bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Establishment of a voluntary electronic Chlamydia trachomatis laboratory surveillance system in Germany, 2008 to 2014
Authors: Dudareva-Vizule Sandra , Haar Karin , Sailer Andrea , Jansen Klaus , Hamouda Osamah , Wisplinghoff Hilmar , Tiemann Carsten , Pape Eberhard , Bremer Viviane ,   Chlamydia trachomatis laboratory sentinel team
Published: February 2017

Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infections are not reportable in Germany and limited data on prevalence are available. CT screening has been offered free of charge to pregnant women since 1995 and to all women under 25 years since 2008. For symptomatic women and men, diagnostic testing is covered by statutory health insurance. We describe the establishment of a nationwide, laboratory-based, voluntary sentinel that electronically collects information on all performed CT tests with test results, test reason and patient information. The sentinel represents one third of all performed CT tests in Germany. In the period from 2008 to 2014, 3,877,588 CT tests were reported, 93% in women. Women aged 20–24 years and men aged 25–29 years were the most frequently tested age groups. The overall proportion of positive tests (PPT) among women was 3.9% and among men 11.0%. The highest PPT among women was in the age groups 15–19 (6.8%) and 20–24 years (5.9%), and among men in the age groups 20–24 (19.2%), 15–19 (15.4%) and 25–29 years (14.8%). The PPT for CT was high among women and men younger than 25 years. Prevention is urgently needed. Monitoring of CT infection in Germany should be continued.
Histopathologic spectrum of cystic ovarian masses
Authors: Ranabhat S , Tiwari M , Maharjan S , Bhandari A , Subedi M , Osti B P
Published: February 2017

This research was a cross sectional analytic observational histopathological study of cystic ovarian lesions carried out over three years from March, 2012 to February, 2015 at Chitwan Medical College Teaching Hospital in Nepal. The objective of this study was to study cystic ovarian masses histopathologically. A total of one hundred and fourteen patients with cystic ovarian masses were included into the study. 46.5% lesions were non-neoplastic (83% physiologic and 17% pathologic) and 53.5% lesions were neoplastic (91.8% benign and 8.2% malignant). Follicular cyst was the most common ovarian cystic lesion overall, followed by mature cystic teratoma and serous cystadenoma. 14.9% of all the ovarian cysts had undergone torsion; among them mature cystic teratoma was the most common lesion to have undergone the complication. Neoplastic ovarian cysts were more common than non-neoplastic. Follicular cyst was the most common ovarian cyst overall. Mature cystic teratoma was the ovarian cystic lesion to be affected by torsion most commonly.
Resolution of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction with conservative management
Authors: Shrestha J B
Published: February 2017

Congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction is the commonly encountered congenital anomaly in pediatric population occurring in as many as 30% of new borns. Conservative management of such condition with topical antibiotics and properly performed massage of the nasolacrimal sac is appropriate treatment during the first few months of age. The purpose of this study was to determine the rate of resolution of nasolacrimal duct obstruction with conservative management in infants up to 10 months of age. A total of 181 infants of age up to 10 months old with the diagnosis of Congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction were advised nasolacrimal duct massage with or without the prescription of topical antibiotics. Resolution of nasolacrimal duct obstruction was assessed at 3 month and 6 month and was defined as the absence of all clinical signs of nasolacrimal duct obstruction. At the 6-month examination, 163 eyes (83%) of 181 children showed resolution with conservative management. The overall success rate of Congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction with conservative management was high and this form of management can be considered as one of the best options in infants.
Histopathologic spectrum of cystic ovarian masses
Authors: Ranabhat S , Tiwari M , Maharjan S , Bhandari A , Subedi M , Osti B P
Published: February 2017

This research was a cross sectional analytic observational histopathological study of cystic ovarian lesions carried out over three years from March, 2012 to February, 2015 at Chitwan Medical College Teaching Hospital in Nepal. The objective of this study was to study cystic ovarian masses histopathologically. A total of one hundred and fourteen patients with cystic ovarian masses were included into the study. 46.5% lesions were non-neoplastic (83% physiologic and 17% pathologic) and 53.5% lesions were neoplastic (91.8% benign and 8.2% malignant). Follicular cyst was the most common ovarian cystic lesion overall, followed by mature cystic teratoma and serous cystadenoma. 14.9% of all the ovarian cysts had undergone torsion; among them mature cystic teratoma was the most common lesion to have undergone the complication. Neoplastic ovarian cysts were more common than non-neoplastic. Follicular cyst was the most common ovarian cyst overall. Mature cystic teratoma was the ovarian cystic lesion to be affected by torsion most commonly.
Young sexual minority women's use of the internet and other digital technologies for sexual health information seeking
Authors: Flanders Corey E. , Pragg Lauren , Dobinson Cheryl , Logie Carmen
Published: February 2017

We know little about the online sexual health information seeking practices and needs specific to young sexual minority women. This is problematic as young sexual minority women report heightened negative sexual health outcomes in contrast to their heterosexual peers, which could be partially addressed through being able to access effective, relevant online sexual health information sources. This exploratory qualitative study employed a series of focus groups to understand more about what types of online resources young sexual minority women access, their motivations for using those resources, and what types of sexual health information they need. The focus group data were analyzed from a thematic analysis approach. Results indicate that participants used a wide range of online resources, such as apps, websites, blogs, and YouTube. The type of resource accessed often depended upon the information needed. Participants reported preferring online resources due to experiences or expectations of heteronormativity from their sexual health service providers, convenience and accessibility, the capacity to remain anonymous, and the lack of relevant sexual health information offline. These findings help begin to fill the gap on knowledge of young sexual minority women's sexual health information seeking practices, which can be used for the development of effective online sexual health information resources targeting young sexual minority women.
Stress and Depression among Veterinary Medical Students
Authors: Killinger Stacy L. , Flanagan Sean , Castine Eleanor , Howard Kimberly A.S.
Published: February 2017

While existing literature suggests that professional students (e.g., medical, dental, law, nursing, etc.) experience high levels of stress and depression, the experiences of veterinary medical students have been less well examined. The purpose of this study was to explore the levels of stress and depression among veterinary medical students and to examine the relationship between these variables. Study participants were 1,245 veterinary medical students from North America. The findings provide support for the assertion that veterinary medical students experience high levels of stress and depression. Results also indicated that there is a correlation between stress and depression for veterinary medical students and that female students experience higher levels of stress and depression than their male counterparts.
The Impact of a Brief Embedded Mindfulness-Based Program for Veterinary Students
Authors: Correia Helen M. , Smith Anita D. , Murray Susan , Polak Lynlea S. , Williams Bronwyn , Cake Martin A.
Published: February 2017

Veterinary medical students, like other university students, are likely to experience elevated levels of stress, anxiety, and depression over the course of their studies. Mindfulness-based interventions have previously been effective for university students in reducing stress, depression, and anxiety. In this study, a mindfulness-based intervention was embedded in a core (compulsory) unit of a veterinary science course, in part with the aim of improving student well-being. Preliminary results suggest that, despite the mindfulness intervention, overall symptoms of stress, depression, and anxiety among participants (n=64) increased between the start and end of the semester. However, further analysis showed that most of this longitudinal increase was attributable to individuals who scored above the normal range (i.e., at least mild level of symptoms) in one or more measures at the beginning of the semester. Within this subset, individuals who regularly engaged in mindfulness practice once a week or more throughout the semester reported significantly lower depression and anxiety symptoms than those who practiced less than once a week (i.e., who had long periods without practice). Results suggest that engaging regularly in mindfulness practice potentially acted as a protective factor for students already experiencing at least a mild range of symptoms of anxiety and depression at the beginning of the semester. While not all veterinary students may derive significant benefit immediately, providing access to an embedded mindfulness program early in their program may facilitate the development of adaptive coping mechanisms, which may be engaged to increase resilience across their academic and professional life.
The Art of Staying Engaged: The Role of Personal Resources in the Mental Well-Being of Young Veterinary Professionals
Authors: Mastenbroek Nicole J.J.M.
Published: February 2017

Health care professionals perceive transitions (e.g., from university to professional practice) to be challenging and stressful. The aim of the present research was to identify person-related characteristics that, in addition to work-related aspects, affect the mental well-being and performance of recently graduated veterinary professionals, and to reach a greater understanding of the role of personal resources in mental health and well-being. Based on the Job Demands–Resources (JD-R) model, a questionnaire measuring work engagement as well as burnout and its potential predictors was developed and distributed to 1,760 veterinarians who graduated in the Netherlands between 1999 and 2009 (response rate 41%, of which 73% were females). An intervention aiming at increasing personal resources was evaluated using qualitative and quantitative methods. The intervention was designed so that participants could set their own learning objectives toward which they could work during a yearlong multimodular program. The results show that gender and the number of years after graduation have a small effect on exhaustion resulting in 16% of the veterinarians (18% for females) meeting the criteria for burnout in the first 5 years after graduation. Thirteen percent of respondents could be classified as being highly engaged. While burnout resulted mostly from job characteristics (demands and resources), work engagement resulted mostly from job resources and personal resources. Personal resources appear to have an important mediating and initiating role in work engagement and performance. Self-reported ratings of reflective behavior, proactive behavior, and self-efficacy were significantly increased after a yearlong resources development program. Practical implications are discussed.
A Decade of Counseling Services in One College of Veterinary Medicine: Veterinary Medical Students' Psychological Distress and Help-Seeking Trends
Authors: Drake Adryanna A.S. , Hafen McArthur , Rush Bonnie R.
Published: February 2017

Much has been discussed about the high prevalence of psychological distress among veterinary medical students. Studies investigating general samples of veterinary medical students indicate that, on average, depression and anxiety symptoms are present at higher rates than in comparison samples. However, little is known about veterinary medical students who seek counseling. This study intends to expand the literature on veterinary student well-being, as the first to examine a sample of veterinary medical students seeking counseling services. It offers an overview of student distress and help-seeking trends from a decade of counseling services provided in one College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) in the US. The sample includes data from 279 participants. Results indicate a steady increase in students seeking counseling over the last decade. First-year students sought services at higher rates but second-year students experienced the greatest distress when compared to other cohorts. Students seeking counseling services experienced levels of overall distress, symptoms of anxiety and depression, and social role concerns that were, on average, above cut-off scores. Physical health was significantly associated with student distress, suggesting opportunities for intervention.
Exploring the Link between Mindset and Psychological Well-Being among Veterinary Students
Authors: Whittington Rachel E. , Rhind Susan , Loads Daphne , Handel Ian
Published: February 2017

This study set out to improve our understanding of potential pedagogical factors that may influence the mental health of veterinary students. Previous research has demonstrated that the type of feedback given to children by parents and teachers can strongly influence young people's beliefs in their ability to modify their intelligence—their “mindset.” There is also evidence that we can change the mindset of students relating to their intelligence by changing the methods by which we teach and assess. We used a paper-based questionnaire to assess mindset and psychological well-being in veterinary students (n=148). We found an association linking students’ mindset to their intelligence and their psychological well-being. Students who believed that their level of intelligence was fixed had significantly lower scores on five out of six areas of psychological well-being compared to students who believed that their intelligence was malleable. Giving process rather than person feedback and reducing assessment methods that encourage comparison with other students could increase the proportion of our students with a growth mindset and, if the association we identified is causal, improve their psychological well-being.
The Connectivity of Information in Integrated Reporting. Empirical Evidence from International Context
Authors: Incollingo Alberto , Bianchi Michela
Published: February 2017

In recent years, an increasing number of accounting scholars have been investigating the concept and the purpose of integrated reporting. After the issue of IIRC Framework, which is principle-based, it is now recognized that there is an urgent need for empirical analysis of the content of the reports at their first development stage. This in order to understand if the aims of this new reporting approach are realistic and achievable in practice. This paper responds to such call and it tries to contribute in two ways. Firstly, it illustrates the way in which the Guiding Principle of Connectivity of Information is applied at international level. In particular, we analyzed the compliance of disclosure practices in integrated reports of 2013 with the key forms of Connectivity of information presented in the Framework. Secondly, the paper tries to interpret the practices observed, in order to identify useful implementation criteria of this Guiding Principle. This is light of the fact that the Guiding Principle was noted as the most important to obtain a truly integrated report, but, at the same time, difficult to interpret and problematic to apply. The results of the analysis indicate an application of the principle extremely heterogeneous (and in such cases disappointing), confirming the need to establish practical guidelines to apply it. By this study, we made a preliminary attempt to identify some characteristic attributes of Connectivity of information within integrated reporting. The findings carry implications for eventual refinement of the IIRC Framework and, especially, to support companies wishing to prepare an integrated report.
Cost Effective Cholecystectemy in A Rural Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Rahman Md Shahinur , Islam SM Rezaul , Pasha Kamal , Chowdhury Md Rashed Alam , Paul Debabrata , Saad Sanjeeda
Published: February 2017

Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is an accepted alternative to open cholecystectomy. This study was aimed to compare the results of laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy with respect to duration of operation, complications, hospital stay and cost.Materials and Methods: This was a prospective type of study. 200 patients of gallstone disease were randomly selected. 100 patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy and 100 underwent open cholecystectomy from July 2014 to June 2015 in surgery units of Jahurul Islam Medical College Hospital. Data regarding age, sex, operation time, complications, hospital stay and total cost were collected from patient and from hospital record. Then we compared the data of laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy.Results: We found that mean operating time for laparoscopic cholecystectomy was 45 minutes and for open cholecystectomy was 60 minutes.There is no significant difference in incidence of complications between open and laparoscopic procedure. In our study, mean postoperative hospital stay for laparoscopic surgery was 3.5 days and in open cholecystectomy was 6 days. In this study total cost of laparoscopic surgery is less than open surgery though operation team charge is more in laparoscopic surgery.Conclusion: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a safe and cost effective alternative to open cholecystectomy.Anwer Khan Modern Medical College Journal Vol. 7, No. 1: Jan 2016, P 20-22
Le perle dell’alterigia e i piselli della modestia La “sobria hilaritas” alla scuola di Sir Thomas More
Authors: Gangale Giuseppe
Published: February 2017

Questo articolo afferma che More, nell’intraprendere l’educazione dei figli, si trovò davanti un campo minato non solo da convenzioni, usi e costumi della nobiltà inglese del cinquecento, ma anche da affetti che si mostravano sicuramente riluttanti ad un certo tipo di educazione. More infatti metteva in discussione una certa posizione sociale fatta di immagine e prestigio. Indubbiamente se la modestia, la morigeratezza, il disprezzo dell’oro l’avesse imposto per legge all’interno della sua casa avrebbe trovato per contro l’ostilità dei cari che erano meno sensibili a questa sorta di mentalità. L’averla invece proposta come bagaglio della loro educazione e trasmessa con spirito ludico lo rende grande come padre e insegnante. In realtà l’allegra vena di Moro fu uno strumento di grandi potenzialità nelle mani di un maestro di vita.
Shakespeare’s Utopias Redefined
Authors: Chiari Sophie
Published: February 2017

This paper aims at exploring the dramatic utopias staged by Shakespeare in order to reassess the playwright’s ambivalent use of geography and to better understand the function of his imaginary landscapes. I therefore briefly comment upon eight overlapping categories of Shakespearian utopias before studying one of them, i.e. Navarre’s academic utopia, in more detail. Indeed, in Love’s Labour’s Lost, the King significantly banishes all feminine presence from his “little academe”, which is all the more ironical as the real King of Navarre was considered as a womanizer by Shakespeare’s contemporaries. I will then argue that in fact, the playwright uses King Ferdinand’s utopia in order to rehabilitate women and promote a form of Babelian universe instead of the closed, protecting space of his library.
The Poetics of Water in 16th and 17th century Utopias: More, Bacon, Rabelais
Authors: Phélippeau Marie-Claire
Published: February 2017

This paper intends to study the poetics of water in various 16th and 17th utopias or imaginary tales: Thomas More’s Utopia (1516), Francis Bacon’s New Atlantis (1627) and François Rabelais’s Gargantua (1534), Pantagruel (1532) and Quart Livre (1552). Based on Gaston Bachelard and Gilbert Durand’s research, the analysis intends to highlight the function of the aquatic element in the writing of fantastic tales inspired notably by Lucian (A True Story). Water being the infinitely malleable substance, endowed with plural metaphors and in turn positively and negatively valued, it plays multiple roles in poetic imagination, which this analysis attempts to determine.
Block Recovery Rate-Based Unequal Error Protection for Three-Screen TV
Authors: Ha Hojin , Ryu Eun-Seok
Published: February 2017

This paper describes a three-screen television system using a block recovery rate (BRR)-based unequal error protection (UEP). The proposed in-home wireless network uses scalable video coding (SVC) and UEP with forward error correction (FEC) for maximizing the quality of service (QoS) over error-prone wireless networks. For efficient FEC packet assignment, this paper proposes a simple and efficient performance metric, a BRR which is defined as a recovery rate of temporal and quality layer from FEC assignment by analyzing the hierarchical prediction structure including the current packet loss. It also explains the SVC layer switching scheme according to network conditions such as packet loss rate (PLR) and available bandwidth (ABW). In the experiments conducted, gains in video quality with the proposed UEP scheme vary from 1 to 3 dB in Y-peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) with corresponding subjective video quality improvements.
Simulation of Hybrid Photovoltaic Solar Assisted Loop Heat Pipe/Heat Pump System
Authors: Dai Nannan , Xu Xinyi , Li Shuhong , Zhang Zheng
Published: February 2017

A hybrid photovoltaic solar assisted loop heat pipe/heat pump (PV-SALHP/HP) water heater system has been developed and numerically studied. The system is the combination of loop heat pipe (LHP) mode and heat pump (HP) mode, and the two modes can be run separately or compositely according to the weather conditions. The performances of independent heat pump (HP) mode and hybrid loop heat pipe/heat pump (LHP/HP) mode were simulated and compared. Simulation results showed that on typical sunny days in spring or autumn, using LHP/HP mode could save 40.6% power consumption than HP mode. In addition, the optimal switchover from LHP mode to HP mode was analyzed in different weather conditions for energy saving and the all-year round operating performances of the system were also simulated. The simulation results showed that hybrid LHP/HP mode should be utilized to save electricity on sunny days from March to November and the system can rely on LHP mode alone without any power consumption in July and August. When solar radiation and ambient temperature are low in winter, HP mode should be used
The Effectiveness of Thermal Insulation in Lightweight Steel-Framed Walls with Respect to Its Position
Authors: Roque Eduardo , Santos Paulo
Published: February 2017

Lightweight steel-framed (LSF) construction, given its advantages, has the potential to reach high standards in energy and environmental performance of buildings, such as nearly zero-energy buildings (nZEB). When compared with traditional construction, LSF system offers distinct benefits in such fields as sustainability, cost-effectiveness, constructive process, and safety at work. Despite the benefits of this constructive system, the effect of thermal bridges in LSF elements, caused by the high thermal conductivity of the steel structure, can be a disadvantage. The excessive heat losses or gains through these thermal bridges are more relevant in buildings’ exterior envelope, such as facade walls. These building components’ thermal performance is crucial in the buildings’ overall energetic behaviour, with a direct impact on energy consumption and resulting monetary costs during their operational stage. In this work the influence of the thermal insulation position on its effectiveness is evaluated in LSF facade walls. For this purpose, several LSF wall types are assessed, namely cold, warm, and hybrid construction. The influence of thermal bridges instigated by the steel studs in the LSF walls’ overall thermal performance is evaluated as well. The computations are performed using specialized finite element software (THERM).
Electrochemical Removal of NOx on Ceria-Based Catalyst-Electrodes
Authors: Wang Xi , Westermann Alexandre , Shi Yi , Cai Ning , Rieu Mathilde , Viricelle Jean-Paul , Vernoux Philippe
Published: February 2017

This study reports the electrochemical properties for NOx reduction of a ceria-based mixed ionic electronic conducting porous electrode promoted by Pt nanoparticles, as efficient catalyst for NO oxidation, and BaO, as sorbent to store NOx. This catalytic layer was deposited by screen-printing on a dense membrane of gadolinia-doped ceria, an O2− ionic conductor. The targeted Ba and Pt loadings were 150 and 5 μg/cm2, respectively. The NOx selective electrochemical reduction was performed between 400 °C and 500 °C with and without oxygen in the feed. Variations of the open-circuit voltage with time were found to be a good sensor of the NOx storage process on the ceria-based catalyst-electrode. However, no N2 production was observed in the presence of O2 phase in spite of nitrates formation.
Monoliths: A Review of the Basics, Preparation Methods and Their Relevance to Oxidation
Authors: Govender Sandeeran , Friedrich Holger
Published: February 2017

Considerable research has been conducted on monolithic catalysts for various applications. Strategies toward coating monoliths are of equal interest and importance. In this paper, the preparation of monoliths and monolithic catalysts have been summarized. More specifically, a brief explanation for the manufacturing of ceramic and metallic monoliths has been provided. Also, different methods for coating γ-alumina, as a secondary support, are included. Techniques used to deposit metal-based species, zeolites and carbon onto monoliths are discussed. Furthermore, monoliths extruded with metal oxides, zeolites and carbon are described. The main foci are on the reasoning and understanding behind the preparation of monolithic catalysts. Ideas and concerns are also contributed to encourage better approaches when designing these catalysts. More importantly, the relevance of monolithic structures to reactions, such as the selective oxidation of alkanes, catalytic combustion for power generation and the preferential oxidation of carbon monoxide, has been described.
Watershed Response to Climate Change and Fire-Burns in the Upper Umatilla River Basin, USA
Authors: Yazzie Kimberly , Chang Heejun
Published: February 2017

This study analyzed watershed response to climate change and forest fire impacts in the upper Umatilla River Basin (URB), Oregon, using the precipitation runoff modeling system. Ten global climate models using Coupled Intercomparison Project Phase 5 experiments with Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) 4.5 and 8.5 were used to simulate the effects of climate and fire-burns on runoff behavior throughout the 21st century. We observed the center timing (CT) of flow, seasonal flows, snow water equivalent (SWE) and basin recharge. In the upper URB, hydrologic regime shifts from a snow-rain-dominated to rain-dominated basin. Ensemble mean CT occurs 27 days earlier in RCP 4.5 and 33 days earlier in RCP 8.5, in comparison to historic conditions (1980s) by the end of the 21st century. After forest cover reduction in the 2080s, CT occurs 35 days earlier in RCP 4.5 and 29 days earlier in RCP 8.5. The difference in mean CT after fire-burns may be due to projected changes in the individual climate model. Winter flow is projected to decline after forest cover reduction in the 2080s by 85% and 72% in RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5, in comparison to 98% change in ensemble mean winter flows in the 2080s before forest cover reduction. The ratio of ensemble mean snow water equivalent to precipitation substantially decreases by 81% and 91% in the 2050s and 2080s before forest cover reduction and a decrease of 90% in RCP 4.5 and 99% in RCP 8.5 in the 2080s after fire-burns. Mean basin recharge is 10% and 14% lower in the 2080s before fire-burns and after fire-burns, and it decreases by 13% in RCP 4.5 and decreases 22% in RCP 8.5 in the 2080s in comparison to historical conditions. Mixed results for recharge after forest cover reduction suggest that an increase may be due to the size of burned areas, decreased canopy interception and less evaporation occurring at the watershed surface, increasing the potential for infiltration. The effects of fire on the watershed system are strongly indicated by a significant increase in winter seasonal flows and a slight reduction in summer flows. Findings from this study may improve adaptive management of water resources, flood control and the effects of fire on a watershed system.
Coating Qualities Deposited Using Three Different Thermal Spray Technologies in Relation with Temperatures and Velocities of Spray Droplets
Authors: Kawaguchi Yasuyuki , Miyazaki Fumihiro , Yamasaki Masafumi , Yamagata Yukihiko , Kobayashi Nozomi , Muraoka Katsunori
Published: February 2017

Three guns based on different thermal spray technologies—namely, gas flame spray, wire arc spray, and wire plasma spray—were operated at each best cost–performance condition, and the resulting spray droplets and deposited coating qualities were investigated. For the former, a simple optical monitoring system was used to measure temperatures and velocities of spray droplets ejected from the guns. On the other hand, for the latter, qualities of coating layers on substrates—namely, surface roughness, atomic composition, hardness, adhesive strength, and porosity—were characterized. Then, these coating qualities were discussed with respect to the measured temperatures and velocities of spray droplets, which revealed novel features in the coatings that have not been seen before, such as atomic composition and hardness strongly dependent on temperature and environments of droplets towards the substrates, and porosity on velocity of droplets impinging onto the substrates.
Indium Substitution Effect on the Topological Crystalline Insulator Family (Pb1−xSnx)1−yInyTe: Topological and Superconducting Properties
Authors: Zhong Ruidan , Schneeloch John , Li Qiang , Ku Wei , Tranquada John , Gu Genda
Published: February 2017

Topological crystalline insulators (TCIs) have been of great interest in the area of condensed matter physics. We investigated the effect of indium substitution on the crystal structure and transport properties in the TCI system (Pb1−xSnx)1−yInyTe. For samples with a tin concentration x ≤ 50 % , the low-temperature resisitivities show a dramatic variation as a function of indium concentration: with up to ∼2% indium doping, the samples show weak-metallic behavior similar to their parent compounds; with ∼6% indium doping, samples have true bulk-insulating resistivity and present evidence for nontrivial topological surface states; with higher indium doping levels, superconductivity was observed, with a transition temperature, T c , positively correlated to the indium concentration and reaching as high as 4.7 K. We address this issue from the view of bulk electronic structure modified by the indium-induced impurity level that pins the Fermi level. The current work summarizes the indium substitution effect on (Pb,Sn)Te, and discusses the topological and superconducting aspects, which can be provide guidance for future studies on this and related systems.
An Approach to Data Analysis in 5G Networks
Authors: Barona López Lorena , Maestre Vidal Jorge , García Villalba Luis
Published: February 2017

5G networks expect to provide significant advances in network management compared to traditional mobile infrastructures by leveraging intelligence capabilities such as data analysis, prediction, pattern recognition and artificial intelligence. The key idea behind these actions is to facilitate the decision-making process in order to solve or mitigate common network problems in a dynamic and proactive way. In this context, this paper presents the design of Self-Organized Network Management in Virtualized and Software Defined Networks (SELFNET) Analyzer Module, which main objective is to identify suspicious or unexpected situations based on metrics provided by different network components and sensors. The SELFNET Analyzer Module provides a modular architecture driven by use cases where analytic functions can be easily extended. This paper also proposes the data specification to define the data inputs to be taking into account in diagnosis process. This data specification has been implemented with different use cases within SELFNET Project, proving its effectiveness.
Investigation of a Diesel-Engined Vehicle’s Performance and Emissions during the WLTC Driving Cycle—Comparison with the NEDC
Authors: Giakoumis Evangelos , Zachiotis Alexandros
Published: February 2017

The present work presents results from an experimentally validated simulation code, regarding a turbocharged diesel-powered vehicle running on the recently developed worldwide light-duty vehicles WLTC driving cycle. The simulation is based on an engine mapping approach, with correction coefficients applied vis-à-vis the transient discrepancies encountered. Both performance and engine-out emission results are presented and discussed. As regards the latter, the concerned pollutants are soot and nitrogen monoxide. Since the WLTC driving cycle is scheduled to replace the NEDC in Europe from September 2017 with regard to the certification of passenger cars and light-duty trucks, a comparative analysis between the two test schedules is also performed for the engine/vehicle under study.
Optimization Models for Islanded Micro-Grids: A Comparative Analysis between Linear Programming and Mixed Integer Programming
Authors: Dolara Alberto , Grimaccia Francesco , Magistrati Giulia , Marchegiani Gabriele
Published: February 2017

This paper presents a comparison of optimization methods applied to islanded micro-grids including renewable energy sources, diesel generators and battery energy storage systems. In particular, a comparative analysis between an optimization model based on linear programming and a model based on mixed integer programming has been carried out. The general formulation of these models has been presented and applied to a real case study micro-grid installed in Somalia. The case study is an islanded micro-grid supplying the city of Garowe by means of a hybrid power plant, consisting of diesel generators, photovoltaic systems and batteries. In both models the optimization is based on load demand and renewable energy production forecast. The optimized control of the battery state of charge, of the spinning reserve and diesel generators allows harvesting as much renewable power as possible or to minimize the use of fossil fuels in energy production.
Effects of SiO2/Al2O3 Ratios on Sintering Characteristics of Synthetic Coal Ash
Authors: Hu Hongwei , Zhou Kun , Meng Kesheng , Song Lanbo , Lin Qizhao
Published: February 2017

This article explores the effects of SiO2/Al2O3 ratios (S/A) on sintering characteristics and provides guidance for alleviating ash depositions in a large-scale circulation fluidized bed. Five synthetic coal ash (SCA) samples with different S/As were treated in a muffle furnace for 12 h at different temperatures (from 773 K to 1373 K, in 100 K intervals). The morphological and chemical results of the volume shrinkage ratio (VSR), thermal deformation analysis by dilatometer (DIL), scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were combined to describe the sintering characteristics of different samples. The results showed that the sintering procedure mainly occurred in the third sintering stage when the temperature was over 1273 K, accompanied with significant decreases in the VSR curve. Excess SiO2 (S/A = 4.5) resulted in a porous structure while excess Al2O3 (S/A = 0.5) brought out large aggregations. The other three samples (S/A = 1.5, 2.5, 3.5) are made up of an amorphous compacted structure and are composed of low fusion temperature materials (e.g., augite and wadsleysite.). Sintering temperatures first dramatically decrease to a low level and then gradually rise to a high level as S/A increases, suggesting that Al2O3-enriched additives are more effective than SiO2enriched additives in alleviating depositions.
A Demographic Approach to Evaluating Tree Population Sustainability
Authors: Halpin Corey , Lorimer Craig
Published: February 2017

Quantitative criteria for assessing demographic sustainability of tree populations would be useful in forest conservation, as climate change and a growing complex of invasive pests are likely to drive forests outside their historic range of variability. In this paper, we used CANOPY, a spatially explicit, individual‐tree model, to examine the effects of initial size distributions on sustainability of tree populations for 70 northern hardwood stands under current environmental conditions. A demographic sustainability index was calculated as the ratio of future simulated basal area to current basal area, given current demographic structure and density‐dependent demographic equations. Only steeply descending size distributions were indicated to be moderately or highly sustainable (final basal area/initial basal area ≥0.7 over several tree generations). Five of the six principal species had demographic sustainability index values of <0.6 in 40%–84% of the stands. However, at a small landscape scale, nearly all species had mean index values >1. Simulation experiments suggested that a minimum sapling density of 300 per hectare was required to sustain the initial basal area, but further increases in sapling density did not increase basal area because of coincident increases in mortality. A variable slope with high q‐ratios in small size classes was needed to maintain the existing overstory of mature and old‐growth stands. This analytical approach may be useful in identifying stands needing restoration treatments to maintain existing species composition in situations where forests are likely to have future recruitment limitations.
Identification of the Geographic Origin of Parmigiano Reggiano (P.D.O.) Cheeses Deploying Non-Targeted Mass Spectrometry and Chemometrics
Authors: Popping Bert , De Dominicis Emiliano , Dante Mario , Nocetti Marco
Published: February 2017

Parmigiano Reggiano is an Italian product with a protected designation of origin (P.D.O.). It is an aged hard cheese made from raw milk. P.D.O. products are protected by European regulations. Approximately 3 million wheels are produced each year, and the product attracts a relevant premium price due to its quality and all around the world well known typicity. Due to the high demand that exceeds the production, several fraudulent products can be found on the market. The rate of fraud is estimated between 20% and 40%, the latter predominantly in the grated form. We have developed a non-target method based on Liquid Chomatography-High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (LC-HRMS) that allows the discrimination of Parmigiano Reggiano from non-authentic products with milk from different geographical origins or products, where other aspects of the production process do not comply with the rules laid down in the production specifications for Parmeggiano Reggiano. Based on a database created with authentic samples provided by the Consortium of Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese, a reliable classification model was built. The overall classification capabilities of this non-targeted method was verified on 32 grated cheese samples. The classification was 87.5% accurate.
Genome-Wide Prediction of DNA Methylation Using DNA Composition and Sequence Complexity in Human
Authors: Wu Chengchao , Yao Shixin , Li Xinghao , Chen Chujia , Hu Xuehai
Published: February 2017

DNA methylation plays a significant role in transcriptional regulation by repressing activity. Change of the DNA methylation level is an important factor affecting the expression of target genes and downstream phenotypes. Because current experimental technologies can only assay a small proportion of CpG sites in the human genome, it is urgent to develop reliable computational models for predicting genome-wide DNA methylation. Here, we proposed a novel algorithm that accurately extracted sequence complexity features (seven features) and developed a support-vector-machine-based prediction model with integration of the reported DNA composition features (trinucleotide frequency and GC content, 65 features) by utilizing the methylation profiles of embryonic stem cells in human. The prediction results from 22 human chromosomes with size-varied windows showed that the 600-bp window achieved the best average accuracy of 94.7%. Moreover, comparisons with two existing methods further showed the superiority of our model, and cross-species predictions on mouse data also demonstrated that our model has certain generalization ability. Finally, a statistical test of the experimental data and the predicted data on functional regions annotated by ChromHMM found that six out of 10 regions were consistent, which implies reliable prediction of unassayed CpG sites. Accordingly, we believe that our novel model will be useful and reliable in predicting DNA methylation.
A Gin4-Like Protein Kinase GIL1 Involvement in Hyphal Growth, Asexual Development, and Pathogenesis in Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Yu Dan , Zhang Shijie , Li Xiaoping , Xu Jin-Rong , Schultzhaus Zachary , Jin Qiaojun
Published: February 2017

Fusarium graminearum is the main causal agent of Fusarium head blight (FHB) on wheat and barley. In a previous study, a GIN4-like protein kinase gene, GIL1, was found to be important for plant infection and sexual reproduction. In this study we further characterized the functions of GIL1 kinase in different developmental processes. The Δgil1 mutants were reduced in growth, conidiation, and virulence, and formed whitish and compact colonies. Although phialide formation was rarely observed in the mutants, deletion of GIL1 resulted in increased hyphal branching and increased tolerance to cell wall and cell membrane stresses. The Δgil1 mutants produced straight, elongated conidia lacking of distinct foot cells and being delayed in germination. Compared with the wild type, some compartments in the vegetative hyphae of Δgil1 mutants had longer septal distances and increased number of nuclei, suggesting GIL1 is related to cytokinesis and septation. Localization of the GIL1-GFP fusion proteins to the septum and hyphal branching and fusion sites further supported its roles in septation and branching. Overall, our results indicate that GIL1 plays a role in vegetative growth and plant infection in F. graminearum, and is involved in septation and hyphal branching.
Synthesis of 8-Aryl-O-methylcyanidins and Their Usage for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Devices
Authors: Kimura Yuki , Oyama Kin-ichi , Murata Yasujiro , Wakamiya Atsushi , Yoshida Kumi
Published: February 2017

Anthocyanins as natural pigments are colorful and environmentally compatible dyes for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). To increase the efficiency, we designed and synthesized unnatural O-methylflavonols and O-methylcyanidins that possess an aryl group at the 8-position. We synthesized per-O-methylquercetin from quercetin, then using selective demethylation prepared various O-methylquercetins. Using the Suzuki-Miyaura coupling reaction, 8-arylation of per-O-methylquercetin was achieved. Using a LiAlH4 reduction or Clemmensen reduction, these flavonols were transformed to the corresponding cyanidin derivatives in satisfactory yields. Using these dyes, we fabricated DSSCs, and their efficiency was investigated. The efficiency of tetra-O-methylflavonol was 0.31%. However, the introduction of the 8-aryl residue increased the efficiency to 1.04%. In comparison to these flavonols, O-methylcyanidins exhibited a lower efficiency of 0.05% to 0.52%. The introduction of the 8-aryl group into the cyanidin derivatives did not result in a remarkable increase in the efficiency. These phenomena may be due to the poor fit of the HOMO-LUMO level of the dyes to the TiO2 conduction band.
Low-Intensity Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy Enhances Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Expression through PERK/ATF4 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Wang Bohan , Ning Hongxiu , Reed-Maldonado Amanda , Zhou Jun , Ruan Yajun , Zhou Tie , Wang Hsun , Oh Byung , Banie Lia , Lin Guiting , Lue Tom
Published: February 2017

Low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy (Li-ESWT) is used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction, but its mechanisms are not well understood. Previously, we found that Li-ESWT increased the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Here we assessed the underlying signaling pathways in Schwann cells in vitro and in penis tissue in vivo after nerve injury. The result indicated that BDNF were significantly increased by the Li-ESWT after nerve injury, as well as the expression of BDNF in Schwann cells (SCs, RT4-D6P2T) in vitro. Li-ESWT activated the protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum (ER) kinase (PERK) pathway by increasing the phosphorylation levels of PERK and eukaryotic initiation factor 2a (eIF2α), and enhanced activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) in an energy-dependent manner. In addition, GSK2656157—an inhibitor of PERK—effectively inhibited the effect of Li-ESWT on the phosphorylation of PERK, eIF2α, and the expression of ATF4. Furthermore, silencing ATF4 dramatically attenuated the effect of Li-ESWT on the expression of BDNF, but had no effect on hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)1α or glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) in Schwann cells. In conclusion, our findings shed new light on the underlying mechanisms by which Li-ESWT may stimulate the expression of BDNF through activation of PERK/ATF4 signaling pathway. This information may help to refine the use of Li-ESWT to further improve its clinical efficacy.
Presence of Calcium Lowers the Expansion of Bacillus subtilis Colony Biofilms
Authors: Mhatre Eisha , Sundaram Anandaroopan , Hölscher Theresa , Mühlstädt Mike , Bossert Jörg , Kovács Ákos
Published: February 2017

Robust colony formation by Bacillus subtilis is recognized as one of the sessile, multicellular lifestyles of this bacterium. Numerous pathways and genes are responsible for the architecturally complex colony structure development. Cells in the biofilm colony secrete extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) and protein components (TasA and the hydrophobin BslA) that hold them together and provide a protective hydrophobic shield. Cells also secrete surfactin with antimicrobial as well as surface tension reducing properties that aid cells to colonize the solid surface. Depending on the environmental conditions, these secreted components of the colony biofilm can also promote the flagellum-independent surface spreading of B. subtilis, called sliding. In this study, we emphasize the influence of Ca2+ in the medium on colony expansion of B. subtilis. Interestingly, the availability of Ca2+ has no major impact on the induction of complex colony morphology. However, in the absence of this divalent ion, peripheral cells of the colony expand radially at later stages of development, causing colony size to increase. We demonstrate that the secreted extracellular compounds, EPS, BslA, and surfactin facilitate colony expansion after biofilm maturation. We propose that Ca2+ hinders biofilm colony expansion by modifying the amphiphilic properties of surfactin.