bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Calcifying Epithelial Odontogenic Tumor (Ceot)
Authors: Malik Shan Nawaz , Alam Mohammad Khursheed , Shahina Mariyam , Siddique Salman , Prabhu Vishnu Das
Published: January 2014

Calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor is a rare benign epithelial odontogenic lesion that comprises from 0.2% to 1.1 of all odontogenic tumors. In the past a number of different names have been given to this lesion, such as calcifying ameloblastoma, cystic complex odontoma, uncommon ameloblastoma with calcifications and others. There is a need to study and explore various aspects of this tumour, this article gives a broad idea of the various aspects of this tumor and which aspect of this tumour needs more investigation. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v13i1.17378 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 13 No. 01 January2014: 14-19
Antibiotic susceptibility pattern of isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a Saudi Arabian Hospital
Authors: Ahmed Shamweel , Al-Harbi Mohmammed Nawaf
Published: January 2014

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most common gram-negative bacteria. identified in the clinical specimens of hospital admitted patients. A major problem in P. aeruginosa infection may be that this pathogen exhibits a high degree of resistance to a broad spectrum of antibiotics. The study aimed to isolate and determine the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of the P. aeruginosa. This prospective study was done over a period of six months. Forty one clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) were isolated from sputum specimens of the patients suspected of having respiratory tract infection. The antibiotic susceptibility profiles of all the isolates were determined using disk diffusion method as recommended by Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute. Ciprofloxacin was found to be the most effective antimicrobial agent with 85.4% susceptibility followed by imipenem (75.6%), aminoglycosides (amikacin, 95.1% and gentamicin, 90.3%), and the beta-lactams (cefepime 65.8%, ceftazidime, 51.2%). Piperacillin showed the maximum resistance (46.3%) followed by Aztreonam (36.6%). Regular antimicrobial susceptibility surveillance is essential for area-wise monitoring of the resistance patterns. An effective national and state level antibiotic policy and draft guidelines should be introduced to preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics and for better patient management. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v13i1.17428 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 13 No. 01 January2014: 45-48. Table I & Figure I added on 02 February 2014.
Precipitating factors, clinical features and outcome of diabetic ketoacidosis in children and adolescents admitted in a tertiary care hospital in Dhaka
Authors: Islam Rubaiya , Akhter Shahida , Shelim Rumana , Mohsin Fauzia , Begum Tahmina , Akhter Gulshan
Published: January 2014

Background Information: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM). It is an acute complication of type 1 DM. Objective: This study was designed to identify the precipitating factors, clinical features and immediate outcomes of DKA in children and adolescents. Method: This was a retrospective study which was done in the department of Pediatrics, BIRDEM, from January 2002 to April 2007. Data were collected from the hospital record for all diabetic children below 18 years admitted with DKA. Result: Fourty nine children and adolescents were admitted with DKA. Sixty one percent were known cases and the remaining (39%) were new DM. Majority were female (63%). Most (49%) of the children were between 11- 15 years. Infection was the commonest (49%) precipitating factor followed by insulin omission (24%). Major clinical features were kussmaul breathing (94%) and dehydration (94%).Eighty eight percent patients improved after treatment and mortality was 12%. Conclusion: Infection was the commonest precipitating factor of DKA. Kussmaul breathing and dehydration were the commonest clinical features. Most of the patients improved after treatment.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v13i1.17429 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 13 No. 01 January2014: 53-57
A rare case of double orifice mitral valve with flail leaflet with embryological significance  A case report
Authors: Kumar Gattu Praveen , Shaffiuddin Md
Published: January 2014

Mitral valve having a double orifice opening into the left ventricle is an uncommon anomaly, In this case study we describe about a 25 years old female who came to cardiology outpatient block with exertional dysnea , the abnormality was suspected by a murmur ,further investigation Colour Doppler echocardiography showed congenital double-orifice mitral valve. This finding was confirmed by open heart surgery, and her mitral valve was successfully repaired. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v13i1.17442 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 13 No. 01 January2014: 80-83
Robotic surgery in otolaryngology and head - neck surgery
Authors: Mazumder SM Khorshed Alam
Published: January 2014

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjo.v19i2.17629Bangladesh J Otorhinolaryngol 2013; 19(2): 78-81
Presentation of sinonasal carcinoma
Authors: Haque Md Momenul , Ali Mohammad Idrish , Harun-Ar-Rashid Md , Islam Md Tariqul , Rahman Mujibur , Chowdhury M Allam
Published: January 2014

Objective: To observe the pattern of clinical presentation according to site of origin of sinonasal carcinoma. Methods: This cross-sectional study was done in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, BSMMU and Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka during the period from January 2008 to December 2009. Patients of sinonasal carcinoma were evaluated by detailed history, clinical examination and relevant investigations. Results: The present study included 40 patients of sinonasal malignancy bearing age limits of 4 years to 75 years with mean age 48.29. Male and female ratio was 2.6:1. Most patients (77.5%) came from rural area and illiterate (40%) and most of them were farmers (40%), having poor socio-economic condition (50%). About 35% of them were smokers and more than one other personal habit. Majority patients presented with multiple sinuses involvements (72.5%) and among single sinus involvement maxillary sinus was most common (63.63%), followed by nasal cavity (27.27%) and ethmoidal sinus (9.09%) as primary site. Conclusion: Though carcinoma of the nose and paranasal sinuses is relatively uncommon, it is not uncommon in our country. This disease generally presents in an advanced stage. Overall prognosis was directly related to diseases stages. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjo.v19i2.17632 Bangladesh J Otorhinolaryngol 2013; 19(2): 99-103
Role of fine needle aspiration cytology in the preoperative diagnosis of malignancy in parotid and submandibular gland neoplasm
Authors: Hossain Mohammad Amzad , Alam Md Zahedul , Haque Md Rojibul , Haque Md Nazmul , Alam KM Nurul , Islam Md Mazharul , Al Mamun Md Abdullah
Published: January 2014

Objective: To evaluate the role of Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology in the preoperative diagnosis of malignancy in parotid and submandibular gland neoplasm. Methods: This cross sectional study on 50 cases was conducted in the Department of Otolaryngology and Head-Neck Surgery of Sir Salimullah Medical College Mitford Hospital and Dhaka Medical College Hospital from January2009 to June 2010. Results: Fine needle aspiration cytology findings of our all 50 cases were compared with postoperative histopathological reports. Out of the 50 cases, in 36(72%) cases of benign neoplasm and 7(14%) cases of malignant neoplasm, pre-operative FNAC findings and post operative histopathological findings were same. In 7 cases, FNAC and post operative histopathological findings did not matched. These were 2 (4%) false positive and 5 (10%) false negative result.In our study sensitivity of FNAC for reporting malignancy was 58.33%, specificity to rule out malignancy was 94.73% and overall accuracy in detecting malignant tumour was 86%. Positive predictive value and negative value were 77.77% and 87.80% respectively. It can be concluded that fine needle aspiration cytology is a safe, cheap and useful preoperative diagnostic tool in the diagnosis of malignancy in parotid and submandibular gland, but as fine needle aspiration cytology partly depends on operator skill, it may give false negative and false positive result. Conclusion: FNAC is a useful preoperative diagnostic tool for malignant parotid and submandibular glands with high specificity and sensitivity. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjo.v19i2.17634 Bangladesh J Otorhinolaryngol 2013; 19(2): 110-118
Selective Cytotoxicity evaluation in Anticancer drug screening of Boehmeria virgata (Forst) Guill leaves to several human cell lines: HeLa, WiDr, T47D and Vero
Authors: Wardihan - , Rusdi Muhammad , Alam Gemini , Lukman - , Manggau Marianti A
Published: January 2014

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Many researchers have attempted to develop new treatments that will improve the prognosis of cancer patients. Indonesian forests, one of the most important worlds biodiversity, but little is known about chemical and/or pharmacological potential of these plants. The aim of this study to investigate selective cytotoxicity of B. virgata against of various cancer cell lines. The ethanolic extract of B. virgata leaves can act against HeLa, Widr, T47D and Vero cell lines with IC50 18.991 ± 0.234, 18.925 ± 1.277, 12.732 ± 0.945 and 16.022±0.663 ?g/ml with selective index 0.844, 0.847, 1.258 and 1.000, respectively. We highlight the significant cytotoxic effect of B. virgata from the leaves, which introduces promising expectations for new projects in chemistry, pharmacology and toxicology although non selective in these cell lines. Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 12(2): 123-126, 2013 (December) DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujps.v12i2.17615
Data Mining Methods to Generate Severe Wind Gust Models
Authors: Shanmuganathan Subana , Sallis Philip
Published: January 2014

Gaining knowledge on weather patterns, trends and the influence of their extremes on various crop production yields and quality continues to be a quest by scientists, agriculturists, and managers. Precise and timely information aids decision-making, which is widely accepted as intrinsically necessary for increased production and improved quality. Studies in this research domain, especially those related to data mining and interpretation are being carried out by the authors and their colleagues. Some of this work that relates to data definition, description, analysis, and modelling is described in this paper. This includes studies that have evaluated extreme dry/wet weather events against reported yield at different scales in general. They indicate the effects of weather extremes such as prolonged high temperatures, heavy rainfall, and severe wind gusts. Occurrences of these events are among the main weather extremes that impact on many crops worldwide. Wind gusts are difficult to anticipate due to their rapid manifestation and yet can have catastrophic effects on crops and buildings. This paper examines the use of data mining methods to reveal patterns in the weather conditions, such as time of the day, month of the year, wind direction, speed, and severity using a data set from a single location. Case study data is used to provide examples of how the methods used can elicit meaningful information and depict it in a fashion usable for management decision making. Historical weather data acquired between 2008 and 2012 has been used for this study from telemetry devices installed in a vineyard in the north of New Zealand. The results show that using data mining techniques and the local weather conditions, such as relative pressure, temperature, wind direction and speed recorded at irregular intervals, can produce new knowledge relating to wind gust patterns for vineyard management decision making.
Human Leptospirosis on Reunion Island: Past and Current Burden
Authors: Pagès Frédéric , Polycarpe Dominique , Dehecq Jean-Sébastien , Picardeau Mathieu , Caillère Nadège , Jaffar-Bandjee Marie-Christine , Michault Alain , Filleul Laurent
Published: January 2014

Since 1953, leptospirosis has been recognized as a public health problem on Reunion Island. In 2004, was implemented a specific surveillance system that included systematic reporting and the realization of environmental investigations around hospitalized cases. Here, we present the synthesis of historical data and the assessment of 9 years of leptospirosis surveillance. From 2004 to 2012, 414 hospitalized cases were reported. Cases of leptospirosis occurred mostly during the rainy season from December to May. Approximately 41% of infections occurred at home, 12% of infections occurred during aquatic leisure and 5% of cases were linked to professional activities. Furthermore, for 41% of cases, the place of infection could not be determined due to the accumulation of residential and non-residential exposure. Most of the cases of leptospirosis were linked to rural areas or traditional, rural occupations. We did not observe a shift to recreational leptospirosis as described in some developed countries. According to the new surveillance system, the number of reported cases has regularly increased since 2004. This situation is in part due to the improvement of the system in the first years but also to a real increase in the number of detected cases due to the introduction of molecular methods and to increased biological investigation into the Dengue-like syndrome by medical practitioners on the island since the Chikungunya crisis in 2006. This increase is probably due to surveillance and diagnosis biases but need to be carefully monitored. Nevertheless, the possibility of an outbreak is always present due to climatic events, such as after the “hyacinth” hurricane in 1980.
The Portrayal of Natural Environment in the Evolution of the Ecological Public Health Paradigm
Authors: Coutts Christopher , Forkink Annet , Weiner Jocelyn
Published: January 2014

This paper explores the conceptualization of the natural environment in an evolving ecological public health paradigm. The natural environment has long been recognized as essential to supporting life, health, and wellbeing. Our understanding of the relationship between the natural environment and health has steadily evolved from one of an undynamic environment to a more sophisticated understanding of ecological interactions. This evolution is reflected in a number of ecological public health models which demonstrate the many external and overlapping determinants of human health. Six models are presented here to demonstrate this evolution, each model reflecting an increasingly ecological appreciation for the fundamental role of the natural environment in supporting human health. We conclude that after decades of public health’s acceptance of the ecological paradigm, we are only now beginning to assemble knowledge of sophisticated ecological interdependencies and apply this knowledge to the conceptualization and study of the relationship between the natural environment and the determinants of human health.
Purification and Characterization of Iso-Ribonucleases from a Novel Thermophilic Fungus
Authors: Landry Kyle , Levin Robert
Published: January 2014

A thermophilic fungus previously isolated from composted horse manure was found to produce extracellular iso-RNases that were purified 127.6-fold using a combination of size exclusion chromatography and a novel affinity membrane purification system. The extent of purification was determined electrophoretically using 4%–15% gradient polyacrylamide gels. RNase activity was dependent on the presence of a metal co-factor with significantly more activity with Zn2+ or Mn2+ than Mg2+. The RNases exhibited maximum activity at both pH 3.0 and pH 7.0 with no activity at pH 2.0 or 10.0. The optimal temperature for the iso-RNase was 70 °C. The molecular weight of the iso-RNase was determined to be 69 kDa using a Sephadex G-75 column.
4,8-Bisallyl-2,6-dimethylnaphthalene-1,5-diyl Diacetate
Authors: Christensen Jørn , Sørensen Jeanett , Schaumburg Kjeld , Bechgaard Klaus
Published: January 2014

4,8-Diallyl-2,6-dimethylnaphthalene-1,5-diyl diacetate (1) which is a highly substituted naphthalene derivative has been synthesized in two steps starting from 2,6-dimethyl-1,5-naphthalenediol (3) using a modified Claisen-rearrangement.
Green Adsorbents for Wastewaters: A Critical Review
Authors: Kyzas George , Kostoglou Margaritis
Published: January 2014

One of the most serious environmental problems is the existence of hazardous and toxic pollutants in industrial wastewaters. The major hindrance is the simultaneous existence of many/different types of pollutants as (i) dyes; (ii) heavy metals; (iii) phenols; (iv) pesticides and (v) pharmaceuticals. Adsorption is considered to be one of the most promising techniques for wastewater treatment over the last decades. The economic crisis of the 2000s led researchers to turn their interest in adsorbent materials with lower cost. In this review article, a new term will be introduced, which is called “green adsorption”. Under this term, it is meant the low-cost materials originated from: (i) agricultural sources and by-products (fruits, vegetables, foods); (ii) agricultural residues and wastes; (iii) low-cost sources from which most complex adsorbents will be produced (i.e., activated carbons after pyrolysis of agricultural sources). These “green adsorbents” are expected to be inferior (regarding their adsorption capacity) to the super-adsorbents of previous literature (complex materials as modified chitosans, activated carbons, structurally-complex inorganic composite materials etc.), but their cost-potential makes them competitive. This review is a critical approach to green adsorption, discussing many different (maybe in some occasions doubtful) topics such as: (i) adsorption capacity; (ii) kinetic modeling (given the ultimate target to scale up the batch experimental data to fixed-bed column calculations for designing/optimizing commercial processes) and (iii) critical techno-economical data of green adsorption processes in order to scale-up experiments (from lab to industry) with economic analysis and perspectives of the use of green adsorbents.
Three-Component Coupling Reactions of Arynes for the Synthesis of Benzofurans and Coumarins
Authors: Yoshioka Eito , Kohtani Shigeru , Miyabe Hideto
Published: January 2014

The domino three-component coupling reaction of arynes with DMF and active methylenes or methines was studied as a highly efficient method for preparing heterocycles. Coumarin derivative 5 was formed when diethyl malonate (2) or α-bromomalonate (3) were used as a C2-unit. In contrast, dihydrobenzofurans 7a and 7b were obtained by using α-chloroenolates generated from α-chloromalonates 4a and 4b and Et2Zn. The benzofuran 15a could be obtained by using ethyl iodoacetate (14) as a C1-unit. The one-pot conversion of dihydrobenzofurans 7a, 7b and 8a into benzofurans 15a and 15b was also studied. The direct synthesis of benzofuran 15b was achieved by using the active methine 18 having ketone and ester groups.
Polymers for Protein Conjugation
Authors: Pasut Gianfranco
Published: January 2014

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) at the moment is considered the leading polymer for protein conjugation in view of its unique properties, as well as to its low toxicity in humans, qualities which have been confirmed by its extensive use in clinical practice. Other polymers that are safe, biodegradable and custom-designed have, nevertheless, also been investigated as potential candidates for protein conjugation. This review will focus on natural polymers and synthetic linear polymers that have been used for protein delivery and the results associated with their use. Genetic fusion approaches for the preparation of protein-polypeptide conjugates will be also reviewed and compared with the best known chemical conjugation ones.
A Multiwell Disc Appliance Used to Deliver Quantifiable Accelerations and Shear Stresses at Sonic Frequencies
Authors: Klemuk Sarah , Vigmostad Sarah , Endapally Kalyan , Wagner Andrew , Titze Ingo
Published: January 2014

To mimic in vivo vibration of vocal fold cells, we studied the controllability and range of frequency, acceleration, duration, and shear stress in a new bioreactor attachment. The custom multiwell disc appliance fits into a commercially built rheometer, together termed a torsional rheometer bioreactor (TRB). Previous attachments to the TRB were capable of 50–100 Hz vibrations at relatively high strains but were limited to single-sample experiments. The TRB-multiwell disc system accommodates 20 samples in partially fluid-filled wells in an aseptic environment delivering three different acceleration conditions to different samples simultaneously. Frequency and amplitude used to calculate acceleration along with duration and shear stress were controllable and quantifiable using a combination of built-in rheometer sensors, manufacturer software, and smooth particle hydrodynamics (SPH) simulations. Computed shear stresses at the well bottom using SPH in two and three dimensions were verified with analytical approximations. Results demonstrate capabilities of the TRB-multiwell disc system that, when combined with computational modeling, provide quantifiable vibration parameters covering frequencies 0.01–250 Hz, accelerations of 0.02–300 m/s2, and shear stresses of 0.01–1.4 Pa. It is well-suited for studying cell function underlying vocal fold lamina propria homeostasis, inflammation, and wound healing under differential vibration conditions.
Cloud and Cloud-Shadow Detection in SPOT5 HRG Imagery with Automated Morphological Feature Extraction
Authors: Fisher Adrian
Published: January 2014

Detecting clouds in satellite imagery is becoming more important with increasing data availability, however many earth observation sensors are not designed for this task. In Satellite pour l’Observation de la Terre 5 (SPOT5) High Resolution Geometrical (HRG) imagery, the reflectance properties of clouds are very similar to common features on the earth’s surface, in the four available bands (green, red, near-infrared and shortwave-infrared). The method presented here, called SPOTCASM (SPOT cloud and shadow masking), deals with this problem by using a series of novel image processing steps, and is the first cloud masking method to be developed specifically for SPOT5 HRG imagery. It firstly detects marker pixels using image specific threshold values, and secondly grows segments from these markers using the watershed-from-markers transform. The threshold values are defined as lines in a 2-dimensional histogram of the image surface reflectance values, calculated from two bands. Sun and satellite angles, and the similarity between the area of cloud and shadow objects are used to test their validity. SPOTCASM was tested on an archive of 313 cloudy images from across New South Wales (NSW), Australia, with 95% of images having an overall accuracy greater than 85%. Commission errors due to false clouds (such as highly reflective ground), and false shadows (such as a dark water body) can be high, as can omission errors due to thin cloud that is very similar to the underlying ground surface. These errors can be quickly reduced through manual editing, which is the current method being employed in the operational environment in which SPOTCASM is implemented. The method is being used to mask clouds and shadows from an expanding archive of imagery across NSW, facilitating environmental change detection.
A New Spaceborne Burst Synthetic Aperture Radar Imaging Mode for Wide Swath Coverage
Authors: Huang Pingping , Xu Wei
Published: January 2014

This paper presents a new spaceborne synthetic aperture radar (SAR) burst mode named “Extended Terrain Observation by Progressive Scans (ETOPS)” for wide swath imaged coverage. This scheme extends the imaging performance of the conventional Terrain Observation by Progressive Scans (TOPS) mode with a very limited azimuth beam steering capability. Compared with the TOPS mode with the same azimuth beam steering range for the same swath width, a finer azimuth resolution could be obtained. With the same system parameters, examples of four burst SAR imaging modes named ScanSAR, TOPS, inverse TOPS (ITOPS) and ETOPS are given, and their corresponding system performances are analyzed and compared. Simulation results show that the proposed ETOPS mode could obtain a better high-resolution wide-swath imaging performance under the same conditions.
A Non-Intrusive Method for Monitoring the Degradation of MOSFETs
Authors: Wu Li-Feng , Zheng Yu , Guan Yong , Wang Guo-Hui , Li Xiao-Juan
Published: January 2014

Highly reliable embedded systems have been widely applied in the fields of aerospace, nuclear power, high-speed rail, etc., which are related to security and economic development. The reliability of the power supply directly influences the security of the embedded system, and has been the research focus of numerous electronic information and energy studies. The degradation of power modules occupies a dominant position among the key factors affecting the power supply reliability. How to dynamically determine the degradation state and forecast the remaining useful life of working power modules is critical. Therefore, an online non-intrusive method of obtaining the degradation state of MOSFETs based on the Volterra series is proposed. It uses the self-driving signal of MOSFETs as a non-intrusive incentive, and extracts the degradation characteristics of MOSFETs by the frequency-domain kernel of the Volterra series. Experimental results show that the identification achieved by the method agrees well with the theoretical analysis.
Biosensing Using Microring Resonator Interferograms
Authors: Hsu Shih-Hsiang , Yang Yung-Chia , Su Yu-Hou , Wang Sheng-Min , Huang Shih-An , Lin Ching-Yu
Published: January 2014

Optical low-coherence interferometry (OLCI) takes advantage of the variation in refractive index in silicon-wire microring resonator (MRR) effective lengths to perform glucose biosensing using MRR interferograms. The MRR quality factor (Q), proportional to the effective length, could be improved using the silicon-wire propagation loss and coupling ratio from the MRR coupler. Our study showed that multimode interference (MMI) performed well in broad band response, but the splitting ratio drifted to 75/25 due to the stress issue. The glucose sensing sensitivity demonstrated 0.00279 meter per refractive-index-unit (RIU) with a Q factor of ~30,000 under transverse electric polarization. The 1,310 nm DFB laser was built in the OLCI system as the optical ruler achieving 655 nm characterization accuracy. The lowest sensing limitation was therefore 2 × 10−4 RIU. Moreover, the MRR effective length from the glucose sensitivity could be utilized to experimentally demonstrate the silicon wire effective refractive index with a width of 0.45 mm and height of 0.26 mm.
Possibilities of a Personal Laser Scanning System for Forest Mapping and Ecosystem Services
Authors: Liang Xinlian , Kukko Antero , Kaartinen Harri , Hyyppä Juha , Yu Xiaowei , Jaakkola Anttoni , Wang Yunsheng
Published: January 2014

A professional-quality, personal laser scanning (PLS) system for collecting tree attributes was demonstrated in this paper. The applied system, which is wearable by human operators, consists of a multi-constellation navigation system and an ultra-high-speed phase-shift laser scanner mounted on a rigid baseplate and consisting of a single sensor block. A multipass-corridor-mapping method was developed to process PLS data and a 2,000 m2 forest plot was utilized in the test. The tree stem detection accuracy was 82.6%; the root mean square error (RMSE) of the estimates of tree diameter at breast height (DBH) was 5.06 cm; the RMSE of the estimates of tree location was 0.38 m. The relative RMSE of the DBH estimates was 14.63%. The results showed, for the first time, the potential of the PLS system in mapping large forest plots. Further research on mapping accuracy in various forest conditions, data correction methods and multi-sensoral positioning techniques is needed. The utilization of this system in different applications, such as harvester operations, should also be explored. In addition to collecting tree-level and plot-level data for forest inventory, other possible applications of PLS for forest ecosystem services include mapping of canopy gaps, measuring leaf area index of large areas, documenting and visualizing forest routes feasible for recreation, hiking and berry and mushroom picking.
Adjustment of Measurements with Multiplicative Errors: Error Analysis, Estimates of the Variance of Unit Weight, and Effect on Volume Estimation from LiDAR-Type Digital Elevation Models
Authors: Shi Yun , Xu Peiliang , Peng Junhuan , Shi Chuang , Liu Jingnan
Published: January 2014

Modern observation technology has verified that measurement errors can be proportional to the true values of measurements such as GPS, VLBI baselines and LiDAR. Observational models of this type are called multiplicative error models. This paper is to extend the work of Xu and Shimada published in 2000 on multiplicative error models to analytical error analysis of quantities of practical interest and estimates of the variance of unit weight. We analytically derive the variance-covariance matrices of the three least squares (LS) adjustments, the adjusted measurements and the corrections of measurements in multiplicative error models. For quality evaluation, we construct five estimators for the variance of unit weight in association of the three LS adjustment methods. Although LiDAR measurements are contaminated with multiplicative random errors, LiDAR-based digital elevation models (DEM) have been constructed as if they were of additive random errors. We will simulate a model landslide, which is assumed to be surveyed with LiDAR, and investigate the effect of LiDAR-type multiplicative error measurements on DEM construction and its effect on the estimate of landslide mass volume from the constructed DEM.
Recommendations for Standardizing Validation Procedures Assessing Physical Activity of Older Persons by Monitoring Body Postures and Movements
Authors: Lindemann Ulrich , Zijlstra Wiebren , Aminian Kamiar , Chastin Sebastien , De Bruin Eling , Helbostad Jorunn , Bussmann Johannes
Published: January 2014

Physical activity is an important determinant of health and well-being in older persons and contributes to their social participation and quality of life. Hence, assessment tools are needed to study this physical activity in free-living conditions. Wearable motion sensing technology is used to assess physical activity. However, there is a lack of harmonisation of validation protocols and applied statistics, which make it hard to compare available and future studies. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to formulate recommendations for assessing the validity of sensor-based activity monitoring in older persons with focus on the measurement of body postures and movements. Validation studies of body-worn devices providing parameters on body postures and movements were identified and summarized and an extensive inter-active process between authors resulted in recommendations about: information on the assessed persons, the technical system, and the analysis of relevant parameters of physical activity, based on a standardized and semi-structured protocol. The recommended protocols can be regarded as a first attempt to standardize validity studies in the area of monitoring physical activity.
Toxin-Antitoxin Systems as Multilevel Interaction Systems
Authors: Goeders Nathalie , Van Melderen Laurence
Published: January 2014

Toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems are small genetic modules usually composed of a toxin and an antitoxin counteracting the activity of the toxic protein. These systems are widely spread in bacterial and archaeal genomes. TA systems have been assigned many functions, ranging from persistence to DNA stabilization or protection against mobile genetic elements. They are classified in five types, depending on the nature and mode of action of the antitoxin. In type I and III, antitoxins are RNAs that either inhibit the synthesis of the toxin or sequester it. In type II, IV and V, antitoxins are proteins that either sequester, counterbalance toxin activity or inhibit toxin synthesis. In addition to these interactions between the antitoxin and toxin components (RNA-RNA, protein-protein, RNA-protein), TA systems interact with a variety of cellular factors, e.g., toxins target essential cellular components, antitoxins are degraded by RNAses or ATP-dependent proteases. Hence, TA systems have the capacity to interact with each other at different levels. In this review, we will discuss the different interactions in which TA systems are involved and their implications in TA system functions and evolution.
Stereoselective Luche Reduction of Deoxynivalenol and Three of Its Acetylated Derivatives at C8
Authors: Fruhmann Philipp , Hametner Christian , Mikula Hannes , Adam Gerhard , Krska Rudolf , Fröhlich Johannes
Published: January 2014

The trichothecene mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON) is a well known and common contaminant in food and feed. Acetylated derivatives and other biosynthetic precursors can occur together with the main toxin. A key biosynthetic step towards DON involves an oxidation of the 8-OH group of 7,8-dihydroxycalonectrin. Since analytical standards for the intermediates are not available and these intermediates are therefore rarely studied, we aimed for a synthetic method to invert this reaction, making a series of calonectrin-derived precursors accessible. We did this by developing an efficient protocol for stereoselective Luche reduction at C8. This method was used to access 3,7,8,15-tetrahydroxyscirpene, 3-deacetyl-7,8-dihydroxycalonectrin, 15-deacetyl-7,8-dihydroxycalonectrin and 7,8-dihydroxycalonectrin, which were characterized using several NMR techniques. Beside the development of a method which could basically be used for all type B trichothecenes, we opened a synthetic route towards different acetylated calonectrins.
Recent Developments in Preclinical DNA Vaccination
Authors: Okuda Kenji , Wada Yoshiyuki , Shimada Masaru
Published: January 2014

The advantages of genetic immunization of the new vaccine using plasmid DNAs are multifold. For example, it is easy to generate plasmid DNAs, increase their dose during the manufacturing process, and sterilize them. Furthermore, they can be stored for a long period of time upon stabilization, and their protein encoding sequences can be easily modified by employing various DNA-manipulation techniques. Although DNA vaccinations strongly increase Th1-mediated immune responses in animals, several problems persist. One is about their weak immunogenicity in humans. To overcome this problem, various genetic adjuvants, electroporation, and prime-boost methods have been developed preclinically, which are reviewed here.
Exploring the retention properties of CaF2 nanoparticles as possible additives for dental care application with tapping-mode atomic force microscope in liquid
Authors: Wasem Matthias , Köser Joachim , Hess Sylvia , Gnecco Enrico , Meyer Ernst
Published: January 2014

Amplitude-modulation atomic force microscopy (AM-AFM) is used to determine the retention properties of CaF2 nanoparticles adsorbed on mica and on tooth enamel in liquid. From the phase-lag of the forced cantilever oscillation the local energy dissipation at the detachment point of the nanoparticle was determined. This enabled us to compare different as-synthesized CaF2 nanoparticles that vary in shape, size and surface structure. CaF2 nanoparticles are candidates for additives in dental care products as they could serve as fluorine-releasing containers preventing caries during a cariogenic acid attack on the teeth. We show that the adherence of the nanoparticles is increased on the enamel substrate compared to mica, independently of the substrate roughness, morphology and size of the particles.
DETERMINING THE RESIDUAL STRENGTH OF SFRC FLEXURAL MEMBERS / LENKIAMŲJŲ PLIENO PLAUŠU ARMUOTŲ BETONINIŲ ELEMENTŲ LIEKAMOJO STIPRIO NUSTATYMAS
Authors: Meškėnas Adas , Rimkus Arvydas
Published: January 2014

The application of steel fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC) isconstantly increasing. However, due to the absence of universallyaccepted guidelines for SFRC, the application fields of this materialare still limited. Post-cracking load carrying capacity is aproperty of concrete most benefited by steel fibre reinforcement,usually designed by the residual strength of SFRC in tension, ffr.However, the quantification of ffr is one of the most critical issues.The research reported in this paper is dedicated to determining theresidual strength of SFRC in tension. The experimental results often notched beams with the fibre content of 0.5% and 1.0% byvolume subjected to a three-point loading scheme are presented.Considering SFRC as a homogeneous material, a mechanicallysound method for the inverse analysis of SFRC was proposed.The adequacy of the calculated results was validated using experimentaldata on standard flexural specimens. Computationaleffectiveness was proved employing derived residual strengthmodels into the nonlinear finite element analysis program.

Santrauka

Dispersiškai armuotas betonas vis dažniau naudojamas statybos pramonėje, deja, platesnį šios medžiagos taikymą riboja visiems priimtinų ir patikimų projektavimo normų stoka. Pagrindinė to priežastis – sudėtingas supleišėjusio dispersiškai armuoto tempiamojo betono elgseną apibūdinančio parametro, t. y. liekamųjų įtempių, nustatymas. Liekamieji įtempiai nusako elemento įtempius plyšyje, kuriuos plyšį varžantis plieno plaušas perduoda betonui. Šiame straipsnyje nagrinėjami plieno plaušu armuoti lenkiamieji betoniniai elementai. Aptarti dažniausiai naudojami supleišėjusio tempiamojo dispersiškai armuoto betono elgseną aprašantys modeliai. Pasiūlytas alternatyvus liekamųjų įtempių nustatymo būdas, naudojant standartinių sijų bandymų rezultatus. Nagrinėtų skaičiavimo modelių adekvatumas tikrintas baigtinių elementų programa ATENA. Apskaičiuotos sijų apkrovos ir plyšio pločio priklausomybės palygintos su eksperimentinėmis, gautomis lenkiant plieno plaušu armuotas sijas viena koncentruota apkrova.
DETAILED INVESTIGATION INTO THE INITIAL CONTACT BETWEEN SOIL, POROUS STONE, UNIVERSAL OEDOMETER AND SIMPLE SHEAR TEST EQUIPMENT / UNIVERSALAUS SPŪDUMO IR PAPRASTOJO KIRPIMO APARATO, KONTAKTO VIETOS TARP PORINIO AKMENS IR GRUNTO TIKSLESNIS NUSTATYMO BŪDAS
Authors: Skuodis Šarūnas , Šlečkuvienė Agata
Published: January 2014

The paper presents experimental tests on typical Baltic sea-shoresand along Klaipėda. Natural sand was analyzed under laboratoryconditions following two different test procedures for soilcompression applying a universal oedometer and simple shear testdevice. The conducted analysis was concentrated on the influenceof the applied contact between soil and porous stone. First, thesoil compression test using the contact pressure of ~10.0 kPawas done, which guaranties the absolute contact between soiland porous stone. The applied maximum vertical load reaches400.0 kPa under the speed of the vertical stress ramp of 400.0kPa/min. The second test procedure was done with referenceto the same physical properties of soil and the type of loading.When laboratory testing is done adopting the second testprocedure, the contact between soil and porous stone is appliedintroducing the soil sample. In this case, the vertical stress ofthe initial contact on the top of the sample does not exceed 1.0kPa. A comparison of the results obtained from two testing procedureshas disclosed different compression characters of soil.For investigation purposes, the equipment and infrastructure ofthe Civil Engineering Research Center of Vilnius GediminasTechnical University was employed.

Santrauka

Nagrinėjamos Baltijos jūros pakrantės smėlio ties Klaipėdos pakrante spūdumo savybės, naudojant dvi skirtingas bandymų metodikas. Pirmoji bandymų metodika paremta slėgio sukūrimu bandinio viršuje, norint užtikrinti kontaktą tarp grunto ir apkrovos stūmoklio porinio akmens. Antroji metodika paremta nustatant kontakto vietą pagal vertikalius prietaiso poslinkius. Grunto bandinys apkraunamas didžiausia 400,0 kPa apkrova, apkrovos pridėjimo greitis 400,0 kPa/min, rezultatų registravimas vykdomas kas 1,0 s. Sukuriant kontaktą tarp grunto ir apkrovos stūmoklio porinio akmens, sudarant vertikalų slėgį (~10 kPa) bandinio viršuje, yra netiksliai apskaičiuojamas bandinio aukštis. Kontakto aukštis nėra lygus pradiniam bandinio aukščiui. Tirto grunto atveju šie aukščiai skiriasi ~0,80 mm. Šiuo atveju bendras bandinio aukščio pokytis ~1,33 mm. Naudojantis prietaiso aukščio kalibravimo rezultatais prieš bandymą, sukuriamo kontakto tarp grunto ir apkrovos stūmoklio porinio akmens aukštis yra nustatomas tiksliai. Antruoju atveju slėgis kontakto plokštumoje neviršija 1,0 kPa ir grunto spūdumo metu tiksliai įvertinamas bandinio aukščio pokytis. Gautas bendras bandinio aukščio pokytis ~1,08 mm.
RESEARCH INTO THE RELIABILITY OF THE BRIDGE OF A CAR CARRIER PLATFORM / AUTOMOBILVEŽIO PLATFORMOS TILTELIO PATIKIMUMO TYRIMAS
Authors: Paškevičius Paulius , Nagurnas Saulius , Bureika Gintautas , Žuraulis Vidas
Published: January 2014

The paper deals with the strength analysis of structural devices(platform bridges) that fasten cars to a car carrier frame. Theloads of all bridges are evaluated along with the indication ofthe areas of load concentration. The paper presents a brief structuraldescription of platform bridges, including their drawingsperformed with the help of SolidWorks software. The bridgeloads have been analyzed applying Ansys software. Accordingto the results of computer simulation of the loads, dangerousstructural areas of the bridges have been identified. While makingattempts to solve the established structural problems of suchcar carriers, suggestions for their structural improvement havebeen put forward, and computer simulation of loads and stressspread have been performed. The paper ends with conclusionsand suggestions.

Santrauka

Straipsnyje atliekamas automobilio tvirtinimo prie automobilvežio rėmo konstrukcinio elemento (platformos tiltelio) stipruminis tyrimas. Nustatoma tiltelį veikianti apkrova bei apkrovos koncentracijos vietos. Straipsnyje trumpai aprašomi tiltelio konstrukciniai elementai ir, naudojant „SolidWorks“ programinį paketą, braižomas pats tiltelis. Tiltelio konstrukciją veikiančios apkrovos tiriamos „Ansys“ programiniu paketu. Pagal atlikto apkrovų modeliavimo rezultatus patvirtinamos pavojingos konstrukcinės tiltelio zonos. Siekiant išspręsti nustatytą konstrukcinę automobilvežio platformos elemento problemą, pasiūlytas konstrukcijos tobulinimas, atliktas šios konstrukcijos apkrovų ir įtempimų pasiskirstymo modeliavimas. Formuluojamos išvados bei pasiūlymai.
Negotiating a colonial Maya identity: metal ornaments from Tipu, Belize
Authors: Cockrell Bryan , Martinón-Torres Marcos , Graham Elizabeth
Published: January 2014

Archaeologists recovered Colonial-period metal ornaments from Tipu, Belize, the site of a Maya occupation from 300 BC to AD 1707. This project asks to what extent the technological attributes of these ornaments reflect Mesoamerican or European influences. Investigators used microanalytical techniques, such as metallography, energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF), electron probe microanalyser with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EPMA-EDS) and wavelength dispersive spectroscopy (EPMA-WDS) and surface etching, to study compositions and microstructures of the metals. Comparison of these data with technological and stylistic information of metals from other pre-Columbian and Contact-period sites reveals a confluence of indigenous and European metallurgy. Whereas the needle and bell forms and the suite of copper and bronze compositions align with indigenous metallurgical practices, the existence of lacetags and the use of brass reflect European technology. The presence of metal ornaments in association with Maya individuals in burials suggests that the Maya at Tipu were constructing and expressing new colonial identities through material markers.
Prehistoric copper from the Eastern Alps
Authors: Lutz Joachim , Pernicka Ernst
Published: January 2014

The rich copper ore deposits in the Eastern Alps have long been considered as important sources for copper in prehistoric Central Europe. It is, however, not so clear which role each deposit played. To evaluate the amount of prehistoric copper production of the various mining regions it was attempted to link prehistoric metal artefacts with copper ores based on the geochemical characteristics of the ore deposits that have been exploited in ancient times. More than 120 ore samples from the well known mining districts Mitterberg, Viehhofen, Kitzbühel and Schwaz/Brixlegg have been analysed so far (lead isotope ratios, trace elements). Furthermore, about 730 archaeological copper/bronze artifacts were investigated and analysed. These results were combined with analytical data generated by previous archaeometallurgical projects in order to compile a substantial database for comparative studies. In the Early Bronze Age, most metal artifacts were made of copper or bronze with fahlore impurity patterns and most finds from this period match excellently the fahlore deposits in Schwaz and Brixlegg. At the end of the Early Bronze Age, a new variety of copper with lower concentrations of impurities appeared. The impurity patterns of these finds match the ores from the Mitterberg district. In the Middle Bronze Age, this variety of copper Dominated while in the Late Bronze Age fahlores from Schwaz and Brixlegg experienced a comeback. The reason for this may be a decline of the chalcopyrite mines or a rising demand for copper which could not be covered by the chalcopyrite mines alone. The finds of the Early Iron Age are of similar composition and continue the traditions of the Late Bronze Age.
Early copper metallurgy in Northern Chile
Authors: Maldonado Blanca , Rehren Thilo , Pernicka Ernst , Núñez Lautaro , Leibbrandt Alexander
Published: January 2014

The Central Andean region of South America has a long tradition of mining and metallurgy. Such activities were fundamental to the economic, socio-political and ideological dynamics of the pre-Columbian cultures that inhabited this area. In spite of their importance, few archaeological investigations of metallurgy have been carried out in the Central Andes in general, and in current Chilean territory in particular. The present project investigates archaeometallurgical sites in northern Chile using scientific analysis, as a first step towards a large-scale map of prehistoric copper production and exchange across South America. This research involves documentation and sampling of already excavated archaeological materials from a number of copper-producing sites located in the Atacama District. Preliminary results of XRF analysis of artefacts from the collection of the R. P. Gustavo Le Paige Archaeological Museum, San Pedro de Atacama, have been obtained and enabled us to characterise the different elements present in the metal objects. These results might provide information on the nature of the raw materials used.
Assessment of burn-out and quality of life in nursing professionals: the contribution of perceived social support
Authors: Fradelos Evagelos , Tzitzikos Giorgos , Giannouli Vaitsa , Argyrou Panagiota , Vassilopoulou Chryssa , Theofilou Paraskevi
Published: January 2014

Burnout has received increased research attention in recent years. The aim of the present study is to examine levels of burnout as well as quality of life (QOL) in nursing staff in Greece. The association of social support with burnout and QOL is also investigated. One-hundred individuals working in Mental and General Hospitals in the broader area of Athens will participate in this study. The measurement tools include i) the Maslach Burnout Inventory, ii) the SF-36 Health Survey and iii) the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Burnout and QOL are expected to be related to the evaluation of social environment.