bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prospects of desalination for irrigation water in the Sultanate of Oman
Authors: Al-Jabri Salem Ali , Ahmed Mushtaque , Choudri B. S.
Published: September 2015

The most limiting factor for the agricultural sector in the Sultanate of Oman is a lack of water, and security of supply in terms of both quantity and quality. Salinization of both soils and groundwater systems along the coastal strip of Al-Batinah has placed a substantial burden on farmers regarding crop selection and, therefore, farm profitability. Desalination of brackish and seawaters might be an attractive option to sustain salt-affected lands in the Sultanate, particularly given that recent advances in desalination technologies have reduced energy and running cost requirements. This review is a summary of the international experience on desalination for irrigation water; the opportunities and challenges of the use of this technology for sustaining agriculture in arid environments; and the outcome of a survey that explores the extent of the use of desalination for providing irrigation water on the Al-Batinah coast, Oman. The main challenges for adopting this technology for agriculture are the initial cost of desalination units and the cost of environmentally sustainable disposal of reject water. However, there is a need for more applied research efforts to minimize the detrimental impact of disposal of reject water on the environment, long-term impact of desalinated water on agricultural soils as well as cost and benefit analysis of the technology.
Water reuse perceptions of students, faculty and staff at Western University, Canada
Authors: Velasquez D. , Yanful E. K.
Published: September 2015

Global fresh water resources are under increasing pressure from rapidly growing demands and changing climatic conditions. Wastewater reclamation is becoming an important alternative for sustainable water resources management and building climate change resiliency in many regions around the world. Public acceptance and trust of consumers in the quality of reclaimed water is considered by many to be the most important factor determining the outcomes of water reclamation projects. Knowledge of the urban water cycle and water reuse perceptions of student, faculty and staff at Western University were investigated. Results showed that members of the university community are more likely to accept reclaimed wastewater for applications that do not involve drinking or close personal contact. Knowledge of the urban water cycle and water resources in Canada is modest among the university community with a moderate (G = 0.303, p < 0.05) positive relationship between ‘water knowledge’ and ‘close contact acceptability’. The majority of the university community (75.8%) thinks that reclaiming water to provide an alternate source of water in southwestern Ontario is a good idea, but there are still concerns about the presence of chemicals such as pharmaceuticals from reclaimed water and the long-term effects on human health from exposure to these contaminants.
Microstructure Evolution and Shaping of Friction Stir Lap Welded Dissimilar Magnesium Alloy Joint
Authors: Li Tielong , Wang Zhenshan
Published: September 2015

Friction stir lap welding (FSLW) experiment has been conducted on 3mm thick AZ80 extruded sheet and
2.3mm thick AZ31B rolled sheet. The influence of the shape of the taper thread mixing head on microstructure has been
discussed. Pores forming, hooked defects, interface migration, tissue distribution have been analyzed. The organization of
both sides of nugget zone (NZ) is arranged diagonally above, due to the corresponding resultant force along the thread of
pin. NZ was collided to form a cascade "onion ring" by plastic microstructure rotating with thread of the pin and dropping
from concave of mixing head conical body. Cavity defect was concerned with the poor deformation of AZ80 magnesium
alloy placed underneath and relevant organization collision.
Improved Technology for Hard Anodizing Dissolution of Aluminum Alloy Part
Authors: Peng Lixia , Li Man
Published: September 2015

This paper analyzes the main factors in the process of dissolution of hard anodized aluminum alloy, together
with the specific problems in the production practice, introduces in detail the methods of analysis, finds out the causes of
dissolution, and puts forward the pertinent improvement measures. This paper is of instructive significance to effectively
resolve the problems of dissolution in the process of tube parts hard anodizing.
Application of Single Wall Carbon Nanotube-wrapped Silica Composite Adsorbents as a Solid Phase Extraction Material to Measure
Organophosphorus Pesticides in Water
Authors: Lin Hong-Li , Li Quan-Long , Chen Meng , Guan Xiong
Published: September 2015

In this paper, single wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) suspensions were added dropwise to silica particles before
volatising the solvent to prepare a core-shell composite adsorbent with SWCNTs wrapped around silica particles
(SWCNTsSilica). The composite adsorbent was used as packing for the solid phase extraction (SPE) and the enrichment of
organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs) in water. The results indicate the SWCNTs entirely wrap the silica particle surfaces to
form SWCNT shells. This preparation method is simpler and more efficient than existing methods. SWCNTsSilica
composite materials can reduce the number of SWCNTs required and improve their utilization. The extraction capacity for
OOPs in water was higher than for C but below HLB. The developed SPE-GC-FPD method exhibited a limit of detection
(LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ) of 0.593~1.759 μg/L and 1.95~5.80 μg/L, respectively and satisfactorily measured
Jiulong river and farmland water samples.
Research on Strain Rate-Dependent Tsai-Hill Strength Criterion for Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer Film
Authors: Jinsheng Xu , Jiaquan Yu , Xiong Chen , Ranming Niu , Deng Jia
Published: September 2015

EPDM film is an innovative insulation material used in the Solid Rocket Motor. İt is a kind of unidirectional
single layer fiber-reinforced composite plate. To analyze its mechanical behavior uniaxial tests with different loading
directions and rates were performed. The test results indicated that the EPDM film is anisotropic and its mechanical
properties are obviously rate-dependent. To create a rate-dependent anisotropic strength criterion, two methods were
adopted to extend the Tsai-Hill strength criterion; the first was to substitute all the strength components in the Tsai-Hill
criterion with the fitted rate-dependent ones, the second was to introduce a special factor named the rate-dependency
factor R(ε) into the criterion. The second method is simpler in form and more suitable for an engineering application. The
two rate-dependent criteria were examined by comparing the predicted results with the experimental ones, and the results
showed good agreement which verified that the strength criteria were able to reveal the anisotropic rate-dependent
properties of the EPDM film.
Research of Fault Diagnosis of Belt Conveyor Based on Fuzzy Neural
Network
Authors: Yuan Yuan , Meng Wenjun , Sun Xiaoxia
Published: September 2015

To address deficiencies in the process of fault diagnosis of belt conveyor, this study uses a BP neural network
algorithm combined with fuzzy theory to provide an intelligent fault diagnosis method for belt conveyor and to establish a
BP neural network fault diagnosis model with a predictive function. Matlab is used to simulate the fuzzy BP neural
network fault diagnosis of the belt conveyor. Results show that the fuzzy neural network can filter out unnecessary
information; save time and space; and improve the fault diagnosis recognition, classification, and fault location
capabilities of belt conveyor. The proposed model has high practical value for engineering.
Innovative Design Strategy Based on Customer Requirements
Authors: Wang Chen , Zhao Wu , Wang Zhiyong , Zhang Kai , Li Xiaolong , Guo Xin
Published: September 2015

Enterprises face increasing challenge in the designing stage which needs to turn the customer’s needs into
technical characteristics. In order to enhance the competitiveness of products, a demand-oriented innovative design model
was proposed. This model integrates user demand accessing, technology feature mapping, quality function deployment
and innovative solutions generation. During the design stage, designers need to match the acquired customer requirements
to corresponding technical features, then apply House of Quality (HOQ) for building the mapping of user requirements to
the technical features, analyzing the correlation and weights, and then with the aid of the theory of inventive problem
solving (TRIZ) to resolve corresponding technical contradictions. Finally, an innovative solution of car steering
demonstrated the feasibility of the demand-oriented innovative design model.
Experimental Research and Analysis of Vortex Excited Vibration
Suppression of Spiral Stripe Strake
Authors: Yang Zhongguo
Published: September 2015

This paper carries out the experimental research and analysis on the vortex-excited vibration suppression effect
of the spiral stripe strake via the laser particle velocimeter (PIV) under vortex speed U=0.6 m/s and attack angle α=300,
and discusses the VIV suppression mechanism of the spiral stripe strake by using the numerical simulation of the
computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in order to objectively further know inherent mechanism of VIV, further optimize
parameters of the spiral stripe strake, and provide references for theoretical research in future.
Amyloidogenic Processing of APP in Lipid Rafts
Authors: K. Lakshmana Madepalli , Roy Subhojit , Mi Kaihong , E. Kang David
Published: September 2015

Increased generation of amyloid β peptide (Aβ) derived from amyloid precursor protein (APP) is the primary
pathological characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, the sub cellular compartment in which APP undergoes
cleavage by secretases to generate Aβ is not precisely known. Compelling evidences suggest that amyloidogenic
processing of APP occurs in lipid rafts. An indirect support for lipid raft processing of APP includes the localization of
Aβ, APP C-terminal fragments (CTFs), APP holoprotein and secretases in the lipid raft microdomains, although few
studies failed to find APP in the lipid rafts. The indirect support also comes from both experimental and clinical studies
involving modulation of cholesterol levels and its effect on Aβ generation. Moderate depletion of cholesterol results in
significant reduction in Aβ levels and increased dietary intake of cholesterol leads to higher levels of Aβ production
suggesting that amyloidogenic processing of APP strongly depends on cholesterol levels and therefore on lipid raft
integrity. More convincing evidence that lipid rafts are critical for amyloidogenic processing of APP comes from studies
using antibody-mediated co-patching of APP and BACE1 which results in lipid raft association of APP and BACE1 and
increased Aβ generation. Further, an endosome/lipid raft targeting of β-secretase inhibitor by sterol-mediated anchoring
leading to reduced Aβ generation also suggests that lipid rafts are pivotal for amyloidogenic processing of APP. In the
absence of an effective therapy for AD, proteins responsible for delivery of APP to lipid rafts including LRP, RanBP9 and
ApoER2 may be excellent therapeutic targets in AD.
Promoting perioperative advance care planning: a systematic review of advance care planning decision aids
Authors: Aslakson Rebecca A , Schuster Anne LR , Reardon Jessica , Lynch Thomas , Suarez-Cuervo Catalina , Miller Judith A , Moldovan Rita , Johnston Fabian , Anton Blair , Weiss Matthew , Bridges John FP
Published: September 2015

This systematic review identifies possible decision aids that promote perioperative advance care planning (ACP) and synthesizes the available evidence regarding their use. Using PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, SCOPUS, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Sociological Abstracts, researchers identified and screened articles for eligibility. Data were abstracted and risk of bias assessed for included articles. Thirty-nine of 5327 articles satisfied the eligibility criteria. Primarily completed in outpatient ambulatory populations, studies evaluated a variety of ACP decision aids. None were evaluated in a perioperative population. Fifty unique outcomes were reported with no head-to-head comparisons conducted. Findings are likely generalizable to a perioperative population and can inform development of a perioperative ACP decision aid. Future studies should compare the effectiveness of ACP decision aids.
Influence of second-order bracket-archwire misalignments on loads generated during third-order archwire rotation in orthodontic treatment
Authors: Romanyk Dan L. , George Andrew , Li Yin , Heo Giseon , Carey Jason P. , Major Paul W.
Published: September 2015

Objective: 

To investigate the influence of a rotational second-order bracket-archwire misalignment on the loads generated during third-order torque procedures. Specifically, torque in the second- and third-order directions was considered.

Materials and Methods: 

An orthodontic torque simulator (OTS) was used to simulate the third-order torque between Damon Q brackets and 0.019 × 0.025-inch stainless steel archwires. Second-order misalignments were introduced in 0.5° increments from a neutral position, 0.0°, up to 3.0° of misalignment. A sample size of 30 brackets was used for each misalignment. The archwire was then rotated in the OTS from its neutral position up to 30° in 3° increments and then unloaded in the same increments. At each position, all forces and torques were recorded. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to determine if the second-order misalignments significantly affected torque values in the second- and third-order directions.

Results: 

From statistical analysis of the experimental data, it was found that the only statistically significant differences in third-order torque between a misaligned state and the neutral position occurred for 2.5° and 3.0° of misalignment, with mean differences of 2.54 Nmm and 2.33 Nmm, respectively. In addition, in pairwise comparisons of second-order torque for each misalignment increment, statistical differences were observed in all comparisons except for 0.0° vs 0.5° and 1.5° vs 2.0°.

Conclusion: 

The introduction of a second-order misalignment during third-order torque simulation resulted in statistically significant differences in both second- and third-order torque response; however, the former is arguably clinically insignificant.
Registration of Five Spring Wheat Lines Resistant to Russian Wheat Aphid, Stem Rust (Ug99), Leaf Rust, and Stripe Rust
Authors: Tolmay Vicki L. , Sydenham Scott L. , Boshoff Willem H.P. , Wentzel Barend S. , Miles Chrissie W. , Booyse Mardé
Published: September 2015

Russian wheat aphid (RWA; Diuraphis noxia Kurdjumov) and wheat rusts (stem rust [caused by Puccinia graminis Pers.:Pers. f. sp. tritici Eriks. & E. Henn.], leaf rust [caused by Puccinia triticina Eriks.], and stripe rust [caused by Puccinia striiformis Westend. f. sp. tritici Eriks.]) are major constraints to wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production. We aimed to combine resistance to these four biotic constraints in ‘Kariega’, a South African spring wheat cultivar. Five spring wheat lines, SA16486 (Reg. No. GP‐990, PI 674173), SA16487 (Reg. No. GP‐991, PI 674174), SA16488 (Reg. No. GP‐992, PI 674175), SA16490 (Reg. No. GP‐993, PI 674176), and SA16491 (Reg. No. GP‐994, PI 674177) were developed by the Agricultural Research Council‐Small Grain Institute, South Africa, and released in 2015. These F3:6 lines are descended from a top‐cross made in 2001 between two backcrossed lines, one with RWA resistance from PI 225227 (resistant to biotypes RWASA1, RWASA2, and RWASA3) and another with Sr35 (resistant to the Ug99 race group). Phenotypic screening for RWA resistance (using biotype RWASA1) and marker assisted selection for rust resistance genes including Sr35, Lr34/Yr18/Sr57/Pm38/Sb1/Ltn1, and QYr.sgi‐2B.1 were used to identify the targeted traits during selection. The unique combination of aphid and rust resistance, medium to high yield potential, and good end‐use quality makes these wheat lines useful for wheat breeders with an interest in these resistance traits.
Frequency and Sensitivity Pattern of Neisseria gonorrhoae Isolated from Women at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Dhaka City
Authors: Nusrat Fatema , Islam K.M. Shahidul , Shamsuzzaman S.M. , Yusuf Md. Abdullah , Farzana Aleya , Afrin Samia
Published: September 2015

Background: Antibiotic sensitivity pattern of Neisseria gonorrhoae is changing frequently. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to see the antibiotic sensitivity pattern of Neisseria gonorrhoae isolated from women presented with cervicitis.Methodology: This cross sectional study.carried out in the Department  of Microbiology at Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka from July 2011 to December 2012 for a period of one and half year. All the women presented with or without the clinical features of  cervicitis at child bearing age (15 to 49 yrs) with or without pregnancy were enrolled as study population. Endocervical swabs were collected  for Gram staining, culture, biochemical test from clinically diagnosed  patients of cervicitis for presumptive identification of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The isolates with presumptive identification were confirmed by rapid carbohydrate utilization test (RCUT), which differentiates  N.gonorrhoeae from other Neisseria. Antimicrobial susceptibility test was done according CLSI guideline. Result: A total 245 females were recruited of which N. gonorrhoeae were detected from 39(15.9%) cases. Among 39 positive cases of gonococcal cervicitis, 19 (48.71%) were detected in the age group of 21-30 years. 56.41% were sensitive and 30.76% were resistant to ceftriaxone. Similarly 51.28% were sensitive and 23.07% were resistant to cefuroxime; 23.07% sensitive, 30.76% moderately sensitive and 46.15% resistant to ciprofloxacin. Conclusion: Gonococcal cervicitis is found in a high frequency rate with a reduced sensitivity to antibiotics especially ciprofloxacin, second and third generation cephalosporins.Bangladesh J Infect Dis 2014;1(1):3-7
Pharmacognostical and phytochemical analysis of Lepidium sativum L. seeds
Authors: Ahmad Rizwan , Mujeeb Mohd , Anwar Firoz , Husain Asif , Ahmad Aftab , Sharma Saurabh
Published: September 2015

Objective of the present study was to carry out the physicochemical and phytochemicals standardization of Lepidium sativum L seeds to establish the standard pharmacognostical parameters of this valuable medicinal plant. Many standardization parameters of Lepidium sativum were analyzed. Standard method was adopted for the preliminary phytochemicals screening. Analysis of pesticides residues, aflatoxin & heavy metals were also performed. The sections of seeds were prepared for quantitative microscopic parameters. The air dried powdered plant material was subjected for determination of physicochemical standardizations like ash value, Extractive value and fluorescence nature of the powder drug using light of short and long wavelength of 254nm and 366nm respectively. Phytochemical screening was performed for the identification of phytoconstituents in the plant which was helpful in the development of analytical profile. The morphological and microscopic examinations of drug were revealed the presence of endosperm cell which are polygonal in shape and contain alerone grains and oil droplet, cell of testa, yellow colouring matter and starch grains. Preliminary phytochemical screening showed the presence of carbohydrates, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, alkaloids, proteins, saponins and lipids in the drug extract and flourescence nature of drug was confirmed by fluorescence analysis in different solvent. Concentrations of heavy metals,ash value and extractive value were determined and found within acceptable Pharmacopoeial limits. Pesticides residues and aflatoxins were also determined but not detected in the tested samples. The physicochemical and phytochemical standards which are outcome of this research may be utilized as substantial data for identification and standardization of L. sativum seed.Ahmad et al., International Current Pharmaceutical Journal, September 2015, 4(10): 442-446
Aflatoxicosis: Lessons from Toxicity and Responses to Aflatoxin B1 in Poultry
Authors: Monson Melissa , Coulombe Roger , Reed Kent
Published: September 2015

This review is a comprehensive introduction to the effects of poultry exposure to the toxic and carcinogenic mycotoxin aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). The relationship between AFB1 sensitivity and metabolism, major direct and indirect effects of AFB1, recent studies of gene expression and transcriptome responses to exposure, and mitigation strategies to reduce toxicity are discussed. Exposure to AFB1 primarily occurs by consumption of contaminated corn, grain or other feed components. Low levels of residual AFB1 in poultry feeds can cause reduction in growth, feed conversion, egg production, and compromised immune functions, resulting in significant economic costs to producers. Thus, AFB1 acts as a “force multiplier” synergizing the adverse effects of microbial pathogens and other agents, and factors detrimental to poultry health. Domestic turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) are one of the most sensitive animals known to AFB1 due, in large part, to a combination of efficient hepatic bioactivation by cytochromes P450 1A5 and 3A37, and deficient hepatic glutathione-S-transferase (GST)-mediated detoxification. Because of their sensitivity, turkeys are a good model to investigate chemopreventive treatments and feed additives for their ability to reduce AFB1 toxicity. Transcriptome analysis (RNA-seq) of turkey poults (liver and spleen) has identified AFB1-induced gene expression changes in pathways of apoptosis, carcinogenesis, lipid regulation, antimicrobial activity, cytotoxicity and antigen presentation. Current research focuses on further identifying the molecular mechanisms underlying AFB1 toxicity with the goal of reducing aflatoxicosis and improving poultry health.
Workplace Injuries in Thoroughbred Racing: An Analysis of Insurance Payments and Injuries amongst Jockeys in Australia from 2002 to 2010
Authors: Curry Beverley , Hitchens Peta , Otahal Petr , Si Lei , Palmer Andrew
Published: September 2015

Background: There is no comprehensive study of the costs of horse-related workplace injuries to Australian Thoroughbred racing jockeys. Objectives: To analyse the characteristics of insurance payments and horse-related workplace injuries to Australian jockeys during Thoroughbred racing or training. Methods: Insurance payments to Australian jockeys and apprentice jockeys as a result of claims for injury were reviewed. The cause and nature of injuries, and the breakdown of payments associated with claims were described. Results: The incidence of claims was 2.1/1000 race rides, with an average cost of AUD 9 million/year. Race-day incidents were associated with 39% of claims, but 52% of the total cost. The mean cost of race-day incidents (AUD 33,756) was higher than non-race day incidents (AUD 20,338). Weekly benefits and medical expenses made up the majority of costs of claims. Fractures were the most common injury (29.5%), but head injuries resulting from a fall from a horse had the highest mean cost/claim (AUD 127,127). Conclusions: Costs of workplace injuries to the Australian Thoroughbred racing industry have been greatly underestimated because the focus has historically been on incidents that occur on race-days. These findings add to the evidence base for developing strategies to reduce injuries and their associated costs.
Effects of Prepartum Dietary Energy Level and Nicotinic Acid Supplementation on Immunological, Hematological and Biochemical Parameters of Periparturient Dairy Cows Differing in Parity
Authors: Tienken Reka , Kersten Susanne , Frahm Jana , Hüther Liane , Meyer Ulrich , Huber Korinna , Rehage Jürgen , Dänicke Sven
Published: September 2015

The periparturient period is critical according to health, productivity and profitability. As this period is fundamental for the success of the lactation period, the interest in improving periparturient health by dietary supplements increased in recent years. The present study investigated the effects of feeding nicotinic acid (NA) combined with varying dietary energy densities on immunological, hematological and biochemical parameters of periparturient cows differing in parity. Thirty-six multiparous and 20 primiparous dairy cows were enrolled in the study 42 days before expected parturition date until 100 days postpartum with the half of the cows being supplemented with 24 g of NA/d. After parturition a diet with 30% concentrate was fed to all cows which was followed by different concentrate escalation strategies. Dietary NA supplementation was ceased on day 24 postpartum. Dietary NA increased (P = 0.010) serum nicotinamide concentrations (mean of 3.35 ± 1.65 µg/mL), whereas NA could not be detected. Present data emphasize that periparturient cows are faced with major physiological challenges and that both parity-groups have different prerequisites to adapt to those changes irrespective of NA supplementation. The overfeeding of energy to cows which were similar in body condition score had only minor effects on periparturient immune system function and the metabolism of those cows.
Hybrid Energy Scheduling in a Renewable Micro Grid
Authors: Liu Zifa , Chen Chiye , Yuan Jiahai
Published: September 2015

In this paper, we address the energy scheduling issue in a hybrid energy micro grid, which consists of photovoltaic (PV), wind power, combined heat and power (CHP), energy storage and electric vehicles (EVs). The optimal scheduling model of these power sources is presented with consideration of the demand response. The objective function is minimum total operation costs, including gas cost, electric power purchase from the main grid and storage and EV charging-discharging costs. In the process of optimization, multi-team particle swarm optimization (MTPSO) is proposed, which uses units, groups and swarm information to update the velocity (position) with faster and more stable convergence. With simulation analysis, it is found that the proposed model is effective, and the presented MTPSO has a better global search ability than PSO.
Dendrite Growth Kinetics in Undercooled Melts of Intermetallic Compounds
Authors: Herlach Dieter
Published: September 2015

Solidification needs an undercooling to drive the solidification front. If large undercoolings are achieved, metastable solid materials are solidified from the undercooled melt. Containerless processing provides the conditions to achieve large undercoolings since heterogeneous nucleation on container walls is completely avoided. In the present contribution both electromagnetic and electrostatic levitation are applied. The velocity of rapidly advancing dendrites is measured as a function of undercooling by a High-Speed-Camera. The dendrite growth dynamics is investigated in undercooled melts of intermetallic compounds. The Al50Ni50 alloy is studied with respect to disorder trapping that leads to a disordered superlattice structure if the melt is undercooled beyond a critical undercooling. Disorder trapping is evidenced by in situ energy dispersive diffraction using synchrotron radiation of high intensity to record full diffraction pattern on levitated samples within a short time interval. Experiments on Ni2B using different processing techniques of varying the level of convection reveal convection-induced faceting of rapidly growing dendrites. Eventually, the growth velocity is measured in an undercooled melt of glass forming Cu50Zr50 alloy. A maximum in the growth velocity–undercooling relation is proved. This is understood by the fact that the temperature dependent diffusion coefficient counteracts the thermodynamic driving force for rapid growth if the temperature of the undercooled melt is approaching the temperature regime above the glass transition temperature. The analysis of this result allows for determining the activation energy of atomic attachment kinetics at the solid–liquid interface that is comparable to the activation energy of atomic diffusion as determined by independent measurements of the atomic diffusion in undercooled Cu50Zr50 alloy melt.
Correction on Davidson, R.M.; Lauritzen, A.; Seneff, S. Biological Water Dynamics and Entropy: A Biophysical Origin of Cancer and Other Diseases. Entropy 2013, 15, 3822-3876
Authors: Davidson Robert , Lauritzen Ann , Seneff Stephanie
Published: September 2015

The authors wish to make the following correction to their paper [1]. The correct reference 190 in the reference list should be: [...]
Effect of Hydropriming and Biopriming on Seed Germination and Growth of Two Mexican Fir Tree Species in Danger of Extinction
Authors: Zulueta-Rodríguez Ramón , Hernández-Montiel Luis , Murillo-Amador Bernardo , Rueda-Puente Edgar , Capistrán Liliana , Troyo-Diéguez Enrique , Córdoba-Matson Miguel
Published: September 2015

Abies spp. in general have been shown to need a period of cold stratification to break dormancy and germinate, but this can be very time consuming. In this study, hydropriming by itself and in combination with biopriming was carried out on Abies hickelii and Abies religiosa seeds. For biopriming, three species of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria ( Pseudomonas fluorescens, P. putida and Bacillus subtilis) were tested. The purpose was to determine if germination and growth could be improved for these two endangered species. Our results demonstrated that treating A. hickelii and A. religiosa with both hydropriming and biopriming with certain strains of Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) could improve germination rates up to 91% for A. hickelii and up to 68% for A. religiosa. Importantly, these treatments showed no significant negative impact on the growth of A. religiosa and actually improved growth in A. hickelii. The application of both hydropriming and biopriming offer possibly an alternative methodology to improve germination, survival and preservation of these fir tree species of Mexico that are at risk of extinction.
Previous Land Use and Invasive Species Impacts on Long-term Afforestation Success
Authors: Nickelson Joshua , Holzmueller Eric , Groninger John , Lesmeister Damon
Published: September 2015

The conversion of agricultural lands to forests has increased worldwide over the past few decades for multiple reasons including increasing forest connectivity and wildlife habitat. However, previous land cover and competing vegetation often impede afforestation. We established 219 plots in 29 Quercus plantations on four previous land cover types (LCT): Clover, Soybeans, Woody Brush, and Herbaceous Weeds. Plantations were located in Illinois, USA and were sampled 15–18 years after planting. Sampling data for all trees (planted and volunteer) included species, diameter, and vine presence on the main bole of the tree. Free-to-grow status was recorded for all Quercus species and estimated cover of two invasive species, Elaeagnus umbellata and Lonicera japonica, was documented on each plot. There was a strong relationship between total tree density and invasive species cover across all sites. Stocking success was lower and E. umbellata cover was higher on Woody Brush sites compared to Clover and Soybean cover types. Additionally, significantly more free-to-grow Quercus saplings occurred in Clover and Soybean cover types compared to the Woody Brush sites. The results indicate that previous land cover plays a critical role in forest afforestation. Furthermore, while historically, volunteer tree species were thought to be detrimental to the development of planted species these results suggest that with the increasing prevalence of invasive species worldwide the role of volunteer species in afforestation should be reconsidered and silvicultural protocols adjusted accordingly.
Strong Migration Limit for Games in Structured Populations: Applications to Dominance Hierarchy and Set Structure
Authors: Kroumi Dhaker , Lessard Sabin
Published: September 2015

In this paper, we deduce a condition for a strategy S1 to be more abundant on average at equilibrium under weak selection than another strategy S2 in a population structured into a finite number of colonies of fixed proportions as the population size tends to infinity. It is assumed that one individual reproduces at a time with some probability depending on the payoff received in pairwise interactions within colonies and between colonies and that the offspring replaces one individual chosen at random in the colony into which the offspring migrates. It is shown that an expected weighted average equilibrium frequency of S1 under weak symmetric strategy mutation between S1 and S2 is increased by weak selection if an expected weighted payoff of S1 near neutrality exceeds the corresponding expected weighted payoff of S2. The weights are given in terms of reproductive values of individuals in the different colonies in the neutral model. This condition for S1 to be favoured by weak selection is obtained from a strong migration limit of the genealogical process under neutrality for a sample of individuals, which is proven using a two-time scale argument. The condition is applied to games between individuals in colonies with linear or cyclic dominance and between individuals belonging to groups represented by subsets of a given set.
Bargaining Mechanisms for One-Way Games
Authors: Abeliuk Andrés , Berbeglia Gerardo , Van Hentenryck Pascal
Published: September 2015

We introduce one-way games, a two-player framework whose distinguishable feature is that the private payoff of one (independent) player is determined only by her own strategy and does not depend on the actions taken by the other (dependent) player. We show that the equilibrium outcome in one-way games without side payments and the social cost of any ex post efficient mechanism can be far from the optimum. We also show that it is impossible to design a Bayes–Nash incentive-compatible mechanism for one-way games that is budget-balanced, individually rational and efficient. To address this negative result, we propose a privacy-preserving mechanism based on a single-offer bargaining made by the dependent player that leverages the intrinsic advantage of the independent player. In this setting the outside option of the dependent player is not known a priori; however, we show that the mechanism satisfies individual rationality conditions, is incentive-compatible, budget-balanced and produces an outcome that is more efficient than the equilibrium without payments. Finally, we show that a randomized multi-offer extension brings no additional benefit in terms of efficiency.
Nutrition Promotion to Prevent Obesity in Young Adults
Authors: Allman-Farinelli Margaret
Published: September 2015

Young adulthood is a vulnerable period for weight gain and the health consequences of becoming obese during this life-stage of serious concern. Some unhealthy dietary habits are typical of young adults in many developed nations encountering the obesity epidemic. These include high sugar-sweetened beverage consumption, lower vegetable intake and greater consumption of foods prepared outside the home including fast foods. Each of these dietary behaviours may place young adults at increased risk for overweight and obesity. Evidence suggests many young adults with unhealthy nutrition behaviours are not considering nor preparing to make changes. To improve their nutrition and health as they progress through the lifecycle requires approaches specifically targeted to this age group. Strategies and programs should include both individual level and population approaches. The evidence base for prevention of weight gain and halting overweight and obesity in young adulthood is currently small with few studies of high quality. Studies modifying food environments in colleges and universities are also of limited quality, but sufficiently promising to conduct further research employing better, more sophisticated, study designs and additionally to include health outcome measures. More research into programs tailored to the needs of young adults is warranted with several studies already underway.
Sensitization Rates for Various Allergens in Children with Allergic Rhinitis in Qingdao, China
Authors: Lin Hang , Lin Rongjun , Li Na
Published: September 2015

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of sensitization to common allergens in children with allergic rhinitis (AR) living in Qingdao, China. We conducted a retrospective analysis for AR cases, who underwent skin prick tests (SPT) in Qingdao. A total of 2841 children with AR qualified for the inclusion criteria (Age 3–5 years: 1500 children; Age 6–12 years: 1341 children). The most common inhaled allergens to which the AR children were sensitive were Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (69.3%), Dermatophagoides farinae (66.2%) and mould 1 (Penicillium notatum 38.9%); while the corresponding ingested allergens were mussel (39.2%), shrimp (36.3%) and carp (36.5%). The prevalence of sensitization to inhaled allergens and food allergens was higher in children >6 years of age as compared to that in children 3–5 years of age (all p < 0.05). Children >6 years old were more sensitive to dust mite as compared to children 3–5 years old (p < 0.05). Sensitization to dust mite was more common in males than in females (p = 0.05). In this study, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae were the most common allergens causing AR in children in Qingdao, China. Older children with AR, particularly males, were found to be more sensitive to dust mite.
Indicators for Environment Health Risk Assessment in the Jiangsu Province of China
Authors: Zhang Shujie , Wei Zhengzheng , Liu Wenliang , Yao Ling , Suo Wenyu , Xing Jingjing , Huang Bingzhao , Jin Di , Wang Jiansheng
Published: September 2015

According to the framework of “Pressure-State-Response”, this study established an indicator system which can reflect comprehensive risk of environment and health for an area at large scale. This indicator system includes 17 specific indicators covering social and economic development, pollution emission intensity, air pollution exposure, population vulnerability, living standards, medical and public health, culture and education. A corresponding weight was given to each indicator through Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. Comprehensive risk assessment of the environment and health of 58 counties was conducted in the Jiangsu province, China, and the assessment result was divided into four types according to risk level. Higher-risk counties are all located in the economically developed southern region of Jiangsu province and relatively high-risk counties are located along the Yangtze River and Xuzhou County and its surrounding areas. The spatial distribution of relatively low-risk counties is dispersive, and lower-risk counties mainly located in the middle region where the economy is somewhat weaker in the province. The assessment results provide reasonable and scientific basis for Jiangsu province Government in formulating environment and health policy. Moreover, it also provides a method reference for the comprehensive risk assessment of environment and health within a large area (provinces, regions and countries).
“An Environment Built to Include Rather than Exclude Me”: Creating Inclusive Environments for Human Well-Being
Authors: Layton Natasha , Steel Emily
Published: September 2015

Contemporary discourses which challenge the notion of health as the “absence of disease” are prompting changes in health policy and practice. People with disability have been influential in progressing our understanding of the impact of contextual factors in individual and population health, highlighting the impact of environmental factors on functioning and inclusion. The World Health Organization’s (WHO) more holistic definition of health as “wellbeing” is now applied in frameworks and legislation, and has long been understood in occupational therapy theory. In practice, however, occupational therapists and other professionals often address only local and individual environmental factors to promote wellbeing, within systems and societies that limit equity in population health and restrict inclusion in communities. This paper presents an in-depth analysis of the supports and accommodations identified by a cohort of individuals (n-100) living with disability. A range of environmental facilitators and barriers were identified in peoples’ experience of “inclusive community environs” and found to influence inclusion and wellbeing. The roles and responsibilities of individuals, professionals, and society to enact change in environments are discussed in light of these findings. Recommendations include a focus on the subjective experience of environments, and application of theory from human rights and inclusive economics to address the multiple dimensions and levels of environments in working towards inclusion and wellbeing.
OGC Consensus: How Successful Standards Are Made
Authors: Reed Carl , Buehler Kurt , McKee Lance
Published: September 2015

This paper describes the history, background, and current status of the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) standards development consensus process. The roots of the formation of the OGC lie in the early 1990s when a very strong market requirement for exchanging GIS data content was clearly stated. At that time, each GIS vendor had their own formats for publishing and/or exchanging their GIS data. There was no mechanism or organization that provided a forum for the GIS vendors and GIS data users to collaborate and agree on how to share GIS data. That requirement, along with the vision of a few individuals, led to the formation of the OGC. This paper describes the early development of the consensus process in the OGC, how this process has evolved over time, why consensus is so important for defining open standards that are implemented in the marketplace, and the future of the OGC consensus process.
Dynamically Integrating OSM Data into a Borderland Database
Authors: Zhou Xiaoguang , Zeng Lu , Jiang Yu , Zhou Kaixuan , Zhao Yijiang
Published: September 2015

Spatial data are fundamental for borderland analyses of geography, natural resources, demography, politics, economy, and culture. As the spatial data used in borderland research usually cover the borderland regions of several neighboring countries, it is difficult for anyone research institution of government to collect them. Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI) is a highly successful method for acquiring timely and detailed global spatial data at a very low cost. Therefore, VGI is a reasonable source of borderland spatial data. OpenStreetMap (OSM) is known as the most successful VGI resource. However, OSM's data model is far different from the traditional geographic information model. Thus, the OSM data must be converted in the scientist’s customized data model. Because the real world changes rapidly, the converted data must be updated incrementally. Therefore, this paper presents a method used to dynamically integrate OSM data into the borderland database. In this method, a basic transformation rule base is formed by comparing the OSM Map Feature description document and the destination model definitions. Using the basic rules, the main features can be automatically converted to the destination model. A human-computer interaction model transformation and a rule/automatic-remember mechanism are developed to interactively transfer the unusual features that cannot be transferred by the basic rules to the target model and to remember the reusable rules automatically. To keep the borderland database current, the global OsmChange daily diff file is used to extract the change-only information for the research region. To extract the changed objects in the region under study, the relationship between the changed object and the research region is analyzed considering the evolution of the involved objects. In addition, five rules are determined to select the objects and integrate the changed objects with multi-versions over time. The objects’ change-type evolution is analyzed, and seven rules are used to determine the change-type of the changed objects. Based on these rules and algorithms, we programmed an automatic (or semi-automatic) integrating and updating prototype system for the borderland database. The developed system was intensively tested using OSM data for Vietnam and Pakistan as the experimental data.
Different Roles of GRP78 on Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis in Cartilage Development
Authors: Xiong Zhangyuan , Jiang Rong , Li Xiangzhu , Liu Yanna , Guo Fengjin
Published: September 2015

Eukaryotic cells possess several mechanisms to adapt to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and thereby survive. ER stress activates a set of signaling pathways collectively termed as the unfolded protein response (UPR). We previously reported that Bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) mediates mild ER stress and activates UPR signal molecules in chondrogenesis. The mammalian UPR protects the cell against the stress of misfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum. Failure to adapt to ER stress causes the UPR to trigger apoptosis. Glucose regulated protein 78 (GRP78), as an important molecular chaperone in UPR signaling pathways, is responsible for binding to misfolded or unfolded protein during ER stress. However the influence on GRP78 in BMP2-induced chondrocyte differentiation has not yet been elucidated and the molecular mechanism underlyng these processes remain unexplored. Herein we demonstrate that overexpression of GRP78 enhanced cell proliferation in chondrocyte development with G1 phase advance, S phase increasing and G2-M phase transition. Furthermore, overexpression of GRP78 inhibited ER stress-mediated apoptosis and then reduced apoptosis in chondrogenesis induced by BMP2, as assayed by cleaved caspase3, caspase12, C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP/DDIT3/GADD153), p-JNK (phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinase) expression during the course of chondrocyte differentiation by Western blot. In addition, flow cytometry (FCM) assay, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate-biotin nick end-labeling (TUNEL) assay and immune-histochemistry analysis also proved this result in vitro and in vivo. It was demonstrated that GRP78 knockdown via siRNA activated the ER stress-specific caspase cascade in developing chondrocyte tissue. Collectively, these findings reveal a novel critical role of GRP78 in regulating ER stress-mediated apoptosis in cartilage development and the molecular mechanisms involved.