bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of fatigability on expanded disability status scale components in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Dujmovic Irena , Demetz Simon , Millonig Alban , Deisenhammer Florian
Published: July 2016

Introduction. The Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) is the most widely
used disability measure in multiple sclerosis (MS). The effect of
fatigability on EDSS components has been underreported to date. Objective We
investigated daytime variability in EDSS score and EDSS components -
functional scores (FS) and walking distance (WD) up to 500 m, in MS patients
who underwent a standardized fatiguing exercise. Methods. Twenty-four
patients with relapsing-remitting MS (n = 7), secondary-progressive MS (n =
8) and primary-progressive MS (n = 9) were included. Exclusion criteria were
as follows: current MS relapse, infection/fever/flu-like symptoms, conditions
prohibiting safe exercise testing, current medication affecting fatigue. One
trained examiner performed baseline (BL) and follow-up (FU) assessments (FU1
after a standardized fatiguing exercise, FU2 after rest) over a single day.
EDSS score change of ?1 point if BL EDSS score was <5.5 or of ?0.5 point if
BL EDSS score was ?5.5 were considered clinically meaningful. Results. In
progressive MS subtypes, WD decreased at FU1, but recovered at FU2, more so
in secondaryprogressive MS subgroup with the highest BL EDSS score. Although
BL EDSS scores (median, 5.0; range 4.0-6.5) and FS remained relatively stable
over repeated assessments in the total group, a clinically meaningful
transitory post-exercise EDSS score increase was observed in three patients
with progressive MS. Conclusion. WD seems to be more influenced by
fatigability than the total EDSS score, more so in patients with progressive
MS and higher disability. WD should be assessed after rest and this strategy
should be implemented into protocols of clinical trials recruiting patients
with progressive MS phenotypes.
The role of apraclonidine in Horner’s syndrome: A case report
Authors: Karadzic Jelena , Kovacevic Igor , Ljikar Jelena
Published: July 2016

Introduction. Horner?s syndrome is an interruption of the sympathetic nervous
system at any point along its course between the hypothalamus and the orbit.
Horner?s syndrome is classically presented as an ipsilateral miosis, subtle
ptosis, and facial anhidrosis. Pharmacologic testing is very useful in the
diagnosis of Horner?s syndrome as it could help to localize the lesioned
neuron in the sympathetic pathway, suggesting an etiology. Case Outline. We
present a case report of a 41-year-old woman who reported right eyelid
drooping immediately after operation of sympathetic chain schwannoma. We
performed apraclonidine test for the diagnosis of Horner?s syndrome, which
produced mydriasis on the affected eye, while there was no significant change
of the normal eye. Based on the clinical presentation of anisocoria and
one-sided ptosis, and previous medical history of surgical removal of the
mediastinal tumor, the patient was diagnosed with a right-sided, partial
Horner?s syndrome. Conclusion. Timely recognition, exact localization of the
lesioned neuron, and referral for urgent imaging studies are important for
ophthalmologists in order to prevent and treat life-threatening conditions.
Besides its diagnostic value in Horner?s syndrome, topical apraclonidine
could correct ptosis for the sake of esthetics or when ptosis reduces the
superior visual field.
Acute renal failure and hepatocellular damage as presenting symptoms of type II aortic dissection
Authors: Jovanovic Ivana , Tesic Milorad , Antonijevic Nebojsa , Menkovic Nemanja , Paunovic Ivana , Ristic Arsen , Vucicevic Vera , Vujisic-Tesic Bosiljka
Published: July 2016

Introduction. Pericardial effusion can be a consequence of a number of
pathological conditions, and as such it can cause impaired left ventricular
filling followed by decreased cardiac output and blood pressure. This kind of
hemodynamic compromise and its consequences are extremely uncommon unless
pericardial effusion causes tamponade. Case Outline. We describe a very rare
case of a 30-year old male patient, with an acute aortic dissection type II
causing pericardial effusion without clinical nor echocardiographic signs of
tamponade, while presenting with an acute renal and hepatic failure. After
initial diagnostic uncertainties, and following final diagnosis of an acute
aortic dissection, this patient underwent surgical aortic valve replacement
with a satisfactory outcome. Conclusion. It is important to underscore the
significance of clinical situation of simultaneously existing acute renal and
hepatic failures in the setting of a ?non-tamponade? pericardial effusion,
following a type II aortic dissection. Although most commonly aortic
dissection presents itself with typical clinical symptoms or patient history
data, it is not that unusual for it to be hidden in an entirely atypical
clinical milieu as the one described in this case.
Laterality in living beings, hand dominance, and cerebral lateralization
Authors: Milenkovic Sanja , Paunovic Katarina , Kocijancic Dusica
Published: July 2016

To date, lateralization in living beings is a phenomenon almost
mythologically unexplored. Scientists have proved that lateralization is not
exclusively a human feature. Investigations in molecular biology, protein
structure, mobility of bacteria, and intracellular lateralization in
ciliates, shows important and universal nature of lateralization in living
systems. Dominant lateralization implies the appearance of a dominant
extremity, or a dominant sense during the performance of complex psychomotor
activities. Hand dominance is usually defined as a tendency to use one hand
rather than another to perform most activities and this is considered to be
the most obvious example of cerebral lateralization and exclusive
characteristic of humans. However, there are some exceptions in other
species. The dominant hand is able to perform more complex and subtle manual
tasks than the non-dominant hand, and this behavioral superiority is the
absolute result of additional cerebral support. The asymmetry of brain
organization was confirmed in rats, chimpanzees, dogs and birds, some fishes
and lizards. The relationships between hand dominance with brain structure
and function remain far from clear. For a long time, lateralization was
considered unique to humans, but recently it has become clear that
lateralization is a fundamental characteristic of the organization of brain
and behavior in all vertebrates. It has been questioned to what extent
lateralization in humans and other vertebrates may be comparable.
Recommendation for gastroprotection in gastrointestinal bleeding prevention
Authors: Damjanov Nemanja , Vukcevic Vladan , Krstic Miodrag , Milosavljevic Tomica , Jeremic Ivica , Sokic-Milutinovic Aleksandra
Published: July 2016

Incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding in most populations is about 1 per
1,000 inhabitants. More than 65% of all bleeding episodes are associated with
drug use. The most often involved are non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs
and low doses of acetyl-salicylic acid. The mortality within the first month
after the bleeding episode is about 10-12%, and has not significantly changed
in the last decade. Therefore, bleeding prevention is of major importance.
Appropriate selection of patients, proper drug choice, application of lowest
efficient doses of potentially ulcerogenic drugs, and use of drugs that
inhibit gastric acid secretion remain cornerstone preventive measures of
gastrointestinal bleeding.
Sudden cardiac death and guidelines for pre-participation examination in athletes
Authors: Georgijevic Ljubica , Andric Lana , Klasnja Aleksandar
Published: July 2016

Incidence of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in athletes under 35 years of age is
between 0.4 and 4.4 in 100,000. The highest mortality is seen in older
athletes (?35 years) who engage in running, mostly because of complications
of atherosclerotic coronary ischemic disease. Majority of European countries
are guided by European Society of Cardiology?s (ESC) pre-participation
screening (PPS) recommendations that include electrocardiography (ECG), while
in the United States of America the ECG is not a routine part of the PPS
examination. In Serbia, the ESC guidelines are being used, but there are no
references prescribed by the Ministry of Health. The authors of this study
believe that the national strategy for sport improvement should be
accompanied with clear and well defined PPS recommendations that could be
tenable in our health system.
Do Labor Unions Always Lead to Underinvestment?
Authors: Cho Hyungjin , Lee Bryan Byung-Hee , Lee Woo-Jong , Sohn Byungcherl Charlie
Published: July 2016

We examine the relation between labor union strength and investment efficiency using the comprehensive firm-level data of Korean-listed companies. We find that the perceived underinvestment related to unionization documented in previous studies is attributable to a negative relation between union strength and investment in overinvesting firms. In fact, union strength is positively related to the level of investment in underinvesting firms. We further find that the relation between union strength and investment efficiency is more pronounced for chaebol firms where inefficient investments are more likely due to greater agency problems between the controlling and minority shareholders. Finally, we document that the investment has more positive value implications in firms with a stronger union. Our results suggest that unions play an important role as a nonfinancial stakeholder in curbing inefficient investments.

JEL Classifications: G30; G31; J53; J54; M41; M54.
The Effect of Budget Framing and Budget-Setting Process on Managerial Reporting
Authors: Brown Jason L. , Fisher Joseph G. , Peffer Sean A. , Sprinkle Geoffrey B.
Published: July 2016

Participative budgeting allows superiors to elicit private information from subordinates, which, in turn, should enable superiors to make better decisions. Self-interested subordinates, however, may bias their budget reports for personal gain, thereby reducing the value of their budget reports to superiors. One potential way to affect subordinates' budget reports is through the framing of the budget request. Another factor that may affect subordinates' budget reports is which party sets the budget. In our study, we examine three different budget frames (honest, fair, and preferred) and whether the subordinate or the superior sets the budget. We find that the framing of the budget does not result in differences in overall slack. Moreover, we find that subordinates' reports have more slack when superiors set the budget than when subordinates set the budget. Furthermore, many budgets are rejected by subordinates when superiors set the budget and, as a result, superiors' welfare is actually greater when subordinates set the budget than when superiors set the budget.
Who Are You to Tell Me That?! The Moderating Effect of Performance Feedback Source and Psychological Entitlement on Individual Performance
Authors: Holderness D. Kip , Olsen Kari Joseph , Thornock Todd A.
Published: July 2016

As organizational structures have become more flat, firms are increasing the use of peer reviews as a performance monitoring tool. Research suggests that the effectiveness of performance feedback, particularly negative feedback, depends on the feedback source and the recipient's sense of psychological entitlement. We conduct an experiment wherein we manipulate the valence and source level of performance feedback and examine how psychological entitlement moderates the effect of feedback on subsequent performance. We find that when providing negative performance feedback, the effect of feedback source on performance is moderated by the level of psychological entitlement of the feedback recipient. Specifically, relative to peer feedback, the effectiveness of feedback from a superior increases with the feedback recipient's entitlement. We also find that psychological entitlement and source level do not affect responses to positive feedback. Our results suggest that companies should encourage supervisors to deliver negative performance feedback, particularly to psychologically entitled employees.
Effect of changes in intra-abdominal pressure on diameter, cross-sectional area, and distensibility of the lower esophageal sphincter of healthy dogs as determined by use of an endoscopic functional luminal imaging probe
Authors: Mayhew Philipp D. , Pitt Kathryn A. , Steffey Michele A. , Culp William T.N. , Kass Philip H. , Marks Stanley L.
Published: July 2016

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) on morphology and compliance of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) by use of impedance planimetry in healthy dogs and to quantify the effect of changes in IAP.

ANIMALS 7 healthy, purpose-bred sexually intact male hound-cross dogs.

PROCEDURES Dogs were anesthetized, and cross-sectional area (CSA), minimal diameter (MD), LES length, LES volume, and distensibility index (DI) of the LES were evaluated by use of an endoscopic functional luminal imaging probe. For each dog, measurements were obtained before (baseline) and after creation of a pneumoperitoneum at an IAP of 4, 8, and 15 mm Hg. Order of the IAPs was determined by use of a randomization software program.

RESULTS CSA and MD at 4 and 8 mm Hg were not significantly different from baseline measurements; however, CSA and MD at 15 mm Hg were both significantly greater than baseline measurements. The LES length and LES volume did not differ significantly from baseline measurements at any IAP. The DI differed inconsistently from the baseline measurement but was not substantially affected by IAP.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Pneumoperitoneum created with an IAP of 4 or 8 mm Hg did not significantly alter LES morphology in healthy dogs. Pneumoperitoneum at an IAP of 15 mm Hg caused a significant increase in CSA and MD of the LES. Compliance of the LES as measured by the DI was not greatly altered by pneumoperitoneum at an IAP of up to 15 mm Hg.
Pharmacokinetic modeling of penciclovir and BRL42359 in the plasma and tears of healthy cats to optimize dosage recommendations for oral administration of famciclovir
Authors: Sebbag Lionel , Thomasy Sara M. , Woodward Andrew P. , Knych Heather K. , Maggs David J.
Published: July 2016

OBJECTIVES To determine, following oral administration of famciclovir, pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters for 2 of its metabolites (penciclovir and BRL42359) in plasma and tears of healthy cats so that famciclovir dosage recommendations for the treatment of herpetic disease can be optimized.

ANIMALS 7 male domestic shorthair cats.

PROCEDURES In a crossover study, each of 3 doses of famciclovir (30, 40, or 90 mg/kg) was administered every 8 or 12 hours for 3 days. Six cats were randomly assigned to each dosage regimen. Plasma and tear samples were obtained at predetermined times after famciclovir administration. Pharmacokinetic parameters were determined for BRL42359 and penciclovir by compartmental and noncompartmental methods. Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) indices were determined for penciclovir and compared among all dosage regimens.

RESULTS Compared with penciclovir concentrations, BRL42359 concentrations were 5- to 11-fold greater in plasma and 4- to 7-fold greater in tears. Pharmacokinetic parameters and PK-PD indices for the 90 mg/kg regimens were superior to those for the 30 and 40 mg/kg regimens, regardless of dosing frequency. Penciclovir concentrations in tears ranged from 18% to 25% of those in plasma. Administration of 30 or 40 mg/kg every 8 hours achieved penciclovir concentrations likely to be therapeutic in plasma but not in tears. Penciclovir concentrations likely to be therapeutic in tears were achieved only with the two 90 mg/kg regimens.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE In cats, famciclovir absorption is variable and its metabolism saturable. Conversion of BRL42359 to penciclovir is rate limiting. The recommended dosage of famciclovir is 90 mg/kg every 12 hours for cats infected with feline herpesvirus.
Detection of hemoplasma infection of goats by use of a quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay and risk factor analysis for infection
Authors: Johnson Kathy A. , do Nascimento Naíla C. , Bauer Amy E. , Weng Hsin-Yi , Hammac G. Kenitra , Messick Joanne B.
Published: July 2016

OBJECTIVE To develop and validate a real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay for the detection and quantification of Mycoplasma ovis in goats and investigate the prevalence and risk factors for hemoplasma infection of goats located in Indiana.

ANIMALS 362 adult female goats on 61 farms.

PROCEDURES Primers were designed for amplification of a fragment of the dnaK gene of M ovis by use of a qPCR assay. Blood samples were collected into EDTA-containing tubes for use in total DNA extraction, blood film evaluation, and determination of PCV. Limit of detection, intra-assay variability, interassay variability, and specificity of the assay were determined.

RESULTS Reaction efficiency of the qPCR assay was 94.45% (R2, 0.99; slope, −3.4623), and the assay consistently detected as few as 10 copies of plasmid/reaction. Prevalence of infection in goats on the basis of results for the qPCR assay was 18.0% (95% confidence interval, 14% to 22%), with infected goats ranging from 1 to 14 years old, whereby 61% (95% confidence interval, 47% to 73%) of the farms had at least 1 infected goat. Bacterial load in goats infected with M ovis ranged from 1.05 × 103 target copies/mL of blood to 1.85 × 105 target copies/mL of blood; however, no bacteria were observed on blood films. Production use of a goat was the only risk factor significantly associated with hemoplasma infection.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE The qPCR assay was more sensitive for detecting hemoplasma infection than was evaluation of a blood film, and production use of a goat was a risk factor for infection.
Nepal’s REDD+ Readiness Preparation and Multi-Stakeholder Consultation Challenges
Authors: Bastakoti Rishi R. , Davidsen Conny
Published: July 2016

Nepal is currently undergoing a Reducing Emission from Deforestation and Forest Degradation, sustainable management of forest, and conservation and enhancement of carbon (REDD+) readiness process. The Government of Nepal has announced a high level political commitment, willingness and preparedness to attract diverse interests in policy deliberation for its REDD+ process. This paper examines Nepal’s REDD+ policy deliberation process from a political ecology perspective, focusing on expressions of discursive power and representation within Nepal’s ongoing multi-stakeholder REDD+ preparation. The analysis is based on interviews, policy document reviews and observations of public consultations to solicit comments for REDD+ strategy during the year 2013-2014. The analysis found that Nepal’s institutional REDD+ planning structure is highly dominated by techno-bureaucratic top-down practices representing government interests and international donors’ requirements, while sub-national and non-governmental stakeholders often find themselves to be merely used to legitimize the policy process rather than to actively shape it. A considerable share of policy preparations is left to the outsourced experts, and the multi-stakeholder consultation meetings have proven to be ineffective to bring the weak actors’ perspectives that actually participate in those meetings. Both the ‘geographical space’ and ‘political space’ offered in the consultations are not favourable for the local actors, but are controlled by the dominant actors. Overall, our analysis highlights important challenges and an urgent need to improve design and practice of the consultation process in order to ensure a sound multi-stakeholder process so as to meet the demands of the local forest realities as well as those of the international REDD+ requirements.Journal of Forest and Livelihood 13 (1) May, 2015, Page :30-43
Discourse Analysis as a Means to Scrutinize REDD+: An Issue of Current Forest Management Debate of Nepal
Authors: Poudel Dilli Prasad , Aase Tor Halfdan
Published: July 2016

This article shows how discourse analysis can be a methodological tool to scrutinize texts under the aegis of Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation, sustainable management of forest, and conservation and enhancement of carbon (REDD+). A discourse is a perspective of an individual or an organization, which always tries to achieve a dominant position in the society. Texts used in discourses are impossible to understand properly in isolation. They are the reflections of social practices. Discourses, which contain multiple meanings, are also used as devices to make texts meaningful in regular communication. Analysis of discourses is called discourse analysis. Laclau and Mouffe (1985) believe that social structures (norms, rules and institutions) are created by pre-existing discourses of society, thereby we humans conceive objective reality according to the existing discourses. Alternatively, Fairclough (1995) believes that discourses not only reflect social structure but are also bounded by them. Both perspectives have been used as methodologies to analyse discourses, nonetheless Fairclough’s discourse analysis is more pragmatic than Laclau and Mouffee’s. The term ‘REDD+’ implies a discourse about forming new forestry institution in developing countries like Nepal, which is articulated in the name of mitigating deteriorating climate of the world. We suggest combining both perspectives to scrutinize the issue like REDD+. We found that discourse analysis is a suitable method to scrutinize REDD+ in the Nepalese context where people consider forest as a vital source of earning livelihoods and the foundation of sustaining local environment.Journal of Forest and Livelihood 13(1) May, 2015, page: 44-55
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice regarding food hygiene among food handlers: A cross sectional study
Authors: Pokhrel B , Pokhrel KP , Chhetri MR , Awate RV , Sah NK
Published: July 2016

Background and objectives: Food is an important basic necessity, its procurement, preparation and consumption is vital for the sustenance of life. However, diseases that spread through food are common and persistent problems result in appreciable morbidity and occasionally in death. Eating establishments provide food on a large scale and are important from the point of view of epidemiology of food borne diseases in the community. This study is carried out to assess the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) regarding food hygiene among food handlers working in food establishment in Nehru Nagar, Belgaum City.Material and Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted in food establishment in Nehru Nagar, Belgaum City. Sample is a subset of a population selected to participate in a study. Total number of food establishment’s functioning in Nehru Nagar is 103. . From each food establishment’s one cook, one helper and one service staff was selected randomly. Hence the total number of samples in the study is 103x 3= 309. Pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to gather information regarding practices of food hygiene. Data were coded and entered into SPSS sheet and analyzed by using SPSS software (SPSS 20.0 Version). Proportions were calculated wherever required from frequency tables. Chi square test was used.Results: The maximum number of subjects 251(81.2%) had average knowledge, 237 (76.7%) had average attitude and 262 (84.8%) had average practice. There is a statistically significant association found between demographic variables such as, nationality, religion, education, marital status, duration of employment, with knowledge of food handlers at the p < 0.05 level of significance.Conclusion: The food hygiene is an important aspect in food establishments made it compulsory for food handlers to provide clean food and free from contamination.Janaki Medical College Journal of Medical Sciences (2015) Vol. 3 (1):14-19
Nasal myiasis presented with palatal perforation: a Case report
Authors: Lageju N , Shahi SC
Published: July 2016

Myiasis is rare disease of nose. In this case report we present a 47 years female with nasal myiasis along with palatal perforation which was managed conservatively with antibiotics, manual removal of maggots and planned for closure of oro-nasal fistula later. Later on the bleeding was gradually controlled. Patient was advised for imaging of nose and paranasal sinuses. The imaging showed soft tissues densities in the bilateral nasal cavity with erosion of nasal septum, hard palate and soft palate with oronasal fistula formation
In Vitro Anti-Oxidant and Anti-Microbial Potentiality Investigation of Different Fractions of Caryota urens Leaves
Authors: Azam Shofiul , Mahmud Md. , Naquib Md. , Hossain Saad , Alam Mohammad , Uddin Md. , Sajid Irfan , Hossain Muhammad , Karim Md. , Hasan Md.
Published: July 2016

Background: Caryota urens is a member of the Arecaceae family and a common plant in the Southeast Asian region. This plant has been reported as an anti-microbial agent in recent years. Thus, we aimed to find out the MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) against different pathogenic microorganism. Methods: The leaves of C. urens were extracted and fractioned using different reagents (chloroform, n-hexane and carbon tetrachloride). Disc diffusion method was implemented for the assessment of in vitro anti-microbial potency (500 and 250 µg/disc). Result: The entire fraction showed good effect (with the zone of inhibition 19–25 mm) against both gram positive (Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus cereus, Sarina lutea) and gram negative (Vibrio mimicus, Shigella boydii, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacterial pathogens and fungal strains (Aspergillus niger, Saccharomyces cerevisiae). The plants also possess effective free radical scavenging potency with an IC50 of 130.32 µg/mL. Conclusion: This finding reflects a link between the presence of anti-oxidative material and a substantial anti-microbial activity, and substantiates all previous claims against C. urens.
Reliability and Variability of tDCS Induced Changes in the Lower Limb Motor Cortex
Authors: Madhavan Sangeetha , Sriraman Aishwarya , Freels Sally
Published: July 2016

Background: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is emerging as a promising adjuvant to enhance motor function. However, there has been increasing reservations about the reliability and variability of the neuromodulatory effects evoked by tDCS. Objective/Hypothesis: The main purpose of this study was to explore the test-retest reliability and inter-individual variability of tDCS of the lower limb M1 and the relationship between transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)-related measures and tDCS-induced changes. Methods: Fifteen healthy participants received anodal tDCS of the lower limb M1 either when performing a lower limb motor task or when the limb was at rest. Each condition was tested twice. tDCS induced changes in corticomotor excitability of the tibialis anterior muscle were measured using TMS. A repeated measures ANOVA was performed to examine efficacy of tDCS between the two task conditions. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and variance component analyses were performed to examine reliability and variability respectively. Results: A significant increase in in corticomotor excitability was noted for the tDCS-task condition at 140% active motor threshold (AMT) and when comparing recruitment curve slopes, but not at 120% and 130% AMT. Overall, ICC values between testing days for each stimulation condition ranged from 0.6–0.9. Higher ICCs were seen for higher TMS intensities (140% AMT) and recruitment curve slopes. Inter-individual variability contributed to 34% of the exhibited variance. Conclusions: Our data suggest that the TMS-related measure used to assess neuromodulation after tDCS has an effect on its perceived test-retest reliability and inter-individual variability. Importantly, we noticed that a high reliability and low variability does not necessarily indicate clinical efficacy of tDCS as some participants showed little to no modulation of corticomotor excitability consistently.
Design of a System Substituting Today’s Inherent Inertia in the European Continental Synchronous Area
Authors: Thiesen Henning , Jauch Clemens , Gloe Arne
Published: July 2016

In alternating current (AC) power systems the power generated by power plants has to match the power drawn by consumers plus the system losses at any time. In the case of an imbalance between generation and consumption the frequency in the system deviates from its rated value. In order to avoid an unsuitable frequency, control power plants have to step in to level out this imbalance. Control power plants need time to adjust their power, which is why the inertial behaviour of today’s AC systems is crucial for frequency control. In this paper it is discussed that the inertia in the European Continental Synchronous Area decreases due to the transition to renewable energy sources. This will become a problem for frequency control, which is why the provision of non-inherent inertia is proposed. This system consists of fast-responding energy storage. Its dimensions in terms of power and energy are determined. Since such non-inherent inertia requires investments a cost-efficient solution has to be found. Different technologies are compared in terms of the newly-introduced levelised cost of inertia. This paper concludes with the proposal that in future inertia should be traded and with the recommendation to use flywheels for this purpose, as these are the most cost-efficient solution for this task.
Realizing the Intended Nationally Determined Contribution: The Role of Renewable Energies in Vietnam
Authors: Tran Thanh , Fujimori Shinichiro , Masui Toshihiko
Published: July 2016

This study contributes to the realization of intended nationally determined contributions (INDCs) by analyzing their implications for the energy production system and the economy, and determines the role of renewable energies (RE) in reducing the challenge of committing to the INDCs. The Asia-Pacific Integrated Model/Computable General Equilibrium (AIM/CGE) model was used to assess seven scenarios having the same socioeconomic development but different shares of RE in power generation. By comparing different relative reductions caused by the emission constraints vis-a-vis the business-as-usual (BaU) scenario, the mitigation costs can be estimated. Results show that the economic impact could be reduced by around 55% in terms of welfare loss (from 6.0% to 2.7%) and by around 36% in terms of gross domestic product (GDP) loss (from 3.4% to 2.1%) through the incorporation of high levels of renewable energy. Furthermore, the additional double deployment of wind and SPV to 5.4% and 12.0%, respectively, which currently comprise 43.1% of the renewable energies used in electricity generation, could reduce the GDP loss from 2.1% to 1.9% and reduce the welfare loss from 2.7% to 1.5% in order to achieve a 25.0% GHG emissions reduction. These losses are less than those in the pricing-only scenario (2.1% and 2.3%, respectively).
Analytical Investigation of the Magnetic-Field Distribution in an Axial Magnetic-Field-Modulated Brushless Double-Rotor Machine
Authors: Tong Chengde , Song Zhiyi , Bai Jingang , Liu Jiaqi , Zheng Ping
Published: July 2016

The axial magnetic-field-modulated brushless double-rotor machine (MFM-BDRM) is a novel possible alternative power-split device for hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). This paper proposes a two-dimensional (2-D) analytical method to predict the performance of the axial MFM-BDRM to reduce computing time. The computation is based on the solution of Laplace’s or Poisson’s equation with boundary conditions for each elementary rectangular region. By taking account of the existence of modulating ring and the stator slotting effect, the proposed model is able to calculate magnetic-field distribution with high accuracy. In order to assess the proposed method, the 2-D analytical and three-dimensional (3-D) finite element analysis (FEA) results have been compared, and good agreements have been achieved. As the analytical computation is much faster and more flexible, the proposed method can be used in the preliminary design process of the axial MFM-BDRM.
Energy Optimization in Smart Homes Using Customer Preference and Dynamic Pricing
Authors: Rasheed Muhammad , Javaid Nadeem , Ahmad Ashfaq , Jamil Mohsin , Khan Zahoor , Qasim Umar , Alrajeh Nabil
Published: July 2016

In this paper, we present an energy optimization technique to schedule three types of household appliances (user dependent, interactive schedulable and unschedulable) in response to the dynamic behaviours of customers, electricity prices and weather conditions. Our optimization technique schedules household appliances in real time to optimally control their energy consumption, such that the electricity bills of end users are reduced while not compromising on user comfort. More specifically, we use the binary multiple knapsack problem formulation technique to design an objective function, which is solved via the constraint optimization technique. Simulation results show that average aggregated energy savings with and without considering the human presence control system are 11.77% and 5.91%, respectively.
“After Ever After”: Social Commentary through a Satiric Disney Parody for the Digital Age
Authors: Schroeder Kylie
Published: July 2016

“If you’ve ever wondered why Disney tales all end in lies,” then ask YouTube artist Paint—aka Jon Cozart. He has created a video for YouTube.com that re-imagines what happened after four of Disney’s leading ladies’ “dreams came true.” Continuing a tradition that is as old as the tales he sings about, the artist combines characters and melodies that have become culturally ubiquitous since the media domination of the Disney Corporation with an interpretation of the material that tries to make sense of the world in which it exists. Continuing the criticisms of post-modernism and feminist theory, Cozart challenges the “happily ever afters” that have become the stock endings for the genre. Through comedic satire he creates parodied storylines that bring four animated princesses out of their Disney realms and into the real world where they must deal with environmental destruction, racism, and colonialism, among other issues. The use of a video-sharing site such as Youtube.com not only allows for the expanded distribution of fan-created material, but it also directly addresses a wider audience than traditional oral story tellers could possibly reach: the Internet. This case study looks at the ways in which the global recognition of Disney culture allows for the creation of social commentary through familiar and beloved characters, while an increasingly digitally-connected world impacts the capabilities and understanding of both the creator and the viewers of the material. While far from being a new phenomenon, the reinterpretation of fairy tales takes on content and a form that reflects the increasingly globalized and digitized world in Cozart’s Disney parody.
Mortality from Unspecified Unintentional Injury among Individuals Aged 65 Years and Older by U.S. State, 1999–2013
Authors: Cheng Xunjie , Wu Yue , Yao Jie , Schwebel David , Hu Guoqing
Published: July 2016

Introduction: Recent changes in unspecified unintentional injury mortality for the elderly by U.S. state remain unreported. This study aims to examine U.S. state variations in mortality from unspecified unintentional injury among Americans aged 65+, 1999–2013; Methods: Using mortality rates from the U.S. CDC’s Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS™), we examined unspecified unintentional injury mortality for older adults aged 65+ from 1999 to 2013 by state. Specifically, the proportion of unintentional injury deaths with unspecified external cause in the data was considered. Linear regression examined the statistical significance of changes in proportion of unspecified unintentional injury from 1999 to 2013; Results: Of the 36 U.S. states with stable mortality rates, over 8-fold differences were observed for both the mortality rates and the proportions of unspecified unintentional injury for Americans aged 65+ during 1999–2013. Twenty-nine of the 36 states showed reductions in the proportion of unspecified unintentional injury cause, with Oklahoma (−89%), Massachusetts (−86%) and Oregon (−81%) displaying the largest changes. As unspecified unintentional injury mortality decreased, mortality from falls in 28 states and poisoning in 3 states increased significantly. Mortality from suffocation in 15 states, motor vehicle traffic crashes in 12 states, and fire/burn in 8 states also decreased; Conclusions: The proportion of unintentional injuries among older adults with unspecified cause decreased significantly for many states in the United States from 1999 to 2013. The reduced proportion of unspecified injury has implications for research and practice. It should be considered in state-level trend analysis during 1999–2013. It also suggests comparisons between states for specific injury mortality should be conducted with caution, as large differences in unspecified injury mortality across states and over time could create bias for specified injury mortality comparisons.
Liposomes Loaded with Hydrophobic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles: Suitable T2 Contrast Agents for MRI
Authors: Martínez-González Raquel , Estelrich Joan , Busquets Maria
Published: July 2016

There has been a recent surge of interest in the use of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) as contrast agents (CAs) for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), due to their tunable properties and their low toxicity compared with other CAs such as gadolinium. SPIONs exert a strong influence on spin-spin T2 relaxation times by decreasing the MR signal in the regions to which they are delivered, consequently yielding darker images or negative contrast. Given the potential of these nanoparticles to enhance detection of alterations in soft tissues, we studied the MRI response of hydrophobic or hydrophilic SPIONs loaded into liposomes (magnetoliposomes) of different lipid composition obtained by sonication. These hybrid nanostructures were characterized by measuring several parameters such as size and polydispersity, and number of SPIONs encapsulated or embedded into the lipid systems. We then studied the influence of acyl chain length as well as its unsaturation, charge, and presence of cholesterol in the lipid bilayer at high field strength (7 T) to mimic the conditions used in preclinical assays. Our results showed a high variability depending on the nature of the magnetic particles. Focusing on the hydrophobic SPIONs, the cholesterol-containing samples showed a slight reduction in r2, while unsaturation of the lipid acyl chain and inclusion of a negatively charged lipid into the bilayer appeared to yield a marked increase in negative contrast, thus rendering these magnetoliposomes suitable candidates as CAs, especially as a liver CA.
In Response to Michael Wininger’s Commentary: Common Roadblocks for Biomaterials Metrologists
Authors: Naylor Andrew
Published: July 2016

I welcome Wininger’s commentary [1], and I would like to take the opportunity to address some of the issues raised.[...]
Effect of Post Treatment For Cu-Cr Source/Drain Electrodes on a-IGZO TFTs
Authors: Hu Shiben , Fang Zhiqiang , Ning Honglong , Tao Ruiqiang , Liu Xianzhe , Zeng Yong , Yao Rihui , Huang Fuxiang , Li Zhengcao , Xu Miao , Wang Lei , Lan Linfeng , Peng Junbiao
Published: July 2016

We report a high-performance amorphous Indium-Gallium-Zinc-Oxide (a-IGZO) thin-film transistor (TFT) with new copper-chromium (Cu-Cr) alloy source/drain electrodes. The TFT shows a high mobility of 39.4 cm 2 ·V − 1 ·s − 1 a turn-on voltage of −0.8 V and a low subthreshold swing of 0.47 V/decade. Cu diffusion is suppressed because pre-annealing can protect a-IGZO from damage during the electrode sputtering and reduce the copper diffusion paths by making film denser. Due to the interaction of Cr with a-IGZO, the carrier concentration of a-IGZO, which is responsible for high mobility, rises.
Micromechanical Modeling of Fiber-Reinforced Composites with Statistically Equivalent Random Fiber Distribution
Authors: Wang Wenzhi , Dai Yonghui , Zhang Chao , Gao Xiaosheng , Zhao Meiying
Published: July 2016

Modeling the random fiber distribution of a fiber-reinforced composite is of great importance for studying the progressive failure behavior of the material on the micro scale. In this paper, we develop a new algorithm for generating random representative volume elements (RVEs) with statistical equivalent fiber distribution against the actual material microstructure. The realistic statistical data is utilized as inputs of the new method, which is archived through implementation of the probability equations. Extensive statistical analysis is conducted to examine the capability of the proposed method and to compare it with existing methods. It is found that the proposed method presents a good match with experimental results in all aspects including the nearest neighbor distance, nearest neighbor orientation, Ripley’s K function, and the radial distribution function. Finite element analysis is presented to predict the effective elastic properties of a carbon/epoxy composite, to validate the generated random representative volume elements, and to provide insights of the effect of fiber distribution on the elastic properties. The present algorithm is shown to be highly accurate and can be used to generate statistically equivalent RVEs for not only fiber-reinforced composites but also other materials such as foam materials and particle-reinforced composites.
Effect of Rare-Earth Ce on Macrosegregation in Al-Bi Immiscible Alloys
Authors: Man Tiannan , Zhang Lin , Xu Naikang , Wang Wenbin , Xiang Zhaolong , Wang Engang
Published: July 2016

Liquid phase segregation of immiscible alloys has been investigated for decades. In this work, rare-earth Ce was studied as an additive for Al-Bi immiscible alloys. The addition of Ce restrained liquid phase segregation to obtain a uniformly dispersive microstructure. The experimental results indicated that in situ-precipitated intermetallic CeBi2 compound acted as an inoculant for the heterogeneous nucleation of the Bi-rich droplets. The Bi-rich droplets nucleated on the CeBi2 compound surface—a homogenous dispersed microstructure obtained via a heterogeneous nucleation route. We concluded that gravity segregation can be suppressed by the addition of rare-earth Ce.
Deciphering the Duality of Clock and Growth Metabolism in a Cell Autonomous System Using NMR Profiling of the Secretome
Authors: Sengupta Arjun , Krishnaiah Saikumari , Rhoades Seth , Growe Jacqueline , Slaff Barry , Venkataraman Anand , Olarerin-George Anthony , Van Dang Chi , Hogenesch John , Weljie Aalim
Published: July 2016

Oscillations in circadian metabolism are crucial to the well being of organism. Our understanding of metabolic rhythms has been greatly enhanced by recent advances in high-throughput systems biology experimental techniques and data analysis. In an in vitro setting, metabolite rhythms can be measured by time-dependent sampling over an experimental period spanning one or more days at sufficent resolution to elucidate rhythms. We hypothesized that cellular metabolic effects over such a time course would be influenced by both oscillatory and circadian-independent cell metabolic effects. Here we use nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy-based metabolic profiling of mammalian cell culture media of synchronized U2 OS cells containing an intact transcriptional clock. The experiment was conducted over 48 h, typical for circadian biology studies, and samples collected at 2 h resolution to unravel such non-oscillatory effects. Our data suggest specific metabolic activities exist that change continuously over time in this settting and we demonstrate that the non-oscillatory effects are generally monotonic and possible to model with multivariate regression. Deconvolution of such non-circadian persistent changes are of paramount importance to consider while studying circadian metabolic oscillations.
Structure-Bioactivity Relationships of Methylxanthines: Trying to Make Sense of All the Promises and the Drawbacks
Authors: Monteiro João , Alves Marco , Oliveira Pedro , Silva Branca
Published: July 2016

Methylxanthines are a group of phytochemicals derived from the purine base xanthine and obtained from plant secondary metabolism. They are unobtrusively included in daily diet in common products as coffee, tea, energetic drinks, or chocolate. Caffeine is by far the most studied methylxanthine either in animal or epidemiologic studies. Theophylline and theobromine are other relevant methylxanthines also commonly available in the aforementioned sources. There are many disseminated myths about methylxanthines but there is increased scientific knowledge to discuss all the controversy and promise shown by these intriguing phytochemicals. In fact, many beneficial physiologic outcomes have been suggested for methylxanthines in areas as important and diverse as neurodegenerative and respiratory diseases, diabetes or cancer. However, there have always been toxicity concerns with methylxanthine (over)consumption and pharmacologic applications. Herein, we explore the structure-bioactivity relationships to bring light those enumerated effects. The potential shown by methylxanthines in such a wide range of conditions should substantiate many other scientific endeavors that may highlight their adequacy as adjuvant therapy agents and may contribute to the advent of functional foods. Newly designed targeted molecules based on methylxanthine structure may originate more specific and effective outcomes.
Toxicities of Therapeutic Agents Used in Medicine
Authors: Carozzi Valentina , Cavaletti Guido
Published: July 2016

This Special Issue on “Toxicities of Therapeutic Agents Used in Medicine” reports on some peculiar cases of toxicities related to widely and commonly employed drugs.[...]
J1216+0709: A RADIO GALAXY WITH THREE EPISODES OF AGN JET ACTIVITY
Authors: Singh Veeresh , Ishwara-Chandra C. H. , Kharb Preeti , Srivastava Shweta , Janardhan P.
Published: July 2016

We report the discovery of a “triple-double radio galaxy,” J1216+0709, detected in deep low-frequency Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) observations. J1216+0709 is only the third radio galaxy, after B0925+420 and Speca, with three pairs of lobes resulting from three different episodes of active galactic nucleus (AGN) jet activity. The 610 MHz GMRT image clearly displays an inner pair of lobes, a nearly coaxial middle pair of lobes, and a pair of outer lobes that is bent with respect to the axis of the inner pair of lobes. The total end-to-end projected sizes of the inner, middle, and outer lobes are 40″ (∼95 kpc), 1.′65 (∼235 kpc), and 5.′7 (∼814 kpc), respectively. Unlike the outer pair of lobes, both the inner and middle pairs of lobes exhibit asymmetries in arm lengths and flux densities, but in the opposite sense, i.e., the eastern sides are farther and also brighter than the western sides, thus, suggesting the possibility of the jet being intrinsically asymmetric rather than due to a relativistic beaming effect. The host galaxy is a bright elliptical (m
r ∼ 16.56) with M
SMBH ∼ 3.9 × 109
M
⊙ and a star formation rate of ∼

M
⊙ yr−1. The host galaxy resides in a small group of three galaxies (m
r ≤ 17.77) and is possibly going through an interaction with faint dwarf galaxies in the neighborhood, which may have triggered the recent episodes of AGN activity.