bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Signifying, Narrativizing, and Repetition: Radical Approaches to Theorizing African American Language
Authors: Williams-Farrier Bonnie J.
Published: March 2017

Code-switching and code-meshing pedagogies, though they are two vastly different approaches, do not consider that some features of African American Verbal Tradition (AVT) are and/or have become rhetorically effective mainstream communication structures in academic writing. This article explores how teaching language/dialect difference in majority white school settings, using contrastive-analysis techniques such as code switching may have highly negative effects on African American Language (AAL) speakers. Code-switching maintains that AAL and other “non-standard” language varieties are only appropriate for use in the home or social settings. Thus, as an alternative to code-switching pedagogical practices, the author introduces a comparative approach that may be applied across all minority language groups. This technique highlights African and African American contributions to standardized American written communication structures and demonstrates the value of AVT in academic settings. In the accompanying lesson plan, students are invited to think about how the English language, as a field, is constantly evolving and changing in our diverse, ever-widening international community; they are then given opportunities to use various writing instruction pedagogies to articulate theories, histories, methods, and practices.
A Black Feminist Interpretation: Reading Life, Pedagogy, and Emilie
Authors: Gist Conra D.
Published: March 2017

This article examines the ways in which black feminism—as a concept, an applied theory, and a safety net—functions as a critical social theory designed to assist students in understanding the multiple ways that black and brown women are marginalized through institutionalized structures and practices. Drawing heavily upon the work of Patricia Hill Collins, this article defines and explains black feminist critical pedagogy arguing that it is a critical knowledge project that generates knowledge and creates theories that allow for analysis, critique, and evaluation of how black women are situated as social agents in society. Using the pocket diaries of Emilie Frances Davis, a 19th century freeborn woman, as both a teaching tool and a forensic historical investigatory tool, students will examine the ideas of black feminism and actively apply it as a lens to interpret essays, articles, video clips, and music lyrics. The lesson plan is also designed to provide students with foundational exposure and meaning making experiences in black feminist thought as research tool and as a system of thought for reading and interpreting texts and the social world. Additionally, this essay includes a second lesson plan developed by Karsonya Wise Whitehead (the author of Notes from a Colored Girl) that builds upon the author’s work to apply a black feminist lens to the work of Emilie Frances Davis.
Acute Flaccid Paralysis with Acute Encephalitis Syndrome at a tertiary care centre of eastern Nepal
Authors: Chaudhary Shipra , Singh Rupa Rajbhandari , Bhatta Nisha Keshary , Shah Gauri Shankar , Agrawal Jyoti
Published: March 2017

Background & Objectives: Acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) can have widely varied presentation. Hence this study was done to find out clinical features and outcome of Acute Enecphalitis Syndrome (AES) with Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP).Materials & Methods: A Prospective hospital-based study was carried out over one-year period, including all cases fulfilling AFP case definition. All cases of AFP meeting AES definition were further analysed in terms of history, clinical examination, investigations and outcome. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 17. Results: Out of total 43 children with AFP, 23 (53.5%) children  had AES. Amongst AFP with AES, altered mental status and seizures were present in 87% and 74% respectively. The mean Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) was 7.61±3.65. Predominant weakness pattern was quadriparesis (87%). Cerebrospinal fluid was abnormal in 11 (47.9%) children with Japanese encephalitis (JE) positive 8.7%. Amongst 60.9% children with complications, respiratory failure (52.1%) was the most common. During 60-day follow-up, 11 (47.9%) children expired while 2 (8.7%) still had residual paralysis. Conclusion: AES is one of the common causes of AFP besides other causes. AFP with AES is commonly associated with quadriparesis, low GCS, respiratory complications, neurological sequelae and a high mortality. Thus, this study stresses upon the importance of AES surveillance along with AFP surveillance.
The Importance of Context: Assessing the Benefits and Limitations of Participatory Mapping for Empowering Indigenous Communities in the Comarca Ngäbe-Buglé, Panama
Authors: Smith Derek A. , Ibáñez Alicia , Herrera Francisco
Published: March 2017

Indigenous communities have been involved in participatory mapping projects to protect their territories and manage their resources for decades. However, while tremendous advances have been achieved in many settings, the use of maps by indigenous peoples is very uneven. Here we present the case of a team of university researchers, indigenous students, and local investigators who used a participatory approach to map cultural landscapes and mature forest cover in the Comarca Ngäbe-Buglé of Panama. This article examines the success and limitations of efforts to empower indigenous people in the region to use mapping tools for conservation and resource management. The project, while it provides a useful example of how to build a participatory research team to produce maps that better reflect indigenous points of view, fell short of empowering indigenous authorities to use geographic tools to manage their territories. This is due mainly to the lack of administrative capacity needed to make use of geospatial information. We argue that cartographers involved in participatory projects, while typically attentive to the problems of marginalization, need to pay more attention to the broader socioeconomic contexts of their work and to redouble their efforts to respond to the challenges of the digital divide, which is a symptom of broader socioeconomic and political inequalities stemming from the legacies of colonialism.
The Practice of Mapmaking: Bridging the Gap between Critical/Textual and Ethnographical Research Methods
Authors: Boria Edoardo , Rossetto Tania
Published: March 2017

The recent shift from representation to practice within map theorization has led to a renewed interest in mapmaking calling for both closer attention to the practices involved and the employment of ethnographic methodologies in researching how maps come to life. A deep understanding of the making of maps, however, requires a combination of different approaches, from the critical (text-oriented) to the ontogenetic (practice-oriented), from deconstruction to narrative ethnography, and from cultural contextual readings to subjects-centred readings. Two map scholars with very different backgrounds (phenomenology and political geography) seek to put these different approaches into action while investigating mapmaking through a single case study. The life and work of Laura Canali, who has created maps for Limes: Rivista Italiana di Geopolitica (the leading publication in Italy in the field of international relations) since 1993, are analyzed to show how ethnography and critical reading are better used as complementary rather than conflicting approaches. Comparison of the methodological framework applied here with more traditional approaches employed in the field of historical cartography provides evidence of present-day changes in mapmaking and calls for an enhancement of new practice-oriented methods of analysis. Finally, additional insights from creativity studies suggest that there is an interesting line of research on “cartographic creativity” to be further developed.
From Cognitive Maps to Transparent Static Web Maps: Tools for Indigenous Territorial Control in La Muskitia, Honduras
Authors: Kelly John , Herlihy Peter , Tappan Taylor , Hilburn Andrew , Fahrenbruch Matthew
Published: March 2017

As indigenous groups claim a fundamental role in the governance and management of the territories they inhabit, the evolution of digital and Web-based maps continues to offer tools that support these activities, while demonstrating to state governments, educators, and others the distinct indigenous concepts and practices inscribed on the Earth's surface. However, making map vector files available to the public can be problematic, because the indigenous stakeholders and their academic colleagues must relinquish control of how the data are displayed by the end user. The indigenous Miskitu, Tawahka, and Pech of Honduras, with university-based geographers, are developing a solution for keeping the original and intended design: transparent static maps (overlays) created in a GIS and made publicly viewable as raster tiles over a free virtual globe. The pioneering Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve participatory research mapping (PRM) project produced and published large-scale paper maps of the communities and their land use in and around the reserve in 1998–1999. Due to their limited circulation and use, and requests from indigenous authorities for the information they contained, in 2010 indigenous Miskitu and Tawahka leaders and University of Kansas geographers agreed to convert them to digital format for use in the long-term management of their lands, digitizing the PRM hard copy maps into GIS vector files first by 2012, and then finally to Web-based transparent static maps in 2013–2014. The PRM mapping experiences parallel contemporaneous shifts in political and territorial strategies among Honduras' indigenous peoples.
An Evaluation of a Visual Analytics Prototype for Calendar-Related Spatiotemporal Periodicity Detection and Analysis
Authors: Swedberg Brian , Peuquet Donna
Published: March 2017

Whether it is sunrise, the weekend, or Christmas, some form of temporal structure or periodic pattern governs our daily activities. Understanding them is essential to making sense of human activity, because they frame normality and allow us to identify abnormalities. However, cultural heterogeneity and scale greatly complicate our ability to uncover and understand human activity at a given time within a region. Current research in the field of visual analytics and geography provide methods of addressing spatiotemporal periodicity, but they fall short in providing access to multiple spatial and temporal scales via a relevant calendar. In response to these shortcomings, we developed PerSE (periodicity in spatiotemporal events), a coordinated-view Web application designed to aid users in the detection and analysis of calendar-related periodicity in spatiotemporal event data sets. Given the complexity of such a visualization tool, this paper focuses on the usability and learnability of PerSE. We evaluated the tool through a 20-participant study that consisted of training, a multiple-choice test, and the System Usability Scale. Our analysis of the results shows that the complex combination of visual tools and multi-scale, multi-calendar capability used within PerSE is effective, but still in need of usability improvements.
Evaluating Manuscripts for Copy-Editing: The View from a Managing Editor
Authors: McCarthy Juliana
Published: March 2017

To evaluate the editing needs of a manuscript in order to estimate the hours required to copy-edit it, a managing editor relies heavily on information about the nature and size of the book's audience; on the quality of the writing, including clarity, spelling and punctuation, grammar, and consistency of hyphenation and capitalization; on apparent factual accuracy; and on the extent of the scholarly apparatus as well as tables and figures. Acquisitions editors can play a key role in determining the level of copy-editing a manuscript receives through the information they share about the author and the manuscript.
Evaluation of Vehicle Parking Queueing in a National Park: Case Study of the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve in Grand Teton National Park
Authors: Fuentes Antonio , Heaslip Kevin , D’Antonio Ashley , Khalilikhah Majid , Soltani-Sobh Ali
Published: March 2017

In national parks, there is a tension between providing areas for vehicles and accommodating other visitor activities in the park. This tension often means there is more demand for vehicle parking than the supply can accommodate. This study examined one of Grand Teton National Park’s (GRTE) visitor attractions with visitor parking provided, the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve (LSR) in Jackson, Wyoming. With approximately 54 designated parking spots available, a study to determine the queueing theory measures of performance was conducted under observed and higher-value parameters to evaluate the system. It was determined that under the observed average arrival rate of 25 vehicles per hour (vph) and 35 vph with an average service rate (time a vehicle was parked) of 1 h and 20 min, the system resulted in good performance with a facility utilization value of 61% and 84%, respectively. However, under the higher-value parameters, the results were poorer, with facility utilization values greater than 88%. This study provides a reference for the evaluation of performance measures and can be applicable to future changes in the LSR at GRTE, other national parks parking, or in general parking areas where queueing may be anticipated.
Road User Education and Multimodal Planning: Can Capability Be Part of the Process?
Authors: Mondschein Andrew S. , Lehman Joel , Johnson Stephen P. , Ohlms Peter B. , Miller John S.
Published: March 2017

New designs, technologies, and rules are all being deployed to make roads more usable for people traveling by a variety of modes: walking, biking, transit, and driving. This paper examines whether and how road user education might be better integrated into the multimodal planning process. Interviews with multimodal transportation planners and education specialists, in addition to content analysis of online educational videos geared toward enhancing bicycle capabilities and awareness, reveal a nexus between the significant changes to roads and facilities proposed by planners and road user education. It is found that some multimodal transportation organizations have adopted practices that support education of current road users, with content and approaches that emphasize safe usability and mode shift. Planners can play a distinctive role in the process of educating current and potential users, helping set the “time and place” for education and the content of educational materials and practices. Still, a lack of agreement is evident for planners as to whether current practices fall within their purview. Hurdles that impede planners’ ability to engage in multimodal road user education include inadequate coordination, a lack of funding, and limited training or access to trained specialists and effective content. If users’ capabilities to safely use and be aware of multiple modes are seen as essential to communities’ mobility objectives, a conceptual shift for planners, adding education to traditional expertise in infrastructure and policy, may be required.
The interpeduncular fossa approach for resection of ventromedial midbrain lesions
Authors: Kalani M. Yashar S. , Yağmurlu Kaan , Spetzler Robert F.
Published: March 2017

The authors describe the interpeduncular fossa safe entry zone as a route for resection of ventromedial midbrain lesions. To illustrate the utility of this novel safe entry zone, the authors provide clinical data from 2 patients who underwent contralateral orbitozygomatic transinterpeduncular fossa approaches to deep cavernous malformations located medial to the oculomotor nerve (cranial nerve [CN] III). These cases are supplemented by anatomical information from 6 formalin-fixed adult human brainstems and 4 silicone-injected adult human cadaveric heads on which the fiber dissection technique was used.

The interpeduncular fossa may be incised to resect anteriorly located lesions that are medial to the oculomotor nerve and can serve as an alternative to the anterior mesencephalic safe entry zone (i.e., perioculomotor safe entry zone) for resection of ventromedial midbrain lesions. The interpeduncular fossa safe entry zone is best approached using a modified orbitozygomatic craniotomy and uses the space between the mammillary bodies and the top of the basilar artery to gain access to ventromedial lesions located in the ventral mesencephalon and medial to the oculomotor nerve.
Extrinsic feedback and upper limb motor skill learning in typically-developing children and children with cerebral palsy: Review
Authors: Robert Maxime T. , Sambasivan Krithika , Levin Mindy F.
Published: March 2017

Background: Improvment of upper limb motor skills occurs through motor learning that can be enhanced by providing extrinsic feedback. Different types and frequencies of feedback are discussed but specific guidelines for use of feedback for motor learning in typically-developing (TD) children and children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) are not available.

Objective: Identify the most effective modalities and frequencies of feedback for improving upper limb motor skills in TD children and children with CP.

Methods: Ovid MEDLINE, Cochrane, PEDro and PubMed-NCBI were searched from 1950 to December 2015 to identify English-language articles addressing the role of extrinsic feedback on upper limb motor learning in TD children and children with CP. Nine studies were selected with a total of 243 TD children and 102 children with CP. Study quality was evaluated using the Downs and Black scale and levels of evidence were determined with Sackett’s quality ratings.

Results: There was a lack of consistency in the modalities and frequencies of feedback delivery used to improve motor learning in TD children and in children with CP. Moreover, the complexity of the task to be learned influenced the degree of motor learning achieved.

Conclusion: A better understanding of the influence of feedback on motor learning is needed to optimize motor skill acquisition in children with CP.
Variations of Growth Parameters in Some Aromatic Rice Verities under Salt Stress
Authors: Rahman Md Habibur , Naim Md Abu , Matin Md Abdul , Anee Taufika Islam , Hossain Md Amzad , Hasanuzzaman Mirza
Published: March 2017

A pot experiment with six aman rice varieties viz. BRRI dhan34, BRRI dhan38, Binadhan-9, Binadhan-13, Kalijira and Rajbhogh was conducted at the experimental shed of the Department of Agronomy, Sher-e Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka during the period of June- December, 2014 to investigate the effect of salinity on the growth, physiology and yield of some aromatic rice under different salt stress conditions. The experiment was carried out with five salt stress treatments viz. control (without salt), S25 (25 mM NaCl), S50 (50 mM NaCl), S75 (75 mM NaCl) and S100 (100 mM NaCl). Salt stress significantly reduced the plant height, tiller hill-1 and leaves hill-1 of these varieties at all growth duration. Among the varieties Binadhan-9 and BRRI dhan38 performed better under saline condition. On the other hand, local variety Kalijira did not perform well under saline condition.Bangladesh Agron. J. 2016, 19(2): 1-10
Changes in Chemical Composition of Jute Seed as Influenced by Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fertilizers
Authors: Ali SM Mahbub , Haque M Moynul , Hossain M Shahadat , Hussain MM , Islam MN
Published: March 2017

The study was conducted to determine the effect of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilizer on the physio-chemical changes in composition of jute seed under applied N and P Tossa jute (S.N.) cv. O-9897 was grown at five levels of nitrogen (0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 Kg N ha-1) and five levels phosphorus (0, 10, 20, 30, 40 Kg P ha-1) in late sown condition as seed crop. After harvesting seeds were categorized in to five groups viz. low vigour, medium low vigour, medium vigour, medium high vigour and high vigour which were used for analyzing the chemical composition of jute seed. Results revealed that the chemical composition of jute seed was changed under applied nutrient where combination of 120 kg N ha-1and 40 kg P ha-1 gave the highest soluble protein, soluble sugar and ash content while the lowest soluble protein, soluble sugar and ash content and the highest free amino acid and oil content were estimated from the treatment with no nitrogen and no phosphorus fertilizer.Bangladesh Agron. J. 2016 19(2): 29-38
Grain Growth of Wheat Under Prevailing Air Temperature
Authors: Mian MAK , Islam MR , Hossain J , Aziz MA
Published: March 2017

An experiment was conducted at the Regional Agricultural Research Station, Ishwardi, Pabna in two consecutive years of 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 to quantify the effect of temperature on phenological duration and grain growth of wheat. Temperature variation was created by changing sowing date (15 November=S1, 30 November=S2, 15 December=S3 and 30 December=S4). Results revealed that reproductive phase was more sensitive to high temperature as compared to vegetative phase of wheat. Reproductive phase reduced from 54 to 37 days in 2010-2011 and from 64 to 34 days in 2011-2012 as influenced by higher air temperature under late sowing. Duration of reproductive phase was strongly and negatively correlated with mean air temperature (r=-0.64 to -0.96 at p<0.01). Maximum grain growth (49.12-50.18 mg grain-1) was recorded at 55 days after anthesis in 30 November sowing in both the years. Grain growth was negatively correlated (r=-0.80 at p<0.01) with mean air temperature during grain growth period. Grain yield was the highest (4560-6080 kg ha-1) in 30 November sowing, afterwards it reduced in both the years. Grain yield was negatively correlated (r=-0.70 at p<0.01) with mean air temperature of grain growth period. Rising of air temperature at grain filling stage subjected to reduced grain yield of wheat. Effect of temperature on grain yield of wheat can be explained about 88% by the function of Y= -14910+ 2069X-52.67X2 (R² = 0.88). Rising of one degree (oC) temperature above optimum (19.64 0C) grain yield reduced @ 53 kg ha-1 (0.98%).Bangladesh Agron. J. 2016 19(2): 79-85
On-Farm Assessment of System Productivity of Wheat-Jute-T. Aman Rice Cropping Pattern in Sylhet Region
Authors: Nazrul MI
Published: March 2017

The study was conducted to determine the yield and economic performance of two cropping patterns viz. IP: improved pattern (Wheat - Jute - T. aman) + improved management practice and FP: farmers pattern (Fallow - T. aus - T. aman) + management practice. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with six dispersed replications at farmers field in Sylhet region during two consecutive years of 2013-14 and 2014-15. Two years means data showed that the pattern with improved management practices provided 31% higher yield of T. aman rice and also contributed more rice equivalent yield compared to farmers practice. Sustainable yield index, production efficiency, and land use efficiency were the maximum with Wheat-Jute- T. aman cropping system. Similarly, highest mean gross margin and benefit cost ratio were attained in improved pattern. It was concluded that farmers of Sylhet region might follow Wheat (var. BARI Gom-26) - Jute (var. CVL-1) - T. aman (var. Binadhan-7) cropping system in medium high land for higher productivity and profitability.Bangladesh Agron. J. 2016 19(2): 87-94
Residual Effect of Herbicides Applied in Unpuddled Transplanted Aman Rice on The Succeeding Crops Assessed by Bioassay Technique
Authors: Zahan Taslima , Rahman Md Moshiur , Begum Mahfuza
Published: March 2017

The residual effect of eight herbicides (pendimethalin, pyrazosulfuron-ethyl, butachlor, pretilachlor, orthosulfamuron, acetochlor + bensulfuron methyl, butachlor + propanil and 2,4-D amine) was applied in unpuddled transplanted aman rice in aa weedy and a hand weeded controls, was evaluated for succeeding crops viz. wheat, lentil and sunflower by following bioassay technique. A study was conducted at Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh from November 2013 to January 2014 after harvest of unpuddled transplanted aman rice. All herbicides were imposed as weed management practice of unpuddled transplanted aman rice during July to August 2013. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. As a consequence, the residual effect of those herbicides on the succeeding wheat, lentil and sunflower crops was evaluated in term of germination, leaf chlorophyll content, seedling shoot length and dry matter. The results showed that seedling germination of all these succeeding crops in the herbicide treated plots did not differ significantly from those of weedy and hand weeded control plots. Moreover, leaf chlorophyll content, seedling shoot length and dry matter of wheat, lentil and sunflower were not adversely affected by any of the herbicide treatments imposed in aman rice. It was concluded that herbicides used in unpuddled transplanted aman rice had no residual effect on the germination and leaf chlorophyll content, seedling shoot length and dry matter of the succeeding wheat, lentil and sunflower crops.Bangladesh Agron. J. 2016 19(2): 95-103
Boys Do Cry: Adam Smith on Wealth and Expressing Emotions
Authors: Paganelli Maria Pia
Published: March 2017

Recent studies on crying show that crying is more common in happier, freer, and richer countries than in poorer and less free countries. These results can sound counterintuitive and contradict the hypothesis that crying is more observable in countries where people experience more distress. Adam Smith may offer an explanation: In the severe hardship of poverty, showing emotion and distress can be read as a sign of weakness, attracting no sympathy and compromising survival. As a result, emotional displays are avoided. Instead, wealthier commercial societies offer ease and tranquility which allows individuals to express their emotions with fewer negative consequences.
The Elevated Imagination: Contemplation and Action in David Hume and Adam Smith
Authors: Matson Erik W. , Doran Colin
Published: March 2017

In this paper we seek to draw attention to some striking and heretofore unnoticed textual connections between Adam Smith's Theory of Moral Sentiments and David Hume's A Treatise of Human Nature. We find significant textual parallels between the parable of the poor man's son of TMS 4.1 (TMS 4.1.8-4.1.10) and the famous conclusion to Book 1 of Hume's Treatise. These passages are often regarded as especially intense and moving parts of their respective works. We explore the nature and substance of these connections and comment on their larger significance. The nature of the connections suggests that Smith consciously engaged Hume in his work through philosophical conversation. We suggest that these related passages show both Hume and Smith exploring and developing a particular dialectic between contemplation and action in human life. Both move to invert the classical relationship between contemplation and action through what we call the elevated imagination.
Adam Smith's Theory of Moral Sentiments in 1759, 1790, and 1976
Authors: Leddy Neven Brady
Published: March 2017

This article traces the institutional context for the Glasgow Edition of the Works and Correspondence of Adam Smith in the 1960s and 1970s. It explores the origins of the stoicization thesis advanced by D.D. Raphael and A.L. Macfie in their introductory essay to the TMS. Using the correspondence between the editors held at Glasgow University Special Collections, this article presents the development of editorial positions that would shape the twentieth-century reception of Smith's works.
The Need for Formal Evidence Synthesis in Food Policy: A Case Study of Willingness-to-Pay
Authors: Clark Beth , Frewer Lynn , Panzone Luca , Stewart Gavin
Published: March 2017

Meta-analysis is increasingly utilised in the understanding of consumer behaviour, including in relation to farm animal welfare. However, the issue of publication bias has received little attention. As willingness-to-pay (WTP) is widely used in policy, it is important to explore publication bias. This research aimed to evaluate publication bias in WTP, specifically public WTP for farm animal welfare. A systematic review of four databases yielded 54 studies for random effects meta-analysis. Publication bias was assessed by the Egger test, rank test, contour-enhanced funnel plots, and the Vevea and Hedges weight-function model. Results consistently indicated the presence of publication bias, highlighting an overestimation of WTP for farm animal welfare. Stakeholders should be wary of WTP estimates that have not been critically evaluated for publication bias.
A Hybrid Computation Model to Describe the Progression of Multiple Myeloma and Its Intra-Clonal Heterogeneity
Authors: Bouchnita Anass , Belmaati Fatima-Ezzahra , Aboulaich Rajae , Koury Mark , Volpert Vitaly
Published: March 2017

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a genetically complex hematological cancer that is characterized by proliferation of malignant plasma cells in the bone marrow. MM evolves from the clonal premalignant disorder monoclonal gammopathy of unknown signiﬁcance (MGUS) by sequential genetic changes involving many different genes, resulting in dysregulated growth of multiple clones of plasma cells. The migration, survival, and proliferation of these clones require the direct and indirect interactions with the non-hematopoietic cells of the bone marrow. We develop a hybrid discrete-continuous model of MM development from the MGUS stage. The discrete aspect of the modelisobservedatthecellularlevel: cellsarerepresentedasindividualobjectswhichmove,interact, divide, and die by apoptosis. Each of these actions is regulated by intracellular and extracellular processes as described by continuous models. The hybrid model consists of the following submodels that have been simpliﬁed from the much more complex state of evolving MM: cell motion due to chemotaxis, intracellular regulation of plasma cells, extracellular regulation in the bone marrow, and acquisition of mutations upon cell division. By extending a previous, simpler model in which the extracellular matrix was considered to be uniformly distributed, the new hybrid model provides a more accurate description in which cytokines are produced by the marrow microenvironment and consumed by the myeloma cells. The complex multiple genetic changes in MM cells and the numerous cell-cell and cytokine-mediated interactions between myeloma cells and their marrow microenviroment are simpliﬁed in the model such that four related but evolving MM clones can be studied as they compete for dominance in the setting of intraclonal heterogeneity.
A New Method of Ground Fault Location in 2 × 25 kV Railway Power Supply Systems
Authors: Serrano Jesús , Platero Carlos , López-Toledo Máximo , Granizo Ricardo
Published: March 2017

Owing to the installation of autotransformers at regular intervals along the line, distance protection relays cannot be used with the aim of locating ground faults in 2 × 25 kV railway power supply systems. The reason is that the ratio between impedance and distance to the fault point is not linear in these electrification systems, unlike in 1 × 25 kV power systems. Therefore, the location of ground faults represents a complicated task in 2 × 25 kV railway power supply systems. Various methods have been used to localize the ground fault position in 2 × 25 kV systems. The method described here allows the location of a ground fault to be economically found in an accurate way in real time, using the modules of the circulating currents in different autotransformers when the ground fault occurs. This method first needs to know the subsection and the conductor (catenary or feeder) with the defect, then localizes the ground fault’s position.
Consideration of Reactor Installation to Mitigate Voltage Rise Caused by the Connection of a Renewable Energy Generator
Authors: Ok Yeonho , Lee Jaewon , Choi Jaeho
Published: March 2017

This paper describes the detailed analysis of a reactor application for a power plant to mitigate the voltage rise of a distribution line (DL) caused by the connection of distributed resources (DRs). The maximum capacity of renewable energy generators (REGs) that meets the acceptable voltage rise of a DL and the necessary capacity of the reactor to mitigate that voltage rise according to the different types of REGs are analyzed. The re-coordination of a protection relay and the loss of generation revenue as well as the installation location of a reactor are described. Finally, the ON/OFF conditions of the reactor, such as the magnitudes of the grid voltage and generator voltage, and the duration time of the voltage rise are analyzed. As the voltage rise is mitigated and self-limited in small power plants, it is confirmed that the capacity of the DRs connected to the DL can be increased through a field demonstration.
Congenital Anomalies in Contaminated Sites: A Multisite Study in Italy
Authors: Santoro Michele , Minichilli Fabrizio , Pierini Anna , Astolfi Gianni , Bisceglia Lucia , Carbone Pietro , Conti Susanna , Dardanoni Gabriella , Iavarone Ivano , Ricci Paolo , Scarano Gioacchino , Bianchi Fabrizio ,   RiscRipro_Sentieri Group
Published: March 2017

The health impact on populations residing in industrially contaminated sites (CSs) is recognized as a public health concern especially in relation to more vulnerable population subgroups. The aim of this study was to estimate the risk of congenital anomalies (CAs) in Italian CSs. Thirteen CSs covered by regional CA registries were investigated in an ecological study. The observed/expected ratios (O/E) with 90% confidence intervals (CI) for the total and specific subgroups of CAs were calculated using the regional areas as references. For the CSs with waste landfills, petrochemicals, and refineries, pooled estimates were calculated. The total number of observed cases of CAs was 7085 out of 288,184 births (prevalence 245.8 per 10,000). For some CSs, excesses for several CA subgroups were observed, in particular for genital and heart defects. The excess of genital CAs observed in Gela (O/E 2.36; 90% CI 1.73–3.15) is consistent with findings from other studies. For CSs including petrochemical and landfills, the pooled risk estimates were 1.10 (90% CI 1.01–1.19) and 1.07 (90% CI 1.02–1.13), respectively. The results are useful in identifying priority areas for analytical investigations and in supporting the promotion of policies for the primary prevention of CAs. The use of short-latency effect indicators is recommended for the health surveillance of the populations residing in CSs.
The Relationship between Mitochondrial Respiratory Chain Activities in Muscle and Metabolites in Plasma and Urine: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Alban Corinne , Fatale Elena , Joulani Abed , Ilin Polina , Saada Ann
Published: March 2017

The relationship between 114 cases with decreased enzymatic activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain (MRC) complexes I-V (C I-V) in muscle and metabolites in urine and plasma was retrospectively examined. Less than 35% disclosed abnormal plasma amino acids and acylcarnitines, with elevated alanine and low free carnitine or elevated C4-OH-carnitine as the most common findings, respectively. Abnormal urine organic acids (OA) were detected in 82% of all cases. In CI and CII defects, lactic acid (LA) in combination with other metabolites was the most common finding. 3-Methylglutaconic (3MGA) acid was more frequent in CIV and CV, while Tyrosine metabolites, mainly 4-hydroxyphenyllactate, were common in CI and IV defects. Ketones were present in all groups but more prominent in combined deficiencies. There was a significant strong correlation between elevated urinary LA and plasma lactate but none between urine Tyrosine metabolites and plasma Tyrosine or urinary LA and plasma Alanine. All except one of 14 cases showed elevated FGF21, but correlation with urine OA was weak. Although this study is limited, we conclude that urine organic acid test in combination with plasma FGF21 determination are valuable tools in the diagnosis of mitochondrial diseases.
Cytotoxic Natural Products from Marine Sponge-Derived Microorganisms
Authors: Zhang Huawei , Zhao Ziping , Wang Hong
Published: March 2017

A growing body of evidence indicates that marine sponge-derived microbes possess the potential ability to make prolific natural products with therapeutic effects. This review for the first time provides a comprehensive overview of new cytotoxic agents from these marine microbes over the last 62 years from 1955 to 2016, which are assorted into seven types: terpenes, alkaloids, peptides, aromatics, lactones, steroids, and miscellaneous compounds.
Fatigue and Fracture Resistance of Heavy-Section Ferritic Ductile Cast Iron
Authors: Benedetti Matteo , Torresani Elisa , Fontanari Vigilio , Lusuardi Danilo
Published: March 2017

In this paper, we explore the effect of a long solidification time (12 h) on the mechanical properties of an EN-GJS-400-type ferritic ductile cast iron (DCI). For this purpose, static tensile, rotating bending fatigue, fatigue crack growth and fracture toughness tests are carried out on specimens extracted from the same casting. The obtained results are compared with those of similar materials published in the technical literature. Moreover, the discussion is complemented with metallurgical and fractographic analyses. It has been found that the long solidification time, representative of conditions arising in heavy-section castings, leads to an overgrowth of the graphite nodules and a partial degeneration into chunky graphite. With respect to minimum values prescribed for thick-walled (t > 60 mm) EN-GJS-400-15, the reduction in tensile strength and total elongation is equal to 20% and 75%, respectively. The rotating bending fatigue limit is reduced by 30% with respect to the standard EN-1563, reporting the results of fatigue tests employing laboratory samples extracted from thin-walled castings. Conversely, the resistance to fatigue crack growth is even superior and the fracture toughness comparable to that of conventional DCI.
Bufalin Induces Apoptosis of Human Osteosarcoma U-2 OS Cells through Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress, Caspase- and Mitochondria-Dependent Signaling Pathways
Authors: Lee Ching-Hsiao , Shih Yung-Luen , Lee Mei-Hui , Au Man-Kuan , Chen Yung-Liang , Lu Hsu-Feng , Chung Jing-Gung
Published: March 2017

Bone cancer is one of the cancer-related diseases, and there are increased numbers of patients with bone cancer worldwide. Therefore the efficacy of treatment of bone cancer is considered extremely vital. Bufalin has been showed to have biological activities including anticancer activities in vitro and in vivo. However, the exact associated mechanisms for bufalin induced apoptosis in human bone cancer cells are still unclear. In the present study, we investigated the effect of bufalin on the cytotoxic effects in U-2 OS human osteosarcoma cells. For examining apoptotic cell deaths, we used flow cytometry assay, Annexin V/PI double staining, and TUNNEL assay. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), Ca2+, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), and caspase-8, -9 and -3 activities were measured by flow cytometry assay. Furthermore, western blotting and a confocal laser microscopy examination were used for measuring the alterations of apoptotic associated protein expression and translocation, respectively. The results indicated that bufalin induced cell morphological changes, decreased the viable cell number, induced apoptotic cell death, and increased the apoptotic cell number, and affected apoptotic associated protein expression in U-2 OS cells. Bufalin increased apoptotic proteins such as Bak, and decreased anti-apoptotic proteins such as Bcl-2 and Bcl-x in U-2 OS cells. Furthermore, bufalin increased the protein levels of cytochrome c (Cyto c), AIF (Apoptosis inducing factor) and Endo G (Endonuclease G) in cytoplasm that were also confirmed by confocal microscopy examination. Based on those findings, bufalin induced apoptotic cell death in U-2 OS cells may be via endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, caspase-, and mitochondria-dependent pathways; thus, we may suggest that bufalin could be used as an anti-cancer agent for the treatment of osteosarcoma in the future, and further in vivo studies are needed.
Dietary Broccoli Alters Rat Cecal Microbiota to Improve Glucoraphanin Hydrolysis to Bioactive Isothiocyanates
Authors: Liu Xiaoji , Wang Yanling , Hoeflinger Jennifer , Neme Bárbara , Jeffery Elizabeth , Miller Michael
Published: March 2017

Broccoli consumption brings many health benefits, including reducing the risk of cancer and inflammatory diseases. The objectives of this study were to identify global alterations in the cecal microbiota composition using 16S rRNA sequencing analysis and glucoraphanin (GRP) hydrolysis to isothiocyanates ex vivo by the cecal microbiota, following different broccoli diets. Rats were randomized to consume AIN93G (control) or different broccoli diets; AIN93G plus cooked broccoli, a GRP-rich powder, raw broccoli, or myrosinase-treated cooked broccoli. Feeding raw or cooked broccoli for four days or longer both changed the cecal microbiota composition and caused a greater production of isothiocyanates ex vivo. A more than two-fold increase in NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 activity of the host colon mucosa after feeding cooked broccoli for seven days confirmed the positive health benefits. Further studies revealed that dietary GRP was specifically responsible for the increased microbial GRP hydrolysis ex vivo, whereas changes in the cecal microbial communities were attributed to other broccoli components. Interestingly, a three-day withdrawal from a raw broccoli diet reversed the increased microbial GRP hydrolysis ex vivo. Findings suggest that enhanced conversion of GRP to bioactive isothiocyanates by the cecal microbiota requires four or more days of broccoli consumption and is reversible.
Targeted Drugs as Maintenance Therapy after Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation in Patients with Mantle Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Yan Fengting , Gopal Ajay , Graf Solomon
Published: March 2017

The treatment landscape for mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is rapidly evolving toward the incorporation of novel and biologically targeted pharmaceuticals with improved disease activity and gentler toxicity profiles compared with conventional chemotherapeutics. Upfront intensive treatment of MCL includes autologous stem cell transplantation (SCT) consolidation aimed at deepening and lengthening disease remission, but subsequent relapse occurs. Maintenance therapy after autologous SCT in patients with MCL in remission features lower-intensity treatments given over extended periods to improve disease outcomes. Targeted drugs are a natural fit for this space, and are the focus of considerable clinical investigation. This review summarizes recent advances in the field and their potential impact on treatment practices for MCL.
Programming of One- and Two-Step Stress Recovery in a Poly(ester urethane)
Authors: Mirtschin Nikolaus , Pretsch Thorsten
Published: March 2017

This work demonstrates that phase-segregated poly(ester urethane) (PEU) with switching segments of crystallizable poly(1,4-butylene adipate) (PBA) can be programmed to generate two separate stress recovery events upon heating under constant strain conditions. For programming, two elongations are applied at different temperatures, followed by unloading and cooling. During the adjacent heating, two-step stress recovery is triggered. The results indicate that the magnitude of the stress recovery signals corresponds to the recovery of the two deformation stresses in reverse order. As demonstrated by further experiments, twofold stress recovery can be detected as long as the elongation at higher temperature exceeds the strain level of the deformation at lower temperature. Another finding includes that varying the lower deformation temperature enables a control over the stress recovery temperature and thus the implementation of so-called “temperature-memory effects”. Moreover, exerting only one elongation during programming enables a heating-initiated one-step stress recovery close to the deformation temperature. Based on these findings, such polymers may offer new technological opportunities in the fields of active assembly when used as fastening elements and in functional clothing when utilized for compression stockings.
Estimating Snow Mass and Peak River Flows for the Mackenzie River Basin Using GRACE Satellite Observations
Authors: Wang Shusen , Zhou Fuqun , Russell Hazen
Published: March 2017

Flooding is projected to increase with climate change in many parts of the world. Floods in cold regions are commonly a result of snowmelt during the spring break-up. The peak river flow (Qpeak) for the Mackenzie River, located in northwest Canada, is modelled using the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite observations. Compared with the observed Qpeak at a downstream hydrometric station, the model results have a correlation coefficient of 0.83 (p < 0.001) and a mean absolute error of 6.5% of the mean observed value of 28,400 m3·s−1 for the 12 study years (2003–2014). The results are compared with those for other basins to examine the difference in the major factors controlling the Qpeak. It was found that the temperature variations in the snowmelt season are the principal driver for the Qpeak in the Mackenzie River. In contrast, the variations in snow accumulation play a more important role in the Qpeak for warmer southern basins in Canada. The study provides a GRACE-based approach for basin-scale snow mass estimation, which is largely independent of in situ observations and eliminates the limitations and uncertainties with traditional snow measurements. Snow mass estimated from the GRACE data was about 20% higher than that from the Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS) datasets. The model is relatively simple and only needs GRACE and temperature data for flood forecasting. It can be readily applied to other cold region basins, and could be particularly useful for regions with minimal data.
An Experimental Study of the Effects of External Physiological Parameters on the Photoplethysmography Signals in the Context of Local Blood Pressure (Hydrostatic Pressure Changes)
Authors: Yuan Hongwei , Poeggel Sven , Newe Thomas , Lewis Elfed , Viphavakit Charusluk , Leen Gabriel
Published: March 2017

A comprehensive study of the effect of a wide range of controlled human subject motion on Photoplethysmographic signals is reported. The investigation includes testing of two separate groups of 5 and 18 subjects who were asked to undertake set exercises whilst simultaneously monitoring a wide range of physiological parameters including Breathing Rate, Heart Rate and Localised Blood Pressure using commercial clinical sensing systems. The unique finger mounted PPG probe equipped with miniature three axis accelerometers for undertaking this investigation was a purpose built in-house version which is designed to facilitate reproducible application to a wide range of human subjects and the study of motion. The subjects were required to undertake several motion based exercises including standing, sitting and lying down and transitions between these states. They were also required to undertake set arm movements including arm-swinging and wrist rotation. A comprehensive set of experimental results corresponding to all motion inducing exercises have been recorded and analysed including the baseline (BL) value (DC component) and the amplitude of the oscillation of the PPG. All physiological parameters were also recorded as a simultaneous time varying waveform. The effects of the motion and specifically the localised Blood Pressure (BP) have been studied and related to possible influences of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) and hemodynamic pressure variations. It is envisaged that a comprehensive study of the effect of motion and the localised pressure fluctuations will provide valuable information for the future minimisation of motion artefact effect on the PPG signals of this probe and allow the accurate assessment of total haemoglobin concentration which is the primary function of the probe.