bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Burnout in the NICU setting and its relation to safety culture
Authors: Profit Jochen , Sharek Paul J , Amspoker Amber B , Kowalkowski Mark A , Nisbet Courtney C , Thomas Eric J , Chadwick Whitney A , Sexton J Bryan
Published: April 2014

Background

Burnout is widespread among healthcare providers and is associated with adverse safety behaviours, operational and clinical outcomes. Little is known with regard to the explanatory links between burnout and these adverse outcomes.

Objectives

(1) Test the psychometric properties of a brief four-item burnout scale, (2) Provide neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) burnout and resilience benchmarking data across different units and caregiver types, (3) Examine the relationships between caregiver burnout and patient safety culture.

Research design

Cross-sectional survey study.

Subjects

Nurses, nurse practitioners, respiratory care providers and physicians in 44 NICUs.

Measures

Caregiver assessments of burnout and safety culture.

Results

Of 3294 administered surveys, 2073 were returned for an overall response rate of 62.9%. The percentage of respondents in each NICU reporting burnout ranged from 7.5% to 54.4% (mean=25.9%, SD=10.8). The four-item burnout scale was reliable (α=0.85) and appropriate for aggregation (intra-class correlation coefficient-2=0.95). Burnout varied significantly between NICUs, p<0.0001, but was less prevalent in physicians (mean=15.1%, SD=19.6) compared with non-physicians (mean=26.9%, SD=11.4, p=0.0004). NICUs with more burnout had lower teamwork climate (r=−0.48, p=0.001), safety climate (r=−0.40, p=0.01), job satisfaction (r=−0.64, p<0.0001), perceptions of management (r=−0.50, p=0.0006) and working conditions (r=−0.45, p=0.002).

Conclusions

NICU caregiver burnout appears to have ‘climate-like’ features, is prevalent, and associated with lower perceptions of patient safety culture.
Extrication time prediction tool
Authors: Nutbeam Tim , Fenwick Rob , Hobson Charles , Holland Vikki , Palmer Michael
Published: April 2014

Background

Many patients will require extrication following a motor vehicle collision (MVC). Little information exists on the time taken for extrication or the factors which affect this time.

Objective

To derive a tool to predict the time taken to extricate patients from MVCs.

Methods

A prospective, observational derivation study was carried out in the West Midland Fire Service's metropolitan area. An expert group identified factors that may predict extrication time—the presence and absence of these factors was prospectively recorded at eligible extrications for the study period. A step-down multiple regression method was used to identify important contributing factors.

Results

Factors that increased extrication times by a statistically significant extent were: a physical obstruction (10 min), patients medically trapped (10 min per patient) and any patient physically trapped (7 min). Factors that shortened extrication time were rapid access (−7 min) and the car being on its roof (−12 min). All these times were calculated from an arbitrary time (which assumes zero patients) of 8 min.

Conclusions

This paper describes the development of a tool to predict extrication time for a trapped patient. A number of factors were identified which significantly contributed to the overall extrication time.
Geotechnical capacity of hollow-bar micropiles in cohesive soils
Authors: Abd Elaziz Ahmed Yehia , El Naggar M. Hesham
Published: April 2014

Hollow-bar micropile construction, also known as self-drilled, is becoming a popular option because it allows faster installation processes and ground improvement at the same time. This paper presents a field study and numerical investigation on the behaviour of single hollow-bar micropiles embedded in a stiff silty clay deposit. Four hollow-bar micropiles were installed using an air-flushing technique employing large drilling carbide bits. Five axial tests were conducted on the four micropiles, comprising three compression and two tension monotonic axial tests. The results of the field tests are presented and analyzed in terms of load–displacement curves. A two-dimensional axisymmetric finite element model (FEM) was created and calibrated using the field test results. The calibrated FEM was utilized to select an appropriate failure criterion for hollow-bar micropiles depending on the load-transfer mechanism of the micropiles. In addition, the model was employed to carry out a parametric study to investigate the effect of the installation methodology, hollow-bar micropile geometry, and shear strength of the surrounding soils on the micropile capacity. Based on the outcomes of the parametric study, an equation is proposed to estimate the axial capacity of hollow-bar micropiles in cohesive soils.
Interactions of sapsuckers andCytosporacanker can facilitate decline of riparian willows
Authors: Kaczynski Kristen M. , Cooper David J. , Jacobi William R.
Published: April 2014

Drought has caused large-scale plant mortality in ecosystems around the globe. Most diebacks have affected upland forest species. In the past two decades, a large-scale decline of riparian willows (Salix L.) has occurred in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. We examined whether climatic or biotic factors drive and maintain the willow community decline. We compared annual growth and dieback of willows inside and outside of 14-year-old ungulate exclosures and measured groundwater depth and predawn xylem pressures of stems as indicators of drought stress. We also performed an aerial photo analysis to determine the temporal dynamics of the decline. Aerial photo analysis indicated willow decline occurred between 2001 and 2005 and was best explained by an increase in moose population and a decrease in peak stream flows. A new mechanism for willow stem dieback was identified, initiated by red-naped sapsucker wounding willow bark. Wounds became infected with fungus that girdled the stem. DNA analyses confirmed Valsa sordida (Cytospora chrysosperma) as the lethal fungus. Captured sapsuckers had V. sordida spores on feet and beaks identifying them as one possible vector of spread. Predawn xylem pressure potentials remained high through the growing season on all study willows regardless of depth to ground water. Our results indicate that additional mechanisms may be involved in tall willow decline.
Gravitational collapse in Vaidya space–time for Galileon gravity theory
Authors: Rudra Prabir , Debnath Ujjal
Published: April 2014

The motive of this work is to study gravitational collapse in Vaidya space–time embedded in Galileon gravity theory. Galileon gravity is in fact an infrared modification of Einstein gravity, which was proposed as a generalization of the four-dimensional effective theory in the DGP brane model. Vaidya’s metric is used all over to follow the nature of future outgoing radial null geodesics. Detecting whether the central singularity is naked or wrapped by an event horizon, by the existence of future directed radial null geodesic emitted in the past from the singularity is the basic objective. To point out the existence of a positive trajectory tangent solution, both particular parametric cases (through tabular forms) and wide range contouring process have been applied. Precisely, the equation of state (EoS) in a perfect fluid satisfies a wide range of phenomena: from dust to exotic fluids like dark energy. We have used the EoS parameter, k, to determine the end collapse state in different cosmological eras.
Interacting modified Chaplygin gas cosmology with varying viscosity
Authors: Karimiyan K. , Naji J.
Published: April 2014

We study interacting modified Chaplygin gas, which has shear and bulk viscosities. We assume bulk viscosity is a function of density, and also consider sign-changeable interaction. Interaction is assumed between modified Chaplygin gas and baryonic matter. Then, the effects of viscosities on the cosmological parameters, such as energy, density, Hubble expansion parameter, scale factor, and deceleration parameter, are investigated. We can consider this model as a toy model of our universe.
Materials for Intermediate-Temperature Solid-Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Kilner John A. , Burriel Mónica
Published: April 2014

Solid-oxide fuel cells are devices for the efficient conversion of chemical energy to electrical energy and heat. Research efforts are currently addressed toward the optimization of cells operating at temperatures in the region of 600°C, known as intermediate-temperature solid-oxide fuel cells, for which materials requirements are very stringent. In addition to the requirements of mechanical and chemical compatibility, the materials must show a high degree of oxide ion mobility and electrochemical activity at this low temperature. Here we mainly examine the criteria for the development of two key components of intermediate-temperature solid-oxide fuel cells: the electrolyte and the cathode. We limit the discussion to novel approaches to materials optimization and focus on the fluorite oxide for electrolytes, principally those based on ceria and zirconia, and on perovskites and perovskite-related families in the case of cathodes.
Practical Aspects of Modern and Future Permanent Magnets
Authors: McCallum R.W. , Lewis L. , Skomski R. , Kramer M.J. , Anderson I.E.
Published: April 2014

The mandate to reduce greenhouse gases will require highly efficient electric machines for both power generation and traction motor applications. Although permanent magnet electric machines utilizing Nd2Fe14B-based magnets provide obvious power-to-weight advantages over induction machines, the limited availability and high price of the rare earth (RE) metals make these machines less favorable. Of particular concern is the cost and supply criticality of Dy, a key RE element that is required to improve the high-temperature performance of Nd-based magnetic alloys for use in generators and traction motors. Alternatives to RE-based alloys do exist, but they currently lack the energy density necessary to replace Nd-based magnets. Many of these compounds have been known for decades, but serious interest in their development waned once compounds based on RE elements were discovered. In this review, intrinsic and extrinsic materials factors that impact the optimization of both existing and potential future permanent magnets for energy applications are examined in light of new insights gained from renewed examination.
Diffraction Studies of Multiferroics
Authors: Johnson Roger D. , Radaelli Paolo G.
Published: April 2014

In multiferroics, magnetism is coupled to ferroelectricity so that the configuration of magnetic moments may be modified by an external electric field and, conversely, the electrically polar state may be magnetically switched. Such functionality has the potential for new technology such as energy-efficient, electrically written magnetic memories. Furthermore, multiferroics are of interest in fundamental research into quantum matter. Understanding the interplay between magnetism and ferroelectricity has posed a significant challenge to the scientific community. State-of-the-art diffraction experiments have played a unique role, as they are sensitive to both magnetic ordering and the atomic displacements associated with ferroelectricity. Exceptional insights have been gained from neutron polarimetry techniques complemented by X-ray magnetic scattering experiments, which, for the first time, have been applied to a large selection of related materials and problems. In this review, we discuss a broad selection of multiferroics and the diffraction experiments used to explain their phenomenology.
New Insights into Complex Materials Using Reverse Monte Carlo Modeling
Authors: Playford Helen Y. , Owen Lewis R. , Levin Igor , Tucker Matt G.
Published: April 2014

Local structure and disorder in crystalline materials are increasingly recognized as the key to understanding their functional properties. From negative thermal expansion to dielectric response to thermoelectric properties to ionic conductivity, a clear picture of the local atomic arrangements is essential for understanding these phenomena and developing new practical systems. The combination of total scattering and reverse Monte Carlo (RMC) modeling can provide an unprecedented level of structural detail. In this article, we briefly introduce the method and present a short overview of the scientific areas in which RMC has provided important new insights. Finally, we discuss how the RMC algorithm can be used to combine inputs from multiple experimental techniques, thus moving toward a complex modeling paradigm and helping us to fully understand complex functional materials.
Incretins and Amylin: Neuroendocrine Communication Between the Gut, Pancreas, and Brain in Control of Food Intake and Blood Glucose
Authors: Hayes Matthew R. , Mietlicki-Baase Elizabeth G. , Kanoski Scott E. , De Jonghe Bart C.
Published: April 2014

Arguably the most fundamental physiological systems for all eukaryotic life are those governing energy balance. Without sufficient energy, an individual is unable to survive and reproduce. Thus, an ever-growing appreciation is that mammalian physiology developed a redundant set of neuroendocrine signals that regulate energy intake and expenditure, which maintains sufficient circulating energy, predominantly in the form of glucose, to ensure that energy needs are met throughout the body. This orchestrated control requires cross talk between the gastrointestinal tract, which senses the incoming meal; the pancreas, which produces glycemic counterregulatory hormones; and the brain, which controls autonomic and behavioral processes regulating energy balance. Therefore, this review highlights the physiological, pharmacological, and pathophysiological effects of the incretin hormones glucagon-like peptide-1 and gastric inhibitory polypeptide, as well as the pancreatic hormone amylin, on energy balance and glycemic control.
Disruption of epithelial barrier by quorum-sensingN-3-(oxododecanoyl)-homoserine lactone is mediated by matrix metalloproteinases
Authors: Eum Sung Yong , Jaraki Dima , Bertrand Luc , András Ibolya E. , Toborek Michal
Published: April 2014

The intestinal epithelium forms a selective barrier maintained by tight junctions (TJs) and separating the luminal environment from the submucosal tissues. N-acylhomoserine lactone (AHL) quorum-sensing molecules produced by gram-negative bacteria in the gut can influence homeostasis of the host intestinal epithelium. In the present study, we evaluated the regulatory mechanisms affecting the impact of two representative long- and short-chain AHLs, N-3-(oxododecanoyl)-homoserine lactone (C12-HSL) and N-butyryl homoserine lactone (C4-HSL), on barrier function of human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells. Treatment with C12-HSL, but not with C4-HSL, perturbed Caco-2 barrier function; the effect was associated with decreased levels of the TJ proteins occludin and tricellulin and their delocalization from the TJs. C12-HSL also induced matrix metalloprotease (MMP)-2 and MMP-3 activation via lipid raft- and protease-activated receptor (PAR)-dependent signaling. Pretreatment with lipid raft disruptors, PAR antagonists, or MMP inhibitors restored the C12-HSL-induced loss of the TJ proteins and increased permeability of Caco-2 cell monolayers. These results indicate that PAR/lipid raft-dependent MMP-2 and -3 activation followed by degradation of occludin and tricellulin are involved in C12-HSL-induced alterations of epithelial paracellular barrier functions.
Effect of pancreatic polypeptide on gastric accommodation and gastric emptying in conscious rats
Authors: Verschueren Sofie , Janssen Pieter , Van Oudenhove Lukas , Hultin Leif , Tack Jan
Published: April 2014

Pancreatic polypeptide (PP) is an anorexigenic hormone released from pancreatic F cells upon food intake. We aimed to determine the effect of PP on gastric accommodation and gastric emptying in conscious Wistar HAN rats to investigate whether effects on motor function could contribute to its anorexigenic effects. Intragastric pressure (IGP) was measured through a chronically implanted gastric fistula during the infusion of a nutrient meal (Nutridrink; 0.5 ml/min). Rats were treated with PP (0, 33 and 100 pmol·kg−1·min−1) in combination with NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME; 180 mg·kg−1·h−1), atropine (3 mg·kg−1·h−1), or vehicle. Furthermore, the effect of PP was tested after subdiaphragmal vagotomy of the stomach. Gastric emptying of a noncaloric and a caloric meal after treatment with 100 pmol·kg−1·min−1PP or vehicle was compared using X-rays. PP significantly increased IGP during nutrient infusion compared with vehicle ( P < 0.01). l-NAME and atropine significantly increased IGP during nutrient infusion compared with vehicle treatment ( P < 0.005 and 0.01, respectively). The effect of PP on IGP during nutrient infusion was abolished in the presence of l-NAME and in the presence of atropine. In vagotomized rats, PP increased IGP compared with intact controls ( P < 0.05). PP significantly delayed gastric emptying of both a noncaloric ( P < 0.05) and a caloric ( P < 0.005) meal. PP inhibits gastric accommodation and delays gastric emptying, probably through inhibition of nitric oxide release. These results indicate that, besides the well-known centrally mediated effects, PP might decrease food intake through peripheral mechanisms.
Disruption of retinoblastoma protein expression in the intestinal epithelium impairs lipid absorption
Authors: Choi Pamela M. , Guo Jun , Erwin Christopher R. , Wandu Wambui S. , Leinicke Jennifer A. , Xie Yan , Davidson Nicholas O. , Warner Brad W.
Published: April 2014

We previously demonstrated increased villus height following genetic deletion, or knockout, of retinoblastoma protein (Rb) in the intestinal epithelium (Rb-IKO). Here we determined the functional consequences of augmented mucosal growth on intestinal fat absorption and following a 50% small bowel resection (SBR). Mice with constitutively disrupted Rb expression in the intestinal epithelium (Rb-IKO) along with their floxed (wild-type, WT) littermates were placed on a high-fat diet (HFD, 42% kcal fat) for 54 wk. Mice were weighed weekly, and fat absorption, indirect calorimetry, and MRI body composition were measured. Rb-IKO mice were also subjected to a 50% SBR, followed by HFD feeding for 33 wk. In separate experiments, we examined intestinal fat absorption in mice with conditional (tamoxifen-inducible) intestinal Rb (inducible Rb-IKO) deletion. Microarray revealed that the transcriptional expression of lipid absorption/transport genes was significantly reduced in constitutive Rb-IKO mice. These mice demonstrated greater mucosal surface area yet manifested paradoxically impaired intestinal long-chain triglyceride absorption and decreased cholesterol absorption. Despite attenuated lipid absorption, there were no differences in metabolic rate, body composition, and weight gain in Rb-IKO and WT mice at baseline and following SBR. We also confirmed fat malabsorption in inducible Rb-IKO mice. We concluded that, despite an expanded mucosal surface area, Rb-IKO mice demonstrate impaired lipid absorption without compensatory alterations in energy homeostasis or body composition. These findings underscore the importance of delineating structural/functional relationships in the gut and suggest a previously unknown role for Rb in the regulation of intestinal lipid absorption.
Pharmacological ceramide reduction alleviates alcohol-induced steatosis and hepatomegaly in adiponectin knockout mice
Authors: Correnti Jason M. , Juskeviciute Egle , Swarup Aditi , Hoek Jan B.
Published: April 2014

Hepatosteatosis, the ectopic accumulation of lipid in the liver, is one of the earliest clinical signs of alcoholic liver disease (ALD). Alcohol-dependent deregulation of liver ceramide levels as well as inhibition of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPAR-α) activity are thought to contribute to hepatosteatosis development. Adiponectin can regulate lipid handling in the liver and has been shown to reduce ceramide levels and activate AMPK and PPAR-α. However, the mechanisms by which adiponectin prevents alcoholic hepatosteatosis remain incompletely characterized. To address this question, we assessed ALD progression in wild-type (WT) and adiponectin knockout (KO) mice fed an ethanol-containing liquid diet or isocaloric control diet. Adiponectin KO mice relative to WT had increased alcohol-induced hepatosteatosis and hepatomegaly, similar modest increases in serum alanine aminotransferase, and reduced liver TNF. Restoring circulating adiponectin levels using recombinant adiponectin ameliorated alcohol-induced hepatosteatosis and hepatomegaly in adiponectin KO mice. Alcohol-fed WT and adiponectin KO animals had equivalent reductions in AMPK protein and PPAR-α DNA binding activity compared with control-fed animals. No difference in P-AMPK/AMPK ratio was detected, suggesting that alcohol-dependent deregulation of AMPK and PPAR-α in the absence of adiponectin are not primary causes of the observed increase in hepatosteatosis in these animals. By contrast, alcohol treatment increased liver ceramide levels in adiponectin KO but not WT mice. Importantly, pharmacological inhibition of de novo ceramide synthesis in adiponectin KO mice abrogated alcohol-mediated increases in liver ceramides, steatosis, and hepatomegaly. These data suggest that adiponectin reduces alcohol-induced steatosis and hepatomegaly through regulation of liver ceramides, but its absence does not exacerbate alcohol-induced liver damage.
Ron receptor signaling is protective against DSS-induced colitis in mice
Authors: Kulkarni Rishikesh M. , Stuart William D. , Gurusamy Devikala , Waltz Susan E.
Published: April 2014

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic inflammatory disorders of the intestine that result in painful and debilitating complications. Currently no cure exists for IBD, and treatments are primarily aimed at reducing inflammation to alleviate symptoms. Genome-wide linkage studies have identified the Ron receptor tyrosine kinase (TK) and its ligand, hepatocyte growth factor-like protein (HGFL), as genes highly associated with IBD. However, only scant information exists on the role of Ron or HGFL in IBD. Based on the linkage of Ron to IBD, we directly examined the biological role of Ron in colitis. Wild-type mice and mice lacking the TK signaling domain of Ron (TK−/− mice) were utilized in a well-characterized model of chronic colitis induced by cyclic exposure to dextran sulfate sodium. In this model, TK−/− mice were more susceptible to injury as judged by increased mortality compared with control mice and developed more severe colitis. Loss of Ron led to significantly reduced body weights and more aggressive clinical and histopathologies. Ron loss also resulted in a dramatic reduction in colonic epithelial cell proliferation and increased proinflammatory cytokine production, which was associated with alterations in important signaling pathways known to regulate IBD. Examination of human gene expression data further supports the contention that loss of Ron signaling is associated with IBD. In total, our studies point to important functional roles for Ron in IBD by regulating healing of the colonic epithelium and by controlling cytokine secretion.
Bronchial epithelial injury in the context of alloimmunity promotes lymphocytic bronchiolitis through hyaluronan expression
Authors: Stober Vandy P. , Szczesniak Christopher , Childress Quiana , Heise Rebecca L. , Bortner Carl , Hollingsworth John W. , Neuringer Isabel P. , Palmer Scott M. , Garantziotis Stavros
Published: April 2014

Epithelial injury is often detected in lung allografts, however, its relation to rejection pathogenesis is unknown. We hypothesized that sterile epithelial injury can lead to alloimmune activation in the lung. We performed adoptive transfer of mismatched splenocytes into recombinant activating gene 1 (Rag1)-deficient mice to induce an alloimmune status and then exposed these mice to naphthalene to induce sterile epithelial injury. We evaluated lungs for presence of alloimmune lung injury, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and hyaluronan expression, examined the effect of ER stress induction on hyaluronan expression and lymphocyte trapping by bronchial epithelia in vitro, and examined airways from patients with bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome and normal controls histologically. We found that Rag1-deficient mice that received mismatched splenocytes and naphthalene injection displayed bronchial epithelial ER stress, peribronchial hyaluronan expression, and lymphocytic bronchitis. Bronchial epithelial ER stress led to the expression of lymphocyte-trapping hyaluronan cables in vitro. Blockade of hyaluronan binding ameliorated naphthalene-induced lymphocytic bronchitis. ER stress was present histologically in >40% of bronchial epithelia of BOS patients and associated with subepithelial hyaluronan deposition. We conclude that sterile bronchial epithelial injury in the context of alloimmunity can lead to sustained ER stress and promote allograft rejection through hyaluronan expression.
The serpentine path to a novel mechanism-based inhibitor of acute inflammatory lung injury
Authors: Fisher Aron B.
Published: April 2014

The Comroe lecture on which this review is based described my research path during the past 45 years, beginning with studies of oxidant stress (hyperoxia) and eventuating in the discovery of a synthetic inhibitor of phospholipase A2activity (called MJ33) that prevents acute lung injury in mice exposed to lipopolysaccharide. In between were studies of lung ischemia, lung surfactant metabolism, the protein peroxiredoxin 6 and its phospholipase A2activity, and mechanisms for NADPH oxidase activation. These seemingly unrelated research activities provided the nexus for identification of a novel target and a potentially novel therapeutic agent for prevention or treatment of acute lung injury.
Effects of Chinese Medicine Tong xinluo on Diabetic Nephropathy via Inhibiting TGF‐β1‐Induced Epithelial‐to‐Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Zhang Na , Gao Yanbin , Zou Dawei , Wang Jinyang , Li Jiaoyang , Zhou Shengnan , Zhu Zhiyao , Zhao Xuan , Xu Liping , Zhang Haiyan
Published: April 2014

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a major cause of chronic kidney failure and characterized by interstitial and glomeruli fibrosis. Epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of DN. Tong xinluo (TXL), a Chinese herbal compound, has been used in China with established therapeutic efficacy in patients with DN. To investigate the molecular mechanism of TXL improving DN, KK‐Ay mice were selected as models for the evaluation of pathogenesis and treatment in DN. In vitro, TGF‐β1 was used to induce EMT. Western blot (WB), immunofluorescence staining, and real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) were applied to detect the changes of EMT markers in vivo and in vitro, respectively. Results showed the expressions of TGF‐β1 and its downstream proteins smad3/p‐smad3 were greatly reduced in TXL group; meantime, TXL restored the expression of smad7. As a result, the expressions of collagen IV (Col IV) and fibronectin (FN) were significantly decreased in TXL group. In vivo, 24 h‐UAER (24‐hour urine albumin excretion ratio) and BUN (blood urea nitrogen) were decreased and Ccr (creatinine clearance ratio) was increased in TXL group compared with DN group. In summary, the present study demonstrates that TXL successfully inhibits TGF‐β1‐induced epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition in DN, which may account for the therapeutic efficacy in TXL‐mediated renoprotection.
Recovering Software Design from Interviews Using the NFR Approach: An Experience Report
Authors: Subramanian Nary , Drager Steven , McKeever William
Published: April 2014

In the US Air Force there exist several systems for which design documentation does not exist. Chief reasons for this lack of system documentation include software having been developed several decades ago, natural evolution of software, and software existing mostly in its binary versions. However, the systems are still being used and the US Air Force would like to know the actual designs for the systems so that they may be reengineered for future requirements. Any knowledge of such systems lies mostly with its users and managers. A project was commissioned to recover designs for such systems based on knowledge of systems obtained from stakeholders by interviewing them. In this paper we describe our application of the NFR Approach, where NFR stands for Nonfunctional Requirements, to recover software design of a middleware system used by the Air Force called the Phoenix system. In our project we interviewed stakeholders of the Phoenix system, applied the NFR Approach to recover design artifacts, and validated the artifacts with the design engineers of the Phoenix system. Our study indicated that there was a high correlation between the recovered design and the actual design of the Phoenix system.
Forecast of Sea Surface Acidification in the Northwestern Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Geri P. , El Yacoubi S. , Goyet C.
Published: April 2014

Observation data from DYFAMED site, in northwestern Mediterranean Sea between 1995 and 2011, are used to study mathematical forecasts of sea water surface pH evolution over the next century. In a preliminary study, daily and monthly data have been used to compute total inorganic carbon (CT) and total alkalinity (AT) concentrations. Due to the arbitrary number of missing monthly observations from 1995 to 2011, mean pH values have been calculated from the available data in order to obtain a convenient monthly time series. Based on these results, we used in this paper a cubic spline method for interpolation within the range of known time series and then tested two extrapolation methods: linear and exponential smoothing. A 100-year simulated period is performed in order to have information beyond seasonal variations and observations. The mean seasonal variation allows us to draw forecast evolutions from 0.3 to 0.4 pH units decrease in the water surface at the end of the century. Although these simple forecasts do not pretend to present realistic predictions, these obtained theoretical results provide limits on pH variations in the northwestern Mediterranean Sea similar to those in the open ocean.
Prolonged Toxic Encephalopathy following Accidental 4-Aminopyridine Overdose
Authors: Ballesta Méndez Maria , van Pesch Vincent , Capron Arnaud , Hantson Philippe
Published: April 2014

Background. 4-Aminopyridine (4-AP) is a drug that is used to improve motor fatigue in patients suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS). Medication error can occur, as commercial preparation may not be available in some countries.Case Presentation. A 58-year-old woman with progressive MS presented with status epilepticus. She was receiving 4-AP for more than 3 years. The symptoms started soon after the ingestion of a single pill that was supposed to contain 10 mg 4-AP, but further investigations revealed that each pill had been inadvertently prepared with an 100 mg 4-AP concentration. The patient was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for appropriate management (orotracheal intubation, sedation, and antiepileptic drugs). The first electroencephalogram (EEG) showed abundant irregular spike-waves on the left central regions. Neurological condition gradually improved from day 7, while the EEG did not reveal any more electrical seizures but was still consistent with toxic encephalopathy. The patient stayed in the ICU until day 13. At discharge from the rehabilitation ward (2.5 months later), the patient had not yet recovered her previous cognitive and functional condition.Conclusion. A single 100 mg 4-AP accidental overdose may cause serious immediate complications, with a slow and incomplete neurological recovery.
Simplification of State Transition Diagrams in Average Unavailability Analysis by Using Generalized Perturbation Theory
Authors: Vicente R. C. , Silva F. C. , Frutuoso e Melo P. F. , Alvim A. C. M.
Published: April 2014

Safety analysis studies in nuclear engineering, more specifically system reliability, usually handle a great number of components, so that computational difficulties may arise. To face the problem of many component systems a method for simplifying the state transition diagram in Markovian reliability analyses has been proposed, using the edges which can be cut, since these latter have a smaller influence on system failure probability. In order to extend the application of GPT (Generalized Perturbation Theory), this work uses GPT formalism to reduce the number of states in a transition diagram, not considering the state probability as the integral quantity of interest, but the mean system unavailability instead. Therefore, after simplifying the original diagram, the mean unavailability for the new system was calculated and the results were very close to those of the original diagram integral quantity (giving a relative error of about 2%), showing that the proposed simplification is quite reasonable and simple to apply.
Evaluation on Antioxidant Effect of Xanthohumol by Different Antioxidant Capacity Analytical Methods
Authors: Zhang Xiu-Li , Zhang Yong-Dong , Wang Tao , Guo Hong-Yun , Liu Qi-Ming , Su Hai-Xiang
Published: April 2014

Several assays have been frequently used to estimate antioxidant capacities includingABTS•+, DPPH, and FRAP assays. Xanthohumol (XN), the major prenylated flavonoid contained in beer, witnessed various reports on its antioxidant capacity. We systematically evaluated the antioxidant activity of XN using three systems, 2,2,-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS•+) scavenging assays, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical assays, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. The results are expressed as Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC). The TEAC of XN was0.32±0.09 μmol·l−1by the ABTS assay and0.27±0.04 μmol·l−1by the FRAP. Meanwhile, the XN did not show obviously scavenging effect on DPPH radical reaction system. These results showed that different methods in the evaluation of compound antioxidant capicity, there may be a different conclusion.
A Petrographic Study of the Three Forks Formation (Upper Devonian), Williston Basin, North Dakota: Based on Thin Section Analysis, XRD and SEM
Authors: Ashu Richard
Published: April 2014

Deeply buried below 8,000 ft, the Three Forks Formation in North Dakota displays a variety of interesting diagenetic characteristics including dolomitization and hematite precipitation. Samples from three lithofacies are analyzed by thin section and SEM petrography and combined bulk and clay XRD analyses. Key aspects controlling the porosity and permeability of this formation are revealed by focusing on the detail mineralogy, rock type and diagenetic mineral distribution, and overall reservoir quality. Results prove that the Three Forks mineralogy is dominated by dolomite, along with substantial hematite, monocrystalline quartz, and mica flakes with trace feldspar, calcite, and pyrite. Clays mainly consist of illite together with minor chlorite and kaolinite and are associated with the scattered clasts. The reservoir quality is controlled by intercrystalline, rare microvuggy, and microporosity types that result from diagenetic and depositional events. Three stages of the dolomitization process are identified and discussed. Our hypothesis is that dolomitization commenced soon after deposition and was pervasive as no original carbonate texture is detectable.
The Effects of Piezoelectricity on the Interaction of Waves in Fluid-Loaded Poroelastic Half-Space
Authors: Gupta Vishakha , Vashishth Anil K.
Published: April 2014

The effects of piezoelectricity on the interaction of waves at fluid-poroelastic interface are studied. The constitutive equations and governing equations are formulated and their solution is obtained. The boundary conditions are described at fluid-solid interface. The effects of various parameters on the angle of refraction, amplitude ratios, displacements, electric potentials, and vertical component of slowness are studied numerically for a particular model. The results obtained are in agreement with the general laws of physics.
Calretinin as a Diagnostic Adjunct for Ameloblastoma
Authors: Anandani Chitra , Metgud Rashmi , Singh Karanprakash
Published: April 2014

Background. Calretinin is a 29 kDa calcium-binding protein of the EF-hand family which is expressed in a variety of normal and tumorigenic tissues. Its expression in odontogenic epithelium during odontogenesis and in neoplastic odontogenic tissues has been demonstrated. Unicystic ameloblastoma poses a diagnostic challenge, as its histologic presentation can be sometimes mistaken for keratocystic odontogenic tumor (KCOT). This study was performed to assess the usefulness of calretinin as a confirmatory marker for ameloblastic tissue. Methodology. Total of 40 cases: 16 unicystic ameloblastoma, 4 multicystic ameloblastoma, and 20 KCOT, were evaluated immunohistochemically for the presence, localization, distribution, and intensity of calretinin expression. Statistical analysis was done using Chi-square test to intercompare the expression between ameloblastoma and KCOT. Results. Sixteen cases of ameloblastoma (12 unicystic, 4 multicystic) showed positive calretinin staining of ameloblastic epithelium and only one case of KCOT was positive for calretinin, with the positivity restricted to the stellate reticulum like epithelium. Intercomparison between two groups revealed statistically significant difference (P=0.000). Conclusion. Calretinin appears to be a specific immunohistochemical marker for neoplastic ameloblastic epithelium and may be an important diagnostic adjunct in the differential diagnosis of ameloblastoma and KCOT.
Outcomes of Dorsal and Ventral Buccal Graft Urethroplasty at a Tertiary Hospital in Uganda
Authors: Kaggwa S. , Galukande M. , Dabanja H. , Luweesi H.
Published: April 2014

Purpose. Although the use of buccal mucosa in substitution urethroplasty has been practiced for some years, it has not been free of controversy over which surgical technique is the most appropriate to use. There is paucity of data in Sub-Saharan Africa about its success; this study presents the outcomes of dorsal and ventral buccal graft urethroplasty at a sub-Saharan tertiary hospital. Methods. This is a prospective study in which buccal mucosa was used for ventral and dorsal grafts; followup was up to two years. All patients provided informed written consent for the procedures. Results. Seventy-two patients with bulbar urethral strictures underwent buccal graft one-stage urethroplasty. Mean age was 55 years; etiology of the strictures was postinflammatory due to urethritis from sexually transmitted infections 97% (70/72) and trauma 3% (2/72). Buccal mucosa grafts were harvested from the cheek using a two-team approach. Grafts were placed on the ventral and dorsal urethral surfaces in 32 and 40 cases, respectively; the success rate was 84 and 80%, respectively. Repeated urethroplasty was successfully done among 10% (7/72) and patients reported resolution of symptoms in the follow-up period. Conclusion. There was no difference between dorsal and ventral onlay buccal graft outcomes for bulbar urethral strictures. The success rate was 80 to 84%.
Attitude Analysis and Robust Adaptive Backstepping Sliding Mode Control of Spacecrafts Orbiting Irregular Asteroids
Authors: Liang Chunhui , Li Yuanchun
Published: April 2014

Attitude stability analysis and robust control algorithms for spacecrafts orbiting irregular asteroids are investigated in the presence of model uncertainties and external disturbances. Rigid spacecraft nonlinear attitude models are considered and detailed attitude stability analysis of spacecraft subjected to the gravity gradient torque in an irregular central gravity field is included in retrograde orbits and direct orbits using linearized system model. The robust adaptive backstepping sliding mode control laws are designed to make the attitude of the spacecrafts stabilized and responded accurately to the expectation in the presence of disturbances and parametric uncertainties. Numerical simulations are included to illustrate the spacecraft performance obtained using the proposed control laws.
A Real‐Time Location‐Based Services System Using WiFi Fingerprinting Algorithm for Safety Risk Assessment of Workers in Tunnels
Authors: Lin Peng , Li Qingbin , Fan Qixiang , Gao Xiangyou , Hu Senying
Published: April 2014

This paper investigates the feasibility of a real‐time tunnel location‐based services (LBS) system to provide workers’ safety protection and various services in concrete dam site. In this study, received signal strength‐ (RSS‐) based location using fingerprinting algorithm and artificial neural network (ANN) risk assessment is employed for position analysis. This tunnel LBS system achieves an online, real‐time, intelligent tracking identification feature, and the on‐site running system has many functions such as worker emergency call, track history, and location query. Based on ANN with a strong nonlinear mapping, and large‐scale parallel processing capabilities, proposed LBS system is effective to evaluate the risk management on worker safety. The field implementation shows that the proposed location algorithm is reliable and accurate (3 to 5 meters) enough for providing real‐time positioning service. The proposed LBS system is demonstrated and firstly applied to the second largest hydropower project in the world, to track workers on tunnel site and assure their safety. The results show that the system is simple and easily deployed.
Salidroside Reduces Cell Mobility via NF‐κB and MAPK Signaling in LPS‐Induced BV2 Microglial Cells
Authors: Hu Haixia , Li Zuanfang , Zhu Xiaoqin , Lin Ruhui , Chen Lidian
Published: April 2014

The unregulated activation of microglia following stroke results in the production of toxic factors that propagate secondary neuronal injury. Salidroside has been shown to exhibit protective effects against neuronal death induced by different insults. However, the molecular mechanisms responsible for the anti‐inflammatory activity of salidroside have not been elucidated clearly in microglia. In the present study, we investigated the molecular mechanism underlying inhibiting LPS‐stimulated BV2 microglial cell mobility of salidroside. The protective effect of salidroside was investigated in microglial BV2 cell, subjected to stretch injury. Moreover, transwell migration assay demonstrated that salidroside significantly reduced cell motility. Our results also indicated that salidroside suppressed LPS‐induced chemokines production in a dose‐dependent manner, without causing cytotoxicity in BV2 microglial cells. Moreover, salidroside suppressed LPS‐induced activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) by blocking degradation of IκBα and phosphorylation of MAPK (p38, JNK, ERK1/2), which resulted in inhibition of chemokine expression. These results suggest that salidroside possesses a potent suppressive effect on cell migration of BV2 microglia and this compound may offer substantial therapeutic potential for treatment of ischemic strokes that are accompanied by microglial activation.
Hierarchical MPC Secondary Control for Electric Power System
Authors: Milla Freddy , Duarte-Mermoud Manuel A. , Aguila-Camacho Noreys
Published: April 2014

Although in electric power systems (EPS) the regulatory level guarantees a bounded error between the reference and the corresponding system variables, to keep its availability in time, optimizing the system operation is required for operational reasons such as, economic and/or environmental. In order to do this, there are the following alternative solutions: first, replacing the regulatory system with an optimized control system or simply adding an optimized supervisory level, without modifying the regulatory level. However, due to the high cost associated with the modification of regulatory controllers, the industrial sector accepts more easily the second alternative. In addition, a hierarchical supervisory control system improves the regulatory level through a new optimal signal support, without any direct intervention in the already installed regulatory control system. This work presents a secondary frequency control scheme in an electric power system, through a hierarchical model predictive control (MPC). The regulatory level, corresponding to traditional primary and secondary control, will be maintained. An optimal additive signal is included, which is generated from a MPC algorithm, in order to optimize the behavior of the traditional secondary control system.
Impaired Corneal Biomechanical Properties and the Prevalence of Keratoconus in Mitral Valve Prolapse
Authors: Kalkan Akcay Emine , Akcay Murat , Uysal Betul Seher , Kosekahya Pinar , Aslan Abdullah Nabi , Caglayan Mehtap , Koseoglu Cemal , Yulek Fatma , Cagil Nurullah
Published: April 2014

Objective. To investigate the biomechanical characteristics of the cornea in patients with mitral valve prolapse (MVP) and the prevalence of keratoconus (KC) in MVP.Materials and Methods. Fifty-two patients with MVP, 39 patients with KC, and 45 control individuals were recruited in this study. All the participants underwent ophthalmologic examination, corneal analysis with the Sirius system (CSO), and the corneal biomechanical evaluation with Reichert ocular response analyzer (ORA).Results. KC was found in six eyes of four patients (5.7%) and suspect KC in eight eyes of five patients (7.7%) in the MVP group. KC was found in one eye of one patient (1.1%) in the control group (P=0.035). A significant difference occurred in the mean CH and CRF between the MVP and control groups (P=0.006andP=0.009, resp.). All corneal biomechanical and topographical parameters except IOPcc were significantly different between the KC-MVP groups (P<0.05).Conclusions. KC prevalence is higher than control individuals in MVP patients and the biomechanical properties of the cornea are altered in patients with MVP. These findings should be considered when the MVP patients are evaluated before refractive surgery.
Remote Sensing of CO2Absorption by Saline-Alkali Soils: Potentials and Constraints
Authors: Wang Wenfeng , Chen Xi , Pu Zhi
Published: April 2014

CO2absorption by saline-alkali soils was recently demonstrated in the measurements of soil respiration fluxes in arid and semiarid ecosystems and hypothetically contributed to the long-thought “missing carbon sink.” This paper is aimed to develop the preliminary theory and methodology for the quantitative analysis of CO2absorption by saline-alkali soils on regional and global scales. Both the technological progress of multispectral remote sensing over the past decades and the conjectures of mechanisms and controls of CO2absorption by saline-alkali soils are advantageous for remote sensing of such absorption. At the end of this paper, the scheme for remote sensing is presented and some unresolved issues related to the scheme are also proposed for further investigations.