bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subsea Production System (SPS) - A Solution to Marginal Offshore Fields Development in the West African Waters
Authors: Umofia A. , Kolios A
Published: July 2014

Globally, the search for hydrocarbon is witnessing a dramatic shift from the land and swamp terrain to the offshore frontier with significant challenges in terms of technology requirements, safety, reliability and economics. The challenges become more apparent in offshore marginal fields where operators struggle with cutting edge technological demands, high CAPEX, lean reservoir and a possible poor return on investment (ROI).

The last two decades have seen a huge increase in the application of subsea systems as the preferred concept for offshore production of oil and gas. Subsea is a term generally used to refer to equipment, technology, and methods employed to explore, drill, and develop oil and gas fields that exist below the sea bed.

This paper explores the use of subsea production systems (SPS) as a possible solution to marginal field developments in West African waters. An SPS case study for marginal fields developed with a floating system is analysed and compared to other offshore development concepts from applicable equipment's, schedule to CAPEX and OPEX considerations.
Abundant Variation of Waxy Gene in Yunnan Rice Landraces and Molecular Characterization of a Novel Wxzm Allele
Authors: Chen Hong , Shan Jia , Yang Kun , Wang Yun‐Yue , Lu Chun‐Ming
Published: July 2014

Waxy is the key gene that controls the apparent amylose content (AC) in rice (Oryza sativa L.) endosperm. In this study three allele‐specific polymerase chain reaction (AS‐PCR) primer sets for Wxmq and Wxop/hp were developed that provided new markers for determining and selecting targeted Waxy alleles. The AC determination and AS‐PCR results indicated abundant AC variation and extremely rich Waxy allelic diversity in Yunnan rice landraces such that 70 Waxy alleles were detected in 404 landraces. For nonglutinous rice, association analysis showed that only two of the seven Waxy functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were significantly correlated to AC variance. The intron 1 splice site (In1) explained 3.45% and all seven sites explained 9.79% of the total AC variance, respectively, which were much less compared to previous studies. A novel Wxzm allele with a nonsynonymous C to T transition at E10ZM site located at 2134 bp of exon 10 was characterized from a glutinous landrace Zimi. This transition led to a Leu to Phe substitution at the glycosyl transferases domain of granule‐bound starch synthase I (GBSSI), which was highly conserved in Poaceae crops. Protein analysis showed that Zimi had similar endosperm GBSSI accumulation as other nonglutinous landraces but its activity was dramatically decreased, indicating that this Leu residue was critical for the glycosyl transfer activity of GBSSI. The characterization of Wxzm revealed a new mechanism for rice glutinous formation and suggested multiple origins of the rice glutinous phenotype.
Subsurface‐Applied Tailored Water: Combining Nutrient Benefits with Efficient Turfgrass Irrigation
Authors: Sevostianova Elena , Leinauer Bernd
Published: July 2014

Irrigating turfgrass with treated effluent water has become a common practice in response to shrinking supplies of potable water. Newly developed decentralized water treatment systems produce recycled water containing varying quantities of N on short notice. Using such tailored water to irrigate turf areas would reduce or eliminate the need for additional mineral fertilizers if concentrations of nitrate in the water were raised during the growing season to meet the annual N requirement. On the basis of our estimates, in order for turfgrasses to receive their entire annual N requirements (20 to 25 g N m−2 yr−1) solely from effluent irrigation, nitrogen concentrations in irrigation water would need to range from as low as 11 mg L−1 for arid regions with a 12‐mo growing season to more than 50 mg L−1 in areas with only a 6‐mo growing season. Furthermore, tailored water should be applied with advanced irrigation systems with high distribution uniformity to minimize nitrate leaching. Subsurface irrigation systems distribute water more efficiently and uniformly and minimize human exposure to treated effluent, which would help dispel negative public perceptions regarding the use of effluent to irrigate public turf areas. As the use of treated effluent for turfgrass irrigation continues to increase, the idea of adjustable nutrient content in irrigation water combined with a subsurface irrigation delivery system could become an important means to sustainably maintain much‐needed urban green spaces.
Evaluation of barrier materials for removing pollutants from groundwater rich in natural organic matter
Authors: Kozyatnyk I. , Haglund P. , Lövgren L. , Tysklind M. , Gustafsson A. , Törneman N.
Published: July 2014

Permeable barriers are used for passive remediation of groundwater and can be constructed from a range of materials. The optimal material depends on the types of contaminants and physico-chemical parameters present at the site, as well as the hydraulic conductivity, environmental safety, availability, cost and long-term stability of the material itself. The aim of the presented study was to test a number of materials for their ability to remove heavy metals and organic pollutants from groundwater with a high (140 mg L−1) content of natural organic matter (NOM). The following materials were included in the study: sand, peat, fly ash, iron powder, lignin and combinations thereof. Polluted water was fed into glass columns loaded with each sorbent and the contaminant removal efficiency of the material was evaluated through chemical analysis of the percolate. Materials based on fly ash and zero-valent iron were found to be the most effective for heavy metal removal, while fly ash and peat were the most effective for removing aliphatic compounds. Filtration through lignin and peat led to leaching of NOM. Although the leaching decreased over time, it remained high throughout the experiments. The results indicate that remediation of contaminated land at disused industrial sites is a complex task that often requires the use of mixed materials or a minimum of two sequential barriers.
Linking the management of urban watersheds with the impacts on the receiving water bodies: the use of flow duration curves
Authors: Petrucci Guido , Rodriguez Fabrice , Deroubaix José-Frédéric , Tassin Bruno
Published: July 2014

There is growing evidence that changes in the current hydrological behaviour of urbanising catchments are a major source of impacts on the downstream water bodies. However, current flow-rates are rarely considered in studies on urban stormwater management, usually focused on extreme flow-rates. We argue that taking into account receiving water bodies is possible with relatively small modifications in current practices of urban stormwater modelling, through the use of Flow duration curves (FDCs). In this paper, we discuss advantages and requirements of the use of FDCs. Then, we present an example of application comparing source control regulations over an urbanised catchment (178 ha) in Nantes, France.
Elimination of Chromium (VI) and Cadmium(II) from Aqueous Solutions by Adsorption onto Olive Stones
Authors: Rouibah Karima , Meniai Abdeslam-Hassen , Tahar Rouibah Mohamed , Deffous Lazhar , Bencheikh Lehocine Mossaab
Published: July 2014

The present study concerns the test of olive stones as an adsorbent for removing Cd(II) and Cr(VI) from
aqueous solutions. The experimental elimination of the two cations was carried out batchwise and the influence of certain
physico-chemical parameters such as the contact time, the pH of the solution, the temperature, the solid to liquid ratio, the
agitation speed were also considered. The equilibrium adsorption capacity of the olive stones for the case of Cr(VI)
followed the Langmuir model, whereas for the Cd(II) cations, the two models i.e. Langmuir and Freundlich were equally
representative. The adsorption process was found to be of pseudo second order and the rate constants were determined for
both cations. The Gibbs free energy sign was negative for the adsorption of both cations, indicating that the process was
spontaneous. Finally the olive stones retained chromium more than cadmium, but at optimal conditions, high removal
percentages were reached, for both cations.
Analysis of measurement error in direct and transformer-operated measurement systems for electric energy and maximum power measurement
Authors: Puzovic Slavisa , Koprivica Branko , Milovanovic Alenka , Djekic Milic
Published: July 2014

Analysis of error in measuring electric energy and maximum power within
direct and half-indirect measurement system at the voltage of 0.4kV is
presented in the paper. The analysis involved all the elements of the
measurement system, i.e. calibration and testing of the transformer-operated
and direct digital energy meters and measuring current transformers. This
equipment was also used for measurements in the transformer substation aiming
at error analysis at measurements made under the real conditions. The results
obtained show significant negative measurement error introduced by the energy
meters under overload conditions. Energy meters have lower values of both the
consumed electric energy and maximum power in this operating mode, which can
be interpreted as a loss.
Automatic prosody generation in a text-to-speech system for Hebrew
Authors: Popovic Branislav , Knezevic Dragan , Secujski Milan , Pekar Darko
Published: July 2014

The paper presents the module for automatic prosody generation within a
system for automatic synthesis of high-quality speech based on arbitrary text
in Hebrew. The high quality of synthesis is due to the high accuracy of
automatic prosody generation, enabling the introduction of elements of
natural sentence prosody of Hebrew. Automatic morphological annotation of
text is based on the application of an expert algorithm relying on
transformational rules. Syntactic-prosodic parsing is also rule based, while
the generation of the acoustic representation of prosodic features is based
on classification and regression trees. A tree structure generated during the
training phase enables accurate prediction of the acoustic representatives of
prosody, namely, durations of phonetic segments as well as temporal evolution
of fundamental frequency and energy. Such an approach to automatic prosody
generation has lead to an improvement in the quality of synthesized speech,
as confirmed by listening tests.
Teachers’ ratings of the informativeness and usefulness of cognitive assessment reports: Does dynamic assessment make a difference?
Authors: Vulic Ivana , Altaras-Dimitrijevic Ana , Jolic-Marjanovic Zorana
Published: July 2014

Dynamic assessment is presumed to reveal specific difficulties in cognitive
problem solving and determine the kinds of support which may aid in
overcoming them. In the present study we examined whether these additional
data provided by dynamic assessment contribute to the informativeness and
usefulness of assessment reports, as rated by teachers. In the preliminary
phase, nine preschoolers were tested with the adapted Serbian WISC,
containing an additional block of dynamic assessment. In the main phase, two
groups of elementary teachers (Nstat= 41, Ndyn= 44) rated the
informativeness, usefulness, and clarity of reports based on either static,
or static+dynamic assessment of three children from the preliminary sample.
The results indicate a significant positive effect of dynamic assessment on
teachers? ratings of the informativeness of reports (particularly regarding
the child?s reactions to adult scuffolding) and their combined ratings of
several aspects of the reports? usefulness. The reports did not differ with
respect to clarity, and their informativeness and usefulness were generally
rated very high. The findings thus provide empirical support for the proposed
advantages of dynamic assessment, encourage its use in assessing school
readiness, and urge school psychologists to regularly inform teachers on
their observations from both static and dynamic cognitive assessment.
The perceptions of creativity and creative potentials of future kindergarten and class teachers
Authors: Milovanovic Radmila , Kopas-Vukasinovic Emina
Published: July 2014

Research studies on teaching practice have shown that not enough attention is
paid to the problem of children?s creativity development in our schools in
spite of the fact that the development of creative potentials in preschool
institutions and school figures as one of the priority educational tasks. The
perceptions of creativity and creative potentials of future kindergarten and
class teachers can serve as an important basis for encouraging the
development of their professional competences. This research was aimed at
examining students? knowledge and beliefs on creativity, obtaining
self-assessment of their own creative potentials and determining the level of
expression of students? creativity based on their abilities of creative
problem-solving. The sample included the students of the Faculty of
Pedagogical Sciences in Jagodina and Teacher Training College in Vranje
(N=300). For examining students? creative potentials we used the Epstein
Creativity Competences Inventory and a version of the Saugstad & Rahaim
Problem Solving Tests. Research results have confirmed that students possess
the knowledge and the beliefs compatible with the modern scientific beliefs
on creativity. They assess their own creative potentials as very high and
they do possess them. The obtained results can serve as a better foundation
for working with students towards fostering the development of their creative
potentials and professional competences.
Dietary Sodium Intake in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Provenzano Laura Ferreira , Stark Sue , Steenkiste Ann , Piraino Beth , Sevick Mary Ann
Published: July 2014

IN BRIEF

Patients with type 2 diabetes have an increased risk for cardiovascular and chronic kidney disease. Superimposed hypertension further increases the risk and is associated with increased dietary sodium intake. There are few data available on dietary sodium intake in type 2 diabetes. The aim of this study was to quantify dietary sodium intake in a cohort of self-referred patients with type 2 diabetes and to identify sociodemographic characteristics associated with it. Sodium intake in this cohort was far greater than current recommendations. Increased awareness of sodium intake in this population might lead to target interventions to reduce sodium intake and potentially improve long-term outcomes.
Temporal Variations of CAT, GSH, and LPO in Gills and Livers of Zebrafish, Danio Rerio, Exposed to Dimethoate
Authors: Ansari Shabnam , Ansari Badre Alam
Published: July 2014

Pesticides are designed to kill a very wide range of undesirable organisms, but they simultaneously adversely affect non-target organisms in ecosystems. Dimethoate is an organophosphorous insecticide used widely in agriculture that has an anticholinesterase mode of action. The goal of the study was to assess the effects of dimethoate on catalase, reduced glutathione, and lipid peroxidation in the gills and livers of zebrafish, Danio rerio (Hamilton), exposed to different concentrations of the pesticide for different periods of time. Insecticidal stress caused a reduction in catalase activity and reduced glutathione levels in zebrafish gills and livers. There was also increased lipid peroxidation in both organs. Alterations in all parameters were concentration and time dependent. The probable causes are discussed.
Amino Acid Profile in Juvenile Pikeperch (Sander Lucioperca (L.)) - Impact of Supplementing Feed With Yeast Extract
Authors: Jarmołowicz Sylwia , Zakęś Zdzisław
Published: July 2014

The European pikeperch, Sander lucioperca (L.) is a valuable species in aquaculture, and its nutritious meat is highly regarded by consumers. The contents of indispensable dietary amino acids (IDAA) in pikeperch fillets is higher than in other fish species and exceed the adult recommended daily allowance of them. Increasingly, the fish meal and soya protein components of fish feed are being replaced with protein from brewer's yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The aim of this study was to determine the fatty acid profiles of juvenile pikeperch fed feeds supplemented with yeast extract and to determine the IDAA requirements of this species using the ideal protein method. It was demonstrated that supplementing feed with yeast extract did not have a significant impact on nutrient accumulation in the fish. Pikeperch requirements for exogenous amino acids is similar to that of rainbow trout at 26.2 g 100 g-1protein. Commercial feeds used in pikeperch culture contain sufficient quantities of essential amino acids.
Cyclical Changes in Interrenal and Chromaffin Cells in Relation to Testicular Activity of Olive Barb, Puntius Sarana (Hamilton)
Authors: Chakrabarti Padmanabha , Ghosh Saroj Kumar
Published: July 2014

The present study focused on observations of the histological status of adrenocortical tissues and the correlated seasonal changes in testicular activities in Puntius sarana (Hamilton). Interrenal and chromaffin cells were located in the head kidney between the posterior cardinal vein and hemopoietic tissues. Various male germ cells were identified in the testis based on distinctive features, distribution, and staining properties. The cytoplasmic features and the architecture of the interrenal and chromaffin cells varied during different phases of the annual reproductive cycle. The cytoplasm mass was elevated throughout maturation and spawning phases; however, it was weak in the post-spawning and growth phases. The staining intensity changed in the cells showing various phases of secretory efficiency harmonized with the constitution of different testicular cells.
Secret Image Sharing Scheme Based on a Boolean Operation
Authors: Nag Amitava , Biswas Sushanta , Sarkar Debasree , Sarka Partha Pratim
Published: July 2014

Traditionally extensive researches have been done on secret image sharing which support the fault tolerance property. But their reconstruction complexity is high. Some research papers on secret image sharing are also available with smaller reconstruction complexity, due to the use of a Boolean operation. But these research works lack the fault tolerance property which is the heart of secret sharing. This paper deals with a general (k, n) secret image sharing scheme for gray scale images with both low reconstruction complexity and preservation of the fault tolerance property. Moreover, the proposed sharing generation technique can also be applied on colour images.
A Way for Low Ranking Matrices and its Stochastic Computations Using Monte Carlo Method
Authors: Fathi-Vajargah Behrouz , Jahanbin Ateyeh
Published: July 2014

We present approximation theory of matrices based on its low ranking and stochastic computation. Finally, based on our introduced algorithm, we show the performance of these approximations to evaluate the desired results.
A Novel Multivariate Generalized Skew-Normal Distribution with Two Parameters BGSNn, m (λ1, λ2)
Authors: Fathi B. , Hasanalipour P.
Published: July 2014

In this paper we first introduce a new class of multivariate generalized asymmetric skew-normal distributions with two parameters λ1,λ2
that we present it by BGSNn, m (λ1,λ2), and we finally obtain some special properties of BGSNnm(λ1,λ2).
Contribution to the Knowledge of the Lichen Biota of Bolivia. 6
Authors: Flakus Adam , Sipman Harrie J. M. , Rodriguez Flakus Pamela , Schiefelbein Ulf , Jabłońska Agnieszka , Kukwa Martin , Oset Magdalena
Published: July 2014

This paper presents new data on the geographic distribution of 84 lichen species in Bolivia. Bulbothrix chowoensis (Hale) Hale is new to South America. Twenty-five species are new national records: Chaenotheca confusa Tibell, Cora bovei Speg., C. reticulifera Vain., Dictyonema obscuratum Lücking, Spielmann & Marcelli, Gassicurtia ferruginascens (Malme) Marbach & Kalb, Haematomma subinnatum (Malme) Kalb & Staiger, Malmidea badimioides (M. Cáceres & Lücking) M. Cáceres & Kalb, Maronea constans (Nyl.) Hepp, Menegazzia subsimilis (H. Magn.) R. Sant., Myelochroa lindmanii (Lynge) Elix & Hale, Parmotrema commensuratum (Hale) Hale, P. conformatum (Vain.) Hale, P. disparile (Nyl.) Hale, P. machupicchuense Kurok., P. mordenii (Hale) Hale, P. praesorediosum (Nyl.) Hale, P. submarginale (Michx.) DePriest & B. W. Hale, P. viridiflavum (Hale) Hale, P. wainioi (A. L. Sm.) Hale, P. xanthinum (Müll. Arg.) Hale, P. yodae (Kurok.) Hale, Protoparmelia multifera (Nyl.) Kantvilas, Papong & Lumbsch, Ramboldia haematites (Fée) Kalb, Lumbsch & Elix, Solorina spongiosa (Ach.) Anzi and Stigmatochroma metaleptodes (Nyl.) Marbach. Notes on distribution and chemistry are provided.
Effect of Apple and Rosehip Pomaces on Colour, Total Phenolics and Antioxidant Activity of Corn Extruded Snacks
Authors: Drożdż Wioletta , Tomaszewska-Ciosk Ewa , Zdybel Ewa , Boruczkowska Hanna , Boruczkowski Tomasz , Regiec Piotr
Published: July 2014

Extrusion cooking technology was applied for obtaining corn extrudates fortified with various level (10-20%) of rosehip pomace powder or apple pomace powder. The total polyphenols content, antioxidant activities (ABTS), organoleptic properties and colour of the extrudates were determined.

Pomace addition increased the level of total polyphenols content and antioxidant activity in obtained corn - pomace extrudates, especially in samples enriched with rosehip pomace. Extrudates with 20% of rosehip pomace addition characterized the highest polyphenols content and antioxidant activity. Only the slight decrease of some quality features - shape and size, taste and fl avour, structure and colour of obtained extrudates was observed. Sample with fruit pomace addition showed increasing consistency evaluation. The extruded products by utilising fruit by-products got good evaluation of panelists and can be an excellent source of bioactive compounds in the daily human diet.
The Influence of Technological PVD Process Parameters on the Topography, Crystal and Molecular Structure of Nanocomposite Films Containing Palladium Nanograins
Authors: Rymarczyk Joanna , Czerwosz Elżbieta , Kozłowski Mirosław , Dłużewski Piotr , Kowalski Wojciech
Published: July 2014

The paper describes the preparation and characteristics of films composed of Pd nanograins placed in carbonaceous matrix. Films were obtained in PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) process from two sources containing: the first one - fullerene powder and the second one - palladium acetate. The topographical, morphological and structural changes due to different parameters of PVD process were studied with the use of Atomic Force Microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy, whereas the structure was studied with the application of the Transmission Electron Microscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy methods. It was shown that topographical changes are connected with the decomposition ratio of Pd acetate as well as the form of carbonaceous matrix formed due to this decomposition. Palladium nanograins found in all films exhibit the fcc structure type and their diameter changes from 2 nm to 40 nm depending on the PVD process parameters.
Comparison of a Wooden House and a Porous Concrete Masonry House
Authors: Ďurica Pavol , Badurové Silvia , Časnocha Peter
Published: July 2014

This paper deals with an evaluation of an existing wooden panel house and its comparison with alternative material composition (porous concrete masonry house). The criteria for evaluation are the energy performance, size of the usable area, environmental impact and final costs.
V-Y anoplasty for iatrogenic anal stenosis: our initial experience in BSMMU
Authors: Sheikh SH , Jahan I , Rahman MR , Matubber MM , Taher A , Rahman ASMM , Naznin N , Faruque O
Published: July 2014

To date, ideal surgical management of anal stenosis has not been well defined. Different surgical options have been described in literature to treat anal stricture starting from partial lateral internal sphincterotomy to different flap anoplasties. For severe anal stenosis, advancement flaps are the only option and all the techniques show good result and patient satisfaction. We treated five cases of severe anal stenosis by V-Y anoplasty in Colorectal Surgery Unit of BSMMU. Here we have shown the clinical outcome of V- Y anoplas DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v42i2.18986 Bangladesh Med J. 2013 May; 42 (2): 51-54
Effects of lumbar corset on the patients with lumbar spondylosis
Authors: Islam MT , Shakoor MA , Emran MA , Islam KMT , Nobi MG , Elahi F , Alam M , Shawly MR
Published: July 2014

This experimental study was done in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University to find out the effects of lumbar corset on the patients with lumbar spondylosis. Ninety seven patients were selected in the study. Out of them 40(41.24%) were male and 57(58.76%) were female. The male to female ratio was 1:1.42. The mean age was 41.22 ± 8.52 years. The patients were divided into two groups, 50 patients in group A ( Treated with NSAID, activities of daily living instructions and lumbar corset) and another 47 patients in group B (Treated with NSAID and activities of daily living instructions only ). In both the groups, patients were treated for six weeks and assessed at 7 days interval. Improvement was noticed in both the groups in every visit but there was no difference in improvement between the groups till 4th week of treatment. At the end of treatment group A showed statistically significant difference in overall improvement in comparison to group B. So, from the present study, it may be concluded that lumbar corset is beneficial to the patients with lumbar spondylosis. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v42i2.18987 Bangladesh Med J. 2013 May; 42 (2): 55-59
A Leprosy patient who was abandoned by his friends, family and society
Authors: Habib A
Published: July 2014

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v42i2.18990 Bangladesh Med J. 2013 May; 42 (2): 70
The teenage scientist revolutionizing cancer detection
Authors: Hossain SMK
Published: July 2014

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v42i2.18991 Bangladesh Med J. 2013 May; 42 (2): 71
Preparation and Characterization of Lead-Free (K0.5Na0.5)NbO3-LiNbO3 and (K0.5Na0.5)NbO3-LiTaO3 Ferroelectric Single Crystals
Authors: Chu Tao , He Chao , Tailor Hamel , Long Xifa
Published: July 2014

Lead-free (K0.5Na0.5)NbO3-LiNbO3 (KNN-LN) and (K0.5Na0.5)NbO3-LiTaO3 (KNN-LT) ferroelectric single crystals, with the dimensions of 11 ´ 11 ´ 5 mm3 and 5 ´ 5 ´ 3 mm3, were grown successfully using the top-seeded solution growth (TSSG) method, respectively. The crystal structures were analyzed by means of X-ray diffraction, showing orthorhombic symmetry for KNN-LN single crystals and coexistence of orthorhombic and tetragonal symmetry for KNN-LT single crystals at room temperature. The orthorhombic-tetragonal (TO-T) and tetragonal-cubic (TC) phase transition temperatures are 195 °C and 420 °C for the KNN-LN single crystals, and 130 °C and 280 °C for KNN-LT single crystals, respectively. The remnant polarization (Pr) is 27.8 μC/cm2 with a coercive ﬁeld (Ec) of 17 kV/cm for KNN-LT single crystals. The two single crystals showed 90° domains with layers in (parallel) straight lines, while KNN-LT single crystals have a larger domain region. The actual stoichiometry deviates easily from the original composition in the process of crystal growth, thus, an appropriate nominal composition and optimized crystal growth method is desired to get high-quality crystals in the future.
High-Q Defect-Free 2D Photonic Crystal Cavity from Random Localised Disorder
Authors: Chung Kelvin , Karle Timothy , Rajasekharan Ranjith , De Sterke C. , Tomljenovic-Hanic Snjezana
Published: July 2014

We propose a high-Q photonic crystal cavity formed by introducing random disorder to the central region of an otherwise defect-free photonic crystal slab (PhC). Three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain simulations determine the frequency, quality factor, Q, and modal volume, V, of the localized modes formed by the disorder. Relatively large Purcell factors of 500–800 are calculated for these cavities, which can be achieved for a large range of degrees of disorders.
Design of a GIS-Based Web Application for Simulating Biofuel Feedstock Yields
Authors: Prilepova Olga , Hart Quinn , Merz Justin , Parker Nathan , Bandaru Varaprasad , Jenkins Bryan
Published: July 2014

Short rotation woody crops (SRWC), such as hybrid poplar, have the potential to serve as a valuable feedstock for cellulosic biofuels. Spatial estimates of biomass yields under different management regimes are required for assisting stakeholders in making better management decisions and to establish viable woody cropping systems for biofuel production. To support stakeholders in their management decisions, we have developed a GIS-based web interface using a modified 3PG model for spatially predicting poplar biomass yields under different management and climate conditions in the U.S. Pacific Northwest region. The application is implemented with standard HTML5 components, allowing its use in a modern browser and dynamically adjusting to the client screen size and device. In addition, cloud storage of the results makes them accessible on any Internet-enabled device. The web interface appears simple, but is powerful in parameter manipulation and in visualizing and sharing the results. Overall, this application comprises dynamic features that enable users to run SRWC crop growth simulations based on GIS information and contributes significantly to choosing appropriate feedstock growing locations, anticipating the desired physiological properties of the feedstock and incorporating the management and policy analysis needed for growing hybrid poplar plantations.
Diurnal Profiles of Melatonin Synthesis-Related Indoles, Catecholamines and Their Metabolites in the Duck Pineal Organ
Authors: Lewczuk Bogdan , Ziółkowska Natalia , Prusik Magdalena , Przybylska-Gornowicz Barbara
Published: July 2014

This study characterizes the diurnal profiles of ten melatonin synthesis-related indoles, the quantitative relations between these compounds, and daily variations in the contents of catecholamines and their metabolites in the domestic duck pineal organ. Fourteen-week-old birds, which were reared under a 12L:12D cycle, were killed at two-hour intervals. The indole contents were measured using HPLC with fluorescence detection, whereas the levels of catecholamines and their metabolites were measured using HPLC with electrochemical detection. All indole contents, except for tryptophan, showed significant diurnal variations. The 5-hydroxytryptophan level was approximately two-fold higher during the scotophase than during the photophase. The serotonin content increased during the first half of the photophase, remained elevated for approximately 10 h and then rapidly decreased in the middle of the scotophase. N-acetylserotonin showed the most prominent changes, with a more than 15-fold increase at night. The melatonin cycle demonstrated only an approximately 5-fold difference between the peak and nadir. The 5-methoxytryptamine content was markedly elevated during the scotophase. The 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid, 5-hydroxytryptophol, 5-methoxyindole acetic acid and 5-methoxytryptophol profiles were analogous to the serotonin rhythm. The norepinephrine and dopamine contents showed no significant changes. The DOPA, DOPAC and homovanillic acid levels were higher during the scotophase than during the photophase. Vanillylmandelic acid showed the opposite rhythm, with an elevated level during the daytime.
Welcome Message from the Editor-in-Chief
Authors: Perlin David
Published: July 2014

Fungi are one of the most important and diverse groups of organisms on the planet, having a dual impact on humanity. They adversely impact human and animal health and can be a scourge to agriculture, while in turn serving as a beneficial source for foods and beverages, new medications, and biocontrol. There are approximately 1.5 million different species of fungi on Earth, which largely reside in soil and plant. They are also readily found on human skin and within the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tract, yet only about 300 species are known to make people sick [1,2]. Fungi are bountiful in the environment and we encounter them everyday, usually in the form of freely dispersed spores and hyphal fragments that we breath-in. Typically, encounters with fungi are harmless, as the human immune systems is well poised to handle such interactions. However, some fungal species pose significant health risks, such as endemic mycoses or those producing toxins like mycotoxins. Most importantly, immune dysfunction can lead to serious life-threatening diseases or severe fungal-induced allergic diseases such as asthma or other chronic conditions [3]. In fact, most invasive fungal diseases are associated with changes in the host such as immunosuppression, antibiotic-mediated disruption of microflora, or other immunosuppressing conditions resulting from HIV/AIDS and hematologic malignancies [3,4]. Such diseases require therapy with antifungal agents. Yet, there are only limited classes available to treat invasive fungal infection, and emerging drug resistance further restricts treatment options. In some cases, agents used to control agriculturally important moulds are the same class as those used to treat humans, and de novo resistance can emerge from the environment [5]. Fungi are not always easy to detect and cryptic chronic infections in the form of unculturable organisms can confound diagnosis [6]. [...]
Pharmaceuticals—Special Issue on Radiopharmaceutical Chemistry between Imaging and Endoradiotherapy
Authors: Kopka Klaus
Published: July 2014

The fields of molecular biology, immunology and genetics have generated many important developments that advance the understanding of the induction and progression of oncological, cardiological and neurological diseases as well as the identification of disease-associated molecules and drugs that specifically target diseased cells during therapy. These insights have triggered the development of targeted radiopharmaceuticals which open up a new dimension of radiopharmaceutical sciences in nuclear medicine. Radiopharmaceuticals, also called radiotracers, are radiolabelled molecules, bearing a “radioactive lantern”, and used as molecular probes to address clinically relevant biological targets such as receptors, enzymes, transport systems and others. Positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) realised in the en-vogue hybrid technologies PET/CT, SPECT/CT and PET/MRI represent the state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging technologies in nuclear medicine which are used to follow the trace of the administered radiopharmaceutical noninvasively thereby in vivo visualising and assessing biological processes at the subcellular and molecular level in a highly sensitive manner. In this connexion novel radiopharmaceuticals for the noninvasive molecular imaging of early disease states and monitoring of treatment responses in vivo by means of PET/CT, SPECT/CT and PET/MRI are indispensable prerequisites to further advance and strengthen the unique competence of radiopharmaceutical sciences. In the era of personalised medicine the diagnostic potential of radiopharmaceuticals is directly linked to a subsequent individual therapeutic approach called endoradiotherapy. Depending on the “radioactive lantern” (gamma or particle emitter) used for radiolabelling of the respective tracer molecule, the field of Radiopharmaceutical Chemistry can contribute to the set-up of an “in vivo theranostic” approach especially in tumour patients by offering tailor-made (radio)chemical entities labelled either with a diagnostic or a therapeutic radionuclide. [...]
Early Inflammatory Responses following Cell Grafting in the CNS Trigger Activation of the Subventricular Zone: A Proposed Model of Sequential Cellular Events
Authors: Praet Jelle , Santermans Eva , Daans Jasmijn , Le Blon Debbie , Hoornaert Chloé , Goossens Herman , Hens Niel , Van Der Linden Annemie , Berneman Zwi , Ponsaerts Peter
Published: July 2014

While multiple rodent preclinical studies, and to a lesser extent human clinical trials, claim the feasibility, safety, and potential clinical benefit of cell grafting in the central nervous system (CNS), currently only little convincing knowledge exists regarding the actual fate of the grafted cells and their effect on the surrounding environment (or vice versa). Our preceding studies already indicated that only a minor fraction of the initially grafted cell population survives the grafting process, while the surviving cell population becomes invaded by highly activated microglia/macrophages and surrounded by reactive astrogliosis. In the current study, we further elaborate on early cellular and inflammatory events following syngeneic grafting of eGFP mouse embryonic fibroblasts (mEFs) in the CNS of immunocompetent mice. Based on obtained quantitative histological data, we here propose a detailed mathematically derived working model that sequentially comprises hypoxia-induced apoptosis of grafted mEFs, neutrophil invasion, neoangiogenesis, microglia/macrophage recruitment, astrogliosis, and eventually survival of a limited number of grafted mEFs. Simultaneously, we observed that the cellular events following mEF grafting activates the subventricular zone neural stem and progenitor cell compartment. This proposed model therefore further contributes to our understanding of cell graft-induced cellular responses and will eventually allow for successful manipulation of this intervention.
The Influence of Caffeine on Calorics and Cervical Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials (cVEMPs)
Authors: McNerney Kathleen , Coad Mary Lou , Burkard Robert
Published: July 2014

Background:Prior to undergoing vestibular function testing, it is not uncommon for clinicians to request that patients abstain from caffeine 24 hr prior to the administration of the tests. However, there is little evidence that caffeine affects vestibular function.Purpose:To
evaluate whether the results from two tests commonly used in a clinical setting to assess vestibular function (i.e., calorics and the cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential [cVEMP]) are affected by caffeine.Research Design:Subjects were tested with and without consuming a moderate
amount of caffeine prior to undergoing calorics and cVEMPs.Study Sample:Thirty young healthy controls (mean = 23.28 yr; females = 21). Subjects were excluded if they reported any history of vestibular/balance impairment.Data Collection and Analysis:The Variotherm Plus Caloric
Irrigator was used to administer the water, while the I-Portal VNG software was used to collect and analyze subjects’ eye movements. The TECA Evoked Potential System was used for the cVEMP stimulus presentation as well as for the data collection. During cVEMP collection, subjects were
asked to monitor their sternocleidomastoid muscle contraction with a Delsys EMG monitor. IBM SPSS Statistics 20 was used to statistically analyze the results via paired t-tests.Results:Analysis of the data revealed that ingestion of caffeine did not significantly influence the
results of either test of vestibular function.Conclusions:The results revealed that a moderate amount of caffeine does not have a clinically significant effect on the results from caloric and cVEMP tests in young healthy adults. Future research is necessary to determine whether similar
results would be obtained from individuals with a vestibular impairment, as well as older adults.
Joint Damage Progression in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis in Clinical Remission. Do Biologics Perform Better Than Synthetic Antirheumatic Drugs?
Authors: Ciubotariu Elena , Gabay Cem , Finckh Axel
Published: July 2014

Objective.

Randomized controlled studies have demonstrated protective advantages of biologic therapies over the synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD) in slowing joint damage progression in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This effect appears to be largely independent of the clinical disease control. We measured the rate of radiographic progression in patients with RA in clinical remission treated with synthetic versus biologic DMARD.

Methods.

This is an observational cohort study of patients with RA in clinical remission, nested within the Swiss Clinical Quality Management in Rheumatoid Arthritis (SCQM-RA) Registry. The primary study outcome was the rate of radiographic progression (Ratingen erosion score), and a secondary outcome was functional disability [Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI)] progression. We compared the rate of progression between synthetic and biologic DMARD using a multivariate regression model for longitudinal data, adjusting for potential confounders.

Results.

A total of 2055 patients in the SCQM-RA registry were in remission at least once from 1999 to 2012 and met the study inclusion criteria. Baseline characteristics of patients in remission receiving synthetic and biologic DMARD were not significantly different in terms of prognostic factors for joint damage progression. During followup, erosion progression differed significantly between the 2 groups [1.4% (95% CI: 1.1–1.6) vs 0.9% (95% CI: 0.5–1.2) of progression over 3 years, respectively, p < 0.001], with less damage progression in patients treated with biologic DMARD than with synthetic DMARD. This difference remained significant after adjusting for confounding factors. The evolution of the HAQ-DI score was also statistically better in the biologic group (p < 0.001).

Conclusion.

This observational study confirms that the rate of structural damage progression in clinical remission is decreased taking biologics compared to synthetic DMARD. However, while the difference is statistically significant it is probably not relevant from a clinical perspective.
Consistently Good Clinical Response in Patients with Early Axial Spondyloarthritis After 3 Years of Continuous Treatment with Etanercept: Longterm Data of the ESTHER Trial
Authors: Song In-Ho , Hermann Kay-Geert , Haibel Hildrun , Althoff Christian E. , Poddubnyy Denis , Listing Joachim , Weiß Anja , Buß Beate , Freundlich Bruce , Lange Ekkehard , Alten Rieke , Rudwaleit Martin , Sieper Joachim
Published: July 2014

Objective.

In patients with early active axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) with a disease duration of < 5 years, the longterm efficacy of 3 years of continuous etanercept (ETN) treatment was assessed.

Methods.

In a previously reported ESTHER trial, patients with axSpA were randomized to treatment with ETN (n = 40) versus sulfasalazine (SSZ; n = 36) in the first year. We analyzed the clinical, laboratory, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) response in the pooled dataset of patients (study population; n = 61), including patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS, n = 31) and nonradiographic axSpA (nr-axSpA, n = 30) who were continuously treated with ETN for 3 consecutive years. Data were analyzed using the last observation carried forward and completer analysis.

Results.

In the entire group of patients in the study population (n = 61), the mean Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) decreased from 5.7 (± 1.3) at baseline to 2.6 (± 2.4) at Year 3. The Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) decreased from 3.4 (± 0.8) to 1.5 (± 1.0). Also, mean values for MRI spine and sacroiliac joint scores showed a significant decrease. Response rates in the nr-axSpA group were similar and at least as good compared to the AS group for all outcome measures. When comparing remission stages, we found that ASDAS inactive disease correlated better with C-reactive protein and MRI remission than with Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society partial remission.

Conclusion.

There was a consistent and sustained clinical response in patients with early axSpA treated with ETN over 3 years. ClinicalTrials.gov registration number NCT00844142.
The Potential of Political Changes in the Information Age
Authors: Alahmed Anas
Published: July 2014

In non-democratic societies new media social networks have played a significant role in changing political and social positions, not necessarily through real life but, instead, through cyber life. This chapter examines how Saudi activists challenge the political authority and how Saudi citizens took advantage of publicity by demanding political change. All of this happened due to social networks and new media, which allowed citizens to mobilize information for the sake of transparency. This was a new phenomenon in Saudi Arabia. The current young generation of Saudis, who use the Internet and social networking sites, played a significant role in the public sphere by making use of the space available to them within cyberspace. This chapter discusses the potential of political information to flourish in Saudi Arabia. It examines how and why citizen activism in Saudi Arabia can be effective. The chapter also shows that social networking activities have the power to change political decisions and society.
A New Republic of Letters?
Authors: Kane John , Patapan Haig
Published: July 2014

Advances in information and communication technology seem to promise a revolution in politics. Social media appear to overcome the perceived limitations of representative democracy, allowing more direct and democratic politics less influenced by “elites.” In this chapter, the authors note the nature of this promised revolution, arguing that e-democratic politics and its hopes of democratizing political authority have in large measure not succeeded. Social media have, however, inaugurated a different form of e-politics, one that attempts to democratize knowledge or perhaps wisdom. Blogging, YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter all provide new forms of communication and seem to promise a new Republic of Letters with revolutionary potential. Will the new Republic of Letters prove to be more successful than e-democracy? The chapter examines the nature of the old Republic of Letters and its fate, and in the light of that, assesses the promise of technological innovations in communication to alter the nature of modern politics.
Information needs for the OR and PACU electronic medical record
Authors: Herasevich V. , Hebl J.R. , Brown M.J. , Pickering B.W. , Ellsworth M.A.
Published: July 2014

Objective: The amount of clinical information that anesthesia providers encounter creates an environment for information overload and medical error. In an effort to create more efficient OR and PACU EMR viewer platforms, we aimed to better understand the intraoperative and post-anesthesia clinical information needs among anesthesia providers.

Materials and Methods: A web-based survey to evaluate 75 clinical data items was created and distributed to all anesthesia providers at our institution. Participants were asked to rate the importance of each data item in helping them make routine clinical decisions in the OR and PACU settings.

Results: There were 107 survey responses with distribution throughout all clinical roles. 84% of the data items fell within the top 2 proportional quarters in the OR setting compared to only 65% in the PACU. Thirty of the 75 items (40%) received an absolutely necessary rating by more than half of the respondents for the OR setting as opposed to only 19 of the 75 items (25%) in the PACU. Only 1 item was rated by more than 20% of respondents as not needed in the OR compared to 20 data items (27%) in the PACU.

Conclusion: Anesthesia providers demonstrate a larger need for EMR data to help guide clinical decision making in the OR as compared to the PACU. When creating EMR platforms for these settings it is important to understand and include data items providers deem the most clinically useful. Minimizing the less relevant data items helps prevent information overload and reduces the risk for medical error.

Citation: Herasevich V, Ellsworth MA, Hebl JR, Brown MJ, Pickering BW. Information needs for the OR and PACU electronic medical record. Appl Clin Inf 2014; 5: 630–641

http://dx.doi.org/10.4338/ACI-2014-02-RA-0015