bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prospects of fatty acid profile and bioactive composition from lipid seeds for the discrimination of apple varieties with the application of chemometrics
Authors: Arain S. , Sherazi S. T.H. , Bhanger M. I. , Memon N. , Mahesar S. A. , Rajput M. T.
Published: April 2012

The extracted oils from four apple seed varieties (Royal Gala, Red Delicious, Pyrus Malus and Golden Delicious) from Pakistan were investigated for their fatty acid profiles and lipid biactives by GC-MS. The oil contents in the seeds of the apple varieties ranged from 26.8-28.7%. The results revealed that linoleic acid (40.5-49.6%) was the main fatty acid in the Royal Gala, Red Delicious and Pyrus Malus seeds, and oleic acid (38.7-45.5%) was the main fatty acid in the Golden Delicious seeds. Palmitic acid (6.1-7.4%) and stearic acid (2.0-3.1%) were the dominant saturated fatty acids, besides the small amount of palmitoleic, heptadecanoic, linolenic, archidic, eicosanoic, and behenicacids. Sterols, tocopherols, hydrocarbons and some other minor components were also identified from the unsaponifiable lipid fraction. The variation among the results of both fatty acids and lipid bioactives for the four different varieties was assessed by principal component analysis, discriminant analysis and cluster analyses. The results conclude that both oil fractions could be applied as a useful tool to discriminate among the apple seed varieties.
Physico-chemical characteristics of seed oils extracted from different apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) varieties from Pakistan
Authors: Manzoor M. , Anwar F. , Ashraf M. , Alkharfy K. M.
Published: April 2012

The fruit seed oils from four varieties of apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.), namely, Halmas, Nari, Travet and Charmagzi were analyzed for different physico-chemical characteristics. The oil yield from the apricot seeds (kernels) ranged from 32.23-42.51%, while the protein, fiber and ash contents ranged from 13.21-20.90%, 5.13-9.81% and 2.11-3.89%, respectively. The extracted oils had an average iodine value (g of I/100 g of oil) of 96.4-106.3; density at 24 °C, 0.87-0.93 mg/mL; refractive index (40 °C), 1.4655-1.4790; saponification value, 189.1-199.4 mg of KOH/g oil; unsaponifiable matter, 0.59-0.88%; free fatty acid (mg of KOH/g oil), 0.41-1.28; and color (1-inch cell), 1.31-2.96R 1 14.8-29.8Y. With regard to the oxidation state, the tested oils showed values for specific extinction at 232 and 268 nm, 2.30-3.42 and 0.82-1.04, respectively, while the peroxide value was 1.0-2.32 meq O2/kg and, p-anisidine was 1.22-1.90. The major fatty acid found in the oils was oleic acid (62.34-80.97%) followed by linoleic (13.13-30.33%), palmitic (3.35-5.93%), linolenic (0.73-1.03%) and stearic (1.10-1.68%) acids. The contents of α-, γ-, and δ-, tocopherols in the oils ranged from 14.8-40.4, 330.8-520.8 and 28.5-60.2 mg/kg, respectively. The results of our present investigation revealed that apricot seed is a potential source of oil which can be used both for edible and oleochemical applications.
Chemical and biological profiles of the essential oils from aromatic plants of agro industrial interest in Castilla-La Mancha (Spain)
Authors: Santana O. , Cabrera R. , González-Coloma A. , Sánchez-Vioque R. , De los Mozos-Pascual M. , Rodríguez-Conde M. F. , Laserna-Ruiz I. , Usano-Alemany J. , Herraiz D.
Published: April 2012

The chemical composition and biological activities of essential oils of Salvia officinalis L., Salvia lavandulifolia Vahl., Lavandula x intermedia Emeric ex Loisel., Lavandula latifolia Medik., Lavandula angustifolia Mill. and Thymus vulgaris L. are presented. The essential oils have been analysed by Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry and 61 compounds were identified, 23 of which represented more than 1% of the essential oil. The 1,8 cineole (16-23%) appeared as the main compound of Salvia sp. essential oils. The high content of α-thujone was characteristic in S. officinalis oil. Remarkable concentrations of linalool (30-33%), camphor (5-17%) and linalyl acetate (9-28%) were detected in Lavandula sp. oils while carvacrol (21.6%) and p-cimene (23.7%) were the most abundant compounds in T. vulgaris oil. Biological characterization was based on their bioplaguicide activity. The essential oils studied had strong antifeedant effects against Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say, Spodoptera littoralis Boisd., Myzus persicae Sulzer and Rhopalosiphum padi L., phytotoxic activity against Lactuca sativa L. and Lolium perenne L. and also exhibited high antifungal activity against Fusarium sp. Oils from T. vulgaris and L. latifolia showed the highest levels of bioactivity against all target species. These results provide an added-value to the essential oils of aromatic plants of agro-industrial interest for its potential use in the development of natural agrochemicals.
Cuidado e identidad de género. De las madres que trabajan a los hombres que cuidan
Authors: Tobío Constanza
Published: April 2012

El cuidado de las personas emerge como un nuevo ámbito de la realidad y campo de conocimiento, hasta ahora invisible. Desde la teoría feminista se identifican las prácticas sociales complejas en que consiste, así como la ética de la responsabilidad en que se sustenta, construida, según Gilligan, a lo largo del proceso de socialización femenino. Al incorporarse los hombres al cuidado se replantea la especificidad femenina de tal actividad y se abren nuevos interrogantes acerca de la identidad de género. Por otra parte, el carácter dicotómico del género se pone en cuestión desde la perspectiva de autores como Fausto-Esterling o Butler, problematizando no solo lo femenino sino también lo masculino. Si en los años cuarenta del pasado siglo Simone de Beauvoir se adelanta al constructivismo sociológico preguntándose cómo se hace una mujer, a comienzos del siglo XXI cobra sentido preguntarse qué es un hombre.
Supermarket Service Modeling and Evaluation
Authors: Bao Dihui , Chen Yelu , Sun Huiping , Chen Zhong
Published: April 2012

Supermarkets face the problems of customer queuing and SCM optimizing. Even a series of supermarket service models are adopted currently; however, these issues still exist. This paper examines the framework of this popular service and proposes a quantitive supermarket service metric for evaluation. It introduces three existing supermarket service models and propounds a new hybrid model on the point of improvement which is an integration of e-supermarket and typical model, concentrating on self-service and automated service. The paper gives detailed analysis and comparisons based on Game Theory and simulated experiment by expressions separately for customer, supermarket and supplier and proves the superior feature of the hybrid model. It also suggests a feasible solution using RFID and explains the solution to the biggest challenge about backend bottleneck.
Reliable Multicast Streaming
Authors: Guerrero Javier Gálvez
Published: April 2012

Video streaming is becoming one of the most important services deployed over telecommunication networks such as the Internet and triple-play operators’ networks. This service differs from the rest in being loss sensitive and highly delay sensitive and requiring a considerable amount of bandwidth in order to offer a smooth transmission of packets through the network. While upgrading network elements with quality of service and multicast transmission capabilities becomes prohibitive for most network operators, peer-to-peer (P2P) architectures appear to be smart and efficient solutions to the previous issues. Many different P2P systems have been proposed and deployed to offer reliable video streaming services. These approaches address issues such as multicast transmission, quality of service enablement, mobility robustness, and video distribution according to network and user device capabilities. This chapter gives an overview of the different issues related to performance and reliability in multicast streaming over wireless networks and presents several alternatives facing them, including amendments to the already existing multicast mechanism of data distribution, video scalability and how peer-to-peer networking can provide a cost-effective solution to such problems.
Approaches for Measuring Sustainability
Authors: Grigoroudis Evangelos , Kouikoglou Vassilis S. , Phillis Yannis A.
Published: April 2012

The environment provides the economy with resources (e.g., water, air, fuels, food, metals, minerals, and drugs), services (e.g., the cycles of H2O, C, CO2, N, O2; photosynthesis, and soil formation), and mechanisms to absorb waste. Economic growth is based on these three services, and since the global ecosystem does not grow, economic growth cannot continue indefinitely. The concepts of sustainability and sustainable development have received much attention among policy-makers and scientists as a result of the existence of limits to growth and the dramatic environmental changes of the last decades. Sustainability integrates environmental, economic, and societal aspects. It also covers different geographical scales: ecosystems, regions, countries, and the globe. In this chapter, the authors review various models of sustainability assessment. Since there is no universally accepted definition and measuring technique of sustainability, these different models lead to different assessments. They also present a discussion of the sustainability indicators, aggregation tools, and data imputation techniques used in each approach.
Impacts of Wind Generators on the Dynamic Performance of Power Systems
Authors: Hossain M. Jahangir , Pota H. R. , Mahmud M. A.
Published: April 2012

The complexity of power systems has been increased in recent years due to increased utilization of the existing transmission lines using FACTS (Flexible AC Transmission System) devices and for changing the generation mechanism with more intermittent sources and lower inertial units. This changing nature of power systems has considerable effect on its dynamic behavior resulting from power swings, dynamic interaction between different power system devices, and less synchronized coupling. This chapter will analyze the changing nature of power systems and its dynamic behavior to identify critical issues that limit the large-scale integration of wind generators and FACTS devices. The studies in this chapter are conducted on a 16-Machine, five area New England and New York power system. In this chapter, the study of dynamic behavior includes modal analysis, Power-Voltage (PV) analysis, eigenvalue tracking, and dynamic simulations to investigate the dynamic behavior of a complex power system under both small and large disturbances.
Energy from Waste
Authors: Arora Kalpana , Kumar Ashwani , Sharma Satyawati
Published: April 2012

Considering the confrontation of waste disposal and minimizing Green House Gas (GHG) emission, technologies of Waste To Energy (WTE) production seem appealing. It provides one key solution for two major concerns regarding energy crisis and waste management. Energy from biomass can be seen as a promising alternative for fossil fuels, which are getting scarce and more costly day by day. Since a significant amount of organic waste from agriculture, industries, and community sources is collected annually, it can be convertible to useful energy forms like biohydrogen, biogas, bioalcohols, etc., through various Waste-To-Energy Routes (WTERs) for sustainable development. The adoption of this WTE technology will help the world not only in saving the traditional energy resources, but also in reducing GHG emission, and lowering environmental impact. With all these advantages, WTE industry is expected to experience a noticeable growth in the coming years and make greater contribution in supplying renewable energy. The review presents the technical, economical, and environmental aspects of various WTE techniques and focus on the benefit that this thermochemical conversion is a step forward towards sustainable development.
Implementing Distributed, Self-Managing Computing Services Infrastructure using a Scalable, Parallel and Network-Centric Computing Model
Authors: Mikkilineni Rao , Morana Giovanni , Seyler Ian
Published: April 2012

This chapter introduces a new network-centric computing model using Distributed Intelligent Managed Element (DIME) network architecture (DNA). A parallel signaling network overlay over a network of self-managed von Neumann computing nodes is utilized to implement dynamic fault, configuration, accounting, performance, and security management of both the nodes and the network based on business priorities, workload variations and latency constraints. Two implementations of the new computing model are described which demonstrate the feasibility of the new computing model. One implementation provides service virtualization at the Linux process level and another provides virtualization of a core in a many-core processor. Both point to an alternative way to assure end-to-end transaction reliability, availability, performance, and security in distributed Cloud computing, reducing current complexity in configuring and managing virtual machines and making the implementation of Federation of Clouds simpler.
Achieving Flexible SLA and Resource Management in Clouds
Authors: Emeakaroha Vincent C. , Netto Marco A. S. , Calheiros Rodrigo N. , De Rose César A. F.
Published: April 2012

One of the key factors driving Cloud computing is flexible and on-demand resource provisioning in a pay-as-you-go manner. This resource provisioning is based on Service Level Agreements (SLAs) negotiated and signed between customers and providers. Efficient management of SLAs and Cloud resources to reduce cost, achieve high utilization, and generate profit is challenging due to the large-scale nature of Cloud environments and complex resource provisioning processes. In order to advance the adoption of this technology, it is necessary to identify and address the issues preventing proper resource and SLA management. The authors purport that monitoring is the first step towards successful management strategies. Thus, this chapter identifies the SLA management and monitoring challenges in Clouds and federated Cloud environments, and proposes a novel resource monitoring architecture as a basis for resource management in Clouds. It presents the design and implementation of this architecture and presents the evaluation of the architecture using heterogeneous application workloads.
Behavior Trees
Authors: Knafla Björn , Champandard Alex J.
Published: April 2012

Behavior trees (BTs) are increasingly deployed in the games industry for decision making and control of non-player characters (NPCs, also named agents or actors) and gameplay. Behavior trees are incrementally created from reactive and goal-oriented behaviors by hierarchically compositing purposeful sub-behaviors. Composite behaviors (branches in the tree) decide which child behavior to run when and react to changing behavior execution states. Leaf nodes of the behavior tree check conditions, or control the execution of game state affecting actions. This chapter introduces a basic behavior tree concept, describes how behavior tree traversal drives NPC decision making via an example, and sketches a memory-compact implementation.
Understanding and Implementing Adaptive Difficulty Adjustment in Video Games
Authors: Jonathan Tremblay , Bruno Bouchard , Abdenour Bouzouane
Published: April 2012

This chapter begins with an introduction to different concepts evolving around the adaptive difficulty in video games (i.e. problematic definition, existing models of dynamic difficulty adjustment, evaluating the player’s experience, transposing the player’s skills into numerical values, using these numerical values as seeds for the difficulty level, etc.). Further on, this chapter covers the implementation of a novel adaptive model and the validation of such a model. This model uses a normal distribution system (ELO ranking) to determine the player’s skill level and then adapt the difficulty to their needs. In order to validate this model, 42 players play-tested two versions of the game, one with adaptive difficulty and one without any difficulty adaptation.
A Gameplay Model for Understanding and Designing Games
Authors: Hebisch Erik , Wechselberger Ulrich
Published: April 2012

The study of video games involves many characteristics such as story, artwork and sound design. While it is possible to describe these qualities of a game in great detail, the same can generally not be said for the interactive qualities. This article argues that gameplay is the fundamental characteristic of a game and can be studied independently from the other qualities. The authors present a definition of gameplay and its components that enable the study of gameplay on an abstract level. They show how to use their definition for designing the interactions of a simple casual and a serious game, for analyzing the gameplay mechanics of an existing game and how this impacts on the study of interactivity in video games.
Developing a Learning Organization Model for Problem-Based Learning
Authors: Vat Kam Hou
Published: April 2012

This case describes the initiative to develop a learning organization model to support the pedagogy of problem-based learning (PBL) as an approach to conduct teaching in the author’s undergraduate curriculum development. Specifically, an organizational scenario is described to support introducing the PBL method of course delivery. This is based on an action research depiction on some of the experiences and issues involved in conceiving and developing a Web-based course-support environment called REAL (Rich Environment for Active Learning). This case then deliberates on the idea of setting up a Center for PBL Research as an important mechanism of institutional innovation. This center could be considered as an essential effort to encourage individual organizational units within the university to provide suitable electronic services toward the realization of a virtual university. The dilemma of this effort, however, remains the emergent changes of organizational behavior in education, which is essentially subjective, eclectic, individual, context-specific, and often one-off, making it traditionally the most difficult to support with technology.
Building an Online Undergraduate Module from a Graduate Module
Authors: Darbyshire Paul , Sandy Geoffrey A.
Published: April 2012

The challenge for the School of Information Systems is to develop successful alternate programs of study for the growing minority of students who require the flexibility that these programs can offer.
PFA(S)[S]: More Mutually Consistent Topological Consequences of PFA and V = L
Authors: Tall Franklin D.
Published: April 2012

Extending the work of Larson and Todorcevic, we show that there is a model of set theory in which normal spaces are collectionwise Hausdorff if they are either first countable or locally compact, and yet there are no first countable L-spaces or compact S-spaces. The model is one of the form PFA(S)[S], where S is a coherent Souslin tree.
Analysis of the Brylinski-Kostant Model for Spherical Minimal Representations
Authors: Achab Dehbia , Faraut Jacques
Published: April 2012

We revisit with another view point the construction by R. Brylinski and B. Kostant of minimal representations of simple Lie groups. We start froma pair (V,Q), whereVis a complex vector space andQa homogeneous polynomial of degree 4 onV. The manifoldis an orbit of a covering of Conf(V,Q), the conformal group of the pair (V,Q), in a finite dimensional representation space. By a generalized Kantor-Koecher-Tits construction we obtain a complex simple Lie algebra 𝔤, and furthermore a real form 𝔤ℝ. The connected and simply connected Lie groupGℝ with Lie(Gℝ) = 𝔤ℝ acts unitarily on a Hilbert space of holomorphic functions defined on the manifold.
A Generalization of a Theorem of Boyd and Lawton
Authors: Issa Zahraa , Lalín Matilde
Published: April 2012

The Mahler measure of a nonzero n-variable polynomial P is the integral of log |P| on the unit n-torus. A result of Boyd and Lawton says that the Mahler measure of a multivariate polynomial is the limit of Mahler measures of univariate polynomials. We prove the analogous result for different extensions of Mahler measure such as generalized Mahler measure (integrating the maximum of log |P| for possibly different P’s), multiple Mahler measure (involving products of log |P| for possibly different P’s), and higher Mahler measure (involving logk |P|).
Structures and reaction rates of the gaseous oxidation of SO2 by an O3−(H2O)0-5 cluster – a density functional theory investigation
Authors: Bork N. , Kurtén T. , Enghoff M. B. , Pedersen J. O. P. , Mikkelsen K. V. , Svensmark H.
Published: April 2012

Abstract. Based on density functional theory calculations we present a study of the gaseous oxidation of SO2 to SO3 by an anionic O3−(H2O)n cluster, n = 0–5. The configurations of the most relevant reactants, transition states, and products are discussed and compared to previous findings. Two different classes of transition states have been identified. One class is characterised by strong networks of hydrogen bonds, very similar to the reactant complexes. The other class is characterised by sparser structures of hydration water and is stabilised by high entropy. At temperatures relevant for atmospheric chemistry, the most energetically favourable class of transition states vary with the number of water molecules attached. A kinetic model is utilised, taking into account the most likely outcomes of the initial SO2 O3−(H2O)n collision complexes. This model shows that the reaction takes place at collision rates regardless of the number of water molecules involved. A lifetime analysis of the collision complexes supports this conclusion. Hereafter, the thermodynamics of water and O2 condensation and evaporation from the product SO3−O2(H2O)n cluster is considered and the final products are predicted to be O2SO3− and O2SO3−(H2O)1. The low degree of hydration is rationalised through a charge analysis of the relevant complexes. Finally, the thermodynamics of a few relevant reactions of the O2SO3− and O2SO3−(H2O)1 complexes are considered.
The emission of oxygen green line and density of O atom determined by using ISUAL and SABER measurements
Authors: Gao H. , Nee J.-B. , Xu J.
Published: April 2012

Abstract. Emissions of the 557.7 nm green line airglow observed by the ISUAL (Imager of Sprites and Upper Atmospheric Lightning) instrument on board the FORMOSAT-2 satellite in May and November 2008 are studied here to derive the density distributions of the atomic oxygen by using atmospheric parameters from MSISE-00 model and TIMED (Thermosphere Ionosphere Mesosphere Energetics and Dynamics)/SABER (Sounding of the Atmosphere using Broadband Emission Radiometry) measurements. The May observations were made in 10 days from a fixed orbit of longitude (100° E) with the results showing emission rate and O atom density both peaked at heights of about 90 km over 10° to 20° latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere (NH). In the Southern Hemisphere (SH), the emission rate and density of O atom are both low compared with those in NH. In November, the observations were made as the satellite traveled over all 14 orbits around the earth, covering all longitudes and latitudes of 25° S–45° N. Strong peaks of emission rates and O atoms are found at heights of about 95 km in the mid-latitudes in both hemispheres. In the equator, the airglow layer has a weaker emission rate but with higher altitude compared with those of mid-latitudes. In the lower and upper mesosphere at heights below 85 km and above 105 km, there are more O atoms in the equatorial regions than in the mid-latitudes. And there is a good correlation between the O atom and the temperature structure. A comparison with O atom distribution derived from OH airglow observed by TIMED/SABER at about the same time shows similar results.
On the utility of land surface models for agricultural drought monitoring
Authors: Crow W. T. , Kumar S. V. , Bolten J. D.
Published: April 2012

Abstract. The lagged rank cross-correlation between model-derived root-zone soil moisture estimates and remotely-sensed vegetation indices (VI) is examined between January 2000 and December 2010 to quantify the skill of various soil moisture models for agricultural drought monitoring. Examined modeling strategies range from a simple antecedent precipitation index to the application of modern land surface models (LSMs) based on complex water and energy balance formations. A quasi-global evaluation of lagged VI/soil moisture cross-correlation suggests, when averaged in bulk across the annual cycle, little or no added skill (<5% in relative terms) is associated with applying modern LSMs to off-line agricultural drought monitoring relative to simple accounting procedures based solely on observed precipitation accumulations. However, slightly larger amounts of added skill (5–15% in relative terms) are identified when focusing exclusively on the extra-tropical growing season and/or utilizing soil moisture values acquired by averaging across a multi-model ensemble.
Long-term monitoring programme of the hydrological variability in the Mediterranean Sea: a first overview of the HYDROCHANGES network
Authors: Schroeder K. , Millot C. , Bengara L. , Ben Ismail S. , Bensi M. , Borghini M. , Budillon G. , Cardin V. , Coppola L. , Curtil C. , Drago A. , El Moumni B. , Font J. , Fuda J. L. , García-Lafuente J. , Gasparini G. P. , Kontoyiannis H. , Lefevre D. , Puig P. , Raimbault P. , Rougier G. , Salat J. , Sammari C. , Sánchez Garrido J. C. , Sanchez-Roman A. , Sparnocchia S. , Tamburini C. , Taupier-Letage I. , Theocharis A. , Vargas-Yáñez M. , Vetrano A.
Published: April 2012

Abstract. The long-term monitoring of basic hydrological parameters (temperature and salinity), collected as time series with adequate temporal resolution (i.e. with a sampling interval allowing the resolution of all important time scales) in key-places of the Mediterranean Sea (straits and channels, zones of dense water formation, deep parts of the basins), constitute a priority in the context of global changes. This led CIESM (The Mediterranean Science Commission) to support, since 2002, the HYDROCHANGES programme (http://www.ciesm.org/marine/programs/hydrochanges.htm), a network of autonomous conductivity-temperature-depth (CTD) sensors, deployed on mainly short and easily manageable sub-surface moorings. The HYDROCHANGES strategy is twofold and develops on different scales. To get information about long-term changes of hydrological characteristics, long time series are needed. But before these series are long enough they allow detecting links between them at shorter time scales that may provide extremely valuable information about the functioning of the Mediterranean Sea. Here we present the history of the programme and the current setup of the network (monitored sites, involved groups) and provide an overview of all the available time series, discussing some of the results obtained thanks to the programme.
Influence of surface and subsurface heterogeneity on observed borehole temperatures at a mountain permafrost site in the Upper Engadine, Swiss Alps
Authors: Schneider S. , Hoelzle M. , Hauck C.
Published: April 2012

Abstract. Compared to lowland (polar) regions, permafrost in high mountain areas occurs in a large variety of surface and subsurface materials and textures. This work presents an eight-year (2002–2010) data set of borehole temperatures for five different (sub-) surface materials from a high alpine permafrost area, Murtèl-Corvatsch, Switzerland. The influence of the material on the thermal regime was investigated by borehole temperature data, the temperature at the top of the permafrost (TTOP-concept) and the apparent thermal diffusivity (ATD). The results show that during the last eight years, material-specific temperature changes were more significant than climate-induced temperature trends. At coarse blocky, ice-rich sites, no changes in active layer depth were observed, whereas the bedrock and the fine-grained sites appear to be highly sensitive to changes in the microclimate. The results confirm that the presence and growth of ice as well as a thermally driven air circulation within the subsurface are the key factors for the occurence and preservation of alpine permafrost.
The use of a supplemental sulcus fixated IOL (HumanOptics Add-On IOL) to correct pseudophakic refractive errors
Authors: Basarir Berna , Kaya Vedat , Altan Cigdem , Karakus Sezen , Pinarci Eylem Y. , Demirok Ahmet
Published: April 2012

Purpose.

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of piggybacking with the HumanOptics Add-On intraocular lens (IOL) to correct pseudophakic refractive errors.

Materials and Methods.

Ten eyes of 10 patients with pseudophakic refractive errors were included in this study. All patients were targeted for a range of refraction −0.50 to +0.50 D. Uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuities (UDVA and CDVA, respectively), endothelial cell count (ECC), anterior chamber depth (ACD), the distance between intraocular lenses, and contrast sensitivity measurements under mesopic, scotopic, and scotopic with glare conditions were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively.

Results.

The mean age of the patients was 54±27 years (range 4-78). Mean follow-up time was 10.5±1.36 months (range 6-15 months). Mean diopters of implanted Add-On IOLs were −1.4±6.9 (range −12 to +9 D). Mean preoperative and postoperative UDVA was 0.133±0.12 and 0.73±0.27, respectively (p=0.0001); mean preoperative and postoperative CDVA were 0.77±0.26 and 0.79±0.27, respectively (p=0.066). Mean preoperative and postoperative ACD were 3.87±0.91 mm vs 3.58±1.05 mm, respectively (p=0.343); mean inter-IOL distance was 0.53±0.08 mm. Mean preoperative and postoperative ECC were 2455±302 and 2426±294, respectively (p=0.55). All patients were within the targeted refractive range of −0.50 D to +0.50 D. No complications were observed during the operations or postoperative follow-up period.

Conclusions

Piggybacking with the Add-On IOL is a safe, efficient, and reliable technique to correct pseudophakic refractive errors.
Some Dense Linear Subspaces of Extended Little Lipschitz Algebras
Authors: Alimohammadi Davood , Moradi Sirous
Published: April 2012

Let be a compact metric space. In 1987, Bade, Curtis, and Dales obtained a sufficient condition for density of a subspace of little Lipschitz algebra in this algebra and in particular showed that is dense in , whenever . Let be a compact subset of . We define new classes of Lipchitz algebras for and for , consisting of those continuous complex-valued functions on such that and , respectively. In this paper we obtain a sufficient condition for density of a linear subspace of extended little Lipschitz algebra in this algebra and in particular show that is dense in , whenever .
May the Wind Be at Your Back
Authors: Marušić Matko
Published: April 2012

With this issue, the Faculty of Maritime Studies Split is starting a scientific journal, Transactions on Maritime Science. This I salute for two reasons: firstly because a scientific journal is culturally a very important achievement (Marušić, 2005; Marušić, 2006), and secondly because the editors have kindly asked my advice, considering me a seasoned editor (Marušić, 2010). They also asked me to write (a long) editorial for the first issue. This gives me the opportunity to offer my recommendations for the future of the journal, which I like to do (Marušić, 2010; Marušić, 2011). I wish the Transactions all that its editors certainly dream of – indexing in prestigious databases and then a decent impact factor. With good and dedicated work, this will take about a decade (Marušić and Marušić, 2002), and I will be safe even if that does not happen: advice was given (even published), and my work and responsibilities are over; anything else I do will constitute an added value, but the full responsibility is on the editors.Starting a new scientific journal, especially in a small scientific community, is a daring, long-lasting and never-ending endeavour – one should think twice before embarking on such a task (Marušić, 2010; Marušić, 2011). Just as authors publish for many different reasons, so do editors start a new journal for different reasons, not only because they want to present the latest scientific discoveries, but also to teach, to inform, to console, to amuse, to stimulate discussion, to make money.
Valuation of Road Infrastructure in Urban and Traffic Study of the City of Split
Authors: Baričević Hrvoje , Glad Matija
Published: April 2012

Functional reciprocity of all transport sectors with their infrastructure support is most evident in ports. The port of Split, integrated in Split’s traffic intersection, is a striking example of uniqueness of Split-Dalmatia County as a traffic and economic centre of Central Dalmatia. The development of City’s harbour for passenger traffic and the North Port for cargo traffic has determined already set constellation of relations of maritime, road and rail traffic, and their mutual interference. The road transport and activities with regard to hinterland services generate economic development in which Split is no exception. This estimate is based on changes that can be expected in terms of redistribution of traffic flow in the central and southern Adriatic and the greater role of road transport, with Split having an increasingly important role.
Major Psychiatric Disorders, Substance Use Behaviors, and Longevity
Authors: Rosoff Daniel B. , Hamandi Ali M. , Bell Andrew S. , Mavromatis Lucas A. , Park Lauren M. , Jung Jeesun , Wagner Josephin , Lohoff Falk W.
Published: June 2024

Importance

Observational studies suggest that major psychiatric disorders and substance use behaviors reduce longevity, making it difficult to disentangle their relationships with aging-related outcomes.

Objective

To evaluate the associations between the genetic liabilities for major psychiatric disorders, substance use behaviors (smoking and alcohol consumption), and longevity.

Design, Settings, and Participants

This 2-sample mendelian randomization (MR) study assessed associations between psychiatric disorders, substance use behaviors, and longevity using single-variable and multivariable models. Multiomics analyses were performed elucidating transcriptomic underpinnings of the MR associations and identifying potential proteomic therapeutic targets. This study sourced summary-level genome-wide association study (GWAS) data, gene expression, and proteomic data from cohorts of European ancestry. Analyses were performed from May 2022 to November 2023.

Exposures

Genetic susceptibility for major depression (n = 500 199), bipolar disorder (n = 413 466), schizophrenia (n = 127 906), problematic alcohol use (n = 435 563), weekly alcohol consumption (n = 666 978), and lifetime smoking index (n = 462 690).

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcome encompassed aspects of health span, lifespan, and exceptional longevity. Additional outcomes were epigenetic age acceleration (EAA) clocks.

Results

Findings from multivariable MR models simultaneously assessing psychiatric disorders and substance use behaviorsm suggest a negative association between smoking and longevity in cohorts of European ancestry (n = 709 709; 431 503 [60.8%] female; β, −0.33; 95% CI, −0.38 to −0.28; P = 4.59 × 10−34) and with increased EAA (n = 34 449; 18 017 [52.3%] female; eg, PhenoAge: β, 1.76; 95% CI, 0.72 to 2.79; P = 8.83 × 10−4). Transcriptomic imputation and colocalization identified 249 genes associated with smoking, including 36 novel genes not captured by the original smoking GWAS. Enriched pathways included chromatin remodeling and telomere assembly and maintenance. The transcriptome-wide signature of smoking was inversely associated with longevity, and estimates of individual smoking-associated genes, eg, XRCC3 and PRMT6, aligned with the smoking-longevity MR analyses, suggesting underlying transcriptomic mediators. Cis-instrument MR prioritized brain proteins associated with smoking behavior, including LY6H (β, 0.02; 95% CI, 0.01 to 0.03; P = 2.37 × 10−6) and RIT2 (β, 0.02; 95% CI, 0.01 to 0.03; P = 1.05 × 10−5), which had favorable adverse-effect profiles across 367 traits evaluated in phenome-wide MR.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that the genetic liability of smoking, but not of psychiatric disorders, is associated with longevity. Transcriptomic associations offer insights into smoking-related pathways, and identified proteomic targets may inform therapeutic development for smoking cessation strategies.
The ATP‐bound inward‐open conformation of ABCC4 reveals asymmetric ATP binding for substrate transport
Authors: Zhu Yue , Xing Xiaoke , Wang Fuxing , Chen Luojun , Zhong Chunhui , Lu Xiting , Yu Zhanwang , Yang Yongbo , Yao Yi , Song Qibin , Han Suxia , Liu Zheng , Zhang Pingfeng
Published: June 2024

The multidrug resistance‐associated protein (MRP) ABCC4 facilitates substrate transport across the cytoplasmic membrane, crucial for normal physiology and mediating multidrug resistance in tumor cells. Despite intensive studies on MRPs, ABCC4's transport mechanism remains incompletely understood. In this study, we unveiled an inward‐open conformation with an ATP bound to degenerate NBD1. Additionally, we captured the structure with both ATP and substrate co‐bound in the inward‐open state. Our findings uncover the asymmetric ATP binding in ABCC4 and provide insights into substrate binding and transport mechanisms. ATP binding to NBD1 is parallel to substrate binding to ABCC4, and is a prerequisite for ATP‐bound NBD2‐induced global conformational changes. Our findings shed new light on targeting ABCC4 in combination with anticancer therapy.
Fetal dose assessment in a pregnant patient with brain tumor: A comparative study of proton PBS and 3DCRT/VMAT radiation therapy techniques
Authors: Rahimi Robabeh , Taylor Michael , Li Xing , Chen Kuan Ling , MacLennan Grayden , Murdoch Erin , Chang Lienard , Parniani Ashkan , Wang Peng , Chawla Ashish , Fan Jiajin , Kim Daniel
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The treatment of brain tumors in pregnant patients poses challenges, as the out‐of‐field dose exposure to the fetus can potentially be harmful. A pregnant patient with prior radiation treatment was presented with a brain tumor at our clinic. This work reports on our pre‐treatment study that compared fetal dose exposure between intensity‐modulated proton therapy (IMPT) using pencil beam scanning (PBS) and conventional photon 3D conformal radiation therapy (3DCRT) and volumetric‐modulated arc therapy (VMAT), and the subsequent pregnant patient's radiation treatment.

Materials and methods

Pre‐treatment measurements of clinical plans, 3DCRT, VMAT, and IMPT, were conducted on a phantom. Measurements were performed using a device capable of neutron detections, closely following AAPM guidelines, TG158. For photon measurements, fetus shielding was utilized. On patient treatment days, which was determined to be proton treatment, shielding was used only during daily imaging for patient setup. Additionally, an in vivo measurement was conducted on the patient.

Results

Measurements showed that IMPT delivered the lowest fetal dose, considering both photon and neutron out‐of‐field doses to the fetus, even when shielding was implemented for photon measurements. Additionally, the proton plans demonstrated superior treatment for the mother, a reirradiation case.

Conclusion

The patient was treated with proton therapy, and the baby was subsequently delivered at full term with no complications. This case study supports previous clinical findings and advocates for the expanded use of proton therapy in this patient population.
The feasibility of CT simulation‐free adaptive radiation therapy
Authors: MacDonald R. Lee , Fallone Clara , Chytyk‐Praznik Krista , Robar James , Cherpak Amanda
Published: June 2024

Background

Novel on‐board CBCT allows for improved image quality and Hounsfield unit accuracy. When coupled with online adaptive tools, this may have potential to allow for simulation and treatment to be completed in a single on‐table session.

Purpose

To study the feasibility of a high‐efficiency radiotherapy treatment workflow without the use of a separate session for simulation imaging. The dosimetric accuracy, overall efficiency, and technical feasibility were used to evaluate the clinical potential of CT simulation‐free adaptive radiotherapy.

Methods

Varian's Ethos adaptive radiotherapy treatment platform was upgraded with a novel CBCT system, HyperSight which reports image quality and Hounsfield unit accuracy specifications comparable to standard fan‐beam CT. Using in‐house developed MATLAB software, CBCT images were imported into the system and used for planning. Two test cases were completed on anthropomorphic phantoms equipped with small volume ion chambers (cross‐calibrated to an ADCL traceable dose standard) to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of the workflows. A simulated palliative spine treatment was planned with 8 Gy in one fraction, and an intact prostate treatment was planned with 60 Gy in 20 fractions. The CBCTs were acquired using HyperSight with default thorax and pelvis imaging protocols and reconstructed using an iterative algorithm with scatter removal, iCBCT Acuros. CBCTs were used for contouring and planning, and treatment was delivered via an online adaptive workflow. In addition, an external dosimetry audit was completed using only on‐board CBCT imaging in an end‐to‐end head and neck phantom irradiation.

Results

An extended‐field CBCT acquisition can be acquired in 12 s, in addition to the time for longitudinal table shifts, and reconstructed in approximately 1 min. The superior‐inferior extent for the CBCT planning images was 38.2 cm, which captured the full extent of relevant anatomy. The contouring and treatment planning for the spine and prostate were completed in 30 and 18 min, respectively. The dosimetric agreement between ion chamber measurements and the treatment plan was within a range of −1.4 to 1.6%, and a mean and standard deviation of 0.41 ± 1.16%. All metrics used in the external audit met the passing criteria, and the dosimetric comparison between fan‐beam and CBCT techniques had a gamma passing rate of 99.0% with a criteria of 2%/2 mm.

Conclusion

Using an in‐house workflow, CT simulation‐free radiation therapy was shown to be feasible with acceptable workflow efficiency and dosimetric accuracy. This approach may be particularly applicable for urgent palliative treatments. With the availability of software to enable this workflow, and the continued advancement of on‐treatment adaptation, single‐visit radiation therapy may replace current practice for some clinical indications.
Thermoelectric‐Feedback Nanocomposite Hydrogel for Temperature‐Synchronized Monitoring and Regulation in Accurate Photothermal Therapy
Authors: Xu Hongtao , Huang Gang , Cheng Han , Li Fangjie , Zhang Zhiyuan , Huang Xiaojuan , Huang Hailong , Zheng Chongyang
Published: June 2024

Photothermal therapy (PTT) is a promising approach for tumor ablation and cancer treatment. However, controlling the therapeutic temperature during treatment remains challenging, and imprecise thermal regulation can harm adjacent healthy tissues, reduce therapeutic accuracy, and promote the thermotolerance of cellular phenotypes, potentially leading to tumor invasion and recurrence. Although existing methods provide basic temperature control by adjusting irradiation power and photothermal agent dosing, they lack real‐time temperature monitoring and feedback control capabilities, underscoring the urgent need for more integrated and precise PTT systems. In this context, an innovative photothermoelectric (PTE) cobalt‐infused chitosan (CS) nanocomposite hydrogel (PTE‐Co@CS) is developed for precise temperature‐regulated PTT, exhibiting desirable mechanical properties and exceptional biocompatibility. Enhanced by embedded nanoparticles, PTE‐Co@CS demonstrates superior photothermal conversion efficiency compared with existing methods, while also featuring thermoelectric responsiveness and increased sensitivity to photostimuli. Its advantageous PTE response characteristics ensure a linear correlation between temperature shifts and resistance changes (e.g., R2 = 0.99919 at 0.5 W cm⁻2), enabling synchronized qualitative and quantitative control of PTT temperature through electrical signal monitoring. This allows for real‐time monitoring and regulation during PTT, effectively addressing the issue of uncontrollable temperatures and improving therapeutic efficacy.
Learning Soft Millirobot Multimodal Locomotion with Sim‐to‐Real Transfer
Authors: Demir Sinan Ozgun , Tiryaki Mehmet Efe , Karacakol Alp Can , Sitti Metin
Published: June 2024

With wireless multimodal locomotion capabilities, magnetic soft millirobots have emerged as potential minimally invasive medical robotic platforms. Due to their diverse shape programming capability, they can generate various locomotion modes, and their locomotion can be adapted to different environments by controlling the external magnetic field signal. Existing adaptation methods, however, are based on hand‐tuned signals. Here, a learning‐based adaptive magnetic soft millirobot multimodal locomotion framework empowered by sim‐to‐real transfer is presented. Developing a data‐driven magnetic soft millirobot simulation environment, the periodic magnetic actuation signal is learned for a given soft millirobot in simulation. Then, the learned locomotion strategy is deployed to the real world using Bayesian optimization and Gaussian processes. Finally, automated domain recognition and locomotion adaptation for unknown environments using a Kullback‐Leibler divergence‐based probabilistic method are illustrated. This method can enable soft millirobot locomotion to quickly and continuously adapt to environmental changes and explore the actuation space for unanticipated solutions with minimum experimental cost.
Multilevel Regulation of NF‐κB Signaling by NSD2 Suppresses Kras‐Driven Pancreatic Tumorigenesis
Authors: Feng Wenxin , Niu Ningning , Lu Ping , Chen Zhuo , Rao Hanyu , Zhang Wei , Ma Chunxiao , Liu Changwei , Xu Yue , Gao Wei‐Qiang , Xue Jing , Li Li
Published: June 2024

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a clinically challenging cancer with a dismal overall prognosis. NSD2 is an H3K36‐specific di‐methyltransferase that has been reported to play a crucial role in promoting tumorigenesis. Here, the study demonstrates that NSD2 acts as a putative tumor suppressor in Kras‐driven pancreatic tumorigenesis. NSD2 restrains the mice from inflammation and Kras‐induced ductal metaplasia, while NSD2 loss facilitates pancreatic tumorigenesis. Mechanistically, NSD2‐mediated H3K36me2 promotes the expression of IκBα, which inhibits the phosphorylation of p65 and NF‐κB nuclear translocation. More importantly, NSD2 interacts with the DNA binding domain of p65, attenuating NF‐κB transcriptional activity. Furthermore, inhibition of NF‐κB signaling relieves the symptoms of Nsd2‐deficient mice and sensitizes Nsd2‐null PDAC to gemcitabine. Clinically, NSD2 expression decreased in PDAC patients and negatively correlated to nuclear p65 expression. Together, the study reveals the important tumor suppressor role of NSD2 and multiple mechanisms by which NSD2 suppresses both p65 phosphorylation and downstream transcriptional activity during pancreatic tumorigenesis. This study opens therapeutic opportunities for PDAC patients with NSD2 low/loss by combined treatment with gemcitabine and NF‐κBi.