bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computed Tomography Findings in Patients with Seizure Disorder
Authors: Acharya Sumnima , Tiwari Awadesh , Shrestha Amit , Sharma Rupesh , Shak Raju Prasad
Published: December 2016

Introduction: Seizure occurs in up to 10% of the population, whereas epilepsy is a chronic disease characterized by recurrent seizures that may affect up to 2% of the population. Modern neuroimaging is useful in diagnosis of  abnormalities underlying the epilepsies, but the information provided by imaging techniques can also contribute to proper classification of certain epileptic disorders and can delineate the genetics of some underlying syndromes. Neuroimaging is even more important for those patients who have medically intractable seizures. This study was carried out to establish different etiologies of seizures, to correlate the clinical data and radiological findings in cases of seizure, and to identify the common etiologies in different types of seizures.

 

Methods: This was a retrospective hospital-based study conducted in the Department of Radiodiagnosis of Lumbini Medical College Teaching Hospital. Records of patients of past two years, admitted in any department of the hospital with history of seizure disorder and underwent a Computed Tomography  (CT) of brain were included. The CT patterns were assessed and the data were tabulated and statistically analyzed.

 

Results: There were a total of 480 cases out of which 263 (55%) were male and 217 (45%) were female with M:F ratio of 1.2:1. Generalized seizure was more frequent than partial seizure in both gender. In 274 cases of generalized seizures, CT scan findings were abnormal in 151 cases and normal finding observed in 123 cases. In 206 cases of partial seizures, 125 cases were abnormal and 81 having normal CT scan findings. Age wise distribution showed highest number (n=218) of cases in young group (<20 yr) and least number (n=45) in eldest group (>60 yr). The most common cause of seizure  was  calcified granuloma (n=79, 16.5%) followed by neurocysticercosis (NCC, n=64, 13%). Diffuse cerebral edema, sub-arachnoid hemorrhage, and hydrocephalus was seen only in lower age group particularly among 1-20 years. Infarct and diffuse cortical atrophy were most common cause of seizure in older age group.  NCC and tuberculoma are the most common cause of partial seizure whereas cerebral infarcts, hemorrhage, malignancy, diffuse cortical atrophy are the most common cause of complex seizure. Few rare diseases like Fahr disease and tuberous sclerosis were also found in CT scan of  seizure patients.

 

Conclusion: NCC and tuberculoma are the most common cause of partial seizure whereas cerebral infarcts, hemorrhage, malignancy, and diffuse cortical atrophy are the most common cause of complex seizure. CT scan plays an important role as a preliminary tool in radiological assessment of patients presenting with seizures.
Successful Management of Quadruplet Pregnancy following Spontaneous Conception
Authors: Shrestha Deepak , Thapa Babita , Aryal Shreyashi , Shrestha Buddhi Kumar , Kalakheti Balkrishna , Panthee Kiran
Published: December 2016

Introduction: When more than two fetuses simultaneously develop in the uterus, it is called higher order multiple pregnancy. The incidence of such pregnancies ranges from 0.01% to 0.07%.

 

Case report: We report a case of 26-year-old G2P1L0D2 with previous history of preterm vaginal twin delivery, diagnosed to have quadruplet pregnancy. She was admitted at 28 weeks of gestation for safe confinement. At 33 weeks of gestation, emergency cesarean section was conducted with outcome of two female and two male babies with quadriamniotic and quadrichorionic placenta, without any intra and post-operative complications.

 

Conclusion: A multidisciplinary approach with good neonatal care facilities is warranted for a better outcome in higher order multiple pregnancies.
Redesigning current instruments as a precondition for a more effective environmental protection
Authors: Adzemovic Mesud , Ivanovic-Sasic Ana , Nikolic Milos , Aleksic Dimitrije , Stevanovic Maja
Published: December 2016

The problems of environment and evaluation of natural capital belong to the phenomenology of externalities, and the requirements of environmental economics are ever more oriented towards the elaboration of the ecological?economic category of the externalization of internal expenses, wherefrom reasons for the introduction of ecological?economic instruments, before all payments for pollutions, ensue. Demystification of the negative conviction relating ecological payments as taxes is very important, since it must be shown that ecological payments correct, mitigate or remove externalities. Environmental protection is a complex system and it consists in a set of rules, measures and instruments that are applied for the surveillance of pollution sources, and shaping of instruments for environmental protection is a complex process intended for the accomplishment of established ecological goals. Among all instruments available for bridging the gap of internalization and exerting a significant effect on polluters to diminish their emissions of pollution, the ecological and economic ones are most important. The results of our investigation have demonstrated that it is necessary to reshape the current set of instruments regarding protection of vital functions of nature and an efficient environmental protection, and one of the key cognitions is that the scientific and professional public must not be excluded from the appraisals of creating and redesigning the instruments of environmental protection. These assertions have their foundation in the premise that the significance of elements of the social dimension in sustainable development is to a great extent determined by the level of environmental degradation and reduction in capacity of renewable sources. The paper, approach and data processing of the conducted research offer a new model and new elements of methodology for establishing the state and quality of the environment, whereby social-economic criteria of research (a socio?economic laboratory) are introduced into the fundamental analysis of the condition of crucial media of the environment, but also into shaping a more efficacious instrument set of protection. In such a way, a substantial contribution is given to the affirmation of a holistic and inter-disciplinary approach in the investigation and understanding the phenomenon of contemporary environmental reality, especially the central media of the environment (water, air, soil).
Recovery Profile and Patient Satisfaction After Ambulatory Anesthesia for Dental Treatment—A Crossover Comparison Between Propofol and Sevoflurane
Authors: Ohkushi Keita , Fukuda Ken-ichi , Koukita Yoshihiko , Kaneko Yuzuru , Ichinohe Tatsuya
Published: December 2016

The purpose of this study was to determine which anesthetic was preferable for ambulatory anesthesia: propofol alone or sevoflurane alone. A crossover study was performed to compare the recovery profile and patient satisfaction after 2 anesthesia methods. Twenty healthy patients with severe anxiety toward dental treatment undergoing 2 sessions of day-case dental treatment received either propofol or sevoflurane anesthesia. The order of these methods was randomized. The depths of anesthesia were kept constant using bispectral index (BIS) monitoring. Observations on recovery profiles were performed in the emergence phase, in the recovery phase, and 24 hours after discharge. Patient satisfaction and preference were obtained by a questionnaire. Most of the recovery profiles in the emergence phase such as time to eye opening to respond to verbal command, time to BIS ≥ 75, and time to extubation were shorter in the sevoflurane group than in the propofol group. All recovery profiles in the recovery phase showed no differences between the 2 groups. Based on the subject's satisfaction and preference, propofol was evaluated as a better anesthetic for ambulatory anesthesia than sevoflurane. Higher patient satisfaction and a greater preference for future dental treatment were revealed for propofol anesthesia. Propofol may be more suitable for ambulatory anesthesia for dental treatment.
Thermoluminescence properties of micro and nano structure hydroxyapatite after gamma irradiation
Authors: Shafaei M. , Ziaie F. , Hajiloo N.
Published: December 2016

The goal of this study is to compare the thermoluminescence properties of nano and micro structure hydroxyapatite. Nano structure hydroxyapatite was synthesized via hydrolysis method, while the micro structure one was from Merck Company. X-ray diffraction and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used to determine the crystal structure and chemical composition of the hydroxyapatite samples. Particles sizes of each sample were estimated using Scherer equation and transmission electron microscopy system. Thermoluminescence properties of the samples were investigated under gamma irradiation. The glow curves of micro and nano structure samples show a peak at 150 °C and 200 °C, respectively. Thermoluminescence responses of both the samples were linear in the range of 25 – 1 000 Gy where, nano structure sample show a greater slope and stronger linearity in comparison to the micro sample. The results show that the thermoluminescence response of micro sample faded rapidly in comparison to the nano sample due to the existence of the peak at higher temperature.
Spatial distribution of nanoparticles in PWR nanofluid coolant subjected to local nucleate boiling
Authors: Mirghaffari R. , Jahanfarnia G.
Published: December 2016

Nanofluids have shown to be promising as an alternative for a PWR reactor coolant or as a safety system coolant to cover the core in the event of a loss of coolant accident. The nanoparticles distribution and neutronic parameters are intensively affected by the local boiling of nanofluid coolant. The main goal of this study was the physical-mathematical modeling of the nanoparticles distribution in the nucleate boiling of nanofluids within the viscous sublayer. Nanoparticles concentration, especially near the heat transfer surfaces, plays a significant role in the enhancement of thermal conductivity of nanofluids and prediction of CHF, Hide Out and Return phenomena. By solving the equation of convection-diffusion for the liquid phase near the heating surface and the bulk stream, the effect of heat flux on the distribution of nanoparticles was studied. The steady state mass conservation equations for liquids, vapors and nanoparticles were written for the flow boiling within the viscous sublayer adjacent the fuel cladding surface. The derived differential equations were discretized by the finite difference method and were solved numerically. It was found out that by increasing the surface heat flux, the concentration of nanoparticles increased.
The slab albedo problem for the triplet scattering kernel with modified FN method
Authors: Türeci D.
Published: December 2016

One speed, time independent neutron transport equation for a slab geometry with the quadratic anisotropic scattering kernel is considered. The albedo and transmission factor are calculated by the modified FN method. The obtained numerical results are listed for different scattering coefficients.
FVC, FEV1 and FEV1/FVC% in patients with Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Afreen Khandaker Nadia , Ferdousi Sultana
Published: December 2016

Background: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is associated with depressed lung function.Objectives: To observe FVC, FEV1 and FEV1/FVC% in Major Depressive Disorder patients.Methods: This prospective study was carried out in the Department of Physiology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) in 2014on 60 newly diagnosed female MDD patients aged 20 to 50 years. They were enrolled from the Department of Psychiatry of BSMMU. Age, BMI, socioeconomic status and occupation matched 30 apparently healthy females were controls.FVC, FEV1 and FEV1/FVC% were assessed by a portable digital spirometer. For statistical analysis, Independent sample t test was done.Results: FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC% were significantly lower (p<0.001) in all MDD patients than those of control. More over, 54(90%) MDD patients had abnormal pulmonary function test. Among them,5(9.25%) had obstructive,32(59.25%) had restrictive and 17(31.48%) had both restrictive and obstructive disorder.Conclusion: From this study it may be concluded that significant depression of lung function may be associated with MDD, characterized by restrictive, obstructive and mixed type disorders.Bangladesh Soc Physiol. 2016, December; 11(2): 59-62
Effects of Peanut (Arachis Hypogaea L.) and Its Combination with Propranolol in Isoproterenol Induced Myocardial Damage in Rats
Authors: Naz Farah , Jahan Nasim , Sultana Nayma , Nabi Mohammad Hayatun
Published: December 2016

Background: Ischemic heart disease is the interruption of blood supply to the heart causes several biochemical alterations which may lead to cardiac dysfunction and ultimately cell death. Medicinal plants and plant based foods such as peanut (Arachishypogaea L.) have received great attention for their salutary effects and potential to treat many aspects of ischemic heart disease due to their antioxidant property.Objective: To observe the effects of peanut (Arachishypogaea L.) and its combination with propranolol in isoproterenol induced myocardial damage in rats.Method: This experimental study was carried out in the Department of Physiology, Sir Salimullah Medical College (SSMC), Dhaka in 2012. For this purpose, 20 Wistar albino rats, age 85 to 100 days, weighing 120 to 150g (initial body weight) were included in the peanut treated group.They were sub-divided into CT-P (Cardiotoxic group with isoproterenol after peanut treatment) and CT-C (Cardiotoxic group with isoproterenol after combined treatment of peanut and propranolol). Age and weight matched 30 Wistar albino rats without any peanut supplementation were taken and sub-divided into three sub-groups, BC (Baseline control), CT (Cardiotoxic group with isoproterenol) and CT-PRO (Cardiotoxic group with isoproterenol after propranolol treatment). Each sub-group consisted of 10 rats. After taking final body weight all the rats were sacrificed on 22nd day. Blood was collected from heart & supernatant serum was preserved in deep freeze until analysis. For assessment of myocardial damage, some cardiac biomarker enzymes, like serum CK-MB & LDH were estimated by using immunoassay method. The statistical analysis was done by one way ANOVA and Bonferroni test as applicable.Result: In this study, percent change from initial body weight to final body weight was significantly (p<0.01) lower both in CT-P and CT-C as compared to that of BC. Again, the mean serum CK-MB and LDH levels were significantly (p<0.01) higher in CT, CT-PRO, CT-P & CT-C in comparison to that of BC. On the other hand, the serum CK-MB and LDH levels were lower in CT-PRO, CT-P and CT-C when compared to that of CT though the differences were statistically significant (p<0.01, p<0.05) in case of CT-PRO and CT-C but not significant in case of CTP. Again, the values were also significantly lower in CT-C (p<0.01,p<0.05) as compared to that of CTP.Conclusion: The present study revealed that peanut can lower serum CK-MB & LDH levels towards normal in isoproterenol induced myocardial damaged rats. However, the combined therapy of peanut with propranolol showed synergistic effect on lowering serum CK-MB & LDH levels.Bangladesh Soc Physiol. 2016, December; 11(2): 74-79
A Psychoacoustic Investigation on the Effect of External Shading Devices on Building Facades
Authors: Zuccherini Martello Nicolò , Aletta Francesco , Fausti Patrizio , Kang Jian , Secchi Simone
Published: December 2016

Due to energetic and natural lighting factors, building facades often present external shading devices, but the acoustic properties of such devices have not yet been well studied. This study was carried out using a full-scale model of a portion of a shading device, in a semi-anechoic chamber, using traditional and sound absorbing louvres. The psychoacoustic effects produced by the shading system were evaluated through comparisons between averaged values of loudness, roughness and sharpness levels, as well as sound pressure levels as reference. Results highlighted that the sound absorbing shading device offers good attenuation in terms of loudness, roughness and sound pressure level, with a small reduction in sharpness. The traditional shading system studied does not efficiently reduce the analysed parameters, or even worsens the situation. Several analyses of variance were carried out, one for each situation studied. The sound source position and the louvres’ tilt angle both produce statistically significant effects on almost all of the variations of the parameters studied. The analyses of the partial eta squared factors highlighted that source position and louvre tilt angle affect the variations of the parameters studied to a different degree in respect of the two types of louvres.
Tracking the Origin of Moisture over the Danube River Basin Using a Lagrangian Approach
Authors: Ciric Danica , Stojanovic Milica , Drumond Anita , Nieto Raquel , Gimeno Luis
Published: December 2016

In this study, we investigate the sources of moisture (and moisture for precipitation) over the Danube River Basin (DRB) by means of a Lagrangian approach using the FLEXPART V9.0 particle dispersion model together with ERA-Interim reanalysis data to track changes in atmospheric moisture over 10-day trajectories. This approach computes the budget of evaporation-minus-precipitation by calculating changes in specific humidity along forward and backward trajectories. We considered a time period of 34 years, from 1980 to 2014, which allowed for the identification of climatological sources and moisture transport towards the basin. Results show that the DRB mainly receives moisture from seven different oceanic, maritime, and terrestrial moisture source regions: North Atlantic Ocean, North Africa, the Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea, Caspian Sea, the Danube River Basin, and Central and Eastern Europe. The contribution of these sources varies by season. During winter (October–March) the main moisture source for the DRB is the Mediterranean Sea, while during summer (April–September) the dominant source of moisture is the DRB itself. Moisture from each source has a different contribution to precipitation in the DRB. Among the sources studied, results show that the moisture from the Mediterranean Sea provides the greatest contribution to precipitation in the basin in both seasons, extending to the whole basin for the winter, but being more confined to the western side during the summer. Moisture from the Caspian and Black Seas contributes to precipitation rather less.
Critical Function of PRDM2 in the Neoplastic Growth of Testicular Germ Cell Tumors
Authors: Di Zazzo Erika , Porcile Carola , Bartollino Silvia , Moncharmont Bruno
Published: December 2016

Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) derive from primordial germ cells. Their maturation is blocked at different stages, reflecting histological tumor subtypes. A common genetic alteration in TGCT is a deletion of the chromosome 1 short arm, where the PRDM2 gene, belonging to the Positive Regulatory domain gene (PRDM) family, is located. Expression of PRDM2 gene is shifted in different human tumors, where the expression of the two principal protein forms coded by PRDM2 gene, RIZ1 and RIZ2, is frequently unbalanced. Therefore, PRDM2 is actually considered a candidate tumor suppressor gene in different types of cancer. Although recent studies have demonstrated that PRDM gene family members have a pivotal role during the early stages of testicular development, no information are actually available on the involvement of these genes in TGCTs. In this article we show by qRT-PCR analysis that PRDM2 expression level is modulated by proliferation and differentiation agents such as estradiol, whose exposure during fetal life is probably an important risk factor for TGCTs development in adulthood. Furthermore in normal and cancer germ cell lines, PRDM2 binds estradiol receptor α (ERα) and influences proliferation, survival and apoptosis, as previously reported using MCF-7 breast cancer cell line, suggesting a potential tumor-suppressor role in TGCT formation.
Spatial Concentration Profiles for the Catalytic Partial Oxidation of Jet Fuel Surrogates in a Rh/Al2O3 Coated Monolith
Authors: Bär Julian , Antinori Claudia , Maier Lubow , Deutschmann Olaf
Published: December 2016

The catalytic partial oxidation (CPOX) of several hydrocarbon mixtures, containing n-dodecane (DD), 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene (TMB), and benzothiophene (BT) as a sulfur compound was studied over a Rh/Al2O3 honeycomb catalyst. The in-situ sampling technique SpaciPro was used in this study to investigate the complex reaction system which consisted of total and partial oxidation, steam reforming, and the water gas shift reaction. The mixtures of 83 vol % DD, 17 vol % TMB with and without addition of the sulfur compound BT, as well as the pure hydrocarbons were studied at a molar C/O-ratio of 0.75. The spatially resolved concentration and temperature profiles inside a central channel of the catalyst revealed three reaction zones: an oxidation zone, an oxy-reforming zone, and a reforming zone. Hydrogen formation starts in the oxy-reforming zone, not directly at the catalyst inlet, contrary to methane CPOX on Rh. In the reforming zone, in which steam reforming is the predominant reaction, even small amounts of sulfur (10 mg S in 1 kg fuel) block active sites.
Climate Change Impact and Adaptation Practices in Agriculture: A Case Study of Rautahat District, Nepal
Authors: Dhakal Subodh , Sedhain Gopi , Dhakal Subas
Published: December 2016

This study identifies the impact of climate change and adaptation practices on agriculture in the Rautahat district of central Nepal by analyzing the atmospheric temperature, rainfall pattern, soil moisture, and direct field survey. The impact and status of crop production systems are emphasized. Primary data on crop production system were collected through household surveys and adaptation practices in crop production were collected through focus group discussions, key informants’ interviews, and direct observations. Time series data on key climatic variables and productivity of major crops were collected from the government sources. Mann–Kendall trend analysis and Sen’s Slope methods were used for the analysis and quantification of temperature and rainfall trends. Spearman’s rank correlation analysis was performed to find the relation of seasonal rainfall with the crop yields. The study showed that the annual average rainfall was decreasing at the rate of 10.21 mm/year and the annual mean temperature had increased at a rate of 0.02 °C/year over the last 30 years, but their variations were found to be statistically insignificant. Seasonal rainfall also increased, except for the post-monsoon rain. Estimation of Soil Moisture Index through remote sensing technique indicates that it has been reduced considerably over the past 15 years at the beginning of the monsoon. It was observed that farmers have been using different adaptation measures like the use of high-yielding varieties of crops, enhanced irrigation system, switching to hybrid seed, and increased access to pesticides. As a result, the yields of major crops including rice, maize, wheat, sugarcane, potatoes, and pulses all showed increasing trends during 1999 to 2014. However, the total costs of production of all crops have increased many fold as a consequence of the cost associated with the arrangements for such adaptation measures and shifts towards market-based commodities.
Research and Application of a Hybrid Forecasting Model Based on Data Decomposition for Electrical Load Forecasting
Authors: Dong Yuqi , Ma Xuejiao , Ma Chenchen , Wang Jianzhou
Published: December 2016

Accurate short-term electrical load forecasting plays a pivotal role in the national economy and people’s livelihood through providing effective future plans and ensuring a reliable supply of sustainable electricity. Although considerable work has been done to select suitable models and optimize the model parameters to forecast the short-term electrical load, few models are built based on the characteristics of time series, which will have a great impact on the forecasting accuracy. For that reason, this paper proposes a hybrid model based on data decomposition considering periodicity, trend and randomness of the original electrical load time series data. Through preprocessing and analyzing the original time series, the generalized regression neural network optimized by genetic algorithm is used to forecast the short-term electrical load. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed hybrid model can not only achieve a good fitting ability, but it can also approximate the actual values when dealing with non-linear time series data with periodicity, trend and randomness.
Effects of Different Ectomycorrhizal Fungal Inoculates on the Growth of Pinus tabulaeformis Seedlings under Greenhouse Conditions
Authors: Lu Nan , Yu Meng , Cui Ming , Luo Zijing , Feng Yue , Cao Sen , Sun Yuhan , Li Yun
Published: December 2016

The tree species Pinus tabulaeformis Carr. (P. tabulaeformis) is commonly planted in China due to its economic and ecological value. In order to identify one or more ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungal species for future P. tabulaeformis afforestation, we investigated the effects of five ECM fungal species: Laccaria laccata, Boletus edulis, Gomphidius viscidus, Suillus grevillei, and Suillus luteus on the growth of P. tabulaeformis seedlings under greenhouse conditions. The growth parameters of P. tabulaeformis seedlings were evaluated 90 days following fungal colonisation. The majority of seedlings were significantly affected by ECM inoculation. Mycorrhizal inoculated seedlings were taller, had more lateral roots, and a greater biomass compared with the non-mycorrhizal (CK) seedlings. With the exception of G. viscidus, inoculated seedlings exhibited higher phosphorus, potassium, and nitrogen content compared with the CK seedlings. In addition, ECM colonisation increased the enzymatic activity of catalase, acidic phosphatase, protease, and the urease content in the rhizosphere soil. Our study showed that Laccaria laccata, Suillus grevillei, and Suillus luteus may be useful for improving the growth and cultivation of P. tabulaeformis seedlings. Furthermore, we observed that S. luteus inoculation increased the gas exchange parameters of P. tabulaeformis seedlings under field conditions.
Effect of Attitudinal, Situational and Demographic Factors on Annoyance Due to Environmental Vibration and Noise from Construction of a Light Rapid Transit System
Authors: Wong-McSweeney Daniel , Woodcock James , Waddington David , Peris Eulalia , Koziel Zbigniew , Moorhouse Andy , Redel-Macías María
Published: December 2016

The aim of this paper is to determine what non-exposure factors influence the relationship between vibration and noise exposure from the construction of a Light Rapid Transit (LRT) system and the annoyance of nearby residents. Noise and vibration from construction sites are known to annoy residents, with annoyance increasing as a function of the magnitude of the vibration and noise. There is not a strong correlation between exposure and levels of annoyance suggesting that factors not directly related to the exposure may have an influence. A range of attitudinal, situational and demographic factors are investigated with the aim of understanding the wide variation in annoyance for a given vibration exposure. A face-to-face survey of residents (n = 350) near three sites of LRT construction was conducted, and responses were compared to semi-empirical estimates of the internal vibration within the buildings. It was found that annoyance responses due to vibration were strongly influenced by two attitudinal variables, concern about property damage and sensitivity to vibration. Age, ownership of the property and the visibility of the construction site were also important factors. Gender, time at home and expectation of future levels of vibration had much less influence. Due to the measurement methods used, it was not possible to separate out the effects of noise and vibration on annoyance; as such, this paper focusses on annoyance due to vibration exposure. This work concludes that for the most cost-effective reduction of the impact of construction vibration and noise on the annoyance felt by a community, policies should consider attitudinal factors.
Evaluation of Indoor Air Quality Screening Strategies: A Step-Wise Approach for IAQ Screening
Authors: Wong Ling-tim , Mui Kwok-wai , Tsang Tsz-wun
Published: December 2016

Conducting a full indoor air quality (IAQ) assessment in air-conditioned offices requires large-scale material and manpower resources. However, an IAQ index can be adopted as a handy screening tool to identify any premises (with poor IAQ) that need more comprehensive IAQ assessments to prioritize IAQ improvements. This study proposes a step-wise IAQ screening protocol to facilitate its cost-effective management among building owners and managers. The effectiveness of three IAQ indices, namely θ1 (with one parameter: CO2), θ2 (with two parameters: CO2 and respirable suspended particulates, RSP) and θ3 (with three parameters: CO2, RSP, and total volatile organic compounds, TVOC) are evaluated. Compared in a pairwise manner with respect to the minimum satisfaction levels as stated in the IAQ Certification Scheme by the Hong Kong Environmental Protection Department, the results show that a screening test with more surrogate IAQ parameters is good at identifying both lower and higher risk groups for unsatisfactory IAQ, and thus offers higher resolution. Through the sensitivity and specificity for identifying IAQ problems, the effectiveness of alternative IAQ screening methods with different monitoring parameters is also reported.
Reducing Side-Sweep Accidents with Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communication
Authors: Bulumulle Gamini , Bölöni Ladislau
Published: December 2016

Side-sweep accidents are one of the major causes of loss of life and property damage on highways. This type of accident is caused by a driver initiating a lane change while another vehicle is blocking the road in the target lane. In this article, we are trying to quantify the degree to which different implementations of vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication could reduce the occurrence of such accidents. We present the design of a simulator that takes into account common sources of lack of driver awareness such as blind-spots and lack of attention. Then, we study the impact of both traditional, non-technological communication means such as turning signals as well as unidirectional and bidirectional V2V communications.
Shape Evolution of Hierarchical W18O49 Nanostructures: A Systematic Investigation of the Growth Mechanism, Properties and Morphology-Dependent Photocatalytic Activities
Authors: Hai Guojuan , Huang Jianfeng , Cao Liyun , Jie Yanni , Li Jiayin , Wang Xing
Published: December 2016

Hierarchical tungsten oxide assemblies such as spindle-like structures, flowers with sharp petals, nanowires and regular hexagonal structures are successfully synthesized via a solvothermal reduction method by simply adjusting the reaction conditions. On the basis of the experimental results, it is determined that the reaction time significantly influences the phase transition, microstructure and photocatalytic activity of the prepared samples. The possible mechanisms for the morphology evolution process have been systematically proposed. Moreover, the as-prepared products exhibit significant morphology-dependent photocatalytic activity. The flower-like W18O49 prepared at 6 h possesses a large specific surface area (150.1 m2∙g−1), improved separation efficiency of electron-hole pairs and decreased electron-transfer resistance according to the photoelectrochemical measurements. As a result, the flower-like W18O49 prepared at 6 h exhibits the highest photocatalytic activity for the degradation of Methyl orange aqueous solution. The radical trap experiments showed that the degradation of MO was driven mainly by the participation of h+ and •O2− radicals.
A Critical Assessment of the Resource Depletion Potential of Current and Future Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Peters Jens , Weil Marcel
Published: December 2016

Resource depletion aspects are repeatedly used as an argument for a shift towards new battery technologies. However, whether serious shortages due to the increased demand for traction and stationary batteries can actually be expected is subject to an ongoing discussion. In order to identify the principal drivers of resource depletion for battery production, we assess different lithium-ion battery types and a new lithium-free battery technology (sodium-ion) under this aspect, applying different assessment methodologies. The findings show that very different results are obtained with existing impact assessment methodologies, which hinders clear interpretation. While cobalt, nickel and copper can generally be considered as critical metals, the magnitude of their depletion impacts in comparison with that of other battery materials like lithium, aluminum or manganese differs substantially. A high importance is also found for indirect resource depletion effects caused by the co-extraction of metals from mixed ores. Remarkably, the resource depletion potential per kg of produced battery is driven only partially by the electrode materials and thus depends comparably little on the battery chemistry itself. One of the key drivers for resource depletion seems to be the metals (and co-products) in electronic parts required for the battery management system, a component rather independent from the actual battery chemistry. However, when assessing the batteries on a capacity basis (per kWh storage capacity), a high-energy density also turns out to be relevant, since it reduces the mass of battery required for providing one kWh, and thus the associated resource depletion impacts.
Vision-Based Corrosion Detection Assisted by a Micro-Aerial Vehicle in a Vessel Inspection Application
Authors: Ortiz Alberto , Bonnin-Pascual Francisco , Garcia-Fidalgo Emilio , Company-Corcoles Joan
Published: December 2016

Vessel maintenance requires periodic visual inspection of the hull in order to detect typical defective situations of steel structures such as, among others, coating breakdown and corrosion. These inspections are typically performed by well-trained surveyors at great cost because of the need for providing access means (e.g., scaffolding and/or cherry pickers) that allow the inspector to be at arm’s reach from the structure under inspection. This paper describes a defect detection approach comprising a micro-aerial vehicle which is used to collect images from the surfaces under inspection, particularly focusing on remote areas where the surveyor has no visual access, and a coating breakdown/corrosion detector based on a three-layer feed-forward artificial neural network. As it is discussed in the paper, the success of the inspection process depends not only on the defect detection software but also on a number of assistance functions provided by the control architecture of the aerial platform, whose aim is to improve picture quality. Both aspects of the work are described along the different sections of the paper, as well as the classification performance attained.
Révision des Zorochrus européens (Col. Elateridae)
Authors: Leseigneur Lucien
Published: December 2016

Ce travail comporte une étude basée sur l'examen des types existants de toutes les espèces et variétés européennes du genre Zorochrus Thoms. Elle conduit à une nouvelle nomenclature avec description de deux espèces : Z. boubersi nov. sp. et Z. stibicki nov. sp. Le statut de plusieurs espèces dont les types ont disparu est défini par la désignation de Lectotypes ou Néotypes : Z. angularis Cand., Z. dermestoides Hbst., Z. quadriguttatus (Lap.) Franz 1967. Un tableau de détermination permet de séparer les espèces du genre Zorochrus Thoms., un autre permet la séparation des genres européens de la sous-famille Hypnoidinae. Enfin, l'espèce Hypolithus grouvellei du Buysson est séparée de la sous-famille en question sans que son statut soit, provisoirement, établi de façon précise.
La planaire américaine Dugesia tigrina dans la région lyonnaise : écologie et tolérance thermique
Authors: Russier R , Lascombe Claude
Published: December 2016

Attention is drawn to the occurrence of Dugesia tigrina in two stations in the Lyons district. In one of these, a distinct zonation appears among the Triclads present, D. tigrina , Polycelis nigra and Polycelis felina. This zonation corresponds to different thermal conditions in the water. D. tigrina inhabits the most eurythermal zone. The lethal temperature relations of these animals are found to be in accordance with their distribution in the field.
Les ornementations sporales méconnues de cinq espèces de Discomycètes operculés
Authors: Berthet Paul
Published: December 2016

L'observation attentive des spores, jusqu'ici considérées comme lisses, de 5 espèces de Discomycètes Operculés permet de reconnaître la présence d'une ornementation de la face externe de la paroi sporique. Les spores de Galactinia gerardii (Cooke) Svrcek montrent des ornements non calloso-pectiques ; celles de Galactinia amplissima (Boud.) Svrcek, Galactinia cere a (Sow. ex Mérat) Le Gai, Scutellinia setosa (Nees ex Fr.) Kuntze, Urnula melastoma (Sow.) Boud. possèdent une ornementation de nature calloso-pectique.
Functional trait values, not trait plasticity, drive the invasiveness of Rosa sp. in response to light availability
Authors: Murphy Jennifer E. , Burns Jean H. , Fougère‐Danezan Marie , Drenovsky Rebecca E.
Published: December 2016

PREMISE OF THE STUDY:

Functional trait plasticity in resource capture traits has been suggested as an underlying mechanism promoting invasive species establishment and spread. Earlier studies on this mechanism treat invasiveness as a discrete characteristic (i.e., invasive vs. noninvasive) and do not consider the potential impacts of evolutionary history. In the present study, we used a continuous measure of invasiveness and a phylogenetic framework to quantify the relationship between functional trait expression, plasticity, and invasiveness in Rosa.

METHODS:

In a manipulative greenhouse experiment, we evaluated how light availability affects functional traits and their plasticity in Rosa sp. and the out‐group species, Potentilla recta, which vary in their invasiveness.

KEY RESULTS:

Across functional traits, we found no significant relationship between plasticity and invasiveness. However, more invasive roses demonstrated an ability to produce a more branched plant architecture, promoting optimal light capture. Invasiveness also was linked with lower photosynthetic and stomatal conductance rates, leading to increased water‐use efficiency (WUE) in more invasive roses.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our results suggest that functional trait values, rather than plasticity, promote invasive rose success, counter to earlier predictions about the role of plasticity in invasiveness. Furthermore, our study indicates that invasive roses demonstrate key functional traits, such as increased WUE, to promote their success in the high‐light, edge habitats they commonly invade.
Pediatricians as Psychiatrists
Authors: Traisman Edward S.
Published: December 2016

The overall health of children and teenagers is dependent on their physical and psychological health. As pediatricians, it is important to enquire about the mental health of children and adolescents at the well-child visit. Screening for depression and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is an important component of that visit. Understanding these disorders and the long-term effects on both the child and family as well as managing psychotherapeutic and pharmacological treatments are now becoming a critical part of pediatric care for children and adolescents.

[
Pediatr Ann
. 2016;45(12):e408–e411.]
A forgotten life-threatening medical emergency: myxedema coma
Authors: Pizzolato Elisa , Peano Alberto , Barutta Letizia , Bernardi Emanuele , Maggio Elena , Lorenzati Bartolomeo , Migliore Elena , Allione Attilio , Tartaglino Bruno Maria
Published: December 2016

Nowadays myxedema coma is a rare medical emergency but, sometimes, it still remains a fatal condition even if appropriate therapy is soon administered. Although physical presentation is very non-specific and diversified, physicians should pay attention when patients present with low body temperature and alteration of neurological status; the presence of precipitating events in past medical history can help in making a diagnosis. Here we discuss one such case: an 83-year-old female presented with abdominal pain since few days. Laboratory tests and abdomen computed tomography scan demonstrated alithiasic cholecystitis; she was properly treated but, during the Emergency Department stay she experienced a cardiac arrest. Physicians immediately started advance cardiovascular life support algorithm and she survived. Later on, she was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit where doctors discovered she was affected by severe hypothyroidism. Straightway they started the right therapy but, unfortunately, the patient died in a few hours.
Traumatic events involving elderly patients treated with anticoagulants for atrial fibrillation: the downside of stroke prevention
Authors: Riccardi Alessandro , Minuto Pierangela , Ghinatti Maria , Guiddo Grazia , Calvia Alessandro , Lerza Roberto
Published: December 2016

A group of oral anticoagulant-treated patients affected by permanent atrial fibrillation was evaluated after their access to the emergency room as a result of a traumatic accident. In these patients, the re-evaluation of their risk of thromboembolism and bleeding was performed together with the evaluation of their risk of falling and institutionalization. Results show that the emergency department identifies a cohort of very elderly frail patients, who should be carefully reconsidered for anticoagulant therapy after a traumatic event.
Management of traumatic wounds in the Emergency Department: a secondary publication
Authors: Prevaldi Carolina , Paolillo Ciro , Locatelli Carlo , Ricci Giorgio , Catena Fausto , Ansaloni Luca , Cervellin Gianfranco
Published: December 2016

Traumatic wounds are among the most common problems leading people to the Emergency Department (ED), accounting for approximately 5.4% of all the visits, and up to 24% of all the medical lawsuits. In order to provide a standardized method for wound management in the ED, we have organized a workshop, involving several Italian and European experts. Later, all the discussed statements have been submitted for external validation to a multidisciplinary expert team, based on the so-called Delphi method. Eight main statements have been established, each of them comprising different issues, covering the fields of wound classification, infectious risk stratification, tetanus and rabies prophylaxis, wound cleansing, pain management, and suture. Here we present the results of this work, shared by the Academy of Emergency Medicine and Care and the World Society of Emergency Surgery.
A systematic review of the effect of individualized risk communication strategies on screening uptake and its psychological predictors: the role of psychology theory
Authors: Bould Kathryn , Daly Blanaid , Dunne Stephen , Scott Suzanne , Asimakopoulou Koula
Published: December 2016

People might be more likely to attend for health screening if they are told their individual risk of an illness. The way this risk of ill-health is communicated might have an effect on screening uptake or its psychological proxies. It is possible that the format, presentation, and details of the information as well as the complexity of an intervention and use of psychological theory to inform the intervention may impact the effectiveness of individual risk communication. This systematic review collates, analyses and synthesizes the evidence for effectiveness of these aspects of individual risk communication. The synthesis indicated that written, individualized risk scores or categories are effective at supporting screening uptake and its psychological proxies. Complex, or theory-based interventions, surprisingly, are no more effective than simpler or atheoretical interventions.
The relationship between body fat percentage and body mass index in overweight and obese individuals in an urban african setting
Authors: Akindele Mukadas O. , Phillips Julie S. , Igumbor Ehimario U.
Published: December 2016

The increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity in both developed and developing countries is associated with musculoskeletal and other non-communicable diseases. To address this, an accurate measure of body adiposity, bearing in mind several shortcomings of body mass index (BMI), should be used. This study determined the relationship between BMI and body fat (BF)% among adult Nigerians of different ethnic groups residing in an urban setting. Using multistage cluster sampling technique were recruited 1571 subjects (>18 years; male=51.2%) in a cross-sectional study. Body adiposity indices were assessed using BMI and BF%. Using BF%, the result shows that a total number of 156 (9.9%) had low BF% while 291 (18.5%) had very high BF%, while the BMI classifications of body adiposity, 68 (4.3%) were underweight while 271 (17.3%) were obese. There was a strong and positive statistical relationship between BF% and BMI when both were paired without controlling for gender and age (r=0.81, P<0.01). The results show that there is a strong positive association between BMI and BF%, and age and sex are predictors of this association.
User's guide on the classification of geospatial information policy instruments
Authors:   GeoConnections,   Hickling Arthurs Low Corporation
Published: December 2016

Preamble
This guide is one in a series of Operational Policy documents being developed by GeoConnections. This guide is intended to assist Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure (CGDI ) stakeholders that work with geospatial data and produce and/or use policy instruments that impact activities related to
geospatial data. The c l s s i i a t n framework described in this document is to be used in conjunction with a proper cataloguing system that will allow the inventorying and searching of policy instruments.
15 cm long impacted chewing wood stick in stomach: Endoscopic removal
Authors: Sultania Surender , Nitar Vidhyadhar Singh , Nijhawan Sandeep , Gupta Gaurav
Published: December 2016

We report a case of long rigid radiolucent foreign body “chewing wood stick (datun)” impacted in the stomach of a 50-year-old man. He was literate, without any history of psychiatric illness and had been using “datun” to clean his teeth for last 15 years. He presented with a history of accidental ingestion of “datun” 3 months back, it was found impacted in the stomach on percutaneous ultrasonography and was removed with endoscopy using rat tooth forceps and snare.
Spontaneous intra-gastric rupture of walled-off pancreatic necrosis: Endoscopic ultrasound features
Authors: Rana Surinder Singh , Sharma Vishal , Prasad K. V. Raghavendra , Sharma Ravi , Chhabra Puneet , Gunjan Deepak , Gupta Rajesh , Bhasin Deepak Kumar
Published: December 2016

Walled-off necrosis (WON) is a delayed local complication of acute pancreatitis. It is usually associated with acute necrotizing pancreatitis. It requires drainage if it is infected, associated with gastric or biliary obstruction or is painful. Asymptomatic WON are usually managed conservatively. Occasionally, WON may spontaneously fistulize into gastrointestinal lumen or may rupture into the peritoneum. We describe the endoscopic demonstration of a case of spontaneous rupture of WON into the stomach and its subsequent uncomplicated resolution. Spontaneous rupture of WON into gastrointestinal tract with uncomplicated resolution is a rare event.