bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Finnish and Swedish Learners’ Academic Self-Control Relates to Time Spent Online in Class, Perceptions of Educator Qualities, and School Appreciation: A Cross-Sectional Comparison
Authors: Arnesen Thomas , Elstad Eyvind , Christophersen Knut-Andreas
Published: August 2017

In school settings, self-control is central to the ability of learners to complete their academic work successfully. Learners’ self-control is directly influenced by the ways in which educators execute their work, including their instructional explanations, their classroom management, and the expectations that they express to their learners. Our research on this phenomenon investigated Finnish and Swedish learners in upper secondary schools. Not only is the use of digital technology very different in these two countries; the autonomy and status of educators are as well. This article compares the empirical significance of antecedents of learners’ academic self-control in the two national settings by surveying 2191 learners in Swedish and Finnish schools. Our analysis applies structural equation modeling to two cross-sectional datasets, and the results reveal that the associations between educators’ instructional explanations, classroom management, and their high expectations on the one hand and learners’ academic self-control on the other are stronger overall among Finnish students than among Swedish students. Furthermore, the association between digital technology use and learners’ perceptions of conflict between school norms and Internet opportunities are much stronger in the Swedish sample than the Finnish sample. Lastly, we discuss the meaning of these results and their possible implications for research and practice.
Transport and Deposition of Carbon Nanoparticles in Saturated Porous Media
Authors: Hu Zhongliang , Zhao Jin , Gao Hui , Nourafkan Ehsan , Wen Dongsheng
Published: August 2017

Carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) are becoming promising candidates for oil/gas applications due to their biocompatibility and size-dependent optical and electronic properties. Their applications, however, are always associated with the flow of nanoparticles inside a reservoir, i.e., a porous medium, where insufficient studies have been conducted. In this work, we synthesized CNPs with two different size categories in 200 nm carbon balls (CNP-200) and 5 nm carbon dots (CNP-5), via a hydrothermal carbonation process. Comprehensive experiments in packed glass bead columns, as well as mathematical simulations, were conducted to understand the transport and deposition of CNPs under various ionic strength, particle sizes and concentration conditions. Our results show that the retention of CNP-200 is highly sensitive to the salinity and particle concentrations, while both of them are unaffected in the transport of small CNP-5. Supplemented with Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) theory, the clean bed filtration theory with blocking effect can successfully fit the experimental breakthrough curves of CNP-200. However, the high breakthrough ability for CNP-5 regardless of ionic strength change is in conflict with the energy interactions predicted by traditional DLVO theory.
Nonlinear Adaptive Control of Heat Transfer Fluid Temperature in a Parabolic Trough Solar Power Plant
Authors: Nevado Reviriego Antonio , Hernández-del-Olmo Félix , Álvarez-Barcia Lourdes
Published: August 2017

Control of highly nonlinear processes such as solar collector fields is usually a challenging task. A common approach to this problem involves deploying a set of operation point range-specific controllers, whose actions are to be combined in a switching strategy. Discontinuities in control actions upon switching may lead to instabilities and, therefore, achieving bumpless transitions is always a concern. In addition, linear adaptive predictive controllers need to cope with nonlinearities by using high adaptation speeds, often leading to model vulnerability in the presence of aggressive perturbations. Finally, most of the proposed solutions rely on complex plant model developments. In this work, a multivariable nonlinear model-based adaptive predictive controller has been developed and tested against a parabolic trough solar power plant simulation. Since the model employed by this controller accounts for process nonlinearities, adaptation speed can be dramatically reduced, therefore increasing model robustness. The controller is easily initialized and is able to identify and track the process dynamics, including its nonlinearities as it evolves with time, thus requiring neither process up-front modeling nor switching. The presented controller outperforms its linear counterpart both in terms of accuracy and robustness and, due to the generality of its design, it is expected to be applicable to a wide class of linear and nonlinear processes.
A Techno-Economic Study of an Entirely Renewable Energy-Based Power Supply for North America for 2030 Conditions
Authors: Aghahosseini Arman , Bogdanov Dmitrii , Breyer Christian
Published: August 2017

In this study power generation and demand are matched through a least-cost mix of renewable energy (RE) resources and storage technologies for North America by 2030. The study is performed using an hourly resolved model based on a linear optimization algorithm. The geographical, technical and economic potentials of different forms of RE resources enable the option of building a super grid between different North American regions. North America (including the U.S., Canada and Mexico in this paper), is divided into 20 sub-regions based on their population, demand, area and electricity grid structure. Four scenarios have been evaluated: region-wide, country-wide, area-wide and an integrated scenario. The levelised cost of electricity is found to be quite attractive in such a system, with the range from 63 €/MWhel in a decentralized case and 42 €/MWhel in a more centralized and integrated scenario. Electrical grid interconnections significantly reduce the storage requirement and overall cost of the energy system. Among all RE resources, wind and solar PV are found to be the least-cost options and hence the main contributors to fossil fuel substitution. The results clearly show that a 100% RE-based system is feasible and a real policy option at a modest cost. However, such a tremendous transition will not be possible in a short time if policy-makers, energy investors and other relevant organizations do not support the proposed system.
The Earth’s Population Can Reach 14 Billion in the 23rd Century without Significant Adverse Effects on Survivability
Authors: Krapivin Vladimir , Varotsos Costas , Soldatov Vladimir
Published: August 2017

This paper presents the results obtained from the study of the sustainable state between nature and human society on a global scale, focusing on the most critical interactions between the natural and anthropogenic processes. Apart from the conventional global models, the basic tool employed herein is the newly proposed complex model entitled “nature-society system (NSS) model”, through which a reliable modeling of the processes taking place in the global climate-nature-society system (CNSS) is achieved. This universal tool is mainly based on the information technology that allows the adaptive conformance of the parametric and functional space of this model. The structure of this model includes the global biogeochemical cycles, the hydrological cycle, the demographic processes and a simple climate model. In this model, the survivability indicator is used as a criterion for the survival of humanity, which defines a trend in the dynamics of the total biomass of the biosphere, taking into account the trends of the biocomplexity dynamics of the land and hydrosphere ecosystems. It should be stressed that there are no other complex global models comparable to those of the CNSS model developed here. The potential of this global model is demonstrated through specific examples in which the classification of the terrestrial ecosystem is accomplished by separating 30 soil-plant formations for geographic pixels 4° × 5°. In addition, humanity is considered to be represented by three groups of economic development status (high, transition, developing) and the World Ocean is parameterized by three latitude zones (low, middle, high). The modelling results obtained show the dynamics of the CNSS at the beginning of the 23rd century, according to which the world population can reach the level of 14 billion without the occurrence of major negative impacts.
The Effects of Selective Hematopoietic Expression of Human IL-37 on Systemic Inflammation and Atherosclerosis in LDLr-Deficient Mice
Authors: Hoeke Geerte , Khedoe P. Padmini , Van Diepen Janna , Pike-Overzet Karin , Van de Ven Britt , Vazirpanah Nadia , Mol Isabel , Hiemstra Pieter , Staal Frank , Stienstra Rinke , Netea Mihai , Dinarello Charles , Rensen Patrick , Berbée Jimmy
Published: August 2017

The human cytokine interleukin (IL)-37 has potent anti-inflammatory capacities, and hematopoietic cell-specific transgenic overexpression of IL-37 in mice protects against septic shock and colitis. In the present study we investigated the effect of hematopoietic expression of IL-37 on atherosclerosis development under low-grade inflammatory conditions. Low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLr)-deficient mice were lethally irradiated and transplanted with bone marrow from IL-37-transgenic or control wild-type mice and fed a Western-type diet (WTD; 1% cholesterol) for eight weeks. Metabolic and inflammatory parameters were monitored and atherosclerosis was assessed in the aortic valve area. Hematopoietic IL-37 expression did not influence body weight, food intake and plasma cholesterol levels during the study. Plasma soluble E-selectin levels were increased with WTD-feeding as compared to chow-feeding, but were not influenced by IL-37 expression. IL-37 expression reduced the inflammatory state as indicated by reduced white blood cell counts and by reduced basal and lipopolysaccharide-induced cytokine response by peritoneal macrophages ex vivo. IL-37 expression did not influence the atherosclerotic lesion area. Lesion composition was marginally affected. Smooth muscle cell content was decreased, but macrophage and collagen content were not different. We conclude that under low-grade inflammatory conditions, hematopoietic IL-37 expression reduces the inflammatory state, but does not influence atherosclerosis development in hyperlipidemic LDLr-deficient mice.
Estrogen, Estrogen Receptor and Lung Cancer
Authors: Hsu Li-Han , Chu Nei-Min , Kao Shu-Huei
Published: August 2017

Estrogen has been postulated as a contributor for lung cancer development and progression. We reviewed the current knowledge about the expression and prognostic implications of the estrogen receptors (ER) in lung cancer, the effect and signaling pathway of estrogen on lung cancer, the hormone replacement therapy and lung cancer risk and survival, the mechanistic relationship between the ER and the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and the relevant clinical trials combining the ER antagonist and the EGFR antagonist, to investigate the role of estrogen in lung cancer. Estrogen and its receptor have the potential to become a prognosticator and a therapeutic target in lung cancer. On the other hand, tobacco smoking aggravates the effect of estrogen and endocrine disruptive chemicals from the environment targeting ER may well contribute to the lung carcinogenesis. They have gradually become important issues in the course of preventive medicine.
Melanin-Based Contrast Agents for Biomedical Optoacoustic Imaging and Theranostic Applications
Authors: Longo Dario Livio , Stefania Rachele , Aime Silvio , Oraevsky Alexander
Published: August 2017

Optoacoustic imaging emerged in early 1990s as a new biomedical imaging technology that generates images by illuminating tissues with short laser pulses and detecting resulting ultrasound waves. This technique takes advantage of the spectroscopic approach to molecular imaging, and delivers high-resolution images in the depth of tissue. Resolution of the optoacoustic imaging is scalable, so that biomedical systems from cellular organelles to large organs can be visualized and, more importantly, characterized based on their optical absorption coefficient, which is proportional to the concentration of absorbing chromophores. Optoacoustic imaging was shown to be useful in both preclinical research using small animal models and in clinical applications. Applications in the field of molecular imaging offer abundant opportunities for the development of highly specific and effective contrast agents for quantitative optoacoustic imaging. Recent efforts are being made in the direction of nontoxic biodegradable contrast agents (such as nanoparticles made of melanin) that are potentially applicable in clinical optoacoustic imaging. In order to increase the efficiency and specificity of contrast agents and probes, they need to be made smart and capable of controlled accumulation in the target cells. This review was written in recognition of the potential breakthroughs in medical optoacoustic imaging that can be enabled by efficient and nontoxic melanin-based optoacoustic contrast agents.
Platelet-Rich Fibrin Facilitates Rabbit Meniscal Repair by Promoting Meniscocytes Proliferation, Migration, and Extracellular Matrix Synthesis
Authors: Wong Chin-Chean , Kuo Tzong-Fu , Yang Tsung-Lin , Tsuang Yang-Hwei , Lin Ming-Fang , Chang Chung-Hsun , Lin Yun-Ho , Chan Wing P.
Published: August 2017

Although platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) has been used in clinical practice for some time, to date, few studies reveal its role as a bioactive scaffold in facilitating meniscal repair. Here, the positive anabolic effects of PRF on meniscocytes harvested from the primary culture of a rabbit meniscus were revealed. The rabbit meniscocytes were cultured with different concentrations of PRF-conditioned medium, and were evaluated for their ability to stimulate cell migration, proliferation, and extracellular matrix formation. In vivo, meniscal defects were created via an established rabbit animal model and were evaluated by a histology-based four-stage scoring system to validate the treatment outcome three months postoperatively. The in vitro results showed that PRF could induce cellular migration and promote proliferation and meniscocyte extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis of cultured meniscocytes. In addition, PRF increased the formation and deposition of cartilaginous matrix produced by cultured meniscocytes. Morphological and histological evaluations demonstrated that PRF could facilitate rabbit meniscal repair. The data highlight the potential utility of using PRF in augmenting the healing of meniscal injuries. These advantages would benefit clinical translation, and are a potential new treatment strategy for meniscal repair.
TrmFO, a Fibronectin-Binding Adhesin of Mycoplasma bovis
Authors: Guo Yongpeng , Zhu Hongmei , Wang Jiayao , Huang Jing , Khan Farhan , Zhang Jingjing , Guo Aizhen , Chen Xi
Published: August 2017

Mycoplasma bovis is an important pathogenic mycoplasma, causing the cattle industry serious economic losses. Adhesion is a crucial step in the mycoplasmas’ infection and colonization process; fibronectin (Fn), an extracellular matrix glycoprotein, is a molecular bridge between the bacterial adhesins and host cell receptors. The present study was designed to characterize the Fn-binding ability of methylenetetrahydrofolate-tRNA-(uracil-5-)-methyltransferase (TrmFO) and its role in M. bovis cytoadherence. The trmFO (MBOV_RS00785) gene was cloned and expressed in E. coli BL21, and polyclonal antibodies against the recombinant TrmFO (rTrmFO) were raised in rabbits. Immunoblotting demonstrated that TrmFO was an immunogenic component, and the TrmFO expression was conserved in different M. bovis isolates. The mycoplasmacidal assay further showed that in the presence of complement, rabbit anti-recombinant TrmFO serum exhibited remarkable mycoplasmacidal efficacy. TrmFO was detected in both the M. bovis membrane and cytoplasm. By ligand dot blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) binding assay, we found that rTrmFO bound Fn in a dose-dependent manner. Immunostaining visualized by confocal laser scanning microscopy showed that rTrmFO had capacity to adhere to the embryonic bovine lung (EBL) cells. In addition, the adhesion of M. bovis and rTrmFO to EBL cells could be inhibited by anti-rTrmFO antibodies. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to characterize the Fn-binding ability of TrmFO and its role in the bacterial adhesion to host cells.
Characteristics of Carrier Transport and Crystallographic Orientation Distribution of Transparent Conductive Al-Doped ZnO Polycrystalline Films Deposited by Radio-Frequency, Direct-Current, and Radio-Frequency-Superimposed Direct-Current Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Nomoto Junichi , Inaba Katsuhiko , Kobayashi Shintaro , Watanabe Takeshi , Makino Hisao , Yamamoto Tetsuya
Published: August 2017

We investigated the characteristics of carrier transport and crystallographic orientation distribution in 500-nm-thick Al-doped ZnO (AZO) polycrystalline films to achieve high-Hall-mobility AZO films. The AZO films were deposited on glass substrates at 200 °C by direct-current, radio-frequency, or radio-frequency-superimposed direct-current magnetron sputtering at various power ratios. We used sintered AZO targets with an Al2O3 content of 2.0 wt. %. The analysis of the data obtained by X-ray diffraction, Hall-effect, and optical measurements of AZO films at various power ratios showed that the complex orientation texture depending on the growth process enhanced the contribution of grain boundary scattering to carrier transport and of carrier sinks on net carrier concentration, resulting in the reduction in the Hall mobility of polycrystalline AZO films.
Health State Monitoring of Bladed Machinery with Crack Growth Detection in BFG Power Plant Using an Active Frequency Shift Spectral Correction Method
Authors: Sun Weifang , Yao Bin , He Yuchao , Chen Binqiang , Zeng Nianyin , He Wangpeng
Published: August 2017

Power generation using waste-gas is an effective and green way to reduce the emission of the harmful blast furnace gas (BFG) in pig-iron producing industry. Condition monitoring of mechanical structures in the BFG power plant is of vital importance to guarantee their safety and efficient operations. In this paper, we describe the detection of crack growth of bladed machinery in the BFG power plant via vibration measurement combined with an enhanced spectral correction technique. This technique enables high-precision identification of amplitude, frequency, and phase information (the harmonic information) belonging to deterministic harmonic components within the vibration signals. Rather than deriving all harmonic information using neighboring spectral bins in the fast Fourier transform spectrum, this proposed active frequency shift spectral correction method makes use of some interpolated Fourier spectral bins and has a better noise-resisting capacity. We demonstrate that the identified harmonic information via the proposed method is of suppressed numerical error when the same level of noises is presented in the vibration signal, even in comparison with a Hanning-window-based correction method. With the proposed method, we investigated vibration signals collected from a centrifugal compressor. Spectral information of harmonic tones, related to the fundamental working frequency of the centrifugal compressor, is corrected. The extracted spectral information indicates the ongoing development of an impeller blade crack that occurred in the centrifugal compressor. This method proves to be a promising alternative to identify blade cracks at early stages.
Study of Alzheimer’s Disease-Related Biophysical Kinetics with a Microslit-Embedded Cantilever Sensor in a Liquid Environment
Authors: Chae Myung-Sic , Kim Jinsik , Yoo Yong , Lee Jeong , Kim Tae , Hwang Kyo
Published: August 2017

A microsized slit-embedded cantilever sensor (slit cantilever) was fabricated and evaluated as a biosensing platform in a liquid environment. In order to minimize the degradation caused by viscous damping, a 300 × 100 µm2 (length × width) sized cantilever was released by a 5 µm gap-surrounding and vibrated by an internal piezoelectric-driven self-actuator. Owing to the structure, when the single side of the slit cantilever was exposed to liquid a significant quality factor (Q = 35) could be achieved. To assess the sensing performance, the slit cantilever was exploited to study the biophysical kinetics related to Aβ peptide. First, the quantification of Aβ peptide with a concentration of 10 pg/mL to 1 μg/mL was performed. The resonant responses exhibited a dynamic range from 100 pg/mL to 100 ng/mL (−56.5 to −774 ΔHz) and a dissociation constant (KD) of binding affinity was calculated as 1.75 nM. Finally, the Aβ self-aggregation associated with AD pathogenesis was monitored by adding monomeric Aβ peptides. As the concentration of added analyte increased from 100 ng/mL to 10 µg/mL, both the frequency shift values (−813 to −1804 ΔHz) and associate time constant increased. These results showed the excellent sensing performance of the slit cantilever overcoming a major drawback in liquid environments to become a promising diagnostic tool candidate.
Patients’ perspectives on BETTER 2 prevention and screening: qualitative findings from Newfoundland & Labrador
Authors: Sopcak Nicolette , Aguilar Carolina , Nykiforuk Candace I J , Ann O’Brien Mary , Aubrey-Bassler Kris , Cullen Richard M , Heatherington Melanie , Grunfeld Eva , Manca Donna P
Published: August 2017

Background

Chronic disease prevention and screening (CDPS) has been identified as a top priority in primary care. However, primary care providers often lack time, evidence-based tools, and consistent guidelines to effectively address CDPS. Building on Existing Tools to Improve Chronic Disease Prevention and Screening in Primary Care (BETTER) is a novel approach that introduces a new role, that of the prevention practitioner; the prevention practitioner meets with patients, one on one, to undertake a personalised CDPS visit. Understanding patients’ perspectives is important for clinicians and other stakeholders aiming to address and integrate CDPS.

Aim

To describe patients’ perspectives regarding visits with a prevention practitioner in BETTER 2, an implementation study that was carried out after the BETTER trial and featured a higher proportion of patients in rural and remote locations.

Design & setting

Qualitative description based on patient feedback surveys, completed by patients in three primary care clinics (urban, rural, and remote) in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.

Method

Patients’ perspectives were assessed based on responses from 91 feedback forms. In total, 154 patients (aged 40–65 years) received ≥1 prevention visit(s) from a prevention practitioner and were asked to provide written feedback. In addition to demographics, patients were asked what they liked about their visit(s), what they would have liked to be different, and invited to make any other comments. Qualitative description was used to analyse the data.

Results

Four main themes emerged from patients’ feedback: value of visit (patients appreciated the visit with a prevention practitioner); visit characteristics (the visit was personalised, comprehensive, and sufficiently long); prevention practitioners' characteristics (professionalism and interpersonal skills); and patients’ concerns (termination of the programme and access to preventative care).

Conclusion

Patients appreciated the visits they received with a prevention practitioner and expressed their desire to receive sustained CDPS in primary care.
Group-13 and group-15 doping of germanane
Authors: Cultrara Nicholas D , Arguilla Maxx Q , Jiang Shishi , Sun Chuanchuan , Scudder Michael R , Ross R Dominic , Goldberger Joshua E
Published: August 2017

Germanane, a hydrogen-terminated graphane analogue of germanium has generated interest as a potential 2D electronic material. However, the incorporation and retention of extrinsic dopant atoms in the lattice, to tune the electronic properties, remains a significant challenge. Here, we show that the group-13 element Ga and the group-15 element As, can be successfully doped into a precursor CaGe2 phase, and remain intact in the lattice after the topotactic deintercalation, using HCl, to form GeH. After deintercalation, a maximum of 1.1% As and 2.3% Ga can be substituted into the germanium lattice. Electronic transport properties of single flakes show that incorporation of dopants leads to a reduction of resistance of more than three orders of magnitude in H2O-containing atmosphere after As doping. After doping with Ga, the reduction is more than six orders of magnitude, but with significant hysteretic behavior, indicative of water-activation of dopants on the surface. Only Ga-doped germanane remains activated under vacuum, and also exhibits minimal hysteretic behavior while the sheet resistance is reduced by more than four orders of magnitude. These Ga- and As-doped germanane materials start to oxidize after one to four days in ambient atmosphere. Overall, this work demonstrates that extrinsic doping with Ga is a viable pathway towards accessing stable electronic behavior in graphane analogues of germanium.
Toward an Empirical Theory of Pulsar Emission. XII. Exploring the Physical Conditions in Millisecond Pulsar Emission Regions
Authors: Rankin Joanna M. , Archibald Anne , Hessels Jason , Leeuwen Joeri van , Mitra Dipanjan , Ransom Scott , Stairs Ingrid , Straten Willem van , Weisberg Joel M.
Published: August 2017

The five-component profile of the 2.7 ms pulsar J0337+1715 appears to exhibit the best example to date of a core/double-cone emission-beam structure in a millisecond pulsar (MSP). Moreover, three other MSPs, the binary pulsars B1913+16, B1953+29, and J1022+1001, seem to exhibit core/single-cone profiles. These configurations are remarkable and important because it has not been clear whether MSPs and slow pulsars exhibit similar emission-beam configurations, given that they have considerably smaller magnetospheric sizes and magnetic field strengths. MSPs thus provide an extreme context for studying pulsar radio emission. Particle currents along the magnetic polar flux tube connect processes just above the polar cap through the radio-emission region to the light-cylinder and the external environment. In slow pulsars, radio-emission heights are typically about 500 km around where the magnetic field is nearly dipolar, and estimates of the physical conditions there point to radiation below the plasma frequency and emission from charged solitons by the curvature process. We are able to estimate emission heights for the four MSPs and carry out a similar estimation of physical conditions in their much lower emission regions. We find strong evidence that MSPs also radiate by curvature emission from charged solitons.
Structure and Dynamics of Cool Flare Loops Observed by the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph
Authors: Mikuła K. , Heinzel P. , Liu W. , Berlicki A.
Published: August 2017

Flare loops were well observed with the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) during the gradual phase of two solar flares on 2014 March 29 and 2015 June 22. Cool flare loops are visible in various spectral lines formed at chromospheric and transition-region temperatures and exhibit large downflows which correspond to the standard scenario. The principal aim of this work is to analyze the structure and dynamics of cool flare loops observed in Mg ii lines. Synthetic profiles of the Mg ii h line are computed using the classical cloud model and assuming a uniform background intensity. In this paper, we study novel IRIS NUV observations of such loops in Mg ii h and k lines and also show the behavior of hotter lines detected in the FUV channel. We obtained the spatial evolution of the velocities: near the loop top, the flow velocities are small and they are increasing toward the loop legs. Moreover, from slit-jaw image (SJI) movies, we observe some plasma upflows into the loops, which are also detectable in Mg ii spectra. The brightness of the loops systematically decreases with increasing flow velocity, and we ascribe this to the effect of Doppler dimming, which works for Mg ii lines. Emission profiles of Mg ii were found to be extremely broad, and we explain this through the large unresolved non-thermal motions.
Distortion of Magnetic Fields in a Starless Core: Near-infrared Polarimetry of FeSt 1–457
Authors: Kandori Ryo , Tamura Motohide , Kusakabe Nobuhiko , Nakajima Yasushi , Kwon Jungmi , Nagayama Takahiro , Nagata Tetsuya , Tomisaka Kohji , Tatematsu Ken’ichi
Published: August 2017

Magnetic fields are believed to play an important role in controlling the stability and contraction of the dense condensations of gas and dust that lead to the formation of stars and planetary systems. In the present study, the magnetic field of FeSt 1–457, a cold starless molecular cloud core, was mapped on the basis of the polarized near-infrared light from 185 background stars after being dichroically absorbed by dust aligned with the magnetic field in the core. A distinct “hourglass-shaped” magnetic field was identified in the region of the core, and was interpreted as the first evidence of a magnetic field structure distorted by mass condensation in a starless core. The steep curvature of the magnetic field lines obtained in the present study indicates that the distortion was mainly created during the formation phase of the dense core. The derived mass-to-magnetic flux ratio indicates that the core is in a magnetically supercritical state. However, the stability of the core can be considered to be in a nearly critical state if the additional contributions from the thermal and turbulent support are included. Further diffusion of the magnetic field and/or turbulent dissipation would cause the onset of the dynamical collapse of the core. The geometrical relationship between the direction of the magnetic field lines and the elongation of the core was found to be in good agreement with theoretical predictions for the formation of Sun-like stars under the influence of a magnetic field.
Monitor Variability of Millimeter Lines in IRC+10216
Authors: He 何 J. H. 金华 , Dinh-V-Trung  , Hasegawa T. I.
Published: August 2017

A single dish monitoring of millimeter maser lines SiS J = 14-13 and HCN

ν

2

=

1

f

J = 3-2 and several other rotational lines is reported for the archetypal carbon star IRC+10216. Relative line strength variations of 5% ∼ 30% are found for eight molecular line features with respect to selected reference lines. Definite line-shape variations are found in limited velocity intervals of the SiS and HCN line profiles. The asymmetrical line profiles of the two lines are mainly due to the varying components. The dominant varying components of the line profiles have similar periods and phases to the IR light variation, though both quantities show some degree of velocity dependence; there is also variability asymmetry between the blue and red line wings of both lines. Combining the velocities and amplitudes with a wind velocity model, we suggest that the line profile variations are due to SiS and HCN masing lines emanating from the wind acceleration zone. The possible link of the variabilities to thermal, dynamical, and/or chemical processes within or under this region is also discussed.
Highly-controlled, reproducible measurements of aerosol emissions from African biomass combustion
Authors: Haslett Sophie L. , Thomas J. Chris , Morgan William T. , Hadden Rory , Liu Dantong , Allan James D. , Williams Paul I. , Sekou Keïta , Liousse Cathy , Coe Hugh
Published: August 2017

Abstract. Particulate emissions from biomass burning can both alter the atmosphere's radiative balance and cause significant harm to human health. However, due to the large effect on emissions caused by even small alterations to the way in which a fuel burns, it is difficult to study particulate production of biomass combustion mechanistically and in a repeatable manner. In order to address this gap, in this study, small wood samples sourced from Côte D'Ivoire in West Africa were burned in a highly-controlled laboratory environment. The shape and mass of samples, available airflow and surrounding thermal environment were carefully regulated. Organic aerosol and refractory black carbon emissions were measured in real time using an Aerosol Mass Spectrometer and a Single Particle Soot Photometer, respectively. This methodology produced remarkably repeatable results, allowing aerosol emissions to be mapped directly onto different phases of combustion. Emissions from pyrolysis were visible as a distinct phase before flaming was established. After flaming combustion was initiated, a black-carbon-dominant flame was observed during which very little organic aerosol was produced, followed by a period that was dominated by organic-carbon-producing smouldering combustion, despite the presence of residual flaming. During pyrolysis and smouldering, the two phases producing organic aerosol, distinct mass spectral signatures that correspond to previously-reported variations in biofuel emissions measured in the atmosphere are found. Organic aerosol emission factors averaged over an entire combustion event were found to be representative of the time spent in the pyrolysis and smouldering phases, rather than reflecting a coupling between emissions and the mass loss of the sample. Further exploration of aerosol yields from similarly carefully controlled fires and a careful comparison with data from macroscopic fires and real-world emissions will help to deliver greater constraints on variability of particulate emissions in atmospheric systems.
The Hepatoprotective Effect of Olive Leaf Extract on Diabetic Pregnant Mice and Their Fetuses
Authors: Ahmad Sultan , Dawran Shah , Uddin Islam , Ali Sajid , Bilal Hazrat , Quraishi Rabia
Published: August 2017

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a disease with hyperglycemia, insulin resistance and fetal abnormality development. This study was designed to evaluate the hypoglycemic effect and hepatoprotective properties of olive leaves extract.The experimental mice divided into not diabetic group, the control group (GI), and the diabetic pregnant mice were divided into: the diabetic pregnant group (GII) single intraperitoneal injected by streptozotocine (STZ, 240mg/Kg b.wt.). The pregnant mice were given a daily oral dose of olive leaf extract (OLE) only (100 mg/kg) from day 1 to 18 of gestation group (GIII). The diabetic pregnant mice were given daily oral dose of olive leaf extract from day 1 to day 18 of gestation, group (GIV). The STZ-induced diabetic group(GII) exhibited a significant (p<0.05) hyperglycemia, accompanied with a significant increase in serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), enzyme activitieswhen compared with control group. This result is confirmed with extreme histopathological changes in liver tissues and decreased in glutathione peroxidase (GPx) expression. A significant improvement in glucose level, serum AST and ALT enzyme activities showed in (GIV). Also, OLE succeeded to minimize the severe changes in liver tissues of diabetic pregnant mice and their fetuses. Furthermore, level of (GPx) was returned to near normal level. The findings suggest that OLE have a hepatoprotective effect on pregnant diabetic mice and their fetus.
Participação do curso de Secretariado Executivo no Enade: uma análise sob o desempenho dos acadêmicos das IES públicas do estado do Paraná
Authors: Veloso Bíscoli Fabiana Regina , Willers Ednilse Maria , Sanches Fernanda Cristina
Published: August 2017

O objetivo deste artigo é analisar, comparativamente, o desempenho obtido nos componentes gerais e específicos da prova respondida pelos alunos do curso de Secretariado Executivo, nível bacharelado, das instituições de ensino superior (IES) estaduais do estado do Paraná, que participaram do Exame Nacional de Desempenho dos Estudantes (Enade), nas edições de 2006, 2009 e 2012, a partir dos Relatórios de Curso gerados pelo Instituto Nacional de Estudos e Pesquisas Educacionais Anísio Teixeira (Inep). A pesquisa teve caráter qualitativo, uma vez que analisou descritivamente os dados, a partir dos indicativos individuais de cada IES. Observou-se que nem todos os objetivos propostos pelo Sistema Nacional de Avaliação da Educação Superior (Sinaes) via Enade são reconhecidos pelos estudantes, os quais se sentem desmotivados a participar das avaliações. No entanto, percebeu-se que há resultados positivos, como a percepção por parte dos estudantes de que os conteúdos gerais e específicos prescritos na Diretriz Curricular Nacional de Secretariado Executivo (DCN) estão sendo trabalhados em sala de aula nas IES pesquisadas.
A Study on the Minimum and Maximum Sum of C2 Problem in IMO2014
Authors: Huang Erick Ceasar , Huang Sharon Sherry , Tsai Cheng-Hua
Published: August 2017

The focus of this paper is primarily on a problem: the principle of the extreme value under some special operations. After enumerating from the maximum sum to minimum and solving these cases, I found that the use of the two mathematical models enabled the derivation of the general form of the use of the two mathematical models enabled the derivation of the general form of the maximum and the minimum sum. This program looks into the principles of minimum and maximum sum, and the various patterns that come along with it. In order to further discuss this kind of problems, we set up other different conditions, solving them with two mathematical models and principle of sequence recursive relationship, induction proof, etc. We also extend all these problems to explore the generating functions of the maximum and the minimum sum with operating number m based on the parity of the number of papers. Finally, using computer generated software, we demonstrate the various sums of a particular state, along with coming up with a general rule for all states that can predict the maximum and the minimum sum through the usage of induction.
Standardisation Versus Adaptation – Marketing Communication Strategies of Multinational Companies on the European Textile Market
Authors: Grębosz Magdalena , Otto Jacek
Published: August 2017

The article presents an analysis of the issue of marketing communication strategy standardisation/adjustment by multinational textile companies on the European market. The own research is based on information presented on the websites of multinational companies operating in the European Union and on the results of a survey carried out among 246 young consumers from France and Poland in the first quarter of 2015. In the paper, firstly the results of studies concerning 50 multinational textile companies and their comparison with those of 100 multinationals from other sectors are presented, and the relations between the levels of marketing communication activity adjustment are discussed. Afterwards an analysis of the survey results is conducted taking into account the evaluation of standardisation/adaptation of promotional strategies on the textile market by young consumers. Analysis of the findings indicated that multinational textile companies partially or fully standardise marketing communications activities on the European market, and the level of standardisation of the communication strategies is higher on the textile European market than on the other European B2C markets. Results also support the assumption that textile products are more likely than other products to benefit from the standardisation of marketing communication activities. The results also emphasise a positive evaluation of the global communication campaigns of multinational textile companies by young consumers from France and Poland. Their attitudes as well as purchase intentions toward global textile brands promoted with standardised tools are stronger than in the case of global textile brands promoted with a locally adapted promotion strategy.
Visual messages - the specifics of marketing communications
Authors: Staszewska Jolanta , Skorus Piotr
Published: August 2017

Skillful using of visual communication tools creates the conditions for the existence of the company on the market. This is an important element of building the competitive position and the desired market image. The main problem of the article is to show how to use visual communication by actors from the SME sector in the marketing communications context. The authors want to try to identify how to manage visual communication to an entrepreneur from the SME sector gained market effect in the form of self-satisfaction and the customer. The aim this article - how a company can use visual communication while maintaining the context of marketing communications
Determinants of changes of relationships in logistics cooperation
Authors: Małkus Tomasz
Published: August 2017

Among main determinants of competitive advantage the integration of flow of goods and information between enterprises involved in preparation and delivery of goods to customers play a significant role. Also the scope of cooperation with specialized service providers participating in such flows is important. In response to changing conditions in the business environment adjustments of parties are made. It requires a focus on consolidation and permanent development of cooperation. Attitudes of parties and their actions can change. The objective of the article is to present determinants of changes in bilateral relations in logistics cooperation. The starting point of presentation is the characteristics of bilateral cooperative relationships. Later, factors affecting the characteristics of relationship between customer and supplier, directions of development of cooperation and conditions required in logistics relationships are also taken into consideration.
Management of intellectual property in polish companies
Authors: Słowik Anna
Published: August 2017

The aim of this article is to present the methods of intellectual property management in Polish enterprises. It highlights the strategies of commercialisation of enterprises by using only their own capital and knowledge resources, and by using the capital and knowledge resources of their business partners. It also identifies examples of companies which, in accordance with the introduced system of intellectual property management successfully implement new technologies by which they achieve better financial results. The article shows the low level of innovativeness of Polish entrepreneurs in relation to other member countries of the European Union and indicates its causes.
Preparation and characteristics of gelatin sponges crosslinked by microbial transglutaminase
Authors: Long Haiyan , Ma Kunlong , Xiao Zhenghua , Ren Xiaomei , Yang Gang
Published: August 2017

Microbial transglutaminase (mTG) was used as a crosslinking agent in the preparation of gelatin sponges. The physical properties of the materials were evaluated by measuring their material porosity, water absorption, and elastic modulus. The stability of the sponges were assessed via hydrolysis and enzymolysis. To study the material degradation in vivo, subcutaneous implantations of sponges were performed on rats for 1–3 months, and the implanted sponges were analyzed. To evaluate the cell compatibility of the mTG crosslinked gelatin sponges (mTG sponges), adipose-derived stromal stem cells were cultured and inoculated into the scaffold. Cell proliferation and viability were measured using alamarBlue assay and LIVE/DEAD fluorescence staining, respectively. Cell adhesion on the sponges was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results show that mTG sponges have uniform pore size, high porosity and water absorption, and good mechanical properties. In subcutaneous implantation, the material was partially degraded in the first month and completely absorbed in the third month. Cell experiments showed evident cell proliferation and high viability. Results also showed that the cells grew vigorously and adhered tightly to the sponge. In conclusion, mTG sponge has good biocompatibility and can be used in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Evaluation of the toxicity of an oil spill conducted through bioassays using the fish Solea senegalensis
Authors: Salamanca MJ , Jiménez-Tenorio N , Gonzáles de Canales ML , DelValls TA
Published: August 2017

The toxicity produced by fuel pollutants was evaluated through bioassays using the Senegalese sole Solea senegalensis. Juveniles were exposed for 21 days to different dilutions obtained by mixing fuel extracted from the Prestige oil tanker and sediment from a clean area of Cádiz Bay. After the exposure period, three biomarkers were analyzed (7-ethoxyresorufin-Odeethylase [EROD], glutathione S-transferase [GST], and glutathione reductase [GR] enzymatic activity), as well as the histopathology of two of the main target organs (gills and liver). Significant (P < 0.05) biomarker inductions were observed in the exposed fish analyzed on day 21 relative to the control group (day zero). Lesions were detected in both organs studied, but the liver was the most affected. The frequency of appearance of the lesions was greater in the samples containing higher concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and metals. The results showed significant correlations between the total PAH concentrations and GST, GR, and EROD enzymatic activity, with correlation coefficients of R = 0.96 for GST, R = 0.82 for GR, and R = 0.60 for EROD.
Inertial Currents in the southern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Expósito-Díaz G , Salas-de-León DA , Monreal-Gómez MA , Salas-Monreal D , Vázquez-Gutiérrez F
Published: August 2017

Current velocity data recorded from 1 March to 17 June 1997 at four stations in the Bay of Campeche, southern Gulf of Mexico, were used to describe inertial currents. Data were low-pass filtered using a Lanczos filter, and transformed to the frequency domain with the classical Fast Fourier Transform, rotary spectra, and the Morlet Wavelet Method. The strongest total currents developed in the eastern part of the bay, with a dominant east-west component. The predominant direction of the total current was parallel to the coast. The amplitude of tidal currents was small when compared with subtidal currents. During the sampling period several episodes of inertial currents were observed, some of which corresponded to those predicted by theory. Inertial currents in the lower layer were linked through large phase lags, revealing the baroclinic mode of the inertial currents. Spectral energy was concentrated in the low-frequency bands, corresponding to inertial and subinertial periods. The dominance of spectral energy at low frequencies reveals the influence of mesoscale cyclonic and small-scale anticyclonic eddies in the northeastern Bay of Campeche. These eddies are believed to be the origin of the inertial currents, since the inertial currents observed were unrelated to wind forcing.
Suboxides and Other Low‐Valent Species
Authors: Simon Arndt
Published: August 2017

Suboxides of the heavy alkali metals rubidium and cesium represent a unique class of metal‐rich compounds whose crystal structures contain characteristic clusters that are immersed in a matrix of pure metal. The structural principle extends to subnitrides of the alkaline earth metals exhibiting a rich chemistry of both discrete clusters in a metal matrix and condensed cluster systems.