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Bioenergy has been under intense scrutiny over the last ten years with significant research efforts in many countries taking place to define and measure sustainable practices. We describe here the main challenges and policy issues and provide policy recommendations for scaling up sustainable bioenergy approaches globally. The 2016 Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs defined under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change) (UNFCCC) Conference of the Parties (COP21) will not reach global Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission targets of 2 °C. Sustainable biomass production can make a significant contribution. Substantive evidence exists that many bioenergy cropping systems can bring multiple benefits and off-set environmental problems associated with fossil fuels usage as well as intensive food production and urbanization. We provide evidence that there are many approaches to land use for bioenergy expansion that do not lead to competition for food or other needs. We should focus on how to manage these approaches on a synergistic basis and how to reduce tradeoffs at landscape scales. Priorities include successful synergies between bioenergy and food security (integrated resource management designed to improve both food security and access to bioenergy), investments in technology, rural extension, and innovations that build capacity and infrastructure, promotion of stable prices to incentivize local production and use of double cropping and flex crops (plants grown for both food and non-food markets) that provide food and energy as well as other services. The sustainable production of biomass requires appropriate policies to secure long-term support to improve crop productivity and also to ensure environmental as well as economic and social benefits of bioenergy cropping systems. Continuous support for cropping, infrastructure, agricultural management and related policies is needed to foster positive synergies between food crops and bioenergy production. In comparison to fossil fuels, biofuels have many positive environmental benefits. Potential negative effects caused by land-use change and agriculture intensification can be mitigated by agroecological zoning, best management practices, the use of eco-hydrology and biodiversity-friendly concepts at field, watershed and landscape scales. Global climate and environmental changes related to the use of fossil fuels and inequitable development make it unethical not to pursue more equitable energy development that includes bioenergy. To achieve sustainable development, competitiveness and costs of bioenergy production need to be addressed in a manner that considers not only economic gains but also development of local knowledge and social and environmental benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of suite compartmentalization in multi-unit residential buildings, knowing the airtightness of individual pressure boundaries (e.g. floor, corridor wall, suite wall, etc.) is imperative for the diagnosis and remediation of issues such as regulating ventilation air delivery and managing pollutant transfer. However, conventional quantification methods, such as the pressure neutralization method, are cumbersome to complete. The feasibility of an acoustic testing approach, which leverages the relationship between increased air leakage rate and decreased airborne sound transmission loss was examined. Limited studies have explored this relationship in building enclosure elements, and no attempts were made to assess the correlation in interior partitions. In-situ measurements were conducted across twelve suite partition walls from three multi-unit residential buildings to obtain experimental correlations between the two parameters. The area-normalized air leakage rate at 50 Pa (q 50) varied among specimens of the same composition, demonstrating the importance of air-sealing details for the overall partition airtightness. The variation in q 50 was best reflected by the area-normalized sound transmission loss at 630 Hz; a non-linear model and the inclusion of air pressure differential information also improved the models' accuracy. While the root-mean-square error of 0.56 L/s/m2 in q 50 prediction suggests this acoustic approach needs further refinement to verify compliance with increasingly stringent compartmentalization targets, the current study demonstrates the application and potential benefits of the acoustic approach in a real-world context. Further data could improve the model so that it could be suitable for screening partitions with similar construction and in pre- and post-retrofit comparisons. • Acoustic-airtightness correlation of interior walls was explored using in-situ data. • An acoustic method is feasible for screening suite compartmentalization in MURBs. • Theoretical sound attenuation cannot replace field data in developing airtightness correlation. • Air sealing increases sound insulation of interior partition walls. • Airtightness is best reflected by airborne sounds transmission loss at around 630 Hz. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Objectives: Gouty arthritis results from the deposition of monosodium urate crystals in synovial spaces. The literature shows that a tophus may require surgical treatment to improve cosmesis or function, to alleviate pain, to eradicate sinus drainage or to remove large urate deposits. However, forceful curettage to remove tophus particles embedded in the thin attenuated skin flap may compromise blood circulation and cause other complications. This series presents the experience of the authors in performing intra-lesion shaving during the surgical treatment of tophus patients. Methods: This study analysed 147 surgical procedures performed in 108 patients with chronic tophus at a single hospital during November 2000 to July 2010. All patients underwent a soft-tissue shaver-assisted intra-lesion excavating technique developed by the authors. Bimanual palpation of the skin was performed to avoid trauma to the skin envelope. The shaving technique proved to be a simple and efficient method of reducing the total urate burden in the body. Results: Compared to conventional surgical treatment, the shaver technique is a safer and more effective option for treating tophus lesions. In this series, wound cultures were positive in 18.4% of operations. Patients with positive wound cultures and chronic renal impairment had significantly longer hospital stays compared to patients with negative wound cultures and patients without chronic renal impairment (P = 0.0019 and P = 0.0045, respectively); patients with C-reactive protein (CRP) <5 mg l−1 and white blood cell (WBC) count <10,000 μl−1 had significantly shorter hospital stays compared to patients with CRP >5 mg l−1 and WBC >10,000 μl−1 (P = 0.0002 and 0.006, respectively). The upper extremities group and the upper-lower extremities group had significantly shorter hospital stays compared to the lower extremities group (P = 0.001 and P = 0.0014, respectively). Conclusions: Medical treatment to control hyperuricaemia is important for reducing the risk of an acute attack of tophus formation. However, the data in this series show that surgery should be performed before the skin becomes ulcerated and before the tophus mass becomes infected. The proposed shaver technique markedly reduces tophus of the extremities with minimal surgical complications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Background: Southeast Asia remains a critical region for the emergence of novel and/or zoonotic influenza, underscoring the importance of extensive sampling in rural areas where early transmission is most likely to occur. Methods: In 2008, 800 adult participants from eight sites were enrolled in a prospective population-based study of avian influenza (AI) virus transmission where highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus had been reported in humans and poultry from 2006 to 2008. From their enrollment sera and questionnaires, we report risk factor findings for serologic evidence of previous infection with 18 AI virus strains. Results: Serologic assays revealed no evidence of previous infection with 13 different low-pathogenic AI viruses or with HPAI avian-like A/Cambodia/R0404050/2007(H5N1). However, 21 participants had elevated antibodies against avian-like A/Hong Kong/1073/1999(H9N2), validated with a monoclonal antibody blocking ELISA assay specific for avian H9. Conclusions: Although cross-reaction from antibodies against human influenza viruses cannot be completely excluded, the study data suggest that a number of participants were previously infected with the avian-like A/Hong Kong/1073/1999(H9N2) virus, likely due to as yet unidentified environmental exposures. Prospective data from this cohort will help us better understand the serology of zoonotic influenza infection in a rural cohort in SE Asia. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In order to prevent the formation of unfavorable Fe3O4 on the surface, an effective way for the preparation of p-type α-Fe2O3 pellets by Mg doping (from MgO) in pure oxygen atmosphere between 1173 and 1273K has been developed. The pellet properties were compared with those prepared in air. The effects of the calcination temperature, holding time during the calcination process, and Mg doping amount have been investigated. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction and UV–vis diffuse reflectance for determining the type of iron oxides in the bulk and on the surface. The semiconductor properties were determined by Hall measurement. The results from this research indicate that pure oxygen at 3 atmosphere pressure should be used for suppressing Fe3O4 production on pellet surface. Either 20h of holding time at 1173K or 0h at 1273K is sufficient for the preparation of p-type α-Fe2O3 pellets. Although the higher carrier concentration can be prepared by using more MgO in the pellets, the higher resistivity and the lower electron mobility are the drawbacks. Therefore, only 0.2at% Mg doped in α-Fe2O3 in pure oxygen pressure is suggested for the preparation of p-type semiconductor. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We evaluate the potential of heparin as a substrate component for the fabrication of bone tissue engineering constructs using poly(e-caprolactone)–tricalcium phosphate–collagen type I (PCL–TCP–Col) three-dimensional (3-D) scaffolds. First we explored the ability of porcine bone marrow precursor cells (MPCs) to differentiate down both the adipogenic and osteogenic pathways within 2-D culture systems, with positive results confirmed by Oil-Red-O and Alizarin Red staining, respectively. Secondly, we examined the influence of heparin on the interaction and behaviour of MPCs when seeded onto PCL–TCP–Col 3-D scaffolds, followed by their induction into the osteogenic lineage. Our 3-D findings suggest that cell metabolism and proliferation increased between days 1 and 14, with deposition of extracellular matrix also observed up to 28 days. However, no noticeable difference could be detected in the extent of osteogenesis for PCL–TCP–Col scaffolds groups with the addition of heparin compared to identical control scaffolds without the addition of heparin. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Background: Inappropriate seating has been implicated as a major contributing factor in ischial pressure-sore recurrence. During their lifetime, paraplegic patients may require several flaps for closure of the same or some other adjacent pressure sore. Despite a wide variety of flap reconstruction options being described, the ischium remains the most difficult pressure-sore site to treat. Methods: From June 1998 to July 2006, there were 253 pressure-sore patients operated upon at Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital. Ten patients (eight men and two women) suffered from recurrent ischial pressure sores, and all of them received more than one flap reconstruction for the ischial defect. For the treatment of the recurrent ischial pressure sore, gracilis muscle flap and readvancement of the V–Y profunda femoris artery perforator-based flap were used to fill the dead space as well as cover the defect. Results: Among these 10 recurrent ischial pressure-sore patients, six of them had suffered bilateral ischial ulcers. Eight of them had previous sacral pressure sores. In all, 32 flap reconstruction procedures were performed on these 10 patients. Unfortunately, one patient had recurrent grade II bilateral ischial pressure sores after 11 months of ulcer-free period. The other nine patients had no recurrence noted, and enjoyed their lives with an average 27.2 months ulcer-free period (range 9–53 months). Conclusions: The fasciocutaneous flap provides a higher mechanical resistance than the detached and transposed muscle. However, for the recurrent ischial ulcer patients, readvancement of the perforator-based fasciocutaneous flap alone cannot provide adequate bulk to obliterate the ‘dead space’ after debridement of the bursa and the surrounding necrotic tissue. By combining the readvancement of V-Y profunda femoris artery perforator-based fasciocutaneous flap and gracilis muscle flap, these recurrent ischial ulcers will heal without complication. Recurrence of ulceration often develops despite successful flap closure. Patients and their relatives have to be educated regarding pressure relief, personal skin, and self-care. Surgeons must collaborate with the rehabilitation department, nursing staffs, and social workers to improve long-term results. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background & Aims: Liver stiffness measurement (LSM) with transient elastography (Fibroscan) can accurately diagnose advanced liver fibrosis, but its performance in early liver fibrosis is less satisfactory. We aimed to study the diagnostic performance of LSM for histologic bridging fibrosis and cirrhosis in various chronic liver diseases and to investigate the effects of liver fibrosis distribution on LSM. Methods: We prospectively studied consecutive patients with chronic liver diseases undergoing liver biopsy and transient elastography examinations. Morphometric analysis was performed to evaluate the distribution of liver fibrosis. Results: One hundred thirty-three patients (50% chronic hepatitis B, 14% chronic hepatitis C, and 24% nonalcoholic fatty liver disease) were studied. Morphometric analysis revealed a higher correlation between LSM and pericellular fibrosis (r = 0.43) than periportal (r = 0.21) or perivenular fibrosis (r = 0.25). Area under receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) of LSM for bridging fibrosis was 0.87 (95% confidence interval, 0.81–0.93) and for cirrhosis was 0.89 (95% confidence interval, 0.83–0.94). Higher LSM was associated with higher serum ALT level. Patients with the same fibrosis staging but higher ALT levels tend to have higher LSM. The area under ROC curve of LSM for cirrhosis was lower among patients who had ALT above the upper limit of normal (0.86) as compared with that of patients with normal ALT levels (0.93, P = .03). Conclusions: Transient elastography can diagnose severe fibrosis because of its good correlation with pericellular fibrosis. Transient elastography might overestimate liver fibrosis when ALT is elevated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The last 20 years have brought a series of breakthroughs in polyolefins catalysis technology. From Ziegler–Natta catalysis technology, to metallocene technology in the 1990s, to post-metallocene technology today, each new development has increased the producer''s freedom in more precisely controlling polymer structure and properties. In the early 1990s, metallocene technology allowed control of polymer composition distributions and long chain branching. Today, post-metallocene technology allows control of stereo-/regio-defects on the polymer backbone for unique propylene-based elastomers and allows control of comonomer ‘blockiness’ for olefin block copolymers. Better control of polymer structure enables a molecular architecture approach in product design to rapidly capture market development needs. This article overviews these technology breakthroughs and describes ongoing research at The Dow Chemical Company in developing new olefins products based on metallocene and post-metallocene technologies. While Dow is highlighted (as the authors are most familiar with the work at Dow), there has been tremendous progress and activity from Exxon Chemical Company and more recently Mitsui Petrochemical and Nova Corporation along with others. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Introduction La pharmacie de notre établissement prépare pour le service d’allergologie les dilutions nécessaires à la réalisation des tests pour intradermoréactions (IDR). Les préparations sont stériles, réalisées sous hotte à flux d’air laminaire vertical, en atmosphère contrôlée ; elles sont destinées à un patient et sont faites le jour de la pose. L’objectif de notre travail est de déterminer le coût direct lié à cette préparation pour des ordonnances standard avec les principaux produits responsables d’allergies (antibiotiques, produits de contraste iodés, anti-inflammatoires…). Méthodes Nous avons déterminé les coûts directs liés à trois postes de dépenses : le personnel (mesure du temps pharmacien et préparateur en pharmacie hospitalière nécessaire), les matières premières, médicaments et dispositifs médicaux (coût d’achat en fonction des appels d’offres de l’établissement) et le conditionnement des dilutions en flacons stériles (coût d’achat selon les appels d’offres). Le calcul a été fait pour huit ordonnances. Résultats En 2014, la pharmacie a préparé 7536 dilutions d’IDR : anti-infectieux (33 %), produits de contraste (19 %), anesthésiques (16 %), anti-inflammatoires (11 %), héparines (6 %), antinéoplasiques (3 %) et autres (12 %). Le coût moyen est de 91,82€ [47,18€–130,48€], les matières premières représentent 14 % [4–31], le conditionnement en flacon stérile 22 % [13–29], le matériel nécessaire à la préparation 8 % [6–9] et la main d’œuvre 56 % [44–64]. Discussion Ce coût calculé peut paraître élevé mais la fabrication par la pharmacie garantit la qualité et la reproductibilité des préparations et facilite leur interprétation par le personnel médical. Des pistes sont en cours d’exploration pour rationaliser les dépenses : convocation de plusieurs patients le même jour pour les mêmes batteries, rationalisation de l’utilisation du matériel, études de stabilité permettant de conserver les flacons entre deux séances. Conclusion Le travail suivant est la comparaison de ces coûts de préparation et des coûts liés à la pose par les infirmières des IDR avec le tarif d’hospitalisation du groupe homogène de séjour (GHS) d’un patient hospitalisé pour la réalisation de tests cutanés. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Losartan potassium (INN losartan), an antihypertensive drug, has been shown to prevent thoracic aortic aneurysm in Marfan syndrome through the inhibition of transforming growth factor β. Recently we reported that doxycycline, a nonspecific inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9, normalized aortic vasomotor function and suppressed aneurysm growth. We hypothesized that a combination of losartan potassium and doxycycline would offer better secondary prevention treatment than would single-drug therapy to manage thoracic aortic aneurysm. Methods: A well-characterized mouse model of Marfan syndrome (Fbn1C1039G/+) was used. At 4 months of age, when aneurysm had established, mice (n = 15/group) were given doxycycline alone (0.24 g/L), losartan potassium alone (0.6 g/L), or combined (0.12-g/L doxycycline and 0.3-g/L losartan potassium) in drinking water. Littermate Fbn1+/+ mice served as control. Thoracic aortas at 6 and 9 months were studied. Results: At 9 months, aortic diameter in untreated group was increased by 40% relative to control. Losartan potassium or doxycycline reduced aortic diameter by 10% to 16% versus untreated aortas. Losartan potassium and doxycycline combined completely prevented thoracic aortic aneurysm and improved elastic fiber organization, also downregulating matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 and transforming growth factor β and normalizing aortic contractile and relaxation functions to control values. Conclusions: Neither losartan potassium nor doxycycline alone completely restored vascular integrity and cell function when given during delayed treatment, indicating the importance of timed pharmacologic intervention. Combined, however, they synergistically offered better aneurysm-suppressing effects than did single-drug medication in the secondary prevention of thoracic aortic aneurysm. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Introduction: The objective of our work is to study the impact of night emergency calls on autonomic myocardial regulation of the heart of firefighters. Summary of facts: Eleven good health firefighters participated in the study. The registration of the VFC on call overnight allowed us to quantify the impact of a night-time emergency call on autonomic myocardial regulation activity. Conclusion: We have shown that the brutal transition from sleep to awakening state is a risk for firefighter''s health. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]