bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INTEGRATION OF SATELLITE, GLOBAL REANALYSIS DATA AND MACROSCALE HYDROLOGICAL MODEL FOR DROUGHT ASSESSMENT IN SUB-TROPICAL REGION OF INDIA
Authors: Pandey V. , Srivastava P. K.
Published: May 2018

Abstract. Change in soil moisture regime is highly relevant for agricultural drought, which can be best analyzed in terms of Soil Moisture Deficit Index (SMDI). A macroscale hydrological model Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) was used to simulate the hydro-climatological fluxes including evapotranspiration, runoff, and soil moisture storage to reconstruct the severity and duration of agricultural drought over semi-arid region of India. The simulations in VIC were performed at 0.25° spatial resolution by using a set of meteorological forcing data, soil parameters and Land Use Land Cover (LULC) and vegetation parameters. For calibration and validation, soil parameters obtained from National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning (NBSSLUP) and ESA's Climate Change Initiative soil moisture (CCI-SM) data respectively. The analysis of results demonstrates that most of the study regions (> 80 %) especially for central northern part are affected by drought condition. The year 2001, 2002, 2007, 2008 and 2009 was highly affected by agricultural drought. Due to high average and maximum temperature, we observed higher soil evaporation that reduces the surface soil moisture significantly as well as the high topographic variations; coarse soil texture and moderate to high wind speed enhanced the drying upper soil moisture layer that incorporate higher negative SMDI over the study area. These findings can also facilitate the archetype in terms of daily time step data, lengths of the simulation period, various hydro-climatological outputs and use of reasonable hydrological model.
REMOTE SENSING DATA FUSION TO DETECT ILLICIT CROPS AND UNAUTHORIZED AIRSTRIPS
Authors: Pena J. A. , Yumin T. , Liu H. , Zhao B. , Garcia J. A. , Pinto J.
Published: May 2018

Abstract. Remote sensing data fusion has been playing a more and more important role in crop planting area monitoring, especially for crop area information acquisition. Multi-temporal data and multi-spectral time series are two major aspects for improving crop identification accuracy. Remote sensing fusion provides high quality multi-spectral and panchromatic images in terms of spectral and spatial information, respectively. In this paper, we take one step further and prove the application of remote sensing data fusion in detecting illicit crop through LSMM, GOBIA, and MCE analyzing of strategic information. This methodology emerges as a complementary and effective strategy to control and eradicate illicit crops.
HIGH-RESOLUTION TOPOGRAPHY OF MERCURY FROM MESSENGER ORBITAL STEREO IMAGING – THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE QUADRANGLES
Authors: Preusker F. , Oberst J. , Stark A. , Burmeister S.
Published: May 2018

Abstract. We produce high-resolution (222 m/grid element) Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) for Mercury using stereo images from the MESSENGER orbital mission. We have developed a scheme to process large numbers, typically more than 6000, images by photogrammetric techniques, which include, multiple image matching, pyramid strategy, and bundle block adjustments. In this paper, we present models for map quadrangles of the southern hemisphere H11, H12, H13, and H14.
LANDSLIDE INVENTORY MAPPING FROM BITEMPORAL 10 m SENTINEL-2 IMAGES USING CHANGE DETECTION BASED MARKOV RANDOM FIELD
Authors: Qin Y. , Lu P. , Li Z.
Published: May 2018

Abstract. Landslide inventory mapping is essential for hazard assessment and mitigation. In most previous studies, landslide mapping was achieved by visual interpretation of aerial photos and remote sensing images. However, such method is labor-intensive and time-consuming, especially over large areas. Although a number of semi-automatic landslide mapping methods have been proposed over the past few years, limitations remain in terms of their applicability over different study areas and data, and there is large room for improvement in terms of the accuracy and automation degree. For these reasons, we developed a change detection-based Markov Random Field (CDMRF) method for landslide inventory mapping. The proposed method mainly includes two steps: 1) change detection-based multi-threshold for training samples generation and 2) MRF for landslide inventory mapping. Compared with the previous methods, the proposed method in this study has three advantages: 1) it combines multiple image difference techniques with multi-threshold method to generate reliable training samples; 2) it takes the spectral characteristics of landslides into account; and 3) it is highly automatic with little parameter tuning. The proposed method was applied for regional landslides mapping from 10 m Sentinel-2 images in Western China. Results corroborated the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed method especially the capability of rapid landslide mapping. Some directions for future research are offered. This study to our knowledge is the first attempt to map landslides from free and medium resolution satellite (i.e., Sentinel-2) images in China.
ESTIMATION OF SATELLITE-BASED SO42− AND NH4+ COMPOSITION OF AMBIENT FINE PARTICULATE MATTER OVER CHINA USING CHEMICAL TRANSPORT MODEL
Authors: Si Y. , Li S. , Chen L. , Yu C. , Zhu W.
Published: May 2018

Abstract. Epidemiologic and health impact studies have examined the chemical composition of ambient PM2.5 in China but have been constrained by the paucity of long-term ground measurements. Using the GEOS-Chem chemical transport model and satellite-derived PM2.5 data, sulfate and ammonium levels were estimated over China from 2004 to 2014. A comparison of the satellite-estimated dataset with model simulations based on ground measurements obtained from the literature indicated our results are more accurate. Using satellite-derived PM2.5 data with a spatial resolution of 0.1° × 0.1°, we further presented finer satellite-estimated sulfate and ammonium concentrations in anthropogenic polluted regions, including the NCP (the North China Plain), the SCB (the Sichuan Basin) and the PRD (the Pearl River Delta). Linear regression results obtained on a national scale yielded an r value of 0.62, NMB of −35.9 %, NME of 48.2 %, ARB_50 % of 53.68 % for sulfate and an r value of 0.63, slope of 0.67, and intercept of 5.14 for ammonium. In typical regions, the satellite-derived dataset was significantly robust. Based on the satellite-derived dataset, the spatial-temporal variation of 11-year annual average satellite-derived SO42− and NH4+ concentrations and time series of monthly average concentrations were also investigated. On a national scale, both exhibited a downward trend each year between 2004 and 2014 (SO42−: −0.61 %; NH4+: −0.21 %), large values were mainly concentrated in the NCP and SCB. For regions captured at a finer resolution, the inter-annual variation trends presented a positive trend over the periods 2004–2007 and 2008–2011, followed by a negative trend over the period 2012–2014, and sulfate concentrations varied appreciably. Moreover, the seasonal distributions of the 11-year satellite-derived dataset over China were presented. The distribution of both sulfate and ammonium concentrations exhibited seasonal characteristics, with the seasonal concentrations ranking as follows: winter > summer > autumn > spring. High concentrations of these species were concentrated in the NCP and SCB, originating from coal-fired power plants and agricultural activities, respectively. Efforts to reduce sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions have yielded remarkable results since the government has adopted stricter control measures in recent years. Moreover, ammonia emissions should be controlled while reducing the concentration of sulfur, nitrogen and particulate matter. This study provides an assessment of the population’s exposure to certain chemical components.
THE REAL-TIME MONITORING SERVICE PLATFORM FOR LAND SUPERVISION BASED ON CLOUD INTEGRATION
Authors: Sun J. , Mao M. , Xiang H. , Wang G. , Liang Y.
Published: May 2018

Abstract. Remote sensing monitoring has become the important means for land and resources departments to strengthen supervision. Aiming at the problems of low monitoring frequency and poor data currency in current remote sensing monitoring, this paper researched and developed the cloud-integrated real-time monitoring service platform for land supervision which enhanced the monitoring frequency by acquiring the domestic satellite image data overall and accelerated the remote sensing image data processing efficiency by exploiting the intelligent dynamic processing technology of multi-source images. Through the pilot application in Jinan Bureau of State Land Supervision, it has been proved that the real-time monitoring technical method for land supervision is feasible. In addition, the functions of real-time monitoring and early warning are carried out on illegal land use, permanent basic farmland protection and boundary breakthrough in urban development. The application has achieved remarkable results.
FOREST DISTURBANCE ANALYSIS WITH LANDSAT-8 OLI DATA RELATED TO A PARAMETRIC WIND FIELD: A CASE STUDY FOR TYPHOON RAMMASUN (201409)
Authors: Tan C. , Fang W.
Published: May 2018

Abstract. Forest disturbance induced by tropical cyclone often has significant and profound effects on the structure and function of forest ecosystem. Detection and analysis of post-disaster forest disturbance based on remote sensing technology has been widely applied. At present, it is necessary to conduct further quantitative analysis of the magnitude of forest disturbance with the intensity of typhoon. In this study, taking the case of super typhoon Rammasun (201409), we analysed the sensitivity of four common used remote sensing indices and explored the relationship between remote sensing index and corresponding wind speeds based on pre-and post- Landsat-8 OLI (Operational Land Imager) images and a parameterized wind field model. The results proved that NBR is the most sensitive index for the detection of forest disturbance induced by Typhoon Rammasun and the variation of NBR has a significant linear dependence relation with the simulated 3-second gust wind speed.
SEMANTIC INFORMATION EXTRACTION OF LANES BASED ON ONBOARD CAMERA VIDEOS
Authors: Tang L. , Deng T. , Ren C.
Published: May 2018

Abstract. In the field of autonomous driving, semantic information of lanes is very important. This paper proposes a method of automatic detection of lanes and extraction of semantic information from onboard camera videos. The proposed method firstly detects the edges of lanes by the grayscale gradient direction, and improves the Probabilistic Hough transform to fit them; then, it uses the vanishing point principle to calculate the lane geometrical position, and uses lane characteristics to extract lane semantic information by the classification of decision trees. In the experiment, 216 road video images captured by a camera mounted onboard a moving vehicle were used to detect lanes and extract lane semantic information. The results show that the proposed method can accurately identify lane semantics from video images.
SURFACE SNOW DENSITY OF EAST ANTARCTICA DERIVED FROM IN-SITU OBSERVATIONS
Authors: Tian Y. , Zhang S. , Du W. , Chen J. , Xie H. , Tong X. , Li R.
Published: May 2018

Abstract. Models based on physical principles or semi-empirical parameterizations have used to compute the firn density, which is essential for the study of surface processes in the Antarctic ice sheet. However, parameterization of surface snow density is often challenged by the description of detailed local characterization. In this study we propose to generate a surface density map for East Antarctica from all the filed observations that are available. Considering that the observations are non-uniformly distributed around East Antarctica, obtained by different methods, and temporally inhomogeneous, the field observations are used to establish an initial density map with a grid size of 30 × 30 km2 in which the observations are averaged at a temporal scale of five years. We then construct an observation matrix with its columns as the map grids and rows as the temporal scale. If a site has an unknown density value for a period, we will set it to 0 in the matrix. In order to construct the main spatial and temple information of surface snow density matrix we adopt Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) method to decompose the observation matrix and only take first several lower-order modes, because these modes already contain most information of the observation matrix. However, there are a lot of zeros in the matrix and we solve it by using matrix completion algorithm, and then we derive the time series of surface snow density at each observation site. Finally, we can obtain the surface snow density by multiplying the modes interpolated by kriging with the corresponding amplitude of the modes. Comparative analysis have done between our surface snow density map and model results. The above details will be introduced in the paper.
SEA OIL SPILL DETECTION USING SELF-SIMILARITY PARAMETER OF POLARIMETRIC SAR DATA
Authors: Tong S. , Chen Q. , Liu X.
Published: May 2018

Abstract. The ocean oil spills cause serious damage to the marine ecosystem. Polarimetric Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) is an important mean for oil spill detections on sea surface. The major challenge is how to distinguish oil slicks from look-alikes effectively. In this paper, a new parameter called self-similarity parameter, which is sensitive to the scattering mechanism of oil slicks, is introduced to identify oil slicks and reduce false alarm caused by look-alikes. Self-similarity parameter is small in oil slicks region and it is large in sea region or look-alikes region. So, this parameter can be used to detect oil slicks from look-alikes and water. In addition, evaluations and comparisons were conducted with one Radarsat-2 image and two SIR-C images. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the self-similarity parameter for oil spill detection.
ILLUMINATION INVARIANT CHANGE DETECTION (IICD): FROM EARTH TO MARS
Authors: Wan X. , Liu J. , Qin M. , Li S. Y.
Published: May 2018

Abstract. Multi-temporal Earth Observation and Mars orbital imagery data with frequent repeat coverage provide great capability for planetary surface change detection. When comparing two images taken at different times of day or in different seasons for change detection, the variation of topographic shades and shadows caused by the change of sunlight angle can be so significant that it overwhelms the real object and environmental changes, making automatic detection unreliable. An effective change detection algorithm therefore has to be robust to the illumination variation. This paper presents our research on developing and testing an Illumination Invariant Change Detection (IICD) method based on the robustness of phase correlation (PC) to the variation of solar illumination for image matching. The IICD is based on two key functions: i) initial change detection based on a saliency map derived from pixel-wise dense PC matching and ii) change quantization which combines change type identification, motion estimation and precise appearance change identification. Experiment using multi-temporal Landsat 7 ETM+ satellite images, Rapid eye satellite images and Mars HiRiSE images demonstrate that our frequency based image matching method can reach sub-pixel accuracy and thus the proposed IICD method can effectively detect and precisely segment large scale change such as landslide as well as small object change such as Mars rover, under daily and seasonal sunlight changes.
THE DATA AND SERVICES ANALYSIS OF CHINESE NSDI BASED ON BACKX MODEL
Authors: Wang W. , Xue M. , Luo C. , Wang X. , van Loenen B.
Published: May 2018

Abstract. The data and services analysis are indispensable for the refined development of SDI. This paper, taking Chinese NSDI as a study case, analyzed the data and services advantages and shortcomings of Chinese NSDI and developed a recommendable data and services framework which could improve the Chinese NSDI better services for public and private sectors from known, attainable and usable aspects by using Backx model. And the recommendation framework can also be referenced by other national and local SDI for its better services and applications.
STUDY ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF GEOLOGICAL HAZARDS BASED ON FRACTAL CHARACTERISTICS – A CASE STUDY OF DACHUAN DISTRICT
Authors: Wang X. , Liu H. , Yao K. , Wei Y.
Published: May 2018

Abstract. It is a complicated process to analyze the cause of geological hazard. Through the analysis function of GIS software, 250 landslides were randomly selected from 395 landslide hazards in the study area, superimposed with the types of landforms, annual rainfall and vegetation coverage respectively. It used box dimension method of fractal dimension theory to study the fractal characteristics of spatial distribution of landslide disasters in Dachuan district, and analyse the statistical results. Research findings showed that the The fractal dimension of the landslides in the Dachuan area is 0.9114, the correlation coefficient is 0.9627, and it has high autocorrelation. Zoning statistics according to various natural factors, the fractal dimension between landslide hazard points and deep hill, middle hill area is strong as well as the area whose average annual rainfall is 1050 mm–1250 mm and vegetation coverage is 30 %–60 %. Superposition of the potential hazard distribution map of single influence factors to get the potential hazard zoning of landslides in the area. Verifying the potential hazard zoning map of the potential landslides with 145 remaining disaster points, among them, there are 74 landslide hazard points in high risk area, accounting for 51.03 % of the total. There are 59 landslides in the middle risk area, accounting for 40.69 % of the total, and 12 in the low risk area, accounting for 8.28 % of the total. The matching degree of the verifying result and the potential hazard zoning is high. Therefore, the fractal dimension value divided the degree of geological disaster susceptibility can be described the influence degree of each influence factor to geological disaster point more intuitively, it also can divide potential disaster risk areas and provide visual data support for effective management of geological disasters.
Interactive documentaries and the connected viewer experience: Conversations with Katerina Cizek, Brett Gaylor, Jeff Soyk, and Florian Thalhofer
Authors: Cucinelli Giuliana , René-Véronneau Émilie , Oldford Belinda
Published: May 2018

In recent years, technological advances have allowed the Internet to radically affect media creation and viewers’ media consumption habits. In order to assess the current and future state of the interactive documentary genre and the connected viewer experience, we interviewed four influential creators in the field: Katerina Cizek, Brett Gaylor, Jeff Soyk and Florian Thalhofer. The questions that they answer further our understanding of the possibilities and limits offered by the interactive documentary format; of the impact of the medium on the connected viewer experience and its effect on the relationship between viewers, media content and access. The interviews also provide insight to their backgrounds as creators. We conclude with an assessment of the industrial landscape of the field and how it may favor a certain category of consumers.
Terror by telephone: Normative anxieties around obscene calls in the 1960s
Authors: Villa-Nicholas Melissa
Published: May 2018

By 1967, telephone harassment complaints in the United States had hit an all-time high. Telephone companies, government officials, police, and media scrambled to make sense of and harness the surge in obscene calls. Such a phenomenon drew on the publics’ fears of an unknown and anonymous ‘pervert,’ which now had access to their private sphere through the technology of telephone calls. Previous research which had focused on obscenity laws and censorship with regards to cultural products, however neglects the gendered, sexual, and racialized implications of this historical episode of obscene calls. The discourse around obscene calls during the 1960s demonstrates that the telephone shifted from a technology of progress to a technology of ‘terror’ that delivered social anxieties around race, gender, and sexuality into the domestic sphere.
Swarm networks and the design process of a distributed meme warfare campaign
Authors: Wall Travis , Mitew Teodor
Published: May 2018

This paper aims to develop a systemic perspective of the mechanics of an online memetic warfare campaign. The paper uses as its case study the #DraftOurDaughters campaign, a viral memetic campaign conducted in October 2016 as part of the U.S. presidential election campaign. #DraftOurDaughters was organised and produced by anonymous members of the Internet board 4chan, and then deployed to wider audiences on platforms such as Reddit, Twitter and Facebook. This process is documented from inception to completion, capturing the swarm like topology of 4chan’s /pol/ forum, and the logistics of the swarm’s rapid prototyping, coordination, production and dissemination of content. Through examining these phenomena, this paper also provides perspective on the manifestation of collaborative design practice in online participatory spaces.
De constructie van Nieuw Rechts als antithese van de nieuwe neoliberale orde
Authors: Hollanders David
Published: May 2018

Reflection and debate initiates academically inspired discussions on issues that are on the current policy agenda.
Een genealogie van Nederlands Nieuw Rechts
Authors: Oudenampsen Merijn
Published: May 2018

A genealogy of the Netherlands New Right

Reflection and debate initiates academically inspired discussions on issues that are on the current policy agenda.
Responding to Diversity, 1964 to 2004: The US Struggle to Make Educational Opportunity a Reality
Authors: Boylan Hunter R , Bonham Barbara S. , Tafari Gamba Nwachi
Published: May 2018

This presentation describes US efforts to enhance educational opportunity for all of its citizens by ending segregation and expanding minority enrolment. It traces the history of these efforts from 1964 through 2004 and addresses the question of who was responsible for expanding minority enrolment and how this expansion was accomplished. Programmes to support minority admission, retention, and graduation are described, as well as instructional techniques for promoting learning among minority students.
Online Continuing Professional Education: An Evaluative Case Study
Authors: Pullen Darren L.
Published: May 2018

An evaluation study, assessing the pedagogical and instructional design (e-pedagogy) effectiveness of online continuing professional education (CPE) courses offered by a large Australasian CPE provider to health care professionals (HCPs).

The study used a naturalistic theory approach in conjunction with a multilevel evaluation to examine the impact of Web-based learning on over 300 HCPs. Several evaluative criteria (participant satisfaction, learning achievement, self-reported practice performance change and e-pedagogical courseware characteristics) were assessed by various qualitative and quantitative data collection methods.

The evaluation revealed that learning online was an effective means for increasing CPE knowledge (p < 0.05) and improving self-reported practice performance change (p < 0.05). Additionally the study revealed that of the 42 courses examined, those which included a pedagogically scaffolded clinical or diagnostic learning support tool (57 per cent) resulted in an increased self-reported practice performance change compared with those courses which did not include the scaffolded support tool (Zobs 3.757). Participants were very satisfied with the self-paced instruction, timing of both the facilitator and server-generated course comments and the amount of learning content which could be undertaken in a learning sitting.
An Evaluation of the Training Needs of Staff in the Further Education Sector in the Republic of Ireland
Authors: McNamara Gerry , Mulcahy Carmel , O'Hara Joe
Published: May 2018

This article examines the training needs of educators working in the further education (FE), adult education, and Second Chance sectors in the Republic of Ireland. The research on which it is based was funded jointly by the European Union Leonardo da Vinci Programme and the Department of Education and Science of Ireland and took place from 1998 to 2003. It consisted of a survey of the coordinators of 162 further education (FE) centres and follow up interviews with 13 of these coordinators. The paper concentrates largely on the skills and competencies identified as the key to providing a quality service for the clientele of FE in Ireland. It begins by describing the different types of provision which the FE label refers to in Ireland and then presents some quantitative data which establishes the training deficit suffered by staff in the system. The main part of the paper is based on the interview data obtained, which offers a very complex picture of the skills and competencies perceived as vital in delivering a service which meets the needs of the clientele. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the extent to which further and adult educators perceive personal development and interpersonal communications skills to be the most vital tools in their work. In consequence, it is argued, programmes of professional development for staff in this field must find ways to enhance these skills.
Universal Individualism and Constructions of the Adult Student in Scottish Adult Education Policy
Authors: Galloway Vernon
Published: May 2018

This article argues that adult education policy in Scotland has been constructed, in particular ways which resonate with significant cultural themes, lending them a currency which appeals to a deep sense of identity. Using the theme of universal individualism, the paper considers how ideas of community and education have been used to maintain the authority of powerful groups in the construction of curricula and pedagogy.
Whatever Became of the Learning City?
Authors: Yarnit Martin
Published: May 2018

During the 1990s, the UK Learning City Network was a large and influential movement with government support, the most significant national body of its kind anywhere. Yet, less than a decade later, it was in decline and now no longer exists. But while few UK towns or cities any longer use the term ‘learning city’, the notion lives on as part of an integrated approach to urban development led by local authorities and universities. This approach offers clues to the global learning city movement about how to win the support of politicians, local and national, for a still valuable initiative.
Impact of organic and inorganic fertilizers on yield and quality of silage corn in intercropped system with soybean
Authors: Baghdadi Ali , Halim Ridzwan A. , Ghasemzadeh Ali , Ramlan Mohd Fauzi , Sakimin Siti Zaharah
Published: May 2018

Corn silage is an important feed for intensive ruminant production but the growing of corn has relied heavily on the use of chemical fertilizer. Sustainable crop production requires a careful management of all nutrient sources available in a farm, particularly in corn-based cropping systems. Experiments were conducted to determine the appropriate technology of corn-legume intercropping with supplemental use of chemical, organic manure, and biofertilizer. Combining chemical fertilizers with chicken manure in a 50:50 ratio and application of 50% NPK+ 50%, chicken manure (CM)+ biofertilizer (BF) resulted in similar dry matter (DM) yield with the 100% NPK treatment. Inorganic fertilizer (100% NPK) gave the highest DM yield (13.86 t/ha) of forage among single fertilizer treatments and it outyielded the chicken manure (100% CM) (9.74 t/ha) treatment. However, when CM was combined with NPK, the DM yield of forage (13.86 t/ha) and was the same as the 100% NPK (13.68 t/ha). Combinations of NPK and chicken manure resulted in increased plant height; crop growth rate (CGR) and leaf area index (LAI) compared to CM alone but was similar to 100% NPK application. The ratio of 50% CM + 50% NPK and 50%CM+50%NPK+BF recorded protein yield similar to those of conventional fertilizer. Similarly, CP content was not significantly different among 100% NPK and 50% CM+50% NPK. Use of biofertilizers had no significant impact on improving either yield or quality of forage fertilized with inorganic or organic fertilizers. Lactic acid responded differently to different fertilizer application and was significantly higher than the no fertilizer plots. Treatments with an application of biofertilizer and combination of biofertilizer with NPK or CM treatments gave higher values of acetylene reduction assay (ARA) (compared to sole chemical and sole organic manure fertilizers. Overall, evidence recorded from this study prove that corn-soybean intercrops could increase forage quantity and quality, produce higher total protein yield, decrease requirements for protein supplements and chemical fertilizer compared to the corn monoculture with a combination of chicken manure and chemical fertilizer.
Seroprevalance of ToRCH Infection –A Laboratory Profile
Authors: Poudyal Anup , Poudyal Nimesh , Khanal Basudha
Published: May 2018

Background: ToRCH infection (Toxoplasma gondii, Rubella virus, Cytomegalovirus, Herpes simplex virus) causes severe consequences in child in ongoing pregnancy. Screening for ToRCH etiologies are sought for those females who have had bad obstetrics history and in children born with birth defects. Such screening helps the couple and the clinicians to develop a consensus for preparedness of adverse fetal outcome, future prevention and planning for next conception.Objectives: This retrospective study was conducted to have an understanding on the burden of ToRCH infection in various clinically suspected cases encountered in BPKIHS.Methods:  Laboratory record of 52 serum samples submitted from August 2012 to July 2013 for screening of ToRCH infections was analyzed.Result: Among 52 adult female serums, most (50) were positive for Cytomegalovirus (CMV) IgG, but none were reactive for Rubella IgM. Both IgG and IgM were positive for CMV in 10 cases, Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) in 1 case and Toxoplasma in 1 case.Conclusion: This study shows, CMV as the most common and Toxoplasma as the least common etiology among the ToRCH profile, in our setup.
Study of cutaneous manifestation of chikungunya and its serological correlation
Authors: Shinde Geeta B. , Popere Sanjay
Published: May 2018

Aim: To assess the hyperpigmentation after fever and joint pain as a cutaneous marker of chikungunya fever and to assess with serological correlation.Methods: A total of 15 patients comprised of 9 males, 6 females  and  neonate have aged between 14 days to 60 years presented with the pigmentation after the fever subsided were enrolled in the study. The diagnosis of chikungunya was made by detecting virus specific IgM ELISA in the serum.Results: Serological immunoglobulin M enzyme – linked immunosorbent assay (IgM ELISA) test or chikungunya virus was positive in all the patients. Generalized dark coloured pigmentation was the most common finding after the fever subsided. On examination, out of 15 cases, in most of the cases, hyperpigmentation was observed all over the body with the facial involvement. Few cases showed pigmentation over nose, centre of upper lip, on palm, sole, eyelid, dorsum, centrofacial, reticulate pattern on the face and blotchy pigmentation.Conclusion: The presence of pigmentation after fever and joint pain helps to make a retrospective diagnosis of chikungunya fever and this may be considered as a cutaneous marker of chikungunya fever in recent past.
Variant proteins stimulate more IgM+ GC B-cells revealing a mechanism of cross-reactive recognition by antibody memory
Authors: Burton Bronwen R , Tennant Richard K , Love John , Titball Richard W , Wraith David C , White Harry N
Published: May 2018

Vaccines induce memory B-cells that provide high affinity secondary antibody responses to identical antigens. Memory B-cells can also re-instigate affinity maturation, but how this happens against antigenic variants is poorly understood despite its potential impact on driving broadly protective immunity against pathogens such as Influenza and Dengue. We immunised mice sequentially with identical or variant Dengue-virus envelope proteins and analysed antibody and germinal-centre (GC) responses. Variant protein boosts induced GCs with a higher proportion of IgM+ B cells. The most variant protein re-stimulated GCs with the highest proportion of IgM+ cells with the most diverse, least mutated V-genes and with a slower but efficient serum antibody response. Recombinant antibodies from GC B-cells showed a higher affinity for the variant antigen than antibodies from a primary response, confirming a memory origin. This reveals a new process of antibody memory, that IgM memory cells with fewer mutations participate in secondary responses to variant antigens, demonstrating how the hierarchical structure of B-cell memory is used and indicating the potential and limits of cross-reactive antibody based immunity.
Lymphatic endothelium stimulates melanoma metastasis and invasion via MMP14-dependent Notch3 and β1-integrin activation
Authors: Pekkonen Pirita , Alve Sanni , Balistreri Giuseppe , Gramolelli Silvia , Tatti-Bugaeva Olga , Paatero Ilkka , Niiranen Otso , Tuohinto Krista , Perälä Nina , Taiwo Adewale , Zinovkina Nadezhda , Repo Pauliina , Icay Katherine , Ivaska Johanna , Saharinen Pipsa , Hautaniemi Sampsa , Lehti Kaisa , Ojala Päivi M
Published: May 2018

Lymphatic invasion and lymph node metastasis correlate with poor clinical outcome in melanoma. However, the mechanisms of lymphatic dissemination in distant metastasis remain incompletely understood. We show here that exposure of expansively growing human WM852 melanoma cells, but not singly invasive Bowes cells, to lymphatic endothelial cells (LEC) in 3D co-culture facilitates melanoma distant organ metastasis in mice. To dissect the underlying molecular mechanisms, we established LEC co-cultures with different melanoma cells originating from primary tumors or metastases. Notably, the expansively growing metastatic melanoma cells adopted an invasively sprouting phenotype in 3D matrix that was dependent on MMP14, Notch3 and β1-integrin. Unexpectedly, MMP14 was necessary for LEC-induced Notch3 induction and coincident β1-integrin activation. Moreover, MMP14 and Notch3 were required for LEC-mediated metastasis of zebrafish xenografts. This study uncovers a unique mechanism whereby LEC contact promotes melanoma metastasis by inducing a reversible switch from 3D growth to invasively sprouting cell phenotype.
Differential inputs to striatal cholinergic and parvalbumin interneurons imply functional distinctions
Authors: Klug Jason R , Engelhardt Max D , Cadman Cara N , Li Hao , Smith Jared B , Ayala Sarah , Williams Elora W , Hoffman Hilary , Jin Xin
Published: May 2018

Striatal cholinergic (ChAT) and parvalbumin (PV) interneurons exert powerful influences on striatal function in health and disease, yet little is known about the organization of their inputs. Here using rabies tracing, electrophysiology and genetic tools, we compare the whole-brain inputs to these two types of striatal interneurons and dissect their functional connectivity in mice. ChAT interneurons receive a substantial cortical input from associative regions of cortex, such as the orbitofrontal cortex. Amongst subcortical inputs, a previously unknown inhibitory thalamic reticular nucleus input to striatal PV interneurons is identified. Additionally, the external segment of the globus pallidus targets striatal ChAT interneurons, which is sufficient to inhibit tonic ChAT interneuron firing. Finally, we describe a novel excitatory pathway from the pedunculopontine nucleus that innervates ChAT interneurons. These results establish the brain-wide direct inputs of two major types of striatal interneurons and allude to distinct roles in regulating striatal activity and controlling behavior.
Oligomerization of a molecular chaperone modulates its activity
Authors: Saio Tomohide , Kawagoe Soichiro , Ishimori Koichiro , Kalodimos Charalampos G
Published: May 2018

Molecular chaperones alter the folding properties of cellular proteins via mechanisms that are not well understood. Here, we show that Trigger Factor (TF), an ATP-independent chaperone, exerts strikingly contrasting effects on the folding of non-native proteins as it transitions between a monomeric and a dimeric state. We used NMR spectroscopy to determine the atomic resolution structure of the 100 kDa dimeric TF. The structural data show that some of the substrate-binding sites are buried in the dimeric interface, explaining the lower affinity for protein substrates of the dimeric compared to the monomeric TF. Surprisingly, the dimeric TF associates faster with proteins and it exhibits stronger anti-aggregation and holdase activity than the monomeric TF. The structural data show that the dimer assembles in a way that substrate-binding sites in the two subunits form a large contiguous surface inside a cavity, thus accounting for the observed accelerated association with unfolded proteins. Our results demonstrate how the activity of a chaperone can be modulated to provide distinct functional outcomes in the cell.
A SLC4 family bicarbonate transporter is critical for intracellular pH regulation and biomineralization in sea urchin embryos
Authors: Hu Marian Y , Yan Jia-Jiun , Petersen Inga , Himmerkus Nina , Bleich Markus , Stumpp Meike
Published: May 2018

Efficient pH regulation is a fundamental requisite of all calcifying systems in animals and plants but with the underlying pH regulatory mechanisms remaining largely unknown. Using the sea urchin larva, this work identified the SLC4 HCO3- transporter family member SpSlc4a10 to be critically involved in the formation of an elaborate calcitic endoskeleton. SpSlc4a10 is specifically expressed by calcifying primary mesenchyme cells with peak expression during de novo formation of the skeleton. Knock-down of SpSlc4a10 led to pH regulatory defects accompanied by decreased calcification rates and skeleton deformations. Reductions in seawater pH, resembling ocean acidification scenarios, led to an increase in SpSlc4a10 expression suggesting a compensatory mechanism in place to maintain calcification rates. We propose a first pH regulatory and HCO3- concentrating mechanism that is fundamentally linked to the biological precipitation of CaCO3. This knowledge will help understanding biomineralization strategies in animals and their interaction with a changing environment.
Atuação do Secretário-Executivo na Gestão Universitária Pública: o estado do conhecimento sobre a questão
Authors: Leal Fernanda Geremias , Souza Stefani de , Moreira Kátia Denise
Published: May 2018

O objetivo do presente estudo é apresentar o estado do conhecimento sobre a atuação do secretário-executivo na gestão das Instituições Federais de Ensino Superior (IFES). A partir de critérios de revisão sistemática de literatura, desenvolve-se uma pesquisa bibliográfica em artigos de periódicos e trabalhos stricto sensu sobre o tema. A literatura abrangida pelo recorte da pesquisa, constituída de dez artigos e seis dissertações, permite inferir que o interesse teórico-empírico sobre a atuação do secretário-executivo nas IFES articula-se em torno de questões que, juntas, fornecem uma visão panorâmica do tema: as motivações para seu ingresso nesse contexto; sua forma de inserção; o perfil e o panorama dos ocupantes do cargo; suas condições de trabalho; suas competências e suas contribuições em unidades administrativas e acadêmicas. Embora os estudos analisados apontem para diversas dificuldades inerentes à gestão do cargo e induzam à conclusão de que muitos secretários-executivos não são bem aproveitados pelas IFES, eles também permitem inferir que esses profissionais se destacam e são reconhecidos por sua produtividade, capacidade de interpretação de situações, intervenção e tomada de decisão, entre outros aspectos relevantes ao aperfeiçoamento da gestão universitária pública.
Evaluating psychiatric outcomes associated with direct-acting antiviral treatment in veterans with hepatitis C infection
Authors: Sackey Bryan , Shults Jana G. , Moore Troy A. , Rogers Rachel , Mehvar Mina , King Joshua G.
Published: May 2018

Introduction:

Approximately 70% of veterans with hepatitis C virus infection have at least one psychiatric illness. The advent of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy provided an alternative to interferon-alpha regimens and revolutionized treatment, however, the extent of psychiatric effects attributed to these agents are unclear. The primary objective of this pilot study was to prospectively analyze psychiatric outcomes, specifically depression, in veterans with hepatitis C virus infection who are initiated on DAA therapy.

Methods:

In this single center, prospective cohort study, psychiatric outcomes were analyzed using Patient Health Questionnaire assessments at baseline and weeks 4, 8, and 12 of complete DAA treatment. Outcome analysis were stratified based on specific DAA therapy and preexisting mental illness (mental health [MH] subjects and non-MH subjects), with a sub-analysis of major depressive disorder patients.

Results:

Analysis included 48 patients, majority males (96%), with a mean age of 59.4 years (±8.0). Twenty-four (50%) patients had a preexisting MH diagnosis, with major depressive disorder being the most common MH diagnosis (50%, n = 12). Despite a trend toward improvement, no significant changes in questionnaire scores after 12 weeks of DAA therapy were observed for all patient groups (P > .05). Neither MH subjects nor non-MH subjects displayed a significant change in questionnaire scores from baseline to end of treatment (P > .05). No patients required acute psychiatric interventions during DAA treatment.

Discussion:

Treatment with DAA therapy was not associated with psychiatric decompensation. Data from this pilot study supports the safe utilization of DAA therapy in hepatitis C virus patients with preexisting MH illness as it appears to be devoid of depressive and psychiatric side effects.
Levocarnitine for valproate-induced hyperammonemia in the psychiatric setting: A case series and literature review
Authors: Brown Lauren M. , Cupples Nicole , Moore Troy A.
Published: May 2018

Introduction:

Hyperammonemia is a potential adverse effect of valproic acid (VPA) therapy, which is often asymptomatic but can lead to severe, life-threatening encephalopathy. Carnitine deficiency due to VPA is the proposed mechanism for hyperammonemia and the development of VPA-induced hyperammonemic encephalopathy (VHE). Levocarnitine, the active form of carnitine, has been suggested for treatment and prevention of VHE.

Methods:

Data was collected by chart review of 3 patients who received oral levocarnitine supplementation in the psychiatric setting for VPA-induced hyperammonemia. Review of the literature was performed through June 2017 using the following PubMed search terms: valproate, valproic acid, hyperammonemia, altered mental status, encephalopathy, and levocarnitine. Articles were included if they described use of levocarnitine in VPA-treated patients with psychiatric disorders.

Results:

One patient developed encephalopathy with resolution of symptoms after VPA discontinuation. Valproic acid was restarted with the addition of levocarnitine to prevent VHE reoccurrence. In the other 2 cases, levocarnitine was started prophylactically in patients who developed hyperammonemia without emergence of any clinical symptoms. Ammonia levels were reduced to normal in all cases, and no symptoms consistent with encephalopathy were reported. The literature search identified 6 additional cases with 5 of 6 reports supporting use of levocarnitine for decreased ammonia levels as well as an observational trial.

Discussion:

This literature review and case series illustrates successful use of levocarnitine supplementation for reduction of ammonia levels in the setting of VPA-induced hyperammonemia among patients with psychiatric disorders. However, clinical significance of ammonia reduction in asymptomatic patients is difficult to determine.
A case report of guardian-consent forced paliperidone palmitate for behavioral disturbance due to traumatic brain injury
Authors: Douglass Amber R. , Smyth Uyen
Published: May 2018

Psychosis after traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs in up to 10% of cases. Although guideline consensus is lacking regarding drugs of choice for this condition, current literature points to the use of atypical antipsychotics. This case describes a 58-year-old male with major neurocognitive disorder due to TBI with behavioral disturbance that was successfully treated with paliperidone palmitate. In addition to the off-label use of paliperidone, this case also explores the use of forced medication as the initial injection was given per guardian consent. After completion of a literature review, this appears to be the first case report describing the use of a long-acting antipsychotic for the treatment of TBI-related psychosis. This case suggests that paliperidone palmitate may be efficacious for psychosis following TBI; however, further study is warranted.
Real‐Time Imaging of Brain Tumor for Image‐Guided Surgery
Authors: Hu Shuang , Kang Homan , Baek Yoonji , El Fakhri Georges , Kuang Anren , Choi Hak Soo
Published: May 2018

The completion of surgical resection is a key prognostic factor in brain tumor treatment. This requires surgeons to identify residual tumors in theater as well as to margin the proximity of the tumor to adjacent normal tissue. Subjective assessments, such as texture palpation or visual tissue differences, are commonly used by oncology surgeons during resection to differentiate cancer lesions from normal tissue, which can potentially result in either an incomplete tumor resection, or accidental removal of normal tissue. Moreover, malignant brain tumors are even more difficult to distinguish from normal brain tissue, and resecting noncancerous tissue may create neurological defects after surgery. To optimize the resection margin in brain tumors, a variety of intraoperative guidance techniques are developed, such as neuronavigation, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, Raman spectroscopy, and optical fluorescence imaging. When combined with appropriate contrast agents, optical fluorescence imaging can provide the neurosurgeon real‐time image guidance to improve resection completeness and to decrease surgical complications.
Soft and Moldable Mg‐Doped Liquid Metal for Conformable Skin Tumor Photothermal Therapy
Authors: Wang Xuelin , Yao Wenhao , Guo Rui , Yang Xiaohu , Tang Jianbo , Zhang Jie , Gao Weiping , Timchenko Victoria , Liu Jing
Published: May 2018

As a class of emerging multifunctional soft materials, gallium‐based liquid metal (LM) amalgams, metal/nonmetal particles dispersed in an LM environment, suggest a combination of intriguing properties. In this article, Mg particles in gallium‐indium alloy for making new conceptual biomedical materials, which can adapt to any irregular skin surface, are introduced, and superior photothermal effect with a 61.5% photothermal conversion (PTC) increase with respect to that of the LM is realized. The formation of a new intermetallic phase Mg2Ga5 and adjustable surface roughness, which guarantees a rapid temperature increase when illuminated by laser, are found to be responsible for the photothermal effect enhancement. The obtained soft metallic mixtures also possess excellent thermal conductivity, favorable formability, together with benign biocompatibility. The potential use of the currently produced LM mixtures for conformable photothermal therapy (PTT) of skin tumors, which is hard to precisely heat otherwise via conventional ways, is explored. The soft Mg‐GaIn mixtures can adapt to irregular tumor shapes to achieve conformable and minimal invasive tumor treatment. In vivo experiments on skin‐tumor‐bearing mice show obvious tumor growth suppression and life span extension after PTT treatment. As a novel functional PTC material, the Mg‐GaIn mixtures exhibit promising potentials in the coming clinical cancer theranostics.