based combination chemotherapy is effective in MIBC; however, it has not been widely adopted by the community. One reason is that many patients do not respond to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and no biomarker currently exists to identify these patients. It is also not clear whether a strategy to sensitize chemoresistant patients may exist. We sought to identify cisplatin-resistance patterns in preclinical models of bladder cancer, and test whether treatment with the epigenetic modifier decitabine is able to sensitize cisplatin-resistant bladder cancer cell lines. Using a screening approach in cisplatin-resistant bladder cancer cell lines, we identified dysregulated genes by RNA sequencing (RNAseq) and DNA methylation assays. DNA methylation analysis of tumors from 18 patients receiving cisplatin-based chemotherapy was used to confirm in vitro results. Cisplatin-resistant bladder cancer cells were treated with decitabine to investigate epigenetic sensitization of resistant cell lines. Our results show that HOXA9 promoter methylation status is associated with response to cisplatin-based chemotherapy in bladder cancer cell lines and in metastatic bladder cancer. Bladder cancer cells resistant to cisplatin chemotherapy can be sensitized to cisplatin by the DNA methylation inhibitor decitabine. Our data suggest that HOXA9 promoter methylation could serve as potential predictive biomarker and decitabine might sensitize resistant tumors in patients receiving cisplatin-based chemotherapy.
Entropy Complexity and Stability of a Nonlinear Dynamic Game Model with Two Delays
Authors: Han Zhihui , Ma Junhai , Si Fengshan , Ren Wenbo
Published: August 2016

In this paper, a duopoly game model with double delays in hydropower market is established, and the research focus on the influence of time delay parameter on the complexity of the system. Firstly, we established a game model for the enterprises considering both the current and the historical output when making decisions. Secondly, the existence and stability of Hopf bifurcation are analyzed, and the conditions and main conclusions of Hopf bifurcation are given. Thirdly, numerical simulation and analysis are carried out to verify the conclusions of the theoretical analysis. The effect of delay parameter on the stability of the system is simulated by a bifurcation diagram, the Lyapunov exponent, and an entropic diagram; in addition, the stability region of the system is given by a 2D parameter bifurcation diagram and a 3D parameter bifurcation diagram. Finally, the method of delayed feedback control is used to control the chaotic system. The research results can provide a guideline for enterprise decision-making.
Towards a Better Molecular Diagnosis of FMR1-Related Disorders—A Multiyear Experience from a Reference Lab
Authors: Rzońca Sylwia , Gos Monika , Szopa Daniel , Sielska-Rotblum Danuta , Landowska Aleksandra , Szpecht-Potocka Agnieszka , Milewski Michał , Czekajska Jolanta , Abramowicz Anna , Obersztyn Ewa , Maciejko Dorota , Mazurczak Tadeusz , Bal Jerzy
Published: September 2016

The article summarizes over 20 years of experience of a reference lab in fragile X mental retardation 1 gene (FMR1) molecular analysis in the molecular diagnosis of fragile X spectrum disorders. This includes fragile X syndrome (FXS), fragile X-associated primary ovarian insufficiency (FXPOI) and fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS), which are three different clinical conditions with the same molecular background. They are all associated with an expansion of CGG repeats in the 5′UTR of FMR1 gene. Until 2016, the FMR1 gene was tested in 9185 individuals with the pre-screening PCR, supplemented with Southern blot analysis and/or Triplet Repeat Primed PCR based method. This approach allowed us to confirm the diagnosis of FXS, FXPOI FXTAS in 636/9131 (6.96%), 4/43 (9.3%) and 3/11 (27.3%) of the studied cases, respectively. Moreover, the FXS carrier status was established in 389 individuals. The technical aspect of the molecular analysis is very important in diagnosis of FXS-related disorders. The new methods were subsequently implemented in our laboratory. This allowed the significance of the Southern blot technique to be decreased until its complete withdrawal. Our experience points out the necessity of implementation of the GeneScan based methods to simplify the testing procedure as well as to obtain more information for the patient, especially if TP-PCR based methods are used.
Validation of Type 2 Diabetes Risk Variants Identified by Genome-Wide Association Studies in Northern Han Chinese
Authors: Rao Ping , Zhou Yong , Ge Si-Qi , Wang An-Xin , Yu Xin-Wei , Alzain Mohamed , Veronica Andrea , Qiu Jing , Song Man-Shu , Zhang Jie , Wang Hao , Fang Hong-Hong , Gao Qing , Wang You-Xin , Wang Wei
Published: August 2016

Background: More than 60 genetic susceptibility loci associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have been established in populations of Asian and European ancestry. Given ethnic differences and environmental factors, validation of the effects of genetic risk variants with reported associations identified by Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWASs) is essential. The study aims at evaluating the associations of T2DM with 29 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from 19 candidate genes derived from GWASs in a northern Han Chinese population. Method: In this case-control study, 461 T2DM-diagnosed patients and 434 controls were recruited at the Jidong oil field hospital (Hebei, China) from January 2009 to October 2013. A cumulative genetic risk score (cGRS) was calculated by summation of the number of risk alleles, and a weight GRS (wGRS) was calculated as the sum of risk alleles at each locus multiplied by their effect sizes for T2DM, using the independent variants selected. Result: The allelic frequency of the “A” allele at rs17106184 (Fas-associated factor 1, FAF1) was significantly higher in the T2DM patients than that of the healthy controls (11.7% vs. 6.4%, p < 0.001). Individuals in the highestquartile of wGRS had an over three-fold increased risk for developing T2DM compared with those in the lowest quartile (odds ratio = 3.06, 95% CI = 1.92–4.88, p < 0.001) adjusted for age, sex, BMI, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). The results were similar when analyzed with the cGRS. Conclusions: We confirmed the association between rs17106184 (FAF1) and T2DM in a northern Han Chinese population. The GRS calculated based on T2DM susceptibility variants may be a useful tool for predicting the T2DM susceptibility.
Neighborhood Landscape Spatial Patterns and Land Surface Temperature: An Empirical Study on Single-Family Residential Areas in Austin, Texas
Authors: Kim Jun-Hyun , Gu Donghwan , Sohn Wonmin , Kil Sung-Ho , Kim Hwanyong , Lee Dong-Kun
Published: September 2016

Rapid urbanization has accelerated land use and land cover changes, and generated the urban heat island effect (UHI). Previous studies have reported positive effects of neighborhood landscapes on mitigating urban surface temperatures. However, the influence of neighborhood landscape spatial patterns on enhancing cooling effects has not yet been fully investigated. The main objective of this study was to assess the relationships between neighborhood landscape spatial patterns and land surface temperatures (LST) by using multi-regression models considering spatial autocorrelation issues. To measure the influence of neighborhood landscape spatial patterns on LST, this study analyzed neighborhood environments of 15,862 single-family houses in Austin, Texas, USA. Using aerial photos, geographic information systems (GIS), and remote sensing, FRAGSTATS was employed to calculate values of several landscape indices used to measure neighborhood landscape spatial patterns. After controlling for the spatial autocorrelation effect, results showed that larger and better-connected landscape spatial patterns were positively correlated with lower LST values in neighborhoods, while more fragmented and isolated neighborhood landscape patterns were negatively related to the reduction of LST.
Assessing Land Degradation Dynamics and Distinguishing Human-Induced Changes from Climate Factors in the Three-North Shelter Forest Region of China
Authors: Huang Senwang , Kong Jiming
Published: September 2016

Land degradation is a major threat to the sustainability of human habitation, and it is essential to assess it quantitatively. Assessment of the human-induced aspect is especially important for planning appropriate prevention measures. This paper used the Three-North Shelter Forest Program region as the study area, and assessed the land degradation dynamic using a time series of summed normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) based on a trend analysis of the Theil-Sen slope and Mann-Kendall test. The human-induced land degradation was separated from degradation driven by climate using the meteorological dataset through the residual trend (RESTREND) method for the period 1982–2006. The results showed that (1) the NDVI in the study area mainly exhibited an increasing trend, approximately 13.00% of the study area experienced significantly positive NDVI trends and 6.20% showed decline. Furthermore, (2) the correlation between the summed NDVI and precipitation was higher than the correlation between NDVI and temperature, suggesting that precipitation was the most essential factor that impacted NDVI dynamic in the study area; (3) The significant trends of vegetation by anthropogenic disturbances were detected, which were significant positive and negative trends of 11.93% and 6.19%, respectively. All of these findings enrich our knowledge of human activities that impact land degradation in arid or semi-arid regions and provide a scientific basis for the management of ecological restoration programs.
Impact of Phosphate, Potassium, Yeast Extract, and Trace Metals on Chitosan and Metabolite Production by Mucor indicus
Authors: Safaei Zahra , Karimi Keikhosro , Zamani Akram
Published: August 2016

In this study the effects of phosphate, potassium, yeast extract, and trace metals on the growth of Mucor indicus and chitosan, chitin, and metabolite production by the fungus were investigated. Maximum yield of chitosan (0.32 g/g cell wall) was obtained in a phosphate-free medium. Reversely, cell growth and ethanol formation by the fungus were positively affected in the presence of phosphate. In a phosphate-free medium, the highest chitosan content (0.42 g/g cell wall) and cell growth (0.66 g/g sugar) were obtained at 2.5 g/L of KOH. Potassium concentration had no significant effect on ethanol and glycerol yields. The presence of trace metals significantly increased the chitosan yield at an optimal phosphate and potassium concentration (0.50 g/g cell wall). By contrast, production of ethanol by the fungus was negatively affected (0.33 g/g sugars). A remarkable increase in chitin and decrease in chitosan were observed in the absence of yeast extract and concentrations lower than 2 g/L. The maximum chitosan yield of 51% cell wall was obtained at 5 g/L of yeast extract when the medium contained no phosphate, 2.5 g/L KOH, and 1 mL/L trace metal solution.
Bipyrimidine Signatures as a Photoprotective Genome Strategy in G + C-rich Halophilic Archaea
Authors: Jones Daniel , Baxter Bonnie
Published: September 2016

Halophilic archaea experience high levels of ultraviolet (UV) light in their environments and demonstrate resistance to UV irradiation. DNA repair systems and carotenoids provide UV protection but do not account for the high resistance observed. Herein, we consider genomic signatures as an additional photoprotective strategy. The predominant forms of UV-induced DNA damage are cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers, most notoriously thymine dimers (T^Ts), which form at adjacent Ts. We tested whether the high G + C content seen in halophilic archaea serves a photoprotective function through limiting T nucleotides, and thus T^T lesions. However, this speculation overlooks the other bipyrimidine sequences, all of which capable of forming photolesions to varying degrees. Therefore, we designed a program to determine the frequencies of the four bipyrimidine pairs (5’ to 3’: TT, TC, CT, and CC) within genomes of halophilic archaea and four other randomized sample groups for comparison. The outputs for each sampled genome were weighted by the intrinsic photoreactivities of each dinucleotide pair. Statistical methods were employed to investigate intergroup differences. Our findings indicate that the UV-resistance seen in halophilic archaea can be attributed in part to a genomic strategy: high G + C content and the resulting bipyrimidine signature reduces the genomic photoreactivity.
Expression of Concern: Nanodimensional and Nanocrystalline Apatites and Other Calcium Orthophosphates in Biomedical Engineering, Biology and Medicine. Materials 2009, 2, 1975–2045
Authors:   Materials Editorial Office, Tabrizian Maryam
Published: September 2016

We wish to make readers aware that the text in the published paper [1] contains substantial overlap with a previous paper by the same author [2].[...]
NMR Chemical Shift Ranges of Urine Metabolites in Various Organic Solvents
Authors: Görling Benjamin , Bräse Stefan , Luy Burkhard
Published: September 2016

Signal stability is essential for reliable multivariate data analysis. Urine samples show strong variance in signal positions due to inter patient differences. Here we study the exchange of the solvent of a defined urine matrix and how it affects signal and integral stability of the urinary metabolites by NMR spectroscopy. The exchange solvents were methanol, acetonitrile, dimethyl sulfoxide, chloroform, acetone, dichloromethane, and dimethyl formamide. Some of these solvents showed promising results with a single batch of urine. To evaluate further differences between urine samples, various acid, base, and salt solutions were added in a defined way mimicking to some extent inter human differences. Corresponding chemical shift changes were monitored.
Seasonal Changes in Vitamin D-Effective UVB Availability in Europe and Associations with Population Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D
Authors: O’Neill Colette , Kazantzidis Andreas , Ryan Mary , Barber Niamh , Sempos Christopher , Durazo-Arvizu Ramon , Jorde Rolf , Grimnes Guri , Eiriksdottir Gudny , Gudnason Vilmundur , Cotch Mary , Kiely Mairead , Webb Ann , Cashman Kevin
Published: August 2016

Low vitamin D status is common in Europe. The major source of vitamin D in humans is ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced dermal synthesis of cholecalciferol, whereas food sources are believed to play a lesser role. Our objectives were to assess UVB availability (Jm−2) across several European locations ranging from 35° N to 69° N, and compare these UVB data with representative population serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) data from Ireland (51–54° N), Iceland (64° N) and Norway (69° N), as exemplars. Vitamin D-effective UVB availability was modelled for nine European countries/regions using a validated UV irradiance model. Standardized serum 25(OH)D data was accessed from the EC-funded ODIN project. The results showed that UVB availability decreased with increasing latitude (from 35° N to 69° N), while all locations exhibited significant seasonal variation in UVB. The UVB data suggested that the duration of vitamin D winters ranged from none (at 35° N) to eight months (at 69° N). The large seasonal fluctuations in serum 25(OH)D in Irish adults was much dampened in Norwegian and Icelandic adults, despite considerably lower UVB availability at these northern latitudes but with much higher vitamin D intakes. In conclusion, increasing the vitamin D intake can ameliorate the impact of low UVB availability on serum 25(OH)D status in Europe.
Role of Young Child Formulae and Supplements to Ensure Nutritional Adequacy in U.K. Young Children
Authors: Vieux Florent , Brouzes Chloé , Maillot Matthieu , Briend André , Hankard Régis , Lluch Anne , Darmon Nicole
Published: September 2016

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) states that young child formulae (YCFs) “cannot be considered as a necessity to satisfy the nutritional requirements” of children aged 12–36 months. This study quantifies the dietary changes needed to ensure nutritional adequacy in U.K. young children who consume YCFs and/or supplements and in those who do not. Dietary data from 1147 young children (aged 12–18 months) were used to identify, using linear programming models, the minimum changes needed to ensure nutritional adequacy: (i) by changing the quantities of foods initially consumed by each child (repertoire-foods); and (ii) by introducing new foods (non-repertoire-foods). Most of the children consumed neither YCFs, nor supplements (61.6%). Nutritional adequacy with repertoire-foods alone was ensured for only one child in this group, against 74.4% of the children consuming YCFs and supplement. When access to all foods was allowed, smaller food changes were required when YCFs and supplements were initially consumed than when they were not. In the total sample, the main dietary shifts needed to ensure nutritional adequacy were an increase in YCF and a decrease in cow’s milk (+226 g/day and −181 g/day, respectively). Increasing YCF and supplement consumption was the shortest way to cover the EFSA nutrient requirements of U.K. children.
Evaluation of FRP Confinement Models for Substandard Rectangular RC Columns Based on Full-Scale Reversed Cyclic Lateral Loading Tests in Strong and Weak Directions
Authors: Farrokh Ghatte Hamid , Comert Mustafa , Demir Cem , Ilki Alper
Published: September 2016

Although many theoretical and experimental studies are available on external confinement of columns using fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) jackets, as well as numerous models proposed for the axial stress-axial strain relation of concrete confined with FRP jackets, they have not been validated with a sufficient amount and variety of experimental data obtained through full-scale tests of reinforced concrete (RC) columns with different geometrical and mechanical characteristics. Particularly, no systematical experimental data have been presented on full-scale rectangular substandard RC columns subjected to reversed cyclic lateral loads along either their strong or weak axes. In this study, firstly, test results of five full-scale rectangular substandard RC columns with a cross-sectional aspect ratio of two (300 mm × 600 mm) are briefly summarized. The columns were tested under constant axial load and reversed cyclic lateral loads along their strong or weak axes before and after retrofitting with external FRP jackets. In the second stage, inelastic lateral force-displacement relationships of the columns are obtained analytically, making use of the plastic hinge assumption and different FRP confinement models available in the literature. Finally, the analytical findings are compared with the test results for both strong and weak directions of the columns. Comparisons showed that use of different models for the stress-strain relationship of FRP-confined concrete can yield significantly non-conservative or too conservative retrofit designs, particularly in terms of deformation capacity.
Estimation Accuracy on Execution Time of Run-Time Tasks in a Heterogeneous Distributed Environment
Authors: Liu Qi , Cai Weidong , Jin Dandan , Shen Jian , Fu Zhangjie , Liu Xiaodong , Linge Nigel
Published: August 2016

Distributed Computing has achieved tremendous development since cloud computing was proposed in 2006, and played a vital role promoting rapid growth of data collecting and analysis models, e.g., Internet of things, Cyber-Physical Systems, Big Data Analytics, etc. Hadoop has become a data convergence platform for sensor networks. As one of the core components, MapReduce facilitates allocating, processing and mining of collected large-scale data, where speculative execution strategies help solve straggler problems. However, there is still no efficient solution for accurate estimation on execution time of run-time tasks, which can affect task allocation and distribution in MapReduce. In this paper, task execution data have been collected and employed for the estimation. A two-phase regression (TPR) method is proposed to predict the finishing time of each task accurately. Detailed data of each task have drawn interests with detailed analysis report being made. According to the results, the prediction accuracy of concurrent tasks’ execution time can be improved, in particular for some regular jobs.
A Ground-Based Near Infrared Camera Array System for UAV Auto-Landing in GPS-Denied Environment
Authors: Yang Tao , Li Guangpo , Li Jing , Zhang Yanning , Zhang Xiaoqiang , Zhang Zhuoyue , Li Zhi
Published: August 2016

This paper proposes a novel infrared camera array guidance system with capability to track and provide real time position and speed of a fixed-wing Unmanned air vehicle (UAV) during a landing process. The system mainly include three novel parts: (1) Infrared camera array and near infrared laser lamp based cooperative long range optical imaging module; (2) Large scale outdoor camera array calibration module; and (3) Laser marker detection and 3D tracking module. Extensive automatic landing experiments with fixed-wing flight demonstrate that our infrared camera array system has the unique ability to guide the UAV landing safely and accurately in real time. Moreover, the measurement and control distance of our system is more than 1000 m. The experimental results also demonstrate that our system can be used for UAV automatic accurate landing in Global Position System (GPS)-denied environments.
Economic and Environmental Benefits of Optimized Hybrid Renewable Energy Generation Systems at Jeju National University, South Korea
Authors: Park Eunil , Han Taeil , Kim Taehyeong , Kwon Sang , Del Pobil Angel
Published: September 2016

In order to minimize the social and environmental concerns arising from the use of traditional energy resources such as fossil fuels and nuclear energy, the South Korean government has attempted to develop alternative energy resources. In particular, the large educational institutes and islands in South Korea—which have the motivation and potential to provide electrical services—are required to install renewable electricity generation facilities to reduce the burden on the local grid systems. With this trend, the current study investigates potential configurations of renewable electricity generation systems to supply the electrical demand of Jeju National University, located on the largest island in South Korea. The potential configurations suggested by the simulation results are evaluated by renewable fraction, cost of energy (COE), and total net present cost (NPC). The suggested configurations show a renewable fraction of 1.00 with COE of $0.356–$0.402 per kWh and NPC of $54,620,352–$51,795,040. Based on the results, both implications and limitations are examined.
THE Lyα–LyC CONNECTION: EVIDENCE FOR AN ENHANCED CONTRIBUTION OF UV-FAINT GALAXIES TO COSMIC REIONIZATION
Authors: Dijkstra Mark , Gronke Max , Venkatesan Aparna
Published: September 2016

The escape of ionizing Lyman continuum (LyC) photons requires the existence of low-N
H i
sightlines, which also promote escape of Lyα. We use a suite of 2500 Lyα Monte-Carlo radiative transfer simulations through models of dusty, clumpy interstellar (“multiphase”) media from Gronke & Dijkstra, and compare the escape fractions of Lyα (

) and LyC radiation (

). We find that

and

are correlated: galaxies with a low

consistently have a low

, while galaxies with a high

exhibit a large dispersion in

. We argue that there is increasing observational evidence that Lyα escapes more easily from UV-faint galaxies. The correlation between

and

then implies that UV-faint galaxies contribute more to the ionizing background than implied by the faint-end slope of the UV luminosity function. In multiphase gases, the ionizing escape fraction is most strongly affected by the cloud covering factor, f
cl, which implies that

is closely connected to the observed Lyα spectral line shape. Specifically, LyC-emitting galaxies typically having narrower, more symmetric line profiles. This prediction is qualitatively similar to that for “shell models.”
Tracking Shifts in Strategic Culture: Analyzing Counterinsurgency as a Rise of a Strategic Subculture
Authors: Karásek Tomáš
Published: September 2016

The research of strategic culture typically follows its permanent features, largely ignoring the possibility of abrupt shifts thereof. The article overcomes this deficiency by proposing a framework for analysing change in strategic culture, presuming a crucial role played by pre-existing strategic subcultures. The utility and limits of the new approach are then tested on the U.S. strategic culture after 2001, focusing specifically on the rise of counterinsurgency in connection to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Caen dans les guerres de Religion : autour de Jean Pelet, frère du gouverneur Gaspard de La Vérune (1589-1594) inhumé dans l’église du château de Caen
Authors: Dauvin Antoine
Published: September 2016

L’étude tente d’identifier un défunt enterré dans le chœur de l’église Saint-Georges de Caen en avril 1594, dont l’épitaphe se limite au nom de la seigneurie, « Messire des Perlages ». Depuis sa transcription par Georges Bouet en 1861, l’identité de ce frère du gouverneur Gaspard Pelet de La Vérune demeurait incertaine, en raison des trop nombreux nobles languedociens pouvant lui correspondre. L’hypothèse proposée s’appuie sur les sources municipales de la ville de Caen, plusieurs documents militaires concernant le château et le fonds de la famille Pelet de La Vérune, conservé aux Archives départementales de l’Hérault. L’article comprend des éléments biographiques sur ce militaire, soulignant ses actions importantes dans la défense de la ville pendant les luttes d’Henri IV contre la Ligue (1589-1594). Il explique également les circonstances de la transmission de la terre des Perlages à ce cadet du Languedoc.
Bibliothèques universitaires : le retard français ? Histoire comparée des bibliothèques universitaires de Caen et de Cardiff (1945-1980)
Authors: Féret Romain
Published: September 2016

Les comparaisons nationales entre les bibliothèques universitaires françaises et britanniques ou allemandes concluent à un retard conséquent des premières, dû à une insuffisance de moyens financiers. Cette étude s’écarte d’une approche nationale pour comparer deux bibliothèques : les bibliothèques universitaires de Caen et de Cardiff. Cela conduit à souligner les limites des comparaisons statistiques nationales en questionnant la pertinence de certains indicateurs. L’écart qui se creuse dans la qualité des services de ces deux bibliothèques ne peut pas être attribué uniquement à une insuffisance de moyens de la bibliothèque universitaire de Caen. Celle-ci a souffert d’une vision trop restrictive de ses fonctions et de son éloignement de sa communauté universitaire. La bibliothèque de l’université de Cardiff a au contraire profité d’une grande proximité avec son université pour diversifier ses services et les adapter aux évolutions de son environnement.
Understanding Online Reverse Auction Determinants of Use: A Multi-Stakeholder Case Study
Authors: Boukef Nabila , Vlaar Paul W. L. , Charki Mohamed Hédi , Bhattacherjee Anol
Published: September 2016

En dépit de l’intérêt croissant des chercheurs SI aux systèmes inter-organisationnels tels que l’échange de données électronique (EDI) et les systèmes de gestion de la chaîne logistique (SGCL), peu de recherches se sont intéressées aux enchères électroniques inversées (EEI), un système d’information inter-organisationnel largement utilisé dans les transactions électroniques inter-firmes. Cette étude a pour objectif de mettre en évidence les déterminants d’usage des EEI suivant la perspective des acheteurs et celle des fournisseurs ainsi que le rôle potentiel du contexte institutionnel à travers une étude de cas réalisée auprès d’un distributeur français. Nous avons mené 122 entretiens semi-directifs en deux phases auprès des différents membres de la communauté inter-organisationnelle (acheteurs, fournisseurs et les initiateurs de la technologie) concernés par l’utilisation des EEI. Nos résultats mettent en évidence des différences entre les acheteurs et les fournisseurs quant à leurs déterminants d’usage. Nous montrons ensuite comment un changement du contexte institutionnel peut impacter l’usage des EEI. En effet, alors que la loi n’a pas permis de remédier au climat de méfiance qui prévaut entre acheteurs et fournisseurs, elle a créé de nouvelles barrières à l’usage pour les acheteurs. Plus particulièrement, les risques de contrôle et de sanction introduits par la loi sont à l’origine de nouvelles barrières à l’utilisation des EEI pour les acheteurs. Nous contribuons à la littérature SI en montrant le rôle des capacités organisationnelles à influencer l’usage. Alors que le rôle déterminant du contexte institutionnel pour expliquer l’usage a été largement reconnu dans la littérature SI, notre compréhension de l’impact du changement du contexte institutionnel sur les déterminants de l’usage est encore limitée. Nous mettons en évidence l’étendue à laquelle la loi peut être à l’origine de la discontinuité d’usage à cause du risque perçu qu’elle introduit.
Femoral Component Revision of Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Brown Jonathon M. , Mistry Jaydev B. , Cherian Jeffrey J. , Elmallah Randa K. , Chughtai Morad , Harwin Steven F. , Mont Michael A.
Published: August 2016

Modern primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) is among the most successful operations in medicine. It has been a consistently effective treatment for end-stage osteoarthritis of the hip. With the increasing number of primary THA procedures being performed and the decreasing age of patients undergoing the procedure, there is an inevitable associated increase in revision burden for arthroplasty surgeons. Revision THA is most often indicated for instability, aseptic loosening, osteolysis, infection, periprosthetic fracture, component malposition, and catastrophic implant failure. Understanding the etiology of THA failure is essential for guiding clinical decision making. Femoral component revision presents a complex challenge to the arthroplasty surgeon because of modern implant design as well as bone loss in the proximal femur. Thorough patient evaluation, defect classification, and well-executed surgical reconstruction based on comprehensive preoperative planning may determine the postoperative results. Knowledge of various reconstructive options and the indications for each is necessary to achieve a successful outcome. This article highlights the most common indications for revision after THA and offers recommendations for how to approach revision of the femoral component. Specifically, the authors review preoperative assessment, common classification systems for femoral deficiency, techniques for component extraction, and modalities of femoral component fixation. [
Orthopedics.
2016; 39(6):e1129–e1139.]
Edificación industrial
Authors: Hidalgo Fernández-Cano Amalio
Published: September 2016

La composición arquitectónica de esta importante rama de la edificación ha alcanzado en estos últimos años gran importancia, tras haber constituido una de las principales causas del nacimiento de la nueva arquitectura. La esclavitud que impone un proceso de fabricación al proyectista del edificio es tal, que no hay modo de salvar las imposiciones funcionales. Y ese funcionalismo a ultranza, junto a la ausencia de falsos elementos decorativos superfinos, han dado por resultado la realización de una serie de ejemplos de edificación industrial de indudable valor arquitectónico.
Obras hidráulicas
Authors: Hidalgo Fernández-Cano Amalio
Published: September 2016

Dada la vital importancia de este suministro para todos los elementos de la planta siderúrgica de Avilés, antes de conocer con exactitud las necesidades totales de agua dulce se hizo un estudio completo de cantidades y calidades de agua de los ríos más próximos: Gozón, Corvera, Arlos y Magdalena, que afluyen a la ría de Avilés.
Transportes
Authors: Hidalgo Fernández-Cano Amalio
Published: September 2016

El movimiento de materiales dentro de la Factoría está atendido por tres principales medios de transporte, en consonancia con las características del material y de los desplazamientos. Así se han establecido: sistemas de cintas transportadoras, una red ferroviaria de ancho normal y una completa malla de caminos enlazando funcionalmente las instalaciones.