bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ControllingCryptosporidiumin the environment
Authors: Wells Beth
Published: June 2015

Cryptosporidium

is a zoonotic pathogen which can affect livestock, wild animals and people. If public water supplies become contaminated with the parasite, it can pose a public health risk. Recently, Beth Wells and colleagues from the Moredun Research Institute undertook a study looking atCryptosporidiumtransmission in Glenlivet, Scotland. The project provided an example of how the health of livestock, wild animals, the environment and people intersect
Influence of wave action on the partitioning and transport of unattached and floc-associated bacteria in fresh water
Authors: Sousa Andrew J. , Droppo Ian G. , Liss Steven N. , Warren Lesley , Wolfaardt Gideon
Published: June 2015

The dynamic interaction of bacteria within bed sediment and suspended sediment (i.e., floc) in a wave-dominated beach environment was assessed using a laboratory wave flume. The influence of shear stress (wave energy) on bacterial concentrations and on the partitioning and transport of unattached and floc-associated bacteria was investigated. The study showed that increasing wave energy (0.60 and 5.35 N/s) resulted in a 0.5 to 1.5 log increase in unattached cells of the test bacterium Pseudomonas sp. strain CTO7::gfp-2 in the water column. There was a positive correlation between the bacterial concentrations in water and the total suspended solids, with the latter increasing from values of near 0 to up to 200 mg/L over the same wave energy increase. The median equivalent spherical diameter of flocs in suspension also increased by an order of magnitude in all experimental trials. Under both low (0.60 N/s) and high (5.35 N/s) energy regime, bacteria were shown to preferentially associate with flocs upon cessation of wave activity. The results suggest that collecting water samples during periods of low wave action for the purpose of monitoring the microbiological quality of water may underestimate bacterial concentrations partly because of an inability to account for the effect of shear stress on the erosion and mobilization of bacteria from bed sediment to the water column. This highlights the need to develop a more comprehensive beach analysis strategy that not only addresses presently uncharacterized shores and sediments but also recognizes the importance of eroded flocs as a vector for the transport of bacteria in aquatic environments.
First search for the α-decay of 146Nd into the first excited state of 142Ce
Authors: Stengl C. , Wilsenach H. , Zuber K.
Published: June 2015

The first search ever for the α-decay of 146 Nd into the first excited state of 142 Ce has been performed by using an ultra-low background High Purity Germanium ( HPGe ) detector and a Nd -sample with 97.20(1)% abundance of 146 Nd . No significant signal could be observed with a measuring time of 144 h. A lower limit on the half-life of this decay mode has been determined to be T1/2 > 1.6 × 1018 years at 90% CL.
Demerit-Fuzzy Rating Mechanism and Monitoring Chart
Authors: Shu Ming-Hung , Kung Jan-Yee , Hsu Bi-Min
Published: June 2015

The relative magnitude of weights for defects has a substantial impact on the performance of attribute control charts. Apparently, the current demerit-chart approach is superior than the c-chart scheme, because it imposes different precise-weights on distinct types of nonconformities, enabling more severe defects to disclose the problems existing in the manufacturing or service processes. However, this crisp-weighting defect assignment, assuming defects are of equal degree of severity when classified into the same defect class, may be so subjective that it leads to the chart somewhat restricted in widespread applications. Since in many cases the severity of each defect is evaluated from practitioners' visual inspection on the key quality characteristics of products or services, when each defect is classified into one of several mutually-exclusive linguistic classes, a fuzzy-weighting defect assignment that represents a degree of seriousness of defects should be allotted in accordance. Therefore, in this paper a demerit-fuzzy rating mechanism and monitoring chart is proposed. We first incorporate a fuzzy-linguistic weight in response to the severe degree of defects. Then, we apply the resolution identity property in construction of fuzzy control limits, and further develop a new fuzzy ranking method in differentiation of the underlying process condition. Finally, the proposed fuzzy-demerit chart is elucidated by an application of TFT-LCD manufacturing processes for monitoring their LCD Mura-nonconformities conditions.
Dirichlet problems with singular and superlinear terms
Authors: Aizicovici Sergiu , Papageorgiou Nikolaos S. , Staicu Vasile
Published: June 2015

We consider a parametric nonlinear Dirichlet problem driven by the p-Laplacian, with a singular term and a p-superlinear perturbation, which need not satisfy the usual Ambrosetti–Rabinowitz condition. Using variational methods together with truncation techniques, we prove a bifurcation-type theorem describing the behavior of the set of positive solutions as the parameter varies.
Enhanced insulin signaling in human skeletal muscle and adipose tissue following gastric bypass surgery
Authors: Albers Peter H. , Bojsen-Møller Kirstine N. , Dirksen Carsten , Serup Annette K. , Kristensen Dorte E. , Frystyk Jan , Clausen Trine R. , Kiens Bente , Richter Erik A. , Madsbad Sten , Wojtaszewski Jørgen F. P.
Published: June 2015

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) leads to increased peripheral insulin sensitivity. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of RYGB on expression and regulation of proteins involved in regulation of peripheral glucose metabolism. Skeletal muscle and adipose tissue biopsies from glucose-tolerant and type 2 diabetic subjects at fasting and during a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp before as well as 1 wk and 3 and 12 mo after RYGB were analyzed for relevant insulin effector proteins/signaling components. Improvement in peripheral insulin sensitivity mainly occurred at 12 mo postsurgery when major weight loss was evident and occurred concomitantly with alterations in plasma adiponectin and in protein expression/signaling in peripheral tissues. In skeletal muscle, protein expression of GLUT4, phosphorylated levels of TBC1D4, as well as insulin-induced changes in phosphorylation of Akt and glycogen synthase activity were enhanced 12 mo postsurgery. In adipose tissue, protein expression of GLUT4, Akt2, TBC1D4, and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), phosphorylated levels of AMP-activated protein kinase and ACC, as well as insulin-induced changes in phosphorylation of Akt and TBC1D4, were enhanced 12 mo postsurgery. Adipose tissue from glucose-tolerant subjects was the most responsive to RYGB compared with type 2 diabetic patients, whereas changes in skeletal muscle were largely similar in these two groups. In conclusion, an improved molecular insulin-sensitive phenotype of skeletal muscle and adipose tissue appears to contribute to the improved whole body insulin action following a substantial weight loss after RYGB.
Auditory and Visual Cues for Topic Maintenance with Persons Who Exhibit Dementia of Alzheimer’s Type
Authors: Teten Amy F. , Dagenais Paul A. , Friehe Mary J.
Published: June 2015

This study compared the effectiveness of auditory and visual redirections in facilitating topic coherence for persons with Dementia of Alzheimer’s Type (DAT). Five persons with moderate stage DAT engaged in conversation with the first author. Three topics related to activities of daily living, recreational activities, food, and grooming, were broached. Each topic was presented three times to each participant: once as a baseline condition, once with auditory redirection to topic, and once with visual redirection to topic. Transcripts of the interactions were scored for overall coherence. Condition was a significant factor in that the DAT participants exhibited better topic maintenance under visual and auditory conditions as opposed to baseline. In general, the performance of the participants was not affected by the topic, except for significantly higher overall coherence ratings for the visually redirected interactions dealing with the topic of food.
Advanced Morphological and Functional Magnetic Resonance Techniques in Glaucoma
Authors: Mastropasqua Rodolfo , Agnifili Luca , Mattei Peter A. , Caulo Massimo , Fasanella Vincenzo , Navarra Riccardo , Mastropasqua Leonardo , Marchini Giorgio
Published: June 2015

Glaucoma is a multifactorial disease that is the leading cause of irreversible blindness. Recent data documented that glaucoma is not limited to the retinal ganglion cells but that it also extends to the posterior visual pathway. The diagnosis is based on the presence of signs of glaucomatous optic neuropathy and consistent functional visual field alterations. Unfortunately these functional alterations often become evident when a significant amount of the nerve fibers that compose the optic nerve has been irreversibly lost. Advanced morphological and functional magnetic resonance (MR) techniques (morphometry, diffusion tensor imaging, arterial spin labeling, and functional connectivity) may provide a means for observing modifications induced by this fiber loss, within the optic nerve and the visual cortex, in an earlier stage. The aim of this systematic review was to determine if the use of these advanced MR techniques could offer the possibility of diagnosing glaucoma at an earlier stage than that currently possible.
Ganglion Cell Complex Evaluation in Exudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration after Repeated Intravitreal Injections of Ranibizumab
Authors: Perdicchi Andrea , Peluso Giacomo , Iacovello Daniela , Balestrieri Marco , Delle Fave Martina , Abdolrahimzadeh Solmaz , Scuderi Gian Luca , Fenicia Vito , Recupero Santi Maria
Published: June 2015

Purpose. To detect the effects of intravitreal ranibizumab injections on GCC in patients with wet AMD.Methods. 32 wet AMD eyes were selected and submitted at three ranibizumab injections. RTVue-OCT GCC and MM5 protocol were performed before treatment and twenty days after each injection.Results. At baseline mean GCC thickness was 93.9 ± 18.5 μm. Twenty days after each intravitreal injection it was, respectively, 85.8 ± 10.1, 86.5 ± 9.3, and 91.1 ± 11.5 μm, without statistical significance. A significant improvement in visual acuity (P= 0.031) and a reduction of mean foveal (P= 0.001) and macular thickness (P= 0.001) were observed.Conclusion. The clinical results confirm therapeutic efficacy of intravitreal injections of ranibizumab in wet AMD. A contemporary not statistically significant reduction of GCC thickness suggests that the loading phase of ranibizumab does not have any toxic effects on ganglion cell complex.
System Dynamics Simulation of Large-Scale Generation System for Designing Wind Power Policy in China
Authors: Hou Linna
Published: June 2015

This paper focuses on the impacts of renewable energy policy on a large-scale power generation system, including thermal power, hydropower, and wind power generation. As one of the most important clean energy, wind energy has been rapidly developed in the world. But in recent years there is a serious waste of wind power equipment and investment in China leading to many problems in the industry from wind power planning to its integration. One way overcoming the difficulty is to analyze the influence of wind power policy on a generation system. This paper builds a system dynamics (SD) model of energy generation to simulate the results of wind energy generation policies based on a complex system. And scenario analysis method is used to compare the effectiveness and efficiency of these policies. The case study shows that the combinations of lower portfolio goal and higher benchmark price and those of higher portfolio goal and lower benchmark price have large differences in both effectiveness and efficiency. On the other hand, the combinations of uniformly lower or higher portfolio goal and benchmark price have similar efficiency, but different effectiveness. Finally, an optimal policy combination can be chosen on the basis of policy analysis in the large-scale power system.
Elliptical Leaf Spring Shock and Vibration Mounts with Enhanced Damping and Energy Dissipation Capabilities Using Lead Spring
Authors: Leblouba Moussa , Altoubat Salah , Ekhlasur Rahman Muhammad , Palani Selvaraj Balaji
Published: June 2015

We present an enhancement to the existing elliptical leaf spring (ELS) for improved damping and energy dissipation capabilities. The ELS consists of a high tensile stainless steel elliptical leaf spring with polymer or rubber compound. This device is conceived as a shock and vibration isolator for equipment and lightweight structures. The enhancement to the ELS consists of a lead spring plugged vertically between the leaves (referred to as lead-rubber elliptical leaf spring (LRELS)). The lead is shown to produce hysteretic damping under plastic deformations. The LRELS isolator is shown to exhibit nonlinear hysteretic behavior. In both horizontal directions, the LRELS showed symmetrical rate independent behavior but undergoes stiffening behavior under large displacements. However, in the vertical direction, the LRELS behavior is asymmetric, exhibiting softening behavior in compression and stiffening behavior in tension. Mathematical models based on the Bouc-Wen model, describing the hysteretic behavior of the proposed isolator, are developed and numerically calibrated using a series of finite element analyses. The LRELS is found to be effective in the in-plane and vertical directions. The improved damping and energy dissipation of the LRELS is provided from the hysteretic damping of the lead spring.
Analytical Method for Evaluation of Coupled Responses of a Multidirectionally Loaded Pile-Raft Foundation Induced by Tunnelling in Layered Soils
Authors: Mu Linlong , Huang Maosong
Published: June 2015

The tunnelling effect on a pile-raft foundation is usually studied in either the horizontal or vertical direction separately, while, in practice, the responses of a pile-raft foundation induced by tunnelling in the horizontal and vertical directions occur simultaneously. Typically, a pile-raft foundation is usually loaded by vertical and horizontal loads and moments when a tunnel is constructed. Since little effort has been conducted to evaluate the coupled responses of multidirectionally loaded pile-raft foundations subjected to tunnelling, a modified two-stage method is proposed in this paper to evaluate the coupled responses of a multidirectionally loaded pile-raft foundation in layered soil. After careful verification of the method, a parametric study was carried out to evaluate whether it is necessary to consider the influences of tunnelling on a loaded pile-raft foundation from the design stages. Our study showed that it is more necessary to consider the influence of tunnelling on a pile-raft foundation when the working load on the pile-raft foundation is small. When there was only a vertical load working on the raft, the horizontal deformation and the rotation of the raft, as well as any horizontal deformation and moment along the piles, were controlled by tunnelling.
Fault Sample Generation for Virtual Testability Demonstration Test Subject to Minimal Maintenance and Scheduled Replacement
Authors: Zhang Yong , Qiu Jing , Liu Guanjun , Zhao Zhiao
Published: June 2015

Virtual testability demonstration test brings new requirements to the fault sample generation. First, fault occurrence process is described by stochastic process theory. It is discussed that fault occurrence process subject to minimal repair is nonhomogeneous Poisson process (NHPP). Second, the interarrival time distribution function of the next fault event is proposed and three typical kinds of parameterized NHPP are discussed. Third, the procedure of fault sample generation is put forward with the assumptions of minimal maintenance and scheduled replacement. The fault modes and their occurrence time subject to specified conditions and time period can be obtained. Finally, an antenna driving subsystem in automatic pointing and tracking platform is taken as a case to illustrate the proposed method. Results indicate that both the size and structure of the fault samples generated by the proposed method are reasonable and effective. The proposed method can be applied to virtual testability demonstration test well.
Noncompaction Cardiomyopathy with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease
Authors: Eltawansy Sherif Ali , Bakos Andrea , Checton John
Published: June 2015

We report a case of a 53-year-old female presenting with a new-onset heart failure that was contributed secondary to noncompaction cardiomyopathy. The diagnosis was made by echocardiogram and confirmed by cardiac MRI. Noncompaction cardiomyopathy (also known as ventricular hypertrabeculation) is a newly discovered disease. It is considered to be congenital (genetic) cardiomyopathy. It is usually associated with genetic disorders and that could explain the genetic pathogenesis of the non-compaction cardiomyopathy. Our case had a history of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. There is a high incidence of arrhythmia and embolic complications. The treatment usually consists of the medical management, defibrillator placement, and lifelong anticoagulation. Heart transplantation will be the last resort.
Multi-Item Distribution Policies with Supply Hub and Lateral Transshipment
Authors: Jin-Hong Zhong , Rui-Xuan Jiang , Gui Zheng
Published: June 2015

Supply Hub is defined as the horizontal coordination among the suppliers while lateral transshipment is a horizontal coordination policy among the retailers. By considering the Supply Hub and lateral transshipment simultaneously, ones can reduce the total cost of the supply chain system and improve the response to customer requirement and the customers’ satisfaction. We investigate the distribution policies for the supply chain which consists of multisuppliers, single Supply Hub, and multidistributors. In the system, both Supply Hub and distributors adopt the (t,S) policy, Supply Hub will not be out of stock, and backlogging is forbidden. Customer requirements at distributors are assumed to be independent random variables complying with uniform distribution; transshipment is assumed to be bidirectional, instantaneous, and emergent. We establish the distribution models, respectively, for the cases of transshipment or no transshipment. For the case with transshipment, we design a GA-based solution method involving a two-stage selection technology, that is, firstly, selecting individuals from parent population to generate offspring chromosomes and, secondly, selecting individuals from the interim population comprising all of the parent and offspring genomes, to form the next-generation population. We show that lateral transshipment can increase the overall profit of the supply chain by the comparison examinations between the models with and without transshipment.
Production and Characterization of Lipases by Two New Isolates ofAspergillusthrough Solid-State and Submerged Fermentation
Authors: Colla Luciane Maria , Ficanha Aline M. M. , Rizzardi Juliana , Bertolin Telma Elita , Reinehr Christian Oliveira , Costa Jorge Alberto Vieira
Published: June 2015

Due to the numerous applications of lipases in industry, there is a need to study their characteristics, because lipases obtained from different sources may present different properties. The aim of this work was to accomplish the partial characterization of lipases obtained through submerged fermentation and solid-state fermentation by two species ofAspergillus. Fungal strains were isolated from a diesel-contaminated soil and selected as good lipases producers. Lipases obtained through submerged fermentation presented optimal activities at 37°C and pH 7.2 and those obtained through solid-state fermentation at 35°C and pH 6.0. The enzymes produced by submerged fermentation were more temperature-stable than those obtained by solid-state fermentation, presenting 72% of residual activity after one hour of exposition at 90°C. Lipases obtained through submerged fermentation had 80% of stability in acidic pH and those obtained through solid-state fermentation had stability greater than 60% in alkaline pH.
Stability Analysis and Design of a Nonlinear Controller for Hot Rolling Coiler
Authors: Li Rui , Tong Chao-nan , Yang Xu
Published: June 2015

For the new style hot rolling coiler which adopt AC asynchronous motor as the driving force and with using the algorithm based on differential geometry design nonlinear controller, precise coiling tension control in the rolling process of strip steel is achieved. In this paper, under the rotating orthogonal coordinate system, the fifth-order nonlinear motor model is selected as the controlled plant. By multi-input multioutput (MIMO) exact feedback linearization (EFL) algorithm, the nonlinear model is transformed to a linear one. In terms of small-gain theorem, it is the first to prove that the nonlinear coiler engine that contains the controller has characteristics of input-to-state stability. Experimental results show that the algorithm can be used for high order tracking control system with time-varying parameters. Even without the traditional flux orientation calculation, the output signals are decoupled. With this controller, the tension deviation is restricted to less than 3% and average rotational speed bias was decreased from 0.5% to 0.1% that ensure high-quality plate cut and surface of strip products.
Novel Mutation and Structural RNA Analysis of the Noncoding RNase MRP Gene in Cartilage-Hair Hypoplasia
Authors: Cherkaoui Jaouad Imane , Laarabi Fatima Z. , Chafai Elalaoui Siham , Lyonnet Stanislas , Henrion-Caude Alexandra , Sefiani Abdelaziz
Published: June 2015

Cartilage-hair hypoplasia (CHH) is an autosomal recessive disorder which is characterized by bone metaphysis anomalies with manifestations that include short stature, defective cellular immunity, and predisposition to several cancers. It is caused by mutations in RMRP, which is transcribed as an RNA component of the mitochondrial RNA-processing ribonuclease. We report the clinical and molecular data of a Moroccan patient with CHH. Sequencing of RMRP identified 2 mutations in the patient: the known mutation g.97G>A and the variation g.27G>C, which has not been reported previously. Given the high mutational heterogeneity, the high frequency of variations in the region, and the fact that RMRP is a non-coding gene, assigning the pathogenicity to RMRP mutations remains a difficult task. Therefore, we compared the characteristics of the primary and secondary structures of mutated RMRP sequences. The location of our mutations within the secondary structure of the RMRP molecule revealed that the novel g.27G>C mutation causes a disruption in the Watson-Crick base pairing, which results in an impairment of a highly conserved P3 domain. Our work prompts considering the consequences of novel RMRP nucleotide variations on conserved RNA structures to gain insights into the pathogenicity of mutations.
Diagnostic accuracy study of a factor VIII ELISA for detection of factor VIII antibodies in congenital and acquired haemophilia A
Authors: Batty Paul , Moore Gary , Platton Sean , Maloney James , Palmer Ben , Bowles Louise , Pasi John , Rangarajan Savita , Hart Daniel
Published: June 2015

Antibody formation to factor VIII (FVIII) remains the greatest clinical and diagnostic challenge to the haemophilia-treating physician. Current guidance for testing for inhibitory FVIII antibodies (inhibitors) recommends the functional Nijmegen-Bethesda assay (NBA). A FVIII ELISA offers a complementary, immunological approach for FVIII antibody testing. It was the aim of this study to retrospectively evaluate the performance of a FVIII ELISA (index) for detection of FVIII antibodies, compared with the NBA (reference). All samples sent for routine FVIII antibody testing at two haemophilia Comprehensive Care Centres, were tested in parallel using the NBA and a solid-phase, indirect FVIII ELISA kit (Immucor). A total of 497 samples from 239 patients (severe haemophilia A=140, non-severe haemophilia A=85, acquired haemophilia A=14) were available for analysis. Sixty-THree samples tested positive by the NBA (prevalence 12.7 %, 95 % confidence interval [CI], 9.9–15.9 %), with a median inhibitor titre of 1.2 BU/ml (range 0.7–978.0). The FVIII ELISA demonstrated a specificity of 94.0 % (95 %CI, 91.3–96.0), sensitivity of 77.8 % (95 %CI, 65.5–87.3), negative predictive value of 96.7 % (95 %CI, 94.5–98.2), positive predictive value 65.3 % (95 %CI, 53.5–76.0), negative likelihood ratio 0.2 (95 %CI, 0.1–0.4), positive likelihood ratio 13.0 (95 %CI, 8.7–19.3) and a diagnostic odds ratio of 54.9 (95 %CI, 27.0–112.0). Strong positive correlation (r=0.77, p< 0.001) was seen between the results of the NBA (log adjusted) and FVIII ELISA optical density. In conclusion, FVIII ELISA offers a simple, specific, surveillance method enabling batch testing of non-urgent samples for the presence of FVIII antibodies.
ПРИНЦИПИ ТА ЛОГІКА ПОБУДОВИ БАЗИ ЗНАНЬ З ДОПОМІЖНИХ РЕПРОДУКТИВНИХ ТЕХНОЛОГІЙ
Authors: Denysenko S. V.
Published: June 2015

The article discusses the possibility of creating an ontology knowledge in a problem of infertility and assisted reproductive technologies (ART) using. Emphasizes the idea that it is essential that the system solution of clinical problems. In this case, the general knowledge about the disease should be submitted to the multilevel model. In this case, the reference plane is the base of all the state of knowledge accumulated to this point in time. The rest of the plane graph are goal-oriented and process related to the clinic: diagnosis of pathological processes, patient assessment, prediction ART outcomes, etc.
Democracy and Disillusionment: Copts and the Arab Spring
Authors: Rowe Paul
Published: June 2015

This essay considers the role that Copts played in the Arab Spring revolution in Egypt and the way in which the political changes of the time affected Coptic interest representation in the Egyptian state. Copts, the indigenous Christians of Egypt, were eager participants in the protests that brought down former president Hosni Mubarak. However, their enthusiasm for a new era was dampened by the inability of lay Coptic movements to challenge the status quo in a way favorable to Coptic interests. Dissent against the management of security under the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (scaf) led Copts toward cautious optimism when Muhammad Morsi was elected president in 2012. However, the transition to democracy in Egypt as laid out by the Islamist government ultimately squandered the goodwill of Egyptian Christians and contributed to their disillusionment with the democratic idea. The result has been the further polarization of Egyptian society in ways which have deepened cleavages between Christians and the Islamist movement and rendered more ambiguous the role of the church and lay movements in representing Coptic interests.
Underestimated diversity in one of the world’s best studied mountain ranges: The polyploid complex of Senecio carniolicus (Asteraceae) contains four species in the European Alps
Authors: Flatscher Ruth , García Pedro Escobar , Hülber Karl , Sonnleitner Michaela , Winkler Manuela , Saukel Johannes , Schneeweiss Gerald M. , Schönswetter Peter
Published: June 2015

Senecio carniolicus (Asteraceae) is an intricate polyploid complex distributed in the European Alps (di-, tetra- and hexaploids) and Carpathians (hexaploids only). Molecular genetic, ecological, and crossing data allowed four evolutionary groups within S. carniolicus to be identified. Here, we establish that these four groups (two vicariant diploid lineages, tetraploids and hexaploids) are also morphologically differentiated. As a consequence, we draw taxonomic conclusions by characterizing four species, including the more narrowly circumscribed S. carniolicus (lectotypified here), the taxonomically elevated S. insubricus comb. nov. (lectotypified here), and the two newly described species S. disjunctus and S. noricus.
A striking new species of Amaioua (Gardenieae-Rubiaceae) from the Colombian Andes
Authors: Persson Claes , Vargas Enrique Mendez
Published: June 2015

A new species of Amaioua, A. macrosepala, is described and illustrated. It is found at 1700–2080 m elevation in the Cordillera Central of the Colombian Andes. This new species is easily distinguished from all other species of Amaioua by its persistent, foliose calyx lobes.
Revision of the Afrotropical species of Norbanus Walker (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae)
Authors: MITROIU MIRCEA-DAN
Published: June 2015

The Afrotropical species of Norbanus Walker, 1843 (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) are revised. Four previously described Afrotropical species are recognized as valid and redescribed: N. africanus Subba Rao, 1973, N. garouae (Risbec, 1956) comb. nov. (transferred from Bruchobius Ashmead), N. kitegaensis (Risbec, 1957) and N. seyrigi (Risbec, 1952) comb. nov. (from Habrocytus Thomson). In addition, the Mediterranean species N. tenuicornis Bouček, 1970 is recorded for the first time from the Afrotropical region, and 21 species are described as new: N. aequus sp. nov., N. awi sp. nov., N. brevicephalus sp. nov., N. breviclava sp. nov., N. caloramans sp. nov., N. draco sp. nov., N. erebus sp. nov., N. foritempus sp. nov., N. gibber sp. nov., N. gracilis sp. nov., N. incombo sp. nov., N. ingens sp. nov., N. longissimus sp. nov., N. maliarphae sp. nov., N. mustatai sp. nov., N. pilosus sp. nov., N. pleuralis sp. nov., N. polaszeki sp. nov., N. prinslooi sp. nov., N. rotundus sp. nov., and N. sunabron sp. nov. Three extralimital species from North Africa are included in the key: N. cerasiops (Masi, 1922), N. guyoni (Giraud, 1869), and N. obscurus (Masi, 1922). Lectotypes are designated for N. cerasiops, N. kitegaensis and N. seyrigi. The subgenus Picroscytoides Masi is placed in synonymy with Norbanus s.s. syn. nov. Host records are given for several new species, including some economically important pests of maize, sorghum or rice.
Processes Controlling Tropical Tropopause Temperature and Stratospheric Water Vapor in Climate Models
Authors: Hardiman Steven C. , Boutle Ian A. , Bushell Andrew C. , Butchart Neal , Cullen Mike J. P. , Field Paul R. , Furtado Kalli , Manners James C. , Milton Sean F. , Morcrette Cyril , O’Connor Fiona M. , Shipway Ben J. , Smith Chris , Walters David N. , Willett Martin R. , Williams Keith D. , Wood Nigel , Abraham N. Luke , Keeble James , Maycock Amanda C. , Thuburn John , Woodhouse Matthew T.
Published: June 2015

A warm bias in tropical tropopause temperature is found in the Met Office Unified Model (MetUM), in common with most models from phase 5 of CMIP (CMIP5). Key dynamical, microphysical, and radiative processes influencing the tropical tropopause temperature and lower-stratospheric water vapor concentrations in climate models are investigated using the MetUM. A series of sensitivity experiments are run to separate the effects of vertical advection, ice optical and microphysical properties, convection, cirrus clouds, and atmospheric composition on simulated tropopause temperature and lower-stratospheric water vapor concentrations in the tropics. The numerical accuracy of the vertical advection, determined in the MetUM by the choice of interpolation and conservation schemes used, is found to be particularly important. Microphysical and radiative processes are found to influence stratospheric water vapor both through modifying the tropical tropopause temperature and through modifying upper-tropospheric water vapor concentrations, allowing more water vapor to be advected into the stratosphere. The representation of any of the processes discussed can act to significantly reduce biases in tropical tropopause temperature and stratospheric water vapor in a physical way, thereby improving climate simulations.
Argos-3 Satellite Communication System: Implementation on the Arvor Oceanographic Profiling Floats
Authors: André Xavier , Moreau Bertrand , Le Reste Serge
Published: June 2015

The scientific community observes the ocean for applications in the fields of oceanography and climate research. To recover in situ data, more than 3000 profiling floats are operated in the framework of the Argo program. Each float performs cycles between the sea surface and a depth of 2000 m. Scientific data are gathered while the float is traveling upward from the depths of the oceans and are then transmitted via a satellite communication system at the end of each cycle. During its time at the surface, mainly dedicated to transmissions, the float is vulnerable and subject to drift, which limits its use in many studies. Moreover, transmission times are becoming longer due to a trend toward high-resolution or multisensor profiles. Consequently, the transmission system embedded in the profiling floats had to evolve.

Argos-3 is the latest generation of the Argos satellite communication system. It has been designed to allow instruments to transmit more data in a small time budget and as an alternative to Iridium, already implemented on profiling floats in restrictive applications.

This study aims to evaluate the implementation of Argos-3 on Arvor profiling floats. Tests were carried out first in the laboratory, before being implemented on the Arvor float and deployed at sea. This study proves that the high-data-rate mode suffered from European electromagnetic noise, which is incompatible with this application. The interactive low-data-rate mode was successfully qualified; it is capable of transmitting an entire dataset in a few minutes, compared to 8–10 h for the previous Argos-2 system.
Climatological Characteristics and Orographic Enhancement of Lake-Effect Precipitation East of Lake Ontario and over the Tug Hill Plateau
Authors: Veals Peter G. , Steenburgh W. James
Published: June 2015

Lake-effect snowstorms east of Lake Ontario are frequently intense and contribute to substantial seasonal accumulations, especially over the Tug Hill Plateau (hereafter Tug Hill), which rises at a gentle 1.25% slope to ~500 m above lake level. Using a variety of datasets including radar imagery from the KTYX (Fort Drum, New York) WSR-88D, this paper examines the characteristics of lake-effect precipitation east of Lake Ontario over 13 cool seasons (16 September 2001–15 May 2014). During this period, days with at least 2 h of lake effect account for 61%–76% of the mean cool-season snowfall and 24%–37% of the mean cool-season liquid precipitation. Mean monthly lake-effect frequency and snowfall peak in December and January. The highest lake-effect frequency and snowfall occur over the western and upper Tug Hill, with an arm of relatively high lake-effect frequency and snowfall extending to the southeast shore of Lake Ontario. To the east (lee), lake-effect frequency and snowfall decrease abruptly over the Black River valley, although relatively high frequency and snowfall extend downstream into the western Adirondack Mountains. Broad coverage and long-lake-axis-parallel (LLAP) bands dominate the lake-effect morphology throughout the region. There is no diurnal modulation of lake-effect frequency during winter, but weak modulation in fall and spring, especially of LLAP bands.

Collectively, these results quantify the role that lake effect plays in the cool-season hydroclimate east of Lake Ontario. The increase in lake-effect frequency and snowfall over Tug Hill suggest an inland/orographic intensification of many lake-effect systems, with evidence for shadowing in the lee.
Effects of religious and spiritual variables on outcomes in violent relationships
Authors: Katerndahl David , Burge Sandra , Ferrer Robert , Becho Johanna , Wood Robert
Published: June 2015

Objective

Religious and spiritual factors in intimate partner violence have received increasing attention. But are such factors related to outcomes in violent relationships? The purpose of this study was to assess the relative impact of spiritual symptoms and religious coping on attitudinal/behavioral and clinical outcomes among women in violent relationships.

Methods

Adult women with a recent history of husband-to-wife physical abuse were recruited from six primary care clinics. Once enrolled, 200 subjects completed a baseline interview and daily assessment of level of violence, using the Interactive Verbal Response for 12 weeks. At the completion of the study, contact with each participant was attempted to determine whether she had either sought professional help or left the relationship. Three religious/spiritual variables were assessed at baseline—number of visits to a religious/spiritual counselor, religious coping, and severity of spiritual symptoms. Stepped multiple linear regression was used to explain factor-analyzed outcomes (coping and appraisals, hope and support, symptomatology, functional status, readiness for change, and medical utilization), adjusting for demographic, marital, childhood, mental health, and violence variables.

Results

After controlling for duration, severity and dynamics of violence, the use of spiritual resources, and the level of spiritual symptoms were associated with most attitudinal/behavioral and clinical outcomes, while religious coping was only associated with staying in the relationship.

Conclusions

Religious and spiritual factors were associated with most outcomes. Spiritual symptoms had a consistently negative effect on outcomes while use of spiritual resources had variable effects. Religious coping was only associated with refraining from leaving the relationship.
Breast-lesion Segmentation Combining B-Mode and Elastography Ultrasound
Authors: Pons Gerard , Martí Joan , Martí Robert , Ganau Sergi , Noble J. Alison
Published: June 2015

Breast ultrasound (BUS) imaging has become a crucial modality, especially for providing a complementary view when other modalities (i.e., mammography) are not conclusive in the task of assessing lesions. The specificity in cancer detection using BUS imaging is low. These false-positive findings often lead to an increase of unnecessary biopsies. In addition, increasing sensitivity is also challenging given that the presence of artifacts in the B-mode ultrasound (US) images can interfere with lesion detection. To deal with these problems and improve diagnosis accuracy, ultrasound elastography was introduced. This paper validates a novel lesion segmentation framework that takes intensity (B-mode) and strain information into account using a Markov Random Field (MRF) and a Maximum a Posteriori (MAP) approach, by applying it to clinical data. A total of 33 images from two different hospitals are used, composed of 14 cancerous and 19 benign lesions. Results show that combining both the B-mode and strain data in a unique framework improves segmentation results for cancerous lesions (Dice Similarity Coefficient of 0.49 using B-mode, while including strain data reaches 0.70), which are difficult images where the lesions appear with blurred and not well-defined boundaries.
Herniography in Patients with Clinically Suggested Recurrence of Inguinal Hernia
Authors: Ekberg O. , Blomquist P. , Fritzdorf J.
Published: June 2015

In order to assess the diagnostic effectiveness of herniography in patients with pain in the groin, 49 patients who had been operated upon earlier for inguinal or related hernias in the groin were examined. The patients' history suggested the presence of recurrent hernia but physical examination was inconclusive. In 17 patients herniography revealed one or two hernias on the side of the symptoms: 2 indirect hernias, 9 direct hernias, 1 with both direct and indirect hernias, 1 with a combined hernia, and 4 femoral hernias. An incisional hernia was detected in 2 patients. Eleven of the 17 patients were operated upon. The results indicate that herniography is valuable in the follow-up of patients with possible recurrent inguinal hernia.
Renoprival Growth following Treatment of Unilateral Wilms' Tumour
Authors: Eklöf O. , Lax I. , Lundell G. , Ringertz H. , Wikstad I. , Åhström L.
Published: June 2015

The renal growth pattern following uninephrectomy for Wilms' tumour was analysed in 18 boys and 18 girls by means of a comparison between renal parenchymal and body surface area. No straightforward correlation was noted between age at nephrectomy, chemo- and radiation therapy applied, and subsequent renoprival dimensions. Five years on average after operation, a mean renal size corresponding to approximately 125 per cent of the normal for one of two healthy kidneys was recorded. However, wide variations in size were observed, but only 10 patients had a compensatory growth of the remaining kidney equivalent to that seen in patients nephrectomized for unilateral, non-malignant renal disease.
Iopromide
Authors: Dawson P. , Bradshaw A. , Hill C.
Published: June 2015

The new non-ionic contrast agent, iopromide (Schering) is comparable in osmolality and viscosity to the other recently developed low osmolality media, ionic and non-ionic. Its chemotoxicity, as assessed by protein binding, enzyme inhibition and effects on the coagulation cascade is significantly less than that of the conventional media and very similar to that of another established new non-ionic agent, iopamidol (Niopam, Bracco/Merck).
Ultrasonographic Renal Parenchymal Volume Related to Kidney Function and Renal Parenchymal Area in Children with Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections and Asymptomatic Bacteriuria
Authors: Troell S. , Berg U. , Johansson B. , Wikstad I.
Published: June 2015

A comparison of the relationship that might exist between ultrasonographically calculated renal parenchymal volume and renal parenchymal area assessed from urography and also between renal parenchymal volume and kidney function was conducted in a series of 26 children with recurrent urinary tract infection or asymptomatic bacteriuria. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was determined by the clearance of inulin, renal parenchymal area was measured from urography and renal parenchymal volume was calculated from sequential longitudinal scans of the kidney using an automated water-delay ultrasonographic equipment (Octoson). High correlation was found between 1) renal parenchymal volume and GFR, 2) renal parenchymal volume and renal parenchymal area and 3) renal parenchymal area and GFR. Octoson ultrasonographic determination of renal parenchymal volume is a reliable method to evaluate glomerular filtration rate and renal parenchymal area in children with recurrent urinary tract infections and asymptomatic bacteriuria.
Prognostic Radiographic Aspects of Spondylolisthesis
Authors: Saraste H. , Broström L.-Å. , Aparisi T.
Published: June 2015

A series of 202 patients (133 men, 69 women) with lumbar spondylolysis were examined radiographically on two occasions, first at the time of diagnosis and later at a follow-up, after an observation period of 20 years or more.

The films from patients in groups without and with moderate and severe olisthesis were evaluated with respect to variables describing lumbosacral lordosis, wedging of the spondylolytic vertebra, lengths of the transverse processes and iliolumbar ligaments, disk height, progression of slipping, and influence on measured olisthesis of lumbar spine flexion and extension at the radiographic examination. The evaluation was made with special attention to possible signs which could be predictive for the prognosis of vertebral slipping.

Progession of slipping did not differ between patients diagnosed as adults or adolescents. Reduction of disk height was correlated to the degree of slipping present at the initial examination and to the progression of olisthesis. Flexion and extension of the lumbar spine did not modify the degree of olisthesis. Data concerning the lengths of the transverse processes and the iliolumbar ligaments, and lumbar lordosis, cannot be used for prognostic purposes. The lumbar index reflecting the degree of wedge deformity of the spondylolytic vertebra was shown to be the only variable of prognostic value for the development of vertebral slipping.
Tolerance and Biochemical Effects from Intravenous Injection of Ioxaglate in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Nilsson P. E. , Aspelin P. , Nyman U. , Hedner U.
Published: June 2015

The influence of intravenous injection of ioxaglate (Hexabrix, 320 mg I/ml) on various biochemical, coagulation and fibrinolytic parameters, fractionated plasma proteins, precordial ECG and blood pressure was prospectively and sequentially studied in 9 healthy volunteers. One ml/kg body weight of the contrast medium was injected within one minute into an antecubital vein. Small, but statistically significant, changes in some of the biochemical parameters were found during the observation period, 2 to 4 days. All values of the biochemical parameters were, however, within the normal reference range for each parameter. No significant alterations were seen in the coagulation parameters. Increased fibrinolysis was recorded in some subjects both before and after the injection. No fibrinolytic degradation products were found indicating that the fibrinolysis was nominal. No significant changes were observed in the fractionated plasma proteins. The heart rate decreased significantly 15 seconds after commencing the injection. No significant changes in blood pressure were recorded. Two participants became nauseated and one of them vomited during the injection. Apart from this, no adverse effects were noted. No clinically significant changes following the injections were found.
Fatal Thrombo-Embolic Complications at Aorto-Femoral Angiography
Authors: Takolander R. , Bergqvist D. , Jonsson K. , Karlsson S. , Fält K.
Published: June 2015

Fatal complications due to angiographic procedures are rare. An awareness of these complications is, however, mandatory in order to be able to prevent them. This report concerns three fatal cases with a deleterious complication of distal macro- and microembolization in connection with the angiographic procedure. In all cases the local circulation was surgically restored. The microcirculation was ‘out of reach’ and all three patients succumbed with profound tissue ischemia.
Preliminary Experience with Mammography
Authors: Watt-Boolsen S. , Bojsen-Møller J. , Diepeveen P. , Crone P. , Hertz J.
Published: June 2015

Radiologists with very limited practical experience in mammography initially achieved a low PVpos (0.50) and a high PVneg (0.95) in blind mammography of 80 patients with 85 excised and histologically examined breast tumours. After having read films from approximately 2500 patients the initial films were blindly reevaluated. PVneg was unchanged, whereas PVpos was elevated significantly (0.80). The intraobserver variation was 11.5 per cent. The actual interobserver variation was 3.2 per cent. These findings indicate that the reliability of blind mammography in patients with palpable tumours of the breast is considerable, also in case of only limited mammographic experience.