bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increasing Energy Storage in Activated Carbon based Electrical Double Layer Capacitors through Plasma Processing
Authors: Muriel Marcelis L. , Narayanan Rajaram , Bandaru Prabhakar R.
Published: June 2015

We present a methodology to enhance the electrical capacitance of activated carbon (AC) electrodes based on the introduction of electrically charged defects through argon plasma processing. Extensive characterization using electrochemical techniques incorporating cyclic voltammetry, constant current charge/discharge, and electrical impedance spectroscopy indicated a close to seven-fold increase in capacitance with respect to untreated AC electrodes, not subject to plasma processing.
The Prevalence and Impact of Hyperglycemia and Hyperlipidemia in Patients With Advanced Cancer Receiving Combination Treatment With the Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Inhibitor Temsirolimus and Insulin Growth Factor-Receptor Antibody Cixutumumab
Authors: Busaidy Naifa L. , LoRusso Patricia , Lawhorn Kristie , Hess Kenneth R. , Habra Mohammed Amir , Fu Siqing , Hong David S. , Chen Helen X. , Doyle Lawrence A. , Kurzrock Razelle , Naing Aung
Published: June 2015

Background.

Cixutumumab (a humanized monoclonal antibody against insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor [IGF-1R]) and the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor temsirolimus were combined in a phase I study of patients with advanced cancer. We investigated the prevalence of metabolic toxicities, their management, and impact on outcome.

Methods.

The temsirolimus dose was 25 mg or 37.5 mg i.v. weekly with escalating doses of cixutumumab (3, 5, or 6 mg/kg i.v. weekly). No patients with diabetes or hyperlipidemia at baseline were eligible until the expansion cohort. We assessed metabolic derangements in our patient cohort, their management, and their association with tumor shrinkage, time to progression (TTP) and overall survival (OS).

Results.

Of the 57 patients analyzed, hyperglycemia was seen in 36 (63%) (grade 1–2: 33 [58%]; grade 3–4: 3 [5%]). The median blood sugar level (fasting and nonfasting) across cohorts was 149 mg/dL (upper limit of normal: 110 mg/dL). No patient developed diabetic ketoacidosis or nonketotic hyperosmolar coma or pancreatitis during treatment. Median maximum triglyceride, cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein levels achieved were 247 mg/dL (range: 65–702 mg/dL), 243 mg/dL (range: 103–424 mg/dL), and 153 mg/dL (range 50–375 mg/dL), respectively. Higher glucose levels were associated with more RECIST tumor shrinkage (r = −.30 [95% confidence interval: −.52, −.03; p = .03]). There was no association between metabolic toxicities of the mTOR and IGF-1R combination and TTP or OS.

Conclusion.

The combination of temsirolimus and cixutumumab was safe and resulted in manageable metabolic toxicities. More tumor shrinkage was seen in patients who developed these adverse events. Although perhaps limited by the small number of patients, no significant association was discerned between hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, or hypercholesterolemia and TTP or OS.

Implications for Practice:

Results of this study show that the combination of temsirolimus and cixutumumab is safe. The most common side effects, hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia, are tolerable and manageable. This combination of therapies should not be withheld from diabetic patients and patients with high cholesterol levels. Collaboration between oncologist and endocrinologist allows for individualized treatment and better control of these adverse events, with few dose interruptions and reductions. Supportive care and close monitoring is needed. Those patients who develop hyperglycemia or hypercholesterolemia may benefit more from the drug.
Assessing Casing Wear in the Absence of a Baseline Caliper Log
Authors: Sawaryn S. J. , Pattillo P. D. , Brown C.. , Schoepf V..
Published: June 2015

Caliper logs provide valuable information on the shape and wear of casing and tubing strings at various times throughout their operational life. In turn, this information is used to determine the remaining design strength. To clearly distinguish deformation and wear from deviations caused by manufacturing tolerance, the caliper measurements can be compared with a baseline log run soon after a tubular string has been run, or with surface-inspection data. However, a baseline log may not always be available. This paper addresses these situations and provides an assessment of the useful information that one can obtain.

A mathematical model, based on the properties of the discrete Fourier transform, is presented to determine the caliper offset center and underlying tubular ovality from six or more equi-angular-spaced caliper readings. The series-expansion approximation enables these parameters to be determined as a best fit from raw, uncentered data to a numerical accuracy of approximately 0.01% in a single pass. This is consistent with the accuracy and resolution of the currently available calipers. Complete numerical results from test cases based on exact geometric shapes, such as an offset circle and centered ellipse, plus field examples, are also included along with implementation notes. The same calculations can also be used to determine the underlying elliptic shape and orientation of an openhole caliper.

In the casing specification API 5CT (2011), internal dimensions are indirectly described in relation to the unloaded casing or tubing outer diameter and wall thickness at surface conditions. The manufacturing tolerances and resulting uncertainties may be significant compared with the wear, but in some cases one can obtain useful information with corrections for downhole tension, temperature, and pressure effects. Details of these corrections and a discussion of other sensitivities are also provided.

Such algorithms are usually considered by the service provider to be proprietary, and little quantitative material has been published on them or their interpretation. Also, data are often presented to the customer in only center-corrected form, which greatly restricts future reprocessing. This emphasizes the importance of acquiring and retaining the raw data.
Foliar Fungicide Application to Maize: Yield and Grain Hardness Enhancement in Different Environmental Conditions
Authors: Testa Giulio , Reyneri Amedeo , Blandino Massimo
Published: June 2015

The dry‐milling industry is becoming an interesting distribution channel for maize (Zea mays L.) growers. Since kernels with high hardness are more suitable for the dry‐milling process, it is important to investigate new ways of improving for this qualitative parameter. The aim of the research was to evaluate when a fungicide containing a demethylation inhibitor and a quinone outside inhibitor could be effective in controlling fungal disease, increasing grain yield, and improving kernel hardness. A mixture of azoxystrobin and propiconazole was tested at two locations from 2009 to 2012, with two application timings: the beginning of stem elongation and at tassel emergence. The two fungicide timings significantly reduced the incidence of northern corn leaf blight symptoms, a foliar disease caused by Exserohilum turcicum, by, respectively, 30 and 61%. A significant increase of grain yield (between 5 and 7%) and kernel hardness was obtained in both sites by this compound application, mainly when the environmental conditions led to a gradual grain filling. The best result was obtained always for the application at the tassel emergence stage; this treatment could contribute to increased competitiveness in maize production systems, especially for the dry‐milling uses.
Combination Approach of Border Rows and Isolation Distance for Securing Coexistence of Non‐Genetically Modified and Genetically Modified Maize
Authors: Langhof Maren , Gabriel Doreen , Rühl Gerhard
Published: June 2015

Border rows of non‐genetically modified (GM) maize (Zea mays L.) planted at the GM maize field edge are thought to reduce pollen‐mediated gene flow since they act as physical barrier and dilute outgoing GM pollen. In a 3‐yr field study, we tested the efficacy of a combination of border rows and isolation distance as a coexistence measure for small‐structured agricultural landscapes. Field trials consisted of equally sized (0.8 ha) donor and recipient maize fields that were separated by either a 6‐ or 12‐m isolation distance or a combination of isolation distance with 9‐ or 18‐m border rows. Kernel color was used as a marker to quantify gene flow. The result of a general linear mixed‐effect model showed that the combination of a 9‐ or 18‐m border with isolation distance of 6 or 12 m, respectively, significantly reduced outcrossing rates in the donor‐facing field edge of the recipient fields compared with fields separated from the donor just by distance. Outcrossing rates among the variants leveled off with field depths >7.5 m. Outcrossing rates in the total recipient fields harvest decreased with increasing isolation distance from the donor field. The data from the current and previous study suggest that this reduction in outcrossing is nearly exclusively based on isolation distance. The establishment of non‐GM maize borders at the GM maize field edge to reduce the prescribed isolation distances is not recommended.
Characterization of Heat‐ and Drought‐Stress Tolerance in High‐Yielding Spring Wheat
Authors: Mondal Suchismita , Singh Ravi P. , Huerta‐Espino Julio , Kehel Zakaria , Autrique Enrique
Published: June 2015

Unpredictable temperature and rainfall patterns have increased global concerns about sustaining current levels of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production. Although many international breeding programs are focused on developing high‐temperature and drought‐stress tolerant wheat varieties, changing weather patterns has increased the need to develop widely adaptable wheat varieties. Research was conducted to identify the potential resilience of spring wheat lines to heat and drought stresses and to define phenotypic and physiological traits that are associated with stress adaptation. A trial consisting of 28 newly developed spring wheat lines and two checks was tested under optimal, heat‐, and drought‐stress conditions for 2 yr in Ciudad Obregon, Mexico. Phenotypic and physiological data was recorded in all environments. While a 50% reduction in mean grain yield was observed due to heat and drought stress, two distinct groups of stress‐adapted lines were identified. In the first group, the wheat lines performed well in either heat‐ or drought‐stress environment, and in the second group there were lines that produced high yields in optimal conditions and maintained higher yields under high temperature and drought stresses, with a yield advantage of 7 to 8% above the check varieties in the trial. Of the traits studied, grain weight per tiller (GWT) had significant influence in stress adaptation. Although heat‐ and drought‐stress tolerance may involve different mechanisms, the results of this study show that it is possible to develop high‐yielding heat‐ and drought‐tolerant wheat varieties.
Quantitative Trait Loci for Yield under Multiple Stress and Drought Conditions in a Dry Bean Population
Authors: Trapp Jennifer J. , Urrea Carlos A. , Cregan Perry B. , Miklas Phillip N.
Published: June 2015

Terminal and intermittent drought limits dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) production worldwide. Tolerance to drought exists but is difficult to breed for because of inconsistent expression across environments. Our objective was to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) conditioning yield in a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population with consistent expression across multiple drought‐stress environments. We tested 140 RILs from ‘Buster’ pinto (susceptible)/‘Roza’ pink (tolerant) for yield under multiple stresses (intermittent drought, compaction, and low fertility) across 3 yr and terminal drought across four location‐years. A genetic linkage map (953 cM) was generated using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. Two major‐effect QTL were detected on Pv01 and Pv02. The Pv01 QTL, defined by the closest marker SNP50809 (47.7 Mb), explained up to 37% of the phenotypic variance for seed yield under multiple stress (including intermittent drought) and was consistently expressed each year. The Pv02 QTL, nearest SNP40055 (11.8 Mb), was detected under drought stress (R2 = 33%) in addition to multiple stress (R2 = 17–23%). Phenological traits cosegregated with the yield QTL and affirmed the importance of phenological plasticity in adaptation to drought stress. Late maturity contributed to increased yield under multiple and nonstress and early maturity to increased yield under terminal drought. Given major and consistent effect, further investigation of the potential for the Pv01 and Pv02 QTL in breeding for multiple abiotic stress and drought tolerance in dry bean is warranted.
The Acoustic Test Environment for Hearing Testing
Authors: Margolis Robert H. , Madsen Brandon
Published: June 2015

Background:Audiology clinics traditionally employ expensive, prefabricated sound rooms to create an environment that is sufficiently quiet for accurate hearing tests. There is seldom any analysis of the need for or benefit from such enclosures. There may be less expensive methods
that would decrease the cost of and increase access to hearing testing.Purpose:This report provides information concerning the need for and effectiveness of sound rooms and an analysis of the audiometric test ranges for various earphone/room combinations.Research Design:Acoustic
measurements made in four rooms were analyzed with the attenuation provided by various earphone designs to determine the maximum permissible ambient noise levels and the corresponding audiometric test ranges.Study Sample:The measurements and calculations were performed with four test
rooms and five earphone designs.Data Collection and Analysis:Ambient noise levels and earphone attenuation characteristics were used to calculate the noise levels that reach the ear. Those were compared to the maximum permissible ambient noise levels that are provided in ANSI S3.1-1999
or calculated from measured attenuation levels. These measurements were used to calculate testable ranges for each room/earphone combination.Results:The various room/earphone combinations resulted in minimum test levels that ranged from −10 to 20 dB HL at various test frequencies.Conclusions:When
the actual benefits of expensive prefabricated sound rooms are assessed based on the range of hearing levels that can be tested, the effectiveness of that approach becomes highly questionable. Less expensive methods based on planning the clinic space, use of inexpensive sound treatments, and
selecting an appropriate earphone can be effective in almost any space that would be used for hearing testing.
Use of Electronic Resources by Law Degree Students at Anuradhapura Regional Centre of the Open University of Sri Lanka
Authors: Karunarathna H.M.P.P
Published: June 2015

E-Resources have become a popular information path to academics, teachers and researchers since last decade. This study examined to identify the use of e-resources by law degree students at Anuradhapura Regional Centre (ARC) of the Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL). The purpose of this study was to identify the purpose and frequency of use of e- resources by law degree students, identify the computer and English language skills of law degree students. Further, to identify problems faced by the students when accessing and using e- resources. Semi structured questionnaire was distributed among 181 law degree students and 115 students (64%) responded to this survey. The findings revealed that majority (93%) of students have been used e- resources but most of them were unaware how to use various e-resources for their academic activities. Further, findings revealed that lack of computer skills and English language skills have also been affected to the usage of e-resources. Their main barrier was insufficient work station with bandwidth. So it is recommended to increase the computer facility at ARC library and develop new courses and training sessions to develop their computer skills and English language proficiency.Journal of the University Librarians Association of Sri Lanka, Vol. 18, Issue 2, June 2014, Page 41-61
Venous anomalies as potentially lethal risk factors during ordinary catheterization
Authors: Occhionorelli Savino , Gianesini Sergio , Marinelli Lorenzo , Daniele Marianna , Chierici Sara , Zamboni Paolo
Published: June 2015

Venous malformations are rare but possible findings too, constituting a further risk factor for central venous catheter procedures. Herein we describe a case of death because of an innominate vein perforation by a catheter that incidentally was tucked into a sacciform malformation. Even if the technology advancement is constantly offering us new investigation tools, up to now diagnostic options are limited in the detection of those malformations that could potentially lead to dramatic complications as the described one. The present work raises the awareness about rare venous anomalies and their potential clinical implications. A proper literature review and diagnostic implementation proposal are reported.
Distribution of endemic and introduced tick species in Free State Province, South Africa
Authors: Horak Ivan G. , Jordaan Adri J. , Nel Pierre J. , Van Heerden Joseph , Heyne Heloise , Van Dalen Ellie M.
Published: June 2015

The distributions of endemic tick vector species as well as the presence of species not endemic to Free State Province, South Africa, were determined during surveys or opportunistic collections from livestock, wildlife and vegetation. Amongst endemic ticks, the presence of Rhipicephalus appendiculatus was confirmed in the north of the province, whilst Rhipicephalus decoloratus was collected at 31 localities mostly in the centre and east, and Ixodes rubicundus at 11 localities in the south, south-west and centre of the province. Amongst the non-endemic species adult Amblyomma hebraeum were collected from white rhinoceroses (Ceratotherium simum) on four privately owned farms, whilst the adults of Rhipicephalus microplus were collected from cattle and a larva from vegetation at four localities in the east of the province. The collection of Rhipicephalus evertsi mimeticus from a sheep in the west of the province is the second record of its presence in the Free State, whereas the presence of Haemaphysalis silacea on helmeted guineafowl (Numida meleagris) and vegetation in the centre of the province represents a first record for this species in the Free State. The first collection of the argasid tick, Ornithodoros savignyi, in the Free State was made from a domestic cow and from soil in the west of the province. The localities at which the ticks were collected have been plotted and the ticks’ role in the transmission or cause of disease in domestic livestock and wildlife is discussed.
Stable carbon isotope ratios of ambient secondary organic aerosols in Toronto
Authors: Saccon M. , Kornilova A. , Huang L. , Moukhtar S. , Rudolph J.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. A method to quantify concentrations and stable carbon isotope ratios of secondary organic aerosols (SOA) has been applied to study atmospheric nitrophenols in Toronto, Canada. The sampling of five nitrophenols, all primarily formed from the photo-oxidation of aromatic volatile organic compounds (VOC), in the gas phase and particulate matter (PM) together and PM alone was conducted. Since all of the target compounds are secondary products, their concentrations in the atmosphere are in the low ng m−3 range and consequently a large volume of air (> 1000 m3) is needed to analyze samples for stable carbon isotope ratios, resulting in sampling periods of typically 24 h. While this extended sampling period increases the representativeness of average values, it at the same time reduces possibilities to identify meteorological conditions or atmospheric pollution levels determining nitrophenol concentrations and isotope ratios. Average measured carbon isotope ratios of the different nitrophenols are between −34 and −33‰, which is well within the range predicted by mass balance calculations. However, the observed carbon isotope ratios cover a range of nearly 9‰, and approximately 20% of the isotope ratios of the products have isotope ratios lower than predicted from the kinetic isotope effect of the first step of the reaction mechanism and the isotope ratio of the precursor. This can be explained by isotope fractionation during reaction steps following the initial reaction of the precursor VOCs with the OH radical. Limited evidence for local production of nitrophenols is observed since sampling was done in the Toronto area, an urban centre with significant anthropogenic emission sources. Strong evidence for significant local formation of nitrophenols is only found for samples collected in summer. On average, the difference in carbon isotope ratios between nitrophenols in the particle phase and in the gas phase is insignificant, but for a limited number of observations in summer, a substantial difference is observed. This indicates that at high OH radical concentrations, photochemical formation or removal of nitrophenols can be faster than exchange between the two phases. The dependence between the concentrations and isotope ratios of the nitrophenols and meteorological conditions as well as pollution levels (NO2, O3, SO2 and CO) demonstrate that the influence of precursor concentrations on nitrophenol concentrations is far more important than the extent of photochemical processing.
Chemical and physical influences on aerosol activation in liquid clouds: an empirical study based on observations from the Jungfraujoch, Switzerland
Authors: Hoyle C. R. , Webster C. S. , Rieder H. E. , Hammer E. , Gysel M. , Bukowiecki N. , Weingartner E. , Steinbacher M. , Baltensperger U.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. A simple empirical model to predict the number of aerosols which activate to form cloud droplets in a warm, free tropospheric cloud has been established, based on data from four summertime Cloud and Aerosol Characterisation Experiments (CLACE) campaigns at the Jungfraujoch (JFJ). It is shown that 76% of the observed variance in droplet numbers can be represented by a model accounting only for the number of potential CCN (defined as number of particles larger than 90 nm in diameter), while the mean errors in the model representation may be reduced by the addition of further explanatory variables, such as the mixing ratios of O3, CO and the height of the measurements above cloud base. The model has similar ability to represent the observed droplet numbers in each of the individual years, as well as for the two predominant local wind directions at the JFJ (north west and south east). Given the central European location of the JFJ, with air masses in summer being representative of the free troposphere with regular boundary layer in-mixing via convection, we expect that this model is applicable to warm, free tropospheric clouds over the European continent.
Short Communication: Atmospheric moisture transport, the bridge between ocean evaporation and Arctic ice melting
Authors: Gimeno L. , Vázquez M. , Nieto R. , Trigo R. M.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. If we could choose a region where the effects of global warming are likely to be pronounced and considerable, and at the same time one where the changes could affect the global climate in similarly asymmetric way with respect to other regions, this would unequivocally be the Arctic. The atmospheric branch of the hydrological cycle lies behind the linkages between the Arctic system and the global climate. Changes in the atmospheric moisture transport have been proposed as a vehicle for interpreting the most significant changes in the Arctic region. This is because the transport of moisture from the extratropical regions to the Arctic has increased in recent decades, and is expected to increase within a warming climate. This increase could be due either to changes in circulation patterns which have altered the moisture sources, or to changes in the intensity of the moisture sources because of enhanced evaporation, or a combination of these two mechanisms. In this short communication we focus on the assessing more objectively the strong link between ocean evaporation trends and Arctic Sea ice melting. We will critically analyze several recent results suggesting links between moisture transport and the extent of sea-ice in the Arctic, this being one of the most distinct indicators of continuous climate change both in the Arctic and on a global scale. To do this we will use a sophisticated Lagrangian approach to develop a more robust framework on some of these previous disconnect ng results, using new information and insights. Among the many mechanisms that could be involved are hydrological (increased Arctic river discharges), radiative (increase of cloud cover and water vapour) and meteorological (increase in summer storms crossing the Arctic, or increments in precipitation).
Predicting soil water repellency using hydrophobic organic compounds and their vegetation origin
Authors: Mao J. , Nierop K. G. J. , Rietkerk M. , Dekker S. C.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. It is widely accepted that soil water repellency (SWR) is mainly caused by plant-derived hydrophobic organic compounds in soils; such hydrophobic compounds are defined as SWR markers. However, the detailed influence of SWR markers on SWR is yet unclear and the knowledge of their original sources is still limited. The aims of this study are to select important SWR markers to predict SWR based on their correlation with SWR and to determine their origin. In our study, sandy soils with different SWR were collected, along with their covering vegetation, i.e. plant leaves/needles and roots. A sequential extraction procedure was applied to the soils to obtain three organic fractions: dichloromethane (DCM)/MeOH soluble fraction (D), DCM/MeOH insoluble fraction of isopropanol/ammonia solution (IPA/NH3) extract (AI) and DCM/MeOH soluble fraction of IPA/NH3 extract (AS), which were subdivided into 10 dominant SWR marker groups: D fatty acid, D alcohol, D alkane, AI fatty acid, AI alcohol, AI ω-hydroxy fatty acid, AI α,ω-dicarboxylic acid, AS fatty acid, AS alcohol and AS ω-hydroxy fatty acid. Waxes and biopolyesters of the vegetation were also sequentially extracted from plants. The soils with higher SWR have significantly higher relative concentrations of AS alcohols. A number of indications suggest that AS alcohols are mainly derived from roots and most likely produced by microbial hydrolysis of biopolyesters (mainly suberins). In addition, the strong correlation between the biomarkers of plant tissues and SWR markers in soils suggests that it is more accurate to predict SWR of topsoils using ester-bound alcohols from roots, and to predict SWR of subsoils using root-derived ω-hydroxy fatty acids and α,ω-dicarboxylic acids. Considering the sandy soils studied here, the relationships we obtained need to be tested for other types of soils. Our analysis indicates that plant roots have a primary role influencing SWR relative to plant leaves.
On the Theory of Hydrogen Atom Ionization by Ultra‐Short Electromagnetic Pulses
Authors: Astapenko V. A. , Lisitsa V. S.
Published: June 2015

An investigation of the probability of hydrogen atom ionization by ultra‐short electromagnetic pulses is carried out in the frame of perturbation theory We consider the case when the electric field strength amplitude E0 in a pulse by two orders lower than characteristic atomic field strength Ea (Ea ≅ 5.1 · 109 V/cm). A detailed investigation of the dependence of the probabilities on the pulse duration was performed for Gaussian pulse shapes. In the case where the carrier frequency of the Gaussian pulse is larger than the atomic ionization potential, the probability goes to the standard limit of perturbation per unit time. At the same pulse durations, the probabilities for carrier frequencies less than the ionization potential go to zero. The frequency dependence of the ionization probability becomes equal to the standard threshold dependence with increasing pulse duration time. A comparison between the ionization effects caused by wavelet pulses without carrier frequency and Gaussian pulses with carrier frequency shows that the same ionization probability values are achieved when the pulse carrier frequency is detuned by about 20% from the ionization threshold. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Characterization of Human Dermal Fibroblasts in Fabry Disease
Authors: Lakomá Jarmila , Donadio Vincenzo , Liguori Rocco , Caprini Marco
Published: June 2015

Fabry disease (FD) is a hereditary X‐linked metabolic lysosomal storage disorder due to insufficient amounts or a complete lack of the lysosomal enzyme α‐galactosidase A (α‐GalA). The loss of α‐GalA activity leads to an abnormal accumulation of globotriaosylcerami (Gb3) in lysosomes and other cellular components of different tissues and cell types, affecting the cell function. However, whether these biochemical alterations also modify functional processes associated to the cell mitotic ability is still unknown. The goal of the present study was to characterize lineages of human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) of FD patients and healthy controls focusing on Gb3 accumulation, expression of chloride channels that regulate proliferation, and proliferative activity. The biochemical and functional analyses indicate the existence of quantitative differences in some but not all the parameters of cytoskeletal organization, proliferation, and differentiation processes. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 192–203, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
L. G. KOVÁCS’ WORK ON LIE POWERS
Authors: JOHNSON MARIANNE
Published: June 2015

From the mid-1990s onwards, the main focus of L. G. Kovács’ research was on Lie powers. This brief survey presents some of the key results on Lie powers obtained by Kovács and his collaborators, and discusses some subsequent developments and applications of this work.
A review of the public-funded primary health care facilities for children in the pluralistic health care settings of Barbados, a Caribbean island
Authors: Nielsen Anders L. , Kumar Alok
Published: June 2015

Aim

The major objectives of this study were to evaluate the existing pediatrics health care service provisions and utilizations of the public polyclinics in Barbados. Furthermore, the aim was to assess if the existing manpower resources were adequate.

Background

Barbados has a mixed health care system consisting of both a socialized and a private health care system. The Ministry of Health commissioned a needs assessment survey of the pediatrics primary health care at the public polyclinics.

Methods

Primary data were collected through interviews with the public primary health care providers. Secondary data were collected from the Barbados Census Data and Ministry of Health statistics. Data were analyzed to assess the pediatrics primary health care service utilization and adequacy of existing resources at the polyclinics.

Findings

In 2012, there were 62 934 visits from children <16 years of age to the public polyclinics in Barbados and this accounted for 39.1% of all visits (both adults and children) to the polyclinics. An overall 16.7% of the visits were from children less than five years old to the Well Child Clinic for immunization and for growth and development monitoring; 32% of all physician consultations at the polyclinics were for children <16 years. Utilization of health services by children at the polyclinics was 5245 visits/month. Given an expected monthly demand for 10 822 visits from children, the polyclinics serve 48.5% of the primary health care demand for children in Barbados.

Conclusions

The public polyclinics play a pivotal role in the pluralistic primary health care system in Barbados. They fulfill nearly half of all the primary care demand and more importantly provides for almost the entire immunization demand, and thereby ensuring high coverage.

The existing resources, if used optimally, would reduce the long consultation time observed in this setting, and thereby increase the capacity considerably.
Early Triassic wrinkle structures on land: stressed environments and oases for life
Authors: Chu Daoliang , Tong Jinnan , Song Haijun , Benton Michael J. , Bottjer David J. , Song Huyue , Tian Li
Published: June 2015

Wrinkle structures in rocks younger than the Permian-Triassic (P-Tr) extinction have been reported repeatedly in marine strata, but rarely mentioned in rocks recording land. Here, three newly studied terrestrial P-Tr boundary rock succession in North China have yielded diverse wrinkle structures. All of these wrinkles are preserved in barely bioturbated shore-shallow lacustrine siliciclastic deposits of the Liujiagou Formation. Conversely, both the lacustrine siliciclastic deposits of the underlying Sunjiagou Formation and the overlying Heshanggou Formation show rich bioturbation, but no wrinkle structures or other microbial-related structures. The occurrence of terrestrial wrinkle structures in the studied sections reflects abnormal hydrochemical and physical environments, presumably associated with the extinction of terrestrial organisms. Only very rare trace fossils occurred in the aftermath of the P-Tr extinction, but most of them were preserved together with the microbial mats. This suggests that microbial mats acted as potential oases for the surviving aquatic animals, as a source of food and oxygen. The new finds suggests that extreme environmental stresses were prevalent both in the sea and on land through most of the Early Triassic.
Intracellular oligomeric amyloid-beta rapidly regulates GluA1 subunit of AMPA receptor in the hippocampus
Authors: Whitcomb Daniel J. , Hogg Ellen L. , Regan Philip , Piers Thomas , Narayan Priyanka , Whitehead Garry , Winters Bryony L. , Kim Dong-Hyun , Kim Eunjoon , St George-Hyslop Peter , Klenerman David , Collingridge Graham L. , Jo Jihoon , Cho Kwangwook
Published: June 2015

The acute neurotoxicity of oligomeric forms of amyloid-β 1-42 (Aβ) is implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, how these oligomers might first impair neuronal function at the onset of pathology is poorly understood. Here we have examined the underlying toxic effects caused by an increase in levels of intracellular Aβ, an event that could be important during the early stages of the disease. We show that oligomerised Aβ induces a rapid enhancement of AMPA receptor-mediated synaptic transmission (EPSCA) when applied intracellularly. This effect is dependent on postsynaptic Ca2+ and PKA. Knockdown of GluA1, but not GluA2, prevents the effect, as does expression of a S845-phosphomutant of GluA1. Significantly, an inhibitor of Ca2+-permeable AMPARs (CP-AMPARs), IEM 1460, reverses the increase in the amplitude of EPSCA. These results suggest that a primary neuronal response to intracellular Aβ oligomers is the rapid synaptic insertion of CP-AMPARs.
Stacked optical antennas for plasmon propagation in a 5 nm-confined cavity
Authors: Saeed A. , Panaro S. , Zaccaria R. Proietti , Raja W. , Liberale C. , Dipalo M. , Messina G. C. , Wang H. , De Angelis F. , Toma A.
Published: June 2015

The sub-wavelength concentration and propagation of electromagnetic energy are two complementary aspects of plasmonics that are not necessarily co-present in a single nanosystem. Here we exploit the strong nanofocusing properties of stacked optical antennas in order to highly concentrate the electromagnetic energy into a 5 nm metal-insulator-metal (MIM) cavity and convert free radiation into guided modes. The proposed nano-architecture combines the concentration properties of optical nanoantennas with the propagation capability of MIM systems, paving the way to highly miniaturized on-chip plasmonic waveguiding.
Heterocycles from methylenecyclopropanes
Authors: Yu Lei , Liu Mingxuan , Chen Fenglin , Xu Qing
Published: June 2015

The construction of heterocycles from MCPs affords more opportunities for the quick synthesis of elaborately substituted products. This review aims to summarize the novel organic reactions of MCPs to produce heterocycles published in recent years, which have provided specific and powerful tools for organic synthesis.
Benzyllithiums bearing aldehyde carbonyl groups. A flash chemistry approach
Authors: Nagaki Aiichiro , Tsuchihashi Yuta , Haraki Suguru , Yoshida Jun-ichi
Published: June 2015

Reductive lithiation of benzyl halides bearing aldehyde carbonyl groups followed by reaction with subsequently added electrophiles was successfully accomplished.
Disease reclassification risk with stringent criteria and frequent monitoring in men with favourable‐risk prostate cancer undergoing active surveillance
Authors: Davis John W. , Ward John F. , Pettaway Curtis A. , Wang Xuemei , Kuban Deborah , Frank Steven J. , Lee Andrew K. , Pisters Louis L. , Matin Surena F. , Shah Jay B. , Karam Jose A. , Chapin Brian F. , Papadopoulos John N. , Achim Mary , Hoffman Karen E. , Pugh Thomas J. , Choi Seungtaek , Troncoso Patricia , Logothetis Christopher J. , Kim Jeri
Published: June 2015

Objectives

To determine the frequency of disease reclassification and to identify clinicopathological variables associated with it in patients with favourable‐risk prostate cancer undergoing active surveillance (AS).

Patients and Methods

We assessed 191 men, selected by what may be the most stringent criteria used in AS studies yet conducted, who were enrolled in a prospective cohort AS trial. Clinicopathological characteristics were analysed in a multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model. Key features were an extended biopsy with a single core positive for Gleason score (GS) 3 + 3 (<3 mm) or 3 + 4 (<2 mm) and a prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level <4 ng/mL (adjusted for prostate volume). Biopsies were repeated every 1–2 years and clinical evaluations every 6 months. Disease was reclassified when PSA level increased by 30% from baseline, or when biopsy tumour length increased beyond the enrolment criteria, more than one positive core was detected or any grade increased to a dominant 4 pattern or any 5 pattern.

Results

Disease was reclassified in 32 patients (16.8%) including upgrading to GS 4 + 3 in five patients (2.6%). The median (interquartile range) follow‐up time among survivors was 3 (1.9–4.6) years. Overall, 13 of the 32 (40.6%) had incremental increases in GS. Tumour length (hazard ratio 2.95, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.34–6.46; P = 0.007) and older age (hazard ratio 1.05, 95% CI 1.00–1.09; P = 0.05) were identified as significant and marginally significant predictors of disease reclassification, respectively. Disease remained stable in 83.2% of patients.

Conclusion

The need persists for improvements in risk stratification and predictive indicators of cancer progression.
Front Crawl Sprint Performance: A Cluster Analysis of Biomechanics, Energetics, Coordinative, and Anthropometric Determinants in Young Swimmers
Authors: Figueiredo Pedro , Silva Ana , Sampaio António , Vilas-Boas João Paulo , Fernandes Ricardo J.
Published: June 2015

The aim of this study was to evaluate the determinants of front crawl sprint performance of young swimmers using a cluster analysis. 103 swimmers, aged 11- to 13-years old, performed 25-m front crawl swimming at 50-m pace, recorded by two underwater cameras. Swimmers analysis included biomechanics, energetics, coordinative, and anthropometric characteristics. The organization of subjects in meaningful clusters, originated three groups (1.52 ± 0.16, 1.47 ± 0.17 and 1.40 ± 0.15 m/s, for Clusters 1, 2 and 3, respectively) with differences in velocity between Cluster 1 and 2 compared with Cluster 3 (p = .003). Anthropometric variables were the most determinants for clusters solution. Stroke length and stroke index were also considered relevant. In addition, differences between Cluster 1 and the others were also found for critical velocity, stroke rate and intracycle velocity variation (p < .05). It can be concluded that anthropometrics, technique and energetics (swimming efficiency) are determinant domains to young swimmers sprint performance.
Under Threshold Position Control, Peripheral Mechanisms Compensate Efficiently for Small Perturbations of Arm Movements
Authors: Zhang Lei , Straube Andreas , Eggert Thomas
Published: June 2015

Unexpected small perturbations during reaching movements are normally compensated for automatically. Previous studies of such perturbations observed that the movement trajectory converges back to the preplanned end position. The question remains whether peripheral mechanisms formed by intrinsic muscle properties and stretch reflex are efficient for compensating for such perturbations. Even though this is suggested by a threshold position control model highlighting the role of peripheral mechanisms under central control in movement generation, it is neither developed nor extensively tested for this capability. The present study tests how this model can account for the compensation during single-joint fast reaching. Motor responses to transient, unpredictable, small perturbations at different movement phases were measured and compared with the model predictions. The results show good agreement concerning kinematic and dynamic responses. Simulations with altered mechanical parameters of the model suggest that reflexive responses are well tuned to the intrinsic muscle properties. We conclude that under central control, peripheral mechanisms cope efficiently with small transient perturbations.
A Heuristic Mission Planning Algorithm for Heterogeneous Tasks with Heterogeneous UAVs
Authors: Wang Jingjing , Zhang Y. F. , Geng L. , Fuh J. Y. H. , Teo S. H.
Published: June 2015

This paper investigates the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-mission planning problem (MPP) in which one needs to quickly find a good plan/schedule to carry out various tasks of different time windows at various locations using a fleet of fixed-winged heterogeneous UAVs. Such a realistic and complex UAV-MPP is decomposed into two sub-problems: flight path planning and task scheduling. A graph construction and search algorithm is developed for the flight path generation. For the task scheduling problem, a new hybrid algorithm based on heuristic has been proposed: (1) small-to-medium sized problem — heuristics for task assignment and all permutations for sequencing, and (2) large sized problem — heuristics for both task assignment and sequencing. The proposed algorithms have been implemented and tested. Numerical experimental results show that the proposed algorithm is very efficient and can effectively solve relatively big problems.
Preservation of cardiac function by prolonged action potentials in mice deficient of KChIP2
Authors: Grubb Søren , Aistrup Gary L. , Koivumäki Jussi T. , Speerschneider Tobias , Gottlieb Lisa A. , Mutsaers Nancy A. M. , Olesen Søren-Peter , Calloe Kirstine , Thomsen Morten B.
Published: June 2015

Inherited ion channelopathies and electrical remodeling in heart disease alter the cardiac action potential with important consequences for excitation-contraction coupling. Potassium channel-interacting protein 2 (KChIP2) is reduced in heart failure and interacts under physiological conditions with both Kv4 to conduct the fast-recovering transient outward K+ current ( Ito,f) and with CaV1.2 to mediate the inward L-type Ca2+ current ( ICa,L). Anesthetized KChIP2−/− mice have normal cardiac contraction despite the lower ICa,L, and we hypothesized that the delayed repolarization could contribute to the preservation of contractile function. Detailed analysis of current kinetics shows that only ICa,L density is reduced, and immunoblots demonstrate unaltered CaV1.2 and CaVβ2 protein levels. Computer modeling suggests that delayed repolarization would prolong the period of Ca2+ entry into the cell, thereby augmenting Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release. Ca2+ transients in disaggregated KChIP2−/− cardiomyocytes are indeed comparable to wild-type transients, corroborating the preserved contractile function and suggesting that the compensatory mechanism lies in the Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release event. We next functionally probed dyad structure, ryanodine receptor Ca2+ sensitivity, and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ load and found that increased temporal synchronicity of the Ca2+ release in KChIP2−/− cardiomyocytes may reflect improved dyad structure aiding the compensatory mechanisms in preserving cardiac contractile force. Thus the bimodal effect of KChIP2 on Ito,f and ICa,L constitutes an important regulatory effect of KChIP2 on cardiac contractility, and we conclude that delayed repolarization and improved dyad structure function together to preserve cardiac contraction in KChIP2−/− mice.
Validation of the SAMe-TT2R2 score in a nationwide population of nonvalvular atrial fibrillation patients on vitamin K antagonists
Authors: Bertomeu Vicente , Cequier Ángel , Marín Francisco , Anguita Manuel , Ruiz-Ortiz Martín
Published: June 2015

The SAMe-TT2R2 score has been proposed to identify patients with non valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) who maintain a high average time in therapeutic range (TTR) on vitamin K antagonists treatment (VKA). This score has been validated in several studies, either monocentric or including very selected populations in a specialised setting. Our objective was to validate this score in a nationwide cohort of AF patients. From November 2013 to March 2014 we included in this study the first 10 patients with AF on VKA consecutively seen in 120 outpatient cardiology clinics in Spain. The SAMe-TT2R2 score was calculated for each patient and TTR in the preceding six months was estimated by Rosendaal method. A total of 1,056 patients were recruited (mean age 73.6 ± 9.8 years, 42 % female). Mean value of TTR was 63.8 ± 25.9 % (median 66.8 %, interquartile range 45.6 %-85.4 %). We found a progressive decline in mean TTR from a score of 0 (67.5 % ± 24.6 %) to4 (52.7 ± 28.7 %, p< 0.01). The score was able to discriminate which patients had a good anticoagulation control (TTR65 %) with a C-statistic of 0.57 (95 %CI 0.53–0.60, p< 0.0005). A SAMe-TT2R2 score of 0–1 was associated with a good anticoagulation control with a sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of 64 %, 48 %, 58 % and 54 %, respectively; and the odds ratio of having a TTR< 65 % if the score was2 was 1.64 (95 % confidence interval 1.33–1.95, p< 0.001). In conclusion, in this nationwide population with AF on VKA, the SAMe-TT2R2 score had a significant, although moderate, ability to identify patients with a good anticoagulation control.
АВТОМАТИЗОВАНА КЛІНІЧНА БАЗА МОНІТОРИНГУ ХВОРИХ НА МУКОПОЛІСАХАРИДОЗ
Authors: Stetsiuk V. Z. , Horovenko N. H. , Savytskyi A. Y. , Pichkur N. A. , Kytaiev K. K.
Published: June 2015

This article describes the complexity of managing medical records of patients with MPS and monitoring them throughout their live. A general solution of these problems is produced by implementing an automated clinical database for monitoring the patients with mucopolysacharidosis. This application is designed to record and store information about patients with six types of MPS . The user can create, edit, store patient records , which include such data as the patients passport information, visits, test results, method of treatment , objective status . Also, the application has such functions such as : patient data search using a variety of filters, tracking patients visits on current week, estimation of the total requirement of drugs and the cost of these drugs.
ОЦІНЮВАННЯ ПОТРЕБИ У ФАХІВЦЯХ В ОХОРОНІ ЗДОРОВ’Я ТА ЇХ ПІДГОТОВКИ В СИСТЕМІ ПІСЛЯДИПЛОМНОЇ ОСВІТИ (Перше повідомлення)
Authors: Voronenko Yu. V. , Mintser O. P.
Published: June 2015

The basic principles for evaluating staff resources of health care, the possibility of their forecasting are presented. Analyzed
the methodological difficulties informed assessment training. These difficulties are discussed from the standpoint of the
needs of the population for health services and the demand for them.