bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PLANNING OF THE SECONDARY SCHOOLS` ACTIVITIES: MANAGEMENT ASPECTS
Authors: Panchenko Alla
Published: November 2017

In the article it is grounded the urgency of the planning of activities in upgrading and development of modern secondary education institution. It is distinguished the essence of the concept of «planning» as a polyvalence one, its importance in the management of the secondary education institution. Special attention is paid: to administrative aspects of planning and making self-analysis of the activities for the previous period with the help of the CAF model and SWOT-analysis; to providing the planning of technology «objectives tree»; to using the Internet resources for evaluation planning and forecasting activities of the head; to creation Google calendar of planned activities for the academic year. It was distinguished that in planning it is very important to determine the main tasks. This initial stage of management includes: activities of the team in the long term; ongoing activities; detailed programming. Planning is an ongoing, not one-time process, although it is repeated periodically because: after reaching the primary goal educational institution does not stop its existence, and poses new challenges; because of the constant changes in the environment the actual situation in the education and upbringing constantly does not meet the increased requirements.
IDENTITY OF THE SCHOOL AND ITS RELATIONS TOWARDS OUT OF SCHOOL REALITY
Authors: Myeshalski Stefan
Published: November 2017

Identity of the school as an educational institution comes from complex set of social, cultural processes which have long history. One of the factors influencing this identity is approach of school to outside world that is experienced by students in their everyday life. School limits students’ learning to the demanded extent and quite often separates their cognition from activities required by everyday life. Because of this phenomenon school has been criticized from various positions. The article presents some chosen positions including John Dewey’s standpoint and furthermore considers problem of school identity in two perspectives: evolutionary and cultural.
La empresa familiar: Desarrollo de sus tipologías de 1980 a 2009
Authors: Mayer-Granados Elizabeth , Jiménez-Almaguer Karla Paola , De la Garza-Ramos María Isabel , Medina-Quintero José Melchor
Published: November 2017

La empresa familiar adquiere cada vez más importancia en el campo de la investigación organizacional por sus características distintivas que influyen en su desarrollo, su importancia en la generación de empleos y contribución al Producto Interno Bruto Nacional, pero también por los porcentajes tan bajos de supervivencia al transitar de una a otra generación, lo que obliga a observarla desde diferentes ópticas para poder entenderla como fenómeno social. Centrándose la discusión en las diferencias sustanciales que distinguen a las empresas familiares entre sí, se presentan los resultados de una revisión bibliográfica sobre nueve diversas tipologías que han utilizado los estudiosos de la misma para clasificarla. Los resultados indican que durante quince años primó una sola tipología de la empresa familiar: la generacional, posteriormente las clasificaciones se enfocan al estudio de los sistemas que la conforman, la empresa y la familia.
Caracterización fisicoquímica de quesos étnicos del estado de Chiapas
Authors: Rosado-Zarrabal Thelma Lucía , Morales-Fernández Sigfrido David , Velázquez-Méndez Antonio Magdiel , Wong-Villarreal Arnoldo , Corzo-González Hipólito
Published: November 2017

En la actualidad, los quesos crema producidos en las Regiones Costa, Selva y Norte del estado de Chiapas, son los de mayor comercialización. Estos quesos no son producidos en grandes escalas y son heterogéneos. Sin embargo, tienen buena aceptación entre los consumidores por sus características sensoriales que presentan. El propósito de este proyecto fue la caracterización de los quesos étnicos de Chiapas mediante análisis fisicoquímicos para verificar que éstos cumplieran con las normas NMX-F-092-1970 y NOM-243-SSA1-2010. Se llevó a cabo una recolección de muestras de queso crema que se elaboran en las diferentes regiones del Estado de Chiapas, se realizaron pruebas fisicoquímicas: pH, humedad, sólidos totales, grasa, proteína y cenizas, y se compararon con las normas.Los resultados indicaron que, a excepción del pH, los quesos tipo crema de las regiones Costa, Selva y Norte del Estado de Chiapas se encontraban dentro de las Normas Oficiales Mexicanas, y que la Región Costa fue la que presentó los mayores contenidos de cenizas (4.49 %), sin embargo, en relación a contenidos de grasa, sólidos totales, humedad y proteínas en las tres regiones son iguales, por lo que son quesos con valor nutrimental deseable.
Compounding training in pharmacy education in Singapore: Perceptions of final year undergraduate pharmacy students and compounding pharmacists
Authors:   Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Choo Yuen Teng , Tan Mui-Ling ,   Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Goh Cheong Hian ,   Health Products Regulation Group, Health Sciences Authority, Singapore  Abstract, Yau Wai-Ping ,   Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore
Published: November 2017

Aim: To assess the importance of compounding training in today’s pharmacy education in Singapore, this study examined the perception of final year National University of Singapore (NUS) pharmacy undergraduates on compounding training in pharmacy education and their awareness of compounding services in Singapore in relation to compounding pharmacists’ perception, practice and role of pharmacy compounding in Singapore. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out between November 2013 and January 2014. It comprised of a questionnaire survey conducted on 134 final year pharmacy undergraduates, and face-to-face interviews conducted on 7 retail compounding pharmacists. Questionnaire responses were analysed using descriptive statistics, while the interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed by thematic coding. Results: Less than 40% of final year pharmacy undergraduates were aware of compounding activities and compounding pharmacies in Singapore. Nonetheless, majority agreed that compounding should be included in the pharmacy curriculum (83.6%) as it is an important part of pharmacy education (78.3%) and pharmacy profession (61.2%). All the interviewed compounding pharmacists felt that compounding in pharmacy education has provided them with the basics to build on knowledge and skills at work. Compounded medications were also viewed as necessary by 71.4% of the pharmacists in fulfilling the needs of certain patient populations. Conclusion: Compounding training is necessary in pharmacy education. Pharmacy compounding has evolved from its traditional role into a professional speciality of customizing medications to meet different patient needs today. Hence, knowledge and skills in pharmacy compounding remain a relevant foundation for practising pharmacists to enhance pharmaceutical care at work.
Weight management and physical activity throughout the cancer care continuum
Authors: Demark‐Wahnefried Wendy , Schmitz Kathryn H. , Alfano Catherine M. , Bail Jennifer R. , Goodwin Pamela J. , Thomson Cynthia A. , Bradley Don W. , Courneya Kerry S. , Befort Christie A. , Denlinger Crystal S. , Ligibel Jennifer A. , Dietz William H. , Stolley Melinda R. , Irwin Melinda L. , Bamman Marcas M. , Apovian Caroline M. , Pinto Bernardine M. , Wolin Kathleen Y. , Ballard Rachel M. , Dannenberg Andrew J. , Eakin Elizabeth G. , Longjohn Matt M. , Raffa Susan D. , Adams‐Campbell Lucile L. , Buzaglo Joanne S. , Nass Sharyl J. , Massetti Greta M. , Balogh Erin P. , Kraft Elizabeth S. , Parekh Anand K. , Sanghavi Darshak M. , Morris G. Stephen , Basen‐Engquist Karen
Published: November 2017

Mounting evidence suggests that weight management and physical activity (PA) improve overall health and well being, and reduce the risk of morbidity and mortality among cancer survivors. Although many opportunities exist to include weight management and PA in routine cancer care, several barriers remain. This review summarizes key topics addressed in a recent National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine workshop entitled, “Incorporating Weight Management and Physical Activity Throughout the Cancer Care Continuum.” Discussions related to body weight and PA among cancer survivors included: 1) current knowledge and gaps related to health outcomes; 2) effective intervention approaches; 3) addressing the needs of diverse populations of cancer survivors; 4) opportunities and challenges of workforce, care coordination, and technologies for program implementation; 5) models of care; and 6) program coverage. While more discoveries are still needed for the provision of optimal weight‐management and PA programs for cancer survivors, obesity and inactivity currently jeopardize their overall health and quality of life. Actionable future directions are presented for research; practice and policy changes required to assure the availability of effective, affordable, and feasible weight management; and PA services for all cancer survivors as a part of their routine cancer care.CA Cancer J Clin 2018;68:64‐89. ©2017 American Cancer Society.
Comparative Analysis of Classifiers for Classification of Emergency Braking of Road Motor Vehicles
Authors: Podusenko Albert , Nikulin Vsevolod , Tanev Ivan , Shimohara Katsunori
Published: November 2017

We investigate the feasibility of classifying (inferring) the emergency braking situations in road vehicles from the motion pattern of the accelerator pedal. We trained and compared several classifiers and employed genetic algorithms to tune their associated hyperparameters. Using offline time series data of the dynamics of the accelerator pedal as the test set, the experimental results suggest that the evolved classifiers detect the emergency braking situation with at least 93% accuracy. The best performing classifier could be integrated into the agent that perceives the dynamics of the accelerator pedal in real time and—if emergency braking is detected—acts by applying full brakes well before the driver would have been able to apply them.
Vitamin E Bioavailability: Mechanisms of Intestinal Absorption in the Spotlight
Authors: Reboul Emmanuelle
Published: November 2017

Vitamin E is an essential fat-soluble micronutrient whose effects on human health can be attributed to both antioxidant and non-antioxidant properties. A growing number of studies aim to promote vitamin E bioavailability in foods. It is thus of major interest to gain deeper insight into the mechanisms of vitamin E absorption, which remain only partly understood. It was long assumed that vitamin E was absorbed by passive diffusion, but recent data has shown that this process is actually far more complex than previously thought. This review describes the fate of vitamin E in the human gastrointestinal lumen during digestion and focuses on the proteins involved in the intestinal membrane and cellular transport of vitamin E across the enterocyte. Special attention is also given to the factors modulating both vitamin E micellarization and absorption. Although these latest results significantly improve our understanding of vitamin E intestinal absorption, further studies are still needed to decipher the molecular mechanisms driving this multifaceted process.
On Normalized Mutual Information: Measure Derivations and Properties
Authors: Kvålseth Tarald
Published: November 2017

Starting with a new formulation for the mutual information (MI) between a pair of events, this paper derives alternative upper bounds and extends those to the case of two discrete random variables. Normalized mutual information (NMI) measures are then obtained from those bounds, emphasizing the use of least upper bounds. Conditional NMI measures are also derived for three different events and three different random variables. Since the MI formulation for a pair of events is always nonnegative, it can properly be extended to include weighted MI and NMI measures for pairs of events or for random variables that are analogous to the well-known weighted entropy. This weighted MI is generalized to the case of continuous random variables. Such weighted measures have the advantage over previously proposed measures of always being nonnegative. A simple transformation is derived for the NMI, such that the transformed measures have the value-validity property necessary for making various appropriate comparisons between values of those measures. A numerical example is provided.
Dynamic and Thermodynamic Properties of a CA Engine with Non-Instantaneous Adiabats
Authors: Paéz-Hernández Ricardo , Sánchez-Salas Norma , Chimal-Eguía Juan , Ladino-Luna Delfino
Published: November 2017

This paper presents an analysis of a Curzon and Alhborn thermal engine model where both internal irreversibilities and non-instantaneous adiabatic branches are considered, operating with maximum ecological function and maximum power output regimes. Its thermodynamic properties are shown, and an analysis of its local dynamic stability is performed. The results derived are compared throughout the work with the results obtained previously for a case in which the adiabatic branches were assumed as instantaneous. The results indicate a better performance for thermodynamic properties in the model with instantaneous adiabatic branches, whereas there is an improvement in robustness in the case where non-instantaneous adiabatic branches are considered.
Urban Green Space and the Pursuit of Health Equity in Parts of the United States
Authors: Jennings Viniece , Baptiste April , Osborne Jelks Na’Taki , Skeete Renée
Published: November 2017

Research has demonstrated that inequitable access to green space can relate to health disparities or inequalities. This commentary aims to shift the dialogue to initiatives that have integrated green spaces in projects that may promote health equity in the United States. Specifically, we connect this topic to factors such as community revitalization, affordable housing, neighborhood walkability, food security, job creation, and youth engagement. We provide a synopsis of locations and initiatives in different phases of development along with characteristics to support effectiveness and strategies to overcome challenges. The projects cover locations such as Atlanta (GA), Los Angeles (CA), the District of Columbia (Washington D.C.), South Bronx (NY), and Utica (NY). Such insight can develop our understanding of green space projects that support health equity and inform the dialogue on this topic in ways that advance research and advocacy.
The Tale of Asbestos in Sweden 1972–1986—The Pathway to a Near-Total Ban
Authors: Westerholm Peter , Remaéus Bertil , Svartengren Magnus
Published: November 2017

This paper provides a narrative of the national intervention strategy in Sweden aimed to restrict the industrial use of asbestos. For many years, asbestos was imported for widespread industrial use, resulting in large amounts throughout Swedish society. In 1972, the whistle was blown in a Communist Party parliamentary motion describing asbestos as a health hazard and requesting action to prohibit its use. Although the motion was rejected, it initiated the extensive charting of asbestos sources on a tripartite basis, involving government agencies, and employer and trade-union organizations. Restrictive asbestos management practices were enforced from July 1982. The year 1985 saw the Government Asbestos Commission review, covering use-determining factors, international regulations, and assessments of cancer risks. The relative risks of chrysotile and amphibole were considered internationally (by the IARC), since chrysotile (a Canadian export) was regarded as unharmful in Canada at that time. Prohibiting asbestos use resulted in its virtual disappearance as an import to Sweden from the early 1980s. However, asbestos has undergone a transition from an occupational to a public-health hazard (although some work-related hazards, such as handling and disposal, remain). The transition reflects the public’s exposure to existing stocks, in homes, workplaces, etc. Mesothelioma incidence has come to be regarded as an indicator of prevention effectiveness.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Energy Consumption and Economic Growth: A Panel Cointegration Analysis for 16 Asian Countries
Authors: Lu Wen-Cheng
Published: November 2017

This research investigates the co-movement and causality relationships between greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption and economic growth for 16 Asian countries over the period 1990–2012. The empirical findings suggest that in the long run, bidirectional Granger causality between energy consumption, GDP and greenhouse gas emissions and between GDP, greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption is established. A non-linear, quadratic relationship is revealed between greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption and economic growth, consistent with the environmental Kuznets curve for these 16 Asian countries and a subsample of the Asian new industrial economy. Short-run relationships are regionally specific across the Asian continent. From the viewpoint of energy policy in Asia, various governments support low-carbon or renewable energy use and are reducing fossil fuel combustion to sustain economic growth, but in some countries, evidence suggests that energy conservation might only be marginal.
Alterations in Rat Accumbens Endocannabinoid and GABA Content during Fentanyl Treatment: The Role of Ghrelin
Authors: Sustkova-Fiserova Magdalena , Charalambous Chrysostomos , Havlickova Tereza , Lapka Marek , Jerabek Pavel , Puskina Nina , Syslova Kamila
Published: November 2017

The opioid-induced rise of extracellular dopamine, endocannabinoid anandamide and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) concentrations triggered by opioids in the nucleus accumbens shell (NACSh) most likely participate in opioid reward. We have previously demonstrated that systemic administration of ghrelin antagonist (JMV2959) significantly decreased morphine-induced dopamine and anandamide (N-arachidonoylethanolamine, AEA) increase in the NACSh. Fentanyl is considered as a µ-receptor-selective agonist. The aim of this study was to test whether JMV2959, a growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1A) antagonist, can influence the fentanyl-induced effects on anandamide, 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and GABA in the NACSh and specify the involvement of GHS-R1A located in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and nucleus accumbens (NAC). Using in vivo microdialysis in rats, we have found that pre-treatment with JMV2959 reversed dose dependently fentanyl-induced anandamide increases in the NACSh, resulting in a significant AEA decrease and intensified fentanyl-induced decreases in accumbens 2-AG levels, with both JMV2959 effects more expressed when administered into the NACSh in comparison to the VTA. JMV2959 pre-treatment significantly decreased the fentanyl-evoked accumbens GABA efflux and reduced concurrently monitored fentanyl-induced behavioural stimulation. Our current data encourage further investigation to assess if substances affecting GABA or endocannabinoid concentrations and action, such as GHS-R1A antagonists, can be used to prevent opioid-seeking behaviour.
Nitroxides as Antioxidants and Anticancer Drugs
Authors: Lewandowski Marcin , Gwozdzinski Krzysztof
Published: November 2017

Nitroxides are stable free radicals that contain a nitroxyl group with an unpaired electron. In this paper, we present the properties and application of nitroxides as antioxidants and anticancer drugs. The mostly used nitroxides in biology and medicine are a group of heterocyclic nitroxide derivatives of piperidine, pyrroline and pyrrolidine. The antioxidant action of nitroxides is associated with their redox cycle. Nitroxides, unlike other antioxidants, are characterized by a catalytic mechanism of action associated with a single electron oxidation and reduction reaction. In biological conditions, they mimic superoxide dismutase (SOD), modulate hemoprotein’s catalase-like activity, scavenge reactive free radicals, inhibit the Fenton and Haber-Weiss reactions and suppress the oxidation of biological materials (peptides, proteins, lipids, etc.). The use of nitroxides as antioxidants against oxidative stress induced by anticancer drugs has also been investigated. The application of nitroxides and their derivatives as anticancer drugs is discussed in the contexts of breast, hepatic, lung, ovarian, lymphatic and thyroid cancers under in vivo and in vitro experiments. In this article, we focus on new natural spin-labelled derivatives such as camptothecin, rotenone, combretastatin, podophyllotoxin and others. The applications of nitroxides in the aging process, cardiovascular disease and pathological conditions were also discussed.
Argan Oil as an Effective Nutri-Therapeutic Agent in Metabolic Syndrome: A Preclinical Study
Authors: El Midaoui Adil , Haddad Youssef , Filali-Zegzouti Younes , Couture Réjean
Published: November 2017

The present study aims at examining the effects of argan oil on the three main cardiovascular risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome (hypertension, insulin resistance and obesity) and on one of its main complications, neuropathic pain. Male Sprague-Dawley rats had free access to a drinking solution containing 10% d-glucose or tap water for 12 weeks. The effect of argan oil was compared to that of corn oil given daily by gavage during 12 weeks in glucose-fed rats. Glucose-fed rats showed increases in systolic blood pressure, epididymal fat, plasma levels of triglycerides, leptin, glucose and insulin, insulin resistance, tactile and cold allodynia in association with a rise in superoxide anion production and NADPH oxidase activity in the thoracic aorta, epididymal fat and gastrocnemius muscle. Glucose-fed rats also showed rises in B1 receptor protein expression in aorta and gastrocnemius muscle. Argan oil prevented or significantly reduced all those anomalies with an induction in plasma adiponectin levels. In contrast, the same treatment with corn oil had a positive impact only on triglycerides, leptin, adiponectin and insulin resistance. These data are the first to suggest that argan oil is an effective nutri-therapeutic agent to prevent the cardiovascular risk factors and complications associated with metabolic syndrome.
MicroRNAs Associated with Von Hippel–Lindau Pathway in Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Schanza Lisa-Maria , Seles Maximilian , Stotz Michael , Fosselteder Johannes , Hutterer Georg , Pichler Martin , Stiegelbauer Verena
Published: November 2017

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) are the most common renal neoplasia and can be divided into three main histologic subtypes, among which clear cell RCC is by far the most common form of kidney cancer. Despite substantial advances over the last decade in the understanding of RCC biology, surgical treatments, and targeted and immuno-therapies in the metastatic setting, the prognosis for advanced RCC patients remains poor. One of the major problems with RCC treatment strategies is inherent or acquired resistance towards therapeutic agents over time. The discovery of microRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small, non-coding, single-stranded RNAs that play a crucial role in post-transcriptional regulation, has added new dimensions to the development of novel diagnostic and treatment tools. Because of an association between Von Hippel–Lindau (VHL) genes with chromosomal loss in 3p25-26 and clear cell RCC, miRNAs have attracted considerable scientific interest over the last years. The loss of VHL function leads to constitutional activation of the hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) pathway and to consequent expression of numerous angiogenic and carcinogenic factors. Since miRNAs represent key players of carcinogenesis, tumor cell invasion, angiogenesis, as well as in development of metastases in RCC, they might serve as potential therapeutic targets. Several miRNAs are already known to be dysregulated in RCC and have been linked to biological processes involved in tumor angiogenesis and response to anti-cancer therapies. This review summarizes the role of different miRNAs in RCC angiogenesis and their association with the VHL gene, highlighting their potential role as novel drug targets.
Growth and Morphogenesis during Early Heart Development in Amniotes
Authors: Ivanovitch Kenzo , Esteban Isaac , Torres Miguel
Published: November 2017

In this review, we will focus on the growth and morphogenesis of the developing heart, an aspect of cardiovascular development to which Antoon Moorman and colleagues have extensively contributed. Over the last decades, genetic studies and characterization of regionally regulated gene programs have provided abundant novel insights into heart development essential to understand the basis of congenital heart disease. Heart morphogenesis, however, is inherently a complex and dynamic three-dimensional process and we are far from understanding its cellular basis. Here, we discuss recent advances in studying heart morphogenesis and regionalization under the light of the pioneering work of Moorman and colleagues, which allowed the reinterpretation of regional gene expression patterns under a new morphogenetic framework. Two aspects of early heart formation will be discussed in particular: (1) the initial formation of the heart tube and (2) the formation of the cardiac chambers by the ballooning process. Finally, we emphasize that in addition to analyses based on fixed samples, new approaches including clonal analysis, single-cell sequencing, live-imaging and quantitative analysis of the data generated will likely lead to novel insights in understanding early heart tube regionalization and morphogenesis in the near future.
Disability, Procreation, and Justice in the United States
Authors: Mutcherson Kimberly
Published: November 2017

Parenting and procreation have long been contested legal terrain in the United States as exemplified by a history of abuses against marginalized populations including people with disabilities. While some of the most egregious abuses, such as state sponsored sterilization programs, are relics of the past, it remains true that people with disabilities face distinct and at times insurmountable roadblocks to procreation and parenting. This article details ongoing forms of procreative discrimination against people with disabilities, rejects common justifications for that discrimination, and offers proposals for better protecting the rights to procreate and parent for disabled people.
Early Stages of Biomineral Formation—A Solid-State NMR Investigation of the Mandibles of Minipigs
Authors: Vyalikh Anastasia , Elschner Cindy , Schulz Matthias , Mai Ronald , Scheler Ulrich
Published: November 2017

Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy allows for the identification of inorganic species during the biomineral formation, when crystallite particles visible in direct imaging techniques have not yet been formed. The bone blocks surrounding dental implants in minipigs were dissected after the healing periods of two, four, and eight weeks, and newly formed tissues formed around the implants were investigated ex vivo. Two-dimensional 31P-1H heteronuclear correlation (HETCOR) spectroscopy is based on the distance-dependent heteronuclear dipolar coupling between phosphate- and hydrogen-containing species and provides sufficient spectral resolution for the identification of different phosphate minerals. The nature of inorganic species present at different mineralization stages has been determined based on the 31P chemical shift information. After a healing time of two weeks, pre-stages of mineralization with a rather unstructured distribution of structural motives were found. After four weeks, different structures, which can be described as nanocrystals exhibiting a high surface-to-volume ratio were detected. They grew and, after eight weeks, showed chemical structures similar to those of matured bone. In addition to hydroxyapatite, amorphous calcium phosphate, and octacalcium phosphate, observed in a reference sample of mature bone, signatures of ß-tricalcium phosphate and brushite-like structures were determined at the earlier stages of bone healing.
Channel Engineering for Nanotransistors in a Semiempirical Quantum Transport Model
Authors: Wulf Ulrich , Kučera Jan , Richter Hans , Horstmann Manfred , Wiatr Maciej , Höntschel Jan
Published: November 2017

One major concern of channel engineering in nanotransistors is the coupling of the conduction channel to the source/drain contacts. In a number of previous publications, we have developed a semiempirical quantum model in quantitative agreement with three series of experimental transistors. On the basis of this model, an overlap parameter 0 ≤ C ≤ 1 can be defined as a criterion for the quality of the contact-to-channel coupling: A high level of C means good matching between the wave functions in the source/drain and in the conduction channel associated with a low contact-to-channel reflection. We show that a high level of C leads to a high saturation current in the ON-state and a large slope of the transfer characteristic in the OFF-state. Furthermore, relevant for future device miniaturization, we analyze the contribution of the tunneling current to the total drain current. It is seen for a device with a gate length of 26 nm that for all gate voltages, the share of the tunneling current becomes small for small drain voltages. With increasing drain voltage, the contribution of the tunneling current grows considerably showing Fowler–Nordheim oscillations. In the ON-state, the classically allowed current remains dominant for large drain voltages. In the OFF-state, the tunneling current becomes dominant.
Aspersymmetide A, a New Centrosymmetric Cyclohexapeptide from the Marine-Derived Fungus Aspergillus versicolor
Authors: Hou Xue-Mei , Zhang Ya-Hui , Hai Yang , Zheng Ji-Yong , Gu Yu-Cheng , Wang Chang-Yun , Shao Chang-Lun
Published: November 2017

A new centrosymmetric cyclohexapeptide, aspersymmetide A (1), together with a known peptide, asperphenamate (2), was isolated from the fungus Aspergillus versicolor isolated from a gorgonian coral Carijoa sp., collected from the South China Sea. The chemical structure of 1 was elucidated by analyzing its NMR spectroscopy and MS spectrometry data, and the absolute configurations of the amino acids of 1 were determined by Marfey’s method and UPLC-MS analysis of the hydrolysate. Aspersymmetide A (1) represents the first example of marine-derived centrosymmetric cyclohexapeptide. Moreover, 1 exhibited weak cytotoxicity against NCI-H292 and A431 cell lines at the concentration of 10 μM.
High-Throughput Identification of Antimicrobial Peptides from Amphibious Mudskippers
Authors: Yi Yunhai , You Xinxin , Bian Chao , Chen Shixi , Lv Zhao , Qiu Limei , Shi Qiong
Published: November 2017

Widespread existence of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) has been reported in various animals with comprehensive biological activities, which is consistent with the important roles of AMPs as the first line of host defense system. However, no big-data-based analysis on AMPs from any fish species is available. In this study, we identified 507 AMP transcripts on the basis of our previously reported genomes and transcriptomes of two representative amphibious mudskippers, Boleophthalmus pectinirostris (BP) and Periophthalmus magnuspinnatus (PM). The former is predominantly aquatic with less time out of water, while the latter is primarily terrestrial with extended periods of time on land. Within these identified AMPs, 449 sequences are novel; 15 were reported in BP previously; 48 are identically overlapped between BP and PM; 94 were validated by mass spectrometry. Moreover, most AMPs presented differential tissue transcription patterns in the two mudskippers. Interestingly, we discovered two AMPs, hemoglobin β1 and amylin, with high inhibitions on Micrococcus luteus. In conclusion, our high-throughput screening strategy based on genomic and transcriptomic data opens an efficient pathway to discover new antimicrobial peptides for ongoing development of marine drugs.
Combating Fusarium Infection Using Bacillus-Based Antimicrobials
Authors: Khan Noor , Maymon Maskit , Hirsch Ann
Published: November 2017

Despite efforts to control toxigenic Fusarium species, wilt and head-blight infections are destructive and economically damaging diseases that have global effects. The utilization of biological control agents in disease management programs has provided an effective, safe, and sustainable means to control Fusarium-induced plant diseases. Among the most widely used microbes for biocontrol agents are members of the genus Bacillus. These species influence plant and fungal pathogen interactions by a number of mechanisms such as competing for essential nutrients, antagonizing pathogens by producing fungitoxic metabolites, or inducing systemic resistance in plants. The multivariate interactions among plant-biocontrol agent-pathogen are the subject of this study, in which we survey the advances made regarding the research on the Bacillus-Fusarium interaction and focus on the principles and mechanisms of action among plant-growth promoting Bacillus species. In particular, we highlight their use in limiting and controlling Fusarium spread and infestations of economically important crops. This knowledge will be useful to define strategies for exploiting this group of beneficial bacteria for use as inoculants by themselves or in combination with other microbes for enhanced crop protection.
Synthesis of Spironucleosides: Past and Future Perspectives
Authors: Soengas Raquel , Da Silva Gustavo , Estévez Juan
Published: November 2017

Spironucleosides are a type of conformationally restricted nucleoside analogs in which the anomeric carbon belongs simultaneously to the sugar moiety and to the base unit. This locks the nucleic base in a specific orientation around the N-glycosidic bond, imposing restrictions on the flexibility of the sugar moiety. Anomeric spiro-functionalized nucleosides have gained considerable importance with the discovery of hydantocidin, a natural spironucleoside isolated from fermentation broths of Streptomyces hygroscopicus which exhibits potent herbicidal activity. The biological activity of hydantocidin has prompted considerable synthetic interest in this nucleoside and also in a variety of analogues, since important pharmaceutical leads can be found among modified nucleoside analogues. We present here an overview of the most important advances in the synthesis of spironucleosides.
Multicenter (FX)n/NH3 Halogen Bonds (X = Cl, Br and n = 1–5). QTAIM Descriptors of the Strength of the X∙∙∙N Interaction
Authors: Buralli Gabriel , Petelski Andre , Peruchena Nélida , Sosa Gladis , Duarte Darío
Published: November 2017

In the present work an in depth deep electronic study of multicenter XBs (FX)n/NH3 (X = Cl, Br and n = 1–5) is conducted. The ways in which X∙∙∙X lateral contacts affect the electrostatic or covalent nature of the X∙∙∙N interactions are explored at the CCSD(T)/aug-cc-pVTZ level and in the framework of the quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM). Calculations show that relatively strong XBs have been found with interaction energies lying between −41 and −90 kJ mol−1 for chlorine complexes, and between −56 and −113 kJ mol−1 for bromine complexes. QTAIM parameters reveal that in these complexes: (i) local (kinetics and potential) energy densities measure the ability that the system has to concentrate electron charge density at the intermolecular X∙∙∙N region; (ii) the delocalization indices [δ(A,B)] and the exchange contribution [VEX(X,N)] of the interacting quantum atoms (IQA) scheme, could constitute a quantitative measure of the covalence of these molecular interactions; (iii) both classical electrostatic and quantum exchange show high values, indicating that strong ionic and covalent contributions are not mutually exclusive.
A Cross-Sectional Study on the Association between 24-h Urine Osmolality and Weight Status in Older Adults
Authors: Padrão Patrícia , Sousa Ana , Guerra Rita , Álvares Luísa , Santos Alejandro , Borges Nuno , Afonso Cláudia , Amaral Teresa , Moreira Pedro
Published: November 2017

Data on the association between hydration and body weight in the elderly are scarce. The objective of this work was to quantify the association between 24-h urine osmolality and weight status in the elderly. A cross-sectional study was conducted within the Nutrition UP 65 study. A quota sampling was implemented to achieve a nationally representative sample of Portuguese older adults (≥65 years) according to age, sex, education and region. From a sample size of 1500 participants, 1315 were eligible for the present analysis, 57.3% were women and 23.5% were aged ≥80 years. Participants were grouped using tertiles of 24-h urine osmolality by sex. World Health Organization cutoffs were used to classify participants according to weight status. Multinomial multivariable logistic regression models were conducted to evaluate the association of tertiles of osmolality with weight status, adjusting for confounders. Odds Ratios (OR) and respective 95% Confidence Intervals (95% CI) were calculated. Being in the 3rd urine osmolality tertile (highest) was associated with a higher risk of being obese in men, OR = 1.97, 95% CI = 1.06, 3.66. No such association was found in women. These results highlight the need for implementing studies in order to clarify the association between hydration and weight status in the elderly.
Satellite and Ground Observations of Snow Cover in Tibet during 2001–2015
Authors: Basang Droma , Barthel Knut , Olseth Jan
Published: November 2017

The seasonal snow cover of the Tibetan Plateau exerts a profound environmental influence both regionally and globally. Daily observations of snow depth at 37 meteorological stations in Tibet and MODIS eight-day snow products (MOD10A2) during the period 2001–2015 are analyzed with respect to the frequency and spatial distribution of snow cover for each season and for various altitude ranges. The results show that the average snow cover percentage was 16%. Snow cover frequency was less than 21% for 70% of the Tibetan area, while it was more than 40% in eastern Tibet and in the Himalayas. We also estimated the variations in the starting times of snow accumulation and ablation. During the 15 years, both datasets revealed a significant trend of earlier onset of ablation, but no evident trend for the start of accumulation. The two datasets differed slightly with respect to the seasonal variation of snow cover. MODIS data showed more snow in winter than in other seasons, but the ground data showed most snow in early spring. For the station locations, the correlation between ground and MODIS snow cover percentage (number of snow-covered stations/number of cloud-free stations) is 0.77. Combining the advantages of remote sensing data and ground observation data is the best way to investigate snow in Tibet.
Estimating Leaf Area Density of Individual Trees Using the Point Cloud Segmentation of Terrestrial LiDAR Data and a Voxel-Based Model
Authors: Li Shihua , Dai Leiyu , Wang Hongshu , Wang Yong , He Ze , Lin Sen
Published: November 2017

The leaf area density (LAD) within a tree canopy is very important for the understanding and modeling of photosynthetic studies of the tree. Terrestrial light detection and ranging (LiDAR) has been applied to obtain the three-dimensional structural properties of vegetation and estimate the LAD. However, there is concern about the efficiency of available approaches. Thus, the objective of this study was to develop an effective means for the LAD estimation of the canopy of individual magnolia trees using high-resolution terrestrial LiDAR data. The normal difference method based on the differences in the structures of the leaf and non-leaf components of trees was proposed and used to segment leaf point clouds. The vertical LAD profiles were estimated using the voxel-based canopy profiling (VCP) model. The influence of voxel size on the LAD estimation was analyzed. The leaf point cloud’s extraction accuracy for two magnolia trees was 86.53% and 84.63%, respectively. Compared with the ground measured leaf area index (LAI), the retrieved accuracy was 99.9% and 90.7%, respectively. The LAD (as well as LAI) was highly sensitive to the voxel size. The spatial resolution of point clouds should be the appropriate estimator for the voxel size in the VCP model.
Optimal Pricing and Power Allocation for Collaborative Jamming with Full Channel Knowledge in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Jeong Dae-Kyo , Kim Insook , Kim Dongwoo
Published: November 2017

This paper presents a price-searching model in which a source node (Alice) seeks friendly jammers that prevent eavesdroppers (Eves) from snooping legitimate communications by generating interference or noise. Unlike existing models, the distributed jammers also have data to send to their respective destinations and are allowed to access Alice’s channel if it can transmit sufficient jamming power, which is referred to as collaborative jamming in this paper. For the power used to deliver its own signal, the jammer should pay Alice. The price of the jammers’ signal power is set by Alice and provides a tradeoff between the signal and the jamming power. This paper presents, in closed-form, an optimal price that maximizes Alice’s benefit and the corresponding optimal power allocation from a jammers’ perspective by assuming that the network-wide channel knowledge is shared by Alice and jammers. For a multiple-jammer scenario where Alice hardly has the channel knowledge, this paper provides a distributed and interactive price-searching procedure that geometrically converges to an optimal price and shows that Alice by a greedy selection policy achieves certain diversity gain, which increases log-linearly as the number of (potential) jammers grows. Various numerical examples are presented to illustrate the behavior of the proposed model.
Markerless Knee Joint Position Measurement Using Depth Data during Stair Walking
Authors: Ogawa Ami , Mita Akira , Yorozu Ayanori , Takahashi Masaki
Published: November 2017

Climbing and descending stairs are demanding daily activities, and the monitoring of them may reveal the presence of musculoskeletal diseases at an early stage. A markerless system is needed to monitor such stair walking activity without mentally or physically disturbing the subject. Microsoft Kinect v2 has been used for gait monitoring, as it provides a markerless skeleton tracking function. However, few studies have used this device for stair walking monitoring, and the accuracy of its skeleton tracking function during stair walking has not been evaluated. Moreover, skeleton tracking is not likely to be suitable for estimating body joints during stair walking, as the form of the body is different from what it is when it walks on level surfaces. In this study, a new method of estimating the 3D position of the knee joint was devised that uses the depth data of Kinect v2. The accuracy of this method was compared with that of the skeleton tracking function of Kinect v2 by simultaneously measuring subjects with a 3D motion capture system. The depth data method was found to be more accurate than skeleton tracking. The mean error of the 3D Euclidian distance of the depth data method was 43.2 ± 27.5 mm, while that of the skeleton tracking was 50.4 ± 23.9 mm. This method indicates the possibility of stair walking monitoring for the early discovery of musculoskeletal diseases.
Reconstruction of a Rollover Crash for Thoracic Injury Etiology Investigation
Authors: Tan Tana , Mongiardini Mario , Grzebieta Raphael , Mattos Garrett
Published: November 2017

The cause of serious and fatal thoracic injuries in passenger vehicle rollover crashes is currently not well understood. Previous research on thoracic injuries resulting from rollover crashes have focused primarily on statistical analysis of crash data. This study seeks to develop a better understanding of where in the rollover sequence thoracic injuries may occur. To do this, a real-world passenger vehicle rollover crash where the driver sustained serious bilateral thoracic injuries was reconstructed. Multi-body analysis was used to determine the vehicle’s pre-trip trajectory and to obtain the vehicle’s position and kinematics at the point of trip. This information was then used to prescribe the motion of the vehicle in a finite element analysis. A finite element model of the EuroSID-2re anthropomorphic test device was placed in the driver’s seat. Four simulations, each with the anthropomorphic test device positioned in different postures, were performed. Rib deflection, spinal acceleration, and thoracic impact velocity were obtained from the anthropomorphic test device and compared to existing thoracic injury assessment reference values. From the analysis, lateral thoracic impact velocity indicates that a serious thoracic injury is likely to have occurred when the driver impacted the centre console during the vehicle’s fourth quarter-turn.
Research on Energy-Saving Scheduling of a Forging Stock Charging Furnace Based on an Improved SPEA2 Algorithm
Authors: He Fei , Shen Kang , Guan Li , Jiang Mingming
Published: November 2017

In order to help the forging enterprise realize energy conservation and emission reduction, the scheduling problem of furnace heating was improved in this paper. Aiming at the charging problem of continuous heating furnace, a multi-objective furnace charging model with minimum capacity difference and waiting time was established in this paper. An improved strength Pareto evolutionary algorithm 2 (SPEA2) algorithm was designed to solve this problem. The original fitness assignment strategy, crossover operator and population selection mechanism of SPEA2 are replaced with DOPGA (Domination Power of an Individual Genetic Algorithm), adaptive cross operator, and elitist strategy. Finally, the effectiveness and feasibility of the improved SPEA2 was verified by actual arithmetic example. The comparison of results gained from three methods shows the superiority of the improved SPEA2 in solving this problem. Compared with strength Pareto evolutionary algorithm (SPEA) and SPEA2, the improved SPEA2 can get a better solution without increasing time complexity, the heating time is reduced by total 93 min, and can save 7533GJ energy. The research in this paper can help the forging enterprise improve furnace utilization, reduce heating time and unnecessary heating preservation time, as well as achieve sustainable energy savings and emissions reduction.