bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Reflection on the Work of Gianni Bonadonna from the Viewpoint of the Global Challenge of Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer
Authors: Barr Ronald D. , Bleyer W. Archie
Published: October 2017

Adolescents and young adults (AYAs – ages 15 to 39) constitute approximately 40% of the world's population and contribute an estimated one million new cases of cancer annually, the great majority in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In high-income countries (HICs) cancer is the commonest cause of disease-related death in AYAs, though overall 5-year survival rates now exceed 80%. A very different circumstance likely holds in LMICs, but accurate assessments are not readily available.

Breast cancer accounts for 40% of tumours in female AYAs and this age group includes the peak incidence of Hodgkin lymphoma. The late Professor Gianni Bonadonna contributed importantly to improved survival in patients with these two diseases. Accordingly, he would be justifiably proud of the advances in AYA oncology that are being made in Italy, especially the impact of his colleagues at the Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori (INT). The initiatives of the Associazione Italiana Ematologia Pediatrica and the Società Italiana Adolescenti con Malattie Onco-ematologiche are particularly noteworthy, with the accomplishment of productive collaboration between paediatric and adult cancer care providers serving as a model for other countries to emulate.

Exporting these advances can be successful through the vehicle of “twinning”: establishing sustainable cooperation between institutions in HICs and partners in LMICs. Colleagues in Monza and at INT have been leaders in such programmes for decades. Cancer in AYAs remains a global challenge to which Gianni Bonadonna surely would have risen with enthusiasm and leadership while securing measurable achievements.
Effects of Electromagnetic Waves Emitted from 3G+Wi-Fi Modems on Human Semen Analysis
Authors: Kamali Koosha , Atarod Mohammadmehdi , Sarhadi Saeedeh , Nikbakht Javad , Emami Maryam , Maghsoudi Robab , Salimi Hormoz , Fallahpour Bita , Kamali Negar , Momtazan Abdolreza , Ameli Mojtaba
Published: October 2017

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of 3G+wifi modems on human sperm quality. A total of 40 semen specimens were gathered between March and September 2015, from healthy adult men.

Methods

The sperm samples were divided into two groups – 3G+wi-fi exposed and unexposed groups. In the unexposed group, the specimens were shielded by aluminum foil in three layers and put into an incubator at a temperature of 37°C for 50 minutes. The exposed group was positioned in another room in an incubator at a temperature of 37°C for 50 minutes. A 3G+wi-fi modem was put into the same incubator and a laptop computer was connected to the modem and was downloading for the entire 50 minutes. Semen analysis was done for each specimen and comparisons between parameters of the two groups were done by using Kolmogorov-Smirnov study and a paired t-test.

Results

Mean percentage of sperm with class A and B motility were not significantly different in two groups (p = 0.22 and 0.54, respectively). In class C, it was significantly lower in the exposed group (p = 0.046), while in class D it was significantly higher (p = 0.022). Velocity curvilinear, velocity straight line, velocity average path, mean angular displacement, lateral displacement and beat cross frequency were significantly higher in the unexposed group. The limitation was the in vitro design.

Conclusions

Electromagnetic waves (EMWs) emitted from 3G+wi-fi modems cause a significant decrease in sperm motility and velocity, especially in non-progressive motile sperms. Other parameters of semen analysis did not change significantly. EMWs, which are used in communications worldwide, are a suspected cause of male infertility. Many studies evaluated the effects of cell phones and wi-fi on fertility. To our knowledge, no study has yet been done to show the effects of EMWs emitted from 3G+wi-fi modems on fertility. Our study revealed a significant decrease in the quality of human semen after exposure to EMWs emitted from 3G+wi-fi modems.
Carta al Consejo Nacional e Internacional de Colaboradores de la revista Cultura de Paz
Authors: Torres Denis
Published: October 2017

Queremos ante todo, reiterar nuestras sinceras muestras de gratitud y reconocimiento por habernos acompañado como miembros del Consejo Nacional e Internacional de Colaboradores de la revista Cultura de Paz, a lo largo de 24 años. Sin su pensamiento y compromiso este proyecto editorial, académico y científico hubiera sido imposible. Pocas veces en nuestro país hemos asistido a un esfuerzo de esta naturaleza, sostenido e ininterrumpido durante un cuarto de siglo.
Astronomia Cultural
Authors: Mejuto Javier
Published: October 2017

No resumen
Impacto en el crecimiento económico de Nicaragua con la promoción y tecnificación de las MIPYMES
Authors: Flores Méndez Leonel Antonio , Cuadra López Santiaga José , Ruiz Sotelo Nelson Javier
Published: October 2017

En la presente investigación, se aborda todo lo relacionado con la tipología, características y naturaleza de las MIPYMES, donde se provee de una noción más clara de lo que son y la importancia que estas tienen en el país. De igual manera que se estudió su importancia, también se abordad la correspondiente problemática a las cuales estas se enfrentan, las que resultaron un campo muy amplio al cual se tendrá que intervenir con rapidez. Ejemplo de dicha problemática, es la localizan en el mercado informal, el cual es uno de los obstáculos a superar, la formalización de estas entidades, por otra parte la dificultad del acceso al crédito, la falta de sistemas de control, bajo nivel de escolaridad de los empleados en el sector MIPYMES, entre otros.La importancia del estudio de dicho sector MIPYME, radica fundamentalmente en que estas son de interés nacional, dado que estas se desempeñan como gran fuente empleo y que al mismo tiempo representan medios de subsistencia para la mayoría de los habitantes de la nación. Estas paralelamente resultan ser una opción muy atractiva para al crecimiento sostenible y constante de la nación. Esto es debido a que las Micro y Medianas empresas son candidatas o aspirantes fuertes a grandes empresas con un alto nivel competitivo, que van afectar de formar directa el Stock de capital del país, haciendo que haya un mejor desenvolvimiento económico. Cabe aclarar que dicha investigación se realizó bajo los criterios investigativos actuales, con la jerarquización de los objetivos a alcanzar para poder así abordar las cuestiones más relevantes sobre el tema a estudiar, por ende, la estructura del trabajo es la convencional.
Importancia alimenticia del cultivo del frijol negro en Nicaragua
Authors: Quezada Palacios Norland J.
Published: October 2017

Importancia Alimenticia del Cultivo del Frijol Negro en Nicaragua. El objetivo del presente trabajo es dar a conocer la importancia nutritiva que tiene este rubro que es tan importante en la dieta nicaragüense bajo el proceso fitomejoramiento participativo que involucra una participación activa de los agricultores en el país. La implementación de este rubro en el país ayuda a obtener altos rendimientos y resistencia múltiple a enfermedades y es adaptable ante la variabilidad climática y cambio climático.  El cultivo del frijol posee una extraordinaria importancia para la alimentación humana, pues además de constituir una fuente esencial de proteína, forma parte de los hábitos alimentarios de la población nicaragüense. Por lo tanto, en Nicaragua las condiciones edafoclimáticas son favorables para su cultivo, por lo que se produce en la mayor parte del territorio nacional.  El objetivo de este documento es dar a conocer el comportamiento productivo de nuevas líneas de frijol negro en condiciones adaptables climáticamente en el país. La implementación de este rubro en la dieta nicaragüense ayudaría a reducir enfermedades tales como: diabetes tipo II o enfermedades cardiovasculares. Con este trabajo se pretende dar un giro transversal en la importancia del frijol negro (Phaseolus vulgaris) en la dieta habitual de Nicaragua.
Comparación de la Politerapia vs Monoterapia antibiótica en la aplicación empírica en contra de las infecciones odontogénicas
Authors: Mendieta Rostrán David Alejandro
Published: October 2017

El presente estudio se realizó con el objetivo de conocer la eficacia de las distintas terapéuticas de tratamiento contra las infecciones odontogénicas que se aplican a los pacientes ingresados con severidad moderada en el hospital Roberto Calderón los resultados obtenidos mostraron una similitud en la aplicación de la politerapia y la cobertura de manejo de la monoterapia.  Por otro lado existe una diferencia significativa para este estudio ya que la politerapia presenta factores de evaluación desfavorable para esta terapia. Así mismo el manejo con monoterapia facilitó factores favorables en beneficio de este tratamiento ante las infecciones odontogénicas. A partir de los resultados descritos, esta investigación concluye que el manejo de las infecciones odontogénicas puede llevarse a cabo adecuadamente a nivel hospitalario por los pacientes afectados con severidad moderada por estas infecciones con la monoterapia de Clindamicina. Dando respuesta a la problemática planteada. Por tanto con este estudio se recomienda al servicio de cirugía oral y maxilofacial del Hospital escuela Roberto Calderón G. la creación de un protocolo para infecciones odontogénicas donde contenga en sus indicaciones el uso de la Monoterapia para pacientes con esta patología
Applicability of Microfinance for Adaptation to Sea Level Rise Impacts
Authors: Kulpraneet Amornpun
Published: September 2017

The aim of this study is to study the applicability of hypothetical microfinance for household adaptation to sea level rise impacts at community level. The study examines two hypothesis: 1) microfinance can (cannot) be applied as an adaptive measure to the impacts of sea level rise; 2) whether or not the factors of risk perceptions, attitudes, social references, microfinance conditions, government supports, and demographic influence an individual participation to a designed microfinance. The study sites are six vulnerable coastal villages located in the Gulf of Thailand. A designed microfinance for adaptation to sea level rise impacts is assumed in hypothetical market and tested with residents in the villages. Acceptance analysis, Pearson correlation, and stepwise regression analysis are used to test the hypothesis of the study.The study results reveal that microfinance can be applied for household adaptation to sea level rise impacts at community level. However, there are some correlated factors that affect individual participation to the designed microfinance. The likelihood of successful implementation of microfinance for the adaptation purposes is depended on how those factors affecting participation are properly addressed by implementer.
The Characterization of the Millennials and Their Buying Behavior
Authors: Moreno Flor Madrigal , Lafuente Jaime Gil , Carreón Fernando Ávila , Moreno Salvador Madrigal
Published: September 2017

The millennials constitute an important group of consumers. Therefore, to know how they behave has become an important issue. This paper aims to explain who the millennials are, to explain who belongs to this generational group and why they have become an attractive group for different social and economic sectors, by showing the most outstanding attitudes, tastes and buying behaviors.This is a qualitative and transactional research based on the review of various scientific articles retrieved from specialized journals which have helped to establish a characterization of the most prominent elements that describe the millennials, based on some points of coincidence described by different authors. The findings suggest that millennials are a highly attractive market as they have grown up in an environment where technology provides a platform for personalization and immediate gratification in all aspects of life. Consequently, the buying process for them is a time of enjoyment, where loyalty to the brands they purchase is relative. Also, millennials tend to spend their income quickly and more often through the web, and particularly through social networks like Facebook. Also, the results show that the millennials are more attracted by virtual advertising as coupons or discounts. The results contribute to the literature by providing a description of millennial consumers; showing in detailed the importance of this market segment and their buying behaviors.
Considerações sobre a Igreja Católica Romana e a evolução de sua compreensão sobre os direitos humanos
Authors: Caldeira Rodrigo Coppe
Published: September 2017

O objetivo central do artigo é apresentar alguns aspectos históricos sobre as relações entre a Igreja Católica Romana e os denominados “direitos humanos”. A Igreja, uma das instituições que mais sentiu os impactos da ascensão e consolidação do Estado liberal moderno, visto que não só sua doutrina era combatida, mas também e principalmente seu poder temporal, posicionou-se inicialmente de forma bastante crítica em relação aos “novos direitos” que surgiam, contrapostos a uma visão de mundo marcada particularmente pela noção de que a ordem social deveria refletir política e juridicamente a ordem divina. Ao analisar algumas obras escritas no período imediato da Revolução Francesa (1789) e alguns documentos pontifícios do século XIX e XX, é possível observar que, desde a Declaração dos Direitos do Homem e do Cidadão de 1789 até o pontificado de João XXIII, emergiram novas interpretações dos direitos humanos, um dos pontos fundamentais no qual a Igreja passa a dialogar com a modernidade política. Tendo isso em vista, o artigo, num primeiro momento, abordará, a partir de um perspectiva de longa duração, as raízes filosóficas do direito subjetivo, base fundamental do direito à liberdade de consciência e o contexto do surgimento do Estado liberal. Num segundo, as relações entre o catolicismo e os direitos humanos, os antagonismos e as aproximações, partindo de uma análise dos documentos magisteriais e também de obras de teólogos católicos que já naquele período buscavam pontes entre seus artigos e alguns pontos da doutrina cristã.
O Conceito de Ética no Candomblé
Authors: Berkenbrock Volney José
Published: September 2017

Este texto irá apresentar os pressupostos para se pensar o conceito de ética na religião do Candomblé e de sua visão de mundo. Na visão de mundo do Candomblé, a existência é dividida em dois níveis: o Orum e o Aiyê. A realidade finita, individualizada e histórica é a existência Aiyê. Mas esta é uma existência que tem sua origem no Orum, a realidade permanente. No Orum tudo existe sempre. Quem administra as existências individualizadas são as forças chamadas de Orixás. Cada ser humano é filho ou filha de um Orixá. A ética no Candomblé se constrói a partir da relação entre o adepto e o seu Orixá. Não há assim no Candomblé uma ética de valores ou de princípios. A ética no Candomblé é uma ética relacional. Ela depende da relação de cada pessoa com o seu Orixá e da manifestação deste. Depende também do estágio de iniciação do fiel, pois cada estágio gera diferentes obrigações. A relação do adepto com o seu Orixá tem por objetivo alcançar uma existência em equilíbrio, numa busca que é constante e dinâmica.
O Deus que vem a nós: reflexões hermenêutico-teológicas da revelação desde cima e desde baixo
Authors: Rocha Abdruschin Schaeffer
Published: September 2017

O presente artigo se propõe discutir a revelação no horizonte da recepção. Nesse sentido, parte do pressuposto de que a matriz metafísica é o lugar a partir de onde a compreensão tradicional da revelação se coloca, mas, também, a perspectiva a partir da qual deve ser criticada. Esse horizonte teórico acabou por gerar a expectativa de se acessar o Deus-em-si, infinito e necessário, visto na perspectiva de sua imutabilidade, alheado da história, cuja revelação se compreende sempre desde cima, ou seja, a partir de seu caráter absoluto. Propõe-se, portanto, a recepção como critério hermenêutico-teológico, por meio da qual se busca uma abordagem da revelação a partir de como somos tocados, como somos interpelados, a partir do modo como se transforma em experiência humana e se amolda à nossa linguagem. Para tanto, busca-se na compreensão de revelação de Joseph Moingt um suporte para uma abordagem desde baixo, segunda a qual Deus deixa de ser aquele que é, compreendido na perspectiva da necessidade, e se torna aquele que vem, concebido numa perspectiva de gratuidade.
Moral Reasoning about Ending Life Revisited: Influences of Religiosity and Resilience
Authors: ATKINS CHRISTIANA D. , BURNETT HARVEY
Published: October 2017

This study examined religiosity, resilience, and age across generation as predictors of moral reasoning and judgments about certain ending of life situations: suicide, physician-assisted suicide (PAS), active euthanasia (AE), and mercy killing (MK). Data was collected from undergraduate students attending a conservative Christian university in the Midwest as well as from an online community forum (N= 153). This study is a replication and expansion of a previous study.1 Measures included the questionnaire developed for Anstee's study, as well as the Christian Religious Internalization Scale, Response to Stressful Experiences Scale, and a demographic questionnaire. Linear regression analysis found identified (autonomous) religiosity as a predictor of moral reasoning and judgments, to the extent that ending of life scenarios are morally wrong. Resilience was found to be a predictor of moral judgments to the extent that MK is morally right. These findings suggest that the internalization of beliefs plays a considerable role in moral reasoning and judgments about ending of life issues. Understanding the role of mechanisms behind moral reasoning on ending of life issues is increasingly relevant as legislation is currently changing.
Individual and County Level Correlates of Medicaid Births in Michigan
Authors: SMITH PATRICIA K.
Published: October 2017

Across Michigan the share of births covered by Medicaid varies widely, from a low of 15% in Menominee County to a high of 71% in Roscommon County in 2009 (Michigan League for Public Policy n.d.). This paper uses data on women who delivered a live infant in Michigan between 2009 and 2011 from Michigan's Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) matched to county level socioeconomic information to identify factors associated with the likelihood Medicaid is used to cover the medical costs of giving birth. The results suggest that strategies to reduce Medicaid births without reducing health care available to low-income women include stimulating economic growth and expanding access to family planning resources. This analysis does not find evidence that pro-marriage policies would reduce Medicaid births.
Chromatin accessibility underlies synthetic lethality of SWI/SNF subunits in ARID1A-mutant cancers
Authors: Kelso Timothy W R , Porter Devin K , Amaral Maria Luisa , Shokhirev Maxim N , Benner Christopher , Hargreaves Diana C
Published: October 2017

ARID1A, a subunit of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex, is frequently mutated in cancer. Deficiency in its homolog ARID1B is synthetically lethal with ARID1A mutation. However, the functional relationship between these homologs has not been explored. Here, we use ATAC-seq, genome-wide histone modification mapping, and expression analysis to examine colorectal cancer cells lacking one or both ARID proteins. We find that ARID1A has a dominant role in maintaining chromatin accessibility at enhancers, while the contribution of ARID1B is evident only in the context of ARID1A mutation. Changes in accessibility are predictive of changes in expression and correlate with loss of H3K4me and H3K27ac marks, nucleosome spacing, and transcription factor binding, particularly at growth pathway genes including MET. We find that ARID1B knockdown in ARID1A mutant ovarian cancer cells causes similar loss of enhancer architecture, suggesting that this is a conserved function underlying the synthetic lethality between ARID1A and ARID1B.
Einfache und doppelte metall‐ und reagensfreie anodische C‐C‐Kreuzkupplung von Phenolen mit Thiophenen
Authors: Wiebe Anton , Lips Sebastian , Schollmeyer Dieter , Franke Robert , Waldvogel Siegfried R.
Published: October 2017

Erstmals ist es gelungen, eine elektrochemische dehydrierende C‐C‐Kreuzkupplung von Thiophenen mit Phenolen durchzuführen. Diese nachhaltige und einfache anodische Kreuzkupplung eröffnet den Zugang zu zwei besonders interessanten Substanzklassen. Das Anwendungsgebiet der C‐H‐aktivierenden elektrochemischen Kreuzkupplung wurde dabei um Schwefelheterocyclen erweitert. Bisher konnten nur verschiedene benzoide aromatische Systeme umgesetzt werden, wohingegen die Verwendung von Heterocyclen bei der C‐H‐aktivierenden elektrochemischen Kreuzkupplung nicht erfolgreich war. In diesem Fall bieten reagens‐ und metallfreie Bedingungen einen nachhaltigen elektrochemischen Weg und damit einen vielversprechenden präparativen Zugang zu einer Vielfalt an Bi‐ und Terarylverbindungen auf Basis von Thiophenen und Phenolen. Die Reaktion ist mit einer ungeteilten Zelle einfach durchführbar, skalierbar und inhärent sicher. Die erhaltenen Produkte finden Anwendung im Bereich elektronischer Materialien oder als [OSO]2−‐Pincerliganden.
Direct Synthesis of Amides by Dehydrogenative Coupling of Amines with either Alcohols or Esters: Manganese Pincer Complex as Catalyst
Authors: Kumar Amit , Espinosa‐Jalapa Noel Angel , Leitus Gregory , Diskin‐Posner Yael , Avram Liat , Milstein David
Published: October 2017

The first example of base‐metal‐catalysed synthesis of amides from the coupling of primary amines with either alcohols or esters is reported. The reactions are catalysed by a new manganese pincer complex and generate hydrogen gas as the sole byproduct, thus making the overall process atom‐economical and sustainable.
Conformational Aspects in the Design of Inhibitors for Serine Hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT): Biphenyl, Aryl Sulfonamide, and Aryl Sulfone Motifs
Authors: Schwertz Geoffrey , Frei Michelle S. , Witschel Matthias C. , Rottmann Matthias , Leartsakulpanich Ubolsree , Chitnumsub Penchit , Jaruwat Aritsara , Ittarat Wanwipa , Schäfer Anja , Aponte Raphael A. , Trapp Nils , Mark Kerstin , Chaiyen Pimchai , Diederich François
Published: October 2017

Malaria remains a major threat to mankind due to the perpetual emergence of resistance against marketed drugs. Twenty‐one pyrazolopyran‐based inhibitors bearing terminal biphenyl, aryl sulfonamide, or aryl sulfone motifs were synthesized and tested towards serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT), a key enzyme of the folate cycle. The best ligands inhibited Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) and Arabidopsis thaliana (At) SHMT in target, as well as PfNF54 strains in cell‐based assays in the low nanomolar range (18–56 nm). Seven co‐crystal structures with P. vivax (Pv) SHMT were solved at 2.2–2.6 Å resolution. We observed an unprecedented influence of the torsion angle of ortho‐substituted biphenyl moieties on cell‐based efficacy. The peculiar lipophilic character of the sulfonyl moiety was highlighted in the complexes with aryl sulfonamide analogues, which bind in their preferred staggered orientation. The results are discussed within the context of conformational preferences in the ligands.
Level Alignment as Descriptor for Semiconductor/Catalyst Systems in Water Splitting: The Case of Hematite/Cobalt Hexacyanoferrate Photoanodes
Authors: Hegner Franziska Simone , Cardenas‐Morcoso Drialys , Giménez Sixto , López Núria , Galan‐Mascaros Jose Ramon
Published: October 2017

The realization of artificial photosynthesis may depend on the efficient integration of photoactive semiconductors and catalysts to promote photoelectrochemical water splitting. Many efforts are currently devoted to the processing of multicomponent anodes and cathodes in the search for appropriate synergy between light absorbers and active catalysts. No single material appears to combine both features. Many experimental parameters are key to achieve the needed synergy between both systems, without clear protocols for success. Herein, we show how computational chemistry can shed some light on this cumbersome problem. DFT calculations are useful to predict adequate energy‐level alignment for thermodynamically favored hole transfer. As proof of concept, we experimentally confirmed the limited performance enhancement in hematite photoanodes decorated with cobalt hexacyanoferrate as a competent water‐oxidation catalyst. Computational methods describe the misalignment of their energy levels, which is the origin of this mismatch. Photoelectrochemical studies indicate that the catalyst exclusively shifts the hematite surface state to lower potentials, which therefore reduces the onset for water oxidation. Although kinetics will still depend on interface architecture, our simple theoretical approach may identify and predict plausible semiconductor/catalyst combinations, which will speed up experimental work towards promising photoelectrocatalytic systems.
Estimating the sediment trap efficiency of intermittently dry reservoirs: lessons from the Kruger National Park, South Africa
Authors: Reinwarth Bastian , Riddell Edward S. , Glotzbach Christoph , Baade Jussi
Published: October 2017

The assessment of sediment yield from reservoir siltation requires knowledge of the reservoir's sediment trap efficiency (TE). Widely used approaches for the estimation of the long‐term mean TE rely on the ratio of the reservoir's storage capacity (C) to its catchment size (A) or mean annual inflow (I). These approaches have been developed from a limited number of reservoirs (N ≤ 40), most of them located in temperate climate regions. Their general applicability to reservoirs receiving highly variable runoff such as in semi‐arid areas has been questioned. Here, we examine the effect of ephemeral inflow on the TE of 10 small (≤ 280 × 103 m3), intermittently dry reservoirs located in the Kruger National Park. Fieldwork was conducted to determine the storage capacity of the reservoir basins. The frequency and magnitude of spillage events was simulated with the daily time step Pitman rainfall–runoff model. Different runoff scenarios were established to cope with uncertainties arising from the lack of runoff records and imperfect input data. Scenarios for the relationship between water and sediment discharge were created based on sediment rating curves. Taking into account uncertainties in hydrological modelling, uncertainties of mean TE estimates, calculated from all scenarios (N = 9), are moderate, ranging from ±6 to ±11% at the 95% confidence level. By comparison, estimating TE from the storage capacity to catchment area (C/A) ratio induces high uncertainty (ranges of 35 to 65%), but this uncertainty can be confined (15 to 33%) when the latter approach is combined with hydrological modelling. Established methods relying on the storage capacity to mean annual inflow (C/I) ratio most probably lead to an overestimation of the TE for the investigated reservoirs. The approach presented here may be used instead to estimate the TE of small, intermittently dry reservoirs in semi‐arid climate regions. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dynamics and patterns of land levelling for agricultural reclamation of erosional badlands in Chambal Valley (Madhya Pradesh, India)
Authors: Marzolff Irene , Pani Padmini
Published: October 2017

Gully and badland erosion constitute important land‐degradation processes with severe on‐site and off‐site effects above all in sedimentary deposits and alluvial soils of the arid and semi‐arid regions. Agricultural use of the affected land is impeded both by the irreversible loss of topsoil and the morphological dissection of the terrain. In various badland regions around the world, a solution to the latter problem is attempted by infilling of gullies and levelling of badland topography in order restore a morphology suitable for agricultural cultivation.

Gully and badland levelling for agricultural reclamation has been conducted for decades in the large ravine lands of India. This study aims at analysing the distribution and dynamics of land levelling within the Chambal badlands in Morena district, Madhya Pradesh, between 1971 and 2015. Using high to medium resolution satellite images from the Corona, Landsat, Aster and RapidEye missions and a multi‐temporal classification approach, we have mapped and quantified areas that were newly levelled within eight observation periods. We analysed the spatial relation of levelled land to several physical and socio‐economic factors that potentially influence the choice of reclamation site by employing geographic information system (GIS) analysis methods and results from focus‐group discussions in selected villages.

Results show that nearly 38 km2 or 23% of the badlands in the study area have been levelled within 45 years. The levelling rate generally increases during the observation period, but the annual variability is high. We have found spatial relationships to badland morphology, vicinity of existing cropland and proximity to villages and drainage lines. From a socio‐economic point of view, availability of financial and technical means, access rights to the badland and ownership issues play an important role. Considering studies on soil degradation caused by levelling of badlands in other regions, the sustainability of the newly reclaimed fields in the Chambal badlands is questionable. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Collaborative and multilevel optimizations of a hybrid railway power substation
Authors: Brisset Stephane , Ogier Maxime
Published: October 2017

Three approaches are proposed for the design of a hybrid railway power substation taking into account the control of the storage system over 1 year. The first one is based on a piecewise linearization of the cost function and solved with linear programming. The others decompose the whole problem in 2 levels with lower dimensionality. Collaborative optimization solves it with a double‐loop scheme while Benders decomposition allows a sequential resolution. This last gives the same solution as linear programming in about 5 times more computing time and can be used with a nonlinear cost function.
Robust integrated shift register circuit over clock noises for in‐cell touch applications
Authors: Seo Jeongrim , Nam Hyoungsik
Published: October 2017

This paper proposes an integrated shift register circuit for an in‐cell touch panel that is robust over clock noises. It is composed of 10 thin film transistors and 1 capacitor, and the time division driving method is adopted to prevent the negative effect of display signals on the touch sensing. Two pre‐charging nodes are employed for reducing the uniformity degradation of gate pulses over time. In particular, the proposed circuit connects a drain of the first pre‐charging node's pull‐up thin film transistor (TFT) to the positive supply voltage instead of clock signals. This facilitates to lower coupling noises as well as to clock power consumption. The simulation program with an integrated circuit emphasis is conducted for the proposed circuit with low temperature poly‐silicon TFTs. The positive threshold voltage that shifts up to 12 V at the first pre‐charging pull‐up TFT can be compensated for without the uniformity degradation of gate pulses. For a 60‐Hz full‐HD display with a 120‐Hz reporting rate of touches, the clock power consumption of the proposed gate driver circuit is estimated as 7.13 mW with 160 stages of shift registers. In addition, the noise level at the first pre‐charging node is lowered to −28.95 dB compared with 2.37 dB of the previous circuit.
Personalized diet and exercise recommendations in early rheumatoid arthritis: A feasibility trial
Authors: Garner Stephanie , Fenton Tanis , Martin Liam , Creaser Caitlin , Johns Carolyn , Barnabe Cheryl
Published: October 2017

Background

Physical activity and diet have a positive influence on disease activity and cardiovascular risk in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Objective

We tested the feasibility and effect of a brief individualized counselling intervention on physical activity levels and fitness, and dietary intake, compared with standard of care.

Methods

Thirty patients with inflammatory arthritis (<1 year duration) were assigned to standard of care or the intervention, which consisted of individualized visits with a dietetic intern and physiotherapist at two time points, to review age‐specific strategies on diet and exercise. Primary outcomes included anthropometric measurements (height, weight, waist and hip circumference), nutritional intake, physical activity (pedometer steps) and physical fitness. Disease activity measures and biochemical testing (blood pressure measurement, inflammatory markers, cholesterol profile and random glucose) were collected. The changes in these outcomes from baseline to 6 months were assessed using paired t‐tests between groups.

Results

Thirteen patients in the intervention group and 10 in the control group completed the study. There were non‐significant trends in improvements in physical activity, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol level and nutritional intake (vitamin C, iron, fibre, vitamin A and folate) in the intervention group.

Conclusions

Poor enrolment and high dropout rates in this short‐term study highlighted the difficulty of behavioural change. Those continuing in the study and who received the intervention demonstrated a non‐significantly improved activity level and nutritional intake that may benefit long‐term outcomes.
Effects of seasonal changes in cotton plants on the evolution of resistance to pyramided cotton producing the Bt toxins Cry1Ac and Cry1F in Helicoverpa zea
Authors: Carrière Yves , Degain Ben A , Unnithan Gopalan C , Harpold Virginia S , Heuberger Shannon , Li Xianchun , Tabashnik Bruce E
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND

In pests with inherently low susceptibility to Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxins, seasonal declines in the concentration of Bt toxins in transgenic crops could accelerate evolution of resistance by increasing the dominance of resistance. Here, we evaluated Helicoverpa zea survival on young and old cotton plants that produced the Bt toxins Cry1Ac and Cry1F or did not produce Bt toxins.

RESULTS

Using a strain selected for resistance to Cry1Ac in the laboratory, its parent strain that was not selected in the laboratory, and their F1 progeny, we showed that resistance to Cry1Ac + Cry1F cotton was partially dominant on young and old plants. On Cry1Ac + Cry1F cotton, redundant killing was incomplete on young plants but nearly complete on old plants. No significant fitness costs on non‐Bt cotton occurred on young plants, but large recessive costs affected survival on old plants. Simulation models incorporating the empirical data showed that the seasonal changes in fitness could delay resistance to Cry1Ac + Cry1F cotton by inducing low equilibrium frequencies of resistance alleles when refuges are sufficiently large.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that including effects of seasonal changes in fitness of pests on Bt crops and refuge plants can enhance resistance risk assessment and resistance management. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Sample Errors Call Into Question Conclusions Regarding Same-Sex Married Parents: A Comment on “Family Structure and Child Health: Does the Sex Composition of Parents Matter?”
Authors: Paul Sullins D.
Published: October 2017

Because of classification errors reported by the National Center for Health Statistics, an estimated 42 % of the same-sex married partners in the sample for this study are misclassified different-sex married partners, thus calling into question findings regarding same-sex married parents. Including biological parentage as a control variable suppresses same-sex/different-sex differences, thus obscuring the data error. Parentage is not appropriate as a control because it correlates nearly perfectly (+.97, gamma) with the same-sex/different-sex distinction and is invariant for the category of joint biological parents.
Canada’s Violation of International Law during the 2014–16 Ebola Outbreak
Authors: TEJPAR ALI , HOFFMAN STEVEN J.
Published: October 2017

The devastating 2014–16 West African Ebola outbreak challenged the authority of the World Health Organization (WHO) to enforce the legally bindingInternational Health Regulations(IHR) that govern pandemic responses. Under Article 43 of theIHR, states parties can only implement additional health measures beyond the WHO’s recommendations if public health rationales or scientific evidence justify such measures. Yet at least fifty-eight states parties enacted additional health measures, mainly travel restrictions to or from Ebola-affected countries. This article explains why Canada’s visa restrictions targeting Ebola-affected countries failed to meet theIHR’s requirements and therefore violated international law. Specifically, Canada’s response went against public health authorities’ consensus views, the best available scientific evidence on disease transmission, and the WHO’s recommendations. In light of its traditional role as a global health champion, Canada must lead by example and abide by international law, including theIHR, instead of picking and choosing which rules to follow and thereby encouraging other countries to do the same.
Gravity-driven flow in a horizontal annulus
Authors: Horsley Marcus C. , Woods Andrew W.
Published: October 2017

A theory for the low-Reynolds-number gravity-driven flow of two Newtonian fluids separated by a density interface in a two-dimensional annular geometry is developed. Solutions for the governing time-dependent equations of motion, in the limit that the radius of the inner and outer boundaries are similar, and in the case that the interface is initially inclined to the horizontal, are analysed numerically. We focus on the case in which the fluid is arranged symmetrically about a vertical line through the centre of the annulus. These solutions are successfully compared with asymptotic solutions in the limits that (i) a thin film of dense fluid drains down the outer boundary of the annulus, and (ii) a thin layer of less dense fluid is squeezed out of the narrow gap between the base of the inner annulus and dense fluid. Application of the results to the problem of mud displacement by cement in a horizontal well is briefly discussed.
Mixed-Form Equations for Stiffened Orthotropic Shells of Arbitrary Canonical Shape with Static Loading
Authors: Karpov V. V. , Semenov A. A.
Published: October 2017

Thin-walled orthotropic shells of arbitrary form reinforced from the concave side by a cross-sectional stiffening system oriented in parallel to coordinate lines are examined. Geometrical nonlinearity and transverse shears are taken into account, but it is presumed that a shell is shallow.

Mixed-form equations are more simplified equations of a shell theory as compared to displacement equations, but they are more convenient for some types of fixing of the shell edges (for example, for movable pin fixing).

Forces are expressed using a stress function in a middle surface of a shell in such a way that the first two equilibrium equations are satisfied identically. Shell deformation is also expressed using this function.

The third equation of strain compatibility is used to form one of the mixed-form equations. Curvature and torsion change functions for this equation are written in the same way as for the Kirchhoff–Love model, though also taking into account transverse shears.
Toxic splash: Russian rocket stages dropped in Arctic waters raise health, environmental and legal concerns
Authors: Byers Michael , Byers Cameron
Published: October 2017

Russia has dropped rocket stages fuelled with unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine (UDMH) into the Barents Sea and the North Water Polynya—areas of considerable ecological importance—on ten occasions since 2002. The stages come from SS-19 intercontinental missiles that have been re-purposed for launching satellites. UDMH is a highly toxic chemical that has caused widespread health and environmental damage in Kazakhstan and Russia as a result of its extensive use there as a rocket fuel. Not all of the fuel on-board is consumed during a launch and the residual fuel tends to escape the incoming stages and form aerosol clouds that drift over large areas. This dropping of the rocket stages is of considerable concern to the Inuit of Canada and Greenland, who only learned about the practice in 2016. It is also a violation of several treaties as well as customary international law. At least two more launches of UDMH-fuelled rockets on the same trajectory are currently planned—even though alternative non-toxic rocket systems exist.
Horizon Line Stability Observations over the Sea
Authors: Grishin Vladimir A. , Maslov Igor A.
Published: October 2017

Increasing the stability and reliability of navigation for mobile objects of different classes is becoming increasingly significant. Satellite navigation systems have a fundamental defect: a vulnerability to hacking and spoofing. Observation of the horizon line is significant for two applications. The first is stellar inertial navigation systems. In this case, the horizon line can be used for local vertical estimation. Errors in local vertical estimation directly affect coordinate errors. The second is correlation-extremal navigation based on the observed horizon line shape (when islands or continents are observed from aerial vehicles). In both cases, instability of the horizon line produces navigation errors. A measurement procedure for horizon line position estimation was proposed and realised. Around-the-clock horizon line shooting was undertaken in 2013. Processing of the results shows a horizon line direction instability of about 5–7 angular minutes during the day time.
Self-directed use of mobile devices for language learning beyond the classroom
Authors: Lai Chun , Zheng Dongping
Published: October 2017

The essence of mobile learning is learners’ agentic use of mobile devices to create learning experiences across time and space. Thus, understanding learners’ perceptions and preferred use of mobile devices for learning are critical to realizing the educational potentials of mobile learning. This study explored language learners’ self-directed use of mobile devices beyond the classroom through a survey and interview study with foreign language learners at a university in Hong Kong. A total of 256 learners were surveyed and 18 were interviewed to understand the nature of mobile language learning experiences that these learners engaged in autonomously beyond the classroom. Exploratory factor analysis yielded three dimensions of self-directed out-of-class mobile learning experience. Among the three dimensions, learners were found to use mobile devices more for facilitating the personalization of learning than for enhancing the authenticity and social connection in learning. This study further revealed that selective use was an outcome of the interaction between learner-defined affordances of the devices, their culturally informed and habitual use of the devices, their perceptions of the nature of the learning tasks, and the tempo-spatial circumstances of task implementation. The findings suggest that these factors need to be considered when designing mobile learning activities and educational interventions that promote mobile learning beyond the classroom.
5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleoside-induced autophagy flux during differentiation of monocytic leukemia cells
Authors: Dembitz Vilma , Lalic Hrvoje , Visnjic Dora
Published: October 2017

Pharmacological modulators of AMP-dependent kinase (AMPK) have been suggested in treatment of cancer. The biguanide metformin and 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleoside (AICAR) have been reported to inhibit proliferation of solid tumors and hematological malignancies, but their role in differentiation is less explored. Our previous study demonstrated that AICAR alone induced AMPK-independent expression of differentiation markers in monocytic U937 leukemia cells, and no such effects were observed in response to metformin. The aim of this study was to determine the mechanism of AICAR-mediated effects and to test for the possible role of autophagy in differentiation of leukemia cells. The results showed that AICAR-mediated effects on the expression of differentiation markers were not mimicked by A769662, a more specific direct AMPK activator. Long-term incubation of U937 cells with AICAR and other differentiation agents, all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, increased the expression of the autophagy marker LC3B-II, and these effects were not observed in response to metformin. Western blot and immunofluorescence analyses of U937 cells treated with bafilomycin A1 or transfected with mRFP-GFP-LC3 proved that the increase in the expression of LC3B-II was due to an increase in autophagy flux, and not to a decrease in lysosomal degradation. 3-Methyladenine inhibited the expression of differentiation markers in response to all inducers, but had stimulatory effects on autophagy flux at dose that effectively inhibited the production of phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate. The small inhibitory RNA-mediated down-modulation of Beclin 1 and hVPS34 had no effects on AICAR and ATRA-mediated increase in the expression of differentiation markers. These results show that AICAR and other differentiation agents induce autophagy flux in U937 cells and that the effects of AICAR and ATRA on the expression of differentiation markers do not depend on the normal levels of key proteins of the classical or canonical autophagy pathway.
Control of aggregation temperatures in mixed and blended cytocompatible thermoresponsive block co-polymer nanoparticles
Authors: Foralosso Ruggero , Moir Lee , Mastrotto Francesca , Sasso Luana , Tchoryk Aleksandra , Selo Amjad , Grabowska Anna , Ashford Marianne B. , Aylott Jonathan , Gellert Paul R. , Spain Sebastian G. , Alexander Cameron
Published: October 2017

Blends of amphiphilic copolymers and mixtures of their nanoparticles can be tuned for temperature-responsive behaviour.
Droplet impact on flowing liquid films with inlet forcing: the splashing regime
Authors: Adebayo Idris T. , Matar Omar K.
Published: October 2017

Waves! Spatial structures on flowing liquid films contribute immensely to drop impact dynamics and notably alter the impact outcomes.
Modelling ofDictyostelium discoideummovement in a linear gradient of chemoattractant
Authors: Eidi Zahra , Mohammad-Rafiee Farshid , Khorrami Mohammad , Gholami Azam
Published: October 2017

We present a position-dependent advection–diffusion model that quantitatively describes the statistical features of the chemotactic motion ofD. discoideum.
Innovative Sturzprävention
Authors: Rogan Slavko
Published: October 2017

Ältere Menschen haben ein erhöhtes Sturzrisiko: Ihre Sensomotorik nimmt ebenso ab wie kognitive Leistungen und Aufmerksamkeitsspanne.
Anspruchsvolle Doppelaufgaben halten fit und trainieren körperliche Leistungsfähigkeit und Gedächtnis. In der Therapie finden heute auch
elektronische Tanz-Videospiele ihren Platz.
Theory of energy and power flow of plasmonic waves on single-walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Moradi Afshin
Published: October 2017

The energy theorem of electrodynamics is extended so as to apply to the plasmonic waves on single-walled carbon nanotubes which propagate parallel to the axial direction of the system and are periodic waves in the azimuthal direction. Electronic excitations on the nanotube surface are modeled by an infinitesimally thin layer of free-electron gas which is described by means of the linearized hydrodynamic theory. General expressions of energy and power flow associated with surface waves are obtained by solving Maxwell and hydrodynamic equations with appropriate boundary conditions. Numerical results for the transverse magnetic mode show that energy, power flow, and energy transport velocity of the plasmonic waves strongly depend on the nanotube radius in the long-wavelength region.
New method for making superconducting NbN nanowires could make single photons easy prey
Authors: Bello Mark
Published: October 2017

Simplicity of method should enable fabrication of high-performing single photon detectors for many applications.