bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biosorption of lead by Bacillus licheniformis isolated from E-waste landfill, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
Authors: Y* Gayatri , M. Shailaja Raj , B. Vijayalakshmi
Published: January 2017

Soil, the basic resource for the life on earth is getting polluted because of the release of different contaminants into it. So, the reduction of soil pollution is the main thrust of most researchers. The contaminants include different components released from different industries and the waste is getting accumulated in the soil because of improper processing. Electronic waste is the most up growing waste in the world. As the electronic industries are progressing the waste that is produced after the usage of the products is also increasing day by day. As a result, the heavy metals which are the main components in electronic goods leach and accumulate in the soil because of informal processing procedures. Poisonous substances such as lead, tin, mercury, cadmium and barium which are the constituents of the electronic goods get discharged into the environment and cause serious health and pollution problems if the electronic waste is not processed properly. The present study focuses on biosorption of lead, an important component of many electronic goods by Bacillus licheniformis isolated from E-waste dump yard soil in Hyderabad, Telangana, India. The adsorption studies were carried out using Atomic adsorption spectrophotometer. The adsorption capability of Bacillus licheniformis with different metal concentrations ranging from 10ppm to 25ppm was analyzed and it was observed that the bacteria could reduce 74.94% of 10ppm, 78.9% of 15ppm, 83% of 20ppm and 89.39% of 25ppm lead from the medium. Temperature has a prominent role in metal adsorption by bacteria. At 310C and 370C the adsorption was high. The % of metal adsorbed at 160C was 30.56%, at 310C (Room Temperature) was 56.54 % at 370C was 58.79% and at 60 0C it was 36.31%. The present study is proposed to explore bacteria for the determination of their tolerance capacity in and around the areas of Hyderabad where heavy metal ions are leached and observe for their biotransformation capabilities.
Employment Status, Anxiety and Depression in a Municipal Context
Authors: Hiswåls Anne-Sofie , Walander Anders , Soares Joaquim , Macassa Gloria
Published: January 2017

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of anxiety and depression by employment status among a sample of the working age population residing in Gävle Municipality in Sweden.

Methods: A total of 241 persons completed a self-administered postal questionnaire in the baseline survey of the Gävle Household, Labour Market and Health Outcomes (GHOLDH) survey, which collected information on the employment status and psychological health (anxiety and depression) among persons aged 18-65 years. Descriptive and multivariate analyses were performed.

Results: The prevalence and risk of anxiety and depression were high among people who were out of work. In the multiple regression analysis, compared to employed people, those who were not employed had a risk of anxiety of 7.76 (5.97-9.75) and 4.67 (3.60-5.74) for depression.

Conclusion: The prevalence of anxiety and depression was higher among those who were out of labour market as compared to those employed. Furthermore, people who were out of work had a higher risk of anxiety and depression. The odds were slightly higher for anxiety than for depression.
New and Little Known Species of Bipassalozetes and Some Other Related Genera (Acari: Oribatida) from Russia and Kazakhstan
Authors:   Faculty of Biology,  National University of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar 21 0646, Mongolia e-mail: bayartogtokh@num. edu. mn, Bayartogtokh Badamdorj , E. Smelyansky Ilya ,   *Siberian Environmental Center; P: 0. Box 547, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia e-mail: ilya@ecoclub. nsu. ru
Published: January 2017

Oribatid mites belonging to the genera Bipassalozetes, Proteremaeus, Oribatula and Eporibatula collected from Russia and Kazakhstan are studied. A new species, Bipassalozetes pilosus sp. nov. is described. In addition, six known species, Bipassalozetes reticulatus (MihelEiE, 1957), Bipassalozets granulatus (MihelCiE, 195 5), Bipassalozetes lineolatus (Sitnikova, 1975), Proteremaeus elongatus (Rjabinin & Krivolutsky, 1975), Oribatula elegantissima Balogh & Mahunka, 1965 and Eporibatula prominens Bayartogtokh & Aoki, 1998 are redescribed, with notes on their distributions. The species Bipassalozetesgranulatus (MihelEiC), B. reticulates (MihelEiE) and Eporibatulaprominens Bayartogtokh & Aoki are recorded for the first time in the fauna of Kazakhstan, and another species, Bipassalozets granulatus (MihelEiC) is reported for the first time from Russia. Data on geographic distribution of each known species are given.
Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug milvipes Jerdon) mortality in CentralMongolia and population threats
Authors:   Department of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, National University of Mongolia,, Gombobaatar Sundev , Sumiya Damdin ,   Department of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, National University of Mongolia,, Shagdarsuren Osor ,   Department of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, National University of Mongolia,, Potapov Eugene ,   National Avian Research Institute, Falcon facility, Penllynin Farm, College Rd., Fox Nick ,   National Avian Research Institute, Falcon facility, Penllynin Farm, College Rd.
Published: January 2017

This study is important because Mongolia is the main reserve country for breeding saker falcons inthe world, where they play a key role in the steppe ecosystem as a predator of a rodent pest species. Thisis the first study to address factors influencing egg, chick and adult saker mortality in Central Mongolia.A total of 338 eggs, fresh remains and carcasses from 194 active nests in the study areas were collectedand examined. Egg, chick and adult mortality in the study areas did not differ significantly between 1998and 2004. Deserted clutches (35.1%) and infertile eggs (30.4%) were found to be the two main factorscausing reduced hatching success. Factors causing chick mortality were not significantly different eachyear. In 1998 - 2004, natural causes accounted for 61.1% of total mortality of Central Mongolian sakers.Human or anthropogenic factors explained 26.4% of all saker deaths. The main predator of chicks wasthe Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo). Chick mortality caused by cleaning raptor nests from poles and HPELpylons was 21.3%. No significant differences were found between factors influencing adult saker mortality.The highest percentage of total adult saker mortality was caused by electrocution (54%). Poisoning alsoreduced saker numbers. The number of exported sakers has dramatically increased over the last fouryears. saker numbers in Mongolia are relatively high and so trappers are increasingly concentrating onthis reserve. A harsh winter in 2002 caused decreased Brandt’s vole (Microtus brandti) numbers in twostudy areas. The number of saker breeding pairs decreased in these study areas in 2003. The results willprovide an important data source for planning saker falcon conservation strategies and activities inMongolia.
Longitudinal Associations Between Ambient Air Pollution With Insulin Sensitivity, β-Cell Function, and Adiposity in Los Angeles Latino Children
Authors: Alderete Tanya L. , Habre Rima , Toledo-Corral Claudia M. , Berhane Kiros , Chen Zhanghua , Lurmann Frederick W. , Weigensberg Marc J. , Goran Michael I. , Gilliland Frank D.
Published: January 2017

Evidence suggests that ambient air pollution (AAP) exposure may contribute to the development of obesity and type 2 diabetes. The objective of this study was to determine whether exposure to elevated concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter <2.5 (PM2.5) had adverse effects on longitudinal measures of insulin sensitivity (SI), β-cell function, and obesity in children at high risk for developing diabetes. Overweight and obese Latino children (8–15 years; n = 314) were enrolled between 2001 and 2012 from Los Angeles, CA, and followed for an average of 3.4 years (SD 3.1 years). Linear mixed-effects models were fitted to assess relationships between AAP exposure and outcomes after adjusting for covariates including body fat percent. Higher NO2 and PM2.5 were associated with a faster decline in SI and a lower SI at age 18 years, independent of adiposity. NO2 exposure negatively affected β-cell function, evidenced by a faster decline in disposition index (DI) and a lower DI at age 18 years. Higher NO2 and PM2.5 exposures over follow-up were also associated with a higher BMI at age 18 years. AAP exposure may contribute to development of type 2 diabetes through direct effects on SI and β-cell function.
ADENSAMENTO DA COMUTAÇÃO NO ARRANJO URBANO-REGIONAL LESTE CATARINENSE
Authors: Deschamps Marley Vanice , Moura Rosa , Siebert Claudia
Published: January 2017

Na chamada “metamorfose” da metropolização, metrópoles e suas aglomerações passam a conformar regiões de grande escala territorial, com limites difusos, expressando fragmentação territorial e segregação social. Redefinem-se hierarquias e relações entre cidades, enquanto emergem cidades conurbadas, com polinucleação intensa e múltipla rede de fluxos, intensificando a comutação e dando origem a uma estrutura regional em rede. Esse processo se observa nos arranjos espaciais – considerados novas formas e novos conteúdos da cidade e da aglomeração, em seus processos de reconfiguração territorial. O Leste Catarinense, arranjo espacial objeto desta análise, expressa tal metamorfose. Distingue-se por não se constituir a partir da expansão de uma metrópole, mas por articular aglomerações e centros que estreitam relações entre si, dividindo funções especializadas. Este espaço é contextualizado na análise de algumas dinâmicas, tendo como elemento articulador os movimentos pendulares da população, analisados no âmbito dos fluxos e do perfil das pessoas envolvidas. Essa análise empírica é introduzida por uma breve discussão teórica sobre este estágio da metropolização e a tendência de configuração de arranjos espaciais ainda mais complexos.PALAVRAS - CHAVE | arranjos espaciais; dinâmicas territoriais; Leste Catarinense.
NOVAS CONFIGURAÇÕES EM PERIFERIAS DE CIDADES MÉDIAS PAULISTAS: A PROLIFERAÇÃO DOS EMPREENDIMENTOS HABITACIONAIS COM CONTROLE DE ACESSO
Authors: Vallilo Siqueira Barbara , Mota Silva Sandra Regina , Siloto Silva Ricardo
Published: January 2017

Algumas modalidades de assentamentos têm se dispersado no tecido urbano periférico com a implantação de empreendimentos que apresentam determinadas peculiaridades. Tais espaços têm sido destinados ao uso habitacional de diferentes faixas socioeconômicas, porém, com prevalência dos estratos de rendas mais altas. Nesse processo de expansão urbana, a lógica baseada na dualidade centro-periferia, usualmente caracterizada por áreas centrais mais qualificadas e periferias precárias, tem sido revista. Dentre o conjunto de transformações no uso e na ocupação do solo das áreas de expansão de cidades médias paulistas, esse trabalho priorizou identificar e analisar as peculiaridades presentes na proliferação de loteamentos e condomínios habitacionais com controle de acesso. Para efeito de delimitação dos objetos de pesquisa definiu-se o período compreendido em quatro décadas, de 1970 a 2010, e as dinâmicas de expansão periférica nas cidades paulistas de São Carlos e São José do Rio Preto. Os dados obtidos indicam que a disseminação na produção dessas modalidades de empreendimentos tem reforçado processos de fragmentação social e espacial das bordas urbanas, seja pela produção de grandes espaços murados, seja pelo espraiamento horizontal e descontínuo das cidades.PALAVRAS-CHAVE | cidades médias paulistas, loteamentos fechados, condomínios horizontais, lógica centro-periferia.
Elections in Georgia in 2016 and the Perspectives of the Russian-Georgian Relations
Authors: Mukhanov V. M. , Skakov A. Y.
Published: January 2017

The article deals with the distribution of political forces before the parliamentary elections in Georgia in 2016, their process and results, their influence on the current status of the relations between Georgia and Russia. For 25 years, Georgian political system has passed a difficult way of development. By the early 2010s in fact the country had developed a one-party system on the basis of which the regime of Saakashvili was formed. However, at the parliamentary elections in 2012 the system collapsed. Contrary to numerous predictions a new political force - “Georgian Dream ” led by V Ivanishvili won. Nevertheless, the elections of 2016 has shown that the old system is recurring: the question is about the dominance of one political party without obvious ideology and program. The main advantage of “Georgian Dream” is its pragmatism and realism. The defeated political forces have tackled a situation of deep and almost desperate crisis. However, the ruling party is facing serious challenges. The Georgian economy is going through hard times. The perspectives of integration in western economic, military and political space for the country is unobvious. The relations with Russia despite some positive tendencies have some significant political constraints which every ruling political force in Georgia shall take into consideration. Diametrically opposite positions of Moscow and Tbilisi related to the problem of Abkhazia and South Ossetia do not allow to expect a fundamental change in the political dialogue which has a semi-frozen status.
Alterations in conjunctival bacteria and antimicrobial susceptibility during topical administration of ofloxacin after cataract surgery in dogs
Authors: Sandmeyer Lynne S. , Bauer Bianca S. , Mohaghegh Poor Seyed Mohammad , Feng Cindy Xin , Chirino-Trejo Manuel
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE To evaluate changes in conjunctival bacteria and antimicrobial susceptibility of bacteria after cataract surgery in dogs.

ANIMALS 16 client-owned dogs.

PROCEDURES Samples for aerobic and anaerobic culture were obtained from the conjunctival fornices of both eyes of dogs 24 hours before (week 0) and 1, 3, and 6 weeks after cataract surgery. Topical administration of ofloxacin (every 6 hours) was initiated 12 hours before surgery and continued for 3 weeks. In vitro antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion and a commercially available test for ofloxacin.

RESULTS Frequency of positive culture results was significantly higher at week 6 than at weeks 0 and 1. Bacterial load was more likely to be moderate or high at weeks 3 and 6 than at weeks 0 and 1. The most frequently cultured organism was Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (21/78 [26.9%]), followed by coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp (19/78 [24.4%]). Staphylococcus pseudintermedius was the organism most frequently cultured at weeks 0 (5/12), 1 (4/12), and 6 (8/19), whereas frequency of this organism was lowest at week 3 (1/20). In contrast, coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp were the most frequently cultured organisms at week 3 (10/20). There was a significant increase in the proportion of organisms resistant to ofloxacin at week 3, compared with the proportion at week 0.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE The number of bacterial organisms increased and the population of conjunctival bacteria was altered and had a higher proportion resistant to ofloxacin during the 6 weeks after cataract surgery for dogs treated by use of this protocol.
Measured and calculated variables of global oxygenation in healthy neonatal foals
Authors: Wong David M. , Hepworth-Warren Kate L. , Sponseller Beatrice T. , Howard Joan M. , Wang Chong
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE To assess multiple central venous and arterial blood variables that alone or in conjunction with one another reflect global oxygenation status in healthy neonatal foals.

ANIMALS 11 healthy neonatal foals.

PROCEDURES Central venous and arterial blood samples were collected from healthy neonatal foals at 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, and 96 hours after birth. Variables measured from central venous and arterial blood samples included oxygen saturation of hemoglobin, partial pressure of oxygen, lactate concentration, partial pressure of carbon dioxide, and pH. Calculated variables included venous-to-arterial carbon dioxide gap, estimated oxygen extraction ratio, ratio of partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood to the fraction of inspired oxygen, bicarbonate concentration, base excess, and blood oxygen content.

RESULTS Significant differences between arterial and central venous blood obtained from neonatal foals were detected for several variables, particularly partial pressure of oxygen, oxygen saturation of hemoglobin, and oxygen content. In addition, the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in central venous blood samples was significantly higher than the value for corresponding arterial blood samples. Several temporal differences were detected for other variables.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results of this study provided information about several variables that reflect global oxygenation in healthy neonatal foals. Values for these variables in healthy foals can allow for comparison with values for critically ill foals in future studies. Comparison of these variables between healthy and ill foals may aid in treatment decisions and prognosis of clinical outcome for critically ill foals.
Community, Viability: Theatre Past and Present
Authors: Julien Martin
Published: January 2017

This article assesses what the concepts of community and viability might mean within Canadian theatre over two generations of practitioners. The analysis considers two recorded public interview panels, consisting of four theatre professionals and a moderator, hosted by the University of Toronto. The first of these meetings dates from 1973, and the second was convened as a response to it, in 2015. Each of these panels was held for participants to reflect on the challenges faced by Canadians working in Toronto theatre, and included artistic directors, playwrights, and performers. In both panels, across decades, several overlapping areas of concern were identified. Ideas responding to ideas of community and viability were prominent in each discussion. Concepts such as nationalism and identity were contested. Can theatre workers authentically speak to, and even for, a community of people through the practice of their craft? Is a progressive theatre viable, as both a culture and a business, within an English Canadian context?
One-pot Synthesis of Novel 2-(Benzofuran-2-yl)-4-Phenylquinoline-3-Carboxylates
Authors: Gao Wentao , Fu Xinbo , Zhao Yanan , Wang Dongfang
Published: January 2017

A facile and efficient synthesis of novel ethyl 2-(benzofuran-2-yl)-4-phenylquinoline-3-carboxylates and the corresponding acids through the one-pot three-step reaction of ethyl 2-(chloromethyl)-4-phenylquinoline-3-carboxylate with a series of salicylaldehydes is described. It allows an efficient and practical access to some 2-(benzofuran-2-yl)quinolines under transition-metal-free conditions.
Convenient Catalysed Spirocyclisation of 4-(2-Carboxyethyl)Phenols
Authors: Zhou Zhong-Shi , He Xue-Han
Published: January 2017

With a catalytic amount of 1-iodopropane and a stoichiometric oxidant m-chloroperbenzoic acid, the oxidative spirocyclisation of 4-(2-carboxyethyl)phenols proceeded smoothly, providing the corresponding spirodienones in good yields. In this protocol, 1-iodopropane was first oxidised to hypoiodous acid, which then facilitated the spirocyclisation of the phenols.
Diffusion Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging of metastatic bone disease: A biomarker for treatment response monitoring
Authors: Messiou C. , deSouza N.M.
Published: January 2017

Diffusion Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging (DW-MRI) combined with conventional MRI can provide a whole body assessment of metastatic bone disease, improved lesion detection compared to other imaging techniques and a direct quantitative assessment of treatment response. In bone marrow, the presence of fat and bone trabeculae and their changing contributions with disease progression and response to treatment present unique challenges for data acquisition and image interpretation. This article discusses these challenges and reviews the potential of DW-MRI to provide a biomarker of response in metastatic bone disease.
Thymidylate synthase gene polymorphisms effecting 5-FU response in breast cancer patients
Authors: Kumar Kalyana , Vamsy Mohana , Jamil Kaiser
Published: January 2017

Our study supports the Drug-Gene Interaction principle, where patients experience adverse drug reactions (ADRs) due to genetic predisposition or due to single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in drug metabolizing genes. The target enzyme for 5- Fluorouracil is thymidylate synthase (TYMS) this enzyme is also involved in folate metabolism. We determined the frequencies of polymorphisms in drug metabolizing enzyme like TYMS and correlated the drug response in 140 breast cancer patients compared to 150 controls, using PCR and RFLP method. In our results the TYMS1494del polymorphism was statistically significant; allele frequencies for 6bp deletion and 6bp insertion were 0.85 and 0.15 in BC (Breast Cancer) patients compared with 0.95 and 0.04 in controls. The enhancer region 2R/3R heterozygote genotypes were found to be not significant for BC risk. In this study combined genotypes showed 2 fold increased risk of BC. Frequency distribution of 2R and 3R allele among BC patients was 0.85 and 0.15 and 0.95 and 0.04 in controls respectively. Correlation analysis of TYMS enhancer region polymorphisms with drug response suggested that the response was poor in BC patients with 2R/3R and 2R/2R genotypes, but patients with poor response were fewer in number, that this gene may be important in drug response. Genetic screening of the drug metabolizing enzyme like TYMS for the presence of polymorphisms in breast cancer patients will become increasingly useful in individualizing drug therapy.
Serum interleukin-8 and insulin like growth factor-1 in Egyptian bladder cancer patients
Authors: Mahmoud Moushira A. , Ali Mohamed H. , Hassoba Howayda M. , Elhadidy Gehan S.
Published: January 2017

Background:

Bladder cancer is a major health problem in Egypt as it represents the most common malignancy.

Aim:

Evaluation of the potential usefulness of serum IL-8 and IGF-1 in Egyptian bladder cancer patients.

Methods:

Serum levels of IL-8 and IGF-1 were determined in 51 bladder cancer patients and 45 controls using a chemiluminescence enzyme immunometric assay.

Results:

Serum IL-8 was significantly higher in cancer patients than in controls (P < 0.0001). It was significantly higher in patients with invasive cancer than those with superficial cancer (P < 0.01). Also, IL-8 showed a significant elevation in relation to schistosomal infection (P = 0.02) however, it did not differ in relation to either pathological type of tumor or its grade (P > 0.05). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve indicated that IL-8 cut-off value of 35 pg/mL yielded the best combination of sensitivity (71%) and specificity (98%) for differentiating patients with bladder cancer from control subjects. Serum IGF-1 levels showed no significant difference between bladder cancer patients and controls (P > 0.05). There was no relationship between IGF-1 levels and clinicopathological parameters.

Conclusions:

In Egyptian patients with bladder cancer, serum IL-8 is significantly elevated and its level is related to tumor invasion and associated schistosomal infection. Moreover, serum IGF-1 level does not help as a serum tumor marker in these patients.
Disability in Activities of Daily Living and Severity of Dyskinesias Determine the Handicap of Parkinson’s Disease Patients in Advanced Stage Selected to DBS
Authors: Coelho Miguel , Abreu Daisy , Correia-Guedes Leonor , Lobo Patricia Pita , Fabbri Margherita , Godinho Catarina , Domingos Josefa , Albuquerque Luisa , Freitas Vanda , Pereira João Miguel , Cattoni Begona , Carvalho Herculano , Reimão Sofia , Rosa Mário M. , Ferreira António Gonalves , Ferreira Joaquim J.
Published: January 2017

Background: There is scarce data on the level of handicap in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and none in advanced stage PD.

Objective: To assess the handicap in advanced stage PD patients with disabling levodopa-induced motor complications selected to deep brain stimulation (DBS).

Methods: Data was prospectively recorded during routine evaluation for DBS. Handicap was measured using London Handicap Scale (LHS) (0 = maximal handicap; 1 = no handicap). Disease severity was evaluated using the Hoehn & Yahr scale and the UPDRS/MDS-UPDRS, during off and on after a supra-maximal dose of levodopa. Schwab and England Scale (S&E) was scored in off and on. Dyskinesias were scored using the modified Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (mAIMS). Results concern cross-sectional assessment before DBS.

Results: 100 PD patients (mean age 61 (±7.6); mean disease duration 12.20 (±4.6) years) were included. Median score of motor MDS-UPDRS was 54 in off and 25 in on. Mean total LHS score was 0.56 (±0.14). Patients were handicapped in several domains with a wide range of severity. Physical Independence and Social Integration were the most affected domains. Determinants of total LHS score were MDS-UPDRS part II off (β= –0.271; p = 0.020), S&E on (β= 0.264; p = 0.005) and off (β= 0.226; p = 0.020), and mAIMS on (β= –0.183; p = 0.042) scores (R2  = 29.6%).

Conclusions: We were able to use handicap to measure overall health condition in advanced stage PD. Patients were moderately to highly handicapped and this was strongly determined by disability in ADL and dyskinesias. Change in handicap may be a good patient-centred outcome to assess efficiency of DBS.
Optimization-based image reconstruction in computed tomography by alternating direction method with ordered subsets
Authors: Cai Ailong , Wang Linyuan , Li Lei , Yan Bin , Zheng Zhizhong , Zhang Hanming , Zhang Wenkun , Lu Wanli , Hu Guoen
Published: January 2017

Nowadays, diversities of task-specific applications for computed tomography (CT) have already proposed multiple challenges for algorithm design of image reconstructions. Consequently, efficient algorithm design tool is necessary to be established. A fast and efficient algorithm design framework for CT image reconstruction, which is based on alternating direction method (ADM) with ordered subsets (OS), is proposed, termed as OS-ADM. The general ideas of ADM and OS have been abstractly introduced and then they are combined for solving convex optimizations in CT image reconstruction. Standard procedures are concluded for algorithm design which contain 1) model mapping, 2) sub-problem dividing and 3) solving, 4) OS level setting and 5) algorithm evaluation. Typical reconstruction problems are modeled as convex optimizations, including (non-negative) least-square, constrained L1 minimization, constrained total variation (TV) minimization and TV minimizations with different data fidelity terms. Efficient working algorithms for these problems are derived with detailed derivations by the proposed framework. In addition, both simulations and real CT projections are tested to verify the performances of two TV-based algorithms. Experimental investigations indicate that these algorithms are of the state-of-the-art performances. The algorithm instances show that the proposed OS-ADM framework is promising for practical applications.
Radiation shielding analysis of a special linear accelerator for electron beam and X-ray
Authors: Kang W.G. , Pyo S.H. , Alkhuraiji T.S. , Han B.S. , Kang C.M.
Published: January 2017

The King AbdulAziz City for Science & Technology in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia plans to build a 10 MeV, 15 kW linear accelerator (LINAC) for electron beam and X-ray. The accelerator will be supplied by EB Tech, Republic of Korea, and the design and construction of the accelerator building will be conducted in the cooperation with EB Tech. This report presents the shielding analysis of the accelerator building using the Monte Carlo N-Particle Transport Code (MCNP). In order to improve the accuracy in estimating deep radiation penetration and to reduce computation time, various variance reduction techniques, including the weight window (WW) method, the deterministic transport (DXTRAN) spheres were considered. Radiation levels were estimated at selected locations in the shielding facility running MCNP6 for particle histories up to 1.0×10+8. The final results indicated that the calculated doses at all selected detector locations met the dose requirement of 50 mSv/yr, which is the United State Nuclear Regulatory Commission (U.S. NRC) requirement.
Detection of concealed cars in complex cargo X-ray imagery using Deep Learning
Authors: Jaccard Nicolas , Rogers Thomas W. , Morton Edward J. , Griffin Lewis D.
Published: January 2017

BACKGROUND: Non-intrusive inspection systems based on X-ray radiography techniques are routinely used at transport hubs to ensure the conformity of cargo content with the supplied shipping manifest. As trade volumes increase and regulations become more stringent, manual inspection by trained operators is less and less viable due to low throughput. Machine vision techniques can assist operators in their task by automating parts of the inspection workflow. Since cars are routinely involved in trafficking, export fraud, and tax evasion schemes, they represent an attractive target for automated detection and flagging for subsequent inspection by operators.

OBJECTIVE: Development and evaluation of a novel method for the automated detection of cars in complex X-ray cargo imagery.

METHODS: X-ray cargo images from a stream-of-commerce dataset were classified using a window-based scheme. The limited number of car images was addressed by using an oversampling scheme. Different Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) architectures were compared with well-established bag of words approaches. In addition, robustness to concealment was evaluated by projection of objects into car images.

RESULTS: CNN approaches outperformed all other methods evaluated, achieving 100% car image classification rate for a false positive rate of 1-in-454. Cars that were partially or completely obscured by other goods, a modus operandi frequently adopted by criminals, were correctly detected.

CONCLUSIONS: We believe that this level of performance suggests that the method is suitable for deployment in the field. It is expected that the generic object detection workflow described can be extended to other object classes given the availability of suitable training data.
Parallel Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm for Short-Term Economic Environmental Hydrothermal Scheduling
Authors: Feng Zhong-Kai , Niu Wen-Jing , Zhou Jian-Zhong , Cheng Chun-Tian , Qin Hui , Jiang Zhi-Qiang
Published: January 2017

With the increasingly serious energy crisis and environmental pollution, the short-term economic environmental hydrothermal scheduling (SEEHTS) problem is becoming more and more important in modern electrical power systems. In order to handle the SEEHTS problem efficiently, the parallel multi-objective genetic algorithm (PMOGA) is proposed in the paper. Based on the Fork/Join parallel framework, PMOGA divides the whole population of individuals into several subpopulations which will evolve in different cores simultaneously. In this way, PMOGA can avoid the wastage of computational resources and increase the population diversity. Moreover, the constraint handling technique is used to handle the complex constraints in SEEHTS, and a selection strategy based on constraint violation is also employed to ensure the convergence speed and solution feasibility. The results from a hydrothermal system in different cases indicate that PMOGA can make the utmost of system resources to significantly improve the computing efficiency and solution quality. Moreover, PMOGA has competitive performance in SEEHTS when compared with several other methods reported in the previous literature, providing a new approach for the operation of hydrothermal systems.
A Critical Balance: dNTPs and the Maintenance of Genome Stability
Authors: Pai Chen‐Chun , Kearsey Stephen
Published: January 2017

A crucial factor in maintaining genome stability is establishing deoxynucleoside triphosphate (dNTP) levels within a range that is optimal for chromosomal replication. Since DNA replication is relevant to a wide range of other chromosomal activities, these may all be directly or indirectly affected when dNTP concentrations deviate from a physiologically normal range. The importance of understanding these consequences is relevant to genetic disorders that disturb dNTP levels, and strategies that inhibit dNTP synthesis in cancer chemotherapy and for treatment of other disorders. We review here how abnormal dNTP levels affect DNA replication and discuss the consequences for genome stability.
Preparation and Optimization of Fluorescent Thin Films of Rosamine-SiO2/TiO2 Composites for NO2 Sensing
Authors: Guillén María , Gámez Francisco , Suárez Belén , Queirós Carla , Silva Ana , Barranco Ángel , Sánchez-Valencia Juan , Pedrosa José , Lopes-Costa Tânia
Published: January 2017

The incorporation of a prototypical rosamine fluorescent dye from organic solutions into transparent and microstructured columnar TiO2 and SiO2 (MO2) thin films, prepared by evaporation at glancing angles (GAPVD), was evaluated. The aggregation of the adsorbed molecules, the infiltration efficiency and the adsorption kinetics were studied by means of UV-Vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopies. Specifically, the infiltration equilibrium as well as the kinetic of adsorption of the emitting dye has been described by a Langmuir type adsorption isotherm and a pseudosecond order kinetic model, respectively. The anchoring mechanism of the rosamine to the MO2 matrix has been revealed by specular reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and infiltration from aqueous solutions at different pH values. Finally, the sensing performance towards NO2 gas of optimized films has been assessed by following the changes of its fluorescence intensity revealing that the so-selected device exhibited improved sensing response compared to similar hybrid films reported in the literature.
The Effects of Cr and Al Addition on Transformation and Properties in Low‐Carbon Bainitic Steels
Authors: Tian Junyu , Xu Guang , Zhou Mingxing , Hu Haijiang , Wan Xiangliang
Published: January 2017

Three low‐carbon bainitic steels were designed to investigate the effects of Cr and Al addition on bainitic transformation, microstructures, and properties by metallographic method and dilatometry. The results show that compared with the base steel without Cr and Al addition, only Cr addition is effective for improving the strength of low‐carbon bainitic steel by increasing the amount of bainite. However, compared with the base steel, combined addition of Cr and Al has no significant effect on bainitic transformation and properties. In Cr‐bearing steel, Al addition accelerates initial bainitic transformation, but meanwhile reduces the final amount of bainitic transformation due to the formation of a high‐temperature transformation product such as ferrite. Consequently, the composite strengthening effect of Cr and Al addition is not effective compared with individual addition of Cr in low‐carbon bainitic steels. Therefore, in contrast to high‐carbon steels, bainitic transformation in Cr‐bearing low‐carbon bainitic steels can be finished in a short time, and Al should not be added because Al addition would result in lower mechanical properties.
Normal Bone Mineral Density Associates with Duodenal Mucosa Healing in Adult Patients with Celiac Disease on a Gluten-Free Diet
Authors: Larussa Tiziana , Suraci Evelina , Imeneo Maria , Marasco Raffaella , Luzza Francesco
Published: January 2017

Impairment of bone mineral density (BMD) is frequent in celiac disease (CD) patients on a gluten-free diet (GFD). The normalization of intestinal mucosa is still difficult to predict. We aim to investigate the relationship between BMD and duodenal mucosa healing (DMH) in CD patients on a GFD. Sixty-four consecutive CD patients on a GFD were recruited. After a median period of a 6-year GFD (range 2–33 years), patients underwent repeat duodenal biopsy and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan. Twenty-four patients (38%) displayed normal and 40 (62%) low BMD, 47 (73%) DMH, and 17 (27%) duodenal mucosa lesions. All patients but one with normal BMD (23 of 24, 96%) showed DMH, while, among those with low BMD, 24 (60%) did and 16 (40%) did not. At multivariate analysis, being older (odds ratio (OR) 1.1, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03–1.18) and having diagnosis at an older age (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.03–1.16) were associated with low BMD; in turn, having normal BMD was the only variable independently associated with DMH (OR 17.5, 95% CI 1.6–192). In older CD patients and with late onset disease, BMD recovery is not guaranteed, despite a GFD. A normal DXA scan identified CD patients with DMH; thus, it is a potential tool in planning endoscopic resampling.
Comparing Computerised Dietary Analysis with a Ready Reckoner in a Real World Setting: Is Technology an Improvement?
Authors: Paciepnik Jessica , Porter Judi
Published: January 2017

Ready reckoners are used in the clinical setting as a tool for the estimation of nutrient intake. With increasing opportunities for nutrition research, ready reckoners may provide for a more rapid analysis of nutritional intake than computerised methods, often seen as the gold standard for nutritional analysis. This research aimed to determine the level of agreement between ready reckoner and computerised dietary analysis through a secondary analysis of clinical trial data. Participant food intakes were estimated by trained observers using the one-quarter method. Daily energy and protein intake were estimated by the healthcare network ready reckoner and computerised dietary analysis. Agreement between methods was tested using t-tests, correlations and Bland-Altman plots. A correlation between analysis methods was observed (r = 0.9086 energy, r = 0.8700 protein). Wide limits of agreement were observed for both energy and protein intake. Compared with the computerised method, ready reckoner analysis underestimated energy intake by 600 kJ and protein intake by 5 g. Mean energy and protein intake calculated by each method was significantly different (p < 0.0001 energy; p < 0.0001 protein). No time differences between analysis methods were observed. In the clinical setting, practitioners should be aware of the variability of a ready reckoner compared to computerised dietary analysis. Further investigation into the acceptability of ready reckoners as a reliable method of nutrient intake determination, particularly for analysis of nutrition research, is required.
Non-Destructive Sensor-Based Prediction of Maturity and Optimum Harvest Date of Sweet Cherry Fruit
Authors: Overbeck Verena , Schmitz Michaela , Blanke Michael
Published: January 2017

(1) Background: The aim of the study was to use innovative sensor technology for non-destructive determination and prediction of optimum harvest date (OHD), using sweet cherry as a model fruit, based on different ripening parameters. (2) Methods: Two cherry varieties in two growing systems viz. field and polytunnel in two years were employed. The fruit quality parameters such as fruit weight and size proved unsuitable to detect OHD alone due to their dependence on crop load, climatic conditions, cultural practices, and season. Coloration during cherry ripening was characterized by a complete decline of green chlorophyll and saturation of the red anthocyanins, and was measured with a portable sensor viz. spectrometer 3–4 weeks before expected harvest until 2 weeks after harvest. (3) Results: Expressed as green NDVI (normalized differential vegetation index) and red NAI (normalized anthocyanin index) values, NAI increased from −0.5 (unripe) to +0.7 to +0.8 in mature fruit and remained at this saturation level with overripe fruits, irrespective of variety, treatment, and year. A model was developed to predict the OHD, which coincided with when NDVI reached and exceeded zero and the first derivative of NAI asymptotically approached zero. (4) Conclusion: The use of this sensor technology appears suitable for several cherry varieties and growing systems to predict the optimum harvest date.
Comparative Analysis between the Government Micro-Grid Plan and Computer Simulation Results Based on Real Data: The Practical Case for a South Korean Island
Authors: Kim Heetae , Bae Jinwoo , Baek Seoin , Nam Donggyun , Cho Hyunsung , Chang Hyun
Published: January 2017

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which are produced through the combustion of fossil fuels, cause climate change. Unfortunately, South Korea is highly dependent on fossil fuels because of its industrial nature. However, many islands in South Korea have the potential to generate a considerable amount of renewable energy, which should be studied. KEPCO (Korea Electricity Power Corporation), which runs micro-grid facilities in Gasado Island in Jindo, South Korea, built micro-grid facilities in Mozambique in 2015. The micro-grid construction of Gasado Island is considered one of the most successful micro-grid projects of KEPCO, so KEPCO is hoping to expand energy development overseas and become a top-tier global power company. This study aims to find a more technologically and economically optimal hybrid energy system for Gasado Island that KEPCO should have built. We also compared this optimal solution to the Korean government plan. The Korean government plan is the same as the KEPCO plan because KEPCO is classified as a market-oriented public corporation under the Act on the Management of Public Institutions. In the final section of this paper, both the implications and limitations are discussed in detail.
Removal of Pharmaceuticals from Wastewater by Intermittent Electrocoagulation
Authors: Ensano Benny , Borea Laura , Naddeo Vincenzo , Belgiorno Vincenzo , De Luna Mark , Ballesteros Florencio
Published: January 2017

The continuous release of emerging contaminants (ECs) in the aquatic environment, as a result of the inadequate removal by conventional treatment methods, has prompted research to explore viable solutions to this rising global problem. One promising alternative is the use of electrochemical processes since they represent a simple and highly efficient technology with less footprint. In this paper, the feasibility of treating ECs (i.e., pharmaceuticals) using an intermittent electrocoagulation process, a known electrochemical technology, has been investigated. Diclofenac (DCF), carbamazepine (CBZ) and amoxicillin (AMX) were chosen as being representative of highly consumed drugs that are frequently detected in our water resources and were added in synthetic municipal wastewater. The removal efficiencies of both individual and combined pharmaceuticals were determined under different experimental conditions: hydraulic retention time (HRT) (6, 19 and 38 h), initial concentration (0.01, 4 and 10 mg/L) and intermittent application (5 min ON/20 min OFF) of current density (0.5, 1.15 and 1.8 mA/cm2). Results have shown that these parameters have significant effects on pharmaceutical degradation. Maximum removals (DCF = 90%, CBZ = 70% and AMX = 77%) were obtained at a current density of 0.5 mA/cm2, an initial concentration of 10 mg/L and HRT of 38 h.
Space–Time Characterization of Rainfall Field in Tuscany
Authors: Mazza Alessandro
Published: January 2017

Precipitation during the period 2001–2016 over the northern and central part of Tuscany was studied in order to characterize the rainfall regime. The dataset consisted of hourly cumulative rainfall series recorded by a network of 801 rain gauges. The territory was divided into 30 × 30 km2 square areas where the annual and seasonal Average Cumulative Rainfall (ACR) and its uncertainty were estimated using the Non-Parametric Ordinary Block Kriging (NPOBK) technique. The choice of area size was a compromise that allows a satisfactory spatial resolution and an acceptable uncertainty of ACR estimates. The daily ACR was estimated using a less computationally expensive technique, averaging the cumulative rainfall measurements in the area. The trend analysis of annual and seasonal ACR time series was performed by means of the Mann–Kendall test. Four climatic zones were identified: the north-western was the rainiest, followed by the north-eastern, northcentral and south-central. An overall increase in precipitation was identified, more intense in the north-west, and determined mostly by the increase in winter precipitation. On the entire territory, the number of rainy days, mean precipitation intensity and sum of daily ACR in four intensity groups were evaluated at annual and seasonal scale. The main result was a magnitude of the ACR trend evaluated as 35 mm/year, due mainly to an increase in light and extreme precipitations. This result is in contrast with the decreasing rainfall detected in the past decades.
Controlling the Formation of the Reaction Zone around an Injection Well during Subsurface Iron Removal
Authors: Bartak Rico , Macheleidt Wolfgang , Grischek Thomas
Published: January 2017

Tracer and pump tests including depth dependent water sampling were performed to investigate the flow conditions inside and in the vicinity of an injection well with two screen segments used for subsurface iron removal (SIR). A high resolution groundwater flow model of the well and the adjacent aquifer with vertically varying dissolved iron concentration was calibrated and used to plan measures to manipulate the vertical outflow distribution of injected oxygen enriched water. The optimized injection regime was adopted in a pilot SIR test with the aim of increasing the treatment efficacy through a depth specific injection of water using an inflatable packer. When water was injected conventionally above the pump, the outward migration of the oxygen enriched water was non-uniform and disproportional to the iron concentration and resulted in an early iron breakthrough in the lower screen. The proportion of water injected into the lower iron-rich part of the aquifer increased as a packer was placed inside the well to seal 4/5 of the upper well screen length. Thereby, the efficiency coefficient increased by 50% and iron removal by 25%. The treatment efficiency at the site suffered from low alkalinity and pH-values below 5. Higher efficiency coefficients may have been achieved by the addition of alkalis prior to injection.