bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Contemporary Estimate of Total Mortality and Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Young Adults With Type 1 Diabetes: The Pittsburgh Epidemiology of Diabetes Complications Study
Authors: Miller Rachel G. , Mahajan Hemant D. , Costacou Tina , Sekikawa Akira , Anderson Stewart J. , Orchard Trevor J.
Published: September 2016

OBJECTIVE

The degree to which mortality and cardiovascular disease (CVD) incidence remains elevated in young U.S. adults with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) is unclear. We determined contemporary rates for adults <45 years old with long-standing, childhood-onset T1DM from the Pittsburgh Epidemiology of Diabetes Complications (EDC) Study.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Members of the EDC Study cohort <45 years old during the 1996–2012 follow-up period (n = 502) were studied. Mortality and CVD rates were calculated for those aged 30–39 and 40–44 years. Data from the background Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, population were used to calculate age- and sex-matched standardized mortality (SMR) and incidence rate ratios (IRR).

RESULTS

In both age groups, the SMR for total mortality was ∼5 (95% CIs: 30–39-year-olds, 2.8, 7.2; 40–44-year-olds, 3.4, 7.8). CVD mortality SMRs ranged from 19 (95% CI 11, 32) to 33 (95% CI 17, 59). Hospitalized CVD IRR was ∼8 (95% CIs: 30–39-year-olds, 2.5, 18.9; 40–44-year-olds, 4.5, 12.8); revascularization procedures account for much of the increased risk. For all outcomes, the relative risk was larger in women. Participants aged 30–39 years had 6.3% (95% CI 3.8, 9.8) absolute 10-year CVD risk, approaching the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association–recommended cut point of 7.5% for initiation of statin therapy in older adults.

CONCLUSIONS

Total and CVD mortality and hospitalized CVD are all significantly increased in this contemporary U.S. cohort of young adults with long-standing T1DM. These findings support more aggressive risk factor management in T1DM, especially among women.
BEM-FEM Model for Truck Tire-Pavement Interaction Noise Prediction
Authors: Ding Yangmin , Wang Hao
Published: September 2016

Tire-pavement interaction noise has become the dominant source of traffic noise for vehicular speeds greater than 30 mph, as the automotive engine and exhaust system noise are being effectively controlled. Compared with field testing for tire-pavement sound pressure measurement, this study develops an efficient boundary element method (BEM)/finite element method (FEM) model for tire-pavement interaction noise prediction for typical truck tires. The tire structure and modal characteristics of a semisteel radial truck tire are computed using the FEM, and the solution for the radiation acoustic fields caused by the vibration under harmonic excitations is based on the BEM. Application of this model is verified for simulation of the noise reduction performance of porous asphalt concrete with different porosity values. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of tire-pavement interaction noise prediction with the BEM/FEM model. Further research will be conducted with the noise excitation resulting from pavement surface texture profiles.
Towards a consensus on genotyping schemes for surveillance and outbreak investigations of Cryptosporidium, Berlin, June 2016
Authors: Chalmers RM , Cacciò S
Published: September 2016

Binary file ES_Abstracts_Final_ECDC.txt matches
West Nile virus transmission: results from the integrated surveillance system in Italy, 2008 to 2015
Authors: Rizzo Caterina , Napoli Christian , Venturi Giulietta , Pupella Simonetta , Lombardini Letizia , Calistri Paolo , Monaco Federica , Cagarelli Roberto , Angelini Paola , Bellini Romeo , Tamba Marco , Piatti Alessandra , Russo Francesca , Palù Giorgio , Chiari Mario , Lavazza Antonio , Bella Antonino ,   the Italian WNV surveillance working group
Published: September 2016

In Italy a national Plan for the surveillance of imported and autochthonous human vector-borne diseases (chikungunya, dengue, Zika virus disease and West Nile virus (WNV) disease) that integrates human and veterinary (animals and vectors) surveillance, is issued and revised annually according with the observed epidemiological changes. Here we describe results of the WNV integrated veterinary and human surveillance systems in Italy from 2008 to 2015. A real time data exchange protocol is in place between the surveillance systems to rapidly identify occurrence of human and animal cases and to define and update the map of affected areas i.e. provinces during the vector activity period from June to October. WNV continues to cause severe illnesses in Italy during every transmission season, albeit cases are sporadic and the epidemiology varies by virus lineage and geographic area. The integration of surveillance activities and a multidisciplinary approach made it possible and have been fundamental in supporting implementation of and/or strengthening preventive measures aimed at reducing the risk of transmission of WNV trough blood, tissues and organ donation and to implementing further measures for vector control.
Preying frequency of white-throated kingfisher, Halcyon smyrnensis (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Naher Habibon , Sarker Noor Jahan
Published: September 2016

A study was conducted on ‘Preying frequency of White-throated Kingfisher, Halcyon smyrnensis (Linnaeus 1758) in Bangladesh’ from September 2008 to September 2011 at Nikunja-1 in Dhaka City Corporation area. The objectives of the study were to know the average preying frequency per day in different months and seasons. Scan sampling method was followed to study the kingfishers’ behaviour. At regular interval (5 minutes), day long observation was made with some observatory equipments. It preyed 4.1± 2.3 times per day on an average. They had bimodal feeding patterns, at morning (0701-1200 h) and afternoon (1401-1800 h). At noon they avoided preying. December was the highest preying month and summer was the highest unsuccessful preying season in the year. The food items composed of 36.6% arthropods and 61.1% fishes. Arthropods were preyed for 1.5 times and fishes for 2.5 times on an average per day. In association with arthropods and fishes they also preyed on amphibians and reptiles occasionally. Arthropods were preferred highly during non breeding season but fishes were preferred in breeding season for saving time and energy.ECOPRINT 22: 39-49, 2015
Interaction of some fungal entomopathogens of rice pests with phyllophytic microorganisms of four rice genotypes cultivated in coastal Odisha, India
Authors: Sahoo Biswajit , Dangar Tushar Kanti
Published: September 2016

Interactions of six entomopathogenic fungi viz. Cordyceps (2 strains), Beauveria (1 strain) and Metarhizium (3 strains) spp. of rice leaf folder (LF, Cnaphalocrocismedinalis) with thephyllophytic (phyllospheric and phylloplanic) bacteria (n=35) and fungi (n=4) isolated at pre-flowering stages of fourcultivated rice (Oryzasativa L.) var. Lalat, Swarna, Swarna-Sub1 and Naveenwere assessed to reveal possibility of intergroup inhibition in the field. Dynamics of the phyllophytic microbes revealed that the phyllospheric bacterial population (3.59 to 4.10 log CFU/cm2) was more than those of the phylloplane (1.56 to 1.75 log CFU/cm2) of different plants. The phyllophytes of the four rice genotypes decreased in the order of Swarna-Sub1 > Swarna > Lalat > Naveen. The fungal pathogens of LF viz. C. brongniartii (TF6 and TF6-1A), B.bassiana (TF6-1B) and M. anisopliae (TF19, TF19- 3A and TF19-3B) were not inhibited by any of the phyllophytic organisms which proved that they can be applied on the canopy of the rice plants to control the pests.ECOPRINT 22: 75-84, 2015
Plant Population and Replant Method Effects on Peanut Seeded in Single Rows
Authors: Sarver J.M. , Tubbs R.S. , Beasley J.P. , Culbreath A.K. , Grey T.L. , Rowland D.L. , Smith N.B.
Published: September 2016

The University of Georgia Extension recommendation for optimum plant stand in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is 13.1 plants/m, although previous work has shown that yield potential can be maintained at lower plant stands. The unpredictable and often extreme weather and the ubiquity of pathogens in the region often contribute to poor emergence and poor plant stands. When plant stand is adversely affected, replanting the field may be a practical option. The objectives of this study were to determine i) the effect of plant stand on yield, grade and disease incidence, ii) at what plant stand peanut gains an advantage from replanting and iii) the best method for replanting peanut when an adequate stand is not achieved. Field trials took place in Plains, GA in 2011, 2012, and 2013; and Tifton, GA in 2012 and 2013 to evaluate peanut production at six plant stands (3.3, 4.9, 6.6, 8.2, 9.8, and 11.5 plants/m, in addition to a 13.1 plants/m control) in combination with three replant practices; i) no replant, ii) destroy the original stand and replant at a full seeding rate, and iii) add a reduced rate of seed to supplement the original stand) in a randomized complete block design. A positive linear trend for yield and a negative linear trend for tomato spotted wilt Tospovirus incidence were discovered as plant stand increased. Yield advantages from replanting occurred via supplemental seed addition to initial stands of 3.3 and 8.2 plants/m. Destroying the initial stand and completely replanting was never beneficial when compared to the other two replant practices. Replanting is warranted via supplemental seed addition at plant stands equal-to or below 8.2 plants/m.
Bottled vs. Canned Beer: Do They Really Taste Different?
Authors: Barnett Andrew , Velasco Carlos , Spence Charles
Published: September 2016

People often say that beer tastes better from a bottle than from a can. However, one can ask how reliable this perceived difference is across consumers. And, if reliable, one can further ask whether it is a purely psychological phenomenon (associated with the influence of packaging on taste perception), or whether instead it reflects some more mundane physico-chemical interaction between the packaging material (or packing procedure/process) and the contents. Two experiments were conducted in order to address these questions. In the main experiment, 151 participants at the 2016 Edinburgh Science Festival were served a special ‘craft beer’ in a plastic cup. The beer was either poured from a bottle or can (a between-participants experimental design was used). The participants were encouraged to pick up the packaging in order to inspect the label before tasting the beer. The participants rated the perceived taste, quality, and freshness of the beer, as well as their likelihood of purchase, and estimated the price. All of the beer came from the same batch (specifically a Session IPA from Barney’s Brewery in Edinburgh). None of the participants were familiar with this particular craft brew. Nevertheless, those who evaluated the beer from the bottle rated it as tasting better than those who rated the beer served from the can. Having demonstrated such a perceptual difference (in terms of taste), we then went on to investigate whether people would prefer one packaging format over the other when the beer from bottle and can was served blind to a new group of participants (i.e., when the participants did not know the packaging material). The participants in this control study (n = 29) were asked which beer they preferred. Alternatively, they could state that the two samples tasted the same. No sign of a consistent preference was obtained under such blind tasting conditions. Explanations for the psychological impact of the packaging format, in terms of differences in packaging weight (between tin and glass), and/or prior associations of quality with specific packaging materials/formats (what some have chosen to call ‘image molds’), are discussed.
A Hybrid Method Based on Singular Spectrum Analysis, Firefly Algorithm, and BP Neural Network for Short-Term Wind Speed Forecasting
Authors: Gao Yuyang , Qu Chao , Zhang Kequan
Published: September 2016

With increasing importance being attached to big data mining, analysis, and forecasting in the field of wind energy, how to select an optimization model to improve the forecasting accuracy of the wind speed time series is not only an extremely challenging problem, but also a problem of concern for economic forecasting. The artificial intelligence model is widely used in forecasting and data processing, but the individual back-propagation artificial neural network cannot always satisfy the time series forecasting needs. Thus, a hybrid forecasting approach has been proposed in this study, which consists of data preprocessing, parameter optimization and a neural network for advancing the accuracy of short-term wind speed forecasting. According to the case study, in which the data are collected from Peng Lai, a city located in China, the simulation results indicate that the hybrid forecasting method yields better predictions compared to the individual BP, which indicates that the hybrid method exhibits stronger forecasting ability.
Histone Posttranslational Modifications of CD4+ T Cell in Autoimmune Diseases
Authors: Wang Zijun , Yin Heng , Lau Chak , Lu Qianjin
Published: September 2016

The complexity of immune system is tempered by precise regulation to maintain stabilization when exposed to various conditions. A subtle change in gene expression may be magnified when drastic changes are brought about in cellular development and function. Posttranslational modifications (PTMs) timely alter the functional activity of immune system, and work proceeded in these years has begun to throw light upon it. Posttranslational modifications of histone tails have been mentioned in a large scale of biological developments and disease progression, thereby making them a central field to investigate. Conventional assessments of these changes are centered on the transcription factors and cytokines in T cells regulated by variable histone codes to achieve chromatin remodeling, as well as involved in many human diseases, especially autoimmune diseases. We here put forward an essential review of core posttranslational modulations that regulate T cell function and differentiation in the immune system, with a special emphasis on histone modifications in different T helper cell subsets as well as in autoimmune diseases.
Identification of Resistance to Wet Bubble Disease and Genetic Diversity in Wild and Cultivated Strains of Agaricus bisporus
Authors: Fu Yongping , Wang Xinxin , Li Dan , Liu Yuan , Song Bing , Zhang Chunlan , Wang Qi , Chen Meiyuan , Zhang Zhiwu , Li Yu
Published: September 2016

Outbreaks of wet bubble disease (WBD) caused by Mycogone perniciosa are increasing across the world and seriously affecting the yield of Agaricus bisporus. However, highly WBD-resistant strains are rare. Here, we tested 28 A. bisporus strains for WBD resistance by inoculating M. perniciosa spore suspension on casing soil, and assessed genetic diversity of these strains using 17 new simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers developed in this study. We found that 10 wild strains originating from the Tibetan Plateau in China were highly WBD-resistant strains, and 13 cultivated strains from six countries were highly susceptible strains. A total of 88 alleles were detected in these 28 strains, and the observed number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 8. Cluster and genetic structure analysis results revealed the wild resources from China have a relatively high level of genetic diversity and occur at low level of gene flow and introgression with cultivated strains. Moreover, the wild strains from China potentially have the consensus ancestral genotypes different from the cultivated strains and evolved independently. Therefore, the highly WBD-resistant wild strains from China and newly developed SSR markers could be used as novel sources for WBD-resistant breeding and quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping of WBD-resistant gene of A. bisporus.
MicroRNA Transcriptome of Poly I:C-Stimulated Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells Reveals Evidence for MicroRNAs in Regulating Host Response to RNA Viruses in Pigs
Authors: Wang Jiying , Wang Yanping , Wang Haifei , Guo Jianfeng , Wang Huaizhong , Wu Ying , Liu Jianfeng
Published: September 2016

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are one family of small noncoding RNAs that function to modulate the activity of specific mRNA targets in animals. To understand the role of miRNAs in regulating genes involved in the host immune response to RNA viruses, we profiled and characterized the miRNAs of swine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) stimulated with poly I:C, a synthetic dsRNA analog, by miRNA-sequencing (miRNA-seq). We identified a total of 905 miRNAs, of which 503 miRNAs were firstly exploited herein with no annotation in the latest miRBase 21.0. Expression analysis demonstrated that poly I:C stimulation can elicit significantly differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs in Dapulian (n = 20), one Chinese indigenous breed, as well as Landrace (n = 23). By integrating the mRNA expression profiles of the same sample with miRNA profiles, we carried out function analyses of the target genes of these DE miRNAs, with the results indicating that target genes were most enriched in some immune-related pathways and gene ontology (GO) terms, suggesting that DE miRNAs play an important role in the regulation of host to poly I:C stimulation. Furthermore, we also detected 43 and 61 significantly DE miRNAs between the two breeds in the control sample groups and poly I:C stimulation groups, respectively, which may be involved in regulation of the different characteristics of the two breeds. This study describes for the first time the PBMC miRNA transcriptomic response to poly I:C stimulation in pigs, which not only contributes to a broad view of the pig miRNAome but improves our understanding of miRNA function in regulating host immune response to RNA viruses.
Fine Mapping of Virescent Leaf Gene v-1 in Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)
Authors: Miao Han , Zhang Shengping , Wang Min , Wang Ye , Weng Yiqun , Gu Xingfang
Published: September 2016

Leaf color mutants are common in higher plants that can be used as markers in crop breeding or as an important tool in understanding regulatory mechanisms in chlorophyll biosynthesis and chloroplast development. In virescent leaf mutants, young leaves are yellow in color, which gradually return to normal green when the seedlings grow large. In the present study, we conducted phenotypic characterization and genetic mapping of the cucumber virescent leaf mutant 9110Gt conferred by the v-1 locus. Total chlorophyll and carotenoid content in 9110Gt was reduced by 44% and 21%, respectively, as compared with its wild type parental line 9110G. Electron microscopic investigation revealed fewer chloroplasts per cell and thylakoids per chloroplast in 9110Gt than in 9110G. Fine genetic mapping allowed for the assignment of the v-1 locus to a 50.4 kb genomic DNA region in chromosome 6 with two flanking markers that were 0.14 and 0.16 cM away from v-1, respectively. Multiple lines of evidence supported CsaCNGCs as the only candidate gene for the v-1 locus, which encoded a cyclic-nucleotide-gated ion channel protein. A single nucleotide change in the promoter region of v-1 seemed to be associated with the virescent color change in 9110Gt. Real-time PCR revealed significantly lower expression of CsaCNGCs in the true leaves of 9110Gt than in 9110G. This was the first report that connected the CsaCNGCs gene to virescent leaf color change, which provided a useful tool to establish linkages among virescent leaf color change, chloroplast development, chlorophyll biosynthesis, and the functions of the CsaCNGCs gene.
Immunotherapy for Gastroesophageal Cancer
Authors: Goode Emily , Smyth Elizabeth
Published: September 2016

Survival for patients with advanced oesophageal and stomach cancer is poor; together these cancers are responsible for more than a million deaths per year globally. As chemotherapy and targeted therapies such as trastuzumab and ramucirumab result in modest improvements in survival but not long-term cure for such patients, development of alternative treatment approaches is warranted. Novel immunotherapy drugs such as checkpoint inhibitors have been paradigm changing in melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer and urothelial cancers. In this review, we assess the early evidence for efficacy of immunotherapy in patients with gastroesophageal cancer in addition to considering biomarkers associated with response to these treatments. Early results of Anti- Programmed Cell Death Protein-1 (anti-PD-1), anti-PD-L1 and anti-Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte assosciated protein-4 (anti-CTLA4) trials are examined, and we conclude with a discussion on the future direction for immunotherapy for gastroesophageal cancer patients.
Palladium-Catalyzed C–H Arylation of 1,2,3-Triazoles
Authors: Zhang Chengwei , You Lin , Chen Chuo
Published: September 2016

Palladium(II) acetate, in combination with triphenylphosphine, catalyzes direct arylation of 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles effectively. This C–H arylation reaction provides facile access to fully substituted triazoles with well-defined regiochemistry.
Extrapolating on McLuhan: How Media Environments of the Given, the Represented, and the Induced Shape and Reshape Our Sensorium
Authors: Miroshnichenko Andrey
Published: September 2016

The article develops Marshall McLuhan’s approach to the interplay between media, the sensorium, and reality. McLuhan’s concepts of “acoustic space” and “visual space” are unfolded with regard to the consequences that digital media will have on the human ability to perceive reality. Reality–sensorium interaction is systematized in the article. This systematization includes the environments of the given, the represented, and the induced. These environments are shaped by sequential stages of media evolution, which relate to preliterate media, alphabet-based media, and digital media. Existing and upcoming media technologies are presumed to alter human biology and transcend it. Within the set of media technologies that alter human biology, artificial flavours, electrically induced senses, immersive media, augmented reality, and virtual reality are treated. Within the set of media impacts that will change the human sensorium, the dismissal of gravity (related to the McLuhanian “angelism” of electronic discarnate man), the switch in navigation from biological networking to social networking, the sense of others, and the thirst for response are treated. Plato, Lenin, Wittgenstein, Benveniste, Logan, Carr, Shirky, and other thinkers are employed in the article to support these McLuhanian speculations, and sketch out prospective trends in the evolution of media and the sensorium.
Synergistic Use of LiDAR and APEX Hyperspectral Data for High-Resolution Urban Land Cover Mapping
Authors: Priem Frederik , Canters Frank
Published: September 2016

Land cover mapping of the urban environment by means of remote sensing remains a distinct challenge due to the strong spectral heterogeneity and geometric complexity of urban scenes. Airborne imaging spectroscopy and laser altimetry have each made remarkable contributions to urban mapping but synergistic use of these relatively recent data sources in an urban context is still largely underexplored. In this study a synergistic workflow is presented to cope with the strong diversity of materials in urban areas, as well as with the presence of shadow. A high-resolution APEX hyperspectral image and a discrete waveform LiDAR dataset covering the Eastern part of Brussels were made available for this research. Firstly, a novel shadow detection method based on LiDAR intensity-APEX brightness thresholding is proposed and compared to commonly used approaches for shadow detection. A combination of intensity-brightness thresholding with DSM model-based shadow detection is shown to be an efficient approach for shadow mask delineation. To deal with spectral similarity of different types of urban materials and spectral distortion induced by shadow cover, supervised classification of shaded and sunlit areas is combined with iterative LiDAR post-classification correction. Results indicate that height, slope and roughness features contribute to improved classification accuracies in descending order of importance. Results of this study illustrate the potential of synergistic application of hyperspectral imagery and LiDAR for urban land cover mapping.
An Online Dictionary Learning-Based Compressive Data Gathering Algorithm in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Wang Donghao , Wan Jiangwen , Chen Junying , Zhang Qiang
Published: September 2016

To adapt to sense signals of enormous diversities and dynamics, and to decrease the reconstruction errors caused by ambient noise, a novel online dictionary learning method-based compressive data gathering (ODL-CDG) algorithm is proposed. The proposed dictionary is learned from a two-stage iterative procedure, alternately changing between a sparse coding step and a dictionary update step. The self-coherence of the learned dictionary is introduced as a penalty term during the dictionary update procedure. The dictionary is also constrained with sparse structure. It’s theoretically demonstrated that the sensing matrix satisfies the restricted isometry property (RIP) with high probability. In addition, the lower bound of necessary number of measurements for compressive sensing (CS) reconstruction is given. Simulation results show that the proposed ODL-CDG algorithm can enhance the recovery accuracy in the presence of noise, and reduce the energy consumption in comparison with other dictionary based data gathering methods.
An Off-Grid Turbo Channel Estimation Algorithm for Millimeter Wave Communications
Authors: Han Lingyi , Peng Yuexing , Wang Peng , Li Yonghui
Published: September 2016

The bandwidth shortage has motivated the exploration of the millimeter wave (mmWave) frequency spectrum for future communication networks. To compensate for the severe propagation attenuation in the mmWave band, massive antenna arrays can be adopted at both the transmitter and receiver to provide large array gains via directional beamforming. To achieve such array gains, channel estimation (CE) with high resolution and low latency is of great importance for mmWave communications. However, classic super-resolution subspace CE methods such as multiple signal classification (MUSIC) and estimation of signal parameters via rotation invariant technique (ESPRIT) cannot be applied here due to RF chain constraints. In this paper, an enhanced CE algorithm is developed for the off-grid problem when quantizing the angles of mmWave channel in the spatial domain where off-grid problem refers to the scenario that angles do not lie on the quantization grids with high probability, and it results in power leakage and severe reduction of the CE performance. A new model is first proposed to formulate the off-grid problem. The new model divides the continuously-distributed angle into a quantized discrete grid part, referred to as the integral grid angle, and an offset part, termed fractional off-grid angle. Accordingly, an iterative off-grid turbo CE (IOTCE) algorithm is proposed to renew and upgrade the CE between the integral grid part and the fractional off-grid part under the Turbo principle. By fully exploiting the sparse structure of mmWave channels, the integral grid part is estimated by a soft-decoding based compressed sensing (CS) method called improved turbo compressed channel sensing (ITCCS). It iteratively updates the soft information between the linear minimum mean square error (LMMSE) estimator and the sparsity combiner. Monte Carlo simulations are presented to evaluate the performance of the proposed method, and the results show that it enhances the angle detection resolution greatly.
Improved Separations of Proteins and Sugar Derivatives Using the Small-Scale Cross-Axis Coil Planet Centrifuge with Locular Multilayer Coiled Columns
Authors: Shinomiya Kazufusa , Zaima Kazumasa , Harikai Naoki , Ito Yoichiro
Published: September 2016

(1) Background: Countercurrent chromatography (CCC) is liquid-liquid partition chromatography without using a solid support matrix. This technique requires further improvement of peak resolution and shortening of separation time. (2) Methods: The long-pressed locular multilayer coils with and without mixer glass beads were developed for the separation of proteins and 4-methylumbelliferyl sugar derivatives using a small-scale cross-axis coil planet centrifuge. (3) Results: Proteins were separated from each other and the separation was improved when the flow rate of the mobile phase was decreased from 0.8 to 0.4 mL/min. On the other hand, 4-methylumbelliferyl sugar derivatives were separated at the resolution of almost over 1.5 in short separation time under satisfactory stationary phase retention when the flow rate of the mobile phase was increased from 1.0 to 1.4 mL/min. (4) Conclusion: Better peak resolutions over the previous results were achieved using the long-pressed locular multilayer coil for proteins with aqueous two-phase systems (ATPS) and for 4-methylumbelliferyl sugar derivatives with organic-aqueous two-phase solvent systems by inserting a glass bead into each locule.
An Assessment of Productivity Patterns of Grass-Dominated Rangelands in the Hindu Kush Karakoram Region, Pakistan
Authors: Qamer Faisal , Xi Chen , Abbas Sawaid , Murthy Manchiraju , Ning Wu , Anming Bao
Published: September 2016

Rangelands in the Hindu Kush Karakoram region provide a resource base for nomadic livestock grazing, which is one of the major traditional livelihood practices in the area. The present study assessed the spatiotemporal patterns and trends of rangelands using satellite remote-sensing time-series data. Moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS)-based normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) data, collected at fortnightly intervals over 12 years (2001–2012), were used as a proxy for the vegetation conditions of the grasslands. The analysis revealed that rangeland productivity increased with increasing elevation up to the sub-alpine zone, which had a higher productivity than the moist temperate zone and humid sub-tropical zone. The high sub-alpine productivity was attributed to seasonal amplitude and the extended length of the growing season in the phenological cycle. In the temporal analysis of productivity, the majority of the area exhibited improvements in vegetation conditions, which were strongest in the humid sub-tropical zones and weakest in the alpine zones. The sub-alpine grasslands were found to be the most productive and heterogeneous habitat; however, the relatively strong negative temporal trend in productivity in this zone indicates ongoing degradation in these rangelands. Thus, special attention is needed for the sustainable management of rangelands in the sub-alpine zones of the Hindu Kush Karakoram region.
Intraperitoneal Meropenem for Polymicrobial Peritoneal Dialysis-Related Peritonitis
Authors: de Fijter Caroline W.H. , Jakulj Lily , Amiri Fariba , Zandvliet Anthe , Franssen Eric
Published: September 2016

With the current rise in multiresistant gram-negative bacteria, carbapenems are more frequently used. Surprisingly, limited data exist on the pharmacokinetics of meropenem in peritoneal dialysis (PD)-related peritonitis. We report on the pharmacokinetics of repeated intraperitoneal (IP) meropenem during 21 days as treatment for polymicrobial multiresistent PD-related peritonitis.

Our current report supports daily doses of 125 mg/L intraperitoneal meropenem in all bags as an effective and safe modality in the treatment of PD-associated peritonitis with multiresistant microorganisms. No signs of over- or underdosing were found based on serial drug concentration measurements at fixed time points up to 21 days.
Genome‐Wide Association Study Identifies Candidate Loci Underlying Agronomic Traits in a Middle American Diversity Panel of Common Bean
Authors: Moghaddam Samira Mafi , Mamidi Sujan , Osorno Juan M. , Lee Rian , Brick Mark , Kelly James , Miklas Phillip , Urrea Carlos , Song Qijian , Cregan Perry , Grimwood Jane , Schmutz Jeremy , McClean Phillip E.
Published: September 2016

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) breeding programs aim to improve both agronomic and seed characteristics traits. However, the genetic architecture of the many traits that affect common bean production are not completely understood. Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) provide an experimental approach to identify genomic regions where important candidate genes are located. A panel of 280 modern bean genotypes from race Mesoamerica, referred to as the Middle American Diversity Panel (MDP), were grown in four US locations, and a GWAS using >150,000 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (minor allele frequency [MAF] ≥ 5%) was conducted for six agronomic traits. The degree of inter‐ and intrachromosomal linkage disequilibrium (LD) was estimated after accounting for population structure and relatedness. The LD varied between chromosomes for the entire MDP and among race Mesoamerica and Durango–Jalisco genotypes within the panel. The LD patterns reflected the breeding history of common bean. Genome‐wide association studies led to the discovery of new and known genomic regions affecting the agronomic traits at the entire population, race, and location levels. We observed strong colocalized signals in a narrow genomic interval for three interrelated traits: growth habit, lodging, and canopy height. Overall, this study detected ∼30 candidate genes based on a priori and candidate gene search strategies centered on the 100‐kb region surrounding a significant SNP. These results provide a framework from which further research can begin to understand the actual genes controlling important agronomic production traits in common bean.
DEVELOPMENT OF A GRAVIMETRIC GEOID MODEL AND A COMPARATIVE STUDY
Authors: Mishra Upendra Nath , Ghosh Jayanta Kumar
Published: September 2016

Site specific geoid model is prerequisite for accurate determination of orthometric heights. No geoid model has been developed so far for India or any of its part. So, development of a geoid model for India or its part is of utmost need to make use of GNSS data towards determination of orthometric heights. In this research work, an attempt has been made to develop geoid undulation models by gravimetric method using Molodensky’s concept. Component parameters in line with the Remove – Compute – Restore (RCR) technique have been used recursively. Models have been developed for two study areas: one of these lies in and around Dehradun (30° 19′ N, 75° 04′E) in Uttarakhand state, India in lower Himalayan region having highly undulating topography and the other near Hyderabad (17° 30′N, 78°30′E) in Telengana state of India having gentle topography. The model has been tested for 7 stations in the first study area and accuracy has been found to be 17.5 cm; whereas, for the second area accuracy has been found to be 7.0 cm for 24 test stations. Further, the performances of the developed models have been evaluated with those from three global geoid models namely EIGEN6C4, EIGEN6C3stat and EGM2008; and have been found to be similar or better in case of first study and for second study area far more superior. Thus, local/regional geoid undulation model requiring accuracy better than 20 cm for any study area may be developed adopting the method. However, the optimality in the number and density of gravity stations may be considered as a future scope of work.
NETWORK RTK PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS: A CASE STUDY IN LATVIA
Authors: Dobelis Didzis , Zvirgzds Jānis
Published: September 2016

Nowadays the RTK (Real Time Kinematic) method for positioning is used in daily life by different consumers for many purposes. Several different RTK correction techniques are used, starting from single site to network approaches. The GNSS market is filled with receivers from different manufacturers and different capabilities. In this paper we assess the stability of the reference station network transmitted RTK correction. Two different surveying class GNSS receivers in combination with four varied RTK correction techniques under diverse observation conditions are analyzed. This study has been conducted in Latvia, where state wide permanent GNSS reference station network has been maintained since year 2005.
MODELLING AND EXPERIMENT OF BUILDINGS THERMO-AERAULIC BEHAVIOR ACCORDING TO THE LEVEL-COMPACTNESS IN SAHARAN CLIMATE CONDITIONS
Authors: Bekkouche Sidi Mohammed El Amine , Benouaz Tayeb , Hamdani Maamar , Cherier Mohamed Kamel , Yaiche Mohamed Rédha , Benamrane Noceir
Published: September 2016

A large number of studies of building energy simulation neglect the humidity, or well represented, with a very simplified method. It is for this reason that we have developed a new approach to the description and modelling of multizone buildings in Saharan climate. The concept of the form factor and index compactness “quotient of external walls area and volume of the building” are two of the key elements for analyzing the building geometry. We can introduce it’s as validation tools in some cases.

In this paper, governing equations of physical phenomena allow to build a model of the thermo-aeraulic behavior. The primary objective is the validation of numerical results able to determine the humidity and temperature in a multizone space. The calculated results were compared with firstly, experimental values, and secondly with simulated results using TRNSYS software. We check if the results change radically for an invariable compactness index.

The comparison shows that the found results are to some extent satisfactory. For buildings of similar thermal properties, especially, the used construction materials, the thermal insulation and thermal inertia level, orientation, etc., the result proves that temperature and specific humidity varie slightly when the compactness index is constant.
STAR FORMATION LAWS IN BOTH GALACTIC MASSIVE CLUMPS AND EXTERNAL GALAXIES: EXTENSIVE STUDY WITH DUST CONINUUM, HCN (4-3), AND CS (7-6)
Authors: Liu Tie , Kim Kee-Tae , Yoo Hyunju , Liu Sheng-yuan , Tatematsu Ken’ichi , Qin Sheng-Li , Zhang Qizhou , Wu Yuefang , Wang Ke , Goldsmith Paul F. , Juvela Mika , Lee Jeong-Eun , Tóth L. Viktor , Mardones Diego , Garay Guido , Bronfman Leonardo , Cunningham Maria R. , Li Di , Lo Nadia , Ristorcelli Isabelle , Schnee Scott
Published: September 2016

We observed 146 Galactic clumps in HCN (4-3) and CS (7-6) with the Atacama Submillimeter Telescope Experiment 10 m telescope. A tight linear relationship between star formation rate and gas mass traced by dust continuum emission was found for both Galactic clumps and the high redshift (z > 1) star forming galaxies (SFGs), indicating a constant gas depletion time of ∼100 Myr for molecular gas in both Galactic clumps and high z SFGs. However, low z galaxies do not follow this relation and seem to have a longer global gas depletion time. The correlations between total infrared luminosities (L
TIR) and molecular line luminosities

of HCN (4-3) and CS (7-6) are tight and sublinear extending down to clumps with L
TIR ∼ 103
L
☉. These correlations become linear when extended to external galaxies. A bimodal behavior in the L
TIR–

correlations was found for clumps with different dust temperature, luminosity-to-mass ratio, and σ
line/σ
vir. Such bimodal behavior may be due to evolutionary effects. The slopes of L
TIR–L′mol correlations become more shallow as clumps evolve. We compared our results with lower J transition lines in Wu et al. (2010). The correlations between clump masses and line luminosities are close to linear for low effective excitation density tracers but become sublinear for high effective excitation density tracers for clumps with L
TIR larger than L
TIR ∼ 104.5
L
☉. High effective excitation density tracers cannot linearly trace the total clump masses, leading to a sublinear correlations for both M
clump–L′mol and L
TIR–L′mol relations.
SUPERGRANULATION AS THE LARGEST BUOYANTLY DRIVEN CONVECTIVE SCALE OF THE SUN
Authors: Cossette Jean-Francois , Rast Mark P.
Published: September 2016

The origin of solar supergranulation remains a mystery. Unlike granulation, the size of which is comparable to both the thickness of the radiative boundary layer and local scale-height in the photosphere, supergranulation does not reflect any obvious length scale of the solar convection zone. Moreover, recent observations of flows in the photosphere using Doppler imaging or correlation or feature tracking show a monotonic decrease in horizontal flow power at scales larger than supergranulation. Both local area and global spherical shell simulations of solar convection by contrast show the opposite, an increase in horizontal flow amplitudes to a low wavenumber. We examine these disparities and investigate how the solar supergranulation may arise as a consequence of nonlocal heat transport by cool diving plumes. Using three-dimensional anelastic simulations with surface driving, we show that the kinetic energy of the largest convective scales in the upper layers of a stratified domain reflects the depth of transition from strong buoyant driving to adiabatic stratification below caused by the dilution of the granular downflows. This depth is quite shallow because of the rapid increase of the mean density below the photosphere. We interpret the observed monotonic decrease in solar convective power at scales larger than supergranulation to be a consequence of this rapid transition, with the supergranular scale the largest buoyantly driven mode of convection in the Sun.
THE DISTRIBUTION OF MASS SURFACE DENSITIES IN A HIGH-MASS PROTOCLUSTER
Authors: Lim Wanggi , Tan Jonathan C. , Kainulainen Jouni , Ma Bo , Butler Michael J.
Published: September 2016

We study the probability distribution function (PDF) of mass surface densities, Σ, of infrared dark cloud (IRDC) G028.37+00.07 and its surrounding giant molecular cloud. This PDF constrains the physical processes, such as turbulence, magnetic fields, and self-gravity, that are expected to be controlling cloud structure and star formation activity. The chosen IRDC is of particular interest since it has almost 100,000 solar masses within a radius of 8 pc, making it one of the most massive, dense molecular structures known and is thus a potential site for the formation of a “super star cluster.” We study Σ in two ways. First, we use a combination of NIR and MIR extinction maps that are able to probe the bulk of the cloud structure up to Σ ∼ 1 g cm−2(A

V
≃ 200 mag). Second, we study the FIR and submillimeter dust continuum emission from the cloud utilizing Herschel-PACS and SPIRE images and paying careful attention to the effects of foreground and background contamination. We find that the PDFs from both methods, applied over a ∼20′(30 pc)-sized region that contains ≃1.5 × 105
M
⊙ and enclosing a minimum closed contour with Σ ≃ 0.013 g cm−2 (A

V
≃ 3 mag), shows a lognormal shape with the peak measured at Σ ≃ 0.021 g cm−2 (A

V
≃ 4.7 mag). There is tentative evidence for the presence of a high-Σ power-law tail that contains from ∼3% to 8% of the mass of the cloud material. We discuss the implications of these results for the physical processes occurring in this cloud.
STRONGER REFLECTION FROM BLACK HOLE ACCRETION DISKS IN SOFT X-RAY STATES
Authors: Steiner James F. , Remillard Ronald A. , García Javier A. , McClintock Jeffrey E.
Published: September 2016

We analyze 15,000 spectra of 29 stellar-mass black hole (BH) candidates collected over the 16 year mission lifetime of Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer using a simple phenomenological model. As these BHs vary widely in luminosity and progress through a sequence of spectral states, which we broadly refer to as hard and soft, we focus on two spectral components: the Compton power law and the reflection spectrum it generates by illuminating the accretion disk. Our proxy for the strength of reflection is the equivalent width of the Fe–K line as measured with respect to the power law. A key distinction of our work is that for all states we estimate the continuum under the line by excluding the thermal disk component and using only the component that is responsible for fluorescing the Fe–K line, namely, the Compton power law. We find that reflection is several times more pronounced (∼3) in soft compared to hard spectral states. This is most readily caused by the dilution of the Fe line amplitude from Compton scattering in the corona, which has a higher optical depth in hard states. Alternatively, this could be explained by a more compact corona in soft (compared to hard) states, which would result in a higher reflection fraction.
Medidas das eficiências térmicas em aquecedores solares: uma alternativa complementar para o ensino de conceitos de física para estudantes das engenharias
Authors: Penereiro Júlio César
Published: September 2016

O presente trabalho descreve a construção de dois coletores solares planos visando um estudo comparativo da eficiência térmica entre eles em função das velocidades do vento. Um coletor foi feito com materiais de baixo custo e de fácil acesso à população, enquanto o outro é um coletor de metal à venda no mercado. O trabalho teve como meta aliar o ensino de física ao conhecimento envolvido na construção e funcionamento de um sistema de aquecimento solar de água. Trabalhou-se de forma prática com os conceitos de temperatura, irradiação solar, calor, eficiência térmica, dentre outros. Para tanto, desenvolveu-se um sistema automático de medidas de temperaturas, radiação solar e velocidade de vento, intermediadas por microcontroladores interfaciados com um microcomputador. Realizou-se o levantamento das curvas-respostas dos coletores devido a influência da velocidade do vento incidente, para medidas das suas eficiências térmicas por absorção de energia solar. Constatou-se que o coletor de metal é 14,4% mais eficiente que o de baixo custo.
Análise de Cenários como ferramenta de atividade educacional em Engenharia de Produção
Authors: Lara Felipe Ferreira de , Marx Roberto , Zilbovicius Mauro
Published: September 2016

A presente pesquisa visa analisar as contribuições da análise de cenários como uma ferramenta de atividade educacional para o ensino de engenharia. Para isso, será analisado o plano e a condução de uma disciplina do último semestre do curso de Engenharia de Produção da Escola Politécnica da Universidade de São Paulo. A disciplina pesquisada não possui conteúdo específico pré-definido: o conteúdo dependerá, a cada vez que for ministrado, dos temas em aprofundamento. Na experiência estudada, o tema proposto foi o da Mobilidade Urbana e as atividades de sala de aula foram conduzidas por meio da metodologia da análise de cenários. Desse modo, o artigo propõe-se a analisar a experiência desenvolvida a partir da aplicação desse método, contemplando o plano da disciplina, a forma de condução das aulas e a contribuição para o desenvolvimento de competências e habilidades dos alunos. O artigo apresenta, ainda, sugestões de melhorias para a disciplina.
Área de figuras planas com objetos de aprendizagem no Geogebra
Authors: Homa Agostinho Iaqchan Ryokiti , Groenwald Claudia Lisete Oliveira
Published: September 2016

Este artigo apresenta uma sequência didática, em formato digital, com a temática área de figuras planas, utilizando objetos de aprendizagem construídos no software Geogebra. O objetivo foi elaborar uma sequência didática, com objetos de aprendizagem interativos, de maneira que os estudantes do Ensino Fundamental construam os conceitos de polígonos e as fórmulas das áreas de figuras planas através da observação e manipulação desses objetos. A sequência está de acordo com o padrão SCORM, foi implementada na plataforma de ensino ILIAS e encontra-se disponível no endereço: http://matematica.ulbra.br/ilias.