bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electromembrane extraction through a virtually rotating supported liquid membrane
Authors: HosseinyDavarani Saied Saeed , Moazami Hamid Reza , Memarian Elham , Nojavan Saeed
Published: October 2015

Electromembrane extraction (EME) of model analytes was carried out using a virtually rotating supported liquid membrane (SLM). The virtual (nonmechanical) rotating of the SLM was achieved using a novel electrode assembly including a central electrode immersed inside the lumen of the SLM and five counter electrodes surrounding the SLM. A particular electronic circuit was designed to distribute the potential among five counter electrodes in a rotating pattern. The effect of the experimental parameters on the recovery of the extraction was investigated for verapamil (VPL), trimipramine (TRP), and clomipramine (CLP) as the model analytes and 2‐ethyl hexanol as the SLM solvent. The results showed that the recovery of the extraction is a function of the angular velocity of the virtual rotation. The best results were obtained at an angular velocity of 1.83 RadS−1 (or a rotation frequency of 0.29 Hz).The optimization of the parameters gave higher recoveries up to 50% greater than those of a conventional EME method. The rotating also allowed the extraction to be carried out at shorter time (15 min) and lower voltage (200 V) with respect to the conventional extraction. The model analytes were successfully extracted from wastewater and human urine samples with recoveries ranging from 38 to 85%. The RSD of the determinations was in the range of 12.6 to 14.8%.
Quantitative microbial indices in biogas and raw cattle slurries
Authors: Wentzel Stefanie , Joergensen Rainer Georg
Published: October 2015

Biogas slurry, the secondary product of the anaerobic digestion process, is increasingly being used as fertilizer. Information is available on its chemical and physical properties and their effects on plant growth. However, there is a demand to characterize the microbial quality of slurries, which may control further mineralization processes after application to soil. In this study, biogas and raw slurries obtained from six farms were analyzed for their ergosterol and amino sugar concentrations as indices for microbial biomass. A reliable, precise method for determining ergosterol in slurries is presented. Biogas slurries contained significantly less ergosterol (−34%), muramic acid (MurN; −42%), galactosamine (GalN; −32%), and fungal glucosamine (GlcN; −40%) than raw slurries. The mean fungal GlcN to ergosterol ratio (50) and also the mean fungal carbon (C) to bacterial C ratio (0.29) did not significantly differ between the slurry types. The mean microbial C concentration in the biogas slurries was significantly lower than in the raw slurries. Consequently, the contribution of microbial C to slurry organic C was 3.6% in the biogas slurries and 5.7% in the raw slurries. Microbial C revealed significant nonlinear relationships with the fiber and ash concentration, pH, as well as the C/N ratio of the slurries.
High‐throughput process development: Chromatography media volume definition
Authors: Bergander Tryggve , Lacki Karol M.
Published: October 2015

Prediction of chromatographic separations in liter scale with the help of data gathered using a microliter format is challenging, as both scale effects and differences in the formats used (plates vs. packed minicolumns) need to be addressed. The use of microplates in high‐throughput process development (HTPD) studies has become a routine. While this method is typically used for investigating chromatography conditions such as salt and pH, it can also be used for screening of different chromatography media (resins). In this study, the influence of the physicochemical properties of various media on preparation of medium‐containing microplates is discussed, and examples are presented that show how these properties can influence the conclusions drawn in benchmarking studies done using this HTPD format. The results indicate that differences in chromatographic media volume between microliter sampling techniques and packed chromatography columns do exist. Regardless of the chosen chromatography media, sampling technique or volume definition method, the simplest way to address this issue is by calibrating the microliter scale with packed‐column volumes in appropriate dry weight experiments.
Jamming partner selection for maximising the worst D2D secrecy rate based on social trust
Authors: Wang Li , Wu Huaqing
Published: October 2015

Device‐to‐device (D2D) communications have recently attracted broad attention, owing to its potential ability to improve spectrum and energy efficiency within the existing cellular infrastructure. Without sophisticated control, D2D users themselves are not powerful enough to resist eavesdropping or fight against security attacks. This work investigates how to select jamming partners for D2D users to thwart eavesdroppers by exploiting social relationship with the help of full channel state information (CSI) and partial CSI, respectively. We aim to maximise the worst‐case eavesdropping by selecting jammer node and allocating transmit power for both source and jammer nodes. We first present a heuristic genetic algorithm‐based solution to address the problem. We then propose low‐complexity optimisation solutions by considering the upper and lower bounds of power allocation. Numerical results show that the proposed schemes can achieve better performance through finding an appropriate partner. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sparse representation of HCP grayordinate data reveals novel functional architecture of cerebral cortex
Authors: Jiang Xi , Li Xiang , Lv Jinglei , Zhang Tuo , Zhang Shu , Guo Lei , Liu Tianming
Published: October 2015

The recently publicly released Human Connectome Project (HCP) grayordinate‐based fMRI data not only has high spatial and temporal resolution, but also offers group‐corresponding fMRI signals across a large population for the first time in the brain imaging field, thus significantly facilitating mapping the functional brain architecture with much higher resolution and in a group‐wise fashion. In this article, we adopt the HCP grayordinate task‐based fMRI (tfMRI) data to systematically identify and characterize task‐based heterogeneous functional regions (THFRs) on cortical surface, i.e., the regions that are activated during multiple tasks conditions and contribute to multiple task‐evoked systems during a specific task performance, and to assess the spatial patterns of identified THFRs on cortical gyri and sulci by applying a computational framework of sparse representations of grayordinate brain tfMRI signals. Experimental results demonstrate that both consistent task‐evoked networks and intrinsic connectivity networks across all subjects and tasks in HCP grayordinate data are effectively and robustly reconstructed via the proposed sparse representation framework. Moreover, it is found that there are relatively consistent THFRs locating at bilateral parietal lobe, frontal lobe, and visual association cortices across all subjects and tasks. Particularly, those identified THFRs locate significantly more on gyral regions than on sulcal regions. These results based on sparse representation of HCP grayordinate data reveal novel functional architecture of cortical gyri and sulci, and might provide a foundation to better understand functional mechanisms of the human cerebral cortex in the future. Hum Brain Mapp 36:5301–5319, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Integrated risk and recovery monitoring of ecosystem restorations on contaminated sites
Authors: Hooper Michael J , Glomb Stephen J , Harper David D , Hoelzle Timothy B , McIntosh Lisa M , Mulligan David R
Published: October 2015

Ecological restorations of contaminated sites balance the human and ecological risks of residual contamination with the benefits of ecological recovery and the return of lost ecological function and ecosystem services. Risk and recovery are interrelated dynamic conditions, changing as remediation and restoration activities progress through implementation into long-term management and ecosystem maturation. Monitoring restoration progress provides data critical to minimizing residual contaminant risk and uncertainty, while measuring ecological advancement toward recovery goals. Effective monitoring plans are designed concurrently with restoration plan development and implementation and are focused on assessing the effectiveness of activities performed in support of restoration goals for the site. Physical, chemical, and biotic measures characterize progress toward desired structural and functional ecosystem components of the goals. Structural metrics, linked to ecosystem functions and services, inform restoration practitioners of work plan modifications or more substantial adaptive management actions necessary to maintain desired recovery. Monitoring frequency, duration, and scale depend on specific attributes and goals of the restoration project. Often tied to restoration milestones, critical assessment of monitoring metrics ensures attainment of risk minimization and ecosystem recovery. Finally, interpretation and communication of monitoring findings inform and engage regulators, other stakeholders, the scientific community, and the public. Because restoration activities will likely cease before full ecosystem recovery, monitoring endpoints should demonstrate risk reduction and a successional trajectory toward the condition established in the restoration goals. A detailed assessment of the completed project's achievements, as well as unrealized objectives, attained through project monitoring, will determine if contaminant risk has been minimized, if injured resources have recovered, and if ecosystem services have been returned. Such retrospective analysis will allow better planning for future restoration goals and strengthen the evidence base for quantifying injuries and damages at other sites in the future. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2016;12:284–295. © 2015 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC.

Key Points

Successful restoration of contaminated sites requires monitoring to document progress in ecological recovery and risk reduction. Through integrated contaminant and ecological monitoring, we identify impediments and trigger management actions that attain desired remediation and restoration goals. Long-term monitoring contributes to the state of restoration science by better informing restoration planning, improving outcomes, and increasing confidence in the restoration of contaminated ecosystems.
Development of recombinant collagen‐peptide‐based vehicles for delivery of adipose‐derived stromal cells
Authors: Parvizi Mojtaba , Plantinga Josée A. , van Speuwel‐Goossens Carolina A.F.M. , van Dongen Elisabeth M.W.M. , Kluijtmans Sebastiaan G.J.M. , Harmsen Martin C.
Published: October 2015

Stem cell therapy is a promising approach for repair, remodeling and even regenerate tissue of otherwise irreparable damage, such as after myocardial infarction (aMI). A severe limitation of cardiac stem cell therapy is the generally poor retention of administered cells in the target tissue. In tissue repair the main mode of action of adipose tissue‐derived stem cells (ADSC) is the production of various growth factors, cytokines, anti‐inflammatory and anti‐apoptotic factors that together augment repair, remodeling, and regeneration. In this experiment, we used recombinant collagen peptide (RCP) with additional integrin‐binding motives and different crosslinkers. Formulated as 50–100 μm microspheres with bound ADSC, we hypothesized that this would improve ADSC retention and function. Crosslinking was performed with chemical crosslinkers (EDC and HMDIC) at high and low concentrations or by thermal treatment (DHT). ADSC adhesion, proliferation, apoptosis/necrosis, and gene expressions in two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional were analyzed. In addition, the effect of ADSC conditioned medium (ADSC‐CM) on proapoptotic/sprouting HUVEC was examined. Our results show that all materials support cell adhesion in short time point, however, EDC‐High crosslinker induced ADSC apoptosis/necrosis. Gene expression results revealed lower expression of proinflammatory genes in chemical crosslinked materials, despite EDC‐High the proinflammatory genes expressions were similar or higher than TCPS. In addition, cultured ADSC on DHT crosslinked RCP showed a proinflammatory phenotype compared to TCPS. Sprouting assay results confirmed the protective effect of ADSC‐CM derived from TCPS and HMDIC‐High crosslinked RCP proapoptotic HUVEC. We conclude that ADSC adhere to the materials and maintain their therapeutic profile. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 503–516, 2016.
Inferring cell type innovations by phylogenetic methods—concepts, methods, and limitations
Authors: Kin Koryu
Published: October 2015

Multicellular organisms are composed of distinct cell types that have specific roles in the body. Each cell type is a product of two kinds of historical processes—development and evolution. Although the concept of a cell type is difficult to define, the cell type concept based on the idea of the core regulatory network (CRN), a gene regulatory network that determines the identity of a cell type, illustrates the essential aspects of the cell type concept. The first step toward elucidating cell type evolution is to reconstruct the evolutionary relationships of cell types, or the cell type tree. The sister cell type model assumes that a new cell type evolves through divergence from a multifunctional ancestral cell type, creating tree‐like evolutionary relationships between cell types. The process of generating a cell type tree can also be understood as the sequential addition of a new branching point on an ancestral cell differentiation hierarchy in evolution. A cell type tree thus represents an intertwined history of cell type evolution and development. Cell type trees can be reconstructed from high‐throughput sequencing data, and the reconstruction of a cell type tree leads to the discovery of genes that are functionally important for a cell type. Although many issues including the lack of cross‐species comparisons and the lack of a proper model for cell type evolution remain, the study of the origin of a new cell type using phylogenetic methods offers a promising new research avenue in developmental evolution. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 324B: 653–661, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Gate replacement with PMOS stacking for leakage reduction in VLSI circuits
Authors: Panwar Uday , Khare Kavita
Published: October 2015

Scaling down the circuits of complementary metal oxide semiconductor increases the leakage current. Input vector control is an extremely popular method for controlling leakage without using any technological modification. However, it is less effective for larger logic depth circuits.

Our study proposes a Worst Leakage State (WLS) free‐node algorithm based on gate replacement technique, in which, when the logic gate of a given circuit goes into WLS, it is replaced by a suitable variant of the gate which in turn reduces the leakage current in an idle mode of the circuit at the same input vector. These variants minimize leakage under WLS conditions. For replacement purpose, four variants (V1–V4) of a two‐input NAND gate are proposed. This technique is applied on different circuits and some benchmark circuits such as ISCAS'85 (C17) and ITC'99 (B01, B02 and B06) (total of 10 circuits), according to the proposed algorithm with variants V1–V4. The average total power is reduced to 15.04%, 15.04%, 35.7% and 31.5%, and the leakage current is reduced to 42.96%, 42.96%, 84.25% and 84.52%, respectively, for variants V1–V4. The average delay is decreased by 16.03% in V1 and V2 variants and increased by 7.74% and 13.16% for variants V3 and V4, respectively, as compared with the results of conventional circuits at 45‐nm Berkeley Predictive Technology Model technology. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Automated generation of node‐splitting models for assessment of inconsistency in network meta‐analysis
Authors: van Valkenhoef Gert , Dias Sofia , Ades A. E. , Welton Nicky J.
Published: October 2015

Network meta‐analysis enables the simultaneous synthesis of a network of clinical trials comparing any number of treatments. Potential inconsistencies between estimates of relative treatment effects are an important concern, and several methods to detect inconsistency have been proposed. This paper is concerned with the node‐splitting approach, which is particularly attractive because of its straightforward interpretation, contrasting estimates from both direct and indirect evidence. However, node‐splitting analyses are labour‐intensive because each comparison of interest requires a separate model. It would be advantageous if node‐splitting models could be estimated automatically for all comparisons of interest.

We present an unambiguous decision rule to choose which comparisons to split, and prove that it selects only comparisons in potentially inconsistent loops in the network, and that all potentially inconsistent loops in the network are investigated. Moreover, the decision rule circumvents problems with the parameterisation of multi‐arm trials, ensuring that model generation is trivial in all cases. Thus, our methods eliminate most of the manual work involved in using the node‐splitting approach, enabling the analyst to focus on interpreting the results. © 2015 The Authors Research Synthesis Methods Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
mTHPC mediated, systemic photodynamic therapy (PDT) for nonmelanoma skin cancers: Case and literature review
Authors: Horlings Rudolf K. , Terra Jorrit B. , Witjes Max J.H.
Published: October 2015

Background and Objective

Patients with multiple nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSCs), like immunosuppressed or nevoid basal cell carcinomas, offer a therapeutic challenge. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) using the systemic photosensitizer meta‐tetrahydroxyphenylchlorin (mTHPC) has the ability to treat multiple NMSCs up to a depth of 10 mm in a single session. These unique properties offer an attractive alternative to regular therapies (e.g., surgery or radiation) to these patients.

Study Design

A systemic search was carried out that focused on the main clinical studies using mTHPC‐PDT on NMSCs in humans. This review describes some of the basic principles of the treatment, the most effective treatment parameters as well as its possible adverse outcomes, which is illustrated with a short description of our own experiences using this treatment modality on four patients with multiple NMSCs.

Results

To date, only four clinical studies have been published. It was demonstrated that mTHPC‐PDT could be highly effective. On illuminating 1–2 days after drug administration, plasma drug levels were high and the tumor clearance rates were high (up to 100%), with relative few side effects and excellent cosmetic and functional outcomes. These results were obtained with a relatively low, patient friendly photosensitizer dose (0.04–0.05 mg/kg) as skin photosensitivity was shorter after the procedure. Although the patients personally experienced consistently good cure rates, the healing times varied greatly between anatomical areas. The head and neck areas heal well with good cosmesis, while the lower leg and foot areas show delayed, at times compromised, healing with scarring.

Conclusions

Although mTHPC‐PDT is described in the literature as an interesting and promising therapeutic option, especially for multiple NMSCs, a randomized clinical trial is lacking and personal experiences warrant too much skepticism. With the recent introduction of the hedgehog pathway inhibitor vismodegib, mTHPC‐PDT seems to be less suitable as a first line of treatment; it should be considered as a last resort therapy. Lasers Surg. Med. 47:779–787, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Centchroman altered the expressions of tumor‐related genes through active chromatin modifications in mammary cancer
Authors: Khan Sajid , Shukla Samriddhi , Sinha Sonam , Meeran Syed Musthapa
Published: October 2015

Centchroman (CC), a female oral contraceptive, has been shown to possess breast anti‐cancer activities. Recently, we have shown CC‐mediated antimetastatic effect through reversal of epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) in breast cancer. The loss of tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) has been shown to promote EMT in breast cancer. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated the effect of CC‐treatment on the expression of tumor‐related genes including both tumor suppressor‐ and tumor promoter genes in breast cancer. CC treatment resulted in G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest in human breast cancer MDA‐MB‐231, SK‐BR‐3, and ZR‐75‐1 cells with the concomitant induction of TSGs such as p21WAF1/CIP1, p16INK4a, and p27Kip1. In addition, CC treatment also resulted in the downregulation of tumor promoter gene, human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT). The induction of TSGs and downregulation of hTERT was found to be correlated with decreased expression levels of histone deacetylases (HDACs) and DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs). Further, mechanistic studies revealed CC‐induced global DNA demethylation and alterations in the enrichment of chromatin modification markers at the promoters of p21 and hTERT. These in vitro results were corroborated with in vivo findings in 4T1‐syngeneic mouse model, where CC‐treatment resulted in tumor growth reduction accompanied with the induction of TSGs and alterations in the expression levels of HDACs, DNMT1, and histone modification markers. Overall, our findings suggest that CC‐treatment induces the expression of TSGs and downregulates hTERT through histone modifications and DNA methylation changes. Therefore, CC could be further developed into a promising drug candidate against breast cancer. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Caregiver Contribution to Heart Failure Self‐Care (CACHS)
Authors: Harkness Karen , Buck Harleah G. , Arthur Heather , Carroll Sandra , Cosman Tammy , McGillion Michael , Kaasalainen Sharon , Kryworuchko Jennifer , O'Keefe‐McCarthy Sheila , Sherifali Diana , Strachan Patricia H.
Published: October 2015

Aim

While caregivers (CGs) make an important contribution to the self‐care of heart failure (HF) patients, there are no reliable and valid tools for measuring such contributions. Current interventions that strive to optimize patient outcomes through self‐care strategies neglect to account for CG contributions, a potential confounder on outcomes. The aim of the study was to develop an instrument that measures CG contributions to HF patients’ self‐care.

Design

The study design follows an established process for instrument development.

Methods

A systematic literature review and semi‐structured interviews of CGs were conducted to identify measureable CG activities. Items were derived from thematic analysis of CG narratives. A content validity index was computed for each item (I‐CVI). Items with an I‐CVI of >0·70 were retained. Items with an I‐CVI of 0·50–0·70 were revised for clarification and items with an I‐CVI <0·5 were discarded, except in instances where fulsome theoretical or empirical evidence supported their retention.

Results

14 CGs completed interviews and 10 CGs with 4 expert nurses completed I‐CVI testing. Major interview themes included arranging appointments, medication adherence, monitoring, coordinating care, encouraging independence and taking action. A total of 36 items were constructed and underwent I‐CVI testing. Following I‐CVI testing, 27 items were retained, seven items were retained after revision based on CG feedback and two items were removed. This newly developed 34‐item questionnaire represents current literature, CGs’ experiences, excellent I‐CVI scores and ready for further psychometric testing.
Probiotic supplementation attenuates increases in body mass and fat mass during high‐fat diet in healthy young adults
Authors: Osterberg Kristin L. , Boutagy Nabil E. , McMillan Ryan P. , Stevens Joseph R. , Frisard Madlyn I. , Kavanaugh John W. , Davy Brenda M. , Davy Kevin P. , Hulver Matthew W.
Published: October 2015

Objective

The objective was to determine the effects of the probiotic, VSL#3, on body and fat mass, insulin sensitivity, and skeletal muscle substrate oxidation following 4 weeks of a high‐fat diet.

Methods

Twenty non‐obese males (18‐30 years) participated in the study. Following a 2‐week eucaloric control diet, participants underwent dual X‐ray absorptiometry to determine body composition, an intravenous glucose tolerance test to determine insulin sensitivity, and a skeletal muscle biopsy for measurement of in vitro substrate oxidation. Subsequently, participants were randomized to receive either VSL#3 or placebo daily during 4 weeks of consuming a High‐fat (55% fat), hypercaloric diet (+1,000 kcal day−1). Participants repeated all measurements following the intervention.

Results

Body mass (1.42 ± 0.42 kg vs. 2.30 ± 0.28 kg) and fat mass (0.63 ± 0.09 kg vs. 1.29 ± 0.27 kg) increased less following the High‐fat diet in the VSL#3 group compared with placebo. However, there were no significant changes in insulin sensitivity or in vitro skeletal muscle pyruvate and fat oxidation with the High‐fat diet or VSL#3.

Conclusions

VSL#3 supplementation appears to have provided some protection from body mass gain and fat accumulation in healthy young men consuming a High‐fat and high‐energy diet.
Deployment of Wi‐Fi network as an emergency survival communication network in Wakkanai, Hokkaido
Authors: Gautam Bishnu Prasad , Wasaki Katsumi
Published: October 2015

Networks must be safeguarded against disasters. From the network‐management viewpoint, safeguards should be considered during the network design phase. In this study, we surveyed the potential of establishing redundant Wi‐Fi networks in schools in the Soya region of Hokkaido to proactively create a bypass communication network that can be used if a natural disaster occurs. During emergency situations such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and floods, a traditional disaster response may not be able to provide adequate communication services to emergency‐management teams. To explore the potential of establishing an emergency survival communication network in Wakkanai, Hokkaido, we conducted a medium‐scale trace‐driven study of redundant networks to determine how to decrease the disaster risk. We set up wireless nodes at four network locations of different sizes, including an access link between the Wakkanai city office and Wakkanai Hokusei Gakuen University networks. Furthermore, we model the optimal redundant topology and discuss the simulation result. By proactively establishing a redundant wireless network as a detour emergency route using our approach, an organization can rapidly reduce disaster risk. © 2015 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
An efficiency of interactive differential evolution for optimization of warning sound with reflecting individual preference
Authors: Fukumoto Makoto
Published: October 2015

Interactive evolutionary computation (IEC) is a method for creating media contents suited to the user's preference. Efficiency of previous IEC studies was generally investigated from the view point of optimization. However, few previous studies paid attention to their efficiency as a reflection of individual preferences. As an application of IEC, we already proposed a method that creates sign sounds using paired comparison‐based interactive differential evolution (IDE). This study investigates the efficiency of the IDE for reflecting individual difference on the created sound through two experiments. In Experiment 1, the subjects searched better warning sounds with the IDE. The result of Experiment 1 showed gradual convergence of DE's vectors. In Experiment 2, the subjects evaluated four sign sounds created in Experiment 1. Two of them were created by the subject, and the other two were created by another subject. The result of Experiment 2 showed significant increase in the subjective fitness value for sounds created by the subjects themselves. Furthermore, significant difference between sounds by one subject and another was observed in the final generation. These results suggest that IDE is effective in creating warning sounds suited to each user reflecting individual difference. © 2015 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Visual search controlled by spatial frequency without salient features in an image
Authors: Kato Kazuo , Tashiro Kazuki , Kuroki Tomohiro , Ishikawa Atsuo
Published: October 2015

To clarify the characteristics of visual search that are controlled by spatial frequency, we measured the scan path during eye movement in response to visual stimuli. A target stimulus with the spatial frequency of 1/fβ
(where β is the slope of power spectral density of luminance in an image) was embedded in a background stimulus with white (1/f0) characteristics. An instruction‐based task was employed in this study, wherein a subject searches for the target as rapidly as possible and fixates on it. Participants were six healthy males aged 21–22 years. In the task, a threshold for spatial frequency that was the minimum value required by the subjects for the search corresponded to β =∼ 0.2 − 0.3. This finding has potential application in the design of visual presentation media, such as signs and tablets, by providing ease of viewing to the user. © 2015 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Wind turbine emulator based on blade element momentum theory for variable‐speed wind power generation system
Authors: Tammaruckwattana Sirichai , Ohyama Kazuhiro , Arinaga Shinji
Published: October 2015

This paper proposes a wind turbine emulator (WTE) based on the blade momentum theory, and tests the variable‐speed wind power generation system using a pulse‐width modulation (PWM) converter to verify the accuracy of the emulator. The behavior of the wind turbine for natural wind is reproduced by the WTE based on the proposed theory. The variable‐speed wind power generation system employs a vector control system to control the torque and speed of the permanent magnet synchronous generator in the converter side. The windmill rotational speed is controlled to maximize the efficiency of the wind turbine against wind velocity. And the active power and reactive power are controlled in the inverter side, and the generated power is sent to the grid while controlling the DC link voltage to be constant at the same time. The behaviors of the WTE are compared with the simulation results and experimental results using a real wind turbine. These experimental and simulation results show that the test bench with the proposed WTE has sufficient performance and accuracy to verify variable‐speed wind generator systems. © 2015 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Ischemia reperfusion-facilitated sinusoidal endothelial cell injury in liver transplantation and the resulting impact of extravasated platelet aggregation
Authors: Miyashita T. , Nakanuma S. , Ahmed A.K. , Makino I. , Hayashi H. , Oyama K. , Nakagawara H. , Tajima H. , Takamura H. , Ninomiya I. , Fushida S. , Harmon J.W. , Ohta T.
Published: October 2015

Background

The exact sequence of events leading to ultimate hepatocellular damage following ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) is incompletely understood. In this article, we review a mechanism of organ dysfunction after hepatic I/R or immunosuppressive treatment, in addition to the potential of liver sinusoidal endothelial cell (LSEC) protection and antiplatelet treatment for the suppression of hepatocellular damage.

Methods

A review of the literature, utilizing PubMed-NCBI, was used to provide information on the components necessary for the development of hepatocellular damage following I/R.

Results

It is well-established that LSECs damage following hepatic I/R or immunosuppressive treatment followed by extravasated platelet aggregation (EPA) is the root cause of organ dysfunction in liver transplantation. We have classified three phases, from LSECs damage to organ dysfunction, utilizing the predicted pathogenic mechanism of sinusoidal obstruction syndrome. The first phase is detachment of LSECs and sinusoidal wall destruction after LSECs injury by hepatic I/R or immunosuppressive treatment. The second phase is EPA, accomplished by sinusoidal wall destruction. The various growth factors, including thromboxane A2, serotonin, transforming growth factor-beta and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, released by EPA in the Disse’s space of zone three, induce portal hypertension and the progression of hepatic fibrosis. The third phase is organ dysfunction following portal hypertension, hepatic fibrosis, and suppressed liver regeneration through various growth factors secreted by EPA.

Conclusion

We suggest that EPA in the space of Disse, initiated by LSECs damage due to hepatic I/R or immunosuppressive treatment, and activated platelets may primarily contribute to liver damage in liver transplantation. Endothelial protective therapy or antiplatelet treatment may be useful in the treatment of hepatic I/R following EPA.
Genetic Counseling Milestones: A Framework for Student Competency Evaluation
Authors: Guy Carrie
Published: October 2015

Graduate medical education has recently increased focus on the development of medical specialty competency milestones to provide a targeted tool for medical resident evaluation. Milestones provide developmental assessment of the attainment of competencies over the course of an educational program. An educational framework is described to explore the development of Genetic Counseling Milestones for the evaluation of the development of genetic counseling competencies by genetic counseling students. The development of Genetic Counseling Milestones may provide a valuable tool to assess genetic counseling students across all program activities. Historical educational context, current practices, and potential benefits and challenges in the development of Genetic Counseling Milestones are discussed.
Microstructure of Interpass Rolled Wire + Arc Additive Manufacturing Ti-6Al-4V Components
Authors: Martina Filomeno , Colegrove Paul A. , Williams Stewart W. , Meyer Jonathan
Published: October 2015

Mechanical property anisotropy is one of the issues that are limiting the industrial adoption of additive manufacturing (AM) Ti-6Al-4V components. To improve the deposits’ microstructure, the effect of high-pressure interpass rolling was evaluated, and a flat and a profiled roller were compared. The microstructure was changed from large columnar prior

$$\beta $$

β

grains that traversed the component to equiaxed grains that were between 56 and 139 μm in size. The repetitive variation in Widmanstätten

$$\alpha $$

α

lamellae size was retained; however, with rolling, the overall size was reduced. A “fundamental study” was used to gain insight into the microstructural changes that occurred due to the combination of deformation and deposition. High-pressure interpass rolling can overcome many of the shortcomings of AM, potentially aiding industrial implementation of the process.
Autophagy and proteins involved in vesicular trafficking
Authors: Amaya Celina , Fader Claudio Marcelo , Colombo María Isabel
Published: October 2015

Autophagy is an intracellular degradation system that, as a basic mechanism it delivers cytoplasmic components to the lysosomes in order to maintain adequate energy levels and cellular homeostasis. This complex cellular process is activated by low cellular nutrient levels and other stress situations such as low ATP levels, the accumulation of damaged proteins or organelles, or pathogen invasion. Autophagy as a multistep process involves vesicular transport events leading to tethering and fusion of autophagic vesicles with several intracellular compartments. This review summarizes our current understanding of the autophagic pathway with emphasis in the trafficking machinery (i.e. Rabs GTPases and SNAP receptors (SNAREs)) involved in specific steps of the pathway.
Intervención educativa sobre el nivel de conocimientos en pacientes con diabetes y baja o nula escolaridad
Authors: López López Erika , Ortiz Gress Alicia Armida , López Carbajal Mario Joaquín
Published: October 2015

Objetivo: Evaluar una intervención integral de educación en diabetes sobre el nivel de conocimientos en pacientes con dicha enfermedad.
Método: Diseño cuasiexperimental con 17 pacientes diagnosticados de diabetes que refirieron ser analfabetos o contar con una educación básica y pertenecer a la comunidad Villa Aquiles Serdán, Pachuca, Hidalgo. Entre julio y diciembre de 2013, se aplicó una encuesta para identificar sexo, edad, escolaridad, ocupación, estado civil y tiempo de evolución, y solicitamos la medición de hemoglobina glucosilada. Los conocimientos sobre diabetes se midieron mediante el Diabetes Knowledge Questionnaire (pretest y postest). Se realizó estadística descriptiva y comparación de medias a través de la t de Student.
Resultados: El 64.7% fueron mujeres; el 41.2% fueron amas de casa; respecto a la escolaridad, el 17.6% era analfabeta; la media de edad fue de 52.6 ± 5.8 a˜nos (rango 39-72). La media del tiempo con diabetes fue de 112.00 ± 59.1 meses (rango 1-180). El 88.2% no había tomado un curso previamente. El 58.8% no pertenecían a ningún grupo de ayuda mutua; para el resto, el promedio de tiempo en el grupo fue de 156 meses (rango 6-156). La intervención mostró diferencias estadísticamente significativas en el nivel de conocimientos en el 70.8% de los ítems: información básica (p < 0.000), sobre el control (p < 0.000) y complicaciones (p < 0.000), y a nivel general (p < 0.000). Respecto a los niveles de hemoglobina glucosilada, la media de la diferencia fue de 1.01 mg/dL ± 1.77 mg/dL (p = 0.053).
Conclusiones: La intervención mostró cambios significativos en los niveles de conocimientos sobre información básica, el control y las complicaciones. Asimismo, en el promedio de conocimientos en general. La hemoglobina glucosilada no mostró diferencias estadísticamente significativas. Es importante continuar con intervenciones educativas integrales que incluyan aspectos nutricionales, psicológicos, médicos, farmacológicos y tener estrategias culturalmente competentes.
A quantitative comparison of dispersed spore/pollen and plant megafossil assemblages from a Middle Jurassic plant bed from Yorkshire, UK
Authors: Slater Sam M. , Wellman Charles H.
Published: October 2015

Detailed quantitative data has previously been collected from plant megafossil assemblages from a Middle Jurassic (Aalenian) plant bed from Hasty Bank, North Yorkshire, UK. We conducted a similar analysis of palynological dispersed sporomorph (spore and pollen) assemblages collected from the same section using the same sampling regime: 67 sporomorph taxa were recorded from 50 samples taken at 10 cm intervals through the plant bed. Basic palynofacies analysis was also undertaken on each sample. Both dispersed sporomorph and plant megafossil assemblages display consistent changes in composition, diversity (richness), and abundance through time. However, the dispersed sporomorph and plant megafossil records provide conflicting evidence for the nature of parent vegetation. Specifically, conifers and ferns are underrepresented in plant megafossil assemblages, bryophytes and lycopsids are represented only in sporomorph assemblages, and sphenophytes, pteridosperms, Caytoniales, Cycadales, Ginkgoales and Bennettitales are comparatively underrepresented in sporomorph assemblages. Combined multivariate analysis (correspondence analysis and nonmetric multidimensional scaling) of sporomorph occurrence/abundance data demonstrates that temporal variation in sporomorph assemblages is the result of depositional change through the plant bed. The reproductive strategies of parent plants are considered to be a principal factor in shaping many of the major abundance and diversity irregularities between dispersed sporomorph and plant megafossil data sets that seemingly reflects different parent vegetation. Preferential occurrence/preservation of sporomorphs and equivalent parent plants is a consequence of a complex array of biological, ecological, geographical, taphonomic, and depositional factors that act inconsistently between and within fossil assemblages, which results in notable discrepancies between data sets.
ResearchingMahrin Germany: A Multidisciplinary Approach
Authors: Günther Ursula , Herzog Martin , Müssig Stephanie
Published: October 2015

This article considers the legal institution ofmahrin Islamic family law from three research perspectives in order to provide insights into the phenomenon's complexity, particularly with regard to current legal practices. In particular, emphasis is placed both on countries where family law is shaped by Islamic traditions (e.g., Morocco) and on countries whose legal traditions do not have a mahr counterpart (e.g., Germany). First, the social and economic function of dower will be described. As a special form of property transfer, mahr will be analyzed in its historical and present shape in theory and practice. Second, the legal conceptualization of mahr in the German legal context will be discussed. The example of Morocco serves to illustrate the changes with regard to mahr because of the process of incorporation of Islamic legal concepts into a national statutory law system. Given the Muslim diaspora, these insights are important contributions to the legal intepretation of mahr in a transnational context.
MARTYROLOGY AND CONCEPTIONS OF TIME IN HIZBULLAH'S WRITING PRACTICES
Authors: Saade Bashir
Published: October 2015

Soon after its founding in the early 1980s, the Lebanese political organization Hizbullah developed a specific practice of remembering its dead. In this article, I argue that through this practice Hizbullah constructed an elaborate conception of time and history that gave ideological coherence to the movement's main political project,al-muqāwama al-islāmiyya(Islamic Resistance). Examining early writings in the Hizbullah weeklyal-ʿAhdpublished during the organization's formative period, I show how such writings were instrumental in producing ideological templates that have continued to be replicated until today. Through a set of ritualistic practices, Hizbullah-affiliated intellectuals have archived everything related to martyrs and other kinds of human legacies, a process that has fed into the notion of an ever-present, and at times anticipated, era (ʿahd) of resistance. Moreover, the project of Islamic Resistance has gained salience each time the past is relived in the present, producing political action. Hizbullah's efforts at history writing have involved a transmission of ethics through martyrs' act of witnessing and their testimony to a way of life. Analyzing this phenomenon sheds light on the way political Islamic groups such as Hizbullah articulate national imaginaries through specific kinds of ideological production.
The Kurds in the Turkish–Armenian Reconciliation Process: Double-Bind or Double-Blind?
Authors: Ayata Bilgin
Published: October 2015

A century after the Armenian Genocide and its ongoing denial by the Turkish state, there has emerged a notable and unprecedented interest in the Armenian past and present both in civil society discourse and scholarship in Turkey, accompanied by various reconciliation iniatives at the state and society levels. Observers have suggested that this increased engagement with Turkey's suppressed past is an outcome of its EU candidacy, the democratization reforms of the early 2000s, and the shockwave among liberal segments of Turkish society caused by the 2007 assassination of Armenian journalist Hrant Dink. I argue that this shortsighted analysis, which completely ignores the Kurdish movement's transformative challenge to Turkish denialism since the 1980s, echoes the key fallacy of present discussions of Turkey's engagement with its past:compartmentalizationanddisjunctionof interlinked state crimes.
Agronomic traits, ensilability and nutritive value of five pearl millet cultivars grown in a Brazilian semi-arid region
Authors: SANTOS R. D. DOS , NEVES A. L. A. , PEREIRA L. G. R. , SOLLENBERGER L. E. , RODRIGUES J. A. S. , TABOSA J. N. , VERNEQUE R. S. , OLIVEIRA G. F. , JAYME D. G. , GONÇALVES L. C.
Published: October 2015

Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum(L.) R.) could play an important role as a feed source for ruminants in arid and semi-arid zones of the world owing to its high yield and drought tolerance. The current paper assessed the agronomic characteristics, ensilability, intake and digestibility of five Brazilian pearl millet cultivars (IPA Bulk1BF, BRS 1501, CMS-03, CMS-01 and BN-2) in a typical Brazilian northeastern semi-arid climate. Forage was harvested at the dough stage of grain maturity (growth stage 86 according to the BBCH scale) and ensiled under laboratory and farm conditions. Apparent digestibility of the silages was determined using 25 Santa Inês male lambs. The cultivars CMS-01, CMS-03 and BN-2 out-performed the others in terms of dry matter (DM) and digestible DM yield/ha. At DM partitioning among plant tissues, the cultivar IPA Bulk1BF had a greater DM associated with panicles and one of the greatest concentrations of organic matter, lactic acid andin vitrodry matter digestibility among the five cultivars. The cultivar BRS 1501 had greater butyric acid concentration as well as one of the highest pH values. Silage produced from BN-2 not only contained greater acetic acid concentration, but also showed one of the greatest total volatile fatty acid concentrations. There were no differences in feed intake and digestibility of nutrients and fibre fractions across all cultivars. Silage made from BN-2 resulted in greater urinary excretion of nitrogen than those produced from BRS 1501. Under the conditions of the present study, the results obtained for production of DM and digestible dry matter, and the ratio of plant fractions, indicates the possible use of these cultivars for silage production in the Brazilian semi-arid region.
A novel coagulation inhibitor fromSchistosoma japonicum
Authors: RANASINGHE SHIWANTHI L. , FISCHER KATJA , GOBERT GEOFFREY N. , MCMANUS DONALD P.
Published: October 2015

Little is known about the molecular mechanisms whereby the human blood flukeSchistosoma japonicumis able to survive in the host venous blood system. Protease inhibitors are likely released by the parasite enabling it to avoid attack by host proteolytic enzymes and coagulation factors. Interrogation of theS. japonicumgenomic sequence identified a gene,SjKI-1, homologous to that encoding a single domain Kunitz protein (Sjp_0020270) which we expressed in recombinant form inEscherichia coliand purified.SjKI-1is highly transcribed in adult worms and eggs but its expression was very low in cercariae and schistosomula.In situimmunolocalization with anti-SjKI-1 rabbit antibodies showed the protein was present in eggs trapped in the infected mouse intestinal wall. In functional assays, SjKI-1 inhibited trypsin in the picomolar range and chymotrypsin, neutrophil elastase, FXa and plasma kallikrein in the nanomolar range. Furthermore, SjKI-1, at a concentration of 7·5µm, prolonged 2-fold activated partial thromboplastin time of human blood coagulation. We also demonstrate that SjKI-1 has the ability to bind Ca++. We present, therefore, characterization of the first Kunitz protein fromS. japonicumwhich we show has an anti-coagulant properties. In addition, its inhibition of neutrophil elastase indicates SjKI-1 have an anti-inflammatory role. Having anti-thrombotic properties, SjKI-1 may point the way towards novel treatment for hemostatic disorders.