bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Organ Segmentation in Poultry Viscera Using RGB-D
Authors: Philipsen Mark , Dueholm Jacob , Jørgensen Anders , Escalera Sergio , Moeslund Thomas
Published: January 2018

We present a pattern recognition framework for semantic segmentation of visual structures, that is, multi-class labelling at pixel level, and apply it to the task of segmenting organs in the eviscerated viscera from slaughtered poultry in RGB-D images. This is a step towards replacing the current strenuous manual inspection at poultry processing plants. Features are extracted from feature maps such as activation maps from a convolutional neural network (CNN). A random forest classifier assigns class probabilities, which are further refined by utilizing context in a conditional random field. The presented method is compatible with both 2D and 3D features, which allows us to explore the value of adding 3D and CNN-derived features. The dataset consists of 604 RGB-D images showing 151 unique sets of eviscerated viscera from four different perspectives. A mean Jaccard index of 78.11 % is achieved across the four classes of organs by using features derived from 2D, 3D and a CNN, compared to 74.28 % using only basic 2D image features.
PLS and OPLS Discriminatory Analyses on Political Sustainability in Taiwan
Authors: Wu Shianghau , Guo Jiannjong
Published: January 2018

Political sustainability relates to successful governance. The general public’s satisfaction is vital to political sustainability. In this paper, we propose to use the general public’s satisfaction as the proxy and utilize the partial least squares discriminatory (PLS-DA) model and orthogonal partial least squares discriminatory (OPLS-DA) model to explore the factors that affect political sustainability in Taiwan. The results of the PLS-DA and OPLS-DA models vindicate that the satisfaction with the integrity performance of the central government, the satisfaction with the central government’s modus operandi on food safety, and the satisfaction with the central government’s policies on the twelve years primary education reform influence the Taiwanese civilians’ satisfaction with the central government, which is closely related to political sustainability. This offers us the insights on political sustainability in Taiwan.
Possibilities of Using the Tourism Area Life Cycle Model to Understand and Provide Sustainable Solution for Tourism Development in the Antarctic Region
Authors: Kruczek Zygmunt , Kruczek Zygmunt , Kruczek Michał , Szromek Adam R.
Published: January 2018

An important problem for the development of tourism in the polar regions is the determination of the limit of tourist traffic that these regions can accept, without risking the degradation of the environment. One such region is Antarctica. This article describes the environmental conditions of Antarctica that decide its attractiveness for tourists, as well as its political and legal status. The factors that determine a tourist reception area of increasing intensity are analyzed. Based on the data of the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO), the volume of tourist traffic was determined, and environmental problems identified, which result from tourism development in Antarctica. The model of R.W. Butler—Tourism Area Life Cycle (TALC)—was used to analyze the development of tourism. By the middle of the second decade of the 21st century, the number of tourists in the Antarctic region exceeded 40 thousand, which seems to be the largest figure (the “boom phase” in the Butler cycle) in sheer numbers, and which resulted in the introduction of less tourist-friendly behavior, from the point of view of environmental protection. On the basis of IAATO data, the environmental problems that are a consequence of the development of tourism in Antarctica are identified. Reference is made to climate change affecting the area, and on the basis of the Butler cycle, the hypothetical limits of the further development of tourism are described.
Algerian Carob Tree Products: A Comprehensive Valorization Analysis and Future Prospects
Authors: Mahtout Rosa , Ortiz-Martínez Víctor , Salar-García María , Gracia Isabel , Hernández-Fernández Francisco , Pérez de los Ríos Antonia , Zaidia Farid , Sanchez-Segado Sergio , Lozano-Blanco Luis
Published: January 2018

This research presents a thorough analysis of the nutrients and anti-nutrients contained in different products from Algerian carob tree, Ceratonia siliqua L. (pod, pulp, seeds and leaves). Other parameters such as moisture, ash content and calorific value were also determined. The main purpose was to characterize these products derived from carob tree and analyze their possible valorization in several fields such as chemical, energy or medical industries. The results show that these products contain low amount of crude lipids (2.4–4.5%), moderate amounts of protein (4–7.4%) and high levels of total sugar (up to 66.6%). The compositional analysis reveals high nutritional values but, at the same time, it is also worth underscoring their high content in anti-nutrients: (i) trypsin inhibitor (6.4–7.3 mg·g−1); and (ii) phytic acid (0.6–0.94 mg·g−1). This work quantifies these two secondary metabolites in carob tree products for the first time. Finally, based on the results obtained, a process scheme is proposed for the complete use of carob tree products, including the use of anti-nutrients (trypsin inhibitors and phytic acid) for bio-medical applications since many research studies support that these compounds have great potential in this field.
Impact of Energy Consumption on Air Quality in Jiangsu Province of China
Authors: He Lingyun , Zhong Zhangqi , Yin Fang , Wang Deqing
Published: January 2018

Air quality has become an important sustainability concern for China’s highly developed economic regions. Taking Jiangsu Province as a case, this study investigates the effect of energy consumption on air quality when both considering and not considering control variables, such as industrial structure, energy consumption structure and energy efficiency from 2006 to 2015 and further explores the influence of the related policies on air quality and the relationship between energy consumption and air quality. One important finding is that the relationship between energy consumption and the air quality index of Jiangsu Province shows a U-shaped curve and it is now in the increasing part of the curve, which reveals the effectiveness of controlling energy consumption in improving air quality. Another important finding is that, when considering the effect of related polices, there is still a U-shaped curve relationship between energy consumption and air quality index, with the opening of curve becoming bigger and the influence of energy consumption on air quality becoming more obvious. Moreover, although air quality is improved whether considering policies separately or together, the effect of combined policies is better than is the effect of a separate policy. This not only reflects the effectiveness of related polices but also shows the importance of policy coordination. Furthermore, a 1% optimization of industrial structure inhibits air quality index by 0.0054%, while the relationship of energy efficiency and energy consumption structure with air quality is inconsistent with theoretical analysis. This implies that, in practice, there is still room for improvement in both energy saving and emission reduction and even in air quality improvement. This study may help the stakeholders, whether from Jiangsu Province, other provinces in China or other countries at the global level, identify the impacts of energy consumption on air quality and formulate effective energy saving and air quality improvement policies in conjunction with their economic characteristics.
Proactive versus Reactive Corporate Environmental Practices and Environmental Performance
Authors: Kim Kyungho
Published: January 2018

This study investigates how different types of corporate environmental practices affect environmental performance. This paper is theoretically anchored in the natural resource-based view and, methodologically, it applies the recently recommended disaggregated approach in a new effort to deepen our understanding of how environmental performance is associated with different types of corporate environmental practices. The results partially affirm the argument of the natural resource-based view that proactive corporate environmental practice leads to better environmental performance, whereas reactive corporate environmental practice is associated with worse environmental performance. However, the relationship between corporate environmental practices and environmental performance should be carefully interpreted, because the findings differ depending on how Kinder Lydenberg Domini (KLD) strength and concern rating scores are measured. The results further demonstrate that the disaggregate KLD environmental rating scores can be better alternative measures for corporate environmental practices than the commonly used composite and aggregate KLD rating scores, given that disaggregate KLD concern and strength scores represent independent rather than similar constructs. The findings are expected to help both theorists and practitioners achieve a more nuanced understanding of the measurement of environmental practices.
Study on Adaptive-Passive and Semi-Active Eddy Current Tuned Mass Damper with Variable Damping
Authors: Shi Weixing , Wang Liangkun , Lu Zheng , Gao Hui
Published: January 2018

Tuned mass damper (TMD) is a widely used vibration control device, consisting of a mass, some springs and damping elements. Viscous damper is mostly used as a damping element; however, it has many unsustainable problems, e.g., poor durability, sensitive to the change of temperature, difficult to adjust the damping, oil leakage etc. In this paper, a new sustainable adaptive-passive eddy current tuned mass damper (ECTMD) with variable damping, which is very easy to be further upgraded to a semi-active one, is proposed. Four important parameters, e.g., adsorption position of permanent magnets, thickness of the conductive plate, thickness of the extra steel plate and the air gap between permanent magnets and the conductive plate are investigated by a parametric study. Two new evaluation indexes are put forward to indicate the damping mechanism of the proposed device. The relationship between effective damping coefficient and air gap is fitted through a quadratic function. Then, the corresponding design method of the proposed adaptive–passive ECTMD is presented. At last, the previous adaptive–passive ECTMD is upgraded to a semi-active one, which can adjust its eddy current damping through adjusting its air gap in real-time, based on the linear-quadratic-Gaussian algorithm. The effectiveness of semi-active ECTMD is evaluated through harmonic excitations and human-induced excitations. The results show that the semi-active ECTMD with variable damping has a better vibration control effect than the optimized passive one.
Oleotourism as a Sustainable Product: An Analysis of Its Demand in the South of Spain (Andalusia)
Authors: Millán María , Pablo-Romero María , Sánchez-Rivas Javier
Published: January 2018

Olive oil has generated a new tourism offer in Spain called oleotourism. Visitors can enjoy landscapes of ancient olive groves and visit its oil mills called almazaras, to learn about its manufacture and to taste different oil varieties. Andalusia, located in the south of Spain, produces 60% of Spain’s olive oil, having the largest number of almazaras, and therefore most oleotourism offers. This differentiated tourism offer requires identifying the profile of oleotourists to determine sustainable strategies to increase demand without harming the local community. The objective of this study is to identify the Andalusian oleotourism offer according to the profile of oleotourists and project its demand evolution, in order to offer a sustainable product best suited to the demand. With this aim, three techniques are applied in this study: a random survey addressed to oleotourists in Andalusia, a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the oleotourism sector in the region, and finally, its demand is projected by using the ARIMA (autoregressive integrated moving average) model. The results indicate a favorable future scenario that should induce entrepreneurs and local authorities to invest in promoting and developing a product. Oleotourism is an alternative that can serve as a complement to agricultural income and generate employment.
A Note on Rectangular Partially Massless Fields
Authors: Basile Thomas
Published: January 2018

We study a class of non-unitary so ( 2 , d ) representations (for even values of d), describing mixed-symmetry partially massless fields which constitute natural candidates for defining higher-spin singletons of higher order. It is shown that this class of so ( 2 , d ) modules obeys of natural generalisation of a couple of defining properties of unitary higher-spin singletons. In particular, we find out that upon restriction to the subalgebra so ( 2 , d - 1 ) , these representations branch onto a sum of modules describing partially massless fields of various depths. Finally, their tensor product is worked out in the particular case of d = 4 , where the appearance of a variety of mixed-symmetry partially massless fields in this decomposition is observed.
Pixel-Wise vs. Object-Based Impervious Surface Analysis from Remote Sensing: Correlations with Land Surface Temperature and Population Density
Authors: Wei Chunzhu , Blaschke Thomas
Published: January 2018

Impervious surface areas (ISA) are heavily influenced by urban structure and related structural features. We examined the effects of object-based impervious surface spatial pattern analysis on land surface temperature and population density in Guangzhou, China, in comparison to classic per-pixel analyses. An object-based support vector machine (SVM) and a linear spectral mixture analysis (LSMA) were integrated to estimate ISA fraction using images from the Chinese HJ-1B satellite for 2009 to 2011. The results revealed that the integrated object-based SVM-LSMA algorithm outperformed the traditional pixel-wise LSMA algorithm in classifying ISA fraction. More specifically, the object-based ISA spatial patterns extracted were more suitable than pixel-wise patterns for urban heat island (UHI) studies, in which the UHI areas (landscape surface temperature >37 °C) generally feature high ISA fraction values (ISA fraction >50%). In addition, the object-based spatial patterns enable us to quantify the relationship of ISA with population density (correlation coefficient >0.2 in general), with global human settlement density (correlation coefficient >0.2), and with night-time light map (correlation coefficient >0.4), and, whereas pixel-wise ISA did not yield significant correlations. These results indicate that object-based spatial patterns have a high potential for UHI detection and urbanization monitoring. Planning measures that aim to reduce the urbanization impacts and UHI intensities can be better supported.
Sustained IFN-I Expression during Established Persistent Viral Infection: A “Bad Seed” for Protective Immunity
Authors: Dagenais-Lussier Xavier , Loucif Hamza , Murira Armstrong , Laulhé Xavier , Stäger Simona , Lamarre Alain , Van Grevenynghe Julien
Published: January 2018

Type I interferons (IFN-I) are one of the primary immune defenses against viruses. Similar to all other molecular mechanisms that are central to eliciting protective immune responses, IFN-I expression is subject to homeostatic controls that regulate cytokine levels upon clearing the infection. However, in the case of established persistent viral infection, sustained elevation of IFN-I expression bears deleterious effects to the host and is today considered as the major driver of inflammation and immunosuppression. In fact, numerous emerging studies place sustained IFN-I expression as a common nexus in the pathogenesis of multiple chronic diseases including persistent infections with the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), as well as the rodent-borne lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus clone 13 (LCMV clone 13). In this review, we highlight recent studies illustrating the molecular dysregulation and resultant cellular dysfunction in both innate and adaptive immune responses driven by sustained IFN-I expression. Here, we place particular emphasis on the efficacy of IFN-I receptor (IFNR) blockade towards improving immune responses against viral infections given the emerging therapeutic approach of blocking IFNR using neutralizing antibodies (Abs) in chronically infected patients.
Analyses of Tissue Culture Adaptation of Human Herpesvirus-6A by Whole Genome Deep Sequencing Redefines the Reference Sequence and Identifies Virus Entry Complex Changes
Authors: Tweedy Joshua , Escriva Eric , Topf Maya , Gompels Ursula
Published: January 2018

Tissue-culture adaptation of viruses can modulate infection. Laboratory passage and bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC)mid cloning of human cytomegalovirus, HCMV, resulted in genomic deletions and rearrangements altering genes encoding the virus entry complex, which affected cellular tropism, virulence, and vaccine development. Here, we analyse these effects on the reference genome for related betaherpesviruses, Roseolovirus, human herpesvirus 6A (HHV-6A) strain U1102. This virus is also naturally “cloned” by germline subtelomeric chromosomal-integration in approximately 1% of human populations, and accurate references are key to understanding pathological relationships between exogenous and endogenous virus. Using whole genome next-generation deep-sequencing Illumina-based methods, we compared the original isolate to tissue-culture passaged and the BACmid-cloned virus. This re-defined the reference genome showing 32 corrections and 5 polymorphisms. Furthermore, minor variant analyses of passaged and BACmid virus identified emerging populations of a further 32 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 10 loci, half non-synonymous indicating cell-culture selection. Analyses of the BAC-virus genome showed deletion of the BAC cassette via loxP recombination removing green fluorescent protein (GFP)-based selection. As shown for HCMV culture effects, select HHV-6A SNPs mapped to genes encoding mediators of virus cellular entry, including virus envelope glycoprotein genes gB and the gH/gL complex. Comparative models suggest stabilisation of the post-fusion conformation. These SNPs are essential to consider in vaccine-design, antimicrobial-resistance, and pathogenesis.
Correction: Zablocki, O.; et al. Diversity of dsDNA Viruses in a South African Hot Spring Assessed by Metagenomics and Microscopy. Viruses 2017, 9, 348
Authors: Zablocki Olivier , Van Zyl Leonardo , Kirby Bronwyn , Trindade Marla
Published: January 2018

The authors wish to make the following changes to their paper [...]
Transmission of Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus in the Immunocompromised Ferret Model
Authors: De Waal Leon , Smits Saskia L. , Veldhuis Kroeze Edwin J. B. , Van Amerongen Geert , Pohl Marie O. , Osterhaus Albert D. M. E. , Stittelaar Koert J.
Published: January 2018

Human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) causes substantial morbidity and mortality in vulnerable patients, such as the very young, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals of any age. Nosocomial transmission of HRSV remains a serious challenge in hospital settings, with intervention strategies largely limited to infection control measures, including isolation of cases, high standards of hand hygiene, cohort nursing, and use of personal protective equipment. No vaccines against HRSV are currently available, and treatment options are largely supportive care and expensive monoclonal antibody or antiviral therapy. The limitations of current animal models for HRSV infection impede the development of new preventive and therapeutic agents, and the assessment of their potential for limiting HRSV transmission, in particular in nosocomial settings. Here, we demonstrate the efficient transmission of HRSV from immunocompromised ferrets to both immunocompromised and immunocompetent contact ferrets, with pathological findings reproducing HRSV pathology in humans. The immunocompromised ferret-HRSV model represents a novel tool for the evaluation of intervention strategies against nosocomial transmission of HRSV.
Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma in a European Lynx (Lynx Lynx): Papillomavirus Infection and Histologic Analysis
Authors: Altamura Gennaro , Eleni Claudia , Meoli Roberta , Cardeti Giusy , Friedrich Klaus , Borzacchiello Giuseppe
Published: January 2018

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a common finding in domestic and wild felids. Only two cases of oral SCC have been reported in Lynx species (Lynx rufus and Lynx canadensis), at mandibular and gingival sites. In this study, we describe the first report of tongue SCC in a 15 years old female European lynx (Lynx lynx), along with viral investigations. Necropsy and histological analysis were performed and the presence of papillomavirus (PV) infection was investigated by ultrastructural and molecular methods. The lardaceous mass at tongue level was histologically diagnosed as moderately differentiated SCC. Typical microscopical features of SCC were also found in the retropharyngeal lymph node and at the pulmonary level. Neither viral DNA by PCR, nor viral particles by transmission electron microscopy were found. Despite that PV infection is associated with Felidae, this work reports the first description of tongue SCC in Lynx species, but no evidence of PV infection, suggesting that PV may not be involved in development of SCC in bobcat species.
Commemorating Dr. Gudmundur “Bo” Bodvarsson (1951–2006), a Leader of the Deep Unsaturated Flow and Transport Investigations
Authors: Tsang Chin-Fu , Lippmann Marcelo , Dobson Patrick , Tsang Yvonne , Faybishenko Boris , Benson Sally , Birkholzer Jens , Finsterle Stefan , Hawkes Daniel , Hubbard Susan , Kneafsey Timothy , Liu Hui-Hai , Oldenburg Curtis , Pruess Karsten , Sonnenthal Eric , Villavert Maryann , Wang Joseph , Wu Yu-Shu , Zimmerman Robert
Published: January 2018

The Special Issue “Water and Solute Transport in Vadose Zone” in the journal Water is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Gudmundur “Bo” Bodvarsson, the former director of the Earth Sciences Division of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (http://eesa.lbl.gov/profiles/gudmundur-bo-sbodvarsson/).[...]
Operating Cost Coverage vs. Water Utility Complaints
Authors: Tsagarakis Konstantinos
Published: January 2018

In addressing the topic of decision making in the water sector, what has been suggested to be useful up to this point is benchmarking. This paper aims at exploring the relationship between the Operating Cost Coverage Index and customer complaints about water and wastewater services for 1898 water utilities in 11 countries, i.e., Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Lithuania, Peru, Poland, Russia, Serbia, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The data used are the most recent available per country through the International Benchmarking Network for Water and Sanitation Utilities (2013–2016). In order to examine the aforementioned relationship and further reveal the key policy messages that are derived by this analysis, parametric and non-parametric group comparisons are employed. The results of those comparisons concerning the two examined indicators of this study consist of two main findings: The first sheds light on the rational argument that well performing utilities open their data to others—at least more so than those not performing as well. The second is that there could be an association between financial performance and the complaints received about water and wastewater services, but this finding requires further investigation.
Parameter Estimation of Water Quality Models Using an Improved Multi-Objective Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Wang Yulin , Hua Zulin , Wang Liang
Published: January 2018

Water quality models are of great importance for developing policies to control water pollution, with the model parameters playing a decisive role in the simulation results. It is necessary to introduce estimation through multi-objective parameters, which is often affected by noise in the data, into water quality models. This paper presents a multi-objective particle swarm optimization algorithm, which is based on the Mahalanobis distance operation, mechanism of cardinality preference and advection-diffusion operator. The Mahalanobis distance operation can effectively reduce the influence of noise in the data on model calibration. The mechanism of cardinality preference and the use of the advection-diffusion operator can prevent non-dominated solutions from falling into the local optimum. Four cases were used to test the proposed approach. The first two cases with true Pareto fronts show that this approach can accurately estimate the true Pareto front with a good distribution, even in the presence of noise. Furthermore, the application of the approach was tested by the O’Connor model and Crops of Engineers Integrated Compartment Water Quality Model. We show that our approach can produce satisfactory results for the multi-objective calibration of complex water quality models. In general, the proposed approach can provide accurate and efficient parameter estimation in water quality models.
MicroRNA-103 Promotes Proliferation and Inhibits Apoptosis in Spinal Osteosarcoma Cells by Targeting p57
Authors: Wang Xuesong , Lin Yong , Peng Lei , Sun Ruifu , Gong Xiaojin , Du Jinlong , Zhang Xiugong
Published: January 2018

Osteosarcoma is one of the most aggressive malignancies with poor prognosis rates. Many studies have demonstrated that miRNAs were involved in osteosarcoma, but the role of miR-103a in osteosarcoma remains elusive. In this study, we detected the expression levels of miR-103 in osteosarcoma
and non-osteosarcoma tissues and cell lines. The binding effect of miR-103 on p57 was detected by luciferase reporter assay. After altering expressions of miR-103 or p57, viability, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of MG63 cells and expressions of proteins related with the JNK/STAT and mTOR
pathways were all detected. We found the higher expression of miR-103 in osteosarcoma tissues and cell lines compared with non-osteosarcoma tissues and cell lines. miR-103 overexpression promoted survival, migration, and invasion of MG63 cells. Knockdown of miR-103a inhibited cell survival,
migration, and invasion by upregulating the expression of p57, which was a target of miR-103. Moreover, miR-103a overexpression activated the JNK/STAT and mTOR pathways probably through inhibiting p57 expression. In conclusion, miR-103a acted as an oncogene in osteosarcoma, probably through activating the JNK/STAT and mTOR pathways by inhibiting p57 expression.
miR-346 Promotes HCC Progression by Suppressing Breast Cancer Metastasis Suppressor 1 Expression
Authors: Guo Zhixian , Li Jingjing , Sun Jihong , Sun Lu , Zhou Yubing , Yu Zujiang
Published: January 2018

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide. MicroRNA (miRNA), a class of noncoding single-stranded RNA molecules, is involved in regulating cancer cell proliferation, metastasis, migration, invasion, and apoptosis. We showed that the expression
of miR-346 was significantly increased in HCC tissues and cell lines, compared with noncancerous controls, and was associated with poor prognosis. Overexpression of miR-346 promoted proliferation and inhibited apoptosis of SMMC-7721 cells, while knockdown of miR-346 significantly suppressed
proliferation and induced apoptosis of HepG2 cells. Then we identified breast cancer metastasis suppressor 1 (BRMS1) as a direct target of miR-346 based on luciferase reporter assays. There was a negative correlation between miR-346 and BRMS1 expression at both the protein and mRNA levels.
Furthermore, inhibition of BRMS1 expression reversed the tumor-suppression effects of miR-346 downregulation in HepG2 cells. These results indicate that miR-346 promotes HCC progression by regulating BRMS1 expression.
T-box Transcription Factor Tbx3 Contributes to Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Migration and Invasion by Repressing E-Cadherin Expression
Authors: Feng Xianguang , Yao Wenhuan , Zhang Zengzhen , Yuan Fangshui , Liang Li , Zhou Jingqiang , Liu Shuang , Song Jiqing
Published: January 2018

Tbx3, a member of the T-box family of transcription factors, contributes directly to tumor formation, migration, and invasion. However, the role of Tbx3 in the metastasis of HCC remains unclear. In the present study, Tbx3 expression was detected in HCC tissues and cells by Western blot,
and Tbx3 expression was regulated by use of siRNAs or lentivirus-mediated vectors. Here we found that Tbx3 protein expression increased in HCC tissues and cell lines. Tbx3 expression was positively associated with multiple tumor nodes, venous infiltration, and advanced TNM tumor stage. Survival
analysis demonstrated that Tbx3 expression was an independent prognostic factor for HCC patients. In vitro assays further validated that Tbx3 indeed prompted HCC cell migration and invasion. In addition, Tbx3 expression was negatively related with E-cadherin expression in HCC tissues. Mechanically,
Tbx3 inhibited the expression of E-cadherin, and then facilitated epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) of HCC cells. Furthermore, the effect of Tbx3 knockdown on HCC cells was attenuated by E-cadherin knockdown. In conclusion, Tbx3 may be a novel prognostic factor, and it contributes
to HCC cell migration, invasion, and EMT by repressing E-cadherin expression. Thus, Tbx3 may be recommended as a therapeutic target for HCC patients.
Optical and Radio Observations of the T Tauri Binary KH 15D (V582 Mon): Stellar Properties, Disk Mass Limit, and Discovery of a CO Outflow
Authors: Aronow Rachel A. , Herbst William , Hughes A. Meredith , Wilner David J. , Winn Joshua N.
Published: January 2018

We present VRIJHK photometry of the KH 15D T Tauri binary system for the 2015/2016 and 2016/2017 observing seasons. For the first time in the modern (CCD) era, we are seeing Star B fully emerge from behind the trailing edge of the precessing circumbinary ring during each apastron passage. We are, therefore, able to measure its luminosity and color. Decades of photometry on the system now allow us to infer the effective temperature, radius, mass, and age of each binary component. We find our values to be in good agreement with previous studies, including archival photographic photometry from the era when both stars were fully visible, and they set the stage for a full model of the system that can be constructed once radial velocity measurements are available. We also present the first high-sensitivity radio observations of the system, taken with the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array and the Submillimeter Array. The respective 2.0 and 0.88 mm observations provide an upper limit on the circumbinary (gas and dust) disk mass of 1.7 M
Jup and reveal an extended CO outflow, which overlaps with the position, systemic velocity, and orientation of the KH 15D system and is certainly associated with it. The low velocity, tight collimation, and extended nature of the emission suggest that the outflow is inclined nearly orthogonal to the line of sight, implying it is also orthogonal to the circumbinary ring. The position angle of the radio outflow also agrees precisely with the direction of polarization of the optical emission during the faint phase. A small offset between the optical image of the binary and the central line of the CO outflow remains a puzzle and possible clue to the jet launching mechanism.
Young Cluster Berkeley 59: Properties, Evolution, and Star Formation
Authors: Panwar Neelam , Pandey A. K. , Samal Manash R. , Battinelli Paolo , Ogura K. , Ojha D. K. , Chen W. P. , Singh H. P.
Published: January 2018

Berkeley 59 is a nearby (∼1 kpc) young cluster associated with the Sh2-171 H ii region. We present deep optical observations of the central ∼2.5 × 2.5 pc2 area of the cluster, obtained with the 3.58 m Telescopio Nazionale Galileo. The V/(V–I) color–magnitude diagram manifests a clear pre-main-sequence (PMS) population down to ∼0.2 M
⊙. Using the near-infrared and optical colors of the low-mass PMS members, we derive a global extinction of A

V
 = 4 mag and a mean age of ∼1.8 Myr, respectively, for the cluster. We constructed the initial mass function and found that its global slopes in the mass ranges of 0.2–28 M
⊙ and 0.2–1.5 M
⊙ are −1.33 and −1.23, respectively, in good agreement with the Salpeter value in the solar neighborhood. We looked for the radial variation of the mass function and found that the slope is flatter in the inner region than in the outer region, indicating mass segregation. The dynamical status of the cluster suggests that the mass segregation is likely primordial. The age distribution of the PMS sources reveals that the younger sources appear to concentrate close to the inner region compared to the outer region of the cluster, a phenomenon possibly linked to the time evolution of star-forming clouds. Within the observed area, we derive a total mass of ∼103
M
⊙ for the cluster. Comparing the properties of Berkeley 59 with other young clusters, we suggest it resembles more closely the Trapezium cluster.
Lifting Transit Signals from the Kepler Noise Floor. I. Discovery of a Warm Neptune
Authors: Kunimoto Michelle , Matthews Jaymie M. , Rowe Jason F. , Hoffman Kelsey
Published: January 2018

Light curves from the 4-year Kepler exoplanet hunting mission have been searched for transits by NASA’s Kepler team and others, but there are still important discoveries to be made. We have searched the light curves of 400 Kepler Objects of Interest (KOIs) to find transit signals down to signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) ∼ 6, which is under the limit of S/N ∼ 7.1 that has been commonly adopted as a strict threshold to distinguish between a transit candidate and false alarm. We detect four new and convincing planet candidates ranging in radius from near-Mercury-size to slightly larger than Neptune. We highlight the discovery of KOI-408.05 (period = 637 days; radius = 4.9 R
⊕; incident flux = 0.6 S
⊕), a planet candidate within its host star’s Habitable Zone. We dub this planet a “warm Neptune,” a likely volatile-rich world that deserves closer inspection. KOI-408.05 joins 21 other confirmed and candidate planets in the current Kepler sample with semimajor axes a > 1.4 au. These discoveries are significant as a demonstration that the S/N threshold for detection used by the Kepler project is open to debate.
A Comparison of the X-Ray Emission from Tidal Disruption Events with those of Active Galactic Nuclei
Authors: Auchettl Katie , Ramirez-Ruiz Enrico , Guillochon James
Published: January 2018

One of the main challenges of current tidal disruption events (TDEs) studies is that emission arising from active galactic nucleus (AGN) activity may potentially mimic the expected X-ray emission of a TDE. Here we compare the X-ray properties of TDEs and AGNs to determine a set of characteristics that would allow us to discriminate between flares arising from these two objects. We find that at peak, TDEs are brighter than AGNs found at similar redshifts. However, compared to pre-flare upper limits, highly variable AGNs can produce flares of a similar order of magnitude as those seen from X-ray TDEs. Nevertheless, TDEs decay significantly more monotonically, and their emission exhibits little variation in spectral hardness as a function of time. We also find that X-ray TDEs are less absorbed, and their emission is much softer than the emission detected from AGNs found at similar redshifts. We derive the X-ray luminosity function (LF) for X-ray TDEs using the events from Auchettl et al. Interestingly, our X-ray LF closely matches the theoretically derived LF by Milosavljević et al., which assumes a higher TDE rate currently estimated from observations. Using our results and the results of Stone & Metzger, we estimate a TDE rate of (0.7–4.7) × 10−4 year−1 per galaxy, higher than current observational estimates. We find that TDEs can contribute significantly to the LF of AGNs for z ≲ 0.4, while there is no evidence that TDEs influence the growth of 106–7
M
⊙ BHs. However, BHs < 106
M
⊙ can grow from TDEs arising from super-Eddington accretion without contributing significantly to the observed AGN LF at z = 0.
Three-dimensional Forward-fit Modeling of the Hard X-Ray and Microwave Emissions of the 2015 June 22 M6.5 Flare
Authors: Kuroda Natsuha , Gary Dale E. , Wang Haimin , Fleishman Gregory D. , Nita Gelu M. , Jing Ju
Published: January 2018

The well-established notion of a “common population” of the accelerated electrons simultaneously producing the hard X-ray (HXR) and microwave (MW) emission during the flare impulsive phase has been challenged by some studies reporting the discrepancies between the HXR-inferred and MW-inferred electron energy spectra. The traditional methods of spectral inversion have some problems that can be mainly attributed to the unrealistic and oversimplified treatment of the flare emission. To properly address this problem, we use a nonlinear force-free field (NLFFF) model extrapolated from an observed photospheric magnetogram as input to the three-dimensional, multiwavelength modeling platform GX Simulator and create a unified electron population model that can simultaneously reproduce the observed HXR and MW observations. We model the end of the impulsive phase of the 2015 June 22 M6.5 flare and constrain the modeled electron spatial and energy parameters using observations made by the highest-resolving instruments currently available in two wavelengths, the Reuven Ramaty High Energy Solar Spectroscopic Imager for HXR and the Expanded Owens Valley Solar Array for MW. Our results suggest that the HXR-emitting electron population model fits the standard flare model with a broken power-law spectrum (

keV) that simultaneously produces the HXR footpoint emission and the MW high-frequency emission. The model also includes an “HXR-invisible” population of nonthermal electrons that are trapped in a large volume of magnetic field above the HXR-emitting loops, which is observable by its gyrosynchrotron radiation emitting mainly in the MW low-frequency range.
Cosmic Shear with Einstein Rings
Authors: Birrer Simon , Refregier Alexandre , Amara Adam
Published: January 2018

We explore a new technique to measure cosmic shear using Einstein rings. In Birrer et al., we showed that the detailed modeling of Einstein rings can be used to measure external shear to high precision. In this Letter, we explore how a collection of Einstein rings can be used as a statistical probe of cosmic shear. We present a forecast of the cosmic shear information available in Einstein rings for different strong lensing survey configurations. We find that, assuming that the number density of Einstein rings in the COSMOS survey is representative, future strong lensing surveys should have a cosmological precision comparable to the current ground-based weak lensing surveys. We discuss how this technique is complementary to the standard cosmic shear analyses since it is sensitive to different systematics and can be used for cross-calibration.
Large Magneto-ionic Variations toward the Galactic Center Magnetar, PSR J1745-2900
Authors: Desvignes G. , Eatough R. P. , Pen U. L. , Lee K. J. , Mao S. A. , Karuppusamy R. , Schnitzeler D. H. F. M. , Falcke H. , Kramer M. , Wucknitz O. , Spitler L. G. , Torne P. , Liu K. , Bower G. C. , Cognard I. , Lyne A. G. , Stappers B. W.
Published: January 2018

Polarized radio emission from PSR J1745−2900 has already been used to investigate the strength of the magnetic field in the Galactic center (GC), close to Sagittarius A*. Here we report how persistent radio emission from this magnetar, for over four years since its discovery, has revealed large changes in the observed Faraday rotation measure (RM), by up to 3500 rad m−2 (a 5% fractional change). From simultaneous analysis of the dispersion measure, we determine that these fluctuations are dominated by variations in either the projected magnetic field or the free electron content within the GC, along the changing line of sight to the rapidly moving magnetar. From a structure function analysis of RM variations, and a recent epoch of rapid change of RM, we determine a minimum scale of magneto-ionic fluctuations of size ∼2 au at the GC distance, inferring PSR J1745−2900 is just ∼0.1 pc behind an additional scattering screen.
The Role of Complex Treatment in Mixed Leg Ulcers – A Case Report of Vascular, Surgical and Physical Therapy
Authors: Wollina Uwe , Heinig Birgit , Stelzner Christian , Hansel Gesina , Schönlebe Jacqueline , Tchernev Georgi , Lotti Torello
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND: Leg ulcers are a burden to patients, their families and society. The second most common cause of chronic leg ulcers is the mixed arterio-venous type. An 80-year-old female patient presented to our department due to painful enlarging chronic leg ulcer of mixed arteriovenous origin on her left lower leg. She suffered from peripheral arterial occlusive disease stage I and chronic venous insufficiency Widmer grade IIIa, and a number of comorbidities.AIM: The aim of our ulcer treatment was a complete and stable wound closure that was hampered by arterial occlusion, exposed tendon, and renal insiffuciency.CASE REPORT: To improve the prognosis for ulcer surgery, we performed percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, transcutaneous CO2 and deep ulcer shaving. The wound was closed by sandwich transplantation using elastin-collagen dermal template and meshed split skin graft. She had a 100% graft take with rapid reduction of severe wound pain.CONCLUSION: Complex approaches are necessary, to gain optimum results in leg ulcer therapy in mixed leg ulcers. Therapeutic nihilism should be abandonend.
Un théologien moderne : Claude Geffré
Authors: Glé Jean-Marie
Published: January 2018

Cet article rend hommage au dominicain Claude Geffré (23 jan. 1926 - 9 fév. 2017). Celui-ci a marqué la recherche théologique par une herméneutique de l’incarnation, trouvant son application dans une théologie des religions se refusant à confondre l’universalité du Christ, Verbe incarné, avec la tentation d’impérialisme inclusiviste du christianisme.
L’effet du stress aigu sur les stratégies de réponse en situation critique : le cas du crash Rio-Paris
Authors: Domergue François , Cros Sophie , Vraie Benoît
Published: January 2018

En situation critique, les connaissances et compétences acquises, provenant d’apprentissages antérieurs, devraient permettre aux individus d’identifier et de résoudre les anomalies. Cette étude met en évidence que cette logique décrite par les principales théories de l’apprentissage n’est pas respectée en situation de stress aigu. En analysant le cas du crash Rio-Paris, nous démontrons non seulement que, dans une telle situation, des opérateurs confirmés affichent un déni de la situation et ne sont pas en mesure de restituer leurs apprentissages, mais également mettons en évidence les éléments stressants à intégrer dans l’apprentissage.
La place des ‘risk managers’ dans l’organisation. Analyse sur la période d’émergence de la fonction ‘risk manager’ en France
Authors: Aubry Caroline
Published: January 2018

L’objectif de cet article est de comprendre, sur la période d’émergence de la fonction, la place des ‘risk managers’ dans l’organisation. Un cadre conceptuel construit à partir des travaux sur les services fonctionnels permet de l’analyser autour de deux dimensions : client, autorité. L’analyse réalisée à partir d’entretiens menés dans treize entreprises identifie l’individu ou le groupe d’individus pour lequel ils travaillent, détermine leur degré d’autorité dans le processus de décision et les facteurs de cette autorité, en propose une lecture autour de la légitimité.
Die « Ehe für alle » : quand l’Allemagne adopte le « mariage pour tous »
Authors: Francois Manon , Gaudin Bérénice , Jaegle Camille , Roland Églantine
Published: January 2018

Fruit d’une lente maturation entamée dès la dépénalisation de l’homosexualité en 1988, la reconnaissance des droits des homosexuels en Allemagne a enregistré, depuis les dernières décénnies, de grands progrès. Cette progression trouve un point d’achèvement dans la reconnaissance du droit pour les couples homosexuels de contracter mariage, réalisé par la loi du 20 juillet 2017.
Employability of higher education graduates in Portugal : trends and challenges in the beginning of the 21ST century
Authors: Alves Mariana Gaio , Morais César , Chaves Miguel
Published: January 2018

This paper focuses on the employability of graduates and assuming an approach in which em­ployability is understood as the result of the interaction between higher education and the labour market. This interaction is framed by various factors and variables including the ones related to the characteristics of the social and economic contexts and specific policies. Drawing on statis­tical data available from Eurostat and OECD the analysis intends to highlight the main trends concerning participation in higher education and involvement of graduates in the labour market in Portugal since the year 2000, taking into account how these trends converge (or not) with the ones observable at European level. Additionally, trends are contextualised in search of possible explanations, namely related to the ongoing global crisis that started in 2008 and to the debt crisis that has contributed to the deterioration of the social and economic situation in the country.
Ethical Issues in Qualitative Data Collection and Management
Authors: Sibinga Cees Th Smit
Published: January 2018

Qualitative data collection is largely defined by the personal experience and opinions of the examinee. The examinee is central in the approach, and not so much the researcher. The essence is a communication between the researcher and the examinee, where interpretation of both the questions asked and the answers provided serves the purpose of understanding. This type of research is interpretative and almost exclusively subjective, because the personal or subjective way of understanding and interpretation is central. However, there is certainly a serious possibility for external influence on the answers to be provided or even the way answers are interpreted. Additionally, there is a fair chance that the questions are phrased towards expected answers. There are various moments where ethics are paramount to the quality and acceptability of the research. To protect objectivity, ethical professionalism and professional morale are important. This chapter aims to describe and discuss ethical issues related to collection and management of data from qualitative research.
Ethical Issues in Qualitative Data Collection Among Vulnerable Populations in Healthcare Setting
Authors: Tong Seng Fah , Tong Wen Ting , Low Wah Yun
Published: January 2018

The chapter aims to highlight the ethical issues in qualitative data collection among vulnerable populations. Among the ethical issues are the conflict role of interviewers, adverse impact on future patient-therapist relationship, and emotional trauma both during and after data collection. The interviewers, usually healthcare providers, may subconsciously assume the role as a therapist during the interviews. Furthermore, the interviewers may encounter the participants (patients) in future clinical consultations; hence, information exchanges during the interviews could influence the therapeutic relationship. Recollection of experiences with an illness during the interviews can be a painful experience for patients. These ethical dilemmas can be addressed with appropriate sampling of participants and constant awareness of the researcher roles and relationships with the participants. Debriefing the participants with support is important to handle emotional upheavals.