bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between Blood Haemoglobin and Glucose Concentrations in Adult Great Tits (Parus Major) and Blue Tits (Cyanistes Caeruleus)
Authors: Kaliñski Adam , Bańbura Mirostawa , Glądalski Michat , Markowski Marcin , Skwarska Joanna , Wawrzyniak Jarosłtaw , Zieliński Piotr , Cyżewska Iwona , Bańbura Jerzy
Published: July 2016

Haematological and blood chemistry variables are widely used in ecophysiological research as physiological indices of body condition in various vertebrate taxa. In this study, we analysed relationships between blood glucose and blood haemoglobin concentrations of adult birds in wild populations of Blue Tits ( Cyanistes caeruleus) and Great Tits ( Parus major) during the breeding season in central Poland. We found that blood glucose and blood haemoglobin concentrations are negatively correlated. We also show that individual Blue Tits have higher mean haemoglobin levels adjusted for the common value of glucose concentration than individual Great Tits and that females of both species have higher mean haemoglobin concentrations than males. Our results suggest that haematological as well as biochemical variables may be used in tune as complementary indices of body condition in wild bird populations.
Variation in Viral Shedding Patterns between Domestic and Wild Terrestrial Birds Infected Experimentally with Reassortant Avian Influenza Virus (H9N2)
Authors: Umar Sajid , Asif Sajjad , Usman Muhammad , Atif Muhammad , Ali Shahzad , Munir Muhammad Tanveer , Ali Asif , Shahzad Muhammad , Shah Muhammad Ali Abdullah
Published: July 2016

Avian influenza (H9N2) virus infection is an emerging respiratory problem and its prevalence varies significantly among different species of birds. The current knowledge about virus shedding parameters in terrestrial birds is limited. With this in mind, the present study was conducted in different domestic and wild terrestrial birds to investigate species-related differences in infectivity and pattern of viral shedding associated with H9N2 AI virus. Groups of terrestrial birds (domestic Guinea Fowl Numida meleagridis, Japanese Quail Coturnix coturnix japonica, House Sparrows Passer domesticus, House Crows Corvus splendens and Bank Myna Acridotheres ginginianus) were inoculated intra-nasally with A/chicken/Pakistan/10RS3039-284-48/2010 (H9N2) AI virus (106 EID50) and then examined for infectivity and virus shedding patterns. With the exception of House Crows, all infected birds showed clinical signs of different severity, showing the most prominent disease signs in Japanese Quail. All infected birds showed positive results for virus shedding, however, the pattern of virus shedding was different among wild terrestrial birds. Japanese Quail showed the highest levels of virus shedding while samples collected from House Crows revealed only very low levels. Interestingly, virus shedding was observed predominantly via the gastrointestinal tract in House Sparrows and Bank Myna and via the buccal cavity route in Guinea Fowl and Japanese Quail. Here we investigated that the novel genotype of H9N2 AI virus circulating in Pakistan causes clinical disease signs in domestic and wild terrestrial birds. The results of this study suggest that virus shedding varies between different related avian species and highlights the potential role of Guinea Fowl, Japanese Quail, House Sparrows and Bank Myna as mixing bowls for the transmission and maintenance of H9N2 AI viruses between premises.
Tumor-Associated Macrophages in Oncolytic Virotherapy: Friend or Foe?
Authors: Denton Nicholas , Chen Chun-Yu , Scott Thomas , Cripe Timothy
Published: July 2016

Cancer therapy remains a challenge due to toxicity limitations of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Oncolytic viruses that selectively replicate and destroy cancer cells are of increasing interest. In addition to direct cell lysis, these vectors stimulate an anti-tumor immune response. A key regulator of tumor immunity is the tumor-associated macrophage population. Macrophages can either support oncolytic virus therapy through pro-inflammatory stimulation of the anti-tumor response at the cost of hindering direct oncolysis or through immunosuppressive protection of virus replication at the cost of hindering the anti-tumor immune response. Despite similarities in macrophage interaction between adult and pediatric tumors and the abundance of research supporting macrophage modulation in adult tumors, there are few studies investigating macrophage modulation in pediatric cancers or modulation of immunotherapy. We review the current state of knowledge regarding macrophages in cancers and their influence on oncolytic virotherapy.
A Perspective of Immunotherapy for Prostate Cancer
Authors: Silvestri Ida , Cattarino Susanna , Giantulli Sabrina , Nazzari Cristina , Collalti Giulia , Sciarra Alessandro
Published: July 2016

In cancer patients, the immune system is often altered with an excess of inhibitory factors, such as immunosuppressive cytokines, produced by regulatory T cells (Treg) or myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC). The manipulation of the immune system has emerged as one of new promising therapies for cancer treatment, and also represents an attractive strategy to control prostate cancer (PCa). Therapeutic cancer vaccines and immune checkpoint inhibitors have been the most investigated in clinical trials. Many trials are ongoing to define the effects of immune therapy with established treatments: androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and chemotherapy (CT) or radiotherapy (RT). This article discusses some of these approaches in the context of future treatments for PCa.
Regenerable Subnanometer Pd Clusters on Zirconia for Highly Selective Hydrogenation of Biomass-Derived Succinic Acid in Water
Authors: Zhang Chi , Cao Wenrong , Cheng Hongye , Chen Lifang , Qi Zhiwen
Published: July 2016

The size of metal particles is an important factor to determine the performance of the supported metal catalysts. In this work, we report subnanometer Pd clusters supported on zirconia by the microwave-assisted hydrothermal method. The presence of subnanometer Pd clusters on the zirconia surface was confirmed by two-dimensional Gaussian-function fits of the aberration-corrected high-angle annual dark-field images. These subnanometer Pd catalysts exhibit high catalytic performance for the hydrogenation of biomass-derived succinic acid to γ-butyrolactone in water and avoid the formation of overhydrogenated products, such as 1,4-butanediol and tetrahydrofuran. The catalyst with an ultra-low Pd loading of 0.2 wt. % demonstrated high selectivity (95%) for γ-butyrolactone using water as a solvent at 473 K and 10 MPa. Moreover, it can be reused at least six times without the loss of catalytic activity, illustrating high performance of the small Pd clusters.
An Analysis of Children Left Unattended in Parked Motor Vehicles in Brazil
Authors: Costa Driely , Grundstein Andrew
Published: July 2016

Our study investigates the incidence of children left unattended in parked motor vehicles in Brazil. These events have been widely explored in the United States but less so abroad, and never in Brazil. Over the period from 2006 to 2015, we collected data from news reports on 31 cases, including 21 fatalities. The circumstances mostly involved a caregiver, especially a parent, forgetting the child (71%), but cases also included the child being intentionally left in the vehicle (23%) or gaining access to the vehicle (3%). Children tended to be forgotten more frequently in fatal cases (86%), particularly on the way to daycare, than non-fatal incidents where circumstances were more evenly distributed between forgetting (40%) and being intentionally left behind (50%). Incidents occurred throughout the country but mostly in the southeastern region near the city of São Paulo. Additionally, the danger for children is present year-round as we observed cases in every season, albeit with a peak in the summer. This heat-related hazard is not well recognized across Brazil and we recommend increasing awareness through education. Further, given the high percentage of cases involving parents forgetting to leave their children at daycare, we recommend arrangements between daycare providers and parents to communicate when a child does not attend as expected.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study of the Selectivity of a Silica Polymer for Ibuprofen
Authors: Concu Riccardo , Cordeiro M.
Published: July 2016

In the past few years, the sol-gel polycondensation technique has been increasingly employed with great success as an alternative approach to the preparation of molecularly imprinted materials (MIMs). The main aim of this study was to study, through a series of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, the selectivity of an imprinted silica xerogel towards a new template—the (±)-2-(P-Isobutylphenyl) propionic acid (Ibuprofen, IBU). We have previously demonstrated the affinity of this silica xerogel toward a similar molecule. In the present study, we simulated the imprinting process occurring in a sol-gel mixture using the Optimized Potentials for Liquid Simulations-All Atom (OPLS-AA) force field, in order to evaluate the selectivity of this xerogel for a template molecule. In addition, for the first time, we have developed and verified a new parameterisation for the Ibuprofen® based on the OPLS-AA framework. To evaluate the selectivity of the polymer, we have employed both the radial distribution functions, interaction energies and cluster analyses.
Synthesis and Evaluation of Tricarbonyl 99mTc-Labeled 2-(4-Chloro)phenyl-imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine Analogs as Novel SPECT Imaging Radiotracer for TSPO-Rich Cancer
Authors: Choi Ji , Iacobazzi Rosa , Perrone Mara , Margiotta Nicola , Cutrignelli Annalisa , Jung Jae , Park Do , Moon Byung , Denora Nunzio , Kim Sang , Lee Byung
Published: July 2016

The 18-kDa translocator protein (TSPO) levels are associated with brain, breast, and prostate cancer progression and have emerged as viable targets for cancer therapy and imaging. In order to develop highly selective and active ligands with a high affinity for TSPO, imidazopyridine-based TSPO ligand (CB256, 3) was prepared as the precursor. 99mTc- and Re-CB256 (1 and 2, respectively) were synthesized in high radiochemical yield (74.5% ± 6.4%, decay-corrected, n = 5) and chemical yield (65.6%) by the incorporation of the [99mTc(CO)3(H2O)3]+ and (NEt4)2[Re(CO)3Br3] followed by HPLC separation. Radio-ligand 1 was shown to be stable (>99%) when incubated in human serum for 4 h at 37 °C with a relatively low lipophilicity (logD = 2.15 ± 0.02). The rhenium-185 and -187 complex 2 exhibited a moderate affinity (Ki = 159.3 ± 8.7 nM) for TSPO, whereas its cytotoxicity evaluated on TSPO-rich tumor cell lines was lower than that observed for the precursor. In vitro uptake studies of 1 in C6 and U87-MG cells for 60 min was found to be 9.84% ± 0.17% and 7.87% ± 0.23% ID, respectively. Our results indicated that 99mTc-CB256 can be considered as a potential new TSPO-rich cancer SPECT imaging agent and provides the foundation for further in vivo evaluation.
Dual-Labeled Near-Infrared/99mTc Imaging Probes Using PAMAM-Coated Silica Nanoparticles for the Imaging of HER2-Expressing Cancer Cells
Authors: Yamaguchi Haruka , Tsuchimochi Makoto , Hayama Kazuhide , Kawase Tomoyuki , Tsubokawa Norio
Published: July 2016

We sought to develop dual-modality imaging probes using functionalized silica nanoparticles to target human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-overexpressing breast cancer cells and achieve efficient target imaging of HER2-expressing tumors. Polyamidoamine-based functionalized silica nanoparticles (PCSNs) for multimodal imaging were synthesized with near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence (indocyanine green (ICG)) and technetium-99m (99mTc) radioactivity. Anti-HER2 antibodies were bound to the labeled PCSNs. These dual-imaging probes were tested to image HER2-overexpressing breast carcinoma cells. In vivo imaging was also examined in breast tumor xenograft models in mice. SK-BR3 (HER2 positive) cells were imaged with stronger NIR fluorescent signals than that in MDA-MB231 (HER2 negative) cells. The increased radioactivity of the SK-BR3 cells was also confirmed by phosphor imaging. NIR images showed strong fluorescent signals in the SK-BR3 tumor model compared to muscle tissues and the MDA-MB231 tumor model. Automatic well counting results showed increased radioactivity in the SK-BR3 xenograft tumors. We developed functionalized silica nanoparticles loaded with 99mTc and ICG for the targeting and imaging of HER2-expressing cells. The dual-imaging probes efficiently imaged HER2-overexpressing cells. Although further studies are needed to produce efficient isotope labeling, the results suggest that the multifunctional silica nanoparticles are a promising vehicle for imaging specific components of the cell membrane in a dual-modality manner.
The Determinants of Equity Risk and Their Forecasting Implications: A Quantile Regression Perspective
Authors: Bonaccolto Giovanni , Caporin Massimiliano
Published: July 2016

Several market and macro-level variables influence the evolution of equity risk in addition to the well-known volatility persistence. However, the impact of those covariates might change depending on the risk level, being different between low and high volatility states. By combining equity risk estimates, obtained from the Realized Range Volatility, corrected for microstructure noise and jumps, and quantile regression methods, we evaluate the forecasting implications of the equity risk determinants in different volatility states and, without distributional assumptions on the realized range innovations, we recover both the points and the conditional distribution forecasts. In addition, we analyse how the the relationships among the involved variables evolve over time, through a rolling window procedure. The results show evidence of the selected variables’ relevant impacts and, particularly during periods of market stress, highlight heterogeneous effects across quantiles.
Smallholders, Agrarian Reform, and Globalization in the Brazilian Amazon: Cattle versus the Environment
Authors: Pereira Ritaumaria , Simmons Cynthia , Walker Robert
Published: July 2016

Smallholder farming in the Brazilian Amazon has changed markedly over the last few decades, following a pervasive swing to cattle production observed across the basin. These changes have brought opportunities for accumulating a modicum of wealth that were not available in the early stages of colonization. At the same time, they have reconfigured livelihood systems away from diversified agriculture to a strong engagement with the cattle economy. They are also exposing smallholders to new forms of exploitation by transnational corporations, seeking to pass risk upstream to less powerful economic agents who provide inputs to production, such as calves. The case of Southeastern Pará provides a natural laboratory for investigating such phenomena, which the article considers through the presentation of data from field research conducted in the region over the past decade. Here, agrarian reform efforts have been particularly intense, and social movements have often espoused a green rhetoric in favor of diversified agriculture, even though smallholders show little interest in anything but cattle. Household level incentives promote Amazonia’s emergent cattle economy, demonstrating how global production networks have reached into the basin, where production relations between smallholders provisioning calves to large ranching operations often resemble what has been referred to in the literature as “contract farming” land grabs, given the exploitive terms of trade.
Investigation of Industrial Polyurethane Foams Modified with Antimicrobial Copper Nanoparticles
Authors: Sportelli Maria , Picca Rosaria , Ronco Roberto , Bonerba Elisabetta , Tantillo Giuseppina , Pollini Mauro , Sannino Alessandro , Valentini Antonio , Cataldi Tommaso , Cioffi Nicola
Published: July 2016

Antimicrobial copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) were electrosynthetized and applied to the controlled impregnation of industrial polyurethane foams used as padding in the textile production or as filters for air conditioning systems. CuNP-modified materials were investigated and characterized morphologically and spectroscopically, by means of Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). The release of copper ions in solution was studied by Electro-Thermal Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (ETAAS). Finally, the antimicrobial activity of freshly prepared, as well as aged samples—stored for two months—was demonstrated towards different target microorganisms.
Acid-Alkali Resistance of New Reclaimed Tiles Containing Sewage Sludge Ash and Waste Glass
Authors: Lin Deng-Fong , Lin Kuo-Liang , Luo Huan-Lin , Xu Jia-Qin
Published: July 2016

In this study, properties of newly developed reclaimed tiles in a harmful environment were investigated. A portion of clay used to manufacture tiles was replaced with sewage sludge ash (SSA) and waste glass to produce the new reclaimed tiles. To investigate the effects of SSA and waste glass on the properties of the tiles, different specimens were blended and placed in acid-alkali solutions. The reclaimed tile specimens were manufactured by clay, 10% SSA, and five different mixes of waste glass replacement, namely, 0%, 10%, 20%, 40%, and 60%. These specimens were calcined at 1000 °C and subsequently underwent a series of tests, including TGA/DTA (thermogravimetric analysis/differential thermal analysis), SEM (scanning electron microscopy), XRD (X-ray diffraction), bending strength, weight loss, and porosity. Test results show that shortcomings associated with the introduction of the sludge ash were improved by the admixture of waste glass, especially in the aspects of shrinkage and bending strength. The study showed that the new reclaimed tiles performed relatively well in acid-alkali resistance tests but appeared to have better alkali resistance than acid resistance. It was also found that the optimal mix of such reclaimed tiles was 10% SSA, 10% waste glass, and 80% clay.
Repair Bond Strength of Aged Resin Composite after Different Surface and Bonding Treatments
Authors: Wendler Michael , Belli Renan , Panzer Reinhard , Skibbe Daniel , Petschelt Anselm , Lohbauer Ulrich
Published: July 2016

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of different mechanical surface treatments and chemical bonding protocols on the tensile bond strength (TBS) of aged composite. Bar specimens were produced using a nanohybrid resin composite and aged in distilled water for 30 days. Different surface treatments (diamond bur, phosphoric acid, silane, and sandblasting with Al2O3 or CoJet Sand), as well as bonding protocols (Primer/Adhesive) were used prior to application of the repair composite. TBS of the specimens was measured and the results were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Student–Newman–Keuls test (α = 0.05). Mechanically treated surfaces were characterized under SEM and by profilometry. The effect of water aging on the degree of conversion was measured by means of FTIR-ATR spectroscopy. An important increase in the degree of conversion was observed after aging. No significant differences in TBS were observed among the mechanical surface treatments, despite variations in surface roughness profiles. Phosphoric acid etching significantly improved repair bond strength values. The cohesive TBS of the material was only reached using resin bonding agents. Application of an intermediate bonding system plays a key role in achieving reliable repair bond strengths, whereas the kind of mechanical surface treatment appears to play a secondary role.
Anticancer Effect of Fucoidan on DU-145 Prostate Cancer Cells through Inhibition of PI3K/Akt and MAPK Pathway Expression
Authors: Choo Gang-Sik , Lee Hae-Nim , Shin Seong-Ah , Kim Hyeong-Jin , Jung Ji-Youn
Published: July 2016

In this study, we showed that PI3K/Akt signaling mediates fucoidan’s anticancer effects on prostate cancer cells, including suppression of proliferation. Fucoidan significantly decreased viability of DU-145 cancer cells in a concentration-dependent manner as shown by MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay. The drug also significantly increased chromatin condensation, which indicates apoptosis, in a concentration-dependent manner as shown by DAPI (4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole) staining. Fucoidan increased expression of Bax, cleaved poly-ADP ribose polymerase and cleaved caspase-9, and decreased of the Bcl-2, p-Akt, p-PI3K, p-P38, and p-ERK in a concentration-dependent manner. In vivo, fucoidan (at 5 and 10 mg/kg) significantly decreased tumor volume, and increased apoptosis as assessed by the TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling) assay, confirming the tumor inhibitory effect. The drug also increased expression of p-Akt and p-ERK as shown by immunohistochemistry staining. Therefore, fucoidan may be a promising cancer preventive medicine due to its growth inhibitory effects and induction of apoptosis in human prostate cancer cells.
Recruitment of Factor H to the Streptococcus suis Cell Surface is Multifactorial
Authors: Roy David , Grenier Daniel , Segura Mariela , Mathieu-Denoncourt Annabelle , Gottschalk Marcelo
Published: July 2016

Streptococcus suis is an important bacterial swine pathogen and a zoonotic agent. Recently, two surface proteins of S. suis, Fhb and Fhbp, have been described for their capacity to bind factor H—a soluble complement regulatory protein that protects host cells from complement-mediated damages. Results obtained in this study showed an important role of host factor H in the adhesion of S. suis to epithelial and endothelial cells. Both Fhb and Fhbp play, to a certain extent, a role in such increased factor H-dependent adhesion. The capsular polysaccharide (CPS) of S. suis, independently of the presence of its sialic acid moiety, was also shown to be involved in the recruitment of factor H. However, a triple mutant lacking Fhb, Fhbp and CPS was still able to recruit factor H resulting in the degradation of C3b in the presence of factor I. In the presence of complement factors, the double mutant lacking Fhb and Fhbp was similarly phagocytosed by human macrophages and killed by pig blood when compared to the wild-type strain. In conclusion, this study suggests that recruitment of factor H to the S. suis cell surface is multifactorial and redundant.
Optimal Reinsurance with Heterogeneous Reference Probabilities
Authors: Boonen Tim
Published: July 2016

This paper studies the problem of optimal reinsurance contract design. We let the insurer use dual utility, and the premium is an extended Wang’s premium principle. The novel contribution is that we allow for heterogeneity in the beliefs regarding the underlying probability distribution. We characterize layer-reinsurance as an optimal reinsurance contract. Moreover, we characterize layer-reinsurance as optimal contracts when the insurer faces costs of holding regulatory capital. We illustrate this in cases where both firms use the Value-at-Risk or the conditional Value-at-Risk.
Spectral Indices Accurately Quantify Changes in Seedling Physiology Following Fire: Towards Mechanistic Assessments of Post-Fire Carbon Cycling
Authors: Sparks Aaron , Kolden Crystal , Talhelm Alan , Smith Alistair , Apostol Kent , Johnson Daniel , Boschetti Luigi
Published: July 2016

Fire activity, in terms of intensity, frequency, and total area burned, is expected to increase with a changing climate. A challenge for landscape-level assessment of ﬁre effects, often termed burn severity, is that current remote sensing assessments provide very little information regarding tree/vegetation physiological performance and recovery, limiting our understanding of ﬁre effects on ecosystem services such as carbon storage/cycling. In this paper, we evaluated whether spectral indices common in vegetation stress and burn severity assessments could accurately quantify post-fire physiological performance (indicated by net photosynthesis and crown scorch) of two seedling species, Larix occidentalis and Pinus contorta. Seedlings were subjected to increasing ﬁre radiative energy density (FRED) doses through a series of controlled laboratory surface ﬁres. Mortality, physiology, and spectral reﬂectance were assessed for a month following the ﬁres, and then again at one year post-ﬁre. The differenced Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (dNDVI) spectral index outperformed other spectral indices used for vegetation stress and burn severity characterization in regard to leaf net photosynthesis quantiﬁcation, indicating that landscape-level quantiﬁcation of tree physiology may be possible. Additionally, the survival of the majority of seedlings in the low and moderate FRED doses indicates that ﬁre-induced mortality is more complex than the currently accepted binary scenario, where trees survive with no impacts below a certain temperature and duration threshold, and mortality occurs above the threshold.
Rule-Based vs. Behavior-Based Self-Deployment for Mobile Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Urdiales Cristina , Aguilera Francisco , González-Parada Eva , Cano-García Jose , Sandoval Francisco
Published: July 2016

In mobile wireless sensor networks (MWSN), nodes are allowed to move autonomously for deployment. This process is meant: (i) to achieve good coverage; and (ii) to distribute the communication load as homogeneously as possible. Rather than optimizing deployment, reactive algorithms are based on a set of rules or behaviors, so nodes can determine when to move. This paper presents an experimental evaluation of both reactive deployment approaches: rule-based and behavior-based ones. Specifically, we compare a backbone dispersion algorithm with a social potential fields algorithm. Most tests are done under simulation for a large number of nodes in environments with and without obstacles. Results are validated using a small robot network in the real world. Our results show that behavior-based deployment tends to provide better coverage and communication balance, especially for a large number of nodes in areas with obstacles.
A Framework for the Development of Context-Adaptable User Interfaces for Ubiquitous Computing Systems
Authors: Varela Gervasio , Paz-Lopez Alejandro , Becerra Jose , Duro Richard
Published: July 2016

This paper addresses the problem of developing user interfaces for Ubiquitous Computing (UC) and Ambient Intelligence (AmI) systems. These kind of systems are expected to provide a natural user experience, considering interaction modalities adapted to the user abilities and preferences and using whatever interaction devices are present in the environment. These interaction devices are not necessarily known at design time. The task is quite complicated due to the variety of devices and technologies, and the diversity of scenarios, and it usually burdens the developer with the need to create many different UIs in order to consider the foreseeable user-environment combinations. Here, we propose an UI abstraction framework for UC and AmI systems that effectively improves the portability of those systems between different environments and for different users. It allows developers to design and implement a single UI capable of being deployed with different devices and modalities regardless the physical location.
Multiplexed Simultaneous High Sensitivity Sensors with High-Order Mode Based on the Integration of Photonic Crystal 1 × 3 Beam Splitter and Three Different Single-Slot PCNCs
Authors: Zhou Jian , Huang Lijun , Fu Zhongyuan , Sun Fujun , Tian Huiping
Published: July 2016

We simulated an efficient method for the sensor array of high-sensitivity single-slot photonic crystal nanobeam cavities (PCNCs) on a silicon platform. With the combination of a well-designed photonic crystal waveguide (PhCW) filter and an elaborate single-slot PCNC, a specific high-order resonant mode was filtered for sensing. A 1 × 3 beam splitter carefully established was implemented to split channels and integrate three sensors to realize microarrays. By applying the three-dimensional finite-difference-time-domain (3D-FDTD) method, the sensitivities calculated were S1 = 492 nm/RIU, S2 = 244 nm/RIU, and S3 = 552 nm/RIU, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first multiplexing design in which each sensor cite features such a high sensitivity simultaneously.
Capacitive Sensing for Non-Invasive Breathing and Heart Monitoring in Non-Restrained, Non-Sedated Laboratory Mice
Authors: González-Sánchez Carlos , Fraile Juan-Carlos , Pérez-Turiel Javier , Damm Ellen , Schneider Jochen , Zimmermann Heiko , Schmitt Daniel , Ihmig Frank
Published: July 2016

Animal testing plays a vital role in biomedical research. Stress reduction is important for improving research results and increasing the welfare and the quality of life of laboratory animals. To estimate stress we believe it is of great importance to develop non-invasive techniques for monitoring physiological signals during the transport of laboratory animals, thereby allowing the gathering of information on the transport conditions, and, eventually, the improvement of these conditions. Here, we study the suitability of commercially available electric potential integrated circuit (EPIC) sensors, using both contact and contactless techniques, for monitoring the heart rate and breathing rate of non-restrained, non-sedated laboratory mice. The design has been tested under different scenarios with the aim of checking the plausibility of performing contactless capture of mouse heart activity (ideally with an electrocardiogram). First experimental results are shown.
Analysis and Optimization of Power Supply Structure Based on Markov Chain and Error Optimization for Renewable Energy from the Perspective of Sustainability
Authors: Xu Xiaomin , Niu Dongxiao , Qiu Jinpeng , Wang Peng , Chen Yanchao
Published: July 2016

With the rapid development of renewable energy, power supply structure is changing. However, thermal power is still dominant. With the background in low carbon economy, reasonable adjustment and optimization of the power supply structure is the trend of future development in the power industry. It is also a reliable guarantee of a fast, healthy and stable development of national economy. In this paper, the sustainable development of renewable energy sources is analyzed from the perspective of power supply. Through the research on the development of power supply structure, we find that regional power supply structure development mode conforms to dynamic characteristics and there must exist a Markov chain in the final equilibrium state. Combined with the characteristics of no aftereffect and small samples, this paper applies a Markov model to the power supply structure prediction. The optimization model is established to ensure that the model can fit the historical data as much as possible. Taking actual data of a certain area of Ningxia Province as an example, the models proposed in this paper are applied to the practice and results verify the validity and robustness of the model, which can provide decision basis for enterprise managers.
Genomic Prediction of Barley Hybrid Performance
Authors: Philipp Norman , Liu Guozheng , Zhao Yusheng , He Sang , Spiller Monika , Stiewe Gunther , Pillen Klaus , Reif Jochen C. , Li Zuo
Published: July 2016

Hybrid breeding in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) offers great opportunities to accelerate the rate of genetic improvement and to boost yield stability. A crucial requirement consists of the efficient selection of superior hybrid combinations. We used comprehensive phenotypic and genomic data from a commercial breeding program with the goal of examining the potential to predict the hybrid performances. The phenotypic data were comprised of replicated grain yield trials for 385 two‐way and 408 three‐way hybrids evaluated in up to 47 environments. The parental lines were genotyped using a 3k single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array based on an Illumina Infinium assay. We implemented ridge regression best linear unbiased prediction modeling for additive and dominance effects and evaluated the prediction ability using five‐fold cross validations. The prediction ability of hybrid performances based on general combining ability (GCA) effects was moderate, amounting to 0.56 and 0.48 for two‐ and three‐way hybrids, respectively. The potential of GCA‐based hybrid prediction requires that both parental components have been evaluated in a hybrid background. This is not necessary for genomic prediction for which we also observed moderate cross‐validated prediction abilities of 0.51 and 0.58 for two‐ and three‐way hybrids, respectively. This exemplifies the potential of genomic prediction in hybrid barley. Interestingly, prediction ability using the two‐way hybrids as training population and the three‐way hybrids as test population or vice versa was low, presumably, because of the different genetic makeup of the parental source populations. Consequently, further research is needed to optimize genomic prediction approaches combining different source populations in barley.
THE MOSDEF SURVEY: DETECTION OF [O III]λ4363 AND THE DIRECT-METHOD OXYGEN ABUNDANCE OF A STAR-FORMING GALAXY AT z = 3.08*
Authors: Sanders Ryan L. , Shapley Alice E. , Kriek Mariska , Reddy Naveen A. , Freeman William R. , Coil Alison L. , Siana Brian , Mobasher Bahram , Shivaei Irene , Price Sedona H. , Groot Laura de
Published: July 2016

We present measurements of the electron-temperature-based oxygen abundance for a highly star-forming galaxy at z = 3.08, COSMOS-1908. This is the highest redshift at which [O iii]λ4363 has been detected and the first time that this line has been measured at

z
>
2

. We estimate an oxygen abundance of

12
+
log
(
O

/

H
)
=

8.00

−
0.14

+
0.13

. This galaxy is a low-mass (

10

9.3

M

⊙

), highly star-forming (∼50

M

⊙

yr−1) system that hosts a young stellar population (∼160 Myr). We investigate the physical conditions of the ionized gas in COSMOS-1908 and find that this galaxy has a high ionization parameter, little nebular reddening (

E

(
B
−
V
)

gas

<
0.14

), and a high electron density (

n

e

∼
500

cm−3). We compare the ratios of strong oxygen, neon, and hydrogen lines to the direct-method oxygen abundance for COSMOS-1908 and additional star-forming galaxies at

z
=
0
−
1.8

with [O iii]λ4363 measurements and show that galaxies at

z
∼
1
–
3

follow the same strong-line correlations as galaxies in the local universe. This agreement suggests that the relationship between ionization parameter and O/H is similar for

z
∼
0

and high-redshift galaxies. These results imply that metallicity calibrations based on lines of oxygen, neon, and hydrogen do not strongly evolve with redshift and can reliably estimate abundances out to

z
∼
3

, paving the way for robust measurements of the evolution of the mass–metallicity relation to high redshift.
MULTI-SPECIES MEASUREMENTS OF THE FIREHOSE AND MIRROR INSTABILITY THRESHOLDS IN THE SOLAR WIND
Authors: Chen C. H. K. , Matteini L. , Schekochihin A. A. , Stevens M. L. , Salem C. S. , Maruca B. A. , Kunz M. W. , Bale S. D.
Published: July 2016

The firehose and mirror instabilities are thought to arise in a variety of space and astrophysical plasmas, constraining the pressure anisotropies and drifts between particle species. The plasma stability depends on all species simultaneously, meaning that a combined analysis is required. Here, we present the first such analysis in the solar wind, using the long-wavelength stability parameters to combine the anisotropies and drifts of all major species (core and beam protons, alphas, and electrons). At the threshold, the firehose parameter was found to be dominated by protons (67%), but also to have significant contributions from electrons (18%) and alphas (15%). Drifts were also found to be important, contributing 57% in the presence of a proton beam. A similar situation was found for the mirror, with contributions of 61%, 28%, and 11% for protons, electrons, and alphas, respectively. The parallel electric field contribution, however, was found to be small at 9%. Overall, the long-wavelength thresholds constrain the data well (

<
1
%

unstable), and the implications of this are discussed.
TRANSPORT OF SOLAR WIND H+ AND He++ IONS ACROSS EARTH’S BOW SHOCK
Authors: Parks G. K. , Lee E. , Fu S. Y. , Kim H. E. , Ma Y. Q. , Yang Z. W. , Liu Y. , Lin N. , Hong J. , Canu P. , Dandouras I. , Rème H. , Goldstein M. L.
Published: July 2016

We have investigated the dependence of mass, energy, and charge of solar wind (SW) transport across Earth’s bow shock. An examination of 111 crossings during quiet SW in both quasi-perpendicular and quasi-parallel shock regions shows that 64 crossings had various degrees of heating and thermalization of SW. We found 22 crossings where the SW speed was <400 km s−1. The shock potential of a typical supercritical quasi-perpendicular shock estimated from deceleration of the SW and cutoff energy of electron flat top distribution is ∼50 Volts. We find that the temperatures of H+ and He++ beams that penetrate the shock can sometimes be nearly the same in the upstream and downstream regions, indicating little or no heating had occurred crossing the bow shock. None of the models predict that the SW can cross the bow shock without heating. Our observations are important constraints for new models of collisionless shocks.
Seuils internes du nom propre : un point de vue sémantique
Authors: Hilgert Emilia
Published: July 2016

Cet article aborde le nom propre dans sa triple fonctionnalité : celle d'individualiser par l'identité un particulier d'une catégorie quelconque, d'être donc un identonyme en rapport avec un catégonyme , celle de référer au particulier ainsi dénommé, et celle de recatégoriser des individus de manière non conventionnelle par ses emplois dérivés. Ce continuum est structuré par des seuils internes, suivant le moment de l'attribution : celui du passage à la référence et celui du passage aux emplois dérivés, avant l'éventuel seuil externe de l'antonomase. C'est l'occasion de réhabiliter le sens dénominatif du nom propre (Kleiber 1981), comme étant au centre de tous ces emplois.
Travailleurs du like , faussaires de l’e-réputation
Authors: Beauvisage Thomas , Mellet Kevin
Published: July 2016

Cet article étudie la place du marché des « faux fans  » et des « faux followers  » dans le marketing de la réputation sur les réseaux sociaux et analyse la nature particulière de ses produits ainsi que son architecture interne. Nous nous appuyons sur un matériau empirique varié nous permettant de documenter l’émergence, la stabilisation et le fonctionnement du marché du faux social. Nous montrons que le marché des fans au kilo articule deux univers marchands distincts : celui, légitime, de la publicité sur les médias sociaux, et celui, condamné, de la manipulation des signaux de la notoriété. Nous décrivons comment ce marché s’est progressivement autonomisé du marketing des médias sociaux, proposant des produits aux finalités originales à une clientèle spécifique. Le faux fan s’inscrit ainsi dans une gamme plus large de manipulations en ligne jouant sur les automatismes et les nouveaux signaux qui peuplent les espaces numériques.
Use of Simulation Modeling to Evaluate Management Strategies for Reintroduced Riparian Brush Rabbits in California
Authors: Wittmer Heiko U. , Kelt Douglas A. , Kelly Patrick A. , Williams Daniel F.
Published: July 2016

The riparian brush rabbit Sylvilagus bachmani riparius is restricted to areas of dense cover along rivers and tributaries in the Central Valley of California, USA, and is considered endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. An approved recovery plan for this subspecies recommended establishment of three additional self-sustaining populations within its historical range. Concurrent with habitat restoration efforts that included revegetation of levees and provision of flood refugia, we reintroduced 325 captive-bred individuals to the San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge between July 2002 and July 2005, and monitored their survival with radiotelemetry. Using available survival estimates and estimated reproductive parameters, we developed a population viability analysis model to determine the risk of extinction of the reintroduced population under a series of alternate scenarios including different release strategies. All model scenarios resulted in high probabilities of extinction over 20 y in the absence of either ongoing supplementations or significant improvements to vital rates. Extinction risks over 20 y appeared independent of initial release strategies. The risk of extinction remained high (>99%) even when the initial founder population was supplemented with captive-bred brush rabbits for up to 10 y. Supplementing the population annually for the entire 20-y period would be required for the population to persist given current estimates of vital rates. These results suggest that the reintroduced population is not self-sustaining and continued releases will not provide the anticipated long-term benefits. Additionally, our understanding of the integral components of habitat and potential limiting factors should be refined to address their influence on demographics and the cause of brush rabbit declines at the release site in a comprehensive way. These results underscore the importance of viability analyses and developing testable hypotheses about potential limiting factors early in reintroduction efforts to more efficiently guide data-gathering and monitoring criteria, identify data deficiencies, and refine reintroduction techniques in the early stages of management.
Sample Sizes Needed to Describe Length-Frequency of Small-Bodied Fishes: An Example Using Larval Pacific Lamprey
Authors: Schultz Luke D. , Mayfield Mariah P. , Whitlock Steven L.
Published: July 2016

The ability to describe the length distribution of a fish population requires sampling an adequate number of individuals, but collecting more fish than needed is inefficient. While fisheries managers have assessed sample size requirements for many sport fishes, these requirements are not routinely described for small-bodied fishes (i.e., maximum length ≤200 mm), particularly larval lampreys. To improve the efficiency of data collection for these fishes, we used resampling analyses to asses sample size requirements for accurately describing length distributions of larval (freshwater-dwelling) Pacific lamprey Entosphenus tridentatus, an anadromous fish native to western North America (total length 60–156 mm). We found that the highest increases in accuracy occurred with sample sizes <50, and that we needed sample sizes of 40 to 130 to describe length frequency with 95% confidence, depending on length interval used for performing length-frequency analyses. From these results, we recommend collecting 100 individuals if using 5-mm length intervals to examine length frequency of larval lamprey. These findings can also be used to estimate the relative accuracy of sample sizes in existing assessments and develop and refine monitoring programs for larval lampreys and other small-bodied fishes.
Using Corpora in Language Teaching, Learning and Use
Authors: Boulton Alex , Landure Corinne
Published: July 2016

Language corpora have been shown to be of substantial help in improving learner writing, both for advanced students majoring in the language as well as for students with lower levels of proficiency needing language for specific purposes. This paper outlines two very different ways an online corpus has been successfully used as a reference resource by our learners. The first is in a distance learning context: the teacher highlights issues in the student’s academic writing and suggests corpus uses rather than simply giving the correction, the objective being to raise awareness of and sensitivity to the language problems identified. The second derives from a classroom situation where the learner himself chooses the items to check in a professional simulation writing task; the teacher guides the process, again with the intention of fostering the learner’s autonomy.
Nous avons reçu…
Authors: Farigoux Joelle
Published: July 2016

Nous publions ici les références des publications reçues susceptibles d’intéresser les lecteurs de la revue Recherche et pratiques pédagogiques en langues de spécialité. Les ouvrages peuvent être adressés à tout moment à l’adresse suivante :«  Nous avons reçu… »J. FARIGOUX27, rue Camille Jullian87 000 LIMOGESPour proposer un compte rendu d’un des ouvrages référencés ci-dessous, contacter Joëlle Farigoux à Joëlle Farigoux par courriel (joelle.farigoux@unilim.fr).
Active Caspase-1 Induces Plasma Membrane Pores That Precede Pyroptotic Lysis and Are Blocked by Lanthanides
Authors: Russo Hana M. , Rathkey Joseph , Boyd-Tressler Andrea , Katsnelson Michael A. , Abbott Derek W. , Dubyak George R.
Published: July 2016

Canonical inflammasome activation induces a caspase-1/gasdermin D (Gsdmd)–dependent lytic cell death called pyroptosis that promotes antimicrobial host defense but may contribute to sepsis. The nature of the caspase-1–dependent change in plasma membrane (PM) permeability during pyroptotic progression remains incompletely defined. We assayed propidium2+ (Pro2+) influx kinetics during NLRP3 or Pyrin inflammasome activation in murine bone marrow–derived macrophages (BMDMs) as an indicator of this PM permeabilization. BMDMs were characterized by rapid Pro2+ influx after initiation of NLRP3 or Pyrin inflammasomes by nigericin (NG) or Clostridium difficile toxin B (TcdB), respectively. No Pro2+ uptake in response to NG or TcdB was observed in Casp1−/− or Asc−/− BMDMs. The cytoprotectant glycine profoundly suppressed NG and TcdB-induced lysis but not Pro2+ influx. The absence of Gsdmd expression resulted in suppression of NG-stimulated Pro2+ influx and pyroptotic lysis. Extracellular La3+ and Gd3+ rapidly and reversibly blocked the induced Pro2+ influx and markedly delayed pyroptotic lysis without limiting upstream inflammasome assembly and caspase-1 activation. Thus, caspase-1–driven pyroptosis requires induction of initial prelytic pores in the PM that are dependent on Gsdmd expression. These PM pores also facilitated the efflux of cytosolic ATP and influx of extracellular Ca2+. Although lanthanides and Gsdmd deletion both suppressed PM pore activity and pyroptotic lysis, robust IL-1β release was observed in lanthanide-treated BMDMs but not in Gsdmd-deficient cells. This suggests roles for Gsdmd in both passive IL-1β release secondary to pyroptotic lysis and in nonlytic/nonclassical IL-1β export.
Woord Vooraf
Authors: Office Editorial
Published: July 2016

No abstract available
Die versoeningsleer van Anselmus
Authors: Greyvenstein J. H.
Published: July 2016

No abstract available.
Die skrifbeskouing van Karl Barth
Authors: Van Zyl F. J.
Published: July 2016

No abstract available.
Die Nederlandse réveil en Kinder-emigrasie na die Kaap
Authors: Ploeger Jan
Published: July 2016

No abstract available.
In memoriam Prof. Dr L.H.K. Bleeker
Authors: Gemser B.
Published: July 2016

No abstract available.
Die koningskap in Israel
Authors: Mulder E. S.
Published: July 2016

No abstract available.
Kerk en sending
Authors: V. Bergen W.
Published: July 2016

No abstract available.
Prof. Dr. PH. Kohnstamm en die personalisme
Authors: Prinsloo C. E.
Published: July 2016

No abstract available.
Vanwaar die kragtige invloed van die optrede en prediking van Jesus
Authors: Nolte Andries J.
Published: July 2016

No abstract available.
Beginsels van Bybelvertaling
Authors: Gemser B.
Published: July 2016

No abstract available.
Die betekenis van Prof. Dr S.P. Engelbrecht as historikus
Authors: Ploeger J.
Published: July 2016

No abstract available.
Die Profetisme tydens die sestiende eeu
Authors: Dreyer Thos.
Published: July 2016

No abstract available.
Die Kerklike Tug
Authors: Dreyer Joh.
Published: July 2016

No abstract available.
Prof. Dr B. D. Eerdmans as Outestamenticus
Authors: Gemser B.
Published: July 2016

No abstract available.
Ds. Durk Postma voor sy koms in Suid-Afrika (1818-1858)
Authors: Engelbrecht S. P. , Postma D.
Published: July 2016

No abstract available.
Edgar J. Goodspeed, Hoe to read the Bible<\i>
Authors: Geyser A. S.
Published: July 2016

No abstract available.
Dr. A. Van Selms,  Licht uit Licht<\i>. Het Christelijk Geloof naar de Belijdenis van Nicea
Authors: Engelbrecht S. P.
Published: July 2016

No abstract available