bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Legal Instruments for Marine Sanctuary in the High Arctic
Authors: Morris Kathleen , Hossain Kamrul
Published: May 2016

In response to heightened threat to Arctic marine biodiversity due to polar ice melt, the following paper seeks to use qualitative secondary research to analyze existing anthropogenic threat to Arctic marine life and to evaluate current efforts on the part of the Arctic Council to protect biodiversity through a network of state-created marine protected areas (MPAs). We conclude that the current method for MPA creation fails to offer adequate pathways for creation of MPAs in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ), the high seas which fall beyond individual countries’ exclusive economic zones (EEZs). Thus, our central research question is to determine what legal basis and mechanisms exist for the creation of MPAs in ABNJs, with particular focus on the Arctic marine environment. In keeping with The United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity’s (UNCBD) precautionary approach, along with specific rules embodied within The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), we find a basis for creation of MPAs in the ABNJ. The text evaluates findings from the Boulogne-sur-Mer international conference of 2011 to suggest that such MPA creation in ABNJ could be approached via four pathways: regional agreement, UNCLOS implementing agreement, UNCBD additional protocol, or an Arctic Sanctuary modeled on the Antarctic Treaty. While we explore all four options, we argue that, due to geopolitical constraints, a comprehensive regional agreement offers the best path to High Arctic MPA creation.
Silver Nanocoating Technology in the Prevention of Prosthetic Joint Infection
Authors: Gallo Jiri , Panacek Ales , Prucek Robert , Kriegova Eva , Hradilova Sarka , Hobza Martin , Holinka Martin
Published: May 2016

Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a feared complication of total joint arthroplasty associated with increased morbidity and mortality. There is a growing body of evidence that bacterial colonization and biofilm formation are critical pathogenic events in PJI. Thus, the choice of biomaterials for implanted prostheses and their surface modifications may significantly influence the development of PJI. Currently, silver nanoparticle (AgNP) technology is receiving much interest in the field of orthopaedics for its antimicrobial properties and a strong anti-biofilm potential. The great advantage of AgNP surface modification is a minimal release of active substances into the surrounding tissue and a long period of effectiveness. As a result, a controlled release of AgNPs could ensure antibacterial protection throughout the life of the implant. Moreover, the antibacterial effect of AgNPs may be strengthened in combination with conventional antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents. Here, our main attention is devoted to general guidelines for the design of antibacterial biomaterials protected by AgNPs, its benefits, side effects and future perspectives in PJI prevention.
The Effect of ZrO2 Nanoparticles on the Microstructure and Properties of Sintered WC–Bronze-Based Diamond Composites
Authors: Sun Youhong , Wu Haidong , Li Meng , Meng Qingnan , Gao Ke , Lü Xiaoshu , Liu Baochang
Published: May 2016

Metal matrix-impregnated diamond composites are widely used in diamond tool manufacturing. In order to satisfy the increasing engineering requirements, researchers have paid more and more attention to enhancing conventional metal matrices by applying novel methods. In this work, ZrO2 nanoparticles were introduced into the WC–bronze matrix with and without diamond grits via hot pressing to improve the performance of conventional diamond composites. The effects of ZrO2 nanoparticles on the microstructure, density, hardness, bending strength, and wear resistance of diamond composites were investigated. The results indicated that the hardness and relative density increased, while the bending strength decreased when the content of ZrO2 nanoparticles increased. The grinding ratio of diamond composites increased significantly by 60% as a result of nano-ZrO2 addition. The enhancement mechanism was discussed. Diamond composites showed the best overall properties with the addition of 1 wt % ZrO2 nanoparticles, thus paving the way for further applications.
Oxidation Kinetics and Oxygen Capacity of Ti-Bearing Blast Furnace Slag under Dynamic Oxidation Conditions
Authors: Zhang Li , Zhang Wu , Zhang Juhua , Li Guangqiang
Published: May 2016

The oxidation kinetics of low valence titanium and iron in Ti-bearing blast furnace slag were investigated, the activation energies were calculated, which are 461.1 and 437.3 kJ/mol, respectively. The results illustrate that the oxidation process of Ti3+ in the slag is controlled by chemical reactions. However, the chemical reaction between oxygen and iron, between slag and gas, is the determining step of the iron oxidation process. The effects of the isothermal oxidation on the content of Fe2O3, FeM, FeO, and FeT in the slag are discussed. The Fe2+ and Ti3+ in the molten slag were oxidized at high temperatures. Oxygen affinity of the slag can be described using oxygen capacity. The oxygen capacity of Ti-bearing blast furnace slag was investigated during the dynamic oxidation process, the results indicates that the oxygen capacity of the slag decreased with increasing oxidation time during the dynamic oxidation process.
Robust Design of an Optical Micromachine for an Ophthalmic Application
Authors: Sieber Ingo , Martin Thomas , Gengenbach Ulrich
Published: May 2016

This article describes an approach to the robust design of an optical micromachine consisting of a freeform optics, an amplification linkage, and an actuator. The robust design approach consists of monolithic integration principles to minimize assembly efforts and of an optimization of the functional components with respect to robustness against remaining assembly and manufacturing tolerances. The design approach presented involves the determination of the relevant tolerances arising from the domains manufacturing, assembly, and operation of the micromachine followed by a sensitivity analysis with the objective of identifying the worst offender. Subsequent to the above-described steps, an optimization of the functional design of the freeform optics with respect to a compensation of the effects of the tolerances is performed. The result leads to a robust design of the freeform optics and hence ensures a defined and optimal minimum performance of the micromachine in the presence of tolerances caused by the manufacturing processes and the operation of the micromachine. The micromachine under discussion is the tunable optics of an ophthalmic implant, an artificial accommodation system recently realized as a demonstration model at a scale of 2:1. The artificial accommodation system will be developed to replace the human crystalline lens in the case of a cataract.
In Vitro Effects of Concomitant Use of Herbal Preparations on Cytochrome P450s Involved in Clozapine Metabolism
Authors: Wang Wei , Tian Dan-Dan , Zhang Zhang-Jin
Published: May 2016

Herbal supplements are increasingly used in psychiatric practice. Our epidemiological study has identified several herbal preparations associated with adverse outcomes of antipsychotic therapy. In this study, we evaluated the in vitro effects of four herbal preparations—Radix Rehmanniae (RR), Fructus Schisandrae (FS), Radix Bupleuri (RB) and Fructus Gardeniae (FG)—on cytochrome P450s (CYPs) involved in the metabolism of clozapine in human liver microsomes (HLMs) and recombinant human cytochrome P450 enzymes (rCYPs). N-desmethylclozapine and clozapine N-oxide, two major metabolites of clozapine, were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). FG, RR and RB showed negligible inhibitory effects in both in vitro systems, with estimated half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) and apparent inhibitory constant values (Ki) greater than 1 mg/mL (raw material), suggesting that minimal metabolic interaction occurs when these preparations are used concomitantly with clozapine. The FS extract affected CYP activity with varying potency; its effect on CYP 3A4-catalyzed clozapine oxidation was relatively strong (Ki: 0.11 mg/mL). Overall, the weak-to-moderate inhibitory effect of FS on in vitro clozapine metabolism indicated its potential role in herb-drug interaction in practice.
Origanum majorana Attenuates Nephrotoxicity of Cisplatin Anticancer Drug through Ameliorating Oxidative Stress
Authors: Soliman Amel , Desouky Shreen , Marzouk Mohamed , Sayed Amany
Published: May 2016

Despite the fact that cisplatin is an important anticancer drug, its clinical utilization is limited by nephrotoxicity during long term medication. Combined cisplatin chemotherapy with plant extracts can diminish toxicity and enhance the antitumor efficacy of the drug. This study evaluated the effect of Originum majorana ethanolic extract (OMEE) on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. Eighteen male rats were divided into three groups as follows: a control group, a group treated with cisplatin (3 mg/kg body weight), and a group that received both cisplatin and OMEE (500 mg/kg body weight) for 14 days. Cisplatin induced a significant increase in creatinine, urea, uric acid, blood urea nitrogen, malondialdehyde, and nitric oxide levels. However, glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase levels were significantly diminished. Conversely, OMEE significantly modulated the renal and oxidative markers negatively impacted by cisplatin. OMEE significantly reduced the effects of cisplatin-induced changes in renal and oxidative markers, possibly through its free radical scavenging activity. Thus, OMEE may be combined with cisplatin to alleviate nephrotoxicity in cancer chemotherapy.
Sun Exposure Guidelines and Serum Vitamin D Status in Denmark: The StatusD Study
Authors: Hansen Louise , Tjønneland Anne , Køster Brian , Brot Christine , Andersen Rikke , Lundqvist Marika , Christensen Jane , Olsen Anja
Published: May 2016

Little is known on how vitamin D status is affected by adherence to UVB-limiting sun exposure guidelines. Our aim was to investigate the relationship between adherence to the Danish sun exposure guidelines and vitamin D status. In total, 3194 Danes (2625 adults, 569 children) were recruited among the general population, and more than 92% had blood samples taken both autumn and spring. Using linear regression, we associated serum vitamin D concentrations to questionnaire responses on: seeking shade, wearing a sunhat, wearing protective clothing or using sunscreen. The odds ratio (OR) of either low (<25 or 50 nmol/L) or adequate/high (≥50 nmol/L) vitamin D status was examined using logistic regression. For adults, those who always sought shade or wore protective clothing compared to those who did not had lower levels of vitamin D (autumn concentrations for shade: 7.2 nmol/L lower (−11.0–−3.6 nmol/L); for protective clothing: 9.9 nmol/L lower (−13.6–−6.2 nmol/L). Adherence to all four guidelines was also associated with lower vitamin D concentrations (autumn: 9.7 nmol/L lower (−14.3–−5.1 nmol/L). Use of sunscreen was associated with adequate vitamin D status, as those who always sought shade compared to those who did not had an OR (95% CI) of 1.68 (1.25–2.35) of having ≥50 nmol/L during both spring and autumn. No associations were found with wearing a sunhat, and there were no clear associations for children. In conclusion, adherence to the sun exposure guidelines on shade and protective clothing was associated with lower vitamin D status among Danish adults, but not children.
Understanding Users in the ‘Field’ of Medications
Authors: Ballantyne Peri
Published: May 2016

The numbers of medicinal drugs available for human consumption have increased rapidly in the past several decades, and physician prescribing practices reflect the growing reliance on medicines in health care. However, the nature of medicines-as-technology makes problematic taken-for-granted relationships among actors involved in the delivery, or who are the recipients of medicines-reliant health care. In this article, I situate the medicine user in the ‘field’ of medications—where interests, actions and outcomes are continually negotiated among and between the various players—physicians, pharmacists, government regulatory bodies, the pharmaceutical industry and users of medicines. The objective of the paper is to illuminate the complex context in which the medicine-user—the target of the pharmacy profession’s service to the public—accesses and uses medicines.
An Institutional and Status Analysis of Youth Ministry1 in the Archdiocese of Detroit
Authors: McCallion Michael , Ligas John , Seroka George
Published: May 2016

This study finds that a weak institutional infrastructure of youth and young adult (YYA) ministry exists in the Catholic Archdiocese of Detroit (AOD). This helps to explain why there is a disconnect between the Archdiocese proclaiming YYA ministry as a top priority since 1995 and youth ministers self-reporting that they feel like second-class citizens. Moreover, this disconnect is occurring in an increasingly social context in which the current generations of young Catholics are participating less in their faith than previous generations. Interviews with 44 youth ministers and 12 pastors reveal details of this disconnect between archdiocesan policy which states YYA ministry is a top priority and the practices of the archdiocese which indicate otherwise. Youth ministers are marginalized workers who feel insecure about their employment, causing many to obtain second jobs or routinely search for better employment. The sociology of organization literature, particularly the concepts of decoupling and social status are discussed to help explain this disconnect. Data are interpreted and the conclusions made that ecclesial officials take youth ministry for granted and that a weak institutional infrastructure of youth ministry continues in the AOD.
Participating Life Insurance Products with Alternative Guarantees: Reconciling Policyholders’ and Insurers’ Interests
Authors: Reuß Andreas , Ruß Jochen , Wieland Jochen
Published: May 2016

Traditional participating life insurance contracts with year-to-year (cliquet-style) guarantees have come under pressure in the current situation of low interest rates and volatile capital markets, in particular when priced in a market-consistent valuation framework. In addition, such guarantees lead to rather high capital requirements under risk-based solvency frameworks such as Solvency II or the Swiss Solvency Test (SST). Therefore, insurers in several countries have developed new forms of participating products with alternative (typically weaker and/or lower) guarantees that are less risky for the insurer. In a previous paper, it has been shown that such alternative product designs can lead to higher capital efficiency, i.e., higher and more stable profits and reduced capital requirements. As a result, the financial risk for the insurer is significantly reduced while the main guarantee features perceived and requested by the policyholder are preserved. Based on these findings, this paper now combines the insurer’s and the policyholder’s perspective by analyzing product versions that compensate policyholders for the less valuable guarantees. We particularly identify combinations of asset allocation and profit participation rate for the different product designs that lead to an identical expected profit for the insurer (and identical risk-neutral value for the policyholder), but differ with respect to the insurer’s risk and solvency capital requirements as well as with respect to the real-world return distribution for the policyholder. We show that alternative products can be designed in a way that the insurer’s expected profitability remains unchanged, the insurer’s risk and hence capital requirement is substantially reduced and the policyholder’s expected return is increased. This illustrates that such products might be able to reconcile insurers’ and policyholders’ interests and serve as an alternative to the rather risky cliquet-style products.
Changes in Global Grassland Productivity during 1982 to 2011 Attributable to Climatic Factors
Authors: Gao Qingzhu , Schwartz Mark , Zhu Wenquan , Wan Yunfan , Qin Xiaobo , Ma Xin , Liu Shuo , Williamson Matthew , Peters Casey , Li Yue
Published: May 2016

Open, Grass- and Forb-Dominated (OGFD) ecosystems, including tundra, tropical grasslands and savanna, provide habitat for both wild and domesticated large ungulate herbivores. These ecosystems exist across a wide temperature gradient from the Arctic regions to the Equator, but are confined to a narrow set of moisture conditions that range from arid deserts to forest-dominated systems. Primary productivity in OGFD ecosystems appears extremely sensitive to environmental change. We compared global trends in the annual maximum and mean values of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and identified the key bioclimatic indices that controlled OGFD productivity changes in various regions for the period from 1982 to 2011. We found significantly increased or decreased annual maximum NDVI values of 36.3% and 4.6% for OGFD ecosystems, respectively. Trends in the annual mean NDVI are similar for most OGFD ecosystems and show greater area decreases and smaller area increases than trends in the annual maximum NDVI in global OGFD ecosystems during the study period. Ecosystems in which the productivity significantly increased were distributed mainly in the Arctic, mid-eastern South America, central Africa, central Eurasia and Oceania, while those with decreasing trends in productivity were mainly on the Mongolian Plateau. Temperature increases tended to improve productivity in colder OGFD ecosystems; and precipitation is positively correlated with productivity changes in grassland and savannas, but negatively correlated with changes in the Arctic tundra. Simple bioclimatic indices explain 42% to 55% of productivity changes in OGFD systems worldwide, and the main climatic predictors of productivity differed significantly between regions. In light of future climate change, the findings of this study will help support management of global OGFD ecosystems.
Mapping Deforestation and Forest Degradation Patterns in Western Himalaya, Pakistan
Authors: Qamer Faisal , Shehzad Khuram , Abbas Sawaid , Murthy MSR , Xi Chen , Gilani Hammad , Bajracharya Birendra
Published: May 2016

The Himalayan mountain forest ecosystem has been degrading since the British ruled the area in the 1850s. Local understanding of the patterns and processes of degradation is desperately required to devise management strategies to halt this degradation and provide long-term sustainability. This work comprises a satellite image based study in combination with national expert validation to generate sub-district level statistics for forest cover over the Western Himalaya, Pakistan, which accounts for approximately 67% of the total forest cover of the country. The time series of forest cover maps (1990, 2000, 2010) reveal extensive deforestation in the area. Indeed, approximately 170,684 ha of forest has been lost, which amounts to 0.38% per year clear cut or severely degraded during the last 20 years. A significant increase in the rate of deforestation is observed in the second half of the study period, where much of the loss occurs at the western borders along with Afghanistan. The current study is the first systematic and comprehensive effort to map changes to forest cover in Northern Pakistan. Deforestation hotspots identified at the sub-district level provide important insight into deforestation patterns, which may facilitate the development of appropriate forest conservation and management strategies in the country.
Damage Detection Based on Power Dissipation Measured with PZT Sensors through the Combination of Electro-Mechanical Impedances and Guided Waves
Authors: Sevillano Enrique , Sun Rui , Perera Ricardo
Published: May 2016

The use of piezoelectric ceramic transducers (such as Lead-Zirconate-Titanate—PZT) has become more and more widespread for Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) applications. Among all the techniques that are based on this smart sensing solution, guided waves and electro-mechanical impedance techniques have found wider acceptance, and so more studies and experimental works can be found containing these applications. However, even though these two techniques can be considered as complementary to each other, little work can be found focused on the combination of them in order to define a new and integrated damage detection procedure. In this work, this combination of techniques has been studied by proposing a new integrated damage indicator based on Electro-Mechanical Power Dissipation (EMPD). The applicability of this proposed technique has been tested through different experimental tests, with both lab-scale and real-scale structures.
Safety Inspectorates and Safety Performance: A Tentative Analysis for Aviation and Rail in Norway
Authors: Elvik Rune , Elvebakk Beate
Published: May 2016

Safety inspectorates have been established for all modes of transport in Norway. This paper explores whether establishing a safety inspectorate is related to safety performance. Long-term trends in safety in aviation and rail were compared before and after safety inspectorates were established for these modes of transport. In aviation, there have been no passenger fatalities after the safety inspectorate was established. The number of (non-fatal) accidents in scheduled and charter flights has been between zero and five per year, which is higher than predicted according to the long-term trend in the period before the safety inspectorate was created. In rail, both the number of accidents and the number of passenger fatalities have been lower after the creation of the safety inspectorate than predicted according to long-term trends in the before-period. The paper shows statistical relationships indicating that safety performance has improved, at least in rail transport. A causal interpretation of these relationships is not possible on the basis of the analyses in this paper. Establishing safety inspectorates may improve transport safety, but showing this rigorously is extremely difficult.
Comparison of Farm Structures, Success Factors, Obstacles, Clients’ Expectations and Policy Wishes of Urban Farming’s Main Business Models in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
Authors: Pölling Bernd
Published: May 2016

Low-cost specialization, differentiation, and diversification are common business models of urban farms in developed countries. Similarities and differences between them as well as detailed insights into specific farm characteristics are widely absent in scientific discourses. This paper compares farm structures, success factors, obstacles, clients’ expectations, and policy wishes between specialized, differentiated, and diversified farms as well as diversifiers into agriculture. A standardized questionnaire was used for 21 personal in-depth farm interviews located in metropolitan areas of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Being located in a metropolitan area is the most often named Unique Selling Proposition (USP). This is also mentioned as most important success factor followed by sociability and personal contact to clients, which both underpin the importance of direct producer-consumer linkages in urban settings. Additionally, it is assumed that a single food criterion is not sufficient to be successful, but several have to be merged to meet clients’ expectations. In terms of marketing, differentiated and diversified farmers prefer a multi-channel approach, while specialized farmers and diversifiers into agriculture focus mainly on one specific channel. While both specialized farmers and diversifiers into agriculture cultivate smaller areas of farmland, the latter one offers the greatest number of jobs including those outside agricultural production. The findings obtained are expected to support farms and agricultural advisory services in individual decision making of future business development strategies and increase knowledge of urban farming’s main business models.
Addendum: Yang, Z., et al. Multi-Toxic Endpoints of the Foodborne Mycotoxins in Nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Toxins (Basel), 2015, 7(12), 5224–5235
Authors: Yang Zhendong , Xue Kathy , Sun Xiulan , Tang Lili , Wang Jia-Sheng
Published: May 2016

The authors wish to add the ﬁrst afﬁliation address “Synergetic Innovation Center of Food Safety and Nutrition, School of Food Science, Jiangnan University” to the correspondence author, Lili Tang’s afﬁliations on the ﬁrst page of their paper published in Toxins [1].[...]
Helicobacter pylori vacA Genotypes in Chronic Gastritis and Gastric Carcinoma Patients from Macau, China
Authors: Pinto-Ribeiro Ines , Ferreira Rui , Batalha Sellma , Hlaing Thazin , Wong Sio , Carneiro Fatima , Figueiredo Ceu
Published: May 2016

Helicobacter pylori is the major triggering factor for gastric carcinoma, but only a small proportion of infected patients develop this disease. Differences in virulence observed among H. pylori strains, namely in the vacuolating cytotoxin vacA gene, may contribute to this discrepancy. Infection with vacA s1, i1 and m1 strains increases the risk for progression of gastric premalignant lesions and for gastric carcinoma. However, in East Asian countries most of the H. pylori strains are vacA s1, regardless of the patients’ clinical status, and the significance of the vacA i1 and m1 genotypes for gastric carcinoma in this geographic area remains to be fully elucidated. The aim of the present study was to investigate this relationship in 290 patients from Macau, China. Using very sensitive and accurate genotyping methods, we detected infection with vacA i1 and with vacA m1 strains in, respectively, 85.2% and 52.6% of the patients that were infected with single genotypes. The prevalence of cagA-positive strains was 87.5%. No significant associations were observed between vacA genotypes or cagA and gastric carcinoma. It is worth noting that 37.5% of the infected patients had coexistence of H. pylori strains with different vacA genotypes. Additional studies directed to other H. pylori virulence factors should be performed to identify high risk patients in East Asia.
Cosmic Strangers: Humans and Aliens On Space Travel Cartoons
Authors: Cohen Erik
Published: May 2016

This article expands Simmel's classic concept of the “stranger” from humans to aliens as “cosmic strangers.” It deploys this concept to the study of cartoons depicting human–alien encounters on Earth and on other heavenly bodies. An analysis of a small database of such cartoons shows that their humorous point is primarily derived from an incongruity inherent in the mixture of familiarity and Otherness in the representation of the aliens. Four principal types of such mixture are distinguished, and the different saliency of familiarity as against Otherness in the representation of aliens on Earth and on other stars is pointed out. The article thus opens an avenue to the sociological study of space travel humor.
A Tour Operator with a Global, Innovative Spirit: The Case of AlpitourWorld
Authors: Giacosa Elisa , Giachino Chiara , Stupino Margherita , Mazzoleni Alberto
Published: May 2016

In this study, our research goal is to identify the organizational and operational approaches that a tour operator could adopt with the purpose of offering clients a comprehensive tourist product, increasing its competitive advantage. The research was conducted using the qualitative case study method. We selected AlpitourWorld, a leader in generalist holidays in the Italian market. AlpitourWorld may be considered as a best practice in its sector: It is based on an integrated management of the various company processes, through a divisional organizational structure. Each stage of the product creation and commercialization is controlled internally: This improves the control of the product quality as well as the level of efficiency and effectiveness of the activity carried out.
Separation and identification of indene–C70 bisadduct isomers
Authors: Zhang Bolong , Subbiah Jegadesan , Jones David J , Wong Wallace Wing Ho
Published: May 2016

Following an initial work on the isolation of a single geometric isomer from an indene–C70 bisadduct (IC70BA) mixture, we report the full fractionation and identification of the bisadduct species in the material. Eleven fractions of IC70BA isomers were separated by high-performance liquid chromatography. A number of fractions contained relatively pure isomer species and their configuration were deduced using a variety of analytical techniques including 1H and 13C NMR and UV–vis spectroscopy. The electrochemical properties and the organic solar cell device performance were investigated for fractions where a reasonable quantity of sample could be isolated.
Sequence‐Based Introgression Mapping Identifies Candidate White Mold Tolerance Genes in Common Bean
Authors: Mamidi Sujan , Miklas Phillip N. , Trapp Jennifer , Felicetti Erin , Grimwood Jane , Schmutz Jeremy , Lee Rian , McClean Phillip E.
Published: May 2016

White mold, caused by the necrotrophic fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary, is a major disease of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). WM7.1 and WM8.3 are two quantitative trait loci (QTL) with major effects on tolerance to the pathogen. Advanced backcross populations segregating individually for either of the two QTL, and a recombinant inbred (RI) population segregating for both QTL were used to fine map and confirm the genetic location of the QTL. The QTL intervals were physically mapped using the reference common bean genome sequence, and the physical intervals for each QTL were further confirmed by sequence‐based introgression mapping. Using whole‐genome sequence data from susceptible and tolerant DNA pools, introgressed regions were identified as those with significantly higher numbers of single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) relative to the whole genome. By combining the QTL and SNP data, WM7.1 was located to a 660‐kb region that contained 41 gene models on the proximal end of chromosome Pv07, while the WM8.3 introgression was narrowed to a 1.36‐Mb region containing 70 gene models. The most polymorphic candidate gene in the WM7.1 region encodes a BEACH‐domain protein associated with apoptosis. Within the WM8.3 interval, a receptor‐like protein with the potential to recognize pathogen effectors was the most polymorphic gene. The use of gene and sequence‐based mapping identified two candidate genes whose putative functions are consistent with the current model of Sclerotinia pathogenicity.
LIGHT CURVES OF 213 TYPE Ia SUPERNOVAE FROM THE ESSENCE SURVEY
Authors: Narayan G. , Rest A. , Tucker B. E. , Foley R. J. , Wood-Vasey W. M. , Challis P. , Stubbs C. , Kirshner R. P. , Aguilera C. , Becker A. C. , Blondin S. , Clocchiatti A. , Covarrubias R. , Damke G. , Davis T. M. , Filippenko A. V. , Ganeshalingam M. , Garg A. , Garnavich P. M. , Hicken M. , Jha S. W. , Krisciunas K. , Leibundgut B. , Li W. , Matheson T. , Miknaitis G. , Pignata G. , Prieto J. L. , Riess A. G. , Schmidt B. P. , Silverman J. M. , Smith R. C. , Sollerman J. , Spyromilio J. , Suntzeff N. B. , Tonry J. L. , Zenteno A.
Published: May 2016

The ESSENCE survey discovered 213 Type Ia supernovae at redshifts

between 2002 and 2008. We present their R- and I-band photometry, measured from images obtained using the MOSAIC II camera at the CTIO Blanco, along with rapid-response spectroscopy for each object. We use our spectroscopic follow-up observations to determine an accurate, quantitative classification, and precise redshift. Through an extensive calibration program we have improved the precision of the CTIO Blanco natural photometric system. We use several empirical metrics to measure our internal photometric consistency and our absolute calibration of the survey. We assess the effect of various potential sources of systematic bias on our measured fluxes, and estimate the dominant term in the systematic error budget from the photometric calibration on our absolute fluxes is ∼1%.
THE HERSCHEL ORION PROTOSTAR SURVEY: SPECTRAL ENERGY DISTRIBUTIONS AND FITS USING A GRID OF PROTOSTELLAR MODELS
Authors: Furlan E. , Fischer W. J. , Ali B. , Stutz A. M. , Stanke T. , Tobin J. J. , Megeath S. T. , Osorio M. , Hartmann L. , Calvet N. , Poteet C. A. , Booker J. , Manoj P. , Watson D. M. , Allen L.
Published: May 2016

We present key results from the Herschel Orion Protostar Survey: spectral energy distributions (SEDs) and model fits of 330 young stellar objects, predominantly protostars, in the Orion molecular clouds. This is the largest sample of protostars studied in a single, nearby star formation complex. With near-infrared photometry from 2MASS, mid- and far-infrared data from Spitzer and Herschel, and submillimeter photometry from APEX, our SEDs cover 1.2–870 μm and sample the peak of the protostellar envelope emission at ∼100 μm. Using mid-IR spectral indices and bolometric temperatures, we classify our sample into 92 Class 0 protostars, 125 Class I protostars, 102 flat-spectrum sources, and 11 Class II pre-main-sequence stars. We implement a simple protostellar model (including a disk in an infalling envelope with outflow cavities) to generate a grid of 30,400 model SEDs and use it to determine the best-fit model parameters for each protostar. We argue that far-IR data are essential for accurate constraints on protostellar envelope properties. We find that most protostars, and in particular the flat-spectrum sources, are well fit. The median envelope density and median inclination angle decrease from Class 0 to Class I to flat-spectrum protostars, despite the broad range in best-fit parameters in each of the three categories. We also discuss degeneracies in our model parameters. Our results confirm that the different protostellar classes generally correspond to an evolutionary sequence with a decreasing envelope infall rate, but the inclination angle also plays a role in the appearance, and thus interpretation, of the SEDs.
Ubiquitin Ligases and Deubiquitinating Enzymes in CD4+ T Cell Effector Fate Choice and Function
Authors: Layman Awo A. K. , Oliver Paula M.
Published: May 2016

The human body is exposed to potentially pathogenic microorganisms at barrier sites such as the skin, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract. To mount an effective response against these pathogens, the immune system must recruit the right cells with effector responses that are appropriate for the task at hand. Several types of CD4+ T cells can be recruited, including Th cells (Th1, Th2, and Th17), T follicular helper cells, and regulatory T cells. These cells help to maintain normal immune homeostasis in the face of constantly changing microbes in the environment. Because these cells differentiate from a common progenitor, the composition of their intracellular milieu of proteins changes to appropriately guide their effector function. One underappreciated process that impacts the levels and functions of effector fate-determining factors is ubiquitylation. This review details our current understanding of how ubiquitylation regulates CD4+ T cell effector identity and function.
Correlation between Reproductive Hormonal Level and Osteoporosis among Women in Mongolia
Authors: Lkhagvasuren Unentsatsral , Jav Sarantuya , Zagdsuren Battogtokh
Published: May 2016

Background: Postmenopausal osteoporosis is the most common bone metabolic disease associated with low bone mineral density (BMD) and osteopathic fragility fractures, which can lead to significant morbidity. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estradiol (E2) levels and bone mineral density (BMD) across the stages of menopause in Mongolian women.Methods: Two hundred sixty participants aged 50.1±4.4 years were enrolled in the study. Blood samples were obtained from each participant and analyzed using ELISA. Data were first stratified and analyzed by bone mineral density status (osteoporotic, osteopenic, and normal) and then by menopause status. Between group differences were analyzed using t-tests, and correlations were assessed using the Spearman rank order test, with Bonferonni correction. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package Statistical Software version 20.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL). Significance was set at p<0.05.Results: The mean menopausal age was 48.4±3.4, which is comparable to the Mongolian population mean menopausal age. The mean serum estradiol level in the normal BMD group was 18.3±13.1 pg/ml and  15.8±10.7 pg/ml in the osteoporotic group. The mean serum FSH in the normal BMD group was 54.5±44.1 pg/ml and 81.3±34.2 pg/ml in the osteoporotic group. The mean serum LH level in the normal BMD group was 53.1±41.2 and 75.1±26.1 pg/ml in the osteoporotic group. The mean T and Z score were lower in the osteoporotic group. FSH and LH levels significantly differed across menopause stages in that those who were post-menopausal had higher levels compared to those who were pre- or peri-menopausal. Both hormones, FSH and LH, showed weak negative correlations with BMD level, but not E2. There were significant negative correlations between FSH and Speed of Sound (SOS) (r=-0.16; p<0.01), and  between osteoporosis with age (r=-0.30, p<0.05) and number of childbirths (r=-0.14 p<0.05). Discussion: Osteoporosis is a significant problem with associations to hormone levels in post-menopausal women. In our study, mean serum estradiol levels decreased with age, and the mean FSH and LH levels were higher in women of later menopausal stage. Further study is warranted to investigate the bone related studies to establish better statistical references among Mongolian women.
Determinantes intra e interpessoais da recaída de dependentes químicos
Authors: Ferreira Aline Cristina Zerwes , Czarnobay Juliana , Borba Letícia de Oliveira , Capistrano Fernanda Carolina , Kalinke Luciana Puchalski , Maftum Mariluci Alves
Published: May 2016

Pesquisa descritiva de abordagem qualitativa realizada com 20 dependentes químicos em tratamento em um Centro de Atenção Psicossocial de Álcool e outras Drogas, cujo objetivo foi identificar os determinantes intra e interpessoais da recaída percebidos pelo dependente químico. Os dados foram coletados mediante entrevistas semiestruturadas e submetidos à Análise de Conteúdo e organizados em categorias segundo os determinantes preditivos de recaída. As recaídas ocorreram por determinantes intrapessoais, como a autoeficácia expressa pela autoconfiança em interromper o consumo de drogas; a expectativa de resultado pela antecipação dos efeitos prazerosos da droga; a motivação pela ausência de volição em interromper o consumo; o enfrentamento pela dificuldade de confrontar os problemas diários; os estados emocionais negativos e positivos; e a fissura. Os determinantes interpessoais expressos pelo apoio social relacionaram-se a influência de terceiros. A identificação destes determinantes no transcorrer do tratamento para favorecer a prevenção da recaída e a efetiva reabilitação.
The Effect of Different Adhesives and Setting Times on Bond Strength between Biodentine and Composite
Authors: Çolak Hakan , Tokay Uğur , Uzgur Recep , Uzgur Zeynep , Ercan Ertuğrul , Hamidi Mehmet M.
Published: May 2016

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of 3 different adhesives with different functional monomers, on the shear bond strength (SBS) of Biodentine®.

Methods

Acrylic blocks (n = 90) were prepared and a 2-mm height x 4-mm diameter hole was opened in each block. Every hole was completely restored with Biodentine®. Before preparation of composite restorations over the Biodentine® (2-mm height x 2-mm diameter), 3 different adhesives (Etch-37 (37%) w/BAC by Bisco & Prime Bond N&T, Clearfil S3 Bond and Adper Prompt L-Pop) were applied. SBS was evaluated using a universal testing machine, and failure mode for each sample was recorded. The results were statistically analyzed using 2-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey test.

Results

When the megapascal values of all groups were compared, although there was no statistically significant difference in the different setting times (p>0.05), statistically significant differences were observed among all adhesive groups (p<0.05). Moreover, the highest SBS values were observed in the Clearfil S3 Bond group.

Conclusions

Clinical performance of Biodentine® may be affected by adhesive procedures and its setting time.
Investigation of Effect of Fiber Orientation on Mechanical Behavior of Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Kuthe Chetan D. , Uddanwadiker Rashmi V.
Published: May 2016

Background

Existing studies have included little discussion of anisotropic and material non linearity of muscle tissue, and fiber orientation–based material properties of skeletal muscle tissue are not reported well in literature. There has been some dispute about material response of muscle in different fiber directions. It is necessary to have a better understanding of fiber orientation based material properties of skeletal muscle, to ensure the accuracy of computational models of muscle. To this end, the aim of this study was to investigate fiber orientation–based material properties in vitro and simulate them with finite element analysis (FEA).

Methods

Tensile testing was performed on 5 samples of skeletal muscle from a goat at a strain rate of 0.15 s−1 with fiber orientation along the length (P) and 45° incline to the fiber direction (I). FEA was completed using the experimental condition to validate the results of the in vitro test. The cross-fiber direction was simulated using FEA.

Results

The stresses for all fiber directions at maximum stretch were 1,973.2 kPa for fiber direction P, 1,172 kPa for direction I and 430 kPa for the cross-fiber direction. The tensile strengths of the skeletal muscle were 0.44 MPa for P and 0.234 MPa for I. The elastic modulus of muscle tissue in all fiber directions was 1.59 MPa for fiber direction P (Ep), 0.621 MPa for 45° direction I (EI) and 0.43 MPa for the cross-fiber direction (Ec). The displacement of the muscle sample against the maximum load was small along the fiber direction. The results of the present study showed that muscle tissue was stiffer in the fiber direction than in the cross-fiber direction.

Conclusions

The stiffness of skeletal muscle is changed as the fiber orientation of skeletal muscle tissue changed.
The Romantic Days of Juniata Charcoal Iron
Authors: Fagley Paul T.
Published: May 2016

In the annals of Pennsylvania history, few industries had as significant an impact as iron and steel. From its beginnings in the southeast, the industry headed westward after the American Revolution, until firmly landing in Pittsburgh in the mid-nineteenth century. Historian Arthur C. Bining documented the origins of ironmaking in the state, and numerous authors wrote of the later steelmaking centers in the Lehigh Valley and western Pennsylvania. Sandwiched in between is the Juniata Valley, which has been and is a major transportation corridor, with trails, the turnpike, canal, railroad, and modern highway successively following the Juniata River through central Pennsylvania. It seems a backwater today, but centered in the nineteenth century, the iron and steel industry briefly stopped here and sent the name “Juniata” around the world. In 136 years, around 150 charcoal-fueled furnaces and forges produced iron regarded as among the finest in the world. During its peak, the Juniata produced nearly half of all iron in Pennsylvania, and a fifth of the national output. With the rise of big steel, the Juniata Valley became a mere footnote in history. Few today know of the incredible legacy of Juniata iron. This article brings to life the story of Juniata iron, its rise, prominence, and fall, and sheds light on the veracity of its reputation.
Perry County Politics and Rails: The Perry County Railroad Extension vs. the Newport and Sherman's Valley Railroad and the County Seat Debate
Authors: Smith Rebecca Colyer
Published: May 2016

The county seat debate in Perry County took more than seventy years to be finalized. Out of desire to use the railroads to secure the county seat, two railroad companies were formed in the late 1880s: one primarily supported by Newport businessmen and the other by those from New Bloomfield. In 1891 both companies were building in the same area, and before an agreement could be reached regarding right of way, the Perry County Railroad Extension, a narrow-gauge rail system, created a grade crossing over the Newport and Sherman's Valley Railroad, a standard-gauge rail system. The different gauges made transfer or sharing of rails challenging. The subsequent lawsuit between these two entities reached the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. This is one of only a few cases in which a narrow-gauge railroad won right of way in a suit against a standard gauge.
Técnicas alternativas de facilitación de procesos de aprendizaje del Inglés
Authors: Urrutia Mairena Eudomilia , Pereyra López Jilma
Published: May 2016

El objetivo principal de la presente investigación es la aplicación de técnicas para facilitar el aprendizaje del idioma inglés con los estudiantes de tercer año de la carrera de inglés en la FAREM, Estelí, a fin de mejorar el dominio de los aspectos lingüísticos del idioma; así como el nivel de fluidez en que los futuros docentes egresados de la carrera se comunican en el idioma inglés. Se utilizó la metodología de la IAP (Investigación-Acción-Participativa) retomando el enfoque de investigación-acción en educación que John Elliot (2000) describe así “se relaciona con los problemas prácticos cotidianos experimentados por los profesores, en vez de con los “problemas teóricos” definidos por los investigadores puros en el entorno de una disciplina del saber y tiene como propósito profundizar la comprensión del profesor (diagnóstico) de un problema”. La investigación se realizó durante el segundo semestre del año lectivo del 2013. Primero se realizó un diagnóstico de las dificultades que presentan las (os) estudiantes en la clase de inglés integral, luego se hizo un estudio para la selección de las mejores técnicas a aplicar por último se hizo una evaluación conjunta de la aplicación de las técnicas y su valor pedagógico, incluyendo ventajas y desventajas. Las técnicas de facilitación utilizadas obtuvieron los resultados deseados y se espera que las recomendaciones sirvan de referencia a las y los docentes de la asignatura de inglés integral para facilitar el aprendizaje del idioma inglés.
Construcción colectiva de 'actitud cooperativa' desde un escenario virtual de aprendizaje
Authors: Caballero Karla Yeneris , Van de Velde Herman
Published: May 2016

Artículo basado en los resultados de una investigación que la autora realizó con el objetivo de aportar a la comprensión de cómo se puede construir colectivamente una actitud cooperativa desde escenarios virtuales de aprendizaje. El estudio constata que las estrategias metodológicas, los temas y un ambiente de afectividad fomentan una actitud cooperativa y permiten generar cambios sustanciales en el nivel de conciencia y los significados positivos que las/os participantes asignan a una experiencia educativa construida desde un enfoque de cooperación (genuina). La contribución teórica del estudio consiste en los sentidos y el concepto de cooperación genuina (5 pilares y 2 ambientes) vinculado a la construcción de una actitud cooperativa. Esta actitud integra 15 dimensiones y se relaciona con, al menos, 5 ejes del aprendizaje cooperativo. El aporte práctico son técnicas cooperativas que se pueden implementar desde un escenario virtual de aprendizaje. Las novedades se relacionan con el uso de plataformas educativas como mediadoras de procesos educativos, la incorporación de técnicas didácticas-tecnológicas adaptadas a lo virtual y la participación de una diversidad de personas en cursos virtuales de ABACOenRed y que comparten su visión pedagógica.