bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exclusive Breastfeeding Practice and Its Association among Mothers of under 5 Children in Kwango District, DR Congo
Authors: Dhakal Sarita , Lee Tae , Nam Eun
Published: April 2017

The benefit of the breastfeeding has been well-established. In comparison to partial breast feeding, exclusive breastfeeding has even more benefits. The aim of this study was to identify the factors associated with breastfeeding exclusivity during the first 6 months of life in order to better target public health interventions in this community towards healthier infant nutrition and address child mortality in this population. A cross-sectional survey among 1145 random households was conducted in the Kwango district of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) during 2 November 2015 to 13 November 2015. Women of reproductive age from 15–49 years and having less than 5 years old child were selected for the study. Chi-squared test and bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed using SPSS. A major finding of this study is 49.2% of the mothers are exclusively breastfeeding their children, and marital status, literacy, place of delivery, knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding and access to radio are the key indicators for exclusive breastfeeding. Exclusive breastfeeding rate is almost equivalent to the national prevalence rate for the DRC. Providing adequate knowledge to raise awareness of exclusive breast feeding and increase involvement of health care providers in enhancing knowledge through antenatal care and during delivery and postnatal care will be the best approaches to increase exclusive breastfeeding practice.
Levels and Distribution of Pollutants in the Waters of an Aquatic Ecosystem in Northern Mexico
Authors: Ochoa-Rivero Jesús , Reyes-Fierro Ana , Peralta-Pérez Ma. , Zavala-Díaz de la Serna Francisco , Ballinas-Casarrubias Lourdes , Salmerón Ivan , Rubio-Arias Héctor , Rocha-Gutiérrez Beatriz
Published: April 2017

The availability of good quality water resources is essential to ensure healthy crops and livestock. The objective of this study was to evaluate the level of pollution in Bustillos Lagoon in northern Mexico. Physical-chemical parameters like sodium, chloride, sulfate, electrical conductivity, nitrates, and the pesticide dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) were analyzed to determine the water quality available in the lagoon. Although DDT has been banned in several countries, it is still used for agricultural purposes in Mexico and its presence in this area had not been analyzed previously. Bustillos Lagoon was divided into three zones for the evaluation: (1) industrial; (2) communal lands; and (3) agricultural. The highest concentrations of sodium (2360 mg/L) and SAR (41 meq/L) reported in the industrial zone are values exceeding the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) irrigation water quality guidelines. DDT and its metabolites were detected in all of the 21 sites analyzed, in the agricultural zone ∑DDTs = 2804 ng/mL, this level is much higher than those reported for other water bodies in Mexico and around the world where DDT has been used heavily. The water in the communal zone is the least contaminated, but can only be recommended for irrigation of plants with high stress tolerance and not for crops.
188Re-Liposome Can Induce Mitochondrial Autophagy and Reverse Drug Resistance for Ovarian Cancer: From Bench Evidence to Preliminary Clinical Proof-of-Concept
Authors: Chang Chia-Ming , Lan Keng-Li , Huang Wen-Sheng , Lee Yi-Jang , Lee Te-Wei , Chang Chih-Hsien , Chuang Chi-Mu
Published: April 2017

Despite standard treatment, about 70% of ovarian cancer will recur. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been implicated in the drug-resistance mechanism. Several drug resistance mechanisms have been proposed, and among these, autophagy plays a crucial role for the maintenance and tumorigenicity of CSCs. Compared to their differentiated counterparts, CSCs have been demonstrated to display a significantly higher level of autophagy flux. Moreover, mitophagy, a specific type of autophagy that selectively degrades excessive or damaged mitochondria, is shown to contribute to cancer progression and recurrence in several types of tumors. Nanomedicine has been shown to tackle the CSCs problem by overcoming drug resistance. In this work, we developed a nanomedicine, 188Re-liposome, which was demonstrated to target autophagy and mitophagy in the tumor microenvironment. Of note, the inhibition of autophagy and mitophagy could lead to significant tumor inhibition in two xenograft animal models. Lastly, we presented two cases of recurrent ovarian cancer, both in drug resistance status that received a level I dose from a phase I clinical trial. Both cases developing drug resistance showed drug sensitivity to 188Re-liposome. These results suggest that inhibition of autophagy and mitophagy by a nanomedicine may be a novel strategy to overcome drug resistance in ovarian cancer.
Real-World Experiences with the Combination Treatment of Ledipasvir plus Sofosbuvir for 12 Weeks in HCV Genotype 1-Infected Japanese Patients: Achievement of a Sustained Virological Response in Previous Users of Peginterferon plus Ribavirin with HCV NS3/4A Inhibitors
Authors: Kanda Tatsuo , Yasui Shin , Nakamura Masato , Suzuki Eiichiro , Arai Makoto , Ooka Yoshihiko , Ogasawara Sadahisa , Chiba Tetsuhiro , Saito Tomoko , Haga Yuki , Takahashi Koji , Sasaki Reina , Wu Shuang , Nakamoto Shingo , Tawada Akinobu , Maruyama Hitoshi , Imazeki Fumio , Kato Naoya , Yokosuka Osamu
Published: April 2017

The aim of this study was to characterize the treatment response and serious adverse events of ledipasvir plus sofosbuvir therapies in Japanese patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 (GT1). This retrospective study analyzed 240 Japanese HCV GT1 patients treated for 12 weeks with 90 mg of ledipasvir plus 400 mg of sofosbuvir daily. Sustained virological response at 12 weeks post-treatment (SVR12) was achieved in 236 of 240 (98.3%) patients. Among treatment-naïve patients, SVR12 was achieved in 136 of 138 (98.6%) patients, and among treatment-experienced patients, SVR12 was achieved in 100 of 102 (98.0%) patients. In patients previously treated with peginterferon plus ribavirin with various HCV NS3/4A inhibitors, 100% SVR rates (25/25) were achieved. Two relapsers had HCV NS5A resistance-associated variants (RAVs), but no HCV NS5B-S282 was observed after they relapsed. We experienced two patients with cardiac events during treatment. In conclusion, combination of ledipasvir plus sofosbuvir for 12 weeks is a potential therapy for HCV GT1 patients. Caution is needed for HCV NS5A RAVs, which were selected by HCV NS5A inhibitors and cardiac adverse events.
Aluminium Wires Have the Free Air Balls (FABs): Electronic Flame-Off, Fracture Strength, Electrical Properties, and Bonding Characteristics of Nano Zn Film Al–Si Bonding Wires
Authors: Hung Fei-Yi , Lui Truan-Sheng , Chu Kuan-Ming , Tseng Yi-Wei
Published: April 2017

Aluminum wire is a common material for wire bonding due to its resistance to oxidation and low price. It does not melt when becoming a free air ball (FAB) during the electronic flame-off (EFO) process with wettability and is applied by wedge bonding. This study used 20 μm Zn-coated Al–0.5 wt % Si (ZAS) wires to improve the FAB shape after the EFO process, while maintaining the stability of the mechanical properties, including the interface bonding strength and hardness. In order to test circuit stability after ball bonding, the current-tensile test was performed. During the experiment, it was found that 80 nm ZAS with wire bonding had lower resistance and its fusing current was higher. For the bias tensile test, the thicker Zn film diffused into the Al–Si matrix easily, after which the strength was reduced. The ball-bond interfaces had no change in their condition before and after the bias. Accordingly, the ZAS wire could be a promising candidate for ball bonding in the future.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is Ineffective as an Adjuvant to Daptomycin with Rifampicin Treatment in a Murine Model of Staphylococcus aureus in Implant-Associated Osteomyelitis
Authors: Jørgensen Nis , Hansen Kasper , Andreasen Caroline , Pedersen Michael , Fuursted Kurt , Meyer Rikke , Petersen Eskild
Published: April 2017

Implant-associated infections caused by bacterial biofilms are difficult to treat. Surgical intervention is often necessary to cure the patient, as the antibiotic recalcitrance of biofilms renders them untreatable with conventional antibiotics. Intermittent hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) has been proposed as an adjuvant to conventional antibiotic treatment and it has been speculated that combining HBOT with antibiotics could improve treatment outcomes for biofilm infections. In this study we addressed whether HBOT could improve treatment outcomes of daptomycin and rifampicin combination therapy. The effect of HBOT on the treatment outcomes of daptomycin and rifampicin against implant-associated osteomyelitis was quantified in a murine model. In total, 80 mice were randomized into two groups receiving antibiotics, either alone or in combination with daily intermittent HBOT (304 kPa for 60 min) following injection of antibiotics. Treatment was initiated 11 days after animals were infected with Staphylococcus aureus and treatment duration was 14 days. We found that HBOT did not improve the cure rate and did not reduce the bacterial load on the implant surface or in the surrounding tissue. Cure rates of daptomycin + rifampicin were 40% in infected tibias and 75% for implants while cure rates for HBOT-daptomycin + rifampicin were 50% and 85%, respectively, which were not significantly higher (Fisher’s exact test). While it is encouraging that the combination of daptomycin and rifampicin is very effective, our study demonstrates that this efficacy cannot be improved by adjuvant HBOT.
Relationship between Expression of Chalcone Synthase Genes and Chromones in Artificial Agarwood induced by Formic Acid Stimulation Combined with Fusarium sp. A2 Inoculation
Authors: Chen Xiaodong , Zhu Xiaoling , Feng Meirou , Zhong Zhaojian , Zhou Xin , Chen Xiaoying , Ye Wei , Zhang Weimin , Gao Xiaoxia
Published: April 2017

Agarwood (gaharu) is a fragrant resin produced in the heartwood of resinous Gyrinops and Aquilaria species. Artificial agarwood samples were obtained from Aquilaria sinensis (Lour.) Gilg using formic acid (FA) stimulation combined with Fusarium sp. A2 inoculation. The relationship between the expression of chalcone synthase genes (CHS) and dynamic changes in chromone content was explored in resin-deposited parts of the trunks of A. sinensis. CHS gene expression levels were detected by qRT-PCR analysis. The chemical composition of agarwood obtained from the heartwood of A. sinensis before and within 1 year after induction was determined by GC-MS. After induction with FA stimulation combined with F. sp. A2 inoculation, the CHS1 gene showed relatively high expression, whereas the CHS2 gene showed low expression. The relative gene expression level of CHS1 peaked at 12 months, with a 153.1-fold increase, and the dominant period of the CHS2 gene expression was 10 months with a 14.13-fold increase. Moreover, chromones were not detected until after 2 months, and a large proportion of chromone compounds were detected after 4 months. Chromone content increased with time and peaked at 12 months. CHS1 gene expression was significantly correlated with 6-hydroxy-2-(2-phenylethyl)chromone accumulation, and CHS2 gene expression was significantly correlated with 5-hydroxy-6-methoxy-2-(2-phenylethyl)chromone accumulation. CHS gene expression was extremely sensitive to FA stimulation combined with F. sp. A2 inoculation and responded to late-onset injury. CHS genes expression also preceded the chromone accumulation. This work laid the foundation for studies on the mechanism by which genes regulate chromone biosynthesis pathways during the formation of agarwood resin in A. sinensis.
Comparison of a Web-Based 24-h Dietary Recall Tool (Foodbook24) to an Interviewer-Led 24-h Dietary Recall
Authors: Timon Claire , Evans Katie , Kehoe Laura , Blain Richard , Flynn Albert , Gibney Eileen , Walton Janette
Published: April 2017

Web-based tools have the potential to reduce the cost of dietary assessment; however, it is necessary to establish their performance compared to traditional dietary assessment methods. This study aims to compare nutrient and food intakes derived from Foodbook24 to those obtained from an interview-led 24-h dietary recall (24HDR). Seventy-nine adult participants completed one self-administered 24HDR using Foodbook24 and one interviewer-led 24HDR on the same day. Following a 10 days wash-out period the same process was completed again in opposite order to the previous study visit. Statistical analysis including Spearman’s rank order correlation, Mann-Whitney U tests, cross-classification analysis, and “Match”, “Omission”, and “Intrusion” rates were used to investigate the relationship between both methods. Strong, positive correlations of nutrient intake estimated using both methods was observed (rs = 0.6–1.0; p < 0.001). The percentage of participants classified into the same tertile of nutrient intake distribution using both methods ranged from 58% (energy) to 82% (vitamin D). The overall match rate for food intake between both methods was 85%, while rates for omissions and intrusions were 11.5% and 3.5%, respectively. These results, alongside the reduced cost and participant burden associated with Foodbook24, highlight the tool’s potential as a viable alternative to the interviewer-led 24HDR.
Analyzing the Mixing Dynamics of an Industrial Batch Bin Blender via Discrete Element Modeling Method
Authors: Sen Maitraye , Karkala Subhodh , Panikar Savitha , Lyngberg Olav , Johnson Mark , Marchut Alexander , Schäfer Elisäbeth , Ramachandran Rohit
Published: April 2017

A discrete element model (DEM) has been developed for an industrial batch bin blender in which three different types of materials are mixed. The mixing dynamics have been evaluated from a model-based study with respect to the blend critical quality attributes (CQAs) which are relative standard deviation (RSD) and segregation intensity. In the actual industrial setup, a sensor mounted on the blender lid is used to determine the blend composition in this region. A model-based analysis has been used to understand the mixing efficiency in the other zones inside the blender and to determine if the data obtained near the blender-lid region are able to provide a good representation of the overall blend quality. Sub-optimal mixing zones have been identified and other potential sampling locations have been investigated in order to obtain a good approximation of the blend variability. The model has been used to study how the mixing efficiency can be improved by varying the key processing parameters, i.e., blender RPM/speed, fill level/volume and loading order. Both segregation intensity and RSD reduce at a lower fill level and higher blender RPM and are a function of the mixing time. This work demonstrates the use of a model-based approach to improve process knowledge regarding a pharmaceutical mixing process. The model can be used to acquire qualitative information about the influence of different critical process parameters and equipment geometry on the mixing dynamics.
Adaptive Interference Cancellation of ECG Signals
Authors: Ren Aifeng , Du Zhenxing , Li Juan , Hu Fangming , Yang Xiaodong , Abbas Haider
Published: April 2017

As an important biological signal, electrocardiogram (ECG) signals provide a valuable basis for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of several diseases. However, its reference significance is based on the effective acquisition and correct recognition of ECG signals. In fact, this mV-level weak signal can be easily affected by various interferences caused by the power of magnetic field, patient respiratory motion or contraction, and so on from the sampling terminal to the receiving and display end. The overlapping interference affects the quality of ECG waveform, leading to the false detection and recognition of wave groups, and thus causing misdiagnosis or faulty treatment. Therefore, the elimination of the interference of the ECG signal and the subsequent wave group identification technology has been a hot research topic, and their study has important significance. Based on the above, this paper introduces two improved adaptive algorithms based on the classical least mean square (LMS) algorithm by introducing symbolic functions and block-processing concepts.
Erratum: Kim, K.-P.; Singh, A.K.; Bai, X.; Leprun, L.; Bhunia, A.K. Novel PCR Assays Complement Laser Biosensor-Based Method and Facilitate Listeria Species Detection from Food. Sensors 2015, 15, 22672–22691
Authors: Kim Kwang-Pyo , Singh Atul , Bai Xingjian , Leprun Lena , Bhunia Arun
Published: April 2017

The authors wish to correct the oligonucleotide sequence of primer E-LAP-F1 and LIS-R1 in Table 1in their paper published in Sensors [1], doi:10.3390/s150922672, http://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/15/9/22672. The following table should be used.[...]
Real-Time Telemetry System for Monitoring Motion of Ships Based on Inertial Sensors
Authors: Núñez José , Araújo Marta , García-Tuñón I.
Published: April 2017

A telemetry system for real-time monitoring of the motions, position, speed and course of a ship at sea is presented in this work. The system, conceived as a subsystem of a radar cross-section measurement unit, could also be used in other applications as ships dynamics characterization, on-board cranes, antenna stabilizers, etc. This system was designed to be stand-alone, reliable, easy to deploy, low-cost and free of requirements related to stabilization procedures. In order to achieve such a unique combination of functionalities, we have developed a telemetry system based on redundant inertial and magnetic sensors and GPS (Global Positioning System) measurements. It provides a proper data storage and also has real-time radio data transmission capabilities to an on-shore station. The output of the system can be used either for on-line or off-line processing. Additionally, the system uses dual technologies and COTS (Commercial Off-The-Shelf) components. Motion-positioning measurements and radio data link tests were successfully carried out in several ships of the Spanish Navy, proving the compliance with the design targets and validating our telemetry system.
Design and Development of a Three-Component Force Sensor for Milling Process Monitoring
Authors: Li Yingxue , Zhao Yulong , Fei Jiyou , Qin Yafei , Zhao You , Cai Anjiang , Gao Song
Published: April 2017

A strain-type three-component table dynamometer is presented in this paper, which reduces output errors produced by cutting forces imposed on the different milling positions of a workpiece. A sensor structure with eight parallel elastic beams is proposed, and sensitive regions and Wheastone measuring circuits are also designed in consideration of eliminating the influences of the eccentric forces. To evaluate the sensor decoupling performance, both of the static calibration and dynamic milling test were implemented in different positions of the workpiece. Static experiment results indicate that the maximal deviation between the measured forces and the standard inputs is 4.58%. Milling tests demonstrate that with same machining parameters, the differences of the measured forces between different milling positions derived by the developed sensor are no larger than 6.29%. In addition, the natural frequencies of the dynamometer are kept higher than 2585.5 Hz. All the measuring results show that as a strain-type dynamometer, the developed force sensor has an improved eccentric decoupling accuracy with natural frequencies not much decreased, which owns application potential in milling process monitoring.
The Impact of Endonasal Endoscopic Sinus Surgery on Patients with Chronic Pulmonary Diseases
Authors: Al Kadah Basel , Helmus Gudrun , Dinh Quoc , Schick Bernhard
Published: April 2017

Introduction: The impact of endoscopic sinus surgery on bronchial asthma has been studied by several groups. According to the latest studies, patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) seem to have frequent symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis. Our study compares the impact of endoscopic sinus surgery on both the upper and lower airways of patients with bronchial asthma as well as those with COPD. Methods: This study includes 43 patients (bronchial asthma, n = 32, COPD, n = 11) undergoing surgical treatment for chronic rhinosinusitis at the ENT-Department, University of Homburg (Homburg, Germany). To assess the effect of sinus surgery, the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test 20 German Adapted Version (SNOT-20 GAV) and St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) were used both pre- and postoperatively. Results: Both SNOT-20 (p < 0.001) and SGRQ (p = 0.021) scores improved significantly after sinus surgery. The postoperative improvement in bronchial asthma and COPD was similar in both groups, indicating no difference of the diseases in regards to postoperative symptom improvement. There was no difference indicated in SNOT-20 GAV or SGRQ when grouping patients by polyps, aspirin (ASS) intolerance, allergies, eosinophilia or previous surgery. Conclusions: The treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis by sinus surgery may help to improve the therapy outcome of patients with bronchial asthma as well as patients with COPD.
Reversible Data-Hiding Systems with Modified Fluctuation Functions and Reed-Solomon Codes for Encrypted Image Recovery
Authors: Kim Sunghwan
Published: April 2017

In this paper, reversible data-hiding (RDH) systems with modified fluctuation functions and rate-matched Reed–Solomon (RS) codes are proposed to enhance the data recovery from encrypted images. The modified fluctuation functions are used for estimating embedded codeword bits from the correlation of pixels. Instead of direct data-bit embedding, codeword bits of RS codes are embedded by a data-hider. With the help of the error-correcting capability of RS codes, the encrypted message can be recovered from the weak correlation of adjacent pixels in the image. In the experimental results, bit error rate (BER) and peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR) performances of the proposed system are better than those of referenced data-hiding systems for three images. The proposed schemes based on the modified fluctuation function or rate-matched codes can be applied to various RDH systems with better data transmission and image recovery performance.
La linguistique panchronique nécessaire à la linguistique comparée, science auxiliaire de la diachronie sociologique et ethnographique [Panchronic linguistics necessary to comparative linguistics as an auxiliary science of sociological and anthropological diachrony]
Authors: Haudricourt André-Georges
Published: April 2017

By reference to Buhler's triangle distinguishing those aspects of linguistic activity deriving from intellectual communication from sociological and psychological aspects, the author argues that, in the sphere of diachronic phonology, structuralism is an inadequate method with which to account for phonetic changes within languages. For the speaker, speech is limited essentially to the meaning of what he says, and the sounds used are merely a social or psychological aspect which can be considered as a localized or phonetic feature. To isolate this sound in the phonological sense, that is to define its relevant characteristics, demands recourse to abstraction, as well as to sociology and history since the functioning of the structure of a language has been ensured by social pressures and by the social prestige of neighbouring languages. It is impossible to confine oneself to a purely synchronic viewpoint since every society contains at least one element of potential diachronism. Conversely, linguistic laws prevent one from becoming obnubilated with exceptions related to sociological causes. Phonic changes, for example, can be very commonplace, and occur, in the majority of cases, within a determined structure : however, if, within this same structure, changes of this kind are very rare, it is likely that they result from some external influence of social origin. It is then the function of general theory, based upon the examination of as large a number of known languages as possible, to settle the issue.
Domaine et objet de la sémiotique [Scope and aims of semiotics]
Authors: Sebeok Thomas A.
Published: April 2017

In the context of the semiotic field, the author first defines the functional area of message exchange and the structural area of subjacent sign systems, each of which implies the other. He then goes on to set out the criteria which enable one to make a classification of signs in a synchronic perspective from an extrinsic viewpoint — i.e. from the point of view of communications functions — as well as from an intrinsic standpoint — from the point of view of their structure. (The possibility of a diachronic form of classification if not entered into.) First the criteria which would probably be useful in an extrinsic synchronic sign classification system are set out in the framework of a simple communication model consisting of a transmitter and a receiver linked by various channels transmitting a coded message within a given context. With reference to the codifier, i.e. the transmitter, the author distinguishes between transmitters consisting of inorganic objects (natural or manufactured) and of terrestrial (men and animals) or extraterrestrial organic objects, as well as between these and transmitters consisting in part or in entirety of an organism. When speaking of the transmitter-receiver unit, he distinguishes animal communication from human communication, which can be intra-, inter- or pluri-personal. Dealing next with the channels, he distinguishes between matter-channels and energy-channels. With regard to the overall features of the pattern, he differentiates between human and animal communication with or without the use of an instrument as medium bringing into play signs produced either by the subject himself or by means of an instrument. Finally, he remarks that superior organised beings, including man, enjoy the ability to use several semiotic systems simultaneously.

An intrinsic synchronic system of sign classification brings one back to the problem of the sign and the relationship between content and expression. This is the concern of semantics, a field of study which poses two fundamental questions concerning the reference of a «token» and the meaning of a «type» (to use Peirce's terminology) and the distinction to be made between relationships of references and of designation. Proceeding from these notions, the author sets out a sign classification system or, to be more precise, a system for classifying the superior aspects of signs which are used to refer to them and which differentiates signals, symptoms, syndromes, icons, indexes, symbols and names.
Quelques aspects théoriques des recherches concernant les mariages mixtes [Some theorical aspects of research about mixed marriages]
Authors: Bensimon Doris , Lautman Françoise
Published: April 2017

Are there any criteria which allow marriages to be definitively classified as mixed ? Simply counting every possible variable would be interminable and fallacious and would lead to the definition of all marriages as mixed, confounding heterogamy and mixedness.

It is not the existence of a difference — whatever that difference may be — that defines mixedness but the existence of an endogamous social group which operates according to a social definition of 'difference' and accepts the notion of interdict. Mixed marriage is then the union between two people who should not have married. Their marriage infringes upon principles considered as important for the survival and cohesion of the group.

The authors consider problems arising in the study of mixed couples in the light of the following :

— Under what conditions may mixed marriage be considered pathological ;

— to what extent are the effects of the social definition of difference subject to varia¬ tions according to feelings of membership ;

— at what level does the notion of social status come in ;

— what are the problems which cultural duality entails for the socialization of the couples and their children.
Le mariage mixte comme indicateur social de l'adaptation : le mariage franco-arménien [Mixed marriage as a social indicator of adaptation : French-Armenian marriage]
Authors: Périgaud Jacques
Published: April 2017

The definition of mixed marriages must be divorced from collective feeling to be of scien¬ tific value. Research will then no longer be focused upon a social and concrete fact but upon a phenomenon which subjacent laws will participate in explaining.

After having postulated that the notion of mixed marriages no longer corresponds to a condensed heterogeneity, which is socially intolerable, but to a scattered homogeneity, a typology, designed to be experimentally validated, will be elaborated. The concept of adapta¬ tion and the notion of entropy will be employed at a theoretical level in order to show that mixed marriages are the result of complex processes tending to homogenize populations who are from different cultures but who live in permanent contact.

According to a first approximation, the experimental results would demonstrate that mixed unions, as a social phenomenon, obey in part an adaptation process and are in conflict with the entropy of a cultural system which develops amidst a minority group whose original culture differs from that of the neighbouring society.
Significant Radiologic Response of Pancreatic Metastasis After Targeted Therapy of Ceritinib (LDK378) for ALK-Rearranged Lung Adenocarcinoma Presenting With Hyperglycemia
Authors: Zheng Jing , Zhou Jianya , Zhu Yanping , Shen Qian , Zhou Jianying
Published: April 2017

Pancreatic metastasis from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is usually asymptomatic or presents with abdominal pain, acute pancreatitis, or jaundice. A lung primary is associated with worse survival compared to pancreatic metastases from other organs. Surgical treatment of solitary
metastasis to the pancreas from NSCLC has been reviewed in several studies, one of which had a notable disease-free interval. To our knowledge, there are no prior reports of targeted therapy of pancreatic metastasis of NSCLC followed by a significant response. Herein we report the case of
a 31-year-old female with a solitary pancreatic metastasis from ALK-rearranged lung adenocarcinoma despite treatment with chemotherapy and crizotinib; she presented with symptoms of hyperglycemia. Targeted therapy with ceritinib (LDK378) led to symptomatic improvement and a significant
radiologic response in the lung and pancreas, but not in the brain.
L’exclusion des femmes d’une communauté de pêcheurs espagnols. « Qui a un fils a une propriété, qui a des filles n’a rien »
Authors: Mertens de Wilmars Frédéric
Published: April 2017

Au sud de Valencia (Espagne), au milieu du lac Albufera, une île est habitée depuis huit siècles par des pêcheurs qui forment la Communauté des pêcheurs d’El Palmar. Celle-ci se singularise par ses règles coutumières qui traditionnellement ont exclu les femmes de l’accès au droit de pêche appelé le redoli . Présentée comme une discrimination de sexe au travail, il s’agit davantage d’une discrimination qui se manifeste par une privatisation des droits liés à la propriété d’un bien juridique. Cinq femmes, filles de pêcheurs, ont remis en question ces règles patriarcales séculaires auprès des tribunaux qui, à leur tour, ont fait appel au droit international pour asseoir leurs décisions.
Mixité au travail et nouvelles inégalités : le cas de l’industrie pharmaceutique
Authors: Ravelli Quentin
Published: April 2017

Souvent perçue comme une garantie d’égalité, la mixité peut au contraire générer de nouvelles dominations, plus résistantes car moins détectables. Dans les usines de l’industrie pharmaceutique, les femmes se sont pendant longtemps exclusivement occupées de mettre les comprimés dans les boîtes de médicaments. Avec l’automatisation des procédés de fabrication, ce métier de ‘conditionneuse’ disparaît au profit de celui des ‘pilotes de ligne’ souvent titulaires d’un diplôme professionnel. Des ‘couples techniques’ se forment dans certaines usines, avec pour résultat une répartition du travail où les femmes se retrouvent en bout de ligne, aux tâches les plus manuelles. Statistiquement, la parité progresse, mais au prix d’une nouvelle division inégalitaire du travail.
Les deux modes picturaux des Allégories des cinq sens
Authors: Jongeneel Else
Published: April 2017

Les Allégories des cinq sens, une série de cinq panneaux exécutés en collaboration par Jean Brueghel l’Ancien et Rubens entre 1617 et 1619 étaient destinées au couple régent Albert d’Autriche et sa femme Isabelle d’Espagne, qui à l’époque exerçait la souveraineté sur les Pays-Bas espagnols. Les tableaux offrent un portrait idéalisé de la cour archiducale, de sa puissance dans le domaine politique et culturel, à travers la représentation d’une riche collection d’œuvres d’art, d’armes, d’objets scientifiques et de naturalia. Il s’agit de la première représentation d’une collection d’art privée dans l’histoire de la peinture occidentale. Les peintres se sont inspirés de deux genres picturaux, à savoir l’allégorie des cinq sens et le cabinet d’amateur. La représentation figurative de l’allégorie des cinq sens remonte au haut Moyen Âge. Le genre pictural du cabinet d’amateur, en revanche, est de date beaucoup plus récente. Développé à Anvers au début du xvii e siècle, il reflète le prestige grandissant dont jouit la peinture dans une ville commerciale et artistique en plein développement. Le mélange de ces deux modalités picturales, la modalité emblématique et moralisante de l’allégorie sensorielle et la modalité intimiste et hédoniste du cabinet d’amateur, évoquent le vent nouveau qui souffle dans la peinture flamande vers la fin de la Renaissance et le rôle changeant de l’art dans la vie politique et citadine.
Physiological and sensorial quality of Arabica coffee subjected to different temperatures and drying airflows
Authors: Alves Guilherme Euripedes , Borém Flávio Meira , Isquierdo Eder Pedroza , Siqueira Valdiney Cambuy , Cirillo Marcelo Ângelo , Pinto Afonso Celso Ferreira
Published: April 2017

The objective of this study was to evaluate the correlation between a group of physiological variables (electrical conductivity, potassium leaching, and germination percentage) and a group of drying kinetics variables (drying time and drying rate) in addition to verifying the relation between drying kinetics variables and coffee quality as a function of processing type, temperature, and drying airflow. Coffee drying was conducted in a fixed-layer dryer at two temperatures and two airflows. After drying, an evaluation of the physiological and sensorial quality was conducted. Based on the results obtained, the following conclusions were drawn: coffee that is processed via a dry method is more sensitive to mechanical drying with heated air than coffee processed via a wet method, resulting in poor physiological performance; airflow does not interfere with the physiological quality of pulped and natural coffees; a temperature increase from 40 to 45°C resulted in a decrease in the physiological quality only for pulped coffee; and an increase in the drying rate as a result of an increase in the drying temperature to 40°C had a negative effect on the sensorial quality of pulped coffee.
Lettuce production in greenhouse under fertirrgation with nitrogen and potassium silicate
Authors: Souza Renan Soares de , Rezende Roberto , Hachmann Tiago Luan , Lozano Cláudia Salim , Andrian André Felipe Barion Alves , Freitas Paulo Sérgio Lourenço de
Published: April 2017

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of nitrogen and potassium silicate on the production and commercial aspects of curly lettuce, Vera cultivar. The experimental design was completely randomized (CRD), with ten treatments and three replications. The treatments, arranged in a factorial design according to the Plan Puebla III matrix (Turrent & Laird, 1975), consisted of the combination of five doses of nitrogen (9; 54; 90; 126, and 171 kg ha-1) and five doses of potassium silicate (1.15; 6.90; 11.50; 16.10, and 21.85 kg ha-1). A control treatment without application of nitrogen and potassium silicate was also inserted. The crop was grown in a greenhouse, and the doses were applied as sidedressing using a drip micro-irrigation system. Total fresh matter, commercial fresh matter, non-commercial fresh matter, number of leaves and commercial trade index were evaluated. The commercial fresh matter and the number of commercial leaves per plant were affected only by nitrogen fertigation and increased linearly with an increase in the dose of nitrogen, with the best responses observed at the highest dose of this element (171 kg ha-1). Potassium silicate only had an effect on non-commercial fresh matter, with no influence on the other characteristics.
Weights of the Mod p Kernels of Theta Operators
Authors: Böcherer Siegfried , Kikuta Toshiyuki , Takemori Sho
Published: April 2017

Let Θ[j] be an analogue of the Ramanujan theta operator for Siegel modular forms. For a given prime p, we give the weights of elements of mod p kernel of Θ[j], where the mod p kernel of Θ[j] is the set of all Siegel modular forms F such that Θ[j](F) is congruent to zero modulo p. In order to construct examples of the mod p kernel of Θ[j] fromany Siegel modular form, we introduce new operators A(j)(M) and show the modularity of F|A(j)(M) when F is a Siegel modular form. Finally, we give some examples of the mod p kernel of Θ[j] and the filtrations of some of them.
Extensive Resistance of Anopheles sinensis to Insecticides in Malaria-Endemic Areas of Hainan Province, China
Authors: Sun Ding-wei , Wang Guang-ze , Zeng Lin-hai , Li Shan-gan , He Chang-hua , Hu Xi-min , Wang Shan-qing
Published: April 2017

Anopheles sinensis is one of the major malaria vectors and among the dominant species in Hainan Province, China. The resistance of An. sinensis to insecticides is an important threat to malaria control. However, few reports on insecticide resistance of An. sinensis were reported in this area. Eight districts in Hainan Province were selected as the study areas. Insecticide susceptibility bioassays were tested on wild-caught female mosquitoes of An. sinensis to 4% dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), 0.05% deltamethrin, and 5% malathion by using the World Health Organization standard resistance tube assay procedure. All the tested An. sinensis mosquitoes demonstrated resistance to 4% DDT, with less than 72% mortality in the standard assay. The populations from Baisha and Qiongzhong demonstrated possible resistance to 0.05% deltamethrin, with 94–95% mortality, whereas the populations from other districts demonstrated resistance to 0.05% deltamethrin in the standard assay. The populations from Baisha, Qiongzhong, and Dongfang demonstrated susceptibility to 5% malathion, but the populations from other districts demonstrated resistance. These results facilitate the improvement of effective control strategies for malaria vector mosquitoes in Hainan.
Malaria-Related Hospitalizations in the United States, 2000–2014
Authors: Khuu Diana , Eberhard Mark L. , Bristow Benjamin N. , Javanbakht Marjan , Ash Lawrence R. , Shafir Shira C. , Sorvillo Frank J.
Published: April 2017

Few data are available on the burden of malaria hospitalization in the United States. Study of malaria using hospital-based data can better define the impact of malaria and help inform prevention efforts. U.S. malaria cases identified from hospitalization discharge records in the 2000–2014 Nationwide Inpatient Sample were examined. Frequencies and population rates were reported by demographics, infecting species, clinical, financial, institutional, geographic, and seasonal characteristics, and disparities were identified. Time trends in malaria cases were assessed using negative binomial regression. From 2000 to 2014, there were an estimated 22,029 malaria-related hospitalizations (4.88 per 1 million population) in the United States, including 182 in-hospital deaths and 4,823 severe malaria cases. The rate of malaria-related hospitalizations did not change significantly over the study period. The largest number of malaria-related hospitalizations occurred in August. Malaria-related hospitalizations occurred disproportionately among patients who were male, black, or 25–44 years of age. Plasmodium falciparum accounted for the majority of malaria-related hospitalizations. On average, malaria patients were hospitalized for 4.36 days with charges of $25,789. Patients with a malaria diagnosis were more often hospitalized in the Middle Atlantic and South Atlantic census divisions, urban teaching, private not-for-profit, and large-bed-size hospitals. Malaria imposes a substantial disease burden in the United States. Enhanced primary and secondary prevention measures, including strategies to increase the use of pretravel consultations and prompt diagnosis and treatment are needed.
Quantifying methane emissions from natural gas production in northeastern Pennsylvania
Authors: Barkley Zachary R. , Lauvaux Thomas , Davis Kenneth J. , Deng Aijun , Cao Yanni , Sweeney Colm , Martins Douglas , Miles Natasha L. , Richardson Scott J. , Murphy Thomas , Cervone Guido , Karion Anna , Schwietzke Stefan , Smith Mackenzie , Kort Eric A. , Maasakkers Joannes D.
Published: April 2017

Abstract. Natural gas infrastructure releases methane (CH4), a potent greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere. The estimated emission rate associated with the production and transportation of natural gas is uncertain, hindering our understanding of its greenhouse footprint. This study presents a new application of inverse methodology for estimating regional emission rates from natural gas production and gathering facilities in northeastern Pennsylvania. An inventory of CH4 emissions was compiled for major sources in Pennsylvania. This inventory served as input emission data for the Weather Research and Forecasting model with chemistry enabled, and atmospheric CH4 mole fraction fields were generated at 3 km resolution. Simulated atmospheric CH4 enhancements from WRF-Chem were compared to observations obtained from a three-week flight campaign in May 2015. Modelled enhancements from sources not associated with upstream natural gas processes were assumed constant and known and therefore removed from the optimization procedure, creating a set of observed enhancements from natural gas only. Simulated emission rates from unconventional production were then adjusted to minimize the mismatch between aircraft observations and model-simulated mole fractions for ten flights. To evaluate the method, an aircraft mass balance calculation was performed for four flights where conditions permitted its use. Using the model optimization approach, the weighted mean emission rate from unconventional natural gas production and gathering facilities in northeastern Pennsylvania approach is found to be 0.36 % of total gas production, with a 2σ confidence interval between 0.27–0.45 % of production. Similarly, the mean emission estimates using the aircraft mass balance approach is calculated to be 0.34 % of regional natural gas production, with a 2σ confidence interval between 0.06–0.62 % of production. These emission rates as a percent of production are lower than rates found in any other basin using a top-down methodology, and may be indicative of some characteristics of the basin that makes sources from the northeastern Marcellus region unique.
Data-driven clustering of rain events: microphysics information derived from macro-scale observations
Authors: Dilmi Mohamed Djallel , Mallet Cécile , Barthes Laurent , Chazottes Aymeric
Published: April 2017

Abstract. Rain time series records are generally studied using rainfall rate or accumulation parameters, which are estimated for a fixed duration (typically 1 min, 1 h or 1 day). In this study we use the concept of rain events. The aim of the first part of this paper is to establish a parsimonious characterization of rain events, using a minimal set of variables selected among those normally used for the characterization of these events. A methodology is proposed, based on the combined use of a genetic algorithm (GA) and self-organizing maps (SOMs). It can be advantageous to use an SOM, since it allows a high-dimensional data space to be mapped onto a two-dimensional space while preserving, in an unsupervised manner, most of the information contained in the initial space topology. The 2-D maps obtained in this way allow the relationships between variables to be determined and redundant variables to be removed, thus leading to a minimal subset of variables. We verify that such 2-D maps make it possible to determine the characteristics of all events, on the basis of only five features (the event duration, the peak rain rate, the rain event depth, the standard deviation of the rain rate event and the absolute rain rate variation of the order of 0.5). From this minimal subset of variables, hierarchical cluster analyses were carried out. We show that clustering into two classes allows the conventional convective and stratiform classes to be determined, whereas classification into five classes allows this convective–stratiform classification to be further refined. Finally, our study made it possible to reveal the presence of some specific relationships between these five classes and the microphysics of their associated rain events.
Evaluating the effect of nutrient redistribution by animals on the phosphorus cycle of lowland Amazonia
Authors: Buendía Corina , Kleidon Axel , Manzoni Stefano , Reu Bjorn , Porporato Amilcare
Published: April 2017

Abstract. Amazonian ecosystems are of global importance for the climate system and biodiversity. Phosphorus (P) is suggested to be a limited nutrient in many Amazonian ecosystems because soils are ancient, highly weathered, and nutrient depleted. Recently, it has been suggested that large herbivores may play a major role in the Amazon nutrient cycle. Here, we develop this hypothesis further and show how the spatial redistribution of P from rivers to land, across different ecosystems and between sub-basins may even sustain the Amazonian P cycle, and this not only by means of large herbivores, which supposedly were present previously to human arrival to the contient, but by different animal foraging strategies that exist today. To do so, we introduce a simple mathematical framework, which synthesizes the major processes of the Amazonian P cycle and allows for quantifying their relative contribution to the P budget. With this model we use sensitivity analyses to demonstrate how animals can affect the P cycle. Our findings suggest the importance of the interweaved Amazonian ecology, including fish migrations, different flooding and soil moisture regimes as well as the role of different animal foraging strategies for a sustainable P cycling in these ecosystems.