bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Production-Optimization Strategy Using a Hybrid Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Carpenter Chris
Published: January 2017

This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper SPE 177442, “Production-Optimization Strategy Using a Hybrid Genetic Algorithm,” by Damian Dion Salam, Irwan Gunardi, and Amega Yasutra, Bandung Institute of Technology, prepared for the 2015 Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference, Abu Dhabi, 9–12 November. The paper has not been peer reviewed.

The optimization algorithm used in this work is a hybrid genetic algorithm (HGA), which is the combination of GAs with artificial neural networks (ANNs) and evolution strategies (ESs). This HGA attempts to simplify the complex and diverse parameters governing the production-optimization problem. The HGA is coupled with a commercial simulator and has been applied to real fields to quantify the benefits of this HGA over a base case with the conventional GA.

Background

GAs. GAs are part of a larger group of methods in artificial intelligence (AI) called evolutionary computation. These methods are inspired by natural evolution in biology. The GA has been well-recognized as an optimization method that has the ability to work in a solution space with nonsmooth and nonlinear topology, where traditional methods generally fail. Several entities that make up the building blocks of GAs have their direct counterpart in nature. Populations, individuals and their fitness, generations, and genomes are all present both in nature and in GAs. A detailed discussion of the GA method is provided in the complete paper.

ANNs. ANNs are a method in AI inspired by brain structure and function. The method aims to interpret the functions, processes, simulators, or similar artifacts that produce input/output patterns by learning by use of given training points. The learning process for the ANN in this study uses a back-propagation (BP) algorithm. After learning from training data has been accomplished by an ANN, the system will receive input, process it, and provide the output. Many variants and types of ANNs exist. In ANNs, there are some nodes that receive inputs, some nodes that provide output, and hidden nodes in between. Neural networks are composed of nodes or units connected by directed links.

Learning in an ANN is typically accomplished through use of examples. This is also called “training” in ANN because the learning is achieved by adjusting the weights iteratively so that a trained ANN can perform well to interpret the function by use of testing points. The most common method in training the ANN is the BP method.
Bending Rules With High-Build-Rate Rotary-Steerable Systems
Authors: Wilson Adam
Published: January 2017

This article, written by Special Publications Editor Adam Wilson, contains highlights of paper SPE 177898, “Bending Rules With High-Build-Rate RSS,” by Imran Tipu, Eman Alawadhi, R. Kumar, Batyr Amanov, Mohamed A. El Gebaly, A.M. Al-Hammadi, A.M. Bin Shamlan, and Ali M. Danche, Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Petroleum Operations, and Sukesh Ganda, Rajan Dua, and Nour Hariri, Schlumberger, prepared for the 2015 Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference, Abu Dhabi, 9–12 November. The paper has not been peer reviewed.

This paper explores the applications, benefits, and value of a high-build-rate rotary-steerable system (HRSS) capable of delivering dogleg severity (DLS) greater than 18°/100 ft. The application of this technology has led to an estimated savings of 40 days. Other benefits include better hole cleaning and smoother wellbores, leading to less wellbore tortuosity and improved post-drilling trips with drilling, logging, and casing assemblies.

Introduction

Traditionally, steerable motors were used to drill an 8½-in. long-radius curve section requiring DLS of 6–7°/100 ft to land the well in the reservoir. Drilling long-radius curves required drilling through problematic and unstable formations and would require approximately 1,000– 1,200 ft of vertical-section length to reach the target entry (TE). In another drilling scenario, sidetracking from a cement plug, the first run was always with a steerable motor with a measurement-while-drilling (MWD) tool to the sidetrack and then 100–150 ft followed by a second run of a rotary-steerable system (RSS) and logging-while-drilling (LWD) tools. When sidetracking from a whipstock, though, the first run was with a motor and MWD tool, a gyro shot to the sidetrack, and then 150 ft, followed by a second run of the RSS LWD bottomhole assembly (BHA).

The long-radius wells were kicked off in the Shilaif formation, and the well profiles require DLS of 6–7°/100 ft through the Shilaif and Maudud formations, 4.5°/100 ft through approximately 700-ft measured depth of Nahr Umr, and finally 6–7°/100 ft through Bab to reach TE.
THE STUDY OF PEDAGOGICAL PRACTICE OF MOBILE LEARNING IN RUSSIA
Authors: Goryunova Marina , Lebedeva Margarita
Published: January 2017

The analysis of Russian and international experience of mobile learning is given in the article, the components of mobile learning (mobile devices, net technologies, pedagogical technologies) are revealed, pedagogical conditions of introduction of mobile learning in practice of Russian school are formulated.
The special attention is paid to importance of the use of mobile learning under conditions of transfer to the new educational standards, because the use of mobile devices at the lessons develops in pupils the ability to work with information, interact with a teacher and other pupils in net. It is demonstrated, that mobile learning is oriented on the attainment of meta-subject educational results, favors the formation of ability to study during the whole life.
The existing practice of mobile learning (inverted lesson, park lesson, distant courses and so on) are analyzed. The importance of pedagogical technologies, oriented on the wide independent work of the pupils is proved.
The prospects of further studies on this problem are described, the necessity of specialized training of teachers to the use of mobile learning at school is proved, the list of topics for the study in the system of qualification improvement of the teachers and forms of the work with them is given: webinars, qualification improvement courses and also informal improvement of qualification in net communities (blogs).
THE STATE OF APPLIED INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES AND E-BUSINESS PRACTICES IN BULGARIAN SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES
Authors: Neykova Melina , Miltchev Radoslav
Published: January 2017

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) represent the dominant form of business organization in the economic system globally and play an important role in the economic development and increased competitiveness of the economy, both in Bulgaria and in the European Union (EU).
The presented article is scientifically applicable in nature and is based on an extensive survey whose purpose is to analyze the current state of information and communication systems in small and medium-sized industrial enterprises in Bulgaria. Based on the collected and processed information the study reveals the current state and existing practices and problems related to the operation and maintenance of specialized information and communication systems and e-business technologies. The presented survey reveals important aspects related to the security of information resources in organizations in order to overcome existing obstacles and disadvantages in the e-business system and to improve it in the future, which will lead to its increased sustainability and competitiveness in the economic market.
THE PECULARITIES OF CORRELATION BETWEEN INSULIN RESISTANCE, CARBOHYDRATE AND LIPID METABOLISM INDICES IN PATIENTS WITH GRAVES’DISEASE
Authors: Lishchuk Orysia , Kikhtyak Olesya , Moskva Khrystyna
Published: January 2017

Aim. The number of patients with endocrine disorders in the world, in particular, Graves’ disease is continuously increasing. Recent studies have determined the fact of insulin resistance in thyroid disorders. On the one hand, numerous researches prove correlation of hypothyroidism with arterial hypertension, ischaemic heart disease and lipid metabolism disorder, on the other – carbohydrate metabolism disorder and hyper-sympathicotonia are closely associated with hyperthyroidism. The subject of the research was to study the correlation of insulin resistance, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism indices in patients with Graves’disease.

Material and Methods. During the study 53 (37 female and 16 male) patients with Graves’ disease with noticed IR have been examined. At the beginning, after 3– and 6-months thyreostatic therapy with insulin sensitizers (metformin or pioglitazone) the following investigations have been performed: assessing thyroid-stimulating hormone levels, free thyroxine and triiodothyronine; assessing glycated haemoglobin, glucose, C-peptide and fasting insulin as primary IR markers; calculating НОМА-IR index for analysing tissue sensitivity to insulin; calculating НОМА-β index for evaluating the functional capacity of β-cells of islets of Langerhans; measuring Caro indices to monitor hyperinsulinemia, measuring total cholesterol level, low-density lipoproteins, very-low-density lipoproteins, high-density lipoproteins , triglycerides, for analysing IR in relation to lipid metabolism.

Results. The research results found out that free thyroid hormones and thyroid-stimulating hormone are closely related to lipid metabolism. Thus, thyroid-stimulating hormone was characterized as having direct correlation with low-density lipoproteins, while the free thyroxine inversely correlated with total cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins, and high-density lipoproteins. The free triiodothyronine negatively correlated with high-density lipoproteins. The research has also determined the direct correlation between insulin and free thyroxine, as well as free triiodothyronine in patients with diffuse toxic goitre.

Conclusions. The study proves the presence of insulin resistance in patients with Graves’ disease that generates interest to further study of the changes in insulin sensitivity, relation of insulin resistance to thyroid-stimulating hormone, thyroid hormones and looking for the ways to correct these disorders.
Fabric Philosophy: The “Texture” of Theatricality and Performativity
Authors: Paavolainen Teemu
Published: January 2017

As metaphors of human existence, the idioms of theatricality and performativity both fluctuate between values of novelty and normativity: theatricality, between the essence of an art form and a cultural value variously opposed or embraced, performativity, between doing and dissimulation. To revert from drawing too sharp boundaries, either between the two phenomena or between their cognate art forms and everyday life, the article pursues to analyse them in “textural” terms specifically inspired by Tim Ingold’s ecological anthropology and Stephen C. Pepper’s philosophical pragmatism from the 1940s. Where Ingold’s ecology of lines admits to “no insides or outsides,” “trailing loose ends in every direction,” Pepper’s “contextualistic world” of events admits “no top nor bottom” to its strands and textures. After introducing Ingold’s networks of connected objects and meshworks of interwoven lines as shorthand terms for specifically theatrical and performative textures, their various dynamics are considered in terms of absorption and abstraction: on a global scale – I briefly consider the Anthropos(c)ene as theatrum mundi – seeing all the world as a stage indeed depends on something of a theatrical inversion of its lines of becoming. From the tensions of novelty and normativity, noted above, what emerges is a fabric philosophy of weaving and zooming between overlapping textures: if the performative names a dramaturgy of becoming, then the theatrical provides an optic for its analysis.
Zastosowanie obrazów funkcjonalnych w planowaniu leczenia radioterapii ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem metody „dose painting”
Authors: Skórska Małgorzata
Published: January 2017

W ostatnich latach miał miejsce ogromny postęp technologiczny w dziedzinie diagnostyki obrazowej, co niewątpliwie przekłada się na większą skuteczność oraz poprawę jakości leczenia onkologicznego. Obecnie poza typowym trójwymiarowym obrazowaniem anatomii możliwe jest również biologiczne obrazowanie czynnościowe, które można wykorzystać w radioterapii. Polega to na zdeponowaniu odpowiedniej dawki promieniowania jonizującego w ciele chorego na podstawie indywidualnych procesów biologicznych zachodzących w obszarze zmienionym chorobowo. Metoda ta zwana jest „dose painting” (DP). Celem tej pracy jest podsumowanie dotychczasowych doniesień literaturowych poruszających zagadnienie DP. Opisane zostaną również ograniczenia tej metody.
Interferencja RNA w terapii genowej nowotworów rejonu głowy i szyi
Authors: Sobecka Agnieszka , Barczak Wojciech , Suchorska Wiktoria Maria
Published: January 2017

Rak płaskonabłonkowy rejonu głowy i szyi (HNSCC, ang. Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma) jest szóstym najczęściej występującym nowotworem na świecie. Leczenie tego typu nowotworów polega głównie na stosowaniu metod chirurgicznych uzupełnionych pooperacyjną chemio- i/lub radioterapią. Prowadzone są też badania nad zastosowaniem terapii genowej poprzez wykorzystanie zjawiska interferencji RNA (RNAi, ang. RNA interference). RNAi  jest efektywnym narzędziem w terapii wielu chorób, takich jak zakażenia wirusowe, cukrzyca czy choroby neurodegeneracyjne. Wykazano, że cząsteczki siRNA (krótkie interferujące RNA, ang. small interfering RNA) oraz miRNA (mikroRNA, ang. microRNA) zaangażowane są w regulację wielu patologicznych procesów zachodzących podczas nowotworzenia. RNAi stała się zatem cennym narzędziem badawczym pozwalającym na lepsze poznanie mechanizmów regulujących patogenezę raka. Uważa się również, że dzięki swojej wysokiej specyficzności, zjawisko RNAi może być użytecznym narzędziem w terapii genowej nowotworów. Niniejsza praca stanowi przegląd aktualnej wiedzy na temat możliwości wykorzystania RNAi w leczeniu nowotworów rejonu głowy i szyi.
Oribatid Mites of the Superfamilies Gymnodamaeoidea andPlateremaeoidea (Acari: Oribatida) from Steppe of Russia
Authors:   Department of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, National University of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar 210646, Mongolia,e-mail: bayartogtokh@num.edu.mn, Bayartogtokh Badamdorj , Smelyansky Ilya ,   Siberian Environmental Centre, P.O. Box 547, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia, e-mail: ilya@ecoclub.nsu.ru
Published: January 2017

Oribatid mites belonging to the superfamilies Gymnodamaeoidea and Plateremaeoidea collected fromsteppe soils of Russia are studied. Two new species, Pedrocortesella minuta sp. nov. and Pleodamaeustuberculatus sp. nov. are described. In addition, three known species, Licnodamaeus pulcherrimus (Paoli,1908) and Plesiodamaeus glaber Mihelèiè, 1957 are redescribed, with notes on their distributions.
Cardiac Autonomic Regulation and Repolarization During Acute Experimental Hypoglycemia in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Chow Elaine , Bernjak Alan , Walkinshaw Emma , Lubina-Solomon Alexandra , Freeman Jenny , Macdonald Ian A. , Sheridan Paul J. , Heller Simon R.
Published: January 2017

Hypoglycemia is associated with increased cardiovascular mortality in trials of intensive therapy in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We previously observed an increase in arrhythmias during spontaneous prolonged hypoglycemia in patients with T2DM. We examined changes in cardiac autonomic function and repolarization during sustained experimental hypoglycemia. Twelve adults with T2DM and 11 age- and BMI-matched control participants without diabetes underwent paired hyperinsulinemic clamps separated by 4 weeks. Glucose was maintained at euglycemia (6.0 mmol/L) or hypoglycemia (2.5 mmol/L) for 1 h. Heart rate, blood pressure, and heart rate variability were assessed every 30 min and corrected QT intervals and T-wave morphology every 60 min. Heart rate initially increased in participants with T2DM but then fell toward baseline despite maintained hypoglycemia at 1 h accompanied by reactivation of vagal tone. In control participants, vagal tone remained depressed during sustained hypoglycemia. Participants with T2DM exhibited greater heterogeneity of repolarization during hypoglycemia as demonstrated by T-wave symmetry and principal component analysis ratio compared with control participants. Epinephrine levels during hypoglycemia were similar between groups. Cardiac autonomic regulation during hypoglycemia appears to be time dependent. Individuals with T2DM demonstrate greater repolarization abnormalities for a given hypoglycemic stimulus despite comparable sympathoadrenal responses. These mechanisms could contribute to arrhythmias during clinical hypoglycemic episodes.
Implicaciones de una alianza público – privada para la gobernanza, la transparencia y la accountability en el Municipio de Juárez, México
Authors: Paniagua Vázquez Abraham , González Ignacio Camargo
Published: January 2017

En este documento se exponen los resultados de una investigación cuyo objetivo es el de analizar la alianza público - privada app denominada “Proyecto de Movilidad Urbana de Ciudad Juárez” desde dos perspectivas: i. transparencia y accountability (rendición de cuentas), y, ii. gobernanza. Se incluye la justificación de la movilidad urbana como necesidad social y se exponen los riesgos de concretar una app en un municipio que enfrenta complicaciones financieras. Se concluye que la participación ciudadana es necesaria para regular dos posiciones contradictorias: la búsqueda del usufructo por el sector empresarial y el espíritu gubernamental de servir sin fines de lucro. Sin embargo, la posición inicial desde el gobierno es proteccionista, en resguardo y justificación de sus acciones, más que situarse en condiciones de generar acuerdos básicos entre las élites dirigentes y los grupos sociales interesados en resolver problemáticas.Palabras clave: Trasparencia.Rendición de cuentas. Gobernanza. Alianza público – privada.Ciudad Juárez.
Effect of the duration of food withholding prior to anesthesia on gastroesophageal reflux and regurgitation in healthy dogs undergoing elective orthopedic surgery
Authors: Viskjer Sivert , Sjöström Lennart
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE To compare the incidence of and risk factors for gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and regurgitation associated with preanesthetic food withholding for periods of 18 hours (overnight) and 3 hours in healthy dogs undergoing elective orthopedic surgery.

ANIMALS 82 healthy (American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification I or II) client-owned dogs.

PROCEDURES Food was withheld for 18 hours (18-hour group [n = 41]) or each dog was allowed to consume half its daily ration of canned food approximately 3 hours (3-hour group [n = 41]) prior to induction of anesthesia. In each anesthetized dog, a pH catheter was introduced through the oropharynx into the distal portion of the esophagus; the pH was continuously recorded throughout the period of anesthesia. Gastroesophageal reflux was defined as pH < 4.0.

RESULTS Gastroesophageal reflux was significantly associated with age, dorsal recumbency, and duration of preanesthetic food withholding. Regurgitation was significantly associated with duration of GER and duration of preanesthetic food withholding. During anesthesia, 25 (61%) dogs in the 3-hour group had GER and 12 (48%) of those dogs regurgitated gastric content; 18 (43.9%) dogs in the 18-hour group had GER and 2 (11.1%) of those dogs regurgitated gastric content. The mean lowest pH measured in the refluxate in the 3-hour group (2.3) was significantly greater than that in the 18-hour group (1.3).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Among the study dogs undergoing orthopedic surgery, consumption of a light meal 3 hours prior to anesthesia was associated with significantly greater odds of reflux and regurgitation, compared with overnight food withholding.
Effects of maintaining different exercise intensities during detraining on aerobic capacity in Thoroughbreds
Authors: Mukai Kazutaka , Hiraga Atsushi , Takahashi Toshiyuki , Matsui Akira , Ohmura Hajime , Aida Hiroko , Jones James H.
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE To determine whether racehorses undergoing regular exercise at 2 intensities or stall rest during a period of reduced training (detraining) would differentially maintain their cardiopulmonary and oxygen-transport capacities.

ANIMALS 27 Thoroughbreds.

PROCEDURES Horses trained on a treadmill for 18 weeks underwent a period of detraining for 12 weeks according to 1 of 3 protocols: cantering at 70% of maximal rate of oxygen consumption (o2max) for 3 min/d for 5 d/wk (canter group); walking for 1 h/d for 5 d/wk (walk group); or stall rest (stall group). Standardized treadmill exercise protocols (during which cardiopulmonary and oxygen-transport variables were measured) were performed before and after detraining.

RESULTS Mass-specific o2max, maximal cardiac output, and maximal cardiac stroke volume of all groups decreased after 12 weeks of detraining with no differences among groups. After detraining, arterial-mixed-venous oxygen concentration difference did not decrease in any group, and maximal heart rate decreased in the walk and stall groups. Run time to exhaustion and speeds eliciting o2max and maximal heart rate and at which plasma lactate concentration reached 4mM did not change in the canter group but decreased in the walk and stall groups.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Horses following the cantering detraining protocol maintained higher values of several performance variables compared with horses following the walking or stall rest protocols. These results suggested that it may be possible to identify a minimal threshold exercise intensity or protocol during detraining that would promote maintenance of important performance-related variables and minimize reductions in oxygen-transport capacity in horses.
Influence of respiratory tract disease and mode of inhalation on detectability of budesonide in equine urine and plasma
Authors: Barton Ann Kristin , Heinemann Henrike , Schenk Ina , Machnik Marc , Gehlen Heidrun
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the influence of respiratory tract disease (ie, recurrent airway obstruction [RAO]) and mode of inhalation on detectability of inhaled budesonide in equine plasma and urine samples.

ANIMALS 16 horses (8 healthy control horses and 8 horses affected by RAO, as determined by results of clinical examination, blood gas analysis, bronchoscopy, and cytologic examination of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid).

PROCEDURES 4 horses of each group inhaled budesonide (3 μg/kg) twice daily for 10 days while at rest, and the remaining 4 horses of each group inhaled budesonide during lunging exercise. Plasma and urine samples were obtained 4 to 96 hours after inhalation and evaluated for budesonide and, in urine samples, the metabolites 6β-hydroxybudesonide and 16α-hydroxyprednisolone.

RESULTS Detected concentrations of budesonide were significantly higher at all time points for RAO-affected horses, compared with concentrations for the control horses. All samples of RAO-affected horses contained budesonide concentrations above the limit of detection at 96 hours after inhalation, whereas this was found for only 2 control horses. Detected concentrations of budesonide were higher, but not significantly so, at all time points in horses that inhaled budesonide during exercise, compared with concentrations for inhalation at rest.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results of this study indicated that the time interval between inhalation of a glucocorticoid and participation in sporting events should be increased when inhalation treatment is administered during exercise to horses affected by respiratory tract disease.
Fake It ’Til You Make It: A Conversation with the Performers of Smash Wrestling
Authors: Ting Wai
Published: January 2017

Smash Wrestling's Tyson Dux, Rosemary, and "Psycho" Mike Rollins sit down for a roundtable discussion about the art of professional wrestling. Drawing from their combined experiences wrestling for WWE, TNA Impact Wrestling and Ring of Honor, the pro wrestlers discuss their passion for, and the complexities of their unique art form.
Writing for Listening
Authors: Zimmer Jacob
Published: January 2017

Jacob Zimmer reflects on a panel about the state of Toronto theatre. He suggests the need to speak less and listen better.
Ten Things about Being an Artist in the Near Future
Authors: Small Rosamund
Published: January 2017

This article is a short list of predictions about the changes in Canadian theatre that will—or perhaps must—arrive in the near future.
Estimation of Saturation Headway in Work Zones on Urban Streets
Authors: Hajbabaie Ali , Kim SangKey , Schroeder Bastian J. , Aghdashi Seyedbehzad , Rouphail Nagui M. , Tabrizi Kambiz
Published: January 2017

Work zones and lane closures on urban arterials can cause significant disruptions to the traveling public, and methods are increasingly needed to estimate the reductions to saturation flow rates that result from work zones at signalized intersections. A set of statistical models that estimate saturation headways as a function of the presence and configuration of the work zone on signalized arterial streets is presented. More than 10,000 individual vehicular headway observations were collected from video observations in and after work zones at six study sites in North Carolina. Conventional multiple-regression and path-based-regression models (structural equation model) were used to develop the saturation headway models. Three models are provided at different aggregation levels of the collected data with identical work zone configurations. The models developed at cycle-length, 15-min, and full aggregation produced adjusted R-squared values of .3259, .7209, and .895, respectively. The proposed model incorporates the effects of lane configuration, pavement condition, turning percentage from shared lanes, work intensity, and number of closed exclusive turning lanes. Based on path analysis, the structural equation model satisfies all the rule-of-thumb criteria for goodness-of-fit indices. The model uses Highway Capacity Manual default values for turning-vehicle headway effect as its intercept coefficient value.
Naturalistic Study of Truck Following Behavior
Authors: Nodine Emily , Lam Andy , Yanagisawa Mikio , Najm Wassim
Published: January 2017

A baseline case was created for the following behavior of heavy-truck drivers with the use of naturalistic driving data to support the development of automated platooning. A truck platoon is a string of trucks following each other in the same lane at short distances. Grouping vehicles in platoons can increase capacity on roads, save significant fuel, reduce emissions, and potentially result in improved safety. However, these benefits can be realized only if the platoons operate in an automated, coordinated manner. Because little literature of truck following behavior exists to support the development of such truck platoons, this research focused on how closely trucks follow other vehicles on highways under various environmental conditions, how closely a truck follows a leading vehicle when other vehicles cut in between, and the safety impact of following at different headways. Findings indicate that trucks follow other vehicles at an average headway of about 2 s overall, and those headways are shorter when following a passenger car rather than a heavy truck, on state highways rather than on Interstates, in clear weather rather than in rain or snow, and during the day rather than during at night. Vehicles usually do not cut in when a truck is following another vehicle at less than 25-m (82-ft) or 1.0-s headway. For manual response times, the rear-end crash risk increases considerably at headways of less than 1.0 s; for automated response times, crash risk is almost negligible at headways as low as 0.5 s.
The Prevalence of Constipation and Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Parkinson’s Disease Patients According to Rome III Diagnostic Criteria
Authors: Mishima Takayasu , Fukae Jiro , Fujioka Shinsuke , Inoue Kotoe , Tsuboi Yoshio
Published: January 2017

Background: Gastrointestinal symptoms are one of the most common non-motor features of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Recently, a report from Taiwan revealed that irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may be associated with an increased risk of developing PD; however, the prevalence of IBS in PD patients has not been fully evaluated. Rome III criteria are widely assessed with a questionnaire to determine functional gastrointestinal disorders.

Objective: We assessed the prevalence of constipation and IBS in PD patients in our cohort using Rome III criteria.

Methods: Between October 2014 and April 2015, 118 patients with PD were treated at Fukuoka University Hospital and were enrolled in this study. Rome III criteria were used to diagnose constipation and IBS.

Results: Constipation and IBS were detected in 32 (27.1%) and 20 patients (17.0%), respectively. The most common symptom related to constipation was straining during defecation (77.1%). Among constipation symptoms, patients’ self-awareness of constipation was mostly related to straining during defecation (odds ratio 5.27, 95% confidence interval 1.475–18.811). The number of constipation symptoms was correlated with the severity of the Hoehn-Yahr Stage ( p < 0.05) and total levodopa equivalent dose ( p < 0.05).

Conclusions: This is the first report to investigate the prevalence of IBS in PD patients with Rome III criteria. We found a higher prevalence of IBS compared with the general population. The prevalence of constipation based on Rome III criteria was much lower than that reported in previous studies. Further studies are warranted to evaluate gastrointestinal symptoms in PD patients using comparable questionnaires.
A Novel Diterpene Glycoside with Nine Glucose Units from Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni
Authors: Prakash Indra , Ma Gil , Bunders Cynthia , Charan Romila , Ramirez Catherine , Devkota Krishna , Snyder Tara
Published: January 2017

Following our interest in new diterpene glycosides with better taste profiles than that of Rebaudioside M, we have recently isolated and characterized Rebaudioside IX—a novel steviol glycoside—from a commercially‐supplied extract of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni. This molecule contains a hexasaccharide group attached at C‐13 of the central diterpene core, and contains three additional glucose units when compared with Rebaudioside M. Here we report the complete structure elucidation—based on extensive Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) analysis (1H, 13C, Correlation Spectroscopy (COSY), Heteronuclear Single Quantum Coherence‐Distortionless Enhancement Polarization Transfer (HSQC‐DEPT), Heteronuclear Multiple Bond Correlation (HMBC), 1D Total Correlation Spectroscopy (TOCSY), Nuclear Overhauser Effect Spectroscopy (NOESY)) and mass spectral data—of this novel diterpene glycoside with nine sugar moieties and containing a relatively rare 16 α‐linked glycoside. A steviol glycoside bearing nine glucose units is unprecedented in the literature, and could have an impact on the natural sweetener catalog.
In Situ Coupling of Ultrasound to Electro- and Photo-Deposition Methods for Materials Synthesis
Authors: Magdziarz Agnieszka , Colmenares Juan
Published: January 2017

This short review provides the current state-of-the-art of in situ coupling of ultrasound to chemical deposition methods. A synergetic action of the ultrasound and light radiation or electrical fields may result in new powerful methodologies, and these include sonophotodeposition and sonoelectrodeposition processes. The effect of ultrasound is explained on the base of different physical mechanisms emerging from cavitation phenomenon. Some possible mechanisms of the interactions between ultrasound and photochemical and electrochemical processes are discussed here. The application of sonophotodeposition and sonoelectrodeposition as green energy sources in the syntheses of different nanomaterials is also reviewed.
Exploring the Effects of Geographical Origin on the Chemical Composition and Quality Grading of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Chardonnay Grapes
Authors: Gambetta Joanna , Cozzolino Daniel , Bastian Susan , Jeffery David
Published: January 2017

The relationship between berry chemical composition, region of origin and quality grade was investigated for Chardonnay grapes sourced from vineyards located in seven South Australian Geographical Indications (GI). Measurements of basic chemical parameters, amino acids, elements, and free and bound volatiles were conducted for grapes collected during 2015 and 2016. Multiple factor analysis (MFA) was used to determine the sets of data that best discriminated each GI and quality grade. Important components for the discrimination of grapes based on GI were 2-phenylethanol, benzyl alcohol and C6 compounds, as well as Cu, Zn, and Mg, titratable acidity (TA), total soluble solids (TSS), and pH. Discriminant analysis (DA) based on MFA results correctly classified 100% of the samples into GI in 2015 and 2016. Classification according to grade was achieved based on the results for elements such as Cu, Na, Fe, volatiles including C6 and aryl alcohols, hydrolytically-released volatiles such as (Z)-linalool oxide and vitispirane, pH, TSS, alanine and proline. Correct classification through DA according to grade was 100% for both vintages. Significant correlations were observed between climate, GI, grade, and berry composition. Climate influenced the synthesis of free and bound volatiles as well as amino acids, sugars, and acids, as a result of higher temperatures and precipitation.
Association between Obesity and Serum 25(OH)D Concentrations in Older Mexican Adults
Authors: Rontoyanni Victoria , Avila Jaqueline , Kaul Sapna , Wong Rebeca , Veeranki Sreenivas
Published: January 2017

Background: Vitamin D is essential for maintaining bone mineralization and calcium homeostasis, and prevents falls and fractures in older adults. Mexico is undergoing an epidemiologic and demographic transition with increasing obesity rates. The study’s aim was to determine the association of obesity with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations in older Mexican adults. Methods: Data from 1772 Mexicans, aged ≥50 years, enrolled in a sub-sample of the 3rd wave of the Mexican Health and Aging Study, were included. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were used to define vitamin D status, and were categorized into tertiles. Body mass index measures were used to categorize older adults into under/normal weight, overweight, and obese groups. Multinomial logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship, adjusting for potential confounders. Results: Approximately 40% and 37% of older Mexican adults were either overweight or obese, respectively. Compared to under/normal weight older Mexicans, obese adults were 1.78 times (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.27–2.48) and 1.94 times (95% CI 1.40–2.68) more associated with the first and second tertile concentrations of serum 25(OH)D, respectively. Overweight adults were 1.52 times (95% CI 1.12–2.06) more associated with the second tertile of serum 25(OH)D concentration than under/normal weight adults. Conclusion: Overweight/Obesity was found to be significantly associated with low concentrations of serum 25(OH) in older Mexican adults.
Survey on Ranging Sensors and Cooperative Techniques for Relative Positioning of Vehicles
Authors: De Ponte Müller Fabian
Published: January 2017

Future driver assistance systems will rely on accurate, reliable and continuous knowledge on the position of other road participants, including pedestrians, bicycles and other vehicles. The usual approach to tackle this requirement is to use on-board ranging sensors inside the vehicle. Radar, laser scanners or vision-based systems are able to detect objects in their line-of-sight. In contrast to these non-cooperative ranging sensors, cooperative approaches follow a strategy in which other road participants actively support the estimation of the relative position. The limitations of on-board ranging sensors regarding their detection range and angle of view and the facility of blockage can be approached by using a cooperative approach based on vehicle-to-vehicle communication. The fusion of both, cooperative and non-cooperative strategies, seems to offer the largest benefits regarding accuracy, availability and robustness. This survey offers the reader a comprehensive review on different techniques for vehicle relative positioning. The reader will learn the important performance indicators when it comes to relative positioning of vehicles, the different technologies that are both commercially available and currently under research, their expected performance and their intrinsic limitations. Moreover, the latest research in the area of vision-based systems for vehicle detection, as well as the latest work on GNSS-based vehicle localization and vehicular communication for relative positioning of vehicles, are reviewed. The survey also includes the research work on the fusion of cooperative and non-cooperative approaches to increase the reliability and the availability.
A Versatile and Reproducible Multi-Frequency Electrical Impedance Tomography System
Authors: Avery James , Dowrick Thomas , Faulkner Mayo , Goren Nir , Holder David
Published: January 2017

A highly versatile Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) system, nicknamed the ScouseTom, has been developed. The system allows control over current amplitude, frequency, number of electrodes, injection protocol and data processing. Current is injected using a Keithley 6221 current source, and voltages are recorded with a 24-bit EEG system with minimum bandwidth of 3.2 kHz. Custom PCBs interface with a PC to control the measurement process, electrode addressing and triggering of external stimuli. The performance of the system was characterised using resistor phantoms to represent human scalp recordings, with an SNR of 77.5 dB, stable across a four hour recording and 20 Hz to 20 kHz. In studies of both haeomorrhage using scalp electrodes, and evoked activity using epicortical electrode mats in rats, it was possible to reconstruct images matching established literature at known areas of onset. Data collected using scalp electrode in humans matched known tissue impedance spectra and was stable over frequency. The experimental procedure is software controlled and is readily adaptable to new paradigms. Where possible, commercial or open-source components were used, to minimise the complexity in reproduction. The hardware designs and software for the system have been released under an open source licence, encouraging contributions and allowing for rapid replication.
Description de Pseudochaetogaster longemeri n. g., n. sp. (Oligochaeta , Naididae) des lacs de Longemer et de Gerardmer (département des Vosges, France)
Authors: Lafont Michel
Published: January 2017

Pseudochaetogaster longemeri n. g., n. sp. (Oligochètes, Naididae) a été découvert dans les lacs de Gérardmer et de Longemer (Vosges françaises) et dans le lac Vert (Pyrénées françaises) dans des sédiments de type «dy ». Le genre Pseudochaeto¬ gaster est inclus dans la sous-famille des Chaetogastrinae. Très voisin du genre Chaeto-gaster il se différencie principalement de ce dernier par la présence de crochets dorsaux, l'espèce Pseudochaetogaster longemeri ne peut être séparée de Chaetogaster diastrophus que par examen microscopique attentif, d'autant plus que les deux espèces peuvent cohabiter dans le sédiment.
Un cas d'albinisme chez Phyllodactylus europaeus Gene, 1838. Premier cas signalé dans la famille des Gekkonidae (Sauria-Reptiles)
Authors: Delaugerre Michel
Published: January 2017

Primo caso di albinismo noto nella famiglia dei Gekkonidae e raro caso negli Sauria, uno Phyllodactylus europaeus albino é stato raccolto nel Sud délia Francia.

Summary. — First record of albinism in the Gekkonid lizards, an albino Phyllodactylus europaeus has been collected in South of France. This is a rare record of albinism among Sauria.
Contribution à l'étude de la flore du Parc National de la Vanoise. Vallée de Peisey-Nancroix (Savoie)
Authors: Garraud Luc
Published: January 2017

Cette note a pour objet d'apporter quelques précisions sur des stations de plantes inédites dans le Parc National de la Vanoise.
THE RESEARCH OF PSEUDO COATINGS SPRAYED WITH ELECTRIC ARC SPRAY / PSEUDODANGŲ, UŽPURKŠTŲ ELEKTROLANKINIU BŪDU, TYRIMAS
Authors: Rodžianskas Tomas , Jarašiūnas Ovidijus , Gedzevičius Irmantas , Mikalauskas Gediminas , Gargasas Justinas , Viselga Gintas , Tetsman Ina
Published: January 2017

The paper presents coatings obtained using two different stainless steel (AISI 316) and marine bronze (CuAl8) wires sprayed with electric arc spraying. Substrate: mild steel S235J2 (LST EN 10025: 2004). Arc spray equipment – “EuTronic Arc Spray 4” with an additional power source. The main task was to select optimal technological spraying process and obtain coatings which possess the best mechanical, physical, tribological properties that meet the requirements of the specific requirements in service coatings. The microhardness, elastic modulus, and morphology was examined. Dry friction wear was assessed in the mass loss of the coatings. The results of tribological coatings properties were assessed in determining the mass lost.
Straipsnyje nagrinėjamos elektrolankinio purškimo būdu suformuotos dangos, gautos užpurškus dvi skirtingas pilnavidurės nerūdijančiojo plieno (AISI 316) ir jūrinės bronzos (CuAl8) vielas. Substratas – mažaanglis plienas S235J2 (LST EN 10025:2004). Elektrolankinio purškimo įranga – „EuTronic Arc Spray 4“ su papildomu srovės šaltiniu. Eksperimentų metu siekiama parinkti optimalų technologinį purškimo procesą ir gauti dangas, pasižyminčias geriausiomis mechaninėmis, fizikinėmis, tribologinėmis savybėmis, kurios atitinka konkrečius keliamus reikalavimus eksploatuojamoms dangoms. Nustatytas dangų mikrokietumas, tamprumo modulis ir nagrinėta dangų morfologija. Dangų tribologiniai rezultatai vertinti nustatant prarastąją bandinių masę.
ANALYSIS OF THE PRECISE RASTER-FORMING SYSTEMS / PRECIZINIŲ RASTRŲ FORMAVIMO SISTEMŲ ANALIZĖ
Authors: Fursenko Antanas , Kilikevičius Artūras
Published: January 2017

The precision raster-forming systems creation and development must be based on research in the specific work environment. In not ideal metrological conditions the precision raster-forming system allows to achieve high accuracy of the calibration, when used dynamic calibration method. The article discusses about mechanical design of precision raster-forming systems. According to the scientists’ works describes the precision systems, which working in the dynamic mode.
Atliekant tikslumo tyrimus padaryta didelė pažanga, tačiau precizinės rastrų formavimo sistemos dažnai yra per daug sudėtingos ir skirtingos, todėl sunku ar beveik neįmanoma perkelti ir pritaikyti joms šių tyrimų pasiekimų tiesiogiai. Tokių sistemų kūrimas ir tobulinimas turi remtis tyrimais specifinėje darbo aplinkoje. Precizinė rastrų formavimo sistema leidžia neidealiomis metrologinėmis sąlygomis dinaminiu kalibravimo būdu pasiekti didelį kalibravimo tikslumą. Straipsnyje nagrinėjamos problemos, susijusios su precizinės rastrų formavimo sistemos mechaninės struktūros projektavimu ir jo metu kylančiais sunkumais. Remiantis mokslininkų atliktais darbais aprašomos tikslios precizinės sistemos, dirbančios dinaminiu režimu.
Joint Ne/O and Fe/O Analysis to Diagnose Large Solar Energetic Particle Events during Solar Cycle 23
Authors: Tan Lun C. , Malandraki Olga E. , Shao Xi
Published: January 2017

We have examined 29 large solar energetic particle (SEP) events with the peak proton intensity J
pp(>60 MeV) > 1 pfu during solar cycle 23. The emphasis of our examination is put on a joint analysis of Ne/O and Fe/O data in the energy range (3–40 MeV nucleon−1) covered by Wind/Low-Energy Matrix Telescope and ACE/Solar Isotope Spectrometer sensors in order to differentiate between the Fe-poor and Fe-rich events that emerged from the coronal mass ejection driven shock acceleration process. An improved ion ratio calculation is carried out by rebinning ion intensity data into the form of equal bin widths in the logarithmic energy scale. Through the analysis we find that the variability of Ne/O and Fe/O ratios can be used to investigate the accelerating shock properties. In particular, the high-energy Ne/O ratio is well correlated with the source plasma temperature of SEPs.
When the Jeans Do Not Fit: How Stellar Feedback Drives Stellar Kinematics and Complicates Dynamical Modeling in Low-mass Galaxies
Authors: El-Badry Kareem , Wetzel Andrew R. , Geha Marla , Quataert Eliot , Hopkins Philip F. , Kereš Dusan , Chan T. K. , Faucher-Giguère Claude-André
Published: January 2017

In low-mass galaxies, stellar feedback can drive gas outflows that generate non-equilibrium fluctuations in the gravitational potential. Using cosmological zoom-in baryonic simulations from the Feedback in Realistic Environments project, we investigate how these fluctuations affect stellar kinematics and the reliability of Jeans dynamical modeling in low-mass galaxies. We find that stellar velocity dispersion and anisotropy profiles fluctuate significantly over the course of galaxies’ starburst cycles. We therefore predict an observable correlation between star formation rate and stellar kinematics: dwarf galaxies with higher recent star formation rates should have systemically higher stellar velocity dispersions. This prediction provides an observational test of the role of stellar feedback in regulating both stellar and dark-matter densities in dwarf galaxies. We find that Jeans modeling, which treats galaxies as virialized systems in dynamical equilibrium, overestimates a galaxy’s dynamical mass during periods of post-starburst gas outflow and underestimates it during periods of net inflow. Short-timescale potential fluctuations lead to typical errors of ∼20% in dynamical mass estimates, even if full three-dimensional stellar kinematics—including the orbital anisotropy—are known exactly. When orbital anisotropy is not known a priori, typical mass errors arising from non-equilibrium fluctuations in the potential are larger than those arising from the mass-anisotropy degeneracy. However, Jeans modeling alone cannot reliably constrain the orbital anisotropy, and problematically, it often favors anisotropy models that do not reflect the true profile. If galaxies completely lose their gas and cease forming stars, fluctuations in the potential subside, and Jeans modeling becomes much more reliable.
The Abundance of C2H4 in the Circumstellar Envelope of IRC+10216
Authors: Fonfría J. P. , Hinkle K. H. , Cernicharo J. , Richter M. J. , Agúndez M. , Wallace L.
Published: January 2017

High spectral resolution mid-IR observations of ethylene (

) toward the AGB star IRC+10216 were obtained using the Texas Echelon Cross Echelle Spectrograph (TEXES) at the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility (IRTF). 80 ro-vibrational lines from the 10.5 μm vibrational mode

with J ≲ 30 were detected in absorption. The observed lines are divided into two groups with rotational temperatures of 105 and 400 K (warm and hot lines). The warm lines peak at ≃ −14 km s−1 with respect to the systemic velocity, suggesting that they are mostly formed outwards from

. The hot lines are centered at −10 km s−1 indicating that they come from a shell between 10 and

. 35% of the observed lines are unblended and can be fitted with a code developed to model the emission of a spherically symmetric circumstellar envelope. The analysis of several scenarios reveals that the

abundance relative to H2 in the range 5−20R
⋆ is

on average and it could be as high as 1.1 × 10−7. Beyond

, it is 8.2 × 10−8. The total column density is (6.5 ± 3.0) × 1015 cm−2.

is found to be rotationally under local thermodynamical equilibrium (LTE) and vibrationally out of LTE. One of the scenarios that best reproduce the observations suggests that up to 25% of the

molecules at

could condense onto dust grains. This possible depletion would not significantly influence the gas acceleration although it could play a role in the surface chemistry on the dust grains.