bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of operating parameters on stage efficiency in an Oldshue-Rushton column
Authors: Asadollahzadeh Mehdi , Shahhosseini Shahrokh , Torab-Mostaedi Meisam , Ghaemi Ahad
Published: July 2015

In this research, stage efficiency has been measured in a 113 mm
Oldshue-Rushton column for two systems including toluene-acetone-water and
n-butyl acetate-acetone-water. The experiments performed in two directions of
mass transfer. The effects of different parameters such as rotor speed,
dispersed and continuous phase velocities and direction of mass transfer on
the stage efficiency were investigated. The experimental data show that the
stage efficiency is strongly dependent on the agitation rate and interfacial
tension, but only slightly dependent on phase velocities. It was observed
that the stage efficiency is better when the mass transfer direction of
acetone is from the continuous to the dispersed phase in comparison to
opposite direction due to the presence of oscillations created by surface
tension gradient. The investigated column is one of the extraction columns
with high stage efficiency. An empirical correlation is proposed to describe
the stage efficiency in terms of Reynolds and Froude numbers. The predictions
of the equation had good agreement with the experimental data.
Effect of sintering temperature on structure and properties of highly porous glass-ceramics
Authors: Iatsenko Artem , Sych Olena , Tomila Tamara
Published: July 2015

Highly porous biomaterials with a structure close to that of cancellous bone
have been prepared using biogenic hydroxyapatite and glass of the
SiO2-Na2O-CaO system by a replication of the polymer template structure. It
has been established that during sintering of the samples the hydroxyapatite
decomposes, which involves the formation of glass-ceramics containing phases
of renanit NaCaPO4, calcium phosphate silicate Ca5(PO4)2SiO4, calcium
pyrophosphate Ca2P2O7 and impurities of hydroxyapatite Ca5(PO4)3(OH).
Structural characteristics and mechanical properties of the obtained
materials are promising for the replacement of defective cancellous bone.
Experimental closure of gunshot wounds by fibrin glue with antibiotics in pigs
Authors: Djenic Nebojsa , Visnjic Milan , Dragovic Sasa , Bojanic Vladmila , Bojanic Zoran , Djurdjevic Dragan , Djindjic Boris , Kostov Milos
Published: July 2015

Background/Aim. Gunshot wounds caused by the automatic rifle M70AB2 (AK-47)
7.62 mm, after the primary surgical management, were closed with delayed
primary suture during the next four to seven days. This period coincides with
the fibroblastic phase of wound healing. Fibrin glue is used as a local
hemostatic and as a matrix for the local dosed release of antibiotics.
Antibiotics addition to fibrin glue resulted in continuous diffusion into the
surrounding next 4 to 7 days. The aim of this study was to create the
preconditions for gunshot wounds closing without complications by the
application of fibrin glue with antibiotics 24 h after primary surgical
treatment. Methods. A total of 14 pigs were wounded in the gluteofemoral
region by the bullet M67, initial velocity of 720 m/s. All wounded animals
were surgically treated according to the principles of the warsurgery
doctrine. Seven wounds were closed with primary delayed suture four days
after the primary surgical treatment (traditional approach). Fibrin glue with
antibiotics was introduced in seven wounds during the primary surgical
treatment and primary delayed suture was done after 24 h. The macroscopic
appearance and the clinical assessment of the wound were done during the
primary surgical treatment and during its revision after 24 h, as well as
histopathological findings at the days 4 and 7 after wounding. Results.
Gunshot wounds caused by the automatic rifle M70AB2 (AK-47) 7.62 mm, and
treated with fibrin glue with antibiotics after primary surgical management,
were closed with primary delayed suture after 24 h. In further wound
evolution there were no complications. Conclusion. Uncomplicated soft-tissue
wounds caused by an automatic M70AB2 rifle may be closed primarily with
delayed suture without the risk of developing complications if on revision,
24 h after primary surgery, there were no present necrotic tissues, hematoma,
and any signs of infection when fibrin glue with antibiotics (ceftriaxone and
clindamycin) was applied. The use of this method should be limited to
individual and strictly controlled cases in civil practice for now.
Editorial Vol.4
Authors: Kandel Rajan Kumar , Khadka Bishnu Kumar , Bist Resham Bahadur , Khatri Dipendra Kumar
Published: July 2015

Journal of NELTA Surkhet Vol.4 2014: vi
An Overview on ELT Scenario in Surkhet
Authors: Sharma Dhirendra Prasad
Published: July 2015

The main purpose of this article is to analyze the ELT scenario of community based schools in Surkhet district. This paper, presents an introduction of ELT curriculum of English in school level, current status of ELT achievement in Surkhet district, issues, challenges and problems overwhelmed around ELT in community-based schools, strategies to enhance the competence and performance of teachers towards ELT for pedagogical recommendation and implication. From the close observation of some schools and teachers’ class and official data related to ELT achievement, this article suggests that creating happy and child friendly environment towards learning second language, demand based trainings, use of relevant teaching aids in language classroom, effective continuous assessment system, monitoring, and awareness of the stakeholders towards English language teaching contribute a lot for making effective English classes in the context of Surkhet district. Journal of NELTA Surkhet Vol.4 2014: 41-47
Binary Opposition Between Arrogance and Patience in Owenson’s The Missionary: An Indian Tale
Authors: Ammai Narayan Prasad
Published: July 2015

“The Missionary: An Indian Tale” by Sydney Owenson (1811) a remarkable novel written in the backdrop of Spanish-Portuguese conflict in India, a haunting tale of cultural encounter and trans-racial romance set in early colonial India, deals with the theme of binary opposition between arrogance and patience. The Missionary focuses on the binary opposite relationship between Hilarion, a Portuguese missionary to India and Luxima, an Indian prophetess. Hilarion in the novel is presented as a colonizer who seems to be proud on his religion and intends to transform Luxima into Christian from Hindu whereas Luxima’s patience is privileged. Both are aristocratic, devoted to their religions, and biased against other cultures. The primary objective of this study is to analyze how the state of binary opposition between Hilarion’s arrogance and Luxima’s patience exists. The focus of this study is what made Hilarion to be converted in front of Luxima who was supposed to convert her. Owenson is saying that it is the subjectivity of Luxima that gets transferred to Hilarion but not vice versa. By valorizing Luxima’s subjectivity over Hilarion, the writer foregrounds the hidden value of the Hindu culture that gives emphasis not only upon the reason rather puts equal space for emotion. For this purpose the concepts of John Whale and Michael J. Franklin in used as a basic tool of textual analysis to prove its hypothesis. Journal of NELTA Surkhet Vol.4 2014: 98-104
Operative wound-related complications after cranial revascularization surgeries
Authors: Takanari Keisuke , Araki Yoshio , Okamoto Sho , Sato Hideyoshi , Yagi Shunjiro , Toriyama Kazuhiro , Yokoyama Kinya , Murotani Kenta , Matsui Shigeyuki , Wakabayashi Toshihiko , Kamei Yuzuru
Published: July 2015

OBJECT

Intracranial revascularization surgeries are an effective treatment for moyamoya disease and other intracranial vascular obliterative diseases. However, in some cases, wound-related complications develop after surgery. Although the incidence of wound complication is supposed to be higher than that with a usual craniotomy, this complication has rarely been the focus of studies in the literature that report the outcomes of revascularization surgeries. Here, the relationship between intracranial revascularization surgeries and their complications is statistically assessed.

METHODS

Between October 2004 and February 2010, 71 patients were treated using cerebral revascularization surgeries on 98 sides of the head. The relationship between wound complications and operative technique was retrospectively assessed. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the risk factors of wound complication, including operative technique, age, sex, diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and smoking history.

RESULTS

In total, there were 21 (21.4%) operative wound complications. Of these 21 complications, there were 14 (66.7%) minor complications and 7 (33.3%) major complications. No statistically significant relationship was found between wound complications and any surgical procedure. A trend toward severer complications was demonstrated for the procedures that used both STA branches (“double” procedures) in comparison with the procedures that used only 1 STA branch (“single” procedures, p = 0.016, Cochran-Armitage trend test). Multivariate logistic regression analysis also revealed that double procedures demonstrated a significantly higher incidence of wound complications than single procedures (OR 3.087, p = 0.048). DM was found to be a risk factor for wound complication (OR 9.42, p = 0.02), but age, sex, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia were not associated with the incidence of complications. Even though the blood supply to the scalp is abundant due to 5 arteriovenous systems, sometimes cutaneous necrosis develops after intracranial revascularization surgeries. The galeal blood supply is thought to be crucial for preventing wound-related complications. Special care is also thought to be required for DM patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Revascularization surgeries seemed to demonstrate a higher risk of wound-related complications. Double-type procedures, which use both branches of the STA, and a history of DM were found to be risk factors for wound-related complications. Attention should be paid to the design of the galeal incision and vessel harvest line. Also, special attention should be paid to patients with DM.
“Live cadavers” for training in the management of intraoperative aneurysmal rupture
Authors: Aboud Emad , Aboud Ghaith , Al-Mefty Ossama , Aboud Talal , Rammos Stylianos , Abolfotoh Mohammad , Hsu Sanford P. C. , Koga Sebastian , Arthur Adam , Krisht Ali
Published: July 2015

OBJECT

Intraoperative rupture occurs in approximately 9.2% of all cranial aneurysm surgeries. This event is not merely a surgical complication, it is also a real surgical crisis that requires swift and decisive action. Neurosurgical residents may have little exposure to this event, but they may face it in their practice. Laboratory training would be invaluable for developing competency in addressing this crisis. In this study, the authors present the “live cadaver” model, which allows repetitive training under lifelike conditions for residents and other trainees to practice managing this crisis.

METHODS

The authors have used the live cadaver model in 13 training courses from 2009 to 2014 to train residents and neurosurgeons in the management of intraoperative aneurysmal rupture. Twenty-three cadaveric head specimens harboring 57 artificial and 2 real aneurysms were used in these courses. Specimens were specially prepared for this technique and connected to a pump that sent artificial blood into the vessels. This setting created a lifelike situation in the cadaver that simulates live surgery in terms of bleeding, pulsation, and softness of tissue.

RESULTS

A total of 203 neurosurgical residents and 89 neurosurgeons and faculty members have practiced and experienced the live cadaver model. Clipping of the aneurysm and management of an intraoperative rupture was first demonstrated by an instructor. Then, trainees worked for 20- to 30-minute sessions each, during which they practiced clipping and reconstruction techniques and managed intraoperative ruptures. Ninety-one of the participants (27 faculty members and 64 participants) completed a questionnaire to rate their personal experience with the model. Most either agreed or strongly agreed that the model was a valid simulation of the conditions of live surgery on cerebral aneurysms and represents a realistic simulation of aneurysmal clipping and intraoperative rupture. Actual performance improvement with this model will require detailed measurement for validating its effectiveness. The model lends itself to evaluation using precise performance measurements.

CONCLUSIONS

The live cadaver model presents a useful simulation of the conditions of live surgery for clipping cerebral aneurysms and managing intraoperative rupture. This model provides a means of practice and promotes team management of intraoperative cerebrovascular critical events. Precise metric measurement for evaluation of training performance improvement can be applied.
Clinical interpretation of residual uptake in 11C-methionine positron emission tomography after treatment of basal ganglia germ cell tumors: report of 3 cases
Authors: Fukuoka Kohei , Yanagisawa Takaaki , Watanabe Yuko , Suzuki Tomonari , Matsutani Masao , Kuji Ichiei , Nishikawa Ryo
Published: July 2015

Although 11C-methionine (MET)-PET has been used to diagnose intracranial germ cell tumors (GCTs) arising in the basal ganglia, whether this imaging technique is useful in assessing treatment response and residual tumor is still unclear. The authors report 3 cases of basal ganglia GCTs in which the residual MET uptake at the end of treatment did not develop into a relapse, even without additional treatment. Case 1 is a 22-year-old man who had a second relapse of a left basal ganglia germinoma with diffuse dissemination on the walls of both of his lateral ventricles. MET-PET revealed high MET accumulation around tumors and their surroundings (maximum standardized uptake value [SUVmax] 3.3). After all treatments, MET-PET demonstrated mild tracer accumulation in both basal ganglia (SUVmax 2.2). Progression-free survival was 56 months from the second relapse without any further treatment. Case 2 is a 17-year-old boy with a left basal ganglia germinoma that showed increased MET uptake (SUVmax 4.2). After treatment, MET-PET revealed residual MET uptake (SUVmax 2.4) along the left posterior limb of the internal capsule. Progression-free survival was 52 months from the start of treatment. Case 3 is a 7-year-old boy with a left basal ganglia choriocarcinoma with increased tumor MET uptake (SUVmax 2.5). A minor enhanced mass remained on MRI after treatment with residual MET accumulation (SUVmax 1.4). Progression-free survival was 44 months. Treatment strategies based on MET uptake on PET should be carefully designed in patients with basal ganglia GCTs to avoid overtreatment and complications.
Guilty, Sexual and Local: Nature for the Nation in the Italian Narrative of the
Bel Paese
(19th century)
Authors: Gai Antonio
Published: July 2015

Significant historiographical works have been dedicated to the role of nature in many national cultures, but such studies for the process of development of Italian national identity are still rather rare. This article aims to partially fill this gap, attempting to provide insight into the corpus of the so-called 'Risorgimental canon': in other terms, the most influential literary texts of the cultural and political movement aiming to unify the States beneath the borders of the Alps in a single nation, Italy. The 'Risorgimento'- the act of 'rising again' - of Italian national identity. This paper examines patriotic poetry and novels in the context of their contemporary culture as both expressions and performances of the relationship between the environmental approach and national narrative. In particular this essay explores the rhetorical use of the environment in national discourse, through the representation of the imagined geographical identity, the poetry of national landscape and the value attributed to Nature. At this time, while the new national sentiment was being built, local identities continued to persist, and emerged in the canon, striking intellectuals with the great difficulties of mixing together old and new identities. As it inherited a long environmental tradition, relating to Romanticism, and imagined a new political identity, the Risorgimento shaped and institutionalised the general idea of nature in the national discourse about the
Bel Paese
.
Proved generation of implementations from computationally secure protocol specifications
Authors: Cadé David , Blanchet Bruno
Published: July 2015

Abstract

In order to obtain implementations of security protocols proved secure in the computational model, we previously proposed the following approach: we write a specification of the protocol in the input language of the computational protocol verifier CryptoVerif, prove it secure using CryptoVerif, then generate an OCaml implementation of the protocol from the CryptoVerif specification using a specific compiler that we have implemented. However, until now, this compiler was not proved correct, so we did not have real guarantees on the generated implementation. In this paper, we fill this gap. We prove that this compiler preserves the security properties proved by CryptoVerif: if an adversary has probability p of breaking a security property in the generated code, then there exists an adversary that breaks the property with the same probability p in the CryptoVerif specification. Therefore, if the protocol specification is proved secure in the computational model by CryptoVerif, then the generated implementation is also secure.
Biography, Craft, Creative Labour: The Timeliness of Dai Vaughan's Portrait of an Invisible Man: The Working Life of Stewart McAllister, Film Editor
Authors: Stollery Martin
Published: July 2015

Dai Vaughan's Portrait of an Invisible Man: The Working Life of Stewart McAllister, Film Editor has long been the type of book critics and historians ritually acknowledge as an important contribution without engaging in any sustained analysis of precisely why this is the case. This article argues that Portrait deserves to be revisited in the light of current debates about craft and creative labour in the film and television industries. There is an enormous amount of craft involved in film and television production, yet this has not yet been discussed in relation to the current resurgence of interest in craft more generally. The article also deploys Portrait to open up historical perspectives on the spate of recent work on creative labour in contemporary British film and television. It concludes with a comparison between McAllister's work and the editing of the most recently emergent category of British documentary – fixed-rig productions such as 24 Hours in A&E. Specific issues explored include: the analysis of film and television production processes in relation to historically contingent conceptions of art and craft; film and television technicians and autonomy; self-exploitation within British film and television production cultures characterised by a public service ethos; perspectives on the creative individuality of film and television technicians; and the transmission of craft skill within these contexts.
Response of Snap Bean Cultivars to Rhizobium Inoculation under Dryland Agriculture in Ethiopia
Authors: Beshir Hussien , Walley Frances , Bueckert Rosalind , Tar'an Bunyamin
Published: July 2015

High yield in snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) production requires relatively high nitrogen (N) inputs. However, little information is available on whether the use of rhizobial inoculants for enhanced biological dinitrogen fixation can provide adequate N to support green pod yield. The objectives of this study were to test the use of rhizobia inoculation as an alternative N source for snap bean production under rain fed conditions, and to identify suitable cultivars and appropriate agro-ecology for high pod yield and N2 fixation in Ethiopia. The study was conducted in 2011 and 2012 during the main rainy season at three locations. The treatments were factorial combinations of three N treatments (0 and 100 kg·N·ha−1, and Rhizobium etli (HB 429)) and eight snap bean cultivars. Rhizobial inoculation and applied N increased the total yield of snap bean pod by 18% and 42%, respectively. Cultivar Melkassa 1 was the most suitable for a reduced input production system due to its greatest N2 fixation and high pod yield. The greatest amount of fixed N was found at Debre Zeit location. We concluded that N2 fixation achieved through rhizobial inoculation can support the production of snap bean under rain fed conditions in Ethiopia.
Scientific Endeavors of A.M. Mathai: An Appraisal on the Occasion of his Eightieth Birthday, 28 April 2015
Authors: Haubold Hans , Mathai Arak
Published: July 2015

A.M. Mathai is Emeritus Professor of Mathematics and Statistics at McGill University, Canada. He is currently the Director of the Centre for Mathematical and Statistical Sciences India. His research contributions cover a wide spectrum of topics in mathematics, statistics, physics, astronomy, and biology. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Mathematical Statistics, National Academy of Sciences of India, and a member of the International Statistical Institute. He is a founder of the Canadian Journal of Statistics and the Statistical Society of Canada. He was instrumental in the implementation of the United Nations Basic Space Science Initiative (1991–2012). This paper highlights research results of A.M. Mathai in the period of time from 1962 to 2015. He published over 300 research papers and over 25 books.
Activation of Proinflammatory Responses in Cells of the Airway Mucosa by Particulate Matter: Oxidant- and Non-Oxidant-Mediated Triggering Mechanisms
Authors: Øvrevik Johan , Refsnes Magne , Låg Marit , Holme Jørn , Schwarze Per
Published: July 2015

Inflammation is considered to play a central role in a diverse range of disease outcomes associated with exposure to various types of inhalable particulates. The initial mechanisms through which particles trigger cellular responses leading to activation of inflammatory responses are crucial to clarify in order to understand what physico-chemical characteristics govern the inflammogenic activity of particulate matter and why some particles are more harmful than others. Recent research suggests that molecular triggering mechanisms involved in activation of proinflammatory genes and onset of inflammatory reactions by particles or soluble particle components can be categorized into direct formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) with subsequent oxidative stress, interaction with the lipid layer of cellular membranes, activation of cell surface receptors, and direct interactions with intracellular molecular targets. The present review focuses on the immediate effects and responses in cells exposed to particles and central down-stream signaling mechanisms involved in regulation of proinflammatory genes, with special emphasis on the role of oxidant and non-oxidant triggering mechanisms. Importantly, ROS act as a central second-messenger in a variety of signaling pathways. Even non-oxidant mediated triggering mechanisms are therefore also likely to activate downstream redox-regulated events.
Adjuvant Systemic Therapy in Older Breast Cancer Women: Can We Optimize the Level of Care?
Authors: Mislang Anna , Biganzoli Laura
Published: July 2015

Defining optimal adjuvant treatment for older women with breast cancer is challenged by the lack of level-1 clinical evidence and the heterogeneity of the older population. Nevertheless, recommendations based on reviews of available evidence mainly from retrospective subgroup analyses and extrapolation of study results from younger patients, and expert opinions, may be useful to guide treatment decisions in fit patients. But how can we properly define a “fit” older patient? In clinical practice, age by itself and clinical impression generally drive treatment decision, although the appropriateness of this judgment is under-documented. Such an approach risks overtreatment or, more frequently, undertreatment. A geriatric assessment can be valuable in oncology practice to address this issue. In this review article, we will focus only on systemic treatment and will discuss “standard” adjuvant systemic treatment strategies for fit older breast cancer patients and the role of “personalized” systemic therapy in unfit patients. The concepts conveyed in this review cannot be extrapolated to locoregional therapy.
Recent Progress on Fe/N/C Electrocatalysts for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Fuel Cells
Authors: Liu Jing , Li Erling , Ruan Mingbo , Song Ping , Xu Weilin
Published: July 2015

In order to reduce the overall system cost, the development of inexpensive, high-performance and durable oxygen reduction reaction (ORR)N, Fe-codoped carbon-based (Fe/N/C) electrocatalysts to replace currently used Pt-based catalysts has become one of the major topics in research on fuel cells. This review paper lays the emphasis on introducing the progress made over the recent five years with a detailed discussion of recent work in the area of Fe/N/C electrocatalysts for ORR and the possible Fe-based active sites. Fe-based materials prepared by simple pyrolysis of transition metal salt, carbon support, and nitrogen-rich small molecule or polymeric compound are mainly reviewed due to their low cost, high performance, long stability and because they are the most promising for replacing currently used Pt-based catalysts in the progress of fuel cell commercialization. Additionally, Fe-base catalysts with small amount of Fe or new structure of Fe/Fe3C encased in carbon layers are presented to analyze the effect of loading and existence form of Fe on the ORR catalytic activity in Fe-base catalyst. The proposed catalytically Fe-centered active sites and reaction mechanisms from various authors are also discussed in detail, which may be useful for the rational design of high-performance, inexpensive, and practical Fe-base ORR catalysts in future development of fuel cells.
An in vitro Evaluation on a Novel Root Canal Cleansing Method by Using Nylon Fibers
Authors: Gao Shiqian , Tsoi James , Cheung Gary , Matinlinna Jukka
Published: July 2015

Despite traditional metal-based dental files, such as NiTi being demonstrated effective in root cleaning, the tooth structure is always damaged. Thus, to fulfill the need for a minimally invasive tool for contemporary endodontics and dentistry, the use of polymer fibers might provide a good option, as it is soft, fabricable, and disposable. In this study, two types of nylon fibers with respective average diameters of 206.9 µm (fiber W) and 156.4 µm (fiber B), respectively, were used as dental files, and mounted onto either a reciprocating or a low-speed rotary hand-piece. In vitro, simulated root canal models were colored red using nail varnish, and then cleaned by the fiber files mounted on the hand-pieces. Three parts of the simulated models, i.e., the apical third, the medium third, and the coronal third, were chosen to assess the cleaning the efficiency (CE) of each specimen by calculating the ratio of the cross-sectional area changes, before and after cleansing, using micro-Computer Tomography (CT). A NiTi file with a low-speed hand-piece was used as a control. SEM was used to observe the nylon fiber surfaces before and after the cleansing. Micro-CT results showed that for both the nylon fibers, W and B, an average CE of 82.11% ± 9.68% for the medium third could be achieved, which is statistically higher (p < 0.01) than the coronal third and apical third. The cleansing efficiency was not affected by, the types of fibers, nor the hand-pieces according to student’s t-test. Most of the nylon fibers could withstand deformation after the cleansing. To conclude, nylon fiber files have demonstrated a certain cleansing efficiency in simulated root canals, and micro-CT is a promising method to assess CE.
Petrologic and Minerochemical Trends of Acapulcoites, Winonaites and Lodranites: New Evidence from Image Analysis and EMPA Investigations
Authors: Cecchi Vanni , Caporali Stefano
Published: July 2015

A comprehensive classification of primitive achondrites is difficult due to the high compositional and textural variability and the low number of samples available. Besides oxygen isotopic analysis, other minerochemical and textural parameters may provide a useful tool to solve taxonomic and genetic problems related to these achondrites. The results of a detailed modal, textural and minerochemical analysis of a set of primitive achondrites are presented and compared with literature data. All the samples show an extremely variable modal composition among both silicate and opaque phases. A general trend of troilite depletion vs. silicate fraction enrichment has been observed, with differences among coarse-grained and fine-grained meteorites. In regard to the mineral chemistry, olivine shows marked differences between the acapulcoite-lodranite and winonaite groups, while a compositional equilibrium between matrix and chondrules for both groups, probably due to the scarce influence of metamorphic grade on this phase, was observed. The analysis of Cr and Mn in clinopyroxene revealed two separate clusters for the acapulcoite/lodranite and winonaite groups, while the analysis of the reduction state highlighted three separate clusters. An estimate of equilibrium temperatures for the acapulcoite-lodranite and winonaite groups is provided. Finally, proposals regarding the genetic processes of these groups are discussed.
Irrigation Water Quality for Leafy Crops: A Perspective of Risks and Potential Solutions
Authors: Allende Ana , Monaghan James
Published: July 2015

There is increasing evidence of the contribution of irrigation water in the contamination of produce leading to subsequent outbreaks of foodborne illness. This is a particular risk in the production of leafy vegetables that will be eaten raw without cooking. Retailers selling leafy vegetables are increasingly targeting zero-risk production systems and the associated requirements for irrigation water quality have become more stringent in regulations and quality assurance schemes (QAS) followed by growers. Growers can identify water sources that are contaminated with potential pathogens through a monitoring regime and only use water free of pathogens, but the low prevalence of pathogens makes the use of faecal indicators, particularly E. coli, a more practical approach. Where growers have to utilise water sources of moderate quality, they can reduce the risk of contamination of the edible portion of the crop (i.e., the leaves) by treating irrigation water before use through physical or chemical disinfection systems, or avoid contact between the leaves and irrigation water through the use of drip or furrow irrigation, or the use of hydroponic growing systems. This study gives an overview of the main problems in the production of leafy vegetables associated with irrigation water, including microbial risk and difficulties in water monitoring, compliance with evolving regulations and quality standards, and summarises the current alternatives available for growers to reduce microbial risks.
Modeling a 3D City Model and Its Levels of Detail as a True 4D Model
Authors: Ohori Ken , Ledoux Hugo , Biljecki Filip , Stoter Jantien
Published: July 2015

The various levels of detail (LODs) of a 3D city model are often stored independently, without links between the representations of the same object, causing inconsistencies, as well as update and maintenance problems. One solution to this problem is to model the LOD as an extra geometric dimension perpendicular to the three spatial ones, resulting in a true 4D model in which a single 4D object (a polychoron) represents a 3D polyhedral object (e.g., a building) at all of its LODs and a multiple-LOD 3D city model is modeled as a 4D cell complex. While such an approach has been discussed before at a conceptual level, our objective in this paper is to describe how it can be realized by appropriately linking existing 3D models of the same object at different LODs. We first present our general methodology to construct such a 4D model, which consists of three steps: (1) finding corresponding 0D–3D cells; (2) creating 1D–4D cells connecting them; and (3) constructing the 4D model. Because of the complex relationships between the objects in different LODs, the creation of the connecting cells can become difficult. We therefore describe four different alternatives to do this, and we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each in terms of their feasibility in practice and the properties that the resulting 4D model has. We show how the different linking schemes result in objects with different characteristics in several use cases. We also show how our linking method works in practice by implementing the linking of matching cells to construct a 4D model.
Cutaneous Adverse Events Associated with Interferon-β Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Kolb-Mäurer Annette , Goebeler Matthias , Mäurer Mathias
Published: July 2015

Interferons are widely used platform therapies as disease-modifying treatment of patients with multiple sclerosis. Although interferons are usually safe and well tolerated, they frequently cause dermatological side effects. Here, we present a multiple sclerosis (MS) patient treated with interferon-β who developed new-onset psoriasis. Both her MS as well as her psoriasis finally responded to treatment with fumarates. This case illustrates that interferons not only cause local but also systemic adverse events of the skin. These systemic side effects might indicate that the Th17/IL-17 axis plays a prominent role in the immunopathogenesis of this individual case and that the autoimmune process might be deteriorated by further administration of interferons. In conclusion, we think that neurologists should be aware of systemic cutaneous side effects and have a closer look on interferon-associated skin lesions. Detection of psoriasiform lesions might indicate that interferons are probably not beneficial in the individual situation. We suggest that skin lesions may serve as biomarkers to allocate MS patients to adequate disease-modifying drugs.
Function of ABA in Stomatal Defense against Biotic and Drought Stresses
Authors: Lim Chae , Baek Woonhee , Jung Jangho , Kim Jung-Hyun , Lee Sung
Published: July 2015

The plant hormone abscisic acid (ABA) regulates many key processes involved in plant development and adaptation to biotic and abiotic stresses. Under stress conditions, plants synthesize ABA in various organs and initiate defense mechanisms, such as the regulation of stomatal aperture and expression of defense-related genes conferring resistance to environmental stresses. The regulation of stomatal opening and closure is important to pathogen defense and control of transpirational water loss. Recent studies using a combination of approaches, including genetics, physiology, and molecular biology, have contributed considerably to our understanding of ABA signal transduction. A number of proteins associated with ABA signaling and responses—especially ABA receptors—have been identified. ABA signal transduction initiates signal perception by ABA receptors and transfer via downstream proteins, including protein kinases and phosphatases. In the present review, we focus on the function of ABA in stomatal defense against biotic and abiotic stresses, through analysis of each ABA signal component and the relationships of these components in the complex network of interactions. In particular, two ABA signal pathway models in response to biotic and abiotic stress were proposed, from stress signaling to stomatal closure, involving the pyrabactin resistance (PYR)/PYR-like (PYL) or regulatory component of ABA receptor (RCAR) family proteins, 2C-type protein phosphatases, and SnRK2-type protein kinases.
Exploring Long-Term Impact of Grazing Management on Land Degradation in the Socio-Ecological System of Asteroussia Mountains, Greece
Authors: Kosmas Costas , Detsis Vassilis , Karamesouti Mina , Kounalaki Kate , Vassiliou Penny , Salvati Luca
Published: July 2015

The socio-ecological system dominated by pastureland in the Asteroussia Mountains (Crete, Greece) was analyzed over a long time interval (1945–2010) to identify the most relevant system’s characteristics and changes. Vegetation cover and land-uses have been quantified by analyzing aerial photographs exploring the whole study period. Soil characteristics have been assessed by carrying out an extensive field survey for the last reference year (2010) and by estimating the average soil loss for the past period using the PESERA soil erosion model validated by field measurements. Based on environmental, social and economic attributes, three major periods characterizing the socio-ecological system of Asteroussia Mountains have been distinguished. During the first and second period, the land was satisfactorily managed with moderate–low soil erosion rates despite the adverse (prevailing) soil, topographic and climate conditions for vegetation growth. The third time interval featured a rapid growth in the livestock density causing increased soil erosion rates, loss in plant productivity, and a generalized over-exploitation of natural resources. As a consequence, the desertification process has significantly increased in the last period. The analysis of the long-term evolution of socio-ecological system provided evidence to understand the main drivers of land degradation and to recommend mitigation policies specifically addressing Mediterranean pastureland.
Development of Radiolabeled Membrane Type-1 Matrix Metalloproteinase Activatable Cell Penetrating Peptide Imaging Probes
Authors: Van Duijnhoven Sander , Robillard Marc , Nicolay Klaas , Grüll Holger
Published: July 2015

Membrane type-1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP or MMP-14) plays an important role in adverse cardiac remodelling. Here, we aimed to develop radiolabeled activatable cell penetrating peptides (ACPP) sensitive to MT1-MMP for the detection of elevated MT1-MMP levels in adverse cardiac remodelling. Three ACPP analogs were synthesized and the most potent ACPP analog was selected using MT1-MMP sensitivity and enzyme specificity assays. This ACPP, called ACPP-B, showed high sensitivity towards MT1-MMP, soluble MMP-2, and MT2-MMP, while limited sensitivity was measured for other members of the MMP family. In in vitro cell assays, radiolabeled ACPP-B showed efficient cellular uptake upon activation. A pilot in vivo study showed increased uptake of the radiolabeled probe in regions of infarcted myocardium compared to remote myocardium, warranting further in vivo evaluation.
Novel Fluorinated Phosphorus–Sulfur Heteroatom Compounds: Synthesis and Characterization of Ferrocenyl- and Aryl-Phosphonofluorodithioic Salts, Adducts, and Esters
Authors: Hua Guoxiong , Du Junyi , Surgenor Brian , Slawin Alexandra , Woollins J.
Published: July 2015

A series of novel ferrocenyl- and aryl-phosphonofluorodithioic salts, adducts, and esters has been prepared. The reaction of 2,4-diferrocenyl-1,3,2,4-diathiadiphosphetane 2,4-disulfide {[FcP(μ-S)S]2, FcLR} with dry KF or tetrabutylammonium fluoride (TBAF) led to the corresponding potassium and tetrabutylammonium salts of ferrocenyldithiofluorophosphinic acids. Treating potassium ferrocenyldithiofluorophosphinic acid with an equimolar amount of tetraphenylphosphonium chloride readily yielded the corresponding organic adducts, and with mono- and di-halogenated alkanes generated a series of the corresponding esters of ferrocenylphosphonofluoridodithioates. Similarly, using 1,3-epithionaphtho[1,8-cd][1,2,6] oxadiphosphinine 1,3-disulfide or Belleau’s Reagent in place of FcLR resulted in the corresponding novel salts, adducts, and ester derivatives. All new compounds have been characterized by means of multi-NMR (1H, 13C, 31P, 19F) spectroscopy and accurate mass measurement in conjunction with single crystal X-ray crystallography of four structures.
Synthesis and Evaluation of New Podophyllotoxin Derivatives with in Vitro Anticancer Activity
Authors: Cheng Wei-Hua , Shang Hai , Niu Cong , Zhang Zhong-Heng , Zhang Li-Ming , Chen Hong , Zou Zhong-Mei
Published: July 2015

A series of novel podophyllotoxin derivatives were designed and synthesized. The cytotoxic activities of these compounds were tested against three tumor cell lines (HeLa, K562, and K562/A02). Most of the derivatives (IC50 = 1–20 μM) were found to have stronger cell growth inhibitory activity than positive control etoposide. Among them, 4β-N-[(E)-(5-((4-(4-nitrophenyl)-piperazin-1-yl)methyl)furan-2-yl)prop-2-en-1-amine]-4-desoxy-podophyllotoxin (9l) demonstrated significant inhibitory activity against HeLa, K562, and K562/A02 cell lines with IC50 values of 7.93, 6.42, 6.89 μM, respectively.
High Amylose White Rice Reduces Post-Prandial Glycemic Response but Not Appetite in Humans
Authors: Zenel Alison , Stewart Maria
Published: July 2015

The present study compared the effects of three rice cultivars on postprandial glycemic control and appetite. A single-blind, randomized, crossover clinical trial was performed with 18 healthy subjects, nine males and nine females. Three treatments were administered at three separate study visits: commercially available conventional white rice (short grain), specialty high amylose white rice 1 (Dixiebelle), and specialty high amylose white rice 2 (Rondo). Postprandial capillary blood glucose, venous blood glucose and insulin measurements, and appetite visual analog scale (VAS) surveys were done over the course of two hours. The capillary blood glucose concentrations were significantly lower for Rondo compared to short grain rice at 30 min, and for Dixiebelle and Rondo compared to short grain rice at 45, 60, and 120 min. Capillary blood glucose area under the curve (AUC) was significantly lower for Dixiebelle and Rondo compared to short grain rice. Subjects were significantly more hungry at 30 min after Dixiebelle intake than Rondo intake, but there were no other significant effects in appetite ratings. The present study determined that intake of high amylose rice with resistant starch (RS) can attenuate postprandial blood glucose and insulin response in comparison to short grain rice.
A Novel Dietary Assessment Method to Measure a Healthy and Sustainable Diet Using the Mobile Food Record: Protocol and Methodology
Authors: Harray Amelia , Boushey Carol , Pollard Christina , Delp Edward , Ahmad Ziad , Dhaliwal Satvinder , Mukhtar Syed , Kerr Deborah
Published: July 2015

The world-wide rise in obesity parallels growing concerns of global warming and depleting natural resources. These issues are often considered separately but there may be considerable benefit to raising awareness of the impact of dietary behaviours and practices on the food supply. Australians have diets inconsistent with recommendations, typically low in fruit and vegetables and high in energy-dense nutrient-poor foods and beverages (EDNP). These EDNP foods are often highly processed and packaged, negatively influencing both health and the environment. This paper describes a proposed dietary assessment method to measure healthy and sustainable dietary behaviours using 4-days of food and beverage images from the mobile food record (mFR) application. The mFR images will be assessed for serves of fruit and vegetables (including seasonality), dairy, eggs and red meat, poultry and fish, ultra-processed EDNP foods, individually packaged foods, and plate waste. A prediction model for a Healthy and Sustainable Diet Index will be developed and tested for validity and reliability. The use of the mFR to assess adherence to a healthy and sustainable diet is a novel and innovative approach to dietary assessment and will have application in population monitoring, guiding intervention development, educating consumers, health professionals and policy makers, and influencing dietary recommendations.
A Randomized, Double-Blind, Parallel Study to Evaluate the Dose-Response of Three Different Vitamin D Treatment Schemes on the 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Serum Concentration in Patients with Vitamin D Deficiency
Authors: Schleck Marie-Louise , Souberbielle Jean-Claude , Jandrain Bernard , Da Silva Stéphanie , De Niet Sophie , Vanderbist Francis , Scheen André , Cavalier Etienne
Published: July 2015

Many people worldwide are vitamin D (VTD) deficient or insufficient, and there is still no consensus on the dose of VTD that should be administered to achieve a 25(OH)D concentration of 20 or 30 ng/mL. In this study, we aimed to determine an adapted supplementation of VTD able to quickly and safely increase the vitamin D status of healthy adults with low 25(OH)D. One hundred and fifty (150) subjects were randomized into three groups, each to receive, orally, a loading dose of 50,000, 100,000 or 200,000 IU of VTD3 at Week 0, followed by 25,000, 50,000 or 100,000 IU at Week 4 and Week 8. Whereas 25(OH)D baseline values were not different between groups (p = 0.42), a significant increase was observed at Week 12 (p < 0.0001) with a mean change from baseline of 7.72 ± 5.08, 13.3 ± 5.88 and 20.12 ± 7.79 ng/mL. A plateau was reached after eight weeks. No related adverse event was recorded. This study demonstrated a linear dose-response relationship with an increase in 25(OH)D levels proportional to the dose administered. In conclusion, a loading dose of 200,000 IU VTD3 followed by a monthly dose of 100,000 IU is the best dosing schedule to quickly and safely correct the VTD status.
Nucleic Acid Aptamers: An Emerging Tool for Biotechnology and Biomedical Sensing
Authors: Ku Ti-Hsuan , Zhang Tiantian , Luo Hua , Yen Tony , Chen Ping-Wei , Han Yuanyuan , Lo Yu-Hwa
Published: July 2015

Detection of small molecules or proteins of living cells provides an exceptional opportunity to study genetic variations and functions, cellular behaviors, and various diseases including cancer and microbial infections. Our aim in this review is to give an overview of selected research activities related to nucleic acid-based aptamer techniques that have been reported in the past two decades. Limitations of aptamers and possible approaches to overcome these limitations are also discussed.
A Smart City Lighting Case Study on an OpenStack-Powered Infrastructure
Authors: Merlino Giovanni , Bruneo Dario , Distefano Salvatore , Longo Francesco , Puliafito Antonio , Al-Anbuky Adnan
Published: July 2015

The adoption of embedded systems, mobile devices and other smart devices keeps rising globally, and the scope of their involvement broadens, for instance, in smart city-like scenarios. In light of this, a pressing need emerges to tame such complexity and reuse as much tooling as possible without resorting to vertical ad hoc solutions, while at the same time taking into account valid options with regard to infrastructure management and other more advanced functionalities. Existing solutions mainly focus on core mechanisms and do not allow one to scale by leveraging infrastructure or adapt to a variety of scenarios, especially if actuators are involved in the loop. A new, more flexible, cloud-based approach, able to provide device-focused workflows, is required. In this sense, a widely-used and competitive framework for infrastructure as a service, such as OpenStack, with its breadth in terms of feature coverage and expanded scope, looks to fit the bill, replacing current application-specific approaches with an innovative application-agnostic one. This work thus describes the rationale, efforts and results so far achieved for an integration of IoT paradigms and resource ecosystems with such a kind of cloud-oriented device-centric environment, by focusing on a smart city scenario, namely a park smart lighting example, and featuring data collection, data visualization, event detection and coordinated reaction, as example use cases of such integration.