bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Classification of mucinous appendiceal neoplasm and pseudomyoxma peritonei
Authors: Ghosh Arnab
Published: April 2018

Mucinous appendiceal tumors are uncommon and include a wide spectrum of tumors whose classification remained controversial. Some of these mucin producing appendiceal tumors can disseminate to the peritoneal cavity leading to pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP). Despite several attempts to classify mucinous tumors of appendix and PMP by different authors in the past, no universally accepted classification system was present. The controversial issues were discussed at the 2012 World Congress of the Peritoneal Surface Oncology Group International (PSOGI) in Berlin. A panel of 71 experts from 13 different countries was formed under the lead co-ordinator Norman J. Carr. A total of 4 rounds of questionnaires and one meeting were held. The opinion of the majority was taken into account. Importance of intactness of muscularis mucosae, pushing invasion and infiltrative invasion were emphasized. The entities Low grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm (LAMN) and High grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm (HAMN) were defined.. The terminologies suggested for Goblet cell carcinoid and adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma were goblet cell tumor and adenocarcinoma ex goblet cell carcinoid. Acellular mucin in peritoneum was not classified under PMP which was classified into 3 categories depending upon low grade , high grade cytologic features and presence of signet ring cells. It was suggested to report the extent of mucin and cells separately. A reporting format solely for mucinous appendiceal tumors was formulated by the panel. However, there are some grey areas which may have to be addressed in future.
The Oxford Classification of IgA nephropathy: A review of literature
Authors: Pant Anil Dev
Published: April 2018

IgA nephropathy is one of the commonest forms of primary glomerulonephritis in the world, most commonly among Asian population.  Though usually slowly progressive, it is one of the important causes of chronic renal failure. Abnormal IgA1 are formed which leads to formation of IgG antibodies which deposit in the mesangium.  It presents with synpharyngitic hematuria and can have variable histopathological patterns.  The Oxford classification was devised in order to categorize the histopathological patterns, correlate with clinical course and modify treatment accordingly.  Different histopathological criteria are assessed in the classification, which include mesangial proliferation (M), endocapilary proliferation (E), segmental sclerosis (S), and interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy (T).The classification has become widely accepted around the world but still needs further validation studies and incorporation of newer parameters.
Quartz force-sensitive resonator cluster using energy trapping theory
Authors: Chen Fubin , Gao Jinchun , Tian Wenjie
Published: April 2018

The quartz resonator can be used as a force-sensitive element for sensors. The resonance energy distribution of thickness-shear quartz crystal is derived and calculated using the energy trapping theory. To reduce temperature and other interference factors as well as improve force-sensitivity, a multi-electrode force-sensitive resonator cluster is designed based on resonance energy distribution results. The output frequency signals of the resonator cluster are subtracted from each other to form beat frequency signals to suppress the temperature and other interference factors using the common mode rejection principle. Next, the beat frequency signals are superimposed to improve the overall force-sensitivity of the quartz crystal resonator cluster. The experimental results show that the temperature characteristics of the quartz resonator cluster are better than the traditional single electrode resonator and that the frequency stability reaches 10[Formula: see text] orders of magnitude. The overall force-frequency coefficient of the resonator cluster increases to 9992 Hz/N.
A magnetic circuit model with coupling effect for salient switched reluctance machines
Authors: Yu Qiang , Tian Lisi , Wang Xuesong , Cheng Yuhu
Published: April 2018

In this paper, a novel magnetic circuit network model is proposed for flux calculation on switched reluctance machines (SRM) of double saliency. Specifically, the airgap reluctance is modeled by a topology of paralleled magnetic paths that only depends on geometry and rotor position, while magnetic saturation on poles is modeled by a simple lookup approach. Such network is featured by allowing magnetic coupling effect from multiple phases. The flux linkage and torque generation considering the coupling can be calculated in a fast and accurate way without limit of power density or rotating speed.
Classification of fresh and processed strawberry cultivars based on quality characteristics by using support vector machine and extreme learning machine
Authors: Bao Rui , Chen Weina , Tang Guixian , Chen Honghong , Sun Zhijian , Chen Fang
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND: Classification of fresh and processing strawberry cultivars is important to make the best utilization of different cultivars in processing. The aim of the study was to investigate whether support vector machine (SVM) and extreme learning machine (ELM) could assist the classification of 15 strawberry cultivars. Twenty-two characteristic indexes were analyzed, including not only appearance indexes but also nutritional indexes. RESULTS: The results showed that classification accuracies of 100% and 88.52% were obtained by using SVM and ELM with 3-fold cross validation, respectively. Moreover, seven characteristic variables extracted from 22 quality indexes by SVM could make it possible to determine the adaptability of a particular cultivar by measuring relatively small number of indexes. CONCLUSION: Both ELM and SVM models are feasible to identify fresh and processing cultivars. However, SVM showed better performance for its accuracy and simplicity, indicating that SVM would be a good choice for classification of strawberry cultivars.
Late-season foliar application of mineral compounds effects on postharvest quality of Hayward kiwifruit
Authors: Vajari Mahsa Ashouri , Eshghi Saeid , Fatahi Moghadam Javad
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND: Late-season foliar application of mineral nutrients is a strategy to achieve higher flower quality, acceptable fruit set and yield in the following spring. However, these treatments may affect current fruit quality and storability. OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to consider the effects of different late-season mineral foliar treatments on postharvest quality of kiwifruit that was presented on vines at the time of foliar application. METHODS: Mineral foliar treatments were included urea (0.25%, 0.5% and 1%), zinc sulfate (1000, 1500 and 2000 mg.l–1) and boric acid (500, 1000 and 1500 mg.l–1) alone and combined treatments with urea (0.25%) + H3BO3 (500 mg.l–1) + ZnSO4 (1000 mg.l–1); urea (0. 5%) + H3BO3 (1000 mg.l–1) + ZnSO4 (1500 mg.l–1); urea (1%) + H3BO3 (1500 mg.l–1) + ZnSO4 (2000 mg.l–1) and control group (only water). To determine the best foliar application time in late-season, spraying was done at three different times including September 17, October 7 and October 28 and the fruits postharvest traits were analyzed at harvest time and 90 days after storage. RESULTS: In this study, foliar applications of mineral compounds was not shown any negative effect on the fruits quality parameters, but also in some of these treatments positive effect of foliar application were detected on measured parameters. The best performance of foliar application on visible parameters was observed on September 17. Meanwhile, the soluble solids and titratable acidity content was not affected at harvest and after storage time by foliar treatment. Results of this study indicate that dry matter, color indices, and phenol levels were not affected by experimental treatments after storage time. In general, October 7 was indicated as the best spraying time regards into ascorbic acid content and antioxidant activity. CONCLUSION: Based on our findings, mineral foliar application can improve appearance characteristics, and nutritional value of kiwifruit that presented on vines at the foliar application time, on September 17 and October 7, respectively.
Profiling the phenolic acids, flavonoids and tannins in skunk currants (Ribes glandulosum) of Northern Québec, Canada
Authors: Witol Adriaan , Lemire Melanie , Dudonné Stephanie , Walshe-Roussel Brendan , Desjardins Yves , Cuerrier Alain , Harris Cory S.
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND: Skunk currant is widely dispersed across North America and a feature of some traditional North American indigenous diets. Whereas many wild and cultivated berries have attracting interest related to their antioxidant phenolic metabolites and putative health benefits in humans, very few data are available concerning skunk currant phytochemistry. OBJECTIVE: Provide the first metabolic profile of skunk currant fruits with a focus on phenolic and polyphenolic compounds, owing to their emerging implications in human health. METHODS: Skunk currants were harvested in Nunavik, Québec. Flavonols, flavan-3-ols, and phenolic acids were characterized using a targeted approach with reverse-phase ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. Ellagitannins and anthocyanins were measured using reverse-phase HPLC following acid hydrolysis and employing diode array detection. Proanthocyanidins and sugars were detected with normal-phase HPLC. RESULTS: A total of 11 phenolic acids and 11 flavonoids, including three cyanidins and three quercetin glycosides were identified. Both condensed (proanthocyanidins) and hydrolysable (ellagitannins) tannins were also detected at 162 mg and 75 mg per 100 g extract, respectively. The cumulative amount of detected phenolic and polyphenolic metabolites totaled 622.6 mg/100 g extract (63.4 mg/100 g berry FW). CONCLUSIONS: Skunk currant is a source of many bioactive phenolic and polyphenolic compounds. Appearing richer in phenolics than some cultivated varieties, the wild northern varieties of North America warrant additional study.
Effects of Cucumber Mosaic Virus infection and drought tolerance of tomato plants under greenhouse conditions: Preliminary results
Authors: Hosseini Seyyedeh Atefeh , Zamani Gholam Reza , Yaghub Zadeh Mostafa , Khayyat Mehdi
Published: April 2018

In nature, plants are simultaneously exposed to a combination of biotic and abiotic stresses limiting their yield, and thus, it is useful evaluating effects of biotic and abiotic stresses on plant growth and development. Here, a combination effect of drought stress and Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) infection were investigated on some physiological traits of tomato plants under greenhouse conditions. Two levels of CMV infection (infected and non-infected) and four drought stress (100% Field capacity (FC), 80% FC, 60% FC and 40% FC) were used as treatments to set a factorial experimental design. After two weeks, systemic infection of CMV and some physiological traits including the relative water content (RWC), electrolyte leakage (EL), chlorophyll and carotenoid contents were measured. Results showed that combination of CMV and drought stress delayed appearance of drought symptoms. Both infected and non-infected plants showed the lowest RWC, total chlorophyll, carotenoid and the highest EL observed in 40% FC, which may be related to effectiveness of drought on CMV. Since drought stress ameliorated the sign of CMV infection, it is concluded that there is a correlation between abiotic and biotic stresses improving tolerance level of this tomato variety.
Inhibition of the development of N-nitrosomethylbenzylamine-induced esophageal tumors in rats by strawberries and aspirin, alone and in combination
Authors: Pan Pan , Peiffer Daniel S. , Huang Yi-Wen , Oshima Kiyoko , Stoner Gary D. , Wang Li-Shu
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of two subtypes of esophageal cancer, with high incidence and mortality rates in developing countries. OBJECTIVE: The current study investigated the potential chemoprotective effects of strawberries and aspirin against the development of rat esophageal papillomas, the precursors to ESCC. METHODS: Using a prevention model, we administered study diets to rats before, during, and after N-nitrosomethylbenzylamine (NMBA) treatment. The effects of the four diets were evaluated: the control diet, 5% strawberry powder in the control diet, 0.01% aspirin in the drinking water, and the combination of strawberries and aspirin. At week 25, we euthanized all the rats and collected their esophagi to quantify tumor incidence, multiplicity, and burden, as well as for molecular analysis. RESULTS: Both strawberries and aspirin significantly decreased esophageal tumor multiplicity, with the combination causing the most robust suppression. Aspirin alone and the combination decreased the total tumor burden in the esophagus. None of the diets had a significant effect on tumor incidence or the expression of COX-1 and COX-2. Strawberries and aspirin, alone and in combination, significantly suppressed squamous epithelial cell proliferation (PCNA). CONCLUSIONS: Strawberries, aspirin, and their combination exhibit chemoprotective effects against NMBA-induced esophageal tumors in rats.
The Scottish Universities and Opposition to the National Covenant, 1638
Authors: Cipriano Salvatore
Published: April 2018

This study examines the initial opposition to the National Covenant from the masters of the universities of St Andrews, Glasgow and Aberdeen in 1638. It has generally been assumed that opposition to the Covenant among the intellectual elite was confined to the Aberdeen Doctors. The resistance in universities, however, was much more extensive. Only Edinburgh University, located in Scotland's revolutionary centre, supported the covenanting movement from the outset. In elucidating the widespread nature of opposition in universities, this article draws on a corpus of previously overlooked manuscript and printed sources, especially pertaining to the covenanters' debates with intransigent academics at St Andrews and Glasgow, before setting the Aberdeen Doctors' resistance within the context of this wider academic hostility to the covenanting movement over the course of 1638. Though the universities' resistance was by no means coordinated, it, nevertheless, represented a pressing concern as the covenanters pursued a national movement. In examining these early intellectual arguments against the Covenant, this article illuminates university masters' stark differences with the covenanters over the nature of kingly authority, church government and religious ceremony. Because the universities trained Scotland's ministry and magistracy, these intellectual disagreements had pressing consequences. Thus, far from a minor encumbrance to the covenanting movement in 1638 that resulted in the subscriptions of the masters of Glasgow and St Andrews and the purge of the Aberdeen Doctors, the universities' resistance to the Covenant proved foundational to the covenanters' subsequent aggressive supervision of higher education within the construction of their fledgling confessional state in the 1640s.
Tamarix microRNA Profiling Reveals New Insight into Salt Tolerance
Authors: Wang Jianwen , Xu Meng , Li Zhiting , Ye Youju , Rong Hao , Xu Li-an
Published: April 2018

The halophyte tamarisk (Tamarix) is extremely salt tolerant, making it an ideal material for salt tolerance-related studies. Although many salt-responsive genes of Tamarix were identified in previous studies, there are no reports on the role of post-transcriptional regulation in its salt tolerance. We constructed six small RNA libraries of Tamarix chinensis roots with NaCl treatments. High-throughput sequencing of the six libraries was performed and microRNA expression profiles were constructed. We investigated salt-responsive microRNAs to uncover the microRNA-mediated genes regulation. From these analyses, 251 conserved and 18 novel microRNA were identified from all small RNAs. From 191 differentially expressed microRNAs, 74 co-expressed microRNAs were identified as salt-responsive candidate microRNAs. The most enriched GO (gene ontology) terms for the 157 genes targeted by differentially expressed microRNAs suggested that transcriptions factors were highly active. Two hub microRNAs (miR414, miR5658), which connected by several target genes into an organic microRNA regulatory network, appeared to be the key regulators of post-transcriptional salt-stress responses. As the first survey on the tamarisk small RNAome, this study improves the understanding of tamarisk salt-tolerance mechanisms and will contribute to the molecular-assisted resistance breeding.
The Effect of Seasonal Floods on Health: Analysis of Six Years of National Health Data and Flood Maps
Authors: Saulnier Dell , Hanson Claudia , Ir Por , Mölsted Alvesson Helle , Von Schreeb Johan
Published: April 2018

There is limited knowledge on the effect of seasonal flooding on health over time. We quantified the short- and long-term effects of floods on selected health indicators at public healthcare facilities in 11 districts in Cambodia, a flood-prone setting. Counts of inpatient discharge diagnoses and outpatient consultations for diarrhea, acute respiratory infections, skin infections, injuries, noncommunicable diseases and vector-borne diseases were retrieved from public healthcare facilities for each month between January 2008 and December 2013. Flood water was mapped by month, in square kilometers, from satellite data. Poisson regression models with three lag months were constructed for the health problems in each district, controlled for seasonality and long-term trends. During times of flooding and three months after, there were small to moderate increases in visits to healthcare facilities for skin infections, acute respiratory infections, and diarrhea, while no association was seen at one to two months. The associations were small to moderate, and a few of our results were significant. We observed increases in care seeking for diarrhea, skin infections, and acute respiratory infections following floods, but the associations are uncertain. Additional research on previous exposure to flooding, using community- and facility-based data, would help identify expected health risks after floods in flood-prone settings.
‘We All Work Together to Vaccinate the Child’: A Formative Evaluation of a Community-Engagement Strategy Aimed at Closing the Immunization Gap in North-West Ethiopia
Authors: Chantler Tracey , Karafillakis Emilie , Wodajo Samuel , Dechasa Demissie Shiferaw , Sile Bersabeh , Mohammed Siraj , Olorunsaiye Comfort , Landegger Justine , Larson Heidi
Published: April 2018

The role of community engagement (CE) in improving demand for immunization merits investigation. The International Rescue Committee developed a CE strategy to implement a vaccine defaulter-tracing tool and a color-coded health calendar aimed at increasing uptake of immunization services in north-west Ethiopia (‘The Fifth Child Project’). We report findings from a formative evaluation of this project. In May/June 2016 we conducted 18 participant observations of project activities, 46 semi-structured interviews and 6 focus groups with caregivers, health workers, community members/leaders. Audio-recordings and fieldnotes were transcribed, anonymized, translated and analyzed thematically using inductive and deductive coding. Additional data was collected in November 2016 to verify findings. The project was suitably integrated within the health extension program and established a practical system for defaulter-tracing. The calendar facilitated personalized interactions between health workers and caregivers and was a catalyst for health discussions within homes. At the community level, a regulation exercise of sanctions was observed, which served as a deterrent against vaccine default. Pre-existing community accountability mechanisms supported the CE, although varying levels of engagement between leaders and health workers were observed. The benefits of shared responsibility for immunization were evident; however, more transparency was required about community self-regulatory measures to ensure health-related discussions remain positive.
Association between Internet Gaming Disorder or Pathological Video-Game Use and Comorbid Psychopathology: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: González-Bueso Vega , Santamaría Juan , Fernández Daniel , Merino Laura , Montero Elena , Ribas Joan
Published: April 2018

The addictive use of video games is recognized as a problem with clinical relevance and is included in international diagnostic manuals and classifications of diseases. The association between “Internet addiction” and mental health has been well documented across a range of investigations. However, a major drawback of these studies is that no controls have been placed on the type of Internet use investigated. The aim of this study is to review systematically the current literature in order to explore the association between Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) and psychopathology. An electronic literature search was conducted using PubMed, PsychINFO, ScienceDirect, Web of Science and Google Scholar (r.n. CRD42018082398). The effect sizes for the observed correlations were identified or computed. Twenty-four articles met the eligibility criteria. The studies included comprised 21 cross-sectional and three prospective designs. Most of the research was conducted in Europe. The significant correlations reported comprised: 92% between IGD and anxiety, 89% with depression, 85% with symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and 75% with social phobia/anxiety and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Most of the studies reported higher rates of IGD in males. The lack of longitudinal studies and the contradictory results obtained prevent detection of the directionality of the associations and, furthermore, show the complex relationship between both phenomena.
Mapping Forest Characteristics at Fine Resolution across Large Landscapes of the Southeastern United States Using NAIP Imagery and FIA Field Plot Data
Authors: Hogland John , Anderson Nathaniel , St. Peter Joseph , Drake Jason , Medley Paul
Published: April 2018

Accurate information is important for effective management of natural resources. In the field of forestry, field measurements of forest characteristics such as species composition, basal area, and stand density are used to inform and evaluate management activities. Quantifying these metrics accurately across large landscapes in a meaningful way is extremely important to facilitate informed decision-making. In this study, we present a remote sensing based methodology to estimate species composition, basal area and stand tree density for pine and hardwood tree species at the spatial resolution of a Forest Inventory Analysis (FIA) program plot (78 m by 70 m). Our methodology uses textural metrics derived at this spatial scale to relate plot summaries of forest characteristics to remotely sensed National Agricultural Imagery Program (NAIP) aerial imagery across broad extents. Our findings quantify strong relationships between NAIP imagery and FIA field data. On average, models of basal area and trees per acre accounted for 43% of the variation in the FIA data, while models identifying species composition had less than 15.2% error in predicted class probabilities. Moreover, these relationships can be used to spatially characterize the condition of forests at fine spatial resolutions across broad extents.
Micro/Nano Structural Tantalum Coating for Enhanced Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Bone Marrow Stem Cells
Authors: Ding Ding , Xie Youtao , Li Kai , Huang Liping , Zheng Xuebin
Published: April 2018

Recently, tantalum has been attracting much attention for its anticorrosion resistance and biocompatibility, and it has been widely used in surface modification for implant applications. To improve its osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow stem cells (hBMSCs), a micro/nano structure has been fabricated on the tantalum coating surface through the combination of anodic oxidation and plasma spraying method. The morphology, composition, and microstructure of the modified coating were comprehensively studied by employing scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) as well as transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The effects of hierarchical structures as well as micro-porous structure of tantalum coating on the behavior for human bone marrow stem cells (hBMSCs) were evaluated and compared at both cellular and molecular levels in vitro. The experimental results show that a hierarchical micro/nano structure with Ta2O5 nanotubes spread onto a micro-scale tantalum coating has been fabricated successfully, which is confirmed to promote cell adhesion and spreading. Besides, the hierarchical micro/nano tantalum coating can provide 1.5~2.1 times improvement in gene expression, compared with the micro-porous tantalum coating. It demonstrates that it can effectively enhance the proliferation and differentiation of hBMSCs in vitro.
New Parameters to Quantitatively Express the Invasiveness of Bacterial Strains from Implant-Related Orthopaedic Infections into Osteoblast Cells
Authors: Campoccia Davide , Montanaro Lucio , Ravaioli Stefano , Cangini Ilaria , Testoni Francesca , Visai Livia , Arciola Carla
Published: April 2018

Complete eradication of bacterial infections is often a challenging task, especially in presence of prosthetic devices. Invasion of non-phagocytic host cells appears to be a critical mechanism of microbial persistence in host tissues. Hidden within host cells, bacteria elude host defences and antibiotic treatments that are intracellularly inactive. The intracellular invasiveness of bacteria is generally measured by conventional gentamicin protection assays. The efficiency of invasion, however, markedly differs across bacterial species and adjustments to the titre of the microbial inocula used in the assays are often needed to enumerate intracellular bacteria. Such changes affect the standardisation of the method and hamper a direct comparison of bacteria on a same scale. This study aims at investigating the precise relation between inoculum, in terms of multiplicity of infection (MOI), and internalised bacteria. The investigation included nine Staphylococcus aureus, seven Staphylococcus epidermidis, five Staphylococcus lugdunensis and two Enterococcus faecalis clinical strains, which are co-cultured with MG63 human osteoblasts. Unprecedented insights are offered on the relations existing between MOI, number of internalised bacteria and per cent of internalised bacteria. New parameters are identified that are of potential use for qualifying the efficiency of internalization and compare the behaviour of bacterial strains.
Progress of Nanocomposite Membranes for Water Treatment
Authors: Ursino Claudia , Castro-Muñoz Roberto , Drioli Enrico , Gzara Lassaad , Albeirutty Mohammad , Figoli Alberto
Published: April 2018

The use of membrane-based technologies has been applied for water treatment applications; however, the limitations of conventional polymeric membranes have led to the addition of inorganic fillers to enhance their performance. In recent years, nanocomposite membranes have greatly attracted the attention of scientists for water treatment applications such as wastewater treatment, water purification, removal of microorganisms, chemical compounds, heavy metals, etc. The incorporation of different nanofillers, such as carbon nanotubes, zinc oxide, graphene oxide, silver and copper nanoparticles, titanium dioxide, 2D materials, and some other novel nano-scale materials into polymeric membranes have provided great advances, e.g., enhancing on hydrophilicity, suppressing the accumulation of pollutants and foulants, enhancing rejection efficiencies and improving mechanical properties and thermal stabilities. Thereby, the aim of this work is to provide up-to-date information related to those novel nanocomposite membranes and their contribution for water treatment applications.
Preparation and Performance Analysis of Nb Matrix Composites Reinforced by Reactants of Nb and SiC
Authors: Lu Zhen , Lan Chaoqi , Jiang Shaosong , Huang Zhenhan , Zhang Kaifeng
Published: April 2018

In this paper, one kind of new composite material formed with Nb and SiC was prepared by hot pressing sintering. The influence of the addition of SiC particles on the mechanical properties at room and high temperature was analyzed. The composite material consists of three phases: Nb2C, Nb3Si, and Nb solid solution (Nbss). The fraction of SiC particles added in the Nb matrix was 3%, 5%, and 7%, respectively. Flexural strength, Vickers hardness, and compressive strength at room temperature were improved with the increasing of SiC content. Among them, compressive strength and fracture toughness were higher than those of Nb/Nb5Si3 composites. The compressive strength at high temperature of the new composites was higher than that of Nb-Si alloys, which improved with the increasing of SiC content.
Property Optimization in As-Quenched Martensitic Steel by Molybdenum and Niobium Alloying
Authors: Mohrbacher Hardy
Published: April 2018

Niobium microalloying is the backbone of modern low-carbon high strength low alloy (HSLA) steel metallurgy, providing a favorable combination of strength and toughness by pronounced microstructural refinement. Molybdenum alloying is established in medium-carbon quenching and tempering of steel by delivering high hardenability and good tempering resistance. Recent developments of ultra-high strength steel grades, such as fully martensitic steel, can be optimized by using beneficial metallurgical effects of niobium and molybdenum. The paper details the metallurgical principles of both elements in such steel and the achievable improvement of properties. Particularly, the underlying mechanisms of improving toughness and reducing the sensitivity towards hydrogen embrittlement by a suitable combination of molybdenum and niobium alloying will be discussed.
Effect of Silicon on the Tolerance of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to Salt Stress at Different Growth Stages: Case Study for the Management of Irrigation Water
Authors: A.M. Daoud , M.M. Hemada , N. Saber , A.A. El-Araby , L. Moussa
Published: April 2018

This paper aims to determine the most tolerant growth stage(s) of wheat to salinity stress with the addition of silicon. The aim was to investigate whether saline water could be used instead of good quality water for irrigation without implicating a greater risk to crop production. Local wheat cv. Gimmiza 11 was germinated and grown in sand cultures. Four different NaCl salinity levels were used as treatments: 0, 60, 90 and 120 mM. This was in the presence of 0 and 0.78 mM Si which added as sodium meta- silicate (Na2SiO3·9H2O). Both the NaCl and Si treatments were carried out using a full strength nutrient solution that was adjusted at pH 6.0 and used for irrigation in four replications. The application of Si with the saline nutrient media significantly enhanced superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities in plant leaves at the booting stage compared to the other stages. This was associated with a marked decline in the H2O2 content. At the booting stage, the Si treatment promoted CAT activity in 120 mM NaCl-stressed leaves compared to the leaves treated with only 120 mM NaCl solution. SOD showed greater prevalence at the booting stage when Si was added into the saline media, and it also revealed maximum activity at the milky stage with salinity stress. This was associated with a smaller reduction in shoot fresh and dry weights, greater reduction in the leaf Na+ content and an increase in the K+ content, which ultimately increased the cytosolic K+/Na+ ratio. Chlorophyll a and b and carotenoid (total photosynthetic pigments) were also higher at the booting stage of salt-stressed plants treated with Si compared to other stages. Accordingly, Si application enhanced the salt tolerance of wheat and reduced the inhibitory effect of Na+ and oxidative stress damage as growth proceeded towards maturity, particularly at the booting stage. This shows that saline water can be used for wheat irrigation at the booting stage (much water is consumed) when good quality water is not available for supplemental irrigation. A field study is needed to confirm the greenhouse results.
Clustering and Flow Conservation Monitoring Tool for Software Defined Networks
Authors: Puente Fernández Jesús , García Villalba Luis , Kim Tai-Hoon
Published: April 2018

Prediction systems present some challenges on two fronts: the relation between video quality and observed session features and on the other hand, dynamics changes on the video quality. Software Defined Networks (SDN) is a new concept of network architecture that provides the separation of control plane (controller) and data plane (switches) in network devices. Due to the existence of the southbound interface, it is possible to deploy monitoring tools to obtain the network status and retrieve a statistics collection. Therefore, achieving the most accurate statistics depends on a strategy of monitoring and information requests of network devices. In this paper, we propose an enhanced algorithm for requesting statistics to measure the traffic flow in SDN networks. Such an algorithm is based on grouping network switches in clusters focusing on their number of ports to apply different monitoring techniques. Such grouping occurs by avoiding monitoring queries in network switches with common characteristics and then, by omitting redundant information. In this way, the present proposal decreases the number of monitoring queries to switches, improving the network traffic and preventing the switching overload. We have tested our optimization in a video streaming simulation using different types of videos. The experiments and comparison with traditional monitoring techniques demonstrate the feasibility of our proposal maintaining similar values decreasing the number of queries to the switches.
Review on nanoparticles and nanostructured materials: history, sources, toxicity and regulations
Authors: Jeevanandam Jaison , Barhoum Ahmed , Chan Yen S , Dufresne Alain , Danquah Michael K
Published: April 2018

Nanomaterials (NMs) have gained prominence in technological advancements due to their tunable physical, chemical and biological properties with enhanced performance over their bulk counterparts. NMs are categorized depending on their size, composition, shape, and origin. The ability to predict the unique properties of NMs increases the value of each classification. Due to increased growth of production of NMs and their industrial applications, issues relating to toxicity are inevitable. The aim of this review is to compare synthetic (engineered) and naturally occurring nanoparticles (NPs) and nanostructured materials (NSMs) to identify their nanoscale properties and to define the specific knowledge gaps related to the risk assessment of NPs and NSMs in the environment. The review presents an overview of the history and classifications of NMs and gives an overview of the various sources of NPs and NSMs, from natural to synthetic, and their toxic effects towards mammalian cells and tissue. Additionally, the types of toxic reactions associated with NPs and NSMs and the regulations implemented by different countries to reduce the associated risks are also discussed.
A WISE Survey of New Star Clusters in the Central Plane Region of the Milky Way
Authors: Ryu Jinhyuk , Lee Myung Gyoon
Published: April 2018

We present the discovery of new star clusters in the central plane region (

and

) of the Milky Way. In order to overcome the extinction problem and the spatial limit of previous surveys, we use the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) data to find clusters. We also use other infrared survey data in the archive for additional analysis. We find 923 new clusters, of which 202 clusters are embedded clusters. These clusters are concentrated toward the Galactic plane and show a symmetric distribution with respect to the Galactic latitude. The embedded clusters show a stronger concentration to the Galactic plane than the nonembedded clusters. The new clusters are found more in the first Galactic quadrant, while previously known clusters are found more in the fourth Galactic quadrant. The spatial distribution of the combined sample of known clusters and new clusters is approximately symmetric with respect to the Galactic longitude. We estimate reddenings, distances, and relative ages of the 15 class A clusters using theoretical isochrones. Ten of them are relatively old (age >800 Myr) and five are young (age ≈4 Myr).
Chemical Complexity in Local Diffuse and Translucent Clouds: Ubiquitous Linear C3H and CH3CN, a Detection of HC3N and an Upper Limit on the Abundance of CH2CN*
Authors: Liszt Harvey , Gerin Maryvonne , Beasley Anthony , Pety Jerome
Published: April 2018

We present Jansky Very Large Array observations of 20–37 GHz absorption lines from nearby Galactic diffuse molecular gas seen against four cosmologically distant compact radio continuum sources. The main new observational results are that l-C3H and CH3CN are ubiqitous in the local diffuse molecular interstellar medium at

 ≲ 1, while HC3N was seen only toward B0415 at

 > 4 mag. The linear/cyclic ratio is much larger in C3H than in C3H2 and the ratio CH3CN/HCN is enhanced compared to TMC-1, although not as much as toward the Horsehead Nebula. More consequentially, this work completes a long-term program assessing the abundances of small hydrocarbons (CH, C2H, linear and cyclic C3H and C3

, and C4H and C4H−) and the CN-bearing species (CN, HCN, HNC, HC3N, HC5N, and CH3CN): their systematics in diffuse molecular gas are presented in detail here. We also observed but did not strongly constrain the abundances of a few oxygen-bearing species, most prominently HNCO. We set limits on the column density of CH2CN, such that the anion CH2CN− is only viable as a carrier of diffuse interstellar bands if the N(CH2CN)/N(CH2CN−) abundance ratio is much smaller in this species than in any others for which the anion has been observed. We argue that complex organic molecules (COMS) are not present in clouds meeting a reasonable definition of diffuse molecular gas, i.e.,

 ≲ 1 mag.
Gravitationally Unstable Condensations Revealed by ALMA in the TUKH122 Prestellar Core in the Orion A Cloud
Authors: Ohashi Satoshi , Sanhueza Patricio , Sakai Nami , Kandori Ryo , Choi Minho , Hirota Tomoya , Nguyễn-Lu’o’ng Quang , Tatematsu Ken’ichi
Published: April 2018

We have investigated the TUKH122 prestellar core in the Orion A cloud using ALMA 3 mm dust continuum, N2H+ (J = 1−0), and CH3OH (

) molecular-line observations. Previous studies showed that TUKH122 is likely on the verge of star formation because the turbulence is almost dissipated and chemically evolved among other starless cores in the Orion A cloud. By combining ALMA 12 m and ACA data, we recover extended emission with a resolution of ∼5″ corresponding to 0.01 pc and identify six condensations with a mass range of 0.1–0.4 M
⊙ and a radius of ≲0.01 pc. These condensations are gravitationally bound following a virial analysis and are embedded in the filament, including the elongated core with a mass of ∼29 M
⊙ and a radial density profile of r
−1.6 derived by Herschel. The separation of these condensations is ∼0.035 pc, consistent with the thermal Jeans length at a density of 4.4 × 105 cm−3. This density is similar to the central part of the core. We also find a tendency for the N2H+ molecule to deplete at the dust peak condensation. This condensation may be beginning to collapse because the line width becomes broader. Therefore, the fragmentation still occurs in the prestellar core by thermal Jeans instability, and multiple stars are formed within the TUKH122 prestellar core. The CH3OH emission shows a large shell-like distribution and surrounds these condensations, suggesting that the CH3OH molecule formed on dust grains is released into the gas phase by nonthermal desorption such as photoevaporation caused by cosmic-ray-induced UV radiation.
Aspherical Supernovae: Effects on Early Light Curves
Authors: Afsariardchi Niloufar , Matzner Christopher D.
Published: April 2018

Early light from core-collapse supernovae, now detectable in high-cadence surveys, holds clues to a star and its environment just before it explodes. However, effects that alter the early light have not been fully explored. We highlight the possibility of nonradial flows at the time of shock breakout. These develop in sufficiently nonspherical explosions if the progenitor is not too diffuse. When they do develop, nonradial flows limit ejecta speeds and cause ejecta–ejecta collisions. We explore these phenomena and their observational implications using global, axisymmetric, nonrelativistic FLASH simulations of simplified polytropic progenitors, which we scale to representative stars. We develop a method to track photon production within the ejecta, enabling us to estimate band-dependent light curves from adiabatic simulations. Immediate breakout emission becomes hidden as an oblique flow develops. Nonspherical effects lead the shock-heated ejecta to release a more constant luminosity at a higher, evolving color temperature at early times, effectively mixing breakout light with the early light curve. Collisions between nonradial ejecta thermalize a small fraction of the explosion energy; we will address emission from these collisions in a subsequent paper.
Dark Energy Survey Year 1 Results: The Photometric Data Set for Cosmology
Authors: Drlica-Wagner A. , Sevilla-Noarbe I. , Rykoff E. S. , Gruendl R. A. , Yanny B. , Tucker D. L. , Hoyle B. , Rosell A. Carnero , Bernstein G. M. , Bechtol K. , Becker M. R. , Benoit-Lévy A. , Bertin E. , Kind M. Carrasco , Davis C. , Vicente J. de , Diehl H. T. , Gruen D. , Hartley W. G. , Leistedt B. , Li T. S. , Marshall J. L. , Neilsen E. , Rau M. M. , Sheldon E. , Smith J. , Troxel M. A. , Wyatt S. , Zhang Y. , Abbott T. M. C. , Abdalla F. B. , Allam S. , Banerji M. , Brooks D. , Buckley-Geer E. , Burke D. L. , Capozzi D. , Carretero J. , Cunha C. E. , D’Andrea C. B. , Costa L. N. da , DePoy D. L. , Desai S. , Dietrich J. P. , Doel P. , Evrard A. E. , Neto A. Fausti , Flaugher B. , Fosalba P. , Frieman J. , García-Bellido J. , Gerdes D. W. , Giannantonio T. , Gschwend J. , Gutierrez G. , Honscheid K. , James D. J. , Jeltema T. , Kuehn K. , Kuhlmann S. , Kuropatkin N. , Lahav O. , Lima M. , Lin H. , Maia M. A. G. , Martini P. , McMahon R. G. , Melchior P. , Menanteau F. , Miquel R. , Nichol R. C. , Ogando R. L. C. , Plazas A. A. , Romer A. K. , Roodman A. , Sanchez E. , Scarpine V. , Schindler R. , Schubnell M. , Smith M. , Smith R. C. , Soares-Santos M. , Sobreira F. , Suchyta E. , Tarle G. , Vikram V. , Walker A. R. , Wechsler R. H. , Zuntz J. ,   (DES Collaboration)
Published: April 2018

We describe the creation, content, and validation of the Dark Energy Survey (DES) internal year-one cosmology data set, Y1A1 GOLD, in support of upcoming cosmological analyses. The Y1A1 GOLD data set is assembled from multiple epochs of DES imaging and consists of calibrated photometric zero-points, object catalogs, and ancillary data products—e.g., maps of survey depth and observing conditions, star–galaxy classification, and photometric redshift estimates—that are necessary for accurate cosmological analyses. The Y1A1 GOLD wide-area object catalog consists of

million objects detected in co-added images covering

in the DES grizY filters. The 10σ limiting magnitude for galaxies is

,

,

,

, and

. Photometric calibration of Y1A1 GOLD was performed by combining nightly zero-point solutions with stellar locus regression, and the absolute calibration accuracy is better than 2% over the survey area. DES Y1A1 GOLD is the largest photometric data set at the achieved depth to date, enabling precise measurements of cosmic acceleration at z ≲ 1.
An updated checklist of the lichens of St. Eustatius, Netherlands Antilles
Authors: Aptroot Andre , Stech Michael
Published: April 2018

In the course of a multi-taxon biodiversity inventory for the island of St. Eustatius, lichens were collected from 11 plots representing different vegetation types. From these collections, 126 lichen species are reported, 54 of which are new reports for St. Eustatius. Most species could be identified to species level based on morphological and chemical characters. In a few cases, mtSSU DNA sequences were generated for a preliminary molecular identification and future phylogenetic studies. In total, 263 identified lichen species are currently known from St. Eustatius, as well as some additional genera with yet unidentified species and lichenicolous fungi.
Comparative anatomical studies of some Teucrium sect. Teucrium species: Teucrium alyssifolium Stapf, Teucrium brevifolium Schreb. and Teucrium pestalozzae Boiss. (Lamiaceae)
Authors: Ecevit Genç Gülay , Büyükkılıç Altınbaşak Betül , Özcan Taner , Dirmenci Tuncay
Published: April 2018

Teucriumalyssifolium Stapf (endemic), Teucriumpestalozzae Boiss. (endemic) and Teucriumbrevifolium Schreb. are three closely related taxa in Teucriumsect.Teucrium. The obtained data from the anatomical studies revealed that these three taxa represent the general anatomical characteristics of the Lamiaceae family. Leaves, anatomical features such as thick cuticle, abundant trichomes, rich palisade parenchyma layer in the mesophyll provide evidence that these three species are xeromorphic structures. Leaf and stem anatomy showed that the taxa have generally similar anatomical features. However, cuticle layers, epidermis cells size, indumentum density, mesophyll types, palisade parenchyma occupied in the mesophyll, presence of spherocrystals in leaves and parenchyma, collenchyma and sclerenchyma layers in stems show differences amongst the taxa. Anatomical characters of leaf and stem of these taxa are examined for the first time in this study.
Opportunistic Infections in End Stage Liver Disease
Authors: Bartoletti Michele , Giannella Maddalena , Tedeschi Sara , Viale Pierluigi
Published: April 2018

Liver cirrhosis is the 10th most common cause of death in Western world and infection is associated with a high morbidity and mortality, and represents the leading cause of acute liver decompensation. Patients with end-stage liver disease exhibit an important impairment of immune system. This condition, called cirrhosis-associated immune dysfunction, summarizes both local and systemic immune system alterations in liver cirrhosis that play a pivotal role in determining both the high incidence of infections and the ominous infections related mortality in this population. Another concerning feature of infections in cirrhotic patients is the growing prevalence of multidrug-resistant or extensively drug-resistant pathogens, which are associated with higher mortality, increased length of in-hospital stay and higher healthcare related costs if compared with infection caused by susceptible strains. Finally, patient with liver cirrhosis have several unique pathophysio-logical characteristics including hypoalbuminemia and reduction binding to proteins; altered distribution; altered clearance of the antimicrobials that can affect the pharmaco-kinetic/pharmacodynamic of antimicrobials.