bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Medicolegal characteristics of domestic violence
Authors: Antovic Aleksandra , Stojanovic Jovan
Published: February 2017

Introduction/Objective. Domestic violence is a phenomenon as old as the history of human civilization, present in all cultures, epochs and social systems. Despite the fact that domestic violence represents a dangerous and unacceptable social phenomenon, as well as a significant medical problem, there are still no precise data on the prevalence of this phenomenon in our country. This study aims to determine the elementary forensic characteristics of domestic violence that would represented the basis for future medical research in this field. Methods. A total of 4,593 records of forensic autopsy (n = 3,120) and clinical forensic medical examinations (n = 1,473) were analyzed in the 1996?2005 period in order to determine the cases of domestic violence. Results. The analysis encompassed 300 cases (6.5%) of clinically examined (n = 211; 70.3%) and autopsied (n = 89; 29.7%) victims of domestic violence. A statistically significant increase in domestic violence cases (?2 = 12.74; p = 0.00036) was determined in the observed period. The victims were mostly females (78%), with the mean age of 45.8 years (min = 0.3; max = 85; SD = 17.7), married (45%), with personal income (74.4%), and urban residence (66.3%). The majority of abusers were males (89.3%). Intimate partner violence was present in 58.3% of the cases. Physical abuse was the most common form of violence (97.7%), while sexual violence (2.3%) and child abuse (4.3%) were rarely recorded. Conclusion. The results of this research indicate that forensic medicine can be of great help in designing appropriate standards for conducting clinical medical examination, preventive programs, and strategies in fighting domestic violence.
Epilepsy awareness, knowledge and attitudes among secondary school teachers in Montenegro
Authors: Vujisic Slavica , Vodopic Sanja
Published: February 2017

Introduction/Objective. Epilepsy is associated with numerous misconceptions due to its dramatic manifestation and poor knowledge among the public. The aim of this study was to assess epilepsy awareness, knowledge and attitudes among secondary school teachers. Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional survey by sending a simple self-administered questionnaire to all secondary schools in Podgorica, Montenegro. The questionnaire contained 16 questions regarding epilepsy awareness, knowledge and attitudes, first aid attitudes, as well as demographic and teaching experience data. Results. We analyzed 219 questionnaires. Almost all teachers had heard or read about epilepsy, 57.5% of whom knew someone with epilepsy; 21% had a pupil with epilepsy in their class; more than 50% had witnessed a seizure, with 25% of them linking epilepsy to a central nervous disturbance. Over 60% of teachers chose convulsions/shaking to be a major feature of an epileptic attack. Forty percent of teachers thought epilepsy could be cured. Almost 80% thought people with epilepsy should get married and have children, but only one third would marry a person with epilepsy. Over 13% would object to their child playing with another child with epilepsy, and more than 50% would object if their child married a person with epilepsy. About 35% of teachers suggested putting something in a person?s mouth during attack to prevent tongue injury and asphyxiation. Conclusion. Awareness and understanding of epilepsy among teachers were satisfactory, but the results also revealed negative attitudes. Teachers need further education about epilepsy to increase seizure recognition and first aid management, reduce stigma, and intensify acceptance of people with epilepsy.
Intraoperative and postoperative complications of phacoemulsification in cataract eyes with pseudoexfoliation syndrome
Authors: Veselinovic Aleksandar , Cvetanovic Marija , Milosevic Zoran , Veselinovic Dragan
Published: February 2017

Introduction/Objective. Pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX) is an age-related systemic disorder characterized by deposition of fibrillary white flaky material mainly on the lens capsule, corneal endothelium, zonules, ciliary body, iris, and pupillary margin. Zonular weakness progressively increases along with the hardness of the lens, patient?s age, and the presence of glaucoma. The objective of the study is to compare the intraoperative and postoperative complications of phacoemulsification in cataract eyes with PEX with cataract eyes without PEX. Methods. The study enrolled 300 eyes with consequently operated senile cataract and PEX and 300 consequently operated eyes with cataract without PEX who underwent phacoemulsification performed by one experienced surgeon (single-surgeon series). A complete ophthalmological examination of all patients was performed preoperatively, as well as on the first, seventh, and 180th day postoperatively. Results. Significant statistical differences between the observed groups were the following: patients with PXF were older (74.2 ? 8; range 56?82 years vs. 68.1 ? 9.6; range 56?79 years), had smaller pupil diameter, and higher intraocular pressure (IOP) preoperatively (16.1 ? 4.1 vs. 13.8 ? 3.7 mmHg). There were no differences between the groups regarding intraoperative complications. Early postoperative complications were a significant rise of IOP (33 vs. six patients; p < 0.001), more frequent postoperative corneal edema (36 vs. 21 patients; p < 0.036), and anterior chamber inflammation (17 vs. seven patients; p < 0.037) in the PEX group, comparing to the control group. The significant late postoperative complication was elevated IOP (24 vs. five patients; p < 0.0002) in patients with PEX. Conclusion. In the hands of an experienced and careful surgeon, phacoemulsification is a safe and beneficial surgery to treat cataract with associated pseudoexfoliation. The greatest problem a surgeon faces is a narrow pupil and zonule instability, and difficulty in recognizing eyes that are particularly at risks, such as those having glaucoma and phacodonesis.
Prognostic value of biomarkers and co-morbidities in patients with acute heart failure: One-year follow-up study
Authors: Petrovic Dejan , Deljanin-Ilic Marina , Stojanovic Sanja
Published: February 2017

Introduction/Objective. Clinical risk stratification of patients hospitalized due to acute heart failure (AHF) applying B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), troponin I (TnI), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) biochemical markers can contribute to early diagnosis of AHF and lower mortality rates. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic significance of biomarkers (BNP, TnI, and hsCRP) and co-morbidities concerning one-year mortality in patients with AHF. Methods. Clinical group comprised 124 consecutive unselected patients, age 60?80 years, treated at the Coronary Care Unit of the Niska Banja Institute, Nis. The patients were monitored for one year after the discharge. During the first 24 hours after admission, BNP, TnI, and hsCRP were measured in fasting serum. Results. Total one-year mortality was 29.8%. The levels of serum BNP were significantly higher in the group of non-survivors compared to the group of survivors (1353.8 ?} 507.8 vs. 718.4 ?} 387.6 pg/mL, p < 0.001). We identified several clinical and biochemical prognostic risk factors by univariate and multivariate analysis. Independent predictors of one-year mortality were the following: BNP, TnI, depression, hypotension, chronic renal failure, ejection fraction, and right-ventricle systolic pressure. Conclusion. The presence of BNP and TnI biomarkers and several co-morbidities such as depression or chronic renal failure have significant influence on one-year mortality in patients with AHF.
The phenotypic and genotypic characterization of vancomycin-resistant enterococci in outpatients’ urine culture
Authors: Brkic Snezana , Bugaric Predrag , Topalov Drina , Cirkovic Ivana
Published: February 2017

Introduction/Objective. In the era of emerging antibacterial resistance, the major burden of resistant strains is on hospitalized patients. Although community factors are also important in the spread of resistance, less attention has been paid to non-healthcare settings. The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) in the outpatient?s urine culture and to perform phenotypic and genotypic characterization of VRE strains. Methods. During an 18-month period, a total of 5,164 Enterococcus spp. strains were isolated from urine and identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by disk diffusion method and by gradient test for glycopeptideresistant strains. Genotypic characterization of VRE strains was done by multiplex polymerase chain reaction for the detection of the vancomycin resistance genes. Results. Among the isolated enterococci, 5,060 (98%) were E. faecalis and 104 (2%) were E. faecium. E. faecalis strains were susceptible to all tested antibiotics except norfloxacin (33% of strains were resistant), while E. faecium showed high level of resistance to most of the tested agents (91.3% to ampicillin, 77% to norfloxacin, and 75% to nitrofurantoin), and 26% of strains were resistant to vancomycin and teicoplanin. VanA gene was detected in all vancomycin resistant E. faecium (VREfm) strains. Conclusion. A high proportion of VREfm was noticed among outpatients in our country. All analyzed VREfm strains belonged to vanA genotype. Future surveillance studies of VRE are needed to follow up on this baseline study to monitor any possible changes in abundance and genotype of VRE in this population group.
Hypermobile Business and Leisure Lifestyles, will wellbeing concerns stimulate environmental co benefits
Authors: Cohen Scott A.
Published: February 2017

This chapter examines the negative consequences for individuals who undertake leisure-motivated lifestyle mobilities or frequent business travel, and considers these movements in light of their potentially differing impacts on climate change. It explores the question of whether adherents of hypermobile lifestyles will be willing to change their mobility patterns based on negative personal consequences. This is a crucial question to ask as the literature suggests that the hypermobile are largely unwilling to change their travel behaviour for environmental reasons alone. The potential for behaviour change based on concerns over wellbeing is instead examined, and it is concluded that while some forms of leisure-motivated lifestyle mobility may entail less high-emission movement, it is unlikely that concern over lifestyle mobilities’ personal consequences will lead to behavioural change. In contrast, it is within frequent business travel, which tends to require frequent air travel (with its concomitant higher emissions), where the consequences of this hypermobility can entail severe physiological costs, that the most leverage for behavioural change based on concerns over personal wellbeing exists. The chapter concludes that it is business- rather than leisure-motivated hypermobile lifestyles that present the most promising realm for achieving low carbon mobility transitions.
Opening Cape Town streets for a low carbon future
Authors: Seeliger Leanne , Kane Lisa
Published: February 2017

Cape Town’s apartheid spatial form and historically under resourced public transport system has created a resource inefficient city. Providing additional financial resources to upgrade the public transport system will not be sufficient to encourage a shift to low carbon alternatives. To create a low carbon future for Cape Town a deeper level of change is required – a radical transformation in the way different people and places are valued within the present urban context. This case study analyses a civil society movement called Open Streets through the lens of transition theory. It suggests that this movement is a niche development in which a transformation of the way people and places are valued could occur. While this movement has been well received and appears to have potential to help shift the regime of urban transport system in Cape Town, there remains a series of organisational, logistical, regulatory and funding barriers that are hampering its full development and long-term impact.
Aeromobilities in Transition, From quick and dirty to slow and sexy
Authors: Bongaerts Rob , Nawijn Jeroen , Eijgelaar Eke , Peeters Paul
Published: February 2017

In this chapter we discuss the current impacts of aviation on the environment and climate change. The sharp growth of this industry will lead to an even greater future impact. Therefore, we come with some suggestions to reduce the carbon emissions of the industry. We conclude that a combination of economical, behavioural and technological measures is the only way to go if a decrease of carbon in a growing industry is to be achieved. Price mechanisms like increasing taxes and introducing real carbon cost should lead to less demand for air travel. Furthermore, promoting regional tourism and de-marketing long haul destinations contributes to a sharp emission reduction. Short haul and regional travel should be combined with promoting low carbon travel modes, like rail transport. If decision makers can combine these measures and force their airlines to adopt the latest technological standards on aircraft, we believe that the industry can transform from a ‘quick and dirty’ way of transport to a ‘slow and sexy’ one.
Institutions, Path Dependency and Public Transport
Authors: Imran Muhammad , Pearce Jane
Published: February 2017

Political institutions, their visions, and policies have influenced urban transport policies in New Zealand. The aim of this chapter is to provide a historical overview of urban transport policies in Auckland, New Zealand to investigate the nature of institutional barriers and opportunities for change. This chapter uses path dependence and development as a theoretical framework providing a structured approach with which to explain the nature of transport planning and policies in Auckland. The research finds that events such as replacement of trams with buses and policy directions such as selection of motorway projects over the rapid rail in the mid-1950s to mid-1960s locked Auckland’s transport policies into a road-based paradigm. However, this road-based transport policy paradigm has been challenged since the early 2000s, with subsequent events, policies and institutional restructuring all shaping a new critical juncture in favour of sustainable transport. In spite of this emerging critical juncture, transport policies to deliver greater sustainable transport outcomes have largely been placed on hold due to resistance from path-dependent transport policies that promote investment in motorways. The more convincing institutional change will occur if local political leadership generate constructive debate in resisting carbon-intensive policies, develop a clear plan for the low carbon mobility future, get public transport funding autonomy and national level policy guidelines to integrate land use and transport.
Innovations to Transform Personal Mobility
Authors: Schwanen Tim
Published: February 2017

Given the many adverse environmental and social effects caused by personal mobility across the planet, there is an urgent need for policy and governance that genuinely encourages and supports innovations in clean and socially just forms of mobility. The geographical complexities of peak car and the renaissance of rail and bike suggest both the importance of, and need for, innovation in the mobility of people, goods and information. This chapter argues that innovation processes in personal mobility are social and geographical in nature and therefore require the bringing together of thinking from innovation studies, such as the work on socio-technical transitions, with theorising from geography and urban studies. It introduces thinking on socio-technical transitions and then explores geographers’ responses to this approach. The chapter selectively refers to empirical research into innovation processes in personal mobility in several UK cities – Oxford, Brighton, Liverpool and London. This research relies on document analysis; interviews with local entrepreneurs, policymakers, politicians and activists; and limited mobile ethnography. It recognises that ‘innovation’ is a polysemic, value-laden term and uses the deliberatively broad description of a configuration of heterogeneous elements – technical artefacts, designs, practices of consumption, business models, etcetera – that is new(ish) to an arbitrarily defined area.
Ethnomedical Health Care Practices among the Satar tribe of Nepal: Linking to Development Agenda
Authors: Adhikari Lal Mani
Published: February 2017

Introduction:  Ethno medical Health Care Practices (EMHCP) so called traditional medicine or indigenous developing affordability of health care have increased, between as well as within populations the world over. Access to appropriate healthcare is increasingly being acknowledged as a health countries. care practices Inequities are in widely availability, adopted accessibility, phenomenon acceptability especially and in human right through international instruments such as the United Nations Human Rights Commission, Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the WHO. In the recent past there has been increasing interests in integration of EMHCP relevance to public health globally. In this context, there is a critical need to mainstream EMHCP into public health care to achieve the objective of improved access to healthcare facilities.Method: The study based on Primary data, conducted in Satar community which is sixth-most predominant ethnic group by population in Jhapa district of Nepal. Using Semi-structured tool as the data collection; cross sectional descriptive study was employed. The male household heads of Satar aged 24-49 years are selected as primary respondents. Fifty sampling units from 5 VDCs were selected using purposive sampling technique. The data are analyzed through Frequency and descriptive statistics to describe the preference of medication practices in common illnesses over 4 "A"s of health seeking behavior, attitude and satisfaction towards EMHCP comparing with modern medication.Result and Discussion :  Overall two-third (64%) of Satar population adopts the EMHCP as majority of population has been cured through Traditional medication (50%) followed by Faith healers (32.1%) for the most common illnesses. The Illiterate category seek EMHCP more frequently with compared to the Literate Category which was found strongly significant (P<0.01). There is no significant difference between Poor and Rich category (p>0.8). However, the overall frequency of EMHCP users in both category found quite high (68%) with  comparison to Modern medication. The analysis of 4 "As" model in health seeking practices, EMHCP users can afford the EMHCP compared to Modern medication users for seeking Modern medication which was found very significant (P<0.001). The availability, accessibility and Acceptability frequency for EMHCP is very high compared to the Modern medicine providing the composite score 0.938 vs. 0.740 respectively. The mean attitudinal scale of EMHCP over the modern medicine found to be 4.12 out of 5 which is very significant.Conclusion: EMHCP phenomenon is widely prevalent in the disadvantaged and marginalized ethnic societies. People adopted different types of EMHCP according to their available choices in the common public health problems for their various health needs.Journal of Advanced Academic Research Vol. 3, No. 2, 2016, Page: 55-65
‘Two Uses for Ashes’: Translation as Forgery in Anthony Burgess' Versions of Giuseppe Gioacchino Belli
Authors: Kratz Martin
Published: February 2017

In 1978 Anthony Burgess published twelve translations from the original, biblically themed, Romanesco sonnets by the nineteenth-century Roman poet Giuseppe Gioacchino Belli in the journal Translation. It has been suggested that two of them (‘Two Uses for Ashes’ and ‘The Bet’) are in fact Burgess’ own creations, and not translations at all. In the context of Translation, the poems are fakes, a literary hoax or forgery - Burgess passed off as Belli. This article considers how the ambiguous status of Burgess’ two poems draws attention to the uneasy relationship between literary forgery and literary translation. In particular, it reflects on the way in which translation, as an act of mediation, has offered specific opportunities for the literary forger to stage textual interventions and inventions.
The Effect of Gender and Menstrual Phase on Serum Creatine Kinase Activity and Muscle Soreness Following Downhill Running
Authors: Oosthuyse Tanja , Bosch Andrew
Published: February 2017

Serum creatine kinase (CK) activity reflects muscle membrane disruption. Oestrogen has antioxidant and membrane stabilising properties, yet no study has compared the CK and muscle soreness (DOMS) response to unaccustomed exercise between genders when all menstrual phases are represented in women. Fifteen eumenorrhoeic women (early follicular, EF (n = 5); late follicular, LF (n = 5); mid-luteal, ML (n = 5) phase) and six men performed 20 min of downhill running (−10% gradient) at 9 km/h. Serum CK activity and visual analogue scale rating of perceived muscle soreness were measured before, immediately, 24-h, 48-h and 72-h after exercise. The 24-h peak CK response (relative to pre-exercise) was similar between women and men (mean change (95% confidence interval): 58.5 (25.2 to 91.7) IU/L; 68.8 (31.3 to 106.3) IU/L, respectively). However, serum CK activity was restored to pre-exercise levels quicker in women (regardless of menstrual phase) than men; after 48-h post exercise in women (16.3 (−4.4 to 37.0) IU/L; 56.3 (37.0 to 75.6) IU/L, respectively) but only after 72-h in men (14.9 (−14.8 to 44.6) IU/L). Parallel to the CK response, muscle soreness recovered by 72-h in men. Conversely, the women still reported muscle soreness at 72-h despite CK levels being restored by 48-h; delayed recovery of muscle soreness appeared mainly in EF and LF. The CK and DOMS response to downhill running is gender-specific. The CK response recovers quicker in women than men. The CK and DOMS response occur in concert in men but not in women. The DOMS response in women is prolonged and may be influenced by menstrual phase.
Identification of Traditional She Medicine Shi-Liang Tea Species and Closely Related Species Using the ITS2 Barcode
Authors: Ma Shuangjiao , Lv Qundan , Zhou Hong , Fang Jie , Cheng Wenliang , Jiang Chengxi , Cheng Kejun , Yao Hui
Published: February 2017

Traditional She medicine is part of China’s cultural heritage and has become remarkably popular worldwide. The Shi-Liang tea is made from the processed leaves of Chimonanthus salicifolius S. Y. Hu and Chimonanthus zhejiangensis M. C. Liu. To ensure the safety and efficacy of Shi-Liang tea, we used DNA barcoding based on the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) of nuclear ribosomal DNA to distinguish the original plant sources of Shi-Liang tea from closely related species. All 71 ITS2 sequences were aligned by Clustal-W, and genetic distances were computed using MEGA 6.0 according to the Kimura 2-parameter model. The results indicated that the sequence lengths of ITS2 regions of the original plants of Shi-Liang tea and closely related species ranged from 256 bp to 260 bp. Interspecific genetic distances ranged from 0 to 0.078. The neighbor-joining (NJ) tree showed that the original plants of Shi-Liang tea species can be easily differentiated from closely related species. Distinct molecular differences were found between the secondary structures of ITS2 sequences from Shi-Liang tea and closely related species. The results in the present investigation suggested that the ITS2 could be an effective DNA marker to identify the original plants of Shi-Liang tea and their closely related species. These DNA barcodes can greatly benefit the supervision of the commercial circulation of She medicine.
A Novel Denoising Method for an Acoustic-Based System through Empirical Mode Decomposition and an Improved Fruit Fly Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Xu Jing , Wang Zhongbin , Tan Chao , Si Lei , Liu Xinhua
Published: February 2017

Generally, the sound signal produced by transmission unit or cutting unit contains abundant information about the working state of a machine. The acoustic-based diagnosis system presents some distinct advantages in some severe conditions particularly due to its unique non-contact measurement and unlimited use at the installation site. However, the original acoustic signal collected from manufacture process is always polluted by various background noises. In order to eliminate noise components from machinery sound effectively, an empirical mode decomposition (EMD) threshold denoising method optimized by an improved fruit fly optimization algorithm (IFOA) is launched in this paper. The acoustic signal was first decomposed by the adaptive EMD to obtain a series of intrinsic mode functions (IMFs). Then, the soft threshold function was applied to shrink the IMF coefficients. While the threshold of each IMF was determined by statistical estimation and empirical value for traditional EMD denoising, the denoising effect was often not desired and time-consuming. To solve these disadvantages, fruit fly optimization algorithm (FOA) was introduced to search global optimal threshold of each IMF. Moreover, to enhance the group diversity during production of the next generation of fruit flies and balance the local and global searching ability, a variation coefficient and a disturbance coefficient was introduced to the basic FOA. Then, a piece of simulated acoustic signal produced by the train was applied to validate the proposed EMD and IFOA threshold denoising (EMD-IFOA). The simulation results, which decreased 35.40% and 18.92% in mean squared error (MSE) and percent root mean square difference (PRD) respectively, and increased 40.36% in signal-to-noise ratio improvement (SNRimp) compared with basic EMD denoising scheme at SNR = 5 dB, illustrated the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed approach. Finally, the proposed EMD-IFOA was conducted on an actual acoustic-based diagnosis system for cutting state recognition of the coal mining shearer to demonstrate the practical effect.
Seasonal Changing Effect on Airflow and Pollutant Dispersion Characteristics in Urban Street Canyons
Authors: Dong Jingliang , Tan Zijing , Xiao Yimin , Tu Jiyuan
Published: February 2017

In this study, the effect of seasonal variation on air flow and pollutant dispersion characteristics was numerically investigated. A three-dimensional urban canopy model with unit aspect ratio (H/D = 1) was used to calculate surface temperature distribution in the street canyon. Four representative time events (1000 LST, 1300 LST, 1600 LST and 2000 LST) during typical clear summer and winter days were selected to examine the air flow diurnal variation. The results revealed the seasonal variation significantly altered the street canyon microclimate. Compared with the street canyon surface temperature distribution in summer, the winter case showed a more evenly distributed surface temperature. In addition, the summer case showed greater daily temperature fluctuation than that of the winter case. Consequently, distinct pollutant dispersion patterns were observed between summer and winter scenarios, especially for the afternoon (1600 LST) and night (2000 LST) events. Among all studied time events, the pollutant removal performance of the morning (1000 LST) and the night (2000 LST) events were more sensitive to the seasonal variation. Lastly, limited natural ventilation performance was found during the summer morning and the winter night, which induced relatively high pollutant concentration along the pedestrian height level.
Composite Biomaterials Based on Sol-Gel Mesoporous Silicate Glasses: A Review
Authors: Baino Francesco , Fiorilli Sonia , Vitale-Brovarone Chiara
Published: February 2017

Bioactive glasses are able to bond to bone and stimulate the growth of new tissue while dissolving over time, which makes them ideal materials for regenerative medicine. The advent of mesoporous glasses, which are typically synthesized via sol-gel routes, allowed researchers to develop a broad and versatile class of novel biomaterials that combine superior bone regenerative potential (compared to traditional melt-derived glasses) with the ability of incorporating drugs and various biomolecules for targeted therapy in situ. Mesoporous glass particles can be directly embedded as a bioactive phase within a non-porous (e.g., microspheres), porous (3D scaffolds) or injectable matrix, or be processed to manufacture a surface coating on inorganic or organic (macro)porous substrates, thereby obtaining hierarchical structures with multiscale porosity. This review provides a picture of composite systems and coatings based on mesoporous glasses and highlights the challenges for the future, including the great potential of inorganic–organic hybrid sol-gel biomaterials.
Selectin Ligands Sialyl-Lewis a and Sialyl-Lewis x in Gastrointestinal Cancers
Authors: Trinchera Marco , Aronica Adele , Dall’Olio Fabio
Published: February 2017

The tetrasaccharide structures Siaα2,3Galβ1,3(Fucα1,4)GlcNAc and Siaα2,3Galβ1,4(Fucα1,3)GlcNAc constitute the epitopes of the carbohydrate antigens sialyl-Lewis a (sLea) and sialyl-Lewis x (sLex), respectively, and are the minimal requirement for selectin binding to their counter-receptors. Interaction of sLex expressed on the cell surface of leucocytes with E-selectin on endothelial cells allows their arrest and promotes their extravasation. Similarly, the rolling of cancer cells ectopically expressing the selectin ligands on endothelial cells is potentially a crucial step favoring the metastatic process. In this review, we focus on the biosynthetic steps giving rise to selectin ligand expression in cell lines and native tissues of gastrointestinal origin, trying to understand whether and how they are deregulated in cancer. We also discuss the use of such molecules in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal cancers, particularly in light of recent data questioning the ability of colon cancers to express sLea and the possible use of circulating sLex in the early detection of pancreatic cancer. Finally, we reviewed the data dealing with the mechanisms that link selectin ligand expression in gastrointestinal cells to cancer malignancy. This promising research field seems to require additional data on native patient tissues to reach more definitive conclusions.
High-Titer Methane from Organosolv-Pretreated Spruce and Birch
Authors: Matsakas Leonidas , Nitsos Christos , Vörös Dimitrij , Rova Ulrika , Christakopoulos Paul
Published: February 2017

The negative impact of fossil fuels and the increased demand for renewable energy sources has led to the use of novel raw material sources. Lignocellulosic biomass could serve as a possible raw material for anaerobic digestion and production of biogas. This work is aimed at using forest biomass, both softwood (spruce) and hardwood (birch), as a raw material for anaerobic digestion. We examined the effect of different operational conditions for the organosolv pretreatment (ethanol content, duration of treatment, and addition of acid catalyst) on the methane yield. In addition, we investigated the effect of addition of cellulolytic enzymes during the digestion. We found that inclusion of an acid catalyst during organosolv pretreatment improved the yields from spruce, but it did not affect the yields from birch. Shorter duration of treatment was advantageous with both materials. Methane yields from spruce were higher with lower ethanol content whereas higher ethanol content was more beneficial for birch. The highest yields obtained were 185 mL CH4/g VS from spruce and 259.9 mL CH4/g VS from birch. Addition of cellulolytic enzymes improved these yields to 266.6 mL CH4/g VS and 284.2 mL CH4/g VS, respectively.
Design and Implementation of Novel Smart Battery Management System for FPGA Based Portable Electronic Devices
Authors: Xue Fangrong , Ling Zhi , Yang Yubing , Miao Xingpo
Published: February 2017

This paper presents the analysis and design of a smart battery management system for Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) based portable electronic devices. It is a novel concept of incorporating the functionality of a smart battery management system into the FPGA used by portable electronic devices, which provides the following advantages. (1) It lowers cost since the conventional commercial independent battery management circuit can be eliminated; (2) It offers more flexibility because FPGA based battery management algorithms can be specifically designed for different battery chemistries of different devices and can provide the flexibility of algorithms and functionalities updating as well. Smart battery management system concepts include four aspects: (1) smart charging; (2) battery balancing; (3) smart discharging; and (4) safety operating. One novel charging algorithm, which combines the merits of multistage charging and pulse charging, is proposed to charge a Li-ion battery pack smartly. A Proportional Integral (PI) control method is introduced to achieve the current control of charging circuit with considerable close loop stability. Simulation results from the PSIM 9.0.4 software package and experimental results from the prototype built in the lab are demonstrated to verify the effectiveness of smart charging. The realizations of battery balancing, smart discharging, and safety operating are also briefly described by taking advantage of the proposed FPGA based smart battery management system topology, which verify the feasibility of the proposed FPGA based smart battery management system for portable electronic devices.
Influencing Factors of the Body Mass Index of Elementary Students in Southern Taiwan
Authors: Chou Li-Na , Chen Min-Li
Published: February 2017

The body mass index (BMI) of school children in Taiwan is markedly increasing. According to statistical data from the Taiwan Ministry of Education, the prevalence of obesity in school children from the southern part of the country is the highest in Taiwan. Thus, exploring the factors influencing BMI in elementary school children from southern Taiwan is crucial. This study investigated the influencing factors including physical activity levels, sedentary behaviors, dietary habits, and perceived body shape on the BMIs of elementary school children from southern Taiwan. A cross-sectional design was used, and the participants consisted of 3251 fifth-grade students (1628 boys, 50.1%; 1623 girls, 49.9%). The average BMI values for boys and girls were 19.69 and 18.70 (kg/cm) respectively. Statistically significant associations were observed between BMI and sex, 31–60 min of daily vigorous or moderate physical activities levels, length of time spent watching television, time spent on video games or the computer, and intake of vegetable or meat gravy with rice (p < 0.001). Perceived body shape also affected the BMI of school children. The results of this study enable educational institutions in Taiwan to understand the factors affecting the BMI of school children and use this information as the basis for future healthy body weight policies.
Pro-Resolving Molecules—New Approaches to Treat Sepsis?
Authors: Buechler Christa , Pohl Rebekka , Aslanidis Charalampos
Published: February 2017

Inflammation is a complex response of the body to exogenous and endogenous insults. Chronic and systemic diseases are attributed to uncontrolled inflammation. Molecules involved in the initiation of inflammation are very well studied while pathways regulating its resolution are insufficiently investigated. Approaches to down-modulate mediators relevant for the onset and duration of inflammation are successful in some chronic diseases, while all of them have failed in sepsis patients. Inflammation and immune suppression characterize sepsis, indicating that anti-inflammatory strategies alone are inappropriate for its therapy. Heme oxygenase 1 is a sensitive marker for oxidative stress and is upregulated in inflammation. Carbon monoxide, which is produced by this enzyme, initiates multiple anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving activities with higher production of omega-3 fatty acid-derived lipid metabolites being one of its protective actions. Pro-resolving lipids named maresins, resolvins and protectins originate from the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid while lipoxins are derived from arachidonic acid. These endogenously produced lipids do not simply limit inflammation but actively contribute to its resolution, and thus provide an opportunity to combat chronic inflammatory diseases and eventually sepsis.
Chemical Characterization of Enteromorpha prolifera Extract Obtained by Enzyme-Assisted Extraction and Its Influence on the Metabolic Activity of Caco-2
Authors: Michalak Izabela , Dmytryk Agnieszka , Śmieszek Agnieszka , Marycz Krzysztof
Published: February 2017

The green seaweed Enteromorpha prolifera was used as a feedstock for the production of enzymatic hydrolysate using cellulase. The selection of the conditions for enzymatic hydrolysis of the biomass was carried out for different enzyme doses and incubation periods. The obtained extract was examined in terms of its multielemental composition, content of polyphenols and antibacterial properties (tested against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus). Additionally, its influence on the metabolic activity of human colon epithelial cells (Caco-2) was analyzed. The tested concentrations of extract using an in vitro model were 62.5, 125, 250, 500, 1000 and 2000 µg/mL. The hydrolysis yield in the most suitable experimental conditions (8-h process and 50 and 100 µL of cellulase) was 36%. Micro- and macroelements were poorly extracted from the algal biomass. Total phenolic content was 55 mg of gallic acid equivalent per 100 g of dry mass of extract. The cytotoxic effect of extracts, related to the inhibition of the metabolic activity of Caco-2, was noted only after 24 h. In turn, cultures of Caco-2 propagated with extracts for 72 h were characterized by significantly elevated metabolism (the concentration of extracts ranged from 62.5 to 1000 µg/mL, p < 0.05). Obtained results indicated the high biological activity of the prepared extracts; however, the observed effects did not occur in a dose-dependent manner.
mRNA Quantification of NIPBL Isoforms A and B in Adult and Fetal Human Tissues, and a Potentially Pathological Variant Affecting Only Isoform A in Two Patients with Cornelia de Lange Syndrome
Authors: Puisac Beatriz , Teresa-Rodrigo María-Esperanza , Hernández-Marcos María , Baquero-Montoya Carolina , Gil-Rodríguez María-Concepción , Visnes Torkild , Bot Christopher , Gómez-Puertas Paulino , Kaiser Frank , Ramos Feliciano , Ström Lena , Pié Juan
Published: February 2017

Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS) is a congenital developmental disorder characterized by craniofacial dysmorphia, growth retardation, limb malformations, and intellectual disability. Approximately 60% of patients with CdLS carry a recognizable pathological variant in the NIPBL gene, of which two isoforms, A and B, have been identified, and which only differ in the C-terminal segment. In this work, we describe the distribution pattern of the isoforms A and B mRNAs in tissues of adult and fetal origin, by qPCR (quantitative polymerase chain reaction). Our results show a higher gene expression of the isoform A, even though both seem to have the same tissue distribution. Interestingly, the expression in fetal tissues is higher than that of adults, especially in brain and skeletal muscle. Curiously, the study of fibroblasts of two siblings with a mild CdLS phenotype and a pathological variant specific of the isoform A of NIPBL (c.8387A > G; P.Tyr2796Cys), showed a similar reduction in both isoforms, and a normal sensitivity to DNA damage. Overall, these results suggest that the position of the pathological variant at the 3´ end of the NIPBL gene affecting only isoform A, is likely to be the cause of the atypical mild phenotype of the two brothers.
The Roles of Histone Demethylase Jmjd3 in Osteoblast Differentiation and Apoptosis
Authors: Yang Di , Yu Bo , Sun Haiyan , Qiu Lihong
Published: February 2017

Posttranslational modifications including histone methylation regulate gene transcription through directly affecting the structure of chromatin. Trimethylation of histone 3 lysine 27 (H3K27me3) is observed at the promoters of a wide variety of important genes, especially for mammalian development, and contributes to gene silencing. Demethylase Jumonji domain-containing 3 (Jmjd3) catalyzes the transition of H3K27me3 to H3K27me1, therefore from a repressive to an active status of gene expression. Jmjd3 plays important roles in cell differentiation, inflammation, and tumorigenesis by targeting distinct transcription factors. In this review, we summarize the pivotal roles of Jmjd3 in maintaining skeletal homeostasis through regulating osteoblast differentiation, maturation, and apoptosis.
SCC of 2304 Duplex Stainless Steel—Microstructure, Residual Stress and Surface Grinding Effects
Authors: Zhou Nian , Peng Ru , Schönning Mikael , Pettersson Rachel
Published: February 2017

The influence of surface grinding and microstructure on chloride induced stress corrosion cracking (SCC) behavior of 2304 duplex stainless steel has been investigated. Grinding operations were performed both parallel and perpendicular to the rolling direction of the material. SCC tests were conducted in boiling magnesium chloride according to ASTM G36; specimens were exposed both without external loading and with varied levels of four-point bend loading. Residual stresses were measured on selected specimens before and after exposure using the X-ray diffraction technique. In addition, in-situ surface stress measurements subjected to four-point bend loading were performed to evaluate the deviation between the actual applied loading and the calculated values according to ASTM G39. Micro-cracks, initiated by grinding induced surface tensile residual stresses, were observed for all the ground specimens but not on the as-delivered surfaces. Loading transverse to the rolling direction of the material increased the susceptibility to chloride induced SCC. Grinding induced tensile residual stresses and micro-notches in the as-ground surface topography were also detrimental.
Water Impact of Syntactic Foams
Authors: Shams Adel , Zhao Sam , Porfiri Maurizio
Published: February 2017

Syntactic foams are particulate composite materials that are extensively integrated in naval and aerospace structures as core materials for sandwich panels. While several studies have demonstrated the potential of syntactic foams as energy absorbing materials in impact tests, our understanding of their response to water impact remains elusive. In this work, we attempt a first characterization of the behavior of a vinyl ester/glass syntactic subject to slamming. High-speed imaging is leveraged to elucidate the physics of water impact of syntactic foam wedges in a free-fall drop tower. From the images, we simultaneously measure the deformation of the wedge and the hydrodynamic loading, thereby clarifying the central role of fluid–structure interaction during water impact. We study two different impact heights and microballoon density to assess the role of impact energy and syntactic foam composition on the slamming response. Our results demonstrate that both these factors have a critical role on the slamming response of syntactic foams. Reducing the density of microballoons might help to reduce the severity of the hydrodynamic loading experienced by the wedge, but this comes at the expense of a larger deformation. Such a larger deformation could ultimately lead to failure for large drop heights. These experimental results offer compelling evidence for the role of hydroelastic coupling in the slamming response of syntactic foams.
Precipitation Behavior of Carbides in H13 Hot Work Die Steel and Its Strengthening during Tempering
Authors: Ning Angang , Mao Wenwen , Chen Xichun , Guo Hanjie , Guo Jing
Published: February 2017

The properties of carbides, such as morphology, size, and type, in H13 hot work die steel were studied with optical microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, electron diffraction, and energy dispersive X-ray analysis; their size distribution and quantity after tempering, at different positions within the ingot, were analyzed using Image-Pro Plus software. Thermodynamic calculations were also performed for these carbides. The microstructures near the ingot surface were homogeneous and had slender martensite laths. Two kinds of carbide precipitates have been detected in H13: (1) MC and M6C, generally smaller than 200 nm; and (2) M23C6, usually larger than 200 nm. MC and M6C play the key role in precipitation hardening. These are the most frequent carbides precipitating at the halfway point from the center of the ingot, and the least frequent at the surface. From the center of the ingot to its surface, the size and volume fraction of the carbides decrease, and the toughness improves, while the contribution of the carbides to the yield strength increases.
The Role of Sarcosine, Uracil, and Kynurenic Acid Metabolism in Urine for Diagnosis and Progression Monitoring of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Gkotsos Georgios , Virgiliou Christina , Lagoudaki Ioanna , Sardeli Chrysanthi , Raikos Nikolaos , Theodoridis Georgios , Dimitriadis Georgios
Published: February 2017

The aim of this pilot study is to evaluate sarcosine, uracil, and kynurenic acid in urine as potential biomarkers in prostate cancer detection and progression monitoring. Sarcosine, uracil, and kynurenic acid were measured in urine samples of 32 prostate cancer patients prior to radical prostatectomy, 101 patients with increased prostate-specific antigen prior to ultrasonographically-guided prostatic biopsy collected before and after prostatic massage, and 15 healthy volunteers (controls). The results were related to histopathologic data, Gleason score, and PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen). Metabolites were measured after analysis of urine samples with Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) instrumentation. Multivariate, nonparametric statistical tests including receiver operating characteristics analyses, one-way analysis of variance (Kruskal–Wallis test), parametric statistical analysis, and Pearson correlation, were performed to evaluate diagnostic performance. Decreased median sarcosine and kynurenic acid and increased uracil concentrations were observed for patients with prostate cancer compared to participants without malignancy. Results showed that there was no correlation between the concentration of the studied metabolites and the cancer grade (Gleason score <7 vs. ≥7) and the age of the patients. Evaluation of biomarkers by ROC (Receiving Operating Characteristics) curve analysis showed that differentiation of prostate cancer patients from participants without malignancy was not enhanced by sarcosine or uracil levels in urine. In contrast to total PSA values, kynurenic acid was found a promising biomarker for the detection of prostate cancer particularly in cases where collection of urine samples was performed after prostatic massage. Sarcosine and uracil in urine samples of patients with prostate cancer were not found as significant biomarkers for the diagnosis of prostate cancer. None of the three metabolites can be used reliably for monitoring the progress of the disease.