bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Current balancing of cascaded H-bridge converters for PV systems with partial shading
Authors: Iannuzzi Diego , Pagano Mario , Piegari Luigi , Tricoli Pietro
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose a new converter topology for integrating PV plants constituted by many panels into the grid. The converter is capable of implementing MPPT algorithms on different subset of modules and can balance the different energy supplied by panels differently irradiated. The output voltage presents a very low ripple also if small filters are used for grid connection.

Design/methodology/approach

– In the paper, at first the converter configuration is presented. Then a control strategy for obtaining, at the same time the distributed MPPT and the power balancing on the three phases is proposed. Finally, by means of numerical simulations, the good performances of the proposed converter are shown.

Findings

– The proposed converter, lent from MMC configurations, is deeply studied and a suitable control strategy is well analyzed in the paper. Analytical model for voltage and current balancing are given.

Research limitations/implications

– The analysis presented in the paper complete some studies started in the last years and partially presented in previous scientific papers. It reaches a final point and gives all the specific for the realization of the converter and of its control.

Practical implications

– The paper gives all the instrument to design and realize a PV power plant integrated into building façade.

Originality/value

– The converter and the control for voltage and current balancing presented in this paper represent a significant original contribution of this work.
Multi-objective design optimization of hybrid renewable systems using UGF
Authors: Delgado Carmen , Domínguez-Navarro José Antonio
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– Renewable generation is a main component of most hybrid generation systems. However, randomness on its generation is a characteristic to be considered due to its direct impact on reliability and performance of these systems. For this reason, renewable generation usually is accompanied with other generation elements to improve their general performance. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the power generation system, composed of solar, wind and diesel generation and power outsourcing option from the grid as means of reserve source. A multi-objective optimization for the design of hybrid generation system is proposed, particularly using the cost of energy, two different reliability indexes and the percentage of renewable energy as objectives. Further, the uncertainty of renewable sources and demand is modeled with a new technique that permits to evaluate the reliability quickly.

Design/methodology/approach

– The multi-state model of the generators and the load is modeled with the Universal Generating Function (UGF) to estimate the reliability indexes for the whole system. Then an evolutionary algorithm NSGA-II (Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm) is used to solve the multi-objective optimization model.

Findings

– The use of UGF methodology reduces the computation time, providing effective results. The validation of reliability assessment of hybrid generation systems using the UGF is carried out taking as a benchmark the results obtained with the Monte Carlo simulation. The proposed multi-objective algorithm gives as a result different generators combinations that outline hybrid systems, where some of them could be preferred over others depending on its results for each independent objective. Also it allows us to observe the changes produced on the resulting solutions due to the impact of the power fluctuation of the renewable generators.

Originality/value

– The main contributions of this paper are: an extended multi state model that includes different types of renewable energies, with emphasis on modeling of solar energy; demonstrate the performance improvement of UGF against SMC regarding the computational time required for this case; test the impact of different multi-states numbers for the representation of the elements; depict through multi-objective optimization, the impact of combining different energies on the cost and reliability of the resultant systems.
Systematic combination of fuzzy and grey numbers for supplier selection problem
Authors: Zakeri Shervin , Keramati Mohammad Ali
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– Supplier selection is a complex multiple criteria decision (MCDM) problem which directly depends on decision makers’ choice. Some decisions are getting involved with linguistic variables and they are not mathematically operable. To solve a typical decision problem through MCDM techniques, a number or a numerical interval should be defined. The purpose of this paper is to focus on that numerical interval and in a case of supplier selection, the aim is to close the decisions to the real number that the decision maker mentions and this number is in a numerical interval.

Design/methodology/approach

– The proposed method deals with grey relational analysis (GRA) and develops it by applying triangular fuzzy numbers. The grey numbers have two defined bounds; the proposed method defines two fuzzy bounds for each grey attribute. In the proposed method, the fuzzy membership function has been employed for each bounds of grey attribute to make them to fuzzy bounds with two undefined bounds. Also to make comparison, with employing of TOPSIS technique, both of the grey fuzzy combination decision matrix and the original grey decision matrix are obtained.

Findings

– The results indicate that, except to the ideal solutions, the grey relation coefficient for each alternative is too close to each other. Indeed, they are too close to zero. Applying the proposed method in problem of supplier selection shows the difference between two selected supplier in proposed method and the original grey method.

Originality/value

– As mentioned heretofore this paper aims to make decision makers’s decision more accurate and actually there is no other researches which used this combination method.
A grey based approach for assessment of risk associated with facility location in global supply chain
Authors: Prakash Surya , Soni Gunjan , Rathore Ajay Pal Singh
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– Facility location decisions are critical and should be taken after strategic evaluations. Globalization and integration of economies make such decisions further complex and risk prone. The purpose of this paper is to identify and assess the risk factors to be considered while taking new facility location decision associated with global supply chain and device the methodology. A grey-based multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach is used for this purpose, which also takes in to account the uncertainty in decision making. Such approach enables final decision to be more real and practical. The paper also highlighted and discussed the criteria on the basis of which the management can select the best suitable site.

Design/methodology/approach

– The risk factors related to facility location for a global firm are identified. To select the location of a global facility with least risk, grey-based MCDM approach is formulated. This grey-based MCDM is demonstrated using the hypothetical case of an industrial valve manufacturing global firm. The grey approach is used to analyse location alternatives based on various decision criteria for extracting comparative ranking.

Findings

– The paper presents a tool for strategic and planning level. It helps supply chain managers to identify the risks related to a candidate location. Then it guides the supply chain manager at strategic level to find the least risky location for a manufacturing facility.

Practical implications

– This paper demonstrates the grey-based MCDM approach for determining less risky location to locate a new manufacturing unit so that practitioners can use this approach for taking other strategic decisions. The supply chain configuration can be decided subsequently which will yield more practical results and the decision taken will be more fruitful for firm.

Originality/value

– The extensive literature review reveals that there are many models in the literature that addressed the issue of risk minimization in supply chain, but it was also noticed that there are limited number of models that minimize risk in locating a global facility considering the uncertainty of data in decision making. This is the first time that grey-based MCDM approach is formulated and used to find most suitable facility location under risk.
Forecasting in Austrian companies
Authors: Hofer Peter , Eisl Christoph , Mayr Albert
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is a comparison of forecasting behaviour of small and large Austrian firms, analysing their forecast practices in a volatile business environment.

Design/methodology/approach

– The empirical analysis of the paper, deductive by nature, was conducted by means of a quantitative online-survey (199 data sets). The relationship of perceived volatility and forecast predictability was evaluated by correlation analysis. t-Test and analysis of variances were used to examine significant differences in the forecast characteristics between small and large Austrian companies and different industries.

Findings

– The study provides evidence that the surveyed companies have been hit by volatility, showing that Austrian SMEs are significantly more severely affected than large companies. The increasing volatility correlates with a reduced forecast predictability of sales quantities and commodity prices. Large Austrian companies primarily use a broad spectrum of qualitative forecasting methods. In contrast, Austrian SMEs utilize simple quantitative and qualitative forecast techniques, like the forward projection of historical data.

Research limitations/implications

– Relevant for the forecasting of small and large companies.

Practical implications

– Although management requests a broad spectrum of forecast qualities, the current usage of less sophisticated methods reveals a gap between intention and reality. Companies that supplement their qualitative techniques by sophisticated quantitative ones should expect less forecast bias.

Originality/value

– This paper initially compares forecast methods in large and small Austrian firms and additionally provides the impact of volatility on the forecast predictability.
Is phenotypic canalization involved in the decline of the endemic Aquilegia thalictrifolia? Rethinking relationships between fluctuating asymmetry and species conservation status
Authors: Abeli Thomas , Zubani Lino , Bonomi Costantino , Parolo Gilberto , Gargano Domenico
Published: October 2015

Fluctuating asymmetry (FA), the deviation from the normal symmetrical condition of a morphological trait having specific morphological symmetry, increases in response to environmental and genetic stress, is related to phenotypic plasticity and is considered a tool for monitoring a species conservation status. However, FA–stress relations are dependent on measured traits or species‐specific characteristics such as mating system and habitat. This study investigates the relationships between FA, genetic diversity, population size, density and individual fitness traits (plant height, fruit and seed set), in the endemic Aquilegia thalictrifolia, a mixed breeder that is declining, but maintaining high levels of heterozygosity. Leaf and flower FA and other traits were investigated in 10 populations of A. thalictrifolia, the whole species range. As a result, we found similar patterns of FA in leaves and flowers between populations, indicating a homogenous level of stress between populations that differed for other traits. FA and the other traits were not related, including heterozygosity. Heterozygosity was not related to individual fitness traits with the exception of plant height. In accordance with other studies, we found that the role of FA as a tool for assessing the conservation status of a species or population should be reconsidered. However, we conclude that a low level of FA should not automatically be considered an indicator of good conservation status or low level of stress, because in species that evolved in highly stable environments it may indicate a scarce ability to plastically respond to environmental changes, as a consequence of environmental and genetic canalization. Further investigation of this point is needed.
Optical scatter patterns facilitate rapid differentiation of Enterobacteriaceae on CHROMagarTM Orientation medium
Authors: Singh Atul K. , Bhunia Arun K.
Published: October 2015

Enterobacteriaceae family comprised pathogens and commensals and has a significant impact on food safety and public health. Enterobacteriaceae is often enumerated and presumptively identified on chromogenic media, such as CHROMagarTM Orientation medium based on colony profile; however, classification is highly arbitrary, and some could not be differentiated due to similar chromogen production. Here, we investigated the ability of the laser optical sensor, BARDOT (bacterial rapid detection using optical scattering technology) for rapid screening and differentiation of colonies of the major bacterial genera from Enterobacteriaceae on CHROMagarTM Orientation. A total of 36 strains representing 12 genera and 15 species were used to generate colony scatter image library that comprised 1683 scatter images. This library was used to differentiate mixed cultures of Enterobacteriaceae family – Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter spp., Citrobacter freundii and Serratia marcescens (KECS group); Proteus mirabilis, Morganella morganii and Providencia rettgeri (PMP group); and non‐Enterobacteriaceae family: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter spp. and Staphylococcus aureus (PAS group) – and data show high accuracy (83–100%) for intra‐group classification of colonies in 10–22 h or even before visible production of chromogens. BARDOT successfully differentiated the major genera, including the ones that do not produce visually distinguishable chromogens on CHROMagarTM Orientation, providing a label‐free, real‐time on‐plate colony screening tool for Enterobacteriaceae.
The Major Two‐stage Shortening Deformation of the Northern Tibet and Tian Shan Area Since the Latest Oligocene
Authors: Haijian LU , Haibing LI , Dongliang LIU
Published: October 2015

It seems to be progressively recognized that the stress of the India‐Asia convergent front can be transferred rapidly through the southern and central Tibetan lithosphere to the northern Tibet, hence leading to the crustal thickening deformation there during or immediately after the onset of the India‐Asia collision (ca. 55 Ma). This study focuses on the late Cenozoic deformation and tectonic uplift of the northern Tibet and Tian Shan area. Detailed compilations of a variety of proxy data from sediments and bedrocks suggest that the northern Tibet and Tian Shan area underwent one stage of approximately synchronous widespread contractile deformation since 25–20 Ma, which seemed to decrease at circa 18 Ma as revealed by low‐temperature thermochronological data. The latest Oligocene‐early Miocene was also significant basin‐forming episodes when many intermontane subbasins began to receive syntectonic sedimentation in the northeastern Tibet. Subsequently, the other phase of compressional deformation began to encroach more widely into the northern Tibet and Tian Shan area in episodic steps or continuously from 16–12 Ma to present.
The Mid‐Miocene Pollen Record of the Xunhua Basin, NE Tibetan Plateau: Implications for Global Climate Change
Authors: Zenglian XU , Jianyu ZHANG , Junliang JI , Kexin ZHANG
Published: October 2015

The northeastern Tibetan Plateau is located at the convergence of the Asian winter and summer monsoons and westerlies; thus, this area has witnessed historic climate changes. The Xunhua basin is an intermontane basin on the northeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau. The basin contains more than 2000 m of Cenozoic fluvial–lacustrine sediments, recording a long history of climate and environmental changes. We collected the mid‐Miocene sediments from the Xunhua basin and used palynological methods to discuss the relationship between aridification in the interior of Asia, global cooling, and uplift of the Tibetan Plateau. Based on the palynological analysis of the Xigou section, Xunhua basin, the palynological diagram is subdivided into three pollen zones and past vegetation and climate are reconstructed. Zone I, Ephedripites–Nitraridites–Chenopodipollis–Quercoidites (14.0–12.5 Ma), represents mixed shrub–steppe vegetation with a dry and cold climate. In zone II, Pinaceae–Betulaepollenites–Ephedripites–Chenopodipollis–Graminidites (12.5–8.0 Ma), the vegetation and climate conditions improved, even though the vegetation was still dominated by shrub–steppe taxa. Zone III, Ephedripites–Nitrariadites–Chenopodipollis (8.0–5.0 Ma), represents desert steppe vegetation with drier and colder climate. The palynological records suggest that shrub–steppe dominated the whole Xigou section and the content gradually increased, implying a protracted aridification process, although there was an obvious climate improvement during 12.5–8.0 Ma. The aridification in the Xunhua basin and surrounding mountains during 14.0–12.5 Ma was probably related to global cooling induced by the rapid expansion of the East Antarctic ice‐sheets and the relatively higher evaporation rate. During the 12.5–8.0 Ma period, although topographic changes (uplift of Jishi Shan) decreased precipitation and strengthened aridification in the Xunhua basin on leeward slopes, the improved vegetation and climate conditions were probably controlled by the decrease in evaporation rates as a result of continuous cooling. From 8.0 to 5.0 Ma, the rapid development of the desert steppe can be attributed to global cooling and uplift of the Tibetan Plateau.
Advances and Overview of the Study on Paleo‐earthquake Events: A Review of Seismites
Authors: Bizhu HE , Xiufu QIAO
Published: October 2015

The distribution and formation mechanisms of typical identified seismites are analyzed based on various factors from plate tectonic positions, types of sedimentary basins and properties of seismogenic faults to focal mechanisms. Especially, structural styles, reserved positions, activity times, formation mechanisms and dynamics of soft‐sediment deformation structures triggered by seismic activity are systematically analyzed. According to the genetic types of seismites, we propose 5 categories, including liquefied deformation, thixotropic deformation, hydroplastic deformation, superimposed gravity driving deformation and brittle deformation. Further, based on the main genetic types, composition of sediments and deformation styles, we draw up 35 secondary classifications. To determine paleo‐seismic sequences in different times, activities of seismogenic faults, high‐resolution tectonic events in one main tectonic movement and paleo‐tectonic settings, and to understand the inducing mechanisms of paleo‐earthquakes and ecologic environment evolution, researching on seismites are of great significance. Combing multiple approaches to identify the paleoearthquake records, simulating experiments on various soft‐sediment deformation structures triggered by different magnitudes of shocking, dating precisely on paleo‐seismic events, impacting on paleogeography and biological environment and on energy and resources domain are the frontiers of paleoseismic research.
Review of the Metallogenic Regularity of Magnesite Deposits in China
Authors: Zheng ZHAO , Xiaolin CUI , Denghong WANG , Yuchuan CHEN , Ge BAI , Jiankang LI , Xinxing LIU
Published: October 2015

China has abundant reserves of magnesite, making it the world's leading source of this strategic mineral. Sparry magnesite is the main type of magnesite deposit, and is easy to exploit. It occurs mainly as the sedimentary‐metamorphic type. Production is centred on eastern Liaoning Province, where a world‐class large to super large magnesite ore processing and production facility has been developed. Hydrothermal metasomatic deposits, associated with ultramafic complexes and eluvial deposits produced by weathering, are two other important types found in China. The Western section of the Bangonghu‐Nujiang metallogenic belt is an important target region for prospecting lake‐sedimentary magnesite deposits. Based on a systematic analysis of material from 62 magnesite production areas, this study investigated the metallogeny of magnesite and delineated 13 magnesite metallogenic belts. Maps were produced showing metallogenic regularities in magnesite deposits, the metallogenic system of the magnesite deposits, and the distribution of the metallogenic belts of Chinese magnesite deposits. It provides a theoretical basis for forecasting the location of potential magnesite resources in China. Finally, it explores some key scientific issues, including the formation processes of ultra magnesite ore‐concentrated areas, and their sources of magnesium.
Temporal changes in alcohol‐related mortality and morbidity in Australia
Authors: Ogeil Rowan P. , Gao Caroline X. , Rehm Jürgen , Gmel Gerrit , Lloyd Belinda
Published: October 2015

Background and Aims

Alcohol consumption is an avoidable risk factor for morbidity and mortality. Studies have examined relative risks and outcomes of alcohol‐related harms in Australia at discrete times, limiting the ability to examine changes across time. This paper examined alcohol consumption and its contribution to deaths, illness and injury at two time‐points, 2001 and 2010.

Design

Alcohol consumption was modelled based on the 2001 and 2010 National Drug Strategy Household Survey, upshifted to reflect alcohol sales data.

Setting

All data reported are from Australian sources.

Measurements

Based on relative risk estimates obtained from meta‐analysis, alcohol‐attributable fractions were estimated for 42 disease and injury categories in 2001 and 2010 separately for conditions that were not 100% alcohol‐attributable. Deaths and hospital separations attributable to alcohol were calculated in 2001 and 2010.

Findings

There was a relatively stable per capita consumption of alcohol across time, with males reporting higher levels of consumption compared with females. While there were increases in the number of abstainers from alcohol across time, the proportion of heavy alcohol consumers also increased. This corresponded with an observed increase in alcohol‐attributable burden. For example, alcohol‐attributable deaths increased from 4957 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 2867–8770] to 5610 (95% CI = 3398–9408) during the study period.

Conclusion

The findings demonstrate that there has been an increase in alcohol‐attributable harms between 2001 and 2010 in Australia without a corresponding increase in per capita consumption.
Serum WFA+‐M2BP is a non‐invasive liver fibrosis marker that can predict the efficacy of direct‐acting anti‐viral‐based triple therapy for chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Ura K. , Furusyo N. , Ogawa E. , Hayashi T. , Mukae H. , Shimizu M. , Toyoda K. , Murata M. , Hayashi J.
Published: October 2015

Background

The Wisteria floribunda agglutinin‐positive human Mac‐2‐binding protein (WFA+‐M2BP) is a new liver fibrosis glycobiomarker with unique fibrosis‐related glyco‐alteration. WFA+‐M2BP is also a useful surrogate marker for the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma and for the liver functional reserve.

Aim

To evaluate the diagnostic ability of WFA+‐M2BP for liver fibrosis in the clinical setting and the clinical utility of WFA+‐M2BP for predicting the efficacy of direct‐acting anti‐viral (DAA) treatment for chronic hepatitis C patients.

Methods

The study included 159 genotype 1 hepatitis C patients who received DAA‐based treatment (telaprevir or simeprevir) combined with pegylated‐interferon alpha plus ribavirin (108 telaprevir‐ and 51 simeprevir‐based triple treatment). The relation between baseline serum WFA+‐M2BP and treatment efficacy was evaluated.

Results

The serum WFA+‐M2BP level significantly increased with the progress of liver fibrosis. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis identified 2.17 as the cut‐off index (COI) for WFA+‐M2BP for diagnosing advanced fibrosis. The sustained virological response (SVR) rate was significantly, negatively correlated with the serum WFA+‐M2BP level. Multiple logistic regression analysis found a low serum WFA+‐M2BP level (<2.17 COI) to be independently associated with SVR (odds ratio, 4.35, P = 0.027). Even for prior nonresponders and patients with the interleukin‐28B minor allele or histological advanced fibrosis, treatment outcome was favourable for patients with a low serum WFA+‐M2BP level.

Conclusion

Serum WFA+‐M2BP is a non‐invasive liver fibrosis marker useful for predicting the efficacy of DAA‐based triple therapy for chronic hepatitis C patients.
Miravirsen dosing in chronic hepatitis C patients results in decreased microRNA‐122 levels without affecting other microRNAs in plasma
Authors: van der Ree M. H. , van der Meer A. J. , van Nuenen A. C. , de Bruijne J. , Ottosen S. , Janssen H. L. , Kootstra N. A. , Reesink H. W.
Published: October 2015

Background

MicroRNA‐122 (miR‐122) is an important host factor for hepatitis C virus replication. Administration of miravirsen, an anti‐miR‐122 oligonucleotide, resulted in a dose dependent and prolonged decrease in HCV RNA levels in chronic hepatitis C patients.

Aim

To assess the plasma level of various miRNAs in patients dosed with miravirsen.

Methods

We included 16 of 36 chronic hepatitis C patients who received five injections of either 3 mg/kg (n = 4), 5 mg/kg (n = 4), 7 mg/kg (n = 4) miravirsen or placebo (n = 4) over a 4‐week period in a double‐blind, randomised phase 2a study. Plasma levels of 179 miRNAs were determined by qPCR and compared between patients dosed with miravirsen or placebo.

Results

Median plasma miR‐122 level at baseline in patients receiving miravirsen was 3.9 × 103 compared to 1.3 × 104 copies/4 μL in placebo‐dosed patients (P = 0.68). At week 1, 4, 6 and 10/12, patients dosed with miravirsen had respectively a median 72‐fold, 174‐fold, 1109‐fold and 552‐fold lower expression of miR‐122 than at baseline (P = 0.001, as compared to patients receiving placebo). At week 4 of dosing, miRNA‐profiling demonstrated a significant lower expression of miR‐210 and miR‐532‐5p compared to baseline (3.0 and 4.7‐fold lower respectively). However, subsequent longitudinal analysis showed no significant differences in miR‐210 and miR‐532‐5p plasma levels throughout the study period.

Conclusions

We demonstrated a substantial and prolonged decrease in plasma miR‐122 levels in patients dosed with miravirsen. Plasma levels of other miRNAs were not significantly affected by antagonising miR‐122.
Retrospective analysis of causes of death in mountain pygmy‐possums (Burramys parvus) at Healesville Sanctuary, Victoria, Australia
Authors: Scheelings TF , Dobson EC
Published: October 2015

Background

Identification and characterisation of deaths is important for the veterinary management of both wild and captive animals. It is especially important as a tool for monitoring health and disease within populations of endangered species for which little information on morbidity and mortality is known. Investigations into the causes of death and other important necropsy findings were made in a captive population of the critically endangered mountain pygmy‐possum (Burramys parvus).

Methods

Necropsy records from January 2000–December 2013 were reviewed for all possums that had lived and died at Healesville Sanctuary (n = 48).

Results

The average age of death of possums in this population was 4.7 years. The most common histological change in mountain pygmy‐possums was varying degrees of chronic progressive kidney disease (n = 17). Of these cases, eight animals (47%) had histological changes suggesting the kidney disease was the likely cause of death. Other causes of death included neoplasia (n = 5), necrotising pancreatitis (n = 4), pneumonia (n = 2), reproductive disease (n = 2) and trauma (n = 2). No cause of death was able to be identified in 33.3% (n = 16) of cases. Hepatic lipidosis (n = 5), pneumonia (n = 2) and degenerative joint disease (n = 2) were the most common comorbidities found.

Conclusion

Progressive renal disease, often with secondary metastatic mineralisation, appears to be a significant cause of mortality in captive mountain pygmy‐possums and further investigation into its pathophysiology, antemortem diagnosis and treatment is warranted.
Teaching the geographies of Canada: Reflections on pedagogy, curriculum, and the politics of teaching and learning
Authors: Laliberté Nicole , Catungal John Paul , Castleden Heather , Keeling Arn , Momer Bernard , Nash Catherine
Published: October 2015

Key Messages

This paper is a collection of commentaries on teaching the geographies of Canada which together challenge traditional regional approaches from a variety of perspectives and politics.

It examines the politics of active learning, teaching resources, and received curricula while highlighting the embodied nature of the classroom environment.

It concludes that regional geography courses are an opportunity to challenge received knowledge if we are attentive to positionality and power in our classrooms—not only our own but also that of our students and the texts we engage with.
Design, Synthesis, and Antimycobacterial Activity of Novel Theophylline‐7‐Acetic Acid Derivatives With Amino Acid Moieties
Authors: Stavrakov Georgi , Valcheva Violeta , Voynikov Yulian , Philipova Irena , Atanasova Mariyana , Konstantinov Spiro , Peikov Plamen , Doytchinova Irini
Published: October 2015

The theophylline‐7‐acetic acid (7‐TAA) scaffold is a promising novel lead compound for antimycobacterial activity. Here, we derive a model for antitubercular activity prediction based on 14 7‐TAA derivatives with amino acid moieties and their methyl esters. The model is applied to a combinatorial library, consisting of 40 amino acid and methyl ester derivatives of 7‐TAA. The best three predicted compounds are synthesized and tested against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv. All of them are stable, non‐toxic against human cells and show antimycobacterial activity in the nanomolar range being 60 times more active than ethambutol.
Synthesis of Naphthyl‐, Quinolin‐ and Anthracenyl Analogues of Clofibric Acid as PPARα Agonists
Authors: Giampietro Letizia , Ammazzalorso Alessandra , Bruno Isabella , Carradori Simone , De Filippis Barbara , Fantacuzzi Marialuigia , Giancristofaro Antonella , Maccallini Cristina , Amoroso Rosa
Published: October 2015

PPARα is a ligand activated transcription factor belonging to the nuclear receptor subfamily, involved in fatty acid metabolism in tissues with high oxidative rates such as muscle, heart and liver. PPARα activation is important in steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis in preclinical models of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease identifying a new potential therapeutic area. In this work, three series of clofibric acid analogues conjugated with naphthyl, quinolin, chloroquinolin and anthracenyl scaffolds were synthesized. In an effort to obtain new compounds active as PPARα agonists, these molecules were evaluated for PPARα transactivation activity. Naphthyl and quinolin derivatives showed a good activation of PPARα; noteworthy, optically active naphthyl derivatives activated PPARα better than corresponding parent compound.
Clinical reappraisal of SHORT syndrome with PIK3R1 mutations: toward recommendation for molecular testing and management
Authors: Avila M. , Dyment D.A. , Sagen J.V. , St‐Onge J. , Moog U. , Chung B.H.Y. , Mo S. , Mansour S. , Albanese A. , Garcia S. , Martin D.O. , Lopez A.A. , Claudi T. , König R. , White S.M. , Sawyer S.L. , Bernstein J.A. , Slattery L. , Jobling R.K. , Yoon G. , Curry C.J. , Merrer M.L. , Luyer B.L. , Héron D. , Mathieu‐Dramard M. , Bitoun P. , Odent S. , Amiel J. , Kuentz P. , Thevenon J. , Laville M. , Reznik Y. , Fagour C. , Nunes M.‐L. , Delesalle D. , Manouvrier S. , Lascols O. , Huet F. , Binquet C. , Faivre L. , Rivière J.‐B. , Vigouroux C. , Njølstad P.R. , Innes A.M. , Thauvin‐Robinet C.
Published: October 2015

SHORT syndrome has historically been defined by its acronym: short stature (S), hyperextensibility of joints and/or inguinal hernia (H), ocular depression (O), Rieger abnormality (R) and teething delay (T). More recently several research groups have identified PIK3R1 mutations as responsible for SHORT syndrome. Knowledge of the molecular etiology of SHORT syndrome has permitted a reassessment of the clinical phenotype. The detailed phenotypes of 32 individuals with SHORT syndrome and PIK3R1 mutation, including eight newly ascertained individuals, were studied to fully define the syndrome and the indications for PIK3R1 testing. The major features described in the SHORT acronym were not universally seen and only half (52%) had four or more of the classic features. The commonly observed clinical features of SHORT syndrome seen in the cohort included intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) <10th percentile, postnatal growth restriction, lipoatrophy and the characteristic facial gestalt. Anterior chamber defects and insulin resistance or diabetes were also observed but were not as prevalent. The less specific, or minor features of SHORT syndrome include teething delay, thin wrinkled skin, speech delay, sensorineural deafness, hyperextensibility of joints and inguinal hernia. Given the high risk of diabetes mellitus, regular monitoring of glucose metabolism is warranted. An echocardiogram, ophthalmological and hearing assessments are also recommended.
Effects of thread size in the implant neck area on peri‐implant hard and soft tissues: an animal study
Authors: Choi Jay‐Yong , Moon Ik‐Sang , Yun Jeong‐Ho , Park Kwang‐Ho , Huh Jong‐Ki , Lee Dong‐Won
Published: October 2015

Objectives

The aim of this animal study was to examine the effects of thread size in the implant neck area on peri‐implant tissues in terms of BIC and hard‐ and soft‐tissue dimensions.

Materials and methods

Six Beagle dogs received experimental implants in the mandible 3 month after the removal of premolars and first molars (P2, P3, P4, and M1). Two different types of implants were installed in each animal: Anyone microthread® as Group 1 and Anyone® as Group 2. Resonance frequency test, intraoral radiography, micro‐CT, and histomorphometry were used to evaluate peri‐implant tissue after implantation periods of 4 and 8 weeks.

Results

No remarkable complication was observed during the healing period in either group. Resonance frequency testing revealed no significant difference between groups. In radiographic evaluation, Group 2 showed more bone loss than Group 1. However, this difference was not statistically significant. In the micro‐CT analysis, BIC and BIV values and soft‐tissue height were not significant in both groups. Histological analysis revealed no significant difference in BIC ratio, bone density, or bone loss between groups. However, soft‐tissue height was significantly greater in Group 2 than in Group 1 (P = 0.0004).

Conclusion

No difference in peri‐implant hard or soft tissues was observed according to thread size in the implant neck area.
Does the quality of life impact of tonsillitis correlate with SIGN guideline compliance? An assessment of range and normality
Authors: Roplekar R. , Van M. , Hussain S.S.M.
Published: October 2015

Objectives

To assess the scores of those who are eligible to be listed for tonsillectomy through compliance with the SIGN guidelines for any trends or range.

Design

A prospective study of all patients (aged 16 or above) listed for elective tonsillectomy from a nurse led tonsil clinic. Patients were given a TOI‐14 questionnaire to complete after they had been added to the waiting list for surgery, but before undergoing tonsillectomy. Scores were assessed using SPSS.

Setting

Outpatient clinic.

Participants

Patients aged over 16 listed for Tonsillectomy via SIGN Guideline 117.

Main outcome measure

Scores from TOI‐14, completed pre‐operatively.

Results

155 patients were listed from the nurse led clinic from October 2012 to August 2014; 5 questionnaires were excluded for being incomplete. The score range was 55 (15–70), with a calculated mean score of 45.62 and standard deviation of 9.701. Over 95% of results were within 2 standard deviations of the mean. A calculated negative skew also confirms that most patients who have clinical indications for tonsillectomy compliant with the SIGN guidelines show a higher score on the TOI‐14.

Conclusion

This analysis indicates a trend of pre‐intervention scores on the TOI‐14 questionnaire for those patients who have a SIGN guideline compliant clinical indication for a tonsillectomy. We therefore propose that this suggests correlation between ‘clinically strong’ indication for tonsillitis and patient perceived Quality of Life impact.
Corporal Punishment Verses in the Qur'an are to be Reinterpreted to Counter Violent Extremist Practices from Within the Islamic Juristic Tradition
Authors: Azmeh Wayel
Published: October 2015

Corporal punishments in the Qur'an, also grouped under the Arabic term Ḥudūd, have been understood as a set of preordained harsh punishments due whenever their conditions are met. They not only served mainly as a deterrent, but also as a penal code in traditional religious Islamic law books. This essay argues that those Ḥudūd‐Qur'anic corporal punishments can be reinterpreted to only represent an upper limit never to be exceeded, favoring more lenient noncorporal punishments, or even no punishment at all by the state. For the Qur'an recommends forgiveness for murder, theft, brigandage, slander, and adultery. If this powerful Qur'anic paradigm is to be well understood and popularized, it would contribute to eroding the ideological basis of the extremists’ propaganda machine. It would also help Muslims connect to their Islamic tradition in a modern pluralistic society without undue tension. An historic overview of the penal culture at the time of the Qur'anic revelation, and then through its modern evolution in various geographic locations, including Muslim majority societies is used to contextualize the discussion. Two possible counter arguments based on Muslim tradition are addressed, namely the concept of abrogation in the Qur'an, and the Hadith (Prophetic traditions) undermining this reading of the Qur'an.
OLIGARCHIES AND DEVELOPMENT IN A GLOBAL ECONOMY: A TALE OF TWO ELITES
Authors: Akerman Anders , Naghavi Alireza , Seim Anna
Published: October 2015

This paper studies how comparative advantage and the political elites' endowments shape long‐run performance in economies with imperfect political institutions. The trade regime interacts with industrial policy and regulations on capital mobility in governing capital accumulation. In a capital‐scarce economy, capitalist oligarchs striving for import substitution industrialization (ISI) initially shelter the economy from trade, while promoting industrial policies that promote total factor productivity growth in the manufacturing sector. This gradually shifts the comparative advantage toward manufacturing and renders the economy attractive to foreign investors. Allowing for trade and foreign capital inflows are thus complementary policies that spur growth in the capital oligarchy. By contrast, landed oligarchs in a capital‐scarce economy favor openness to trade at an early stage of development, neglect industrial policies, and block foreign capital to maximize extractable rents. The policy mix causes the economy to stagnate. Consistent with the experiences of South Korea and Argentina in the postwar era, the model predicts that the success of ISI policies depends crucially on the conditions governing the incentives for capital accumulation. (JEL F10, F20, P40, P50, O10, O24)
Identification of new markers of recurrence in patients with unprovoked deep vein thrombosis by gene expression profiling: the retro study
Authors: Montes Ramón , Guruceaga Elisabet , González‐Porras José R. , Reverter Joan C. , Marco Pascual , Pina Elena , Páramo José A. , Hermida José , Lecumberri Ramón ,   Grupo de Trabajo de Patología Trombótica de la Sociedad Española de Trombosis y Hemostasia (SETH)
Published: October 2015

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess differences in the gene expression profile of peripheral blood cells between patients with early recurrent thrombosis vs. patients without recurrent events after withdrawal of anticoagulant therapy for a first episode of unprovoked deep vein thrombosis (uDVT), to identify novel predictors of recurrence.

Methods

In the discovery population (N = 32), a microarray RNA assay followed by RT‐PCR confirmation were performed. In the validation population (N = 44) a multiple RT‐PCR‐based strategy was applied to assess genes differentially expressed in the discovery population.

Results

The sex‐adjusted Linear Model for Microarray Data analysis showed 102 genes differentially expressed (P < 0.01) in the discovery population. Nineteen of them underwent further confirmation in the validation population. The gene encoding for Acyl‐CoA Synthetase Family Member 2 (ACSF2) was underexpressed in recurrent DVT patients in both, the discovery (P = 0.007) and validation populations (P = 0.004). In the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis, the areas under the curve of ACSF2 expression were 0.77 and 0.80, respectively.

Conclusions

For the first time an association between ACSF2 expression and the risk of recurrent DVT is suggested. Should this association be confirmed in larger prospective studies, ACSF2 could become useful for the selection of patients requiring extended anticoagulant therapy.
Periodontal disease classifications revisited
Authors: López Rodrigo , Baelum Vibeke
Published: October 2015

An American Academy of Periodontology Task Force has recently published a report on the Update to the 1999 Classification of Periodontal Diseases and Conditions, which is a focused update outlining changes to be included in a comprehensive update planned for 2017. We discuss the proposed changes, and their rationales, and conclude that the periodontal classification carousel will continue to spin until it is realized that the only way forward is a profound reconsideration of what we hope to achieve with classifications.
Kenya's tourist industry and global production networks: gender, race and inequality
Authors: CHRISTIAN MICHELLE
Published: October 2015

In this article, I consider the position of gender and race in the tourism global production network in Kenya. To address a gap in scholarship on global production networks, I explore the racial and gender characteristics evident in functionally upgraded national tour operators and socially upgraded workers and community members around the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The main findings address the relation of race and gender to disarticulation practices identified in ‘societal’, ‘network’ and ‘territorial’ forms of embeddedness supported by racial and gender representations of skill capabilities and tourist desires. These practices and representations support a production network symbolized by whites, Kenyan‐Asians and expatriates in the highest value segments and jobs, and indigenous African, Maasai and female workers in the lowest value positions. The findings highlight how disarticulation in economic and social upgrading is a gendered and racial process that perpetuates social difference and hierarchy.
Life and death in Hong Kong in an age of cosmopolitanism
Authors: TYNER JAMES A.
Published: October 2015

Recent events in Hong Kong direct attention to a disturbing trend – the neglect of (selected) life. The society is increasingly discarding its policies and practices concerning immigrant workers, foreign pregnant women and impoverished men and women, whom it deems unworthy of protection or assistance. In this article, I argue for a radical cosmopolitanism that would entail a commitment not only to preventing the taking of life and building a non‐killing society but also to the elimination of the structural conditions that disallow life to the point of death. Drawing on recent bio‐political debates in Hong Kong, I consider the sovereign right over life and death within the neoliberal state. I argue that the state predicates neoliberal sovereignty on a systemic indifference to life; it calculates its bio‐political decisions according to a bio‐arithmetic of economic productivity and social responsibility; and it allows those whom it deems unworthy ‘to die’. As a potential counter discourse, I outline the coordinates and discuss the implications of a commitment to a radical cosmopolitanism.
Children's rights advocacy as transnational citizenship
Authors: HÄKLI JOUNI , KALLIO KIRSI PAULIINA
Published: October 2015

In this article, we develop conceptual tools for analysing the practices of children's rights organizations and professionals as transnational citizenship. To this end, we set out to trace a continuum of citizenship practices in which global and local influences and forces enmesh in ways that are difficult to grasp when treated as two separate realms. To theorize the social dynamism and spatial constitution of transnational citizenship as a local–global continuum, we turn to Bourdieu's field theory. By analysing the Committee on the Rights of the Child's handling of the Finnish Periodic Report on children's rights, and how Finnish children's rights advocates mobilize its recommendations, we show that transnational citizenship in the field of children's rights is practised not merely ‘out there’ but also ‘right here’. We conclude by discussing what novel insights field theory has to offer to the study of advocacy practices as transnational citizenship.
Survey of influenza and other respiratory viruses diagnostic testing in US hospitals, 2012–2013
Authors: Su Su , Fry Alicia M. , Kirley Pam Daily , Aragon Deborah , Yousey‐Hindes Kimberly , Meek James , Openo Kyle , Oni Oluwakemi , Sharangpani Ruta , Morin Craig , Hollick Gary , Lung Krista , Laidler Matt , Lindegren Mary Lou , Schaffner William , Atkinson Annette , Chaves Sandra S.
Published: October 2015

Background

Little is known about laboratory capacity to routinely diagnose influenza and other respiratory viruses at clinical laboratories and hospitals.

Aims

We sought to assess diagnostic practices for influenza and other respiratory virus in a survey of hospitals and laboratories participating in the US Influenza Hospitalization Surveillance Network in 2012–2013.

Materials and Methods

All hospitals and their associated laboratories participating in the Influenza Hospitalization Surveillance Network (FluSurv‐NET) were included in this evaluation. The network covers more than 80 counties in 15 states, CA, CO, CT, GA, MD, MN, NM, NY, OR, TN, IA, MI, OH, RI, and UT, with a catchment population of ~28 million people. We administered a standardized questionnaire to key personnel, including infection control practitioners and laboratory departments, at each hospital through telephone interviews.

Results

Of the 240 participating laboratories, 67% relied only on commercially available rapid influenza diagnostic tests to diagnose influenza. Few reported the availability of molecular diagnostic assays for detection of influenza (26%) and other viral pathogens (≤20%) in hospitals and commercial laboratories.

Conclusion

Reliance on insensitive assays to detect influenza may detract from optimal clinical management of influenza infections in hospitals.