bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Copper and Cyanide Extraction with Emulsion Liquid Membrane with LIX 7950 as the Mobile Carrier: Part 1, Emulsion Stability
Authors: Lu Diankun , Chang Yongfeng , Wang Wei , Xie Feng , Asselin Edouard , Dreisinger David
Published: November 2015

The potential use of emulsion liquid membranes (ELMs) with LIX 7950 as the mobile carrier to remove heavy metals from waste cyanide solutions has been proposed. Relatively stable ELMs with reasonable leakage and swelling can be formed under suitable mixing time and speed during emulsification. The concentration of LIX 7950 and Span 80 in the membrane phase, KOH in the internal phase and the volume ratio of membrane to internal phases are also critical to ELM formation. The efficiency of copper and cyanide removal from dilute cyanide solution by ELMs is related to ELM stability to some extent. More than 90% copper and cyanide can be removed from dilute cyanide solutions by ELMs formed under suitable experimental conditions.
How Can Synchrotron Radiation Techniques Be Applied for Detecting Microstructures in Amorphous Alloys?
Authors: Guo Gu-Qing , Wu Shi-Yang , Luo Sheng , Yang Liang
Published: November 2015

In this work, how synchrotron radiation techniques can be applied for detecting the microstructure in metallic glass (MG) is studied. The unit cells are the basic structural units in crystals, though it has been suggested that the co-existence of various clusters may be the universal structural feature in MG. Therefore, it is a challenge to detect microstructures of MG even at the short-range scale by directly using synchrotron radiation techniques, such as X-ray diffraction and X-ray absorption methods. Here, a feasible scheme is developed where some state-of-the-art synchrotron radiation-based experiments can be combined with simulations to investigate the microstructure in MG. By studying a typical MG composition (Zr70Pd30), it is found that various clusters do co-exist in its microstructure, and icosahedral-like clusters are the popular structural units. This is the structural origin where there is precipitation of an icosahedral quasicrystalline phase prior to phase transformation from glass to crystal when heating Zr70Pd30 MG.
Digital Microfluidic System with Vertical Functionality
Authors: Bender Brian , Garrell Robin
Published: November 2015

Digital (droplet) microfluidics (DµF) is a powerful platform for automated lab-on-a-chip procedures, ranging from quantitative bioassays such as RT-qPCR to complete mammalian cell culturing. The simple MEMS processing protocols typically employed to fabricate DµF devices limit their functionality to two dimensions, and hence constrain the applications for which these devices can be used. This paper describes the integration of vertical functionality into a DµF platform by stacking two planar digital microfluidic devices, altering the electrode fabrication process, and incorporating channels for reversibly translating droplets between layers. Vertical droplet movement was modeled to advance the device design, and three applications that were previously unachievable using a conventional format are demonstrated: (1) solutions of calcium dichloride and sodium alginate were vertically mixed to produce a hydrogel with a radially symmetric gradient in crosslink density; (2) a calcium alginate hydrogel was formed within the through-well to create a particle sieve for filtering suspensions passed from one layer to the next; and (3) a cell spheroid formed using an on-chip hanging-drop was retrieved for use in downstream processing. The general capability of vertically delivering droplets between multiple stacked levels represents a processing innovation that increases DµF functionality and has many potential applications.
Polyphenolic Compositions and Chromatic Characteristics of Bog Bilberry Syrup Wines
Authors: Liu Shu-Xun , Yang Hang-Yu , Li Si-Yu , Zhang Jia-Yue , Li Teng , Zhu Bao-Qing , Zhang Bo-Lin
Published: November 2015

Phenolic compounds determine the color quality of fruit wines. In this study, the phenolic compound content and composition, color characteristics and changes during 6 months of bottle aging were studied in wines fermented with bog bilberry syrup under three different pHs. The total anthocyanins and total phenols were around 15.12–16.23 mg/L and 475.82 to 486.50 mg GAE/L in fresh wines and declined 22%–31% and about 11% in bottle aged wines, respectively. In fresh wines, eight anthocyanins, six phenolic aids and 14 flavonols, but no flavon-3-ols were identified; Malvidin-3-O-glucoside, petunidin-3-O-glucoside and delphinium-3-O-glucoside were the predominant pigments; Chlorogentic acid was the most abundant phenolic acid, and quercetin-3-O-galactoside and myricetin-3-O-galactoside accounted for nearly 90% of the total flavonols. During 6 months of bottle storage, the amounts of all the monomeric anthocyanins and phenolic acids were reduced dramatically, while the glycosidyl flavonols remained constant or were less reduced and their corresponding aglycones increased a lot. The effects of aging on blueberry wine color were described as the loss of color intensity with a dramatic change in color hue, from initial red-purple up to final red-brick nuances, while the pH of the fermentation matrix was negatively related to the color stability of aged wine.
Anti-Lymphoma Efficacy Comparison of Anti-Cd20 Monoclonal Antibody-Targeted and Non-Targeted Star-Shaped Polymer-Prodrug Conjugates
Authors: Lidický Ondřej , Janoušková Olga , Strohalm Jiří , Alam Mahmudul , Klener Pavel , Etrych Tomáš
Published: November 2015

Here we describe the synthesis and biological properties of two types of star-shaped polymer-doxorubicin conjugates: non-targeted conjugate prepared as long-circulating high-molecular-weight (HMW) polymer prodrugs with a dendrimer core and a targeted conjugate with the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody (mAb) rituximab (RTX). The copolymers were linked to the dendrimer core or to the reduced mAb via one-point attachment forming a star-shaped structure with a central antibody or dendrimer surrounded by hydrophilic polymer chains. The anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) was attached to the N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA)-based copolymer chain in star polymer systems via a pH-labile hydrazone linkage. Such polymer-DOX conjugates were fairly stable in aqueous solutions at pH 7.4, and the drug was readily released in mildly acidic environments at pH 5–5.5 by hydrolysis of the hydrazone bonds. The cytotoxicity of the polymer conjugates was tested on several CD20-positive or negative human cell lines. Similar levels of in vitro cytotoxicity were observed for all tested polymer conjugates regardless of type or structure. In vivo experiments using primary cell-based murine xenograft models of human diffuse large B-cell lymphoma confirmed the superior anti-lymphoma efficacy of the polymer-bound DOX conjugate when compared with the original drug. Targeting with RTX did not further enhance the anti-lymphoma efficacy relative to the non-targeted star polymer conjugate. Two mechanisms could play roles in these findings: changes in the binding ability to the CD-20 receptor and a significant loss of the immunological properties of RTX in the polymer conjugates.
Education Intervention on Chronotherapy for Final-Year Pharmacy Students
Authors: Kaur Gagandeep , Saba Maya , Phillips Craig , Wong Keith , Saini Bandana
Published: November 2015

Chronotherapy involves altering the timing of medication administration in coordination with the body’s circadian rhythms to improve the overall control of disease and to minimise treatment side effects. Training on chronotherapy requires students to map different topics learnt in earlier years of their professional degree and apply these concepts clinically. This requires strategic educational design. Therefore, the aim of the study was to develop, implement and evaluate an educational intervention focusing on the application of chronotherapy for final-year undergraduate pharmacy students. An educational intervention utilizing multiple learning strategies for enhancing chronotherapy related awareness was designed and implemented in the final year undergraduate pharmacy cohort at the University of Sydney Australia (2013). A custom-designed questionnaire measuring awareness about (13 items scored 0 or 1), and attitudes (12 items scored on a Likert scale of 1–5) towards chronotherapy was administered pre and post intervention to evaluate its impact. The pre-intervention mean total awareness and attitude scores were 6.5 ± 2.0 (score range 0–13) and 47.4 ± 6.9 (score range 12–60) respectively. The mean total post-intervention scores were significantly higher for total awareness (10.1 ± 1.9) and attitude (54.0 ± 6.0). Carefully designed educational interventions utilising pedagogic principles for pharmacy students can improve awareness of and enhance positive attitudes toward pharmacists’ roles in optimizing drug therapy using chronotherapy.
Exploitation of Amplitude and Phase of Satellite SAR Images for Landslide Mapping: The Case of Montescaglioso (South Italy)
Authors: Raspini Federico , Ciampalini Andrea , Del Conte Sara , Lombardi Luca , Nocentini Massimiliano , Gigli Giovanni , Ferretti Alessandro , Casagli Nicola
Published: November 2015

Pre- event and event landslide deformations have been detected and measured for the landslide that occurred on 3 December 2013 on the south-western slope of the Montescaglioso village (Basilicata Region, southern Italy). In this paper, ground displacements have been mapped through an integrated analysis based on a series of high resolution SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) images acquired by the Italian constellation of satellites COSMO-SkyMed. Analysis has been performed by exploiting both phase (through multi-image SAR interferometry) and amplitude information (through speckle tracking techniques) of the satellite images. SAR Interferometry, applied to images taken before the event, revealed a general pre-event movement, in the order of a few mm/yr, in the south-western slope of the Montescaglioso village. Highest pre-event velocities, ranging between 8 and 12 mm/yr, have been recorded in the sector of the slope where the first movement of the landslide took place. Speckle tracking, applied to images acquired before and after the event, allowed the retrieval of the 3D deformation field produced by the landslide. It also showed that ground displacements produced by the landslide have a dominant SSW component, with values exceeding 10 m for large sectors of the landslide area, with local peaks of 20 m in its central and deposit areas. Two minor landslides with a dominant SSE direction, which were detected in the upper parts of the slope, likely also occurred as secondary phenomena as consequence of the SSW movement of the main Montescaglioso landslide.
Retrieval of Soil Water Content in Saline Soils from Emitted Thermal Infrared Spectra Using Partial Linear Squares Regression
Authors: Xu Lu , Wang Quan
Published: November 2015

Timely information of soil water content is urgently required for monitoring ecosystem processes and functions at various scales. Although remote sensing has already provided many practical applications of retrieving soil moisture, it is largely limited to visible/near infrared or microwave domains and few studies have ever been conducted on the thermal infrared. In addition, soil salinization in arid land further complicates the situation when retrieving soil moisture from emitted spectra. In this study, we attempt to fill the knowledge gap by retrieving the soil moisture of saline soils with various salt contents. This was based on lab-controlled experiments for spectroscopy using a Fourier Transform Spectrometer (2–16 µm). Partial least squares regression (PLSR) has been applied in analyses based on either original measured or first-order derivative spectra. The results revealed that the PLSR model using first-order derivative spectra, which had a determination coefficient (R2) of 0.71 and a root mean square error (RMSE) of 3.3%, should be recommended for soil moisture estimation, judged from several statistical criteria. As thermal infrared wavelengths identified in this study are contained in several current available satellite sensors, the PLSR models should have great potential for large-scale application despite extensive validations are needed in future studies.
Centrifugal Microfluidic System for Nucleic Acid Ampliﬁcation and Detection
Authors: Miao Baogang , Peng Niancai , Li Lei , Li Zheng , Hu Fei , Zhang Zengming , Wang Chaohui
Published: November 2015

We report here the development of a rapid PCR microﬂuidic system comprising a double-shaft turntable and centrifugal-based disc that rapidly drives the PCR mixture between chambers set at different temperatures, and the bidirectional flow improved the space utilization of the disc. Three heating resistors and thermistors maintained uniform, specific temperatures for the denaturation, annealing, and extension steps of the PCR. Infrared imaging showed that there was little thermal interference between reaction chambers; the system enabled the cycle number and reaction time of each step to be independently adjusted. To validate the function and efficiency of the centrifugal microfluidic system, a 350-base pair target gene from the hepatitis B virus was ampliﬁed and quantitated by fluorescence detection. By optimizing the cycling parameters, the reaction time was reduced to 32 min as compared to 120 min for a commercial PCR machine. DNA samples with concentrations ranging from 10 to 106 copies/mL could be quantitatively analyzed using this system. This centrifugal-based microfluidic platform is a useful system and possesses industrialization potential that can be used for portable diagnostics.
Food Waste in School Catering: An Italian Case Study
Authors: Falasconi Luca , Vittuari Matteo , Politano Alessandro , Segrè Andrea
Published: November 2015

Food losses and waste are currently at the heart of academic debates, civil society initiatives, and political agendas. This paper investigates food waste in school catering services focusing on six schools located in the municipality of Verona (Italy). It aims to quantify food waste, as a measure of food catering inefficiency, to identify the main causes, and to suggest a set of prevention and reduction interventions. For these purposes food waste is defined as all the products discarded from the food chain while still preserving their nutritional value and complying with safety standards. The work shows a significant level of inefficiency in the school catering services, measured by the amount of food processed and still perfectly edible, but not served during the meals. On average more than 15% of the overall processed food is wasted. Among the causes identified in this study, four of them were more relevant than others because of their implications and impact on prevention: the lack of attention to dietary habits, the rigid food procurement specifications, the menu composition, and the meal presentation.
Tissage et archéologie à Goudelancourt-lès-Pierrepont
Authors: Nice Alain
Published: November 2015

Seit der Veröffentlichung im Jahr 1999 der Doktorarbeit von Dominique Cardon „ La Draperie au Moyen Age“ (Das Tuch im Mittelalter), sowie der 1988 veröffentlichten Ergebnisse aus Grabungen in frühmittelalterlichen Siedlungen der Ile de France „ Un village au temps de Charlemagne“ (Ein Dorf zur Zeit Karls des Großen) gilt unter den Archäologen allgemein als erwiesen, dass, was die karolingische Zeit angeht, die Hüttenböden mit drei Verankerungsgruben einem Hochwebstuhl mit zwei hinten auf einer Schwelle aufliegenden Pfosten entsprechen. Diese Hypothese wird nun anhand der Analyse der im Departement Aisne, in Goudelancourt-lès-Pierrepont, in dem dritten Siedlungssektor von 1997 bis 2001 ausgegrabenen Hüttenböden und der 2008 im Parc archéologique in Marle durchgeführten Experimente in Frage gestellt.

Im Übrigen würde die 2001 ebenfalls in Goudelancourt-lès-Pierrepont auf einem Hüttenboden entdeckte Struktur, bei der es sich um den Rahmen eines Flachwebstuhls handeln könnte, der auf einen Webstuhl mit drei Verankerungsgruben folgt, -wenn diese Entdeckung an einem anderen Fundplatz bestätigt werden kann – die Hypothese rechtfertigen, dass die ersten Flachwebstühle in Frankreich gegen Ende des 9. oder im frühen 10. Jh. auftauchen.
Études sur les plantes cultivées pendant le haut Moyen Âge en France septentrionale
Authors: Bakels Corrie C.
Published: November 2015

Mehrere Jahre korpologischerer Untersuchungen haben unsere Kenntnis bezüglich der im Frühmittelalter kultivierten Pflanzen bereichert. Im vorliegenden Artikel werde ich mich auf drei Aspekte beschränken, obwohl es natürlich weitere Aspekte gibt : die Auswahl der zu kultivierenden Arten, die Beziehung zwischen der auf den karpologischen Reste basierenden Information und den Texten und schließlich die Anbaubedingungen auf den Feldern. Drei Bedingungen waren ausschlaggebend für die Wahl der anzubauenden Arten : die Bodenverhältnisse, die sozialen und wirtschaftlichen Umstände und die kulturellen Vorlieben. Die Konfrontierung der Ergebnisse der karpologischen Untersuchungen mit den Texten hält Überraschungen bereit. So steht z. B. der Text der Brevium Exempla im Widerspruch zu den Grabungsergebnissen.
Fonction et fonctionnement du casque à crête romain tardif d’après le mobilier oriental : l’apport de l’expérimentation
Authors: Glad Damien
Published: November 2015

L es études de militaria consistent, le plus souvent, en des analyses formelles et contextuelles visant à proposer des chrono-typologies fondées sur les contextes stratigraphiques. Cet outil méthodologique fondamental ne permet cependant pas d’aborder précisément le processus de vie des militaria et plus particulièrement la problématique de la fonction et du fonctionnement de ces armes mais également les processus d’entretien, de réfection et d’abandon. Loin de tout résoudre, l’archéologie expérimentale est une démarche complémentaire permettant de tester les hypothèses émises par la chrono-typologie et de renouveler notre compréhension et notre interprétation de l’armement.
Expérimentations de cuisson du plâtre et réflexion sur les fours à plâtre du haut Moyen âge
Authors: Lafarge Ivan
Published: November 2015

Initiée sur la base des observations archéologiques effectuées en Seine-Saint-Denis et dans le Val d’Oise, l’approche archéologique du matériau plâtre est renouvelée par des travaux récents. La question de l’évolution de sa production est ici abordée sur le mode régressif par la prise en compte de la documentation encyclopédique du XIXe et du début du XXe siècles, de la documentation archéologique, renouvelée par des découvertes récentes et par l’approche expérimentale. Il en ressort que les fours à plâtre du haut Moyen âge et médiévaux sont une adaptation formelle des fours à chaux, en revanche l’apparition probable des fours culée à l’époque médiévale demeure hypothétique. Les cuissons expérimentales de plâtre ont fait l’objet de mises en oeuvre du plâtre produit, notamment sous la forme de sarcophages coulés, ce qui permet une remise en perspective des travaux réalisés sur ce thème en 1980.
Approche expérimentale pour la compréhension des fours culinaires du haut Moyen âge : bilan critique et perspectives
Authors: Bruley-Chabot Gaëlle , Warmé Nicolas
Published: November 2015

Les indices mis au jour par l’archéologie, concernant les fours du haut Moyen âge, ont permis d’observer les variations morphologiques ainsi que les évolutions de répartition spatiale mais de nombreuses questions, propres à leur fonctionnement et utilisation, restent en suspens. Les expérimentations menées, depuis plusieurs années, tentent de détailler, d’individualiser les facteurs qui agissent lors des cuissons : la rubéfaction du limon est la donnée essentielle qui relie le four archéologique au four expérimental. Les essais en sont encore à leur balbutiement, mais un protocole d’observation a été posé afin de comparer les expériences. En parallèle, des analyses magnétiques ont été menées afin d’évaluer l’impact de la morphologie et du sédiment entre autres, sur l’acquisition de l’aimantation dite thermo-rémanente (ATRATR ) par les soles rubéfiées en place.
L’apport de l’expérimentation archéologique pour la compréhension de l’architecture carolingienne à poteau planté : les exemples du chantier d’Orville (Val-d’Oise)
Authors: Epaud Frédéric , Gentili François , Simard Mélanie
Published: November 2015

Seit 2002 wurde auf der Ausgrabungsstätte des Château d’Orville in Louvres (Departement Val-d’Oise) ein Programm experimenteller Archäologie durchgeführt. Dies hat es insbesondere erlaubt, versuchsweise Gebäude mit Bautechniken der karolingischen Zeit zu errichten. Unter Beachtung der neueren Forschungsergebnisse zum mittelalterlichen Dachstuhlbau und der mittelalterlichen Techniken des Dachdeckens (Dachsparren, Dachschindeln) wurden jeweils eine Hütte und ein auf Pfosten errichteter Speicher in zwei unterschiedlichen Versionen errichtet.
Integrated Data Repository Toolkit (IDRT)
Authors: Baum B. , Christoph J. , Engel I. , Löbe M. , Mate S. , Stäubert S. , Drepper J. , Prokosch H.-U. , Winter A. , Sax U. , Bauer C. R. K. D. , Ganslandt T.
Published: November 2015

Background: In recent years, research data warehouses moved increasingly into the focus of interest of medical research. Nevertheless, there are only a few center-independent infrastructure solutions available. They aim to provide a consolidated view on medical data from various sources such as clinical trials, electronic health records, epidemiological registries or longitudinal cohorts. The i2b2 framework is a well-established solution for such repositories, but it lacks support for importing and integrating clinical data and metadata.

Objectives: The goal of this project was to develop a platform for easy integration and administration of data from heterogeneous sources, to provide capabilities for linking them to medical terminologies and to allow for transforming and mapping of data streams for user-specific views.

Methods: A suite of three tools has been developed: the i2b2 Wizard for simplifying administration of i2b2, the IDRT Import and Mapping Tool for loading clinical data from various formats like CSV, SQL, CDISC ODM or biobanks and the IDRT i2b2 Web Client Plugin for advanced export options. The Import and Mapping Tool also includes an ontology editor for rearranging and mapping patient data and structures as well as annotating clinical data with medical terminologies, primarily those used in Germany (ICD-10-GM, OPS, ICD-O, etc.).

Results: With the three tools functional, new i2b2-based research projects can be created, populated and customized to researcher’s needs in a few hours. Amalgamating data and metadata from different databases can be managed easily. With regards to data privacy a pseudonymization service can be plugged in. Using common ontologies and reference terminologies rather than project-specific ones leads to a consistent understanding of the data semantics.

Conclusions: i2b2’s promise is to enable clinical researchers to devise and test new hypothesis even without a deep knowledge in statistical programing. The approach pre -sented here has been tested in a number of scenarios with millions of observations and tens of thousands of patients. Initially mostly observant, trained researchers were able to construct new analyses on their own. Early feedback indicates that timely and extensive access to their “own” data is appreciated most, but it is also lowering the barrier for other tasks, for instance checking data quality and completeness (missing data, wrong coding).
Genetic variation at microsatellite loci in the tropical herb Aphelandra aurantiaca (Acanthaceae)
Authors: Suárez‐Montes Pilar , Tapia‐López Rosalinda , Núñez‐Farfán Juan
Published: November 2015

Premise of the study:

To assess the effect of forest fragmentation on genetic variation and population structure of Aphelandra aurantiaca (Acanthaceae), a tropical and ornamental herbaceous perennial plant, we developed the first microsatellite primers for the species.

Methods and Results:

Fourteen microsatellite markers were isolated and characterized from A. aurantiaca genomic libraries enriched for di‐, tri‐, and tetranucleotide repeat motifs. Polymorphism was evaluated in 107 individuals from four natural populations. Twelve out of 14 genetic markers were polymorphic. The number of alleles per locus ranged from two to 12, and the observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.22 to 0.96 and from 0.20 to 0.87, respectively. Fixation indices ranged from −0.41 to 0.44.

Conclusions:

These newly developed microsatellite markers for A. aurantiaca will be useful for future population genetic studies, specifically to detect the possible loss of genetic diversity due to habitat fragmentation.
Development of polymorphic microsatellite markers for the Killarney Fern (Vandenboschia speciosa, Hymenophyllaceae)
Authors: García‐López M. del Carmen , Schuler Samira Ben‐Menni , López‐Flores Inmaculada , Nieto‐Lugilde Marta , Terrón‐Camero Laura , Aguilera Ismael Mazuecos , Suárez‐Santiago Víctor N.
Published: November 2015

Premise of the study:

We characterize 10 microsatellite loci in the endangered fern Vandenboschia speciosa (Hymenophyllaceae), enabling studies on the genetic population structure of this Macaronesian‐European species using DNA hypervariable markers.

Methods and Results:

Ten primer sets were developed and tested on 47 individuals in a total of two Iberian populations of V. speciosa. The primers amplified di‐ and hexanucelotide repeats. The number of alleles ranged from two to eight, and the expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.107 to 0.807 among the populations analyzed.

Conclusions:

The 10 microsatellite markers developed will be useful in characterizing the genetic diversity of V. speciosa and understanding its population structure (including the possible structure between sporophyte and gametophyte phases) and biogeographic history, and will provide important genetic data for the conservation of this species.
EX VIVOEQUINE HEART AND LUNG PERFUSION SYSTEM
Authors: Guest Bruce , Arroyo Luis , Viel Laurent , Kerr Carolyn , Runciman John
Published: November 2015

An ex vivo heart lung perfusion system (EVHLPS) was designed and constructed in order to facilitate the study of hemodynamic and mechanical phenomena associated with the equine pulmonary vascular system. Fresh en bloc heart and lung preparations collected from adult horses were placed in an enclosed chamber in normal anatomic orientation and perfused with isotonic phosphate buffered saline (PBS) via a closed loop, pulsatile perfusion system. Pulmonary artery (PA) pressure, left atrial pressure and perfusate temperature were regulated. Lungs were ventilated by static lung inflation and dynamic positive pressure ventilation (PPV). Instrumentation was introduced into the pulmonary arterial system via an instrument chamber incorporated in the perfusate flow piping upstream from the cranial vena cava. Key physiologic parameters (mean [SD]); PA flow (1.57 [0.61] L/min); systolic pressure (SAP) (42.5 [6.83] mmHg); diastolic pressure (DAP) (30.3 [3.86] mmHg); and perfusate temperature (37.1 [0.46]°C) were observed with en bloc heart and lung preparations (n = 5). PA pulse wave velocity (PWV) was found to vary from 1.72 to 12.50 m/s (n = 2) and appeared to have directly proportional relationships with mean arterial pressure (MAP) and distance within the PA.
ORDER PATTERNS RECURRENCE ANALYSIS OF ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAM DURING SEVOFLURANE ANESTHESIA
Authors: Shalbaf Reza , Behnam Hamid , Sleigh Jamie
Published: November 2015

Characterizing the brain activity during anesthesia is considered a major challenge for researchers. The concentration-relevant effect of the sevoflurane is evaluated on EEG signals collected from 19 patients during a proscribed induction and recovery setup. Recurrence Quantification Analysis based on order patterns is employed to provide an index named order laminarity (OLAM) to evaluate changes in the neuronal system. This index computes the activity of a part of brain without considering the number or dynamical nature of the individual sources and signifies segments staying in the same phase space region for a short time. Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modeling and statistical features are used to assess the effectiveness of the OLAM index compared with response entropy index as implemented in the commercial Datex-Ohmeda Module. Both methods track the overall changes in EEG. However, the OLAM can be proficiently computed and is artifact resistant (standard deviation of 0.016 for OLAM relative to 0.02 for response entropy index). This measure as a neurophysiologic correlation of general anesthesia also reacts quicker to alternations in EEG signals during induction and correlates more powerfully with drug concentration (The prediction probability of 0.89 for OLAM is proportionate to 0.83 for response entropy). This examination exemplifies a crucial translational phase from the neuroscience of consciousness to more intricate monitoring of anesthetic effects in patients.
Impact of a radio-frequency identification system and information interchange on clearance processes for cargo at border posts
Authors: Bhero Ernest , Hoffman Alwyn , Lusanga Kabanda , De Coning Arno
Published: November 2015

Background: Improved operational efficiency is important to role players in cross-border logistics and trade corridors. Cargo owners and cargo forwarders have been particularly concerned about long delays in the processing and clearing of cargo at border posts. Field studies suggest that these delays are due to a combination of factors, such as a lack of optimum system configurations and non-optimised human-dependent operations, which make the operations prone to corruption and other malpractices.Objectives: This article presents possible strategies for improving some of the operations in this sector. The research hinges on two key questions: (1) what is the impact of information interchange between stakeholders on the cargo transit time and (2) how will cargo transit time be impacted upon by automatic identification of cargo and the status of cargo seals on arriving vehicles at the border?Method: The use of information communication systems enabled by automatic identification systems (incorporating radio-frequency identification technology) is suggested.Results: Results obtained by the described simulation model indicate that improvements of up to 82% with regard to transit time are possible using these techniques.Conclusion: The findings therefore demonstrate how operations at border posts can be improved through the use of appropriate technology and configuration of the operations.
Les dermatozoonoses en milieu urbain : le point de vue du dermatologue vétérinaire
Authors: Guaguère Eric
Published: November 2015

Les dermatozoonoses désignent des maladies ou des infections transmissibles naturellement des animaux vertébrés à l’homme, et inversement, se traduisant cliniquement chez l’humain par des dermatoses (à l’exception des réactions allergiques généralisées). En milieu urbain, les vertébrés responsables sont des animaux de compagnie (carnivores domestiques, rongeurs, lagomorphes). Les personnes exposées à ce risque zoonotique sont les propriétaires des animaux et un certain nombre de professions à risque, parmi lesquelles les vétérinaires et leur personnel, les éleveurs, les toiletteurs et autres professionnels en contact avec l’animal. Ces dermatozoonoses peuvent être d’origine mycosique, parasitaire (acariens, insectes, helminthes, protozoaires), bactérienne ou virale. Vétérinaires et médecins doivent collaborer étroitement afin de pouvoir proposer une information exacte et efficace à leurs clients et patients.
Santé animale et gains de productivité réduisent l’impact de l’élevage sur le changement climatique
Authors: Pradère Jean-Paul
Published: November 2015

Animal health and productivity gains reduce livestock impact on climate change.

Productivity gains allow an increase in animal production with fewer animals, less greenhouse gas emissions and less pressure of livestock on soils. Proper control of animal diseases is a prerequisite essential for improving livestock productivity. All over the world, strengthening the fight against animal diseases would greatly reduce the environmental impacts of livestock productions. However, in the poorest countries, where animal diseases are an obstacle to the improvement of productivity and where, by promoting extensive growth of livestock and by killing many animals, animal diseases are responsible for a huge waste of environmental resources, the improvement of animal health has the most beneficial effects on the well-being of people and on the preservation of the planet. Because of their importance, the interactions between animal health and the environment should be better studied and better addressed by public policies.
Les systèmes d’élevage d’herbivores face au changement climatique en France : quelques conclusions d’une série d’études menées de 2006 à 2009 (projet Acta/Mires)
Authors: Moreau Jean-Christophe
Published: November 2015

Dans le cadre du projet ACTA «Étude de la sensibilité des systèmes de grandes cultures et d’élevages herbivores aux changements climatiques», associant quatre partenaires : ARVALIS, l’INRA, l’Institut de l’Élevage et Météo France, et à partir des données climatiques simulées par Météo-France à moyen (2020-2049) et long terme (2070-2099) selon deux scénarios socio-démographiques (A2 et B1) issus du 4ème rapport du Groupe d’experts intergouvernemental (GIEC 4), des simulations utilisant le modèle de culture STICS (Simulateur multidisciplinaire pour les cultures standard) ont été réalisées pour évaluer les conséquences du changement climatique sur la production de biomasse de la luzerne, du maïs et de prairies à base de graminées.

Ces simulations intègrent l’effet de l’enrichissement de l’atmosphère en CO2 sur la photosynthèse et la transpiration. Par ailleurs, au travers du calcul de nombreux indicateurs agro-climatiques, l’étude s’est penchée sur la disponibilité et l’accessibilité à ces ressources fourragères, et sur la fréquence de certains aléas climatiques.

En prenant appui sur des systèmes d’élevage caractéristiques de zones bien différentes quant à l’ampleur et l’impact du changement climatique, les conséquences directes du changement climatique sur les cultures fourragères pratiquées dans ces systèmes ont été intégrées afin d’explorer l’évolution des équilibres propres à ces systèmes et évaluer les voies d’adaptation permettant de revenir à des équilibres satisfaisants et sécurisés. Ces travaux soulignent les capacités adaptatives de ces systèmes à maintenir leurs niveaux de production dans le futur proche mais ils mettent en avant des ruptures moins favorables à plus long terme.
Imagerie cérébrale : outils, principes et utilisations de la clinique aux sciences cognitives comparatives
Authors: Dhenain Marc
Published: November 2015

Cerebral imaging : tools, principles and use from the clinic to comparative cognitive sciences.

Modern brain imaging was born in the 1970’ s with the invention of X-ray tomography, nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET). MRI and PET are used to study anatomy and brain function. MRI relies on the use of powerful magnets which allow producing images by manipulating the magnetic properties of the hydrogen atoms of water from an animal or human. PET relies on the use of radioactive ligands that, once injected into the body, can bind to targeted structures before being detected by sensors placed outside of the studied subject. These devices can produce anatomical or angiographic images, or images of various biological processes (inflammation, carcinogenesis, etc ...). They also allow to assess the role of some focal brain regions and to investigate the function of various neural networks. The ability to use these techniques in animals allows to compare the cerebral functioning of humans and animals.
Local Tax Rates, Politics and Omitted Variable Bias
Authors: Goeminne Stijn , Smolders Carine
Published: November 2015

Several studies have demonstrated the impact of political and institutional characteristics on communities’ fiscal policies. Typically, these characteristics have been studied in isolation, and possible interactions with other political determinants have been ignored. Yet, fiscal policy decisions are subject to political and institutional forces contemporaneously. This study combines different models to explain the variation in the Flemish local income tax rate and the local property tax rate simultaneously. The results of the individual analyses are equated with those of the joint analysis, thereby concluding that isolated testing may suffer from specification bias.
Public Spending Policies and Budgetary Balances: Evidence from Spanish Municipalities
Authors: Cabaleiro-Casal Roberto , Buch-Gómez Enrique
Published: November 2015

Unlike the frequent research that analyzes the effects of various demographic, economic and political factors on fiscal deficits of governments, this research focuses on studying whether certain structures of public spending policies are associated with situations of fiscal imbalances. Using a panel data model with endogenous variables and taking into account various socio-economic factors as instruments, we have observed that the spending policies of Basic public services, Social protection and social promotion, Preferential services, and Promotion of economic activity have different significant effects on the position of the budgetary balance in the Spanish municipal governments.
A Method to Evaluate Critical Factors for Successful Implementation of Clinical Pathways
Authors: Dong W. , Huang Z.
Published: November 2015

Objective: Clinical pathways (CPs) have been viewed as a multidisciplinary tool to improve the quality and efficiency of evidence-based care. Despite widespread enthusiasm for CPs, research has shown that many CP initiatives are unsuccessful. To this end, this study provides a methodology to evaluate critical success factors (CSFs) that can aid healthcare organizations to achieve successful CP implementation.

Design: This study presents a new approach to evaluate CP implementation CSFs, with the aims being: (1) to identify CSFs for implementation of CPs through a comprehensive literature review and interviews with collaborative experts; (2) to use a filed study data with a robust fuzzy DEMATEL (the decision making trial and evaluation laboratory) approach to visualize the structure of complicated causal relationships between CSFs and obtain the inﬂuence level of these factors.

Participants: The filed study data is provided by ten clinical experts of a Chinese hospital.

Results: 23 identified CSF factors which are initially identiﬁed through a review of the literature and interviews with collaborative experts. Then, a number of direct and indirect relationships are derived from the data such that different perceptions can be integrated into a compromised cause and effect model of CP implementation.

Conclusions: The results indicate that the proposed approach can systematically evaluate CSFs and realize the importance of each factor such that the most common causes of failure of CP implementation could be eliminated or avoided. Therefore, the tool proposed would help healthcare organizations to manage CP implementation in a more effective and proactive way.
The radiative impact of desert dust on orographic rain in the Cévennes–Vivarais area: a case study from HyMeX
Authors: Flamant C. , Chaboureau J.-P. , Chazette P. , Di Girolamo P. , Bourrianne T. , Totems J. , Cacciani M.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. The study is focused on Intensive Observation Period (IOP) 14 of the Hydrological Cycle in the Mediterranean Experiment first Special Observing Period (HyMeX SOP 1) that took place from 17 to 19 October 2012 and was dedicated to the study of orographic rain in the Cévennes–Vivarais (CV) target area. During this IOP a dense dust plume originating from northern Africa (the Maghreb and Sahara) was observed to be transported over the Balearic Islands towards the south of France. The plume was characterized by an aerosol optical depth between 0.2 and 0.8 at 550 nm, highly variable in time and space over the western Mediterranean Basin. The impact of this dust plume, the biggest event observed during the 2-month-long HyMeX SOP 1, on the precipitation over the CV area has been analyzed using high-resolution simulations from the convection permitting mesoscale model Meso-NH (mesoscale non-hydrostatic model) validated against measurements obtained from numerous instruments deployed specifically during SOP 1 (ground-based/airborne water vapor and aerosol lidars, airborne microphysics probes) as well as space-borne aerosol products. The 4-day simulation reproduced realistically the temporal and spatial variability (including the vertical distribution) of the dust. The dust radiative impact led to an average 0.6 K heating at the altitude of the dust layer in the CV area (and up to +3 K locally) and an average 100 J kg−1 increase of most unstable convective available potential energy (and up to +900 J kg−1 locally) with respect to a simulation without prescribed dust aerosols. The rainfall amounts and location were only marginally affected by the dust radiative effect, even after 4 days of simulation. The transient nature of this radiative effect in dynamical environments such as those found in the vicinity of heavy precipitation events in the Mediterranean is not sufficient to impact 24 h of accumulated rainfall in the dust simulation.
Theoretical investigation of mixing in warm clouds – Part 2: Homogeneous mixing
Authors: Pinsky M. , Khain A. , Korolev A. , Magaritz-Ronen L.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. The evolution of monodisperse and polydisperse droplet size distributions (DSDs) during homogeneous mixing is analyzed. Time-dependent universal analytical relations of supersaturation and liquid water content, which depend on a sole non-dimensional parameter, are obtained for a monodisperse DSD. The evolution of moments and moment-relation functions in the course of the homogeneous evaporation of polydisperse DSDs is analyzed using a parcel model. It is shown that the classic conceptual scheme, according to which homogeneous mixing leads to a decrease in the droplet mass under constant droplet concentration, is valid only in cases of monodisperse or initially very narrow polydisperse DSDs. In cases of wide polydisperse DSDs, mixing and successive evaporation lead to a decrease of both mass and concentration such that the characteristic droplet sizes remain nearly constant. As this feature is typically associated with inhomogeneous mixing, we conclude that in cases of an initially wide DSD at cloud top, homogeneous mixing is nearly indistinguishable from inhomogeneous mixing.
Theoretical analysis of mixing in liquid clouds – Part 3: Inhomogeneous mixing
Authors: Pinsky M. , Khain A. , Korolev A.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. An idealized model of time-dependent mixing between cloud and non-cloud volumes is analyzed. Initial droplet size distribution (DSD) in cloud volume is assumed to be monodisperse. Both analytical investigation and parcel model investigation are used to study mixing processes and solve diffusion-evaporation equations. It is shown that the evolution of microphysical variables and the final equilibrium stage are unambiguously determined by two non-dimensional parameters. The first parameter, R, which is proportional to the ratio of the saturation deficit to the liquid water content in a cloud volume, determines whether the equilibrium stage is reached at 100 % relative humidity, or, rather, leads to a full evaporation of cloud droplets. The second parameter, Da, is the Damkölher number, which is equal to the ratio of the characteristic mixing time and phase relaxation time. This parameter (together with parameter R) determines whether mixing takes place according to a homogeneous or an inhomogeneous scenario. An analysis of the results obtained within a wide range of parameters R and Da is presented. It is shown that there is no pure homogeneous mixing, since the first stage of mixing is always inhomogeneous. Turbulent mixing between different volumes always starts as inhomogeneous and the mixing type can change during the mixing process. At any values of governing parameters, mixing leads to the formation of a tail of small droplets in the DSD and therefore to DSD broadening. The broadening depends onDa and the final DSD dispersion can be as large as 0.2 at large Da. The total duration of the mixing process varies from several to one hundred phase relaxation times, depending on R and Da. Delimitation between the types of mixing on the Da–R plane is carried out. The definitions of homogeneous and inhomogeneous mixings are reconsidered and clarified. The paper also compares the results of the current study with those obtained with classical mixing concepts.
Semi-annual oscillation (SAO) of the nighttime ionospheric D-region as detected through ground-based VLF receivers
Authors: Silber I. , Price C. G. , Rodger C. J.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. Earth's middle and upper atmosphere exhibits several dominant large scale oscillations in many measured parameters. One of these oscillations is the semi-annual oscillation (SAO). The SAO can be detected in the ionospheric total electron content (TEC), the ionospheric transition height, the wind regime in the mesosphere-lower-thermosphere (MLT), and in the MLT temperatures. In addition, as we report for the first time in this study, the SAO is among the most dominant oscillations in nighttime very low frequencies (VLF) narrow-band subionospheric measurements. As VLF signals are reflected off the ionospheric D-region (at altitudes of ~65 and ~85 km, during the day and night, respectively), this implies that the upper part of the D-region is experiencing this oscillation as well, through changes in the dominating electron or ion densities, or by changes in the electron collision frequency, recombination rates, and attachment rates, all of which could be driven by oscillatory MLT temperature changes. We conclude that the main source of the SAO in the nighttime D-region is due to NOx molecules transport from the lower levels of the thermosphere, resulting in enhanced ionization and the creation of free electrons in the nighttime D-region, thus modulating the SAO signature in VLF NB measurements. While the cause for the observed SAO is still a subject of debate, this oscillation should be taken into account when modeling the D-region in general and VLF wave propagation in particular.
Dust devil vortex generation from convective cells
Authors: Onishchenko O. , Pokhotelov O. , Horton W. , Fedun V.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. We have developed a hydrodynamic theory of the nonlinear stage of dust devil generation in a convectively unstable atmosphere with large-scale seed vertical vorticity. It is shown that convective motion in such an atmosphere transforms into dust devils extremely fast. The strong vortical structure of the dust devils can be formed in a few minutes or even in a fraction of a minute. The formation process strongly depends on the convective instability growth rate and horizontal vorticity. The work is supported by the US Department of Energy under Contract DEFG02-04ER-54742.