bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Population Dynamics of Omiodes indicata (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) on Soybean in Brazil
Authors: Favetti Bruna M. , Catoia Bruna , Gericó Thais G. , Bueno Regiane C. O. F.
Published: December 2017

An observed increase in the populations of Omiodes indicata (Fabricius) in Brazil’s soybean crops is causing population outbreaks. Specimens were collected at Experimental Farm Lageado, in São Paulo State University (UNESP), Faculty of Agronomic Sciences, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil. Samples of individuals (larvae and pupae) were collected in the field and kept in the laboratory until emergence of adults to confirm the species. The species O. indicata occurred in four soybean areas with no previous record of this pest. The population dynamics showed that this lepidopteran is present throughout crop development, with population peaks occurring during the reproductive period of soybean. These observations are unique to this crop and planting site, showing that the insect has been adapting to the conditions of the region where it was found, demanding attention from soybean producers.
Physico-Chemical Characterization and Fatty Acid Profile of the Acrocomia emensis (Arecaceae) Seed Oil
Authors: Neiva Déborah Santos , Rocha Juliana Almeida , De Melo Junior Afrânio Farias , Oliveira Dario Alves , Brandão Murilo Malveira , Ferraz Vany Perpetua , Royo Vanessa De Andrade , Menezes Elytania Veiga
Published: December 2017

In Brazil there are several oleaginous plants, with the potential to supply oil as raw material for various types of industries (cosmetic, pharmaceutical, energy, among others), among them we have the Acrocomia emensis (Arecaceae) known as tucum rasteiro. The objective of this work was to realize: extraction of the oil of the almonds using two types of cold mechanical press (walrus type and manual hydraulic type of 15 tons), physical-chemical analyzes (acidity index, peroxides, refraction, moisture and volatile material, ash, viscosity and density at 25 ºC) and fatty acid profile of the oil extracted from almonds of A. emensis from three localities in the northern state of Minas Gerais, Brazil (Bonito de Minas, Brasília de Minas and Montes Claros). The values of the physical-chemical indexes varied among the samples from the different locations. Extraction using walrus type press provided higher yield. The fatty acids of the oils of the three origins were: caprylic, capric, lauric, myristic, palmitic, stearic, oleic and linoleic. The majority in the three samples were the lauric acid.
Parameters of Physiology, Nutrition and Quality of Eugenia dysenterica DC Seedlings Grown in Organic Substrates from the Agricultural Industry
Authors: Mota C. S. , Silva Fabiano Guimarães , Dornelles Paulo , Freiberger Mariângela Brito , Reis Daniele Nogueira dos , Mendes Giselle Camargo
Published: December 2017

Residues from agricultural activities might be used as substrates for production of seedlings. In this study it was aimed to evaluate the physiology, nutrition and quality of Eugenia dysenterica DC. seedlings grown in substrates derived from agricultural organic wastes. The wastes used were as follows: rice husks (RHs); fermented cattle manure (FCM); cattle manure compost (CMC), which contained corn silage and FCM; sugarcane bagasse (SCB); filter cake from sugar-alcohol mills (FC); and subsoil (SB). Four substrates were formulated from the wastes, namely SB+RH (1:1; v:v), SB+CMC (1:1), SB+FCM (3:1) and SCB+FC (3:2) and BioplantÒsubstrate was also used. The following characteristics were evaluated: the emergence and vigor percentages, biometric characteristics, seedling quality indices, gas exchange, chlorophyll a fluorescence and leaf nutrient levels. The seedling emergence was similar for all the substrates. The highest vigor was found in seedlings that were cultivated in SCB+FC, which was equal to the vigor observed in BioplantÒ. In general, the use of the SB+CMC substrate gave better seedling results for the biometric and nutritional characteristics, followed by SCB+FC. Most of the biometric characteristics showed a correlation with photosynthesis, electron transport rate and effective quantum yield of photosystem II, thus showing that these characteristics can be alternatives to the traditional quality indexes used for seedlings. The use of CMC, SCB and FC was shown to be appropriate for the production and nutritional supply of seedlings’ specie. The composition SB (subsoil)+CMC (1:1) proved to be the most suitable to produce E. dysenterica seedlings.
Layout design for flexible machining systems in FCIPS and convertibility to CPS module in smart factory
Authors: ITO Yoshimi
Published: December 2017

Although being not in accordance with the original concept proposed in the “Industrie 4.0”, the smart factory has been gradually applied to the practice. In contrast, we can observe that nearly all discourses, suggestions and discussions have been carried out without considering the convertibility of flexible manufacturing in FCIPS (Flexible Computer-Integrated Production Structure), which is the utmost leading facility within the industrial nation, to the CPS (Cyber Physical Systems) module in the smart factory. Admitting the powerful potentiality
of the smart factory, at crucial issue is to discuss to what extent and how the technological and human resources so far accumulated in FCIPS are available for the smart factory. This paper proposes, first, the conceptual drawing of the smart factory on the basis of the concept of FCIPS, and then suggests the similarity of both
the concepts. In fact, the smart factory consists of cloud computing, information communication network and CPS modules, whereas FCIPS consists of CIM, information communication network and a group of FMCs (Flexible Manufacturing Cells). Then, the paper describes the present and near future perspectives of the CPS module and FMC, especially placing the stress on machining, and asserts the convertibility of FMC for
“One-off Production with Keen Machining Cost” to the CPS module. Finally, the paper summarizes the research and engineering development subjects in FCIPS and the smart factory necessary to be investigated hereafter together with detailing one leading subject, i.e. methodology to incorporate the human-intelligence into CIM.
Evaluation of different approaches to 3d numerical model development of the contact zone between elementary asperities and flat surface
Authors: MACIOLKA Pawel , JEDRZEJEWSKI Jerzy
Published: December 2017

This paper presents two triaxial finite element (FE) models: a “full model” and a “quarter model”, representing the contact between the specimen’s rough surface and the ideally smooth and flat surface of the punch. Models have a contact zone that represents the topography of the real surface and has elastoplastic properties close to those of the real contact. The contact zone was entirely modelled on the basis of roughness measurements performed on a real milled specimen made of 5083 aluminium alloy. The development of the FE models, the stages in their refinement and the interlinking of the contact zone with the material of the specimen are described. The results of the computed deformations occurring during the specimen contact loading with the punch were compared with the experimental results. The possible causes of the observed deviations of the computer simulation results from the experimental ones were discussed. The models were used to analyse the effect of the specimen’s material properties, i.e. Young’s modulus, yield strength, compressive strength and material hardening, on the deformations in the contact. On this basis a procedure for predicting the parameters describing the contact characteristic in cases of changes in the properties of the subsurface zone is proposed
Processo de validação de instrumento que permite avaliar o pensamento tático de crianças
Authors: Martiny Luis , González Fernando Jaime
Published: December 2017

RESUMOObjetivo principal: validar um instrumento que consiga mensurar o pensamento tático das crianças quando em situação de passe, nos jogos motores de invasão. Métodos: Participaram da validação do teste, cinco peritos formados em Educação Física e especialistas em jogos esportivos.  Encaminhou-se à avaliação destes peritos, 15 fotografias. A fim de conseguir a validação do instrumento, foi adotado o índice de concordância > 0,8 entre os peritos sobre os itens do teste. Resultados: Dez fotografias apresentaram índice de concordância > 0,8. Conclusão: Conseguiu-se verificar e constar que o instrumento consegue atender a função para o qual ele foi elaborado.
Mulheres no futsal: motivos que levam à prática
Authors: Souza Marinês Matter de , Aires Hannah , Treter Gonçalves Gabriel Henrique , Abaide Balbinotti Carlos Adelar
Published: December 2017

Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo verificar os motivos que levam mulheres à prática do Futsal Feminino. Para esse fim, foram entrevistadas mulheres com diferentes faixas etárias, participantes de uma equipe de futsal do município de Cachoeirinha/RS. A coleta de informações foi realizada através de entrevistas semi-estruturadas. Os resultados indicaram que os motivos mais mencionados pelas participantes foram gostar da prática, seguido por realizar uma atividade física, divertir-se, reencontrar os amigos, aliviar o estresse e, por último, manter a saúde. Também foi possível verificar, que o preconceito ainda se faz presente nesta modalidade e que ele provém principalmente do sexo feminino.
RELACIJE ZADOVOLJSTVA POSLOM I NAUCNIH OBLASTI
Authors: Bojanić Željka
Published: December 2017

Cilj istrazivanja predstavlja utvrdivanje veze izmedu zadovoljstva poslom naucnih radnika i oblasti naucnog rada na Univerzitetu u Novom Sadu.Za dobijanje razlika u stavovima naucnih radnika prema zadovoljstvu poslom u odnosu na naucne oblast (drustvene, prirodno matematicke, tehnic- ko-tehnoloske, medicinske u humanisticke nauke) koriscena je metoda analize varijanse.U istrazivanju se polazi od ocekivanja da postoje znacajne veze izmedu zadovoljstva poslom naucnih radnika i oblasti naucnog rada.Na uzorku od 400 ispitanika, koji cine naucni radnici sa Univerziteta u Novom Sadu on lajn Upitnikom koji je baziran na teoretskim konceptima Herzbergove dvofaktorske teorije motivacije, sprovedeno je istrazivanje koje se odnosi na ispitivanje stavova naucnih radnika prema zadovoljstvu poslom.Kada seposmatraju naucne oblasti, i u odnosu na njih zadovoljstvoposlom naucnih radnika, dobijeni rezultati ukazuju da postoje razlike u izrazavanju zadovoljstva poslom naucnih radnika u odnosu na oblast naucnog rada.Pronadene razlike medu pojedinim grupama ukazuju da postoje razlike u pogledu plata i beneficija. Naucni radnici iz oblasti drustvenih, humanistickih i medicinskih nauka izrazili su visok stepen nezadovoljstva u pogledu nagradi- vanja i to u odnosu na dve ¡componente: nagradivanje kroz materijalni deo (plata) i nagradivanje kroz socijalni status (napredak, usavrsavanje, priznanje). Takode, ove grupe naucnih radnika, nisu zadovoljne ostvarenom komunikaci- jom sa kolegama sa drugih fakulteta i drzavnim institucijama u okviru obra- zovanja i nauke. Naucni radnici iz oblasti prirodno-matematickih i tehnicko- -tehnoloskih oblasti izrazili su visi stepen zadovoljstva poslom na ovim aspektima posla.
INSTRUMENTI ZASTITE TRGOVINE EVROPSKE UNIJE
Authors: Šušnjar Čanković Vanja
Published: December 2017

Sve clanice Svjetske trgovinske organizacije, samim tim i Evropska unija, imaju pravo da, u odredenim, jasno definisanim situacijama, nametnu doda- tne obaveze, ili, u nekim slucajevima, cjenovna i kvantitativna ogranicenja, na uvozproizvoda kako bi sprijecile stetu po domacu industriju. Tri osnovna instrumenta trgovinske zastite su: (1) antidampinske mjere protiv robe uvezene po dampinskim cijenama koje prouzrokuju ili prijete da prouzrokuju materi- jalnu stetu domacoj industriji, (2) antisubvencijske, takode poznate i kao kompenzatorne mjere, protiv subvencionisanog uvoza, i (3) mjere zastite od iznenadnog i nepredvidivogprekomjernog uvoza. Zvanicni ciljprimjene zasti- tnih mjera u trgovini, privremenim zastitnim carinama na uvoz, je zastita proizvodaca konkurentne robe izEU odpovrede ili sameprijetnjepovredom iz uvoza. Ipak, literatura sugerise da ove mjere mogu naskoditi ne samo evropskim potrosacima, nego i evropskim preduzecima. Glavni zadatak ovog rada je da obradi efikasnost instrumenata zastite trgovine usmjerene ka nefer praksama koje se desavaju u medunarodnoj trgovini. Kako je trgovinska politika EU prosla razne faze, neke vise zastitnicke od drugih, rad ce, takode, pokriti i pi- tanje zabrinutosti pojedinih autora o pribjegavanju Evropske unije protekcio- nizmu u nizu trgovinom povezanih ekonomskih politika.
OBRAZOVANJE ZA MEDIJE KAO PREDUSLOV DEMOKRATSKI OSVJESTENIH GRADANA
Authors: Išaretović Slavica
Published: December 2017

U nasem, medijima zasicenom, svijetupostoji beskonacno prilika za gleda- nje, citanje, slusanje i stvaranje medija. Slike nas cesto preplavljuju, paralisu i oblikuju nasepoimanje svijeta i nas samih. U21. vijeku, mogucnost da se bude medijskipismen i obrazovan (pravljenjepazljivih i kritickih analiza medija koji nas okruzuju) jepresudna zivotna sposobnost. Medijsko obrazovanje, odnosno obrazovanje za medije, se zasniva na pretpostavci da se sve medijske poruke prave uz koristenje kreativnog jezika sa svojim vlastitim pravilima, da razlici- ti ljudi razlicito dozivljavaju iste medije, da mediji primarno predstavljaju komercijalni posao sa namjerom da se ostvari profit, da mediji imaju svoje usadene vrijednosti i gledista. Medijsko obrazovanje je proces kroz koji poje- dinci postaju medijski pismeni - u stanju da kriticki razumiju prirodu, tehni- ke i uticaj medijskih poruka i produkcija. Iako se u dokumentima Savjeta Evrope i institucija Evropske unije medijskapismenostspominje u raznovrsnim kontekstima, najveci znacajpridaje se upravo medijskojpismenosti kao sredstvu za povecanje kvantiteta, ali i kvaliteta participacije gradana u drustvu. Tako se u Preporuci o medijskom obrazovanju Savjeta Evrope istice znacaj medijskog obrazovanja ne samo za pojedinca vec i drustvo u cjelini, tako sto gradane priprema za demokratsko gradanstvo i politicku svijest (Savjet Evrope, 2000).I Evropska unija kao najznacajniji doprinos i najvecu vrijednost medijske pismenosti istice njenu ulogu u osposobljavanju gradana za ucesce u demokratskim procesima u drustvu kojem pripadaju.
MONITORING VODE ZA PIĆE NA PODRUCJU OPSTINE LAKTAŠI
Authors: Stojanović Bjelić Ljiljana , Antonić Bogoljub , Bajčić Rosa , Dević Goran
Published: December 2017

Monitoring zdravstvene ispravnosti vode za pice nije samo od lokalnog, vec je i od nacionalnog interesa jer daje mogucnost adekvatnog reagovanja u slucaju da dode do pojave zdravstvene neispravnosti vode za pice. Svjetska zdravstvena organizacija je vodosnabdjevanje i kvalitet vode za pice svrstala u dvanaest osnovnih pokazatelja zdravstvenog stanja stanovnistva zemlje. Najsigurniji nacin obezbjedenja higijenski ispravne vode za pice je preko vo- dovoda. Cilj rada je da seprikaze nacin finkcionisanja, organizacija monito- ringa i stanje zdravstvene ispravnosti vode za pice centralnih vodovodnih sistema na teritoriji Opstine Laktasi.
Photographers’ Nomenclature Units: A Structural and Quantitative Analysis
Authors: Mihailova Margarita A. , Solnyshkina Marina I.
Published: December 2017

Addressing the needs of cross and intercultural communication as well as the methodology of contrastive research, the paper presents the results of the complex analysis conducted to describe semantic and pragmatic parameters of nomenclature units denoting photography equipment in the modern Russian informal discourse of professional photographers. The research is exemplified by 34 original nomenclature units and their 34 Russian equivalents used in 6871 comments posted at “Клуб.Foto.ru” web-site in 2015. The structural and quantitative analyses of photographers’ nomenclature demonstrate the users’ morphological and graphic preferences and indirectly reflect their social and professional values. The corpus-based approach developed by Kast-Aigner (2009: 141) was applied in the study with the aim to identify the nomenclature units denoting photography equipment, validate and elaborate the data of the existing corpus. The research also throws light on the problems of professional language development and derivational processes. The perspective of the study lies in the research of the broader context of professional nomenclature. 
Postdramatic Theatre of Director Christoph Marthaler
Authors: Shevchenko Arina R. , Shevchenko Elena N. , Salakhova Aigul R.
Published: December 2017

The present paper deals with the main tendencies of modern European theatre represented in the creativity of a famous Swiss director Christoph Marthaler. Drama and theatre of the end of the 20th – the beginning of the 21st century were exposed to radical transformation. This change has been reflected in the theory of postdramatic theatre. A contemporary theatre is becoming more visual. Nowadays natural theatrical synthesis of various arts – visual, plastic, verbal, musical becomes an intersection of all kinds of artistic and medial practices as it has never been before. The new drama and theatre decline mimesis as the main principle of attitude to reality, they do not depict and do not reflect life, but strive to create a magic and/or ritual space of performative living and a special type of communication with audience. These peculiarities of modern theatre get a vivid evocation in the works of Christoph Marthaler. Having entered into theatre from music, the director creates his own unique language of art. The article proves that Marthaler’s works are an individual model of postdramatic theatre. The author concludes that its main distinctive feature is to blur the border between musical and dramatic performance. Marthaler does not stage the play – the images appear from musical phrases, fleeting impressions, observations and dramatic improvisations. The analysis enables to claim that the theatre in a real process of performance replaces the mimetic acting today. The applied principles of drama analysis can be used in studying of the other contemporary postdramatic theatre’s models. 
Mercenaries in the Army of Hellenistic Athens
Authors: Vostrikov Igor V.
Published: December 2017

This article interests in history of armed forces of the antiquity states, their structure, deployment order, the organization of command, evolution of arms, policy strokes, action of armies in the military conflicts, and to their use in internal political fight, as well as to involvement of mercenaries. During the Classical Period of Greek history big fame was gained by armed forces of Athens and Sparta. Athens in the 5th century BC was at the peak of power and pursued active foreign policy which was in many respects supported by powerful army and fleet. The reason of traditionally high interest in history of Athens of the Classical Period including the armed forces history of the polis also lies in it. However Athens and their armed forces suffered a serious loss and got beaten in the Peloponnese war and the final decline of political and military power of Athens occurred after defeat in Lamian war therefore military activity of the polis sharply decreases. Therefore the history of Hellenistic period Athens gets much less attention. Proceeding from it, the purpose of article consists in a research of the role of mercenaries in armed forces of Athens in the period of Hellenism. The leading method of this research is the comparative-historical method allowing tracking mercenaries hire by Athens during the specified period on the basis of a complex sources use. The main research results consist in identification of an order and features of the hired contingents use, their places in armed forces of the polis. Materials of article can be useful to the further scientific research regarding the history of Athens and military ancient history as well as to creating educational and handbooks on this perspective.
Intergroup Anxiety
Authors: Stephan Cookie White , Stephan Walter G.
Published: December 2017

A theory of intergroup anxiety is presented and the relevance of intergroup anxiety to intercultural interaction is discussed. First, a definition of intergroup anxiety is provided, followed by a discussion of its three components. Next, its antecedents and consequences are examined along with recent literature to support them. Then intergroup relations programs and techniques that have been successful in reducing intergroup anxiety are presented, and research on factors that have successfully decreased intergroup prejudice are explored. This information is used to make suggestions for developing intergroup anxiety reduction programs. Finally, important issues that should be addressed in future intergroup anxiety research are noted.
Carbon Monoxide Oxidation on Metal‐Supported Monolayer Oxide Films: Establishing Which Interface is Active
Authors: Zhang Ke , Li Linfei , Shaikhutdinov Shamil , Freund Hans‐Joachim
Published: December 2017

Ultrathin (monolayer) films of transition metal oxides grown on metal substrates have recently received considerable attention as promising catalytic materials, in particular for low‐temperature CO oxidation. The reaction rate on such systems often increases when the film only partially covers the support, and the effect is commonly attributed to the formation of active sites at the metal/oxide boundary. By studying the structure and reactivity of FeO(111) films on Pt(111), it is shown that, independent of the film coverage, CO oxidation takes place at the interface between reduced and oxidized phases in the oxide film formed under reaction conditions. The promotional role of a metal support is to ease formation of the reduced phase by reaction between CO adsorbed on metal and oxygen at the oxide island edge.
A New Mechanism for β‐Lactamases: Class D Enzymes Degrade 1β‐Methyl Carbapenems through Lactone Formation
Authors: Lohans Christopher T. , van Groesen Emma , Kumar Kiran , Tooke Catherine L. , Spencer James , Paton Robert S. , Brem Jürgen , Schofield Christopher J.
Published: December 2017

β‐Lactamases threaten the clinical use of carbapenems, which are considered antibiotics of last resort. The classical mechanism of serine carbapenemase catalysis proceeds through hydrolysis of an acyl‐enzyme intermediate. We show that class D β‐lactamases also degrade clinically used 1β‐methyl‐substituted carbapenems through the unprecedented formation of a carbapenem‐derived β‐lactone. β‐Lactone formation results from nucleophilic attack of the carbapenem hydroxyethyl side chain on the ester carbonyl of the acyl‐enzyme intermediate. The carbapenem‐derived lactone products inhibit both serine β‐lactamases (particularly class D) and metallo‐β‐lactamases. These results define a new mechanism for the class D carbapenemases, in which a hydrolytic water molecule is not required.
Electrobiorefineries: Unlocking the Synergy of Electrochemical and Microbial Conversions
Authors: Harnisch Falk , Urban Carolin
Published: December 2017

An integrated biobased economy urges an alliance of the two realms of “chemical production” and “electric power”. The concept of electrobiorefineries provides a blueprint for such an alliance. Joining the forces of microbial and electrochemical conversions in electrobiorefineries allows interfacing the production, storage, and exploitation of electricity as well as biobased chemicals. Electrobiorefineries are a technological evolution of biorefineries by the addition of (bio)electrochemical transformations. This interfacing of microbial and electrochemical conversions will result in synergies affecting the entire process line, like enlarging the product portfolio, increasing the productivity, or exploiting new feedstock. A special emphasis is given to the utilization of oxidative and reductive electroorganic reactions of microbially produced intermediates that may serve as privileged building blocks.
Phosphorylated ERK is a potential prognostic biomarker for Sorafenib response in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Liang Yuelong , Chen Jiang , Yu Qingsong , Ji Tong , Zhang Bin , Xu Junjie , Dai Yi , Xie Yangyang , Lin Hui , Liang Xiao , Cai Xiujun
Published: December 2017

Sorafenib, the only approved drug for hepatocellular carcinoma, acts as a remarkable inhibitor of Raf serine‐threonine kinases. However, Sorafenib is expensive, and clinical experience shows that it is not an effective treatment for many patients. Previous study has demonstrated that phosphorylated ERK (pERK) is a key downstream component in the RAF/MEK/ERK signaling pathway. Here, we investigate whether pERK is a useful biomarker for treating HCC with Sorafenib. In vitro cell viability assays showed that the efficacy of Sorafenib was distinctly different according to the level of pERK. Furthermore, in established patient‐derived xenografts from HCC specimens, we found that the growth rate of tumors with high levels of pERK was significantly decreased by Sorafenib treatment. Taken together, pERK is a potential biomarker for the sensitivity to Sorafenib in treating HCC.
ANALYSIS ON MAGNITUDE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SHALLOW CRUSTAL TECTONIC STRESS FIELD IN QINGHAI‐TIBET PLATEAU AND ITS ADJACENT REGION BASED ON IN‐SITU STRESS DATA
Authors: Rui YAO , Shu‐Xin YANG , Fu‐Ren XIE , Xiao‐Feng CUI , Yuan‐Zhong LU , Zhao‐Yi XU
Published: December 2017

Based on the in situ stress measurement data from “Fundamental Database of Crustal Stress Environment in Continental China”, nearly 2000 pieces of data have been properly picked out, covering the geographic space of 21°N–40°N and 73°N–110°N and the depth of 0∼2 km. By excluding the gravity effect on in‐situ stress in the target area, and taking the uneven distribution of the sample data along depth into consideration, the effect of tectonic stress field will be analyzed in this paper. In order to exclude the gravity effect, two modes, namely Heim's hypothesis and A. H. Gennik's hypothesis, have been adopted to estimate the upper and lower limits, under which the tectonic stress characteristic of the shallow crust in Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau and its periphery have been studied. As shown in the results: (1) The maximum horizontal stress σH and minimum horizontal stress σh in Tibetan Plateau and its periphery increase linearly with the depth D: σH = 22.115D + 5.761, σh = 14.893D + 3.269; and the estimated magnitudes of the maximum horizontal tectonic stress σT and minimum horizontal tectonic stress σt vary as follows respectively: 4.609 < σt < 15.522D + 4.609, 3.121 < σt < 6.366D + 3.121(D > 0); tectonic difference stress σT – σt = 7.222D + 2.492, surface value (D = 0 km) is about 2.5 MPa, and increases at a gradient of 7.2 MPa·km–1 with the depth. (2) Within the measured depth scale, σT, σt and σT – σt values of Qinghai‐Tibet block and research areas in the northern/middle/southern segments of North‐South seismic belt all increase linearly with the burial depth; when D = 1 km, the maximum of σT values from statistical regression of all blocks is 30.1 MPa, and the minimum is 17.6 MPa, with the blocks in descending order of values such as: Qinghai‐Tibet block, northern segment, middle segment and southern segment of the North‐South seismic belt; when D = 1 km, the maximum of σT – σt values from statistical regression of all blocks is 15.8 MPa, and the minimum is 8.9 MPa, with the blocks in descending order of values as: Qinghai‐Tibet block, northern segment, middle segment and southern segment of the North‐South seismic belt. Generally, the stress magnitudes in Qinghai‐Tibet block are stronger than those in the North‐South seismic belt. (3) Compared with the North‐South seismic belt, an obvious feature of “stronger tectonism in the deep crust than that in the shallow” is shown in the crust of Qinghai‐Tibet block under northward compression.
Human Sweat Analysis Using a Portable Device Based on a Screen‐printed Electrolyte Sensor
Authors: Zoerner Alicia , Oertel Susanne , Jank Michael P. M. , Frey Lothar , Langenstein Bernd , Bertsch Thomas
Published: December 2017

Analysis of ammonium in human sweat during physical strain using a portable sensor device and enzymatic measurements are compared. The portable device is based on a screen‐printed electrolyte sensor connected with an evaluation board for data acquisition and transfer. During performance tests with artificial sweat, the sensor shows a low detection limit of 0.3 mM. Thus, the typical concentration range of ammonium in sweat lies within the working range of the sensor. We also demonstrate the necessity of the comparison measurement for verification of the correct performance of screen‐printed sensors and show how other components of human sweat influence the measured potential. Regarding the change in ammonium concentration during different levels of work out intensity, we point out a different behavior of what is expected physiologically. With this the importance of consideration of several parameters during sweating, like the sweat rate and other ingredients in human sweat, was demonstrated for correct determination of the ammonium concentration.
The fine sediment conundrum; quantifying, mitigating and managing the issues
Authors: Mathers K.L. , Collins A.L. , England J. , Brierley B. , Rice S.P.
Published: December 2017

Excess fine sediment is a global cause of lotic ecosystem degradation. Despite historic interest in identifying sediment sources and quantifying instream dynamics, tackling fine sediment problems remains a key challenge for river managers and a continued focus of international research. Accordingly, a national meeting of the British Hydrological Society brought together those working on fine sediment issues at the interface of hydrology, geomorphology, and ecology. The resulting collection of papers illustrates the range of research being undertaken in this interdisciplinary research arena, by academic researchers, environmental regulators, landowners, and consultants. More specifically, the contributions highlight key methodological advancements in the identification of fine sediment sources, discuss the complexities surrounding the accurate quantification of riverbed fine sediment content, demonstrate the potential utility of faunal traits as a biological monitoring tool, and recognize the need for improved mechanistic understanding of the functional responses of riverine organisms to excess fine sediment. Understanding and mitigating the effects of fine sediment pressures remains an important and multifaceted problem that requires interdisciplinary collaborative research to deliver novel and robust management tools and sustainable solutions.
Effects of a portion design plate on food group guideline adherence among hospital staff
Authors: de Korne Dirk F. , Malhotra Rahul , Lim Wai Yee , Ong Christine , Sharma Ashu , Tan Tai Kiat , Tan Thiam Chye , Ng Kee Chong , Østbye Truls
Published: December 2017

Food group guideline adherence is vital to prevent obesity and diabetes. Various studies have demonstrated that environmental variables influence food intake behaviour. In the present study we examined the effect of a portion design plate with food group portion guidelines demarcated by coloured lines (ETE Plate™). A two-group quasi-experimental design was used to measure proportions of carbohydrate, vegetable and protein portions and user experience in a hospital staff lounge setting in Singapore. Lunch was served on the portion design plate before 12.15 hours. For comparison, a normal plate (without markings) was used after 12.15 hours. Changes in proportions of food groups from 2 months before the introduction of the design plate were analysed in a stratified sample at baseline (859 subjects, all on normal plates) to 1, 3 and 6 months after (in all 1016 subjects on the design plate, 968 subjects on the control plate). A total of 151 participants were asked about their experiences and opinions. Between-group comparisons were performed using t tests. Among those served on the portion design plate at 6 months after its introduction, the proportion of vegetables was 4·71 % (P < 0·001) higher and that of carbohydrates 2·83 % (P < 0·001) lower relative to the baseline. No significant change was found for proteins (−1·85 %). Over 6 months, we observed different change patterns between the different food group proportions. While participants were positive about the portion design plate, they did not think it would influence their personal behaviour. A portion design plate might stimulate food group guideline adherence among hospital staff and beyond.
Transcatheter closure of congenital perimembranous ventricular septal defect using the Amplatzer duct occluder 2
Authors: Zhao Li-Jian , Han Bo , Zhang Jian-Jun , Yi Ying-Chun , Jiang Dian-Dong , Lyu Jian-Li
Published: December 2017

Objective

The objective of this study was to explore the clinical effect of the transcatheter closure of congenital perimembranous ventricular septal defect using the Amplatzer duct occluder 2.

Methods

Between February 2012 and December 2016, 51 patients were subjected to Amplatzer duct occluder 2 for transcatheter closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defect. A total of 51 patients with perimembranous ventricular septal defect who underwent transcatheter closure by the conventional membranous ventricular septal occluder comprised the control group. The success rate and complications were compared, and indications of Amplatzer duct occluder 2 for perimembranous ventricular septal defect were explored.

Results

The success rate of the interventional procedure was 98.0% (50/51) in the group of Amplatzer duct occluder 2 versus 100% in the group of conventional membranous ventricular septal occluder. The mean age of the patients of Amplatzer duct occluder group was 5.0±3.7 years (range: 1.5–25.0), and the mean weight was 19.3±8.1 kg (range: 11.0–52.0). The mean outlet diameter of the defects was 2.8±0.6 mm (range: 1.8–5.1) as measured by transthoracic echocardiography. The device was implanted by a retrograde approach in 40 patients and antegrade approach in 10 patients. No statistical significance was observed in the incidence of complication and hospitalisation duration between the two groups; however, the Amplatzer duct occluder 2 group was cost-effective (p<0.05) and required less fluoroscopy time (p<0.05). Neither deaths nor new onset of aortic and tricuspid insufficiency occurred during the median 26.2 months (range: 3–65) of follow-up.

Conclusions

Amplatzer duct occluder 2 has advantages of simple manipulation and less medical costs compared with conventional device in transcatheter closure of small type perimembranous ventricular septal defect.
Nanoscale geochemical and geomechanical characterization of organic matter in shale
Authors: Yang Jing , Hatcherian Javin , Hackley Paul C. , Pomerantz Andrew E.
Published: December 2017

Solid organic matter (OM) plays an essential role in the generation, migration, storage, and production of hydrocarbons from economically important shale rock formations. Electron microscopy images have documented spatial heterogeneity in the porosity of OM at nanoscale, and bulk spectroscopy measurements have documented large variation in the chemical composition of OM during petroleum generation. However, information regarding the heterogeneity of OM chemical composition at the nanoscale has been lacking. Here we demonstrate the first application of atomic force microscopy-based infrared spectroscopy (AFM-IR) to measure the chemical and mechanical heterogeneity of OM in shale at the nanoscale, orders of magnitude finer than achievable by traditional chemical imaging tools such as infrared microscopy. We present a combination of optical microscopy and AFM-IR imaging to characterize OM heterogeneity in an artificially matured series of New Albany Shales. The results document the evolution of individual organic macerals with maturation, providing a microscopic picture of the heterogeneous process of petroleum generation.
Site-specific chromosomal gene insertion: Flp recombinase versus Cas9 nuclease
Authors: Phan Quang Vinh , Contzen Jörg , Seemann Petra , Gossen Manfred
Published: December 2017

Site-specific recombination systems like those based on the Flp recombinase proved themselves as efficient tools for cell line engineering. The recent emergence of designer nucleases, especially RNA guided endonucleases like Cas9, has considerably broadened the available toolbox for applications like targeted transgene insertions. Here we established a recombinase-mediated cassette exchange (RMCE) protocol for the fast and effective, drug-free isolation of recombinant cells. Distinct fluorescent protein patterns identified the recombination status of individual cells. In derivatives of a CHO master cell line the expression of the introduced transgene of interest could be dramatically increased almost 20-fold by subsequent deletion of the fluorescent protein gene that provided the initial isolation principle. The same master cell line was employed in a comparative analysis using CRISPR/Cas9 for transgene integration in identical loci. Even though the overall targeting efficacy was comparable, multi-loci targeting was considerably more effective for Cas9-mediated transgene insertion when compared to RMCE. While Cas9 is inherently more flexible, our results also alert to the risk of aberrant recombination events around the cut site. Together, this study points at the individual strengths in performance of both systems and provides guidance for their appropriate use.
Plasma sample based analysis of gastric cancer progression using targeted metabolomics
Authors: Lario Sergio , Ramírez-Lázaro Maria José , Sanjuan-Herráez Daniel , Brunet-Vega Anna , Pericay Carles , Gombau Lourdes , Junquera Félix , Quintás Guillermo , Calvet Xavier
Published: December 2017

Gastric carcinogenesis is a multifactorial process described as a stepwise progression from non-active gastritis (NAG), chronic active gastritis (CAG), precursor lesions of gastric cancer (PLGC) and gastric adenocarcinoma. Gastric cancer (GC) 5-year survival rate is highly dependent upon stage of disease at diagnosis, which is based on endoscopy, biopsy and pathological examinations. Non-invasive GC biomarkers would facilitate its diagnosis at early stages leading to improved GC prognosis. We analyzed plasma samples collected from 80 patients diagnosed with NAG withoutH. pyloriinfection (NAG−), CAG withH. pyloriinfection (CAG+), PLGC and GC. A panel of 208 metabolites including acylcarnitines, amino acids and biogenic amines, sphingolipids, glycerophospholipids, hexoses, and tryptophan and phenylalanine metabolites were quantified using two complementary quantitative approaches: Biocrates AbsoluteIDQ®p180 kit and a LC-MS method designed for the analysis of 29 tryptophan pathway and phenylalanine metabolites. Significantly altered metabolic profiles were found in GC patients that allowing discrimination from NAG−, CAG+ and PLGC patients. Pathway analysis showed significantly altered tryptophan and nitrogen metabolic pathways (FDR P < 0.01). Three metabolites (histidine, tryprophan and phenylacetylglutamine) discriminated between non-GC and GC groups. These metabolic signatures open new possibilities to improve surveillance of PLGC patients using a minimally invasive blood analysis.
Integrated transcriptomic analysis of Trichosporon Asahii uncovers the core genes and pathways of fluconazole resistance
Authors: Li Haitao , Wang Congmin , Chen Yong , Zhang Shaoqiang , Yang Rongya
Published: December 2017

Trichosporon asahii (T. asahii) has emerged as a dangerous pathogen that causes rare but life-threatening infections. Its resistance to certain antifungal agents makes it difficult to treat, especially for patients undergoing long-term antibiotic therapy. In this study, we performed a series of fluconazole (FLC) perturbation experiments for two T. asahii strains, a clinical isolate stain CBS 2479 (T2) and an environmental isolate strain CBS 8904 (T8), to uncover potential genes and pathways involved in FLC resistance. We achieved 10 transcriptomes of T2 and T8 that were based on dose and time series of FLC perturbations. Systematic comparisons of the transcriptomes revealed 32 T2 genes and 25 T8 genes that are highly sensitive to different FLC perturbations. In both T2 and T8 strains with the phenotype of FLC resistance, the processes of oxidation-reduction and transmembrane transport were detected to be significantly changed. The antifungal susceptibility testing of FLC and penicillin revealed their resistance pathways are merged. Accumulated mutations were found in 564 T2 and 225 T8 genes, including four highly mutated genes that are functionally related to the target of rapamycin complex (TOR). Our study provides abundant data towards genome-wide understanding of the molecular basis of FLC resistance in T. asahii.
Adaptive image interpolation technique based on cubic trigonometric B‐spline representation
Authors: Abbas Samreen , Irshad Misbah , Hussain Malik Zawwar
Published: December 2017

A cubic trigonometric B‐spline representation with two parameters is constructed in this work. A soft computing technique, genetic algorithm, is used to find the optimal value of the parameters in the description of B‐spline so that the sum square error is minimised. The newly constructed B‐spline is then utilised to interpolate two‐dimensional digital images. The image quality metrics peak signal‐to‐noise ratio, structure SIMilarity index, multi‐scale structure SIMilarity index and feature SIMilarity index are used to investigate the quality of interpolated digital images. Comparison with already existing image interpolation schemes leads to the conclusion that the proposed image interpolation technique is found to be a valuable scheme for the problems related to digital image interpolation.
Robust fuzzy c‐means clustering algorithm using non‐parametric Bayesian estimation in wavelet transform domain for noisy MR brain image segmentation
Authors: Chetih Nabil , Messali Zoubeida , Serir Amina , Ramou Naim
Published: December 2017

The major drawback of the fuzzy c‐means (FCM) algorithm is its sensitivity to noise. The authors propose a new extended FCM algorithm based a non‐parametric Bayesian estimation in the wavelet transform domain for segmenting noisy MR brain images. They use the Bayesian estimator to process the noisy wavelet coefficients. Before segmentation based on FCM algorithm, they use an a priori statistical model adapted to the modelisation of the wavelet coefficients of a noisy image. The main objective of this wavelet‐based Bayesian statistical estimation is to recover a good quality image, from a noisy image of poor quality. Experimental results on simulated and real magnetic resonance imaging brain images show that their proposed method solves the problem of sensitivity to noise and offers a very good performance that outperforms some FCM‐based algorithms.
Edge preserving suppression for depth estimation via comparative variation
Authors: Baek Eu‐Tteum , Ho Yo‐Sung
Published: December 2017

Most applications in computer vision manage to suppress textures and noise while maintaining meaningful structure based on colour intensity variation, but it is intractable due to texture patterns or error. This study presents an edge‐preserving suppression method for depth estimation. The authors formulate a functional energy function based on the relative total intensity and space variation, and they minimise the energy function via iteratively reweighted least squares. Assuming that textural edges most likely correspond to depth discontinuities, they exploit the comparative variations of the colour image to produce a more accurate depth map. The experimental results demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed approach, and show that texture patterns are suppressed while meaningful edges are preserved. According to the results of the depth acquisition methods, the proposed depth estimation methods generate the accurate and robust results.
Single image dehazing using local linear fusion
Authors: Gao Yakun , Chen Haiyan , Li Haibin , Zhang Wenming
Published: December 2017

The authors propose a new single image dehazing method. Different from image restoration and image enhancement method, their method is based on the idea of image fusion. Image dehazing is to remove the influence of the haze between the scene and the camera. First, combined with the depth information, the haze layer is subtracted in the hazy image to improve the colour saturation, which produces the first input image. Then, the gamma correction is used on the grey image. Second, the details of the gamma correction image are enhanced to produce the second input image. Finally, the two input images are fused by local linear model to obtain the final restored image. Experimental results show that the restored image has high contrast, rich details, and without colour distortion in the sky area.
Detection of morphology defects in pipeline based on 3D active stereo omnidirectional vision sensor
Authors: Yang Zhongyuan , Lu Shaohui , Wu Ting , Yuan Gongping , Tang Yiping
Published: December 2017

There are many kinds of defects in pipes, which are difficult to detect with a low degree of automation. In this work, a novel omnidirectional vision inspection system for detection of the morphology defects is presented. An active stereo omnidirectional vision sensor is designed to obtain the texture and depth information of the inner wall of the pipeline in real time. The camera motion is estimated and the space location information of the laser points are calculated accordingly. Then, the faster region proposal convolutional neural network (Faster R‐CNN) is applied to train a detection network on their image database of pipe defects. Experimental results demonstrate that system can measure and reconstruct the 3D space of pipe with high quality and the retrained Faster R‐CNN achieves fine detection results in terms of both speed and accuracy.
Design of dual‐band circularly polarised array antenna package for 5G mobile terminals with beam‐steering capabilities
Authors: Mahmoud Korany R. , Montaser Ahmed M.
Published: December 2017

Here, a new design of phased‐array antenna for future fifth‐generation mobile phone applications is presented. The proposed phased array consists of 12 dual‐band circularly polarised antenna elements at 28/38 GHz used to form a linear array in the edges region (top‐side, right, and left sides) on a mobile phone circuit board. The measured and simulated results show that the designed antenna element has a reflection coefficient less than −15 dB in the assigned frequency bands of 28/38 GHz with a realised antenna gain of 7.68 and 7.73 dB, respectively. Furthermore, the performance of the array antenna package in the vicinity of user's head–hand has been investigated in this study at different scenarios. The designed array antenna achieved good matching impedance with high isolation between the array elements. Moreover, an acceptable realised gain of 16.85 dB on average with an axial ratio <3 dB is obtained in the entire operation bands. Lastly, the metrics of total scan pattern, coverage efficiency, and user shadowing are investigated. It is found that the proposed phased‐array antenna has good 3D beam‐steering characteristics, which makes it suitable for millimetre‐wave 5G mobile applications.
Study on the stability mechanism of the sending‐side three‐machine‐group system after multiple HVDC commutation failure
Authors: Tu Jingzhe , Pan Yan , Zhang Jian , Jia Junchuan , Qin Xiaohui , Yi Jun
Published: December 2017

Under the new situation of the ‘strong DC and weak AC’, the interaction between the sending‐side and the receiving‐side AC systems interconnected by HVDC links is becoming significant, and the contingencies can be transmitted via the DC power response. In this study, the rotor motion equation of the three‐machine system is derived. The decoupling of the two stability modes is realised according to their inherent periodic relationship, and the stability mechanism of the sending‐side three‐machine system after multiple HVDC commutation failure is analysed applying the equal‐area criterion. The impact of the influential factors on the stability of the sending‐side system is then analysed. The results are verified by the three‐machine equivalent case system and the ‘North China‐Central China‐East China’ practical system.