bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mindfulness and meditation: treating cognitive impairment and reducing stress in dementia
Authors: Russell-Williams Jesse , Jaroudi Wafa , Perich Tania , Hoscheidt Siobhan , El Haj Mohamad , Moustafa Ahmed A.
Published: February 2018

This study investigates the relationship between mindfulness, meditation, cognition and stress in people with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), dementia, mild cognitive impairment and subjective cognitive decline. Accordingly, we explore how the use of meditation as a behavioural intervention can reduce stress and enhance cognition, which in turn ameliorates some dementia symptoms. A narrative review of the literature was conducted with any studies using meditation as an intervention for dementia or dementia-related memory conditions meeting inclusion criteria. Studies where moving meditation was the main intervention were excluded due to the possible confounding of exercise. Ten papers were identified and reviewed. There was a broad use of measures across all studies, with cognitive assessment, quality of life and perceived stress being the most common. Three studies used functional magnetic resonance imaging to measure functional changes to brain regions during meditation. The interventions fell into the following three categories: mindfulness, most commonly mindfulness-based stress reduction (six studies); Kirtan Kriya meditation (three studies); and mindfulness-based Alzheimer’s stimulation (one study). Three of these studies were randomised controlled trials. All studies reported significant findings or trends towards significance in a broad range of measures, including a reduction of cognitive decline, reduction in perceived stress, increase in quality of life, as well as increases in functional connectivity, percent volume brain change and cerebral blood flow in areas of the cortex. Limitations and directions for future studies on meditation-based treatment for AD and stress management are suggested.
Determination of Kinetic Parameters for the Thermal Decomposition of Parthenium hysterophorus
Authors: Dhaundiyal Alok , Singh Suraj B. , Hanon Muammel M. , Rawat Rekha
Published: February 2018

A kinetic study of pyrolysis process of Parthenium hysterophorous is carried out by using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) equipment. The present study investigates the thermal degradation and determination of the kinetic parameters such as activation E and the frequency factor A using model-free methods given by Flynn Wall and Ozawa (FWO), Kissinger-Akahira-Sonuse (KAS) and Kissinger, and model-fitting (Coats Redfern). The results derived from thermal decomposition process demarcate decomposition of Parthenium hysterophorous among the three main stages, such as dehydration, active and passive pyrolysis. It is shown through DTG thermograms that the increase in the heating rate caused temperature peaks at maximum weight loss rate to shift towards higher temperature regime. The results are compared with Coats Redfern (Integral method) and experimental results have shown that values of kinetic parameters obtained from model-free methods are in good agreement. Whereas the results obtained through Coats Redfern model at different heating rates are not promising, however, the diffusion models provided the good fitting with the experimental data.
Preparation of polyaniline-polyvinyl alcohol-silver nanocomposite and characterization of its mechanical and antibacterial properties
Authors: Khoshkbar Sadeghi Alireza , Farbodi Maryam
Published: February 2018

In the present research, polyaniline is used as a conducting polymer and polyvinyl alcohol is also used as a biopolymer, because of its mechanical properties and suitable processability. Also, silver nanoparticles are considered as a reinforcing agent of thermal stability, mechanical and antibacterial properties to prepare polyaniline-polyvinyl alcohol-silver nanocomposite. The synthesis of polyaniline-polyvinyl alcohol composite and polyaniline-polyvinyl alcohol-silver nanocomposite is performed through addition of polyaniline and silver in polyvinyl alcohol solution. In order to review thermal, mechanical and antibacterial properties of synthesized composite and nanocomposites, components with different weight rates are used. The obtained results from thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) tests also indicate promotion of thermal stability of polyaniline-polyvinyl alcohol-silver nanocomposite compared with pure polyvinyl alcohol in temperatures above 400°C. The results of Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy revealed the presence of polyaniline, polyvinyl alcohol and silver in the structure of polyaniline-polyvinyl alcohol-silver triple nanocomposite film. The obtained results from a review of antibacterial properties showed that polyaniline-polyvinyl alcohol-silver nanocomposites have antibacterial effects on two different types of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The obtained results from a review of mechanical properties of nanocomposites showed that the greatest value of tensile strength (13.8 MPa) belonged to polyaniline-polyvinyl alcohol-silver (88%/9%/3% w/w) nanocomposites. Therefore, this is determined as an optimal triple nanocomposite. In addition, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with an energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) system was used to characterize the composition and structure of polyaniline-polyvinyl alcohol-silver nanocomposite film.
A Laboratory Investigation on Shear Strength Behavior of Sandy Soil: Effect of Glass Fiber and Clinker Residue Content
Authors: Bouaricha Leyla , Henni Ahmed Djafar , Lancelot Laurent
Published: February 2018

A study was undertaken to investigate the shear strength parameters of treated sands reinforced with randomly distributed glass fibers by carrying out direct shear test after seven days curing periods. Firstly, we studied the fiber content and fiber length effect on the peak shear strength on samples. The second part gives a parametric analysis on the effect of glass fiber and clinker residue content on the shear strength parameters for two types of uniform Algerian sands having different particle sizes (Chlef sand and Rass sand) with an average relative density Dr = 50%. Finally, the test results show that the combination of glass fiber and clinker residue content can effectively improve the shear strength parameters of soil in comparison with unreinforced soil. For instance, there is a significant gain for the cohesion and friction angle of reinforced sand of Chlef. Compared to unreinforced sand, the cohesion for sand reinforced with different ratios of clinker residue increased by 4.36 to 43.08 kPa for Chlef sand and by 3.1 to 28.64 kPa for Rass sand. The feature friction angles increased from 38.73° to 43.01° (+4.28°), and after the treatment, clinker residue content of soil evaluated to 5% (WRC
= 5%).
New Experiences in Dike Construction with Soil-Ash Composites and Fine-Grained Dredged Materials
Authors: Duszyński Remigiusz , Duszyńska Angelika , Cantré Stefan
Published: February 2018

The supporting structure inside a coastal dike is often made of dredged non-uniform sand with good compaction properties. Due to the shortage of natural construction material for both coastal and river dikes and the surplus of different processed materials, new experiments were made with sand-ash mixtures and fine-grained dredged materials to replace both dike core and dike cover materials resulting in economical, environmentally friendly and sustainable dikes. Ash from EC Gdańsk and dredged sand from the Vistula river were mixed to form an engineering material used for dike construction. The optimum sand-ash composites were applied at a field test site to build a large-scale research dike. Fine-grained dredged materials from Germany were chosen to be applied in a second full-scale research dike in Rostock. All materials were investigated according to the standards for soil mechanical analysis. This includes basic soil properties, mechanical characteristics, such as grain-size distribution, compaction parameters, compressibility, shear strength, and water permeability. In the field, the infiltration of water into the dike body as well as the erosion resistance of the cover material against overflowing water was determined. Results of both laboratory and field testing are discussed in this paper. In conclusion, the mixing of bottom ash with mineral soil, such as relatively uniform dredged sand, fairly improves the geotechnical parameters of the composite, compared to the constituents. Depending on the composite, the materials may be suitable to build a dike core or an erosion-resistant dike cover.
Influence of Parameters of Core Bingham Material on Critical Behaviour of Three-Layered Annular Plate
Authors: Pawlus Dorota
Published: February 2018

The paper presents the dynamic response of annular three-layered plate subjected to loads variable in time. The plate is loaded in the plane of outer layers. The plate core has the electrorheological properties expressed by the Bingham body model. The dynamic stability loss of plate with elastic core is determined by the critical state parameters, particularly by the critical stresses. Numerous numerical observations show the influence of the values of viscosity constant and critical shear stresses, being the Bingham body parameters, on the supercritical viscous fluid plate behaviour. The problem has been solved analytically and numerically using the orthogonalization method and finite difference method. The solution includes both axisymmetric and asymmetric plate dynamic modes.
Mechanism of Film Cooling with One Inlet and Double Outlet Hole Injection at Various Turbulence Intensities
Authors: Li Guangchao , Chen Yukai , Kou Zhihai , Zhang Wei , Zhang Guochen
Published: February 2018

The trunk-branch hole was designed as a novel film cooling concept, which aims for improving film cooling performance by producing anti-vortex. The trunk-branch hole is easily manufactured in comparison with the expanded hole since it consists of two cylindrical holes. The effect of turbulence on the film cooling effectiveness with a trunk-branch hole injection was investigated at the blowing ratios of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 by numerical simulation. The turbulence intensities from 0.4 % to 20 % were considered. The realizable

k
−
ε

$k - \varepsilon $

turbulence model and the enhanced wall function were used. The more effective anti-vortex occurs at the low blowing ratio of 0.5 %. The high turbulence intensity causes the effectiveness evenly distributed in the spanwise direction. The increase of turbulence intensity leads to a slight decrease of the spanwise averaged effectiveness at the low blowing ratio of 0.5, but a significant increase at the high blowing ratios of 1.5 and 2.0. The optimal blowing ratio of the averaged surface effectiveness is improved from 1.0 to 1.5 when the turbulence intensity increases from 0.4 % to 20 %.
Eine Rom-VO für das Internationale Gesellschaftsrecht
Authors: Hübner Leonhard
Published: February 2018

Die Rechtsprechung des EuGH zur Niederlassungsfreiheit hat sich in besonderem Maße auf das autonome Internationale Gesellschaftsrecht ausgewirkt; sie hat aber nicht zur Konsistenz in diesem Bereich beigetragen. Daher war eine entsprechende Regelung auf europäischer oder nationaler Ebene Gegenstand verschiedener Reformüberlegungen, wie z. B. einer Kommission des Deutschen Rates für IPR im Jahr 2007/2008. Dieser Vorschlag konnte sich allerdings nicht durchsetzen. In letzter Zeit haben eine von der EU Kommission beauftragte Studie zum Internationalen Gesellschaftsrecht und ein Konsultationsprozesses im Sommer 2017 sowie ein Regelungsvorschlag der GEDIP im Stile einer weiteren Rom-Verordnung eine neue Dynamik in diesem Bereich entfaltet. Vor dem Hintergrund der aktuellen Entwicklungen auf europäischer Ebene ist es Ziel der Untersuchung, einerseits zu einem besseren Verständnis der spezifischen Eigenheiten dieser Regelungsproblematik beizutragen und andererseits der Frage nach einer notwendigen Kohärenz im Europäischen Internationalen Gesellschaftsrecht nachzugehen. Zudem soll aufgezeigt werden, inwiefern die allgemeine IPR-Methodik und insbesondere der neue GEDIP-Entwurf Kohärenz fördern und sicherstellen können.
Effect of the Arctic terrestrial plant Ranunculus hyperboreus on LPS-induced inflammatory response via MAPK pathways
Authors: Kong Chang-Suk , Lee Jung Im , Karadeniz Fatih , Kim Hojun , Seo Youngwan
Published: February 2018

The Arctic flora hosts a limited number of species due to its extreme environmental conditions which also yield novel and unique secondary metabolites from withstanding plants. Considering a lack of research on bioactivity potential of Arctic flora, Ranunculus hyperboreus, an Arctic plant, was studied for its anti-inflammatory potential as a part of ongoing research on discovering novel natural bioactive products. Solvent-based fractions (H2O, n-BuOH, 85% aq. MeOH, n-hexane) from R. hyperboreus extract were observed to decrease the elevated nitrate amount during the inflammatory response of lipopolysaccharide-induced mouse macrophage RAW264.7 cells. To some extent, treatment with fractions was able to regulate the expression and protein levels of inflammation-related enzymes, iNOS and COX-2, and pro-inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. The most active fractions, H2O and 85% aq. MeOH, were suggested to exert their effect through suppressed activation of MAPK pathways, especially JNK. Based on the studies of same species, phenolic glycosides were suggested to be the main active ingredients. To our knowledge, this is the first report of any bioactivity of R. hyperboreus which could be a valuable source of natural bioactive agents against inflammation.
Long-Term Neuroinflammation Induced by Influenza A Virus Infection and the Impact on Hippocampal Neuron Morphology and Function
Authors: Hosseini Shirin , Wilk Esther , Michaelsen-Preusse Kristin , Gerhauser Ingo , Baumgärtner Wolfgang , Geffers Robert , Schughart Klaus , Korte Martin
Published: February 2018

Acute influenza infection has been reported to be associated with neurological symptoms. However, the long-term consequences of an infection with neurotropic and non-neurotropic influenza A virus (IAV) variants for the CNS remain elusive. We can show that spine loss in the hippocampus after infection with neurotropic H7N7 (rSC35M) and non-neurotropic H3N2 (maHK68) in female C57BL/6 mice persists well beyond the acute phase of the disease. Although spine number was significantly reduced at 30 d postinfection (dpi) with H7N7 or H3N2, full recovery could only be observed much later at 120 dpi. Infection with H1N1 virus, which was shown previously to affect spine number and hippocampus-dependent learning acutely, had no significant long-term effects. Spine loss was associated with an increase in the number of activated microglia, reduced long-term potentiation in the hippocampus, and impairment in spatial memory formation, indicating that IAV-associated inflammation induced functional and structural alterations in hippocampal networks. Transcriptome analyses revealed regulation of many inflammatory and neuron- and glia-specific genes in H3N2- and H7N7-infected mice at day 18 and in H7N7-infected mice at day 30 pi that related to the structural and functional alterations. Our data provide evidence that neuroinflammation induced by neurotropic H7N7 and infection of the lung with a non-neurotropic H3N2 IAV result in long-term impairments in the CNS. IAV infection in humans may therefore not only lead to short-term responses in infected organs, but may also trigger neuroinflammation and associated chronic alterations in the CNS.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTIn the acute phase of influenza infection, neuroinflammation can lead to alterations in hippocampal neuronal morphology and cognitive deficits. The results of this study now also provide evidence that neuroinflammation induced by influenza A virus (IAV) infection can induce longer-lasting, virus-specific alterations in neuronal connectivity that are still detectable 1 month after infection and are associated with impairments in spatial memory formation. IAV infection in humans may therefore not only lead to short-term responses in infected organs, but may also trigger neuroinflammation and associated chronic alterations in the CNS.
Testing the Efficacy of Single-Cell Stimulation in Biasing Presubicular Head Direction Activity
Authors: Coletta Stefano , Frey Markus , Nasr Khaled , Preston-Ferrer Patricia , Burgalossi Andrea
Published: February 2018

To support navigation, the firing of head direction (HD) neurons must be tightly anchored to the external space. Indeed, inputs from external landmarks can rapidly reset the preferred direction of HD cells. Landmark stimuli have often been simulated as excitatory inputs from “visual cells” (encoding landmark information) to the HD attractor network; when excitatory visual inputs are sufficiently strong, preferred directions switch abruptly to the landmark location. In the present work, we tested whether mimicking such inputs via juxtacellular stimulation would be sufficient for shifting the tuning of individual presubicular HD cells recorded in passively rotated male rats. We recorded 81 HD cells in a cue-rich environment, and evoked spikes trains outside of their preferred direction (distance range, 11–178°). We found that HD tuning was remarkably resistant to activity manipulations. Even strong stimulations, which induced seconds-long spike trains, failed to induce a detectable shift in directional tuning. HD tuning curves before and after stimulation remained highly correlated, indicating that postsynaptic activation alone is insufficient for modifying HD output. Our data are thus consistent with the predicted stability of an HD attractor network when anchored to external landmarks. A small spiking bias at the stimulus direction could only be observed in a visually deprived environment in which both average firing rates and directional tuning were markedly reduced. Based on this evidence, we speculate that, when attractor dynamics become unstable (e.g., under disorientation), the output of HD neurons could be more efficiently controlled by strong biasing stimuli.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe activity of head direction (HD) cells is thought to provide the mammalian brain with an internal sense of direction. To support navigation, the firing of HD neurons must be anchored to external landmarks, a process thought to be supported by associative plasticity within the HD system. Here, we investigated these plasticity mechanisms by juxtacellular stimulation of single HD neuronsin vivoin awake rats. We found that HD coding is strongly resistant to external manipulations of spiking activity. Only in a visually deprived environment was juxtacellular stimulation able to induce a small activity bias in single presubicular neurons. We propose that juxtacellular stimulation can bias HD tuning only when competing anchoring inputs are reduced or not available.
Maternal Immune Activation During the Third Trimester Is Associated with Neonatal Functional Connectivity of the Salience Network and Fetal to Toddler Behavior
Authors: Spann Marisa N. , Monk Catherine , Scheinost Dustin , Peterson Bradley S.
Published: February 2018

Prenatal maternal immune activation (MIA) is associated with altered brain development and risk of psychiatric disorders in offspring. Translational human studies of MIA are few in number. Alterations of the salience network have been implicated in the pathogenesis of the same psychiatric disorders associated with MIA. If MIA is pathogenic, then associated abnormalities in the salience network should be detectable in neonates immediately after birth. We tested the hypothesis that third trimester MIA of adolescent women who are at risk for high stress and inflammation is associated with the strength of functional connectivity in the salience network of their neonate. Thirty-six women underwent blood draws to measure interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) and electrocardiograms to measure fetal heart rate variability (FHRV) at 34–37 weeks gestation. Resting-state imaging data were acquired in the infants at 40–44 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA). Functional connectivity was measured from seeds placed in the anterior cingulate cortex and insula. Measures of cognitive development were obtained at 14 months PMA using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development–Third Edition (BSID-III). Both sexes were studied. Regions in which the strength of the salience network correlated with maternal IL-6 or CRP levels included the medial prefrontal cortex, temporoparietal junction, and basal ganglia. Maternal CRP level correlated inversely with FHRV acquired at the same gestational age. Maternal CRP and IL-6 levels correlated positively with measures of cognitive development on the BSID-III. These results suggest that MIA is associated with short- and long-term influences on offspring brain and behavior.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTPreclinical studies in rodents and nonhuman primates and epidemiological studies in humans suggest that maternal immune activation (MIA) alters the development of brain circuitry and associated behaviors, placing offspring at risk for psychiatric illness. Consistent with preclinical findings, we show that maternal third trimester interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein levels are associated with neonatal functional connectivity and with both fetal and toddler behavior. MIA-related functional connectivity was localized to the salience, default mode, and frontoparietal networks, which have been implicated in the pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders. Our results suggest that MIA alters functional connectivity in the neonatal brain, that those alterations have consequences for cognition, and that these findings may provide pathogenetic links between preclinical and epidemiological studies associating MIA with psychiatric risk in offspring.
Task Division within the Prefrontal Cortex: Distinct Neuron Populations Selectively Control Different Aspects of Aggressive Behavior via the Hypothalamus
Authors: Biro Laszlo , Sipos Eszter , Bruzsik Biborka , Farkas Imre , Zelena Dora , Balazsfi Diana , Toth Mate , Haller Jozsef
Published: February 2018

An important question in behavioral neurobiology is how particular neuron populations and pathways mediate the overall roles of brain structures. Here we investigated this issue by studying the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), an established locus of inhibitory control of aggression. We established in male rats that dominantly distinct mPFC neuron populations project to and produce dense fiber networks with glutamate release sites in the mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH) and lateral hypothalamus (LH; i.e., two executory centers of species-specific and violent bites, respectively). Optogenetic stimulation of mPFC terminals in MBH distinctively increased bite counts in resident/intruder conflicts, whereas the stimulation of similar terminals in LH specifically resulted in violent bites. No other behaviors were affected by stimulations. These findings show that the mPFC controls aggressiveness by behaviorally dedicated neuron populations and pathways, the roles of which may be opposite to those observed in experiments where the role of the whole mPFC (or of its major parts) has been investigated. Overall, our findings suggest that the mPFC organizes into working units that fulfill specific aspects of its wide-ranging roles.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTAggression control is associated with many cognitive and emotional aspects processed by the prefrontal cortex (PFC). However, how the prefrontal cortex influences quantitative and qualitative aspects of aggressive behavior remains unclear. We demonstrated that dominantly distinct PFC neuron populations project to the mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH) and the lateral hypothalamus (LH; i.e., two executory centers of species-specific and violent bites, respectively). Stimulation of mPFC fibers in MBH distinctively increased bite counts during fighting, whereas stimulation of similar terminals in LH specifically resulted in violent bites. Overall, our results suggest a direct prefrontal control over the hypothalamus, which is involved in the modulation of quantitative and qualitative aspects of aggressive behavior through distinct prefrontohypothalamic projections.
Toward a Cinema of Slow Violence
Authors: Llamas-Rodriguez Juan
Published: February 2018

Llamas-Rodriguez develops a “cinema of slow violence” as a framework for apprehending and critically assessing depictions of violence in film about narcotrafficking. Extending Rob Nixon's conception of slow violence, a cinema of slow violence proposes an orientation towards figuring violence in forms that use the distinct medium affordances of cinema. The author contests Nixon's assumption that cinematic depictions of violence will necessarily be spectacular by analyzing cinematic depictions of slow violence in the film Heli. This is achieved through a focus on cinematic figurations that are not strictly representational but rather avisual or affective. A cinema of slow violence requires an ethical orientation towards acknowledging, or doing something with the knowledge of, slow violence within the phenomenon of narcotrafficking. A cinema of slow violence emerges from the orientation of the filmmaker, the critic, and the audience, as well as the interconnections between each of these.
Prebiotic prevents impaired kidney and renal Oat3 functions in obese rats
Authors: Wanchai Keerati , Yasom Sakawdaurn , Tunapong Wannipa , Chunchai Titikorn , Thiennimitr Parameth , Chaiyasut Chaiyavat , Pongchaidecha Anchalee , Chatsudthipong Varanuj , Chattipakorn Siriporn , Chattipakorn Nipon , Lungkaphin Anusorn
Published: February 2018

Obesity is health issue worldwide, which can lead to kidney dysfunction. Prebiotics are non-digestible foods that have beneficial effects on health. This study aimed to investigate the effects of xylooligosaccharide (XOS) on renal function, renal organic anion transporter 3 (Oat3) and the mechanisms involved. High-fat diet was provided for 12 weeks in male Wistar rats. After that, the rats were divided into normal diet (ND); normal diet treated with XOS (NDX); high-fat diet (HF) and high-fat diet treated with XOS (HFX). XOS was given daily at a dose of 1000 mg for 12 weeks. At week 24, HF rats showed a significant increase in obesity and insulin resistance associated with podocyte injury, increased microalbuminuria, decreased creatinine clearance and impaired Oat3 function. These alterations were improved by XOS supplementation. Renal MDA level and the expression of AT1R, NOX4, p67phox, 4-HNE, phosphorylated PKCα and ERK1/2 were significantly decreased after XOS treatment. In addition, Nrf2-Keap1 pathway, SOD2 and GCLC expression as well as renal apoptosis were also significantly reduced by XOS. These data suggest that XOS could indirectly restore renal function and Oat3 function via the reduction of oxidative stress and apoptosis through the modulating of AT1R-PKCα-NOXs activation in obese insulin-resistant rats. These attenuations were instigated by the improvement of obesity, hyperlipidemia and insulin resistance.
“Basura verde” como componente de sustrato en el cultivo de Begonia spp. en potes
Authors: Acosta Durán Carlos Manuel , Acosta-Peñaloza Denisse
Published: February 2018

The forest soil is the main substrate in the production of ornamental plants in pots, but its unlimited extraction causes a negative environmental impact. One alternative for replacing the forest soil is the garden waste, also called “green waste”. The aim of this study was to characterize and determine the optimal dose inclusion of green waste in order to use it as substrate component for begonia (Begonia spp.) container cultivation. This experiment was performed in Morelos State, Mexico, in 2015. Physical and chemical laboratory analysis, as well as an agronomic evaluation was performed. Different proportions (100%, 75%, 50%, and 25%) of green waste and forest soil, supplemented by a general substrate (coconut fiber and sawdust, 50/50, v/v) were mixed. A completely randomized design of eight treatments with eight replications was used. Green waste has similar physicochemical characteristics to forest soil. In the growth and development of begonia plants, the results were statistically equal, between treatments of 100% green waste use and forest soil use in six of the sixteen variables studied, and was superior to other treatments, in one of them. As a result of this study, we reached the following conclusion: that green waste is a material that has the necessary physicochemical characteristics for the Begonia spp. container cultivation, and that if its used as a substrate, it could replace the forest soil.
Análisis económico: un estudio de caso en Jatropha curcas L. mediante la metodología de presupuestos parciales
Authors: Ávalos-Cerdas Juan Manuel , Villalobos-Monge Alexis
Published: February 2018

The methodology of partial budgets is an important form of economic analysis that contemplates that the costs between different agricultural trials differ without having to arrive directly to the production site, a fact that does not always happen on this type of experiments. The objective of the present work was to perform an analysis by means of partial budgets, in an experimental plot of Jatropha curcas. The experiment was carried out at the Fabio Baudrit Moreno Agricultural Experiment Station, La Garita, Alajuela, Costa Rica, between January and August,2014. An evaluation of the effect of five products against Polyphagotarsonemus latus on Jatropha curcas plants was performed,this products are:hexithiazox (1 ml/l of water), sulfur (10 kg/ha),propargite (4 kg/ha),spiromesifen(0.5 l/ha) and abamectin (1.5 l/ha). Two products applications were carried out, each application happened twenty-two days apart. After each application, the number of mites (eggs, larvae and adults) present on each treatment was evaluated. The methodology of partial budgets was used with an adjustment in order to determine which treatment from an economical point of view was the best. The results indicated that the treatment with the best cost-benefit ratio was abamectin with MRT values (marginal rate of return) of 17.1%, 4.6%, and 4.1%, for eggs, larvae and adults, respectively; followed by spiromesifen with a TRM for eggs of 5%, larvae of 1.8%, and adults of 3.8%, and finally sulfur; according to the TRM analysis. This indicates that the product with the lowest cost is not necessarily the product with the best results.
Emerging Perspectives on mTOR Inhibitor-Associated Pneumonitis in Breast Cancer
Authors: Alvarez Ricardo H. , Bechara Rabih I. , Naughton Michael J. , Adachi Javier A. , Reuben James M.
Published: February 2018

Substantial improvements in the early detection and treatment of breast cancer have led to improvements in survival, but breast cancer remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in women. In 2012, the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor everolimus was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of advanced breast cancer in patients resistant to endocrine therapy. Although everolimus is generally well tolerated, mTOR inhibitor-associated pneumonitis is one of the most common adverse drug events leading to treatment discontinuation. To date, the underlying pathophysiology of this toxicity is unclear, and this uncertainty may hinder the optimization of management strategies. However, experiences from breast cancer and renal cell carcinoma clinical trials indicate that mTOR inhibitor-associated pneumonitis can be effectively managed by early detection, accurate diagnosis, and prompt intervention that generally involves everolimus dose reductions, interruptions, or discontinuation. Management can be achieved by a multidisciplinary approach that involves the collaborative efforts of nurses, oncologists, radiologists, infectious disease specialists, pulmonologists, clinical pharmacists, and pathologists. Comprehensive education must be provided to all health care professionals involved in managing patients receiving everolimus therapy. Although general recommendations on the management of mTOR inhibitor-associated pneumonitis have been published, there is a lack of consensus on the optimal management of this potentially serious complication. This article provides an overview of mTOR inhibitor-associated pneumonitis, with a focus on the detection, accurate diagnosis, and optimal management of this class-related complication of mTOR inhibitor therapy.

Implications for Practice

This article summarizes the pathogenesis, clinical presentation, incidence, detection, and optimal management of everolimus-related noninfectious pneumonitis in breast cancer. In particular, this article provides a detailed overview of the important aspects of the detection, accurate diagnosis, and appropriate management of mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor-associated pneumonitis. In addition, this article emphasizes that effective management of this adverse drug event in patients with breast cancer will require a multidisciplinary approach and collaboration among various health care professionals.
Effect of Concomitant pH-Elevating Medications with Pazopanib on Progression-Free Survival and Overall Survival in Patients with Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: McAlister Renee K. , Aston Jonathan , Pollack Megan , Du Liping , Koyama Tatsuki , Chism David D.
Published: February 2018

Background

Pazopanib is an oral tyrosine-kinase inhibitor that is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). Pharmacokinetic data have shown that concomitant administration of pazopanib and esomeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), leads to decreased area under the curve and thus decreased exposure of pazopanib by 40%. Despite the pharmacokinetic data published to date, the clinical significance and impact on patient outcomes resulting from decreased pazopanib exposure remains unknown.

Materials and Methods

In this retrospective, observational, cohort study, 90 patients with mRCC who either received pazopanib in combination with a PPI or histamine 2 receptor antagonist (H2RA; concurrent PPI/H2RA group) or who did not take concurrent pH-elevating medications (no PPI/H2RA group) were compared to determine if there was an impact on progression-free survival (PFS), the primary endpoint, and secondary endpoints, overall survival (OS) and safety.

Results

The differences between the PFS of 9.0 months and OS of 28.0 months for the concomitant PPI/H2RA group versus 11.0 months and 30.1 months, respectively, for the no PPI/H2RA group were not statistically significant. Rates of adverse events were similar between the concomitant PPI/H2RA and no PPI/H2RA groups.

Conclusion

Concomitant PPI or H2RA usage was not shown to be associated with a reduction in PFS or OS for patients receiving pazopanib for mRCC, with a similar toxicity profile in each group. Based on the results of this retrospective cohort study and the palliative nature of the treatment of patients with mRCC, clinicians should consider allowing patients to remain on concomitant pazopanib and acid-reducing therapy.

Implications for Practice

Pazopanib is a preferred category-one first-line treatment for predominant clear cell metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). However, because of an aging demographic, coupled with patients with mRCC presenting with multiple comorbidities, including symptomatic dyspepsia or gastroesophageal reflux disease, patients are commonly required to take pazopanib concomitantly with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) or a histamine 2 receptor antagonist (H2RA). Despite earlier pharmacokinetic reports suggesting that an alkaline pH may result in poorer absorption, this institutional retrospective study found no effect on clinical outcomes. These data suggest that concurrent treatment of mRCC with pazopanib and a PPI or H2RA may be safe in everyday practice.
Distribution of heavy metal elements in chromium (III), lead-doped cement pastes
Authors: Lu Linnu , He Yongjia , Xiang Congyang , Wang Fazhou , Hu Shuguang
Published: February 2018

The distribution of heavy metal elements in cement pastes doped with nitrate salts of chromium (III) and lead were investigated by X-ray powder diffraction and field emission scanning electron microscope equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis system in a backscattered mode. The results show that neither chromium nor lead was uniformly distributed in calcium silicate hydrate (C–S–H), calcium hydroxide (CH) and trisulfoaluminates/monosulfaluminate (AFt/AFm) phases, but they were most inclined to be immobilised in the AFt/AFm phase, and then in C–S–H. When the dosage (mass percentage of heavy metal elements in the cement) reached 1·0%, chromium was also immobilised by precipitation as chromium calcium hydroxide hydrate, whereas no obvious lead compound was detected in the lead-doped hydrated pastes. The chromium calcium hydroxide hydrate was more inclined to form in some pores of the pastes. The presence of chromium and lead resulted in the formation of more ettringite, and the content of ettringite in all doped hydrated pastes, especially the chromium-doped pastes, was much higher than in undoped pastes at the age of 3 d; this content increased as the dosage increased.
Building information modelling roadmap strategy for Turkish construction sector
Authors: Tekin Hamdi , Atabay Şenay
Published: February 2018

Building information modelling (BIM) has shown itself as a leading factor in increasing the production and efficiency in the construction sector in many countries. The construction sector in Turkey has made considerable progress in recent years, but the sector lacks effective construction management and information technologies. In order to make further progress and to achieve global goals, the use of BIM is of utmost importance for the construction sector in Turkey. With this perspective, the present study aims to propose a strategic roadmap for BIM adoption to the Turkish construction sector. For this purpose, individual interviews were carried out to reveal the current state of BIM use in Turkey, a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis was conducted and the best practices in BIM adoption worldwide were investigated. The study intends to contribute to the relevant literature by suggesting a roadmap for the preparation of BIM standards as well as underline the importance of education, technological adaptation, public incentives and sanctions.
Urban footpath analysis and simulation – a case study in Sari – Iran
Authors: Rahmati Milad , Kashi Ehsan
Published: February 2018

Urban footpath quality and pedestrian level of service is a popular subject for modelling and simulation in transport engineering. This paper reports an investigation into the capacity of footpaths alongside a city street in Sari, Iran to determine whether the current provision can meet the present and forecast pedestrian demand, or whether improvements are required. To assess the capacity of the footpaths, a database including the location and time, speed and number of pedestrians, as well as determining and identifying points of footpaths with relatively high crowding, was prepared. Finally, the level of service (LOS) was obtained using a US code and proprietary modelling tool. The results indicated that some sections of the route were currently below an acceptable LOS and needed improvement to provide an adequate provision for pedestrians. When factoring in forecast growth, the LOS in these substandard sections was predicted to reduce even further and, without improvement, could undermine future economic growth.
Numerical analysis of bridge falsework Cuplok systems
Authors: André João , Beale Robert , Baptista António M.
Published: February 2018

Bridge falsework systems are one of the most common temporary structures used in the construction industry to support formwork during the construction of cast-in-place concrete bridges. This paper presents the results of advanced numerical studies of selected structural systems using a novel joint finite element and information gathered from an extensive experimental campaign of various types of joints commonly found in Cuplok falsework structures. Different hazardous scenarios identified as being critical to the structural performance of bridge falsework systems are analysed, such as ground settlements, bracing configurations and falsework systems using steel beam girders. For each considered hazardous scenario, structural behaviour and resistance are analysed and discussed. From the results, relevant practical information was obtained that can be used to reduce the risks associated with bridge falsework systems. For example, it was found that even a small value of isolated differential ground settlements could reduce the resistance of the system by more than 10%. In addition, for falsework systems using steel beam girders, it was found that inappropriate bracing of falsework towers could lead to a 50% reduction in system resistance.
Elastic-displacement-based multi-modal pushover analysis in high-rise core wall buildings
Authors: Ahmed Munir , Mahmood Tahir
Published: February 2018

Higher mode effects play a major role in the seismic demands of high-rise buildings. Several recent studies have shown that seismic design demands such as design shear and bending moment in high-rise buildings cannot be predicted by the conventional code-based response spectrum analysis procedure. These can be determined by the more rigorous and accurate non-linear response history analysis procedure, but this procedure is computationally very extensive and time consuming. Yet a non-linear static pushover analysis cannot account for higher mode effects. Therefore, the applicability of a multi-modal pushover analysis (MMPA) procedure using elastic target displacement to cases of 20- 30- and 40-storey high-rise reinforced concrete core wall buildings is investigated in this study. The results obtained by the elastic displacement MMPA (EDMMPA) procedure are compared with those obtained from non-linear analysis. The comparison shows that EDMMPA can satisfactorily estimate the design shear force, bending moment and deformation demands with a variation of 10–20%. Thus, this computationally less demanding analysis can serve as a base line for preliminary design of high-rise reinforced concrete core wall buildings.
Evaluating precast concrete column tilt-up methods to examine erection safety
Authors: Palikhe Shraddha , Kim Sunkuk , Kim Joseph J.
Published: February 2018

A hybrid composite precast concrete column (called the Smart column) was developed to increase the productivity of the tilt-up construction method. The Smart column, consisting of three precast concrete members connected by steel joints, is three storeys high. The joints where concrete is not poured during production consist of connection steels and rebars installed through the three precast concrete members, and these are possible failure areas due to stress concentration. Although the Smart column is designed safely through sufficient structural details, failure can occur during the tilt-up process, which clearly adversely affects projects costs and time scales. The results of a field experiment to analyse the safe erection of Smart columns are presented in this paper. The strains in the embedded rebars were measured during the tilt-up process in five different lifting procedures. All five lifting procedures exhibited small strain behaviour in the reinforcing bars, indicating no significant bending during the lifting procedures and thus proving the safe erection of a Smart column.
Dynamic performance of low-rise steel frame with exposed steel column base
Authors: Enhe Bao , Yanyan Chen , Chuanlong Zou , Tiancheng Wang , Hua Jiang
Published: February 2018

The influence of changes in strength of exposed steel column bases (ESCBs) on the dynamic response of low-rise steel frames was studied by building on the theoretical sliding hysteresis curve model of ESCBs on the basis of a previous experimental study. The first-floor shear–weight ratio (CB = 0·30 and 0·35) and frame shape were taken into account in designing 16 strong-column/weak-beam regular low-rise steel frame models with the ratio of the strength of column bases to the strength of the first-floor column as the main study parameter. The results showed that when the strength coefficient of the steel column base was lower than 0·7, the model deformed at the first floor and plastic energy was concentrated if the first-floor shear–weight ratio was 0·30, while the first-floor deformation and plastic energy concentration of the model eased if the first-floor shear–weight ratio was 0·35. In addition, the lower the strength coefficient of the steel column base, the more obvious was the easing effect. The energy absorption of the column bases was not significant, but the column bases were able to transfer input seismic energy to other components during the plastic sliding process. The dynamic response hysteresis curves of the column bases matched the theoretical model well.
As novas relações entre o urbano e o rural: o caso dos agricultores familiares feirantes de Igrejinha/RS
Authors: De Moraes Jorge Amaral , Alves Darlã De , Matte Júnior Alexandre Aloys
Published: February 2018

O objetivo principal deste artigo é analisar os efeitos das mudanças nas organizações produtivas urbanas sobre as características da produção e da comercialização de produtos agrícolas e sobre o nível de renda dos agricultores familiares do município de Igrejinha-RS. O artigo utiliza como metodologia o estudo de caso, amparado por uma revisão bibliográfica, uma pesquisa documental realizada no Sindicato dos Trabalhadores Rurais e na Prefeitura Municipal de Igrejinha e a aplicação de um questionário para 12 produtores rurais participantes das Feiras de Produtores. Estes comercializam seus produtos com a população local de Igrejinha, em vários pontos da cidade. Os resultados apontam a predominância de sistemas de produção de base familiar, contando com propriedades médias de nove hectares. Verificou-se que há uma grande variedade de cultivos, mas predominando a olericultura. Ainda, através da aplicação dos questionários, evidenciou-se a influência direta do meio urbano sobre o rural no município, impactando de forma determinante o nível de produção e renda dos pequenos agricultores. Por sua vez, estes são obrigados a elaborar diferentes estratégias para viabilizar a continuidade de sua produção, como a redução de preços e a diversificação, visando o aumento da competitividade, e a diminuição da produção, buscando evitar eventuais sobras.
Copyright for Movie Night: Film Screenings on Campus
Authors: Willi Hooper Michaela D.
Published: February 2018

I undertook this paper so that I, along with other librarians and educators, could better understand how to comply with copyright law, conserve university resources, and streamline services to students regarding the procurement of public performance rights (PPR) for films and other audiovisual resources. Student groups frequently screen films on campuses, and accepted legal interpretations of sections 101 and 106 of the 1976 Copyright Act indicate that a specific license should be sought for any public performance of a copyrighted audiovisual work. My review of PPR information on the public websites of the 38 members of the ORBIS-Cascade Alliance (an academic library consortium in the Northwest) points to the potential for greater collaboration with student affairs professionals and other campus departments to provide more accurate and complete information about PPR and library audiovisual resources (e.g., DVDs or streaming media) that have PPR attached. Campus-focused resources about PPR should include information about fair use, educational exemptions, public domain, open licenses, and library-licensed content that comes with PPR. The academic library community could undertake a project to enhance the accessibility of accurate and supportive PPR information to student groups by creating tools or best practices. This area is ripe for more current research.