bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three Metal Coordination Complexes Based on 2-(1H-benzotriazol-1-yl) Acetic Acid with Bioactivities
Authors: Ma Yi , Zhang Yin-Xin , Tang Gui-Mei
Published: April 2015

Three metal coordination complexes, [ZnL2(H2O)]n and [ML2(H2O)4]·3H2O [M = Co or Ni, HL = 2-(1H-benzotriazol-1-yl) acetic acid] have been prepared and structurally characterised. They show moderate antibacterial, antifungal and pesticide bioactivities.
Synthesis of 4-Ethyl-5-Methyl-5,6-Dihydrophenanthridine-8,9-Diol as the Key Intermediate of Potent Agonists of the Wnt Signalling Pathway
Authors: Jing Chen-xu , Cai Jie-yun , Zhang Yu , Chen Duo-zhi , Hao Xiao-jiang
Published: April 2015

The synthesis of 4-ethyl-5-methyl-5,6-dihydro-phenanthridine-8,9-diol as the key intermediate of a series of potent Wnt signalling pathway agonists is reported. This synthesis features a consecutive aryl-aryl and N-aryl coupling, leading to 4-ethyl-5-methyl-8,9-dimethoxyphenanthridin-6-(5H)-one, whose structure was determined by spectroscopic analysis and X-ray crystallography, in a one-pot sequence with the presence of palladium catalyst and TFP (tri(2-furyl)phosphine) as the ligand.
Functional Neuroimaging Correlates of Autobiographical Memory Deficits in Subjects at Risk for Depression
Authors: Young Kymberly , Bellgowan Patrick , Bodurka Jerzy , Drevets Wayne
Published: April 2015

Overgeneral autobiographical memory (AM) manifests in individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) tested during depressed (dMDD) or remitted phases (rMDD), and healthy individuals at high-risk (HR) for developing MDD. The current study aimed to elucidate differences in hemodynamic correlates of AM recall between rMDDs, HRs, and controls (HCs) to identify neural changes following previous depressive episodes without the confound of current depressed mood. HCs, HRs, and unmedicated rMDDs (n = 20/group) underwent fMRI while recalling AMs in response to emotionally valenced cue words. HRs and rMDDs recalled fewer specific and more categorical AMs relative to HCs. During specific AM recall, HRs had increased activity relative to rMDDs and HCs in left ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC) and lateral orbitofrontal cortex. During positive specific AM recall, HRs and HCs had increased activity relative to rMDDs in bilateral dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (DMPFC) and left precuneus. During negative specific AM recall HRs and HCs had increased activity in left VLPFC and right DMPFC, while rMDDs had increased activity relative to HRs and HCs in right DLPFC and precuneus. Differential recruitment of medial prefrontal regions implicated in emotional control suggests experiencing a depressive episode may consequently reduce one’s ability to regulate emotional responses during AM recall.
Stochastic Processes via the Pathway Model
Authors: Mathai Arak , Haubold Hans
Published: April 2015

After collecting data from observations or experiments, the next step is to analyze the data to build an appropriate mathematical or stochastic model to describe the data so that further studies can be done with the help of the model. In this article, the input-output type mechanism is considered first, where reaction, diffusion, reaction-diffusion, and production-destruction type physical situations can fit in. Then techniques are described to produce thicker or thinner tails (power law behavior) in stochastic models. Then the pathway idea is described where one can switch to different functional forms of the probability density function through a parameter called the pathway parameter. The paper is a continuation of related solar neutrino research published previously in this journal.
Common Features of Opportunistic Premise Plumbing Pathogens
Authors: Falkinham Joseph
Published: April 2015

Recently it has been estimated that the annual cost of diseases caused by the waterborne pathogens Legionella pneumonia, Mycobacterium avium, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa is $500 million. For the period 2001–2012, the estimated cost of hospital admissions for nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease, the majority caused by M. avium, was almost $1 billion. These three waterborne opportunistic pathogens are normal inhabitants of drinking water—not contaminants—that share a number of key characteristics that predispose them to survival, persistence, and growth in drinking water distribution systems and premise plumbing. Herein, I list and describe these shared characteristics that include: disinfectant-resistance, biofilm-formation, growth in amoebae, growth at low organic carbon concentrations (oligotrophic), and growth under conditions of stagnation. This review is intended to increase awareness of OPPPs, identify emerging OPPPs, and challenge the drinking water industry to develop novel approaches toward their control.
Financial Reforms and Financial Fragility: A Panel Data Analysis
Authors: Iftikhar Syed
Published: April 2015

This paper explores the relationship between financial reforms, financial liberalization and the quality of banking regulation and supervision for financial fragility by applying a dynamic two-step system generalized method of moments GMM panel estimator technique. The finding of this study is that the financial vulnerability of the banking sector could be affected, not only by bank-specific and macro-specific variables; but also by financial liberalization and banking regulations and supervision policies. The empirical results of this study confirm the evidence that financial reforms and financial liberalization significantly enhance the likelihood of financial fragility while strong banking regulations and supervision have an inverse relationship with financial fragility. The results of this study also explain that the lag value of loan growth and unemployment contribute to enhancing financial fragility while equity to assets ratio, natural log of total assets and share of foreign banks reduce financial vulnerability.
On Transaction-Cost Models in Continuous-Time Markets
Authors: Poufinas Thomas
Published: April 2015

Transaction-cost models in continuous-time markets are considered. Given that investors decide to buy or sell at certain time instants, we study the existence of trading strategies that reach a certain final wealth level in continuous-time markets, under the assumption that transaction costs, built in certain recommended ways, have to be paid. Markets prove to behave in manners that resemble those of complete ones for a wide variety of transaction-cost types. The results are important, but not exclusively, for the pricing of options with transaction costs.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells as Therapies for Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Xiao Juan , Yang Rongbing , Biswas Sangita , Qin Xin , Zhang Min , Deng Wenbin
Published: April 2015

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, autoimmune, inflammatory demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system that leads to permanent neurological deficits. Current MS treatment regimens are insufficient to treat the irreversible neurological disabilities. Tremendous progress in the experimental and clinical applications of cell-based therapies has recognized stem cells as potential candidates for regenerative therapy for many neurodegenerative disorders including MS. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSCs) derived precursor cells can modulate the autoimmune response in the central nervous system (CNS) and promote endogenous remyelination and repair process in animal models. This review highlights studies involving the immunomodulatory and regenerative effects of mesenchymal stem cells and iPSCs derived cells in animal models, and their translation into immunomodulatory and neuroregenerative treatment strategies for MS.
Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy in Asians
Authors: Wong Chee , Wong Tien , Cheung Chui
Published: April 2015

Age related macular degeneration (AMD) in Asians has been suggested to differ from their Western counterparts in terms of epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation and treatment. In particular, polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) appears to be the predominant subtype of exudative AMD in Asian populations, in contrast to choroidal neovascularization secondary to AMD (CNV-AMD) in Western populations. Epidemiological data on PCV has been largely limited to hospital-based studies and there are currently no data on the incidence of PCV. Similarities and differences in risk factor profile between PCV and CNV-AMD point to some shared pathogenic mechanisms but also differential underlying mechanisms leading to the development of each phenotype. Serum biomarkers such as CRP, homocysteine and matrix metalloproteinases suggest underlying inflammation, atherosclerosis and deranged extracellular matrix metabolism as possible pathogenic mechanisms. In addition, recent advances in genome sequencing have revealed differences in genetic determinants of each subtype. While the standard of care for CNV-AMD is anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy, photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been the mainstay of treatment for PCV, although long-term visual prognosis remains unsatisfactory. The optimal treatment for PCV requires further clarification, particularly with different types of anti-VEGF agents and possible benefits of reduced fluence PDT.
Genetic Code Evolution Reveals the Neutral Emergence of Mutational Robustness, and Information as an Evolutionary Constraint
Authors: Massey Steven
Published: April 2015

The standard genetic code (SGC) is central to molecular biology and its origin and evolution is a fundamental problem in evolutionary biology, the elucidation of which promises to reveal much about the origins of life. In addition, we propose that study of its origin can also reveal some fundamental and generalizable insights into mechanisms of molecular evolution, utilizing concepts from complexity theory. The first is that beneficial traits may arise by non-adaptive processes, via a process of “neutral emergence”. The structure of the SGC is optimized for the property of error minimization, which reduces the deleterious impact of point mutations. Via simulation, it can be shown that genetic codes with error minimization superior to the SGC can emerge in a neutral fashion simply by a process of genetic code expansion via tRNA and aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase duplication, whereby similar amino acids are added to codons related to that of the parent amino acid. This process of neutral emergence has implications beyond that of the genetic code, as it suggests that not all beneficial traits have arisen by the direct action of natural selection; we term these “pseudaptations”, and discuss a range of potential examples. Secondly, consideration of genetic code deviations (codon reassignments) reveals that these are mostly associated with a reduction in proteome size. This code malleability implies the existence of a proteomic constraint on the genetic code, proportional to the size of the proteome (P), and that its reduction in size leads to an “unfreezing” of the codon – amino acid mapping that defines the genetic code, consistent with Crick’s Frozen Accident theory. The concept of a proteomic constraint may be extended to propose a general informational constraint on genetic fidelity, which may be used to explain variously, differences in mutation rates in genomes with differing proteome sizes, differences in DNA repair capacity and genome GC content between organisms, a selective pressure in the evolution of sexual reproduction, and differences in translational fidelity. Lastly, the utility of the concept of an informational constraint to other diverse fields of research is explored.
Impact of Packing and Processing Technique on Mechanical Properties of Acrylic Denture Base Materials
Authors: Nejatian Touraj , Sefat Farshid , Johnson Tony
Published: April 2015

The fracture resistance of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) as the most popular denture base material is not satisfactory. Different factors can be involved in denture fracture. Among them, flexural fatigue and impact are the most common failure mechanisms of an acrylic denture base. It has been shown that there is a correlation between the static strength and fatigue life of composite resins. Therefore, the transverse strength of the denture base materials can be an important indicator of their service life. In order to improve the fracture resistance of PMMA, extensive studies have been carried out; however, only a few promising results were achieved, which are limited to some mechanical properties of PMMA at the cost of other properties. This study aimed at optimizing the packing and processing condition of heat-cured PMMA as a denture base resin in order to improve its biaxial flexural strength (BFS). The results showed that the plain type of resin with a powder/monomer ratio of 2.5:1 or less, packed conventionally and cured in a water bath for 2 h at 95 °C provides the highest BFS. Also, it was found that the performance of the dry heat processor is inconsistent with the number of flasks being loaded.
Characterization of Dentine to Assess Bond Strength of Dental Composites
Authors: Liaqat Saad , Aljabo Anas , Khan Muhammad , Nuba Hesham , Bozec Laurent , Ashley Paul , Young Anne
Published: April 2015

This study was performed to develop alternating dentine adhesion models that could help in the evaluation of a self-bonding dental composite. For this purpose dentine from human and ivory was characterized chemically and microscopically before and after acid etching using Raman and SEM. Mechanical properties of dentine were determined using 3 point bend test. Composite bonding to dentine, with and without use of acid pre-treatment and/or the adhesive, were assessed using a shear bond test. Furthermore, micro gap formation after restoration of 3 mm diameter cavities in dentine was assessed by SEM. Initial hydroxyapatite level in ivory was half that in human dentine. Surface hydroxyapatites decreased by approximately half with every 23 s of acid etch. The human dentine strength (56 MPa) was approximately double that of ivory, while the modulus was almost comparable to that of ivory. With adhesive use, average shear bond strengths were 30 and 26 MPa with and without acid etching. With no adhesive, average bond strength was 6 MPa for conventional composites. This, however, increased to 14 MPa with a commercial flowable “self–bonding” composite or upon addition of low levels of an acidic monomer to the experimental composite. The acidic monomer additionally reduced micro-gap formation with the experimental composite. Improved bonding and mechanical properties should reduce composite failures due to recurrent caries or fracture respectively.
Fermentative Production of the Diamine Putrescine: System Metabolic Engineering of Corynebacterium Glutamicum
Authors: Nguyen Anh , Schneider Jens , Reddy Gajendar , Wendisch Volker
Published: April 2015

Corynebacterium glutamicum shows great potential for the production of the glutamate-derived diamine putrescine, a monomeric compound of polyamides. A genome-scale stoichiometric model of a C. glutamicum strain with reduced ornithine transcarbamoylase activity, derepressed arginine biosynthesis, and an anabolic plasmid-addiction system for heterologous expression of E. coli ornithine decarboxylase gene speC was investigated by flux balance analysis with respect to its putrescine production potential. Based on these simulations, enhancing glycolysis and anaplerosis by plasmid-borne overexpression of the genes for glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase and pyruvate carboxylase as well as reducing 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase activity were chosen as targets for metabolic engineering. Changing the translational start codon of the chromosomal gene for 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase subunit E1o to the less preferred TTG and changing threonine 15 of OdhI to alanine reduced 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase activity about five fold and improved putrescine titers by 28%. Additional engineering steps improved further putrescine production with the largest contributions from preventing the formation of the by-product N-acetylputrescine by deletion of spermi(di)ne N-acetyltransferase gene snaA and from overexpression of the gene for a feedback-resistant N-acetylglutamate kinase variant. The resulting C. glutamicum strain NA6 obtained by systems metabolic engineering accumulated two fold more putrescine than the base strain, i.e., 58.1 ± 0.2 mM, and showed a specific productivity of 0.045 g·g−1·h−1 and a yield on glucose of 0.26 g·g−1.
Lower Protein-to-Carbohydrate Ratio in Maternal Diet is Associated with Higher Childhood Systolic Blood Pressure up to Age Four Years
Authors: Blumfield Michelle , Nowson Caryl , Hure Alexis , Smith Roger , Simpson Stephen , Raubenheimer David , MacDonald-Wicks Lesley , Collins Clare
Published: April 2015

The prenatal environment can influence development of offspring blood pressure (BP), which tracks into adulthood. This prospective longitudinal study investigated whether maternal pregnancy dietary intake is associated with the development of child BP up to age four years. Data are from 129 mother-child dyads enrolled in the Women and Their Children’s Health study. Maternal diet was assessed using a validated 74-item food frequency questionnaire at 18 to 24 weeks and 36 to 40 weeks, with a reference period of the previous three months. Child systolic and diastolic BP were measured at 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 36 and 48 months, using an automated BP monitor. Using mixed-model regression analyses adjusted for childhood growth indices, pregnancy intakes of percentage of energy (E%) polyunsaturated fat (β coefficient 0.73; 95% CI 0.003, 1.45; p = 0.045), E% omega-6 fatty acids (β coefficient 0.89; 95% CI 0.09, 1.69; p = 0.03) and protein-to-carbohydrate (P:C) ratio (β coefficient −14.14; 95% CI −27.68, −0.60; p = 0.04) were associated with child systolic BP trajectory up to 4 years. Child systolic BP was greatest at low proportions of dietary protein (<16% of energy) and high carbohydrate (>40% of energy) intakes. There may be an ideal maternal macronutrient ratio associated with optimal infant BP. Maternal diet, which is potentially modifiable, may play an important role in influencing offspring risk of future hypertension.
Supervised Classification of Benthic Reflectance in Shallow Subtropical Waters Using a Generalized Pixel-Based Classifier across a Time Series
Authors: Blakey Tara , Melesse Assefa , Hall Margaret
Published: April 2015

We tested a supervised classification approach with Landsat 5 Thematic Mapper (TM) data for time-series mapping of seagrass in a subtropical lagoon. Seagrass meadows are an integral link between marine and inland ecosystems and are at risk from upstream processes such as runoff and erosion. Despite the prevalence of image-specific approaches, the classification accuracies we achieved show that pixel-based spectral classes may be generalized and applied to a time series of images that were not included in the classifier training. We employed in-situ data on seagrass abundance from 2007 to 2011 to train and validate a classification model. We created depth-invariant bands from TM bands 1, 2, and 3 to correct for variations in water column depth prior to building the classification model. In-situ data showed mean total seagrass cover remained relatively stable over the study area and period, with seagrass cover generally denser in the west than the east. Our approach achieved mapping accuracies (67% and 76% for two validation years) comparable with those attained using spectral libraries, but was simpler to implement. We produced a series of annual maps illustrating inter-annual variability in seagrass occurrence. Accuracies may be improved in future work by better addressing the spatial mismatch between pixel size of remotely sensed data and footprint of field data and by employing atmospheric correction techniques that normalize reflectances across images.
Routing and Scheduling Algorithms for WirelessHARTNetworks: A Survey
Authors: Nobre Marcelo , Silva Ivanovitch , Guedes Luiz
Published: April 2015

Wireless communication is a trend nowadays for the industrial environment. A number of different technologies have emerged as solutions satisfying strict industrial requirements (e.g., WirelessHART, ISA100.11a, WIA-PA). As the industrial environment presents a vast range of applications, adopting an adequate solution for each case is vital to obtain good performance of the system. In this context, the routing and scheduling schemes associated with these technologies have a direct impact on important features, like latency and energy consumption. This situation has led to the development of a vast number of routing and scheduling schemes. In the present paper, we focus on the WirelessHART technology, emphasizing its most important routing and scheduling aspects in order to guide both end users and the developers of new algorithms. Furthermore, we provide a detailed literature review of the newest routing and scheduling techniques forWirelessHART, discussing each of their features. These routing algorithms have been evaluated in terms of their objectives, metrics, the usage of theWirelessHART structures and validation method. In addition, the scheduling algorithms were also evaluated by metrics, validation, objectives and, in addition, by multiple superframe support, as well as by the redundancy method used. Moreover, this paper briefly presents some insights into the main WirelessHART simulation modules available, in order to provide viable test platforms for the routing and scheduling algorithms. Finally, some open issues in WirelessHART routing and scheduling algorithms are discussed.
Jean III d’Antioche (996-1021) et la Vie de Jean Damascène (BHG 884)
Authors: Kontouma Vassa
Published: April 2015

La Vie de Jean Damascène (BHG 884) est-elle l’oeuvre d’un patriarche d’Antioche comme l’affirment ses plus anciens manuscrits (10e-11e s.) ? Et, dans l’affirmative, celui-ci est-il Jean III, nommé par Basile II en 996 et installé vers 999-1000 ? Cet ancien chartophylax a évolué dans un milieu de hauts fonctionnaires férus d’hagiographie de style métaphrastique. Or la Vie de Jean possède les principales caractéristiques de la métaphrase. Elle se fonde sur plusieurs Vies plus anciennes, dont la Vie des Mélodes Cosmas et Jean Damascène (BHG 394). Des extraits de ces Vies, rassemblés en un dossier de métaphrase, ont été retrouvés en 1085 par Michel, l’auteur de la Vie arabe de Jean Damascène, sans doute au monastère de Saint-Syméon du Mont Admirable. Tous les indices concourent ainsi à montrer que la Vie de Jean a été composée dans la région d’Antioche, par un lettré venu de Constantinople, très certainement Jean III. Elle prend son sens dans le contexte de réhellénisation de la Syrie.
Agent and Mobile Tools for Telehomecare in Developing Countries: An Architecture Approach
Authors: Zarour Karim
Published: April 2015

Nowadays, in the networked health, mobile tools are increasingly important, to provide care, educate patients or to transmit remote information. Telehomecare evolves constantly. It can aid disabled persons, increase patient compliance, enhance caregivers’ effectiveness, and connect socially isolated individuals to their care providers. In this perspective, the agent paradigm proposes interesting concepts for the development of telehomecare information systems, such as the control autonomy, decentralization and coordination. This paper describes an architecture of telehomecare based on agents and mobile tools.
Online Temperature Control System
Authors: Ameur Ikhlef , Mouloud Kihel , Boukhezzar Boubekeur , Abdelmalek Guerroudj , Nora Mansouri
Published: April 2015

In this paper, a remote temperature control system has been proposed. The physical system is controlled in real time through the Internet network. For educational purpose, the students use only a web browser to tune and test a PID controller via shared user interface. The PID parameters are calculated using the basic experimental Ziegler—Nichols tuning rules. After hardware and software experiment description, the remote online experiment is tested and the results are given.
Online Laboratory in Digital Electronics Using NI ELVIS II+
Authors: Naddami Ahmed , Fahli Ahmed , Gourmaj Mourad , Moussetad Mohammed
Published: April 2015

This work is part of the ‘‘eSience’’ project, which is realized in the framework of Tempus project, coordinated by Bordeau university and financed by the European Union. The ‘‘eSience’’ project aims to create a network of online labs in the maghrebian countries.

The present paper will present our recent work in order to extend our online laboratory ‘‘Khouribga OnlineLab’’ at Hassan the 1 st university in Morocco. It will focus on the development of a digital online laboratory supporting experiments in the fields of combinational logic circuits, sequential electronics, and digital multiplexer. The developed system is combining NI ELVIS II+ and the NI digital Electronics FPGA board.

By using the interactive version of iLab Shared Architecture, students will have a complete access to manage and control the system in real time.
Saving Face in Online Learning
Authors: Kushnir Lena Paulo , Berry Kenneth
Published: April 2015

Advancements in technology and innovations in education allow universities to entertain new ways of teaching and learning. This chapter presents quasi-experimental data of how various online tools and teaching strategies impact student learning outcomes, satisfaction, and engagement. Specific variables impacting social presence, affect, cognition, etc., were tested to determine their impact on different student outcomes such as grades, feelings of isolation, student engagement, and perceived authenticity of course materials in a second-year Introductory Psychology course. Findings suggest that, despite the literature, only some factors had a significant impact on student outcomes and that while some course activities transferred well online, others did not; peer activities and participation in some course components particularly were hindered online. Considered here are students' experiences with online learning, including hybrid and inverted courses, and teaching strategies that help meet challenges in different higher-education learning contexts.
Artificial Neural Learning Based on Big Data Process for eHealth Applications
Authors: Pombo Nuno , Garcia Nuno M. , Bousson Kouamana , Felizardo Virginie
Published: April 2015

The complexity of the clinical context requires systems with the capability to make decisions based on reduced sets of data. Moreover, the adoption of mobile and ubiquitous devices could provide personal health-related information. In line with this, eHealth application faces several challenges so as to provide accurate and reliable data to both healthcare professionals and patients. This chapter focuses on computational learning on the healthcare systems presenting different classification processes to obtain knowledge from data. Finally, a case study based on a radial basis function neural network aiming the estimation of ECG waveform is explained. The presented model revealed its adaptability and suitability to support clinical decision making. However, complementary studies should be addressed to enable the model to predict the upper and lower points related to upward and downward deflections.
Data Stewardship: How NOAA Delivers Environmental Information for Today and Tomorrow
Authors: Cartwright John , Varner Jesse , McLean Susan
Published: April 2015

AbstractNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA's) National Geophysical Data Center (NGDC) ensures the security and widespread availability of scientific marine geophysical data through long-term stewardship. Marine geophysical data extend from the water surface,
through the water column, to the seafloor and even the geology beneath. In addition to ensuring the quality, integrity, and accessibility of these data, NGDC develops derived products such as precise representations of Earth's magnetic field and digital elevation models for coastal and marine
areas. NOAA and our partners expend significant resources to survey our coasts and oceans. In order to maximize the return on this investment, the data must be easily discoverable and readily accessible by numerous users and applications now and well into the future. To meet these goals, NGDC
is drawing on a variety of software technologies and is strictly adhering to international data standards. The result is a geospatial framework built on spatially enabled databases, standard-based Web services, and International Standards Organization (ISO) metadata. NGDC's suite of tools
and services delivers over 40 TB of marine geophysical data each year to a wide range of customers. By making the data more accessible to both human and machine clients, NGDC extends the use of, and therefore the value of, these data. The result is environmental information that enables informed
decisions.
Marine Weather Forecasting in the National Weather Service
Authors: May Richard , Soroka David , Presnell Wayne , Garcia Brian
Published: April 2015

AbstractAccording to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA's) official economic statistics, over half of the U.S. population lives within 50 miles of the coast. At sea, maritime commerce has tripled since about 1960‐2010. The National Weather Service
(NWS) Marine Program has a mission to provide marine forecasts and warnings for the U.S. coastal waters and Great Lakes, offshore and high seas portions of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and for a portion of the Arctic Ocean (north of Alaska). This information
helps protect people and their property while on our nation's waters. Weather and ocean data are critical to the mariner. This is due to a combination of hazards—such as strong wind and large waves—and the fact that the mariner is often isolated. When in peril, rescue of these
vessels may be hours or days in coming. Not having accurate and timely weather information and the knowledge to properly apply it increases risk to mariners and their vessels. In coastal areas, NWS provides vital services and products to inform and protect residents, businesses, tourists,
and others from hazardous weather and surf conditions. Typically in the coastal community, rip currents and inundation caused by storms and unusually high tides are the primary focus. Techniques of marine forecasting have come a long way, bringing us into the modern era of marine observations
via satellite, radar, and buoys and forecasting using sophisticated computer programs. The role of marine weather forecasters worldwide is a complex one and will continue to change in response to evolving technology and user requirements.
Technology Developments in NOAA's Real-Time Coastal Observing Systems
Authors: Edwing Richard , Teng Chung-Chu , Heitsenrether Robert
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe critical need for real-time coastal oceanographic and meteorological measurements to support maritime forecasters, emergency managers, pilots, vessel operators, port authorities, coastal planners, and many other decision makers has rapidly grown, along with the variety of scientific research applications that rely on resulting long-term data records. To support the needs for such observations, the National Ocean Service Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services (CO-OPS) continues to maintain and develop the National Water Level Observation Network (NWLON) and Physical Oceanographic Real-Time Systems (PORTS®). Together, these networks consist of over 300 long-term, real-time observatories distributed across the nation's coasts.In situdata measured and disseminated in real time from NWLON and PORTS stations include water levels, ocean currents, waves, water temperature, conductivity, bridge clearance, visibility, and several meteorological parameters. CO-OPS invests heavily in analysis of emerging technologies to identify potential improvements in data quality and operating efficiency and to ensure that the evolving needs of its diverse user community are continuously met. Recent enhancements to the CO-OPS network include the transition to microwave radar water level sensors to increase accuracy and simplify installation and maintenance requirements; development and testing of nearshore wave measurement systems; development of standalone, bottom-mounted water level gauges for applications in remote Arctic areas; and expanding data communication capabilities to improve usage of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites and to broaden use of the Iridium satellite system. An overview of the latest design features of typical CO-OPS real-time stations is presented, along with highlights of recent system developments and enhancements.
NOAA's Role in Defining the U.S. Extended Continental Shelf
Authors: Eakins Barry W. , Bohan Margot L. , Armstrong Andrew A. , Westington Meredith , Jencks Jennifer , Lim Elliot , McLean Susan J. , Warnken Robin R.
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe legal continental shelf is a maritime zone that typically goes out to 200 nautical miles from shore. It may, however, be extended beyond 200 nautical miles, based in part on the morphology of the continental margin. The United Nations Convention on the Law of
the Sea sets forth the requirements for how coastal countries can legally define such an extended continental shelf (ECS), within which they may manage the natural resources on and below the seabed. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), along with the U.S. Geological
Survey and the U.S. Department of State, is working to map, analyze, and define the seaward extent of the U.S. ECS. New advances in maritime technologies, such as improved multibeam echosounders, and associated visualization and analysis software aid in this effort by enabling project scientists
to better understand seafloor geomorphology and interpret local and regional geologic processes. Marine geophysical data collected during this project are publicly available, benefiting the broader scientific community and public through timely data access and long-term preservation. To date,
NOAA has led more than 30 high-resolution surveys and mapped more than 2 million square kilometers of sea floor in support of the U.S. ECS effort. New discoveries have been made during these surveys, and the data have contributed to better understanding of the morphology and geology of the
U.S. continental margins.
The Roles of Emerging Technology and Modeling Techniques in Operational Ecological Forecasting at NOAA
Authors: Allen Allison L. , Brown Christopher W. , Lewitus Alan J. , Sandifer Paul A.
Published: April 2015

AbstractNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is uniquely positioned to apply its considerable forecasting capabilities and experience toward predicting the response of ecosystems and their components to environmental changes. With the recent frequency and severity of episodic ecosystem events and the associated increase in public awareness and concern, never has the demand for such forecasts been higher. NOAA has established an Ecological Forecasting Roadmap to coordinate and apply its expertise, capacity, and partnerships to advance the field of ecological forecasting and increase the quantity and quality of timely and actionable information available to resource managers, emergency responders, and health officials, so that whenever possible, preventative or mitigating measures may be taken. Establishing a national ecological forecasting capacity with regionally tailored approaches requires cutting-edge observing systems and modeling techniques. This paper outlines some of the specific areas in which emerging technology is critically important to understanding ecosystem changes and enabling ecological forecasting.
Apis mellifera(Hymenoptera: Apidae) drone sperm quality in relation to age, genetic line, and time of breeding
Authors: Rousseau Andrée , Fournier Valérie , Giovenazzo Pierre
Published: April 2015

A honey bee (Apis melliferaLinnaeus; Hymenoptera: Apidae) queen’s life expectancy is strongly dependent on the number of sperm she obtains by mating with drones during nuptial flights. Unexplained replacement of queens by the colony and young queens showing sperm depletions have been reported in North America, and reduced drone fertility has been a suspected cause. The aim of this study was to evaluate drone reproductive qualities during the queen-rearing season, from May to August. Drones from two different genetic lines were reared six times during the 2012 beekeeping season at our research centre in Québec (Canada). Semen volume as well as sperm number and viability were assessed at the ages of 14, 21, and 35 days. Results showed (1) a greater proportion of older drones with semen at the tip of the genitalia after eversion; (2) an influence of rearing date on semen production; and (3) no influence of drone genetic line, age or time of breeding on sperm viability. These results highlight the necessity of better understanding drone rearing and how it can be improved to ensure optimum honey-bee queen mating.
The occurrence of Dryocoetes krivolutzkajae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) in Canada: a potential pest of cultivated roseroot (Crassulaceae)
Authors: Cognato Anthony I. , Cuerrier Alain , Ampong-Nyarko Kwesi , Hermanutz Luise , Mardones Vanessa
Published: April 2015

Dryocoetes krivolutzkajae Mandelshtam (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), a scolytine bark beetle previously known only from the Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia was discovered in Labrador and New Brunswick, Canada. It is unknown whether the Canadian populations represent an introduction or the natural range of D. krivolutzkajae. The habit of this beetle is particular because it is one of the few scolytines that complete their lifecycle within herbaceous roots. This species feeds on the rhizomes of Rhodiola rosea Linnaeus (Crassulaceae) an important natural medicinal plant. Currently it is unknown if, and how rhizome infestation affects the active chemical constituents. The impact of D. krivolutzkajae on the quantity and quality of R. rosea rhizomes requires study.
Paraspinal Arterio-Venous Fistula in Children: Two More Cases of an Exceptional Malformation
Authors: Farhat Nesrine , Desprechins Brigitte , Otto Bernard , Ramaekers Vincent , Seghaye Marie-Christine
Published: April 2015

We report on the case of two toddlers who presented in the last 2 years with heart and vascular murmur, respectively, and in whom the diagnosis of paraspinal arterio-venous fistula was made. Paraspinal arterio-venous fistulae in children are extremely rare congenital or post-traumatic vascular malformations. In the rare case of connection with the spinal venous system, they might affect spinal vascularization due to potential venous congestion. Interventional embolization rather than surgery is the treatment of choice for such lesions. Up to now, there is no consensus about the indication of prophylactic closure of asymptomatic fistulae. However, close clinical follow-up with repeated spinal magnetic resonance imaging to exclude venous congestion is mandatory for young asymptomatic patients until treatment.
Biodiversity of insects associated with safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) crop in Gachsaran, Iran
Authors: Saeidi K. , Mirfakhraei S. , Mehrkhou F. , Valizadegan O.
Published: April 2015

The present research conducted to see the biodiversity of insects in warm and cool areas from March to April in 2009 at the Gachsaran Agricultural Research Station. A total number of 4261 specimens, which were identified into 31 families and 92 species. Out of total 31 families collected, 10 families were pests, 2 families belongs to predators and beneficial insects and 7 families belongs to parasitoids and beneficial insects and finally, 12 families of insects are saprophage and polyphagous. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the number of insects collected between months. The mean number of insects collected in the month of March, April and May was 34.7, 30.7 and 36.2 respectively. The Basht area is most susceptible host for insects (37.9), while the Gachsaran and Lishter areas is less susceptible (33.5) and (28.4) so both sites not differ significantly in the population of insects. The family Coccinellidae had more population in the Gachsaran-safflower zone (98.3) than the Basht-safflower zone (54.6) and it was significantly similar to the family cicadellidae. Similarly, different families like Aphididae (98.0), Cicadellidae (74), Thripidae (50.0), Curculionidae (26.6), Noctuidae (25.0) and Torymidae (27.3) had higher population in the Gachsaran-safflower zone than in the Basht-safflower area with means of 92.3, 63.0, 42.6, 21.0, 21.6 and 19.3 respectively. Also the families like Nymphalide, Pieridae, Lygaeidae, Papilionidae, Miridae, Pentatomidae, Reduviidae, Geometridae, Gryllotalpidae, Mantidae, Acrididae, Saturnidae and Anthocoridae had mean population of 12.6, 7.4, 12.0, 4.1, 4.4, 8.6, 1.9, 0.5, 7.5, 2.4, 11.3, 3.3 and 8.9.
Orgya antiqua (Linnaeus) (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae): an occasional pest on Pelargonium
Authors: Viggiani G.
Published: April 2015

The larval development of Orgya antiqua on Pelargonium has been reported for the first time.
HAVE A BREAK and the changing demands of trade mark registration
Authors: Davis Jennifer , Durant Alan
Published: April 2015

This article explores, from the point of view of both law and linguistics, how far the application and effect of the law of registered trade marks is shaped not only by legislative initiative but also by changing consumer behaviour and the shifting linguistic currency of the particular signs used (or proposed for use) as marks. It does so by focusing on the thirty-year campaign to register HAVE A BREAK for a chocolate bar, marketed as ‘KitKat’. It considers the changing approach of courts both to inherent distinctiveness and to distinctiveness acquired through use. It also considers the relationship between the average consumer test for distinctiveness and the public interest in leaving certain signs free. It suggests that while the present trade mark regime is open to the registration of slogans, it is not clear that courts have sufficiently considered the public interest implications of increasing trade mark protection in this way.
The responses in the United Kingdom and United States to groundless threats of patent infringement proceedings
Authors: Cook Trevor , Atton Corinne
Published: April 2015

While most legal systems encourage settlement of disputes out of court, and the warning of potential defendants, a warning of legal proceedings can also been seen as a threat, necessitating specialist legal advice and potential difficulties for individuals and small enterprises. This situation can provide scope for unscrupulous operators to make, in bad faith, threats of actions for intellectual property infringement, never intending to start proceedings, but instead seeking to attract nuisance payments from the recipients of such threats. This article examines recent developments in groundless threats of patent infringement proceedings in the United States and United Kingdom.
Prehospital Trauma Care Registry Problems in South Brazil
Authors: Nasr Adonis , Abreu-Reis Phillipe , Collaço Iwan , Tomasich Flavio Saavedra
Published: April 2015

Background

Trauma registry remains a great problem to most countries that are implementing trauma systems. Nondigital data assessment and storage may lead to information deterioration along the process. In order to verify the missing registry in prehospital trauma rescuers’ form, we ran this study.

Study design

A prospective observational noncontrolled study with 288 random trauma cases brought to a Level 1 Trauma Center in Curitiba, between May 28th and June 10th 2006. We analyzed data registered in the prehospital rescue team form. The including criteria were all patients delivered to the trauma center by ambulances. The excluding criteria were patients not transported by ambulances and those without the proper form filled out. Statistical analysis was performed using the Chi-square for discrete, and the student's t-test for continuous variables.

Results

Two hundred and eighty-eight trauma cases were observed. Twelve patients were excluded. Of the 276 patients who met the including criteria, 75% were men with a mean age of 27-year-old. In only 8.34% of times patients were brought by doctors, while in 91.66% by paramedics. 63.4% of patients were traffic injuries victims, followed by 12.31% falls, 6.52% falls from the high, 5.79% gunshot wounds, 5.34% assaults, 3.62% stab wounds, 2.89% others. Impressively, 16 patients (5.89%) had no records of respiratory rate from the prehospital care assessment, 20 (7.24%) had no data of systolic blood pressure and 13(4.71%)had no pulse registry. Furthermore, 31.25% of the RR not registered were abnormal in the hospital admission evaluation, as well as 15% of the SBPs, and 23% of HR. None of the cases had information regarding time from the scene to the hospital.

Conclusion

Electronic data collection shall make checklists consistently filled out. It is not well understood the importance of registering data for most of healthcare providers working in the field, especially when they do not follow the in-hospital care of trauma patients.

How to cite this article

Abreu-Reis P, Tomasich FS, Nasr A, Collaco I. Prehospital Trauma Care Registry Problems in South Brazil. Panam J Trauma Crit Care Emerg Surg 2014;3(3):97-100.
The Evolution of Liver Injury Diagnosis and Treatment in the Past 50 Years
Authors: Lucas Charles E
Published: April 2015

Background

During the past 50 years many changes have occurred in treating liver injury. Nonoperative therapy (NOT) for blunt penetrating injuries is now common.

Study design

This report highlights the current therapy of liver injury.

Results

Complications of NOT include early rebleeding requiring prompt operative intervention; intrahepatic hematoma which becomes infected necessitating drainage; bile peritoneum requiring exploration and drainage; and hemobilia requiring embolization, hepatotomy with ligation, or resection. Operative exposure through a midline incision which can be extended as a median sternotomy is preferred. Prehepatic and intrahepatic packs are helpful. Full mobilization of the right and left triangular ligaments augments exposure. Hemostasis for both blunt and penetrating, usually, is obtained by hepatorrhaphy using the 2’ blunt tipped needle swedged onto a 2-O chromic suture. Through-and-through injuries may require hepatotomy with intrahepatic ligation of cross-linking vessels. Locally destructive wounds may require nonanatomic debridement to the point of healthy liver tissue which is then sutured. Formal segmentectomy, or lobectomy, is seldom needed. Hepatic artery ligation controls deep arterial not involving the portal venous supply. The retrohepatic caval atrial shunt will facilitate hemostasis from central liver injuries involving the hepatic veins or retrohepatic cava.

Debridement of emacerated liver tissue should be extended to good liver parenchyma where deep liver sutures help with approximate the edges.

Drainage is not used for minor injuries. Closed suctions are best for larger wounds. Common duct drainage should be avoided.

Conclusion

Most liver injuries are treated by NOT. Operative therapy involves hemostasis, debridement when necessary, and selective drainage.

How to cite this article

Lucas CE. The Evolution of Liver Injury Diagnosis and Treatment in the Past 50 Years. Panam J Trauma Crit Care Emerg Surg 2014;3(3):124-131.
The Radio Occultation Processing Package, ROPP
Authors: Culverwell I. D. , Lewis H. W. , Offiler D. , Marquardt C. , Burrows C. P.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. This paper describes the Radio Occultation Processing Package, ROPP, a product of the EUMETSAT Radio Occultation Meteorology Satellite Application Facility (ROM SAF) developed by a large number of scientists over many years. A brief review of the concepts, functionality and structure of ROPP is followed by more detailed descriptions of its key capabilities. Example results from a full chain of processing using some of the ROPP tools are presented. Some current and prospective uses of ROPP are given. Instructions on how to access the code and its supporting documentation are provided.