bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of an educational nuclear research reactor simulator
Authors: Arafa A. , Saleh H. I. , Ashoub N. 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
This paper introduces the development of a research reactor educational simulator based on LabVIEW that allows the training of operators and studying different accident scenarios and the effects of operational parameters on the reactor behavior. Using this simulator, the trainee can test the interaction between the input parameters and the reactor activities. The LabVIEW acts as an engine implements the reactor mathematical models. In addition, it is used as a tool for implementing the animated graphical user interface. This simulator provides the training requirements for both of the reactor staff and the nuclear engineering students. Therefore, it uses dynamic animation to enhance learning and interest for a trainee on real system problems and provides better visual effects, improved communications, and higher interest levels. The benefits of conducting such projects are to develop the expertise in this field and save costs of both operators training and simulation courses.
Acoustic in-ice positioning in the Enceladus Explorer project
Authors: Eliseev Dmitry , Heinen Dirk , Helbing Klaus , Hoffmann Ruth , Naumann Uwe , Scholz Franziska , Wiebusch Christopher , Zierke Simon 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe Enceladus Explorer project is a preparatory study for a future space mission to Saturn’s moon, Enceladus. Its ultimate goal is to probe liquid-water pockets below the ice surface of Enceladus for signatures of life. A probe could be based on the IceMole concept, which melts curved trajectories through the ice. In the Enceladus Explorer project, a specialized IceMole probe for a terrestrial test scenario is in development. The goal of this exploratory study is to probe water from a liquid crevasse close to Blood Falls at Taylor Glacier, Antarctica. To navigate such a probe it is essential to be able to determine its position and monitor its trajectory. Part of the navigation system is the in-ice acoustic positioning system. For this, the head of the IceMole is equipped with acoustic sensors, which receive signals from synchronized acoustic emitters situated at the ice surface. Based on the measured propagation times, the speed of sound in ice and the positions of the emitters at the surface, the position of the IceMole can be determined by trilateration techniques. Here we present the developed acoustic positioning system, which is designed to track the in-ice melting probe up to distances of 100 m in glacier ice. Results from full-system tests in water and a first field test on Morteratschgletscher, Switzerland, are discussed.
Natural Antibodies Bridge Innate and Adaptive Immunity
Authors: Panda Saswati , Ding Jeak L. 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Natural Abs, belonging to isotypes IgM, IgG3, and IgA, were discovered nearly half a century ago. Despite knowledge about the role of the polyreactive natural IgM in pathogen elimination, B cell survival and homeostasis, inflammatory diseases, and autoimmunity, there is a lack of clarity about the physiological role of natural IgG and natural IgA because they appear incapable of recognizing Ags on their own and are perceived as nonreactive. However, recent research revealed exciting functions of natural IgG in innate immunity. Natural IgG:lectin collaboration swiftly and effectively kills invading pathogens. These advances prompt further examination of natural Abs in immune defense and homeostasis, with the potential for developing novel therapeutics. This review provides new insights into the interaction between natural Abs and lectins, with implications on how interactions between molecules of the innate and adaptive immune systems bridge these two arms of immunity.
OCCURRENCE OF SECONDARY MALIGNANCIES IN CHRONIC MYELOID LEUKEMIA DURING THERAPY WITH IMATINIB MESYLATE-SINGLE INSTITUTION EXPERIENCE
Authors: Helbig Grzegorz , Bober Grazyna , Seweryn Marek , Wichary Ryszard , Tukiendorf Andrzej , Sedlak Lech , Oleksy Tomasz , Kyrcz-Krzemien Slawomira 
Published: December 2014

Introduction. Imatinib mesylate (IM) remains a treatment of choice for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) showing a remarkable efficacy and providing a perspective for a long disease-free survival. Due to the long-term administration of IM, the questions about the possible impact on the development of secondary malignancies (SM) are raised.Objective. To investigate the frequency and clinical outcome of secondary malignancies during IM therapy for CML.Material and Methods. The records of 221 CML patients treated with IM between 2003-2013 in single institution were reviewed. The Chi-squared test was used for statistic analysis.Results. Secondary malignancies developed in eight out of the 221 patients (3.6%) receiving IM for a median of 61 months (range, 10-137 months). Female/male ratio was 5/3. Two patients were diagnosed with their CML at accelerated phase whereas 6 had chronic phase. The median age at IM initiation was 58 years (range, 31-72 years). Five of these 8 SM patients received IM after other treatments failure: interferon α (n=5), hydroxyurea (n=4) and cytarabine (n=1). Three patients received IM as a frontline therapy. All patients were on IM at 400mg daily at SM occurrence. The therapy for SM included surgery (n=3); chemotherapy only (n=3); and chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy (n=1). One patient did not receive treatment due to disseminated disease. At the time of SM development all patients were in hematologic and cytogenetic remission (CCR) of their CML and all patients continued their IM while receiving treatment for their SM. Among 8 patients with SM, five patients are alive and remain in CCR on IM whereas 3 patients died due to SM. The observed incidence of SM was found to be comparable with that expected in the age-adjusted population (chi-squared=0.4; p=0.52).Conclusions. The association between IM therapy for CML and SM development has not been found.
Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in a Sickle Cell Patient Transplant Recipient: A Successful Treatment
Authors: Paciaroni Katia , De Angelis Gioia , Gallucci Cristiano , Alfieri Cecilia , Ribersani Michela , Roveda Andrea , Isgrò Antonella , Marziali Marco , Aloi Ivan Pietro , Inserra Alessandro , Gaziev Javid , Sodani Pietro , Lucarelli Guido 
Published: December 2014

Sickle Cell Anaemia (SCA) is the most common inherited blood disorder and is associated with severe morbidity and decreased survival. Allogeneic Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT) is the only curative approach. Nevertheless the decision to perform a marrow transplant includes the risk of major complications and mortality transplant related. The infections represent the main cause of mortality for SCA patients undergoing transplant. Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis (IPA) is a devastating opportunistic infection and remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in HSCT recipients. Data regarding IPA in the setting of SCA are lacking. In the present report, we describe a patient with SCA who developed IPA after allogeneic bone marrow transplant. The fungal infection was treated by systemic antifungal therapy in addition to the surgery, despite mild chronic GVHD and with continuing immunosuppression therapy. This case shows that IPA occurring in bone marrow recipient with SCA can be successful treated
Drug Testing Incoming Residents and Medical Students in Family Medicine Training: A Survey of Program Policies and Practices
Authors: Bell Paul F. , Semelka Michael W. , Bigdeli Laleh 
Published: December 2014

Abstract

Background
Despite well-established negative consequences, high rates of substance use and related disorders continue to be reported. Physicians in training are not immune from this, or the associated risks to their health and careers, while impaired physicians are a threat to patient safety.

Objective
We surveyed family medicine residency programs' practices relating to drug testing of medical students and incoming residents. The survey asked about the extent to which residency programs are confronted with trainees testing positive for prohibited substances, and how they respond.

Methods
The survey was sent to the directors of family medicine residency programs. A total of 205 directors (47.2%) completed the survey.

Results
A majority of the responding programs required drug testing for incoming residents (143, 68.9%). Most programs did not require testing of medical students (161, 81.7%). Few programs reported positive drug tests among incoming residents (9, 6.5%), and there was only 1 reported instance of a positive result among medical students (1, 3.3%). Respondents reported a range of responses to positive results, with few reporting that they would keep open training spots or offer supportive services for a medical student who tested positive.

Conclusions
Changing laws legalizing certain drugs may require corresponding changes in the focus on drug testing and associated issues in medical training; however, many residency program directors were not aware of their institution's current policies. Programs will need to reexamine drug testing policies as new generations of physicians, growing up under altered legal circumstances concerning drug use, progress to clinical training.
Milestone-Based Assessments Are Superior to Likert-Type Assessments in Illustrating Trainee Progression
Authors: Bartlett Kathleen W. , Whicker Shari A. , Bookman Jack , Narayan Aditee P. , Staples Betty B. , Hering Holly , McGann Kathleen A. 
Published: December 2014

Abstract

Background
The Pediatrics Milestone Project uses behavioral anchors, narrative descriptions of observable behaviors, to describe learner progression through the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education competencies. Starting June 2014, pediatrics programs were required to submit milestone reports for their trainees semiannually. Likert-type scale assessment tools were not designed to inform milestone reporting, creating a challenge for Clinical Competency Committees.

Objective
To determine if milestone-based assessments better stratify trainees by training level compared to Likert-type assessments.

Methods
We compared assessment results for 3 subcompetencies after changing from a 5-point Likert scale to milestone-based behavioral anchors in July 2013. Program leadership evaluated the new system by (1) comparing PGY-1 mean scores on Likert-type versus milestone-based assessments; and (2) comparing mean scores on the Likert-type versus milestone-based assessments across PGY levels.

Results
Mean scores for PGY-1 residents were significantly higher on the prior year's Likert-type assessments than milestone-based assessments for all 3 subcompetencies (P &lt; .01). Stratification by PGY level was not observed with Likert-type assessments (eg, interpersonal and communication skills 1 [ICS1] mean score for PGY-1, 3.99 versus PGY-3, 3.98; P  =  .98). In contrast, milestone-based assessments demonstrated stratification by PGY level (eg, the ICS1 mean score was 3.06 for PGY-1, 3.83 for PGY-2, and 3.99 for PGY-3; P &lt; .01 for PGY-1 versus PGY-3). Significantly different means by trainee level were noted across 21 subcompetencies on milestone-based assessments (P &lt; .01 for PGY-1 versus PGY-3).

Conclusions
Initial results indicate milestone-based assessments stratify trainee performance by level better than Likert-type assessments. Average PGY-level scores from milestone-based assessments may ultimately provide guidance for determining whether trainees are progressing at the expected pace.
Feasting Centaurs and Destructive Consuls in Cicero’sIn Pisonem
Authors: Köster Isabel K. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThis paper argues that the comparison of a feast staged by Piso and Gabinius to a banquet of Centaurs and Lapiths in Pis. 22 is significant for the invective as a whole. It shows how Cicero builds up his characterization of Piso to suggest that his opponent is like a Centaur and examines the implications of this comparison for the orator’s treatment of Piso’s proconsulship and intellectual activities. The image of Piso as a Centaur shows that he is naturally disposed to be an enemy of civilization.
De zaken S. en G. & O. en B.: Grenzeloze gezinnen en afgeleide verblijfsrechten
Authors: van Eijken Hanneke 
Published: December 2014

De zaken S. en G. & O. en B.: Grenzeloze gezinnen en afgeleide verblijfsrechten
In de twee arresten, de zaak S. en G. en de zaak O. en B., die het Hof van Justitie dit voorjaar wees, worden het vrije verkeer van personen en afgeleide verblijfsrechten uitgebreid. Het Hof van Justitie oordeelt in deze zaken dat een weigering van een verblijfsrecht aan een familielid in de lidstaat van nationaliteit in strijd met het vrije verkeer van werknemers en Unieburgers kan zijn. Dat betekent dat een Unieburger, onder omstandigheden, een recht heeft op gezinshereniging in de lidstaat van zijn nationaliteit.HvJ EU 12 maart 2014, zaak C-457/12, S. en G./Minister voor Immigratie, Integratie en Asiel, ECLI:EU:C:2014:136HvJ EU 12 maart 2014, zaak C-456/12, O. en B./Minister voor Immigratie, Integratie en Asiel, ECLI:EU:C:2014:135
Paleomagnetic inclination and declination from three‐component borehole magnetometer data—New insights from logging in the Louisville seamounts
Authors: Ehmann S. , Hördt A. , Leven M. , Virgil C. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractWe carried out measurements of the magnetic field vector at two sites during Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) Expedition 330 to the Louisville Seamount Chain. The aim was to impose constraints on the magnetization direction and to contribute to the reconstruction of possible hot spot motion. The measurements were conducted using the Göttingen Borehole Magnetometer (GBM). It comprises three fiber optic gyros (FOG) that can be used to reorient the magnetic field data. To improve accuracy, we are using a new algorithm that combines FOG data and data of two inclinometers. As can be evaluated by comparing downlog and uplog of the measurements, the three‐dimensional magnetic field data obtained is of good quality. An interpretation of the magnetic field data using a state of the art method based on horizontal layers yields results inconsistent with measurements of the natural remanent magnetization (NRM) of drill core samples. In the following, we define the magnetization from the horizontal layer as apparent magnetization and develop a new interpretation method based on dipping layers. Our method includes a new approximate forward modeling algorithm and considerably improves the consistency of the borehole measurements and the NRM data. We show that a priori information about the geometry of a layer is required to constrain the inclination and declination of magnetization. Especially the azimuth of a layer and the declination of magnetization cannot be determined separately. Using azimuth and layer dip information from borehole images, we obtain constraints on inclination and declination for one particular layer.
Research on the preparation and characterization of chitosan grafted polyvinylpyrrolidone gel membrane with iodine
Authors: Sai Mingze , Guo Rui , Chen Lu , Xu Ningning , Tang Yang , Ding Derun 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTThe chitosan grafted polyvinylpyrrolidone gel membrane with iodine (CS‐PVP‐I2‐G‐M) was prepared by chitosan–polyvinylpyrrolidone–iodine complex liquid (CS‐PVP‐I2‐L) mixed with gelatin. The intermediate product CS‐PVP‐I2‐L was prepared by CS grafted PVP in the protection of N2 with dimethyl 2,2′‐azobis (2‐methylpropionate) (AIBME) as initiator, then a certain amounts of iodine in ethanol solution was added. The properties of CS‐PVP‐I2‐G‐M were characterized by IR, UV–Vis, SEM, XRD, DSC, and so forth. The iodine release results coherent with the release kinetic model—Fick diffusion laws, has a burst effect first, and then spread, and the emission of iodine was maintained within a certain range and kept at a stable level permanently, showed a sustained‐release effect of iodine. The inhibition zone diameters of CS‐PVP‐I2‐G‐M against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were both greater than 16 mm, it demonstrated significant antibacterial activity. Double effects sustained‐release effect of iodine and the significant antibacterial activity made CS‐PVP‐I2‐G‐M highly potential for applications as a novel natural biomedical sterilization materials. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41797.
Consensus Control for Directed Networks Under Quantized Information Exchange
Authors: Yin Zhi‐Xiang , Huang You‐Rui , Geng Xian‐Ya , Li De‐Quan 
Published: December 2014

AbstractIn this paper, without assuming balanced network topologies, we address the weighted average consensus problem for discrete‐time single‐integrator multi‐agent systems with logarithmic quantized information communication. By incorporating generalized quadratic Lyapunov function with the discrete‐time Bellman–Gronwall inequality, a new upper bound about the quantization precision parameter of the infinite‐level logarithmic quantizer is derived to design quantized protocol, under which agents in strongly connected directed networks can attain weighted average consensus. The obtained new upper bound clearly characterizes the intimate relation between the quantization precision parameter and the directed network topology. The proposed quantized protocol is particularly applicable to digital networks where balanced message passing among agents is not available.
The use of steam explosion to increase the nutrition available from rice straw
Authors: Li Bin , Chen Kunjie , Gao Xiang , Zhao Chao , Shao Qianjun , Sun Qian , Li Hua 
Published: December 2014

AbstractIn the present study, rice straw was pretreated using steam‐explosion (ST) technique to improve the enzymatic hydrolysis of potential reducing sugars for feed utilization. The response surface methodology based on central composite design was used to optimize the effects of steam pressure, pressure retention time, and straw moisture content on the yield of reducing sugar. All the investigated variables had significant effects (P < 0.001) on the reducing sugar yield. The optimum yield of 30.86% was obtained under the following pretreatment conditions: steam pressure, 1.54 MPa; pressure retention time, 140.5 Sec; and straw moisture content, 41.6%. The yield after thermal treatment under the same conditions was approximately 16%. Infrared (IR) radiation analysis showed a decrease in the cellulose IR crystallization index. ST noticeably increases reducing sugars in rice straw, and this technique may also be applicable to other cellulose/lignin sources of biomass.
Model for risk adjustment of postoperative mortality in patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Walker K , Finan P J , van der Meulen J H 
Published: December 2014

Abstract

Background
A model was developed for risk adjustment of postoperative mortality in patients with colorectal cancer in order to make fair comparisons between healthcare providers. Previous models were derived in relatively small studies with the use of suboptimal modelling techniques.

Methods
Data from adults included in a national study of major surgery for colorectal cancer were used to develop and validate a logistic regression model for 90-day mortality. The main risk factors were identified from a review of the literature. The association with age was modelled as a curved continuous relationship. Bootstrap resampling was used to select interactions between risk factors.

Results
A model based on data from 62 314 adults was developed that was well calibrated (absolute differences between observed and predicted mortality always smaller than 0·75 per cent in deciles of predicted risk). It discriminated well between low- and high-risk patients (C-index 0·800, 95 per cent c.i. 0·793 to 0·807). An interaction between age and metastatic disease was included as metastatic disease was found to increase postoperative risk in young patients aged 50 years (odds ratio 3·53, 95 per cent c.i. 2·66 to 4·67) far more than in elderly patients aged 80 years (odds ratio 1·48, 1·32 to 1·66).

Conclusion
Use of this model, estimated in the largest number of patients with colorectal cancer to date, is recommended when comparing postoperative mortality of major colorectal cancer surgery between hospitals, clinical teams or individual surgeons.
Catalytic Hydrocracking of a Bitumen‐Derived Asphaltene over NiMo/γ‐Al2O3 at Various Temperatures
Authors: Zhao Yingxian , Lin Xiao , Li Da 
Published: December 2014

AbstractHydrocracking of a bitumen‐derived asphaltene over NiMo/γ‐Al2O3 was investigated in a microbatch reactor at varying temperatures. The molar kinetics of asphaltene cracking reaction was examined by fitting the experimental data. Below a defined temperature, the molar reaction showed the first‐order kinetic feature while at higher temperatures secondary reactions such as coke formation became significant, causing deviation of the reaction behavior from the proposed first‐order kinetic model. Selectivity analysis proved that dominant products varied from gases to liquids to gases with increasing temperature, shifting the dominant reaction from C–S bonds cleavage to C–C bonds cleavage.
Design of a Cone‐Cone Shear Cell to Study Emulsification Characteristics
Authors: Merkel Tobias , Emin M. Azad , Schuch Anna , Schuchmann Heike P. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractIn order to study emulsification phenomena, devices generating well‐defined flow conditions are essential. Thus, emulsification of drop collectives under laminar shear flow is commonly performed in cylindrical Couette or Searle devices. In these devices, the flow conditions in the shear gap and in the volume underneath the rotor are often different, which can lead to inhomogeneous product properties and may complicate sample taking. Here, a novel cone‐cone shear cell is presented to study emulsification processes. The flow inside the device is examined using numerical simulations. The numerical simulations indicate that simple shear flow is realized all over the sample volume in the cone‐cone shear cell. The experimental results show that the drop breakup in the cone‐cone shear cell is equivalent to the breakup under simple shear realized in the shear gap of a conventional device, i.e., the Searle device. Critical capillary numbers are calculated from the experimental data and show breakup behavior as predicted by single‐drop experiments. Thus, the cone‐cone shear cell proved to be suitable to study emulsification mechanisms in simple shear flow.
Cobalt Catalyst with a Proton‐Responsive Ligand for Water Oxidation
Authors: Siewert Inke , Gałęzowska Joanna 
Published: December 2014

AbstractHerein, we report the synthesis, the thermochemical data, and the catalytic reactivity of a new mononuclear cobalt complex, which has four NH protons in the ligand sphere. The combination of the redox‐active metal ion and NH units enabled the coupling of proton and electron‐transfer steps, which we exploited in the electrocatalytic water oxidation.
Leadership and motivation in Africa and the African Diaspora (LEAD): Summary and Epilogue
Authors: Ford David L. , Miller Carliss D. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThis paper consolidates and summarizes the findings of the preceding three empirical papers in the LEAD special issue. A research framework is offered that reflects the research approach followed to date and that incorporates the Ubuntu leadership philosophy as an antecedent for explaining certain leader attributes and behaviours. The research framework also serves as a vehicle against which to examine the quantitative data resulting from the future administration of a quantitative survey in the next phase of the LEAD research project. The paper concludes with the presentation of several propositions to stimulate thinking and to serve as initial guides for future research. Copyright © 2014 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.