bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blood Biochemical and Immunological Responses to Garlic Oil Administration in Growing Rabbits Diet
Authors: EL-Gogary M. R. , Mansour A. M. , El-Said E. A.
Published: December 2017

The effect of dietary supplementation garlic oil on performance and blood parameters of New Zealand White rabbits has been studied. The garlic oil was added at graded levels of 0.0, 0.25, 0.5 and 0.75 g/kg for T1 (control), T2, T3 and T4, respectively. A total of thirty six male rabbits, 7 weeks of age and with an initial weigh of 950 g were used. There were four treatments, each with three replicates (n = 3) in randomly divided design. The parameters investigated were growth performance, carcass yield, glucose, plasma lipids profile, immunoglobulin’s G (IgG, IgA and IgM), antioxidant status and testosterone hormone. The results showed that feeding diet supplemented with garlic oil had insignificant effect on body weight, body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, triglycerides, cholesterol, LDL and HDL. Rabbits fed the 0.5 g/kg garlic oil diet had significantly increased IgG level, hence improved immune responses and Testosterone hormone of rabbits. The colony forming units of coliform bacteria showed a significantly lower number compared with control. The present results indicate that supplemented of garlic oil at 0.5 g/kg of diet has a positive effect on HDL, immunoglobulin’s G, antioxidant status and testosterone hormone in addition to its antibacterial effect.
Soil Chemistry and Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) Yield as Influenced by 16 Years of Composted Poultry Litter Addition
Authors: Abobi Hebert D. A. , Koné Armand W. , Koffi Bernard Y. , Diahuissié Saint Salomon F. , Loukou Stanislas K. , Tiho Seydou
Published: December 2017

Poultry litter is increasingly used as organic amendment in market gardening in Côte d’Ivoire. To know about the sustainability of this practice, its impacts on soil quality should be known. This study aimed at assessing the effect on soil fertility of composted poultry litter addition for 16 years following two distinct ways, and identifying soil parameters driving cucumber yield. Trials were laid out in a Fisher randomized block design with 3 treatments replicated 5 times each: Control (C), Surface-applied compost (SAC) and Buried compost (BC). Soil (0-20 cm) chemical characteristics and cucumber growth and yield parameters were measured. Values of all parameters were higher with compost addition compared to the control, except for the C:N ratio. SAC and BC showed similar values of organic C, total N, CEC, pH and available phosphorus. However, Ca2+, Mg2+, K+ and base saturation were higher in SAC than in BC. Relative to values in the control, the greatest changes in soil parameters were observed with exchangeable cations, followed by soil organic matter. Soil organic C and total N concentrations have doubled in SAC while Ca2+, Mg2+, and K+ increased at greater rate (702.4, 400.9 and 186.67% respectively). Also, cucumber growth parameters were the highest with compost addition compared to the control. Significant effect of the compost application way on cucumber was also observed: collar diameter, leaf area and fresh fruit yield in SAC (0.72±0.02 cm, 258.9±12.3 cm2, 11.1±1.3 t ha-1, respectively) were higher than in BC (0.56±0.01 cm, 230.2±2.5 cm2, 5.4±0.5 t ha-1 respectively). Fruit yields in SAC and BC were four times and twice higher than in the control (2.6±0.3 t ha-1), respectively. Cucumber growth parameters were determined by soil concentration in Mg2+ while yield was determined by Ca2+. Composted poultry litter should be promoted for a sustainable soil fertility management in vegetable farming systems.
Chemical Composition and Energy Yield of Elephant-Grass Biomass as Function of Five Different Production Ages
Authors: Freitas Rafael Souza , Barbé Tatiane Da Costa , Daher Rogério Figueiredo , Vidal Ana Kesia Faria , Stida Wanessa Francesconi , Da Silva Verônica Brito , Menezes Bruna Rafaela Da Silva , Pereira Antônio Vander
Published: December 2017

Elephant grass has high biomass production, with qualities suitable for conversion into bioenergy, but has long been used exclusively for animal feed and only in recent years has it become an energetic alternative. Therefore, it is necessary to select genotypes with potential for energy production. This study evaluated the effect of five harvest times (8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 weeks) on the yield and chemical composition related to biomass quality through combined polynomial regression analyses of the following elephant grass genotypes: Cubano Pinda, Mercker 86-México, Pusa Napier n°1, Mole de Volta Grande, P-241-Piracicaba, and King Grass. A completely randomized design with three replicates, in a split-plot arrangement, was adopted, including two factors (plots = genotypes, subplots = harvest times). The evaluated variables were whole-plant dry matter yield, in t ha-1 (DMY), percentage of neutral detergent fiber (%NDF), and percentage of acid detergent fiber (%ADF). The elephant-grass genotypes Cubano de Pinda, Mercker 86-México, and P-241-Piracicaba showed a linear first-degree effect as a function of the harvest intervals, indicating that they did not reach their maximum production potential. Genotypes Pusa Napier n°1, Mole de Volta Grande, and King Grass, in turn, had a linear second-degree effect. For the NDF variable, all genotypes showed a significant linear second-degree effect as a function of the harvest intervals, except P-241-Piracicaba, for which no regression was observed. For this genotype, there was a significant linear first-degree effect on the %ADF variable.
Assessment of Electricity-Free Hydroponics in India: A Proof of Concept Field Study
Authors: Roy Indira , Naumova Yelena , Both A. J.
Published: December 2017

Subsistence and smallholder farmers in the Deccan plateau region of India struggle with a predominantly hot and dry climate and often accumulated debt due to the cost of fertilizer that they need to increase yields for profitability. While a low-cost deep-flow technique hydroponic growing system (DFT) as a supplement to soil-based agriculture could help reduce debt, the cost of electricity needed to operate the DFT makes it inaccessible to these farmers. The objective of this project was to test the viability of electricity-free DFT which would substantially reduce production costs. Two DFT systems were set up in a shade net house and prepared with identical nutrients to grow chili pepper seedlings. Each DFT system was oxygenated for 30 minutes per day, one system using an electrical air pump, and the other system was oxygenated manually. After four weeks of growth, the dry mass of the shoots of the chili pepper seedlings in each system was measured. While the pump-oxygenated DFT system produced more dry matter, the manually-oxygenated system produced a larger number of visually healthier plants. Therefore, we conclude that electricity-free DFT hydroponics may be a viable alternative to pump-oxygenated DFT hydroponics, making hydroponic farming a cost-effective option for poor farmers.
Evaluation of Elite Open-Pollinated Maize Lines in Two Contrasting Environments
Authors: Greveniotis Vasileios , Bouloumpasi Elisavet , Tsakiris Ioannis , Sioki Evangelia , Ipsilandis Constantinos
Published: December 2017

Selection environment affects plant behavior and response to selection. The objective of the present study was the evaluation of 17 quality and quantity phenotypic characteristics of six open-pollinated maize lines of fifth cycle of selection (C4), which was performed by the implementation of honeycomb breeding, in two contrasting environments (A and B). A: Florina, W. Macedonia (40o46' N, 21o22' E, altitude 705 m) and B: Trikala, Thessaly (39o55' N, 21o64' E, altitude 120 m), with about 4-10 oC higher temperatures than environment A. The soil chemical analysis revealed that the two environments were very diverse (A: SL, pH = 6.25, organic matter: 1.29%, B: SCL, pH = 8, organic matter: 2.4%). Our data suggest that moisture content, seed oil content, ear length, ear diameter, number of grain rows, spindle diameter and seed thickness exhibit inter-location high broad-sense heritability (over 0.9). Heritability estimations were highly depended on the environment, since GEI interaction was high indicating environmental interaction with genotype, especially environment B, which seems to favor heritability. Location affects strongly variation and genotype by environment interaction is significant in many cases. Seed width was the only characteristic to be depended on genetic variability. Descriptive statistics revealed a broad range of mean fluctuations, indicating satisfactory variability in many characteristics to be exploited by breeders. Some characteristics showed low CV (Coefficient of Variation) values (1.6 to 5.3), indicating stability of performance and low environmental effects. Significant correlations between the 17 quantity and quality traits found in our study may be a useful tool for indirect selection of certain characteristics, otherwise difficult to be selected due to non-additive effects. Cluster analysis and PCA showed contrasting results in classification of open-pollinated lines and this was attributed to strong environmental effects that distorted phenotypic expression of the characteristics studied.
Parallelizing Rostam and Sohrab with Achilles and Hector in Matthew Arnold’s Poem “Sohrab and Rustum”
Authors: Heidari Ali , Niazi Nozar
Published: December 2017

In translating “Rostam and Sohrab”, one of the most delightful stories in Shahnameh, Matthew Arnold did not stay true to Ferdowsi’s version. Instead, he opted to veer more into Homer’s The Iliad. The Homeric atmosphere hovering over the poem is exactly one of the factors that made Arnold’s poem universally famous. One of the scenes that Arnold intentionally, and most cleverly, copied in his rendition of Rostam and Sohrab was the battle between the Greek hero Achilles and the Trojan hero Hector, which he depicted under the heavy influence of Homer’s The Iliad. The present article is an attempt to demonstrate this parallelization which can be found in the overall framework of Arnold’s poem, especially in the battles between Rustum and Sohrab with that of Achilles and Hector.
Current Uses of Ultrasound Imaging in Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation
Authors: Jopowicz Robert , Jopowicz Małgorzata , Czarnocki Łukasz , Deszczyński Jarosław Michał , Deszczyński Jarosław
Published: December 2017

The term Rehabilitative Ultrasound Imaging (RUSI) refers to the use of ultrasound imaging by physiothera­pists. Ultrasound is used by physiotherapists to evaluate the morphology of muscles and other associated soft tissues not only at rest but also for a dynamic assessment of those structures during physical activities and tasks. RUSI is most commonly utilized as part of a biofeedback mechanism, which shows good efficacy in lower back pain treatment. Several possibilities have been also described for clinically adapting this method in the rehabilitation of the shoulder and knee and postoperative improvement of tendons. RUSI is a novel method with a high clinical potential to support physiotherapeutic therapies.
Beyond Biosecurity
Authors: Rogers Chandler D. ,   International Association for Environmental Philosophy
Published: December 2017

As boundaries between domesticity and the undomesticated increasingly blur for cohabitants of Vancouver Island, home to North America’s densest cougar population, predatorial problems become more and more pressing. Rosemary-Claire Collard responds on a pragmatic plane, arguing that the encounter between human and cougar is only ever destructive, that contact results in death and almost always for the cougar. Advocating for vigilance in policing boundaries separating cougar from civilization, therefore, she looks to Foucault’s analysis of modern biopower in the first volume of his History of Sexuality for support in favor of a more contemporary notion of biosecurity. In response to Collard’s arguments, concerned with ethical conclusions drawn on the basis of her policy-based proposal, I challenge the prohibition she places on encounter. In the first section, “Becoming Killable,” I address her use of Donna Haraway’s phraseology, and in the second section, “Biological Dangers,” I scrutinize her reading of Foucault, arguing that the appeals she makes distort the mode of argumentation at work for each thinker. The final section, “Facing Cougar, Facing Death,” advocates further ethical possibilities generated on the basis of Foucault’s correlation between overcoming the fear of death and resisting abuses of power with respect to others. My contention is that our transgressing boundaries constructed to separate humanity from the inhumane curtails tendencies toward the marginalization and subjugation of those animal others whose very existence brings us face to face with the fact of our own mortality.
“Fútbol callejero”: processos educativos emergentes da prática social da mediação
Authors: Varotto Nathan Raphael , Gonçalves Junior Luiz , Lemos Fábio Ricardo Mizuno
Published: December 2017

O objetivo deste estudo foi compreender os processos educativos que emergiram da prática social da mediação do “Fútbol Callejero” no projeto de extensão Vivências em Atividades Diversificadas de Lazer. A análise considerou 10 encontros, ocorridos no período de agosto/2015 a fevereiro/2016, registrados em diários de campo. Na construção dos resultados, que utilizou perspectiva metodológica inspirada na fenomenologia, emergiram duas categorias: A) Diálogo respeitoso; B) Jogar com outrem. A partir dos resultados, percebemos que a experiência de fruição do “Fútbol Callejero” colaborou para o entendimento e para ocorrência de relações mais cooperativas, respeitosas e solidárias.
EKONOMIJA EVROPSKIH INTEGRACIJA
Authors: Čošabić Sandro
Published: December 2017

I u kakvo je to stanje Evropa bila svedena?... Preko sirokihpodrucja ogro- mna drhtava masa izmucenih, gladnih, zabrinutih i zbunjenih Ijudi kojii zure u ruine svojih gradova i domova iprate tamne horizonte, ocekujuci neku novu opasnost, tiraniju i teror... To je sve sto imaju Evropljani, grupisani u tako mnogo drevnih drzava i nacija.uporno se boreci jedniprotiv drugih i sireci razaranje na sve strane.
George Whitefield Awakens New York City
Authors: Goodfriend Joyce D.
Published: December 2017

This chapter examines English evangelist George Whitefield's message of the “new birth” and how it came to resonate among a variety of New Yorkers, including adherents of the orthodox Dutch Reformed and Anglican Churches. Whitefield's influence on New Yorkers is best measured by focusing on his career as it intersected with the city's evolving religious life. In a process similar to that experienced by Dutch Reformed and Scottish Presbyterian traditionalists, devotees of Whitefield's brand of Christianity overcame ingrained habits and embraced novel religious ideas. During his seven-week stretch of preaching from December 1763 to January 1764, Whitefield sparked a religious awakening that touched New Yorkers of all backgrounds. This chapter considers how Whitefield's moral authority, augmented by his charismatic preaching, emboldened the people of New York City dwellers to challenge doctrines and practices they deemed inauthentic and to reject the counsel of men of stature in their churches.
Religious Risks as a Threat to State Security in Interconfessional Regions
Authors: Silayeva Zoya V.
Published: December 2017

This paper is devoted to the study of religious risks, which create a direct or indirect possibility of inflicting damage to both an individual and a multi-confessional state. Particular attention is paid to the crisis of religious identity and the growth of proselytism. The paper involves analysis of the consequences of globalization, religious conflicts and religious migration. Various technologies used by external forces to form new values amid complex socio-political processes were also considered. To study the stated topic, a synthetic approach was used to identify the most significant directions of socio-political changes through studying the shifts in the system of value and behavioral patterns of both believers and neophytes that can cause an increase in religious tension. In the course of the research, the author came to the conclusion that religious risks develop under the influence of certain conditions and factors often created and used purposefully to demonstrate the religious diversity of the internally contradictory integrity of a multi-confessional state, deepen social inequality and exacerbate socio-political tensions caused by a political-ideological confrontation and identity differences. The success of external forces in the situation destabilization is largely due to an incorrect assessment of threats. In order to prevent this, it is necessary to rethink the role of religion in the context of globalization and rapid socio-political transformation, as well as the religious factor in explanatory models of social development. 
Some Asymmetry Problems of the Socio-Economic and Political Relations of Territorial Subjects of the Russian Federation
Authors: Misakov Valery S. , Misakov Anzor V. , Tsurova Lisa A. , Eskiyev Moussa A. , Ilayeva Zarema M.
Published: December 2017

In this article, the problems of territorial alignment asymmetry of the depressive republics in the North Caucasus are considered. It is proved that while making the integrated assessment for the involvement efficiency of factors into the conditions of the market relations and economic development of the region for providing set social results, it is possible to consider the level of social and economic development of the region of the Russian Federation. For these purposes it is expedient to use two complex indicators reflecting key aspects of territorial development: economic development level of the territory; social development level of the territory.
In silico identification of off-target pesticidal dsRNA binding in honey bees (Apis mellifera)
Authors: Mogren Christina L. , Lundgren Jonathan Gary
Published: December 2017

Background

Pesticidal RNAs that silence critical gene function have great potential in pest management, but the benefits of this technology must be weighed against non-target organism risks.

Methods

Published studies that developed pesticidal double stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) were collated into a database. The target gene sequences for these pesticidal RNAs were determined, and the degree of similarity with sequences in the honey bee genome were evaluated statistically.

Results

We identified 101 insecticidal RNAs sharing high sequence similarity with genomic regions in honey bees. The likelihood that off-target sequences were similar increased with the number of nucleotides in the dsRNA molecule. The similarities of non-target genes to the pesticidal RNA was unaffected by taxonomic relatedness of the target insect to honey bees, contrary to previous assertions. Gene groups active during honey bee development had disproportionately high sequence similarity with pesticidal RNAs relative to other areas of the genome.

Discussion

Although sequence similarity does not itself guarantee a significant phenotypic effect in honey bees by the primary dsRNA, in silico screening may help to identify appropriate experimental endpoints within a risk assessment framework for pesticidal RNAi.
Plant Uptake of Atmospheric Carbonyl Sulfide in Coast Redwood Forests
Authors: Campbell J. E. , Whelan M. E. , Berry J. A. , Hilton T. W. , Zumkehr A. , Stinecipher J. , Lu Y. , Kornfeld A. , Seibt U. , Dawson T. E. , Montzka S. A. , Baker I. T. , Kulkarni S. , Wang Y. , Herndon S. C. , Zahniser M. S. , Commane R. , Loik M. E.
Published: December 2017

The future resilience of coast redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) is now of critical concern due to the detection of a 33% decline in California coastal fog over the 20th century. However, ecosystem‐scale measurements of photosynthesis and stomatal conductance are challenging in coast redwood forests, making it difficult to anticipate the impacts of future changes in fog. To address this methodological problem, we explore coastal variations in atmospheric carbonyl sulfide (COS or OCS), which could potentially be used as a tracer of these ecosystem processes. We conducted atmospheric flask campaigns in coast redwood sites, sampling at surface heights and in the canopy (~70 m), at the University of California Landels‐Hill Big Creek Reserve and Big Basin State Park. We simulated COS atmosphere‐biosphere exchange with a high‐resolution 3‐D model to interpret these data. Flask measurements indicated a persistent daytime drawdown between the coast and the downwind forest (45 ± 6 ppt COS) that is consistent with the expected relationship between COS plant uptake, stomatal conductance, and gross primary production. Other sources and sinks of COS that could introduce noise to the COS tracer technique (soils, anthropogenic activity, nocturnal plant uptake, and surface hydrolysis on leaves) are likely to be small relative to daytime COS plant uptake. These results suggest that COS measurements may be useful for making ecosystem‐scale estimates of carbon, water, and energy exchange in coast redwood forests.
Interhemispheric Asymmetry of the Sunward Plasma Flows for Strongly Dominant IMF BZ > 0
Authors: Yakymenko K. N. , Koustov A. V. , Fiori R. A. D.
Published: December 2017

Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN) convection maps obtained simultaneously in both hemispheres are averaged to infer polar cap ionospheric flow patterns under strongly dominant positive interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) Bz component. The data set consisted of winter observations in the Northern Hemisphere simultaneously with summer observations in the Southern Hemisphere. Long‐lasting high‐latitude dayside reverse convection cells are shown to have faster sunward flows at near‐magnetic noon hours in the summer/Southern Hemisphere. Sunward flows typically deviate from the midnight‐noon meridian toward 10–11 h of magnetic local time in the summer/Southern Hemisphere and are more aligned with the midnight‐noon meridian in the winter/Northern Hemisphere. Flow deviations in the winter/Northern Hemisphere can be both toward prenoon and postnoon hours, and there is no clear relationship between flow deviation and the IMF By component. No strong preference for the sunward flow occurrence depending on the IMF Bx polarity was found. In addition, the rate of the sunward flow speed increase in response to an increase in driving conditions was found to be comparable for the IMF Bx > 0 and Bx < 0.
Systematic Investigation on Synthesis of CuInS2 Powder and its Influencing Factors
Authors: Liu Kegao , Li Jing , Xu Yong , Shi Lei , Gao Wencheng
Published: December 2017

CuInS2 powders were prepared by solvothermal method. The effects of experimental conditions on crystal structure, composition phase and morphology were investigated systematically. The phases of product samples were analyzed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) on the Bruker D8 Advance XRD system with Nifiltered Cu‐Kα (λ = 1.5059 Å). The morphology of the product powders were observed using scanning electron microscope (SEM) with a model of JSM‐6380LA made by Japan Electronics Co., Ltd. The elemental compositions of the product powders were analyzed by energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The results show that, different solvents have important effects on the crystal structures of CuInS2 powders. With CuC12·2H2O, InCl3 and SC(NH2)2 as raw materials, the wurtzite CuInS2 obtained with the mixed solvent of ethanol and hydrazine hydrate has better crystallinity than that obtained by the mixed solvent of ethylene glycol and hydrazine hydrate. The product powder obtained with ethanol without hydrazine hydrate has major phase chalcopyrite CuInS2. The wurtzite CuInS2 powder consists of aggregated particles with diameters of 0.1 ∼ 0.5 μm. The sample with chalcopyrite has relatively more large particles with diameters of 3 ∼ 5 μm which consist of smaller flakes. The optimum conditions for preparing wurtzite CuInS2 powder are at 160 °C for 20 h using CuC12·2H2O, InCl3 and SC(NH2)2 as raw materials and the mixed solution of ethanol and hydrazine hydrate as solvent. With the increase of reaction temperature, the XRD peaks of chalcopyrite CuInS2 are more obvious, but the new impurity phase Cu2S appears at 220 °C. With holding time prolonging, it is helpful to eliminate the XRD peaks of impurity and promote chalcopyrite CuInS2 formation. The optimum conditions for chalcopyrite CuInS2 are reacting at 220 °C for 30 h with ethanol without hydrazine hydrate as solvent and CuC12·2H2O, InCl3 and SC(NH2)2 as raw materials.
Interferon α2 and interferon γ induce the degranulation independent production of VEGF‐A and IL‐1 receptor antagonist and other mediators from human mast cells
Authors: Oldford Sharon A. , Salsman Suzanne P. , Portales‐Cervantes Liliana , Alyazidi Raidan , Anderson Robert , Haidl Ian D , Marshall Jean S.
Published: December 2017

Background

Mast cells are resident immune effector cells, often studied in the context of allergic disease. Found in substantial numbers at sites of potential infection they are increased at sites of angiogenesis and can be pivotal for the sensing and clearance of a variety of pathogens. Interferons (IFNs) are cytokines that are critical for host defence against intracellular pathogens. Increased levels of IFNs are observed during viral infection and in autoimmune diseases. IFNs are also widely used therapeutically and have been examined in the therapy of severe asthma.

Objective

To define the selective human mast cell cytokine and chemokine response following activation with type I or type II IFN's.

Methods

The ability of both IFNα2 and IFNγ to induce cytokine production by human cord blood‐derived mast cells was examined in vitro. Cytokine and chemokine production at 6 and 24 h was assessed by multiplex protein analysis. Degranulation was assessed by β‐hexosaminidase release. Mast cells were also treated with reovirus or respiratory syncytial virus and their production of CXCL10, IL‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1Ra), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) examined after 24 h.

Results

In addition to increased expression of classical IFN response genes, such as CXCL10, small but significant increases in CCL5 and IL‐17 production were observed following IFN activation. Notably, human mast cells produced both VEGF and IL‐1Ra in a dose dependent manner. These responses occurred in the absence of mast cell degranulation by a mechanism consistent with classical IFN signaling. Both reovirus and respiratory syncytial virus infection of mast cells, were also associated with IFN‐dependent IL‐1Ra expression.

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance

Our findings demonstrate that IFNs have profound impact on cytokine and chemokine expression by human mast cells, alone or in the context of viral infection. Mast cell VEGF and IL‐1Ra responses to IFNs could impact the regulation of local inflammatory responses and subsequent tissue remodeling.
Transfer Function and Time Series Outlier Analysis: Modelling Soil Salinity in Loamy Sand Soil by Including the Influences of Irrigation Management and Soil Temperature
Authors: Aljoumani Basem , Sànchez‐Espigares Josep A. , Cañameras Nuria , Wessolek Gerd , Josa Ramon
Published: December 2017

In variable interval irrigation, simply including soil salinity data in the soil salinity model is not valid for making predictions, because changes in irrigation frequency must also be taken into account. This study on variable interval irrigation used capacitance soil sensors simultaneously to obtain hourly measurements of bulk electrical conductivity (σb), soil temperature (t) and soil water content (θ). Observations of σb were converted so that the electrical conductivity of the pore water (σp) could be estimated as an indicator of soil salinity. Values of θ, t and σp were used to test a mathematical model for studying how σp cross‐correlates with t and θ to predict soil salinity at a given depth. These predictions were based on measurements of σp, t, and θ at a shallow depth. As a result, prediction at shallow depth was successful after integrating intervention analysis and outlier detection into the seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model. We then used the (multiple‐input/one‐output) transfer function models to logically predict soil salinity at the depths of interest. The model could also correctly determine the effect of the irrigation event on soil salinity. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An attempt at revisiting the factor structure of the Dysexecutive Questionnaire in the Chinese setting
Authors: Yang Zhuo‐Ya , Sun Sai‐Fei , Lui Simon S. Y. , Shi Hai‐Song , Xie Dong‐Jie , Xie Wen‐Lan , Wang Ya , Cheung Eric F. C. , Shum David H. K. , Chan Raymond C. K.
Published: December 2017

This study examined the factor structure of the Chinese version of the Dysexecutive Questionnaire (DEX) in a large nonclinical sample of college students (n = 1,586). All participants completed the self‐report version of the DEX. An exploratory factor analysis was first performed on a sub‐sample (randomly split, n = 766) and produced a four‐factor model (Volition, Intentionality, Inhibition, and Abstract Problem‐Solving), which was similar to previous models reported in Western samples. In addition, a series of confirmatory factor analyses was conducted on the remaining sample (n = 820). The findings suggested that a four‐factor solution of the self‐report DEX might better explain the latent structure in the present healthy Chinese sample.
Sustainable Bioresource‐Derived Components for Molecular Keypad Lock and IMPLICATION Logic Gate Construction
Authors: Renuka Kizhisseri Devi , Lekshmi C. Lalitha , Joseph Kuruvilla , Mahesh Sankarapillai
Published: December 2017

A In view of security information storage, preserving the information at the molecular level is an attractive research goal. This eventually led to the extensive development of “Molecular Keypad Locks” which can be opened only by a particular sequence of chemical inputs. Here we report a molecular keypad lock from two bioresource derived components, one is an azobenzene system from cardanol and a graphene quantum dot derived from honey. This system further used to construct an IMPLICATION logic gate and a fluorescent probe for the detection of a poisonous pesticide Carbofuran. This is the first example of molecular keypad lock constructed from sustainable components and thus opens a new pathway in the field of “Sustainable Molecular Electronics”.
From Keller's MVP Model to Faculty Development Practice
Authors: Svinicki Marilla D.
Published: December 2017

As faculty and faculty developers, we sometimes forget that the principles of learning and motivation that we apply to students also apply to us. This chapter illustrates how the MVP model can be used to create effective faculty development activities.
Turning the tide: A plea for cognitively lean interpretations of infant behaviour
Authors: Beisert Miriam , Zmyj Norbert , Daum Moritz M.
Published: December 2017

Keven & Akins (K&A) revisit the controversial subject of neonatal imitation through analysing the physiological foundations of neonatal spontaneous behaviour. Consequently, they regard imitative capacities in neonates as unlikely. We welcome this approach as an overdue encouragement to refuse cognitively rich interpretations as far as cognitively lean interpretations are conceivable, and apply this rationale to other phenomena in early childhood development.
Spontaneous communication and infant imitation
Authors: Buck Ross
Published: December 2017

Infant behavior is viewed in a social-communicative context centered on the phenomenon of spontaneous communication. Symbolic communication is learned and culturally structured, intentional, consists of symbols, and is propositional in content. In contrast, spontaneous communication is innate in both its sending (display) and receiving (preattunement) aspects, non-intentional, consists of signs, and is non-propositional or emotional in content. It underlies infant imitation, interactional synchrony, primary intersubjectivity, emotional empathy, and mirror neurons; and it is associated with oxytocin.
The case against newborn imitation grows stronger
Authors: Jones Susan S.
Published: December 2017

The claim that human newborns imitate is widely accepted and influential. Yet reliable evidence that newborns match modeled behaviors is limited, and there is no empirically based explanation of how the knowledge that imitation requires could develop before birth. In their target article, Keven & Akins (K&A) contribute important new evidence to an alternative account of newborns' matching that challenges the newborn imitation claim.
Effects of PI3K and FSH on steroidogenesis, viability and embryo development of the cumulus–oocyte complex after in vitro culture
Authors: de Souza Danielle Kaiser , Salles Loise Pedrosa , Camargo Ricardo , Gulart Laura Vanessa Mourão , Costa e Silva Suellen , de Lima Beatriz Dolabela , Torres Fernando Araripe Gonçalves , Rosa e Silva Alzira Amélia Martins
Published: December 2017

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of FSH and PI3K on the nuclear maturation, viability, steroidogenesis and embryo development of bovine cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs). Oocyte maturation was achieved with MIV B, MIV B+100 µM LY294002, MIV B+10 ng/mL follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), or MIV B+10 ng/mL FSH+100 µM LY294002 treatments for 22–24 h. After the cultured COCs were denuded, oocytes were separated into those that extruded polar bodies (mature) and those that did not, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for BAX, BCL2, LHR, FSHR, CYP11A1, CYP19A1 and HSD17B1 genes was performed. The culture medium was collected to determine the levels of 17β-estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4). The trypan blue test was used to study COC viability, and embryo development was evaluated. FSH increased nuclear maturation and PI3K blocked the maturation but did not influence oocyte viability. BAX and BCL2 expression levels in the cumulus cells were only affected by FSH, and the BAX levels decreased after treatment with LY294002. FSH increased the levels of E2 and P4, however inhibition of PI3K decreased E2 levels. MIV B enhanced levels of LHR, FSHR, CYP11A1, CYP19A1 and HSD17B1, whereas LY294002 inhibited the expression levels of all genes. MIV B+FSH decreased the expression levels of all genes except CYP11A1. LY294002 did not demonstrate any effects in the presence of FSH. Embryo development was significantly decreased when the MIV B+FSH medium was used. In conclusion, FSH controls the steroidogenesis, viability and gene expression in COCs. PI3K plays essential roles in nuclear maturation, steroidogenesis and embryo development.
Between hospitality and asylum: A historical perspective on displaced agency
Authors: Isayev Elena
Published: December 2017

This article aims at positioning the agency of the displaced within the longue durée, as it is exposed in contexts of hospitality and asylum, by articulating its key modes: contingent, willed and compelled. Using the ancient world as its starting point, the article exposes the duplicity in conceiving of the current condition of displacement as transient or exceptional. As such, it argues for the urgent need of a shift in the perception of displaced persons from that of impotent victims to potent agents, and to engage with the new forms of exceptional politics which their circumstances engender.
Classification of gene signatures for their information value and functional redundancy
Authors: Cantini Laura , Calzone Laurence , Martignetti Loredana , Rydenfelt Mattias , Blüthgen Nils , Barillot Emmanuel , Zinovyev Andrei
Published: December 2017

Gene signatures are more and more used to interpret results of omics data analyses but suffer from compositional (large overlap) and functional (correlated read-outs) redundancy. Moreover, many gene signatures rarely come out as significant in statistical tests. Based on pan-cancer data analysis, we construct a restricted set of 962 signatures defined as informative and demonstrate that they have a higher probability to appear enriched in comparative cancer studies. We show that the majority of informative signatures conserve their weights for the genes composing the signature (eigengenes) from one cancer type to another. We finally construct InfoSigMap, an interactive online map of these signatures and their cross-correlations. This map highlights the structure of compositional and functional redundancies between informative signatures, and it charts the territories of biological functions. InfoSigMap can be used to visualize the results of omics data analyses and suggests a rearrangement of existing gene sets.
Plasmon-actuated nano-assembled microshells
Authors: Quint Makiko T. , Sarang Som , Quint David A. , Keshavarz Amir , Stokes Benjamin J. , Subramaniam Anand Bala , Huang Kerwyn Casey , Gopinathan Ajay , Hirst Linda S. , Ghosh Sayantani
Published: December 2017

We present three-dimensional microshells formed by self-assembly of densely-packed 5 nm gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Surface functionalization of the AuNPs with custom-designed mesogenic molecules drives the formation of a stable and rigid shell wall, and these unique structures allow encapsulation of cargo that can be contained, virtually leakage-free, over several months. Further, by leveraging the plasmonic response of AuNPs, we can rupture the microshells using optical excitation with ultralow power (<2 mW), controllably and rapidly releasing the encapsulated contents in less than 5 s. The optimal AuNP packing in the wall, moderated by the custom ligands and verified using small angle x-ray spectroscopy, allows us to calculate the heat released in this process, and to simulate the temperature increase originating from the photothermal heating, with great accuracy. Atypically, we find the local heating does not cause a rise of more than 50 °C, which addresses a major shortcoming in plasmon actuated cargo delivery systems. This combination of spectral selectivity, low power requirements, low heat production, and fast release times, along with the versatility in terms of identity of the enclosed cargo, makes these hierarchical microshells suitable for wide-ranging applications, including biological ones.
Lectin activity of the pneumococcal pilin proteins
Authors: Day Christopher J. , Paton Adrienne W. , Harvey Richard M. , Hartley-Tassell Lauren E. , Seib Kate L. , Tiralongo Joe , Bovin Nicolai , Savino Silvana , Masignani Vega , Paton James C. , Jennings Michael P.
Published: December 2017

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. The Pilus-1 proteins, RrgA, RrgB and RrgC of S. pneumoniae have been previously assessed for their role in infection, invasive disease and as possible vaccine candidates. In this study we have investigated the glycan binding repertoire of all three Pilus-1 proteins, identifying that the tip adhesin RrgA has the broadest glycan recognition of the three proteins, binding to maltose/cellobiose, α/β linked galactose and blood group A and H antigens. RrgB only bound mannose, while RrgC bound a subset of glycans also recognized by RrgA. Adherence of S. pneumoniae TIGR4 to epithelial cells was tested using four of the oligosaccharides identified through the glycan array analysis as competitive inhibitors. The blood group H trisaccharide provided the best blocking of S. pneumoniae TIGR4 adherence. Adherence is the first step in disease, and host glycoconjugates are a common target for many adhesins. This study has identified Pilus-1 proteins as new lectins involved in the targeting of host glycosylation by S. pneumoniae.
Fabrication of highly conductive graphene/ITO transparent bi-film through CVD and organic additives-free sol-gel techniques
Authors: Hemasiri Bastian Waduge Naveen Harindu , Kim Jae-Kwan , Lee Ji-Myon
Published: December 2017

Indium tin oxide (ITO) still remains as the main candidate for high-performance optoelectronic devices, but there is a vital requirement in the development of sol-gel based synthesizing techniques with regards to green environment and higher conductivity. Graphene/ITO transparent bi-film was synthesized by a two-step process: 10 wt. % tin-doped ITO thin films were produced by an environmentally friendly aqueous sol-gel spin coating technique with economical salts of In(NO3)3.H2O and SnCl4, without using organic additives, on surface free energy enhanced (from 53.826 to 97.698 mJm−2) glass substrate by oxygen plasma treatment, which facilitated void-free continuous ITO film due to high surface wetting. The chemical vapor deposited monolayer graphene was transferred onto the synthesized ITO to enhance its electrical properties and it was capable of reducing sheet resistance over 12% while preserving the bi-film surface smoother. The ITO films contain the In2O3 phase only and exhibit the polycrystalline nature of cubic structure with 14.35 ± 0.5 nm crystallite size. The graphene/ITO bi-film exhibits reproducible optical transparency with 88.66% transmittance at 550 nm wavelength, and electrical conductivity with sheet resistance of 117 Ω/sq which is much lower than that of individual sol-gel derived ITO film.
Surface molecular structure defects and laser-induced damage threshold of fused silica during a manufacturing process
Authors: Li Yuan , Yan Hongwei , Yang Ke , Yao Caizhen , Wang Zhiqiang , Zou Xinshu , Yan Chunyan , Yuan Xiaodong , Ju Xin , Yang Liming
Published: December 2017

Laser induced damage of fused silica is a serious problem for high power laser systems, and damage precursors are mainly induced by manufacturing processes. In this work, fused silica samples were prepared from a manufacturing process including grinding, polishing and etching procedures. The chemical disorder of the prepared samples was inspected by using fluorescence microscopy and ultra-violet fluorescence spectrometer. The physical disorder was characterized by using Infrared and Raman spectrometer. Laser induced damage thresholds (LIDTs) were measured in R-on-1 mode by 355 nm 6.4 ns laser pulse. Results showed that with the manufacturing processes transforming from grinding to etching, the magnitude of fluorescence point defects reduced while their types did not change, the Si-O-Si bonds of prepared samples were strained and the strained bonds were mitigated. The LIDTs increased with the reducing of fluorescence defects and strained Si-O-Si bonds. However, these structural defects can not be eliminated by the current manufacturing process. Improvements may be needed to eliminate the structural defects for a higher LIDT of fused silica.
Optimal configuration of energy storage system based on frequency hierarchical control in ship power system with solar photovoltaic plant
Authors: Tang Jinrui , Xiong Binyu , Huang Yunhui , Yuan Chengqing , Su Guoxing
Published: December 2017

This study presents the results of hybrid energy storage system (HESS) and improved maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm simulation analysis undertaken to improve the smoothing performance of solar photovoltaic (PV) plant installed in the ship power system. Frequency hierarchical control algorithm is used to assign high‐frequency oscillation part to the supercapacitor and low‐frequency oscillation part to the battery. Meanwhile, improved MPPT algorithm is also used to limit the maximum output power of PV plant, which can reduce the necessary installed capacity of HESS further. The effectiveness of the proposed method was verified under a typical ship power system model.
How the presence of a salt décollement in the sedimentary cover influences the behavior of subsalt thrusts in fold-and-thrust belts
Authors: Vendeville Bruno C. , Pengcheng Tang , Graveleau Fabien , Shaoying Huang , Wang Xin
Published: December 2017

We conducted a series of analogue experiments on shortening of a brittle cover (dry sand) above a deep, thin, frictional detachment (glass microbeads). In some experiments, the cover was homogeneous, entirely brittle. In others, there was a thin viscous silicone layer (representing salt) embedded at mid height into the cover, and initially located in the foreland of the fold-and-thrust belt. Our goal was to determine whether or not the presence of such a décollement in the cover could have an impact on the mechanics and kinematics of the underlying subsalt thrusts. Results confirm that, once the front of the foldbelt reached the hinterland salt pinch out, the kinematics of the deeper belt changed drastically: its front stopped propagating forward, and most of the subsequent shortening was accommodated by a larger-than-normal slip along the foremost and youngest deep thrust, while, above the salt décollement, the deformation front propagated very fast, creating a very low surface slope. We hypothesize that it is the gentle sub-critical surface slope associated with rocksalt’s low viscosity that prevents the build-up of an overall surface slope steep enough to allow the underlying, deep foldbelt to continue propagating forward. Finally, one experiment in which only one half of the width of the model comprised an interbedded viscous décollement has shown that the kinematics of the deep thrust was affected even in the adjacent salt-free domain.
Level V Clearance in Neck Dissection for Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: A Need for Homogeneous Studies
Authors: Battoo Azhar , Sheikh Zahoor , Thankappan Krishnakumar , Mir Abdul , Haji Altaf
Published: December 2017

Introduction Papillary thyroid carcinoma has a very high rate of lateral neck node metastases, and there is almost unanimity concerning the fact that some sort of formal neck dissection must be performed to address the clinical neck disease in these cases. Although there is an agreement that levels II to IV need to be cleared in these patients, the clearance of level V is debatable.

Objectives We herein have tried to analyze various papers that have documented a structured approach to neck dissection in these patients. Moreover, we have also tried to consider this issue through various aspects, like spinal accessory nerve injury and the impact of neck recurrence on survival.

Data Synthesis The PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar, Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER), and Ovid databases were searched for studies written in English that focused on lateral neck dissection (levels II–IV or II–V) for papillary thyroid carcinoma. Case reports with 10 patients or less were excluded.

Conclusions The current evidence is equivocal whether to clear level V or not, and the studies published on this issue are very heterogeneous. Level II-IV versus level II-V selective neck dissections in node-positive papillary thyroid carcinoma patients is far from categorical, with pros and cons for both approaches. Hence, we feel that there is a need for more robust homogeneous data in order to provide an answer to this question.
Bereitschaft zur Inanspruchnahme internetbasierter Unterstützung nach stationärer Behandlung – eine Querschnittstudie
Authors: Frank Fabian , Gräder Nicola , Dahlmann Hannah , Berger Mathias , Hölzel Lars
Published: December 2017

Ziele Untersuchung der Bereitschaft zur Inanspruchnahme internetbasierter Maßnahmen nach stationärer Behandlung.

Methodik Querschnittbefragung an ehemals stationären Patienten (N = 247).

Ergebnisse 44,9 % sind bereit, ein Angebot über Videokonferenz zu nutzen, 34,7 % über Chat, 50,0 % über Mail und 38,0 % als Onlinetherapie. In älteren Altersgruppen ist die Bereitschaft geringer. Vorteile werden in der Flexibilität und Nachteile im unpersönlichen Charakter gesehen.

Schlussfolgerungen Ein relevanter Anteil vor allem jüngerer Patienten ist bereit, internetbasierte Maßnahmen in Anspruch zu nehmen.