bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drug Discovery of Host CLK1 Inhibitors for Influenza Treatment
Authors: Zu Mian , Li Chao , Fang Jian-Song , Lian Wen-Wen , Liu Ai-Lin , Zheng Li-Shu , Du Guan-Hua
Published: November 2015

The rapid evolution of influenza virus makes antiviral drugs less effective, which is considered to be a major bottleneck in antiviral therapy. The key proteins in the host cells, which are related with the replication cycle of influenza virus, are regarded as potential drug targets due to their distinct advantage of lack of evolution and drug resistance. Cdc2-like kinase 1 (CLK1) in the host cells is responsible for alternative splicing of the M2 gene of influenza virus during influenza infection and replication. In this study, we carried out baculovirus-mediated expression and purification of CLK1 and established a reliable screening assay for CLK1 inhibitors. After a virtual screening of CLK1 inhibitors was performed, the activities of the selected compounds were evaluated. Finally, several compounds with strong inhibitory activity against CLK1 were discovered and their in vitro anti-influenza virus activities were validated using a cytopathic effect (CPE) reduction assay. The assay results showed that clypearin, corilagin, and pinosylvine were the most potential anti-influenza virus compounds as CLK1 inhibitors among the compounds tested. These findings will provide important information for new drug design and development in influenza treatment, and CLK1 may be a potent drug target for anti-influenza drug screening and discovery.
Shuidouchi (Fermented Soybean) Fermented in Different Vessels Attenuates HCl/Ethanol-Induced Gastric Mucosal Injury
Authors: Suo Huayi , Feng Xia , Zhu Kai , Wang Cun , Zhao Xin , Kan Jianquan
Published: November 2015

Shuidouchi (Natto) is a fermented soy product showing in vivo gastric injury preventive effects. The treatment effects of Shuidouchi fermented in different vessels on HCl/ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury mice through their antioxidant effect was determined. Shuidouchi contained isoflavones (daidzein and genistein), and GVFS (glass vessel fermented Shuidouchi) had the highest isoflavone levels among Shuidouchi samples fermented in different vessels. After treatment with GVFS, the gastric mucosal injury was reduced as compared to the control mice. The gastric secretion volume (0.47 mL) and pH of gastric juice (3.1) of GVFS treated gastric mucosal injury mice were close to those of ranitidine-treated mice and normal mice. Shuidouchi could decrease serum motilin (MTL), gastrin (Gas) level and increase somatostatin (SS), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) level, and GVFS showed the strongest effects. GVFS showed lower IL-6, IL-12, TNF-α and IFN-γ cytokine levels than other vessel fermented Shuidouchi samples, and these levels were higher than those of ranitidine-treated mice and normal mice. GVFS also had higher superoxide dismutase (SOD), nitric oxide (NO) and malonaldehyde (MDA) contents in gastric tissues than other Shuidouchi samples. Shuidouchi could raise IκB-α, EGF, EGFR, nNOS, eNOS, Mn-SOD, Gu/Zn-SOD, CAT mRNA expressions and reduce NF-κB, COX-2, iNOS expressions as compared to the control mice. GVFS showed the best treatment effects for gastric mucosal injuries, suggesting that glass vessels could be used for Shuidouchi fermentation in functional food manufacturing.
Investigation of Plasma Treatment on Micro-Injection Moulded Microneedle for Drug Delivery
Authors: Nair Karthik , Whiteside Benjamin , Grant Colin , Patel Rajnikant , Tuinea-Bobe Cristina , Norris Keith , Paradkar Anant
Published: November 2015

Plasma technology has been widely used to increase the surface energy of the polymer surfaces for many industrial applications; in particular to increase in wettability. The present work was carried out to investigate how surface modification using plasma treatment modifies the surface energy of micro-injection moulded microneedles and its influence on drug delivery. Microneedles of polyether ether ketone and polycarbonate and have been manufactured using micro-injection moulding and samples from each production batch have been subsequently subjected to a range of plasma treatment. These samples were coated with bovine serum albumin to study the protein adsorption on these treated polymer surfaces. Sample surfaces structures, before and after treatment, were studied using atomic force microscope and surface energies have been obtained using contact angle measurement and calculated using the Owens-Wendt theory. Adsorption performance of bovine serum albumin and release kinetics for each sample set was assessed using a Franz diffusion cell. Results indicate that plasma treatment significantly increases the surface energy and roughness of the microneedles resulting in better adsorption and release of BSA.
CMSAF Radiation Data: New Possibilities for Climatological Applications in the Czech Republic
Authors: Žák Michal , Mikšovský Jiří , Pišoft Petr
Published: November 2015

Satellite Application Facility on Climate Monitoring (CMSAF) data have been studied in the Czech Republic for approximately 10 years. Initially, validation studies were conducted, particularly regarding the incoming solar radiation product and cloudiness data. The main focus of these studies was the surface incoming shortwave (SIS) radiation data. This paper first briefly describes the validation of CMSAF SIS data for the period of 1989–2009. The main focus is on the use and possible applications of CMSAF data. It is shown that maps of SIS radiation in combination with surface data may be useful for solar power plant operators as well as for assessing the climate variability in the Czech Republic during different years and seasons. This demonstrates that the CMSAF data can improve our understanding of local climate, especially in regions lacking traditional surface observations and/or in border regions with a scarcity of stations in the neighboring countryside. Furthermore, data from the recently released SARAH (Surface Solar Radiation Data Set-Heliosat) dataset (1983–2013) are also briefly described and their use for trend computing is demonstrated. Finally, an outlook is given in terms of further possibilities for using CMSAF data in the Czech Republic.
Using RPAS Multi-Spectral Imagery to Characterise Vigour, Leaf Development, Yield Components and Berry Composition Variability within a Vineyard
Authors: Rey-Caramés Clara , Diago María , Martín M. , Lobo Agustín , Tardaguila Javier
Published: November 2015

Implementation of precision viticulture techniques requires the use of emerging sensing technologies to assess the vineyard spatial variability. This work shows the capability of multispectral imagery acquired from a remotely piloted aerial system (RPAS), and the derived spectral indices to assess the vegetative, productive, and berry composition spatial variability within a vineyard (Vitis vinifera L.). Multi-spectral imagery of 17 cm spatial resolution was acquired using a RPAS. Classical vegetation spectral indices and two newly defined normalised indices, NVI1 = (R802 − R531)/(R802 + R531) and NVI2 = (R802 − R570)/(R802 + R570), were computed. Their spatial distribution and relationships with grapevine vegetative, yield, and berry composition parameters were studied. Most of the spectral indices and field data varied spatially within the vineyard, as showed through the variogram parameters. While the correlations were significant but moderate among the spectral indices and the field variables, the kappa index showed that the spatial pattern of the spectral indices agreed with that of the vegetative variables (0.38–0.70) and mean cluster weight (0.40). These results proved the utility of the multi-spectral imagery acquired from a RPAS to delineate homogeneous zones within the vineyard, allowing the grapegrower to carry out a specific management of each subarea.
Smart Building: Decision Making Architecture for Thermal Energy Management
Authors: Uribe Oscar , Martin Juan , Garcia-Alegre María , Santos Matilde , Guinea Domingo
Published: November 2015

Smart applications of the Internet of Things are improving the performance of buildings, reducing energy demand. Local and smart networks, soft computing methodologies, machine intelligence algorithms and pervasive sensors are some of the basics of energy optimization strategies developed for the benefit of environmental sustainability and user comfort. This work presents a distributed sensor-processor-communication decision-making architecture to improve the acquisition, storage and transfer of thermal energy in buildings. The developed system is implemented in a near Zero-Energy Building (nZEB) prototype equipped with a built-in thermal solar collector, where optical properties are analysed; a low enthalpy geothermal accumulation system, segmented in different temperature zones; and an envelope that includes a dynamic thermal barrier. An intelligent control of this dynamic thermal barrier is applied to reduce the thermal energy demand (heating and cooling) caused by daily and seasonal weather variations. Simulations and experimental results are presented to highlight the nZEB thermal energy reduction.
Electronic Nose Feature Extraction Methods: A Review
Authors: Yan Jia , Guo Xiuzhen , Duan Shukai , Jia Pengfei , Wang Lidan , Peng Chao , Zhang Songlin
Published: November 2015

Many research groups in academia and industry are focusing on the performance improvement of electronic nose (E-nose) systems mainly involving three optimizations, which are sensitive material selection and sensor array optimization, enhanced feature extraction methods and pattern recognition method selection. For a specific application, the feature extraction method is a basic part of these three optimizations and a key point in E-nose system performance improvement. The aim of a feature extraction method is to extract robust information from the sensor response with less redundancy to ensure the effectiveness of the subsequent pattern recognition algorithm. Many kinds of feature extraction methods have been used in E-nose applications, such as extraction from the original response curves, curve fitting parameters, transform domains, phase space (PS) and dynamic moments (DM), parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC), energy vector (EV), power density spectrum (PSD), window time slicing (WTS) and moving window time slicing (MWTS), moving window function capture (MWFC), etc. The object of this review is to provide a summary of the various feature extraction methods used in E-noses in recent years, as well as to give some suggestions and new inspiration to propose more effective feature extraction methods for the development of E-nose technology.
An Appreciative View of the Brighter Side of Terror Management Processes
Authors: Vail, III Kenneth , Juhl Jacob
Published: November 2015

Physical death is an inevitable part of life. From the perspective of terror management theory (TMT), people’s efforts to manage the awareness of death can sometimes have harmful social consequences. However, those negative consequences are merely one side of the existential coin. In considering the other side of the coin, the present article highlights the more beneficial trajectories of the terror management process. For example, the awareness of mortality can motivate people to prioritize their physical health; uphold prosocial values; build loving relationships and peaceful, charitable communities; and foster open-mindedness. Further, the article explores the possible balance between defense and growth motivations, including the motivations toward integrative self-expansion, creativity, and well-being. And finally, we tentatively consider the potential positive impacts of direct confrontations with mortality on terror management processes. In sum, the present analysis suggests that although death awareness can sometimes produce some harmful outcomes, at least under certain conditions it can also motivate attitudes and behaviors that have positive personal and social consequences.
Correction: Challcharoenwattana, A., et al. Co-Benefits of Household Waste Recycling for Local Community’s Sustainable Waste Management in Thailand. Sustainability 2015, 7, 7417–7437
Authors: Challcharoenwattana Amornchai , Pharino Chanathip
Published: November 2015

The author wishes to make corrections on the numbers shown in Table A3 of this paper [1]. [...]
Access to Risk Mitigating Weather Forecasts and Changes in Farming Operations in East and West Africa: Evidence from a Baseline Survey
Authors: Oyekale Abayomi
Published: November 2015

Unfavorable weather currently ranks among the major challenges facing agricultural development in many African countries. Impact mitigation through access to reliable and timely weather forecasts and other adaptive mechanisms are foremost in Africa’s policy dialogues and socio-economic development agendas. This paper analyzed the factors influencing access to forecasts on incidence of pests/diseases (PD) and start of rainfall (SR). The data were collected by Climate Change Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS) and analyzed with Probit regression separately for East Africa, West Africa and the combined dataset. The results show that 62.7% and 56.4% of the farmers from East and West Africa had access to forecasts on start of rainfall, respectively. In addition, 39.3% and 49.4% of the farmers from East Africa indicated that forecasts on outbreak of pests/diseases and start of rainfall were respectively accompanied with advice as against 18.2% and 41.9% for West Africa. Having received forecasts on start of rainfall, 24.0% and 17.6% of the farmers from East and West Africa made decisions on timing of farming activities respectively. Probabilities of having access to forecasts on PD significantly increased with access to formal education, farm income and previous exposure to climatic shocks. Furthermore, probabilities of having access to forecasts on SR significantly increased (p < 0.05) with access to business income, radio and perception of more erratic rainfall, among others. It was recommended that promotion of informal education among illiterate farmers would enhance their climatic resilience, among others.
Atrazine Exposure and Reproductive Dysfunction through the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Gonadal (HPG) Axis
Authors: Wirbisky Sara , Freeman Jennifer
Published: November 2015

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC) are exogenous agents that alter endogenous hormone signaling pathways. These chemicals target the neuroendocrine system which is composed of organs throughout the body that work alongside the central nervous system to regulate biological processes. Of primary importance is the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis which is vital for maintaining proper reproductive function. Atrazine (2-chloro-4-ethylamino-6-isopropylamino-1,3,5-triazine) is a pre-emergent herbicide used to prevent the growth of weeds on various crops. This herbicide is reported to widely contaminate potable water supplies everywhere it is applied. As such, the European Union banned the use of atrazine in 2004. Currently the United States Environmental Protection Agency regulates atrazine at 3 parts per billion (ppb; μg/L) in drinking water, while the World Health Organization recently changed their drinking water guideline to 100 ppb. Atrazine is implicated to be an EDC that alters reproductive dysfunction by targeting the HPG axis. However, questions remain as to the human health risks associated with atrazine exposure with studies reporting mixed results on the ability of atrazine to alter the HPG axis. In this review, the current findings for atrazine’s effects on the HPG axis are examined in mammalian, anuran, and fish models and in epidemiological studies.
The Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 Strain Shows Protective Effects against the B. anthracis LT Toxin
Authors: Pontier-Bres Rodolphe , Rampal Patrick , Peyron Jean-François , Munro Patrick , Lemichez Emmanuel , Czerucka Dorota
Published: November 2015

The probiotic yeast Saccharomyces boulardii (S. boulardii) has been prescribed for the prophylaxis and treatment of several infectious diarrheal diseases. Gastrointestinal anthrax causes fatal systemic disease. In the present study, we investigated the protective effects conferred by Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 strain on polarized T84 columnar epithelial cells intoxicated by the lethal toxin (LT) of Bacillus anthracis. Exposure of polarized T84 cells to LT affected cell monolayer integrity, modified the morphology of tight junctions and induced the formation of actin stress fibers. Overnight treatment of cells with S. boulardii before incubation with LT maintained the integrity of the monolayers, prevented morphological modification of tight junctions, restricted the effects of LT on actin remodeling and delayed LT-induced MEK-2 cleavage. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that in the presence of S. boulardii, the medium is depleted of both LF and PA sub-units of LT and the appearance of a cleaved form of PA. Our study highlights the potential of the S. boulardii CNCM I-745 strain as a prophylactic agent against the gastrointestinal form of anthrax.
An Unstructured Numerical Model to Study Wind-Driven Circulation Patterns in a Managed Coastal Mediterranean Wetland: The Vaccarès Lagoon System
Authors: Boutron Olivier , Bertrand Olivier , Fiandrino Annie , Höhener Patrick , Sandoz Alain , Chérain Yves , Coulet Eric , Chauvelon Philippe
Published: November 2015

The spatiotemporal structure of wind-driven circulation patterns and associated water exchanges can drive important bio-hydrodynamic interactions in shallow lagoons. The Vaccarès lagoon system is a complex shallow hydrosystem located in the central part of the Rhône Delta (France). It is internationally recognized as part of a biosphere reserve within the framework of UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere Programme, and as a RAMSAR site. Due to its frequent occurrence in this area, and considering the shallowness of the Vaccarès lagoon system, wind is assumed to play a major role in the hydrodynamic and biological processes. In this study, a hydrodynamic model was developed to investigate the structure of wind-driven circulations in the Vaccarès lagoon system, to provide insights into their role in transport and water exchange processes. The implementation and assessment (calibration and validation) of the model is presented first. Simulations were then performed for two typical steady wind conditions and for one measured unsteady wind event. The results illustrate the influence of the complex geometry of the Vaccarès lagoon system on the wind-driven circulations, and the differences observed between the different sub-lagoons in this system. The differences in wind-induced water exchanges between these sub-lagoons are also discussed.
AN IDIOSYNCRATIC DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR CREDIT RISK ANALYSIS OF SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES
Authors: GONÇALVES Tânia S. H. , FERREIRA Fernando A. F. , JALALI Marjan S. , MEIDUTĖ-KAVALIAUSKIENĖ Ieva
Published: November 2015

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are currently considered an important driving force of economic growth. Several studies have been developed to analyse this issue and, in particular, to assess the credit risk of SMEs. Most of these applications, however, share the same methodological limitations, such as the manner by which criteria are selected, or the methods used for calculating the weights between them. Based on the integrated use of cognitive mapping techniques and the Interactive Multiple Criteria Decision Making (TODIM) approach, this study aims to create an idiosyncratic decision support system for the identification of multiple criteria and the calculation of their respective weights (i.e. the trade-offs) in the evaluation of SME credit risk. The results show that the model created in this study allows for simple and straightforward credit concession decisions, facilitating the evaluation of SME credit applications through more informed and transparent risk assessments. Practical implications, strengths and weaknesses of the proposed framework are analysed and discussed.
Effects of institutional environment and technology development on payment choice
Authors: CALLADO-MUÑOZ Francisco J. , HROMCOVÁ Jana , UTRERO-GONZÁLEZ Natalia
Published: November 2015

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the combination of institutional factors and tech­nology advances as determinants for the choice of payment instruments. The theoretical set up suggests that countries that enter into a new institutional environment adopt the attitudes of the accepting group towards the payment choices as a consequence of institutional pressure and tech­nology development. We apply the results of the model to the European Union enlargement process of 2004. Our findings confirm the relevance of both institutional environment and technology de­velopment in retail payment choice decisions particular to Central and Eastern European Countries.
Resources for Defence of the Czech Republic: Perspectives and Opportunities
Authors: Mičánek František , Šulc František , Odehnal Jakub , Holcner Vladan , Olejníček Aleš
Published: November 2015

The paper is focused on the area of defence sources in the Czech Republic. Within an analysis of the actual situation in military spending in the Czech Republic, some potential approaches are defined to enable the reasonable and transparent allocation of resources for national defence. Based on these approaches, three courses of action are derived in order to deal with current resources inadequacy and instability in defence. The article is available only in the Czech language. For more information please contact editors.
Prospective Horizons of Further Cooperation between NATO and the EU
Authors: Petráš Zdeněk
Published: November 2015

At present, it can be seen a tangible progress in the NATO-EU common approach to deal with challenging security issues. Paradoxically, it has been economic recession in combination with growing danger of arising armed conflicts, specifically on the European continent territory, to start up the closer cooperation between NATO and the EU. Logically, the current security situation ended in conclusions that the complementarity between NATO and the EU became a real necessity and only interaction between the Alliance and Union's security and defence policies could bring required effects, while upholding global and local security stability. The article is available only in the Czech language. For more information please contact editors.
The Draft Proposal for Army Accoutrements Regulation
Authors: Zelenák Michal , Pecina Miroslav
Published: November 2015

The article introduces a variant of alternative accoutrements provided to the soldiers of the Army of the Czech Republic to replenish and compensate individual standardized items. The article proposes changes in furnishing soldiers, so that they would take into account their individual occupational specialities and predominant types of used military uniforms. Even though the authors use a simplified model in this paper, the final version of accoutrement modification represents the updating of the current law regulations.
Validation of the OMERACT Psoriatic Arthritis Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score (PsAMRIS) for the Hand and Foot in a Randomized Placebo-controlled Trial
Authors: Glinatsi Daniel , Bird Paul , Gandjbakhch Frederique , Mease Philip J. , Bøyesen Pernille , Peterfy Charles G. , Conaghan Philip G. , Østergaard Mikkel
Published: November 2015

Objective.

To assess changes following treatment and the reliability and responsiveness to change of the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) Psoriatic Arthritis Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score (PsAMRIS) in a randomized controlled trial.

Methods.

Forty patients with PsA randomized to either placebo or abatacept (ABA) had MRI of either 1 hand (n = 20) or 1 foot (n = 20) at baseline and after 6 months. Images were scored blindly twice by 3 independent readers according to the PsAMRIS (for synovitis, tenosynovitis, periarticular inflammation, bone edema, bone erosion, and bone proliferation).

Results.

Inflammatory features improved numerically but statistically nonsignificantly in the ABA group but not the placebo group. Baseline intrareader intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were good (≥ 0.50) to very good (≥ 0.80) for all features in both hand and foot. Baseline interreader ICC were good (ICC 0.72–0.96) for all features, except periarticular inflammation and bone proliferation in the hand and tenosynovitis in the foot (ICC 0.25–0.44). Intrareader and interreader ICC for change scores varied. Guyatt’s responsiveness index (GRI) was high for inflammatory features in the hand and metatarsophalangeal joints (GRI −0.67 to −3.13; bone edema not calculable). Minimal change and low prevalence resulted in low ICC and GRI for bone damage.

Conclusion.

PsAMRIS showed overall good intrareader agreement in the hand and foot, and inflammatory feature scores were responsive to change, suggesting that PsAMRIS may be a valid tool for MRI assessment of hands and feet in PsA clinical trials.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: Trends in Antirheumatic Drug Use, C-reactive Protein Levels, and Surgical Burden
Authors: Pedersen Alma B. , Mor Anil , Mehnert Frank , Thomsen Reimar W. , Johnsen Søren P. , Nørgaard Mette
Published: November 2015

Objective.

Over the past decade, the therapeutic approach used to treat patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has considerably changed. It remains unclear whether these changes have been accompanied by decreased disease severity and surgical treatment burden at the population level. Therefore, we investigated time trends in antirheumatic drug consumption, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, and use of orthopedic surgery among Danish patients with RA.

Methods.

Using medical databases, we identified all patients with RA living in Northern Denmark during 1996–2012. For each calendar year, we computed the annual rate of antirheumatic drug use (1996–2010), the median CRP value in mg/l (1996–2011), and the proportions of patients who underwent hip replacement and other orthopedic procedures (1996–2012).

Results.

Antirheumatic drug consumption per patient increased 5-fold, from 145.0 defined daily doses (DDD) in 1996 to 695.4 DDD in 2010. Median CRP declined from 20.5 mg/l [interquartile range (IQR), 10.0 to 43.5 mg/l] in 1996 to 10.0 mg/l (IQR, 4.2–17.8 mg/l) in 2011. From 1996 to 2012, declining proportions of patients with RA underwent hip replacement (14.9% to 10.1%) and other joint operations (29.1% to 23.4%), while the annual proportion of patients who underwent soft tissue procedures increased from 20.7% to 23.4%.

Conclusion.

Antirheumatic drug consumption has substantially increased among patients with RA since 1996, in association with reduced disease activity (i.e., lower CRP levels), fewer joint procedures (including hip replacements), and more soft tissue procedures.
Incidence and Predictors of Biological Antirheumatic Drug Discontinuation Attempts among Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis in Remission: A CORRONA and NinJa Collaborative Cohort Study
Authors: Yoshida Kazuki , Radner Helga , Mjaavatten Maria D. , Greenberg Jeffrey D. , Kavanaugh Arthur , Kishimoto Mitsumasa , Matsui Kazuo , Okada Masato , Reed George , Saeki Yukihiko , Tohma Shigeto , Kremer Joel , Solomon Daniel H.
Published: November 2015

Objective.

We conducted a longitudinal observational study of biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARD) to describe the proportions of patients with rheumatoid arthritis in remission who discontinued these agents, and to assess the potential predictors of the decision to discontinue.

Methods.

We used data from the US COnsortium of Rheumatology Researchers Of North America (CORRONA) and the Japanese National Database of Rheumatic Diseases by iR-net in Japan (NinJa) registries, and ran parallel analyses. Patients treated with bDMARD who experienced remission (defined by the Clinical Disease Activity Index ≤ 2.8) were included. The outcome of interest was the occurrence of bDMARD discontinuation while in remission. The predictors of discontinuation were assessed in the Cox regression models. Frailty models were also used to examine the effects of individual physicians in the discontinuation decision.

Results.

The numbers of eligible patients who were initially in remission were 6263 in the CORRONA and 744 in the NinJa. Among these patients, 10.0% of patients in CORRONA and 11.8% of patients in NinJa discontinued bDMARD while in remission over 5 years, whereas many of the remaining patients lost remission before discontinuing bDMARD. Shorter disease duration was associated with higher rates of discontinuation in both cohorts. In CORRONA, methotrexate use and lower disease activity were also associated with discontinuation. In frailty models, physician random effects were significant in both cohorts.

Conclusion.

Among patients who initially experienced remission while receiving bDMARD, around 10% remained in remission and then discontinued bDMARD in both registries. Several factors were associated with more frequent discontinuation while in remission. Physician preference likely is also an important correlate of bDMARD discontinuation, indicating the need for standardization of practice.
Patient’s Global Assessment as an Outcome Measure for Psoriatic Arthritis in Clinical Practice: A Surrogate for Measuring Low Disease Activity?
Authors: Lubrano Ennio , Perrotta Fabio Massimo , Parsons Wendy J. , Marchesoni Antonio
Published: November 2015

Objective.

To assess the low disease activity (LDA) in a group of patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) receiving antitumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) by using the patient’s global assessment (PtGA) in clinical practice, and to compare PtGA with minimal disease activity (MDA) and other outcome measures.

Methods.

Patients with PsA classified by the ClASsification for Psoriatic ARthritis (CASPAR) criteria and consecutively admitted to an outpatient clinic dedicated to biologic therapy were assessed during their routine followup. The primary outcome measure was the proportion of patients achieving a PtGA ≤ 20 at 4-, 8-, and 12-month followups. Secondary outcome measures included the proportion of patients achieving MDA and other outcome measures. Correlation of PtGA with MDA and other process and outcome measures were also performed.

Results.

During the period of observation, 124 patients were evaluated. PtGA ≤ 20 was achieved in 25.7% at 4 months, 48.9% at 8 months, and 65.3% at 12 months of followup. The percentage of PtGA ≤ 20 statistically improved throughout the 3 timepoint assessments and it was statistically correlated to MDA. A significant correlation with the Disease Activity index for PSoriatic Arthritis (DAPSA), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index, and Health Assessment Questionnaire was also observed. MDA, DAPSA, and Disease Activity Score at 28 joints with C-reactive protein remission were achieved at 12 months in 64%, 36%, and 71% of patients, respectively.

Conclusion.

PtGA can estimate the LDA status and could be considered as a surrogate of outcome measures for the assessment of global disease activity in patients with PsA receiving anti-TNF therapy during routine clinical practice. These data suggest that PtGA might be used in outpatient settings, being a simple, reliable, and not time-consuming instrument.
THE ENERGY SAVINGS POTENTIAL OF OPTIMIZED SLAB-ON-GRADE FOUNDATION INSULATION RETROFITS
Authors: Goldberg Louise F. , Mosiman Garrett
Published: November 2015

A recently developed 3-dimensional earth contact simulation program that operates as a subroutine of the EnergyPlus whole building energy simulation program was used to evaluate the energy performance and cost-effectiveness of retrofit slab-on-grade (SOG) foundation insulation. An optimized retrofit insulation design utilizing hydro-vacuum excavation was developed that generated 8.4 % larger metered (or site) energy savings at a $428 lower cost than the IECC 2012 requirement in a Minneapolis, MN climate for a 400 ft2 test building. The energy performance and cost effectiveness of single and multi-family buildings was assessed for climate Zones 4 – 7. With reference to the Building America B10 benchmark, the highest site energy savings of 5 % was realized for a single family home in Duluth, MN, and the lowest savings of 1.4 % for a 4-unit townhouse in Richmond, VA. SOG foundation insulation retrofit simple paybacks ranged from 18 to 47 years. Thus it is likely that larger energy savings of 10% or more with concomitantly reduced simple paybacks can only be realized in well-insulated buildings.
ENERGY PERFORMANCE OF CAMPUS LEED® BUILDINGS: IMPLICATIONS FOR GREEN BUILDING AND ENERGY POLICY
Authors: Chen Qian , Kleinman Lauren , Dial Aparna
Published: November 2015

Many university campuses in the United States are working toward their sustainable goals by adopting energy or green building policies, which require Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) certification for new construction and major renovation projects. Because LEED certification heavily relies on whole building energy simulation to demonstrate building energy performance improvement, it is often assumed that the finished buildings will achieve the predicted level of energy efficiency. This paper presents a study that compares the energy model predictions with actual energy performance of three LEED buildings on a university campus. The study shows that one of the campus LEED buildings consumed twice the predicted energy usage while causing a high level of occupant dissatisfaction. Further investigation reveals a variety of contributing factors for these issues and provides insights to improve green building policy and practice. Not only are the research findings important for this particular campus (Ohio State University) on its way to sustainability, they also have widespread ramifications for other university campuses.
Consolidation Drainage and Climate Change May Reduce Piping Plover Habitat in the Great Plains
Authors: McCauley Lisa A. , Anteau Michael J. , van der Burg Max Post
Published: November 2015

Many waterbird species utilize a diversity of aquatic habitats; however, with increasing anthropogenic needs to manage water regimes there is global concern over impacts to waterbird populations. The federally threatened piping plover (Charadrius melodus; hereafter plovers) is a shorebird that breeds in three habitat types in the Prairie Pothole Region of North Dakota, South Dakota, and Canada: riverine sandbars; reservoir shorelines; and prairie wetlands. Water surface areas of these habitats fluctuate in response to wet–dry periods; decreasing water surface areas expose shorelines that plovers utilize for nesting. Climate varies across the region so when other habitats are unavailable for plover nesting because of flooding, prairie wetlands may periodically provide habitat. Over the last century, many of the wetlands used by plovers in the Prairie Pothole Region have been modified to receive water from consolidation drainage (drainage of smaller wetlands into another wetland), which could eliminate shoreline nesting habitat. We evaluated whether consolidation drainage and fuller wetlands have decreased plover presence in 32 wetlands historically used by plovers. We found that wetlands with more consolidation drainage in their catchment and wetlands that were fuller had a lower probability of plover presence. These results suggest that plovers could have historically used prairie wetlands during the breeding season but consolidation drainage, climate change, or both have reduced available shoreline habitat for plovers through increased water levels. Prairie wetlands, outside of some alkali wetlands in the western portion of the region, are less studied as habitat for plovers when compared with river and reservoir shorelines. Our study suggests that these wetlands may have played a larger role in plover ecology than previously thought. Wetland restoration and conservation, through the restoration of natural hydrology, may be required to ensure that adequate habitat exists among the three habitat types in the face of existing or changing climate and to ensure long-term plover conservation.
Removal of (2,4-Dichlorophenoxy)acetic Acid from Aqueous Solutions Using Low-cost Sorbents
Authors: Arefieva Olga D. , Zemnukhova Lyudmila A. , Morgun Natalya P. , Rybin Viacheslav G. , Tsvetnov Michael A. , Kovshun Anastasia A. , Panasenko Alexander E.
Published: November 2015

Despite reducing the consumption of the pesticide (2,4-dichlorophenoxy)acetic acid (2,4-D), it can still be occasionally found in natural waters. The most effective method for its removal is adsorption on a solid surface using carbonaceous sorbents; however, these sorbents are considered highly priced. Therefore, diverse waste products have been increasingly used in recent years. In this study, the sorption possibility of 2,4-D from aqueous solutions with low concentration (1 μg L−1) of carbon- and silicon-containing sorbents of different nature was investigated. It was observed that precipitated silica from rice husk could be used for sorption posttreatment of 2,4-D. There was almost a complete removal of the pesticide with the carbon sorbent by “Sibunit”. Mesoporous sorbents derived from rice husk and straw showed a sorption efficiency of 23%-35%, indicating their use for treatment of natural waters.
Prognostic and Predictive Significance of Stromal Fibroblasts and Macrophages in Colon Cancer
Authors: Owusu Benjamin Y. , Vaid Mudit , Kaler Pawan , Klampfer Lidija
Published: November 2015

Colon cancer development and malignant progression are driven by genetic and epigenetic alterations in tumor cells and by factors from the tumor microenvironment. Cancer cells become reliant on the activity of specific oncogenes and on prosurvival and proliferative signals they receive from the abnormal environment they create and reside in. Accordingly, the response to anticancer therapy is determined by genetic and epigenetic changes that are intrinsic to tumor cells and by the factors present in the tumor microenvironment. Recent advances in the understanding of the involvement of the tumor microenvironment in tumor progression and therapeutic response are optimizing the application of prognostic and predictive factors in colon cancer. Moreover, new targets in the tumor microenvironment that are amenable to therapeutic intervention have been identified. Because stromal cells are with rare exceptions genetically stable, the tumor microenvironment has emerged as a preferred target for therapeutic drugs. In this review, we discuss the role of stromal fibroblasts and macrophages in colon cancer progression and in the response of colon cancer patients to therapy.
О центрах относительно свободных ассоциативных алгебр с тождеством лиевой нильпотентности
Authors: Grishin Aleksandr Vladimirovich , Pchelintsev Sergey Valentinovich
Published: November 2015

Изучаются центральные многочлены относительно свободной лиево нильпотентной степени $n$ алгебры $F^{(n)}$. Доказана теорема о произведении, обобщающая известные результаты В. Н. Латышева и И. Б. Воличенко. Построены обобщенные многочлены Холла, с помощью которых доказана нетривиальность ядерного центра алгебры $F^{(n)}$ для любого $n\geqslant 5$. Для $n=5,6$ получен ряд специальных результатов.
Библиография: 27 названий.
Arqueología virtual en una estancia colonial argentina
Authors: Vázquez Florencia , Díaz Pais Elena
Published: November 2015

This is a first approach to the application of virtual reconstruction techniques of a colonial house. In Argentina it is still uncommon to perform 3D modeling of archaeological sites and especially in historical archeology. As a first step, we used the Google SketchUp to model the country house located on the banks of the Río de la Plata (Buenos Aires). It has historical significance because it belonged to a Spanish councilman, housed hundreds of slaves and was the place where stayed the troops that carried out the Second British Invasion of Buenos Aires. In this case, the 3D modeling was useful for evaluating the future excavationa and activities of preservation of cultural heritage.
Aplicaciones SIG en la caracterización geoarqueológica del yacimiento paleolítico de Las Delicias (Madrid, España) y visualización en 3D de los resultados
Authors: López-Fraile Francisco José , Alcaraz-Castaño Manuel , López-Recio Mario , Baena Javier , Morín Jorge , Roca Marta , Rodríguez-Avello Luis , Tapias Fernando , Pérez-González Alfredo , Santonja Manuel
Published: November 2015

The open-air Palaeolithic site of Las Delicias, located in the Manzanares river valley (Madrid, Spain), has been the object of recent archaeological excavations during 2008 and 2009. Field data gathered at the site has been processed through Geographic Information Systems software, and results have been represented in 3D. We have achieved a topographic and archaeological database which has been associated with 3D planimetries through GIS. At the micro-spatial level, this database will allow future studies on different topics, such as the genesis of the deposits and their conservation, displacement patterns of the archaeological objects, refitting of lithic pieces and planning of future excavation seasons at the site.
Combinación de fotogrametría terrestre y áerea de bajo coste: el levantamiento tridimensional de la iglesia de San Miguel de Ágreda (Soria)
Authors: Peinado Checa Zaira , Fernández Morales Angélica , Agustín Hernández Luis
Published: November 2015

Nowadays, one of the most used methods for the architectural survey is photogrammetry. The combination of terrestrial and aerial photogrammetry of low altitude is the ideal method for obtaining global geometric documentation of any building, as it collects information about concealed or inaccessible points. The UAV or drone is the device currently most used to capture aerial photographs. We used the example of the Church of San Miguel in Agreda to establish a methodology for data collection and the process for obtaining a textured three-dimensional model.
Valorizzazione cross-mediale di collezioni museali archeologiche italiane
Authors: Guidazzoli Antonella , Liguori Maria Chiara , De Luca Daniele , Imboden Silvano
Published: November 2015

For the difficult task of capturing the attention of visitors and mark their memory, museums and cultural sites rely increasingly on computer applications. Are they all effective? VisitLab Cineca (Visual Information Technology Laboratory) is following three different projects, each based on a different application: from computer graphics movies to evocative installation, from augmented reality applications to the simulation of social dynamics and historical events. Time will tell if these are the most valid solutions to address and overcome the challenge.
"Fuera de la caja": explorando el potencial del modelado 3D a partir de antiguos archivos de imágenes
Authors: López-Romero Elías
Published: November 2015

3D reconstructions for research and conservation of archaeological sites and objects are becoming increasingly common as laser and photogrammetric techniques are now more readily accessible to non-specialists. Most of these imaging techniques have been applied to sites and/or objects that can be physically visited, handled, measured and studied in various ways. However, little or no attention has been paid to the potential of modern 3D modelling techniques for obtaining new quantitative and qualitative information from sites and objects which have been destroyed or are no longer accessible. This paper explores the potential of Structure from Motion (SfM) to provide fresh insight into the scientific exploitation of ancient image archives. Two case studies from Western France will be used to illustrate this: a series of photographs of one decorated orthostate from the Neolithic gallery grave of Kermorvan (Le Conquet, Finistère), dating from 1911-12, and a 12-minute video of the excavation of a Bronze Age mound in Kervingar (Ploudalmézeau, Finistère), dating from 1953.
Investigaciones sobre los muros de Moen-Jo-Daro usando propiedades mecánicas
Authors: Umair Khan Shazada Muhammad , Park Jae Seung
Published: November 2015

This investigation is based on the event that occur in 2000 and 2012 at Moen-Jo-Daro the extensive decay of Moen-Jo-Daro wall that replacement of bricks with new over damaged bricks. Damaged bricks due to the formation of various generated forces, continutiy of thrust resulted in the progressive instability of the lateral wall and formation of minor and major cracks. There are several walls which are facing similar problem, hence, a cubical clay model in 1/4-scale was built and investegated under service conditions. Finite-element FE, Models were generated to simulate the response of the structure, behaviour and safety of the prototype.
La basílica de Santa María de Oviedo: del panteón real a la catedral doble. Hipótesis de restitución en función del análisis compositivo y metrológico
Authors: Borge Cordovilla Francisco José
Published: November 2015

The Basilica of Santa Maria de Oviedo (now “Rey Casto” Chapel of the Cathedral), was the lower church of the "Double Cathedral" Oviedo. For historians, the purpose of this building was the royal pantheon, creating a formal architectural framework around the tombs of the kings of Asturias, associated funerary cult in memory of the monarchs. This vision has been maintained, despite non-membership archeology shows the cemetery to the original draft of the building, which is deducted important morphological and functional changes in it. Analysis techniques based on computer graphics and numerical approach to serve the reasonable assumptions that allow the reconstruction of this building still missing.
Effects of the US Stock Market Return and Volatility on the VKOSPI
Authors: Han Heejoon , Kutan Ali M. , Ryu Doojin
Published: November 2015

The KOSPI (Korea Composite Stock Price Index) 200 options are one of the most actively traded derivatives in the world. This paper empirically examines (a) the statistical properties of the Korea’s representative implied volatility index (VKOSPI) derived from the KOSPI 200 options and (b) the macroeconomic and financial variables that can predict the implied volatility process of the index, using augmented heterogeneous autoregressive (HAR) models with exogenous covariates. The results suggest that the elaborate HAR framework is proficient at describing the dynamics of the VKOSPI and that some domestic macroeconomic variables explain the VKOSPI. More importantly, we find that the stock market return and implied volatility index of the US market (i.e., the S&P 500 spot return and the VIX from the S&P 500 options) play a key role in predicting the level of the VKOSPI and explaining its dynamics, and their explanatory power dominates that of domestic macro-finance variables. Further, while the domestic stock market return does not predict the VKOSPI, the US stock market return does so rather well. When two global factors, both the US stock market return and the US implied volatility index, are incorporated into the HAR framework, the model exhibits the best performance in terms of both in-sample fitting and out-of-sample forecasting ability.