bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Applying the context, input, process, product evaluation model for evaluation, research, and redesign of an online master’s program
Authors: Sancar Tokmak Hatice , Baturay H. Meltem , Fadde Peter
Published: November 2016

This study aimed to evaluate and redesign an online master’s degree program consisting of 12 courses from the informatics field using a context, input, process, product (CIPP) evaluation model. Research conducted during the redesign of the online program followed a mixed methodology in which data was collected through a CIPP survey, focus-group interview, and open-ended questionnaire. An initial CIPP survey sent to students, which had a response rate of approximately 60%, indicated that the Fuzzy Logic course did not fully meet the needs of students. Based on these findings, the program managers decided to improve this course, and a focus group was organized with the students of the Fuzzy Logic course in order to obtain more information to help in redesigning the course. Accordingly, the course was redesigned to include more examples and visuals, including videos; student-instructor interaction was increased through face-to-face meetings; and extra meetings were arranged before exams so that additional examples could be presented for problem-solving to satisfy students about assessment procedures. Lastly, the modifications to the Fuzzy Logic course were implemented, and the students in the course were sent an open-ended form asking them what they thought about the modifications. The results indicated that most students were pleased with the new version of the course.
Template-Based Model for Mongolian-Chinese Machine Translation
Authors: Wu Jing ,   College of Computer Science, Inner Mongolia University, Hou Hongxu , Bao Feilong , Jiang Yupeng
Published: November 2016

Mongolian and Chinese statistical machine translation (SMT) system has its limitation because of the complex Mongolian morphology, scarce resource of parallel corpus and the significant syntax differences. To address these problems, we propose a template-based machine translation (TBMT) system and combine it with the SMT system to achieve a better translation performance. The TBMT model we proposed includes a template extraction model and a template translation model. In the template extraction model, we present a novel method of aligning and abstracting static words from bilingual parallel corpus to extract templates automatically. In the template translation model, our specially designed method of filtering out the low quality matches can enhance the translation performance. Moreover, we apply lemmatization and Latinization to address data sparsity and do the fuzzy match. Experimentally, the coverage of TBMT system is over 50%. The combined SMT system translates all the other uncovered source sentences. The TBMT system outperforms the baselines of phrase-based and hierarchical phrase-based SMT systems for +3.08 and +1.40 BLEU points. The combined system of TBMT and SMT systems also performs better than the baselines of +2.49 and +0.81 BLEU points.
Visualization of Learning Process in “State and Action” Space Using Self-Organizing Maps
Authors: Notsu Akira ,   Osaka Prefecture University, Hattori Yuichi , Ubukata Seiki , Honda Katsuhiro ,   IT Platform Service Division, Nomura Research Institute, Ltd.
Published: November 2016

In reinforcement learning, agents can learn appropriate actions for each situation based on the consequences of these actions after interacting with the environment. Reinforcement learning is compatible with self-organizing maps that accomplish unsupervised learning by reacting to impulses and strengthening neurons. Therefore, numerous studies have investigated the topic of reinforcement learning in which agents learn the state space using self-organizing maps. In this study, while we intended to apply these previous studies to transfer the learning and visualization of the human learning process, we introduced self-organizing maps into reinforcement learning and attempted to make their “state and action” learning process visible. We performed numerical experiments with the 2D goal-search problem; our model visualized the learning process of the agent.
Mining Time-Interval Sequential Patterns with High Utility from Transaction Databases
Authors: Wang Wen-Yen ,   Department of Information Engineering, Kun Shan University, Huang Anna Y.-Q. ,   Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering, National Central University
Published: November 2016

The purpose of time-interval sequential pattern mining is to help superstore business managers promote product sales. Sequential pattern mining discovers the time interval patterns for items: for example, if most customers purchase product item A, and then buy items B and C after r to s and t to u days respectively, the time interval between r to s and t to u days can be provided to business managers to facilitate informed marketing decisions. We treat these time intervals as patterns to be mined, to predict the purchasing time intervals between A and B, as well as B and C. Nevertheless, little work considers the significance of product items while mining these time-interval sequential patterns. This work extends previous work and retains high-utility time interval patterns during pattern mining. This type of mining is meant to more closely reflect actual business practice. Experimental results show the differences between three mining approaches when jointly considering item utility and time intervals for purchased items. In addition to yielding more accurate patterns than the other two methods, the proposed UTMining_A method shortens execution times by delaying join processing and removing unnecessary records.
Solubility and Inhibition Efficiency of Phosphonate Scale Inhibitor_Calcium_Magnesium Complexes for Application in a Precipitation-Squeeze Treatment
Authors: Valiakhmetova A.. , Sorbie K. S. , Boak L. S. , Shaw S. S.
Published: November 2016

Scale-inhibitor (SI) squeeze treatments are applied extensively for controlling scale formation during oil and gas production. The current research involves phosphonate/metal precipitate studies in the context of precipitation-squeeze treatments. The main focus here is on the precipitation and solubility behavior of the SI_calcium (Ca)_magnesium (Mg) complexes of HEDP (a diphosphonate), DETPMP (a pentaphosphonate), and OMTHP (a hexaphosphonate); these mixed phosphonate/divalent precipitates are denoted as SI_Can1_Mgn2, where n1 and n2 are the stoichiometric ratios of Ca and Mg to SI, respectively.

Precipitation experiments with SI_Can1_Mgn2 species were carried out over a temperature range of 20 to 95°C, while varying the Mg/Ca molar ratio over a wide range from all Ca to all Mg. These precipitates were formed in MgCl2·6H2O/CaCl2·6H2O brine solutions with appropriate molar ratios of metals, then separated from the supernatant by filtration. Subsequently, the solubility of the collected precipitate was found in a solution of the same Mg/Ca molar composition from which it was prepared. In this type of experiment, the solubility of the SI_Can1_Mgn2 precipitate without any respeciation is determined. In addition, another type of solubility experiment was carried out for a precipitate formed in a brine with one fixed Mg/Ca ratio; this was subsequently placed into a solution with different Mg/Ca compositions (from all Ca to all Mg). In these experiments, respeciation of the precipitate may occur.

We have been able to establish the solubility (Cs) of the precipitates of three SIs (HEDP, OMTHP, and DETPMP) as a function of both temperature and Mg/Ca molar ratio. It has been shown that the solubility of precipitate is in equilibrium with Mg and Ca concentrations in solution, and any change of these parameters leads to solubility variation. All phosphonate/metal precipitates become less soluble with increasing temperature and much more soluble with an increasing proportion of Mg. We have found that any change in Mg/Ca ratio of brine does lead to a redistribution of Ca, Mg, and SI concentrations in a given precipitate and bulk solution, and, hence, leads to some variation in the precipitate solubility.

Additionally, the inhibition efficiency (IE) of precipitated and then redissolved HEDP, OMTHP, and DETPMP SIs was tested and compared with the IE of industrial stock products. We show that, unlike polymeric SI precipitates, the inhibition activity of phosphonate SIs does not depend significantly on the precipitation process, and the IE of precipitated and redissolved SI_Ca and SI_Ca_Mg complexes is very close to that of the industrial stock solutions. These results can be used directly for modeling phosphonate precipitation-squeeze treatments, and the significance of these results for field applications is explained.
Land use planning of paddy field using geographic information system and land evaluation in West Lombok, Indonesia
Authors: Widiatmaka Widiatmaka , Ambarwulan Wiwin Ambarwulan , Tambunan Rudi P , Nugroho Yusanto A , Suprajaka Suprajaka , Nurwadjedi Nurwadjedi , Santoso Paulus B.K.
Published: November 2016

Planning analysis to increase rice production either through intensiḀcation of existing paddy Ḁeld area or ex-tensiḀcation in potential land area was conducted in West Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia. Existing paddy Ḁeld was delineated using high-resolution data from IKONOS imagery of 2012. Land use and land cover outside existing paddy Ḁeld were interpreted using SPOT-5 imagery of 2012. ἀe Automated Land Evaluation System (ALES) was used for land suitability analysis for paddy. ἀe results are interpreted in terms of the potential of paddy Ḁeld intensiḀcation in existing paddy Ḁeld area and the potential of extensiḀcation in land potentially used for paddy Ḁeld. ἀe result of analysis showed that in West Lombok Regency, there are still possible to do intensiḀcation and extensiḀca-tion of paddy Ḁeld to increase rice production in order to improve regional food security.
Determination of Coastal Belt in the Disaster Prone Area: A case study in the Coastal area of Bantul Regency, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Authors: Widianto Arief , Damen Michiel
Published: November 2016

Mitigation strategy development is needed for protecting coastal communities and preserving coastal resourc-es from the impact of coastal hazards. It is believed that coastal land use planning can be proposed to reduce impact of coastal hazards. ἀe coastal belt boundary development is one of the mitigation approach which is common use in many countries as an inexpensive solution compared to hard structure development. Our study was located in the coastal area of Bantul regency, a low lying coastal area and densely populated region, where some clustered people lives proximity to the sea. In this study, a new method for determining coastal belt boundary was developed in the study area. ἀe Spatial Multi Criteria Evaluation (SMCE) tool of Ilwis plays as powerful tool for assessing coastal vulnerability in term of multi-hazard events. To calculate the width of the coastal belt boundary, the Ilwis-SMCE outcomes were employed. By apply-ing this method, there were three scenarios of the setbacks wide for both direct and pairwise method to be proposed. In general, the coastal area of Bantul Regency is dominated by high vulnerable area respectively impacted by multi-hazard events (tsunami, high wave and erosion-accretion), by incorporating some coastal features, such as topography, bio-physics, economic, and social-culture. ἀe results of the analysis are consistent with what was observed in the actual areas. Taken into account for hazard and vulnerability indices, the coastal belt boundary established in this area should wider than those already determined by existing regulations.
Socio-Economic Factors Assessment Affecting the Adoption of Soil Conservation Technologies on Rwenzori Mountain
Authors: Muhamud Nabalegwa Wambede
Published: November 2016

This study analysed the role of socio-economic factors in influencing farmers’ adoption to soil conservation technologies in Bugoye Sub-county, Rwenzori Mountain. A cross sectional household survey design was used in this study, using systematic sampling to obtain 150 household samples. Qualitative analysis and chi-square tests were used to analyze these data. Results indicated that only 54% of the sampled households have adopted soil conservation, and revealed that eight of the nine factors significantly influenced farmers’ adoption, which are slope, farm size, farm distance from home, education level, family income, training, membership to NGOs, and credit accessibility. Only family size was insignificant. Other constraints are labour demands, cost of conservation work, land fragmentation, crop pests, and the limited agricultural extension services. It is recommended to perform training for farmers on designing soil conservation structures. Policies for empowering farmers with extra income are crucial to increase the adoption of soil conservation efforts.
Natural Resources Investment of Oil and Gas and Regional Development Impact on Community Empowerment
Authors: Baik Ridwan Nyak
Published: November 2016

This study was done in Bekasi district, at West Java, Indonesia, with the aims to analyze the management of upstream activities (exploration and production) of oil and gas industry and its impact on improving the quality of infrastructure, the equal benefits proportion for the corporation, local government and society, and CSR programs that would affect the community empowerment. The analysis would be calculated based on the per capita income, the number of medical personals, and the number of teachers. Based on that calculation, this study analyzed the impact of oil and gas activities to the regional development of the area under this study. Analysis of regional development was calculated through number of industry in the area, the economic growth, and local government revenue that affects community empowerment in Bekasi.Analyzed by structural equation modeling (SEM), the results showed that: (1) management of upstream oil and gas activities in this area have a positive influence, but no significant effect on community empowerment; (2) management of upstream oil and gas activities have a significant positive impact on regional development; (3) regional development has a significant positive impact on community empowerment; (4) management of upstream oil and gas activities have a greater positive influence towards community empowerment through regional development, because of the multiplier effect of the development of the region.
The Dynamics of Spatial Structure and Spatial Pattern Changes at the Fringe Area of Makassar City
Authors: Surya Batara
Published: November 2016

The study is conducted at the fringe area of Makassar City by analyzing dynamics of spatial structure and spatial pattern changes at the fringe area of Makassar City. It applies quantitative and qualitative approaches (mixed method). Data is acquired from some sources and informants living at the fringe area of Makassar City. Spatial utilization shift and development of transport infrastructure, especially for main road corridor connecting down town of Makassar City and fringe area, affect significantly spatial structure and spatial pattern changes at the fringe area of  Makassar City. Dynamics of spatial structure and spatial pattern changes contributes changes of resident mobility; while, development tendency of the existing spatial and land use is no longer determined based on productivity, but it is valued by functions of space and land at the fringe are of Makassar City.
PERAN PEMUDA DALAM MENGELOLA KAWASAN EKOWISATA DAN IMPLIKASINYA TERHADAP KETAHANAN MASYARAKAT DESA (Studi tentang Pemuda Pengelola Desa Wisata Kandri, Kecamatan Gunungpati, Kota Semarang, Provinsi Jawa Tengah)
Authors: Haryati Sri -
Published: November 2016

Pengaruh arus globalisasi telah memberikan dampak terhadap pemuda masa kini. Nilai-nilai sosial yang menjadi sosok pemuda telah tergerus dengan adanya modernisasi. Realita yang sama juga terjadi di sebuah Desa Wisata Kandri yang berada di Kelurahan Kandri, Kecamatan Gunungpati, Kota Semarang. Pemuda yang berjumlah sekitar 900-an hanya 16 pemuda yang ikut serta mengelola kawasan ekowisata. Tujuan penelitian yaitu untuk mengetahui peran pemuda dalam pengelolaan kawasan ekowisata, dan mengkaji implikasi pengelolaan kawasan ekowisata terhadap ketahanan masyarakat desa. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kualitatif dengan pemaparan secara deskriptif. Pendekatan penelitian yang digunakan yaitu studi pada suatu permasalahan yang terjadi di masyarakat. Pengumpulan data dengan menggunakan observasi, wawancara mendalam, dan studi dokumentasi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan, pemuda pengelola berperan dalam mengelola kawasan ekowisata di Desa Wisata Kandri hanya pada indikator ekowisata yaitu perjalanan menuju kawasan alamiah. Bentuk peran tersebut berupa program kegiatan wisata edukasi yang meliputi Wisata Nyawah, Wisata Outbond, Wisata Goa Kreo, dan Wisata River Tubing. Peran pemuda pada pengelolaan masyarakat secara keseluruhan terutama pemuda di kawasan ekowisata belum berjalan secara maksimal. Pengelolaan kawasan ekowisata ini berimplikasi terhadap ketahanan masyarakat desa, akan tetapi belum mampu berjalan secara maksimal. Pengaruh yang dihasilkan berupa pengaruh positif dan negatif. Pengaruh positif pada ketahanan masyarakat desa yaitu penguatan modal sosial dan ketaatan hukum dalam diri warga, kemampuan memperbaharui dan memelihara kawasan ekowisata, serta kemandirian warga. Pengaruh negatif yang ditimbulkan yaitu menurunnya kemampuan pemuda RW III dalam memilih nilai-nilai sosial budaya dan kelembagaan sosial. Oleh karenanya, peran pemuda pengelola harus ditingkatkan untuk menjaga kelestarian lingkungan sehingga keberlangsungan ekowisata tetap terjaga.
PERAN KELOMPOK BATIK TULIS GIRILOYO DALAM MENDUKUNG KETAHANAN EKONOMI KELUARGA (Studi Di Dusun Giriloyo, Desa Wukirsari, Kecamatan Imogiri, Kabupaten Bantul, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta)
Authors: Nursaid Arif
Published: November 2016

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui aktivitas dan produktivitas kelompok batik tulis Sekar Arum di Dusun Giriloyo, peran kelompok batik tulis  Sekar Arum dalam memberikan kontribusi pada ketahanan ekonomi keluarga di Dusun Giriloyo, Desa Wukirsari, Kecamatan Imogiri, Kabupaten Bantul, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta, serta kendala-kendala dan upaya yang ada di lapangan.Penelitian ini bersifat Mixed Methods Research. Mixed Methods Research pada tahap pertama menggunakan penelitian kualitatif dengan menggunakan wawancara secara terstruktur, observasi dan studi pustaka yang selanjutnya diproses menggunakan uji kuantitatif. Uji kuantitatif pada penelitian ini menggunakan uji koefisien determinasi, uji t, dan uji analisis regresi linear berganda. Data yang digunakan yaitu data primer. Data primer dalam penelitian ini diperoleh dari hasil wawancara mendalam dan menyebar kuesioner. Penelitian ini menggunakan beberapa indikator dalam mengukur ketahanan ekonomi keluarga. Indikator yang digunakan yaitu berasal dari Badan Pusat Statistik, Bank Dunia, Standar UMK, Peraturan Bupati No 21 A Tahun 2007 tentang Indikator Kemiskinan Kabupaten Bantul.Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa keluarga kelompok Sekar Arum tidak terklasifikasi dalam keluarga miskin. Keluarga anggota kelompok Sekar Arum memiliki ketahanan ekonomi keluarga yang tangguh. Kendala yang dihadapi berupa sistem marketing produk batik tulis yang belum optimal, sistem laporan keuangan yang kurang profesional, aksesibilitas yang kurang mendukung, ketersediaan jaringan komunikasi yang sangat minim, dan kurangnya kesadaran dan ketertarikan generasi muda untuk membatik. Rekomendasi berupa pengoptimalan marketing berbagai produk batik tulis Giriloyo, pendampingan pembuatan sistem laporan keuangan, menjalin komunikasi dengan berbagai pihak untuk perbaikan aksesibilitas, menjalin komunikasi intens dengan provider dan pemerintah kabupaten, dan bekerjasama dengan pemerintah untuk pendidikan dan proses regenerasi.
Clinical significance of beta-2-microglobulin, enzymes, cytokines in serum and urine in patients with chronic renal allograft dysfunction
Authors: Trailin A. , Pleten M. , Nikonenko A. , Ostapenko T. , Yefimenko N.
Published: November 2016

The most investigations of the biomarkers of renal allograft dysfunction (RAD) are limited by early post-operational period and are aimed at diagnosis of acute rejection of renal transplant. This work has aimed to establish additional characteristics of chronic RAD by using non-invasive biomarkers of the blood serum and urine.Materials and methods. 79 patients aged 16 to 59 years (47 men and 32 women) took part in our retrospective study. The alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamil transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG); interleukins (IL-2, IL-8, IL-10) and beta-2-microglobulin were evaluated.Results. Increased IL-10 and β2-MG serum concentration, and increased urinary concentration and activity of β2-MG, IL-2, IL-8, NAG, AP, AST, GGT were typical for chronic RAD. Only NAG was independently significantly associated with chronic RAD in multivariate regression. From the area under ROC-curves were derived, that β2-MG level in serum and urine, and the activity of NAG in urine had the excellent and good power to classify patients with satisfactory function and chronic RAD.Conclusions. The increase of β2-MG in serum and urine may indicate glomerular and tubular dysfunction, respectively. An increase of urinary NAG indicates the ongoing damage of the tubules. The increase of IL-2 and IL-8 in the urine and IL-10 in serum may indicate the etiology of chronic RAD.
Brain tumor stem cells: phenotypic characterization and directed therapeutic approaches
Authors: Belska L. , Lisyany M.
Published: November 2016

The review presents the current conceptions of the origin, methods of isolation and phenotypic characterization of the brain tumor stem cells. Phenotypic similarity in molecular markers between cancer and neural stem cells is shown. Therapeutic approaches of impact on the brain tumor stem cells and on the intracellular signaling pathways of cancer stem cells are described.
Effects of Warton’s jelly humans mesenchymal stem cells transfected with plasmid containing IL-10 gene to the behavioral response in rats with experimental allergic encephalomyelitis
Authors: Tsymbaliuk V. , Velychko O. , Pichkur O. , Verbovska S. , Shuvalova N. , Toporova O. , Deryabina O. , Pichkur L.
Published: November 2016

On the model of experimental analogue of human multiple sclerosis we studied the effects of the mesenchymal stem cells transfected with plasmid vector containing gene IL-10 (MSCs-T) on the functional state of the CNS in rats.Materials and methods. The experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EАЕ) was induced with spinal cord homogenate of rats with complete Freund’s adjuvant. The mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were isolated by the explants technique from Wharton’s jelly of the human umbilical cord and culture up to two passages. Then the MSCs of second passage were transfected of plasmid vector with gene IL-10 and marker gene of green fluorescent protein. Cell transplantation was performed suboccipitally on the 17th day at a dose of 1 million cells in 100 µl of saline per animal.Results. In the open field test we have established that the use of MSCs-T transfected with gene IL-10 suppressed the vertical locomotor activity and elevated the emotional activity as well as partially corrects horizontal locomotor activity indexes which approach the indexes of intact animals.Conclusions. The use of MSCs transfected with plasmid vector with gene IL-10 in the rats with induced EAE is more effective method than treatment using non-transfected MSCs. Combined treatment with IL-10 + MSCs in ЕАЕ rats is more effective than treatment with transfected МSCs.
Fetal microchimerism and prenatal diagnostic of genetic disorders
Authors: Lutsenko T.
Published: November 2016

It is often require an invasive diagnosis based on karyotyping of cells from amniotic fluid, chorionic villi and cord blood in case of the fetus pathologies during pregnancy. The performance of these procedures has a risk of pregnancy complications or procedure-induced miscarriage. Therefore the investigators have nowadays been developing several approaches which would be capable to replace invasive diagnosis by alternative and safe non-invasive methods for detection of possible pregnancy pathology. Fetal microchimerism phenomenon and reliable strategies of fetal cells enrichment during early embryogenesis are reviewed. Fetal cells circulating in the peripheral blood of pregnant women has been described as a potential source of fetus genetic material in non-invasive prenatal diagnosis for chromosomal aberrations.
Structural-functional organisation of the bone marrow hematopoietic stem cells niches
Authors: Nikolskaya E. , Butenko G.
Published: November 2016

This article focuses on (1) the analysis of the structural-functional organization of bone marrow niches of the hematopoietic stem cells, (2) the role of the intercellular contact interactions and humoral regulation factors in these niches, in particular CXCL12, SCF and TGFβ, and (3) the intracellular signal pathways: Notch, Wnt and Shh. The two types of niches, switching from one into another: endosteal niches located on the endost surface at the borderline with bone marrow cavity and the vascular niches included into bone marrow parenchyma. It is emphasized that the main role in the formation of the niches of both types is ascribed to the multipotent stromal cells, which serve as a base for differentiation of the osteoblasts, spindle-shaped N-cadherin+CD45– osteoblasts (SNO-cells), nestin-expressing cells (Nes+ cells), cells with leptin receptor (Lepr+ cells), abundant producing CXCL12 reticular cells (CAR-cells) and NG2-pericytes. The endothelial cells are no less important. Also, the adipocytes, osteoclasts, macrophages and megakaryocytes, regulatory T-cells and neuronal cells are involved in the niche functioning. It is postulated that osteoblasts and CAR-cells play a crucial role in the genesis of immune system cells: common lymphoid precursors, B-lymphocytes, natural killer and dendritic cells.
PPARδ Is Required for Exercise to Attenuate Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Endothelial Dysfunction in Diabetic Mice
Authors: Cheang Wai San , Wong Wing Tak , Zhao Lei , Xu Jian , Wang Li , Lau Chi Wai , Chen Zhen Yu , Ma Ronald Ching Wan , Xu Aimin , Wang Nanping , Tian Xiao Yu , Huang Yu
Published: November 2016

Physical activity has profound benefits on health, especially on cardiometabolic wellness. Experiments in rodents with trained exercise have shown that exercise improves vascular function and reduces vascular inflammation by modulating the balance between nitric oxide (NO) and oxidative stress. However, the upstream regulator of exercise-induced vascular benefits is unclear. We aimed to investigate the involvement of peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor δ (PPARδ) in exercise-induced vascular functional improvement. We show that PPARδ is a crucial mediator for exercise to exert a beneficial effect on the vascular endothelium in diabetic mice. In db/db mice and high-fat diet–induced obese mice, 4 weeks of treadmill exercise restored endothelium-dependent vasodilation of aortas and flow-mediated vasodilation in mesenteric resistance arteries, whereas genetic ablation of Ppard abolished such improvements. Exercise induces AMPK activation and subsequent PPARδ activation, which help to reduce endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and oxidative stress, thus increasing NO bioavailability in endothelial cells and vascular tissues. Chemical chaperones 4-phenylbutyric acid and tauroursodeoxycholic acid decrease ER stress and protect against endothelial dysfunction in diabetic mice. The results demonstrate that PPARδ-mediated inhibition of ER stress contributes to the vascular benefits of exercise and provides potentially effective targets for treating diabetic vasculopathy.
Factors influencing the spread of pertussis in households: a prospective study, Catalonia and Navarre, Spain, 2012 to 2013
Authors: Godoy Pere , García-Cenoz Manuel , Toledo Diana , Carmona Glòria , Caylà Joan A , Alsedà Miquel , Àlvarez Josep , Barrabeig Irene , Camps Neus , Plans Pere , Company María , Castilla Jesús , Sala-Farré Maria-Rosa , Muñoz-Almagro Carmen , Rius Cristina , Domínguez Àngela ,   for the Transmission of Pertussis in Households Working Group
Published: November 2016

We aimed to investigate transmission rates of pertussis in household contacts of cases and factors associated with transmission. A prospective epidemiological study was conducted in 2012 and 2013 to determine the incidence of pertussis among household contacts of reported cases in Catalonia and Navarre, Spain. An epidemiological survey was completed for each case and contact, who were followed for 28 days to determine the source of infection (primary case) and detect the occurrence of secondary cases. Odds ratios (ORs) were used to estimate the effectiveness of vaccination and chemoprophylaxis in preventing new cases, using the formula (1 − OR) × 100. For the 688 primary cases, a total of 2,852 contacts were recorded. The household transmission rate was 16.1% (459/2,852) and rose according to the age (> 18 years) and lack of immunisation of the primary cases, and also the age (0–18 years), family relationship (siblings and children), lack of vaccination and chemoprophylaxis of contacts. Pertussis vaccine effectiveness in preventing new cases was 65.0% (95% confidence interval (CI): 11.6 to 86.2) for full vaccination (≥ 4 doses) and 59.7% (95% CI: −6.8 to 84.8) for incomplete vaccination (< 4 doses). The effectiveness of chemoprophylaxis was 62.1% (95% CI: 40.3 to 75.9). To reduce household transmission, contacts should be investigated to detect further cases and to administer chemoprophylaxis. The current vaccination status of cases and contacts can reduce household transmission.
Practices in Using and Handling Household Cleaning Products in Egypt
Authors: Abdelgalil Mona Sharaf
Published: November 2016

The objective of this study is to investigate woman's practices and perceptions of using and handling of household cleaning products using qualitative and ergonomics methodology developed to reveal skills in daily life activities. A checklist and an open ended questionnaire were used in which the participants were observed and asked about the frequency of performing cleaning tasks, average monthly consumption of detergent, strategies employed for mixing products, various habits employed in cleaning, storage practices, strategies for personal protection and sharing the cleaning activities with family members. A non-probability sample of 228 volunteers, who were housewives, both employed and non-employed, with different levels of education were recruited for this study. Data were analyzed using SPSS software program. Results showed that children also contributed in domestic chores exposing themselves to chemicals. Women stated that they mixed different detergents together and over-consumed detergents. Contrasting results between the employed and non-employed women were found to be the duration of cleaning, the quantity of consumed laundry detergent and the measures of precautions and safety. The participants were consistently exposed to chemical detergents and minimal precautionary measures were taken. Cleanliness and hygiene have strong cultural values to women who prioritized those values over excessive exposure to chemicals.
Flotation Selectivity of Novel Alkyl Dicarboxylate Reagents for Calcite-Fluorite Separation
Authors: Karlkvist Tommy , Patra Anuttam , Bordes Romain , Holmberg Krister , Rao Kota Hanumantha
Published: November 2016

A series of amino acid-based surfactants with a fixed alkyl chain length and with two carboxyl groups separated by a spacer of one, two or three carbon atoms have been synthesized and evaluated as potential collectors for flotation of calcite and fluorite. A monocarboxylate amino acid-based surfactant having the same length of the hydrocarbon tail was also included for comparison in the study. Experiments using a Hallimond flotation tube showed that although the flotation reagents solely differ in terms of spacer, their efficacy in terms of flotation recovery varied very much. Whereas on calcite at pH 10.5 only the monocarboxylate collector gave a high yield, on fluorite at the same pH both the monocarboxylate and the dicarboxylate collectors with one carbon between the carboxyl groups gave good results. On calcite at the natural pH the monocarboxylate collector was most efficient but the dicarboxylate collectors with a two- and a three-carbon spacer also gave a reasonable recovery. On fluorite at the natural pH the dicarboxylate collectors with a two- and a three-carbon spacer were most efficient. The ζ-potential and the flotation recovery of the mineral particles as a function of added collector were assessed and the adsorption was also monitored by diffuse reflectance infra-red spectroscopy. Taken together, the results showed that small changes in the head group region of the collector can radically affect flotation recovery. This type of knowledge is important to understand flotation selectivity in a mixture of similar minerals.
Laser Welding Process in PP Molding Parts: Evaluation of Seam Performance
Authors: Oliveira N. , Pontes A. J.
Published: November 2016

New welding technologies have been implemented in the polymer processing industry in the past few years. Additionally, the most used polymer in complex products is polypropylene. This material can also be mixed with several additives, namely glass fiber, carbon nanotubes, etc. This compatibility with different additives allows products with characteristics that range from impact absorption to electrical conductivity. When it is necessary to join components in PP, they can be welded by hot plate, ultrasonic or laser welding. The present research aims at studying the influence of variables capable of influencing the final quality of the seam, namely those related to injection molding, such as mold temperature and cooling time, laser welding variables and materials, and how laser welding interacts with PP. The results showed that the most influential variables were mold temperature, laser velocity and laser diameter. The seams were analyzed using optical microscopy. They showed perfect contact between the components, despite the high standard variation present in the mechanical tests.
Polymer Bioprocessing to Fabricate 3D Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering
Authors: Guarino V. , D’Albore M. , Altobelli R. , Ambrosio L.
Published: November 2016

Traditional methods for polymer processing involve the use of hazardous organic solvents which may compromise the biological function of scaffolds in tissue engineering. Indeed, the toxic effect of them on biological microenvironment has a tremendous impact on cell fate so altering the main activities involved in in vitro tissue formation. To date, extensive researches focus on seeking newer methods for bio-safely processing polymeric biomaterials to be implanted in the human body. Here, we aim at over viewing two approaches based on solvent free or green solvent based processes in order to identify alternative solutions to fabricate bio-inspired scaffolds to be successfully used in regenerative and degenerative medicine.
Development of an Immiscible Polymer/Polymer/Nanoparticle System to Assess the Location of Nanoparticles by Quantitative Optical Microscopy
Authors: Johansen L. H. B. , Canto L. B. , Canevarolo S. V.
Published: November 2016

The thermo-optical behavior of immiscible PS/PC blends filled with silica nanoparticles was studied in order to get some information upon the location of nanoparticles in the polymer blend phases and interface using optical microscopy. The systems were designed taking into account rheological and optical requirements, having droplet-matrix morphology, with particle size in the range of the visible light wavelength. The melt blending procedure helped to set the nanoparticles at specific locations including within the PC minor phase, PS matrix phase and PS/PC interphase, which was confirmed via transmission electron microscopy. The light scattering was measured via the normalized transmitted light intensity over temperature, encompassing the Tg of the two polymers. The PS/PC blends showed an increase in the light scattering as compared to the pure polymers, which is magnified upon increasing the PC content. The addition of the nanosilica forming PS/PC/Nanosilica systems greatly reduces the light scattering, particularly above the Tg of the PS phase. The use of hydrophilic nanosilica does not show any appreciable hysteresis upon comparing data from heating and cooling cycles. This type of silica stays mainly trapped within the PC dispersed phase, little interfering with the light scattering, which happens at the polymer-polymer interface. On the other hand, the use of hydrophobic nanosilica does show a clear hysteresis. The hydrophobic silica located at the PS/PC interphase, interfere with the light scattering intensity at this interface, and can be used to identify its presence. The proposed procedure can help control the mixing process, thus improving the effective action of the nanoparticles in the final properties of polymer systems.
Crystallinity-Based Product Design: Utilizing the Polymorphism of Isotactic PP Homo- and Copolymers
Authors: Gahleitner M. , Mileva D. , Androsch R. , Gloger D. , Tranchida D. , Sandholzer M. , Doshev P.
Published: November 2016

The polymorphism of isotactic polypropylene (iPP) in combination with the strong response of this polymer to nucleation can be utilized for expanding the application range of this versatile polymer. Based on three “case studies” related to β-iPP pressure pipes, ethylene-propylene (EP) random copolymers for thin-wall injection molding and transparency and sterilization resistance of cast films we demonstrate ways of combining polymer composition, nucleation and process settings to achieve the desired application performance. The importance of considering interactions between polymer design, nucleation and processing parameters for designing application properties is highlighted.
The Three-Phase Structure of Random Butene-1/Ethylene Copolymers
Authors: Di Lorenzo M. L. , Androsch R. , Stolte I. , Righetti M. C.
Published: November 2016

The three-phase arrangement of random copolymers of butene-1 with ethylene was investigated and compared with isotactic poly(butene-1) homopolymer (iPB-1). In all the analyzed compositions, isothermal crystallization leads to a three-phase structure, made of one crystal phase and two amorphous fractions that differ in mobility: the mobile amorphous fraction (MAF), made of the polymer chains that relax at the glass transition, and a rigid amorphous fraction (RAF) made of the amorphous segments coupled with the crystal phase. Copolymerization with ethylene leads to a drop in crystal fraction and to a sizable increase of both the RAF, and of the specific RAF, i.e. of the RAF normalized to crystallinity. Analysis of crystal growth rate allowed quantifying the fold surface free energy, which increases of about 50 to 100% in the copolymers, compared to iPB-1 homopolymer. In the butene-1/ethylene random copolymers, ethylene units are mostly excluded from the crystals and accumulate at the crystal/amorphous interphase, thus affecting the rigid amorphous area. The varied composition and higher mobility of the rigid amorphous fraction of the copolymers affects also the Form II to Form I transformation of poly(butene-1) crystals, which occurs with enhanced kinetics in the copolymers, compared to iPB-1 homopolymer.
Severe cerebral edema following nivolumab treatment for pediatric glioblastoma: case report
Authors: Zhu Xiao , McDowell Michael M. , Newman William C. , Mason Gary E. , Greene Stephanie , Tamber Mandeep S.
Published: November 2016

Nivolumab is an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) currently undergoing Phase III clinical trials for the treatment of glioblastoma. The authors present the case of a 10-year-old girl with glioblastoma treated with nivolumab under compassionate-use guidelines. After the first dose of nivolumab the patient developed hemiparesis, cerebral edema, and significant midline shift due to severe tumor necrosis. She was managed using intravenous dexamethasone and discharged on a dexamethasone taper. The patient's condition rapidly deteriorated after the second dose of nivolumab, demonstrating hemiplegia, seizures, and eventually unresponsiveness with a fixed and dilated left pupil. Computed tomography of her brain revealed malignant cerebral edema requiring emergency decompressive hemicraniectomy. Repeat imaging demonstrated increased size of the lesion, reflecting immune-mediated inflammation and tumor necrosis. The patient remained densely hemiplegic, but became progressively more interactive and was ultimately extubated. She resumed nivolumab several weeks later, but again her condition deteriorated with headache, vomiting, swelling at the craniectomy site, and limited right-sided facial movement following the sixth dose. MRI demonstrated severe midline shift and uncal herniation despite her craniectomy. Her condition gradually declined, and she died several days later under “do not resuscitate/do not intubate” orders. To the authors' knowledge, this represents the first case of malignant cerebral edema requiring operative intervention following nivolumab treatment for glioblastoma in a pediatric patient.
Recut: A Seriation Algorithm Balancing Smooth Display and Aggregated Features
Authors: Qi Ji , Ohsawa Yukio
Published: November 2016

Previous seriation algorithms are confronted with a balance problem. Some approaches provide permutations with perfect wholeness, where matrix rows/columns are associated with increasing or decreasing gradient. However, this smooth permutation may lead to the blurred representation of the data structure, such as clustering structures and detailed structures inside clusters. Some other approaches indicate these structures well by tighter aggregating similar rows/columns, but this aggregation is alway at the cost of losing necessary coherence of the matrix rows/columns. In this paper, we introduce a seriation algorithm that aims at balancing the smoothness of the permutation and the clarity of the matrix structure. The permutation algorithm greedily and recursively replaces high-dissimilar object pairs with low-dissimilar ones, and the optimization algorithm searches the global optimizing solution by applying the simulated annealing algorithm. A comparison study shows both empirical and statistical evidence that Recut can provide more accurate and visually appropriate permutation by considering the balance problem.
Parikh Matrices and Parikh Rewriting Systems
Authors: Teh Wen Chean
Published: November 2016

Since the introduction of the Parikh matrix mapping, its injectivity problem is on top of the list of open problems in this topic. In 2010 Salomaa provided a solution for the ternary alphabet in terms of a Thue system with an additional feature called counter. This paper proposes the notion of a Parikh rewriting system as a generalization and systematization of Salomaa’s result. It will be shown that every Parikh rewriting system induces a Thue system without counters that serves as a feasible solution to the injectivity problem.
Safety and improvement of movement function after stroke with atomoxetine: A pilot randomized trial
Authors: Ward Andrea , Carrico Cheryl , Powell Elizabeth , Westgate Philip M. , Nichols Laurie , Fleischer Anne , Sawaki Lumy
Published: November 2016

Background: Intensive, task-oriented motor training has been associated with neuroplastic reorganization and improved upper extremity movement function after stroke. However, to optimize such training for people with moderate-to-severe movement impairment, pharmacological modulation of neuroplasticity may be needed as an adjuvant intervention.

Objective: Evaluate safety, as well as improvement in movement function, associated with motor training paired with a drug to upregulate neuroplasticity after stroke.

Methods: In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, 12 subjects with chronic stroke received either atomoxetine or placebo paired with motor training. Safety was assessed using vital signs. Upper extremity movement function was assessed using Fugl-Meyer Assessment, Wolf Motor Function Test, and Action Research Arm Test at baseline, post-intervention, and 1-month follow-up.

Results: No significant between-groups differences were found in mean heart rate (95% CI, –12.4–22.6; p = 0.23), mean systolic blood pressure (95% CI, –1.7–29.6; p = 0.21), or mean diastolic blood pressure (95% CI, –10.4–13.3; p = 0.08). A statistically significant between-groups difference on Fugl-Meyer at post-intervention favored the atomoxetine group (95% CI, 1.6–12.7; p = 0.016).

Conclusion: Atomoxetine combined with motor training appears safe and may optimize motor training outcomes after stroke.
Recherches sur Nisotra gemella (Erichson, 1834), l'altise du kenaf (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) en Thaïlande. Sélection trophique du complexe Nisotra/Podagrica (Col. Chrysomelidae Alticinae)
Authors: Jolivet Pierre
Published: November 2016

Nisotra gemella (Erichson, 1834) is an important pest of kenaf (Hibiscus spp.) in Thailand. Food-plant selection of the Podagrica/ Nisotra complex is reviewed. Generally Malvaceae are the normal diet, but some cases of allotrophy are known, even among N. gemella. Cotton can be rarely and slightly attaked in Thailand by some Nisotra, perhaps N. gemella, but the species has not yet the status of pest.

A short study of the life-history of the leaf-beetle is given but chemical control for economical reasons is not advised in Thailand. Biological control, if feasible, would be a better choice. (Department of Agriculture Bangkhen, Bangkok.)
Contribution à l'étude physico-chimique de quelques sources du bassin versant du Gapeau (Var)
Authors: Ollier Joseph
Published: November 2016

L'auteur donne un bref aperçu sur les conditions physico-chimiques des eaux de quelques sources du bassin versant du Gapeau prospectées mensuellement au cours des années 1967-1968.

Elles se caractérisent par leur température constante (exception pour la source de Pignans qui varie en fonction des saisons), leur pH alcalin (sauf la source de Pignans qui est acide) et leur hétérogénéité ionique.
Prediction of the mechanical properties of zeolite pellets for aerospace molecular decontamination applications
Authors: Rioland Guillaume , Dutournié Patrick , Faye Delphine , Daou T Jean , Patarin Joël
Published: November 2016

Zeolite pellets containing 5 wt % of binder (methylcellulose or sodium metasilicate) were formed with a hydraulic press. This paper describes a mathematical model to predict the mechanical properties (uniaxial and diametric compression) of these pellets for arbitrary dimensions (height and diameter) using a design of experiments (DOE) methodology. A second-degree polynomial equation including interactions was used to approximate the experimental results. This leads to an empirical model for the estimation of the mechanical properties of zeolite pellets with 5 wt % of binder. The model was verified by additional experimental tests including pellets of different dimensions created with different applied pressures. The optimum dimensions were found to be a diameter of 10–23 mm, a height of 1–3.5 mm and an applied pressure higher than 200 MPa. These pellets are promising for technological uses in molecular decontamination for aerospace-based applications.